Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 48: Time Heist

Notes: Couple of things. First, sorry I'm two (almost three) days late. I was sick this week, my uncle came to visit, I had to drive to the airport twice, I have basketball, etc, etc. Busy busy. This also almost reached the length of my longest chapter, so it added to how long it took to finish. Second, for future times when I post late or something, know that my goal is always a week from the last post. If the last post is Thurs, then expect it by next Thurs. If I get pushed to Friday or, in this case, Sat, then expect around friday or sat for the next post. Hopefully I can work overtime and get back to the Wed posting schedule this week, but that'd be a chapter completed in essentially three days cuz I'm busy tomorrow, so probably not realistic. If the week mark ever arrives and I haven't posted, know that I'm probably very close to posting, I just got pushed back a day or two. I'll let you all know if something drastic happens that pushes me back a week or something. Third, people have pointed out that if Odin is dead, shouldn't Hela be out? And the answer to that is, I knew I'd slip up somewhere eventually and forget about something. So uh, plot armor. We're gonna say she snapped too. Yay, easy answer we all suspend our disbelief a bit for! Fourth, here's the link to As You Wish : Loki Fanfic by totally-not-dead. A Loki fanfic I'm sure most if not all of you have read. If you haven't, go check it out! Highly recommend!!! /story/249619691-as-you-wish-loki-fanfic

I think that's all. Enjoy!

The brainstorming began.

"Okay, so the how works," Steve said, looking at the screens with each infinity stone pulled up, "Now we gotta figure out the when and the where."

"We only have enough Pym particles for one round trip each," Bruce chimed from where he paced around the table, "And these stones have been in a lot of different places throughout history."

"Our history. So, not a lot of convenient places to drop in," Tony added.

"Didn't Wren tell you everything?" Clint asked, "We know where we have to go, right?"

"Doesn't make it any easier," Steve answered, though he nodded, "And she also told me which ones go wrong."

"Let's start with what goes right," Nat offered.

"The Aether," Cap held his hand up to the displays of the reality stone, with Tony swiping it into larger view, "Thor, you and Rocket go after it in Endgame. Besides a chat with....your mom," he said hesitantly, "You guys get it without any problems."

"Awesome," Thor gave a thumbs up, "Of course we'd have the most successful mission," he waved across the room to Rocket.

"We should be able to keep you two together for that assignment," Steve said.

"It'd be nice to know one already works," Rhodey agreed.

"Thor can't go to Asgard," Loki said, staring into the distance as he sat with folded arms.

"Why?" Scott asked.

"Because he and I have to go to Vormir," Loki said.

The room was quiet.

"Who's Vormir?" Scott asked again, trying to understand why everyone looked so grim.

"It's a place," Nebula answered, "At the center of celestial existence. It's where Thanos retrieved the soul stone."

"Why do you two need to go for it?" Clint asked.

"Because one cannot get the stone unless they lose someone they love," Vision answered softly.

"You gonna push Thor off for it?" Rhodey said like there was no way in hell that was going to happen.

"Sorry, pal, we're thinking of something else," Tony turned back to the screen.

"I'm not going to push Thor off," he said, meeting Thor's eyes. His brother had understood from the moment Loki mentioned Vormir. "I'm going to throw myself off."

"No," Thor said, shaking his head, "Loki, this is madness. I know dying is your favorite thing to do---"

"There's only one way to get the soul stone," Loki cut him off, "One of us is going to die for it."

"Or we'll think of something else," Steve said.

"Nat seemed quite content to kill herself last we spoke of it, why can't I?"

Clint looked at Nat. "What's he talking about?"

Nat's eyes turned guiltily to the floor.

"He's right. There's only one way we get the stone in the film. It's the deal that has to be made, and I was always supposed to make it."

"Not this time," Clint said firmly.

"What, so I sit out of this one and let someone else throw themselves off? Argue until we decide on someone we're the least concerned about losing?" she fought.

"There's no arguing needed," Loki said again, "Because I'll spare us all the trouble of picking the smallest concern."

"Loki---," Thor started again, but Loki interrupted once more.

"Thor, by some miracle you're one of the few that cares for me," he said matter-of-factly, no hint of drama in his voice, "It makes the most sense that I be the one to go."

"So you leave me again to mourn your loss?" Thor grumbled in accusatory irritation.

"Brother, I'm sorry...really, I--I'm sorry. For having put you through that in the past, but now it's time. Time for me to make a sacrifice that isn't fake, time for you to grieve...one last time."

The room was again silent, watching the interaction between the brothers.

"Wren didn't come all the way here brother, save your life, just for you to die like this."

"Yet she came here, changed everything, just to have Nat kill herself? For things to go the same?" he challenged.

"She tried, but things went the same either way," Nat said, "It's ok...I'll be fine."

"Romanoff, enough with the death talk," Tony ordered, "No one is climbing a frickin mountain just to fall off of it. Not for a rock."

"It's not just a rock, Tony. It's half of all life," Nat corrected.

"Nat, it doesn't matter," Bruce pleaded, "We can't sacrifice you for it."

"Which is why I'm going," Loki sat up straighter, starting to get annoyed.

"Or you," Bruce clarified.

"Why?" Loki said, putting his hands flat on the table and pushing himself up from his seat, "Give me a reason why I'm not the logical choice? The scale of those affected by the sacrifice is exponentially tipped towards Nat or any of you!" he looked around the room, waiting for someone to argue.

"I'd miss you, bro," Korg said casually, "And I'd gladly toss myself off of whatever mountain we're talking about." Miek raised his hand too, showing he was in the same mindset.

Loki smiled gratefully at the pair, but shook his head.

"That's...that's very kind," Loki said, not used to being so openly appreciative or emotional. In fact, he'd apologized to Thor in front of everyone. He realized that, for the first time, he truly didn't care about hiding. That, unlike the last two weeks or few months, he hadn't had to fight some internal struggle before getting himself to say or do something. He'd just let it out, here among the team. And it felt so refreshing, even if it was still a degree uncomfortable and unfamiliar. "But I'm afraid you'd be missed," he continued.

"Did you hear Korg?" Vision asked, "So will you."

"Yes, by far fewer," Loki said, giving the android a look like he was stupid.

"We don't trade lives," Steve said.

"If you want to save billions, you'll have to," Loki said, "And I don't understand why we're arguing about his," he waved his hands in frustration, "I'm giving you a way out, take it!"

"Yeah, by volunteering as tribute," Tony scoffed, "Any one of us here could say "Pick me! I'll do it" but that wouldn't make us all thank them for "giving us a way out," it keeps the same problem going."

"No, it doesn't!" Loki said in exasperation, clearly not understanding the issue, "You have a chance to save your friends."

"And what about you?" Tony snapped.

"I die."

"Not that! What about the fact that we have to lose you instead?"

"What about it?"

"God, this man," Tony whined, rubbing his forehead, "It's not me, is it?" he asked the room.

"Stark, what's your point?!" Loki asked.

"If we lose a member, we all hurt," Steve took over for Tony's attempts, "There's not one person in this room that could make that sacrifice without affecting the rest, and that includes you."

Loki's eyebrows were raised gently, nodding once to concede the argument. Though on the inside, he was lost in his own shock of what Steve had said.

"It means enough with the 'You all don't care about me, so I'm gonna kill myself.' You fished for the compliments and you got 'em," Tony said.

"I wasn't fishing for your adoration, Stark," Loki said.

"No, but you didn't hate it."

"Regardless, someone has to die for the stone," Loki said with much less aggression, "The other stones may be many obtainable places throughout history, but the soul stone has only ever been in one. Never removed."

"That's not true," Nebula spoke up.

"What?" Rhodey said, daring to look hopeful.

"The soul stone has always been on Vormir...until my father had it taken."

"We'd need the whole team to make sure we could take him, especially with the soul and reality stones," Bruce said, "And we'll be split throughout time."

"It's not him you'll have to take," she said, "When I was held, Thanos enjoyed gloating. He'd talk while he tortured me. About how Gamora was teaming against him, how he saw and heard everything. How among the information returned to him was a name. Vormir. He'd heard of the sacrifice needed, from his spies in Asgard. So he sent Maw out to retrieve the stone. Dispatched him right in front of me. When Maw asked who was to make the sacrifice, Thanos told him to find someone. That everyone is afraid to lose somebody."

"Happy father-daughter talks," Rhodes muttered.

"You're saying, when the stone is taken...it isn't Thanos that's there?" Steve asked.

Nebula nodded.

"We could take it before they get off the planet," Nat said eagerly, looking around for agreement.

"We'd be leaving some people to die," Clint noted, "A couple, a family, whoever this Maw guy got to make the sacrifice."

"They've already died," Nebula said, "Saving them won't bring them back here."

"Should we help past selves out?" Scott asked, "I know it's off topic, sorry, but like if we can make alternate timelines for our younger selves, should we do that? Let us know what's gonna happen?"

"Messing with time is tricky," Bruce rubbed the back of his neck.

"Wren's doing it," Rhodey said.

"That's different," Bruce countered, "She's not from this world. She's not going back in her own timeline to cause an alternate one. For all we know, in this universe, she was meant to change things."

"And you saw how half-successful she was," Tony said, earning a glare from Zemo, who was silently watching. "Not saying it's her fault," Tony rolled his eyes at the Baron, "Just that time likes to mess back with you. Even if Wren was supposed to come here, she's not winning without the universe putting up a fight. If we start messing with history, the future we set up for our alternate selves could be worse than we'd think."

"Worse than this?" Nat raised her eyebrows.

"We have a chance here," Steve said, "And no one here died in a way that isn't reversible. Change things, no matter how we think we're helping, and it could lead to something worse for that timeline."

"So we try to screw up as little as possible," Clint nodded, "Meaning we let the sacrifice happen."

"Thanos would just drag more people to Vormir after we left," Thor added.

"So Maw, that's the Voldemort-looking guy?" Tony asked, but Nebula just shook her head a little in confusion, "Pasty skin, no nose, thinks he's all that?"

"Yes, that's him," she confirmed.

"Ok, Voldy," he said, writing the name on the soul stone display, "Anyone else you know that's going with him?"

"He'd have taken Obsidian with him. Maw doesn't like to get his hands dirty if he can make that brute do it."

"So Obsidian's the muscle that was with him?" Tony asked, swiping to bring up the footage from their attack, "These two, right?"

Nebula nodded again.

"So we take these two, we take the soul stone," Tony said.

"Wren also told me we have to return all the stones to the time we got them," Steve mentioned.

"Why?" Nat asked.

"Because if you think something as small as saving a life or tipping your younger selves off could cause drastic events, think of the cataclysmic scale of change that could be wrought by removing the most powerful sources in the universe," Zemo said.

"Thanks, Silent and Broody, we'll take that into consideration," Tony sassed.

"He's out of line, but he's not wrong," Bruce said, "We can't throw off another reality for ourselves."

"The Sorcerer Supreme before Strange makes Bruce promise to return the time stone for that reason," Cap confirmed.

"When does Bruce go for the time stone?" Vision asked.

"2012," Steve said, understanding hitting the others.

"There're three stones there," Nat said.

"Shut the front door," Bruce said in shock.

"My scepter," Loki nodded.

"The cube," Thor smiled, "Three right there."

"Tony, Scott, Bruce and I go there. I get the scepter from Rumlow."

"Oh yeah, strike team did come and get it didn't they?" Clint said, eyes narrowing as he thought back.

"Bruce goes for the Sanctum Sanctorum, Scott essentially gives 2012 Tony a heart attack so modern Tony can swoop in for the case with the Tesseract."

"It doesn't go according to plan though," Loki chimed.

"No," Steve shook his head, "The Hulk, early Hulk, bursts in and hits Tony, sending the Tesseract to the feet of Loki. He escapes with it."

"Talk about fucking up the timeline," Clint mumbled.

"Leave it to me," Loki smiled.

"Cool, so we watch out for the Hulk and keep 2012 Loki from making his great escape," Tony said, writing more notes.

"I may have another idea," Zemo said.

"This oughta be good," Tony turned to him, "Let me guess, you suggest we all throw ourselves off of Vormir?"

"An enjoyable notion, but no. No, my suggestion is regarding the...Tesseract, is it? The cube. Wren," he said, looking at Loki over the use of her name, "Told me that you were trying to stop Thanos from getting the stones by getting them yourselves. She mentioned you had the cube, and that it was still on Asgard, where it is when Loki takes it and Thanos kills him."

"What's your point?" Nat rushed him.

"Well, she didn't fill me in on all of your achievements or plans. Despite how much distress it gives you that she befriends villains, you'll be proud to know she was no fool. She kept things from me in case I ever had ulterior motives, in case I was lying to get information. But it stands to reason you went in search of other stones besides the cube, possibly even found them?"

"What what does that mean?" Scott asked, noticing the looks exchanged between Tony and Steve.

"It means we've already done some work," Tony said.

"Before Thanos came, we were securing stones, right?" Nat said, walking Scott through it, "So, we know where four out of six are for a few months."

"The power and space are on Asgard," Thor explained, "Already safe and ready for the taking."

"If we get the Tesseract from the past few months, there's no need to risk Loki escaping in 2012 by going for the cube," Steve concluded.

"And wherever we get the power stone, I'm sure it'll be easier and safer getting it from Asgard," Bruce added.

"Ok, so we can get the power and cube done in one go," Tony adjusted the plans on the screen.

"What about the wizard?" Clint asked, "Can we just go back to after Wren explains stuff to him and ask him for it?"

"We know the Sorcerer Supreme lets Bruce have it in 2012. Do we want to risk Dr. Strange not doing the same?" Vision voiced his concern.

"Loki, Tony, you guys have dealt with him before. Do you think he'd be easier to ask for help?" Steve addressed the two of them.

"Yeah, that's a negative," Tony said immediately, joined by Loki's protests.

"The man has a bigger head than Stark."

"Right?! Doc tried saying I had the big head, right after the ungrateful bastard accused us of nearly killing him when we just saved his life from Squidward. Yeah, no, if he disagrees with us taking the stone at all, then it'll take a migraine to get him to yield. Believe me, I had an entire flying donut ride to argue with him."

"So we stick with 2012," Steve nodded, "We still need the scepter anyway."

"What about the Aether?" Bruce asked like he had an idea.

"What about it?" Rhodes repeated.

"We knew where that was too, before we let it get away."

"Yeah, and it got away because it was guarded by a zombified army," Tony noted.

"Yeah, but that was after the Collector had had it for a year. What about before that? When he'd just been given the stone?"

"I couldn't give you the date of that transaction," Thor said apologetically, "Though I assume we could pick any day within the last year and go for it then."

"Whoa, I thought we were keeping Thor and Furry on the Asgard mission?" Tony said, "Why are we changing the one mission we know goes well?"

"Well, for one thing, the Aether isn't inside his girlfriend," Loki said.

"It's inside your girlfriend?" Tony looked to Thor.

"Yeah, didn't I mention that?" Thor asked innocently, "Besides, I thought Cap knew all that."

"Wren did say you have to suck it out of Jane."

"How awkward is it to return that stone?" Rhodey mused.

"Jane, I know I just zapped this from you a second ago, but hold still!" Tony joked, acting like he was talking to someone who was running away.

"Ok, so the job might be easier if it's already out of her," Cap agreed.

"Why didn't we do that in the film?" Clint asked, "I mean, send them back to when it's just sitting in the Collector's shop?"

"Cuz Thor having a motivational and, I'm guessing, highly emotional peptalk with his long deceased mother makes for better cinema than picking up a rock from a warehouse," Tony theorized.

"In the movies we didn't know about the Collector's army, it never comes in. When do we go there? How do we know when it's early enough?" Rhodey asked.

"And how do we guarantee the Aether is on Knowhere on the desired day?" Vision chimed in.

"Where else would it be?" Nat furrowed her brow.

"I don't know, but on a mission as sensitive as this, we can't afford to choose a day where the Collector is off world, or has taken the stone somewhere else," Vis explained, "I'm not saying he would or that he ever did. I'm saying it's an unknown. And for this, there can be no unknowns."

"How are we supposed to know when the Aether's there?" Clint asked, "We never even saw it when we were there. We don't know if it was even with him when he escaped or if it was already off the planet."

"I know when it was there," Loki sighed, closing his eyes in reluctant submission to whatever decision he'd come to in his head. Opening his eyes, he looked determinedly around the group. "It was there the night before we went to Knowhere."

"And how do you know that?" Tony said, eyes narrowing in suspicion.

Loki glanced to Thor, who nodded in agreement with his brother's confession. Now was the time.

"Because I went to him the night before."

The looks passed around the room and sighs of disgust were indication enough that they knew they weren't going to like the reason why.

"Why?" Tony said, his voice low and jaw set rigidly.

"Because I...I was trying to betray you guys. I told myself I could somehow," he shook his head at the stupidity of his past self, "Collect the stones for myself. I told the Collector you were coming. Helped him craft a fake based on the original. A duplicate to satisfy you until I could return for the true stone. I didn't know he had the army."

"No, but you weren't upset by the fact that any of us coulda gotten killed!" Tony accused.

"No," Loki said quietly, eyes turned away from the harsh glares he was receiving, "I told myself I wasn't."

"Told yourself? What, so you actually did care that you almost got us eaten by a swarm of space monsters?" Clint said in disbelief.

"I cared more than I thought. If not for you, then for Wren. She'd just called my intentions the day prior, when she voiced her concerns about me knowing where the stone were."

"Looks like the kid was right!" Tony laughed.

"I tried to make her right. To go through with whatever beginnings of a plan I had. I didn't know what else to do."

"Not being an asshole woulda been a good start," Rhodey said.

"I know. Which is why I committed to helping after that. Wren, she had said I was going to form some stupid plan that would lead to more disaster, just like I always do. I proved her right! So, I don't know, something changed the night of the party. I wanted to try, to see how things went. If she was right about what my failures at betrayal bring, then what if she was right about what trying to help rather than fighting you would bring? It was too late, I know that. The Aether's gone because of me, and she's dead because of me! They're all dead because of me. Despite what Wren always claims, it was too late for me. There are some things you can't make up for."

The room was quiet, the team looking to each other or Loki, each trying to decide whether to be angry at him for something so long ago. 

"Thor, you knew about this?" Steve asked, more out of curiosity than any kind of accusation.

He nodded.

"Why didn't you say anything?" Bruce asked.

"Because it made no difference what he did then. It's in the past. It's done. He also attacked New York and tried killing me on many many occasions, but you don't see us letting that get in the way. Steve, you said before that Loki is a member of this team. Everyone in this room has accepted it. What he did before that became a reality doesn't matter."

"And he's tried making it right," Vision said.

"Has he?" Tony challenged, "Or is that another show, while he's parading around behind the scenes?"

"Tony, that was always a possibility," Nat said. She wasn't happy with the news, but she wasn't an idiot either. "If anything, telling us what he did shows he can be trusted now. If he were still lying, he wouldn't give us reason to distrust him."

Tony rubbed his hands over his face, looking around the group for some silent agreement to let Loki off with this one.

"Did Wren know?" Tony asked.

Loki nodded.

"Of course she did," Tony muttered, pacing back and forth.

Zemo continued observing everything. He wasn't surprised, necessarily, by hearing the secrets between Loki and Wren...more like, enlightened. He smiled to himself.

"Ok, so you know when and where this dark stuff will be?" Tony said, jumping back to business like nothing had happened. 

Clearly, that was the signal that all was let go. Forgiven? Loki wasn't sure. But he didn't see hatred in those around him, and the looks of betrayal in their eyes had faded. Breathing a little easier, Loki allowed himself the hope that he hadn't screwed up another situation.

"Yes, I know when I go to him. I can confirm where he keeps it."

"And what about the army?" Clint said, "You gonna take it all by yourself?"

"If I do my job right, the army will never be summoned. I can take the Aether and have him out before he has a chance to touch the control."

"So we have the Aether from Knowhere, power and space stones from Asgard, mind and time from 2012, and soul stone from Vormir," Nat read off the list from her notepad.

"Now we need the teams," Steve said.

The next few hours were spent deciding the game plans for each mission and who would accompany each. Despite how helpful Bruce would be in the fight against two of Thanos' children, 2012 needed an Avenger that could travel quickly across New York without standing out. Which meant Tony or Bruce, who were both in the original six, were the only two candidates. Tony, though not needed for the Tesseract, was still needed to track the scepter's whereabouts and let Cap know when it was coming his way. Additionally, Steve hoped to avoid a Cap vs Cap encounter, so Scott's mission was new. He was to be flicked onto 2012 Cap this time, rather than the cube, and keep Steve updated on where his younger self went. Tony would be standing by for extraction of any member or the scepter itself. Bruce also manages to get he stone from the Sorcerer Supreme, and the Avengers didn't want to test fate more than they already were by taking him away from that mission.

Thor and Rocket were still the two best to blend in on Asgard, seeing as both were living there at the same time. So they were tasked with securing the power and space stones.

Loki insisted on going alone for the Aether, but the team wouldn't let him. Clint was added as his partner. Barton was to be his eye in the sky, as was his specialty.

Essentially anyone that was left was sent to Vormir. That included Vision, Rhodey, Nat, Nebula, Korg and Miek.

"If Nebula is supposed to get taken in 2014 in the movie, how are we gonna stop the same link between her past self if she goes to Vormir?" Bruce asked after Cap explained how Thanos comes through.

"Leave it to me," Nebula said, "I can disrupt the connection. Block my network."

"You sure?" Cap asked.

"Yes."

"So that's everyone?" Rhodey asked, "We're good?"

"Study your assignments," Steve nodded, "We suit up in an hour."

"I think we're forgetting someone," Tony motioned his chin at Zemo.

"Can't he stay?" Scott asked.

"Do we really want him here alone with the tunnel while we're gone?" Bruce said hesitantly.

"You think I'd leave you stranded in time and throw any chance of success out the window?" Zemo tilted his head at Banner.

"He's not wrong," Nat said, "At least here he stands to gain from us coming back. If he goes on a mission, there's nothing stopping him from letting one or all of us die as long as he gets the stone."

"Except my imminent death upon returning without the rest of my group."

"I don't trust him in either position, but at least here he has to just sit and wait for us to get back. And like Nat said, he needs us to return if he's here," Rhodey gave his opinion.

"You could use me," Zemo said, "It'd be foolish to pass up help offered to you when facing the odds against you right now."

"Not if the help is a nice little push off Vormir's cliff," Tony said, "You'll stay here."

"I told you I was here to get Wren back," Zemo said, looking angrily at Stark, "I can't help do that by sitting out. I'm helping."

"The choice isn't yours," Thor told him.

"I could have stayed away. I could have waited and hoped that you'd bring them back. I didn't just come here to be reassured that you have a plan. I came to do something. To make it right."

"Because you helped lead to all of this?" Tony accused.

"I'm not the only one," Zemo said, eyes turning to Loki, "And I'm also not the only one trying to correct that mistake. Pl..." he paused, seeming to struggle with forcing out his next words, "Please. I'm asking you to let me help. I won't sit on the sidelines."

"No, guys, no no no," Scott said, seeing the look on their faces, "I don't uh, I don't think it's--it's a good idea at all. I mean, who would take him?? He can't come to New York, that's for sure."

"Nor can I cover for him if caught on Asgard," Thor said.

"We said we could use all the help on our trip, right guys?" Korg asked.

"Yeah but I don't wanna fight a creepy wizard and have to watch my back," Rhodey complained.

"I told you, there's no way I'd get free if I killed one of you. And I wouldn't do that anyway. I may not like you, but I'm not that low. When I say I'm here both for your help and to offer it, I mean that sincerely. Backstabbing isn't my way."

"We can't know that's the truth though, can we?" Rhodey shot back.

"If Wren were here, she'd tell you. Know that I wouldn't use her as a means to trick you. There'd be no more disgraceful way of honoring her than turning her trust of me into a ruse against you."

"It's either Vormir or Knowhere," Nat said, looking to Loki.

"We vote Vormir," Clint said right away.

"No," Loki turned to him.

"No?" Clint raised his eyebrows.

"No. We need a third man. The rooftop where I have you placed gives you visual of the exit I used that night, but the entrance I intend to use is out of your sight. I'll need a lookout until you can rendezvous back with us."

"And you trust him to be that lookout?" Clint continued, his eyebrows only seeming to get higher with every word Loki spoke.

"Heavens no. Not out of the goodness of his heart. But, whether it really is Wren or not, he has a reason for being here. For wanting us to succeed. I intend to keep him very close until that is done. He can do less damage waiting outside a building than he will defending one of them on Vormir. If he betrays us there, he risks losing the Aether. Essentially, he'll make himself useful while having the least possible amount of involvement."

"Sound good?" Steve asked Zemo, almost sarcastically.

Zemo was casting curious looks Loki's way, but nodded, pulling his eyes back to the Captain. "As good as I'll get."

"Alright," Steve looked around the group, "I'll see you all in an hour."

The next sixty minutes felt like the longest and shortest of the team's lives. Everyone was eager to go, eager to fix things. That made the clock tick unbearably slowly. Yet the thought of time travel and the nerves that came with anticipation made the inevitable fly towards them at lightning speeds.

Tony and Steve worked together to get the throwback Cap suit ready for 2012. Nebula had to cut off the link from her network, a process that was more painful than she'd made known. Rhodey walked in on her doing it. She had removed a panel on her head, prying part of her skull aside to reach whatever part with the small tool in her hand. Tears were on her face, though she looked ahead in brave determination. With every spark of the tool, she winced slightly, trying to hold it in.

She finished, setting the tool aside. Only then did she notice Rhodey. They made eye contact for a second before she lowered hers.

"I wasn't always like this," she said, pushing her head back together and placing the panel in its original position.

"Neither were any of us," Rhodey said, and she looked back up at him, "But we work with what we got, right?"

She hummed in agreement, giving the smallest of nods.

"You wanna grab something to eat before we go? Tony had some chinese ordered?" he pointed back the way he came with his thumb.

"Chinese?"

"Here," he smiled kindly, "I'll show you, you're gonna like it."

They went off to the kitchen together, meeting some of the others who were all eating in silence. Loki was there, merely picking at his food with his chopsticks. For him, the clock had never moved slower. It had already been a month...a month! He couldn't believe it had been so long, yet at the same time it felt like longer. Every day without them was excruciating, filled with grief and guilt that seemed to drag on forever. Yet that kind of haze they'd lived in since the snap made it seem like no time had passed at all. They'd been so focused on getting through the first week, then getting to Tony, then waiting for him to heal. The next thing he knew, it was 34 days since the snap.

That's quite long enough.

He hated the thought of having to tell Wren that she'd been dead a month. That that was the soonest they could get them. Though, he knew that was better than five years. Still, just saying it to himself was sickening.

She's been dead for a month.

Miek spilling rice all over the table broke him from his thoughts, much to his relief. He smiled as he shook his head at the mess, joining the cleaning effort with the others.

With ten minutes until departure, Loki stood in his room, readying himself for the mission. He didn't always wear the same pants or tunic or leather coat or accessories, but he had a pretty good idea of which combo he'd worn on the night of his betrayal. Switching to the outfit in question, he analyzed his hair next. He remembered he'd slicked it back a little more before his arrival at the compound. He thought it was the more intimidating look, as stupid as that was. Since then, he'd let it stay softer. Especially once Wren had noted how much she liked it that way.

Now, he made it slightly more pulled back, trying to get to the half-slick look he was pretty sure he'd had then. Lastly, he slapped on the wrist device Stark had given everyone, tapping to bring out the quantum-suit. He stared in the mirror at the wardrobe, eyes falling on the Avengers logo on the chest.

Who'd have thought? he shook his head.

In his quarters, Zemo was having a similar experience.

I can't believe I'm doing this, he thought, looking with discomfort at the letter, like it was branded into his skin, Wearing their logo? It's only for her, for the world. Get over it.

Still, he struggled the feeling that he was abandoning every moral or ideal he ever had regarding the owners of this compound. He had to fight the thought of betraying his family's memory.

They'd be proud you were doing something to help. Which they'd be able to tell you if they weren't murdered.

He shook his head, pulling his eyes from the mirror. He had to push those thoughts from his mind, because he knew very well how easily he'd flip sides. Working with them gave him no pleasure. As if needing motivation, he didn't hesitate in his movement to the room across the hall.

Looking around at the decorations, there was no doubt this was her room. He smiled sadly at it, walking slowly to her dresser. On it was a notebook under her box of jewelry, and he could have sworn he recognized it. Opening to the first page, he couldn't help but laugh.

K shithead, what the hell did you do?

He read through the rest of what she'd written her first night with him, feeling both regret for having put her through that and longing for those days with her.

We ain't friends dude, Ms. Arlington is just fine

He smirked at the last sentence, which was followed by her explicit response to his dinner offer.

Look how far we came in a month. A month that, as Loki said, pushed them back. What's the point of all of it? Of having grown to care for her, of trying to make good by letting her go, all for this to happen?

As if he wasn't feeling horrible already, he flipped the page. On it were a series of tally marks, counting the days of her stay.

Like a prisoner keeping track of time, he thought bitterly, hanging his head a bit as he closed his eyes.

If he'd needed motivation to tough it out and work with the Avengers, he'd found it.

"What're you doing in here?" Loki asked angrily from the doorway, making Zemo spin around quickly.

His initial surprise from the jump scare was replaced by a calm look, not wanting to seem rattled by Loki's presence.

"I could ask you the same."

"The Knowhere trip can just as easily be a two-man operation," Loki said in a "bitch, please" kind of way.

"I wanted to look around. Is that a problem?" he sassed, raising an eyebrow.

"It is. You have no right to be in here, let alone looking through her things." He marched over to pull the notebook from his hands.

"I thought we don't look through her things?" Zemo said as Loki furrowed his brow at the tally marks, flipping to the previous page.

"You don't."

Zemo rolled his eyes but made no argument, waiting with an impatient look for Loki to finish.

"What, is this her notebook from your house?" Loki looked up at Zemo, who nodded. "Gloating over your accomplishment? Reliving the days where you kept her as a captive mute?"

"Please, you can cut the bullshit."

"Excuse me?" Loki's eyes narrowed, taking a step closer to Zemo.

"We both know that, as much as Wren defended you to me, she also defended me to you. You know I want her safe, and wouldn't gloat over what happened."

"She can be wrong about people," Loki said, unable to hold Zemo's gaze as he did.

"She can," Zemo agreed, eyes showing the same self-doubt held in Loki's.

"Stay out of here," Loki said quickly, putting the notebook back on the dresser and marching out of the room.

Zemo stared after the god for a few seconds, not wanting to accept the thought that had popped in his head. Just as Loki was disgusted by the thought of Zemo being like him, Zemo was now seeing himself reflected in Loki.

***

It was time. Orange beams of the setting sun shown through the large windows as the Avengers walked to the quantum tunnel, all suited up in their matching gear. Bruce stopped to tap some orders into the computer while the others circled up.

"Ok, everyone's gps synced and ready?" Tony asked, holding his hand out in the middle.

Everyone joined, holding their hands out, Zemo with some reluctance. There was a silent moment where eyes met others in reassurance. 

"Are we going to yell 'Team on three'?" Loki joked, looking at Cap.

Cap smirked, lowering his hand with the rest.

"Alright," he began one of his classic speeches, "Six stones, four teams, one shot. Eight months ago, someone dropped in our yard. A friend."

Everyone smiled, a few nodding sadly.

"She helped keep us together. She stopped a planet from blowing up. She saved some of us, gave us new chances," he looked to Loki, "And she tried to save the world, to make sure we all win. One month ago...we lost anyway. All of us. We lost friends. We lost family. We lost a part of ourselves. Today we have a chance to take it all back. You know your teams, you know your missions. Get the stones. Get them back. One round trip each. No mistakes, no do-overs. Most of us are going somewhere we know. That doesn't mean we should know what to expect. Be careful. Look out of each other. This is the fight of our lives...and we're gonna win. Whatever it takes."

He and Tony held eye contact there, Tony smirking and Steve nodding.

"Good luck."

"He's pretty good at that," Rocket said to Scott next to him.

"Right?!" Scott scoffed, pointing his thumb at Rogers as everyone moved into position.

"Wren and I are convinced he rehearses in the mirror," Loki whispered to the two of them.

"Alright, you heard the man," Tony called down to Bruce, "Stroke those keys, Jolly Green."

"Trackers engaged," Bruce announced, walking up the ramp, taking his place, and slapping the control on his wrist to start the process.

"See ya in a minute," Nat smirked to Steve.

The device started moving into position above them, everyone looking up nervously or breathing heavily as they closed their helmets.

Loki caught Thor's eye, able to nod once before the floor pulled them in.

***

Scott, Bruce, Tony, and Steve materialized into a street of NYC, suits retracting immediately.

"Alright, we all have our assignments," Steve said, walking a few feet to analyze the situation, "One stone uptown, one stone down. Stay low, keep an eye on the clock."

A roar from behind made him turn defensively. In the road was the Hulk, smashing a car onto a Chitauri and jumping on it several times for good measure. When he ran away, all three turned to Bruce, who hid his face sheepishly.

"Maybe smash a few things along the way," Cap added.

"I think it's gratuitous, but whatever," Bruce sighed, transforming into the Hulk as he walked out into the open, "Grrrr," he said stupidly, denting the top of a car with a lackluster fist and tossing a motorcycle aside, "raaarrr."

"Yeah, a little more energy. You're supposed to be the Hulk, not stand out as the wimpy greenbean," Tony called over.

"That," Bruce pointed over, "Is helping a lot, you know that?"

"Good luck," Steve stepped in.

Bruce nodded, running off in search of the time stone.

"Keep out of sight as much as possible. I'll meet you at Stark Tower," Cap said.

"Yup, you ready Tiny?" Tony asked, bringing out his Iron Man suit.

"Yeah, I'm good, let's go," Scott said, shrinking and then climbing up Tony's arm.

"See ya at the old HQ," Tony saluted, "God I kinda miss my baby," Stark said as he launched off the ground.

"Baby, what baby?" Scott asked as they flew.

"Avengers Tower."

"I mean, you can still visit, right?"

"If I wanted to buy it again, sure."

"You sold it??? Why would you do that, that that building is iconic! You know so many people are gonna be pissed when they find out, that is not general public knowledge."

"I'm sorry, I'll just get rid of the grand luxurious 15-acre superhero resort all of you deadbeats with no home or jobs love crashing in on!"

He and Scott made their way to a building outside of Stark Tower where they could watch and wait. Tony had to fight off a few Chitauri along the way, but his biggest concern was himself. He constantly had Friday keeping an eye out for other Iron Men. 

Down on the ground, Steve was allowed a little more freedom. He knew where he had kept most of the street fighting during the battle, so he was able to take a more covert path to the tower. Same as Tony, he had his own fair share of Chitauri along the way. He may have been good at appearing unfazed on the surface, but on the inside he was trying to grasp the impossibility and surreal aspect of the situation. He was four years in the past. Here again, fighting Chitauri in New York City. There was a second one of him out there. It was like a dream, being here again, or more like a nightmare. He kept his eye on the clock, as he'd instructed the others, hustling to get into position before the battle ended.

From their hiding spot, Tony and Scott watched as he flew a nuke through the portal.

"This is so cool," Scott said, a huge smile under his helmet.

"Yeah, not so cool doing it."

"Right, sorry, yeah that's not what I meant. But like, this is history I'm getting to watch! I can say I was at the Battle of New York!"

"No, you can't actually, and you won't."

"Yeah, true, but I can tell Cassie. She won't believe it."

"Well, if you want a show, get ready for the this."

The portal started closing, yet no Iron Man was in sight.

"Wait, where are you?" Scott said like he was worried, as if forgetting that he was standing on the living proof that everything turns out alright.

Tony didn't answer, but smirked.

"Seriously, that's getting small. Stark where are you? Tony?" Scott kept pushing.

At the last second, Tony slipped through the portal, free-falling to the city below.

"Oh thank God," Scott breathed.

"Yeah, for a second there I was really worried I didn't make it," Tony said sarcastically.

"Why aren't you slowing down?"

"You wanna fly through space and try breathing?"

"Is someone gonna catch you?"

"Remind me never to watch a movie with you."

"Ohhhh nice catch Hulk!" Scott cheered.

"Coulda been a little gentler, I was wondering why my side hurt so badly."

They continued watching as the Big Three met up with Clint, Nat and Hulk, all traveling to the top floor to get Loki.

"Better hustle, Cap. Things look like they're just 'bout wrapped up here," Tony called over coms.

"Got it. I'm approaching the elevator now."

Tony flew across, landing gently through the smashed window and hiding behind a wall.

"If it's all the same to you...I'll have that drink now."

"Damn look at all of us wanting to kick his ass," Tony mumbled, "Kinda miss that feeling, not gonna lie."

"Alright, get him on his feet," 2012 Tony said, "We can all stand around posing up a storm later. By the way, feel free to clean up."

"Ugh," Tony scoffed, "Mr. Rogers, I almost forgot that that suit did nothing for your ass."

"No one asked you to look, Tony."

"It's ridiculous."

"I think you look great, Cap," Scott said from Tony's shoulder, "As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass," he saluted 2012 Cap's ass.

"Who get's the uh magic wand?" 2012 Nat asked.

"Strike team's coming to secure it," Cap told her.

On cue, the elevator near Tony and Scott started to open. Tony scrambled around the wall just before Rumlow stepped through.

"We can take that off your hands," Sitwell said.

"By all means," Nat handed the staff over to him, "Careful with that thing."

"Yeah," Clint said, handing Nat a drink, "Unless you want your mind erased. And not in a fun way."

"We promise to be careful," Rumlow said, opening the case for Sitwell to secure the scepter.

"Who're these guys?" Scott asked.

"They are Shield. Well, technically Hydra, but we didn't know that yet."

"Seriously? You didn't? I mean, they look like bad guys."

"You're small, but you're talking loud."

"On my way down to coordinate search and rescue," Cap said, walking towards the elevator.

"On my way down to coordinate search and rescue," Loki mocked, "I mean honestly, how do you keep your food down?"

"Shut up," Thor slapped a muzzle on him.

"We need one of those," Tony said, "Alright, you're up little buddy, Cap's moving."

"Alright," Scott bent in a ready position, "Flick me."

Tony did as he said, sending him flying over to land at the floor of the elevator. He quickly hopped onto Steve's boot, scurrying up.

2012 Tony finished packing up the cube, getting in the next elevator with the rest of the strike team, Thor, and Loki.

"Move," Hulk growled, walking to get in the elevator.

"Woah woah woah!" Thor held his hand up with Tony.

"Hey hey, buddy!" 2012 Tony said, "What do you think? Maximum occupancy has been reached."

"Take the stairs," Thor said as the doors started closing and Loki waved tauntingly.

"Yeah," 2012 Tony agreed, "Stop, stooop," he started saying as Hulk got angrier, hitting the door once it was closed.

"'Take the stairs.' Hate the stairs!" Hulk grumbled, marching over to the stairwell door.

"Well, Hulky's going for the stairs," Tony confirmed over the coms, "Just stay clear of the lobby and we shouldn't mess anything up."

"Aren't you the one who messes it up?" Scott asked.

"Thanks, pissant, I was talking to myself too."

Tony jumped out the window, finding a place to track the scepter for Steve.

"Alright, Cap, I've got our scepter in the elevator...just passing the 80th floor."

"On it," Steve said, tapping the button for the lift, "Head to the top. If Scott doesn't need anything, we'll meet in the alley."

"Alright, I'll see you there."

The doors opened to reveal a series of surprised faces, all of them Hydra.

"Captain," Sitwell said, as Steve walked in and hit a floor number, "I thought you were coordinating search and rescue?"

"Change of plans," Steve said, taking a spot in the middle of the group.

"Hey, Cap," Rumlow greeted.

"Rumlow," Steve said, trying not to sound as cold as he felt towards him. Observing the men around him, he could see they were nervous. The guy in front of him instinctively moved his hand to his gun. "I just got a call from the secretary. I'm gonna be running point on the scepter."

"Sir?" Sitwell turned to him, "I don't understand."

"We got word there might be an attempt to steal it."

"Sorry, Cap," Rumlow stepped in, "We can't give you the scepter."

"I'm gonna have to call the director," Sitwell informed, pulling out his phone.

"That's ok. Trust me," he leaned in to whisper in Sitwell's ear, "Hail Hydra."

Rumlow and Sitwell looked shocked, but the ruse worked. The doors opened, and Cap walked away with the scepter, an amused smile creeping on his face.

"Scott, I'm on the 14th floor. Am I clear?"

"Uhhh, give me a sec to find out where we---shit, no, no we're not. Abort, scram, go down another level!"

His warning came just in time, for he stopped right before turning a corner. 

"Who's there?" 2012 Steve called out.

"Shit, he heard you," Scott said in a panic, "Get back to the elevator, take it down a level."

2012 Steve whipped around like someone had spoken right behind him.

"Shiiit, he heard me now too!" Scott whispered frantically.

"I told you you talk loud!" Tony chastised.

"I'm not gonna ask again," 2012 Steve called out to Cap's position.

"I'm heading back for the elevator, keep him there," Steve told Scott, turning and running back the way he'd been.

"Got it," Scott tried whispering, but it seemed like Steve heard that too.

"Guys, something's up," 2012 Steve spoke over his earpiece.

"Yeah, we have Secretary Pierce up our asses," 2012 Tony called in, "We shook him for now, but I'm guessing Fury hasn't heard the last of that guy."

"What's the matter?" Nat asked Steve, ignoring Tony's ramblings.

"I don't know, something's off. I'm hearing someone."

"Hearing someone? The city's full of screams right now, hell I'd be concerned if you weren't hearing people," 2012 Stark said.

"It's not just that," 2012 Steve started off in the direction where Cap had retreated, "I think someone's---"

"Hey! Cap, uh, over here!" Scott called from his shoulder, stopping Steve mid sentence. He turned ready to attack whoever was right behind him, but found no one.

"Who said that?"

"Me, duh, I'm right here."

Cap turned again.

"Lang, what're you doing?" Tony said worriedly.

"He was gonna call us in," Scott whispered back, before talking loudly again, "No, right here!"

2012 Steve reached for his earpiece, but Scott jumped there first, pulling it out and tossing it away. It was then that Steve saw Scott on his shoulder, hand flying to whack him away.

"What the---" Steve gawked at the little man running his way.

"I'm so sorry Cap!" Scott said, growing to normal size right under his chin, punching, and then shrinking back down. In tiny form, Scott took out Steve's legs.

Steve jumped to his feet, looking down at the ground in a readied stance. He went to stomp on Scott, but he rolled away, growing full size behind to throw a punch. Steve turned and caught it on his shield, landing a blow in Scott's stomach. Before he could land the second, Scott shrunk again, leaping up Cap to place a kick on his right cheek. Steve stumbled backwards...right towards the earpiece.

"Shit!" Scott yelled, growing to full size and charging Steve, who was running for the device. Scott grabbed his arm just as he tried lifting the coms. Steve flipped Scott over, moving his shield down towards his face. Scott shrunk, still maintaining his hold on Steve's arm, and ran between his legs, flipping Steve head over heels. Launching the earpiece out of Cap's hands, he grew to go get it. The shield to the back of the legs stopped him, sending him tumbling to the ground. Catching the shield as it bounced back to him, Steve stood over Scott.

"Oooowww," Scott rubbed the back of his leg, "You play frisbee at all? Frisbee golf? Ultimate Frisbee? Frisbee Football? You really should, cuz I don't know how you throw that thing like that. If I did it, it'd wobble like crazy cuz I suck at throwing a frisbee at all. You should see me in KanJam. Oh my God, you'd be great at KanJam! Why didn't I team up with you that day?"

"Who are you?" Steve asked aggressively.

At that moment, Tony landed. Not 2012 Tony, but Scott's Tony.

"Cap," Tony said, only opening the face of his suit, for fear of his new tech giving itself away, "Why're you beating on my cousin?"

"This is your cousin?" Steve panted, holding a hand out to Scott.

"Yeah and I was wondering where he got to, I was worried sick you know!" Tony yelled at Scott, who was thankful he still kept his Ant-Man helmet on because his face was totally confused. It took him a few seconds to realize this was his Tony and to join in the lie.

"Right, yeah, uh...cousin...sorry, I-I uh I didn't know you'd be uh---that you'd---"

"Stark, what's he doing here and what's with his suit? Better yet, why did he attack me?"

"You--you attacked him?" Tony exclaimed, turning his head down to Scott.

"I---" Scott shrugged.

"I bring you into Stark tower for one week, one week, and I gotta deal with your old bullshit?"

"What, no, what bullshit?"

"You know damn well what---you know, I'm actually sorry about this Cap, and you know that's saying a lot, cuz I woulda paid money to see you fighting a literal ant, but this one's on me---and you!" he jumped back on Scott, "You can't just stay where I tell you---"

"I--I'm sorry, I just uh, I wanted to---"

"No, I know what you wanted to do. Prove yourself against the living legend here," he pointed to Cap.

"Y--yeah...that's--that's what I wanted to--tried to do, yup."

"Where'd he get a suit like that?" Steve asked.

"Uh, I made it," Tony scoffed like it was obvious, "A prototype, one that's supposed to be off limits," he looked pointedly down at Scott.

"Seems like more than a prototype," Steve said like he was impressed, "Why wasn't he out there with us?"

"Now you're shaming my Cuz for not wanting to charge the death army?"

"Stark," Cap said, knowing Tony was pulling his leg, "He seems more than capable."

"Yeah, well, I didn't wanna lose him," Tony said.

Steve looked at him a second longer before nodding.

"What's your name?" he asked, holding his hand out to help Scott up.

"Uh, Scott," he answered as Cap pulled him to his feet.

"Nice to meet you, Scott. I'm Steve."

"Yeah, I know. Sorry about, uh, about all of that. It's uh, it's it's just like dear old cousin Tony here said," Scott said awkwardly, patting Tony on the shoulder, "I wanted to see if I could take on the Captain America, you know? Uh p--prove myself and uh, all that kinda stuff."

"I'd say you're on the right track," Steve smiled, "And I don't blame you. I'd have fought someone too if it meant proving I could help in the war. Maybe next time Tony will let you out with us?" Steve said, giving Tony a look.

"Yeah, maybe I will, but for now, uh we gotta go," Tony said, putting a hand on Scott's back and leading him away.

"Where?"

"Oh, getting this guy somewhere he can't get himself killed, getting the suit back where it belongs, maybe grab a drink. We're still doing schawarma," Tony pointed to Cap as he and Scott continued to back away, "I'll meet you downstairs when I'm done, try not to search and rescue too long ok? We just won. Take a break, chill. Sorry, ice terminology's probably still a little sensitive, I know."

Cap shook his head, chuckling as he walked a few feet to his earpiece. Scott and Tony rushed around the corner.

"Time to go, time to go!" Tony said, closing his mask. Scott shrunk and hopped on as Tony blasted down the hall and out a window.

"I talked to Bruce," Steve said as Tony and Scott landed in the alley, "He's got the stone and's heading back."

"Yup yup yup, sounds great," Tony said, tapping his wrist frantically while Scott kept looking over his shoulder, "Now sync up."

"What's the matter?" Steve asked.

"At this point I think your younger self, though as slow as you still, isn't too dumb to piece it together, now let's go!"

"What did you do?!" Steve exclaimed.

"Nothing, we just...had a chat," Scott said.

"One that's gonna seem really weird to him when he puts in his earpiece and is met with another me!"

Steve gave him a look and sighed.

"I just had about as much of that look as I can tolerate from other you, so please," Tony said, his quantum suit forming around himself.

"Ok, everyone ready?" Steve asked, "Returning in 3, 2, 1."

***

Despite looking as he was supposed to, Thor scurried around with Rocket trying to keep a low profile. Heaven forbid someone notice they just saw Thor in two different places, or they ran into the Guardians or Rocket himself.

"So we're going to the vault that houses the most dangerous weapons and artifacts?" Rocket asked with poorly hidden excitement.

"Yes, and you can't touch anything."

Thor was on edge, flustered by the mind-blowing fact that he was in the past.

"I won't touch a thing," Rocket smiled behind him.

"We just have to walk in like we're supposed to be here, grab the stones, and get out," Thor whispered to himself for the tenth time, "Easy."

"I think you need to say it one more time."

"I just might."

"Listen, we'll be fine. If anyone stops us, you're the frickin prince!"

"What about you, Rabbit, you're what, not at all affected by any of this?" Thor said like he knew it wasn't true.

"What's one more timeline? Ours is shitty enough, this can't be much worse."

"And if you see yourself, that'll be fine too I suppose?"

"I'd get to see all of these good looks from an outside perspective, so yeah."

"And the rest of them? Quill? Drax? Groot?"

Rocket paused, looking into the distance like he hadn't thought of that.

"Hey, it's ok," Thor assured him, "You're right, it'll be fine. I'm just nervous, I was being stupid."

"No, I know it'll be fine," Rocket said gruffly, playing it off like nothing had bothered him.

A few minutes later, the sound of talking was coming down the hall. Thor and Rocket had, up until this point, only ever passed guards when it was necessary to act normal. They tried hiding and avoiding contact if they could. Now, the voice coming to them was too familiar. Quickly jumping behind a pillar, they watched as a past Rocket, Groot, and Drax walked around the corner.

"Ok, yeah that's weird," Rocket whispered.

"Now you're not gonna get lost right?" past Rocket said to Groot, who nodded dutifully, "Ok, Wren said she'd pick you up in the dining hall, that's down there on the left, you remember?"

"I am Groot."

"We'll see you later then. And stay out of trouble!"

"I am Groot."

"I'm allowed to!"

"I am Groot."

"Cuz I'm the adult!"

"Are you?" Drax asked as he and Rocket walked towards their hiding spot.

"What?"

"An adult? I thought you too were a child?"

"What? Are you delusional or just enjoy being an idiot?"

"You're extremely short."

"Ohhh so this is a height thing?! Just wait til we get to the fight, I'm taking you on first. You and your whole 6 feet of waste of space."

Thor and Rocket moved around the pillar as they passed and disappeared around the next corner.

"Alright, let's go," Thor said, starting off once more. Except this time, Rocket wasn't at his heels. "Rabbit?" Thor stopped, looking back.

Rocket was staring where Groot had been moments ago, looking longingly down the hall.

"Hey, Rabbit, what's wrong? You ok?" Thor asked, jogging back to him.

He followed Rocket's gaze, taking a moment to understand.

"I know you miss him," Thor started kindly.

"Before the others...he was the only family I ever had. And I never told him----he never knew how important he was. Even when he frickin died, I don't think I ever told him. I just grew him back. Now, I can't even do that."

"No, but you can bring him back. He's not gone. And then you can tell him everything. But right now, we have to move."

Rocket nodded, finally lowering his eyes from the hall.

"There ya go," Thor smiled, "We're not far."

He started off, making sure Rocket was following. A few minutes later, Thor was approaching the entrance to the vault.

"Ok, Rabbit, this is it," Thor said, turning to find no one behind him. "Rabbit?" Thor whispered loudly, "Rabbiiiit? Shit."

He sighed, turning to face the vaults again. He had a job to do, then he'd go find Rocket.

"Hello," Thor smiled to the guards, probably a little too eagerly, "Just coming for a check on the vaults."

"Of course, Your Majesty," one of the guards bowed.

"Can never be too careful, am I right?" Thor chuckled nervously.

"Of course," the guard repeated again.

Thor kept the grin until he was inside, letting out a huge breath.

"Killed it," he whispered, hurrying down the steps.

He came to the Tesseract first, lifting it gently from it's pedestal and putting it in the satchel at his hip. When he got to the power stone, he lifted the orb even more gingerly than the cube, dropping it quickly in the bag like it might bite.

"Phew, that wasn't so bad," Thor smiled, wiping the drop of sweat from his forehead.

When he exited the room, he smiled again at the guards.

"All seems well," he gave a thumbs up, backing away awkwardly, "You're doing a great job."

"Uh, thank you, Your Majesty," the other guard said.

"Have a nice day!" Thor said, turning and walking quickly around the corner.

Meanwhile, Rocket had hurried after Groot, running into the dining hall with no concern for who was in there.

"You can't take him back even if you changed your plans!" Wren said, "I had a whole day in town planned, and so be it I will drag you along with me if I have to cuz Groot and I are going!"

Rocket paused, caught off guard by facing two people that were dead. 

"Uh, no, yeah, I'm still going with brainless t--to fight."

"You ok?" Wren asked taking a step to him.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Cuz you're Rocket! Where's the quick-witted remark? Insult? Sassy comeback? As cliche of a movie line as this is, you look like you've seen a ghost."

"You're gonna be a ghost in ten seconds."

"There he is! Ok, so whadya want?"

"I am Groot?"

"I am going with him, I said that! I just wanna talk to you for a second, so get over here."

"I'll be over here pretending not to eavesdrop," Wren motioned over her shoulder, backing to the other side of the room.

"Nine seconds."

"Ok ok, I won't listen," she huffed, walking to stand on the far end.

"I am Groot?" he said, walking over to Rocket.

"I'll tell you, just come here."

When he reached Rocket, the racoon pulled him in for a hug.

Groot smiled as he wrapped his arms around him, not caring what the reason was.

"I uh..." Rocket said as he pulled back, wiping a tear quickly before Groot could see it, "I just wanted to tell you that...you're really important to me, kid."

"I am Groot."

"I know," Rocket smiled, "Cuz you're the best."

"I am Groot?"

"No, nothing's wrong."

"I am Groot."

"I'm not crying, Groot."

"I am Groot."

"One of your leaves just poked my eye while we were hugging, it's nothing."

"I am Groot."

"Drax can wait, the moron entertains himself by standing still for an hour. I just, I wanna stay here with you for a bit, ya know? Before you and Wren go out for the day. Let's just, let's sit over here."

Rocket led him to some stairs where they sat and talked for a while. Rocket was content to let Groot ramble on about his time at the park the day before, something he woulda rushed on any other occasion.

"Hey uh...I know I don't always treat you the best---"

"I am Groot."

"That's cuz you're the sweetest. You're too innocent. No really, I don't always show you how...I just, I know I screw up. And I won't always have the time to fix it that I think I have."

"I am Groot."

"Nothing happened. I just worry...if you're ever taken from me, did I do everything right? Could I have done more? And I promise, it may not look like I'm always trying, but I care more about you than anything else. Just remember that will you? When I'm harsh or when I shut you down. Remember I really do care, even if I suck at showing it."

"I am Groot."

"Look, buddy...I gotta go soon," Rocket looked to the doorway, knowing Thor would be coming shortly, "But I uh...I love you, Groot."

"I am Groot."

Rocket stared back at the tree's happy face, smiling sadly at the kid he missed so much.

"I don't even need a translation for that," Wren called across the room from where she sat with her chin in her hands, smiling stupidly at them.

"And you I hate!" Rocket called back.

"Aw, so if I'm taken you won't miss me?"

"No I wouldn't----" he stopped, thinking of how that wasn't true at the moment. He had kinda missed her. "---You know what, I don't know maybe! Who cares! I'll still kill you myself, so shut your piehole!"

"Yes," she pumped a fist, "I knew you cared. Thanks Rocket, love ya too," she teased, holding up a heart with her hands.

Thor charged in at that moment, turning his serious look at Rocket to a smile at Groot and Wren.

"Oh, h--hey, Wren! Uh, wh--what what are uh, what're you doing here?" Thor said, tapping Mjolnir and trying to play it cool.

"Uhhhh, I'm supposed to be babysitting Groot, what're you doing here? I thought you and Loki had that meeting with your dad?"

"Yes, yes the uh, the meeting!" Thor fumbled, pointing Mjolnir at her like she just reminded him, "That. Yes, well, I uh I had to address something else, but I'm on my way there right now, right now actually."

"Cool so uh...why you here then?" Wren smiled, knowing Thor was acting suspicious.

"Why am I here?" Thor repeated, pointing a finger to the ground in front of him, "Cuz I was looking for Rocket! And look at that, I found him!"

"Right, yeah, I was supposed to meet you wasn't I?" Rocket said, walking to his side.

"Yes, you were," Thor said a little aggressively through a smile, giving Rocket a wide-eyed look where Wren couldn't see.

"I thought Rocket was going with Drax?"

"I am Groot."

"I was, I am!" Rocket said, "But I was supposed to...see Thor first before his meeting with his old man."

"And then I got sidetracked with something else, and now I'm just getting to Rabbit," Thor rolled his eyes like he was mocking himself, "So I'm way behind as usual," he laughed, "Which uh means we should, we should go," Thor pointed his thumb over his shoulder.

"Yeah, we should," Rocket backed him.

"So I'm still babysitting?"

"Yes!" Rocket said irritably.

"Sweet! Ok, see ya guys. Have fun on whatever secret thing ya got that I'm not allowed to actually know about."

"Let's go," Rocket sighed, turning to leave.

"Wait," Thor said, walking across to Wren and hugging her.

"Whoa ok, hugs," Wren chuckled, giving Thor a little pat on the back as they embraced.

"It's good to see you," Thor said over her shoulder.

"Yeah uh, you too buddy...anything ya wanna tell me about?"

Thor pulled away, shaking his head as he smiled. "Just a long day."

"Loki been a pain in the ass?"

"Not as much recently as one would expect."

"Wow, that's a first."

"Yeah," Thor laughed, "I'll see you later."

"Bye," she waved, heading over to Groot.

Once in an isolated area, Thor let out a long breath.

"What the hell was that?" he asked.

"You'd do the same if it were your mother!" Rocket yelled, "I needed this!"

Thor's expression soften, and he leaned down to pat Rocket's shoulder. "I know."

"Please tell me you got the stones?" Rocket asked, rubbing at his watery eyes.

"I do," Thor tapped the items on his hip.

"Then let's go get em back."

"Ready?" Thor asked, both of their quantum suits materializing.

"Yeah."

***

"So nice to be back here," Clint said as he, Loki, and Zemo moved through the streets of Knowhere.

"Wren said this place was cool, despite what occurred on your visit," Zemo said, marveling at the creatures and world around him, "It is certainly unique."

"It's a sewer," Loki countered.

"So is New York City, yet many still cherish it as a tourist attraction. Or want to invade it."

Loki clenched his teeth, resisting the urge to turn on Zemo. Thankfully, Clint spoke for him.

"Shut up will you? No one will give it a second thought if we say something happened to you."

Loki smiled at Barton's words.

"An Avenger lying and leaving someone to die? No, that can't be. You're all heroes, right? You'd neeever take life for granted," Zemo replied.

"You sure you'll be alright with this guy?" Clint asked Loki.

"I grew up with Thor, I can handle irritating people."

"Can't say I'm sorry I'm not the one stuck with him."

"Believe me," Zemo groaned, "It's no pleasure being paired with either of you."

"It'd be easier for all parties concerned if you'd try not to open your mouth," Loki said.

"K, this is it," Clint stopped, the warehouse in sight up ahead.

"Pull up the plans," Loki instructed, and Clint did as he was told. Pulling a device out into his palm, he let the tech scan the surrounding climate, displaying the layout of the streets.

"Right, this is where you'll be," Loki pointed to a building near the front, "I come in and out the front entrance. When I go in tonight, I'll be entering over here."

"So we wait until you come and go, then you move in," Clint repeated the plan.

"As soon as you see me emerge, give the signal. The Collector walks me out. I have that time to get in, get the stone, and get out."

"How do we have the security codes to his vault?" Zemo asked.

"I told you, Stark provided them," Loki said, annoyed that he was talking.

"How did he get them?"

"Is this really your biggest concern right now?" Loki turned to him.

"I want to make sure the intel we have is reliable. It's better to know shit will hit the fan rather than be surprised by it."

"Friday swept his systems last time we were here," Clint said, "She still had all of the information stored, including his access codes."

"Was that so hard to answer?" Zemo smiled to Loki.

"Other me will be arriving soon," Loki ignored Zemo, "You should get moving."

"Right," Clint nodded, "Good luck."

Loki nodded back, turning away with Zemo while Clint ran off to get in position.

The streets were busy, providing good cover to travel inconspicuously. Loki led the two to the back of the building, keeping under cover of large construction machines and decrepit chunks of torn down buildings. 

"That'll be a good place to watch and wait," Loki said, motioning to a building of similar structure to a modern water tower.

He reached for the ladder rungs built into the side, climbing up with Zemo behind.

"Now we wait," Zemo said, sitting on the balcony with his feet dangling through the bars.

"Now we wait," Loki repeated to himself.

It wasn't long before Clint called in.

"I see you. Entering the building now."

"Copy that," Loki replied, "Let us know the second he leaves."

"Got it."

"Why did you let Wren keep the phone?" Zemo asked once the coms were off.

"What?" Loki looked down at him, for he still stood a few feet to the right of where the Baron sat.

"My phone. Why did you let her keep it?"

"I'm not her father," Loki rolled his eyes, "Nor her brother, nor anyone who has a right to take what's hers. If she wanted to go make a mistake, it was on her."

Loki looked out over the city while Zemo stared contemplatively at him.

"I think you've proven you're not one to let Wren endanger herself. You threatened to rip my tongue out for saying her name. You fight to get her back. It's safe to say you would never have allowed her to keep the phone had you thought it a mistake."

"The mistake was in her wanting to befriend you, not in putting herself in danger."

"So you think she was safe talking to me?"

Loki looked up at the sky in irritation, glancing sideways to Zemo once before speaking.

"I think you weren't actively trying to hurt her or the team."

"You care for the team?"

"Why do you want to know?" Loki turned to him, leaning sideways on the bar. His face was tightening as Zemo's questions flustered him. They were demanding answers he didn't want to admit, not to Zemo.

"Perhaps I'm trying to understand the man Wren cares so much about?" Zemo raised his eyebrows, smirking a little.

"She..." Loki gave a laugh of denial, "She cares for me as I care for her. We're friends."

"Oh I know," Zemo smiled, "She made that very clear."

"What? What did she say?" Loki asked before he could stop himself.

"Nothing one friend wouldn't say of another."

"Then why do you sound like there's more?"

"Implications. Implications are where the heart of any statement truly lies."

Loki internally gagged at how similar Zemo's words were to his own, back when he'd taunted Wren about liking Hiddleston, and thus himself, more than any other. It had been a joke then, something he was doing to make her uncomfortable. Now, Zemo was using his own logic, but implying something entirely more serious.

"And what implications were that?" Loki said sarcastically, tilting his head.

"Nothing," Zemo smirked, "Nothing at all."

Loki's hand gripped the rail tighter as he bit back his irritation.

"You imprison her for a month and suddenly know so much about reading her."

Zemo's smile dropped, and his eyes stared sadly below him.

"Don't talk about her like you know her at all," Loki continued, "You're a hopeless case. Driven mad by your mission to the point where you torture someone you don't want to hurt? Imprison them against their will, all while treating her like she's some kind of replacement for your child? And then assuming a protective role? As if you aren't the very thing she needs protection from?"

Zemo didn't raise his eyes, playing with his hands as he continued to frown. Loki scoffed and turned back out to the city.

"If I'm a hopeless case, then so are you," Zemo spoke quietly.

"We're nothing alike!" Loki spat.

"Trust me, I didn't want to admit it either," Zemo glared up at him, "But there's a reason Wren stayed with me so pleasantly, why she didn't leave when she had the chance."

"What? What are you talking about?"

"She didn't tell you?" Zemo's brow furrowed in true surprise. When Loki continued to look lost, Zemo chuckled. "It would appear she can keep more secrets than we thought."

"What do you mean she could have left?"

"I mean that she had the chance. I...I wasn't at my best. It was a...a rough day, to say the least. I'd gotten drunk, gotten myself hurt, made myself ill. And the keys for the door fell out. I said some things in my condition, things I shouldn't have said. She went to leave but...she came back for me."

Loki closed his eyes, sighing at the total Wren-like move.

"I didn't deserve what she gave me. But I see you now, and you know what? I see the same look of someone who feels they didn't deserve it either."

"You don't know anything about me."

"Wren told me great things about you, actually."

Loki looked up at that.

"Not that I believed all of them. She has a habit of viewing life in terms of arcs and redemption. To me, you would remain the man who tried to enslave humanity."

"And what are you but the man trying to take down a team of people protecting your world? A man who kills and takes what he wants. To me, you remain the man who captured and tortured her."

"You see?" Zemo smirked, "Hopeless cases."

Loki turned away angrily, pacing a few steps before facing Zemo again.

"The difference between us is that I've changed!"

"The difference between us is that you're living with the people you once despised. I won't allow myself to do that. But the only thing that pushed us to be better was Wren."

"See, that's where you fall short in your analysis," Loki mocked, "I was always going to change. Wren showed me that. I was in my own way, and I get out of it in the end. But you? Did she tell you where you are in her world? Still in prison. Still the same as you were."

"Were you always going to join the heroes? Become their friends? No, that's right, you don't live long enough to see if your first brave act of your life actually accomplished something."

Loki's eyes were burning into Zemo's now.

"The only person who made that all possible is Wren," Zemo continued, "The only person who would have stayed with their captor, helped them through their pain, was Wren. She took care of us both."

"Pain," Loki scoffed, shaking his head.

Zemo's eyes grew darker at that and he pulled himself up to face Loki.

"Have you ever had someone take a loved one from you?" Zemo said in a low tone, jaw tightened to control the shaking anger that was building.

Loki's eyes softened ever-so-slightly.

"You have," Zemo read his expression, "And what happened to the person who took them?"

"They're dead."

"By you?" Zemo raised his eyebrows, expecting a yes.

"No, by Thor."

"Did you try to get him? The man responsible?"

"Of course," Loki answered quickly, straightening a little.

"And Thor, was this person dear to him too?"

Loki looked away briefly, sadness filling his eyes.

"Yes."

"So you both went after those responsible for taking your loved one? What would you do if they were still out there? If they still lived?"

Loki's face hardened, but he didn't give Zemo the answer he knew he wanted.

"Would you let them go? Would you know a moment's peace, going to bed every night with the knowledge that they live while your loved one died? That they never paid for what happened? What lengths would your desire for vengeance allow you to go? Would you kidnap? Would you kill? Would you torture?"

Again, Loki didn't answer, suddenly uncharacteristically quiet.

"The Avengers are the takers for me, and my family the ones snatched by their recklessness. I did what I thought I had to. The only thing that gave me purpose. I couldn't know a moment's peace if they didn't pay the price, just as you know you couldn't."

"That doesn't justify what you did."

"And whatever pain you felt that pitted you against the Avengers and this world? That does not justify what you did. Surely Wren hasn't just told you it's ok, that what you did was warranted?"

"You know she wouldn't."

"But she forgave you nonetheless? Gave you another chance? You see, either we're both lost causes or we're both saved men. Choose to ignore the similarities all you want. But we both know that we were consumed with a singular purpose. And we can either both come back from that, or none of us can. So go ahead and hate what you think I am. But you're really hating yourself."

Loki's expression was one of conflict. He was trying to resist throwing Zemo over the rail, while his eyes juggled the truth of Zemo's words.

"Just as I can never forgive the Avengers for hurting me, for touching the ones I loved...I understand why you'll never feel anything but contempt towards me. I hurt someone you love."

Zemo walked back a step, sitting down again. Loki took a few paces away and did the same. Both men stared out over the edge in silence.

"I won't be like you," Loki spoke after a few minutes.

Zemo looked to his right, meeting Loki's determined eyes.

"Not anymore. You're me...unless I do better. I..." Loki swallowed, closing his eyes like it hurt him to say what he wanted, "...I forgive you."

Zemo was taken aback, opening his mouth to speak, but not knowing what to say. He blinked once or twice, shaking his head a little as he tried and failed to respond.

"Some advice though. If you think we're so alike, then take it from someone who understands," Loki continued, "Don't hold onto the hate. You may care for Wren, you may have stopped chasing what you needed to tear down the Avengers...but you're a time bomb. As long as you internally justify how you feel towards them, it'll always be in you, ready to explode. And the longer you hold onto your emotions, the easier it'll be for you to do something you'll regret, more than you already have. You think letting her go, protecting her, is good enough. That she stopped you from cascading further. But I know what it's like. It takes a level of self-motivation, an internal desire, to make that last push. You'll backtrack if you don't come to terms with what they did, why they did it, and who they are...which are good people. Think yourself against them all the time, and you end up making some poor decision...like coming to Knowhere to create a fake Aether."

For the first time, Zemo and Loki were looking at one another without hatred. Zemo looked sad as he turned his head away, not wanting to admit Loki was right but unable to think of an argument.

"What do you do...when you try to make things right...yet all you do is continually find out how far you have left to go," Zemo said quietly.

"I ask myself that every day. After I screwed up here," Loki gestured to the city, "I tried to be better. To see how it felt, how things went. I never knew what it would bring me. And then, the past came back and punished me for my mistake. It didn't matter how much I'd changed. It took everything I'd gained. At least, I thought it had. But Wren gave me more than a chance or her friendship...she gave me a whole new family. Some of them are gone. She's gone. But even if we could never bring them back, I would try to continue. For her. Because even now, I'm not alone. It wasn't until she was taken that I realized she'd given me everything I needed to continue. I had the others. So how do we get over that sense that no matter what we do, we'll always fall short? Never live up to what she saw in us? By understanding that no one, not even the Avengers, are perfect. Are blameless."

"Isn't that the truth," Zemo scoffed.

"Exactly. But what makes them different than what you and I were is that they never gave up on trying to make it better. I mean, look at you. You're a perfect example of Stark's mistakes coming back for him despite him trying to move on and do better. If he can struggle, if he can fight to make it through and not let the past cause him to give up...then why are we any different? Why does a mistake we made have to mean we're doomed to be a plague? Wren didn't want us to change, to embrace the Avengers, become a hero, because they were flawless beings. It was because they are what we could be. People who overcame their pain. I will always struggle with whether what I'm doing is worth it. Whether there's a point in trying when I'm continually reminded of how far I have left. Hell, I nearly slit your throat. And the fact that saying that out loud does not at all bother me shows I have a ways to come."

Zemo chuckled at that, and Loki allowed himself a smile.

"I could hardly blame you if you did kill me that night," Zemo said, "I'd have done the same to anyone who had hurt someone I loved."

"That's our problem though isn't it? We're unable to let things go."

"Well," Zemo shrugged, a smirk playing on his face, "I'd say we're not doing terribly?"

Loki gave a small laugh, shaking his head.

"No I guess not."

"What did she do to us?" Zemo smiled, "The God of Mischief, and the man sworn to topple an empire...both of us here, working with the heroes that opposed us, all to bring her back."

"I'm going to sound like Wren when I say this, but they're really not bad. The Avengers. I'm not just doing this for her. I lost other friends in the snap."

"Consider yourself lucky that you have more than one person you care about."

"That only happened when I made the decision to let it happen. Wren can only do so much for us, I'm afraid."

Zemo hummed in agreement.

"So did she preach about their goodness to you too?" Zemo asked innocently.

"Heavens yes," Loki groaned.

"I guess with you it worked."

"Not so much her preaching. She's not just an optimistic 'everyone deserves a chance like the awesome Avengers' kind of person. She's blunt."

"Ooooh yes she is," Zemo laughed, "Very harsh when she shoots the truth at you."

"Borders on insults," Loki smiled.

"Borders? No, I think she flat out insulted me a hundred times."

"That's what worked, I think. The fact that she both believes in us and berates us. Understands, but holds us accountable. There's no getting off easy with her. You do the right thing, or she'll make it very clear how big of an ass she thinks you are."

Loki was staring off into space as he spoke, smiling pleasantly.

Zemo tried hiding the smirk when Loki looked up.

"Don't," Loki rolled his eyes.

"What?"

"I've seen enough of that look in Thor's eyes."

"Did I ever tell you she never once took off that necklace you gave her?" Zemo pretended to just be casually reminiscing with no ulterior point he was trying to prove, "It was on every minute of every day for the whole twenty-plus day stay."

"How amazing," Loki said drily, though he mentally smiled at the information. It always made him happy how much she wore his gift.

"And when I asked her where she got it, she very eagerly wrote out the whole story. The Burning Caves, the reason you said you got it. She was always trying to paint you guys in such a kind light that she didn't shy away from saying how much she loved the gift or how sweet you were for getting it."

"Well, I'm glad she likes it."

"And one time, on her last day, I brought up a little rumor I'd heard while...well, while observing you guys. You know what that rumor was?"

"I have a pretty good guess," Loki sighed, looking agitated.

"When I so much as hinted at it, her face burned. You'd have thought someone had turned the heat on suddenly with how quickly she reddened."

"I'm telling her you snitched on all of this."

"Go ahead, then maybe it'll bring up that rumor as a point of discussion...and you two can finally address it?"

"We have addressed it!" Loki defended, even though he knew what he'd confessed to himself about his feelings.

"In a productive way this time."

"You guys copy?" Clint's voice saved Loki.

"Oh thank gods," Loki muttered, turning on his com, "We read you, Barton."

"You're out. Move in now."

Loki wasted no time.

"Stay here," he told Zemo, before swinging his legs over the railing and dropping the large height to the ground.

The Collector's warehouse was eerily silent. Loki crept past containers of creatures, some looking pleadingly to him. The pity he felt for them this time around was greater, but he stood by what he once told the Captain. There was nothing he could do to help them.

As he approached the Collector's personal room for highly sensitive artifacts, he had to duck behind a pillar. A servant, or, more appropriately, a slave, was tapping away at a data pad. She was right between him and the door.

Time to pull a Kenobi, Loki thought with a grin, having watched Star Wars with Wren.

Looking down the racks of relics, Loki chose one far enough to keep the young lady occupied. Concentrating on the target, he toppled it with his magic. The noise startled the girl, but she promptly went to check on it, beginning the tedious process of cleaning it without a single complaint. Her master had her trained, or tortured, well. 

Loki ran quietly to the door, inputting the security code Stark had given him. As promised, the door promptly opened.

The room was lined with shelves, all housing things too sacred to keep in his general areas. Near the back was the Aether, right next to the copy Loki had made. Making a duplicate was a rather quick process. His younger self had had to spend time kissing up to the Collector, hence the longer wait. Taking the real container and storing it with his magic, Loki then conjured a replacement. Leaving the two fake copies on the shelf, he retreated through the door, sealing it just in time. 

Tivan's voice echoed down the hall, and Loki slid into the shadows.

"What happened here?" Tivan asked the girl as Loki snuck his way back through the building, "Touching my things again are we?"

The poor girl didn't respond.

"You know what happens when you touch stuff," Tivan stated rather than asked, and Loki hated that he couldn't cut the man's heart out and make him eat it.

"I'm going to assume you're still in the building, and that there shouldn't be a second one of you coming this way?" Zemo's voice called in.

"What?!" Loki exclaimed.

"That's what I thought, I was just checking," Zemo replied, "In that case, we have some company."

"Zemo, does he know you're there?" Clint asked, but there was no response, "Zemo?"

"I'm on it," Loki said, "Clint, new rendezvous. Get over here now."

"On my way."

Loki made it to the side-door, bursting out into the street. There was his younger self, pinning Zemo to the side of the building he'd been on top of moments before.

Some things don't change, Loki thought, noting the dagger held against Zemo's neck.

Younger Loki tried to contain the shock of seeing another one of himself. He pulled Zemo from the wall, facing him to Loki with the dagger kept firmly against his throat.

"Another step and I spill his blood."

"Half an hour ago I'd have said go right ahead," Loki said casually.

"Aw, so we count as friends now?" Zemo muttered.

"Don't push your luck."

"When the Collector said he'd been waiting for me, that I'd been spotted coming this way moments earlier, I knew something was amiss. Who're you?" young Loki said, tightening his hold on Zemo.

"What do I look like?" Loki said, holding out his hands.

"Some kind of second-rate sorcerer."

"I'm you. From another time."

"It's adorable that you think that would work," other Loki laughed, pulling the dagger harder.

"It's the truth. Wren may or may not have told you about time travel yet, I don't know I can't remember. But if she hasn't, she will. And this is it."

Loki's eyes widened a little at the mention of Wren, but he tried covering his surprise.

"I don't believe you."

"Yes you do," Loki groaned, "You think I don't recognize my own self-denial? Come on, we love it. It's about the only thing we revert back to."

Clint ran around the corner then, and young Loki positioned himself so he could watch both Barton and Loki.

"Shit," Clint said, eyes taking in the two Lokis, "Just as I'm liking one, we throw in another."

"Barton?" young Loki said in disbelief, narrowing his eyes.

"Yeah, uh, hey Loki," Clint waved.

"Wait," young Loki shook his head at the impossibility of it all, "Tell me you're the one from the compound I just left?"

Clint scrunched his face apologetically, "Yeaah, about that."

"No, no this isn't happening."

"Time travel, or seeing yourself paired with Barton? Believe me, I didn't pick him," Loki said.

"Hey," Clint said in offense, "I thought we were cool?"

"I know, I just---that doesn't mean you're necessarily my first choice---"

"Not your first---what, who is then? You want Korg?"

"No need to get touchy, Clint."

"I'm not touchy, I'm just wondering who you think coulda been more useful than me."

"If a fight broke out, would you take a super soldier or an archer?"

"Steve! You'd take Steve's company over mine?"

"I didn't say that, this isn't about the company---"

"No, except the first dis you made was about the marvel that you are willingly paired with me, which you then denied was willingly at all. That kinda sounds like claiming you wouldn't have chosen me cuz you don't like---"

"Now you're just being stupid."

"Shut up!" younger Loki yelled, looking in disgust at his older self, "What the hell happened to me?"

Loki looked down himself, patting his clothes like he was trying to find the problem. "I don't see anything wrong?"

"If I killed this man here, would you be concerned?" younger Loki asked, motioning like he was about to do it.

"Don't!" Loki shouted, hands held out as he took a step forward with Clint.

"See?" younger Loki smiled wickedly, "You care."

"I'm you."

Younger Loki glared at that.

"Loki, listen," Clint said calmly, "We really are from the future. Thanos, he wins. Despite what we do, he wins. And we need the stones to bring them back. So I need you to let go of our friend there, and go back to the compound like nothing happened."

"And why should I? Clearly I live," other Loki nodded to himself, "And clearly I'm still tied down with you, so maybe I should just claim the Aether now? Get myself out while I can."

"It doesn't matter that we live," Loki said, "She doesn't."

Other Loki's eyes grew as his brow softened.

"Who?" he pretended.

"You know who."

"So what? We don't know nor care about her."

"Is that why you healed her face? Or her nose? Why save her?"

"Strategy. I couldn't keep it from the Avengers. The nose was to gain good favor. And her information is too valuable to lose."

"Are you forgetting who you're talking to? I've lived it all already! You can't hide any thought from me, any feeling. I know the lies we told ourselves."

"She dreams of something we're not. I'm not going to bend to what someone else thinks I am."

"But it's not just what she thinks we are. She's not in this for herself, she doesn't want us to be something for her. She's trying to give us something! Do you want to know what happens? Tomorrow night, there will be a dance on Asgard. And for reasons you can't fully comprehend, not at the moment, you're going to dance with her. Something will happen that you've been secretly contemplating since the day the two of you were left alone in the compound. The day where you did things you'd never done before, had fun you thought was beneath you. You're going to ask to be friends. And part of her will think you're playing her, and part of you will always try and tell yourself that that's the case. But time will prove it to be the best decision of your life."

"Are we always this sentimental in the future?" he asked Barton.

"Just listen to him, Loki," Clint answered.

"It's ridiculous," other Loki continued, though he looked like he was unraveling, "Wh--what, I-I-I'm supposed to just believe that the 'power of friendship' conquers all, is that it?"

"You're supposed to believe that there's a future where you're not miserable. That for once in your damn life you accept that there are people who care about you and that it's ok to care about them," Loki said.

"So you just get along with them," he pointed to Barton, "After everything that's happened between us? After they sent us back up in chains?"

"Chains we deserved."

Other Loki chuckled like he couldn't believe he was hearing this.

"She really has you roped around her finger, doesn't she?" other Loki asked.

"Maybe we stop being an ass long enough to admit when we're wrong. Wren makes us face it, she doesn't control what we do. I made the decision, because being with her, being with them, was...like nothing we'd felt in a while. No constantly feeling we had something to prove, someone to cheat and scam. Is it so bad that she made us see the only one who viewed us as lesser was ourselves? Honestly it was damn relaxing too, not having to go up against everyone! So yes, I stopped fighting it. Not right away, and certainly not entirely. It took swallowing all of my pride a few weeks ago just to tell Nat that I don't hate them anymore. Because in all these months I had never said it! Something as stupid and small as that, and it took every ounce of strength."

Other Loki stared at his twin, unable to hold the tight jaw and stern look. He couldn't hide from himself, literally.

"So we give up. Give in. No throne. No anything."

"Gods, I see how hard it was dealing with me now," Loki sighed, looking to Clint apologetically, "No, it isn't no anything. It's something better. We knew we were missing something, we know we care for Thor...for our father."

"He's not our father."

"He is."

"I can't believe we're the same person."

"And I can't believe, after seeing a future where we're the cause of our father's death, that I took so long to admit that I love him."

Other Loki eased his hold on Zemo, looking back and forth between Loki and Barton.

"Who the hell is this?" he asked, nudging Zemo in the back.

"Best to wait and find out," Loki grinned, "Wouldn't want to spoil all the fun."

"Oh yeah, he'll put you through all kinds of fun," Clint snickered, "His actions are really captive-ating."

"Dad jokes, Clint, really?"

"I thought it was funny," Zemo shrugged.

"My point exactly," Loki said.

"Now are you gonna let him go?" Clint asked.

Young Loki looked indecisively back and forth between the two, finally yielding his hold. Zemo stumbled forward, nodding his thanks to Clint.

"Go," other Loki said, "Before I change my mind."

"Oh um," Clint said before he walked away, "If one day during the prank wars, Wren at all tells you it was me...it wasn't." He smiled to a very confused Loki, walking off before he could ask anything.

Zemo's gaze went slowly from Loki to other Loki as he followed Clint.

"Do we care for her?" other Loki stopped Loki abruptly as he tried to move after the others, "As friends I mean."

"Do you?" Loki asked.

He shook his head sadly, "I don't even know what to believe in my head anymore."

"Believe this. When she's gone...there's nothing in this world you wouldn't do to bring her back."

A soft smile tugged at the corner of other Loki's mouth, mirroring the expression on his older self.

"We're not supposed to change things. We don't want to make timelines worse when we think we're making things better, so let things play out, ok?" 

Other Loki nodded.

"A small piece of advice though," Loki continued, "Very soon you'll be going to Sakaar. On that day, you'll realize something. Something you never thought you'd think. It's brief, and you try pushing it aside. But you'll always remember it as the time you first noticed."

"What?"

"Spoilers, remember?"

"Then why tell me at all?"

"Because what you do after that realization is important. You're going to wait too long to address it. Don't."

"Fine, whatever I say I guess," other Loki smirked.

"We always did listen to what we told ourselves."

"I still don't see how you grew into this. Sentimental. Kissing up to Barton of all people."

"I do not kiss up to anyone," Loki looked disgusted, "But I still don't see how it took us so long to grow into this. Good luck."

Loki smiled to his younger self. It had taken every ounce of willpower to not despise this younger form. A reminder, a living breathing embodiment of what he was. And to hear him voice the lies and arguments Loki had battled and conquered? It was exhausting having to face them again. But he also pitied this younger version. So he'd spoken sincerely.

Loki caught up with Clint and Zemo, who were waiting down a quiet street.

"Love yourself so much it was hard to leave?" Clint asked, Loki giving him a look.

"You have the stone?" Zemo asked.

Loki nodded, materializing the Aether for them to see before hiding it again.

"Alright then. Let's go home," Clint said.

"Thank you," Zemo choked out quickly, "Both of you for...for not just leaving with the stone."

"You didn't actually think I was serious about leaving you earlier?" Clint smiled.

"Can never be too sure."

"Wren would never forgive us, so..." Loki shrugged like it was nothing, bringing his suit around him. Zemo met his eye, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Ready?" Clint asked.

"Time to bring them home," Zemo said, closing his helmet with the rest.

On Clint's mark, all three shot through the quantum realm.

***

"That's the mountain?" Nat asked, looking at the deadly peak of Vormir.

"I guess so," Rhodey answered, squinting up at the orange-purple light that made its way around the dark moon in the sky.

"Doesn't seem too high," Nat joked like she could have survived the fall.

"Looks like our targets are already here," Vision said, nodding across the land spotted with small pools of water.

It was hard to miss the giant vertical ring.

"That's the flying donut?" Korg asked.

"Remember what I told you?" Nebula turned to Vision and Rhodes.

"I'm incapable of forgetting," Vision smiled.

"Don't worry, we'll have those communications down," Rhodey confirmed, "Let's just hope you're right about there being no one else on that ship."

"As Thanos' children, we try to please him. Maw would not make it look as if they needed help by bringing others."

"We'll see you in a bit then," Rhodey said, the two of them flying off.

"When will we know they have it?" Nat asked.

Nebula shook her head, "I don't know. But they won't make it to their ship."

"Guess we better get over there then, right?" Korg asked.

"Let's go," Nat agreed, leading the trek across the dunes of sand.

It was a silent walk, besides Korg and Miek chatting about the "hidden beauty in the world's desolate appearance."

"Ok, I think we got it," Rhodey called over the coms.

"We're outside the ship now," Nat replied.

"On our way down," Vision answered.

Moments later they rejoined the group.

"So..." Rhodey said after another few minutes, "Any idea how long this'll take?"

On cue, a rumbling crackle split the air. The group watched as the spires at the top of the mountain shot a beam of blue light into the sky. The effect was blinding, all members shielding their eyes. When it was done, the air was silent. 

"What the bloody hell was that?" Korg asked.

"It's them," Nebula answered, taking a few steps ahead of the group, her eyes fixed on something in the distance.

Following her gaze, the others saw three figures. A man, Maw, and Obsidian. The man scrambled to his feet, seeming a bumbling wreck. Obsidian raised his large hammer.

"We've gotta help him," Nat made to move past Nebula, but she caught her arm.

"It's too late."

The weapon was brought down on the man, who was sent crashing into the sand. Lifting the body with his powers, the Maw extracted the stone from the corpse's grasp.

"Rhodey, take the Rock and the bug," Nebula said, "Go for Obsidian. He's a brute that'll over-commit. Get him going one way, then attack his weak points. Blind spots from behind."

"Got it," Rhodey nodded.

"We've got him, man," Korg assured her.

"Maw will hold onto the stone with his life, which makes him vulnerable. He'll be distracted, making sure the stone doesn't leave him. We're not going for the stone though. We go for the head."

Everyone nodded at Nebula's orders.

In this time, Maw and Obsidian had seen the intruders. They'd paused to talk to one another, possibly even try their coms. The latter wouldn't work, not with the job Vis and Rhodey did. After a bit, they began moving again. Stopping on top of a dune thirty or forty feet away, Maw called out.

"The traitor. Surrender now, and you and your little band of feeble beings will be given merciful deaths. Do not, and we promise a pain worse than death."

"Hand over the stone, and we might let you walk away from this," Nat shouted back.

"Very well," Maw said, lifting the sand under him so that it carried him towards the others. Obsidian growled, running alongside the magic sand-lift.

"Keep to your assignments," Rhodey said, closing his mask and launching off.

As planned, Rhodey got the giant's attention. He was dodging the hammer throws, all while firing rounds down at him. Miek slid in from behind, cutting at the back of the creatures knees. When he turned to swing at the bug, Korg blasted him in the back. Obsidian whipped the hammer towards Korg, who blocked the majority of the hit with his gun, but was sent rolling through one of the pools.

Rhodey fired a series of small whistling rockets, which Obsidian either tried knocking aside or dodging. Those that found their target still did little damage against the sturdy opponent.

Miek sliced at his side, dodging the arm thrown his way. Holding an armored arm up on one side to block Rhodey's shots, the monster finally made contact on Miek. With Miek now trying to scramble to his feet, Rhodey had to dive in from the air to help. He flew full-force into him, the two enemies tumbling away.

Meanwhile, Maw was keeping the other three at bay with relative ease. He used the sand and water to his advantage, throwing it at them or shielding himself. Only after a prolonged effort did Vis manage to get close enough to knock Maw off of his little perch. Ebony tried throwing Vis back, but the android slammed his feet in the ground, pushing back with all his might. Occupied with Vision, Maw still had awareness enough to stop Nebula's charge from the right...but not Nat's from the left. Her rod made contact with his head. He dropped to the ground, turning to lunge at his attacker. Vision launched into him, sending him rolling down a dune...and the stone shot free from his hand.

Nebula slid down the slope, grabbing the orange gem. The sand around her began to lift as Maw made to pull her towards him.

"Romanoff!" Nebula called, throwing the stone through the air.

Nat lunged for it, Maw hot on her tail.

He pulled the sand out from under her, the movement causing her to trip. Vis flew overhead, grabbing the stone from her outstretched hand just as Maw got to her. Simultaneously, Nebula swung at Maw with her sword, cutting his side. In his anger, he froze Nebula mid-motion, pulling the metal parts of her slowly apart as she screamed. His enraged attack gave Nat the moment she needed to strike for the head again, this time hard enough to send him down without a quick rebound. He wasn't moving.

Nat ran to Nebula, helping her stand as she put her arm back together.

"You ok?" Nat asked, breathing heavily.

Nebula nodded, looking uncomfortable with the care displayed towards herself.

Vision, upon seeing Maw incapacitated, flew over to help Rhodey. Korg and Miek had rejoined the effort, the three having Obsidian on his heels. With Visions help, the creature's own weapon was soon sending him flying a very very long distance.

"Damn," Rhodey breathed, meeting up with the girls, "You didn't say he'd be such a brick wall."

"I didn't say he'd be easy," Nebula countered.

"Thanks for the help there, mate," Korg said to Vis, who patted him on the back.

The fighting had lasted ten minutes, maybe more. Now, all six stood together, catching their breaths as they reigned victorious.

"The stone?" Nat asked.

Vis opened his palm, the orange rock shining brightly.

Nat couldn't help but smile in immense relief.

"Screw the mountain," Rhodey said, smiling with her.

"We should go," Nebula said.

"Yeah, after that, I could use a nice shower. Look at my rocks, they're just covered in sand," Korg complained, holding up his arms, "What about you Miek, you ok?"

The little bug squeaked his affirmative.

"Ok everyone, let's get the hell outta here," Rhodey said.

All six materialized their suits.

"On three. 1, 2, 3."

Everyone shrunk down...except for Nat, who was ripped backwards.

She rolled over, groaning as she did, to find Maw standing over her. She reached to press her control, to escape while she could, but he forced her hand back against the ground.

"I warned you," Maw said, the low grumble behind him indicating Obsidian was approaching, "Surrender or pain. And now, for what you did, my master will give what was promised."

***

Fifteen bodies reappeared on the stage. Suits retracted as everyone looked around, taking a head count.

"Did we get em all?" Bruce asked.

"Are you telling me this actually worked?" Rhodey smiled.

No one said anything as they continued to take in everyone, making sure all were there.

"We did it," Steve smiled.

"Thank God," Clint breathed, walking across to hug Nat.

"I can't believe this actually worked! God, that was so insane. We fought younger version of Cap," Scott started telling the others, everyone greeting each other and exchanging happy remarks or their own stories.

"Nat?" Clint said, looking closely at her, who had hugged him slowly and now was staring into space, looking like she was trying to remember something, "You ok?"

Her eyes cleared as she seemed to shake whatever was bothering her.

"Yeah," she said, still sounding a little more reserved, "I'm fine," she smiled, "I just can't believe we did it."

She hugged him again, and he laughed as he embraced her tightly.

"God, we did it," he repeated.

"Alright everyone," Cap said, quieting the group down, "Let's bring them back."

He led the way down the ramp, everyone following suit. Nat was the last to leave. She paused, looking up at the mechanism above her and smiling where no one could see.

"Nat, let's go," Clint called back.

"Coming!" she said, giving the control panel a sideways glance as she made her way after the rest.

More Notes: Please excuse how brief the Vormir mission was. I didn't really know how to write a mission that's essentially just a fight, and quite frankly I don't think we need to know every detail of said fight. We know what MCU fights are like, so I don't need to bore you with vivid descriptions of every punch. Sorry if it seemed rushed though. Also, when you start messing with timelines, you open up more ways to screw something up or miss something obvious like I did with Hela and Odin. So if I make a completely irrational blunder, I'm sorry. But hey, I realized how stupid some of their decisions in endgame were when writing this, so if the movies have plot armor so can I!!!