Loren so wanted to believe that what Anthony said was true, but he could not. He had lost so many things that were meant to be irrevocably his own throughout his life, sometimes to Thor and sometimes to other things, that he no longer had the capability for much trust in anyone. Still, he would see where the chips fell after this, for he could no longer deny Anthony entry.

"You are a fool, and I shall have them refuse you eggnog. If you cannot recall your own medication then you deserve to be in pain."

He nevertheless tugged Anthony inside and up the stairs, and into Natalia's apartment where the others were trying to pretend the atmosphere wasn't awkward. If Anthony had not already met Steven and Bucky (and what kind of name was Bucky?) in the coffee shop, then he might have been forgiven for thinking Bucky was Loren's brother, for they at least shared the same colouring.

"Anthony Stark, this is Natalia Romanova, this is her apartment. Steven Rogers, a neighbour, and his partner Bucky Barnes. And that, in the kitchen, is my brother, Thor."