-Jarvis, how´s the construction of the Malibu Compound going? Tony asked the AI
-As schedule Sir, it should be ready at the end of the month, just in time for the wedding-
-All the security specifications met?-
-Certainly Sir-Jarvis responded
Both Loki and Tony had worked on the security design of the new compound, no intruder magical or otherwise would be able to trespass their security measures.
It had been designed both as a second Avenger´s Headquarters and the new family dwelling. It extended ten floors under the cliff, all the facilities they would need contemplated: training rooms, medical ward, scientific and research laboratories, even a pool.
They had settled in two small ceremonies one for Diane´s family and a few shield agents that would take place in the new installations and a second one in Asgard for Loki´s parents as Odin and Frigga travelling to Midgard would draw unwanted looks. Only the Avengers team would be present in both ceremonies.
-Steve, can I talk to you?-Diane asked as she knocked in his room
-Of course, come in Diane. –he replied a bit curious – What do you want to talk about?-
-I wanted to ask you something – she said not knowing how to start – I don’t know if Loki ever told you but my parents died in an accident shortly after Samantha was born, I don´t have any brothers nor a close male relative and I feel great respect for you – she was fidgeting her hair nervously- I have always admired you and I would be honor if you … could give me away at the weddings?
-I don´t know what to say Diane- he hadn´t expected that- I would be honor- he replied with a smile
Diane sighed relieved as she smiled him back –Thank you Steve, I´m really grateful you agreed-
-Don´t mention it, I´ll be happy to help you. –Then added -I believe Loki had given you a list of Asgardian traditions that should be followed-
-Yes, most of them refer to the preparation and cleansing rituals that should take place before the weeding, but I also need to procure a sword bearing my family crest-
-Seriously? – He inquired –That´s interesting.-
-Yes, I´m feeling like a fairy-tale princess although I´m not too keen on the sound of cold water plunge after a steam bath during the cleansing rituals.-
-I guess you´re not- he laughed
-I think you´ll have to negotiate the exchange of dowry with Odin, but no worry Tony said he has that part covered-
-Are you happy Diane? – He suddenly asked
-Very, you think it´s weird that I felt in love with him after all the destruction he brought to New York?-
-I think you can´t rule your heart, and I´m glad you found each other, not all of us are that lucky- he confessed
-Maybe you just have to look closer- she replied
-What do you mean?-Steve asked intrigued
-I think a certain spy has an eye for you, why don´t you ask her to go to the wedding as your date?-Diane shamelessly replied
-You mean Natasha? I don´t thinks she looks at me that way- he swiftly answered
-You´ll never know if you don´t try- she told him – You deserve some happiness also-
-Thank you. I´m not sure I´ll follow your advice but I´ll keep it in mind. You know you really make a nice couple-
-I know- she said –Do you want to help me with Loki´s list?-
-Of course what do you need?
-Well the sword with Castle´s Family crest would be great, and you can take Natasha with you- she replied mischievously
-You aren’t letting that go- he said with a grin
-Only if you ask me to. I promise I will behave “father”- she giggled
-Oh, boy! Loki certainly met his fit.-He laughed –
Bruce had become a Deputy Commissioner of Marriage to perform the ceremony after Loki had asked him to, he was sure he would perform his duties with absolute solemnity, at one point he had thought of Tony but quickly discarded him, Tony liked the sound of his voice a little too much.
Thor was of course his best man; Diane´s sister Madeleine the bride´s maid and Samantha the flower girl. The wedding committee was small Madeleine, her husband and Diane´s nephews Leonard and William, some of Diane´s closets friends and of course Nick Fury, Agent Hill, and Agent Coulson. Loki kept being apologetically whenever he was around Agent Coulson; after all killing him was something he could not easily forget. Though they had a rough start when Loki first joined the Avengers it seemed that hostilities had ceased quite a while by now, and it was Agent Coulson who suggested Samantha attended a Shield Educational Facility destined for the sons and daughter of high level operatives next summer, she would be safe there in case other villains had any ideas, though Loki knew it wasn´t very likely not after he had settled scores with Doom. While working in the security measures Tony asked him once –Do you think Doom would try something against you or Diane again?
–I don´t think he would- answering with an almost evil grin
-Why you say that? Oh! What do you do to him?-Tony quickly realized
-You really shouldn´t ask things you really don´t want to know Tony. Let´s just say that he has learned his lesson and won´t try anything like that ever again- Loki replied
-You are right. I really don´t want to know-Tony finally told him-So, what do you think of the security barrier?-
The wedding day had finally arrived
-Are you nervous brother?-Thor asked as Loki finished dressing up
-Not really-he answered –More like excited- He was happy soon he would be Diane´s husband under Earth laws and Samantha would officially become his daughter.
Everything was prepared; all of the guest on their places as the wedding march started playing Loki looked up to the spiral staircase where he knew Diane would make her appearance. His heart skip a beat as he saw her, he had never seen her so beautiful; white flowers braided on her hair that matched her dress. He knew he was very lucky to have found her, of millions of planets and millions of beds; he had to crash on hers.
Banner started to officiate the ceremony -We are gathered here today, on this happy and joyous occasion, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony.
Marriage is a solemn institution to be held in honor by all, it is the cornerstone of the family and of the community. It requires of those who undertake it a complete and unreserved giving of one’s self. It is not to be entered into lightly, as marriage is a sincere and mutual commitment to love one another. This commitment symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives and still enhances the individuality of each of you.
Who presents this woman to be married to this man?-
Steve answered -On behalf of all that have gathered here, and of all those not able to be with us today, I do.-
Banner continued-Loki, do you take this woman to be your wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to her as long as you both shall live?-
-Yes I do- Loki answered looking at Diane´s eyes as he tenderly hold her hand and placed her wedding ring on her finger
-Diane, do you take this man to be your wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, remaining faithful to him as long as you both shall live?-
-Yes I do-Diane answered smiling as he looked into Loki´s eyes as she placed his wedding ring on his finger
-Both Loki and Diane have some vows of their own which they would like to share- Banner added
Loki started reciting his vows – The feeling hit me the moment we made eye contact. It was so immediate and powerful—far deeper and inexplicably beyond any calculation of time and place. You can’t describe, replicate or force a feeling as such. You just let it flow in and around you. You go where it takes you. I will always walk by your side until all the starts have faded into oblivion.-
It was Diane´s turn to recite her vows to him- I take you to be my partner for life, my lover and my accomplice, you are my true counterpart. I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I give you my hand and my heart as a sanctuary of warmth and peace and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours.-
Banner ended-Having pledged their love and faith to each other, sealed their vows in the giving and receiving of rings and have expressed their complete and pure dedication to one another then it is by the authority vested in me by the State of California I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride-
As they kissed the whole gathering cheered and applaudedthem, Tony smiled as had a little surprise for them; suddenly fireworks appeared on the sky to everyone´s delight.