Variant or Variants of the MCU?

Chapter 21: Tensions

Thor: Loki and Amora are prisoners.

Fury: then why do I feel like Loki's the only person on this boat that wants to be here?

With Wade

Wade was looking out a window as Janet walked over.

Janet: hey, Wade.

Wade: hi.

Janet: you okay?

Wade: no...

Janet: I'm sorry about Hank. He can be mean sometimes. What's on your mind?

Wade: there's been some time I... I've been feeling like a burden to my dad.

Janet: Wade, you're not a burden.

Wade: just been feeling like that. I was never meant to be born, I was just a mistake of a one night stand.

Janet: <pulls him to a hug> you're not a mistake. Never call yourself that. You made Tony into a better man, you helped forge a golden heart from a man of iron. You are a godsend for Tony. If I could have a son? It will be just like you.

Wade: thank you.

Janet: any time buddy. <kisses his head>

Loki's Cell

Loki was passing in his cell as Amora was sleeping in her's. He stopped when he sensed someone and smirked.

Loki; there's not many people who can sneak up on me.

He turns and sees Natasha standing there.

Natasha; but you figured I'd come.

Loki: after. After whatever tortures Fury can concoct, you would appear as a friend, as a balm. And I would cooperate.

Natasha: I want to know what you've done to Agent Barton.

Loki; I would say I've expanded his mind.

Natasha: and once you've won, once you're king of the mountain, what happened to his mind?

Loki: oh... is this love, Agent Romanoff?

Natasha: love is for children. I owe him a debt.

Loki: tell me. <sits down>

Natasha: before I worked for SHIELD, I, uh... <sits down on the chair next to the cell> well, I made a name for myself. I have a very specific skill set. I didn't care who I used it for, or on. I got on SHIELD's radar in a bad way. Agent Barton was sent to kill me. He made a different call.

Loki: and what will you do if I vow to spare him?

Natasha: not let you out.

Loki: no, but I like this. Your world in the balance, and you bargain for one man.

Natasha: regimes fall every day. I tend not to weep over that. I'm Russian. Or I was.

Loki: and what are you now?

Natasha: <gets up> it's really not that complicated. I got red in my ledger, I'd like to wipe it out.

Loki: can you? Can you wipe out that much red? Dreykov's daughter, São Paulo, the hospital fire? Barton told me everything. <stands up> your ledger is dripping, it's gushing red, and you think saving a man no more virtuous than yourself will change anything? This is the basest sentimentality. This is a child at prayer. Pathetic!

Tony, Wade, and Bruce were looking at a screen trying to look through SHIELD's files. Hank and Janet join them. There was an access denied alert that Tony moved out of the way.

Loki: you lie and kill in the service of liars and killers.

At the bridge, Hill showed Fury that there was a virus but Fury already knew who was behind it.

Loki; you pretend to be separate, to have your own code, something that makes up for the horrors. But they are part of you.

Steve and Bobbi were looking through silver boxes as Steve opened one as Bobbi walked over and couldn't believe what she was seeing as Steve looked mad.

Loki: and they will never go away.

What was inside some of those boxes were uniforms and weapons that belonged to Hydra during World War II.

Loki slams his fist on the glass scaring Natasha and waking up Amora.

Loki; I won't touch Barton, not until I make him kill you. Slowly, intimately, in every way he knows you fear. And then he'll wake just long enough to see his good work, and when he screams, I'll split his skull.

Natasha: <looks away>

Loki: this is my bargain, you mewling quim.

Amora really couldn't believe what she was hearing. It seems like a day where the unbelievable was everywhere.

Natasha: <sniffles> you're a monster.

Loki: <chuckles> no. You brought the monster.

Natasha: <turns again and looked fine> so, Banner. That's your play.

Loki: what?

Natasha: <gets on radio> Loki means to unleash the Hulk. Keep Banner in the lab. I'm on my way. Send Thor as well. <to Loki> Thank you for your cooperation.

Natasha walks out as Amora looked at Loki and didn't see him frowning but smiling as he sat down and closed his eyes. Loki may have been tricked by Natasha but maybe just maybe... that's what he was expecting. And she played to his hand.