Chapter 12: Leaving Home

"I kinda figured out you'd be sneaking off in the night so I told JARVIS to wake me if you did." Tony stood in the door way as Loki spun around a guilty look on his face. "So where are you off to?" He asked casually.

"I . . . I'm not sure. Another planet in another galaxy, somewhere far away."

"Do you really think we're that hopeless?" Tony flatly asked.

"Yes." Loki whispered. "You have a life here that cannot fit me in it and I would not ask you to give it up. I . . . I never told you why I came to earth did I?"

"No you never told me anything." Tony said irritated.

"On Asgard my home planet I . . . well you don't need the details but I was exiled for a few centuries to 'think on what I have done'. After careful study of earth I decided here I would become a king of kings to show them that I could accomplish something. As you can see our purposes on this planet are opposing by their very nature and thus I have decided that I shall depart. I'm sorry Tony. I truly am."

Tony sighed and sat down rubbing his head. He was trying to think of a counter argument, something to make Loki stay. But the more he thought the more he came to the same conclusion. It was a hopeless situation. He couldn't ask Loki to stay with him and he was dead set on not becoming supreme ruler of the earth. So the only other option was to . . . what become the partner to a criminal in another universe? Leave earth for an unknown fate? Leave JARVIS and Pepper? But the thought of never seeing Loki again. . . .

"I don't want you to leave." Tony whispered.

"If you wish I could erase your memories, if that would be less painful."

"No! Never I never want to forget you Loki." Tony shook his head.

"Then here we stand where we knew we would since our first battle."

"I don't regret a single moment you know. And . . . I don't think I'll ever love any one like you."

"As do I Stark. I've never loved any one before and never will again." His face was sad.

"It's funny in all those stories love is enough to keep two people together no matter what. But I guess that's not the case." Tony whispered.

"No." Loki took a tentative step towards Stark and Tony stood abruptly. Marching over, the man kissed the god. Loki fisted a hand in his hair and Tony hugged his arms around the God never wanting to let him go.

"I love you." Tony said breath hot on Loki's cheek.

"You have my heart Tony." Loki trailed his fingers through Tony's hair soothingly. Tony leaned in to the touch, closing his eyes and just feeling. Feeling all the words Loki was putting in to that last touch.

When Tony opened his eyes Loki was gone running to the door way, intent upon watching the god go, Tony skidded to a halt. In the hallway there was a complex pattern scorched in to his hard wood floor. His legs gave way as it hit him. Loki was gone.