Sweet, my first exam phase is over. Not sogood for you, I suppose, since I seem to be writing best under preassure. But I will at least try to keep up with my pace.

Enjoy!

XxX

Loki and Thor appeared in the middle of a barren landscape, not unlike New Mexico but not as dry. There was absolutely nobody around.

The god of thunder looked around for a couple of seconds. "Any idea where to find life?", he finally asked.

Loki nodded and pointed in a random direction. "It appears that we are not far from the city New York. I told you the Allfather had a hidden motive in sending us here." With a sigh he used his magic to turn his armour into a black suit and, after a moment of hesitation, did the same with Thor.

"With some luck, they won't recognize us on sight."

"I agree. We should get in contact with the black clad people as soon as possible. They will be able to direct us to where we have to go."

"Don't bother. They'll find us soon enough. Let's go and kill some time in that city."

"Are you sure that's wise?", Thor asked, but Loki had already started walking. "If they will find us, maybe we should just stay here and wait?"

"Let me think... No."

"Then what do you plan on doing?"

Loki couldn't quite suppress a smirk. He liked to be the leader of their little duo for once. "Why don't we pay your friends a visit while we're here?"

"Wait, are you... Are you talking about the Avengers?"
"The same."

"Eh... Loki, I hate it to break it to you, but they don't exactly... like you because...w ell, you kinda trashed their home."

Loki chuckled. "I am aware of that. Odin had the nerve to send me here in some fools attempt to make me feel guilty. After all if I want to negotiate with the mortals, I'd have to apologize, no? Well, two can play that game. I believe this is an excellent opportunity to get my revenge on this little group of misfits."

"You... don't plan on killing them do you?", Thor asked hesitantly.

For a moment Loki played with the thought of letting Thor stew. To let him believe he was only ever leaving Midgard alone if he got his friends heads on a spike for it. Let him make a choice between his precious Avengers and his beloved brother.

But...

Loki listened for the voice of his conscious that was sure to speak up now, reminding him of the newfound but still vulnerable peace he'd reached with his brother and he really had messed with his head enough for this week – but the voice was surprisingly quiet and a far larger part of him was rubbing his hands in glee at the thought of reminding Thor exactly why he was called the god of mischief.

"If it weren't for those pathetic mortals, I'd be a king right now! All those mortals would be kneeling at my feet. Especially I cannot forgive this arrogant Man of Iron and the green beast that dared to throw me around like that. Now that the mortals have seen the power of other races, I am sure they would be willing to sacrifice a few of their soldiers to pay for Asgards continued protection, don't you think?"

Thors face was everything he'd imagined and more. Loki really had to pull himself together in order to not laugh out loudly.

"But... Those are my friends!", the blonde all but whined. "They were only protecting their home. Everything is different now, isn't it? Surely you would not take it this personally."

"Well yes, Thor, yes I think I do. You forget that just because I was pardoned, does not mean I feel any regret for anything I've done."

"Didn't you say before that you didn't come here to rule Midgard?"

"That's right and that's also the reason why I won't take my anger out at the whole realm but only at the people who have wronged me."

"They didn't wrong you!" Thor grabbed his shoulder and forced Loki to face him. "If you really still hold that grudge, you should take it out on me!"

Loki laughed humorlessly. "But I already did, didn't I? You can't bear my revenge for every single person I plan on targeting. You wouldn't survive it. You only have this choice: Will help me or will you stand in my way?" Lokis voice was light but as he looked at Thor, his eyes were cold and hard as steel.

Thor stood frozen, staring at him with shock and incredulity.

"This... this is a jest, is it not?", he whispered almost pleadingly.

Loki watched for a few more seconds – and then he lost his composure and a large grin broke out on his face. "Yes it is, you giant idiot." He laughed and turned to walk again. "You should see your face!"

Thor gave a frustrated cry and tore at his hair. "Loki you're – you're impossible!"

"I know", he replied with a cheeky grin. "It's why you love me."

Thur blushed just a tiny bit and took a few moments longer to catch up to Loki, trying to regain his composure. Loki did not just flirt with him. He should really go and watch his imagination before it was running wild.

"You're going to be the death of me", Thor muttered.

"Oh yes, and it will be my pleasure", Loki answered with a smug grin.

XxX

Tony Stark was having a nice day. A very nice day indeed. So far he'd crashed two parties, had a wonderful dinner with Pepper and his face was on the cover of yet another three magazines. The one thing that would've made his day perfect was having a hot night with his girlfriend. Unfortunately, Pepper had to go to Washington for CEO business and would only return tomorrow. But that was alright because one, they'd had a very nice morning and two he had another two dozen ideas for yet another suit he was building. He would keep himself busy.

His good mood was damped however as he took the lift in Stark Tower and heard JARVIS' electronic voice happily proclaiming: "My security has been breached, Sir."

It was literally impossible to hack into Stark Tower but Tony had not noticed any broken doors and it wasn't possible to get past the electronic locks any other way. Except...

"Were to?", he asked his electronic butler.

"Two men have appeared in the 13th floor. Their scans have a match of over 80% with the Asgardian Thor and his brother Loki."

"Wait, what?"

Thor he could understand, the guy was kind of a friend though Tony had no idea how he would manage to get past his security undetected. But Loki? The same megalomaniac villain Loki who'd tried to conquer Earth? What the hell was he doing here? Wasn't he supposed to be in Asgard in Prison? And why was he with Thor? Or rather, why hadn't Tony noticed any explosions yet if he was with Thor? Not only that but Dr Banner was working not two floors over them. He'd offered the genius a job and his help in trying to get rid of his green problem and the Doctor (after much persuasion) had agreed.

"Uh, JARVIS, are they in the process of destroying my tower or anything?" He'd be really pissed if they were. It hadn't even been a week since the tower had been fully repaired.

"No Sir, I can detect no hostility towards your furniture."

"Oh. Okay then." There was a suit stationed on almost every floor of the tower, the 13th being no exception. Tony chose to see what was happening up there first and if worst came to worst he'd be Ironman in no time.

The doors of the lift opened and Tony soon reached the modernly decorated sitting area. Thor was lounging on one of the couches, wearing a black suit that somehow made him look like a gangster, the giant hammer on the seat next to him looking distinctively out of place. A few paces to the side there stood Loki in a similar attire that he wore in Germany, calmly examining the silver superhero suit in the glass vitrine in front of him.

"Okay guys, congratulations for breaking into my tower, to what do I owe the pleasure?", Tony announced himself, his smile a tad bit forced. He was making sure not to leave Loki out of his eyes but was also scrutinizing Thor, who now jumped to his feet and grinned at him. Thors eyes were impossibly blue and for a moment Tonys heart sank, thinking maybe he was being mindcontrolled – only to remember that Thors eyes had always been blue. He really didn't know if he'd be able to pick up the difference.

"Man of Iron!", Thor greeted him and quickly came over, clapping him on the shoulder good-naturally. "It is good to see you again."

Tony didn't remember being on such good terms with the god of thunder – he had pissed off the god with his arrogance and snark comments about Loki more then once. But the blondes attitude towards him had been a lot friendlier after the battle when they had been out for dinner with the team. It probably had something to do with Tony risking his life getting the nuke into space.

"Yeah, well, I'd say the same but you kind of came with an unexpected package."

He glanced over at Loki, not liking how the god was standing so close to his suit, cutting off his way to it. The trickster smirked at him, not appearing troubled at all.

"The Allfather has pardoned Loki for his crimes", Thor explained. "We are here at his orders to repay Midgard for the destruction caused here."

Tony looked at him incredulously. "Are you talking about the freaking alien army that trashed the city or about the hundred people that Reindeer Games killed?"

"Is you call me that again", Loki answered coldly, "it will be a hundred and one."

Tony pointed at the other black haired man. "See what I mean? How could you possibly let this bastard out of prison?"

Thors grip on his shoulder strengthened to the point it was almost hurting. "Loki is my brother, Man of Iron. You should watch your tongue around me."

Tony took a step back, slightly creeped out. "Okay, what's going on? He's got you under some kind of spell or something?"

Loki coughed at that, trying not very hard to conceal his laughter. Which was NOT helping in reassuring Tony.

"Why, Stark, won't you believe that I regret my actions and honestly wish to make up for my mistakes?", the god of lies drawled with amusement.

"Loki..." Thor sighed, throwing a glance at him. "You're not making this easy."

His brother shrugged. "Easy is boring."

"Does SHIELD know you're here?", Tony asked tensely, trying to ignore Loki.

"They are probably already on their way here. We're not really trying to hide", Thor replied. He was finally letting go of him.

"Okay... So what now?"

"I do believe you still owe me me that drink", Loki replied flippantly and sat down on the couch as if he owned the place.

Tony grimaced at the reminder of how he'd been thrown out of his own window.

"I hate you", he muttered. "I really do."
"The feeling is mutual", Loki assured him.

For the next half an hour Tony was humouring the two gods, passing each of them a drink and just talking. Thor told him how they were going on a tour through all the realms but soon the conversation was reduced to him and Loki exchanging snarky comments, Thor throwing a warning glare at either of them whenever they threatened to drift from more or less insulting banter to the verbal warfare his brother excelled so much in. Despite himself, Tony found himself almost enjoying the witty company but he never forgot just how dangerous the god was and thus he was tense the whole time.

Soon JARVIS announced that Director Fury and a couple of SHIELD agents had arrived at the Tower.

Loki stood and turned towards his brother.

"I believe I will leave the rest to you, Thor."

"Huh? What do you mean? Don't you want to take part in negotiations?"

"I believe the animosity between that organization and me would only be a hindrance." Loki tossed him a small object. "Let the Man of Iron explain this Midgardian contraption to you. During my last stay, it was of much use to me when I assembled my humans."

"Those are these strange things you bought on our way here?"
"Yes, it's a means of communicating. You may call me once you're finished."

"Wait a moment, there's no way we can just let you run free. I don't want a repeat of last time!", Tony protested.

Loki sneered. "As if you have any choice in the matter."

"But, brother... They truly might be hesitant to talk to me at all if I can't even tell where you are", Thor said carefully.

"I don't think I'll leave the city, not for long anyway. But I refuse to play to the Allfathers rules more then I absolutely have to."

"Loki, if you stay with me-"
"I'm already gone, fool", came the reply. Lokis imagine flickered green for a moment. "Do try to not waste too much time, will you?"

Thor sighed as a ripple went through the illusion and his brothers imagine faded.

Tony stared at the spot the god had been just a second before. "Does he do that often?"
"No but whenever he does I know it's fruitless to try and change his mind", the god of thunder admitted.

"So you're saying he can just... what teleport away and leave an afterimage?"

Thor shook his head. "No, Loki cannot teleport. I would've told you when you put him in that cage. He just turns invisible and walks away while everybody is distracted by his illusion."

It was in this moment that the lift opened again to reveal the group of shield. Thor would have to handle the diplomacy without his silvertongue to support him.

Two days went by and Thor had just barely managed to convince the black clad people that Loki was not here to cause chaos and destruction. He hadn't seen his brother at all during this time. When he'd had his first break he had the Man of Iron explain this 'mobile phone' to him to call Loki, but upon hearing it wasn't an emergency, Loki had cursed him and swore he'd go and cause trouble of the international sort if he dared call him without good reason again.

Thor was only now starting to actually bring forth Asgards offer for reparations. He was just fetching himself some coffee when he noticed a redheaded woman argue with one of the agents.

"Excuse, is there a problem?", he asked.

The woman turned towards him relieved. "You're that norse god, aren't you? You have to help me!"

"What is the matter?", he asked with dark foreboding.

"It's about Tony! I haven't heard of him all day."

"Are you talking about the Man of Iron?"
"That's right. I'm Pepper by the way, Pepper Pots, CEO of Stark Industries."

"Tony Stark is famous for loving attention and touring around", the agent commented. "I hardly believe him not calling back for a day is a reason for worry."

"You don't understand!", Pepper protested. "JARVIS can't find him. At the very least we should be able to locate his phone. He's in trouble, I just know it!"

Thor had a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"I will see what I can do for you", he promised and turned away.

As soon as he was out of sigh, Thor pulled out his phone and called Loki. Nothing happened. His brother had turned it off.

Thor turned around again. It seemed he'd have to have these mortals explain to him how to track a phone.

XxX

Tony Stark was having a bad day. A really, really bad day.

It had started out alright, sunny weather, no hangover for once (he didn't fancy getting drunk when the god of mischief was on the loose) and JARVIS had proclaimed yet another suit finished. Then Pepper had met him to celebrate said new suit. There was lots of champagne and some other alcohol as well. Normally Pepper held back greatly with it but today she had been surprisingly loose. Not wanting to waste the chance he'd upped the game. He had been rewarded when Pepper proposed trying something... new. She didn't want to do it here though while the place was swarming with secret agents. So instead they drove to a nearby hotel. Quite drunk by that point, Tony went with her suggestion of some role playing. He'd thrown away his phone because apparently she didn't want JARVIS listening (since when did she have a problem with that?) and followed her into the hotel, disguised with sunglasses and a scarf around his head. Upon arriving in their room, Pepper had handed him a pair of shackles (and gods, she had never smirked in such a hot way before) and told him to chain himself to the bed.

He'd done it of course. Pepper was usually more prude then this and Tony was used to lots of kinky sex from before their relationship. He'd never admit it aloud but he'd been just a tad bit frustrated with their sex life lately. To have such a nice change was refreshening.

Until Pepper leaned down over him and turned into Loki.

For a moment Tony just stared, his drunken state not quite realizing what was happening. Then his eyes widened in horror.

"You!", he gasped and tugged at the shackles fruitlessly.

Loki cackled manically, evil amusement evident in his shit eating grin.

"Yes, me. I have to say, I am surprised. You made it so easy for me to lure you here. You never ever suspected. Maybe I just have that kind of effect on other people, men and women alike...?" He laughed again. Tony was feeling sick.

"Where's Pepper?", he demanded to know. "What have you done to her!?"
"Oh, don't worry, your little pet is quite alright. Probably wondering where you've been all day."

"You mean to tell me you've been running around as a woman the whole day?", he asked, fishing for at least a hint of embarrassment. Please, don't let this be what it looks like, he was praying inwardly.

To his dismal, Loki seemed perfectly at ease with the situation. "Actually, you were talking to thin air most of the time. But there won't be any more illusions now."

The god leaned over him again, reaching for his throat. Tony tried to kick him but Loki just muttered some foreign words and Tony felt his ankles glued to the mattress by an invisible force.

"Let me go you sick bastard!", he called out.

Loki simply chuckled and grabbed his collar.

"Not before I've done what I came for", he replied huskily – and with one powerful rip his shirt was teared apart. True fear was blossoming in Tonys heart as the god let his gaze wander over his chest hungrily, taking notice of the glowing reactor in the middle of it especially.

"Beautiful...", he whispered.

"Look", Tony tried to reason, "you're an attractive guy and everything but I'm not really into this kind of thing!" That didn't seem to bother the other male at all. "Damn, if this is your revenge then I swear I'll bring hell down on you, you-"
But he was interrupted by Lokis chuckling again.

"Damn you bastard, don't you dare laugh at me!"

"Stark, I wouldn't bed you if you were the last living person in all of the nine realms", he stated plainly.

"What? Then what-"
"I only came because of this", Loki said and put his palm on the glowing circle on his chest.

He looked Tony in the eye and he felt a different kind of fear well up inside him.

"Yes, Stark", the god whispered softly, almost gently, "this will hurt."