Hey everyone. I've recently fallen in love with the Avengers, more like Tony and Loki. There's just something about those two! I've had this idea in my head for a while so I finally decided to act on it. The title of the story comes from Juliet Lloyd's cover of Criminal. It's a really touching song!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the prologue and I would love to hear from any other Ironfrost fans!

Tony landed on the deck of Stark Tower. This had gone too far. He knew he had to stop Loki by any means necessary but whether he could force himself to do it was another story. He started walking towards the glass doors that led inside and he felt the machines remove his armour. Normally, Tony would have much preferred being in his armour when facing an enemy like Loki, but deep down, Tony knew Loki wouldn't kill him. Bang him round a bit maybe...but not kill him. Pushing the doors open, he lent against the railing, waiting for Loki.

"Please tell me you're going to appeal to my humanity," Loki mocked as he walked inside.

"Uh actually, I'm here to threaten you," Tony retorted as he strolled across the room and down the stairs.

Loki chuckled, "You should have left your armour on for that".

"Mmm, it's seen a bit of mileage and you've got the glow stick of destiny. Would you like a drink? I have your favourite. A nice bottle of Havana Club's Maximo Rum," Tony pulled out some rum and two glasses. He opened the bottle and poured a bit in each glass before holding one out for Loki to take.

"You know I can't resist Havana rum but stalling me won't change anything," He said as he took the glass from Tony.

"No, no, no, threatening," Tony took a large gulp and felt the liquid burn his throat on the way down.

Loki took a much smaller sip before he turned his back and walked towards the window, "The chitauri are coming. Nothing will change that. What have I to fear?".

Tony finished off his drink and began pouring himself another one, "The Avengers. It's what we call ourselves, sorta like a team. Earth's mightiest heroes; that type of thing".

Loki looked over his shoulder and stared at Tony in amusement, "I've met them".

"Yeah. Takes us a while to get any traction I'll give you that one but let's do a head count here. Your brother, the demi-god; the super solider, the living legend who kinda lives up to the legend; a man with breath-taking anger management issues and a couple master assassins and you big fella...and you've managed to piss off every single one of them," Tony explained as he secretly slipped a metal cuff on each of his arms.

"That was the plan," Loki walked back over towards him, "But I'm curiously. You never mentioned yourself. Tell me Tony, how do you feel?".

Tony ignored Loki's last comment, "Not a great plan. When they come, and they will, they'll come for you".

"I have an army," Loki retorted as he place his empty glass down.

"We have a hulk," Tony smirked.

"Oh I thought the beast had wondered off," Loki said in confusion.

Tony sighed as he put his glass down and started walking towards Loki, "You're missing the point. There's no throne. There is no version of this where you come out on top. Maybe your army comes and maybe it's too much for us but it's all on you. Because if we can't protect the earth you'll be damn well sure we'll avenge it".

"How will your friends have time for me...when they're so busy fighting you?" Loki raised his staff and tapped Tony's arc reactor, wanting to control his mind. However, nothing happened.

"This usually works," Loki muttered in confusion.

"Well performance issues you know," Tony cringed before continuing, "It does affect one in three men". He was suddenly cut off when Loki grabbed his throat and tossed him to the ground.

"J.A.R.V.I.S. about time now," Tony muttered as he struggled to get to his feet. Loki shot forward and slammed the bottom of his staff into Tony's back, causing him to fall back down.

"We both know that doesn't concern me," he hissed.

"Oh I know it doesn't. We did it how many times and you did great each time. Not as good as me of course but passable," Tony tried to, unsuccessfully, ease the tension in the room. No one spoke for several minutes.

"My offer still stands Stark. Join me. Stand by my side as I rule this world," Loki removed his staff and used it to gently roll Tony over onto his back.

"Philanthropist remember? Can't exactly change to the side wanting to enslave humanity," Tony chuckled. Loki stared at him for a few moments before he crunched down and placed his hands either side of Tony's head. Silence engulfed the two. Loki looked down and stared at the arc reactor in Tony's chest. He slowly raised his hand and run his fingers over it; watching in fascination as it glowed blue.

"Please Loki, stop while you still can," Loki paused and looked back at Tony.

"You can call off this army and stay here with me until things cool over...then we can go anywhere in the world. Just stop...stop before you no longer can," Tony placed a hand on Loki's cheek, "Stop before there's nothing left to save".

"Why are you fighting so hard for me?" Loki whispered. Tony only just managed to hear it.

"You already know the answer to that".

So that's the prologue. I'm very interested in hearing your feedback. The first chapter should be up within the week.

Question for Ironfrost fans: Who's on top and who's on the bottom?