At the door of Stark Tower

[justakidfrombrklyn]

He doesn't really have a phone anymore, at least not one that isn't a burner on the end of it's life, and that phone never had the number he needed in it, so he didn't call ahead. Instead, he's just there, heading for the front desk to see if perhaps, just maybe, he has a friend here. Or at least an ally.

"Steve Rogers for Tony Stark, please?"

Comments

[godofbadideas]

"Maybe. I would have to see them first, at the very least, but I'd certainly give it a try, especially if it's something Other Me did."

He kind of really doesn't like most of the Other Hims. Doesn't really much like himself, some days.

[actuallyhasaheart]

Okay, that's not something Tony ever expected to hear, and that's not a look he ever expected to see anywhere near Loki's face.

Maybe he was telling the truth, sort of.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

He wants to lie. He REALLY wants to lie. But it's not in him, not on something like this.

"Loki didn't do it. But this person... helping them out would help a lot of people."

[godofbadideas]

"And what would be in it for me?" Loki asks, eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve looks at Tony in the suit. Then he sits up a little taller.

"The thanks of the Avengers."

He leans in.

"And I'm pretty sure that means something on your world as well as this one."

[actuallyhasaheart]

Tony gives a little nod; whatever it is - and he can take a few guesses - if it's something Steve wants, it can't be bad.

[godofbadideas]

"It does," Loki allows with a slight nod. "But you're in this universe, and I am normally in mine."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

"Except that there's a vortex here that could pull you this way at any time," he points out, "and I'm sure that when you get into a jam with the Avengers in your world, they'll sure appreciate that you helped Captain America out, now... won't they?"

[godofbadideas]

Loki laughs a little, grinning at Captain America.

"You know I realise what you're trying to do, and it won't work unless I choose to let it?"

[justakidfrombrklyn]

He's not really grinning back, but it's clear he's not uncomfortable at the words.

"That doesn't make it any less true."

[godofbadideas]

"All right then, in that case, I accept - with one provision," Loki replies, raising a finger. "I'd like to have a chat with Other Me."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve leans back on the couch.

"Unfortunately, not possible. He's imprisoned on this world's Asgard, under firm lock and key. Thor's up there too. We haven't seen him in a bit. Not since London."

He glances over at Tony.

"London was him, I think."

[actuallyhasaheart]

"Yeah, it was," Tony confirms. "JARVIS got the footage, even though SHIELD tried their bast to keep it under wraps. Like you could keep yet another space invasion under wraps."

[godofbadideas]

"Well, that's hardly a surprise," Loki says. "In that case, an affidavit of safe-conduct will do; I can get to Asgard on my own. And hopefully Other Me won't have gotten bored and escaped by then."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

No, he's just RUNNING ASGARD.

"I'll give you my word on paper. I can't speak for the others."

[actuallyhasaheart]

"I'll add mine," Tony adds. "Providing to come through on your end."

If nothing else, it'd get Loki out of their hair, and off to Asgard.

[godofbadideas]

"Works for me," Loki says with a shrug. "So, who needs fixing?"

[justakidfrombrklyn]

He looks to Tony and holds out his hand for the file.

"He's called the Winter Soldier."

[godofbadideas]

"Oh."

Yeah, Loki knows who that is.

"No wonder you're willing to ask for my help. Do you happen to have an electronic copy?"

[actuallyhasaheart]

Tony has the file out, and halfway handed to Steve when Loki's question hits his ears.

"--okay, that's it, you're definitely not our Loki. Congratulations, I believe you."

[justakidfrombrklyn]

Steve nods and lets his head fall between his hands now that Tony and Loki seem settled to the idea of working this out between them. Besides, Tony's already got a digital copy, no doubt.

[actuallyhasaheart]

Tony stows the ancient handful of dead trees, and nods.

"Yeah, I have a digital copy."

[godofbadideas]

"If it's any comfort, your friend is doing just fine now in my universe," Loki says quietly, placing a hand on Steve's shoulder for a moment.

"Now I suppose we'll see if technology is compatible across universes," he continues, producing his Starkphone with a cheeky grin.

[justakidfrombrklyn]

And that, more than anything, convinces him that he isn't sacrificing his morals for the well-being of his best friend. This Loki is different. Maybe this Loki can help.

[actuallyhasaheart]

"If it's not already, it will be soon," Tony replies, snagging Loki's Starkphone, and hey, isn't that cool? Apparently in whatever universe this Loki comes from, space Vikings use Starktech.