Eagle (A Loki love story)

Chapter 169

The service for Tony took place three days after the battle. There was so much work to do still, but those three days were what we all needed. It was enough time for everyone to get patched up–I'd come out with a severe concussion, two broken ribs, and another cracked one, plus a sprained wrist. I had more bruised skin than unbruised skin, but I was ok. Aside from Tony, everyone had survived the battle, many with few or no injuries.

Once we were all patched up–aside from Gamora, who had been found missing after the battle–Loki had asked Doctor Strange for a favor. I couldn't get over how much things had changed around here. Before long, Loki and I were standing in front of a picturesque cabin by a lake.

"Tony lived here." Loki explained softly, "With his family."

"You keep saying family," I said, "But wasn't it just Pepper?" He shook his head.

"No. When Thanos snapped his fingers, five years ago, Pepper was pregnant."

"God." I stopped as we approached the steps to the deck, "Is..."

"His daughter's name is Morgan. She and Dreyma are very good friends." My heart was in my throat. I really didn't know my daughter at all.

"Hold on." I grabbed his arm, "I can't do this yet." My ribcage ached, "I can't do this."

"Ok, ok." Loki eased me down on the steps, "What do you need?"

"My last memory of Dreyma is handing her, a small, squirming bundle to Pepper! I remember trying to help her take her first steps! She hasn't seen me in five years, Loki. I don't know her at all."

"Shhh," Loki wrapped his arms around me, "You will know her. She wants to know you, more than anything. I'll answer any questions you have about her before we go in, ok?" I nodded, and I saved the most important question for last.

"Does she know who I am?"

"Yes, she does. I've shown her what few pictures I have of you, of us."

"Does she remember me?"

"No, but she wants to meet you. I'm just glad I can fulfill my promise to her."

"What promise?"

"That you would be with me the next time she saw me." I took a deep breath.

"Let's keep that promise."

"You sure you're ready?" Loki tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Yes." I stood up.

"Ok." He rose as well, and went to the door, "Rhodey came by earlier and took Morgan out for some ice cream." He knocked on the door in a complex pattern. Two sharp knocks, a slow one, three quick, and two more slow. At the sound of movement inside, my heart jumped to my throat again. Loki had me standing behind him, to introduce me slowly. The door opened slowly and then Dreyma was revealed. She looked just like a picture Loki had shown me. Long dark hair, much like mine, but black like Loki's, and my eyes. She was beautiful. As soon as she saw Loki, she smiled.

"Dad! You came back!" She threw his arms around his waist, "Did you bring Mom?" I gasped, and at the sound, her eyes went up and found me. I felt like I was looking in a funhouse mirror. Her features were similar enough to mine that it was almost uncanny. I didn't know how Loki had managed so many years alone without me.

"Hello, Dreyma." I crouched down to her level. I had no idea what to say to her after that.

"Hi Mom." She relinquished Loki and stood, her face inches from mine, "You're really pretty." I found myself laughing.