Chapter 52
Chapter 52
The following hours felt unending. It took nearly half an hour until Thor had stopped sobbing. Now they were all gathered around him, simply holding him tight. The god's eyes were closed now, immense exhaustion written in his features. Clint led him over to the sofa, sitting down beside him and soothingly combing a hand through his hair. The thunderer, normally extremely sensitive about his hair, didn't move an inch, didn't even protest but only stared past everyone against the white ceiling.
Steve: "Thor, whatever happens, we'll always help you out as best as we can."
Tony: " – As I said, my home's your home as well. Even if everything sucks, - just don't forget that you'll always have a place to stay."
They stayed like this for what felt like eternity, trying to find words to comfort their fallen warrior. Thor didn't say anything, they didn't know if he was actually listening to them. Only when one hour later, the door opened an Bruce walked in, Thor's eyes immediately jumped onto him and the god stood instantly. The doctor looked tired, but that was all there was to see. He came over to Thor, gently putting a hand onto his shoulder.
Bruce: " – You can come in, Thor."
The others wanted to join them as well, but Bruce stopped them with a short glance, leading Thor out of the room.
Tony: "Now, - you think that's positive or negative?"
The team exchanged an uncertain look, shrugging their shoulders simultaneously.
Clint: "I think we're gonna know shortly."
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When Loki awoke, he felt too dizzy to open his eyes for a few seconds. The only movement he managed was a minimal twitch of his fingers. When his eyes fluttered open minutes later, he blinked a few times, adjusting to his bright surroundings. His vision was still blurry, as if seeing through a fog but it was clear enough to acknowledge he was in the infirmary, surrounded by several devices connected to his body.
Thor: "Loki?"
Thor! That was Thor's voice, so much he could tell. Loki couldn't see him but he noticed Thor was sounding happy. Much happier than when ... the baby ... He tried to sit up at once, being held back by a stabbing pain in his abdominal section. Loki was at the verge of panic when he felt a gentle hand brush over his cheek. He looked to his left. Thor stood next to him, the widest and happiest of smiles on his face and ... their baby lying in his arms.
Thor: "Shhh, it's alright, love. - Everything's fine now."
The blonde bowed down, placing the newborn into his "mother's" arms. It was a girl, rather small and looking as brittle as a piece of glass in the frost giant's arms. Loki was so overwhelmed he didn't know what to feel, clutching the child close to his chest. Thor sat down at the edge of the bed, stroking a hand through his raven curls.
Loki: "Wh-what – what h-happened?"
Thor: "She was lying in a wrong position. - That's why she couldn't get out herself. - Banner opened your stomach and brought her out."
He gestured towards the huge bandage covering Loki's entire belly.
Thor: " - You're so strong, my love."
The two stayed silent for a while, admiring their newborn child. Both had thought it so unlikely that everything would turn out well that they were now simply speechless of joy. Thor let a few minutes pass before voicing up once more.
Thor: "Do you already know how you'd like to call her? - You had to do so much to make this possible - it's your decision. - Mainly."
The god of mischief didn't answer immediately, looking down at his baby. It had Loki's black hair and fragile body, but his eyes were only matched by Thor's, shining as brightly as the stars themselves.
Loki: " - I don't know. I - never had time to think about it."
Thor considered shortly.
Thor: "May I make a suggestion? - Loki, to be honest, I braced myself for losing you and our daughter long ago. - It was so unlikely both of you would make it out alive that - this can only be a miracle. - We don't have this in Asgard but - many humans believe in angels, the servants of their god and bringers of peace and justice. - If you ask me, this can only be the gift of one of these creatures. If this is alright with you, - we shall call her Angel."
Loki's eyes lit up with a spark at the sound of the name, the beautiful smile on his face growing even wider as he nodded.
Loki: " - She's so beautiful."
Thor bent closer, putting a chaste kiss to Loki's lips.
Thor: " - Just like you."
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The avengers were gathered in front of the door when Thor came out. Bruce had already informed them that Loki and the child were both healthy and alive but, of course, they wanted to see themselves. As the door swung open, every pair of eyes was fixed on Thor. The blonde stepped out, revealing the bundle in his arms while holding it up. Everybody gaped at this. The baby was not only healthy and alive, but not at all like they would have imagined it. Everyone had thought the child of a frost giant had to have at least some of its kind's features, but there were no obvious signs. The baby in the thunderer's arms was as cute and brittle as every other newborn, sleeping with its sparkling, blue eyes closed.
Clint: "And what's the young lady named like?"
The god of thunder smiled at the group, an expression of utter contentment visible on his face.
Thor: "Her name is - Angel."
Nat: "That's really fitting her. - Just like her father."
The team had not seen Thor that happy in an utterly long period of time. Everyone approached him, gratulating him one by one. When Tony stepped in front, he simply gave Thor a hug, enjoying the smile which had finally returned to their Sunshine.
Tony: "I knew you're gonna make it. - Somehow. You just - always do, one or the other way."
Thor hugged him back gratefully.
Thor: "I wouldn't have done this without your help. - You won't ever know how thankful I am for having you as a friend, Stark."
Then the blonde bowed down, pressing a tender kiss to his daughter's forehead.
Thor(whispering): "And you as a daughter, Sweetheart."
And whether coincidence or not, this was the moment when "Fairytale" started playing in the radio, sounding throughout the tower. They watched as Thor whipped around and disappeared back into the room, his long, golden hair flowing behind him. Only seconds later, he returned. He wasn't carrying Angel anymore, but Loki, who held the small baby securely in his arms. As if nothing had happened since the last time this situation had taken place, Thor began dancing through the rooms, singing along with the mystical and hauntingly beautiful melody of the song. "I'm in love with a Fairytale. Even though it hurts. Cause I don't care if I lose my mind. I'm already cursed." Only that this time, all trouble was lying behind them and he wasn't only pressing Loki close to his chest, but their daughter as well. All members of the team couldn't hide their smiles at this sight, obviously glad to have their old teammate back. But Tony smiled the brightest, knowing that from now on, Stark tower wouldn't be as calm as it had used to be. With one god, one frost giant and one newborn baby as housemates, the times were definitely about to be more turbulent than ever before. But hey, he was Tony Stark! And definitely up for another adventure, even if it included Loki!