Heart Of Stone

Chapter 27

In the end Tony decided to just order more pizza since nobody else had eaten yet. Nobody had any objections whatsoever to this, not even me, so now we're all crowded around several pizza boxes in the penthouse, grabbing at the slices.

Everyone is talking to Thor, trying to find out why he went to Asgard as apparently the reason was a secret, but he's not saying a word of interest. He's only smirking at them all, which only increases their irritation and impatience to know. He makes sure he smirks at me, too, though I don't know why. I'm not too bothered, to be honest. I have my secrets (though I won't have any left at this rate) and they have theirs.

I think the ability to read minds and hypnotise others to bend to my will has made me more respectful of privacy.

I rarely read their minds these days, mostly when they go off to a meeting or when I want to ask what something means. That or if they tap their temple or if their thoughts are being broadcasted to me, in which case I tune in. This is making the Avengers think I trust them more, which I admittedly do, but it also makes me feel undefended from any sort of sneak attack when I can't see the planning they're doing prior.

"Seriously, what were you doing up there?" Tony persists. "Nothing much, nothing much," he replies vaguely again. "I've spoke with my father, kept him informed on Loki's 'probation'."

"And?" Clint persists. "And nothing else that you must know occurred," Thor leaned back in his seat smugly while the others groaned and complained in a playful manner.

"It seems to me that only Lady Lexis understands such a thing as patience or secrecy," Thor remarked, nodding to me. "You would say if it was imperative that we knew," I point out. "Anything you choose to keep as personal information only is none of my concern."

"Just screw each other already!" Stark huffed, still irked that he wasn't getting the information he desired, causing most of us to laugh. Thor seemed confused by the term, but when you live in a forest with modern day teenagers living not far from it, you tend to learn the phrases referencing... this.

"Oh, he wishes," I chime, earning more laughter. Thor is still confused, but I telepathically explain what they're hinting at and his eyes grow wide, cheeks reddening. I can't help but join in the laughter that ensues, especially when he bellows that he would not wish that.

"Am I not worthy of your interest, Thor?" I use the abilities of a true siren (I may walk on legs, but my genetics are still the same) to charm him. He looks at me as though he has never seen me before. "Siren charms are powerful, are they not?" I ask him, to which he simply nods, breathless.

I smile captivatingly, relenting. He shakes his head, trying to rid himself of the fogginess that would have lingered in his mind. "Why didn't you just do that to me when Tony dared you to?" Steve asked. "He told me not to use my abilities," I reply, to which he nods in understanding.

The evening altogether runs smoothly as usual, still with nobody missing an opportunity to insult someone. I received the fewest verbal attacks, mostly from Stark, though I returned fire by insulting him back. It is either I was genuinely good or they were just being polite, but everyone always laughed along when I got involved. Tony was clearly disliking that I was able to retaliate against his onslaughts.

Eventually everyone left for bed, tired after all the excitement. The Avengers are loud, so it isn't possible to escape early and sleep. I discovered this on my first night here.

I was just about to reach the door to my room when I was confronted.

"Lady Lexis!" A familiar voice called out. I turned to see the two resident Asgardians, one smiling, one looking put out. Thor walked with prideful thumps accompanying his strides while Loki was gliding along is a quiet and dignified manner. The only thing they both shared was the power that radiated from them. They carried themselves as though they were gods, though there was obviously a reason to that.

Scowling at Loki, I concentrated on Thor, who was the one who had spoke. "May we have a private word?" the tall blonde asked. "Of course," I agree, holding the door open from him from behind it. He grinned as usual and walked inside. I had to suppress a sigh when Loki followed.

"Firstly, I would like to apologise on my brother's behalf for his actions," Thor said. For once he was attempting to be tactful, something he was hoping was working because he'd never really had to be tactful before. It was enough to make the corner of my mouth twitch.

"Though the true reason I went to Asgard is also on Loki's behalf as he is currently unwelcome on Asgard, but wishes to determine how to revoke your curse."

I snapped my head to Loki. His head was down, so I couldn't see his expression. He'd also blocked his thoughts away from me. I turned back to Thor, who I doubted would ever put a mental barrier up in his life.

"Father approves of the research. He believes that revoking such a curse makes Loki appear more redeemable. He even decreed that Loki could enter Asgard for a brief time on the condition that he is accompanied at all times and only searches for a means of revoking the curse, nothing more. He is pleased that Loki is making the effort."

I nod slightly, unsure what else to do. But Thor is holding a slither of information back. I can feel it. "Is there anything else?" I prompt him gently, hoping he will take this as his cue to come forward.

"Father said it was not necessary," Thor began carefully, unsure of my reaction. "But he requested that you come to Asgard, as well."