"Stark, where the hell do you think you're going?"

'Damn.' He was hoping to bust out of there before the warden found out. It didn't stop him from buckling Loki in or dropping the top down on the convertible. "We're just going for a short drive. Be back in a little bit."

"I don't think that's such a good idea, Tony. What if something happens?" Steve said with his hands on his hips looking very father figure-ish.

"Nothing's going to happen. I have the suit just in case." The engine roared to life. "We'll be fine, Scouts Honor." Steve began to protest again as Tony revved the engine. "What's that? Sorry Cap, I can't hear you. Don't wait up." As the tires squealed out of the parking space, Steve swore he saw Loki smirking.

Tony cackled like a mad man as they shot out of the garage. "Like that did you?" He grinned. Loki turned his head to look at his mortal, smile still in place. "You're gonna like this even more." He said as they tore up the open road.

Pulling up outside the grove, Tony parked and came around to the passage side to help Loki out of the car. "Do you know where we are?" Loki nodded once. "You ok with this?" Another nod. "Good, they are anxious to see you." He held Loki's hand as they navigated through the trees, taking their time to enjoy the scenery around them. Tony gestured to the fallen tree to his left. "Hey, I think we had sex over there, remember?" Foggy green eyes slide to where he was pointing, lip curling faintly. "Yeah, thought so. Pervert." The god shifted his eyes back to his mate, lifting his brow slightly. Tony laughed. "Yes, you! Yeah, I know, I know; pot and the kettle." They moved forward into the clearing.

Tony let go of Loki's hand. "Stay put, I'll go rally the troops." Bringing his fingers to his mouth he let out a sharp whistle. Walking over to the lake's edge, he bent down splashing his hand around in the cool water. "Come on Nessie, out of your lock!" Standing he headed back towards Loki.

Fenrir appeared behind them looking a little apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. Tony was the first to turn. "Hey buddy." The wolf glanced between the two. In an instant the ironman was by his side. "It's ok, just remember what I told you."

Fenrir came into his father's field of vision and sat down in front of him. "Hello, Father. It is good to see you." Large puppy dog eyes begged him to acknowledge him.

The gigantic wolf glanced over at Tony when nothing happened. "It's alright. Just give him a minute."

Loki lifted his hands, outstretching his arms until his son came close enough to touch. Fenrir closed his bright blue eyes as Loki ran his fingers through the thick black fur and slowly began scratching behind his ears. At that, the wolf, so over joyed began licking his father's face repeatedly. His tail going a mile a minute. Loki closed his eyes and smiled. Tony chuckled at the sight.

The sudden bubbling from the lake caught everyone's attention. Fenrir bounded over to the mighty serpent and then back to Loki's side. "Look Jormungandr! Father is back!"

Jormungandr leveled his skeptical yet insightful gaze at his father. Loki raised his head, smirking slightly. His son was giving him the once over. "Father." He bowed his head and Loki nodded. Turning to Tony he held out his hand and moved his eyes towards the large rock jutting out over the water. Tony grinned and took his hand making sure to catch him when he stumbled. It was slow going but Jormungandr waited patiently. He sat the god down on the edge of the platform, his legs dangling over the side. Carding his fingers through Loki's hair, whispering 'don't fall in' he departed.

Loki reached out his hand and placed it on Jormungandr's snout. The grand serpent began talking to him in 'Slitherin" and it took Tony a moment to realize he couldn't understand the serpent. Shrugging it off he made his way back to the wolf who was still doing his 'happy dance'. "Where's your brother?" Fenrir shrugged as he lay behind Tony when he sat down. The mortal leaned back into Fenrir and scratched his massive head. This had become their routine when they visited.

"Anthony."

Tony woke with a start. He hadn't realized he fell asleep, even though he often did when he rested against the giant fur rug. "What's going on, Fang?"

"Father needs you."

He was up in a flash and climbing onto Jormungandr's head. He was deposited next to Loki and proceeded to help him to his feet. "Everything ok babe?" The god stared at Tony, his mouth slightly down turned. "What's wrong?" He pointed to the pasture where Slepnir usually grazed.

"He wants to know where Slepnir is." The serpent stated.

"I don't know, Lok's. Maybe he got detained in Asgard or something." Loki's gaze fell downward. Tony glanced at Jormungandr and they shared a look. "Do you want me to see if he is in the woods somewhere?" He looked back up into Tony's eyes. They practically begged him to search for his son. The man of iron gave his love a reassuring smile. "I'll go find him." He left Loki with Fenrir knowing Jormungandr could bellow loud enough to reach him if he was needed.

Tony found the eight legged beast about twenty minutes later, appearing sullen. Insert 'hey, why the long face' here, but felt it was inappropriate at the moment. Sticking his hands in his pockets he approached Slepnir nonchalantly. "So, uh, you know the party is back that way, right?"

Slepnir looked down right depressed. "Your father is asking for you. The least you could do is come see him." Still no response from the war horse. "This may be the last time you see him if I can't fix this. But hey, far be it for me to tell you what to do." He turned and headed back the way he came.

"What if he sees me and doesn't remember who I am?" Slepnir started after him.

He stopped and peered over his shoulder. "Only one way to find out. But you'll never know if we leave here today and you don't come see him." Shrugging, he continued walking. "The choice is yours."

Tony heard the clomping of hooves several paces behind him. Hands still in his pockets he strolled back across the pasture. Loki was sitting on the lush grass holding Fenrir's face in his hands, their foreheads pressed together. The wolf's tail thumped happily on the ground. Jormungandr turned when he saw Tony coming across the pasture, Slepnir trailing behind him. He held a finger to his lips. The serpent nodded and returned his attention to his father. Who was now lying on his back trying to block Fenrir's slobbery kisses and not doing a very good job at it. Jormungandr hissed out a laugh. "Fenrir let Father breath."

Slepnir halted when he saw them. His father still seemed so frail. Unable to stave off one of Fenrir's tongue bathes when he used to be able to wrestle with the over grown beast. "It's too late, isn't it?"

The man of iron stopped in his path. Trying his damnedest to control his anger, he put on a calm façade. "Don't for one minute, ever underestimate your father. He's been through too much in his lifetime to let this kick his ass. And as long as I have a say in it, he's not going anywhere." Smiling sweetly he added, "Now Spirit, go say hello to Daddy and remember his reaction time is a little slow, so be patient."

Slepnir wandered across the field and Tony followed. He stopped short when Fenrir noticed him and backed up. Loki followed the wolf's gaze and began to sit up. "Don't get stage fright now." Tony murmured as he strode passed him to help Loki to his feet and wipe the slobber off his face with his shirt. "Geez babe, you smell like wet dog." Turning to Fenrir, "No more kisses for you." He stepped away after Loki steadied himself.

Slepnir stopped a few feet away. Loki stared at him blankly and the horses head dropped. He started as long pale fingers sifted through his mane, running down smoothly over his snout, then tightening around his neck as the god nuzzled his nose against his son. Slepnir returned the affection and nibbled his father's hair. "Father."

Tony hurried to catch Loki when his knees gave out. "Ok, there sunshine. I think you've had enough activity for one day. Let's get you home. Loki gripped his wrist and pointed to the ground then gave him the most pitiful face ever. Shaking his head lightly and sighing, "God, that had Fenrir all over it. Now I know where he gets it. Just so you know it won't work every time you pull it. Glad you're able to express yourself again." Tony settled the god on the ground. His lips lifted into a faint smile. Tony leaned in. "Don't think I don't know what you did there." He kissed Loki's temple as his smile turned into a full blown grin. "Manipulative little shit."

They spent the rest of the day with Loki's children huddled close around them. No doubt Tony was going to get an All American ass reaming when they got back, but seeing Loki this happy with his children would be well worth it. Tomorrow it would be back to business. He didn't want his next visit to the grove to be the bearer of bad news...again.