Everybody Wants to Rule the World // Frostiron

Blackbird // Chapter 8

    Sunlight filtered into the room, shining right onto the spot where Stark lay on the ground. He groaned, rubbing his eyes and sitting up. The bed was empty and Loki was nowhere to be seen. The door hung ajar. "Fuck," Tony cursed. "I shouldn't have trusted him."

    He quickly got to his feet, rushing into the hallway. In a building such as Stark Tower, the rogue god could be anywhere. Hell, he could be wreaking havoc on the streets of New York. With the realization of this, Tony felt a sinking weight in his stomach. He went to make his way downstairs but on his way heard the sound of music coming from the kitchen. It was a sweet tenor voice singing an older Midgardian tune. It was hopeful yet solemn. Unmistakably, Blackbird by The Beatles. And the singer? Unmistakably, Loki Laufeyson.

    "You sing?" Tony asked rounding the corner. 

    Loki looked up with shock written across his face that was quickly replaced by a composed expression. "Oh yes, did I wake you?"

    "Um, no. But I did freak the fuck out when I thought you escaped to murder New York again."

    "You think so highly of me," the god remarked dryly, moving to pour the tea he'd been preparing. "Tea?"

    "I don't do tea."

    Loki looked at him condescendingly. "I'm sure you don't. An unsophisticated ass such as you couldn't bear the thought of an herbal drink."

    "Pretentious prick."

    "Alliteration, fun. Sit."

    Tony pulled a chair out and took a seat. "Yes?"

    "Last night. You promised me my own room. Can that be arranged?"

    "Sure, Lokes. It'll be a few doors from my own, y'know, just in case you do go batshit insane."

     "I'm flattered you don't already think I'm batshit insane," Loki crooned, sipping his tea.

    "I do, but you get used to it."

    Loki laughed hoarsely. "Can't be having that, now."

    Tony sighed, planting his face into his palm. "You can't let me have an easy job, can you?"

    The god's eyes hardened, his expression turning cold and distant. "If I burden you so much, kill me already."

    Stark didn't recognize his change in tone. "Oh, believe me, I wanted to. You heard Fury. I saved your life, y'know?"

    There was silence. Tony looked face Loki. The god's face was stormy, filled with emotion, none of it positive. He got to his feet, leaving his delicate tea cup on the table and beginning to walk briskly out of the room. Before he could, Tony stood in front of him. "What's wr-"

    Stark's voice was cut off as he was shoved forcefully backwards. He hit the tile floor behind him with a loud thud. Before he could process what was happening, Loki dragged him to his feet by the collar of his shirt. "What the fuck?" was all the billionaire could muster before being slammed against the nearest wall.

    "If I'm such a burden, do it. Kill me. Kick me out. Be rid of me. I never asked to end up here. I was happy. For once in my miserable fucking life, I was happy. And now I'm here. You're not the only one displeased by this arrangement, Stark. So, for once, use your one brain cell to think before you speak, you thoughtless, self-absorbed bastard," the god admonished.

    Loki released his grip on the smaller man and stood back, the danger in his eyes not yet waning.

   Tony stared forward in astonishment, clearly shaken. Brushing himself off, he muttered, "Holy shit. I can't believe yesterday I thought you might not be that bad. Yeah, you'll be getting your own room, but only for my own fucking safety."

    Clearing his throat, Tony spoke louder, "And if you ever have an episode like that again, I'll be reporting to Fury. Sorry, I hit a nerve there, but guess what? I'm allowed to be upset that I've been forced to live with the man who tried to kill me. Grow up."

    This time, Tony walked away, leaving Loki silently fuming. Loki paced over to finish his tea. He sat at the table, his eyes staring blankly, and began to sip on his tea. His hands shook as he drank and silent tears fell into the cup. Eventually, his hands failed him and the delicate cup detailed with blackbirds fell to the floor and shattered into hundreds of pieces, leaving a splatter of tea on the floor. Dropping the floor to clean his mess, he cut his hands on the shards. Blood, tears, and teas mingled on the floor next to the now dimunitive form of Loki, curled on the floor defensively.

    Sobs wracked his body and for his first time since his arrival at Stark Tower, Tony Stark would not be coming to his rescue.