Tom watches the news coverage of the fight. Doom Bots come in thick waves, but the Avengers beat them easily. Tony, thinking they had won, turned to fly away, but one last bot fires his weapon, hitting the Ironman in the back. Tony plummets to the ground at an alarming speed. Tom's eyes widen in horror, luckily Hulk manages to catch the billionaire before he hit the floor. Tom knows that the wound is too severe, and Tony won't last long. Muttering a powerful enchantment, Tom uses most of his magic to stop the bleeding and the worst of the damage. His team will never know how close they came to losing their friend. As a result of using so much of his magic, Tom's façade ripples away, leaving the disgraced prince of Asgurd standing in a green tunic and leather trousers. Loki turns away from the screen and locks his apartment door. It'll be at least a day before he can replace his 'mortal' disguise. Just to be sure he will have enough time, he puts a small sleeping spell on Tony. Collapsing on the sofa he closes his green eyes, falling asleep peacefully, knowing Tony was safe.
Tony wakes the following morning. He was in his own room, in his own bed, but something felt different. The bed felt colder and emptier. He groggily looked out the window and looked towards the apartment complex Tom was staying in. He longed to be in those strong, elegant arms, telling him everything would be ok. Tony smiled to himself as he imagined the taste of Tom's lips on his. That was when he remembered he had gotten shot… In the back. He winced slightly as he began to feel the pain, but it didn't stop him reaching across and grabbing his phone. He sent a text to Tom;
'Hey. I'm gonna be ok, can I see you later?'
The reply was instantaneous.
'Tony! Gods you scared me to death! Of course you can come, but only if you're well enough.'
'Aww, I'm sorry babe. I'll be there at 12ish'
'Ok, see you soon ;)'
Tony dropped his phone on his bed, and slowly got up and went to the bathroom. Running the water and getting in the shower, Tony mentally kicked himself for calling Tom babe. The hot water relaxed his muscles and he smiled. Too wrapped up in his own thoughts, he didn't hear the bathroom door open… But he did hear a very 'manly' squeal. He opened his eyes and saw Clint. The bow-man's eyes fixed on his junk.
"Yo, birdbrain. Eyes up here!" Tony snapped his fingers and Clint's eyes shot up to his.
"You better not tell anybody about…"
"Your squeal?"
"Yea! And I won't say anything about your… thing there."
"Why would I be worried about that?"
"Because I'll say it's tiny."
"Sorry birdbrain, no deal." Tony smiled mischievously, "But why are you just barging in here anyways?"
"Your phone was ringing. Somebody called Tom."
Tony nodded and Clint left as quickly as he could without actually running. Tony gets out the shower and wraps a towel around his waist. Walking back into his room he picks up his phone and listens to Tom's message.
"Hi, just letting you know that if you want to come round you'd better hurry. My presence has been requested else were for this evening. Bye."
Tony dresses quickly and jogs to his garage. On the way he sees Bruce who tells him to be careful as the stitches may come out. Getting in his fastest car, he speeds to the apartment complex. Running up the stairs he winces as he feels stiches come out. Blood begins to flow and stains the back of his t-shirt. He knocks on the door and only waits half a minute before it's answered.
Tom opens the door, his eyes widening as he sees Tony's rapidly paling face. He pulls him inside and takes of his t-shirt. Sitting him on a bar-stool, he fetches the medical kit he keeps in the kitchen. Tom sits behind Tony and begins taking the stiches out. After that he cleans the wound and re-stiches it. Butting a bandage over it he twizzles Tony around to face him.
"What are you doing later?" Tony asks as Tom begins cleaning up.
"An old acquaintance would like to meet me."
Once finishes cleaning, Tony pulls him into an almost desperate hug, nuzzling close as he buries his head in the crook of Tom's neck. Tom holds him close.
"Tony? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," Tony mumbles, "I missed you is all…"
Tom nods and kisses the top of his head softly.
They sit like this for an hour, not saying anything. Tony finally sits up and smiles.
"Thank you. Not many people would do that for me."
"Why not?"
"Girls just want to get in my bed, and I can't really do this to one of the team."
Tom smiles softly, making Tony's heart to flutter like a teenager. Tom looks up at the clock and his face falls.
"I've got to go…"
"Go. I've got to get back to the Tower anyway, it's our movie night." He grins.
"Ohh?" Tom quirks an eyebrow, "What are you watching?"
"I think Natasha want's to watch something called 'Sweeny Todd'. It's a fucking musical, but she said if I don't turn up she'll slit my throat so…"
"Of course, go, I'll be here tomorrow."
Tony and Tom stand, they walk to the door and just as he's about to leave, Tony spins quickly and kisses Tom hungrily, pshing him so he was pinned against the wall. They pull away after what seems like forever.
"Bye." Tony says, walking away before his desire gets the better of him . Tom watches Tony walk down the corridor and down the stairs. As soon as he closes the door he drops his façade and dresses in his armour.
"Loki!" Doom exclaims as he sees the approaching god, "Nice to see your on time."
Loki smiles evially, "What do you want Doom?"
"I'm sure you saw my unfortunate defeat on the Television…"
Loki nods.
"I was thinking we could team up to beat-"
Loki zoned out at this point. It was just another attempt at him forming an alliance. He only started listening again when Doom started talking about Tony.
"- And that bastard Tony Stark! I'm going to get him, and when I do, it will be a long painful death! So, what do you say?" He holds out his hand to Loki, who only sneers and turns away from it.
"I want you to stay away from New York from now on Doom. It's under my protection now." Loki turns back to face him, his eyes cold.
"So it's true," Doom mused, "I had heard rumours you'd changed. But I didn't believe them… Thank you for proving them."
"Don't test me Doom, you know I will win." He stalks closer to the mortal.
"Some people think that you God's are immortal. I'm going to have to test that theory." Electrical energy flare in Dooms hand.
Loki materialises his two favourite knifes and get into his fighting stance. "You will lose mortal."
Thunder suddenly booms overhead and Loki's head snaps up, eyes wide.
"It seems we will have to postpone our fight Doom." Loki straightens and smirks.
"I will kill you Loki. You've just made a powerful enemy, and only when you're begging on all fours will I take pity on you and allow you to join me!"
Loki laughs and disappears in a haze of green smoke.
He lands in his bedroom. He's used too much magic up and can't put his façade back up. Sighing he stands and looks out of the window, waiting for the storm he knows will be coming for him.