My beta bailed again. This WILL be edited properly asap.

NOTE: The words in Italics that are not contained in "" [and that stand alone, not in a sentence] are the characters thoughts and not intended for others to overhear. [ although it does sometimes happen.]

The words in "Italics" are a conversation intended to be heard between the 'mind link'.

[Disclaimer: I do not, in anyway, own these characters. All rights belong to Marvel etc.]

"Holding hands is one thing," Loki snarled at the lump under the blankets. "Kissing me in front of the Allfather and the court is another thing entirely!"

"Shut up already you drama queen."

"What did you just say to me?" Loki's voice had gone cold.

Tony peeked out from the blankets and eyed the livid god with all the energy of a rock. Loki was back in his dull green sweater that he often wore on Earth, which surprised Tony. Loki seemed to be more comfortable in Midgard fashion these days.

"Lo-Lo, I just went and talked to a bunch of old, cranky men for what felt like four hours. I'm tired and I want to sleep. " Tony reminded him, sighing. The god simply crossed his arms, unimpressed . "I'm a jerk, okay. I'm sorry for telling you to shut up, but kissing you is what usually calms you down. You know, before you blew Odin up or something."

"Apparently you seem to think I have the self control of a child?" Loki snapped in response.

"Hey, I could feel it inside me. You may fool everyone else, but you can't fool me." Tony held up his fingers for visual aid. "You were this close to snapping."

"Really," snarled the god. "Pray tell, how close am I now, Stark?"

"Not that close at all. You're just bitchy and over tired." Tony grinned with confidence and opened his arms wide. "Come here. Let me massage you. Stop hating me."

Loki grumbled, his anger draining away always won the arguments this way, bribery and clever words. He flopped face down on the bed next to Stark and stretched out all his limbs.

"I do not hate you," Loki said quietly into the blanket. "Stop thinking I do."

"I don't think you hate me, I guess. You sometimes go somewhere that I can't follow."

Loki snorted into the blanket. "What í öllum Realms gamall do you mean by that?"

Tony smiled to himself and began kneading his knuckles into Loki's shoulders. It had become a common practice between them to take turns massaging one another. Although, Tony was usually the one face down seeing as Loki was far more talented with his hands.

"Hmm, I mean that there are times where I can't..." Tony paused, his hands drawing circles into the god's back. He wasn't sure how to explain it to someone who was technically hooked into his brain. "Sometimes I can't read you at all. You go to that dark place where I can't seem to follow you." Tony bit his lip in thought, digging his fingers into Loki's muscles distractedly. "All I can do is yell and wave my arms at you from the outside," he said quietly.

Loki turned over, disrupting Stark's massage. He narrowed his eyes at his lover, looking up at Tony thoughtfully. "I see. I did not realize how in tune you were with me," Loki said, looking a bit surprised. "I had thought it was only I who felt that way."

"Okay, my turn. What in all the magic fairy realms do you mean?"

"I mean, you go to a dark place as well."

"Not the same one, though. Otherwise we should be having midnight rendezvous."

Loki chuckled and leaned up, sliding his fingers through Tony's hair before letting then drift down the back of his neck. With a smirk, Loki jerked him closer quickly.

"Tony..." Loki said, his voice soft but serious. "I promise I will never go where you cannot reach me."

A lopsided smile formed on Tony's face before he gave Loki a gentile kiss. "Mmm, I guess I just need to shout louder and maybe get some sort of semaphore going."

"Semaphore is... "

"Flags, Lokes," Tony answered. "I'll wave flags at you."

"Þú ert svo skrítið..." Loki said, shaking his head. "As much as I would like to sleep away the evening with you, we must join my family for dinner once more."

"This is the last dinner here, right?" Tony asked, shedding off the last of the blankets. "Also, I am not that weird, flag waving is an art form."

"If you say so." Loki scoffed and shifted out of his sweater and into a beautiful set of robes and armor. He had gone all out this time, over a deep green robe, he wore a black leather jacket that reached the floor. His torso was decorated with small bronze swirls over a hard leather chest plate. Tony smiled, noticing the gold circlet gracing Loki's body usual.

"No red tonight, handsome?" He asked, giving Loki an appreciative look.

"Not tonight, no." Loki replied, dusting off imaginary dust particles. "Since this is our last evening here, it is a much more formal meal."

"Wait, you aren't going to make me wear the sequins," Tony asked, his face contorting in horror. "Are you?"

Loki gave his lover a look and flicked a hand in his direction. Tony jumped up as he felt the crawling sensation of cloth forming over his skin.

"God dammit Loki, I said not to do that!"

"I can not fathom why you have such an issue with it. It is faster."

Tony glared at him, scratching at the sleeves of his tunic. "It makes me claustrophobic," he grumbled, looking down at the blue and gold outfit. "Don't make me explain that again."

Tony picked at the fabric. It was actually quite beautiful, for fancy Shakespearean clothing. The blue sleeves were embroidered with small gold leaves, each swirl of a vine ending with a flourish. He was glad, at least, that the most flowery part of the outfit was hidden by a vest and a cape that clasped at his chest.

Tony looked up and caught the god eyeing him with a hungry look.

Uh oh, it looks like we're going to have to play dress up when we get home.

"Shall we go, then?" Loki asked, offering his arm to Stark.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes."

Tony slipped his arm through Loki's and grumbled unhappily. "Can I at least make Mind Link comments on people?"

Loki leaned down and kissed the too of Tony's head affectionately.
"But of course, my love. But of course."

The meal was nothing special. The food was the same, rough and plain. Meat, vegetables, bread. The conversation was nearly as dry as the food, the formal seating leaving Tony alone with a bunch of strangers. Thor and Loki sat on either side of the King and queen. At least Loki looked pleased to be next to his mother. Although, he was often caught casting glances down the table at Tony. Each time their eyes met, Tony would offer up a comment on the people around them, trying to get the god to laugh. It turned into a childish game between them, each putting their sharp wit and snarky attitudes to the test.

"This woman has eaten twenty four grapes since the man next to her mentioned how much he liked them," Tony thought, grimacing at his own plate. "They're called seedless grapes, not shameless."

Tony felt, rather than heard, Loki's chuckle. It didn't count as a win until one of them laughed out loud.

"Thor has given enough long winded speeches to those around us to be called a zephyr."

"Are you kidding?" Tony thought back incredulously. "Have you heard the hot air coming from this guy, Arngrim, I think it was."

Loki cast a look down the table.

"I don't know what you mean by hot air. I hope you do not mean he is gassy."

Tony choked on his wine, sputtering out a laugh. Those around him looked on in disgust and concern. After he managed to compose himself, he slowly lifted his eye to meet his lover's from down the table. Loki's green eyes were sparkling with his achievement, a smug smile on his lips.

"Damn you." Tony thought with a glare. "You played on my weakness for potty humor."

Loki made an innocent face and purposely turned away to speak to his mother. Frigga caught Tony's eye and gave him an apologetic look.

Oh, at least she knows why I spontaneously spewed my drink.

The woman beside him had given up on grape man, turning her attention to the short mortal beside her. Much to Tony's disgust, she also brought with her the same flirting and goo-goo eyes she had been using on the other guy. Tony was polite, laughing at the right times, complimenting her hair, and avoiding saying anything about himself. He did, however, mention how he simply loved carrots. The rest of the dinner was spent in wild entertainment as the woman nearly gorged herself on the orange vegetable.

As the evening drew to a close, Tony felt all the humor drain away as Odin stood.

"I must thank you all for a pleasant feast," the kind said. "It is time for us to bid farewell to our guest and my two sons. They shall be returning to Midgard once more to take up their duties as diplomats and protectors of the realm."

Loki looked directly at Stark as thought,
"Me, a protector of your realm."

"Yes, Loki," Tony responded. "You shall be the protector of all cats in bags."

That earned him a glare, only to be distracted by Frigga touching Loki's arm.
"Now boys, if you are finished casting longing looks at one another, please join me and your father in the throne room."

Loki mumbled, embarrassed, "Yes mother."

Tony nearly jumped from his chair to join Loki, his hands automatically reaching out for any form of contact. He had gone far too long without touching his god.

"Lokes," he whined, making grabby hands."Please reward me for sitting all alone with grape lady."

Loki smiled a slow, appreciative smile and slipped his arms around Stark's waist. "As you wish," he said, and kissed Tony full on the lips in front of the entire table.

Thank Odin that Odin left.
Cuz I think he would be pretty pissed about Loki's tongue down my throat.

Again.

The collective gasps and a startled shriek, most likely grape lady, were in there own way a reward.

"Loki," he mumbled against the god's lip. "Your revenge is turning me into an exhibitionist."

"You enjoy it, do not lie."

"I never said I didn't," Tony agreed, turning to admire the shocked faces. "Oh look, I think we made the lady faint."

"We should leave, before the Allfather returns to see what is taking us so long and hears of it from them."

Tony shrugged and flashed a shit-eating grin at the guests before they both left.

Once in the hall, Loki seemed to be dragging his feet. Stoping to show Stark a tapestry, pointing out a huge gouge in a column that he apparently caused once. He pointed out what looked like scorch marks and proudly told the tale of how he set Thor's robes on fire.

"That's fascinating how you were always a little shit," Tony said, hooking Loki's arm with his. "But I'm pretty sure we have a grumpy pirate to entertain before we leave."

Loki allowed himself to be pulled along, a frown forming as they drew closer.
"Anthony," he began, his voice filled with discomfort. "I already know what this is about."

"Yeah, so do I. But if we want to go home, we have to do this." Tony looked back at his lover in concern. "You do actually want to go home with me, right?"

"I see no other place as home," Loki responded sadly. "As much as I will miss my mother, I feel most at ease there with you."

Tony smiled and reached up, brushing a stray hair out of Loki's face. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I wish you could stay with her longer. The pirate says stay away for a year, so we should. But I think we should visit her purposely a day earlier than you're allowed."

"Sometimes I wonder if you wish for me to get in trouble."

"Only if I get to be in trouble too," Tony replied, pulling Loki forward once more. "Now come on. Let's hear the 'harm my son and I'll get the shot gun' speech'."

They reached the throne room at a slow pace, Loki still lagging behind. Ignoring the sulking god, Tony reached out to open the door, yet was stopped by a loud, angry voice reverberating from within.

"Of course they are late!" Odin shouted angrily, his voice shaking the gold doors. "He and that pathetic mortal are undoubtably doing something... unsavory together."

Pathetic?
Unsavory?!
What?

Tony froze and then turned to look at Loki, mouthing, "What-The-Fuck?" Loki stared back, just as startled by his father's words as Stark. This was not the same Odin they had talked to during the day. The king's voice shook the room once again.

"Thor spoke of Midgard as if Loki was changing due to the mortals. This mate of his is utterly appalling," Odin said, shouting over Frigga's attempt to respond. "Did you hear of it, the distasteful thing he did in court today?"

Frigga, finally finding a pause, spoke Icily, "You seemed to have no issue with it at the time. Why are you behaving this way now?"

There was a long moment of silence where both eavesdroppers thought the argument was over, until Odin spoke again.

"I was pleased that Loki was looking for redemption," he said more quietly. "Only to then be forced to watch him flounce around with that primitive being. Fandral spoke to me of their actions from the previous night. I have half a mind to change the ruling and force Loki to stay here to redeem himself."

"You wouldn't," Frigga hissed. You could tell where Loki learned it from. "He is happy with the mortal and you have no right to treat Stark like some animal. He has gone to great lengths to protect Loki. Even now, he has traveled far to an unfamiliar realm, only to be forced to suffer the abuse of ones such as Fandral. Yet he is here all the same."

"Loki does not deserve to be happy. He needs to see the error of his ways, not be pampered by his mother and his lover."

"Loki is still our son, not some foreign criminal you can just lock away." Frigga's voice softened. "You know, very well, the reasons why he does not wish to stay on Asgard."

"That is not entirely his choice," Odin bit back, his voice rising again. "He has a duty as a prince and he should not forget the original purpose of his adoption."

Frigga's voice became choked with surprise. "What do you mean, original purpose?!"

"He may be our son, but he is still of Laufey," Odin said, carefully lowering his voice. "He is the only one who can be a diplomat to the other giants. He knows that part of his duties lay in his heritage."

"They would kill him for what he has done to King Laufey. Would you truly subject him to that?"

"He must earn the trust of his people once again," Odin said anger slipping back into his voice. "Or he shall never be welcomed back as a prince of Asgard. He can do this and still keep his linage hidden."

Tony clenched his fists so hard he felt his nails puncture the palms of his hands. He could put up with a lot of shit. Growing up listening to the same speech about how he needed to change into something better; always something nobody could love me, because he wasn't good enough. How he wasn't suppose to expect love from my father. How he hung out with all the wrong people.

God, how many friends and girlfriends did I lose just because that asshole deemed them 'unworthy' of Howard Stark's son? He paid half of them off, the other half got scared away.
Like I belonged to Stark Industries.
Here's Odin, making Loki into some tool for the kingdom.

Odin could call Tony whatever he liked, but he had no fucking right to say that Loki didn't 'deserve' to be happy. For one thing.

Loki remained silent, his body as still as a statue. The only signs of life were his eyes, flashing a sharp, deep green. Tony knew that the darker they were, the more angry the god was. He would say Loki was about two shades away from maximum anger levels.
Inside the room, the argument continued on without them. Odin then yelled something about how generous he was that he hadn't placed Loki in a cell. Apparently, that was the last straw for Frigga because she burst out of the room, hitting Stark in the face with a giant gold door. Tony went flying backwards, skidding across the stone floor like a cartoon character. Quickly shutting the door behind her, Frigga joined Loki in helping Tony up.

"You have my deepest apologies, Stark," she whispered, glancing back at the door. "Both for hitting you, and for the conversation you clearly just overheard."

"It's not your fault on either accounts," Tony replied, his hand covering his chin where a bruise was already forming. "I'm pretty weak by Asgard standards. So I'm pretty sure if you sneezed at me I would go flying."

Frigga looked at him with dark, sad eyes and shook her head. She frowned and turned to her son, putting an arm around his shoulders and pulling him into a tight hug. Tony smiled weakly and watched them with another painful tug on his heart.

"Lady Frigga," he said at last. "Could you please take Loki back to his room."

"Stark," Loki began. Tony put a hand up, instantly silencing the god.

"Stay with your mom and try to calm down. I highly doubt you being in the same room as Odin is going to end well for anyone."

"What are you going to do?" Frigga asked, worried.

"I'm late for a meeting with the King, I should probably arrive."

"You will not go in there without me, Tony," Loki said, breaking away from his mothers embrace.

"I will," Tony said with finality. "I'll go in there, listen to what he has to say, and then we leave. The end."

Frigga touched Tony's arm gently. "Son of Stark, do not attempt to argue with him," she said, fear now present in her eyes. "He may argue freely with me, but you he can lock up for impertinence."

Tony smiled warmly at her and took Frigga's hands in his. "Don't worry, ma'am, I can be polite when the time calls for it," he said, a half smile forming on his face. "Please calm him down before he turns someone into a newt."

Tony looked back once after they split up, catching a look from Loki as they left. He attempted to smiled at the god as reassuringly. It didn't work that well. Tony shook his head, trying to clear his mind.

Start out fresh.
Like you didn't hear Odin call you pathetic.
Like he didn't just treat your boyfriend like a disposable napkin.
Yeah, that's not gonna happen.

Tony pulled open one of the heavy doors, wondering for a moment just how much stronger Frigga really was than him. Odin was facing away when Tony entered, looking more menacing than should be possible from behind. Tony coughed to gain the King's attention, remaining by the door. Just in case he needed to run. Not that he was scared of him or anything.

Odin snapped around, his face flashing with hatred before it was replaced with a smooth smile.

"Son of Stark!" The king said, opening his arms in a welcoming gesture. "I have heard great things about you from Thor. Is it true you stopped an entire army with a single blow?"

Tony flashed his 'publicity' smile and came forward. "A few separate times, actually."

Odin looked amused at the thought, turning away to seat himself on his throne.

Oh, thought Tony, so Frigga he can speak eye to eye to, but I have to be looked down on ?

"I expected Loki to be with you," Odin said with a hint of disappointment. "I had wished to speak to you both."

"Lokes," Tony said, purposely using the pet name. "Isn't feeling that great. I ran into the Lady Frigga in the hall and asked her to check up on him."

Odin stroked his beard, seemingly lost in thought. Tony forced himself to not comment on the fake display of thoughtfulness. Odin knew exactly what he wanted to say, and how to say it.

"I wished to speak to you about the trials involved in becoming immortal."

Tony hadn't been expecting that at all. "I... what?"

"I understand that you are something of a paramour to my son," Odin smiled, almost sweetly. "Thor has also spoken to me of his desire to have the mortal maiden as his wife."

"I see..."

"The test is not something one does in the physical realm," Odin continued. "Thor had worried that his lady would not be suitable for a battle, as I assume Loki would worry for you. I wish to make clear that the trial is within your own mind. You will be placed under a spell to sleep and travel inside your mind to prove yourself worthy of immortality."

"So," Tony asked, the gears in his brain grinding along to catch up. "I would be sort of a Demi-god? Or something else?"

"You would be more like our servants," Odin said, a hint of humor in his voice. "It is more like a spell to slow your time, than immortality."

"So I'll still die if someone were to, say, hit me really hard?"

"No, you will be stronger and heal faster. But will not yield magic as Loki and Thor do. The immortality is a gift, even to those not of royal blood. We treat out slaves well here in Asgard," Odin chuckled darkly. "Unlike some mortals of old."

Tony's face twitched. It was obvious the king was going to try to insult Tony as much as possible, but that was just low. "Hey," he said, flashing a grin again. "At least we nipped that in the bud. You guys have, what, thousands of more years on us?"

Odin's smile slipped off his face faster than Fury on a Slip-n-Slide.
"Indeed," the king said bitterly. There was a tense silence, unspoken words hanging in the air between the two men.

"I'll think about it."

"Excuse me?" Odin demanded.

"The immortality thing. I said I'll think about it."

Odin looked down at Tony in disbelief. Apparently not pleases with the puny mortal throwing the grandest of gestures back in his face. "You do not wish to remain with my son?"

"I do," Tony said, unable to keep a smirk from his face. "I just prefer to do it under my own terms. I'll let you know in a year." He paused and added, "If I'm not dead by then."

Odin looked like someone had pissed on his party. Clearly, things were not going as he wanted.

Suck on that, Assking.

"I assumed you would wish to join Loki in immortality," Odin said with a frown. "Before you grew much older."

Ouch.

"Yeah well, Lokes likes me for who I am, not what look like, "Tony responded flippantly. "He's not as shallow as some people."

"I see," was all the king said, standing up and signaling the end of their meeting. "I hope to see you again in a years time," Odin said, another fake smile in place. "Please take good care of my son."

"Oh I will," Tony promised. "I take excellent care of him every day."

Odin did not fail to miss the implications there, and looked appropriately disgusted. Tony couldn't resist one more jab at the man. He had, after all, called him pathetic.

"In fact," he said, now backing away towards the door. "I think my treasure needs some tender loving care right now. Thanks for having me."

Tony nearly ran out the door, ignoring the angry hiss from the king. Once in the hall, he did run. His damned heart felt like it was going to burst, he was so pissed off. He slid around a corner, running faster as he found more familiar hallways.

That asshole. That fucking eye patch-wearing asshole.
'Here, poor sniveling mortal, eat from my hand.'

"Fuck you," Tony said out loud, rounding anther corner. He skidded to a haul, nearly smashing into another person.

Tony lifted his eyes to the man in front of him, giving a resigned sigh.

Just my luck.

"Fandral..."

"Mortal," Fandral spat.

"I have a name, you know."

"I care not," the man replied, moving closer to Tony with a sly smile.

"Yeah, I can see that. Can you move? I'm in a really bad mood and kinda need to get somewhere."

"You and I," Fandral said, his voice lowering in threat. "Have unfinished business."

Tony made a confused face, tapping his chin with a finger. "You know, I thought we sorted that all out. I'm awesome, and you're scared of kid's toys," he said, stepping to the side to pass the man. "I'd say we're done."

"We have danced around this long enough. Fight me!"

"What is this?" Tony asked with a sneer. "West Side Story? How 'bout no?"

Tony clearly misjudged the length of Fandral's reach, since the god's fist smashed squarely into Stark's nose. He went flying once more.

I've got to remember that these guys are a lot stronger than they look.

Tony barely had time to sit up before Fandral's booted foot caught him in the side of the neck with a swift kick. Tony choked and blacked out for a moment.
His eyes only opened again when his body hit a pillar like a sack of rocks. Blinking away the darkness threatening to close in on him, Tony tried to get a visual on his enemy. A fat lot of good that did. He was without his suit, already ten times weaker than a god, and had been pissing the guy off for nearly four days. Not a winning combination.

Tony was having a lot of trouble breathing, seeing as his neck felt broken. He grunted when Fandral's knee drove up into his nose, his eyes shutting against the pain. He clenched his jaw, and tried to curl up to protect his head better.

Nothing I can do. Deal with it until the guy gets tired.

"Stop."

A shiver of an old fear swept through Tony's body. He hadn't heard that tone of voice in a long time. Not since he was thrown out a window. Tony managed to open one eye, finding it difficult to focus with all the pressure from his battered nose.

Fandral was still in front of him, his back now facing Tony and he could just make out Loki from around Fandral's legs if he leaned over.

"Lokes," Tony groaned, his voice barely audible. Loki's gaze flickered away from Fandral and met Tony's, his eyes growing wide with shock. Looking up and down Tony's body, Loki's eyes grew darker and darker with rage.

"You should not have done that."

"You shall not attack me," Fandral said smugly. "If you do not wish to get in tro—"

Fandral broke in half. At least, that's what it looked like he did. A grotesque snapping noise came from somewhere in the middle of the god's back as he lifted into the air. His mouth hung open in a silent scream. The entire hallway was alive with magic, every metal surface crawling with sparks, every partial in the air charged with energy. Loki smiled.

"Lokes," Tony muttered, unable to get enough air. He flinched, the magic inside of him resonating with Loki's rage, and tried again, "L-Lokes, we need to get out if here. Now."

Loki was still standing, staring at the floating figure in front if him. Tony had a nasty feeling that Frandal was not dead. Which might actually be worse. Tony frowned, feeling his vision beginning to blur again. He squinted and watched the god slashed a his nails across Fandrals face, muttering something quickly. The blood formed a sigil in the air in front of Fandral and the air went from charged to stale, all the energy in the hallway sucked away instantly. Tony felt the dark chill of the void creep into the halls of Asgard.

"Loki..." He croaked, pushing himself up higher. "Whatever voodoo shit you're d-doing right now. Stop."

"Why should I?After what he did to me," Loki said, his voice softening. " After what he has done to you."

"Because," Tony wheezed, falling forward a little. Tony continued, his blurred eyes now on the floor. "Whatever that is, feels real bad. Like death just came in."

Fandral dropped to the floor with a sickening thud. Tony tried to lift his head, but found he lacked the strength to. Loki's cold hands touched his cheeks, causing him ot jerk his head up in a panic. Unfortunately, the god's fingers accidentally brushed against Tony's bruised neck.
Tony let out a gurgled scream.

"Oh... Tony," Loki breathed, his eyes going wide.

Tony let out a weak laugh as Loki tilted his head up to inspect his swelling neck. He smiled weakly at the blurry face in front of him, already feeling the chill of Loki's magic crawling through his face.

"You still surprise me," Loki said, his hand tracing a line over the bruise, healing it quickly. "You are more perceptive than most mortals."

"I'm a genius," Tony responded with ease, his throat now finally healed. Loki rolled his eyes and Tony watched them, making note of their lighter color. "But really," he continued. "You just did something very dangerous. Did you complete it, or not?"

Loki smiled bitterly. "I did not. Fandral lives. It seems I shall not be seeing my daughter any time soon."

Tony laughed statistically and pushed up self up with a little help from Loki. They both looked down at the twitching heap of a god on the floor.

"Let's nab Thor and just go. Let his Odiness deal with this shit."

Loki stared down at Fandral and said, "There is one more thing I shall do. Then we must leave."

"No death calling."

"Not to worry, Anthony," Loki said with a nasty chuckle, crouching over Fandral's face and placing a hand over his mouth. "I am simply removing something unnecessary."

"If it's his tongue, I totally agree with your life's choices."

"Close. His voice."

Shrugging, Tony looked right into Fandral's panic stricken eyes as Loki removed his voice. Something in the blond's eyes dimmed as Loki finished the spell. He needed to ask Loki what he did later. His lover stood, abruptly grabbing Stark's arm and sending them back to Loki's room.

Both Frigga and Thor stood and approached them nervously on their arrival.

"Tony!" Thor boomed, rushing forward as clutching at Tony's once blue tunic. "Are you hurt?"

"I was," he replied, brushing Thor's hands off gently. "I'm fine now."

"We need to leave," Loki said sharply. "Now."

"Loki," Frigga muttered, concerned at his urgency. "What has happened."

Loki frowned, his calm mask slipping in front of his mother.
"Fandral. He attacked Anthony."

Frigga sighed and wrapped her arms around Loki tightly. "Do not worry about it. I shall take care of anything that remains unexplained here," she said, letting go of Loki to look at Thor. "You should hurry to the Biftost. Before anyone finds Fandral and reports it."

"Loki," Thor said, looking at his brother sadly. "Have you the strength to teleport us closer? I do not wish to run into any further trouble while we are here."

Tony frowned. "I take it you guys told Thor about Odin's little fit?"

Thor looked down at his hammer, his face hidden in shadow. "We will speak of it later," he said quietly, his voice heavy with pain. "When we are safer."

"I can take us to the Bifrost," Loki interrupted, grabbing Thor's arm roughly and pulling him closer to Tony. "I shan't be much use after that, though."

"You should have taught me more magic before we came," Tony said, wrapping one arm around Loki's waist, the other hooked through Thor's large arms.

"If I had know the trouble Fandral would have caused, I would have murdered him upon arrival and saved everyone the time."

"Loki..." Thor growled. Loki gave his brother a sharp look and said nothing, turning away once more to smile fondly at his mother.

"I shall see you again in a year's time."

"Be safe," she said, watching the air flicker with gold. She gave the group one last smile, and waved to Tony. The next second, they were gone.

"Please be safe."

Loki stumbled when they arrived on the rainbow bridge. Tony kept his arm around his lover's waist, helping the god hurry along. Thor cast a worried glance back at them, reaching the end if the bridge a few minutes before they managed to catch up.
The makeshift room at the end was not nearly as splendid as any of the palace rooms. Now that Tony had seen the finery of the kingdom, the Bifrost was clearly lacking.

"This isn't finished," he said, looking around the room. "Is it?"

Thor smiled, approaching the sword and turning it like a key in a lock. "You are correct, Tony," Thor replied. "This room is the final part of rebuilding the Bifrost. The original one was much more..."

Loki growled from Tony's side, "Gaudy."

Thor looked thoughtful for a moment and nodded in agreement. "It is time, come," he said, showing them where to stand. Tony felt his ears pop, and he closed his eyes as their bodies were ripped through space.
There was a hint of music, twisting its way through the rushing sound of the Bifrost. Tony only heard it for a moment before it was gone, the melody a familiar echo in his ears.

They arrived on the roof top of the Avengers tower with a lot more grace than Loki thought possible. He was surprised as how well his brother had navigated them through the Bifrost, his past experiences being far more dangerous. Thor had clearly grown in Loki's time away. But for all the ease of travel, something still felt off to him. There was a bitter taste in the air.

"Pop Tarts," Tony said, grinning at Thor. Loki's brother instantly lit up, tensing as if ready to run to his precious pastry.

"I'll race you to the kitchen, Point Break."

"I do not play such—" Thor laughed and took off running before Stark could even blink.

"You traitor!"

"Anthony," Loki said, grabbing Tony by the waist. "If he is going to cheat, so shall we."

They appeared in the larger kitchen that the group shared. Loki smiled proudly at his win against his brother, then he noticed Stark. The mortal was staring off at nothing, not even moving to grab his prize. Loki frowned and let go of his waist. "Anthony?"

"Hmm?" Tony said, blinking his eyes and looking at him. Loki poked his forehead gently.

"Claim your glory before the oaf arrives."

"You're so mean to him sometimes," Tony said, clearly not that bothered by it.

"TONY!?"

Loki flinched, recognizing the shrill tone of the woman he still loathed. Pepper ran forward and shoved the god out of the way. Loki was about to snap at her when the woman abruptly slapped Tony across the face.

"Whuh?" Tony grunted, holding his cheek and starting at her in sheer disbelief. "What the fuck was that for?! What a nice welcome back."

"What was that for?!" Pepper shouted. "You leave for a week without telling anyone, and you don't expect us to be worried?"

"Didn't tell you? What do... You..." Tony looked from her to Loki, his eyes going wide. Before Loki could speak, Thor burst into the room, cheerily announcing his victory.
Loki's eyes narrowed, and Thor faulted at the sight of the group in front of him.

"Oh, I see I have not won."

"Thor," Tony said, speaking slowly and carefully. "Did you tell anyone we were leaving for Asgard?"

Thor blinked in confusion for a moment before his eyes also widened. He glanced at his brother in fear.

"I am not the one you should be worried about, my dear brother," Loki said with a snicker.

Thor looked at Pepper, his eyes filled with guilt. "My lady, you have my most humble apologies. I was so lost in my excitement of the journey, I forgot to speak to someone before we left."

Pepper crossed her arms with a sigh. "If it's an accident, it's fine," she said, turning to give Tony a look. "At least you should have remembered. What were you thinking Tony?"

Loki felt another uncomfortable twinge in his chest. The air wavered, again smelling of something terrible yet familiar.

What is that?
It is not sulfur, it has a more metallic taste to it.
Copper?

Loki frowned, realizing he had not heard Tony's response. Thor made a startled sound, causing Loki to jerk his head up.

Stark was standing in the same place, only his face was all wrong.
It was as though half his face had gone limp. One eye glazed over, his lips in a frown. The other half was alive, the eye wide and sharp, one half of his lips lifted in a smirk.

"Welcome Back."
"Welcome Back."

The voices mixed, both Tony's and the creatures coming from the same mouth. The dull, brown eye suddenly widened, forcing itself up to meet Loki's while the other rolled in amusement.

It is Stark. He's still in there.

"Oh, how he struggles," said the other voice, the sharper eye flashing with a mix of annoyance and pleasure. "He is stronger than he looks. See, how little I was able to possess of him?"

Loki tried not to flinch back from the horror that wore his lover's face. He opened his mouth but found no words could come out.

"Lokes."
"Lokes."

Tony suddenly shuddered, his face freezing between a smirk and a look of terror. The tower shook with a small tremor, sending Pepper stumbling away from Tony. A sudden flash of blue light exploded from Tony's chest. Thor grabbed Pepper seconds before the light reached her, twisting their bodies out of the way of the beam. Loki put up a shield, forcing himself to squint into the light to look at Tony.

The light faded, and a quite voice began to sing. Loki removed the barrier and moved closer to Stark, watching his face carefully. His lover was still standing, but now looking up at the ceiling while he sang. His face had mostly returned to normal, no long split between the creature and Tony.

"Tony?" Loki asked carefully, reaching out to touch his shoulder gently. Tony continue to sing, his eyes dark and unfocused.

"Tony," Loki said sharper, tilting the mortal's chin up to look him in the eye. Tony's song stuttered to a stop, his eyes clearing slightly.

"Oh," Tony said quietly. "Lokes, looks like we're home."