Author's Note: This is an alternate universe Marvel romance/adventure and does not conform with the ever-changing Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Part 2: Chapter 1 - Complication

Loki was right. By the time Maria gave her full, erroneous account of her lone escape from Thanos's ship, no one doubted a word of it. Her superiors heralded her as a hero. Her fellow agents called her a badass. Respect ran high from all, but Maria didn't want their acclaim. She wanted everything to get back to normal, but it wasn't.

The doctors prescribed several days of bed rest, and due to her severely sprained ankle, even short excursions required a wheelchair or crutches. Maria needed to be involved, not resting. Everyone's reassurances that they had everything handled only added to her aggravation. She didn't endure a month of torture and captivity to be told S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers had been fine without her.

Natasha Romanoff understood. She didn't ask questions or talk about work stuff when she dropped by to see Maria. Natasha's visits entailed snacking on treats, doing their hair or nails and gossiping like schoolgirls. In those moments, Maria could truly forget her burdens and decompress.

That relief didn't last long. The second week back, her doctor found something in the follow up blood work that threatened to expose her lies to the agency. Maria had no choice but to seek out help. Thor had been surprisingly accommodating when Maria enlisted his assistance. She'd given the Thunder God no reason that made sense, just begged that he comply with all her terms, the most important being that he couldn't tell anyone of the request she'd made of him.

Three weeks passed before Thor returned, claiming success at his task. Maria took immediate personal leave for the first time in years, again not offering much of an explanation. She'd packed a few things, caught a plane, rented a four-wheel drive jeep, bought supplies and headed back to the scene of the crime—so to speak.

Five weeks time had made a considerable difference in the Montana landscape. As she drove, Maria looked out upon the muted browns of the rolling hills and valley yet to unveil any signs of spring green. The mountains, still packed in snow, would probably retain some of their winter accumulations well into June. It was for that reason, and the isolated location of the cabin, that she'd rented the jeep. Of course, if she'd gone through S.H.I.E.L.D. channels, Maria could have traveled in the same way she'd left, by helicopter, but with the need for secrecy, the trip was off the books.

Even with a map of the roads and trails, it took Maria hours to find the secluded structure tucked within the sleepy woodlands. She had a deadline of sorts. Gratefully, she managed within an hour of losing the sun behind the hills. Maria parked, scanning the area for signs of life. Without the rumble of the engine, a profound quiet set in. She pulled on her gloves then grabbed the camp lantern and pack of supplies from the passenger seat. She came prepared, choosing to spend the night rather than head back out in the dark. She jumped from the vehicle, landing in snow that almost reached to her knees. Thank God for tall boots, Maria thought. She slogged around to the steps, also buried. She stomped and kicked the drifts to clear a path onto the porch. The weather-worn and iced bedspread remained wedged into the jam to keep the door closed, just as she'd left it.

At her insistence, S.H.I.E.L.D. tracked down the cabin's owner, a Dirk McLachlan, and negotiated a price to cover the damages and loss of resources. From the look of things, Mr. McLachlan hadn't made the trip to assess the situation himself yet.

Maria cleared the snow from the base of the door then pushed inside, finally switching on the battery-powered lantern. First she made what she hoped to be her only trip to the outhouse until morning. The somewhat tedious trek convinced her that she'd been wise to attend to that particular detail.

Since Loki could arrive at any time, or choose not to come at all, Maria needed to keep busy so her mind wouldn't wander. Maria got a fire going to warm the space. She stripped the bed then delved into her pack to retrieve the fresh linens she'd bought, topping them with quilts from the trunk. Though Maria didn't feel that hungry, she went about heating up a can of stew next, realizing as she did so that the thick, brown glop didn't look much better than the food served to her in Thanos's prison.

Don't go there! Maria reprimanded herself, pushing away vivid images that flashed in her mind. She wasn't on the command ship anymore. Back at S.H.I.E.L.D. when thoughts of the prison sneaked forward, Maria sought out the company of other people. But here in the cabin, at least for now, she was alone and limited in distractions. She couldn't allow those memories to dwell for long. She had to be focused on the current problem.

The warmth from the fire and strengthening smell of the food pleased her senses, helping keep her thoughts positive for the coming confrontation—not that she wanted to think that far ahead.

I did what I had to do, she thought. Loki will understand.

Maria had been telling herself those things for days. Why was she unconvinced? Plus, what was she going to ponder if not the past or moving forward? In essence, Maria felt trapped in the present, constantly on edge.

Kneeling in front of the fire, she took up the long-handled spoon to stir the pot and try a sample. The stew tasted so good that despite being half-warm, she went ahead and ate. She finished all of it, even scraped out the last of the sauce with a handful of crackers before setting the pot aside to cool.

Maria eyed the contents of her pack, having brought a deck of cards and a paperback to help pass the time. She opted to pull out the book, smirking at the bronzed, half-naked beefcake and voluptuous, probably-a-virgin damsel locked in passionate embrace upon its cover. She and Natasha loved over-the-top romances, often exchanging and discussing the books in great detail. They found them amusing for sure, but also oddly enlightening at times. After all, Maria had never taken a true, emotional plunge with a lover.

She moved to the bedroom to laze and read. Hours and several drama-filled chapters later, Maria finally set aside the novel to stretch. She stepped out of the cabin, slipping the lantern onto a hook outside the door. Her eyes skimmed the darkness then dropped to her watch. It wasn't quite midnight. There was still time for Loki to show. An insistent, cutting wind blew through, pelting the right side of her face with minuscule bits of ice. Maria ducked and turned her head away from the chill only to catch sight of an obscured form beyond the jeep, seemingly peeking out from a cluster of trees. Maria couldn't tell for certain that it was a person.

"Loki?!" she called out, knowing her voice would be muted by the wind.

The form left the trees to make a slow, steady approach. Only as Loki trudged around her rental to stand at the edge of the lantern light could Maria see it was truly him. His black attire and dark hair melded so well with the night, making his features appear ghastly white in comparison. He did look healthier than he had the last time they were together, though. The circles under his eyes weren't as pronounced, and he carried more weight, better filling out his armor.

Maria shivered, resisting the urge to fidget as he made a visual sweep of her and their surroundings. He probably thought this was a trap, which made her wonder just how long he had been lingering outside.

"We're alone—like I told Thor," she said, hoping to sound reassuring.

His piercing eyes settled back on her. A controlled rage emphasized his words as he said, "Sending Thor to track me through the realms was a clear violation of the terms to which you agreed."

There was a tightening in her throat that didn't abate as Maria tried to swallow. She expected this reaction from him. "I know. I had no other way," she started to say, then choked with quick panic as he continued closer. She put up her hand. "Hold it."

He came to a stop, leering more forcefully at her. "I've been summoned back here, exposed to possible capture, and you expect me to stand out in the cold?"

The intensity of his anger made her doubt every phrase that filtered through her mind. So, she decided to buy herself some extra time. She took the lantern off the hook, vacating the doorway to cross to the far side of the main room. This put roughly twelve feet between them as Loki entered and secured the broken door.

He took in the room, inquiring, "Does S.H.I.E.L.D. know about this place?"

"Yeah. I had to explain how I survived the night up here."

Loki nodded, still appearing irked. He moved, again causing her to startle before she realized the fireplace was his destination. He crouched down at the stone hearth, reaching in to retrieve a partially burned stick, which he used to stir up the dying embers and clear away some of the ashes. He didn't look up before asking, "Are you going to talk or just watch me?"

She considered doing the latter until he mentioned it. "I was surprised that Thor found you so quickly," she said to warm up to the purpose for his presence.

"So was I," he admitted. Loki added more wood from the shrinking pile, remembering to set the screen into place before rising to his feet again. "Your request gave him quite a sense of urgency."

"I did come off as pretty desperate," Maria said, averting her gaze now that he was intent to study her. She placed the lantern on the small table and eased onto a chair, resting her hands in her lap. Still she struggled to produce the necessary words.

He gave her much longer than she expected before snapping, "If you don't start explaining, I will leave!"

No. He couldn't leave. He was a clever and powerful sorcerer and practically immortal. Problem solving was his specialty, right? He would know what to do. He had to know.

Though she spoke with care, her voice still managed to squeak a little as she admitted, "I need your help."

He considered her, his tone less than eager as he prodded, "Go on."

She took a breath, squared up her shoulders and forced eye contact. Why was she so afraid of him? If she could go toe-to-toe with Nick Fury and endure weeks of torture and interrogation, surely she could do this.

"I know we agreed not to speak of that night here together, but—"

He must have been holding his breath for he let out a loud exhale, closed his eyes and shifted with discomfort. "You're pregnant," he guessed with a frown.

"Only my doctor knows right now," Maria rushed to assure him. Instead of explaining about her birth control shot lapsing while in Thanos's custody, she chose to give him no excuse at all. Of course, with neither of them speaking, the silence lingered until discomfort forced her to speak. "I'll take a leave of absence."

"For how long?" Anger returned to his tone. "You think you can hide the existence of a child from S.H.I.E.L.D. or the Avengers? You already got Thor involved!"

"What did you expect me to do?" She pushed up from the chair, feeling defensive and using sharp, accusative gestures. "Our agreement didn't have a contingency for this! You didn't leave me instructions on how to reach you if something unexpected came up."

"I didn't want to be found."

"Obviously!"

He turned away, placing his hands on the mantle and hanging his head as his entire form slouched. "What do you want me to do, Maria?"

Her mouth opened, but shut just as swiftly. She inched closer, coming around far enough to see the glow of the fire dancing in his hard eyes. His breathing had deepened, causing a slight heave to his chest.

"Let's discuss options," she suggested.

"We should kill it."

Maria's heart did a sort of flip-flop within her chest. She stepped back, protectively covering her stomach. A waver crept into her voice as she asked, "Are you serious?" Until that moment, she'd thought he was handling the news fairly well.

He straightened, turned and started a stalking pace toward her that gave Maria plenty of time to retreat. She moved away, yet did not run from him. The floorboards groaned under his hard soled boots, adding to his imposing appearance as he followed. "I am a killer and a psychopath. You reminded me of those facts quite often during our imprisonment." He seemed to mock her as he asked, "One night of weakened resolve didn't change your mind about me, did it?"

Maria hated when he played the unapologetic braggart. "I won't allow you to harm an innocent child."

He closed in, his long shadow slinking up her front until it cloaked her completely. Though the intensity of his stare proved unnerving, Maria dared to lock gazes with him. Even as he leaned in, firmly pinning her against the wall with his stronger, taller frame, Maria glared back. She wouldn't let him bully her.

"It could be a monster," Loki declared as if in warning. "I assume Thor told S.H.I.E.L.D. that I'm of Jotun parentage. You want to take that chance?"

The night had left a lingering cold on him that further emphasized that he was unlike anyone else Maria knew. He seemed to be suggesting that the baby should be punished for simply existing. How could he think like that? Surely he'd not learned this from his adoptive parents, the same people who'd raised Thor. Or, had he been lead to believe that him being Jotun was the reason for some mistreatment he'd received?

She denied him the satisfaction of a response or any show of emotion besides indignation.

Though he had her at a disadvantage, at least Loki wasn't acting upon his threat. They stood beside the doorway into the tiny bedroom where the 'indiscretion' had occurred, and when his eyes cooled and drifted that direction, so did hers.

Having Loki so close had both a frightening and arousing effect on Maria. She knew what those strong limbs were capable of, whether to cause pleasure or pain, to embrace or restrain. And, God, his mouth, equally enticing as it could be vexing. Despite his chill, heat flushed both her features and nether region with the titillating recollections.

"It was," Loki said with a reminiscent look, "a memorable encounter."

Maria trembled, affected by his silky voice and the unexpected tenderness that eased into his grip. "It was a mistake. We agreed, never again."

Loki shrugged, his features brightening with an eagerness that Maria perceived as highly salacious. "Promises have already been broken," he said. "What's one more?"

No matter how smart or manipulative Loki was, Maria had to be smarter and resolute in her goals. "You really think I would have sex with you after how you've acted?" He put up no resistance as Maria pushed out of his grasp. She chose to return to her chair at the table because her legs felt a little unsteady beneath her. She purposely changed the subject back to the important issue, being firm. "We're not killing the baby."

"It was a hollow threat," he said, sounding somewhat regretful, though lust laced every word and subtle change to his features. "I needed to see how you'd react."

It irked Maria that Loki would simultaneously make a pass at her and question her integrity. "I don't want to play games. What's our next option?"

"I'm a fugitive wanted in at least three realms. Surely you don't expect that I can care for an infant while on the run."

Maria nodded, conceding his point. She'd suspected that this was all going to fall on her. "I guess I'll have to quit S.H.I.E.L.D." The mere thought of walking away from her life's work knotted up her insides.

"Or, you could just tell them the truth."

That was the last thing she'd expected him to say, and her expression must have told him as much since he continued to share his thoughts on the matter.

"With your current position you'll have the best medical care Midgard can offer," he explained. "Of course, if the child is unusual, they'll probably take it away to be raised in a lab or dissected."

Why did he have to say such horrible things? "Do you always think the worst of people?"

Loki joined her at the table, lowering himself into the other chair. "People frequently give me reason to think the worst of them."

From the critical way he looked at her, Maria couldn't help taking his comment to heart. The combination of anger and guilt further stirred up the contents of her stomach.

"I was going to keep my promises to you."

"That's probably true," he said, "but now we'll never know for sure."

Maria rubbed at the ache forming in her gut. "I was stupid to think you'd be able to help me with this."

Then, like someone had flipped a switch, Loki slouched in his chair, dropping his gaze to the tabletop. This change left him looking more weary than anything else. "You hoped I could help. Hopeful and stupid are far from comparable, Maria."

God, he's confusing sometimes, Maria thought. It was hard to determine just whose side he was on. "You really think I should tell them the truth? The whole truth?"

"The truth is easier to remember. Lies can be so tiring," he said, "but you probably already know that."

She took the time to dwell upon his insight, becoming all the more aware of his profound ability to affect her. She grew tired of the emotional whiplash his presence caused. With any luck, he'd be on his way soon.

Loki turned in the chair, pushing to his feet as he cast his gaze around the room as if in search.

"What?" Maria asked.

"I need something for a talisman. Something small that you can carry with you."

Maria puzzled for a moment, then drew out the delicate golden charm on a chain around her neck. "Like this?"

He looked intrigued and astutely pleased upon inspecting the small ram-shaped token. Maria realized the ram had horns similar to those on Loki's helmet, which he hadn't brought with him this trip.

"It's Aries. My zodiac sign," she informed him, feeling a little silly since she didn't put a lot of weight in such things as horoscopes. "It was a gift from Natasha when I got back."

"What does it symbolize?"

"Well, people born under the sign of Aries are supposed to be driven, daring and courageous—to name a few traits." She thought it unnecessary to mention that at their worst an Aries could be vain, impatient, prideful and even ruthless.

He mulled this information over, deciding, "It suits you."

Loki held out his hand to accept the piece as Maria removed it. He gripped the charm in his fist, concentrating as a bright light pulsed from between his fingers. The metal shimmered at first, then dulled as he slipped it around her neck and secured the clasp.

"The talisman will afford you both extra protection from harm," he explained, "and you can use it to call for me if needed. I will hear and come as quickly as I can."

Since they'd parted on bad terms last time, Maria appreciated this brief return of his kinder, protective side and felt a surprising swell of anxiety instead of relief when Loki turned for the door. She had been more high-strung since the baby bomb dropped, yet didn't feel as afraid with Loki near. Perhaps she shouldn't have wished him away so quickly.

Maria grabbed the lantern and followed out onto the porch. "Loki?"

He stopped at the bottom of the steps to glance back.

"Thank you, for rescuing me from Byrzon and Thanos," she blurted before managing to steady her voice. "I didn't say that before, but should have."

His mouth tweaked, appearing to balance a form of humility with his amusement. "I recall an equal amount of rescuing on your part. If I accept your gratitude, then I would have to offer you my own. It's pointless really." Then the trickster slogged off through the snow and trees and into the concealment of the night.

Instead of being offended Maria just laughed.

She went inside to get ready for bed, changing into flannel pajamas. The small bed felt cold and lonely as she climbed beneath the quilts. She turned onto her side, seeking a comfortable position and felt the Aries charm fall away from her skin to land upon the pillow. Maria picked up the ram to examine it in the lantern light. Her horned guardian. What an interesting coincidence.