A/N: *Peeks out from under rock and self-consciously clears throat* Well, I'm sure you're all either wondering what happened to me or have completely forgotten that this story exists. The explanation is really quite simple and terribly boring. In a word: life. Life happened and is still happening but has finally slowed down long enough for me to remember this fic. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited and kept up with this fic in my absence, I'm a terrible person but I'm trying really hard not to abandon this.

More explanation and responses to reviews below if you're interested, but without further ado, the next chapter. *Crawls back under rock and frantically begins to type new chapter.*

Steve was waiting for them outside the elevator.

And from the look on his face, he was pissed.

Like that righteous, someone-is-about-to-meet-Jesus, pissed. Tony had been on the receiving end of that look far too often.

Which is why Tony wasn't really annoyed when Dr. Banner just cleared his throat and waved to the teenager before hitting the elevator door-close button without so much as stepping out. Steve's main focus was on Tony but he managed to acknowledge Dr. Banner with a nod.

Tony, on the other hand, was left to face the wrath of Captain America with no back-up. As good as Tony's puppy-face was he didn't think it was going to get him out of this one.

The teen decided to speak first, "Okay, before you start yelling, I was just – "

Steve interrupted him anyway though, "I told you not to bother Dr. Banner."

Despite the stern tone, Tony spoke up again anyway, "Technically you said we should let him –"

"And you know very well you are supposed to have someone with you at all times while you're here," Steve interrupted again, "You know that, why do you keep doing this?"

Tony paused for a moment before asking cautiously, "Doing what?"

"Putting yourself in danger," Steve responded instantly, "You're barely well enough to walk down the hall by yourself, and then you not only wander off but – "

"I was fine," Tony insisted, "I don't need you to –"

"You were far from fine, Tony," Steve said severely, "Anything could have happened to you. That's why Agent Coulson wanted you supervised."

"Yeah, I know," Tony realized his voice was slightly raised but he couldn't help it, "Everyone thinks I'm gonna go all sleeper-agent and crash SHIELD from the inside out. Or are you mad because I went to see Dr. Banner? I know you probably don't want two dangerous people in the same room with each other without proper supervision. You – " Tony stopped himself there and went quiet. So did Steve.

After a few silent moments Steve sighed, "That's not what I meant, Tony," he said much more calmly than before. Instead of speaking Tony just shrugged. The teen didn't particularly mean what he said and he didn't really feel like getting into an argument. He was feeling tired like he had in the hospital room. Maybe he had overdone it.

"You've been really cooped-up lately," Steve mumbled suddenly, making Tony chance a look at his face, "Guess I can't really blame you for running off," Steve laughed and almost seemed to be talking to himself, "Like I can talk, huh?"

Tony wasn't really sure where Steve was going with this and he wasn't sure if he was still a part of the conversation, "So . . . Am I still in trouble?" he asked slowly, if only to remind Steve he was there.

The soldier blinked and focused his eyes on Tony again, "What? I mean, yes, you are, don't do that again okay?" Steve reached out and put a hand on Tony's shoulder. He still had a weird look on his face but the soldier seemed more present than a moment ago, "Listen, you look tired. Get some sleep and we'll go somewhere tomorrow. The park or, I dunno, a movie, something that's not in this building. Sound good?"

Tony thought he might have whiplash but he nodded anyway, "Sure, but just so you know that's not much of a punishment." Tony smiled when Steve laughed.

"Just try to be good from now on, please?" Steve asked soberly, "Coulson has a hard enough time with Romanoff and Barton, he'll develop a complex at this rate."

Tony's smile grew at the teasing and he allowed Steve to lead him into his room. He was getting really tired.

They had just walked into his room and Tony had (gently) collapsed onto the bed when the whole building shook and what could only be a clap of thunder sounded throughout the floor.

"What on Earth – ," Tony grumbled as he propped himself back up with his elbow.

Steve sighed again and said, "Not Earth, per say." He looked at Tony's confused face and smiled a bit saying, "Don't worry, it's nothing bad. I'll be back in a minute to explain . . . if Coulson will let me. I'm still not sure where we stand on that." The last part was mumbled and Tony barely heard it. That was still the only explanation Tony got before Steve took the three steps across Tony's tiny room to the door.

"Hey, wait, you can't just – "

"Stay," Steve turned and looked Tony in the eye, "I promise I'll be back, just please stay here. Try to get some sleep, okay?" And he was gone.

Tony huffed irritably and considered going after the super-soldier, but quickly discarded the idea. In his present state he could barely get anywhere by himself, much less keep up with an excited Steve Rogers.

The teen sighed again and laid back on his bunk wondering what could be so loud and yet still need security clearance for people to know about it.

He also wondered what in the world Steve was talking about earlier. About Tony putting himself in danger or whatever. If Dr. Banner was really that dangerous SHIELD wouldn't keep him in the building. Okay, granted Acker had been a huge misstep but Tony couldn't be held responsible for all of that.

Right?

Tony shook his head. Best not to think too hard about that one. Steve was probably just being dramatic to make a point. Maybe the soldier needed a day or two away from this place as well. He didn't seem to get out any more than Tony.

Turning his thoughts back to the racket that had gone as quickly as it had come, Tony felt himself drifting off. By the time he had gotten to the theory that SHIELD could have a machine that controls the weather he was asleep.

BREAKBREAKBREAK

When he woke, Tony did feel a little better. And hungry. He glanced at the alarm clock and saw that more time had passed than he thought.

Maybe Steve had come back by now. Tony would ask to go get food together to hopefully make up for scaring the big bad mother-hen. Yeah, that sounded good. Steve might even be able to tell Tony what the fuss was all about earlier.

Tony carefully got up, stretched, groaned at the immediate twinge from his healing wound, and started moving slowly toward the door.

Steve stayed only a short walk away and Tony was just about to tap on the soldier's door when he heard something being knocked over. A deep voice began to grumble and curse. Startled, Tony turned and saw that whoever it was had yet to turn the corner in the corridor.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Tony began walking over to the turn in the hall and slowly peaked around the wall. What he saw made him blink a few times.

First of all, there was a lot of red. A red cape fell down the broad shoulders and back of a blonde man who had yet to turn around and see Tony watching him. The man was grumbling and picking up the contents of a waste basket he had knocked over, and each time his arm reached out Tony could see expertly fitted armor. The strangest bit was probably the massive medieval hammer sitting on the floor next to the man. Tony barely had time to wonder about it when the stranger stood up. And sweet mercy, he was huge. The hallway suddenly looked extremely claustrophobic with the man's head almost brushing the ceiling.

Tony was still gaping at the sheer size of him, when the stranger turned, wastebasket and hammer in hand, and spotted the teen.

As much as Tony was surprised by the stranger, the large man seemed equally surprised at seeing a teenager in the SHIELD headquarters. They stared at each other for a moment, Tony suddenly very unsure of what to do or say.

Before he could figure that out though, the stranger smiled. Not one of those adult smiles though, all serious and polite like they were trying to put him at ease, but like Tony was an old friend of this man and they hadn't seen each other in a long time. When Tony finally gave a small smile back the man laughed like something was funny.

"You must be the youngling the Captain told me not to wake," He said as he placed the basket back on the floor and hooked the hammer to his belt, "It seems I have failed his request. Nevertheless, I am Thor of Asgard, Son of Odin. I apologize for interrupting your rest young one."

Tilting his head at the man's odd speech pattern, Tony said simply, "I was already awake. Um, well, I'm Tony, er, of here, son of . . . well, that doesn't really matter. Was that you making all the racket earlier?"

"Aye," Thor boomed. He really only seemed to have one volume: booming, "Lady Jane has mentioned Midgardians find my method of travel somewhat startling. However, it saves much time." Thor considered Tony for a moment with eyes that reminded Tony of those brief glimpses of blue lighting right before the thunder sounded.

Tony didn't mind as he was trying to figure out Thor as well, "Method of travel? Hang on, Midgardians? Just who exactly are you anyway? What are you?"

Tony felt his cheeks heat up, realizing that may have been rude, but Thor just raised an eyebrow in confusion saying, "As I said, I am Thor, son of – "

"No, no. I got that, sorry," Tony ran a hand through his hair trying to find a way to explain, "I mean . . . " Tony struggled for a moment because his brain had just jumped back to the last World History class he'd taken where they'd gone over Norse mythology and, no, that was simply ridiculous . . .

Then again he slept next door to a super-soldier from World War II and there was a man who could turn into a giant rage monster working quietly in the basement, so what did Tony know, really?

Apparently seeing his struggle, Thor chuckled, "Ah, I see you have not been made aware of my, um, origins, have you?"

Tony shook his head wordlessly, still trying to figure out what he did in his life to be standing in front of a Norse myth, when his stomach decided to growl louder than Thor's voice.

This only made Thor laugh harder, "No matter, young Tony, I shall tell my tale over a hearty meal," Thor walked over and slung an arm around the teen, intent on walking him to the cafeteria. This became problematic when Thor moved forward too quickly and Tony stumbled, aggravating his bullet wound and causing him to gasp and wrap both arms around his midsection.

Thor let go of Tony immediately, smile gone and concern in his face, "Young one, are you ill?"

Tony took a moment to breathe before he answered. When the pain faded he felt his face heat up again but he glanced at Thor through his bangs anyway, "I, um . . . I guess they didn't tell you much about me either?" Tony tried for a smile that didn't look like a grimace.

He must have succeeded in some way because Thor gave him a careful grin in return, "No. The Son of Coul did not say much, but he did seem troubled," Thor paused to scratch his blonde beard in thought, "Come to think of it, he often looks rather troubled."

"That does seem to be his default expression," Tony said, glad that Thor wasn't demanding answers from him. Of course, Tony figured Thor would find out everything he wanted to know about Tony from everyone else anyway, so there was no harm in telling him, "How about you tell me about you over dinner, and I tell you about me over dessert?"

Thor nodded his head, "A fair trade. I must say I have not had the joy of another's company too often while in the base of SHIELD. It will be a welcome change to share a meal during my stay."

Tony thought that sounded a little odd, seeing as he'd barely gotten a moment alone since he got here. Surely Steve, Natasha, and Clint had been just as welcoming to someone as friendly as Thor. Dr. Banner was another matter entirely, of course.

Despite that, Tony nodded and started walking with his strange new acquaintance and pretended not to notice when Thor slowed his steps to match the injured teen's pace.

Tony was beginning to wonder if this was one of those situations Steve had been talking about earlier. Not that it had started off as seemingly dangerous that is.

Actually, Tony was pretty sure food had started falling out of his mouth when Thor began his story, confirming the fantastical idea that he was indeed an alien. Or from another realm, or whatever.

The part that sealed Tony's belief was when Thor got a bit overexcited during one of his stories. The large blonde was demonstrating how he'd dispatched a whole horde of monsters "with but one throw of Mjolnir" and ended up actually throwing it across the room with enough force to put a hammer shaped hole in the wall. Thankfully they were the only people in the cafeteria at the time besides the workers. The god of thunder had spent several minutes apologizing to the cafeteria staff (who looked pretty resigned to giant hammers being thrown through walls). Tony was torn between laughing, pinching himself, and asking to do a thorough examination of that hammer.

Thor told Tony about how he got to "Midgard" and met his "Lady Jane" and got involved with "the mighty SHIELD."

And about his brother.

Thor went so quiet after he mentioned Loki that Tony thought the blonde had forgotten the teen was there.

Tony hesitated, but was never known for his patience anyway, and said tentatively, "Thor?"

After a moment Thor shook his head and cleared his throat, "Forgive me, young one. Speaking of my brother still brings me much sadness and regret. There is no need to burden you with such things."

Another beat of silence passed before Tony blurted, "I used to wish I had a brother," Tony didn't really mean to say that. It was true, but also a little embarrassing. Thor just looked really sad right then and Tony wanted to say something. The next part slipped out on account of Thor's questioning look, "In one of the boy's homes I lived in for a while there were two brothers. The oldest was around my age and he took really good care of his little brother. They were always close to each other, no matter what. I just always thought it must be nice, to have someone like that . . . "

Tony trailed off and he felt himself blush. It sounded corny but it was still true. He was even a little jealous of the brothers sometimes. He'd never had a person to count on as completely as those boys had counted on each other.

"I believe, that is why I am so saddened," Thor said quietly, a sad smile on his face, "I was blind to my brother's pain and, for that, I lost him. I hope to never make that mistake again," Thor shook his head again, as if to clear it, "Ah, but I did not mean to bring up such serious things. You are too young to be comforting me, Tony." Thor laughed, but it wasn't as jovial as before, "But that is the end of my tale. It is now your turn, young one."

Tony decided a change of subject was long overdue and shook his head, "Dessert first." Thor laughed a little more lightly and got up to get the cake advertized on the cafeteria's special board.

When the god of thunder (how that sounded so normal to Tony in such a short amount of time was really a testament to the teen's life in general) sat back down, Tony started talking. He was kind of wishing he'd gone first. His story sounded pretty dull compared to Thor's legendary arrival to Earth.

He gave the short version, a little about how he'd grown up, talking about Acker, and how he'd broken into SHIELD. It took a minute to explain what "hacking" was to Thor, who was more familiar with rainbow bridges than computers. When he finally understood Thor seemed to find it extremely funny that a teenager had managed to hack, what the god considered, one of the most impressive Midgardian organizations he'd ever seen.

In short, it was going well . . . until Tony mentioned getting shot. He was so busy explaining what "getting shot" meant and what a gun was, that Tony didn't realize Thor already knew what those things were.

"I'm fine now, I just get tired a lot," Tony was saying, not noticing the static in the air, "They won't let me have any of my computer stuff back yet, even though none of the techs here know anything . . . about it . . . " Tony trailed off when he noticed the smell of O-zone and how the sky outside the windows was getting darker. He was staring at the darkening sky when a role of thunder sounded.

"And where," Thor's low voice startled Tony so badly he jumped and sent his fork flying, "Might this criminal, Acker, be?" When Tony looked at Thor, the god's hand was gripping the handle of his hammer and his face was as dangerous and stormy as the sky outside. Tony changed his mind; he didn't really believe Thor when he threw the hammer through a wall. He truly believed that this was the God of Thunder, right then.

"He, um," Tony was suddenly having trouble finding words and noticed that one of the cafeteria workers was on the phone with an urgent look on her face, "He got away," Lightening flashed outside and thunder soon followed almost deafening Tony. He clapped his hands over his ears and raised his voice, "But they're looking for him! I mean SHIELD is . . . Thor you're freaking me out!" Tony closed his eyes, wondering if the thunder god was about to blow the building away, when everything stopped.

Tony held his breath before peeking one eye open. His hands were still over his ears but Tony could see Thor's hand reaching out hesitantly to tug them away.

The blonde's expression was suddenly apologetic, "I am sorry, young one. It seems my anger can still get the best of me," Thor had draped his cape over Mjolnir to hide it from sight and the storm clouds were gone as soon as they'd come, "I never meant to frighten you."

Tony shrugged and tried for a smile, "It's okay. You don't have to be angry, I'm safe now."

Thor sighed and shook his head, "That is not the reason for my anger," Tony tilted his head in confusion so the blonde continued, "I forget that we are not in Asgard," he smiled a bit like he had when he spoke of Loki, "In my home, children are cherished. It is considered an honor and privilege to raise or be entrusted with a child. I know many who would have given all the treasures in Asgards vaults to receive a boy as clever as you," Tony blushed at the praise and wanted to protest (especially at being called a child) but Thor continued, "But Midgard is different. You are all still learning. It pains me to know that an innocent was hurt because of the ignorance and negligence of his elders."

Tony had no clue what to say to that. The only person who had ever remotely cherished him, was Acker, and only because of what Tony could do for him.

Before he had too much time to think about that though, Coulson came bursting through the door, followed closely by Captain Rogers, Agent Hill, and several other armed SHIELD agents. They all stopped when they saw Thor and Tony sitting in confused silence and a sheepish cafeteria staff still cowering behind the counters.

"Oh, for the love of –," Agent Hill mumbled with hand beginning to massage her temple. She turned to the unnamed, armed agents, "It was just Thor getting overexcited again. Everyone return to your posts, sorry for the interruption." There was some grumbling in the ranks but everyone besides Steve, Coulson, and Hill left, holstering their guns. One woman did have the gumption to stop and wave coyly at Thor, who just smiled (somewhat uncomfortably) as she left.

"Thor," Hill turned back to them, "We've had this discussion – "

"Aye," Thor held up a placating hand, "Lady Hill, the commotion was my fault. But I did not cause damage this time . . . " He stopped when Hill spotted the hammer sized hole in the far wall, "Ah, yes, that was . . . also an accident . . . I will help to repair it – "

She held up a hand and pointedly ignored the slightly impressed look Coulson and Steve were giving the damaged wall, "Never mind, just please try to control yourself," Her harsh gaze had suddenly turned to Tony, "Aren't you supposed to be in your room?"

"I – wh – you – yes, but," Tony sputtered and flung a hand out to point at Thor, "Supervision! I had it and it's him." Brilliant, boy genius, eloquent as ever.

"That hardly counts –," Hill was rubbing her head again, but Coulson interrupted.

"It's alright Agent," Coulson said calmly, "I will take it from here. Would you like some cake, they're having a special?" The man was looking at the special board with mild interest, and Hill was looking at him like she wanted to throw him out the window.

"Fine," She spat finally, "Handle it. I'll be in my office. No one call me for the rest of the day. I don't care what it is." Hill stormed out and even Steve scurried out of her way.

Her frustration didn't have much effect on Thor though, "Son of Coul!" he boomed, "Good Captain! Come, dine with us. We are just now sharing stories and showing scars." Thor laughed for no apparent reason and Tony liked this guy more by the minute. He kind of wished he could leave sad or scary things behind so easily.

Coulson sighed and glanced at Steve, who shrugged.

"I'll get the cake," Coulson said and walked over to the still shaky workers behind the counter, probably to talk them down as well.

Steve walked over to the two of them and sat down, "Thought you were asleep," he said, nudging Tony's shoulder.

"I found a Thor," Tony said, "And I thought you said you'd be right back?" Tony fake pouted at the super soldier.

"I was getting that outing cleared with Coulson," Steve countered, "Barton and Romanoff will be back tonight, so we'll go in the afternoon."

Tony wouldn't admit it but hearing that made him really excited.

Then he had a thought, glancing over at Thor who was quite absorbed in his cake and remembered his comment earlier about eating alone.

"Can Thor come?" Tony said just as Coulson sat down and slid a plate in front of Steve. Thor looked up at his name.

The question seemed to catch Steve off guard, "Oh, yeah, I guess. If he wants to?" He looked at Thor for an answer.

Thor glanced between Tony and Steve, then smiled broadly, "An adventure with young Tony and the Captain of America. Yes, that sounds quite agreeable. I have yet to be given a proper tour of this part of Midgard." The god of thunder looked like an excited, giant puppy.

"You know," Steve said quietly, "Neither have I, really."

Tony ignored that comment in favor of another request, "And Dr. Banner, too?"

That made Coulson look up but he didn't say anything.

"If he wants to, then sure," Steve said mildly, then looked at Tony seriously, "But only if he wants to, Tony."

"Yeah, yeah," Tony smiled and began to plot. He had until tomorrow afternoon to drag Bruce out of his cave.

Tomorrow was gonna be awesome, Tony could feel it.

A/N: I'm not sure about this chapter. I always think I'm over- or under-doing Thor. I never know where to draw the line with him. Still love him though.

I'm a terrible person for taking so long to update. Basically, what happened was I graduated college in December, got a job that I pretty much hated, recently got another job that makes me seem like an actual adult (hysterical laughter in the background), and in between just haven't had any inspiration to write. I also for whatever reason got into anime/manga again (I know, why would I even open that door but here we are and I can't close it), mainly Fairy Tail (if you've never seen it, give it a try, it's awesome) among others, and I would've felt really bad if I wrote something for that fandom without updating this first.

And also I missed you guys and so many of you have reviewed, liked, and alerted this story that you deserve an update. You deserve a better update but this is the best I can do for now.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and I'm going to try and update again soon. (Don't get too excited I also meant to have this up a week ago) Fingers crossed, everyone.