Chapter 56

'Loki... but what about your mission?'

'Stark shall get over it. There will be more opportunities. When I explain that you needed healing, he will be fine. He looks at you as a daughter. So, his caring for you will override the mission. Barnes, I know you were to have her alone tonight but please may I share with you tonight? I desperately want to show her how much I need her and how worthy she is of us. Please Bucky.'

My eyes went wide. Loki always only called people by their last names with the exception of me and Thor. I looked at Bucky. I knew Bucky was startled by the use of his name as I was. He stared into my eyes for a long moment. Loki waited patiently for his answer. 

"Yes Loki. I feel she needs us both tonight to prove that we need her as much as she needs us. To know her worth. That she is loved, and she is amazing."

I heard Loki tell Thor that he was going to teleport them back. I heard Thor grumble that he hates teleporting. Loki explained that I was in mental pain and that he needed to be there now, Thor quickly agreed and said fuck the mission, that I was in need and that was more important. I smiled at Thor's words. They sent a wave of happiness through me. It still felt strange to have so many people care.

Suddenly Loki and Thor were in front of us. Thor stumbled and Loki steadied him. 

"I am sorry Thor. I know how teleporting makes you feel, and I would never have asked if Ariane hadn't needed me so much. I need to help Barnes clear some darkness from her or I fear it could overwhelm her and we would lose her again."

"I understand, Brother. Ari is special and I would never hold back from keeping her safe."

Loki had a strange look on his face. "I don't believe I have ever told you, but I love you, Brother. I at times felt lost in your shadow and I was not always kind, but I have always loved you. I know Mother would have been proud to see how much you have grown into being a King, just as proud of you as I am."

I stared in shock. Loki telling Thor he loved him was so unlike him. I saw Thor looking stunned and then his eyes bright with tears he grabbed Loki and gave him a huge hug.

"I love you too Loki. I always have. I have always been proud to call you brother, even during your dark times. I always knew you were misunderstood and lashing out. And I never stopped defending you and caring. I knew under all that pain, my brother was still in there."

Loki's eyes held tears too. I silently cried for them. I was so touched by the moment of seeing the healing between them. I got up and grabbed them in a group hug and just held them both. 

"Come on Buck. Group hug!"

Bucky laughed and wrapped his arms around us as much as he could. We stood like that for a few moments. As we pulled apart Thor turned and swept me up in a hug and spun me around. 

"Thank you, Ariane. You are good for him. You gave me back my brother." He whispered in my ear.

He set me back on my feet and I smiled at him, tears spilling down my face. "Any time Sparky."

Thor laughed and gently wiped the tears from my face. "Go with your loves, Ari. Even I can feel how much you need them now. I will explain to Tony and everyone why we are back. I know if Tony tries to protest too much, well, if I don't intimidate him Wanda and Nat will change his mind."

I giggled and jumped up, throwing my arms around his neck, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Thank you so much for understanding. You are a treasure and one I am proud to have in my life."

Thor actually blushed as I slid back down to my feet. I glanced at Loki and Bucky to see if they were upset by my kissing Thor. Bucky looked amused and Loki was grinning at seeing Thor turn red.

"By Odin's beard, Brother. I am beginning to get an idea of why you love her so much. Now go on you three. You all need this night, as I told her, even I can feel that." With that statement, he turned and left.

I looked at them both and walked to them. I felt them both envelope me in a hug and I sighed happily. This was where I belonged. 

"Well, shit."

"What's wrong Doll?"

"I doubt your bed is big enough for all three of us. Oh wait, you told me you sleep on the floor. Yeah, not doing that tonight. Loki's room it is."

The guys laughed. "I agree, pet. I do not relish the idea of loving you on the floor."

With that, I linked arms with them, and we left the theater to go to Loki's room.