Chapter 2: Please Don’t Put Me In Jail Sir (I’m too pretty)

(*=Thoughts, ~=Flashbacks)

The ship was in total chaos. They were now 30 minutes away from Midgard. Which Thor spent thinking of what he was going to say, Valkyrie sharpening her weapons, Bruce standing up and sitting back down again anxiously, and Loki pacing circles in his room. The other passengers (The remaining citizens that is) had faith in their king. That isn't saying that they weren't nervous, they were very nervous, but they had faith all the same.

Thor was getting increasingly anxious as he repeated the plan in his head. He got up and went to Loki to have one part of his plan ready.

"Brother?" Thor said, knocking on the door and gently pushing it open.

Loki stopped in his tracks and looked at Thor "Yes."

"I know you said you wouldn't help but… you have to let your illusion down," Thor said.

Loki looked at him incredulously.

"No," Loki said simply.

"Please Brother we don't have time to fight, do it for me" Thor pleaded desperately.

"No, Thor, I'm not going to"

"Yes, Loki, you are. Stop being stubborn"

"No"

"Yes"

"I have already told you no!"

"I won't leave you alone until you do!"

Loki sighed resignedly letting the illusion drop that was covering his burns.

"Loki," Thor said knowingly.

"No, that's crossing the line"

"A line we will have to cross!"

Loki looked at him debating on whether or not he should do what Thor is implying.

Loki looked down letting the green glow wash over him once more leaving scars trailing up his neck (Thor was sure there were more under his clothing). It also left his skin looking sickly and his eyes dulled.

Thor looked sadly at Loki "It is fine Brother, no one will judge you"

Loki scoffed and looked away from Thor.

"Why are you trying to sell this pity story, Thor?" Loki said tiredly.

"I want you to be free Brother. What's so difficult to understand? '' Thor said.

Loki scoffed and shook his head.

"Leave, Thor," Loki said, annoyed.

"As you wish," Thor said.

Loki looked a little shocked Thor was willing to leave.

"Meet me in the main room," Thor said as he walked out the door.

Loki nods.

He stood for a minute preparing himself for the day he was about to have.

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Loki, Valkyrie, Bruce, and Thor stood at the door to the outside. They had just landed and were waiting for someone to approach.

"The ship's signal says someone is outside," Korg said over the speakers.

Loki took a deep breath.

"After you Brother," Loki said walking over to a button that let down the giant door.

Thor walked out first, then Bruce, then Valkyrie, and finally Loki.

The signal the ship picked up was apparently Iron Man.

"What the h*** is he doing here," Tony said as he looked away from Thor who was telling of their adventures since they last saw each other.

Thor sighs "I was getting to that part."

Tony raises an Iron Man gauntlet at Loki.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't fry his a** right now!" Tony shouted.

Loki raised his hands.

"Tony don't be rash," Bruce said from the sidelines.

"Shut up Bruce," Tony said angrily, still pointing the gauntlet at Loki's head.

Thor looked around at the escalating situation.

"Man of Iron, please do not fire" Thor boomed.

"Why not! He deserves it after New York!" Tony yelled.

"It is not he who is solely responsible for New York! He has killed the person behind it" Thor said.

That made Tony lower the gauntlet an inch.

"It's true Tony, I saw it" Bruce piped in.

Tony lowered the gauntlet.

"One wrong move, Reindeer Games, and your head is no longer attached to your neck." Tony threatens.

He turns to Bruce and Thor "Explain."

"What do you want to know?" Bruce asked.

"What did Point Break mean by not solely responsible for New York and that Reindeer Games over there killed the one who was," Tony said.

"You see Tony new information has been found out and it turns out that well" Bruce glanced over at Loki who was standing to the side with his arms crossed "after Loki fell off the Bi-frost? Well someone found him named Thanos and…"

Banner paused again.

"Stop being so sensitive Banner," Loki said suddenly from the side.

He turned to Tony and said, "I got tortured and my mind taken advantage of in turn."

Tony's face softened a bit at that but still, he asked "Taken advantage of how? Like Clint and Selvig?"

"A bit like Barton and Selvig, but I was still aware. It is hard to explain" Loki stated airly.

Tony looked like he wanted to ask more questions but Bruce interrupted him first.

"Look Tony we'll talk about this more in-depth later," Bruce said, obviously stealing a glance at Loki who rolled his eyes.

Tony nodded somewhat reluctantly.

Thor continues his story and his proposition.

"I want access to land for my people to stay, and, Loki not in jail" Thor proposed.

"I can do that, Point Break, but I have a proposition of my own" Tony paused in what he hoped was a dramatic way "We can keep Loki out of jail since 'new information was found' but we'll have to keep an eye on him, he isn't exactly trustworthy, so I think he should stay at the compound until he proves he is"

Loki looks at Tony, face closed off. Thor looks at Loki who stares back.

"That is an acceptable deal," Thor said finally.

Loki had a glint of exasperation in his eyes as he crossed his arms.

"Bruce, Reindeer Games, if you would follow me," Tony said miming a bow.

Thor looked over at Loki whose face looked blank. Thor crossed over to Loki to give a hug.

"I will see you soon Brother," Thor said as he enveloped Loki in a hug.

Loki stood stiffly not hugging Thor back this time (He would never do something like that in present company!). Thor huffed and ended the hug.

"Be safe," Thor said.

Loki paused for a minute "You as well"

Tony looked at Bruce and Loki.

"I guess we're going to have to call a cab," He said as he dials the number of the cab place.

Bruce sighed, "It's good to be back home."

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Loki was glad to get out of that infernal yellow contraption that they called a cab. It would have been fine, he supposed, if there weren't two superheroes and a so-called villain for the driver to be worried/Fangirling about.

"I am never going into one of those things again," Loki said as he straightened his clothing and watched the cab drive away.

Tony laughs at the god.

"Follow me, gentlemen," Tony said as he motions to the door.

Loki scoffed at him.

"Ok, so we have a couple of spare rooms. One for almighty over there and one for you Bruce" Tony said.

"I'll show you your room first," Tony said motioning to Loki, "If you would follow me"

Tony led them down a couple of hallways and to a blank white door.

"Right in here God of Horns" Tony said with a smirk on his face.

Loki looked at him and went into the room.

"Leave you to get settled. Remember F.R.I.D.A.Y is keeping an eye on you" Tony said as he closed and locked the door.

"Ok then, I think it's time you tell me what's going on," Tony said as Bruce and him walk to the living room.

"What about the team, shouldn't they know?" Bruce asked as they arrived at their destination and sat down on a couch.

"There is no team anymore Bruce"

"What do you mean there is no team?"

"We broke up"

"Like The Beatles?"

Tony sighed.

"Sure, why not, but take the Beatles' break up and think more violent, like a full-blown battle."

"What happened?"

"There were these accords and me and Spangles disagreed on them."

"Tony! We need to keep this team together!" Bruce scolded.

"It's too late now"

"Can you get Steve on the phone somehow, I want to talk to him, since you're being an idiot"

"He's the one who started it!"

Bruce sighed "Do you have a way I can contact them?"

Tony squirmed slightly "Here, Cap left this phone with his number on it."

Tony handed Bruce the phone. Bruce took the phone and opened it.

"I'm putting this team back together, and you are helping me do so," Bruce said.

"Nice to have you back Bruce" Tony muttered.

Bruce looked at the phone for a second before clicking the contact that was in there "Hey Cap, this Bruce. We need to talk"

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Somehow Bruce managed to convince Team Cap to come back to the compound. All those on Team Iron Man also came to the compound. The silence that was left was awkward.

Steve and Tony stared at each other from across each side of the room. With team Cap being on the right and team Iron Man being on the left. Bruce stepped in between the two groups.

"Petty arguments aside, I have some stuff I need to tell you guys. So would everyone please take a seat together and listen" Bruce said impatiently.

The two groups went to seats that were close to each other, except Natasha who stood in between the two couches. Bruce sighed heavily.

"Let's get started," Bruce said jumping into an explanation of his journey and what had happened to Loki.

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The door locked behind him with a loud click.

*No. No. NO. NO. this can't be happening, it's a trap, Why did I go with them willingly, I should have known they would want revenge* He thought as he tried to walk over to the door, although the world was now starting to spin making it hard to both walk and think clearly.

He fell next to the door as he desperately tried to open it. He pounded a fist on the door. Nobody was coming.

*Nobody's coming to save you, just like when you were with Them. Why would they?* Loki thought darkly.

He let out a hollow laugh *Why would they come? What had he done to deserve that honor?* Loki thought as he laughed again with no humor.

Loki looked around the practically blank room still chuckling darkly.

*I do not deserve their help. Or their pity. Or their mercy. I deserve whatever is to happen to me* Loki thought.

He looked around the room once more *Maybe the reason they have locked me in this room is to see how long it takes me to crack? They won't have to wait in that case, I lost it long ago. I wish they would stop messing with my mind, however, and get on with whatever torture they have waiting for me* Loki thought.

*I believe it won't be as bad as The Other's, they are only Midgaridans after all* Loki thought his mind started to spiral from memories long repressed resurfacing.

"No," Loki said out loud.

"No! I am not going to let these memories take control, especially not now" Loki said angrily to nobody but himself.

It was too late. Painful flashes started playing through his mind.

"No. No, no, no, no," Loki said weakly, putting his hands on his head and adding pressure as if trying to force it to stop.

The Titan was going to get him, he would come back *No you killed him* Loki thought.

~The Other's hand was on his head, barely touching the side, but somehow the pain was excruciating. This was just the beginning and he knew that. The Other liked to take time with his fun~

Loki's breathing became rapid, *It isn't happening anymore, it's over.*

Loki curled his legs into himself and put his arms around them. He sat there curled in a ball by the door trying to calm himself. Tears slowly leaked out of his eyes.

That's when he heard a knock on the door "Reindeer Games! You have some guests."

Loki laughed, *I have finally gone crazy haven't I? Hearing voices*

"We're coming in," Another familiar voice said softly.

Loki looked around. Where was he?

*I'm in the building the Avengers own, not there, that's over now, it's over* He thought, calming him slightly.

The door suddenly opened, hitting Loki on the back. Loki jumped backward, having his hands ready with a green glow. Tony, Steve, and Bruce walked in. Bruce looked at Loki knowingly and knelt down beside him.

"You ok?" Bruce whispered.

Loki took a deep breath and nodded, eyes still wide. He cleared his throat as he tried to get air in his airways.

"I just need a minute" Loki managed to cough out.

Tony and Steve walked all the way in.

"Everything good Reindeer Games?" Tony asked.

Steve shot him a disapproving look.

"Stark," Steve started.

"Rogers," Tony interrupted with a glare.

Bruce looked at them from the ground and sighed. It was going to take a lot of time to get these two to corporate. Loki took this time to gather himself. Loki stood up calmly and dabbed his eyes gently. Steve and Tony were still glaring at each other, attention undivided. Loki cleared his throat.

"If you would get on with what you wanted to ask me, I believe we would all be happier that way" Loki said calmly.

Bruce looked at Loki as he got up, surprise etched into his face.

"I- Weren't you just crying?" Bruce asked a little insensitively.

"What gives you that idea?" Loki asked.

Bruce opened his mouth to talk but inevitably shut it. Tony and Steve were now looking at Bruce instead.

"You were going to tell me something I presume?" Loki asked.

Tony looked like he just remembered something.

"Oh yeah! Brucie over there told us what happened and we wanted to let you know that you're free to roam around the compound, only the compound. Also you're free to join us for dinner and lunch and breakfast" Tony rambled.

Loki looked at Tony in surprise.

"You are going to let me walk, freely.. Around your compound? And let me join you for meals?" Loki asked, barely being able to contain his surprise.

Tony looked at him weirdly "Yeah, you were basically like Barton and Selvig. We didn't blame them, did we?"

Loki looks at him in uncontained surprise.

"So just like that? You are fine with me being in your living space?" Loki asked.

"Sure, we've all had to do things that we didn't want to. We've all had to kill people" Tony said as he shrugged.

"No, I should have been stronger. I am a god! I should not have broken that easily!" Loki accused.

"You did what you did, it happened, it's done. All you can do is forgive yourself and move on" Steve said, finally speaking up.

Loki chuckled "Thank you for the inspiring words, Captain. However useless they are."

Tony smirked.

"So, Reindeer Games, Dinner's in an hour. Feel free to join us" Tony said.

Loki rolled his eyes at the name and nodded. Tony and Steve left the room. Bruce stayed behind.

"I'm always here if you need me. Also, don't forget you're allowed to walk around" Bruce said as he left.

Loki looked around at the now empty room.

*I am allowed to leave? Or is this a trap?* Loki thought as he looked at the door uncertainly.

*I wonder if he has a library?* Loki thought longingly.

He decided it would be worth the trip if he could find a library. Loki gingerly opened the door and looked both ways in the hallway. Once he saw no one was there he stepped out of the room.

"Are you looking for something Sir?" F.R.I.D.A.Y asked.

Loki jumped and looked around for the voice.

"Where are you?" Loki asked, still looking around.

"I am an A.I. sir. I do not have a corporal body," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

Loki nodded "Do you by chance know where the library is?"

"Yes sir. Two lefts and a right." F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Thank you, wall spirit," Loki said politely as he followed F.R.I.D.A.Y's instructions.

He finally found the library, and a glorious one it was too. Most books looked untouched and there was a comfy seat in the corner of the large room. Loki went to the first bookshelf he saw, grabbed a book, and went over to the chair.

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For the next 3 days, Loki stayed in the library, skipping meals and staying up late hours of the night reading. That is until Bruce became concerned with not seeing Loki at the mealtimes, or at all.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y are you able to tell me where Loki is right now?" Bruce asked.

Tony looked over from the couch where he was drinking coffee.

"He is currently in the library reading sir," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Is that where he was the entire time?" Tony asked suddenly.

"Yes, sir he has been in the library since you left his room," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Has he been eating? Or sleeping in his room?" Bruce asked.

"No sir. He hasn't eaten since he got here and he gets around 2 hours of sleep a night" F.R.I.D.A.Y answered.

Bruce sighed.

"Come on Tony, we're going to get him out of the library," Bruce said, motioning for Tony to join him.

Tony groaned and downed the rest of his coffee. Bruce ignored him as he motioned for Tony to lead the way. They walked there in silence and finally got to the door.

"Loki?" Bruce said as he knocked on the library door.

Nobody answered.

"We're coming in," Bruce said.

Bruce opened the door and went inside with Tony following him.

"Loki?" Bruce called.

Bruce walked around the corner to see Loki sitting in the chair reading a book. There were books in two piles next to the chair.

"Reindeer Games, planning on eating?" Tony said.

Loki didn't look up or acknowledge they were there.

"Loki, you should really eat something," Bruce said in a concerned voice.

Loki still didn't look up.

"I could call Thor you know," Bruce said strictly.

Loki looked up finally. He had bags under his eyes, and his eyes were red from reading so much,

"No, he is busy setting up New Asgard, do not bother him," Loki said quietly, clearly tired.

"How bout we eat something huh Reindeer Games," Tony said.

Loki looked up at him with a pained expression.

"How do I know you won't poison the food?" Loki said groggily, pointing an accusatory finger at Tony.

"Why would I poison your food?" Tony said, looking slightly aghast.

"I do not know, the same reason He did I suppose," Loki said, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

Tony looked at Bruce "Who?"

"Are you talking about Thanos?" Bruce asked Loki.

Loki nodded.

"Here let's get you some food, then you'll go to bed," Bruce said.

Loki looked like he was about to fight Bruce but decided it wasn't worth it. Loki stood up warily refusing the hand Bruce offered him. Bruce shook his head exasperatedly. Tony smirked.

"When was the last time you ate Loki?" Bruce asked concerned.

"If you're talking about full meals I would say Sakaar, if you're talking about the rationed food then 2 days before we got here."

Bruce sighed.

"Ok, let's see. What sounds good Reindeer Games?" Tony asked.

Loki shrugged sleepily.

"He likes salads," Bruce said.

Tony looked at him weirdly "How do you know that?"

"I don't know? Maybe the fact he would talk about eating a salad instead of those rations almost every day?" Bruce said sarcastically.

Tony laughed a little.

"Let's go then!" Tony said as he clapped his hands together "Also you want a change of clothes?"

"That would be much appreciated," Loki said.

"There should be some in your room, so I can direct you there while Jolly Green makes you a salad" Tony said happily.

Loki nodded reluctantly and followed Tony to his room. Loki changed quickly into a dark green T-shirt with short sleeves and black sweatpants. He then followed Tony to the kitchen.

"I wish you had something better looking than these, '' Loki said as he pulled on the sweatpants fabric.

"They're comfortable!" Tony defended as they entered the Kitchen where Bruce was talking to a young boy with short brown hair.

"So I get to meet him today?!" The boy with brown hair asked Bruce excitedly.

"Actually, right now," Bruce said as he pointed toward Loki and Tony.

The boy turned around so quickly Loki was surprised his neck didn't snap.

"Mr. Loki! I've heard about you! My name is Peter, Peter Parker!" Peter said, standing up quickly and offering Loki his hand.

Loki shook it.

"Hello Peter Parker, it is pleasant to meet you as well."

Bruce motioned from where he was sitting, to Loki to take a seat where a salad bowl was sitting. Peter hovered excitedly in the background before Bruce said "Join us, Peter."

Peter came and sat in the chair next to Loki as Tony sat in the chair next to Bruce. Loki took a bite of his salad and it tasted like heaven. Soon enough he finished the whole thing.

"So, you can do magic right?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Loki admitted uncomfortably.

"That's awesome! Can you show me some?" Peter said excitedly.

Loki looked a little shocked before his face went back to being neutral and said "If you wish."

Loki lifted his hand, palm up, and made mini fireworks come from it. Everyone looked at Loki in awe as he closed his hand.

"That was so cool Mr. Loki!" Peter said enthusiastically.

Bruce nodded as Tony looked in shock.

"How did you do that?" Tony asked awed.

Loki shrugged "It comes with many centuries of practice, however that was an unimpressive bit of magic."

"Unimpressive!" Tony yelled exasperatedly.

Peter shook his head, agreeing with Tony.

Loki looked confused. "Yes, it was merely a party trick."

Bruce sighed as Peter and Tony got the same look of curiosity and excitement on their faces. Loki looked back and forth between Tony and Peter.

"Is he your child?" Loki asked motioning to Peter.

Tony spluttered and Peter looked red.

"No, I'm not his-" Peter said hurriedly as Tony said, "He's not my kid."

"My mistake," Loki said seriously.

Bruce laughed at the two whose faces were red before he turned back to Loki looking serious.

"Enough socialization, it's time for you to go to bed," He said seriously.

Loki groaned "I'm not even tired!"

"I highly doubt that," Bruce said wondering how an ancient god could sound so pretentious one second but so childlike another.

Loki rolled his eyes but complied as Bruce motioned for him to follow.

"Bye Mr. Loki! It was nice meeting you" Peter shouted as Loki and Bruce left the room.

Loki could hear Tony mutter "Kid, eardrums, please."

Bruce led Loki to his room and opened the door.

"Goodnight Loki," Bruce said as he walked out of the room.

Loki sighed and looked around the room.

*It couldn't hurt to try and get some sleep* Loki thought tiredly.

But in the back of his mind, a little voice was telling him *If you sleep you are giving them an opportunity.*

Loki tried to push those thoughts down as he layed in the bed and covered up.

Everything would be ok he told himself but still, he could hear *Don't trust them, or the same thing will happen that happened with Him*

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~"No Barren Moon, No crevice where he can't find you!"

"He will not be pleased Jotun- If you do not get what he wants"

Pain, Pain was all he knew now.~

Loki thrashed around until he fell off the bed, causing him to wake up. He gasped from the ground.

*This should not be affecting me so. It has been enough time, I just need to get over it* Loki thought angrily as he shakily stood up.

"Weakling" Loki heard the Others' voice say in his head.

Loki felt a shiver go down his spine.

"You're not there anymore" Loki reminded himself out loud.

"Not where anymore?" Tony said as he entered the room.

"None of your business" Loki snarled.

"Ok! Ok!" Tony said, raising his hand in the air.

"What do you want?" Loki snapped at Tony.

"Bruce told me to tell you to get your butt down to breakfast," Tony said defensively.

Loki sighed and followed Tony out the door reluctantly. When they walked into the room Bruce looked up from the stove where he was frying eggs.

"Morning Loki, How are you?" Bruce asked as he flipped an egg.

Loki looked at Bruce blankly.

*How was he?*.

"I'm fine," Loki tried to say but for some reason, his mouth wouldn't form the words. He tried to again but he just- couldn't, his throat felt constricted like his airways were getting blocked off.

~The Titans hand was closing around his throat, he had to do something before-~

Loki closed his eyes, pushing the memory aside and taking a deep breath.

"-oki, Loki," Somebody said from beside him.

He opened his eyes and turned to see who it was. Apparently, Bruce had walked beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"What happened? Are you ok?" Bruce asked.

Loki breathed in before saying "Yes, I merely got lost in my own head. What was it you were saying?"

"I asked you how you were," Bruce said, looking at Loki suspiciously.

"Oh yes, I am well, I am fine, and you Banner?" Loki asked.

Bruce looked at Loki trying to read his face but when he inevitably found nothing he said "I'm doing good, it's nice to be on Earth again."

Loki nodded and sat down at the table cursing himself for the slip-up.

*He asked me how I was! And I panicked! I need to pull myself together!* Loki thought angrily.

Stark had apparently left to find the boy he met the other day as a minute later he and the boy (Parker he remembered) walked into the Kitchen.

"Mr. Loki! How are you!" Peter asked enthusiastically as he sat down next to Loki.

Loki didn't pause this time as he said "I am doing well and you?"

"Tired but good," Peter said.

Loki nodded and shifted his gaze to the table.

*I wish I could go back to the library* Loki thought sadly.

Two plates clinked down onto the table making him focus again. "Here you go you two," Bruce said as he sat on the other side of the table with a plate of his own.

"So Loki, did you sleep well?" Bruce asked as he took one of the eggs and put it on a piece of toast.

"Yes," Loki said somewhat unconvincingly.

Silence filled the room as Tony sat beside Bruce with a cup of coffee.

"Mr. Stark, I was thinking that since Loki has never explored Earth before, that we could take him to get ice cream!" Peter said suddenly.

Tony looked over at Peter and sighed.

"Fine" Tony said exasperatedly and looked over at Bruce "You're coming with us."

Loki looked at them, apparently, he didn't have a choice. Bruce nodded and stood up "Finish your egg first," He said strictly.

Loki nodded and ate his egg slowly. Once he was done with his food he got up and went to his room to change. He slowly changed into black skinny jeans and a short-sleeved black shirt to try and prolong leaving. Then he went to the mirror to fix his hair. That's when he noticed the scars and burns trailing up his body.

He decided it would be best to put the illusion back up.

Finally, he made his way back to the group, reluctantly.

"Took you long enough," Tony said.

Loki examined the group, Tony was wearing a hoodie, jeans, a baseball cap, and glasses. Peter was wearing a T-shirt that said "Star Wars" and jeans and Bruce was wearing his usual jeans, belt, and tucked-in button up shirt.

"I had to do my hair," Loki defended.

Tony rolled his eyes.

"Let's go!" Peter yelled excitedly.

Loki looked at him in amazement, how could he have so much energy so early in the morning? Tony looked like he was already regretting this choice as he followed Peter out the door. Then Bruce motioned for Loki to walk through the door and then followed suit.

"If any of you destroy this car, I am going to get Pepper to sue you," Tony said to the god of mischief, a guy who turned into a green rage monster, and the boy who acts like a spider 80% of the time.

Tony sighed, once again regretting all his life decisions. Peter nodded eagerly and got into the backseat of the car. Bruce went to the passenger seat and Loki took the seat in the back next to Peter. Finally, Tony got into the driver's seat and turned on the car.

"Is everyone buckled?" Bruce asked, looking at the backseat passengers.

Loki had somehow managed to extend the whole seatbelt without ever buckling. Peter was buckled and was now trying to help the god with his buckle. Luckily he succeeded and Peter called out "Yep!"

Bruce sighed and turned back to face the front again.

"Ok, let's go," Tony said as he started driving.

A couple of minutes later Peter breaks the silence.

"Do you know how old you would be in human years?" Peter asked.

Loki paused doing the math in his head "20 years old."

The car veered slightly to the right as Tony swung his head to look back at Loki.

"What?!" Tony yelled trying to veer the car back on track as he faced the front again.

Bruce looked shocked too as he turned to face the back.

"You're 20?" Bruce said.

"Yes" Loki said a little confused why everyone was staring at him like he killed someone (He swore he didn't this time!).

"How old were you during New York?" Bruce asked.

Loki once again did the math again "I believe 16 or 17."

The car veered again as Tony turned around quickly.

"What!?" He said loudly.

"What?!" Loki said, still confused.

"You were basically as old as me!" Peter said excitedly.

Loki opened his mouth to say something before Peter interrupted him "Oh my gosh I have to text Shuri! You're a bit older but you could join our squad!"

"Remember I am still a thousand and so years old," Loki said.

"So…. That's in Asgardian years! You're on earth now!!" Peter defended eagerly.

Tony had gotten the car back on the road and was now facing the front.

"Never talk to me again while I'm driving. I have a heart condition you know" Tony said warily as he pulled into the parking lot of the ice cream stand.

Bruce chuckled as he unbuckled his seat belt.

"Come on kids" Tony said.

Peter hurriedly unbuckled and helped Loki unbuckle too. They got out of the car and walked casually up to the ice cream stand.

"Lets try and be quick about this, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves" Bruce said.

"Why do you think I'm wearing the hat and sunglasses?" Tony said.

Loki sighed.

"Tony, you're as bad as Thor with that cloth he used to cover his face." Bruce said.

Tony looked confused but decided not to ask.

"Let's get the ice cream and get out," Bruce said.

They walk up to the counter "What do you guys want?" Tony asked quietly.

Loki shrugged "I do not even know what ice cream is."

"Ok so keylime since you like your green, and what about you kid?" Tony asked.

"Vanilla please," Peter said.

"Boooorrring, what about you Jolly Green" Tony said.

"Mint chocolate chip," Bruce said.

"Oh I see, you're a mint chip person," Tony said.

Bruce sighed.

Tony turned back around to the ordering place.

"One Stark Raving Hazelnuts, one vanilla, one keylime, and one mint chocolate chip please." Tony said.

"Coming right up, if you would just step over to the side." The employee said in a bored voice.

They waited for their ice cream.

"One Raving Hazelnut, one keylime, one mint chip, and one vanilla" The employee called.

They went over to get their orders and then found a seat at a red table nearby.

"You got your own flavor?" Bruce asked Tony.

"It's a good flavor," Tony defended.

Bruce chuckled and licked his ice cream. Peter and Tony followed suit. Loki however looked a little apprehensive as he tried a lick of the ice cream. That apprehension soon changed to great delight.

"Can we get more of this ice cream?" Loki said as he finished off the little that was left inside the cone.

"You've already finished it! How did you not get brain freeze!" Peter exclaimed.

Loki raised an eyebrow "Freezing your brain?"

"Nevermind, you know you can eat the cone right. Just don't eat the paper around it." Peter said.

Loki looked at the cone and took a bite. "How do Midgardians get their foods so sweet?"

"Agardians don't have stuff like this? Like candy or whatever." Tony asked.

"Yes, we have nuts and grapes, but it could never compare to this" Loki said as he finished off the cone.

Peter looked like he was about to faint.

"You're saying you've never had candy?" Peter asked, horrified.

"I just said nuts and grapes didn't I?" Loki said, confused.

Peter turned to Tony with his mouth open.

"Mr. Stark, we need to stop somewhere and feed this poor soul," Peter motioned frantically to Loki "Some candy! Like actual candy! Not nuts or grapes!"

Tony sighed, he knew he should say no but the kid was making puppy dog eyes at him. He couldn't resist puppy dog eyes.

"Fine," Tony finally said.

Peter whooped.

"We could also get more ice cream," Peter said to Loki.

Loki, who was tuning out of the conversation, looked at Peter q

The ship was in total chaos. They were now 30 minutes away from Midgard. Which Thor spent thinking of what he was going to say, Valkyrie sharpening her weapons, Bruce standing up and sitting back down again anxiously, and Loki pacing circles in his room. The other passengers (The remaining citizens that is) had faith in their king. That isn't saying that they weren't nervous, they were very nervous, but they had faith all the same.

Thor was getting increasingly anxious as he repeated the plan in his head. He got up and went to Loki to have one part of his plan ready.

"Brother?" Thor said, knocking on the door and gently pushing it open.

Loki stopped in his tracks and looked at Thor "Yes."

"I know you said you wouldn't help but… you have to let your illusion down," Thor said.

Loki looked at him incredulously.

"No," Loki said simply.

"Please Brother we don't have time to fight, do it for me" Thor pleaded desperately.

"No, Thor, I'm not going to"

"Yes, Loki, you are. Stop being stubborn"

"No"

"Yes"

"I have already told you no!"

"I won't leave you alone until you do!"

Loki sighed resignedly letting the illusion drop that was covering his burns.

"Loki," Thor said knowingly.

"No, that's crossing the line"

"A line we will have to cross!"

Loki looked at him debating on whether or not he should do what Thor is implying.

Loki looked down letting the green glow wash over him once more leaving scars trailing up his neck (Thor was sure there were more under his clothing). It also left his skin looking sickly and his eyes dulled.

Thor looked sadly at Loki "It is fine Brother, no one will judge you"

Loki scoffed and looked away from Thor.

"Why are you trying to sell this pity story, Thor?" Loki said tiredly.

"I want you to be free Brother. What's so difficult to understand? '' Thor said.

Loki scoffed and shook his head.

"Leave, Thor," Loki said, annoyed.

"As you wish," Thor said.

Loki looked a little shocked Thor was willing to leave.

"Meet me in the main room," Thor said as he walked out the door.

Loki nods.

He stood for a minute preparing himself for the day he was about to have.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loki, Valkyrie, Bruce, and Thor stood at the door to the outside. They had just landed and were waiting for someone to approach.

"The ship's signal says someone is outside," Korg said over the speakers.

Loki took a deep breath.

"After you Brother," Loki said walking over to a button that let down the giant door.

Thor walked out first, then Bruce, then Valkyrie, and finally Loki.

The signal the ship picked up was apparently Iron Man.

"What the h*** is he doing here," Tony said as he looked away from Thor who was telling of their adventures since they last saw each other.

Thor sighs "I was getting to that part."

Tony raises an Iron Man gauntlet at Loki.

"Give me one reason I shouldn't fry his a** right now!" Tony shouted.

Loki raised his hands.

"Tony don't be rash," Bruce said from the sidelines.

"Shut up Bruce," Tony said angrily, still pointing the gauntlet at Loki's head.

Thor looked around at the escalating situation.

"Man of Iron, please do not fire" Thor boomed.

"Why not! He deserves it after New York!" Tony yelled.

"It is not he who is solely responsible for New York! He has killed the person behind it" Thor said.

That made Tony lower the gauntlet an inch.

"It's true Tony, I saw it" Bruce piped in.

Tony lowered the gauntlet.

"One wrong move, Reindeer Games, and your head is no longer attached to your neck." Tony threatens.

He turns to Bruce and Thor "Explain."

"What do you want to know?" Bruce asked.

"What did Point Break mean by not solely responsible for New York and that Reindeer Games over there killed the one who was," Tony said.

"You see Tony new information has been found out and it turns out that well" Bruce glanced over at Loki who was standing to the side with his arms crossed "after Loki fell off the Bi-frost? Well someone found him named Thanos and…"

Banner paused again.

"Stop being so sensitive Banner," Loki said suddenly from the side.

He turned to Tony and said, "I got tortured and my mind taken advantage of in turn."

Tony's face softened a bit at that but still, he asked "Taken advantage of how? Like Clint and Selvig?"

"A bit like Barton and Selvig, but I was still aware. It is hard to explain" Loki stated airly.

Tony looked like he wanted to ask more questions but Bruce interrupted him first.

"Look Tony we'll talk about this more in-depth later," Bruce said, obviously stealing a glance at Loki who rolled his eyes.

Tony nodded somewhat reluctantly.

Thor continues his story and his proposition.

"I want access to land for my people to stay, and, Loki not in jail" Thor proposed.

"I can do that, Point Break, but I have a proposition of my own" Tony paused in what he hoped was a dramatic way "We can keep Loki out of jail since 'new information was found' but we'll have to keep an eye on him, he isn't exactly trustworthy, so I think he should stay at the compound until he proves he is"

Loki looks at Tony, face closed off. Thor looks at Loki who stares back.

"That is an acceptable deal," Thor said finally.

Loki had a glint of exasperation in his eyes as he crossed his arms.

"Bruce, Reindeer Games, if you would follow me," Tony said miming a bow.

Thor looked over at Loki whose face looked blank. Thor crossed over to Loki to give a hug.

"I will see you soon Brother," Thor said as he enveloped Loki in a hug.

Loki stood stiffly not hugging Thor back this time (He would never do something like that in present company!). Thor huffed and ended the hug.

"Be safe," Thor said.

Loki paused for a minute "You as well"

Tony looked at Bruce and Loki.

"I guess we're going to have to call a cab," He said as he dials the number of the cab place.

Bruce sighed, "It's good to be back home."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Loki was glad to get out of that infernal yellow contraption that they called a cab. It would have been fine, he supposed, if there weren't two superheroes and a so-called villain for the driver to be worried/Fangirling about.

"I am never going into one of those things again," Loki said as he straightened his clothing and watched the cab drive away.

Tony laughs at the god.

"Follow me, gentlemen," Tony said as he motions to the door.

Loki scoffed at him.

"Ok, so we have a couple of spare rooms. One for almighty over there and one for you Bruce" Tony said.

"I'll show you your room first," Tony said motioning to Loki, "If you would follow me"

Tony led them down a couple of hallways and to a blank white door.

"Right in here God of Horns" Tony said with a smirk on his face.

Loki looked at him and went into the room.

"Leave you to get settled. Remember F.R.I.D.A.Y is keeping an eye on you" Tony said as he closed and locked the door.

"Ok then, I think it's time you tell me what's going on," Tony said as Bruce and him walk to the living room.

"What about the team, shouldn't they know?" Bruce asked as they arrived at their destination and sat down on a couch.

"There is no team anymore Bruce"

"What do you mean there is no team?"

"We broke up"

"Like The Beatles?"

Tony sighed.

"Sure, why not, but take the Beatles' break up and think more violent, like a full-blown battle."

"What happened?"

"There were these accords and me and Spangles disagreed on them."

"Tony! We need to keep this team together!" Bruce scolded.

"It's too late now"

"Can you get Steve on the phone somehow, I want to talk to him, since you're being an idiot"

"He's the one who started it!"

Bruce sighed "Do you have a way I can contact them?"

Tony squirmed slightly "Here, Cap left this phone with his number on it."

Tony handed Bruce the phone. Bruce took the phone and opened it.

"I'm putting this team back together, and you are helping me do so," Bruce said.

"Nice to have you back Bruce" Tony muttered.

Bruce looked at the phone for a second before clicking the contact that was in there "Hey Cap, this Bruce. We need to talk"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Somehow Bruce managed to convince Team Cap to come back to the compound. All those on Team Iron Man also came to the compound. The silence that was left was awkward.

Steve and Tony stared at each other from across each side of the room. With team Cap being on the right and team Iron Man being on the left. Bruce stepped in between the two groups.

"Petty arguments aside, I have some stuff I need to tell you guys. So would everyone please take a seat together and listen" Bruce said impatiently.

The two groups went to seats that were close to each other, except Natasha who stood in between the two couches. Bruce sighed heavily.

"Let's get started," Bruce said jumping into an explanation of his journey and what had happened to Loki.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The door locked behind him with a loud click.

*No. No. NO. NO. this can't be happening, it's a trap, Why did I go with them willingly, I should have known they would want revenge* He thought as he tried to walk over to the door, although the world was now starting to spin making it hard to both walk and think clearly.

He fell next to the door as he desperately tried to open it. He pounded a fist on the door. Nobody was coming.

*Nobody's coming to save you, just like when you were with Them. Why would they?* Loki thought darkly.

He let out a hollow laugh *Why would they come? What had he done to deserve that honor?* Loki thought as he laughed again with no humor.

Loki looked around the practically blank room still chuckling darkly.

*I do not deserve their help. Or their pity. Or their mercy. I deserve whatever is to happen to me* Loki thought.

He looked around the room once more *Maybe the reason they have locked me in this room is to see how long it takes me to crack? They won't have to wait in that case, I lost it long ago. I wish they would stop messing with my mind, however, and get on with whatever torture they have waiting for me* Loki thought.

*I believe it won't be as bad as The Other's, they are only Midgaridans after all* Loki thought his mind started to spiral from memories long repressed resurfacing.

"No," Loki said out loud.

"No! I am not going to let these memories take control, especially not now" Loki said angrily to nobody but himself.

It was too late. Painful flashes started playing through his mind.

"No. No, no, no, no," Loki said weakly, putting his hands on his head and adding pressure as if trying to force it to stop.

The Titan was going to get him, he would come back *No you killed him* Loki thought.

~The Other's hand was on his head, barely touching the side, but somehow the pain was excruciating. This was just the beginning and he knew that. The Other liked to take time with his fun~

Loki's breathing became rapid, *It isn't happening anymore, it's over.*

Loki curled his legs into himself and put his arms around them. He sat there curled in a ball by the door trying to calm himself. Tears slowly leaked out of his eyes.

That's when he heard a knock on the door "Reindeer Games! You have some guests."

Loki laughed, *I have finally gone crazy haven't I? Hearing voices*

"We're coming in," Another familiar voice said softly.

Loki looked around. Where was he?

*I'm in the building the Avengers own, not there, that's over now, it's over* He thought, calming him slightly.

The door suddenly opened, hitting Loki on the back. Loki jumped backward, having his hands ready with a green glow. Tony, Steve, and Bruce walked in. Bruce looked at Loki knowingly and knelt down beside him.

"You ok?" Bruce whispered.

Loki took a deep breath and nodded, eyes still wide. He cleared his throat as he tried to get air in his airways.

"I just need a minute" Loki managed to cough out.

Tony and Steve walked all the way in.

"Everything good Reindeer Games?" Tony asked.

Steve shot him a disapproving look.

"Stark," Steve started.

"Rogers," Tony interrupted with a glare.

Bruce looked at them from the ground and sighed. It was going to take a lot of time to get these two to corporate. Loki took this time to gather himself. Loki stood up calmly and dabbed his eyes gently. Steve and Tony were still glaring at each other, attention undivided. Loki cleared his throat.

"If you would get on with what you wanted to ask me, I believe we would all be happier that way" Loki said calmly.

Bruce looked at Loki as he got up, surprise etched into his face.

"I- Weren't you just crying?" Bruce asked a little insensitively.

"What gives you that idea?" Loki asked.

Bruce opened his mouth to talk but inevitably shut it. Tony and Steve were now looking at Bruce instead.

"You were going to tell me something I presume?" Loki asked.

Tony looked like he just remembered something.

"Oh yeah! Brucie over there told us what happened and we wanted to let you know that you're free to roam around the compound, only the compound. Also you're free to join us for dinner and lunch and breakfast" Tony rambled.

Loki looked at Tony in surprise.

"You are going to let me walk, freely.. Around your compound? And let me join you for meals?" Loki asked, barely being able to contain his surprise.

Tony looked at him weirdly "Yeah, you were basically like Barton and Selvig. We didn't blame them, did we?"

Loki looks at him in uncontained surprise.

"So just like that? You are fine with me being in your living space?" Loki asked.

"Sure, we've all had to do things that we didn't want to. We've all had to kill people" Tony said as he shrugged.

"No, I should have been stronger. I am a god! I should not have broken that easily!" Loki accused.

"You did what you did, it happened, it's done. All you can do is forgive yourself and move on" Steve said, finally speaking up.

Loki chuckled "Thank you for the inspiring words, Captain. However useless they are."

Tony smirked.

"So, Reindeer Games, Dinner's in an hour. Feel free to join us" Tony said.

Loki rolled his eyes at the name and nodded. Tony and Steve left the room. Bruce stayed behind.

"I'm always here if you need me. Also, don't forget you're allowed to walk around" Bruce said as he left.

Loki looked around at the now empty room.

*I am allowed to leave? Or is this a trap?* Loki thought as he looked at the door uncertainly.

*I wonder if he has a library?* Loki thought longingly.

He decided it would be worth the trip if he could find a library. Loki gingerly opened the door and looked both ways in the hallway. Once he saw no one was there he stepped out of the room.

"Are you looking for something Sir?" F.R.I.D.A.Y asked.

Loki jumped and looked around for the voice.

"Where are you?" Loki asked, still looking around.

"I am an A.I. sir. I do not have a corporal body," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

Loki nodded "Do you by chance know where the library is?"

"Yes sir. Two lefts and a right." F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Thank you, wall spirit," Loki said politely as he followed F.R.I.D.A.Y's instructions.

He finally found the library, and a glorious one it was too. Most books looked untouched and there was a comfy seat in the corner of the large room. Loki went to the first bookshelf he saw, grabbed a book, and went over to the chair.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the next 3 days, Loki stayed in the library, skipping meals and staying up late hours of the night reading. That is until Bruce became concerned with not seeing Loki at the mealtimes, or at all.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y are you able to tell me where Loki is right now?" Bruce asked.

Tony looked over from the couch where he was drinking coffee.

"He is currently in the library reading sir," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Is that where he was the entire time?" Tony asked suddenly.

"Yes, sir he has been in the library since you left his room," F.R.I.D.A.Y said.

"Has he been eating? Or sleeping in his room?" Bruce asked.

"No sir. He hasn't eaten since he got here and he gets around 2 hours of sleep a night" F.R.I.D.A.Y answered.

Bruce sighed.

"Come on Tony, we're going to get him out of the library," Bruce said, motioning for Tony to join him.

Tony groaned and downed the rest of his coffee. Bruce ignored him as he motioned for Tony to lead the way. They walked there in silence and finally got to the door.

"Loki?" Bruce said as he knocked on the library door.

Nobody answered.

"We're coming in," Bruce said.

Bruce opened the door and went inside with Tony following him.

"Loki?" Bruce called.

Bruce walked around the corner to see Loki sitting in the chair reading a book. There were books in two piles next to the chair.

"Reindeer Games, planning on eating?" Tony said.

Loki didn't look up or acknowledge they were there.

"Loki, you should really eat something," Bruce said in a concerned voice.

Loki still didn't look up.

"I could call Thor you know," Bruce said strictly.

Loki looked up finally. He had bags under his eyes, and his eyes were red from reading so much,

"No, he is busy setting up New Asgard, do not bother him," Loki said quietly, clearly tired.

"How bout we eat something huh Reindeer Games," Tony said.

Loki looked up at him with a pained expression.

"How do I know you won't poison the food?" Loki said groggily, pointing an accusatory finger at Tony.

"Why would I poison your food?" Tony said, looking slightly aghast.

"I do not know, the same reason He did I suppose," Loki said, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

Tony looked at Bruce "Who?"

"Are you talking about Thanos?" Bruce asked Loki.

Loki nodded.

"Here let's get you some food, then you'll go to bed," Bruce said.

Loki looked like he was about to fight Bruce but decided it wasn't worth it. Loki stood up warily refusing the hand Bruce offered him. Bruce shook his head exasperatedly. Tony smirked.

"When was the last time you ate Loki?" Bruce asked concerned.

"If you're talking about full meals I would say Sakaar, if you're talking about the rationed food then 2 days before we got here."

Bruce sighed.

"Ok, let's see. What sounds good Reindeer Games?" Tony asked.

Loki shrugged sleepily.

"He likes salads," Bruce said.

Tony looked at him weirdly "How do you know that?"

"I don't know? Maybe the fact he would talk about eating a salad instead of those rations almost every day?" Bruce said sarcastically.

Tony laughed a little.

"Let's go then!" Tony said as he clapped his hands together "Also you want a change of clothes?"

"That would be much appreciated," Loki said.

"There should be some in your room, so I can direct you there while Jolly Green makes you a salad" Tony said happily.

Loki nodded reluctantly and followed Tony to his room. Loki changed quickly into a dark green T-shirt with short sleeves and black sweatpants. He then followed Tony to the kitchen.

"I wish you had something better looking than these, '' Loki said as he pulled on the sweatpants fabric.

"They're comfortable!" Tony defended as they entered the Kitchen where Bruce was talking to a young boy with short brown hair.

"So I get to meet him today?!" The boy with brown hair asked Bruce excitedly.

"Actually, right now," Bruce said as he pointed toward Loki and Tony.

The boy turned around so quickly Loki was surprised his neck didn't snap.

"Mr. Loki! I've heard about you! My name is Peter, Peter Parker!" Peter said, standing up quickly and offering Loki his hand.

Loki shook it.

"Hello Peter Parker, it is pleasant to meet you as well."

Bruce motioned from where he was sitting, to Loki to take a seat where a salad bowl was sitting. Peter hovered excitedly in the background before Bruce said "Join us, Peter."

Peter came and sat in the chair next to Loki as Tony sat in the chair next to Bruce. Loki took a bite of his salad and it tasted like heaven. Soon enough he finished the whole thing.

"So, you can do magic right?" Peter asked.

"Yes," Loki admitted uncomfortably.

"That's awesome! Can you show me some?" Peter said excitedly.

Loki looked a little shocked before his face went back to being neutral and said "If you wish."

Loki lifted his hand, palm up, and made mini fireworks come from it. Everyone looked at Loki in awe as he closed his hand.

"That was so cool Mr. Loki!" Peter said enthusiastically.

Bruce nodded as Tony looked in shock.

"How did you do that?" Tony asked awed.

Loki shrugged "It comes with many centuries of practice, however that was an unimpressive bit of magic."

"Unimpressive!" Tony yelled exasperatedly.

Peter shook his head, agreeing with Tony.

Loki looked confused. "Yes, it was merely a party trick."

Bruce sighed as Peter and Tony got the same look of curiosity and excitement on their faces. Loki looked back and forth between Tony and Peter.

"Is he your child?" Loki asked motioning to Peter.

Tony spluttered and Peter looked red.

"No, I'm not his-" Peter said hurriedly as Tony said, "He's not my kid."

"My mistake," Loki said seriously.

Bruce laughed at the two whose faces were red before he turned back to Loki looking serious.

"Enough socialization, it's time for you to go to bed," He said seriously.

Loki groaned "I'm not even tired!"

"I highly doubt that," Bruce said wondering how an ancient god could sound so pretentious one second but so childlike another.

Loki rolled his eyes but complied as Bruce motioned for him to follow.

"Bye Mr. Loki! It was nice meeting you" Peter shouted as Loki and Bruce left the room.

Loki could hear Tony mutter "Kid, eardrums, please."

Bruce led Loki to his room and opened the door.

"Goodnight Loki," Bruce said as he walked out of the room.

Loki sighed and looked around the room.

*It couldn't hurt to try and get some sleep* Loki thought tiredly.

But in the back of his mind, a little voice was telling him *If you sleep you are giving them an opportunity.*

Loki tried to push those thoughts down as he layed in the bed and covered up.

Everything would be ok he told himself but still, he could hear *Don't trust them, or the same thing will happen that happened with Him*

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

~"No Barren Moon, No crevice where he can't find you!"

"He will not be pleased Jotun- If you do not get what he wants"

Pain, Pain was all he knew now.~

Loki thrashed around until he fell off the bed, causing him to wake up. He gasped from the ground.

*This should not be affecting me so. It has been enough time, I just need to get over it* Loki thought angrily as he shakily stood up.

"Weakling" Loki heard the Others' voice say in his head.

Loki felt a shiver go down his spine.

"You're not there anymore" Loki reminded himself out loud.

"Not where anymore?" Tony said as he entered the room.

"None of your business" Loki snarled.

"Ok! Ok!" Tony said, raising his hand in the air.

"What do you want?" Loki snapped at Tony.

"Bruce told me to tell you to get your butt down to breakfast," Tony said defensively.

Loki sighed and followed Tony out the door reluctantly. When they walked into the room Bruce looked up from the stove where he was frying eggs.

"Morning Loki, How are you?" Bruce asked as he flipped an egg.

Loki looked at Bruce blankly.

*How was he?*.

"I'm fine," Loki tried to say but for some reason, his mouth wouldn't form the words. He tried to again but he just- couldn't, his throat felt constricted like his airways were getting blocked off.

~The Titans hand was closing around his throat, he had to do something before-~

Loki closed his eyes, pushing the memory aside and taking a deep breath.

"-oki, Loki," Somebody said from beside him.

He opened his eyes and turned to see who it was. Apparently, Bruce had walked beside him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"What happened? Are you ok?" Bruce asked.

Loki breathed in before saying "Yes, I merely got lost in my own head. What was it you were saying?"

"I asked you how you were," Bruce said, looking at Loki suspiciously.

"Oh yes, I am well, I am fine, and you Banner?" Loki asked.

Bruce looked at Loki trying to read his face but when he inevitably found nothing he said "I'm doing good, it's nice to be on Earth again."

Loki nodded and sat down at the table cursing himself for the slip-up.

*He asked me how I was! And I panicked! I need to pull myself together!* Loki thought angrily.

Stark had apparently left to find the boy he met the other day as a minute later he and the boy (Parker he remembered) walked into the Kitchen.

"Mr. Loki! How are you!" Peter asked enthusiastically as he sat down next to Loki.

Loki didn't pause this time as he said "I am doing well and you?"

"Tired but good," Peter said.

Loki nodded and shifted his gaze to the table.

*I wish I could go back to the library* Loki thought sadly.

Two plates clinked down onto the table making him focus again. "Here you go you two," Bruce said as he sat on the other side of the table with a plate of his own.

"So Loki, did you sleep well?" Bruce asked as he took one of the eggs and put it on a piece of toast.

"Yes," Loki said somewhat unconvincingly.

Silence filled the room as Tony sat beside Bruce with a cup of coffee.

"Mr. Stark, I was thinking that since Loki has never explored Earth before, that we could take him to get ice cream!" Peter said suddenly.

Tony looked over at Peter and sighed.

"Fine" Tony said exasperatedly and looked over at Bruce "You're coming with us."

Loki looked at them, apparently, he didn't have a choice. Bruce nodded and stood up "Finish your egg first," He said strictly.

Loki nodded and ate his egg slowly. Once he was done with his food he got up and went to his room to change. He slowly changed into black skinny jeans and a short-sleeved black shirt to try and prolong leaving. Then he went to the mirror to fix his hair. That's when he noticed the scars and burns trailing up his body.

He decided it would be best to put the illusion back up.

Finally, he made his way back to the group, reluctantly.

"Took you long enough," Tony said.

Loki examined the group, Tony was wearing a hoodie, jeans, a baseball cap, and glasses. Peter was wearing a T-shirt that said "Star Wars" and jeans and Bruce was wearing his usual jeans, belt, and tucked-in button up shirt.

"I had to do my hair," Loki defended.

Tony rolled his eyes.

"Let's go!" Peter yelled excitedly.

Loki looked at him in amazement, how could he have so much energy so early in the morning? Tony looked like he was already regretting this choice as he followed Peter out the door. Then Bruce motioned for Loki to walk through the door and then followed suit.

"If any of you destroy this car, I am going to get Pepper to sue you," Tony said to the god of mischief, a guy who turned into a green rage monster, and the boy who acts like a spider 80% of the time.

Tony sighed, once again regretting all his life decisions. Peter nodded eagerly and got into the backseat of the car. Bruce went to the passenger seat and Loki took the seat in the back next to Peter. Finally, Tony got into the driver's seat and turned on the car.

"Is everyone buckled?" Bruce asked, looking at the backseat passengers.

Loki had somehow managed to extend the whole seatbelt without ever buckling. Peter was buckled and was now trying to help the god with his buckle. Luckily he succeeded and Peter called out "Yep!"

Bruce sighed and turned back to face the front again.

"Ok, let's go," Tony said as he started driving.

A couple of minutes later Peter breaks the silence.

"Do you know how old you would be in human years?" Peter asked.

Loki paused doing the math in his head "20 years old."

The car veered slightly to the right as Tony swung his head to look back at Loki.

"What?!" Tony yelled trying to veer the car back on track as he faced the front again.

Bruce looked shocked too as he turned to face the back.

"You're 20?" Bruce said.

"Yes" Loki said a little confused why everyone was staring at him like he killed someone (He swore he didn't this time!).

"How old were you during New York?" Bruce asked.

Loki once again did the math again "I believe 16 or 17."

The car veered again as Tony turned around quickly.

"What!?" He said loudly.

"What?!" Loki said, still confused.

"You were basically as old as me!" Peter said excitedly.

Loki opened his mouth to say something before Peter interrupted him "Oh my gosh I have to text Shuri! You're a bit older but you could join our squad!"

"Remember I am still a thousand and so years old," Loki said.

"So…. That's in Asgardian years! You're on earth now!!" Peter defended eagerly.

Tony had gotten the car back on the road and was now facing the front.

"Never talk to me again while I'm driving. I have a heart condition you know" Tony said warily as he pulled into the parking lot of the ice cream stand.

Bruce chuckled as he unbuckled his seat belt.

"Come on kids," Tony said.

Peter hurriedly unbuckled and helped Loki unbuckle too. They got out of the car and walked casually up to the ice cream stand.

"Let's try and be quick about this, we don't want to draw attention to ourselves," Bruce said.

"Why do you think I'm wearing the hat and sunglasses?" Tony said.

Loki sighed.

"Tony, you're as bad as Thor with that cloth he used to cover his face," Bruce said.

Tony looked confused but decided not to ask.

"Let's get the ice cream and get out," Bruce said.

They walk up to the counter "What do you guys want?" Tony asked quietly.

Loki shrugged "I do not even know what ice cream is."

"Ok so key lime since you like your green, and what about you kid?" Tony asked.

"Vanilla please," Peter said.

"Boooorrring, what about you Jolly Green," Tony said.

"Mint chocolate chip," Bruce said.

"Oh I see, you're a mint chip person," Tony said.

Bruce sighed.

Tony turned back around to the ordering place.

"One Stark Raving Hazelnuts, one vanilla, one key lime, and one mint chocolate chip please," Tony said.

"Coming right up, if you would just step over to the side." The employee said in a bored voice.

They waited for their ice cream.

"One Raving Hazelnut, one key lime, one mint chip, and one vanilla" The employee called.

They went over to get their orders and then found a seat at a red table nearby.

"You got your own flavor?" Bruce asked Tony.

"It's a good flavor," Tony defended.

Bruce chuckled and licked his ice cream. Peter and Tony followed suit. Loki however looked a little apprehensive as he tried a lick of the ice cream. That apprehension soon changed to great delight.

"Can we get more of this ice cream?" Loki said as he finished off the little that was left inside the cone.

"You've already finished it! How did you not get brain freeze!" Peter exclaimed.

Loki raised an eyebrow "Freezing your brain?"

"Nevermind, you know you can eat the cone right. Just don't eat the paper around it." Peter said.

Loki looked at the cone and took a bite. "How do Midgardians get their foods so sweet?"

"Asgardians don't have stuff like this? Like candy or whatever." Tony asked.

"Yes, we have nuts and grapes, but it could never compare to this" Loki said as he finished off the cone.

Peter looked like he was about to faint.

"You're saying you've never had candy?" Peter asked, horrified.

"I just said nuts and grapes didn't I?" Loki said, confused.

Peter turned to Tony with his mouth open.

"Mr. Stark, we need to stop somewhere and feed this poor soul," Peter motioned frantically to Loki "Some candy! Like actual candy! Not nuts or grapes!"

Tony sighed, he knew he should say no but the kid was making puppy dog eyes at him. He couldn't resist puppy dog eyes.

"Fine," Tony finally said.

Peter whooped.

"We could also get more ice cream," Peter said to Loki.

Loki, who was tuning out of the conversation, looked at Peter quickly.

"I would like that," He said.

Bruce took the last bite of his cone and everyone stood up.

"To Kroger!" Peter said as he raced to the car.