tmmdeathwishravenGlad you like it after one chapter, I must be doing something right :)
wiggalatorThanks for the comment, I'll try to be a regular updater.
Harlequin JadeThe Loki in my head would probably laugh at Tony. Then get defensive over his little girl. He's a complicated fellow.
chatnoir1No matter how hard Tony tries to deny it, Loki will always be a diva.
HowlynMadHah, Loki has two helmets… cannot shake the image of Tony and Loki hooked together.
Diane hmm, I must admit I also like the idea of Loki getting a credit card and hitting the shops while Tony babysits Hela *ponders*
JannaKalderash Good call, in part it's due to her 'half-dead' deformities but also her emotional neglect. As for Thor's reaction, that might be closer than you think.
Paradox-ImaginationAye, aye!
Further thanks to everyone who add me or this story to their favourites. I don't think I've ever had so many responses before.
Chapter Three
Damn avoidance behaviours!
Tony pressed one palm against his grumbling stomach and gave it a gingerly pat. "Soon my pretty, we must be patient," He made a mental note to stock up his lab with salty snack goodness as soon as possible. But now it was time for some much needed replenishment.
After an effective session of procrastination, Tony ventured out from his hideaway by sticking his head out the door. It was late afternoon, perfect timing. There was no way he'd accidently bump into Pepper and her obligatory moral compass.
Mental high five Tony Stark.
Frolicking all the way to his primary kitchen complex, Tony froze instantaneously as he padded into the room. The sleek sliver fridge was ajar with the back end of the trickster peering out. The unexpected sight of a casually clothed Loki in pale blue jeans and a light buttoned up, tugged in shirt, rummaging through the vegetable draw was highly amusing. Tony let out a snicker. Why was there never a camera when you needed one?
"Oh good," Loki hummed. "You're not dead. I'm so thrilled. I had considered sending out a search party," He emerged upright, clutching an assortment of large onions, tomatoes and carrots, whilst nudging the fridge door closed with his hip.
"Aww, did ya miss me, buttercup?" He was testing out pet names, though most of the time Loki didn't so much as bat an eyelid.
"Shall we say I missed your most exquisite parts," Loki flashed a mischievous glance in the direction of Tony's crotch.
"So this is a romantic meal for two," Tony manoeuvred towards the panelled counter where a bottle of fruity red wine had been left out. He lifted it and smirked. Had to admit, Loki had good taste. "Are you trying to seduce me Mr Odinson? Why it's not even Thursday!"
Loki shifted a little bit uncomfortably as he sliced and diced an onion. "I have something a little more romantic than food planned for the two of us later. As for the meal, we shall have some pleasant company,"
Oh. He meant Hela of course. Tony did detect a distinct lack of shivers coursing down his spine alerting him to her presence. For someone so young and so demanding, Hela was uncommonly reclusive most of the time. Loki had tried to reassure him that she was just shy and needed time to get acquainted with her new surroundings.
Or maybe she really doesn't like me.
Then what did he care anyway? The less Hela was around, the more he had Loki all to himself. It was his only child syndrome; Tony hated to share his things.
"Speaking of which, where exactly is the little princess?" Tony swiped a carrot stick when he thought Loki wasn't looking.
"At the present taking a bath," Loki waggled the knife blade in a mock warning.
"Hmm alone? Kinda independent for a little kid, isn't she?"
"No, she's not alone. I'm there with her," Loki slide the newly sliced vegetables into a large saucepan simmering on the neighbouring cooker.
"Huh?" Tony promptly prodded the trickster. "Nope you're definitely standing here beside me,"
"Yes Tony I'm real. I have a shade with my daughter,"
"Didn't think your smexy clones were capable of physical contact," Tony gave a toothy grin as his right foot stoked up against Loki's ankle.
"Hela is my seed. Our magic comes from the same connection. It comes from the same breath of life. Together we can accomplish much more than we ever could apart. Provided our desires are one and the same," He swayed a little into Tony's touch.
"Let me see if I understand this," Tony rubbed his goatee. "So you and Hela are stronger as a unit, kinda like she extents your own power-"
Loki dropped his head and spoke quietly. "No. It's not like that, please don't refer to it like that again," He seemed to brighten in an instant. "Put the wine down, Tony. It's for the pasta,"
"You're gonna tip a whole bottle of wine into the sauce, sounds like my kind of dish. But wait, isn't this for Hela too? I'm no expert but I think alcohol and kids is a no-no,"
Loki smirked. "You really are adorable. Hela is Asgardian. I guarantee this will not have an effect on her, we have livers of iron. Unlike some I could mention…"
"Aww, just one glass,"
"I'm starting to think you have a problem,"
"Hey, I don't have a problem with alcohol. I have a problem without alcohol," Tony creeped his arms around the trickster waist. "So how much time do we have before dinner?"
Inopportunely the other Loki appeared carrying a rather sweet smelling Hela on his shoulders. Robed in short-sleeved, loosely fitted green pyjama with her pitch black curls tightly held back into two twin plaits that almost reached her stomach. Straight back, her hair framed her exposed face and its sullen expression. As the clone Loki approached, he gently placed Hela on her feet, and then disappeared with the typical golden blaze of magic.
Hela seized her father's trouser leg and tugged. "Want juice Daddy,"
"Here let me," An exasperated Tony slinked around Loki to get to the fridge. With a splosh of orange liquid, he filled a small glass before handing it over to Hela. The little girl wrinkled up her nose.
"Wanted apple, wanted apple!"
"Hela," Loki adopted a smooth, governing tone. "Say thank you to Uncle Tony and then go take your place at the table. Dinner will be ready soon,"
A bony hand practically snatched the glass away, followed by a low mutter that could have resembled a thank-you but could also have been a screw you. Either way Hela obeyed her father's instructions, leaving the kitchen was a residual scowl across her face. Tony lingered temporarily, watching Hela walk over to the dinner room extension and then clamber onto the high waist seats.
"She hates me," He confided inaudibly.
"She doesn't hate you. She just doesn't know you…" Loki sampled the pasta sauce and looked a little pleased. "Here try," He offered up the spoon.
"I think I'd rather sample the wine,"
It was after the cork was popped that the lights when on.
"Say Loki, why are there four places set at the table?"
A simple smirk was all the response the trickster gave.
0000
A white slash of lightning ripped across the dark sky announcing the bulky thunderers approach. Loki seemed to tense, as if having sudden second thoughts at extending an invitation to his brother. Tony gave a gentle squeeze to Loki's left hand and briefly caught his eye. The colour was returning to his cheeks.
"Brother!" Thor boomed heartily as he strolled into the apartment, a large stupid grin pasted across his face. He opened his arms wide, ready to embrace his brother. Loki only grimaced and made no movements as Thor's mighty arms closed around him.
"Thor, I'm so glad you accepted my invitation," The delicate sarcasm that clung to his voice suggested otherwise.
"As am I," Thor smoothly pulled back. His right hand remained softly holding the nape of Loki's neck with brotherly affection. "I have missed this. I have missed you,"
Loki reared backwards as if having been stung. "There's no need for such sentiment you big lummox, it's only food,"
"It's much more than that," Thor refused to retire his dopey smile. "This is a peace between us. We are, as the mortals say, building a bridge,"
"No, we're definitely eating pasta. Hey wait, is pasta capable of bringing two feuding demi-gods together, must make a note of that," Tony grinned behind his wine glass.
Loki sighed. "This way to the table Thor, leave that dreadful hammer of yours at the coat stand," With a swift spin on his heels, he retreated.
Once Thor had complied with Loki's demands, he set his sights squarely on Tony, slapping him thunderously on the shoulder, causing Tony to spill some of his drink.
"You have done wonders Mr Stark, I doubt there are not many who could have domesticated my brother in such a short period of time,"
"Thanks I guess…" Tony decided to take it as a compliment though he knew Loki wouldn't. "But err… maybe you shouldn't talk like that when Loki is nearby," Please don't take offence, Thor.
Seeming to contemplate those words Thor engaged Tony more softly. "Does he still possess his temper?" Tony gave a single nod and Thor winced. "Then I shall be on my best behaviour. I do so want this to work,"
"Well, Loki made the first step, so anything is possible,"
Oh who are you kidding Tony Stark. Five minutes into the meal and they'll be at each other's throats. Mark my words…
Tony gulped his remaining wine.
This was not a good idea.
0000
End scene
This chapter was starting to run on a little too long so I decided to cut it in half. What can you expect to happen next? Loki decides to antagonise Thor forcing Tony to play peacekeeper, while Hela attempts to keep Loki and Tony apart by interrupting alone time.
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