The Boy Born From the Sea

File: The Hyphen

To say Tony was pissed would be an understatement.

When Natasha had told him that Fury was trying to take Loki away, he was Mad. He wasn't pissed- Loki could take care of himself just fine- and was ready to tear Fury a new one. Then, he found out about Agent Pierce- or Thomas Pierce. He was such a bright-minded individual that was clearly dedicated to helping others through medical means. The fact that SHIELD, instead of assisting Pierce in pursuing his medical degree, chose to make the man into a regular agent pissed Tony off.

Tony couldn't help but feel protective over the medical genius who was earnest in everything he did, including assisting the billionaire in finding out whichever room Fury was hiding out in. Pierce had to know that it could cost him his job. Thomas was a newbie, apparently only listed as an assistant to the medics in SHIELD, so he could very well be let go by Fury or even Coulson.

"We're almost there," Pierce said, a sudden air of confidence in him as he walked down the hall. He looked back at Tony, his brown eyes shining, and- oh. Thomas very well knew he could lose his job but he was counting on the genius to have his back anyway. "Fury's watching on the cameras. They've been tracking our movements since we started down this hall."

When Tony glanced at one of the cameras, he couldn't help but snicker quietly as the device suddenly turned to face the other way. "Will you be in the room with us when I talk to Fury?"

Thomas turned around so he was walking backwards and he raised an eyebrow at him, "First off, we all know you're not 'talking' to anyone. Second, you don't have a choice. I need something to gossip about to my boyfriend."

"Aw, he's taken," Loki muttered, pouting. He, of course, was only teasing because he couldn't really find it in himself to be interested in anyone. He knew there was a Midgardian term for it but he couldn't quite place it.

Pierce just winked at the god, grinning cheekily, "Yup and he's amazing. Anyways, we're here now." He tilted his head at a door.

Thor and Loki watched as Tony's pleasant smile morphed into something cold and harsh. "Shall we then?"

Thomas just slammed the door open, enjoying Fury and Coulson's startled looks as Tony Stark sauntered into the room followed by two Norse gods and two SHIELD assassins.

"Let's talk," Tony smiled gleefully.

The two agents blinked at the genius before motioning him inside, Coulson looking a bit apprehensive. They watched as he sat down on one of the many chairs in the room, looking like a king in his throne room. Loki and Thor flanked the brunette while Agent Romanov and Agent Barton framed them.

"You have a lot of nerve, Nick," Tony finally spoke, crossing his legs and resting one of his hands on his knees, tapping his fingers.

"Mr. Stark," Agent Coulson tried but was interrupted when the genius raised a hand to stop him.

"Don't," Tony leveled the man with a stern look that caused the agent to close his mouth quickly. "We'll talk later."

Phil nodded, looking confused about why he was vaguely terrified of Stark.

"We heard you wanted to detain Loki," Clint started cheerfully, though his eyes held no mirth. "Let's talk about that."

"Loki is a criminal," Fury began. He looked over at the Stark, "He brought aliens to New York. You should understand that more than anyone."

Loki felt a surge of protectiveness when Tony flinched at the subtle jab at his flight through the worm hole. Before he could speak up, however, Thor beat him to it.

"I would take care how you speak of Anthony Stark," Thor rumbled, eyes narrowed. "He is deeply cared for by many. I would not wish to become your enemy so soon after becoming your acquaintance."