Something was following Coulson and he didn't know what.

After speaking with Stark, the Norse gods, Agent Pierce, Agent Romanoff, and Barton, he had planned on raiding the Director's office for coffee. There was no way he was going to drink the dirt water they served in the cafeteria even if you bribed him with Super Nanny. Before he could get three feet down the hall, however, he felt the prickle at the end of his senses that told him that someone was watching him.

Even after looking around, Coulson could not spot anyone in the area with him. He thought, maybe, that the stress from his job was finally catching up to him when he heard a faint whirring sound from behind him.

Turning around, the agent saw a Roomba covered in stickers with a knife taped to it beep ominously at him before disappearing around a corner.

Needless to say, he was properly terrified.

--

To say Bucky was tired would be an understatement. He had returned from a two hour long therapy session and was emotionally exhausted only to run into Steve, who looked annoyingly happy. Bucky thought he finally understood Percy's hatred for the blonde as the American icon dragged him to the gym to spar.

"You seem annoyed, Buck," Steve said as they stood on the sparring mats.

"Do I?" The soldier asked as he picked the blonde up and slammed him on the floor harder than necessary. "I couldn't tell."

Steve winced as he rolled his shoulder, standing up, "How'd your therapy session go?"

"It went." Honestly, Bucky didn't want to talk about his time with his therapist. The man was kind but in a detached way, like he didn't want to be there at all. Maybe it was because it was just his job or maybe it was because he was the Winter Soldier, but Bucky wasn't all that comfortable even speaking with him about his time with HYDRA. If he told Steve that, however, the blonde would not hesitate to raise Hell and that was not what Bucky needed.

"Okay, how about we stop here," Steve said, holding up his hands so his best friend wouldn't try to punch him in the face again. "And get something to eat?"

That sounded like music to the exhausted man's ears. "Best thing you've said all day, punk." Bucky grabbed a towel, wiping his face, before heading to the kitchen as fast as he could.

When the soldier entered the kitchen, he wasted no time and began pulling out ingredients for the best sandwich his tired mind could make. Loki wasn't in the room so he couldn't use his puppy dog eyes to get the mage to conjure him up some food.

"Oh, hey, can I have a sandwich?" Clint grinned as he walked in, looking over the assassin's shoulder as he sliced an avocado.

"Clinton, if you get in between me and my food, I will eat your arms."

The archer stared at him before snatching an avocado slice and eating it.

He shrieked when the Winter Soldier lunged at him.

--

"This is fine," Nico said as he tried to stop shaking because it was not fine. It was not fine at all. Deadpool's grip wasn't painful or anything but the son of Hades was still terrified from being near the mercenary. Sure, he shouldn't really be all that scared since he was, well, sorta dead but Deadpool couldn't die and that just made him dangerous.

"Why have you come here?" Hela raised her eyebrows at the demigod, eyes curious. Her girlfriend's hand still rested in the crook of her arm but the skeleton woman was chittering happily as she gazed at the merc with a mouth.

Nico focused on the goddess, feeling his face heat up as everyone focused on him. "My name is Nico di Angelo, Lady Hela," He mentally high-fived himself when his voice didn't crack. "A-And," Well then. "I am here on Loki's behalf."

"Loki, you say?" Baldur leaned forward, interest playing on his face. He didn't seem upset to hear the trickster's name which was a relief since, well, the god kind of had the man killed. "How interesting."

"Yes," The skeleton woman nodded, standing up from her place on the arm of Hela's throne. She moved over to where Nico and Deadpool were standing. "Hey, there," She grinned at the mercenary, who smiled brightly back at her through his mask.

"Hey, there, beautiful! Long time no see!" He patted Nico's shoulder, "Saw this kid coming in with Fluffy 'n' thought I'd see what's up."

Hela, who had remained silent as the other's spoke, crossed her legs as she hummed, "Fluffy led him?" She focused on the demigod. "Nico, you said? What business have you here that involves my father?"

"Well," Nico silently gave a sigh of relief when Deadpool wandered up to the throne with the other lady. "Loki has been adopted by my cousin Perseus Jackson." He decided to just go for it and not waste time. He really didn't want to stay in Helheim longer than necessary now that he knew Deadpool was there. "And he formed a quest to bring you all to Loki." He looked at Hela's shocked expression with a look of determination, "Percy is in Asgard right now going against Odin so he won't hunt down you or your siblings."

Hela opened and closed her mouth, something he was sure she hadn't done much judging by Baldur's vaguely surprised face. "Why would he do such a thing?"

Her comment made Nico forget his nerves for a moment as he said like it should be obvious, "You're family." He took a deep breath, "You don't have to live with Loki or anything, we just want you to know you're able to visit. I know it would mean the world to Loki to see his children again."

"I will visit," The woman decided after a brief moment of thought. "Baldur and Mistress Death can watch Helheim for a day or two." She straightened in her throne, peering at the demigod, "Tell me, how does my grandfather fair with the Captain America and the Winter Soldier?"

Nico blinked, caught off guard by the change in topic, "Um... Fine? He really likes Bucky and he tolerates Steve. Why?" When he saw the woman shift as if she said something she shouldn't have, he felt his expression darken, "Hela, what don't we know about?"

--

Peter could not believe his luck. He was working with Bruce Banner on his science project, the two hunched over some blueprints on the table. They were going to attempt to make a fully-functioning robot that could tie your shoes and take out the trash that would, hopefully, turn out okay.

The two were saved as Tony walked into the lab to join them on their (science!) experiment. "Hey, if it isn't two of my favorite alliterations!"

His words caused the two to pause and look up, blinking at the genius. They looked at each other before looking back at the billionaire. Bruce Banner. Peter Parker.

"Holy shit," Bruce whispered with awe. "Double alliterations."

Tony shook his head in amusement as he went over to them, peeking over Bruce's shoulder. "Oo, nice design! I'm liking the spider look."

Peter beamed, face flushed at the praise from his mentor and hero, "You don't think it looks weird?"

"It looks great, kiddo," Tony ruffled his hair. "Everyone's going to love it."

"Thanks, da- dude. Thanks, dude," The spiderling flailed for a moment, his face an even brighter red. "Um!" He looked down at the blueprints, waiting for the floor to swallow him up.

Bruce caught Tony's emotional blip and he didn't think Peter realized how much Tony actually cared for him. It was the softest look he ever saw on the billionaire's face. "Are you going to make it fly?"

Peter looked at the doctor in thanks for the out as he proceeded to ramble about the functions of his spider robot like a certain genius tended to do. Gods, they were so alike it was almost scary. Tony's undivided attention was on the teenager as he listened and made comments here and there, following the kid's movements as he pointed at various things on his blueprints.

They were cute, Bruce decided then and there. It was almost disgusting.

--

Percy took immense satisfaction at Odin's outraged face as he entered the throne room. He knelt in front of Frigga, lowering his head, "Your highness." After a moment, he stood up, noticing the queen's lips twitching as she fought a smile. He turned to Odin, "I think you know why I'm here, Odin."

"Bow to the king!" Someone yelled, echoed by a few people.

The son of Poseidon tilted his head, face falsely apologetic, "Sorry, it's against my religion to bow to arrogant assholes." He shrugged, "You understand, right?"

People started whispering amongst themselves, scandalized, before Odin hit gungnir on the floor to call attention. "Why have you trespassed into Asgard, mortal?" To Percy, it was obvious that the king was annoyed, if the clenching of his jaw meant anything.

"Oh, don't act like you don't know," Percy sneered at the god. He turned towards the gathered people, mentally prepping himself to channel his inner Foggy and Matt. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to ask that you spare a moment of your time to listen to me."

His words, predictably, caused a small outbreak, "Who are you to ask anything?"

Percy tilted his head and grinned sharply, "Who am I?" He spread his arms, "I am the one who beat Ares in combat. I have fought the Titan of Time led the Greeks in battle." He turned sharply towards Odin, a condescending tone to his voice, "I have spoken to the goddess of wisdom and kept both eyes." He ignored the small gasp of amusement from Frigga as he faced the people, who all seem enraptured as he told them of his quests, of his battles, his triumphs and failures.

He told them of how he crossed the sea of monsters, traveled in the Argo II with six of the most amazing demigods he had ever come to know. He had them on the edge of their seats as he spoke of his time in Tartarus, of his near death in the hands of the curses from his enemies.

After finishing with the defeat of Gaea and him joining the Avengers, he took a step back, gazing at the people with cool green eyes, "I am Perseus Jackson, son of the sea god Poseidon and I request an audience with Odin Allfather." The room felt heavy as he glared at them all, "That means get out."

Like the king himself spoke the words, everyone stood up, filing out of the room as quickly as they could. Percy smiled in satisfaction once the people were all gone, facing Odin once more, the god looking outraged.

"I only came to tell you two a few things," Percy said calmly, like he didn't just command the entire room in a way no outsider should. "I am taking Slepnir and Fenrir to Midgard with me and you will not bother them again."

"I cannot allow that," Odin glared at the other, gripping his spear tightly.

Percy shook his head, "Funny, I don't remember asking your opinion. Loki and Thor are under my protection now. Basically, they're mine. I don't want you anywhere near them. Frigga, dear," He smiled winningly at the queen. "You can visit them whenever you please."

"Thank you," She gave him a smile of her own. "I truly appreciate that." She didn't seem bothered by her husband's betrayed expression as she pretty much gave Percy the okay on taking her sons.

Odin slammed gungnir down, "You will not be taking anything! I will not allow you to slight me by taking what's mine!"

Percy glared sharply at the god, his eyes darkening as the air shifted with power, "They are not things! Odin Allfather, I am giving you the chance to willingly release Slepnir, Fenrir, Loki, and Thor because I believe in kindness. However," He walked forward, climbing the steps until he was only a few feet from the king. "I will wage war against you if you try me." He smiled sweetly, his cold rage turning into a glacier, "The Greeks and Romans can be quite ruthless if you push them hard enough and you'll find that I have quite the influence on them." He grinned sharply, "Your move."

"You-" Odin was pissed but he seemed to know he was in check mate. Asgard may be powerful but they could not go against two pantheons, lest he wanted many casualties. "I release Slepnir, Fenrir, Thor, and Loki."

"And?" Percy crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow expectantly.

The god grounded his teeth together, "I shall not bother them so long as they do not set foot on Asgard-"

"Without permission," Frigga added, glaring at her husband slightly. She was not about to let him ban her sons from the palace just because he lost to a demigod.

"Yes, without permission." Odin looked at Percy, his hatred nearly palpable, "Have you finished, mortal? You are an eyesore."

That was the end of his requests but he didn't like being called an eyesore so he wanted to be petty. "Have someone bring Slepnir to the Bifrost now and I will be on my way."

"Very well," He slammed gungnir down, the sound echoing through the palace. "Leave."

Percy bowed to Frigga once more, a shit-eating grin on his face as he flipped Odin the bird as he left. Once he walked out of the throne room, he was met with a crowd of Asgardians that wished to speak to him.

"Yeah, nope," Percy vapor-traveled to Heimdall, escaping the people, who gasped in surprise at the simple display of power.

"I see you were successful," Heimdall smiled, watching as Percy appeared next to Fenrir, who perked up at the sight of his new grandfather.

The son of Poseidon stared at the gatekeeper for a moment before a hysterical giggle passed his lips, "Odin is so pissed."

Heimdall inclined his head, "Indeed. If I must say, you were most impressive."

"Was I? Honestly, I was so nervous." He grinned boyishly at the gatekeeper, shrugging his shoulders. He turned when a guard appeared leading Slepnir, his face dropping so fast to a cold expression that it impressed Heimdall. "Take those damn ropes off of him," He gestured to the items tied around Slepnir's neck and mouth. Once he did, Percy waved the guard off, "Leave my sight, Asgardian."

Heimdall looked at the demigod for a moment, "You would make a great king."

"Mm, nah, I would just run the kingdom into the ground. Oo, I'll give it to Pepper!"

The gatekeeper went to answer when his eyes widened and he quickly opened the Bifrost. The gate opened, revealing Helheim on the other side.

Nico and Hela stepped out, both looking royally pissed. "Percy," He turned to his cousin, who straightened at the face of his anger. "We need to talk. It's about Tony."

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ohoHO

Words: 2,531

Song: bury a friend - Billie Eilish