Author's Note:

It's been mentioned several times that Loki's a bit off and I'm aware of that, in my imagination he wouldn't be completely okay after 2 years straight of torture in Asgard so I think he's allowed to be a bit funny in the head and enamoured with someone who is suddenly nice to him. It's not that I don't know what Loki's character usually does, I just think 2 years of being treated like crap constantly then being cared for would mess with his head a little bit BUT! I was already working on that little inconsistency so no worries guys XD

To the Thunderfrost fans: I don't intend to rush their relationship though I'm still obviously going to move it along. (To the exclusive Thorki fans: You can suffer through my love of the other pairing XD)

To the Stony fans: I'm pretty sure those two are going to be awkward for a while, what do you think?

I wasn't aware that such a hard line had been drawn between fans of either pairing o_o I love both so I generally write what I like at the time. Sometimes it's more of a Steve/Tony day and other times it's all about Loki/Thor XD Which helps mix up the writing and keep us all interested. I'm glad that some of you have considered the other pairing after reading my work, it's very flattering to hear :)

Alright, next chapter, let's move it along people XD

The next day most people kept to themselves and Steve found that he couldn't find Tony anywhere, well, except he couldn't check the usual work area because Tony had sealed it. Probably with himself inside. Steve rubbed his eyes tiredly and tried to pump himself up for a confrontation with Tony but there was just no way he could get inside to see him. The captain sighed and walked back to where the others were hanging out, Bruce, Clint, and Natasha, just sort of doing their own thing quietly like usual. None of them were quite aware of just what it was Thor expected them to do but they were all at the ready.

Steve fidgeted and soon slumped his shoulders, finding himself completely incapable of doing anything but waiting with the rest. "So," he spoke as he walked closer, across the vast and luxurious sitting space. He watched as his team lifted their heads, Clint eyed him oddly as usual, Natasha hardly showed any kind of emotion at all, and Bruce just seemed inquisitive. "Any thoughts on the threat that Thor was worried about?"

"My guess would be the Chitauri again." Bruce looked back at the newspaper in his hands, a cup of coffee placed precariously close to his elbow though no matter which way he moved he always seemed to know where it was.

"The Chitauri work for someone bigger," Natasha muttered, skimming through different files on a computer she'd picked up. "Whoever their boss is, I'd bet he'd enjoy taking Loki apart."

"Heh," Clint scoffed softly, "If you ask me they can have him."

"Clint," Steve said gently though it was clear he was serious, "I think it's time you let up. Loki's apologized, he's sorry and that doesn't often happen with bad guys."

"So you just want me to accept it?" Clint shook his head, "No thanks, I'll remain cautious around that sneaky monster. Someone has to since the rest of you seem to be falling for his fainting acts and goo-goo eyes."

Steve pinched the bridge of his nose but shook his head, "Alright. I can't force you to accept it but I can ask you to keep those comments to yourself."

"I can say what I want, Cap. Free country." Clint frowned but noticed the stern expression he was receiving, "Fine, fine." He sighed and turned his attention back to the portion of the paper he'd stolen from Bruce earlier, "I'll stop mentioning how much I hate him, better?"

"Yes," Steve nodded, "Though mostly I think you'll appreciate it a lot more than the rest of us. Thor's gotten pretty protective of Loki; I think the next rude thing you say about his brother will get you a good smack with Mjolnir."

Clint cringed, "Yeah... he has been giving me distrusting stares lately, like I'm going to sneak into his room at night and shoot Loki in the head with an arrow."

"Don't act like you haven't considered it." Bruce chuckled, "We understand that you're pissed off about him 'controlling your mind' and all that but he did that to a few people, not just you."

"And you aren't one of them, so keep it to yourself." Clint snapped back, a move that was promptly shushed when Natasha's hand touched his shoulder.

Bruce didn't seem offended though, he only shrugged and went back to what he was reading, "All I'm saying is you don't need to feel singled out."

Clint sighed and dropped his head back against the plush supporting structure of the couch, he knew he was overreacting, he was aware that he didn't need to deal with any of it on his own but it still bothered him. That they were just letting Loki roam around free like that, and hell, they were even protecting him! "Sorry, Bruce."

"It's okay." Bruce reciprocated with a light hearted smile, always tinged in something darker that none of them wanted to go near with a ten foot pole, but light hearted all the same. It was a nice look on his usually sarcastically-inclined face, though, again, it was still a little unnerving at times. "We're all having a hard time accepting this but Thor asked so we can't very well say no, can we?"

"Exactly." Natasha joined in, "It doesn't matter what he did, someone we trust has asked for our help."

"I know you're right," Clint nodded, "I just can't get into 'I need to keep him save' mode, you know? It's just so much easier to hate that little... insert bad words here, et cetera."

Bruce chuckled, "I agree. It'd be even easier for me to let the other guy throw him around again but that's not a smart idea either. We'll just have to find a reason to do it, Thor's good enough for me."

Clint shrugged, "Yeah, I'll give it a shot."

Steve smiled, "That's good to hear," he pat the archer's shoulder as he passed by, "You rarely miss a shot."

"I never miss a shot, Cap." Clint corrected him with a grin.

"Even better news." Steve tapped his fingers on the counter top in the bar area and glanced around for a moment, "Has anyone seen Tony today?"

"Not today or yesterday after he retired early," Bruce shook his head, "In fact you didn't come out of your room until now either. What happened? Lover's quarrel?"

Steve's face flushed instantly and he tried to shrug the comment away, "Just curious, that's all. I needed to talk to him."

"About what?" Clint asked, rolling his head back to get a better view of the captain, his lips still curled up in a grin, "Your dream of him? You guys haven't talked about that yet, have you?"

"That's part of it." Steve admitted, not feeling right lying to any of them though he could feel his face heating up even further than it already had been, the warmth spreading down his neck and over his ears. "I just... needed to explain something."

"He might bother to see me," Bruce shrugged and stood up, "I'll let him know when I'm down there."

Steve smiled, "Thanks. I think he specifically locked me out, actually."

"Sounds like Stark, avoiding an awkward confrontation as always." Clint laughed.

The blonde scratched the back of his head but couldn't deny it; Tony probably couldn't face him after yesterday. And really it'd be damn near impossible for Steve to ever muster the courage to go see someone after they caught him touching himself, like directly caught him right in the same room. It's different if they creep after him and watch videos in the bathroom. Was that even legal? He didn't think so. Regardless, he needed to tell Tony how he felt about all of this, his thoughts on it all and what he thought could maybe be made of it.

Granted he wasn't sure what he thought all of this mess could be made into, it could be just a 'we needed a release and you happened to be it' sort of thing but he doubted he could just leave it at that. He was too aware of the fact that he liked Tony, really liked him, enough to make Captain America realize he wasn't as straight as he thought he was. Steve stood for all things American, he was their symbol, and he was also a symbol of older times and how things used to be. Inter-racial couples were still kind of a big deal back in his time, let alone same-sex relationships. But Steve Rogers had never been a man to judge, it didn't matter what they looked like, where they were from, who they preferred to be in bed with, they were all humans and deserved to be treated that way.

Steve never imagined that he'd ever feel attracted to a man, though. Even with all of his tolerance and acceptance of that kind of thing, he just couldn't picture himself with a man. And now, here he was, lusting after Howard Stark's son of all people. Fate was an incredible thing and a lot of the time he wondered if it hated him.

Loki's eyes fluttered open when he felt the heat of the sun leaking in the window behind him; it was nice though a little too warm if he just let it sit there. The mischief god lifted himself up and stared across the room, his mind circling slowly, readying itself for the day. Loki found that it felt a lot clearer now than it had been in the last week. He was calmer, feeling more like himself and it was like the hazy fog from his fever had faded. He closed his eyes and rubbed the sleep from them, he wanted to get up, bathe, eat, do anything but lay around all day.

He stretched first, though his limbs shook and he remembered as a few shots of pain ran up his arms that the muscles weren't healed yet. He might not have a choice but to sit around all day anyway. His face scrunched up for a moment, slight anger returning to him with the knowledge that he would've been a lot closer to one hundred percent if Odin had left his magic and god-status with him. But of course, his 'father' had to take that away, had to strip him of something that would help him and let him suffer even longer. It figures.

A soft moan next to him startled him slightly; Loki looked down at the stirring thunder god next to him and felt a fluttering in his chest that alarmed him further. In all of his post-traumatic stress and feverish thoughts, somehow this managed to fully surface. Loki covered his face and hunched forward, "By the gods..." he murmured, hoping and nearly praying that Thor didn't know about it, didn't recognize it or acknowledge it in any way. But how could he not? It was obvious, wasn't it? Loki had been asking for his help, had been snuggling with him in bed, even said it once, if he could recall correctly.

"Loki?" Thor mumbled in his half-awake state, blinking blue eyes up at his brother. "How are you feeling?"

"Fine, thank you." Loki said quickly and moved to get out of bed. He felt like his mind had returned somehow, had he managed to reinforce his walls? Had he pushed everything down, away into a box with the rest of his nightmares to keep the rest of him safe? Or perhaps it was all just a moment of clarity in this whirlwind of insanity. Whatever the case he didn't want to be that helpless lump anymore.

"Do you need something?" Thor asked softly, his hand brushing Loki's shoulder before the smaller god pulled away.

"No, I said I'm fine." Was he really fine? No, probably not. He was still sore, his body felt weak and he couldn't remember everything that he'd been doing in the last few days. He remembered Thor, he could clearly remember everything Thor had been doing for him and embarrassment quickly followed the memories. How could he let Thor bathe him? How could he ask Thor to help him dress himself? It was too much to think about.

"Loki, what is wrong?" Thor was still as gentle as ever, trying to give him a comforting touch but Loki swatted his hand away.

"Nothing!" Loki snapped, standing up out of the bed, not knowing where exactly he was going, just knowing that he couldn't be laying in the same bed as his brother. It was too sweet, too warm and soothing that he felt it couldn't be real. He wouldn't let himself be tricked like that.

"What has gotten into you?" Thor rose from the bed and didn't let his avoiding brother get away, wrapping him in a hug and holding him tightly. "Whatever it is, tell me."

"Let go of me, Thor." Loki demanded and struggled weakly against the embrace, his frustration only growing when he couldn't pull free. He shouted angrily and tried harder only to be picked up, his feet lifted from the ground and his body held even more tightly against Thor's.

"Lie down, Loki." Thor attempted to calmly put what he thought was his delirious brother back into bed though Loki would have none of it. Loki smacked and hit Thor repeated, legs kicking and he continued to yell at him.

"Put me down! Let go!"

"Alright, alright." Thor put Loki down as instructed and rubbed his face as his brother stumbled away and leaned against the far wall, gasping for breath he never meant to lose. "Loki, please. At least tell me what is bothering you. You know I am here for you, I will keep you safe-"

"That isn't it." Loki sighed miserably and ran a hand down his face, he felt a little nauseous now, apparently overexerting himself would do that. He slumped to the floor and rested his dizzy head against the wall, not noticing that Thor had crossed the room to his side again. "I just... I feel so..." He didn't want to share it; he didn't want to further humiliate himself. Thor had to know how he felt, didn't he? It seemed so obvious to Loki that Thor would undoubtedly know, so then if Thor hadn't done anything about it clearly he didn't feel the same way. Just taking care of his brother because he swore he would, that was all.

Thor waited patiently for Loki to say whatever it was that was eating at him. It was odd, Thor had to admit. Loki had been hesitant at first but quick to accept help back in Asgard, he'd been clingy and looked at Thor with complete terror when the thunder god mentioned he would leave him on earth. Loki was scared; he was injured and weak and needed his brother more than anything else. None of these things were common traits in Loki, normally a proud and individualistic being. Thor had been concerned and felt he needed to look after his brother even more with these things present. However the way Loki was reacting now it was a lot closer to normal, as disturbing as that seemed to be. Thor had gotten used to his brother needing him, wanting him and asking for help when it was necessary. Loki wouldn't do that anymore, he figured.

"You are feeling a bit better," Thor said gently, "Your prideful nature has returned to you."

"That is no indication." Loki hissed, noticing Thor's presence next to him now. "Though you are right."

The thunder god shook his head, "You are confusing sometimes."

Loki nearly snarled at him, his eyes narrowing, "I am the confusing one? At least I am not leading anyone on!"

"What?" Thor was taken aback by this, a statement that seemed to be out of the blue. "Brother, are you still feverish?" He reached for Loki's forehead but his hand was smacked aside again.

"Don't play dumb, Thor." Loki snapped, "What is it you want with me, huh? All of your... your stupid hugs and..." He choked back a sob and looked away quickly, cursing his weakness over and over, rubbing his eyes vehemently to keep the tears from falling.

"Loki, I am not playing at anything. What is it that bothers you so?" Thor carefully put his arms around his brother, slowly, making sure he wasn't going to be pushed back.

Loki's breath hitched when he recognized the embrace, the warmth of the body next to him, urging him to just let go and hug back, promising safety and other luxuries. Loki shook his head but fell against Thor's chest anyway, "I cannot..." he whispered tiredly, "I cannot let you get this close to me."

"Why?" Thor asked without judgement, just listening.

"You will ruin me." Loki closed his eyes and listened to the heartbeat of his brother, a sound that brought him comfort though he didn't want it to. "You swear to keep me safe, to hold me, to always be there when I need you..."

"Yes."

"That promise can only be a lie, Thor." Loki looked up, his expression stern though his eyes were still wet. "You cannot keep me safe forever and you cannot be here whenever I need you, it is impossible."

"I can make it possible." Thor insisted, his grip tightening around the slender shoulders of his brother who calmly shook his head.

"I doubt that, you are not a magician nor can you be in two places at once."

"I do not understand, what are you saying Loki?" Thor furrowed his brow, not liking the sudden shift in his brother's mood.

"I am saying that if I were to believe that promise, for you to keep it..." Loki trailed off, a hand hesitantly coming up and touching Thor's face as he sat straighter and leaning in a little closer. "You would have to be by my side every day, because I would grow accustomed to it, I would grow to need it, your presence, your words, your voice, your touch..." he leaned his forehead against Thor's, his own heart racing and every doubt being pushed to the back of his mind because he wanted this and he would take what he wanted. "And then, slowly, I would take it, all of it." He watched the stunned blue eyes as they danced left and right, shifting focus between his eyes as Thor searched for something to say. "I would take everything, all that you are and have to offer me, and demand more. I will be spoiled and ruined, and in turn I would ruin you."

"Loki..." Thor swallowed thickly and after a moment his hands came up and took his brother's from his face, "You see yourself in such an ugly light and imagine that you are not capable of anything but cruelty, but I know the truth. I remember the boy you used to be, the loving heart that know you have. You have coated it in ice but it is there."

"It was always coated in ice," Loki moved back to a relaxed position, his head resting against Thor's breast again, "You just didn't know it then."