Today was actually a good day. As good of a day as I can get around here, anyway. I woke up, found a huge pile of food on the table, and ate until Thor busted down my door yelling about my new workshop.

When I say workshop, I mean work building. Or even 'Work Palace'. The thing has three huge rooms, a loft thing with a bed, a yard, and a well. It's going to be a bitch to get some wiring running through there and highly doubt they have decent plumbing for the water.

I forgot to request a staple gun.

Fury and Thor must have worked surprisingly well together to get everything on my list. Seeing as they don't even know what half of it is, I'm surprised it made it to Asgard in one piece. I can't say I'm not impressed with the intergalactic relations we're building.

I need to remember the staple gun next time Thor heads back to earth.

Maybe I should write a letter to Pepper too.

Maybe I shouldn't.

The rest of the workspace set up is left to me. Now I've got an entire electric forge, my medium sized arc reactor, my work benches, and all the screens to set up all on my own. No holograms for me. I feel like i'm in the dark ages, oh wait, I am. Speaking of old-timey stuff, I'm hoping I can wrangle Thor into doing some of the heavy lifting. He's like a farm hand on steroids. Actually, even Loki could manage it. For all the stick bug that he is, he's strong as hell. Must be an alien thing.

Speaking of Loki, I haven't seen him in a few days. The last time we met he was fine, but when I snuck out again he never showed. I'm worried, no, I'm curious if he got in trouble. I think i'm in the clear because of my bullshit status as 'Visiting Royalty'. Plus, I think Thor likes me better than him. Apparently there's been too much drama between their realms to make friends that easily. Which is kind of surprising, seeing how easy going Thor usually is. Maybe it's the same pig-headedness that all these Aesir have. Like how I wasn't even asked to come along, I was ordered.

Whatever.

I'm not worried about Loki, I'm just ...

"Son of Stark, a guest has arrived for you."

Tony looked up from his phone, still lost in his thoughts. He stared at the servant pointlessly for several minutes before realizing the man had actually said something.

"What?"

The servant repeated his previous statement, and instead of waiting for a response, promptly turned around and left the room.

"Hey!" Tony shouted, launching himself off the couch he had been lounging on. He swore, looked down at his phone, and saved the message.

Someone walked into the room and said, "Anthony..."

Tony smiled at the familiar voice and looked up to see a perfect stranger.

The man was the same hight as Loki, but definitely not Loki. His clothing wasn't Loki's typical loose robes, but a dark green tunic that fitted his body. He wasn't even going to mention the tight leather pants. After a moment, Tony realized he was staring into the deep green eyes. He was being rude, again.

"I'm sorry, you are?"

The man's already pale skin paled further and he looked like he was going to vomit.

"I... I am..."

Tony frowned and putting his phone away, walked closer to inspect the man. He felt like Loki. He sounded like Loki. He even had Loki's hair. The only problem was the obvious lack of Loki blue.

Tony decided to risk it, "Prince Loki?"

The, now obvious, Loki shifted his weight nervously and unconsciously licked his lips. Tony watched as Loki's tongue peeked out between the pink lips, and for a maddening second he missed the small white ridges that were usually there.

"Yes, I have a somewhat more permeant glamour set upon me by King Odin."

Tony gaped openly, giving Loki another look over. This had been the last thing he expected to see after Loki disappeared. "This is your punishment for sneaking out? They turned you fleshy?"

Loki blinked at him slowly before all signs of nervousness left his body. He drew himself up to his full height, seeming to grow another foot taller. Tony had a sneaking suspicion it was something to do with his magic.

Loki's fidgeting hands fell to his side carelessly, as if they hadn't been picking at his sleeves just seconds before. The Princes' expression melted into a mask of cold pride. It was the same face Tony was met with when they were first introduced. It had been a while since the god had turned it back on in front of Tony. It was the face he wore when they met with Thor, or anyone other than Tony, actually.

Tony shivered and took it as a sign that he said something really, really wrong.

"A punishment?" Loki repeated, his voice a harsh growl.

Tony back-paddled as fast as possible. "I didn't mean it like that, I just thought that that was why Odin called you out.I mean, not that I think it's okay that he did that. I didn't think—"

"You are correct."

Tony stopped his babbling, and snapped his mouth shut. He met the cold, very green, eyes in front of him with and tried not to wince.

"It is a form of punishment," Loki continued,his pink lips twisting into a nasty smirk. "Apparently this entire marriage is a farce. I was under the impression we were here to create a bond between my people and the people of Asgard. Clearly, I was wrong, seeing as no one is actually aware there is a monster in their midst."

"A... monster?"

Loki crossed his arms, sinking into himself as if Tony had attacked him with his words.
"I am the monsterthe Aesir fear and hate. One of the 'brutish' creatures they warn their children of." Loki paused, sadness creeping into his eyes. "My people are just a bedtime story told to keep the children of Asgard from wandering off into the woods. I matter less here than I did in Jotunheim."

Tony shifted his weight, trying to remember how Thor had treated Loki. It hadn't been particularly cruel, but it hadn't been kind either.

"Why the hell are we here, then?" Tony snapped. He noticed Loki flinch at the sound of his voice, and knew the god was misinterpreting his reason for the tone. "I mean, why would they force us to come here as some sort of peace treaty if they aren't actually making peace?"

Loki gave him a pitying look. "I asked myself the same questions a thousand times already. I am simply left with more questions."

They stood awkwardly for a while, staring at one another as though one of them might suddenly procure the answers. Tony licked his lips nervously and caught himself staring at Loki's new lips. They were so different when they weren't decked out in Frost Giant colors. There was something less regal, and more delicate about them.

Tony shook his head violently to disperse those thoughts. This was the second time his lips captivated his attention, there were kind of more pressing issues at hand.

"Do you want to change back?"

Loki blinked at him. "Why do you ask? Do I..." he looked down at his body with a strange, uncomfortable look, "do I look hideous?"

"No! No, no, no," Tony denied. "That's not it. You look fucking gorgeous."

With the blue gone, Loki's cheeks flared into a nice red. Tony firmly bit his tongue, forcing himself to not match Loki's cheek color with his own flush. After a few seconds of strangled breathing on both their parts, Loki did something unexpected.

He touched Tony's cheek.

"Whoa!"

Loki flinched back immediately at his exclamation, but Tony leaned forward and grabbed his hand, placing it back on his cheek.

"You're fine," he said quietly, meeting Loki's eyes while thinking calming thoughts. It must have worked, because Loki shifted closer with a look of wonder on his face.

"You're still a little chilly," Tony added with a smile.

"I suppose I cannot hide my true nature entirely."

"That's not a bad thing, is it?"

Loki hummed in agreement and Tony's smile widened as the cold fingers started caress his cheek. It felt weird, calming but exciting at the same time. A mess of conflicting feelings, that Tony was in no way ready to deal with, washed over him at the sight of Loki's face.

It was a gentile expression, coupled with the still pink cheeks and his slightly open mouth. It was just... Adorable.

"Do you want to change back, Prince Loki?" Tony asked again.

"Loki."

"Yes, you?"

Loki smiled apologetically. "Call me Loki. I am hardly a prince now and I never was much of one to begin with."

"Loki," Tony tested the name on his tongue. It felt better without the title, more intimate.

Loki stared at him, his eyes serious. "Yes?"

"Do you want to be blue again?"

"Yes," Loki whispered.

"Then I think it's high time I show you what your fiancé is capable of."

My day was not all terrible, it began pleasantly yet ended in a rather complicated mess of affairs. In fact, I had a quite enjoyable afternoon once I was in St- Anthony's company.

I had debated for several days whether or not to approach him in my new form. I was allowed to wander the halls freely now, yet I somehow felt less inclined to do so. To walk around in another's skin with a smile, and a lie on my lips. I did not want to give Odin the satisfaction.

Perhaps I debated too long. For when I finally plucked up the courage to visit him, he failed to recognize me. I felt disheartened, at first, when he asked who I was. I feared it was just as it always was back at home. I was not often remembered fondly, if at all. My own family members forgetting my name as some cruel joke.

It was only after a moment that I realized I must have changed much more than my skin color. Maybe my high had increased, or my hair was red. Or perhaps the color of my skin was all that defined me?

Yet, he recognized me, in the end. I will admit, (only in the privacy of my own writings) , that it gave me great pleasure that he knew me. The fact that he recognized Odin's 'favor' for what it truly was, a cruel punishment, also gave me a great relief. I was so afraid that he would only find me appealing in this new flesh. That he would be more comfortable in my presence whilst I wore my disguise, as Odin said the Aesir would. I do not know why it matters so, but it does to me. The thought that he would dislike me at all bothers me so much I cannot bare it.

Perhaps it is because he was the first person to see my true self, and value it. When I showed him my magic, he reveled in it. When we speak, he finds me intelligent. I worry that I place too much trust in him far too soon, but I cannot help the overwhelming feeling that... No, best to stay away from those thoughts. I need to calm myself. It would not be wise to fall fast into an emotional state. I have been burnt one too many times by that flame.

But, let us return to more happy memories. The afternoon was pleasant. It started with a tour of his new quarters. Although, I suppose they should be called a Smithy, perhaps? I should ask him what he calls it, next we meet. He was quite eager to show me his 'technology' again. I have to admit, I could not fathom more than half of the intended purposes of his devices. He seemed slightly disappointed. I believe he had greater expectations of me after the phone.

After a while, he sat me down and started prodding me with different instruments. I can't say that part was as pleasant, but the conversation was a perpetual feast for the mind. He spun theories about the Bifrost I had never heard before. He is convinced, ( still, as I was unable to sway his opinion), that it was something called particles and... oh I don't know. I tried to explain to him that one remains whole for the journey and we do not simply shatter as we travel. He told me he would have to try it again to know. The atmosphere became rather awkward after that, both of us knowing we would never travel on the Bifrost again unless ordered to do so for diplomatic reasons. Reasons we agreed were unlikely to ever arise.

Everything went well until he tested some brought out a small device with a button and a dial on it. I was never entirely sure what it was, but it only took a moment between sitting there smiling and him pressing the button before...

The pain was excruciating. It felt as though he was stung by dozens of pins and then set on fire. It lasted only seconds, but pain reverberated, expanded throughout his being until he was shaking uncontrollably. Loki fell from his stool to the dusty floor without the strength to catch himself.

"Loki?! Oh shit oh shit oh shit !"

Loki mewled in pain, his eyes filling with tears as his body refused to stop shuddering.

"Lo—" Tony stopped and gasped.

Whatever it was he saw was so terrible that even Anthony was at a lost for words. This only terrified Loki more.

"W-what have you d-done?" He managed to choke out.

Anthony's voice came as a coarse whisper, "you're blue again... but..."

Loki tried to open his eyes, but he could not see anything. They still felt wet, but it was not the familiar wetness of tears. It felt thick, oozing, and painful.

"What is wrong with me?" Loki whispered in return.

"Your eyes," Tony answered quietly, "they're bleeding."

Loki quickly raised his hands, fingers brushing tentatively at the back of his eyelids. They were met with the same sticky substance he felt running down his cheeks in sluggish rivulets.

Anthony was above him, and Loki could sense the waves of panic coming off of him. It wasn't anger. It couldn't be.

It was only an accident.

Loki was sure, mostly sure, that the pain he felt was not given to him willingly. Anthony never lashed out at him, or screamed at him. He had been trying to help Loki return to himself.

It was only an accident.

Yet he flinched when he felt those callused hands take ahold of his shoulders. Loki could only swallow the torrent of words that panic drove into his throat, threatening to scream in apology as he did so many times before. The words to beg for forgiveness leaped to mind, ready to appease his attacker's anger. But he chocked them back, he closed his mouth and shivered.

"I won't hurt you," Tony said quietly before adding, "any more than I just did, anyway."

"I am fine," Loki lied.

"No, you're not and I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't..."

"Anthony," Loki whispered urgently, " I am fine. This is nothing."

Stark was quiet for so long that Loki nearly forgot he was there, until a harsh whisper broke the silence.

"What the hell have you gone through to make this seem like nothing?"

"Much worse things."

"Because you aren't as tall as the rest of them? Because you don't grunt and beat your chest in manly prowess?"

Loki sat up slowly, leaning on his shaky arms for support. "For all things that make up me. For my failures and even my triumphs. Every thing I succeeded at was the wrong thing." He winced at his own words and held a hand up to his eyes again. "Is this permanent?"

"No, I'll fix it," Tony promised in a tense voice. Loki could sense anger returning to the mortal beside him. He always seemed to get angry when Loki spoke of his past. He was still unsure as to why. Or, perhaps he just didn't want to admit that he knew the reasons why.

"I think I'm gonna need some help, though," Stark added, sounding unsure.

"Who would help me, especially now that I am in my own skin again, as you pointed out."

"I think I know just the person. She's really not the type to care what you look like anyway."

Loki could hear the smile in his voice and wondered who the person was that Anthony seemed to trust so fully. In all the time they had spent together, he had never seen the man trust anyone other than Loki himself. He skirted Thor, even though the golden-haired man seemed to have take a liking to Anthony. Loki had never seen him in the presence of Odin, or any of the other Aesir.

Loki pondered it a minute more, until the pain grew too strong. "Let her help, if she is willing."

"Good, stay here and I'll be right back. Don't... don't die or anything, okay?"

"I'm not dying, Anthony. Stop being overly dramatic."

"Well excuse me for worrying about someone who is bleeding from their eyeballs after one little electrical pulse."

"You may be excused," Loki replied promptly.

There was a strange huffing sound that Loki placed as laughter before he heard the door open.

"Then I shall excuse myself, your majesty."

The door shut, leaving Loki confused as to what just happened.

He ran. It wasn't Tony's strong suit, being the one who usually flew over the Earth, not walked on it. He was sweating and panting like a dog in heat. It was disgusting and his lungs felt like they would pop. His heart wasn't feeling all that great either. He realized, too late, that maybe he shouldn't be over working himself like this. But fuck it, Loki was in his workshop bleeding from his god damn eyes.

So he ran all the way up from the lower courts, through the main hall, up past the throne room to the Aesir's living quarters, and skidded to a stop outside a room with a small golden door. It was a door he had accidentally wandered through one of the days he was without Loki's company. It was the door between him and his only hope at helping Loki.

He knocked and panted, and waited.

"Yes?" Came a soft voice just as the door opened to reveal a tall, golden haired woman. "Oh, it is you again."

"Me...again," Tony panted, bending over to catch his breath. He ignored the way his heart was clenching in his chest, and hurried on, "I hate to ask you like this, but I really need your magic healing hands."

The woman's smile faltered as she tilted her head. "Are you hurt?"

"No, no, no." Tony shook his head and straightened up, a hand clutching at a stitch in his side. "It's my... fiancée. He's sort of bleeding."

The woman's eyes narrowed before she turned on her heel and disappeared back into the room. Tony winced at another throb in his chest, taking in a deep, dragging breath.

"Show me." She had returned with a small bag in her hands, pulling a teal shawl over her shoulders in a rush. She was half way down the hall before Tony caught up with her.

Tony opened the workshop door and peeked his head in, unsure if his stunted explanation of events was enough to prepare her for what she was about to see.

"Loki?"

There was a shuffle from somewhere behind one of his half set up benches.

"Anthony?" came Loki's voice, soft and fearful.

Tony pushed his way through the door and crept closer to where he heard the voice. "Loki, I brought her here for you. Can you come out?"

The woman came up behind him and waited patently. Loki's head peeked out from behind the bench, facing the wrong way.

"Where are you?" He asked, his closed, bloody eyes turning past him.

Tony's chest hurt again, and he ignored it again. "I'm here, Loki," he said, coming forward and gently touching the prince's shoulder. Loki flinched a little, but instantly leaned back into his touch.

"Are you Prince Loki?" the woman asked.

Loki tensed under Tony's hands. So he leaned forward and kissed the god's forehead in a mad hope that it would help somehow.

"Stay calm," he whispered, "She will help you, okay?"

Loki went completely still until he spoke in a calm, regal voice, "Who is it who comes to me aid?"

"I am Lady Frigga, that is all you need to know for now." She moved closer, looking at Tony for permission to approach further. He nodded, and she did. "Let me see your eyes, Prince Loki."

Tony stepped to the side and felt Loki lean after his touch as his hands moved away. Something inside his chest clenched yet again, forcing a small gasp out of him.

"Anthony?" Loki asked, his blind eyes turning towards him. "What ails you?"

"Nothing, nothing. Just..." Tony paused and glanced at Frigga, "just let the nice lady help you."

Loki frowned in disappointment, turning away from Tony at last.

Just as she moved to touch Loki's cheeks, Tony remember something important.

"Stop! Hold it!" He yelled, reaching out to catch her hand.

Loki flinched away from his voice, confused. "What?! What is wrong?"

"She can't touch you," Tony said, meeting Frigga's eyes for a moment before looking back at Loki and letting go of her hand. "If I remember correctly, you said something about burning the Aesir?"

Loki jerked back quickly, nearly toppling over to the ground. "I did not realize she aimed to touch me. I... my deepest apologies, Lady Frigga."

"There is no need for an apology, Prince Loki," she said with a smile. "Although, this is a bit of a problem. I shall not be able to heal you without touching you." She paused and gave Tony a thoughtful look. "Unless... Son of Stark, you are able to touch his skin and remain unharmed?"

Tony nodded and made a point of poking Loki's face with a finger, causing Loki to twitch again. He muttered an apology under his breath and looked up at her hopefully.

"I think I may have a way around this," Frigga said, holding her hands out to him. "If you could place your palms over his eyes. Gently, please."

His nerves were starting to fray and he was more than sure that he about to become a magic conduit. But he listened, because Loki was still bleeding from his eyes.

Once in position, Tony could feel the prince shivering under his hands. He swallowed any words of comfort, not quite trusting his voice at the moment.

"Both of you need breathe and calm yourselves," Frigga spoke from behind Tony. Of course, he tensed up.

"Son of Stark," she added, laying her hands on his shoulders, "you must relax if you wish to help him."

"Easier said than done."

Loki whimpered a little. That was enough for Tony. Taking in a deep breath, he closed his eyes and began to think calming thoughts.

Mark V.
Solar energy panels to charge my phone other than the reactor.
Pepper when she laughs.
Pepper when she smiles.
A smile.
Loki's smile.

Tony's eyes jerked open, and he opened his mouth to deny what his brain was telling him just as Frigga sent a wave of magic through. At least, he assumed it was magic. It didn't feel sparkly and good, it felt like a heat washing through his body and leaving out his hands.

Loki shuddered and for a second Tony thought the prince would pull away until Frigga suddenly released them both from her magic.

He let his hands fell away slowly, almost afraid to see what was beneath them. There was still blood on Loki's face, but it was already congealing on his cold skin. With a few gentile movements, Tony wiped it away from his eyes.

"Let's open them up, Blue's Clues."

Loki sat there and didn't move, looking as though he was waiting for something.

"Loki?"

"Oh, yes?" Loki rushed, his brow furrowing over closed eyes.

"That was your cue to open your eyes."

There was a soft chuckle from Frigga, and Loki's cheeks turned a darker hue of blue. His eyes opened slowly, the Frost Giant red making it impossible to differentiate between blood, and his natural eye color.

Tony smiled nervously and leaned closer to inspect his eyes. "Can you see me?" He asked, then raised a hand to hold up three fingers. "How many fingers am I holding up?"

"I can see you perfectly and you are holding three fingers directly in my face."

Tony grinned and sat back a little. "There he is! That's my snappy Loki-pie."

The blue cheeks darkened more. "Do not speak to me as though I am some sort of pet!" Loki snapped at last, standing up to his full hight.

Tony smiled up at him and reached up to pat his shoulder. "It's a term of endearment. You're gonna have to get used to it if you marry me."

Loki gave him a look and started to argue when Frigga interrupted him.

"It seems everyone is healthy enough to bicker," she began, a hint of amusement in her voice, "I shall take my leave now."

Tony spun around and bowed clumsily to her. "Thank you for helping him."

Loki stepped beside him and bowed low, one leg going back, and his hand fluttering gracefully.

"You have my deepest gratitude, Lady Frigga."

"Prince Loki, if I recall correctly, my husband placed a glamour upon you. What has happened to it since?"

Tony's body creaked as he flinched, his head still low from the bow. His eyes flickered to the side to see Loki glancing back at him fearfully. Tony decided to take the blame. After all, he was the one who changed him back.

"That would be my fault. I liked him better when he's blue. It goes with all my outfits and he makes a perfect cooler for drinks if you..." Tony stopped babbling at the laugh that bubbled out of Frigga.

"I see, Son of Stark." She chuckled again and gave Loki a warm smile. "I much prefer his natural skin, myself. The markings are quite beautiful."

"Although," she added, her voice growing somber, "Odin will not be pleased that you have returned to this form. He did intended his magic as a precaution against any of those who wished to harm you."

Tony spoke up again, "I'll take care of it. I already know what went wrong this time, so I can change him back. I think. I won't mess up again."

The queen's gazed fell to him for a long moment, before she sighed. "I will come to your aid, should you need it. Until then, be careful who sees you. There are still those who would attack before knowing your purpose here."

"My purpose, my Lady, was to bring piece between Asgard and Jotunheim," Loki said in a calm voice. "I cannot see how this will be possible while I look like an Aesir."

"Patience," Frogga warned, her smile returning tenfold. "The time will come for you, Prince Loki, to shine amongst us all. Until then, be content under the glamour, for your touch will not burn others, and they should find no reason to glare or harm you."

"He better not going around touching people," Tony joked, giving Frigga a lopsided grin.

Her laugh was gentile, but sincere. "I shall leave that for you two to discuss. Please visit me again for lunch tomorrow, if you are both free?"

"But of course," Loki answered for both of them, ending his sentence with a other flourishing bow.

After her departure, Tony turned and gave Loki a look over.
"Are you sure you're okay?"

"You brought the queen of Asgard to heal a Frost Giant?"

Tony bit back a nasty comment on how few options he actually had at the time, instead replying with, "I didn't know she was a queen until just now."

"How could you now know?" Loki snarled, "I was blind, what was your excuse?!

"My excuse? Oh let's see, I'm not from around here, I've never met any royalty other than Thor and you, and I didn't fucking ask."

Loki was biting his lip and glaring at him, but the tension was already fading away.

"Loki, are you okay?"

"Are you?"

Tony snapped, "Can you answer the damned question with an answer, not another question?"

Loki stepped closer, his face unreadable. "I am fine, Stark."

"Don't do that..." Tony said, his frustration ebbing away. "Don't switch off like that."

"Switch off?"

Tony closed the last of distance between them and looked at him sadly. "Don't start calling me by my last name because you don't like something I do. It feels like we're starting all over again."

Loki arched his eye brows. "Anthony, then."

"Thanks."

"Are you well, Anthony?" Loki repeated, his voice softer.

"I might have given myself a mini heart attack, but I'll live," he replied, running a hand through his hair and looking around the workshop. "I think that's enough excitement for one day. I'll walk you back."

Loki gave him a bemused look, but nodded. "Shall my mask be restored tomorrow, then?"

"If it's necessary, I guess so."

"Can you do it?" Loki asked, sounding hesitant.

"I can. I promise no bleeding this time. I don't need another heart attack."

"Something attacked your heart?"

"Did you miss that the first time?" Tony laughed and headed for the door, beckoning Loki to follow. "It means I got so freaked out it felt like my heart exploded."

Loki did not answer, but remained quiet for the rest of the journey back to his room. Once there, he turned around abruptly and looked down at Tony with a look of determination.
"Do not let your heart be damaged by me or my actions. I would morn the loss of you, if no one else."

Tony gaped at him, unable to stop the blush that creeped across his face. "I... You w— I don't even..."

"Please have a good night," Loki concluded quickly, flashing a shy smile before slithering into his room faster than was humanly possible.

Tony stared at the door for a long moment before turning back to head to his room. Halfway down the hall, he took out his phone and made a new note.

Remember:
Loki's smile.