They had moved to Stark Tower.

Steve could tell Tony was becoming more anxious, terrified even as the days became fewer. Saying they needed to come back to New York because there was equipment there that he didn't have at home in Malibu. He knew that was a lie. The security at Stark Tower was tenfold what it was at his mansion. Tony had ordered Jarvis to stay alert and not let anyone or anything matching Loki's signature, besides Loki himself, into the building.

Thor had taken to pacing on the landing outside. Thunder clouds always seemed to loom in the distance. Steve felt helpless and had decided to take it upon himself to see that everyone was taken care of, the mother hen that he was. Tony and Loki had been holed up in the shop; that is until Loki walked out. Tony didn't argue with him, just followed behind, fingers flying over the Stark Pad.

Thor stopped his pacing when Loki stepped out onto the landing. "Brother, it is unwise for you to be out in the open like this." Loki of course, did not respond, but gently patted Thor on the shoulder. He closed his eyes and lifted his head soaking up the sun's rays as much as he could before Thor's emotions clouded the sky completely. Slowly he turned to the lone chair against the outer wall and took a seat. He gestured for Thor to sit down in front of him. The blond god hesitated a moment, not quite understanding what his brother was getting at. Loki rolled his eyes and motioned towards the spot in front of him a little more insistently. Thor placed Mjolnir on the ground next to him as he leaned back against his brother's legs. He could feel long lithe fingers card through his thick mane of hair before it was sectioned off into pieces. Thor gave a low rumble of laughter. "You haven't done this in centuries, brother." Loki said nothing and continued his work plating his brother's glorious mane of blond hair. It was therapeutic for both of them. Thor closed his eyes as Loki slowly wove intricate designs through his hair, relaxing into the touch.

Tony leaned against the glass wall and watched the gods interact. Loki busily working his fingers through Thor's hair, a sad smile on his face; while Thor grinned happily to himself. He frowned slightly. He knew what the Trickster was up to. Loki was saying goodbye.

The night before, he had given Steve a picture of himself drawing. The details were incredibly life like. "When did you do this?" Loki waved his hand. It had been a while back. Loki had drawn each of them without the team knowing, never intending to share them with anyone. On that day, Steve was having difficulty getting the petals on the flower he was studying just right. Loki had drawn the intensity on which America's golden boy exuded trying to perfect his art. "I didn't know you could draw." The god shrugged his shoulder. "Never did get it just right." Steve shook his head. Loki sat next to him and sketched out the flower from memory. Steve watched his hand gracefully sweep across the page, observing Loki's technique. He turned the paper towards the super soldier when he was finished. "Huh, would you look at that. Thanks, Loki." Steve smiled, the god bowed his head.

"You noticed it too." Steve spoke in a hushed tone, standing next to Tony. They watched the gods across the platform. Thor looked as if he hadn't a care in the world. Loki seemed as if he had the weight of that world on his shoulders.

"Yeah. I think Thor is oblivious. Almost wish I was too." Tony said solemnly. The genius was looking worse of wear as his anxiety grew with the passing days. The super soldier held out a tumbler of golden liquid. He took it graciously. "You really are my hero, Spangles."

Loki finished with the last braid and rested his hands on his brother's shoulder, patting it a couple of times. He took a deep breath and sighed. Turning his head he caught his lover's eyes and smiled wearily.

"You tired babe?" Loki nodded. Tony handed Steve the empty tumbler and Stark Pad as he went to retrieve his god. Thor stood and thanked his brother for the time spent together with the ever present grip at the back of Loki's neck, before turning him over to Tony. Thor and Steve disappeared into the tower leaving the two behind. Tony looked him over. "You ok, Loki?" The god didn't bother to hide his emotions and shook his head no. His brown eyes grew sad and his frown deepened. The god swept his fingers down Tony's face. Don't look at me like that. "I feel like I've failed you." Loki pursed his lips and scowled as he tilted Tony's face up to look at him. He shook his head sternly. "Okay, okay. Don't be angry with me. I couldn't take it right now. "Sighing, "I'm exhausted, you wanna take a nap?" The god nodded and kissed his forehead.

Climbing into the bed they faced each other, holding the others gaze, fingers entwined as sleep claimed them. Moments later, Tony's eyes fluttered open to be greeted with the loving emerald orbs of his beloved. "We're not going to make it are we?"

Loki brushed his fingers across his cheek in a tender caress. "I'm afraid not, love."

"How long have you known?"

"All along."

"I see."

"Do you? You were never meant to revive me. I am unsure how you have managed to accomplish as much as you have. That's not how the spell was supposed to work." He ran his hand down Tony's arm. "My magic will always be a part of you being that you are constantly in harm's way. You would never have been able to give all of it back." Loki touched the reactor. "As long as you need this, my powers will not leave you."

"So it's a catch twenty-two." At Loki's confused expression, he rephrased. "Damned if you do, damned if you don't."

Loki nodded in understanding. "In a matter of speaking."

Tony ran his fingers through jet black hair. "So why let me think I could actually save you? I should be really pissed at you about that, you know?"

"And take away what little hope you had? You've bought me time with you, with my children, my brother. If you had known there was no chance, what would you have done? You would have mopped about and drowned yourself in you sorrows. That is no way to live Anthony. You have given me more than I hoped for, more than I deserved. I hope you can forgive me for not telling you outright." Loki said sadly.

"There is nothing to forgive." He smiled somberly. "Guess we'll have to make the best of the week or so we have left."

Loki returned the dejected smile, entwining their fingers once more. "Days, Anthony. Just days."

"Right…days."

They clung to each other tightly as they slept, subconsciously afraid to let go.

AN Note: I don't like it…but I'm posting it anyway. next chapter should be better, promise.. tell me what you guys think. Thanks for continuing to follow. Maybe only a couple of chapters left in this one..take care, sbed