Chapter Text
Tony could feel his temper fraying. He'd finally found some semblance of peace in his life again and then suddenly a ship full of Asgardians was landing in his metaphorical lap.
He quietly fumed as Thor interrupted him again to demand that Rogers and the rest of the team be brought in. Despite the new look and new responsibilities he was still as dismissive of Tony as ever.
Bruce was sitting with his head down and staring at his hands and it still hurt when he didn't speak up when Thor yelled at him. He'd lost a lot of faith in their friendship when the scientist up and left when working with Maximoff grew too difficult, leaving Tony to deal with the crazy bitch on his own.
"Rogers is on the fucking run from the law," Rhodey seethed, just as angry and with far less patience for Thor. "So is Romanoff. Barton and Wilson are on house arrest and the Vision is fuck knows where on his journey to find himself or whatever. Stop throwing a tantrum to get what you want and explain about this threat. And also explain why Loki is here."
Rhodey jabbed a finger in the trickster's direction. Loki was just watching this entire clusterfuck in morbid fascination.
"And 'because I say he's better' isn't an actual reason," Tony cut in as Thor opened his mouth. "Give us a real reason that isn't based on your opinion."
Thor scowled at them both and Bruce ducked his head lower.
"They are correct," Loki spoke up softly.
Tony turned to face the mage and found some of his anger fading. He recognised that look in Loki's eyes. It was the same look he got anytime someone mentioned Afghanistan.
"I will cooperate and explain my situation to your government," he assured with a grimace.
Rhodey and Tony exchanged a look.
"You can tell us and we'll take it from there," he decided.
Grimace still in place, Loki told them. He told them about falling from the Bifrost and being captured by Thanos. He reluctantly explained the torture and partial mind control he'd ended up under. He briefly explained how he didn't die during the whole thing in London and how he'd ended up on this weird alien planet. Thankfully he decided to explain the rest as well so they got a clear explanation for how the Asgardians had ended up here.
Tony leaned back with a sigh. Well, that was a mess.
"Friday, call Crowley and tell him I need a favour," he instructed.
Then he leaned forward and took control of the meeting.
"We'll deal with Loki's situation," he said. "But that doesn't change things. We are not letting Rogers off scott-free after all the shit he pulled just because you demand it. He fucked up and he's got to face the consequences. Besides which, I'll never work on the same team with that man again."
"Stark-"
"No," Tony cut him off. "You two weren't here. You weren't here and you don't get to demand things go your way now that you're back. The world doesn't work that way."
He stood up, Rhodey following.
"You're welcome to stay in the Compound, you and the other Asgardians. But try not to cause trouble while I contact the UN about a crazy genocidal alien heading to Earth."
As they walked out Bruce spoke up.
"And Maximoff? You didn't mention her?"
Tony didn't turn around. "She's dead," he stated bluntly.
Worse than dead actually. But he wasn't going to try and explain Lucifer right now.
He left silence behind him.
Bruce, Loki and Thor were getting food with the rest of the Asgardians when the doors opened and Crowley strode in with a team of lawyers following him like ducklings.
Aziraphale followed but he was just watching in mild amusement.
"Right," Crowley came to a stop by them, ignoring Thor entirely. "We're going to work on your situation so come on," he gestured to Loki who was frowning.
"You are not Midgardian."
Crowley rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not. I'm a demon. But I'm also damn good with legal shit and Tony asked me to do this as a favour. So you coming or what?"
He waited impatiently until Loki nodded and stood up.
Thor opened his mouth to interrupt, likely to argue since he didn't like demons, when Aziraphale shoved him back in his seat with a hand on his shoulder.
He gave the god a gentle smile but his grip was unwavering.
"Crowley really is the best when it comes to this," he assured kindly. "But please don't interrupt him. He gets very focused and it does so annoy him to be stopped."
Crowley dragged Loki off with his gaggle of lawyers and Aziraphale only let go of Thor when they were gone.
"You're the angel right?" Bruce asked carefully. He'd never officially met Aziraphale. And only met Crowley during that one summoning they interrupted.
Aziraphale smiled brightly. "I am," he introduced himself. "My name is Aziraphale. Lovely to meet you Dr. Banner."
Bruce warily shook his hand.
"And you guys are here as a favour to Tony?" He asked.
"Oh, yes," he answered cheerfully. "Tony has helped us so much. He's a very kind man. So of course we're eager to help."
Thor was still scowling at him but Aziraphale seemed unbothered.
"I wouldn't try attacking my partner," Aziraphale added serenely. "He is attempting to help you and your people."
"The Captain was clear that demons are not to be trusted," Thor stated stubbornly.
"Hmm, yes. The Captain also beat Tony near to death and left him to die in a frozen and abandoned bunker."
Aziraphale's tone remained light but his gaze didn't waver from the paling men.
"A perfectly trustworthy individual," he gave them a smile before leaving the pair to think on his words.
"What?" Bruce whispered.
"He must lie," Thor stated stubbornly.
A quiet scoff behind them drew their attention to Pepper Potts giving them a disdainful look.
"Aziraphale is a terrible liar. Either accept that Rogers isn't as perfect as you like to think he is or get out of the building. I won't let that man near Tony again."
They shrunk under her glare until she turned and walked away, heels clicking against the tiles as the crowd parted hurriedly before her.
"I think we need to do some research Thor," Bruce murmured softly. "It looks like a lot happened while we were gone."