hey everyone! i have finished my mock exams and i would like to sincerely thank those who thanked me!(although i did terribly TT-TT)

i blame all you reviewers if i fail! its all because of your wonderful reviews that i had the urge to write this chapter during my exams! Dx

a great thanks to Orion, fawkestimelord for helping me with jarvis

and aLOT of thanks to Evilconcubine! the website is wonderful!

thankyou everyone that loved my prev chapter. now here's another!

can anyone guess what game loki is dreaming of?

*edit*
thor most likely cant read english right? only norse...

*edit2*

i completely forgot about loki's handcuffs


He is my most beloved friend and my bitterest rival, my confidant and my betrayer, my sustainer and my dependent, and scariest of all, my equal.

- Greg Levov

Ch-4 The calm before the storm

"Hey big guy! Like the new room for your little brother? Built in that especially for him." Tony waved as Thor escaped the metal jaws that was about to close on him as he walked slowly.

"It… is indeed pleasant, but I dread to tell that it lacks the taste of our home, in which I'm sure he will quite appreciate if likely."

Tony cocked his head to the side, obviously not really listening, swinging his drink in one hand gesturing the god to sit where he sat previously. The god followed and settled down, eyes wondering about his team mates. He was curious. It would be a lie if he said he wasn't scared. He was terrified. What words had they exchanged while he was gone? Why was Stark acting as if he drank four horns of ale? What do they plan to do with his little brother? Will they hurt him? Of course not. His friends wouldn't…But if they did… If they even thought about it, raised their voice, and grabbed anything that maybe harmful… I will break their necks. Large hands curled around at the hammer loose on his belt, veins popping out, and his muscles already tense. No one will harm my brother. No one, not again, not again… Thankfully, Romanoff noticed his change in demeanor, and fearing his rage upon the team, spoke swiftly.

"How is he doing?"

Thor blinked. His grip loosened and his smile looped a little. "He is fine. He is sleeping fine, and…" he turned to Tony, remembering what he was about to say before, "Stark, I'm afraid the room is in need of refurnishing."

Tony drank his drink to the tip and shook at the empty glass. Out of habit, he looked at the god in an annoyed fashion which earned himself a nudge from the doctor still sitting on his marshmallow shaped seat.

"Okay, let me guess, he needs a full plasma TV, his own operating microwave for poppin' pop corns, lots of gold and sparkles, and how can we forget? A nice throne to sit on." He turned his back to the team and waved his empty glass in the air.

"Don't worry, just getting another drink –" he slurred a little, hands already mashed in between multiple of different beverages.

"Stark, I am afraid I do not know what all these… Ornaments of decoration and tangible matters you speak quite pugnacious of, but I assure, a throne is no longer the threat of question to keep in mind anymore within my brother, nor is gold and... sparkles. The room needs… Asguard –"

Before he could properly finish his sentence, Tony let out a roar of laughter, half choking at the brown liquid that slid down his throat. "Yeah! Bring Asguard here! Bring the whole party here! Fantastic idea!" he cheered his glass at the confused golden one, while his team mates looked disapproving at him.

"Stark… you've been drinking too much after we agreed in our new mission. You said you accept!" Steve said, obviously unhappy at the man's ridiculous behavior. Tony snorted and pointed a finger that held the glass at the captain, leaning forward on the counter to support his weight.

"Yeah, I accept, but that doesn't mean I like it! It's preposterous! It's ridiculous! It's a laughable subject matter! See? Ahahahah!" he laughed, his head whipping back to stare at the ceiling. He really was drunk. Tony truly didn't want to look after the god of evil. He had already wrecked his mansion, his home, his friends, his suit, and now he was going to wreck and permanently ruin his life of living for two damn weeks. His agreement with Fury was out of adrenaline and the need of sport, but once that wore out, he knew it was a bad idea. He had already forgotten Loki was with them when he arrived back at the tower. All he could think of was having a drink and fun with his comrades once stripping his suit off. Loki didn't even touch his mind. That's why I have pepper around to help me, Tony thought rather bitterly, unhappy he was incapable of the easiest reminders that a worldwide villain was in his living room. It was when Romanoff mentioned his name and the new mission that he was slapped on the face by reality and realization. It was there that he realized he didn't want to do anything with Loki anymore, nothing with deals of looking after him, nothing. He wanted to wave a farewell handkerchief and watch the gods fly off to the horizon of rainbow bridges and floating houses. Yeah, he accepted, because a deal was a goddamn deal, but that didn't mean he had to like it. He was Tony stark for the love of god; he did whatever he wanted, when he felt like it. After he had asked Jarvis to bring Thor back upstairs, he had been drinking himself silly, the other watching with a tad of concern. His mood changed from bitter to happy, then back to down under and up heavens. He looked down to see Romanoff meters away from in the entrance of the pub. Her face was hard, and stark staggered a little, not really backing down to the glare.

"Stark, you're drunk." It wasn't a question. It was a pure statement of fact. Stark looked to the space behind her than focused when she took a step forward. He grinned.

"Yeah, I am, uh…" he placed his glass down and look up to see a wash of disappointed looks. "Um, yeah, uh, I'm going to bed losers, so, JARVIS!" he grimaced at his own loud voice. Thor looked about him in wonder once again as the British voice drifted in to the room.

"Yes sir? It seems you've been drinking again up to the usual 7 glasses, sir. May I suggest you look for different ways to tranquilize your –"

"Jarvis shut up and help these," he waved dismissively at his crew, "people to their rooms. When I arrive to my room, have pepper online, okay?"

"Done, sir."

With that, the playboy was gone, leaving Thor slightly frustrated and the rest in a disappointed weight.

"He did not let me finish my request."

Bruce turned to Thor looking pitiful and sad. He stood and patted the god on the shoulder. He could feel the muscles tensing even under the scales of armor.

"Hey, why don't we all talk more tomorrow? Right now, we should all get some rest."

In cue, they all stood up, and the voice of the AI rang out.

"Lady and gentlemen, if you will all follow me, your bed chambers await in the same level as Mr. Odinson's brother."

Barton gave a small nod of approval. "So if he tries something, we'll be right there." He still had his bow and arrow strapped around his back. It breathed in and out like it was alive, its tightness reminding him of his anger, his objective, and his hatred towards one specific person. Thor looked to see Barton have his fists in a tight ball. He frowned at the previous remark. He wouldn't, would he? Thor wondered briefly when the elevator doors opened. The voice rang out again and as they walked down the corridor, he couldn't help but curiosity got over him.

"Lady Romanoff, I am sorry to intrude in any of your thoughts, but I must enquire, what and who is that voice guiding us to our bed chambers? Truly not a troll, for they are difficult to consult and handle." At hearing the question, the rest of the team huddles a little closer to the assassin, wanting to find out the answers themselves.

"It's not magic, is it? Because I've just had enough of that for a while." Steve asked softly, his eyes scaling every inch of the walls around him. The female chuckled.

"No, it's a computer generated artificial intelligence that Stark created. Its' name, J.A.R.V.I.S is short for 'just a rather very intelligent system', although my search showed that the stark family had a family butler named Jarvis also. Jarvis runs internal systems of Stark's home and is uploaded into his armors to help him in combat, maintenance, and navigation. He is able to infiltrate data like a virus will act but can also be over-run by others like –"

"Natasha, I'm going to have to stop you there. These guys look as confused as dodos." Bruce called out to the fact-mesmerized assassin. Natasha stopped, not realizing that Thor and Steve was staring at her quite absent minded and down to the core confused. Barton gave a hearty laugh and turned the door handle that led to his room.

"Computer generated artificial intelligence?" Steve echoed puzzlingly.

"What is a butler? Are they creatures? Was Jarvis a pet?" Thor questioned.

Romanoff sighed softly, opening a door next to Barton's room. Banner smiled. "No Thor, butlers are what we earth people call servants."

Thor nodded, that frowned again. "Then why do you not just call them servants? Why butlers? Do they question a lot and intrude to be called that?" the team laughed, Thor looking about quite confused. Banner gave him a pat on the shoulder.

"You'll understand one day Thor." The team gave nodding acknowledgments to each other, silently bidding each other a good night. Each door had the crew's name on the top, and as Steve entered his, banner and Thor wondered about looking for theirs.

"Jarvis? Where's my room?"

"sir Banner, sir has located your room at the top with your own personal lab. If you will enter the elevator, I shall guide you there."

Banner beamed at hearing this, also knowing this was also a safety precaution, and he was thankful for Tony's consideration. Thor smiled for him, as Banner waved good night to the god and into the moving box, the metallic mouth closing. Jarvis's voice rang out again.

"Mr. Odinson, you room is on the other side of the hall, next to your brother's room." Thor smiled at this, taking a swift turn back to where he had laid his brother to rest. He flicked about and seeing upon a door next to Loki's, assuming his, entered.


A window. A bright, white window.

Loki shielded his eyes as the light poured into the house. He looked about, confused in his new surroundings. As he tried to adjust, he realized he was staring straight at a window, bright white light shining in. He turned, the sudden darkness startling him. He was a in a house, with no lights, but the lights coming from outside. Loki stood there for a while, unsure what to do.

"Thor?" he called out quietly. He cleared his voice. Don't be afraid Loki. "Hello?"

Eyes finally adjusting, to the dim surroundings, he moved around. He came across what seemed like a kitchen. He shifted through the drawers in curiosity, wondering what was in them. Each came out empty, until a loud clatter suddenly sounded. He jumped back, only to see a key that had fallen out of one of the drawers. He held it, the small object cold in his hand. He realized he wasn't wearing his usual garments anymore, but instead of something more soft, more comfortable than the tight clothing he wore previously. He realized there was a door next to the kitchen. As he grasped at the handle, it wouldn't open. He looked up, and recognized something was on the door. Angling to the left, using the light from the window, he saw a heart, a large heart seemingly painted on lovingly, even though a little sloppy. Loki reached up, touching the heart. Strangely, it was warm. As he trailed his finger around the shape, the feel under his fingers was soft like velvet. Is this… how sentiment feels like? Loki scowled, moving away from the door. Wondering about, he shortly saw stairs, and climbed up, coming to meet more bright windows spilling white light in the gray and black room. Where on Midgard are those arrogant mortals and my brother of an oaf? He now faced a small corridor, 4 doors, and two on each side of the wall. There was something unique on each door. One had the number 1. Another next to it had 2. The door opposite of it had 3, and the last, facing opposite of 1 had a drawing, what seemed like a silhouette, was a head. They glowed in the white light from the window, the same as the heart had downstairs. Unlike the heart, the head was precise, symmetrical, and articulate. Loki slowly approached the doors. Should I…? Loki tried to open the door with the head, but it remained locked. The key didn't work either. He tried the one facing opposite of it, and sure enough, the number one door opened. He slowly stepped in, another set of cupboards lining up in the room. As he sifted through them, another key uncovered itself. Loki grinned. Whatever game this is, avengers, I shall thwart you in this! As he grabbed the in triumph, another image reflected itself against the large windows. He came closer and stared at it quizzically. This was what he saw; a shape what seemed like a person, a plus sign, and a key, equal sign, and an open door. Next to that picture was another, an X sign with two mortal shapes and one key. Loki stared. He had always been good with puzzles, always exceling them to the highest level. But this… somehow, he just couldn't put his hand to it. Why were Midgardian symbols so strange? Quietly tucking it away into his mind, he went out of the door. He grinned, key in the door with number 2 painted on it. He wondered what was in the door. He reached for the handle…

… Loki startled, the sounds of footsteps and murmured voices putting him into the edge. Quickly, he was on his hands, looking about and observing his surroundings. It was still dark, but there was sunlight peeking through gaps of the curtains. He could see the white carpet that surrounded the perimeter, the bark colored bed and the white sheets. He pushed at the pillow, the cushion sinking in, and slowly rising back up. It was very soft, his bed. He hadn't slept in a while. And he had to admit… it was nice to finally have a rest. He groaned, his joints stiff, his garments feeling tight and suffocating around him. He had a sudden urge to just rip them off. He didn't want to wear them anymore. It was suffocating, stifling, choking, asphyxiating. He curved to move, but a sharp clink rang in his ears. It was the chains. He still wore the handcuffs. Hands slowly reached up to soft lips, a soft sigh escaping. It's not there. Unexpectedly, he wondered if he had a dream. Was it a dream? If so, what was it? Loki dismissed it, slowly attempting to get up and out of the bed. As much as he loved the rest, he knew he had to get up. They were waiting, waiting to taunt him, condemn him. He took a few quick breathes, and slowly reached for the handle…

"Brother! Are thou up?"

Loki quietly yelped, jumping back by Thor's sudden out-bust, landing back on his bed, hands awkwardly in front of his chest. Thor continued to beam. He could perfectly see his brother's face even in the dim light, and he could see that his brother was better in health than yesterday. There were still dark circled underneath the green eyes, and the cheek bones were jutting out and the skin clear and pale. However, he could tell, his brother had the sleep he needed. He could see it. He could feel it. Loki scowled at the beaming happy face.

"Yes, I am up." He quietly ignored the fact he called him brother. Thor smiled, then realizing Loki was struggling to get back up, he stepped in, opening the door wide, bright light coming into the dim room. "Show me thine chains!"

Raising an eyebrow, he raised his hands, the chains gray and tight, the clinks menacing as ever. Loki's eyes widened as Thor grabbed his hammer. He wouldn't strike me, would he? He squeezed his eyes shut as the Thor brought the mighty weapon down. A loud metallic sound screeched in his ears, than all weight on his hands disappeared. Small sounds of metal hitting each other and swaying sounded, and Loki opened his eyes in astonishment. Thor had broken the chains. Thor smiled as Loki stared at the severed chains in a confusing manner.

"Brother let us go! I am famished!" he gave a hand for the younger god to stand. Breaking out of his trance, Loki looked away and glowered, standing up by himself.

"I am very capable of standing up by myself, Thor."

Frowning a little sadly, Thor nodded and let the younger follow him out.


Thor had never slept better. He felt refreshed, calm, and most of all, re-assured. Re-assured, knowing that his brother was right next to him, separated by a single brick of wall. No longer were they realms apart, and most of all, he wasn't dead. Thor could feel tears coming up, but he fought them back down. He's alive, he's alive… He's alive…

No longer wearing his armor, he felt comfortable in the plain Midgardian clothes, simple gray top and blue trousers. He fastened a belt, laying his hammer in between the space. He was excited to see his brother once again.

The rest of the crew didn't wake up as fast as Thor did. Steve was sleeping, having a few nightmares of the past late in the night. Tony was well hung over. Natasha was catching up on her beauty sleep, and Barton was actually already up, perched on the top of the tower, feet calmly dangling over the edge.

Tony slowly awoke to the sounds of a thunder-like voice booming from downstairs in the kitchen. He groaned, grabbing at his aching head. "Jarvis… tell the damn bloody god to shut up won't ya?"

"Sir, I believe that would be highly inappropriate and you may come to deeply regret it as you always do –"

"Maybe I should reset and reboot you so you don't have a personality" muttered the playboy. "Ugh never mind. Tell my schedule for today. Where's pepper?"

"Miss Potts have vacated the premises at 6 am sharp this morning. She has installed me the schedule for you and the avengers sir."

Tony frowned. "What's the time now?"

"Sir, it is 27 minutes past 9. Your 8 –"

"FUCK!"

" – 30 presentation at the board of NY energy firms have passed and is ending in 3 minutes."

Tony groaned loudly. Today just wasn't his day. "Jarvis, prepare some breakfast for all the avengers, and our damn guest, got it? And have someone deliver a hangover drink. I'm not handling this one right."

"All done sir. Shall I summon everyone to the kitchen?"

"Yeah you go do that."

"Sir, which kitchen? We have over 5."

"… The one closest to me."

With that, the AI finally shut up. Stark got up, still dressed in what he wore last night. Washing up and having an awful long shower, he hobbled his way to Bruce's room, which was right opposite of his armory room.

"Doctor?" he knocked. Seeing no response, he clicked the six digits in and opened the hard metallic door. "Doctor, it's time to get up."

Banner continued to sleep soundlessly, body slouched over a large white desk, paper sprawled everywhere, stained with notes and scribbles. His glasses were crooked, his hair messy and unkempt. Dark circles graced his eyes, bags hanging. Tony smiled, snorting a little.

"Bruce, you should really be taking care of. Are you not a doctor after all?"

With a harrumph, he hoisted the man up and onto his bed, just a few meters away. "Lucky you, you don't have to be at the chaos of breakfast."

Trip to the kitchen was short, and when he reached his destination, the genius desperately wished that he had taken the stairs. He groaned, I'm not drunk enough to handle this. Food was littered everywhere, banana peels and orange peels scattered around the clear white floor. Open packets of chips and biscuits lay carelessly on the granite shelves. Tony gaped, eyes slowly moving to the god calmly eating a mango with a knife. Knife. Loki wasn't wearing his handcuffs anymore. No, scratch that, he was wearing them; they were just severed off from each other, defeating the whole process and meaning of 'handcuffs'. Tony panicked. As he opened his mouth to yell at the top of his voice, a loud boom over ran him.

"Ah! Friend Stark! We are in need of you service!" Thor popped up from under the bench, seeming to have been crouching around the cupboards. He pointed a box at him. "Could tis be pop-tarts? This label states 'popcorn', but could thine be a different manner of 'pop-tarts'? Like thee cinnamons flavor and the…"

Tony squeezed the space between his eyes. Control yourself Stark… he grimaced at the loud clatter Thor made, a quiet but loud splat coming from Loki and his fruit peels. He had at least eaten 8 different typed of fruits. My hangover is not helping.

"You… two… GET… OUT…"

Sensing anger in his voice, Thor abruptly stopped, afraid of the man of iron throwing rage towards Loki.

"Of course." He dropped everything and quickly made his way to the exit in which Tony leaned against. He gestured Loki to do the same and follow, but the god remained seated at the counter, chewing away at an apple. Tony scowled, massaging his throbbing temples.

"Hey, reindeer games, did you hear me?"

Loki barely glanced in his direction, throwing the finished apple aimlessly to the side, which landed right at the billionaire's feet. "You deaf?"

Loki took a mango and started to peel it with the knife he held before. He quite liked it, this Midgardian knife, though not perfect for throwing, it was perfect in its purpose to cut whatever its master wished without a single complaint.

"Man of Iron, you seem to be at loss of your brain, for it is clear from the day before today my hearing was never impaired. Perhaps if you did not always want to participate in your drowning of highly intoxicating mead, you would be able to function better. You speak as if thou are a child bombarding a tantrum for the affection of his father."

Something ticked inside of the billionaire as the god spoke his last sentence. The gears in his heart that he had left to deteriorate and rust started to move, the clock work ticking loudly, the spider webs he had used to cover it up were torn apart and thrown away. He roared, blindly running towards the calm god, rage being all but everything to him. Thor moved to grab at the enraged man, but saw he had no need. Something shot past the billionaire, slicing the very air itself. It made him stop in his tracks, the power overwhelming. A sudden sharp pain cut itself open on his right cheek, and he grabbed at the blood, staggering away from where he stood. He turned, and saw the small knife Loki had been using to cut the mango, embedded in the wall, 2 centimeters deep. He turned to see Loki in front of him, half eaten manga resting gently in his hands. The green eyes analyzed him, and finally a smile spread across the silent god.

"I may have lost my magic and immortality Stark, but never for a second think that I am as weak in the forms of a mortal as your mere self. Never, ever direct your anger to me, or you may very well regret it." With a graceful smile, he brushed past Thor, heading for the living room. Tony continued to stare into space until imploding. "That's it! That's it I've had enough!"

He turned to thunder god to continue in his ranting, but stopped. Thor looked at him with his large blue eyes, full of compassion, hand slowly reaching and resting on the billionaire's shoulder.

"My friend, I am sorry if he has wounded you, but know that, when he spoke those last words, he has opened up his heart too, and ended up cutting himself."

Tony, still holding his bleeding cheek, looked down, wondering just how much it wounded the other. "…What happened? and why on earth is his handcuffs broken?" Thor frowned.

" Do not worry, for the handcuffs are still in use with it's power to conceal my brother's magic. Loki cannot move about freely with the dreaded metal stuck together...I do not believe it is my place to speak of such sensitive subject. It is Loki's decision, and his –"

"Okay, and yeah, his decision and his only, yadi da di da, I've heard enough of those crap. How about an equivalent exchange, okay? I give you my story, you give me his!"

"… Fair enough." And he took his hand away, waiting for the other to speak. Tony suddenly froze. He realized it wasn't as easy as he thought. He thought about telling a lie, but somehow, just like how he told the press he was iron man, he had to tell. Someone had to know at least one part of him.

"The last sentence he said… about my father, it's not so far from the truth. He would never spend time with me, always working on his new projects, never have a solid relationship with mum… mum always said he was just really busy, but I really wanted him to see me, to recognize me, to know that…. I'm his son. I did everything I could, build something out of nothing, build my first engine when I was eight, anything to impress that old man, but he didn't even look at my direction. I didn't even exist to him… but." Tony, having to look at the ground to spill his insides at the god looked up, a small smile gracing his features.

"Just about a year or so, I uncovered a video, of my old man, made especially for me. It showed that he knew of my existence, that he expected may great things from me, that he actually cared. He created for me a new matter that shaped this new 'heart'," he tapped at the glowing device on his chest, "he saved my life. He passed his research to me. I guess I lashed out because it reminded me of the pain."

Thor smiled, affectionately giving the shorter man a pat on the shoulder. "Your father must be proud of you Stark, from Valhalla, he is watching with heart swelled to the size of a giant!" Tony gave a small laugh.

"Okay than tough guy, what's Loki's story? His dad not watch him play magic tricks?"

The smiling stopped. Thor looked away, his eyes distant and sad, haunting even. Honestly, he didn't want to say it. He didn't want to tell all the things that Loki had been put in burden for many years, but someone had to understand Loki, not just him.

"My brother, before I knew of his true heritage, was seen very different. He was weaker, less muscular, and lacked the superiority that others held. At young age, he was discriminated on, and he had only me to protect him. Father, he would always treat me better. I do not think he knew he was doing this, but it hurt Loki very terribly. He would try to impress him with sword fights, but I would always win, and father would always praise me, scolding Loki for being so weak. When I took up the power of thunder and more training, father encouraged me and held congratulation banquets for every time I won a match. But when Loki took up magic and knife throwing, he was rebuked, told off for being so feminism. When his magic excelled when needed, everyone laughed and mocked him, saying 'thank goodness we have a lady amongst us!'" Thor's body shook in anger, fists crunching up.

"I never knew this. Loki would day by day get weary, and I did not see. I was so caught up in myself; I did not notice my brother dying away. He had always put up a façade, a mask, covering up his pain and putting up a brave sport, I thought nothing of it. It was when after he fell in to the abyss, Hemidall told me when I asked of him, father himself revealing it to me. Loki was treated inferior, a…. shadow…. Of mine…" Thor gritted his teeth. Tony said nothing. Thor wanted to tell the man before him about how his father, Odin, did nothing as Loki fell into the said abyss, tell him about how the love Loki held and wanted from Odin was so strong, he went to such extent to accomplish them... But something told the thunder god that it just wasn't the time.

"My brother… when he speaks to others to hurt them, he ends up poisoning himself that is what I believe. And he is unaware of that. While we stay in Midgard, I wish to heal him, to rid him of this toxin and bring back joy we once had in our adventures together."

Tony smiled. "Big guy, I'll make sure you do that." He understood now, why Loki was so bitter. Because he was treated that way, and it hurt that he was the only one getting that. So inflicted it on others, so they could feel it too, feel how much it pained him. He finally understood. Now, he wanted to help Thor in bringing this other Loki back. The Loki that didn't spit venom. The Loki that didn't try to kill. The Loki that could smile. The Loki that could laugh. The Loki that could have sentiment.


Loki's smile stayed on his lips as he made his way to the living room. He loved it, the sudden outburst of raw emotion and anger Stark showed him. The feeling unmasked from the cockiness, to make the man let go and suddenly fall, it was fantastic. He had made the man of iron, always said to show nothing but a 'poker face', was now skinned to his rage and love for his father. Loki briefly paused, wondering what his own words meant to him. But as quickly as it had come, he waved it off. His statement meant nothing to him. It was simple, he had no father. Loki grabbed at his chest, his heart suddenly heavy. Was Odin really not his father? After all the things the god had done for him? Was Laufey really not his father? He was the reason why he was even born. Loki gave a minute to think, his back slumped against the wall. He laughed, did it matter? No, it did not. I don't need a father, I don't need a family. At the end, it is after all, just about you. I shape my own destiny, no one else.

Loki entered the living room, brightly lit with the risen sun and the busy city. The fire was dimly lit, dying away. He approached the large windows, chewing away at the mango. He watched the people bustle about, scurrying in every direction, little ants… easily crushed by a boot. He laughed at the thought. His own words coming back to haunt him, how ironic. He heard a small noise behind and he turned. Steve said nothing in seeing Loki with broken handcuffs, for Jarvis had already informed him from Stark, in case he 'freaked out'.

"Ah, Captain, what matters do you have with the living room? Wish to be by the dying fire to warm up and melt away your nightmares? It is after all, ever so cold in that bed."

Rodgers twitched, his shoulder rising a little in sad defense. He absolutely hated the cold, hated how he had the nightmares, hated that as he moved about in his dreams, he would come to the edge of the bed, and the emptiness beyond the point with more movement, the feeling of falling… it was enough to make him scream. What Loki said definitely hit the target, and the god knew, for Rodgers took a step back to compose himself, than a step forward. Loki frowned.

"In 30 minutes, we're going to have a little team discussion –"

"But I am not part of team."

"– and you have to be there too, because we're discussing matters about you."

Loki smiled, although he felt more of a frown probing at his skin. He was worried. What would they do to him? It surely could not be as worse as Asguard, could it?

The thirty minutes went by quicker than the team anticipated. Their stomachs were full, and full of nerve, the need to bring back up soup and toast along with others were strong. Natasha kept her face straight, slightly worried about how everyone would react to the delicate subject. Tony was all smiles, the hangover drink doing its great job. Barton had planned to bring with him his bow and arrow, but Natasha had shaken her head, and so he didn't. Bruce walked with them, his hair tidy, and a shower that helped of course. Thor stood right behind the captain that led them to the living room, where Loki proceeded to read a magazine. He barely glanced up as everyone took their place in sitting around him. He felt weight next to him, the cushion sinking in as he whipped his eyes to the right. Thor smiled. Loki growled. the rest of the team had been sped up to date about Loki's handcuffs by Steve, and although many questioned, they did not object. Barton was of course the exception, seething under his breathe.

"Okay, we're here to talk about what is to be done with Loki." Rodgers started. Loki scowled. He didn't like the way he talked of him, like he wasn't even there, like he wouldn't understand. He tossed the magazine back to where he found it and crossed his arms, his back straightening.

"Oh yes, what is to be done with me captain? I am not an animal, you can't keep me in a cage and feed me once a day."

"I… what makes you think we'd treat you like that?" Steve asked, his eyes etched with worry and shock. Loki blinked, a sudden rush of memory coming in.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

"You're going to pay for that boy."

"Please gentle Sif, it was only an accident!"

"There's no such thing as accidents. You know what sort of punishment the guilty get?"

"… what?"

"They're left in a filthy cage to starve to death."

Loki closed his eyes, trying to wipe the memory out of existence. It was many years ago, he was arrogant that time, thinking that people could even spare him some mercy. Sif out of all that proved him how ruthless she could be, even at the age of 9, putting him in a pig cage for making her trip. He was left there for 2 days, hungry, even thinking about eating the slush of rubbish sitting in the corner of the muddy cage. Even the pigs laughed at him. He had cried, cried for help, for father, for mother, for his brother. He had called for help, and no one showed up. When they found him, it was to celebrate another of Thor's matches, and a pig was needed to be slaughtered. He remembered how happy and worried his mother was, how his brother was over filled with joy, hugging him, causing himself to get dirty. But he also remembered how Odin frowned, asking why he was gone missing only to live with the pigs. He eyed Sif already in front of the great all father, smiling at him. Loki had saw through the lies she must have made up and seethed.

"father, it was Sif! She put me in the cage –"

"Enough Loki! I've had enough of your tricks! Gentle Sif had told me of your wrongs; how you defied her warn in going inside pig sheds to cause mischief. She had warned you about the traps some cages held, and you had ended up in one of them due to your actions. You should be ashamed. Now go and get cleaned, you too Thor."

Loki turned to Thor who was busy speaking about what was to come to Loki. Loki remembered, how when they were out of earshot, he whispered to him; "That Sif is a liar."

"How did you…?"

"Loki, remember the times you tried to tell me how you could tell when people were lying? Well, I listened!"

Loki remembered how happy he was, how his heart blossomed ten folds, and he hugged his older brother, happy that there was one person out there that understood. In two years time, the incident was completely forgotten, leaving only Loki in believing himself insane for concocting up such a memory. Loki closed his eyes, remembering what Thor told him many years ago.

"I'm sorry Loki; there is nothing I can do about it."

"It is fine brother, you are here with me and that's all it matters."

As they bathed together, the two brothers made a promise.

"Loki, I promise, that from now on, I will always protect you!"

"Hah, I don't need protection! I'm a warrior!"

"Yes, yes you are, but I shall not protect you as a warrior, but as a brother."

With hands reached out, they shook to it.

Loki gave a small shake on his head and looked back at his brother. His eyes turned sad, his lips curved into a thin line.

You promised.

That very moment, Thor turned to face his brother, and the blue eyes screamed.

I'm sorry.


How'd you guys like it?

the storm is coming soon!

i think its going to be the next chapter. this chapter was actually supposed to be about loki enjoying himself in this new environment, but there's just too much to write about =-=

there's a lot of symbolism in this chapter, for those who get it right, you get a cyborg hug!

remember dears, there is no slashy between the brothers xD

and yes, the dream is from the game 'which' by Mikeinel. check the game out and you'll understand the upcoming dreams of loki!

tony is hard to write about. everyone is hard to write about

please review! it urges me on! and im sorry for any mistakes!

R&R! love you all!