Chapter 8: Do I Wanna Know? (Do Me a Favor)

A woven acrylic blanket was wrapped around Eira. She sat up on her new bed, looking out the window at the night sky; the tall buildings against the starry background. Her fingers rubbed the shades of green and black fabric, intricately shown a thousand of years ago when her father was about her age.

"Are you feeling alright?"

Eira turned her attention to Steve approaching her bed with concern. He sat down at the end of the bed, his eyes filled with worry.

"Not completely," she answered. "I'm still unsure about Midgard. You and Natasha seem nice, but I don't know about everyone else. I miss my home, too. I miss Daddy."

"Everything you're feeling makes sense," Steve rubbed her back in comfort. "It's okay to be scared. It is your first day, so we didn't expect you to trust us completely so soon."

Her grip on the blankets tightened. "I hope Daddy is safe. I know I did some bad things, but I love him."

"He's your father and he loves you, so it's natural that you care for him. Me and your father didn't get along the first time we met, but I hope for your sake that he's found."

Eira nodded, feigning acceptance while reflecting on her lies. Well, she wasn't completely lying. Although she was aware of his whereabouts, she missed him. After his escape, she wished they could be together without the rules set by her grandfather. That chance was ruined when she was ordered to Midgard for her safety. Like three years ago, she could only see Loki in secret. She agreed with her family that Midgard was the safest realm and a valuable source of protection, but she couldn't forget the presence of her father. But their methods of meeting would be more flexible, she realized. No longer a hologram, Loki could physically transport himself to her location. SHIELD also allowed her to visit Asgard for definite amounts of time, where her father could spend quality moments with her without a fear of interruptions or discovery.

"Daddy is the only parent I have." Tears were visible in her jade eyes. "My Mummy was forced to go to Valhalla when I was a baby. He took care of me alone. It's hard without him,"

She failed to notice her own sobs until Steve pulled her into an embrace.

"I'm sorry you have to go through this, Eira," he spoke after shushing her. "I'm sure your father wishes he could see you. I understand why you miss me so much. I had the same feelings as you."

"How?" Eira questioned as she looked up, barely holding her wails.

"I was also raised by a single parent. Like you, my father left when I was young. My mother raised me by herself."

Steve remembered Sarah Roger's warm smile and kind tone; her comforting presence was almost enough to heal his poor health. He then remembered the maniac grin of Loki, his blood-thirsty, selfish speeches as he prepared to end the lives of the innocent. Both were given the daunting duty to act as both parents. Perhaps, like Sarah, Loki read her bedtimes stories or sang her to sleep. Maybe he suppressed his own needs to focus on those of his daughter: aiding her while she was sick or sad, momentarily forgetting his own struggles. Eira had more living relatives than he, but assistance did not deter the difficulties of single parenting.

Loki had two sides to him, Steve realized. He was a mischievous, power-hungry god to his enemies, and a considerate father to Eira. The stories from Thor and Eira served as a confirmation.

"Is that why you wanted to care for me?" The tears ended, but the temporary stains on her pink face were a reminder.

"You're very insightful," he stated. "And yes, that was one of the reasons. But, if I'm honest, I accidentally overheard your uncle talking about you. I couldn't deny protection to someone who could possibly need it."

"And what about Natasha?"

"I don't know. She has a lot of secrets. I imagine that she didn't have an enjoyable childhood."

Eira readjusted the blanket. "That's sad, but she seems better now."

"I think she is too. You'll know more about her next week."

"What will I be doing with you this week."

"Well, tomorrow I was planning to buy you some things to make you more comfortable here. You know what, let's not do that. I think it is best if we learn more about each other."

Eira sighed. "I really didn't want to go outside tomorrow, I'm still afraid. What will we do?"

"Like you, I am not fully accustomed to this time. We could learn about history and pop culture together. I have a list of things to catch up on. One of those things is pizza. It's a combination of bread and cheese, and some like it with vegetables or meat. I also have a list of movies. Do you have those on Asgard."

Eira shook her head.

"No? Well there are similar to plays but recorded for people to see. I missed a lot of iconic ones. People kept recommending the "Indiana Jones" films; they are historical, which I think you might like. There are also these space movies called "Star Wars", but those are a bit difficult to watch. Apparently they need to be watched in a certain order."

"Movies sound interesting. I would like to watch one."

Steve smiled. "I would too."

He stood up from the bed. "It's getting late. I think both of us should get to bed."

"I'm already in bed."

He laughed. "Well then I should get to bed. It's been a long day for both of us. Can you fall asleep on your own?"

"I can."

Eira laid her back against the mattress, pulling the blanket over her shoulders as she nuzzled her head on the pillow.

"Good night, Eira," Steve said before shutting the door.

"Good night, Steve."


Her new room was more personality-driven than her one back in Asgard, Loki noted. Two shelves of books laid near a desk, their genres wide in range. An open notebook sat on said desk, colored pencils and pens by its side. The room's accessories were green, blue, and purple. Above her bed was a painted picture of a wolf, impressive to Loki's royal standards of art.

Before he arrived, she was building some structure, the pieces pre-packaged and instructions on how to sculpt it. Loki deduced it was probably some Midgardian toy. Upon beginning their conversation, Eira noticed his confusion.

"Natasha bought this for me yesterday," she stated, holding up the structure for Loki. "It belongs to a collection called Legos. I went shopping with Steve a few days ago and noticed them. Natasha thought I might like this one. It's a smaller version of the Imperial Hotel. It's in Japan. Have you been there, Daddy?"

"No, I have not," Loki responded, looking at the incomplete structure. "I usually visit European countries, though I am aware of Japan. Its culture and architecture is unique compared to those of other countries. Maybe Midgardian toys are more sophisticated than I thought."

"Toys on Earth are more interactive. Though I still have Hati."

Eira pointed to the stuffed wolf, its paws placed delicately on her bed. Loki looked at its direction with a smile.

"I'm glad you still have him. Your Mother would have been delighted."

"I hope she would," Eira's facial expression changed, her eyes widened in remembrance. "Oh, I forgot. I was going to place this picture of you on my desk."

A piece of paper appeared out of thin air into Eira'a hand. She handed the picture to her father.

His appearance had changed in recent years, he contended as he observed the small painting. He concluded that it was painted a year or two before her birth, judging by forming cheekbones and shorter, greased-back hair. His green eyes were more absolved, not tainted by his attempts of genocide and blood-stained power.

"I forget this picture of me existed," he commented. "So many paintings have been created of me, so I do not pay attention when one is finished."

"I don't like sitting down for those paintings," spoke Eira, taking the picture back into her hold. "They take too long."

"I can't help but agree. If you want, I can give you a replica painting of us together. There is one when you were just a baby and another when you were three."

"Really?" She went closer to him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Do you have one with you now?"

"Not currently, but I get you a picture by the end of the day."

"Thank you, Daddy!"

"No, thank you, my little one, for bringing me joy."

Their embrace lasted for a few moments. Eira let go, sitting close in front of him.

"How is Asgard?" she asked. "Is Uncle Thor alright? Does he know?"

Loki shook his head. "No, he has absolutely no clue about my whereabouts. He has diverted his focus to battling his enemies and his relationship with Jane."

"I like her," Eira commented. "She is smart, which might help Thor."

"I am still amazed you inherited my quips. Your uncle might benefit from her intelligence. When I was on Earth, I learned she is one of the smartest humans."

"She wrote me a letter. She wanted me to learn more and ignore people who don't think I can. She likes how I don't limit myself by my gender."

"You're an ambitious girl, Eira. I encouraged you to participate in activities you enjoy, even if others discourage you. I love you just the way you are, but they are some people who will not acknowledge you because of your sex."

"But Grandma and Miss Saga said it's okay for me to enjoy things that boys like."

"Some people are ignorant to the capabilities of women. Eira, you have such potential, but if you meet a man who attempts to discredit you, question his reasoning and demonstrate your abilities. Challenge the world and motivate others. If the situation becomes more tense, don't be afraid to stab."

"Daddy, that's mean, but maybe I will need to do that. Why are people so hateful?"

"Because they are idiots. Sexist men fail to realize their own limits and direct the hate for themselves toward women. Those men do not matter. Don't even waste your breath for them."

Eira nodded passionately. "Alright. I think I can do that. I won't let anyone be mean to me!"

Loki rubbed the top of her head "That's my girl."


"So he really has a daughter?"

"Clint, I told you about this a year ago. We've fought terrorists and aliens, so this isn't the most shocking discovery in our careers."

"I know, Nat. It's just hard to imagine the guy that brainwashed me is also a father. What's she like?"

Natasha laughed over the phone. After finishing lunch with Steve and Eira, she returned to her apartment and called Clint. She planned to prepare for Eira's arrival to her place, but upon witnessing the introverted behavior of the young girl, she decided to talk with her partner.

"Her name is Eira, and she looks exactly like her father: black hair, green eyes, even his nose. She quips, but hers are not as harsh as Loki's. She is very considerate and curious, but she is extremely timid. She wasn't initially comfortable talking with me and Steve and started crying when I mentioned that she would eventually go to school. Thor mentioned that she is overly attached to her father, which makes sense, as he is her only living parent. Apparently she was the youngest of the noble children, so she isn't great interacting with others her age."

"Well that's concerning. I suppose that based on your sudden call, your plan to fix that involves me."

"I'll leave the final decision up to you, but I thought maybe Eira could meet Cooper and Lila. There's a park near my place where we could meet up. It might help her social anxiety. I won't force this on you, though. I'll understand if you deny..."

"Natasha," Clint interrupted. "I'll do it. Lila is the same age as Eira, so I'm sure they'll get along. She's not dangerous, just a little girl who also happens to be a demi-goddess."

"Thanks, Clint. Sorry this is on such short notice. I can arrange a private flight for you. I hope Laura is okay with this."

"I'm sure she'll be thankful for the break, and Cooper and Lila will be happy to have a new playmate."

"I can't thank you enough. Eira really needs this."

"It's very clear that she does. I think you may also need some help. You probably don't have much experience with children."

"Not at all."

A year and a half ago she volunteered to put Eira in her care. She sensed that Eira would probably be brought to Earth for protection, but mental preparations did not cultivate her for Eira's sudden presence. Some assistance from an experienced parent would provide relief.

"Eira!" Natasha called, walking to the girl's room. "I could go for some fresh air and I think you could too."

The spy opened the door, seeing Eira sitting on the carpeted floor, patterns of green dust in the air around her.

"Were you practicing your magic?" Nat questioned.

The princess nodded. "Yes. I'm not used to performing my magic here, so I thought I could practice here."

"Practice always helps, but you can only do it around me or Steve, not in public."

"I know. I don't want to scare any Midgardians. Do you say something about going somewhere?"

"Yes. There's a park nearby. I scheduled to meet a friend there. He has kids your age."

Eira's body tensed. "You want me to play with them."

Natasha moved to sit across from the girl. "I know you are nervous around new people, but you can trust his kids. His daughter is the same age as you, and his son is two years older. He's also a friend of your uncle, so you can rely on him."

"I guess I can try to play with them. You don't want me to mention my family with them, right?"

"I think Clint told them that you're an alien, so they'll understand that and be patient with you. Just don't perform magic or do anything strange around them."

"I think I can do that. I hope they are nice."

"His kids are very kind. I'm sure they'll like playing with you. We should get going. I'll get your coat if you put on your shoes."

"Okay."

Eira stood up from the floor, walking into the living room as her eyes scanned for her black converses. Natasha went to the coat rack near the door, grabbing a leather jacket for herself and a lime, light zip-up sweatshirt for Eira. She approached her boots, near where Eira was putting on her shoes, handing the girl her sweatshirt, which she responded with a simple "thank you". As she was focused on putting on the jacket, Natasha reached for her handgun, placing it in a holster sewn into her jacket.

She opened the door and walked out of her apartment, Eira following from behind.

"Stay close to me," Nat softly commanded. Eira responded with a nod.

The two traveled through a few streets, Eira staying in close distance to Natasha's leg. Although not many people were walking along, Natasha understood Eira's anxiety. Beside the sidewalk where they moved were cars, an unfamiliar form of transportation to an Asgardian. The many bright lights representing foreign signals were daunting.

During their walk Natasha made several attempts to hold the girl's hand. Not grabbing the smaller hand, she instead held out her own, expecting Eira to grasp it. She sensed Eira eying the hold before glancing away.

Still not used to me, she concluded.

Natasha guided Eira to the farthest corner of the park, away from the gaze of the public eye for the sake of their privacy and Eira's mentality. As they continued walking, Natasha slowly saw the figures of Clint and his children over the horizon. Eira noticed the figures a few moments after Nat; the Russian sensed the girl tense but still followed.

The figure of Clint was kneeling in front of his kids, presumably discussing their upcoming playdate. He stood up and glanced to the open, grassy landscape, waving when she saw Natasha and Eira. Nat waved back and proceeded approaching the family with a smile.

Eira's uncertainty lingered as the figures were becoming more apparent. Originally gray and still, their hues cleared and movements turned visible. She saw the excited jump of a girl and the enthusiastic expression of the boy. Her body froze, fingers intensely clutching the hems of her sweatshirt, feet firmly stanced to the dirt below.

Sensing the lack of movement behind her, Natasha turned around, seeing the wide-eyed alien holding back her tears. She approached Eira, kneeling down and putting a loose strand of hair away from her face.

"I know you're scared," she began. "But I trust these people, your uncle trusts them. They won't hurt you, they won't reveal your secret to others, they won't cause you any harm. You'll enjoy playing with them, I promise."

"I know, but I still feel strange."

"Everything will be alright, Eira."

"Hello, Natasha," spoke Clint as he approached the duo, kids in tow.

His daughter appeared from behind his leg, tilting her head at Eira.

"Your eyes are very pretty," said the girl.

Eira looked at the ground, pushing her foot against the grass.

"Thank you," Eira responded, her voice almost a whisper.

"Lila," scolded the boy, suddenly appearing in Eira's line of vision. "You have to introduce yourself first."

Lila frowned, purposely deepening it for the effect. "But I gave her a compliment. I'm sorry. My name is Lila, and this is my annoying brother, Cooper."

Cooper scoffed from behind his sister. The demi-goddess's face lightened slightly. She unclenched her fingers from her sweatshirt.

"My name is Eira. Nice to meet you."

The siblings smiled. "It's also nice to meet you," spoke Lila. "Daddy showed us a playground. Do you want to play there?"

Lila aimed her finger to the playground a few yards away, which Eira followed, eyes brightening upon witnessing the structure. From what Thor told her, Eira was easily entertained by physical, yet safe, play.

"That looks like fun," Eira commented. "What can you do on it?"

Lila grabbed her hand. "We'll show you."

Her nerves spiked upon the sudden grasp of her hand, yet as she scanned the kind smiles of Lila and Connor and the lack of hostility between Clint and Natasha, she decided to temporarily put her trust in the youngest Barton.

The young trio jogged to the playground, leaving the adults alone. Barton moved by Natasha's side, observing his children interact with their new playmate.

"When you said she looks a lot like him," Clint said. "I didn't think she would be his female clone."

Natasha huffed a light laugh. "I was amazed too. Her facial shape and hair texture are different, but other than that, she is the female version of Loki. Her eyes are wider though, more innocent."

"When I was under his control, he mentioned his plan for him and his daughter. Said that she gave him purpose. I don't think she would appreciate the destruction he caused. Didn't mention a mother at the time, but I later learned she was dead."

"Thor said her mother was a servant that Loki fell in love with and so did she. I think he truly loved her, more considerate than most romances I've seen or heard. After a few months of dating, they conceived Eira. She died in childbirth. She was pregnant with a half-breed, after all, but she and Loki didn't know that."

"That probably wrapped his mind. Finding out you're a hated race and that it influenced your lover's death, not exactly healthy for one's mentality. I'm not excusing what he did, as that is inexcusable. Does she know?"

"Yes. She told me that her grandmother revealed that a few months ago. They probably learned their lesson with Loki."

"I'm surprised they didn't regret it sooner," Clint sighed, shaking his head and clicking his son. "The ruthless Loki I witnessed doesn't match his passionate fatherly attitude toward Eira. I understand a duty toward your kids as a father, but everything he did and believes, it just doesn't make sense."

"She is his only biological family, proof of the feelings of affection between him and his lover. His care for her is most likely influenced by his task as a single father. Loki is a single father; learned that a year ago, but it still feels strange."

"That psychopath is a single parent. I don't like the guy, but I have to say, he did a pretty good job at being a father."

The archer held out his hand, directing Natasha to look at the smiling faces of the children at the playground. Her mind juxtaposed Eira's unease moments ago to the bright, engaging smile currently etched onto her face. She giggled at what the Barton children said and told something intangible in response, all of them laughing together.

"Eira is doing better," Natasha commented. "She's slowly opening up, but her social anxiety needs improvement. She is more vocal about what she likes. Yesterday, when I picked her up from Steve's apartment, "Do I Wanna Know?" by the Arctic Monkeys was playing, and she said she liked it. Then that song "Feel Good Inc" played afterwards, which she also enjoyed. A princess appreciates alternative rock; never thought I would speak that sentence."

"The black hair matches that interest," Clint quipped.

They laughed, Natasha jokingly hitting Clint in the arm. They sobered after a few seconds, simply watching the kids nativate the playground.

"When is your next mission?" said Clint, interrupting their observational bliss.

"Whatever Fury assigns me. I'll probably be working with Rogers."

"You have babysitting arrangements for Eira arranged when that happens."

"We'll get an agent to watch her."

"Natasha, you're a smart person and I appreciate your opinions, but I don't think that's the best idea. Judging by her extreme nerves, it won't be a pleasant situation for her or the agent assigned to protect her. But if she were with me and Laura, then maybe she would be calmer."

"Clint, I'm not going to burden you with babysitting."

"I'm already permanently babysitting two kids, another for a temporary amount of time won't add any difficulty."

"I don't want to stress Laura."

"I told Laura about her a few days ago. She was reasonably skeptical at first, but she agreed to let the kids see her. She actually told me to offer to watch her while you're at work."

Natasha shifted her body to face Clint, her eyes analyzing him for motivations and emotions.

"You won't stop pestering me until I say yes," she commented.

"Lila's room is big enough for Eira to sleep with her, and we have a guest room," Clint immediately responded. "Cooper and Lila are semi-aware of her origins and promised not to tell anybody. And you told me that Eira kept her father's whereabouts a secret for two years, so she won't tell anyone about my family if we instruct her to do so."

Natasha returned her gaze to the energetic children.

"That is a fair arrangement," she answered, eyes focused on a giggling Eira.


Steve removed the chain of the punching bag from its hook, placing it on his shoulder as he walked to a rack where he eventually settled it. A gym bag laid on a nearby bench, its zipper pulled open by Steve, a beige towel removed from its confinements. He rubbed the towel on his forehead, removing the visible sweat. Grabbing the handles, he turned around to move toward the showers, though the travel to his destination was shortened when he saw Eira lifting a weight.

"Eira," he said. "Be careful with that."

The princess faced Steve, weight in hand, the number "50" on its sides now visible. A frown formed as she angled the weight.

"But it doesn't hurt to lift. Asgardians are stronger than humans, so I'm fine. But I am only half Aesir, but the Jotnar are strong too."

"I realize that you're stronger than us humans, but you can't do that without thinking first. Something could fall on you, or someone could see and get suspicious."

"I won't let anything fall on me! I have telekinesis to protect myself. And we're the only people here. But I get it. It's dangerous to use my powers in public. I'm sorry."

"You don't have to apologize," Steve reassured, putting his hand on her shoulder and rubbing it. "You're still not used to how things work on Earth. Just listen to me and Natasha, and you'll be alright."

"I will."

"Alright."

Steve removed his hand from her shoulder as he stood up, smelling his sweat, remembering his initial plan for a shower.

"I have to take a shower. Can you entertain yourself for a few minutes?"

Eira nodded, using her head to gesture toward her moss green backpack laying against the wall. "I have a book in there. I can finish a chapter while I wait."

"Sorry for doing this on your birthday. How about this: I'll get you hot chocolate and your choice of breakfast from a diner nearby. We won't eat there, I'll get it as takeout and we'll eat back at the apartment."

"I don't mind. You need to exercise for your job. This better be a good breakfast."

Steve smiled in response as he opened the room to the showers.

She walked to her backpack, unzipping it and taking out a book. The hardcover spine of A Wrinkle in Time, smooth and durable, was firm in her grasp, though her attention was diverted to the aliceblue, unfamiliar bookmark between two of the pages. She pulled it away from the book, discovering her own name, written with her father's handwriting.

Looking behind, she saw no evidence of Steve's presence in the room, further reassured by the sound of the water. Without hesitation, her finger removed the bookmark from the book. She set the book on her backpack as she noticed that the paper itself was folded. She unfolded the paper and read its contents.

Eira,

Seven years ago, I held you in my arms for the first time. You were so small with a full head of hair, it was the most glorious sight. That image is juxtaposed with your modern self in my mind. Similar to your newborn self, you are stubborn and courageous. I am proud to be your father, and although I cannot see her, I picture your mother smiling at you from Valhalla.

I wish I could celebrate the anniversary of your birth by your side, but my duties as a king are overwelcoming. Today I will attempt to hide my disappointment of not being with you as I attend meetings. Do not fret, my little one, as I will arrive during the night; no one will demand my whereabouts and creating an apparition of your sleeping grandmother will provide no complications.

I have a present arranged for you when the time of our meeting arrives. You should find pleasure in the gifts of your uncle and his friends beforehand, though as I write this, I wonder if the presents served as a form of surprise. I am sure that feigning puzzlement will prove no difficulty for you.

I am in anticipation for our gathering tonight.

Love, Your Father

Her smile held as she read every word, every punctuation. Even after her eyes finished transcribing the contents of the letter, she held onto the thick paper.

The sound of water hitting the ground abruptly stopped. Eira quickly folded the paper and placed it between the book's cover and the first page. As she waited for Steve to enter the gym, probably dressed in different, more relaxing clothing, she prepared to hide her impatience for the night.


"Brunch? That's a word? It's just addings the words 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. Humans are strange."

"I can't help but agree," Steve responded as he put the dirty dishes in the sink. "That wasn't a thing back in my time, but languages change, so maybe I shouldn't be surprised."

"It's still strange," said Eira, stroking her finger on the marble countertop.

"Our neighbor, Kate, told me about it. Last week, while you were at Natasha's, she was leaving for brunch with her friends when I got back from the gym. I guess I made a confused face, since he had to explain it to me."

"Kate? Is that the nurse from next door?"

"Yes. You haven't met her yet. We only talk in the hall, but she's nice."

"Oh."

Eira sat up straight in her stool, staring at the door to her room, bored after finishing her large breakfast. She swung her legs, her feet occasionally hitting the table.

Steve turned around after placing the last dish in the sink, choosing to clean them later. Facing Eira, he placed his hands on the countertop, grasping it as his back leaned against it.

"Happy seventh birthday. What do you usually do on your birthday?"

Her interest captivated, she put her finger on her chin as she considered her answer. "Well, my Daddy usually spends most of the day with me. We travel somewhere for a few hours and then we return to the palace where I get gifts and my favorite foods. Daddy knows I don't like big crowds, so it's nice of him to give us alone time, but I think he also does it because his birthday is the next day."

"Your birthday is the day before your dad's. That's pretty cool."

"I like it, too. It makes me feel closer to him."

"I'm sorry that he couldn't be here today, and neither could your uncle - I guess he had to settle something in one of the realms - but me and Natasha will try to make today special."

"Natasha is coming?"

"Yes she is. She's bringing gifts from your uncle and his friends. Do you have birthday cakes on Asgard."

Eira shrugged. "I normally have a big dessert. It's cake most of the time, but some people have tarts and pastries. Is there a difference between Midgardian desserts and Asgardian dessert?"

"That depends. Do Asgardians decorate their cakes specifically for the receiver?"

Steve opened the door to the refrigerator, taking out a large, white box. Eira raised an eyebrow - a skill Steve had only seen Loki achieve. Laying the box in front of her, he opened it. Eira leaned her head forward, curious as to the appearance of a Midgardian cake. She saw no sponge, but rather a midnight blue circle, edges embellished with black spheres, the smooth top detailed with white and deep purple dots. "Happy Birthday, Eira!" was scribed at its center.

"That's not a circle," Eira confidently stated.

"The dark blue stuff is frosting, the cake is underneath it. It's a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting and a raspberry jam between the layers. I told the bakers to not make it too sweet, since I thought you may not like it."

"Humans put frosting on the sides?"

"Cake decorating is a mixture of baking and art. Natasha showed me pictures of modern cakes; definitely an improvement of desserts from my time. We'll have this after dinner."

Steve placed the lid back onto the box, lifting and returning it to the refrigerator. A beep from Steve's phone distracted Eira. Pulling the phone toward her, she tilted her head to see the text. The header text read "Natasha".

I get that Eira is a princess, but this is a bit too fucking much. All the presents are in my trunk. Can you come down and help me carry them up?

"Natasha swears like Daddy," Eira said and giggled at the same time.

Steve took the phone and held it close to his face, reading the text with squinted eyes. "Well maybe your strength will come in use today. Want to come with me?"

When Steve looked up from his phone, Eira was putting on her tennis shoes. He laughed as he grabbed his denim jacket. He walked up to her and handed her a sweatshirt. Putting on his boots, he heard the excited footsteps head toward the door.

Natasha sighed as she exited her car. When Thor arrived at her apartment a day ago, she was not prepared for the god carrying twelve presents in his arms with a comically large smile. Originally planning to leave the gifts unwrapped, she noted the jewel embellishments and decided that unchecked objects were not meant to loosely stay in the back of her car as she drove. Yesterday she wrapped the presents from Eira's family and the graphic novel she bought the day before.

Striding toward her trunk, she smiled as she saw Eira running to her, Steve jogging from behind.

"Natasha!" she said when she maintained a close distance to the car. "I didn't think I would see you today!"

"I don't usually separate birthdays. When I learned yours was coming up, I couldn't resist the idea of a party."

"There is no party," retorted Steve, finally joining them.

"Well the three of us can have some fun. Back up, Eira. All your presents are in here. Now on Earth, we wrap presents in special paper. It's a form of surprise for the gift-receiver."

Natasha opened the trunk, the green and purple boxes revealed to Eira.

"Are those from my family and you?" she asked.

"Yes, even one gift from…" Natasha paused. "Including a gift from your father."

Eira simulated indignation. "Really? Does that mean he's okay?"

"I guess so. Thor said it appeared in his room two days ago. It included a note from him too."

The seven-year-old jumped in suspense. "I'll help you take these in."

As Eira diverted her attention to finding the most effective method of carrying her present, Natasha glanced at Steve, shrugging. The soldier put his hands on his hips and sighed.

Loki is safe, he thought. That's reassuring for Eira, but what is his plan?


A replica of a traditional Asgardian horn, embezzled with versadecent jewels, laid on a pedestal, currently standing on Eira's desk. Several minutes were passed by Eira tilting her head, deciding if it was best placed on her desk or somewhere else. Perhaps the horn would look more proper on one of the shelves on her bookshelf, or some place in her room at Natasha's apartment. She considered experimenting with the placement of all her gifts. The seidr instruction book - curiosity of Thor, provided by Frigga before her death - was secured on her bookshelf. A miniature model of Sleipnir, her grandfather's eight-legged horse and a picture of three-year-old Eira and Loki needed the appropriate setting. The latter was gifted by her father and included a heartfelt note, similar to the one she found in the morning, but much more secretive. A frame was also provided; its deep, shadowy wood expertly carved into swirls.

Green swirls formed by the door, which Eira responded by straightening her form in anticipation. Black, wavy hair was developed first, followed by closed eyes, feeling the seidr activate his transportation. The typical olive royal garment, accessorized with gold and ebony, soon appeared. Once the boots assembled and touched the floor, Loki opened his eyes.

"Happy birthday, my little one."

"Daddy!" said Eira as she jumped off her bed and went into her father's open arms. "I got your gift! Thank you so much!"

"Oh, Eira. That was just the beginning. I have something much better."

Eira let go of her father, a smile still maintained. "What is it?"

Loki held out his hand, a book appearing from the mythical smoke. Tales for Children written in metallic yellow on the cover.

"Your mother found this book for you. She read it while she carried you, and I began reading it to you when you were just a baby. You both had the same favorite story: Sigurd and the Dragon. I realize that these stories were written for children younger than you, they meant to be read by parents to speak to their children. Your literary skills are advanced enough to comprehend the stories. I probably have not read all of them to you, so enjoy the unfamiliar stories."

Eira grabbed the book, rubbing the brown cover, memories of her father reading it to her replaying in her mind.

"I didn't know Mummy got this book for me."

"She found it in the library before you were born. Did I ever tell you that your mother's was the day after mine?"

"Wait, all of our birthdays follow each other? That's neat."

"It is. I think she genuinely relished the stories, even at her adult age. Sometimes, when I read them to you, I was enthralled by its plot."

"Am I too old for you to read it to me?"

"Eira, it is your birthday. Anything you wish, I shall grant."