A/N: Okay, I have no idea when babies start talking, but since Tony's a genius, surely some of that must have been passed on to Maddie. And yes, Loki (reformed!Loki) is in this chapter. Thanks to the lovely reviewers and followers, and everyone who faved it! It makes me smile. This one's really short, but hopefully it's not too horrible. Review! Suggestions are welcome.
"Who's this?" Thor asked, noticing Maddie tripping by. Tony glanced up from the text he was sending.
"My daughter, Madison. You haven't been introduced yet, have you?" Thor shook his head mutely. Tony scooped the little girl up into his arms, much to the child's delight.
"Maddie, meet your Uncle Thor." Maddie reached out and grabbed a fistful of Thor's hair. He winced in pain, but laughed. With a happy gurgle, Maddie released her prize.
"She certainly is a fearless little maiden, that much is certain. Loki, come see her!" Loki stood up from his spot, and eyed the child with interest.
"I need to go see if Pepper needs some help. Could you watch her for a bit?" Thor nodded. Tony handed Maddie over to Thor, and walked out the door. Maddie started crying. Thor looked frightened.
"What is wrong with her? What did I do?
"Thor, you're holding her wrong. Here, let me show you." The god of mischief took the child from his brother's arms and tucked her securely against his side, his left arm acting as a seat, and his right hand against her back holding her upright. She sniffed, and the crying ceased. She nestled her head against his shoulder and sighed happily. Loki smiled, no sarcasm or malice tainting his expression. Thor shook his head in amazement.
"How did you do that?" Loki bounced the little girl slightly.
"I'm not sure, but apparently she likes me more than you." he quipped. Thor took the good-natured jab with a grain of salt.
"Ever the wit of the family, brother." He said. Maddie glanced over at Thor again. She pointed at him. Loki watched her curiously.
"I wonder if she can talk?" he said. "Say 'Thor'." He said quietly. Maddie stared at him, trying to comprehend it.
"FOR!" she squealed. Loki glanced up at his brother. Thor chuckled.
"Good job. Now say, 'Loki'." Thor coaxed. Maddie shook her head, grinning. Loki hefted her up, trying to get her in a more comfortable position. "Come on, say 'Loki'." Maddie wrinkled her nose.
"Puny dod." She said, clapping her hands. Loki rolled his eyes.
"I suppose Bruce taught you that one." Maddie giggled, and grabbed a big handful of his hair, and yanked. "Oww! What on earth was that for?" he asked as he disentangled her fingers from his hair. Maddie sensed that he wasn't exactly happy with her, and her eyes got really big, and sad. "No, no, no, no, don't cry. I didn't mean to yell, but that really hurt." Maddie ignored his explanation, and her plaintive wail was audible throughout the tower. Tony came back into the room.
"Why is my daughter crying?" he asked, threateningly. Loki set Maddie down and watched her toddle over to her father. Tony picked her up.
"I didn't mean to make her cry…she pulled my hair, and it took me by surprise." Tony gave him a withering glare.
"That's no excuse." Thor glanced over at Loki.
"You're on you own for this one, brother." he said. Then he left. Loki turned from his brother's retreating form to a glaring Tony.
"I can explain…" he said weakly.