Four

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I'm going to try to update this book once a month. 

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Loki stops attending team dinners or activities after his blowup. Thor laughs his brother's actions off, telling everyone that Loki is embarrassed by his actions.

Tony knows otherwise. Loki is avoiding his abuser. Tony isn't sure how to broach the topic of abuse with Loki, so he hasn't done anything in person, but he keeps a careful watch on the cameras in the Tower. He didn't install cameras in any bedrooms or bathrooms, but other than that, there is not an inch of space in Tony's tower that he cannot monitor. If Thor does or attempts to harm Loki, FRIDAY will alert Tony immediately.

Thor is Tony's teammate, and Tony trusts him to have his back during battle, but after witnessing Loki's anguish, Tony isn't sure Thor is a good person.

"Wanda, you're on cooking duty with me." Steve's commanding voice shocks Tony out of his thoughts.

Bruce catches Tony's violent flinch from being disturbed. "Tony, are you okay?"

Tony forces a smile. "I'm fine, Brucie. I've just been working late in the lab lately. I haven't been getting enough sleep."

"Tony, you need to stop that. It isn't good for you."

"I know. You don't need to mother me. I'm getting better. I haven't drunk alcohol since I adopted Peter. I can only change one self-destructive habit at a time."

"I'm proud of you, Tony. I hope you know that. You're bettering yourself."

Tony did not know that. Bruce's approval warms Tony inside. As an adult, he shouldn't crave validation, but it means a lot that someone has noticed and mentioned his efforts to be a good parent. "Thanks, Bruce."

"No problem. I need to head to my lab. I'm banning you from entering any of the labs in the building for the day. Take the day to sleep or hang out with Peter or something."

"I think I'll do that." Tony follows Bruce to the elevator.

"Tony, where are you going?" Steve asks from the kitchen. He's supervising Wanda as she attempts to cook alone for the first time. She asked Steve to teach her a few weeks ago. She's getting better. She didn't burn the water for spaghetti this time.

"I'm going to find Peter." Tony stops at the kitchen doorway, waving Bruce on ahead.

"Do you know where Loki is? I haven't seen him all day and need to know his vote for tomorrow's dinner. If you see him, will you ask him if he wants breakfast for dinner or chicken?"

"Have FRIDAY ask him."

"One of us asking him is more personal."

"I'm pretty sure Loki would prefer us all to be as impersonal as possible."

"I'm trying to make him feel at home here. Just do it."

"I could ask my brother for you, Steve," Thor offers.

"No!" Tony clears his throat as Steve, Thor, and Wanda stare at him. "I mean, I'm already going to see Peter. Loki is with him. It makes sense that I should talk to Loki about dinner. Because he's with Peter." His rambling is out of control, but he's panicking.

Tony has done his best to keep Thor away from Loki because the younger god doesn't want Thor around. Loki00 stays in the penthouse unless Thor is on a different floor or not in the tower, and he leaves any room when Thor enters.

Thor has yet to notice because he's too preoccupied with himself for anyone else to register. "That makes sense," Thor agrees. "Will you let me know how my brother is doing? I haven't seen him in days. I'm worried."

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