Chapter 47: The Books of Mischief

In the heart of Stark Tower, Tony, Wanda, Pietro, Yelena, and Max gathered. Tony and Max stood at a holographic interface, discussing the final details of the portal machine they had just completed for Thor. Tony gestured animatedly as he pointed out specific components of the design. Max studied the blueprint intently, nodding at some suggestions and proposing minor adjustments.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Wanda, Pietro, and Yelena sat at a nearby table sipping on fruit milkshakes. Pietro watched Max and Tony's discussion unfold, noting how focused they both were on the technology at hand. With a smirk, he leaned toward Yelena, his tone playful but observant.

"Look at those two," Pietro remarked. "Only when they're talking about tech like this do you see they're father and son. Otherwise, it's hard to believe they're even related. Tony's all about showing off, and Max… he's a bit more reserved, don't you think?"

Yelena smiled slyly, teasing back. "Yeah, but you know how it is. Boys and their toys. I mean, if you had a spaceship like Max, wouldn't you be obsessed with your gadgets, too?"

Pietro laughed, his eyes lingering on Yelena. "Fair point. But I'd still make time for more important things." He shot her a flirtatious look. "Like taking you out on a proper date."

Yelena chuckled, not missing a beat. "Oh really? I didn't take you for the dating type. All that running around, do you ever actually slow down long enough to sit at a table?"

"I could," Pietro grinned. "For you, I'd slow down. We could start with something simple. Dinner, maybe?"

Yelena tilted her head, pretending to consider it. "Hmm, you'd have to catch me first." Her tone was playful, yet there was a glint in her eye, showing she enjoyed the banter.

Just as Pietro was about to respond, the room's atmosphere shifted. Thor and Loki entered the living room, Thor's heavy footsteps echoing through the space. Loki followed, his posture rigid, hands bound by energy cuffs provided by Max. His expression was one of pure boredom, his face locked in a permanent scowl.

Tony glanced up from the hologram as the Asgardians made their entrance. "Ah, finally! The stars of the show have arrived," he quipped, nodding toward the brothers. "Max, the machine's ready to send them back to Asgard. We just need Thor's confirmation that the coordinates are correct."

Thor, standing tall with Mjolnir in hand, smiled at Tony and Max. "Aye, Stark, the coordinates are accurate. It will be a relief to return to Asgard. The Bifrost may still be damaged, but this portal will suffice."

Max glanced over the blueprints once more before looking up at Thor. "I've got a favor to ask. When I get some free time, how about a visit to Asgard? I've always wanted to see it."

Thor's eyes widened with interest as he glanced out the window at the glowing form of the Storm Chaser hovering above New York. "You have your own means of travel, I see." He grinned and then nodded. "Very well, Max Stark. I shall grant you the coordinates. You are welcome to visit our realm once the portal is ready."

Thor then leaned in closer, and with a serious expression, he handed Max a small holographic disk containing Asgard's precise location. "Asgard is far, but I trust your vessel can reach it."

Max pocketed the disk, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Thanks, Thor. I'll see you there."

Turning his attention to Loki, Max raised an eyebrow. "As for you, Loki, Jarvis has been asking me a lot of questions about you these past few days."

Loki raised a brow, leaning back with his arms crossed, his usual smugness returning. "And why would your little house spirit care to know about me, Stark?"

Max grinned. "Well, I had to explain a few things to him. Like how you were Thanos' prisoner for months and how the scepter was partially controlling your mind."

Thor, intrigued, stepped forward. "Max, you mentioned something of this before, but I would know more. Was my brother truly controlled by the scepter?"

Max nodded, his tone growing serious. "Thanos has a general—one of his telepaths. She was the one who helped manipulate Loki through the scepter, amplifying his madness and anger. It wasn't just about retrieving the Tesseract. Thanos was testing Odin—he wanted to see if Odin would intervene."

Thor frowned deeply, absorbing the information. "That means Loki... was not entirely himself."

Loki, however, remained stoic, though a flicker of something crossed his eyes—perhaps relief, perhaps resentment. "So, Stark, what is the point of this story? To explain my behavior, or to gain sympathy?"

Max smirked. "Neither. I'm just letting you know that I told Jarvis everything. Including the fact that you'll probably be locked up in Asgard soon." He paused for a moment, then added with a knowing smile, "I also mentioned that you're famous for your illusions and shapeshifting."

Loki narrowed his eyes. "And why would you tell him that? Why does your 'house spirit' care?"

Max chuckled. "Well... I might have accidentally given Jarvis a little hobby when I had him create an identity for Thor once."

Loki's irritation deepened. "What are you talking about?"

Max casually reached into a small storage compartment and pulled out two neatly wrapped packages. "I have a gift for you, Loki. Well, two gifts, actually. But let me explain—these books are enchanted with two charms: one for confusion, and the other for indestructibility."

Loki's expression shifted to suspicion as he eyed the packages. "What's the point of this?"

Max's grin widened. "You'll see. Only you and your mother can read the real contents of these books. If Thor tries, well... let's just say he'll be very confused." He handed the first package directly to Loki.

Loki, with reluctance, unwrapped the package and began to read the titles of the books. His eyes went wide with disbelief as he read the first title in his head:

"My Young and Willing Adventures with Loki"

Loki's lips twitched. What in the Nine Realms is this garbage?

The second title didn't improve his mood:

"Magic, My Brother, and Our Hot Nights"

Loki's jaw clenched as he barely kept himself from hurling the book across the room. Who would ever believe such nonsense?

He continued to read:

"My Brother's Pains by a Titan and the Madness in New York we Spent Together"

Loki's eye twitched. I'm going to murder this Stark, slowly.

The fourth title sent him over the edge:

"My Brother Metamorphose into My Sister in Our Father's Prison"

Loki's face flushed with rage. This is unbearable.

By the time he reached the fifth and sixth books, his fury was palpable:

"My Brother Turned Sister and Our Baby"

"Taboo Love, My Adopted Sibling and Mother of Our Child Has the Same Biological Mother"

Loki's fists tightened as he let out an angry growl. "YOU—!" he screamed, hurling the books to the floor. "You dare—! Stark! You insolent mortal!" His rage erupted, and he began cursing both Max and Jarvis, his voice booming as he shouted every insult he could muster. His face was a mix of sheer anger and humiliation.

From the corner of the room, Wanda watched the spectacle unfold, sipping her milkshake calmly. Curious, she asked aloud, "Jarvis, what's in those books that's got Loki so worked up?"

Jarvis responded immediately. "Ms. Maximoff, I've sent an eBook version to your email. Feel free to read at your leisure."

Wanda smirked, pulling out her smartphone and opening her email. As Loki continued his tirade, Wanda settled into a chair and began reading, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

Max, meanwhile, was trying—and failing—to keep a straight face as Loki fumed. Tony, standing off to the side, simply shook his head in disbelief. "Max, you never cease to surprise me, man."

Max just shrugged. "What can I say? I like to keep things... interesting."