A/N: This is the prequel to my other story These Things Will Change. It can be read on its own or in junction with that story. Whichever. Pairings are PepperOny, Thor/Jane, maybe a mention of ClinTasha but not main characters. As always, if you see any mistakes let me know. Reviews are loved and highly appreciated. Enjoy!

Rebuilding of the Bifrost

The mortal's head was spinning, Thor knew. He couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched his friend turn in circles next to him trying to take in all of Asgard at once. Finally, his gaze landed on the castle and he stopped.

"Alright, I'll give," Tony announced, "I want one."

Thor's laugh was thunderous.

"Many desire the great halls of Asgard, but few see so much as a glimpse of it. You, my friend, have the honor of staying as a most honored guest."

Said friend opened his mouth to give some quick response, Thor was sure, but he never got that far before his attention was once again stolen.

"What is that?" He asked his wide brown eyes locked on the great iron works building and its moving towers.

"That is the Iron Works. It is there that our armor is made and enchanted." Thor explained

"You don't say."

"Indeed. My own armor was created there as well as Loki's." Thor elaborated.

He grinned to himself. He could almost see Tony think.

"We are not going there now Tony, I am sorry. I will be sure to have the Master Mason give you a full tour later." Thor chuckled as he redirected Tony with a heavy hand on his shoulder.

"Yeah, but that is definitely on the ASAP list, right? Think about it, this whole project is gonna involve metal and all sorts of fun new toys. Or, um tools, I mean tools."

Thor just shook his head as Tony rambled on. He had a tendency to talk when he was excited. Or nervous. Or angry. Or anytime he was experiencing an extreme emotion, really.

"Of course, but first you must meet Odin and formally accept his hospitality."He shot his companion in arms a look. "Generously, politely, sedately accept."

Tony made a face. "Not usually my style." Thor stopped walking. "But for you, I'll make an exception."

"Please do, friend Tony. Odin has made quite the allowance giving leave for a mortal to enter Asgard. If your behavior is good then he maybe inclined to let others come." Thor replied.

Tony smirked, "And by others you mean Jane Foster."

Thor frowned. "I did not say-"

"You didn't have to." Tony laughed straightening his suit. "Alright, I'll do the best I can to be a good little mortal when in public so as not to scare the inlaws."

Thor felt himself sag slightly with relief. "Thank you, friend."

"Anytime. So, let's get this show on the road."

By the time they reached the entrance hall for the great hall. Thor was nervous all over again.

Of all the Avengers, Tony Stark was by far the smartest and cleverest. He had not lied to Odin when he had said Tony would be willing and able to study the Bifrost and help fix it. Tony's mind was as bright as a star. But Thor had ulterior motives. Odin had been overjoyed at Thor's love for the scientist Jane Foster. He claimed that, while Jane was a perfectly agreeable young lady, she would not be a match for Thor. He sighted her short lifespan and lack of power as reasons. The god understood his father's worries and they were valid, but Thor knew that she was the one he loved.

If only Odin and Frigga could meet her then they would see. All he needed was a good reason and means of transportation. It was then he thought of the Bifrost and of Tony. It was a perfect plan. The mortals help Asgard, Asgard helps them, relationships are secured and Jane's mortal body would no longer be an issue.

Of course, that depended on the overall success of Tony's visit. Of all the Avengers, Tony was the most brilliant and the most ill mannered.

Thor prayed to the Norns that all would go well. Or as well as could be expected with Tony involved.

An usher walked down the hallway towards them carrying a tray of drinks.

"You will be called in, but in a moment. A bit of mead?" he smiled at the prince and his mortal friend.

Tony snatched a glass with a smile and witty remark that Thor didn't quite hear. He then tossed the mead back, draining the glass quickly and returning it to the tray.

Both Asgardians blinked once before Thor shrugged his shoulders and downed his own glass.

"Should he have?" The usher gestured vaguely to Tony's empty glass.

Tony smirked as Thor attempted to explain Tony's drinking habits.

"Like water?" The usher asked, aghast.

"Yes, somewhat." Thor agreed.

The usher looked a bit concerned before a trumpet sounded and the man disappeared.

"Please, do not embarrass me?" Thor whispered.

"When you ask so nicely? Never." Tony gave the charming smile that Thor had seen at many a party on Midgard. Thor nodded and motioned for Tony to follow.

As soon as the doors opened the hall was flooded with the sound of cheering. He and Stark walked into The Great Hall and down the middle walk as the citizens of Asgard called and cheered their names. He knew Tony would be smiling in his charming way, maybe even waving at the beautiful women as they passed. He called it making a good impression. Thor had other names for it, but judging by the increased cheering and screaming it was working well enough. When they reached the steps before the throne Thor kneeled, laying a closed fist over his heart.

After the loud clang from Odin's great staff, Gungnir, the hall became silent. It was then that Thor realized that Tony was not kneeling. Blast.

"Thor Odinson. You bring before me the mortal Anthony Stark." His father's voice echoed about the hall.

"Yes, father. This is my comrade in arms, my Shield Brother, Man of Iron, inventor, Tony Stark. He has graciously agreed to assist with the task at hand. The rebuilding of the Bifrost."

Odin was quiet a moment and Thor could feel his eyes move to Tony. Who was still standing.

"You have agreed to this, Anthony Stark?"

"I have." Tony's voice was strong, fearless.

"You agree to accept my hospitality as my honored guest and to submit to the laws of this realm howsoever long you are here?"

Odin waited for a response. The whole room waited for a response. Thor could feel the tension in the room mounting with each moment.

"I will submit to the All Father." Thor could here Tony moving to kneel at his side. "For howsoever long I am here."

Thor sucked in a breath and looked at Odin. The old man looked amused.

"Then rise, Thor Odinson and Anthony Stark, Man of Iron."

Thor beamed at Tony as they stood. That had gone better than he had hoped.

"On the matter of your task." Odin continued, grabbing the attention of the crowd. "The Bifrost is a delicate instrument of precision, utilizing both your sciences and our magic. To rebuild it you will require someone with an understanding of the art of magic." His eyes moved to the large doors leading to an antechamber. Loki was brought forward.

Thor's eyes shot wide. His father had not mentioned this to him.

"Loki Odinson," the All Father began. "You have an unparalleled understanding of magic and science. None would be better fit for the task of working with Anthony Stark and rebuilding the Bifrost." Loki's eyes moved from the All Father to Thor to Tony and back, but he did not speak. "If you would agree to do this task and submit to the laws of this realm, you will be considered to have served your initial sentence. Will you agree, Loki, son of mine?"

Thor stood stock still, torn. This could ruin his plans for Jane to visit Asgard, Loki was a wild card in any bet. On the other hand, this was a wondrous opportunity for Loki to prove his loyalty to Asgard. A similar opportunity would not present itself again. With a little luck and work from both sides, perhaps it could work out favorably for both he and his brother.

"I will accept your offer, Odin Allfather." Loki's reply was soft, but strong. He kneeled slowly, fist over his heart, eyes never leaving their father's.

"You have no objections, Anthony Stark?"

All attention switched in the blink of an eye to Tony. Thor swallowed thickly as he watched his friend and his brother glare at each other.

Suddenly Tony smiled at Odin. "No problems here."

Thor blinked, surprised. He looked up at Odin who, amazingly enough, looked amused again.

Gungnir hit the ground again, "It is done."

Thor smiled radiantly as the crowds went wild, cheering such wise decisions. He wrapped an arms around both his friend and his brother.

"It is good to see you both setting aside your differences for the good of Asgard." He beamed

"Oh yes, just can't wait to get working with my new buddy." Tony replied shooting the sorcerer a look across Thor's chest. "No hard feelings about getting your ass handed to you by a bunch of mortals. Right, Dasher?"

"No more than you getting thrown out your own window, I suppose." Loki smirked

Thor looked between them and laughed.

"I think you are well suited for each other!" He declared. "You both are witty… and a bit spiteful."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?" Tony asked in a voice that qualified as a pout in Thor's mind.

"He means you are rude and invite rudeness upon yourself." Loki replied

Tony looked decidedly unimpressed. "He was talking about you too. At least I am a good guy."

Loki's smile was dripping with condescension and Thor could tell this conversation was beginning to go sour. "That is exactly why it is worse for such things to be said about you, Stark. Supposed hero."

"That is not how I meant what I said and you both know it."Thor interjected, "I simply meant you are well matched for the verbal bouts that you so favor."

Loki snorted, ducking under Thor's arm as their mother drew closer. "Indeed."

Tony also slipped under Thor's arm. "He seems to have really warmed up to you, Point Break. Have you tried changing his food?"

"Tony." Thor said warningly

"Yeah, I know. Good mortal, nice mortal." His eyes lit on Frigga who was currently holding Loki's hands and smiling. "Who is that? She's gorgeous. Can I have her number?"

Thor felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up and a wave of protective anger curl in his stomach. He gave Tony a highly disapproving look and said. "That, Stark, is my mother."

"You have got to be kidding me. Damn, no wonder you look like a GQ model. She looks too young for Odin. Not that she looks like a girl, but a good looking lady like her could find a guy with some color in his hair. She could go cougar. I think she'd make a great cougar, lets introduce her to Steve. Whatdya say?" Tony was rattling on again and saying the most ridiculous things that Thor couldn't help but smile a little. "Really though, she's pretty."

Thor finally smiled in earnest. "She is a good mother." Tony nodded back his eyes analyzing her every move and Thor realized she was touching Loki's face gently with a soft look in her eyes. "She is Loki's mother as well. It takes a strong and loving woman to take another's child to her chest as her own."

"No doubt. It takes a strong woman to raise children in general." Tony replied distractedly and Thor nodded for he knew that Tony's own parents were not the doting kind.

Frigga's eyes lit on him and her smile was radiant even as she slid her hand into Loki's arm. Loki looked decidedly sour as he was dragged back to Thor and Tony.

"Thor, my boy." She touched his cheek. "How goes things on Midgard?"

"They are well mother, though there was a bit of jealousy over Tony being allowed and the others not. Other than that we fair as well as ever."

"Speaking of fair, if Thor had told us that you are half as fair as you are there would have been some serious casualties in the fight for the right to come. Pretty sure the Hawk considered shooting me as it was. I'm Tony Stark." Tony smiled from his place next to Thor.

She smiled and turned to face him. "So I have heard. I am Figga, Odin's queen and the mother of Loki and Thor."

"It's a pleasure to meet you." He used his most charming smile and made no move to touch her and Thor was pleased.

"Indeed. And thank you for being so kind to put aside your past and agreeing to work with Loki. You are both being so good about his." Her eyes were for Loki then expressing love and hope.

Loki's expression was schooled. "Of course. We cannot let petty differences keep us from our goals."

"Oh definitely. I'm looking forward to picking your brain for new ideas." Tony confessed, surprising Thor greatly. "I'm totally jealous of how you summoned your armor in Germany. I have decided that you will tell me how to do it or I'm going to annoy you to death. Those are the choices, but either way you'd better get used to me."

Frigga and Loki both looked a bit shocked at the confession.

"Really Stark? I didn't know you were so interested." Loki replied, eyebrows slightly raised

"I am always interested." Tony smirked and Thor could see that all too familiar mischief in his eyes. "For instance, the first thing I wanna do is take a good look at the Iron Works. That thing looks awesome, floating tower things around it and what not. Exploring it is gonna be epic. It's like its meant to be, Ironman, Iron Works. Come on."

Loki grinned dangerously. "Oh, I think not. There is far more for you to learn about magic before we allow you to work in the hearth flames."

Tony visibly pouted. "Tour!"

Figga giggled and Thor and Loki's heads both turned around in shock.

I don't think a little tour of the Iron Works would hurt anything Loki, dear. You could use it as an opportunity to teach him the different metals we have here that might be used on the Bifrost."

Thor's head spun as Loki gave some grumbled assent. Tony had charmed his mother in record time without being the least bit untoward. He therefore could not complain. It didn't stop him from giving Tony an annoyed look that was mirrored by Loki as Tony took Frigga's other arm and asked if might escort her to the dining hall. She thanked him kindly and took his arm and even though he was shorter than her he exuded an air of utmost confidence as he asked her how she did her hair and if there was magic in that too cause he knew women who would kill for hair like hers. Thor found himself walking next to Loki and they shared a look of disapproval.

"I thought he intended to make me look like an ungrateful child." Loki nearly growled

"As did I. Trying to make himself look better in comparison." Thor mumbled

"Instead I looked like a stuffy old teacher and he looked like an excited child out for his first day of lessons." Loki snarled

"In spirit or otherwise, mother loves children. On top of that he expressed a great interest in you and your abilities."

"Pulling on her heart strings and wrapping then around him, clever." Loki certainly didn't look like he thought it was clever. He looked like he wanted to throw Tony through another window.

"Indeed." Thor wasn't quite willing to hurt Tony, but he was considering a heated scolding.

The instant they stepped inside the dining hall, Thor lost track of Tony. He felt a welling up of panic in his chest even as he smiled and nodded to all the guests. Tony was a chaotic mess. It wasn't his fault, it was how he worked. Like a hurricane impaling straw through telephone poles, he made the impossible possible in the midst of chaos. Tony could also rival Loki for the sharpness of his tongue and inability to know when enough was enough.

He promised to make a good impression. He promised to be on his best behavior. He promised. He repeated these words in his head continually as he scanned the room for the smaller mortal. Then caught sight of the wine and mead and groaned. He turned back to Loki to ask for his assistance only to find him gone as well. He was standing in a crowded dining hall with one lost mortal and one brother let lose while hoping rather pathetically that this night would go well.

Blast.


Loki watched from a safe enough distance as Thor spun looking for him and watched his head drop into his hand in frustration when he realized Loki was no longer there watching his head spin about the hall like a fool. He smirked at Thor tried to save face and smile at the group that flocked around him now that his dark brother was gone. Thor was fool to think he would be able to keep an eye on the mortal at a party like this. No matter his good intentions he would become rambunctious and drunk by the end of the night and completely lose track of Stark. Similarly, Stark's reputation would lead one to imagine him also getting uproariously drunk and causing his own scene. They would both be considered the life of the party no doubt.

Shield Brothers indeed.

Loki snorted and began to twist his way through the crowd looking for his brother's lost item. Few of the Aesir who even acknowledged his presence did so with more kindness that a grudging respect and Loki could feel his lip curling in high annoyance already. The blasted party had just begun. He could feel the need to cause mischief chafing against his mind and knew that bottling the desire up would only serve to cause more trouble in the end. Without further thought he grabbed the backside of the next woman he passed rather amorously causing her jump and spin, but he was well away from her by then. The gentleman she unloaded her anger upon was shocked and flustered having no idea of what was going on. This cause more of a scene as her anger mounted and finally she slapped him. Hard. Loki's grin was downright dastardly as the poor man fell back mumbling apologies and beg your pardons and what not and Loki laughed and ducked away before anyone can rightfully accuse him of causing the raucous.

He ducked behind the shoulders of a large armored warrior and came nose to nose with Stark. He immediately straightened and Stark found himself glaring at his collar bone. His eyes snapped up as he stepped back. His brown eyes looked highly amused and he tossed a glance behind Loki.

"She looks pretty angry, but I have to say that was one of the most amazing cops I have ever had the pleasure to witness." Mischief filled brown eyes like mead fills a cup. "Bet you couldn't do it again."

Loki stared at him for a long moment before he grinned slow and terrible. He grabbed Stark's arm firmly pulling him along. They circled back around quickly and Loki whispered in Stark's ear, the grin easily discernible. "The trick is to twist and get behind someone else before the woman turns. The trick to making sure there is enough time before the woman turns is to truly shock her. The trick to truly shock her is to make the action exceedingly shocking."

"I think I see where you are going with this." Stark grinned

"Indeed? Then that should make things easier." Loki smirked

"If I get slapped I would like to inform you that I will be passing it on to you." He replied glaring, but Loki chuckled and shook his head.

"You will stand where I put you and when I come back you will speak as if I have been carrying on a conversation with you."

Tony grinned. "You are scandalous. How can I be seen with you?"

Loki said nothing as he let go of Stark's arm. He spared a glance over his shoulder to be certain that Stark was standing still and quickly slipped behind a man and performed the same act on another lady's hindquarters. There was an exceedingly loud gasp, but Loki had swept around the first person he saw. Eyes locked on her and her scandalized face and he was standing next to Stark just as she turned and her eyes lit on the poor man from before. He never even got the chance to defend himself as she raised her hand and dropped it against his face harshly. The man fell to the floor wondering why the world hated him. There was a lot of screeching and accusing and yelling and Stark was laughing and several eyes moved to him in utter shock to which he shrugged.

"Some men just can't control themselves faced with such a stunning lady. What lovely eyes you have, what color would you call them?" His smile would have melted Jotenheim. The woman blushed darkly and explained that her eyes were just brown weren't they? Stark, being the dog he was, exclaimed that they certainly were not. "They glow in the candle light, like a good whiskey by the fire on a cold night, but you don't have whiskey here do you? It's a good drink and a great color for eyes. Now mine, mine are just brown." He rambled and the lady was enchanted as were several other ladies.

Loki rolled his eyes and made to leave for clearly all the had been drained from this situation, but Stark grabbed his arm and pulled him over.

"But if you really wanna talk about lovely eyes, this guy has an awesome set. Look at that, green as green could be. Aren't they lovely?" The group of women were suddenly inspecting his eyes and he felt nerves rise in him. "Such pale skin and dark hair too, he is gonna have some beautiful kids don't you think? I mean, with the right woman of course." Stark was ginning like a fool now and the ladies looked confused. "It would take quite a woman to tame this wild oat, don't you think? She'd have my respect."

Loki became painfully aware that every woman in earshot was suddenly fixated on him. One grabbed his arm and looked up at him with deep blue eyes and asked him how he fared this eve. Another followed suit asking about his plans for the Bifrost. Three more pressed close and asked him if they could explain magic to them and if he would please show them something, Odin did say he was the best.

Loki played true to his form and sweet talked them all. He completely lost track of Stark in the mess, though he did have a sense of him around nearby. He didn't realize until later that he had stayed in the dining hall far past his usual time. Soon he was handed decanter after decanter of ale as were the women and Stark and Thor, who had come from nowhere to pat Loki on the back and whisper something suggestive in his ear.

Somewhere between the six and the sixtieth tumbler of ale, which in all reality were pitchers that should have been shared by a table of people, they all ended up in bed. Loki was the first to wake and realize it was the same bed. He had three women draped over him with scant a thing on. A quick glance to him that Stark and Thor were also in the bed and similarly dressed with women of their own. He cursed softly and Stark's eyes slid open lazily. Loki glared at the damned mortal, but he only shrugged and stretched with a smile.

"Now that is what I call a damned good welcoming party."

Loki slapped a hand over his face and decided it was far too early to deal with this.


A/N: HAHA! Oh Tony just got Loki laid, with three different women no less. That is what I call a wing man. Loki is terrible at parties clearly. And the poor dude who got slapped and did nothing more than likely went home alone lol. Love it hate it let me know!