Looking for home

"What about this one?" Tony asks as he points at a small solar system and zooms into it. He'd earlier that morning found a small device that's seemingly supposed to display the galaxy via holograms. It had took little time getting used to, but luckily he's experienced with technology like holograms. Also, the small texts near the planets, stars and whatnot are in the same language he'd earlier studied, thus he somehow gets by, recognizing the common and basic words.

"We can get fuel and food, and it says the people are liberal and... cohesive?" Loki shifts his eyes from the tablet-thingy in his hand and leans into Tony's space.

"You probably confused that character with the similar one. It says 'polite'," he provides and leans back.

"Right. Polite, and they also have many different species." He taps open a picture showing different types of aliens walking along an aisle.

"They are very strict about their visitors. We'd have to go through a very thorough inspection before we could enter the solar system or any planet in it."

"Okay, not that one then." He zooms out of the solar system and starts looking for a new one. "What are you doing?"

"Just reading. The Taeer people seem to have pretty vast knowledge of other cultures and areas, despite being a vile nation," Loki answers and sweeps a finger on the glass.

"Alrighty. Hey, what about some Kree-thingy–"

"Absolutely not," the god cuts him off. Tony furrows his brow at the guy.

"Okaaay," he drawls, "not if you say so, dear."

"I'm glad you're finally listening to me, love," Loki counters, making Tony roll his eyes exasperatedly. He expands another part for further inspection.

"Did you know," Loki interrupts the silence after a while, "that humans can survive up to two months without food if provided with water? Shall we test that?" Tony stares at him blankly.

"The hell you're reading?" he asks and gets up from his chair, spiraling the small distance around the table between them. He leans over Loki's shoulder; the guy has a set of pictures and minuscule text displayed on the transparent glass screen before him.

"I was studying you mortals. Or should I say Terrans, as the locals do," Loki smirks at him and taps open a section.

"Terrans are one of the species living in planet Terra, also known as Midgard or Earth, a species rare in any other part of the universe. It is known, that Terrans are oblivious of magic and many other forms of science as well as dull by their senses and weak by their bodies–"

"OK, asshole, you can stop now," Tony cuts him off, glaring, "I get it, humans are trash blah blah blah..." Loki huffs out a laugh.

"I was merely reciting, mortal mine. This device claims to have information on all higher species. See, you made it in that category already." Tony slaps Loki's shoulder and the guy has the nerve to snicker. He sits back to his chair and snatches his map device back, putting his feet on the table as he does. He feels so relaxed nowadays that he isn't being held captive anywhere, and that he and Loki have seemingly cleared some air. He'd known since the day they'd first met that Loki was an interesting and a similar person to him (sans invading Earth), but only in the last few days has he really felt like they had an actual chance at becoming something more than just inevitable accomplices.

He also doesn't have the constant urge to jab at him, which kind of tells something (because since when does Tony Stark actually not have the urge to jab?), and even if he does, Loki isn't like the most and just shrugs it off or snarks back at Tony (given that the jabs aren't purposely hurtful, which has previously resulted in one sulking Loki). So, even though it's hard to believe, right now being held away from home isn't feeling that bad.

"Can I?" Loki asks and extends his hand for the map device.

"Yup, go crazy." He hands it to Loki, instead snatching the glass-tablet from Loki's lap. He flips through some pictures of aliens and planets on the screen.

"Here, I say we choose this one," the god states after a moment and points at a small, lonely planet apparently about two-hour-fly from their location.

"How's that?" the engineer asks, sliding the tablet back on the table.

"It has got all the commodity we require, little surveillance and travelers aren't uncommon. Also, the inhabitants are non-hostile and introverted, thus the main cities are mostly occupied by wayfarers."

"You've got a point there, Professor Snape. Well then, when are we leaving?"

"Now." Loki gets up and, smirking, Tony follows right after.

The planet has a pleasant, mild climate, unlike Taeer's scorching hot desert land. They leave their ship in a clearing where other travelers have also left theirs (a bit like a parking lot), and don't appear to be striking anyone as suspicious even with their strange clothes (they are a mixture of the clothes from the cabins and their earlier, ragged and dirty, clothes). They decide their priorities are obtaining food and water, fuel, clothes and weaponry. They don't have much currency, but the markets also favor trading, so they crab some stuff from the ship they deem unimportant (for example one of the two tablets in the ship and some ordinary and/or weird luxury machines). Loki does most of their bargaining, since he speaks All-Speak, but Tony puts a word in between for Loki whenever he can, as he can still understand half of the conversation anyway.

The streets are bustling, tidy and bright, and most of the people are wearing tight tunics and long silk scarfs. Some of the shops are solely dedicated to clothing, which tells something about the importance of fashion and the wealth of the people inhabiting the planet. The fruits are weird yet good-looking, and they end up buying lots of them (since Loki seems to like them). Of course, they have to also steal something, so they snatch jewelry and purses from the rich looking bypassers and use them to trade and buy.

As for clothing, Tony buys a pistachio colored tunic with vine and flower patterns (which Loki insists on), black trousers, a navy blue, tight jacket (another one Loki the Fashionista decided), some shoes and another shirt, a loose, dark red poet blouse-thingy. Loki buys a tunic in his customary green and black colors, black leather pants and boots and even tries his hand at a sea blue, tight shirt (who would've thought the guy'd have the guts to wear some new colors!). They also get some casual clothing, like white tops, leather clothing, socks and but no underwear (as it appears the aliens on the planet don't use those. Well, it would've been pretty awkward anyway).

As they pass some more tables, Loki abruptly stops with his eyes glued to a set of something shiny; it's a piece of leather, rolled open and it has scalpel-looking blades tied on it, as well as needles, a coiled, long, thin thread, peculiar-looking scissors and a small bottle of ointment.

"A first aid kit?" Tony asks as he eyes the thing.

"Yes. We should get it, don't you agree?" Loki glances briefly at Tony.

"Well, we do have bandages back at the ship but I guess it won't hurt. Do as you please." Loki starts bargaining with the shopkeeper and Tony glances around. Everyone's minding their own busy business as they babble on, hurry past and buy stuff from the streets.

"Alright," Loki says when he's finished, dropping the now rolled leather piece in one of the bags in his hands. "So, are the weapons next?"

"Sure," Tony agrees, "Where do they sell them?"

"Not on the main streets, that much is certain. I think we can find a proper shop somewhere a bit further, I read that there are a few." They walk away from the crowd and continue on another street, one not so full of people but not shady-looking or deserted either.

"Here, let's ask there," Loki provides and they step into a bright, glass windowed shop. The merchant welcomes them in gibberish, and Tony flashes her a fake smile and nods along as Loki greets her. The alien is pleasant, and it's easy to make the deal; a silver necklace with a big pendant and a weird-looking, presumably flat iron (from the ship) for two gun like weapons. They finish with their other purchases quickly and retreat into their ship right after.

Once inside, they hurry to cockpit to take off, being unable to afford staying too long. Once they're in outer space, Loki sets the ship on autopilot and they go to stock their purchases. Tony changes into the pistachio tunic, wanting to see how it looks on him; it fits him snugly, the smooth and silky fabric feeling good against his skin. He's just straightening the collar when he feels eyes on him. Turning around, he sees Loki's eyes roaming over him.

"It suits you," the god says curtly and, after a moment, turns away to assemble his own belongings. Tony blinks at him.

"Well, of course you'd think that, you chose it after all," he ends up shrugging it off, trying to play it cool instead of showing how the comment baffled him. Loki has previously commented positively on his appearance, but back then he'd let it slide as a side effect of being tortured daily.

"Nevertheless, it looks good," Loki almost mumbles, and Tony turns sideways to hide his – you gotta be fucking kidding me I'm no teenager how can I of all people – freaking blush. He lets out a grunt as if that was an answer, but Loki doesn't prod for more.

It's been four days since their trip to refill their stocks and he and Loki are killing time in the cockpit, Loki shuffling through the ship's logbooks and some maps and Tony dismantling and remantling his gun they bought from the planet. It's beautifully built and Tony can't help but admire it.

"When can we stop by on a planet? I'd like to adapt this technology on my repulsors." Loki glances quickly at him from his holograms.

"Well, we need to acquire food soon nevertheless, so I'm thinking today if you're in a hurry." Tony grins at that.

"Cool. You know a good place then?"

"Yes. I was thinking this," he pulls up a picture of a planet, "We could even spend a night there. That way you could test your machines and we could practice with those," he continues and nods in the direction of Tony's gun. "Also, the planet is very deserted, nearly completely covered in forest and steppe. It has a few village type of cities where we can get nourishment and metal. I take it you can use some of the electricity from the ship, if we can't find everything there?"

"Yeah, no problem. And otherwise, sounds good to me."

It takes three hours to reach the planet and Loki lands the ship in a small meadow, partly hidden by big tree branches, a few miles away from the nearest village. Tony enjoys the walk; the planet's air feels clean in his lungs and the climate is little colder than on the planet they last visited.

The village is full of traders and ragged buildings and people. Tony's glad they'd saved the hideous, old cloaks, as they now don't stand out (though Tony suspects the planet doesn't anyhow connect with the outside world that much). They trade food and Loki helps Tony decide his purchases, and together they find the parts and their equivalents Tony can't find from the ship. They also get a welding machine and goggles of sorts and Loki spots some rare herbs and stones (for spells, he says) that he doesn't seem to be able to resist, so they buy them also. He also finds two ancient-looking, thick books and the god momentarily turns into a kid as he trades them for two silk scarves and some gold coins. Pretty valuable then, too.

When they make it back to their ship, they're both feeling unnaturally cheery and content. Loki immediately sets camp leaning against the ship's frame, nose in one of the books as Tony starts welding, taking apart devices and putting together metal pieces. Instead of the element he'd created back on Earth, he applies the technology used as a power source on the devices in the ship and collects bits from here and there, welding them together as the core. He fusses with the joints for a long while and applies alien inspired wiring on the thing.

After six busy hours, the cold white sun starts to descend and Tony's gauntlet is ready for the last finishing touches. Loki is still reading furiously, though now he's on the second book and scribbling rapidly on a small notebook.

"Wanna see?" Tony asks cheerily, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. Loki looks up from his lap, seemingly disoriented for a second, like he'd completely forgotten where he was. Tony suppresses a smile; he and the god are similar in that category too. Loki smiles as he locks eyes with him.

"Sure." Tony grins back at him.

He aims his hand at a small boulder at the edge of the meadow. He charges the repulsor (the vibration feeling slightly different than usually, probably because of the different elements he's used, but just as thrilling as always) and fires. He hits his target, but the gauntlet jerks back violently and he falls on the ground. He lifts his head and sits up when he hears Loki laugh loudly.

"Shut up, I didn't know that stuff was so strong!" he yells at him, but can't stop the corners of his mouth from turning upwards.

"Oh, Anthony, you're such a pleasure to work with," Loki chuckles, shaking his head. Tony freezes for a moment. He just called me Anthony. 

And damn if that didn't sound good.

"Likewise," he quips back after a quick recovery. He looks back down at his hand. "I guess this one needs some fine adjustment." He hears Loki shuffle closer. He takes a hold of Tony's arm and rotates his hand, studying the gauntlet.

"It's beautiful," he says matter-of-factly and runs his fingers over the joints and melted solder. Tony hums, trying to hide how much he appreciates (and fucking enjoys) Loki's praise.

"What're you working on?" he asks, changing the subject, and looks past Loki, at the pile of books and paper lying around the spot he'd just been occupying.

"I'm studying old magic. Mostly protective charms, powerful spells and blood magic." He pulls the book he'd just been reading to his lap; there is a complicated drawing of a celtic knot kind of symbol on top of a complex tree. The page next to it is swallowed by tightly written, unbelievably small text. He also sees a piece of parchment filled with runes and small drawings made by Loki.

"Wow," he comments in lack of better words.

"These books are very old and rare, and are much more valuable than what I paid for them." Loki swipes his hand against the sallow page of the book. "I can mix herbs and potions but I can't perform the magic needed for them to work." The god pauses, seemingly contemplating on what he's next about to say. For once, Tony keeps quiet, knowing that the guy needs the moment. Finally, Loki continues,

"I need your help in removing a chip from my neck," he blurts out, making Tony widen his eyes and blink a few times. The god quickly starts to elaborate, "Thanos had a small device put in the base of my skull that prevents me from using my magic. That's why I bought the blades from the market some days ago, so that you could remove it." Green eyes bore hard into his own as he listened the other speak.

He? Removing something from Loki's skull?

"Are you sure about this?" Tony asks skeptically, shaking his head and blinking some more.

"Yes, Anthony," again with that name, "I need it out. And..." Loki pauses and reaches for Tony's hands, grasping them gently, "...I know that you do not wholly trust me yet, but I've learned trust you and your kindness, and I shall swear to you by the Norns, that I won't betray you. I'll make a blood oath or hand you my weapons or–"

"Whoah, whoah, hold it right there, cowboy," Tony interrupts, slipping his hands away from Loki's and holding them up. "You want me near your spinal cord? You know, the important bit that I can use to fucking paralyze you–"

"Yes, I do," now it's Loki's turn to interrupt, a tad impatiently. He breathes in through his nose and glances up at the dusky sky, "I don't have anyone but you, Anthony." He sounds grave and sincere as he looks into Tony's honey brown eyes, gaze unyielding and raw. It makes Tony's breath catch in his throat.

"...alright, I'll do it. When and where?" Loki flashes him a relieved, brilliant smile.

"Now, in here," he says, leaving no room for excuses now that Tony's already agreed, and pulls the genius up and into the ship with him. Loki grabs the leather piece the scalpels are in and they get into a sleeping cabin where the god strips the bunk if its covers. He pulls off his shirt hurriedly and after shoving the leather into Tony's hands and pulling him down to his knees next to him, he lies belly down on the hard, exposed surface of the bunk.

"You sure about this?" Tony asks nervously, slowly unrolling the leather and eyeing the blades and Loki's face in turns.

"Yes, I am. Now, do it."

Tony swallows and pulls out a blade. The whole thing is happening a tad too quickly. He eyes Loki's porcelain neck.

"I need antiseptic," he says and tries to get up, but Loki stops him with a hand on his arm.

"I'm no human, thus I don't get infections that easily. Just go on with it. Please." Tony looks into the green eyes for a moment longer and then brings his hands to the god's neck. Loki turns his head so that Tony can have better access and the engineer looks for a scar or a lump from the smooth skin. Loki grabs his hand and pulls it a little higher, near his hairline, and there, Tony can feel something very small.

"Okay, going in," he warns as he brings the scalpel to his fingers. Loki says nothing, and Tony takes that as a 'go on' sign.

The sharp knife sinks easily into the soft skin, and Tony instantly sees a small, metallic device. He pulls tweezers from the leather case and grasps the device with them. He pulls it out and sets it on the night stand next to the bunk. As he's about to announce he's finished and will now start stitching, small eruptions of green light sprout from around the cut and sew it closed, not leaving a trace behind.

Loki sits up abruptly, inhumanly fast, and as Tony surges to his feet and backs up, he gets up too. His hand glows emerald green when he extends it to Tony's throat. The engineer doesn't have time to react, it's all happening so fast, but he feels his eyes widen and sweat start beading at his brow. The hand closes around his neck and he hears a loud snap.

The collar drops from his neck and clatters onto the ground, and as he looks up, he sees Loki's eyes sparkling with mirth and laughter. Loki's collar is also lying on the ground near Tony's.

"You son of a bitch!" Tony exclaims, laughing in tandem with Loki, and tries to push at his shoulder playfully. Instead, Loki grabs his arm and pulls him into a hug, still laughing. He twirls around as he adjust Tony to his hips like he's but a child and Tony can't help but laugh even harder. He ends up straddling the god's lap when Loki sits down, still holding Tony close.

"Thank you, my dear Anthony," the god says softly, voice full of affection Tony didn't know he could muster. He smiles to the cabin's wall.

"You're welcome, Lokes."

They spend the rest of the evening finishing their projects, Tony adjusting the gauntlet and Loki scribbling the last notes as he plays with his magic at the same, propelling green light around his hand or trying small tricks he picks up from the book. When Tony's ready, Loki insists on casting a protective spell on the gauntlet, craving a complicated, circular rune on the hardel with his magic, one he claims to stand for 'protection', and stating a half an hour long spell, as well as performing a complex ritual that includes burning herbs and crushing stones and throwing salt on his gauntlet.

Once the spell is ready, Tony finds nothing different in the gauntlet, except for the stunning carving and a string of runes circling the wrist part. Loki tells him that if he ever needs the protection, it'll show itself but before that it'll seem as nothing more than an ordinary gauntlet. Well, as normal as a reactor powered repulsor, inspired by and built from scraps of alien technology, topped with an ancient protection charm and a piece of work practically patented by Stark Industries, can be.

Before the night falls, they test the guns a few times and then gather their belongings and carry them inside the ship. They spend a couple of hours eating and chatting in the kitchen, both still buzzing with endorphin and adrenaline from the day. Then they clean up and go to sleep, this time into separate cabins. It feels weird, sleeping alone when for the past 54 days he's been either sleeping with Loki in the same room or just on the other side of the hallway, able to hear every movement he makes. Now there's a thick wall between, successfully muffling all the sounds coming from there. He hears a faint clack of a door closing and a silent sound of a drawer being drawn, but nothing else. No steady breathing or feet pacing on the floor.

Eventually, he climbs to his bunk and draws the comforter up to his ears. He doesn't feeling like sleeping, but the exhaustion from the day renders him into it probably hours later.

--

Arms holding him down and strapping him against a table; a branding mark pressed to his body as someone cuts through his chest; it smells of sand and dirt and blood and metal, but he can see the space surrounding him and the figures hovering above him; then someone pours water over his face and he's drowning; someone burns his feet with fire at the same as he's drowning; another one threatens his planet, his friends, his family, his home, his–

--

"Anthony!" someone screams into his ear and Tony realizes his trashing and making pathetic noises in the back of his throat. He jerks his head towards the person holding him down in panic and tries to twist away, but there's no escape.

"Anthony, stop it!" the man yells again, and this time Tony recognizes him; it's Loki.

"Loki...?" he whispers and coughs a little to clear his throat. It's feeling sore and raw like he's been screaming (which he probably has if Loki's here) and he's trembling all over.

"Yes, it is me," the god says, a shadowy figure in the darkness, hunched over him, holding Tony's legs between his knees. He cups Tony's face with his big hands. "It's alright now," he reassures. Tony stares into the green eyes (the emerald visible even in the darkness of his cabin) and after a moment, nods shakily.

"Yeah," he says. Loki's shoulders sag and he presses his forehead briefly against Tony's. He then pulls away Tony's covers and joins Tony under them, pulling the engineer close. He presses his nose into Tony's neck and breathes deeply. Tony thinks that either he gave the god a really good scare of he'd been having a nightmare himself, but he doesn't linger on the thought. As Loki's arms circle his abdomen, he feels safe immediately, and, surprisingly, sleep starts clogging his mind.

Every following night after that, they sleep together in the same bunk, entwined, according to a wordless agreement between them. And Tony's secretly very happy about it.