#all this made me realise charles has never worn a red jacket

[chocolateleclerc]

Charles Leclerc as Barbie Ferrari Dolls (Limited Editions)

[hrhduchessoflancaster]

Chapter Ninety-Two:  Joy to the World

Disclaimer: see Prologue

A/N: Thank you all for reading! From now on until the end of the story, there will be a series of time jumps.

xx Bea

_________________________________________________________

One year later

A year after the great divide that had almost broken down the family, Harry and Elle had settled into their new roles as future Prince and Princess of Wales. She had finally finished her work and published a book about her research on medieval history. Harry had left the Army with honours and a grand party at the Barracks, curtesy of his commanding officer, Colonel Nathaniel Craig. Meanwhile, they had began attending more and more engagements with Her Majesty such as the annual luncheon and garden party at Buckingham Palace, Harry had began to take part in and later give investitures in her name, Elle had represented the Queen in a few events related to her patronages and at Armed Forces events when Elizabeth couldn't attend. 

In the year and a half they had to adjust and fit in their own agendas with their new commitments, Elle and Harry had also taken the time to make amends with William and Charles. Every so often they would travel to Norfolk, specially on weekends to see the Cambridges. Arthur was particularly fond of his cousin Charlotte and looked up to George in all things. It was very sweet the way they interacted with one another, which lead to Harry and Elle having a conversation about having another addition to the family.

" I think it's time.", he had said to her one evening, after they had Arthur to bed. She paused for a moment and looked at him, seeing no mark of joke on his face. 

" Yes... I think so too.", she replied with a smile from the corner of her lips. " In fact, I've been thinking about it for a while now.", she continued.

" Oh really?", Harry asked her, encircling her waist with his arms and smirking. She simply nodded her head and pulled him by the neck, joining their lips in a passionate kiss.

" I believe that was an invitation to start trying for a sibling to Arthur...", pondered Harry mumbling in between as Elle began tracing her lips down his neck, murmuring an agreement.

" Oh that is most definitely an invitation.", he said picking her up and racing with her in his arms to the library, which was the closest room from where they were. Needless to say they've been very active in that department as well. 

************

June 2019

It had been decided earlier that year that due to their new status, they'd both receive further honours from the Queen. Harry was to become a Royal Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter while Elle would receive the Royal Family Order of Queen Elizabeth II and would become a Dame Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order. Titles and honours the both William and Catherine had received as next in line. Elle's investiture would be a private affair set for the summer, while they were staying with the family in Balmoral. Harry's on the other hand would start in about two hours, as they prepared for the Order's parade at St. George's Castle.

They had been staying at Windsor with the rest of the family for the past couple of days, enjoying the break from their busy schedules. Dressed in a pale blue dress with a matching fascinator, Elle sat on the bed with Arthur on her lap and watched Harry get dressed in his navy blue suit while she bounced their son on her lap. 

" Papa is looking so dashing, isn't he?", she said to the toddler. The child grinned and clapped his hands saying Yes, Dada! Yes, Dada! as his parents chuckled. As always, Harry was struggling with his tie so he turned his head to face Elle with a distressed look on his face. Sighing and shaking her head, she put Arthur on the floor -- who immediately began walking towards his toys on the other side of the room -- and walked closer tot her husband. Taking the messy strip of fabric in her hands she skilfully began tying it around his neck. 

" When are you gonna learn to properly tie it, Major?", she asked him, shaking her head once again. He smirked at her and pecked her nose.

" Why bother when you're always here to do it for me?", he replied smugly. She playfully hit his arm and pecked his cheek. 

" There. All done.", she said stepping away from him and looking at him all dressed up. She was about to comment on his look when someone knocked on the door. 

" Excuse me, Your Royal Highnesses, but it's time.", said the officer. They thanked him and with one final check on their looks, Elle picked Arthur on her lap and they descended the stairs making their way to the Throne Room. Some of the family was already inside, a few fellow Knights and Ladies. Harry stayed behind waiting for his grand entrance while Elle was to take her place among the other. She stepped closer to him and kissed his lips quickly.

" For luck.", she whispered to him as she walked towards the entrance of the room. He watched from the anteroom as she greeted a few people and sat down with Arthur in her arms close to William and Catherine. Breathing in and out, Harry shook off the nerves that were beginning to hit him and prepared to be called. As he was the only new knight being invested, he walked alone down the lined corridor of chairs towards the throne where his grandmother and grandfather sat. Harry then kneeled down, with his left foot forward. The Queen stood up and with Charles and Andrew's help, fastened the garter just below his knee, while the chancellor of the order read:

To the Honour of God Omnipotent, and in Memorial of the blessed Martyr St. George, tie about thy leg, for thy renown, this Most Noble Garter; wear it as the symbol of the Most Illustrious Order never to be forgotten or laid aside, that hereby thou mayest be admonished to be courageous, and having undertaken a just war, into which thou shalt be engaged, thou mayest stand firm, valiantly fight, courageously and successfully conquer.

Then, they placed the riband -- the famous blue sash with St. George's insignia on it -- was placed around his body, as well as the collar followed by the dark blue mantle on his shoulder and gave him the hat he was to wear during the procession. 

" Wear this Riband, adorned with the Image of the blessed Martyr and Soldier of Christ, St. George; by whose imitation provoked, thou mayest so overpass both prosperous and adverse encounters, that having stoutly vanquished thy enemies, both of body and soul, thou mayest not only receive the praise of this transient combat, but be crowned with the Palm of eternal Victory.", said the Queen, smiling softly at him.

" Thank you, your Majesty. I pledge to loyally to keep and observe the statutes of the said Order as far as within my loyal ability I am able.", said Harry. And with that, the ceremony was over. He kissed his grandmother on the cheek and bowed to her, which was followed by the applause from his fellow companions. 

Later that day, after the parade was done and most people had retired, Elle and Harry sat quietly together in each other's arms in a cosy Drawing Room. It suddenly dawned on her where they were and she chuckled.

" What's so funny?", he asked her. Turning her head to face him she smirked.

" Do you not realised where we are?", she asked him. Harry looked quizzically at her and thought for a moment, shaking his head.

“ Well... let me refresh your memory then...", she whispered in his ear, taking off his jacket and untying the knot on his tie, discarding them on the floor, as she trailed kisses down his throat. Breathing heavily, Harry closed his eyes as she continued to kiss and occasionally lick down his body, opening each button on his shirt in painfully slow motions.

" Is it working?", she whispered to him and he mumbled a "not yet" which made her giggle. Elle suddenly stopped and straddled his legs, looking directly in his eyes.

" I want you now.", she said. Harry's eyes widened and realisation washed down his face. She bit her bottom lip and smirked at him. It took him a quarter of a second to attack her lips and peel off the clothes from her skin, ravishing her body as she did the same to him. They knew they could be caught at any moment but if they didn't care then, they certainly wouldn't care now. Breathing unevenly and hard, she came began moving back and forth on his lap, as he groaned in sweet pleasure.

" Oh damn it all!”, he mumbled, turning their bodies on the sofa, now on top of Elle.

************

July 2019

At Balmoral Castle, in the presence of her parents, aunt, uncle and cousins, as well as her closest members of the Royal Family all dressed in their uniforms and regalias, Elle was appointed a Dame Grand Cross of the Victorian Order. She had never before experienced herself something this grand yet intimate. But as she walked then kneeled before the Queen it all became very real. Much like on Harry's investiture, she was given a riband, a blue and red sash worn from the right shoulder to the left hip, and insignia of the order and a mantle of royal blue and red. 

There was no oath but she thanked and curtsied to Her Majesty when she was given all the insignias. She was embraced and kissed by all as they were directed to a grand meal sans all of the order, of course.  Looking around the table, Elle smiled inwardly as she watched them laughing and talking to each other in a way she hadn't seen in a while. And it warmed her heart to see that in the year that went by they had successfully healed their major wounds and reattached their strings, even though what has happened would never truly be forgotten. 

After lunch, hand in hand, the couple took a walk along the garden and stopped at the familiar and special greenhouse. Smiling, they entered the place and smelled the sweet aroma of the flowers and herbs kept in there. 

" I remember every single thing about that night, you know?", said Elle. " The way that you fidgeted nervously, the way you smiled at me, how your hand was always in search of mine, how you made my heart jump and took my breath away with every single surprise you pull off... how the lights reflected in your eyes, how handsome you looked... all those tiny little things are forever imprinted in my brain.", she continued. Harry smiled lovingly at her running his hands on her arms and then over her barely showing stomach. She smiled at the action and put her hands above his.

" We'll have to tell people soon.", said Elle.

" Yes, but not just yet. At the end of summer.", said Harry.

" At the end of summer.", she agreed, nodding her head.

And so they did. After telling their families and friends, the official announcement was made on all social media accounts and polls soon started regarding the date of birth, sex and name of the child. The best reaction they got was when they told their son about him becoming a big brother. The toddler put his hands on his mother’s lower belly and gently tapped a few times, put his ear on it and even gave it a kiss. 

“ Baby”, he said repeatedly. “ Boder? Sista?”, he asked his parents.

As with Arthur, they didn’t want to know if nugget was a boy or a girl, so all they could say to their eldest was “sibling”. Elle and Harry had already been to several appointments with Georgiana in the past weeks and all was well with their second child. As with Arthur, they didn’t want to know if nugget was a boy or a girl. 

************

December 2019

Her second pregnancy was very different from her first. She felt incredibly more tired and swollen this time around and her child was very very active; always kicking and moving. Sleeping had been a challenge. Staying on her feet even more so. So much so that Elle had to cut short her engagements and start her maternity leave at her thirtieth week. Arthur, ever the attentive child, was happy to help his parents decorate and arrange new and old things for his sibling. He was kind enough to select a few of his toys and clothes to give to the baby, which Elle and Harry thought it was very amusing. As her belly grew, Arthur’s questions increased. Once he learned that the baby could hear him, he spontaneously began siting close from his mother and place his tiny hands on her middle and would tell the baby all about his day, his toys, Sir Lancelot and all of his family. It often brought tears to Elle’s eyes and were the object of many pictures taken by Harry. 

As his wife began her last weeks before labour, Harry wanted to make sure all was in perfect order this time around for the baby’s delivery. With Helen’s help once again, they had been practicing their breathing and meditation and had set a peaceful schedule to help with Elle’s stress and constant tiredness. They also prepared themselves to be in London on the week of the baby’s birth, which gave them enough time to enjoy Christmas with the family at Sandringham. 

The couple was extremely excited to show Arthur all around the estate, since now he could walk around properly and play with his older cousins. Christmastime was indeed a time to celebrate. And in their case even more so as new life was coming into the family and Prince Philip, who had been ill on the last couple of months was recovered, which had been a great relief to all. 

Their arrival in Norfolk on the morning of the 23rd was filled with much joy and warmth from all of the family. They all — including Sir Lancelot — had taken the train to Sandringham, which had been Arthur’s first time on a train ride. He absolutely loved it and had his little face glued on the window the whole time. This time they were joined by Leo and Ingrid on their way but made sure the RPO’s would return home for the holiday since they’d be staying in Sandringham until Boxing Day, when they’d travel to Wiltshire to see Elle’s parents. 

“ Happy Christmas! Come in! Come in! Let’s get you all warmed up.”, said Sophie, pulling them into the house and taking Arthur from Harry’s arms. Ingrid and Alfred were king enough to help with their bags into the manor. 

“ Happy Christmas, aunt Sophie. How are you?”, Harry said.

“ I’m very well. We all are. And how are you all?”, asked Sophie.

“ We’ve been good! Arthur in particularly is very excited about Christmas… and his baby sibling.”, said Elle chuckling.

“And how’s the little one?”, asked Sophie as they put away their coats and bags. 

“ The baby had been oddly quiet today. Barely any kicks at all.”, said Elle, running her hands lovingly on her belly.

“ Probably due to lack of space in there. Both Louise and James where very active up until the last couple of days before the delivery. Then they grew quiet. It was like they knew the time was coming.”, said Sophie.

“ You’re probably right.”, replied Elle smiling. 

“ Come, they’re all in the living room.”, the older woman said, guiding them through doors and corridors. As they entered, cheers and greeting were heard from everyone, since they were the last to arrive. After and array of kisses, hugs and playful jokes, they settled together in the spacious room, telling stories, watching telly, playing with the children — who demanded all their attention — and talking about their lives. Christmas at Sandringham had the effect of making everybody cheerful and somewhat, normal. 

“ Now that we are all here, let’s give this festive tree its final decorations.”, said Elizabeth. And so, as per tradition, the family gathered around the colourful display and placed their individual bobbles. 

“ Next year, we’ll have a new bobble on that tree.”, said Harry. Elle smiled at him and watched at hers, his and Arthur’s names inscribed on the bobbles sparkled with the lights. Soon, baby nugget. Soon., she thought to herself, caressing her belly. 

************

On the early evening, Elle was soaking in the hot bathtub, relaxing her worn out body as everyone prepared for dinner. She was so warm and cosy that she had no intention of leaving that tub until it was absolutely necessary for her to move. She could hear Harry and Arthur playing on their room, their laughter carrying on to the bathroom.

“ In no time you too will be playing with your papa and older brother, Nugget.”, she said, hands on top of her belly. In response, she felt a sharp kick and pain. 

“ Wow there, little one. No need to be aggressive with your mama. I know you’re excited but calm down for a little, will you?”, she said jokingly. Then she felt it again. Another wave of pain. Breathing through it, she sat down on the tub. That’s when it hit her. Oh no… not again., she thought. 

“ Harry!”, she shouted. “ Can you come here for a second, love?”, she asked, trying to remain calm. She didn’t want to scare him or Arthur. Elle heard the step getting closer and soon Harry’s head was peeking from the door, a smirk on his lips.

“ Yes, my love?”, he asked. She gave him her best smiled which was soon replaced by a frown of pain and discomfort. Worried, he rushed to her side, kneeling on the floor.

“ What is it? What wrong? Elle, talk to me.”, he urged her, caressing her hair. She kept on breathing in and out until she calmed down a little.

“ Don’t panic, but I think the baby is coming.”, she said and his eyes widened. 

“ Text Georgiana and Helen. Get Sophie and Catherine, take Arthur to Zara. Quickly.”, she instructed him. Harry barely acknowledging her, hushed through the door leaving it open. Elle could see him picking Arthur up and hurrying through the door. A few moments and another contraction later, Sophie and Catherine were at her bathroom door, followed by Harry, who was on the phone with Georgiana.

“ Harry said it’s the baby.”, said Catherine.

“ Yes, I think it might be coming. And quickly. My contractions are not that far apart…”, she said. She then felt her water breaking and panic took over.

“ Oh gosh…”, she said.

“ What’s wrong?”, urged Sophie. 

“My water just broke.”, she replied. 

“ Quickly, let’s get her in the bed.”, advised Sophie. Harry promptly picked her the top half of her body and helped her stand as the woman helped her into a fluffy robe. Another contraction hit her and she almost fell down. 

“ I can hold on much longer…”, she said, as they helped her into the bed. Catherine and Sophie had pulled out the sheets as Harry held her. 

“ We need to call a doctor or an ambulance.”, said Catherine.

“ Her doctor is on the way. I got Hector to fly Georgiana over. She’ll be here in a half an hour.”, said Harry. Elle nodded her head and practised her breathing with him holding on her hand.

“ We should let everyone know.”, said Elle and Harry nodded his head. 

“ Kate, could you tell everyone downstairs. I’ll call Elle’s parents.”, he said to his sister in law, who nodded her head and smiled before leaving the room.

“ Eleanor, dear. Do you need anything?”, asked Sophie, maternally. 

“ I’d like some water, please.”, said Elle and Sophie too rushed out of the room.

Over the course of the next half an hour, the families were told and excitement filled the manor. A doctor was called from the nearest hospital to check on Elle and the baby while they waited Dr. Yates, who arrived just in time. Helen wouldn’t be able to be with them but was on speaker with Elle. 

“ Oh thank goodness you’re here!”, exclaimed Elle seeing Georgiana. The older woman smiled and talked briefly with the doctor who had been attending her. The man was soon dismissed from the room, wishing a good delivery to the royal duchess. They were left alone; just the three of them — plus Helen on the phone and an assistant nurse — as Elle had wanted. Georgiana scrubbed up as best as it was possible and walked over to Elle.

“ Let’s see how things are going, shall we?”, said Georgiana. Elle felt another sharp contraction hitting her. 

“ I want to push”, said Elle, breathing deeply.

“ Yes, I can see things are speeding up very quickly this time. Lara, help me put the protective bedding around here.”, said Georgiana to the assistant nurse. They moved quickly and efficiently around them. Soon it looked similar like a bed in a hospital, much cleaner than te bedsheets she had been previously on.

“ Alright, you know the drill, as soon as the next contraction come you start pushing okay, Elle?”, said Georgiana and Elle nodded, holding tightly to Harry’s hand. She pushed as much as she could. For the next hour she kept on pushing and pushing. 

“ The head is out. Just a little more, Eleanor. You can do this!”, said Georgiana. Focusing on her breathing and rhythm, Elle pushed again and felt a the pressure leaving her, meaning that this time the push had done its job. Cries were heard and she knew her child was safely into the world. She looked up to see Harry’s tear stained face, a huge smile plastered on his lips. 

“ What do we have, Georgiana?”, asked Harry. 

“ Another healthy boy, sir!”, said Georgiana. Elle and Harry laughed and grinned. 

“ Another son?”, she asked him in disbelief. He nodded his head and kissed her sweaty temple. Harry then cut the cord as he did with Arthur making the doctor smiled, as she and the nurse checked on the baby and performed the first assessments. He helped her sit up on the bed and drink a few gulps of water, as he gently patted down her forehead from all the sweat. 

“ You did wonderfully, my love. Wonderfully.”, he said to her. “ I’m so so proud of you.”, he continued placing kisses on her temple and forehead.

“ I’m so glad he’s here.”, said Elle, sighing. The parents smiled as the nurse brought their youngest son to them, placing the wrapped newborn on her mother’s arms. 

“ Hi little one…”, she whispered, kissing his chubby cheek, caressing him as Harry ran the tip of his fingers on his head. 

“ He’s a perfectly normal baby if only a bit early. He weights 3.8 kilograms and measures 51 centimetres. Quite a heavy little thing!”, joked the nurse. 

“ We’ll leave you be for a moment. But we’ll need to take him to the hospital tomorrow for a proper evaluation.”, said Georgiana. 

“ Thank you Georgiana. And Lara.”, said Elle. As soon as they left the room, the trio fell silent, enjoying each other’s company. 

“ He’s got blond hair…”, noticed Harry.

“ Like you had when you were a child.”, commented Elle, smiling at her husband. The child was snuggled into his mother arms, quietly dreaming and enjoying the heat and care he was receiving. 

“ Here… hold him.”, she said, passing the infant to Harry’s arms. He held his son carefully and gently, cradling him close to his body. The baby stirred a little but settled soon after on his father’s arms. 

“ Hello my son. Welcome. We’re so happy to have you here. You’re so loved. Your mama and I love you so much. Your older brother Arthur doesn’t know you yet, but he already loves you too.  We all do. Blessed child.”, he said, kissing his son’s head. Elle smiled and held back tears watching the interaction between father and son. 

“ He’s our Christmas present.”, said Elle and Harry nodded his head in agreement. A few moments later, Georgiana and the nurse got back in to check on them both. 

“ You should tell everyone.”, said Elle to Harry.

“ Do I have to?”, joked Harry, making her chuckled. 

“ Yes, my darling. You do. And take your time. I want to get cleaned before you come back. ”, she replied. Sighing, he gently placed the baby on his mother’s arms once again and with one final kiss on both, he exited the room and rushed down the stairs. Downstairs, the family had eaten in silence, waiting for news. As the loud steps approached all turned towards the door.

“ We have another son!”, exclaimed Harry, beaming. Cheers and joyous words filled the room as he was hugged and patted on the back by his family members. 

“ How are they?”, asked Elizabeth.

“ Very well, Granny. Elle was splendid and the baby is perfectly healthy. Chubby cheeks and a spot of blond hair.”, said Harry.

“ Much like you were as a newborn.”, commented Charles.

“ How are you feeling, Harry? Now that you are a father of two?”, asked William.

“ Honestly? Over the moon. Worried but extremely happy.”, replied Harry, making Charles and Philip chuckle.

“ Ahh now you’ll see how much fun it is to have two boys running around the house. I’d know!”, commented Charles.

“ Speaking of which, where’s Arthur?”, Harry asked. 

“ He’s playing with the children in their room with nanny Maria.”, replied Catherine. Harry nodded his head. 

“ We are very happy indeed for you, Harry.”, said Elizabeth.

“ Hear, hear!”, exclaimed Anne with nods and cheers of agreements from all the other. 

“ And does he have a name?”, asked Camilla.

“ He does. Elle and I have settled on a name but we’ll tell you together.”, replied Harry.

“ Always so mysterious...", commented  Sophie, making them all laugh.

“ I should get back to Elle.”, said Harry smiling. “ I’ll let you know when she’s feeling more rested so you can come and meet our son.”, he continued.

“ Yes, dear. Send her our love.”, said Elizabeth, smiling. “ I will!”, he replied. Walking up the stairs again, he stopped at the nursery to pick Arthur up.

“ Little cub? Arthur?”, he called out as he entered the nursery. 

“ Papa!”, he exclaimed, throwing himself at his father’s legs. Picking him up, Harry smiled and hugged the child. 

“ Thank you for looking after him, nanny Maria.”, he said to the woman who smiled and nodded her head at him. Leaving the room, he walked slowly to his own bedroom.

“ Have you been good to nanny and your cousins?”, he asked.

“ Yes, papa.”, the boy replied. “ Papa, where mama?”, he asked his father.

“ Mama was busy… your baby brother has arrived.”, said Harry. Arthur’s little eyes lit up and he smiled.

“ Boder?”, he asked.

“ Yes, baby brother.”, replied Harry.

“ Can I see?”, he asked his father. 

“ Yes, little cub. We’re gonna see mama and your brother very soon. But remember you have to be very quiet and very gentle with him, ok?”, said Harry.

“ Okay, papa.”, Arthur replied. Approaching the bedroom door, Harry turned to his son and said:

“ Now Arthur, what did papa tell you?”

“ Baby boder is hewre. Need to be quaite…Shhhh.”, replied the toddler, making Harry smiled.

“ Good boy.”, Harry replied, kissing his son’s temple. 

The first thing he noticed was that it seemed cleaner and cosier. It didn’t look like a birth had happened in there. Elle was sitting in the middle of the bed, looking tired but refreshed, with their son on her arms. 

“ Harry. Little cub!”, said Elle smiling. “ Come here… come meet your baby brother.”, she continued. Harry smiled at them and gently sat on the bed beside mother and baby, seating Arthur on his lap. 

“ Arthur come say hello to your brother…”, said Elle. Gently, the older boy lowered his head and whispered closely to the newborn:

“ Hi baby boder.”. Needless to say that all the tears Elle had held on to, were now calling freely down her cheeks. Harry then instructed his elder son to caress the head of his youngest.

“ That’s is, little cub, gently, soflty…”said Elle.

“ What baby boder call?”, asked Arthur. Looking at each other, Harry and Elle smiled and she nodded her head.

“ Owen. Your brother’s name is Owen.”, replied Harry.

[andinewton]

Second Chances - Avengers Redemption Series - Part One Chapter 7

Characters:  Loki, Maia Tomson (OFC), Sigyn, pretty much everyone from the MCU appears at some point, including some special appearances by members of the X-Men!

Pairings: Loki x Maia Tomson, Loki x Sigyn,

Warnings:  Smut, so much smut, violence, swearing; listen, it’s NSFW and 18+, just bear that in mind!

Word Count: 179105

Summary: Loki has been handed over to The Avengers to pay penance for his past crimes, underpowered and underwhelmed by his post he is assigned a new ‘guide to Midgard’ by his superiors and is more than a little surprised when a petite freckled, redhead is waiting in the conference room, not at all like the previous handlers he has been assigned, who quit after a very short time with the snarky god. Maia Tomson is a trained literature teacher and counsellor, maybe not someone you would have picked out to be a guide to the God of Mischief but her mentor, Charles Xavier, knows she likes a challenge, and when The Avengers ask him to recommend someone she is top of his list. Surprised by the assignment, Maia takes it on, promising to do her best, but was not counting on a mutual attraction with her charge.

Join Loki on a journey to discover that his heart is not as frozen as he believes it to be, an adventure spanning almost a millennia of love gained and lost and rediscovered in the most unlikely of places…

Master List

Chapter 7

Summary: Loki has a change in mood and Stark decides to take matters into his own hands.

Over the next two days the rest of the Avengers currently in the tower noticed something of a change in the God of Mischief. While he had previously kept to himself, been aloof, he suddenly had a spring in his step, greeting his teammates politely, offering others present beverages when he made his own, and a general sense of contentment. Tony kept his distance but watched, and noted what he observed like any good scientist.

It was the evening of the second full day. Loki had just returned from a day spent with Maia at the library where they both sought out old tomes to pore over together. Their conversation never went beyond the professional, discussing the relevant items before them or Maia explaining certain references on a larger scale, but Loki was fascinated by her. He found himself developing a new respect for Midgard and its natives simply by being in the presence of this one in particular. After the library they had an early dinner, Maia asking Loki what he would like and matching it to the most appropriate cuisine closest. He appreciated the gesture and enjoyed the food almost as much as the company. As he stepped off the elevator into the common room Steve and Tony were at the bar fixing drinks, but they both stopped at the sight of their former enemy smiling slightly and humming to himself. He spotted them and nodded in greeting. 'Steven, Anthony.' 'Loki.' Steve replied automatically as the man came to the bar and leant on it. 'I wonder if you would be so kind as to pass me a bottle of water?' 'Uh, sure.' Tony took one from the refrigerator and passed it to him. 'Everything alright?' 'Perfectly fine, thank you.' He took the bottle and headed straight towards his room, leaving Tony and Steve dumbfounded. 'What happened to him?' Steve frowned at the doorway Loki had disappeared through. 'Well, either his evil plan, whatever it is, is coming together, or he as a crush on his Squirrel.' Tony voiced the only logical explanations he could come up with and realised, if the latter were true...oh he wanted it to be true, if only to see what the hell might happen. He wasn't one to matchmake, but...'You know what, Cap? I feel like a party. You want a party?' 'A party?' Steve looked even more confused at the change in topic. He had still been trying to believe Loki was capable of a crush. 'You drive a hard bargain. Night after tomorrow. Need to get on it, and deliver an invitation.' He stepped out from behind the bar and headed to the elevator, drawing his Stark Phone as he walked. Maia had had the most amazing day. She had always wanted the time to spend in the library and it had been everything she had ever dreamed of, but somehow Loki had made it even more. They had spoken endlessly about so many topics her head span. Not once did he ask her to calm down, as one ex had when she had shown excitement over something, and Loki hadn't told her she was boring him. Of course he also never tried to start a personal conversation, although if it was relevant she did mention a few small things, such as what she had studied, it was generally just culture and history based, what equated to business for them, and while she could not deny her attraction to the tall, handsome prince, she was painfully aware this was her job and nothing more. Even at dinner he had asked that they discuss Shakespeare, the closest the conversation coming to personal being when he asked her favourite play, then quoted Twelfth Night in his beautiful accented voice until she was sure her heart sighed and she would melt into a puddle. They had walked back to the tower in a companionable silence and said goodnight at the elevators. Now she was in her pyjamas and searching her bookshelf to see if she had packed her copy of the play. When her phone rang she looked at it expectantly, hoping it would be Loki as they had yet to confirm their itinerary for the next day, but instead it was a number she didn't recognise. She picked it up with a frown and sat on the edge of the bed. 'Hello?' 'Squirrel.' 'Mr Stark, how did you get my number?' She sighed as she pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose. She had managed to avoid him for two whole wonderful days. 'Doesn't matter. Listen, not tomorrow night but the next, party on the Avengers floors. Eight til late. You're invited. Gladrags and dancing shoes on. These things get wild.' She inwardly groaned as she rolled her eyes. 'I'm sorry, Mr...' 'Tony. It's Tony. Call me that or nothing.' He interrupted. She sighed. 'Alright, Tony, I'm sorry but I didn't come prepared to party, so I'm going to have to decline. Thanks, all the same.' 'Oh, come on. That's no excuse. You're working wonders on Mayhem and this is how I want to thank you. The whole team does. What do you need? A dress? Shoes? Make up?' 'I don't...' She sighed again. 'Everything except make up.' 'Okay, cancel everything you had planned with hair metal man tomorrow, you show him the joy of a designer mall. I'll meet you both out front. I have something to do not far from there. It's on me.' 'I can't accept that.' She tried to get out of it one more time, suspecting she had already lost. 'Sure you can, token of gratitude for pulling the six foot stick out of Anarchy's ass.' She sputtered a laugh. 'Okay, thank you. What time?' They hashed out details and agreed to early to enable the maximum shopping time and Tony rang off, leaving her to tell Loki their schedule.

M~ Need to meet Stark out front at 8. He's throwing a party and you drew the short straw to accompany me shopping. So tomorrow's schedule is now retail therapy. Sorry.

She added the last as she knew how much men hated shopping. She wasn't overly keen herself, but she needed to go so would suck it up. Loki came out of his bathroom post shower and began to towel himself dry. As he passed his desk he touched his phone, not really expecting to see anything, but his heart leapt when he saw a message from Maia. He dropped the towel and snatched up the handset, seeing her message was sent almost thirty minutes before and he read it twice.

L~ We are shopping with Stark?

Maia was beginning to think Loki had deliberately ignored her message when the phone illuminated her dimly lit room from where she was reading by the bedside lamp. She smiled to herself as she read his reply.

M~ I think he's just giving us a ride as he is passing. Just you and me, is that okay? L~ I am sure it shall be perfect. Perhaps you could help me with my casual look, whilst we are there?

Maia bit her lip. She could think of a good many worse things than Loki trying on clothes.

M~ I can try, but the suits, well, suit you. Pun intended. L~ Then perhaps a new shirt and tie, for the party? M~ I'll help, if I can, but you always look impeccable.

She pressed send quickly before she could delete it, fearing she may have crossed a line.

L~ As do you, however I am very much looking forward to seeing what you would choose for a party. M~ I might need some help with that myself. I don't want to pick the wrong kind of thing.

Loki mused for a moment how although he had only seen her in suits; skirts or dressed with tailored jackets, she always looked lovely, and today she had worn her hair completely down, the red waves curling enticingly around her face and shoulders. More than once he had to resist the urge to touch it.

L~ My dear, it will not matter what you wear, you shall still be the most stunning creature there.

Loki had a moment of regret after sending the reply. While he meant it he was still unsure if she merely saw him as a job. She was always happy to see him, had no fear of touching him, and she looked at him almost as often as he looked at her, which was a lot. He was a prince of Asgard, but this woman was a complete enigma to him. Maia stared at Loki's last message for a full minute. A compliment and an endearment, a general one but, wow. Her stomach danced and her pale skin flushed pink. She wasn't used to anyone complimenting her. She decided to play it cool, he was just being polite and reassuring, he didn't mean it the way her heart wanted him to. Then she thought of a witty reply he would appreciate.

M~ "I will praise any man that will praise me." For that I'll buy you a cup of tea and lunch.

When the next message quoted the bard Loki smiled. She had taken his flattery with good humour, as she did everything else.

L~ Antony and Cleopatra. Very well, my queen, I shall see you on the morrow.

Maia giggled, his reply encouraging her to play along.

M~ And you, my emperor. Until we meet again. L~ Goodnight, Maia. M~ Goodnight, Loki.

Maia dropped back in her pillows. It may not have been flirting but it was the closest thing she had had in some time, and coming from him made it all the more amazing.

Chapter 8

[karma2u]

just a lil’ story I wrote

I wrote like?? a story??? based on how Tygr and Charles met n stuff... I wrote it pretty late at night but I Cant be bothered to proofread rn. . .

A pub sat in the heart of the town. the black and blue colours both inside and outside of the worn down place gave the building a clam mood, yet anyone who had been inside knew most left with the same colours. someone approached the building, her hood covered her face, but the iconic jacket was easy to recognise at this point in her life. she wore black boots to her knees, which were covered with dark red knee pads- metal. she had grey trousers tucked into her boots, which has blue arrows either side of them. she wore a dark red crop top, despite the cold, snowy weather that would have told her to wrap up. there was a choker around her neck that had a blue bead at her throat, normally an uncomfortable accessory for others, but she had worn it so long she no longer felt it there. her hair was messy and only just went past her chin, and had been styled to cover her eyes. the colour was dark red, then faded down to light pink by the bottom, and her hidden eyes were green with black sclera. the black hood over her head was lead by black bars with gold hoops are the end, and a purple piece of cloth between each of them gave the look of wings. the sleeves ended with straps at her elbows, and on her left arm three gold bangles rested on her wrists. as she walked closer to the pub, she seemed to murmur to a black shape as it poked it's green-eyed head from her coat, orange horns glowing in the night. it floated out of the jacket, wrapping itself around her neck snugly, closing it's eyes to feign sleep. this was Tygr, and the shape was Kagayaku, her brother-like daemon. she walked into the pub, and took her seat on a stool by the bar. the bartender was a young man with long black hair. his bangs were neatly center parted, and the rest was tied in a ponytail with a white ribbon. his eyes were brown, and despite the rugged look of the bar, his face was friendly, cleanly shaved, but not quite handsome. his outfit consisted of a white shirt, neatly buttoned up, and a black tailcoat, the torn off sleeves contrasting the well-pressed look, and should someone look behind the bar his trousers were black, as were his shoes. he leaned against the shelves of bottles, cleaning a glass that was kept just to clean when no customers were being served. "oi. joss. i' here." Tygr said, her voice resembling a laugh. the bartender smiled, standing up straight only to lean on the counter, careful to keep his elbows off of the beer mats, swirling the clean glass like it has a liquid inside. "ID?" he asked, glancing to the side. Tygr reached into her jacket, only to flash her empty palm. Joss nodded, his eyes scanning as if reading, then stood up and reached behind the bar, taking out a clear bottle, pouring out a glass and handing it over. "back in town then? Aug' giving you a bad time?" he asked, rolling up his sleeves. "marc wanted ta see him. can't stand sight of 'is face, so here's forgetting where i am." she answered, raising the glass and brushing back her messy short hair while she sipped it, scuffing it up again when she put the glass down. she ran her fingertip around the rim of the glass, biting her tongue. "so do you know why he wants to see Aug'?" "never. marc knows i hate 'im too. but i guess it's nice bein' here again." Tygr shrugged, leaning back on her stool, holding the side of the bar to stabilise herself. "always a treat seeing you here as well. the regulars get boring." Joss smirked. "oh, speaking of which. Carl's been bailed out if you want a fight." he clicked his fingers, eyes flicking over to look at a rugged looking man in the back of the pub. Tygr played with the piercings in her lips, staring at the man. his eyes darted around, but nodded when he made eye contact. Tygr rolled her shoulders but turned back around to look at Joss, shaking her head "yeah, well. not in the mood for that." she sighed, taking a chug from her glass. Joss shrugged, and put his cleaning glass behind the counter, taking out a shot glass and pouring some of the bottled drink in it, sipping it lightly. a man at the end of the bar watched as he did so, standing up and pulling his stool to sit at Tygr's right hand side. he glanced at him, taking in his appearance- she'd come to recognise all of the regulars in the pub, and he certainly wasn't one. he wore a brown hat over his head, with a grey ribbon around the base. his hair was a dirty blond- the left side was cut short, and the right side of his bangs were shoulder-length and wrapped around his chin naturally. he had an eyepatch on his left eye- in fact, the left side of his face had a darker skin tone to th rest of his face- a burn scar, Tygr guessed. the eye she could see was dark green, and despite his youth seemed aged. he wore a double-breasted coat- the main body was blue, but the piece on the front was light blue, as were the sleeves and the rim of the coat. the sleeves were folded up to his elbows, and two gold shoulder pads rested at his sides. his forearms had what looked like brown guards on them, and his right hand had a bracelet with brown wooden beads on it. through the middle of his coat there were three card houses- diamond, spade, and at the bottom, club. between the spade and club was a brown belt at his waist, with a heart buckle. he had two necklaces- a long one with wooden beats in a similar style to his bracelet, and a shorter necklace decorated with a single yellow bead. his trousers were dark grey with a white circle on each of the knees, and two white smaller circles beneath it. his shoes were simple brown ones. Tygr looked back up to his face, and he was smirking... Tygr had the sudden urge to punch a wall. "done?" he asked with an accent she couldn't recognise. she reached back her fist and went in to punch him before she'd even realise what she was doing, but he quickly caught her fist before it could make contact with his face, still smirking "careful sweetie." 'great. he really is another Marcus.' Tygr thought, quickly pulling back her fist, making the man fall on the floor. he stood up and brushed himself off, sitting on his stood again. "I'll have a whisky." the man waved, turning back to Tygr as joss went to pour his drink "look, i dont want you to get the wrong idea. ah, restart. hi, I'm Charles, I'm new around here if you can't tell. and you are?" he asked, holding out a hand "Tygr. tie-gur. got it?" Tygr nodded, shaking his hand, then pulling him off his stool again "law one of Sochanara, shaking hands isn't a thing." "Sochanara? August just calls this place wales." Charles chuckled, sitting back down. "wow. ok, you never read a textbook. wales became Sochanara when the four rebirthed the land, just like how the rest of the land changed it's name." tygr explained. "you from Baurenku? Kalthurpa?" Tger asked, swirling her glass "Kalthurpa's the closest place. I'm American." Charles shrugged. Tygr jolted, crushing the glass in her fist, staring at Charles. he only laughed "what, you didn't hear?" "a-mer-ican..." she said slowly, then turned to joss as he put a glass of whisky in front of Charles, who nodded in thanks, taking a sip "yeah, i know right? 'guilds doing this whole program right now, apparently The One's heir is American, so they've sent potential heirs over to find out who The One's chosen." joss explained "i would have thought The Second would have told you." he laughed, getting a second glass from behind the counter, putting it on the counter "two doesn't tell me anything nowadays." Tygr sighed, grabbing the bottle itself and drinking straight from it, ignoring the glass and downing half of what was left "maybe he really has changed his heir to 'Aug." joss laughed, but Tygr seemed to ignore his comment. Charles just watched the two, finishing off his glass, then standing up "well, I'll be off." Charles smiled "put it on August's tab." he said, turning around, before Tygr snatched his hat, puling her hood down and putting it on her head instead "if it's Tin's tab, you're buying me drinks." Tygr smiled. Charles stared in shock for a moment, then smiled and sat back down again, ruffling his hair a little. "whatever you say sweetie." Charles smiled, resting his head in his hand, elbow on the bar "you got a partner?" "open relation. we're together, but we do what we want, with who we want. consenting, of course." Tygr explained "why?" "just saying, you're pretty hot." Charles smiled. Tygr laughed, then kicked his stool over. Charles stood up again and brushed himself off "say that again and you want be saying anything." Tygr growled. "sorry, sorry. just messing with you, i wanted to know how you'd react. knowing how people react to that is a good indication as to what kind of person they are." "and i am?" "stubborn, don't take anything from nobody, probably had a violent background. owns a high-maintenance pet. bi?" "pan." "close." the two were quiet for a minute, finishing their drinks. "so, you wanted to talk to me?" Charles murmured "yeah. how do you know augustine?" "how do you?" "i asked first." "fine. the guild, i believe you call it? they said we could stay with him, and he agreed. nice guy." Charles explained "and by we, i mean me, Winstone, and his daughter KT. adopted, she is." "alright then. I've known him a while. I'm a big deal in Sonekama and he want's my, place, so we're somewhat rivals." Tygr shrugged "... don't tell him this, but yeah, outside of his ego he's not a bad guy. he's helped Nikky a lot." Tygr whispered. "Nikky? you mean Niko, the inventor?" "yeah. used to have a thing for him, but i like Ari and i didn't want to get in their way. ever met Ari?" "she's been mentioned. what about bass?" "bass? she's sweet. spends a lot of time with some guy from the guild." Tygr shrugged, then glared at Charles "there seem to be a lot of questions coming from you right now." "throw on at me." "what's it like? where you live? what did you do?" Tygr asked "i wouldn't usually care, but in this case, you seem interesting." "not any better than here really, 'cept instead of trying to fight to survive, you earn to survive. i own a casino." Charles shrugged "you know what a casino is? you gamble there. huge building, just for that. you meet a lot of people, and those who you don't like you can make them lose. makes one feel in control." he explained, turning to look down at the counter. he shook his head, looking up again. Tygr stared at him a moment, somewhat confused at his expression, but shrugged it off. "joss! shots?" Tygr demanded. joss laughed "wondered how long it'll take you to ask." he said, taking out two glasses and two bottles from being the counter. he opened the bottles, then bowed "I'm going to the back. start a fight, i need the bet money." he smiled, taking out two boxes, one labelled 'Tygr' and another 'x' and putting them on the side, then followed his word and walked through a door in the back of the bar. Charles looked at the boxes and laughed "you have your own box?" "told you I'm a big deal." Tygr smiled, pouring herself a shot, and Charles did the same. "alright, shot one." Charles clapped his hands, then undid a button on his coat and reached inside, pulling out a pouch. he took out a few coins, putting them in the 'x' box "oh, I'm flattered. take me now." Tygr said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. Charles laughed "well, maybe when  I've seen you fight I'll put more money on you." he responded, blowing a kiss. Tygr leaned away from it's direction. "ok, so with every shot you're putting a quan in a box, then we each ask a question. sound fair?" Tygr asked "yeah, sure. sounds like a drinker's way of knowing each other, that's for sure. alright, what's with the bracelets?" Charles asked "not even Marcus knows that, let alone you. what's with the guards?" Tygr responded. "you've already asked if it sounded fair, sweetie." Charles smirked, before the two took their second shot. Charles put another quan in the 'x' box, then slammed the glass down. "alright. are you a human, mystic, or hybrid?" "mystic. Kagayaku’s my daemon." she answered, gesturing at the creature still wrapped around her neck. "and you?" "human. we dont have anything else in America. didn't even know people like that existed." shot three. box 'x'. "so do you know about the four? about madam death?" Tygr asked "now that I'm in Sonakama. have you met any of them?" "I'm two's heir, and my metaphorical sibling is madam death's kid." four 'x' "metaphorical?" Charles was the first to ask "Two and Madam death were together when they were human. and as Two's heir, I'm his adopted daughter. alright, here's my question. why did you stick around for drinks with me?" "you seem interesting. most girls are scared of a face like this in my town. and the men aren't interested." ... empty bottle. 'Tygr'. "you want another drink?" the two asked at once. "heck yeah." they answered, them sighed when the realised joss was already in the back. behind them, a man stood up, tapping Tygr on the shoulder. Tygr turned around, then smiled. "Charles! move the tables, get the bets." Tygr clapped, standing up. Kagayaku uncurled himself from her neck, saying something quietly, then floating and lying on the bar counter. Charles laughed and followed Tygr’s instructions as she took off her jacket, putting it onto the stool and stretching, Carl doing the same. ... with everything organised, Charles sat in his stool, folding his arms and smirking, then raised a hand "alright you two, UN DEUX TROIS go!" he shouted, and instantly Carl was knocked to the floor with a punch to the eye from Tygr. he kicked at Tygr's ankles, knocking at one of them but she hopped away on her other foot. Carl stood up and aimed a punch at her, but she easily leaned out of the way, so he tried another, and once again she dodged it, repeating several times, until out of frustration Tygr head-butted with carl. he staggered, the tried for one more punch. Tygr caught it, squeezing and crushing his hand. he yelled, then pulled back his fist before she could let go, kneeing her in the stomach when she was close enough. she yelped at the sudden pain, then wrapped her other arm around his waist and let herself fall on the floor, dragging him with her. she pushed him off, making sure to stand on him as she stood up. "given up yet?" Tygr asked, but in response carl tried to stand, making Tygr jump off so he could. this time, he tried to swing a kick. Tygr jumped back, and he lost his balance before Tygr grabbed his ankle. "oh. ok... you know what I'm bored now." Tygr sighed. she took a step to the side, then, holding onto his ankle with both hands, swung Carl around to slam him to the ground "one, two three, four, five!" she smiled, holding a hand out to Charles "... that was it?" he laughed, taking her hand, but she pulled it away "not your hand, the box." "... wha?" "the box. money in my box is for me, the 'x' for joss." Tygr smirked "oh." Charles laughed "anyways, we'd better go. I'm still pretty sober but i wanna surprise tin by bringing you back." she smirked.