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Chapter Text

Thor walks to Loki's glass cage, wanting to ask why he did it. Why he fell so far. Why he . . . no. He knows the answer to that one. And maybe, just a small part of him wants to see his brother. The brother he loved what seems like ages ago. The brother he thought he lost to the Void. 

"Thor." Loki's smooth voice calls out before Thor enters the room. "Wasn't expecting you so soon. Thought you'd be out proving yourself to Odin by protecting these pitiful Midgardians."  He spits out the word like it was a poison, blue eyes narrowing to glare at Thor. 

Blue eyes . . .

Loki . . . Loki had green eyes right?

His brother stares up at him, hand slipping-

Yeah. Yeah, they were green.

Loki is staring at Thor with thinly veiled disgust. "Did you come here to talk or to judge me? I honestly don't have all day, so if there's nothing-"

"What happened to you, brother?" Thor interrupts, trying desperately to keep his hands from shaking. "When you fell?"

Loki scoffs. "So it's brother now, is it? Tell me, when did you learn that we were not the same blood? Was it when I played with my girlish seiðr? Or was it when I started to walk the paths between worlds? Or, no, don't tell me. It was when that father of yours told you of my monstrous heritage?" Loki doesn't hide the anger in his voice, stepping closer to the glass. "We," He gestures between him and Thor. "are not brothers, and I don't think we ever were."

Thor keeps his steel grip on Mjolnir. "I envied you once!" He yells. Loki looks amused, and opens his mouth to say something but Thor continues before he does. "You could make things appear out of thin air, you could become someone else, something else, you could heal people! You knew how to get people to do things without raising a finger because you were smart!" You were unstoppable. "You were so . . . magical. I was the brute force, am the brute force. I still have trouble watching my mouth and thinking before acting. Hel, I need Mjolnir to make lighting. You never did." Thor gets quiet, feeling shame at his next words. "And then I stopped believing in you, and I'm sorry. But I loved you, once upon a time. You were my brother then, and I hope you can be later."

Loki watches Thor, blue eyes flicking around occasionally. "You think that changes anything?"

"No."

"Then why say it?"

"Because I wish to love you as my brother again."

Loki laughs at that. "You know what hurt the most, Thor?" The glass cage starts to take on a blue shade. Thor prepares to stun Loki if he has to. "You were the one to abandon me."

The cell flashes blue and the glass shatters. Thor sends out a small bolt of lightning, hitting Loki in the chest and knocking him backwards and to the ground, unconscious. He runs to his brother, leaning over his sleeping body. He holds Loki close, afraid to let go for both Loki and everyone else's sake.

There's footsteps behind him. Thor turns his head expecting to see one of the Avengers, but instead it's a well kept man with a large eye necklace and a deep red cape. "Thor Odinson." He says. "That man you're holding. He no longer is in control of his mind."

Chapter Text

Thor follows the Strange man (he introduced himself as Dr. Stephen Strange), through the portal. He carries Loki's limp body in his arms, trying to ignore what happened moments before. He doesn't pay much attention to where he is taken, just where he is going. The doctor leads him to a fairly simplistic room with a bed in the center.

"We're going to try and figure out what took his mind so that we can better reclaim it." He explains to Thor, who nods. "Just lay him there." 

Thor lays his brother down and holds Loki's pale hand to his forehead. "I will help you, Loki." He swears. "I swear to you that I will help you, and be there for you."

Strange blinks. "Do I even want to know?"

Thor laughs dryly, no real joy behind it. "It's a long story, one I do not know the entirety of." He looks back at Loki, who is still. Strange nods, and begins.

-

Loki wakes up in a dark place with veins of green webbing around in a network of connections. He gently prods at them with his seiðr, but finds that there is nothing unusual about them. As he looks around, he spots a string of blue, and walks to it.

Unlike the other thin and green webs, this one is bright and glowing blue, and is almost pulsating as it drips gold. He prods this bit with his seiðr and nearly recoils at the pure malice within it. Using his seiðr, he cuts the connecting green from the blue and burns it, feeling a growing pain as it burns. As it burns, he reaches out beyond the darkness with his seiðr and finds a warm green, not unlike the network here. 

He gently calls to it, trying to coax it closer.

Oh great, someone else who wants to play with time. Fun. A dry voice rings out. Loki tilts his head.

"I am simply curious as to who you are." He explains. "I don't recognize such a warm yet powerful signature."

The voice chuckles. Well of course not! I'm the only one!

"That . . . is neigh impossible." He gasps, and the voice starts to laugh. 

It is not I assure you! My siblings are just the same! 

Loki scowls, putting his hands on his hips. "I still would like to know who you are."

The voice stops and pauses. Far too much time has passed for my name to be remembered, but you may call me Time.

Loki nods. "The pleasure is mine. I am Loki."

A misty green outline of himself appears within the darkness. It nods and bows. Loki. The voice, Time's voice, comes out of its mouth. I hope to speak to you soon.

The dark room slowly fades away, and Loki wakes up to see Thor.

Chapter Text

Thor doesn't care that Strange's necklace is glowing and floating. What he cares about is that his brother is slowly twitching and waking up. He can only hope, can only wish, can only pray to other gods of the Nine that his brother wakes up with his green eyes. His dark, vibrant green eyes. 

Loki's eyes shoot open, darting around the room like a cornered mutt's would. Green eyes. His beloved brother's green eyes.

Thor rushes to his brother's side, kneeling at his bedside. Loki's eyes lock with his, confusion and fear lacing through them. "Loki." He breathes, afraid that if he speaks any louder, his brother will disappear into mist. 

Loki blinks, not moving, but tensing his body as if preparing to flee. "Thor." He responds curtly. Thor internally sighs. He knew that the damage that he caused Loki, both directly and indirectly, had never been resolved.

"Loki." He starts slowly, cautiously. "I wish you-"

"What he is failing to tell you is that your mind was poisoned by an object of great magical power. While you were asleep, you not only managed to cure yourself of this, but also made some form of connection with the Time Stone." Strange interrupts, gesturing to the glowing green stone floating in front of him.

Loki stares at the stone. "Oh." More silence, and Loki sits up suddenly. "Well how was I supposed to know you were an Infinity Stone?!" He yells accusingly at the Stone. Strange shares a look with Thor as Loki narrows his eyes and scoffs. He gets off the bed and faces Thor.

"Time tells me that you have been waiting pensively for my awakening." He says. "And although unexpected, I . . . thank you for your worry of my wellbeing."

Thor holds his head in his hands. "Loki." He breathes, feeling his throat start to clog up. "I've been worried since the bridge. And when I found you, you weren't . . . it was like I had lost you all over again. I, Loki I can't lose you again!" He cries out, a great sob bursting from his chest. "You're my brother for Norns sake! Even though I have been cruel or caused cruelty to befall you, I will try to not let it happen again. Because I love you, brother. I want to see us grow old together."

Loki averts his eyes, and Thor sees a tear fall down his cheek. "Brother, you do not know the first of what I had to go through." Thor knows. He knows. "But, if you speak the truth, then I would like to make, an attempt. To fix things. With you." He looks at Thor, eyes glistening. 

Thor nods. "I would too."

Chapter Text

    Loki spent the next few days hiding out with Strange in his . . . house? He honestly didn’t know. He was more interested in keeping the Avengers, and to a greater extent, Him, away. 

It wasn’t all bad, though. Strange used magic, so did the librarian; albeit, a different kind . It gave him something he hadn’t been able to do in eons: study. He started to study how Strange and Wong would create their magic. Unlike Time, which felt subtle, constant, and had an air of curiosity, or his own magic (sharp and mindful), their magic was bright. Fire-like. 

Then he started to go to the library. At first it was to learn the theory behind their magic, soon to discuss it with Wong.

As it turns out, their theory isn’t so different from his own. Most of it has to do with intent and will.. Why are you doing this incantation? Why do you want to cast this spell? How badly do you want it?

Loki summoned some of his own books on Magical Theory that he kept with him at all times to give to Wong. Well, a copy of it. He couldn’t part with the original (a sentiment Wong shared). 

One week later, he left the Sanctuary. Strange told him that Thor was waiting at the Stark Tower to take him “home”.

Loki stands in front of the Tower, loathing the fact that he has to tell Thor that he’s not returning to Asgard. He let go of the Bridge for a reason. At least here, on Midgard, the cultures varied to such a degree that it wouldn’t be hard to hide. To disappear.

“Don’t move.” A vaguely familiar voice growls behind him. Shifting his perspective, he sees that it’s the archer he once controlled. His bow is drawn with an arrow pointed to his neck.

“If you so insist.” Loki sighs. “I simply wish to see Thor.”

The archer laughs a sardonic and dry laugh. “You think I’ll believe that? You’re the God of Lies!”

Loki blinks, not that the archer can see it. It makes sense, the skepticism, although his proclaimed origin is near irrefutably false. It’s because Loki was, is the enemy. One does not trust the enemy, much less one that forced your will.

“Would it quell your worries if you escorted me? You could bind me if you so wish, but I assure you. I am not lying.” Loki offers. If it eases the archer’s mind and gets him to Thor quicker, then so be it.

The archer roughly cuffs Loki and places a knife to his neck. “Get moving.” He sneers, and Loki blinks.

He slowly moves forwards, not wishing to add a potential new scar to his collection. Not that anyone knew. They enter the elevator, and Loki almost laughs at the stiff air surrounding them. If he had succeeded, how often would he be walking like this? Bound with a weapon, or weapons, pointing at him?

The doors open and the archer shoves Loki out to where Iron Man (Stark?) and Captain America (Rodgers?) are standing. They stare at him as he straightens and examines his robes. They’re similar to those that he’s worn for the past few weeks, so he snaps and changes them to a more Midgardian-esque formal attire. Green, gold, and black with a cape. 

“That’s better.” He mumbles to himself.  “Hadn’t even noticed how often I wore such Asguardian Robes recently.”

“What did you do?” Stark demands, and Rodgers nods.

Loki blinks. “Changed? Honestly, even for a more primitive Realm, you Midgardians have a very refined and diverse taste.” He examines his suit again, feeling pride rise in chest, just slightly. He rarely did clothes transmutations, but this one turned out to be perfect. 

Stark narrows his eyes. “We fixed the cage, you’re going back.” He announces with a sound of finality. Loki narrows his eyes back.

“No.” He says calmly. “I am here to see Thor.”

As if summoned (although Loki knows otherwise, the god has a better feel for dramatics than he does), Thor arrives into the area, his typical bravado surrounding him. “Loki!” He booms. “You arrived! How are you feeling? Strange told me that something infested your mind, is everything alrigh-” He starts to go off but Loki unclasps the cuffs with a swift motion and holds up a hand. Thor quiets. The Midgardians gape.

“Thor, the issue was dealt with when you sent me within my mind. Although I know you hadn’t meant to. Your ability to wield magic is pitiful, after all.” Thor crosses his arms at that, but says nothing. “But yes, I’m feeling alright. The Wizards were very kind. For once Midgardian knowledge was not a bore.”

The room is still. 

“Were you always able to get out of those?” The archer asks.

Loki turns to him. “Yes. But would you have let me up if I told you?”

The archer’s face twists. They both already know the answer.

Thor is watching his friends, seeming confused. Loki shakes his head. Thor and his unending good faith in Asgardian and Midgardian peoples. He turns back to his once-brother.

“I am not going with you.” He says, and Thor’s face drops. 

“Loki, I thought . . .” That we were going to work things out is left unsaid between the two of them. 

Loki nods. “We will. Soon. I must figure myself out first, however. It’s hard to find the middle when one is wandering around blind, is it not?” He asks rhetorically, and Thor nods. 

“But you will stay safe?” He queries.

“Thor-”

“You will stay safe.” He says with the air of a King, one that could have been. “You will stay safe because I do not wish you to have more harm befall you.”

Loki stares at Thor, emotions starting to rise to the surface. That was an unexpected gesture on behalf of Thor, but not one unnoticed.

“He can’t roam free!” Rodgers cries out, gesturing to Loki with his hand. “He almost destroyed New York!”

Loki scoffs. “You haven’t seen anything if you thought that was dangerous.”

Rodgers spins to Loki and squares his body as if preparing to fight. “What were you planning to do to Earth?” He demands. “What were you going to do that was even worse?”

“It’s not what I was going to do.” Loki starts, trying to select his next words carefully. “It’s what force seeking ultimate power is going to do.”

“And how would you know?” The archer asks. Loki closes his eyes and clears his mind.

“I do not wish to speak on that matter.” He states. “I came here simply to speak to Thor.”

“Loki.” Thor’s voice rings out against everyone else’s sudden bursts of anger, demanding he tell them what horrors he saw. “What are you going to do here?”

Loki opens his eyes and looks at Thor. “I’m not sure. See what people make this realm, perhaps. Learn how to cook or sew. Explore what types of higher education is offered here.” He muses, thinking. “Make friends.”

Thor’s eyes seem to age slightly at that. “If you do, be sure to inform me about your adventures.” He responds simply. “I believe your turn for such talks is long past due.”

Loki gives the smallest of smiles. “See you, Thor.”

He nods. “See you, Loki.”

Loki slips through a break in reality he had noticed upon entering the Tower and wonders where on this Realm he might appear.

Chapter Text

Peter doesn’t want to start the first day of freshman year with English. He doesn’t hate English, but. It’s English. 

He sighs and walks through the halls to find the room for Mr. Odinson, which is not the weirdest name he’s ever heard. He ends up standing in front of the door in a daze. He’s still tired from staying up so late, and feels a little out of it until-

“You’re blocking the doorway Mr. Parker.”

Peter jumps aside, looking at who he can only guess is his teacher. He’s tall, dressed in a simple green button up and black slacks. His long hair is pulled up into a ponytail. 

Mr. Odinson walks into the classroom, uncapping a black marker and writing THEY/THEM on the whiteboard. 

Peter walks in slowly, standing awkwardly in front of the rows of desks. He doesn’t know if there’s a seating chart yet. 

“Sit wherever. I change the arrangement often enough it doesn’t matter.”

Peter nods and sits down in a desk about two rows back on the wall. 

The bell rings, and the room fills quickly. The kid next to him is fiddling with a rubix cube. The teacher walks up to the front, clapping once. It’s loud and causes the room to go quite. 

“So, children.” They look around. “I know what your schedules say, but I had to choose a last name and I chose my brother’s. You may call me Loki-“ the room starts to shuffle at the name “and I will put my pronouns on the board every morning. The most important rule in my classroom is respect.” They again look around the room. “Now, for introductions. Learn the name and pronouns of the people next to you.”

Peter turns to the kid next to him. “I’m Peter. Uh, he/him.”

The kid nods. “Ned, and ditto.”

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Peter finds himself in front of Loki's classroom after school one day. It's nearing the end of first semester, finals are coming up, and he still has a long way to go on his Odyssey project. Mostly because he's confused, a little because Loki is his favorite teacher. He knows that she'll be willing to let him work in her classroom, so long as he's not annoying. She's chill like that.

"Peter I know you're out there stop stalling." Loki's voice comes through the closed door.

He walks in, Loki is sitting at her desk with her hair down. It's weird to see her hair down, it's like, when you see a teacher at a store kind of weird. She looks up from the papers she's grading.

Peter waves, feeling a little awkward. "Hi, uh, I'm having some problems with my project and I, uh, was wondering if you could clarify some things?" He asks and shifts the straps of his backpack. He avoids Loki's eyes, which are studying him.

"Of course. Can't let a good student hang on the edge, can I?" Peter looks up to see Loki smiling. "So tell me, what do you need help with?"

He ends up staying for an hour, working on his project and occasionally asking for clarification on what different parts of the Odyssey mean, or if certain questions were going to be too hard, or if having a insta-death space was smart. By the time he lays his head down to fight of the growing headache, it already was 4:30. He stands up, startling Loki. She looks at him, questions rising to her face. 

He shoves his project and books and papers into his bag and swings it on his back. "I need to get home before Aunt May starts to worry!" He explains as he starts to run out, curses falling from his mouth. "Thanks for your help!"

Loki raises a hand in acknowledgement, nodding. "Feel free to bring Ned in too. Smart as that boy is, he gets so distracted."

Peter laughs, and leaves the classroom to get home.

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Peter walks into Loki's class for the first time during second semester. He's kinda sad he doesn't have it during first period now (but Loki at the end of the day is pretty good), and that now he and Ned only have two classes together instead of three. Peter can safely say that Ned is one of his only best friends now.

He sits in his old seat, and finally looks at the front board. On the sideboard where Loki writes xyr announcements and deadlines is 'LGBTQ+ CLUB' in green. Xey walk in after the bell rings, cloak billowing behind xem.

"Welcome to second semester freshman English, class." Xey say, turning to face the class once xey reach the center. "For those of you who didn't have me last year, my pronouns of the day will be written on the board. Under those are any announcements and deadlines for the class. As you can see." Xey gesture at the one other thing written. "The LGBTQ+ club is an announcement. Principal Gardner contacted me over the break and wants me to be the supervisor until otherwise stated. The club is every Monday during lunch. Everyone is welcomed. If you have any questions, please ask me after class." With that, Loki starts second semester.

Peter lingers once everyone leaves, hands fidgeting around his backpack straps. "Uh, M. Loki?" He whispers. Loki, who had been fiddling with some things on xyr desk, looks up.

"What's wrong? You haven't used honorifics since second quarter." Xey ask, rising and starting towards Peter.

"I-I'm just. You said if we had any questions to stay after class and I wanted to talk to you about this thing but now I don't know if I'm making it up or something and it's so confusing and kinda scary and-"

Loki places a gentle hand on Peter's shoulder. "Hey. Peter. Take a deep breath in." Peter does. "Okay, hold it for a few seconds, then let it out slowly." Peter does. "Good, feeling better?"

"Yeah." He takes another one of those breaths, feeling the rising anxiety slowly back down. "I'm sorry."

"No need to apologize. I'm guessing you're having a sexuality crisis?" Xey lead Peter to a chair to sit in, sitting in the chair next to him.

"Yeah."

"Can you talk me through it? What you're feeling, and or any questions you have. Whatever you are comfortable with."

This is why Loki is Peter's favorite teacher. Xey make sure every student feels safe, and knows that they are in control of the conversation. If they want to leave, they can. Xey don't hide anything. Everything is upfront. 

"Is it . . . is it normal to like more than one gender?" Peter whispers, hands starting to fidget again.

"Yes. In fact, there are many identities describing many different ways that people feel attraction to more than one gender." Loki answers almost immediately. "Bi, pan, omni, poly. It's called m-spec, a spectrum for people who are attracted to multiple genders."

"Are you m-spec?"

"Hmm." Loki leans back, thinking. "I'm honestly not sure. I've always been content to living on my own, and even now I'm very happy living as such. If I had to guess, I would probably be on the opposite spectrum, a-spec. For people who feel little to no attraction. But you never know, sexuality is fluid. Only you know who you are attracted to, even if it can be difficult to figure it out at times." His green eyes look at Peter with kindness. "Feel free to do your own research, but if you have questions I am here too. This journey is your own, but not one you have to travel alone."

Peter smiles, standing up. "I will. Thank you, Loki. It means a lot. Really."

Loki nods in response, also standing. "Have a good walk home, Peter. See you tomorrow."

Chapter Text

"Peter, please stay after class." Loki says to eir young student, quiet so that nobody else can hear. Peter tenses up, and nods, just adding to the piling worry Loki has for him. 

 The bell rings, and Peter doesn't move from his desk. Loki sits on the desk next to him. "You've seemed anxious and on edge for the past several days." Ey start. "It's beginning to worry me. I want to know if you need help."

Peter shifts around in his desk, seemingly uncomfortable. "It's not exactly something English teachers can help out with." He mumbles, and Loki arches an eyebrow. 

"Then what about a sorcerer, or someone who has access to a great variety of therapists." 

Eir student has a confused look on his face, turning to em with a great many questions prepared to be asked. "One question at a time please."

Peter nods. "Uh, so, you're a sorcerer?"

Loki smiles. "Indeed I am. My name isn't Loki Odinson for no reason, Peter. I also don't look this fabulous off of a teacher's paycheck." To prove eir point, Loki flips eir hair dramatically and strikes a pose, making Peter laugh a little, but the light air dissipates quickly.

"I, uh, this isn't something a therapist can help with either." He admits, curling in on himself. "I don't know if anyone can."

Loki sighs softly, kneeling next to Peter. "Kid, that sort of thinking can tear you up from the inside. Please, try to tell at least one person, if you can." Ey say.

Peter seems to relax at that, looking at his hands. "So can I tell you? You're, uh, the only person I know who'll understand."

Loki nods, expecting Peter to come out or talk about identity issues (Odin knows how often that happened to em. Or actually, he doesn't, scratch the thought), but not . . .

"I may have accidentally gotten superpowers."

Chapter Text

"So why were you even in that part of the building in the first place?" Loki calls up to Peter, who's currently standing on the ceiling of an abandoned building. 

"Mr. Jameson wanted pictures." Peter calls back, crawling down a concrete support structure so he doesn't have to yell. "He said he'd give me extra if I got some."

Loki pinches the bridge of their nose and sighs. "One day I'll kill that man." They mutter under their breath, and walk to where Peter is standing. "So you can move on surfaces much like a spider can, what else?"

Peter's eyes light up, and he runs to a pile of rubble. He casually picks up a few pieces and runs back. "Super strength! How cool is that!"

Loki smiles, hiding a laugh at Peter's excitement. "That's wonderful. Now, Peter, do you want to become a superhero?"

Peter shrugs, looking down. "I dunno, that's why I brought you. I know it's the right thing to do but-"

"No." Loki cuts in. "We have enough superheroes. If you want to become a superhero, you make that decision. No one else, understand?"

Peter looks surprised, and that breaks Loki's heart a little. This kid was expecting Loki to say that he would have to become a hero. "My uncle said that with great power comes great responsibility."

"And that's true, but it's not the responsibility to keep everyone safe. It's the responsibility to learn how to use them. How they work. Does that make sense?" Loki tries to explain.

Peter gives a small nod, slowly starting to curl in on himself. Loki takes a few soft steps towards him. "My uncle wants me to help people."

Loki stops. A small flash of anger appears in their chest, but they push it down for now. "Do you want to help people?"

Peter nods again, crouching down. "I don't know if I can though, and that's what scares me." He whispers, holding himself closer. Loki crouches next to him.

"You don't have to be ready now. If you want to help people, we can work on getting you stronger, faster, better at using what you have. Get some equipment to help, but you don't have to do any of that now." They promise. "You don't have to start until you feel ready."

Peter launches himself into Loki, hugging them. A stream of 'thank you's come from the teen, and Loki swears upon their soul that they will protect this child until the end of their days.

Chapter Text

Loki doesn't like funerals. Maybe it's because of faer many, many, many brushes with death, or because of the amount of drinking that usually goes on during Asgardian funerals, fae don't like them. But this is Peter. Peter "I decided to imprint on you like a duckling" Parker, who Loki will support until the end of time (how is Time, actually? And Wong? Fae really need to go back to the Sanctum and catch up). So, without any hesitation, Loki accompanies Peter to Peter's Uncle's funeral. 

"What are you doing?" Peter whispers, eyes red. Loki, who's holding a flat stone and concentrating on it.

"I'm making a runestone." Loki responds, carefully weaving faer magic through the stone so that the shape of a ship is imprinted upon it. "A ship to carry him safely to the afterlife."

Peter doesn't say anything, instead watching as the stone is engraved. Loki finishes it as Peter's aunt makes her way to them, handing the stone to Peter. "To place over him."

"And who might you be?" Peter's Aunt May asks

"Loki. I assume you're May?" Loki holds out a hand, which May takes.

"I am. So you're the infamous Loki that Peter has been raving on about." She tries to smile, but it seems strained.

Loki smiles back, just a small and understanding smile. "I could say the same about you."

May's strained smile becomes just a little more natural, although the pain that lingers on her face doesn't entirely disappear. "I just wanted to thank you. For helping Peter find himself." Loki is surprised. "I was the one to send the invitation to you. While you never knew Ben, you were always there for Peter, and for that the both of us were grateful."

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure I under-" Loki starts, but May interrupts faem.

"You're practically family in Peter's book, and that means you're family in mine."

"Oh." Loki is stunned, and May pulls him into a hug. 

"Thank you." She whispers, before pulling away and going to talk to the rest of the guests.

Chapter Text

Thanks for 10k reads guys!!!! It means so much!!!! If y’all have any questions, this chapter will be like question central and I’ll try to get to them as soon as I can :) thanks again!!!

Chapter Text

Loki sighs as ve gets another manila envelope. Peter, who had been trying to figure out a good web mixture ("I need to have webs, Loki! I can't be Spiderman without webs!"), looks up in confusion.

"What's that?" He asks, stopping his frantically scribbled note-taking. Loki doesn't respond, only sighing as ve sees the name written on the front. Ve opens the envelope (with difficulty. Seriously Wong, stop supergluing these things shut), and slides out a small stack of papers.

"Have you met my friend Wong yet?" Loki asks, flipping through them with an exhausted mirth. Peter shakes his head, and Loki nods. "Well, he somehow figured out this whole situation, which is exactly what I expected, and he's started to send these twice a day."

Loki tosses the papers to Peter, who catches them with ease. He does not, however, let go of them with ease. "Are these-"

"Yep."

". . . I'm afraid to ask why."

Loki laughs, ver laugh echoing through the empty building. "I told him Strange's computer password, which means he gets printer access. Which he has been denied countless times. Had it not been for the Avenger's anxiety about me, I'm pretty sure Strange would have made me leave."

Peter doesn't laugh, but instead tilts his head in confusion. "Why would the Avengers worry about you?"

Oh. Oh. Peter is barely 15 years old. 

"Do you remember much from when you were 9?"

Peter shrugs. "Lots of it is blurry. I'm not too good with time, y'know?"

Loki nods, ve does. "When you were about 9, I was a very different person. I was not myself and almost hurt a lot of people."

"You don't have to dumb it down for me." Peter interjects. "I'm not stupid."

"I know you're not. I still am not over what happened back then." Loki admits. "It was a very dark time for me, and one of my lowest points mentally. Regardless, I wasn't well, I tried to hurt a lot of people, and that made the Avengers nervous. The only reason I got out of their clutches was my brother and Strange, and I owe them everything for that."

Peter tries to look contemplative, but it's hard. It's hard to know that his mentor and one of the few adults in his life who isn't dead or mean went through something like that. Even if he doesn't know all the pieces. He gets up from his notes on the science of web-making, and hugs Loki. A silent sign to show that even if he doesn't understand, he's there for ver, just like ver there for him. 

Chapter Text

"Hey Loki!" Peter smiles as he flips his way to the tired Norse god. "I brought Ned, is that okay?"

Loki looks up from where ey were reading. Ned is behind Peter, looking around in awe. "Woah! This is so cool! Hey Loki!" He waves excitedly, and Loki smiles and waves back.

"Yes, he's fine. Just be aware of where he is if we start working on your web formula strength." Ey answer Peter's question, and rise. Dusting off eir skirt, Loki strides to the center of the room and activates the protective runes there. "Do you want to work on hand to hand, or the dagger?"

"Woah! Peter, you know how to use a knife?" Ned pipes up, looking even more excited than before.

Loki summons one of eir daggers, flipping it. "Dagger, Ned." Ey correct. "And no, not really. It's a last resort in case Peter fights someone who needs to be stabbed or cut."

"Loki's gonna enchant one so that if I ever have to use it, ey'll come to help out. Like a backup button thingy." Peter nods. "But I wanna do hand to hand."

Loki grins, shedding eir coat. "Get in position, then. Let's see how well you do first."

-

Loki and Peter are testing out another web-shooter prototype when a familiar looking portal opens. Wong and Strange walk out, Strange looking confused as to why there is a teenage boy glaring at the web-shooter. "Wong, Steve." Loki greets, laughing as Strange makes a faux-offended look.

"Steve?" He gasps. "We've been friends for 5 years!"

Loki just grins, nudging Peter. "Up. Peter, this is Wong and Stephen Strange, good friends of mine. Wong, Strange, this is-"

"Their son, Peter Parker." Peter interrupts, holding out a hand. Wong lets out a belly laugh, only laughing harder when he sees the surprise on Loki's face. Strange somehow looks even more confused, but shakes Peter's hand. 

"He- Peter those were low quality screenshots of adoption papers! They don't count!" Loki chokes out, and Wong somehow laughs even harder. "Sorry, Peter is my-"

"Son."

"Peter no."

"Peter yes, son."

"Wong also yes, son."

"WONG!"

-

Loki is waiting for Ned and Peter to show up when there's a sudden flash of blue. Loki jumps, and sees the Tesseract, Time, and a strange looking creature with a golden stone in their head. Seeing the stone, a part of Loki's mind starts screaming for her to run run get out danger, but she stays. She trusts Time and Space to not put her in danger.

"What is happening?" The creature asks. "The Tesseract should not be able to do things like that."

"Space does whatever Space wants to, you get used to it." Loki steps forwards.

"Space wants to see Friend Loki." Space's magic pulses, the familiar cold washing over her. 

"I also wanted to see you. and bring our sibling to see you." Time says. "This is Mind. Mind, say hello."

"Hello." The creature says, and then looks very disturbed. "What just-"

"You have an infinity stone in your forehead." Loki realizes. "You have the- the mind stone in your forehead. What the fuck? Why is it gold?"

A familiar magic wriggles out of the creature's head from where the stone is placed. Familiar, but oh so different. It's no longer frigid and harsh, now it's just a little softer, a little warmer. Enough to make a difference.

"I do not know who you are-"

"Loki, hi. Uh, Time, where is Strange? Isn't he supposed to be keeping you from doing things like this?" Loki interrupts the creature, turning towards the eye necklace.

"Space got Time then got Mind. Space found Mind. Space wanted Mind to meet you." Space's magic swirls around Loki, and Loki sighs.

"Okay, okay. Uh, do you have a name, vessel of Mind?"

"I am called Vision."

"That's the stupidest name I've ever heard. Time, Space. This has been great. I'm waiting for my pupil to arrive, and I would really like it if you waited until I introduced him to you in a better setting. Is that okay?"

Space's magic nods. "You know how to call us." Time says, and they all disappear.

Chapter Text

Loki honestly has no idea why xe’s being brought into Stark Tower heavily guarded with handcuffs. It’s some of the best odds he’s ever had to face, so maybe Stark just downgraded his security. 

“Brother!” A familiar voice booms through the empty voyeur. “Why are you being guarded?”

Loki shrugs. “I have no clue. I just went along with it to see what was going on.” Xe admits, taking his hands out of the cuffs (for the second time, idiots). “I already had something planned for today, so this is very bothersome.”

“Plans for world domination?” Barton’s voice rings out next, the archer jumping down and landing in front of Thor. Loki raises an eyebrow, looking Barton up and down.

“Yes, I plan to take over the world with a 16 year old kid and his friend, both of whom have a knack for using their incredible abilities for pranks.” Loki responds dryly. “Obviously not, I haven’t done anything that remotely involves your intervention.”

“So what have you been doing for the past four years?”

Thor looks at Loki with immense intrigue. “Oh please do tell me, brother!”

“I managed to get a secondary education degree, as well as one in psychology and English, and spent a brief bit of time in culinary school. I also-” Loki is about to continue before getting hit in the side by a teenager.

“Parental unit number one!” Peter cheers. “I found you!”

Loki groans, pushing Peter off of xem. “That’s a stupid name, Peter.” Xe says. “I told you to not just run into any billionaire's tower.”

“But I didn’t. Ned’s here! Hi Ned!” Peter waves to one of the cameras, and jumps to his feet with ease. “You weren’t there after school.”

Loki stands up, dusting off xyr suit. “I was being dragged here. I’m assuming you were the one to make that specific order?” He aims his last question towards Barton, who glares. “Regardless of who made the call, introductions are in order. Peter, this is my brother, Thor. He/him. Thor, this is my-”

“Hi, I’m Peter, Loki’s son. He/him.” Peter interrupts, laughing as Loki gently hits the back of his head. 

“You have a son?” Thor asks, face unnaturally soft.

“He’s not legally my- oh what are you two doing?”

Peter and Thor are spinning around, holding each other’s forearms. “I’m absolutely joyous at finally being able to meet my uncle, parental unit number one.” Peter grins. “When can Ned meet him?”

Loki pinches the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath, and turns to Barton. “You see what I have to deal with?” Barton is just staring in pure confusion.

“I- what the- fine all three of you in the elevator.” Barton barks (ha, alliteration), and all three follow. It’s cramped with Thor in there, honestly. Peter is thrumming with excitement (Ned probably is too, from wherever his set up is right now (actually don’t think about that)).

The elevator door opens, and once again Stark and Rodgers are waiting for xem. There's also the Mind stone vessel, Banner, a Romani woman, and a few others waiting too. Loki steps out first. As much as xey love xyr brother, he can be so stifling sometimes. 

"I'd say it's nice to see you again, but that would be a blatant lie." Loki smiles at them. "I don't particularly enjoy being dragged anywhere, much less here."

The Mind stone vessel (Vision? Vision) is floating towards xem, and xey feel Mind's magic washing over xem, bright and slightly cool. Trying to talk to xem.

"Vision, what are you doing?" Stark asks, and Vision turns to Stark with confusion.

"I'm not doing this." Vision says, and Loki laughs.

"Mind wants to talk, and you are not Mind." Xey say, walking up and placing a hand on the stone. The stone pulses, sending emotions and thoughts and images into Loki's mind. Loki carefully wraps xyr magic around the stone. Flashes of words, images, people, plans are put into xyr head, and steps back. It takes the millennia of hiding xyr emotions to hide the surprise and fear that almost overtakes xem. 

Loki stumbles back, considerably more pale than before. Peter grabs xem, helping xem steady xyrself. 

"I need to talk to Strange." Xey choke out, and walk through the path no one else can see to tell Strange the bad news. 

He's coming.

Chapter Text

Loki appears in the library, almost running into Wong. Xey hold onto xyr friend, trying to ground xyrself and avoid the panic attack that's slowly welling up inside xem. "Wong. Wong he's coming." Loki chokes out, pushing back tears. (He's coming and this time you can't escape.)

Wong wraps Loki's arm around his shoulders and uses his sling ring to take them to Loki's old room (xey haven't been here in years, xey need to visit more often). Once Loki is on the bed and not about to fall to the ground, he calls for Strange. 

Stephen Strange does not waste time (haha, Time), and is there in moments. "Is he really coming?" He asks, voice soft, and Loki nods. Xey're trembling, xey know it. Being faced with the one being in all of existence who could destroy and kill everything xey care for, it's terrifying. Xey don't think xey're ready. 

Thanos abuses my siblings, Time's distinct voice rings inside Loki's head, and apparently Strange and Wong's too, if their faces are to be considered. I can feel their pain and sadness from across the cosmos. Me, Space, and Mind chose you because you understand us. We will help you against the Mad Titan.

"Thank you." Loki croaks, tears freely flowing down xyr face. "Thank you." 

The Time Stone starts to glow from the eye in which it is held, bathing the room in emerald light. Loki can feel the magic of Time not just wash over xem, but also within xem, swirling and mixing with xyr magic before centering at the base of xyr neck.

The room suddenly goes back to it's normal lighting, and Loki gently touches the spot where the magic had coalesced. The spot gently flares with Time's magic, into the form of the rune for protection from enemies. Loki smiles as an idea starts to form in xyr head. Wiping the tears from xyr face, Loki starts to talk to the sorcerers about xyr plan

Chapter Text

May smiles when she opens the apartment door to see Loki. Ever since the funeral, she started inviting him to dinner every Thursday. In her eyes, he's family now. From the things that Peter told her about him, she knows that he would do anything to help her boy. Thus, inviting him for Thursday family dinners. 

Loki has a simple salad in his hands and a pensive smile on his face. "Hey, May." He whispers as May ushers him in and pushes him towards the dining room.

"Peter! Loki's here!" May yells towards where Peter's room is, and she hears a door slam open, a dull thud, and a muffled 'oof'. Moments later, Peter is sprinting past her towards the dining room where Loki most definitely is. She smiles and shakes her head when she hears Loki yelp and scream something about salad.

May goes to the dining room to see Loki holding Peter back at an arms length by pushing at his head, while Peter is desperately trying to rush forwards and tackle him again. In Loki's other hand is the precariously balanced bowl that he brought. Something May takes and places on the table moments before Peter breaks out from Loki's hand and tackles him to the floor. 

She laughs at the sight of the pair on the ground. "Peter, why don't you get all the food on the table?"

Peter jumps up with a smile. "Of course, Aunt May!" He smiles and skips to the kitchen to get the finished pasta. Loki slowly stands, coughing slightly.

"I really should be used to that by now." He says, a small smile gracing his face.

"You're the one who lets him tackle you."

Loki hums. "It's fun, though."

Peter comes out of the kitchen with a pan of baked mac 'n' cheese. He bounces to the table and puts it down. "Food's on the table, time to eat!" He smiles.

Dinner, as usual, is a bright affair. The three of them banter and joke at each other. Sometimes Peter has to re-explain what he's saying so that the millennia old god and his aunt understand what he's saying. 

It's as dinner is closing that Loki knows he has to tell them now. No use in putting it off when it could put them into danger.

"May, Peter." He says softly, effectively silencing them. "You both are some of the most amazing people I know, and I'm honored to be able to call the two of you family, and that's why I'm telling you this before anyone else." His hands are shaking. He clenches them to stop it. "A few years ago, I was captured by- by a very powerful alien named . . . named . . ."

May puts a gentle hand on his arm. "You don't have to force yourself to say names that might hurt you."

Loki nods, clenching his hands harder. "Okay, yeah. Uh, he is very powerful and dangerous, and he's coming here. I . . . I want you guys to get out of here. I can help pay for expenses, I'm still a prince. I just . . . I can't lose you guys." He can feel tears running down his face.

"Is this about what happened at the Avengers Tower?" Peter whispers, and Loki nods again.

"Yes, Peter. It is."

Peter stands up from his seat and goes to hug Loki. "You better not die. I can't lose you either."

Loki wraps an arm around the teenager. "Never."

Chapter Text

Loki is eternally grateful that school is out while she's preparing to protect Earth from Thanos. While she knows, she knows that he's coming because of the three Infinity Stones that reside on the planet. It's hard work, and much of her time is spent with the sorcerers. For not the first time, Loki is glad that she and Wong shared so much information with each other the first time she lived with them. It makes preparing thousands of magical circles and enchantments easier and faster.

What doesn't get easier is Thor. Loki loves Thor, of course she does. They've spent years healing their relationship with each other, and while there's a lot to go, it's eons better than it had been. That doesn't stop her annoyance and mild anger when Thor bursts into the library where she and Wong are working, calling her name.

"What is it, brother?" Loki sighs, closing her book. It's useless to try and get any work done now.

Thor moves to stand in front of Loki, and his eyes, for the first time in decades, are scared. "Father is here, and he's asking for us."

All the words Loki was going to say stop in her throat, threatening to choke her. "What?" She whispers, and feels fear start to crawl up her spine. "Here? In the Sanctum?"

Thor shakes his head and gently grabs Loki's hand. "He's in Norway. Loki, I . . . please know I will always defend your honor. You don't have to go-"

"I'm going, brother. It's important, to me." Loki interrupts. "I will admit that it helps to have you in my corner, and I am in yours."

Thor smiles, and he hugs Loki tightly. "Let us depart, sister."

-

Loki and Thor land at a Norwegian coastline where their Father's silhouette stands. Loki swallows down her anxiety and walks side by side with Thor. Their Father turns around, and for once Loki can't read his expression.

"My sons." He says, and opens his arms.

"Son and daughter, actually." Loki says, and she crosses her arms. "It was sons last week."

Loki hears Thor hold in a snicker, and smiles. She looks back to her Father, who is looking Loki up and down with a familiar wariness. He sighs, and puts his arms down. 

"I see you have not changed, Loki."

Thor's hand on her wrist is the only thing keeping her from throwing daggers at the Allfather. 

"Why did you call us here, Father?" Thor asks, and the Allfather's face softens.

"I am dying." Thor gasps slightly. "And it is up to you to protect Asguard, my son."

Thor opens his mouth to say something, but Odin continues on. "You have made me so proud."

With that, he fades to dust, Loki wants to scream and cry and stab something. Of fucking course Father thought nothing of her, she-

"Loki, Loki look at me."

Loki looks up and sees Thor. "Loki, Father never cared to know you."

Loki laughs. "When did you get so smart?"

"Since I started to get to know you. Sister, you are the most smart and cunning person I know. I love you, and having you as my sister or brother or sibling is the greatest gift I could ever have." Thor hugs Loki tightly. "You're my sister, and nothing is going to change that."

Loki nods, and lets herself be held for a few moments before stepping back. "Thank you, brother. I don't seem to have the words to respond, I apologize."

Thor laughs and ruffles Loki's hair. "Don't worry about it, sister."

"Well, this is sweet."

Loki and Thor spin around to see a woman with black hair and green armor standing where Odin disappeared. "Who are you?" Loki asks, and she laughs. 

"I guess our Father never told you about me." The woman's eyes glint, and Loki recognizes her look.

"He never told us much in the first place." Loki says, preparing for the worst.

The woman smirks. "Then let me introduce myself. I am Hela Odinsdottir, first born to the Allfather."

Chapter Text

Loki convinces Hela and Thor to sit down in a café in Norway before any fight broke out. She's not too sure honestly, she was too busy thinking about protecting the Parkers from whatever family drama was about to go down.

"No fighting on Midgard." She had told them, and Hela reluctantly agreed. So now they're here, with Thor drinking his weight in liquor, Loki sipping at some tea, and Hela looking like she'd rather be anywhere but here. 

It ends up being Hela who breaks the silence. "You look uncannily like me." She says, and Loki wants to flinch.

"I have a feeling that might be for a reason." She mutters, sipping at her tea. "I'm adopted. Glamour."

Hela's eyes narrow and she glares at Loki. Thor is still putting together the pieces, probably because he has a hard time understanding why people don't like Loki. "Adopted? Doesn't sound like Odin."

"Adoption, stealing from the Frost Giants, who cares. I'm Thor's sibling, and he's my brother. That's all that matters." Loki sips at her tea again.

"Don't forget your spider child!" Thor pipes up, and Loki chokes and almost spits out his tea. 

"Thor!" She coughs. "Clipart adoption papers that I signed to get him off my back does not count."

"But the magic librarian, Wang, he told me-"

"I'm going to kill that man one of these days." Loki grumbles, and her eyes flick back to Hela. She looks confused. "I had this student, Peter Parker, he became attached to me and keeps trying to get me to adopt him even though he has a wonderful legal guardian."

"That sounds complicated." Hela says. "Did Father really not tell you two about me?"

Thor shakes his head, and Loki shrugs.

"You're in the Norse mythology. Goddess of Death, although they describe you much differently. Half of your body is dead and decaying, you're actually named Hel instead of Hela." She lists off, and at a questioning look from both her siblings, she sighs. "English teacher, had a student who loved mythologies of all sorts. Thought it was cool I was named after Loki, God of Mischief."

Hela rubs her temples. "This is confusing. I was going to take over Asgard and the rest of the Nine Worlds, but this changes things."

"You can't take over Asgard, or the Nine Worlds! Dominium is stupid." Thor says with absolute certainty. "Things usually work much better when you're nice to people, and not violent."

Loki nods. "Thor's working on a new system for Asgard's ruler. He's fascinated with governmental systems on Midgard."

Thor flushes slightly, although from drunkenness or from Loki taking notice of his interests, she's not sure. She looks at Hela. "Although, there is an issue that you could help with . . ."

Chapter Text

Loki honestly would have much rather decided where to face Him on his own, but unfortunately this problem includes the entirety of Midgard, and thus both Thor and Strange convinced him to contact the Avengers. Avengers who, much to Loki's surprise, introduced him to T'Challa and his people in Wakanda, who have fascinating technology and culture.

And so, in front of all of the Avengers, a couple of government officials from all over the world, the most important people in Wakanda, Dr. Stephen Strange, Wong, his brother, and sister (who was watching the crowd and waiting to go Overprotective Older Sister Mode on them), Loki explained, with great difficulty, who Thanos was, and what he wanted. There were a lot of cries of outrage, for various reasons. A few of the Avengers crowd who were there for the whole New York thing were furious for Loki not saying anything further, but most of it was a 'why the fuck does this guy want to do something so bizarrely idiotic?'

"Oh yeah, one more thing." Loki says, making everyone's attention snap to him. "He's big and purple. Like a steroid grape man."

Strange buries his head into his hands as everyone loses their shit.

-

Stark yelps as the Tesseract warps into Loki's hands. "Hey, drop that-"

"Kindly shut up."

Loki focuses on the Tesseract, feeling its magic pulsing and growing from within it. Slowly, the cube starts to crack, more and more until it shatters and a vibrant blue stone zips to above eir shoulder.

Space knew it was time. Its cool voice whispers in Loki's mind. Space will be here. Always.

"Thank you." Loki smiles at the stone, and walks out of the room, leaving the rich scientist man confused as all hell.

-

Seeing the orange ship arrived was a moment of fear for Loki, a moment that quickly passed as it crashed, revealing a plethora of aliens and one human. Loki had been guiding Wanda Romanav in how to extract the Mind Stone out of Vision.

"I'll be back. Take your time. If you finish before I return, let him rest. The stone will find its way to where it is needed." Loki assured, and slipped out in front of the ship's crew before anyone else could really get there.

A human, a blue and red etched man, a 'traditional' looking alien, a raccoon-esque one, a green one, and a blue one. All of them jump back and take out weapons, but Loki holds up her hands. "Not trying to hurt you, just trying to get information. Why are you here?"

The green one sneers. "Why do you have an Infinity Stone?"

Space demands that Gamora answers First.

"Space be nice."

"Why are you talking to it?"

"Hey woah calm down." The human stands in front of them, hands up. "We're trying to get away from Thanos, and stop him."

Loki sighs. "Okay, okay. Hey, Space, get us somewhere secure?"

"What-"

Space can do that.

Everyone appears in Loki's room in the Sanctuary.

Space will get Time.

"That's not- okay its gone great." Loki rubs the bridge of their nose. "Sorry about Space. Ever since it got out of the Tesseract its been a little scattered. And it'll come back with Time, which is great. Fuuuuck anyways welcome to Earth or Midgard or whatever we're also trying to beat Thanos."

"I do not understand most of what you said." Says the muscle of the group.

"I understood enough to know you're dangerous." The raccoon-esque one says, and everyone seems to agree.

"Not my fault three Stones decided to emotionally bond with me, but honestly they're better than my not-son so I'll take it."

"Do you have a son that you hate?" The green one (Gamora? Space called her Gamora) asks, and oh yeah that is Gamora and oh fuck is that Nebula?

"Legally no." Loki says, trying to figure out how to use this new information. "He keeps trying to make it legal but he's also 16. Anyways, how's it been? Last I checked you were uh, oh yeah that's right, torturing people. And trying to find Soul."

Gamora sneers, as does Nebula, but both probably for different reasons.

"Oh yeah, did he get that?"

"Never in a million years." Gamora spits, just as Space appears with Time in tow.

Oh, you guys talking about Soul? Time immediately picks up. Space, when was the last time you saw Soul?

Space doesn't remember, Space is bad at time.

Loki tunes out the stones talking using their head. "They're talking about the Soul Stone. Once Mind is free, I'd be able to take all three of them with me. Road trip it out."

Gamora looks at Loki with shock and a little fear. "That's not how it works."

"Have you ever had a large amount of siblings and/or close friends drag their isolationist friend/family member out of hiding? It'll work."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm Asguardian. Oh yeah, Loki, by the way." Loki holds out their hand, but only the strange looking one reached out.

Almost immediately, they feel latent, static magic try to reach into their mind, and they step back. "Yeah, I also don't enjoy people invading privacy thank you!" They run a hand down their face. "Anyways-"

They feel Space moving the whole group away, and they arrive where Wanda and Vision are, with the Mind Stone hovering.

The Mind Stone gently floats over to where Time and Space are sitting, and Loki feels a flood of warmth.

Do you want to go get Soul? I think Soul would like this one.

Space wants Soul.

There's a humming of Mind's affirmation, and gods Loki needs them to figure out how to talk outside their mind thank you.

"Anyways hi Wanda these are aliens the Stones want a field trip I'll be back." Loki manages to get out before Space warps them away.

-

Okay so Red Skull (what a poignant name!) is. Very annoyed with Loki. Because as he was explaining that they needed to "lose someone close to them" or something, the stones started calling out for Soul at volumes that hurt their brain, bringing out a very, very, very annoyed Soul Stone, as well as an equally annoyed Red Skull.

"I'm the chaperone for them." Loki tries to explain. "I don't really control them. It just so happens having Soul makes fighting Thanos easier, but honestly they just enjoy that I don't use them for power or something."

"That is a relief." Red Skull admits. "But still. Like this?"

"They're essentially eons old siblings it makes sense." Loki looks to where the stones are floating, hearing the conversation in the back of their mind. "But gods its annoying they use me to talk."

Red Skull pats Loki's shoulder. "Good luck."

-

When Thanos comes, Loki stands out in front of everyone. Watching. Space and Time are with Strange, ready to go whenever. Soul and Mind stayed. Chaos goes on around them, but Loki stands and waits. He will arrive, and He will regret it.

-

Thanos watches as his gauntlet is shattered. His body is in pain, his hand is broken, and the two stones fall out. The four stones wreath the god's head, and four becomes five, connected by the renewed, almost liquid body of Reality that shifts and changes. Infinity united, held by someone who is a mere child by the laws of time and age.

"How?" Thanos asks. The minor god thinks a moment, and green eyes darken and fill out.

"Because pain and suffering and fear will ultimately fail." They say with their mouth.

"Because we have chosen." They whisper in his mind.

A dagger materializes in their palm, and they glide to where Thanos is laying. "This is for endangering my family." There's a blossom of pain, that grows and unfolds, and it goes dark

-

Be safe. Time says as the Infinity Stones leave Earth to embark on new journeys. You too.

"You'll be on Earth anyways, don't tell me to be safe." Loki smiles. "Plus, I have Space."

Space will protect Loki.

"You can protect my apartment and have your own room, but I have work." Loki hands Time off to Strange. "You keep that one under control."

"It'll be hard, but I'll try." Strange smiles.

"Good." Loki turns to Space. "Let's go home."

-

Peter is sitting in the rental house's living room, watching whatever is on when there's a flash of blue, and Loki is standing there.

"Loki!" Peter yells as he leaps at Loki and tackles them to the floor. "Oh my God you're alive."

"I am." Loki whispers, pulling Peter closer. "I am."

There's shuffling from in the house, and Aunt May's voice adds to the moment. "Oh you two." Loki looks at her, and sees a soft smile on her face. "Get off the floor and hug me."

Loki is pulled up by Peter, and dragged into May's open arms. At their side is Peter, who's hugging both of them tightly.

"Please don't leave again?" Peter asks. "Please?"

"No, not anymore." Loki promises, and lets themselves enjoy this moment of home.

Chapter Text

"Me, him, no powers, alright?"

Loki scans the newcomer up and down, squinting her eyes. "You're Wong's new friend?"

The man nods. "And I'm the person that Peter wants to use to learn how to fight, so you better start getting used to me."

Loki looks at the man, then at Peter who is practically vibrating with excitement. "And Aunt May is okay with this?"

"Uh, she will be. I think. Probably." Peter looks away. "But! I have one parental figure to watch out for me, so it's all good!"

A deep sigh leaves Loki's lungs, and she rubs her hand over her face. "Don't be too rough on the kid." She says to the man before holding out her hand. "I'm Loki, by the way."

"Shang Chi." He shakes it, and steps back.

Loki waves her hand and mutters a few words, and Peter glows a faint green. "No powers means no little spider sense, got it kid?"

Peter has half a moment to be surprised before barely bending backwards to dodge a kick from Shang. "Holy shit!"

Loki grins. "Good luck kid!"

Chapter Text

Hey guys. I'd like to thank everyone who read and enjoyed this fun little romp within Marvel. If I'm honest, when I started I wasn't the biggest fan of MCU stuff, but I liked the idea. Now, I don't like many things beyond the Avengers movie in the timeline, as well as the Guardians trilogy. I had fun writing this, I liked the world I built, and I know you guys did too, but I'm putting it to rest.

If you want to write within the world, write stories or oneshots based off of how I portrayed these characters, go right ahead. I'd love to read them. But I can't keep writing something that I have fallen out of love writing. Thank you all again, and I hope you all achieve great things :)