Siren's Song

Once we got to the team kitchen I just about started crying. It was so much bigger than our tiny apartment ones. I could go crazy in here and have such a wonderful time doing it! I went crazy putting things away and reorganized everything, after I made sure no one cared. I decided after training tomorrow, I would spend the rest of the day in the kitchen.
After another morning run, and breakfast at the diner, I worked on setting up a training routine with Tasha. Afterwards I had Clint and Tasha follow me back to the team kitchen, Thor joined us in the elevator.
“Do you guys usually eat as a team?” I asked.
“We do a lot of take out up here, sometimes we get a wild hare and one of us cooks.” Tasha came in. “But not often. Why?”
“Nat, ever cook?” She nodded. “Boys, I’m kicking you out of the kitchen for the day.”
“But,” Thor started pouting. “You said you were going to bake!”
“Not for you!” I reminded him. “Not until you mend fences with your brother.”
“Fine,” Thor bowed his head and went in search of Loki.
Clint left while Nat and I got to work. She helped me prep everything for a few baking projects. I asked F.R.I.D.A.Y. to let everyone know that I was cooking tonight and that everyone was invited. Thinking about how much everyone ate, I decided on lasagna. I had Nat chop up a bunch of veggies and then kicked her out as well. I spent the next few hours all to myself, music blaring, cooking up a storm. I even made fresh cheesy garlic bread from scratch. By the time it was all done, the kitchen needed a major cleaning.
“F.R.I.D.A.Y., ask everyone to come to the table please.”
“They will begin arriving in a few minutes.”
I set the table properly and waited for everyone to show up to bring the food out. Most of the team arrived but I wrinkled my forehead when Loki didn’t come. I turned to Thor.
“Isn’t Loki coming?” I asked.
“I’m sorry, Lily.” Thor shook his head. “He says that he will not eat with those who cannot stomach his company.”
“Everyone dig in,” I said. “There’s plenty for everybody. Just take your plates and do like a buffet thing through the kitchen.”
I grabbed two plates and loaded them up. Lasagna, salad, cheesy garlic bread and a wrapped pan of brownies. Then I headed for the elevator.
“Where you headed, Ariel?” Tony called.
“Siren Tony, not mermaid.” I said. “I’m taking Loki a plate.”
“Why?” Most of the team looked at me skeptically.
“Because, how is he supposed to make amends,” I said sadly. “If none of us shows that we will let him.”
They all looked away, embarrassed that I hadn’t been here long but was the only one willing to let Loki try. I rode the elevator to his floor and walked to his door. I knocked softly.
“Thor! I am NOT talking to you!”
“It isn’t Thor.” I said and waited for his response.
The door opened, he looked terrible. “What do you want?” He snarled at me.
“I brought your brownies,” I tried to smile at him but he only glared back. “And I didn’t want you to go without eating dinner, so I brought some to you.”
“That was not necessary,” he replied harshly. “Neither were the brownies.” He made to shut his door.
“Loki.” I tried again, he stopped. “Please. You said that you wanted some brownies and they will only be eaten by the others, who have their own pan already.”
“Fine.” He took the brownies and a plate, then looked at me. “You can go now.”
“I wanted to know if I could eat with you?”
“What is with you?” He asked. “Do you not understand that I do not want your company, I do not seek a friend and I do not want you here?!”
His volume rose as he spoke until he yelled the last few words, then he slammed the door on me.
“I’m not leaving,” I yelled to him. “I will sit at this door and talk to you. I don’t care what you say. No one deserves to be lonely.”
I heard a growl beyond the door and braced myself for a tantrum. He flung the door open and advanced on me. His skin blue with beautiful raised markings, his eyes like red rubies and his canines pointed like a wolf’s. I refused to back down and stood my ground.
“I am ordering you to leave, mortal.” He commanded me. “Do you wish to meet the creature I truly am!? Well here it is! What have you to say now!? Run, run in fear and loathing like everyone else!”
“No.” I said calmly, he stopped short. “Why should I fear you? Why should I loathe you?”
“I am a monster,” he whispered. He dropped the mask for a brief moment, I saw the loneliness and the pain that he hid from everyone. I cupped his face with my hand and he jerked back.

“Do not touch me. A Jotun’s skin will cause your flesh to blacken and force the limb to be cut from your body.”
“Loki,” I took his chin in my fingers. “You wouldn’t hurt me and you are beautiful. Blue is my favorite color.”
His mouth fell open and he gaped at me. I rubbed my hand along his cheek. He closed his eyes and leaned into my touch.
“There is nothing wrong with you,” I continued. “Your differences do not make you a monster. Truthfully, neither do your actions if you are willing to make amends.”
A single tear rolled down his cheek and he opened his eyes. “How can you say that?”
“Seriously?” I laughed. “What does mythology say of sirens?”

“They are evil creatures,” he said automatically. “They lure men to their deaths and feast upon their corpses.”
“Do you think I would ever judge someone based on a story of how they are ‘supposed to be’?” I smiled gently at him.
Slowly, the blue faded and his eyes turned green again. His teeth went back to normal and he looked away from me.
“Your compassion may be misplaced,” he whispered.

“Let me be the judge of that,” I replied. “Would you do me the honor of allowing me to dine with you, your Highness?”
“Very well, Minx.” He waved me into his place. “If you would care to dine at a table I will create one.”
“Where do you usually sit?” I asked.
“The couch.”
“It would probably be more comfortable,” I conceded. “Have you watched any movies since you’ve been here?”
“Movies?” He looked confused.
“F.R.I.D.A.Y. we would like to watch a movie. Let’s do a Star Wars marathon.”
“Would like to start with episode 1 or episode 4?”
“The original trilogy are the only ones worthy of a marathon.” I acted offended.
“Of course Lily.” That A.I. sounded amused!
“What is this Star Wars?” Loki asked.
“Just watch,” I said happily.
We ate together and watched the entire original trilogy of Star Wars. Loki made comments throughout but it was fun to listen to him. He would comment about space travel not being like that, the aliens looked weird, never seeing anything as big as the Death Star and how that was not a realistic weapon. After the first two movies, I started getting sleepy but I refused to leave. I was making a new friend and I was going to watch all three movies with him! Unfortunately, my body betrayed me and I fell asleep somewhere around Leia meeting Wicket. I do remember a conversation between Thor and Loki in the early morning hours.
“Brother!”
“Thor shut up!”
“I am unable to find Lady Lily, the computer in the ceiling says you last saw her. Do you know where she is?”
“Follow me and keep your voice down!”
“Loki, why is the Lady Lily sleeping on your couch? And why is she upside down?”
“The first part is because she insisted on having a movie marathon. I still haven’t figured out the second one though.”
“Are you courting the Lady Lily?”
“Don’t get your hopes up Thor, she wants to be my friend. What is your problem you big oaf! Put me down!”
“But Loki, you have a friend! That is wonderful news, I must tell mother.”
“Thor you go up the Bifrost and I will turn you into a frog!”
“Loki, no. Not again. Why can’t I tell mother?”
“This mortal may turn on me yet.”
“I do not think so brother. She always tries to include you, despite the rest not wanting to. She even makes them feel guilty for their feelings toward you.”
“She does?”
“By Odin’s beard brother! You have won yourself quite the champion. Not that I don’t think you deserve one but any ideas as to why?”
“She did mention the old tales about sirens and not judging one based on tales or what they are supposed to be.”
“I will leave her in your care, congratulations brother.”
“On what?”
“You have another that does not believe you to be a monster.”
“Good night Thor.”
“Good night Loki.”
Then a lot of mumbling and I was picked up from my spot.
“No,” I groaned. “It’s too warm.”
“What is too warm, my Minx.”
“Cuddling.” I whispered.
“I am simply giving you a more comfortable place to sleep.”
“K.”
He placed me on a bed and pulled satin sheets over me. Then he made to leave.
“Loki.”
“Yes, Minx.”
“You can stay,” I yawned. “We’re both clothed and your bed is huge. I’ll stay under the sheets and you stay above them. Then you won’t wake up with a kink in your neck like I did.”
I heard a chuckle and the bed move.
“Alright little Minx. Thank you.”
“Loki.”
“Hmm?”
“You aren’t that bad.”
“Good night, Lily.”
Hours later I was awakened by thrashing and groaning. I sat up and looked at Loki. His face was contorted with pain and silent tears made streams down his cheeks. I didn’t even think twice, quickly sliding over and pulling him into my arms. I began to sing the first song that came to me softly, enhancing it with my powers. The only song my mother sang to me on storm filled nights when I was a child, Song of the Sea.

“Hush now, mo stoirin
Close your eyes and sleep
Waltzing in the waves
Diving in the deep
Stars are shining bright
The wind is on the rise
Whispering words
Of long lost lullabies”
He began to calm, the fear and pain left his face.
“Oh won’t you come with me
Where the moon is made of gold
And in the morning sun
We’ll be sailing
Oh won’t you come with me
Where the ocean meets the sky
And as the clouds roll by
We’ll sing the song of the sea
With a contented sigh, he slipped into a dreamless sleep. I continued the song to the end, hoping it would hold him until dawn. He looked like he could use the rest, I had noticed dark circles under his eyes as his face relaxed. Not wanting to wake him, I slid down and held him for the rest of the night. I stayed awake, guarding his sleep and humming softly. I eased my phone out of my pocket and began downloading different apps for future use. A couple of games, some puzzles, a book or two, anything that would allow me to kill time. Then I went to a few shopping sites and began ordering things that I had always wanted but couldn’t afford. As the room began to lighten with the rising of the sun, Loki began to stir.
“I thought you were staying on your side and I was staying on mine?” He mumbled. “And why are we ‘cuddling’, as you said last night?”
“I tend to try to be comforting when someone is having night terrors,” I replied nonchalantly.
He jerked away and stared at me, fear in his eyes.
“I won’t tell anyone,” I reassured him. “Besides, you didn’t say anything. I promise.”
“What did you do?”
“I sang a lullaby that my mother used to sing to me,” I smiled gently at him. “I did use a touch of my powers to help calm you, but I swear that is all I did. I wouldn’t have used them at all, except you looked like you could use the rest.”
The bedroom door crashed open and Thor glared at Loki. In two great strides Thor was at Loki’s side and had grabbed him by the throat, throwing him across the room in anger.
“I cannot believe you!” He bellowed. “You swore it was only friendship! I took that to mean you would not take her to your bed!”
“Stop!” I put the full force of my powers into the command.
Thor froze mid stride, glancing at me his eyes widened in awe.
“Minx, you are glowing.” Loki croaked.
“Sorry,” I replied. “It happens when I use my powers sometimes. Thor you are jumping to conclusions.”
“I am?”
“Yes, Loki put me in the bed to be more comfortable. I told him that the bed was large enough for the both of us. I would be below the sheets and he would be above them.” I explained.
“But he was in your arms,” Thor pointed out.
“I had a nightmare,” I replied. I shot Loki a look to keep quiet.
“I guess that is understandable,” Thor looked contrite. “Would you release me so that I may apologize properly?”
“Peace,” I whispered letting my power flow once more.
“Thank you Lady Lily.” Thor helped Loki to his feet and opened his mouth to say something.
Loki punched him across the face. “You great oaf!” He yelled. “When will you learn to ask first, hit later!”
Thor rammed into Loki’s stomach with his head.
“And the fight is on. I’m going to the team kitchen.” I called out. “When you two are done with your sibling bonding, come have breakfast.”
I made my way up to the kitchen and decided pancakes sounded nice. As I started getting everything together I heard the balcony doors open, so I put my head around the corner to see who was there. Some old guy in robes with an eye patch and a lovely woman looked around the room. I came out of the kitchen and smiled.
“Can I help you?” I asked.
“You are the siren?” The old man was grumpy and blunt to the point of rude.
“Odin!” The woman scolded. “Manners, please. Hello dear. I am Frigga and this is Odin. We are Thor and Loki’s parents.”
“Pleased to meet you,” I dropped a quick curtsy. “They’re downstairs bonding right now. Would you like some pancakes while you wait?”
“I will go to them,” Odin replied before he disappeared.
“Men!” Frigga rolled her eyes. “What are these pancakes dear? They sound divine.”
I smiled at her and took her elbow in mine. “I’ll show you.”
We went into the kitchen and I had her sit on a bar stool while I finished up. I made her three pancakes, topped them with freshly sliced strawberries, some blackberries, a dusting of powdered sugar and then fresh whipped cream. I set them down in front of Frigga and handed her a fork.
“Dig in your Majesty,” I smiled at her. Her face reminded me of a little girl with her first banana split.
“Odin’s beard,” she moaned after the first bite. “This is simply wonderful! Do you think you could come to Asgard and teach this to the cooks!?”
“As you wish my Lady,” I chuckled.
“Mother!?” Loki gasped.
“Loki, my boy.” Frigga held her arms open for a hug. Loki quickly closed the distance between them and wrapped his mother into a gentle embrace.
I turned to continue making pancakes, all too aware of my interference of this special moment between mother and son. I made a dozen pancakes in quick order and got them fixed up the same as I had done Frigga’s. Thor and Odin came through the door and sat at the island. I grabbed three forks and set the plates in front of the three men. I noticed the tension in the room as soon as Odin walked in. I began to hum softly, trying to ease the tension and promote peaceful interactions. I turned back to the stove and continued making pancakes for the rest of the team.
“Siren!” Odin bellowed. “Stop that at once. Do not try to sway me with your song.”
“Excuse me?” I slowly turned around.
“I said desist,” the old man glared.
“Um, father,” Thor tried to get between us. “I don’t think you really......”
“Silence,” Odin barked. “You siren, will not sing in my presence. Do you understand?”
“I understand perfectly,” I purred. I began to walk slowly towards him, subtly weaving my magic into my words. “You don't like that someone might be able to get the best of you, oh great King of the Gods! That someone else may be more powerful and get the upper hand. Is that it? Speak truth!” With my last words I unleashed a powerful blow, forcing him to tell the truth.
“I must be in control at all times,” he ground out. “If any were to doubt my strength, my power, I could lose everything. My family must see me as strong and without fear at all times. I cannot let them see that I fear you have placed a spell over my baby boy.” He snapped his mouth shut and glared daggers at me.
“The truth revealed.” I gave a cocky smirk. “I am not one of your subjects. Never presume that I will allow you to speak down to me. I was trying to lighten the mood so that fists didn’t fly, nor harsh words erupt. I tell you now.” I coaxed my magic out again. “You will never speak that way to me again. You will treat me with courtesy and respect. When you can learn that I am just as much of a person as you, then will this curse be lifted.”
Frigga laughed out loud and slapped her knee. “Finally!”
Odin looked at her and just sputtered. “Finally? Are you serious dear!? This cr…..woman has just cursed me and you think it’s funny! Frigga!”
“Oh hush,” she patted his cheek affectionately. “It’s high time someone besides me told you off. As for the curse, you deserved it.”
Loki and Thor both looked like fish out of water. They looked at each other and then at me, Loki shook it off first.
“You little Minx!” He grinned proudly at me.
“Ain’t that the truth!” I winked back. “F.R.I.D.A.Y. would you let the rest of the team know soup’s on.”
“Get ready for a stampede.” The A.I. replied.
“If you would all follow me to the main dining area,” I gestured toward the door. “Boys, help me carry everything out please.”
Thor and Loki practically fell all over each other trying to help me get everything out at once. Everyone sat at the table and watched me. I smiled my sweetest smile and tried to reassure everyone.
“I do not usually do this,” I explained. “I put a curse of sorts on the All-father.” Nervous looks circled the table but Odin received glares from the entire team. “I am not royalty nor am I anyone important. But I am just as worthy of being treated with decency and respect. When he learns his lesson, it will go away. Please dig in. I made it special for all of you. I’m not hungry, I will begin my routine in the gym.”
I left the room and hurried to the elevator. When the doors shut, my facade broke. I slid to the floor, shaking uncontrollably. I had just cursed the King of Asgard! Damn me and my temper! I began to cry quietly knowing that if they heard my cries, it would cause them sorrow as well. I couldn’t do that to my new friends, if they even wanted to be friends with me after today. When the elevator stopped, I picked myself up and walked into the gym. I closed my eyes, trying desperately to compose myself. I felt two arms encircle me and pull me toward a firm chest, a kiss placed upon my head.
“That was hard for you, wasn’t it Minx.” Loki whispered.
I nodded. “I’ve never done that before. He was just so mean and spiteful. I knew he had to have been the one that instigated those horrid stories that people told you. I just snapped when he started ordering me around.”
“I understand.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “I have never been so proud of someone! I am very impressed. I do have one question.”
“What?”
“Will that seriously only go away if he behaves himself and does learn to treat others better?”
“Actually,” I laughed. “It’s more of a permanent thing.”
Loki began to chuckle. “Please tell me. I need a good laugh.”
“It will mostly fade away,” I explained. “But there will always be a slight compulsion to be honest and treat others better.”
“You, my little Minx, you are-”
“Beautiful, a genius, immensely talented-” I suggested.
“Dangerous.”
“Yeah, I know.” I said softly.
“In our line of work,” he lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. “It is necessary. Heroes must be as dangerous as those they battle, so that we may protect those without power.”
“I have never heard truer words from your mouth brother.” Thor said.
“Excuse me,” I looked at Thor. “We were having a moment.”
“She jokes Thor,” Loki smiled.
“Spoilsport.” I muttered. “I need to start loosening up and stretching.” Loki gave me a final squeeze and kissed my forehead before he released me.

Loki’s P.O.V.

“Brother,” Thor grabbed my arm. “Are you well?”
“I’m fine Thor,” I smiled at him. “Why do you ask?”
“You are smiling, laughing,” he joked. “One might think you were, dare I use the word happy.”
“Off with you,” I laughed and gave him a gentle shove. “She lied to you earlier.”
“About father?” Thor asked.
“That too,” I replied truthfully.
“You mean when she said that she had a nightmare?” I nodded and watched him closely. “Yeah, I didn’t have the heart to call her on it.”
“Then you did know?” I asked surprised.
“I have lived with the God of Mischief and Lies for hundreds of years,” he said exasperatedly. “I have learned to look for a person’s tell when they lie.”
“I’m impressed.”
“You did not lie about the water,” Thor accused.
“No, I did not.”
“It was her, wasn’t it?” He smiled.
“Yes, she had come seeking my aid with a prank on Barnes.” I explained. “She left and not ten minutes later she was back. Laughing like a woman crazed. We heard you stomping and she suddenly grabbed me and started kissing me! After you left I asked what it was all about. She said she couldn’t help it. It was apparently too good of an opportunity.”
“Minx,” Thor grinned at her. “How did you end up in her arms?”
“I had a night terror, as she called it. She pulled me into her arms and used her magic to calm my fears. She went without sleep so that she could guard mine.”
“Loki,” Thor said, worried.
“I know Thor,” I replied quietly. “It will be fine.”
“I’ll leave you to it then.” He clasped my forearm. “I must see father and mother off.”
I nodded absentmindedly. I watched her for a long time after he left, she had such grace. I felt a presence beside me and smiled knowingly.
“Sergeant,” I greeted.
“Look, I don’t know you and you don’t know me.”
“Agreed, do you have a point?”
“You can’t be all that bad,” he remarked. I turned to him, curious. “For someone like her to defend you so forcefully, there must be something that we don’t know. See you around.”
I nodded at him and turned to continue watching my little Minx. She stopped what she was doing suddenly and walked towards me. I arched my eyebrow when she drew close.
“I need some different equipment,” she explained. “If you want to continue being creepy, come along.”
I chuckled and followed her to another room, smaller than the first. There were many different types of equipment in this room. She headed straight for what looked like something a dancer would use.
“What are you doing?” I called to her.
“It’s called gymnastics,” she answered. “I used to do it all the time when I was a teenager. It helps with flexibility, endurance and strength.” 

“Fascinating,” I whispered. I might just offer to train her as the Vanir trained their people. Their way of fighting was very graceful, almost fluid. It would suit her style. I found myself staring at her curves, the sweep of her neck, and the way her hair caressed her face. I shook myself and ported to my room, I needed a cold shower.