Seventy Four
The hurricane blew through a few days later, bringing much needed rain and unwanted destruction to the Southern Californian area. The mansion survived well, only a few trees down. Only one landed on the house. Luckily there was no damage. The rest of Malibu on the other hand, was in pretty bad shape.
Natasha, Bruce and I decided to do the right thing and be Avengers, despite it possibly exposing my return home to Cap and Thor. Loki decided to tag along and help. Bruce hulked out to start removing trees from roadways and lift buildings off of people. I and my newly appointed Iron Legion lifted smaller structures while looking for people. I did need the excuse to test out the automated soldiers. Nat and Loki pulled people out from the destruction.
"So, Loki. Those books tell you anything?" I said straining the suit to lift a building.
"I still have a few more to read." He stalled. "I've got one." He yelled back bringing out a child from the destroyed building. He cradled the small boy, his face softening.
"Just the one?"
"Yeah." He said. He conjured a small teddy bear for him. The gift calmed the child. Loki teleported the boy to the shelter we had set up earlier that day. Hopefully we could reunite him with his family later.
Loki returned to me to continue the search. A few hours later, the four of us had most of the roads cleared. Pepper had been in charge of the shelter, handing out supplies and helping everyone get comfortable. We'd met back with her for a break. I stepped out of my armor for it to charge. Loki and I slumped in a corner, tired, dirty and sweaty. We could easily fall asleep as we leaned against each other, holding hands.
"Where is he?" A voice boomed.
"Fuck!" I cursed under my breath.
"Where is the son of Stark?" The voice came again.
"We knew the risks of leaving the house, didn't we?" Loki reminded me.
"I know. Let's go deal with him." I slowly lifted myself off the floor. I held a hand out for Loki.
"We are here, Thor." Loki calmly said as we approached him.
"You!" Thor pointed and crossed the distance to us in two large steps. "You violated my brother! You took his innocence!" He punched me. He didn't hold back either. I flew through a brick wall.
"Thor! There is no reason for this." Loki yelled trying to prevent him from following me through the wall. When he failed to stop his thundering brother, he teleported to me.
"Stark! You kept my brother's where about hidden." Thor yelled again, the sky darkening overhead. I felt the swelling in my jaw and chest. Something was definitely broken.
"Thor! There is no reason to attack him. I'm just as much at fault. If your going to hit anything, hit me!" Loki stood between Thor and myself.
"Loki! You are going home, where I can keep you safe from such promiscuity."
"Thor, I am not a child. Who I choose to lay with is none of your business." Loki defended. I felt my world going black.
"Loki." I reached out to him. He came to my side, protecting me. I could already feel his healing energy surging through my body. I gave in to the darkness.