Author's Note: More of the smexy, skip down to the set of … … after the ones that follow this note to get to the parts of the plot you don't want to miss if you don't like the smexy! For those who hoped for another chapter before Christmas, I'm happy that I was able to oblige! Thanks again for all of the lovely reviews, they are a balm to my soul.

… …

Kara sat down on the edge of the bed after returning from the bathroom. Surprisingly, Loki was still asleep. If he didn't awaken first, he usually woke the moment she moved out of his embrace. The irritation and the feeling that was almost depression that she'd gotten from him when he'd joined her last night must have kept him awake long after she'd fallen asleep. She sighed and settled back down, smiling as his arms automatically enfolded her.

They'd talked a good bit after he'd come to bed. Clint, Nat and Steve had returned and Clint had been giving him a hard time. She understood it, and in a rare bout of self-honesty, so did Loki. But that didn't make it any less upsetting. He'd been doing so well, getting along with her friends and even his brother's Asgardian companions. She was pretty sure that Tony was coming to grips with the fact that he actually liked Loki as a person and that something about his behavior surrounding the invasion stunk to high heaven. Kara knew for a fact that Tony was as frustrated by Loki's refusal to confide in them as she was.

In the end, they'd made love, as they always did, but Loki had been needier, almost desperate in his efforts to please her, as if he thought Clint's attitude could affect her feelings for him. She found herself sighing again as she rubbed her cheek against his collarbone. "What's wrong, love?" he asked quietly.

"Nothing, just enjoying the moment."

"Hmm. Perhaps we should both enjoy the moment…much more," he purred as he turned, pulling her under him. Kara smiled as he nuzzled her neck while his fingers parted her folds, teasing her into readiness. She gasped as he nipped the tendon in her neck and then sucked on what he called her 'sweet spot'. Moaning, she clutched his shoulders and arched her back until her breasts pressed against his braced body. "I so adore your responsiveness, sweet lady," he murmured as two long fingers thrust deep within her, dragging a pleasured groan from her throat. His thumb continued to do amazing things to her clit as his fingers delved within her and she was quickly thrashing with her first release.

Yes, her first release. There were always several, it seemed. Kara laughed as he moved her thighs back so that he could enter her with his hard cock. His eyebrow rose, but he didn't comment as he positioned himself and thrust in deep and hard. "God, Loki, I love that," she muttered.

"As do I, sweet Kara." He balanced on one elbow, using his free hand to ravage her breasts as he continued his leisurely deep thrusts. The contrast between the slow penetrations and withdrawal against the quick rough attention he gave to her nipples was swiftly driving her to a second orgasm. A sharp pinch to a nipple, timed perfectly with a nip to her neck and a particularly hard thrust sent her over the edge again. He chuckled at her soft scream and captured her lips in a deep, possessive kiss. As she settled, Kara realized the damn man was still hard as steel within her.

"How…damn. I hate that and I love it at the same time," she complained.

"What?"

"That you're still hard and I'm, well…"

"Well loved?"

"Humph. That's one way of putting it."

He laughed, then urged her to her knees. "You love it far more than you hate it, Kara. Admit it, it's all the more pleasure for you to enjoy."

She yelped as he moved behind her, positioned himself and began to pound hard and fast into her sex. "God, yes…"

… …

The thunder died down as he landed on what he'd been told was the 'launching area' of Stark's tower. Thor shook off the disorientation that accompanied this method of travel between the realms and strode towards the opening door. "Welcome, Prince Thor," the voice of Jarvis, Stark's hidden assistant said.

He frowned. It would take much to get used to this thing. "My thanks." He continued inside, then stopped to get his bearings. Ah, the kitchen was this way, and at this time of day likely held at least some of the tower's permanent occupants. Entering the dining area of the large room he saw Hogun and Fandral finishing up plates of food. Dr. Banner was placing dirtied dishes into a low cabinet of some sort. Captain Rogers was standing by the counter, sipping a steaming beverage. "Good morrow," Thor greeted the group.

"Oh, hey," Banner said, straightening. "We were beginning to worry you'd forgotten about your buddies here," he said, gesturing at his two friends. "They've been getting a bit restless."

Thor grinned. "Never, good doctor. They have been in my thoughts, as has my brother. Tell me, how fares Loki?"

"You can ask him yourself in about a half hour, he and Kara usually show up by nine. But he's doing well, seems to be fully recovered, in fact."

"Has he caused problems for you?"

"Nah, he's been on his best behavior." Thor turned as Tony Stark entered the room. "Have you come for the party?" Stark continued.

"What party is this, man of iron?"

"My engagement party. Pepper has, probably foolishly, agreed to marry me, and we're going to be celebrating that with a big party this weekend."

"Ah, congratulations, my friend. I fear we will not be able to attend, however regretfully. I must return to Asgard with my brother and my friends, and quickly. Odin has commanded it."

"You…oh. Crap." Stark was rubbing his face with both hands, he looked distinctly unhappy.

"What is wrong?" he asked the man. "Do you not wish to be relieved of your charge?"

Stark dropped his hands, looking, for once, at a loss for words. "Ah, actually, he was, um, kind of fitting in here. Honestly, I guess I'm sorry to see him go."

Thor stared at him in surprise…glad surprise, but surprise nonetheless. "This…this is unexpected, but I am well pleased to hear it." He looked at the other two mortals. "And what of you, Dr. Banner, Captain Rogers. Will you be sorry to see my brother leave?"

Rogers shrugged. "I haven't been here, Thor, so I don't have an opinion either way."

"I do. It's been good for him, for the most part," Banner offered. "I think it's been good for us, too. He's made a number of important contributions to our safety, and he's been a…good companion, I guess you could say."

Thor placed both hands on the table and closed his eyes briefly before looking at Hogun and Fandral. "And you, my friends. What have you to say about Loki?"

The two eyed each other. "We, too, have enjoyed his company," Fandral finally said. "I do not know if he has changed overmuch, or if our understanding of him has changed. Regardless, this has been a good week."

Hogun nodded. "It is both," he said shortly.

"I'm glad to hear it. Unfortunately, we must return to Asgard." He pulled a small chest from the armor bag he had slung across his back. "I have brought the tesseract, as you call it. I did not use it coming here, lest it attract our enemy's attention, but we will use it to return. The Bifröst is not yet repaired sufficiently to transport us all. I need to rouse my brother, is he in the same rooms?" he asked the others.

"Yeah, same suite you left him in," Rogers answered. "Right this way." Thor followed the captain down the short hall to the stairs that led down one floor. They traveled down the corridor and stopped in front of the door to the suite where Loki had been taken after his misadventure. Rogers knocked, but they waited to no avail. He tried the door, but it would not open. "Jarvis, are they in there?"

"Yes, Captain Rogers."

He knocked again and again they waited. "Maybe we should come back later," Rogers finally said, sounding discomfited.

"Nay, it is urgent. Cannot Jarvis cause the door to open?"

"I suppose. Jarvis, please unlock the door."

"Yes, captain." The hidden voice sounded reluctant, but they heard a clicking sound in the vicinity of the door's handle.

"Thank you, friend Jarvis," Thor said, and grasped the door to push it open. He strode in, closely followed by Rogers who gasped as they stopped short facing the room's bed. The reason for their knocks being ignored was clear. His brother was engaged in lovemaking with Dr. Gunnarssen, an activity which, by their mutual sounds of pleasure, they were both greatly enjoying. He couldn't help but stare, delighted that his brother had found such acceptance.

"Oh my God," Rogers muttered. Thor looked at him and as he started to say something else, clapped his hand over the mortal's mouth and started moving them back out of the room. The figures on the bed paused and Loki looked back over his shoulder.

He sighed and shook his head. "Thor, you always did have the worst timing. Do you mind?"

Thor chuckled. "I am sorry, brother. I will withdraw, but I must ask you to, uh, finish and then say your good-byes. We must leave for Asgard and quickly." He deposited the bag that had been slung across his back on the floor. "I have had your armor rebuilt and new garments fashioned for you. I'll see you upstairs."

"Fine. Now, get out."

Thor couldn't resist chuckling again as he dragged a now red-faced Captain Rogers out of the room and closed the door behind them. "Friend Jarvis, would you lock the door again?"

"Certainly, your highness," the voice replied as the lock clicked.

He began to stride back towards the staircase, halting when he realized Rogers had not moved. "What is wrong, captain?" he asked.

"I-I, that…oh my God."

"What? Does my brother having a relationship with the healer distress you?"

"I-ah, no. It's just, I didn't know it was…oh God. I feel so stupid."

Thor stared at the red-faced man. "It is a natural function and a good thing so long as all of the participants are of age and have consented. Do you not believe Dr. Gunnarssen has consented?"

Rogers leaned back against the wall. He looked absolutely stunned. "Ah, I guess."

"Then what is the problem? Certainly it is unfortunate we interrupted them, but such things happen."

"Sweet God in heaven. Not to me they don't." Thor frowned as Rogers pushed himself away from the wall and hurried past him, shaking his head. "I have never been so embarrassed in my life," he muttered.

… …

Loki sighed as Kara shuddered beneath him. He pulled away from her, his passion lost to his brother's interruption. "I'm sorry, love," he told her as he laid down and pulled her into his arms.

"It's not your fault." She wrapped her arms around him, stretching up to kiss his lips. "Loki…"

"Don't. Please." He looked down at her as lashes brushed his chin to see her blinking rapidly, her kaleidoscope eyes wet with yet to be shed tears. "Ah, Kara. I'm not worthy of your tears," he said.

"Damn it, Loki. You don't get to decide that. I decide who is worth crying over and who isn't. And…and I know you don't need me making this harder for you than it is." She sat up and grabbed a tissue from the box that sat on her night table and wiped her eyes with it. "I'm sorry."

"As am I." He slid to the edge of the bed and sat beside her, pulling her back against his chest. "I am sorry for so many things, but most of all, I am sorry for causing you this pain, this sorrow." He kissed her clenched jaw and ran his fingers through her mussed hair. "I am not sorry to have won your love. That is a gift I will never regret receiving." He kissed her lips gently as she turned toward him and then rose to head into the bathing chamber. "I'd best clean up and dress. Thor would not pull me away from you so abruptly if he were not under some time constraint."

"Okay." Kara was still sitting on the side of the bed when he returned from the bathing chamber, refreshed as much as he could manage without taking the time for a bath. He opened the armor bag that Thor had left for him and pulled his armor, helm and clothing from it. He dressed and armored quickly. Kara stared up at him as he settled the dress helm on his head. "Wow," she said softly. "That's even more impressive in person than it was on the security tapes," she said as she looked him up and down. "I don't think I'll ever get over how amazing and beautiful you are," she whispered.

He took her hands and drew her to her feet. "Nor I, you, sweet Kara." He tilted his head town and claimed her lips, reveling in the feel of her arms around him for the last time, drinking it in so that he might always remember it. "No matter where I am, or how long I live, I shall never forget you," he promised. Biting back a sigh as her eyes filled with tears again he pulled away. "I-I must go. Remember your promise and take good care of yourself," he said sternly.

As Loki suspected, his order made her smile. "I will. And you remember that Thor is your brother, regardless of how you feel about Odin, okay?"

That much he could give her. He would have to if he wished Thor to ask his boon of the All-Father. "I will. My brother does not deserve my enmity over the deception. Farewell, my lady." He turned to the door and extended his power to unlock and pull it open so that he would not have to pause. Walking away was difficult enough without a necessity to hesitate in any way. As the door closed behind him he took a shuddering breath and looked back at it. "Good-bye, my love," he whispered before turning again and striding towards the stairs, using his power to put his helm and the heavier pieces of his armor away. "Jarvis, engage Hellbringer protocol one, one, two, eight, six, zero-G," he told the system. "Authorization on my voice match."

"Yes, your highness," the system replied. "The Hellbringer protocol is engaged."

"Thank you, Jarvis." He smiled as he ran up the stairs enjoying using that last bit of mischief to ease the pain of parting.

… …

Thor looked up as his brother strode into the room and came to a halt, staring at the gathered Avengers. "Did you need to summon them all to witness my departure?" he asked snidely.

"I summoned no one, Loki. They simply came."

Pepper stood closest to him. "We wanted to say good-bye. It wouldn't be right to let you just go off without seeing you."

Loki frowned, but took the woman's outstretched hand and gallantly lifted it to his lips. "I don't understand the gesture, but I see you meant no harm by it."

"No, of course not. I just wanted to say I'll miss you, and I'm hoping for the best for you."

Thor hid a smile as Loki's eyebrows rose in astonishment. "Why…thank you, my lady…Pepper. I shall miss you as well. Please accept my good wishes on your nuptials. I regret that I will not witness them."

Pepper moved closer to his brother and kissed his cheek. Thor turned away, pretending not to see Loki's shocked blush. Captain Rogers stepped forward next. "I'm sorry I wasn't here to get to know you," the man said. "Um, I scribble some, and I drew this when I took a watch over you and Dr. G when you were still out of it. I, ah, based on your, um, relationship, I thought you might like to have it. It's okay if you don't…I just thought I'd offer…" he trailed off looking embarrassed as he handed a sheet of paper to Loki. Thor stepped forward to take a look. It was a skillfully rendered portrait of his unconscious brother with Dr. Gunnarssen sprawled where she had collapsed in exhaustion on his chest.

Loki stared at the artwork for several minutes. "You have great skill," he finally said. "And I would treasure this, but I don't believe the material would survive the trip to Asgard. Perhaps you should keep it," he said, sounding regretful.

"Oh," Pepper said. "I have something you can transport it in, if I get it, would you like to take it with you?"

"Yes, certainly," Loki told her. He turned to Rogers. "In that case, I thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Captain?" Loki asked. "You, I know, are a man of your word. Might I ask your word in something?"

"Well, you can ask."

His brother smiled. "It is nothing dishonorable. I ask your word that you will look after Kara, see that she is protected, even from herself. She is…distraught just now, and I fear she will forget her promises to me that she will allow herself to be aided by her friends."

"Oh, absolutely. You can count on it."

"Good, thank you." Loki took a few more steps then halted as the Hawkeye moved into his path. "Agent Barton," he said quietly to the archer.

"It's just Barton. Nat and I are going to resign from S.H.I.E.L.D. later today, the Avengers are going to be an independent team. I'm not here to bust your chops. I heard what you've been doing for Dr. G, and I thought I should tell you that it's appreciated."

"Good. You will all need to stand together now that…events have brought you there." Loki paused and looked at the floor for a moment before meeting the shorter man's eyes. "I understand that what I did caused you great anguish. If there had been some way to avoid it, all of it, I would have taken it."

Barton grimaced. "I'm not going to say it's okay, because it isn't. But…if that's an apology, I'll accept it."

"It is."

"Okay." Barton held out a hand. Thor could almost swear that his brother looked relieved as he took it and grasped it firmly in the mortal manner before moving on to Agent…Miss Romanov.

"Take care of yourself, Loki. I'm sure Kara already asked you to promise that, but I think you need the reminder," she said in a clipped voice.

"Thank you. You have become her friend, have you not?" Loki asked.

She shrugged. "Yes. Pepper and I, we're too different to be friends on our own, but throw Kara into the mix and it all works. We'll take care of her, too."

"Good. She will need her friends. Perhaps you could go to her? She was rather…" he trailed off with a sigh.

"As soon as Pepper gets back, we'll both go."

"Thank you." Loki moved on to where Dr. Banner awaited him. Thor frowned, this should be interesting. "Dr. Banner. I am glad that I had the chance to spend time with you that did not entail the destruction of Stark's floor."

Banner laughed. "Yes, me too. Seriously, Loki. We'll miss you. There won't be anyone with a good comeback for Tony once you're gone and we'll be forced to deal with his snark first hand."

"If all else fails, ignore him. That will trouble him more than any comeback," Loki said with a grin. "You seem so much more comfortable with yourself, it is good to see."

"And that is why I put up with Tony. That's his doing, believe it or not."

"Hmm, I can believe many things of him." Loki turned to the billionaire. "So, Anthony, are you taking on sponsorship of the Avengers?"

He shrugged. "Someone has to. I don't suppose you could manage to call me Tony? Anthony reminds me too much of stilted family dinners, the worst kind of hell when I was growing up."

Loki chuckled. "Very well, Tony. I suppose I can indulge you in thanks for your generous hospitality." His expression became somber. "Look after your honorary sister, Tony. I do not believe S.H.I.E.L.D. will release her without a struggle."

"They give me any shit over her, and I'll see them on the face of every newspaper and internet site on the planet. I've got the evidence and I'm sure as hell not above using it."

"Good. I hope you will not need to do so. Oh, and do not be late for your wedding. If you leave Pepper at the altar, I'll ask Thor to trounce you for your stupidity."

Stark laughed outright. "He won't need to. Pepper is fully capable of trouncing me all on her own."

"Oh, Tony, what did you do now?" Pepper asked as she dashed back into the room, carrying a long black cylindrical object.

"Nothing, yet. I'm just being warned to behave myself for you."

"Hah. That will be the day." She turned to his brother. "Here, Loki. We'll roll the drawing up and put it in this. It has a metal center and has an acid-free lining. It's also waterproof, so that should keep it safe." She pulled the top off of the canister as she spoke, and traded it to Loki for the drawing. After carefully rolling it, she slid it inside and replaced the lid. "There you go, it's all set."

"Thank you."

… …

"Brother, are you ready? We must go," Thor said quietly, as he pulled the device Eric Selvig had fashioned to make the cube into a method of transportation from its case.

"Yes." Loki followed him out onto Stark's launch area to where Hogun and Fandral awaited them.

"Armor up, my brother, there is trouble in Asgard, and we
must be prepared," Thor told him as he stopped well short of his friends to put his winged helm on his head.

Loki frowned as his dress helm and the heavier part of his armor shimmered into place on his body. "Trouble? Why would the tribunal be trouble for anyone but me?" he asked.

Thor looked at him in surprise, then groaned. "Ah, I'd forgotten. Walking in on you distracted me. I do not come to take you to the tribunal. That is still on hold. Someone has brought an artifact into Asgard that can be used with the gauntlet, the casket, or this cube to make a gate. We have been unable to locate it, and our father believes that your magic might be able to track it down more precisely than his."

"Your father," Loki grated.

Sighing, Thor shook his head and spoke, quietly for him. "I am displeased with his long deception, Loki. But he did raise us, so he is as much our father as we are brothers. And if you deny that again, I shall be sorely put out with you."

"I-I will not deny you, brother. I cannot. And I must presume on your love for me to ask you a favor…to beg it if I must."

"Ask, my brother. If I can in all honor grant it, I will. You know that."

He nodded. "Kara has suffered serious damage to her nervous system from the technology they used to try and contain me. She has been unable to heal it and the mortal scientists have no idea how it might be treated. I-I feel responsible, and wish you to ask a personal boon of Odin to have her healed in Asgard. She will die without it," he finished.

Thor stared at him, plainly shocked. "Loki, that-I am sorry. Certainly I will ask father for this. Is this…how much…gods, I don't know how to ask," he grumbled, still keeping his voice uncharacteristically soft.

"She has several months before the damage will incapacitate her, but it does worsen every day. So far, it manifests only in blinding headaches, with some slight bleeding from her nose and ears. Eventually it will steal her ability to move, to reason, to do…anything before it kills her."

"Damnation, that is horrifying. I will ask as soon as I can gain a private audience. It may be a few days, all of Asgard is in an uproar over the threat of attack."

"I understand."

"Do you, brother? If you can find this artifact and avert a battle…" he trailed off.

Loki smiled. "Yes, I did understand that. I hope that will be the case, but if they are using power from their artifact to hide them, even I might find it too impossible a task. But yet, I now have hope. Thank you, brother. I swear to you that I will do my utmost."

Thor grinned at him and held out the handle of the device. "Hogun, Fandral, attend us. We leave now." He lowered his voice and leaned in close. "I have faith in you Loki. Now you must have faith in yourself."