Loki was perched on the wall leaning against the pillar directly across from Sif's chambers. One knee bent, his elbow resting on it as he contemplated the apple in his hand before taking a bite. His other hand lay in his lap holding another apple. The Trickster patiently waited for Rogers to emerge.

Steve had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed as he appeared in Sif's doorway. Well, he supposed it was better than Tony sitting out here waiting for him. He squared his shoulders and walked over to the god.

"Loki."

Said god cut his eyes at the soldier, a twinkle of mischief in them. "Steven."

Aw, crap. Here we go.

"I trust you had a pleasant evening?" Loki said nonchalantly, before sinking his teeth into the apple.

Steve flushed, but held his ground. "Very much so. Thanks for asking. And yourself?"

"Immensely." Loki purred. With a flick of his wrist he presented the fruit. "Apple?"

Steve reached for it. "Uh, sure. This isn't one of those special apples is it?"

Loki smiled, "No, Rogers, it's simply an apple."

He took it with a small smile. "Thanks."

"They say the apple is considered to be the forbidden fruit." Loki pondered his apple once more before taking another bite. Chewing thoughtfully, "Have you ever wondered; why an apple? Why not a plum or a peach? Certainly a passion fruit would be more suited." He shrugged and took another bite.

"I get it. The apple, forbidden fruit, me, Sif. Ha ha, Loki." Steve droned.

"Oh, come now Rogers, you are no fun. Besides, you know Anthony has been thinking up ways to harass you all morning. It is to be expected with your sterling reputation." Loki swung his legs over and gracefully landed on his feet. "Sif has chosen wisely. However, this was not the reason for my visit. Anthony, the children and I will be leaving tomorrow. If you choose to stay, Sif or Thor can get you home. I did not want you to feel obligated to return with us since you have become quite fond of the Lady Sif."

Steve glanced thoughtfully down at the apple. "Thanks, Loki." The god inclined a nod and headed down the hall. "Hey, Loki?" He turned around, "Do you think she would be opposed to living on Ear—Midgard?"

"That I do not know. I do know, if she was given a reason, she would definitely visit." The trickster smiled and continued towards his chambers to pack for the return home.

~break~

Steve had approached Sif about coming back with him. It was agreed that although Asgard was her home, she would most definitely visit Midgard for extended periods of time. To say the super soldier was delighted would be putting it mildly. Steve would return with the others. Sif would follow shortly thereafter.

After a rigorous sparing session with Sif and Thor, the couple decided it was time for a break and headed towards the meal hall. Thor hung back as he spotted Tony, trying to entice him to spar with him.

Climbing the steps that led to the main "chow hall", they noticed the temperature had dropped drastically. It wasn't until Steve almost slipped did they notice the slightest bit of frost covering the ground.

"Frost Giants." Sif said taking a warriors stance.

Noting where they were, Steve saw the frost thickening on the walls. "No. Loki."

They bolted down the halls, skidding to a halt when they rounded the corner. Loki stood protectively in front of his children. Magic sparked and swirled around his fingertips. His skin took a faint blue tint as his Jotun markings began to show through his glamour. Jormungandr held a frightened Fenrir in his arms, Slepnir stood slightly behind him to his right. A short distance away from them was Odin.

"I was merely curious about the comings along of my grandchildren, Loki. Nothing more." Odin stood unwavering, but non-threatening.

"You forget who you speak to, do not lie to me, All-Father. You've come to see if they remain a threat." Loki hissed.

"Sif, go get Tony and Thor now! And find Frigga!" Steve made his way down the corridor cautiously as Sif took off running.

"Loki, is there a problem here?" The Captain came to stand beside the god, shield at the ready.

"He's trying to steal my children again Rogers." Loki's voice was resilient, but he could hear the slight quiver of fear.

"Well I think that's going to be pretty damn hard, seeing as we're not going to let that happen."

"There has been a misunderstanding." Odin tried to calm his defensive son.

"Was it a misunderstanding when you took them from me the first time? No, your intentions were quite clear then, as they are now." Loki was practically vibrating with rage and apprehension. His crimson eyes blazed with fury.

Thunder crackled overhead signifying the displeasure of the crown prince.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" Thor's voice boomed as he strode towards them, his hammer gripped tightly in his hand. Loki's mortal ran next to him to keep in step with the god's long strides.

Tony quickly assessed the situation and it didn't look good. Odin wasn't giving off any threatening vibes, but his mere presence seemed to throw Loki into a panic. The boys stood huddled together behind him trying to look as small as possible while Steve and Thor now flanked the god on either side. The tension was so extreme, one false move and everything would go to shit in an instant.

"Loki." Tony said calmly. "Babe, look at me." He came to stand in front of the god, in between him and the king. Loki's gaze shifted quickly to Tony then back to Odin. He touched his shoulder lightly feeling him twitch slightly. "Loki, we are going home. Right now." He moved his hand up to his neck stroking his thumb gently across that beautiful blue skin. "Hey. Come back to me." He whispered. Loki looked down at Tony. The fear in his eyes was almost palatable. "We are leaving and no one is going to stop us." Loki calmed down to the point where his Aesir skin melded over his Jotun form, although, he refused to let his guard down. The Man of Iron turned to the All-Father. "I am grateful for the second chance at life, for saving us both, I truly am. But if you so much as even entertain the idea of coming after these boys, I will kill you."

It was at that moment Frigga hastened her way down the corridor looking fit to be tied. Sif right behind her. "Odin! What in all the Nine realms do you think you are doing?!"

"Come on babe, let's get out of here. Give him to me." Tony takes Fenrir from Jormungandr and Loki ushers the other two beside him; Thor leading the way, Sif and Steve bringing up the rear. They don't stop until they've made it to the bi-frost and are safely back in Tony's mansion.

~break~

They all sleep in the same room that night locked down in Tony's bedroom. Thor dragging in mattresses from adjoining rooms. They are safe and protected, surrounded by those who care about them the most.

Loki does not sleep. He rests against the headboard as his children cling to him in their slumber. Tony sits in an arm chair close to the bed, nursing a glass of scotch. The god has not spoken much since their hasty departure from Asgard. He is mentally exhausted and still fearful for his children. He lightly cards his fingers through Slepnir's hair. Tired eyes look up to find the frustrated russet orbs of his lover. He knows the anger Tony feels is not aimed at anyone in this room, but rather the situation as a whole. Mostly he is pissed off that there is little he could do to protect Loki's children. He made the threat and meant it. The engineer's mind goes a million different directions at once trying to find a way to make these threats a promise. Closing his eyes, he pinches the bridge of his nose at the onset of a migraine.

"Thank you." Loki speaks just above a whisper as not to disturb anyone.

"For what?"

"For calming me down." Tony opened his eyes and slides them towards Loki. "I would have killed him. I was so close. Had he made one step forward I would have ended him then and there. I would have given them reason to take my children from me again." Loki took a deep breath. "I almost snapped, but you brought me back. You grounded me enough to get them to safety."

Tony sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. "I wish I could do more than make empty threats." He brushed Jormungandr's hair away from his face, causing him to burrow further into Loki's side.

"You have done enough." Slepnir woke at his brother's movement, listening and watching the interaction between his father and his mortal. "More than most."

"I was afraid. When I came around that corner and saw you guys like that. You all crazed and blue trying to protect, the kids scared out of their minds and Steve-"he huffed a laugh"-fucking Rogers trying to defend everyone. I thought I was going to lose you all and there was nothing I could do about it. I didn't have my suit—nothing. I thought I had lost my family." Tony choked on the last sentence. Dropping his gaze down to his lap, he shook his head. "I can't lose you guys."

Tony felt slender fingers touch his forearm and realized they weren't Loki's. Looking over, he saw those soulful obsidian eyes watching him. "Hey, Trigger. You're supposed to be asleep."

"We cannot lose you either." Slepnir whispered and held Tony's hand. Tony smiled and blinked back the tears that pooled in the corner of his eyes.

"Come to bed, love." Loki smiled and patted the spot next to Jormungandr, until Fenrir whined about being woken up and wanting to sleep next to Tony. Loki slid down so he rested on the pillows and he crawled in next to Fenrir, who immediately snuggled into him, then reached for Slepnir's hand again.

"Jarvis, lights." Tony hushed.

"It is good to have you home, Sir." The AI responded quietly.

"It's good to finally be home."

AN: that's it yall. It's a wrap. This story turned out to be a lot more than I originally intended. Thank you all for reading and following and commenting on this story. You are all so amazing and rock so hard! There will be a sequel to this one. Please let me know how you liked it! Besitos to all!