Chapter 2
Tony didn't even blink as lithe fingers wrapped themselves around the smooth crystal glass two thirds full of rum. He didn't even bother trying to get it back before the owner of said fingers nonchalantly flung it high off the roof, giving gravity a brief moment to do its thing before causing the glass to shatter into a shimmering puff before being blown away in the early morning breeze.
“If you're looking for a rematch it's gonna have to wait. I've got shit I have to do.”
The man shrugged.
“I do not come bearing ill will.” his tone was neutral, not giving anything away.
Tony snorted.
“Tell that to the state of New York.”
The unusually cold May wind bit into the obviously drunk genius’ brain bringing a sense of sobriety to the still functioning brain parts.
“Why are you even here? And what the fuck did the drink ever do to you?” Tony frowned, kneading his eyes to try to ward off the oncoming migraine slash hangover.
“I've come out of...personal interest.”
“What. Taking over planets got too tedious?”
“Partly.”
There was no cape this time. No black and green Asgardian warrior ensemble, just a vaguely familiar black suit minus the cane and scarf.
“Heimdall saw the most vivid sense of pain. I was sent to investigate.”
Tony cocked a brow. “Course. Send the genocidal psycho to ease someone’s pain. Ten out of ten perfect plan.”
Loki shrugged once more.
“I was not planning on actually meeting the source of said pain.” He continued his pacing.
“But as the universe would have It, I met your son.”
Tony blinked owlishly, scrubbing his face before holding up a hand to stop the ensuing sentences.
“You met who now?”
“Your son. The spiderling. The human arachnid hybri-”
“Okay. Okay. Got It.”
Loki continued his pacing, linking his hands behind him as he took steady steps.
“He's not my kid though.”
“Children come in many forms.”
“Yeah, but he's not- I'm not- he's an intern.”
Loki quirked a brow.
“Training them young, I see… I suppose even heroes have to start somewhere.”
“Not a superhero.”
“Advanced suit, alter egos, special powers, and a penchant for truth and good will along with all of the other… moral, ideals. He fits the bill quite nicely.”
Tony narrowed his eyes.
“Didn't even kick me out of your new lab.”
He made a mental note to have a thorough search as soon as possible…
“If you so much as touched him, I swear-”
“Just a mentor and yet so protective. I'm sure Barton could empathise.”
Loki stopped pacing, fixing Tony with a amused gaze.
“He looks like you, as I'm sure you have been told. A better kid than any of us were, I'm sure.”
Tony didn't respond.
“He was worried, you know. Very perceptive. Said you never came back from the museum.”
Tony looked away.
“Family is a fickle thing.”
Loki chuckled.
“What is mere child's play in the eyes of gods? Pathetic. It is nothing.”
Too close to home…
“But even gods stop existing eventually” Loki shrugged.
“is this supposed to be some sort of weird pep talk?”
“It's that's what you would like to call it. I am just making sure that I will not have to return.”
“Fun times.” Tony stumbled as he stood, too fast for his alcohol laced blood stream.
“Say hi to Thor for me when you get back.” he clapped Loki on the shoulder before making his way to the door.
Loki in turn smirked before opening his portal back, but not before he heard a string of slightly slurred expletives followed by screaming.
Yes.
Heimdall would be proud.