Some hours went by and not much changed. While Thor and Steve watched over a very unconscious Loki (careful to detect any sign of change) in silent blondeness, the rest of the Avengers discussed the ups and downs of their plan. They were also putting together a new plan for the time that all that blew up in their face, as they were sure it would. The only one who dared take a stand for Loki was Bruce, who felt bad for the guy after seeing the treatment to which the ex-villain had been subjected to and the state in which it had left him. On the other side was Clint, who thought this was the worst idea that had come up since the creation of the Avengers.

"He's a hazard. Every second that he spends here is dangerous and you know it. This could all be a trick to get in here, see our headquarters and destroy us from the inside. I say we rough him up a little to make him talk and then we throw him away in some cell until we can get him back to his prison."

"Whoa, chill out a bit, won't ya?" interjected Tony, before Bruce could complain. "Right now, the man can't walk or talk and a 102 fever, even if he's supposed to be colder than us. He's defenceless and we're just letting him heal a bit before interrogating him. You don't punch or kick someone who's already sick and unconscious. It's a human rights thing."

"It doesn't apply. Loki is not human, he's a monster from outer space who doesn't deserve any help."

"I see." Bruce was having trouble not turning green now "So monsters don't have any rights. No second chances, no help, not even medical attention. They should just be used for our own ends and then thrown back to death, right?"

"You know I didn't mean you, Banner. But Loki is dangerous and if he's not able to help, then, yeah, we should throw his sorry ass in Asgard, let that sickness finish him. It's his fault he landed on that jail, he should suffer the consequences."

"And when Loki's back in his planet, what will you tell the people who is dying on the hands of this maniac? Yes, there was someone who could have stopped this but we would rather let him die than give him the chance of telling us how he did it? Need I remind you how this man and his minions beat the crap out of you, the Hulk and my latest suit?" Tony was not trying to defend Loki, but Clint's attitude seemed a bit too brutal. And vastly unhelpful.

"I don't..." But Clint was interrupted by Natasha's cool voice.

"Guys, we are going nowhere with this. If we want to actually achieve something we should stick to the plan, let Loki tell us something and have a back-up plan in case he doesn't. Let's think, what do we know about Loki that could give us a clue as to how he defeated this man?"

But Natasha's attempt to bring a bit peace fell on deaf ears, as the men continued to argue.

Back in the living room, Thor was starting to get anxious. He was still next to his brother, but threw more and more often concerned looks to the only Avenger that had stayed, Captain Rogers. Steve could understand where the anxiety was coming from and was not too happy with the lack of response from the other god. Wasn't Loki supposed to get better now that he was no longer in contact with that place? What if Loki was a dead end? What if by the time Loki was awake the maniac had already destroyed them?

And what if Loki didn't wake up? What would happen then? Not only they would their only lead, it would devastate Thor. It was obvious that he was feeling guilty about having left him in that cell even after he knew he was sick. So, if they didn't find a cure or something, Thor would go crazy with grief and fly off to his home planet to have some words with Odin. And like Clint had said, in the current situation they couldn't lose Thor and his hammer. Steve approached Loki again checking up on the God. He was even warmer than before.

Steve took a thermometer from the medical kit Dr. Banner had left behind until he heard the beep. 104 degrees. This was bad, very bad. Steve went to get a cool cloth while he considered their chances. This didn't seem such a good plan anymore. If they had to get Loki back from the brink of death to get him to talk... it may take too long. And time...

"My brother is not improving." Came Thor's deep voice from the other side of the room, while Steve was letting the cold water soak a small towel. "Can you think of anything in which we could change that? I am afraid to be encountering a loss of ideas at the moment." Thor looked at Steve hopefully. This particular mortal has proved to be quite resourceful in the past, maybe he'd have the answers that eluded him.

"Don't give up hope yet. You haven't seen him in a long time, you don't know much about his illness. Maybe the fever is a good sign, maybe this is just him finally being able to fight this... spell. It could still be environmental, you just have to give him some time."

Thor looked at his younger brother with defeat. He was the older brother. He had a responsibility with Loki, adopted or not. And in all those years, he'd been terrible. He hadn't let Loki shine. He'd let him fall of the Bifrost. He had handed him to the Allfather and that terrible sickness that was destroying him.

"Loki is a smart and strong warrior. He deserved punishment for his crimes because no Asgardian should do actions such as his, but this is not right. How can he learn a lesson if he is struggling to even breathe?"

Captain Rogers kept his silence while he placed the towel on Loki's forehead. There was no reaction from the prisoner, even if it was icy cold. Steve didn't like that. He also didn't like the grayish tinge of his skin or the dark bruised shadows under his eyes. His skin was so pale it was almost translucent and his breathing was laboured. Each breath was taken with difficulty, every rise and fall of his chest seemed to strain him. Jeez. Wasn't he supposed to a god?

"I am sorry to burden you with my thoughts, Captain. I appreciate you staying here and will not bother you any further with my concerns. I just... It is difficult for me seeing Loki in this amount of pain while I spent the last years hating him."

"No problem, Thor. Just one question, what happened with the other prisoner that got this disease?"

"Now that I recall... They all passed on to Helheim... the realm of the dead. I have no knowledge of anyone surviving this disease."

A cloud of darkness passed through the eyes of the God of Thunder. Why ha he been so careless about Loki? Why hadn't he demanded to see him, once at least, in all that time. No... but his past actions has condemned Loki to solitude and a jail time. Thor only wished his punishment wouldn't claim his life, as well.

"Loki will help us when he recovers I am sure of that. Defeating that madman was a great victory for him and I am sure he will enjoy remembering it. He has always looked forward to showing strangers the feats his wit has managed. And I thank you, Captain, for allowing this meeting. I understand most of our team mates were not inclined to proceed with this line of action."

"Criminals have been helpful catching other threats in the past. It gives them the chance to bargain an improvement in their conditions in prison and it's a break from life in jail. It's not such a crazy move." Steve attempted a smile, but couldn't. The situation was too gloomy for it. No one had survived this disease. Thor was probably going to lose his brother. Villain or not, estranged or not, Steve was saddened by that thought.

Meanwhile, the argument between the other Avengers had reached great proportions and had now spread to the living room. Steve barely had time to recognise Clint before he was in top of them.

"Just let me work him up a bit and I will make sure he talks..."

Thor could only stare in confusion as he saw his team-mate had an arrow on Loki's throat. Steve didn't exactly know what to do? Stop him? Listen to him?

Luckily, Tony appeared in the room, momentarily stopping Barton's murderous intentions.

"Clint, this not right and you know it." He said, cautious.

"And what about what he did to me? Was that right?"

"Are you saying you're no better than Loki? Come on, Clint. Don't stoop to that level." And that was Natasha's voice. Natasha. His only ally.

Barton retrieved the arrow but took the chance to punch Loki in the stomach. Twice. And then in the face. Hard. It was not as gratifying as he'd imagined, with Loki unconscious and sprawled in that sofa, but he had to do something. He couldn't just watch the man who had robbed him his will, the man who had used him as a puppet against his own friends, the man who had stolen his secrets... he couldn't just watch him and do nothing. Even if the harder he looked, the less he looked like that man. Clint punched Loki harder in the stomach, suddenly realizing this was not going to solve anything. Damn him! Damn him to hell!

Steve could no longer watch that, so he stopped Barton and restrained him, even if he struggled.

Thor could barely control the anger bubbling up inside him after this little scene. He had to remember this were his friends and Loki nothing but a mere prisoner, someone who had sought out destruction and death. Nevertheless, he was not going to let his brother be used as a punching bag.

"Stark, I believe it would be bast if Barton awaited further instructions elsewhere." He said, with his characteristic deep voice. Even if he was talking to Tony, he kept his gaze focused on Clint.

"I have to agree with you there, blondie. Why don't you go to SHIELD until things calm down a bit, kay?"

Clint left without uttering another word. He was tired of arguing and having to explain why this was all a very bad idea. In that moment, going away was the most desirable thing. They would see how wrong they were. Yes, they would.

The atmosphere was pretty tense after Barton, no one knowing exactly what to say or do. Fortunately for them, Loki chose that moment to react efficiently ending the awkward silence. It was only a whimper and then Loki started turning in a restless sleep. Thor was at his side instantly.

"Loki? Can you hear me?"

After that Loki coughed up some blood and started to open his eyes. Banner had gone to the black-haired man's also, trying to evaluate the prisoner's state.

The first thing that Loki saw were blue eyes looking at him. But that couldn't be right, now could it?

"Thor?" He said, but his voice was only a hoarse whisper. It had been too long since he'd spoken last.

"Yes, it is I!" Thor said. The blood had scared him but hearing Loki's voice again reassured, it was an unrefutable proof that his brother was alive.

"... Not... You came?... The Allfather will be furious with you, Thor... No one's allowed..."

Well, now Loki was speaking, but he was making much sense. Banner helped the sick man into a standing position and asked him softly:

"Loki, do you know were you are?"

But the god's eyes opened and closed randomly and his breathing sounded louder now.

".. Why's there a strange man in my cell, Thor?.. I do not...I.."

So, Loki thought he was still in his cell. Probably after so long it was difficult to even imagine being in another place.

"Is this normal?" Steve asked, voicing Thor's silent question.

"With high fever like his, disorientation is a quite common symptom, yes." Banner answered, but Tony was not convinced. What if this was what Clint had been warning them about? What if this was al nothing but a lie?

"I'm not buying this." he said, and placed himself in a chair directly in front of Loki after getting Bruce out of the way. "Hey, hey! Look at me, pal. We need info on a guy you defeated. Will you help us or no?"

Loki sighed, and tried to hold his gaze.

"I ignore if you have come here to break me or taste me, guard but I bear some bad news: there is not much left of me to break or enjoy. Now, go."

Well, this was not the reaction Tony had been expecting but he insisted.

"Yeah, yeah, they should give you an Oscar for this brilliant performance. Now cut the crap and start talking."

Then Loki's expression grew serious, his face advanced on to Tony's as he spoke, clear as day, without any stuttering.

"I will not be ordered around by a filthy guard. Do what you desire with me or leave, but o not expect me to do your bidding. I may be a prisoner but I still have my dignity."

There was a tense silence in the room, no one wanting to say the first word. Thor and Banner watched the situation carefully, not wanting any altercation like the previous one. And then Loki heaved, loudly. And then he threw up all over Tony's shoes. When he finished, there were tear stains on his cheeks, probably caused by the effort. Well, so much for dignity.

"Ok, maybe he really is sick." Tony said and after a last look left to change his shoes. And probably the rest of the clothes too.

Thor decided to sit next to his brother on the sofa to prevent him from falling forwards as he feared he would. Loki's eyes closed again and he fell into something cool next to him. He was thoroughly confused. Why was there that many people in his room? Was the Allfather trying to drive him insane? Who was this insistent guard? And why did his stomach suddenly hurt so fiercely? He had many questions but lacked the strength to voice them. In that moment, drawing breath and keeping his eyes open was proving a struggle.

When Thor felt his brother lean into him he noticed with alarm that he was ever warmer than before. How long could it go on? It was obvious that the fever had already affected the soundness if his mind if it went any further... He looked at Banner, in despair.

"Looks like it's time for a change of plans." Steve said, trying to do something useful. "Bruce, Thor, you stay with Loki. He's awake now, maybe if you can get that fever down he'll be able to tell us something. Natasha you and I go back the lab, try to think of an alternative. JARVIS, can you tell Tony to meet us there?"

"Of course, Sir."

"Ok. Good luck, guys. Do tell us if he starts making sense." Natasha said and left with Steve. This was certainly being a difficult day. She would be glad when it was over.

Thor looked at his brother clouded green eyes. This was not the Loki he remembered. This was not a Loki he wanted to remember. He was naked, vulnerable, hurting.

"Thor... you came... Where were you?..."

The words were only a whisper, but the thunder god knew they held truth. Loki had been waiting for him all the time and greeted only by silence, sickness and unfriendly guards.

"... I missed you.."

Two tears ran down the god of mischief's eyes as he fell into his brother's shoulders and closed his eyes once again.

A/N: So much whump! Not a great episode, but well. I'll try to get some plot in the next ones. Anyways, I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions, comments, etc.

Reviews are love!