Everybody Wants to Rule the World // Frostiron

Why Did It Have to Be Me? // Chapter 3

    The night passed quickly with Stark resigning not to kill Loki and Loki passing back out on his couch.  Loki woke up to two large figures standing over him. "So it's definitely Loki," said the unmistakable voice of Nick Fury.

    "No doubt about it," Stark replied. "So what do we do about it?"

    "It?" Loki snarled through a yawn. "You speak as if I'm an object."

    He stretched his back as he propped himself up on the base of his hands. The two other men backed away slightly but only Fury showed alarm. "You flatter me. I'm no threat to you in my current position, isn't that clear?" Loki laughed without humor.

    Tony crossed his arms. "What are you saying? You expect us to let you run freely around New York?"

    "Clearly not. However, it wouldn't be your worst decision. I've been doing perfectly fine here on Midgard."

    Fury cleared his throat. "Why exactly are you here? Instead of Asgard, that is?"

    "Do you want the long or short version?"

    "Just get to the point."

    "I'm not supposed to be here. I should be dead. My father is under the impression that I am. However, my oaf of a brother had mercy on me."

    "Elaborate," Fury requested.

    "After the events of my failed invasion, I was locked in prison on Asgard. That wasn't nearly the worst of it. I was tortured for months within an inch of my life. Throughout all of this, Thor had no idea. When he found out he was enraged and freed me. Odin is under the impression that I died during my punishment; it's safer that way."

    "So, why don't we do what Odin didn't? If he's under the impression you're dead, wouldn't it be better for us to help him out? Kill you?" Fury asked.

    "Sure, you could do that, but it wouldn't earn you any favors with my brother. In fact, he'd be enraged. I doubt he'd continue to collaborate with your little team of heroes."

    "What do you suggest we do with you then?"

    "I haven't heard that one in a while," Loki crooned sarcastically. "Oh, Loki, how can we please you? What should we do  with you?"

    Fury glared down disapprovingly. "Imprisonment, great suggestion."

    Under his breath the god muttered, "Fuck."

    Fury turned to Stark. "Surely you'll offer your facilities to contain him?"

    Tony stepped backwards, shaking his head frantically. "No, no, no way. Absolutely not."

    "Unfortunately, you're the only one who has the ability to contain him. Stark Tower is the only place that we have. S.H.I.E.L.D's facilities are currently experiencing some... issues."

    Stark sighed, "And I'm forbidden to kill him?"

    Fury nodded. "Until we know Thor won't go berserk on our asses."

    With an unconvincingly charming smile, Loki added, "And he will. So, keep me breathing, won't you?"

    "Are you sure the cells will adequately contain him?" Tony asked, ignoring the god.

    "We'll have to hope. I'd recommend constant surveillance."

    "That's not possible with my current levels of staff."

    "Then do it yourself, Stark. This job falls to you."

    "And stay near the cells all day and all night?"

    Fury sighed. "Fine, keep him in the living spaces, but stay on high alert. Have weapons on you at all times. Be prepared to fight or call for assistance at any time. Alright?"

    Tony nodded an affirmative and said his goodbyes until Fury left. "You're stuck with me now, Anthony," Loki noted.

    "One, don't call me that. Two, not for long. As soon as possible I'm passing guard duty to Banner or Rogers."

    "And I'll be glad. You're too sarcastic and rude for my tastes."

    Tony rolled his eyes. "Nice going, genius. You just described yourself."

    "How dare you insinuate that I'm anything like you."

    "You're offended to be like me? Afraid some of  my success might rub off on you?" he scoffed.

     "Well, thank you for the banter, Anthony, but there's important matters to discuss."

    "For example?"

    "Sleeping arrangements. I'm tired," Loki yawned.

    "You've slept for two hours straight. Just go back to sleep."

    The god smirked knowingly. "The problem is, I'm on the couch and you, dear Anthony, aren't allowed to take your eyes off of me. I can see the sleep in your eyes, you need to rest. How are you to sleep if I'm hogging the couch?"

    "Shit," Stark murmured, weighing possibilities in his head. "Well, I'm not giving up my bed. You can sleep on my floor."

    "How generous," Loki said dryly.

    "You don't expect me to give you the bed? Now, follow me."

    "Sharing is caring."

    "Not with you."

    Loki followed behind as Tony showed him the way to the room. Tony started to speak, indicating the automated metal door, "Don't try to escape while I'm asleep, the door is controlled very specifically by my biometrics."

    "Aren't you worried about the possibility of me killing you in your sleep?"

    "Now I am."

    Regardless, the two entered the room and Stark immediately fell into bed and got comfortable. Loki looked around ungratefully. "And I should sleep on the bare ground? How unbefitting for a god."

    Without much care, Tony threw a spare blanket and pillow at Loki. "Get some sleep, reindeer games."