Chapter 2

Tony strode down the wide corridor heading towards Loki's room, muttering under his breath all the new ideas and improvements he had for his Ironman suit. Glancing down he remembered the book that had just been tossed at him.

Ducking his head he looked carefully at the cover of the book. It clearly wasn't from modern day America because all the books Tony had ever seen had bold titles printed in clear colourful fonts. The front cover of this book was a reddish brown leather with an intricate gold pattern adorning all four edges. A delicate clasp held the book closed that actually turned out to be surprisingly strong. Tony finally undid the clasp and the book fell open in his hands.

If he was thinking the book was odd before it was nothing compared to what he was thinking now. Such a creation could never come from Earth. This book had to be Asgardian. On the inside it was totally hand written, the ink fading slightly with age, and in an unknown language. The characters were beautifully written and were made up of intricate marks or else long fluid strokes.

Turning the pages gently Tony marvelled at the new images he came across. Occasionally he stumbled upon a drawing that was just as flawless as the rest of the book. He wished more than anything that he could understand the language. He wanted to translate the texts and learn all he could from them. They were too intriguing and held too much meaning that he had no hope of understanding.

Before he could dwell too much on the book however he reached his destination, Loki's room. Sighing heavily at not having more time alone with the book Tony knocked carelessly on the door and waited for a reply. No one answered. Figuring Loki was off in some hidden place in the tower, he entered.

Since Loki had moved into this room Tony had only been inside a few times, with the demi-god's permission of course. The genius planned to just quickly slip in, drop the book on the bed, before hurriedly exiting again. He didn't want him to know he had been in his private room without permission.

He was distracted however by how vastly the room had changed since his last venture inside. It was no longer the plain drab spare room it had first been. Now it was furnished with wonderfully crafted furniture made of a dark wood with engraved elaborate gold patterns for decoration. The walls were still the same plain colour they had been previously but with the curtains still closed over the windows only dim light lit the room casting strange yet captivating shadows across them.

To Tony it felt like the room had power, like it absorbed all energy from around and used it to radiate a beautiful sense of peace through the shadows and the colours. He had never felt anything like it before.

There was a sound of another door opening, which led to Loki's bathroom, and then he appeared. At first glance Tony thought Loki was naked. But on doing a quick subconscious flick down with his eyes he realised there was a towel tied neatly around his waist that ended just below his kneecaps.

"Stark," Loki said warily, clearly in shock by the sudden appearance of the genius.

"Um, yeah hi, sorry about this. I was asked to...and not really knowing...I had no idea you were..." His words died away as he gave up trying to explain why he was where he was.

He was panicking, and not just because he had just been caught in Loki's room by Loki, but because no matter how awkward the situation was, he couldn't take his eyes off the god before him.

Loki's pale skin stood out in the soft light, glittering with the water droplets left behind from his shower. They ran down his toned arms and muscular chest, ending their journey at the edge of his towel that did an amazing job of hinting about what lay lower.

Tony knew he looked like a total idiot so he thought best to just do what he came to do.

"Here, Clint said to give you this."

He stepped closer and handed over the book before retreating hastily.

"You read it," Loki said calmly, examining the book.

"Well yes, I opened it but I can't read it. It's in a weird language."

"The language is not weird, Stark, it is of Asgard and therefore your small mind would have no hope deciphering it," Loki spat, his voice growing in volume.

"Wow slow down there, Reindeer Games, I was only returning it. Least you could do is say thank you."

A venomous look was shot his way and he knew he would never be thanked. But come on, it was worth a try. It was also worth provoking Loki just to see the expressions on his face as he attempted to gain control over his anger.

"Just get out, now!" He all but shouted.

Tony did as he was told but did it with a smirk plastered on his face. If he was being forced to leave he might as well look happy about it.

When he was back out in the corridor, however, he rethought over the events that had just taken place. He swore under his breath as he remembered staring at Loki like he was a brand new bike and Tony was a seven year old boy. The problem was that he didn't know why he had done it. He was a genius and yet even he couldn't come up with an answer.

Thinking it was best to leave that thought alone, he flounced off back into the open plan living room slash kitchen.

Clint struggled to contain his laughter as the shouting ended and a door was slammed. Obviously Loki wasn't very pleased to see Tony. The others were not quite sure whether they should laugh or not but when Tony rounded the corner the look on his face sealed it and soon they too were furiously trying to not burst into fits of giggles.

"Yeah thanks for that, Legolas. You didn't think there was a possibility Loki wouldn't want a visit in the morning."

The archer just shrugged in response before pulling Natasha out of her chair and exiting via the lift. The doors clicked shut and a soft hum emanated from it for a second while the lift descended to the ground floor. After the pair had left, Bruce excused himself a few minutes after saying it was time to meet Betty. That left Tony and Steve. Thor still hadn't returned from when he had left before.

"Are you going to help me later, Capcicle, or what?"

"Sorry I...I have somewhere to be," Steve replied, averting his eyes from Tony's.

Just after Tony had left with the book, Clint had specifically told him to make up an excuse as to why he couldn't help with Tony's work. If Steve was busy that would only leave Loki to aid him as the genius had said himself that Thor was just not physically able.

"Oh yeah, where?" God he wished he hadn't stumbled on his words. Tony wasn't an idiot, he knew something wasn't right.

He was saved from answering the dangerous question by Loki's sudden appearance. Just like normal, he walked in without a word and headed straight for the kettle, which he flicked on. The water within bubbled as it heated up while Loki collected a mug from one cupboard and a teabag from another.

Since being made to stay on Midgard and forced to eat their food and taste their drinks he had acquired a taste for tea. The ordinary stuff was good but he also enjoyed fruit teas and herbal teas. His all time favourite being peppermint tea which he prepared for himself now.

Tony paid no attention to his actions in the kitchen, he just focussed on him. Not ten minutes ago Loki had been wearing only a towel and now here he stood in well fitting dark jeans and a plain button down shirt. The image of his perfect skin and toned body was forever embedded in Tony's mind.

"I'm going to meet Pepper for lunch," Steve suddenly said a bit too loudly.

He knew it was a terrible excuse but in Tony's state of shock and still not really speaking to his employee meant that he probably wouldn't question his reason.

"Right yeah," Tony replied absentmindedly.

The kettle finished boiling. Loki grabbed it by the handle and carefully poured the water into his mug. Then he reached into a draw and pulled out a spoon which he used to stir his drink. Looking satisfied with his work he turned round and stared at the pair before him as though he expected them to perform a show.

"So anyway I will see you later Tony," The captain hurriedly said, escaping to the lift which descended with him inside.

A silent alarm started to ring in the back of Tony's mind as he saw the hem of Steve's baggy jeans disappear behind the sliding doors. He was alone with Loki, again! More than anything he wished he was still in his lab away from people and distractions and especially away from the Norse god that still stood staring directly at him.

Loki was perfectly relaxed where he stood, watching Tony writhe under his intense gaze. It was fun making him feel so uncomfortable particularly because it was his house and yet Loki could still manipulate him so easily.

The genius could feel the pull of his lab calling to him. He wanted to answer its call and bury himself in his work and forget about the day so far but he could not. Remembering the problem he was having, he realised he still needed assistance. Then he rethought over all the possible Avengers that could help but remembered that each one was busy. Great. Just great. There was only one other that could help and they were the last person he wanted to spend the afternoon with.

"I need your help with something."

As long as he doesn't protest the day might not be a total fiasco, Tony thought. But obviously, being Loki, it was never going to be easy.

"Can no one else aid you?"

"No, they are all out minus Thor but he just isn't built right for this. I need someone with kinda small hands or who can do complicated sciencey stuff and that just isn't him."

"You believe I am capable of such things?" Loki asked, leaning in slightly.

Tony noticed the small movement and tried to step back but he collided with a cupboard door whose handle dug into his back. Trying not to show his discomfort, he replied bluntly, "Yes."

The god of mischief smirked, clearly amused by this response.

"How very flattering, Stark." A few seconds pause. "Will we be working on your suit?"

"Nope, no offence Rudolf but I only trust you as far as I can throw you."

Loki's smirk slipped slightly at the mention of this stupid nickname. He had no idea how it related to him but apparently to Tony it was highly amusing. Still, enjoying the power he had over Tony, Loki continued.

"Oh I hardly think that's fair. This past year I have been helping your team with nothing short of my best ability and yet you still can't find it within your metal heart to trust me. Not even a little bit." His words dripped with so much sarcasm Tony could almost taste its bitter flavour.

What possessed Tony to say what he said next, he did not know. It just came out. He meant nothing by it but the reaction he received told a different story.

"My heart might be made of metal but at least mine isn't ice cold. Mine at least can still beat but yours is just frozen in place."

As soon as it was said he wished he hadn't. Honestly he had no excuse for it. Maybe it had just come out because of the anger from earlier and because of how stupid he had felt in Loki's room but, as said before, he meant nothing by it.

Loki, however, recoiled immediately looking shocked and extremely hurt. Raw pure pained emotion washed away his cockiness and his usual strong proud demeanour. Tony had never seen the god looking so weak and vulnerable. Some unknown place inside him whispered to him to pull Loki close and hold him, of course he restrained.

Soon Loki recovered himself, though refused to make eye contact with Tony. Instead he shuffled over to the lift that would take himself and Tony down to Tony's lab.

"Are we doing this work or not," He said, tying as best he could to regain his usual strong confident tone. It was a good attempt but on the last two words his voice wavered and his words came out choked.

What had Tony said that was so wrong? What unknown line had he crossed that had caused Loki to act so unlike himself? Not having any of the answers, Tony admitted defeat and headed off after the now very quiet god.

The afternoon passed a lot slower than Tony would have liked. Loki spoke when necessary and occasionally asked questions but most of the time he remained deep in thought. Often when Tony turned around Loki would just be staring into space with unreadable expressions crossing his very troubled face.

Tony, being the impatient genius he was, needed answers. Who better to ask than Thor? Loki's sort of brother. No matter how smart he was, Tony still couldn't get to grips with the two gods relationship and planned to question that as well along with the sudden silence that followed his previous outburst.

Though not proud to admit it he had begun to read up on Norse mythology just to gain an idea of the how's and the whys between the pair. All he had come up with so far was some strange facts when he skim read through long pieces of text.

He planned to corner Thor later on and ask him all the questions that were buzzing round in his overcrowded brain. Then he reasoned with himself and realised a more relaxed casual approach would be a lot more successful when dealing with this god. Despite popular belief, the golden god wasn't as stupid as people thought and would most probably see through Tony's excuses when he actually came up with them himself.

So Tony just had to wait for the right opportunity. Well crap. He wasn't the patient type.

"Hey Thor I need to talk to you about something," Tony said, as Thor made to walk past him towards the kitchen.

"What is it, Man of Iron? I will do my best to help you."

They walked into the deserted kitchen and took seats at the island where a bowl of fresh fruit sat in the centre. Tony lent forward and grabbed a handful of grapes before turning back to the blond god.

"It's about Loki." Okay maybe this wasn't coming out as nonchalant as he had hoped.

Thor sat up straighter in his chair, a mixture of panic and confusion crossing his bearded face.

"Has my brother been causing mischief? If so I must go and speak with him right away."

"No no no," Tony said hurriedly, popping another grape into his mouth. "It's nothing like that I just wanted to ask you some questions about him." The god who sat before him seemed extremely surprised by this but Tony pressed on. His patience was waning. He needed some answers now. "First of all, what happened to him after he first left Earth because he was gone for a month or so before he came back for his trial?"

Made uncomfortable by the question, Thor shifted uneasily in his seat thinking of the best way to answer.

"When we returned to Asgard the Aesir kept him under lock and key and punished him for his crimes. You Midgardian's do not allow physical punishments so the Aesir thought it necessary to...perform such things before he was handed over to you."

Tony was very glad when Thor didn't elaborate. His mind was now plagued with images of a frail Loki locked away in a dark dungeon blood trickling from wounds that the Aesir had inflicted upon him. He wanted to ask why Thor had done nothing to stop it but felt that that would piss off the god too much. It would also be cruel to him. By the look on Thor's face he obviously was disgusted by Loki's punishment too.

"Right okay, next question. Earlier I was talking to him and he insulted me saying something like I have a metal heart or whatever and so I said something along the lines of at least my heart isn't cold and frozen like yours. Sounds really petty, I know," He joked, trying to defuse some of the tension that had crept up between the pair. Thor didn't laugh. "But after I said it he acted all weird and looked really hurt by it and I don't get why so I just wondered if you knew."

When Tony stopped speaking it appeared as though Thor was frozen. He stared straight into the genius's dark chocolate eyes not saying a word. The silence stretched on which started to make Tony extremely bored. He tossed the last few grapes into his mouth, chewing on them loudly and deliberately trying to interrupt Thor's thoughts and bring him back to the real world.

"I am sorry Tony but I cannot answer your question for it is not my place," Thor answered, his voice more husky than usual. "If you wish to know the answer to your question you must ask Loki yourself. Now I must go, I have things to attend to."

The god got up to leave but Tony called him back.

"Wait what? I don't understand. Did I say something really wrong or offensive or something?"

"I cannot answer your question but I will say this. Do not grow to care for my brother anymore. He is troubled and will not take kindly to you. He will believe it to be a game and he will play his part well. He is a trickster and a god of lies so I will warn you to not get involved with him."

With that he marched out the room without a backwards glance leaving Tony with even more questions than before.

What had all that meant? Tony thought to himself, picking another handful of grapes and chewing each one slowly. Why was Thor warning him? Do not grow to care for my brother anymore. Did Thor think that Tony cared about Loki? And what had he meant about it being a game and about Loki playing his part well? Not get involved with him. Did that mean in a friendship or otherwise? A relationship...with Loki? He will play his part well.

Lately Tony had been thinking about Loki differently but not that differently. He was just realising there was more to him than the crazy power-hungry god that had attempted to take over the world a year or more ago. Now that he wasn't working with creepy aliens he actually seemed quite normal, well as normal as Loki could get. He was seeing Loki in a new light and it wasn't at all as bad as he first thought.

He was too tried for this. Standing up, he walked to his bedroom and flopped down on the cover hoping to fall into an uninterrupted dreamless sleep.

Hope you enjoyed the new chapter, please review :)