The funny thing about this title... is that I decided on it for pun reasons, and then realised it can be a pun of two things. One: Loki's heritage (Hence cold)... and the mere fact that he was on tethering on the fine line of annoyance for most of it... til the eventual anger. And two: Nick Fury's appearance. I doubt any explanation is required there.

Still away. And once again, I must thank my friend for publishing this.

-Wynter

CHAPTER SIX:

COLD FURY

"A fight is going on inside me," said an old man to his son. "It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you."

The son thought about it for a minute and then asked,"Which wolf will win?"

The old man replied simply, "The one you feed."

- Wendy Mass

MIDGARD

9:05 a.m.

"I'm not even going to bother ask you if you did your home work," Bruce said, flashing a knowing look to his friend. He felt safe to think that he and the God of Mischief were actually worthy of the term since... he mentally rewound to two weeks ago... Loki had come and actually asked.

Sometimes, despite his cold, calculating exterior, Bruce was under the impression that he was just a immature boy, trying to find his place in a world that wasn't even his to begin with. He spared a glance to his older brother across the room- his blond hair almost yellow in the fluorescent classroom light, mouth curled into the ever-present smile. But it was hard not to when your friends happened to be the more popular people of the school.

Thor was so much more open, and more accepting of a new culture. Loki stuck out, probably because he was the less willing of the two to let go. But now...

Loki talked more... occasionally breaking into the subtle smile. He seemed more at ease, and briefly it crossed Bruce's mind that something had happened that weekend before Loki had "requested the hand of friendship". He had read the myths. Loki was the God of Mischief and Lies. And while he may be stuck in a mortal form, some things wouldn't go away. How did you change the very nature of a person?

But Odin... He had tried something. And he had a reason. He had to.

Eventually, Loki looked up from his book to meet Bruce's distant gaze. He seemed mildly concerned, but the look vanished quickly.

It was the better qualities of his friend, the bookworm knew: Bruce didn't say much about himself, and Loki didn't prod.

MIDGARD

9:05 a.m.

How these indolent Midgardians focused under these conditions, was completely beyond him. Surveying the classroom from his vantage point at the back of the classroom, he was aware of his brother to the front of the class, surrounded by many of the mortal females. In a fluid motion, Thor moved the stray lock of hair from his face, resulting in the nervous giggles of some around. Loki was sorely tempted to roll his eyes.

Usually, Mr. Coulson tended to hold classes in the 'homeroom'. But in their previous, he had informed them that he had to make a presentation of some sort, requiring the use of special equipment found solely in the lab. And what a lab this was.

There were three rows of long desks, spanning the breadth of the room, from left to right. Each of these was surrounded by a cluster of short stools. The teacher's table stood to the absolute front, juxtapose to a large whiteboard. Loki could make out the beginnings of the foolish graffiti towards the edges.

The special equipment in question was an outdated projector, which simply allowed for magnified visuals. The auditory senses were catered for by the insufficient speakers of a portable computer... a laptop, humans called it.

"I'm not even going to bother ask you if you did your home work," he heard Bruce say beside him, and Loki smiled internally. How well they got along. How easily a mortal was able to understand him. Thor, in his deluded way, was not all that far off in saying that all he had to do was open himself a little. Life on Earth wasn't all that bad. If he pushed himself just a tad, he may go as far to say that life on Midgard WAS exciting. It was still no Asgard, but for now, it felt sufficient.

There were about twenty adolescents in the room around him, and excluding Bruce, Thor and Thor's... friends... he didn't know them. It made Loki feel out of place but... he turned to look at his friend. And there he was, looking pensive again.

Loki knew better to ask. When he was feeling particularly thoughtful, and someone broke him out of his reverie, they were fortunate to walk away with their tongue relatively un-transfigured. And if Bruce needed his privacy, he would not deny him that.

MIDGARD

9:14 a.m.

The known human solar system appeared on the white board in front of the class. Neither Loki nor Thor was entirely familiar with it, and they discreetly passed each other a confused look from their opposite ends of the class.

Where was the Bifröst? Midgard was there. But Asgard, Vanaheimr, Jötunheim, Álfheimr, Hel, Svartálfaheimr, Niflheim, Muspelheim? Loki checked the Nine Worlds on his fingers and he was pretty sure that Thor was doing the same simultaneously. On Asgard, this was common knowledge. The humans seemed to ignore it entirely.

They talked of Mercury… Jupiter… Neptune. All in all, names of fellow Greek figures. Yet, theirs was avoided. Indignation rose in his throat with a cold fury.

And Mr. Coulson droned on. Talking of Saturn's icy rings… reminding Loki of the Frost Giants… The non-existance of Pluto as a planet… If there was a purgatory, this felt like it. Next to him, Loki felt Bruce frantically scribbling notes beside him.

He nudged his friend gently. "Finals," Bruce replied hastily, as though the notes would not be made available to them afterwards. Loki neglected the fact that humans had poorly developed cerebrums.

He sighed, drumming his fingers along the end of the desk, praying (to whom? He wondered afterwards) for the end.

It felt like lies… the sort when the truth seemed to unbelievable to even be considered so it was hidden away. And for the Liesmith, oddly enough, it was unbearable.

There was a knock on the door, and this time, Bruce nudged him to stand as a dark-skinned, bald man entered the room, one of his eyes protected by what seemed to be a patch.

Like a pirate, Loki thought idly. All he needs is the claw hand to be Captain Hook.

"Good morning Dr. Fury."

Loki's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. This was Doctor Fury? He didn't know what he was expecting… Someone who resembled his father?

Thorrr, he groaned internally. Why are you so far?

Probably, when he thought of it in hindsight, recalling his first memory of the principal of Eruditio High School, he would conveniently forget wanting his brother next to him for support. But as of right then…?

He would gladly admit: Doctor Fury was intimidating. And yes, Loki Odinson was scared.

The man strode into the room, surveying the entire class. Loki noticed his gaze lingered on Thor (but then again, that was normal). But then he met his gaze.

And there was something there, the raven-haired boy was certain. Recognition? But that made no sense. He had never seen the principal before.

"Good morning class." He said, addressing everyone, then he turned to the teacher. "Mr. Coulson, I am sorry for interrupting your lesson, but we have a meeting right now."

How utterly unfortunate, Loki thought, the beginnings of a smirk on his lips.

"Maybe you should have someone discuss the notes," Fury offered, "Maybe like…" He looked at all the students. "What about that boy? Your name?"

It took a couple of milliseconds for Loki's mortal brain to process that he was pointing to him. "Loki… sir," he added hastily at Bruce's light squeeze to his arm.

"Well, Loki. Have you studied this topic already? You seem to have no writing material on the desk."

Oh, this is a challenge of sorts, the boy realized. And much like most Asgardians, Loki's pride overpowered his fear. He faced the principal, confidence exuded, and said, "I have, sir. Notwithstanding the fact that I have photographic memory."

A dozen head spun back to look at him, Thor included. Shut up, brother. The look translated, but it was unneeded. Dr. Fury seemed content with his answer and beckoned Loki forwards.

"Good luck, Mr. Odinson," he said, as he left with Mr. Coulson. And as the door swung shut, it occurred to the substitute teacher, that he had never told him his surname.

MIDGARD

9:47 a.m.

"You've done it now," Thor whispered to Loki, as he passed near his desk in an attempt to switch off the projector.

His brother shrugged, and Thor was forced to sit back, lips pursed together, as his younger once again proved how unpopular he was.

"I have sat in this class for over thirty minutes," Loki began, "And I must admit that one thing struck me as odd."

No, brother. Do not talk of Asgard. This is neither the time, nor place.

But in Loki's mind, this was his retribution. This was an institution of learning, was it not? Human physics was so confined to their own minds. The universe was bigger and so much more vast than they let on. The inhabited planets… the Bifröst. They OUGHT to learn of these facts.

He flashed a look to Bruce, who kept staring at him in rapt attention. He seemed concerned, but he portrayed himself as the supportive friend.

"I am neither disclaiming the fact that the solar system known to man includes the planets we learned of today. But I found some details lacking… Sir had mentioned nothing of the Nine Realms… and neither of the Bifröst, and I think…"

"I'd rather not," said a voice in the front desk. Loki had made a distinct effort not to make eye contact while he was talking, and now, he raised his eyes, meeting the annoyed gaze of a boy, slightly taller than himself, with a short black hair, and brown eyes.

"And you are?" Loki asked, his annoyance matching the boy's perfectly.

He looked mildly appraised. "No one's ever told you? What a pity." He turned around. "Banner, didn't you tell your little friend about the school… and its sponsors?"

"I… I mean…" Bruce looked as though he was going to cry.

"I warn thee, insolent Midgardian," Loki's eyes were slits now, "Do not remotely entertain the idea of making my friend uncomfortable. Else…"

"Else what? You know? I think it's high time someone taught you your place in this school. Anyone knows if Rogers takes Physics?"

There was the distinct wave of No across the class, and a look of regret crossed his face.

It occurred to Loki that no one was standing up with him. He was alone, facing the harsh criticism of his malicious peer.

"Too scared to take me yourself?" Loki whispered.

"Me? Scared?" The boy got out of his seat. "I'm more afraid for you. My father says I don't know my own strength."

"You kid me," and Loki made the mistake of laughing.

The other's face steeled over. "Here's the deal, idiot. My father practically pays for your existence in this place. And what about yours? Dumped you in the middle of nowhere? Your life sucks."

Loki didn't think about it. Something materialized in his head. Something hard. Something cold. And he just threw it.

The boy moved just in time, the projectile shattering against the wall.

Loki barely had time to wonder what it was before the taller rushed up, and Loki fell to the ground.

No one helped.

Not even Thor.

The boy had been right. He fought well… just Loki had a lifetime of Asgardian training and it was no problem keeping him at bay. But the other was determined. And particular good at debilitating punches.

Neither heard the door open, and the class shouting over each other each to tell Mr. Coulson what was happening, as though he couldn't see for himself.

Loki felt strong arms wrenching him away, until he and the boy stood facing each other, chests heaving.

"Odinson! Stark! I leave the class for fifteen minutes and you pick a fight!?"

Loki didn't even bother meet the teacher's gaze.

"This violates one of the major rules of this school. Detention. BOTH of you… Yes Stark, I just said that. Your parents and guardians would get a letter this afternoon… Did you hear me?"

Loki and… Stark… nodded their heads.

"Homeroom at four o'clock. You two, get yourselves in order. The rest of you… get to class."

Loki felt Bruce's sympathizing look as he left. And Thor's "You-should've-known-better-brother-" look. And everyone else's "He-can-fight?" look.

But at that moment, all he could care about was how good it felt to kick Stark's butt to Jötunheim.