"What the hell…" Kara muttered as she walked into her outer office and found a metallic outfit hanging from a hook over the door that connected to her therapy room.

"Do you like it?" Tony Stark said from behind her.

"Um, I don't know. What is it?"

He sighed. "It's a uniform. You know, all the big kids have them."

"I'm not a real member of the Avengers, Tony."

"Of course you are. But you're a little…uh…"

"Vulnerable when I'm not able to react quickly enough to use my abilities?"

"Exactly. Hence the suit. It won't protect you completely from broken bones, but bullets and other non-explosive projectiles, bladed weapons, shrapnel, that sort of thing will be deflected for the most part. You'd bruise and maybe get a cracked rib or whatever, but you'd survive all of those things."

Kara leaned closer to poke at it. The surface was covered with overlapping scales, much like depictions of dragons. It was gold in tone, but with a peculiar iridescence that made it shimmer with reds and oranges as she turned it under the light. "Looks like it's on fire…appropriate." She looked back at him. "Whose idea was this?"

"Uh, well, it was a group effort. Banner reminded us all that even though your offensive gifts were radical, you didn't have any real defense. The Black Widow pointed out that you had no martial arts and only some basic self defense training so you couldn't count on instincts to protect you. Hawkeye told us he could take you out at a distance, even if you saw him he'd be able to get you before you could take him down. Rogers suggested the scales, your firestarter abilities reminds him of dragons, and Pepper chose the coloring and supplied your measurements."

"And you?"

He bowed. "Yours truly provided the technical know-how, the overall design, the actual construction, and paid the bills. And let me tell you, trying to test the damn thing without you seeing it has been a bitch. It has the same alloy in the scales as the Mark XIV, so your outfit won't get scorched by your own work. We don't have to worry about it roasting you with the heat since you can adjust your own body temperature. Have I told you that's the part I envy about your whole package of abilities?"

"No, but I can imagine it would be. Your spoiled rich boy butt does love to be comfortable."

"Hey, I resemble that remark!" Tony dropped down to his knees and gave her his puppy dog look. "So, am I forgiven for being an ass?"

Kara sighed. "You're just going to be an ass again before the day is out. It's part and parcel of your personality. I really don't know how Pepper puts up with you." His pout intensified. "Oh, crap. Fine, you're forgiven, now knock that off."

He scrambled to his feet, chuckling. "Seriously, Kara. I'm only harping on the whole Loki thing because I'm worried about you. I know I've known you less than two months, but you're like a little sister to me, and I don't want you getting hurt."

"I'm a big girl, Tony. If I get hurt, it's my own damn fault, okay?"

"Can I kill the bastard if he purposely hurts you?"

"Only if he does it physically." She glared at him as he started to interrupt. "I mean it. If he fools me emotionally, that's on me. I'm the damned empath, I should be able to tell, and if I can't, it's my bad. Got it?"

She waited as he thought about it. "Okay, I've got it. I don't like it, but I'll back off." Tony grabbed the uniform and handed it to her. "Suit up and I'll fly you to Stark Tower."

… …

Loki frowned as he stared out the window. Stark was flying in, carrying someone dressed in an outfit that shimmered metallically in the sun. It was a woman, that much he could tell, the armor was formfitting. But the head was fully covered and a reflective visor prevented him from seeing her face. When the sun hit her it looked like she was on…fire. Kara. He stood and glared as they came in for a landing on the balcony a floor above and to the left of his position. Stark's armored hands were holding his passenger securely, but not in an overly familiar manner. He relaxed, sat back down and picked up his book. "Jarvis, where is Dr. Gunnarssen," he asked after reading a few chapters to give the pair time to enter and remove their armor.

"Dr. Gunnarssen is in the testing facility with Mr. Stark, your highness."

He snorted softly. The system was programmed for politeness and etiquette, and used it, unlike its creator. "Thank you." Loki felt mildly foolish responding with courtesies to the AI, but the thing seemed to be far more cooperative if he did so. Looking at the clock he decided a bath was in order. He'd been informed that Kara's visit would take place at two o'clock and it was just past noon. No doubt her new armor was in need of testing.

… …

Kara left the armor with Tony for follow-up testing after her debut flight and stopped in the guest room that now housed most of her spare clothing to change from the sweatpants and tee shirt she'd worn under the tight suit. She had a new appreciation for Tony's typical jeans and sweat or tee shirt ensemble. Approaching her old suite, she found Fandral on duty. Damn. "Good afternoon, Fandral," she managed with as neutral a tone as possible.

"My lady," he returned with a slight bow and a flirtatious smile. "I shall be ready to assist you, should you need it. Simply call and I will…"

She held up a hand to cut him off. "I won't need assistance. Didn't Thor tell you I put him on his knees with little effort?"

Fandral shifted uncomfortably. "He did, but…"

"He wasn't exaggerating. You can stand down and take a break. I've got this." He didn't move. "Fandral, that wasn't a request. "Go. Away. Now." she insisted, putting steel into her voice.

His eyes widened. Thor had told them to do what they were told by members of the Avengers Initiative, he and Hogun had admitted as much when they'd arrived. Finally, the man sighed. "As you wish, my lady." He spun and strode down the hall to the suite the two Asgardians shared.

She shook her head and opened the door to her old suite. Loki was nowhere to be found in the bedroom/sitting room combination area. Walking across the room she noticed a few changes. There were more and larger rugs on the floor. A bookshelf had been moved in and held a small selection of hardbound books. A computer keyboard sat on the table, along with a wireless mouse. Taking another step she kicked over a small stack of books she hadn't seen on the floor. "Crap," she muttered as it tumbled over.

"Damnation. Does no one in this tower have the simple courtesy to knock?" she heard Loki snarl from the bathroom.

"Excuse me, you're the one who asked me to visit. If you've changed your mind I'll leave," she huffed before thinking about it and spun to head back out the door.

"Wait," he said from behind her. The door refused to open. "I thought it was Stark again. I apologize. I was not expecting you for another hour."

She sighed and tried not to shiver at the change in his tone. Turning, her resolution to remain in control faltered. His face was no longer bruised or drawn and he stood tall and strong. Damn, he looked…mouthwatering. "I didn't think you'd mind if I was early."

"No, of course not." He stood, staring at her, his expression pensive.

"So, I'm here."

"You are. I-would you like to sit?" he asked.

"Depends. Why?"

"Oh for…" he stopped and frowned. "I asked you here because I've learned I accused you unjustly. I now understand that you did not manipulate me in any way."

Kara stared at him, trying to read what lay beneath his controlled exterior. He was in total turmoil. Good, at least she wasn't the only one. "Apology accepted. Are we done here?"

"What? No…I mean…that…" he trailed off, looking miserable. "That wasn't a sufficient apology for the hurt I unintentionally inflicted. I made you feel that you could not control your abilities when I already knew you considered yourself a monster. That was…uncalled for."

Her eyes closed. He actually understood what he'd done, and it felt as if he really regretted it. Would wonders never cease. "I'm glad you can see that."

He shrugged. "I-I owe you a secret," he said. "You shared what you hated most about yourself. I should return that confidence."

"Should I sit down?"

Loki smiled. "Probably. It will be something of a shock."

"Okay." She crossed the room to the chairs that still sat by the window. He followed and she shivered as a wave of cold flowed from behind her. Turning to see where it was coming from she gasped. Loki's skin had turned a cool cyan blue, it looked smoother for the most part, and less supple. Slight ridges had arisen along the brow line and cheek bones. Even more surprising was the liquid blood red color of both his irises and sclera. Lifting a hand, she reached out to touch him.

"No!" he said and backpedaled, almost falling over the stack of books she had knocked over earlier. Only the wrought iron footboard of the bed saved him from landing on his rear. The metal frosted over.

Kara flinched back. "Fine, you don't have to yell. I get it, you don't want the mortal laying hands on you." As hard as she tried, she couldn't keep the hurt out of her voice, damn it.

Loki regained his feet and sighed. "That's not it at all. You could have been badly hurt. I don't want you losing fingers or even your entire arm to frostbite."

"Oh. Are-are you really that cold?" she asked.

He gave her a confused look. "Yes, can you not feel it?"

She shrugged. "Well, kind of. Remember the eggs?" Kara waited until he nodded. "I can adjust my body temperature in a similar way, it's automatic. I don't need a coat in the winter, though I usually wear a lightweight one just so I don't freak people out and attract unwanted attention." She stepped closer. "I'd really like to try and touch you if you don't mind. I promise I'll pull back if I have any doubt about it being safe."

… …

Could she really touch him without harm? That would be…interesting. "Very well. But please, err on the side of caution. I have no wish to be blamed for injuring you."

Kara smiled up at him. "I will. And you, tell me if the heat is too much. I don't want to hurt you either."

"Fair enough." He stood and braced himself to ensure he wouldn't flinch back from her touch. She raised her hand and moved it slowly toward him.

"Hold up your hand like this," she said, demonstrating. He mirrored the stop-like gesture and waited. "Okay, here goes." She moved her hand closer a bit at a time, seeming to test her tolerance. "Too much heat?" she asked.

He could feel her palm radiating a great deal of heat, but it felt comfortable. "No, it's fine."

"Good."

Her hot palm touched his cold one and he shivered. "You, your hand isn't freezing," he whispered incredulously.

Kara smiled. "No, it feels cold, but not painfully so." Too soon she pulled her hand away, examined it, then held it up for him to see. "No damage whatsoever."

"Amazing." He was staring at her hand, shocked, and almost didn't realize she'd started to move again until she was centimeters from him. "Kara, what…" he broke off as her free hand touched his face.

"Your skin…except for the ridges it's so smooth, like glass, and so much harder than when you're in your Asgardian form." She smiled and stroked his jaw. "Except for that, and the coloring, you still look just like you."

"My so-called Asgardian form is a lie. I'm not Asgardian. I'm not even a proper Jotun, I'm deformed."

"You are not a deformed Jotun. You're half Asgardian, half Jotun. We did a full DNA work up on you. We're absolutely positive."

Half? He let the knowledge wash through him. It wasn't Odin's magic that had given him an Asgardian appearance, it was a natural part of him. He shook his head slightly and closed his eyes in an effort to accept this new reality. His eyes flew back open as soft lips brushed against his. "Kara?" he whispered.

"You're not a monster, Loki," she told him, her upturned face scant millimeters from his. "You're just different." He let himself relax as she kissed him again. "And you're beautiful. In either form."

He groaned as her heat seeped through him in more ways than one. Crushing her to his chest, he deepened the kiss, tangling one hand in her hair. She granted him entrance to her mouth and he took full advantage, plundering it with his tongue, swallowing her sudden pleasured moans. Her head dropped back as he released her lips and Loki feasted on the soft skin of her bared neck. Her pounding pulse beckoned and he nipped and sucked above the vein until she shuddered in his grasp. One of her graceful hands clung to his neck, the other was pressed flat against his chest…pushing him away?

… …

"God, Loki, stop. Dizzy, have to…" she gasped.

Loki let her slide down until her feet were back on the floor, but her legs wouldn't hold her. His strong arms scooped her up and she soon felt the bedspread beneath her. "Kara, what's wrong, are you hurt?"

She blinked and struggled to focus. A warm hand rested on her neck, a voice spoke urgently. Warm? Loki's face swum into focus, he had reverted to his Asgardian form. The bright green eyes looked as worried as their owner felt. "Fine, I'm fine. Just dizzy." Kara took stock of her physical and energetic bodies; the latter was significantly depleted, no wonder she felt faint.

"What happened? Did I hurt you? Should I call for assistance?"

"No, I'll be fine. Didn't realize how draining that would be, that's all." He still looked concerned. If he'd been human, she would have thought him one step away from panic. Since he was Loki, crap, he was probably blaming himself. "God, I keep making things worse for you. They should just suspend my license, I'm not even practicing and I'm still doing harm. I'm such a mess."

"What harm are you talking about?" he asked, his tone and feel shifting to puzzled annoyance.

"Oh damn, I said that out loud?" She groaned and turned away from his piercing gaze. "It was my fault, I'm okay, really."

"If you're all right, tell me what happened," he said softly. One of his lean hands brushed her hair back and then trailed down her cheek to gently turn her face back in his direction. "Talk to me, sweet lady," Loki insisted.

She sighed and reached up to touch his now warm cheek. "I never had to compensate for that much cold all at one time before. I didn't realize how draining it would be energetically and I'd already had a long and difficult day before I even headed over here." Shrugging, she traced the sharp angle of his jaw and tried not to remember how good being held so close to him had felt. "I would have eventually passed out. I think my system would have kept compensating, but I don't know for sure. I've never taxed it that much before."

"Hmm. Then we'd best not do that again." He sat down on the edge of the bed capturing the hand that had been stroking his face in his. "I-Thank you. I'd thought I would never have physical contact in that form without harming the one I touched. This was such an incredible gift."

That didn't make sense. "Couldn't you touch a Jotun without hurting them?"

Loki's expression and energy closed off. "Certainly. If I wanted to risk death. I am probably hated in Jotunheim even more so than on Asgard or Midgard." He stared blankly at the far wall. "I stupidly sought to destroy them, I'm not certain why. It wouldn't have changed who or what I am. Thor had to destroy the Bifröst to save their realm."

Kara used his hand to pull herself up. "I'm so sorry. Finding out about, well, everything, must have been so damn painful." His energy shifted again giving her the courage to wrap her arms around his neck and touch her nose to his. "I know you've still got the tribunal hanging over your head, Loki, but please. Try to forgive yourself. You were hurt, horribly, your life had just been turned upside down. I know a bit about how that feels."

He snorted, but didn't pull away. "You killed the men who attacked you, who caused you that pain. I tried to destroy an entire race."

"A race you'd been taught to hate and fear and suddenly found yourself a part of. It's not an excuse, but it is a reason."

A shudder ran through him before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her flush against his chest. "I could hear the screams, you know. A shrieking vibration echoing through my skull and down my spine." She pressed her lips to his chin and he smiled. "Kara, does the knowledge of what I've done not sicken you?"

"I can't sit in front of a fire of any kind without smelling burning human flesh. I can't go anywhere near a burn ward in a hospital without vomiting. For almost two months after I was attacked I was catatonic with the horror of it all. But with all of that, I felt not one bit of remorse, I may hate what I did, but I'm not really sorry."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I am sorry about the Jotun. Oh, not about Laufey, his misdeeds are too numerous to count, his abandonment of me is probably the least among them. But the people as a whole, that I regret. I am grateful to my…Thor for saving them."

"He's the brother of your heart if not of your blood, Loki. I know it's hard, but could you please at least try to stop denying him? It wasn't his fault. Odin, yes, even I'm pissed at him, but Thor is as much a victim as you are. Promise me you'll at least try to let that much go."

Kara shivered as his lips met hers. "I'll try, sweet lady." She felt her heart melting under his kiss.