Avengers Minis

Title: Happy New Beginnings

Fandom: Avengers

Chapter: 5

Characters: Thor, Loki, Tony, Clint, Natasha, Bruce, Sam

Word Count: 1,383

Warnings: some unhappy talking

For: CutsyCat

AN: This one is actually a build up to the next story in this set but I have to write it. Need to finish off a few others first. The joy.

*~*~*~*

It was rather surprising when Thor arrived, not alone as he usually did in a flash of thunder and lightening, but instead with his brother. Loki was looking haggard, worn but sane for once. Thor was frowning heavily, hovering over Loki who just blinked at them before pressing close to the blond God, almost as if he was afraid of being attacked.

“What is he doing here?” Clint asked, no inflection to his voice. Just a flat tone of voice that told those who were gathered that he wasn't happy with the fact that Loki was standing there. Sighing softly, Thor rubbed at his head with a frown.

“He is here to make up for his actions during his time under the Chitari and to get help for his mind. Our healers say that he must talk with those who know the mind to heal the wounds that his many years have done,” Thor stated, nodding to Sam who just frowned and shook his head.

“I know nothing about God's and your culture, man, so don't look at me,” Sam drawled, shaking his head with a smirk. “You'd need someone highly specialized in mental fuck ups if what I understand of your brother there is real,” he continued at Thor's curious look. “You need also need someone who specializes in one on one therapy.”

“Would that be best?” Thor asked, Tony sighing and deciding to step in, pushing away from the counter that he had leant against, smiling gently.

“Yeah and I know someone who can do it. Is there anything I need to tell her?” Tony asked, ignoring the looks that he was getting, brushing them off with a roll of his shoulders.

“I have many problems that I do not wish to discuss right now,” Loki finally said, his voice soft and wary. Tony smiled and nodded his head. “I do not know this person therefore I do not trust them...or you.”

“That’s all good. She knows that trust needs to be built instead of just handed over. She won’t push you for what you’re not ready to talk about,” he promised, moving around to a drawer. “How about we go get you some clothes and then I can take you to meet her.”

“But…” Clint started before snapping his mouth shut and glaring as Tony smiled at him.

“I don’t believe he’s going to attack, Clint. He’s leashed in a way, isn’t he?” Tony asked, turning from Clint to look at Thor. The large male nodded his head and smiled softly at his brother who was looking uncomfortable. “Well then, we're good. Come on, Loki, let's head on to get you some clothes and then I'll take you to see my friend. She'll take real good care of you.”

“There is a reason why I was so easily used by Thanos and the Chitari...” Lok admitted softly, twitching slightly when Tony simply placed a hand on his lower back and lead the way.

“You don't have to tell me anything,” Tony promised, tilting his head to the side as he gazed up at the older male with worry shining in his eyes.

“I must because I don't think that I could tell a stranger, so I would need you to do so. That and it is...for my peace of mind that you know,” Loki replied, the two stepping up to the door, Thor frowning slightly.

The Avengers watched Tony go from relaxed and loose to tense and shocked at the soft words that none of them could catch. “I see. I'll tell her that,” Tony promised, nodding his head and smiling softly up at him. The look was full of understanding and sympathy, Loki nodding his his head and sighing softly.

Thor shifted on his feet and looked at the remaining Avengers, looking worn and tired. “I do not know his reasons for why he was easily used, so do not ask that of me. I just know that he was hurt by everything that has happened in ways that I do not understand, much less the healers of our home. That is why they told me to bring him down here to speak with the healers of this land.”

“What are we supposed to do with him?” Cling asked, crossing his arms and narrowing his eyes at the other male, not happy with the fact that Loki was there, much less being around Tony at the moment.

“You are to do nothing. Just allow him time to rest and heal, then we will leave once more so that he can take his place in healing his reputation in Asgard,” Thor replied, rubbing at his head and taking a seat with a heavy thud, groaning softly.

“I take it that things have been difficult?” Bruce asked, having hidden away into the kitchen of the common area to retain his control over the Hulk. He had seen the haunted look in Loki's eyes and it had helped him to come back from the anger.

“Very. He has been broken in ways that I can never understand,” Thor sighed, slumping in his chair. “The council is not happy and keeps stating that his punishment should be swift and harsh,” he continued, shaking his head with a heavy frown. “Even father and mother have told them to quiet themselves lest they be considered traitorous to their rule. Father is loosing patience and just wants to learn the full reason as to why Loki fell off the edge of sanity so hard and fast.”

“So he sent you and him down to learn this? Through using psychiatrists?” Steve asked, moving to the liquor cabinet and pouring a bit of Asgardian alcohol that the God kept there just in case the man needed something stronger then the tea or coffee he drank. Handing the glass over, he sat down and leant forward, placing his elbows on his knees.

“My father was worried about his mental state before. But after he came back from the Chitari's hold, he had nightmares, even when we were still down here before we left,” Thor sighed, rubbing at his neck, wrinkling his nose with a grunt. “Father had him placed in a cell for all of a night before he moved him to a secure room instead. His nightmares unleashed his power and turned several of the other prisoners into various animals. Within his room though the power was redirected towards the wards around the palace, as far as I understood it.”

“So he has...nightmares? Memories or...?” Clint slowly asked, swallowing heavily as he ran his hand through his hair with a heavy look on his face.

“Memories as far as we can figure,” Thor replied, looking at the archer as he groaned and flopped onto the couch, rubbing at his face, wrinkling his nose.

“Fuck. It sounds like he has PTSD,” Clint finally said, Thor tilting his head before looking to Steve to answer his silent question.

“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” Steve finally said. “It can happen from any number of things. If it was traumatic and left a long lasting impression on the person. It includes other symptoms to.”

“Touch is usually met with flinches or the person moving away. The person doesn't like to be cornered and can be sent into a panic attack if pushed to far,” Clint continued, rubbing at his face. “And from the look on your face, Loki has all that and much more, yes?” he asked.

“Yes, indeed he does,” Thor sighed, frowning heavily. “Is there anything that can be done? No medicine?” he asked, leaning forward. “I worry for my brother and his mental state.”

“All that can heal it is time and therapy,” Steve said, standing and patting his shoulder. “Just give him the support that he will need to get through this and be understanding if he does not want to speak about what happens.”

“Very well, I can do that,” Thor promised, nodding his head with a smile. The others smiled and settled in to wait for the return of Loki and Tony, Clint's mind spinning with what he had just learned.