Loki and Tony spent countless hours down in the workshop trying to perfect the rate of energy flow from his "magic fingers" as Tony dubbed them. He didn't want to hurt Loki by releasing too much too fast, but it was hard to tell how much was too much when you weren't getting any feedback from the receiving end.

Until the day the gloves backfired on him and shorted out, sending a jolt of magic into both of them. Tony threw the gloves down followed by a few obscenities. Jarvis was rattled off vital sign readings when he noticed Loki's fingers twitch out of the corner of his eye, followed by his toes. He was still catatonic, however, now his limbs responded to simple prodding, albeit slowly. Tony figured now was as good a time as any to see if the god could stand on his own two feet, instead of having to rely on Thor bringing him down every day.

Loki had been seated on a reclining table and was currently in an upright position. Stark brought him to the edge of the table, putting his feet on the floor, he then placed the god's hands on his shoulders to steady him. He startled when Loki's fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt. Studying his face for a few moments, he chalked it up to reflex. It's better than nothing.

"Ok, Lok's. Here we go." He grabbed his slender hips and pulled him off the table. Loki stood on his own two wobbly legs until the muscles stopped shaking. Tony let go of his hips and then removed the god's hands from his shoulders taking a step back. When he didn't fall over, he decided to take it a step further..literally. He seized Loki's arms and pulled him forward. It looked like the deity was going to topple over until he took an unsteady step forward. Tony continued walking backwards pulling Loki along; one foot in front of the other. When Tony stopped, so did he.

So caught up in the world of him and Loki, he didn't see Steve and Thor watching through the glass doors. They had rushed down the stairs when the lights flickered and Tony began releasing colorful metaphors into the air. Steve looked on approvingly while Thor beamed from ear to ear.

Tony continued prodding Loki's fingertips and the palms of his hands making sure his reflexes were coming around. He held onto one hand while reaching for a pen on the bench next to him, turning back quickly when he felt his lovers fingers bend around his hand.

Loki's head was down cast, eyes remaining unfocused. Tony looked up at him, russet eyes full of hope. "Loki, can you squeeze my hand again?" Minutes passed. "Come on babe, you can do this." He whispered. A small jerking of the fingers was his response. Tony grinned widely. Grasping his other hand, "Can you do it again?" Loki slowly wrapped his long magicless fingers around his hand and squeezed lightly. Tony let out a high pitched bark of laughter and hugged him gently. "You did it babe. I knew you could do it." He went to release him when Steve spoke up.

"Tony, don't move."

Tony stilled his arms around Loki. He couldn't see what they had. The god was trying to move his arms. Slowly, erratically Loki brought them up to hold him. He closed his eyes and rested his head on his god's shoulder as he felt the long cool fingers grip his shirt. They stayed locked in their embrace until Loki's knees buckled sending them both crashing to the floor. Tony held onto Loki tightly. "It's ok Lok's, you did great."

Thor came into the room as soon as Loki fell over. Picking his brother up off the floor, he waited for instructions. "Let's take him out onto the balcony."

The god spent the rest of the afternoon on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Thor sat with him and entertained him with idle chatter. Though it was more for his own benefit since the silence was deafening; he was use to Loki ignoring him, but even this was a bit much. The thunderer was ecstatic with the progress Loki was making and was thrilled to have this time alone with his brother while Tony took off on an errand. He would have to return to Asgard soon to give his mother an update.

The Ironman landed in the midst of the enchanted grove. It had been weeks since the last time he was here, and he needed to fill in Loki's kids on what was going on. Tony removed his helmet. "Hey guys, look alive! I got news!"

Fenrir came barreling towards him and he thought he'd have to take to the air in order to not get ran over, however, the over grown canine stopped short. Jormungandr was the next to appear. Slepnir was the only one missing. The serpent and the wolf looked on in anticipation. Fenrir could hardly contain himself. "Well, should we wait for Trigger or not?"

"I'm here!" Slepnir shouted as he galloped quickly to their sides. "What news do you have about Father?"

Tony filled them in on the happenings of the last twenty-four hours. Fenrir howled and ran himself in circles. Which Tony just had to laugh at.

"Fenrir calm yourself." Jormungandr chided. He was elated with the new development, but there was still the underlying concern. "How much time is left?"

"Little less than three months." That brought everyone back to the here and now. "What happened was an accident, a power surge that shorted out my equipment. However, it shouldn't take long to construct a new one. Listen, I wanna run something by you guys. I want to bring Loki here. Thought it might be good for him. But if I do that, you've got to remember he is not all there yet. His cognitive functions are still very slow and he won't be able to speak." He looked at all of three of them, hope shone in all their eyes. "It may be hard to see him this way. Do you think you all can handle it?"

They nodded in unison. Although, Slepnir appeared down trodden. "Anything would be better than nothing."

Tony patted his back lightly. "Look, it's not going to be easy, this is not the Loki we know, but it's a start in the right direction. Thor is heading back to Asgard soon to inform Frigga about his progress here soon. When he does, I'll sneak him over. Deal?"

They all nodded once more. Tony put the helmet back on. "Excellent, alright I gotta get back. See you guys soon."

"Anthony?"

Tony looked up at the massive serpent, using the repulsers, he came up to his level so they were eye to eye.

"Thank you for all you have done to save Father."

"I hope it will be enough." He shot into the sky like a bullet, heading back to his god.

It was late in the evening when he returned. Thor and Loki had moved inside. The big guy was in the midst of regaling a tale of an adventure the two had gone on when they were barely teens to Steve who listened intently. Loki made no movement other than lethargically blinking his eyes.

Tony crossed behind them to the bar and observed the trio as he fixed himself a drink. Coming over to join the group he sat on the arm rest next to Loki and watched Thor go into animated detail. He leaned into Loki and whispered, "Wow, he really gets into this stuff doesn't he? Has he stopped talking since I left?" It took a moment but he saw the faint twist at the corner of the god's mouth. He ran his fingers through Loki's hair. "You look tired there Dasher. Let's get you cleaned up and go to bed. I have a surprise for you tomorrow."

Loki grasped Tony's arm and they headed out of the living room. Turning he wagged a finger at Steve and Thor. "You two behave; Mom and Dad are turning in for the night. Don't stay up too late. And boys, don't do anything I wouldn't." Steve blushed furiously at the implication, which sailed right over Thor's head.

Once the bedroom door was closed Tony hurried about getting the shower ready. Stripping Loki down then himself, he led the god into the steaming hot shower. Tony let the water run over his head relaxing into its warmth. Washing himself quickly, he ran his fingers through his hair and turned his attention to Loki. Who also stood with his eyes shut taking in the water rushing over him.

Tony started by washing the god's hair, leaning his head back so he wouldn't get shampoo in his eyes. Rinsing the suds away he eyed the long column of pale neck that taunted him. Running his fingers over slick skin, he sighed as Loki tilted his head back down. "You have no idea how badly I want you right now." He was unaware that he was being watched as he continued to bath the god. Tony was determined to get through this without molesting him, especially since he was still not himself. As he came back around to Loki's chest the god lazily brought his hand up to encircle his wrist. His eyes shot up to Loki's face, he gaped as cloudy emerald eyes met his own and held his gaze.

"Hey." Tony whispered, resting his other hand on the side of Loki's neck; the pad of his thumb stroking his skin soothingly. A gesture he always made when the god was upset. "You alright?"

Loki closed his eyes for a moment and reopened them as if trying to clear his vision. It helped minutely. His fingertips grazed over the mortal's lips, they trembled slightly. Those russet eyes he could drown in, searching his own. He wanted to break free and hold him tightly, whisper sweet nothings in his ear, taste him. Norn's, he longed to taste Anthony like he had in their dreams. It was maddening. The magical barrier keeping his mind intact prevented it. But his little genius was beating at the doors and soon would breech those walls allowing him to become whole once more.

Tony watched Loki intently. The feel of those slender fingertips ghosting across his lips brought so much hope, joy and pain. His lips trembled as he fought back his emotions. Loki brought his quivering fingers up to his own mouth. Tony regarded him closer, harder. "Do you—do you want me to kiss you?" His fingers returned to brush against his lips once more, then dropped away. He licked his lips; leaning up, the hand on the god's neck pulling him closer until their lips pressed gently, chastely against each other. His heart swelled at just the feel of him. Loki released Tony's wrist, resting his hand on one tanned shoulder. They remained in their embrace for what felt like a lifetime. Tony reluctantly pulled away and gazed into his lover's eyes. So many emotions roiled inside him. He knew they showed as he stared at the hollow eyes that were trying so desperately to clear and focus. Loki bridging the gap that stood between them bringing his arms around Tony's back. Tony allowed himself to melt into his god, holding onto him tightly and resting his head on his shoulder. Forgetting, even if just for a moment, everything except the safety and love he felt in Loki's arms. This had always been Loki's way of calming Tony. No matter if he was overly excited about something or pissed as hell, even if he didn't want to be calm and ranted until he was sick from it; the god would quietly wrap his arms around him until he settled. This was his security, his vice, his peace.

All too soon the water began to turn cold demanded the lovers part and dry off. Not a word was spoken as Tony prepared them both for bed. Loki lay on his side as the shorter man curled protectively around him. He could feel the warm breath on the back of his neck, the weight of the arm around him. Covering the hand that draped over him, Loki smiled briefly before drifting off to sleep.