Chapter 49
Chapter 49
Months passed without any changes except for the decreasing temperature. It was December now, and Loki's pregnancy was probably nearing its end. That's why eve-ryone was anxious. Even the ones who didn't particularly care about Loki were nerv-ous, fearing the consequences Loki going into labor could have. Bruce checked him regularly, several ultrasound scans confirming that the baby was just as it was sup-posed to be. No changes, no excitements, everything fine. Nevertheless, Thor didn't take any risks, not allowing Loki to leave the bed for more than going to the toilet and brushing his teeth, serving him anything – from food to water to comforting massages when Loki wished for it (or he thought Loki might need it; the trickster still wasn't too good at telling that himself). Bruce totally agreed to Loki staying laid down, as this was the best position should the baby change shape once more. But as this meant Loki couldn't leave Stark Tower either, Thor was damned to do the same. It was a punishment he took with pleasure, although his team could tell how he missed fresh air. But they had never tried to convince him to take a trip once more – sure for sure. When Christmas time began, the mood lightened a bit. Stark Tower was probably the most lovingly decorated building in the entire New York (Tony loved Christmas, and he loved standing out as well). The lights and adornments spread throughout the whole tower reminded Thor a little of Asgard during the last winter. The time when he'd gotten Loki to celebrate with them – the time when they'd first confessed their love for each other. It made him nostalgic and a little sad as well, as he knew this happy time of his life would probably be over soon. It was on a Saturday morning; Thor had just come down to prepare Loki's and his breakfast when the topic came up for the first time. All members of the team were gathered around the table, eating, drinking, or simply chatting, and Thor stood in the kitchen when Tony suddenly got up from his chair, drawing the team's attention.
Tony: "So, guys - what's about this year's Avengers' legendary Christmas party?"
Everyone silenced immediately. This was a tradition they'd been keeping up for about two years now, all of the Avengers celebrating Christmas together – with many "funny" games, good music (usually a playlist they'd compiled together), and MUCH alcohol.
Clint: "What're you aiming at? - Is happening, right?"
Tony shot him an annoyed look.
Tony: "Yeah, I was just trying to steer clear of a repeat of last year, remember?"
Oh yeah, they did. Last year, half of the team had forgotten about the event and had planned other things. Thor had celebrations in Asgard, Clint with his family, and Bruce had planned a scientific congress he should have participated in. They'd got-ten to spend some time together in the end, but it had been a hell of arguments, screaming, and cursing each other.
Steve: "– So, what's the master plan for this time?"
Tony: "I've got one: (dramatic pause) We're taking the 23rd. Then Clint can go back to his family - if he's still able to - and boom, our problems are history. So, just so we're crystal clear, I need EVERYONE to be on board this time, no exceptions."
Tony stayed silent for a moment, then he looked over to Thor, who was still busy with the food.
Tony: "- I actually don't care whether you take your boyfriend with you or not; just – come this time, right?"
Thor hadn't really listened in on the conversation, now abruptly turning to face his friend.
Thor: "- Whatever you say, Stark."
Tony took that as an agreement, dropping the topic as quickly as it had popped up.
--------
It was late evening on the 22nd of December. Everyone was busy doing something (Thor caring for Loki, Tony preparing their Christmas party, Nat training with her knives, Steve watching a movie, Bruce still working down in the lab Tony had set up for him, and Clint sleeping in as he knew the next two days were going to be drain-ing as hell). All of them were prepared for a relaxed evening. Earlier that day, Tony, Thor, and Steve had been adorning the Christmas tree, Loki lying close by on the sofa, wrapped in several blankets to watch them. Thor had hesitated to take him down, but he'd then thought it a good idea to let Loki watch them, knowing they'd both feel safer like this. Now candles were lit in every room, the Christmas tree was shining as brightly as the stars outside, and from some areas of the tower, Christmas songs could be heard. However, the peaceful atmosphere was suddenly ruined when the doorbell, as loud and penetrating as ever, announced a visitor. Tony nearly fell from the ladder he'd been standing on. He had just started applying garlands to the walls.
Tony: "Shit! Jarvis, whoever it is, tell him we're closed during Christmas."
Jarvis: "Sir, while informing you that it is not Christmas yet-"
Tony: "It's the fucking 22nd of fucking December; for me, this clearly IS Christmas. No arguing about that."
Jarvis: "- it's Director Fury, Sir. And I do not think he'd be amused to hear that you're denying him entrance."
Tony: "Fine, then he's very politely invited to be mad at me, but-"
A resolute knocking on the window nearly had him losing balance again.
"Stark!"
The scientist looked in the direction the voice had come from. SHIELD's director was standing in front of his window, looking directly at him.
Tony (muttering): "Damn you, Fury!"
Tony stepped off the ladder, finding it didn't make sense to refuse to let him in - he'd find his way in anyway.
----------
Half an hour later, all Avengers were informed. They had a new mission. And it was one not to be meddled with. Fury had told them he needed at least four of them to fly to Texas right away. When the director had left, they were all sitting in the meet-ing room, Loki lying in Thor's lap.
Steve: "So, how are we doing this?"
Tony: " - Quite an easy thing. Thor's staying with Loki; we're clear about that and - Bruce better stays as well, I mean - he's the lucky one who's a doctor, - congrats, B. I'd like to be in your place actually."
Bruce: "Yeah, that sounds logical, Tony. - If something happens, just give us a call anyways, ok. We will see what we can do from here."
The others nodded agreeingly and got ready to leave. Clint changed his sleeping clothes into his archery armor, Nat readied her weapons, and Tony stepped into his Iron Man suit.
Tony: "So - as this is going to last a while according to my calculations, we'll just - delay our party a little. - Much fun at home, guys, and - don't destroy anything, yeah."
Bruce: "Don't die out there; I'd not want to be responsible for your house."
Tony: "Oh, really? - Thor and Loki are still searching for a place to stay after the birth, right ...?"
Thor laughed, giving each one of the warriors a short look.
Thor: "Take care, my friends. Even if I can't be with you this time – just fight as if I was."
While Thor took Loki back upstairs, and Bruce returned to his work for the time be-ing, the other four teammates left, not really looking forward to what was awaiting them – although they didn't yet know what it would be exactly.