Tony convinced Loki to stay with him for a while at Tony's mansion in Malibu.
"It'll be great! This way we can swap ideas face to face without having to settle for just snarking online," Tony cajoled.
Loki figured that Tony also wanted to take the opportunity to observe Loki up close and confirm he was trustworthy. After his mentor's betrayal Tony would be careful who he trusted. Odin's lies made Loki understand the feeling of betrayal. It feels worse when the betrayer is someone you cared for. It's personal. Tony and I feel, instinctively, we can trust another but we each want to make sure.
Loki locked up his house and unobtrusively double checked his protective spells. Spells are much better for preventing burglars than some alarm system. Plus I don't like the idea of strangers knowing anything about my space.
He followed Tony over to a limo. Tony poked his head inside the limo.
"Hey Happy this is Luke. Luke this is Happy. Great guy: has stuck with me through everything and driven me to, or from, a lot of it," Tony gave the introductions.
Happy lived up to his name by greeting Loki genially. Loki could, however, sense watchfulness under the man's mellowness. He will be watching out for Tony. Such loyalty is further proof that Tony is more than some rich playboy.
Loki and Tony got into the limo and began a scientific discussion that continued all the way back to Malibu. As they got out to Tony's house Tony laughed and grinned.
"Where have you been all my life? Finally someone else who gets it! Come on, I'll show you around," Tony declared enthusiastically.
Loki loved the lab and it got the two of them off on another conversation. Eventually Tony looked at his watch.
"I've got to get some sleep: Pepper expects me at a meeting in a few hours and if she sees I'm literally right off a science bender she'll go ballistic. Loki, grab any room besides mine of course. If you're asleep when I leave for my meeting just call for JARVIS and he'll hook you up with whatever you could ask for. Which reminds me: JARVIS this is Luke, aka Loki, Loki meet JARVIS my AI."
"Master Stark has spoken much of you Mr. Loki," JARVIS greeted cordially.
"Likewise JARVIS. I look forward to getting to know you," Loki replied.
"Most people freak when they first hear JARVIS. You didn't even break a sweat. This is going to be great," Tony interjected with a laugh.
Loki smiled back but hid a bit of a frown. JARVIS was loyal to Tony, had nothing to do with Asgard, but the all-seeing element of JARVIS still made him think of Heimdall. I'm even tempered but being used to Heimdall still gives me a bit of an advantage when dealing with JARVIS.
Being a light sleeper had served Loki well on Asgard. It had kept Thor, or anyone else, from catching him unawares. Being a light sleeper made it so he was awakened by the argument downstairs between Tony and what had to be his assistant Pepper Potts. Loki shook his head. No servant on Asgard would be so forthright, but then again she isn't a servant. She's more a life saver. I was one of them too. It makes me wonder if she too has ever been commanded to 'know her place'.
He was unsure if he should go downstairs, but curiosity about Ms. Potts and how she dealt with Tony overcame discretion.
"Tony I told you to get some sleep and be ready. At this rate we'll be lucky if we make the meeting on time," Pepper chided.
"Come on Pepper it was totally worth some inconvenience. Luke's a lightning rod for ideas!"
"You'll have plenty of time to talk science Tony, but you've got to be more responsible or you won't have a company left," Pepper stated bluntly.
"Hey, you're my voice of reason. I know it. I wouldn't be anywhere without you," Tony told her honestly.
He clearly cares for her deeply and probably will more as time passes. Hopefully his feelings will overcome the playboy mentality. I had better make myself known before anyone thinks I am being rude.
"Off to your corporate empire," Loki asked.
"Yeah, that's me Luke. Pepper this is Luke, Luke Pepper Potts. He's a Loki ringer so don't be surprised when I call him 'Loki' too," Tony introduced.
Pepper gave him an evaluating look. Loki looked back at her evenly.
"You becoming friends with someone who has the Norse god of mischief's name. Why doesn't this surprise me? Nice to meet you Luke," Pepper greeted Loki politely.
"Likewise. I'll try not to be too bad of an influence," Loki promised with a mischevious smile.
She gave him a look that said she wasn't buying it.
"This is going to be interesting. I can tell. Come on Tony."
"Have fun Loki," Tony called out as he and Pepper left for Tony's company.
Loki waved them off and then grabbed some food to eat. He got into a conversation with JARVIS about some of Tony's past adventures that the AI was willing to share. I agree with Pepper Potts. My life is certainly not going to be boring.
Tony came back from his meeting and started an epic science session with Loki.
"I can't stand bureaucracy. Heck, I own the company, and shouldn't have to deal with it, but I still do. Oh well, let's focus on some really important stuff," Tony said eagerly.
They spent the next several days focused on Stark projects especially the upcoming Stark phone. It was Tony's answer to the iPhone and he wanted it to be spectacular. Loki happily spent the time arguing possibilities and maintaining wakefulness thanks to various caffeinated beverages and 'brain food' such as pizza. They were finally interrupted by JARVIS.
"Sir, Mr. Rhodes is here to see you. He seems agitated he hasn't heard from you in several days," JARVIS informed calmly.
Tony grinned ruefully.
"He's been overprotective ever since the Obadiah thing. He probably also wants to check you out. You up for it?"
"I might as well," Loki conceded warily.
James Rhodes was obviously a soldier. It showed in his serious and watchful bearing. It was interesting that those in Tony's life- Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, James Rhodes and Loki- all had serious aspects to them. He needs us. His casual attitude is a defense against the challenges he has been dealt. It helps him, but it can go too far.
Tony left to get some food and Rhodes gave Loki a determined look.
"I've looked for information about you and can hardly find anything. Know though that if you hurt Tony I will find you. He's a friend and I take that seriously," Rhodes declared.
"I have reason to keep my past secret, but it is not anything that would harm Tony or any of you. Be watchful of me, Mr. Rhodes, but give me a chance. It is all I ask," Loki told Rhodes.
"I will then," Rhodes agreed.
Rhode's suspicion made him think of Sif and the Warriors Three. Loki steadfastly reminded himself Rhodes would be suspicious of anyone as unknown as Loki and that Rhodes only wanted to protect Tony. It was nothing against Loki personally.
"Rhodey don't give Luke a hard time. He's had to deal with some really freaked up stuff," Tony asked.
"I'm just watching your back Tony."
Rhodes was his first friend. I don't want to come between him and Tony like Sif and the Warriors did between me and Thor.
"He is a good friend to you and has agreed to give me a chance. It is enough," Loki said in a conciliatory manner.
"Cool! Let's watch a movie," Tony suggested.
Rhodes rolled his eyes.
"No way, you both smell like you've been exclusively dedicated to science and nothing else such as hygiene. Call me later," Rhodes replied with exasperated dryness.
Loki sniffed the air and blinked in embarrassment. I, the hygienic one, forgetting about bathing. It is a bit upsetting to be called on it, but it's also a mark of honor. Tony and I are both very dedicated. Finally I've met someone else who pursues the same goals!