One Day Down, Chapter 135

“You’re pathetic. Do you think you can save him?”
“Yeah, I do. Or at least I can get rid of you.” He pushed the needle into Norman’s arm and waited for it to work.
The man groaned and began to tense; there was a moment of rejection on the body’s part when the serum was injected. Norman groaned and strained then began laughing.
“You think this is all just some wicked Goblin, some voice in the back of my mind, but we both know the truth!” Norman sneered at Tony. “This is the man I am, Stark! This is what you’re trying so hard to save for Harry!”
Tony stayed quiet and waited. It had to work. It had to. There was a moment of nothing but screams coming from Norman before the man went limp on the bed. He grumbled and looked around, clearly disoriented.
“What-what just happened…?”
“Hopefully something good. How do you feel?”
Loki growled, moving a bit closer from the corner of the room, ready to silence him.
When the real Norman surfaced, he backed off.
"I feel like I got worked through a blender and I'm thirsty. Can I please have some water?" He asked.
Tony smiled a bit and got Norman a cup of crushed ice. He put a few in the man’s mouth, undoing his restraints.
“How’s your stomach? Are you in pain?”
Norman chuckled dryly and chewed on the ice in his mouth, groaning a bit.
“Definitely not the best feeling, but I guess it’s not so bad. Whatever happened, it shut the Goblin up.”
Tony perked slightly. “Yeah?”
Loki stepped a bit closer in case the man decided to strike out. He smirked at the thought of conjuring one of his shadows to deal with him. Norman looked over and Loki and nodded.
“I take it he’s here in case I don’t behave?” Norman glanced at Tony and chewed on more ice. Tony glanced back at Loki then shrugged at Norman.
“I thought you might miss him. I know you two just love being together.” He grinned smugly and Norman just chuckled and shook his head.
“Still got that attitude.” The man’s smile faded and he leaned over the side of the bed and threw up. “Jesus Christ, what the hell did I do?”
“I gave you a serum. Seems like it’s working.”
"Well after the last time you tried to kill my husband, I thought it best to stick around." He said.  
Norman shivered at the cold look in his eyes. How could Tony love someone so heartless? To have children with him?
Tony chuckled nervously and cleared his throat.
“Okay so, about that serum I gave you; it’s supposed to reverse the Goblin effect.”
Norman’s eyes widened slowly as he looked at Tony. Well, that certainly explained quite a bit.
“I don’t even know what to say. How long will this work?”
“For now it looks like it’s permanent. The Hulk part I can’t get rid of; you’ll have to take that up with Bruce.” He smiled.
Loki looked back at him and sighed, keeping his mouth shut. Norman listened to what Tony was saying.
"So you mean that the anger that sets me off is still there but I won’t turn into the goblin anymore?" he asked.
Tony nodded. “We’re still working on that, but the one that really has more answers is Bruce. You weren’t exposed to radiation like he was, but I can’t figure out how to remove the Hulk bit. That’s going to take more time.”
Norman fell back against his pillows, exhausted but relieved. He ran a hand over his forehead then covered his mouth. Tony quickly grabbed the trash can and handed it to him.
“Yeah, that’s permanent as far as I can tell.”
“Lovely.”
Loki crunched up his nose.  "It doesn't last long, does it?" He asked, before another wave hit.
Fury joined them.
"So nice to have you back." He said.
Norman groaned a bit then looked at Fury and tensed.
“Director.”
“The puking? I don’t know. The rats are still sick, so I don’t think it goes away.”
Tony's phone went off in his pocket. It was Jarvis calling him with results.
"Sir, the vomiting only lasts for an hour at best."
Fury looked back at Loki.
"I have nothing to do with this."
“Oh. Well I guess that good news. Thanks JARVIS. Keep me updated.” He hung up then smiled at Norman. “You should stop puking in an hour or so.”
“Thank God.” He threw up again in the trash can then groaned and reached for more ice cubes.
“How’s Harry?”
“He’s doing fine. He’s been staying with me since-“
“Since I attacked you two?”
“Don’t do this to yourself. You weren’t in your right mind and he knows that.”
Norman frowned and looked away.
Loki hummed as he watched him.
"Once we see how the serum does for a few days, we'll consider putting you in a regular cell." Fury started. Norman looked over at him almost hopeful.
"If you do well there and the serum holds up, we'll give you a real room but it'll be a while before that happens." He said.
“It’s better than where I am right now.” Norman sighed a bit, rubbing his stomach. It was starting to settle at last. Tony smiled a bit at the man then gave him more ice water.
“Can we get him some salty crackers?”
Fury frowned at Tony, but had them brought anyway. He didn’t mind getting Tony upset, but Loki was still there.
Norman looked back at Tony.  "How have you been? Aside from the attack? What about your boys?" He asked.
"They are none of your business." Loki snapped. Norman nodded.
"Sorry. What about Harry. Is he doing alright?" He asked looking at Tony.
Tony glanced back at Loki then pulled a smile for Norman.
“He’s doing fine.  I think he actually likes this; getting out I mean. He’s been cooped up at his place too long.”
Norman chuckled in his throat and shook his head. “He sounds like me already. You better knock that out of him.”
Tony chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, huh? Last thing we need is another grumpy old man running around this city.”
"I'm not a grumpy old man. But I do want my son back." He said. "I've been so bad to him. How will he ever forgive me?" Norman asked.
Loki knew the same of what Tony did. That Harry didn’t want anything to do with his father.
Tony felt his smile falter a bit but he tried to remain positive, even though he knew the truth.
“You never know. He’s a lot stronger than he looks. Maybe in time he’ll open up and come see you again.”
Norman smiled tiredly at Tony and nodded before downing some more ice water.
“You two must be tired of coming here for my sake. Why don’t you go back home?”
“You really want to be alone with Fury?”
"Fury will only do what is needed if the Goblin makes a reappearance. Other than that he is to leave you alone. If he doesn't, I'll deal with it later." Loki said.
"He'll be fine." Fury replied.
Tony looked at Fury then back at Norman.
“Call me if he starts giving you trouble.” He smiled at the man and Normal chuckled, shaking his head.
“Or if I give them more trouble.”
Tony laughed a bit and left with Loki, and his smile only grew once they left the room. He did it. He didn’t know how long it would last or what would happen now, but his serum had worked. He wanted to race back and tell Harry, though he knew it would be best to give it some time.
Loki wrapped an arm around Tony's shoulder pulling him in closer to kiss his temple.
"You did it." He smiled. "I'm proud of you."
Tony looked at his husband then suddenly pulled the god close and kissed him deeply. He smiled wide.
“I did it.” He kissed Loki again and took him out to the car. He was so pumped, he felt like he could do anything.
Loki watched him for a few moments. Now that they had that problem solved, they could bring the children home. Loki missed their sons dearly and after their recent loss, he wanted to hold them again.
They arrived at the tower soon enough and Tony felt oddly tired. Probably the lack of proper sleep in the past few days. He stretched and took off his shoes then pulled Loki into their bedroom.
“The boys start school in a few days. Ready to bring them home?”
"More than." He said. Loki stripped down until he was only in his underwear. "I want the boys home. I need them home." He replied curling up against Stark.
Tony pulled off his clothes and held Loki close.
“I know. Me too. I even miss Remus’s stinky diapers.” He chuckled a bit and stroked his husband’s cheek softly.
"I sure he misses pulling your hair." Loki chuckled. He ran his fingers through it pushing it out of Tony's eyes.
He chuckled a bit, closing his eyes. “I’m sure he does.” Tony leaned into Loki’s hand and kissed the palm tenderly. His lips trailed up the god’s arm to his shoulder then slowly to his neck.
Loki gave Tony the access he wanted. It had been little over a week since they had to give up the pregnancy. "Anthony."
Tony stilled for a moment, his lips still against Loki’s neck. He felt unsure; was Loki okay with this so soon? He knew the god took it hard, and he would understand if he wanted to stop. But Tony just wanted to have Loki close, and he wanted to feel the cool skin against his own. He looked into Loki’s eyes, lying over the god.
“Is this okay?”
"Kissing and light touches are but I'm not ready for sex again yet." He said. He hoped Tony would understand that he wasn't ready for it yet even if he did have control of when he wanted to get pregnant.
Tony just smiled and nodded, pressing his forehead against Loki’s. “Just as long as I get to hold you.” He kissed his husband softly, slipping his arms around Loki to hold him close.
Loki nodded. "Wouldn’t have it any other way." He replied.
Tony smiled and kissed Loki, holding the god against his chest. He lay curled up against the god, his arms around his waist.
Loki nuzzled him a bit and sighed. "I love you Anthony." He said. "Are you coming with me to collect the children?"
“I love you too.” He ran his fingers up and down along Loki’s back lazily. “Yeah, I really want to hold them all again.”
Loki nodded and settled in again. "Good night." He said.
They woke rather early the next morning to go pick up the boys. Well, early for Tony. He showered lazily and got dressed, but felt much more energized as they started getting ready to leave.
“We’ll be back in no time. No crazy parties while I’m gone.”
Harry chuckled and shook his head, though he was looking forward to seeing the boys. Nelim was excited as well, needless to say. She’d been smiling all morning.
Loki smiled at them as they left. He was getting his boys back. Loki was already on the roof, waiting for Tony to join him so they could go.
Tony quickly joined Loki up on the roof and smiled at his husband, clearly happy.
“Let’s go.” He held Loki’s hand and took a deep breath before they were sucked into the Bifrost. They were shot through and landed in Asgard in no time. It had been a while since Tony had been there, but clearly his anxiety of horses was still there.
“Horse.”
The animal neighed and shook its head, although it seemed to do it for amusement.
Tony jumped back and gripped Loki’s arm. “I’m not scared of you!”
Loki chuckled. "This is the same horse you ride every time we are here." Loki smiled. He went over and produced an apple for the horse. "Behave for Anthony now." He told the creature. Loki pulled himself from Tony and went to his own.
Tony rode into the city with Loki, gripping the reigns for dear life. He couldn’t explain why he was so afraid; all he knew was that he didn’t trust horses.
He was only too relieved when they arrived at the palace. He sighed and got off the horse before quickly scurrying away from it.
Loki smiled at him as he helped Tony to his feet to enter the palace. A guard went ahead of them to announce their arrival. The boys jumped up and took off to greet them.
Tony smiled as the boys came running at them. Fenrir and Toki easily knocked Tony to the ground in a tackle-hug before moving onto Loki, though their treatment of him was much gentler. Tony groaned and got back to his feet.
“Happy to see you too.”
“Papa! Daddy!” Toki grinned widely; his hair had grown to his shoulders and was just as curly and messy as Tony’s.
Remus was squealing and clapping his little hands as Frigga and Odin walked over.
“Do you want to go to them?” The queen kissed Remus’s cheek and set him on the ground. The baby walked, although shakily, towards his fathers before stumbling after a few steps.
Loki chuckled as he hugged them. He pushed Toki's hair out of his face. "You need a haircut." He said to him. "My boys." Loki smiled at them giving them a hug again. "Mother, Father." Loki nodded to them. He smiled as Remus tried to make his way over to them. He pulled the child into his arms. "My big boy." He said nuzzling the child.
Remus smiled and hugged Loki, babbling and making noises. The baby then looked at Tony and stretched out his little arms.
“Oh I missed you all so much.” Tony kissed each boy on the forehead, holding them all close. Frigga and Odin smiled as they watched.
“They missed you both a great deal as well.”
“Aw, I like my hair long.” Toki pouted slightly.
Frigga smiled at them. Looking back at her son she could see sadness in his eyes even as he smiled and beamed at his children. Remus nuzzled Tony and clapped his hands on his father's face before giving him a slobbery kiss.
"Alright you can keep it long. But you all need trims." He chuckled.
"Loki, come with me." Frigga said reaching for the man's hand. Loki followed after her.
Tony watched Loki and Frigga leave then made a face when he felt the slobbery kiss. He looked at Remus and chuckled.
“When did you get so slobbery?”
“He does that a lot! And he’s always biting stuff.” Fenrir pouted a bit and looked at Loki worried. Was something wrong? He didn’t seem like his old self. Tony chuckled and bounced Remus a bit then ruffled Fenrir’s hair.
“He’s fine, trust me. A little sad, but he’ll be fine.”
"You should see what he did to his one toy." Fenrir chuckled.
"He had quite the bite." Odin sighed. "Much like Loki did at that age. Come we were just about to sit down to lunch." Odin told him. The boys nodded and started to head for the dining room.
"Now tell me what is wrong." Frigga said when they reached the gardens.
"You always know." He said.
"I'm your mother; it's my job to know. Now tell me."
"We lost the baby." He replied.
Tony followed Odin and the boys into the hall where Thor and the warriors were already seated. Thor smiled at Tony and got up to greet.
“Be gentle, I was already tackled by the boys.” He smiled playfully at Thor then took seat with Remus on his lap.
“How have you and my brother been Anthony?”
“About as good as it’s going to get, all things considered. It’s been pretty stressful.”
“Ah, I can imagine.”
“You are lucky Loki has grown so much now.” Sif chuckled. “Otherwise you would be pegged for dealing not only with your troubles but also his tricks.”
“Aye, I remember that all too well.” Fandral shuddered a bit and shook his head.
"We've all seen the error of our ways with him and deeply apologize for it. You were the one that helped get him past it all." Hogun replied.
"Oh Loki, I'm so sorry." She said hugging him. "There will be other chances."
"I know Mother but it still hurts."
Tony smiled a bit, proud of what he’d managed to accomplish with Loki. He handed Remus some fruit then served himself.
“He actually isn’t that bad.”
“Certainly!” Sif smiled and sipped her juice. “Your boys have been truly wonderful, all very well behaved.”
“Not to mention how much their fighting has improved. Our lady Frigga even sat with Fenrir to teach him magic.”
“That right?”
"She was the one that taught Loki through the years. All of his early skills he learned from her." Sif replied.
Loki stayed with his mother for a few more minutes before going with her to the dining hall for lunch. Odin smiled at them as they returned.
Tony smiled when he saw his husband and he set Remus on the table as Loki sat with them.
“Apparently the boys are almost as good as you are.”
“They are catching up to your skill very quickly Loki.” Hogan chuckled a bit. Thor nodded.
“Aye, they rival your skill Brother.”
Loki chuckled. He smiled at Fenrir. Remus was still too young to learn how to control magic, so until he was at least five he would have to wear his necklace.
"I will be just as proud of them as I am of Hela." Loki smiled.
Fenrir and Toki both smiled wide and sat closer to their fathers. Tony smiled at the boys then took a spoon away from Remus.
“No, we’re eating first. Then you can play as much as you want.”
The baby babbled loudly then grabbed a carrot suddenly. Tony shook his head and went back to his meal.
Loki monitored Remus carefully as he ate. Usually his things were cut up much smaller.
"Don’t worry Papa; Remus is really good at feeding himself now." Toki said. Remus decided it would be fun to throw a carrot at Toki as best he could.