Layla was the first one to reconvene in the living room so she took the time to pour a small glass of whiskey and stare out over the city. She sipped slowly and watched the sun begin to dip below the horizon. She didn't need to be outside to know that the temperature was dropping, too.

    "It feels like little has changed in the time I've been gone," Thor murmured quietly, coming to stand next to the blonde. In the reflection of the glass, she could see Loki and Brunnhilde standing awkwardly in the middle of the room.

    "Unfortunately, a lot of things have changed. Many of them not for the better." Layla took a sip of her whiskey and turned towards the two long couches, taking a seat in the middle of one of them. Loki and Brunnhilde sat on opposite ends of the other couch, still looking uncomfortable.

    "I have no doubt of that, and it troubles me," Thor acquiesced, choosing to seat himself next to her.

    Before they could say any more, Tony, Bruce, and Anja entered the room, all of them holding four large pizzas in their arms. They deposited them onto the coffee table and picked respective seats - Anja between Loki and Brunnhilde, Tony next to Layla, and Bruce in his own armchair - and soon enough, everyone was comfortably arranged and eating.

    "F.R.I.D.A.Y., why don't you just start with showing them the footage from past Avengers missions, more specifically the ones the UN are concerned with?" Tony spoke up after everyone had sat in silence for a few minutes.

    "On it, Boss," the AI responded. A second later, blue holo screens popped up showing past footage from events that Layla could hardly bear to look at. The destruction of New York City after the battle with the Chitauri, the wasteland left after the ordeal with Ultron in Sokovia, the aftermath in Lagos, the UN bombings that killed King T'Chaka, and the utter destruction of the airport from the team tearing itself apart were a few that were displayed. Layla pushed her plate away and rubbed her eyes, trying to ignore the massive counter that displayed civilian casualties. The considerable number made her stomach churn.

    "What... what is all of this, Tony?" Bruce questioned, staring at the floating holograms with a grim expression on his face.

    "Oh, that? That's how many people we've managed to murder in our quest to save the planet," Tony spat sarcastically, knocking back the entire tumbler of whiskey in his hand. Layla leaned forward and took the bottle off the table in front of them, shaking her head at Tony's dirty look. "The Avengers Initiative, as it formerly was, continued to operate after the Ultron incident. Unfortunately, our grand mission to protect left us unchecked and more worried about doing anything necessary to finish the job. I guess even if it meant killing innocent people."

    Tony went quiet and stared down at his empty glass, a deep frown in place. Anja sighed and sat forward, sitting her plate down and picking up where Tony left off. "The United Nations, or UN, is an intergovernmental organization tasked to promote international cooperation and to create and maintain international order. The Avengers crossing governmental borders and causing massive amounts of discord definitely got their attention. So, they created the Sokovia Accords. In essence, it dictated, well, how'd Ross put it?"

    "The Avengers shall no longer be a private organization. Instead, they'll operate under the supervision of a United Nations panel, only when and if that panel deems it necessary," F.R.I.D.A.Y. filled in, making Layla grimace.

    "Yeah. That. Cap wasn't on board with the whole thing, and subsequently, half the team followed his lead and refused to sign the Accords. The only ones to do so were Tony, Natasha, and Rhodey. Well, me, Anja, and our friend Spencer, too, but we aren't technically part of the Avengers," Layla explained, leaning back in her seat and staring at the ceiling. "Rogers was more concerned with finding his friend, Bucky, at any means necessary and stopping Zemo from re-brainwashing him further. I can give him credit for one thing; he was trying to stop a disaster that involved more super-soldiers that couldn't be handled in a UN meeting timeframe, but I digress. I can explain all that later, Bruce."

    Bruce closed his mouth and gave the blonde a tight smile and a nod. Glancing over, she noticed that Tony was extremely tense and had his eyes squeezed tightly shut. The genius had come away from the whole situation with more than physical wounds, and unfortunately, the media had turned against him big time. He had been blamed for not trying harder to stop Rogers and the rest of the gang with all that he possessed.

    "Yeah, but Rogers' dumbass also withheld information on Tony's parents' murders," Anja added. "He knew Barnes was responsible- brainwashed or not."

    "Rhodes almost lost his life because of this disaster. The media branded the whole thing a 'civil war' since we, ya know, tore ourselves apart from the inside. Fitting, actually. I guess I messed up again, Thor," Tony murmured quietly, staring at the wall and avoiding direct eye contact with anyone.

    "No, my friend. You did what you believed to be the best possible course of action. From what I have heard, the blame solely rests in the Captain's hands for not listening to the counsel of his friend and this United Nations," Thor objected, shaking his head. "This group, the UN? Are they open to negotiation with the Avengers?"

    "Yeah. They always allow amendments to the law and compromise on how groups act," Anja explained, taking a bite of her veggie pizza.

    "Then I fail to see why Captain Rogers would not acquiesce with the council and sign the Accords," the blond stated, frowning.

    "Because he's a pompous ass? Too busy sucking Bucky's dick? Take your pick," Anja threw out, causing Loki to choke on his drink and start snickering. "See, Loki gets it."

    "Nice to know Captain Righteous isn't all that righteous," Loki drawled, making Layla and Anja grin and Thor sigh, but smile. "I guess there won't be any rousing conversations of truth, honor, or patriotism anytime soon."

    "Oh man, who is this guy? Why haven't we met before now?" Anja snickered, grinning over at the tall man. "I like him."

    "I am Loki, of Asgard," the man replied, smirking. A second later, he grimaced and his face fell. "Formerly of Asgard."

    "He's the man who is responsible for the invasion of New York," Tony remarked darkly, looking over at Loki. Anja sobered up and cocked her head to the side, watching Tony warily. "And the deaths of eighty people. At least."

    "Of which I was under mind control," Loki snarled, "not unlike your friend Barton."

    "You are nothing like Clint," Tony spat out, standing up and moving to grab another bottle of alcohol as he ignored Anja rolling her eyes at the mere mention of Clint. Rogue or not, it was often hard for Tony to not view them all as family.

    "Peace, my friend," Thor chimed in, waving his hands in a placating manner as Tony walked back from the bar. "Loki speaks truth, for once. He was indeed under the control of the Other and Thanos, and worked under the guise of invasion to circumvent a more major attack."

    "Not to mention, Tony, that you can't judge a person on how many people they've killed," Layla piped up, eyeing the man seriously over the rim of her drink. "I've probably killed just as many people."

    Loki looked astonished at the blonde who gave a grim sort of smirk and shrug. He looked as if he weren't used to someone taking his side.

    "Same," Anja remarked, lifting her glass up in a mock toast. "We are all terrible people, asshole. Stop picking on the alien."

    "He threw me out of a damn window!" Tony hissed. Loki smirked and leaned back into the couch, obviously enjoying the play by play.

    "And? I've stabbed you, so who's the real bad guy here?" Anja went on.

    Before Tony could respond, F.R.I.D.A.Y. interrupted. "Boss, not to take sides, but the files Jarvis made from the attack show unnatural spikes in brain activity that aren't present now. I lack data on the correct physiology, however, it seems what Mr. Loki was experiencing was abnormal even by human standards. Mr. Barton had similar spikes in brain function while under the influence of the scepter as well."

    "Traitor," Tony murmured under his breath, flopping back down onto the couch. "Wait, back up. What do you mean formerly of Asgard? Did Odin-Daddy finally ban you?"

    "No, you impertinent, ill-nurtured wart; Odin is dead and Asgard is no more," Loki spat venomously. Anja and Layla looked on in astonished amusement while Tony spluttered.

    "Damn," Anja whistled, looking apologetically at the genius. "That was a Shakespearean level burn."

    "Shut the hell up, Anastasia," Tony growled, rolling his eyes. "What do you mean Asgard is no more?"

    "Ragnarok has come to pass, my friend. Surtur has destroyed my realm," Thor explained, face grim. "I, too, have had my fair share of distasteful events happen since we last spoke."

    "Your realm... was destroyed?" Layla gaped at the man. "I didn't even know that was poss- actually, no. It's a big universe. Anything is possible."

    Thor quirked a small smile at the blonde and nodded. "I had been following a path of death and destruction while on my hunt for the Infinity Stones that led me to Muspelheim and Surtur. He was foretold to bring upon Ragnarok and the end of days."

    Anja picked up another slice of pizza and stared at Thor with interest. "So, your people had a prophecy and it came to pass?"

    "Yes. Well, it did later on. I fought valiantly against him on Muspelheim and took away the Crown of Surtur, stashing it away in the depths of Asgard. Around this time is when I found out Loki had been masquerading as Odin back on Asgard."

    "I can't really say I'm surprised by that," Brunnhilde interjected, for the first time speaking up. "You seem like the weaselly type of person to do that."

    "I like her," Tony snickered, ignoring Loki's glare.

    "As I was saying," Thor practically growled, ignoring the side comments, "Loki had placed Odin here on Earth in some home for the elderly. Unfortunately, he didn't bother to check in."

    "How was I to know they would tear the building down?" Loki harrumphed, tossing his long hair over his shoulder.

    "Oh... oh, god. Did they demolish your dad?" Bruce whined, covering his face with his hands.

    "No, of course not," Thor quickly assured, pointedly ignoring Loki's deep laughs. "Some man, um, Strangle? Strange? He's some sort of wizard. He had found my father, who had decided to stay in exile, and sent him to Norway."

    "Norway?" Anja asked dubiously. "I mean, I guess I can see it. Definitely large populations of Scandinavians there."

    "Yes, well, that's where my father passed away," Thor remarked, wiping a large hand over his face in exhaustion. "May he rest well in the halls of Valhalla."

    "My condolences," Tony offered quietly, tipping his glass out in a small toast.

    "My thanks, Man of Iron."

    Everyone was quiet for a moment in respect, but Tony soon grew restless. "So, your father passed away. I'm not sure how this leads to the destruction of Asgard?"

    "Ah, yes. Well, apparently the Allfather didn't only lie to me my whole life," Loki sneered, glaring down at the floor. "Thor and I have an older sister: Hela."

    "Uh, I can see how that's a pretty big something to learn about," Anja agreed, leaning forward. "Is she like... a raging bitch?"

    "Quite. She's the goddess of death."

    "Wow. So major bitch." Anja grinned at Loki who winked at her with a smirk.

    Thor continued, shaking his head at his brother and Anja. "Hela drew her powers from Asgard. She grew too violent and bloodthirsty for my father to handle and so he banished her to Hel. Upon his death, that banishment no longer held and she was able to escape."

    "Are you telling me there's a rampaging psycho bitch on the loose trying to kill people?" Anja hissed, staring at the  God of Thunder with wide eyes.

    "Peace, Miss Anja. No, Hela is dead. But it came with great sacrifice," Thor soothed.

    "The destruction of your realm," Tony said with a nod, tapping a finger on his glass.

    "Yes. I had Loki place Surtur's crown in the Eternal Flame to bring him to Asgard in the hopes that he could destroy Hela. He did, but it also allowed him to destroy Asgard's entire existence." Thor frowned and stopped speaking, obviously overcome with emotion.

    "Did... did your people perish too?" Layla asked quietly, hugging her glass to her chest.

    "No," Brunnhilde spoke up, frowning in empathy for her friend and king. "Loki and a group of others arrived from Sakaar with a ship large enough to evacuate all of the remaining survivors. Asgard's legacy will continue on."

    "Okay, couple questions," Anja murmured, leaning forward. "So your people are safe. Where did you take them? And what's Sakaar?"

    "The remaining survivors are in Norway, Miss Anja," Loki explained as he turned to look at the brunette. "Thor made sure to establish them properly with the help of Norway's government before we came here."

    "And Sakaar is a planet, kind of off the beaten path," Bruce chimed in. "That's where I've been this whole time. After I... left with the Quinjet, I somehow landed there. The details of the whole thing are kind of hazy, but I was living as a champion and guest of the Grandmaster."

    Anja blinked at the man and opened her mouth a couple of times before shaking her head. "Okay, what?"

    "Sakaar is pretty much just one big trash dump," Brunnhilde explained. "Its ruler, if you will, goes by the name of the Grandmaster. Those unfortunate enough to get 'scavenged' are property of his that are only allowed to leave should they win in a gladiatorial game. I... was a scrapper...142, to be exact. You heard Loki mention it earlier. I was the one who brought Thor to the Grandmaster when I found him out in the dumps."

    "What were you doing out in the dumps?" Layla asked Thor, confused.

    "Ah, well, when Loki and I encountered Hela in Norway after my father passed away, we sought a... tactical retreat. Loki called Skurge to bring us back to Asgard via the bifrost, but that also allowed Hela to hitch a ride. She was... strong. Strong enough to push us out of the bifrost before we made it to Asgard."

    "That sounds painful," Layla grimaced, pouring another drink.

    "It is painful and dangerous," Loki agreed, shrugging. "It also messes with the temporal aspect of things. I landed on Sakaar weeks before Thor despite only being pushed out seconds before him."

    "Huh," Anja intoned, "that's... interesting."

    "So, I'm just gonna recap here," Tony interjected loudly, "Odin was placed here on Earth by Rock of Ages, and then you find out he's in Norway. He explains you guys have some psycho sister named Hela, then he dies, and she follows you to Asgard. Both of you end up in middle of nowhere space, encounter this Grandmaster dude, find Brunnhilde and Bruce, make it back to Asgard, destroy Hela, and then destroy Asgard. Is that the sum of events I'm getting here?"

    "Simple and rude, but yes," Loki drawled, leaning back on the couch.

    "Uh huh," Tony replied, scratching his beard. "Well, that's one hell of a time you guys had. Guess I can see why you stayed away from Earth."

    "I am sorry, my friend, that I wasn't here to defend you against Steven's betrayal," Thor murmured, patting his friend on the shoulder. "He has much to regret and learn."

    "I'd say," Layla mumbled under her breath, wishing that the man was here now so she could shoot him in the groin or something. "Not to seem ungrateful for your guys' visit or anything, but with all that has happened with your people, shouldn't you be there?"

    "Not quite," Loki responded, leaning forward to brace his elbows on his knees. "There is a much larger problem at hand than just defeating Hela and reestablishing our people. Remember the Infinity Stones Thor was looking for? Well they are being hunted by the Titan, Thanos. He's power hungry and will stop at nothing to retrieve the stones. Stark, you of all people remember the Chitauri invaders from my failed takeover, yes? Those are just a fraction of the numbers Thanos possesses. He is making his way across the universe. We only narrowly escaped being intercepted by him on our way here. And eventually he will be taking aim on Earth."

    Layla, Anja, and Tony could only stare at the god with grim faces.

    "How soon will he be here?" Tony demanded, sitting forward. "How long do we have before almost certain doom is upon us?"

    "I know not, Stark," Loki confessed, shaking his head. "He has almost unimaginable power." Loki swallowed and looked down, looking beaten and tired. "Enough to break even a god."

    "So it could be tomorrow for all we know?" Tony snarled, standing up once more.

    "I doubt it would be that soon, my friend," Thor stated, grabbing Tony's forearm gently. "Most likely on the scale of months or even years. But he will come."

    "So what are we supposed to do, Thor? We could barely take on the Chitauri." Tony started pacing the room nervously, running his hand through his hair. "Not to mention that thanks to Rogers we are a fractured team, barely even able to work alongside each other, let alone deal with some insane man from space."

    "But you did defeat them, Stark," Loki emphasized, standing up to block his frantic pacing. "And Midgard does not stand alone."

    "No offense, Reindeer Games, but a fractured people and an underdeveloped civilization doesn't bring me much confidence."

    "We have plans, Stark, make no mistake of that. There are other realms out there that have allied themselves with Asgard long before your species began to walk and talk. Now will be no different. Midgard does not stand alone."

    "For which I am extremely thankful," Anja exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "But no offense, I feel like this is a conversation we should have tomorrow? I'm exhausted, you all are exhausted, and I feel like we should all come in tomorrow more level-headed."

    "Sound advice, Miss Anja," Thor agreed, standing up. "This can wait until tomorrow. Come brother, Brunnhilde; let us move to my floor to rest."

Layla watched warily as the three Asgardians made their way out of the room and finally turned to look at a visibly shaken Tony. Pushing herself up, she made her way over to him and hugged him from behind, tucking her face between his shoulders.

    "Relax, Tones," she murmured, feeling him intertwine their fingers together on his chest. "We'll work this out, just like we always have."

    "We've never had to battle a madman from outer space before that was hellbent on destroying our planet," Tony replied. He paused for a moment before adding, "Loki doesn't count, especially since you girls didn't help with that."

    "Yeah, but we learn new things all the time. We'll figure this out," Anja soothed, coming up to boop him slightly on the nose. "Right now, I'm more worried about you."

    "Fine is relative," Layla whispered, playfully nudging the genius. "You're not okay, but that's okay. We'll change that."

    "You guys must be the worst kind of masochists," Tony huffed, smiling weakly. "Spencer too, for that matter. Speaking of, where is she at?"

    "She's on her way, and will probably be here tomorrow afternoon," Anja shrugged, smirking. "You know her. Out living life like the party animal she is."

    "Spencer? A party animal? I think you have her confused for Layla," he laughed quietly, finally pulling away. "Alright. Time for bed. I promise I'll actually try to sleep and not go to the lab. F.R.I.D.A.Y. will let you know if I don't."

    "I knew you were a genius," Anja snickered, moving away. "Night, Tony."

    "Yeah, goodnight," he murmured, leaving the room.

    "Well, I'm sleeping out here," Layla declared, moving towards the couch she had been sitting on. "That damn bed in the guestroom feels like a bench."

    "Tony did tell you to look for a replacement last time we were here," Anja shrugged, not looking the least bit bothered. "Your problem."

    "Bitch," the blonde huffed lovingly, ignoring the smirk the brunette gave as she made her way towards her room. "Goodnight!"

*****

Hi everyone! I used to do these author's notes at the beginning of the chapter, but I think with this story I want to try them at the end to see if that works better. I wasn't going to post this chapter right away, but I changed my mind! I was going to save it until next weekend after the convention but... I was in a good mood. I'll probably still update next weekend too since I am quite a bit ahead in this story right now. I'll aim for a chapter every week or every other week at most.

The next chapter is pretty amusing, or at least I think it is anyways. Most of the next ones are pretty light-hearted, with a few moments of seriousness. Things don't get truly serious until a bit later. But in the meantime, seeing these knuckleheads sort through this situation is most ridiculous.

Truly it is great to be sort of back to writing again, even if I only get a few minutes to do it while the baby sleeps. I have missed it. <3

~arty_writes