'I just want to be clear that I haven't misunderstood your nonsensically absurd plan.' Loki was perched on the edge of his bed, he had gracefully crossed Thor's right leg over his left and as he spoke he folded Thor's broad arms across his chest. With a prudent gaze, he stared directly at both Thor and Tony who stood just inside of the room, near the threshold. 'You want me to pretend that I am in fact Thor, and convince the entire population of this redundant, pitiful excuse of a planet to believe that I have myself under guarded arrest?'

'Yes.' Said Tony as he attempted to maintain eye contact, refusing to back down. 'And if you could tell them that Thor- ah I mean… Loki? Crap this is more confusing than it has to be! – Look just tell them that during the battle Loki wasn't really wheedling Mjölnir, tell them it was just a fake imitation to designed to scare the public.'

Loki smiled, a gleeful look appeared in his eye. 'When do we start?'

Thor swallowed hard as the use of the same phrase Loki had levelled at him from within the confines of his prison cell came caused memories of his latest betrayal to come careening to the forefront of his mind. Forcefully, he made himself bury the disturbing and emotionally raw images from the night in question and instead chose to take an ominous step toward his brother.

'Last time you spoke those words you repaid the faith I placed in you with deceit and lies, why would you be so willing to obey Stark's demands now?'

Loki snorted with a roll of his eyes. 'Come now, Thor. I distantly remember you telling me that you had no trust in me. I believe the only condition of my liberation from that dank cell was that you would kill me if I dare deceive you. How could I betray a trust that was never present?'

Thor automatically closed the gap between himself and Loki and gripped his brother by the front of his shirt. Despite the increased weight of his old boy he managed to hurl his brother up into a standing position and threatening gave him a harsh sake. Long blond locks of hair lashed in his face as Loki's head jolted with the movement.

'You think I would have freed you had I truly doubted your allegiance to Asgard? Does our mother's name mean nothing to you? I freed you in her name, in her memory and on her behalf. You disgust me!'

A cold hatred filled Loki's now blue eyes and a cold chill began to inhabit Thor as he stared into the deep cobalt orbs. Before Thor could register what was occurring he perceived an unforgiving force below his collarbones. Instinctively, he let released Loki's top and attempted to utilize his arms to protect himself as he was hurled backwards. There was a resounding crunching sound when his body impacted the wall, and Thor knew there would now be a Loki's body sized dent in the wall of Stark's penthouse master bedroom.

'You dare speak to me of Mother?' Loki roared as he storked towards. The breath stole from Thor's lungs as he witnessed his brother grow ever closer. Blue eyes where clouded with a deadly fury and a look of murderous intent caused broad lips to crush into a thin, threating line. Tanned skin was flushed red from anger and Thor could barely recall ever being as frightened as he was now. In that instant, he regretted every moment in years now past that he had ever shown anyone his true wrath. He felt incredibly small and insignificant as Loki grew closer and wished with all his might that he could force himself to become invisible.

'Our mother would be shamed by your pride, Odinson.' He spat the name as if it where the greatest insult to ever be uttered.

'Oh, no,' Tony cried as he came between the two, stopping Loki in his tracks. He held both arms outstretched, placing two armlength between the pair and allowed his eyes to dart between Thor's pitiful position on the floor and Loki who towered over them both. 'I would normally ask that we leave the mothers out of this, but in this case I suggest we drop the plurals and simply leave your mother out of it. I have had a shit of a week thanks to you two. I know better than anyone that shit happens in shit loads but I swear to any God, if either of you inflict any more damage to the walls of this penthouse then you won't need to reminisce on your mother for long because I will Frigga your arses and a good grounding will be the least of your concerns. Do you understand?!'

There was no reply from either brother, but Tony took that as the best form of agreeance he was going to receive. Silently he bent down and helped Thor back to his feet as Loki glared at them both.

'Alright.' Tony declared as the room stilled. 'Now, I don't normally care for playing referee and it makes me feel all icky just saying this, but I think you owe each other an apology.'

The was a pause as everyone simply glared at one and other. Loki was eyeing Thor defiantly and Thor was impishly watching both Loki and Tony, clearly not wanting to be the one to speak first. Tony exhaled in exasperation and endeavoured to steel himself

'NOW!' He yelled in an all-encompassing and parental tone. He was far too young for this responsibility and he was certain it would send him to an early grave. He swore in that moment he would never become any little brat's father, especially if all children where as petty, insecure, and immature as Thor and Loki.

Thor was the first to mutter a forlorn apology which was barely audible. Loki simply inclined his head to one side and gestured his hand in a way which indicated he backed the sentiment.

'Right, well that could use some improvement. Naming no names,' Tony shot Loki a disgruntled look. 'but it's good enough for now. If we could return to the civilised conversation we were partaking in before you pulverized my master bedroom? Now, Thor made a reasonable point, why are you so willing to help us?'

Some of the fury vanished from Loki's expression and an ominous smirk crossed his lips.

'Why not? Mascaraing as Thor while the entirety of Midgard watches on? Why would I miss an opportunity like that?'

Thor and Tony shared a weary glance.

'You think I will allow you to pretend to be me now?' Thor asked, clearly disliking the turn of events.

'I do. In fact, I am sure that you need me to partake in this plan or you would not have come to ask in the first place. So, allow me to ask once more, when do we begin?'

Thor had insisted on being present during the press conference. He had unsuccessfully tried to convince the others that it would reassure the public to see Loki firmly under Thor's control, sitting in the room and following all instructions. But the team had disagreed for varied reasons, such as Thor and Loki entering yet childish spat, only this time on live T.V. In the end, he had been once again forcibly confined to the penthouse. He was beginning to form a district intolerance to being confined under such duress. Absent-mildly he fidgeted with the lining of the jeans which he had chosen to wear. While he wasn't growing accustom to being confined he was acquiring a mounting fondness of comfortable Midgardian clothing. The light of the television filled the room and distant hum of people talking behind the camera and the scrape of chair legs against floor filtered through into the spacious penthouse living room. Vision floated nearby, somewhere behind Thor. Vision was clearly choosing not to sit next to him and Thor would be lying if he said that didn't smart ever so slightly. Thor was currently trying venomously to ignore the knowledge that Vision was not here in the capacity of friend, but instead acting as his gaoler. The team had agreed to let Thor watch the broadcast on the single condition that Vision could detain him if he became enraged and showed even the slightest inkling of intervening the broadcast which was being held far below them on the ground floor of the tower.

Thor turned his attention back to the flat screen when he heard Tony's voice boom into the room.
'We will be commencing the press conference at this time. I'd like to thank you all of taking the time out of what I am sure are hectic schedules to attend.'

Tony was sat behind a white table with Clint and Natasha sat on either side of him. Despite being inside and attending a formal press conference Tony had still opted to wear his dark sunglasses which feed into an air of accumulating arrogance. Tony tilted his head to the right and glanced at Nat over the brim of the sunglasses. Nat appeared tight lipped, slightly paler than normal and she wore what seemed to be a permanent scowl upon her face. She inclined her head in a slight nod. Tony took this as the cue to continue. He clapped his hands together in a grandiose motion and resumed in a tone which hinted at his cynicism concerning this entire charade.

'Regarding the latest events which occurred in Los Angeles in the last 24 hours, we would like to address your concerns. It was not the intent of any of the extended members of the Avengers to cause any dismay or collateral damage to the downtown or coastal areas. We acknowledge that despite our efforts this has occurred. We would like to make it very clear that at the time of the incident we we're acting within our legal derestriction as dictated in accordance with the binding lawful documents known as the Sokovia Accords. My team and I received U.N. approval to intervene on this matter and while we mourn the damage done to Los Angeles and the Californian people, none of whom were harmed may I add, we refute the claims that we acted irrationally and without cause. I would publicly shame the Director of Homeland security as a fool for the comments he so brassy made. The Avengers initiative may not be the what the world wants, or what it once needed, but now that we exist, it has become clear that due to outside threats we cannot at this time dismantle. I and my team, barring agent Barton, have singed the fore mention documents and continue to act within the law. However, I do not represent or justify the actions of Steve Rogers and his sub outlet of enhanced individuals and I have no comment on his involvement in this situation.'

Tony paused and glance towards what appeared to be Thor, who was sat next to Barton for safe keeping.

'Now, I know you all have questions regarding what I have just said, but first I would like to let Thor address some of the wider concerns that I know everyone in this room shares.'

Clint slapped the false Thor on the shoulder in a way which would have looked to an outsider to be fuelled by comradeship and appeared to show him standing with him in steadfast. However, Thor knew that that was far from the truth. It was in fact a threat. I threat to which was designed to remind Loki of what they had agreed upon. Sharp blue eyes ogled Clint's hand in a malicious manor until the hand finally was removed for the shoulder. Eventually, Loki inclined Thor's blond head to the camera and fixed it with a foolhardy smile that made him look slightly intellectually underdeveloped.

'Being the lumbering brute I am,' Loki started with a voice which was far too gleeful for Thor's liking. He was already deviating from the agreed upon script and Thor had to ball his hands into fist and bite his bottom lip in order to maintain a presence of calm.

'I thought it prudent to bring my villainous brother with me while I attended some businesses here on your planet. Stupid, I know but sometimes I just can't help myself, it's as if it runs in my blood or something equally as profound.'

This was defiantly not what they had agreed upon and Nat was staring at the fake Thor, her mouth slightly agape and eyes wide. Tony was frantically looking between Nat and Clint, pausing to occasionally elbow Clint under the table while Clint was busy glaring angrily at his supposed captive. Nevertheless, the room's attention was upon Loki and none of the hoarded masses of reporters seemed to notice this odd behaviour.

'Now I know this isn't what we agreed upon,' Vision said as he noted Thor's mounting distress. 'But the rest of the panel can't very well interrupt Loki without causing suspicion. He hasn't said anything yet which would jeopardise our plan.'

Thor's deep voice continued to fill the room as Loki exercised to its full use for the camera.

'No doubt that it was a huge oversight on my part. I find I am prone to making rash choices where serious matters are concerned. It's highly unlikely my future endeavours will require a disposition of patience and wit, I'm sure Asgard has courters which will take care of that type of thing when I am King. Such things are surly below me.'

Thor could have strangled him at that exact moment, Loki was lucky he wasn't in the room or he would find a way to make him pay, puny body or not. He tried to remind himself of Tony's pervious words, that he mustn't lose hope in Loki. That he must believe there was still some small semblance of his brother left that still held some form of love and kinship for Thor. But in this moment, that seemed utterly impossible. Clearly Loki though this to be a laughing matter as the smirk was still firmly fixed upon Thor's old face, a face which Thor himself was coming to loath more and more every day.

'However, I digress.' Loki continued, waving a large and as if he had flustered himself while making his eyelids flutter innocently. 'I would like to you assure everyone watching that I have the traitorous war criminal Loki under my command. He is currently under my own arrest and that is why he is here with me on your Earth. It has been settled upon Asgard that I am his current custodian. While the Avengers team and I understand your grievances with his presence here on Earth I can assure you that he is unable to leave my side. Any act which serves to remove him from my presence will be considered an act of warfare against the Crown of Asgard and will be dealt with in such a manor. That being said, I would like to take this opportunity to remind the extended audience that Loki is incredibly unstable and dangerous. He is cunning and his intellect far outweighs mine, that's been evident since we were children.' Loki paused to smile sinisterly straight down the barrel of the camera which filmed him. Thor knew beyond any doubt that the smile was wholly intended for him. Objectively, Thor could see how this could be mistaken as an brad, easy smile and audience would obviously believe it so, but Thor knew better. 'He is a corrupt shadow of his former self and I recommend high vigilance should you happen to encounter him.' There was a long pause and the room grew silent, all eyes still on the false Thor. Finally, Loki produce a light heart chuckle in Thor's deep tone. 'Not that that will ever happen while he is under my care.' He slapped the table with a false sense of mirth, imitating Thor so perfectly that for the minutest of seconds even Thor was convinced with his act.

'Any questions?' He boomed with a wide-open smile. A flurry of voices began to intersect as the off-screen reporters fought over the right to ask the first question.

Tony sighed loud enough for everyone to hear and visibly rubbed at his temples. Clearly, he was an old hand at this as he pointed out into the assembled audience and said 'Sharron, go.'

A delicate female voice filed through the television. 'Sharron Eaststone form channel eight news. Thor, if I may ask. What business brought you to New York, or indeed Earth at all?'

Loki didn't miss a beat. 'Well I had heard talk upon Asgard of these said Sokovia Accords. I thought I would pay a visit to my trusted friends and enquire over what was to be expect of me if I agreed to the terms and conditions. I haven't as yet been able to sign the document as I need more time to consider how it may impact my duty on Asgard.'

Thor had to give it to his brother, Loki's wit was still as sharp and quick acting as ever. Tony pointed to someone else of camera and said firmly 'Go.'

'Burt Cummingham, Global News. Thor, can you tell us why your brother was in possession your hammer? Per the statements you have made in the past only yourself and those who are deemed worthy of your power may lift the hammer.'

Loki threw his hands up and produced an amused laugh. 'Friends, that was just my brother performing his same old mischievous acts. He simply used his skills in the art of magic to make it appear as if he were in control of the ancient Mjölnir. 'Twas all a trick to feed your scene of fear.'

There was a collective 'Ah!' from the audience as they all happily accepted this explanation.

There where multiple questions that followed which were directed at Nat and Tony about collateral damage and expenditure and if the presence of the Avengers could ever be considered a profit as opposed to a negative. Tony and Nat artfully danced around all the questions and avoided directly answer anything. Nobody seemed to be interest in asking Clint much and for the most part he simply sat there with his arms crossed, peering occasionally at the false Thor.

Another female reporter asked yet another question. 'Thor, can you tell us when you plan to make a political marriage and whether you would consider any matches from the numerous royal families which inhabit Earth?'

Loki's chuckle was oddly disturbing to Thor, though he was sure everyone else would find it warm and entertaining. Yet Thor found himself watching with disgust as Loki wink with his own blue eyes.

'For you lovely, I would consider persons unrelated altogether with any royalty.'

Thor felt an overwhelming wave of nausea build in his stomach. He couldn't see the woman but he hoped she felt as ill as he did. Angrily, Thor snatched the remote control of the coffee table and turned the broadcast off, he had had his fill of Loki's silver-tongued antics for one day.

He turned to Vision and proclaimed: 'Can you believe his audacity? Who is he to proposition women while trapped within my body.'

Vision looked affronted by the sudden out bust and floated backwards to increase the space between Thor and himself. 'I do not presume to meddle in the personal endeavours of Demi-gods. My apologies, but I am afraid I cannot comment.'

Thor grunted unhappily and crossed his arms across his chest. He wished more than anything he could escape this horrid tower. Maybe he could take his altogether too convincing younger brother with him and beat some sense into him. For the briefest of moment his sick and twisted mind dared to suggest he fuck some sense into his brother, but Thor dismissed it to the furthest compartment of his mind before it could settle and take root.