[ Peter almost breathes a sigh of relief when Loki actually buys his lie but that would be tantamount to a confession. ]
It's upstate New York-about uh.. two hours from here. [ He offers, trying to ignore the number of eyes on him. And where is Oscorp security? Shouldn't they be jumping in to protect the students or something? ]
[He growls again. Two hours to find a strange base that Stark might not even be at? No. He's had enough of this weird joke, he'll make Stark come to him instead.]
[ Does Loki not know how school works? He's not supposed to have his phone on him-it's supposed to be in his locker or at home. Never mind that it's currently on silent in his back pocket. Should he push his luck with another lie? ]
[ Great. On top of everything, he's gonna end up with another detention. Not knowing what else to do, he takes his phone out and offers it up-it's in pretty rough shape, the screen is splintered in several places and the top left corner of the display screen is a little discolored. ]
[He does not know how school works. He knows how humans work and how they always have phones.]
[He does raise an eyebrow at the state of the phone. Much more beaten up than he'd expect from Stark's child intern. He navigates to the contacts and scrolls down. A lot of names that mean nothing to him- so this isn't used solely for business. But he finds Stark's number easily and starts a call. He frowns as it rings, goes to voicemail. A general greeting, not the personalized taunt he half expected.]
Stark. I am at what I thought was Avengers Tower with many questions that you will answer. Here. Do not keep me waiting.
[He disconnects the call, still frowning. He has nothing to do now but wait and think of ways to punish Stark for this prank. He almost hands the phone back to the boy, but stops himself.]
I suppose I should keep this, should Stark call back and ask why I am using his intern's phone. [He flashes a tiny smile, the slightest quirk of his lips at Parker.] I will tell him that you are not to blame for contacting him when he is busy. [He sighs.] But now I expect you will want to wait for his reply.
[ The shock of the situation is starting to wear off and Peter finds himself realizing a few inconsistencies that'd he earlier been blind to-one why was Loki here and two why did he want to talk to Tony so bad? ]
Uh, yeah... I guess. [ Peter shrugs. ] I can't really afford a new phone right now.
[ It's still deadly quiet in the room aside from Peter and Loki and honestly, Peter's a little surprised that Flash didn't chime in with comment about him being poor. ]
"Well, now that, that's settled." [ Mr Harrington speaks up again. Trying to take back some semblance of control. ] "We should be getting back to the school."
[ Peter can see the hesitation in Mr Harrington's expression. He doesn't want to leave Peter to Loki but who would try to defy a god? ]
"I can't release Peter to anyone other than an emergency contact." [ Mr Harrington states, a lot braver than Peter had first given him credit for. ]
N-no, it's okay. Really. [ Peter tries to convince his teacher. He thinks he can probably handle this-maybe. He's got super powers after all, but he'd really rather no one find out about that and most importantly, he doesn't want anyone getting hurt on his behalf even though there are questions forming in his head about how not hostile Loki has been thus far. ]
I'm fine, just go. And uh... please don't give me detention?
[ Again, Mr Harrington wasn't sure what to do because he couldn't just leave a student like that but he also couldn't really defend against Loki. And he had a chance to at least get the other students out-he should take it. And he does after a few more moments of hesitation and final assurance from Peter that he was okay with this. ]
[ Peter waited until every student was out the door and finally breathed a sigh of relief to know they were all safe. ]
So... I'm gonna be honest, sometimes Mr Stark doesn't get back to me for a few days. Although, I think he does at least check the messages I leave once a day.
[Loki watches the exchange, confusion of his own growing. He's used to humans staring when he visits Midgard, but that's usually soon followed by them pulling out their phones and taking pictures, with the boldest even approaching him with questions. Maybe the teacher wanted to get his class back to school on time, but why was everyone else so quiet? Afraid?]
[He gives another long sigh and a rueful look to Parker.]
And yet I suppose he expects you to be ready at his request? [He shakes his head. Typical Stark.] I was not planning to cause a commotion, but if that's what it will take to get his attention...
[He looks down at the phone he's still holding.] Thor may be more prompt in answering. [He dials a number manually, confidently, but it turns to a puzzled frown as the error tones and "The number you have dialed is unavailable" can clearly be heard.]
[ Peter just watches the Asgardian carefully, for someone that sat at such a high threat level he didn't really seem like much of one right now. He'd let Midtown Tech students leave and technically he didn't even force Peter to stay-he'd just said that he expected Peter would want to stay. ]
[ That and Loki just seems confused-like he's expecting something that isn't there. ]
Uh... not really? He knows I have school and he really doesn't like it when I get involved in big stuff.
[ He says a little awkwardly, picking at his fingertips as he tends to do when he gets nervous. He listens as Loki mentions calling Thor and just makes a face. ]
I guess you'd know better than me since he's your brother and all-but I'm pretty sure Thor doesn't have a phone.
[He raises an eyebrow.] I would think he would know that you were visiting the building that was, that should be his home. [And he frowns a little.] Why are you here? To visit the place the Avengers once made their own? It does not seem to have been preserved as such.
[He glares at the phone.] It is not widely known, but he does have a phone for personal use. I must have entered the wrong number. [He tries again, pressing each number more deliberately, to the same result.]
I mean, I know Stark Industries is in direct competition with Oscorp and all but I don't think that Mr Stark feels so threatened by Norman that he's spying on him.
And I'm here because of a field trip. I was in school and I don't usually get out until two forty-five.
[ Peter was about to say something in regards to the idea of Thor having a phone but just then Iron Man crashed in through the ceiling and landed threateningly, palms facing up and getting ready to fire his repulsor beam. ]
"Back up from the kid and maybe I won't hurt you." [ Tony demanded, probably intending on firing the beam anyways. ]
[Loki shakes his head.] Even if he has sold the building, I would think he still feels some pride of accomplishment he would share with you when you visit it-
[He's cut off by Iron Man crashing in. He grins and rolls his eyes.] And it seems he still acts as if he owns the place.
[His eyes dart towards the boy, and for a split second he does consider seizing Parker as a hostage shield. But he pushes the thought aside; it would escalate things more than he wanted. So he does as Stark asks, moving away from Parker. And then, invisibly, even farther, to circle to the side, while leaving an illusion of himself in front of Stark.]
[ Peter takes a step away as well and holds his hands up like he's a guilty party here. Tony, because he's Tony and he's pretty sure it won't kill him, fires a repulsor beam directly at the illusion Loki. ]
That's awesome. [ Peter says, amazed at the illusion. ]
"Your brother says you died on some unknown planet and it turns out you faked that and then go after my kid and you think me coming after you is dramatic? I'll show you dramatic."
[ He powered up the repulsors again but this time Peter moved into action. ]
Wait! Mr Stark! I'm fine! I'm not hurt or anything-he just borrowed my phone-that's all.
[The illusion Loki shakes his head as the repulsor blast flies through him, but he gets distinctly less amused at Stark's retort.]
Thor said that I had died? [He scowls, but it's not directed at the humans.] So then is he the one responsible for not informing me of the Avengers' change in base? What manner of prank is he up to?
[He shoots Parker an almost grateful look.]
I did not "go after" your kid. I had thought to stop by for a visit and found the tower greatly changed. The boy was simply one of the first humans I met and happened to have a direct line of communication to you. He is free to leave whenever he wants, though I assumed he would not want to leave his phone in my possession.
[ Yeah, something's definitely not right. Loki's known for deception but this doesn't feel like that. Peter glances over at the God of Mischief and back at Tony. He can't help but feel like there's a lot of information they're missing between the two of them. ]
It-it's true. May can't really afford to get me a new phone right now... [ Peter offered, raising his hand slightly. The face plate on the Iron Man suit slides back just so Tony could shoot Peter a look before looking back at Loki, still ready for a fight. ]
"Well, if it helps. He said it was a heroic death." [ He offered in his usual nonchalant tone. ] "And since when do I have to tell you my business plans? Last time you were here you kinda destroyed half of new york so, you weren't invited to the house warming party."
[Speaking of the phone, Loki sneaks invisibly over to Parker's side to set it on the floor by his foot, scooting away before the boy notices his proximity or Stark gets a fix on him.]
[The illusory Loki crosses his arms.]
Hardly, as he has often told me he does not believe I will ever die. I should hope, if he were to invent my death for a jest, he would allow me the dignity of a heroic effort.
[And now he rolls his eyes.] Destroyed half of New York? That is a new level of hyperbole from you. Particularly as there was not even so much as a single car accident caused by my last visit.
[He looks over the hole in the ceiling and other damage Iron Man has caused.] And I would think you would inform me that the residence I am familiar with is no longer yours so I would not cause trouble by mistake with the new owners, particularly if that is how you intend to greet me.
"Oh so I'm guessing we all imagined the battle of new york-what was it five years ago?" [ Tony asked, having Friday scan the area for the real Loki. ] "What trick exactly are you trying to pull here?"
Um, Mr Stark, if I may? I think something's not adding up. [ He feels a small tingle from his senses but nothing major. ]
"No, you quiet. You're already in enough trouble." [ Tony cuts Peter off, pointing a finger at him. ]
What? I didn't even do anything this time! I'm just saying his side of the story doesn't really match up to what we know and I don't think he's being deceitful right now. Well.. I mean aside from the fact he's using a fake version of him-and come on, if he wanted to hurt me he would have already done it and he probably wouldn't have just let my class go.
[Loki looks genuinely confused.] I would guess so, as I do not recall any such thing.
[He would make a crack about Stark having to find out what the trick was when he fell victim to it, just to keep the man on his toes, but he's already more on guard and trigger-happy than Loki wants.]
I am only using an illusion to dissuade you from shooting me, Stark- something which is needed. [He nods at the boy.] I assume you took on this Parker as your intern because you thought he had potential? Perhaps, then, you should trust his judgment now, or at least take it under consideration.
[He sighs.] I did not come here for a fight, or for trouble. I had hoped to relax in a familiar place, perhaps with familiar faces. Avengers Tower no longer being the abode of the Avengers is... an annoyance, though I could make sense of it. But not this fear and hostility.
[ Peter watches Loki-or the fake Loki carefully. He came here to relax? That's a weird thing to say considering the history here-again adding to the to idea that something's not right here. Someone's missing some kind of information. ]
"Trust his Judgement?" [ Tony raises an eyebrow, gesturing over at Peter. ] "You haven't met Peter before, have you? Peter, Loki. Loki, the kid that set my lab on fire just last week. Or the kid that refuses to stop drinking lemonade despite that he's allergic to it."
[ Peter had started to offer a half-wave but stopped as Tony called him out for his bad judgment. ]
"Also the kid that thinks he knows better than Iron Man on three different occasions."
Why do you choose to mentor children you do not respect? The spider-boy, this assistant...
[Oh. That just clicked. He's going to redouble his defenses just in case Stark realizes he suspects a connection between his proteges and reacts badly.]
Thor has made more than his fair share of idiotic decisions, and yet when he tells me to reconsider a rash action of my own, I listen to him. After all, if the one known for foolish decisions tells you that you are making one, it is an unusual enough situation to warrant some more thought.
[ Peter feels his cheeks heat up slightly because that was totally not cool and since when did this get turned on to him? ]
"Yeah well, he's got good ideas sometimes-he's just a teenager and needs supervision." [ Tony caught that but he's not going to draw any more attention to the theory than he needs to. ] "But I'll admit, the fact you have hurt the kid certainly puts points in your favor. So, you thought this was Avenger's tower?"
[ Tony glances over at Peter and exchanges a look with the kid who, he has to remind himself is fine. Or, as fine as Peter Parker gets. ]
"You really are out of the loop, aren't you?" [ Tony asks, gaze going back to Loki. ] "Moved everything upstate about a month ago."
I can't believe you sold Avenger's tower to Norman Osborne. Of all the people you could have sold it to-you sell to Osborne. [ Peter voices, shaking his head in disappointment. ]
"Everything's at the new facility." [ Tony says easily. ] "Speaking of, I should probably go before Norman tries to pin me with trespassing. I guess you can come see the new place if you're so inclined."
Can I come? [ Peter perks up. Tony shoots him a look. ]
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It's upstate New York-about uh.. two hours from here. [ He offers, trying to ignore the number of eyes on him. And where is Oscorp security? Shouldn't they be jumping in to protect the students or something? ]
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[He holds out a hand to Parker, palm up.]
Your phone.
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[ Great. On top of everything, he's gonna end up with another detention. Not knowing what else to do, he takes his phone out and offers it up-it's in pretty rough shape, the screen is splintered in several places and the top left corner of the display screen is a little discolored. ]
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[He does raise an eyebrow at the state of the phone. Much more beaten up than he'd expect from Stark's child intern. He navigates to the contacts and scrolls down. A lot of names that mean nothing to him- so this isn't used solely for business. But he finds Stark's number easily and starts a call. He frowns as it rings, goes to voicemail. A general greeting, not the personalized taunt he half expected.]
Stark. I am at what I thought was Avengers Tower with many questions that you will answer. Here. Do not keep me waiting.
[He disconnects the call, still frowning. He has nothing to do now but wait and think of ways to punish Stark for this prank. He almost hands the phone back to the boy, but stops himself.]
I suppose I should keep this, should Stark call back and ask why I am using his intern's phone. [He flashes a tiny smile, the slightest quirk of his lips at Parker.] I will tell him that you are not to blame for contacting him when he is busy. [He sighs.] But now I expect you will want to wait for his reply.
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Uh, yeah... I guess. [ Peter shrugs. ] I can't really afford a new phone right now.
[ It's still deadly quiet in the room aside from Peter and Loki and honestly, Peter's a little surprised that Flash didn't chime in with comment about him being poor. ]
"Well, now that, that's settled." [ Mr Harrington speaks up again. Trying to take back some semblance of control. ] "We should be getting back to the school."
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[He nods at the adult.] There is no problem with... Parker not returning with the rest? It does seem rather late in the day for classes.
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"I can't release Peter to anyone other than an emergency contact." [ Mr Harrington states, a lot braver than Peter had first given him credit for. ]
N-no, it's okay. Really. [ Peter tries to convince his teacher. He thinks he can probably handle this-maybe. He's got super powers after all, but he'd really rather no one find out about that and most importantly, he doesn't want anyone getting hurt on his behalf even though there are questions forming in his head about how not hostile Loki has been thus far. ]
I'm fine, just go. And uh... please don't give me detention?
[ Again, Mr Harrington wasn't sure what to do because he couldn't just leave a student like that but he also couldn't really defend against Loki. And he had a chance to at least get the other students out-he should take it. And he does after a few more moments of hesitation and final assurance from Peter that he was okay with this. ]
[ Peter waited until every student was out the door and finally breathed a sigh of relief to know they were all safe. ]
So... I'm gonna be honest, sometimes Mr Stark doesn't get back to me for a few days. Although, I think he does at least check the messages I leave once a day.
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[He gives another long sigh and a rueful look to Parker.]
And yet I suppose he expects you to be ready at his request? [He shakes his head. Typical Stark.] I was not planning to cause a commotion, but if that's what it will take to get his attention...
[He looks down at the phone he's still holding.] Thor may be more prompt in answering. [He dials a number manually, confidently, but it turns to a puzzled frown as the error tones and "The number you have dialed is unavailable" can clearly be heard.]
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[ That and Loki just seems confused-like he's expecting something that isn't there. ]
Uh... not really? He knows I have school and he really doesn't like it when I get involved in big stuff.
[ He says a little awkwardly, picking at his fingertips as he tends to do when he gets nervous. He listens as Loki mentions calling Thor and just makes a face. ]
I guess you'd know better than me since he's your brother and all-but I'm pretty sure Thor doesn't have a phone.
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[He glares at the phone.] It is not widely known, but he does have a phone for personal use. I must have entered the wrong number. [He tries again, pressing each number more deliberately, to the same result.]
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And I'm here because of a field trip. I was in school and I don't usually get out until two forty-five.
[ Peter was about to say something in regards to the idea of Thor having a phone but just then Iron Man crashed in through the ceiling and landed threateningly, palms facing up and getting ready to fire his repulsor beam. ]
"Back up from the kid and maybe I won't hurt you." [ Tony demanded, probably intending on firing the beam anyways. ]
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[He's cut off by Iron Man crashing in. He grins and rolls his eyes.] And it seems he still acts as if he owns the place.
[His eyes dart towards the boy, and for a split second he does consider seizing Parker as a hostage shield. But he pushes the thought aside; it would escalate things more than he wanted. So he does as Stark asks, moving away from Parker. And then, invisibly, even farther, to circle to the side, while leaving an illusion of himself in front of Stark.]
Rather dramatic of you, don't you think?
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That's awesome. [ Peter says, amazed at the illusion. ]
"Your brother says you died on some unknown planet and it turns out you faked that and then go after my kid and you think me coming after you is dramatic? I'll show you dramatic."
[ He powered up the repulsors again but this time Peter moved into action. ]
Wait! Mr Stark! I'm fine! I'm not hurt or anything-he just borrowed my phone-that's all.
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Thor said that I had died? [He scowls, but it's not directed at the humans.] So then is he the one responsible for not informing me of the Avengers' change in base? What manner of prank is he up to?
[He shoots Parker an almost grateful look.]
I did not "go after" your kid. I had thought to stop by for a visit and found the tower greatly changed. The boy was simply one of the first humans I met and happened to have a direct line of communication to you. He is free to leave whenever he wants, though I assumed he would not want to leave his phone in my possession.
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It-it's true. May can't really afford to get me a new phone right now... [ Peter offered, raising his hand slightly. The face plate on the Iron Man suit slides back just so Tony could shoot Peter a look before looking back at Loki, still ready for a fight. ]
"Well, if it helps. He said it was a heroic death." [ He offered in his usual nonchalant tone. ] "And since when do I have to tell you my business plans? Last time you were here you kinda destroyed half of new york so, you weren't invited to the house warming party."
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[The illusory Loki crosses his arms.]
Hardly, as he has often told me he does not believe I will ever die. I should hope, if he were to invent my death for a jest, he would allow me the dignity of a heroic effort.
[And now he rolls his eyes.] Destroyed half of New York? That is a new level of hyperbole from you. Particularly as there was not even so much as a single car accident caused by my last visit.
[He looks over the hole in the ceiling and other damage Iron Man has caused.] And I would think you would inform me that the residence I am familiar with is no longer yours so I would not cause trouble by mistake with the new owners, particularly if that is how you intend to greet me.
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Um, Mr Stark, if I may? I think something's not adding up. [ He feels a small tingle from his senses but nothing major. ]
"No, you quiet. You're already in enough trouble." [ Tony cuts Peter off, pointing a finger at him. ]
What? I didn't even do anything this time! I'm just saying his side of the story doesn't really match up to what we know and I don't think he's being deceitful right now. Well.. I mean aside from the fact he's using a fake version of him-and come on, if he wanted to hurt me he would have already done it and he probably wouldn't have just let my class go.
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[He would make a crack about Stark having to find out what the trick was when he fell victim to it, just to keep the man on his toes, but he's already more on guard and trigger-happy than Loki wants.]
I am only using an illusion to dissuade you from shooting me, Stark- something which is needed. [He nods at the boy.] I assume you took on this Parker as your intern because you thought he had potential? Perhaps, then, you should trust his judgment now, or at least take it under consideration.
[He sighs.] I did not come here for a fight, or for trouble. I had hoped to relax in a familiar place, perhaps with familiar faces. Avengers Tower no longer being the abode of the Avengers is... an annoyance, though I could make sense of it. But not this fear and hostility.
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"Trust his Judgement?" [ Tony raises an eyebrow, gesturing over at Peter. ] "You haven't met Peter before, have you? Peter, Loki. Loki, the kid that set my lab on fire just last week. Or the kid that refuses to stop drinking lemonade despite that he's allergic to it."
[ Peter had started to offer a half-wave but stopped as Tony called him out for his bad judgment. ]
"Also the kid that thinks he knows better than Iron Man on three different occasions."
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Why do you choose to mentor children you do not respect? The spider-boy, this assistant...
[Oh. That just clicked. He's going to redouble his defenses just in case Stark realizes he suspects a connection between his proteges and reacts badly.]
Thor has made more than his fair share of idiotic decisions, and yet when he tells me to reconsider a rash action of my own, I listen to him. After all, if the one known for foolish decisions tells you that you are making one, it is an unusual enough situation to warrant some more thought.
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"Yeah well, he's got good ideas sometimes-he's just a teenager and needs supervision." [ Tony caught that but he's not going to draw any more attention to the theory than he needs to. ] "But I'll admit, the fact you have hurt the kid certainly puts points in your favor. So, you thought this was Avenger's tower?"
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This was Avengers Tower the last time I was here. I admit, I did not check if my access key was still valid.
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"You really are out of the loop, aren't you?" [ Tony asks, gaze going back to Loki. ] "Moved everything upstate about a month ago."
I can't believe you sold Avenger's tower to Norman Osborne. Of all the people you could have sold it to-you sell to Osborne. [ Peter voices, shaking his head in disappointment. ]
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And the other Avengers voiced no objections? What did you do with the contents of their quarters?
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Can I come? [ Peter perks up. Tony shoots him a look. ]
"Aren't you supposed to be at school?"
Uh... technically Mr. Loki pulled me out early?
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