Chapter 23

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My eyes flashed dangerously as I turned to face him. "Technically, Stark, this became my tower as soon as I was made CEO. My sister is here because I invited her while you were away. You said you don't want her in the same building as you, and she wasn't going to be until you came back early. So, kindly shut your trap and let us have our moment."

Loki was staring at me in shock as I glared at Tony. "It's okay, Pyotr," she said quietly. "I will return home. Mr. Stark has a right to hate me." She teleported away.

I growled and stormed over to Tony. "She has done nothing to you after being freed from mind control. She has been apologetic, polite, and respectful of your wishes. Yet you have done nothing but tear her down. You know what happened after she was freed, Stark? She felt so guilty she thought that maybe hurting herself would make up for the pain he caused. I found her bleeding out in my apartment because she tried to kill herslef."

Tony stared at me in shock. "I-I didn't think he would feel bad about it."

I glared angrily at him. "She is a good person, Stark. She only needed someone to care for her for once in his life." It wasn't a secret that Loki was gender fluid, but Tony had a difficult time understanding the pronouns thing, even though Loki changed their form to male or female depending on their pronouns.

His face fell as he realized what he had done to Loki when they deserved none of it. "I-I'm sorry."

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am going to go celebrate with my friends and my sister back at our place." I spun around and made my way back to the group, most of whom had not heard what I had said, but Shuri and Harley did, having been closest.

"Oh my gods," Harley said, tears in his eyes. "Loki—"

"Would hate for you to cry. She's better now. Come on, we're going to have a celebratory dinner at my place and you're all invited." I smiled sadly at Harley before brightening as I turned to face Ren and the Spidey Club.

"I wanna come!" everybody exclaimed in unison before laughing.

"Alright, let's take the limo! I'm sure Happy will drive us!"

I didn't look back as the nine of us piled into the elevator and made our way to the garage. Happy grumbled about not being a chauffeur but drove us anyways. I texted Dad on the way.

When we got there (after stopping to pick up some groceries), we walked in to find that the table was set and Dad was in the kitchen, humming happily. "Hey, Bambi!" he greeted. "You bring the groceries I asked for?"

I nodded and handed them over. "Do you need any help, Dad?"

"I'm all good here. Why don't you get your friends settled and check on your sister."

I quickly gave the group a smile. "Make yourself at home, guys. I'm going to check on Loki."

They nodded and I hurried to Loki's room. I could hear her crying quietly inside. "Loki?" I called, knocking on the door. "It's Peter. Can I come in?"

I heard a muffled yes and entered the room, closing the door behind me, to find Loki holding one of her knives as though she had been contemplating it again. I rushed over and gently took it from her hands, pulling her into a hug as she sobbed into my shoulder.

"He's right," she cried. "It's all my fault. I should've been stronger."

"No," I said firmly, pulling away and looking her in the eyes. "It is not your fault. You were so strong for so long, but no one can be strong forever. Stark is an idiot who can't see past his own ego to see the amazing person we all know you are."

She wiped her tears away and gave me a small smile. "Thank you, Pyotr."

I smiled and led her to the bathroom, helping get rid of the red around her eyes and touching up her makeup. "Come on," I said, pulling her to the dining room. "We have guests."

"Who?" she asked.

We got there before I could answer and her face broke out into a smile as she saw that everyone had come here to share the moment with her.

"Loki!" Ren greeted with a tight hug. "Are you okay? Dr. Stark was really mean and you seemed pretty upset."

Loki smiled at him. "I am fine now, Ren. Thanks to Pyotr."

We sat down and ate the delicious food Dad had prepared, celebrating the newest addition to our SI family. Even Ned and MJ showed up for dessert. We played games and talked and laughed until Ren fell asleep, leaning on my shoulder.

Everyone awwed at the sight but I gave them each a glare. I gently picked Ren up and Happy (who had joined our celebration, drove us all back to the tower. Loki assured me that she was fine now, but I still made her come with me.

"Friday, keep Stark at least five floors away from us at all times," I said.

"Of course, Mr. Parker. He will not be informed of your arrival either."

I smiled, proud of my empathy upgrade that was turning out to be very effective. "Thanks, Fri."

We made our way to the Club's floor and let them off before continuing to my floor. I laid Ren in his room, covering him with a blanket, before gently shutting his door. I had Loki stay with me for the night, which turned out to be a good thing since I was so rudely reminded of why I avoided sleep.

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