I'm sorry if this chapter feels boring. After I was done writing it, I felt it was kind of boring . . .

Tenth Installment: A New Perspective

The day after Thor brought Loki back to Stark Tower, Loki erected a new ward around his room and slept the entire morning, afternoon, and night. By the second day he decided this behavior was too close to pouting and let the ward go. He didn't leave his room, not particularly interested in eating or interacting with anyone. He didn't care to hear what the rest of the Avengers thought of his teaming up with them.

They'd be as bloody thrilled as he was.

Lying on the huge bed in his room, Loki closed his eyes and thought about nothing. It was a peculiar feeling, thinking about nothing. His mind was normally a tangled labyrinth, pathways of unrelated thought all interconnecting. But all the movement had stopped. Normally, that would bother him. Just this once, it didn't. It was a relief.

He was glad Thor hadn't bothered him. His magic had recovered a lot in a day thanks to eating it, but he would need to go outside for a few hours to finish. He was far from helpless, and he wouldn't be tricked by the witch or taken by SHIELD again. And the price, it seemed, was . . .

To become an Avenger.

To coin a vulgar human phrase, he was fucked.

"Damn it all to the Nine," he muttered, laughing. It was mirthless, rueful.

A knock on his door actually managed to startle him. Apparently thinking about nothing lowers one's guard, he mused. His visitor didn't have the courtesy to wait for an invitation to enter before opening the door and walking in. Loki was surprised to see Clint Barton cross the threshold. The human closed the door behind him and didn't advance further.

Loki didn't bother to sit up. "As uninvited guests go, you're the last I expected."

The man didn't look happy one bit. "Trust me, I don't want to be here any more than you want me here."

Loki smiled. "On the contrary, Hawkeye. I'm intrigued." He folded his hands behind his head. "Tell me why you've come."

For several moments, nothing. Then Barton stirred. "Thor said you could do something called remove . . . memory threads. Is that true?"

"Yes," Loki said, wondering at Thor's motives for disclosing that.

"What happened to you . . ." Barton said, looking uncomfortable, "up there. It was my fault, wasn't it?"

Loki closed his eyes with a faint smile. "More or less. It would be more accurate to say you were simply the one who allowed it to happen. The witch used you to get to me from the dreamscape."

"The dreamscape?"

"Yes," Loki said. "It's best described as a place between places. Normally humans only skim the surface when they sleep. The witch must have dragged you down into it, otherwise you never could have interacted with her in any meaningful way."

"So . . . that dream woman was the shadow witch?"

Smirking, Loki glanced at him. "I didn't actually see your dream, Hawkeye. How would I know?"

Barton looked down, his expression lost between chagrin and shame. "She said . . . she asked if I wanted to see you suffer."

"Ah," Loki mused. "Yes, I'm certain that was her. Though my suffering wasn't her goal. I don't know the specifics of your dream, but I believe what happened was she used your desire for revenge to convince you to let her punish me. Is that correct?"

He only nodded.

"What she did was persuade you to let her," Loki said. "When you said it was what you wanted, you formed a path between the dreamscape and reality, which allowed her to poison me."

"Persuade me," Barton repeated, finally looking up. "You like making deals, right?"

"I'm rather known for it," Loki confirmed.

"Then I want you to ensure no one can ever persuade me again, not even you."

Loki slowly sat up. "And what do I get out of this bargain?"

"A memory thread," Clint said. "The one where you used that scepter to make my will yours."

Loki blinked. It took a split second to see the benefit to him. Removing that thread would remove the greatest source of animosity Barton felt toward the god. Attacking New York wasn't personal, Barton could get past that.

"Do you understand what you're asking?" he inquired. "By removing that memory thread, you won't even remember that I can do it."

"So you benefit from it," Barton said, now looking impatient. "You enchant me, I stop hating you. Seems like a fair deal, right?"

A smile spread across Loki's lips. "We have a bargain, Hawkeye. It isn't easy removing a memory thread, though. It takes me at least an hour, and I'm not fully recovered from our last ordeal. I'll need to rest, and I'll require you to tell Thor and the others that I'll be more vulnerable for a time."

"Fine," Barton said, striding forward. "What do I need to do?"

Loki patted the bed. "Sit. In order for me to easily find the thread, you'll need to hold the memory firmly in your thoughts. But first, a little enchantment to make sure no one can ever overwrite your will again."

Barton didn't move. "How will I know if it works?"

Loki shrugged. He'd always hated the gesture, it was lazy and sloppy. But right now he was tired. "You won't. Not until someone tries to do it to you again."

Barton's jaw worked for several moments. "But you always keep your end of a bargain?"

"Yes," Loki said, waiting for the human to make up his mind or gather his nerve. Whichever came first.

He didn't wait long. "Fine," Barton said, crossing the room and sitting on the edge of the bed. "Enchantment first, then memory thread."

Loki smiled. "Of course. This is your bargain. You're in control here."

He could tell Barton liked that. It seemed to make him relax, and he nodded. "Go on then."

"All right," Loki said, holding up his hand and coalescing a stream of energy. Green. Such a soothing color. "You'll feel a warmth. It may hurt a little, but not for long."

Barton didn't look comforted or thrilled as Loki scooted closer and reached toward him with his glowing hand. Loki focused only on the spell. It would be one of the strangest he'd ever woven. To protect Barton against magic, Loki's own included. One specific facet of magic, certainly. And even though Barton hadn't asked, Loki decided to make sure this spell couldn't be removed by anyone, himself included.

It came in steps. First, weaving threads of magic together like a tapestry so the spell would be strong. Then infusing each thread with intention. Well, something like that. Loki smiled to himself as the spell came together. He could see the discomfort on Barton's face, but as he'd promised it didn't last long. Loki wove the threads into each other and sealed them.

"I'm done," he said, lowering his hand. "How do you feel?"

Barton put a hand to his chest. "More or less the same," he said.

Loki snorted. "Are you ready for the rest?"

"Get on with it," the human said.

"Hold the memory in your mind," Loki said again. "Once I've found it, you'll feel a pulling sensation. It won't hurt."

The man just nodded, and Loki reached up with both hands this time. He placed them alongside Barton's head and took a deep breath. Honestly, removing memory threads was one of the most difficult, delicate spells he had ever learned to cast. It truly would be so much easier to just . . . take the memory. No matter. The benefits to removing the thread were greater. His lips quirked in a tiny grin.

Perhaps you should have asked Thor for details before asking me to remove a memory thread, fool human. You aren't the only one who will forget what I did to you. All your Avengers will forget, including Thor. You will not remember that I did, you will not remember that I can. And who knew when that little tidbit would be useful.

Knowledge was always power.

o0o 0o0 o0o

Tony surveyed the top floor of his Tower. It looked quite a bit better than two days ago, most of the ash and soot cleaned up. All the damaged furniture was gone, and a few pieces had been replaced. The part that pissed him off the most was that every single expensive, rare, and perfectly-aged bottle of scotch, wine, brandy, whiskey, and vodka in his bar was gone. Destroyed by magic.

Three words he couldn't have ever imagined putting together.

"It's looking better up here," Banner said, striding across the floor.

Tony folded his arms and leaned against the bar. "Some things can't be replaced with all my money."

Banner gave him a crooked smile. "Yeah, sorry about that."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "You're sorry? Don't sweat it, buddy. Thanks to you I still have a Tower. And my life. How're you doing?"

"Fine," Banner said. "I think Loki got the worst of it."

"Bastard's still standing," Tony said. "Still . . . guess I owe him a thank you, too. He really didn't want to destroy everything. That deserves a thank you, right?"

"Yeah, you should get him a fruit basket," Banner said. "Just curious, are we going to continue our research, or are we going to give it up out of respect for our new . . . teammate?"

Tony snorted. "Yeah . . . how about that, huh? Loki. An Avenger. Loki joining the Avengers. Bad guys joining the good guys to fight badder guys. Seriously, could my life be any weirder?"

Banner laughed softly. "Does it beat the day Thor showed up?"

"Hm. Maybe. Yeah, probably."

The elevator dinged. Steve walked out with Natasha, Thor, and Director Fury. Tony rolled his eyes.

"Great. Didn't I mention this is a SHIELD-free Zone?"

Banner patted his shoulder.

"All right, people," Fury said, looking a bit resigned, "the Council have agreed to Loki joining the Avengers on a trial basis. Basically, we're going to see how this goes. Where the hell is Barton?"

"Dunno," Tony said. "Here, somewhere. Where the hell is Barton?"

"He is with Loki, sir," Jarvis piped up helpfully. "There seems to be magic-use in process."

"What!" Tony yelped. He barreled to the elevator, everyone else hot on his heels. He held up a hand. "Maybe you all should wait up here?"

"I will come," Thor said, his tone brooking no argument.

"Yeah, good idea," Tony said.

The elevator zipped down, and Tony looked up at Thor. "So, you really think Loki will join the Avengers?"

"He will," Thor said. "I convinced my father that Loki's punishment would be better served in making reparations rather than being locked away where his anger and hate will fester."

Tony nodded absently. "Guess it will. Jarvis, is Barton okay?"

"Yes, sir. Vitals suggest no distress."

It didn't stop either him or Thor from hurrying when the elevator stopped. They charged into the room just in time to see yet another strange scene unfolding. Barton and Loki were sitting seriously close on the bed, Barton looking almost peaceful. And Loki . . . damn Norse gods and their weird shit. He had a silvery-blue strand of light in his hands. As Tony watched, it turned green, and Loki . . .

Ate it. He lifted it to his lips and breathed it in.

Tony blinked.

Thor reacted first. "Was that a memory thread?" he demanded.

Loki lowered his hand to give his brother a glare. "Just because I've agreed to join this idiotic band of misfits doesn't mean you can barge in here as you please."

"What are you thinking—" Thor began in a furious tone.

Barton got up, and in the blink of an eye he was between one god and the other. "Whoa, slow down Thor," he said. "I asked Loki for this."

Folding his arms, Tony leaned against the door frame. "Um, would you mind clarifying that a little? New house rule. No secret magical meetings or weird shit of any kind."

Loki made a rude sound. "This is none of your business. And I believe I sensed that fool director's presence." He rose to his feet, all liquid grace. "There is something we need to discuss."

Tony watched, torn between amusement and something more like horror as Thor tried to stop Loki. The smaller god vanished and reappeared a few steps away, strolling toward the elevator.

"Well, Stark?" he said, sounding way too self-satisfied. "Are you coming?"

Flashing Thor a sympathetic smile, Tony followed him. "So, this is gonna be different, huh? Does this mean you'll be living on Earth?"

Loki turned to him, his green eyes contemplative. "I will make myself available to the Avengers," was all he said.

Mysterious bastard. "I'm asking because if you need it, that room is yours."

Loki just smiled. "Generous of you. I won't need it."

Tony couldn't help a cocky grin. "Got something against me as a roomie?"

To his surprise, Loki laughed softly. "I think of all the Avengers, I could handle being near you the longest." The mirth evaporated. "I am not a human, Stark. I do not require human company. In fact, it will be best for us all if I avoid it."

"So you're not a social butterfly," Tony said, waving a hand. "I understand. But a guy still needs a place to sleep, even if he is some high-and-mighty Asgardian sorcerer who once tried to take over Earth but failed thanks to his new super-hero buddies."

The humor came back to Loki's eyes. "You truly have an eloquent way with words, Stark."

"I have been told now and then I've got a pretty talented tongue," Tony said, then wondered what the hell was wrong with him.

Loki laughed again. Whether he would reply to that or not Tony would never know, because the elevator chose that second to reach its destination and open. Tony didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

The fallen god strode out of the elevator and into the foyer like he owned the place. Wearing jeans and a silvery-gray sweater, he somehow didn't look less intimidating than when wearing his armor. He went straight to the SHIELD director.

"Fury," he said. He somehow managed to make the man's name sound like a profane curse.

I'm not the only one with a talented tongue, Tony mused. Then again wondered what the hell was wrong with him.

"Loki," Fury said. "Thor explained your options?"

"Yes," Loki replied, an arrogant tilt to his chin, "and before you attempt to assert your dominance, let me save you the trouble. I will help your Avengers protect Midgard. But I do not recognize your authority. I will not bow my head and accept orders like a good soldier." He threw Steve a mean smirk.

Tony wanted to sigh. Shoulda seen this coming.

"You're an Avenger now," Fury said, "even if on a trial basis. That means taking orders when—"

"Actually, it means working with them when the need arises," Loki cut him off. "I am not an operative of SHIELD. I am not some human lackey. You may be assured of my loyalty, I will keep my bargain with Thor and the Allfather. But no one commands me."

Maybe I get along with him so well because we're kind of alike, Tony thought. I'm just less psychotic and mean.

Loki and Fury engaged in the staring match of the century. Tony was impressed. Not many could glare at Fury and keep their balls intact. But he'd definitely met his match in Loki. And really, Fury didn't stand a chance.

"That isn't how things work on Earth," Fury said after a moment. "There's a chain of command."

"Then you humans keep to it," Loki said. "You were, after all, made to be ruled."

A mean, mean smile crossed his lips. Tony could tell he wasn't the only one pissed off by that statement. Steve reacted first.

"Director, I think it would be best if we worked this out amongst ourselves. Technically, Loki doesn't answer to SHIELD, and as long as he's there when we need him I don't have a problem with it."

Tony could tell he was mostly just trying to diffuse a tense situation. Fury didn't look assuaged, but Loki did. Fury seemed to recognize it was as good as he'd get. He nodded.

"Fine, but if this turns out to be a problem—"

"It won't," Loki said. "Now, I'm asking you to leave. I believe Stark expressed a wish that this be a 'SHIELD-free zone', and I agree."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "Way to use me as leverage. But it's true, Director. And we kind of have a lot of work to do."

Fury looked defeated. "I expect to be kept apprised." He looked at Steve.

The captain nodded.

Tony rolled his eyes.

After he was gone, Loki faced Steve, Natasha, Bruce, and Tony. "Now that's over with, I have a request. The way you humans have turned to science in the absence of magic is fascinating, and I would like to learn more."

A horrifying thought, really. Tony held up a hand. "I'll teach you everything I know, princess."

Loki graced him with a condescending smile. "As tempting an offer as that is, Stark, you are not the one I have in mind."

Steve stirred. "We'll do our best to accommodate you."

"Good," Loki said. "Then please send for Jane Foster."