A/N: Hi, guys! I know some of you hate it when I'm dragging, you want action, and I can assure you I'll be back at seriousness pretty soon. It is a slightly shorter chapter compared to how long I made my last ones (Okay, 1K. 4K. 7K? 9K?! Can I please return to 1K? No? 'kay) but it is what I wanted to write. And… Remember chapter 16? Yeah… Hope you like to read this just as I liked to write it :D

Once more, thank you krystal lazuli for you quick, amazing help in fixing my mistakes so you'd all could read it easily : )

Enjoy!

~o~0~o~

It was difficult to find a peaceful corner in Avengers Tower in recent days. Life was literally boiling with the latest events.

So it was rather surprising to see Loki sitting alone in a little studio Stark built for Steve so the Captain could fulfill his artistic streak. Steve had been rather busy for the last couple of months, so the room was always empty. Loki must have chosen it for this exact reason – so no one would disturb him.

After Bruce asked all of them to give him some time to test his theory about possessed humans, he said that he would rather write his experiences of his capture on the file so they all could read, also it would save him from repeating everything to SHIELD that they would want to be aware of the situation.

So while Bruce took his time, Loki and Stark finally got to examine a robot and its properties. Loki put Thor to a task of translating his notes he brought from Vanaheim in English so Stark would be able to work with them, because he had not the time on everything, as he said. Thor dutifully went to his room to do just that.

As had happened before, Clint and Natasha were frequently called to some kind of missions that were quick to finish and nearby, so they could always be back in the Tower should the need arise.

Steve noticed Loki's subdued behavior as soon as he returned from his short travel. The god was working as always, but from time to time, his thoughts wandered to some faraway places. That rarely hadn't happened before. Not to this degree at least, as Steve saw Loki often think of Jotunheim.

So. Something happened in Vanaheim. Something… special? Good? Because otherwise Loki wouldn't be so calm.

Not that Steve had any idea if what Loki felt at the moment was not something he wanted others to see other than what was truly felt by him most of the time.

Mysterious and smug about it.

Steve could only sigh. Technically he was younger than any other person in this building. So why, pray tell, did he have to act like a parent to them all?

"Hey."

"Steve. " Loki nodded in greeting. "I thought this place was deserted. I guess it is not so."

"Yeah, it is my studio by the way." The soldier stood facing Loki. The room was quite spacious and full of light, because of many large windows; in one corner, white walls were decorated with unfinished drafts, pieces of still life scattered around, tables full of paint, oils, pencils and brushes on them; canvases and easels with whatmans on them ready to be used stood lined up the wall. The other corner was used as a relaxing spot – with the comfortable couch Loki now lay upon, two large chairs to give anyone who would like to visit a seat, or for the models who were posing to take a break; a little kitchen with coffee-machine and snacks put on shelves. There was even a TV on the wall, but it was rarely used.

"So I am intruding. How preposterous of me. Whatever will happen now, I wonder." Loki muttered obviously not serious at all.

Steve almost rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't trying to get you out, Loki."

"Oh, good. So then you can go away, can you not? I have only just found this little haven in this awful building. Don't make me remove you by force, Americaptain."

Now Steve rolled his eyes. Loki was clearly amusing himself, saying the opposite of what he wanted. Rogers sat on a little stool near the windows from which shone bright sunlight. Loki wasn't even doing anything, just scrubbing a yellow pencil on the paper drawing some sort of pictures with directional arrows. Steve glanced once and turned away – there was nothing familiar in those doodles. Much like Tony's.

"How was your trip?" Loki raised incredulous brow. Oh, Loki was in a dramatic mood. Oh, boy. But when else Steve could corner Loki to talk about what happened? Now was the perfect arrangement.

"It was… fine?"

"Fine? Eloquent for the guy who is a master of words." Steve smirked. Loki gave him a flat look.

"Pleasant. Successful. Satisfying. Is this what you want to hear?"

"No. I want to hear what happened to make you so hush-hush on a matter." And really, since Loki came back he took no time in going to the labs, experimenting with some kind of crystals he brought with him, not telling anyone what exactly he found out and from whom. Captain knew for sure Bruce and Tony would be interested to listen about the most magically advanced realm.

Loki opened his mouth to answer, but nothing came out. Instead, he put away his pencil and neatly folded the papers he worked on, until hiding them in his trouser pocket. He was obviously stalling, but Steve believed that if he were to wait, he would get his answer.

"Something happened." Loki said softly, his mouth curving as if in a pout.

Success.

"What?" Steve asked calm, but inside he was excited. Captain America also plays in poker, thank you.

"I don't know." Loki sighed and turned away, leaving Steve dumb with such an answer.

"Er…" How could he not know? "Something… good?"

"Can't tell." Is he serious?

"Why not?" Steve was a patient man. That Loki played hard to get, meant nothing. Steve was on the war, he knew how things worked.

"You… wouldn't understand."

"Why NOT?" Steve repeated his question once more.

"…"

"Is it connected to Vanaheim?" Why not ask the obvious, right?

Loki sat, blinking at him innocently.

"It seems to be. Yeah, all right. Anyway. How was Vanaheim?"

"Delightful as ever." Cryptic as ever. Steve was starting to fear for his control. If this was some sort of game, Loki was on a roll, because the war hero was feeling his muscles cringe in a wish to strangle Loki's long pale neck.

"Don't make me squeeze information from you forcefully, Loki. What happened?" Last words were spoken kind and friendly, so Loki may see how Steve cared. Because now he still cared, but if Loki continued to bullshit him, this care would transform into something completely opposite.

"What do you mean?" Damn it!

"Loki."

"Nothing happened." But he has just said…

"You are impossible." Need he do this? Yes, because Loki acted strangely subdued lately and Steve had to make sure he was fine. For all their sakes.

Because Steve Rogers could call Loki 'friend' all he wanted, but in truth he still knew naught about the god. Nothing about Loki could be taken for sure.

"Oh, I'm quite possible. You are the one who is too stressed. Settle down, drink some water." Loki even pushed a water bottle his way by one finger. Staring at it for a long moment and unclenching his fists, Rogers tranquilly took offered water and took a sip. All right then.

"Thank you. Fine. How are your friends?" Loki pulled a face.

"Your interrogation skills are awe-inspiring, you know." Patience.

"So?"

"Healthy." Fuck it!

"LOKI!"

"What, dear Steven?" The bastard was using him for his own amusement! The bastard!

"Don't be difficult!"

'But it is much more fun!' was written on Loki's smiling face.

"Let's begin again." Why was he doing it, again? Oh, yeah. Because Loki was his friend and teammate. Steve Rogers looked out for others. Period. "Have you met your friends? Who are they by the way?"

At least this Loki could tell him without a problem. Thank goodness.

"Prince Keael and Princess Sigyn. Their father King Njord met me. I didn't see his son." Something at least. Wait…

"And his daughter?"

"I… met her later."

"How was it?"

"…"

"Loki?"

"Yes?"

Aghhhhh!

"Could you please tell me of your meeting with king's daughter?" Please, please, please don't piss me off, Loki.

"You are no help anyway!" Loki suddenly exclaimed. Excuse me?

"Why?"

"Because I know you were never with a woman! How could you help me if-"

"Wait! Wait. A woman? So it is a princess! She is the one you are so wound up about?"

"… maybe? It doesn't matter." The god quickly shook his head.

"It does! Loki, it is… wonderful. How did you-"

"Her brother." Why was the wall so far away? Why couldn't it be near his head so Steve could bash it against the white plain surface?

"What?"

"You'll like him." God help him.

"Me? How am I in any of this?"

"I can get you both together." Loki gave him a little smile, full of innocence. And mischief.

"Whatever for? Ah, Loki! Are you trying to distract me again?"

"Am I? From what?"

"From you and Sigyn!"

Suddenly Loki seemed all defensive and wary, making the Captain even lean back a little. Steve's brows hid in his hairline when Loki burned his eyes into Steve's. There was some protective anger in those green ones. Wait, what did he say again?

"What of me and Sigyn, Steven? Is something wrong? You don't approve? Of course, you don't approve. You think me unsuitable for the fair maiden? You think me horrible, that's right! Or are you afraid I would leave you? Are you jealous?" and on, and on, and on…

Oh, it… what a little shit… just…

"MY GOD! Loki, just SHUT UP!" Steve exploded finally. His roar was so loud; one would think the glass was trembling in the windows. Loki's absurd rambling was endless and so embarrassing to Steve – he just wanted Loki to stop make him so uncomfortable. That sudden flow of complaints – ridiculous ones – was… Ah! He knew Loki was shamelessly teasing him, but-but-but – NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO MAKE HIM BLUSH! Yes, well…

Loki meanwhile clicked his mouth shut. He looked fairly disappointed and even slightly hurt. He quietly put his legs on the ground so he could sit straight. Next he put a pillow from his lap on the couch's armrest.

"… I knew it." He whispered accusingly, not looking at Steve.

"What now? Did you invent another way to annoy- Hey! Where do you think you are going? Come back here! Loki!" Steve jumped at his feet at the same time as the god stood abruptly and headed to the door.

"You are just like them. I tried to talk to you about something pure and innocent, maybe I wanted to confess-" Steve mentally ripped his hair from his head. God of Mischief, goddamn it!

"DID YOU NOW? Cause all I have tortured from you was-" Loki whirled on him, poking a finger in his chest.

"Here! You see? Unsophisticated, crude peasant – it is who you are, Steven Rogers. I can't even talk to you normally. I hope you are pleased with yourself."

What he- what did just – seriously? Oh for the love of-

"LOKI! Get back here, you little-" Loki growled.

"Little what?"

"Are you doing it again?" Steve gritted, shaking his head. Why were they screaming at each other like children in the first place?! How the situation became this ridiculous?!

"Doing what?"

"Being an ass!"

Loki gaped at him incredulously. Steve blinked when Loki's face scrunched sorrowfully and he looked away to hide it. Steve opened his mouth to say something ("Goodness, is he going to cry? No-no-no! I will not fall for that! You piece of dramatic shit!")

"But… language, Steve. How c-could you? I thought you were not like that. Not like them." Sniff. "I thought you understood. I guess I was wrong. We can't be friends any longer. Good bye."

Loki walked to the doors while Steve only blinked in complete shock that Loki had said that. How was it even real? The bastard squeezed all juices from him and then made it seem like Steve was in fault all along? And not only Captain didn't find out anything, but Loki had the time to subtly point out his inexperience with women, let him spectacularly lose his temper and then accuse him of swearing? Captain America? What a sneaky, tricky, devious, horrible-

Hearing a suppressed sneaker was the last straw.

"LOKI!"

Bruce just shook his head on the floor below. Steve's problems.

~o~0~o~

The sky lite up in rainbow colors. Everyone in the common room, thus being Natasha, Clint, Thor and Tony jumped from their seats and ran to the balcony just as Jarvis warned them about the arrival of a new guest. They saw the person raising from a crouch and cautiously looking around, freezing as Jarvis activated protective shields and a couple of weapons casually aimed at them. Thor saw who it was first and quickly waved to hold fire after what opened the transparent doors to let them in.

"Sif! What are you doing here?"

And it was indeed Thor's friend from Asgard, wearing her silver-red armor, sword, and shield. Just as she saw their group, Sif straightened and stepped to them until she was in front of Thor.

"My King." The warrior woman took a knee and saluted. Her actions were determined, but her face was just a little bit too neutral. "I came here on the behalf of your mother, the Queen. She tasked me with a message that you would know of Asgard's standing in matters after Alfheim-Asgard negotiations that took place three days ago." Then Sif raised from the floor and warily looked at present humans, who gave her identical glances back.

Tony couldn't hold his snort. Even if that woman was a bitch, she was hot and listening her speak like that was hot. Ugh! He wouldn't check out prison women, now would he? No, Tony! You are not so desperate! Besides, there were too many sadistic tendencies in that exhibit, with that almost brutal sense of righteousness, which was kinda… not hot.

As Sif was speaking about what resulted in talks with elves, Thor listening closely, time from time asking how was his mother, their friends, or if there were some troubles that needed his presence (so far there were none) smiling Loki and pissed off Steve Rogers came to the common room, thus halting the somewhat peaceful atmosphere. Sif tensed almost comically with her jaw jumping around, Thor only smiled at the sight of his brother. Tony hid his eyebrows in the hairline bewildered seeing Captain America boiling. Most strange. It was ought to be fun. Clint and Natasha subtly watched Thor's friend, almost expecting her to take her sword.

But alas Sif only gritted her teeth, exhaled and turned to look pointedly at Thor, ignoring Loki.

Loki looked around, noticed Sif, and decided not to be ignored.

"Ah, Sif! Joy. What brings you to Midgard? I hope not another treason." Loki shook his head disappointed. "What would your mother say – you can't afford another mark in your criminal case."

Then Loki hit himself on the forehead. "Oh, dear, I forgot! You are not criminals. You all have free pass to do whatever you wish without consequences. Whew. I was only worried." He walked to sit near an amused Tony. "And you are free from prison! Congratulations. Did you like it there? Found a soul mate?"

"LOKI!" Steve shouted from the doors.

Thor quickly stood between the couch and the enraged woman, who looked fed up with everything like… yesterday. Just as Sif slowly tightened her hand on her weapon, Thor stepped closer to his old friend and ordered.

"Sif, desist. He's teasing you." Then quieter. "My mother freed you?" A curt nod. "I'm sorry, I left."

Sif nodded again, not speaking. Her eyes caught a tall broad blonde-haired person who was making some food in some strange machine in total frustration. He kept glaring at where Loki was sitting whispering with a short dark haired man, the Man of Iron. It was obvious that traitor had done something bad.

Everyone settled down, finding something to do while Thor and Sif chatted. Captain resurfaced from the kitchen, carrying a cup of coffee and the plate of cookies. He set the cookies on the coffee table but the coffee he gallantly offered to a bemused Sif, before coming to stand at the wall, so he would be able to see everyone in the room.

"Has he done you harm?" She asked aloud after Thor more or less stopped with questions and was now reading the letter his mother sent him along with a usual cloth woven with protection spells.

It took some time for Steve to realize Sif was actually talking to him.

"I'm sorry?"

The warrior woman pointed a finger at Loki, not even looking at the trickster.

"Did he upset you in any way?"

Steve discreetly rolled his eyes. Not that it was any of Aesir woman's business, but she asked. And it was childish but maybe Loki would hear how exactly he was 'displeased' with him right now. They were friends, and Steve just wanted Loki to share more with him, not afraid that the information would be misused. And… Steve in no way wanted another accident like with the story about the servant girl.

"Yes. Loki and I can't even have a proper conversation without him being…" Steve somewhat raised his voice and pointed his glare at Loki so he would get it that the god should cut the teasing. Loki, who only slowly blinked at him, his bright eyes sly and knowing. Insufferable. "Yes. I am mad at Loki. He's just… offended me." Steve replied annoyingly but still with a secret smile. Natasha gave him a dubious yet amused look. Those two.

"Did he?" Sif tilted her head, looking thoughtful. Loki turned to the woman.

"Yes. I hurt him. Hurt his feelings. And I… I am not even sorry." Loki put on a devious smile. Steve groaned at the back of the room. The god only smirked. He knew Captain well and knew Steve was more amused than offended.

Loki himself had not figured out what was going on in his head, more over in his heart, so until Loki would thoroughly think it up, dear Steve would have to wait for him to offer any explanations regarding Vanaheim and… and Sigyn.

Stark was looking suspicious at Cap's profile then at Loki, a slow smile lighting up his face. Barton sat as if in a trance, with his eyes closed, making sure nothing could disturb his rest after running and fighting the whole day yesterday with SHIELD operation – he was tired and the nest he made from the pillows was comfortable. Natasha looked actually curious at Steve's strong reactions – it seemed Loki got him again. Bruce, being aware of their quarrel was unconcerned. Steve's problems. But he could offer one calmative if need be. Thor was cool as a wall, he also heard Captain's frustrated shouts. But even so, it should serve him right. Being Loki's friend was sometimes tiresome. If Loki found a target in Steve, dear Steve would have to 'suck it up', as Darcy once told him. Who, if not Thor would know?

"Incredible." Sif stared at everyone. "These people shelter your ungrateful hide, give you friendship you don't deserve and the opportunity to show off your useless tricks and all you repay them with is pain? Well… a true monster." Sif said, deathly calm.

Thor froze with his hand raised to touch Sif's shoulder. It has happened again. There would never be any kind of civility between Sif and Loki. If his brother would take offence now, it would be his fault. Even his closest subject was unable to obey orders given her repeatedly.

The Avengers stilled. Thor's girlfriend was doing it again – every one of them forgot the fact that Loki could simply vanish and bump them. In any moment, promise or not. They silently dreaded when Loki left to Vanaheim, but he came back. If Loki leaves now, how could they be sure he would be back this time?

Steve looked shocked. He wasn't expecting the little payback at Loki's joking escalating into this. Because Sif had just hurt Loki's feelings. With a 'monster' word involved.

Loki slowly stood from his seat. Tony's hand shot to grab onto Loki's black shirt but refrained, instead curling hands into fists. Shit. Shit. Shit. There was gonna be a bloodbath and he has only just installed a new TV. Double shit. Why can't people keep their mouths shut? Well… he knew why, but still – Sif was too cruel for no reason, quick to throw accusations by her own assumptions without proof or much thinking, with the only purpose to hurt and watch other's reaction with satisfaction, thus putting herself above everyone else.

The God of Mischief calmly smoothed his shirt and trousers, and made his way out of the room, to the great satisfaction of Sif. But wait, no, Loki was walking to Steve, who was shaking his head, trying to say something to Loki but no words escaped him, too overwhelmed with this turn of events.

Loki was too emotionless, too serious, as he looked Steve in the eyes. Captain could only imagine the blame and hurt he hid behind his mask.

Suddenly Loki's right hand shot out from nowhere and grabbed muscular neck and before Steve knew it, Loki smacked his lips in the chastest kiss he ever had. Blue eyes almost fell from his head from utter surprise and Holy Mary, Loki did what? Too soon for Rogers - to react - the god released him and stepped away. Looking up with wide eyes Steve saw the young god was smiling like a cat that had finally caught its mouse.

"Are we good, Steven?" Loki spoke with too sweet voice.

"Y-yes, yes. We g-good." Rogers sputtered inarticulately. Color exploded on Steve's handsome face, his cheeks burning unbearably – that was how he was blushing. He desperately hid it in his hands, but everyone has already seen it.

Thor stood rigid with his jaw hanging open, Sif – her satisfied smirk slid down to blankness then horror. Aesir only watched how Loki grabbed Captain's shoulder to search his face with a little smile. After Steve got over his embarrassment, he sighed and shaking his head gave Loki a crooked smile that quickly developed into full-blown laughter because dear God Loki got him again. The bastard. Loki's grin grew even wider and like an evil man he was, the god patted him on the head. Steve was fed up with Loki patting him as if he was some pet! Continuously, as if he was a dog or something. But all right, he deserved it. As the saying goes, kiss and make up.

They looked up when they didn't hear a sound from the room full of people. It was Clint who broke the silence.

"Oh my god, this is disgusting!" Clint was gagging rather animatedly.

And that was it.

Even Natasha cracked and laughed from the looks on everyone's faces. Tony was already buried in a pillow helplessly dying from giggling. Barton raised his hands as if he was afraid to touch or say anything least Loki would go after him.

Steve, still burning red, walked to Clint when the archer suddenly looked faint saying that he would never insult Loki again if that were a payback. Loki returned to his spot on the couch, fake worried for Tony's health when the engineer lay convulsing. Shaking thumbs up put Loki's mind to rest as he turned to look at Aesir.

Lady Sif was pursing her lips – she clearly miscalculated the relationship Loki had with these mortals. But not only this situation disgusted her but once again she felt as if she was alone free from Loki's vile influence. Even Thor…

Pursing her lips, Sif stood taller. She remembered that she had another message to give. Now that was going to be unpleasant, because the message was for Loki. The Queen made it extremely clear that Sif maintained her honorable composure, not failing her once again. The Queen Frigga said - another hint at harming Loki, and there would be consequences worse than prison. Sif was on probation after all.

"Loki."

Said god only raised a brow, not indulging her, instead reaching to take a cookie. Sif gritted her teeth in annoyance.

"King Loki, my Queen gave me a mission to replay a message to you from our Alfheim allies. They said it was unfortunate that they missed your presence in Asgard and that… Uh, people, some sort of… Circle or Unity of Seidr Hall is gathered. They are… for you to use." Sif was clearly irked with what she had to say. Because she didn't understand what it meant.

Humans have already calmed down and now picked on more serious things Aesir goddess was talking about. They looked at each other in confusion. "Elves are ready, they said. That if you would go to them, in Alfheim, they could start." Sif finished. Glaring at Loki who was nodding to himself and smiling, she barked. "Want to explain what that means?"

A chuckle.

"Wouldn't you want to know?" Sif took a step closer to Loki, a clear warning.

"If this is one of your tricks to ally yourself against innocent men-" Loki groaned at the ceiling.

"How boring, boring, boring. Are you not fed up with the same words you repeat every time, Sif? Or are they the only ones you know? War, battle, warrior, honor, Thor, tricks, monster, innocents… Think deeply, read a book, I don't know. My affairs are not your concern. Go back to Asgard and leave me to take care of my business." Loki finished with an edge to his tone. Sif though was nonplussed.

"If your schemes endanger Asgard-"

"Asgard could fuck off." Thor chocked at the same time as Stark whistled. Loki smiled grimly - Sif's hateful remarks and the mention of Asgard gritted on his nerves. "Not everything is about Asgard. So to say, you would be the last to know of this arrangement I have with other realms. So shut up and… do whatever you are doing when not showing off of how strong and independent a man you are."

"Know, Liesmith, that I will stop at nothing to put you in your proper place. In Hel!" Sif yelled.

"Oh, be a bit creative-"

"ENOUGH!" Thor roared. Gods above, he was sick of it. Would being civil kill them? More distrust, more suspicion, more secrets. Sif should have relied a message and backed off. It was not her place to demand answers, it was not Asgard and they were no longer children. And Loki – always ready to cut others back with his sharp words, only worsening the situation. Now two his oldest friends were angry and at each other's throats. Yes, he was sick of it.

Humans watched between three aliens silently, contemplating sudden shift in conversation and emotions following it. Now Alfheim? Whatever Loki was even doing? They didn't know anymore.

"Loki, would you tell us?" Steve asked what Avengers wanted to know most. Loki smiled at him.

"Of course, Captain. As soon as Lady Sif leaves."

"I have a right to know-" Sif demanded, but was interrupted again.

"Who dared to lie to you that you do?!" Loki asked in horror. "Liars, liars everywhere."

"Loki," Thor started, not for the first time trying to play mediator. "I trust Sif with my life-"

"But I don't." All bravado was gone in an instant like it was never there, leaving Loki serious and collected. "Not even with your life, seeing as she recklessly went with your stupid plans that always endangered our group. She has no will on her own and even if she is smart, she doesn't like to utilize her mind, choosing to please you in the cost of common sense. And she is no friend of mine, never was, she didn't even pretend for you when we were young. So I want her uninvolved. On so many levels, you don't even know."

"Loki, maybe should you just-" Thor tried, but alas.

"And why should I, Thor, hm? Who is she to command me? Who is she to command you? It has always astounded me that your friends in a curious way became your council in things they know nothing about. How they could pull you away from your responsibilities and be praised for it. Is it any wonder you grew up… ignorant and half-witted in things you were born to be professional at? You didn't study, didn't have an interest in ruling, didn't make an effort to have the basics of the king you were meant to be." Loki sighed. "Instead you listened to your dear friends when they dragged you in adventures, letting you drown in 'glory of battle', went along with your pride and thus were comfortable in being on the top of Asgard. With you as their leader, you'd surely have had destroyed the Asgard others kept going for you for millennia's. And when I asked you to learn your lessons, choose someone wiser and not a reckless youth to guide you, remember what you've told me?" He bitterly smirked. "Exactly.

"So no, Thor. Sif may be the Goddess of War, but schemer or strategist she is not. Her skill in killing enemies is nothing to me, because Natasha here doesn't need to swing a big sword yelling 'For glory!' to defeat her enemy. And madly laugh as blood leaks down her face. Natasha here could use a needle and be done. But I understand Asgard raises warriors to serve and not think, but enough of this."

Natasha where she joined Steve in his corner raised a brow hearing Loki compliment her. But maybe in Loki's case it was not a compliment at all, who knew. Still, it was nice to be acknowledged on her skills. Especially before another woman of her skillset.

The King of Asgard wisely decided to keep silent. Loki's words left a mark in his mind, once more pointing on things he never paid attention before. And in more ways than not, Loki was right, again. He was indeed reckless most of his life and his friends had always gone along with his behavior. Back then, Thor was happy to have such good and loyal friends by his side. But looking back, what profit did it give, what use in ruling the kingdom other than making him popular? He was the one to think, as Loki said, as a leader, and others to serve. Only he didn't think. Loki did for him. For them all.

Sif watched as her friend considered snake's words in alarm. She was right – it was one of Loki's schemes, most likely aimed against Asgard, because why the secrecy? Jotuns allied themselves with elves – absurd! And what the trickster said about her and Warriors Three – filthy lies! But Thor listened to him! She had to save him.

"No, Thor. Why are you letting him command you? You are the king of Asgard, the God of Thunder! When have you become so weak?" Oh. Maybe she shouldn't have called Thor weak… Damnit. Thor stared at her hard, but she didn't let anything show on her face. But Sif knew she lost him.

"Not everything is about getting what you want, Sif. Loki wants his secrecy? All right. Let him have it. I am not weak if I choose to listen to others. And if it is Loki, then maybe there is something you don't know what I know. Leave me my choices, my friend. And I will live with consequences if they would reveal to be wrong."

Loki dramatically wiped away a tear. "How deep…"

"SHUT UP, LOKI!" Said god laughed.

"Here you go. I thought I lost you for a moment. Thought you grew up or something."

"Can you not-" Thunderer nearly moaned. Loki abruptly turned to Rogers who was silently leaving back to the kitchen.

"Steve? Is there hot cocoa? I want hot cocoa." Loki whined childishly, trailing after the amused Avenger.

"I will go back, Thor." Sif declared seeing as nothing was working to open the eyes of Thor's friends and Thor himself to the danger they exposed themselves while being in Jotun's presence.

"Yeah. Let's pretend it was entirely your own idea, and not because everyone want you out, dear Sif." The woman was on her way to the exit when Loki said it, then she whirled around and shouted.

"I hate you!"

"I think I'll live. Thanks, Stevie."

~o~0~o~

Loki did not forget. Even if he was sure the gates would be closed for several decades, maybe even centuries, Loki did not leave it stand. That is why in his many negotiations with other Realms Loki wrote a specific case of alliance should some big entity threaten Yggdrasil. Loki made bargains with many people through many people (sitting in Jotunheim immobile that is), ensuring that when the particular enemy comes, Loki would be ready.

Asgard threw away any possibility of receiving alluring information Loki was willing (even desperate) to share should his former people let him speak about it. But alas... It was Loki's dark and spiteful secret. He left Asgard out. Loki let Aesir be blind and deaf for the danger that breached Nine's borders. They were so proud, so arrogant showing up their strength, their fear of nothing...

Realms allied with Jotunheim knew about Mad Titan Thanos' try to enter Nine Realms. They knew the unimaginable danger his coming would lead to. Knew that without each other's help there would be nothing to protect them from Titan and his goals at eliminating all life. They knew that from the one person who met him face to face…

It was all long-term plans and strategies, Loki and his fellow rulers who heed his words and took them in wholeheartedly, agreed on meetings every couple of years. For immortal gods and beings this time interval was nothing, but that's how it was.

If Thor would consider not being Odin's doppelganger with his tyrannical rule over everyone and providing immediate repression for anyone who would oppose Asgard's highly stand, then Loki would think to invite him along.

But… it was not likely…

Loki would see how things were going to unfold, with mortals. When all this case with current threat would be dealt with, the King of Jotunheim would think of negotiating Midgard with all other realms regarding their future enemy, Thanos The Mad Titan. Mortals deserved to know at least. There would be time to speak more specific. Until that time comes, Loki would give only basics, not even revealing his role nor sharing the information about how he knew it.

No need to scare them ahead of time, right?

~o~0~o~

A/N: We can clearly see that Clint is obviously Lokiphobic, but that is no surprise *-*

I was in a good mood when I wrote it, so don't judge me harsh, oki?

And so you know, Sigyn would not become a main character. I think it's the most we would see of her, but worry not. She would have her future role.

Thank you for reading!