“it is a brilliant idea.” Tony corrected. “I need someone like him, he’s not a genius, see?” Tony waved his hands at Johnny. “he’s not a tactician or a spy or an assassin or someone from the whatever age you come from. He’s a normal dude with normal dude needs and now he’s my idea man.” oh dear lord Tony had bonded to Johnny the same way he did to anyone who showed him the slightest affection. Loki did the same thing but as sedate and calm as Loki was people generally didn’t notice. Loki had laid protection spells on half of the Shield Employees, most who where delighted to have Loki on their side ad where happy to chat with him when he was working. Tony was much more vocal about bonding with people. People knew immediately when Tony liked you and he’d like you whether you wanted it or not.<br/><br/>“that was an awful, terrible joke.” Bucky protested. Tony looked quite gleeful. “I dunno Buckaroo. It seamed pretty steamy to me.” Tony was beaming and Bucky groaned, shaking his head as they watched Johnny stripping. They could only be glad there wasn’t any journalists or paparazzi there because the headlines would have been slanderous.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>“oh that’s an easy fix.” Loki promised. “a simple ward around the roofs and the ball can be contained to their area. Thor knows enough magic to set it up.” Loki promised. “i’m not allowed to do major magic any more since Johnny found out that using magic takes up a large amount of energy and calories. Apparently I’m too thin, never mind that I’ve been eating better here on earth than I ever did on asgard.” he admitted. “it is a frightening idea, I can’t wait to teach him.” Loki admitted with a chuckle.<br/><br/>“it is nothing to worry about Ms. Potts.” Loki promised. “I am well aware Stark is suspicious of me.” he admitted. “I cannot blame him in the slightest, given my… actions.” he admitted. “I am working hard to atone for the crimes I have committed but that does not mean everyone will, or even has to forgive me. If Tony decides to…” he paused hesitated. “cut me some slack?” he asked hesitantly. As if not sure of the earth slang. “then that will be his choice in his own time. I am not bothered. At least here I have earned the scowls and nasty looks.” he checked the time. “we should get out of the mud though, we’ll need to rinse off and get to the massage parlor soon.” he admitted with a smile. “they’ll have wine and snacks in the waiting room.” he admitted as he levered himself out of the mud. “do you like Champaign Ms. Romanoff?”