HUD: Oh man! Thank you guys for your continued support for this fic. Thing is, I started this one before I started on a fic for those prompts that Shi-Toyu and I do. And, well...that one shot took two weeks to write because it ended up being 26k+ words. For a one shot.

Holy hell, right? I know; I have Problems. And if you guys haven't read it, I know it's long as fuck but it's really good (if I do say so myself). Check it out!

But I'm back on this little baby, and I hope you all enjoy this next chapter!

- Part 2: Pieces -

"Now, you may be thinking - 'Tony, that's the worst idea ever!' And, on a certain level, I agree. However, I will swiftly follow up with - 'Have you even fucking seen him?' I have, and I noticed."

Loki blinked quickly, feeling his face flush. His gaze was locked on the image of Tony, teeth flashing with each syllable and eyes dancing with excitement. Loki knew that look - Tony got it when he was working on something groundbreaking, something extraordinary. Did the genius see Loki that way, did he see him as something wonderful?

"So, I guess at this point I need to lay out a timeline," video Tony said, dropping both of his palms to the work table. "Today is...September ninth. Within three months I want to have made contact outside of being thrown into a building. Then, supplying that goes over decent, within six months a date... Yeah, that sounds good. I'll play it by ear."

The man nodded, scratching his goatee. Loki knew he did it when he became lost in thought, that brilliant mind of his wandering several avenues and corridors to a secret destination. It was a fascinating display, and something Loki knew he would never tire of watching. Whatever Tony was searching for he found, his honey irises snapping back and locking on Loki.

"I suppose if anyone finds this, I may be totally committed. That's alright, though - I'm pretty sure I could just buy the place and guarantee pudding cups every day," he mused, shrugging slightly. "The best way to avoid that, pudding cups aside, is to not fail. Last I checked, Tony Stark never fails. But I do want some pudding now."

The video ended, cutting back to the display to choose the next one. Loki's throat was dry - should he continue? His previous anger was gone, now replaced fully with curiosity. In the back of his mind, he knew this was a large violation of Tony's trust. It had been hard to earn from them both; Tony could literally count those he trusted on one hand, and Loki far less. Perhaps this was some sort of test -

"The tea kettle has brewed once more, Mr. Laufeyson." Ah, tea. Loki stood, needing the distraction horribly to step away from his temptations.

"My thanks," he mumbled, shoving his hand into his pocket and gently taking his empty mug. When he was upstairs, tea bag steeping and spoon mixing honey by itself, Loki continued to stare. He watched the light shine off of the silver of the rotating utensil.

Why would Tony say Loki had access to any file he wanted but still try to keep this hidden? Actually, it wasn't very much hidden as it was just JARVIS attempting to prevent him from watching. Maybe this would be something Tony wanted to show to Loki at some point. Should he watch now and still be surprised for another time?

Loki knew a few things so far - Tony had been interested in him not too long after the attempted takeover, and that he was horrible at keeping his own secrets (which surprised Loki none whatsoever). He paused a moment longer before his decision was made. The fact that it had taken him so long to decide proved yet again the influence Tony had been having on him.

Minutes later, Loki had his green tea nestled lightly between his hands and was sinking back into the plush chair in front of Tony's monitor. The files sat before him, several more than he could see trailing off screen. He knew this would be quite the undertaking; it would take time, patience, and self control.

All of which Loki knew he had an abundance of as he tapped the next file.

"Well, it's been two weeks." Tony's voice washed over Loki, making his eyes flutter shut. He missed Tony, more than he cared to admit, and these videos would help him until the engineer returned.

"Two really fucking long weeks," he growled, rubbing his face. "With no leeway. Like, at all. Any time I tried to talk to him, Thor would show up! He's a fucking cock block if I've ever met one." His tone made Loki snort. "We had three Loki appearances. The first he decided to make a winter wonderland out of Central Park. I figure, 'Hey, this is an awesome chance!' What happens? Thor tackles him into the side of a fucking statue right when the conversation was getting good."

Loki remembered that. It had not been the best of his days nor plans; the itch to manipulate had become too much, which became his folly. He merely wanted to distract and annoy, but Thor had seen it as another attempt to overtake. Thor knew that if Loki really wanted to rule the battle in Manhattan would have gone far differently.

During his second wave of the storm, Iron Man had found him. He stayed away from the centre of the storm, believing it to be far too obvious, and it appeared the Man of Iron had agreed as well. For the first time since the invasion, Loki was surprised an Avenger was willing to actually simply speak to him.

"So, I lay on the charm. Full on Stark, pulling all the punches," Tony said as Loki began to grin. "I asked him how he was doing. Of course, he paused but didn't try to dismember me. Which is totally a win. Anyway, I ask and he says, 'Devastating. Yourself?' Now, I'm new to the Loki lingo, but I knew he was joking. It's all about inflection, and whoever first called him Silvertongue literally hit the nail on the head."

Tony was amazing to watch as he spoke; his hands never lingered in one location too long. Loki smiled as he listened, the added depth of one of Tony's obvious habits helping to make him feel comfortable. "I used to think I was nuts straining to catch his every word after we caught him and lingering on each syllable in the helicarrier, right? No, I figured it out before I started this log - everything he says he creates, the words bend better than any Shakespearian sonnet could ever match. It's beautiful."

Loki cleared his throat, sipping at his still warm tea. He knew Tony was rambling, but the words hit a chord. Loki never knew how much influence he had over Tony. Of course, he knew Tony seemed to never forget anything he said, but Loki figured it was because of how the genius' mind worked. He never knew the true reason, never knew exactly how much of Tony's attention he always held.

"Back on track - so I said, 'Really? Here I thought you just wanted to build a snowman.' And I got a grin! Not that evil smirk that usually means you're about to die; no, an actual grin." Tony was grinning himself, eyes bright. He ran a hand through his hair and scratched the back of his neck. "He says, 'Those are crude, yes?' I love how he speaks, I could listen for hours. Now, this is where it gets good." Tony nodded, as if urging himself on. "So I go, 'Maybe. But a snow angel seems more your style anyway - precise and beautiful.' Yeah, I said that! I wish I could have taken a picture of his expression; it really was beautiful. But that's when Thor tackled him, and now I'm pretty sure he thinks I was just trying to distract him."

Tony's tone turned dejected, and Loki couldn't help his sigh. The genius was right - he had been furious, believing that to be a creative distraction despite his annoyance. Tony rested his chin on his fist, staring at his camera.

"Which is a shame, too. I could have made some great ground that day, but fucking Thor," he shook his head, smiling humorlessly as he tapped the counter with his pen. "Well, the second time Loki showed up was about a week later. This time he wasn't too keen on talking to me, but I kind of feel like he didn't hit me as hard. Usually I go flying and have to stay in bed the next day, but I think he restrained himself at the last second. I only broke two trees and one rib."

Loki felt his brow furrow. He knew he hit hard; of course, he always meant to, especially for his favourite playthings. Loki had still been agitated by Thor the week prior, but when Tony had searched and found him a second time he never gave the man a chance to speak - one moment the suit was standing and the next it was spiraling towards a rather dense portion of the Canadian forest.

"That sap was a bitch to clean, too," Tony grumbled. "Still, I'm sure he hesitated. He could have thrown me into the fire, too, but he didn't." That was truth as well; Loki knew he didn't want him dead at the time. Loki also knew that Tony wouldn't have lasted more than thirty seconds in that raging magical inferno, deciding split second to fling him closer to the snow and ice. A conflict of interest, but one Loki did not regret.

"When I made it back to the others, Steve said Loki was gone with Thor hot on his heels. Thunderbird landed a few later because he lost him. Of course," Tony groaned, rolling his eyes. "But the fire stopped, too, so we weren't there much longer."

Loki pushed his mug back to the work table. Listening to Tony recount their meetings was interesting. He had been far too annoyed the first and second, but hearing Tony relay his eagerness was a new side, a new piece to the puzzle. He had always been curious about why Tony pursued him.

"The third was the best, though," Tony said, spinning slowly in his chair. "I got there before anyone else. Loki was levitating cars on the Brooklyn Bridge, standing on one of the long cables and looking pretty bored. I hardly got an acknowledgement." He stopped spinning and stared at the screen, silent. "I just stood there and watched. He didn't seem to mind, but he didn't stop either. In fact, he brought the cars full of people higher and higher until I could almost hear their screams." He paused again. "Loki never said anything. I almost felt like he was challenging me, seeing how far I would let him push. He got the cars over us before the rest of the team showed up almost ten minutes later."

Tony was right. Loki had been pushing, daring. He was curious about how far this would go, how far whatever fascination the mortal had for him would temper. "I never said anything. I didn't try to stop him, though. I knew that Loki wouldn't hurt them. He may have killed those people in Manhattan but to him it was necessary. On the bridge, he was just toying with them. Killing wasn't part of the sport," Tony said. His tone was scientific, as if he was stating a law he knew by heart and completely believed. Again, Loki was surprised to agree.

Tony was not ignorant by any means, but Loki still found himself surprised by the mortal from time to time.

"So, once the rest of the team came, Loki lowered the cars and disappeared. That was Thursday, and I haven't seen him since. All I can say is, this plan had better fucking work because only seeing him three times over two weeks is not going to cut it," Tony huffed, grinning behind his hand. "I know I shouldn't be this happy, but I've learned I can't help it."

The video ended again, dissolving back to the file screen. Loki stared, eyes unseeing. Despite how callous he had acted, Tony was still more than willing to pursue. Obviously, given current standing. Had Loki discovered this collection sooner, perhaps his thoughts would have been less malicious. For several months after they began to see each other, Loki was extremely skeptical. He was constantly looking for a hole, a clue that Tony wasn't being honest and was simply attempting to turn him over to S.H.I.E.L.D. It took three months with several passive aggressive arguments and more than a few windows before Loki believed Tony honestly wasn't out to get him.

Loki knew the bridge was the last time he had seen Tony for a few weeks, but the next file was dated for a week later. Curious as to what addition was made, Loki tapped the icon and settled back. The video took a little longer to load, more than three times the length of the last. When it came into focus, Tony was grinning.

"Well, since the bridge Loki hasn't made an appearance. I'm almost at the first month point with little to no advancement, but I have an idea to help it along," he said, winking. Tony wore a white button down, nothing at all similar to what he worked in whilst in the lab. One of Loki's thin eyebrows rose.

"Friend Tony! Where art thou?" Loki really couldn't help his eye roll, one of his favourite habits he picked up from Tony.

"Down here, Goldilocks!" Tony called. He tapped the screen a few times before stepping back and grinning again. The image adjusted, taking in more of the lab. "So, we're still recording even after Thor gets here. But don't tell him he's on Candid Camera."

As if on cue, the brute entered the room. Loki knew he had taken to Midgardian clothing during his stays, but it was still odd to see even on video. The blond grinned, wrapping his arms around Tony in a bear hug. The genius laughed and coughed, patting him on his shoulder. "Alright, pal. Can't breathe."

"Aye, my apologies," Thor answered, immediately releasing. He dropped his hands to the smaller man's shoulders and grinned. "To what do I owe this honour? Scarcely do you call upon me for council."

"Not really council, bud. Have a seat," Tony said, gesturing to an extra chair. Thor nodded and accepted, sitting and wheeling closer to Tony. "More like a game."

"Of what variety?"

"Information," Tony said with a grin. Thor nodded, dropping his hands to his lap. "Wanna play?"

"Aye," Thor said. "I shall do what I can."

"Awesome, I know you'll do just fine," Tony said, winking. Loki was drawn to Tony's profile, the straight lines of his nose and jaw. Loki was no stranger to how attractive Tony was, even before they moved to more frequent encounters. His posture was relaxed as he spoke again: "The game is called Twenty Questions, but we're going to tweak it. I'm going to ask you stuff and you're just going to answer with the first thing that comes to mind, be it a story or phrase or word. Sound good?"

"Aye."

"Alright, let's begin," Tony said. "Do you like Earth?"

"Aye! Your realm has become a second home to me," Thor answered, smiling brightly.

"Good! Do you enjoy living in the Tower?"

"Yes, I again thank you for the accommodations - " Thor began sheepishly.

"No need; that's not what this is about," Tony said, waving his hand as if to dismiss the entire subject. "Do you enjoy reading?"

"No; however, Lady Jane has attempted to bring certain works to my attention," Thor said, drumming his fingers on his knee.

"Was that a result of upbringing or choice?"

"Both, I suppose. Loki was far more interested in scholars than I."

"What was Loki interested in?" Tony asked nonchalantly. Tony was good at hiding his true nature and emotions, but Loki knew him far too well. The genius was practically on the edge of his seat in his mind, counting seconds away until Thor answered but trying to pretend that it simply came up in conversation.

"A number of subjects, many of which I cannot say for I do not know," Thor confessed. "However, I can say he enjoyed the history lessons almost as much as the private magic teachings from Mother. The lessons were more on the other realms, typically the ones he would have more contact with."

"Okay; did you two travel together frequently?"

"Nearly inseparably. I rather enjoyed the battlefield, whereas he preferred the places of far more intimacy."

"Like what?" There was Tony's rapt attention again; Loki almost chuckled at Thor's obliviousness.

"After a certain age we took up separate arts, but I always recall him being at his calmest when in Idun's gardens. She was always soothing in nature and a gentle being, allowing Loki and I to rest on several occasions when Odin was upset at yet another prank," Thor said, smiling fondly. Loki remembered those days, too. When he and Thor were brothers and the man he called Father wasn't a bastard. Looking back, Loki blamed his childish naivety for not noticing it sooner - Odin had always been a bastard.

"Idun...that's the Goddess of Youth, right?" Tony asked.

"Aye. It is through her apples that we are gifted immortality. Only those worthy and in good graces with Asgard are granted such a gift."

"Because Loki is banished, does that make a difference?" Tony asked, his curiosity leaking into his tone.

"Not for him," Thor said. "For he is magical, his life force bound to that of his gift. By that nature alone he is immortal, for as long as there are energies he can manipulate he will forever be."

Loki's eyebrows rose. Sometimes he didn't give Thor enough credit for his wisdom, however scare it may be. "But should something happen, I will not let my brother die. I would demand an apple for him if needed," he continued, tone turning valiant. Tony chuckled, sitting back against his chair.

"Very noble of you," Tony teased, earning a cheesy grin from Thor. "Do you believe there is still good in Loki?"

"I do," Thor said immediately. "I used to believe he was merely misguided. Since my return to Asgard I have spoken in depth to Mother. She never agreed with the way Father treated him, insisting the Loki we both love is still there, is still him. She claims he needs to forgive himself before he may love us again."

Loki shivered, a cold shock racing up his spine. Frigga believed he needed to forgive himself? Being with Tony has made Loki believe there is more to himself than the shell he has become, cracked and battered from the past few decades of his never ending life. Sure, he will never forgive Odin for any of his wrong doings, his sins, his lies, his destruction; but Frigga he had never stopped loving, nor will he ever. She never looked at him like a monster, only seeing the son she loved and forever will. Thor is still too much aligned with Odin, but Loki could feel those bonds beginning to fade.

None of the Avengers liked Loki at first, and he felt the same. They all tolerated him except Bruce, who made honest attempts to connect because of Tony. He found a kindred feeling around Natasha and established a stressed friendship, but the other two were lost. Loki never minded; he was here for Tony and he alone. It mattered not should the others love or hate him.

"What else does he like? You know, other than trying to rule the world," Tony said, pulling Loki back from his thoughts. He had missed a few questions during his musing as Thor tossed his head back with a chuckle.

"His weapon of choice are daggers, his favourite fruit the apple; I know very little, basing my current findings on past experiences," Thor said, still chuckling. "Why do you ask?"

"Trying to learn thy enemy," Tony said immediately with a wink. Thor nodded.

"Aye; you have had some close encounters these past bouts."

"You can say that again," Tony mumbled, but Thor didn't seem to hear him.

"How are you fairing?" Thor asked, gesturing to Tony's chest.

"Oh I'm fine. I have to keep this stupid wrap on my chest but I'm cool," Tony answered, waving his hand. That was why he wore a loose shirt - Loki really had broken a rib. The god felt guilty, unconsciously running his hand through his hair. After developing his sickeningly obvious adoration for the mortal, Loki had deep regrets for every moment he ever harmed the man. He will never vocalize his afflictions, instead trying everything within his power to push the vile thoughts from his lover's mind.

It took several horrible movie nights, candle lit dinners, and many late mornings in bed to prove within his own mind his apology for the window tossing (not that Loki minded those things, particularly the late mornings, but it was the principle).

When he looked back to the screen, Thor was standing. "I must depart, Man of Iron. Friend Barton has requested my assistance for target practice."

"Well, have fun with that," Tony drawled. Thor laughed, dropping his hand to Tony's shoulder and giving a squeeze.

"That I shall!" Tony rolled his eyes as he busied himself with something on his monitor. Thor headed for the door, leaving the sight of the camera. Tony paused his clicking, leaning back as he listened.

"Okay, he's out," Tony said, rolling back to the table. "So, recap - Thor's not really the fountain of knowledge I wanted, but I can't really be surprised. I still found this productive." Tony nodded, pausing for a moment.

"I'm changing my timeline," he announced. "I learned a lot today, but not enough. I have to go to the source, which I'm more than happy to do. I have to win the source over though. My tactic? The end of this month is almost here, so by the end of the third I want to be on speaking terms with Loki, possibly even the first date by then. It'll take more than just three months to earn his trust, so I need to start early. Next time I meet him, I'll bring him a gift. It always swayed Pepper's attention when I was being an idiot; I hope it has a similar effect on Loki."

Loki's jaw dropped - a gift? Is Tony talking about -

"Furthermore, JARVIS; we're changing the name of the title," Tony said, grunting slightly and dropping a palm to his chest. Seeing Tony in pain made Loki's guilt deepen. "Fuck, this sucks. Anyway, you ready pal?"

"Yes sir."

"Awesome - this is now known as 'Tony Stark's How To: Guide to Seducing Loki Laufeyson'. The best thing I learned was his full name," Tony said with pride, smiling softly at the monitor. "JARVIS is this a problem, do I have issues?"

"Certainly, sir." Still as charming as ever, even two years ago.

"Glad we agree, then."

The video ended on Tony's soft, tender smile. Loki knew that smile - he sees it daily, each time he locks his gaze with Tony; he had even seen it on the HUD just a few hours ago. Loki knew Tony was thinking about him. After two years, even before Loki knew, Tony's fondness seems to have only grown.

Loki felt himself begin to smile, his breathing turning shallow as his heart beat faster. After a year, even without Tony knowing, that smile made the hole in Loki's heart withdraw each and every time.

A/N: There we go, my dears! Tell me all what you thought; I'll see you all again soon! ;)