I THANK EVERYONE who reviewed, followed, favored and just read my story no matter the wait (cause I'm sorry you had to wait – really ^ - ^'). But I should warn you right away – I'm absolutely crappy at plots. I'm sorry if it's all just a peace of rubbish. I would meet your advice or help with wide open arms and cookies:]
But right now like always:
Enjoy!
~o~0~o~
In the morning the Avengers who finally rested from their crazy travels all across the Realms decided that it was time to talk business. They all met in conference room as Jarvis on Tony's request got everyone gather there. Nobody was really surprised with timing – it was noon – because Tony Stark never wakes up early.
One extra chair was put for their new guest. Steve – as the leader – took his time to think where Loki should sit among all of them. Definitely not with Thor. If take their past interactions with each other as a sign then they will carry ahead with this alliance absolutely nowhere. So… no. Not with Thor. Clint and Natasha drop away also. That leaves Tony, Bruce and Steve himself.
Everyone started to catch up. Steve politely directed them on their new seats. No one complained with their Captain. Thor just looked confusedly when he found himself between Natasha and Clint. At the end of the other side sat Bruce waiting for Tony with a cup of steaming coffee (like always - Tony was late). Next to him should be sitting Loki who was absent too and in the middle was Steve.
It seemed Thor was not really happy to be that far from his brother. It was all so wrong. In the perfect world Thor would be sitting in the middle of the table with Loki right by his side. They would discuss matters, find the solution to their problems together. With their new roles as rulers and wisdom of long lived lives their union would have brought nonpareil. Together they would achieve whatever they wished. Kings the brothers.
But in cruel cold reality all Thor got was just that – the seat apart from Loki, not even on the same side, far enough to not even being able to touch familiar shoulder or whisper sudden jest. Even his comrades didn't want them close.
Tony entered as if not everyone was waiting for him and casually took his coffee and started to chat with Bruce. When Banner looked at him disapprovingly Tony shrugged and half-turned saying out loud.
"Of course I get it - king and stuff but really – if he's going to be late for another- GAHHH!"
Tony couldn't keep the cup and the hot liquid spilled on his hands. And in addition to that he almost choked on his own breath. It was stupid, he knew, but damn if he wasn't intimidated by all this puffing from the thin freaking air. Not only that he didn't have an answer how Loki did that (not that Loki will sit and patiently talk about it with him – nothing but business, Loki was clear on that), but even if he did Tony was disturbingly sure that no matter what humans won't be able to do it themselves. And it was kinda very sad.
Tony tried to recover his wounded pride but then he did a double-take. And stared.
In their life together in the tower every single one of them came to realization that wherever they were – home or not - they still could defend themselves. It was common to know that no matter what Black Widow always had a gun on her (where – it was the task for imagination). Hawkeye also had a gun but everyone knew he preferred a bow. Only that it was stupid to carry it all the time. Bruce didn't need anything for obvious reasons. Steve was strong even without his shield and Tony always had his Iron Man bracelets if needed. And Jarvis.
Thor was different. He wore his armor constantly. Even when they didn't do anything – maximum Thor did was take off his cape. Maybe it was because of his nowadays status or some cultural whim. Humans didn't complain.
But Loki… Loki made himself comfortable. In the adobe of former enemies a god of mischief wore no armor. White (unexpected color on him) shirt, black pants, all earth-y it was almost mocking them (if only it didn't look so good on him). The only foreign items were heavy vambraces on both his hands with intricate engraved runes and chain on his neck visible from under the shirt. In everything else Loki looked more human Thor could ever wish to be. Oh yeah, and take away that overwhelming strong alien aura that make your hair rise from your skin and never look at those ancient eyes – human he is.
Still they knew better than to believe just for a second that Loki was defenseless.
Loki honestly tried to keep his face indifferent but couldn't hold up his half smirk because of the absurdity of Stark's reaction.
"See something you like, Stark?"
"Wha-", Tony caught himself and quickly brought the main reason. "Where did you come from? You weren't there. When I came you weren't there! And don't scare me like that, Rud- Loki. Yeah, Steve, I remember, cool down. Someone's here with a heart condition, you know… I told you that already! Just yesterday!"
"Would you shut up? I was here all the time."
No one managed to cover their instant panic. Not for long at least. Oh, he can be invisible too, how cute! Tony was not the one though to let the tough atmosphere linger.
"Maybe next time you could walk in here like a normal person? Not scaring the shit out of me?"
"Perhaps", Loki gave him a lazy smile. "But where is the fun in that?"
~o~0~o~
It was Thor who sounded the alarm. As the ruler of worlds Thor now had access to information of even the furthest regions of the universe. Not so long ago messengers who resided outside the Nine brought dreadful news about a force that for centuries walked through space. But no one in the Nine Realms was actually disturbed because even if such horrors took place - they happened very very far from their Galaxy.
Until now. Now that force came to them.
Midgard as the land of the center fell to face it first. Thor years ago proudly proclaimed himself Earth' defender. It was his duty to help mortals because as it seemed they will need all the help they could get.
Only recently Bifrost was repaired - many of envoys returned in haste. And spoke their tale.
Three creatures. The one called Astart and two his trusted lieutenants. That Astart was exceptional in every sense of the word – his mind was bottomless. Eternal. Those three had marauded planets – their only goal was always to steal the highest technology data and leave the planets burn. All the knowledge was being absorbed by Astart. Then they leave and by their advanced army destroyed everything leaving only ruins.
Messengers told Thor they heard rumors about Midgard. But not just that. Also that through Midgard they wanted to access Asgard and all the treasures she possessed. And of course magic. Then they will go to other Realms.
Right now Astart and his men were likely hiding and observing, pulling schemes and drawing information about the most advanced weapons and technology of the largest and the most powerful corporations of the world.
"So that's what we have. I think when stuff will soon start to come in motion we would know", Stark said resigned.
"If I understood right they don't use what they stole. That guy only stores the knowledge – maybe to use it somewhere they come from?" Bruce inquired.
"Thank God for small blessings."
And indeed – keeping that much treasured information, gathered from races unknown and long ago forgotten lands – Earth will not even be able to whimper as it will be destroyed, that much was the truth.
Thor leaned on his elbows clenching his fingers. "For the centuries I lived I haven't heard anything about something like that before. Did you know about this force, Loki?"
Loki who sat silently this whole time listening didn't even turn his head to answer Thor's question.
"Could I have? Jotunheim was not… open to others. Thanks to you", Loki couldn't help but sneer mentally referring to the Bifrost. "Often we get the information with the visits of our guests but they didn't know any of this at the time. So this is a surprise for me as it is for you."
Thor leaned back scowling. No matter how many attempts Thor took he just couldn't find a way to just talk to his brother. Loki was truly as cold as Jotunheim's ice. Don't touch or you'll be burned.
"We have to track them. Find out any detail to make a plan," Clint muttered.
"I agree. From what my subjects told me through Midgard those villains hope to access Asgard and her treasures. I will not allow it at any cost!" Thor rumbled in suppressed anger for there was no enemy in sight for him to fight yet.
"I had Jarvis monitor every region around the whole damn world so we could have an idea where they are hiding. I got it they take their time which is good – I mean better for us. But we should make a perfect plan so we won't one day wake up and see a wasteland".
"Yeah. Okay, guys we spent a lot of time discussing. I think we all could have a break." Steve said tiredly. They all had to properly swallow the news to make the next move.
No one objected.
~o~0~o~
After the end of debriefing Avengers and Loki stayed in the guest room waiting for Tony's latest data. No one really wanted to talk much, so every one of them went to find something to do.
Suddenly the quiet was broken.
"Is he truly your brother, Loki?"
Everyone in the room looked up at Thor somewhat incredulous – god of thunder sat in a chair near the fireplace and seriously stared at Loki.
Loki who stood near a big window with the view on New York visibly stiffened and slowly turned to Thor. Loki was mildly taken aback by Thor's boldness. It was a sore subject but Loki thought that Thor had to know the truth. Even if he won't like it.
"Indeed he is", was Loki's emotionless answer. Through the debriefing Loki was calm. But just like that his calm gave a crack. Familiar indifference on the outside - but his mind screamed in bitterness. 'How dare he?' Like it was any of his business to dwell on Loki's business. Too late for that, Thor.
Thor though visibly fidgeted when Loki turned away from him. He knew Loki thought the conversation was over but there was the one question Thor had no patience to hold anymore. He waited enough.
"Is he…"
No. No! NO! Avengers with sudden desire prayed to all gods they knew for Thunder God to not end this stupid question because it will be disastrous. They knew Thor and knew what he will ask. It was so obvious. Of course they all understood that Thor missed Loki; they saw how every time Helblindi called Loki 'brother' Thor flinched in hate and rage, clenching his fists. This situation hurt golden god and hurt badly. He wanted his brother back and to no one else to steal what was his. They clearly understood. But still please Thor do not…
"Is he a better brother than me?"
There. He did it. And then there was silence. But not a good one, mind you. More like when emotions were getting increased to dangerous levels and then exploded. They all saw how very hard Loki tried to calm himself. He closed his eyes, tried to even suddenly labored breaths. He tried and tried to suppress his anger, his rage and frustration, to not lose himself in front of everyone.
Loki wondered how simple it was for Thor to make him loose himself so. And all of his distress because of Thor's stupid pathetic question. Only Mighty Thor could do that to him. Could hurt his soul so deeply without even realizing it. When will he understand?!
Not receiving an answer for some time – not seeing Loki's reaction - Thor moved forward, thinking that Loki will answer now.
"Lok-"
"IN EVERY POSSIBLE WAYS!"
After Loki's angry shout black-haired god walked quickly out of the room. Thor as pretty much everyone else was stunned. They sat a little not daring to speak for Thor's sake. After a while humans quietly left a room, leaving Thunder God to sit alone with his thoughts.
~o~0~o~
A/N: There will be Loki's kickback in the next chapter: )
Thanks again for the wait! You are all awesome! Your reviews - me happy : )