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Loki screamed in pain, his flesh finally splitting deep enough to reveal the pale white of his bones. How had this hell become his life? The attack in New York City hadn't been his doing. Sure, it had been his body, but not his mind and therefore not his actions, right? Wrong, according to S.H.I.E.L.D, most of the Avengers, and his father it was entirely his doing.

Loki had tried to explain! Tried to make them see that the Mad Titan had taken over control, that he had but barely been a pawn in the whole mess. He had begged, and screamed, and pleaded with his father but when he’d been transferred from the relative luxury of the Royal Prison down to the general lower cells he had known all was lost. Not even his own beloved mother had visited him since that day, just blank masks of faces delivering food and water. Then they became less and less and the other visits had started...

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The whip whistled through the air and Loki slumped forwards in the cold metal bindings as strike after strike went on for what seemed like hours. By the end of the session he had been reduced to a weeping mess. He had promised himself that he wouldn't break, that he couldn't be broken, but that had been a lie. He'd broken about a month after he'd gotten there. The harsh and repeated beatings on his body something that his mind could not take. His defence had always been his words, but now they were as useless as his tears. Daring to glance up one day he had seen the Allfather and his beloved brother watching his pain. Thor’s face had been stoic and dark, his eyes taking it all in and registering his distress. He had seen Thor’s fingers twitch after a particularly brutal strike of the whip that had caused him to cry out, but the look on the Allfathers face had spoken volumes! Reaching out beseechingly with a shaking hand he implored silently for rescue. Nothing, except to see his father grip Thor’s arm and turn their backs, leaving swiftly without a second glance. Loki’s hope that his adopted father would take him from this pain and torment was destroyed. In that moment he knew he was alone, truely alone...

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Loki moaned and wrinkled his nose as the coppery scent of this own blood hit his senses. Yet again he had just been dumped in the dark, windowless stone prison cell without his wounds being attended too. Not even a clean cloth or fresh water for him to use and his fine robes that he had once worn had been reduced to nothing but torn and blood stained rags. He tentatively stretched out a hand feeling around him. Mercifully, they had left the same stale pail of water that had been given to him days before. Pushing himself up onto his elbows Loki ignored the thumping in his skull and the ache from every part of his body, and pulled it over careful not to spill the water not knowing when he would get more. It was freezing! The coldness of the water would have sent sharp pains through normal men but he barely noticed it. His Jotun blood simply turned his skin a pale teal and the iciness otherwise had no real effect on him. Instead, the frigidness of the water washed him, cleansed him. It made him feel better to have a slight reprieve from the pain and fear that had begun to filter into his fragile mind. His head slumped against the cold stones and he panted. Even that small amount of effort to just wash his hands and face had taken it's toll. He had been without food or clean water for days now. He had been good, submitted to their games and ‘discipline’, and even bitten back his silver tongue but even that had not yet convinced them to feed and water him.

Loki’s body had hardly been robust and muscular to start with but now he was weak and broken. It wasn’t surprising that when the cell door opened he barely had the energy, or will, to flinch. Heavy metal bindings were placed roughly around his thin wrists and neck covering the fine gold cuffs that bound his magic, and he was pulled cruelly through the door. There were muffled voices echoing from down the corridor that seemed familiar yet unplaceable to him. The broken prince suppressed a shudder, hoping this wasn’t another interrogation as he stumbled after the guard. Loki glanced around before casting his eyes down again. He had tried to learn the layout of the passages surrounding his cell but each time the guards took a different route. The floor was rough and if he did not pay attention he found himself tripping over his feet and sprawling over the uneven cobblestoneds. A swift yank to the chain attached to Loki’s collar drew him out of his contemplations and the pace hastened. They finally stopped in a large open room. A rough linen bag was pulled over Loki’s head temporarily blinding him and he was forced to his knees. There were more muffled words of which he could just make out, ‘slave’, ‘owner’ and ‘discipline’. Loki heard the sounds of the parchment being signed and folded, and he swallowed thickly. In all his worst nightmares he had never thought of this scenario and panic started to thread itself through his mind. His breathing and heart rate became rapid, his skin began to glisten with a thin sheen of sweat and he clenched his fists. He willed himself to be calm but the fear of the unknown terrified him. He was being sold, to a stranger, and there was nothing he could do about it!

The familiar clank of the guards footsteps faded into the distance and Loki could hear the sound of different boots on the cobblestones as a chain was attached to his neck cuff and given a sharp tug, “Get up!”

He felt dread flood his body but didn’t dare say anything for fear of punishment. He had learnt the hard way over the last few months that speaking and disobedience equaled pain, and without his siedir he was weak...

————

Loki walked cautiously behind his new master for a long while. The rough fabric of his hood irritated the newly bruised skin but thankfully he could make out basic shapes once it had settled in place. The prison cobblestones gave way to the smooth floors of the palace, then to the worn and uneven stones that lay as the pavement of Asgard’s streets, and finally to the compacted dirt and moss of the out laying forest that surrounded the gilded city. The stranger was obviously well known and stopped occasionally to talk and laugh with others on the street. Loki couldn’t help but feel deep shame well inside him when the man proudly commented on his new acquisition. Loki might not have been able to see but he could still hear the whispers and cruel jeers of the noble folks and he hung his head. His new master easily pulled himself onto the waiting horse but kept Loki walking the long distance back to his new home. His feet were bruised and bleeding by the time they passed under the gates of the farm and Loki’s stomach betray him, growling loudly. His new master snorted and just gave the chain a tug as he dismounted the steed. It was only a few minutes later that Loki heard a heavy door opening and he was tugged into another covered area. He heard his chain clipping onto another metal item, and wished the hood to come off for just a moment as he stumbled a little on the rough straw floor. He could hear something in the background and feel a cool breeze against his skin. His new owner left without a word to him and Loki was once again plunged into solitude as the door was shut firmly. He tried to fight down the growing panic within him and did it the only way he now knew how. He sunk to his knees with his hands clasped in the small of his back and his head bowed. The hood gave him no warmth and soon the cool breeze took on a freezing edge as the first snow of winter began to fall.

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Loki had never been thankful for his newly found Jotun heritage but he was that first night. The temperature had dropped dramatically and his shivering had become uncontrollable. With a few deep breaths he had managed to calm his racing nerves knowing that the cold couldn’t actually harm him in this realm. After what felt like an eternity Loki reached out tentatively with his shaking hands and felt the hay bales beside him. They were rough, but they were also sturdy and offered him at least the sensation of protection. There were so many new noises and smells that he didn’t know and he pressed against them as much as his broken body would allow him too. His life until now had been lived mostly indoors with his precious books and magic. He hugged his arms to himself all the more tighter when a swooping sound reverberated through the barn suddenly. Every muscle tensed at each of the unknown noises, fear highlighted by his inability see what was coming. Tiredness, and his need to heal, forced him to press against the bales once more, and he begin cataloguing the noises into his memory. Trying to remember back to those few hunting trips where Thor had excitedly explained these noises and he wished bitterly he had paid more attention.

Loki tried to focus his senses on his new surroundings. Fear had begun to thread itself back through him and he needed to find a way to control it. He gritted his teeth and set about focusing on the hay; it’s fresh, earthy smell, the way it was both soft and cushioning beneath him, and yet hard against his palm, and that it was both food and bedding. A brief thought passed through his mind, would he be expected to act like the animal he was being treated like? His body shivered, but not with the cold, was he now no better than the livestock in the fields? Bile rose in his throat and he cast his mind back to the stories his mother would tell them. Hope still flickered within him that he would be quickly restored to his former life, but he knew the truth, this was his life now and the rest was just a dream.

His thoughts seemed to dull somewhat the immense pain from the beating he had received only hours prior, and a pained and frustrated scream tore from his lips. Balled fists hit against the ground over and over until finally stilling mid-air. Loki’s breath was ragged and panicked and he could feel the flesh of his hands burning with pain and a trickle of new blood begin to drip down his forearms. He knew his actions were irrational and only compounding his pain, but they made him feel slightly better.

Apart from the hood.

He desperately wanted to tear the rough hood from his head! He wanted to see where he was, what his life was becoming but the now learnt fear of more pain was too strong. He managed to settle for a while, and calm his mind as a fitful sleep of terror and winged beasts claimed him.

....

Loki didn’t have to wait long to find out his fate as just after sunrise his new master opened the barn door loudly and strode in. Giving the dozing, and still exhausted, Loki a swift kick into his ribs Erik snarled, “Kneel, slave!”

Loki let out a surprised howl and clutched his ribs as he awoke with a start and felt the pain radiate through his chest, “I’m s-sorry!” He tried to mentally push the overwhelming pain away and kneel before where the voice had came from. Shakily, he folded his arms behind his back and leant over so his chest touched his thighs then whispered again, “P-Please...” The hood was yanked off and Loki flinched at the sudden bright light of the dawn sun.

Erik looked down at the mess of a slave before him, “Pathetic.” He threw a rag at Loki as he started to walk away again, “There’s a tap over-there. Get yourself clean, you’re disgusting.” Erik paused and turned to Loki, “How this goes depends on you... Please me, and life will be easy, but...” he shrugged with a slight grin forming, “anger me and you will regret the day of your birth...” With that he left, leaving Loki confused and unsure but at least this time with sight, and a simple order.

He could be a good slave. He would be. The promise of relief from the pain too powerful for him to give up without trying. Suddenly it hung heavy over him. How could he be good when he knew nothing of what was expected of him? All he could do was pray and hope. Hope. And pray... Pray he could be good...

Loki reached his shaking hands out and took the soft rag. It wasn’t much bigger than the hand towels he had used when he was a prince, but it was clean and dry, a rare luxury in his life now. His bloodshot eyes darted around the barn, quickly finding the rusted but working tap. He crawled over thankful that his chain went that far and turned the tap on. It splashed out a few drops and then with a loud clank and shudder began to flow.

He found himself hypnotised by the flowing water for a time. The gentle noise and constant rhythm lulling his mind into a gentle revery where he could begin to process Erik’s words, and the events that had happened over the last few weeks. The once soft and shiny raven hair that he had been so proud of now hung in messy strands around his face and he pushed one back behind his ear. The movement drew his attention to the heavy cuffs that still encircled his wrists and he held them out, his fingers running over the dark iron. They symbolised so much of what he had lost; his home, his family, his life as he had known it... Loki’s tender skin beneath them had begun to ache and weep, and he slowly pushed them under the freezing water in a vain attempt to keep them clean. He couldn’t stop the hiss of pain, or the teal hue take to his flesh as the freezing water flowed over his skin. His body wasn’t used to the harsh treatment yet, and he already longed for it to end. Cupping his hands together he slowly sipped the water and let the cool liquid run down his throat with a sigh as he finally found some sort of relief for his desperately dry throat and painfully chapped lips! He never thought he would be so happy to drink merely water in his life. He sat back on his haunches and covered his face trying to fight back the sadness and tears that attempted to overwhelm him. The emotions gripped his chest and squeezed at him till he could barely breathe and he let out a whimper. Tears threatened to consume him and he bit down hard on his lower lip forcing himself to focus on the new situation, and not his inwardly growing pain and terror.

While he had been imprisoned in the damp, dark prison cell it had been easier. He had still been a Prince of Asgard, a member of the royal family, someone of power and worth, a protected captive of the AllFather. But here he was less. His own father had cast him aside, allowed him to be sold like a piece of meat, like he was nothing. He had now become less than nothing. Quickly he scooped up another icy handful of water and splashed his face. There was no time for his useless tears now but they began to run down his cheeks anyway. Soon Loki was hunched over and sobbing, his body wracked with despair and a longing for his old life. The hot tears searing their way down his face uncontrollably as the realisation of his situation hit home.

He was a slave. A nothing. And his family had not only allowed this, but actively done it to him.

Loki hiccuped one last time and took in a shuddering breath as he rubbed his tear streaked face with the damp towel, eventually calming himself. He knew in his gut there was no escape for him, and he wrung out the small cloth again. The tears slowed, and his breathing evened out allowing him to methodically clean himself. He couldn’t disobey his new master on the first day!

....

Wind howled around the old barn stealing what little warmth the water had and try as he might he couldn’t ignore the blue hue still clinging to his body. He began to wonder if it would leave, but relief flooded him when his skin eventually returned back to its normal pale tones. He would never get used to that aspect of himself. He’d only ever seen his full Juton form once and it was not something he ever wished to see again. Blood red eyes, bright teal blue skin, black claws and the markings, his inherited heritage lines. They were his biggest fear, his heritage lines that would show that he was truely nothing. He had been abandoned by his birth family as a baby for being too small and weak, and now he had been abandoned by his adopted family for crimes he never actively committed. Another fear crept into his mind, what if his new owner knew about his heritage? What if he wanted to see his other form? What if he hated him? He had no rights now, no ability to stop his master using him as he saw fit or ridding himself of his troublesome slave. Loki shook his tired and throbbing head trying to rid himself of those thoughts, as much as he hated being a slave, he didn’t want to die, at least not yet!

The small rag had slowly turned from unbleached cotton, to pink, then to shades of red and brown as he managed to wash away most of the grime and dried blood that he could reach. Loki could feel a particularly sore part of his back that he didn’t dare touch just yet and he secretly hoped that there was no infection coming. He knew the Æsir of Asgard could not become sick easily, but he was Jotun and knew next to nothing about his kind. What he did know he did not want others to find out. His adopted mother had made him promise not to tell, now he just hoped she hadn’t...

....

Before he had been able to rinse himself fully the barn door slid noisily open again and Erik returned, “Stand up, Get undressed. I want to see what my gold pieces has bought me.” Loki’s new master crossed his arms and began tapping his fingers impatiently on his arm. He didn’t dare disobey, he would be good! Shakily finding his feet he quickly shrugged off the rags all the while keeping his head bowed and his hands clasped in front of him. Loki tried desperately to preserve a shred of his dignity. Erik noticed the action and closed the gap between them quickly gripping Loki’s chin and forcing his face up to meet his, “So, is this how you want to live? I thought you’d have wanted to be good! Do you think you’re too good for me to see?” Spitting in Loki’s face he harshly back-handed him, knocking him to the floor. Loki’s head hit the ground with a heavy thud and he moaned in pain curling around himself. Erik brought a booted foot down repeatedly over Loki’s abdomen and smashed it into his ribs, breaking at least two or three of them. With a snarl he ignored Loki’s pleas for forgiveness and pulled the slave to his feet and pushed him roughly over some close hay bales. Unclamping Loki’s chain Erik began to whip the prone slave mercilessly with it.

The chain whistled through the air and made a sickening, clanking thud as it connected with Loki’s flesh and soon the slave was an even bloodier mess than he had been before. The only noise apart from the metallic clank of the moving chain was Loki’s futile plea’s that he could, in fact, be good! Erik did not stop until a spray of Loki’s blood covered him across his face and he looked down, “Pathetic and weak, that’s what you are ‘PRINCE’ Loki of Asgard.”

The chain was clipped back onto its hook and Erik left the fallen prince unconscious with his crimson life force slowly beginning to soak into the hay and surrounding dirt of the barn floor. Erik didn’t return that day, or the next even. He really didn’t care about the being. He was just a slave, after all. It had been an idea from his younger brother to see just how far the enslaved prince had to fall. And fall he had. The once proud and haughty Prince of Mischief had become nothing more than a shell of his former self reduced to begging and pleading.

At the end of the second day Erik glanced up as one of his other slaves entered the living area, “Has my new play thing woken yet?”

The slave nodded, “Yes, My Lord, he roused late last night...” she kept her eyes cast down and her hands clasped together in the small of her back, “He is in much pain...”

Erik grinned, “Good.”

A while later Erik let a satisfied smirk cross his face. He had never intended to give his new slave an easy or pleasant life. Now, to have Loki think he had brought this on himself was perfect.

Utterly perfect.

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Loki’s life became one of fear. Fear of his Master, fear of beatings, fear that someone from his life prior would notice him and see how far he had fallen. He slowly became accustomed to the pain and hard work of Erik’s farm, learnt new skills, and gained a knowledge of the land he had never thought to learn.

Only on the coldest and quietest of nights when he lay looking up to the stars through the gapping holes in the barn roof did he now think about his former family. In those moments he prayed to hold his mother in his arms again. He longed to breathe in her soft scent and touch her silken hair. He longed to hear her gentle voice and sweet, lilting laugh. He would squeeze his eyes tightly shut and remember back to when he was a child sitting in her lap listening to her tell stories to himself and Thor as she’d stroked his hair. He had always loved those tender moments, her slender fingers carding through his raven locks. He had kept it slightly longer than he liked just for that reason. And Thor... Thoughts of his adoptive brother made his chest ache as well. Those warm, strong arms and joyful, boisterous personality had always been such a safe haven for him, but now... Now, they were just distant memories that pained him to even think about them.

Loki shivered slightly with the cold breeze and rubbed his arms. He was slowly getting used to his lack of coverings in the harsh environment. The ragged hem of his once regal tunic grazed at his thigh as he moved to create a small space in the towering wall of hay bales that was in the barn. It only took a short time to create the space that was small enough to house him curled up. He didn’t dare take anymore space, or dare to leave himself in a position that would leave him vulnerable or exposed. The small spot was well hidden behind another row and out of the way of the rain and snow that fell through the hole-ridden barn roof. There was even a small space where he placed the small rag that he had been given, he didn’t have any other belongings but it gave him a small, renewed sense of self that he had somewhere that was his.

For once, Loki lay in the middle of the barn looking up at the clear night sky. He rubbed at the fine gold bindings around his wrists that lay beneath his heavy iron ones, and longed to feel his seidir flow through his veins freely. His seidir was still there, he could feel it, but it was floating just out of his reach. He ached to feel his siedir’s power and vitality within him. Every aspect of his life had been entwined with it for so long that when it had been bound away from him by Odin it had been the most crushing and traumatic day of his life, even now. When his siedir had been bound it was like Loki had had to learn to walk and breathe again. Something that he had once taken for granted was suddenly not there, just gone! He had finally, after many months, learned to function without it, to relearn to do even the simplest of tasks by hand. He had cried and screamed over-and-over begging The Norns to allow him even the tiniest of hint of the power that he had used to have, he had begged them for even just the ability to heal himself, but nothing.

Just silence, and nothing...

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It wasn’t unusual for Erik to venture out to the close-by tavern to drink of an evening. It wasn’t even unusual for Erik to come in drunk, and clip Loki’s chain to the post and beat him into bloody unconsciousness. What was unusual this evening was that instead of beating him, Erik simply chained him, roughly shoved him over the nearby hay bail face down, and pushed his tattered coverings up to expose his nakedness. He gripped the nape of Loki’s neck painfully tight, his breath thick with the stench of ale and thrust his other hand between Loki’s thighs. It took Erik only moments to feel roughly around and have his hand stop on what he had been looking for. Erik had found the small entrance to Loki’s body that his mother had told him to protect and hide.

“So it is true! You are a Jotun whore!”

Loki shook his head and whined loudly. His heart pounded in his chest and he tensed in fear, “Master... Please...” He tried frantically to turn over, to free himself, to twist away from the unwanted intrusion but Erik’s brutal grip didn’t let him move, “Master, I am just your slave... Please, do not... Not this! Anything but this!”

He had never had a libido like Thor, or really even an interest in sex, and had always preferred his books, knowledge and siedir over company and lust. Even when Loki had been first enslaved he had managed to escape any use of himself sexually until now and was totally untouched, completely pure, a virgin in all ways.

Erik just laughed drunkenly and tightened his grip on the prone slave. He leant over and licked up Loki’s neck causing him to shudder, “They were talking about your kind tonight... Whores, sluts, the lot of you. Untrustworthy, pathetic, and weak...” He stroked Loki’s entrance and thrust a thick, calloused finger in with each cutting word. He nipped Loki’s ear and without warning or extra preparation pushed a second finger deep into him.

Loki squeezed his eyes shut and let out a low, frightened whine. He tried not to tense again knowing it would only bring more pain but his body would not relax, “Please! No! Master, not this!” His hands gripped the hay bale beneath him till his knuckles were white and he tore small clumps out. He could feel Erik’s fingers stroke over his virgin hole and he let out another terrified wail. Again, he tried to twist and move out from under his brutish owner but his actions simply received him a swift, hard slap to the back of his head and an even harsher stab of Erick’s thick fingers within him. He ignored Loki’s frightened pleas and undid his pants letting them fall to the floor around his ankles. His cock was already hard with want. Not for ‘Loki’, but for the Jotun ‘freak’ that he was. Erik released Loki’s nape and gripped his hips squeezing them painfully tight and he thrust swiftly into the fallen prince with one stroke.

Loki flung his head back and shrieked loudly at the painful intrusion begging his master to stop. He began to sob as Erik kept Loki’s shaking body pinned to the hay bale and slammed into him over and over. Warm tears streamed down Loki’s cheeks and he all but choked with each thrust of his master. The all-consuming pain radiated from the lower half of his body blanketing out everything else apart from his owner. Erik hadn’t bothered to prepare Loki in any other way than just briefly with his fingers so with each thrust the terrified prince tore. Blood eased the way and soon Erik was thrusting rhythmically into the slave without a care.

In and out, in and out.

Loki’s hysterical sobs filled the dark barn and were matched only by the grunts and moans of Erik. He quickly finished, spilling his hot seed deeply into Loki, and pulled out of the other man with a sadistic, and satisfied grin.

But Erik didn’t make to leave though. He let the high of a good climax flow through his veins and licked his lips. Loki’s Jotun entrance was bleeding, torn and leaking his seed, but his ass was still pristine. A cruel grin spread across Erik’s face and he leant across Loki’s body and whispered into his ear, “Want more, Whore?” Erik traced around Loki’s untouched puckered entrance and felt it tense under his touch. He chuckled at the slaves terrified sob.

Erik’s large, calloused hand slipped around the freezing, shaking torso and gripped Loki’s cock roughly in his hand. He slowly stroked the soft member in his hand, “You liked that, really, didn’t you? You like it rough, get off on pretending you don’t like it...” He stroked Loki’s flaccid cock again, “You want this, don’t you, whore!”

Loki shuddered and hunched his shoulders as tears slowly filled his eyes again. He shook his head, “No, Master, please... Don’t...”

Erik chuckled and nuzzled his neck ignoring Loki’s reply, “You’re so tense...” His stroking increased and he nibbled at the sensitive flesh at the top of Loki’s shoulder, “You really should just relax, let it happen...” He chuckled and let his other hand stroke down Loki’s side and firmly cup his balls.

Letting out a low moan, Loki let his head fall to rest on his hands and panted shallowly. Sweat dripped down his spine as confusion clouded his mind. He was terrified and hurting from Erik’s brutal use, but the strong, confident hands that touched his body sent sensations through him that he had never experienced, and did not know how to process. His mind fought itself and he was mortified when he felt a warmth pooling in his loins and himself becoming aroused. His breath became ragged and he shook his head, “Please... Please, Master!” He began to struggle as the intense sensation continued to build within him. Loki didn’t want this, but with each stroke of Erik’s hand he found himself thrusting lightly into it. He let go of the hay bale and gripped his tattered hair, “M-Master! S-Stop, p-please!”

With a cruel laugh Erik kept stroking Loki’s member till the slave was shaking and sweating more from his ministrations, “Let go, slut... Give over to your pleasure, you want this! Your body wants this, little whore!”

Loki whimpered as his body betrayed him and Erik’s hand pushed him over the edge. His climax hit hard. His broken body suddenly tensed, his belly coiled, and then he released. Loki’s eyes rolled back and his head tried to momentarily rest against Erik’s heated flesh. His confused body seeking out any form of comfort he could find, needing the reassurance and care. He shook as yet more tears fell down his cheeks, his mind and body in disarray. It was his first climax, and it was a heady and powerful mix of unwanted pleasure, and deep, deep shame and pain.

Erik snarled and pushed the fallen god away from him. He reached out and finished his current flagon of ale dripping the last few drops over Loki’s back and then tossed it aside. He gave a hard slap to Loki’s head not allowing him the desperately needed touch, and instead snarled, “I am a generous Master but do not take liberties, slave. Not everyone would think so much of your pleasure, whore.”

Loki whimpered at the fresh blow and hiccuped through the falling tears. His distress was growing more and more with each moment as now fear coiled in his belly. Loki truely didn’t know how he would live through this. The internal confusion only increased when Erik gripped his ass cheeks and roughly spread them leaning in to lap at Loki’s remaining pristine hole with his tongue, “You see how generous I am, don’t you.”

Loki nodded his head. He didn’t care, he just wanted this to end, to be left alone with his pain, to try and heal! He weakly tried to push himself away but a firm, strong hand planted itself on the small of his back keeping him down. He tried to ignore the terror building inside him, clenching at his heart. He tried to pull his legs together but the stabbing pain in his hips, and a firm knee from Erik stopped him. He began to cry harder, trying to not feel the shame creeping further over his skin, “N-No! P-Please... Master, don’t d-do this!”

Erik nuzzled Loki’s tattered hair, his hands running up and down the shaking, terrified body. He laughed at the attempts from Loki to move away from him and the way the slaves body tensed so beautifully when he stroked between his cheeks and over his entrance. He teased the tight hole and roughly pushed in a finger. Erik heard Loki’s whimpers change from scared to pained and then the sharp intake of breath as he breached his hole with a second digit.

Loki lay his head on his clenched hands and sobbed. He’d heard about men bedding other men as lovers but never thought it would be forced upon him like this. He felt so dirty and tired already but he knew that Erik wouldn’t leave till he was done. All he could do was breath and try to focus on something other than the pain spreading through his lower body.

Erik pulled his fingers out then pushed them into Loki’s already bleeding entrance coating them thoroughly. All Loki could do was let out a moan and hope his master wouldn’t be too rough. He coated his cock in the mix of semen and blood and thrust deeply into Loki’s ass in one movement. He heard a shriek from Loki as yet more tender flesh in Loki’s nether regions torn horribly and the blood began to flow. Again, it wasn’t long till Erik was gripping Loki’s hips and thrusting rhythmically into him. Every now and then Erik would give a particularly sharp thrust causing Loki to cry out in further pain. He came with a groan and spilled his seed into Loki for the second time that evening. Nuzzling at Loki’s nape drunkenly Erik pulled himself out wiping the blood off his member and onto the back of Loki’s ragged tunic. Loki’s master tidied himself and left without a worry, leaving the hysterical Loki traumatised and still laying over the hay bale with tears streaming down his cheeks.

Loki’s sobs eventually stilled to nothing and he lay there willing himself to wake up from this terrible nightmare. Were his so called crimes really worth this suffering? Surely someone had realised their mistake? Was he really as alone as he truly felt?

Slowly, he pushed himself off the rough surface and slid down to cower beside it. Erik’s seed slowly dripped out of his torn holes and Loki couldn’t help but dry retch. He had never felt so tired and dirty and pained in his entire life. He managed to slowly crawl to the tap and sat under the icy water for a long while.

Numb, he felt so cold and numb.

In this moment he didn’t care about the blue hue his skin had taken on, he was too far gone to care. His long fingers carefully opened himself up and he numbly started to rid himself of Erik’s seed. Just the idea of that disgusting fluid within him made his stomach roll. He could feel the sharp sting of the water flowing over the open wounds and he shuddered. Slowly, very slowly, he crawled back to his spot in the barn and stared out to the night sky, his body shaking. Every movement he now made caused fresh pain to radiated through his abused body and fresh tears to fall. Regardless of the pain he felt Loki wrapt his painfully thin arms around his body and sobbed. His once glossy raven hair was now even more matted in places and had grown to cover his shoulders and the top of his back. It fell across his bruised and battered face and he didn’t bother trying to fix it. His last piece of self value and worth was now gone. Stolen by his master who hadn’t even cared, or known about his purity. He cried harder letting the events of that day, week, month and year wash over him. He felt broken, more broken than when he’d arrived.

Chapter Text

From that night Eriks brutal rape of Loki became a regular occurrence, and the pain, blood, and tears of the worthless slave went unnoticed. Why would a master concern himself with such menial things of his lowly possession. Loki became more and more quiet, and then simply stopped talking at all, save when of utter necessity. The being once know for his silver tongue had now been rendered effectively mute. His shoulders permanently hunched and any shred of the old, haughty Prince gone. The striking emerald, green eyes now dull and more often than not blood shot, his pristine skin now marred with open wounds and telling scars.

————

It wasn’t till a few months later that Loki fell ill, or so he thought. It wasn’t for a few weeks after that that he realised that he had conceived a child. The nausea, the pain in his lower back and the ever-so-slight swell of his stomach confirmed it. He splayed his hands over his still mostly flat belly not knowing what to feel. So many conflicting emotions ran through him; on one hand he was elated - a child, on the other hand - it was Erik’s. Would his master take the child and raise it away from him, would he or she be sold for profit, or would Erik leave the child with Loki to live the life of a slave?

Loki didn’t have to wait long for an answer. Erik soon noticed the swell of Loki’s belly growing larger and larger and he spat at the slave in disgust disowning any offspring from the fallen prince. His use of the pregnant slave didn’t diminish, if anything he became more frequent and brutal, and Loki found himself wishing more and more that he had access to his seidir to protect them both. His only want in this new life of his was to protect the tiny new one that now grew within him.

Frigga had only told him after his enslavement that his kind had the ability to both create and carry life within them. He had also never paid attention to the whispers of his parentage around the palace as a child, choosing to ignore them as petty gossip, now he wished he had asked his mother and seeked the truth. He knew next to nothing about his kind, or labouring and birthing a child, let alone raising one alone.

————

Loki sat in the barn fighting another wave of nausea as he tried to prepare for the day ahead. He could feel the bile rising and he breathed deeply and then quickly plunged his head under the freezing tap. The cool water flowed over his skin and he relished in the brief reprieve. It had been a few weeks since Erik had found out about his pregnancy and had been more than cruel. His already meagre food rations all but halved, his work load doubled, and the other slaves forbidden to help him. His master had also set physically harder work and his body was growing weaker and weaker while trying to feed and nourish the growing life.

Tove, a young dark-haired slave girl, smiled as she silently entered the barn. She never spoke, just smiled sadly with a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure no one saw her. This day, her eyes drifted over his body and her face lit up as she gently pulled him from under the tap and handed him the small towel that he had laid out to dry off. Her hands touched his small bump that was beginning to show, and then dug in the pockets of her tunic till she found a small parcel. She pressed it into Loki’s hand with another smile and a small nod, and left as silently and quickly as she had arrived.

He looked down. It was a small drinking infusion of ginger and mint. An old wives remedy for morning sickness. Fresh tears pricked at his eyes but for once in the long and endless months that he had been at the farm they were out of relief. Someone had seen him. Someone cared.

————

Over the remaining months of Loki’s pregnancy his belly slowly grew larger and larger, and he tried not to think about the impending birth. He used his basic common sense and began slowly collecting bits and pieces he might need until the day finally arrived.

He was in the field tending the crops with the other slaves when it happened. He let out a pained wail and clutched his large belly. All Loki could do was squeeze his eyes shut, breathe, and hope that his child would wait a while till he got back to the minimal safety of the dilapidated barn. Sucking in a deep breath he began the long walk back by himself. After a time he felt something trickle, and then gush down his leg and he knew that his waters had broken. His contractions were slowly becoming closer together and caused him to pause on his walk back, groaning when they happened. Finally he saw the barn and stumbled inside. He had managed to hide away a few cloths for the birth and a blanket for when the child was born. He leant over the hay bale and the irony wasn’t lost on him that that was the position he had become pregnant in, in the first place. Tears flowed down his cheek as fear and pain consumed him. After what felt like hours of endless pain the need to push came on him and he bore down. He dropped to his knees exhausted but he knew he could not stop, his baby was so close to arriving now. He pushed again and again and eventually the babes head crowned and he knew a couple pushes and they’d be there. A few minutes later Loki was holding his new born daughter in his arms sobbing.

She was perfect.

Ten perfect fingers, perfect ten toes, and a head of raven hair like her mother. He cleaned her as best he could and wrapt her in the one soft piece of fabric that he’d managed to find. It wasn’t the richly embroidered bed linen he and Thor had as children but it would do, it was clean, soft and would keep her warm. He stroked her forehead and smiled through his tears, “Nasya, you are my miracle...”

————

Erik gave Loki just a very short time after Nasya’s birth before taking him painfully again. Loki barely managed to tuck the small babe away safely into the hay so even at that tender age she could not see the pain of her mother. He had wept with every thrust that had torn him open. Erik had snarled his disgust at the bloody slave and left him shaking and weeping over the hay bales yet again.

Tove had heard Erik’s usual tirade and took pity on the new mother. She found a healing balm in one of the outer slave accomodations and quietly entered the barn. Loki hadn’t moved. He couldn’t. Every fibre of his body screamed at him to give up, to fade into oblivion. Every fibre, but one: His instinct to protect, and nurture, and love the small gift hidden away in the hay, Nasya.

Tove gently cleaned him, applying the balm to his wounded body. Pressing the small jar into his shaking hand she wrapt her warm hands around his icy ones. They were colder than she would have liked but knew she could do little else to help Loki, especially with his now crying newborn child. Tove tried to smile, took the shawl from her own shoulders, and gently wrapt Loki in it. She picked up the crying Nasya and handed her to him, “She needs you, my prince, don’t forget that...”

Loki knew he didn’t deserve her help or kindness and that he would never be able to replay her for it. All he could do was squeeze her hand shakily and nod through his grateful tears.

Loki eventually healed even with the frequent rough use thanks to the strong healing properties of the balm. The slave that helped him smiled gently whenever she saw him. Loki didn’t even have the status of slave on Eriks farm. Lower than slaves, he and Nasya were mere animals and were kept in the barn like one. He noticed a small parcel every now and then in his hiding spot and realised that the slave girl was leaving him gifts for Nasya. A soft blanket, a sewn strip of fabric to carry her in, a tiny linen tunic for her, even a little extra food for him to make looking after her easier.

Chapter Text

A few months passed in relative normality until Loki groaned when waking up one morning. Erik had been quicker and less vigorous than usual the night before but he still felt the bile rise in his throat. Rolling onto his belly Loki braced himself as he threw up the small amount of food he’d been able to scrap together the night prior. He crawled to the tap and let the freezing water wash over his head. Turning the tap off and shaking his head he still felt off. He knew this feeling but couldn’t place it until he heard Nasya cry out from her bed in the hay. He took a deep breath and pressed his hand to his belly whispering, “Norns, please, no! It’s too soon...”

Loki had desired children but they were meant to be a product of love, not lust and hate and pain. He looked at his belly, still flat with just the few red stretch marks that he carried from Nasya. Many emotions tried to overtake him so he tried to focus on just the ones that were less painful, like remembering the first time feeling Nasya move within him, and then when she smiled for the first time. He shut his eyes and let himself just process everything, one breath and one heartbeat at a time. Loki couldn’t stop the fear he felt but, even with the fear he couldn’t help but feel the love for this child begin to grow within him.

————

Since Loki had been conditioned by Erik to be face down over the hay bales when the barn door opened Erik only noticed Loki’s growing belly when he was a number of months along. His master had been to the tavern that evening and was not only drunk again, but was now livid at this new news as well, “Stupid, stupid ‘prince’!”

Erik’s fist balled in Loki’s hair and he snapped the slaves head back with force, “Did you really think this would spare you from me? Or make you special to me?” He dragged Loki off the hay bale and threw him on the ground. In a split second Erik drew his booted foot back and kicked Loki’s rounded belly repeatedly. Loki cried out in terror and pain while trying vainly to protect the unborn life within his body. He tried to turn away, wrap his arms around himself, anything at all but the kicks kept coming and he only had as far as his short leash would give him. By the time Erik’s initial fury had ebbed away Loki was unconscious and laying on the floor in a pool of his own crimson blood.

————

Loki awoke to pain and cramping in his belly and he knew something was wrong. Still feeling the weight of the chain attached to his collar Loki knew Erik wasn’t finished with him yet. Loki let out a moan and curled into his side holding his belly. He squeezed his eyes shut as he heard the barn door move.

“Slut... Whore... Pathetic, little prince!” Erik held another fresh goblet of ale in his hand and he took another drunken gulp from it, “Do I give you too much? Do you think you can look after another whore-slave-child when you can barely look after yourself?”

Loki moaned and tried to get to his feet in the position he knew was right but the sharp pain radiating from his belly on every move kept him on the floor. He eventually managed to beg, “Please, Master... Help me!” Tears fell down his cheeks, “This child... Your child, it’s innocent!” He gulped in mouthfuls of air in the hopes of stalling the ever increasing pain growing. He knew what was beginning to happen but was unwilling to accept it!

Erik let out an angered shout, “Your spawn is NOTHING of mine! Do you hear that, slave! NOTHING!” He strode angrily to Loki’s side and kicked him solidly in the belly again. A scream tore itself from Loki’s lips as he felt fresh liquid from his loins splatter against his thighs and he curled into himself not caring any longer about Erik. He rocked himself and cried as his body began the painful process of birthing his baby long before its due time.

When Erik slammed the barn door shut again all he could hear from inside were soft sobs interspersed with the begging of the fallen prince to the Norns to please protect his unborn child in the after life.

————

Loki sat statue still staring glassily ahead of him as he held the tiny, lifeless body in his arms. Ten perfect fingers, ten perfect toes. His grief and pain overwhelmed everything else. There were no more tears, he didn’t think he could cry anymore.

Tove snuck into the barn, undid his chain and went to his side. She looked at the sweet baby in Loki’s arms and placed a thick blanket that she had brought around his shoulders. They had heard the screaming coming from the barn and they had figured what it had meant. Erik had always been a merciless, cruel master, and when it came to Loki he was even worse. She knew that she shouldn’t be helping him but there was no way she couldn’t.

Loki remained still, unmoving, catatonic.

The slave girl stroked his cheek trying to rouse him, “Sweet prince, do not lose yourself in this heartbreak... Your little babe needs you still.”

Once again she set about cleaning the broken being, trying to do what she could. She gently began to take the dead baby from Loki’s arms and he tightened his grip, “No... Please, no! Not yet!” His voice was softer than a whisper, “Not yet, please... Until Nasya wakes?” Loki looked at his sweet daughters face and then to Tove, “Her name is Asta...”

Tove leant over and gently pushed a still sweaty lock from his tear stained cheek, “Asta, that’s beautiful, My Prince...” She rubbed his arms hoping to get some warmth into him, “Try and rest a while...”

A little while later she kissed the top of his head tenderly and sighed, “My Prince, she needs be buried before the dawn... Before the Master wakes... Before he forbids it...” She sat beside Loki and rested her head on his shoulder, “I’m sorry this happened... Neither of you deserved it...”

After a while Nasya woke and Loki was forced to give over his second born daughter. He felt like his soul was being torn apart but he knew she should be buried properly and the others were already doing far more than they should be, “Thank you...” He kissed the tiny forehead one last time before releasing her to his only friend, “I will always love you, little Asta...”

He looked down to his now spongy, much smaller belly and the tears started to fall again. He was broken, in every way...

Chapter Text

The months dragged on and the seasons changed as Erik continued his brutal use of Loki. The slave, now mentally numb to almost any pain his owner could inflict, lived only for his beloved daughter. He barely functioned apart from taking care of Nasya and working in the fields. The small gifts of food from the other slaves meant he had at least a ready supply of milk to feed his daughter, helping her to grow strong even if he did not.

Nasya learnt how to sit, then stand, and when she took her first tentative steps towards him his heart melted even further. For all the pain and suffering he endured, she was worth it. He had never felt such love for another!

It hadn’t even crossed Loki’s mind that Nasya could have inherited his magical abilities. He had almost dropped the small plate of food he held when he saw the eighteen month old sitting up and giggling happily with a faint green glow emanating from her fingertips. He had felt his eyes prick and quickly wiped the threatening tears away, grinning with happiness. Kneeling in front of her Loki placed the food down and took her hands in his pressing kisses to her palms. He hadn’t tried to access his siedir since his first days as a slave, but seeing Nasya’s ability he couldn’t help but try again.

Curling his hands into fists, Loki reached deep inside himself trying to finding his connection to the Yggdrasil, but it still floated just out of reach. Frustrated, he slammed his closed fists into his thighs startling his infant daughter making her begin to wail. He scooped Nasya into his arms and whispered apologies and sweet kisses into her hair, longing for the day he could really show her how to harness and use her power.

————

A few days later Loki walked the infant around the barn trying to settle her, but she wouldn’t. He rubbed gentle circles onto her back and spoke softly, “Hush, my Princess...” A thought crossed his mind and he set her on his hip with a kiss. There was no harm in trying just one more time, for his daughter, was there? He held out his palm and sent a silent prayer to the Norns that he could do this.

He felt a rush through his body and his heart almost skipped a beat when a tiny green flame appeared briefly in his palm capturing Nasya’s attention. It was the first, and only, time since his enslavement that he had been able to access his siedir and he treasured it in his heart. Nasya cooed happily finally settling and gripped Loki’s tattered tunic. She giggled and put the tunic in her mouth sucking on it and poking at the small green flame. It flickered gently at her touch but didn’t go out straight away, “Isn’t it pretty, my sweet...”

Loki hummed happily feeling the now foreign emotion well within him. For once he no longer felt tired, or anxious, or scared. They had been replaced with peace, and actual joy! He picked Nasya up holding her against his heart and rocked her gently, resting his head on hers. He breathed in her sweet scent and let his eyes flicker shut. It had been a long time since he had felt this much love. Loki knew it wouldn’t last but he cherished the moment anyway, and tucked the memory away for when he would need it.

Nasya settled quickly after Loki’s little magic show and he put her down for the evening. He looked at his hands and for the first time, in a long while, manoeuvred the heavy iron cuffs to show the thin gold ones that bound his power. They were still intact, almost new looking even. Loki still didn’t know how he managed to create the flame but the joy it brought him and his daughter made him want to be able to do it again even more. He bit the inside of his cheek in concentration and tried to recreate the flame. Nothing...

Loki sat there for a while before picking up the plate of food he had managed to scrap together that afternoon. It was mostly stale breads but the small bits of potato and the tiny piece of meat were fresh that evening, and blessedly still just a bit warm. He sighed as he realised just how hungry he was. Then it dawned on him, he couldn’t access his seidir again at the moment as he was too weak. He laughed to himself, too weak... How pathetic of him! Look how far the so called God of Mischief had fallen.

————

Erik had been in a particularly cruel mood that week and Loki’s now fragile body needed time to heal. He had let his friends use Loki that evening as well, and the men had been drunker and rougher than even Loki was now used too. His bleeding and pained body ached terribly with each movement and Loki hissed as he sat himself down shakily on the hay bales. He felt around and found the small jar of ointment given to him from Tove. The lid came off with practiced ease and he dipped his slender finger in. He quickly added a second finger as he felt another layer of panic flow over him. Loki could feel the bottom of the container! It was empty! This wasn’t good, not at all! His stomach rolled, without this precious balm he would never heal in time and his body would break...

Loki knew he should still be healing swiftly, but as of the last few weeks he had started to notice a slower rate. Longer open wounds, darker bruises, more pain. This worried him, but what could he do?

Normally, Loki could handle the rough treatment of his master and friends but tonight the mixed scents of ale, sweat, and dirt had made him gag. His face throbbed from where he had been hit and then forcefully held, and he was sure there were fresh bruises already starting to form. His jaw ached from continued stretching around the men’s cocks, and the taste... How much he hated the taste of men! The memory of the sour saltiness made him gag again and this time he threw up. It made him feel better now that his stomach was empty and he could begin to settle. Loki cast his eyes quickly to where Nasya was well hidden and still slept. She had learnt to sleep through anything knowing that her mother would wake her when it was safe again. Loki knew that trait would eventually leave her but he was thankful for it at this time. He wouldn’t cope if she knew what happened to him while she slept. Rain started to fall through the open roof and he let himself sink into the floor. He tried to focus, to to stop the spinning in his head, and sat back against the scratchy hay bales breathing deeply in and out.

Loki settled on the barn floor, centred himself in the moment and focused inward. He let the pain from that evenings events fade away, he let everything fade away except for himself and Nasya. He focused on the his heartbeat and Nasya’s gentle breathing. He felt a lightness come over him. It was like floating, a peacefulness that he hadn’t felt in years, not since before. After a while he returned to his senses and sighed moving to curl around Nasya to try and rest.

When alone Loki continued to show and teach Nasya their magic and encouraged her to play with it. He was careful to hide their gifts away from Erik, and even the other slaves fearful of what they might say or do. Thankfully Nasya was still small enough that she spent most of the day strapped to either Loki’s front or back sleeping. He was careful to protect her from the harsh summer sun and also the freezing winter snowfalls. He may be Jotun but his daughter was only half one...

Loki took to meditating and nurturing his tiny seidir in the evenings when Erik’s use of him was done. It was hard and often tired him out more, but to feel that tiny, brief rush through his veins was worth it. He still couldn’t do more than the tiny flame in his palm because of the golden cuffs but it was at least a visible reminder that he once had been someone.

Chapter Text

For the following year Erik continued to denounce Nasya as his offspring stating that a child of a slave, regardless of free parentage, is still a slave. He continued his relentless abuse of Loki, raping him and beating him bloody more times than the slave could remember. Loki’s continuing saving grace to not give up was the growing child he loved dearly. Nasya grew into a beautiful little girl with the emerald green eyes and raven locks of her mother. She was the light of Loki’s life, the one good and pure thing to come from all his pain and suffering.

Nasya was just over two when Loki felt ill again, and noticed his back hurting and then a few weeks later the very slight swell of his belly. He let himself sit onto the hay bales and he pressed his hand to his belly. As much as he knew he would love this child, he was devastated. And fearful. Would Erik do to him what he had done last time and take this child from him even before it’s birth? The pain of losing his second child so brutally still scarred him and he didn’t know if he’d survive going through that a second time. He’d been lucky that his increasing state of malnutrition had hindered his ability to conceive again until now. His hands pressed to his belly pushing that thought from his mind. How would he look after two children and do his work? He could barely cope with one! Even now, if he fell behind in his tasks Erik threatened to sell Nasya. Loki knew he would find a way, he just had to plan and he didn’t have much time.

Thankfully Erik responded better to Loki’s condition when he found out this time and his pregnancy was allowed to progress. It didn’t stop Erik from continuing his abuse of Loki, nor did he allow any special treatment to help the slave in any way either.

————

Loki and Nasya were walking home from one of their rare trips into the nearby township. Erik had needed supplies and the other slaves were too busy. Even with his now large belly Loki still managed to haul the heavy load on his back. A horse, or even a handcart, would have made things easier but Erik would never permit that indulgence for a mere slave, and especially not Loki. Out of nowhere a giant, black steed galloped down the path. Nasya, who had been walking a little distance from her mother, let out a terrified wail as the creature got to close. Loki acted on instinct to protect his child and dropped everything he was carrying. He pulled her into his arms and dropped to his knees knowing they had been seen as the horse had startled. His whole body shook, terrified of what this stranger may do to them, he was off the protected land of his master, and fair game.

“Please, My Lord, please! Forgive us!” He began babbling stilted apologies in the hope that their presence would be forgotten quickly. It felt odd for him to be speaking to someone other than Nasya!

The rider of the horse didn’t look down till he had brought the beast around beside the slaves and snarled, “You had do better to watch where you are going! How dare you!” he stopped, looking at the kneeling slaves, “Look at me, slaves, now!”

Loki turned his face up but kept his eyes adverted recognising the voice. Tears pricked his eyes, it was his brothers trusted friend, Balder. Thor would finally know how low his once-brother had fallen. He tried to keep his composure but failed letting the tears slip from his eyes. He could have taken all the punishment and torture that Erik had for him, but for his once beloved family to find out this was his life now, that was more than he could bare!

“Prince Loki...?”

Balder slipped from his horse and touched Loki’s bare shoulder. The simple movement caused Loki to shudder, pull Nasya closer to him and draw in a sharp breath.

Humiliation flooded him, “My Lord...”

Balder could see the scars and deep bruises that littered Loki’s flesh. A particularly bad black eye had kept Loki’s eye mostly shut for the last few days, and Balder ran his finger gently over it, “My Prince, what has happened to you?”

Loki let out a shallow breath and whispered as he hung his head in shame, “Only what I deserve, My Lord...”

Nasya looked up through her dark hair and Balder smiled kindly at her, “Hello, young one! And who are you?”

She pressed herself into Loki in fear and whimpered causing her mother to tightened his grip around her, “My daughter, Nasya...”

Balder went to stroke Nasya’s hair and Loki instinctively pulled her from his reach. He realised his action too late and looked up at Balder in terror, “My Lord... I’m... I’m so sorry... I... She... My daughter...” He knew he was babbling again but he couldn’t seem to stop.

Balder shook Loki’s shoulders gently to break him from his panicked tirade, “Prince Loki, all is well!”

He shook his downcast head, mumbling, trying to regain control of himself, “Not a prince... Not anymore... Slave, animal, nothing...”

“What has really happened to you? Your face?”

He held out his hand and helped Loki to his feet only just then seeing the slaves very pregnant belly. Balder swallowed, and Loki saw his jaw clench. That was never a good sign in his experience and he took a step away.

Tears still trickled down Loki’s face as he waved his hand at where he had dropped the heavy parcels, “My Lord... I must return to my master... His... His supplies...”

Balder just nodded, knowing he could do little to help the fallen prince, “Of course. I will tell your brother that I have seen you. He will be most happy that you are alive still. Your punishment has not sat well with him.”

Loki nodded, his fate sealed, “Thank you, My Lord, that is most kind of you. More than I deserve.”

He waited till Balder had gone on his way to pick up the packages. He could see damp spot in the heavy paper and he knew he was still crying. Loki only had the short walk back to the farm to collect himself. Master Erik could know nothing of this meeting upon their return home.

Nasya stayed close by Loki’s side for the rest of the day scared from the unusual man and the effect he had had on her mother.

————

Balder strode through the golden halls of Asgard’s palace and straight to Thor’s chambers. He thumped on the heavy golden doors. They swung open and he was greeted warmly by Thor and the Warriors Three. He didn’t smile, didn’t laugh but simply stated, “Friend, Thor. I have seen your brother, Loki, and fear all is not well with him.” He shook his head, “I fear he is broken not just in body, but spirit too...”

Chapter Text

Once again Loki had been up all night with only the barest of rest. Between his duties on the farm, Erik’s harsh use and the constant bouts of morning sickness even at this late stage of pregnancy, Loki felt like death. His emancipated frame looked sicker and more frail than it ever had, and his protruding baby bump looked almost comical with how it was carrying on him. Loki sighed as the sun peaked through the hole in the barn roof and he pushed himself up giving his belly a soft rub. It was Harvest Day, the longest and hardest day of the year. Even Nasya, at barely two and a half years of age, had been put to work helping Loki. ‘If she could not work, then she could not stay’ were his Master’s exact words.

The day started out as it usually would, with crisp morning air and the bright dawn sun shining down. Loki had even managed to find a little extra food for he and Nasya to eat as the day began to warm. They would need their energy. All the slaves were up early preparing as Erik slept typically late. They didn’t mind though, there was less tension in the air and things seems to flow better without him there. Anyway, the way Loki was feeling this day the less he saw of Erik the better. He was still limping from the harsh beating the night before and really had doubts he get through the day! Not working wasn’t an option, being sick wasn’t an option either. He had even been forced back to work by Erik the very day of both his children’s birth. No special treatment had been allowed to him for the pain or trauma he had been through.
It wasn’t till later that day that the slaves noticed three cloaked figures that had appeared near the farm boundary. They did not move onto Erik’s land, just watched the workers from afar, observing. It caused a nervous hum through the group but the heavy workload kept them from worrying too much about them. They didn’t dare fall behind. Loki could feel heat in his skin from the prolonged time out under the sun and he rubbed his back willing his growing anxiety to leave. He could feel the tiredness and tension in his body at these strangers feeling something was coming, changes were never good on Erik’s farm. The next time Loki looked up the three figures had gone.

When the fields had finally yielded all their crops to the slaves they began the long trek back to the main area of the farm. All of the slaves stayed together continuing to look around until they were away from the road. Safety in numbers was the best in any walk of life. Loki felt uneasy because of the unknown figures and called Nasya to him. He picked her up and kissed the top of her raven locks instructing her to stay very close by him for the rest of the day. It wasn’t uncommon for raiding parties to steal women and children, and a Nasya would hardly be missed by anyone but her mother.

————

It was hours later and Loki still could not shake the sick and uncomfortable feeling that something was coming. He kissed Nasya’s head and hugged her to himself. It was a rare night that Erik hadn’t come to him for any sort of use and he was revelling in the quiet peace he could share with his daughter. He sat cross-legged on the hay covered floor gently carding his fingers through Nasya’s tangled hair. His nimble fingers teased out as many of the knots as he could find before grunting lightly as the babe within him kicked. Loki knew he had at least two or three months left to carry the child, and he couldn’t help but smile gently, “Your younger sibling is making themselves known this evening, my sweet...” He took her small hand and placed it over his taut skin just in time for her to feel another strong kick, “Did you feel that? A little brother or sister!”

Nasya squealed with surprise and delight, and then placed both hands on his belly, tapping it expectantly for another kick. Loki laughed lightly at her innocent actions, “My sweet one, it does not work like that!”

Loki smiled and hugged Nasya to him as they settled down to sleep on the hay. It was a rare event that they could spend this time together and his anxiety over the strangers forgotten for now.

————

The sun wasn’t yet up when the barn door was slammed open and three Guards of the Realm strode in unannounced. Loki sat bolt upright and instantly clutched his daughter in his arms, his heart pounding in fear, and a sheen of sweat lightly beginning to cover his body.

“Prince Loki of Asgard?”

He didn’t quite know what to say so he knelt as best he could still holding Nasya, “My Lords... I am the slave once know as Loki of Asgard...” He let his hair cover his face not looking up, knowing better than that. The use of his former title cut a deep wound into him he thought long healed, “H-How... How may I serve you, my Lords?”

Loki waited as they spoke quietly amongst themselves. Growing anxiety gnawed at him as the largest one pointed to Nasya, “The child? Who’s is she?”

His hands shook as he placed his daughter on the ground before him facing them and whispered, “Nasya, my daughter. Fathered by my Master, the Lord Erik, but... She is unclaimed by him...” His voice dropped to a lower tone, “My current pregnancy is fathered but as yet also unclaimed by my Master, the Lord Erik as well.”

The three figures muttered between themselves occasionally casting their eyes over Loki and his daughter. The closest simply stated, “Unexpected.”

Loki felt his anxiety increase even more as Erik appeared in the doorway. He snarled, but said nothing as one of the guards stopped him, “You have failed in your contract, Lord Erik. The slaves will come with us.”

Erik went to protest but a harsh look and the drawing of the closest guards sword had him closing his mouth. The Guards of The Realm held out a parchment for Erik to sign relinquishing his ownership and moments later Loki and Nasya were marched out of the barn.

Loki kept Nasya in his arms knowing she would not be able to keep up with the punishing speeds their new guardians were setting. The Guards of the Realm set out on horseback with Loki walking chained at their side. He could barely keep up, the frequent tug at the heavy collar and his numerous stumbles on the rocky path showed this! Loki again wished he had better access to his siedir. His whole body ached from both holding Nasya and his heavy belly. Shifting Nasya onto his hip with the most comforting kiss he could manage, Loki winced as he rubbed his tender back and felt pain stab down his leg.

The largest of the guards noticed his movement and stopped, “Are you unwell?”

Loki stopped and looked at them, startled, “My Lords... No!” He flushed deeply, ashamed that these men had seen such obvious weakness from him, he would have to improve much to survive whereever they were headed next!

The guard narrowed his eyes, “You are in pain?”

Loki’s mouth went dry and felt his blood run cold, this was bad, “No, my Lord! I am just uncomfortable, my lord, that is all! I am well!” He continued rambling, clinging to Nasya even tighter, “Just, this pregnancy... It... Makes me...”

Loki rubbed his forehead and swallowed as he felt his head swim. He had not been feeling well for days now. His eyes flickered a little and his vision narrowed, then darkened and he collapsed heavily to the ground. His most recent beating, the long walk in the hot morning sun, and the lack of food all contributing to him finally giving into the blackness that overwhelmed him. Nasya did not utter a sound as she fell with her mother, she just balled her fists into Loki’s ragged tunic and glared angrily at the men as she found her footing again with practiced ease.

Strong hands picked Loki and Nasya up and placed them with the riders. Loki passed in and out of consciousness for the rest of the journey back to Asgard’s capital. He could feel the strong grip of the guard holding him but found it surprising gentle, and not cruel. He moaned lightly and tried to shift himself but his arms were pinned gently beside him. Surprisingly, Loki was seated in the guards lap with his head resting on his shoulder but not in an uncomfortable way. Loki tried to lift his head to look around but barely managed to open his eyes. His head pounded. Everything was just so hot, and fuzzy, and confusing. He let out another moan and felt himself pass out again.

When Loki finally reawakened his head still pounded. All he wanted was his daughter. And water. He reached out with his hands and felt only the familiar, cold stone flooring of his old palace cell.

But no water.

And no Nasya...

Chapter Text

Dread filled Loki. The palace dungeon was no place for children! What would happen to his? He felt panic rise in him and he screamed out for Nasya when he didn’t feel her presence in the cell. Loki crawled throughout the length and breadth of his dark enclosure in the vain hope that he might find some trace of his beloved daughter. His hands and legs were a bloody mess by the time he began screaming Nasya’s name again over and over. His voice now raw left him and he collapsed sobbing in a heap. He tried to breathe, but panic was threading itself through him making his chest too tight to do more than just wheeze. He knew he should calm down for the sake of his unborn child but he couldn’t! What would happen to Nasya without him there to protect her, or teach her? She was so young. What would happen to the child he currently carried, would that child be ripped from his arms at birth? He didn’t try to sleep. Instead Loki tried to keep himself on-guard using every ounce of his limited energy to listen out for sounds or mentions of Nasya, or hints of their plans for him. Try as he might, Loki only lasted moments before the stressful events of the day and his malnutrition caught up with him and he was passed out again utterly exhausted on the cold stone floor.

————

Nasya hunched her tiny frame into the corner of her stone cell with a practiced fierceness that didn’t quite hide her fear. She had seen her mother abused enough times to know she should make herself as inconspicuous or as forgettable as possible. But where was her mother? Her eyes searched every inch of the dimly lit cell but could only make out the wooden door, a small plate of food, and a goblet of water. Nasya wasn’t silly, her mother had taught her well. The only food she ate was what her mother gave her. Her mother knew what food was safe! Nasya had seen Loki too many times forced to eat food laced with herbs or drugs that made him sick. She shuddered at the most recent memory turning her back to the door.

No, she wasn’t silly, she would not eat.

————

Loki was only unconscious for a short time this time. When he awoke there was a goblet of liquid beside him. He picked it up and sniffed it. It was a familiar smell, ginger and mint. Good for morning sickness he noted. He raised it to his nose again but couldn’t pick up on any other herbs or drugs in the liquid so he gambled and took a sip. It soothed his raw throat and felt good in his stomach. The constant nausea he’d been feeling began to dissipate and despite his aches and pains he began to feel slightly better. The goblet sat well in his hands and he finally bothered to look properly at it. It was ornate gold with green emeralds set in. It was the royal goblet that had been his when he had feasted with his family! His hands lost their grip and it clattered to the ground spilling the small amount of fluid left in it. Tears sprung to his eyes. That was beyond cruel.

He crawled into the corner and pressed himself against the cool stones resting his head on his knees. He just wanted his daughter. He cried silently, his shoulders shaking, his hands fisted in his hair. Where was she? Not even the strong kick within him managed to soothe him. He rubbed the spot on his belly and prayed she was ok.

Loki looked up when his cell door opened, “Nasya?” He knew it was wishful thinking but he didn’t care, “My daughter, please! Where is she? Can I see her? Please!”

The shaft of light only allowed for the outline of the person entering his cell. They did not speak but hauled Loki up by the hair. He scrambled to get his feet under him as his hands flew to the fist in his hair, “Please! My Lord, Master!”

A hand swiftly and painfully backhanded Loki’s cheek snapping his head back involuntarily. His hair pulled violently at the movement and he whimpered remembering his place. Loki felt his ragged clothing being peeled off him and he forced his body to relax folding his arms into the small of his back and leaving his pregnant belly vulnerable and overly exposed, “My Lord. Forgive me, please, I forgot myself.”

Silence hung in the air as Loki’s new tormentor said nothing. He just pushed the slave against the stone wall and let out a low snarl. Loki couldn’t help but let out a frightened whimper and a few single words, “Don’t... Please...”

Loki shut his eyes willing himself not to cry but when the large, rough hand thrust between his legs he let the tears fall. He could handle the rough treatment and humiliation as a slave, but here in the palace, so close to his former family? No, he couldn’t bear that! Loki let out a loud sob that earned him another stinging blow across his face. His abuser still said nothing, just grunted as he stroked himself and then thrust deeply into Loki.

He willed himself not to cry out but the pain was overwhelming. Erik had been rough but quick, but this man was worse. The man pressed himself against Loki rubbing his hands over the swollen belly. That made Loki’s skin crawl. After his miscarriage Erik would barely even look at his belly so that had become somewhere only he and Nasya ever touched. Loki had managed to all but shut out the deep, tearing thrusts happening to him as his mind fixated on the large calloused hands cupping his flesh. Fear exploded through him, he was so weak now, and they were so strong! A strong copper smell now hung in the room and Loki let out a broken cry as he knew blood was now smeared over his thighs. His panic rose. Were they doing this to harm his unborn child? His heartbeat pounded in his chest and he let out a loud cry, “STOP! Please!” Loki went limp against the wall, the pain and fear now overriding everything else, “Please don’t hurt my baby! Please... Master...” He didn’t try to hide his tears or pain. His hands went to the rough hand still holding his hair and he tried to pull it loose, “Please, Master, I beg you, I beg you... My babe is innocent!” His voice broke and he began to sob uncontrollably. All that earned Loki was another slap and a hefty shove against the rough wall opening old wounds on his back. The man kept thrusting into Loki but thankfully only took a few short minutes to spill his hot seed into the slave. He pulled out and used Loki’s ragged clothing to clean himself then left, still without a word.

Loki sunk to the floor and continued to sob. He covered his face with his hands and just let the shame and pain wash over him. Loki touched his thigh and felt the warm sticky mess of semen and blood on his skin. His sobs increased as he felt further over his skin. His abused entrance swollen and torn again. He knew that would take time to heal and now he had none of the powerful balm from the farm.

The cell door swung open again and in strolled another man. He remained silent as well. The door was slightly more ajar this time and Loki dared to peak up from behind his hands. This guard was by far bigger than that last.

Loki shrunk back against the stone wall, “M-Master?” He knew what was about to happen and he tried to mentally prepare, tried to begin to distance himself from the pain he knew would be coming. Loki, in that instance, gave up all fight and just focused on surviving. All he wanted to do was hold his daughters. He felt himself being pulled up and pushed firmly against the wall. He was limp, lifeless. This new tormentor whispered words into his ear but they didn’t register with his mind. He didn’t feel the pain of the guards thrusts, or the slaps to his face and torso. He was much faster than the first but Loki didn’t care. Pain was pain, and he was in far too much of it to care. He felt his body drop to the ground and he simply curled around his belly, weeping.

Loki didn’t move when the door opened and his third, and then fourth abusers entered. By now he was bleeding severely and didn’t care. All he cared about was his unborn child so he focused everything on ensuring her survival. He didn’t feel the trusts into his body, he didn’t hear the words spoken to him, he didn’t feel the blows to his body. He just focused inwards concentrating on her movements within him. That’s all he could do.

Loki lay unmoving in the same spot that he had been left in, his body blackened with bruises, and covered in blood and semen. He eventually began to regain consciousness. He tried to blink but found his eye now too swollen again. His body twitched and he let out a low moan, the pain finally penetrating his mental defences. His hands felt around the stone flooring in the vain hope that they’d left a little water, or a cloth, or even his daughter, but no...

He had never felt so scared and lost as he did in that moment.

————

The door opened again and all Loki could do was wrap his arms around his naked belly and sob. He didn’t try to beg, or plead, he just waited for the pain to start again.

But there was no pain.

Instead, a gentle hand lifted his head and a cup was pushed to his lips. Water, blessed water! He tried to speak but gentle fingers just pressed to his lips silencing him. He felt a soft cloth begin to clean his pained flesh, and he just lay back on the cold stone floor too tired to fight anymore. The door opened again and he startled. Gentle hands squeezed his thigh and hushed words settled him down again. A new set of hands took over from the ones working on him and he felt his thighs being spread and his abused holes put on display. Loki just sobbed harder. He was past the point of caring what happened to him now.

But still there was no pain.

The new hands touched and prodded in Loki’s most intimate parts and he only managed to catch a few words of the quiet whispers between the two; brutal, infection, the baby, the birth?

Gentle hands held Loki’s head again and set another cup against his lips. The fluid was different this time and Loki whined turning his head in fear. The hands tightened and the liquid was forced down his throat regardless. It didn’t burn like he had expected. It was almost soothing, calming. He felt his weary eyes begin to droop and he realised then he’d been drugged. He tried vainly to push the hands away as he weakened but they were far stronger than him. It wasn’t long before Loki’s sobs had stopped and his body lay on the floor, still and unconscious.

Chapter Text

Frigga nodded as she listened to the two healers. Her face neutral but her emotions anything but. She was glad that she had sent her best healers to her son. From what they were describing his treatment had been cruel and torturous for the years of his enslavement and it deeply concerned her that his child had been privy to the abuse as well. She thanked the healers as they left and set out for the dungeon.

The hallways changed from light and airy, to dark and menacing. The air became stagnant and the only light available was from the flickering lamps on the wall. She stopped out the front of her sons cell and ordered it opened. The cell was so dark that she could just make out his outline in the dark. A lamp was placed in her hand and Frigga entered the room.

She set the lamp beside Loki as she looked at his face. The swollen shut eye, the bruising, the blood. Frigga could smell the faint scent of copper in the room and frowned. How could anyone abuse such a heavily pregnant being, slave or not?! She stroked his cheek trying to remember her son happy, and healthy!

Her eyes traveled down his broken body and she lay a hand on his belly. Loki let out a moan at the touch and whispered, ‘Mother...’ but did not wake. She felt a light kick of the baby and smiled, at least the child was still strong! Frigga knew Loki would be a great mother to his children, she just wished that one day she would be able to be their grandmother.

She looked at the old rags he wore crumpled beside him and recognised it as the tunic he had worn as a prince. She also noted the heavy iron cuffs still around his fragile neck and wrists, and the welts and old scarring beneath them. She took his hand, raising it to her lips, “My son, I am so sorry...”

Frigga stood, looking around the room and then called out to the guards, “Guard, where is the child?”

The guard pointed, “Down the corridor, Majesty.”

She kissed Loki’s hand again and picked up the light, “Take me to her.”

————

Frigga stood outside the cell containing Nasya. It had a little more light filtering through but Frigga still held the lit lamp, “Open it.”

The door opened loudly and she could see a tiny shape pressed into the corner. Frigga gasped, she was just a tiny child! The Queen walked into the cell and placed the lamp down in the middle of the room seeing the untouched food, and the petrified look on the little girls face.

She didn’t move further into the cell but knelt down and held out her hand, “Hello, little one...”

Nasya didn’t move. She knew better. Mumma wasn’t here, Mumma needed to be there. But where was her Mumma!

Frigga let her hand drop after a few moments, “I know you’re scared, child, but I won’t hurt you...”

Nasya still didn’t move, she just pressed herself more against the stone wall. She knew people lied! She had seen the lies herself!

Frigga tried another tact, “I know your mother, little one...”

That got Nasya’s attention, and her head snapped to look directly at Frigga.

The Queen smiled and continued, “Would you like to see your mother?”

The little girl nodded. She missed her Mumma’s, and she was so scared! Thoughts usually too mature for someone so young to know whirled through her mind. What would happen to her if she went with the stranger? Should she trust this woman? Nasya wrung her hands in her lap and whined.

Frigga watched Nasya concerned that such a young child should show such fear and anxiety already. She caught the food and water in the corner of her eye again, “What is your name, little one?”

Nasya shook her head averting her eyes back down to the ground and sinking to her knees. She barely spoke to anyone except her mother now.

“Do you want some water?” Frigga stood and picked the items up moving slightly closer to her small granddaughter. Setting them down she smiled, “How about I have a sip, and then you have a sip...” Reaching out with her siedir, Frigga could tell the food and water was fresh and fine. She took a sip of the water and held it out for Nasya, “See, child, it is safe...”

Nasya studied Frigga’s face and gingerly took the cup in her grubby fingers. She watched the older woman as she lifted the cup to her lips. Water, fresh water. Nasya quickly finished the water and placed the cup beside Frigga. She couldn’t stop her eyes from wandering between the small bowl of oats and this strange woman.

Frigga lifted the bowl and did the same process. She took a small spoonful and then held it out for her granddaughter. Nasya took the food easier this time and ate greedily. It had been days, if not weeks, since they’d had anything filling to eat and Nasya was hungry. Loki still managed to produce just enough milk to substitute Nasya’s lack of actual food but even that was now thin and barely had any sustenance.

Nasya had oats all over her face and Frigga couldn’t help but laugh gently. She pulled a fine cloth from her pocket and went to clean the little girls face. Nasya pulled back with a muffled shriek and pressed herself to the wall. Frigga pulled her hand back shocked! She had thought the tiny child safe from the torments inflicted upon her mother. She rose and picked up the lamp bringing it closer. Only then did she see the bruises and cuts that marked the child’s flesh. She sat down in front of Nasya. Frigga reached out but stopped short of actually touching the child, “I will not harm you, sweet child...” She reached out slowly again and touched Nasya’s hair as memories of Loki came back to her again. The soft, dark hair and soft, fair skin felt just like her son at that age. It was natural that they would be similar, but she just hadn’t expected it to be so familiar and her voice almost faltered, “See child, I said I would not harm you...”

Nasya whimpered but when no pain came she opened her eyes and looked at Frigga. She unclenched her fists from the tattered tunic she wore and pressed them to the wall instead. She allowed Frigga to clean her face but didn’t relax until she moved away. The Queen brought the lamp a little closer so she could see the marks of Nasya’s skin better. The child might have a layer of grime on her but her wounds were mercifully clean and tended to. She could see that her mother had taken good care of her and healed her as best she could. It did cross Frigga’s mind as to why Loki hadn’t used his healing abilities for them both. Then she remembered the fine, gold cuffs. The Allfather had bound Loki’s magical siedir to the cuffs and his owner, and given his owner full power over him. They could give, or take Loki’s magic from him, and it would seem that his prior owner had not allowed the fragile slave any magic, at all...

The Queen took Nasya’s hand in hers and pressed it to her own cheek. The tiny, cool hand was still shaking as she let it go. Frigga placed her hand over her heart, “Your mother must love you dearly, child.” Nasya nodded, her mother told her every day! Frigga smiled at that, “Good... Did your mother tell you about his mother, the Queen called Frigga?” The small girl nodded so Frigga continued, “Did your mother tell you that she loves him very much?” Nasya nodded again. Frigga felt tears prick at her eyes, “Did your mother tell you about her?”

Nasya nodded and then spoke softly pointing a finger up, “Mumma said... She watch over Asta...”

Confusion crossed Friggas face, “Asta, who’s Asta?”

Nasya sat on the ground and hugged her knees and spoke even more softly, “Sister. Master put her in Mumma’s belly... He hurt Mumma and then Asta went to stars... She’s stars now...”

Frigga pressed the back of her hand to her mouth as a tear slipped from her eye. How could Odin give Loki over to the care of someone so cruel? Loki had done evil things but did he really deserve this? Even now she had her doubts that Loki had even been in control of himself in New York at the time. She composed herself and smiled, “Do you know who I am, child?”

Nasya looked at the kind woman. She had glowing skin and eyes that shone like the stars. She frowned and looked down worriedly, “No...”

She dared to touch Nasya cheek, “I am Frigga...”

Nasya’s frown lifted slightly at the kind touch, it not quite registering the connection, “Can we see Mumma now?”

Frigga sighed, sadly, “Yes, child, we can!”

————

Frigga stormed into the grand throne room of the king demanding an audience with her husband. She had just seen her tortured son and met her first grandchild. The servants had scurried out and the few mingling dignitaries made their hurried apologies and left as well. They knew better than to stay when the Queen was fuming. Even with the doors shut Frigga’s voice could be heard echoing down the long corridors. She was not pleased. The fight went on for close to an hour but when Frigga left she seemed unhappy still, but satisfied.

————

When Loki finally roused again he was clothed back in his tatty tunic and Nasya had thankfully been left in the cell with him. It was the first thing his weak siedir managed to instinctively latch onto, “Nasya!” Loki clutched her to himself and began to sob uncontrollably. He had never been so scared in his entire life as when he could not find his child. All manner of things could have happened to her, and he would have had no control or say! Nasya smiled and petted his hair gently knowing that would help calm him. She was well used to her mothers tears by now and had learnt long ago how to help soothe him. He kept holding her as he crept to the corner of the cell and curled up. His body shook uncontrollably but he refused to even look at the food and drink that had been left. He was far too weak to check the small amount of food for drugs or herbs.

After a few moments Loki had calmed enough to check his daughter for any new wounds. Mercifully there were none. He did notice a cloth in her hand and he gently tugged on it. Nasya let go and Loki did his best to see it. His eye was still swollen shut and it was very dark but he knew the touch of the pattern of the embroidery by heart. He thought he’d dreamt it when his mother had come to him, but she really had! He clutched Nasya to him in a tight hug and then gave her back to the cloth, “You met your grandmother, precious one...”

Nasya nodded and then went to the food and drink. She carried them over to Loki and nudged at him to eat. Loki marvelled at just how clever she was for only two and a half.

“No dear, its not safe for us...”

Nasya tilted her head and offered him the food again with a stubborn shove.

“Dearest...”

Nasya sat with a whine, her belly rumbling again even though she had recently had the small bowl of oats.

Loki couldn’t help his stomach rumbling also and with a sigh he picked up the goblet. More ginger and mint water. Tears welled in his eyes and he rested back against the wall. His mother hadn’t forgotten him. Maybe it was worth the risk, just this once. Nasya settled beside him and he ate a little of the fruit and picked at the nuts and seeds making sure that she ate her fill of both first though. She crawled into his lap and rested her head on his belly and fell asleep. Loki stroked her hair and they sat in peace for a while.

Loki looked up as the cell door opened. He was exhausted, and the well hidden sedative in the ginger and mint water that he had missed was definitely taking effect. One guard gently picked up the sleeping Nasya and the other helped Loki to his feet. Loki stumbled over the cobblestones in his sedated state so the guard hoisted him up and onto his shoulder as well. The touches were gentle, even the one on his back steadying him as they were carried. He whined, trying to reach for Nasya but the drug finally took full effect and he passed out.

————

Loki moaned and rubbed his face. He stretched out and found Nasya still asleep beside him. He swallowed thickly and pushed himself up. His body still ached but for once he couldn’t feel anything new. He moaned again and tried to open his eye. It was still swollen shut and refused to open.

Something was different though.

He frowned and moved his hands along the ground, it was soft, plush even. The room was light, and the air clean. He reached out with his siedir, they were no longer on Asgard!

Chapter Text

Tony Stark was not impressed.

He was currently sitting in the conference room of Stark Tower reading over an all binding contract that gave him complete control and ownership of the war criminal he knew as Loki, Prince of Asgard, and his offspring. He rolled his eyes and tossed the contract down. Owner, what the hell! Like Loki was some sort of tame person that would just sit back, obey! The Loki he remembered had been full of fire, and anger, and life! The Loki he remembered was not a slave. It had been almost 5 years since the attack on New York but it was still very fresh in his mind. His anger bubbled near the surface but he gritted his teeth and played nice for the ornately dressed Vikings in front of him.

Tony waved his hand over the parchment, “So, you’re telling me that if I sign this thing I ‘OWN’ Loki and some bastard kid of his?”

The lead Asgard warrior nodded, “Yes Stark, you will take ownership of the slaves.”

“For how long? And why me?” Tony folded his arms across his chest, his fingers drumming on his arm.

The warrior spoke again, “It has been determined that due to the slaves royal upbringing and Jotun heritage that he and his offspring are no longer safe on Asgard. The Allfather knows of your reputation from Prince Thor, and deemed you worthy.”

“So because he’s a pampered prince he now gets to keep being pampered. What a joke!” Tony rolled his eyes, “And if I say no, what then?”

It was the other warrior that spoke this time, “They will be returned to the dungeons on Asgard and then executed.”

“Executed?” Tony frowned and sat back in his chair a bit, “That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?”

“The slave has no place on Asgard, and if he has no place here on Midgard then he is worthless. Worthless items are destroyed. Orders of the Allfather.”

Tony swallowed, “And the child?”

“The girl will share the same fate as the slave.”

He shook his head, “You’ll kill a child? A little girl?”

The guard shrugged, “We will terminate the slave and its offspring.”

“But a child... A little girl...?”

The guard shrugged, “Slaves. We will terminate the slaves.”

Tony rubbed his face his mind racing, “Can I think about this for a bit?”

The warriors looked at each other and spoke softly then addressed Tony, “We will return in one hour. Farewell for now, Stark.”

There was a rumbling and then what Tony had learnt were the colours of the bifrost opening appeared and the two warriors were gone.

“Well, shit...” Tony stood and walked to the window. He looked out over the horizon of New York. It was all but rebuilt from the invasion and looked just as remarkable as it always had. On one hand Loki was a war criminal and deserved punishment, but death? And the child, damning a small child to death because of the actions of her father? Tony shook his head, he couldn’t do that. More importantly, he would never do that, never to an innocent. He just couldn’t. He knew what his decision was going to be, he just hoped that it was the right one.

————

The room was warm. Loki wasn’t used to that now. He had gotten used to hard stone floors, rough hay bales, and icy rain and snow. The vision was starting to clear a bit in his one open eye and he looked around. The room did not look familiar, but yet he had a strong feeling he had been in this place before. The memory floated just out of reach as though dancing along with his siedir. He felt nauseous again as the effects of the blurred vision and drugged ginger and mint water re-emerged. He pushed himself to sit up and regretted it as his head swam and an even stronger surge of nausea hit him. His eyes searched for anything in the tiny room that he could use as a sick bucket. There was nothing. All he could do was move the still sleeping Nasya to a protected spot and breath deeply. He had no idea where he was, and no idea what their new owner was like. The nausea rose in his chest then throat and try as he might he began to throw up. His body, suddenly sweaty and shivering again, betray him as he continued to heave. This was not a good start. Soon he was just dry retching on the carpeted floor, and the only thing coming up now was bile. What little nourishment he’d hoped to keep down to feed Nasya with over the next few days gone. The stink of his vomit wafted over him and he gagged again but nothing more came up. Loki simply didn’t have the energy to move from where he was by the pool of sick. His eyes shut and he waited hopefully for the already returning nausea to pass. He rubbed his hands on the carpet, the softness and texture surprisingly soothing to him. All he could hope for was that his new master would be merciful and forgive this indiscretion without using his body too much. Fear for his unborn child, and fear for Nasya controlled much of what he did now, but fear still couldn’t stop him from falling into much needed sleep again, the remnants from the sedative still working in his exhausted body.

————

The warriors returned exactly on the hour to find Tony standing beside the chair with the parchment signed already. He tossed their half of the documents to them, “All signed, boys.”

The warriors nodded and handed Tony a large, iron key, “For the slave’s shackles if you wish.”

Tony looked at the key a little startled, “Shackles... For real?”

The warriors nodded, “The slave has been bound as is customary on our world. You may remove them if you wish and replace them with your own. That is your right at their new owner.” The warriors stood to leave, “All is written in the contract. Any further questions, Stark?”

Tony shook his head, “Nope.” He held up his copy of the parchment, “All here. Just some light reading.”

The warriors moved to leave just as Tony called out, “Hey, yeah, actually I do have a question! Where are they?”

“We placed the slaves in a storage room on this floor as your residence does not seem to have cells or a holding area. They are not chained but have been sedated, so are secured.”

“Cells, as in prison cells? The tower doesn’t have a prison!” Tony pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, “Sedated? Wow! Thanks boys.”

The warriors farewelled Tony and left. He slumped down into the chair just to hear JARVIS’s automated voice chime through, “Sir, it appears the slave known as Loki has briefly awoken. He is currently throwing up in the utility room.”

“Well shit!”

Chapter Text

Tony let the door slam open. The ‘slave’ might be sick, but it was still Loki, and he was still angry about the whole situation. When he looked into the room, the said slave was curled up unconscious in the middle of the small room again with a stinking patch of vomit beside him. There was no sign of the child and he didn’t honestly care to look for her. He strode to Loki and nudged him firmly in the shoulder with his foot, “Hey, Princess, wake up!”

Loki moaned and rubbed his face, his head was thick from the drug making it hard to focus and it took a moment for him to register the words. The voice...

That voice!

He snapped to attention and pushed himself quickly into a kneeling position. His heart pounded, “M-Master...?” His mind reeled, Tony Stark was his new master!

“Yeah, something like that. Where’s the girl?”

Loki felt lightheaded and swayed slightly hoping that Tony wouldn’t see it. He didn’t lift his eyes but held out his hand and whispered, “Nasya, come here...” The little girl crawled out from her hiding spot and hid behind her mother not daring to even look at the strange man.

Tony let his eyes fall over the sight before him and they stopped on his belly, “Well, Loki, you’ve definitely put on some weight in an odd spot there, haven’t you...”

Loki instinctively hunched and wrapt his arms around his waist pulling Nasya to his front and encircling her within his grip as well. He didn’t know quite what to say, “Yes, Master...” He hugged himself tighter feeling panic begin to thread itself into him again, “How may we serve you? What tasks do you wish us to complete, Master?” Loki could feel his body begin to sweat and shake, and he just hoped that he could keep it together. Another wave of nausea hit him and he gagged unsuccessfully trying to hide it.

He frowned at Loki and then smirked, “Tasks? Oh yeah, that’s right, I own you now...” He took a few steps back when Loki gagged, his smirk falling into more of a disgusted scowl, “Well, Loki, that depends on you.” He took another step back trying to get a better look at Loki’s belly, “How does that even work? You’re a guy... can Thor?” He chuckled at the image of a pregnant Thor but then turned his head back to Loki, “Look. I don’t know what my plan is for you yet. This wasn’t exactly on my list of things to do this week, or year.” His nose wrinkled at the bile smell rising from the carpet, “Did you really have to do that on the carpet?”

Loki swallowed, “I’m sorry, Master... Forgive me...” The mention of his brothers name made him tense and his voice quieted a little more, “I was adopted from Jotunheim as a small babe. My biology is different to that of Prince Thor’s.”

Tony pressed his lips together, “Adopted... That makes sense...” He placed his hands on his hips and thought quickly, “So, here’s the deal for now. You two keep out of trouble and do what I tell you, when I tell you and we’re good, ok?”

Loki nodded, “Yes, Master...”

————

Tony had shown Loki to a small, spare room he normally kept for when he couldn’t be bothered going back up to the penthouse to sleep. It was basic but still had more than anything two slaves could ask for: a plush queen-sized bed, a small but clean en-suite, a small sitting area fitting an armchair and TV, and the view. Tony had to admit that the view from that room was amazing.

He had then shown his new slaves around, or should he say he had shown Loki around as the tiny girl in his arms hid away. Tony did notice how Loki swayed unsteadily occasionally and rubbed his belly. He didn’t say anything because frankly he couldn’t bring himself care. He could see the rough treatment littering Loki’s flesh but the dark-haired man was a god and could heal himself with just a click of his fingers, not to mention his advanced healing abilities like Thor’s. Over-the-top displays of vulnerability to get his pity wouldn’t roll with him. Nope, not with this red and gold bunny, not with Ironman, and not with Anthony ‘Tony’ Stark.

The second last area he showed them was the laundry. Not that he used it much himself but it would be useful for Loki and the girl. Tony pointed out the cleaning products and Loki flushed at the reminder of his weakness.

The area he showed them last was the top penthouse. Loki’s eyes widened as he looked around. The floor gleamed and the full ceiling height windows had an almost 360° view of the city. It was amazing.

And terrifying...

The last time Loki had been in this spot it had been bad as well. He only had hazy memories, which were more like a dream state than anything. All he remembered was pain and fear, and he realised that was his constant state now. His arms tightened around Nasya as another, stronger wave of nausea hit him and his knees buckled slightly making his heart pound faster. Either the sedative was really doing a number on him, or he’d just become weaker than he thought, or possibly both.

“Hey, Princess! You there?” Tony clicked his fingers several times in front of Loki’s glazed over eyes and watched the slave jump.

Loki dropped to his knees, his head bowed, still clutching Nasya, “Master, forgive me! Please!” He couldn’t help but sway from side to side as lightheadedness washed over him. His constant state of anxiety and malnutrition taking its toll and he collapsed.

Tony inhaled slowly and growled in annoyance, “Oh, just get up, Loki!”

Nasya looked up from where she had landed with Loki and glared at him with more fear in her features than she realised, “Leave ‘lone!” The tiny child wrapt her arms around Loki’s neck and buried her face in his hair. She didn’t know where to go, or what to do in this new place and a tear rolled down her cheek.

“What the hell! I’m being sassed by a tiny alien!” Frustrated, Tony walked to the window and stared out till guilt got the better of him and he filled a glass with water and headed back to Loki. He battered Nasya gently away from Loki and slapped his cheek in an attempt to wake him.

Loki moaned without waking fully, “Master... Please...”

Tony slapped him again harder this time and Loki’s eyes flickered open. He looked up at the roof realising he was on the floor, “Oh...” He felt ashamed of his weak body and sat up shakily taking the offered water in both hands and taking a sip, “Forgive me, Master, please...”

Tony stood back up with his hands on his hips, “If you’re going to spend more time unconscious than awake, this isn’t going to work.”

Loki scrambled to his knees, “Forgive me, please, Master! It... It is just the remnants of the sedative, it will wear off...” He could feel the tears prick at his eyes. If he couldn’t work here they would get sent back to Asgard as worthless, and he knew what happened to worthless slaves! He could feel the fear escalate within him and take a vice-like grip around his chest.

“Fine, whatever. Just keep up the tours almost over.”

Loki stood shakily picking up Nasya, again fighting the urge to throw up. He gave his daughter the rest of the water and stayed close to Tony as he showed them the living areas, kitchen and sleeping areas on that floor.

Tony paused when they arrived back to the elevator, “It’s simple, Loki, I don’t want you here, but I won’t let a kid be killed, no ‘executed’, because I’m pissed at their father!”

Loki just nodded, clutching Nasya tighter. Once again she had saved his life just by existing. He kept listening to Tony trying to stay calm.

“It’s just peachy that you’ve got a kid and another one on the way, but really? You really thought that was a smart move? You should have been more responsible! It’s called contraception here on Earth! From what I understand from Thor, you have your precious magic that I’m sure could have done something about that. Just don’t think that you’ll get special treatment because you were so irresponsible!” Tony could feel the stress beginning to form across his shoulders and back already, “And don’t think that a few scratches and bruises are going to make me forget the carnage that you caused last time you were here!” Anger was rising in Tony now, “You know how much trouble you caused, how many LIVES that were lost?” He took a step towards Loki causing the god to take a step back, “Do you know what you did here? The effect that you had? Five years... FIVE YEARS, Loki! It’s taken FIVE YEARS to get back to some sort of normal, and now you come here and expect me to look after you like a spoiled rich-kid? As far as I’m concerned you’re a war criminal here, and deserve all the punishment you‘ve got!”

All Loki could do was gulp for air and step back until his back touched the smooth wall and he was forced to stop. Anthony Stark may be the shorter of the two men, but in this instance Loki felt like he was an ant and his master a towering titan. The anger and ferociousness pouring off the man in this moment was truly terrifying.

Tony closed more of the gap between them and snarled slamming his hand against Loki’s head dinting the plaster wall, “The ONLY reason you’re not in a S.H.I.E.L.D holding cell right now is because of that little girl you’re holding! Remember that!”

Loki nodded again accepting the berating letting a single tear roll down his cheek that he sneakily dried with Nasya’s hair, “I’m sorry, Master, I’m so sorry...” He took a shuddering breath in trying to calm himself, “Master, I-“

Tony rolled his eyes and snapped harshly not caring to hear anymore, “No! Go back to the room. Have a shower or bath or something because you both stink. You’re disgusting, Loki!”

Loki shied away from Tony and the sudden outburst clutching Nasya and just nodded, the words falling from his lips forgotten. He was beginning to feel nausea again and the anxiety of this new situation was becoming overpowering. He needed to regroup, to process, and above all, figure out how he and Nasya were going to survive.

Tony Stark would be their master now, and Loki was sure that meant more pain.

Chapter Text

Tony left them at the elevator and the two slaves found their way back to their new home.

When the door shut behind Loki he sunk to the ground and let out the pained tears that he had been barely holding in. His body shook and he didn’t try to quiet himself. Nasya just rested her head on his chest and sucked her thumb, her body raising and falling rhythmically with his. It was a long time before Loki calmed down and he rubbed his face still feeling anxious and unsure. He kissed Nasya’s head and cuddled her, “Mumma’s just being silly again, baby...”

He cupped her face and forced a wide smile across his biting back his still threatening tears, “Let’s have a bath!” It had just dawned on Loki that Nasya had only ever bathed under the cold tap in the barn! That she had never experienced hot water or the scents and smells that went with it! He suddenly had doubts, should he let her experience that sort of rare luxury only to have it ripped away if Stark sold them?

Nasya tilted her head, “Bath, Mumma?”

Loki kept the forced smiled and decided in that instant that Nasya deserved at least some happy memories, “Yes, Precious One, a bath!”

He pushed himself up the wall with effort and waddled to the en-suite. It was already getting harder to walk with this pregnancy, plus the harsh use of the last few days were beginning to put strain on his already fragile body. He rubbed the small of his back and tried unsuccessfully to stretch to find some relief. Loki ignored his dull pain for now and set about looking at what had been left for them. He was surprised to see liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, some other toiletries, a brush and plush towels! He didn’t dare touch the white towels with his filthy skin yet. Nasya watched her mother and then reached out and touched the automatic tap. She gasped and pulled her hand away but Loki just laughed gently. He mimicked her action and soon they were playing and laughing together, something they hadn’t been able to do for a while. Loki hugged Nasya and blew kisses against her skin making her giggle. It was music to his ears and he wished they could just freeze that moment forever.

Hot water was something Nasya had never experienced and she was fascinated by it. Loki let her turn the tap on and off for a while before leaving it on to run the bath. He dared to tip just a tiny amount of the liquid soup into the water and before long they were sitting face-to-face basking in the warmth of the water. Loki might be Jotun but he had been brought up as an Æsir Prince of Asgard, and he had bathed in only the finest of warm, scented waters.

————

Loki was wrapt in one of the large, fluffy towels with another around his shoulders. The air-conditioning created a lovely ambient temperature but he missed having a covering over his skin. He had always preferred long sleeves and soft layers, in contrast to Thor’s bare arms and armour. Looking through the few items of clothing left in the cupboard Loki selected a couple for Nasya. As she finally hopped out the bath he wrapt her in the other fluffy towel and began drying her. She looked so different without the ever constant film of grime that had covered her for most of her life, and her smell! Her smell! Loki could finally breath in her pure, precious scent again without the traces of hay, and sweat, and dirt, without the memories of Erik.

There was a knock at their door and he froze. What did Stark want now? Was it even Stark? He’d been given clear instructions to get them both clean! He nervously ran his hand through his now long, damp hair as he went and opened the door. Stark had become so angry at their last meeting that he didn’t dare waste time, “Master...?”

Tony looked at Loki now he was clean, “You look better. You smell better, too.”

Loki blushed slightly tugging the towel around his shoulders a bit tighter, “Thank you, Master, you have been more than generous with your provisions.”

Tony just shrugged, “Wasn’t hard. It was already in there.” He waved at the doorway, “I forgot something in here.”

Loki took a quick step back feeling the wall behind him and dropped to his knees with his head down, his heart rate sprinting away. He flushed yet again, embarrassed at blocking the doorway of his own masters property, “Of course, Master! Sorry, Master! This is your house! It is your space!”

“It’s ok, Loki, it’s been quite the day.” Tony rolled his eyes and tossed a small jar down to him, “Ointment. For the girl, if she needs it. Cuts and scraps and things, you know.” He didn’t have to like the situation but he wouldn’t let the little girl suffer, Loki on the other hand...

Tony wandered into the small room and looked around. It already had signs of life in it and he couldn’t help but smile at Nasya when he saw her. Loki scrambled to place himself between her and Stark and began to get nervous, “We will be back in our normal attire once it is dry, Sir!” He ran his hands over the plush fabric realising now that the soft towel covering his shoulders must be seen as presumptive act. Who was he to hide his body from his master? But still, Loki’s fingers dug into the soft fabric needing the coverage and reassuring pressure of it even more in that moment.

“I don’t care what you wear so long as you wear something!” Tony saw what he was looking for, “There it is. I’ve been looking for this.” He reached down and picked up his StarkPad that had fallen under the armchair, “Got interrupted a while back by a few new house guests and left it here.”

Loki nodded, not making eye contact, knowing it was his arrival that had interrupted their new master, “Sorry...” He wrung his hands feeling suddenly even more exhausted, the warm water, and lack of food taking its toll.

Tony watched Loki carefully, “I want you and the girl up and in the penthouse foyer at 8am sharp tomorrow morning. Got it.”

Tony’s eyes wandered to the heavy wrist cuffs and neck collar that Loki still worn and he remembered the key. He’d have to think about those before removing them.

“Yes, thank you, Master...”

After Tony left, Loki ensured Nasya was dry and each of her wounds carefully cleaned and covered with the ointment that Tony had given him. It didn’t smell of anything bad, and Nasya seemed ok with it, curious if anything. He then placed the damp towels up to dry and pulled out a plain black t-shirt for her. She squirmed as her mother pulled it over her head and let it drop around her. Loki couldn’t help but grin at how cute she was and then tried to figure out how to make it fit better. He finally knotted the shirt a few places down her back making an awkward dress for her. It was still better than the scrappy tunic she’d be wearing for more than a year now. The new fabric was butter soft, and it provided more warmth and covering than she’d ever had. There was nothing provided that would fit Loki and his swollen belly at this stage so he just wrung his old tunic out as best he could and hoped it would dry quickly.

Absently rubbing his belly, Loki wondered what they would be doing tomorrow. He just hoped Stark would be accomodating of his pregnancy, though he doubted that. He looked over to Nasya who had already curled up and fallen asleep in the middle of the soft bed. She was so beautiful! He’d spent nearly an hour gently prying the knots from their heads and now her hair, clean and brushed, lay soft across her shoulders. He was truly thankful for her, even at the cost it had come at.

————

Tony paced the lab. He had no idea what he was doing and was growing more and more frustrated. Even the loud AC/DC blaring through the speaker systems didn’t manage to distract him as he tinkered.

Loki was in his home...

Loki and his child was in his home...

A very pregnant Loki and his child was in his home...

He couldn’t just forgive what had happened and what Loki had done, but he wouldn’t let a man and his children be slaughtered.

He needed to talk to Thor.

Chapter Text

They had been in their room for a while now but Loki was too anxious to sleep. Nasya had no issues with it however, and had been sleeping soundly for an hour now. Loki sat in the armchair starring out the window. Every now and then he would press his palm against the cool glass wishing he had access to the outside. The even temperature was fine, but as odd as it was he missed the soft breeze and warmth of the Asgardian sun against his skin, he had gotten so used to finding just those small pleasures in his life. One that he was now dearly missing was his closeness to nature. The soft and reassuring breeze would act as a balm for him, the air would dance over his latest wounds all but wrapping him in their embrace as his skin tingled and he felt the land give to him at least a small portion of her power to strengthen him in his distress. Being tied to this room without access to fresh air, and warm sun, and the gentle wind was almost suffocating for him now.

Loki was still wrapt in the soft towels. They were comforting, and warm, and he hadn’t thought he would ever feel even slightly that again. His stomach rumbled loudly and he sighed. He definitely felt lightheaded and nauseous but they had not been offered food from their new owner yet. They had water from the bathroom so that was a least small mercy.

The towel split slightly revealing just a touch of his belly and he could see some new, deep, red stretch marks. He rubbed the tight skin with a deep sigh, he really hated being pregnant this time. The constant morning sickness and back pain hadn’t helped, and then the added bonus of the constant abuse from Erik and their lack of food had made him even weaker. He knew his body was littered with scars and injuries and he longed to hide away somewhere safe with Nasya to just rest and heal.

His mind went to the upcoming birth. He definitely wasn’t looking forward to that. Overwhelming pain and fear, that’s all the birth was to him. Rubbing his face Loki began to think of what he’d need. Water, blankets, a wrap... That’s all he’d needed last time, but last time he didn’t have an almost three year old child to worry about.

His mind drifted again.

To more pain, a deeper, excruciating pain. To shortly after the birth of Asta when Erik had taken him brutally again too soon. He shuddered, wrapping his arms around himself praying to the Norms yet again to protect even just his precious Nasya. The slave girl that had helped him on Asgard was no longer something he could hope for, and he very much doubted that even if Stark had other slaves they would be willing to help. He clenched his hands into fists. Would this master be just as cruel? Would Stark expect the same? Would Stark expect him to shed his blood, sweat and tears, and then continue on like nothing happened? The other slaves on Erik’s farm had seen his harrowed expression and at least taken pity on him after Asta’s birth, and let him rest. He tried to suppress another shudder that worked it’s way up his body but failed. Loki’s last thought as he finally drifted to a fitful sleep was that they were truly exposed and very alone...

————

Loki didn’t sleep very well at the best of times now. Always on high alert for danger, for the needs of Nasya, or just wracked by the nightmares that came every night. He had gotten less than half an hour when Nasya stirred and he awakened immediately.

She stretched out on the bed and yawned, “Mumma?”

Loki pushed himself out of the comfortable chair and went to her, “Yes, Dearest?”

He rubbed his belly feeling a pain deep in his side which then radiated across the rest of the bulge. He’d already started to have false contractions a few days ago and he just hoped the babe would wait just a bit longer to come. He would do anything, give anything, in his power to ensure the safety of his children, born or unborn, not that he had much to offer now...

Nasya held out her hands, “Is angry man owner now?”

He sighed, “Precious One...” Loki lay down beside her and she turned to face him, “Yes, Anthony Stark is our master now.”

She snuggled into him and whispered, “Why so angry?”

He sighed, how to explain so much that he still could not, “A long time ago, before I had you, I did some very bad things...” He stroked her soft curls, “A bad man got inside my mind, and he made me do those very bad things. Things that I could not control...”

Nasya looked concerned and reached out touching his temple, “Bad man still there, Mumma?”

Loki smiled, still stroking her hair, “No, baby... The bad man left my mind a long time ago...”

She squeezed his cheeks and kissed his lips, “Good!” Nasya cuddled closer to him her brow narrowing, “Will new Master hurt, Mumma?”

“I don’t know, Precious One, I hope not...” He kept stroking Nasya’s hair until she had fallen asleep again.

Loki kissed his daughter and stood up. He quickly hung the towels up and placed his tatty, semi dry tunic back on. He had no other clothing, not even underwear. That was how Erik had liked him, ready and easily accessible. The fabric was smooth under his touch, the once thick undershirt now almost threadbare and becoming see through. Hopefully, maybe, just maybe he might earn another tunic for his children to wear. He didn’t overly care about his own attire, but he wanted Nasya and this new babe to be clothed and warm. They were his everything.

————

Loki lay back on the bed beside Nasya. He loved this cherished quiet time with his child but the need to work and to be useful was eating away at him. He had to be useful, he needed to be useful! He hated that this feeling had been beaten into him for almost five years. It was destroying the peace he so desperately wanted in this moment. He knew Stark had given him orders to get clean and stay in their area, but he couldn’t stop the rising anxiety about the mess in the utility room and his humiliating introduction.

Loki stood at the door, then ventured out. He tracked his way back to the laundry easily enough and found the small bucket filled with cleaning products under the sink. Silently, he crept back to the utility room and dropped to his knees at the stain. It didn’t take him long to figure out what each product did. The scents of the harsh cleaners were stronger than Loki had anticipated, and the nausea that had thankfully left for a while returned. He breathed shallowly trying to ignore the stinging of his hands as the chemicals burned into his already broken skin. His eyes watered and he scrubbed harder at the carpet slowly seeing the stain lift. Wiping his face with his tunic Loki sat back, the carpet was definitely better than it had been and he felt a bit of the tension leave him. He still felt over heated and a bit sweaty, but that would pass. It always did. Maybe if Stark saw he could be useful then he’d spare Nasya from the punishments he already earned for them.

It wasn’t long before Loki was satisfied with the patch of carpet and headed back to replace the cleaning items. He took deep breaths of the fresher air but it wasn’t long before he was rushing, and then gripping the side of the laundry basin retching into it. The cool water he splashed on his face helped, the controlled deep breaths did as well, if only the burning heat he felt within his body would leave.

“You’re supposed to be in your room but Jarvis told me you were here. And throwing up again. Can’t you follow one simple order?”

Loki spun around and dropped to his knees in the submissive position he’d been taught with a terrified expression on his face, “Master! Sir, sorry, Sir...” His fists opened and closed as his mind whirled, “I cleaned the carpet in the utility room...”

“Why?”

“Master, I wanted to be of use to you. To be helpful...” Loki glanced up quickly to see Starks face dark and almost unreadable.

“And why do you want to be ‘useful’, Loki?” Tony folded his arms his anger rising.

“Because you have no use for a lazy slave and lazy slaves are gotten rid of...” By this stage Loki was shaking, his voice beginning to waiver, the minimal tension that had left him quickly returning, “I’m sorry, Master...” He looked at his hands, red, flaky, sore, rough. They didn’t look like the hands he used to know, they were foreign, they really were hands of a slave not a prince, “I’m so sorry...”

Loki kept taking deep breaths, he didn’t want to cry again but he could feel the tears pricking his eyes. He felt like he had spent more than just 5 years living in terror and he was so tired. He was trying, he really was but he just couldn’t seem to get anything right!

Tony’s voice was icy, “I have no use for a disobedient slave either, Loki, remember that too. Just get back to your room. I don’t want to see you again today.”

Loki fled as fast as he could back to Nasya, and the safety of their room. He curled up beside his daughter and let the tears flow. He was already screwing everything up for them both! How could he have been so stupid, and on their first day too!

Chapter Text

Loki didn’t sleep.

He couldn’t sleep.

The events of earlier kept playing over and over in his mind until he was numb and unmoving. How could he have been so very stupid! He had to be so careful now. How could he have endangered his little girl like that! Shame and despair engulfed him and yet again he cried silent, useless tears.

Loki was beyond exhausted now and he just lay silently waiting for the small digital clock in their room to tick over. The tears had eventually stopped and he lay there, his mind sluggishly trying to form a plan to redeem himself.

All he had was his body...

————

Nasya was curled up on the bed beside him sucking her thumb waiting for him to stir. She knew that her mother would be alright, she’d seen his catatonic state many times before. She gripped his fine shoulders and began shaking him gently as the sun began to rise. Loki blinked and nodded slowly, “I’m sorry, baby...” He moved slowly to hug her and pet her hair, “Time to change and see the new Master, Precious One...”

It was a few minutes before 8am when Loki and Nasya entered the penthouse and settled on the foyer floor. Loki still barely registered anything and he stayed as he was, kneeling with his arms folded in the small of his back, his chest pressed as close to his knees as his large belly would allow. The slave didn’t say anything, he just stayed there, waiting with Nasya pressed against him. He couldn’t afford to make mistakes, he had to be perfect, especially after yesterday.

Their owner walked into the living area of the penthouse causing Nasya to jump and then press closer to her barely functioning mother. Loki hugged her close and placed a comforting hand on her head, “Hush, my darling, all will be well...”

Tony placed his coffee on the small glass coffee table and leaned against the armrest of the couch nearest them, “So, Loki...”

Loki nodded slowly, “My Lord...” It took all his effort for him to stay still. He was beyond tired and his stomach rumbled at the smell of the coffee, he just hope Nasya wasn’t too hungry as well.

“Let’s get a few things sorted.” Stark stood and began pacing ignoring another loud rumble of Loki’s belly, “One: I meant what I said. I don’t want you here, but I won’t sentence your child, soon to be children, to death on a whim. You piss me off, that’s another story. I may keep them and send you back alone. Got it.”

Loki nodded slowly again, his hands starting to shake, “Yes, Sir.”

“Two: Ground rules. They’re simple. Obey me, without hesitation. Don’t steal from me. Don’t lie to me. Don’t endanger me, or hurt me. Simple? Basic enough for you? And that all applies to everyone else too. Got it.” Stark continued, his annoyance and anger slowly coming back, “You don’t lift a finger unless I give you permission, understand? You don’t eat, sleep, drink, shit, anything unless I say you can.”

Nasya looked up glancing at Loki quickly and repeated for him knowing his mother’s current limited abilities, “Obey, no steal, no lie, no hurt. We know.” She sat herself down protectively in front of Loki regarding Tony with a wary look, “Work hard. Be good. No hurt...”

Loki put his hands on her hips, “Yes, baby... Obey, no steal, no lie, no hurt, work hard, be good... Obey, my Darling, just obey...”

Tony’s jaw clenched, he’d forgotten about the little girl cowering beside her father in his rising anger. Shit. He could see the effort it was taking Loki to stay upright and he frowned, “What’s going on with you, Loki? Why are you suddenly so weak? Where’s the defiance from yesterday?”

He opened his mouth but then shut it and shrugged, his eyes still focused on the floor in front of him. It was Nasya that spoke again in just a whisper, “No hurt Mumma... Please...” She pushed herself against her mother’s body, “Mumma good!”

He gently pressed his forehead against Nasya’s soft hair, “I am sorry, Master, I keep failing already...” His shaky hands covered his face, “I really am trying!” He steeled himself and pushed his hair out of his bruised face, then pushed the tunic off his boney shoulders exposing old whip marks and fresh deep gashes, “Use me, discipline me, do to me as you wish, just... Just please do not hurt my children because of me!”

Tony took a step back, disgusted, “Why would I hurt the kid? She’s a toddler! What sort of monster do you think I am?!”

Loki’s dared to lift his face up in confusion, and he tugged Nasya’s tunic to reveal just her slender shoulders and upper body. The newly cleaned cuts and bruises stood out against her pale skin. He couldn’t speak, shame clutched at his chest at the inability of him to protect his child, he just hoped that Tony would understand. Nasya stayed silent watching Loki not sure what to do.

“What the HELL!” Tony dropped to his knees and ran his fingers over a nasty gouge on her chest his anger once again resurfaced, “What..? Why didn’t you do anything to protect her! What sort of useless parent are you?!”

Loki just clutched her close to himself as he hunched over sheltering his daughter from the angry shouts aimed at them, “I tried to protect her, Master, I really did, but...”

Nasya turned in her mother’s arms and tried to glare at Tony as scared tears began to fall from her eyes, “Leave Mumma! Leave Mumma lone! He no wake when me hurt! No hurt Mumma! Why always hurt Mumma?”

“You weren’t... awake...? You weren’t conscious, Loki?”

Loki’s body began to shake as he continued valiantly to hold back his tears. He’d cried so much lately and he needed to be so much stronger for his children now. Nasya didn’t deserve a weak mother. Nasya deserved strength and protection, “Not for a lot of them, Master.... Our previous owner would use me and then search out for Nasya... If... If I had not managed to hide her well enough...” He could feel shame consuming him when he saw the bruises littering her skin, “I honestly tried to protect her!”

Nasya pressed her body to Loki’s and hummed trying to soothe him.

Tony, for the first time, really bothered to look at Loki.

Tony, for the first time, really saw the pain, the bruises, the cuts, the black eye, the emancipated frame. But it was the fear and terror in his one visible eye that churned his stomach.

“You didn’t get pregnant twice because you were irresponsible and sleeping around, did you...?”

The broken man shook his head, “N-No, Sir...”

Nasya looked up innocently, “Three! Asta too...”

Loki’s colour drained even more, “Hush child...”

“Asta?” Said Tony.

Loki stealed himself, the pain of her death still raw and deep, “My middle child... Just after I had birthed Nasya I became pregnant again.” He hugged Nasya, “By the time our master found out I was about half way into the pregnancy. He was drunk, he was not pleased. So he... He beat me... Until she...” He couldn’t finish the sentence, the memories of that night came flooding back and he just wanted to collapse on the floor in a pool of anguish. The pain, the fear, the ultimate loss of a child. Loki covered his face again and finally let the loud sobs out. He would give anything to hold Asta again and now they were not even in the same realm.

“He beat you till you miscarried... That’s cold!”

Loki held Nasya, his eyes squeezed tight, his voice barely audible, “Yes, Sir...” tears dropped onto his daughters hair, “She was so small... So perfect!”

Tony sat back, the taste of bile rising in his throat, his stomach rolling over and over threatening to show itself. He gripped his thighs until his knuckles were white to hide the tremor that had begun. Loki had been raped, repeatedly, and by all accounts brutally. He’d never factored that into the situation! Thor has made the realm of The Golden City sound so civilised, but rape, and torture, and slavery, it was hardly that. And now Loki, the man that he had once had such nightmares about for so long was in front of him, severely broken.

He didn’t know what to try and process first. What he had just been told shocked him to his core. Letting out a slow breath he whispered, “Jarvis, call Dr Banner. Tell him to get his ass here, NOW! No if’s, buts, or maybes...”

The artificial intelligence program spoke startling both Loki and Nasya causing them to look around and cling tighter to each other.

Tony pressed his lips into a thin line and spoke quietly, “That’s just Jarvis. The towers A.I. Artificial Intelligence. He can’t hurt you. Introduce yourself to our ‘guests’, J.”

“Hello, Mr Loki, Miss Nasya. Welcome to Stark Tower.”

Loki swallowed feeling uneasy as he listened to the robotic voice. He didn’t like things that they couldn’t see or touch anymore.

Tony let out another deep sigh as he spoke about the A.I. system. It didn’t help the tightness in his chest but it did help with his stuttering breath and threatening panic attack, “He’s an integrated computer that basically runs this place, aren’t you, J.”

The automated voice sounded again, “Yes, Sir.”

Tony continued, needing to ground himself in something, “I just say something or call out or make a phone call and he’ll answer. Not you two, not yet, but...”

Loki nodded, looking around fearfully still not releasing the semi naked Nasya, “Yes, Sir, I understand...”

Stark pointed to the small girl and her tatty tunic, “Dress your kid, Loki. We don’t want her catching a cold.”

He quickly tugged the ragged cloth onto Nasya and kissed her, keeping an ever vigilant eye scouting around. Stark had eyes everywhere and they would have to be so much more on guard now. It all made sense now, Stark would know instantly their indiscretions.

Chapter Text

Tony Stark was a whirl of emotions. On one hand he still wanted Loki severely punished for the death and destruction he’d caused on Earth, but then after the revelations of just then how could he? The being in front of him was hardly the same person that did those deeds. The man kneeling in his penthouse foyer was beaten, broken, and barely even a shell of a man. He reached out and cupped Loki’s chin only to have the shaking slave flinch and then shudder harder but not pull from his grasp. The tear stained face may have been angled to look at his but Loki’s eyes were carefully averted away still, “Hey, Loki, I won’t hurt you, or your kids. You have my word on that...”

Loki’s body continued to shake, “Yes, Sir...”

Tony stood and went to the kitchen counter where he’d dumped the contract and key yesterday. He picked up the iron key and tossed it a few times in his hand. It didn’t sit right with him that Loki was cuffed and collared still, not after everything. They looked too heavy and harsh on his fragile body. The man was too broken to keep them on, and anyway, slavery had been abolished on earth almost a hundred years ago. He tossed the heavy key in his hand again, it was time. Kneeling down in front of the shaking prince, Tony slipped the key into the rusted lock and gave it a sharp twist. Something relaxed in Stark when he heard the metallic clunk sound and the collar loosen from Loki’s neck. Tony pried it open the rest of the way tossing the alien metal away disgusted at what it symbolised. Tony did the same with both the cuffs around Loki’s slender wrists and then picked them up. The fine gold cuffs stood out on the broken and sore skin and Tony ran his thumbs gently over them, “I don’t have a key for these ones...”

Loki shook his head and pulled his hands away slowly, and touched the raw skin around his neck, “Only the Allfather can remove the golden cuffs, Master... I doubt he would though...”

Tony touched the thin gold again, “What do they do?”

Loki sighed sadly as he picked lightly at the now exposed metal not able to look his master in the eye, “They bind my siedir, my ‘magic’... The cuffs, they... My siedir is bound, in all ways, to my owner, you. They give my owner total control of my abilities. They, YOU, have complete control... Complete control...”

Tony pressed his lips together, “We’ll figure something out... I get you’re hurting, Loki, but you’re still not getting ‘that’ back. Not until I’m certain we can trust you, and trust takes time to be earned, understand? I just can’t take that risk, not yet!” He rubbed at his thighs wishing he knew that right thing to say! He was a genius after all, “I want to trust you... But...”

Loki nodded earnestly, “Yes, Sir... I understand... You... You have already been far kinder to us than we deserve...”

Tony rubbed his eyes and then his whole face letting out a groan, “Look, what about this... You think you could fix yourself? Heal you and the girl? You think that’s doable?”

Loki looked up sharply, uncertainty and a touch of fear etched across his face, “What!?”

Tony waved his hand nonchalantly towards Loki and Nasya, “Could you heal yourself and the girl?”

Mixed emotions flooded Loki, “I... I can try... With your permission...?”

Tony nodded, and waved his hand again the tremor not as visible now, “Sure, permission granted, whatever... Have at it, Lokes...”

Tony went to the window, he didn’t want to watch.

Loki focused, he reached out, felt the thin tendrils of the Yggdrasil come closer and closer. They touched him, wrapt their thin branches around him, drew him into their sanctuary, his safe haven once more. He felt their warmth embrace him, begin to replenish him. He felt such peace, a release from the pain. In this moment he could sense Nasya, his unborn child, and another being, his Asta! He held out his arms as their presences surrounded him in this moment of warmth! He felt strong, vital, alive, loved!

The tendrils of Yggdrasil bound themselves tighter to him, merging with him. He felt his being pulled into the powerfulness, unable to move now, or break away... But there was no fear, just calmness and peace. He felt healing flowing through him and he gave over completely, in that one moment, his tired and broken body merging and twisting till oblivion called and his consciousness left him...

His eyes flickered open... He was still kneeling... He was still tired and he was still in pain...

He had failed...

HOW had he failed?

He had felt Yggdrasil embrace him, give to him of her essence and power! Loki looked at his hands, still red and twisted in pain. He touched his eye, still swollen shut...

He had failed not just himself, but his children as well... He was useless... All he ever had was his tricks, his siedir, his beloved magic... Now even that had been taken away from him! A numbness overcame him. He could not protect himself or his children. He’d truly been reduced to nothing more than a mere, powerless slave. He let out a gut wrenching sob. He had finally, after all those years been allowed to use his siedir, and he had failed.

He. Had. Failed...

There was nothing left for him now...

Nothing...

Apart from Nasya, and his unborn child...

————

Nasya looked up as the elevator bell chimed a few minutes later and Bruce Banner walked in the door. Tony walked to the lift, greeting his friend.

“What’s the emergency, Tony? Cut your fin-“ Bruce stopped mid sentence when Tony stepped aside to reveal Loki and Nasya cowering on the floor.

“That.” Tony pointed toward Loki, “I have a very pregnant Norse god and his daughter as house guests.”

Bruce blinked, not moving, “What the...”
-
“Yeah, I know. They came yesterday.”

“How though!?”

Tony shrugged, “Bifrost, I’m guessing... Something to do with him being enslaved as punishment for his crimes here, and on Asgard.” He lowered his voice and took a step closer to Bruce, “He’s not in a good way. I need you to check him... And the little girl.”

Bruce nodded sombrely, “Sure. I don’t know much about their biology but I’ll give it a go.” His eyes cast over Loki’s body beginning to catalog the visible scraps, “It’s a good thing that I was already close by...”

————

Loki had been listening to the two men talk, his panic rising. The Green One was near them! His most vivid memory of the invasion was pain, waking up being tossed around like a toy and then pummelled into the floor painfully by him. He tried to control his breathing but Nasya could see through his tricks. She placed her hands and head on his belly and began to sing a sweet melody that the two of them had created. It worked to bring Loki back to the present if he wasn’t too far gone into his panic attack. He squeezed his eyes shut again and stroked her hair beginning to calm down, humming softly along with her.

Loki was so focused on Nasya and their song that he didn’t hear or sense the footsteps approaching them. What he did feel was a hand touch his shoulder and he pulled away with a shriek curling himself around Nasya as tightly as possible. No words made it past his lips, just silent prayers to the Norns to keep his children safe from the wrath of his green foe.

Tony rolled his eyes waved his hand at Loki, “Yeah, I should have warned you, Bruce, he does that a fair bit. And faints. He faints a bit too.”

Bruce stood back up, “You know that’s a bad thing, right, Tony?“

“Well, he said it was the sedative they gave him but I don’t know.”

Bruce blinked and then rubbed his face thankfully keeping the green tinge under control, “This is just getting better and better. He’s pregnant, been recently drugged, looks massively underweight even for NOT being pregnant, and by the looks of it probably beaten recently... And oh, did I mention that he’s heavily pregnant? What the hell, Tony!”

Tony shrugged, “I guess things aren’t as fantastic in Thor’s golden realm as he makes out...”

Banner stood there just blinking as he processed the scene in front of him. He knelt beside Loki again, this time speaking to him as he reached out shaking his shoulder, “Loki, can you sit up? Loki?”

Loki turned his tear streaked face to Dr Banner and pushed himself up to kneeling ensuring his back was firmly against the wall and Nasya was partially hidden behind him, “Please, don’t hurt them... I’ll try and be good... I’ll... I’ll do whatever you want...” Fresh tears fell down his cheeks, he’d never offered a verbal submission to his owner before but he was too weak to protect his offspring now and he knew this. Without his siedir, he only had his body and his words. All he could do was try and keep them focused on him and not his beloved children. He let his head rest on the wall, tilting his chin up and exposing his most vulnerable areas, his throat and his swollen belly, an act of total submission. He couldn’t stop his hands from splaying over the thin fabric covering his belly in a feeble attempt to protect her. He could feel Nasya behind him and that gave him some comfort, at least she wouldn’t see what the Green One would do to him.

Banner glanced at Tony at Loki’s submission. Things were much worse than he’d initially thought, “Hey, Loki, can you stand?”

The slave stood silently using the wall to help himself up. Loki was exhausted, mentally and physically. The ragged tunic barely brushed his upper mid thigh and Bruce could begin to see the deep bruising from a few nights ago speckling his skin between his thighs. He gritted his teeth, anger rising and a pale green sheen flicking over his body, “MedLab, NOW!” He pointed to the elevator and took a few deep breaths to calm again.

Loki all but scooped up Nasya and ran to the lift. The green tone to his owners friend terrified him and he didn’t dare disobey.

“Tony, they...” Bruce turned to Stark his anger barely starting to get under control, “Have you seen the bruising... Between his thighs...”

Stark sighed, feeling slightly guilty, “I really didn’t pay close attention to him when they got here yesterday, but I did tell you it was bad...”

Banner rubbed his face, “I think that’s an understatement, Tony... I’m pretty sure he’s recently been raped, and judging by the bruising I just saw, pretty violently too... I’ll do what I can but he may actually need a hospital! I’m not actually a qualified medical doctor...”

“Just do what you can, ok... I really don’t want S.H.I.E.L.D involved yet, and how do you explain a beaten and pregnant enslaved-former-god to a regular doctor, and oh yeah Bruce, he’s MALE!?”

Bruce held up his hands, “Okay, okay, I’ll do everything I can... Just don’t expect miracles, ok Tony...”

Chapter Text

Dr Banner left the penthouse and took the lift down to the MedLab. Thoughts churned through his mind. He’d never dealt with something so traumatic as this before. The doors opened with a quiet hiss and he stepped out.

Loki was kneeling in the MedLab reception waiting with Nasya pressed silently against his torso. Bruce walked past them and into one of the labs just able to notice the way Loki shielded his daughter away from him. He flicked on the machines and set about getting the equipment he needed. Yet again he was thankful that Tony kept the area fully stocked incase the Avengers needed it. Looking out the glass sliding doors he could see that Loki and Nasya hadn’t moved. He walked over to them but kept a little distance, “Loki, I want you to bring the little girl in. You can stay with her as well.”

Loki nodded without looking up, “Yes, Sir...”

Bruce turned back and found the last few things, “Pop her up on the table, please. Tunic off. Tony mentioned she had some cuts and things we should have a look at.”

Loki placed Nasya on the bed and took her tunic off. He kept it wrapt around her though, not wanting to leave her completely exposed in such an unknown environment. He couldn’t bare to move away from her and he kept his arm around her waist protectively.

Bruce moved closer and held out his hand to her palm up, but not touching, “I’m Bruce... I’m a friend, a doctor, kind of like your healers on Asgard... What’s your name?”

Nasya buried her head into Loki’s neck and whimpered. Her mother stroked her back and whispered a few gentle words to her and she turned to face Bruce. Loki encouraged her gently, “Your name, Precious One...”

Her hand slipped into Loki’s long hair and she held in like it was her lifeline and whispered, “Nasya...”

Loki looked to Bruce to make sure that was sufficient and was happy to see the doctor smile and write it down on the top of a medical chart. He glanced at Loki, “Her age?”

“She is almost three, Sir...”

Bruce nodded and wrote that as well, “I’m going to check her over now. I won’t hurt her, Loki...”

He just nodded, but he couldn’t bring himself to unwrap his arms from around her.

Bruce could see the anxiety across their faces and decided to try a different tact, “Why don’t you help me? I’ll only touch her when I have too, okay?” He pulled up a chair, “I’ll go from head to toe, okay. Lift her hair up, I want to see all around her head and neck first.”

Loki obeyed and scooped her clean, but tatty, locks into his hands slowly rotating her. Bruce could see some light bruising over her shoulders but nothing too bad, “Ok, very good, Nasya.” He pointed out the darkest bruises on her upper arm, and some other larger bruises on the other side surrounding a nasty gash on her hip when he looked lower, “What happened here?”

Loki swallowed, “We were harvesting... She could not move out the way of the Master’s horse’s fast enough... Master Erik’s man... He picked her up, and just tossed her out his way...” The memory still made his blood run cold seeing his daughter laying still on the ground bleeding, crying, hurt. He remembered running as fast as he could to her side, but his pregnant belly slowing him down, her fresh red blood spilling onto the ground and covering his hands. His voice lowered and filled with shame, “I was too slow to protect her...” Nasya whimpered and pressed into Loki.

Bruce nodded and continued writing, “Has she been limping? Complaining of pain? Discomfort?”

Loki looked startled at the questions and hurriedly answered all the while drawing Nasya away from the other, “No! Master, Sir, No! I promise that she is able to work!”

Bruce looked up a little surprised, “Calm down, Loki! I just want to know if there’s anything we need to look into medically! Broken bones, torn ligaments, etc... Tony and I want to make sure she’s a fit and healthy little girl, not that she’s ready to work! That’s all...”

Loki let out a shaky breath, his heart still pounding, “Sorry, Sir...” He stroked her cheek, “Her hip, it still pains her while walking...”

Bruce nodded, “Ok. I’m going to touch her now, Loki, and maybe do an X-Ray to see if there’s anything broken.” He slowly touched Nasya and manipulated her lower limb. He glanced at her when he heard her take in a sharp breath as his hands pressed gently over her now clothed again hip and upper thigh, “Okay, X-Ray time.” He lay her on the table and set the machine, “Just stay super still, just like a statue, ok honey... Come on, Loki, we shouldn’t be in the room because of the radiation. It’ll only be a few seconds.” Loki followed quietly barely taking his eyes off his daughter. There was a click, a pause and then Bruce moved back into the room, “All done. You can go back to her now.” Nasya flung herself at her mother for comfort and Loki gladly opened his arms for her. Bruce couldn’t help but smile at the tender display.

The machines whirled and a few moments later the pictures were displayed on the screen. Bruce looked intently at it and frowned, “Loki, come here. I want you to see this.”

The slave moved closer to the doctor with his daughter in his arms again. Banner pointed to the screen, “Well, good news, it’s not her hip. Bad news, it’s her femur, her upper leg. See that, right there? That’s a hairline fracture. A teeny, tiny break. Loki, they broke her leg when they threw her...”

Loki glanced at Nasya feeling devastated and also so very guilty that he hadn’t been able to protect her from this. She had never complained, not once. His head lowered and he crossed his arms across her even more tightly, “You never said anything, Precious One...”

Bruce instinctively turned to Loki and gripped his arm gently, “Loki, all she’s even known is fear and pain. All she’s ever seen you go through is torture and abuse. She’s learnt to keep quiet for both your sakes. How would your previous owner react if he knew she was injured? This isn’t your fault!”

Loki visibly flinched as Bruce touched him, “I’m her mother, I should have protected her better! I should have known...” He rubbed his eyes willing himself not to break down again. He could feel the nausea rising again and the urge to hide them both was almost over powering.

He still felt so hot, so very hot...

Bruce rubbed Loki’s arm not noticing the rise in his temperature, “She’s ok apart from that! You’ve done the best you can and for the most part she’s fine. A couple cuts and bruises and a little underweight but considering what you’ve both been through that’s to be expected! Anyway, the break looks to be healing well. All she needs is some rest and she’ll be 100% in no time. Now, it’s time to check you.”

Loki shook his head fear rising in him, “No, please... Just help my daughter...”

“Loki, it’s not going to hurt-“

“NO!” Loki shied away from the doctor, his chest heaving. He stumbled back towards the table then to the far corner of the room. His breath was coming in short ragged gasps now and his head began to swim. It was too hot! He couldn’t bear the thought of another being touching him.

Nasya gripped his hair steadying herself, “Mumma...?”

He sunk down in the corner, shaking, his skin burning and itching, sweat dripping down his face and back, “I should have protected you better, baby...”

Bruce watched Loki succumb to his fever induced panic attack. It was a while before he moved near to the fallen prince, “Loki, hey...”

It was Nasya that spoke, “Mumma be ok...” She petted his hair, “Mumma just sad...” She didn’t move but stayed resting in Loki’s arms.

“Your mother has been through a lot. I need to make sure he’s ok... You think you can help me?”

Nasya nodded slowly. She liked this man. He was gentle, he was kind, and most importantly he seemed to care about helping her mother. Something they had never had before.

Loki had stopped hyperventilating and was now just trying desperately to breath. He felt pathetic. Like his body was betraying him and he had lost all control, like he was spiralling downwards without the knowledge of how to ever return. He felt Nasya tug at his hand and he looked at her through bleary eyes. He’d failed her in so many ways already, “Precious One... I am so sorry...” His words were slow and he swallowed not daring to look the doctor in the eyes, “Master, I... So sorry...”

Bruce could now see the sheen of sweat covering Loki’s skin, the constant shake of his limbs, and he knew the god was very sick. He held out his hand, “Loki, we really need to get you checked...”

Loki didn’t fight this time. He simply didn’t have the energy! He stood shakily and allowed himself to be shown back to the medical table. Bruce stroked the hair from his face, “How long have you had the fever, Loki?”

“A while... I felt unwell for a while before we were taken from our Masters farm, Sir... I thought it was just nerves...” His voice was as shaky as his body.

“Tony said they’d drugged you, too. You have any idea what they gave you?”

“Just sleeping potions, I think, but I do not know for sure....”

Bruce kept stroking Loki’s hair concerned about how suddenly compliant he was being, “I’m going to start looking you over, ok...”

Loki just nodded and held Nasya’s hand. His daughter had settled on a stool beside the table closest to his head.

Bruce helped Loki remove the tattered tunic leaving him naked on the MedLab table. He wanted to gag at the trauma he saw. His eyes immediately went to the bruising between Loki’s thighs but decided to work mostly from head to toe. He methodically cleaned and checked every wound till there was just his thighs and nether regions left.

“This is going to be uncomfortable, ok... It may hurt but I’ll be as gentle and quick as I can...” Bruce gently lay him back and bent Loki’s knees to reveal his thighs and abused holes. Here was the source of the infection. His breeding hole was torn and raw but otherwise fine. His ass, that was also torn and raw, but infection had set in. Bruce swallowed, purposefully touching Loki as little as possible in his most vulnerable areas, “You’re pretty bruised on your thighs but they’ll heal. You’re torn pretty badly but you should be ok with some rest and healing time... I’m going to try and get rid of as much infection as possible to give you the best chance of healing.” When Loki didn’t move he quickly set about lancing the rim. Dr Banner’s nose wrinkled at the smell as puss ebbed out but he kept working. Loki was now silently crying, humiliated. At least this wasn’t the worst that Nasya had seen. Thankfully, Bruce was finished in a few moments and he recovered Loki in a thin sheet. He hooked up an IV and started some strong antibiotics. Instinctively Bruce reached out and gently touched Loki’s forehead brushing back an ebony lock, “I take it they never did any after care after they’d raped you?”

Loki shuddered at the doctors soft but blunt words. He knew the truth though, you couldn’t rape a slave. His master just used him as necessary, as they saw fit, as they wanted too. Tears were still falling down his cheeks, “No, Sir... Never... There was another slave who helped from time to time. Usually after... After something... She... She found me an ointment once, but it had run out a few weeks prior...” He was so tired again and the fever was starting to wear him out.

“Figures... Well, you’re going to get all the care you can take, all of you...” Bruce wandered away and then came back rolling another piece of equipment, “Hey... How about something nice? You want to see your baby?”

That got Loki’s attention, “W-What???”

Bruce smiled reassuringly and held out the probe, “Just a scan, nothing else!”

Loki nodded, he couldn’t really say no...

Cold gel was apologetically squirted onto Loki’s belly and soon a whooshing sound filled the room. Bruce tilted the screen and pointed, “There she is... A little girl... Good heartbeat... Looking strong and healthy.”

Loki and Nasya looked at the screen in wonder and he began to cry silently again. She was healthy, and doing well. That’s all he could have hoped for after the events of the last few days.

Bruce finished the quick scan and cleaned Loki’s belly. Extra blankets were piled on him, and Nasya dug her way into the warmth beside her mother. He might be a frost Giant but in his weakened Æsir form he was struggling to maintain his body. Dr Banner squeezed Loki’s hand to get his attention, “Stay put. I’ll be back with some food. You need to rest.”

Loki remained still. He and Nasya were warm, safe and taken care of for the first time in years. He wasn’t moving. Even if he had wanted to flee, the fever had begun to rage and nightmares and delirium was starting to set in.

————

Tony had been pacing the length of the penthouse. He all but pounced on Bruce as soon as he set foot out the lift, “Well?”

Bruce stayed silent and went to the fridge rolling his eyes as he saw nothing suitable, “Well... It’s as bad as I thought, probably worse because I don’t want to irradiate the baby to see Loki’s internals.” He shut the fridge and spoke to Jarvis, “Food order, J. Variety of fruit, veggies and meats. Bread, rice and milk, too.” He turned back to Tony, “Nasty infection, that’s probably why he’s been so sick and passing out. Baby’s fine though, another girl.”

Tony pressed his lips together, “J, add some baby clothes, and some little kids stuff to the list too, and nappies, and things...” He shrugged at Bruce’s grin, “What? I cant stop the baby from happening... Which is when by the way, any idea?”

Jarvis chimed in, “Might I suggest some clothing for Mr Loki as well, Sir?”

“From what Loki’s said and the size of the foetus he’s got another 8-12 weeks, roughly. Given everything it’s still a bit of guess work.”

Tony shrugged, “Yeah, sure J. Do that too.” He looked at Bruce, “I have no idea what we’re going to do with him!”

“Well, for the time being, I’ve left him and the little girl in the MedLab with some IV antibiotics running. He’s in really bad shape. A bad fever too.”

Tony nodded, folding his arms across his chest, “You think he’ll ever recover from what’s been done to him?”

“Honestly, Tony, I don’t know. He’s not the man that invaded New York five years ago. There’s something about him now. Something fragile, and very, very broken...”

Chapter Text

Dream:
Loki lay in the soft cocoon of warmth with Nasya snuggled at his side. His hand rested over the swell of his belly and his eyes flickered open when he smelt the food that the doctor had brought them.

Dr Banner smiled, “All I have to offer is canned soup, but it’ll do for now.”

Loki’s belly rumbled loudly as he pushed himself up, “Any food is appreciated, Sir!” He pulled Nasya into his lap shaking her gently awake. She smelt the food and instantly glanced at her mother. They settled quietly together and Loki took the offered bowl inhaling the rich scent deeply. He could almost taste the few spices and rich pumpkin wafting from the bowl and his mouth salivated.

When Loki looked up again they were no longer in the warmth of Stark Tower but back in the old, cold barn of Erik’s farm. He looked down and saw the bowl begin to disintegrate and float away from his hands. He gasped and pulled Nasya to his lap just to have her slowly fade away into ash. He let out a shriek trying to clutch at the dust that once was his daughter, only to have his own body begin to fade out into dust as well...

Reality:
“Loki! Loki, WAKE UP!” Bruce shook Loki as the slave screamed and thrashed violently. Sweat dripped from his body and he sat bolt upright, narrowly missing the doctors head. His breath came in short, harsh breaths and he looked around searching for Nasya...

“Nasya! NASYA!! Precious One?” He was one track minded, he needed to make sure that his daughter lived, that the terror and fear of his dream was not suddenly a reality! Blood dripped from where he had accidentally ripped the cannula out of his hand, and his long, raven hair was plastered to his sweaty body, “Nasya...?” He shakily battered away Bruce’s hand more concerned with finding his child.

“Loki! She’s right here!”

Nasya crawled into the table beside her mother and touched his cheek, “Mumma...”

“You’re ok, my child...” He breathed out a long sigh and just held her to his chest, his other hand settling over his large abdomen, “I had such a terrible dream...” He began to shiver, his fever making his exposed skin feel over heated yet icy cold.

Bruce draped another blanket around the thin shoulders and then pulled the bed up into a sitting position so Loki could relax, “I have food. You want to try something?”

He shook his head, as much as he wanted food he really couldn’t stomach the idea after such a vivid and nightmarish dream. His stomach growled, betraying him, “Just Nasya, please...”

Bruce held out a small plate with some hot buttered toast, “It’s about all Tony had.”

Loki had no fight left in him, but he also had a gut feeling that this man, nor the Green One were going to hurt them anymore. He took the plate from Bruce and placed it on his lap. The fever was making him so very weak and he could barely even muster enough energy to check the food. He took a tentative bite, there was no way that he was letting his daughter be drugged again if he could help it. There was no odd taste or sensation when he chewed and swallowed so handed the triangle of toast to Nasya. He rested back on the bench, his hand on his daughter’s back, “Thank you, Sir... You have shown us much kindness...” Unconsciousness threatened to overcome Loki again but he fought to remain in control. He was sick of feeling weak and useless, sick of being a failure to his children. Shrugging the blanket off his shoulders as yet another bead of sweat trickled down his temple, Loki shivered.

“Hey, try and keep that around you, okay Loki...” Bruce pulled the blanket back around the gods shoulders, “You’re sick, your body needs to heal...” He stroked Loki’s cheek pushing the damp hair off his face, “You need to rest... I promise you, Loki, you’re safe here.” He pushed a glass into Loki’s hand guiding it to the slaves mouth, “It’s just water.”

Loki took a few sips and then lowered it, “Thank you, Sir...”

Bruce placed the glass to the side and then picked up Loki’s bloody hand, “I’m going to clean this, then hook it up again. You need to heal remember, and it’ll help.” He was gentle, soothing, helpful towards the broken man.

A glimmer of something Loki thought long dead began to bloom in his chest, trust... He licked his lips, raising his hand and dared to speak to the doctor, “I am sorry about this...”

Bruce glanced up at Loki as he quickly tended to the gods hand, “It’s not your fault, any of this...” Soon the saline and antibiotics were flowing through Loki’s veins again, “Just rest... Lay back, let us protect you...”

Nasya had finished the rest of the toast and was snuggled next to Loki’s belly with her tiny hand protectively over the large bump. Bruce reached out and stroked her hair making her jump a little. She didn’t shy away from his touch like earlier. This man was helping them, was kind and gentle to them, and she was willing to give him a chance. He tried stroking her hair again and this time she didn’t move, just cautiously allowed him.

Loki watched the exchange between the two. It wasn’t easy for him but at least the Green One was being kind to his beloved child.

Sleep overtook his weary body, and soon his breathing evened out and he was snoring lightly.

Dream:
Loki stood on the edge of a deep ravine. His silken emerald green robes flowed around him caught in the light breeze. The sun was warm and kissed his skin making him smile. He held his newborn daughter in his arms with Nasya at his side. This was peace...

But the peace was short lived.

There was a rumble and the ground beneath his feet began to crumble away. Loki tried to scramble as fast as he could to keep himself and Nasya on top, but he couldn’t. He could hear Nasya’s screams as she struggled! He reached out screaming her name, clawing at the air, trying desperately to find her hand. Their fingertips grazed each other’s touch as she began to fall out of his reach and down into the deep, dark nothingness. His own feet stumbled, then gave way and he began to fall, his grip finally failing around the small babe as he plummeted away from the safety of the land, and all he held dear.

Reality:
The terrified cries of Nasya and the babe in his dreams echoed through Loki’s mind shattering him from his slumber. His heart pounded in his chest and yet more sweat dripped from his brow. Thankfully he hadn’t ripped the cannula out again. Bruce was still shaking him when he blinked a few times finally returning to full awareness, “Doctor Banner, Sir...” He dared to touch the doctors hands on his shoulders and use his name. He needed the grounding, the reassurance that this was real, even if it meant pain, “I’m sorry... Forgive me...” Loki turned his flushed face away and lowered his head, “The dreams, they always come...”

Bruce picked up the glass of water again and placed it in Loki’s hands, “I get it. What you’ve been through is traumatic and dreams can be a way of expressing our trauma, and our grief, and also our deepest fears.” He guided the glass to Loki’s lips again, “What do you dream about?”

Loki took a few more sips and then looked at Nasya who was asleep in his lap, “Losing my children, Sir... Having them ripped from my arms, being unable to help them, or save them...”

Bruce nodded and placed the glass back down, “That’s understandable. It’ll take time for those to stop. They’ll probably even be a bit more vivid because of the fever and antibiotics.”

Loki’s breathing was finally beginning to even out but he still felt so weak. He desperately just wanted to rest without nightmares and fear. He hadn’t slept peacefully since his enslavement, Erik had mad sure of that. His eyes felt heavy but he needed to know something from this kind healer, “Sir, why...? Why are you helping us?” His hand stroked Nasya head. He was too far gone to be worried about inciting Dr Banners anger, and he got the impression that he wouldn’t be angry anyway...

“Because slavery is an abhorrent thing that shouldn’t exist in any realm. Because weaker people should be protected. And because no one should be used like you have been...”

“Weaker people...” Loki was too tired to cry, too tired to feel the further, deeper humiliation that he knew he should, “I am not one of the ‘people’ anymore, the Allfather saw to that when he enslaved me... I am nothing now... Damaged, entirely worthless... Master Erik, he saw to that when...” Loki lay back on the hospital bed trying not to remember the pain, “There is nothing left for me to give, nothing of value...” The painful memories, and the understood reality of his situation finally hitting him, “No value, Sir... None...”

He frowned as another false contraction gripped his middle. Slipping his hand under the blankets Loki let out a deep breath as he rubbed gently at his belly.

The monitors blipped as his heart rate spiked and Bruce glanced at them, their conversation paused for now, “You ok, Loki?”

He nodded his head and let out a slow breath, “Yes, Sir, it’s nothing...”

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, Sir... Its just a contraction... I’ve been getting them for a about a week now...”

Bruce frowned, “Contractions already?”

“Not actual ones, Sir... Just the annoying kind...” Loki rubbed his tight belly skin feeling a tightness in his chest that wasn’t there before and he whispered, “I could not bear to loose another, Sir. I do not think I would survive it...”

Bruce touched his shoulder and noted that the slave didn’t pull away, “Trust me, Loki, that’s the last thing we want as well. Even Tony’s upstairs ordering baby clothing and diapers for her already. He likes kids, he really just a big one himself.”

Loki looked at Bruce worriedly, “Why would he do that?” He shook his head, not understanding, “All I need is cloth, just scraps! I can make everything she’ll need, she’ll be no bother!” Loki could feel his pulse quickening, and soon Bruce saw it on monitor as well.

“Hey, he’s happy to do it. It was his idea.” Bruce smiled gently, thinking of the best way to explain to Loki, “Think of it this way. You want Tony to be happy, and letting him do this will make him happy. All you have to do is smile, nod and accept. Simple...”

But it wasn’t that simple, not to Loki. Gifts from owners came with conditions, usually painful ones. He just nodded again, “Yes, Sir...”

He would just have to learn, and accept whatever Tony’s ‘conditions’ were...

Chapter Text

Tony paced the penthouse floor trying Jane again for the fourth time that morning yelling at his A.I., “Jarvis, why isn’t she answering?”

“It appears Dr Foster’s phone is available, but for some reason she is not picking up. Perhaps you could try one of her colleagues?”

“Yeah... do that, J.”

It was a few minutes before Dr Selvig’s voice filled the void of the penthouse and Tony cut him off, “Yeah, hey there Dr Selvig. Look, it’s Tony Stark, and I need to speak to Thor.”

There was a pause on the end of the call, “The Tony Stark?”

“Yep, that’s me, the one and only... Thor?”

“Oh, yeah, he’s with Jane-”

“I figured that. I really need to speak to him urgently, you think you could get a message to them?”

“I mean, sure, I can try! But they’re probably in the mountains. She’s been introducing Thor to the joys of ‘Midgard’ nature. Is everything ok?” There was genuine concern in his voice.

“Oh, things here are just peachy. Look, can you just try. Tell him I have his psychotic brother here, and a surprise.”

“Loki... Is here on Earth?”

Tony winced, he’d forgotten what the god had done to the Doctor as well, “Yeah, it’s kinda really complicated though. Could you just try and get through to Thor for me?”

There was clear tension in Dr Selvig’s voice now, “Sure. Bye now.”

Tony hung up the call and headed down to the MedLab.

————

Loki had finally fallen into a fitful but sustained sleep. Dr Banner pressed soft towels onto his damp skin mopping up the dripping sweat. Tony walked into the MedLab, “How’s he doing?”

“As well as could be expected. Nightmares, bad ones...” Bruce stroked the sleeping Nasya, “Do you have any idea what you’ll do with them?”

Tony shrugged, “No idea. What do you do with a kid and their pregnant parent?”

“I’d suggest you let Loki rest till the birth. Then for a few weeks after as well. He’s severely under weight for someone so close to birthing.”

“Rest...” Tony gritted his teeth, “I can’t just let him laze around the penthouse like a ‘Prince’, not after everything.”

“And you don’t think he’s suffered enough, Tony? Beaten, raped, this illness, the death of a child? Living with constant fear, not just for himself but his surviving child too? You really think he needs to suffer more?”

Tony pressed his lips together, “What about the people here still suffering, Bruce, what about them?”

“Well, were they stripped of their name, their family, their home, of everything they loved and held dear? Then thrust into a life of slavery and abuse? Or were they given help, and assistance?” Bruce folded his arms, “Are you still so certain that loki was even in control? Clint said he was linked to Dr Selvig, and Loki-“

“Exactly! They were linked-“

“And who was in control, Tony? Even Clint couldn’t definitively say it was Loki! You know as well as I do that it’s more likely they were all being manipulated by a higher source!”

Tony stayed silent. Ultimately he knew this but his own trauma failed to allow it. He simply folded his arms across his chest.

“He’s pregnant, and sick, Tony. Even if you wanted to run him into the ground because of everything, could you?” Bruce dabbed at Loki’s skin again and the slave moaned and shifted on the table.

“Damn you, Bruce!” Tony stormed out the MedLab frustrated not at Bruce, but at himself for still feeling so much anger towards Loki.

————

It was a few hours later and Tony had been working solidly in his workshop with the music up and his favourite bottle of whiskey on hand. He’d given Jarvis strict instructions that only a call from Thor was to be put through and nothing else. There had been a few knocks on the door from the good doctor but hadn’t had the guts to speak to the man yet. Tony knew that Bruce was right, but he still couldn’t face it.

Jarvis chimed in afternoon tony had taken another large swig from the whiskey bottle, “Sir, it would appear that Prince Thor has arrived on the roof.”

“Tell him I’ll be right up.” Tony rubbed his face and looked down at himself. He was a mess, but he didn’t care, “Ask Bruce to meet me there, that’s if he can tear himself away from his latest charge.”

Tony was almost at the elevator when he saw Bruce standing there waiting for him. He smiled sheepishly, “You forgiven me yet, Brucie-Bear?”

“Possibly, that depends on you.”

He leant against the side of the elevator as it speed up to the roof, “After everything that happened I spent so much time hating him because it was easy. Without that to hold onto what do I have. Just more unanswered questions, even less closure than I had before.”

Bruce reached out and squeezed his arm, “At least you’ll know the truth. Then you can really start to heal, the same way Loki will be able too.”

Tony nodded, “Yeah, I guess...”

The lift halted and opened with the same soft hiss. They saw Thor standing on the roof surrounded by a whirlwind of air and lightening. They stepped out, “Thor! Good to see you!”

“Friend Stark!” He strode straight to them the elements dying down, “You have my brother!” Thor clasped Tony by the upper arms, “Take me to him!”

It was Bruce that spoke, “Thor, he’s sleeping, and we need to talk first.”

“Yeah, things aren’t peachy with your brother, Point Break...”

Thor let him go and frowned, “What do you mean, friend?”

Tony stepped back into the waiting elevator, “Cmon, lets get a drink and we’ll talk.”

“I will see my brother, Friend Stark...”

“Of course, we just need to talk first.”

————

Thor was pacing angrily across the penthouse living room as he listened to Tony and Bruce recant Loki’s story. They had glossed over the more intense parts for Thor’s sake and now sat quietly waiting for the thunderer to calm down. Right now, the once calm and sunny afternoon had turned into a swirling and violent thunderstorm.

He stopped in his tracks, “I must see him. Friend Balder had seen him just outside the city and said he was injured, that things were not well, but what you tell me things are much worse. Loki had been moved before I could see him, and his prior owner did not know where he had been taken.”

Letting out a low whistle Tony glanced at Thor, “Bruce, you think our ‘guest’ is up for visitors?”

“Once his fevers broken I’ll think about it. But not till then, Thor. Your brother is seriously ill and needs rest. Do you understand that?”

Thor pouted but accepted the doctors words, “Yes, I do.” He flopped onto the plush couch, it groaning under his dense weight, “I have not seen him since his enslavement. Our father forbid it. He said it would not be fair to Loki to remind him of everything he had lost... I had thought he would have been treated according to his status as Prince of Asgard. I did not think that he would have been stripped so harshly, or as suddenly from his life.”

Bruce and Tony looked at each other again, “From what I’ve got from him, he’s been used like a human toilet. He’s scared, scarred, and bruised. He’s mentally and physically exhausted. So is Nasya...”

Thor looked at Bruce, “Nasya?”

“Yeah, his daughter, your niece.” They hadn’t thought to mention his pregnancies earlier as it was not something that Thor had been asking about and it had slipped their minds, “That was never mentioned to you?”

Thor looked confused, “I do not understand why they would take a child from its mother to stay with a slave?”

Tony raised his eyebrow, “Loki is the child’s mother. He got pregnant, then gave birth to her.”

Bruce chimed in, “Thor, his Jontun heritage made him intersex. Capable of both fathering children and bearing children, which he has done...”

Thor’s lips twitched, “They violated my brother! A Prince-“

Bruce interjected again, “As much as we hate it, Thor, he’s not a Prince, not now! He’s technically a slave... However that works up there in Asgard saw fit to take all his abilities and reduce him to nothing! He’s been abused over and ov-”

“I have to see them, NOW!!” Thor began marching down to the MedLab with Bruce and Tony scurrying after him.

————

Loki awoke to see a hazy shadow looming over him. The all too familiar traditional clothing of an Asgard warrior made him catch his breath. He blinked and blinked wishing that his eyes would just focus. There was an electronic beeping in the background and suddenly strong hands were pressing against his shoulders telling him to breath. As Loki’s vision cleared and he saw that the Asgardian warrior was his once-brother, Thor, he began to calm. He did not know what this meeting would have in store for him but he would submit, and obey like he had been taught. He just hoped that Thor would be kind to his children. Thankfully, Nasya was well hidden beneath the thick blankets still covering him and out of sight. Loki felt weak, the intense fever having barely broken and his belly still screamed at him for food. The hands lifted from his shoulders and he felt a sense of vulnerability come over him. There was now no barrier between himself and Thor. He kept his head bowed down and his hands clasped in his lap as he was still on the medical bed, there was no way that he could look his former brother in the eyes, even if he wanted too. His voice came out quieter than even he expected, “Prince Thor... Sire...”

Thor leant over and gripped Loki’s shoulders, “Brother... What has happened to you?”

Loki felt tears well in his eyes. That had been the same question Balder had asked on the road that day. He gave his beloved brother the only answer that he could, “Only what I deserve, My Lord...”

Thor looked earnestly at Loki’s abused face and took Loki’s chin gently in his , “No one deserves this, Brother!”

“I am not your brother any longer, Sire.” Everything was so overwhelming for Loki and he let out a tight sob pulling out of Thor’s touch. He curled up around the tiny lump that was Nasya and covered his face. It was all just too much, “Please, Master, I’m so tired...”

Tony for once took pity on his slave and guided Thor out of the room, “Okay, Big Guy. Cmon, he needs to rest.”

————

Loki’s body continued to shake, the shame and humiliation of his situation now complete. There was no coming back from this. Ever. His mother has seen how low he had fallen, and now so had his former brother and future king. He could feel the heat rising in his skin again causing him to sob loudly. His heart and soul was broken and he just shut his eyes willing himself away from everything.

It was a while before he felt Bruce’s hand on his shoulder, “Loki... You okay?”

Loki looked over to Bruce and gave him a weak, tearful look, “Of course, Sir. Always, Sir...” Loki used the sheet covering him to wipe his face then spoke in a soft voice, his mind tired and falling back into its old survival habits, “I will do as am commanded. I will be good. I will obey. Please, just hide my child... She should not see...”

Bruce pinched the bridge of his nose squeezing his eyes shut, “Loki, no one is going to do anything to you! Nasya is going to stay with you and be perfectly safe...”

“But Thor...”

“Thor is here to help, not hurt, Loki. We’re going to see what we can do to work this out...” Bruce stroked Loki forehead, “I cannot stress enough just how safe you are here! I know it’s going to take a lot for you both to trust us, but we’re not going to hurt you...”

Loki’s stomach suddenly growled loudly and Bruce frowned, “Have you actually eaten anything other than nibbles since you’ve been here?”

The slave flushed, “No, Sir... My daughter needs it more...” It was about the only think that he could do for her here, and he’d be dammed if he let her starve.

“Ok. Well, that’s changing now. The food order should be here and I’ll bring you down something. For Nasya and yourself, ok.”

Loki’s flush deepened and he cast his eyes down, “Yes, Sir...”

Chapter Text

Thor had been hovering outside the MedLab waiting for Bruce to leave. As soon as the doctor left he snuck back into the restricted area, “Brother?”

Loki froze when he heard Thor’s voice and tried to remain calm. His only protector had just left them and Nasya and himself were now vulnerable, “Yes, Sire. I am here.” His higher brain function was telling him he should be on the floor kneeling, but yet he couldn’t seem to get his body to co-operate. Nasya was exposed now and Loki could see Thor’s eyes flickering over her. He dared to indulge in a bit of familiarity, in the hopes of a touch of kindness towards his children, “This is Nasya, my daughter.”

The small girl didn’t smile, she didn’t trust this strange new man at all. He didn’t even have to touch her Mumma to upset him more than all the others.

Loki closed his eyes and let out another low breath as a false contraction tightened across his belly. Thor’s eyes watched Loki’s hand slip under the blankets and he rubbed himself to try and release some of the pain and tension.

“You are with child again, Brother...”

“Yes, Sire...” Shame flooded him, he couldn’t bear to explain to his brother everything that had happened.

Bruce stood at the doorway with a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables, “Careful, Thor.”

He walked in and handed Loki the bowl with two forks, “You’re to eat as well, Loki. Not just for you and Nasya, but for the child you’re carrying as well. Understand?”

Loki just nodded and looked at the food. It might be plain but it still smelt so good and would be better than anything he’d had in years. His mouth was salivating and he had to fight the urge to just use his hands and dig in, “Yes, Sir.” He pulled Nasya up and rested the bowl on the sheets handing her a metal fork, “Eat, Precious One...”

“You too, Loki. Eat.”

Loki took a small bite of the vegetables, “Thank you, Sir...” He desperately wanted to just inhale the entire bowl but forced himself to just pick slowly. Loki could feel his stomach already protesting the small amount of quality food.

Thor pulled a stool up beside the bed and repeated his question, “You are with child again, brother?”

He gripped the fork tightly, his knuckles white, “Yes, Sire...”

Stab. Went the fork into the rice.

Stab. Went the fork into the vegetables.

Thor took the not so subtle hint and dropped the subject with a slight frown. He didn’t give up trying to communicate with his brother, “Will you not call me Brother, Brother?”

Loki let the fork fall into the bowl with a dull clank, “Why, ‘Brother’? Your dear ‘Father’ stripped me of everything that made us kin. My name, my family ties, my siedir, my virtue, my whole worth! I am not even related to you by blood, ‘Brother’! Just a Jotun whore that he gave over to a life of pain and torture without a second thought!”

Bruce kept a watchful eye on the monitors but let Loki continue to speak.

“Your dear ‘Father’ gave me to a man that raped me over, and over, and over! A man that expected me to be working in his fields, doing HARD physical work just an hour after labouring and birthing his child. A man that started to rape me again merely HOURS after beating me so badly that he killed the unborn child within me!” Loki’s fists clenched and unclenched until they touched the bowl on his lap. His mind clouded with long suppressed hurt and anxiety and his heart rate raced quickly up making the machines beep loudly. Without thinking, Loki gripped the food bowl throwing it so violently that it smashed off the side of the wall and splattered everywhere in a multitude of pieces.

There was a complete silence in the MedLab for a good few moments. The only sound was Loki’s ragged breath and Nasya’s soft crying. Loki sat there both frozen in place but also shaking violently. He was in deep trouble now. Even his new master would not be able to save him from this punishment. He had spoken out of turn, raised his voice to a member of the royal family, wasted food, broken a dish. He had wholly and solely disrespected Thor, the Golden Prince of Asgard in a fit of thoughtlessness. The shaking in Loki’s hands didn’t still as he gently pushed Nasya behind him, out of view. His gut clenched tightly, tighter than it ever had, and he attempted to stutter out some sort of apology, but he felt like his tongue was made of lead! He couldn’t speak or move. He just sat there, shaking, thinking about what would happen to his children without him there to protect them. His hand went to his belly. He knew realistically that he was just barely far enough along to deliver her safely with the help of Dr Banners medical aides. Would Thor allow him that, or just strike him down now? A tear slipped from Loki’s eye and trickled down his pale, clammy cheek, but he was still frozen, shocked at his out burst. He knew better than to do something so stupid!!

It was Thor that eventually moved. Simply standing with a nod to Loki and the doctor, and then silently leaving. In that instant Loki knew he had sealed his fate and lost his family forever. Nothing seemed to matter anymore. That tiny, hopeful part of him that he’d kept buried deep down was now shattered and cast away. There would be no reprieve for them. No shining hero to rescue them. No golden haired brother to whisk them away from the nightmare that they lived in.

Nothing apart from the sobbing child he pulled into his arms, and the soft kick within his belly registered. There were no words he could say to them to make this right, or make it easier. And now he had wasted the small amount of food they’d been gifted. He really didn’t know how but he felt even more pathetic and worthless than he ever had. All he could do was hold Nasya and rock with her, letting their tears join together.

Bruce just sat in stunned silence. He had no idea how Loki had survived all that he had.

“What will happen to us now, Sir?” Loki didn’t open his eyes yet but he needed to know.

“Happen to you? Nothing, I’d suppose...” Bruce could see the bots whirring around cleaning up the mess so didn’t move from his chair yet, “Family is hard at the best of times, Loki. You had a normal reaction to stress, add the pregnancy hormones on top of it, plus your illness and it’s to be expected.”

“Sir, I spoke out of turn, raised my voice to the future king of Asgard... How could that go unpunished?” He opened his good eye and looked out the window to the setting sun, “Please, whatever happens, protect my daughters?”

Bruce pressed the spot between his eyes, “No one is going to hurt you, or your kids, Loki!”

Loki kept looking out the window still curled around Nasya, “That’s what they all say, Sir...”

————

Thor was standing on the roof looking out across the city. The once calm weather had gone back to being stormy, and the night sky swirled ominously. Tony lay a hand on his friends shoulder, “You want to talk about it, Point Break?”

“How could they do that to him?”

“I don’t know, Thor, but they have... And now we need to pick up the pieces...”

The sky began to calm, “What do I say to him?”

“Not much you can say. Just be there for him. Help him...”

“I made him angry.”

“You make everyone angry.” Tony chuckled softly and turned to head in squeezing the shoulder beneath his hand, “Just give him time, Thor, he’s been through a lot.”

————

Bruce tried Loki with more rice and vegetables, and a little meat, but on a plastic plate this time. He nodded with a small smile at the slave as he handed the food over and was pleased to see Loki take it and begin to eat without prodding. A few bites for him, a few for Nasya. Bruce didn’t allow any more visitors and had Jarvis lock the doors until the next morning ensuring Loki and Nasya finished eating and had a chance to rest again. He slept himself in a cot in the next room and was only woken a few times to the terrified screams of Loki. The nightmares were horrific and wracked the man terribly.

Loki woke with a start and felt a warm, sticky dampness between his legs. His heart began to pound, please, no! He reached down and touched the area. Blood, his hand was covered in bright, crimson blood, “No!” Loki let out a cry and Bruce was instantly by his side. He held his shaking, blood stained hand out, “Too soon! It’s too soon!”

Bruce clenched his jaw, “It’s ok, Loki, don’t panic! Have you felt any contractions yet?” Bruce uncovered Loki as he shook his head and lay the bed down flat again, “Lay back, relax, I need to check you.”

Loki lay back, his hands still bloody. He allowed Dr Banner to move him in anyway that he needed, unresistant to anything that would preserve the life of his child. He could feel the cold gel and probe over his skin and he jumped when a little while later as Dr Banner spoke then gently slid the probe inside of him, “Sorry, it’s just a better view if we can do an internal scan as well.”

The slave just kept staring at his bloody hands. This could not be happening. He couldn’t lose this child, not now. Nasya had awoken and crawled onto the table with him staying silent as well.

Bruce finished the check and tests, and cleaned up. He covered Loki again and left him laying down. Gently, he cleaned the slaves hands, “As far as I can see nothings wrong. You’re not in labour, so all I can think is that it was stress induced, or from the drugs you were given, or even probably a bit from both... But your little girl is still going nice and strong.” He stroked Loki’s hair, “I’m ordering strict bed rest for at least the next week or two. It’s time for you to rest.”

————

Tony spit chips when Bruce told him of his plan. He calmed down when Bruce told him about the bleed though. He walked down into the MedLab and saw the frail prince sitting on the windowsill with his daughter. He was clean, dressed in a simple hospital shift and robe, and his hair, for once, lay in clean waves far down his back. The scene was serene almost, just an expectant mother with child staring into the distance sharing a moment. If it hadn’t of been for the scars and bruising Tony would have taken a photo for them. He coughed loudly, “Hey, Princess.”

Loki looked up but didn’t meet his eyes, “Master...”

“Aren’t you meant to be on strict bedrest?”

Loki licked his lips nervously, “Dr Banner said it was fine to sit for a while, Sir... To prevent bedsores and blood clots...” He really had been listening to the doctors persistent ramblings. He looked back out the window, “It feels good to have the sun on my skin, Sir...”

“Well, that’s good. You can work on your tan and be all toasty warm.” Tony couldn’t help but feel annoyed that Loki was being treated well. He knew the slave definitely needed the care, but irrationally it still grated on him!

Loki sensed the tension and shifted in his seat pulling Nasya to him, his rare relaxed mood now gone, “Forgive me, Master, I forget my place!” He slid to his knees on the floor taking Nasya with him.

Tony swore, “Shit. That’s not what I meant!”

Loki flinched not understanding, “Master?”

“Don’t do that. What’s wrong with you?”

Loki tried not to whimper, unsure of what he was meant to do, “I’m sorry, Master...”

Tony felt his frustration rise again, “Just STOP, will you! STOP apologising, and STOP crying, and STOP cowering on the floor! Just stop being so... Pathetic!” The last words were almost spat out at Loki and the slave visually shrunk back from him as he was pulled roughly to his feet.

Pathetic...

That’s what Loki had become in this masters eyes. He had once been a foe, a worthy advisory but now he was just a pathetic being, unworthy, and weak. His grip tightened on Nasya and all he could do was nod. He could feel the tears prick his eyes but no, no tears.

Not allowed.

His owner took a step towards them with an outstretched hand and he felt his knees weaken but no, no cowering. He pressed himself further back feeling trapped, so trapped, just like a wild bird caged for the first time.

His breathe caught as Loki felt something drip onto his foot and he glanced down. Blood. There was blood dripping from him again. He paled, all concern for himself gone, “Master, Please...”

Tony followed the slaves eyes down and he swore again, “Fuck! Shit! SHIT!! Jarvis, get Bruce here NOW!”

————

Bruce left Loki resting with Nasya in the MedLab and went to Tony’s workshop. He knew the man felt guilty about causing Loki’s most recent bleed. Surprisingly, the door opened when he stood before it, “Tony?”

“Right here.” The words were heavily slurred and the good doctor could see the large, empty whiskey bottle on the counter top.

“Loki’s fine. Understandably freaked out, but physically fine.” He sat beside his friend, “It’s not your fault, you know.”

“Mmmmmm... Yes, it is...” Tony took a swig from another nearly empty whisky bottle, “Yelled at him, touched him...”

“I know, he said.”

“Ratted me out, hey...”

“Hardly. I threatened to have Jarvis play back the recording, in full, unless he told me what happened. He tried to play it down a lot though, to make you look good.” Bruce pried the bottle from Tony’s grip, “Enough of that. It’s not helping anyone.”

“I keep screwing things up wth him.” He rubbed his face on Bruce’s shoulder, “Called him pathetic.”

“Yeah, he said.”

“It’s like I see him and everything from the invasion comes flooding back, like I’m living it again! I can’t control what I feel when he’s around! I get so angry! That’s all I can feel...”

“Fear as well, Tony...” Bruce rested his hand on Tony’s shoulder giving him a light squeeze, “You almost died because of his actions and Loki being here reminds you of that. It’s natural. It’s just a shitty thing, with even shittier timing... The fact that he’s so different from who he was back then isn’t helping you either.”

“Yeah... I keep thinking that it’s all just an act, and he’s suddenly going to appear in front of me dressed in the green with the horns and with the wand and BOOM, I’m gone!” Tony suppressed a shudder, “You really don’t think it’s an act?”

“No, it’s really not an act, Tony. No one that broken could be faking...”

The good friends sat together for a while, “It’ll get easier, right?”

“With time... Hopefully...”

—————

Bruce managed to manoeuvre his friend to bed before settling down on the sofa in the penthouse. There was only a short time before Jarvis spoke, “Dr Banner, I have a call from Miss Potts for Mr Stark.”

“I’ll take it, J. Tony needs a good nap. I don’t think he’s in any shape to talk to Pepper right now.”

“As you wish.”

“Tony?”

“Hi Pepper, it’s Bruce. Tony’s a little under the weather.”

He could hear a faint sigh on the other end of the phone, “Medically, or was it the bourbon?”

He couldn’t help grinning. Pepper knew her ex far to well, “Whisky, but I don’t actually blame him this time.”

There was slight amusement in her voice, “Really, Bruce. That’s unlike you?”

He chuckled, “Yeah, it’s a time of growth for us all. Are you on your way here? Because if you are, there’s lots you need to know.”

Chapter Text

The men were settled in the penthouse living room with Thor eating his way through the remains of Tony’s Lucky Charms. Bruce walked in and placed Loki’s now empty breakfast bowl in the sink before walking over to the others, “Pepper phoned late yesterday while you two were sleeping. I filled her in. She’s more than a little surprised but I’d expect that...” He sat down on the couch, “She’s going to head over before work tomorrow. I told her that Loki needs to settle and today wouldn’t be good for him.“

Tony sighed and rubbed his face trying to put the events of yesterday out of his mind. His eyes had dark circles under them even more pronounced than usual, “Would any day be good for him anymore?”

“Loki will be fine. He’s healing a little slower than I’d like with his advanced abilities but it’s probably due to the prolonged abuse, or his body could even be diverting the energy to his current pregnancy. I just don’t know enough...” He looked to the fallen gods sibling, “You could probably try seeing him again, Thor. You might be able to get a better handle on things than we’re able too as you’re familiar with his biology. Just steer clear of any touchy subjects with your older brother, ok.”

Thor looked up at Bruce from the sickly sweet bowl with a flicker of confusion, “Older? Nay, Friend, Loki is younger by centuries.”

Tony blinked and leant forwards, “Huh, repeat that, Point Break? He’s younger?”

“Indeed, Friend Stark! He had just come of age when he fell, just over a thousand years.” Thor smiled proudly and puffed his chest out, “I am fifteen-hundred years old, I am the older brother.”

It was Bruce’s turn to look confused, “Just come of age, Thor?”

“Aye, indeed Friend. We are of age on Asgard at one thousand years...” Thor’s voice trailed off and he shrugged, “I asked my Lady Jane about our ages here on Midgard. By her say I am twenty-one of your years, and my brother, about sixteen.”

Tony’s mouth went dry, “Thor, Sixteen? He’s not even an adult here!”

The god just shrugged, “We are of age on Asgard, and thus regarded as responsible members of society. We are fully able, and ready to accept the consequences of our actions by then. Friend Stark, we are competent and skilled warriors, we have fought and killed on the battlefield together. My brother and I are by far older than you in years, but would you think of him as a child now because of this?” Thor’s voice lowered and became more serious, “We are not children, Friend. We know that our actions will be seen not just by our people, but by the Norns as well. We do not shy away from our responsibilities.” Thor paused and his voice quieted down further, “Though, Friend, even by Asgard norms Loki is very, very young to have produced heirs, but it is not entirely unheard of, just frowned upon.”

Bruce stood up and went to the large window and looked out over the morning skyline of New York, “Wow, this just keeps getting better and better!” He rubbed his face, “Think about it, I mean really think about it! What were we like at 16? What were YOU like, Tony? Drinking, partying, the women!”

Tony sat back, a sick feeling in his belly beginning to grow, “Add in the possibility of torture and mind control before his enslavement even and what do you have...?”

There was a heavy silence that now hung over the penthouse living room and Thor rose and begin pacing.

Bruce and Tony watched the Asgardian walk from one end of the room to the picture windows and back again. He stayed there looking out, “Friend Stark?”

Tony looked up from his drink, “What’s up, Thor?”

Thor swallowed, not sure how to ask, “My brother. Do you plan to use him like his previous owner?”

Tony all but spat his drink out, “WHAT? Do THAT sort of thing to him? Never! Not in a million years!” He shuddered, “I know what it’s like to be tortured, and that was only for three months, not five years!”

Thor’s shoulders softened, “Good...” His hands still twitched though.

“What is it, Buddy? There’s something else...”

“Loki... He is not marked. You have not claimed him as your property.”

“Thor, he’s not property. He’s a man.”

“Friend, by Asgard law you must claim him. He must have a representation of your ownership, or he is free for anyone’s use. Unprotected.”

“What do you mean?” Tony looked confused.

“He must have some physical claim by you on him. Some sort of binding, or a visible branding mark. The claim shows who he belongs too. If not, he is no better than a commonplace whore to be used by anyone, however they please, regardless of ownership.” Thor’s voice was quiet, “I would not have that happen to him.”

Stark stood and walked to Thor’s side placing a hand on his shoulder, “So the collar he came here with, it wasn’t really just a ‘slave’ thing, was it. It was symbol that he belonged to someone who should have protected him, and looked after him.” Tony paused, “That’s why he came here to me... Isn’t it...”

Thor nodded, “That is why our mother fought with our father so hard to send him here. I know you are an honourable man and would protect him.” His hands twitched again, “He must have your claim on him, and soon. I fear Loki and his children will not be safe if he does not.”

Bruce spoke up, “You know, Tony, as much as I hate the idea it may actually be a good thing for Loki. It’ll be something physical that he can see and remind him that he’s not on Asgard, or in that terrible place anymore. He’s so damaged at the moment that it’s probably a good idea to go with what works. We can wean him off the reliance of it later. Right now, we need to get him healthy and settled, and it would probably help.”

A thoughtful expression slipped over Tony’s face and he folded his arms staring out the window. He let out a long breath, “Ok. I’ll organise something. But I won’t cuff a kid, and none of that metal shit either. If I do this, Thor, I do this my way.”

The blond god nodded, “Agreed.”

————

It hadn’t sat right with Tony when he ordered Loki’s bindings. But there it was, looking up at him from the plain box it had come in. A visual reminder that he owned another living being. He had found the most plush and unslave-like collar he could. When he lifted it up, the tan leather felt buttery soft under his fingers and the clasp was just a bronze buckle rather than a heavy lock and key.

He didn’t look up as he headed to the MedLab, knowing the route by heart. He did look up as Loki shifted on the medical bed, and felt slightly sick. The prince was finally starting to heal, and he definitely did not want to upset him again because of last time.

Loki could see the item in Tony’s hands and he clasped his hands tightly together, “Master?”

“Look. This isn’t my idea. But your brother seems to think that you won’t be safe unless my ‘claim’ is on you.” He took a few deep breaths trying to stop the anxious ramblings that threatened to spew forth, “I tried to find you the nicest one I could. It’s leather. Soft. Buckle, not lock... You need to take it off to shower and stuff, basically don’t get it wet.” He stepped closer to Loki and toyed with the collar then held it out to him, “I got Peppers number engraved, as well as mine, and Bruce’s, on the tag so if anything happens you’ve got a few people to call...”

Loki took the collar turning it over in his hands, “Of course, Master. It’s beautiful...”

Tony continued, figuring he might as well tell Loki everything, “Look. Thor told me that it would be better for your safety to have a ‘visual representation’ that you belong to me now...”

Tony could see his body begin to shake slightly at these words and he tentatively reached out and rubbed Loki’s back, “It’s going to be ok...” He stroked the soft fabric and felt Loki’s vertebrae poking painfully out, “Do we need to talk about the collar?”

Loki shook his head not moving away from Tony, instead he dared to curl his fist into the soft fabric. This was the first interaction that they had had that was peaceful and not filling him with more terror. It was odd, but good. The gesture was almost soothing to his frayed nerves, “No, Sir... I know what the collar means, for all of us.” He let out a shaky breath, “Protection, safety...” He released Tony’s shirt and pulled back picking up the soft item, “Please...” Loki held it out to Tony on his open palms with his head bowed, “Please do it, Sir....”

Tony looked at the totally submissive gesture and almost lost his nerve. He was IronMan. He was fearless, and reckless, and cocky! Yet placing a soft leather collar around this mans neck seemed to be the hardest thing he had ever done. Laying his claim of ownership on someone, it made him sick to his stomach but he eventually buckled it loosely around Loki’s neck. His hands were shaking, and he felt sweaty but Loki seemed to take on a calmer air.

“Thank you, Master...” Loki touched the collar and smiled up at ‘his master’ with real appreciation making Tony dry wretch a little. He saw Tony’s reaction and quickly lowered his eyes and whispered, “Sir, I... I know this is unusual for you but in my world you have given me security and a place in society. You have claimed us as your property but also placed us under your protection. I cannot thank you enough...”

“Yeah... It’s all good, Loki.” He swallowed, “I wont let anyone hurt your kids.” He turned and hurried out the MedLab.

Loki touched the collar again turning to look out the large windows. He wasn’t stupid. Stark had said that he wouldn’t let harm come to his children, but nothing about him. Suddenly the day was too bright and he felt nauseous again, the positive and good mood gone. He hugged himself and just wished he knew what the future held.

————

Thor was called urgently back to Asgard before he was able to speak with Loki again. The words of his brother still echoed through his mind and he had been playing them over and over. He said his farewells and handed a small wooden carving to Bruce, to give to Loki. Bruce assured the prince that Loki would be well and that he just needed time to heal. The Bifrost opened and Thor was gone.

Bruce looked at the intricate carving in his hand. A serpent wrapt around an apple tree branch. He smiled, Thor had often said how fond Loki was of the reptiles. He walked down to the MedLab, “Your brother was called back to Asgard. He left you this though.” He handed the small carving to Loki.

Loki took the carving from where he sat beside the window again. His eyesight had now fully returned and the bruising on his face gone down a bit so he was able to see what he had been given. Turning the carving in his fingers Loki felt an emotion that had been long buried resurface. Smiling affectionately he murmured, “Thor, you giant oaf...” Clasping it to his chest Loki spoke up, “Thank you, Dr Banner...”

The doctor just shrugged, “All good. He didn’t say when he’d be back though.”

“That’s a shame, Sir. I would have liked to have apologised for my behaviour, to you all...” He went back to looking out the window, his eyes downcast, “It’s been appalling since I arrived here, Sir... You have all been so good to me, and I cannot repay you for that...” His hands rubbed the thinly covered bump as his forehead pressed against the windowpane, “I can never repay your kindness, Doctor Banner...”

Bruce moved to his side and rested his hand on Loki’s shoulder, “Loki, the best way to repay us is to rest and heal. Give birth to this child at a good, healthy weight for the both of you, and continue to protect them... That’s all.” He pushed a stray curl off Loki’s face, “You have much healing to do, not just physically.”

Loki shook his head still looking out the window, “But for how long, Sir? How long till I am taken from here and sent to another owner who will only tear me apart again?”

Chapter Text

Text conversation:

ES: [Did you know?]

C: [Know what?]

ES: [He’s back.]

C: [Who?]

ES: [Loki.]

C: [Loki? How is that even possible? He’s on Asgard?]

ES: [Don’t know. But he’s with Stark at the moment.]

C: [With Stark? In the tower? Let me see what I can find out.]

ES: [Let me know.]

C: [Same here. If you hear anything else inform me immediately.]

ES: [Done.]

C: [Ok]

Chapter Text

It was the next morning and Dr Banner and Pepper Potts stood outside the MedLab doors looking in. Her skilled poker face unreadable but Bruce could tell there was a hundred things racing through her razor sharp mind in this moment.

“How-?”

“Here, by the Bifrost. The pregnancy, well Loki’s a Frost Giant, an intersex species. This human guise that we see is what the AllFather placed on him as a baby, otherwise he’d be blue with red eyes and some fairly unique markings.” Bruce didn’t move his eyes from the frail body, “He and Thor have also both said he’s a runt, which is why he’s not towering over us more than he already does...”

“Oh, ok. But why-?”

“The slavery bit? Punishment from the AllFather. Here specifically? Best of a worst bunch, I’m guessing. Though Thor seems to have convinced his mother that Tony may actually be a mature and responsible person under everything. But his current condition? The last owner kinda did some bad things... He’s in a bad way, Pepper, a really bad way...”

“Hmmm...”

“So far he’s been here two nights and has pretty much been consistent in his behaviour. I really don’t think he’s faking...” Bruce rubbed his hands together, “After what they did to him, the condition that he came in, the condition that he’s ‘still’ in... No one would submit to that willingly, or knowingly...”

“I still want to talk to him.” Pepper placed her hands on her hips, “I need to know for myself.”

“Fair enough.” Bruce pressed his lips together, “But Pepper, it goes without saying that you don’t upset him. He’s extremely fragile mentally, as well as physically.”

Pepper glanced at Bruce in hearing the protective tone in his voice. She nodded again, her mind still whirling. Since she and Tony had ceased to be an item she’d tried to take a less hands on approach with his personal affairs, but this... This had potential to be not just horrendously bad for the company, but for Tony personally as well, possibly even fatal knowing everyone who was involved. Anyway, she still cared about the eccentric man, she just knew that they were better as friends than lovers.

————

Loki woke with a feeling of unease. He could sense a new presence and he looked around till his eyes settled on the attractive, ginger haired woman staring through the doors at him. Pushing himself up into a sitting position he gripped the robe tighter to his body. His eyes stopped on Bruce and the tension within him coiled slightly tighter. The doctor had been kind to him up until now, was this where he would finally show his true colours, would the Green One finally be let loose on him. Loki could feel the panic beginning to rise, was this woman here for his punishment earned from yesterday? Would she do to him what the doctor would not? His pounding heart echoed in his ears, he’d been promised protection or were they just more empty words...?

The sliding doors opened with their soft hiss and Bruce and the woman came closer.

Loki kept Nasya at his back and hunched over, instinctively protecting his children and humbling himself before his betters as best he could. He couldn’t keep the tremble from his voice, “Sir, I...” His voice trailed off, he didn’t know what to say! This situation so common and yet so different to what he’d been used to, “Sir...?”

Bruce smiled and pulled a stool out for Pepper who sat gracefully, “Loki, this is Pepper Potts. A friend...”

Pepper’s lips twitched at the word ‘friend’ but she didn’t correct the good doctor, “Loki, I’m the CEO of Stark Industries, and a good friend of Tony’s. I hope you understand that first and foremost I have his best interest at heart.”

The slave nodded, noticing her emphasis on ‘of Tony’s’. His gut coiled further, his body still tense and his voice barely a whisper, “Of course, Lady Potts, I’d expect nothing less from those around my Master.”

Bruce didn’t leave the area but gave the two room to talk. Pepper asked probing questions all of which Bruce had heard the sickening answers to already. She didn’t ask for the full gory details, just facts, to which Loki was more than thankful. The doctor glanced over to them when Pepper touched on the topic of his children. He could tell the slave was stressed just by looking at him, even without the increasing beep of the medical equipment. The slave hunched his figure further, his long, raven hair falling about him like an attempt at a protective curtain. His hands twitched occasionally as he focused on remaining passive and calm, and fortunately Pepper took the subtle hints casting her eyes to Nasya who was still at her mothers back, “Hi there...”

Nasya peered cautiously around Loki but didn’t move or speak. Loki pulled her into his lap clutching her tightly, “Her name, Lady Potts, it is Nasya...”

“It’s a very pretty name, Loki.” Pepper held out her hand to the small child in a gesture of good faith before gently stroking the hair of the miniature version of Loki, “A pretty name, for a very pretty girl.”

Loki swallowed but couldn’t relax, he didn’t like others speaking to, or touching his child. There were too many unknowns, and his beloved daughter had been hurt before. Loki couldn’t suppress his shudder, or the immediate thoughts went back to the recent harvest and Nasya’s still healing leg.

Thankfully Pepper saw his discomfort and moved on quickly again and soon stood walking back to Bruce, “Thank you, Dr Banner, I have all I need.” She gave him a gentle squeeze to his arm and lowered her voice, “You’re a good man, Bruce.”

Pepper saw Tony before heading to work. The conversation was brief but heartfelt, and he felt a pang of guilt for bringing her into this mess. But he knew Pepper would never betray him and he could trust her implicitly. And right now he needed that. They all did.

————

No one saw the small drone fly past the MedLab window snapping away at Loki and his child.

————

A few hours later Tony stood out the front of glass doors leading into the MedLab. He didn’t enter yet but took a deep breath in, held it for five counts, then slowly exhaled. Bruce had had strong words with him after his ill fated attempts at speaking to Loki previously, and he had been told in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t to upset the broken man again. He’d barely managed to keep it together yesterday about the collar but that was only one short time, and he needed it to be all the time if this situation was going to work. Tony could feel the tension within him, his gut coiled tightly, his shoulders tight, and his jaw already starting at ache from clenching. Control, that’s what he needed right now. The sweatiness and slight shaking of his hands wasn’t helping either.

Breath in.

Count to five.

Breath out.

The good doctor had given him a very simple technique to help center himself from his volatile emotions. The panicked and desperate face of Loki when they spoke last would forever be etched in his mind, and guilt had slowly begun eating away at him. He watched Loki hold his daughter and it was clear, even without the audio, that the broken man was singing to her. The teeny body would rise and fall with each breath her mother took as she lay on his belly, and the rough and calloused hand protectively alternated between running his fingers through her hair and rubbing her back. It was a peaceful and serene sight. Something beautiful.

A new something began to gnaw at Tony in this moment, not hate or fear, but concern for his new charges and the desire to protect them. For all the pain and terror that had caused those few years ago, Loki had definitely paid for them. He had endured the worst treatment and hardships and experienced such intense emotional pain that Tony was still amazed that the man could function. Loki had been taken to hell and back yet still he had found the good in his life, his precious Nasya. And that, in Tony’s opinion, deserved his protection.

The MedLab doors hissed opened and Tony took a step inside almost sad that he was disturbing the moment. Loki flinched and instinctively hunched around his child, his calm demeanour now non-existent, “Master...?”

“Yeah yeah, it’s all good, Loki.” Tony gripped the plastic bag he was holding a bit tighter. The fear was far to obvious on Loki’s face and he tried to lighten the situation with a very forced smile, “Try and relax would you, princess....”

Breath in.

Count to five.

Breath out.

“These are for the kid. She shouldn’t be in rags.” He nodded to Nasya who had gripped her mothers hospital gown tightly. A frown crossed Tony’s face as he tried to read Loki’s expression, “What is it...?”

“M-Master...” Loki stuttered, tears beginning to fall from his eyes. He quickly pressed his hands to his mouth and cast his face away. His voice lowered, cracking on the last word, “They are too much... We do not deserve these... We... We have done nothing to earn such gifts. We have done nothing except cause you problems...”

Breath in.

Count to five.

Breath out.

Tony rubbed the back of his neck taking another deep breath, “You don’t have to earn clothing, Loki. That’s not how it works here.”

“But, Master-“

“Clothing isn’t earned, Loki, it’s a basic human right. You know what those are, don’t you?”

Loki felt his chest tighten at his masters change in tone. He nodded slowly, and hugged himself keeping his head down, “Yes, Master...”

The breathing technique that had been briefly working slipped from Tony’s thoughts, “You remember human rights then?” Tony could feel his heart beginning to pound and his fists clenched, “Those nifty little things that you so conveniently forgot about last time?” He growled lowly, his mind clouding further, “Those rights that you took from all those people you KILLED!”

Loki began to shake, his tears now flowing freely again, “I am so sor-!”

“STOP with the false apologies!” Stark took an angry couple steps towards Loki, causing the slave to scamper off the table and cower fearfully against the wall around Nasya.

Loki’s arm held his daughter tightly while the other supported his growing bump. His back faced his master and he knew this was the wrong behaviour but he didn’t care. He was beyond frightened and his uncontrollable hiccuping tears only served to distress him more. Focusing on the teeny, shivering body in his arms Loki realised what he needed to do. He turned Nasya to kneel and face the wall. Quickly, he undid the gown and pushed the pale fabric from his shoulders murmuring over and over, “I am sorry, Master...” The fabric pooled around him revealing the scarred, and also still healing flesh of his back. Loki knew he could never begin to make amends for what he had done in this realm. Whether he had control of his mind and body or not, his flesh had killed, his flesh had taken innocent life, therefore his flesh must pay. It broke his heart to think that Nasya would finally see first hand his master breaking him down like the animal that he was. Still shaking, Loki pressed a kiss to his daughters temple then turned to Stark, his resolve set. He would be a good slave. He knew the position to take, that also had been beaten into him by Erik. Chest to thighs, arms extended fully, palms up, back bared, “Master, I beg you, forgive me...”

Tony blinked and then gulped, the reality of the situation coming back to him like an ice cold shower. He looked down at the posturing slave. Without a word he backed out the room. What had he been thinking? That had gone far worse than he’d ever imagined possible.

Bruce took the plastic bag as the doors hissed shut before Tony’s eyes putting a barrier between him and Loki, “Well, that could have gone better...”

Chapter Text

When Bruce entered the MedLab again Loki and Nasya hadn’t moved. He quietly sat cross legged infront of the slave, then placed the plastic bag of their items on the floor beside himself. There was still a faint murmur coming from Loki and he took this opportunity to study the traumatised prince. The doctors lips pressed together as his eyes took in the pale fine scarring that his initial check had barely glanced over. When he gently picked up one hand Loki simply moaned but kept repeating his almost silent mantra. Bruce traced one of the thickest of the fine scars that littered his palms and forearms and absently wondered just how many times the man had been tortured.

Thankfully they were mostly now healed, but one worried him. A single jagged, deeper, red scar that ran lengthwise down Loki’s wrist which Bruce traced. Even that small action caused Loki to wince, and he instinctively began to pull his limb away with a tight whine. Bruce tightened his grip not allowing the action and looked closer again, “What happened?”

Loki felt nauseous, but not because of any drug or illness, but because his weakness and stupidity would be known, “Please, Master...” He knew he had no right to deny the only care giver he had on Midgard but the words were stuck in his chest. The shame, the humiliation, all were too much and he just squeezed his eyes tighter shut, “Master... I... I was weak...”

“I get the feeling that there’s more.”

“Master Banner, Sir, please...” He whined, and tried again to pull his hand away.

“Loki, all of it.”

The slave slumped further against the floor, the fight all but gone, “Before Nasya... Before my miracle was born... I was... Weak...” he took in a shallow, shaky breath, “The day’s after my Master first violat-“ Loki shook his head quickly remembering his status, “After his first use of me in that way... In the days following, after he had used me several times in such a way, I kept thinking I would be reprieved, that my brother, or father, would see the truth, or that Heimdall may even see me and take pity...” He just shook his head again, “There was in so much pain, so much fear...”

His head rested against the floor, his tears beginning to pool on the hard floor beneath his face, “Then I remembered that Heimdall does not see the slaves of any realm, just the free folks.” The tears continued to fall, “After my Master Erik was particularly brutal one evening it truly, finally sunk in that my life was now nothing, that it had become simply that of a slave.” Loki paused for a moment, “I lost all hope... I had found a rusted scrap of iron caught up within the hay bales a few days prior...” Loki felt the doctors hands tighten around his wrist, “I took it, and tore into my flesh. I did not want to continue in this life! I would rather have been damned than live this life any longer... My hopes of an afterlife in Valhalla with my family no longer existed, so what did I have to live for? What reason did I have to go on?” He paused letting the memories slowly back into his mind, “What I did not realise was that my master would return so soon that evening, and when he did...” Loki tried to stop the deep shudder that went through his body, “I thought I knew pain before that day, I was so very, very wrong...”

Bruce stroked the cool flesh in his hands, “You must have had someone looking out for you, someone that cared enough to help you. You didn’t die, you still have normal use of your hands even...”

Loki shook his head but still didn’t move from his folded position, “No, not really, Master Banner, Master Erik found me quickly and summoned the local healers. I do not remember much more of that day, just the pain. Master Erik made me aware of my actions every moment from then onwards. He made sure to remind me that I had damaged his property, had caused him expense, had disappointed and angered him. He would never let me forget my weakness, my inadequateness, or just how low I had fallen, how pathetic and pitiful I had finally become...”

Loki let his breath out slowly keeping his head down on the floor. He felt so tired. No, not just tired, utterly exhausted and empty. The tears had finally stopped, and now he just stayed there, wholly defeated.

Bruce gave Loki’s hand a light squeeze then gently stroked his hair, “No more pain for you, ok... Not here, not anywhere.” His hand slid down till it cupped his chin and he tilted Loki’s tear-streaked face up to his, “We’re going to look after you, you’re safe now.”

“Safe... For as long as I am a slave I can never be safe... Not any more... I just hope I can protect my children better than I have in the past... ”

“You have us now. You ARE safe here, Loki. For all of Tony’s faults, he’d never let harm come to you or the kids!” When those words didn’t elicit any more of a response from the man Bruce looked down at him again. What the doctor saw was a glazed over expression and shallow breaths, “Loki?”

Nothing.

Then the broken man in front of him pulled his arms back and tucked himself into the ingrained position he knew so well, “Please... Master Banner, I will be good...”

Bruce just sat back on his haunches and rubbed his face with a sigh. Time to try a new tact. He stood up and grabbed a blanket from the MedLab table. Draping it over Loki’s shoulders he went behind the man and picked up the tiny girl. Nasya tensed but let herself be carried. Bruce sat back down where he had been but carefully placed the girl in his lap facing her mother. Gently stroking her hair he picked up the plastic bag, “So, Nasya, remember how I asked you before to try and help me help your mumma?”

She nodded so slightly that Bruce almost missed it.

“Good girl.” Bruce smiled and held the bag out in front of them, “Why don’t we start with something really simple? Why don’t we get you in something a bit better than these old rags?”

Nasya tensed then whispered, “But no work yet?” she dared to look up at the dark haired man with a face full of concern, “Must work... Must earn...”

Bruce couldn’t miss the look of fear to wash over her face momentarily as well. He thought for a while on how best to explain, “Well, Sweetie, this is a different realm, a different land, where we do things a little different to where you were before.”

She nodded slightly again, “Yes, Master...”

It was Bruce’s turn to flinch at the word ‘Master’. That term was definitely something which didn’t sit right with him, and for such a tiny child, for anyone to be calling him that, he wouldn’t have it, “Sweetie, I want you to call me Uncle Bruce or just Uncle, okay. That’s a special title you can use here.”

Her head nodded slightly again. This was confusing to her but Master wanted this so she would. She would be a good girl to help her beloved mother. She would obey, “Yes, Uncle Bruce...”

Loki raised his eyes up at this conversation, his face contorting in greater fear and his head shaking quickly, “Master, such familiar-”

Bruce cut him off sharply, his flesh taking on a hue of palest green, “I’m not having a three year old call me Master, I won’t!”

Loki snapped his head back down, his arms moving to surround his head, his heart beating frantically, “So sorry, Master!”

“Loki... I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have snapped...” Bruce stroked Nasya’s hair as he felt her tense at his harsh words, “I’m sorry, Sweetie, I didn’t mean to snap at your Mumma.”

He decided to move on, hoping to have a better outcome for the morning. He looked into the plastic bag and rummaged around pulling out a small, brightly coloured dress with polka dots and a few frills, “A-huh!” He held it out in front of them, “This ones for you, Nasya!”

The child looked from the dress, to her prone mother, up to doctor banner with concern, “Mumma...?”

Loki looked up at the small dress. It was adorable, and shades of purples and pinks and just a touch of blue. It was something he probably would have picked if given a choice but in green, of course. He looked to his Masters face and sensed no anger or ulterior motives, so nodded and tried his best to smile, “It’s so pretty. You will look so pretty in it, Precious One.”

Bruce smiled, and set the child on her feet, “C’mon then. You’re her mum, Loki, you have to fix her up, get her dressed. There’s a cute hoodie for her too by the looks.” He looked in the bag again, “Between Jarvis and Tony, they did pretty well. ”

Loki went to say something but thought better of it then pushed himself up. He forced back a groan as his stiff and aching body protested from being in the simple position for so long. A flood of fear flowed through him, was he getting weak and soft already, after only a few days in this new place? He licked his dry lips and pushed the thought from his mind for now. His master had finally given him an order. Loki let the blanket fall from his body with a sigh, he had always liked to be covered.

Bruce held out the dress and the plastic bag to Loki, “I’m going to go grab some hot tea, and let the two of you have a look at these and have a rest. I don’t think there’s much to fit you right now, Loki, but by looks there’s an adult hoodie and possibly some stretch pyjamas. Some toys and books for Nasya.”

Taking the bag tentatively, Loki bowed as much as his pained body would allow, “Thank you, Master...”

“All good. I’ll be back in a bit with some more food as well as the drinks, okay.”

“No! Food and clothing!? I... I... I...” his body began to shake as his mind went into overdrive. Loki frantically reached out and gripped the hem of Doctor Banners trousers, “Please, Master! We have done nothing, we do not deserve these things!”

Bruce stood, trying not to react. He managed to keep his calm game face on as he felt Loki touch his clothing, “There’s nothing to be earned today.” He leant down and pried the slaves fingers away before addressing him with a more stern tone, “Dress your girl, Loki. I’ll be back in a bit.”

With that, Bruce Banner turned and used all of his mental strength to not flee the room in panic.

————

Tony sat in his workshop staring at the live stream coming from the MedLab. How could he have been so stupid! Sure, he was angry, and in his mind rightfully so, but he’d never have thought things would ever have gotten that bad for the god to actually have tried to kill himself. Bile rose in his throat as he flicked the screen off. He just managed to reach for his waste basket in time as he emptied his stomach into it.

————

Loki slumped against the wall and wept for a few moments, the plastic bag falling loosely from his hands to the ground. It was Nasya that gently took the brightly coloured dress and pressed it into Loki’s trembling fingers. She looked around fearfully, hoping that the kind doctor would stay away long enough for them to do as he wished, “Mumma, please...”

Loki opened his arms and Nasya slipped into them curling up around his belly. Her face pressed into his chest and she let him hold her till his sobs settled. Loki looked down at his daughter wondering how he had been gifted such a beautiful being. He couldn’t stop the feelings of pride and love well in him. Not often did he allow himself to feel these emotions as they brought up memories of his prior life, ones that were far too painful. But he needed this moment with her today. His distress had been mounting and he just needed to hold his daughter. Rubbing his face, Loki rested his head against the wall, “Okay, Precious One, let’s get you dressed.”

————

Nasya was in the pretty dress and hoodie, but cradled in her mother’s lap sleeping. Loki had also put on the soft, grey hoodie in his own size revelling in just how good it felt to be covered and warm. He carded his fingers through her hair and read from the book that had been given to him. They still sat on the floor in the same spot but the mood had changed from tension and panic to calmness and a sort of peace.

The MedLab doors hissed open and Loki looked up expecting Doctor Banner again. Instead, Tony Stark stood there...

Chapter Text

Anthony Stark stood in the doorway, then took a few tentative steps forwards. His hands toyed with the hem of his shirt before coming up to silently hush the fallen god before he could even think of speaking. Loki’s breath caught in his throat so only a small whine came out as he attempted to bow in respect, but Tony quickly spoke, “STOP, Loki, I’m not staying, just sit up...” He swallowed, thinking how best to word the thoughts filling his overwhelmed mind. Tony’s gut still churned and the sick feeling from the slaves admissions hadn’t left him. He doubted it would for a while, if ever. After hearing what had been said, how did they deal with that “I heard you and Bruce talking, well, I was kinda evesdropping, and...” he looked away, his face even more ashen than before and his hands now clenched into tight fists at his side, “I’m sorry... Things will get better... Things should never be that bad... Not to make you feel so... That should never be... You should never feel that desperate...” He shuddered slightly and realised that he was rambling, “I can’t promise anything, just that I’ll try...” With that, Tony turned and left the deity sitting in stunned silence still holding the book.

On entering his workshop again, Stark looked down at the palms of his no longer clenched fists and found a single row of red crescents lining each of them. It might not have been a full conversation, but it was at least a start.

————

Loki’s eyes blinked a few times before he placed the book he’d been holding carefully down, his actions calm and deliberately slow. The arrival, and subsequent brief speech from his master concerned him, would this new found information hinder him here on Midgard even further? Would Nasya now be tarnished because of his prior actions? Fear began to thread itself through him once more, and the calm feeling he had managed to create for the short time was gone.

He nestled Nasya against his shoulder and buried his face in her hair for a moment. He loved being able to hold his first born against his chest and feel their beating hearts sync together. Leaning back against the wall, he rubbed circular patterns over her back and inhaled deeply. The clean, precious scent of her mingled with the sterile antiseptics was something he would still have to get used too, but he didn’t care. She was safe, safer than she had ever been, and safer than he had ever thought possible. Loki knew this safety would more than likely be temporary but he’d take everything he could get for her, the cost be damned. His beloved daughter was worth all the torment and pain and humiliation that he knew he would eventually receive, and he was ready for that. Even after just a few days in this new place Nasya was already looking healthier than she ever had. That thought alone caused Loki to feel both deep shame at how little he could protect, or provide for his children, but also a profound relief that his offspring may be cared for and even possibly treated well.

Reflecting back Loki realised it had been too long since they had been able to simply be together, to rest and heal. If Loki dared to really look back over those last few painful years he probably hadn’t healed, or even really rested well since his enslavement. Sure, they’d snatched moments together in the evenings but pure, unadulterated peace like this? No, this time together right now was something special, something that he would cherish and use for when things became bad again. The prince just hoped that wouldn’t be too soon.

Loki leaned his head against the cool wall and he dared to think about the recent past. His time had been spent working in the fields during the day, then shut away in the old barn at night enduring the violent whims of his Master. He had only really dared to leave the old barn on the rare occasions that he desperately needed something. Generally, he avoided mingling with the other slaves fearing that they would harbour some ill will against him for his slow work in the fields, or even just for once being a freeman and prince. His food had only been discarded scraps from the other slaves meals at the best of times, and his clothing had stayed the tattered rags that he came to Eric’s farm in. He was still thankful to this day that the undertunic of his princely robes had been thick and of exceptional quality and therefore had lasted him this time. He tried not to think about how the now ragged fabric had probably been thrown out on a whim. As odd as it was, those few pieces of tattered material were his final reminders of his old life. The fine embroidery that he would trace his fingers over a distant reminder that he was once loved, at least by one person. But now that was gone, forever...

Nasya had faired only slightly better and at least the other slaves had seen her as one of them, as opposed to something to play with or taunt. His meagre rations had been cruelly reduced after his first pregnancy, and the luxury of hot food had become rare to nonexistent.

The fact that Loki had been given so much already by his new master and done nothing in return made the forming tension ball in his gut churn tighter. He had never been given so much free time as a slave before and it just made his thoughts wander. Yes, he’d had time in the barn but once Nasya had drifted to sleep he would spend most nights desperately trying to clean himself and his clothing from the grime, and blood of the day. His mind would constantly be thinking of his task for the next day and how he could best serve those around him. He’d found his days much easier if he had a game plane going in. But here, too many unknowns, too many chances of pain. He couldn’t risk it and have Nasya be hurt again.

Thankfully, before Loki’s thoughts could truly begins to spiral the whoosh of the MedLab doors sounded and Dr Banner walked in. Loki didn’t move, he didn’t even lift his head up from where it had once again rested on Nasya’s head. If pain and torment were to befall them then he would at least cherish this small moment.

The scent of something rich and almost familiar, filtered down to Loki and he finally glanced up, “Master...?”

Bruce smiled and sat before the god again holding out a steaming mug, “Hot chocolate... You’ve had this before? I figured this was a safer bet than coffee. From what Thor tells me you don’t have that in Asgard.”

Loki took the hot cup and sniffed it, “It smells lovely...” He took a sip and let out a contented sigh as the rich, warm liquid slipped down his throat, “It is... Very good, Master.”

Bruce relaxed a bit and smiled again, “Good. I took a punt on that. I figured that if you didn’t like that then I’ve got a variety of herbal teas. You can try them later. See what you like.”

Loki rested the cup on his knee, his face still downcast, “Thank you. You spoil me, Master...”

“Nah, not really. You’ve had a trying morning and I know after things like that a good hot drink makes me feel better. Figured it should be the same for you.” Bruce leant against the leg of the MedLab table, “I’m always here if you want to talk, Loki. About anything. You’d be surprised to find that I’m actually a good listener...”

He nodded slightly, not sure what to make of the situation, “Of course... Thank you, Master...”

Nasya began to stir against his neck and he placed the steaming cup down returning his hand to her back. He didn’t fight the urge to kiss her silken locks and glanced up when he heard the doctor chuckle.

“You’re a good parent, Loki. Anyone can see how much you love your kids. It’s a good thing.”

Loki flushed and buried his face into her hair again, “My only hope is that they can have a better life... Freedom is a useless dream and I know that, but just an owner that will care for them, even treat them kindly... That is my dream, nothing more, but I still hope for it... For them... They do not deserve this life, they did nothing wrong apart from being born to me...” He looked up, dating to make eye contact, “Please Master Banner, we must do something to earn our keep! Anything...” The flush on Loki’s cheeks deepened and he dropped his head tearing his gaze away, “I... I am still able to serve... I can be, will be receptive, if you wish it of me...”

Bruce took a deep breath in willing himself to stay calm as he took Loki’s hand, “Loki...” the doctor shook his head squeezing the cool flesh in his hands, “That will never happen here. Never as a transaction for things you need, and never, EVER by force.” He cupped Loki’s chin and forced him to make eye contact again, “Here, sex is only between consenting adults. It’s not something to barter with, or to be taken by force, or as something to be used against you, or as punishment. Rape is never to happen! If someone even looks at you or your kids wrong, you tell us, tell Jarvis even if we’re not around. I cannot stress that enough!”

Humiliation flooded Loki. He was not wanted, and would not be used. Without the physical labour of the fields, what use would be be if not a bed slave? Wasn’t that why he was given to Stark in the first place? He dropped his hand to his thigh, “So we are useless to our Master then?”

Bruce rubbed his face, “Loki, he’ll find something for you, but you have to heal, and did you forget about your current state? Hard labour at this stage of pregnancy isn’t recommended... You should be resting.”

Loki’s voice dropped, and if even possible he felt even less of a being, “It was fine with Nasya... I would work in the fields, then endure the nights with Master Erik... I will do what I must to survive, to protect them...” Instinctively, Loki tightened his grip on Nasya, “There must be something I can do...?”

Letting his breath out slowly, Bruce sat back, “I’ll talk to Tony. I’m sure we can find some SMALL tasks for you until the birth...” Bruce didn’t say anything else but he could definitely see the colour begin to return to Loki’s face.

“Thank you...”

Nasya yawned and rubbed her face against Loki’s shoulder. He kissed her tenderly and picked up the now semi-cooled mug of hot chocolate, “Here, take a sip.” He glanced at Banner and nervously licked his lips, “Uncle Bruce made us something special.”

She screwed up her face grumpily as her mother sat her in his lap facing Banner again. He placed the mug in her hands and cupped them with his own bringing it slowly to her lips, “It is very good, Precious One...” Nasya yawned again but then tentatively took a small sip, followed by a wide smile and a much larger gulp. Loki slipped one hand away and gently began carding his fingers through her hair. He could feel his heart swell even further with love for the children he carried.

Bruce looked looked away at such an intimate scene unfolding wanting to give Loki some mental space. He glanced over and saw Loki’s expression change slightly. The god reached out daring to take the doctors hand. He pressed it to his tight belly, “She’s kicking...”

They could both feel the firm kicks beneath their palms and tears welled in Loki’s eyes, “She’s strong... And she’s healthy...” The tears fell down his cheeks and into Nasya hair. Loki looked away but still whispered, “I am so afraid...”

Banner moved closer to Loki and pulled both he and Nasya into his embrace, “You’re safe here. All three of you. Tony and I will do everything we can to protect you...”

Loki sobbed harder into the doctors shoulder, and he let himself have this small moment of rare comfort. Bruce just rubbed his back and let him weep. Eventually Loki stilled and he turned his head to rest it on Bruce’s now damp shoulder, “I am afraid... Not of one thing, but of everything... If I set one foot out of place, what will the consequences be? What punishment will I, or Nasya, have to bear? I do not know my place here, and that frightens me...”

Bruce rubbed Loki’s back thoughtfully, “Oh, I see...”

Chapter Text

Bruce left Loki sitting on the MedLab floor guessing that they probably felt safer with something firm at their backs, rather than being perched high and vulnerable in the middle of the room. The conversations of the day played over and over in his mind and he found himself wandering over to Tony’s workshop. Yet again he was surprised at the lack of resistance his entry received and he gratefully flopped down on the old sofa with a groan, “So, long and short, I think we need some simple, easy jobs for Loki and Nasya.” He scrunched up his face waiting for the fallout.

“Yeah, figured that.”

Bruce glanced over at his friend with an almost confused expression, “Okay, you’re agreeing with me? About this...?”

Tony nodded, but didn’t look up from his work, “Yep.”

“Not that I’m not happy about the ease of this discussion, but why?”

“Easy... They need security, and a daily structure is security to a slave. How better to do that then to give them what they know. It’s shitty, but it could be much shittier for them without it...” Tony shrugged, finally glancing up at his friend, “I did a little research after hearing what Loki said. Anyway, you’re always nagging at me about the state of this place. Now I can finally have some help. How hard can a bit of washing up and some laundry and stuff be?”

Bruce could barely suppress his chuckle and pointed his finger flippantly, “According to the world of Tony Stark, very hard, or you’d have a tidier penthouse!” He dodged a playfully thrown bolt, “And look at this workshop!” This time a handful of bolts flew through the air and Bruce laughed as they hit painlessly around him. Spending so much time with Loki could be downright emotionally and physically draining. He knew the broken man needed his attention but it still felt good to relax and let off a little pent up anxiety.

Settling down against the old sofa in the workshop, Bruce took the glass of whiskey held out by Tony, “We’ll figure all this out...” The couch dipped and the doctor nudged closer to his friend, “I just hope we don’t screw this up worse...”

Tony downed his drink in one mouthful, “I doubt that’s even possible...” He curled up against Bruce and leaned his head against the muscular shoulder of his friend, “Why of all people did they have to pick me!”

“Because, Tony, out of all of us you at least semi-understand him. Even Thor could see that’s what he needs right now. Not coddling and cuddling, but someone who’ll make the right discussions for them, even if it’s hard...” Bruce paused, “Think about it, they pretty much sent him here because he had no where else to go. Thor knew he couldn’t stay on Asgard because he’d continue to be abused. Imagine it, the people there just itching to get their pound of flesh out of him? They’d have free reign over him, feeling like it was their right to take Loki down a few pegs I. The horrible and degrading ways possible! Look what’s already happened. The other realms probably wouldn’t have been much better.” Bruce shut his eyes, “He’d never be seen as anything other than a weak, tiny, runt on Jontunheim, and he did technically kill his father, the KING, so I don’t see that going down well there. Loki would never have a chance to heal, or have his innocence discussed if he’d gone anywhere else but here. He really, truly doesn’t have anywhere else... We’re their last hope...”

The two men sat in comfortable, contemplative silence thinking about the brief conversation for a few minutes before the Doctor plucked the StarkPad from Tony’s hands and opened a new file on his private server entitled simply: Loki.

————

Nasya woke from her short nap with a yawn and scrunched her face up rubbing it against Loki’s soft hoodie. Her small fist curled in the soft fabric and she inhaled the new, clean smell. She sighed, relaxing further into his arms, “Love you, Mumma...”

Loki’s heart leapt with joy within his chest and he pressed a treasured kiss to her forehead, “I love you so much, my sweet Nasya...”

Soon she was giggling lightly as Loki tried to chase her around their small area in the MedLab. It was slightly less space than their spot in the old barn but it didn’t matter. With his heavy belly offsetting his balance, and the uncomfortable sciatic pain starting to stab down his left leg, Loki could barely waddle. He rubbed his lower back and stretched his hips as best her could then called out to his daughter after a few moments, “Have you hidden yet, Child?”

This game might seem simple but ultimately Loki needed to make sure Nasya knew the layout of this space, and should the need arise also places to hide. There was no answer, just another soft giggle and Loki couldn’t help but smile at the sweet sound, “I hope you have hidden well, Precious One, I wonder where you might be?”

Loki felt a dull kick to his bladder and then the unmistakable, and undeniable, need to pee a few moments later as it didn’t let up. He groaned and rubbed his belly hoping to make the child move and release the pressure that way, but to no effect. He glanced at the low service vent access where he knew Nasya had hidden, and then to the well mark passage way to the bathroom.

Doctor Banner had been very clear about their use of the facilities. He had stressed very clearly that Loki and Nasya were to use them without hesitation. Loki had no issues, but Nasya, she had never had such a luxury as inside plumbing before. They had simply had their cold tap, occasionally a bucket, and a small shovel for their other bodily needs which they had kept in the furthest corner away from them. That had been one of the biggest humiliations Loki had had to endure. From gleaming palace and servants, to digging his own waste pit...

He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Old memories couldn’t harm him and his daughter, and he’d be damned if he allowed them to ruin these simple, happy moments with her.

Looking around he smiled as the pressure finally eased and pretended to look for Nasya, “Where is my little girl? I can not find her! She is hidden so well!” He lifted the blankets off the MedLab bed, which was clearly in her line of sight, “Is she in here?” He then opened and closed a few of the larger cupboards, still playfully looking as best he could. He straightened up and placed his hands on his hips pretending to look around, “Hmm... I wonder where my Precious One could be...?”

Loki chuckled, continuing to playfully search for, and chatter to Nasya. He came to stop at the large picture window, his hands pressing on the glass before one slipped down to cup his large bump, his forehead resting against the glass. He let out a low sigh as he felt a twinge of discomfort from his play with Nasya, and whispered, “Please, Child, just be healthy...”

He was too tired and caught up in the vulnerable moment to hear the MedLab door quietly hiss open, and he definitely did not hear the stealthy and all but silent steps that followed. Raising his head, Loki felt his blood turn to ice as a sharp tip scratched at the nape of his neck hard enough to break the surface and cause a rivulet of blood to trickle down his neck, “What-“

“No! Not a word!”

“Please-“

“NO!”

————

Jarvis chimed quietly in the background, then louder until both men looked up from the StarkPad, “What is it, J?”

“It would seem that our new guest has an unexpected visitor. It also appears that he is becoming quite distressed. Increased pulse, increased respiratory rate, increased tension, increased-”

“Yeah, we get it, Jarv! Shut the floor down! We’re on our way! Tell Loki we’re on our way!”

Both Stark and Banner flew to their feet rushing to the MedLab.

Chapter Text

Loki’s vision began to blur in panic as he felt the sudden, sharp point scratch again at his nape then begin to drag down his exposed spine, “Please-”

“No!” Down pressed the sharp tip again.

The metallic voice of JARVIS came through the overhead speakers, “Sir, Mr Stark and Dr Banner are approaching. Considering his condition, might I recommend letting Mr Odinson retrieve his daughter and be seated?”

Hawkeye’s eyes narrowed, “Condition? What, has the little prince caught a cold? Poor thing got a headache?”

The drone photos, although clear and detailed only revealed Loki and a small child. He had been seated and covered in a thick blanket, nothing had seemed overly out of place.

Loki swallowed thickly, and began to move one of his hands from the glass to his belly, “Please, I-”

The arrow tip scraped again pressing even harder, and he snarled, “Hands stay where I can see them!”

Loki grimaced, placing his hand back in its original position, and took a deep breath willing away the pain that was beginning to build in the small of his back. His sweet child had decided to start pressing on top of his bladder again causing him much discomfort and he let his shoulders sag further in defeat. The slowly building pain was becoming too much and he pressed his head against the glass willing the uncomfortable feeling away, “Please...”

“No.”

“Please! Sir, I just need to pee...” The fallen deity could feel the humiliation thrumming up his spine at his need to beg for this most basic bodily function and tears of frustration pricked annoyingly at his eyes. Even at Eric’s farm he had never been denied something so small, so trivial as his hygiene needs.

“Bullshit! Whatever you have planned, you can just forget it!”

“But-“

“I said NO!” Clint pressed the arrowhead a little too hard against Loki’s skin causing the pale flesh to finally break and a thin, dark red line of blood to bead on its surface.

Loki let out a strangled, fearful whine and he sunk to his knees, the pressure in his hips now too much to for him to bear. His hands remained above his head, pressed to the cool wall, “Please...”

Clint’s lip twitched, and he pressed harder again pulling a whine from Loki that quickly changed into a constricted sob. He leant down, pleased with the broken sight in front of him, “Do you have any idea what being under your control did to me? To my mind? What the consequences were?”

Jarvis chimed in again, “Mr Barton, Sir, may I reiterate the need for Mr Odinson to gather his daughter and be seated?”

“No. The brat can come out here, if it’s so desperate. But he doesn’t move, not a single muscle.”

The MedLab door whooshed behind him and a panting Bruce and Tony stood in the doorway.

————

There was a pause before Tony spoke, his grin forced, and the panting making his words come out weaker than he’d liked, “Hey... Barton, good to see ya buddy!” He strode to the archers side and clapped his hand on his shoulder, “Wanna put that down for me?”

“No.”

Tony gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze as he pressed his lips together, “Barton, we’ll fill you in, you just have to trust us. Let’s let Loki up, okay... He’s in a bad way...”

The arrowhead pressed deeper into Loki’s flesh making a tear fall down his cheek, “Please, Master Barton, I will not harm you...”

“Master? You think pretend submission will get you anywhere?” Barton snarled. In a flash the arrowhead had moved from the nape of Loki’s neck to the mid of his spine, the tip tearing a small hole in the soft fabric.

The god just whined as his breath was pushed from his lungs in fear. The arrow was far too close to his belly and his defenceless daughter. Loki let his fear win, and his terrified words flowed like a mantra, “Please! Please! Please! Not my children, not this child!” Loki’s voice lowered again as his shaking hands lost their grip on the MedLab wall and wrapt around his belly, “I will do anything you require! Just please... Do not hurt them! Please, please!”

Barton frowned, confusion flickering across his eyes and he took a step back. He let Tony pull him back another step and sheathed the arrow as he faced the two men, “What the HELL is going on?!”

Bruce glanced at Tony before moving to gently pull Loki to his feet allowing the now almost hysterical man to nestle against him. The doctors large hand rubbed protectively up and down Loki’s protruding spine and his other hand rested on the mans swollen belly, “It’s ok... You’re all safe, totally safe...”

All Loki could do was nod as he pressed his tear streaked face deeper into Bruce’s neck. After a few moments he lifted his face but didn’t unclench his fists which had balled into the soft fabric of the doctors shirt, “I’m so sorry... Forgive me...”

“Nothing to forgive, Loki, let’s get Nasya, okay....”

Barton’s eyes drifted down to Bruce’s hand resting on the large bump, “Again, WHAT. THE. HELL?”

Tony let his hand drop down and rubbed them both together trying to hide the adrenaline that was still coursing through his system. He shrugged, failing to make it look relaxed though, “Soooooo, Bambi here has the whole frost giant thing going on. It’s complicated but yeah, he really is as pregnant as he looks...” He thought for a few seconds, “Honestly, Barton, I won’t lie say he’s a harmless, little, kitty-cat because well, he’s Loki, and I don’t think the potential to shit-stir will ever go no matter what he says. Leopards and spots and all that, right? But I will tell you this, he’s not the same. He’s been through something bad and come out broken. If you ask me, he deserved it, but...” Tony felt the usual rambling begin, and he gritted his teeth letting out a slow breath, counting to five, “He’s been here a couple nights now and from what we’ve seen with our own eyes, he’s telling the truth. I don’t think he’d have lasted much longer on Asgard, and I’d hate to think what would have happened to his kids.”

“Kids...?”

“Yeah... Nasya, she’s almost three. Then Asta.” Tony lowered his voice glancing at Loki, “She didn’t make it, pretty traumatic stuff, and then this one...”

Barton swallowed, “He lost a child?”

“Yeah. Had it beaten out of him by his previous drunken owner... Understandably, he hasn’t really spoken about it...”

Clint folded his arms over his chest, “That’s cold, Stark, even for me...”

“Yep...”

Something within Tony stirred, but it wasn’t the anger that had been rising to the surface recently. It was something else, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on, something that felt far more closer to concern for Loki than he’d like...

————

Nasya peered out through the grate covering the small air vent she’d managed to crawl into. Her tiny hands pressed against her mouth, her teeny knuckles white as as she saw this unknown man terrorise her mother. Her sharp, green eyes tracked every movement that was unfolding before them. Only when their new Masters entered the room did she dare relax even just a touch. Nasya let out a small whine as Bruce managed to manoeuvre Loki away from the stranger and closer to where she was hidden.

Loki’s tear streaked face snapped around at Nasya’s sound. Fresh tears fell from his face as he rushed to the grate and pulled it off dropping to his knees. Pulling Nasya out, he couldn’t stop the tears from falling, he couldn’t stop the shivers that came over his body, he couldn’t stop the words that flowed over and over from his mouth to his treasured daughter, “I’m so sorry, Precious One...”

Nasya wrapt her arms around her mother’s neck and pressed her cheek to his, “Love you, Mumma...” She dared to glance at Bruce before murmuring, “Uncle...?”

Banner glanced down and ruffled her hair lightly, “Hey, what’s up?”

Holding out her hand, Nasya turned it palm up revealing the deep red smear of her mother’s blood, “You fix? You fix, Mumma?”

He swallowed, and brushed a messy curl from her forehead knowing the full meaning behind those words were lost on the small child, “I’m going to try, sweetie.”

Chapter Text

Rain splashed against the glass as Loki rested his forehead against the coolness of it. Nasya was peacefully sleeping in the small nest that they had formed on the ground. The had created the spot pile from the small amount of pillows and blankets that had been made available to them in the MedLab. His hand rested on his belly and he smiled as a sharp kick was felt under his hand. He would never not love his children, no matter their lineage.

With a groan he pushed himself up to use the bathroom. This child had the unfortunate knack of finding just the right spot to make his need more frequent than he liked. The clean facilities though, they were a true blessing to him. They even had a shower with hot running water. His mind flickered back to the apartment that they had been in and he wondered if they would be allowed back there, or if they were to be ‘fixed’ and then sold on. Loki pushed the rising panic down as he shock his head. There had been no talk of that, Stark had not even been in to see him since the events of a few days ago with Barton. No one had really spoken to him apart from Doctor Banner, and it was starting to feel lonely. Even more lonely than the farm. At least he had the company of the other slaves, and the occasional sneaked visit from Tove. But this was still better, anything was better than the farm, and Master Erik...

He looked down at his body. It was mostly covered by the loose, pale blue hospital robe, and the soft hoodie that he’d taken to wearing. They were still far too big on his emancipated frame and clung only to around his growing belly. It wasn’t the thick battle armour that he’d grown up in and missed the security of that heavy feeling. The bruises, the ones that he had once been able to see more than his own flesh, still littered his pale skin but had faded to almost nothing, and he no longer felt pain without movement. He knew his body was beginning to heal, and that both excited and frightened him.

Loki finished in the bathroom and walked almost silently back to the main area. He stopped a distance away from Nasya and watched her gentle breaths as she slept. His hand rested gently on the full swell of his belly and he allowed himself this brief moment of peace.

The doors whooshed open just as suddenly and Bruce walked in with a bright smile, “Good to see you standing, Loki.” The kind-eyed Avenger stepped closer, “I think it’s time to head back to your own space, don’t you think? You’re in pretty good health considering, and the baby’s strong. I think a comfy bed would be much better than that pile, yeah?”

His fingers toyed nervously with the cuffs of the hoodie sleeves, “Of course, Master...”

Bruce frowned slightly, “You’re worried? What about?”

Loki just shook his head, wincing at the stab of pain radiating down his leg and muttered as he stooped to pick up his sleeping child, “Nothing, Sir...”

The doctor just sighed, “You can talk to me...”

The raven head nodded in understanding, “I know, Master, but it would not be right...”

“Right?” Bruce touched Loki’s still too thin shoulder and spoke softly, “This isn’t Asgard, Loki, how many times do I need to remind you that?”

Loki’s hands tightened around Nasya, his face buried in her hair, “Sorry... I... We... I am sorry...” He let out a tired sigh and reached down to collect the few items that they’d been given.

Dr Banner gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze pulling him up, “Hey, you just carry Nasya, and I’ll get the rest of your things, and we’ll head up.”

“Oh... I can manage, really!”

Bruce just smiled and shooed Loki away, “I know you can. That’s not the point.” He held up the bag with a chuckle, “Anyway, it’s not like it’s going to be too heavy for me.”

“But-“

“But nothing, Loki. Not Asgard, remember. Let’s go.”

————

Tony was in his workshop, working. Well, he was trying to work. Since Loki’s appearance and revelations he’d not been able to think. Or concentrate. Or do anything except become frustrated. And a frustrated Tony usually lead to a drunk Tony. And this day was no exception.

Stark sat on the old sofa in his workshop. The deep, amber liquid swirled near the lip of the glass but didn’t flow over. He brought it to his mouth swallowing the fluid in one large gulp, and the fiery burn went unnoticed out of habit. He breathed out and watched the glass refract the natural light from the thin windows at the top of the room. Shards of rainbows covered the wall and he couldn’t help but wonder if that was what the Bifrost looked like. He angled the glass a bit differently getting more of the delicate lights.

The Bifrost, Asgard, and then Loki...

He felt the same anger bubble within him, but not at Loki for once, but at the whole, stupid situation. Without thinking, Tony let his thoughts wander to his new acquisitions, especially the frightened man and tiny child, and he slammed the glass tumbler against the concrete wall and watched it shatter, “DAMN IT!”

————

Bruce and Loki reached their room and he opened the door. Loki stopped in the doorway with a gasp of utter surprise.

“It’s...”

“Yeah, I know...” Bruce smiled and gently nudged the fallen god into the room further, “So... Tony felt pretty bad about the ways things unfolded when you got here and decided that if you’re going to live here, then you should at least have somewhere decent. He’s a good guy really.”

Loki shifted Nasya and walked into the room slowly, “It’s... It’s so much more than I deserve...”

The room had been almost completely remodelled. A small kitchenette was now in the corner closest to the bathroom. It had a microwave, a kettle, a small sink, a small table, and even a small fridge. All the basics Loki might need to look after a newborn and toddler in the middle of the night. He took a sharp breath in as he continued to look around. The main wall had been painted in the most delicate shade of light, jade green with just the most subtle touches of gold and black around the top corners. Even the generic sofa had been replaced with a plush, velvet chaise big enough for his entire family to curl up on, and the TV was now wall mounted and a touch larger.

Bruce squeezed his shoulder, cautiously pleased at the deities response, “Keep going, he did more...”

Loki gasped, his hand covering his mouth as he stepped through the newly appeared doorway leading to the bedroom, “Beds...” Tears welled in his eyes, “But we have done nothing to deserve this... This is too much!”

“This is really basic to what he wanted to actually do. I had to remind him that these are just temporary rooms until we figure out a more permanent solution.”

A chill ran down Loki’s spine, and he swallowed, the joy muted. A mired of scenarios rushed through his mind, “Yes, of course, Master...”

“Hey, don’t freak out on me, okay... All I mean is that we need to decide where you’ll stay and what role you’ll take on in a more permanent basis. Conversations that will happen in time, when you’re fully rested and healed.”

Loki nibbled his lower lip nervously, but nodded and ventured further into the new bedroom. He allowed a soft smile to play over his face again as he saw his bed, Nasya’s bed, then small crib beside it. His hand rubbed over the swell of his belly beside where he carried Nasya and he whispered, “I am sorry if I seem at all ungrateful... This is just so much to take in.”

“Yeah, I expected that. And you’re not. You’re taking it better than I thought you would... There’s one last thing.” Bruce grinned and opened the door leading into a large walk in robe, “Tony went on a bit of a shopping spree.” The overhead lights flicked on to reveal clothing in bright colours, in all fabrics and textures, for children and for Loki.

The tears that Loki had been managing to hold back began to flow freely. His free hand ran over the soft fabrics and he wiped his face on Nasya’s hair, “I... I can never repay this...”

“You don’t have to repay anything. This is your home now, these rooms are your safe haven away from everyone.” Bruce let Loki wander down the narrow passage, “He’s even set the controls so that only you and the kids can enter. Well, unless Jarvis determines it’s an absolute emergency. So you really do have your own place, a sanctuary.”

Loki picked up a soft fleece blanket from one of the shelves, in a deep emerald green, “But why? Master Stark owes us nothing... He has already shown us far more kindness than we deserve. All he has done for us already...” He placed the blanket back down, “I do not think anyone took so much care or gave so much consideration even before... Even when I was a prince...”

“Like I said, Tony’s a good man. You just have to scrape the surface a bit sometimes.” Bruce stroked Nasya’s back as she stirred a little, “Settle in for a bit, and I think you should both come have dinner in the penthouse with us tonight. I’ll get Jarvis to send you up when we’re ready.”

Loki nodded, suddenly feeling more drained than he had since arriving, “Thank you, Doctor Banner, please convey my greatest thanks to my master, if you see him...”

Bruce smiled as he left, “You can tell him yourself in a few hours.”

————

Loki watched the door close behind Bruce and he kissed Nasya’s temple. Looking around the room he took a moment to just breathe and take in this new development. A single, tiny thread of something began to stir in his gut. Maybe, just maybe things would be better here. Maybe, just maybe he might have finally found a safe place for his children.

Or not.

Only time would tell.

Chapter Text

“I had hoped to find you just a little more sober...”

“And I’d hoped to be a LOT more drunk but here we are, Brucie Bear...”

Banner eyed his friend cautiously seeing the still full bottle of whiskey and only semi-empty glass on the bench top, “What stopped you?”

Tony shrugged and sat down with a heavy sigh, “I dunno, guilt probably... I had Jarvis play back the video stream of when me and him spoke a few times.” He shook his head, “I can’t believe I said all those things to him, that I threatened him like that! He’s a victim and I treated him like absolute shit, Bruce! When, when I got back from Afghanistan, I couldn’t deal with anything. I just pushed it down and let alcohol and then Ironman fill the space. I wouldn’t, I still won’t talk about what happened, and here he is just taking everything like a champ.” Letting out another sigh he rubbed his face, “And the little girl, how could someone want to hurt her? She’s so tiny, and about the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen!”

Bruce rested against the wall before stretching and walking over to his friend, “Loki’s not had any choice. He’s been forced to experience everything in silence, and fear. He’s learnt, probably the hardest way possible, to comply and obey or else.” Bruce sat down nudging Tony’s shoulder, “He’ll be ok, they both will be. We just have to keep moving on and try not to repeat the mistakes of the past with them. They’ve been treated like animals, let’s start treating them like humans. Alright?”

Tony just nodded, tiredly.

“Now, let’s sort you out.”

————

Loki glanced down at the sleeping Nasya and moved cautiously into their new bedroom. He let himself really look at the details of her new bed. Soft, clean, brightly patterned cotton sheets and the most cloud-like of feather duvets. He reached down and touched the fabric. He had had much finer linens in his younger years but even such basic cotton sheets now seemed so luxurious and foreign to him. Leaning down Loki kissed her temple and carefully removed her shoes and socks. Nasya’s soft, synthetic shoes were nothing similar to the heavy boots he’d once worn all those years ago, but still.

A bittersweet memory came to mind of his and Thor’s nanny throwing her hands up in despair as the two small princes rushed about their sleeping chamber, and then jumped on their freshly made beds. He hoped that she would be able to, one day, create those same sort of memories with her younger sibling. Fun memories, happy memories, good memories...

Loki let out a deep breath as he dropped the small shoes carefully at the end of the bed. He took a deep breath in as the nausea he’d been experiencing for all those months had begun to make itself known again. He managed to pull the covers back and lay his sleeping daughter down. Nasya looked so tiny in the standard single bed, so fragile. Loki knew his daughter was much stronger than she looked, but she was still just a child.

Ignoring the growing nausea, and sharp pain radiating from his hips, he used the side of the bed and lowered himself down. Smiling gently, Loki stroked a few stray hairs from Nasya’s face, and he knew she would always be the light of his life. She was still in the brightly coloured dress they’d been gifted a few days ago. He’d been able to get it off her long enough to carefully wash it along with their old items, the contrast glaringly obvious. It pained him, and deeply humiliated him, to be so reminded of everything that he could not provide for his children. Kissing her again he gave himself a few moments to just be present with her, to feel his love for her washing over him, strengthening him.

Loki pulled the light sheet up over her and struggled to his feet pressing his hand to his mouth. He hurried to the bathroom, luckily making it just in time before throwing up what little he had in his stomach. His skin felt clammy and he sunk to the floor, too weak and tired to care about anything else in this moment. The tiles were blessedly cool and he took a few deep breaths feeling his pulse slow again. He shrugged off the hospital top leaving on just the loose pants sitting under his belly and tossed the garment out of the room. He felt another wave of nausea begin and crawled to the toilet settling beside it. Loki didn’t bother trying to move as he heaved into the bowl. His body ached, his throat raw, his head pounded and he just wished for a single moments peace.

The now familiar, metallic voice of Jarvis chimed, “Mr Odinson, you have a visitor. Do you wish to allow them entry?”

Loki groaned again and gripped the side of the ceramic bowl, “Loki... It is just Loki, only Loki now... No title, no family name, please Master Jarvis...”

“Preferences updated, Loki. Do you wish to allow Mr Barton entry?”

Loki nodded slowly not picking up on the name, “Sure...”

Loki set about trying to stand, but the growing waves of nausea kept him leaning and hunched undignifiedly over the ceramic throne. He could hear the footsteps approaching, and then hurry closer. The fallen god didn’t try to open his eyes but could tell the figure was now kneeling beside him. He instinctively tensed, expecting anger and then pain, “I am sorry for not greeting you as I should, my Lord...”

A gentle hand brushed back Loki’s sweaty hair from his face, “Morning sickness still, hey?” Barton stood heading towards the dumb-waiter near the kitchenette, “Jarvis, send up some cold ginger ale.”

Loki let out a little groan as another wave crashed over him and he dry heaved into the bowl again. His body ached and he pressed his hand to the swell of his belly. Resting his head on his arm he took a deep breath, “I am sorry for this inconvenience…”

Barton closed the distance between them again and knelt in front of Loki. He opened the ginger ale, adding the straw, “It’s fine. I only came to return something to you anyway.”

“Return something, Sir?” He thought back, there was nothing that he could recall that he was missing, not that he even technically owned anything anyway.

“Yeah. It was on the floor just down the corridor, it must have fallen out while you were walking here.” Barton sat the slave up a bit more and pushed the cool can into his hands encouraging him to try some, “I figured it was yours because it’s definitely not Tony’s, or Banner’s.”

Loki took a sip of the cool, sweet liquid then took the fabric. He smiled softly, “Thank you, Master Barton. Nasya will be pleased to have it back.” He placed the drink down to fully open the cloth, “The Queen came to us during our stay in the prison before we came here. She left this with her…” he stroked the fine linen, “Nasya has never had something this lavish…”

“It must have been good to see her, your mum?”

Shame flooded Loki and he lowered his head, “Master Barton, I was not able to see the Queen… I was in no state of consciousness…” He hugged himself and looked away, “The dungeons were not a pleasant experience, either time.”

Clint frowned but didn’t press any further. The bruises, although faded, had not fully gone and were still a glaring reminder of what Loki had been through.

When nothing else was said Loki rubbed his belly, still looking away and spoke softly, “Master Barton, I owe you a debt for what happened all those years ago. For the pain, the suffering, the anguish I caused… I know I cannot make it right, but let me try? Allow me to find a way? Please…”

Barton sat down fully and looked at the broken man before him, “You’ve suffered enough, for everyone. What you’ve been through in the last few years, that shouldn’t happen, not even to the vilest of criminals! Plus, me terrifying a pregnant person with a loaded crossbow probably wasn’t my finest moment…”

Loki felt tears prick at his eyes, “It was fully deserved. I caused you all so much pain-“

“The Chitauri caused all that! I’ve watched the footage again! Over, and over, and over these last few days! Even spoke with Bruce and Tony about it yesterday. We all agree, you were a puppet too, not the puppet master! You were controlled just like me, like all the others, but you took all the blame! Totally alone and on your shoulders... I don’t think I’ll ever fully be over what happened but it would pretty hypocritical of me to hold you solely accountable when you had about as much control over the events as I did.” He gently tilted Loki’s face to his, “I get the feeling you’ve always taken the fall for others?”

“It was what was expected of me. It was easier to blame the lessor prince, the young trickster rather than Thor, the golden heir of Asgard. I already had the reputation for ‘silly’ games and mischief anyway… Then my time with The Chitauri…” Loki shuddered, shaking his his head trying to not remember the painful memories of his time with them. How often he wished he’d just been able to die in the Bifrost when he’d let go, to escape all the pain. He licked his lips, the bitter taste of bile on them drawing him back to the present. Lowering his eyes to the stretch marks on his naked belly Loki hunched over slightly further feeling overly exposed without his shirt, “I feel slightly better now, thank you, Master Barton.”

Barton smiled softly, “Ginger ale’s good for upset stomachs. Could just be an old wives tale but who knows. What works, works, right…” He stood up, “You feel up to moving to the couch or you want to stay put?”

“I will stay, please.” Loki could already feel the nausea starting again and he shut his eyes. His head still pounded, and he felt weak, like he would stumble if he tried to walk.

“Ok, then. I just came to give back to cloth anyway.”

Loki had forgotten about the cloth and reached out picking it up again from where it had momentarily fallen, “Thank you again. I will make sure Nasya gets it.”

Barton shrugged, and then muttered as he left, “Ok. You know you can call Banner if you need too. He won’t mind.”

Loki tried to force a smile across his face, “Thank you for the concern, Master Barton. We will be well.”

————

A while later Barton felt his message alert go off on his phone and he grimaced. He had to think, and a decision to make.

Chapter Text

Barton had managed to sandwich himself in one of his many hidden lookout spots within Stark Tower. This one on his level was a particular favourite. Not only did it allow for an almost 360 degree view of the surrounding area, but also for an amazing view of the city skyline. It helped him think, and he needed to do that. The phone in his pocket vibrated heavily with its message alert again.

He stayed there, thinking, as the sun began to set and cast long shadows over the room. Pulling his phone out Clint sighed, it was time to address this, but how? After his recent conversation with Loki things were more muddled than before...

————

ES: [Well?]

C: [Its him.]

ES: [I figured that. Details?]

C: [Things are blurred, not black and white.]

ES: [There is only black and white regarding Loki. What he did to us, BLACK!]

C: [Its not that simple.]

ES: [Yes, it is.]

C: [He’s in a bad way.]

ES: [We all are. What makes him so special?]

C: [This is really bad.]

ES: [Again, what makes him so special?]

C: [He was controlled like us. Can’t be angry at him knowing that he went through the same as us.]

ES: [It’s still his fault. He’s an all-powerful, alien god. He’s stronger, supposedly ‘better’ than us, remember? He should have been able to fight harder than us ‘mere mortals’.]

C: [How could he fight something so much stronger than himself? Some things are just too big for a single person.]

ES: [I don’t buy that.]

C: [We fought against the Chitauri and barely survived, even with Thor, ANOTHER god, and a Hulk on our side! How could he fight them all single-handed?]

ES: [I don’t care.]

C: [You should. It matters.]

ES: [No, it doesn’t. He could still have prevented it.]

C: [How?]

ES: [He has magic, remember?]

C: [Mind controlled, remember?]

ES: [Bigger, stronger, ‘better than us’, remember?]

C: [Than US, not them, ‘remember’?]

ES: [Either way, he still has to pay.]

C: [He’s already done that.]

ES: [Not enough!]

C: [Yes, enough!]

ES: [NO!]

C: [YES! He’s paid his dues and I’ll not have a part in anything else.]

ES: [You can’t stop me.]

C: [I can’t, but WE can.]

ES: [It’s a shame. We had such a bond. Pity to lose it over a power hungry, egotistical asshole, wannabe king!]

C: [Its not like that. Things have changed. You need to stay away from Loki.]

ES: [We’ll see.]

C: [NO! You need to stay away from Loki.]

ES: **nothing**

C: [Stay away from Loki!]

ES: **still nothing**

Chapter Text

Time seemed to pass all too quickly for Loki. Before he knew it, Jarvis was alerting him that Nasya had begun to stir and he was placing the now half empty can of flat ginger ale into the small bar fridge. Waste not, want not after all. The sweet, fizzy drink had definitely made him feel better and he smiled softly to himself at the kindness of Barton. It was unexpected, but definitely welcomed. Shrugging on the soft top again he walked back to his daughter. Her small body shifted slightly as her tiny hands rubbed at her face. Nasya’s eyes flickered open and her entire face lit up as she caught sight of her mother. She yawned and looked around, a little bit wary of the new location but relaxed. Loki marvelled yet again at how he was so blessed to have such a resilient child.

Jarvis chimed softly in the background notifying Loki that dinner would be in an hour, and for them to wash and dress appropriately.

Appropriately…

The single word caused his stomach to clench and twist. Was this a test? If so, would he pass… Or fail? He didn’t dare to think about his options, opting instead to press those thoughts from his mind and smile at his daughter.

Nasya now stood on the bed in her bare feet as Loki picked her up. He kissed her temple and walked them into the long wardrobe, the light flickering on automatically illuminating the small space. He couldn’t help but look down at the drab hospital robes and hoodie that he wore, then back at the bright, expensive fabrics of what was hung up. Tension balled in his gut, so much choice. Once in his life he’d have made such a decision easily, without any thought. But now, so much rode on everything he did, on how well he pleased his master. He walked down the narrow space until a piece caught his eye.

It was a simple, knee length tunic. The thick, deep maroon fabric had enough give that it would easily accommodate his growing belly and he reached out tentatively with his free hand. It was soft, luxurious, something a wealthy nobleman might wear. A small part of him screamed to unhand it, to not sully it with his unworthy touch and he instinctively hunched around Nasya waiting in anticipation for Jarvis to tell him to stop. When no voice came Loki straightened himself up. He stroked the fabric again, then picked it out handing it to Nasya, “Okay, Precious One, can you be big and strong and hold that for me?”

She nodded and gripped the hanger tightly, a look of focused determination on her face, happy at being useful to her mother.

Loki continued down the walkway and chose a matching dress for his daughter. He held it out, “I think our Master will like these, don’t you?”

He didn’t let his face show the fear that clawed at his soul. Even such a simple choice as their clothing could be disastrous. One wrong decision could mean the difference between peace, or pain!

————

Bruce was standing at the stove stirring a steaming pot. He looked up when Tony entered, and then resumed his position, “Loki and Nasya are coming for dinner.”

Tony tensed, then forced himself to relax, “You think that wise?”

“Well, he’s healing better than when he got here so I can only imagine that he’s feeling better.” Bruce added some more spice into the steaming pot, “We need to sort things out. He might seem to be relaxing but I get the feeling he’s still terrified of everything. And creating a better relationship with you can only help. Tony, I need you to try… That’s all. Just try…”

Stark rubbed the soft fabric of his black jeans and grinned, “I’m exceptionally good at being trying, you know that, Bruce.”

Bruce laughed, “Very true!”

Tony leaned back against the bench top, “Anyway, I had Jarvis read and summarise that Poetic Edda thing. I tried reading it but it’s long, and way too boring! He told me the Cliffs Notes version.”

“Yeah…”

“Yeah, it’s really long and did I mention boring!”

Bruce laughed again, “And what did Jarvis say about it?”

“Well, the general bit that mentions Loki basically implies that Loki wasn’t invited to a dinner and had a tantrum, pandemonium ensued… Sounds pretty typical for him.” He shrugged, “I had Jarvis scour the internet a bit too. Now, that gets just confusing! Something about him being adopted, which we knew, then him also already having kids that look like a giant dog, a snake, some sort of death dealer and a set of twins, I think…”

“I’d read about those too. We really need to sort all this out…” Bruce turned the stew down to simmer and looked at Tony, “I really need you to keep your cool during this.”

“Yeah, I know…” Tony gave him a lopsided grin, and he raised his glass of whisky up, “Consider it done!”

Bruce rolled his eyes, “I need you sober too…”

“Awee!” Tony pouted, then tipped the contents of his glass down the drain with a sigh, “I get your point though…”

————

Loki and Nasya stepped out the shower, steam rising from their bodies. He buffed them both dry and then wrapped an oversized, plush towel around them. His eyes wandered over his daughter and he couldn’t help but see the health and life radiating from her. Tears pricked at his eyes and he quickly blinked them away. She was getting healthier by the day, and so was he. His hand rested on the large swell of his belly and he glanced in the mirror. He’d never had the opportunity to see himself when he’d carried Nasya but now he was curious. Loki let the robe slide off his shoulders slightly revealing his belly and turned to the side. His fingers traced a few of the deep red stretch marks that snaked across his hip and the underside of his large bump. His hands rubbed over the tight skin as he contemplated his body.

Nasya peaked from around the other side of Loki, “Mumma?”

“I never got to see you like this, when you were still in my belly…”

“Oh…”

“Things were different…”

She nodded slowly then reached up stroking the taut skin, then whispered, “You happy now, Mumma?”

Loki glanced down, “Child… I have you, and whenever I have you, I am very happy!”

He turned and caught Nasya in his arms burying his face in her neck blowing kisses. Her loud giggles filled the tiny room.

Bliss. That’s what Loki felt in this moment. Pure, unadulterated, bliss!

The child within him kicked strongly and he took Nasya’s hand placing it on the spot, “Even your little sister agrees!”

Jarvis chimed softly in the background again drawing him back to the present. He kissed her again and then walked back to their bedroom quickly dressing them. Loki smoothed his hands over the lush fabric nervously. It had been a long while since he’d been clothed in anything but his tattered tunic and the thin hospital attire, and he only hoped that whatever Stark had in store for them, they could take.

Jarvis chimed again, this time with instructions to head to the penthouse. Loki picked Nasya up and headed out. He brushed his nose against her cheek, “Precious One… I do not know what awaits us with our new Masters. I do not know what tasks we will be doing…” He took a deep breath as a cramp pained his side, “But it will be alright… I am sure of this…”

Loki knew that truthfully, he could no more save or protect his child than he could himself, but he’d be damned if she lived with the constant fear that he did. He would shelter her any way he could.

He could hear soft voices and his stomach rumbled at the divine smell that was getting stronger with each step. Loki’s mouth began to salivate but he didn’t dare hope that something so rich and tasty would be theirs. He knew at best they were there to serve and tidy, nothing more. He was a slave after all.

————

Bruce looked up as Loki and Nasya entered the area, “Hey, you two look good. Very matchy-matchy.” He waved them over to the bench beside him, “We’re just having stew. I think your stomachs can take it now. You just missed Tony, he’s gone for a shower.”

Loki’s brow crinkled slightly, “I’m sorry, Master, our stomachs?”

“You’re here for dinner. Food, eating…”

“Oh…”

“Oh what?”

Loki gripped Nasya, his knuckles going white, “But we are slaves, we are meant to serve?”

Bruce put the wooden spoon down, “Loki…” He was at a loss for words, “You and Nasya are safe here. Tony might own you but that’s just on paper, to humour your father until we can figure something out.”

Bright green eyes snapped up, “He is NOT my father.” They dropped as quickly as they’d risen, shoulders hunching again, “I have no family other than Nasya… Sorry, Master Banner, I should not have...”

“No, it’s ok. Families are complicated at best…” Bruce resumed stirring the pot letting the subject drop, “I hope you like this. Thor mentioned that you were partial to wild boar on your hunting trips. We don’t have that here in New York so I went with free-range pork.”

Loki took the reprieve and straightened up again, “Thor did most of the hunting.” His eyes softened at the memory, “We were younger, carefree… They were happy times…”

Loki took a deep breath, “It smells delicious…” He looked around nervously, “Are you sure? Master Stark… I do not wish to anger him…”

“You won’t. Tony’s been doing some reading and wants answers that only you can give.”

“Oh…”

“Nothing major. He got Jarvis to summarise the Poetic Edda. Something about a dinner and a tantrum.“

Loki let out a stunned laugh looking up to the roof, “Those old stories!” He shook his head, “Those scribes were more drunk than sober most of the time. Its any wonder they were written at all! Tantrums! I am a god, a prince, why would I throw a tan-“

Realisation flickered across Loki’s face and he shut his eyes. He let out a long sigh as his head rested on Nasya’s, “But I am not a prince any longer…” He left Banner’s side and sat down at the breakfast bar seating his daughter on the bench, “Not a god, not a prince… I’m a nothing now…”

“Those things might be important things on Asgard, but this is Earth. What you are now is a parent, a mother, and I’d like to think my friend.” Bruce turned the ring off and walked to Loki placing a hand gently on his shoulder, “Look, we can’t fix the past, but we can try and make the future better.”

Placing his hand over Bruce’s Loki gave it a tentative squeeze, “Thank you. I am at a loss for words… Your kindness-“

Tony walked back in shaking his damp hair, “You know what, I think…” His eyes glanced over Loki as he came to a sudden halt, “Oh, sorry…”

Loki quickly dropped his hand and hunched over, “Master, I…”

“No, no… It’s probably good you’re here.” Tony rubbed his face, “We need to talk anyway. Clear the air and all that…” The stove timer buzzed and he muttered, “We should eat first though, I’m going to need strength.”

Bruce quickly plated three meals, and a small bowl for Nasya, then ushered them to the small dining nook. They ate mostly in silence for a while before Tony spoke, “So... How much of what’s written about you is actually true?”

Chapter Text

Silence hung heavy in the air. Starks question raised so many more, and reopened old wounds that Loki had thought long sealed. He pushed his plate away and brushed his hand over Nasya’s hair. She had crawled into his lap, what was left of it, and was quietly drawing patterns on his tight belly.

His mind raced at where to began before the simple realisation dawned on him, the only place he could start was at the beginning. There was no sugar coating what he’d done in the past, and now with the firsthand knowledge of the hardships of a slaves life, a new level of humiliation at his behaviour as a prince burned brightly in his chest.

Loki simply started speaking recounting his youth spent learning combat with Thor during the days, and then with Frigga in the evenings honing his seidr. As he spoke his fingers twitched and he glanced at them wishing more than anything the thin, gold cuffs could be removed. His face softened as he remembered the pranks and mischief the two brothers would cause. He took a sip of water and continued on explaining his part of the history of Asgard.

A particular memory made him smile, “I am glad that not everything made it into the Edda. With the scribe’s love of over exaggerating I would have hated to see what would have become of the event.” He stroked Nasya’s hair and smiled, lost in thought for the moment, “Sleipnir. Odin’s eight legged war mount… I know there are stories that I carried him, was mother to him, but alas no. I can tell you, if you would like?”

Bruce chuckled, “According to our myth and legend you’ve had about 6 children. We were going to ask about them anyway, all things considered, so go right ahead.”

Loki laughed, “Six children, I know the ones you mean… Let me start with Sleipnir.” He rubbed his belly after feeling a small kick, “It was just Thor and I for once. We went out early one morning, just past dawn. We were much younger and I had only just learnt how to ride, and of course Thor wanted to test my skills. He picked two of the largest horses he could and we rode for what seemed like hours galloping through the forest. It was early autumn, some of the trees had just started to turn and when the first rays hit them it was as though they had caught fire.” He shifted Nasya gently and continued to rub his belly, “The breeze had just begun to have winter’s icy chill to it but we did not mind. It makes sense now why I was never bothered… We just kept riding, and riding until the forest opened up into clearing with a hut and a simple barn. We slowed upon seeing an old woman standing outside the barn. She waved us over and asked for us to help her mare that was foaling. Thor, for all his faults, will always help his people. It took a few hours and when it was done it was almost noon. Both mare and foal were fine, thankfully. His eight legs were unusual, but not unexpected given the deep magics of Asgard. The old woman thanked us with a gift of dried fruit and a hearty lunch.” Loki smiled wistfully, “When the horse grew old enough she brought that little foal to the castle as a gift.”

Tony chewed his mouthful and nodded thoughtfully, “Cool, and the others?”

“Well, Jormungander was a wild snake that lived in a the garden near my chambers. Fenrir, the giant wolf, again another wild animal that befriended me when I needed to escape the confines of the palace. I fed them, healed them, cared for them but they was not from my loins. The twins, Vali and Nari, were born to a close friend. She was unwed so I understand people assuming I was that father, but no. And Hel… Hel was a very misunderstood slave girl who had dreams of securing a royal husband and leaving her life of servitude behind. Something I understand very well now… You see, the scribes were overly dramatic and did not care for me therefore any chance to show me in an unfavourable light, they took. I could not change it then, and I can not now…”

“But surely your parents cared about your reputation? You’re a prince? My father was always beating on about the Stark family name.”

“I was a prince, Master… Anyway, Odin thought it hilarious, and Frigga just smiled and told me to not be worried by it, that in the end the truth would be remembered by those who mattered…” Loki looked down at his plate, “I always knew I was the secondary prince, but it still stung that even then I wasn’t regarded as anything more than a joke to some.”

Nasya stirred on his lap and Loki hoisted her up to his shoulder for comfort, giving her a kiss.

“You look good with kids, it suits you.” Tony looked down at his plate trying to avoid the pink tinge to his cheeks.

Loki glanced at him, “Thank you. Apparently I have never been good at anything except playing games and manipulation, and my training in sedir, none of which are of use anymore. I just hope that Nasya will grow and find some sort of peace in her circumstances. I hope I can be a decent parent to her.”

Tony gently placed his hand on Loki’s shoulder, “You’re already a good parent. You’re protecting her, and teaching her.”

A bitterness seeped into Loki’s laugh, “You are too kind, Master… You forget that she barely speaks, and is almost as bruised and battered as I am… Yes, indeed, I am a model mother!” He instinctively gripped Nasya closer to him causing her to stir, “She is my life, my sole reason to exist! The ONLY reason that I have not yet put another sharp strip of metal to my veins again!”

Tony sat in stunned silence, the only sound permeating the room was Loki’s ragged breaths.

Bruce reached out and placed a hand over Tonys which had frozen in place, “Why don’t we move to the lounge?”

Tony nodded and stood. He went straight to the bar and poured two large whiskey’s, “I’d, umm, offer you one too, Loki, but the baby and all…”

Bruce indicated for Loki to sit in the large, plush sofa. He placed a soft blanket around Loki’s shoulders and the slave instinctively snuggled down curling into the warmth. Nasya stayed curled up beside him enjoying the comfort of the soft blanket.

Tony handed his friend the whiskey and gulped his back before going and pouring himself another. He slumped into the armchair opposite Loki, “You have to let go of the past, Loki, or it’ll destroy you…”

Loki looked at him before lowering his eyes, “I know, I have to let go for my children. It is just very hard to do sometimes. There’s nothing I would not do for them…” he rubbed his belly at a sharp kick, “I beg you, please just be patient with me. I will do anything for them, anything…”

Loki glanced up seeing Stark looking openly at his belly. He took in a deep breath squashing down his fears, for now, “Master, if you wish… Give me you hand, she is kicking…”

Much to his surprise Tony held his calloused hand out and let it be guided to Loki’s belly, “Oh!” He blinked and then smiled and placed his other hand on the bump as well.

Loki smiled tightly. He hated having people touch him but he knew it was better to have his owner on side than to earn his ire, and if sharing this moment allowed him a small amount of peace, then he would take it. Another solid kick landed in Starks palm and he let out a pleased huff, “That’s pretty cool.”

Bruce smiled in the kitchen as he made a hot chocolate for Loki, and a chai tea for himself, “You act like you’ve never felt that before, Tony.”

Stark looked at his friend and then back to Loki’s belly, “I haven’t. None of my actual friends have kids I’ve met, and Pepper didn’t want them…”

Loki took a risk and covered Starks hand with his, “As painful as her conception was, she is strong, and I am blessed she is mine…” Loki let out a small chuckle as Nasya huffed beside her mother and nudged him making her presence very clear, “You too of course, precious one…” He wrapt his arm around her waist as she stood on the couch beside him, “You will always be in my heart, Nasya, always…”

Tony looked away and started to pull his hand away, not wanting to interrupt the tender moment.

Loki glanced up with a tired smile releasing his hand, “You know, you have yet to assign us any tasks, Master.”

“Tasks?” Tony laughed softly, “you’re heavily pregnant and still worried about work.”

“It is our purpose. Hard labour at this stage was fine the first time. I worked in the fields harvesting right up until my contraction’s started,” Loki waved his spare hand at himself and Nasya with a small grin, “Slaves, remember…”

Bruce blinked a few times and rubbed his face muttering under his breath just loud enough for Stark and Loki to hear, “Wow, just wow…”

Nasya mimicked her mother and nodded earnestly, “Mmhuh, remember…” She patted Loki’s shoulder, and then held her arm up for Tony to inspect, “Strong, like Mumma!”

Tony couldn’t hide the tiny turn up of his smile itching to break forth from his lips as he sincerely inspected the tiny girls arm, “Very strong, indeed. I bet you can do anything, kiddo!”

Loki hid his smile in the cup of hot chocolate that Bruce had just handed him. He repeated his masters words, “Very strong, indeed, my darling…”

He took a sip of the sweet drink and sighed. The quiet evening, a semi safe environment and a kind master, Loki was starting to relax. He dared to shift and curl up on the sofa to get comfortable, “I’m sure our master will have something very important for you to do. Am I right, Master?”

Tony nodded, his expression almost completely relaxed and smiling, “Oh yes. Something very important.”

Bruce glanced out the window as the building shook and the colours of the Bifrost flickered above them, “Thor must be back.”

A look of surprise crossed Tony’s face, “That’s odd. I thought he’d be gone for longer.”

Loki tensed, his relaxed feeling now gone, “We should not be on the furniture. Please allow us to return to our accommodations?”

“No, if it’s anything to do with you then you have every right to be present for it.”

Loki laughed, and a touch of the bitterness returned, “Rights are for the free, not slaves, Master…”

“Yeah well, just stay put and listen anyway, okay.”

The elevator doors chimed open a few minutes later and in strode Thor, his expression serious . His eyes lingered on Loki and his position on the couch. He pressed his lips together and greeted them, “Friend Stark, Doctor Banner.”

Tony tilted his head, “What’s up, Point Break…”

Thor pressed his lips together, “Maybe my brother should take his child away for now. This…” he waved his hand between the three free men, “this conversation is not for innocent ears.”

Loki quickly stood picking up Nasya. He glanced at Bruce, who just shrugged, as a flicker of fear curled up his spine, “As you wish, Sire. Master, I shall await your instructions from our chambers.”

Tony nodded looking concerned, “Sure. Just tell Jarvis if you need anything in the mean time.”

Loki mimicked Starks nod and hurried away carrying his daughter.

Thor paced in front of the picture window before stopping and resting his head against the glass, “I fear that my father is truly not the man I once thought.”

Tony raised an eyebrow and chuckled, “Uh, you’re just figuring that out now? Most of us find that out about our parents pretty quick here on Earth…”

The blonde god let his shoulders slump further and Tony sobered, concern beginning to set in, “What is it?”

“Loki…”

“Well, I mean, that was kinda obvious?”

Thor closed his eyes then moved to the couch causing it to creak under his weight, “Friend, in my land contracts are complicated matters, and it seems that my father’s hatred of Loki was far deeper, and well hidden, than my mother or I realised. Odin had assured me upon my return that the collar you placed around Loki’s neck was enough of a claim, but alas, no.” Thor rubbed a hand over his face, “My mother went to the Volva’s for prayer and guidance-”

“The Volva’s?”

“Our most sacred women who can foresee what the fates have woven for us.” Thor let his hands open and close, “Because of my mothers loyalty and devotion they revealed that Loki was in grave danger due to Odin’s deception.”

“Why do I not like the sound of that?”

“Stark, the contract over Loki needs a claim.”

Tony leant forward, “Yeah, that collar shit you made me do… I’m still pissed about that by the way.”

Bruce sat forward in his chair, “Thor, what do you mean by a ‘claim’.”

Thor leant back in the chair, “Understand this, I am thankful for the kindness and understanding that you have afforded my brother, Doctor Banner. He will need you again after tonight.”

“Why?” the word was drawn out from Tony, filled with unease.

“The Volva’s revealed that the collar has no part of the contract-”

“Hang on, I did that for nothing?! That whole sick possession thing!? For. NOTHING?”

“If you feel that for a simple collar, then you will truly hate me for what I am about to ask ask…”

Tony paled slightly looking at Bruce who had returned to his silent, intense state, “Really?”

Thor looked out the large windows, the sky and clouds were swirling but not yet raining, “The Volva’s informed my mother that the contract has not yet been fully sealed by you, and that Odin can still claim Loki back for execution until it has been.”

It was Bruce that spoke quietly, “Odin never claimed Loki from his prior owner, what makes you think he’ll try and take him from Tony?”

“Lord Eric claimed Loki almost straight away sealing the contract in place, within mere hours of receiving him. My brother was, and to some still is, an object to hurt and humiliate. He needs that claim. That has not happened here yet.”

“If this conversation is going anywhere near where I think it is, that’s for good reason!” chimed in Tony, “I might be a shit human being occasionally, but I’m not an abusive rapist!”

Thor hung his head in his hands, “Aye, I know that, Friend, but the claim must be made and finalised before the feast of Mabon, or he and Nasya will be forcibly returned to Asgard and executed publicly, and swiftly. There will be no trial or deliberations. Just death, if he’s lucky. But luck has not been with my brother in a long while so Odin may very well let the people torture them both before it happens.”

Tony’s eyes bulged, “The FUCK?!”

Thor shook his head, “I wish I lied, Friend, but Asgard does not see slaves as anything other than property, even former royalty…”

“That’s so messed up!”

Thor took a deep breath in, “Aye, I know. And it must happen before the Feast of Mabon…”

“What’s with this Feast of Mababoon?”

“Mabon. It is the feast for our autumn equinox. A celebration of harvests picked, and a time of prayers for a safe and hopefully mild winter.”

Bruce swallowed, “And that is when, Thor?”

“Tomorrow…” Thor’s eyes misted over and he blinked looking away from the other men, “I suspect that’s why Odin had Loki moved now. If the Volva’s had not informed my mother of this then we would not have known, and Loki and his children would be taken from you and be dead in less than 2 days time.”

Bruce went a darker shade of green and Tony paled even further before he cleared his throat and spoke, “Thor, Buddy… What do I have to do?”

Chapter Text

Loki entered the training area a couple floors below the main floor. Jarvis had guided him to the unknown space and now he was standing at the door with his gut clenching tighter than ever. He swallowed and stepped in further almost immediately seeing his master leaning against the squat rack.

He pulled the soft robe covering the soft pyjamas Jarvis had instructed him to wear tighter around himself. His voice was barely a whisper, tension bleeding into it, “Master, how may I assist you?”

Tony rolled the chest height bar lazily watching the weights on either side spin slowly. His voice was slightly slurred, and he beckoned the slave over with a hooked finger, “Come here.”

Loki closed the distance, trepidation in every step and asked again, “Master, how may I assist you?”

Tony pushed off the bar and slowly circled Loki. He let his eyes wander, taking all of him in. He reached out and touched the raven locks that were now decidedly cleaner, healthier and starting to softly curl down Loki’s back. The semi-drunk mortal licked his lips letting a heated stare overtake his face, “You know, Loki, I always did find you attractive. When you were standing on the roof that time during the battle of New York, in all that leather, with all that pomp. So much power, so in control…”

Loki shivered pulling the robe tighter again, “Uh, th-thank you, Master.”

Tony ignored the shiver and pressed on. He stood face-to-face with Loki again and ran a finger under the lapels of the robe and pushed it back till it fell from his slender shoulders, the soft fabric pooling around his ankles. He forced himself to ignore the other man’s tensed muscles and sweat beading across his forehead. Instead Tony leant in, the scent of alcohol wafting around the other man, “You’re mine, Loki. Mine, mine, mine…”

He brushed his thumb over Loki’s lower lip before running his hands down the soft fabric covering his belly and let his hands settle on the man’s hips. Gripping the brushed cotton pyjama bottoms at their elastic waist Tony gave them a swift yank and they pooled with the robe leaving Loki exposed from the waist down.

This time he couldn’t ignore the near hysterical noise issued forth by the enslaved god. Tony nuzzled into Loki’s hair as his hand cupped his naked ass cheek and gave it a light squeeze, “Hush, pet, it’s just us down here…”

Pulling away slightly, Tony guided each of Loki’s hands to the Olympic bar on the squat rack, he didn’t fail to see, or feel, the shake in them. And he didn’t fail to see the fear forming across Loki’s face, and the tears that threatened to fall. Nipping at Loki’s ear he whispered, “Don’t let go of the bar…”

“Master, please…”

Loki felt his feet be set apart, then a click, and something slippery was pressed to his exposed vagina. He knew what was about to happen and tried not to tense as hot tears began to fall down his cheeks. Tony stroked the sensitive entrance, occasionally pressing a little deeper. Loki choked back a loud sob as Tony pushed his thick finger into the newly healed channel, and then a second. It was fear that caused Loki to tense, fear the kept the tears flowing, fear that kept him frozen to the spot as those two fingers touched him intimately.

Tony kept stroking the two fingers in and out until he felt Loki finally surrender to him and his entrance unclench. There was the metallic sound of a zipper opening and the whoosh of fabric, a few sounds of flesh on flesh and Tony pressed his body flush with Loki’s. He pressed his face into the man’s heated, sweaty nape, “Deep breath in, and deep breath out for me.”

Loki inhaled shakily, and as he exhaled Tony guided his thickened cock to the now well prepared entrance. He pushed in with a groan at the tightness and began to thrust.

Loki was now openly sobbing and gripped at the bar with white knuckles. His distressed noises filled the silent room in unison with Starks pants and thrusts.

Tony snapped his hips and came quickly, filling Loki hotly with his seed. His hands moved to cover Loki’s and his breath ghosted over Loki’s cheek, “Who do you belong to, Slave?”

Loki hiccuped as his hair fell over his face and he whispered, “You, Master…”

Tony thrust deeper into him once more, squeezing his hands, “I can’t hear you!”

“YOU! You, Master! I belong to you, Master!”

Tony blinked as an almost impossibly fast flash of white light and bolt of static electricity flicked throughout the room, “Good… Never forget that…”

He pulled out, fixed himself and turned just in time to see Loki slowly slump to the floor cradling his belly.

Tony could barely keep the bile from rising in his throat as he snapped, “Stay, right there, don’t move.”

————

Tony walked straight to the nearest bathroom and threw up violently. He ran a hand threw his hair but couldn’t bring himself to look in the mirror. Disgust at his actions ate away at him as he headed to his suite to wash.

Bruce was waiting for him when he exited the steaming shower. He could tell by the vacant expression on his friends face that it was done. He handed Tony a towel and leaned against the wall waiting for him to finish drying off, “You ok?”

“Nope…”

Bruce sighed, “We’ll get through this, all of us…” He squeezed Tony’s shoulder, “Do you think it worked?”

“Yeah… Saw the flash and everything, just like Thor said…”

Bruce nodded, gently leading Tony of of the bathroom, “You think Loki’s ok?”

“Doubt it. I’m not ok and I did that to him, so I highly doubt Loki is. And you know what, he has every right not to be” Tony sighed and sat on the edge of his bed, “We spent all that time convincing him we’re good people and then I go and rape him, and then just leave him there… Like trash... Just like the bastard had done before.”

Bruce knelt beside him, “It had to be done… He, Nasya, that unborn little girl… They would all be dead tomorrow otherwise…”

“Well, I still feel like the biggest piece of shit to ever walk on the face of the planet. I just forced myself on a very pregnant, and already very traumatised person. It might have been for his own safety, but it’s still a really shitty thing…”

“Yeah, I get that. The whole scenario is a really shitty thing.” Bruce pushed himself up using Tony’s thigh as leverage, “Look, let’s just go see Thor and make sure the contract sealed. Then we can deal with Loki’s fallout without any more interference from Asgard.”

Tony nodded, “Sounds good.” He ran his hands through his hair, “We need to get back down there to him, soon. I told him to simply ‘stay’, like some sort of trained pet…”

They walked back to the lounge in silence. Neither one looking forward to the conversation to come with Thor, or with Loki.

————

Loki pressed himself to the cool wall and allowed himself to weep. Shame rolled over him in waves as he felt his masters seed leak from his body. He had no strength to move. The painful realisation that even here he was still nothing, still just a worthless, dirty, used slave. He clutched his hands to the only fabric covering him and curled in on himself, the tears falling even more. His wracked sobs increased until he felt exhausted and lightheaded, then guilt set in. If his master had done this to him, was his precious daughter safe. Why was he sitting in such indulgent self pity when she could be injured already!

His fingers twitched and he pushed himself up to kneeling, her name falling from his lips, “Nasya…”

As he attempted to stagger to his feet Jarvis chimed, “Loki, stay seated. Sir will be back soon.”

“My daughter… Is she safe…? Is she hurt…?” Loki sunk back to his knees as pain flickered across his tight belly, and he rubbed the flesh there. He ached, Norns, did he ache everywhere.

“Miss Nasya is currently being read a story by Prince Thor in the lounge room. She is not hurt. I am picking up no signs of distress or discomfort from her.”

Loki sagged against the wall, Nasya was still safe.

Chapter Text

Tony and Bruce walked into the lounge. Nasya looked up, her wide, green eyes questioning, “Mumma?”

Tony turned away, “He’s okay, kiddo. He just needs a rest. We’ll see him soon.”

Nasya looked at Thor who just turned his head, shame finally tugging at his gut, “Aye, child, soon.”

Tony felt the bile rising again and walked to the kitchen turning the coffee machine on, watching the beans grind to a smooth powder. How was it just mere minutes ago his actions had been making those same emerald eyes tear up with fear and pain. His stomach churned, the whiskey slowly making its way up the back of his throat. He wanted to be clear headed when he went to see Loki again.

Loki…

Guilt began to eat at him, “Hey, J. How’s Loki doing downstairs?” He listened to the AI list his distress levels and heart rate among other things, “So pretty shit as well. Great… Has he moved at all?”

“Not really, Sir. Loki began to rise as he was enquiring about Miss Nasya but remains kneeling since hearing she is unharmed.”

Tony rubbed his face, “Shit. Of course he’d think I’d move on to her…”

He gulped down the strong, black coffee and shook his head feeling the kick of it begin to pump through his veins. Bruce stood by the bench, “Nasya’s asking to see her mother again…”

“Yeah… Gimme a minute.”

Tony rinsed his face under the tap and walked out crouching in front of the little girl, “So, Nasya…” he let out a tight sigh, “I had to do something and now your Mumma’s a little upset. He’s ok, but I need to talk to him before you can see him. I won’t be long and then you can have all the time you want together.”

Tears welled in her eyes and her barely audible voice whispered, “Mumma hurt?”

“I don’t know, Kiddo, that’s why I have to go down and see him…” Guilt was beginning to eat at Tony; he really had tried not to hurt the man, he had tried to be as gentle as possible.

Bruce lay his hand on Tony’s shoulder, “Come on. I’ll give you what you need from the MedLab.”

The little girl pulled away from Thor and curled up on the sofa sobbing quietly into her dress.
————

The training room doors whooshed open again and Tony instantly saw Loki kneeling by the wall where he had been left. He could see the discarded pyjama bottoms and robe still a short distance away. The supplies in his arms suddenly felt heavy, and nowhere near enough.

The once soft fabric covering Loki’s torso was now sweat-soaked and clinging to his skeletal frame. Tony padded across the room almost silently but stopped a distance away from the man, “Hey, Loki?”

He saw a shiver, and then a swallow, “Master, I stayed…”

“Yeah, I’m real happy about that.” He took a step closer but stopped when he saw an obvious flinch, “Look, I’m sorry…”

Words were lost and Tony just stood there for a time, “Think I can give you a quick once over, and then get you dressed? I can explain…”

Loki gave just the slightest of shrugs as a few tears fell down his cheeks, and whispered brokenly again, “No explanation is necessary. We belong to you, Master… Whatever you wish, we shall do.”

Those words cut through Stark deeply, “Hey, I, umm…” He was lost for words so simply moved closer and knelt beside Loki without making any sudden moves, “Lets get you sorted and warm, okay. Your little girls pretty eager to see you.”

“Nasya…” Loki’s voice trailed off as the tears started again, “I have nothing to trade or barter with but please, please do not hurt her. Whatever I did to earn your ire, I am truly sorry…”

Tony very gently tilted Loki’s tear streaked face to his, “You didn’t do anything. It’s this whole messed up situation!” He looked seriously into Loki’s eyes, “I will never, NEVER force sex on you all ever again. And Nasya will never be touched, ever. I know that we have to rebuild what shattered trust we had, but let me try, okay…”

The only response from Loki was a quick nod before averting his eyes back to the floor, heavy tears dampening the rubber mats again.

Stark took a pre-dampened towel and gently set about cleaning Loki. He tugged the damp shirt off leaving Loki kneeling naked as he replaced the cleaning cloth with a fresh one. The deep red scars that marred the slaves flesh glared at Tony, and he couldn’t resist touching one, “I thought you healed superhumanly fast, no scaring and all the rest, like Thor?”

“Normally I would, Master. Unfortunately, certain events have rendered me slower in that respect these last few years. Master Erik was fond of hard work and minimal nourishment…”

“Yeah, that sounds about right. Sick bastard.” Tony took a deep breath in, his mouth dry, “I need to… Clean… Everywhere… Bruce, umm, told me what to feel for… Incase I hurt you down there… I’m sorry… I’m happy to let you, if you’d prefer?”

Loki flushed deeply and tried not to tense, “My wishes are irrelevant, Master. Would you rather I stand or stay kneeling?”

“Uhh… Ummm…” Tony was lost for words but he could see hand tense over Loki’s belly, “You sure?”

Tony held out the damp cloth. Loki looked at the cloth and flexed his body slightly. He flushed an even deeper shade of crimson when he reached out and closed Tony’s fingers around it, “As much as I would prefer to never be touched there ever again, Master, I fear that the fullness of my pregnancy will prevent me from gaining needed access to the necessary areas.” He turned his head away hunching over a little, “I would rather you check than have a preventable illness again. I do not wish to be ill while trying to labour and birth this child.”

Tony winced, then placed his hand on Loki’s shoulder, “Okay. I’ll be quick.”

He gently took the damp, white rag and patted firmly, but not cruelly at Loki’s vaginal area clearing away his seed and remaining lubricant. He glanced down at the rag, relieved that there was only the tiniest, faintest of dried red smears, “Does anything hurt? Any pain, sharpness?”

Shaking his head, Loki kept his eyes down, “I feel tender, but you were far more gentle than my first owner, Master. I am feeling tired and uncomfortable, more than anything.”

“Yeah, that’s understandable… Trauma will do that to you. Bruce said that if you feel sick, or any pain, you need to let me know.” Tony gritted his teeth, “He sounds like a real asshole, that Erik.”

Loki shrugged, “He always managed to make it sound like I should be thanking him, made it sound like he was doing me a great favour by keeping me ‘safe’ from unwanted advances. He said once that I should have been thankful for the attention he gave, and thankful that I was not left to rot in a prison cell till the end of my days, and thankful I was not sold to a cheap brothel in another realm. Thankful, that was one of his pet words.”

“Wow…” Tony just shook his head, “But he never hurt Nasya?”

Loki shuddered at a particularly painful memory, “He was never violent with her intentionally… Master Erik would come at night sometimes. Late, after everyone was asleep and make me kneel in the centre of the barn. He would make Nasya stand still before him and recite short stories I had taught her. As soon as she made a mistake, he would strike me. It would go on for hours sometimes… Nasya would be so tired and distressed by the end of it. He especially liked doing this of late. I think he received more pleasure from it the further my pregnancy progressed because I would tired so much easier myself. I think it is why she speaks so little now…”

Tony could feel the anger rising in him, “He’s a sick bastard. I can’t change your past, Loki , but I’ll try and make your future better.” He looked away, “Trust me, the irony of what I had to do, and me calling him that isn’t lost. I’m sorry about what I did. I’m not going to make excuses for what it, but just know that I did it to protect you, okay.”

“Protect me?”

Tony reached down and picked up a fresh cloth, “Look, here’s the deal… Thor got word from your mum that the contract around you needed some sort of physical claim.” He looked down at his hands, “Odin hadn’t even told her about that part… Thor and I thought the leather collar was enough but the wise old birds, the Volta’s-“

Loki glanced up at him sharply, “The Volva’s?”

“Yeah, them! They told your mum that you were in trouble because the contract needed to be sealed with, and I quote, ‘servitude and blood’, and before some feast of Marbabon. Which of course just happens to be tomorrow… So, down came Thor and the rest, well…”

Reaching out Tony grabbed the discarded clothing and stood, offering a hand to Loki. The god stood and allowed himself to be dressed in the pyjama bottoms and robe again, instinctively pulling it tightly around him.

Loki’s eyes were fixed on the floor, his mind reeling, “The Harvest Feast of Marbon? Prince Thor, he did that for me?”

“Uh-huh, the harvest thing… Apparently when he saw your mum in the garden she was in a right state and sent him straight here…”

“That is why you-”

“Trust me, Loki, I would NEVER have touched you without your consent otherwise. Trust me, I’m a selfish, narcissistic asshole, but I’m not enough of one to actually rape you without an absolute life or death scenario happening… I would have told you about it but…”

“But I needed to fully submit, and acknowledge my place under you as the slave that I am…”

“Yeah, pretty much… You know, you’re taking this all better than I expected.”

“I had been exposed to archaic slave contracts during negotiations with other realms. I just never thought I would be under one myself. Anyway, I learnt very thoroughly from Lord Erik that I cannot change my circumstances. If you were to send me back to Asgard, or if I was to run away my fate would be the same. Once recaptured, just a painful and drawn out death…” He rubbed his face tiredly, “As much as I am numb to that now I could not inflict that upon my children, nor leave them in this world unprotected.”

Tony took a step back and gripped the now used items, his mind reeling, “Oh… Umm, how about I get rid of these, and we go see Nasya and the others… If you want to…”

“I wish to see my daughter, please, Master.”

“Yeah, ok. And a hot drink too. You feel like ice…”

Loki smiled thinly, “Jontun… We run cold, remember…”

“Oh yeah… Well, hot drink and your daughter coming up.”

Chapter Text

Tony walked out of the training area into the lift occasionally looking over his shoulder. Loki followed just out of his reach, hands resting on his baby bump.

Glancing back worriedly again as the elevator door dinged open Tony spoke quietly, “Hey, you sure you’re ok? You’re even quieter…”

Loki shivered, then sighed, “Yes, Master…”

“You cold? I know you’re technically a big, blue, frostie and all but still…”

“I am warm enough, thank you…” Loki wiped a tear from his cheek that had escaped and looked away from Tony.

Looking down at his feet he muttered, “Look. We’re going to have a good chat and get this all sorted. Something I should have done when you first got here.” Tony licked his lips nervously, “Your brother filled us in on a few things so there’ll be some changes.” He coughed nervously, “There should be a large cushion in there, beside the sofa. Grab Nasya and wait for me on that. And Loki, for what it’s worth, I am sorry…”

“You should not be sorry, Master, this is my fault… My behaviour brought this upon myself long before Thor and I ever met you. By Asgardian law, this is rightfully justified, and you are being far more kind than any owner would be if I was still there.”

Tony stayed silent, lost at Loki’s words. As his mouth parted to speak the doors chimed open and they came face to face with Thor.

Loki hugged himself and kept his eyes cast to the ground. Shame crawled over his skin and he unconsciously shrunk into the elevator corner, his shoulders hunched.

Thor’s eyes briefly skimmed Loki, his mouth opened, but then closed again. He stood to the side allowing the two men out, “I received word from Hemdail that I must return to Asgard immediately or risk my father learning why I was here…” His voice drifted off, “I just wanted to say goodbye…”

Loki pushed himself out of the corner after Tony but stayed silent.

Thor’s voice was soft, and quiet as he reached out catching Loki’s arm, “I will be back, Brother…”

Loki couldn’t bring himself to look up from the floor, “Thank you. I am grateful to you, Sire, and to the Queen. You should never have been burdened with this responsibility.”

Thor frowned, “But Broth-“

“Hey, Point Break,” Tony placed his hand on Thor’s arm and spoke just as quietly, “Loki really needs to get his head together for a bit, yeah…”

The god pressed his lips and nodded. He could see the glassiness and distance in Loki’s eyes and let his hand fall, “Of course, Friend, whatever is best for him.”

The trio silently walked back into the living area. Thor briefly said goodbye to Bruce and Nasya before opening the Bifrost on the roof, leaving the swirling night sky to settle quickly.

————

Loki picked up Nasya and rubbed her back as she sobbed into his neck. He felt her soft tears against his flesh and guilt rolled over him again. His hand rubbed her back gently as he sat them on the large pillow. His head rested against hers and he felt tears prick at his own eyes. He buried his face in her hair and rocked them, trying to compose himself but failing miserably.

Tony cleared his throat, “Uh, Loki, so… Bruce is going to take Nasya when she’s calmed down a bit. She doesn’t need to hear all the details.” He felt his heart clench as her tiny frame heaved with each sob. The white knuckles of Loki’s hands was telling, “Just for this chat, nothing more!”

“Yeah, she can help me make some hot drinks for us all.” Bruce smiled kindly, “Then you guys can settle in to your room for the night.”

Loki nodded, his own quiet sobs currently matching Nasya’s. Bruce looked to Tony a bit worriedly, the two slaves were in far worse condition than they had ever realised.

After a couple of minutes their sobs stopped and Loki hiccuped still clutching Nasya to him. His voice was hoarse and he kept his eyes lowered, “Forgive me….”

Tony just shrugged glancing at Bruce. The good doctor stood and reached out taking Nasya gently, “I’m just borrowing her for a while so you guys can talk. She’ll be back in no time.”

Before panic could begin to creep into Loki, Tony started, “So, Loki, easy stuff first. Your tasks around here until you’ve had the bub will be pretty basic; light cleaning, cooking, random bits and pieces. After you’ve had her, when you’re all healed up and everything, you’ll start helping me and Bruce in our respective labs as well.” He could see the tension and fear spring into Loki’s body at that and he raised his hands hurriedly, “No funny business, I swear! Just helping out, a second pair of hands. You’re a smart guy so why not use that intelligence, right?”

There was a nod and murmur from Loki but nothing else.

“So, any tasks we set that you don’t know how to do, Jarvis will help you if Bruce and I aren’t around.”

Another nod, “I have never prepared food, or cleaned for anyone, Master. We were kept outside. Field work, planting and harvesting crops… I fear I will fail before even starting…”

“Well, then we’re in for some interesting times, but you’ll pick things up quick, I’m sure.” Tony forced a smile, “Mostly, you’ll be cooking dinner for me, and the two of you. Bruce occasionally too. I’ll expect you both to eat with us, at the table, same food. None of this ‘we’re slaves so we can’t’ crap. Owners rules goes, got it.” He tried to not make that too harsh. He wanted, no he needed, Loki to get fit and healthy again.

Loki rubbed his face then wrung his hands together, “And the consequences of my failure… Will that be on me alone, or will Nasya…?”

Tony blinked a couple times, “Uhh, failure? It’s just cooking, cleaning, simple stuff…? You can’t fail that.”

Loki’s gut clenched as he nodded, tension rolling through him, “I will do everything I can to ensure success then, Master.”

“No, Loki, I didn’t mean it like that. It’s not pass/fail, or consequences, or anything! Just that we’ll start small and simple. Ease you in with things you can’t get wrong. Like toast for breakfast… Everyone can make toast… Even I can make toast, and coffee! You’ll learn, don’t worry… I’ll even have Jarvis make a file for you for quick reference, to help…”

Loki glanced up at his Master, “So, no punishment?”

“Punishment?” Tony rubbed his face, “No, no punishment, Loki. Not unless you did something really, really bad! You know, like sneak away and try to take over the planet again!”

“No, I have no intention to attempt to rule Midgard again, Master. Nothing like that at all. I just want to survive, to be able to protect my children…” Loki licked his lips looking back down at the gold cuffs encircling his fragile wrists, “And the binding for these, Master…?”

“Yeah,” He looked over to where Bruce was showing Nasya around the kitchen excitedly, “that’s why I had Bruce take Nasya… Look, I’m not happy about the situation but it seems the more ‘contact’ we have, the less we’re going to have to worry about your ex-All-Daddy suddenly sending someone down here to cart you off. So…” he let out a deep breath, “We’re going to get to know each other… We, as in you and I, will decide on what we do. I know that in this fucked up situation you can’t really consent, but I’ll be damned if I hurt you on purpose like those assholes did. So, I want you to have a bit of a think about things you like, don’t like, always wanted to try…? Cast your thoughts back to your past partners, you know… See what you get.”

A different sort of tear fell down Loki’s cheek as he listened. Not in a long time had he felt as respected as he did in this moment. Not even in the last few years of his princedom had his needs been thought of, “You are a good man, Master, thank you…” His fingers picked worriedly at the hem of his shirt, “Master, a question…?”

“Sure, fire away.”

Loki twisted the fabric in his hands and whispered, “What if I have had no prior lovers, except Lord Eric and his friends?”

Chapter Text

“Well shit…” Tony exhaled heavily as his hands came to rub at his face, “You were a virgin when all this happened…”

“Yes, Master…”

He looked through his fingers for a moment and then moved his hands to clasp the back of his neck, “That’s fucked up, and no offence to Thor, but he’s a bit of a player. Or at least he was until he met Jane. I just figured-”

“That I was like him, too?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

Loki let out a small, bitter laugh, “Prince Thor and I have always been opposites.”

“But you’re fifteen hundred years old? Why…?”

Keeping his eyes down, Loki thought and then nodded slowly, “Easily, Master. My upbringing was quite solitary. I was a natural loner, and was encouraged by the Queen to study intensively. I found out by accident a century ago that by the time it became socially acceptable to ‘dabble’ most were wary of me because of my training with seidr. Then, once I became older again, I was too engrossed and focused on my studies to be concerned with dalliances.” He rubbed his face, feeling a tightness begin to take a hold of his head as painful memories began to surface, “I feel so stupid. I was never worried about my virginity, it was not something important, it just was. I actually half thought that I would be married off by my father in a merger for new alliances, or just because I was a bother. It was not until after my enslavement that I put any real value on my own physicality. Not until everything else had been taken, something small that was mine still, until…”

“Until that asshole Eric…”

Loki sighed and dropped his hands to his belly, “Correct, Master.”

Tony pressed his lips together and rubbed the soft fabric of his jeans, “I can’t fix the past, Loki, but I’ll be damned sure not to repeat it.”

Loki’s hand smoothed over a firm kick, “Thank you.”

Tony stood up and moved to look out the window, “Don’t thank me yet, Loki, we still have to keep the contract active.”

The god struggled to his feet, moving to Tony’s side, “I know, but this is the safest that my children have ever been and I will submit to you in every way if that means your protection remains over them.”

“Your kids are safe here, Loki, just like you are.”

The god blinked and physically faltered in his step causing Stark to glance at him concerned and reach out steadying him, “What was that?”

Loki flushed as he righted himself, “That was the first time you have included me as well as my children under the banner of your protection.”

“Really? Well, I just thought that was implied? Why wouldn’t you be included?”

“Asgard is a realm of complex contracts and rules, of politics and scheming, where the finest detail is scrutinised and twisted to suit the highest paying bidder.”

“That sounds really complicated…”

“It is what I know, and what I was taught.”

Tony thought for a bit and then guided the two back to the sofa, “Sit on the couch, having you kneel for this next part isn’t going to work for me.” He patted the end of two seater for Loki, and sat himself at the other end facing Loki getting comfortable, “Nasya’s getting antsy for you so I’ll make this quick. What don’t you like sexually? What’s a hard limit, a definite no-no? What triggers you that I can work around? Just the basics and we can work the rest out as we go. I don’t want you freaking out on me because that’s not good for any of us.”

Loki shut his eyes and paled slightly tears slipping from his eyes. After a few moments he fought back the memories that threatened to flood him and whispered, “He would take me from behind, bent over the hay bales like an animal. He would never prepare me or think of my comfort. It did not matter to him if I was already in pain, or not yet healed, or tired from extra labor in the fields, I was simply a thing to be used. He did not bother to check if Nasya was near either.” He looked to Stark, “If I could beg anything from you at all, Master, it would be that Nasya never see or hear my shame again…”

“You have my word on that, Loki. Nasya, or any of your children, will not witness that. Ever.”

Loki’s shoulders relaxed and he nodded, “Thank you.”

A few hours later, after Loki had left Starks presence more than slightly bewildered, he sat with Nasya on his lap watching a children’s programme about a small black penguin. The music played and the characters spoke, and Nasya laughed relaxing against her mother. She snuggled close and huffed out a tired breath closing her eyes. Her breathing changed and soon she was sound asleep, her body raising and falling rhythmically. Loki glanced at the StarkPad beside him and reached out. He toyed with the device before turning it on. As the screen flickered to life he mused at his old self. Not so long ago he would have jumped at the chance to learn about his surroundings, and hatch a devious plan to try and overthrow New York.

Now, Loki simply waited as the device woke up. His eyes drifted over the various icons and he couldn’t help noticing a few that definitely sparked his interest. Loki was more than surprised when he saw the internet browser, and a bright green icon titled ‘LOKI’, with what he could only assume was a red notification marker. He hesitantly tapped the icon and was surprised to see an item there from his Master entitled, ‘ReadThis’. Loki tapped on the only option and a document addressed to him opened.

—
Loki.
After our conversation today I felt you should have a couple things in writing, for either future reference or just as a general reminder.
Most importantly, I don’t want you worrying about the cuffs and what we have to do. I’ve had male lovers as well in the past and know how to please them. I think it’s best that we set up one of the guest rooms as ‘our’ space to avoid any issues with our own sleep hygiene, and definitely for Nasya as well. I’ve spoken to Bruce and he’s happy to watch her when needed.
I also came up with what I like to call, The Three ‘C’s - your contract, any consent issues, and your core tasks.
- Attached is the copy of your contract. Feel free to look it over to see any loopholes that may benefit you and the kids.
- With regard to consent, there are some links with information. Your position as my ‘slave’ makes consent a bit tricky but we’ll work through it. In normal circumstances, consent is for everything, from who goes into your room all the way through to who can touch you and Nasya. This also applies to contraception in the future, something you will need to discuss with Bruce in the near future because we still have that ‘issue’ to deal with once you’ve had your baby. The last thing I want to do is force more children on you. If a pregnancy accidentally happens then you will have full choice in the progression of it, or not, that’s up to you.
- Your tasks will be simple and reassessed post birth. At this stage: 1- FOOD: Breakfast for us all for 8am, lunch at 12:30, dinner at 7pm (snacks and drinks are available for you both at all times. Food is never restricted or used as punishment, ever!). 2- LIGHT cleaning including vacuuming, sweeping, dishes, laundry, general bits and pieces. 3- the most important - caring for and teaching Nasya. Whatever you need for her just ask Jarvis or myself or Bruce.
Concerning your magic mojo, I give you full permission to use it in the following situations only: when you are in real danger and fear for you and your children’s lives, and the same to heal. We’ll discuss further allowances after the birth as well.
Get some rest and I’ll see you tomorrow for breakfast.
Tony.
—

Loki placed the tablet down beside him and let out a deep breath trying to steady himself. He could feel the power of his masters words thrumming through him. Gripping the side of the sofa he let the words settle over him in another wave, the golden cuffs responding to his master’s instructions. Loki looked out at the darkened sky and then at Nasya. He touched her leg where he knew it still pained her to walk. Tomorrow, after he had rested, and he could think straight, he would try healing them. The baby kicked sharply within him and he suddenly felt drained and tired the events of the day finally catching up with him.