Loki woke up feeling healed but weak. He could fight well enough if he had to but he'd have to do so without his magic. The battle with Malekith had used up his energy and the reserves he placed in his staff. He would have to thank Tony for the idea of having magical reserves available like that. That was if they both survived an irate Pepper Potts…

"How you feeling?"

Loki looked over to see a concerned Happy watching him. Loki felt a warm feeling knowing that his shield brethren had wanted to make sure Loki would be safe among strangers and Aesir.

"I could walk but I'm weakened due to having to replenish my magic. Tony? The others," Loki inquired.

"Pepper's been glued to Tony. She's let him know him know really clearly what she thought of his stunt," Happy gave a Loki a nonchalant look as he said that. Loki groaned.

"I assume she's set aside time for a meeting with me as well?"

Happy grinned.

"Funny you should mention that…Anyways, everyone's been cleared out of medical for being fit enough or at least fit enough to annoy the medical staff into saying they are. Thor's been asking after you a lot, but he's respecting your privacy. If you don't mind me saying it I think leaving was the best thing for both of you. It made him grow up," Happy replied.

"It has been beneficial to me as well. I have had to think about what is really important and why. I do not know what is going to happen with Asgard and myself, but you all will be important to me no matter what happens," Loki vowed to him and all his shield brethren.

"About that, Tony and Thor's friend Sif nearly got into a fight over you. She, evidently, isn't happy for how you leaving affected Thor and Tony thinks Asgard is well Assgard. Captain America managed to break it up. I'm wondering if those two, Captain America and Sif, might become a couple. They seem like they'd match," Happy said.

Loki let out a snort. Then he frowned.

"Where was Thor in this?"

"On a tour of Puente Antiguo. Good gossip about that too: he got ambushed by a local scientist lady and he couldn't understand one word out of three. Something about her intrigued him though. He's had a few conversations with her, but he's mostly been hanging around waiting for word about you," Happy informed him.

Yet again I look weak compared to my much stronger, mightier brother.

"Anyways, when he got back he got into an argument with Sif. Said that you thought it was the best thing to do and that it was everyone's fault. It felt like an old argument. Then he said he wished you'd come back to Asgard at least once so you could 'tell the glorious tale of how you disciplined that wastrel'. He seemed impressed and not in a condescending way either. You should do what you think is best, Loki, but you might want to at least talk with the guy once," Happy suggested.

Loki nodded. He wondered, cautiously, if he could hope for the best.

"Thank you for your advice my friend. I think, for now, I want to eat and then find out if Director Fury expects anything else from me."

"He said he wanted your account of the battle but you could give it to JARVIS via your cellphone and JARVIS can put it in report form. He also wants input on what to do with Malekith. He would like to put the guy on trial here, but he think Thor's comment about Malekith being able to get loose makes sense. Nothing against your magic of course," Happy added.

"It's understandable. I am the only one of this world who can overcome him and I am not in the best condition at this time," Loki agreed.

Food soon arrived and Loki had to get several more servings. He had to replenish his magic and fuel was required. After that, he dictated a report to JARVIS who speedily formatted it and emailed it to Coulson. (They had the contact particulars for Coulson since he was on the end of year gift list. That was the only reason really.)

Loki took a nap and woke up to see Pepper sitting by his bedside. He sighed.

"It is my turn to face the music my lady?"

She gave him a low power glare and sighed.

"You could have gotten yourself killed, but that isn't an argument to stop you is it," Pepper asked.

"Not if the task warrants it," Loki confirmed vehemently.

"You and Tony are impossible. You go around causing trouble, but your hearts are in the right place. Never, ever, doubt that we love you," she told him with gentle stubbornness.

"Please accept the same sentiment from myself," Loki responded. She gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"You got it. Now is there anything I, or the others, can do for you," she asked.

"Have you an opinion of my brother?"

"I've mostly been with Tony but JARVIS and SHIELD let me see some footage. He's still a bit rough but I can tell he's trying to learn and I think he really does love you," she answered.

"Do you think Odin…told him," Loki asked her with some nervousness.

"I'm not sure. He seems afraid of losing you but that could just be from the letter and not from you being adopted."

Loki pinched his nose.

"I might as well see him. Do me a favor and keep Tony away from here- please keep him away from the Aesir in general. I heard about his disagreement with Sif," he said.

"It was interesting to be sure. I'll go get Thor for you," Pepper put in.

Loki let himself rest against his bed, it was rather comfortable for a non-Stark facility, while he waited for Thor. His eyebrows rose when Thor knocked in a way that seemed to seek permission rather than just bluntly announce his presence.

"May I come in Loki," his brother asked.

"Yes."

Loki felt nervous. Yes, he had had every right to leave Asgard and his friends here supported that. Did Thor truly understand, or did he think Loki fragile or a coward? Thor came in and awkwardly sat down where Loki's shield brethren had before.

"I am glad to see you looking better brother. You looked so ill before and you tried so hard to watch over everyone," Thor commented worriedly.

Loki nodded stiffly.

"Loki, I am not as good as you with words. Having to attend banquets and meetings and all of those types of events has shown me that words are to you as fighting is to me. I cannot help but be blunt. You had reason to feel unappreciated brother and Asgard owes you for that. Your skills were not appreciated and your warnings unheeded. You were tolerated as I was treasured."

Loki took in a breath.

"Tony and I viewed a television show- sorry a play which can be seen in a machine, I will explain it in more detail some other time- called Avatar the Last Airbender. The show had two siblings: one the heir and one who was disrespected for being unusual. You, even at your worst, were far better than the heir in that tale. They were, frighteningly, like me at my worst. Yet the person who was not respected described his relationship with his sibling in a way which struck me. He said that his sibling was born lucky while he was lucky to be born. I never had a chance to shine. The people, do not deny it, would think worse if they knew why I had left. The Allfather did not tell them I left did he," he murmured.

"He felt it would put you in danger," Thor answered defensively.

"He felt it would reflect badly on the throne," Loki stated flatly.

Thor deflated.

"Yes, but he cares about you-"

Loki laughed bitterly. About Thor he had mixed feelings, but towards Odin was overwhelming pain and anger. Perhaps a little yearning for approval still existed but it was carefully hidden because he dared not admit to feeling such. It would make him too vulnerable and he didn't trust Odin with that. Thor he could extend some trust to because Thor was making gestures: being patient with Loki's friends, trying to have an honest dialogue with Loki and even finally defending Loki to Thor's friends.

Before explaining his feelings about Odin he had to know if Thor knew the truth.

"Did he tell you," he asked hiding his fear at the answer. If Thor was making these gestures but didn't know about Loki's background Thor could still change his mind…

"Father told me you were born to frost giant parents and who they were. Loki, that matters not to me. You are my brother and nothing will change that."

"You swore to kill all the monsters if I remember correctly."

"You are not a monster," Thor declared.

"How do you know that?"

Thor paused. Loki narrowed his eyes.

"I pause to try to best explain my thoughts brother…You are not a monster because look what you have done. You fought for this realm Loki. You fought for Asgard even when you were not appreciated. You have heart brother…and monsters have none. Are you the only one born a frost giant to be that way? I know not. I only know you are not a monster. If not harming you, you who deserve no harm , means breaking an oath then so be it. Let me be forsworn before I raise arms against you. If you believe us not to be brothers I would take the oath of blood brothers with you if you wish it. You are my equal, Loki, and we all should have seen that."

Loki looked out the window. Thor's words started to soothe a part of him which had been hurting for a long time.

"I felt like less: always in your shadow. You have no idea what it is like to be disrespected," he said.

"The elves are rather incredulous about me brother. The dwarves have been known to snicker even if it was far away," Thor replied.

Loki raised an eyebrow.

"I do not know if I can even just visit Asgard Thor," Loki said honestly.

"Your shield brethren have made it clear that pressuring you to do so would be ill advised. I would wish for you to return, or to visit, but the choice is yours. I am glad they see your worth."

"Is the Allfather really going to let me stay here," he asked Thor skeptically.

Even as he asked he did not know if Thor would truly know. Odin had lied to Thor before when he introduced Loki as Thor's brother.

"I searched for you, Loki, and before I left father swore an oath. He said, 'I, Odin, Allfather, swear by my kingship and the weapon Gungnir that I shall not force any choice upon my son Loki'."

"He lied when he made that oath. I am not his son," Loki replied neutrally.

Thor closed his eyes and took in a deep breath.

"Loki, whatever your feelings towards…him… I must know. Despite all I have done is there any part of your heart which still calls me brother?"

Thor's eyes were tortured. A tiny vindictive part of Loki sneered that now Thor knew what it felt like to doubt he was worthy. The rest of him uncomfortably felt pain at his brother's pain. He did not like it. What he had to say would make him vulnerable, but there seemed no way around it that would not be a coward's act.

"Even when you most annoyed me, even after I found out, my heart never disavowed you brother," he said softly.

Thor flew across the room and tackled Loki in a tight hug.

"Loki," he murmured in gratitude and joy.

There had been times when Loki had cursed sentiment, but as Thor hugged him he was glad he had not let go of Thor completely. Some part of him had hoped Thor still cared and a smaller part had hoped for reconciliation. Now those parts of his heart were cheering victoriously. Tony and his shield brethren were family too, but Thor held a part of his heart no one else could. Loki hugged his brother back tightly.

"Never doubt that I love you brother, but there are still things for us to say," Loki told him with gentleness and firmness.

Thor nodded in agreement and they kept speaking. They were talking when there was a knock on the door. Pepper stuck her head in.

"Tony wanted me to check up on you. He doesn't like it here, but he still doesn't trust SHIELD, and no offense Thor, the Aesir enough to leave you here alone. He's willing to put Thor up at the tower, but not his friends especially Sif," she informed them.

Thor shook his head.

"They would be in the nearest training field within minutes. If their enmity allowed them to prevent fighting for that long. Is this tower someplace you live brother?"

"It is one of them," Loki answered.

"I would be honored to go if you would allow me," Thor requested.

Loki had been missing being in a home space. Thor could come with him: Loki could teleport Thor back here if Fury needed him. Thor's friends could stay on the helicarrier. There was one lose end.

"What about Malekith? I recall Fury wanted to discuss him. Perhaps you, Sif and the Warriors could escort him to Asgard and then you come could back. They could too I suppose if it is necessary. They could stay here and you with me. In fact, perhaps a certain female scientist would find that plan useful as then she could see the Bifrost transport you away and then back. I could explain some things to her," Loki mused offhandedly.

Thor shifted uncomfortably.

"Truly that is most…helpful of you brother but surely the Allfather would not want you to tell Lady Jane everything about the Bifrost."

"Who says we would only speak of that," Loki asked mischievously.

Thor groaned.

"I could tell her the few parts of the mythology they got correct," Loki added.

Thor's eyes narrowed.

"Such as?"

Loki smiled mischievously and started humming a wedding song which made Thor think of the incident with Mjolnir and the dress. Thor whined.

"We were never to speak of that! She does not need to know about that! Who else have you told," Thor yelped frustratedly.

"You couldn't expect me to keep secrets from my shield brethren could you?"

"Brother!"

They realized they had forgotten Pepper was there when they heard her laugh. Thor looked embarrassed. Loki snickered. Thor looked at him and then groaned indulgently.

"I suppose I earned that brother. I think your plan will work. I will call Lady Jane," Thor conceded.

"I will speak with Tony and Fury," Loki said.

Thor raced off and Pepper looked at Loki.

"You two were in here so long we were starting to worry, but you two okay," she asked him.

"We still have some unpleasant ground to cover, but we are. I have an uncomfortable feeling -one I've had a few times before with the time I spoke with Tony to discover his palladium problem being one instance- that what happened with Thor and Asgard was not one hundred percent their fault. A lot of it yes, because Odin was king and should have done something, but there were times I went too far."

"That sounds tough to talk about. It'll probably be best to have that someplace more private," she commented sympathetically.

"I put up some privacy spells but it will be nice to be where I won't have to be so careful," Loki agreed as they looked for Tony. They found him with the rest of the Avengers.

"Loki! Glad to see you up and about Reindeer Games."

"Is it truly alright if Thor stays in the tower? I could take him to San Francisco."

"Loki, he's been okay so far but I still want you close. Just in case daddy changes his mind," Tony commented seriously.

"That is appreciated and my house in San Francisco is far less spacious than the tower."

"Hey, I've even decided to invite the rest of our boy band and Black Widow to have floors too. Who knows when we'll need to go on a reunion tour?"

Loki looked at the group.

"Have you accepted?"

"Like Tony said it's nice to be around some other people who understand things," Bruce Banner affirmed. The others nodded. Loki nodded in satisfaction. They could all be shield brethren too: there was potential for friendship and working together.

"Tell me if this would be acceptable. We would escort my brother, his shield brethren and Malekith to the Bifrost point. They will hand him over to the Allfather and probably some of Malekith's people. Then Thor, and perhaps his shield brethren, would return. Thor's shield brethren can stay with SHIELD if they should return. Thor would stay with us. I know they fought in the battle beside you, but my past with them has not been harmonious. It would not do well for me or," and he looked at Tony, "others to be in too close quarters with them until things are settled."

"Works for me Reindeer Games. I know you're sweet on Xena, Capsicle, but I can't stand her," Tony replied.

Captain America sputtered. As he did so Natasha Romanov spoke up.

"I'm up for it if the Director okays it."

Hawkeye nodded in agreement. Loki could tell the man was, not surprisingly, still haunted by what he had been forced to do. Maybe Loki could create some sort of protection against mental invasion for him?

"On that note, my friends, I shall find our Director then," Loki concluded the conversation.

Loki left alone to find Fury. He found him speaking with Coulson and Thor. None of them looked happy.

"Brother, have you heard of someone named Thanos," Thor asked.

Loki felt a shiver go up his spine.

"They say he is mad and shows it by courting death. That he has long desired the Infinity Gauntlet which sits in the Allfather's treasure room."

"He controls a race called the Chitauri. He made a deal with Malekith to deliver the Tesseract and Malekith to gain Earth," Fury added.

"Thanos will not be pleased he failed. Director, having one, let alone both, here is not safe. Can you say humanity is truly ready for the power of the tesseract? As for Malekith, I know Earth would desire to enact justice but he has skills you don't know yet. Thor, could you convince the Allfather to let some representatives from Midgard attend Malekith's trial?"

Thor frowned.

"I do not know, but I could try brother."

He looked uncomfortable. Loki folded his arms.

"You still cannot hide anything from me. What is it?"

"You know Midgard, Earth, and you know the ways of Asgard and Alfheim. I know you do not wish to return to Asgard, brother, but perhaps a visit for this reason?"

Loki looked at Fury. Fury nodded.

"The Council owes me for warning you all about their stupid decision so Stark could fix it. I trust you and you did pass the bar," Fury stated.

"Bar," Thor asked with a puzzled look. He was clearly wondering what taverns had to do with law. All-speak can be interesting at times…which is why I've learned many languages without it.

"The process for becoming one expert in the laws of this part of Earth. I would also need to study German law given that he stole and committed damage in that country. I would respect their wishes as well."

"I'm sure you could win them over. I know this isn't easy for you so you can take some of the others with you. Stark won't be one of them. He almost started a diplomatic incident," Fury dictated.

"It would be prestigious if I could take as many of the Avengers with me as possible. I have heard Hawkeye's proficiency with a bow would impress the elves. Captain America's strength would impress Asgard. Asgard's allowance of Sif shows they should accept Natasha Romanov as well. Dr. Banner may wish to stay behind though. Aesir would provoke him just for a chance to face down the Hulk and people from other realms may find him unsettling for the Hulk's presence. He and Tony could be our reserve guard."

Loki tapped his chin thoughtfully.

"Brother," Thor inquired.

"Just an idea for a project. I doubt Tony and I could complete it before Malekith's project but maybe additional input from Dr. Banner, and maybe this Lady Foster of yours brother, could make it possible."

"As you say brother."

The Avengers got to the Bifrost site early to set up a perimeter in case Malekith found a way to evade Loki's spells. Loki allowed Jane Foster to be present to see the Bifrost, but covered her with his highest quality invisibility spell. He didn't want Malekith getting ideas for revenge. He quickly found himself enchanted by the cleverness of her mind. It turned out her progress in creating Earth's equivalent of a Bifrost had been stymied by SHIELD. Loki planned to recommend to Director Fury to support her instead. It would show Earth's intelligence and by making Thor happy also serve as a diplomatic move to Asgard. If Loki felt like it, and Thor's preliminary courtship turned into marriage designs, he could help Thor to get her made queen. He would do so if it would make his brother happy and she might be good for Asgard. If this would happen SHIELD would not want to be in a bad spot with the future queen of Asgard.

Loki and Jane stopped talking when the security convoy pulled up. Thor, who held the tesseract, and his shield brethren escorted Malekith to the Bifrost position.

"Heimdall, open the Bifrost," Thor ordered calmly.

The group was quickly swept up to Asgard. Loki made some comfortable picnic chairs and a meal appear a small distance from the Bifrost site. (It wouldn't be hygienic to risk getting dust on them as they ate when the Bifrost activated.) Everyone chatted amicably as they waited for Thor, and perhaps his friends, to return. Loki introduced Jane to Tony and Dr. Banner.

"I like you Foster. Only problem is now we can't call ourselves science bros anymore. Hey, how about Lady Jane and the Science Brethren?"

Loki laughed at Tony's suggestion. He liked it. Banner rolled his eyes but he did nod. Shortly after that the Bifrost opened again. Thor stood alone. Jane ran towards him. Thor gently took her hand and gave it a kiss. This was far more respectful than some of his earlier behavior with Asgardian women. Was it Thor's general improved attitude, Lady Jane especially or both? Loki felt it would be interesting to find out.

"Brother, the Allfather has given me approval to stay with you. Where is this tower you spoke of," Thor asked upon his return.

"It is in a place called 'New York'. We should go with the rest of the Avengers in a helicopter Stark has for us," Loki told his brother.

Tony grinned.

"When we get there I want to take all of you to a place I've been meaning to try. Have any of you heard of shawarma?"