Chapter 37
Chapter 37
Chapter 37
In September, Bruce checked Loki through once more, claiming he'd probably have about three months to go, although he could only guess as Loki's pregnancy was progressing slower than that of a normal human would be. Eventually, the tension between Loki and the rest of the Avengers had softened a little. He got on well with Bruce in the meantime (good because he was the one who had to treat him) and well … he at least managed to talk to Tony without one of them being provocative now. He joined them more often while eating. Although he never talked much to the others and let most of the conversation to Thor, he didn't seem to feel uncomfortable with having them around. However, somewhen Clint arrived back from his mission, accompanied by Steve and Natasha. Most people didn't have a big problem with Loki being around, but the archer had his own experiences with the guy and was less than pleased with him being there. He hadn't said anything when Thor had asked them to let him in, because firstly, it was Tony's decision in the first place and he also didn't want to leave Thor standing outside, with a pregnant lover and without a home. That's why he also didn't protest now, simply accepting that he couldn't do much about that and had to stay as far away as the tower allowed. The weeks passed by and the team spent more and more time together. Thor didn't always join but sometimes in the evenings, he'd come down as well, enjoying a movie night along with his friends. Although most of the time, he stayed right where Loki was, not letting him out of sight for a minute. One day during lunch - they were all sitting together peacefully - Tony suddenly had an idea.
Tony: "Hey, goldilocks!"
Thor looked over at the inventor. He'd always be confused at the many nicknames this man came up with, although he had to admit that he had kind of gotten to like most of them after all.
Thor: "What is it, my friend?"
Tony: "I mean - I don't want to interfere in anything but … shouldn't you guys get clothes and toys for the baby or something? - Just an idea … "
Thor jumped up from his seat.
Thor: "I would almost have forgotten! You're totally right!"
Bruce: "Okay, at first I suggest you sit down again. and then - how'd you imagine that? You shouldn't take Loki out I think and-"
Thor: "But I'm not leaving him. At least not for so long."
There was a moment of silence, the other Avengers looking at each other.
Tony: "Well, I gotta admit, I'd have loved to act all clueless and say I got no solution, but surprise, surprise, I actually do have one up my sleeve."
Clint: "And - which?"
Tony: "Don't you all think it's been long since we've been shopping together?"
While Natasha looked quite neutral, Bruce looked sceptical and Clint angrily shook his head. Steve seemed quite okay with that, nodding in contentment.
Tony: "Hey, c'mon! Why not buy baby stuff for our Asgardian?"
Bruce: "Tony - we don't even know if it's a boy or a girl … "
Tony: "Well, why not just grab stuff for both situations? I mean, it's not like we're gonna have money issues, right? Let's splurge a little!"
Clint: "Without me!"
Tony: "C'mon, Hawk! I'm certain you have some killer picking taste when it comes to baby clothes."
Clint: "Not if they're for-"
Steve: "Just imagine they were for your own child-"
Tony: "Oh, with Natasha? Count me in for that too! I'll give you four months, and then we're hitting the stores for you two lovebirds!"
Natasha stiffened at that, furiously looking at the scientist.
Natasha: "Shut up, Tony!"
Tony: "Anyways, we're heading out in like half an hour. So, get yourself together and get ready!"
With that the inventor shot up, racing from the room to prepare, drawing laughter from Bruce and Thor, who looked at his friends thankfully.
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