For the last day and a half work had become a special kind of horrible, and with the insanity he had been through over the weekend (and Loki's visit on Monday) today was even worse. Steve's ribs were still hurting, which wasn't that surprising considering it had only been four days since the attack, but he couldn't take the pain medicine his doctor had prescribed. He had tried them yesterday, which had only really succeeded in making Rumlow angrier at him as he had barely been able to focus on anything.

"At least Rumlow hasn't brought up Friday." Steve reminded himself as he tried once again to focus on the digital drawing pad in front of him. He was working on touching up the designs, making the modifications Rumlow and their customer had requested. It was a bit of an unusual project because he still had no idea who the customer was but he was determined to finish up these drafts so the colorist (a spitfire new arrival named Peggy Carter who Steve was hoping to befriend) could have them done by the end of Wednesday.

He had finally made some progress when a boisterous voice filled the normally quiet office. The artists in the room all looked up from whatever they were working on to see who this loud new arrival was. Steve was taken aback when he realized it was Thor Odinson, the hockey player. He looked very out of place in their office; he was big and muscular with what Steve could only call flowing shoulder length blond hair. He was dressed in expensive but casual jeans, a tee-shirt that looked a size or two too small, and had a jacket over his arm.

"There are so many people in this one room. They don't all get their own office?" He was saying to the receptionist, Sharon (Peggy's cousin, if Steve recalled correctly, and why Peggy had moved to New York from England).

Steve was about to return to his work and just do his best to ignore him when another man stepped next to Thor, muttering something too quiet for Steve to hear. But that wasn't what made Steve's pen fall from his fingers. It was because the man was Loki. Dressed in elegant and professional though less formal attire than before, he didn't demand attention the way he had at Steve's apartment, but it was without question the same man.

After speaking to Thor and getting a response Loki pulled away from him. After a moment, as if he felt eyes on him, he turned towards Steve. Their eyes met and Loki's expression was more shocked than anything. Thor said something to him and immediately Loki turned away, relying something to the blond. He didn't look towards Steve again so he could only assume Loki was content to ignore him.

"Steve, are you okay?" Peggy asked softly as she offered his drawing pen back to him.

"Thanks." He said as he accepted it. "And yes, I'm alright. I'm just surprised to see Thor Odinson here. Do you know why?" He questioned softly.

"Sharon told me he's thinking about moving to New York and using us to re-brand him." She said. Steve glanced at them once again; they had moved further inside and Sharon was informing them about the office and artists working.

"Really? That would be a huge contract." Steve said and she nodded.

"I know. Shame it probably won't come to our team, not with this other cooperate project still in the works." She sighed and he nodded.

"This project's important too." He reminded and she chuckled.

"Apparently. I heard you almost lost your job over it on Friday." There was an obvious question in Peggy's tone and Steve just groaned.

"Yeah, it was the bad start of a mostly horrible weekend. It wasn't anything... Primarily it was just Rumlow being…" Steve faltered, unsure how to finish the sentence, but he didn't need to as Peggy laughed.

"Being a wanker?" She offered and Steve laughed. As much as it hurt his ribs to do so he was glad to laugh. He needed it, today more than usual, and Peggy's returning smile was nice too.

He composed himself quickly, but smiled at her as warmly as he could. "Thank you, Peggy, I needed that." He admitted.

"You're welcome." She replied before she turned back to her computer screen. Which reminded Steve that he had his own project to be working on. He had just lifted his pen to make an adjustment when he felt a body move in close behind him, almost leaning over his shoulder.

Steve leaned away from the intruding individual as he realized it was Thor. "Um, excuse me." He said softly and the man looked at him. They were uncomfortably close, within kissing distance, and Thor just continued to stare at him. "You're a little close." Steve finally said.

"Oh, my apologies." He finally leaned back and Steve was able to breath once again. "I have never seen a graphic designer at work and was curious." Thor added.

"It's fine. I just wasn't expecting it is all." Steve assured. "I'm Steve Rogers." He added politely as he offered his hand.

"Thor Odinson, and over there is my brother Loki." Thor introduced as he shook Steve's hand. The smaller man glanced briefly in the direction Thor indicated, and flinched at the absolute venom he saw in Loki's eyes which were locked on him. Immediately he turned back to the larger athlete.

"It's nice to meet you. Congratulations on your win on Sunday." Steve added politely and got a beaming smile in return.

"Many thanks, though some of the credit goes to my team as well of course." Thor said and Steve offered him a smile.

There was a moment of silence which Steve finally broke when he offered "Did you want to see how I work?"

"I would not want to disturb you." Thor said and Steve resisted politely informing him that he had been disruptive since he had entered the office.

"You won't be." He assured before he turned back to his picture. He was acutely aware of the unusual presence looking over his shoulder, but managed to make some progress before Thor suddenly pat his shoulder.

It was hard enough it jarred Steve's whole body and his ribs protested the movement, but he managed to suppress his pained reaction spare a sharp inhale through his teeth. "Your work is wonderful, Mr. Rogers. I think I would like you to be the lead designer for my project." Thor declared suddenly. Steve was too shocked to reply, but someone else beat him too it anyway.

"Now Thor, don't be hasty. We've only seen a handful of the many designers here and it would seem Mr. Rogers is already working on a project. He may not even be available..." Loki sounded diplomatic, just like he had when he had first spoken with Steve, but the smaller man didn't trust his tone for a second. It was layered with false patience.

Thor's expression was almost a pout. "But look at his work, Loki! He's great." Thor said and Steve blushed a very deep red. To his surprise Loki did move close enough to take a peek over his shoulder and Steve couldn't help tensing up as he did. Loki casually but quickly perused his workstation before stepping back.

"His work is good, but that does not mean he is the right fit for your project. You should try to find someone you connect with, Thor, and who understands what your going after. Not the first artist you see whose work you like." Loki reasoned and Steve had the impression he was used to giving similar lectures to his brother.

Thor's response started with him crossing his arms. "I've already decided." He declared and very briefly Loki had the expression of someone long suffering before he schooled his face to a neutral slightly pleasant experience.

"At the very least you should ask Mr. Rogers if he is interested and able to be the designer on your project before you make your final decision." Loki reminded. Thor seemed surprised, like it hadn't occurred to him. Then he turned towards Steve.

"Forgive my presumption, Mr. Rogers. I would love to have you as my lead designer, if you are willing." Thor said and Steve offered him a small smile.

"I would be honored, Mr. Odinson, I really would, but I'm not sure I'm the best fit. I've never been the lead on a project of that magnitude and as your brother mentioned I am involved in another project at present." He replied honestly.

Thor waved him off. "Call me Thor. And I'm willing to wait. I won't be moving here until the season ends and I can't imagine your project will last that long. Once you're done with this one you can work on mine." Thor decided.

"Well, if you're sure, then I will do my best." Steve promised. "You'll have to talk to Mr. Rumlow to arrange all the details. He's my supervisor, but I look forward to working with you." Steve added.

"I look forward to working with you as well." Thor replied and Steve judiciously ignored the irritated sigh from Loki.