Fallen: Reborn

Loki rolled his eyes as the two men before him continued to shout and argue. He didn’t want to be here either, and for once he actually found himself agreeing with the irritating Stark. However, it seemed that Odin’s word was final, and he’d be spending his time with the Avengers in “rehabilitation”.

He’d already spent close to two years within the palace dungeon, but Thor and their Mother were able to convince Odin to reconsider his punishment after Loki had aided Thor in retrieving and hiding away the Aether. That, and Thor knew more about Loki’s situation with New York than Loki cared for him to know… They had used both reasons to convince Odin to sentence him not to a cell, but to rehabilitation and reparations on Midgard. Honestly, his prison cell sounded more appealing.

“Tony?” Everyone turned their heads to see someone peering from around a door. Loki’s eyes widened slightly. She had the most piercing blue eyes he had ever seen. Her ginger hair was tied into a messy bun atop her head, but a few stray strands framed her freckled face. Loki quickly regained his composure, unsure of what had suddenly come over him.

He watched as the Widow went to speak with her, his eyes narrowing in curiosity. She had a fear behind her eyes. What would a fair maiden like her have to fear so strongly? Could it be him she was afraid of? She had every reason to. Then again, it seemed as though she hadn’t spotted him yet. They began to walk over, the fear receding from her face.

“Perse, please meet the thorn in my side, Thor. God of thunder or whatever.” Her eyes turned to his brother, wide. Of course, Loki scoffed internally, turning his gaze to his hands. Just another foolish admirer of my brother. Dim-witted maiden…

“Thor... you’re… you’re real?”

Loki’s gaze snapped up from his hands, eyebrows high. That was… unexpected. He eyed the woman curiously. Then she said something that really caught his interest.

“Before this, I thought you just a myth. A religious deity.”

She didn’t know Thor was an Avenger? Following the conversation silently, he learned she didn’t know of the Avengers hardly at all until rather recently. Why in the nine realms then was she here? What purpose did she serve if she had only learned of the Avengers recently? If all she thought of Thor was that he was a god made real, did she think the same of him?

Loki rolled his eyes again, as Thor bowed and kissed the woman’s hand. Thor was ever the flirt, though most often not intentionally. It was sickening. Loki’s thoughts drifted away, not paying much attention to what was happening around him, until something the woman said caught his attention.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t believe you are real… I grew up believing in the Norse Gods. Are all of you real?”

She worshipped them? Loki thought hard to himself, wondering when the last time he heard of a Norse worshipper on Midgard was. He wasn’t aware they still existed. He listened to her, who was seemingly eager as she asked about Odin and his Mother. He listened silently before she spoke once more,

“What about your brother?? Is he…”

Loki smirked. Here we go.

“I can assure you, I am very much real.” He stepped forward, her eyes finally meeting his. His eyes widened slightly, almost losing his composure. This woman’s beauty was beyond compare, and her eyes had a bewitching quality to them. They almost seemed to draw a person in, allowing them to get lost within the sea of blue, only to drown in watery depths. He quickly shot the thoughts away before announcing himself.

“I am Loki. Of Asgard. God of mischief and lies. And you said you were…?”

-

Perse locked eyes with the man who apparently was Loki, a Norse God turned real. He was entirely different from how she had pictured him. He was tall and slender, eyes an icy blue that could freeze a person should they gaze too long. He had long, slicked back, ebony hair that clashed beautifully against his pale skin. And, heavens, his cheekbones could cut glass.

She quickly answered the god, stuck between wanting to admire the god and wanting to admonish him.

“Persephone. B-but you, and your brother-“ she added quickly, “-can call me Perse. Everyone else does.” She reached her arm up to shake his hand, stopping halfway after realizing his situation. He was handcuffed, cuffs looking similarly to ones she knew all too well. Although, while hers had been technological, these seemed different. Magic, perhaps? She tensed up slightly and recoiled her hand, Loki taking notice of her unusual behavior. Before he could speak another word, Tony interrupted.

“Yes, Reindeer Games here led an attack on New York. Tried to take over the world.” Tony spat, obviously upset. She looked from Tony back to Loki, who had an unbothered look on his face. He didn’t seem remorseful. Perse scrutinized him, appalled by the actions she was now hearing of. Thor, however, was quick to add,

“Yes, but we have reason to believe he may not have been in his right mind when it happened.” Perse looked at Thor, her disgusted expression softening. She knew what he meant by that. It hit a little close to home.

“Of course he wasn’t in his right mind, he’s a lunatic!” Tony shouted.

“You know very well, Stark, that is not what I meant. His actions may not have been his own, and my Father believes that just punishment for his crimes, if they are even  his at all, is to learn humility here with the Avengers. To atone for his mistakes and become better. He has already proven himself to be an asset, having previously helped us capture and lock away another dangerous relic. He helped save your world around a year ago. Surely you remember the situation in Greenwich.”

Perse’s eyes shot back to Loki, looking for something that any normal person wouldn’t see. His eyes flashed over to hers, and she saw what she was looking for. She broke the eye contact and stared at the floor, her mind engaging in a battle with itself.

“Where was he since then?” Cap asked, joining in the discussion.

“Locked away in the cells of Asgard. It took my Mother and I quite some time to convince my Father that Loki may have been under the influence of another, but after much time and consideration, we were able to help him see reason.”

“This is ridiculous…” Tony mumbled, rumbling his face with his hands. He snapped his head up and pointed a finger at Loki. “No way are we gonna just let this bozo live under the same roof as us! He’s destructive and cannot be trusted, I will not be-“

“Tony…?” Perse placed a hand on his arm. He stopped shouting for a second, turning his attention to her. “May I have a word with you?”

“Yeah, what?” He didn’t move. She rolled her eyes slightly before adding,

“…in private?” He pursed his lips, but nodded and lead her out of the room, still in view of everyone else. They could see her speaking, and Tony’s face dropped to one of shock. They seemed to argue for a bit before his face dropped to one of sorrow and submission, Perse gazing away from him and wiping her face occasionally. They spoke for a bit longer before Tony appeared to sigh and grow a small smile on his face. Tony walked her back in the room, her arm looped in his and his demeanor much calmer than he had been previously.

He quickly pulled the other Avengers outside, leaving Perse alone with the two gods. Loki glanced at her suspiciously, her gaze fixated on the ground. What had she said to him? And why? What was her game here?

Thor sparked up some small talk with the woman, who seemed almost wary of the god. She was confusing. Who was this woman, so unaware of who they were in the literal sense, but who claimed she had once believed the Norse myths about them? Why was she so interested in them, and yet so cautious of them at the same time?

A few minutes passed before the team walked back into the room.

“Alright, if you’re gonna be living here, there’s gonna be a few rules.”

-

“What was it you needed, kid?” Tony said, his voice still laced with agitation. She took a breath before answering softly.

“I… I think you should let Loki stay.”

Tony’s face dropped from irritated to shocked and angry in an instant.

“What?”

“Look, Tony, I know it seems as though he did some awful things-” Tony cut her off, getting angrier by the second.

“No, Perse, he did do awful things. You weren’t there, you wouldn’t know! I’m still haunted every night by nightmares of what he did!”

“Tony, please! Listen to me!”

“Perse, this is bigger than you know, I cannot just let this guy stay here with us!”

“Tony, just let me explain!” She cried.

“Explain what, kid? What sort of defense do you have for this guy, huh? He’s a murderer, damn it!”

“So was I!” She yelled, Tony falling silent. She paused for a second, closing her eyes to gather herself again, before opening them and asking, “Tony, how would you describe me?” Tony seemed taken aback.

“Kid, what-”

“Please,” she interrupted. “Just… answer my question. Honestly. Despite only knowing me for a short few months, how would you describe me to someone who hadn’t yet gotten to know me?” Tony sat in silence for a moment, before sighing.

“I’d say that you were one of the nicest, most generous people I know. You see the good in all around you, and you try to get everyone to be the best versions of themselves.” She nodded, staying silent for a moment, before asking something that hit both of them hard.

“And how would you describe The Angel?” she said above a whisper. Tony’s eyes widened in shock, before they softened. He sighed and looked down, silent. “I can’t imagine you have anything good to say.” Tony slowly shook his head. “Tony, do you hold that against me? Do my actions as The Angel taint who I am?” His head snapped up, eyes sorrowful.

“No, Perse. That wasn’t you. You were brainwashed and… and…” He slowly stopped, seeing her point. She reiterated it for him anyway.

“So why is Loki different?” He tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words. “Tony, I’m sorry that you deal with nightmares and terror over what happened. I know I could never understand what you went through when it comes to this attack on New York, but I do understand what Loki may have gone through when it comes to actions that are forced upon another. When you’re brainwashed and tortured into becoming someone you were never meant to be… Loki may be trying to play some game, but what if he’s not? Shouldn’t you give him a chance, rather than punish the innocent?” Tony stayed silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the floor. “I’m not asking you to forgive what he did, or even forget that it happened. But if someone wants to make reparations for what they did, shouldn’t they be given that chance? This is the best place for someone to grow and change. We’ve all done things we aren’t proud of… taken lives that shouldn’t have been lost. But you’ve created this space where we’ve all grown to be something better. Why should we withhold that opportunity from anyone?”

“We don’t know if we can trust him,” Tony said quietly.

“His brother is here. Should anything go awry, I’m sure Odin will be more than willing to place him back in a cell.”

“Is that really a risk we want to take? This guy is supremely dangerous and unpredictable.”

“It wouldn’t be the first time you’ve taken a chance on someone like that,” Perse said with a sad smile. “Give him a chance. I could see it in his eyes. There’s pain there, trauma. Fear. He needs a good environment to become better. One chance wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

Tony pondered it for a moment before he chuckled softly and looked up at her.

“I hate that you’re so wise.”

She smiled softly. “One of my many gifts.” She looped her arm through his. “Let’s go back inside.”

“I’m still not happy about it. And you know I still have to discuss this with the team?” He reminded her. She nodded.

“You don’t have to be happy about it. Not even I’m happy about it… But I’m sure the team will agree this is the best thing to do.”

Tony walked her back inside before grabbing the rest of team. She stood next to the towering gods in silence, looking at her feet. She couldn’t decide on what to feel. She knew it was the right thing to do, but she wasn’t happy with the fact that the two gods were real. For a long time she prayed to them for help, and when they never did, she chose to believe they couldn’t have existed rather than them having ignored her pleas and calls. Yet, here two of them were, right beside her. It didn’t seem fair that she stuck her neck out for them when they hadn’t ever helped her.

Thor tried to attempt small talk with her, and she hesitantly obliged. A few minutes passed when the rest of the team stepped back in, the remaining three turning their eyes to Tony.

“Alright, if you’re gonna be living here, there’s gonna be a few rules.”

Loki’s eyebrows shot up.

“He can stay?” Thor asked, skeptically. Tony just rolled his eyes.

“Don’t make me change my mind,” He sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“What made you alter your decision? You were very adamant before that he was not welcome.” Thor questioned, before adding, “Not that I’m complaining, I’m just curious as to the quick change of mind.” Tony sighed, irritated by the conversation he never thought he’d be having.

“You have Perse to thank for that.” All eyes fell to her, and she dropped her gaze to the floor, embarrassed. “Now, as I was saying before…” The group returned to the discussion, but Loki continued to study the woman. Why would she have done that? Not only had she just learned what was in his past, but she also seemed uncomfortable around him and his brother. She certainly was an enigma. He didn’t trust it. He saw her raise her head back to the conversation before turning to look at him. Their eyes locked for a moment before she quickly broke it away.

“So here are the rules. Hey, Reindeer Games,” Tony snapped his fingers to get Loki’s attention, to which Loki rolled his eyes, “pay attention. No going anywhere other than your room or the common areas without permission. No magicking mayhem or damage to my tower. Do not go batshit and try to take any one of us out. Thor will be staying here for as long as you do. Follow all rules given, including ones that may pop up in the future. Backstab anyone or break these rules and you can go answer to your daddy,” Tony said, pointing up at the ceiling. Loki one again rolled his eyes.

“Is that all, Stark?” He replied, sarcastically.

“And easy on the sarcasm there, Reindeer Games. We’ve all decided that it’s best for you to stay, but ultimately Fury will decide what happens to you. What time is it?” He quickly glanced at his watch. “Eleven? Alright, Fury will be here for a meeting around two. I need you and you there-,” he said, pointing at the two gods, “-and you.” He pointed at Perse, who immediately went tense with anxiety. Loki took notice of this. Scared of Fury? He supposed the man could be intimidating, especially for someone who didn’t know how to handle him. Loki watched as Nat came over to her and held her arm, comforting the young woman.

“Can Nat come?” She said, barely above a whisper. “I-if that’s alright with you…” she added, whispering to Nat. Nat smiled and nodded, and Tony agreed, which seemed to ease her anxiety. Slightly.

“Alright. Thor, I gotta have a word with you. Romanoff, take Loki to his room, it’ll be the one next to Thor’s.” Thor undid Loki’s handcuffs and Nat gestured for Loki to follow her. The rest of the team went their separate ways. Cap walked over to Perse and placed a sympathetic hand on her shoulder, which Loki took notice of before being hauled off by Natasha. Not a word was spoken between the two until the elevator opened up to a hallway of doors. As the pair walked along, the spy spoke,

“Your room is here, one floor below the common areas. The conference rooms are one floor below this one, the training area a floor below that. Those are the only areas you’re permitted to be without permission. Dinner is every day at six, we typically eat together. Breakfast and lunch are on you.” Nat spoke to him in a monotonous voice, obviously displeased he was here. The two stopped walking in front of the furthest door on the right. “This is your room. Thor’s is the one next to yours, mine is across from his, and Perse is across from you, which reminds me…” she turned to him, eyes flashing, “…if you hurt her, you affect her or traumatize her or do anything to upset her, you will have to not only answer to me, but to everyone else on the team. She’d never heard of your actions before today, and if you exploit her or hurt her…”

“You’ll what, Widow? Send me away?” He interrupted, smirking. Her eyes narrowed.

“I’ll do far worse than that. She was kind enough to vouch for you. Don’t make her regret that decision, or we’ll make you regret it too. She’s been through enough.” His eyes narrowed in confusion. Before he could inquire more, she walked away and stepped into the elevator at the end of the hall. She said one last thing to him before departing. “Don’t forget the meeting at two.”

And he was alone.

-

Cap walked over to Perse, who had a face of fear. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she looked up from the ground.

“Everything is going to be alright. Don’t worry too much about this meeting, it’s really more of just a formal way for him to meet you.”

“Steve,” she said, voice breaking slightly, “what if he sends me away? What if he thinks I’m too dangerous? I don’t know how to control my powers, and the only training I had was…” he stopped her.

“Perse, we won’t let him take you away. I doubt he would anyway. He will most likely advise that you learn to control your powers, and we can try to figure out how to do that. I think it’s a good idea that you do anyway. But please, don’t think for a second that we will let him take you away. You’re part of the Avengers family now. We don’t leave people behind.” She began to tear up and he pulled her into an embrace. They held each other for a moment before she pulled away.

“I should probably go get washed up and ready to meet Director Fury,” she said quietly. He gave her a small smile and a nod, before she made her way back to her room.

Everyone was being so kind to her. Was this what she had been missing out on for centuries? What she had refused to allow herself? Granted, she was still unsure about growing closer with the Avengers because of her aging, but every day they made it harder and harder to avoid doing that.

The elevator reached her floor and she walked to her door. Before opening it, she laid her head against it, closing her eyes and taking a breath. So much had happened today that she hadn’t been prepared for.

“Why?” A voice behind her spoke up, startling her. She hit her head against the door and winced, placing a hand to her forehead. Turning she saw Loki, eyebrows shot up on his forehead. “Erm, are you… alright?”

“Yes, yes, you just… startled me. What did you say?” She asked, rubbing the pain from her forehead.

“Why did you convince Stark to let me stay?” She stopped rubbing her forehead and slowly moved to clasp her arms in her hands.

“I just… thought it was unfair for him to not give you a chance if your actions hadn’t been your own. It’s condemning the innocent.”

Loki smirked.

“My dear, I am the god of lies. I can tell when someone isn’t being entirely truthful.” He took a step closer to her. She backed up slightly, hitting her door with her back. She wanted to drop her gaze, turn away from the confrontation, but fear had locked her eyes with his own.

“I-I… it’s difficult to explain… it’s hard for me to talk about.” Loki took another step forward, invading her personal space. She no longer wanted to be a part of this discussion. He eyed her carefully, before she swallowed harshly and attempted to grab her doorknob. “I.. I think I’m done with this conversation…” Just as her hand hit the door handle, his hand clapped over here, unwilling to let the knob turn. She looked at him in fear and pain.

“Oh, but I’m not. Not until you explain. What’s your game? What are you looking for in return?” He practically hissed. She began to breathe shallow and quick, bordering on hyperventilating. Loki’s brows furrowed before his eyes widened. Perse began to be surrounded by a bright white aura, energy being to crackle over top her skin. She looked at him, eyes welling with tears.

“P-please…” she choked out. “Don’t make me do this…” He looked at her confused for a moment before dropping his hand and stepping back, giving her some space. She looked at the floor, regulating her breathing until the white glow had disappeared. She sniffled and looked at him, her sad eyes meeting his confused ones. She wiped her eyes before turning back to her door and opening it. She walked through, but turned her head back to Loki and said,

“Perhaps you learn to respect one’s wishes… Especially of those who are only trying to help you.” She closed the door, leaving Loki alone in the hall.