Hey guess what, I'm not dead. What a relief, I know. I've just been loaded down with tons of crap lately. I joined National Honor Society, I'm going to state for Solo and Ensemble, my classes are coming to an end, I started writing my first novel, yadda yadda yadda. Anyway, on the bright side SERIES THREE BEGINS AND SPN HIAUTS ENDS AND THE HOBBIT COMES OUT THANK THE LORD.

Also, I hope some of you guys start picking up on something I've got in store. The first big hint is in this chapter. Sorry it's rather short, but at least it's something, right?

Kima Wolfwood: I'm really glad you liked it! I love Gwen and Steve moments too. Sorry there isn't much in this chapter.

LianaDare8: Woo I updated! And I agree, damn Tyr. I hope they find evidence too.

Phantom-Demon: Haha it's nice to know my story beats Queen. That's a helluva compliment. I'm glad you think I wrote Johnny correctly. I'm a bit worried about him.

stinkysox: Thank you very much! I'm really excited about the story lines coming together. It'll be cool (hopefully)

The Red Dove: Thank you so much! I love those words haha. How about assbutt? *laughs to myself at fandom joke*

thesilversoldier: Thank you very much! :D

Hanna: Haha I love all of those guys too. Oh my God just imagine the X-Men being added to the MCU though like Fury would probably jump off a cliff. I totally understand. I've been working on writing a lot and hopefully descriptions/metaphors will improve. At least it's not like E. L. James *shudders* But thank you very much!

Itsgoose2u: I know right? So intense. I'm glad she's got Steve too, I sure hope things get better.

MysticRyter: Ugh I wanna see it so bad. I assume Steve swears every now and then. And it's rather attractive in my opinion :)

Ophelia Lokisdottir: I know right? It must have been how Harry Potter felt. Woo Minnesota! I've never been there, but my old orchestra teacher lives there.

all-star102938: Thank you so much! :D

jeffhardyluvsme: Wow thank you so much and welcome to the story!

rodgersonlygirl: Thank you very much, I'm glad you like it all! I'm sorry I tore your heart out. Extended exposure to Moffat's writing has that effect.

Chapter Twenty

Another day in Asgard brought about a crabby Gwen. She ate breakfast in silence and it seemed that no one cared. Neither Loki or Sigyn were present which brought about some inappropriate jokes from Fandral who was quickly shushed by Sif. Gwen could feel several people's eyes on her at different times, though her fellow humans looked almost sympathetic. Then there was Steve, who probably would have cut anyone who talked bad to Gwen to pieces. As much as she enjoyed his loyalty to her, it was slightly overwhelming in an already tense environment.

Breakfast was nearly over when Loki came strutting in through the doors, looking like he meant business.

"Heimdall has said that the mortals are wanted back on Midgard," he stated bluntly, coming to a stop at the table.

Thank God, Gwen thought to herself. She had never expected to think those words, but she didn't want to be in this situation a minute longer.

"Why?" asked Steve.

"That is all he said." It was obvious Loki wasn't going to elaborate. Gwen certainly didn't mind. She wanted out of Asgard as quick as possible.

It seemed Jane had a different opinion. "But we just got here!" she exclaimed. "We can't just leave!"

"It is by orders of Nick Fury," Loki replied smoothly. "I presume something has happened to make your presence necessary."

"Then it is final," came Odin's voice, echoing in the hall. "The mortals will return to Midgard."

After breakfast was finished, Gwen and Steve went back to their room to pack up their things. Gwen remained silent, though, listing things in her head that might require Steve having to leave the protection Asgard was providing. A majority of them involved Tony doing something stupid.

"I don't get it," she voiced aloud as she folded up a shirt around the drawings Steve had given her. "Why would they let us come here, but then drag us back so quickly."

Steve shrugged nonchalantly. "Are you protesting?"

"No." Gwen shook her head. "Something bad must of happened if they're willing to compromise your survival."

"Compromise my survival?" Steve snorted with amusement. "You've become quite the soldier."

Gwen playful punched his massive bicep. "Shut up."

Once everything was packed, the two met up with Jane, Darcy, and Erik in front of the palace. The same carriage that brought them there was waiting, the horses neighing impatiently as they kicked the ground with their hooves. Steve effortlessly lifted everyone's bags into the carriage while Jane and Darcy said goodbye to Thor and Fandral respectively.

"Gwendolyn!"

Gwen turned and, with utter surprise, was wrapped up in a hug by Sigyn. She noticed that the young Vanir smelled of some sort of flower and there was something that smelled distinctively like Loki.

"Um, thanks." Gwen wasn't exactly uncomfortable, but that didn't mean she didn't feel awkward.

"Be safe," was all Sigyn said as she pulled away. This clearly confused Gwen even more, so she simply nodded and climbed into the carriage after waving to the others.

It was Saturday. It was a day of relaxation and doing whatever his heart desired, though this was essentially the description for any other day of the week. But this was the weekend. A Saturday.

"Tony, get up!" called Pepper's voice from the master bathroom. "Director Fury said they'd be here at eleven!"

"I don't wanna get up," complained Tony and kicked his legs in a near tantrum and buried his face in his pillow like a five year old.

He heard the sound of Pepper's feet padding across the multi-colored carpet. He knew she wouldn't jump on the bed as he would if she was supposed to wake up, but Pepper always had many tricks up her sleeve. It was just a matter of time before she used another one.

"Tony," she pleaded one last time, "Doctor Richards really needs your help."

Tony picked up his head an squinted at his wife. "How come he's called a doctor? Why am I not called a doctor?"

Pepper rolled her eyes. "Just get up and get ready."

Tony groaned in frustration and literally rolled out of bed, landing with a loud thump on the floor. He was not surprised when Pepper didn't return due to her being used to this reaction already. Tony then proceeded to slowly pull himself up and drag his feet to the bathroom to take a shower. After he was clean enough for his liking, though it may not have been up to Pepper's standards, he got dressed in a long sleeved shirt with a t-shirt over it, and jeans. He dragged his feet from the bedroom, searching for his wife.

"JARVIS, where is-"

"Mrs. Stark is waiting in the living room with the others, sir," responded JARVIS.

Tony didn't bother giving thanks and instead headed towards the living room. He really wasn't up for meeting new people, even if they were getting lots of publicity. He just wanted sleep for God's sake, was that so hard to understand?

Once he got to the living room, Tony noticed that nearly every Avenger that was present in New York was sitting there with the exception of Peter and Matt. Tony looked around for a moment to find Gwen, but remembered she was in Asgard. Tony sighed, his mood dropping even more. He was suddenly missing Gwen and her attitude with him. Hell, he was even missing Stars and Stripes.

"Mr. Stark, so glad you could make it," Fury greeted dryly as he stood in front of the fireplace.

"I'm sure you are," Tony replied. He eyed the unfamiliar four people sitting in his living room. He had, naturally, researched them all already therefore explaining his lack of surprise at the rock man. "Well, welcome newbies. Hopefully Fury has hazed you all already-"

"Tony," came Pepper's scolding voice from the couch next to Sue Storm. "I'm sorry, he's never in a good mood after he wakes up."

"Don't worry," Sue replied with a kind smile, "Johnny's the same way."

"I heard my name," said Johnny, looking away from Natasha.

"Anyway," began Fury with limited patience, "as you all know, this is Tony Stark. I'm sure he would be happy to help figure out what caused you all to change so dramatically."

"Yeah, about that," said Tony, "I'm sort of working on stuff and don't have a lot of room-"

"It will be at the Baxter Building."

"Like I said, I'm working on stuff and don't have time-"

"Make time."

"Fine." Tony turned to Reed. "Congrats on joining the team. Welcome to our dysfunctional family."

"There are a few others that aren't here at the moment," added Fury, "but they'll be here later today."

"Whoa, wait," said Bruce. "Why are they coming back?"

Before an answer could be given, someone interrupted them.

"Mr. Stark?"

Tony, as well as all of the others, turned around to see Amanda standing awkwardly by the open door with a clipboard in her hands.

"Yes, Ginger?" answered Tony.

"Um, Dick Roman called and said he wanted to speak with you and if you were busy he could talk to Mrs. Stark." She looked incredibly uncomfortable under everyone's gazes.

Amanda then took a deep breath as if this had been a mouthful. Tony assumed she was just nervous in front of so many people. Sometimes he forgot people could be like that.

"Thanks," he simply responded. "By the way," he looked at the Fantastic Four, "this is my assistant Amanda Bartels."

"Wow," said Johnny with a crooked grin, "who knew a pretty girl would be an assistant to Stark."

Natasha cleared her throat while Daisy gave Johnny a disgusted look.

Amanda, however, looked unfazed. "And who knew a man could think a girl would fall for that line."

Without another word, she left the room, leaving a stunned silence behind her until Ben started laughing.

"She just rejected you!" he said loudly.

"That was just playing hard to get," Johnny mumbled, clearly affected by an uncommon response. Tony thought it was hilarious and laughed along with Ben.

"So why are the others coming back?" asked Pepper who was not amused.

Fury sighed. "It'll be easier to tell everyone at once."

"How about you tell us now," Tony responded immediately.

"Sit down, Stark," said Natasha.

"I think we have a right to know, don't you?"

"Just trust me, Stark," said Fury.

Tony shook his head. "The last time I trusted you, we trusted you, we went through a funeral for a friend. You tell us what's going on."

"Wait, what friend?" asked Reed.

Tony paused, a bit surprised at what came out. "A damn good one."

Fury sighed, looking at the floor before lifting his gaze again. "I just don't want to repeat myself. It'll be easier to have you all here at once."

And just this once, Tony cooperated.

Heimdall inserted his sword in the center of the observatory and it began to spin. The bolts of lighting that were made inside it started flashing and Gwen could hear the Bifrost being opened. She closed her eyes as Heimdall fully inserted the sword and she and the others were sent back to Earth.

She opened her eyes when she felt ground beneath her once more. She smelled trees and spring air and could hear leaves rustling in the wind. They appeared to have landed safely at the Bifrost site on Earth. Steve was next to her, still holding her hand. In the other was their suitcase. It was completely silent for a moment except for the sound of nature until she heard a car coming up from behind them. She turned around and saw Phil stepping out in his trademark suit and sunglasses.

"Nice to see you all again," he greeted, though his voice sounded rather indifferent. "We'll be taking you to the mansion. There's some people we'd like for you to meet."

Gwen raised her eyebrows, but didn't question anything as she followed the others and got into the car.

The sky was clear as a commercial airplane flew through it. It flew over an ocean and soon would be over a series of islands. Inside the plan sat a young man with dark skin. He wore casual clothes instead of his normal baggy t-shirt and two-sizes too big jeans. He needed to look presentable out in public so as to not draw too much attention to himself.

To everyone around him, he couldn't be his nickname of "Snap," he needed to be Sam Wilson.

The plane jerked slightly, but a bit of turbulence was not anything to worry about. The same could not be said for the elderly businessman that sat next to Sam who fidgeted around in his seat like a fish out of water.

"Scared of flying?" Sam asked him, trying to act polite.

"More like scared of crashing," chuckled the man nervously, grasping the armrests tightly.

Sam didn't say anymore, not wanting to scare a nervous flyer. Instead, he turned his gaze out the window to look down below. They had to be getting close.

But then there was an explosion.

It was not incredibly loud, but loud enough for the whole plane to hear. Sam could hear people yelling and screaming, grabbing onto their loved ones as the plane began to descend without the pilot doing so. Sam's heart began to thump fast in his chest, realizing they were about to crash. The old man beside him was a pale ghost as he screwed his eyes shut with intensity. Sam closed his too, praying to someone, anyone, to save the plane.

And everything went black.