"Agent Loki!" Steve Roger's warm greeting came from the kitchen. "Would you care for a sandwich? I'm making one for Bruce."
Loki entered the kitchen and saw Captain America wearing an apron with the Iron Man mask decorating the front. In turn, Bruce was sitting on the counter, sipping a cup of what appeared to be tea while kicking his feet up like a child.
"Steve, you don't have to make me anything." Came Bruce's tired reply.
"Nonsense, I bet is a bet. I lost fair and square." Steve turned to Loki, scooping mayonnaise into a toasted piece of bread. "So, would you like one?"
Loki shook his head politely. "No thank you, I'm waiting for Tony, I'm supposed to be trying something called… ice cream?" He crossed his arms and looked to the toast for help. He missed the knowing look between Bruce and Steve. "At least that's what I think it is."
"How nice, Tony's been looking forward to having some time on his own with you." Steve immediately regretted saying that, and Bruce's deep sigh made it too clear he had said the wrong thing.
"What do you mean he's been looking forward to spending time on his own with me?" Loki asked suspiciously. "Has Stark been talking about me behind my back?"
"Not exactly," Steve replied backing away, hurriedly finishing the meal, "I mean he's said that you're an amazing worker, you've picked up on our technology quite fast-"
"And you've made substantial additions to the suits and tower." Bruce cut in calmly. "Thor can't even make popcorn without someone having to reassure him it won't throw thunder."
Loki remembered clearly, how his brother (yes, they had that talk and they were okay, not great but okay) had smashed the last microwave with Mjölnir after making him in charge to make the popcorn for movie night. Still, he was sure that Steve was about to reveal much more, but was stopped by the expert timing on Bruce's part. Clint and Natasha had called this outing an ice cream date and Steve's comment made him think that maybe they were on to something.
"He's not playing with you if that's what you're thinking." Bruce said quietly, taking small bites from his sandwich. By the looks of it, Loki had been so deep in thought that he didn't notice when Steve left the kitchen.
Loki leaned on the counter next to Bruce and rested his chin on his right hand. If one were to step into the kitchen and see Loki in this position, they would think he was plotting mischief, but his mind was trying to untangle the mess that lay in his mind.
Bruce eyed him curiously, trying to read his face. "What are you doing?"
"I'm in my mind palace." Loki answered, not batting and eyelash. "I heard the term in a program and I've made one of my own."
Bruce nodded and jumped from the counter. "Well, what are you doing in there?"
When Loki didn't answer, Bruce smiled and bumped shoulders with him, making Loki jump.
"Look, I've known Tony for some time, and if there's one thing I know is that he's an idiot, but he means well." Bruce took a deep breath. "He's buried himself in his work because that's his constant. Whatever happens in the world or with people, he always has that lab of his to go back to. Having said that; I've noticed a change in him. Apart from not whoring himself around, he's more at peace with the idea of not having to impress someone, or live up to some ridiculous concept of greatness his father wanted him to meet."
Bruce took his plate to the sink and began doing the dishes. "This is new territory for him; I don't think he's taken anyone out on a date for ages." He played with the suds; a green face reflecting itself on the soapy water. "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking if he'll take much longer." Loki said thoughtfully. "Also if I should change my clothes."
Tony's stomps were heard from the kitchen and in a blink of an eye, Loki's clothes were replaced by a clean pair of black jeans, loose green collared shirt and dull black boots. Tony stopped at the door. His wet hair told Loki that he'd taken a quick shower and hadn't dried properly, as it was dripping onto his grey tshirt.
"You ready?" Asked Loki, stepping towards him, hand outstretched. "I am most intrigued by this ice cream you keep going on about."
"Really?" Tony took Loki's hand and waved at Bruce. "Well let's get going."
"Don't stay out too late!" Bruce yelled as he dried his hands. "Papa Fury won't be pleased if you break curfew."
"Tell him he can suck it." Tony yelled back. He have a gentle squeeze and a full smile to his companion.
From the moment they'd departed by the rooms, his hand had felt empty and quite cold. But now, with Loki holding tight and just as excited as he was, he was warm once more.