Next chap. I know I don't upload frequently, but I am committed to finishing this story!

Thank you to those who still read! Also, thank you for the comments last chap and feel free to leave more to motivate me to finish these chapters sooner! :)

The next couple weeks passed without much incident but for a couple appearances by the Bull Beast that ended in failure. Every time the city was destroyed, every time lives were lost, and every time it was closer to getting into Asgard and threatening its people. Despite this and the growing tension between team members, the Avengers continued to fearlessly fight crime and sometimes in the evenings Loki and Stark would go out into the city. Aside from those aspects, Loki continued to treat Thor as his servant, as was agreed, but not his slave, not anymore. He had promised Stark he would start treating his brother better, but Loki never promised their relationship would go back to how it was before. It was still tense between them, but Loki made a bigger effort (sometimes in vain) to bite back his bitter tongue.

"Hold still," said Stark. He held a pair of scissors to Loki's cheek and was gingerly running his fingers across it.

"It tickles," replied Loki.

"Almost there…" he trailed off. "There. It's done."

He held the mirror up for Loki to see. Loki took it and gazed at the long pink scar.

"I often complain about being mortal, but I suppose it has some merits," he said. Stark tactfully placed himself between the god's legs and wrapped his arms around the Trickster. "How so?"

"I've never had a chance to watch a wound heal by itself. It's fascinating," Loki said, ignoring Stark. He was so mesmerized by the ridged pale pink flesh in the reflection he forgot to be annoyed at the man.

Stark took the mirror from him and laid it on the table beside them before slowly placing a hand on the tender cheek.

"What else?"

"What else what?" A slight frown appeared on Loki's forehead now he's realized Stark's position.

"What are the other merits to being mortal?"

"I never said that."

"You did!"

"What I meant is that a mortal's body is fascinating."

"I'll concede if you say that statement includes mine's."

Loki remained silent.

"You're still stubborn with me even after everything."

Stark dived in for a gentle kiss that lasted no more than a couple of seconds before they were interrupted by the infirmary door slamming open.

"Jesus, guys, get a room!" laughed Wasp.

In the doorway were Wasp and Thor already in their battle gear.

"Let me guess," started Stark as he tore himself from Loki, "a mission?"

"No duh."

Stark sighed and walked away to prepare to save the world again.

"See you tonight, Loki," he called over his shoulder. "We'll pick up where we left off."

All of a sudden it became uncomfortable between the three of them left in the room. Loki stood, not knowing what else to do and started collecting his things when Wasp said, "It's kind of weird having Stark so happy all the time now."

Loki paused. "You're addressing me but I have no answer."

"I'm just saying, it's nice."

Loki agreed it was but was confused as to the point of the conversation.

"Brother, how's your stitches," offered Thor.

"Fine," replied Loki. "Stark was very gentle."

"Just like in bed I bet," whispered Wasp jokingly to Thor.

Thor blushed red to think of his brother that way while Loki's brow frowned in irritation.

"And I bet a better lover than Ant-Man," teased Loki, deciding for revenge this way.

Wasp's smile instantly faded. "Excuse me?"

"Don't worry. He's handsome but not interesting to me - although, it does tempt me to try him."

Actually, Loki felt no inclination whatsoever, but it was pleasing to annoy the woman.

"The same old Trickster and tease," huffed Wasp before storming out.

"I'm only a few millennia old!" Loki called after her.

"Loki, you're not very good at being sympathetic," said his brother.

"Just because I've turned mortal doesn't mean I should become sensitive to the feelings of others," replied the Trickster.

"No, but it's recommended."

Loki ran his long finger along the edge of his wine glass and gazed into it steadily, bored, leaning his head into his hand, and listening to nothing but restaurant background noises. He was itching to execute a scheme, but he promised to Stark he wouldn't. He itched to publicly embarrass his brother, but he promised Stark he wouldn't either. He curled his hand into a fist in aggravation. Was Stark's sole purpose in drawing out all the fun of Loki's life? His personality and own being? Not even his relationship with Stark could ever completely erase who he is.

"Hey." There was a tap on his shoulder. Speak of the devil. "You up for something?"

"Like what?"

He smiled thoughtfully. "You choose," he said.

Stark couldn't have possibly known Loki's thoughts, yet he had guessed their "normal" afternoons out were becoming tiresome for the Trickster. How odd, he thought. And he thought a bit more before deciding. "How about a horse ride?"

At first Stark appeared confused but finally consented hesitantly. "Alright. I'll call up a friend to see if we can borrow a couple horses for the afternoon."

"Good," Loki replied and took a sip of his wine.

"Can I ask why?"

Loki paused. "No, not yet."

Because at that moment he was struck by an intense yearning for a world light-years away.