Archive of Our Own

The first time Peter saw him was during a patrol.

He swung through the streets like he always does searching for crime. He then spotted an elderly lady in an alleyway being manhandled by a hooded figure.

Peter knew immediately what this was. A mugging these ones tend to be a piece of cake.

"LET ME GO!" She screamed.

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Her attacker screamed back as he tried to reach for her bag.

Peter swings from behind and kicks the attacker in the back. The force sent the man flying forwards. Peter quickly caught the elderly woman before she fell over.

"You okay?" He asked her.

She nods her body shaking.

Peter suddenly turns round and webs shoot out of his hands. The webs pin the attacker against the wall.

"Fuck!" The man hissed. He pulls but his arms wouldn't budge the webs held him in place. "Fuck!" He again cursed.

"You know its not nice to swear in front of people you don't know." Peter shook his head.

The man glares at him.

"Fuck you Spider-Man!"

"I would rather not thank you." Peter waves his hand. "Police we'll be here to handle you shortly." The man began spitting out more curses but Peter turns his back to him and places his hand on the woman's shoulder. "You are safe now." He assured her. "The police we'll take it from here."

She responds with a grateful smile.

"Thank you Spider-Man."

"No need to thank me." He smiled back through his mask.

Looking over her shoulder Peter saw a figure standing by the trash. The shadows obscured their face but Peter can see the outline of their body they were tall and lean and was that horns? Peter narrowed his eyes eager to investigate but the sirens startle him and when Peter turns back round again the figure is gone.

It wasn't long before Peter saw him again. Peter stood outside the place where MJ worked. He always walked past everyday so he can catch a glimpse of her. Part of him was always tempted to go in but he couldn't risk it. He couldn't risk forming any sort of relationship with her. Everyone had their memories removed for a reason one to save the multiverse, two keep his identity safe and three so he can keep them safe from him.

He is a danger to them and he always will be. Nothing will change that. Peter wasn't going to be selfish and keep them around just so he can be happy no sometimes you have to let go of the ones you love whether you like it or not.

MJ laughs, her eyes lit up along with her smile. MJ is happy and that's all that mattered to Peter. At least she won't be exposed to anymore suffering and pain.

Death followed Peter and he didn't want her, Ned, Happy any of his loved ones to become the next victim. His mind goes to May sweet Aunt May. Her death is still raw to him.

Peter blinked back the tears that threatened to form he couldn't break down not in a public street.

Suddenly Peter straightened up high and on alert. His gut told him he is being watched. Peter sweeps the area with his eyes.

That's when he saw him again.

Across the street staring at him.

"Hey!" Peter started walking across the road. His eyes remained locked on to his target. Horn Guy (Peter couldn't think of a better name at the moment) quickly backed away his eyes widen with surprise before Peter could get to him Horn Guy vanishes.

Peter cursed under his breath.

"Damm it."

Peter lies in bed and stares at the ceiling. He decided he will get some shut eye before the patrol tonight. His life is Spider-Man now Peter Parker didn't exist anymore. He didn't go to school anymore, he is living in an abandoned building because home reminded him too much of May and Ben, he had no money, no food he had to rely on a good citizen to give him food when he is Spider-Man.

There was time when Peter wanted to drop out of education and put his whole life into being Spider-Man but Tony and May insisted he stays on they didn't want his potential to be wasted.

"You have a lot to give kid. " Tony's voice echoed in his mind. "Don't let anyone hold you back. "

Peter couldn't help but huff an laugh at those words. Back then Peter had a choice but now Spider-Man is the only life he can live now if there is anyone who is holding Peter back it is himself after all he is the one who screwed up big time.

I'm sorry Mr Stark.

Peter sighs and turns on his side.

He found himself facing a pair of slippers.

Peter jumps back in shock. He gets to his feet and gets into a defensive position. His eyes then widen with surprise.

It's the Horn Guy again.

"Who are you?" Peter asked his fists clenched.

Horn Guy's hand slowly moves to his chest.

"You can see me?"

"Yes!"

What kind of question was that?

Horn Guy looks down at himself.

"Interesting."

"I asked you a question. Who are you?"

Horn Guy steps forward. He quickly raises his hand.

"I'm not here to hurt you."

Peter shoots a web. The web goes through the Horn Guy. Peter gulps as he sees his web splattered on the wall.

What the?

"Your weapons are useless against me. " Horn Guy says.

Yeah no shit.

Peter narrowed his eyes. Is this a hologram? Is this is a hallucination? Oh God he is not losing his mind is he?

Wait!

Peter leans forward and studies the man's face. Peter knows him he has seen that face before and the horns Peter knows those horns.

"New York." Peter thought out loud. Horn Guy flinched at the mention of that. Peter's eyes blow wide with realization. "You're...You're Thor's brother."

A sigh then "Yes."

"But." Peter shakes his head with confusion. "That's impossible you are...you are..."

Oh shit he really is losing his mind.

"Its complicated." Loki again sighed.

"How do I know this is real?" Peter runs a hand through his hair deep in thought. "Maybe I am hallucinating?"

But why Loki? Why him?

Peter did miss his friends but surely his mind wouldn't come up with Loki. Is Peter really that desperate?

It made no sense.

"Listen."

"Why?" Peter asked panic rising in his voice. "Why are you here?"

Loki looks at the ground.

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

"I keep coming here." The God shrugged. "I was practicing my astral projection see if they were ways I could travel while I'm..." He clears his throat. "Anyway I umm I keep ending up here." He frowns. "No one can see me except you. "

Now Peter is more confused.

"I'm drawn to this place." Loki gazes out of the window.

Peter noticed the God flexing his arm and clenching his fist. A grimace passed across Loki's face.

"What's so special about here?" Peter prayed Loki wasn't thinking of another invasion.

"I have a theory. " Loki folds his arms. "There's been a lot of activity here recently...Right Peter?"

Peter froze as Loki slowly turns towards him. He gives the young man a knowing look. Peter played dumb.

"Umm..."

"You and the Doctor."

How does he know about that?

Peter laughs nervously.

"Oh that um..."

This has to my mind playing tricks on me.

No way Loki would know about Peter's recent adventures right?

Unless he is mind reading?

Can Gods read minds?

Peter swallowed.

"Peter you don't have to be scared. I already said I'm not going to hurt you."

It suddenly occurred to Peter that Loki has said his name twice now it felt so weird hearing somebody else say his name after all this time. The next question formed in Peter's mind.

How does Loki remember him and more importantly how does Loki know who he is Peter has never met him before? Is Loki not affected by the spell? Can be Gods be affected?

Is any of this real?

Peter didn't know what to believe anymore.

Loki is back to flexing his hands again and muttering several words Peter couldn't understand.

"The multiverse." Loki spreads his arms out. "You and the Doc caused a lot of carnage."

"We fixed it."

"You did." He nods. "But you made the timelines more fragile than before."

"Wh...What?"

"The spell."

"You know about that too?"

"I know everything Peter. I know what you sacrificed in order to save everyone. I saw it all...I felt it all." His face twitched another grimace passed across his lips.

"So you are definitely a figment of my imagination?"

"What no. "

"It makes sense like I said you shouldn't be here and no offense but you wouldn't know everything like yeah sure you are a God but you are not THE God you are not up there watching us all. I'm not religious or anything but I'm sure there is no one that powerful who can spy on every single one of us especially me why would anyone wanna watch me my life is not interesting not even the slightest."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you but I am here and this is all very much real."

Peter gives him a wary look.

"What makes you think I can trust you?"

"Never asked you too I'm just saying you are not crazy."

"So if you are here..." Peter frowns. "But not here...where are you? For real?"

"That I can't say."

"Because you don't wanna reveal your hiding place?"

"I can't tell you." Loki said. Peter was honestly getting tired of the evasive answers.

"Why are you here?" Peter asked again with frustration in his voice.

Loki pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You ask a lot of questions. "

"Can you not blame me?" Peter folds his arms and glares at him. "You did invade New York with aliens you can't blame me for not being suspicious."

Loki shakes his head.

"I'm not that person anymore."

Peter laughs.

"You expect me to believe that?"

" I understand I really do. " Loki slowly nods. "I watched it back a few times and it's not my finest moment."

Watched it back? What?

Loki had his hands on his hips now.

"It's a lot to take in I know but it will make sense...eventually." He looks up at the ceiling. "I got to go."

That made Peter close his mouth.

"I can't stay for long I...I need to go back."

"Wait wait wait!" Peter throws his arms up. "WAIT STOP!"

He is gone again.

Peter sighs heavily

Great.

"Peter!"

"Jesus Christ!"

The bowl of cereal Peter has just poured spills all over the table.

"Crap!" Peter grabs several tissues and begins wiping the table. He then throws a glare over his shoulder. "That was my breakfast."

Loki gives him an apologetic look. Peter eventually gives up and drops the soaking wet tissues.

"I'm screwed."

"Because you used the last of your money?"

Peter gives him a wide eyed look. Loki shrugs.

"Mr Freeling gave you money because you helped him get his cat down from the tree."

"I didn't ask for it he just gave it to me."

"I know."

Peter frowns.

"How do you know that?"

"I already told you, I know everything. "

He didn't answer that in a smug way instead he sounded tired and his shoulders slump almost like this immense knowledge is weighing him down.

Peter stands up and wipes the remaining bits of cereal off him.

"Can you at least knock next time? "

"While I'm like this no. "

"You obviously can't come because you are hiding somewhere and you won't tell me where. Does Thor know you are here?"

"No and it's going to stay that way."

"Why because you are scared he is going to find you..." Peter grinned. "And beat your ass."

Loki huffed a laugh at that.

"I wouldn't be so sure on that things have changed. "

He laughed again this time it came out hollow and empty. Peter wasn't sure what to think of that.

"What do you mean changed? Has...Has something happened? "

"Definitely the spell."

The change of subject threw Peter off guard.

"Huh?"

Loki is at the window again.

"The spell." He repeated. "May have restored the timelines but your connection to the mulitverse remains."

"Connection?"

"Strange performed a spell a spell so big it shook the branches." There it is again Loki flexing his hands. Peter could have sworn it looked like he is tugging at something. "It made the world forget about you." Loki continued. "But not me as I am not part of this timeline. "

Peter's face screws up with confusion. Loki looks down at the road where it is packed with people.

"So many stories." The God whispered.

Peter joins him and looks down. He didn't understand what the God was looking at here.

Loki did another tugging gesture before turning round to face Peter.

"There's a reason to this Peter."

"Listen I don't know anything you have to ask the Doc he is the one who did the spell..." Peter then sighs. "He may not remember doing the spell because everyone..."

Peter claws at his hair with frustration. Loki stared at him as Peter paced up and down the room.

"Your connection to the multiverse means you are now connected to me. " Loki then said with a firm nod.

Peter paused.

"Connected to you?"

Loki forced a smile.

"Looks like it."

Peter looks down in panic.

"Oh this is bad."

"Maybe...maybe not I can't...This is all new to me. I'll have to ask around." Loki furrowed his eyebrows. "Maybe I can send some sort of a signal to the TVA."

Peter this time gave him a tired look he wasn't even shocked anymore he was just tired and hungry so freaking hungry.

"You should eat." Loki pointed out when Peter stomach rumbled.

"I would have if you didn't suddenly appear like a ghost!" Peter was then struck by a horrifying thought. "Are you a ghost? Are you here to haunt me?"

"I can assure you I'm not a ghost."

"Then what are you? Why are you so obsessed with me and the multiverse? Wait you said you are not from this timeline? Are you another version of this world's Loki? "

"No." Loki looked annoyed now. "Believe me...Spider. " Peter flinched. Loki gestures to the window. "There are places I would rather be then here."

Peter shouldn't let that bother him but for some reason it did. Loki noticed his reaction but didn't comment on it.

"I have to know what is going on." Loki walks towards him. Loki's arms are crossed but Peter can see his hands are shaking. "Lives are at stake here. I need to know if this will benefit me or expose me."

"Benefit you?" Peter steps back and gives him a 'Seriously look.' "Who said I was helping you?"

"I know you don't trust me but right now you are going to have to. Look let me see if I can find some answers then I'll get back to you. "

"I swear if you go again then..." Peter's voice trails off as he finds himself alone again. He looks around the room and sighs heavily.

He is never going to get used to this.

Loki was waiting for him next to the bank. Peter carried on walking refusing to acknowledge him.

"Hello to you too." The God said sarcastically as he joined Peter's side.

"This is so messed up." Peter muttered to himself.

"Welcome to my world."

Peter paused when Loki went in front of him. Peter tried to look everywhere but him but those horns were so big Peter couldn't take his eyes off him.

"Do your horns have to be that big?"

Loki touches one of the horns.

"It all happened so fast. My magic chose this not me. "

"Right." Peter started walking again. "So did you find anything?" Peter asked moments later. "About our umm connection." He couldn't help but cringe when he said it.

"I managed to send a direct message to the TVA. O.B is looking into it."

Who the Hell is  O.B?

"You want answers. " Loki said noticing Peter's puzzled face.

"Yes please."

Peter gives him the puppy dog eyes.

Loki's lips quirk at that.

"You think doing that I will then give you answers."

"Hopefully."

Loki looked amused now as he faced him.

"When it's safe then I will."

Of course.

"They might listen in." Loki said sounding nervous.

"Who might listen in? "

Loki turns away. Peter groans loudly.

He is seriously getting tired of this.

They arrived at MJ's workplace. Peter pressed his face against the window.

MJ is cleaning the counter. She smiles brightly and greets her colleagues. Peter wanted to imagine that smile was for him.

Pathetic really.

"I've been where you are." Loki said.

Peter furrowed his eyebrows.

Loki clasps his hands behind his back. He rocks back on his heels as he watched MJ severing the customers.

"Letting the person you care about go so they can live their life..." Loki swallows. "So they will be safe. "

Peter raises his eyebrow at that. Loki had a faraway look in his eyes and his lips are press tight together.

The God started clenching his fists again.

"I know it's not my business. " Peter said slowly. "But you...you actually have someone you care about?"

"You find that hard to believe?"

Peter said nothing.

Loki looks down and sadly chuckles.

"Her name is Sylvie." Loki suddenly said. His voice cracked with emotion. Emotion that surprised Peter.

"I'm...I'm sorry." Peter replied. Unsure on what else to say.

Loki reaches out to Peter but then drops his hand. He sighs heavily and flicks the hair out of his face.

"What's done is done." Loki turns away again with gritted teeth.

Loki disappeared while Peter continued to stare at his former love.

"Hey."

Peter greeted the God while tinkering with his latest project. Loki smiled a genuine smile.

"Spider." Loki looks down and points at something Peter is working on. "Maybe put that there and screw this part in there."

Loki kneels down and starts instructing Peter where to go while gesturing to the blueprint. Peter puts down his project and looks at the God with awe.

"You know about this stuff?"

"Learnt it from the best."

"They teach you mechanics in Asgard."

"No. O.B taught me. Taught me everything mechanics, physics, engineering." He clenched his jaw. "Took me centuries."

"Centuries?" Peter sputtered in shock.

"I had to learn more than what the teachers taught you at school." He laughs that empty hollow laugh again. "It wasn't fun found it quite boring actually but when lives are at stake you just have to suck it up." He gives Peter a tight smile. "Now I know everything."

"Yeah you already told me...lots of times."

Peter grabs a book and flips it open.

"Another one of yours?" Loki asked.

"I still like to upgrade my web shooters." Peter taps the pages. "Add more gadgets."

"How do you do this with no money?"

"I have my ways."

Not telling him I look in the trash.

"Anyway I can be of assistance?"

"You?"

Loki raises an eyebrow.

"That a problem?"

"No." Peter answered too quickly. He then clears his throat. "I mean um...I'm fine I work better alone."

A look of understanding passed across the God's face.

"I'm not trying to replace him...Tony Stark."

"You don't know anything about me."

Peter realized that was a stupid thing to say Loki knows everything about him. The thought of that made Peter uncomfortable.

Peter also didn't realize he had his book pressed tightly against his chest suddenly becoming defensive.

"Okay." Loki rose back to his feet. "Well um there's no update from O.B so I will just..." He jabs a thumb towards the door. "Leave you to it."

The fixed smile is back on the God's face but Peter can see the hurt in his eyes.

Peter sighs heavily.

"Wait." Loki looks at him. Peter puts his book back down on the floor. "This one been driving me crazy maybe a fresh pair of eyes will help?"

Peter points at the design. Loki bends forward and narrows his eyes as he studies the page.

"Ah."

"You know what to do?"

The God responded with a nod.

"That's great I'll go and fetch it." Peter quickly gets to his feet. "Been stuck in the cupboard for ages." He laughed a little.

For the rest of the afternoon Loki and Peter worked on Peter's project. Loki pointed several things out and suggested ideas Peter writes them down and nods in a exciting manner.

"That's an awesome idea how did I not think of this before?" Peter grinned. "Thanks."

Loki beamed.

"You are welcome."

His smile soon turned into a groan. Loki flexes his hands.

"Hey um why do you that?"

"Do what?" Loki frowned.

"You keep doing that with your umm hands are you pain? Can you get pain through astral projection?" Peter became worried. "Is it because of me does doing this cause you pain?"

"No." Loki stares at his hands. "It's nothing."

"PETER!"

Peter looks down and spots the God waving at him from the roof.

Yes Thor's brother is actually waving him!

Peter swings and lands perfectly on top of the roof.

"Not bad you could have been an gymnast in another lifetime." Loki smirked.

Peter rolls his eyes and pulls his mask down when he knew the coast was clear.

"Hey Loki."

"Peter." Loki raises his hands. "I received an update."

Peter straightened up at that.

"So does that mean you can tell me?"

Loki nods.

"It's going to be a lot to take in."

The glum expression on the God's face made Peter sigh heavily.

"I'm not going to like it." Loki forced a smile. Peter runs a hand through his hair. "I got some left over chocolate back at mine I would share it with you but you are not here."

"Been a while since I ate." Loki thought out loud as Peter puts his mask back on.

"You don't eat?"

Loki looks down at himself.

"I can't eat."

"Right?" Peter grits his teeth.

Yeah he is definitely not going to like this news.

Loki told him everything. From the moment Loki was taken by the TVA up to him sacrificing his freedom in order to save the timelines. Peter listened with his mouth hung open. He couldn't believe what he is hearing. There is a chance Loki could be lying, messing with him but the way Loki spoke the fear in his voice, his arms gesturing wildly Peter had a gut feeling the God is telling the truth.

Now Peter thought about it that explained the God's recent behavior the hands, the blank stare when he spots someone, the muttering under his breath there was one time Loki pointed out a woman and told him she is having twins a boy and a girl he even knew what their names were going to be. Peter didn't take any notice then he thought it was a God thing maybe they can see into the future.

Well Peter wasn't that far off. Loki can see into the future he can see the whole timeline, all the timelines he is currently holding them together as they speak.

It is freaking crazy.

"That's the story of my life." Loki shakes his head. "Well my new life my former life I uh..." He does a kill gesture with his neck. "Cut short."

"Dude." Peter stands up. His chocolate discarded to the side. He looks at the God with wide eyes. "This is insane! You...You are holding the branches my life all of our lives are in your HANDS?"

Peter looks up almost like he expected to see the God himself to look down at him from the sky.

The mention of the hands caused Loki to wince. He rubs his hands. Peter looked concerned but Loki waved it off.

"I'm fine."

"You are obviously not fine."

"It's not that bad I can assure you." Loki wiggles his fingers. "As long as I don't let go we're good."

"That's very reassuring."

"Its why his variants need to be stopped." Loki turned serious. "The TVA are doing their best but there's too many of them and they are getting stronger in time they will overthrow me."

"You are probably the most powerful being in the universe now. You could stop them."

"My job is to keep the branches alive. I can't do that and fight them at the same time. Its why we need the Avengers to stop Kang's variants and protect the timelines."

"Protecting you basically?"

"If you put it that way yes."

Peter laughs causing Loki to frown.

"What's so funny?"

"The Avengers first came together to stop you now they have to protect you? Oh the irony."

"Well there's no Avengers without a Loki." The God winked.

"But...most of the Avengers are gone."

"Oh Spider." Loki smiles. "You are forgetting one simple thing."

"What's that?"

Loki's smile widens.

"The multiverse."

Now that the news was out Peter thought Loki would be off recruiting the Avengers but turns out Loki decided to stay with him.

"I need to prepare you."

"Prepare me for what?"

"The war."

"Oh that!" Peter grins. "I'll be fine."

Peter tried to appear confident but Loki wasn't buying it. Loki steps forward. He goes to put his hands on Peter's shoulders but he then remembered he can't and decided to fold his arms instead.

"You want to fight like an Asgardian warrior?"

That got Peter's attention.

"Asgard?"

"I can bring you to the next level Spider."

Peter wasn't sure why Loki suddenly looked excited. Peter clears his throat and frowns.

"What about the others?"

"Oh they will be fine the TVA is taking care of them and um..." He hesitated. "Sylvie is back."

"Sylvie...The one you..."

"She wants the variants gone. O.B told me she's onboard."

"Have you seen her?"

"No."

"Why?"

"There's no time."

"You are wasting your time with me you could go and see her."

"I can't."

"Can't or you won't."

Loki looks down.

"She's moved on." He looks up at Peter. "It's better this way."

Now Peter wondered if maybe he is a distraction. Loki is focusing on him so he didn't have to face her. Loki did tell him the other day his astral projection abilities have improved so that meant he could see Sylvie.

When Loki told Peter his story every time he mentioned Sylvie a fond expression appeared on his face. His face then twisted with pain when Loki made the decsion to sacrifice himself so she could live her life to the fullest.

Loki did it out of love.

It is still crazy knowing Loki does have an heart and is capable of human emotions.

Peter might not be an expert when it regards that department but if that ain't love Peter doesn't know what is. Peter can relate he sacrificed his identity, his life so his friends can live theirs.

So the love of his life can live hers.

Picturing MJ's smiley face made Peter tear up.

That's where the similarities ended.

The difference is that Peter's friends don't remember him while Loki's do. Peter would do anything to get his friends back and it angered him that Loki is wasting this chance.

"Maybe she would like to see you." Peter said softly.

Loki paused. His jaw is clenched.

"You don't know if you don't look right?" Peter continued with a nod.

"What difference would it make? My life is tied to the branches and unless some miracle is to suddenly happen the circumstances will not change. I am not pulling her down with me." He shakes his head. "She's been through enough."

Loki went to his familiar spot by the window. Peter decided to drop the subject for now. He goes and joins Loki by the window. Peter calls this moment story time Loki would always point out a random person and begin telling him their story. Peter actually joked once calling Loki the God of Stories. Loki brightened at the name and decided to stick with it.

"I cherish all their stories." Loki's words echoed in Peter's head.

"So..." Peter points at the young kid with a stake board. "What's their story?"

Loki drums his fingers on the sill.

"Very mundane. Name is Carlos. Father a painter, mother a hairdresser has three sisters he is the baby of the family. They nickame him shortie because of his height."

Peter listened with interest. He loved hearing about people's lives how normal they were. Peter's days of being the friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man feel like such a long time ago now. Part of Peter missed that old simple life.

He missed May and Ben.

Damm it Peter can feel the tears forming again.

"Peter?"

"I'm fine."

Peter wipes the tears away. Loki stared at him. Peter turns and leans on the wall. He runs a hand down his face. It is silent for a while. Then Peter broke the silence.

"Does it get better?" Peter asked his voice small.

"You mean the loss?"

Peter nods shakily.

Loki looks back out of the window.

"I lost fellow comrades in the wars." He licks his lips. "I lost my mother." That surprised Peter. "The TVA showed me her death and..." Loki swallowed. "Mother deserved better." He closes his eyes. Guilt showed on his face."I failed her."

"Can't you change it? You can control time right? Can't you go back and..." Peter suddenly had a thought. He stands up straight and hope grows in his chest. "Can you...Can you go back and undo what I done? Stop my identity from being exposed, go back to how things used to be."

The hope deflates when Loki responded with a slow shake of his head.

"What's done is done Peter."

"But you stopped the loom from exploding?"

"That was outside of time. If I change something in the timeline another branch will form."

"What's wrong with that?"

Loki gives him a 'Seriously look?"

"That's another timeline I will have to hold. Another variant of his could form. I understand your frustration Peter but I can't risk it."

Peter wanted to punch the wall. He wanted to scream the whole place down.

Peter pulls hard at his hair. His hands shaking with rage.

"So that's it? May is gone, my friends will never remember me, I have to continue living out of the damn trashcan! The only person who does remember me once put NEW YORK IN HOSTAGE AND DESTROYED MANY LIVES!" Loki flinched at the reminder. Peter wasn't finished yet. He points angrily at the God. "You can see them, your friends..."

"I told you before I..."

"You are playing God somewhere I know."

"I am a God."

"But you choose to be alone. Me...I didn't have a choice."

"If I didn't do what I did you wouldn't be standing here right now."

"I don't mean that." Peter shakes his head. "I meant you choose to not see them."

"It's for the best."

"You are choosing for them. Me I don't have a choice. My only choice is to back off because they don't remember me and my life is too dangerous for them to be a part of it. I'm stuck whether I like it or not."

"You are a child." Loki said his voice showing a hint of anger. His eyes darken. "You don't know nothing."

"I might not be like you." Peter agreed. "But I do know a coward when I see one."

Now Loki looked enraged.

"How dare you?"

"You can't confront Sylive about your feelings so you choose to hide in a tree instead it was a tree you created right?."

"Peter" Loki said with a stern tone.

"You...You don't care about me no...you care about Spider-Man its always Spider-Man." Peter barked out a laugh. "You want Spider-Man to help you that's the only reason you are here."

The anger fades from the God's face. His eyes expressed hurt.

"Peter." He shakes his head. "That's not true. "

Peter looks at him. Stunned.

Seconds later Loki is gone.

Peter sighs.

The God of Stories had such bad timing.

Peter spent the rest of the day in bed crying. He is face down in the pillow and didn't move when he heard footsteps approaching his bed.

Loki stood by his side and looked down at him. Peter still didn't look up.

"It's not fair." Peter muffled into the pillow. He raises his head. His eyes are red and puffy from crying. "I don't want to be alone." Peter's lip shook and fresh tears start pouring down his face. "I miss them so much."

Loki stood awkwardly as the young man continued to cry. After a while The God of Stories spoke up.

"I'm here."

Peter went silent. Loki clenched his hands and exhaled heavily.

"I'm probably the last person you want to see but...I just want you to know I'm not going anywhere."

Peter scoffs.

"Because of the mission."

"I'm here for you Peter not Spider-Man. I know its not much I wish I can do more for you but..." He spreads his arms out. "I just want you to remember that you are not alone in this...not anymore."

Peter looks up at him. Loki gives him a small smile and warmth showed in his eyes. Peter stands up and faces the God. It may have not been enough but to Peter it is enough and he is grateful for the support.

"Thanks." Peter replied with a shaky smile. "I would shake your hand but..."

"Just another day on the job." Loki tried to humor the suitation.

"You wanna join me on a patrol?"

Loki nods and smiles.

"Sure."

"Alright let me suit up then we'll get going."

Another nod then "Okay."

Loki went outside to wait for him. Peter grabs his rucksack and digs out his suit.

Loki is alone and maybe...maybe he wanted a friend as well. Sure he has done some unforgivable things in the past but Peter believed in second chances. He and his alternative selves helped their villains out, gave them another chance of life. Shouldn't Loki be given a chance as well?

Peter puts on his suit and joins the God of Stories outside.

"You ready?" Loki asked.

Peter looks at him and smiles.

Maybe they could help each other out.

Peter and Loki spent the rest of their time training. Peter couldn 't do sparring with him but still managed to learn a lot from him.

"You are improving." Loki nods his approval. "Well done."

Peter drops the sword and sits down.

"I still don't know why I need a sword."

"You need to be an expert in every weapon Peter. Your webs will not always help you."

"They always helped me in the past."

Loki looks at him.

"One day they won't. Now again."

Peter sighs and stands.

"Alright. "

But Peter didn't mind he secretly thought fighting with a sword is quite cool.

Peter heard footsteps coming from down the hall. He rolls off his the mattress and stands up.

"I'm up." Peter yelled as he went into the other room.

He suddenly froze when his eyes went on the new arrival.

That's not Loki.

The new arrival a woman looks at him and raises an eyebrow.

"You must be Spider-Boy?"

"It's actually Spider-Man." Peter said cautiously. "Who are you?"

She smiles.

"You can call me Sylvie."

"Sylvie?" Peter's eyes widen. "He finally reached out to you?"

"Yeah said I needed to come and get you it is not safe for you anymore."

"W...What?"

Peter didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Of course Loki used him as a excuse to finally reach out to Sylvie.

Also not safe? Where the Hell is he going to go?

"I'll explain later." Sylvie said. "Come on we got to go now."

Before Peter could respond Sylvie takes his hand and pulls him through the time door.

"This is the 80's." Peter shakes his head with disbelief. "We are in the 80's!"

"Welcome to my humble home." Sylvie beamed at him.

"Oh my God." Peter picks up the newspaper and studies it. "I'm having a Back to the Future moment here."

"I brought you some food Loki said you would be hungry."

"Ah man you have no idea."

Peter's mouth started drooling as Sylvie puts the McDonald's meal on the table. Peter eagerly sits down and picks up the burger. He bites into it and moans with delight.

"Hmm."

"Good?"

"Heaven."

Peter pops a fry into his mouth.

"Thank you." Peter swallowed and smiled "You didn't have to do this."

"It's no problem I work at McDonald's anyway."

"You...You do?"

"Got to earn a living Spider-Boy."

Peter was about to correct her again but then decided against it. He had a feeling this is going to be his nickname now.

Sylvie sits opposite him and begins eating her own meal.

"So how's everything going?" Peter asked.

"We're getting there. The TVA is setting them up now."

Peter frowns.

"Shouldn't I be with them?"

"Me and Loki decided you will stay with me."

"Oh no." Peter shakes his head. "I wouldn't want to impose."

"You are not imposing."

"I don't want be treated any differently compared to the others."

"Peter." Sylvie leans across the table. "Loki cares about you and he wants what's best for you. After everything Loki has done for us I want to return the favor. I...owe him that."

She looks down for several moments and takes a deep breath.

"Loki is always talking about you." Peter said.

Sylvie laughs.

"He's obsessed with me."

"He cares about you." Peter nods. "Cares about you a lot."

A blush crept on her cheeks. She looks at her food. Then she clears her throat.

"I um..." She stands up and picks up the dirty plates. "Your training will resume tomorrow."

"Will you be there?"

"I'll be the one training you."

"Really?" She nods. Peter grins with excitement.

"I can't wait."

She huffs a small laugh.

"Get some rest kid."

As Sylvie leaves the room Peter notices the small smile spreading across her lips.

Sylvie is awesome. Peter loved her. She is fun and a badass.

Peter enjoyed his training sessions with her. At least this time he can fight someone. Peter couldn't help but be amazed by her fighting style she is elegant, fluid she glides across the room.

After training Sylvie takes Peter to the bar. She introduces him to her friends then she takes him to the record store where she let him pick a record of his choice.

Later that evening he and Sylvie danced to the music. He even showed off his dance moves from the ceiling.

"If there is footprints up there you can clean it." She scowls at him but the amusement shines in her eyes.

While Peter enjoyed her company part of him did miss the God of Stories. Peter hasn't seen Loki since he arrived here with Sylvie.

Peter did ask Sylvie if Loki was okay. She responded with a smile and assured him he was fine.

"He's probably busy." She waved it off.

Peter can tell it bothered her. One time he found her sat on the couch with a blanket wrapped round her. She snickered to herself and said "Tablecloth" She then looked at the ceiling and the tears formed in her eyes.

Peter found himself feeling sorry for her. It must be tough for her to know what Loki did. The sacrifice he made for her so she can finally be free. It is probably a blessing in disguise that MJ doesn't remember Peter. At least MJ is free from the suffering while Sylvie has to carry that burden with her for the rest of her life.

Peter sat down with her and rested his hand on her shoulder. He didn't say anything instead he sat quietly. That was enough to show he is there for her and she wasn't alone in this. Like Loki Sylvie is now his friend as well. Peter will always be there to help his friends.

Sylvie looks back at him with a small grateful smile.

"You are a good kid Peter. I can see why he likes you."

"I never thought I would be friends with one Loki let alone two." Peter huffed a laugh. "It's still weird knowing you two are the same."

She laughs back.

"Yet." Peter shakes his head. "You are both so different."

"It's the blonde hair right?" She joked.

Peter again laughs louder this time.

Sylvie lifts the blanket and places it over his shoulders. Peter smiles.

"Thanks."

They huddled together and relaxed.

"It reminds me of him." She whispered.

Peter lies his head on Sylvie's shoulder. For a moment he imagined himself snuggling up with Aunt May on the bed. May would stroke his hair as he struggled to keep his eyes open. She would hum a tune which made Peter fall asleep. She would tuck Peter in and kiss him on the forehead.

"Goodnight sweetheart."

Peter tightened the blanket around him. His face screws up at the memory. Sylvie noticed his sudden distress and she gently places her fingers on his head. Peter is then met with a wave of calmness. It washes over him like the ocean. Peter sighs with content and his eyes start to droop shut.

"Sweet dreams Spider-Boy." Sylvie whispered to him.

It wasn't long before Peter drifted off to sleep.

Peter and Sylvie are busy getting ready for movie night when suddenly Loki appears.

"LOKI!" Peter sprinted across the room towards him. Forgetting about the astral projection Peter goes through the God and lands face first on the ground. "Oww."

Peter sits up. Loki looks down at him with amusement on his face.

"Missed me Spider?" Loki smirked.

Peter groans and stands up. Once he regained his focus he turns and glares at the God.

"Where have you been?"

"Preparing for the war."

"Is that all?"

"Um..." Loki glanced at Sylvie briefly before turning back to Peter. "Yes."

More like avoiding Sylvie. Peter thought.

Peter mentally shakes his head.

When are these two going to talk about their relationship?

"How are you?" Loki asked.

"Uh great."

"You like it here."

"Its awesome."

Loki smiles and nods.

"Good. "

"Loki can I talk to you?" Sylvie said.

"Uh sure." Loki replied suddenly looking uncertain.

"Peter can you get the snacks?"

"Sure Syl."

Loki smirks at his counterpart.

"Syl huh?"

"I call him Spider-Boy."

"Hmm."

Peter walks into the kitchen. He listened in as he gathered up the snacks.

"How are you holding up?" Sylvie asked sounding concerned.

"I'm fine."

"Loki."

"It's fine. I've had worse."

She sighs at that.

"I wish there is something I can do for you."

"What's done is done Sylvie."

"So you plan to spend the rest of your life as a tree?"

"To keep everyone alive then yes."

Another sad sigh escapes Sylvie's lips.

"I made my choice and I'm at peace with it. There's no point dwelling on it we need to think about now the war you know that right?"

"I do."

Loki sighs.

"Right."

It then went awkward.

"How is he?" Loki asked a minute later.

"Good as gold."

"No problems?"

"Nothing."

"Great."

Another awkward silence.

"We're about to watch Star Wars you want to join us?"

"Me?"

"No I was asking Donald what do you think?"

Peter is sure Loki eye rolled at that.

"I don't know." Loki answered.

"Oh come on Loki." Peter enters the room with the bags of popcorn and candy. "It must be boring where you are."

"It is."

"Your powers have got better right? I'm sure one movie won't hurt?"

Loki looks from Sylvie to Peter then back to Sylvie again. After a few moments he sighs.

"It's not like I got anything better to do."

Peter's face brightened at that.

"Great."

Peter flops back on the couch. Sylvie sits next to him.

"If I disappear I apologize." Loki said as he joined Sylvie's side.

He remained standing which Peter assumed was because of the astral projection or maybe because Loki is currently sat down wherever he is.

"Ready boys." Sylvie asked.

"Don't block the T.V with your horns." Peter warned.

Loki raises his hands.

"I won't."

Sylvie then pressed play.

The three of them watched the movie.

Peter pointed scenes out and rambled on about it. Excitement grew on his face as he spoke about his favorite movie series. Sylvie scowls and throws popcorn at him telling him to be quiet but Peter wouldn't listen.

"The child is in his element." Loki scoffed.

"Where's the mute button when you need it." Sylvie teased.

Peter is on his knees now on the carpet wolfing down the candy bars as the movie reached the big battle.

"You are gonna love this part." Peter said grinning wide.

"I'm sure we will." Sylvie smiled.

Out of the corner of Peter's eye he saw Loki's hand lightly brush over Sylvie's. She looks up at him with wide eyes. He drops his hand and lowers his head. Sylvie scoots closer and pretends to grasp his hand.

"Its better than nothing." She said to him.

Loki smiled warmly at her.

"Playing pretend now are we?" He teased.

"Your real hands are tied up."

"Fair point."

They remained like that as the movie started to come to a close. Peter is back on the couch again. He saw the way the God and the Goddess looked at each other.

He and MJ were once like that.

Peter takes a deep breath. Those days were in the past now. Right now he had to think about the upcoming war.

"May the Force be with You." Peter said.

Loki and Sylvie both turned towards him. They both shared the same fond smile.

"May the Force be With You." They said in unison. They then looked at each other and laughed.

Peter laughs back. It had been such a long time since he laughed like this. It felt good.

The credits rolled. Peter looked at the title.

A New Hope.

Peter nods. That's what they need. They need hope. They need to believe they can win this.

Peter lifts his drink and does a salute.

Here's to hope.

The End