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Breathe.
She was only meeting some of the most famous people on Midgard, mere mortals.
Her brother’s colleagues and friends.
Breathe.
Stark hadn’t been exactly what Loki had expected, but even his off the cuff charms didn’t relax her entirely. Why had she agreed to this?
She glanced over to where Peter and Michelle were chatting excitedly.
Right. Sentiment. She still had 70 years left in this realm, was she really crumbling already? What would Thor think when his friends told him— that they had met his sorry excuse for a sister? A weakling with no magic? Maybe she ought to just retreat to an isolated cave somewhere to serve out the rest of her banishment in peace.
MJ thought she could handle this. She found out Peter was Spider-Man, that her teacher was a banished goddess, and even had some banter with the Tony Stark.
Somehow seeing a table full of honest-to-god Avengers threw her off of her usual collected self.
“Hail, hail, the gang’s all here.” Stark said with a laugh once everyone had sat down. “Well, except big bro, but that’s okay. Time to make introductions all around I guess.” He went around the table clockwise, starting with the woman on his left. “This is the most important person here, CEO of my company and my heart, Ms. Pepper Potts.” He then pointed at everyone else in succession. “Bruce Banner, Natasha Romanov, Clint Barton, Sam Wilson, Steve Rogers, Loki Odinsdottir, Michelle Jones, Peter Parker, and your not so humble host, Tony Stark. Okay, now you all know each other, let’s dig in.”
The table was a long rectangle, with Ms. Potts at one end and Captain Rogers at the other. This meant MJ was across from Hawkeye, who, along with Falcon, definitely seemed like the most “normal” of the group. Was it because they were bird themed? Or maybe because they didn’t have the same powers as the others. In any case, they were fairly easy to talk to, and seemed curious about her and her relationship with Peter. They thought of him as a kid brother, and were glad that he had friends he could trust. Their teacher, on the other hand…
She looked up occasionally to see Ms. Odinsdottir talking with Captain Rogers. They were speaking rather quietly, as if they feared being overheard. Maybe that was paranoia again; what could they possibly have to say to each other that would be so mysterious?
When Captain Rogers let out a hearty laugh, she didn’t have to wonder much longer.
“You want to share something with the class, Spangles?”
The Captain composed himself. “Loki here was telling me about the European History class she teaches. Apparently the curriculum is… A bit outdated. And the textbooks have some interesting theories about my fate.”
Loki grinned. “I am often tempted to make corrections, but I am hoping that I can convince the school to invest in some new textbooks instead. Those books are older than my students here.” She gestured to MJ and Peter.
Dr. Banner interjected next. “Surely they would want to keep courses up to date? That is a pretty significant lapse.”
Loki let out a little snort. “Ah, dear doctor, the problem is that our school is very focused on the sciences. Not that I have an issue with that, mind you, but unfortunately those of us trapped in the humanities are forced to carry on with the scraps of budget thrown our way— and since my courses are mostly electives, they are not a priority.”
Banner hummed. Wilson then elbowed the Captain.
“Maybe Cap here should go in as a guest speaker. Then your courses might get a bit more attention.” His grin was infectious as he winked at Loki. And was Captain Rogers… Blushing?
Ms. Odinsdottir spoke up then. “Oh, no, I could hardly ask for such an imposition. I realize you are friends of my brother and of young Peter here, but I am estranged from my home and do not belong. I appreciate the hospitality tonight, truly, but I would not wish to further disturb any of you from your work.”
MJ shook her head. No wonder Loki was turning to her students for socialization; she was painfully oblivious. MJ had eyes; this was a room full of good-looking people, and they were very focused on the goddess. In some ways she was happy to be an afterthought— it meant she could skip the introductions and feel a bit less awkward when she came again.
Because Peter was definitely going to bring her here again, whether he knew it or not.
When dinner had finished the group stayed in the common room, chatting and just… Hanging out. It was nice to know that Earth’s Mightiest Heroes were people the same as anyone else.
MJ stuck with Peter, feeling a bit out of place still. He was deep in conversation about some tech with Mr. Stark when MJ glanced over to see Loki and Captain Rogers talking again. He seemed to be trying to convince her of something— Maybe they were serious about him coming as a guest speaker? That would be enough to make her wish she was in European History, that’s for sure.
Suddenly everyone was dragged out of their thoughts by a flash of lightning. Loki looked so startled that she lost her balance, with the Captain grabbing her before she fell.
Was she blushing now?
MJ didn’t have time to ponder that as the balcony door opened to reveal the God of Thunder.
Loki froze when the door opened to reveal her brother.
Captain Rogers— Steven— still had a hand on her shoulder from when he stopped her fall. He quickly let go and turned to greet Thor.
Thor ignored him, instead locking eyes with Loki.
“Is it… Is it really you, sister?”
Loki tried not to cry. She’d been here thirty years! Norns only knew what Thor had to say to her, but she couldn’t hold it back anymore. She missed her brother. She managed to nod before he marched up to her and scooped her up in a hug.
“Ack! Let go of me, you big oaf! I can’t breathe!”
Thor laughed genuinely, setting her down in front of him, hand on her shoulders. “Well, that has certainly convinced me more than anything else could. Loki, how I have missed you.”
“I can’t imagine why.” She said, a mixture of peevishness and affection.
“Truly. I know father was harsh in his punishment, but I have longed to see you. Ever since I first arrived in this realm I held out hope that our paths would cross; that perhaps you would look for me. I know it must be difficult for you without your seiðr…”
“Difficult! I have worked very hard to even function here these last decades. I was sent with nothing. Without magic I had no identity, no currency, nowhere to stay! It took some time to establish the cover I have; I have not dared try to do something else. I tried to save most of the money I have earned, knowing well I cannot stay indefinitely. It is inevitable that my lack of aging would become suspicious, and someone would figure out what I was hiding.” She stared at MJ, who had clearly heard what she was intended to. Thor, on the other hand, looked beyond her.
“So you know the Spiderling!”
“Peter is one of my students, yes. That is how I came to be here. But it was Miss Jones over there who managed to discover my true identity.”
Thor beamed. “Then I am grateful to her for bringing you back to me.”
Loki hummed. “She is certainly extraordinary for a mortal.”
MJ was only a little intimidated as Thor approached her.
“It seems I have you to thank for bringing my sister back to me.”
MJ shrugged. “I was just a good listener.”
She winced as Thor clapped her on the shoulder. “Do not sell yourself short, Lady Michelle. My sister does not give out compliments easily, but she has nothing but praise for you.”
MJ did not know what to do with that information. It was one thing to get recognition from a teacher, but when that teacher is a literal goddess? To say she was astonished would be one hell of an understatement.
Peter came to the rescue there. “Well Mr. Thor, Ms. Loki is a great teacher, and I think MJ is one of her favourite students. I love her mythology class too; it’s one of the classes I look forward to the most.”
Thor nodded thoughtfully. “I would never have imagined Loki to be a teacher, much less one who received such adulation from her students. It seems her time on Midgard has changed her, and I hope for the better. I know she finds it difficult without her seiðr, however she seems to be thriving even more than I would have expected.” He looked between Peter and MJ with a serious expression. “I entreat both of you, please keep an eye on her. A bored Loki only means trouble, and a lonely one… Well, I cannot be here at all times, lest I shirk my own responsibilities. I do not wish to see her engage in any self-destructive behaviour, but I do believe the two of you can keep her grounded. I know it may be awkward for you, but you will have my eternal gratitude.” He brought a fist to his chest and bowed slightly; a reminder that he was a prince and a god.
“We’ll do our best.” MJ said, and she meant it.
It was getting late, and as much as Loki dreaded the subway ride, she knew she had to ensure Michelle got home safely. She had quite enjoyed herself, much to her own surprise. Captain Rogers had been good company— getting a first-hand perspective on some of the events she taught was enlightening. Not to mention he was much funnier, and dare she say mischievous, than the history books would have one believe. She was tempted to take him up on the offer of coming to her class, but it did not seem right to impose. Besides, how could she possibly explain it without revealing her true identity?
She had to say goodbye to Thor. When he returned again he would be able to find her, so it wasn’t so bad. She didn’t expect what Stark offered next.
“Hey, since Point Break made the effort to show up, you’re welcome to have a sleepover.” He looked at her with some kind of lopsided grin, seeming to take her in as part of their group.
“That is very kind, but I have to ensure—”
“I can take MJ home!” Peter interjected. “You should spend time with your brother.”
“Oh. Thank you, Peter. I suppose I should…” She looked up at Thor’s eyes; the blue tinged with that hopeful look that had always gotten her into trouble. “Oh, fine, I’ll stay.”
Thor enveloped her in another hug.