The gems began to glow brightly, especially the green one in the center. A golden light enveloped around Thor's lifeless body.

Loki sensed an aura of warmth surrounding him and he opened his eyes. He watched in wonder as the golden light seemed to disappear into his Brother's body. The gash where Thor had been stabbed healed itself in an instant. When the last traces of light vanished, Loki stared at his Thor's body warily. "Thor?" he asked quietly. For a moment, there was silence. Loki pulled the gauntlet off and it loudly fell to the floor, but he didn't care what became of it. He reached out to touch Thor's face and his eyes widened as he felt the warmth of his skin.

A familiar set of blue eyes stared up at Loki. "My Brother…" he began weakly.

Loki suddenly felt like a helpless child as he broke down and pulled Thor close to him.

Thor smiled and squeezed Loki tightly. He was so overcome with joy that he didn't realize that he was crushing his Brother.

"Th-Thor-…" Loki gasped.

"Forgive me, Brother!" he laughed loudly as he loosened his grip. "I have missed you!"

"I've missed you, too," he added in reply as they broke apart from their brotherly hug.

"Thunder guy's back!" proclaimed Tony. "We thought we lost you back there!" He went over to slap Thor on the back. "This calls for some drinks!"

As Tony led Thor up to his living room accompanied by Fury and the other Avengers, Loki chose to stay behind in Tony's workspace.

Natasha noticed Loki's absence and went back to find him. "Everything okay?"

He knelt down to pick the gauntlet off of the floor and set it atop the table. "Thor's back," he said meekly. "Loved by all, of course."

"He was dead," she reminded him; although, she could sense that it wasn't what was upsetting him.

"Yes," he sighed, "leaving me to remain the shadow in his footsteps." He bowed his head in disappointment.

She approached him and placed a hand on his chest. "You're just as good as he is."

"Care to tell Odin that?" he quietly growled.

"I'd like to tell him how you brought his son back to life," she informed him with confidence. "I really would."

"Thor will always be the golden son," he sulked.

"Hey." She reached up to touch his face and their eyes met. "You'll always come first to me. And to this kid," she promised. "I love you, Loki." Their lips met in a passionate kiss. They found themselves suddenly interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

"Loki." It was Thor. He stood in the door frame to Tony's work space, staring at the couple. "I've managed to escape the Man of Iron's celebration," he explained. "Come with me to Asgard to tell our Father!" he smiled as he held out the Tesseract given to him by Fury.

Loki returned the smile in agreement. "Yes." He held Natasha's hand in his. "Come with me," he told her.

"Of course," she replied.