Tom was sat on a barstool, drinking tea, whilst chatting amiably to a real life Bruce Banner. As surreal as it was, what mainly struck Tom as strange was how comfortable it felt. After making them both a cup of tea, and producing some biscuits from what had appeared to be a medical kit, Bruce had struck up a friendly conversation about some of the high jinks he and Tony had got up to in the name of science. Tom had reciprocated with tales of some of the mischief on set, and twenty minutes of laughter later, all of Bruce's previous awkwardness was gone.
A short while later the rest of the Avengers came back in, apparently with a lead on Coulson's whereabouts. Given Tom's similarities to Coulson's murderer they all thought it was best for him to stay behind, and Bruce happily agreed to watch over him.
Halfway through Bruce's story about Tony accidently discovering a new element whilst drunk, (and then naming it Pepperium to make up for the fact that he was meant to be in a board meeting at the time,) Tom was hit by a sudden wave of diziness. He fell off his stool, and stumbled sideways a little, trying to regain his balance. Bruce was on his feet instantly, holding Tom to stop him falling. But as Tom felt the pressure increase inside his head, and cried out in pain, Bruce had to take a few steps back.
He was beginning to panic for his new friend, and had to take a few deep breaths whilst reminding himslef that bringing out the Hulk in this situation would not be helpful. And as all the lights surrounding Tom began to grow brighter, Bruce doubted there was anything he could do.
"Jarvis. Alert Tony about what is happening," he called out to the ceiling, taking a determined step towards Tom, just as he dissapeared in a final pulse of light.
For a moment Bruce thought he was back, but then he looked more closely at the man standing in font of him. His stance was different, more cocky almost, and his expression contained none of the gentle humour that Tom's did. Bruce knew it was Loki standing before him.
And as Loki was returned to his universe, Tom was also returned to his proper place. Again, he did not stay awake for his trip, although this time when he woke, there was only one person standing over him.
"Chris," he tried cautiously.
"Yeah, it's me," he replied worriedly. "Perhaps alcohol isn't such a good idea for you after all," he said.
"No," said Tom, with an amused smile. "I think I'll have that drink now,