Waking up the next morning proved to be difficult. Logan awoke in the floor, covered in a flimsy sheet. The sun was shining through the window, warming his face. He lay in silence for several moments, basking in the warmth. Birds chirped outside and the mutant was nearly lulled back into sleep if it was not for his door bursting open. Logan groaned at the loud voice that resonated through his room.

"Rise and shine Logan! 'Tis a lovely day and I do believe we should be outside." Loki stated. He dropped something onto Logan's lap and the mutant grumbled. He glanced at the bundle realizing it was a fresh pair of clothes.

"Loki I'm hung-over." Logan groaned.

"And I'm not. Get a move on." Loki stated with a grin. He headed out the door just as Logan lay back down.

"Logan if you're not up in the next minute I'll send the children in after you."

"You will not." Logan replied testily. He heard Loki snort and walk off. Logan snickered.

"Figures."

The sound of stampeding feet overcame him. Logan stood no chance.

Steve drove the car down the lone road. Not another car could be seen. Steve glanced at Bucky in the passenger seat as the other man sleepily attempted to keep his eyes open.

"Sleep Bucky." Steve suggested as he turned a corner. Bucky shook his head.

"I'm fine…where are we going?" Bucky questioned. Steve smiled and turned his eyes back to the road. "It's a surprise."

"Ohhh being mysterious I see." Bucky teased softly. Steve merely smiled wider. Snorting the other man turned to peer out the window.

"Fine, you keep your secrets. You'll cave soon enough."

"Whatever you say Bucky." Steve laughed, turning the music on the radio down to a soft hum. Snorting, Bucky leant his head against the window and soon he faded off to sleep.

It did not take long for the Avengers to realize Steve and Bucky were missing. Bruce had offered to go to their shared room. He knocked on the door lightly.

"Guys? We're suppose to be meeting soon…hello?" Slowly Bruce opened the door peering in. He frowned as he realized the room was empty. "Guys?" He called out. "Steve? Bucky?" The room remained silent, no movement. Bruce turned to walk out of the room, when he spotted a piece of paper sitting on the nightstand. Bruce plucked it up and opened it.

Hey team,

Long story short Bucky needed to get away for a while and I went with him to offer any help he would need. I won't be returning during your stay with the X:Men. I trust you can all manage without me for a few days. I will be back at the tower by Tuesday evening. Good luck.

-Steve

…So that was two team members down now. With a disgruntled groan, Bruce headed back down to the library where the team, Charles and Storm were waiting. Bruce handed the note to Natasha, who read it and clicked her tongue.

"Great. Steve and Bucky are out." She tossed the note to Tony. Tony leant against his seat and glanced around.

"You know what? Fuck 'em. We can do this without them." He stated, turning to glance at the X:Men who were sharing glances.

"So Doom's attacks have become more violent and spread out. Seventeen civilians were killed last week." Natasha began to explain. Tony found himself lost in his own thought, barely listening as the woman spoke.

He had caught his first glance of Loki in months. He looked…good. Bright eyed and confident, strutting around the classroom like he knew that he held everyone's attention with practiced ease.

Several letters sat on Tony's nightstand, waiting to slip under Loki's door. Several letters that held the words That Tony wished he could speak out loud.

He imagined Loki reading them, brow slightly furrowed, as they usually were when he read something. Sometimes he would silently read the words he was reading. His mouth just barely moving.

Tony's eyes flitted back briefly to where Clint was now speaking. The whole team seemed to be on edge with the news of Steve and Bucky. None of them had expected the sudden departure and now seemed unsure on how to react. Luckily it seemed Natasha and Bruce were managing just fine.

"Well we will head out tomorrow and check Doom's base out." Ororo stated, arms crossed. There were murmurs of agreement and the meeting ended smoothly.

"Thank you Lady Storm." Thor stated as Natasha and Clint walked from the office. "It was very kind of you to allow us here."

"We're allies. Same common goal." Ororo stated offering Thor a smile. The two headed out of the office following Natasha. Outside the sun was shining and the students were taking advantage of the warmth. Several were in the middle of a soccer game. Thor spotted his sibling basking on the stone terrace, sun glasses placed over his eyes. Wolverine sat beside him with a coke and Kitty Pryde sat on the stone steps watching the students.

Thor sat down beside his sibling. Loki offered him a bag of Doritos but Thor shook his head.

"You look troubled brother." Loki stated casually. "Eat a Dorito." Thor yielded and took a chip from the bag. "I wanted to apologize for our sudden arrival." He stated as he ate. Loki waved a hand. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"I had hoped that negotiations would bypass having to come here."

"And miss out on seeing me? Really Thor. Your team can't seem to get enough." Thor cracked a small smile.

"I know the Man of Iron can't." He stated. He watched as Loki tensed slightly before reaching for a chip.

"He will be sorely disappointed than won't he?" Loki stated, popping the Dorito into his mouth. Thor glanced at Logan who looked worn out.

"Is he alright?"

"He's hung-over." Loki replied.

"Your fault." Logan stated in misery. Loki snickered as Logan miserably turned over onto his stomach. Thor watched in amusement.

Loki turned the page in his book, his eyes glued to the script when he heard something tap the glass on his window. Loki glanced up frowning. After a moment he returned to his book. Suddenly another sharp tap. Loki set the book down and approached the window peering out, spotting a figure below.

Tony Stark grinned when he spotted Loki peering out his window.

"Loki?" He hissed loudly causing the God to blink. Loki pushed the window open.

"Stark?" He called back. Tony waved excitedly.

"I'm throwing rocks at your window!"

"Why in Odin's name would you do that?" Loki asked with a frown.

"To get your attention!"

"Well you have it." Loki stated. Tony grinned widely his dark eyes sparkling.

"Come down here." He advised.

"Why?"

"I want to talk."

"We can talk from right here."

"Don't make me come get you." Tony replied and Loki snorted.

"It will be a far climb."

"You just don't think I can do it." Tony teased.

"Goodnight Anthony." Loki intoned, reaching to close the window.

"Wait!" Tony's voice cracked. Loki stilled. "What do you want Stark?" Loki asked tiredly. Tony shifted. "I just want to talk."

"We have nothing to talk about." Loki replied watching Tony's face drop. "Ten minutes that's all I ask." Tony pleaded.

"You have seven." Loki replied, before walking away from the window. Tony quickly made his way to the side of the building, reaching out and grabbing onto the foliage that clung to the stone walls. He pulled himself up, reaching for the windowsill. He manages to reach the first window, slowly standing and hesitantly reaching out for the next ledge.

Loki's window is still two floors up. Tony is quick to reach for it. He climbs slowly nearly falling twice. He cursed softly, sweat beaded his brow. Finally, finally he reached Loki's window and pulled himself through. Loki was seated on the Queen Anne chair by his bed and regarded Tony closely.

"You now have five minutes. Start talking." Loki stated. Tony quickly caught his breath, his blood pounding in his ears. He approached to where Loki sat and dropped to his knees in front of the God.

"I'm sorry."

Loki stared.

"Excuse me?" He stated softly, eyes narrowing in displeasure. Tony's eyes shined and he rapidly began to blink. "I'm so sorry Loki. For everything. I-I was a coward. I was self centered I was an idiot. And I'm so so so sorry for all the pain I put you through. And I love you. I loved you since the beginning."

Loki looked away from Tony, his eyes moving to the window.

"I think you need to leave." His voice wavered, but his face remained hard. It was only the shine in his own eyes that gave him away. Tony buried his face against Loki's legs. Gripping onto his pants.

"Please, just talk to me Loki. Tell me what to do. I don't know what to do." He murmured into Loki's legs. Loki eyed him, tense under the man's hands.

"You already apologized." Loki stated with a glare. Tony shifted, his dark eyes alight.

"I know…but I don't think it was enough. You still hate me."

"Anthony why are you doing this?" He asked after a moment of hesitation. Tony lifted his eyes to stare up at Loki.

"I love you Loki. I-"

"No you don't Stark." Loki shook his head closing his eyes.

"Yes I do! I love you so fucking much!"

"You're drunk."

"It doesn't make my words not true." Tony replied standing. "I remember apologizing to you months ago and I should have felt a weight off my chest. But I didn't. It wasn't good enough. I could apologize until I was blue in the face, but I still wouldn't feel like it mattered."

"I accept you apology." Loki muttered quickly and the mortal shook his head.

"No Loki. You don't. I'm not expecting much to come from this, but I needed to tell you that I owe you a lot. Anything you need, I'll get. Anything you want, I'll make it happen."

"I want you to leave."

Tony's face fell.

"I'm going." He murmured passively, his shoulders slumping. He backed away from Loki, towards the window. Loki scoffed. "Out the door, idiot." He hissed. Tony ignored him. "Can't. Gotta meet up with the team." He managed to slip out the window while Loki watched curiously. Tony gripped the edge of the window and peeked down to the ground below.

"Shit this is gonna hurt."

"You aren't jumping are you."

"Nothing left to live for." Tony mumbled, hearing Loki scoff.

"You are so dramatic Anthony. Go away. You annoy me." Loki approached the window and shut it in Tony's face. Tony squawked in surprise and lost his footing. Arms frantically waving, he fell back and dropped to the ground below.

Sweet sorrow...

The pale sunlight trickled into the room, over Tony's squinting eyes. Tony groaned and shifted, feeling an ache overtake his back. Sitting up slowly, Tony moved his sore muscles. That's when he spotted Loki sitting by the window, staring out at the sunlight.

"You're awake." The God observed, without looking at the man. Tony nodded. "I feel like I got hit by a bus."

"You fell out of a three story window. But I suppose they could constitute the same pain." Loki replied, turning to glance at Tony. Tony looked down at his hands. "I really messed up last night, huh?"

"You've had worse nights. Although it wasn't in your favor." Loki stood, approaching Tony and looking him over. "You're not too bruised up." He observed while Tony looked away.

"I feel like an idiot."

"You should. I had to scale out the window to reach you." The God huffed. "Are you pissed at me?"

"I'm more cross than anything. Why would you climb into my room."

"Thought it was romantic." Tony admitted, rolling his shoulders. Loki hummed. "Yes, it was quite so when you lost your footing and hurled to the ground."

"See? I knew it would work!" Tony grinned weakly. Loki clicked his tongue. "You managed to sprain your wrist in the fall, but I have healed it already. You should have only some minor bruising."

"My ego more than anything."

"Indeed." Loki handed Tony a couple of pills and a glass of water, which the other took gratefully.

"Where's the team?"

"They have gone off without you." Loki stated. "They're not pleased. Two days and they are already three men down." Tony winced and looked away from Loki, cursing himself.

"Do they at least have my schematics?"

"Yes, Banner was able to download them." The God approached the window, peering out. "It was unwise of you to come here Stark. What did you hope to gain by groveling to me?"

"I wanted to win you back." Came the sullen response. Loki tutted. "By drunkenly sobbing on my lad and falling out my window? My, what a charmer." Tony sipped his water, refusing to meet Loki's piercing gaze.

"I have been patient with you Stark, but I will say it again. You left me. You are the one who decided I was not worth keeping around. If it were not for that chit's mistake, you would still trailing her like a lost pup."

"I know." Tony stated quietly.

"If you know all this why do you insist on trying to 'win' me back?" Loki snapped, stalking away from the window. Tony watched him move, tense and nervous.

"Because I'm no longer stuffed up that bitch's cunt. Because it took a lot of shit to make me realize all the mistakes I've made. Because I hate being in a world where you hate me." Tony finally responded, voice monotone and soft. Loki closed his eyes, leaning against the wall.

"I don't hate you Stark."

"Liar."

Loki's lips twitched.

"What would you have me do? Open my arms and welcome you back, while hoping and praying you don't hurt me again?"

Anthony Stark slowly set his cup down and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He stood slowly, wincing at the ache in his back. His eyes met Loki's and he gazed into them, face set in a firm stare.

"Let me prove to you that I've changed." He pleaded watching Loki shake his head.

"People don't change."

"You did." Tony whispered.

"No. I simply evolved to fit the situation." Loki looked away from Stark's eyes, suddenly uncomfortable.

"I love you." Tony whispered. Loki closed his eyes. "Stop it." He breathed. Toy however could not, would not stop. He approached Loki, reaching for him, touching his arm.

"I love you, I love you more than anything I've ever cared about before." Tony's fingers reached for Loki's face, cupping his jaw and drawing him in. Their lips touched and like a spark of electricity, it ignited them. Tony kissed Loki like he was drowning, his hands desperately gripping Loki against him, like he feared the God would vanish.

Loki had been tense against him, but melted after the first couple of touches, letting out a breathy sigh, and opening his mouth to allow Stark access. Tony backed Loki against the edge of the bed, gently coaxing him down, all the while kissing the taller male.

His hands shook as he stroked his fingers down Loki's back and across his shoulder. He placed butterfly kisses against cheek and throat. Loki's hands moved, to grasp at Tony pulling him closer as his mouth connected with the human's.

"Loki, Loki…" Tony murmured, reverently against Loki's skin. All at once, Loki was shoving Tony away, off the bed. Tony stumbled and managed to catch his footing, looking up to stare at Loki.

"Loki?" He reached for the god, but the other flinched away.

"It's too late Anthony." He stated, voice hoarse. "It's too late for us. I can't…I can't do this." Tony did not reach for Loki again, slumping dejectedly against the wall.

"I'll wait for you Loki." He said after a moment on tense silence. "As long as you need, I'll wait." He looked into Loki's eyes imploringly. The God stared back.

"You would be waiting a lifetime I'm afraid." He managed, voice weak. Tony gulped down the lump that formed in his throat. He laughed weakly, looking up and meeting Loki's gaze.

"Then I'll be waiting at the end of that lifetime for you."

Sorry I've been gone so long. I've been at my workstation for several weeks without Internet access. But I have the weekend off, and voila!

My original chapter had Logan and Loki having drunken sex and waking up together. However, half way through writing it, the chapter left a bad taste in my mouth. I wasn't sure if it was bad timing or how Logan and Loki's relationship should be. The original idea of having them act as friends with benefits didn't sit right with me. I couldn't picture Loki as someone who just has casual sex. He's much more deeper than that. I imagine him with such complexity and emotion that he needs a level of trust and love before having sex, and casual sex could make him uncomfortable.

Now here is where things begin to get tricky. Tony is still head over heels for Loki and has decided to try to 'win' him back. Loki as you can see is not amused, but he isn't stupid. He could very well take advantage of Tony's desperation for some revenge purposes. But should he?