"You fuckin' s-son of a b...b...bitch, how dare you use drugs-s," The man stuttered, walking off up stairs, leaving him to sit there, hurting.

Anthony managed to get to bed, lying down onto the mattress and sheets on his stomach, gripping the blanket and groaning. Eventually he passed out, falling into a dreamless slumber, trying to ignore the fact that he hurt everywhere. He woke up around ten am, pushing himself up off the bed and rubbed his eyes. He immediately regretted doing so as the pain from his black eye rocketed through his face, causing him to hiss and get up. He staggered out of his room, finally sober, heading down the stairs and out the front door. His parents were nowhere to be found, and the bright light killed his eyes but, he kept walking until he reached his friend's house. Luckily he was only a block away, so he didn't have to walk far. His stomach growled and the birds sang, offering an odd sound to his ears as he moved. It was a nice day with a fair covering of clouds, allowing the sun to shine through with only a few rays. Anthony figured it would rain later, so he picked up speed until he reached his baby. He greeted it like it was alive before getting inside and leaving back to the dorm.

Loki looked at him in shock, getting up, turning around and grabbing a rag off the dresser, quickly pushing it onto his bleeding lip which had reopened. He felt he didn't have the place to ask about the cigarette burns, since Anthony decided to leave it out, and would just hope he would talk to him later. Ten to one it was his dad's fault but, he wasn't sure where it fit into his story. He frowned when the man flinched against his touch, rubbing his leg as he cleaned the rest of his face off. The black eye would need some ice, in which he did not possess currently, so he stood up and examined him a moment. He had nothing from experience to compare to him being beaten, so empathy was coming up a bit short handed. He sighed, tossing the rag onto the bed, sitting next to him, resting his head on his shoulder. He watched as Anthony grabbed onto his hand, entwining their fingers together, noting the rough calluses against his hand, admiring the way the tan accented his pale skin. He didn't feel as if he should pull away, he just kept an eye on the damage to Stark's face. They still were not in a relationship and Loki wasn't sure when they would be in one, if at all. He really did like the man but, he was afraid the notorious "playboy" would quickly change to someone else and leave him behind. It wasn't hard for the man he was staring at to just ditch a relationship, and Loki felt he didn't need to be hurt when that time came, even though he knew it would hurt him worse than anything.

The pale reincarnation sighed and pulled his hand back, getting up and walking to the door, resting his hand on the wood for a moment before exiting the room and heading down the hall to go get ice, lost in his own thoughts. The moment he reached his old dorm with Thor, he looked up and the familiar ache that he had been running from pierced through his beating organ in the centre of his chest, causing him to gasp like he had been stabbed. He looked up in sadness, tears forming in his eyes, eyeing the plaque that read Odinson so proudly. His hand reached for the door knob, and when he gripped it, he pulled harshly away, realising he almost went inside. That was something he would have to conquer another day, and more than likely with Stark. He felt like he could do anything with that future billionaire and he wasn't sure if he liked it. I mean, they were enemies at a point, right? Screw everything, screw what he trained himself to be, screw all his morals he built his life upon because that fucking man is just coming in and ruining it all. Their relationship would turn out to be a Hollywood tragedy, and he knew it. His green eyes flickered up and down the door to his old dorm a moment before he turned and finished walking down the hall and continued his journey for ice.

When he finally got what he was going for, he returned to the dorm with Stark and saw him lying on his back, still shirtless, staring up at the ceiling, one leg bent, and on his mobile. Typical. He couldn't expect much more from the son of a philanthropist. As he shut the door behind him and approached, he realised Anthony hadn't noticed him, yet, and seemed to be too engrossed in his call, so Loki leant against the dresser and listened to what was being said. He smiled slightly at the way Anthony's lips moved as he spoke, the way his eyes narrowed as he seemed a bit annoyed, the laugh that came from his throat which was followed by his signature smirk. His eyes trailed down his neck and noted each vein that protruded underneath his tanned skin, down his shoulder to his collarbone, on to his arc reactor and down his stomach to stop at the button of his pants. He thought for a moment about how that reactor was the only thing keeping the man from death and how much that saddened Loki to realise that if it weren't there, he would be gone forever. Loki looked down at his own hands, one forming a fist around the bag of ice, and the other resting just beneath it. He focused on his long fingers and almost perfectly manicured nails, and suddenly wished Anthony's hand was in his again. He longed to put his hand to the shorter man's to compare them, then fold his fingers down in between Stark's to hold it, share a kiss, then cuddle and talk about their days. That seemed so far away. He listened to the conversation the self-proclaimed playboy was having with someone but, alas, conversations are hard to pick up on when you only hear one side.

"No, yes. You can do that. No! That will destroy the-. I know. Stop talking and just let me,"

Long pause. Heavy sigh.

"Justin knows nothing, he thinks he will be such a big shot with his Hammer Industries some day, no dad, no, just please, let me talk. He's just a stupid kid. I'm not a kid, dammit!"

He sat up, yelling the last line, and Loki flinched.

"Fucking hell, Howard. Why is everything always so, no, just leave me alone, and don't call again,"

Loki cleared his throat as Anthony hung up the call, and smiled softly as his gaze turned to look at the other person in his room. He turned on the bed and swung his short legs over the edge and rested his elbows on his knees, pushing his face into his hands, grumbling about the pain that it caused to do so. Loki chuckled and approached, setting the ice on the bed and kneeling in front of him again. He was surprised the cubes hadn't melted much in the time he spent standing there but, then again, being a reincarnated god had its perks. He could keep things cold just using his hands, though it was an acquired skill and can't really do much more than that. He couldn't shoot ice beams from his finger tips, he couldn't turn things into ice just by touch, he could only keep things cool or cool them down; don't think he will be putting his hands into fire just to put them out, he isn't fireproof. Anthony peeked up at him, giving him a small smirk, and sighed as the other took the ice and pressed it gently to his eye to help keep the swelling down. Stark took over, holding it to his face, reminding him of Odin, making him grimace and want to punch something. He held back though, just for Anthony's sake, so he wouldn't have to explain his daddy issues to someone who has more daddy issues then he could imagine.

The poor thing, he really didn't deserve any of this, he was just a loose cannon trying to make his father proud of him, showing he could actually do something in this world. Loki knew he could, Tony knew he could, Howard knew he could, Maria knew he could, and everyone in the universe knew he could, he just had to fight tooth and nail to gain the respect he so truly desired from his father. He just wanted to be wanted, to be needed, to be cared about, to be loved, and to be told he did matter. Loki could read certain aspects of the person in front of him; it wasn't too hard, all things considered. He knew Howard hadn't meant to beat his son; he just wanted him to be the best he could be, and tried guiding him in the right direction in the wrong way. Alcohol makes a person do stupid things that they could and would regret, and abuse happens to be one of them. Loki was thankful he wasn't too violent when it came to anything, so even if he were to get wasted beyond seeing and thinking clearly, he wouldn't strike a fly. One of the main reasons he hates to drink besides not being able to keep his mouth shut about his life, is not having control of his most important organ, his brain. His brain was his strong point, the thing he relied on the most, the one thing most people just regard as something that needs to be there to sustain human and animal life. His intelligence, personality, files on almost everyone, ability to deduce people's lives, and everything else he is proud of is packed away safely in that mass of nerveless matter. It wasn't entirely nerveless, though, brains just lack pain nerves. It may be the part that receives the signals to let which part of the body know that it is experiencing discomfort or hurt but, it feels no pain itself.

Anthony brought him out of his thoughts when he nearly kicked him in the face by trying to lie on his back like before, and hissed as the welt from the belt came in contact with the sheet. Loki frowned at that, not wanting him to be in pain but, unsure how to help. He could offer some pain pills, though he was pretty sure Stark would be too cocky to agree to succumb to medication to ease the stinging and throbbing. He stayed in his kneeling position until Stark motioned for him to join him, so he stood up and somehow managed to climb over the short engineer and lie beside him, giving his wounds a once over. There wasn't much to say, all though Loki was fairly curious as to what had went down between him and his father. Anthony gave him a famous smirk before pulling him close, much to Loki's dislike, and gave him a soft peck on the lips. He was treating this like a relationship, and Loki didn't think he could stress enough that it wasn't what it was. Yes he wanted it, yes it would be amazing to be with him but, he was fucking terrified to be with him. He didn't want him to go off with some skimpy girl at a bar or club and get a quick fuck, or have a one night stand with some guy. He wanted to have Anthony all to himself, and it sounded mighty selfish but, that is what he craved. Sue him for wanting a working relationship with someone that seemed to never do anything but drink and sleep around. Why did things have to be so complicated? He nearly purred when Stark's fingers made their way into his hair and ran through his locks gently, and for the first time since he got back from his ice trip, he made eye contact. Tony's eyes were full of many emotions ranging from lust to hurt to anger to longing. Loki sighed softly and brought his hand over to rub Stark's cheekbone that wasn't bruised for a moment, about ready to give in to whatever the genius wanted. Sex was still off the table; he wouldn't let anyone enter him and take control of him in that way, just yet. Maybe he was still a virgin in that way and maybe he wanted Stark to be the one to change that.

"You know what would be awesome? If you dated me. You could be Loki Laufeyson, boyfriend to genius, billionaire, playboy, Stark. The better looking Stark," Anthony mused, using his hands to make an arc in the air, as if he was trying to show Loki the future.

Loki realised he had just basically asked him out, so he exhaled sharply and stared at the ceiling. What would his answer be? If it was yes, he would be in a relationship with the man he was terrified to get close to, something he'd probably enjoy but, would go against everything he was. If he said no, he would lose the opportunity to be with him, and he could just say fuck it to spending time with him and hurt the heart he so longed to mend. An internal war raged in his brain as he tried to figure out what he was going to do, until he decided that life is too short not to take risks, and would agree to go with him for however long that would be. He looked over at Anthony who seemed to be waiting for him to say something, so he blew upward, making his hair move a bit, and went back to staring at the ceiling. If he truly got into this, he would have to make sure he wasn't close, wasn't attached, and was ready to be left or cheated on. Was it even worth it? He knew he wanted a relationship but, everything he believed in just screamed no. He grunted, seeing something out of the corner of his eye, looking over to see Stark smiling. A real smile, no bullshit, no award winning stuff, just a pure actual smile, and Loki almost died of shock at that very moment. He was smiling at him, something Loki never thought he would honestly see.

"Alright, alright, I agree," He gave in, watching Anthony's smile turn from a small one to a huge grin.

Damn it, damn it all, the genius got his way again, and now Loki was in a relationship of sorts. He swore in that very second, Stark would have jumped on him and gods knows what he'd do then. Loki sat up, stretching forward before ever so gracefully sliding off the bed and onto his feet. He remembered he wanted to shower, so therefore, he was going to, no matter what. In the second that he took a step, arms wrapped around his waist and a forehead was placed against his lower back, with a murmur of don't go, in which Loki just stood still. He was really itching for that shower and a change of his bandage for his gunshot wound, so he attempted moving forward, which only tightened the grip on him. He rolled his eyes and kept advancing, far enough to drag Stark off the bed with a loud thump and a grunt to follow. His leg was immediately held onto, so he looked down with one eyebrow raised, and a hand on his hip. Anthony was looking up at him with the most adorable puppy dog eyes he had ever seen, and if the man's eyes could go any bigger, he would have sworn he was an anime character. His green eyes met those beautiful brown eyes, so he gave in, and bent down to hoist the smaller man up by the arm that wasn't injured. He had to chuckle when Anthony stuck out his lower lip in a pout, and shook his head when that lip managed to push out even further.

"You're annoying, you know that?" He teased, sighing with a smirk of his own.

"The most annoying ever. Now, explain to me where you were going, Loks," Tony snickered, using that nickname he seemed to enjoy.

"Shower? Ever heard of it?" He retorted, rolling his eyes again.

"I don't want you using the dorm showers, come on. I have an apartment we can use,"

"Of course you do,"

He followed Tony out of the room, since he decided he needed to rush out into the hall. Loki grabbed one of his bandages before he left, trailing behind his now boyfriend, like a lost dog. Why would Stark not want me to use the dorm showers? It's not like the water is acid or anything. He huffed and kept following him until they got outside, where he came to a halt and covered his eyes against the blinding sun with a groan. Three pm sun doesn't do well for a man without sunglasses, especially when that man is a reincarnated frost giant god who has a dislike for overly hot things, unless that thing was Anthony Stark. He dragged his hand down his face, narrowing his eyes, to watch Anthony walk off to his beautiful car and come back in an instant, pulling up in front of him. Loki scoffed and got in the passenger's side, barely having time to buckle in and close the door before Tony was speeding off. Holy shit. Loki's nails clawed into the seat belt and arm rest, holding on much like a cat as they reached speeds of 120mph. His face paled – worse than normal - and he felt like his body drained of everything that a body was supposed to have; his eyes wide for a moment before snapping shut, breathing coming quickly. He was sure they would get into an accident but, instead, they screeched to a halt in front of an apartment building, and Loki managed to open his eyes. He still didn't let go of the car, looking up at the giant housing complex to the side of him. He had seen it before, of course, and for once he was almost certain it wasn't Stark owned. He could easily count twenty stories as he gazed in awe, quietly wondering why he was so mesmerised by it, considering that was all New York consisted of; tall buildings. At least, that was all Loki had really seen of New York.

"You can retract the claws, now, kitty," Tony said with a laugh, causing the pale man to quickly release the car and glare at him.

"Why do you stay in a dorm when you can practically live anywhere you want?" Loki asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"The media has to know I am interested in the school. Plus, it's easier to live there than an apartment,"

"Yeah, because you're all for the simple, cosy, easy life,"

Tony just laughed and exited the car, walking up to the building's entrance. Loki sighed before following and looking back at the vehicle, wondering for a split moment why he wasn't in a parking space, then remembered he is Anthony Stark, so he could park wherever he wanted to. He entered the apartments behind Anthony, stopping suddenly when his feet landed on the tile. He stared around in sheer awe, looking at the granite flooring, marble columns that reached into the marble ceiling, expensive white furniture, a chandelier that looked like it could have been easily made out of diamonds, men walking around in thousand dollar three piece suits, walls made out of some other expensive material, and a desk in the centre that seemed to be made out of walnut wood. He suddenly felt out of place, moving quickly to hide behind Anthony, which really wasn't that much cover, since he was taller than the genius. Tony chuckled at his sudden movement as he approached the desk, smiling at the woman behind it. Loki thought for a moment that he was going to be introduced to her until Stark veered off to the left and went down a hallway that contained elevators. Loki practically squeaked when the elevator opened and let some people out, following Stark in and eyeing the fact that the walls were made out of mirrors. They stayed silent in the machine that took them upward to the twentieth floor, and Loki could have sworn they were in a hotel. Only the best for the son of Howard Stark, of course, since they were too rich for their own good.

Anthony ended up grabbing his hand and leading him down yet another hallway until they reached a door, which Loki figured had to be the apartment. 221 was the number on the door, and Loki scoffed at the fact that it was Sherlock Holmes' place in London, save for the letter "b" after it. He shook his head as they went in, still being tugged along by Tony. If he could, he would have stopped again to gawk at the living arrangement but, he was dragged into a bedroom and into a bathroom. Oh no, he's not thinking on showering with me, is he? Just because we're dating... His thought was cut off by being handed a towel and being left alone. He figured this was a penthouse as he looked around the bathroom. He would have loved to describe it mentally but, he was itching to shower, so he set the plush red towel on the black granite countertop and undressed once he made sure the door was shut. He had no need to lock it, hoping to whatever gods were out there if they even existed, that he would be able to have a peaceful time. When he turned around, he raised both eyebrows at a Jacuzzi off to the side, and wondered how someone even managed to get one of those into an apartment. He shrugged it off and stepped into the shower, looking curiously at the knobs in front of him. He was confused as to how to work it; annoyed that it didn't have anything indicating which is hot and which is cold. He shrugged and took his chances with the one on the right, turning the handle to let the water flow out. It ended up spraying into his face and down his body, causing him to practically scream and quickly shut it off.

"Holy shit, that was cold!" He yelled, shivering and clinging to the handle used to assist people when they needed to stand up.

He blushed and heard a laugh from somewhere inside the apartment, signalling Anthony had heard him. He grumbled to himself and turned on the second knob slowly this time, hoping it was the hot water. Indeed it was, and as the water slowly came onto him, he sighed in sheer bliss. He let the water cascade down his raven coloured hair and his pale as snow skin for a moment, relishing in the warmth it brought. One would think by the way he was acting that he hadn't showered in a year but, it had only been a few days, since he didn't feel like doing so in the hospital. As he reached for the shampoo, he noticed it was scented cherry blossom, and he snorted at the fact that he would have such a scent. Probably for the many women he had over who needed a quick wash after a night of sex, since there was some Axe brand shampoo over in the corner. He grabbed the cherry blossom one, squirting it into his hand and staring at the clear substance in his palm for a moment before washing his hair with it. He inhaled the smell deeply, feeling almost calmed by it, rinsing it out and looking around for the conditioner. Of course Loki needed that, he liked when his hair felt soft, and that was the best way to get it feeling like that. He hummed a tune as he found the matching conditioner, kneading it into his locks. He smirked when he found the purple soap bar, smelling it a moment to see that it was lavender. It would have been awkward to smell someone's soap if it hadn't been a new bar. He quickly took care of washing his body, than rinsed out the conditioner and stood under the water for a bit more, shutting it off and stepping out. He grabbed the towel and dried off, wrapping it around his waist as he stared at the clothes he left on the floor. A shirt and boxers, and he remembered he hadn't changed since he left the hospital, except for discarding the gown in Anthony's dorm. Another blush scorched across his face, deeply this time, as he realised he walked around in front of people with only that on.

He scooped up his clothes and opened the bathroom door, looking around the bedroom and noticing Anthony sitting on the bed on a laptop. He looked up as Loki entered, smirking to himself when he saw him only in a towel, setting the laptop aside and approaching. Loki glared at him as he eyed him up and down, clutching the end of the towel in his hand and trying to maintain eye contact. There was no way he was getting anything sexual out of the reincarnated god or anything else except for a kiss or two. It's not that he hates sex of any sort, he just doesn't want their relationship to be centred around that; he actually wanted it to work out. He sighed and put more weight on one leg as he stood, not looking away, until Anthony turned and went to the wooden dresser against the wall. For once, Loki didn't know what type of wood it was made out of, so he went and sat on the soft bed in his towel as Anthony rummaged through the clothing. Eventually he pulled out a faded black AC/DC shirt and tossed it to him, followed by black boxers and white skinny jeans. Stark didn't look the type to wear skinnies but, before he got a chance to ask, Stark told him not to bother. He walked out of the room, leaving Loki to get changed, in which he did quickly. He stared at his previous clothing and the towel, unsure what to do with it, until he noticed a hamper in the corner of the room. He moved to it, pulling the top off and stuffing the clothes in it, and walking off to find the inventor.