Best Friend's Brother

Prologue:

"So how long are you going to be gone buddy?" Tony asked.

Thor Odinson huffed as he grabbed for a pile of clothes and threw them into the suitcase that laid before him on his bed.

"Oh Tony, I have told you a thousand times that I am going to be away from this country for the whole summer."

Tony sighed. He knew that his constant questioning was beginning to annoy Thor but he couldn't help that he was still wrapping his head around the situation. The news of Thor's trip was very abrupt and Tony could still remember the first time he announced it last week at the group's lunch table.

"I really wish I could tell you guys why I'm going, but my father has said very little. I believe we are going to go visit a family member but I am not sure whom it might be. I have a few hunches but with all due respect I would like to keep many to myself."

Sure, they all had mixed feelings about it, but seeing as it was nothing they could do about it, they wished him luck and made him promise to bring back souvenirs. Some of them questioned Thor a bit with innocent curiosity and it seemed he was trying to be truthful. But then Tony noticed the stuttering and the sweating and the scratch of the back of his neck that Thor always did when he was lying. Since then he was trying to pick at Thor, analyzing almost everything he said about the matter but come up with nothing substantial.

Tony sat perched on the edge of Thor's desk as he watched the older boy grab for his football and a pair of sneakers.

"You know you don't have to pack everything, right?" Tony joked.

Thor looked up at him and Tony could see the genuine unhappiness in his eyes. Tony gulped. He wished he hadn't spoken. "I mean…it's not like your moving."

A small grin grew on Thor's face, his voice solemn. "It won't be that bad dear Tony, summer vacation only lasts for about three months."

"Two months and thirteen days to be exact." Tony mused. "That's about eleven weeks. Seventy-four days. One thousand-seven hundred and seventy-six hours which makes summer last about thirty-nine million minutes and one hundred and thirteen billion seconds."

Tony looked over at Thor's dumbfounded expression and smirked. "Give or take a few."

"I am always fascinated by your weird relationship with numbers." Thor quipped.

"Jealous that numbers and I get along better?" Tony replied.

"Jealous? No. Math does not have enough charm to swoon the women in the neighborhood."

Thor made a face at Tony and gestured towards the baseball cards beside him. Tony chuckled and handed him the box. Thor was obsessed with baseball as much as Tony was obsessed with math.

"Math doesn't need charm when it has me." Tony said in a matter-of-fact tone.

The two of them laughed at the thought and after the moment passed, a comfortable silence soon followed. After a few minutes of it however, Tony's nonchalant smile started to falter. He was definitely going to miss this friendship.

In all honesty it wasn't fair, this sudden trip his best friend had to take that would consume his whole vacation. The two of them had a serious fool-proof plan to have the perfect summer that would lead into their senior year in high school and now it was all screwed up because the Odinson's had to visit a family member in England. Was it really necessary that they had to take their son along with them? Why couldn't Thor stay at his house? Before Tony could throw the question at Thor again he had already knew the answers would simply stay the same.

"It's going to suck ya know, not having you around." Tony said as he slumped beside the suitcase on Thor's bed. "We had the whole summer prepared."

"I know Tony." Thor said, his tone was one of remorse as he started to slow down the pace of his packing. "I wish things could have gone the way we had arranged but life changes my friend. I reckon it will not be too bad."

"But the parties." Tony grumbled, "The girls, the beaches, and our friends. I mean what about the late nights we were going to use to vandalize properties? The Virgin Islands? We were going to host the biggest bash at the end of August together and now…I mean what am I supposed to do without my wingman? You're the big guy, Thor. The Blonde Stallion."

Thor snorted and gave Tony a small smile as he reached out and patted his friend's shoulder.

They were a very unlikely pair. Something their little group of escapades would always remind them of whenever they did stuff together that excluded the rest of them. It was true, the two boys were total opposites but they worked together.

"Our minds are capable of passing beyond the dividing line we have drawn for it. Beyond the pairs of opposites of which the world consists, other, new insights begin." After some hard and confusing stares Bruce, had explained the meaning behind his quote.

In a simpler form, he meant Thor was honorable and Tony was unprincipled. Thor was thick-headed and Tony was perceptive, in other words, they balanced each other out. Clint just said they hung out a lot because both of their names begin with 'T', nothing special. Tony now laughed at the thought.

"Oh yeah!" Tony snapped his fingers. "Also! You were supposed to help me finish my tree house project. Now I have to do it all by myself."

Thor sulked, directing his attention back to the shorter man beside him. "Look at it this way Tony. Once I come back you will be able to show-off your work without me and continue to remind me about how much of a genius you are to everyone!"

"I don't need to prove I'm a genius, everyone knows that. I'll just be so alone." Tony moaned in silent despair.

Thor frowned and pulled his friend into a hug before the other could protest.

"You won't be alone Anthony." He said reassuringly. "You have Natasha, Clint, Bruce, Pepper and Steve and not to mention a million other good friends like Rhodey, Happy or Peter, who would enjoy your company!"

Tony began to say something along the lines of disagreement, but Thor tightened his grip, stopping the shorter man's sentence. "You won't be alone Tony."

The two exchanged a look and Tony could tell that Thor was trying to change the topic, to steer clear of what they both knew was eating at the back of Tony's mind. The thought of loneliness. Of the deep depression that drew a small hole in his heart and taunted him. Images of empty alcohol bottles and blood flooded through Tony's memory and in that moment his composure wavered. Thor was the only one who knew how bad it was and could still get for Tony, but that was not something Tony wanted to talk about right now.

Thor patted his Tony's back soothingly. "You can always try to reach me through the internet anyways Tony."

Tony snorted, and eagerly disassembled the hug. Thor titled his head in confusion. "I didn't say anything funny…"

This caused Tony to laugh even louder. It was all he could do avoid the close encountered manic depressive episode. Tony looked around Thor's room, not meeting his friend's questioning eyes.

"No offense bro, but we all know how much you fail at electronic communications."

Thor furrowed his brow, "I am not that bad."

"Not that bad? Dude! I swear you're basically a freaking alien! You talk with this weird accent that goes in and out of Shakespearean dialect and your name originates from like 400 B.C I mean come on...that's pretty ancient...and having this golden Barbie doll hair doesn't help your case. You couldn't figure out how to turn off the caps lock on your phone for two weeks!"

Tony snorted, continuing on his tirade. "Dude, do not get me started on the moment you discovered a flash-drive."

"Ok that's enough Anthony." Thor grumbled, "I get it, I'm not very good at our generation's technology but you have to give me some credit, because I do try."

"Ya, like that time you tried to send a dick-pic to Jean in ninth grade and ended up forwarding it too almost everyone in the school! I swear the look on Logan's face was priceless. You were seriously going to get your ass kicked for a second there." Tony snickered.

"That was a mistake!" Thor yelled, his cheeks reddening. "I thought we agreed to never bring it up again!"

Thor, a naturally a loud talker, took a lot of beating before he were to lose his temper, so when he shouted Tony knew he had pushed enough button's for the day. "Okay Point Break, don't pummel me with your meat fists okay."

Thor slammed his suitcase shut and zipped it up before pushing it to the floor. "That makes you and me both, I did not mean to yell."

That got another snort from Tony but for his sake, there were no other comments or mentions of Thor's misconceptions from him. Instead he grabbed one of Thor's many suitcases and began to move it towards the doorway. After throwing in some DVD's and his phone charger, Thor zipped up his other suitcase, grabbed a duffel bag and then followed Tony. Tony watched as Thor quickly scanned his room, his eyes glossy. Before Tony could say a joke that would either get him a smile or a punch, Thor closed the door and stood beside him in the white-walled hallway. Without a word, they began strolling towards the stairs.

After a few moments of silence Tony cleared his throat, "Who's going to take care of the house while you're gone?" he asked.

"Our housekeepers will keep it clean of course." Thor answered, readjusting the strap on his duffel bag.

"Oh." Tony said simply, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "I noticed you left some of your video games here, do you mind if I borrow some?"

"Sure."

"How will I be able to get them?"

Thor paused, causing Tony to take a glance at him as they approached the stairs. "I don't understand what your implying."

"Uh, could I borrow your house keys?" Tony voiced.

"Why?"

"Because were friends." That seemed to be a good enough reason to convince Thor because the blonde smiled and nodded. "I don't see the major harm in doing so."

"Major harm?" Tony scoffed, "I feel offended." He said in mock hurt as Thor gave him a playful frown as they continued to drag his luggage down the steps.

The stairs were freaking huge, one of the biggest sets Tony had ever seen. They were about forty feet in length and varnished with a dark crimson that was patterned with gold. When they finally reached the end of the steps Tony dramatically let out a sigh and pushed the handle to Thor's suitcase down.

"So, I wanna know the name of the guy who's sudden condition has surpassed your family's need to be in my presence." Tony started the conversation up again, hiding his actual wonderment and all seriousness under a grin.

"What makes you think my family and I need you in our lives?" Thor asked with a raise eyebrow, although he was smiling.

"Oh please." Tony smirked, "You know you would've died of boredom years ago if you never met me. And you wouldn't be nearly as popular."

"Ya well, I guess I do owe you some credit for popular exposure but you know I would never use you like that Tony." Thor commented.

"Some credit?" Tony scoffed, ignoring the sentiment. "Don't you think I deserve all the credit."

"Well, not really. As you can see I am capable of achieving adoration from our entire student body." Thor smiled playful at the face Tony made. It was true though, Tony wasn't afraid to give credit where it was due and Thor was a profound exception.

Tony had to give applause for Thor's elevating height. He was a foot taller than Tony, broadened at a high stature of six feet and some inches. He owned sunny blonde hair that brushed his enormous shoulders and made all the little loonies swoon. His skin was slightly tanned from being out in the sun from long intense practices of sports that truthfully payed off. His chin was well-defined and groomed with a little stubble and when he smiled, it was cheeky and brightened the youthful gleam in his sky-blue eyes. But the one thing that baffled Tony the most was the thick austral accent Thor somehow managed to capture. The tall blonde looked so outlandish but admirable to everyone, Tony honestly didn't know how his best mate was single at this moment. The thought went for the both of them.

"Tony, you are staring at me."

"Just wondering how you got to get so big. Did you bribe puberty? You haven't been trading cows for a bunch of Lima beans I suppose? "

Thor furrowed his brow in puzzlement "I don't think I understand your reference."

Tony rolled his eyes, "Your ignorance astounds me." He murmured under his breath.

"Excuse me?"

"Nothing Goldilocks." Tony grinned, "I just can't believe you've never read 'Jack and The Beanstalk' that's all."

"It sounds familiar but I don't recall the name." Thor's cheerful expression faltered as his eyes held a far-offish gleam. "...I think I heard of it when I was a little..."

Tony gulped, Thor barely ever spoke of his childhood with him. Tony knew there were secrets that he couldn't even get his best friend to open up about. Just like the horse room. He put those two things off into the back of his mind for things to figure out later on in life with a bunch of other projects. Even throughout this whole process Thor was still murmuring, probably unaware of his sudden slip into memories.

"Thor!"

The two boys turned around to see Thor's mother resting on the banister at the bottom of the steps. Whatever Thor was going to say was forgotten briefly along with Tony as he hurriedly dragged his suitcase down the remaining steps and almost jumped over the bottom three steps to reach his mother. Tony let out an exasperated sigh as he realized his little pinch into Thor's past was interrupted. Tony watched as Thor eagerly pulled his mother into an affectionate hug, delighted, and couldn't help but ignore the stab of jealously he felt towards the two.

The two of them broke apart just as Tony was coming down the stairs, grudgingly tugging Thor's suitcase behind him. Frigga gave Tony a gracious smile and offered him a hug to which he accepted. She felt warm and loving, the most needed characteristics of a mother that Tony ached for dearly. The simple act of compassion reminded him of what he was missing, so when he and Frigga separated he was entirely grateful. He hated sentiment.

"I swear, you boys grow a little bit more every day." Frigga spoke softly.

Thor chuckled. "Now mother, we all know Tony hasn't grown since his middle school years!"

"Hey!" Tony said, sounding slightly affronted. "Crack at my height again and I'll draw penises on your wall."

Thor gaped at the shorter man before him. Looking horrified Thor gestured towards his mother who only looked slightly entertained. "I cannot say I was expecting that response."

"Sorry ." Tony smiled, "Thor said he was going to give me his key so I can borrow some things from his room while he's gone. Is that cool?"

"That's fine and Tony you know to call me Frigga." She directed her attention towards Thor. "I won't tell your father Thor as long as Tony manages to keep the house in order."

Thor's smile grew wider as Tony looked at Frigga in disbelief, this women was truthfully amazing. Thor fetched out his key and gave it to Tony who winked. Thor grimaced.

"I'm sure Tony will do his best to keep the house in order mother, right Tony?"

"No promises." Tony joked as Frigga let out a gentle laugh. Before Tony could get another word in he heard a pair of heavy footsteps enter and was stopped by an inexorable and staunch voice.

"Seems we are all alive and well. You guys look prepared for our leave." The three of them turned their heads towards the source.

Odin, – Thor's father, stood boldly in the door frame that lead to the kitchen. He looked rather intimidating to Thor and Frigga in his black suit and matching luggage as he loomed above them, but the aura slightly declined as he managed to grin at the three companions. Tony frowned a bit, Mr. Odinson wasn't his favorite guy to hang around, he was always so serious, so business-like.

"I am sorry we've had to take Thor with us Anthony Stark."

Tony took a second too long to notice Odin was staring back at him equally, citing his existence and shrugged as if it didn't bother him that he was taking Thor away or the fact that he used his full name. Stuffing his hands in his pocket, he placed the key there in concealment. Unsure if he would be allowed to hold it any longer if Odin didn't approve.

"It's no biggie. I'm happy Thor gets to get out of here for a few. He deserves it, I think it's a pretty cool trip and I hope you guys have fun."

"Thank you, lad." Odin looked towards his family and chuckled, "Well let's take our things to the car then the airport. Were a little behind schedule and the plane isn't going to exactly wait for us."

"Oh please, trust me they'll wait for anyone whose famous, especially you guys." Tony bantered only to receive a small chortle from Frigga and Thor and a slight grin from Odin.

"And what makes you say that Anthony?" Odin asked.

Tony involuntarily cringed at the use of his full name, this guy really needed to stop calling him Anthony. Despite his mild discomfort no one seemed to notice as they were too busy tugging their luggage to their car.

"I mean they do it for me all the time, even though I take a private jet nowadays but that's not the point, uh- anyways, I mean you're a senator and your wife is a well-known surgeon, it only makes sense."

"Well. Despite that I think it is still good to be punctual Anthony." Odin replied curtly.

Tony shrugged and grabbed the set of suitcases he had earlier and helped, "I understand." He really didn't.

Odin began advising his wife on the most effective way to carry her suitcase without throwing out her back as Tony dragged on lazily behind Thor. When they made it outside, they stuffed the suitcases between the backseat and the trunk of the car. Tony's fingers were now cramping but he didn't argue as Thor grabbed his best friend and pulled him into another hug.

Tony grimaced but allowed it only because it was Thor and even if he refused, it wouldn't make a difference.

"I am going to miss you Tony." Thor admitted.

"Woah Shakespeare, let's not turn this into a bromance here."

"I cannot help myself from being expressive." Thor commented.

"If you start crying, I will official change your name to Barbie and you're never going to be allowed in my treehouse." Tony blanched.

Thor barked in a fit of laughter and separated from his best friend. Opening the door to his father's black Audi, he climbed in.

"You are a man of words Tony, but it is one thing I shall not miss."

Tony stuck out his tongue, "You're going to miss all of this, but don't worry I'll send you a postcard."

Thor smiled cheekily. As his father informed him to close the door, Tony backed out of the driveway and into the grass.

The gravel crunched under the weight of the tires and Tony watched as the car backed out of the Odinson's driveway and into their smooth and spotless street. One of the many benefits of living in an expensive, gated community. People came out almost every day to clean up and maintain a look of perfection.

The car began spacing itself from the house but, before long Tony could see the black tinted window in the backseat roll down and Thor's big head as he stuck his neck out of the car's window. His blonde hair whipped around his face, giving him the resemblance of a model.

Tony cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted. "Hey bring me back an English girl would ya?! And I don't mean someone from here, I mean a real London prude okay!"

Thor simply waved back to his friend and Tony felt Thor knew he wasn't joking, and he was not about to kidnap a poor girl at the expense of his best friend.

"Make sure you don't break anything!" Thor yelled back after a moment.

"I will see you in two months, eleven weeks, seventy-four days and one thousand-seven hundred and-!"

"Bye Tony!" Thor thundered in his clamorous voice.

"Later Thor!" Tony shouted back.

Tony saw a smile broke out on Thor's face before he tucked his head back into the frame of the window. Even after the car began to gain distance, Tony ran a little ways behind and then continued to wave until the Audi became a small blimp down the street and turned around a corner, finally disappearing.

Tony sighed and unlocked his phone. He strolled through his contacts and began to text a bunch of his friends to meet him later on at the nearby pizza parlor. After he sent out his message he tucked his phone in his pocket and began his trek home. He sighed again, a painful feeling itching in the back of his throat. Before he could succumb to the feeling Tony broke out in a run, determined to put it behind him. He was going to do it, he was going to have the greatest summer ever and the greatest senior year. He gave himself no other choice.

Hey. Thanks for checking this fic! This will be a revised and continued story of my earlier fanfiction Best Friend's Brother that I unfortunately abandoned two years ago. Hope you like it! FrostIron AU. Can't wait for Thor Ragnarok!