"You don't have to blow up the entire goddamn city to own it. Just enjoy it, and it'll be yours for the taking."

Loki's cheeks tinged ever so slightly, torn between frowning or smiling at the infuriatingly charming man that stood in front of him, so casually jesting about his previous failed attempt at taking over the Earth. It wasn't as sore a a sore spot as it used to be, but it wasn't like Tony Stark to ever let go of an opportunity to poke fun at him.

Loki believed it to be his ego and his carefree attitude that made Tony tease him senseless. And also quite a large dose of stupidity, Loki was still a demi-god after all and could easily smite the smaller man if he chose to.

What Loki didn't know was that Tony did it because he loved making the demi-god squirm, the blush on his pale skin betraying him.

"You are never going to let that go are you? Surely there are other ways of entertaining yourself, Stark."

Tony wriggled an eyebrow in the most suggestive way at that, causing the blush to further spread across Loki's pale face.

"You human beings are so filthy sometimes. I don't even know why I bother coming down here anymore."

"Because people, or in your case, even demi-gods, always want what they can't have, don't realize what they actually need, and definitely don't realize what they already have. They fear or envy what they don't know. Seek pleasure in self-inflicted pain. Loads of reasons. Take your pick, I'm sure you know what it is that's brought you here."

Loki sighed. It's as though he could see right through him. Despite all his painfully obvious flaws, it didn't change the fact that Tony was one of the most intelligent men Loki had ever met. And if Tony thought he was the only one reading the other's thoughts, he was wrong for once. Loki didn't know everything about Tony but it was clear as day that Tony wouldn't be the man he was if not for the ghosts of his past. Although seemingly insensitive, indifferent or even inconsiderate at times, Loki knew that Tony was a highly insightful man.

"Well now aren't you quite the philosopher. Why not stop sounding like an empty vessel and really prove yourself right. Show me what's so redeeming about this godforsaken place so I don't have to regret any further from not completely annihilating it."

Tony grinned. "Let's get some fuel first shall we. There's this great place down town. Really awesome food. Yeah you probably missed out on that the last time you were here."

Before he could come up with anything witty or intelligent to retort, Tony had already made his way to his sleek convertible.

"Come on loser, we're going for Shawarma!"

Loki shook his head, his lips twisting in an attempt not to grin at the annoying little man in front of the steering wheel.

He wasn't sure if he was in for a world of pain or pleasure.

He honestly didn't mind either, or even both.