Archive of Our Own ^beta

When he first saw the armor clad Viking god, Tony Stark didn't know how he'd react. On one end he should probably at least pretend he was somewhat afraid, but on another he was petty, annoyed and absolutely bored. Meeting the brother only made him even more annoyed, but at least he got to shoot at him so he couldn't complain too much. Actually, he could complain as much as he'd like after getting hit by lightning and almost blowing his cover.

So he was annoyed, but not really for the reasons he should have been. He should be annoyed about his evening with Pepper being ruined, but he wasn't. He loved that human dearly, but they were strictly friends and he could spend more time with her later. He should be annoyed that his human father's obsession was standing a couple of feet in front of him, but he didn't really give a shit about him either. Steve Rogers was as much of a stick in the mud as Tony expected him to be. He should probably be annoyed that he was expected to work on Fury's little project without any objections, but he and JARVIS were already checking to see if Fury had any other intentions.

What he was actually annoyed with was Loki's mind of all things. It was obvious his mind was being influenced, Tony would know. He could probably fight off that influence with his own abilities, but that would make him suspicious. Yet if he doesn't, then the world might just end. So, should he reveal himself, or should he risk the world to keep his identity a secret? It was a question on morality at this point, and one he didn't have much time to answer. Loki's abilities were impressive, so he could probably get out of the sad excuse of a cage Fury put him in with relative ease. But he didn't. 

He was waiting for something, and Tony didn't know what. He didn’t really want to wait to find out either. His only solace at this moment in time was the insanity surrounding the little superhero boy-band plus girl. He almost wanted to smile at how easy everyone was to provoke, and he didn’t even have to do anything but say a couple of words. Though, there was nothing quite like causing a ruckus like he did with Pentheus. He chuckled darkly at the memory, ignoring the way the other Avengers were looking at him. 

“Big man in a suit of armor, take that away and what are you?” At that the chuckling stopped. He looked at the blond American golden boy straight in the eyes and answered him easily. He was so much more than anyone ever really gave him credit for, even as just a human he was a force to be reckoned with. It was actually starting to get annoying. He could make the man in front of him regret even looking at him wrong, but his days as a vindictive guy were behind him… mostly. He would still bother the soldier out of time as often as possible though, if only because it was kind of funny how annoyed he could get. And back to the point, just what kind of footage was he watching anyways? Was it anti-Tony propaganda Fury cooked up?

Then they realized the reason everyone was tense was due to the glowstick of destiny Banner was clutching, and definitely not because of Tony’s influence. The inventor was a bit thankful for that, considering he should have had more control over his innate ability, but just as he was about to take a breath in relief everything went to shit. Tony groaned before making himself move on and nearly get shredded by one of the hellicarior’s engines.

“Loki’s a full-tilt diva.” Tony explained to Steve as he looked outside the floating ship’s windows. “He wants flowers, he wants parades, he wants a monument built in the skies with his name plastered…” It was at this moment that he knew exactly where Loki was. “Son of a bitch!” Steve looked confused at him, but Tony wasn’t paying much attention to that human anymore. He had bigger fish to fry.

Reaching his tower, the restlessness from before returned. He could do something, and he might be able to stop the influence on Loki’s mind before it was too late or he could potentially doom the entire world. He knew which option he wanted to pick, but that wasn’t the one he’d go with. So he got himself a drink; some liquid courage that wouldn’t even affect him. But before he could ultimately ruin his life, he decided to try one last approach.

“The Chitauri are coming, nothing will change that. What have I to fear?” Tony smiled knowingly at that, but said nothing. 

“The Avengers.” He took another sip of his drink and looked straight at Loki. “It’s what we call ourselves,” though technically Tony wasn’t invited to join the group… but Loki didn’t need to know that. “Earth’s mightiest heroes type of thing.” He shrugged lightly, looking intently at Loki to see if there was any reaction. Nothing. He took another sip and closed his eyes briefly. He still had time.

Their conversation continued, but nothing changed. Loki attempted to control Tony but failed miserably. Tony would like to think that it’s because he’s a pretty awesome guy with pretty awesome powers but it was more than likely the fact that the scepter didn’t really touch him, just the reactor. He would still make a joke about it though. “Well, performance issues. You know? One out of five guys…” Loki grabbed him by the throat, and Tony’s time was up. He chuckled darkly, and grabbed Loki’s throat right back and even tighter.

“What?” Loki spluttered. Tony didn’t say anything though, there was nothing else to say after all. Instead, he let his energy flow onto Loki and began to influence him. “What are you doing?” The godling hissed, but Tony ignored him. He just concentrated, ignoring how Loki tightened his grip around his throat. It hurt like hell, but he’s been through worse. Hell, he’s been through worse the moment he was born.

After what felt like a lifetime, Tony could feel the influence on Loki’s mind leave him entirely. The Norse god in front of him looked at him with glazed eyes and pinked cheeks. He was drunk on Tony’s essence, and the mechanic would be lying if he said Loki didn’t look attractive right then and there. It would be so easy to just keep him like this, to make him one of his followers or even to shut him up for good. Tony took a deep breath and let go of Loki, both physically and mentally. The god sobered up immediately. He looked sharply at Tony and frowned, as if trying to solve an impossible puzzle. 

“What did you do?” He hissed, but Tony didn’t hear any spite behind his words. If anything, it seemed like the other just didn’t know how to react to being suddenly freed from the daze he had spent however long in. “No human should be able to dispel his influence so easily.” Tony smiled but chose not to answer, perhaps Loki would find his own answer that wouldn’t do much to harm Tony’s disguise.

“Now that you’re no longer a mind zombie, can you stop this whole invasion shindig?” He asked instead, looking at the glowing stick Loki was still holding onto. The god would have to let go of that eventually. Tony could sense it trying to get a hold of Loki’s mind once more to continue influencing it.

“We must reach Selvig before it’s too…” A beam of energy shot up to the sky as Loki was speaking, “late.” Loki frowned, clearly annoyed by the impeccable timing of the event. 

“Great.” Tony sighed. He felt a pang of guilt hit him. He should have done this far sooner. He shouldn’t have stalled. Now the world might be doomed and it would be his fault. He closed his eyes and inhaled sharply. “Tell me there’s a way to stop this?” 

“I don’t know.” Loki whispered quietly with distaste. 

“You don’t know, or you don’t want to tell me?” Tony looked at him dangerously, threatening deadly vengeance should Loki’s answer not be satisfactory. Loki, to his credit, just snarled.

“You think I enjoyed being a puppet? No. I have no desire to rule your idiotic planet, and if I did I most certainly wouldn’t do it through pointless violence as such. There are far simpler, and superior ways to obtain control of this pathetic piece of rock.” Tony wanted to punch the guy for insulting his planet, but he understood the message well enough.

“Well, if you figure something out let me know.” Tony made his way towards the balcony of his tower and looked down. He blinked for a moment before he steeled his wits. “Okay J, now or never.” He knew the fall wouldn’t kill him, but he also didn’t want to faceplant into the ground. That shit hurts.

“Where are you going?” Loki asked from behind him. Apparently the Norse god decided to follow him. Tony smiled at him for a moment before looking out at all of the aliens pouring out from the portal. 

“Well, someone has to do something.” He said cheekily before he took a leap of faith, fully trusting JARVIS to catch him. He probably could have just waited for the suit to arrive, but he was also a bit of a drama queen. Plus, this was faster. He turned on his comms, deciding to update his team on the situation. “So, it turns out Loki was being mind controlled all this time.” He said casually, flying straight into the alien army. Damn those guys were fugly.

“You’re shitting me.” Barton said, a bit annoyed. “This entire time, the fucker’s been mind controlled?” Not exactly, Tony thought. He was being influenced. His actions were still his own, that much Tony knew, but he wouldn’t have done any of them if it weren’t for the dark voice whispering orders into his mind. 

“Yup.” Tony lied easily. “I told him to try and shut off the portal, but he has no clue how.” A new line popped up, trying to join in on the comms. Tony frowned, but he realized it was coming from the tower. He smirked, momentarily curious to what Loki wanted to say. Maybe he figured something out. “Speak of the devil.” He muttered before connecting the lines.

“Stark.” Loki greeted him. “I’m entirely unimpressed by your theatrics,” he was totally impressed, “but seeing as you seem to enjoy endangering your life, I might as well assist you in hopes of preserving it as recompense.” Tony smirked, the guy seemed like he didn’t want to admit he was curious about Tony. He’d take it though, if it meant Loki was helping them out. “The Chintauri work as a hive mind, and the mothership is on the other side of the portal. Either you destroy it, or you kill all of its soldiers. Unfortunately, it is most likely going to be strongly fortified. Our best bet is to close the portal, but Selvag is unconscious. I believe the blast from the contraption concussed him.”

“Is there anything else we can do?” Natasha asked, her voice tight with distrust. 

“Fight, and hope that you midgardians are worthy warriors.” Loki responded with a droll, earning him an eye roll from Tony.

“You heard the guy, let’s get this party started.” Tony whooped, firing shots at whatever alien he saw. 

It was actually kind of nifty how well everyone fought together. There was some level of mutual trust in each other’s abilities, and it was almost nostalgic for Tony. There was a bit of distrust when Loki joined the battlefield, after Natasha and Steve went to find Selvig (apparently he was too scared of Loki to try and do anything, go figure). Thor made sure to give Loki the ‘if you do anything evil, I will personally make you regret it’ speech before he let the other join the fray. But damn, when he finally did join the fight, he fought brilliantly. Tony almost ran head first into one of those giant alien whales because of how badly he was rubbernecking. And the best part by far was the banter.

“Behind you Luigi!” Tony called out to Loki. It was impressive how the other god knew Tony was talking to him, but not nearly as impressive as Loki’s immediate response. He swiftly turned around and sent out daggers to his assailants without even aiming. Either he was madly talented, or he trusted Tony’s calls; perhaps both.

“My name is Loki. Get it right, Stark.” He huffed, but he didn’t sound annoyed. He threw another dagger that met its mark perfectly. Tony briefly wondered where the hell he was getting all of his daggers. He didn’t really pay attention to Norse mythology, but he wouldn’t be surprised if Loki was the god of daggers. 

“Then get it right and call me Tony.” The inventor huffed back, smiling. 

“A demanding bargain.” Loki retorted. “I shall think on it.” He was such a brat and Tony was loving it.

“Take your time, Reindeer Games.” Tony shouted back, firing at alien after alien. It was impossible to fight all of them, to say the least. Hawkeye was running out of arrows, Hulk’s smashing pace was slowing down, Loki and Tony were getting overrun by aliens, and even Thor was having trouble. Tony kept trying to keep the spirits up by constantly bantering with everyone, but even he knew morale wasn’t going to stay positive for much longer. It was then that a miracle happened and Selvik remembered a failsafe he had added to stop the portal. 

It was then that they were told a nuclear bomb was being sent to New York.

“Your council thinks it wise to dispel this threat by eradicating an entire city of civilians?” Loki questioned, looking at Tony with a hint of annoyance.

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” Tony shrugged, but he felt pretty peevish himself. Well, whatever. He didn’t come this far just to lose the battle to a goddamn nuke. “Keep the portal open Cap!” He said cheerfully over the comms. He glanced back at Loki and gave him a salute before flying off. 

Tony saw the beautiful symphony of insanity blossoming from the explosion as it destroyed ship after ship in this void. He closed his eyes, satisfied with the life he had lived. He knew he wasn’t unkillable, but he had really hoped he would have made it out of this alive… or at least still on his planet. It did give him peace knowing his death would keep Earth safe; well, he hoped he’d die… it would suck to be alive in an empty void for millennia with no hope for rescue. 

He momentarily wondered if he’d still go to the underworld. Perhaps he could see his mom again, and perhaps he would finally get to meet his real mother. He always wondered what she was like. He wondered if she would be like Maria; if she would be kind, and caring. Maybe the two of them would get along and bond over their son and his shenanigans. He smiled softly at the thought before everything went black.

Then there was a beastly roar and a slight tremor from the earth below, both urging his consciousness to return. His eyes snapped open, and he was momentarily surprised with where he was. The Avengers were surrounding him, smiling at him. Loki was looking at him intently, kneeling beside him with a fond hand placed on his cheek. “You live.” He noted with a bored tone, but his eyes revealed the relief he felt. Tony had grown on him, after all.

They all decided to eat shawarma, upon Tony’s insistence. It was a bit awkward at first. Everyone was too tired to talk, or maybe they just didn’t know what to talk about. Loki, however, quickly became bored. He turned towards Tony and struck a conversation. “You never did tell me how you managed to free me from… his influence.” Tony raised a brow, realizing Loki was hesitant about something. Perhaps he didn’t know what he should call his weird mind control episode? No, Loki knew exactly what happened to his mind, it was something else. Tony decided to put a pin on that and figure it out later. 

“Tony didn’t mention he freed you from being mind controlled.” Natasha noted, looking at Tony with a demanding gaze. Looking around the table, Tony could easily confirm that she wasn’t the only one expecting an answer. Okay, time to bullshit his way through yet another questionnaire. At least this time he wasn’t on national TV.

“JARVIS scanned you when you decided to pay my tower a visit. He noticed you were emitting a similar frequency that your glowstick did. It wasn’t hard to put two plus two after that.” He shrugged, biting into his shawarma. As far as bullshit answers went, this one actually wasn’t that bad. 

“I see.” Loki gave Tony a knowing look. Nobody else called his bluff, and it seemed like Loki wasn’t about to out him. “I suppose I owe your formless butler my thanks.” 

“I suppose you do.” Tony agreed with a hum, wondering if Loki would try and pry the truth from him later. The other Avengers went back to silence, satisfied with the answer Tony provided them with. Loki continued idle conversations with Tony, but it wasn’t hard to tell that he wanted to ask more questions. He didn’t ask anything though, which Tony was grateful for. Tony did notice the god eyeing his neck; he was probably looking for bruises he might have left behind… though he wouldn't find any -not just because of the turtleneck of his bodysuit covering it up. It was nice that the other was worried about him, even if he probably wouldn't mention it.

Eventually everyone was done eating, and Tony ended up paying the bill. He expected as much, considering he was the one who wanted to eat there in the first place, but a thanks would have been nice. Natasha, Steve, Bruce and Clint ended up leaving with tired waves and a couple of yawns. Tony almost offered to let them spend the night at his tower, but a tap on his shoulder distracted him before he could get their attention.

“Thank you for the meal, Anthony.” Unsurprisingly, Tony was right: the thanks was nice. The billionaire gave Loki a bright smile, and nodded at him. “Am I to assume I will be dragged back to Asgard?” His voice was cold as he turned to his brother, an incredible contrast to the warmth he had used on Tony.

“I must give the Tesseract to father.” Thor nodded and then smiled brightly. “And he will be pleased to know that you live.”

“You are welcome to inform your father of my status, but I will not be returning with you to Asgard if given the choice.” Loki responded cooly, with his back straight and his head tilted up. Something in his voice made Tony believe he wouldn’t be returning to Asgard at all.

“Don’t be difficult brother.” Thor sighed in tired exasperation, causing Loki to stiffen.

“Actually, I think it would be a smart idea to keep Lokes here on Earth.” Tony said with a calculated lazy grin. Thor glared at him, and Loki raised a curious brow. It then struck Tony that perhaps Loki had obtained Tony’s attention for this conversation in order for him to barter Loki’s freedom with Thor somehow. Cheeky bastard.

“You will not keep my brother from me.” Thor said harshly. So harshly, in fact, that Tony rolled his eyes. It was kind of dumb how intense he was at times.

“I’m mortal, I’m pretty sure I can’t keep your brother in general.” He pointed out with a snort and Loki’s eyes perked up as if he had just heard something pleasing. Tony wasn’t able to discern just what it was, so he decided to continue talking. “What I’m suggesting is that it might be beneficial to have Loki acting as some sort of ambassador to Earth. I mean, Earth was just told there are aliens out there by means of alien attack. Cliche as hell, by the way. Wouldn’t it be an act of good will to have someone from Asgard offering to aid the planet in its time of need?” 

Thor frowned and Loki grinned. “That is a wise idea, Anthony.” 

“And why should that ambassador be my brother?” Thor asked. ‘Why not me?’ Was what Tony heard him asking. “He led the invading army, after all.” Loki's glare was murderous, and Tony was thankful not to be on the receiving end of that.

“While under mind control.” Tony supplied easily. “It’s good PR, actually. People love a redemption story, where the supposed bad guy switches sides and tries to help out the good guys. It’s especially loved if the bad guy was actually a victim all along. And now he’s trying to help repair the damage he caused? People will love him.” Loki frowned at him, but chose to say nothing. “I mean, we could see if you’d be willing to be our ambassador, but from what I’ve seen you’re not one for politics.” 

“I’m afraid you are correct, Man of Iron.” Thor looked at Loki, and then sighed. “Very well, I shall speak with father and we shall see what he says. Until then, you will remain under Stark’s watch.” He said with finality. 

“And if I don’t?” Loki questioned.

“Then you will break mother’s heart.” It turns out Loki was a mama's boy, because he said nothing after that.

The two brothers did end up spending the night at Tony’s tower, and Thor left the morning after. Tony couldn’t say he would miss him much, lightning always made him a bit uncomfortable. He will admit that it was kind of impressive how, not even a second after Thor left, Loki was quick to corner him. “You realize I had no intention of playing the part of redemption seeking villainous victim, and you do know I was in control of my actions.” Loki looked at him sharply, expectantly.

“Well, duh.” Tony snorted. “Doesn’t mean you can’t still use the good PR for your benefit.” Loki simply hummed in agreement. “So, are you going to stay or are you going to go?” Tony motioned towards his coffee machine, feeling a desperate need for caffeine. Honestly, coffee was better than ambrosia.

“I have decided to stay, for now.” The taller man responded. Tony blinked in surprise, but smiled.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll have JARVIS prepare a floor for you.” Tony continued to smile as the coffee poured hotly on his ugly old mug, gifted to him by his very own Platypus. "Do you want anything to drink?" He glanced back to look at Loki, only to see the other studying him with fascination. He'd have to be careful, Tony mused, if he didn't want to get found out by the space viking.

"Yes, I do believe I'll have that drink now."

---

One month later and Loki is still there. Tony would admit he had expected the other god to leave by now, but there must have been something interesting enough to make him stay. Oh well, it's not like Tony didn't mind the company; besides, he wasn't the only one hanging around the tower. The Avengers decided the tower looked an awful lot like a hotel. From time to time, one or another would spend the night. Tony knew this was Fury’s way of keeping an eye on Loki, and also on himself. He couldn’t exactly say no to the guy, since he technically was housing an all-powerful space viking god with immense power; though he didn’t really like being spied on and it seemed Loki didn’t like it much either.

Yet, overall, it wasn't really a bad thing; in fact, it almost reminded Tony of living with his cult. Sort of. He supposed he missed living with random people who followed him around, except that he didn't really know where he stood with this specific group. He wasn't sure if he was a teammate, or if he was just the convenient rich guy who could pack a punch. He hoped for the former, but knew it was more likely the latter; Fury and Natasha’s crap manipulation tactics proved as much. Either way, he had money and a large empty tower so he might as well let them stay. He was used to being the odd man out, anyhow.

His only rule for everyone was that they never enter his lab. Natasha, and then eventually Clint and Steve, tried to get in using many different tactics. Bruce had expressed interest in working in a lab together, so Tony had another lab built. Natasha had raised a brow and loudly wondered why he was being too selfish to share, but Tony had ignored her completely. Loki wasn’t quite as ignorant, however, and that was how Natasha suddenly found her signature red hair turned bright reactor blue. Tony easily admitted it was the funniest shit he’s seen in a while and made sure to gift Loki a really good batch of wine.

It took about three months before Tony felt comfortable enough with Loki to invite him to his lab. After the bullshit with Stane, Tony didn’t want to take any chances. He’s been a bit iffy on who gets to enter his personal space and who doesn’t. He never thought he’d grant Loki any access, but he also knew Loki didn’t really need his approval. Had he wanted to, he could easily teleport inside his lab without blinking. Maybe it was the blatant respect that he showed everytime he knocked on the doors or requested JARVIS to inform Tony of something in his stead that convinced Tony to let him come in. It also could have been that he just really enjoyed the other’s company. 

The moment Tony had told Loki he had access to the labs, Loki would spend almost as much time there as Tony. Normally, Tony would have felt alarmed by that, but oddly enough he didn't. Loki never snooped on his projects, nor did he steal things; he just sat down on the couch and read a book or struck conversations with Tony. Their personal favorite topic to talk about was the differences between magic and science. Tony knew they were similar to an extent, but Asgardian magic was on a whole different scale than what he was used to. 

"Would you say all magic is the same?" Tony couldn't stop himself from asking. He looked up at Loki who, once again, was found sitting on his couch but this time he had Tony on his lap. He had come in on a day where Tony had crashed on said couch after hours of working. Tony was already awake when Loki had come in but he was just fiddling with his tablet, not really wanting to get up. With a huff, Loki simply lifted him and readjusted him so that his head was pillowed on Loki's lap. This of course means that Loki had granted Tony permission to use him as a pillow at any point in time, and Tony intended to do so as much as possible.

"No, not quite." Loki answered, eyes not leaving the book he was reading. It was impressive how he could easily multitask. Tony wondered if that was something a skilled mage learned or if it was just a Loki thing. "The basics are always the same, but the practice is different. Similarly to your science, there are indisputable laws that can not be changed but there is still much that can deviate. Your planet's gravity is different from that of Asgards, but the concept is the same." Tony hummed with interest.

"Fascinating." He muttered before putting his attention back on the documents Pepper had him read.

"Oh? Does magic interest you Anthony?" Tony still shuddered every time he heard Loki call him by his name like that. It had taken Tony a while to get Loki to use his first name, and even then Loki insisted on ignoring his nickname. Normally he would have hated it, but somehow it was different with Loki. He figured it was because of the way he said his name, with respect and maybe even some adoration. That, and Loki was really hot.

"Not entirely. It's interesting, but I know a couple of mages and the novelty period ended a while ago. What's fascinating is the way you think of it, and how you've obviously mastered its craft. The magicians I know were born with their magic, but you've clearly studied it and turned it into something more scholarly. I love picking your brain on it." Tony answered truthfully as he signed document after document. It was only after a minute of silence that he realized how intently Loki was observing him. "Uh, is everything okay Rock of Ages?"

"It's a shame you are mortal." Loki finally said after another brief moment of silence before returning to his book. Tony's heart ran fast, in both gleeful wonder and guilt alike. He couldn't help but be curious why Loki thought his supposed mortality was a shame. "Did your mage friends teach you how to dispel influences to the mind?" Loki's question took Tony away from his train of thought.

"No, they didn't." He chose not to take the easy way out of this question and lie; Loki deserved that much. He was thankful when Loki didn't comment any further than a thoughtful hum. 

The rest of the day was spent in a similar fashion, where Loki simply read and Tony stayed as long as possible in the other god's lap. He even finished reading and signing every document Pepper had sent his way. There was a reason she liked Loki, after all. The entire time, however, Tony held a silent debate on whether or not he was willing to trust Loki with everything -with things he hadn't even told Rhodey or Pepper. Though, Tony figured Loki was a special case; he was a god after all…

---

“So what’s the book of the week?” Clint asked, looking at Bruce with a smirk. Without looking up from his book, the scientist answered. 

“Iliad.” Tony perked up at that title.They were all in the common area that Tony had set up in his hotel -wait, he meant tower. This was one of those times where everyone had expressed interest to spend the night hanging out, which meant they were gathering for their quasi book club. It was really just Bruce and Steve who participated in the reading since Tony didn’t really have the time (plus he’s already read most of the titles), Clint didn’t care much for books, Natasha preferred to read her magazines, Thor didn’t read, and Loki was still a bit of an outcast (which Tony thought was really fucking stupid but whatever). Regardless, all of the Avengers and Tony would meet up from time to time and just spend time together. Bruce and Steve would read their books, Natasha would read her Magazine, Tony would just work on whatever Pepper needed from him, Clint would dick around and Thor would join him when he was Earthbound. Today Thor was in Asgard, much to Tony’s (and Loki’s) delight.

“I didn’t know you were into Greek classics.” Tony said with an eager grin, and Bruce did look up at that.

“Are you?” There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Tony smiled, oh was he?

“You could say that.” The mechanic responded cheekily. Tony wondered if this meant they would bond over more than just science. Whenever Bruce and Tony worked together, they always ended up having a good time. Eventually, they became what Bruce would tentatively call friends and Tony was ecstatic. Maybe with more common interests they could be better friends.

“I didn’t peg you as someone who’d like the classics.” Clint looked at Tony quizzically, almost as though he was someone entirely different. “I thought they’d bore you out.”

“Have you ever read the classics?” Tony asked pointedly. When Clint didn’t answer, Tony smiled. “Didn’t think so.”

“Which one’s your favorite?” Steve spoke up, turning away from his own book. Wait, was Captain Stick-In-The-Mud seriously the one that he was going to bond with over Greek mythology? Tony almost frowned, but quickly slapped on a smile instead and turned back to his holograms.

“I rather like Atalanta’s tale.” Tony said with a gentle smile.

“Really?” Bruce asked. “I thought you’d like Daedalus more.” Tony shrugged.

“The guy was a genius, but Atalanta was kickass.” 

“Who are these people?” Loki asked, surprising everyone as he quietly made his way into the living room. It wasn’t hard to tell how everyone but Bruce and Tony tensed. The only reason they were all here was to keep an eye on Loki, after all.

“Greek heroes.” Tony explained. “Like Beowulf, but better.” Loki blinked for a moment, and then gave Tony a sly grin.

“It’s not hard to be better than Beowulf; he was the ideal warrior, far too dull for my liking.” He had a point there. Beowulf was probably more up Thor’s alley. “So, then, who exactly are these Greek heroes?”

“Well, they are heroic figures from ancient Greek mythology. Similar to the Norse, the Greeks had their own set of gods and their own religion. Of course, this stemmed from stories about the gods themselves, or people related to them in some way, shape or form.” Bruce spoke up this time, completely abandoning his book in lieu of the conversation. It seems Brucey Bear really liked Greek mythology; Tony knew he liked him for a reason.

“I see.” Loki hummed. “Well then, tell me about these gods.” Tony’s mind blanched for a second. Loki had actually wanted to know about the Greek gods for some reason. Tony would take that for the opportunity it was.

“Well, there’s the big three. Zeus, the king of gods and also god of lightning, his brother Poseidon, god of the sea, and his other brother Hades, god of the underworld. Hades is so underappreciated it hurts.” He started.

“He really is.” Bruce agreed. “There’s also the main twelve, though it includes Zeus and Poseidon. In it is Athena, goddess of warfare and wisdom; Ares, god of war; Aphrodite, goddess of love and beauty; Apollo, god of the sun; Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt; Hera, goddess of marriage and childbirth; Haphaestus, god of blacksmiths and craftsmen; Hermes, god of travel and messages; and Demeter, goddess of the harvest. The last one is often changed between Hestia, goddess of the hearth, and Dionysus, god of wine.” 

“Fascinating. Is that all of their gods?” Loki asked.

“Not really. There are plenty of others, but those ones are the most famous. Those are also just the Olympians. There are the Titans too.” Loki stiffened at the last comment.

“Titans?” He asked lazily, but his eyes were dangerous.

“Assholes, really.” Tony explained. “Zeus took over, though. They’re basically exiled at this point.” Loki hummed non committedly.

“Do you have a favorite among those gods?” 

“I bet it’s Dionysus.” Clint snickered, but Tony rolled his eyes.

“I’d think it would be Haphaestus. Tony is basically a blacksmith, after all.” Steve gave his two, unwanted cents.

“Hephaestus is a prick, and Dionysus…” Tony trailed off, not really sure how he would finish that sentence. “I like Apollo the best.” He said instead.

“Why?” This time, it was Natasha who asked. She was still reading her magazine, but it was clear she had been paying attention since the beginning.

“I just do.” Tony shrugged. He had plenty of reasons for liking Apollo more than the other gods, the guy was pretty great. Hell, he'd probably start an Apollo fan club just because of how much he liked the guy, and also because of how that would probably annoy the living crap out of him; two birds.

“I like Athena.” Bruce said calmly, looking back at his book. “She’s smart and crafty.”

“I think Poseidon is pretty cool.” Steve smiled. 

“Artemis.” Clint admitted. “She’s a badass with a bow, what’s not to like?” He answered when Natasha eyed him.

“Hera.” Tony stilled at that answer and no one but Loki noticed. “That woman doesn’t take shit.” Natasha finished with a smirk.

“You could say that.” Tony forced a smile, before packing up his tablet and getting up. “I have to go down to the lab, think you guys will survive without me?” 

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” Clint rolled his eyes. “You didn’t have to join us in the first place.”

“Rude.” Tony gasped in mock offense. He smiled when Clint chuckled, and started making his way out of the room.

“Who do you think would be your favorite, Loki?” Tony paused when he heard Bruce ask this; he was rather curious for the answer. Who would Loki pick? Certainly not Zeus, considering how similar he was to Thor. Maybe Athena then? Loki tended to like smart people well enough, and Athena was pretty smart.

“I am not well versed enough to decide. I will provide you with an answer at a later date.” Tony shook his head with a smile and continued his walk. He hoped Loki wouldn’t choose someone he hated, but for now he was content with the mystery.

—

Having Loki become Asgard’s ambassador was the greatest decision Asgard has ever made. Tony might be a bit biased but the point is still there. The greatest part about it wasn’t even how entertaining it was to watch how easily Loki played his part of poor victim of the Chitauri invasion; hell, it wasn’t even how fun it was to see Loki get what he wanted by just talking to people in power and influencing them with words alone. The best part was that Tony was essentially bullied by the U.S. government into being the ambassador’s ambassador. They figured since Loki had decided he didn’t want to live anywhere that wasn’t Tony’s tower and since the two of them fought side by side that one time, Tony would make the perfect pick to help Loki integrate with the world.

Had it been Thor, Tony knew he would be bashing his head against the wall in order to end his misery as quickly as possible. Loki, however, was incredibly astute and didn’t really need Tony to baby him throughout anything. On his second day of living with Tony he had already caught up with a good chunk of history, and what few things did confuse him he’d debate with Tony. It started with Tony giving a brief sparknotes description of what happened and why and then Loki would question it more and more.

“So, he marched elephants through a river as well as through treacherous mountains that were far too cold of an environment for them to live in; lost the majority of his army in said march, and still won a handful of battles before being forced to retreat?” Loki asked bewildered.  "That seems highly unlikely. His army was reduced greatly, how did the Romans fail to defend against him?"

This debate occurred during dinner. Tonight it was just the two of them, Rhodey was still out of town and both Pepper and Bruce were too busy. Luckily, the Avengers had other things to do. Tony had decided to cook for the two of them; it had been a while since he cooked and he was tired of take out. Not to mention he might have been trying to impress Loki, just a little bit. The meal for tonight wasn’t anything too complicated, it was just rice with chicken and some vegetables, so it wouldn’t take long to make. He didn't feel too bad to simply leave Loki waiting at the table.

"They weren't expecting anyone to come from the Alps." Tony smiled, it was a very high risk high reward endeavor and Hannibal made it work. It was actually rather impressive.

“A poor excuse.” Loki sneered unimpressed. Tony found himself agreeing as he placed the finished dish on the table. He then grabbed two plates and some silverware and set the table. All the while, Loki was simply observing him.

“No one had done it before. Way back when, the Alps were considered a natural wall of defense.” He gave a helpless shrug. It was still a bad excuse, but it was all he had. "Anything to drink?"

“There should still be guards protecting it. Even more so since they were in a war.” Loki shot back before thinking momentarily. "Water is fine for tonight." He said more kindly and Tony felt himself smiling.

"As you wish." He filled two cups with water and finally sat down next to Loki. "They had their armies stationed elsewhere. Why protect something that's supposedly impenetrable when you are literally fighting a battle elsewhere?" 

"That is… a valid reasoning I suppose.” It seemed like something Tony said hit a bit close to home. The billionaire frowned, debating with himself whether or not he should ask. He didn’t want to be intrusive, the gods know how nosy he could be at times, but he also didn’t want to be uncaring. 

“Whatever it is, if you wanna talk about it I’m all ears. If you don’t, then I can tell you about how a guy managed to psych out an entire army with one singular instrument.” He decided to be casual about it and offer Loki an easy out if he wanted it. If there was anything Tony understood well, it was how absolutely horrible it felt to be consistently questioned about intimate topics. Some things are better left unsaid, and other things need time to be said. He liked Loki, he really, really did, so the last thing he wanted was to make the guy feel uncomfortable. That would just be bad hospitality, which is one of the few rules of conduct he refuses to break.

“It is nothing of importance, simply a tale of my origins.” The godling offered, but before Tony could ask another question he continued to speak. “We can speak of it at a later time, perhaps.” There was a grateful look in Loki’s eyes as he spoke, and Tony realized he had done the right thing. “For now, I am far more interested in this man you spoke of.” With that Tony smiled and began to talk about Zhuge Liang and his brilliant strategy.

Since that day, Loki has been spending more and more time with Tony (it’s surprising that was even possible). Honestly, Tony had expected Loki to leave by now. The other god had no real obligations to Earth, it’s obvious he could head out to any of the other worlds he’s been to before, but he stayed. It wasn’t for anything Earth had to offer, considering how Loki spent the majority of his time inside the Tower with Tony, or following him around for business trips. “It’s refreshing,” Loki once told him when Tony finally asked about it during a SI trip to Germany, “you’ve been nothing but a gracious host, and you expect nothing in return. You do not force me to stay, but you always welcome me. You have made it clear that I am wanted here, and because of it I wish to stay here."

It wasn’t really an answer Tony had been expecting, nor one he would have even dreamed of getting. He really liked Loki, the guy was pretty great, but he hadn’t expected the other to practically admit he’s only staying on Earth and putting effort to create good relations with it just for Tony. He assumed it was because he wanted to try and salvage some sort of relationship with Asgard and what he was doing with Earth could be considered community service; or maybe he had nothing better to do; or he could be planning something from behind the scenes. All were probable answers Tony had expected, but he rather liked the one Loki gave a lot more.

—

“Why do you always look so tired, Anthony?” Loki asked once from his spot on the couch.

“What do you mean?” Tony had been working on a side project that would hopefully help with giving energy to more secluded locations. It was an attempt to branch out deeper into cleaner energy, and bring modern comforts to whoever wanted them anywhere in the world.

“Perhaps you should consider taking a brief respite from your work.” The god suggested. Tony thought for a moment. He hadn’t really been doing much this week. Sure, he had the normal million and one things to do, but compared to his normal schedule it was pretty tame.

“I feel fine, though?” He was genuinely confused. He heard Loki sigh, but nothing more was said.

—

“These Greek gods are ridiculous.” Loki said with such finality many days later after storming into the lab. Tony was slowly getting used to having Loki pop in randomly at his workshop. He didn’t really mind it all that much, though. The other god was actually pretty interesting, to say the least. Tony could probably talk to him all day and he still wouldn’t be bored. Few people could retain his full attention like Loki does; not even Pepper could do that and she was beyond fascinating in her own right.

“Tell me about it.” Tony chuckled, putting down the tool he had been using. He was genuinely curious about Loki’s assessment of the Greeks; interested enough to stop what he was doing to give Loki his undivided attention. He noted with mild interest how this has happened many times now. Loki would come in wanting to start a conversation and Tony would stop everything if he could just to listen. With anyone else, he’d probably just keep working, but there was something about Loki that was captivating. He wondered if he imagined Loki's smug look after Tony put down his tools or if he really was proud of his achievement. Tony couldn't say for certain since the look was gone in mere seconds and instantly replaced with one of annoyance.

“Zeus wasn’t faithful, and Hera was far too vindictive. Athena was birthed from a headache, and Ares is unhealthily bloodthirsty. I thought Hermes was rather interesting at first, he did dwell with tricks and schemes after all; then I found out about his blatant disrespect to another’s autonomy. Your favored Apollo can’t seem to keep a lover, and his sister doesn’t seem to like the idea of lovers and would rather hunt down her suitors instead. Aphrodite is the other extreme… Honestly, there are few gods who seem decent.” Tony couldn’t help but laugh at the rant. Yeah, Greek gods were rather odd, but Tony wouldn’t have them any other way.

A dangerous question then formed in Tony’s mind. “What do you think about Dionysus?” He asked despite himself.

“The wine god?” Loki hummed thoughtfully. “Truthfully, I believe he’s a walking tragedy. I do appreciate his spontaneity, however.” Tony blinked, forcing a smile. 

"Yeah, that sounds about right." He hummed, picking up his tools again. "You know, he's also associated with death, life and rebirth. A god whose followers are doomed to be in a state of religious ecstasy, only to horribly die in some way or another." 

“Fascinating. Tell me, why do they choose to follow him then?” Loki asked, observing how melancholic Tony looked after hearing his question. The inventor picked up the model he had been working on and fiddled with it absentmindedly.

“When you are ostracized, hated, abused or belittled, sometimes you would do anything for a moment of true freedom; or, maybe just the feeling of it. To give yourself to your base urges without fear of the pressures placed on you by others. To feel as though you belong somewhere, especially if that somewhere numbs your mind to the cruelties of life alongside others who feel similarly to you.” Tony put the model down again and turned around, knowing Loki was probably reading the emotion he couldn’t keep from his face. “Then again, some people just like to drink and fuck.” He shrugged, hoping the humor would tone down the severity of the mood.

“This is a matter of great importance to you.” Loki said kindly, walking closer to Tony. “Please, enlighten me as to why.” 

Tony’s smile only saddened more, but what could he say? He liked Loki enough, but the truth was something that could fuck him over entirely if word ever got out. It wasn't that he didn't trust the godling, but he's had a horrible track record with trusting the wrong people. A hand went to his reactor at the thought, his most recent reminder of why trust was a bad idea sometimes. "You could say I relate to him." This was as close to the truth as he would go; for now at least.

Loki raised a brow. "Were you a part of the group of individuals whom you've listed?" 

"Great question." Tony smiled, though it never reached his eyes. "Yeah, in a sense. It's been an uphill battle from the moment I was born, maybe even before."

"I see." Loki frowned, there was a hint of contemplation in his silent gaze. He hesitantly opened his mouth to speak. "I believe I might have become one of his followers." He admitted. Tony's eyes widened in mild panic, though Loki took it as surprise. "As you know, I'm adopted. I had been lied to my entire life; despite the fact, I always knew I was different. As such, I was rather ridiculed by most of Thor's friends and other Asgardians. I was far too feminine for their tastes, and magic was always dubbed a woman's art… regardless of how often it saved them." 

"The more you talk about Asgard, the more I want to kick their collective asses." Tony grunted. "Well you're more of a gentleman than Thor, that's for sure. Not to mention, you have better taste than most men I know. Fuck Asgard."

"Normally I don't find pleasure in your vulgarities; however I do appreciate it just this once." Loki smiled but Tony couldn't smile back; his mind was still in Loki's earlier musing of joining the Dionisic cult.

"Loki, promise me you'll never join Dionysus' cult. If… if he does exist and you end up finding him, promise me you won't follow him." He was far too serious for his liking, but he needed to hear Loki say it; just in case.

"I'm not one to follow others willingly, not unless it's within my interests." Loki frowned. "There is something you are not telling me." 

"You're not wrong." Was what the engineer retorted with a much lighter tone.

"Why?" That was the question, wasn't it? Why wouldn't Tony just come out clean for Loki. He had been in his tower for over eight months now. They got along swimmingly and, between living together and working as ambassadors together, were almost never apart. Becoming close friends with Loki would definitely make his life less lonely, yet the thought terrified him. 

He's been burned too many times, lied to too many more. When he does finally get someone to love him, someone he could love, one way or another they are taken from him. Loki could hurt him badly; either by betraying his trust or by being taken from him. It was a bad idea, but it was so fucking tempting. "I'm scared." He was, there was no other word for the feeling he felt. "Not of you," he amended quickly, "but of what this information could do."

"Is it truly that bad?" Loki questioned, still frowning with those adorable eyebrows.

"No, but it being revealed is."

"Yes, I have one of those as well."

They never spoke of it since, but Tony was okay with that. It gave him time to debate with himself anyways. Time passed, and the two of them continued to spend a good chunk of time together. The Avengers still came and went; same with Pepper and Rhodey, though they came by more often. Even Thor stopped by periodically, though it was always a bit weird.

—

"What is it about me that makes you so uncomfortable, friend Tony?" Thor finally asked one day when they were drinking together. Loki, as per usual when Thor came to visit, was nowhere to be found. That was the big downside of Thor's visits.

"Lightning." Tony admitted. He liked Thor, enjoyed his company even. He preferred Loki's for obvious reasons, but he still became good friends with Thor regardless. He was surprised he got along with Thor so easily now, considering how much he avoided the other like the plague when they first met. He supposed all of that “team bonding” Steve sometimes made them do helped after all. "Dad really likes lightning. Makes me think of him every time."

"I see. Are you not fond of your father?" Thor wondered before taking another drink of one of Tony's favorite scotches.

"He's okay actually as far as a dad goes. He did a lot for me, but there are still some things about him that I don’t really like. His overindulgence and arrogance are prime examples. His wife is also fucking awful, so there’s that." He sneered a bit spitefully. Thor's eyes widened.

"You always spoke well of Lady Maria, why speak ill of her now?" He looked entirely concerned and Tony realized his small slip up. He was being completely honest with the thunderer, much like he was with his brother.

"Maria isn't my real mom. Howard isn't my real dad." He admitted, deciding not to start lying now; it would do him no good. "I'm adopted."

"Like Loki." Thor nodded in understanding.

"Somewhat." Howard, just like Odin, was a real piece of work while Maria and Frigga were angels in their own right, but that's where the similarities ended; Loki's adoption was a fuckton worse than his was. He didn't say that out loud though, Thor probably wouldn't take it well. They kept on drinking and talking, trading stories and admitting little secrets of no importance. They were on the road to becoming really good friends; but that only meant Tony had to consider telling the truth to Thor someday. He looked at the thunderer in front of him and thought of his less boisterous brother. He liked the two enough, and he really, really liked Loki. 

That thought alone was enough to convince him it would be a good idea. Loki . He smiled softly to himself. Yes, he would tell him first, fallout be damned. Luckily for him, the moment of truth came only a few short days after when JARVIS announced an uninvited, but always welcomed, visitor. 

“Sir, Mr. Rider-of-that-Dumb-Gold-Chariot has arrived in your penthouse. Shall I inform him of your whereabouts?” Tony stilled the moment JARVIS finished speaking. Loki frowned, staring at the human in front of him, wondering what, or who, had driven away the comfortable ambiance. He swore a silent vow to protect Tony from whatever threat had just presented itself.

“No need J, I’ll go see him myself.” Tony said after a beat. He looked at Loki and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry Lokes, I have to go talk with someone. Would you mind waiting here for me?” Loki frowned, not quite willing to let the mortal venture out to unknown threats alone, but nodded eventually.

“Very well, however if you are in any danger I can be easily persuaded to assist.” He gave Tony a sharp look, causing him to smile. The pair of them had grown considerably close in a short span of time. Loki had become fond of this mortal, and he intended to keep him somehow. There was the matter of whatever secret he was keeping, yet Loki kept secrets as well. Not to mention, the mortal had made no attempts to lie about it; he simply didn’t speak it. Regardless, there was mutual interest between the two of them, but neither party made any obvious attempt to address it. They had an easy relationship, and Loki was satisfied with simply cherishing it for now. 

“Well, he won’t hurt me… I’m just worried about the news he came to deliver.” Tony paused for a moment, brows furrowed in an intense, silent debate. Then there was determination in those eyes, which he promptly closed as he took a sharp breath to steel himself for what he was about to say next. Loki decided to patiently wait. “Actually, if you’d like… you can join me.” Loki blinked, a bit surprised by the abrupt change of heart. “There’s something I should tell you, something that you’ve been asking me about since the day of the invasion… that I’ve been wanting to tell you for some time.” Loki’s curiosity was piqued, and he smiled in satisfaction.

“I would like that indeed.” He gave the mortal another nod.

“Great. Let’s go.” And so, the pair traveled up the elevator and into the engineer’s penthouse. Loki wasn’t sure who exactly would be waiting there for Tony, and he wasn’t sure how a stranger related to Tony’s secret. He didn’t voice his questions, and decided to wait for the answers to come to him naturally. He’s had to learn to practice patience when it came to dealing with the mortal. Oftentimes, if answers were demanded, Tony wouldn’t give them. However, if nothing was said, Tony would willingly offer them given time. It was an odd contradiction, but that just made Loki appreciate the other even more.

Out of everything Loki had imagined this mysterious stranger to look like, he had not expected a man whose body shimmered faintly of gold and who wore white drapes that barely covered his figure. It was far too revealing for both Midgard and Asgard’s standards, and yet fit the man oddly well. He also wore a crown of leaves on his golden head, and golden jewelry decorated his body. He stood regal but calm by the entrance to Anthony’s balcony, and the moment that he saw Anthony, he smiled brightly.

“Dio!” He said cheerfully. “You left your balcony door open, so I took that as an invitation to enter.” He looked out towards the balcony, where a chariot was parked fairly neatly.

“The only reason I even added a balcony to this tower was in case you ever did decide to visit me, after all. Glad to see it wasn’t all in vain.” Tony grinned back, taking wide strides and wrapping his arms around the other man, who returned the gesture eagerly. “It’s good to see you again Apollo.” Loki suddenly felt a pang of dreadful jealousy hit him at the scene in front of him. The name was bitterly familiar, yet he couldn't quite place it. Regardless, he realized he didn’t like this Apollo at all.

“Now that your heartfelt reunion has concluded,” he started with a snarl, “who are you and why are you here?” He could probably be a bit more civil, but he found that he didn’t care. He didn’t like the way his Anthony was eagerly embracing this other man, it felt too personal for his taste.

Apollo, to his credit, simply raised a brow. “And just who might this mortal be to talk to a god in such a manner?” Apollo said this with humor, clearly not really meaning a word. Unlike many of the other gods, Apollo didn’t really care much about being worshiped by humans anymore. That time has long since passed, and he’s moved on; but he did enjoy the reactions that humans held upon realizing his divinity. Tony rolled his eyes and Loki gaped.

“Mortal??” He hissed. “You dare call me a mortal?” He sounded as offended as he felt. To Apollo’s defense, Loki was dressed like a mortal. He had opted out to wearing midgardian clothes after about a week in the tower, since apparently it was far more comfortable than Asgardian clothes and he needed to fit in anyways. Tony still hypothesized that it was really because he told Loki he’d look hot in normal human clothes. He wasn’t wrong, though Loki could look hot in anything really.

“Apollo, Greek god of the sun, meet Loki, Norse god of lies and chaos.” Tony introduced them with a cheeky smile. “Loki, meet my brother.” Loki’s gaze snapped at Tony immediately. On a quick look, he looked cheerful and fine, but upon closer inspection Loki could see the nervousness hidden behind the facade. It then clicked. He’s said it himself before and repeated it many times: no human could simply overcome the control that the Other had on Loki. He had thought that Tony had done something technical, but that wasn’t the case at all. Tony simply wasn’t human.

“You’re a god.” He whispered quietly, noting how Tony nodded and looked away. He was afraid of how Loki would react upon realizing the truth.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” Apollo looked between them, then frowned at Tony. “D, did you seriously use me to get out of the god closet?” Tony sputtered and looked at the golden god.

“You bet your shiny yellow ass I did.” He retorted once he recovered, and Apollo laughed. “I’ve been meaning to tell you, Lokes… I just didn’t really know how.” He said more seriously now, and Apollo beamed.

“Look at you performing healthy relationship habits!” Apollo teased. “You gonna invite me for a drink?” 

“Look at you performing unhealthy dietary choices!” Tony teased back, already going towards the bar. “Lokes, you want a drink too?” He asked tentatively. Loki hadn’t said anything since the revelation, so Tony was starting to become worried. He knew Apollo could sense it too, which was probably why he asked for alcohol; he was trying to get Tony in his element.

“Yes, I believe I shall join you.” Loki said curtly, but his eyes betrayed the relief he felt. Despite the hefty weight of what was just revealed, Loki was genuinely relieved with the news. Tony being human was an obstacle Loki was still trying to solve, but him being a god changed so many things. Loki would no longer have to fear a future without this huma- this god. He would no longer have to figure out a way to quickly make the man fall for him, so they could spend as much time together until Tony died. He had time .

“Great!” Tony was quick to start preparing beverages for everyone and Loki was, as always, impressed with how ornate he made the drinks look. “So,” Tony started as he mixed drinks, “I know I have questions, but I’m pretty sure both of you also have questions.” When both Loki and Apollo nodded, he continued. “Take turns?”

“That sounds like a good idea.” Apollo smiled and Loki nodded.

“Great, me first.” Tony said quickly before anyone could argue. “What brought you to my humble abode?” Loki snickered.

“Your home is anything but humble.” He smirked, looking at the non-human in front of him. Tony smiled back at him and gave him his drink. Loki beamed, silently smug that his was the first drink to be made.

“I think I’m going to have to agree with Loki.” Apollo looked around the room. “It is very welcoming, though.” He turned to look back at Tony, suddenly serious. “Uncle Hades came to talk to me D, he said you were almost brought to his realm.” Tony stilled, and then slumped his shoulders. Loki suddenly felt on edge, ready to defend Tony if needed. “I’m next. What, may I ask, were you doing that nearly got you killed?”

“Something stupid.” He shrugged.

“I know that’s not it.” Tony looked surprised, and then furrowed his brows. “Gaia spoke to Zeus. She wished to speak to you directly and give you her thanks, but you were in a human form in the human world. What were you doing?” He asked again, softer this time.

“Fighting bravely against a horde of invading aliens.” Loki answered for him. “Though, I must agree that Anthony’s answer wasn’t incorrect. He was doing something rather stupid.” Loki glared at the other. Tony gave him a sheepish smile and handed Apollo his drink; it wasn’t nearly as fancy as Loki’s.

“And what was that?” Apollo asked.

“I believe it is my turn to ask a question.” Loki cut in and looked at Tony. “Were you truly ever planning on telling me?” He knew the answer, but he needed to hear it for himself. By simply being here, Loki knew Anthony wanted him to know. He could have made Loki wait in the lab, and he could have lied about his relation to Apollo; but he didn’t.

“Yes.” Tony answered immediately, without hesitation. Loki nodded, satisfied. “Are you mad?” Loki was surprised by this question, not really having expected Tony to ask him anything so simple… so raw.

“Not necessarily. I have many things I’ve kept from you, it would be hypocritical of me to do so.” This answer earned him a smile, which he greedily accepted. Anthony’s smile was a sight he’d never grow tired of. While he wasn’t mad, he certainly wasn’t happy Anthony kept this a secret from him for so long. It was a bit difficult not to take it personally, yet he knew Anthony told him what he could and avoided lying to him at all costs. There was effort in keeping their relationship honest, and that was what kept Loki from feeling bitterness towards Anthony.

“What was the stupid thing you did?” Apollo asked the moment it was his turn. Tony cringed, and returned to making his own drink. It didn’t seem like he was eager to answer, so Loki would do it for him. Perhaps if he wasn’t able to keep this man from doing something so incredibly idiotic again, his brother could.

 “He flew into a portal leading to the void, where the mothership and more battleships were waiting, mind you, with some sort of weapon strapped to his back.” Loki clarified, pleased by the hardened expression on Apollo’s face.

“You did what ?” Apollo was glaring at him and Tony just shrugged.

“It was either that, or New York would be rubble and Gaia would be harmed.” Apollo didn’t really like that answer, but he didn’t say anything else.

“So, who exactly were you before you pretended to be mortal?” Loki easily ignored the tense atmosphere. Tony looked at him for a second, and then gave him a pleasant smirk.

“Dionysus.” Loki lifted a brow.

“Ah yes, because I am quite well versed in… Greek, was it?” Tony simply laughed at his answer. They both knew Loki knew exactly who Dionysus was, after having discussed Greek mythology every now and again. Still, it was pleasant to listen to Anthony's laughter.

“Dio is a god of many things, really. He used to have a posse, you know.” Apollo grinned mirthfully.

"A posse, you say?" Loki joined the jest, amused by Anth- by Dionysus' groan. It would take some getting used to, but he will use the right name.

"Yeah, and then they were killed." He murmured to himself, but the other two still heard him. He forgot he wasn't talking to humans with pathetic hearing anymore. Crud.

"Dio… it wasn't your fault." Apollo said warmly, gently. He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. This was when Loki was reminded of a conversation they shared months prior; one where Anthony had asked him never to follow Dionysus. He had asked Loki not to follow him; suddenly, his previous apprehension to tell Loki the truth of his identity made more sense. He was afraid something similar would occur.

"It's my turn to ask a question right? So, how's Artemis?" Apollo gave Tony a knowing look, but decided to go along with the change of subject.

"She was concerned about your well being. Asked me to deliver a message, something about painfully stabbing you in the… your posterior… with one of her silver arrows if you dare die on her." Tony huffed in amusement. "Are you okay?" His smile was nearly wiped clean; it stayed, but it did lose its genuinity.

"I'm worried about Hera." He admitted, and Loki couldn't help but wonder about something.

"How many of your tales are true?" He voiced the thought in his mind with a frown. Apollo and Tony both looked at him with a similar expression of distaste on their faces. Loki didn't like that one bit.

"Hera wasn't kind to any of Zeus' children. She was, however, obsessive with her hatred towards Dionysus." Apollo explained. "My sister and I were lucky compared to him, and we were exiled in Delos in order to be born."

"I think it's 'cause I survived all her murder attempts and ended up being born twice in some fucked up way. That pissed her off most considering she's the goddess of childbirth." Tony added.

"Neither of you answered my question." Loki pointed out, though he didn't have a good feeling about the answer.

"All of them. The bards and poets kept a well sung and well written account of our history." Tony sighed, looking at his drink. He was hoping he'd avoid this topic at least for a little while longer. Loki was far too sharp sometimes. The Norse god's eyes widened, and then he frowned deeply with distaste. He had hoped that, similarly to the Norse myths, the Greeks would have a tendency to twist the truths until they were anything but. His nose flared in furious anger, and the room, oddly enough, felt colder by a couple of degrees.

"So, to avoid any misgivings, she had you ripped apart the moment you were born?" Loki's voice was too cold and threatening to be curious. Tony answered anyways.

"Yes. Athena saved me, and Zeus put me in my human mother's womb. She was then tricked into dying by Hera and Zeus sewed my unborn body inside his leg and birthed me himself." He looked at Apollo, noticing the sun god was similarly disturbed by this story despite having heard it before. Tony didn't blame either of their reactions, he still had a hard time believing he was actually alive after playing hot potato with who would give birth to him.

"And she drove you insane after you lost your first lover?" Tony nodded, feeling a familiar anger dwell within him. He suppressed it best he could, but the self deprecating rage would never quite leave him regardless of how much time had passed.

"Yes, Loki. The tales are all true; including the ones where I had my followers rip people to shreds and turned sailors into dolphins. Any more questions?" He was a bit defensive, but who could blame him? He really fucking hated this topic of discussion. "No?" He questioned before anyone could actually respond to his previous inquiry. "Great. Anyways, I'm going to the lab; good talk everyone." He hastily made his exit, purposefully avoiding looking at the still raging Loki and his own concerned brother. 

Hours later, Loki found him in the lab amongst an ever growing pile of discarded metals, tools and prototypes. He brought a cup of coffee with him as a sort of peace offering. Tony eyed him suspiciously, but his anger had cooled off considerably since their conversation. He accepted the coffee gratefully, and joined Loki on the couch when the other god looked at him expectantly. “Forgive me if I offended you. After our conversation concerning the Greek pantheon all those nights ago, I decided to search through the various texts on your Olympians and also, well, you as Dionysus. I had hoped it would help me understand you better and, now, I suppose I do. Regardless, I could not help but feel disgusted by how Hera has treated you and I was enraged upon realizing it was all true.” 

Tony looked from Loki’s brilliant green eyes to the coffee warming up his hands. “It’s a sore subject,” he started, “I just don’t like talking about it.” He hated how defensive he sounded, but he suddenly felt so tired. Loki, to his credit, didn't say anything; instead he simply hummed in understanding.

"Have I ever told you how I ended up in the talons of the Mad Titan?" Loki asked suddenly, quietly. Tony's eyes widened in surprise; they've talked about the Mad Titan several times, though Loki had never called him by his name. In all of those times, it was hard to get any information from Loki, not because he didn't want to snitch but because there were very strong and very negative emotions regarding the subject. It wasn't hard to discern what happened, really; Loki's mind was brilliant and incredibly resilient, there was almost no way he’d allow his mind to be influenced without putting up some sort of fight. 

The first few weeks on Earth had been a bit hard for Loki. He had been considerably silent compared to now, not to mention he was nowhere near as snarky, sarcastic and playful. He was almost standoffish and defensive, though he hid it well with his sharp wit -regardless of how dulled it had seemed. He was clearly malnourished, and preferred to stay on his lonesome. Tony was the only exception to this, interestingly enough. Tony figured it was kind of like how he stuck close to Rhodey after Afghanistan; because, clearly, this was Loki's Afghanistan.

"No, and you really don't have to, Loki." Tony answered sincerely. "Don't force yourself to relive something you'd rather not." The small smile Loki offered was surprisingly comforting in its own right.

"You'll find I often do as I please." His green eyes never left Tony's golden chocolate ones. It was clear Loki had every intention of talking to him about this, and nothing would stop him. Tony felt a bit guilty, but Loki had a point. He did what he wanted to, and there was nothing or no one who could force him to do otherwise. It was one of the things he’d come to cherish about Loki; how incredibly strong willed he was. "I had lost my sense of self long before I landed in the void, the Other had simply taken advantage of the fact. Their methods of torture were pathetic at best and, had I been as I was five years ago, they would not have broken me.” 

Tony’s eyes never left Loki’s. He would give this godling his full attention, his full support. He kept quiet, studying the micro expressions that Loki gave; all almost indecipherable behind his masks, and Tony knew the only reason they were decipherable at all was because Loki meant for them to be. It was a rather unexpected moment when the facade broke down entirely, and Loki looked at him with such emotion. The first that showed was the sadness he had felt, then the anger, and quickly after the regret. 

“You know I am adopted, Thor has told you as such.” Tony offered a small nod. “I had discovered this only recently, by the worst of means.” Loki closed his eyes in a moment of recollection. By the expression on his face, it was clear his mind had wondered to the exact moment he was speaking of. “Asgard has always ridiculed me for being different. I was no warrior, eager for battle and bloodshed; I instead chose to perform the womanly art of sorcery. I wasn’t as beloved as their golden prince, and I was hated for my tricks and schemes, regardless of how innocent they were. In short, I had always been different and I knew it well enough. What I didn’t know was how different I truly was.” 

At this pause Tony extended a hand to offer comfort, placing it gently on Loki’s wrist and squeezing it with as much reassurance as he could muster. The grateful look Loki sent him was rewarding. “There is another realm known as Jotunheim. One plagued by monsters known as the Frost Giants. They are barbaric and brutish, ugly and unwanted. They are the nightmares that mothers warn their children in hushed tones at night. They are a slowly dying race, having been doomed once the Allfather took an artifact known as the Casket of Ancient Winters.” Loki paused once more, giving himself silent encouragement to continue. There was panic written in his eyes, but also determination. 

“The casket was not all that the Allfather took. Alongside the casket, he took an unwanted babe. A scrawny, little blue runt of a monster who had been left abandoned by its own people.” Fury bubbled dangerously inside of Tony’s heart at the thought of a child being left to suffer, but he had forced himself to keep quiet. Loki was not yet done with his story, and he would not interrupt it. “He took the child and raised it as his own, but never truly. A little monster who would be considered an equal to the true Asgardian heir only in word, and who one day might serve as some sort of diplomatic asset. He took me.” 

Tony felt sick. Oh the implications! Growing up being told that your true heritage is that of a monster was preposterous and downright cruel. Being taught to hate your own kind, while being lied to about who you really were… It was no wonder Loki had lost himself. That was psychological torture, and Tony realized he had a few choice words for the Allfather.

Loki was looking at him with resignation. Did he think Tony would shun him for this? For not being who he thought he was? That would have been hypocritical considering Tony lied about himself as well. “That’s a fucking load of horse shit.” Tony finally said, earning a harsh look from Loki. “Not your story, I believe you. I mean what happened to you.” He clarified quickly, not wanting Loki to feel hurt for telling the truth. Tony was proud of him for it and hoped to encourage it more. “I think I understand why you went ballistic, because I suddenly feel the urge to repulsor beam Odin’s face off.” 

The quiet laughter that followed was something akin to a blessing for Tony. The pain in Loki’s eyes wasn’t something the mechanic enjoyed seeing. It wasn’t something he’d hope to ever see again, yet he knew he would. Loki’s wounds are still fresh, that much is evident by his blatant dismissal of Thor. Even then, sometimes time doesn’t heal a wound; it just makes it easier to bear. Tony’s own ignored frustrations with Olympus was evidence enough of that. Looking at Loki’s defenseless openness, Tony found himself willing to open up himself. He owed Loki as much.

“I’m afraid of Hera.” He admitted quietly once their laughter died down. “I’ve tried to get in her good graces but it doesn’t matter what I do, she will still hate me in the end. Her rage is a force to be reckoned with and I fear it, Loki. I’ve feared it since the moment I was born.” It was impressive how easily he gave away a secret he’s religiously kept to himself, refusing to share it even with his own brother.

“You need not fear her, my dear Anthony… Pardon, I meant to say Dionysus.” Tony couldn’t help the small smile that formed on his lips. He leaned on Loki, resting his head on the taller man’s shoulder and closed his eyes.

“Anthony is fine, I haven’t gone by Dionysus in centuries.” And wasn’t that the truth? He all but gave up life as a god, only doing the bare minimum to appease the other Olypians. He hasn’t even gone to Mt. Olympus since he took up the mortal lifestyle, cycling through the generations as if he too were a mortal. The name Dionysus didn’t really instill any fond memories from him anyways, so he was fine with rejecting it. It will always be who he was, but no longer is it who he is.

“Anthony, then. I will not let her harm you.” Loki promised. The gesture was sweet, but Tony knows just how powerful Hera can be when she hates someone. Loki may be a god and a skilled fighter, but he doubted that will dissuade Hera. “You may not believe me now, but a day will come when you do.” With that, Loki wrapped his arm around Tony’s frame, bringing him closer still.

“Loki, why did you tell me something so personal?” Tony couldn’t help but ask both out of curiosity and also to change the subject. If Loki caught on he didn’t say.

“I had faith that you would think of me no different regardless of my origins. You are not Asgardian, and you know nothing of the Frost Giants. You allowed me to know something that you kept hidden from all others, and I wished to return the gesture.” He responded easily. 

“You didn’t have to do that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad you did… but I don’t want you to believe that everything I do has a price. If I tell you something, or give you something… it’s yours to keep without needing to pay me back.” Tony didn’t want Loki to think he owed him for anything, because he really didn’t.

“It is precisely because of this that I trust you. You expect nothing from me, yet you give willingly. It inspires me to give to you more freely, in turn.” Loki said softly with fondness in his eyes. “I find there is little I would not give to you.” That was one revelation that Tony was really not expecting. It didn’t scare him though, not nearly as much as it would have in the past. If anything, it was a guarantee that he did the right thing to trust Loki. So, instead of panicking, he decided to simply relax where he was in Loki’s embrace.

Then he realized he was being held by Loki, and his mind was gone. He didn't move or complain, but he did stop functioning properly. All he could think about was how overwhelming this feeling was in the most delightful of ways. He knew he liked Loki, more than just a friend, but he didn’t realize his affections were this strong. He was suddenly really grateful to himself for finally telling Loki about who he was, it meant he had a really, really long time to convince Loki that dating him would maybe be a good idea. Then again, the thought of Hera left a bitter taste in his mouth. Maybe it would have been better if he kept it a secret after all? Well, it was too late to second guess himself now. For now, he’d keep telling himself Loki was a shit ton stronger than any of his followers or Ariadne. Surely, he could defend himself from Hera… right?

“Sir, Mr. Apollo wishes to join you in the lab.” JARVIS’ voice served to stir Tony’s mind away from that mental topic. Tony hummed softly and smiled. He trusted Apollo with every fiber of his being, it’s why he’s given Apollo the power to find him should he look. The lab somehow became an extension of Tony throughout his life as Anthony Stark; a private room that was an echo of his mind. The biggest reason why Tony refused to let anyone enter the lab was because it would have felt like some sort of violation to his being; only those he trusted and wanted were allowed.

“Yeah, send him in.” Came Tony’s easy answer. He made no motion to leave Loki’s embrace, determined to enjoy it for as long as he could. Surprisingly enough, Loki also made no motion to release him. Before the faux-human could think about it too much, Apollo entered the room.

“Did the coffee work?” Apollo asked curiously as his eyes scanned the room with interest. Tony couldn’t help but feel a bit smug as Apollo continued to look around the room with wonder.

“Like a Snickers.” Tony retorted. 

“Pardon?” Loki asked, looking down at the man in his arms. “What does snickering have to do with anything?” 

“I’m not me when I’m hungry, Loki.” Tony had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing when Loki’s eyes widened in concern. “It’s from a commercial. Snickers is a chocolate brand, and a really good one at that. I’m not one for sweets, but Snickers are the shit. Sugary as fuck, though.”

“I think I preferred it when you used Greek vulgarities.” Apollo whined. “You are enjoying English a bit too much.” 

“ Γαμήσου ” Tony said cheerfully, causing both Apollo and Loki to groan. “Wait, Loki, you know Greek?” Tony asked with interest. “Or is it a magic thing?”

“Asgardians have something called Allspeak, it allows us to understand any language with ease; or rather, it allows us to understand the meaning of what is being said. It also makes it so that we are understood in turn.” 

“So, a magic thing. Got it.” Tony easily ignored Loki’s annoyed huff and turned to look at Apollo. “Like my lab? Come on, tell me it’s great.” He winked. Apollo chuckled.

“Indeed, I think it’s very… you.” Apollo answered with an easy smile.

“Cool and compelling?” The mechanic grinned.

“Chaotic and creative.” Apollo retorted.

“Chaotic? I’ll take creative, but come on, I kept this lab really well organized.” Tony whined, slumping petulantly onto Loki. 

“No, I must agree with your brother, Anthony. The jungles in Vanaheimr are more likely to be well organized than your lab.” Tony swore Loki was only backing up Apollo as revenge for calling Allspeak a magic thing. The traitor.

“I resent that.” Tony huffed with a frown. Apollo could only laugh in response. 

“I have to go, Dio.” The golden god said once his laughter died down. “I need to get back to Olympus and go back to work.” He paused, sighing and shaking his head. “I don’t understand how you’re able to deal with all of your responsibilities and still live as a human.” He added with a hint of both jealousy and awe. 

“My little secret is that I have JARVIS do everything for me.” Tony said with a wink. Both Loki and Apollo didn’t believe him, considering how they both knew Tony to be a workaholic who barely sleeps and eats enough. They still laughed along with the joke, however. “Pop by sometime, will you?” 

“I will. I might even convince Artemis to tag along next time.” Apollo then turned to look at Loki with a warm smile. Tony suddenly felt very curious about the meaning behind that. “Thank you for keeping me company, you were a gracious host. Please take care of my brother.” 

“I shall endeavor to do so.” Loki promised with a nod. “It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Apollo.” 

“Likewise, Loki!” Apollo’s smile brightened even more, it almost became blinding. “Until the next time!” Apollo turned to leave, but stopped in his step. “Oh, before I forget! I brought you a gift, Tony.” He snapped his finger and a bright golden light engulfed the room for a brief moment as an object materialized on Apollo’s open hand. He gingerly set the object down on one of Tony’s many workbenches. “I hope we can play again together soon.” With those parting words and a wink, the sun god was gone. 

“An instrument?” Loki asked.

“A golden Aulos.” Tony nodded lifting himself from Loki’s embrace, much to the Asgardian’s chagrin. He walked towards where Apollo left the double flute and picked it up. He could feel his brother’s warm blessing on it, one of hope for a bright and happy future. He smiled to himself, basking in the love his brother held for him. In a moment of nostalgia, he decided to play. 

It had been long since Tony last played an instrument, let alone an Aulos. He used to play it a lot back in the days his godhood was still relevant to humanity. He’d play for his cult, for bards and lost wanderers seeking company for the night, and, when he became worshiped by Roman emperors he’d play for them too. Happy tunes, sad melodies, emotional pieces, songs of victory and loss; he’d play them all. 

Apollo focused more on healing and the calming of the mind whenever he played, whereas Dionysus would always focus on the raw emotion felt. He relished the creative liberty music, ballads and dances held, and he enjoyed when he played with his brother. The two of them complimented each other in a way that felt right, balancing one another in a way that brought chaos and order into a harmonious symphony. Alone though, he could let himself go entirely, consequences be damned.

He played for his cult, for his worshipers, for Apollo and Artemis, and now he was playing for Loki. The music started slow, unsure of how to start after so long, but became stronger and more confident as time went on. He didn’t play songs he remembered, but rather notes that felt right for the moment. At times he’d play the Aulos in harmony, invoking a haunting but rich melody, other times it would be in dissonance that felt like being plunged into a chaotic trance. There were calming moments in the song, particularly when Tony thought of Loki, those notes were more emotional, stronger in intensity.

When Tony finally stopped playing, he felt a pang of nostalgia and sentimentality hit him. How long had it been since he let himself play like that? He forgot how therapeutic it was, though he was willing to bet that was exactly why Apollo gifted him an Aulos. He hummed in content when he placed his instrument back on the table. He’d have to get a proper stand for it, somewhere he wouldn’t risk accidentally breaking it but close enough that he wouldn’t forget about it and would remember to play every so often.

“You play beautifully.” Loki said from where he still sat. Tony almost forgot he was there, engrossed entirely on the instrument. He gave the other god a brilliant smile, a bit surprised at the intensity of which Loki was looking at him. “Play again for me sometime?” 

“Whenever you want Lokes.” Tony promised tenderly. 

He’d request Tony to play the Aulos for him every so often. There were moments where Loki wanted simply to enjoy the music, and other times where he wanted to lose himself to it. Sometimes, Tony would play happier tunes when Loki was in a good mood, and other times, when he wasn’t, he’d play somberly. He’d play for Loki, sometimes attempting to empathize with what Loki felt and other times in an attempt to show what he himself was feeling. 

Every time he’d play, Loki would have that intense gaze on him again, only for it to disappear when Tony tried to decipher it. Tony was good at reading emotions, but that one in particular felt impossible… It didn't help that Tony would get lost in Loki’s eyes in the process.

Life continued, days, weeks passed. Avengers members would come and go as they always did. They’d fight together when threats would appear, minor or not. They’d train together, learning how to fight as one. It was nice. Though Thor had been gone for a while now, since before Apollo visited. It made Tony feel a bit on edge. The thunder god never stayed offplanet for so long, especially not with how he was trying to rebuild a relationship with his younger brother.

He was gone, until he wasn’t. And when he came back, he had a grim look to him.

“Father is demanding I take you back to Asgard.” He said. “He requested an audience.” 

Loki looked ready to burst into flames and Tony didn’t blame him. “Why?” The younger brother hissed.

“He won’t say, only that it has something to do with Jottunheim.” Thor sighed. “I will not force you brother.” Thor had grown as a person since the Chintauri invasion all those months ago. He’d stop demanding and started asking, respecting and accepting what Loki had to say. Tony would sometimes be a mediator between the two, especially at the start, but now it was rarer than not and this just happened to be one of those rare occurrences. He stayed quiet whilst the brothers exchanged words. He felt like he shouldn’t even be there, and he wouldn’t be were it not for Thor’s request and Loki’s agreement to it.

“He is not keeping me there Thor.” Loki threatened.

“I would not let him.” Thor agreed.

“Neither would I.” Tony muttered mostly to himself. Loki gave him a soft look before steeling himself.

“I’m glad you volunteered to join me, Anothony.” 

“He’s mortal, father would not approve.” Thor frowned, but shook his head as if knowing it was a weak argument. Loki did what he pleased, and if it pleased him to bring Tony with him then he would do so.

“He is to join us or I will not go.” Loki said as if to prove Thor’s inner thoughts right. He then looked at Tony again in a sort of pleading way. He would never force Tony to join him, but Tony already knew he wouldn’t let Loki go alone.

“You heard him. JARVIS if anyone asks I’ve gone to the Bahamas.”  Pepper was going to eviscerate him when he got back.

“Certainly Sir. Enjoy your trip.” 

And that’s how he found himself in the golden city of Asgard with Thor and Loki on either side of him and the Iron Man suitcase held in one of his hands. Tony was pretty used to everything being gilded gold in Olympus, but even this was outright tacky and just plain tasteless. It needed more marble, he mused. Looking around, he could imagine Loki and Thor’s upbringings. Would they run around these very same streets, or would they have just spent their lives in the castle learning to be princes? Perhaps Thor wooed his first maiden under that tree by the fountain, and maybe Loki performed his first real scheme in one of the many shops surrounding them. He wondered what would have happened had he been an Asgardian instead of one of Gaia’s children. 

Would he have been happier? There was a chance, but he would have missed Apollo and Artemis’ company if nothing else. He decided to abandon that train of thought, it would lead him nowhere. Instead, he focused on what his plan was once he was finally met with Odin. He decided he’d give Loki a chance to talk and resolve whatever issues he had with his adoptive asshole father first and only butt in if necessary. Sometimes a silent support was better than a spoken one.

Entering the throne room, Tony was less than impressed. He had expected a more private setting for whatever crap Odin wanted to say to Loki, but instead there were soldiers and nobility scattered throughout the room like some sort of gossiping jury. They formed a circle around the throne, heavily judging Loki and Tony with murmured snide remarks while Thor took his position beside Odin. He was even less impressed when Odin spoke. “Son, welcome home.” It was almost as if he was trying to brush everything underneath the bullshit rug. Not to mention how he was basically pretending Tony wasn’t even there.

“Allfather.” Loki bowed so slightly that there was clearly no respect in his gesture. Tony bit his cheek so as not to grin. “Allmother.” He addressed Frigga a fraction warmer than he did Odin, and Tony already knew there was still some sort of connection between the two of them. There was room for forgiveness and love in their strained relationship. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” 

“How has your time been in Midgard, Loki?” Odin asked. Tony wasn’t sure if this was some shitty attempt at awkward small talk or if there was purpose behind the question.

“I have made great strides to assist in Midgard’s recovery, as well as assist them in preventing any future ambushes.” Loki drawled, revealing no emotion.

“I would like for you to go to Jotunheim as an ambassador.” Loki stilled at that, though just slightly so only Tony had noticed. Tony almost called for his suit so he could punch Odin in his one functional eye. He could easily recall any and all conversations the pair of them had over that icey planet, and he also remembered Loki’s confession about his genocide attempt there. Jotunheim would be the end of Loki, and Tony wasn’t having it.

“I still have much to do on Midgard.” Loki explained, still with a drawl but Tony could tell there was an inner panic if only by the quality of Loki’s excuse.

“As an Earthling, I can say he has a point. Earth wouldn’t really take kindly to our ambassador quitting his job. We’ve begun to heavily rely on him.” Tony added, hoping to back up Loki in however way he could. Loki looked at him with a raised brow, but Tony could see the gratitude hiding in his eyes. 

"You are aware of the consequences of bringing a mortal to Asgard." Odin stated with regality, completely ignoring their argument and Tony’s existence. It was then that Tony's limited patience broke and he decided to throw caution to the wind.

"Oh, you have one of those too huh?" He noticed some eyes going his direction as though he was insane for opening his mouth and back talking in the presence of gods. "Yeah, we have that same rule back home. Dad once doomed a hero to freefall to his death because he tried going to Olympus. A winged horse and a mosquito were involved." He smiled darkly. "It was kinda funny, actually, in the saddest of ways." He calmly placed his hand behind his back, something he noticed Loki do whenever he wanted to look superior. Personally, he preferred stuffing his hands into his pockets, it made him look casual and uncaring. He wouldn't have pockets in a couple of seconds though, so behind his back it was. 

"Anywho, there's nothing to worry about All-Daddy, I'm no mortal." Tony's infamous shark smile was on full display, enrapturing the king in front of him. He felt part of his essence flow out of him, eager to be fully released for the first time in centuries. For once, he didn't stop it. He felt his humanity slip by, leaving him quickly. He let it go. He began to look younger, healthier. The wrinkles that had just started to decorate his face smoothed out, leaving nothing behind. The few gray hairs that began growing were gone, replaced with his natural golden brown curled locks. The reactor in his chest was violently ejected from his body, as were the shrapnel close to his heart. Even his clothes left him, replaced now by a short, delicate toga covered with a beautifully ornate gold plated bronze chest plate and a leather pteruges. His arms were left bare with the exception of the equally ornate armguards, and his legs suffered the same fate, protected only by shin guards. A dazzling cloak, made from the skin of a leopard, was all that covered his shoulders. He felt his expensive oxfords become replaced with the long forgotten familiarity of leather sandals. On his head, he had debated wearing the gorgeous war helmet he was given by a roman emperor so long ago, but decided it might look far too hostile and went with his more traditional crown of grape vines. By all accounts, he looked exactly as he had so many centuries ago, except that he kept his goatee. He was Dionysus, but he was also still Tony.

 "Now that we're done pretending I'm not in the room, let me properly introduce myself." He saw Thor looked at him with surprise and wondered if, after all is said and done, the thunderer would still consider him a shield brother. Regardless, he was here for Loki, not Thor. “I am Tony Stark; genius, billionaire and philanthropist, but I was once known as Dionysus. God of wine, theater, ecstasy, fertility and insanity." He paused, deciding he'd use his more dramatic titles as well. "God of tragedy and death. A pleasure.” He finished with a sharp grin, looking at the bewildered expression on Odin's face. He didn't want to look at Loki, who had never seen his true form before, nor did he want to look at Thor, who had believed him to be human until now.

"I do not understand, Midgard has no gods." Odin frowned, eyeing Tony skeptically.

"Oh please, do you honestly believe that, out of all nine realms, Earth is the only one not to have long living creatures in it? News flash big guy, we were there first. It was Prometheus who created mankind, and it was the Olympians who kept them alive. You vikings simply decided to come to Gaia at a time when we were practicing isolationism." He huffed out incredulously. "But this is not what I came here to talk about." He hummed softly, risking a glance at Loki. He blinked once he noticed that the god of mischief was practically devouring his appearance, eyes glued on him shamelessly and hungrily. Tony gulped, forcing himself to look at Odin and refusing to let his blush show. "I came here to talk about how you're trying to outdo yourself on shitty dad of the century." If Odin was offended, then he didn't show it.

"And who are you to decide whether or not my actions are just?" Odin responded coolly. Tony visibly rolled his eyes. He continued to let his power flow away from him, gradually. It won't be long before it has its intended effect.

"I quite literally just spent the last minute talking about who I am." He grumbled petulantly. "Look, I like your sons, both of them. I hold Thor in high regard, to me he is what you call a shield brother. If need be, I would readily give my life so that he may keep his." He looked at the man in question, offering him an honest smile, before looking back at Odin with fierce determination. "I can easily say the same for Loki. And you wish to send him to Jotunheim, a place where there is a great risk of death for him." Tony felt a familiar anger course through him, one he has felt whenever he lost those close to him. "Does that answer your question?" Odin's glare intensified, but he easily ignored it. Hera was scarier than this chump when she wasn't even trying.

"Tell me then, Midgardian, what exactly is it that you hope to accomplish by coming here?" Tony felt himself smiling at this.

"I came to dissuade you from your decision. First, by the exchange of words, and, if that doesn't work, then by force." He remained unphased as several weapons were directed to his person. His smile sharpened. "Oh, don't worry Asgardians, I'm still using my words."

"You threaten me?" Odin asked, seemingly unamused. Tony could practically feel Loki tensing beside him. He was amazed that the other god had let him hog the spotlight for as long as he did. Then again, had it been Hera that stood in front of them, Tony would have done the same.

"Nah, that's not how I do things." Tony answered easily. "I think threats are pointless, really. Empty words that hold no meaning, meant only to scare. What I do is make promises." The smile dropped from his lips and he looked dangerously at Odin. "And this is the promise I make to you, Odin of Asgard. Loki will not be forced nor will he be coerced into going to that ice planet." He heard a couple of giggles behind him, and he almost grinned with delight. It was impressive how high of a tolerance the Asgardians had, but even they could get drunk. Tony had to keep tight control of himself, or else he'd have joined them in their high. "I am but one god," he said ruefully, "and you are many." 

Suddenly, some of the soldiers dropped their weapons, laughing merrily. Odin turned his head at that, confusion and anger morphed onto his face. "I may not be invincible." Some of the women started to chant a norse song, while others began to dance. "In fact, you might even kill me, should we end up fighting." The chanting grew louder. The few Asgardians that weren't under his influence were slowly starting to lose themselves as well. Their confusion and fear blossomed into ecstasy and delight. "That won’t matter though, since my victory does not lie with whether or not I make it out of here, but rather if he does." He cocked his head towards Loki. "As I've said, I would die for him. I will fight for him." An easy smile made his way onto his face as more and more of the noble Asgardians lost themselves to primal urges. He could even sense a couple of them contemplating an orgy. He could only imagine the disturbing sight he had caused. "So, tell me Odin, will my words suffice?"

Odin was silently observing him and, beside him, his wife looked amused. Thor looked perturbed, as if he did not know which side he would be fighting for. Perhaps he could still salvage some sort of friendship with the norse thunderer, if he lived, that is. "Anthony?" A small, hushed voice immediately demanded his attention and Tony quickly snapped his head over to look at Loki. "Have you gone mad?" Tony smiled, it was all he could do. By how tense Loki's voice sounded, it was easy to assume that he was furious. Tony did just threaten the entirety of Asgard, Loki's home, because of his selfish desire to keep Loki safe.

He didn't really know what the outcome would be, honestly, but he was willing to make a bet that either way, Loki would turn out okay. If Loki's first loyalty is to himself, he'd more than likely use Tony's one man war to escape, just as Tony wanted. If he was still loyal to Asgard and chose to fight Tony instead, then Odin would likely see that as Loki professing his true allegiance. He wouldn't want to send his faithful and loyal son to his death after that. There was, however, a third option; as unlikely as it was, it was still there. Loki might choose to fight alongside Tony. If that happened, then there were three other outcomes Tony would have to consider. One, where they win, taking out Asgard until Odin yielded or every member was dead. Another, where they lose, dying together pointlessly. And a final one, which Tony was leaving as a failsafe, where he would call the suit in his suitcase to take Loki and get him as far away as possible.

With a far too cheerful smile, Tony finally answered. "Oh, darling, I'm absolutely insane."

"Tell me... Dionysus was it?" Lady Frigga said calmly, with a smile. Tony nodded at her, showing her far more respect than he did Odin. She was always kind in Loki's stories. "What are these vines surrounding us?" Tony blinked, not expecting anyone to notice those. He saw Loki look down to his feet and then towards the throne. Surrounding every member of the royal family, as well as the guards closest to the king, was a circle of grape vines.

"Those are there to keep you sober." He responded kindly, reserving his anger for Odin alone. "So long as you are inside that circle, you will not feel the effects of my presence."

"Explain yourself, man of iron." Thor demanded, though his voice sounded far too broken. Tony looked at him with sadness in his eyes.

"To be near me is to be intoxicated. Clearly, right now I'm allowing my essence to stupify your people, but this is something that comes naturally from me. Gods of Gaia were made to exude the essence that defines them, a feeling of sorts. My brother Apollo brings a feeling of hope, my sister Artemis the thrill of a hunt. Well, they do more than that but it’s a good enough generalization.” He shrugged. “Specifically, mine is a cult of ecstasy and spiritual liberation, but it is one that can only lead to tragedy." He offered Thor a small smile before he turned to Odin. "I repeat my question, will my words be enough?"

"Your words were not needed, Midgardian." Odin said with a defeated sigh. "It was never my intent to send Loki to Jotunheim." He looked at his son, a melancholic expression on his face. "Midgard has done good to Thor, I merely wished to see if it has done the same to Loki." He explained truthfully.

"What?" Tony hissed sharply. Around him, the chanting grew louder, more chaotic. "So then, this was all some test? You wanted to find out if Loki had changed by seeing what he'd do if you told him to go die in a frozen wasteland filled with people who view Asgardians as the enemy? Not even the most loyal of soldiers would willingly give their life up for such a pointless task." He spat out bitterly. "And, to top it all off, you wanted Earth to change him? Loki is Loki. If you can't accept him for who he is, then why the fuck do you think he'd want to follow you?" He could feel his anger increase, and suddenly he heard whispers of death. He was dangerously close to losing himself in his own damn essence. "Fuck." He hissed, forcing himself to take deeper breaths. He vaguely remembered a breathing exercise Apollo had taught him.

"I have to agree, my love, that wasn't a very brilliant idea." Lady Frigga said lightly, giving Tony a brilliant smile. It served to calm him, if only for the fact that Loki's mom seemed like a decent enough parent. It was clear she didn't like what Odin was doing, and had sided with Tony on this one. He felt himself regaining his control. He'd have to thank her later.

"No, I suppose it was not." Odin admitted reluctantly. "Cease this, Midgardian. There is no need for bloodshed today." Tony looked at him bitterly, but took another deep breath. He put a tight rein on his essence and closed it off within himself, and, just as a precaution, there was now a circle of vines surrounding him as well. Around him, the chanting slowly came to a halt. Some of the Asgardians fell unconscious, probably to suffer from a mighty hangover once they woke up, others managed to stay awake, suffering from that same hangover.

As a sign of peace, Tony changed his appearance again. Removing all of his armor, leaving him with only the glittering white toga loosely wrapped around his body. "Glad to hear it." He said calmly, tightly. He didn't dare look at either of the brothers, a bit afraid of how they would see him now. He had always kept an air of nonchalance about him, and he always smiled no matter what. He always kept his vindictive nature hidden away, only using it when needed… as he did with the ten rings. Now, he was exactly as he was all those centuries ago: a god who brought nothing but insanity, mercilessly eliminating all those who wronged him or stood in his way as he lost himself to the ecstasy of madness. He felt his hands tighten to a fist behind his back as the cold anger of self hatred washed over him. It served to sober him up, at least.

"Midgardian," Odin's voice made him turn his attention back towards the king. At that moment he really hoped Odin wouldn't say something stupid that would make him lose the little control he had left. "I hope you understand that just as I will not force Loki to go to Jotunheim, you will do well not to force him to Midgard." Tony blanched, taking a moment to process those words. When he did, he laughed a bitter laugh.

He wasn't sure whether he was laughing at Odin's audacity or his belief that Tony would attempt such a thing. "No one can decide where Loki goes but Loki himself, Odin." He said between breaths. "I only spoke up to tell you he wasn't going to be forced to Jotunheim. He can fuck off to whatever realm he wants after this. I will… Earth will surely miss him if he decides not to come back, but it's still his decision to make." He shook his head, giving a tooth-bearing smile. He then glanced around, remembering the tension that was happening just mere moments ago. The smile on his face dropped, quickly replaced with a more forced one. "In fact, I believe I've no more business here. I suppose I should take my leave." He bowed his head courteously to Lady Frigga and turned to look at Loki. "If you need me, I give you my word that I will be here." He promised, before turning around and making his way to leave. He didn't want to wait for Odin to grant him permission to fuck off, nor did he want to see how the royal family would treat him now. Honestly, he really just wanted a drink right now.

"I still have need of you." Loki answered quietly, causing Tony to turn around abruptly. "Stay."

Tony blanched, not expecting Loki to even want him around anymore. He nodded, and returned to where he was standing but didn’t say another word. He had said more than enough and he knew that if he continued to speak with Odin he’d lose whatever sanity he had left. He couldn’t help but wonder how unhinged he looked right now, seething quietly with whispers of madness ringing in his ears. It was probably quite the sight all things considered.

With a sigh, he decided to change his train of thought. It did him no good to dwell on his destructive nature. He instead started to wonder why Loki would want him there? Maybe he just wanted Tony there as insurance, in case Odin had a change of heart; or maybe he just wanted to murder Tony after all of this was over. A small part of him hoped that Loki actually wanted him around, but after his barbaric display he doubted it.

He then realized he had zoned out entirely to his thoughts when he saw all eyes on him. The soldiers and nobles who were there before had left, probably to recover from their collective hangover. How had he not seen them leave? “Uh… sorry, what?” He said intelligently. Thor offered him a kind smile, matched by that of Frigga.

“We were wondering if you would like to stay the night?” Frigga’s voice was kind and inviting, but a look at Odin made Tony wonder if he was truly invited here. He took a quiet breath before answering, making sure his voice sounded as grateful for her offer as he felt.

"There is no need, your highness. I thank you for your hospitality, but I wouldn’t want to impose.” Truthfully, he wasn’t sure if his being there would cause any more problems. Looking around him at the now empty room he still felt a tinge of guilt, but he hoped there was no real harm done. Gods can’t get liver failure, can they? Regardless, making their guards and vassals have an unwanted hangover wasn’t really quite the best gift to give his prospective host. Though xenia was no longer a common practice, he wasn’t one to break basic etiquette.

“Please, I insist.” There was a gentle firmness in her voice that made Tony realize he really had no say on this and he was going to spend the night in Asgard. "Thor, please take our guest to his chambers." He heard Frigga say pleasantly. He really wasn't in the mood to play the part of the honored guest, especially not after the ruckus he caused. Nervously, he looked at the calm image of Frigga, and then at Thor. There was a frown on his face, but whether that came from disdain or confusion, Tony couldn't say.

“I can take him, mother.” Loki offered, almost immediately realizing his slip up; but it was nice seeing Frigga’s face lit up with hope. She smiled fondly and shook her head.

“I wish to have a word with you in private, my Loki.” She then stood and looked over at Tony. “And I would like to speak with you at some time as well, Dionysus, but rest for now.” 

Tony panicked mildly but smiled and nodded nonetheless. He watched Thor as he started making his way towards him, and then he looked at Loki, who's expression was as difficult to read as ever. Odin was still silently observing him, but Tony didn't care much for Odin. He sighed in resignation. With a deep breath, he followed Thor out of the throne room, giving Loki one last glance. He felt bad for leaving him there, but there didn’t seem to be much of a choice; he refused to be a rude guest… well, ruder than he’s already been.

And so he ended up walking side by side with Thor, following him deeper and deeper into the maze that was Odin's castle. They walked in an uncomfortable silence. On Thor's part, it was clear he was taking his time to think and process everything that just happened, and on Tony's part, he really didn't know what to say for once.

He had hoped that by now he would be idly waiting on the Rainbow Road Bridge. He knew he would have no means of coming back here once he was home, so he wanted to make sure Loki was going to be okay. He left a small blessing with Loki, one he had granted very few heroes. One that would let him know if his aid was needed. If it turns out that everything was fine, he would finally go home. Walking alongside Thor was definitely not something he wanted to be doing right now, especially since he didn't know whether Thor even liked him enough anymore. 

Regardless, here he was. 

Walking. 

In silence. 

With Thor. 

He nearly groaned.

"You just threatened to fight all of Asgard." Was what Thor eventually said to break the silence. He didn't sound angry though, so Tony would take that as a victory. "You did so for the sake of my brother."

"Yup." Tony answered simply. There wasn't much else to say besides that, anyways.

"He might not have done the same for you." Thor continued.

"Probably not." Tony agreed. He closed his eyes and smiled knowingly. Loki had become someone so very important to Tony, and he refused to allow him to fall the same fate as all others who chose to follow him. If he was to be sent to the underworld as punishment, then so be it. Loki, just as Rhodey, Pepper, Happy and, now, the Avengers, was not allowed to die a premature death. Whether they would do the same for him was inconsequential, perhaps even unlikely. He's lived a long life anyways, and there was no more use for gods in this day and age. By default, he was rather inconsequential himself, and he was okay with that.

"You would have done the same for me, wouldn't you?" Tony briefly wondered where this little questionnaire was going, but he decided to play along. He owed Thor that much.

"Yup." He lazily popped the 'P', not risking a glance at Thor. "I've lost a lot, Thor." He explained, deciding that's what Thor was looking for. "Since my birth, I've been fighting some sort of losing battle. Everyone, in the end, suffers because of me. Whether it's because of my nature or because of our relation, it doesn't matter. I'm the god of wine and ecstasy, because that is all I can offer. Eventually, one way or another, those I care for will be taken from me. That is part of my other nature as the god of tragedy." He smiled, a sad, bitter kind of smile. "As a human, it's time that eventually takes those I care about from me… But, to lose someone close to me like this? No, that I can not allow… not again. I will do everything in my power to make sure tragedies do not happen to those who associate with me."

Thor looked at him, examining him with some sort of critical eye. If Tony had to guess, he was trying to see if there was any value in maintaining a friendship with someone who only brings misfortune. “Is this why you did not tell me who you were?” Tony blanched, but he quickly regained his wits.

“Partly.” He admitted. “I’ll be honest with you Thor, there’s a reason I’m alone and pretending to be a human. I could be in Olympus, drinking and partying alongside all of the other stagnant gods. We don’t really have much influence on the mortal realm, not as much as we did back when we were still worshiped; we still have our jobs and responsibilities, but we just don’t interact with humans. If I stayed in Olympus, I would have been miserable. Hera… my father’s wife hates me. She’s tried and succeeded in killing me several times and she’s also successfully killed everyone I’ve come to care for only to rub it in just to make sure I felt hopeless and miserable.” He clasped his hands behind his back tightly, using the bone crushing pain as a distraction from the turmoil in his heart. “I’m selfish, and I wanted to be surrounded by humans who held no regard for me… who could potentially come to like me. By disguising myself as a human, she can’t find me. She can’t hurt me or those I love.”

“I see.” Thor nodded, and there was a dark expression on his face.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I was going to tell you, but you had gone off-planet when I had gained the courage. I… I’ll understand if you want to stop associating yourself with me. It’s probably for the best if you do, actually.” Tony frowned in contemplation. For mortals, it wouldn’t really be too bad for them if they spend time with Tony since they have such limited lifespans, but gods were a different matter. They would come to know how absolutely monstrous Tony could be if he wanted to, not to mention the risk of being hunted down by an enraged goddess with some bullshit vendetta. Apollo and Artemis were protected by Zeus, but Norse gods had no such protection. It would be better if Tony just stuck with humans and left these gods alone before he dragged them down with him.

"You vowed to protect Loki and myself with your life,” Thor started, “I vow I will do the same for you." The moment those words left his lips, Tony felt himself stop. He willed himself to take deep breaths, and to process what Thor just promised him.

"No." He said far too sharply for his liking. “No, you can’t.” He repeated, more determined and equally as panicked. “You saw what I did in there Thor, I drove your people insane. I could influence them to do my bidding; I could make them kill you and the rest of your family, and they would be none the wiser. I’ve done that before. I’m a monster, but I’m a saint compared to Hera.” He looked pleadingly at Thor. “Please, if she ever finds me, don’t try to defend or help me. If you do she’ll…” His mind spun, and he felt lightheaded with blind panic. A strong hand held his shoulder, drawing his attention back to reality. He realized he was breathing haggardly and laboriously; today was just a mindfuck of a day.

“Friend Tony you are no monster, you are my shield brother.” There was wisdom in Thor’s eyes and a kindness inherited from Frigga. Tony didn’t know if it was because of that kindness or because of how confidently Thor spoke to him, but he believed him. He nodded, unable to find his voice, and took several deep breaths. He was grateful for Thor’s forgiveness, and he convinced himself that he could protect the Thunderer when the time came. He had to. 

The panic still echoed in his mind when Thor brought him to what was to be his room during his stay and left him to his own devices. It was moments like these where Tony wished he could go talk to Apollo, the guy had a real knack for calming him down, or work endlessly in his lab. He looked at the generously spacious and finely decorated room he'd be spending the night in with slight hesitancy. Was it really okay for him to be here? Like Thor had said, he did just threaten the entirety of Asgard.

Well, there was nothing he could do now. He was stuck on Asgard for a while, probably until Frigga was done talking to him. He wondered how long that would take, but he could wait. If anything, it would probably be for the best. He could focus all of his energy to hide away his divinity before he went back to Earth; he could prevent Hera from finding him. He took in a deep breath before sitting down on a floor with some sort of animal carpet on it. It wasn’t nearly as tacky as he thought it would be, in fact it fit in perfectly in the room; plus it was soft.

He straightened his back and closed his eyes, breathing in like Apollo had taught him. He focused on his essence, noticing how eagerly it was spreading around him. He wondered how it was that Thor stayed sober beside him long enough to take him to his room. Then again, after drinking with the guy, it wasn’t that surprising. Thor could probably handle Tony’s essence full force… at least for a bit.

He imagined a box, one left opened and empty similarly to Pandora’s. He began forcing his essence in it, jamming it without care. He groaned, it always felt awful to do this. Hiding his divinity from humans was relatively easy, all he had to do was keep his essence to himself and alter his form a little. Hiding his divinity from other gods was an entirely different process, as gods could practically sense each other’s essence. Even a trickle was enough to raise some flags, and, knowing Hera, that was all that would be needed to find him.

Basically, he had to force his essence to be so well hidden it was almost as if it wasn’t even there. He had to deny his own existence. It wasn’t so bad once it was done, but getting there was such a hassle. He didn’t think he’d have to do this again as it has been centuries since the first time. 

“What are you doing?” The familiar voice of one Loki Liesmith could be heard. Tony took a deep breath and closed the imagined box, promising himself he’d get back to it later.

“Making myself seem like a human again.” Tony answered honestly, opening his eyes to look at Loki leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. “It’s so that no one would think I’m anything other than mortal.”

“You’re grimacing. It’s painful.” Loki noted with disinterest. Tony knew better than to believe that though, Loki never was one for showing his emotions after all. The man took a step closer and closed the door behind him as he did. 

“Pretty much.” He admitted easily enough. “I’m physically denying and hiding such a big part of myself, it’s gonna hurt.” 

Loki hummed in response. There was that look again, that sharp, intense gaze Loki would have from time to time. This time though, it stayed. This time Tony understood what it meant. 

It was a predatory stare that had intent behind it. Tony’s breath hitched when Loki stalked closer, each step illustrating an air of authority that Tony did not dare to ignore. When Loki stopped mere inches away and extended a hand, Tony took it wordlessly. In the blink of an eye he was engulfed in a green energy he’s come to known as Loki’s seidr and then he was no longer in the guest room he had been led to by Thor. Instead he stood in a different, more extravagant room. It was less Asgard gold and more deep mahogany with strong dark greens and some very tasteful gold details. Tony immediately realized he was in Loki’s room, now sitting on a comfortable dark green couch by a large shelf of books. In fact, most of the room contained bookshelves filled with what was probably centuries worth of literature. There was a coffee table in front of the couch, and Tony could easily imagine Loki putting his feet on it while lounging with a large book. It was a domestic thought that brought a smile to his face.

He felt the couch dip as Loki sat next to him, using his magic to pick a book off a shelf for him. He opened it but didn’t read, instead looking expectantly at Tony. “Why not stay a god?” He asked as Tony obediently laid on his lap. 

“And have Hera find me?” Tony huffed out. No, he wouldn’t dare make things easy for her. He was fine living as a human until the end of the universe if it meant never dealing with Hera again.

“I would let no harm come to you.” Loki’s voice was serious, genuine. Tony almost thought he had misheard him, but no, he meant what he said.

“You shouldn’t underestimate her.” Tony whispered.

“And you shouldn’t underestimate me.” Loki responded. Tony looked up at him, surprised to see Loki staring right back at him with the book in his hand long forgotten. It was a prop, Tony realized, something to get them in a position Loki wanted and to give him an air of disinterest should the conversation not go well.

“She’d hunt down everyone and everything I care about.” Tony argued softly.

“So you’d rather hide away such a large part of yourself? I did not take you for a coward.” His words felt brutal, but they were said so gently Tony didn’t take much offense. 

“I’m tired Lokes.” He sighed. He was tired. It might have been centuries since he last interacted with Hera, but he could still remember the pain he felt from everything she had done to him. He enjoyed the freedom of his godhood when he was still worshiped, but now he was fine without it.

“Then let me fight for you. I will defend what you hold dear.” Loki urged on. Tony closed his eyes.

“Why are you so insistent on this?” 

“Because I have been lied to about what I am for so long. I do not wish for you to continue doing to yourself what has been done to me.” A beat, and Loki sighed. “You have always looked tired and haggard, almost as though a simple breeze would be enough to fell you.” His voice was soft, and Tony felt slender fingers run through his hair. “In the audience chamber, you looked stronger. The energy that was lacking returned vigorously and for once you looked healthy.”

“I’ll think about it.” Tony promised.

—

“What is it that you are wearing?” Loki asked the following day. He was dressed in a thin green cotton shirt and equally thin black pants that looked to be Asgardian loungewear. It was finely made, and definitely had the intricate details found in Asgardian fashion, but something about its simplicity compared to the armor Loki donned yesterday was alluring. Tony forced himself not to stare.

They were walking around a garden of some sort that had many plants and flowers Tony did not recognize, and somehow he still felt connected to them despite how alien they were. Loki walked beside him, guiding them to wherever he was taking them. The Asgardian had woken Tony up early in the day, telling him to get dressed so they could go somewhere. He had groggily done as Loki asked, not quite sure when he had fallen asleep and why he was in Loki’s bed but he didn’t have much time to dwell on it because as soon as he was dressed they were out the door. It seems Loki wanted them up and gone before anyone else had a chance to come get them. 

“It’s called a toga.” Tony yawned. Compared to yesterday’s more conservative toga, today he looked rather scandalous. The toga he was wearing only had a thin cloth draped across his chest secured only by a decorative clip on his left shoulder and leaving almost nothing to the imagination. The bottom half of the toga covered his legs fine enough… that is until he moved and his legs showed through slits on the fabric. The toga itself was loosely tied on his hips and a gust of wind could very well easily reveal even more skin. He still wore his fine sandals, but these were embellished with delicate golden vines. “It’s been a while since I last wore one. I forgot how comfortable they were.” 

“It suits you.” Loki was staring at him, with a coquettish smile.

“I take it you like the toga?” Tony teased, not really expecting an answer other than an eye roll. 

“I do. You were rather delectable before, but now you’re sinfully ravishing.” Loki stated it as a fact. Tony’s mind blanched and he blinked wildly as he tried to process what was just said to him. He even stopped walking, just to stare at the other man who simply kept on going as though he didn’t just openly admit that he thought Tony looked like sex on legs. “Something the matter, Anthony?” Loki smiled innocently as he spoke with a too sweet voice, but there was a hint of mischief in his eyes.

“You don’t play fair.” Tony managed to recover somehow. He had fallen for the other god pretty damn hard and after yesterday he thought Loki was starting to have interest in him too, but he never expected him to initiate anything. “And for the record,” he licked his lips, “you’re pretty enticing yourself.” He watched as Loki’s smile widened.

“Come on now, we’re almost there.” Tony quickly caught up. His heart skipped a beat when Loki offered his elbow for him to grab. Of course, Tony was no fool and immediately grabbed it, letting himself be escorted by the second prince of Asgard.

Loki took them to a field beyond the garden, one with tall grass and many wildflowers around it and at the center was a large tree that looked like some sort of willow. “I would often come here as a boy whenever I wanted a reprieve from life in the palace. As I’ve said, I was not as well liked as Thor.” 

Tony closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh air. It really was peaceful here. “Are you showing me your favorite place?” 

“Yes.” Loki flicked his wrist, willing his seidr to bring forth a lush green blanket under the tree complete with a wicker basket. “I thought we could have ourselves a picnic.” 

“Are you wooing me?” Tony couldn’t help but ask as Loki lowered them onto the blanket. 

“Is it working?” The mage reached for the basket, taking the fruits, baked goods, drinks and sandwiches he had the royal chef prepare for this. 

“It’s working really, really well.” Working really, really well was an understatement. Tony felt heat rise to his cheeks as he watched Loki prepare a feast for them. When was the last time he had a lover and not just a one night stand? When was the last time someone put in effort like this for him? 

“Good.” Loki poured some sort of juice that Tony later would say tasted like an interesting mixture between peaches and strawberries into two cups, giving one to him to toast.

It was nice, eating breakfast as they watched the sun rise and talking in soft voices. Loki recounted practicing magic under this tree, figuring out how to wield his seidr and testing out new spells, some of which were successful and some that blew up on his face. Tony would tell of moments in his own childhood, like when he’d met Apollo and Artemis and how he had to go to great lengths to get Artemis to even tolerate him (she won’t ever admit it but now she adores him). When they were done with eating, Tony laid his head on Loki’s shoulder. “This is nice.” He sighed content. “Thank you, Loki.” 

When Loki didn’t say anything, Tony felt concerned. He lifted his head and looked at his companion to see beautiful green sapphires stare back at him with that same intensity from before. He was looking for something on Tony’s face, searching for some sort of sign. “Loki?” His voice was soft, uncertain what he was even trying to ask.  

“For the entire time I have spent with you, you have given to me freely and I have greedily taken.” Loki started, placing a hand atop of Tony’s. “Allow me to be greedy once more. I want for you, so give yourself to me. Allow me the honor of taking you, of making you mine.” Tony felt his heart pounding intensely in his chest. “Let me give myself to you in turn. Make me yours” 

Tony cupped Loki’s cheek with his free hand, the other immediately leaning to the touch. “I’m yours, Lokes, and I’ll be only yours for as long as you’ll let me.” Loki smiled, pleased. His eyes wandered down Tony’s figure, hungrily consuming the sight before they snapped back to Tony’s; and before Tony could even say anything, he pressed a kiss to his lips. It was chaste at first but Loki wasted no time in deepening the kiss, pushing his tongue through pliant lips.

Not one to sit there without participating, Tony pushed Loki back gently, guiding him to the ground as he fell on top of him. He felt Loki’s hands explore his body, having more than easy access with how open his toga was, only to be pulled closer as those possessive hands held him in place while he lost himself in Loki’s lips. And when the two finally separated, feeling the need to breathe, Tony simply let himself lie on Loki’s chest. They were both panting, enjoying the moment they just had and the knowledge they’d have many more. 

“Fuck.” Tony rasped, enjoying the feeling of Loki’s chest riding and falling. “You’re hot.” He added. 

Loki smirked, entirely too satisfied with himself. He flipped them so that now Tony was the one below and kissed him just as fiercely as before. Tony moaned in delight, which served to only increase Loki’s fervor. Suddenly, he drew back from the kiss, noting with delight at how Tony chased his lips. 

“Loki…” Tony’s voice was breathy, sounding somewhere between a whine and a plea. 

“A toga, was it?” He hummed. “I want it off.” 

“Whatever you want.” Tony grinned, looking over Loki’s figure eagerly.  The other god simply grinned before kissing him again. He felt a familiar static in the air as his surroundings shifted, and the ground underneath him turned into the now familiar soft cushion of Loki’s bed. Loki did not relent, he kissed tenderly and let his hands wander. He diligently removed clothing, and delightfully continued his exploration of Tony’s body. 

And Tony would do the same. It was a back and forth battle of passion, where both parties were eager with months of pent up desire. It was quite possibly the most sensual experience both Tony and Loki had ever felt. 

There was still a lot that needed to be resolved, both in Asgard as well as Earth and Olympus. Tony will have to decide on whether to don his godhood or  become human again. He’d have to talk to Frigga and deal with Odin, and then he’d have to deal with Pepper’s ire the moment he returned. There was always something, but now he knew he had Loki with him. And right this second he couldn’t focus on anything but the other god. He felt safe, content and happy; and he knew that whatever the future held for him, Loki would be there with him.