Both Steve and Bruce were laughing hard as they watched Tony, already tied up courtesy of Natasha, and being 'saved' by a giggling Loki as he tried to free Tony by having both hands and feet freed from the rope.

"Can you guys please stop laughing over there," Tony whined. He was being laughed at because Loki kept bugging for about an hour to be a superhero and save his 'uncle' Tony.

"Why? Are you hurt?" Bruce asked sarcastically. For once, he enjoyed having Tony have some fun with a little kid around.

"No, but my feelings are," Tony replied with a small frown.

"Don't worry about a thing. Take thing, Tony. This will be very good practice when you have your own kids with Pepper someday," Steve answered.

"Kids? What kids?" Tony asked in disbelief. Did Steve just have the nerve he would become a father someday with Pepper? And what did she had to say on the matter?

"I mean, don't you want a mini-Tony running around?" Bruce asked.

"Kind of. But it's kids. They need a responsible adult. I know I am not".

"We all know that, but we can help," Steve answered.

A moment later, both Clint and T'Challa entered the living room with their new purchases in hand. Both were talking about them and stopped mid-conversation to the sight before them.

"What the hell am I looking at?" Clint asked, not believing what he was seeing.

"Playing with Loki?" Tony answered back with another question of his own.

"Loki? He's here?" Clint angrily asked. He hated Loki with all his might.

"Yes, Loki's the little kid you see here," Bruce commented and pointed to the smiling Loki, who was standing right in front of T'Challa.

"So, you're Loki, huh?" T'Challa asked. He loves kids and he will surely enjoy playing with Loki with every chance he gets. Loki giggled in response and nodded. He quickly raised both his chubby arms up, indicating to T'Challa that he wanted to be held by him. T'Challa complied quickly and carried him in his left arm. Loki quickly hugged him back.

"He's cute, to be honest with you all".

On the other hand, Clint was throwing daggers with his eyes.

"What is with the long face, Clint? Don't like what you see?" Tony asked with a smirk. He enjoys having his fun with Clint when it came about Loki.

"No, Tony, I don't like what I see. I will never do," Clint replied and went to sit down in the farthest seat, he could find, away from Loki.

"Clint, please, he is just a kid. He will not be a danger to anyone anymore. Besides, it's never safe and healthy to hold grudges towards anyone," Bruce exclaimed.

"It's Loki, Bruce. Just because he got turned to the little brat doesn't mean he will not pull any prank on any of us," Clint tried to explain.

And at that moment, Thor came into the picture and unfortunately for Clint, he heard everything Clint had said about Loki.

"Did I heard what I think you said about my brother, Eye of Hawk?"

"Oh crap, Clint's in trouble now," Bruce said. He kind of felt bad for Clint at that moment.

Clint's shoulders dropped in defeat. In no way can he win towards Thor and his anger.

"Thor, I'm sorry. Didn't mean to say what I said about Loki."

Thor was getting every second. He doesn't allow anyone to disrespect Loki in any way.

"Eye of Hawk, come with me".

Both Tony and Steve looked at each other in surprise.

"You're really going to get it, Clint," Tony said as Clint passed him. He looks at him, ready to cry as he knows that Thor wouldn't go easy on him.

Both T'Challa and Loki were watching the whole interaction unfold and were kept quiet.

"I feel bad for Clint right now. Thor will show no mercy on him," T'Challa commented.

"I know, me too," Steve spoke up.


"Eye of Hawk, I do not allow anyone to my disrespect my brother," Thor angrily said. He was already carrying his hammer in hand.

Clint unconsciously took a few, small steps back in case Thor wanted to hit him with the hammer.

"I am sorry I have said those things. But Thor, please, remember what Loki did to me for once. It is not easy for me to forget."

Thor kept staring at Clint.

"But Loki is now a little kid. What dangers do you expect him to do to any of you at his current age?"

"I don't know. You do know. I mean, the both of you grew up together and I am sure you remember if he did pranks at 3 years old, Thor."

"At that age, he wasn't aware of his powers yet. He was just like any other kid his age. So, that same mentality still applies."

"What age did he knew he had powers?"

"7."

"But I still don't feel safe with Loki around."

"Don't you have a home with a wife?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then, go back to that home."


"Okay Loki, here is what is going to happen. And listen well," Steve said. "Tomorrow, you have surgery early in the morning. And I don't want you to panic okay?"

Loki nodded. He was a little scared.

"I'm scared."

Tony hugged him. "Don't be scared. We will be right there when you are out of the surgery room. It's nothing scary."

Loki hugged him a little harder.

"Don't be scared, Loki. I know it seems scary to you but it's going to help you."

Loki nodded to Steve. He kept hugging Tony.

"Okay Loki, it is time for dinner? Do you want some burgers with fries?" Tony asked, trying to keep Loki's mind off tomorrow.

Loki nodded.

"Okay squirt, here we go. Want to come, Steve?"

"Sure, can I invite Bucky?"

"Sure, whatever floats your boat."

"JARVIS, call Bucky down to the living room."

"Of course, Mr. Rogers."

A few minutes later, Bucky came to greet them. He was wearing a white V-neck, with jeans and some fancy shoes Tony got him a few days ago.

"Hey Bucky, we're going for some burgers. Wanna come?" Steve asked.

Bucky quickly saw Loki in Tony's arms.

"Who's the kid?"

"Loki."

"Loki? As in Thor's brother?"

"Yes, that Loki."

"How come he is like that, Steve?"

"Well, I will tell you on the way to the burger place".