A/N: I'm alive!

Feet crashed into the ground and buried themselves in the rubble. They were buried deep enough for him not to stumble over and fall. The fact that he was used to landing with such force helped too. He placed his hammer on his belt and straightened out his Midgardian clothes. Gathering himself, he left the New York alleyway with an air of importance.

He pushed through the crowds of mortals as if they were playing cards. After a while, enough got the memo, and soon many were simply clearing a path for him. He smiled and mumbled his thanks for their cooperation. They responded in their New Yorkian way, which Thor shrugged off. He was used to it.

The thunder god took a moment to stand before Stark Towers, taking in all of it's beauty. He knew his brother was still there, right where he left him. Thor wasn't positive on what condition he'd find Loki in and the thought brought a pain to his heart which he frowned at. He knew he shouldn't feel the need to care about little things like that; after all he had been the one to throw him down there in his rage. He had wanted whatever Loki had coming to him to happen. He wanted Loki to finally learn his place, his lesson. But he was angry then.

Now he wasn't sure if he still wanted Loki in the same place he tried to destroy. But he supposed it was the only way to get something into his thick skull. He turned away from the tower, too conflicted. For a quick moment he let some of his anger out in the form of a few strikes of lightening and thunder. But then he calmed himself down, chided his inner rage for giving away his position to his brother. It wasn't the time to involve himself with his brother's life. Not now.

Pepper was noticed when Steve went around to grab a tissue. He quickly wiped away his tears, washed his hands, and went over to hug the strawberry blonde. "Hey Pepper! Whatcha' doing here? Didn't know you were coming."

She returned the hug before saying firmly, "Paperwork."

"Tony will get it signed. Thank you." Loki said before anyone else could. He gave Pepper a formal, slightly wary look before looking away.

"Hm...I-uhm, thank you Loki."

"I knew it," Tony chuckled, leaning over the back of the sofa. Loki scooted further away, obviously feeling uncomfortable. First Bruce. Now Pepper. Two strangers, both he didn't really want to deal with. "Titanic always lures you in Pepper. It's like your sixth sense. Like 'spidey sense' only cooler. That guy's such a nerd."

"You've got me." Pepper sighed as if she were defeated. "It's my favorite movie in my defense."

"No it's not," Tony joked, tone a bit thin as if he were remembering old times. "It's Dum-E's favorite."

"You mean 12% of it is Dum-E's." she replied in the same tone before resuming her usual. "How are you doing, Tony? Haven't heard much about your 'spiral into darkness' lately. Either you're staying cooped up here or doing something in your lab."

"Mmm, thanks for checking the press." Tony said and held up his bottle of sparkling water. "I switched to carbonation only if that's what you're wondering."

"That's a miracle."

"It's probably spiked. I wouldn't put it past you, Tony." Pepper jumped when Bruce finally spoke. She forgot about him as he had faded into the background. He voice was still soft as ever too.

"Honey, I thought we agreed that we weren't going to talk about that. That's a direct violation of science buddy time, Bruce." Tony nearly whined.

"It is a violation of our deal I believe." Loki said. "How did you manage to do that though? I watched you open every bottle you had."

"Oh," Tony sighed. "I haven't yet. Was planning on it, but just a few drops each."

"JARVIS, is this correct?" chimed in Steve.

"Indeed." came JARVIS' reply, as smug as ever.

"You all are traitors." said Tony.

"Keep saying that," Loki said. "I will have JARVIS find the rest of your stash and I will drink it in front of you myself."

"So Pepper," Steve turned to the only female in the room, "How's Happy?"

"He's fine," Pepper replied smoothly. "We both are fine. We went to a little business party yesterday, it was pretty fun, and went out for dinner."

"What?" Tony asked, very confused.

"That's lovely!" Steve replied as if Tony hadn't spoken.

"I should get going on that note. He's waiting for me downstairs." Pepper gave everyone a smile and Steve walked her to the elevator.

"Tell him I said thanks for all the transportation to the park," Steve said before she stepped in. "Mornings are nice for baseball."

"I'll tell him. I'll also be back tomorrow for the papers. Bye!"

And with that Pepper Potts left the towers, of course not before sending Loki one lingering, departing look. As soon as she left, Tony turned to the captain and asked, "Is she...with Happy?"

"...Oh, well, yes. Has been for a while."

"Oh." said Tony simply, turning back to properly sit in the sofa. Everyone stared at him, studying his face, and tried to gauge his reaction. After a few moments of sporting a poker face, the iron man finally shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Loki. "Lucky girl, huh?"

But before Loki could mutter a reply or move, sudden thunder shook the building. He moved his gaze over to a window by reflex and saw a quick flash of lightening. He couldn't help but feel a dark hook right in his heart tug. Looking away, he simply nodded to Tony and asked JARVIS to close the blinds, check the forecast. "Let's watch another movie."

A/N: Thank you for all the support! I might not be able to update often as I have a boatload of schoolwork coming in. I'll take my time. Enjoy this and thanks!