As Loki walked through the hallway, he stopped abruptly before the giant double doors.
What if they sent him away? What if they changed their minds overnight?
The uncertainty gnawed at Loki's mind, making his steps hesitant as he approached the double doors.
Loki pushed the thoughts away. It had been a year since their victorious battle with Thanos. During this time, the Avengers personally sent him a message urging him to visit them immediately for a matter of utmost importance.
Loki started to open the doors.
"It's fine; it will all be fine," he repeated, trying to convince himself. But deep down, he couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of uncertainty and fear.
Loki could feel his heart thumping as he approached the Avengers at a round table. They all stood up when he walked in, and Thor was the first to greet his brother.
"You came!" he shouted and ran up to meet him.
"Of course I came," he replied, trying to hide the fear in his voice.
Thor looked him in the eyes. "Brother, you don't have to be frightened. It's a good reason, I promise."
Loki was shocked that Thor could tell what he was feeling. Although he always had a way of knowing.
"I'm not scared," he replied sharply. "I- I'm just concerned."
"Thor." Steve Rodgers gestured for Thor to get back in his seat.
"Oh right, sorry." Thor left Loki's side and walked back towards the table.
"Loki Laufeyson, I'm sure you're dying to know what's brought you here." The person who spoke was nowhere to be seen, yet Loki recognized the voice.
A tall figure suddenly stepped into the light and was at the top of the staircase.
"We have a big offer for you."
"Fury?" Now Loki was scared. He hadn't seen this man since the Battle of New York. What could Fury possibly want with him? The unexpectedness of Fury's presence sent a chill down Loki's spine.
"Oh good, I see you remember me. There is no need for introductions, then. We can get straight to the point." Nick Fury ascended the stairs and stood by the rest of the Avengers.
"Your brother and the Avengers told me about your heroic stand against Thanos." He went on. "They explained how you fought alongside them and your performance amid the battle."
Fury exhaled and looked at the Avengers. They all nodded. He looked back at Loki.
"With all that said, The Avengers and myself have agreed that you would make a powerful asset to the team."
Loki was in sheer disbelief. He had anticipated a simple thank you, but this? The surge of joy that engulfed him was almost overwhelming, a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time.
"Are you saying you want me to become an- an Avenger?"
Nick Fury nodded. "Only if you accept."
Loki tried to hide his smile. "I would be honored."
Fury looked pleased with himself. "It's settled then," he turned and faced the Avengers.
"Welcome, your newest member of the team, Loki Laufeyson." The words echoed in Loki's ears, filling him with a sense of acceptance and belonging that he had longed for.
Loki only had a second to take it all in before Thor hugged him.
"I always knew this day would come! Brother, you will make such an excellent hero!" Thor's voice was filled with pride and love, and Loki couldn't help but feel a slight warmth in his heart.
Loki tried to push away but gave up.
"Thank You, Thor, but I don't think I'll get a chance to be one if you don't let me go. I can barely breathe!"
Thor quickly pulled away and laughed. "My apologies, brother, but I am just bursting with happiness for you!"
Loki sighed to himself. "Yes, I can see that."
Loki had always secretly wanted to be part of the Avengers. He envied how close their friendship was. Loki smiled, realizing he was finally part of the team.
A few more people started to approach him.
"Hello, Stark. It's been a while."
"Well, you know, it's been hectic." His voice dripped with hostility. "Look, I'm going to be completely honest with you." Pausing, Tony ensured no one was listening. "I'm not entirely sold on this whole 'Loki joining the team' idea."
Loki sighed. He figured something like this might happen.
"I am fully aware of what was done in the past and, honestly, spend every moment regretting it. I understand it will take time for most of you to trust me completely, and I'll try to spend every second as an Avenger making up for my past wrongs."
Tony stared at him.
"Wow, I knew you were good with words, but I didn't think you were that good." He said, impressed.
Loki laughed and responded, "Well, when I was young, I spent a lot of time reading."
"It paid off because you just persuaded me that you might be fit for this team after all." Tony took a sip of his drink and walked away.
~~~~
As Loki finished his conversations with some of the other Avengers, he was approached by another familiar face from his past.
"Loki." The man was wearing a red cape and a blue robe. Loki knew exactly who it was.
"Strange."
Dr. Strange sighed and looked at the ground.
"I know we don't have the greatest history together, but I would like to congratulate you on being accepted to the team."
Loki just smirked.
"Let me guess, you voted for me not to join."
Dr. Strange looked up and smiled slightly.
"I did at first, but I eventually came to the idea."
Loki grinned. "Well, I appreciate it either way."
~~~~
Nick Fury was now in front of the staircase, watching as the Avengers welcomed the new member. Whether they liked it or not, this was his chance to share his news.
"May I have everyone's attention, please!"
The Avengers, including Loki, were slightly startled by his sudden words. They all started to head back to their seats at the round table. Thor motioned for Loki to sit by him, and Loki slid into a chair next to Thor.
"Now that everyone is together, I have some news to share. As you know, it has been a year since the battle against Thanos. I recently discovered that some of you have made your own families during this time."
There were a few small gasps amongst the Avengers, but everyone was well aware of this for the most part.
"I even know of a new member expecting their first child." Nick Fury paused and looked directly at Loki.
Everyone turned to face him and watched as Loki's eyes widened.
"Hh—how do you know?" Loki did not attempt to hide the shock in his voice.
"Your brother told me," Nick Fury responded.
Loki glared at his brother. "Care to explain, Thor?"
Thor became noticeably uncomfortable.
"I- um, well, I was talking to Mr. Furry about all this, and it sort of slipped out."
Rolling his eyes, Loki turned around and crossed his arms.
"It's a girl, by the way." He muttered.
Tony spit out the water he was drinking. "Oh dear god, we're all dead."
Loki grinned mischievously. "Now, what would make you say that," he replied.
The rest of the Avengers laughed and congratulated him. Nick Fury stood still and looked utterly annoyed.
"Alright, we've gone way too off-topic. To continue what I was saying before, Dr. Banner and some S.H.E.I.L.D researchers have concluded that your children will possess the same abilities that you have."
Bruce gave them a thumbs up with a slight smile, clearly not liking all the attention.
"This sparked my interest, and I have decided to build a school for when your children come of age. The school's purpose will be regular academics and a place where we can train and help them learn to control their abilities. I hope that your children go on to become the next generation of heroes."
"When you say come of age, what age would you refer to?" Clint Baton asked.
"It would be best for them to get accepted into the school during their high school years. This is when their powers will be at their peak."
"Fair enough," Clint said and relaxed a little.
"Yes, I plan to send acceptance letters soon."
"Who are you expecting to teach in this school of yours?" Tony asked the question.
Nick Furry turned toward him. "Well, I was planning on having some of you teach."
Tony burst out laughing. "Do you think any of us have the time for that?!" he said between laughs.
"Stark, given that this school will not happen for another 17 years and you will probably be retired, you should rethink that statement if you still want me to pay you when you work there.
Tony opens his mouth to make another snarky comment but realizes he has nothing. "Well, I guess you did put it in perspective."
Nick Fury checked the time on his watch and started to talk again.
"To wrap up, I wanted to mention that we came across an abandoned child on the streets a few weeks ago. We still need to find out where he's from, and we have yet to find information about him other than his name. On the positive side, we discovered that the child has an ability of his own. We've decided to take him under our wing at S.H.E.I.L.D. to ensure he's well taken care of and properly looked after."
Furry shakes his head and turns back to face the group. "Any questions?"
The room was silent.
"Excellent," he nodded. "Assembly dismissed."
A/N: Hello! I worked hard on this, so votes and comments are greatly appreciated. :)