King

by anastacianott

The unknown enemy threatens the peace. Thor is the King of Asgard while his father sleeps, and he asks his friends Avengers for help. But there is another one, who can help. And it's Loki, who has been banished to Jotunheim for his actions against Earth and Asgard. The Avengers come to Frozen Realm to collect him. But what if things have changed? What if Loki doesn't want to leave?

36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

~o~0~o~

Hi, guys. Missed me? Your savior has arrived!

My, what a writer's block! It took forever to remember everything that happened in "King", took a while to reread this giant, to resurrect the ability to write words in sentences. How hard is that?!!

Also i had trouble posting it on , had to do it from mobile.

I want to THANK every single one of you who still believed that after so long this story can get an update, because here it is now. You, readers, are the best, your comments are love, they give me life (:

Want to apologize beforehand for the mistakes, I barely remembered how to write, but to write not in the native language? I hope it's fine. Also, this chapter – hella long ;)

Honestly, Loki, I missed you.

Also Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year!

Please enjoy!

~o~0~o~

When Loki fell all seemed to stop. Stark watched as Thor flexed his fingers calmly, the fingers that only just squeezed the life out of his brother. The brother he swore to protect. Brother he claimed to love. And Thor did it without remorse. Tony had a right to say it because when stepping over the body – Jesus, Loki was really lying there dead – Thor turned his sight on those who came to stop him. And the look in his blue electric eyes was crazy. And seeing as Steve and Clint reluctantly raised their weapons against him, made Thor irate and livid. Tony couldn't believe his eyes as the man who was their friend turned on them in berserk rage. In a few accurate strikes the Avengers were down. Panic didn't let Tony breathe properly, his eyes stung. Now Thor was slowly turning on him, who was standing near far wall only in his T-shirt and pants, in his home where no danger should find him and those he cared about. Wait! Helblindi was there. Where was he? Tony looked at the floor and rasped a strangled 'no'. Helblindi Laufeyson lay not far away from Loki, his body broken and bloody. Thor was coming and Tony could do nothing. Absolutely nothing. He was going to die. Like Loki. Like Steve and Clint. Like Helbi.

Nothing at all.

When Thor reached his neck, Tony woke up.

~o~0~o~

Embarrassment.

What a thing to feel about oneself.

Sif never thought she could be in the wrong, but recent actions showed her that she certainly could.

How many times did she act rashly and without thought? How many times her behavior was the main topic in the dining halls nowadays? How many times did she get in trouble for her efforts - that including being led to the dungeon for the night, as well as be subjected to a verbal warning from the Queen?

How many times recently it has happened because of Loki?

Every. Single. Time.

The Lady Sif sighed. She was sitting on the bench in the training arena, polishing her sword. The methodical, repetitive movements gave her peace of mind as long as she remembered herself. It was also the time of day when she could reflect upon herself and think.

Since Thor departed to Midgard with the Midgard's heroes and Loki, there were several significant events that happened in Asgard, thus disrupting the calm in the realm Eternal.

The first such an event was when the delegation from Alfheim came. Heimdall brought a message to the Queen and the Council that the number of Light Elves asked for the audience with the ruler of Asgard. Later it became known that it was not just the simple Light Elves, but the members of Unity of Seidr Hall, the most powerful Unity built of magic users from around the Nine Realms and even a few supernatural beings, also powerful in magic. It was a closed type of community, known only in narrow and higher circles of power.

Not that Sif was ever interested in magic abilities, it was perhaps because she never had a desire to study the art so common among the women. And later, perhaps because Loki was so adept in it, so passionate, but at the same time it deterred him from fighting and the serpent brought only mockery on himself - when everyone perfected their fighting style, doubled their might - Loki stayed slim and weak, good only for tricking his opponents, cheating and misleading.

And so when Odin Allfather had finally taken his precious magic from him, Sif thought it only just and wholly deserved. Not so smug now, are you Trickster?

She thought it would bring her satisfaction as she witnessed how her king finished with the sentence execution, but suddenly her glee turned to horror as she watched Loki start to scream behind the muzzle, the noise of so much agony chilling her. The Trickster was weeping, lying on the golden floor, his bound hands bleeding from the strain as he lay convulsing. Loki screamed and wailed what seemed for eternity, until his strength left him and he was left a shuddering mess before everyone's feet…

The hand slipped and if not for her reaction, Sif would have cut herself. The young woman shook her head. Past was the past and nothing will change it.

The Light Elves - the woman and the man, both with hair of pure white and silver eyed – after the pleasantries and traditional exchange done, asked the Queen for a favor. Sif was present because as soon as it was asked of her, the All Mother Frigga sent for shield maiden to come, because Sif will be the one to go on Midgard.

They knew Loki - His Majesty King Loki, as they referred him, Sif scoffed for herself. They knew he was in the connection to Thor, to whom the Queen could give a message from the Unity and thus to Loki. The simple question - why not go themselves? - was answered, that in a thousand years the Light Elves did not step on the grounds of Midgard and because they didn't want the mere short lived mortals to know about their race. Something was missing and Sif hardly believed what they said (the Queen also shared the sentiment that they came with something else in their minds) but it was not her place to decide. Besides, Sif found that even being in the presence of the elves - she couldn't remember their long and difficult names - felt… uncomfortable. They seemed to contain something inside them, something big and heavy, even though they looked as if the warm breeze of Asgard could push them to the ground. The elves appeared more than they were, as if in another dimension a great power stood behind their every move.

Sif's mouth thinned. She recognized the feeling and was not too pleased to make an analogy. For she held a memory of one trip when they - Thor, the Warriors Three, she and Loki - not older than seven hundreds, got foolishly trapped in a cave with a nasty disgusting river witch. The old hag was trying to hex the 'beautiful delicious warm blooded youth' and when she recognized who Thor was... Sif shuddered from revulsion remembering how the witch then showed her teeth, yellow ugly things but as sharp as a knife, ready to dig into Thor's throat. The beldam was deceivingly strong - and tall, taller even than Thor, with thin bony arms covered with river mud and nails long and black, blood of poor victims long dried under them.

That was when Sif felt something strange, very powerful beside her, so then even her ears began to ring. Wishing to turn to Loki who stood near her, she panicked for a second because the young girl felt fear grip her because of how Sif could not move while the witch was keeping them all trapped and motionless with her vile spells. But her eyes could move, so as Sif looked, she saw Loki's eyes light up with green fire. Lady Sif was shocked to see the second prince, always calm and soft-spoken, in a fit of absolute uncontrollable rage, hate burning in his expression. For a moment Sif wondered if this power Loki was radiating will crush her… Feeling herself tremble because what was Loki doing?! How was he doing it?! What was that?!, Sif saw the witch halt in her move after Thor and freeze. Loki, free from any spell the witch used, lifted his hands and Sif swore the air shifted - the reality shifted - with him and in the next moment Loki blasted the hag away. Instantly the warriors dropped on their knees, the use of their limbs brought back. Thor stayed standing as well as Sif who still couldn't take her eyes from the pile of burnt flesh near the far wall of the cave, the stone crumbled like sand. Loki meanwhile took a hold of his temper and stepped to his brother, carefully checking Thor for any injury, that blessedly was not afflicted on him. The look on Thor's face was one of awe as he watched his brother back, the magic no longer tangible in air.

Later Loki said with his usual smirk that no wretch had a right to harm his brother. Sif agreed wholeheartedly and was grateful. But what she felt that day, the sheer power gathered in one man, as if he had a whole power of Yggdrasil behind his shoulders, stayed with Sif forever.

It was the first time in her life she had feared Loki.

Recognizing the similar feeling in the presence of the elves, made Sif remember that day. Remember Loki.

It was a simple message Sif didn't get the meaning of later on, when Queen Frigga sent her on Midgard. It was exhilarating to travel via Bifrost again, even Heimdall's sour look did not deter her. She was glad to see Thor. But once again the meeting went awry. The mortals were not hospitable. And Loki was so… The Trickster said nothing of what the words meant, having no care in the world. Making more mischief, but apparently it was only that. Mischief. Thor was once again not happy with her.

Sif came back to Asgard humbled.

But what was strange the elves did not leave immediately as she expected. Apparently it was agreed beforehand that the elves will be present as potential peacekeepers when the Jotuns arrived in Asgard.

That was another big event for Asgard. No matter how nobody from Aesir wanted to see it happen, the agreement between two kings that the Jotuns will step on the Asgard's soil without fear to be slain had to proceed. And to think that the Aesir had to be supervised by the elves was outrageous!

But…

This 'but' was one of the reasons Sif now sat deep in thoughts instead of enjoying herself in the company of her friends and companions. Thor was back, not sharing the reason why though. Perhaps he will tell them when ready. Perhaps she will share what troubles her as well.

The Jotuns were - they were - not what she thought. The mere thought filled her soul with righteous anger, because of course they were monsters, of course their presence would start another war, their behavior wild, aggressive and unpredictable like those of beast's. The Jotuns were uncultured, animalistic and dumb. Savage group of creatures. What studies and magic and teachings was Loki even talking about?

When the first Jotun stepped on the Bifrost, a small army of Einherjar was already waiting. What's more, the Queen also attended the gathering even though the Council was strictly against the idea. There were twenty Jotuns that came to Asgard, alongside with High Royal Guards, ten of the best warriors originally aimed to protect Jotunheim's crown. Apparently the protection of the Jotun citizensin Asgard equated with someone high born or… important.

Anyway, Sif was also present with the delegation, as was Fandral and Volstagg. The Queen Frigga asked for their presence. As of late the Queen was adamant in seeing her son's friends attend the important gatherings. One would think it a great honor, like Fandral, for example, did and sung to any skirt he flirted with. But Sif was not a fool, nor was she blind to the machinations of the others. She was once a friends with the Liesmith, who was a master of deceit – when with one hand he puts you at ease, with the other stabs you in the back. She suspected the All Mother was cross with them all, Hogun too. What for though was not fully clear.

Seeing the Jotuns was a novice in itself. These were the creatures Loki ruled over for years now, his subjects. Their last king, as she knew, was Laufey and Sif remembered how utterly Jotunheim was devoid of anything under his diktat. Loki – unthinkable how those monsters made him king, unthinkable – came in his stead.

So while waiting for the Jotuns to arrive, Sif wasn't thrilled to see the same uncivilized brutes, clad in only loin cloths, barefoot etc. It was shameful to let those step in golden Asgard, to bring that darkness that was undoubtedly spread like a virus from their new king on its people.

Lady Sif was embarrassed to realize she was wrong.

The Jotuns that came out before Asgard presented grace, politeness and calm. Their clothes – white or silver in color or the deepest black – showed skill and artistry of those who made it. Their jewelry, bracelets, head bands could incite envy even from Asgard's nobles.

And strangely enough not all Jotuns were giant, and only the royal guards were bald. A number of Jotuns were women of lean stature just a head taller than Sif. The others were the tallest and were men, but what shocked Sif was that there were also children. Two children – a boy and a girl – were protected the most. And no matter how the women looked fragile, Sif recognized the muscles under their robes. Every single one of the Jotuns could fight for their safety.

Later on in their stay, Sif saw Loki's magic in the movements of the Frost Giants, same as he had when he was just a boy. She saw how happy the children were when a trick was a success. When the mothers came to take the children away (no wonder the mothers gifted their progeny with magic abilities), they were no different from any other mothers, who loved their child.

Just this little similarity angered Sif, it made her go to the training hall and put all her rage in the strikes.

Because how could it be, how?! Weren't they supposed to be monsters? Weren't they soulless, deranged things, that have no empathy, care, love?

It was not her fault Sif reacted like that - how can it be like that if that is everything she was ever taught?

Loki overcame this sickness of prejudices in himself, embraced this foreign culture. And that was all it was, right? The Jotuns were just the same as any other race. Just foreign and unknown.

Can she do the same?

But why was it so difficult?!

How did Loki do that? He was never strong, not ever stronger than her. Wasn't he? So how? He could do this, so why couldn't she? She was no weakling.

Or... did it also mean Loki wasn't?

~ Loki's POV ~

Loki spent a lot of time thinking about everything that has happened since he found out the truth about himself. And even if Thor was guilty about a lot of things - because of the way he is, was and always will be in some aspects - in the end the lot of things was initially Odin's doing. The old man was the root of the disaster. Not to say that Loki was stupid enough to make a myriad of mistakes himself (yes, he was an idiot who had gone psychotic, sue him), but the game was Odin's. His children - just puppets in his great game, from childhood.

Because even now Loki couldn't understand how Thor could follow that man so blindly, so loyally, losing his own identity more and more every time on the way. He was king, but still looked as though he wished his father to come and decide everything for him, his duty only – to follow the orders. Maybe that was why he was so willing to drop the ruling in Frigga's hands, who agreed to it.

(Hilarious that she didn't think to take the throne when Thor was banished, the Jotuns threatened the war and Loki was falling apart. Just… sweet).

That was why Loki, having lived in Jotunheim for years, having found that part of himself that was missing, didn't understand Thor anymore. It was pointless anyway. Thor's life was Thor's. Loki just hated him for the way Thor acted towards his younger self, for the unfairness in treatment under the same roof, for the abandonment in the times he was most needed as a brother Loki had always been for Thor. For the feeling of utter emptiness after Thor chose anyone's side but his.

Loki hated Thor, but he still loved the stupid oaf nonetheless.

Loved him, not minding how much this love pissed him off, how much he didn't want to, because it hurt so much for so long.

But love didn't solve anything. No matter those traitorous feelings, Loki had no intentions to let it tear him apart – like the love of his parents made him. This quiet sentiment would stay like that – hidden and maybe only sometimes shown, for the lives of gods were full of dangers. Loki had already cursed himself on and on for showing too much when Thor was in some kind of distress, danger, but… It was not his fault that he saved the part of himself that still felt after living in Hel. It was his secret advantage, because it left him with ability to find strength to care again – for entirely foreign species he never knew about, to believe anew in family love, to trust in friendship – even with those who he had hated recently.

Now that Thor was back in Asgard (because where else would the pighead go?) and Helblindi in Jotunheim, Loki has found himself bereft of familiar presence. And the loneliness from which he dared to break the habit of, was back with a bang. He hurt. But was it new? Of course not.

And now these mortals.

If only he could have foreseen to what his decision to stop the Thor's rage would lead to, he may have had to let him do whatever he pleased. The Avengers were famous 'superheroes' after all, they would have made it. At least now Loki would not have to think about what in Hel he was supposed to feel, having suddenly found himself 'replacing' the Mighty Thor in the team of Midgard heroes.

No, no, don't think he was not glad. He was. In part. Because someone stood at his side, not against him, they were not ignoring his existence, nor dismissing his contribution. Now he was a part of something (not that he was not a giant part of something more important back at home in Jotunheim, but still).

The others have… chosen him. It was rather neat.

But there was always something.

Because it was purely obvious that Loki was not just mortals' friend, but also a temporary replacement. Right? They would be back in adoring Thor in no time.

Right?

And if not?

Hence the problem.

~o~0~o~

Time has passed slowly after all the drama the Avengers Tower became a witness to. Though the work didn't stop and more and more every day the tension grew worse because of the feeling that something was going to happen soon.

The team was one member less, the members that were left kept bickering between themselves on the topic of Thor's future role. Tony was annoyed with Steve for wishing they all give Thor chance, Natasha was cross with Clint, because Barton's uncompromising 'no' went against the productivity of their work. And Loki and Bruce silently watched from the sidelines, the god resigned himself that his words have gone unheard.

This day however was calm. Stark designed a new armor, Natasha has gone to the mission with Barton, sneaking the information from different sources about one thing or the other. Steve was pushed to talk with the press, no matter how miserable he felt every time he couldn't tell much in fear of rising panic. Another war all over again. Bruce was spending his time learning the life anew (things he couldn't afford because it elevated his heart rate). For the Avengers it was both amusing and sad to see. And Loki...

"What's up, Your Majesty? Need something?"

"Yes."

Tony raised his head after some time when he realized Loki wasn't going to elaborate. He watched the God dibble in the metal shards of Iron Man chest plate that needed repair. Overall, he looked distracted.

No wonder with so much shit going on.

"What do you want?"

Of late Tony found himself thinking of Loki as his business partner when they shared the workshop. Outside they were frien- um, they were cool. Buddies? Loki was funny, and he was terrifying, and he was an asshole. But he was also one interesting piece of human/god/giant being that you were never going to figure out. And Loki always carried the tons of fascinating stuff inside that pretty head of his that could never stay Stark's curiosity.

And seeing the poor bastard all miserable after the shit Thor pulled with his jealous douchebuggery and Helblindi's first happy arrival and then departure.

If Loki wanted to brainstorm as a distraction, who was Tony Stark to deny him?

"I worked on a project for some time now and find myself in need of one of your power sources."

Blink blink.

"You need my reactor? Again? Whatever for?" Reactor was his. And he did once let the others borrow it. All he got in return was boom.

"I said - for my project." Loki was still deep in his thoughts, as if what he was willing to do was one hell of a hard stuff that could get him in trouble. Or maybe it was Tony's imagination and the familiarity after months of living together rubbed on him and he imagined he could decipher Loki's moods. Thor didn't after a thousand years, so why should he?

"Listen, pal, we are not kids and we are not in school to do homework that requires daddy's cash to go buy things 'it's for my project, dad, nothing illegal, swear'." Stark said in awful caricature of a child's voice. "So spill it out or find someone else."

Loki sighed. He was somewhat tired of such disrespect aimed at him after living enough time like the king on Jotuneheim's throne. Or simply living in the society where no one was speaking like Stark.

Even Barton spoke more respectfully nowadays.

Taking a moment to think, Loki nodded and without a warning came in front of Stark and pulled a great stack of papers as well as one thick book from his dimensional pocket. Tony dropped his screw from the suddenness of the action.

After the initial shock and a snarky murmuring to which Loki stayed indifferent Stark had finally taken a look at the drawings. He looked, then rubbed his eyes, then looked again.

"I knew you were kinda a little bit into that. But seriously? We have a war in front of our noses and you want a... jewelry? Seriously? Seriously?"

Loki hasn't as much as blinked as Tony's face entered his line of vision too close to be proper. With as much dignity as he was able being born a prince of the realm, living for a thousand years as royalty, with people running to meet his every need, Loki calmly raised his hand to wipe off the spit from his jaw after the Avenger's excited speech.

He didn't lie to himself thinking it would make Tony Stark feel uneasy or at least move back so it won't happen again. Of course not.

"If you look closely you will understand that this jewelry is nothing of the sort to make oneself pretty. This device, disguised as a sweet little thing, is actually a powerful and an indestructible piece of magic that allows the one who wears it to not... how is to say... it allows the magical powers flourish inside a vessel and be intact but also not letting endanger those around."

Now Stark leaned back and took another, more loaded look at Loki's work.

The next question was inevitable.

"Why do you need such a thing?"

Was it concern Loki was seeing?He shrugged his shoulders.He didn't answer. Couldn't. It was complicated even in his own mind. So how could he start to explain it to a mortal who was not familiar with all the complexities of royal power, politics, laws, family?

"Do I need to call Bruce? Is something wrong?" Tony sounded disinterested but Loki was no fool to miss the worry from those telling eyes.

"No, Stark. I don't need Banner. Nor do I require any concern as to my well being."

"So why would you possibly need-" Loki cut his speech with a raised hand.

"Can't you guess, Stark?"

Tony shook his head. Loki inclined his head.

He woke suddenly, unable to breathe, terrified. Trying to see something to calm down, to remember where he was, to anchor himself to reality. But it was only darkness around, the endless horrific darkness. In despair, he summoned the light, blissful little green light that throughout many years was his best and truest friend. And almost sobbed in relief when it appeared at the tips of his fingers. Because his memory brought out all those times, all those attempts when such an easy magic was denied to him, taken from him, ripped from inside of him, his only salvation from hopelessness in the face of horrors he endured in the Void.

He put his legs on the floor and shivered. He knew what he had to do. The idea was in his mind for eternity, eating at him. Now he had the means to make it happen. And he had people who would help him.

"I am a mage but first of all I am a scholar. These projects I do are innovations in the magical world. Already I have discovered how to open up the blood potential in magic, making my brother able to shape shift, even though he never knew he was capable of it. It is a science, as you would perversely call it. Also it is but a drop in the ocean of all the times I spent in Asgard, learning, writing talmuds and instructions to my works and... The magic is endless, as is the knowledge. Asgard was never interested in increasing borders of the knowledge about seidr, not as Alfheim and Vanaheim were. I spent decades in proving some of my theories. I found out sky walking. And many other things. This is but another one of them. Not sure it will cut the magic entirely but restrict it or diminish it I hope it will."

Tony was looking at him strangely, but Loki didn't feel fear or animosity. There were curiosity and wonder. But sadly there was also a doubt.

"Great speech." Loki shrugged.

"You asked."

"So... this is just one of your science experiments? Sorry, magical."

"Precisely."

"That stops magic."

Loki nodded. If only Stark knew how crucial for Loki was to know that he could protect himself with anything when in the past, he could not and it cost him dearly…

"If there is the situation it could become necessary or just to… give a choice. There is another one, but I left it for later."

"Cool."

Loki took the paper where the drawing in details with dimensions was on.

"So?"

"Um... Don't know, Loki." Tony turned away, that was why he didn't see Loki's hope diminishing. He saw the doubt, but he hoped he was mistaken. With Thor and Helbi gone (you are pathetic, Loki) he needed to work, needed this project. His jaw tightened in displeasure, but mostly resignation. Stark denied him. Surprised? "Kinda not in time, but I can promise I will think about it. Sounds interesting. Dubious as to the usefulness, but whatever."

"I see." Nothing he wasn't used to.

~o~0~o~

If a stranger would walk near the windows of a little tavern, they would see four men sitting at the round table far from other visitors, dozens of empty cups and horns littered on the table. The men were strong, their weapons heavy and pricy, not at all common in this part of the city. The armors were hidden under the cloaks. But if looking closer, the famous hammer Mjolnir would immediately give out its owner. But if this stranger would wish to join in greetings the King of Asgard, he would want to think twice, because the mood at the table was dangerously sour and the king himself unhappy.

"I know that what I told you pleased you in some way. I can see it in your eyes."

"Thor…"

"No! I hoped… It doesn't matter what I hoped for. Apparently the fact that I almost killed Loki is seen as nothing big of a deal."

"But you didn't kill him! … Right?"

"You would want that, wouldn't you, Fandral?"

Fandral sighed. When Loki was gone, the first time the people thought he's died, the life went on as usual. No matter how unfair it appeared, but their group's dynamics didn't change with his absence, even became better. Surely, Fandral thought, Loki had his special tricks that helped from time to time in their travels, no one denied that. But the lad always seemed to make everything unpleasant, be it his scathing remarks, or reluctance, or that he never could take on a joke! All this was incredibly tiring. Loki's 'death' and then exile brought nothing short of contentment and a sense of long anticipated freedom. Freedom from having to put up with a man so complicated and odd, not at all as the normal Aesir. Fandral didn't have anything against Loki. But nothing more than that.

So Fandral was very angry at first when the Liesmith's return disrupted their easy going life. Loki always brought change with him, that was always not very good for others. Later though Fandral reluctantly realized that Loki technically did nothing to earn the warrior's anger. For it was Thor who went to that land of ice, Thor who brought the Trickster back to Asgard, against his will more or less judging by his behavior. Loki, for his part, was civil and acted appropriate. When he had every right not to.

It took a mortal to point out this fact. The fact that they, Loki's supposed friends from childhood, were all too eager to mix Loki with dirt so as not to make an effort to listen to what he had to say, when they all knew better. But the truth was, they never took an effort to listen to Loki, long before all this disaster happened. With the throne and the Jotuns and all.

Speaking of the Jotuns, Fandral was struck in the heart, fascinated when the female Jotuns visited the palace. He couldn't even imagine that these women can be so pretty. Tall, yes, but beautiful. What a shock indeed! He expected bald lumping creatures, but got the exotic foreign belles. The Jotun females were very alike the female elves, if not minding the colors. Loki, the snake, watched them every day, scoundrel!

Speaking of Loki…

"Don't speak like that, old friend. I may not love Loki, but I never imagined I would ever want to live with the knowledge that you, Thor, was the one who killed him."

"Aye, my friend. That is also not something I would wish upon you." Volstagg added, raising his horn.

Thor sat silent, looking down at his lap.

"But you would wish it on him, is that right? That whoever's hand had done it, but not mine?"

"You speak in riddles, Thor. No one wants Loki's death." Fandral shook his head. Loki deserved to live like any other. Sif would want the trickster's head, but only because he irked her to death. No surprise here.

"But we all almost killed him!" That stupefied the Warriors Three.

"What do you speak of? He lives and flourishes as I last saw the lad." Volstagg spoke. "You said you almost killed Loki, but he lives still with that mortal bunch of heroes, as you call them."

"The… the sentence… the trial… We… That was not right." The Thunderer whispered, slurring only a little. He was not drastically inebriated but the alcohol has already hit him in the head. He got here to get drunk and he was halfway there.

"The Allfather is just." Hogun growled. They all watched Thor, their dear friend, get more nervous and sadder as the evening went.

Thor swallowed before he could utter something that might be called treason.

"That may be so… but as I found out Loki almost died that day. And what's worse, his life was forfeit the further he lived without his magic."

"How do you know that? Surely it is not true." They might not know magic, but it was not a limb, nor it was some important organ, that killed the user.

"I spoke with a magic wielder. The high healer from Vanaheim. She visited Eir and I… asked for an audience with her. She told me."

"Why did you do that? Nobody of us ever was interested in these strange arts." Fandral was surprised but he tried not to think what Thor's words implied and meant for Loki. Better not to think.

"That is exactly so. I made many grave mistakes in my life. I will endeavor to be wiser from now on and to learn things I should have known long ago, having grown up with Loki as a brother."

"You still think of him as a brother, my friend?"

"I… do not know."

~o~0~o~

Loki was dead. Helblindi screamed and has gone ballistic. Thor had no chance of surviving when the Jotun created a sharp sword at the end of his hand and impaled the god of Thunder right through. They, mere mortals, what could they do? No, no, no! His friends were dead, Helblindi killed them as well! The rage and grief blinded him. Tony, the last one alive, dazed watched as Loki suddenly moved and slowly stood up from the floor and joined his brother. Now they both stood over the bodies of the Avengers, smiling… Dear god, they won. A blink and there stood only Loki, dressed the same as he was in a battle of New York. It was all Loki's plan. The Avengers dead at his feet.

As Loki raised his hand at him alight with green magic, Tony woke up.

~o~0~o~

"Holy shit."

Hulk copy. Fucking copy of the Hulk! It came after them to destroy everything in its path. The Avengers and Loki were so stunned they didn't even know what course of actions to partake, what strategy, because no one had a good means of defeating the Hulk before. Stark had his project Hulkbuster but sadly after Loki more or less confirmed that his spell worked, and Bruce proudly reassured them he had everything under control from now on (or at least as long as Loki was there), Tony had no reason to use 'Veronica'.

Now he bitterly cursed his brain for not giving JARVIS the command to restart the contact with a satellite (yeah, he was that awesome he worked from space). Some work should be done to put 'Veronica' active and it took time. Which they didn't have.

Now they had to think furiously to find a way to stop this Frankenstein child of Astart's brain tinkering. No one, not Strucker, nor Ross could have dreamed of recreating Hulk this good. This Hulk monster with orange eyes and orange skin brought perfect destruction to everything around. The Neo thing plunged on the back of its head, could mean that it was listening to its mama. Or the commander center, wherever it was.

And to be honest, the Avengers were more glad to be distracted with beating the dozens of machines than to fight against this one Hulk copy.

It was unstoppable, violent, determined. They were in deep shit.

~o~0~o~

Thor was surprised to find out about the Jotun delegation. Feeling guilt at seeing any Jotun was a surprise as well. No words were uttered as for the promise Helblindi Laufeyson made when Loki… fell.

Thor vividly remembered everything that has happened in Stark's laboratory. The reason he came there to confront Loki was exactly the very topic of brotherhood. But not his brotherhood. Loki and Helblindi's. Loki's words, his emotions. Their fight. Aftermath. And the heights for which the Jotun was ready to go for the sake of his family.

The Head of the delegation was taciturn with Thor Odinsson at the short meeting held in the throne room. Nevertheless, Thor asked to send their king Helblindi a letter where he asked for forgiveness for his thoughtless behavior and where he asked what recompense Asgard could offer for his mistake as not to start a confrontation, or outright war with Jotunheim, also pointing that it will be undeniably in Helblindi's right to do so.

(The council was in uproar and chaos when Thor revealed what happened – without Loki in the picture – just that King Helblindi and King Thor had an intense argument on some matter, which led to uncertain conclusions regarding the further actions of both parties. Likewise, that these actions could lead to a war).

Two days later, full of tension and agitation, Thor received a letter back, appearing in his study with magic. King Helblindi wrote that for the good of his realm he will reconsider his decision as for gathering the forces to attack Asgard, just as postpone some communications with the other realms-allies because of the issue (Thor couldn't stop the shudder from those simple words – allies- when he read the letter, Helblindi didn't elaborate and he could be lying but Loki also spoke of other realms being fed up with Asgard. Aesir will crush Jotuns, but allied with the others… it puts into question the victory). Helblindi did not forget to mention that if there was any danger to his people while in Asgard, that any kindness he showed will be nullified in a wink.

Thor was relieved and surprised that it mattered so much to him, to keep the peace with Jotunheim. A long time ago he wouldn't have spared a thought on what the Jotuns could do with their decadent and forgotten land. The things changed drastically now. Thor changed too. Who would have thought, that once a young, stupid hothead, who killed so many in his search of glory and perceived justice, would now ask the council of the best diplomats to appease those he wished to destroy.

Because now he had more to care about, not just his pride. His people, his home, his family all depended on him. Loki was right. Thor was a fool and Loki was right. Gratitude mixed with regret threatened to tear Thor's heart in half.

He will make things right. Step by step, he will show Loki and the world, show himself that he was capable of change, was ready to learn on his mistakes. He was a fool, but no more.

When Frigga told him that Heimdall saw unrest in Midgard, Thor stilled himself to not react without thought and run away from Asgard like he did before. Instead, he continued to do his duty, unconsciously managing to finish it as soon as possible. When on the next day his mother told him to go immediately, then Thor knew his friends were in danger. He took his hammer and rushed to the Bifrost, the reflections if he will be even welcome back pushed far away from his mind. The mortals could refuse his help. But nonetheless they would have it.

~o~0~o~

Loki was standing still on the deserted street and thought he wouldn't be able to ever move again. He thought that seeing Hulk wouldn't resurrect all those memories, all that horror of when he was mercilessly beaten into the ground, while already not being in good shape. He spent a huge amount of time in Banner's presence and it was all fine. But the boundless rage and force behind Hulk's green hands, left a deep trauma in Loki's mind. And sometimes it still woke him up at nights from the echo pains in his whole body.

But he had to remember that it was not the Hulk.

This was something much worse.

Loki stood frozen, the heavy cold rain falling on his face not helping, as the fear of repeating the experience in the Avengers Tower years ago clouded his mind. Gods, he was afraid and he wasn't ashamed of admitting it. Hulk and now this thing terrified him.

But seeing how the mortals didn't flee, how they fought - should he leave? Leave them alone? Because why ever not, right?

Could he?

Damn mortals.

But what was he to do? Could his Banner spell work?

What do you do with a mountain of uncontrolled rage and obliteration that terrifies you?

When the piece of building wall flew past his head, Loki only blinked. Oh, dear. That was close.

"Loki! Are you sleeping there or something?" Loki heard Barton's annoyed voice in his comlink. "Stop staring and help us out! I am almost out of arrows."

The breaking self-inflicted spell of immobility had Loki step behind the corner of a little shop. What a shame, this shop was selling the clocks. Pity. Hulk copy was still in his line of vision, bringing destruction on the city alongside the hundreds of robots, that were shooting at the Avengers and the military that SHIELD brought here to help evacuate the citizens. The medics were running around, Barton and the Hulk safeguarding them when they can, but also fighting the enemies. It was utter chaos.

"Where is the Hulk?" the Captain shouted. His shield was constantly used in blocking the shots of alien weapons. Fighting for some time already the Avengers were all divided over the area.

"He is on the other side of the city!" Tony yelled. "Those shits fucking led him away from us!"

"Guys, what do we do?"

"Fight him, of course."

"You go and fight him, Stark. I'll pass." Loki grumbled while firing his staff that Helblindi brought him in the robot's chest. He hoped nobody heard the tremor in his voice.

"What? Afraid of the Hulk? You?" The god could hear the glee in the inventor's voice. Norns, how they all annoyed him.

"Shut up, Stark." Natasha droned. "I am to northwest. Clear."

"Roger that, Widow." Steve finished with his area and moved closer to where his teammates were.

"If you didn't notice, it is not the Hulk. I don't know what it is capable of." Anyone who had eyes would be afraid. Thor most likely wouldn't, but he wasn't here and Loki now had to play a role of his replacement, thanks to some stubborn mortals. And he was a little bit exhausted by now. This Hulk problem fell on their heads suddenly, and maybe Loki shouldn't have had practiced his magic the whole day yesterday.

But how couldn't he? He left a copy of himself in the tower, so the Avengers wouldn't freak out and burst. Then he had a meeting with one human sorcerer he found that was quite interesting. But it was a story for another time.

Meanwhile Tony decided that he liked to play with fire.

"No! Ooooour little Looooooki is afraid of big mean Huuuuuulk." Stark was singing it like a children's song while flying and shooting the robots with the modified weapons that left huge holes in the robots' armors.

Loki blasted a machine running at him with his scepter, watched it fall and then shot it again, just because. His disappointment was sudden and raw. The god didn't consider how hurt he could feel from Stark's mockery.

What did they know, he thought bitterly.

Did Loki laugh at the mortal's shortcomings? Of course. How else would they learn? But did he make fun of their fears? No. Who if not he could understand Stark's trust issues, the need for redemption for Romanoff, how lost Steve often felt, how much Banner needed to be in control and accepted, how close Barton needed to keep things for himself and protected.

He could have crushed every one of them with carefully chosen words only. It was a child's play.

Did he though? No.

So how dare Stark?! What has changed so abruptly? Stark was a jerk, but Loki thought they solved their differences. First Stark denies him help, now this. Loki didn't remember doing anything that would earn him such a nasty attitude toward himself.

Loki promised that he will repay this mortal the humiliation. But he had to focus on the battle.

"Very funny, Tony. Now cease and pay attention." Steve said chastising. Others' fears were nobody's business.

The Captain was fighting efficient, his shield found its targets and destroyed them. Tony was firing missiles. The sea of robots was slowly diminishing. The medical staff was already gone, having led away anyone who stayed under the ruins.

They needed to hold on quite a bit and the battle would come to an end.

"Holy mother of-" Tony's speech was abruptly cut as his Iron Man suit was caught in Hulk copy's meaty hand. The beast jumped from nowhere and caught the man as if some fly. Stark was shouting for JARVIS for help, but there was nothing the AI could do. Steve, Clint and Loki all rushed to the place where it was happening and watched in shock how Tony fired missiles in the hands that held him, but to no avail. The skin was impenetrable. Suddenly Tony cried loudly, a short agonized sound, as the monster squeezed his victim's middle and hurled Stark in the side of the building. The sound of metal scrapping across the stone was horrible, knowing that their friend was inside that suit of armor.

"No, stop!"

Rogers run ahead at the Hulk copy with a battle cry worth of someone out of control. This was not happening, wasn't. Like a bad dream. Steve couldn't bear to hear how Tony screamed when the beast, not releasing its prey for a moment, continued to throw him from wall to wall, breaking the suit, breaking Tony's bones.

Iron Man was durable. But the man inside it wasn't. The seams were giving out, there were sparks and smoke. The damage was enormous, irreparable with every second passing. Tony had no super serum, he was not a god, he was just a man.

Steve attacked with all his might, but as he was finally noticed, the Hulk double turned and hit Steve aside, the force throwing the Captain meters away.

"Hulk! We need you! NOW!" Clink hollered in comlink. He knew his weapons wouldn't help Stark. He was useless, useless. Looking down from the roof, the archer saw Loki. A traitorous hope flared in him. He wanted to call, to beg if he must, but found that he didn't need to.

Loki didn't hesitate as he run to where Iron Man was being literally killed. Puzzling frantically on his next actions when his stalling could result in someone's death, the god decided to use something long forgotten, used at a different time, realm and on different creature. Loki conjured a lasso from his magic energy and threw it at the beast's neck, skillfully folding it around it and tightening. That got a reaction and the beast roared, trying to free itself. The god felt the lasso almost tear apart from the force of the pull, his hands aching from the strain. And now the monster noticed Loki.

Which was exactly what the god wanted. And dreaded, but his precious feelings didn't matter now. What was important was how Stark was thrown on the ground as the used toy, lying there on the concrete in winded, broken heap.

Loki conjured an illusion that run away in another direction with high speed, luring the monster away. Preferably where the real Hulk could provide at least some matched resistance to this colossus. His illusion had its job, Loki though had some more pressing matters.

Like the one Iron Man lying on the ground, on the verge of making his last breaths.

~o~0~o~

Tony in all his life could not remember ever feeling such pain. He thought he did in the cave, that it was the apogee, but he was wrong. This was.

The tears fell from his bloodshot eyes, the motion realized with delay. Apparently even his ability to think was compromised. He hurt so much. No, not hurt. He literally felt how life was leaving him, with every shift in his chest, with every drop of his blood.

He could barely think, the blows to the head stunning him, his hands, his hands he created his masterpieces with, broken beyond anything the surgery could fix, his insides crushed to a pulp. He was dying. 'I'm dying…'

The thought was paralyzing. He has heard that some people accepted their fate in their last moments. Not him. Nope. He couldn't accept this. There was so much he didn't do, so much. He wanted to weep, the pain was unbearable. How was he still alive with such pain?

From how little he could perceive from the red veil before his eyes, Tony slowly comprehended that the shape who crouched above him was… "L-lok..ki…" The god didn't show he heard, possibly he just imagined himself saying anything, he turned him on his back very slowly and carefully. Even this little motion brought agony and Tony couldn't hold a yowl. Something inside him shifted and he was choking, coughing the blood. So much red but the god's eyes were… so green… looking at him in worry. If Loki was worried, then his song was sung.

Oh no…

".m'sorry… ssry…", he whispered. Oh boy, he hurt Loki just before this. Ironic. God, he was so stupid. So stupid. He was paying for this. Cosmic justice in its finest.

Another memory made him moan as Loki took his hand. Tony barely felt the touch. What did it matter that he had a nightmare? How could he let some inner fears rule his perceptions? Loki didn't turn on them, he didn't trick them, he didn't betray them… It was just a nightmare… a stupid one. And he was stupid... Loki, he had to, had to apologize… At least Loki was with him in his last moments… He always believed, truly believed that he would die alone…

"Be quiet, Stark."

Tony couldn't feel his arms, his legs had gone numb some time ago, it was already hard to take another breath. He was so cold. Good god…

"..sr.. msor… pl… oki…"

"I said be quiet, damn mortal!"

The cold was everywhere, he couldn't feel anything anymore. He didn't dare to sob, Tony Stark would never sob, never give anyone satisfaction. But dammit… dammit. At least Loki wasn't saying anything, Loki was cool. Did he tell him? Oh god, he hadn't even told Loki that he was awesome and that he was a dick to him for no reason than his own delusions and anxiety. And he would not have the time. And Steve, Jesus Christ. Natasha, Barton, Brucey… Pepper, Rhodey, Happy… Goddammit! Ok, he was crying… But… This was it.

This was it.

Ehm… wasn't it?

You know when in winter there is a feeling of coming into a nice warm place from the freezing cold? When your body shudders in pleasure, knowing that now it is safe from the elements and it doesn't have to protect itself anymore and just relax?

Tony got a feeling just like that.

And he though…

The fuck?

~o~0~o~

Loki took a hesitant step back, unsure what Stark was thinking as the wide-eyed man slowly pushed himself to his feet. There. Loki helped. Stark would better say thank you at the very least. Now he had to go. But before he could turn away, Loki felt strong metallic arms, full of dents and crumple metal, encircle him and hold. The god blinked, not daring to move.

"Stark?"

Tony was not sure what pushed him to do this. He didn't do hugs. Never. But the overwhelming fear of dying, the pain, so much pain… he thought it was truly his last moments. Lying there, chocking on his blood, crushed and numb. Thinking of all the people he was leaving behind.

And then Loki. The enemy, the crazy son of a bitch full of shit, the murderer and the liar. Loki, the benevolent king of his people, the attentive and generous friend, a loving and kind brother, a smart and funny guy, strong and so damn broken. Loki who helped them time and again, who protected them with his magical creations, who wanted to stay aside but still meant so much in their everyday lives. Who guided them to do better, insensibly, but who knows would notice. Who had a ton of his own issues, that would have crushed any other man. But who still cared for others. Loki who saved his life when he didn't have to. Who swallowed his hurt and forgot any disagreements in the face of danger and saved his fucking life.

For Tony it was more than enough to get it.

So yeah. He could do an exception.

"If you hadn't noticed, Stark, there is a battle raging around us."

"It will wait for a moment." He stopped crying, didn't he? Steady, voice.

"What for? Stark-" Loki groaned.

"Just… please, Loki."

Loki sighed and quieted, his eyes alert for any stray bullet.

After some moments, Tony released him at last. He coughed, turned his head from side to side, flexed his shoulders. Sighed. Magic. Looked at his battered Iron Man suit. Sighed again.

"I know you spent a lot of your mojo. You all right? Not tired?" Just a question asked after some chilling moment, completely fine. With no one dying, no one blushing or feeling inadequate. All cool.

"I will live. So will you. If, of course, you will cease to be an idiot." Loki scolded, but it was halfhearted. He adjusted his grip on his weapon, that was hastily abandoned before. And he was tired. Can he have a break, please?

"Can't promise, my knight in shining armor. Or I'll just have you save my awesome ass again." Stark said with a winning smirk, hovewer weak, with regret throwing away his broken vembrace in the pile of garbage. SHIELD will take care to return it to him later on. Loki rolled his eyes so much Tony thought it must have hurt.

"Just kiss already, you morons. My god, Tony!" Barton exclaimed, but the relief was palpable in his voice. "Pull your shit together! And don't, don't you die on us ever again!.. Wait, can you even hear me? Fuck!"

"Glad you are fine, Tony." Loki and Tony turned around and saw Steve coming to them. His costume had tears in it, and his jaw colored in greenish black hue. But he was standing tall and radiated determination. Tony was envious. He still shook because of everything that has happened to him, still feeling the phantom pains all over his body. But he pushed it all on background, so that his mind won't succumb to full blown panic attack. The engineer experienced the attacks a couple of times of late. It was annoying and distracting and humiliating. He was not weak. He was on top of the world, as always.

Strangely enough, Loki's presence at his elbow brought a comfort, no matter how small. Or huge. Loki was awesome, did he already say that?

"Hulk status?" Loki asked. Everyone decided to ignore the elephant in the room, namely Stark's loss of cool and jumping on Loki in a feat of emotions. Loki and Tony for sure.

Steve briefly looked at Tony, who only shrugged – Jarvis was down along with his suit and Stark also lost connection to his other suits, that were fighting separately. He will figure out how to take control of the situation and his lack of communication in a couple of minutes, he'd just take a breather and continue. For now, Loki and Steve with Clint above them seemed to take on his protection, like a civilian he was now. Demeaning. Steve contacted the soldiers and said that two Hulks were engaged in battle, but no one dared to come closer to the scene. From the air it seemed the Hulks were going to destroy half the city.

~o~0~o~

"Hey, where's Nat?" Even without hearing his teammates, something was gnawing on Tony's mind even before his smashing.

"Natasha? Do you copy?" Rogers immediately demanded.

"Sorry, girls. Not to interrupt such a teary moment, but I'm stuck", was heard in comlink Natasha's calm voice. But who didn't know her, would miss it. But her friends didn't, and heard the tightness in her light tone.

"Where are you?!" Clint was already in mid jump to get to wherever his GPS showed his partner was located. Shit.

"These buddies cornered me on the little street until we were in a dead end. I killed them – Loki, thanks for the bullets, by the way - but they fired before it was over and I got stuck under the rubble."

"Can you move?" Steve asked. He was ushering Tony away from the open space, shielding them both from the shots from the droids that were not so many as before but still there.

"No. Can't. Leg."

"I'm coming, Nat." Barton was speeding up, but he knew that he was too far away from her before another metal shithead would come after Natasha.

Loki was faster.

"Don't Barton. I am nearby. I'll take her."

"And you said you didn't want to be in the Avengers! Look at you!" Tony cried happily in his new comlink. No one believed his cheerfulness.

Loki ignored him (because really, what in the Hel was he doing? Stark rightly pointed it out, he should stop being so helpful. What's gotten into him? Should have just left Stark to his human medics and as for the little spy, he would just teleport her and leave her in Barton's care. Norns.) and moved to where he knew Romanoff was. He met four droids coming the same way he was. Thus all five of them were going Romanoff's way. Great!

Just a matter of reaching Natalia and then hopefully hearing the news that their Hulk was a winner. Then it will be great to leave this place and have so needed rest back in the tower. It was a perfect plan.

But like all his plans, there was always something.

~o~0~o~

The first thing Natasha felt when she opened her eyes was a pressure that was going to crush her if she wouldn't do anything with this problem soon. Flexing her hands and touching everything she could reach, she realized that this weight was… Loki, the smartass god, who now lay on top of her, practically covering her from head to toe, his armor angular and dense pressing painfully on her bones.

Loki, right. She heard he was coming to assist her. Boy, was he rocking today. For saving Tony she would even hug him. If, of course, she will survive this.

With a ragged breath because of the dust all around Natasha saw – wait, she could see? Yes, there appeared to be a little green ball of light shining just above her forehead. Helpful. - the side of Loki's head very close to her own, turned away from her. He appeared to be unconscious but the Avenger wasn't sure. They almost lay cheek to cheek and the situation would be funny if her leg still wasn't trapped under some metal beam, and she and Loki wasn't buried under who knows how many tons of rubble. For a second Romanoff lost it and panicked - she was buried, the stone will crush her, so little air, so dark - but the rational part of her brain, that saved her life more times that she could count, provided her that aside from Loki's weight atop her body she was fine. But it was disconcerting, because Loki was clearly lying under some heavy and edgy blocks of concrete that pinned his back. Maybe he could survive without air, but not her. She needed to hurry up.

"Loki?"

The god slowly and what seemed painfully turned his face to hers.

In some romantic chick-flick movie it would be a hell of a romantic and dramatic sight. A man and a woman lay in what seemed a tight embrace, their bodies aligned and close. Their faces mere inches from each other.

Nat and Loki would call all this a pile of bullshit.

There was nothing but fear for her and pain for him at the moment. The both of them were literally buried alive.

With seconds ticking, more details made themselves known. Natasha felt a burn of worry rise in her chest as Loki's body trembled under so much weight and pressure. She felt his muscles strain impossibly tight. If he wouldn't hold on, then his arms would give up. She was not some fragile flower, but nor she was an immortal like some. If she wouldn't die from wounds, she will simply suffocate. And it was not a good death.

"My my… Look at all this mess… All your fault… You lot… so not worthy... of me." Loki rasped, looking like he was fed up to death with this hero business.

Natasha widened her eyes in shock and surprise, because… She was trying so hard to stay calm and now this godly bastard was accusing her in this mess?! He…

She laughed. A moment later Loki chuckled himself.

This was one of the reasons the Black Widow appreciated the Mischief God. Even in the situations most dire, he was finding the humor. If someone wanted your head, nag them because why not. If someone wants to shut you in a cell forever, laugh at them because there is always a way out, even she knew that. If death looks at you in the face, give it a finger and slip the fuck away.

Even now, they have almost died, still could, but the bastard was making a light of it, accused her, distracted her. Comforted her.

Only Loki could save your life and then make you want to strangle him for that.

"Yes, yes. My hero." She joked. It was a struggle to breathe properly. She wouldn't ask Loki to move, they both knew it was pointless, even so she could draw a deeper breath. She hoped the Avengers would get to them soon.

"Can't you magic this all away?" she asked with her voice hoarse.

Loki shook his head once. No.

"Then I… will… doom us both. I keep you br-breathing air… otherwise… suffocate…"

Natasha nodded. "Thank you." She could not imagine how Loki was doing this but she could be grateful.

A little drop of blood slowly made his way from his temple and fell on her cheek like a slow motion.

Natasha flinched. This was not good. Barely seeing in the dark, Nat didn't need to recognize that Loki hurt his head under so many stones falling on him. If she could help him she would, for both their sakes, but she didn't dare move.

"What can we do?"

"Thinking."

"Well, hurry up then."

"Hm?"

"Please."

"Hmm… I really hope… they are looking for us… Time is… of essence. I will not die, you… on the other hand… If I make a magic blast… strong enough, it will… push the mass away… But…"

"What?"

"Too much risk. For you. Thus… thinking."

While Nat and Loki held up and tried to come up with a solution, while Steve and Tony both with their bare hands desperately dug up the stones under which their friends were buried, hopefully alive, while Clint, angry that he could not help them dig, guarded everyone from enemies, while Hulk threw a punch after punch at the beast that tried to hurt his friends, all of them didn't expect a sudden help that literally fell on their heads.

The beam of light blinded the surroundings, the sound deafening. In the first moments the whole area was cleaned up from every droid, destroyed by the lightning struck at them continuously. The rain that steadily fell all this time became stronger. The thunder rolled for miles. It could only mean one thing.

"Oh. Hey, Thor."

~o~0~o~

Thanks for reading! I hope you liked it. Comments are love!