Tony had decided it was best to forget about the incident with Loki altogether. The god was captured and returned to Asgard to be dealt with there. The Avengers were left to deal with other, admittedly less interesting, villains.
Most of the team had pretty much moved into Stark Tower after a few weeks. Bruce, Steve, and Thor were always hanging around, and while the others made themselves scarce for the most part, they weren't unheard from. Most of the group's training exercises now took place at Stark Tower, and Tony was working on designing facilities for everyone.
Three months had passed, and the Avengers had pretty much adapted to living in Tony's mansion. It was now fully equipped with an archery and shooting range for Clint, a well-stocked lab for Bruce, a practice area specially designed to handle the power of Mjölnir, a full gym for Steve, training facilities for Natasha, and the works. Steve had suggested weekly movie nights for "team bonding," and the rest had reluctantly agreed after some persuasion from Thor. They grew closer, and as much as Tony absolutely hated to admit it, they were starting to become friends.
Six months, and Tony had all but forgotten the incident with Loki. He was far too preoccupied with other matters to think about that one night with the God of Mischief. He and Pepper had broken things off, and while he was a little upset at first, they were still great friends, so it didn't bother him for very long. He was back to his old self, with the addition of the Avengers in his life.
Loki, on the other hand, hadn't forgotten. He hadn't been able to, and it wasn't long before Tony found out why.
Thor was the first to know. Loki appeared unannounced in his quarters one night, looking as though he hadn't slept in weeks. From what Thor could see, he was even paler and thinner than normal. Thor frowned as he took in his brother's appearance.
"Brother," he began, but he fell silent when he noticed the small bundle in Loki's arms.
Loki met his eyes and gave a small nod.
Thor was no stranger to this. His brother's numerous escapades over the centuries had left him the father (and mother) of many children. Still, it had been quite a long time since he was last with child, and Thor had to wonder when he had been able to accomplish such a feat amidst all the chaos of the past year or so.
He stepped towards his brother, examining the bundle in his arms. Loki moved part of the blanket wrapped around the child, revealing the face of a sleeping baby girl.
Thor reached for her. "May I?" he asked, and Loki carefully handed Thor his niece.
Thor guessed that she was a newborn, though she looked as a human would at several months. She had beautiful raven-colored hair that fell to her shoulders with a slight wave. It was clear that she was Loki's daughter. Still, Thor wondered, who was her other parent?
The child's slumber was interrupted by a loud rapping on Thor's bedroom door. "Thor!" shouted a voice from outside. Tony Stark.
The girl in his arms woke up suddenly and began to cry. Loki sighed, rolling his eyes, and took her back from Thor. "Shh," he whispered, rocking her gently in his arms.
"What the hell?" said Tony, quieter this time. "Who's crying in there?"
Thor opened the door, immediately shushing Tony. He started to say something else, but his words left him when he caught sight of Loki and the child. Loki had stiffened strangely upon seeing Tony, and Thor looked between the two of them, eyes widening as he realized something.
"Loki," he said slowly, "is this—"
"Thor, I think you should leave," Loki snapped.
Thor was about to argue that they were in his bedroom, but then he saw the look on Tony's face. He sighed.
"All right," he agreed, stepping past Tony and out into the hall. He closed the door, leaving the two of them alone in his room. It didn't feel right to eavesdrop, so Thor decided that he would find something to occupy himself until they were finished with their conversation.