My Apologies for the wait. This chapter has been sitting on my laptop since November 2016. Its EXTRA LONG with a bit of fun and Loki learning more. Like said this is slowburn fic.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

CHAPTER 17

Clint winced, as crazy cats hip tossed their super soldier to the mat as if he was nothing more than that skinny kid from Brooklyn again. After watching them for half an hour from his view on the overhead catwalk, he discovered Loki was good at grappling style fighting. His mastery in escaping submission holds were damn near flawless.

'Slippery bastard' he thought.

The snake knew how to shift his weight just enough to keep Steve on the offense. It didn't help Loki was holding back much like Thor did when sparring with the rest of the team. The only difference was Thor offered pointers to the weakness in their fighting styles. The holes he use to find in Natasha's defenses were barely noticeable now. Loki offered no commentary only his domination.

Steve as far as he knew wasn't frustrated or phased in the slightest by being tossed like a rag-doll. He probably thought it was good skill building. Also good for Loki to interact with someone other than Stark. In that case the patriot would be right. No telling what those two sadist be cooking up in that lab. On the flip side everyone was becoming more relaxed with having the would-be dictator around. He was given more leeway while everyone else was riddled him grief over his continued anger towards Loki. They obviously forgot Loki had a mouth too and often used it to antagonize the situation. But oh no he we have to be sensitive to Loki's delicate baby feelings, or else he'd try to off himself again.

So what, he thought to himself. Just because he kept Loki in his sights and wanted to protect his family. There was nothing wrong in doing that. So why was he made to look like a first-class asshole. Sorry, he just didn't openly trust the bastard who turned him into a murder that made him take the lives of his colleagues and friends.

No one on the team, or SHIELD knew just how screwed up his mind had become. What he never told anyone was the connection between his mind and Loki's flowed both ways; something he's not even sure Loki knows himself. That's what bothered him most. He was suffering from an onslaught of memories that didn't belong to him. He saw parts of Loki's life, and while he hated Loki at the same time he couldn't hate him at all.

So many memories, that his human mind could only settle on the most powerful ones. Most of those surrounded Odin, his mother, Thor, and his douche bag friends. Odin wasn't the best father to Loki, he was worse. He'd bait his own son with hope and acceptance and then snatch it away at the last possible second. Loki was like one of those women he kept going back to their abusive partner, only to get beaten again. I mean the guy has to be pretty desperate to plan the assassination of his biological father, in front of his adopted father all the while ending the threat to the old man's kingdom, cementing his loyalty, and if he wasn't mistaken killing the monster he thought was inside him all at the same time. When that didn't work he did the only thing he thought that would impress his dad; end the threat permanently. Only for Odin to say not good enough. And oh my God Thor, what a fuckin dick. He believed the sun shined out of Odin's ass, and then became his father's son believing his shit smelled better than everyone else's. He pretty much let everyone bully his little brother. Whether jokingly, or out of spite people teased Loki mercilessly. Oh but when Loki choose to finish the fight others had started; those who provoked the fight ran to Thor and his daddy because the supposed weak kid had soundly beaten them at their own game. The more he thought about the more Loki and Thor's relationship resembled his own life with his own brother. They were close growing up under the weight of their dad's fist, until they start having their own fights after they joined the circus. Their conflict escalated when he was taken on as an student to a man who served as a father figure to us, Jacques DuQuesne; The Swordsman. A bitterness settled between them and they parted ways, until Barney resurfaced on SHIELD's grid and their rivalry renewed. When they came to blows this time , he had a harder time defeating his brother. His skills were now parallel to his own. Foolishly he thought his once protector against the old man's belt would ever kill him, until he found a Bowie knife under his neck. Barney left him off with a warning to not let his personal feelings get in the way. In that way he could he could sympathize more with Loki. At least his brother didn't hold me down and let someone sew his lips shut. Poor bastard his only saving grace was his mom, but even she showed poor judgement at times.

With revisiting Loki's emotional draining memories came headaches and his own night terrors. They were full of phantom pains and and despair Loki endured at the hands of the Chitauri. Laura had to wake him more than once in the middle of the night. So far he's been able to stay off SHIELD's and Natasha's radar after illegally purchasing meds for his nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety. He knew if anyone ever found out he'd be grounded from the team. In a lot of ways he pitied Loki, but then his anger returns making him take delight in his pain but he'd told himself it was justified. Then anger is followed by guilt because what happened to him happened before he took over his mind. He just couldn't decide how to feel about Loki anymore. He flinched again as Loki took Steve to the mat again.

In the past week the redundancy in his usually swift life was becoming progressively slower as of late. It was about as exciting as Heimdall's watch. This week alone consisted of paperwork, documentation, louder profanity then a feasting hall, and Midgardians trying to attack him for protecting their kids from their own tyranny. Then there was Thor looking more like the downtrodden furry animal he resembles, and his favorite was listening to Stark's incessant prattle about magic insisting it was an advanced form of science. Apparently his intense curiosity would allow him to achieve his own magic one day. In actuality there was acquired seidr then there inherent seidr. Acquired seidr or magic is like Thor and Mjolnir. The hammer allows Thor to summon thunder, lightening, wind, and rain. Without said hammer the thunder god wouldn't be able to channel thunder and guide it as accurate. Inherent seidar meant it is a pure source deeply embedded within the soul; like his own. From what he's been told he was able to shape-shift since infancy. His magic instinctively acted on it own accord and couldn't be duplicated no matter what Thor told everyone. I mean how could you believe someone who looked down on magic as tricks to actually have true understanding of the art of seidr.

This wasn't to say all his days were boring. Watching Thor getting slammed through a building by the villain of the week was a delightful source of entertainment. The tongue wagging media was oh so helpful in replaying the moment numerous times. After watching that inspiring moment for several hours it lost its luster especially when Thor stop pouting about it. Also Lady Nataliya provided endless inventiveness, keen intelligence, and a bottle of vodka to stimulate his mind. She would have made a excellent disciple, but like many before her she got too comfortable. She would fail to remember who he was. The spider got caught in her own web and let slip from her memory that he was Chaos made flesh.

Flashback

We would rekindle our battle of wits on our previous debate about chameleons and the persons behind the mask.

"On the outside you seem to be doing what's right. But on the inside you are full of what's wrong. You continue to pretend to be what you are not," he told her.

The redhead swirled her drink in the glass she was holding before speaking. "Chameleons fit in wherever they go. When you are afraid of what people think you start pretending to be what you're not. You stop saying what you really think or feel or what's really going on in your own head. Yet you can't fit in because everyone knows you and refuse to let you become someone else. You're stuck being who they think you are. So you have learned to appease those around you; learn the right words to say, catch phrases that make people like you, but they don't really know you, or like you. So you settle for being smothered down until you see an opportunity to make them love you."

She took a drink and smiled into her glass as the man's jaw twitch.

"Do you feel so afraid of rejection Nataliya that you don't even know what you really think anymore? You are a puppet. SHIELD and the KGB are the one's who are in control of your puppetry. They shaped you molded you. Chameleons can't make a difference in the world because they are so afraid to step out and be different," he said knowing the woman's bloodstained past. "But different isn't always a bad thing, and when we learn to embrace who we really are we can actually learn to value our less the ethical strengths and what we bring to the battle."

Natasha scoffed. "No you aren't a chameleon, you're an avoider," she told the man smugly. She knew she was pushing hard, but she wanted to pull Loki out of his comfort zone.

"Embracing who we are? Your true self no longer exist, destroyed in one single moment. You always knew you were different didn't you. So you only wanted to focus on things that you are good at. You're so afraid of finding weakness and faults in yourself that you only want people to focus on your talents or things that come easy to you. You're arrogant because you don't let your weaknesses show. Then you became the blamer. You get angry at people who bring up your weaknesses and focus on what's wrong with you."

Loki felt himself nearly snarl. 'What's happened to him? What went wrong with him?' Those were questions he heard whispered throughout his childhood and adolescence. For a mortal to bring this up was more than he cared to suffer. His dear Nataliya would pay for her audacity for carelessly mentioning the disillusions of his life.

"For someone who knows so much, you don't have a clue," he drawled. "A woman who is reasonably intelligent such as yourself, should know people like yourself seldom change. Only your mask does. You can change people's perception of you but underneath you're still that same person. The same person who murders willingly on orders of another. Who was ordered to kill the man she had grown fond of quite effortlessly. Who left sixteen screaming school children to burn trying to kill one insignificant arms dealer."

To her credit Natasha didn't flinch or say anything, but the brief look of despair in her eyes said volume in Loki's eyes. They had this conversation before in the floating battlestation. He treaded more carefully than he did now.

"You can only wear the veil of one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes for so long before someone peels back your layers to see who you really are; then they'll abandon you."

Loki leaned across the table."Trust me I'm expert when it comes to rejection," he said. "You're already singled out. They don't like you because you don't conform to their ideas and beliefs. Of course they let you do all the their dirty work. You'll do anything to prove your worth. They only keep you close enough to keep an eye on you; scrutinizing your every move. At the first sign of their falsely assumptions you'll be standing on your own like always. The difference between you and me is; I know I was alone, you don't."

He was surprised when she didn't retreat. They kept drinking until the bottle was empty without anymore words passing between them. Afterwards she made a point of avoiding him. I thought she would regroup and come back for more. No it would be the archer who would be her avenger.

Bruce, Thor, Steve and he were gathered in the common area. Bruce was explaining modern cultural ideology. He was semi-listening, when Clinton approached like a raging large Sæhrímnir with naked hatred firmly bedded in his eyes. He was not at all bothered by his angry tone.

"What'd didja do? What'd didja you say to her? He hurled questions.

He didn't have to ask who her was he knew to whom he referred. "She played Russian Roulette and lost."

No sooner had Loki uttered these words, Clint lunged at him. With enhanced reflexes Steve was able to get between them and physically restrained his smaller teammate. Bruce took a few steps back toward a corner and tried not to hulk. The scientist had observed Natasha for months and knew nothing truly phased her and if there was a person in the world that could rattle the redheaded spy it was the Loki. Steve hauled Clint out the room as the other man struggled unproductively.

He made a flustered face as he waited to be dressed-down by Thor's who stood over him. Instead he got disappointed look which seemed worst. Thor had obviously been spending time with Frigga by choosing to remaining silent. Otherwise he'd be droning on like Odin would about responsibility and leadership. Take responsibility, ok. That'd sound so noble, if they weren't such hypocrites.

Besides it wasn't his fault, she knew the rules of the game. Had she truly learned nothing from their last encounter. He doesn't play for keeps and never goes for the kill; no that's too simple. Death was too quick too neat. He was all about inflicting at much damage as he could. But the image of Nataliya's carefully constructed face of porcelain perfection cracked filled him with a morsel of regret. For all her bravado she and he were the same. They both lived in a world of half-truths. To survive they intentionally leave false impressions whilst technically telling the truth that allows them to hide behind a technicality. Thus allowing them to protest that it was the other person's fault for misinterpreting 'the truth' while still reaping the benefits of telling a lie. Yet they hurt just as easily as the next when someone rips off the veil and exposes them. We are so easily judged, first by ourselves, and then someone else. When someone else shines a light on our drawbacks, we may be tempted to run the other direction because it can hurt to look at how we are perceived. If someone sends us the message that we have imperfections, we may be tempted to kill the messenger. The only difference is she has seemed to have found a balance between being respected even with her artistry in deception and her shortcomings. Her fellow warriors don't make her feel inferior by pointing out every flaw and making a mockery of her. They allowed her to be herself and in turn she opened up to them. The Avenger wouldn't turn on her, that much he knew. He himself found no such friends in life as she had. He was jealous of her.

So he was bored again once more without Nataliya. To counteract his boredom Stark gifted him with a pre-programed Midgardian communication device with all the necessary identification numbers which included The Avengers, his woman, his contracter, but not limited to S.H.I.E.L.D. administration. After learning the basics he texted each of the Avengers with the exception of Thor. First he texted his female duplicate/acolyte. He told her his words were careless, how grateful he was to have her companionship, and that her listening skill were impeccable. What held true for him had no bearing on her relationship with her team. She didn't reply back probably because he apologized without actually apologizing. So he threw in one of Midgard's most expensive bottles of Vodka courtesy of the Stark who's money card he lifted. The very next day they shared a drink, but no words were passed between them in the tense atmosphere that he had created due to his bruised pride.

His angry bird responded with predictability with a slew of curses, empty threats, and then blocked him. Then there was the green beast. The doctor kindly texted back explaining that his attempt to elicit an emotional response was not good for his temperament. He couldn't be allowed to interact with him even through text without a buffer and then blocked him. His messages to Stark went unanswered until JARVIS informed him that his creator had blocked him before even gifting him with the phone. Smart but an amateur move. The next day the inventor found himself locked out of his lab for courtesy of Lady Virginia.

One anonymous text to Lady Virginia Potts that Stark was neglecting his health in favor of non-stop hours in his lab willed her to act against his adversary. She responded by putting the lab on a two day lockdown. I guess Stark wasn't so amateur. He struck back by informing Thor of his newly acquired phone. His phone was immediately flooded with calls and text messages just to say hi or relay random thoughts from the elder god. The interesting thing is he found out he didn't mind communicating with Thor via phone, much more painless. Telling Thor was a well played move by Stark but he should know by now Chaos doesn't take things lying down. The final move would be his.

He texted the mortal who lived up to his name Fury. The cryptic messages he left on Fury's phone lead him to believe it was Stark pranking him. Eventually the director got a clue, after receiving another few messages. All followed up by a slew of curses, insults, and plans to kill Stark. The following day while everyone was gathered in the sitting room when Stark's phone rung. He informed the team that it was Fury and everyone gathered around believing another evildoer was terrorizing their precious city. When the Iron Man picked up he and everyone winced at Fury's extremely loud voice.

"YOU GAVE LOKI A GODDAMN PHONE!"

Stark shot him a heated look towards him as he hid his smile as Fury's voice continued to bellow through the phone about him contacting other super villains. It was checkmate, or so he thought. Stark hung up mid-rant and had JARVIS deactivate his phone.

End Flashback

So here he was in a training arena engaging the Captain in a wrestling match. Wrestling was something he was good at better than others being able to slip for meaty arms of his opponents. Rogerson wasn't half bad, and hadn't relied on his strength. He was a smart fighter and wasn't predictable as burly Asgardians. He used his legs quite a bit more than most. This forced him to maneuver around more than usual. Sure he could overpower him but he never relied on brawn he wasn't about to start now.

The Captain was such a strange creature. He was the only other person who hadn't blocked his communications device. He had yet to figure out what the mortal wanted. He's never met a person who hasn't wanted something from him. Clint wanted to kill him as if he could. Thor wanted the person he was as if that trip to Jotunheim never happened. The inventor and doctor wanted knowledge beyond their own own science. SHIELD just wanted to fatten their arsenal. Nobody did something without expecting recompense. Then we have Steven Rogerson. He was just a cringe-worthy ball of politeness with edginess that wouldn't put up with his seeds of discord. He wasn't like Thor who would bully and tell him what to do, or force his opinion on you. He told you what he believes and left it at that. If heroes didn't exist what was it that sets this man apart from the rest of them? Why was he worthy?

After slamming the blonde to the canvas, the other man called for a break. They detangled and went for their towels and water dispensers.

"You look ridiculously happy for someone who just got beat," he assessed before taking a swig of water.

"Well it's not always about winning. Actually you learn more when you lose, than when you win."

"I wish I could believe that, but as you may have found out, in Asgard winning precedes above all. There is no almost or in between."

"That may be on Asgard," he stressed. "But I still think you learn from taking a hit then someone pointing out your mistakes."

"Ah I see Thor has been critiquing your performance. It's not at all inconceivable, after all Thor has taken it upon himself to personally instruct several of his warmongering dogs under his command."

"Yeah I can tell," the other man exasperated as if annoyed. "Thor has a habit of telling other people what they ought do in a middle of a spar." Steve flushed a bit realizing he'd spoken out loud. Loki obviously didn't mind as a smirk adorned his face.

"I don't think he means any harm, but he'll stop in the middle of a session just to tell me that I'm still not protecting my blind spot."

"If that vexes you imagine that scenario happening every other day in a sparring arena where people constantly taunt you for it for centuries. Tell me would you be beyond annoyed or would you be compliant as you are now?"

Steve frowned thoughtfully on his short visit to Asgard, and thought carefully about how to broach the subject. "I can see where some would have a problem."

Steve intentionally used the word some instead of using Loki as the subject. He didn't want him to feel as if he was the only one with the problem.

"Look I'm not defending Thor, but some people believe that it is caring to point out others flaws, that it will help to make that person a better fighter. Thor is very passionate in fighting, and his intent may be out of love, but from the other side it seems demeaning. From a soldier standpoint I try not to take it personal, because I know Thor never wants to see any of us fall in battle. And I may be overstepping my bounds here but I don't think he wants that for you either."

Steve saw a flash of unease spread through Loki when it came to how he felt about Thor. He knew Loki loved his brother. Everyone could see it, even Thor but, when the person you love is a physical manifestation of your bitterness; it's hard to find balance between the two emotions.

Loki knew that Thor meant well, and never intended to make him feel worse than he already did, for not living up to Odin's legacy as Thor had. After all how could he for they shared no blood. It just would have been nice knowing that growing up wondering what was wrong with him. He wouldn't even have tried as hard as he did to stand as an equal to them. Furthermore his expectations of Odin wouldn't have shepherded his life.

"No, Thor wants for me is to go back to when I was blissfully ignorant of what I am, while silently suffering."

Steve noted how venomous Loki looked; he didn't even try to hide his anger. "You know something Loki you're passionate too. You're determined to bogard your way through life on anger and hatred. The anger and pain is a safety net for you. Without it you're afraid you're going to fall in a hole that you can't claw your way out of."

The dark haired man balked. He opened his mouth but he was unable to come up with something to say. For once, mind his mind was blank.

"When you fall you use the anger to bounce back, because anger is easy. It's like getting drunk. It helps you push away reality for a while; while you plot and fantasize about how you can get your revenge. But then, there is that lousy morning after your anger has played out, you wake up because, quite frankly, you find your life hasn't changed one bit."

Why was he letting this mortal speak to him in such away, Loki thought. He couldn't say a word, because he's too stunned at the gaul, yet he shouldn't be. The tone of the others man's voice was not chiding, reprimanding, or condescending as other had been. He didn't know what to say. The man was too honest and his silvertongue was unable spin a response as he continued.

"So far anger has been working out for you, but what's going to happen when that's not enough anymore."

A awkward silence fell between the two when Tony walked in dressed to the nines in his ridiculously expensive neck tie tuxedo for Fury's latest shindig/mission. Tony noticed the silence and went in usual Tony fashion.

"Listen Stars and Stripes, if I have to go and sit through this hootenanny so do you. You have exactly an hour and a half to grab a shower, a shave, pomade your hair along with the perfect side part, and and get dressed, because let's be honest your serum is no cure for funkyness."

"I don't know about this Tony, Steve said ignoring the jab at his contour comb over. "How do we know the people at this party aren't there to cause trouble for us. If something happens we're going to be boxed in where innocent people will be in the line of fire."

"As you know SHIELD has been watching the hotel since the announcement of the Avengers Auction was made. They've even integrated into the staff and administration. But anyone in or out the building and surrounding buildings are run through my facial recognition software along with their prints of the guest. Don't worry captain your virtue will be safe tonight, however once you are bought and paid for I can't promise you anything."

Despite himself Loki smiled as Steve threw his dirty towel at Tony's face.

"Jerk."

"No jerking is what you do in the privacy of your room. Don't think I don't know what you're doing on that computer you dirty old man."

Steve faltered mid stride before hurrying out the gym.

"So you're the one who has been projecting scantily clad women on the computer to torment Thor in his fidelity to his lady love. Thor believe he has done wrong to his woman," Loki said as he grinned. "I'm impressed."

"You would be. Anything to torture your brother. But I won't deny it was amusing to watch," said as the two made their way out.

Arriving by limo the Avengers were gathered and all decked out in their finest along with a few celebrities. They were admired, ogled, and put under a microscope; for fans, critics, and the blood sucking press. For the first hour they had to mingle and rub elbows with snobs and a few politicians who wanted nothing more than to get their picture taken with one of them. Also the Black Widow was about to go to work on her mark Kyle Donovan.

Donovan worked as an aide for several senators and for several members of Homeland Security. He knows secrets of ranking officials that can be be put in use for political vulnerability and criminal conduct. He'd been working closely with General Ross for the past several years. He allowed Ross leverage to strong-arm political figures into financing his side projects. If Ross moves this guy knows about it.

Kyle had been watching the Avengers and Loki since they entered the room for the public appeasing extravaganza. Stark looked well in his element, the others not so much. The alien Thor was swamped with a barrage of women that even made Stark look jealous. The two spies seemed to hold up, with military personnel that was in attendance. No doubt they were fishing for information from previous missions that had them right in the enemy's camp that they could perhaps use.

Captain Rogers was swamped with politicians trying to see where his political views lie and if they could use him as a front man. Dr. Banner was widely left alone out of fear, but every now and then a few military personnel or reporter would come along. Loki sat in a corner mostly brooding as if he wanted to be somewhere else. He was also sending glares at his brother for his overly obvious popularity. Interesting he thought. It would be something he would return to at a later time as Black Widow made her excuses and walked away casually. What gave her away was the drink she she snatched off a waiter's tray and downed it quickly.

Natasha had been casually making her way over to stand near a corner while Kyle stood nearby greeting a few of his associates. She painted a picture of someone a bit uncomfortable. After a few patient minutes of standing and staring she acted surprised when Clint came up beside her placing a hand on her arm.

"You ok standing here like a statue while the rest of us get smothered?" He had to admit Natasha was good, standing so still she could have been a stone figure.

Clint's lips curved fighting not to smile but Natasha caught him. Natasha frowned indignantly.

"I don't like these kinds of crowd," she told him. She knew Kyle was listening. After all he was here as Ross' eyes and ears.

"I don't find this very amusing either. Yes I can fake my way through a conversation, but once I get on that stage what's going to happen huh? What if I get on stage and no one bids on me?"

Clint hated when Nat had to play the insecure bit. It reminded him of when they first met when she was burnt out suffering emotionally with a heavy dose of guilt. Patiently waiting for him or someone else to put a bullet in her head to end her torment.

"Look you have nothing to worry about. You're beautiful, attractive, and the only female Avenger. And please do not tell Laura I said that," he said half jokingly. "Now me, I have cause to worry. A few other agents are being auctioned off, but I'm part of the Alpha Team which consist of four super powered guys, and me...a guy whose only gift is always hitting his mark. It's very intimidating standing next to them."

"Come on Clint, you do more than your fair share. More importantly you are the watchmen that watches the watchmen; the team's conscience. Your role is to make the team doesn't succumb to violence that can lead to war with the government. I'm the girl that makes them fear being head-scissored."

"They should be so lucky, if it ever comes to them being between your thighs."

They two shared a laugh before going off to mingle again hoping Donovan took the bait.

Finally backstage Pepper was making last minute preparations for the participants in the auction while Tony followed behind her.

"Thor you're up first," she informed the god who was still fiddling with the collar of his tux. "When your name is called step onto the center of the stage, smile, wait for bidding to stop before departing with the person who wins."

Thor merely nodded at the instructions that were given repeatedly to him for days. He had to go first because Lady Pepper believed he would garnish the most coins. So those in attendance wouldn't hold back their currency for him.

"You're going to bid on me, yes?" Tony asked.

His CEO sighed for umteenth time she'd been asked. "No Tony. How would it look if I bid on you?"

"Like I'm your boss and I'll fire if you don't."

A condescending laugh filled air. The few people around stopped as the ginger head woman laughed in boss's face. "That's cute," she said as she turned and walked toward the stage.

"That sounded evil," Steve said to no one in particular, but got nods of agreements.

"You wouldn't really fire her would you Tony."

"I fired everyday for three months when she first started working for me. She just kept coming back," he shrugged.

Up on stage a gentleman wearing a tuxedo tapped on the microphone to grab everyone's attention. "Hello everyone. I'm Mr. Bryson, I will be your auctioneers this evening, but before we begin our coordinator Ms. Virginia Pepper Potts would like to say a few words."

The audience clapped as Pepper made her way on stage. Her long black dress with silver beading caught the light and sparkled as she swirled and swished in her gown until she stopped in the middle of the stage. The audience clapped and whistled with enjoyment for her stunning look.

Holding the microphone Pepper faced the crowd. "I want to thank everyone for showing up here tonight. It means the world to me that despite differences of opinions many of us have about the presence of the Avengers we're able to put that aside, for a good cause. So I hope everyone will pull out their wallets and purses tonight and bid big on the men and women up tonight because so many charities needs it. So without further ado let the Avengers Charity Auction begin. Thank you."

Pepper hurried backstage to take her place with the others, so she could make sure everything ran smoothly.

The audience applauded and an upbeat tune with no lyrics filtered out of the speakers. Each candidate chose a song that would best represent them, and the auctioneer would read a write up about each participant. Depending on how long they were up on stage the song might be repeated a few times.

"All right let's get this party going." The auctioneer held a small pile of index cards that had the information filled out. "Up first, let's give a warm round of thunderous applause for The Thunder God himself Thor Odinson." The tune Thor picked started to play had a adventurous hero theme with horns and drums. The song filled the room as Thor stepped out from behind the stage with a uncomfortable looking black tuxedo and a smile bright as Sol.

Applauding men and women showed their appreciation to the god who basked in the attention. "Thor is crown prince of Asgard his home. He loves large feast, and the thrill of battles. While he is the brother of Loki Odinson, don't let that deter you, he promises to make him behave." That garnished a laugh from a few people while Loki glared sitting at a table with Bruce who was not in the lineup and was assigned to watch their guest.

"We'll start the bidding at Five hundred dollars."

Hands of every woman and even a few men flew up.

"Okay One Thousand"

The auctioneer continued to raise the price and even as he approached the $10,000 mark, no hand went down.

A very blonde buxom woman raised her hand and called out. "$50,000." She smirked over at some of the women and men who lowered their hand down in defeat. Although she scowled as a higher bids for the god were made. The bid was reaching into the half-million mark, while Thor just smiled at women and men paying for a few hours of his time. Finally the the blonde made a bid of one-million. To her displeasure another woman made a bid of two-million dollars. The buxom blonde turned and drew in a breath and knew she was defeated. The other woman was old-money. She turned and huffed at losing her chance with the god to her own grandmother no less.

When there were no more bids for a few seconds the auctioneer called out. "Two-million going once, Two-million going twice. Sold."

The woman stood up to come claim her prize. No one dared laughed as a silver haired elderly woman stepped on stage. Thor ever the gentleman took her delicate wrinkly hand and kissed it. Loki couldn't hold it as he snickered into his dinner napkin. Bruce sighed at his immature behavior.

Backstage everyone now realized why Pepper wanted Thor to go first. It was all downhill from there. Nobody wanted to go after Thor, not even Tony.

"You're up Galaga Guy," Tony told the Carrier Tech. The tech shook his head like the kid in school who had to go after someone who had done a great project or speech.

"Next up Cole Warren." The tech faltered as Pepper pushed him out onto the stage as Aerosmith's Blind Man played.

While the other bids were not impressive as Thor's, no one was sold under five-thousand dollars, which was surprising considering not all participants were Avengers.

Things started getting interesting again when Natasha walked out on stage in a champagne lace v-neck chiffon mermaid tail colored dress. Men whistled and even women showed their appreciation. She smiled almost timidly hoping that Donovan would take the bait that had been dropped earlier. She really did hate being on display for everyone. It made it harder to do her job with her face being plastered everywhere. A sultry instrumental song filtered through the speaker. There were many songs to describe her, but decided to play it safe to snare her mark. The auctioneer read a very classified write up about the spy, which wasn't much.

The bidding began and quickly escalated as she was receiving bids from both men and women.

The buxom blonde who had bid on Thor earlier tried her hand again. People from the intelligence community also bid on her. Even ones she knew to be double agents bid on her. Donovan hadn't made a single bid or even shown interest. Maybe he was smarter than she thought. While standing there she did a mental rundown of how to salvage this, because it wasn't happening tonight.

"Sold!"

Natasha looked at the shapely blonde that she would be saddled with until midnight bounce to the stage to take her hand. Only four hours to go to put up with the blonde who no doubt had ulterior motives, and plans to get her seven hundred thousand five hundred dollars worth out of her. Midnight couldn't come fast enough.

"Up next we have Steve Rogers better known to most as Captain America."

Once Steve was under the spotlight an old but classic song "It's Been a Long, Long Time" by Harry James filled the room. And although Steve smiled politely, he felt like a piece of meat and a bit awkward for being apart of this sideshow. Charity work was done by hand not by throwing money at the problem. He wasn't naive enough to think money wouldn't help but these people seem to think they've done something by writing a check and then forget the problem exist until it's time to get elected again. The more things changed the more they stayed the same.

He sighed as the bidding started. Just as it was with Thor it became a bidding war. Many politicians were trying to obtain time with him, not to mention military personnel. Some have tried to convince him to join Delta Force or the SEALs. The military didn't last long against the well tailored delegates of Congress. Before long there were two bidders left.

"One million five hundred thousand, going once, going twice, sold!" Mr. Bryson declared. Steve was escorted off stage by a wealthy senator's daughter who was the definition of the Girl Next Door or the All-American girl.

Even though the auction had started, there were still plenty of participants, who wouldn't be up on the auction block till later, milling around or sitting out in the dining hall. Tony had plopped down bwtween Loki and Bruce. "I'm telling ya man if I don't collect more money than Steve I'ma hang myself on stage with my tie."

"Please don't," Bruce said as resting his cheek in his open hand, not wanting to put up with Tony's dramaqueen dilemmas tonight.

"Now that would be entertaining," the trickster commented.

"Don't encouraging him."

"It would be far more interesting than watching this sad attempt at political opportunism. All hoping to gain front page of a newspaper spread. Just think of how much mileage they'll receive just from the pictures with the heroes alone. All this…" Loki said as he gestured his hand in a round motion. "Just to garnish support for whomever they are trying to snare, and to get the right people lining their pockets in gold."

"Hmm." Bruce started. "You haven't been on Earth long and it didn't take you long to figured that out. What a sad people we are."

"If that's the case, Asgard is just as sad. There is no difference in their politics and yours."

"Says the man who tried to conquer us inferiors," Tony piped in. He couldn't help but think he a part of category Loki spoke of.

"If I really wanted to take over this little dirtball you call Earth you'd truly know it when I go after your main resource; water."

Loki shrugs his shoulders as looks of alarm crawled across the two scientist faces.

"Fortunate for you I'm not the one who wants this planet," he told them ominously which didn't make them feel any better. Through the cleanup, new villains, Project Insights the looming threat of Thanos took a backseat.

Before Tony could say any more the auctioneer called Pepper Potts to the stage as the next person to be auctioned off. Pepper smiled as she gave a twirl in a different dress than she wore earlier. This time it was a strapless gold chiffon corset bodice evening gown adorned in a nice diamond necklace Tony acquired for her at some time or another. Katy Perry's FireWorks were heard through the speakers as the Bryson read her write up.

Tony's mouth was slightly ajar, as he had no idea Pepper was even in the lineup.

"Ah she's a quite fetching " Loki said noticing Tony's loss of words for a change.

"Eyes off Reindeer Games or else I'll let Clint use you for target practice."

"All the men in here sharing the general consensus on your beloved and I'm the one singled out. How typical."

Tony looked around and saw the men were indeed checking out his girl as she tossed a come hither stare at the crowd that was reserved for him. When he finally snapped out his pouting the bid was already at Ten-Thousand.

He whipped his head recognizing the voice of his personal physician. To be honest the doctor was more interested in bugging Tony than bidding on Pepper, he had his eye on a another woman that evening, but couldn't afford her so he would continue to bid on Pepper. Two young single senators and Happy called out bids as well.

"One-Hundred Thousand," an obnoxiously familiar voice sounded from across the room.

"Ass," Tony said lowly looking half crazed at Justin Hammer. He open his mouth to bid before Bruce caught hold of his arm and reminded him that he couldn't.

"The hell I can't," he snapped as two more called out bids which Hammer exceed.

"How are you going to have two dates for the night."

"I'm a multitasker and there is plenty of me to go around."

"Unless someone bids for you," Loki said solving the man's problems. He had no wish to see a woman such as Virginia Potts in the hands of a man he can look at and tell was a creeper.

"Bruce ya gotta help me out here, don't let Hammer win," he whispered sliding one of his many credit cards across the table. "You know these people just wanna stick it to me."

Bruce observed Tony through his glasses. Did the engineer actually hear himself when he speaks. He ignored Pepper's beauty and made it all about him, but he can see jealousy and desperation in the man's irises. He knew that Tony was close to causing a scene if he didn't get what he wanted or worse order Loki to do it for him who would make an even bigger scene.

Out of habit Bruce frowned and removed his glasses and took the next highest bid of Two hundred thousand.

Two hundred thousand five hundred," Hammer countered.

"Two hundred thousand five hundred to you sir? Do I hear three?"

"Three," the doctor answered stiffly as if it physically pained him.

Justin was about to bid again when he made eye contact with Stark. Tony tilted his drink in mock salute. Something the man often did when he was going to get his way. He immediately bid again as he and Bruce got into a not so friendly bidding war. Bruce ended up bidding a million dollars, which he thought was absolutely ridiculous. All this to get wealthy America to pry open their over stuffed wallets to charity. The only time they give is when they're getting something back in return.

Hammer went one point one million to which Bruce slammed his fist on the table making everyone in the hall jump. Thor sat on the edge of his chair ready, if his friend could not reign in his berserker. Natasha sat up a little straighter as the Buxom Blonde grabbed her arm. She couldn't tell if the girl was really nervous or trying to seduce her. A few SHIELD agents

stood by disguised as workers some of them armed with new tranquilizers to test.

"One point two million," he hissed out

Everyone in the hall turned their heads back to Hammer with concerned looks. A older man next to advised him against. "Don't do it son, she's beautiful one, but not worth it."

Hammer grit his teeth as he conceded losing to Stark once again.

"One point two, going one, going twice..."

"One point three million" a new voice called.

Everyone stared in utter shock at who would bet against the man with a anger management issues. Clearly it wasn't the man within striking distance with big innocent green eyes, but it was. The intriguing man everyone wished to speak with but feared. Now they may never get the chance since he decided to poke a stick at a grizzly bear.

He shoots the other men a smile."Come now Banner, the lady is worth more than that." he teased. "Or at least I hope she is."

Tony fidgets and decided maybe this wasn't such a good idea.

"One point four, do I hear One point four?" Mr. Bryson called out warily.

Bruce took a deep calming breath, while clenching his hands.

"One point four." he gritted through his teeth.

"Sold." the auctioneer said foregoing customary closing bid. Pepper hurried towards Bruce immediately whispering in his ear before she took him by the hand leading him out a side exit for some air. Before leaving she shot Tony and Loki dirty looks.

The hall was silent as they all stared at Loki in disbelief, to which he gave them a huge smile in return.

Tony swallowed down his Scotch. "That was a dick move."

"Mmmm, yeah, I know."

They were brought back to order by the voice of Maria Hill who decided to take charge. "Well that was certainly exciting, but we still have more exciting hot bods who we still need to give away and charities who still are in need. So without further ado I give you Barbara Morse. People got over their shock and applauded the beautiful blonde who was a devout covert government agent for S.H.I.E.L.D. or so everyone thought. After a few more agents and even a few celebrity made their own donations things calmed or so it seemed.

A guitar riff of AC/DC "Back in Black" blared loudly through the speakers. It was so loud the the auctioneer could barely be heard.

"Up next is a man who needs no introduction. He is the Iron Man, Tony Stark." Mr. Bryson jumped as red and gold pyrotechnics went off near him and Tony emerged for the smoke. As usual the crowd went wild for his usual flamboyant nature. More importantly no one knew how or when he had time to set his entrance up.

"Now it's a party," Tony yelled to the crowd.

The auctioneer forwent reading Tony's write up knowing it had been heard before. Besides the crowd was more interested in feeding his ego.

Trying to regain order he called for the bidding to start and as before men and women went after the billionaire. Tony smiled every time someone's bid got surpassed. He told himself that this was for charity and not because he wanted more bids than Steve as they peaked just over the million dollar mark. The bid started trickling down and he was only two hundred thousand dollars away from being tied Old Glory.

The bids continued and Tony kept his swagger up, but inside he he was anxious hoping the ladies left would keep it up, but for every bid made the other was hesitant to resume until the woman to his right side of the stage looked to be conceding. He winked at her in hopes she'd render him one last bid that would tie Steve.

His hopes were dashed as Bryson closed the deal. A measly five hundred dollar is what separated him from Steve and he hated it. He gave his final salute to the audience as a fine looking brunette carted him off the stage. Steve wasn't one to gloat but he saw the super soldier with a tiny curl at the end of his lips.

He sat with the woman who was right across from Loki who couldn't help but take a jab at him.

Loki smiled at Tony mockingly. "If you had loaned me one of your money cards I would have bid on you."

"Target practice, Loki. Target practice," he repeated before Clint was introduced on stage as a familiar jam of Michael Jackson's "Bad" played.

Clint made it out on stage and caught Natasha wink at him from her seat. He smiled at the crowd not expecting nothing spectacular to happen. He had an amazing well of confidence. It helped that he had many reasons to back up that confidence. Yet standing up next to guys like Thor and Cap made him feel small. Yeah, being apart of the Avengers was special to him, but he always felt like that kid in gym class who was the last to be picked. He knew he pulled his weight with the team but he felt so inferior to their skills.

He was jerked from his inner musing when he heard a woman scream Two-Hundred thousand.

He was surprised he was pulling as much as he was. Honestly he didn't think nobody would put forth an effort to acquire him. It made him feel good as if he was important. He knew he wouldn't pull as much as his other male teammates but that was okay he had a week's worth of jokes to mock the Stark with.

The thought of harassing Tony lifted his spirits. What he didn't know is that he had a deviant smirk upon his lips which made his bids higher. Hey he wasn't doing half bad as he well on his way to half a million dollars.

Finally they had his bid peaked of six hundred thousand, and finally sold. A woman with a hitch in her step, that he thought looked oddly familiar came to the stage to claim him. He closed the distance between them so she wouldn't have to climb the stairs which she was grateful by the small smile she gave him.

Natasha who normally had complete control over her emotions, gasped in shock. The woman seemed familiar. She had sleek jet black hair, and lithe like grace as she moved. Even with the limp she looked graceful. More importantly she was affiliated with Donovan. She did a mental rundown of their conversation and realized their slip. Somehow Clint came off looking like the more vulnerable one. She looked on as Clint shook Donovan's hand. She had just served Clint up to Ross.

Thank you all! PLEASE REVIEW!

The Watchmen who watches the Watchmen comes from The Watchmen comics. Good movie as well.