Chapter 3 making friends

Loki and Tony both know the sting of broken trust so they become friends cautiously. It is small events which help build their friendship.

Bestowing idiotic nicknames:

"Must you call me by that inane name? I am not a reindeer."

"Your horns suggest it," Tony informs with a grin.

"I think not. For such stupidity I should transform you into a reindeer until you know what a reindeer's horns look like," Loki retorts with amused annoyance.

"Hey, be nice. Wait, I got that board meeting coming up. I could go, eat all the paperwork and freak people out. That sounds like it could be the best board meeting ever. Maybe I could be a reindeer for just the meeting? Anyhow, 'Reindeer Games' also refers to a reindeer that has a unique ability, got treated like crud, rescued everyone and got the respect he wanted," Tony replies.

"Very well, but if anyone else calls me such they will not escape my wrath," Loki declares.

"Doth you Aesir have a fascination with Shakespeare overly much?"

"Don't be ridiculous. The Aesir would find the Bard too underhanded and disapprove," Loki answered exasperatedly.

"Their loss."

Discussing Harry Potter:

"The Slytherins really have a raw deal in those books. Some act like jerks, but is the whole house like that? What about Snape? The bad stuff he did was on him, but the Gryffindors weren't perfect either. Plus, it didn't seem like his sacrifice really changed anything. Sure, Harry Potter named a kid after him but middle name and the kid freaked about Slytherin. What do you think Reindeer Games," Tony asks Loki.

Loki frowned. Snape's fate bothers me. Admitting so is sentimental but I think Tony, with how people stereotype him, will understand.

"Snape's bitterness was understandable. Still, his actions proved those fools correct to a certain extent. His use of magic to harm others made Gryffindor views of 'dark arts' seem plausible. Snape betrayed Voldemort for good reason, but changing sides made him seem untrustworthy. The similarities between how people viewed him and how people look upon me in Asgard are…unsettling."

"You can't let people knock you down Loki. What do they know? I know how I treat you matters. You show respect where it's earned. If you can have a functioning bromance with me then Asgard doesn't know what it's missing," Tony declares.

Discussions about magic and technology:

"That fog saved their butts and they call it 'trickery' like it's a bad thing. They'd probably think I'm a coward for using the suit. If you ever leave you can stay here. I already don't let anyone else use that room of my mansion where you stay, so it's already yours," Tony states.

Tony understands my desire for privacy. He is more than what people classify him as.

"Your offer is appreciated. As for magic and technology, perhaps we could think of ways to combine the two," Loki asks him.

They decide to make communication via cellphone between Asgard and Earth possible. As they work on this Loki decides that Tony Stark is his shield brother. A declaration of such makes even the irreverent Stark speechless for a second.

"Right back at you shield bro. Amazing two people like us can actually have a functioning friendship."

What comes to Loki's mind is sentimental but true.

"Perhaps the reason we can trust each other is because we know what a gift trust is."

Tony shows his trust by introducing Loki to the other people in Tony's life. The first person he meets is Tony's driver Happy.

"Hey, Happy, Loki and I are at that donut place. Loki's feeling a bit off, so we need a ride," Tony orders.

'A bit off' is putting it lightly. I used much energy keeping that dragon from frying Thor and the foolish four! Thankfully, I can use that as an excuse for a long vacation.

Tony makes the introductions. Happy is relaxed, alert and competent.

"Nice to meet you Loki," Happy says affably.

"Likewise," Loki responds courteously.

"Here's Happy's work number. Call him if you're in some mischief and want a stylish way out," Tony offers.

Loki wins Happy's approval by trolling various talk shows and making Happy laugh. The next person Tony introduces Loki to is James Rhodes. The man's serious and suspicious bearing makes Loki uneasy. Calm down. Tony must call him a friend for good reason.

"It's good to meet someone else who can keep up with Tony. It isn't easy," Rhodes says in greeting.

"Come on, Rhodey, I'm easy to love," Tony says with a cheeky grin.

"That's the problem. You get into a lot, but you're worth it. Most people aren't smart enough to see that," Rhodes said and gave Loki an appraising look.

"Tony and I share some of the same traits," Loki replies.

"I'm trying not to be scared by that. Welcome to the select group that tries to keep up with him. Still, I have to say that if you ever hurt him...," Rhodes threatens.

"Rhodey!"

"You didn't tell me much about him and I found even less," Rhodes replies grimly..

I am an illegal alien, with emphasis on 'alien', and Rhodes works for the government. There would be a conflict of interest if Tony told Rhodes who I am.

"I have my secrets, Mr. Rhodes, but I am not going to harm a friend," Loki declares.

"I'll have to trust you then," Rhodes concedes reluctantly.

Rhodes is standoffish but intelligent. Loki wins him over by discussing military strategy and respects him in turn.

Tony shows great trust by not hiding how much Pepper Potts means to him. Loki senses the two are hesitantly approaching having a relationship. Pepper reminds him of the All-Mother: wise and able to handle any crisis.

"You're the Norse god of mischief. Do I need to add more people to the PR department," Pepper asks.

"If I cannot handle my own messes then I am slipping. I'll also help with any mischief Tony gets into while with me," Loki ventures to gain her approval.

"If you're trying to win me over…it's working. I'll hold you to it," Pepper replies.

"Any mischief we get into," Tony says thoughtfully. Loki raises an eyebrow.

"What are you thinking of?"

"Only that we are doing a disservice to the people of this planet letting you hide. Come on, Loki, surely you want to do more than debate literature and do tech work. You want to shine. I'm thinking astounding other geeks at scientific conferences, ticking the media off with your silver tongue and owning everyone else with that Loki style."

I'm sick of being in the shadows all the time.

"That sounds wonderful," Loki says with a broad grin.

"I'm adding more people to the PR department just in case," Pepper says with a sigh.


Thank you for the reviews, favorites and follows Kudos to Cali for identifying 'I love it when a plan comes together' from A-Team.