A/N: I want to thank all the reviewers for the kind words and encouragement this story has been getting. It's really lovely that you take the time to offer feedback! I'm so sorry that I don''t always reply, but in this case, I was super focused on getting the next chapter up, so I hope you will forgive me. Thank you to everyone who's reading!

Seds

Tony sat slumped on the office couch, flipping through the contracts Pepper had brought for him to sign. The words were running together in a blob of legalese, and he'd quit trying to read them, but he wouldn't put them down. He was grateful to have something to do with his hands.

Pepper watched him, wishing he would talk to her, maybe tell her how he was feeling. She knew that wasn't likely. Tony wasn't a touchy-feely kind of guy, and he never seemed to take comfort in sharing his troubles. Of course, it wasn't really necessary; she had a pretty good idea what was going through his mind at the moment. But she would have liked the chance to say, "It'll be all right" just the same.

Not that it mattered. They were both too busy listening for sounds from the den to talk. All they could detect was an occasional murmur of conversation—until a door opened, causing them both to jerk upright. Footsteps faded down the hall, and Tony realized just how tautly he'd been holding himself as he waited for Bruce and Loki's meeting to be over.

He strode to the door in time to see Loki disappear into their bedroom. He waited until Bruce came out of the den, medical bag in hand, and he felt tension grip him again, because Bruce certainly didn't look as if he'd just had a breezy tea-time conversation with the God of Mischief.

But, he gave Tony a small smile and nod as he entered the office. "Hey."

"Yeah, hey, so what's going on?" Tony blurted.

Pepper came to stand beside Tony, sounding equally impatient. "Yeah, Bruce. You were in there a long time, is everything okay? Did he say anything?"

"Okay, okay, just give me a second. Kind of a lot to process." Bruce put down his bag and took a seat. "First, I want you to know he was very cooperative about the tests. And, from what I can tell, everything's fine as far as the baby's concerned. It seems to be positioned properly, and is a healthy size, so that's great. I'll run by the lab as soon as I leave here, and I'll let you know the test results as soon as possible."

Bruce swiped an arm over his eyes and took a deep, calming breath before leaning back and ruefully meeting Tony's gaze. "Now for the hard part." Bruce slowly went through each point he'd taken from his talk with Loki, watching as Tony's brow drew tighter and tighter with each word. When he explained Loki's plan to give birth and then leave, most likely with the intention of somehow committing suicide, he thought Tony was going to throw up. He hastily moved to sit next to him, wrapping an arm around his friend's shoulders and holding him close as Tony's body shuddered with repressed sobs.

When Tony recovered enough to be able to listen, Bruce continued. "Look, man, I'm not a psychiatrist. I have no idea what label to give to what's troubling Loki, but I'd guess it's some sort of severe anxiety disorder combined with depression, maybe PTSD and paranoia as well. And, I have no idea where to start trying to help him."

"Do you think it's the pregnancy?" Pepper asked uncertainly.

"I'm sure that's exacerbating everything. Also, he mentioned the healing ritual and the Tesseract—I wasn't sure what that was all about, but it might have been the triggering event that sort of knocked him off his feet."

"Well, maybe everything will be all right after the baby comes."

"Doubtful. In fact, he could just as easily fall into postpartum depression, which could be dangerous for, well, everyone."

At that, Tony pulled away. He stood up and began pacing. "Doesn't matter. He can't go on like this for three more months, and neither can I. We have to help him now. What can we do?"

Bruce shrugged, shaking his head. "I don't know, Tony. If he was just a, you know, regular person, I'd haul his ass to a professional ASAP. But, who the hell's ever had training in dealing with a mentally disturbed god?"

"I'm going to talk to him," Tony said, willing his voice not to shake.

"Okay. But, don't negate what he tells you. It won't help, and it'll just make him think he was right about you not believing him."

"Right. Got it," Tony said over his shoulder as he headed out the door.

Tony gave the bedroom door a quick knock before opening it. "Hey, kiddo," he said as he stepped into the room.

Loki was sitting on the bed, scrunched up with his arms clasped around his knees. He looked at Tony and smiled wanly. "Hello, human," he said in a small voice.

Tony joined him and took him securely in his arms. "Brucie gave me a rundown on everything."

The smile stayed fixed on Loki's face. "Good. Now you understand, yes?"

Tony nodded, and then he just held him for a long time, pressing his cheek against Loki's temple and massaging the back of his neck. Finally, he asked, "Why didn't you talk to me, babe? You know you can always talk to me."

"I knew you wouldn't believe me. You're very stupid, sometimes." Loki looked up at him with a wry grin. "And... I didn't want to upset you."

"Oh, yeah. And, I'm not upset at all now." Tony returned his grin, choking back his tears. Even if everything Loki believed was no more than a delusion, it was still heart-wrenching to know that his love had been going through so much turmoil all on his own. Now it was time to take away some of that burden, time to show Loki that he, Tony, was strong. He had to be strong for Loki, and he had to stay strong until Loki came back to himself. Then, Tony could happily collapse and scream and cry like a fucking baby if he wanted—but not until. He crushed Loki tightly against him, brushing his lips across Loki's forehead.

"I'm sorry," Loki said in a whisper. "I'm so sorry it's like this. But, everything will be all right, you know. You and the baby will have a good life, and I'll—"

"Shh," Tony said, gently covering Loki's lips with his fingers. "I-I don't want to talk about it right now." He kissed Loki, pouring all the love and faith he had into caressing the soft warmth of the trickster's mouth, reveling in the primal energy that always seemed to reverberate through Loki's body.

Loki kissed back, knowing he had to savor every loving touch, every sweet moment with Tony, from now until...

Well. Until he no longer could.

But they both stilled as a low rumble shook through the whole of Stark Tower.

Bruce looked up at the disturbance, trying to identify which direction it was coming from. "Sounds like Big Brother Thor might be dropping in for a visit," he mused.

As predicted, a few minutes passed and then Thor stalked into the room, his face set in a worried frown. "Where's Loki?"

Bruce shot a glance at Pepper before replying. He hoped to hell Thor wasn't bringing a fresh wave of bad news; he didn't think Tony could take it. "He and Tony are in their bedroom. What do you need with him?"

"Mother's been having Heimdall keep an eye on him, and the watcher seems to think Loki's going through a difficult time. Is that true?"

"Yes," they both said in unison.

"What's wrong with him?"

Bruce bit his lip, considering the question. Finally, he answered, "You know when I said Loki's brain is a bagful of cats? Well, those cats have had kittens, and now they're all fighting for the last bowlful of cat chow."

A puzzled expression took over Thor's handsome face. "Explain?"

"He's had some sort of breakdown," Pepper said gently. "He thinks he's doomed to suffer forever, and that his presence will endanger not only Tony and the baby, but the whole world. So..."

"Oh, no." Thor glared up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Damn him! Such a willful creature, so headstrong and foolish." He made a tsk'ing sound. "Mother was right."

"What do you mean?" Bruce asked.

Thor turned his gaze to Bruce, then Pepper. "Many years ago, Loki was prowling around Father's library and he discovered a Midgardian book about the so-called ancient myths of our people. It was quite hilarious—ridiculous tales about all of us, including Loki himself. We gained no end of amusement from it. In fact, we used to pass the time reading it aloud to each other over a few pints of mead." He gave a wry chuckle. "You wouldn't believe some of the nonsense it claimed we got up to. But, one particular tale seemed to disturb Loki greatly—the prophecy of Ragnarok, the doom of gods and men. According to the story, Loki is supposed to lead one side of a great battle, I the other, and in the end, the whole world is destroyed. Perfectly absurd, but it seemed to rankle with Loki." Thor strode to the window and looked out onto the city for a moment. Then, he turned and went back to his story.

"Ages later, when Loki was being treated by the mind-healer, he spoke of that tale over and over again. Seemed obsessed with it, actually. The healer prescribed a draught that he would have to take every third Midgardian moon in order to keep the morbid thoughts from preying on his mind. It worked beautifully, but we were cautioned that Loki must take the draught regularly, or the thoughts would endlessly return. Mother sent me to give him his latest dose." He shrugged tiredly before reaching into his tunic and pulling out a glass vial. He held it in his hand and stared at it as if reproving its contents for not being inside Loki where they belonged.

"I know it's been at least twelve months since he last took the medicine. Said he was fine, that he didn't need it anymore. Well, clearly he was wrong." Thor spoke disgustedly and thrust the vial back in his tunic.

"Do you think it'll help, after being off of it for so long?" Bruce asked.

"Oh, yes. It will take a few days, but I have confidence that it'll be just as effective as before."

"But, will it hurt the baby?" Pepper asked.

"Mother consulted long and hard with the healer, and he assured her that it will not. She even spoke with Farbauti, who says it is perfectly safe."

"Loki won't believe that," Bruce pointed out.

A giant sigh escaped Thor's lips. "As I well know. He's been reluctant enough to take it as it is, now he has an additional excuse." He cast a probing look at Bruce. "How badly off is he?"

"He's talking about... sacrificing himself. To save the world."

For the first time, Thor's stern features softened. "Oh, my poor brother. For so long he's been plagued with such demons." He brushed a strand of golden hair away from his face. "If only Father would relent and allow him to return to Asgard. We could care for him properly there, see that he takes his medication, make sure he—"

"Tony can do all that. We'll help. We just have to know what to do," Pepper stated with a bit of heat. "Maybe if we'd known about the meds, we could have avoided this whole episode."

Bruce nodded gravely. "We're his family, now, Thor. Part of it, anyway."

Thor looked slowly from Bruce, back to Pepper. "You have come to care for him?" he asked, sounding a bit incredulous.

"That may be overstating it a little," Bruce said wryly. "But, we love Tony, and he loves Loki. So... Yeah. Family it is."

Thor stood silently for a moment. Then, he lunged forward and gathered Bruce in one arm, Pepper in the other, and hugged them tightly. "My friends. Thank you." He released them and grinned heartily. "With your help, I'm sure Loki will find his way back to good health. I will go now and convince him to take the draught. It is my hope he will do so without complaint, but I doubt it. He's so contrary, arguing for the sake of argument, it's very frustrating."

"You might be surprised," Bruce said. "He's been pretty accommodating lately. He let me stick him with a needle."

Thor had already started heading toward the bedroom, but he stopped short and turned to look sharply at Bruce. "Gods. Things are worse than I thought," he said under his breath. With renewed haste, he took off down the hallway, his cape fluttering behind him.

Thor paused at the doorway and listened; far too many times, he'd walked in on Loki doing all sorts of things with all sorts of people, all of which seemed to require him having his trousers down around his ankles. Thor feared seeing him in bed with the Man of Iron would burn an image into his brain that would make it hard for him to look Tony in the eye. But he heard only soft voices, and he made a point of clearing his throat loudly before saying, "Come out, Loki. I need have a word with you."

There was absolute silence for a moment, and then a mischievous-sounding voice offered an invitation. "Hello, Brother! Why don't you come on in?" Before Thor could answer, Tony was opening the door, thankfully fully clothed.

"Uh, that's all right, Point Break. Listen, I'll leave you two to talk, but..." Tony slipped out and closed the door behind him. "Did Banner tell you what's been going on?"

"He and Lady Pepper told me some things, and Mother shared Heimdall's observations. I take it Loki has not been himself?"

"He's going through some shit, and I don't know what to do to help him."

Thor brought out the vial. "I do. He's missed a few doses of his medication. If he'll take it now, he should be better in a few days."

The grim set of Tony's face melted into an expression of utter relief. "That's it? That's all? Are you serious? Are you sure it'll work?"

"Yes."

"Oh, my God, that's fantastic." Tony braced himself with one hand on Thor's shoulder, a flood of gratitude washing through his whole being, leaving him weak in the knees. "Fantastic, shit! You're my hero, big guy."

"That's assuming the wretched little bastard will take it."

Tony looked up. "Oh, he'll take it. I'll see to that. Come on, I'll hold him down for you—"

Thor chuckled. "I don't think that will be necessary. Allow me a few moments alone with him. I think I can convince him—I've done it before."

"Okay. But, holler if you need help. If that stuff'll give me my Loki back, I'll sit on his chest while you pry his jaws open."

"If Loki doesn't want to do something, it takes more than one little mortal to hold him down. Don't worry, Man of Iron. I know how to handle my brother."

"Ye-e-e-ah, well, experience doesn't really support that, but okay. I'll be right out here."

Thor winked confidently and strode into the bedroom.

When Thor walked in, Loki was perched on the edge of the bed, also fully dressed, much to Thor's relief. Loki gave Thor an impish look. "Apologies. Tony ran off before I could properly embarrass you."

"I'm forever grateful for that." Thor sat down heavily next to Loki and stared straight ahead. "I hear you're feeling poorly."

"Not at all. I'm perfectly well."

"Not according to Dr. Banner. Nor Tony." He looked at Loki. "Your mind sickness is back."

Loki gave a bitter chuckle. "That's what you call it. I call it being realistic." He turned his head to face Thor, and Thor could see the fevered passion in the dark green eyes. "I know very well what's going to happen, and I know precisely what I must do to prevent it. There's nothing 'sick' about that."

"It'sa story, Loki, it's not real. It never was and never will be. You know that."

Loki's voice rose. "What I know is that that... that quack cooked up some sort of potion to dull my mind. That's why you're here, isn't it? You're going to try to force that swill down my throat again!"

"Sh-sh-sh. Calm yourself, brother. Please." Thor put a hand on Loki's shoulder, which he immediately shrugged off. "Mother sent me. She's very concerned. You've missed several doses, and you know how she worries." He sought Loki's eyes. "You don't want her to worry, do you?"

Loki was nearly sputtering with anger, but he forced himself to be calm. He knew Thor's insipid tricks, trying to get to him through his mother. Before, he would have bested him handily, arguing in circles until Thor gave up, but... but, now, he knew that would be wrong. Don't stir things up... Don't make them notice you... Buy yourself some time, stay small, stay hidden...

Instead of a torrent of rage, Loki spoke simply, genuinely trying to get Thor to understand. "I don't like that stuff, Thor. It makes me feel weird. I can't think straight, it makes me a ghost. A shadow. I don't cry, but neither do I laugh. On it, I'm nothing, nil, a cipher, and I hate it." He again met Thor's worried gaze. "Don't make me take it. Please."

"Loki." Thor shook his head and pulled his brother close. "I know you don't like the feeling, but that's only at first. It goes away in a few days, and then you feel fine. Remember the last time? You thanked me for insisting." Thor took the vial out of his shirt and squeezed Loki's shoulder. "Please, Loki. Don't send me back to Mother in disgrace. She'll have my head." He smiled hopefully at Loki, and after a moment of staring at Thor, Loki smiled a little, too. But then he frowned.

"It could hurt the baby."

"No. It's completely safe. Mother checked very carefully, and you know she'd take no chances with her grandchild's health. It's fine, Loki. Take it." He proffered the vial to Loki, and Loki took it from his hand.

He turned it back and forth between his thumb and forefinger, apparently musing on its properties. "And, what if I were to drop it on the hard floor? Do you think it would break?"

Thor sighed. "Mother prepared me for that eventuality. I have a second bottle. If I have to use it, well—let's just say you won't have the opportunity to drop that one." A small grin played at his lips and Loki rolled his eyes.

"So, in truth, I have no choice in the matter."

Thor met his eyes and they stared at each other for a long moment. "Loki, you're ill. You know that. You've worked so hard to get well, and you've gained so much. Please, please try to remember how good you were feeling before. The medicine helped you get there, you need it. I'm so sorry, but you do. Please." Thor gently gripped the hand Loki held the bottle in. "Take it."

"Take it!" Tony's muffled voice came from the other side of the door.

Loki couldn't help but laugh. "All right. I can't fight you both." He held the vial up to the light, and then uncorked it. He sniffed the familiar acrid scent and then held it to his lips, letting the thick liquid slide down his throat. He set the empty bottle on the nightstand and grimaced at the bitter taste, but then Thor held out a little teacake wrapped in foil, the kind that Frigga herself had often made for her sons when they were growing up. Loki smiled ruefully as he unwrapped it and took a bite. Frigga was a smart woman, he thought. The flavor of the sweet lemony pastry filled his senses and swept away the nasty medicine taste. He sighed, but gestured for Thor to let Tony in.

Tony saw the empty vial sitting on the nightstand and he dropped to his knees in front of Loki. He wrapped his arms around his lover's rounded middle and laid his head on what was left of Loki's lap.

He really didn't care what Thor thought; he just wanted to keep Loki from noticing he was crying.