Working late at night at the workshop he shared with Tony, Bruce was seen mixing a few chemical liquids together to see their effects and writing down some notes. He didn't hear Tony come in from behind, carrying two cups of coffee in his hands, and without a word, Tony put the coffee for Bruce right next to him.
"Oh, thank you, Tony, for the coffee. I really needed it."
"You're very welcome. What are you planning to use the mixed chemicals for?"
"Well, you know about that convention I was invited for?"
Tony nodded in response. He did remember having Bruce telling him during dinner a couple of weeks ago.
"Yes, I was asked to create some new chemicals and their effects. There would be renowned scientists as well as students who are entering universities and college this fall who are majoring in science and wish to see me and ask me questions about the field they wish to get into."
"Really? That is great Bruce".
Both men then drank their coffee in silence.
"So, Tony, how are things with Pepper? I have heard from both Natasha and Wanda that the both of you are not on good terms right now. Is that true?"
Tony looked at Bruce with a sad look. Indeed, they have been arguing recently about everything, from how they should run the company to kids to marriage.
"Yes, Bruce, we have been arguing a lot these days. And I am tired of it, you know. And that is the reason you have seen me drink more often. What do I do?" Tony asked. He didn't like fighting with Pepper and wants to stop as soon as possible.
"Talk to Pepper. Together, try to find a reason and find common ground on the problems you two have and see what goes from there".
Tony thinks about what Bruce said. "I will try your solution. And I will tell you if it works or not. I hope it does, though".
"I am sure everything will work out for the both of you," Bruce replied.
"I do hope so".
Then, Bruce left Tony to his own devices because he had to go answer a phone call in private in another room. Tony decided to use his time to call Pepper down to the workshop to talk.
After a few rings, she finally answered. "Tony, I am quite busy right now. Can I call you in like an hour or so?"
Tony hesitated, but replied, "Sure, don't forget. I want to talk over some things. I don't want to continue fighting with you. I love you, Pepper".
Pepper didn't say anything for a couple of seconds before answering, "Okay Tony, I talk you in about an hour. I love you too".
And with that, she hung up. Tony kind of expected her to start yelling at him for interrupting what she was doing at the moment.
With that thought in mind, Tony began dialing his favorite pizza parlor, located a few minutes away from the tower.
After placing his usual order and paid for, Tony went his way to the main living room.
"JARVIS, is there anyone in the living room right now?"
"No, sir, all of the rest of the members are out at this moment. Do you want me to call them for you?"
"No, that is okay JARVIS. Thank you".
"You're very welcome sir".
Upon reaching the living room, Tony went to his mini bar and served himself some strong whiskey and upon sipping it, he saw both Steve and Thor entering. They were wearing sad looks, especially Thor. He looked like he been crying for quite a while and that bothered Tony.
"What's with the long faces?"
"It's Loki," Thor quickly answered. Just mentioning his brother breaks his heart in two. He felt very guilty about what happened to him last week in Asgard. His kidnapping while Loki slept in his private room was something to be taken care of as soon as possible. He will make his brother's kidnappers regret the day they were born.
"What happened to Loki?" Tony asked. His concern for Loki was great. Both males were already the best of friends, due to the fact that Loki can keep up with Tony in terms of intelligence, wit, sarcasm, and overall understanding of robotics and science.
In the brink of tears, Thor answered, "He's been kidnapped last week. Asgard is in a mad search for him. What I'll do to his kidnappers once I get hold of them after getting Loki to safety".
This news shocked Tony.
"No, I don't believe you".
Steve looked at Tony with watery eyes. He has also been affected by the news. Loki has been a good and dear friend of him since joining the Avengers a year ago. Both have many things in common, such as trying to learn to live in the 21st-century lifestyle, both were awkward around females, and adjusting to having new technology in their fingertips.
"What can we do to help?" Steve asked Thor. His voice told everyone else in the room that we wanted to cry.
"Help Asgard to look for my brother. The more people we have in searching for him, the better the chances of finding him. I do hope, however, that he is still alive", Thor replied. His voice was very shaky, both out of wanting to cry and pure anger.
Tony was getting angrier by the minute.
"Who the hell would do such a thing?" Tony yelled out. His outburst wasn't what Steve was expecting from him.
"There are people out there who do, Tony. I am sure that they did what they did to get back Asgard for some reason I don't know. But, I will make something very clear, if I find that they hurt even one hair on his head, they will have to face my fury. And that is not something you two don't want to see".
A/N: Please read and review!