Loki was leaning at the roof's edge, crossed forearms propped on the wall. It was a rather nice pose for showcasing his ass; Tony stood silently for a moment, soaking up the sight with deep appreciation.

But, Loki didn't appear to notice him. Tony cleared his throat, not wanting to startle his lover, although he suspected Loki knew perfectly well he was there. When Loki continued to stare out into the forest of tall buildings, Tony walked up, slipped an arm around his waist, and joined him in his city-gazing. "Hey, gorgeous," he said softly.

Loki still ignored him, but after a moment he asked, "What?" in an impatient tone.

Well, that wasn't the response Tony was expecting. He was looking for something along the lines of, "Hey, yourself, handsome," or, "Oh, there you are, sexy," or (by far the more likely,) "Where the bloody hell have you been? I want ice cream." But he managed to answer smoothly just the same.

"Just wondered what you were doing up here all by yourself, now that the galaxy-hoppers are gone."

Loki turned to face him with narrowed eyes, his lips a thin line. "Did it ever occur to you that a man alone on a rooftop might be seeking privacy?" The words came out cold and snapped off, like a whip being cracked.

Tony took a step back and raised his hands defensively. The wind was tangled in Loki's long black hair, making it dance around his face, and his green eyes had a hard glint to them that Tony wasn't used to seeing. It made him think of sparking wires, of shards of glass. "Okay. Shit. Didn't mean to interrupt your 'me' time, but would you mind telling me what the fuck is wrong? I mean, we're still boyfriends, right? Nothing's happened in the last ten minutes to make you want to give back my letter jacket or let the air out of my tires, right?"

"Shut up, Stark. You're a blind, stupid mortal, just like the rest of them." Loki gave a scornful "hmph" and gestured at his stomach. "Not that I'm any better. Gods, this was a terrible mistake. I should have got rid of it right away, I should have left this useless planet and never looked back. I should have—"

"Whoa! All right now, stop it." Whatever bit of intimidation Tony might have felt was gone, and in its place, the clear-minded detachment of a person walking into a minefield. "Just... stop." Tony stepped forward and put his hands on Loki's shoulders, meeting his eyes with laser-like intensity. "What the hell happened? I know it was traumatic, meeting your—meeting Farbauti, but I thought everything was okay. Did she say something to hurt you? Did Thor...? 'Cause if he did, I'll put on the suit and beat the living crap out of him, I'll—"

At that, Loki gave a harsh laugh. "If you think I'm still capable of being wounded by that donkey-brained oaf, you truly haven't learned a thing about me. No, no, no. It's nothing like that." He let out a shaky breath. "It's the gem."

"The 'Jim?' Is that anything like 'The Stig?'"

Loki irritably lifted his eyes to the heavens. "The stone. The stone that was left after the healing." Loki returned Tony's stare and his voice had a serpentine hiss to it. "I wanted it. But Mother took it away with her."

Tony dropped his hands and chuckled in relief. "Is that all? Damn it, babe, why didn't you just say so? I can get you diamonds! Buckets of 'em, if you want. I mean, I never thought you were the Liberace type, but there's nothing wrong with a little bling. Look, we'll go shopping, and I'll get you the biggest fucking diamond we can find, and—"

"It's not the diamond, fool! It's the power within it!"

"Huh?"

Loki made a strangled sound. "Oh, for... Don't you see? The gem is imbued with the power of the Tessaract! Do you know what I could do with that?"

Tony's nostrils flared, and he cockily planted his feet apart, folded his arms, and leaned back as full comprehension came to him. "No, Shakespeare, I don't. Why don't you tell me?"

Loki just shook his head and returned to his spot at the wall. Tony came to stand beside him and looked down, gesturing at the busy streets below. "What could you do, Loki? You still want all this for yourself? You want to rule those blind and stupid mortals? Have 'em pay tribute to you, build giant statues in your likeness, name libraries after you?" Abruptly, Tony spun Loki around to face him. "You still want someone to kneel before you? Well, here you go." Tony sank to his knees, and then he threw his arms wide apart. "I await your orders, O Great and Powerful Loki! I'm yours to command, just tell me what you want!"

Loki stood above him, his face taut as plaster about to crack. But, gradually, the hard edge softened and slipped away, leaving Loki biting his lip in a rueful grimace. He slowly lowered himself until he was eye to eye with Tony. "Nothing," he said quietly. "I swear, Tony—I don't want anything more than I already have." He cautiously lifted his arms as if afraid that Tony would pull away. When he didn't, he eased himself into Tony's embrace, and Tony instantly wrapped him tightly against his body.

"Okay... But, then, why did you say all those really shitty things? 'Cause, they were pretty damn shitty," the billionaire asked, trying to sound casual. But Loki could hear the hurt underneath.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. But, you have to understand..." Loki leaned back, his brows knit as he sifted through broken thoughts. "The moment I saw that stone, I wanted it. It wasn't even a rational notion, it was a... a physical need. What if I'd used my magic to get it? What would I have done with it?" His voice was raspy, and Tony caught a glimmer of tears in Loki's eyes.

"What if it'd all gone wrong?" Loki continued. "I could have lost everything. You, our baby, my very life... I've worked so hard. I've tried my damndest to change, and I thought I was better, I thought I was past all that. I actually thought I was... okay. And in one tiny flash, I could have thrown it all away." He stared hard at the cement and then turned a brittle look at Tony. "I said those things because I wanted you to hate me. I wanted you to turn from me now, before I... before I—"

"Well, it didn't work, smart guy." Tony read the pain and confusion in Loki's eyes as he smoothed wild tendrils away from his face. He pulled him back into his arms and held him for a while, considering exactly what to say. The words didn't come easily, because he didn't know what the hell he could say to a thousand-year-old god suffering a crisis of self-doubt, but he felt like a lot of stuff was bubbling up right under the surface, and it was important that he got it right. So... he did what he did best, and started talking about himself.

"Hey. Listen to me. Power is an addiction, right? Just like drugs or booze. Once you've gone down that road, it's fucking hard to turn back. I know how that feels. You don't think I'd still love to get piss-in-my-pants-wake-up-in-vomit drunk once in a while? I would. But, I don't." He sat back on his heels, holding Loki's gaze. "I knew a long time ago that booze and I had a complicated relationship. It'd be easy for me to go off the deep end. I'm lucky, because so far, I've been able to pull back when I got to the edge. But, I've had to work at it, and believe me, there've been times when I almost didn't make it." He planted a kiss on the side of Loki's mouth, tasting the salty path of a tear. "And, know this—if you hadn't come along, I don't know if I'd have found the strength to keep fighting."

Loki gave him a aggrieved look. "But, I'm not like you, Tony. There's something wrong inside me, in my head. I try to ignore it, but..."

"Uh-uh—don't beat yourself up. Think. Today, you looked the devil in the eye, but you're still here with me, not hovering over the city trying to subjugate the human race. You said it yourself—you could have used magic to take that rock. You could have wrestled your mom for it. But, you didn't." Tony gently lifted Loki's chin. "You're stronger than you think. So what if you're jonesing for it now? Are you zipping off to Asgard to mug Frigga?"

That made Loki break into a smile. "No."

"No, because you know how much is at stake, just like I do. I don't want to lose you, and I know you don't want to lose me, 'cause I'm so damn awesome." He caressed Loki's face. "It's not recovery if you never have to face temptation, babe. You did; and, you came out on the other side. Now you know what that feels like, and you'll be ready if it happens again. I call that a win."

Exhaustion had crept into Loki's body, leaving him weak and light-headed. He gave a shuddering sigh and lay his head on Tony's shoulder. "Well... You've given me much to think about, but the positive self-talk will have to wait. Right now, I'm tired. I'm just... too tired." Embarrassingly, his stomach growled, and that made Tony grin.

"Okay, that's it. I'm not letting you go through emotional trauma AND be hungry." Tony rose to his feet and pulled Loki up as well. "Come on. I'm making you some lunch, and then you're taking a nap, got that? We can talk about shiny blue rocks and world domination after you wake up."

An abashed look came over Loki. "In fairness, I doubt that the stone would have given me the power to fully effect world domination," he confided.

Tony slid an arm around him as they walked to the elevator and got in. "What, then?"

"I don't know for certain... Enhanced magical abilities, I suppose. Maybe improved stamina, faster reflexes..."

"Oh, like PF Flyers."

"I'm sorry?"

"Old brand of sneakers. The tag line was they'd help you to 'run faster, jump higher.'"

"Mm, something like that."

"Huh, maybe I need it."

Loki chuckled. "In bed, definitely. Otherwise... you're about as physically advanced as it's possible to be, given your age. Good thing you invented the suit."

Tony gave a fake laugh. "You know what? When you're not pregnant, I'm definitely giving you a spanking."

By now, most of the tension had left Loki's body, and he smirked, pleased. "And, I look forward to it." A wicked grin followed. "My hindquarters yearn to feel the blessed sting of your hand as you thrash me, as you warm my tender bare flesh with your open palm—"

Tony frowned. "Okay, 'fess up—did you grow up reading Victorian porn novels or what?"

"I grew up reading all manner of 'porn novels,' and don't pretend it doesn't get you hot when I talk that way." Loki leaned in and nibbled Tony's neck, and he in turn went for Loki's lips, murmuring, "Mm. Well, you have me there," as they melted into a deep kiss that lasted until the elevator doors slid open.

Tony was impressed to find fresh sandwich fixings in his refrigerator—someone was on the ball around there, although he didn't know if it was Pepper, Happy, or maybe a forward-thinking JARVIS—and he made sandwiches and heated up a can of soup to go with them.

Loki dutifully ate, grateful to feel his head clearing and strength returning to his limbs. But he made no argument when Tony steered him toward the bedroom and informed him that it was time to go beddie-bye for a couple of hours. Tony got him out of his shirt and trousers and into bed, and then he tucked a light blanket around him. He fluffed a pillow and stuck it behind Loki's head, and kissed him before saying, "Now, settle down and get some rest. I'll be down in my lab if you need anything." That produced a displeased frown from Loki.

"I have a better idea. Lie down with me," Loki commanded, patting the bed.

Tony had almost made it to the door, but he turned and gave him a reproving look. "Oh, no you don't. You're going to nap. No funny business."

"I know. Just... stay with me until I fall asleep." Loki's petulant expression faded and turned to long-lashed, big-eyed hopefulness. "Please?"

Tony wasn't a pushover, normally. He took great pride in his bullshit detection system. But, hearing the word "Please" come out of Loki's mouth did something freaky to him, and the sight of those huge green eyes looking at him so trustingly, so imploringly, made him forget that he hadn't been allowed to tinker down in his lab for days. Slowly, with mock-reluctance, he slid off his jacket and shoes and headed to the bed.

Loki happily scooted over to make room for him; when Tony lay down, he wriggled in to press his bare back to Tony's chest, grabbed his arm and secured it snugly around his waist. He then sighed contentedly. "Ah, that's better. So nice when you cooperate, Stark. Almost makes me think you like me."

Tony snickered. "I more than like you, babe." He nuzzled behind Loki's ear, enjoying breathing in the little trace of wildness that lingered there, that scent Tony used to pick up when Loki apparated right in front of him, the scent of hurtling between distant worlds in his hair, on his skin. Tony hugged him tightly. "I love you. Please, please don't ever doubt that."

Loki gave his hand a squeeze. "Oh, I don't," he said airily. "I've given you plenty of opportunities to get out of this mess, yet here you are. You clearly lack the intelligence NOT to love me." He looked over his shoulder and grinned. "I rely heavily on that fact."

"You are in for such a spanking."

"I can take anything you can dish out, mortal."

"Yeah, don't write a check your ass can't cash, hot shot."

Loki gave a low chuckle, and stilled. Tony felt him relax against him, his breathing slowing, but just as visions of getting into his tool cabinet were filling Tony's brain, Loki jerked awake. "Sh-sh-sh," Tony said in a soothing whisper. "It's okay. Go to sleep."

"Rub my back," Loki whispered in return.

Tony rolled his eyes, but began tracing fingertips over the defined bones and muscles of Loki's back. Again, he could feel Loki slipping into sleep, but again, Loki's head popped up. He gave an exasperated sigh. "I'm too tired to sleep. I ache all over and my mind won't rest." He irritably punched a fist into his pillow and buried his face in it. "What's wrong with me?" he asked, his voice muffled from its depths.

"Just a wild guess, but I think it's called 'pregnancy,'" Tony deadpanned. "I think I can help—you just have to promise to obey my instructions."

Loki slowly raised his head and cast a suspicious glance at Tony. "I can't imagine that this is a good idea, but all right. What do I have to do?"

"Nothing. Not a goddamned thing. Just stay still and let me take care of you."

"Hmm. Sounds... do-able, I suppose. All right, go ahead."

Tony slid one arm around Loki's shoulders and the other hand onto Loki's chest. He ran tickling caresses over his torso before giving each nipple a tug and a roll between his thumb and forefinger. Loki arched against him, and Tony made a warning noise. "Uh-uh. Stay still."

"Okay."

Tony slid his hand lower, lovingly cradling the little baby-bulge of Loki's tummy, and then gently massaging the sensitive skin all around it. Loki moaned and pushed his bottom back into Tony's crotch. "Nope," Tony reproved. "Still."

"But—"

"I can stop right now."

"Ugh, fine." Loki resolutely settled back.

Tony teased at the band of Loki's underwear, running a finger just under it, back and forth. He pulled them down, freeing Loki's cock, and Loki gasped when he was taken in hand. He let out a sigh when Tony gripped him firmly and gave the velvety flesh long, unhurried strokes. Loki thrust up into his hand. "Tony, please. More."

"Okay, do you even know what 'relax' means? This is just to relieve a little tension, think of me as your disembodied, but very friendly, right hand. I'm doing all the work, you just lie there."

"But, you're making me feel all tingly..." Loki whined rather pathetically.

"Yeah, and it's going to feel really, really good in a minute, but you better not move that sweet little ass of yours, or I'm done."

Loki made a frustrated huff, but forced himself to hold still. Tony began working his cock in earnest, alternating with dipping down and cupping his balls, rolling them in his hand.

"Tony, shit!" Loki bucked up against Tony's solid form, and received a light smack on his bottom for his trouble. Tony was holding Loki around his neck with his free arm, and he tightened his grip to hiss in his ear. "Okay—last warning. Do it again and I'm out of here."

"All right, all right! Don't go." Loki obediently settled quietly against him.

"That's better. Now, relax." Tony went back to his ministrations, eventually giving in and allowing Loki to meet his strokes with eager thrusts. It didn't take long for Loki to come; he grunted with his release and Tony felt warm liquid wet his fingers. "Good boy." He gave Loki a smooch and left him panting among the bedclothes while he went to the bathroom to wash up. He fetched a cloth and wiped the sheets dry, noting that, in just that short time, Loki had finally fallen asleep. Tony covered him up again, gave him another kiss, and quietly slipped out of the room to enjoy a little "me time" of his own down in his lab.