#thunderironfrost

“Do you?” Thor leaned back to look at him. “A coping technique you used for your own perhaps?”

“My coping technique was having you distract me until I couldn't hear anything over the storms.” Tony teased, squeezing Thor's hand. “And it worked beautifully. But Loki-- what Loki suffered is so much more than what I did.”

Thor started to protest and Tony shook his head. “I'm not negating what I went through. I know you hate it when I brush it off. I'm just saying, even my entire life-- everything single thing that ever happened that contributed to me just… self destructing at the compound when you found me-- none of that can compare to what Loki went through.”

He leaned back against the bench, laying his head on Thor's shoulder. “I did the math. Time is different there, and I did the math. It might have only been months here on Asgard, but it was years where he was. Years. Loki went through… all of that for years.”

“I wouldn't begin to guess what Loki dreams about, how awful his nightmare are. But I do know that sometimes the nightmares won't go away until there isn’t something real out there inspiring them.” Tony said quietly. “Even sleeping next to you every night in the compound, I dreamed about Siberia and about Cap and Bucky and it was always a nightmare, they were always monsters waiting to tear me apart and leave me in the cold.”

“Elskan min.” Thor murmured and held him closer. “Anthony, I didn't know.”

“I didn't want to tell you.” Tony kissed him lightly. “I didn't want you to know. But tt wasn't until I saw them again, until I realized that Cap was just Steve who had been trying to save his friend and that Bucky was just a messed up soldier who had spent seventy years as a prisoner of war...it wasn't until that point that the dreams went away entirely. They weren’t these huge super soldiers who had turned on me, they were just… people. Who struggled just like I did. And who made mistakes just like I did. Siberia is just a bad memory and Steve and Bucky are just… just pieces of that.” Tony cleared his throat.

“All that to say, Loki has nightmares just like I did. But instead of me being able to write off the monsters in my dreams as flawed people who were struggling just as badly as I was, Loki has to wake up and realize that not only are the monsters of his dreams literal monsters, but that they are still out there ,walking and breathing and hurting other people.”

Tony called his fire, and the tree in front of them exploded into flame, burning so hot that it all but vaporized, nothing left but coals smoldering on the ground.

“I think until we get rid of whatever inspired Loki’s nightmares, even just the name of the world where he was held and hurt will make him panic, will drive him crazy. His monsters are still out there, but that's an easy enough fix isnt it?”

Thor was quiet for a long time, and then looked down at Tony with concern in his blue eyes. “I fear for whatever you are planning, my love.” he finally said and Tony smiled grimly, calling his fire again and letting it overtake the ground in front of them, a heat-less blaze this time, licking over the grass and creeping towards their feet without burning anything at all.

“You aren’t the one who should be worried.”

***************** *****************

“Sir Anthony. You are unexpected.” Heimdall said without turning from watching… whatever it was he watched. “Am I to believe that Our King and Prince have no idea that you are visiting me?”

Tony cleared his throat. “Yeah well. Sometimes you gotta do things without the adults watching, you know?”

“I of all people understand the need to do things without prying eyes.” Heimdall finally turned and smiled faintly. “And where then, am I sending you, if you do not want your mates knowing? Surely you aren’t returning to Midgard.”

Tony swallowed. “No. Not Earth. I want you to send me to the world where Loki was held, where he was hurt.”

“No.” Heimdall shook his head instantly. “Nothing good can come of you visiting there. What are you trying to learn? What are you trying to figure out? Why would you venture into our Prince’s past in this way? That world is nothing but a dumping ground for unwanted things.”

“I'm not trying to figure out anything.” Tony let the heat build in his hand until a flame appeared over his fingers. “Not trying to figure out anything at all. Not trying to pry, not trying to learn anything.”

“Then it is vengeance you seek.” Heimdall didn't sound angry, just curious.

“Call it whatever you want.” Tony said firmly. “But I aim to make sure my love sleeps peacefully through the night.”

“And this will accomplish it?” Heimdall eyed the flame in Tony's hand.

“It will accomplish something.”

“The love you have for the Prince, it is commendable. I have known Loki his entire life and never have I seen him this happy. Powerful as you have grown, you are still not able to call the Bifrost, so I will be watching for you.” Heimdall said softly. “If you are in trouble, I will bring you home.”

“I won't be in trouble.”

“Then when you have done what needs to be done, simply call for me. I will bring you home.”

“Thank you.” Tony took a deep breath, shielding his eyes when the Bifrost opened in front of him.

“Go well, Anthony of Asgard.”

******************* ******************* The roar of the Bifrost was like nothing the creatures had ever heard before, and when their vision cleared and their ears stopped ringing they found themselves staring at a mortal in their midst.

“Who are you?” came the garbled voice of the leader, the man who held the most sway over the group of monsters and criminals that inhabited the dreary place. “Why are you here?”

A cautious sniff towards the newcomer and a short laugh. “He is a mortal! Yet he reeks of Asgard.”

“We had another who reeked of Asgard, remember?” a different voice added. “Perhaps this is another who fell from the Bifrost.”

“Another to bend and break, then?” “The first one broke so easily.” “He wasn't even fun after a while.” “He was a half breed. Half Jotunn. This one is pure mortal.” “Why have you fallen to our world, mortal? This is the dungeon of the Chitauri, the alley where the Other throws his filth. Have you come to play? Did the half breed Asgardian tell you of the fun we had with him?”

“I didn't fall from anywhere.” the mortal spoke then, his voice soft but the words fierce. “I am here by choice and am looking for those responsible for the torture of Loki of Asgard, the Jotunn Prince.”

“What's it to you?” “Who is asking?” “Who do you think you are?”

The room filled with angry questions, and Tony straightened slowly, bringing his hands out in front of him.

“Who am I?”

Fire lit over his palms, growing brighter with each second, the cold room heating up until the dirty creatures were sweating and swearing uncomfortably, shifting away anxiously from the fire that seemed to encompass the mortals hands and move up his arms until it looked like his eyes themselves were blazing.

“I am Anthony of Asgard, Mate to Thor Odinson and Loki Laufeyson and you-- you will regret everything you ever did to my love.”

******************* ******************* By the time Tony called for the Bifrost, there was nothing left of the dungeon but a few blackened stones.

The air reeked of burnt flesh, sizzling hair and blood, but there was none to be seen.

It was all gone.

Curious how a cleansing fire leaves nothing at all behind.

***************** ***************** Loki woke when Tony crawled into bed behind him, and turned from Thor to lay against Tony's chest.

“Darling, where were you? When I reached for you this morning, you were not in bed.”

“I took a walk.” Tony kissed him gently. “How did you sleep?”

“Oh.” Loki thought for a moment, then smiled beautifully, peacefully. “Very well. Not a dream to be had.”

“That's wonderful.” Tony kissed him again before wrapping his arms around Loki, reaching out so he could touch Thor as well.

Thor opened his eyes and stared at Tony for a long moment, and Tony knew his mate knew.

But Thor didn't say anything, just laced their fingers together where they joined over Loki, and Tony squeezed his hand gratefully.

He didn't want to have to talk about what he had done. Not because he was guilty, not because he regretted it, but because it was over and done with and they could all move on together.

But he would do it again in a heartbeat.

He and his loves were not to be trifled with.

************ Epilogue ************ The Avengers didn't know what to say when the Bifrost burned a pattern into the compounds lawn one morning, leaving Thor and Loki and Tony standing in the center.

A sky that had been blue just seconds ago now had thunder clouds rolling in, lightning splitting through the sky, and Thor was holding Mjolnir as if he might unleash her any second.

Loki was dressed head to toe in black leather, white bolts of power arcing between his fingers, a cold wind whipping around him and nearly freezing the team members in the yard.

Tony was between them, standing tall and proud in red and gold armor inlaid with Asgardian symbols and topped with a red cape, fire rising from his palms.

“I am Thor Odinson of Asgard.” Thor announced, his voice deep and loud and terrible. “Myself and my mates have come to help you in your newest fight.”

“His mates?” Steve asked, barely whispered to a still shell shocked Sam Wilson and equally stunned Natasha. “Is that what he said?”

Thunder boomed, the fire in Tony's hands flexing and Loki pulled the water from the air, spreading it as ice that ran clear up to the steps of the compound, right to the edges of their boots.

“Yes. His mates.” Loki grinned and let his magic pulse, the ice on the ground cracking and snapping as it broke before raising into the air and swirling wildly in the near tornado force winds.

“Brace yourself, mortals. There is a storm coming like you have never seen before, and will never see again.”

Loki let the Frost move through him until he was in Jotunn form, red eyes staring out of dark blue skin, narrowing at the speechless team.

“Now, take us to this Titan.”

************************

SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE FIC!

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Twenty One

Twenty Two

“I don't really eat apples.” Tony argued and Loki sighed, taking the slice back and cutting it into smaller pieces.

“Well then let me feed you.” Loki held up a bite sized piece. “I have missed you, Anthony. Do not deny me so simple a pleasure as this. Whether it was two days, or six days, I have missed you.”

Tony finally smiled. “I missed the ridiculous way you talk.” He turned in Thor's lap until he was facing Loki, legs spread wide over Thor's knees so Loki could kneel between them to get as close as he wanted.

“Thank you darling.” Loki whispered, and offered Tony the chunk of apple, his eyes lighting at the feel of Tony's lips and tongue against his fingers. “Come now, another.”

Tony leaned back against Thor's chest, opening his mouth obediently for another piece, sighing in contentment as the fruit seemed to melt in his mouth, nipping playfully at Loki’s long fingers before licking his lips.

“This is easily the best apple I’ve ever had.” Tony announced after a few minutes, and Thor and Loki shared a pleased look.

“Elskan min.” Thor nuzzled at Tony’s ear. “We will bring you one every time we travel. But Loki is right. We have missed you.” He slid his palms down Tony’s thighs, then back up again until he could fit his fingers into the crease at Tony's hips, digging in slightly until Tony arched against him. “Finish your treat and let us go to bed.”

“Missed you guys too.” Tony pushed the piece of apple away from Loki and fisted a hand in his tunic, dragging him close for a kiss. “Forget the fruit, lets just fu---”

“Anthony!” Loki burst out laughing, cutting of their mates words with another kiss. “Your language is atrocious.”

“I don't care.” Tony pulled Loki further against him. “Take me to bed.”

“Hold on then, darling.”

Loki gathered his magic, concentrating hard and Thor wrapped a hand around the back of his neck, grounding him.

A rush of wind, the room blurring out of focus, and when Tony opened his eyes, they were in Thor's chambers.

“Wow.” He blinked at Loki in surprise. “I thought it was difficult to do that with more than one person.”

“Tis not easy.” Loki agreed, moving away and starting to undress. “But our hjartslattur bond has strengthened my magic just as it magnifies Thor's storm and has given you fire.” He slipped out of his tunic, and smiled to himself when he heard both of his mates’ breath catch.  

Loki rather enjoyed knowing the effect his body had on them.

So he let his pants hang low enough to nearly fall from his hips as he walked back towards them, letting them stare, tempted to make one of Anthonys snarky comments about his ‘eyes being up here’ but decided against it, because the room was getting warmer the closer he got to Tony, thunder rolling as Thor's interest grew.

He and Thor had done nothing more than sleep next to each other while they had been gone, and several days of tension was close to boiling over.

“To bed then, my loves?” Loki asked, cocking an eyebrow invitingly, and when they both reached for him he grinned and blurred out of focus in front of them, reappearing stretched out on the bed. “I am waiting.”

******************** ******************** Thor and Loki brought Tony an apple every time they returned, slicing and feeding it to him in after dinner or as they walked through the rose garden, or after they had finished in bed together.

And of course, that one particularly memorable time when Loki had sliced the apple paper thin, laying it out across his body and drizzling a sweet cream over the pieces. It had taken Tony close to an hour to lick every single drop of sweet cream from Loki’s skin, and to eat every piece of apple off of dark blue skin, and then after they were finished together, he licked everything else off Loki’s stomach.

Thor had joined them in the bath later, as they washed remnants of sweet cream from each other, and by the time the storms had ceased rolling through the sky, there was water all over the bathroom floor, frost coating the mirrors, and Tony lay exhausted and grinning in Thor's arms, water evaporating into steam from the heat on his body.

“Our firestorm.” Loki said approvingly, lifting his head from Tony's lap. “We love you.”

“We love you.” Thor said to Loki, and Tony laughed a little, so happy to have his mates home he could have cried.

“Oh Thor, we love you.” ******************** ******************** After Thor and Loki had decided to further their relationship, to complete the hjartslattur bond together, it had been an easy decision for Loki to move right into Thor’s rooms so they wouldn't ever be apart.

A quick visit to the healers for a protection spell for Thor, and more nights than not now, frost was coating the windows, thunder shaking the floor, and fire sparking as they moved together. Loki was free to be in his Jotunn form whenever he wished, and his mates were free to spend as much time as they wanted showing him exactly how beautiful it was.

One evening after Thor and Loki had returned from their travels, Tony had finally shown them what he had been working on all those weeks in the woodshop-- a beautifully carved headboard for the huge bed as a present to mark their bond.

There was a careful etching of Mjolnir, surrounded by lightning and storm clouds. Several different plants and flowers that Loki used regularly in his spells. Tony had included Norse symbols for love, forever, bond, and marriage, and had taken the time to look up and carve every sweet name the gods had for him into the heavy wood. Intricately detailed snowflakes for Loki’s frost. The newest addition of flames for Tony's powers, and along the top, each of their names in careful, flowing script.

Loki had teared up, drawing his hands over the snowflakes and then the word hjartslattur.

Thor had simply tossed Tony onto the bed, slotting between his legs and proceeding to bring him to the edge and over as many times as he could, pulling Loki onto the bed to help for hours before Tony was begging for mercy. It had been wonderful and exhausting and they had collapsed in a tangle of arms and legs to share pieces of apple and fall asleep together.

It was perfect, and now when Tony had to sleep alone, it was with the words from his loves written above his head.

Of course, such a beautiful gift made it even harder for the gods to leave their mate, and every trip through the Bifrost seemed longer and longer.

But it had to be done, and they all knew it. ********************* ********************

“You are improving.” Thor noted, smiling when Tony managed to send a flare of heat towards a mound of dirt, even more impressed when a flame materialized above the dirt and simply burned in the air. “You did not even know you had this power a month ago and yet now you can bring fire as you wish.”

“Yeah well.” Tony shrugged a little and flicked his fingers, extinguishing the flame. “Loki has been working with me every chance he gets. He says his own power is the same type of thing. It's all a mental exercise when it comes to summoning and releasing it. The headaches have gone away at least. It doesn't take a whole lot of concentration anymore.”

“You have always been a genius.” Thor leaned over and kissed him. “I knew you would learn to use your power quickly. You have seem distracted though, sweetheart. Tell me what is on your mind.”

‘I have been thinking about going back to earth.” Tony confessed. “It just… it makes me nervous. I mean not nervous where I want to panic but…” he shrugged. “When I left, I had made my peace with never going back.”

“Tis necessary to return.” Thor reminded him. “And you are not going back alone. Loki and I will both be there with you.”

“I know.” Tony shrugged again. “I just thought I left that part of my life behind. I would gladly spend every day here, working in the wood shop and gardening with Loki, and getting fat on these golden apples. Can you get fat on fruit? Because I want to get fat on these.” He took another bite of the beautiful fruit.

“How do you feel?” Thor questioned. “Now that we have added apples to your daily meals?”

“Like I'm keeping the doctor away.” Tony replied with a wink and Thor looked at him blankly.

“I do not understand that reference.”

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Tony supplied and then shook his head. “Nevermind. I feel good. I feel healthy and just… good. Which I should, right? Eating Idunn’s apples?” he glanced slyly at Thor who looked entirely put out at having their plan exposed.

“How long have you known what they were?” he sputtered and Tony laughed out loud before leaving his bench to climb onto Thor's lap.

“All I did the first few months I was here was read, remember? And Lo and I read every day together. You honestly didn't think I wouldn't stumble across some mention of golden apples and not know what they were for? You guys fed me such small pieces it took a while for me to realize what it was, but last time you returned I saw it before Loki cut it up.

His eyes softened and he touched their foreheads together. “And I love you, both of you, so much for offering them to me.”

“You are our love, our hjartslattur.” Thor said hoarsely. “The source of the storms that move through me, the peace in Loki’s heart that allows him to be everything he is. How could we not bring you the apples? How could we not ask for immortality from the gods for you?”

“Thank you.” Tony closed his eyes and relaxed into Thor's arms for a long time, breathing in the scent of his mate, soaking in the comfort that came from being held. “Thank you.”

Loki found them some time later and kissed Thor gently before running his fingers through Tony's hair. “How are my loves today?”

“I'm on to your fiendish plot to make me live forever.” Tony mumbled without lifting his head from Thor's shoulder. “Feeding me secret apples.”

“Why Anthony--” Loki hid the apple in his hand behind his back with a purely innocent expression. “I'm sure I don't know what you mean.”

Tony laughed until he cried, and Loki wiped his tears away before offering him the sweet fruit.

“Now that you know of your fiendish plot, I suppose I can tell you that we absolutely do intend for you to live forever.”

“Loki is correct, Elskan min.” Thor cupped his jaw. “We fully intend for you to be here with us until all things end.”

“Well that's good. Because I'm not going anywhere.”

************************ ************************ “This will be our last journey out.” Thor said as he gathered their things. “A few days at the most.”

“Then we will be home with you until we are ready to go to Asgard.” Loki spread a map out across the desk. “You remember what I showed you? We are traveling here.” he pointed to a particular spot, then grabbed another chart. “This is is time in Asgard, here is the time where we are going. You can figure out then, how long we will be gone?”

He had searched the library for this particular time chart after their first journey, when Tony had been so upset that he couldn't actually know for sure when they would be back. It was a time converter, detailing the difference in days and nights and seasons, and with simple turns of dials it was easy to tell the passage of time in other worlds compared to Asgard.

“It doesn't matter.” Tony pushed the charts away. “I mean, it sucks, but this is the last one, and I know you guys will come home to me, so that's all I care about.”

“We will come home to you, darling. And the next time we travel the Bifrost, you will be at our side.”

Loki bent to kiss their love long and slow, moving aside only so Thor could do the same.

“Soon, beloved.” Thor assured Tony. “Soon we will be home, and then we will never be seperated again.”

“Love you.” Tony whispered.

“We love you too, darling.” “Always, Anthony.” *********************** Thor and Loki were long gone, the big bedroom quiet when Tony finally left the desk, moving over to stand in front of the fireplace.

A quick pulse of power, and fire burst from nothing, suddenly roaring behind the grate.

A twist of his wrist and the fire narrowed, lengthened until it resembled a staff.  Another motion of his hands and it moved more fluidly like a rope. A flick of his fingers and the fire curled in on itself.

And when Tony clenched his fist, holding tight for a few seconds before throwing his palm out-- the ball of flame exploded, blackening the stones of the fireplace with it's heat.

Tony's lips twitched up into a smile.

He was almost ready.