Archive of Our Own

Tony held up the drawing, its blue lines tracing strange angles and concentric circles in a wild criss-cross that was almost incomprehensible, small letters scrawled around the edge.

“Isn’t it awesome?”

Bruce adjusted his glasses, squinting. “Uh, maybe. What is it?”

“It’s Morgan’s first invention!” the other man beamed, “She designed a mini rocket car – look, it’s got racing stripes and everything.”

“That’s great.”

Tony shook his head, smiling fondly at the diagram. “I tell ya, the kid’s a genius.”

“Well, yes,” Pepper rolled her eyes, “She’s a Stark.”

He ignored her, hurrying into the kitchen to stick the schematic back on the fridge while the redhead topped up their drinks. Bruce glanced over at the lounge, where Loki sat on the floor with a very excited little brunette who kept rushing off to retrieve things from her room, holding each item up with pride for the goddess to inspect. She was currently cooing over a doll with rainbow-coloured ribbons in its hair like it was the most precious thing she’d ever seen, and he felt a surge of warmth in his stomach.

“It’s a good thing I know you R+D types are all secretly disasters, or I’d develop a complex.”

“But that’s why we need you, Pep,” Tony took his seat, reaching over to squeeze her hand, “Someone around here has to know what they’re doing.”

“How is your research going?” she turned to Bruce.

“There’s, uh, been a bit of a snag,” he admitted, “Loki helped me work through the translation, but we’re having some difficulty field testing any of it in a credible way. Magic is hard to measure – we don’t have the tools.”

Tony shrugged. “Publish it as a literature review.”

“I can’t base a paper on ‘a bunch of books my father-in-law sent over’. The subject matter already sounds ridiculous without disclosing my source is the Asgardian library.”

He tapped a finger against his lips. “If the tools don’t exist, we could build them.”

Bruce screwed up his face. “If we did, we’d have to share the designs with the wider community so they can recreate the experiments, and I’m not sure I wanna open that can of worms.”

“People know about the other realms through, right?” Pepper looked between them, “The Chitauri were on the news, and the Dark Elves. Some of your work wouldn’t be totally new – I bet there are other people already dipping their toes in.”

“There’s a big difference between confirming the existence of aliens most people will never meet, and suggesting anyone with enough time and effort can learn to wield unstoppable power. We could inspire a new wave of supervillains.”

Tony blanched. “Yeah, let’s not. I’m trying to avenge as little as possible.”

“Me too.”

Pepper raised her glass. “To retirement.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

The shadows slowly migrated across the room while they caught up, Bruce feeling pleasantly relaxed from the wine and the company. At some point Morgan disappeared, leaving Loki dozing on the couch under a technicolour blanket with a smiling children’s show character on it.

“No, but you should have seen Steve’s face,” Tony choked out, laughing almost too hard to speak, “He didn’t know whether to take his hat off or sock her in the jaw.”

The scientist curled his lip. “I think we all have a few politicians we wouldn’t mind knocking some sense into.”

“You don’t have to tell me – watching Stern get dragged off in handcuffs was one of the best days of my life. Anyway, the good captain prevailed, and the vet program was saved.”

“That’s more heroic than anything we’ll ever do as a team.”

“Yeah, Cap’s the real deal.”

“Don’t sell yourself short.” Pepper grinned.

Tony snorted. “You making fun of my height, Ms Potts? I might have to lodge a complaint with HR.”

“Maria likes me more than you.”

Bruce smirked. “To be fair, most people do.”

“Ouch,” Tony held up the wine. “Another glass, traitor?”

He glanced at his watch and shook his head. “Nah, we should get going.”

“What’s the rush? Stay for dinner - I’ll make cocktails, we’ll order in, it’ll be great. You can take one of the guest rooms if Loki gets too tipsy to pop you home.”

The doctor smiled. “I’d love to, but we already have plans. Raincheck?”

“Yeah, yeah,” The other man waved a hand, “Have your people call my people.”

Bruce stood, leaning down to kiss Pepper’s cheek. “Thanks for having us.”

“Any time.” She wrinkled her nose.

He wandered over to the couch. Loki was stretched out along the cushions, lips parted, her hair sporting a couple of bright pink bows amongst the strands. Bruce ran the back of his hand along her cheek and she stirred, frowning.

“Time to go, hon.”

“Already? I feel as though I just closed my eyes.” She yawned.

He plucked a rogue bow out of the tangle. “Morgan really wore you out.”

“That child is cursed with the curiosity of a Stark and twice as much energy.”

“Hey!” Tony scowled, “It’s not a curse, Elphaba.”

“From what I hear, your sleep cycle begs to differ.” The goddess sniffed, standing.

Tony arched a brow at Pepper, who didn’t even bother to look guilty. “She’s not wrong.”

“Thanks again for lunch.” Bruce raised a hand, wrapping the other around Loki’s.

“Safe trip.” he waved back.

Bruce felt the familiar tug in his bones as they shifted through space, but the ground under his feet was not the Tower, or their living room. They were in a clearing, the dusk light glowing between pine trees that stretched tall overhead, needles littering the forest floor. A man stood ten feet away, shielded from the crisp air in a thick grey coat. His face was heavily lined, but there was nothing withered or stooped about his frame. He had both hands on the silver head of a walking stick, and a white eyepatch that reminded Bruce uncomfortably of Fury. He didn’t look as menacing as the colonel, though there was certainly strength and command in the set of his brow, the angle of his jaw – he kind of looked like someone’s stern grandpa. The scientist glanced at Loki to gauge how worried he should be; the trickster’s face had gone completely white, lips pressed together.

The stranger gave a thin smile. “Loki.”

She nodded stiffly. “Odin.”

“Oh fuck.” Bruce blurted, immediately wincing.

“Bruce Banner,” the king swept his eye over him as if he hadn’t heard, “Well met.”

“Uh, and you, Your Majesty.”

“A personal visit from the Allfather,” Loki curled her lip, “Did you miss me?”

“I come with a task of great import, and great secrecy. It could not be trusted to any simple messenger.”

Her gaze narrowed. “And what if we desire no part of Asgard’s business?”

Odin glanced at Bruce. “Then you may find my leniency at an end – though in truth, I do not think you will refuse me.”

He reached a hand into his coat and drew out a bundle swaddled in black cloth, resting it gently against his chest. The bundle made a small mew and Loki’s whole body tensed, her grip on Bruce’s hand painfully tight.

“I see you have fallen into old habits, Allfather. Whom did you steal this child from?”

“Not stolen – given to me for safekeeping, and now I ask the same of you.”

“What?” Bruce blinked.

Loki’s expression had turned curious, which never boded well. “What danger could hang over this babe’s head that the might of Asgard cannot keep at bay?”

“She is the daughter of Hel, queen of Niflheim. She could not stay in those barren lands, for nothing can grow in the realm of the dead, and so the goddess called for my aid. But there are those across the Nine that would covet the power in her blood, and I need time to find a suitable guardian. Until then, she must be hidden – the less who know of her existence, the safer she will be. There are few in Midgard with the strength to sense her presence, and even fewer who could prove a true threat.”

“Why not put her in the vault with the rest of your prizes?” the princess sneered, “Surround her with loyal Einjerhar, under Heimdall’s watchful eye.”

“You have proven there are secret ways into the heart of Asgard, for those with enough skill.”

Loki’s jaw clenched, eyes bulging; Bruce squeezed her hand, cutting off whatever she was about to say.

 “Why us?” he frowned, “Thor is in London.”

The king gave a rueful smile. “Thor is my greatest warrior, but he is not one for subtlety - he has never had to hide from his foes. You have both lived in shadow, ever watchful for the hunter at your back. You have might and wit; Loki has sorcery and cunning. Together, you are far better equipped to watch over this child.”

“But we know nothing about babies!”

The old god’s lip curled. “Then now is the time to learn.”

He crossed the clearing, thrusting the baby towards Loki. She accepted it awkwardly, elbows at odd angles as she tried to resettle the weight, a small cry escaping the bundle in protest. Bruce peered over her shoulder to get a better look in the fading light. There was absolutely nothing unusual about the girl; her skin was a bit paler than normal, sure, her hair a very dark black plastered to her head, but otherwise perfectly ordinary. Then she opened her eyes and he gasped at the endless inky pools, pinpricks of light swirling in the void like a miniature cosmos.

“Uh, does she have a name?” he asked.

“Sága.”

“And how long do you need to find her a permanent home?”

Odin looked like he wanted to shrug but was far too dignified. “There are few I trust-”

“Shocking.” Loki muttered.

“-and few who could protect her. I must consider carefully whom I approach.”

Bruce blinked at him. “That’s not an answer.”

The Allfather stared back. “The realms of Yggdrasil abound with the unknown, mortal. This child’s birth is impossible, yet there she lies. Her very existence casts ripples across the Well of Fate: will she be a force for good, or bring about the destruction of the Nine? Every decision we make now may have dire consequences in the eons to come.”

“We are definitely not qualified to watch her.”

“You said she has power,” Loki interrupted, “Of what nature? She could be a danger to us – to Midgard.”

“It has yet to manifest.”

“That’s still not an answer.”

“I trust Loki can handle an untrained infant, regardless of her pedigree,” Odin arched a brow, “I shall return when my arrangements are settled.”

“You can’t just-” Bruce blanched.

“Father, I-”

Pine needles rose into the air, spiralling around the king in a thick cloud, and then he was gone.

They stood motionless for a moment, staring at the place where Odin had been. A tiny wail drew their attention back to the creature squirming in the Jotun’s arms, and Bruce couldn’t hold back a laugh.

She looked at him sharply. “What is so amusing?”

“Someone finally gave us a quest.”

Loki rolled her eyes. “The novelty will wear off, trust me.”

“I dunno,” he reached out a finger to tentatively touch Sága’s cheek, “Seems like it could have been a lot worse. We’re not tramping through the wilderness hunting for treasure, or up to our elbows in the blood of Odin’s enemies.”

“Yet,” she sighed, “We should not linger here.”

“Right. Back to the house?”

“It may not be safe – the Aesir have sought me there in the past, and others may know of your connection to me, and thus to the Allfather.”

Bruce shrugged. “At least it’s familiar ground. Anyone who comes calling is going to stand out.”

The goddess shook her head. “Anyone who crosses into Midgard in pursuit of this child is not going to care about collateral damage. It is too dangerous for the rest of the neighbourhood.”

“Then where?”

“Somewhere small, easier to ward,” Loki bit her lip, “Somewhere we will not be noticed. Uninhabited, if possible, with a lot of escape routes.”

He put his hands on his hips, turning to survey the trees as he thought. “I might know a place. Can you get us there?”

“You need only think of it.”

He took her hand, and a second later the scene around them changed. They stood in front of a log cabin by a lake, the air slightly cooler, the rustle of foliage slightly louder as reeds swayed in the wind. Bruce marched right up to the door, fiddling with his keys for a moment before he got it open. They walked into a simple room with a rustic kitchen and living area, a few doors leading off.

Loki looked around. “What is this place?”

“I built it,” the doctor grimaced, “I mean, Tony and I designed it, and SHIELD took care of the rest. It was originally for Hulk-related emergencies, but I didn’t end up needing it as often as I thought, so it became a bit of a halfway house for super types. Steve even stayed here for a while.”

“Who knows about it?”

“Fury. Coulson. Previous guests. But with SHIELD out of business, no one should disturb us. And if they do…”

He rapped a fist against the wall, a tinny thud echoing through the cabin.

“They’ll have a hard time getting through the vibranium.”

Loki smiled. “A place designed to keep the Hulk in will keep most out. I should still place wards to alert us if anyone approaches.”

“The whole place is surrounded by a laser fence.”

“Which will not prevent someone entering the grounds via magic.”

“Good point,” he tipped his head in concession, “You do that, and I’ll triple check there are no active cameras or other surprises.”

“Here.” She held out the baby.

Bruce backed away, throwing up his hands. “Uh, I think it’s better if I keep my distance.”

“I doubt she poses any danger to you, with your unique physiology.”

“It’s not that,” he swallowed, “She’s just so…little.”

Loki scoffed. “She is at least half goddess – she will not be as breakable as a Midgardian babe. Besides, you were a doctor. You must have tended to infants.”

“In clinical settings, yeah, but we’re on high alert waiting for someone to show up and attack us. I don’t want to risk losing control while you’re not around.”

Her face softened. “You do not give yourself enough credit.”

“You give me too much.”

“Regardless, I need two hands to cast the wards, so you will have to watch her.”

Loki thrust Sága at him again, and this time Bruce let her, folding his arms around the small black bundle. The trickster patted a hand on her chest, smiling up at him.

“I will be quick.”

“Yes, please.”

She strode outside, disappearing into the scrub, and the doctor held his breath as the room fell silent. But nothing terrible happened; Sága just looked up at him curiously, drool-covered lips pursing as she blew little bubbles.

“Okay. Time to stop being ridiculous.”

He gave the cabin a once-over, unplugging all the cameras he knew about and checking the nooks and crannies for anything Fury might have snuck in. It was a little awkward with the baby balanced in one arm, but she didn’t seem to mind being jostled around, her jet-black gaze darting around the room as he worked.

“You seem pretty easy-going for a goddess,” Bruce leaned in to murmur, “Unlike someone I know.”

“I heard that.” Loki walked in with a scowl.

“Wards all good?”

She hummed an assent. “And I saw nothing to suggest anyone has been here in some time.”

“Great. I suppose that means no one’s stocked the fridge.”

“I can conjure what we need.”

Bruce frowned. “Do we know what she eats?”

“What do Midgardians do if there is no suitable wetnurse?”

“Formula, but it’s not designed for baby aliens.”

Loki shrugged a shoulder. “Thor and I survive well enough on Midgardian fare. We can only try.”

The sorceress got to work summoning supplies, including the various things needed for a baby – bottles, spare clothes, a bassinet. Bruce cast an eye over the black satin-lined basket, its edges adorned with silver runes, and the tiny black tunics embroidered with skulls. He cleared his throat.

“Uh, aren’t we trying to be incognito?”

Loki looked peeved and waved a hand, the colours changing to green and gold. “There. Now they will assume she is our child.”

“She does look a bit like you.” He smiled.

Sága blinked up at him, brow furrowed, and let out an ear-splitting cry.

“And now she’s exactly like you.”

Loki tutted, taking the baby. “Prepare a bottle and I shall try to calm her.”

The goddess bobbed around the living room while Bruce got to work in the kitchen, shushing Sága as she paced around the furniture. The doctor tested the milk against his wrist and, satisfied with the temperature, handed it to Loki. She walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind her, and he collapsed onto the couch, pressing his palms against his eyes. It had only been an hour and he was already exhausted, his good mood replaced by a string of worries. It felt like the Other Guy was hovering right behind his ear waiting for any sign of attack, his muscles tense. Bruce forced himself to take a couple of deep breaths. They had the laser fence; they had the wards. They were as prepared as they could be.

Eventually the bedroom door opened and Loki crept out, closing it softly behind her.

“Asleep?” he whispered.

She nodded, dropping onto the couch beside him. Bruce pulled her closer, running his palm over her shoulder.

“How are you doing?”

“I feel ill. It has been so long since I have had to face the Allfather, and he vanished before I could even come to grips with his presence.”

“Yeah, your dad’s kind of a dick.”

She sighed. “Indeed. But he is not wrong about the importance of this charge. The child must be protected from those who would wish her harm, or seek to use her.”

The scientist slid his glasses up his nose. “I get that, though I don’t really understand all of it. Who’s Hel? And why can’t she sort out her own adoption?”

“Hel rules Niflheim, home of the dishonoured dead. She is extremely powerful – I believe she could even kill Odin, if she wanted to – but she is bound to her realm. She cannot leave.”

“Does that mean Sága’s father is a ghost?” his brows shot up.

Loki stuck her lip out thoughtfully. “I doubt it. You cannot create life from only death. It is miraculous that Hel managed at all. No, I suspect one of two possibilities: either some daring hero ventured into Niflheim and won the queen’s heart, or she found a way to craft a space between worlds, somewhere that was of Niflheim but not subject to its limitations.”

“Like a pocket dimension.”

“Perhaps.”

Bruce leaned back against the cushions, taking her with him. “So Hel meets a guy, manages to get pregnant, but knows she can’t keep it. Why didn’t she ask the father to help?”

“Perhaps she had no way to contact him,” the Jotun shrugged, “Or perhaps it was too dangerous.”

“Odin’s not much better. I wouldn’t trust him with my magical offspring.”

“Indeed. He usually prefers to keep potential assets close at hand,” Loki scowled “But I suppose this time he cannot pretend she is his trueborn child.”

He squeezed her shoulder but didn’t say anything. He wished he’d had a chance to meet Frigga – based on Loki’s stories, she seemed to be everything the king wasn’t, and he knew how much the goddess missed her. His own mom had been gone so long he could barely remember her; he couldn’t imagine losing someone after a thousand years, and how empty the realms must have felt.

“I do not understand why the Allfather would entrust us with this task,” Loki muttered, “If the child is as powerful as he claims, how does he know we will not seek to keep her for ourselves?”

“Because we wouldn’t.”

She scoffed. “He doesn’t know that. The last we spoke, he thought me beyond redemption. You are an unfamiliar Midgardian. We could harbour nefarious ambitions.”

“Except he’s got Heimdall keeping an eye on everything, right? So he probably did his due diligence before bringing her down here.”

“I find it hard to believe that in all the Nine, we were his best option,” Loki arched a brow, “And I have had enough of Odin’s games to last my very long life.”

Bruce shrugged. “Who cares what he’s planning? We’ve been asked to protect this magic baby from anyone that might want to hurt her. If he becomes a threat, we’ll deal with him too.”

“I wish I had your confidence.”

He kissed her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “The king was right about one thing. We’re both tough, and smart, and powerful. I’m confident because I know we can get through this together.”

Loki sighed. “One minute at a time, I suppose.”

“One minute at a time.”

*****

“Will this child ever sleep?” Bruce groaned, gently rocking the bassinet as Sága cooed and flailed her tiny fists.

“Many races require less rest than humans.”

He glared at Loki. “So why am I the one over here instead of the one napping, huh?”

“Because it is your turn,” she yawned, “And because the wretch has worn me out.”

He clucked his tongue, leaning over the baby. “She didn’t mean that, she just gets cranky when she’s tired.”

“Cranky?” the goddess arched a brow.

“Aren’t you sleeping?”

Loki nestled back into the blankets, a hand under her cheek as she watched him try to calm Sága. They were slowly figuring things out, like how often she needed to eat and how much, how to entertain her when she was awake and soothe her when she cried. Bruce had some experience with kids from working as a doctor, but his patients usually weren’t impossible beings from another galaxy; Loki had grown up surrounded by servants and never had to see or think about childrearing. It was a steep learning curve, not helped by the fact that Sága was so advanced compared to a human newborn, always awake and aware and wanting their attention.

“Just close your eyes for a bit, hmm?” Bruce murmured, “You might like it.”

She continued to stare up at him, slowly flexing her wrinkly fingers and toes. The doctor dropped his head against the edge of the bassinet with a defeated huff.

“Please?”

“Ah yes, appeal to her sense of compassion.” Loki snickered.

A fly buzzed in through the window, circling over the basket. Bruce shooed it away, and Sága’s hand shot up, catching the bug with an excited squeal. She went to put it in her mouth and the scientist leapt forwards, grabbing her arm to try to wrestle it off her.

“Goddamnit, let go! You can’t eat that.”

Sága screwed up her face, squawking at him as he tried to pry her fingers open.

“Loki, could you give me a hand here?”

“Can you not overpower one small child?” she sighed.

“She’s super strong!”

The trickster dragged herself out of bed. “She is normal – it is Midgardians who are inferior.”

“Maybe we just evolved to use our brains instead of our muscle.”

She rolled her eyes. “You seem to use your mouths more than your brains.”

“You’ve never had a problem with the way I use my mouth.” Bruce smirked.

Loki returned it, reaching in to catch the baby’s arm and end their tug of war. She peeled Sága’s fist open, the semi-crushed fly dropping onto the blankets. He quickly scooped it up, the little goddess’ face turning red as she complained and kicked her legs. Another fly buzzed overhead and Sága stopped, gaze following its path.

“Oh no you don’t.” Loki tutted, catching it herself.

She waved a hand over the bassinet and conjured a swath of fine netting that hung to the floor.

“Let’s see you try that trick now, little Highness.”

*****

Bruce sprawled in an armchair while Loki prepared a bottle, half an eye on Sága in a basket on the coffee table. The doctor knew he should be trying to catch up on his sleep while he had the chance, but he was too tired to even try.

“I’m too old for this.”

“You are much younger than the Allfather was when he found me.” She measured out the formula.

“He had magic. And servants. And a whole palace to hide in, instead of two rooms.”

Loki frowned. “You could go for a walk, if you need some space. I will be alright.”

“Ignore me, I’m just complaining. It’s not that bad.” Bruce waved a hand.

“We will not perish in your absence.”

“Promise?”

He clasped his hands on his stomach and watched her finish the bottle, testing it on the inside of her wrist. Loki walked over and lifted the squawking infant out of the basket, taking a seat on the couch and propping her arm on a cushion before offering the milk.

“Here you go.”

She turned her head away, mewling in complaint.

“I assure you it is delicious. Don’t you want a taste?”

The little girl squirmed, arching in Loki’s hold as she tried to get away.

She scowled, pressing the teat against Sága’s lips. “Come now, you must eat.”

She screeched and batted the bottle out of her hand, flinging it across the room. Bruce winced, jumping out of his chair.

“I’ll get it.”

The princess burst into tears and he froze, staring at Loki as she wept.

“What happened? Are you hurt?”

“Why am I so bad at this?” she gasped, tears streaming down her face.

Bruce crouched in front of her. “Ooooh, you’re not. You’re doing fine, babe. We’re both still learning, that’s all.”

“I am being outfoxed by a child barely a week old!”

“You’re not being outfoxed – she’s still figuring it out too. She’ll settle into a routine and it will be easier.”

“It doesn’t feel like it will ever be easier.” Loki sniffed, voice thick and wet as she started crying in earnest again.

As if in solidarity, Sága joined in. Bruce reached over and eased her out of the trickster’s grasp, retrieving the bottle.

“Look, let me try to feed her and put her down, and then we can talk, okay?”

The goddess didn’t respond, hugging the cushion to her belly as she cried. Bruce took Sága into the other room and perched on the edge of the bed, tickling her tongue with the teat until she finally latched on. He made sure he had it at the right angle before letting his mind drift. He understood Loki’s frustration, but she didn’t normally let her emotions get the better of her like that; she usually preferred to pretend she had it together, until he poked and prodded and forced her to crack. Maybe it was the sleep deprivation – he was certainly feeling it, and the only reason he’d managed to keep a lid on the stress was his years of practice. Maybe Loki was the one who needed a walk; he’d suggest it once he was done with Sága.

But by the time he’d fed her, burped her, and rocked her to sleep, Loki was back in the kitchen making a start on dinner, bright-eyed and chipper.

“You okay?” Bruce asked.

She smiled. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Okay…”

“I’m making chicken salad.”

“Sounds good. Need a hand?” he asked, tone careful.

Loki wrinkled her nose. “Relax, darling. I am not going to erupt again – I had a moment, but it is past.”

“I meant what I said,” he came up behind her, kneading her shoulders, “You’re doing great with Sága.”

She huffed. “It doesn’t feel like it.”

“I know, but that’s because you want to get it right. She won’t care if you occasionally mess up.”

Her lip quivered. “The trust of a child is a fragile thing. I should hate to betray it.”

“You won’t. I’ve seen how you are with her; you’re gentle, patient - maybe more than I thought you could be. You’ll be fine.”

Loki sighed. “You make it look so easy.”

“I’m just treating her like a patient in triage – figuring out what she needs right now, moving through the list until she stops crying.”

“Logical as ever.”

He shrugged. “It’s gotten me this far.”

The goddess leaned back against him, resting her head on his chest. “Thank you.”

“Any time. Are you sure you don’t want help with dinner?”

“No, no – this at least I can manage.”

Bruce kissed the top of her head. “Didn’t you say something the other day about giving yourself enough credit?”

“Didn’t you say something about giving too much?” Loki scoffed.

“Us science types can be wrong.”

She smirked. “No arguments here.”

*****

It was a rare quiet moment on the couch, Loki’s head resting in his lap as he scrolled through the group chat. Bruce’s free hand drifted to the base of her skull, fingers swirling up and down the curve of her neck.

“That is enjoyable.” She hummed.

“Yeah?” he dug in, kneading the muscles, “You feel a bit tense.”

“I have a headache.”

“Want me to get you something?”

Loki shook her head. “No, this is fine.”

He put the phone down so he could use both hands, trying to work some of the knots out of her neck and shoulders, dragging firm fingers through her hair to massage her scalp. Loki groaned, squirming a little under his touch. She suddenly sat up, whole body rigid.

“For Norns’ sake!”

Bruce looked up and gasped. Sága was hovering over the coffee table, making impatient hungry sounds.

“What? How? What?”

His body started to catch up with his brain, reaching out to grab her before she fell – and his hands went right through.

“Okay, what?”

Loki sighed, striding to the bedroom. She opened the door to reveal the baby awake in her bassinet, making the same angry chirps. As the sorceress approached, the image in the lounge disappeared.

“I believe she has discovered a new way to get our attention.”

“She almost gave me a heart attack,” Bruce stood, joining them, “Was that an illusion?”

“No, illusory magic must be taught. This is innate – an extension of the senses.”

“That’s kind of cool. You can do something similar, right?” He glanced over to find Loki frowning, her face ashen, “What’s wrong?”

“Astral projection is one of Hel’s powers.”

“Which makes sense, since Hel is her mother.”

The goddess huffed. “Yes, but Hel has other abilities that are less entertaining.”

“Like?”

“The ability to kill with a single touch.”

“Oh,” Bruce blanched, “That would be bad.”

“Potentially catastrophic.” She bit her lip.

“Okay…is there a way to tell if Sága has it too?” He gave the baby a furtive glance, as if she could understand the conversation.

Loki tilted her head. “Perhaps. Wait a moment.”

She left the cabin, returning quickly with a couple of freshly picked flowers. The goddess pressed them into the girl’s hand, her chubby digits grabbing at the stems on instinct. Bruce and Loki held their breath, but nothing seemed to happen.

“That seems like a good sign?”

She hummed. “Let us be thorough.”

Loki went to the kitchen and came back with an orange, offering it to Sága. She dropped the flowers and took it in both hands, shaking her arms with an excited murmur. The fruit didn’t seem affected, other than a few dents from her fingertips.

“One last test.” The Jotun said.

She strode outside again, and this time was gone long enough that Bruce started to worry. He was thinking about whether he could rig some kind of swaddle to take Sága and go look for her when Loki walked back in holding a squirrel.

“What the actual fuck?”

“Would you prefer to volunteer?” she raised her brows.

“No,” he admitted, “But also it’s been days and she hasn’t killed either of us yet, so there’s probably nothing to worry about.”

“She killed that insect.”

He rolled his eyes. “I think that was brute force, babe.”

“Well I won’t let her get a grip on this beast, so as long as she has no powers, you need not concern yourself.”

“I’m still not jazzed about you exposing a baby to a random wild animal with God knows what bacteria and mites and rabies.”

“She is no common Midgardian,” Loki scoffed, “She will be fine.”

The princess thrust the squirrel into the bassinet and Sága reached up her wobbly arms, swatting at the creature. She managed to pat its dense fur a few times, making a happy noise. Loki leaned back, lower lip jutting out.

“Seems like a successful experiment to me.” Bruce shrugged.

“I suppose, though we may need to keep an eye on her – her powers seem to grow with time.”

“Just don’t piss her off and you’ll be fine.”

Loki rolled her eyes. “She is a baby. Everything pisses her off.”

He beamed. “I know how she feels.”

*****

They’d just finished breakfast, Bruce clearing the plates off the table. Loki rested a hand on her stomach, frowning.

“That is odd.”

“What is?”

She didn’t answer, running into the bathroom. Bruce dropped his handful in the sink and followed, finding her hunched over the toilet as she retched. He hurriedly gathered her hair out of the way, rubbing a hand on her shoulder. Loki’s slim frame shook and shuddered as she emptied her stomach, the nape of her neck slick with sweat. She paused, groaning, and he ran his hand down her back.

“You okay?”

“Do I look okay?” the goddess snapped.

He ignored it, fingers steady as he stroked along her spine. “Can I get you some water?”

Loki shook her head. “I don’t think so, I still feel–”

She threw up again, coughing as she leaned over the bowl, spitting to get the taste out of her mouth. Bruce stood and grabbed a washcloth, wetting it under the tap before crouching to wipe her face.

“Better?”

Loki sniffed, blinking at him. “Perhaps. It feels less unsettled.”

He pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. “You don’t seem feverish. How long have you been nauseous?”

“It came on suddenly – I felt fine during breakfast. My stomach has been troubled all week, but I assumed it was the stress of looking after the babe, and waiting for a possible attack.”

“You have seemed…a little more highly strung than usual.”

Loki gave him a bashful look. “Apologies. Perhaps you were right about me being cranky when I’m tired.”

“I thought you super beings don’t need that much sleep.” he joked, getting up to rinse the washcloth.

Bruce froze, eyes on the faucet under his hand. He took a very deep breath as a low buzz started behind his ear.

“You do like to nap though,” he murmured, “You’ve done it for years. And our sleep cycle’s all messed up from Sága.”

He glanced over his shoulder to find her regarding him curiously. “Yes. She is an incredible menace for one so small.”

“And your stomach’s been weird - just feeling sick, or bloated?”

“Both, I suppose.” Loki shrugged.

He carefully folded the washcloth, draping it over the edge of the basin, avoiding eye contact. “Any aches or pains? Lower back, sore boobs?”

She frowned. “Not that I noticed. Maybe a little tender, but Sága is always pummelling me in the chest when she wants to make her point known.”

Bruce swallowed, hands curling into fists as he fought to keep his voice even. “Loki…is there any chance you could be pregnant?”

The princess stared at him like he’d grown another head. He felt like he couldn’t move, like if his muscles flexed even an inch he was going to collapse into a puddle.

“No,” she stuck her lip out, “No, such a thing could not be possible. Our races are so unlike!”

“Are you sure? Has anyone ever tested that theory?”

“The Jotnar have been cut off from Midgard since the time of my birth.”

“So no one probably bothered to check.”

“It cannot be so,” Loki shook her head, “The Allfather would have said something-”

“Would he?” the scientist arched a brow, “We’re bound – isn’t that what couples do? Plus he promised not to interfere.”

She scoffed. “Because Odin has such a legendary reputation for keeping his promises and minding his own business.”

Bruce held up his hands. “All I’m saying is, it’s within the realm of possibility, and you’re displaying a bunch of classic pregnancy symptoms.”

“I cannot be with child. You must be misreading the signs – for all we know, it could be some common Jotun ailment that you are simply unfamiliar with.” The goddess kept shaking her head, fingers clenched in her sweater as she hugged herself.

“Loki,” he exhaled slowly, “I need you to stop freaking out for a second and stay with me until we know what the situation is. Is it physically possible for you to get pregnant in this form?”

“Yes – my innards change along with my external appearance.”

“Okay. Is there a way to check? Because I’m not sure a normal pregnancy test will work.”

She grimaced. “It never exactly came up in my lessons.”

“Well maybe we can start there anyway and see if it comes back positive. They are based on human hormone levels, so probably not the best bet, but better than nothing.” He rubbed the back of his head.

Loki bit her lip, staring at the floor. “There…might be a spell. It is a common healing cantrip, used to detect injury and illness, but surely a babe makes enough impact to affect the magic.”

“Okay. Do you need anything for it?”

She shook her head again, clearing her throat.

“So…I guess we’ll do that then.” Bruce swallowed.

“Yes.”

They were silent for another moment, and then Loki raised her arms, palms facing up as she closed her eyes. A golden circle appeared on the top of her head, slowly drifting down her face like a veil being lowered, the line continuing down her neck and shoulders, her arms and chest. As it reached her torso, it split in two – the main energy of the spell continued down her body to her feet, while a tendril swirled around her lower belly, splitting even further into a handful of tiny motes that arced over her stomach like koi jumping in a pond, eventually sinking under the skin and disappearing.

Loki opened her eyes, lower lip trembling as she inhaled. “No. No, it cannot be.”

Bruce’s chest was so tight he thought it might crack, his shoulders locked up near his ears as he drew in on himself. There was still a tattoo beating in his head, getting louder and louder as he felt his heart speeding up. He felt too hot – his clothes were too restricting, the collar so tight and high around his neck. He needed room to breathe.

The doctor ran a hand through his hair, heading for the door. “I’m sorry – I gotta-”

“Bruce!”

He ignored her, striding out of the cabin, breaking into a trot as he sought to put distance between them, between himself and the Other Guy, between the pounding in his veins and the madness of an incident. He could not lose it right now, even though it felt like he’d already lost it, his mind a swirling vortex of panic and questions as his body flooded with adrenaline. Hulk pushed at his walls and Bruce held on, leaning against a tree to focus on his breath.

How could this happen? How could they let this happen? It wasn’t bragging to say he was a genius, and Loki was a thousand years old – they should have known better than to assume they were genetically incompatible. He’d been so focused on the dangers of being a walking biohazard that he hadn’t considered the other potential consequences, and set off a hand grenade that was going to blow up his life.

The doctor staggered towards the edge of the lake, dropping to his knees in the mud. He cupped his hand in the water and splashed his face, his scalp, the back of his neck, letting the coolness wash over him. He took a deep, shaky breath, and then another, and then another, eyes tracking the birds high overhead as he grounded himself in the dirt, in his aching body. Slowly his muscles relaxed, shoulders slumping as he counted his heartbeats, the breeze cold on his wet shirt.

Normally when he’d gotten this close to an incident, Bruce would have gone on lockdown for the rest of the afternoon, tucked away inside with tea and a book and his soothing playlist – but there was absolutely no way he could distract himself right now, and no way he could go back to the cabin and face Loki. He didn’t know what to say to her – he didn’t even know where to start with the black tangle of worry filling his chest, his stomach. He got to his knees, brushing off the worst of the muck, and started walking.

The first and loudest thought in his head was that he had to send Loki away to keep the baby safe from him. But it made him feel sick, like an ice-cold knife in his gut. He’d bound himself to the goddess – how could he abandon her like that? What if Odin took the chance to drag her back to Asgard? What if something happened, and he wasn’t there to protect them? Is this how Hel had felt, sending away her only child in order to give Sága a chance of survival? He pitied the queen more than ever, doomed to watch her daughter grow up from a distance.

What if being Bruce’s child put it in danger from the likes of Ross? As a scientist, he knew how fascinating a half-Jotun, half-human was even without the Hulk complicating things. There were dozens of people and organisations who would kill to get their hands on a prize like that. Maybe Hel had the right of it, hiding their connection to keep Sága under the radar. He felt like he’d damned this child before it was even born, cursed with his toxic blood, with his bad decisions.

But…there was a certain lightness in his heart, a warmth buried under all the worst-case scenarios he was running. Bruce had always wanted a family; he’d figured Hulk had taken that chance away. It had been years before his anger and disappointment dampened to a dull simmer, before he could feel – not okay about it, but accepting. Then he’d found Loki, and opened himself up to the possibility of not being alone. Now he was going to be a father, for better or worse, whether it was a good idea or not. It was miraculous, it was insane, it was terrifying, it was amazing – he could already imagine their baby’s tiny face, maybe with eyes like Loki’s and dark curls, clever and strong. A part of him knew that the second he saw the real thing, it would be too late to walk away.

The doctor stopped, exhaling as he looked around. What was he doing? He’d run away in the middle of a crisis to go have a tantrum in the woods. Loki must be freaking out just as hard, if not more – after all, she was the pregnant one. What if she thought he was making a break for it? He knew the Jotun’s greatest fear was being cast aside, and the first thing he’d done was bolt and abandon her. He couldn’t let her think it a second longer; Bruce turned back towards the cabin, picking up speed.

He approached with his hands in his pockets, limbs heavy. Things seemed peaceful – there was no cursing or wailing or crash of things being thrown. Bruce didn’t let himself pause at the door, afraid he would lose his nerve; he opened it, pausing on the threshold instead. Loki sat on the couch with her head in her hands, but she looked up at the sound, face puffy and tear-streaked. She didn’t look mad - just sort of tired and numb, which was much more disconcerting. Bruce found himself crossing the room without thinking, kneeling in front of her as he wrapped her in his arms.

“I’m sorry. I never should have left you alone.”

The goddess sobbed into his shoulder. “You were protecting us.”

“No, I was being an idiot. I wasn’t really afraid of having an incident, I was afraid I was gonna say something stupid. I just…needed to wrap my head around the idea a little.”

Loki straightened, wiping her eyes with a sniff. “That is understandable.”

“I shouldn’t have bailed though. What if someone came for Sága? What if you got hurt?”

She took his face in her hands, smiling. “Be calm, my love. No harm has come to us, and I do not begrudge you the need for time or space to process such momentous news. After all, you could be halfway to Morocco by now, but you came back.”

Bruce tightened his grip around her. “I wouldn’t disappear on you like that.”

“I believe you.” She rested her cheek on the top of his head.

He held her for a moment, soaking in the scent of her skin, letting himself relax a little. Loki traced her fingers along his arm, sighing.

“So what did you decide, out there in the woods?”

“I’m terrified.”

“Me too.”

“I don’t know how to do this,” he muttered, “I don’t feel like I deserve it.”

Loki kissed him, eyes bright with tears as she stroked his face. “You may be the most reluctant hero I have ever met, but you cannot deny that you have risked your life many times in service to others. You have tended the sick, offered comfort to your enemies, and sought to further your race through study and exploration. If you do not deserve a child, then who does?”

Hope flared in his chest but he shoved it down. “You make it sound simple, but this is…huge. Complicated. Dangerous. There’s so much we don’t know about the gamma contamination, and my DNA, and you being Jotun – there’s no precedent for any of this. How will we know if something’s wrong?”

Her lip quirked. “Perhaps you will become the first expert on interspecies obstetrics."

“Appealing to my research boner isn’t going to distract me.”

“It always has in the past.”

Bruce scowled. Loki sighed and took his hand, pressing it against her still-flat belly.

“Do you wish to undo it?”

“No,” he shook his head, “Never.”

“Then we will figure it out.”

He stared at their joined hands resting on her stomach, knowing that whatever was growing in there was just as mysterious and powerful and life-changing as the demi-goddess in the next room. How could Bruce possibly keep it safe?

How could he not?

He swallowed. “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

There was a screech from the bedroom, and Loki smiled sweetly. “I think after your respite in the wilderness, you can handle the diaper change, hmm?”

The scientist snorted, standing. “Fair.”

“Consider it practice.”

He threw her a goofy smile and the princess laughed, waving her hand.

“Quickly, before she blows the roof off.”

*****

Bruce laid Sága on the bed, gently rubbing her wet, wiggling limbs with the towel. He grabbed a fresh diaper and a short green tunic, easing it over her head before threading her arms through the sleeves.

“There we go,” he tapped a finger to her nose, “Almost ready for bed.”

She blew a spit bubble at him, legs scrambling on the blankets. Loki walked in with her bottle, pausing by the door.

Bruce arched a brow. “What?”

“You look…content.”

“I was thinking about what I said about her looking like our child. I guess now we get to find out for real.”

The sorceress smiled, leaning in to kiss his cheek. “I am certain our babe will be just as beautiful and twice as frustrating.”

He turned, wrapping her in his arms as he pressed his nose into the curve of her neck and took a deep inhale. “We only have ourselves to blame.”

“Indeed – perhaps you should have bound yourself to someone more obliging.”

“They wouldn’t put up with me.”

Loki laughed, squeezing him. “You are not as hopeless as you believe, darling.”

Bruce let go, taking the bottle, and turned to find Sága floating above the mattress. “Very funny, miss, but we’ve seen that trick before.”

The trickster’s eyes were huge. “I do not think this is a projection.”

He frowned and reached out – and touched a soft, squishy thigh. “Oh fuck. That’s just what we need, a flying baby.”

“I do not believe it is true flight,” Loki tilted her head, “Hel can levitate, but she has not the range of Thor, for example.”

“She might get it from her father.”

“True – we know nothing of him, or his powers.”

Bruce waited for the goddess to add something comforting, but she just looked at him. “Great.”

He scooped the baby out of the air and offered her the bottle, teasing the nipple between her lips until she latched on, milk quickly disappearing.

“She seems to have worked up an appetite.”

“Let us hope it has a similar drain on her stamina, so she might actually sleep through the night.”

Bruce adjusted the bottle to keep up with Sága’s suckling. “Should we rig up something more enclosed over the bassinet, just in case? I don’t want her to fall out.”

“I shall fashion something, though I imagine it wouldn’t hurt her much – she is not soft-skulled like your kind.”

“We are going to have to have a serious talk about human babies,” he grimaced, “They are not as hardy as you’re used to.”

Loki shrugged. “I have plenty of practice restraining myself around Morgan.”

“Yeah, but we never really babysat her as a baby. There’s a lot more to watch out for.”

“Then I commit myself to your tutelage.” She perched on the bed next to him.

Sága’s mouth slowed, eyes blinking as she gave a soft yawn, and Bruce beamed. “Hey, this levitation thing might work in our favour.”

“Finally, a victory.” The Jotun drawled.

*****

Loki was curled in an armchair, allegedly reading a pregnancy book but her head kept drooping, and Bruce figured he’d let her persist for another five minutes before insisting she go take a nap. He was on the couch, feet up on the coffee table as he read a dog-eared novel someone had left behind, half an eye on the tiny goddess floating two inches above the floor. Sága gurgled happily, kicking her feet in mid-air. They’d spread out a blanket just in case but she looked pretty stable, staring at the ceiling while she gummed on her fingers.

“What powers do you think our kid will have?”

Loki glanced over. “Who can say? It is half-Midgardian, so it may not even be able to sustain such forces.”

“Yeah, but hypothetically. I’ve seen you use a lot of different magic, but we never made an exhaustive list, and I don’t know which bits are innate and which you had to learn.”

She set her book aside. “Speed, strength, endurance - perhaps tempered by the limitations of your kind, but more than an average mortal. The ability to change between simple forms – I doubt any child, even one as brilliant as ours, would be capable of animal transmogrification from birth.”

Bruce blinked. “Let’s hope so. I’m worried enough about looking after a relatively human baby, let alone a goat or a snake or something.”

“I like snakes.” Loki stuck her lip out.

“I know. Anything else?”

She looked down, tracing a spiral on her thigh. “Maybe, but…”

“But?”

The princess pursed her lips. “I confess there are things I do not know about myself. Before I grasped the Casket of Ancient Winters, I had never taken Jotun form. Wielding it is the only time I have tried to summon frost, so I do not know if that is a natural skill, or one that must be taught.”

He rubbed the back of his head. “We could give it a go and see what happens?”

Loki blanched and the doctor threw up his hands.

“Or not! Probably not a good idea shifting when you’re pregnant anyway.”

She nestled deeper into her seat with a shrug. “I am sure the child is sturdy, if nothing else, but you are right to be careful.”

“Yeah, between your Jotun genes and my Other Guy stuff, it’ll probably have a great immune system. Neither of us ever get sick.”

“Just sick of each other?” she smirked.

Bruce rolled his eyes. “What about ageing?”

“What of it?”

“As you love to point out, I’m old for a Midgardian,” he grimaced, “I don’t want to have a kid with a super long lifespan and then not be around for it.”

Loki frowned. “Most people eventually have to face a world without their parents.”

“Sure, but for most people it lasts a few decades, not millennia.”

“Equally, I fear outliving a half-mortal child, but we cannot know which of us it will take after.”

“I think the odds are in your favour,” He gave a wry smile, “Half of 5000 is still 30 of my lifetimes.”

The goddess stood, crossing to sit next to him. She carded her fingers through his hair, her other hand clasped over his.

“Our child will be lucky to know you for as long as the Norns see fit. And when you are gone, trust that I shall do everything in my power to keep it safe and well, and tell it tales of a brave, wise father who loved it more than anyone has ever been loved.”

He leaned into her embrace. “Father. I still can’t believe it.”

“Would you prefer another title?” Loki tightened her arms around him.

“It’s not the word, it’s the concept. I’m going to be a dad.”

The goddess smirked. “You already have the wardrobe.”

Bruce snorted. “I’m extremely well-dressed for an academic, thank you.”

“The terrible sense of humour?”

“You love puns.” He countered.

She pursed her lips in thought. “An incredibly overprotective streak?”

“Alright, you got me there.”

She kissed him. “Our child is fortunate to have someone like you watching over them.”

“That’s right. You can teach them how to get into trouble, and I’ll teach them how to get out of it.”

Loki smiled. “Sounds perfect.”

*****

It was a beautiful clear day, birds circling slowly in a cloudless sky. Bruce had spread a blanket on the grass just outside the cabin, and was lying next to Sága with his head pillowed on one arm as Loki conjured bright swirling images to entertain her, the colours shifting and changing at random. The girl looked entranced, reaching up to try to grab them as the sparks wafted overhead. The magic was hypnotic but he only had eyes for Loki, a joyful smile lighting up her face. She conjured a spectral green horse that galloped through nothingness and Sága excitedly kicked her legs, swatting at it.

“One day you shall be able to summon illusions of your own, little princess.” The Jotun gently tapped the back of a finger against her chubby cheek.

“Do you think you’ll ever get to see them?” Bruce asked, “She won’t have to hide once she’s grown up and can take care of herself. Your paths might cross again.”

Loki tilted her head. “I suppose anything is possible. But Odin has a habit of burying the truth – I would be shocked if his chosen guardians divulged her true parentage, even once she reaches maturity.”

“Or maybe he’s learned his lesson, that secrets can come back to bite you if you don’t handle them properly.”

She gave a wry smile. “Whatever devastation I wrought in my anger pales in comparison to the damage his deception caused me. I hope Sága never has to know such pain.”

“You could find some way to keep an eye on her,” he snickered, “Like a fairy godmother.”

“You compare me to the treacherous Fae?” Loki screwed up her nose.

“You are a trickster god.”

She was about to reply when a horn blared through the clearing, blood-red light gathering around the sorceress’ hands. Bruce sat up as three figures winked into being in a semi-circle around them, about twenty feet away. All of them wore battle-dulled plate armour in various colours, with horned helms and flowing robes over the top. Each had a large blue-grey face in the middle of their chest plate, the expressions ghastly and fierce.

“Get out of here.” He growled.

“No.”

“Then at least get inside.”

“And how does Hulk intend to counter their magic?” Loki scowled, “You need me.”

“What about Sága?

“I have a plan.”

The trio strode closer, stopping within earshot. The one in the middle had a long silver cape and the most impressively horned mask; he bowed.

“Greetings, Your Highness, mortal.”

“Do I know you?” Loki arched a brow.

“We have not had the pleasure of formally making your acquaintance, but my brothers and I have much enjoyed your exploits against the Allfather and his wretched scion.”

“You flatter me. Do you have a name, admirer?”

“I am Forsung of Ringsfjord,” he waved a hand at the other two, “These are Magnir and Brona.”

She pursed her lips. “And have you come all this way simply to pay me compliments?”

“Unfortunately not,” he smiled, “We are on a quest.”

“Man, they’ll just give those out to anybody.” Bruce muttered.

“What is the nature of your charge?”

“To retrieve that babe and deliver her to her father.”

Loki’s voice turned cold. “By force?”

“If necessary.” Forsung shrugged, as casual as ever.

The Jotun’s eyes flicked to Bruce, and she gave a bright laugh.

“I am afraid you have been misled. This babe’s father is right here.” She rested a hand on the doctor’s shoulder.

Forsung looked bored. “Let’s not lie to each other, Silvertongue.”

She smiled sweetly. “I only follow your example, nursemaid.”

“Then you will not surrender her?”

“Not in your wildest fuckin’ dreams.” Bruce glared.

The stranger’s eyes darted to him for a moment as if gauging the threat, then slid back to Loki. “Very well.”

Three things happened in the same moment: the scientist sprang to his feet as Loki cast a glowing green shield over Sága, silvery power gathering around Forsung’s fist. The sorcerer drew back and unleashed it, the bolt flashing towards them to explode against another hastily thrown shield. The one in red, Brona, gestured at the ground and huge clumps of rock broke free to circle in mid-air, while the one in gold, Magnir, made a slicing motion at a nearby tree and tore off a series of sharp javelins.

Bruce didn’t stop to think – he dropped his control as he ran at Forsung, throwing himself back to let Hulk surge in, his shirt tearing open as the Other Guy stretched and swelled and burst into being with a roar. He had a second to appreciate the surprise on the other man’s face before his fist connected, sending Forsung flying back into a tree, the trunk shattering as his body snapped it in half. Hulk grunted as a boulder struck him between the shoulder blades, whirling to snarl at Brona.

Magnir’s spikes lanced towards Loki. She summoned her knives, blades streaking through the air as she batted them aside and cast a glance back at Sága under her protective green dome. Another spear whistled past her face and she curved out of its way, flinging a wave of energy at Magnir that swept the gold figure backwards, his heels digging into the ground to slow himself. Across the clearing, wood cracked ominously as Forsung dragged himself out of the ruined tree. He raised a hand surrounded by swirling light, gaze fixed on Hulk.

“Behind!”

The giant paused, swiping automatically at another boulder as he glanced back over his shoulder. He growled and dropped his shoulder, charging towards the sorcerer. This time he didn’t connect though, tripping over himself as he bowled through the illusion, a splash of silvery magic breaking over his back as he fell hard enough to shake the ground. Magnir turned, heading towards his brother

Brona made to follow and Loki pounced, daggers flashing as she searched for any weak point in his armour. He took the brunt of her swings on his vambraces, silver flaring up with each impact. She drove one point up, aiming for the tiniest sliver of flesh at the base of his helm, and he batted it out of her hand. She ducked as a burst of silver light shot from his chest, quickly rolling back to her feet. Loki’s gaze darted to the face in the middle of his breastplate as Brona rushed forward to grapple with her, bearing down with his full strength.

“Give us the child, and we shall leave you in peace.”

“Never.”

She thrust her hip and her magic at him together, forcing him a couple of steps back. Loki reversed the knife in her grip and darted underneath his guard, smashing the pommel into the eerie grey face. It screamed, the noise cutting across the clearing at a pitch that made her want to sink to her knees, its light momentarily spilling out over Brona’s chest before vanishing. The enchanter reached a hand up but nothing happened, and he snarled.

“The talismans!” she cried, “Aim for the faces!”

Brona came at her and she reversed her blade again, foot snapping out to connect with his thigh. He stumbled and Loki swung the hilt down into his helm with a metallic thud, quickly followed by the louder clank of him hitting the ground. She hesitated for a moment, but he didn’t move, arms limp by his side.

The trickster glanced up to check on Hulk and found him pincered between the other two, covered in cuts and scrapes as he alternately swatted at them and raised his arms to shield his face from bright, scorching bursts of magic. Loki sprinted towards them as he hefted a fallen tree limb and sent Magnir careening across the field. She pointed at Forsung and a wave of force spun him around, the sorcerer recovering quickly. She ducked behind a rock, splinters flying in all directions as the blow hit.

Magnir wobbled to his knees, power arcing towards Hulk; the giant roared, scooping up handfuls of debris to pelt towards the enchanter as he closed the distance between them, projectiles making a spark as they hit the other man’s shield. He gestured at the trees above and a thick bough fell, colliding with Hulk’s shoulder and sending him to one knee with a pained grunt.

Loki and Forsung sniped at each other, the heat of their shots scorching the grass beneath them. She was breathing hard as she dodged, body lithe and warm, her usual thrill of the fight pushed aside as she focused only on the kill. One of her bolts grazed his cheek and Loki grinned, aiming for his other face. Hulk gave a frustrated howl, and she looked over; Brona knelt on the blanket, reaching a hand for the baby. At the last moment his fingers slipped, grasping at nothing.

“An illusion!” he called.

A tree stump the size of a small car hit him, the enchanter’s body tumbling into the lake with a colossal splash. She glanced back at her opponent as something wrapped around her knees, the force sending her sprawling face first into the mud with a cry.

Hulk and Bruce both screamed, hands balled at his sides as his body flooded with more adrenaline than he’d ever felt. He thundered towards the gold-clad man, ignoring the blows that rained down on him, stripping at his flesh. Hulk reached back an arm and drove his fist into the sorcerer’s chest, his armour crumpling under the impact. The talisman exploded in a spray of blue-grey shards and silver energy, its shriek making Hulk’s ears bleed.

Loki dragged herself onto her hands and knees, fighting to catch her breath. She looked up as Forsung wrenched the door off the cabin with a wave, striding inside.

“Sága!”

She stumbled to her feet, sprinting forwards, every step feeling too slow as she sank into the viscous ground. The trickster burst into the cabin, brushing the furniture out of her path as she barrelled towards the bedroom. She stopped short, catching herself on the door frame; Forsung stood next to the bassinet, holding Sága in heavy gauntleted hands. He gave her a wolfish smile.

“Nothing personal, Highness. I really am an admirer.”

“Put her down or you will get to see my wrath firsthand.” Loki hissed.

The sorcerer looked amused. “I relish the challenge.”

Sága gurgled and placed a small hand on his jaw. Forsung’s eyes went wide with a gasp, the colour immediately draining for his face. His body went limp and Loki lunged forwards to catch the falling babe, the three of them landing in a chaotic heap. She quickly squirmed free, cradling the girl to her chest as she tried to put distance between them – and realised it was redundant. Forsung lay motionless, vacant eyes fixed on the ceiling, his skin withered and grey.

“What a mess you’ve made, little darling.” She cooed, a hysterical laugh escaping.

There was a roar outside, and Loki cleared her throat, standing.

“Come, let us put his mind at ease.”

Hulk slammed his fists into the ground as he scanned the woods for the next threat, but none appeared. The gold-clad figure at his feet wasn’t moving, its helm smashed in on one side. The clearing was otherwise empty, the lake still; the loudest sound was the thundering of his heart. As he started to realise there were no more bad guys, his senses reached out for Loki – where was his mate? He turned to follow her scent, dropping to all fours as he loped towards the cabin. The front door had been ripped off, and he felt a stab of panic as he grabbed the edges of the frame to break it open, determined to tear the whole house apart until he found the goddess.

“There is no need for that, my dear – we are victorious.”

Loki walked out, a tightly swaddled Sága in one arm. She rested her other hand on Hulk’s grimy chest, smiling up at him.

“Loki!” he crouched to bring their faces closer together, “Baby?”

“She is unscathed.”

He shook his head, gently resting a big hand on her stomach. “Baby.”

The trickster placed her hand on top of his. “Also fine.”

He made a rumble deep in his chest, giving her a toothy grin. Loki returned it, hand drifting up to stroke his jaw.

“All safe now?”

“Yes, our foes lay defeated.”

“Hulk smash!”

“You were glorious, my love.”

He puffed his chest out proudly, basking in her praise and the soft hand caressing his neck and shoulders. Hulk yawned.

“Sleep now, darling – you have earned your rest.”

“Hulk nap.” He nodded, sitting heavily.

The green giant flopped over onto one side, eyes drifting shut, and then he started twitching and shrinking, curling in on himself as he condensed back down into Bruce. The doctor took one deep breath and blinked for a moment, dragging himself back into the driver’s seat.

“Loki?” he looked up.

She offered him a hand, helping him to his feet. “Welcome back.”

He kissed her, a desperate wave of fear rushing through him as his fingers brushed her face, her arms, her stomach. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head. “We are all well.”

“Don’t do that to me again. When I saw you hit the ground, I-” Bruce stopped, stomach roiling.

“Shhh. I am sorry for making you worry. I will be more careful, I swear it.”

Bruce threw his arms around her, holding the Jotun close as he buried his face in her shoulder and just inhaled, letting her familiar scent reassure him. Sága made a noise of complaint at being squished between them, and he eased up a little.

“What happened to Forsung?”

“It seems our experiments were misleading.” Loki made a face, glancing down at the infant.

“She…?” He waggled his fingers.

“Oh yes, with great ease and impeccable timing.”

“Well shit.”

The princess shrugged. “It is a boon, truly – we have confirmed my hypothesis, and can take appropriate precautions to protect ourselves.”

“True.” He sighed, slumping against her again.

Loki ran a hand down his back. “You must be exhausted, my brave darling. Why don’t you wash off that blood while I dispose of the bodies, hmm?”

“You know, most people would find that sentence disturbing, but I’m just like one less thing for me to do.”

“You have done more than enough today,” she kissed his cheek, “Rest now, my warrior.”

“Only once you’re safe in my arms.”

“There is nowhere else I desire to be.”

*****

Bruce lifted Sága over his head, jiggling her slightly as he made a nonsense sound before tipping her back down. He hoisted her up again and she squealed with delight, waving her mittened hands.

“I shall have no sympathy if she spits up on your face.” Loki drawled.

“She wouldn’t do that,” he beamed, “I’m her favourite.”

“Is that so? How have you come to this determination?”

Bruce bounced her gently in his lap. “For one thing, she’s never pooped while I was bathing her.”

The goddess’ eye twitched. “Don’t remind me.”

“And we have a lot in common. We’re both grumpy, always hungry, and too curious for our own good.”

Loki smiled. “As wonderful as you are, darling, I hope our child takes after me. I dread being outnumbered all the time.”

“Sure, a second you sounds much easier to deal with, mischief god.”

A klaxon split the air, the air around her hands glowing red. They exchanged a glance, the flash of fear on her face making something twist in Bruce’s stomach.

“The wards.”

“Stay inside.” He said, already standing.

The trickster nodded, taking Sága and heading for the bedroom. He stood beside the window, keeping his body out of sight as he peered around the edge, scanning the clearing for any sign of the intruder. An old man in a grey coat stood by the lake, the tip of his walking stick resting in the mud. Bruce let out a deep breath and opened the door.

Odin didn’t look up as he approached, gaze skimming the calm grey water. The scientist stopped a few feet away, arms hanging calmly by his side.

“Your Majesty.”

“Dr Banner. I trust all is well.”

Bruce laughed mirthlessly. “Do you care?”

To his surprise, the king sighed. “Your devotion to Loki is admirable. Let me allay your doubt; I may not have been the father he wanted, but I do love both my sons.”

He wanted to make a snarky comment, really; there were a dozen things he could have called Odin on, from always making Loki feel second best, to sending his own friends to drag the prince back to Asgard, to ignoring them for years until he needed a favour. But there was something in the old man’s voice that made him hold back – some deep and ancient ache, a weariness that hung heavy over the clearing. He still looked like the Allfather - shoulders back, expression proud as he surveyed the woods like he owned them – but Bruce could sense that beneath that façade was…nothing, an empty hollow carved out by grief and loss and the weight of his innumerable years.

He cleared his throat. “I should let Loki know it’s all clear.”

“Tell him to bring the child.”

Bruce nodded, sticking his hands in his pockets as he walked back to the cabin.

He crossed to the bedroom and knocked, opening it to find Loki crouched under the window with a dagger in hand.

“It’s okay, it’s just Odin.”

The Jotun screwed up her face. “A different kind of attack.”

She disappeared, the illusion falling away as a patch of air in the corner shimmered and also fell, revealing the real Loki holding Sága in an armful of blanket, her mouth flapping open and closed.

“What tidings does the Allfather bring?”

“He, uh…he wants Sága.”

The pair looked at each other, the sorceress pressing her lips together tight. Bruce held out a hand.

“Come on.”

They walked out, his hand hovering over the small of her back to remind her she didn’t have to face the god alone. Odin turned as they crossed the clearing, almost managing a smile.

“My son - or do you prefer daughter?”

Loki’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, as if looking for the trick. “It matters not, since both are a lie.”

“I am sorry that you think that.”

Her brow knit in confusion and Bruce wrapped an arm around her waist, wanting nothing more than to rest his hand on the collar and be her anchor, to ground her in the swell of her emotions.

The king continued. “The babe looks well. Did she give you any trouble?”

“No more than most infants, I imagine.” The goddess drawled.

“Except the part where we got attacked by a bunch of super wizard mercenaries.”

He looked nonplussed. “I did warn you it was likely.”

“You could have given us some idea what we might be facing – or sent some helping hands,” the doctor scowled, “Don’t you have an army?”

“It was imperative to keep her existence a secret.”

“Well your secrecy endangered my friðla and child.” Bruce set his jaw.

Odin gave a bemused huff. “I commend you for your dedication to the task, but the babe is not yours to keep.”

“I wasn’t talking about Sága.”

The Aesir’s eye darted to Loki, who started to duck her head and then stopped, blushing. Odin’s lip twitched, his grizzled face impossible to read.

“My congratulations. Frigga would have been overjoyed.”

The goddess looked stricken, swaying a little in Bruce’s hold. He gave her a reassuring squeeze.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

He held out his arms. “Come, it is time to relieve you of your charge.”

Loki stepped forward, offering the bundle. Odin cradled Sága against his chest one-handed, smiling down at her pale face.

“Well met, little one. Your new family awaits.”

The trickster peeled back the blankets to expose a fuzzy mitten. “You must warn them that her touch brings death.”

“I shall ensure they understand the danger.”

She bit her lip, gaze dropping. “Allfather…I thank you for your words about Frigga. But you have not told me how you feel.”

“It is a historic day,” he said, “The beginning of a new chapter, and a further cementing of our bond with Midgard.”

“That is how the king of the Eternal Realm feels. What of my father?” Loki’s eyes sparkled.

The silence of the clearing seemed to drag on forever, and then his face softened, a trace of that weariness returning. He glanced down at Sága again.

“For a thousand years our house was the pillars upon which Asgard stood; now it is lost, scattered across the Nine. But our lives are long, and I trust that one day you and your brother will come home. Until then, be happy with the family you have chosen – that is all I could wish for you.”

Her lip quivered, and she swallowed deeply. “Your faith is impressive; it is hard for me to imagine a day when I no longer feel the sting of all I have suffered at the hands of the Aesir. But you are right that we have many centuries yet, and every wound heals with time. Only the Norns know what awaits. But while we may be separated, we need not be strangers. If you should like to know your grandchild, you know where to find us.”

Odin considered her for a moment, and gave a curt nod. “I must away.”

Loki nodded, sparing a last look at Sága before returning to Bruce. The wind whipped up, leaves swirling around Odin, and then they were gone.

Bruce exhaled, shoulders relaxing. There was a quiet sniff beside him, and he looked over.

“You okay?”

Loki curled her lip. “I actually think I might miss the little terror.”

He snorted. “Softie.”

“A spurious accusation.”

“If you say so,” he drawled, “It’s okay – in a few months we’ll have a little terror of our own.”

She bit her lip in a shy smile and Bruce slid his hand into hers, squeezing gently.

“Let’s go home.”

*****

Tony swept him into a hug, clapping Bruce on the shoulder as he pulled back. “Buddy! Where have you been? You ignored so many of my calls that I started to get worried – I was this close to jumping in the suit and chasing down gamma signatures.”

The scientist ducked his head. “I appreciate the concern, but we were fine, really. Had to get off-grid for a while but we’re back.”

The other man’s face hardened. “Off-grid? Ross giving you trouble?”

“No, nothing like that. We uh, had a visit from Odin.”

Tony whistled as they walked into the lab. “That’s much worse.”

“Yeah.”

“Did you win him over?”

“Well nobody threw down, so I guess it was a success?”

The engineer snickered. “I think that’s a failure in Asgard’s books.”

They drifted towards a workbench, Tony’s fingers already pulling up various schematics. Bruce glanced over at a piece of paper pinned on the far wall – a colourful portrait of three figures holding hands, childish letters scrawled above their heads.

“Actually, I wanted to talk to you before we get into it.”

The other man looked up. “Hit me.”

He leaned against the bench, tapping his fingers on the counter. Bruce wasn’t sure if he could meet Tony’s eyes, but he took a deep breath and did it anyway.

“I have– we have some news. Loki’s pregnant.”

Stark’s mouth fell open, just staring for a moment before he laughed and threw his arms around the doctor.

“That’s great, bud! You must be so excited.” He stepped back.

Bruce gave a wry smile. “Sure, that’s one of the hundreds of things I’m feeling.”

“Hey, I’ve been there. When Pep told me we were expecting, I was so shocked that I almost blew up half the lab.”

“When does it start to feel less overwhelming?”

Tony snorted. “I’ll let you know when I get there.”

“Thanks. Very comforting.” Bruce rolled his eyes.

“Do you know what this means? We can be a science foursome – you, me, Morgan, and your kid. And if Thor and Jane have a baby, we’ll be an unstoppable six.”

He beamed. “Collecting PHDs like Pokémon.”

“Dork.”

“You love it.”

“Oh my god!” Tony gaped, “What if our kids fall in love, and we end up as in-laws? We could spend the holidays together.”

“We already spend the holidays together.”

“And if they had a kid? God, the universe wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Bruce laughed. “Slow down, Tony – this baby isn’t even here yet. It might not even like science.”

“Unacceptable,” he shook his head, “We won’t let that happen.”

The other man chuckled again, staring at his hands. “Do you really think I can do this?”

Tony placed a hand on his shoulder. “If I can, you can.”

“I didn’t have many good role models growing up. I’m not sure I even know what succeeding looks like.”

The engineer snorted, raising a hand to count on his fingers. “First, you’re not an idiot. You might not be familiar with good parenting, but you definitely know what bad parenting looks like, so you should be able to figure it out. Second, you’ve put more time into emotional development and wellbeing than probably anyone alive. Third, you’re fiercely protective of the people you love. You faced down the full might of SHIELD for Loki and won; there’s no way you’d let anything happen to your kid.”

Bruce took his glasses off, pinching his nose. “There are so many unknowns. Maybe I could wrap my head around having a normal human child, but a magical half-Jotun possibly altered by Hulk, or the gamma? Is anyone prepared for that level of chaos?”

“I dunno, you’ve been living with Loki for half a decade,” Tony’s lip quirked, “I think you secretly love chaos.”

He gave a rueful smile. “Touché.”

“Look, I’m bettin’ every parent in the history of time has felt overwhelmed by the task. You might have some unique challenges, but you’ve also got a unique support network – Thor and Jane, me and Pep, Nat, Steve. I’m no biologist but I can assist you with whatever tests you wanna run.”

“Thanks, Tony.”

“That’s what godfathers are for, right?” He winked.

Bruce laughed. “Thor might fight you on that one.”

“I can take him.”

He sighed. “I guess you’re right. Our lives are already insane – what’s one more complication?”

“Exactly. Once you’ve thwarted an alien invasion, defusing a tantrum isn’t so scary.”

“Emotional outbursts don’t scare me.” Bruce smirked.

“Good thing, too – a hormonal Loki sounds terrifying.”

“She sleeps a lot, so that helps.”

Tony leaned an elbow on the counter. “If anyone had told me back when we met that you and the bad guy would end up basically married and having a kid, I would have laughed until I gave myself a hernia.”

“Yeah, well you might want to revise that statement about me not being an idiot.” He gave a sheepish grin, rubbing the back of his head.

“Nah, I think it’s great. The two of you have been good for each other. And after seeing you with Morgan, I know you’re gonna be good parents too.”

“Thanks. I might still ask you for tips though.”

“It can be the next great Banner-Stark research collaboration.” Tony smiled.

“Hopefully with less explosions.”

The engineer snorted. “Somehow, I doubt it.”