It turned out that Jane's distraction, and the reaction following, played in Loki's favor. He was currently awaiting the arrival of the Avengers' resident science team so that discussions could begin in earnest over what would be needed. Loki sat alone, quite aware of the eyes still on him, nursing black coffee from a small disposable cup. He had shifted the Asgardian garb for the dress shirt and slacks that made up his usual attire while on Midgard. Thor had retreated to a corner, still visibly unsettled that the version of himself in Loki's world had never even made Jane's acquaintance.

There was a pad of paper in front of him, requested because despite everything Loki still preferred writing over typing. The list of things he would require was still incomplete. And yet his pencil had stilled as he watched his not-brother fret over his fragile lady love. Oh, but it was certainly an interesting mix. And Loki, ever one to enjoy setting chaos into motion, was beginning to imagine the benefits and amusement of making such an introduction upon his return. Beyond the delightful havoc and happiness that might result, Thor taking to court a mortal lover would most certainly silence the protests at the serious turn his friendship with Darcy had taken in the past year. If only by hanging another target. And, he mused to himself, it would never hurt to add more intelligence into the family.

He was also fairly sure his partner in mischief would 'ship it'. If, Loki reminded himself, he could make it home at all. He turned his attention to his work, not even glancing up as the door opened.

"Ok. I know I miss a lot. Sometimes I don't pay attention on purpose. But could someone just clue me in? What is Reindeer Games doing here?"

Loki let the corners of his lips turn upward. "Never fear, Tin Man. I come in peace."

- - -

The dungeons of Asgard were eerily quiet as the prisoner stirred, tested the door. True to the bargain struck, the wards meant to keep him contained and powerless fell away before him. Loki grinned as the man standing watch turned. The cry of warning and alarm died as a breath on the guard's lips.

- - -

"No." Tony's voice was firm. "I'm sorry, does not compute. He threw me out the window."

"I really can't see why anyone would find that action appealing." Loki waved his hand and the paper in the other man's hand materialized in his own. "Though I would point out yet again that I was not the one -"

"And I seem to remember something about you being the god of lies-"

Thor clapped a hand on Tony's shoulder. "My friend, he speaks the truth." His assurances went ignored by both parties.

Loki rolled his eyes. "Oh, must we truly dwell on titles still?"

"I find it highly relevant to the situation, yeah."

Loki frowned, studying the man. After a moment he pulled a slim device from the pocket of void he kept tucked away, and was relieved the item had followed. He tapped his fingers across the screen before sliding it across the table. Tony hesitated before lifting the phone and frowning.

He slid his thumb across it a few times. "It could be an illusion." He slid his thumb across the scene again and his frown deepened. "But why would you fake a picture of me drunk?"

"To remind myself that you handle Asgardian ale poorly."

"Huh." Tony continued to study the images. "Ok, so it's a very thorough trick."

"Or I am, rare as it is, being entirely honest about the matter."

Tony huffed. "You don't do anything without someone watching you." He waited until Loki gave a solemn nod. Really, the deal was fair and no less than he had hoped. "Who's the chick with the vulcan hand sign?"

Loki reached to snatch the phone away, but Thor was closer and the photograph had caught his attention. "This is Darcy." The look on his face was far happier than the one he'd worn when learning of his other self's relation to Jane. And it would be, Loki supposed. That particular picture had left little room for denial of his affection for the girl. Even ignoring the look caught on his face, he hadn't been the one wearing the helmet. "You and Darcy-"

"Are something of a mystery," Loki responded, summoning his device back to its safe, private little dimensional fold. Whatever he may think of their counterparts, he was not yet comfortable with sharing all his weaknesses with those gathered.

Jane had perked up slightly, her brow drawn. "My old intern? How did you-"

"The world is full of many coincidences, is it not, Ms. Foster?" He turned his attention back to Iron Man. "I agree to your terms, and am eager to begin."

Tony looked at him a moment too long for his liking. "Fair enough." And he turned, the others following him from the room with only a few glances back to study the displaced god.

Thor's hand settled on Loki's shoulder as the door swung closed behind the group. "I am happy for you."

"And I you, brother."