Summary: Because Coulson could not remain dead; none would allow that.

Basically, my reasoning for why Coulson is in any of my Avengers fics.

~~~~Line Breaker~~~~~

There was a one thing Loki knew he had to do before he returned to Asgard as a prisoner.

He thought about trying to talk to Thor about it, but his older brother would never trust him. And really, this was something he'd rather keep private. It wasn't the Avenger's business that he had decided to do this, and it certainly wasn't for their sakes.

So, he opened the Path and slowly walked to Niflheim, mindful of his injuries that the Hulk had so graciously given him. It was slow, but he didn't mind. This world worked differently than Midgard and he had plenty of time.

"…Father, you are hurt."

Despite himself, Loki smiled, relieved when Hela wrapped her arms around him into a hug; he missed her so much, but had been forbidden to see her by the Allfather. Not that he really listened to him, but the Path to Niflheim was dangerous and consumed more energy than any of the other realms.

"I wish I could stay." And he meant it so much, cradling her face in his hands. "But I have a favor I need to ask of you."

Hela smiled, nodding as she motioned off into the dark fog to a silhouette that he couldn't make out. "I know…and I will allow you to take him."

Loki kissed her forehead, staring down at her so he could remember her face when he went through whatever punishment the Allfather would give him. It mattered little; his plans had not been affected by his defeat.

"I will come see you soon." He promised, watching as the silhouette walked forward, a Shade until he could bring it to Midgard. "Once my punishment has been dealt."

"I know." Hela said. "I will keep looking over you until then."

He smiled, hating that he had to leave her again. His daughter was strong, she could handle it but it tore at him each time it happened. Frowning, walking through the Path and hand gripping the Shade tightly, he swore that the first thing he'd do when entering Asgard was to see his sons. It had been far too long.

The morgue was empty, all the SHIELD agents off dealing with the aftermath of his war. With more care than he'd ever admit, he had the Shade enter into the cold body and waited until the mortal's eyes opened.

"…W-why?" Coulson asked him, breathing unsteady and his heart beginning to pump blood.

Loki paused, face blank. "You said it was in my nature. I wanted to prove you wrong."

Wheezing, the man sat up, staring at the god. As he went to leave (surely Thor would be done with his human business and he'd hate to not be there when the Thunder God returned), he was surprised and taken off guard by what Coulson whispered.

"Thank you."

Loki nodded, uneasy about accepting gratitude since he had been the one to kill the man. Still, he glanced back at him, and he knew that he could trust the agent to keep this between the two of them.

"I shall not lack conviction next time, Son of Coul."

~~~~~Line Breaker~~~~~

My new headcannon.

Because Coulson has made me cry in the movie theater six times.

MRIMO