When Thor went to find his younger brother later that day, Loki was in his bedroom, staring pensively out of the window. He heard Thor come in, but didn't turn to face him. He was silent for a few long moments, before he spoke softly. Almost too softly for Thor to hear.

"Why must this happen to me, Brother?"

Thor felt tears sting the corners of his eyes.

"Oh, Loki." His gruff voice was filled with sorrow as he sat down next to the smaller god. For a long while, no words passed between them. There was a pitiful silence that filled every corner of the room. Thor finally put his arm around Loki.

"I talked with Anthony. I told him your feelings were true."

"He does not care, Thor. He is another love lost to me. I've accepted that."

Thor pulled away, looking down into his brother's face.

"Please, Loki! Do not give up on this. I've seen you give up time after time, and it was always for the better! But now…just promise me. Promise you'll try."

Loki finally began to cry. It was silent, just tears slipping past black eyelashes.

"It is painful. But I will try."

Xxxxx

"Hello, Anthony." Loki felt brave as he walked into Tony's lab. He saw the man sitting at his work bench, head in his hands. He didn't move when Loki addressed him.

"What do you want." It wasn't a question. Loki flinched.

"To apologize. To explain."

"Don't bother."

Loki walked forward until he was an arms-length away from Tony. He reached out and touched his shoulder.

"Anthony, please." Loki's voice was small. Tony didn't move away though. He didn't flinch, or tell Loki to quit it. Instead, he reached up and put his hand on top of Loki's.

"I'm so sorry." Tony's self-loathing seeped into his words like blood through white cotton sheets. Loki smiled sadly.

"Don't be, Anthony. It's alright…It's much too soon for you to trust me. I understand-"

Tony stood, grabbing Loki by the shoulders. His grip was tight, almost too tight.

"No, stop being so understanding! I…I was prick to you! A real asshole…and you're just going to let me off the hook?"

Loki smiled, nodded, and reached up to cup Tony's face.

"It's alright; I understand you've been hurt. You push people away. I know how that feels all too well, because I've done it myself. But you don't have to push me away, Anthony. There is nothing you could do that would make me run, make me hate you. If you fall in love with me, I won't leave you. I won't break your heart."

Tony shook his head, squeezing his eyes shut. Tears fell, streaking his cheeks. Loki wiped them away with the soft pad of his thumb.

"I'm not going to leave you."

"Stop…

"I'll stay, Anthony. Forever."

"STOP!" Tony screamed. Loki pulled the shorter man against his chest, holding him tightly as he sobbed.

"Just let it go, Anthony. Let it all go." He whispered as he rested his cheek against Tony's head. They stood there for a long time as Tony released all of the unshed tears he had denied himself for so long. Once he had gone quiet, he pulled away and looked at Loki. There was unspoken love in the genius' eyes, and he leaned up and pressed his lips against Loki's.

Loki's breath caught in his throat, and he carded his hands through Tony's hair and pulled his closer, deepening the kiss by parting lips. Tony's tongue brushed against his almost shyly, as if he was asking permission. If only Tony knew that he could do anything he wanted with Loki. Anything at all.

Xxxxx

They sat next to each other at dinner that night. That's how Thor knew. The smile that spread across his face was warm. He slept incredibly well that night, especially when he noticed that Loki did not come back to their shared room.

Xxxx

Loki sat on the edge of Tony's bed, nervous for what felt like the first time in his long life. His hands were shaking. Tony pressed a kiss to the nape of the trickster god's neck, which made him whimper.

"Anthony." The name was whispered like a prayer, and it sent chills down the receiver's back. Tony found himself, in the moment, more aroused than he had ever been in his life. Loki, on the other hand felt bile rise in his throat.

"Anthony…Anthony, stop." He whispered nervously, pushing the shorter man away.

"What is it?" Tony sounded anxiously. "What's wrong."

Loki hung his head, his hands fidgeting in his lap.

"I don't…this isn't what I really look like!" He exclaimed standing and facing the inventor. "I'm…I…"

He let his glamour drop, and his pale, supple skin faded to dark blue. The temperature in the room dropped significantly. Tony couldn't breathe, and it wasn't because of the now-frigid air.

"You're…the most…Loki…" He stood, pulling the Jotun prince against his chest. "You're beautiful."

A tear slid down Loki's cheek, freezing just above his lip.

They became one that night, in every sense of the word.