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Chapter Text

It started in a bunker.

Or maybe it started years earlier with a foiled invasion and an offer for a drink.

One way or another, it changed when dark black boots entered Tony’s field of vision before the God of Mischief was bending down and looking at him with eyes that burned and a vicious smirk. “My, my, Stark, how the mighty have fallen.”

Tony had been broken, dying, angry so deeply, incredibly angry as he’d spat, “Here to finish the job?”

“Oh no,” Loki told him, shaking his head softly. “Rather, I come to extend an offer, but we will need a change of scenery for that.”

The demi-god extended his hand and placed it over Tony Stark’s damaged armour, and a moment later the ruined remains of Tony Stark and the trickster god who had found him had disappeared.

It took a few days for anyone to realise that Tony Stark was missing.

It took almost two years for Thor to realise that his brother had ascended the throne of Asgard.

When Thor’s pitiful attempt to sneak onto Asgard was felt, the Gatekeeper came to Loki immediately, standing beside the throne and whispering the words into Loki’s ear. The mage had stiffened under his guise before sending away all who were in the room but his loyal Gatekeeper.

On another day, Loki would have laughed at Thor’s attempt at subtlety, but the thunderer still held considerable sway over Asgard’s people. He was the loud voice that could rally the Aesir to his call and reveal Loki’s illusion, shattering all the mages plans in a single act.

No, he couldn’t allow that... but, there were benefits to consider. Thor couldn’t be stopped, but manipulated? That was always a possibility.

He allowed Thor’s attempts to continue in the end, dismissing the Gatekeeper with swift words and the beginning of a plan as he let Thor and his little group descend on the palace and slam open the doors of the great hall with dramatic ceremony.

Loki found both familiar faces and weapons aimed at him as well as those he could not recall from his last encounter with the Midgardians warriors.

Thor pointed his hammer at Loki, glaring. “Remove your illusion, brother. We know of who we face.”

Loki debated for all of a moment before letting the disguise drift away as he lounged in his own form on the throne. “You face the King of Asgard.”

“You are not King,” Thor spat.

“Ah, but Odin sleeps, Frigga is dead and the heir has refused the throne,” Loki smirked. “I do believe I as the second son of Odin, have rightfully inherited.” He flicked his fingers over Gungnir, feeling the power of the magic flowing through his veins. “And, the law and magic of Asgard agree with me, brother.”

Thor gritted his teeth but didn’t lower his hammer and his compatriots also remained tense and ready to attack.

“The laws also states,” Loki continued darkly, “that mortals brought to Asgard without permission from the King should be killed.” Loki couldn’t stop himself from pitching his next words to carry to the dark, shadowed corners of the hall, his head tilting ever so slightly to the side, “Shall I kill them?”

“What makes you think you’ll manage this time?” Loki’s former servant demanded, his bow never faltering but his eyes burning with hate.

Loki let out a soft chuckle. “Before, little Hawk, I wanted you alive. But now,” and while Loki’s voice didn’t change, all good humour, all pleasantry slipped from his face to leave nothing but cold, dark malice, “I would rather have your agony.”

“You will have nothing but a cell,” Thor growled, taking hostile steps closer, the Avengers flanking him even as Loki made no move to defend or protect himself.

“I? The saviour of Asgard? The one who dragged it from the ruinous mess that was left in the wake of the Dark Elves? I brought order, I brought peace. I formed a council that will bring Asgard to prosperity once more. But you? Where were you, Thor Odinson?” Loki’s words were sharp by the end and he had lent forward slightly, glaring at his adopted brother before skimming his eyes over the mortals. “With your little pets? The ones who fight amongst themselves and kill their supposed shield-brothers? What brave and loyal allies you have surrounded yourself with.”

“And who do you have, Loki?” Thor demanded. “A council who knows not the face they deal with! But, a battle and a disagreement? There is honour to be had in a war, there is-”

The dark, low laughter that came from behind the throne made Thor stop. It also made half of the Avengers readjust their stance to account for an additional enemy.

“Take my word for it, Point Break,” a new voice, a familiar voice spoke, making each Avenger’s eyes widen as Tony came from behind the throne, a hand resting on the back of the chair by Loki’s shoulder. “There’s nothing good in a war.”

He stood at Loki’s right side--his right hand--his clothing that of red, gold and brown Aesir finery and his back straighter, his head held higher. The wrinkles in his face and the grey in his hair seemed to have disappeared but the part that stood out the most, the part that no one but Thor could understand were his eyes; they were orange and glowed like a galaxy.

“Where... Where is Heimdall?” Thor asked roughly.

“He did not wish to obey his King and was tried for treason,” Loki’s mouth curled upwards. “A new Gatekeeper was sought.”

“Stark cannot be...” Thor was shaking his head. “He is not Aesir, he is-”

“Well, there are these things called golden apples,” Tony interrupted with a smirk.

Thor was still attempting to deny it. “But he holds no post at the bifrost-”

“Well I would hardly be useful if I was tethered there all day,” his eyes flicked to Loki and held the mage’s gaze with a devious curl of his lips, “and all night.” Tony’s hand moved on his words, dropping to Loki’s neck and squeezing lightly before rubbing over the skin affectionately with his thumb. Tony then turned back to the stunned people before him. “So we worked a way around that.”

Captain America exchanged a glance with Black Widow, his mouth a thin line before he murmured, his voice soft but still carrying to the King of the realm and the Gatekeeper with eyes that saw to the very corners of the universe. “Loki’s done something to him. Mind control?”

“The Gatekeeper cannot be controlled. His sight is too clear to be fooled,” Thor answered the Captain and the words made Tony smile with teeth.

It also made satisfaction curl low in Loki’s chest; the pleasure of a well calculated move and an accepted offer. Loki had gifted Tony the freedom to leave his world yet remain a protector of it. He had granted him an escape from bitter foes and painful memories. Where mental manipulations had once triggered his worst fears they now could no longer touch him.

Working with Loki, being his council; it had seemed a small price for Tony to pay to gain his immortality, and yet, in the year that had passed, they had grown to share something closer, something darker; two burning, furious hearts desperate to be understood and chosen by another. The sating of their lust, that had almost been predictable... but the rekindling of love within their hearts? Neither of them had expected that to occur.

And where some people, some romances brought out the best in both partners, sometimes, they only drew out the worst.

While Tony was still kind and still cared for the innocent - he was also ruthless in his pursuit of his goals and had no time for those who would stand in his way. (Tony protected the realms and the people within them, but he despised his betrayers and the rusted legacy he had attempted to carve as Iron Man. He watched the universe form and remake in front of the Gatekeeper’s eyes and he almost shuddered with the sheer insignificance of his own actions when placed up against it all. He also pressed himself against Loki in the dark of night as they lay in bed, refusing to let his lover go, desperate to keep a hold of a new anchor in a harsh and battering storm.)

Where Loki still loved with everything in his heart and mercilessly protected the ones that he called his own; he now meticulously picked the ones who deserved his attention and held no interest in the lives of all others. (Loki cared for Asgard in memory of his mother and for the addictive power that ruling gave him. He cared for Tony; his dark, deadly and intelligent Gatekeeper. He pressed Tony into the bed and warned the once-mortal that if he ever tried to leave, Loki would take his sweet time killing him. He hid his desperation and need to never be alone again, to lose the thread of sanity in a world near slipping out of his grasp.)

The anger, the pain, the revenge; it was a dark and bitter flame that the presence of the other man and their touches fanned into an inferno inside them.

And perhaps in another world, another time, when being a hero was more palpable to Tony they might have formed a different alliance. They might have both been heroes together.

But this was not such a reality.

The Avengers were still watching them with dubious and confused eyes, Tony took the lull in conversation to perch himself on the arm of the throne, his arm moving to casually drape over Loki’s shoulders. Loki simply leant back against the warm, firm weight of his lover.

The change of position seemed to incite the Avengers to react.

“How could you side with him?” Hawkeye spat, glaring daggers at Tony as the aim of his bow turned further from Loki to point more directly at the new Gatekeeper of Asgard.

“Well,” Tony remarked, his voice painfully dry, “when one is lying alone and nearly dead in Siberia thanks to a vibranium shield being shoved halfway through your chest cavity, one tends to revaluate who is an ‘enemy’.”

Thor was the only one who seemed shocked, snapping his head to look at Steve with wide, confused eyes. The Captain’s gaze was on the ground, having fallen away in guilt and shame. “I’m sorry, Tony.” He drew his eyes back up to look at the former mortal. “It never should have gone that far. We did look for you after you disappeared. We spent months trying to find you.”

Loki flicked his attention to the man at his side, curious as to his response to the words, but Tony was completely indifferent, watching Rogers with a very faint head tilt and a small downward curve to his mouth that hinted towards how unimpressed he was by the words.

The Black Widow tried next once guilt and repentance had gained little effect. “Stark, this isn’t like you. You’re siding with someone you can’t trust. He found you when you were half dead and betrayed. Whatever perks he might have given you, it’s nothing on how he’s manipulated his way into your good graces.” She also tried to needle him and incite a reaction. “How many times has he made you turn a blind eye to what he’s up to?”

There was no reaction and her jaw clenched slightly at her ploy having failed.

“This isn’t like you,” Rogers tried again, his voice imploring. “You were never a villain, Tony.”

Thor even made an attempt. “Do not let his honeyed words sway you, Stark. Side with us now and I will be kind to you during your trial for crimes against Asgard.”

That made Tony bite down on an amused smile. It certainly had Loki tempted to laugh. He didn’t, rather, the mage leant in close and asked his lover, “What would you like us to do with them?”

Tony shifted to better face him and smiled at the other man. “What one does to those who are captured invading Asgard, my King; imprisonment while they await their fate.”

Loki laughed loudly and slammed Gungnir against the floor. He also threw out the magic granted to him as ruler of Asgard before anyone could react, his voice booming with power, “Thor Odinson, you have brought mortals to this realm and planned treason against the rightful King of Asgard.” The next words felt sweet and delicious on Loki’s tongue, as did the shock and horror on Thor’s face as he pointed Gungnir at his adopted brother. “I hereby take from you your powers,” Mjolnir fell from Thor’s suddenly mortal hand as the immortality and power of the Aesir was plucked from him, “and cast you out of Asgard!”

Loki felt the magic roar out of Gungnir as it did its job and teleported Thor to the sight of the bifrost while Tony’s eyes brightened and flared with power as his mastery of technology and his new skill with magic allowed him to activate and use the bifrost from anywhere on Asgard.

Loki didn’t know which realm Tony had chosen to send Thor to and he didn’t much care. The power and glee of banishing his adopted brother was rushing through Loki and making him want to laugh madly.

He barely contained it as he let the illusion of Odin form back around him, a shield of magic coming up to protect him and Anthony from the attacks of the Avengers as he called for the guards. They flooded into the room and had little difficulty capturing the mortals while Tony had shifted to stand before ‘Odin’ posing as a defender of the King.

The Asgardians were quick to disarm the mortals and put them on their knees where they were glaring up at Loki and Tony trying, in vain, to convince the Aesir of the truth.

“Send them to the cells,” Loki commanded and was instantly obeyed. The Avengers were dragged out shouting and still attempting to break the hold of the guards.

It was almost anticlimactic, but what had he expected? When he was sitting on the throne, holding the power of Asgard while his loyal Gatekeeper stood by his side, Loki felt near invincible.

It was only when they were once again alone that Loki let himself laugh with the thrill and power of it before dropping back against the throne, his illusion melting away as he watched his handsome Gatekeeper walking slowly up to the throne.

“Did you enjoy that, my dear?” Loki enquired as Tony swaggered forward, their eyes locked and filled with mutual success and desire.

“I did, my King,” Tony replied with a purr, not stopping until he placed a knee on the seat of the throne, encouraging Loki to make just enough room for Tony to straddle the mage.

Tony’s arms then came to loop around Loki’s neck while the trickster’s hand came to Tony’s lower back. The Gatekeeper bent down and pressed his mouth against Loki’s, drawing him into a slow, deep kiss that Loki hungrily responded to. His hand slowly sliding up the other man’s back before resting at the brunet’s neck, cupping it softly.

When they eventually pulled apart, Tony remained close and Loki trailed his mouth over Tony’s jawline before asking curiously, “Shall we execute them?”

Tony hummed thoughtfully before eventually giving a small shake of his head. “Earth needs them. We’ll keep them here for a few days, make them suffer a little before tossing them back down.”

Loki sighed a little, but despite his chastisement he pressed a soft kiss to Tony’s cheek. “You are too lenient.”

“Says the man who only banished Thor,” Tony riposted, following it up by moving his mouth to Loki’s neck, sucking softly on the spot he knew his lover adored. It made Loki arch into the touch and let out a shaky breath.

It even took Loki a moment to devise his reply, his hand threading into Tony’s hair and tugging lightly. “He will be needed when we grow tired of this throne.”

“It will get boring here,” Tony agreed. “And you did promise to take me to that planet I found; lots of chaos, lots of fun.”

“Mm,” Loki hummed, “that I did.”

Pulling back only when he’d made a delightful red mark on Loki’s neck, Tony moved to rest their foreheads together, his smile sharp and dangerous. “I suppose until then, my King; I will be your loyal Gatekeeper, in all your hilarious mischief and delightful chaos.”

In sickness and in health, until death do they part.

With fire and rage and a passion that would yet burn them alive as they enjoyed every moment of the slow spiral downwards.

They kissed again with desperation and the sharp tang of blood on their tongues. They loved like the dying and laughed like the mad; they would rock the very foundations of the galaxy and only destroy one another in the end.

But for now, they were alive, they were each other’s and in the depths of their corrupted, broken, angry hearts; they were happy.

Chapter Text

Tony and Loki waited a few days before they went to see the imprisoned Avengers.

They had not taken their captivity well. A number of them were pacing, others were whispering in the corner and planning some foolish escape, two stood stationary and wary of what would happen next.

They had already exhausted themselves attacking the barricade to no effect. Tony had kept an eye on their activities and spoken with great amusement over their failures. They had been lying in bed when he brought it up. Loki’s fingers were lazily running up and down Tony’s arm while the man’s golden eyes had crinkled with wicked delight. He'd watched Rogers make plan after plan only to fail miserably each and every time.

Tony had also taken gleeful pleasure in separating the soldier from the one he coveted above all others. The man with the metal arm was now outside of Rogers’ sight and communication; the man who Rogers had been willing to kill Tony over.

Loki had offered to take on Rogers’ guise, wield his shield and crush it against this Barnes’ chest in revenge, but although he looked tempted, Tony shook his head.

“We need them,” he said. It was an unwavering truth, yet, unquenched anger still burned in Tony’s eyes. It was why Loki had led Tony to his bed and let the other man pin, scratch, bite and fuck him until Tony was physically if not emotionally satisfied.

Loki sometimes wished he could see the multitude of things his Gatekeeper could, perhaps then, he would feel less inclined to seek revenge on those who had harmed Tony. But, if his Gatekeeper could be lenient despite the scar still marring his chest from a vibranium shield, well, so could Loki.

It was what found them in the dungeons. Loki held Gungnir in one hand while Tony was, to all appearances, unarmed at his side. Loki had dismissed the guards for the moment. The two of them would be more than a match for the mortal heroes, and Tony sought some satisfaction from holding his enemies in the palm of his hand.

Loki would enjoy the sight as well, not only as he would be indulging Tony and making his Gatekeeper happy, but because he would never tire of seeing those he disliked brought low.

They walked casually down the halls, Loki’s illusion of Odin fading as they approached the first cell. It was a dark-skinned man Loki did not know. He was standing in the middle of the cell and watching them with wary eyes. Judging by the quick scan and dismissal from Tony, he was not an enemy, merely a recruited warrior.

“Was it you that healed Colonel Rhodes?” the man asked.

Loki quirked a brow and glanced at Tony whom the question had been directed. Tony had two mortals he truly cared for; Pepper Potts and James Rhodes. He had requested Loki use magic to heal the mortal soldier of wounds sustained by helping Tony and he had willingly done so. But, why did this mortal care?

Tony quirked a smile that looked almost amused, but was mostly bitter. “My greatest friend chose to fight beside me. I would not allow him to suffer for wounds sustained by a foolish man blinded by childhood idolism.”

The man stiffened. “We all had our reasons, Stark, and I never wanted him hurt.”

Tony smiled vaguely before turning to Loki who made a gesture with his hand that allowed heavy chains to form between the man’s wrists. The barricade was released and Loki used a small spell to create an illusion of a royal guard. He would lead the prisoner to the waiting Einherjar. They would then look after him until the rest of the mortal trespassers were brought to them for transport off of Asgard.

They would walk through the city streets in chains and be marked as trespassers. They would be jeered at and possibly have food thrown at them. It would be delightfully humiliating and Loki would make sure he and Tony witnessed the spectacle. He might even offer Tony a rotten vegetable or two.

The illusion led the unprotesting man away, and Loki turned back to Tony who was already making his way down the cells. He past Barton with barely a glance to focus upon Black Widow. They stood before one another, silently staring and analysing.

Loki was intrigued to see what would follow, but he could not resist ruffling the foolish bird’s feathers.

He stopped before the man whose mind he’d briefly controlled, gaining a glare full of hatred and disgust. Loki smiled in the face of it. "Oh, little hawk, you’ve flown so far from home.”

“Go fuck your toyboy,” Barton spat.

Loki tsked. “What a foolish hawk to leave your nest so unprotected.”

He let his eyes glow green and allowed an illusion of a house to appear between them. If they listened closely, you could almost hear the laugh of delighted children.

Barton went stiff and his face had drained from all emotion and colour.

"Go anywhere near my family,” he hissed, “and I will fucking kill you."

Loki laughed lowly. The stupidity of this man was astounding. A father should know better. He was pathetic.

“I never once went near your family,” Loki told him, holding the man’s eyes, “not when I had you as my puppet and nor when you invaded my planet." Loki’s smile turned sharp. "But perhaps they would be safer without you in their nest? You leave them open to your enemies. You leave so you can betray those you would call teammate.” Loki scoffed. “And you leave them again to fight on a planet where I should rightfully order your death."

Loki stepped closer to the cell and held Barton’s gaze. He let his expression bleed free from dark humour and mockery. He let the darkness and the insanity show. He let Barton see the face that had withstood the void, the Other and Thanos.

“Your children are protected by the grace of Tony's affection for them. He could care nothing for you, but your children and wife, he likes. But heed my warning, little Hawk; hold your family tight tonight. Hold them higher in your esteem than a foolish soldier with no loyalty to anyone but his past.”

Loki slammed his hand quick and sudden against the barricade and was delighted when Barton flinched at the noise. He kept his eyes on the spy.

“You have heart, little hawk,” he told the man, “but not all your enemies will be as kind to yours as Tony."

Barton was pale and his jaw was clenched, but he didn’t say a word. Loki stepped back and waved a dismissive hand. A new set of manacles appeared to wrap around Barton’s wrists as did another illusion of a guard. Loki removed the barricade and left Barton to be led to the Einherjar and his comrade. He turned his back. He did not have to worry; Barton would cause them no further trouble this day.

Romanov and Tony had remained silent during his conversation with Barton, but as he got closer, he saw that Tony’s intense expression was clearing for faint surprise.

“It is interesting to see all that I do, Loki,” Tony remarked. “So I may unravel a little spider from a web far denser than I once knew.”

“Oh?” Loki questioned.

Yet, Tony’s next words were directed at the Widow. “I never quite realised, Natalia, just how long you have been alive. How... enhanced you are.” A small widening of her eyes was the only indication of her shock. He tilted his head. “Do you know how easy mortals are to read? How insignificant they are? You wear lies and shields and half-truths, but you are so young. The Gatekeeper cannot always read Loki, but he can always read you.”

The breath she sucked in was imperceptible, but Loki could see the knowledge hitting her. She was being unravelled and seen with ease. Tony could look past the veil and see her for what she was. The Gatekeeper’s sight was far reaching, but Tony had improved that. He had found the means of extending his gaze by looking backwards.

The realms of the future needed the gift of sight, but the not-so-distant past was not completely out of Tony’s grasp. He only needed to tap into the memories of the Gatekeepers who had come before him. He truly was the most brilliant mind Loki could have ever found

“I did wonder why you follow Rogers,” Tony continued, “but now I understand. He is the shining pinnacle of what the serum can do. Do you believe yourself less of a monster, if you follow in his shoes?”

Tony stared at her, stripping her of her layers with eyes that saw to the very edge of the universe and everything in between. He knew everything she was and when he had weighed and measured her, he dismissed her. She was nothing to him; not a friend, not a threat and not even a curiosity. Natasha Romanov was not worthy of his attention.

“Do you wish to speak to her, my King?” Tony questioned; pure ceremony, pure indulgence.

Loki came closer and ran his fingers through Tony’s hair, tugging on the strands and making the other man’s gold eyes lock on his own. “If she does not interest you, my Gatekeeper, what use is she to me?”

Tony grinned before shifting out of Loki’s hold. He didn’t move far; he waited just past the Widow’s cell, allowing Loki to chain and remove her like he had with the others. The next cell was Rogers, but Tony walked right past him and Loki amusingly did the same. The next cell had a woman who cursed Tony’s name as they walked past, but Tony didn’t blink. He had someone else in mind.

They went to the corner of the dungeon where the metal-armed man was standing in the middle, his eyes closed and a blank expression on his face. He didn’t react when they stood in front of his cell.

“This is the one Rogers would have killed you for?” Loki asked.

“Yes.”

“He who harmed your parents.”

There was a small twitch to the man’s face, but he didn’t open his eyes or move.

“Yes.”

Loki nodded slowly. “What shall be done to him?”

Tony laughed, but the sound was harsh and rough. “He killed my mother.” Tony closed his eyes. “But he did not do it of his own free will.”

The man’s eyes opened, looking down at Tony with a hint of confusion. Tony just opened his eyes and looked back at him, holding his cold, haunted gaze unflinchingly.

“If I was to kill anyone,” Tony continued, “it would be Rogers, not him.”

“Don’t,” the man finally spoke, his voice rough as if from disuse.

Tony didn’t look impressed. “You are in no position to ask. He can beg for mercy from a King and Gatekeeper. I don’t accept pleas on a traitor’s behalf.”

The man clenched his jaw and glared, but didn’t say another word. Loki could see Tony had nothing further to say and so he used the same motions to remove the man. He made sure Rogers would not see him walk past, but otherwise nothing changed.

They waited in front of the cell for a few moments, long enough that the man’s footsteps could no longer be heard.

Loki moved closer, resting just behind Tony—a firm presence, an unwavering conspirator--before he remarked, “A pity. I would have seen you gain your revenge.”

Tony shifted and looked over at Loki. His expression was amused. “My revenge can come another day. Let my mercy be a thorn in their side. Let knowing we rule but cannot be overthrown keep them from serenity or sleep. I would have us haunt them far more than I would have their death.”

Loki chuckled and shifted forward, pressing his mouth to the other man’s lips. The man was pure wickedness and calculation. An utter addiction Loki would never grow tired of experiencing.

“You are devilish, my Gatekeeper.”

“No more than you,” Tony countered, his hand cupping Loki’s cheek and stroking his skin. “Oh, my King, you make life taste fresh again.”

Loki grinned and caught Tony’s lips in another, lingering kiss. Loki regretting having to pull back, but, “We have two more prisoners. Shall we release them or,” he moved his hand down, sliding it over Tony’s back to rest above the hem of his pants, “leave them here for longer?”

“Unfairly tempting, my King,” Tony complained, yet he also leant back into Loki’s touch. His eyes slipped to become half-lidded as Loki rubbed his fingers in lazy circles.

Loki brought his mouth to Tony’s neck, licking and then nibbling the skin to create a new, fresh mark. He had barely finished the first when he was gently pushed away, but unlike the apology he expected to see, Tony was smirking.

“I think we can keep our final prisoners a day or two more. Let us send back the rest and watch the parade. Then you may excuse yourself for an evening nap.” Tony’s gold eyes were bright. “I shall promise to tire you out thoroughly.”

Loki chuckled and was happy to agree, after all; the outrage on the Avengers faces at being separated from one another would only add to his amusement.

The parade was a delicious spectacle with each Avenger furious but unable to do anything to regain their missing team members. Loki and Tony stood amongst the crowd, masked by an illusion. When Loki offered his gatekeeper the first rotten piece of fruit, Tony had laughed loudly and kissed him.

It was pure delight to watch the aim of the greatest eyes in the galaxy. They hit their mark every time. Loki threw some of his own, purely for the vicious delight it sparked in Tony’s eyes. They did not even manage more than ten pieces of fruit before Tony was kissing him.

His attention was dismissed from his enemies to be given to Loki. He backed the mage up against the nearest building and slid his hands under the leather of Loki’s outfit. They kissed against the wall with a hint of violence; a small taste of what lurked underneath, just waiting to be coaxed to life.

Tony had delivered mercy and humiliation, but he had not given pain. He had not gained his retribution.

It was why Loki hissed against his mouth, “Go to the bifrost, let the Einherjar see you dispose of the intruders. Consolidate your position as my feared and respected Gatekeeper.”

Tony’s eyes were dark with lust and repressed anger. “And then, my King?”

“Come to my chambers for your reward,” Loki murmured, brushing his lips over the man’s cheek before catching Tony’s bottom lip in his teeth. He bit and tugged on it until he tasted a hint of blood. He lapped at it before sliding his tongue between other man’s lips, deepening the kiss until need burned through his veins.

He then pulled back. Tony’s eyes were blown with desire and he looked frustrated at the kiss having stopped. Loki just repeated, “Return for your reward.”

He teleported the man to the bifrost before leaving for the throne room; he would need to sort out a few things with the court and his advisors before he could give his attention to his Gatekeeper.

His lovely Tony was being far too good lately. It was high time Loki changed that.

He had his rooms prepared by the time Tony returned to them. He had cleared the main room so it was empty of furniture. He also pulled on his old armour. The moment Tony entered his room, a dozen wards slammed down around and protected them; another one was activated to show an image of a room neither of them had stepped foot in for years.

The penthouse of Stark Tower.

Loki pointed his weapon at the surprised man. “One of us will kneel by the time this is over, Man of Iron.”

Tony’s lips spread into the most devious smile Loki had seen since his Gatekeeper’s enemies had been captured.

“Oh,” Tony told him, flicking his wrist in a flare of Midgardian technology mixed with Asgardian magic. His gauntlet was now a thing of beauty and lethality. “You’ll look pretty at my feet, Rock of Ages.”

It was all the warning Loki got before his Gatekeeper charged him with the full intent to inflict pain and make him bleed. It was with the desire to have Loki underneath him; a conquered prince to do with as he pleased.

But, Loki would not be conquered so easily, and he knew his Gatekeeper would enjoy a loss as much as a win. Tony would simply enjoy the chance to fight, to hurt and to breathe.

And Loki would enjoy the chance to see the darkness underneath his Gatekeeper become free.

Tony was a demon unleashed who would not be confined or beaten. When Tony had him on his back, pinned and with golden eyes dilated with desire, Loki surrendered to him willingly.

His Gatekeeper was the only one that Loki would freely and eagerly concede to.

In the aftermath, Loki’s rooms lay in the ruins from their battle while the bedding was ripped and thrown to the ground. Loki’s wrists were bruised, his neck had a healing bite mark and his body carried many more marks from their rough coupling.

Loki felt satisfied as Tony lay on top of him; his weight a familiar and grounding touch, reminding Loki that even in violence and chaos, he was not completely alone.

His Gatekeeper’s eyes were closed, but Loki knew that he could still see everything. It was proven when Tony announced, “They have found Thor.”

“Oh?” Loki asked. “Wherever did you drop him?”

Tony smiled. “Earth. A suitable place to send mortals.”

Loki chuckled and brought a hand to run through Tony’s hair. It was thick and luscious with natural waves and curls as he had grown it out. It wasn’t long enough to braid, but perhaps it would be in a few years time.

“He is trying to muster a force with which to charge Asgard.” Tony’s amusement was obvious. “But, the Avengers know when they are beaten. They will not agree to his plan this time.”

“Not even to save their comrades?” Loki asked with mock shock. “Oh, how the tides do turn.”

Tony didn’t say anything, and Loki knew why. The mortals were foolish enough to throw away Tony, but they were not stupid enough to attack Asgard when certain of their defeat.

Loki tugged on Tony’s hair, the sharp prick of pain enough to focus his Gatekeeper from his enemies and back on Loki.

“I will see to the kingdom for the next two days, and then we may visit your enemies. We shall let them suffer a little longer even if no duration is long enough for them.” He pulled Tony’s head until he could look into the golden eyes he was so desperately fond of. “I would see her locked in a prison of fears. I would see her mind break for what she has done and then I would have her body follow suit. A mercy she does not deserve.”

“Is that so?” Tony asked.

“I would,” Loki insisted. “And I would see him face the executioner for his crimes against you. I would swing the blade myself through his chest and then against his neck. If you only gave the command, I would see all this done.”

“Command the King?” Tony asked, his mouth twitching.

“The only one who can,” Loki confirmed.

Tony’s smile finally formed and he shifted forward to kiss Loki. It was the first soft kiss they had shared tonight and when Tony pulled back they lingered close. Loki brought a hand to cup Tony’s cheek.

“My Gatekeeper,” he murmured.

“My King,” Tony replied and shifted to kiss him again and straddle Loki’s hips.

Loki closed his eyes and arched into his lover’s skilful touch. Their kingdom and their prisoners could wait a few more hours.

Their return to the dungeon found them alone again, the Einherjar dismissed so that they were guaranteed privacy. Loki shed his illusion and walked towards the first cell with vicious glee in his eyes.

He had promised Tony that the Avengers would not be killed, he did not say, that they would not be harmed.

Rogers was glaring from the centre of his cell. Loki had allowed them very little food or water, just enough to survive, but not enough to keep them satisfied. Rogers’ facial hair had grown and his clothing was winkled and worn. It had been some days since he was able to change or bath.

Prison, after all, was hardly glamorous.

Yet, Rogers didn’t even glance at Loki; his eyes were focused on Tony who was standing by Loki’s side. He was watching Rogers with indifference, but Loki could see the hint of satisfaction lurking within.

“I never thought you were capable of this, Stark,” Rogers said, his voice laced with disgust and disappointment.

Tony tilted his head. “I did not think you were capable of killing your teammate, but here we are.”

Rogers cringed and his eyes fell from Tony. His guilt present, even now. Perhaps he blamed himself for Tony’s ‘fall from grace’.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Rogers said, genuine regret in his voice. “I didn’t know how much damage it would do.”

Tony was unmoved while Loki drawled, “You shoved a shield into his chest. Are you a fool?” Rogers glared at Loki, but before he could speak, Loki raised his hand, his fingers glowing green and making a replica of Rogers shield appear in the air. “Should we demonstrate it?”

Loki didn’t give Rogers a chance to react before the shield was flying at him, far too fast for the man to react. It hit him in the chest, exactly where he had slammed into Tony’s. Loki used the right pressure, the right strength, and more importantly, the pain from Tony’s memories. He flooded it into Rogers mind until the man was collapsed on his knees, his eyes closed and his breath coming in a gasp as the shield crushed his chest.

Tony watched with a hint of a smile. Loki pulled down the barricade and stepped into Rogers’ cell. The pain alone could kill many men--the shock too much for their body to endure--but Rogers survived, because Loki promised that he would survive.

Loki grabbed the man’s neck and yanked it backwards. He flooded Rogers’ mind with images of Tony broken on the floor, of himself in the same position and of it happening to Barnes. He pressed those images into Rogers’ skull, embedding them so deeply that he would never forget.

"Did my Gatekeeper not request that you live,” Loki hissed against his ear. “I would kill you. I would make you wish for a pain as light as this by the time I was through with your pitiful, wretched existence."

He let Rogers go and removed the spell, allowing the man to collapse onto the ground as the pain started to retreat. Rogers didn’t move, still shuddering as he recovered. Loki stepped out of the cell and allowed the barricade to return.

It took another twenty seconds before Rogers could even raise his head to look at them. Loki stared at him and flatly stated, “A guard will come to remove you and return you to Midgard within the hour.”

Loki turned and started walking towards the final prisoner, Tony falling into step with him.

“Tony,” the rough voice made them both still. Loki didn’t turn around, but he knew that his Gatekeeper did. “I’m sorry.”

There was a long pause before Tony remarked, “Yes, you finally are.”

He didn’t say anything else and he certainly didn’t forgive. They simply kept walking to the final enemy in their midst. The self-proclaimed witch who had tampered with Tony’s mind and deserved something worse than a cell after all she had done.

The woman looked almost rabid. Her fury was uncontained and sickly red magic swirled around her.

“Traitorous murderer,” she spat.

Her words were not in the Midgardian language Tony spoke, but a different one. It mattered little, as Allspeak was one of the many things Tony had inherited by become Gatekeeper.

“Careless child,” Tony responded back. It made her magic flare even stronger. She even tried to launch it at him, but the barrier kept it contained.

She gave an inhuman shriek and tried again.

It amused Loki and he turned to Tony and spoke in Asgardian, knowing the woman wouldn’t understand him. “She seeks to control you once more.” He tilted his head curiously. “Shall we test that?”

Tony glanced at him and quirked an eyebrow, but didn’t protest. Loki lowered the barricade with a flick of seidr and allowed the witch’s magic free. Triumph shone on her face and she thrust the tendrils at Tony, seeking his mind with vicious delight.

Loki almost laughed at the shock that crested her face when the magic was repelled. It could get no closer than an inch before it was halted. The Gatekeeper could not be blinded by mental manipulation, and even if that had not been one of Tony’s new gifts, Loki would have never allowed another to control him.

She shrieked again, another wordless display of rage and kept throwing her magic at him. Tony watched with amusement for almost a minute before looking at Loki pointedly.

It was his turn to feel satisfied as he threw out his own magic. It was bolstered by the power of Asgard, but even had it not be, tying her magic would be child’s play to him. His magic wrapped around and bound her. She tried to struggle but Loki gave her no room, truthfully, he tightened his hold. She deserved pain for what she had done, and Loki would not hesitate to hurt her.

A broken whimper escaped her mouth as he tightened the coils keep her magic contained. His eyes glowed green as he took the twisted parts of her and locked them inside a box. It was a complicated spell and one he made more powerful by commanding, “You have attacked the Gatekeeper of Asgard with the intent of using forbidden mental manipulation, for your monstrous crimes, I bind your magic for the rest of your mortal life.”

“No! It’s mine! It’s mine!” she screamed, struggling and screaming against his magic, but the will of Asgard’s King was impossible to fight and her magic was contained.

He also let the decree rest as a visible binding that any magic user could see. In truth, if they pressed hard enough they would see why he had bound her magic; all the occasions when she had practiced magic forbidden to the realms without care of whom she might hurt.

Loki was not to be trusted, but a binding of this nature was impossible to fake. Loki doubted that any magic-user the Avengers approached would release the witch’s bindings. She was a disgusting, power-hungry wretch with no regard for seidr. She deserved her magic removed.

When it was done, he threw her back in her cell and placed the barricade back. She was on her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried and failed to call on her magic.

Loki turned his back on her and gestured for Tony to follow him. They made their way out of the dungeon without a word spoken between them. Loki pulled on his illusion and gave the Einherjar orders on when to send them back to Midgard.

When it was through, Loki waited until they were out of sight before placing a hand on Tony’s shoulder and leading him into an empty room for privacy.

“How do you fare, my Gatekeeper?”

Tony’s lips quirked with amusement. “Why do you ask, my King? Do you think some mortals enough to upset me?”

Loki smirked. “You were a mortal, not so long ago.”

“But not any longer,” Tony insisted. He stepped closer and brought up his hand, brushing his fingers against the lingering bruise on Loki’s neck. “I felt satisfaction over their treatment, but I give not a damn about their existence. A blink, a heartbeat,” his golden eyes gleamed. “Why should I care about some ignorant mortals when I could give my attention to the chaos and mischief of my King?”

Loki’s lips stretched wider to reveal his teeth in a dark grin, but it was swallowed by Tony’s mouth as it was pressed against him in a kiss. He tugged the once mortal closer until their bodies were flush. He kissed him harshly and groaned when Tony bit his lip hard enough to make it bleed. He gasped and pulled back. His Gatekeeper just grinned at him, bright with life, darkness and madness.

Loki cupped Tony’s cheek and felt his dark little heart race. “My Gatekeeper; I will destroy worlds to keep you.”

He did not have to hear the words to know that Tony felt the same.

The mortals were thrown back to Midgard and it left the bifrost silent and quiet with none but the Gatekeeper inside it, staring out at the stars.

A shimmer of green allowed Loki to appear from his hiding place. He walked over to the other man and stood at his side.

“This will make SHIELD angry,” Tony remarked.

“Do not tell me you fear them?”

Tony grinned. “I don’t, but we now have Odin and Thor on Midgard. We might have to expedite our plans.”

Loki brought a hand to Tony’s hair, tugging at the dark strands. “You merely wish to explore that new planet.”

“A world of chaos instead of this golden fossil,” Tony drawled. “At least we would not grow bored there.”

Loki hummed, but didn’t make another remark. He stared out at the stars and thought on his Gatekeeper’s words. It would be nice, after all, to rule a planet in his own skin rather than his adopted father’s.

Chapter Text

They remained on Asgard for another six months.

The realm had been vulnerable after the attack of the Dark Elves and it had spent centuries without proper trade and negotiations with the other Realms. Odin sought power and Thor courted war; they saw the stagnant realm of gold and trophies as a prize. Loki saw a useless world which needed improvement and change. He and his Gatekeeper could not do everything they wished, but they crafted enough alliances that neither Odin nor Thor could untangle them without tension and war.

Asgard was prosperous. They both knew that the power of the people was as important as the ruling body. A discontented populace would overthrow them easily enough. They had looked after the people, the crops, the trade, the diplomacy. They had crafted a council that would allow Asgard to do more than reign in golden supremacy.

They had crafted something powerful, something important and... in the end, something boring.

The Mad Titan was still a threat, but Tony’s eyes saw far and wide, and they had taken steps to keep him from even more of his gems. They had hidden and they had plotted and planned. The Nine Realms were in the best position possible.

And now, Loki sought to be far away from it all, and he did promise his dear Gatekeeper a gift.

Loki felt a certain gleeful satisfaction when he instructed Tony to send the bifrost to collect Thor. Tony had laughed at him, golden eyes filled with delight.

He’d climbed up the throne and kissed Loki thoroughly, in fact, the order had been delayed so that they could make good use of the throne. They had taken such pleasure in ruling and manipulating while sitting upon it, they could not resist a final indulgence. It was only a short slackening of their lust, and they laughed as much as they kissed. It was delightful, it was daring and it was fun.

When they finished and were sated, Loki made them both presentable and Tony activated the bifrost.

Thor was still mortal and would have a long walk to the throne room, so Loki saved them the wait and teleported Thor inside. Tony was now seated on the arm of the throne, leaning beside Loki and using one of the mage’s daggers to slice a golden apple into pieces.

Thor was furious and, had he been Aesir, lightning would have crackled over his hands. Mjölnir had remained where Thor had dropped it, hidden by illusion, but unmasked now for the Thunderer.

“Loki, Stark,” Thor snarled. “Betrayers of Asgard. You will-”

“How droll,” Loki drawled. “Betrayers, you say? Yet, here we sit, beloved rulers of the Golden Realm.”

“Liars!” Thor shouted, his hands clenched into fists.

“And you think you can do better?” Tony questioned absently, popping a piece of fruit into his mouth.

It was the perfect opening, and Thor didn’t hesitate to take it, “I would bring greatness to Asgard. I will undo all the wrong you have wrought, I will-”

“Then let’s have you prove that,” Loki said with amusement; everything was falling into place. He adopted Odin’s voice and shouted, “Guards!”

The Einherjar flooded the room only to still, their eyes jerking between Loki on the throne, holding Gungnir and with the Gatekeeper at his side, and Thor, their golden prince.

“Guards!” Thor bellowed. “It is Loki, he has stolen the throne of Asgard, he has used illusion and lies since the invasion of the Dark Elves!”

The shock that flooded the guards’ faces made Loki laugh, loud and sharp.

“And you wish to overthrow me?” Loki demanded, raising his eyebrows at Thor. “I, the rightful King?” He laughed again. “I wish you luck, oh brother mine.” Loki pointed Gungnir at the Thunderer letting magic strike Thor and regain him his Aesir form. “Let us see how good a King you can be.”

He threw the King’s spear at his fool of a brother and cupped Tony’s shoulder. The Gatekeeper was smirking and he offered the Einherjar a wink before the two of them disappeared from Asgard and left the planet to its fate.

Their time on Asgard had not been solely for the benefit of the realm.

Tony had improved the bifrost and Loki had crafted laws that would allow him greater ease with his tricks. He had fixed a thousand things that had frustrated him for years (and done a dozen others solely to infuriate Thor and Odin, but had still been of benefit to the populace)

One of their changes was to allow multiple Gatekeepers to function at once. Tony would not lose his powers merely because they had left Asgard. Nor would one Aesir with fickle opinions and one-sided loyalty hold a gateway and weapon of considerable power.

Heimdall had always been a puppet of the Allfather, and while he was still useful, he could not be trusted.

Loki did have to wonder how long it would take his brother to realise Heimdall was very much alive but merely... indisposed. Loki knew Tony would tell him the moment he sensed the other Gatekeeper’s presence at the bifrost, but Loki still believed it would take Thor a good few months.

Heimdall would not recognise the bifrost when he returned; a Gatekeeper could now use it from any corner of Asgard (although, he doubted Heimdall had the vision to master it), and it could take a person to more places than just the Nine Realms (although, Tony had made it near impossible for any other to use).

While Loki had always known the hidden pathways, Tony had looked beyond them and with a gaze far more curious than any Gatekeeper before him. Tony taught him things, and Loki forever marvelled at the man beside him. He had never made a wiser choice than visiting a dying mortal on Midgard and turning him into a treasure.

It was why, between the two of them and using the power they shared and wielded, it was not hard to arrive at their chosen destination. The planet was a rubbish dump, in more ways than one, but it was a curious place with a mad ruler who would be easy to appease.

They arrived in the man’s grand hall where he was trialling criminals with a sceptre far more dangerous than it appeared. The man jerked back, and looked at them with shock. He looked to his guards. “Who are they?” He looked at Loki and Tony. “Who are you?”

His guards were raising their weapons and approaching, but Loki just smiled and Tony ate another piece of apple. They were the picture of ease, the picture of amusement (and they were amused, but they were being careful too.)

“Travellers from the Nine Realms,” Loki answered. “Betrayed and thrown from our world. We seek a new place to call home.”

“I’ve heard you’ve got a ship you need to repair,” Tony added with a charming smile. “We can do that. We can fix anything.”

The man went from suspicious to entertained in a heartbeat, and he made a placating gesture at his guards, “Now, now, calm down. Shh. This is interesting. I love interesting. Let’s see what ah, gold eyes and pretty boy here can do.”

“Then lead us to your ship.” Tony offered a bow that was only mildly mocking. “Grandmaster.”

“We will make certain to be worth your while,” Loki continued with his own low bow.

“Ohho, I like you.” The Grandmaster stood from his chair and walked towards them, looking excited. “Come on; let’s go find us a ship. I think you two are going to be fun.”

Loki and Tony exchanged a look, smirking at the man before them; he was powerful to be sure, and an ally they could use. He was also a fool and, with enough careful manipulation, Loki knew they could control this realm with ease.

Yes, they could be quite comfortable here.

Tony took less than an hour to fix the ship; it was after all, Midgardian technology.

It wasn’t a surprise to learn that Banner was also on the planet. Tony had known from the moment he discovered Sakaar years ago. Banner was trapped within his beastly form and greatly lauded by the Grandmaster for his battle prowess. Tony had gone to work charming his way into visiting the “famed Champion”. It spoke of Tony’s allure that the Grandmaster agreed so early in their acquaintance.

Loki didn’t leave with his lover; he remained at the Grandmaster’s side, speaking with him, whispering in his ear, encouraging his eccentric behaviour and making him laugh.

He wanted the man to adore them, to dote on them, to like them. It was not hard to give the man what he wanted; Loki knew how to read a person, and Tony had watched him for many months, learning his secrets and the means of gaining the Grandmaster’s favour.

Loki secured them comfortable accommodation in the palace as well as a seat in the Grandmaster’s private booth for the next fight.

He did have to neatly avoid the Grandmaster’s flirtations and questions as to their exclusivity. The man was disappointed to learn they were lovers who did not share, but he accepted it with the promise that, should they change their mind, he was the first they would invite into their bed.

It was an easy vow to make, as Loki had no intentions of ever inviting another soul to touch his Gatekeeper. They would die for the attempt - but so would Tony, if he ever made the mistake of thinking Loki would share.

When the Grandmaster finally left, Loki was grateful for the solitude. He warded their room in peace until Tony arrived a half hour later. He looked pensive but not overly upset.

“What is wrong?” Loki enquired. “Did you speak to Banner’s beast?”

“Hulk is happy here,” Tony answered. “Banner doesn’t yet wish to return.” He shook his head. “We’ll leave him to his fighting. I have better things to do then wake an indecisive scientist.”

Loki shrugged. He would have been concerned had he arrived alone or discovered the beast by accident, but he had been prepared and therefore could take precautions. The beast was a useful and powerful weapon, and with Tony at his side, they had a chance to utilize him. Thanos had been delayed, but they could always use a nearby Hulk.

His Gatekeeper had walked over to their bedding while Loki was distracted and Tony dropped down onto his back. He tilted back his head and closed his eyes.

“This world is chaotic,” he murmured. “A spiral of lives and grief's and parties.” He laughed. “The chaos of lawlessness, the dystopia of fear, the pain of slavery and the viciousness of survival. A man could go mad.”

Loki chuckled. “It’s a good thing we already are.”

Tony smiled, but didn’t open his eyes. “Tomorrow, we should explore.”

“Whatever you wish, my Gatekeeper.”

Tony’s golden eyes finally opened and he lifted a hand, beckoning Loki forward, “Come join me in our bed, My King.”

Loki didn’t hesitate to comply and he climbed onto the bedding, leaning over his beloved partner and kissing him. It was their first kiss since they’d arrived and Loki had missed his taste. He craved the man underneath him and moaning for his touch. He craved the man constantly, forever and always; his darkness and his brilliance; his laughter and his tears.

When Loki pulled back, he grinned down at his lover. “Let us make this world our own.”

“Or leave the Grandmaster to it?” Tony suggested, his arms curling around Loki’s neck. “I’ve had my share of ruling. I am through with the whims of the populace. The mediocrity and the mind-numbing frustration. I just want to indulge myself with you. I want destruction and chaos and you in the centre.”

Loki laughed; his heart thrumming and magic sparking at his fingertips.

He kissed his Gatekeeper and vowed, “Of course, my Tony.”

Perhaps they did deserve a vacation.

Sakaar was a planet after Loki’s heart.

His mornings were spent in bed with Tony; pinning his Gatekeeper to the bed and sliding into him for a lazy hour of pleasure - or waking up to Tony on top of him, preparing him from behind and drawing moans from his throat.

The palace servants catered to their every whim and treated them like visiting royalty. They had no need to slink around the halls or stay layered with illusion; they walked with pride and with arms firmly and possessively wrapped around one another's waists.

The Grandmaster doted on them with the extravagance of a lover; he bought them a bright and colourful new wardrobe and he sent them wistful looks, wishing he was between them. (Sometimes, for their own amusement, they gave him and his court something of a show; Loki would have a drink in one hand and Tony on his lap, grinding their hips together as they groaned into each other’s mouths.)

The Grandmaster pulled them into his daily life as a ruling master; he invited them to every fight and every party. It was an unusual feeling, to be so well-received and wanted.

It had been such a long time since Loki felt free and felt, happy even. He could see the same in his Gatekeeper. The viciousness within them, while never fully dissipating, was softened and muted. Sakaar filled them with life, and they headily indulged.

They walked the streets and encouraged chaos. They danced unseen among the populace and they marked their faces with paint and powder. They laughed, they had fun.

It was the first time in years that the mischief had been awoken; a slumbering enjoyment was bursting to life in his heart, and Tony was just as full of laughter and freedom.

They came together one night, months into their life on Sakaar. Loki pressed Tony against the wall of their room, his hands gripping Tony’s wrists and his Gatekeeper open and willing beneath him.

“You are my match,” Loki hissed, looking down into his partner’s joyful features. “My dark Gatekeeper, my wicked, chaotic lover.”

“My King,” Tony purred, arching his neck for Loki’s lips to find. “My beloved mischief-maker, my liar and my partner.”

Loki bit down on Tony’s neck, making him hiss and arch further against Loki.

“You will never leave,” Loki swore, magic crackling around his hands and sliding along Tony’s skin. “I will see you destroyed before I let you go.”

Tony chuckled, low and pleased. “Oh, my King, it will take your death to make me leave, and should you fall before me, I will be swift to follow. I will not walk a day without you by my side.”

Loki purred with pure pleasure and caught his lover’s lips in a claiming kiss. When they pulled back, Loki’s eyes were glowing with magic and power.

“Swear that to me, and I will make our binding impossible to sever.”

“Then never let us sever,” Tony instantly vowed back, his golden eyes bright with passion, need and possession.

Loki laughed and magic erupted from his hands; bright green tendrils that coiled around them like ropes. Loki began to whisper, his words a chant that made Tony’s smile grow with each word as the magic built and the bond between them forged even stronger, even darker.

When it snapped into place, the jolt of power forced a cry from both their throats and Loki slumped forward, his forehead coming to rest against Tony’s. They both breathed heavily as the magic settled within them.

Tony was the first to speak, his voice coming out laced with humour, “Until death do us part, my King. Does this make me your Queen?”

Loki let out a bark of laughter. “My Consort. My Gatekeeper. My King. I would have you be all and none. My Tony. I would have you be mine.”

Tony tilted up and kissed Loki again. “An easy thing to be.”

Sighing happily, Loki kissed his Gatekeeper once more, feeling the bond thrum between them and making him want to bellow with glee or laugh until there was no air left in his lungs. He settled instead for dragging his Gatekeeper to the bed and fucking him until neither of them had the strength to move.

It was a delicious and perfect way to celebrate a magical bond that would tie them together for a lifetime.

They had been on Sakaar a little over a year when the most unexpected thing happened; they were summoned to the Grandmaster’s hall to receive a visitor. Not a single visitor, but a group of five Aesir; two Einherjars, two Council members and a noble member of the royal court.

Loki and Tony walked into the room with confusion, a feeling that only grew when, upon seeing them, the five Aesir all bowed lowly and with utmost respect.

The two of them exchanged a confused glance. They had always known that Heimdall could locate them, but they had expected Thor to leave them be rather than waste warriors trying to capture and try them for ‘treason’.

When none of the Aesir moved from their devout position, Loki cautiously intoned, “Rise.”

They slowly stood, one by one. It was a councilman who spoke first, breaking the silence, “King Loki,” he greeted, making Loki’s eyes widen imperceptibly. “Gatekeeper Anthony.” He looked at them with hope and earnestness in his eyes. “We come to plead for your return to Asgard.”

Loki blinked, he then turned to Tony. He was furrowing his brow in a way that Loki knew meant he was seeking out distant realms. He was likely glancing at Asgard for the first time in months.

They had been gone less than a year; what had possibly occurred to drag the Aesir to them for help?

“Why do you seek our return?” Loki demanded. He kept his voice bland and disinterested.

The Grandmaster and his court were watching the proceedings with great amusement. Loki hoped the answer would not do damage to their standing; but, they were already adored by the eccentric ruler, he would take their word over sudden newcomers.

“Asgard is in disrepute,” the councilman answered. “The realms refuse to trade or listen to our entreaties! The-”

“Thor has ruined every agreement you have set down!” The Nobleman interrupted, stepping forward and refusing to mince words. It made the councilman flinch, but no one denied it. “He is a child. He is destroying the laws and treaties that have given Asgard new wealth and diplomacy. He has near started a war and we cannot maintain the peace in your absence.”

“The realm could not have prospered without your influence,” the councilwoman added. “We lost hundreds to the Dark Elves and it was in you that we were repaired.” Her eyes shone with admiration and hope. “The people will not stand for our current King or Gatekeeper. We come to plead for your return to the throne.”

Loki’s face slackened with shock, unable to say a word. Distantly, he heard the Grandmaster giggling and calling for food to snack on. But he could do nothing but stare.

Luckily, Tony spoke for him. “You tell us that you prefer Loki as your King?”

It was a question where the answer should be obvious, for centuries the preference would have been unquestionable, and yet-

“We come with the support of the populace,” the councilman answered promptly. “We only come through the help of the mages of the realm and through the gold gifted by families to pay for our travel. The people of Asgard know the worth of a true King and will side with King Loki.”

“And we know the worth of an impartial and protective Gatekeeper,” the council woman added. “In your reign you would let any pass for business and pleasure. The worlds were a gateway for us to trade and to learn. Now, no one shall pass without permission from the King. We will not stand for this.”

“The people are not paid,” an Einherjar spoke for the first time, anger in his voice. “The man had not spent a day on the throne before the citizens suffered.”

“We beg of you, King Loki, Gatekeeper Tony,” the council man spoke again, moving to his knees, and was swiftly followed by the other Aesir. “Return to Asgard and rule.”

They were desperate, but they were earnest. They sought them. They wanted him.

Loki should have prepared for this; he should have known exactly what to say. He had craved this for half of his lifetime, yet in the face of their adoration, support and yearning; Loki could not find a word.

It was his Gatekeeper who was forced to respond.

“We will consider your proposal,” Tony said calmly. He turned from the Aesir to the ruler of Sakaar. “Grandmaster, do you mind giving them a guest room for the evening?”

Loki knew the Grandmaster responded, that he teased and flirted with Tony about their popularity and secrecy over their rank and ruling - but Loki wasn’t able to concentrate on the words. He felt Tony’s hand around his wrist, leading him away and to their rooms, but his mind was lost in a fog of confusion.

It took Tony’s hands on his face, his nails digging into Loki’s skin for his eyes to focus on the gold of his Gatekeeper’s gaze.

“My King,” Tony whispered gently.

It finally made Loki speak, his voice coming out soft and bewildered, “They were supposed to seek Odin.”

“But they sought you.”

“But they were meant to-”

“They sought you,” Tony interrupted, his voice insistent. “They did not see your lies or your tricks or the way you took the throne. They saw your brilliance and your efficiency, and the way your rule brought benefits and prosperity. They finally saw you.”

“A lie,” Loki rasped. “A trick. They-”

“No.” Tony shook his head. “I can see the people of Asgard. I can see their anger, desire and hope. Thor left them when they needed a King. Odin ignored them when they needed a ruler. They see this and they are disgusted.”

Tony smiled. He looked entertained and happy. He looked truthful and what was more, Loki knew his Gatekeeper would not lie to him about this.

“But-”

Tony stroked his cheeks, and held his gaze, entreating Loki to understand. “You held them together and improved them when no one else was there. You have reminded them what a King can be, and they will not settle for less. My Loki, my King, they want you to return.”

“And you,” Loki managed to gasp, finally bringing up his hands to Tony’s neck. “They want you as well.”

“Yes, they want me too.” Tony’s gold eyes flared with both the pleasure of Asgard’s approval and Loki’s acceptance of his words. “They want us.” He chuckled. “And, oh, my King; whatever shall we do with that?”

A hundred answers and ideas flooded Loki’s mind, many of them delicious, a dozen of them petty and numerous more of them vicious and he couldn’t decide which of them he wished to suggest first.

Asgard wanted him to return and oust his brother from the throne. Asgard sought him and Tony to rule the planet. The fierce pride and utter delight it sent through him made Loki’s answer clear.

“I wish to return and rule them,” Loki admitted, a glint of longing in his eyes. “I wish to see Thor learn a lesson and see myself on the throne in truth and with approval.” He laughed and the sound was more mischievous than vicious, more happy than dark. “I wish to prove what we can do when the realms encourage us.”

Tony smiled and chastely kissed Loki’s lips. When he pulled back he informed him, “Then I will happily follow my King and act as his right hand.”

“No,” Loki disagreed with a shake of his head. Tony frowned but Loki took his hand, squeezing it and correcting. “You will act as my beloved. The consort at my side; my Gatekeeper and the lover of the King .”

Tony’s expression immediately softened. “Then that is what I shall be, my Loki.”

The promise was sealed with a kiss that was as passionate as it was affectionate and as sharp as it was soft.

Sakaar might be amusing and their need for chaos might not yet be quenched, but with such a delightful prospect in their future, however could they refuse?

Asgard begged them to rule, and who were they to deny such a sweet and desperate plea?

They visited the Aesir within the hour and confirmed they would return. The council members and nobleman slumped with relief and the Einherjar stood taller and prouder. They also moved to flank Loki and Tony; they were accepting their position once again as royal guards.

It was mystifying and amusing. The two guards followed them to the Grandmaster where they regretfully bid him goodbye. He was displeased, but after gaining their promise to return in the future, he let them go with a hug and a kiss on their cheeks.

Loki and Tony allowed it, if only to keep a useful ally happy.

They packed their belongings with the Einherjar guarding their rooms and once they returned to the other Aesir, they were led to the spacecraft that had been hired by the Aesir for the journey to Sakaar.

It didn’t take much for Loki and Tony to perfect the ship and guide it through one of the portals on Sakaar that would have them reach Asgard quickly and in secrecy. They landed among Asgard’s forests and were taken to the nearby town.

Loki had been told that they were missed, that they were requested, but he still found himself surprised at the level of respect and naked delight and hope that spread across the face of every man, woman and child.

He was tempted to bow with flourish and then declare with arms spread: “your saviours are here” but he resisted. The mood still remained fearful and sombre as they spoke about overthrowing the first son of Odin.

It was lucky for them, that Loki knew many of the laws to remove a King from the throne; he had, after all, done so with Odin.

The simplest, most efficient (and by far the most fun) way was the one that they went with.

It involved them walking through Asgard’s main streets, up to the Great Hall with a large swathe of Asgard following behind them. Loki pushed open the doors with a flare of magic and started walking toward the throne where Thor sat. Loki was appalled to find him holding Mjölnir instead of Gungnir. The spear was propped up against the throne and Loki’s hand itched to take it in his palm and give it the respect it deserved.

The Thunderer went from shock at their appearance to sudden glee. He sat taller in his seat. “The traitors have been caught! Guards! You will throw them in the dungeons to be dealt with!”

Nothing happened. The Einherjar didn’t leap to follow his order and Tony and Loki continued to walk unrestrained and unimpeded towards the throne. Thor frowned and swivelled his head. Loki almost rolled his eyes. He was fairly sure Tony actually did.

“Thor Odinson,” Loki began as he stepped closer, the words tasting sweet on his tongue. “You have failed Asgard as a King. You have led your people to ruin. You are not worthy of this spot.”

He held out his hand, and even though he knew it should happen, even though he had ample proof it should work, he still felt shock and awe as Gungnir rose from its place by the throne and flew across the hall. It landed with a firm slap against Loki’s palm. He took a moment to simply stare at it. He almost wanted to laugh.

He felt the power of Asgard shift. Tony sucked in a sharp breath beside him and he knew the magic was thick in the air. The once revered Odinforce was following the will of the people. The Æsirforce as it was once known flooded Loki once again.

The power of the King filled his veins and glowed behind his eyes. It melded and met with his seidr like an old friend. He looked to his Gatekeeper to find Tony’s smile as bright as his eyes. Tony stepped closer still and touched his arm in both support and affection; the consort of the King, making his place known.

The realm itself had picked its King and Loki turned back to face the Thunderer who sat gobsmacked on the throne. Loki’s smile split his face and it held a vicious delight he could not hide.

“Guards,” he called, parroting his brother’s words. “You will throw him in the dungeons to be dealt with.”

The Einherjar all stepped forward without hesitation and, for the first time in his life, Thor was taken without a fight. He let go of his hammer when he was prompted, and he did not fight the manacles that were placed on his wrists. He was led away like a child who did not understand what had occurred or what he had done wrong.

When Loki turned to the people, he startled to find the citizens were all on their knees and bowing for their King. Tony was the only one who remained standing, but Loki knew that should he ask it, his beloved would kneel for him without question.

But, he did not ask Tony to do it. He slid his hand down and took his lover’s hand in his own as he looked at his people.

“Rise,” he commanded and they did as he bid. “I will see the members of the Council to repair what has been done to Asgard’s truces and trades. I would have a list of all that must be fixed and all problems that require my attention.” He squeezed his love’s hand. “Anthony shall re-establish his place as Gatekeeper and retake the Bifrost. I would have Heimdall bought to me immediately.”

“Yes, my King,” the councilman who had travelled to Sakaar declared and quickly began delegating tasks as the Aesir all bowed and left the Grand Hall.

The people were excited, relieved and hopeful and it took Tony encouraging him before Loki could take the steps needed to reach the throne. His lover guided him into his seat and gave him a hidden smile.

“The throne is yours, my King,” Tony whispered before bending down and chastely kissing Loki’s lips. “It is back in proper hands.” Tony smiled. “I shall see you this evening, should you not have need for me.” He winked. “I have orders I must follow, after all.”

Loki let out a soft laugh before Tony stepped down from the throne and gave a respectful nod of his head. He then made his way to a group of Einherjar and began ordering them to follow him. They went without question while the council turned to Loki for guidance and assistance.

Who would have thought he would sit on this throne again as the rightful, the chosen and the respected King?

Loki spent most of the day and part of the evening in meetings with the council and sorting through problems ranging from the unpaid members of the royal guard and healers, the damage to crops after Thor declared three feasts in his honour and the trading that had been disrupted by Thor declaring all contracts created by Loki null and void.

It was a good thing that the realms hadn’t seen fit to declare open war. They simply chose to ignore Thor and Asgard in general. Loki could already see months of political wrangling in his future, let alone the more domestic problems.

It was a nightmare, and by the time Loki returned to his chambers, he almost wished he was back on Sakaar.

Yet, the moment he arrived, Tony was waiting for him. He had also prepared a meal of all of Loki’s favourite foods; items and privileges they had rarely had a chance to offer one another while using Odin’s guise.

Loki smiled at the tray of food and goblet of wine. Tony was also wearing a green tunic, a shameless show of allegiance and affection.

He walked over to his lover and threaded his hand through Tony’s hair; he then tilted his head back and kissed the other man, indulging in the taste and touch of his Gatekeeper.

“You have been busy,” Loki murmured when he pulled back.

“The servants were all too willing to assist in my request to feed our tireless and hardworking King.”

Loki chuckled. “And what of the tireless and hardworking Gatekeeper? You did not return today.”

“Heimdall stole the bifrost sword and went into hiding.” Tony rolled his eyes even as Loki frowned. “It took the better part of the day to locate him. He is now in the dungeons with Thor.”

“You could have called for me.”

Tony shook his head. “My task was long and weary, but manageable. You had things to attend to. I spent the rest of the day speaking with the populace and doing what I could to sooth their frustration and concerns.” He smirked and his eyes twinkled. “I am the King’s Consort, and should be a presence they can trust.”

Loki smiled and he found his hand stroking through Tony’s hair. It was strange, perhaps; showing a softness they didn’t normally admit to or share, but Tony tilted into his touch. He reached for Loki’s wrist and curled a hand around it.

It was intimate and it was gentle.

“Sometimes,” Loki murmured, his hand trailing over Tony’s cheek so he could thumb at the man’s bottom lip. “You make me forget.”

“Forget what?”

“Anger,” Loki murmured. “Pain, chaos, revenge.”

Tony’s fingers brushed Loki’s inner wrist, his golden eyes were warm.

“Sometimes,” Tony admitted, just as softly, “you remind me why.”

“Why what?”

“Why I cared,” he answered. “Why I fought. Why I was a hero.”

“But only sometimes,” Loki whispered, both a confession and an acknowledgement.

Tony nodded. “But only sometimes.”

When Tony tugged at his wrist, Loki came without prompting. They shared another gentle moment, a sweet interlude of what could have been, and sometimes was, but never remained.

It didn’t mean they couldn’t indulge in the tenderness that allowed them to both forget, and remember.

The truth was, that although they spent a week fixing the largest and easiest problems with Asgard, they were, neither of them, the ruling type.

They were good at it, certainly, but they would only grow bored. Loki had never wanted to be King, not truly. He wanted to be respected and admired, but he also sought his freedom and the ability to do what he wished whenever he wished.

Loki would enjoy a few months, a few years even, as the beloved and chosen King of Asgard, but his contentment would not last - and nor would Tony’s. It was why, they needed Thor.

Tony was the one to voice it, late at night as they curled up together in bed.

“We cannot leave him in the cells forever.”

“The people do not want him,” Loki pointed out.

“They have seen reason, yes, but think of what we could achieve by puppeting him from behind,” Tony said. “He is but a regent. Someone to stick on the throne as we take the vacations we deserve and gain the freedom we crave. He will learn to behave or be thrown back in a cell.” Tony shifted in the bed, rolling to straddle Loki and look down at him with a smirk. “Thor does not have the trust or the support of the people. He needs to learn and we can see that he does. We will grow bored, my King. Is it not wise to have a solution in place long before such a time?”

Loki smirked and slid his hands up Tony’s side and then back down, letting his fingers stroke the curve of his lover’s bottom.

“And how will we convince Thor to agree to such a proposal?” He asked curiously.

Tony’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, I think I have a way.”

Tony didn’t explain it that night; he kissed Loki and smothered any protests. It had started another round and directly after their climax, they had fallen asleep. In the morning, however, Tony declared his plan to visit Thor.

“I will come with you,” Loki insisted.

“If you wish,” Tony agreed. “But he cannot see you. He will not listen if he sees you are there.”

Loki allowed the stipulation, and only a half hour later, they were in the cells and Tony was standing in front of Thor’s prison with Loki an invisible presence beside him. Thor was sitting with his back against the wall and he glared at Tony.

“Stark,” he muttered. “What taunt do you come to mock me with?”

Tony was unimpressed. “You have spent a week in this cell and you have learnt nothing?” He started to walk in a circle and Thor’s eyes tracked him. “You have instead indulged in pity and hatred as opposed to improvement, deduction and thought.”

“And what must I think?” Thor demanded, his temper letting loose as he slammed his fist on the floor of the cell. “That trickery has blinded the whole of Asgard? That Loki has lied to the Realms, that-”

“You of all people,” Tony cut in coldly, “know that the power of a King cannot be tricked. The favour of the people cannot be stolen. Loki has earned the privilege of ruling while you, Odinson, have lost the respect you assumed was eternal. A spoiled prince with no concept of his position.” Tony’s eyes began to glow gold, the power of the Gatekeeper radiating from him. “Let me take you on a walk, Golden Prince, let me show you the rule of Anthony Stark and Loki Liesmith. Let me show you the difference to yours and theirs.”

Loki chuckled darkly, he couldn’t help it. Oh, his Tony was devious. To be given the sight of a Gatekeeper was more in depth than a memory or a vision. It made the person walk in the shoes of the one whose memory was tapped. Thor would watch, hear, and feel everything.

Loki would have to ask Tony what he saw fit to show the Thunderer, but for now Loki watched Thor’s reactions closely.

He flinched, he cringed, he paled, he cried. A thousand emotions crossed the other man’s face in the span of what was ten minutes for Loki but could have been hours for Thor.

When Tony finally pulled in a shuddering breath and returned from the journey, Loki placed a steadying hand on the other man’s back, knowing it would be a tiring experience for Tony.

Thor was staring at his hands, his eyes red-rimmed and filled with shock and confusion. He was still reeling from all he had seen.

“Think hard, Thor Odinson,” Tony said, his voice ominous. “The King’s shoulders must be willing to hold a world. Loki’s are ready, how are yours?”

Thor flinched and seemed to shrink away. He didn’t look at Tony, and while Tony’s lips twitched, he didn’t smirk. He turned on his heel and began to walk away, Loki followed, keeping his hand against the other man’s back.

Tony did pause to call over his shoulder. “If you think you can earn your people’s forgiveness, Loki and I have agreed to let you try.”

It was the first step in their plan, and the first manipulation to build Thor into the regent they sought. He needed to wish to improve if he was going to be of any use, and there was no greater way to motivate Thor than by utilising how he looked in the eyes of others.

Loki waited until they had cleared the dungeons before he revealed himself. He stopped Tony and watched him carefully, seeing the tightness around his eyes.

“How much did you show Thor?” Loki demanded.

Tony’s mouth lifted in a wry smile. “The entirety of our reign.”

Loki hissed. “You foolish man.”

“He needed to know if he was to understand.”

Loki shook his head. “You must be drained.”

Tony chuckled and closed his eyes. “A headache, but little more.”

“Sleep for the day,” Loki insisted. “And eat. I will have food brought to our chambers.”

“Doting on me, my King?” Tony teased, not opening his eyes.

“There is no other who deserves it.”

His words finally made Tony open tired eyes. He reached for Loki and Loki came forward, kissing Tony’s lips and then his jaw. He lingered close even as he insisted, “Go to our chambers.”

Tony sighed. “Very well.”

Pleased, Loki stepped back, but he didn’t let his lover walk, he used a swirl of magic and caught the very beginning but not the end of Tony’s laugh as he teleported his Gatekeeper to their rooms.

Satisfied, Loki began to walk towards the Great Hall. It was still only the beginning and there was much to do, but things were already working in their favour. Loki felt successful, he felt thrilled.

He would never have imagined such an outcome when he offered a dying mortal a deal. He never could have anticipated the partnership that would bloom from hard touches, rough kisses and the depths of darkness. Loki would have laughed at the start and dismissed the idea that he could find something so joyful, so calm and perhaps, so loving.

Tony was his match and his consort, his Gatekeeper and his dark delight. He could not imagine his world without him and Loki would both destroy to keep him, and die to lose him.

But until such a day, they would continue as they were with Realms to explore, Asgard to rule, and Sakaar to visit. Gungnir was in his hand, his Gatekeeper was in his room and his skin was his own.

He was King and he had Tony.

Life, much to Loki’s surprise, was excellent.