There were many things that Loki didn't miss about pregnancy. The first thing, of course, was how absolutely none of his clothing fit, especially by the five month point. It annoyed him how Thor thought he didn't know he was planning a celebration either or how all of Tony's . . . teammates were always around the tower along with his children. He only enjoyed Natasha's company and maybe Thor's. Now was one of the few quiet moments he would receive, sitting on the couch and reading, just reading. Until a loud bang from Tony's lab interrupted his peace. Loki jumped, dropping his book and twitching. His back hurt and he didn't want to get up, but did anyways, making his way down the stairs. "Bruce, get the hydrostatic screwdriver!" Tony yelled.

"On it!" Bruce called back. Loki entered the code, watching the glass doors slide open before stepping in and blinking to the scene, sitting on a bench to watch. He still feared Bruce, but didn't show it.

Tony was covered in grease and was battling a shot of steam from a pipe which shot him back into the wall. "Bruce, I need the screwdriver!" He yelled. Loki placed his hands in his lap, head remaining tilted at an angle, watching Bruce closely. Bruce tossed Tony the screwdriver and Tony caught it easily before hitting the pipe, causing it to cease steaming with a sputter. Loki was certain they didn't notice he was there, opening his mouth to speak but remaining silent. Tony continued working, stuck in his own world.

It was Bruce who noticed Loki. "Hey." He smiled.

Loki nodded to him in greeting. "Hello." He said softly, leaning back against the wall. As Bruce walked past Tony, he swatted the back of his head, causing the other to jump then spot Loki. His mouth widened into a grin. "Babe!"

Loki laughed softly, nodding to him as well. "Hello, love." He greeted, leaning over a bit to see what his husband was working on.

Tony blocked his gaze. 'No. It's a surprise." He kissed him sweetly.

Loki huffed playfully, returning the kiss gently with a smile before parting them. "How long do I have to wait? Four months?"

Tony grinned. "Maybe,"

Loki pouted somewhat, crossing his legs. "Can I have a hint?"

"It's for the baby." Tony smirked.

Loki gave an unamused expression. "I never would have guessed."

"I've also got something for you." Tony purred, nipping at Loki's neck. Bruce left at once after that.

Loki blushed a shade of blue, hitching a moan in his throat. "Oh?"

Tony smiled. "Mhm," He kissed Loki's blush.

"Do I get it now?" Loki asked, smiling slightly.

Tony smirked. "If you want-"

"Daddy! Papa!" Slei yelled. "Hela's being mean!" Tony sighed.

"You are such a child!" Hela yelled in frustration.

Loki frowned, sighing as well. "Mmm," He head butted Tony's chest gently, resting his head there for a second before leaning back against the wall. "I got it." He kissed him gently before standing and exiting the lab. "Hela!" He called angrily as he went up the stairs.

"I did nothing! Sleipnir's a lying oaf!" Hela snarled. The conversation could have been humorous to some, but not them.

"I am not!" Slei shrieked and Tony soothed him.

"Yes you are!" Hela accused, now getting into an argument with Loki as well.

"Am not!" Slei yelled.

"Hush, Slei." Tony murmured. Hela was now too focused on arguing with Loki, both trying to speak over each other. Tony huffed. "I better check on them." He set Slei down with some trinkets and headed upstairs. They both argued loudly, on the brink of yelling, completely off topic at this point. "Hey!" Tony yelled over them. "That's enough!" He winced as his arc reactor twinged but stayed focused. The arguing died down, both growling and sending glares to each other. "Enough." Tony said more firmly. Hela looked away from them both and Loki mumbled an apology under his breath. Tony sighed before wincing at his reactor again.

"Are you alright?" Loki asked, stepping closer to him.

"Please." Hela scoffed to them, storming off.

Tony brushed Loki off. "Excuse me?" He glared at Hela who merely glanced over her shoulder before continuing to walk as she shook her head.

"Just let her go." Loki murmured to him.

"We've been letting her go for months!" Tony snapped. "I'm tired of letting her get away with this shit!" His reactor sputtered.

"Anthony, calm down. She's not used to being around people and is still adjusting. She's gotten better . . ." Loki murmured softly. "Please. Just let her go."

"She should've gotten used to it by now!" Tony yelled, his reactor sputtering again. "It's not like I'm shoving her into press conferences!"

"You need to calm yourself. If you were in solitude for so long, you'd understand. She's trying to get over her rage." Loki said through clenched teeth.

Tony froze before turning to look at Loki with hurt. "I have been, in case you've forgotten." He hissed before turning on his heel to leave.

Loki let him walk a few steps before speaking. "There's a difference between weeks and centuries." He shot back angrily. He regretted it instantly, but instead of taking it back, he went into the elevator. Tony froze again before going into the room no one was allowed in, including Loki, and shutting the door behind him. The click of a lock was heard a few seconds later. Loki didn't plan on returning to the tower anytime soon, wandering down the crowded sidewalk, soon sitting down on a bench once he was far enough and hugging his knees.

"Loki?" Steve appeared in the crowd. "What are you doing?"

Loki didn't know Steve that well but didn't hate him. They had polite conversations. He glanced up to him, frowning. "Why do you ask?"

"Tony usually sticks with you like glue." Steve couldn't help but have a bit of jealousy drip into his tone.

"Mmm . . ." Loki sighed, allowing his legs to hang over the bench, crossing his arms. "Not now, as you can see."

"Is he at the Tower?" Steve asked eagerly.

"Probably not; he's on a mission. That's why I'm here." Loki lied smoothly, running a hand through his hair.

Steve nodded, disappointed. "Oh."

"Mhm, now I have no one to get ice cream with." Loki laughed softly, knowing of Steve's little . . . crush on Tony, but pretended as if he didn't.

"What about Nat?" Steve blinked.

"She's not too fond of sweet things." Loki shrugged, putting a hand on his stomach.

Steve tilted his head. "Thor?"

"Fenrir's been with him nearly all the time. He adores Thor." Loki sighed softly.

"Steal him." Steve shrugged. "He's your brother. Plus, he loves ice cream and could use some bonding time."

"I probably should." Loki hummed, crossing his legs. "I may." He would have stood up but he wanted to sit since his body ached.

Steve nodded before taking out his phone as it rang. He glanced at Loki apologetically before fumbling a bit as he answered it. "Hello?"

"Rogers." Tony's slurred, drunk voice sounded. "Wassup?" Loki only sat there, unsure whether to leave or stay. He opted to stay, not wanting to move, so he merely fiddled with his fingers in his lap, humming to himself.

"Tony? What?" Steve started only to have Tony cut him off.

"Get your frozen ass over to the Tower. Now," Tony ordered before hanging up.

Steve raised an eyebrow at Loki. "I thought he was on a mission."

"Was that Tony?" Loki asked, furrowing his brows. "I thought he was too." He murmured, blinking innocently.

Steve shrugged. "He wants me to come over. Later!" He jogged off. Loki blinked as he watched Steve run off, pinching the bridge of his nose. This wasn't going to end well. He wondered where Thor was . . . or Natasha. Probably at the Tower and he wasn't planning on returning at the current moment. Eventually, he stood to walk further down the sidewalk while staring down at his feet. His phone buzzed a few seconds later and he blinked, pulling it out to check for texts only to see it was a voicemail from Thor. He smiled a bit before putting the phone up to his ear and playing the message.

"Brother, come to the tower! I must share grave news regarding you, Brother Stark, and the children's safety as I fear Thanos is in the area." Thor's message removed any trace of his smile as he tightened the grip on his phone so he didn't drop it. He swallowed thickly before turning to put his phone away and head towards the Tower. Loki eventually entered, poking his head through the open door of the Tower, stepping in, and gently shutting the door behind him. He went up the steps, entering the living room to the scene.

Tony hummed. "Steve, I miss Loki." He whined.

Steve rolled his eyes as he sat next to him. "Why'd he leave?"

"We had a fight." Tony straddled the soldier. "Steve, I want Loki." He whined again. Steve held Tony in place with a sly grin on his face.

"Hello, Rogers. Stark." He greeted, a dark smile forming on his lips as he paused before making his exit, stepping into the elevator.

Tony raced after him gleefully. "Loki!" He swept the god into his arms and kissed him.

Loki didn't react and revealed no emotion. "What?" He murmured bitterly, pushing his hands against Tony's chest. "Let me go. Please."

Tony nuzzled his neck. "I missed you. And I'm sorry for being an ass."

"Tony, just get off of me. I have a headache." Loki cursed under his breath when the doors closed. Tony frowned and set Loki down, his buzz obviously hit hard. "Thank you." Loki entered the numbers to set the elevator to go to the roof. Tony stayed quiet, hurt flooding through him.

"Sir?" JARVIS called.

"Yes?" Tony answered hoarsely. Loki stared at the ground beneath, sighing softly, blocking out Tony and JARVIS.

"Thor needs to speak with you. He's on the roof." JARVIS informed him.

"Got it," Tony whispered. Loki merely ignored them, leaning further over the side.

"He also needs your husband." JARVIS ignored Tony's tone and Tony looked at Loki. Loki took a second, eventually standing to his feet with crossed arms.

"Loki-" Tony mumbled.

Loki shook his head. "Don't start." Tony flinched before retreating out of the elevator when the doors opened, head down and looking like a kicked puppy. Loki followed behind him silently, examining his fingers. Tony nodded to Thor when he reached the roof before retreating to the shadows

Thor looked at Loki with a quizzical brow. "What is wrong with Brother Stark?"

Loki smiled to Thor as if nothing was wrong and shrugged. "I'm unsure, but otherwise, hello."

Thor grabbed Loki into a giant bear hug. "Hello, Brother! I have missed thee!"

Loki let out a noise of surprise, returning the hug. "I have missed you as well, Thor."

Thor grinned. "And the child?

"The child doesn't have eight legs thankfully. It will be a boy." Loki stated, nodding

Thor beamed. "Excellent! Well done!"

"Thank you." Loki kept the smile on his face, continuing to pretend as if he was oblivious to the celebration Thor was planning.

Thor glanced over to Tony who had been silent the whole time. "Talk to him, Brother. I fear Brother Stark's Mood." With that, he disappeared.

Loki watched Thor exit, furrowing his brows and cursing under his breath. He lowered his gaze, turning to glance to Tony silently. "Well?"

"What?" Tony didn't look at him.

"Thor wanted me to talk to you. I am. Let's get on with it."

Tony winced. "You don't want to talk to me though." He whispered.

Loki ran a hand through his hair, "And do you know why, Anthony?"

"No." Tony mumbled.

Loki's eyes darkened further, followed by a moment of silence. "Exactly," He eventually murmured, turning his back to Tony and only standing there, staring ahead.

"How can I make it up to you when you don't even tell me what I did?!" Tony threw his arms up in frustration.

"You should know." Loki said quietly, almost inaudibly. "However, I should not be surprised that you do not."

"And how am I supposed to know?!" Tony snapped. "I'm not a fucking mind reader like you!"

"It's right in front of you, Anthony!" Loki snarled, spinning around on his heel. "Honestly, how oblivious can you be? I cannot leave you alone without you . . . Acting like a dim witted . . ." He sighed, shutting his eyes. "I did not like what I walked into with you and Rogers. That is all."

"Seriously?!" Tony gaped at him. "You honestly thought I was fucking cheating on you?! What the fuck, Loki?!" He seemed to grow bigger as his anger rose. "I would never fucking cheat on you, first of all; second, I was fucking drunk because you-" He jabbed Loki's chest, "were being an oblivious dimwit to my fucking feelings!"

Loki narrowed his eyes, "Intoxication is no excuse. You have no excuse, Anthony." He furrowed his brows, expression beginning to reveal slight grief, though it quickly faded. "Your feelings... Oh, dear. I hurt your poor feelings. How ruthless of me," His tone lowered, a smirk twitching upon the sides of his lips. Not because he was amused, just to further his mockery to prevent himself from feeling ashamed. "And mine? To the scene I walked into? Mine are not hurt? Oh, how could I forget? I have none." He backed up, shaking his head.

Tony glared at him darkly. "You know what? You're right." He shoved past Loki. "And don't worry about me cheating on you! Because I'm done!" He slammed the door, causing glass to shatter. However, he didn't bother looking back as he continued his way. Loki merely watched him, eyes softening. He could not bring himself to go after him, only telling himself it would turn out alright. It often did; maybe it would now? He swallowed thickly, hanging his head. He couldn't bring himself to move. It would be alright.

Tony slammed the hammer down on the piece of the metal he was fixing, not noticing a presence behind him. "Oh, good, you lost your guard dog." It hissed. When he turned around in shock, his vision faded to black.

Loki could not believe it. Tony was gone, nowhere in sight. Not in the tower, which Loki assumed he went to a bar or something along those lines, but no. It had been too long, to the point of where he grew concerned. Fenrir could not sniff him out, JARVIS could not locate him, and he could not find him after searching for quite a long time. He only knew the last area he was in was the lab. So that was where he sat, on a workbench, staring down at his feet in an attempt to come up with something, anything. "Brother, he is not anywhere on Midgard." Thor murmured. "However, he may be somewhere else."

Loki swallowed thickly, shutting his eyes. "Yes, I was able to figure that out, Thor." He opened them halfway, lifting his head from the gaze upon his feet to look at Thor. "Most likely Asgard, possibly Jotunheim," He furrowed his brows.

"What about Ma-" Thor started.

Loki shushed him, standing to his feet. "We will search those two realms, then consider others if we do not find him." He was trying to hide his worry, not doing a good job.

"Brother, I know you are worried-"

"We mustn't waste time, Thor." Loki breathed out, gesturing for Thor to follow as he exited the lab.

Thor sighed and followed. "Brother-"

"Just listen to me." Loki reached the top of the steps, sighing in annoyance. "I'll have to get one of my children to take us."

Thor swallowed. "Brother," he whispered. "You may want to see this. Now," He held out a piece of paper with a picture attached. "It appeared." Loki blinked, taking the paper silently and examining it. It was of Tony.

Loki's mouth dropped, feeling himself go lightheaded, kin becoming even paler, eyes darkening to a venomous green, of hatred and of horror. He did not notice his breath picking up slightly, almost to a rapid rate. Never, would he have imagined his lover in such pain. The cuts deep, the crimson of his blood scattered along his skin, severely bruised on every area of his rarely clothed body. He was unconscious in the picture he held in his fingers, still alive. He had to be, for his arc reactor still gave off a feeble glow in the dim surroundings. Lifting his hand to cover his mouth as he dropped it to the ground, Loki was unable to witness the result of the torture any longer. They were using Tony as a slave, maybe something more. He was silent, for once at a loss of words. "We must leave. Now," He spoke in a muffled voice, shutting his eyes tightly. "This . . . This was not the work of the frost giants. Not the Vanir, the Dwarves, nor the Light Elves. Svartalfheim is where we are going."

Thor nodded. "Understood,"

"I cannot use magic with a child. Go get Hela, or Jormungandr, someone. Go." Loki leaned back against the walls of the stairs, taking a deep breath. "Go." He repeated, though it was a soft mutter.

"Loki, I cannot. You know I can't. You know Malekith better than anyone. It has to be you. Transfer the child to me and I shall take care of it when you are gone. Get Alflyse to help if you need it."

Loki swallowed thickly, taking another deep breath. This was too much, but he could not deny his responsibility. After a second, he gave a weak nod. He could not waste time.

Tony screamed as they dug into the skin around his arc reactor, shoving the pieces of shrapnel further into his heart. He felt himself weakening. Black filtered around the edges of his vision. "You're a fun toy. I can see why he likes you." The voice hissed and he whimpered when he felt something penetrate inside of him. "Look at you, all stretched like a dirty whore." The voice got closer and he swallowed as he closed his eyes. He just wanted Loki to come save him.

With Alflyse prepared in case Loki needed her assistance, the god crept along the grounds of Svartalfheim wielding a sword, since he was aware his magic alone would not do. He wore thicker clothing, decent for battle. Upon hearing the screams echo through the darkened cave, certainly Tony's, he continued moving forth. He was not a hero, usually bringing success on his side with his trickery. But no, there would be no making a fool of Malekith. He knew from past experience, despite how skilled he was, it was no use. He was not used to saving people, and was unable to recall the last time he did such a thing. The last time he was in conflict, he was in Malekith's spot. As he grew nearer, he glanced into the entrance of a large space that held the repulsive dark elf and Tony. The scene sickened him, and he acted before he thought, teleporting himself behind Malekith as he dug a sword into his back. Swinging the weapon to the side along with Malekith, away from Tony, with it pierced through the other's body. "My most pleasured greetings. It's been a while, too long."

Malekith choked on blood. "You-"

"Can you see yourself?" Loki forcefully jerked the sword out of the body of Malekith, allowing him to fall to the ground. The blue crept along his skin, eyes fading to a bloody red, lifting a hand as the frost formed and he sent it to Malekith's limbs to make them temporarily useless. "Oh, how I wish you could." He grinned wickedly.

Malekith swallowed and choked on blood. "Loki, please. Why are you doing this for a mere Midgardian? You and I once were-"

"Quit yourself." Loki snarled, before laughing, a laugh that rang through the deepest depths of the cave, full of bitterness. Something he had not uttered in such a long time. "Once!" He pointed out, licking his lips. "This mere Midgardian is far above you. You . . . Are pathetic. It sickens me to lay eyes on you." He snorted, using his boot to flip Malekith onto his back. "But, I will not bring your death. Nay, I am feeling generous. I surely will make you regret your actions, however. Firstly, what I stepped foot into." He crouched down; pulling down any bit of clothing along the accursed's legs, anything that would make the future happenings difficult. The sharpened side of the sword pressed against Malekith's member, absolutely no hesitation. As he pushed it further, he made it slow, wanting to hear the elf scream as he heard Tony scream.

And Malekith screamed, pain coursing through him, making Tony stir from the edge of unconsciousness. "Loki." He mumbled, feeling the dull edge of pain throb through his head. Loki continued with his laughter, pleased with himself, the screams and his own cackles covering the soft murmur of his name from Tony, making the process as slow as he could have. Once finishing the punishment, he raised the sword that was coated in the blood. He pressed it against Malekith's shoulder, the border of where his skin reached the ice. He pushed the bladed weapon down, through the bone, until it hit the ground. He stared at the severed arm before doing the same process to the other. Tony frowned before gathering all of his strength. "Loki, stop!" He cried before nearly blacking out again.

Loki froze, swallowing thickly. He stood to his feet, looking down at Malekith. "I will leave you to suffer. Hope to the gods you die in your own blood, or I will do so for you. Do not doubt I will return." He turned his back to Malekith, stepping over to Tony; in such a weak condition, harmed beyond belief. It made him want to further his torture, but did not. Kneeling down to him, placing his hands on Tony's chest as a blue glow originated from his hands, using his magic to heal his lover's wounds.

Tony grunted as he leaned up to burrow in his arms despite his wounds screaming in protest. "You came." He mumbled, tears leaking out of his eyes. Loki did not respond, giving his full concentration on healing Tony. He properly sat on the ground after a moment, legs crossed over one another. He shut his eyes, taking a deep breath as the force grew. Malekith's blood was spilled along his hands, dripping slightly. Tony swallowed and burrowed closer, pushing Loki away after a minute. "Stop," He whispered. "You're going to waste all your strength."

"Tony, let me do this. I'm almost done." Loki murmured quietly, trying to ignore Tony's resistance as he scooted closer.

Tony huffed but let him do so. "Fine," He mumbled, leaning against Loki.

Loki was quiet, eyes remaining shut. After a moment, the glow faded, and he opened his eyes with a weak smile. "I'll . . . I'll take us back to Midgard." He gripped Tony's hand, teleporting them to the tower.

As soon as they got back to the tower, Tony tipped a bit as his vision swam again. "Shit." He groaned, his head throbbing.

"Brothers!" Thor grabbed both of them in a hug. "You're alive."

"Thor, I'm injured here, hurts." Tony hissed.

Thor set them down. "Apologies,"

Fenrir was a small puppy on the couch, grinning as he hopped down and pranced over to them. "Group hug," He cheered, head butting Thor's leg. "Oh . . . Wrong one." He went over to Loki's leg next, shoving his head against it.

Loki brushed himself off, shutting his eyes. "I need to lie down." He murmured, running a hand through his messy hair.

Tony winced and took a hold of his hand. "Loki . . ." He mumbled to himself, almost in confirmation that his lover was still there.

Fenrir head butted Tony's leg, more gently than he did with Thor and Loki. "You good?" He called up to him. Loki smiled softly to Tony, eyes hardly opened. Tony nodded and touched Fenrir on top of his head, mumbling to himself under his breath.

Fenrir grinned, nodding his head rapidly before tilting it to the side as he stared at Loki. "What happened to baby?"

"I have it." Thor gestured to his stomach. "Loki, would you like it back?"

Fenrir stared at Thor's stomach, "How that work . . . Eh, don't explain it to me. Whatevs, I'm never carrying a damn baby. Too much of a player for that," He turned, prancing up the steps. Loki nodded silently, holding onto Tony's hand.

Thor nodded back before placing one hand on his stomach and the other on Loki's. A golden glow appeared for a few seconds before Thor pulled his hand away. "There." He murmured. "I shall now leave you two alone." He disappeared. Loki backed up to the couch and sat down, placing a hand with dried up blood on his stomach. He gestured for Tony to sit next to him, covering a yawn. Tony blinked before retreating into the kitchen. He came out with a wet washcloth and began wiping away the dried blood on Loki. Loki allowed it, watching Tony closely as he wiped away the blood. He sighed softly, leaning his head back against the couch and shutting his eyes. Tony finished and put the washcloth down before curling up next to Loki, eyes vacant. Loki didn't move, remaining in his position. He actually fell into slumber, despite the odd position that fully exposed his neck. Tony stayed still, not even noticing that Loki had fallen asleep as he lost himself in his own thoughts.

Months passed by, and Loki grew more and more annoyed with his clothes getting tighter and the frequent mood swings. He had even cried once . . . A few times, which he never cried, especially not in frustration over the most ridiculous things. Thankfully, it was only Tony who had witnessed his breakdowns; but that did not make it any less humiliating. It was the middle of the night when he woke up, a sickly pale. The unbearable pain in his lower abdomen was torturous. He froze, staring at the ceiling. This was it. He knew it immediately. Now? He glanced to the clock. It was 3 am, causing him to scowl. He sat up with a pained groan, shaking Tony. "Anthony, wake up."

Tony immediately woke. "I'm awake." He whispered hoarsely.

"Hospital now," Loki said sharply, shaking to the slightest.

"On it," Tony mumbled and shakily got up. Months had passed and he still hadn't fully recovered from his torture by Malekith. Loki gathered his strength, stepping off of the bed. He stood to his feet, holding onto his stomach with a wince. It hurt. Not as bad as it hurt with Sleipnir, but nonetheless hurt.

"I got Thor." Tony whispered and took Loki's hand while Thor took the other, transporting them to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s hospital. Loki stumbled wherever they took him, breathing heavily and staring down at the ground. Tony and Thor got Loki to his room eventually. Thor split off to go contact the others while Tony stayed, holding Loki's hand carefully while he stared off into space.

Loki lay back against the hospital bed he was placed into, swallowing and continuously to breathe deeply. "Tony . . ." He gripped Tony's hand, looking over to him.

Tony blinked and he looked over to him. "I'm here." He murmured.

Loki tried to hide how much it hurt, and the pain only grew. "I . . ." He trailed off and tightened his grip on Tony's hand, relaxing his body and resting his head against the pillow.

Tony leaned over and kissed the top of his head. "It's okay." He murmured. "I'm here," Loki averted his eyes, pulling Tony's hand closer quietly. Tony gave a soft hum as he sat next to Loki, his eyes becoming distant again. Loki shut his eyes, calming himself as his breath lightened. He was just waiting.

A few hours later, Tony was holding the new addition to the family while lying next to Loki. He kissed him lovingly. "I love you." He murmured. Loki's body was weak and he was lost of breath, face flushed and eyes hardly opened. Well, he was glad to get that over with, still aching. He smiled gently, not speaking. Tony hummed and burrowed close to his lover while holding the baby. Loki closed his eyes, wanting to rest. His breath lightened, and he drifted off in seconds.

"Peter!" Tony yelled. "Get down here now!"

Peter groaned, able to hear the call from his room. "Fucking . . . It's Saturday!" He hollered in reply, pulling a pillow over his head.

"Now!"

Peter sat up, still in his stupid ass pajamas that he loved a lot. "Why don't you make me?!"

"I will come up there and get rid of those pajamas you love so much!"

"Fine, I'm getting too old for them, anyway!" In his mind, he was praying to keep his pajamas. Shit.

Loki was in the kitchen, "Has he not come down yet? Do I have to go up there?"

"No, I got it." Tony grinned.

Peter came stumbling down the steps, hair greasy and shirt put on backwards. "You won, old man." Loki peeked out of the kitchen, rolling his eyes at the sight of Peter.

"Your shirt is on backwards, genius." Tony shot back. "And your hair has enough grease to power a McDonalds."

Peter narrowed his eyes to hearing Loki laugh, taking off his shirt and putting it on correctly. "I knew that. I just wanted to see when the real genius would." He snorted, waving a hand.

"So, did you notice that you're also only wearing one sock and your pants are on backwards too?" Tony didn't look at him as he raised an eyebrow.

"My pants aren't- . . . You're a dick. Be back in a minute." Peter grumbled, going back up the steps.

Tony growled. "I'm a dick? Oh I'll fucking show him what a dick is." He snarled before stomping down to his lab.

Loki sighed, running a hand through his hair. He went after Tony with hesitation, "You know how Peter is, love."

"He should consider himself lucky that I'm not a gigantic asshole like Howard or Odin was!" Tony snapped back, shoulders stiff.

Loki tilted his head back. "Yes. He should be, but he is not." He said calmly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Then I'm going to fucking teach him." Tony snarled, slamming his tool down and stomping back up the stairs. "PETER!" He roared.

Peter repeated 'shit' under his breath, slamming the door shut and locking it. "Yes, dear father?"

Loki bit his bottom lip and followed in Tony's footsteps, "Anthony, by the gods, stop! He is merely a child!"

Tony gave an innocent look. "You, my dear son," he threw an arm over Peter's shoulder, "are going to visit your grandpa Howard. Then your grandpa Odin." His grin grew malicious. "You're going to have so much fun." He turned to Loki. "He's a child who needs to learn fucking respect."

"I refuse to allow that, because I do not want a hand to be laid on Peter. He's not going." Loki hissed, shaking his head with furrowed brows.

"Do I get to miss school? If I do, I'm all for it." Peter blinked, shrugging a bit.

"I'm going to end up laying a hand on him if he keeps this up." Tony hissed at Loki before beaming at Peter. "Sure."

"Did you hear me incorrectly? He's not going." Loki repeated, grabbing Peter's shoulder and jerking him away from Tony. "That is final."

"Fine," Tony hissed. "Then I will." He swiveled on his heel and left, slamming the door behind him.

Peter wrinkled his nose, "Come on. What's so bad about it?" He tried to walk out of the room, but Loki hooked his finger around his shirt and pulled him back.

"Do not even ask. I'm going to speak to your father, stay in here." Loki opened the door and walked out, going down the steps. Tony was about to get in one of his cars when he was stopped by Loki. Despite his annoyance and anger, he was gentle when grabbing Tony's arm and tugging him away from the car. "I want to protect Peter, and I'm sure you want the same. You obviously have not thought this through, but if Odin sees his behavior, we could never see Peter again. I do not want him going through what all of my children did, separated from his parents. To be put in solitude, to be bound, to be killed. I do not want him to lose his mind, Anthony! Do you understand?" He swallowed, "He shall meet neither of his grandparents, ever, for any reason. I do not care what he does or how he acts, I do not care! He will be safe so as long as I am here, guaranteed. I am shocked you would even consider it." He spoke sharply, unhanding Tony. "I want you to be safe too. I do not want you to go near them."

"Until he learns to respect us, and until he realizes that he's lucky for having us as parents, then I don't have a choice!" Tony's voice cracked as he struggled not to burst into tears on the spot, frustration and fear from memories resurfacing causing his mental ability to be strained.

"He loves us, Tony! There are other ways to discipline him then using violence. I have never wished harm upon my children, no matter their behavior. It will be no different with Peter." He clenched his fists, sighing deeply as he saw Tony's condition. "He is sixteen years old; inexperienced, young, oblivious. He does not mean what he says. You need to stop taking it so seriously, you are only hurting yourself."

"I'm fine!" Tony snarled, turning away from Loki and walking, forgetting the car. "It doesn't matter." He muttered. His back twitched a bit before he walked down the way towards his estate's entrance, clicking the button on his bracelet to call one of his suits. It attached to him a few seconds later, and he flew into the sky. Loki muttered something under his breath as he watched Tony, pinching the bridge of his nose. Unaware that Peter had watched the whole thing, the boy scrambling up the stairs without being noticed by his father. Damn, was it that big of a deal? He needed to talk someone. Ask what was so bad about his grandparents, and it wouldn't be Loki or Tony. He headed towards Jormungandr's door, figuring he would be the best, knocking instead of barging in.

"What's up, squirt?" Jo poked his head out.

Peter shrugged, running a hand through his hair. "They were fighting about my grandparents or something, and how I need to be disciplined." He knew that Jorjor would know who he meant by 'they'.

Jo narrowed his gaze. "They brought up Howard?"

"Yeah, and Odin, whatever his name is; Dad wanted to take me to meet them, and mom . . ." He heard Loki saying once Sleipnir had a habit of referring to him as his mom when he was younger, and Peter did the same thing. Pops was even weirder. "Loki didn't want me to." There. "They argued about it and shit."

Jo frowned. "I don't blame Dad for that. You've been a pain in the ass lately."

"Maybe I have, I admit it. Let's get on with it. What's so bad about my grandparents?" Peter asked. Jo sighed and began to tell him about his grandparents. Peter listened closely, making a face. "Well damn. They sound like assholes."

"They are." Jo sighed. "I thought Odin was bad and then . . . well . . . Howard is too."

"Have you met him? Howard?" Peter asked.

Jo shook his head. "Whenever he comes around, he doesn't even tell Pops." He paled at the sight behind Peter. "Oh shit." He whispered. "Dad's going to kill me for letting that slip."

"What?" Peter looked over his shoulder, eyes widening to a overly angered Loki. "Okay thanks, bro, I'm out." He said quickly, spinning on his heel and speed walking away. Loki did not bother with Peter, more focused on Jormungandr as he approached his door.

"Hi, Papa," Jo whispered.

Loki's eyes sharpened. "Hello, my son." He growled, stepping into his room and shutting the door behind himself. "Honestly?" He snorted obnoxiously, running a hand through his hair.

"He just doesn't want you to worry too much." Jo murmured.

Loki stared at Jormungandr, arching a brow. "Oh, is that so? Well, I am worrying quite a bit!"

"You know he hasn't been the same since Malekith-"

"I know that better than anybody else!" Loki snarled, pausing as he looked down, swallowing. "I know. I know." He shut his eyes, sighing silently.

"So what are we going to do?" Jo asked softly. "We can't let this go on. He needs help, Papa."

"I . . ." Loki pressed the palm of his hand against his forehead. "I have no idea." He whispered.

"Should we call Grandma?"

"We may as well."

Jo nodded. "I'll go get her while you locate Dad."

Loki nodded, exiting the room. "JARVIS, locate Anthony." He commanded.

"I'm right here." Tony entered, walking wearily. Loki blinked to him, furrowing his brows and examining him quietly. Tony sighed and walked over to the mini-bar, opting for harder liquor rather than his personal favorite of Jack Daniels. Loki followed behind Tony, crossing his arms. He sat down at one of the stools, sighing softly. He glanced over his shoulder, in the direction of Jormungandr's room. He was only waiting for his son to bring Frigga. He looked out the large area of glass in the room, always recalling when he broke it with Tony's body. He was worried, but silent, certain there was nothing he could say better then what Frigga could. "So, when is Frigga getting here?" Tony asked suddenly.

"I don't know." Loki looked over to him, examining the bottles of the alcoholic beverages. "Red wine, if you will." Tony rolled his eyes but handed it over. "Thank you, love." Loki smiled, running his finger along the border of the glass. "About Frigga, hopefully soon,"

Tony snorted. "I love my mother-in-law, but not for this visit." He muttered before sitting next to Loki tiredly and leaning against him, putting his face in the crook of Loki's neck. Loki sniffed, but otherwise did not respond to the words nor act beside lifting his free hand and playing with Tony's hair. He sipped from the glass, wishing it didn't take so much for him to feel the slightest effect. Now was not the time, but he felt as if he deserved it. Tony hummed. "There should be some stronger stuff saved from our last visit to Asgard."

Loki paused a moment. "I'd like that." He said quietly, taking another small sip from the glass.

"I'll go get it." He sighed and left. Jo and Frigga appeared in his stead. Loki looked up from his glass to glance to them, nodding in greeting to Frigga.

Frigga smiled at him softly. "What's going on?" She murmured.

"It's Anthony." Loki replied simply, sipping from the glass.

Frigga raised an eyebrow. "I gathered as much." She murmured dryly. "You never call me unless it's about him. What is it this time?"

Loki furrowed his brows, putting the glass down on the bar. "His mind has been damaged, mother." He shook his head.

"That's to be expected, what with him enduring nearly four times of torture." Frigga made her own glass of red wine appear and took a sip.

Loki rolled his eyes halfway, tapping his fingers against the bar. "You speak as if he has a choice in the matter."

"Well, perhaps if he wasn't so rash in his choices." Frigga took another sip.

Loki arched a brow, "Perhaps." He muttered carelessly, wondering what was taking Tony this long. He heard giggling, most likely Fenrir's, and a 'shh' which he could not identify.

Tony returned, Fenrir attached to his leg, looking more tired than when he had left. He silently held out the bottle of Asgardian mead to Loki then sat next to him. Frigga looked at him. "Wow." She murmured. "You look like someone just dragged you behind their horse."

"Bite me." Tony snapped. Loki scoffed, shaking his head. He murmured something under his breath, taking the bottle from Tony. This was not going to end well, he could already tell. He wanted to make himself not care, which would not be too difficult. Not with the mead assisting, of course.

Fenrir stared at Frigga, humming as he fell from Tony's leg. "Ow," He said quickly when he hit his head against the ground, ear twitching, hopping up into Frigga's lap.

Tony glared at Fenrir in betrayal before getting off of his chair and going to the other side of the bar, rifling for his hardest liquor, which was under the bar in a secret compartment. "Shit." He muttered when he discovered it was empty. "Loki, where'd you put it?" Fenrir got comfortable in her lap before sticking his tongue out and jumping down, hopping onto Loki next. He did the same thing, deciding to sit on the floor.

"Me? Why, I'm truly hurt you'd assume it was me who would hide it. " Loki blinked, taking a swig from his bottle.

Tony glared at him darkly. "Don't start with that shit."

Loki wrinkled his nose. "I'm not doing anything." He murmured, taking another long sip.

"You know exactly what you're doing." Tony snapped. "You do it every fucking time I try to fucking drink-"

"And you're only proving me right by doing so when you get upset, nay?" Loki stared at his bottle, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he sipped.

"Ladies, you're both pretty!" Fenrir interrupted as he transformed into human, crossing his arms.

Tony lost it right then and there. He slammed his cabinet doors shut then stomped downstairs. Frigga sighed. "Oh, dear,"

"I did nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing," Loki hissed. He ran a hand through his hair, tilting his head back as he took a large gulp from the bottle.

Fenrir stared at Loki, arms remaining crossed. "Of course, father, you never do." He shrugged, pursing his lips and turning to go down the stairs. He did a sassy stroll down the steps, but was obviously as serious as his madness would let him go.

"True that!" Tony yelled from downstairs before being joined by Fenrir. Loki placed the bottle down on the bar, feeling more than just a slight effect. He pinched the bridge of his nose, shutting his eyes and huffing softly.

"Are you alright?" Frigga asked in concern.

"Of course; apparently I have done something wrong." Loki shrugged, sighing in annoyance.

"Maybe it would be good for both of you to take a break. Maybe you should return home-" Frigga suggested.

"I couldn't. What about Peter? I am not welcomed there, either. You know this." Loki was able to prevent from slurring, but that grew more difficult with every bit of the mead added.

Frigga took the mead away. "Peter can be watched over by his siblings. And your father is gone to visit Thor."

Loki furrowed his brows to the mead being taken away, face slightly flushed. "I don't know... Tony may not be pleased with me."

"Right now he's not exactly pleased with you either." Frigga pointed out.

"And I would not want to worsen that." Loki stretched his arms, hiding a yawn.

Frigga sighed. "I don't think you can make it any worse, darling."

"Oh, I guarantee this is not as bad as it gets." Loki leaned against his elbow. "It is not a good idea to go to Asgard, mother."

Frigga sighed. "I just wish you'd give it another chance. Tony could come along if it makes you feel better."

"He would not want to. It is best I not, mother." Loki shut his eyes a moment before reopening them.

"Have you asked him?"

"I know him well enough to be aware of this."

Frigga sighed. "Very well," She murmured.

Loki looked away, silent for a moment. "I will ask him once he has calmed."

"I don't think you can, Papa." Slei whispered from the doorway.

Loki froze, pressing his lips together tightly. He covered his eyes with his hand, "I do not want to know." He murmured, unsure if he could handle anything else before losing it; which was a bad habit of his that he still had not broken. Slei crawled up into Loki's lap and burrowed in his arms carefully.

Loki hung his head, shutting his eyes. "Fenrir is down there with him. It's okay." He muttered in a drunken whisper, only to reassure himself. He ran his fingers through Sleipnir's mane, swallowing.

"No . . ." Slei shook his head. "Fen is in our room sleeping. Daddy's gone."

Loki was silent. He felt his heart skipping a beat, the blood rushing to his head. "I . . . I don't know what to do." He breathed out, hiding his head in his arms atop the bar.

Jo's phone suddenly rang and he quickly answered it. "Hello?" He sighed in relief. "Yeah, we're all here." He paused. "Yeah, I'll tell him." He nodded. "Okay. Bye, Dad." He hung up before facing Loki. "He says he's going to deal with business, but that's his code for dealing with Howard's latest trash talk about you two."

Loki took a moment of silence as he had before, "Okay, my son." His voice was muffled by his clothing, keeping his face hidden. "Go inform your siblings he is not here. Peter hasn't left his room all day." He sighed, shutting his eyes. It was taking a larger effect on him because he was intoxicated. That was it, but he still desired more mead.

"Papa-"

"Hush." Loki interrupted him, but in a gentle manner.

"Mom, what's going on?" Peter's voice was sleepy and he was still in his pjs. "Where's Dad?"

"Peter, you're . . . You're supposed to be in bed," Loki slurred. He played with his son's hair, tilting his head. Peter had never seen him drunk, not once. He could hide it. "He had to leave for one of his meetings. He will be back soon."

Peter frowned. "Are you drunk?"

Loki averted his eyes. "Drunk would be highly put. Just a bit tipsy, is all." He said truthfully, never wanting to lie to Peter unless it was appropriate.

Peter narrowed his eyes. "You're worse than Dad." He muttered before stomping back into his room. Jo closed his eyes when the door slammed and Frigga winced.

Loki growled once he was out of sight, unable to handle this anymore. "I have never consumed alcohol in front of you except for this one time, and you treat me like I have ruined your life with it! Do I ever get a break? How many times has your father gotten drunk off of his ass in front of your damned face?" He snarled in the direction of his son's room, thinking Peter probably could not hear it. He was wrong, since he was on the brink of yelling. "Honestly!" He threw his hands up in frustration, standing from his stool and vanishing. Hela was alarmed by this, stepping in once knowing her father was out. She examined Frigga with no emotion, looking to Jormungandr next and arching a brow.

"Check on Peter." Jo sighed. "I'll get him." He stood and followed his father.

"Be careful." Hela murmured, going up the stairs and trying to open her brother's door, only to find it was locked, resorting to knocking lightly on Peter's door, "Brother?"

"What?" Peter's voice was thick with tears.

"Can you let me in, please?" Hela asked softly.

Sniffles could be heard getting closer to the door before Peter opened it to show him with red rimmed eyes. "What?"

Hela frowned, furrowing her brows and taking a step in to stand directly across from him. She gently grabbed his wrists to make him look at her. "Loki would never wish for you to cry as a result of something he said ever. I am sorry myself for you having to witness his condition, child." She lifted a hand, trailing her finger along the tracks of a tear on Peter's face in a tender caress. "But he meant not anything that was said. He loves you, and your father. Keep that in mind, it took me a while to myself."

Peter sniffled. "Promise?"

Hela smiled softly, "Promise."

Peter smiled. "Okay." He mumbled before hugging Hela.

Hela hugged back gently, her smile faded by the time she parted. "You should rest."

"Can you stay with me?" Peter mumbled.

Hela nodded. "Of course,"

"We need to get Fen and Slei." Peter mumbled.

"Do you want me to go get them?"

Peter nodded. "Yes, please." Hela nodded, turning and going down the stairs. She wondered how Jormungandr was doing with father but brushed it off, returning to Peter's room with Fenrir in her arms as a small pup and Sleipnir following at her side. Peter sniffled again and hugged them all.

Fenrir was asleep but woke from that, especially when Hela put him down to return the embrace. "Eh . . . What I miss?"

"Daddy left and Papa got drunk then yelled at Peter." Slei answered.

Fenrir blinked. "Damn." He pranced over to Peter's leg, head butting it.

Peter sniffled and hugged Fenrir tightly. "What's going to happen to Papa and Daddy?"

Fenrir shook his head, pawing at Peter's nose. "They'll be good, in the end. They always are."

"But what if they're not this time?" Slei whispered. "It was like that with An-"

"No." Hela interrupted him, furrowing her brows. "That was different." She said quietly.

"I can't find him." Jo sighed as he came back.

Hela rolled her eyes, "We must not fret over it. He'll return."

"I know." Jo sighed. "Quite frankly, I'm more worried about Dad."

"As am I," Hela murmured, more of a whisper.

"Do you think you could search for him?" Jo asked. "I'll watch over them."

Hela shook her head, "There is no need. He can handle this on his own."

Jo sighed. "Alright," He picked up the three little boys and set them in his bed, joining them quickly after.

Hela smiled to the sight, lifting the blanket over them and sitting on the edge of the bed cross legged. She heard a door slamming then silence, sensing Loki's presence and knowing it to be him. "Such a child," She murmured under her breath.

"Both of them are." Jo snorted.

"I cannot argue." Hela smoothed out her hair, leaning back against the wall.

"Are they going to be okay?" Slei asked quietly.

Hela paused, swallowing. "I do not know, brother." Slei's bottom lip quivered and he scooted closer to Fen. Fenrir was snoring, curled up in a ball of fur. Peter shivered and cuddled closer to them. "We shall just leave it be, for now." Hela lay down at the foot of the bed, back facing them.

"I don't think we have another choice." Jo murmured.

"We do. Just not ones that are any good." Hela snorted, shutting her eyes.

"Exactly," Jo huffed. Fenrir twitched, howling in his sleep before shifting and curling up to Peter. Hela hummed in reply, making herself comfortable; may as well, since she wanted to stay with her brothers. Jo grinned before pulling her close. "Come on. We don't bite much, except Fen."

Hela smiled, realizing she was not used to such an act or being touched at all, ever since she was a child, of course. "That is good to know . . ." She chuckled softly.

Jo smiled and hugged his sister gently before closing his eyes. "Go to sleep, Hela. Everything will be okay in the morning." He murmured.

Hela shut her eyes as well, sighing through her nostrils. "Good night, brothers." She said quietly.

A chorus of good nights followed her words and all of them fell into deep sleep.

Leaving the Tower had been difficult, although Loki did not go anywhere specifically. He only walked down the dimmed sidewalks of New York, enjoying the time to himself until the effect of the alcohol faded. He wanted to stay away until then, hands dug into the pockets of his jacket as he strolled silently, head hung. He regretted yelling at Peter so much. He never had, out of not wanting to bring his son any worries at all. Of course he could not truly do that, but could try. All of his efforts to keep Peter pleased had all faded, out of a few words released as angered screams. He shook his head to the thought, taking himself back to the Tower. No one was there; the lights were off, the only source allowing the god to see being the blinding buildings lit up throughout the night shining their reflection in through the glass of the Tower. He looked out a moment, feeling his rage build again. He should not have to fret over such things, such regrets flowing through his body as a result of incidents, one after another, he did not even do or cause. It made him grief turning down the offer to Asgard, but he still would not. He had to stay, because something bad would happen if he didn't. And it would be his entire fault, as it always was. He went up the stairs, into his room, slamming the door for all of his children to hear. This was absurd. He lay in the bed, staring up at the ceiling lifelessly. Only remorse was what he could feel, to the point of where he was restless. His phone rang. Loki jumped, the unexpected noise shocking him. He glanced to the desk beside the bed, picking his phone up off of it. "H . . ." He cleared his throat. "Hello?"

"Brother, I need you to come over to the main headquarters for Stark Industries. Now," Thor's voice sounded.

Loki paused, staring up at the ceiling silently. "Why. Tell me why and I will."

"Because if you don't then Howard is going to kill Tony,"

"Thor, I cannot do anything. I have no armor or weaponry and my magic is weak. I will only die with him. But fine, I'll be there."

"Howard is mortal."

"Thank you for telling me that, Thor. I truly had no clue. Now, I will be there." Loki hung up before Thor could get a word in, sighing. He really could get no break; he teleported himself, that being the quickest way.

"What the fuck is that?!" A man's voice roared.

"Brother!" Thor's voice sounded. "Over here!"

"Loki, no!" A gunshot sounded and a bullet met with Loki's shoulder. Tony gave a cry of dismay as he struggled against his father's grip, a knife pressing against his throat and cutting into it, leaving blood to trail down his neck.

Loki gasped softly as the bullet pierced through his shoulder, leaving blood on his cloth, teleporting himself next to Thor. "You're insane!" He screamed to Howard, ignoring the pain. This was nothing; he had much worse in past times. "Thor, there's . . . Why didn't you do anything to stop this?" He hissed, a blade of ice forming in his hand. He was getting dizzy, uncertain of why, lightheaded, hardly able to remain on his feet. "You're more idiotic than I thought you to be!" He needed to stop using magic, or he would faint. He could not think, unable to function correctly. He ran from that spot, unsure of how to do this without hurting Tony in the process.

"Stay back, you freak!" Howard screamed.

"Loki, don't!" Tony was crying. "Go back! I can handle this-"

"Shut up, Stark! Just let me do this!" Loki snarled, the word freak affecting him more then he would have liked. He ran past Howard, lifting the knife of ice and jabbing it into his skin in the process, specifically the skin of his neck. Not deep enough to kill him of course, but enough to cause a decent amount of agony. Turning on his heel and sliding his foot against Howard's to where he would fall, planning to bring the death of the man. He was breathing heavily, trying to catch his breath, wanting to focus. He lifted a hand, surrounding Tony in mystical energy to prevent him from falling along with his father.

Tony struggled against the bonds and broke them after a minute, sliding quickly along the floor to catch Loki before he hit the ground from exhaustion. "Are you alright?" He demanded.

"Stop, Tony," Loki panted, shaking his head wearily. He could not allow himself to collapse. He could not. He growled, forcing himself to stay conscious. He could hear his pulse ringing through his ears, vision darkening. "I . . . Stop." He didn't know what he was rambling on about, just wanting to finish what he started.

"I've got you." Tony murmured, his voice fading. "I've got you."