Inspired by a post from tumblr user tsuki-chibi :
"Has there ever been a fic post Civil War where Loki is part of the team? And team cap is smugly convinced everything is fine and it's only a matter of time until Tony forgives them and Loki screws up and gets kicked out…. and then Tony gets deaged and freaks out at the sight of team cap and Loki goes into super protective mode and all of team caps shit, which got swept under the rug, gets dragged into the open?"

Disclaimer: Obviously and unfortunately I don't own Marvel, let alone the Avengers.

Warnings: Bashing of Steve, Wanda, Clint and Natasha -seriously they ain't nice in this, but Bucky, Sam and Scott are good guys as is Loki. Past Character Death. Swearing -I mean if you've read my previous stories, then this shouldn't be surprising. Not Thor: Ragnorak Compliant. Nightmares.

A Two-Shot/Two-Chapted Story.

Cross Posted on my AO3, which is anxious_soul

"Come on, Stark. Stop being such an arrogant bastard."

"For your information, my parents were married before I was conceived." Is all the billionaire said as he walked passed the Rogues and headed to his workshop/lab with a packet of blueberries in his right hand whilst his left arm was wrapped around Bruce's waist as he led his science-bro to their haven.

Yes. That's right. The Rogue-Avengers (which is what everyone still dubbed the team even though they…) had been pardoned and unfortunately, they were now Tony's responsibility. Together the Rogue and New Avengers lived at the Compound. But, Tony had found himself a new team and family. The New-Avengers consisted of Tony, Rhodey, Peter (but not officially and only if needed), Dr Strange, Vision, Bruce, Thor and surprisingly, Loki. Said God of Mischief was…good. The word, however, was only used loosely as he was -you know- the God of Mischief and bound to get up to no good sometimes. All of them -minus Tony- had come together to make an agreement where they'd do their best to protect their favourite billionaire from the Rogues. It was difficult, however, what with the glares, the stares, the snarks and the constant, constant verbal attacks. Plus, Rogers kept trying to hard to make Tony forgive them and let them become a team again. As if that would ever happen. Though, surprisingly, Tony and Bucky Barnes -who was out of HYDRAs grasp for good, though Winter (which was what the Winter Soldier liked to be called) was still there, it appeared that Bucky had developed a multiple personality disorder and Winter only came out when Bucky couldn't handle the situation, the stress, when Bucky needed a break and/or when Bucky needed support in a mission -though, during missions Bucky and Winter were usually there together- had become friends. Tony had made him a new arm and the man had been so painfully honest in his apology that the billionaire couldn't help but forgive him. Anyway, the two were quite close now and somewhat terrifyingly, Winter (along with Bucky but he wasn't as extreme) was very protective.

—LINE BREAK—

It happened on a mission. The first mission both teams were working together. Everyone from the New Avengers had been against it. Saying no one had worked properly together as a single team. It didn't help that no one trusted each other. Which was why everything went wrong on the mission.

The Rogues didn't listen. The teams didn't come together, they stayed separate. Wanda 'lost' control…and well, everything…it just went wrong.

Their most recent villain was a sorcerer, which should've made things easy considering they had three magic users, yet the villain still got the best of the heroes. He sent a spell at Tony seconds before Dr Strange succeeded in subduing the sorcerer.

"You are all complete morons. Stay with him and don't fuck up this time." Strange growled before quickly hurrying over to Tony along with the rest of the billionaire's team, leaving the Rogues to deal with their glaring villain.

—LINE BREAK—

Dr Strange, who had reached Tony first, left immediately taking the genius with him. The others made were confused and left wondering -even Strange's team! When they had been debriefed and made their way home, Tony's team rushed off to find the man and their resident Sorcerer supreme. The Rogues were also curious and decided to follow. Several of them hoping for the worst.

"Right. Well, Tony is fine…" Strange started from where he stood in front of the hospital ward,

"But?" Thor asked,

"But…he's six years old."

"What?" Everyone exclaimed,

"He's six years old, yet there appears to be a bit of his adult mind. He recognised me and Dr Cho. Also, when Vision came down, Tony seemed to know him immediately. That being said he doesn't remember anything other than what he did at six. So we theorised that his memories of his proper age are blurry and distant. He may end up remembering certain things, but we can't really say anything until…he more or less shows us." He explained gesturing a bit with shaky hands, before turning and opening the door to reveal a small boy, who hastily hid behind Stephen's legs whilst clutching the man's right trouser leg. "Anthony why don't you say hi." That shook the boy from his shyness and his face fell blank revealing that he had learned to mask his emotions at a young age.

"Now now, young Anthony, Dr Strange didn't say for you to shut yourself off like that." Loki murmured crouching down to the boys level and holding his hand out, "Do you know who I am? My name is Loki."

"I…I recognise you…I think." The little boy whispered as he gingerly shook the god's hand before looking at everyone else, "I…I know you all."

"That you do, Tones."

"Rhodey!" The child squealed causing everyone to jump at the sudden change of attitude, but the man only laughed and held his arms out to hug the six-year-old.

"It appears that he most definitely remembers his best friend."

"Well, he has known me the longest, so that might help." Rhodes murmured with a shrug at Vision's comment. "He's asleep." He whispered with a grin, "We need to get him a room sorted."

"There's a spare room by mine. Thor's is near too."

"That would work, he did take a good liking to you as well." Strange commented,

"Yeah, there's no space near my room."

"Alright. I shall use my magic to change it into a child's room and tomorrow we can order him some toys."

"Sounds good." The New Avengers all commented (save for Peter, he hadn't gone on the mission because he wasn't needed and because he's busy with school),

"Woah, woah, woah. What about us? I have three children and Scott has one, shouldn't we be involved as we actually know how to raise a child." Clint stated with a frown, Scott, however, looked at Clint with a clear expression that said he didn't want to be brought into this. See Scott and Sam actually seemed to understand what they did wrong and were honest when they apologised (also, no one else other than Bucky apologised).

"Yes. The children you left for the man by your side." Shockingly, it was Bruce who said this. Normally, the man strayed away from conflict, but he didn't this time and with he stared at Clint with green in his eyes. Everyone seemed shocked by the doctor's words, though several smirked.

"Loki, let's go put Tony to bed. It's what, 8 pm? That's late for someone his age, right? So he shouldn't wake till tomorrow and we can get him settled then."

"Yes, let us do that, James." The God answered and followed the black man, who grumbled about being called by his proper name.

The others stood there staring at one another and before they turned their separate ways, Thor spoke loud and clear, pausing any and all movement.

"Out of all of you, my brother is most certainly the better choice when it comes to looking after Anthony." The God of Thunder turned and narrowed his eyes at Clint before looking briefly at the other Rogues, excluding Bucky (who had been walking away and talking with Strange before they stopped to look at Thor), "My brother has four children of his own all of whom he cares dearly for. Now, if you'll excuse us."

—LINE BREAK—

Morning came quickly and the Avengers (both teams) could be found in the common room kitchen, all except Rhodey and Tony. Minutes passed as breakfast began to pile up and be placed on the table when the missing two entered. Rhodey was holding Tony's hand as the little boy rubbed at his eyes with the other.

"Well ain't that adorable." Bucky drawled from where he stood by the oven with Bruce, the two had taken to making most of the meals -mainly because they were the only decent cooks (totally not because no one trusted the Rogues to cook or because the last time Tony, Strange and Thor had been allowed to cook the kitchen had somehow exploded…be aware that the trio had done nothing but open the fridge and turn the stove on… Loki and Rhodey, however, were allowed to cook as well, but they saw it more as a chore than something enjoyable like the two B's did). Tony looked up and gave a sleepy grin.

"Morning Mr Strange. Morning Mr Vi…Mr Vi…"

"Call me Vis if that will be easier." The android murmured bending down to eye level with the small child, who smiled shyly,

"Morning Mr Vis." Though the 'Vis' came out more like 'fish' but no one corrected him, though a couple of the Rogues gave a sneer or two, "Morning Mr B'uce. Morning Mr Thor. Morning Mr Loki." The child said greeting them and smiling at them all before he turned to the Rogues and started again, "Morning Mr Ste'e. Morning Mr Clint. Morning Mr 'am. Morning Mr Scott. Morning Miss Na…Nata…morning Miss Nat. Morning Miss Wanda." His 'S's' being pronounced properly as he became more awake,

"What about my 'good morning'?" Bucky asked moving around so Tony could see him and in return, he received a grin,

"Morning Mr Bucky!"

"Morning, котенок. How about you go take a seat and breakfast will be ready in two ticks." The metal-armed man whispered loudly like it was a secret and Tony did as told, taking a seat between Loki and Rhodey.

—LINE BREAK—

"Mr Rhodey, what are we doing today?"

"Well, Tony, today you and I will be going to the workshop and I'll be informing you about some things. Is that alright?" So the man's answer wasn't very useful, it was more cryptic than helpful, but Tony just nodded before going back to his pancakes.

Fifteen minutes later, Tony was in the elevator with Rhodey and Bruce, who had asked if he could join to which Tony nodded his head very quickly. He was holding both of their hands and allowing the adults to lead him into a large room. The child's eyes widened in glee and awe.

"Wow! These thingies are so cool! Who made them? Was it daddy?"

"Tony." Rhodey whispered before leading the boy to a couch where they both sat down, "Did Dr Strange tell you anything yesterday." The boy was silent as he thought,

"He told me it was 2017 and that I'm not supposed to be six."

"That's right." Rhodey didn't say anything, just waited until the little genius came to a realisation -or at least remembered,

"Oh! I'm silly. There's an Older-Me isn't there and he's not here because I'm here."

"That's right. So can you guess who made these 'thingies'." Tony was quiet again as he thought before he began to jump in his seat with wide excited eyes,

"Did older-me make them?"

"Yes. You're very smart now, but when you grow up you get even smarter."

"Wow! Can I see Older-Me's creations? Please, please, pretty please!"

"Of course, you can, Tony. Come on." And the rest of the morning and afternoon was spent down in the workshop/lab. Tony learned about Older-Tony's inventions and listened to Bruce talk about his own science experiments. The six-year-old was even allowed to build some things, but Rhodey stayed to make sure he didn't hurt himself. Multiple times, other people would come in and sit around, watching and talking with them. Loki and Bucky made an appearance, both carrying plates of food and sat around with the trio eating.

—LINE BREAK—

The day passed without fault. Tony had successfully and proudly created a robotic dog, he was currently showing it off to everyone.

"Mr Steve! Look at this!" Tony exclaimed pulling the Super Soldier over to where his robot was, the other Rogues quickly followed their leader. Unfortunately, the dog began to freak out and run itself into the wall over and over again until it broke. Tony stared at it with large and sad eyes, "I don't…I don't understand why she broke." He whispered before wandering over and picking up the pieces,

"It's a she?" Clint muttered with an eye roll but everyone ignored him and soon it was time for dinner.

—LINE BREAK—

"Mr Bucky."

"Yes, Tony?"

"What's wrong with your left arm?" Tony asked tilting his head as he moved his fork along the plate, scooping up some lasagna,

"Tony! Don't be so rude!" Steve shouted causing the six-year-old to jump in fright, his eyes widening, the New-Avengers glared hatefully at the blond for scaring the little boy,

"I'm sorry, Mr Bucky," Tony whispered whilst looking down,

"Don't be. Steve is the one in the wrong, he thinks I can't speak."

"But you're speaking right now!"

"I know right!" Bucky exclaimed with a grin as he looked at the boy sitting in front of him, "I lost my arm in an accident -"

"Daddy told me you fell off a train and died."

"Yes." Bucky replied slightly startled at the interruption, "Yes, but I didn't die. I was captured by bad men and given a metal arm. Older-You, however, took the old arm and then made me this new one."

"I made that!"

"Yes, you did. It's remarkable."

"Wow!" He whispered before stuffing some lasagna in his mouth, "Do you dream about the fall?" Bucky startled again at the sudden and random question,

"…Yes, I suppose I do sometimes."

"I had funny dreams last night. I was falling and falling and falling. In one of the dreams I hit some sand, it was very hot and painful. Then in the other dream, I was caught by an incredible giant that was green! Then there was another one and I felt a tight pressure on my neck and then I was thrown out of a window! But something wrapped around me and stopped me from going splat!" Tony rambled on happily before he looked sad, "It hurt a lot. I thought when you fell in dreams you were supposed to wake up before you hit the ground, but I didn't." He pouted, unaware of the looks all of the adults were exchanging.

"Dreams are very crazy sometimes," Rhodey commented, breaking the silence surrounding the room and causing Tony to turn to him,

"Did you ever fall, Mr Rhodey?" The man beside him froze momentarily,

"Yes. I…yes I took a nasty fall last year. You know those things on my legs." Tony nodded, "You made them and they allow me to walk again." Tony said nothing but he moved so his head was leaning against the black man's arm.

—LINE BREAK—

"I have an idea," Steve mentioned as soon as he along with Wanda, Clint, Natasha, Sam and Scott sat in an empty room on the couches, unfortunately, Bucky refused to come along with them, but it was probably for the better, "to get Tony to forgive us and give us our rightful places on the so-called 'New Avengers'." Everyone but Sam and Scott looked interested,

"Go on, Cap," Clint exclaimed with a grin,

"We need to get Young-Tony alone and talk to him. Strange said Tony would remember everything when he was back to his old self and if we can get him to forgive us now then we stand a better chance."

"Yes, but how'd we get him to talk with us. I mean Young him isn't against us or anything, but it's clear that he doesn't like us as much as he does the others." Clint asked,

"I could use my magic." Wanda offered,

"He was a fan of Captain America at that age. Actually, he's always been a fan, so dress up for him, get your shield." Natasha said looking at her nails briefly, "He'll happily talk to you then."

"Good idea." Steve murmured,

"But how do we get him alone?" Wanda asked, "I could use my magic." She offered again,

"No. We don't need to Rhodey's got a meeting, Thor said he was taking Loki somewhere, Bruce offered to babysit but we all know he'll be in the lab most of the day."

"No one else really bothers with Tony," Natasha added and their plan was finished. No one paid attention to Scott or Sam who had been holding a silent conversation with their eyes and expressions.

—LINE BREAK—

"I would watch your back, Rogers." The name was spat out as though it was something with a horrible taste, "I don't know what you are playing at, but one wrong move against Tony -child or adult- and you will reap what you sow."

"Are you threatening me, Loki?"

"Yes." The God deadpanned, "If that's how you see it, though I look at it as a promise."

"How dare you threaten Steve!"

"Oh shut up, you good for nothing witch."

"I think you should be the one to watch your back. We're going to be forgiven by Tony sooner or later and accepted onto his team. When that happens you'll be gone. We're merely waiting for you to screw up."

"Well, have fun waiting a very long time." Loki murmured with an evil smirk before walking away and going back to what he had been doing before Sam and Scott had told him about the Rogues most recent discussion.

—LINE BREAK—

The God of Mischief woke to a faint whimpering that night. Confused at first, he remained still and silent. The whimpering increased and got a bit louder. Soon it became muffled cries. Upon realisation, Loki hastily made his way into the room beside his. Tony's room. He found the child sitting up in his bed clutching one of the many teddies Loki had bought him. Tony's face was buried into the somewhat large Hulk teddy in an attempt for comfort and to muffle his sobs. Loki took a seat beside the boy and gently wrapped his arms around Tony, who shuffled into them, seeking comfort desperately.

"Ssh, child. It is alright." He whispered words of comfort and caring until the crying ceased, "Want to tell me what happened?" Tony was quiet for a few minutes,

"Everyone was dead. I was…the world was different…there were aliens." His voice broke as silent tears fell,

"Ssh. It's alright. Just a bad dream." But, of course, Loki knew it wasn't just a bad dream, it was the vision the witch had planted in his adult mind several years ago. "It's alright. I'm here." The two stayed in each other's arms, Loki eventually fell asleep but for most of the night, he simply stared at the wall thinking about how protective he had become and how much he loved the child in his arms. It made him think about his own blood children too.

Anyway,
Thank you for reading,
Hope you enjoyed this,
Please review,
No hate -don't like, don't read

Bye~