Chapter 24
The Asgard Universe - The Twins of Fate Saga - Summary/Content Note
Gwen wakes first and quietly cooks breakfast. She whips up a pile of French toast dusted with powdered sugar, and sets out bowls of berries, maple syrup, and whipped cream, bacon, and coffee. She is determined to give them all a real Midgardian experience during this trip.
When Loki finally stumbles out of bed, he stops in the doorway to the kitchen, blinking as the scent of the coffee hits him like a freight train. He can vaguely hear the kids talking and laughing at the table, but his eyes are only on his wife. Watching as she bustles around the kitchen, setting out food and filling coffee mugs with a smile.
He feels something in his chest tighten at the sight of her. Something warm and fierce and powerful.
"...Gods help me," he mutters under his breath.
The palace staff takes care of all the food, so she hasn't cooked in years, but she doesn't mind it one bit. She spots Loki with a smile.
"Sit. I've got breakfast."
She sets a plate of food in front of him and fills his coffee mug. Einarr and the twins are laughing and pouring more syrup on their French toast.
Loki stares down at his plate for a moment, then up at her. There's something almost startled in his expression, like he didn’t expect any of this, like he still can't quite believe that someone like her would ever choose someone like him. That she’d cook for him, smile at him, want to share eternity with him.
"You made this?" he asks quietly, though the smell alone answers that question. "...Why?"
"It occurs to me that you have never seen me on Midgard. From our first meeting until now, we've always been in Asgard. You've never seen me work or cook or even wear my Earth clothes. I thought it would be a good thing for you to see this side of me and where I come from."
Gwen is beaming. She loves Asgard even though it has been challenging sometimes, but there's nothing like being home. She feels more like herself than ever.
Loki has to keep the rush of emotion in check, taking a drink from his mug in an effort to hide his reaction. She was right; he'd never seen her like this. There was no palace staff, no golden armor, no opulent dresses.
He'd seen her in combat, in the bedroom, in tears, in joy, but not this. Not like this, casually radiant in jeans and a soft T-shirt, with her hair braided instead of in a coiffed updo.
He's just staring at her in quiet disbelief; like he'd never really let himself think that they could have this. That they could be normal, even for just a few minutes. Then he shakes his head, clearing away the emotion to smirk at her instead.
"You look rather underdressed, you know," he drawls, gesturing to her outfit. "For someone who once wore those elaborate gowns of silk and velvet all day long, even to bed."
"I know. It does feel a bit strange, just like it was adjusting to wearing gowns every day. I did miss some of these comfortable clothes, though. Fewer ties and belts."
Loki's lips twitch in a smile at the thought. He remembers the first time he'd seen her in one of the Asgardian dresses; all silk and finery and laces.
"I must admit," he says with a smirk, "I did find the dresses rather … pleasant on the eyes. They made you look like royalty, even if you kept tripping over the damned things and cursing at them under your breath when you thought nobody was listening."
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I love the dresses. They are comfortable and I feel really pretty in them, but this feels... comfortable in a different way, like I can move and relax."
She sips her coffee.
"Speaking of moving and relaxing, I thought we could go to the park, let the kids run around, grab lunch out, and then I can show Einarr the gym."
He nods and takes a bite of French toast, humming in approval at the taste. He's still watching her while she talks, like he's still trying to reconcile every different version of her he's ever seen.
"You do look quite at ease here, I'll give you that. And I suppose a walk would do us all some good. The children could stand to expend some energy, if nothing else," he sighs with a resigned shake of his head. The twins are practically vibrating with excess energy at the table.
She knows Loki always looked down on Earth and its inhabitants, so it's hilarious that he ended up married to one. Why wouldn't he look down on it? He is a god and a prince from a glittering realm of magic. Earth seems simple in some regards. She is doing her best to show him how enjoyable life could be here, though.
He leans back in his chair, crossing his arms as he watches the twins continue to squirm in their seats. "Are you sure you want to take those two to the park? I'm half-tempted to make Einarr take them and let us both go back to bed for a few hours." That smirk still hasn't faded.
"He is a bodyguard, not a babysitter. Besides, it's his vacation too. He doesn't have to look after the children." She turns to Einarr. "If there is something you want to do, just let me know and I'll help you."
Einarr looks momentarily surprised at the offer; like he's not sure how to respond. Then he glances at the twins, both of whom are currently shoving their faces into their plates to lick all the syrup, and his gaze softens slightly despite himself.
"...Actually, there is something I'd like to do. If I'm allowed to." He shoots a glance in Loki's direction, almost as if he's expecting Loki to object.
Loki arches a brow at Einarr's hesitant glance but waves a hand dismissively, not hostile, just amused. "You're clearly considering something terrible, so do spare us the suspense."
Gwen elbows him lightly in the ribs before turning back to Einarr with an encouraging nod.
That gets a hint of a smile from Einarr before he clears his throat and straightens his spine, looking at Loki with a surprisingly steady gaze.
"There … is something I'd like to purchase. And I would appreciate your assistance with it, if you are agreeable, my lord."
Loki raises the other brow to match the first. Something about Einarr's tone has caught his interest, as well as a growing sense of suspicion. The man is usually calm and easygoing, but now he's almost … nervous. Which is a rarity in and of itself.
"…And what exactly are you wanting to purchase?" he asks carefully, leaning back in his chair to regard Einarr keenly.
"A weapon, my lord." Einarr shifts slightly, clearly aware of how Loki's eyes are boring into him now. "One from Midgard. A… 'firearm,' I believe they're called?"
There’s a beat of silence as Loki processes that. Then—
"Absolutely not."
"I'm sorry, Einarr, I agree with Loki.” Gwen stays calm. “I would prefer not to have that near the children. And if you wanted to bring it back to Asgard, that would be... Well, I think it would be terrible for the realm. But I don't see why we can't let you go to the shooting range and try it out here."
Einarr looks taken aback, staring at Gwen in surprise. Loki's mouth is still twisted in displeasure, his shoulders tense with displeasure. The idea of letting Einarr anywhere near a firearm is about the last thing he wants to do.
"Absolutely not," he growls. "What possible reason could you have to get your hands on a ‘gun,’ hmm? Don't tell me you just want to ‘try it out.’ That's a load of bilgesnipe shite and you know it."
Einarr exhales sharply, then glances at the twins, both of whom have stopped mid-syrup-lick to stare with wide eyes at the tension in the room. He looks back to Loki and speaks quieter now.
"Fine. Then just let me see one." A pause. "That's all I ask."
Gwen looks at Loki with a shrug.
"The Avengers all have firearm training, even me. I can handle taking him to the range. I'll bring Steve and Nat too. We will not be bringing a weapon of that sort into Asgard, nor will we keep them on us here. It will simply be a quick lesson about what it is and how to use it. If he is going to spend time in Midgard, he should at least know about them."
Loki glares at Einarr, like he's a few seconds away from tearing the man limb from limb, not that Einarr looks even remotely intimidated.
"And why, in the name of the Nine, do you want to learn how to use a gun so badly, hmm?" he snaps, eyes narrowing. "Why not just take up a bow and arrow like a sensible person?"
"I'm curious about how it feels to hold something so small that's so lethal, my lord." Einarr has the audacity to smirk which makes Gwen uneasy.
"Einarr, yes, it is lethal, and you are no stranger to, ahem, taking down enemies. You understand why we are hesitant?"
"Of course," Einarr sighs, rubbing his jaw like he's already resigned to being denied. "But if you're so worried just teach me how it works but don’t let me actually fire one. Or only supervise me at a range. I won't even touch it alone."
He glances at Loki as if to say: See? Compromise! But Loki just looks like he's swallowed something sour.
"Only at a range, under supervision. It's not that we don't trust you; it's just easy to misuse or abuse."
Gwen trusts him with her children, so she could trust him on this, right? She doesn't want to threaten her friend, but she is always mentally working out worst - case scenarios and planning contingencies. She doubts it'll be a problem, but if he steps out of line or becomes a danger, they are in a building full of superheroes and Gwen herself will tie him up in roots and bury him alive for the next century.
Einarr nods like a reasonable person who's just happy to be given a compromise instead of an outright no. He's clearly trying to appear nonthreatening, even putting his hands up in a placating manner when Loki's glare darkens.
"All right. Fine, just the range. No touching without supervision, just watching and learning the mechanics of it. I swear, that's it."
He seems eager to put this behind them. "...But can I ask a question?"
Loki scowls suspiciously. "What?" he mutters, his eyes narrowing even further. His shoulders are still tight, his gaze still hard. Nothing about him seems willing to relax.
"Why are you so...opposed to the idea of me wanting to learn more about Midgardian technology?" Einarr asks carefully. At least he sounds more curious than angry, and his tone is genuinely polite. Or maybe he's just smart enough to know that pissing off the man sitting across the table from him is a terrible idea.
Loki's jaw clenches as if it's in a vise. His voice is rough when he finally answers. "Because I don't trust weapons that can kill from a distance with the pull of a finger."
"Technology is fine, but this one is...scary,” Gwen says. “Even though I know how to use them, I don't like them. Too many people don't have respect for the damage firearms can do, and that is even scarier."
Einarr nods, like what she says makes perfect sense. Then he glances back at Loki again, raising a brow when he sees how tightly Loki is still glaring at him.
"So," he starts carefully, "you'd be fine if I just learned about Midgardian technology in general? Not just ‘guns,’ I mean? Because...I have questions."
"I will be happy to teach you about plenty of other technologies. Who would have thought you would be interested in tech?" Gwen chuckles, trying to lighten the mood.
Einarr leans back in his chair with a smirk, looking far too smug for Loki's liking. He folds his arms behind his head as if he’s already won some kind of victory and, judging by the irritated twitch in Loki's jawline, maybe he has.
"I don't think I've ever told you this," he says casually, "but when I was younger... I built traps. Mechanical ones."
"No, you never told me. That's interesting. Tony would be the right person to speak to about this. He is a tech genius. I don't understand even a fraction of what he knows or how his brain works. His Iron Man suit is a wonder, and no one has been able to replicate it."
Loki's scowl deepens as he realizes his wife is genuinely intrigued by this conversation, and worse, that she's just invited Einarr to speak to Stark about it.
"...Fantastic," he mutters under his breath, "so now my children’s bodyguard and the Merchant of Death will be bonding over weaponized suits. This trip gets better by the minute."
Gwen tries to placate Loki, but there is a mild threat in her words meant for Einarr.
"Loki, it'll be fine. Einarr is a very skilled warrior and trustworthy friend, but even he can not stand a chance against super soldiers, spies, a suit of armor, two gods, and the Hulk."
Einarr looks rather taken aback by that, like he's only now really realizing what a can of worms he's let loose by getting in the crosshairs of the Avengers. Then again, he also sounds more intrigued by that list than intimidated. There's a gleam of interest in his eyes as he glances back over at Gwen.
"…The Hulk? You know the Hulk?" he says like that's the most amazing bit of information he's ever heard.
"Oh yes, he is a very good friend of mine."
She doesn't tell him that Bruce, the quiet scientist, is actually the Hulk. And Loki knows firsthand what the Hulk can do. Einarr would be crushed like a grape.
Einarr blinks like he can't even process the idea that the quiet, sweet, lovely lady sitting across the table from him is friends with the legendary "Hulk".
"…Really?" he asks faintly. "But … why would the Hulk be friends with you?"
"Einarr, in all our time together in Asgard, I never told you about my experience. In fact, I'm not sure Loki knows all of it."
The twins are sitting as patiently as they can for five-year-olds with sugar in their systems because they are now interested in the conversation.
Loki glances sidelong at his children as he senses their growing curiosity, trying, and failing, not to frown. Then he turns his gaze back to Einarr, silently daring him to ask the question he's clearly burning to ask.
Einarr swallows, his lips twisting into a confused frown as he looks at Gwen.
"Your … experience with the Hulk, you mean?" he asks reluctantly, like he's expecting a strange answer.
"My background. I am a botanist who works mostly with poisonous plants (I know all the dangerous plants and can poison anyone). I was sent out to research alien flora and the exposure ended up giving me abilities, and that's how I gained the plant powers you've seen from me on occasion. I went to work for an agency here called SHIELD. I created strategies and maps for the Avengers missions because of my knowledge of vegetation. I trained extensively in hand to hand combat, firearms, and spy-craft. Then, I came to join the Avengers. I lived here in the tower, in a smaller apartment down the hall. We went on pretty high-stakes missions, like, world-ending kind. So why would he be friends with me? I think you can figure that out."
There's a beat of shocked, bewildered silence as Einarr absorbs all of that info.
"You have to be joking," he finally says with a huff of disbelief, looking at Gwen with eyes as wide as saucers. "You're serious? You fought real, live bad guys? You did actual dangerous spy stuff and—and you—you had missions?"
He leans forward in his seat like a little boy, as if he's hoping she'll tell him more.
"Yes. But then I had the twins and moved to Asgard, and the rest is history. And for the question that you are undoubtedly thinking of asking next - if I have that experience and training, why do I need a bodyguard for the kids? Well, if I'm watching and spending time with the children, my guard is down for potential threats. I need another pair of eyes who knows the area and the people, someone that I can trust to watch our backs. I'm sorry if you were under the same impression as the other Asgardians, that I am just a 'weak mortal' who doesn't belong there."
Einarr's mouth has actually fallen open slightly at this point. He blinks rapidly, looking at Gwen like he’s just now seeing her for the first time, which, in a way, he is.
"I … had no idea," he admits slowly, "and I certainly didn’t think you were weak." He side-eyes Loki warily before adding, "You might want to tell that to some others back home though."
"They've seen me in the training grounds. I took down a bunch of them during sparring. You beat me though, remember? I mean, I was rusty and didn't use my powers on you..."
Einarr's mouth quirks back into his trademark smirk, his old cockiness resurfacing as he leans back in his seat.
"Yes, I did beat you," he says with a nod. "But I'm sure you'd kick my ass now since you're not, as you put it, ‘rusty’ anymore, right?"
"I think I could hold my own a little better now,” Gwen smiles. “I still don't think I could beat you without my powers. You do have much more experience than I do in hand-to-hand."
That causes the smirk to turn into a full-out grin. Einarr is feeling overconfident and arrogant again. He folds his arms across his chest a little more smugly.
"That's true," he replies, lifting his chin. "I have the training. You have your powers."
Then, his brow furrows as an idea occurs to him, and he shoots a quick glance at the twins to make sure they're not paying too much attention.
He leans forward slightly, voice lowering to a conspiratorial tone.
"Speaking of your powers... Do the children show any signs of them yet? I mean, other than Liv's uncanny ability to get her brother into trouble with just a look?" He nods toward where Varian is now attempting to balance a spoon on his nose.
Gwen shakes her head. "Since my powers were the result of an accidental exposure, I don't expect them to be hereditary. Loki's magic, however... that's a real possibility."
That makes Einarr blink in surprise, his smirk morphing into a bewildered frown.
"Wait, so you mean... there's a chance that one or both of the kids could end up with magic? Like, "real" magic, like the kind Loki casts?" he tries to clarify.
"Yes. We don't know how or if anything will manifest since they are half-Midgardian."
That causes Einarr to look at the twins in silence for a moment, his eyes slightly wider than a moment ago. He seems to mull that over while also imagining the prospect of dealing with two kids who can do Loki-esque mischief with a snap of their fingers.
"…You're kidding, right?" He finally remarks faintly.
"Are you reconsidering your position with us now that you know the full truth about me and the twins?" Gwen smirks.
Einarr blinks once, twice, before scoffing like the mere thought of backing out now is ridiculous to him.
"Absolutely not," he says with a dismissive wave. "I just need to mentally prepare myself for when they inevitably set my armor on fire with their minds."
"We won't let them do that." Gwen stands and cleans up the table and dishes from breakfast.
"Kids, wash up and we'll go to the park. Einarr, before we leave, I'll talk to Tony and see if he wouldn't mind showing you some tech today, although you should probably start smaller by learning basic household appliances."
Gwen smiles at Loki. He's been quiet, but she recognizes this expression of his when he is deep in thought. She loves him so much.
Loki watches the scene quietly, his gaze warm and fond as he watches his wife with the children. There's a certain wistfulness in his eyes now, though, a hint of something like longing. Maybe regretful memories, maybe something sparked in his imagination. It's impossible to say.
He watches as Einarr stands to follow Gwen out of the kitchen, then he says, "Einarr."
Einarr stops and turns, giving Loki his full attention.
Loki gestures for Einarr to step closer, making sure to lower his voice so that Gwen and the kids can't hear.
"A word," he murmurs, tilting his head toward a different room. Einarr looks like he's wondering what the hell this could be about, but he follows Loki silently.
Once they're safely out of earshot, Loki turns to Einarr with a sharp, serious expression, one that makes the warrior instinctively straighten his posture.
"You and I have never seen eye-to-eye," Loki begins calmly, "but I trust Gwen's judgment more than my own when it comes to matters like this. So consider this your one and only warning: if you ever put her or our children in harm's way, whether through carelessness or arrogance, I will end you."
His voice remains disturbingly pleasant as he adds, "...And no one will find enough of you to mourn."
Einarr stares back at Loki, expression carefully neutral. For a long moment, he just meets the other man's steely stare with unflinching confidence. His voice is equally level when he finally speaks, his chin raised a fraction like he's trying to hold Loki's gaze without blinking.
"I would never harm them intentionally," he says firmly. "They have my loyalty. And my word … I'll protect them with my life if I have to."
Loki studies him for a long, silent moment, searching for deceit, hesitation, anything that would betray false intent. But Einarr’s eyes remain steady. A flicker of reluctant respect passes over Loki’s face before he gives a slight nod.
"See that you do," he murmurs, then steps back with an air of finality. "Now go. They're waiting."
Einarr exhales sharply, only now realizing he'd been holding his breath, and turns on his heel to leave. But not before muttering under his breath:
"...Damn, I need a drink."