Loki froze.

He never really understood what the glowing center in Tony's chest was. The only information he had was that it was his weak point. Considering the teenager's ego, he half expected it to be a fashion statement.

The prince had no idea it was keeping him alive. And how could it be keeping him alive and killing him?

Loki's unspoken question was answered by a voice through the crack.

"The particles in the palladium are decaying, and they're leaking into my bloodstream. Wearing the Iron Man suit accelerates the process. I was wondering if you had any idea of a solution, or another element that could work."

Mr. Yinsen put on his glasses and shook his head slowly and sadly.

"I'm sorry Tony, but there's nothing on the table that could help you. There are other elements that work like palladium, but they are even more radioactive. My only suggestion is to try combinations of different ones."

Loki's mind was racing. Although he didn't know the specifics on the terms the two in the classroom used, it was obvious what was happening. Tony was dying from the thing in his chest (which somehow kept him alive), and Mr. Yinsen was not an ordinary teacher.

As Tony put his shirt back on and prepared to leave, Loki considered fleeing the hallway and pretending that he never heard anything, but denial wouldn't make the problem go away. Besides, he still had a message to deliver.

Tony opened the door and saw Loki right away, but before he could confront him, Loki cut him off.

"Natasha got shot."

"Is she dead?"

"No."

"Any permanent damage?" Tony didn't sound concerned, just neutral.

"Not that I am aware of. And before you ask, I heard everything."

That got a reaction out of Tony, albeit only a slight widening of the eyes.

"Don't tell the team." He shifted a bit. "Actually, I have something to ask about."

Loki straightened. "Go ahead."

"I was wondering if your magic could help me. I've seen you use it in ways that science would never be able to explain, and it occurred to me that it could do something that science can't."

Loki's gaze was far away for a moment as he tried to think of something. Finally, he just shrugged sadly.

"On my time on Midgard I have learned something: science and magic are one and the same. Humans are beginning to break the barrier which used to be impenetrable, faster than we Asgardians are. You guys may even surpass us one day.'

"However," Loki continued after a pause, "I cannot help you. Even if I was a talented healer, capable enough to purge your blood, you would still contaminate yourself again with the device in your chest. I do not know why you have it buried within your chest, but I know that you cannot live without it."

Something seemed to deflate in Tony. It was hope, Loki realized. He grabbed Tony's arm.

"Have faith. There is always hope, for all of us, no matter what. If you give me some blood, I could send it to Asgard. The healers there could find something to clean up your blood to buy you some time. Also, tell Bruce. He could assist you in whatever you think of."

Tony smiled. It was obviously forced.

"Thank you, Loki."

"Sorry kids," the nurse said in a monotone voice, "only one visitor at a time."

The team was at a SHIELD-controlled hospital in New York. After being rescued from her botched mission, Natasha was transported from a helicopter back to the states. She was currently bored out of her mind, and the other Avengers knew it.

But the stupid SHEILD nurse wouldn't let them all through.

Clint was currently sitting with her, and the other Avengers were waiting their turn.

Most of them brought gifts. Steve smiled at his homemade card he made, Bruce was fending off Thor from his plate of cookies, and Tony fiddled with a pair of bracelets and a belt. Clint had fiddled with something in his pocket before he was allowed to enter the hospital room.

The second the clock in the waiting room ticked to the allotted visiting time, Clint got up and calmly walked down the hall, ignoring his instinct to rush down with any regard to anyone else. He knew exactly which room held his best friend.

The first thing he said to her was, "What did he look like?"

Natasha replied in a bored tone, "He was about your height, with long hair, goggles, and a plastic face mask that resembled a bug's face. His left arm was shining in a weird way. He obviously had no remorse, because he shot right through me." Her bored tone dropped to a whisper. "He was obviously prepared. We didn't stand a chance."

"Who knew about the op?"

"Fury, of course. Coulson and his team prepped me for it."

Clint took a breath and released it with a sigh. "I'm glad you're okay, Natasha."

The red-head stretched her feet under the blankets. "Tell that to the nurses. They say I'm going to be in here for another week and I'll have to 'take it easy' for the next month."

Clint grinned as he pulled up a rolling stool and sat down in it. "Well, you do have a hole in your side."

Natasha groaned in annoyance. "Not for the first time. And it's not like there's anything too vital."

"Except your digestive system."

Natasha rolled her eyes as Clint fished in his pocket, the tone in the room suddenly somber.

"I'm really glad you weren't killed, Nat." He gave her the item in his pocket.

Natasha smiled and put on the silver arrow necklace. "So am I."

A week later, after her first day back in school, Natasha was happily playing in the training room when she heard Loki enter.

"Check these out Loki," she giggled in childish glee, "Tony made them for me. They're called Widow's Sting. One point of contact with these and a grown man..."

She trailed off when she turned around and saw Loki's worried body language. "What's wrong?"

"Have you seen Thor? He did not attend school today, and I have not seen him since this morning."

A seed of worry appeared in Natasha's stomach. "Did you ask JARVIS?"

The seed bloomed when JARVIS replied, "Mr. Odinson left the house this morning, and has not returned since."

DUN DUN DUN!

I seriously did not see that coming, and I'm the author. I won't take too long updating, I think.