Working Title : Loki & Annie

Chapter Twenty

Bruce sat with his back against the bed, he was on the rolling stool so he kept both feet on the floor. There was a hologram in front of him, it showed a single frame taken from a single page of one of his latest projects. There were multiple items in the frame, mainly a cross section of the same virus at different stages. Glancing back over his shoulder Bruce saw the green eyes were still open wide, moving back and forth between the frame and his face.

Bruce gave a smile, turned back and pointed while adding, "Now, you think that would be the same as strand sixteen D but you see this build up right here?" He stuck a pencil into the exact spot in the hologram. "It took thirty-nine minutes and seven point two seconds. Exactly. All the previous ones took thirty-nine and eight seconds. Exactly. One hundred and eighty-six times, same results. And I can't find one difference. I've had J.A.R.V.I.S. run the same tests -" Bruce shrugged. "Nothing yet." He folded his arms and let out a deep sigh. Turning on the chair he faced Loki. "I should have more results tonight but -" He shrugged again while scratching the back of his neck. "You know how it is."

While Loki's green eyes met his with caution and no outright fear, there was also no real interest in them either. His fingers were softly plucking at his lips but his mouth still never opened. He was leaning back against the slightly raised bed, his head resting against a pillow. He hadn't moved at all so Thor's red cape remained tucked around his neck. His legs were folded up underneath. He gave the impression of a long legged foal.

Bruce glanced at his IV bag and saw that it was empty. He rose carefully, "lets get you switched out, yeah? You're on the last of these vitamins. That's good." He hung another bag. "We should get you on more solid foods. Nothing too drastic, some soup or jello. Maybe some milk, yeah?"

Bruce came back around to face Loki once more. In all the hours they had been together the boy hadn't changed expressions more than fractionally. He had been visibly uneasy when Tony had left so Bruce had decided to follow Tony's lead and just talk to him. He had told Loki what he was doing, rambled about his latest projects which had led to his discussing several different topics until recently when he had expressed his frustration on an issue with one. He had used Loki much as he used Tony, a sounding board. They both were perfect. Tony didn't pay him any attention and Loki didn't say anything. Now the boy continued to just watch him. 

Bruce asked in a soothing tone, "J.A.R.V.I.S. where's Tony?"

 "Sir is out of the Tower. He is on route back to the tower and should return at any time."

 Bruce frowned slightly, "Did he say where he was going?"

 "My apologies, sir." The AI sounded pained. "Sir stated that if anyone asked where he had gone I was to advise them to stop being such a, and I regretfully quote, 'McSnoopy Pants' sir."

 Bruce snorted lightly, "No worries, J.A.R.V.I.S. We both know the trials and tribulations of dealing with Tony."

 "Yes, sir. Thank you."

 "How about Steve?"

 "The Captain has just returned with his lunch and is at this time in the common room. With Agents Barton and Romanov."

 Bruce looked worried and glanced at Loki then said, "Put the security feed from there onto the monitor in the other room." Bruce gave the bed railing a gentle tap then spoke softly to Loki. "Hey Buddy. I need to go into the other room to watch something." He pointed over his shoulder, Loki's eyes followed his finger then came back to Bruce's face. There was zero change of expression on his face. "You'll still be able to see me. If you want you can close your eyes and take a nap. You gotta be tired after my boring lectures." Bruce gave a lopsided smile which slid off when he got nothing back from Loki. "Okay. I'll be back. Holler if you need anything."