Ok, so being sick and in pain during the holidays is a major bummer.. That being said… I am trying to work on the story as much as possible since my job took one look at me yesterday and sent me home.. Who knew being white as a sheet and constantly purging your stomach could do that.. hm..
Who I Was
Chapter 3
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Ava winked at Lo before turning around and facing her brother. "Tony dear, you're becoming predictable in your old age."
Tony looked back at her shocked. "You think I look old?"
Ava laughed. "Vain as always, I see," she made to sit down in front of Lo to shield him from Tony's view. "I have some ground rules."
Tony cocked his head to the side as he listened.
"It has come to my attention that you know each other. There will be no fighting. As I understand that you two don't see eye to eye. My guest has been unable to explain to me a great many things. Tony if you are here you will help." She smirked and used Tony's favorite phrase, "My house, my rules."
The glare that she received would've melted metal. She was happy that Tony had taken off the Ironman suit.
"If you've got Justin Hammer in there, all bets are off." Tony said as he quirked an eyebrow at her.
"No, not at all, his name starts with an 'L', Lo is all he could get out."
Tony narrowed his eyes and started to walk forward. It had been a little over two years since New York. Shortly after that is when he learned that he had a sister. It couldn't possibly be Loki. He was supposed to be in Asgard being punished. Though, no one had heard from Thor in almost a year. Maybe something did happen. Tony had his doubts about Loki's participation/leadership of the failed invasion, but no one would even discuss it with him except Bruce. Some things just weren't adding up. Tony was ripped from that line of thinking by the most the most pathetic sounding cough and groan he'd heard. He gently moved his sister to the side and peered into the back of the truck. There, laying in a small a ball as he could manage, shivering, was Loki. There was a towel thrown around him that he clutched at trying to stay warm. Loki had been thin before, now he was gaunt. There were several cuts on his person and at least one large gash on his arm. Torture, his mind supplied. It looked like he might have a few broken digits as well.
"Jarvis, run a body scan," he said in barely a whisper.
"Right away, sir," the A.I. said just as quietly.
He remembered the feel of long cold fingers around his throat and a hissing voice telling him that we would all fall before him moments before he was sent careening through his own window. He shook his head at the memory and sat down beside Loki. Gone was the air of superiority, he looked more like a child just out of adolescence. Loki's cheeks were flushed, so Tony reached out to feel his forehead. He was as hot as an oven. As Tony was moving his hand away Loki's eyes shot open and he let out a pitiable whimper trying to move away.
"Whoa, hey, hey, not gonna hurt you." Tony said as he raised his hands. "You look like you need some help, buddy."
"Sir, the scan is complete. His internal organs are hard to decipher as he isn't human, but it doesn't appear that they are damaged. He has several fractured bones, lacerations and a concussion. He also has a fever of 103.4."
"Oh my God," Ava whispered as she covered her mouth with her hand.
Tony almost forgot that Ava was there. "Well you've found one God of Mischief sis, this is Loki."
"As in the same guy that threw you out of your own window? I'm going to have to teach him how to high five aren't I?"
Ignoring the look of indignation that Tony shot her, Ava bypassed the back of the SUV and opened the nearest door to Loki. She placed a hand on his shoulder, earning her a flinch. He maneuvered so he could look behind to see her. She smiled and squeezed gently.
"You ready to get out of there?" she paused waiting for his response. Once he nodded to her she slid into the truck behind him. "You think you can stand on your own this time?"
Loki turned his gaze downward looking slightly shamed and shook his head no. Ava gently placed her hand against his face and made him look up to her. "Loki, it's okay. Nothing to be ashamed of, you're hurt, and you're sick. It doesn't matter to me who you are or what you've done. I can tell by Tony's reaction that he doesn't take kindly to your treatment. You're safe here."
Should Loki dare to let himself believe that one of his enemies no less was willing to take him in, without turning him in? The girl was far more easily trusted than Stark. They didn't have a history. Oh, but only if they knew the truth. Loki could scarcely believe the truth, so twisted it was in his mind. He remembered Thor throwing him through a portal and falling to Midgard. Thor didn't follow though. If he was pursuing, wouldn't he follow? Where was the portal from? How did Thor even know how to summon a portal? The buzzing of his mind was beginning to make him dizzy. He lost his footing and started to fall. Footing, when had he gotten out of the vehicle? Something was very wrong, he didn't just lose time.
"Okay, walking is a no-go."
Unexpectedly, Loki found himself in the arms of Tony Stark. Had he really gotten so slight that he could be picked up as though he were a small woman? Despite his wariness, he was so very weary. He didn't feel threatened and Stark was warm. He couldn't remember the last time he'd slept, the last time he'd felt safe. Was he safe, was that really how he felt? He'd learned to tune out the pain in his body a long while ago; maybe if he closed his eyes for a spell it would be alright. Just a few minutes, it couldn't hurt, could it?
Tony felt Loki go slack in his arms and let out a light chuckle. "He must be out of it, he just fell asleep. Who would have thought that Mischief was cuddly?"
"Well, if everything I've heard from you and the others is right, not many people would've taken the time out to learn. Don't forget that he's ill, he might have been fighting to stay awake and it was just a losing battle."
"So where are you going to put sleeping beauty? Do you have guest rooms?"
Ava let out an undignified huff, "Of course I do Tony!"
Tony smirked, "That are clean enough to put people in?"
Ava stopped mid-step and turned to look at him. "I hate you," she said as she stomped away.
"So we're all staying in your room tonight then?" he yelled after her. He laughed again as she answered him with a one finger salute. "That's my girl."
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A/N: So… first off I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Questions? Complaints? Pat on the back you're doing great? Feed my ego people come on!
