help

The man was slipping, falling down and down. The further the man was from him, the more frantic he got. His screams echoed around him, mixing with the screams of his best friend. The moment replayed over and over, burning its place in his memory. He begged and pleaded for it all to stop, but no matter what he did, his best fri- no... brother, continued to fall.

Steve's eyes then shot open and he darted forward.

"Bucky!", he yelled, preparing to fight.

When he saw only the darkroom, he started to relax. It had been a dream, no not a dream, a nightmare. Steve got out of bed, stretching his arms out and grabbing a shirt to put on. He had been trying to get some sleep, having not slept in a while. Ever since he'd awoken from the ice he had nightmares, some were bearable while others weren't. Some started as happy memories and shifted to nightmares quickly. Today's was no different than the rest, but still, it affected him. He missed Bucky a lot, wishing the man was here to help him get through all of this. The past few days had been rough, and all Steve wanted was to hug his best friend.

He grabbed his phone, the one given to him by SHIELD, and played around with it. He had been trying to adjust to the new technology, but every time he started to get the hang of it the corporations would release a new and better version that he'd have to once again adapt to. He had no idea how everyone else could change so quickly. He did find that he enjoyed texting, as it was simple and never seemed to change. He never used the yellow faces that everyone else seemed to be attached to though, as they seemed silly to him. Still, he went through them sometimes just to see them.

"Why did they make cat and monkey versions of them? Things used to be so simple."

There was a sudden knock at the door, and he put the phone down and went to answer it. He prepared himself for a fight, as he always did when not knowing who was beyond a door. He opened it, and there stood an agent.

"I'm s-sorry to disturb you Mr. Rogers but Thor has called a meeting in the briefing room, all the Avengers must be present," the agent said.

"Thank you for alerting me, Agent... Williams. I will be there shortly."

"Your welcome sir," the agent said, giving him a salute.

The agent turned around and walked away.

"A salute? God Michael, you grow more hopeless every day! How do you expect to find someone hot if you can't even speak to someone hot," the agent muttered to himself, not knowing that Steve could hear him clearly.

Steve was confused by the agents remark, but just closed the door and started heading in the opposite direction towards the briefing room. As he was walking, he thought about his nightmare. He needed to find a way to deal with his feelings before he explodes, maybe he could ask Natasha about some techniques she uses? He could try picking up drawing again.

"Jesus Rogers slow down, you're not running a marathon!" a voice said from behind him. Steve stopped and turned to see Tony running to catch up with him.

"If Thor's calling a meeting then something must be wrong," he said pointedly.

"Okay Debby Downer, maybe there's a possibility Thor just wants to speak with us about his planet or what he wants to do with Reindeer Games."

He hadn't really thought of that, since Loki is Thor's brother he should have a vote in what happens to the god, more than the rest of the Avengers.

"Yeah, I guess so."

He looked at Tony, wanting to ask him something but not wanting to at the same time. Tony must have picked up on it though because he turned towards him.

"Okay, what's up? I know I'm hot but your staring way too much, it's way too stalkery."

"Sorry, I just... was the agent that told you Thor called a meeting Agent Williams?"

"Um yeah, I asked him if his parents really liked Will I Am."

"Who?"

"God Rogers every time I get faith in you... doesn't matter, what about him?"

"Did he act... weird with you? Like awkward?"

"No, and how awkward?"

"Well he stuttered, and saluted me, and then when leaving muttered 'how do you expect to find someone hot if you can't even speak to someone hot'."

Tony stopped walking, and Steve got worried for a second. Then Tony started laughing hard.

"Oh god, Rogers you really are clueless! That guy definitely has a crush on you!"

"What?"

"You know, like wants to be with you?"

"Oh...," he said blushing. They both started walking again, Tony quieting down and Steve trying to get over his embarrassment.

"I'm actually quite offended, here I am hot as fuck and he likes the old man," said Tony.

"Can we stop talking about this?"

"Rogers you may have only known me for a few days, but you should know by now the answer to that question."

They both reached the room, where everyone else was already seated. It looked to just be the rest of the Avengers, Director Fury, and Agent Hill.

"Guys you will never believe what happened to- okay what happened to Thor?" Tony said.

Steve looked over towards Thor to see what Tony was talking about. Thor was no longer the happy person he had been a few hours before. The god's face looked like he'd been crying, a lot, but he also looked determined. Steve and Tony sat down, and the room grew quiet.

"I called this meeting for an important reason. But before I start, what I have to say will be hard to hear and will most likely lead to a lot of complaints. But please, I urge you to hear me out and remain silent till after I am finished," said Thor.

Everyone looked at each other confused, not knowing what to say.

"Director Fury wanted me to make sure I made it known that he hasn't heard what I'm going to say either."

Thor took a deep breath before he began.

"My brother is a complicated person. He's been through more than you know and even more than I know. He has been constantly judged, lied to, and treated lesser just for who he is. This being said, I am not defending his actions, especially the ones done here on Earth. But today I did visit him and spoke to him, and something changed. I asked the Director to pull the tape of our conversation to show you."

A television screen came down and showed Loki in a cell. Steve heard the mutterings of everyone else in the room, remembering all of the pain the man had caused. Thor unpaused the tape.

The door opened and in walked Thor. The god stood there staring at Loki, unmoving.

"Hello brother," Thor said on the recording.

"I am not your brother you oaf," Loki on the recording replied.

He saw the pain in Thor's eyes when Loki said those words, and he felt bad for the god.

"You are to me Loki, always will be. Even after everything you've done."

Thor walked closer to the cell, face growing angry.

"Why did you do this Loki? What have the mortals ever done to you?"

"Survived. Such a weak species, who lies and cheats to get by in their short lifespans. They are pathetic."

"They can be unwise, but that does not mean they deserve to be killed. There is good in this world."

"I don't see anything even resembling good."

"That's because you aren't looking hard enough. Sometimes the good is right there, but you're just too blind to see."

Thor placed a hand on the glass, and a look of sadness washed over the gods face.

"I miss the good times that seem so distant now. I miss my brother, I miss you Loki."

"I am not you brother."

"But you were Loki! I'm sorry for wronging you, for never realizing what I was doing. I was selfish and blind."

Loki started to walk closer to Thor, standing a few feet away from the god.

"Your stupid if you think that you apologizing will change anything."

"It doesn't matter what this apology will result in Loki, you still deserve it even after the battle you just caused. The mortals won't forgive you, and even I am having a hard time thinking about what you did, but this new you will not tarnish the good memories I have with you. The good memories I have of my brother."

Steve thought that Thor had actually gotten through to Loki, and it seemed that everyone else in the room did too. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, waiting for what Loki was going to say.

"It would be best if you forgot those times existed. I never saw you as my brother, only a person I had to conquer. Those memories you hold close to your heart, none of them were real. And if you think they were then you are even more stupid than I thought. Someday soon you better get it through your thick head to understand that I am not your brother, I never was and I never will be. So have fun with your mortal friends, and just know that as soon as I'm out of here I will tear them limb from limb, and I will make you watch. You will watch them suffer, watch them scream in pain and agony, and then I will destroy this pathetic species. You will watch Midgard fall to its knees, watch the people beg to be saved, and will see they will do anything to survive. You'll see that this species is not worth being saved, that they are pathetic excuses of life who need to be kill-"

Loki all of a sudden stopped speaking and collapsed onto the floor, breathing hard and looking frantic. Steve was shocked by the sight of Loki in pain and was even more so at the gods next word.

"Help."

Loki then went back to his old grin and stood up.

"I can see my speech resonated in you. It's wonderful seeing you so distraught."

Thor turned around and started to walk towards the door. Loki was watching him go, smirking.

"I hope you enjoy your time with those mortals, before long they'll all be dead."

The door shut, and Thor stopped the recording. Everyone was silent, processing what was on the tape. Steve didn't know what to think about the new information.

"I am guessing a lot of you are focusing on the threats he made to all of you and Earth. My brother has a way with words and is a master of lying, but I do know he was lying there. I also know you don't understand the significance of him asking for help. My brother has never once asked for help from anyone, and if he has it has always been a trick. I can promise you that when he says that word, that is a true reaction."

"So you're saying what exactly based on this tape?" asked Clint.

"I'm not entirely sure what is happening to Loki, but I do believe that something isn't right. All of my brothers' actions are not like him and this proved that something is happening to him."

"So you are saying that your brother trying to conquer Earth is not like him? I thought you said he tried to conquer a world before?" asked Bruce.

"Those circumstances were different Dr. Banner."

"How can wanting to destroy a world be different from wanting to destroy a world?" asked Tony.

"My brother wanted to kill the Frost Giants on Jotunheim because he was afraid and ashamed of his heritage."

"What do you mean his heritage? I thought he was your brother," asked Steve, confused.

"As I said before, adopted. My brother is a Frost Giant who was stolen by my father and brought to Asgard. He was raised as an Asgardian and had no knowledge of him being a Frost Giant. He found out later of his heritage and reacted badly, leading to him forming a plan to destroy the Frost Giants. My brother was ashamed of who he was and thought destroying the Frost Giants would be the best option as he believed it would also please our Father."

"Okay so to recap: Loki stolen, raised on Asgard as Asgardian, found out he's Frost Giant, wanted to destroy all Frost Giants because he was one and for Daddy," said Tony.

"It was more complicated than that but yes."

"So why was this conquering different?" asked Nat.

"My brother always has a reason for what he does, but it seems to conquer Earth has no reason or benefit that he is interested in."

"I thought he said he wanted power?" said Bruce.

"Loki has never wanted power, only to be accepted and treated as an equal. My brother was jealous of me becoming King of Asgard because I was selfish and he was always treated lesser than me. My brother has never once had a quarrel with a mortal of Midgard and had no reason to want the planet."

"What makes you so sure of that? Maybe Reindeer Games wanted to destroy Earth for fun," said Tony.

"I can't promise you that Loki didn't do that, but I can tell you I believe that isn't what happened. Before seeing him here on Midgard, I had not seen him for some time as he was believed to be dead."

Everyone was shocked by that answer.

"Dead?" asked Clint.

"Yes, after I returned to Asgard from Earth, he and I fought. I destroyed the Bifrost, and my Father was holding onto me and him. He was hanging onto my sword, and then he let go and went to where the damaged Bifrost was heading. We never saw or heard from him, and when he disappeared we assumed he was dead until he appeared here on Earth."

Steve could only think of Bucky, how much it hurt watching his friend fall. Thor had watched his brother fall, but instead, the god had wanted to fall. He was going to go talk to Thor later to check on him.

"So Loki... he committed suicide?" he asked.

"Yes, my brother let go on purpose. He was gone for some time, and no one knows where he was. What I am trying to explain is how much Loki changed. Something happened when he was 'dead' and no one but him knows what."

"And the tape... you think that proves that point?," asked Agent Hill.

"Yes, one second he was the man you all know, and the next he was the man I used to know but broken. I do not know what is happening to my brother, but I wish to find out. With or without your help."

"So what do you propose we do then? Go up and ask 'hey so what happened after you fell into space'?" asked Tony.

"I think me and whoever is comfortable should go in and talk to him. I have heard that no one has been able to get him to speak, but I am guessing if he sees one of us-"

"He wouldn't shut up," said Natasha.

"So you want us all to go in there and talk about what? The weather?" asked Tony.

"As you saw in the tape, he enjoys speaking of destroying and conquering mortals, but I do not know how he feels about any other topic. Every time I tried talking to him about Asgard or the past he seemed to not want to," said Thor.

"Maybe he doesn't want to remember the past for some reason. Like him thinking about good memories will do something bad," said Bruce.

"That could be true, but I'm not sure. This entire situation is complicated. Director, how do you feel about this?"

"I believe that no matter what is happening with him, Loki is dangerous. To let our guard down would be a mistake, so if we go through with this plan of yours then none of you can put your guard down. He has still caused the destruction of the city, and to forget that could cost your life and others," said Director Fury.

Everyone sat silent, thinking. Steve thought over everything he just heard about Loki, knowing he'd have to decide where he stood. Loki had always seemed so straightforward, and never brought any reason to classify him as anything but a villain. But after knowing and seeing all the stuff he just did, maybe there's more to the story. If Thor's brother was really innocent, then locking him up would be no different than locking up any of us Avengers. But if Loki really is guilty, then they are risking the lives of everyone onboard the Helicarrier and on Earth. The entire thing seemed risky, but what over the last few days wasn't risky? He had only known Thor for a few days, but the god had proven he should be trusted to all of them, and if Thor says something is up then something is most likely wrong. The tape itself proved that, it was like after saying 'help' the god forgot that entire moment. It felt weird and unnatural. So maybe they should do this, and if Loki turns out to still be the villain then they can proceed with another plan. He looked up at everyone else, who were still lost in thought.

"I think if we go through with this, everyone in this room must agree. That being said, I agree to this plan," he said.

"I of course agree," said Thor immediately.

The room once again was silent.

"What the hell? Let's do it," said Tony.

"I agree," said Bruce.

"I agree," said Natasha.

"I will let you go through with this plan if you report everything back to me and Agent Hill. And I mean everything. This plan is to be only known by the people in this room, no one else. All of the precautions put on his cell will remain in place and will hurt him if necessary. I'm not risking agents or the world solely on a hunch right now, and even if it isn't he is still dangerous. These terms will remain in place for everyone in this room, no exceptions. If I find you're going behind my back there will be consequences," said the Director.

"You can also report your findings to me if the Director is unavailable, I will make sure the information gets to him," said Agent Hill.

The only one left to voice their opinion was Clint, but before anyone could say a word, the man got up from his seat and left the room. Natasha got up and followed Clint, leaving the rest waiting.

"What's up with Legolas?" asked Tony.

"The man was controlled for days by Loki. I can imagine hearing that he may be innocent is not easy for him," he answered.

"I'm sorry to all of you, I didn't think about how this plan affects you," said Thor.

"You were thinking about your brother's wellbeing, there's nothing to be ashamed of," he said.

Thor gave a small smile to him and a nod, and they sat there silently. After a few minutes, the door opened, and in walked Natasha and Clint. They both sat down where they were before.

Clint sighed. "Look I'm not going to lie to you guys, I'm not entirely for this plan. But if what you said is true, and Loki is... innocent, then I don't want to be the person who caused him to be punished. So I will agree with this plan, even if it isn't exactly what I want."

The group looked at each other, acknowledging the agreement, and everyone started to stand and leave. The rest filed out, and as Steve was heading towards the door he was stopped by Director Fury.

"I need to speak to you Rogers," the Director said.

"Yes sir, what is it?"

"I need you to keep an eye on Thor. God knows what the man will do, especially if Loki is innocent. I know if anyone will go behind my back on this, it will be him. I trust that you will alert me if that happens."

"Of course sir."

"Good."

They nodded to each other, and Steve left the room. As he was walking down the hallway, he decided to go talk to Thor. Not because he was assigned to watch the god, because Thor needed someone right now. Thor needed a friend to talk to and that he could rely on, and Steve wouldn't hesitate for a second to be that person.

It seemed like everything that was so straightforward was different now. Loki may not be the villain, the god could be a victim. He and the rest of the Avengers are all investigating, without anyone else in SHIELD (besides the Director and Agent Hill) knowing. The new information led to something different than what was planned, even though that plan before was never discussed they knew what it would entitle. Now everyone was on a path to answers or more pain, and he wished he could know which one it would lead to. Because everything was changing.

And Steve Rogers had never been one for change.