Only one pack agreed to help.
Thor opposed his father alas and gave a speech that swayed most of the Aesir to stand by him, immeasurably aggravating Odin who Thor, unlike Loki, was certain, would haste to their aid eventually.
The day had come then and everyone was at the apartment, aiding Thor and Loki in gathering everything as the formers apparated to and from, until all had been retrieved still much at the village was to be done before they could move forward. He sent back Thor said he'd be there shortly,
faced Tony.
"Okay. Now I just need to-"
"Tony,"
his eyes, steady and cautious, what he would say spoke clearly.
"You're not coming."
In the lab they all stood Tony quieted, seemed unsurprised matter-of-factly stated: "Who's gonna set the traps?"
"We don't need them. We've enough, thanks to you-"
"Lok-"
"Tony. Please…This is nothing like you've done before; make no mistake, it is a war. One that I have to lead and I can't…I can't do, what I have to do, if I'm worried about you." Browns narrowed he was visibly offended. A heavy beat passed everyone wary as to his response to watch the two quarrel and now, hoping Tony would soundly concede,
worry althemore when he does without dispute.
"Fine. Do what you gotta do," somberly said crossed his arms he was gazing sideways. Loki frowned, brought beneath his chin a hand tilted his head to face browns dejected, softened at them greens he smiled faintly.
"Thank you, for everything," in earnest said he turned his head added: "all of you."
Tribrid or not in a manner all of them fell concerned. Indeed this was a war, moreso a quest for vengeance and one swiftly becomes irrational and reckless.
This could be the last that they see of him,
and what then would become of Tony,
who stood stiff gaze tense as Loki refaced him, grazed his cheek, heavily, quietly told him: "I love you." He faltered blinked browns watered, rigidly held Loki's shoulder hoarsely with a nod told him:
"I love you too." Loki weakly smiled, pressed firmly his lips to Tony's that back pressed as hard their faces twisted strenuously.
He pulled back locked their gaze, memorizing those brown eyes that gorgeous face, before he vanished.
Tony exhaled sharply blinking rapidly from his eyes stubborn tears a hand on the table beside him. He moved then to that part in the wall gestured at the others who wordless paced towards him. He pressed his palm to the white-tiles and through each stepped disappearing, to reappear in Tony's room at those feet of space before the armchair, Tony last to follow.
He pushed past them to the foot of his bed where there lay a bag large and packed tightly. He tossed it over his shoulder moved forward and highly alarmed as the rest Bruce asked him: "Tony where are you going?" No answer James stormed forth caught him shortly from the door and Tony jerked his arm away whipped back his face a glare so heated.
"Let's just talk, okay?" called Clint hands raised.
"There's nothing to talk about," he turns to leave again and again Rhodes grabs him.
"Tony-"
"What are you gonna do?" Natasha demanded. "No for real."
"Tony," started Bruce, "you can't-"
"You remember that relic I told you not to tell him about? The one I said he wouldn't need the physical enhancer. Reflex, strength, speed, endurance – all that shit-"
"It's not enough-"
"Like hell it's not; I'm going."
"No, you're not."
"What are you gonna do, James? Tie me up?" Rhodes glanced at Clint and they shared a look. Tony realized they're serious. "You dare I'll tell everyone I've been dating a tribrid. Get kicked out or Howard beats the shit out of me; I'll blame every single one of you for the rest of my life."
"What?!" exclaims Clint. "That's insane! How does that help anyone?!"
"It doesn't. Kinda the point."
"Tony, you're not thinking clearly," Bruce calmly as he could said – as promptly interrupted:
"I don't have time for this," he turns – James hastes stands opposite the door. Browns are lethal. "I will activate that relic and punch through you."
"Okay, hang on," called Clint loudly. He sighs turns to Nat,
a look exchanged and they reface him. "We're coming."
"Like hell you are."
"Fine. We're 'not' coming," pulls a face. Browns narrow impatient. Bruce smirks.
"We know where he is, we know we're they're going same as you. You drive outta here we'll be right on your tail."
"You too?"
"Well, I am stronger than all of you combined."
"True story," Clint pats his shoulder. Tony turns accusative to Rhodes as though they'd conspired behind his back. Nat and Clint had and it seemed Bruce had long decided. James is frowning displeased clearly, puffs air from his flared nose eyes still,
and he too has decided.
Tony gives him a look. "You don't have to do this."
"I know…" Distressed at this and as is wound up there's nothing Tony knows that he can say or do that'd keep them. Rhodes glances at the others asks them: "So what's the cover story? Better be a good one."
"Leave it to me," Clint says. "Van's outside we meet there in ten."