Chapter one

Who were you again?

NOTES:

Hi everyone and thank you so so much for deciding to check this fic out!
So first of all, of course, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
I decided to write this fic, like, yesterday... So it's not be one of my best fics ever, but hey, it was fun to write and I really REALLY wanted to post the first chapter today so... Anyway, here it is!

So I was doing some research on Halloween and its origins. I'm Dutch and Halloween isn't really that big a deal here so I didn't know much about it. Turns out, Halloween is a three-day festival. So, by that logic, I locked myself in my house yesterday and started typing like a mad-man to finish 3 chapter! One for each day!

Anyway, I just hope you will enjoy this. I might make another Halloween fic next year and take some more time to write a better story...
Well, that being said, hope you will enjoy this first chapter!


'Let's see…' Loki mumbled to himself as he looked at the ancient potion book levitating in front of him, reading every step with care. He looked from the parchment to his cauldron which stood brewing on a small fire. 'Now, to add the final ingredient,' he leaned over his worktable, studying the dried herbs, critters and amphibians that were carefully displayed.

He held up a dried salamander, its once bright yellow and pink colors now faded and dull. 'Ugh, this is why I favor Seiðr over potions…' the trickster mumbled as he looked at the creature in pity. He then lowered it in the mixture that was softly simmering, causing his room to illuminate bright red, after which the liquid colored a deadly pale.

The raven gently grabbed his book out of the air with one hand and turned a page, his other hand hovering over his cauldron. He took a deep breath as he made sure to articulate the following text very clearly; 'sinn, og, sjel… som en!'

The potion turned a violent shade of purple and lightened the room once more, nearly blinding the trickster before turning completely transparent, much like water.

Loki stared at his concoction in anticipation for a full minute, but as the potion remained serene, he smiled proudly. 'This should do it,' he nodded confidently as he turned to his table again. He grabbed five champagne glasses, which were standing at a corner, and placed them next to him, filling them half with one of Tony's expensive champagnes and half with his potion. He now needed to add one last thing.

Loki had to swallow away some bile as he added a single hair into each glass. One blond and short, one blond and long, two different shades of brown and finally, one raven black. He looked at the glasses, watching the DNA dissolve into the drink and he muttered; 'Disgusting…'

'Lokes!'

He looked up as he heard an all too familiar voice calling out his name, followed by a knock on his door.

'Lokes, you coming? People are starting to gather, we should be heading down stairs as well.' Not waiting for the trickster to answer, Peter opened the door and he looked at the raven with wide eyes, noticing all the strange items surrounding the god. 'What uh, what are you doing?'

'Nothing,' Loki quickly smiled as he looked at the teen, clearing his throat before he continued. 'just some practicing of my Seiðr, that is all.'

'Oh, okay, right,' Peter nodded slowly but then looked at the raven again, 'I see you're all dressed up and ready to go.'

Loki looked at the clothes he was wearing. A one-shoulder Greek toga draped down his body, covering endless white legs. A white satin rope carefully knotted around his waist, showing the god's slim waistline. His alabaster skin in great contrast with the black fabric and black leather wristbands. His hair hanging lose, one side tugged behind his ear. 'Yes, I believe this is a rather appropriate costume for this festival.'

'So… who are you supposed to be?' Peter asked as he wrapped his arms around the god's waist, 'An ancient Greek version of Black Panther?'

'Wha-? No!' Loki frowned, but as the teen looked at him with questioning eyes, he smirked, placing his cold hands on peter's shoulders. 'I am that which no living being can escape.' He whispered as his hands trailed up Peter's skin to his neck. 'I am feared, control lives, drive people mad, and yet, I offer peace and comfort. I am the only certainty for mankind, their only truth. To most I am seen as punishment, to some though, I am blissful mercy.' As Loki's hands now lay to rest on Peter's cheeks, he kissed the teen tenderly, slowly, intimately. 'I am the keeper of souls, the god of death. I am Hades.'

Peter felt a sharp shiver run from the back of his neck all the way to the tip of his toes. Loki was a more than skillful liar, his eyes always matching the character, or rather, the emotions which he faked, causing the once vivid emeralds to now stare at him, cold and empty.

It was only when the raven broke his character that Peter noticed he was holding his breath. He smiled a little nervously but finally relaxed as Loki's eyes filled with love once more. 'Well, that certainly is a very convincing costume… and act.' The teen placed his hands on those of the god and gave him a quick kiss. 'I didn't expect anything less from you.'

'Thank you,' Loki smirked. He turned away from the teen, cleaning the table he had been working on. 'Now tell me, what are you supposed to represent?' he said as he noticed the three-piece suit the teen was wearing. 'I thought you were supposed to look fearsome on Halloween and to be honest, your costume does not scare met at all.'

'What? This? You really can't tell?' Peter looked up in surprise, a pouting expression threatening to form on his face. He then looked up in excitement, holding up a hand as he searched his pockets. 'You're right, I almost forgot!' He pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his left pocket and put them on. 'Ta-dah!'

'… I am sorry, I still cannot tell.' Loki stated dryly after staring at the teen.

'I am Tony Stark, duh!' Peter chuckled. 'My dad even made me a gauntlet to wear, though it can't really shoot anything… It does work as a flash light though.'

'So you are dressed as your own father?' Loki scoffed, 'You know that this means that either A. you will have to be all lovely-dovely with Steven for the rest of the night, or B. you just forced me into a relationship with "Anthony".' Loki shuddered at the thought, a chuckle then leaving his lips. 'Yeah, you know what? Those are both absolutely horrifying outcomes. You did a splendid job, Peter. I cannot imagine anything more disturbing.'

'I knew you would like it,' Peter smiled brightly as he laughed along. 'Now come on, let's go. We don't want to be late for the party. Thor just told me that Quill and his gang are already here so…'

'Yes, certainly.' Loki turned to his work table again and placed the five champagne glasses on a tray, followed Peter through the corridor and down the stairs.

The smell of candy and sweets filled the air together with the comforting sound of Avengers laughing and chatting. The lights were dimmed low, Halloween decorations in every corner, causing for a chilling effect. Music was briefly heard every time the door to the living room opened and closed and Loki swore he could hear Drax and Quill's laughter above all the other sounds. The party had already started about an hour ago and the raven had intended to leave his bedroom sooner but making the potion took more time than he had anticipated.

'Why are you carrying drinks, anyway?' Peter asked as he could no longer contain his curiosity.

'If you must know,' Loki started but a low voice interrupted him.

'Brother!' Thor smiled as he looked at two descending the stairs. 'It is good to see you!'

'My eyes must be deceiving me…' Loki let out an unamused sigh as he looked at the god of thunder, who was dressed as, well, a god of thunder. 'You know, when I suggested you should attend this party as Zeus, I was merely speaking in jest, Thor.'

'Oh, stop your foul mood, Loki.' Thor smiled, 'According to ancient Midgardian mythology, Zeus and Hades were brothers, so are these not the perfect costumes for us?' Thor looked from the raven, who watched him with a raised brow, to the teen next to him, who nodded in agreement.

'You look awesome, Thor!' Peter said as he admired the god's costume, a shorter white toga with brown sandals underneath. The blond's strong body perfectly presented as the costume left most skin bared.

'I am not going out like this, Tony.'

The three turned their attention up the stairs again as they heard the unamused voice of the captain.

'You will have to, I can't help it either. You should thank your Super Soldier friend for this!'

Peter, Thor and Loki looked at each other for a brief moment. 'Sounds like your parents are in quite the argument, Peter.' Thor said as he heard the captain and the playboy quarrel back and forth, Peter nodding slowly.

'Oh, don't blame this on Buck, this is your own doing! You made a bet! You dragged me into this!'

'Bruce was with me on this one as well, Rogers!'

'But he did not drag Natasha into this, now did he, Stark!'

'Uhm, dad? Pa?' Peter quickly shouted up the stairs, knowing that things were about to get serious when the two would be calling each other by their last name. 'You guys okay?'

'Everything's fine, Peter! We will be down in a minute!' Tony shouted, followed by a sigh so deep the three could hear it down the stairs. They kept their gazes towards the stairs, their eyes widening as they saw Tony finally leaving his room. He was wearing a baroque-style suit, his Breeches stopped at the knee, with white stockings worn underneath and heeled shiny black shoes, which had large square buckles. The man's long, narrow coat was trimmed with a leaf-pattern braid and all the fabric was in yellow-ochre and gold, except for the white stockings and white dress shirt.

The three looked at the man as he descended the stairs, an unamused frown on his face. 'Not. A. word.' The playboy warned them as he saw the three were about to burst into laughter, surprising every muscle in their face not to. Tony shook his head and he turned around, 'Steve! Get your ass down here! We threw this party, it would be a little weird if we are the only ones not there, right?'

'How am I supposed to get down the stair like this?' The captain responded, now sounding more beaten down than angry. The creaking sound of a door opening followed, and Steve stepped out of his room and into the corridor. 'I can't see a thing with this on my head, Tony…' he pointed at the large mask he was wearing.

Thor and Loki frowned, wanting to ask what the captain represented.

'Are you… a very well-dressed Bildgesnipe?' Thor tried.

'No, those are horns on his head, not antlers,' Loki replied, crossing his arms. 'He is like… a horrible beast… but in a very extravagant suit?'

'Of course!' Peter suddenly shouted and he laughed, 'That's it! You guys are Beauty and the Beast, aren't you?' he then looked at Tony, 'Well, a male version of Beauty, that is.'

'You are a Disney princess?' Loki snorted loudly, after which he could not contain his laughter any longer. 'Well it suits you just perfect, Anthony!'

'Yeah, yeah, get it out of your system,' Tony crossed his arms with a deadly glare.

'Need a little help, dad?' Peter offered as he walked up the stairs, seeing how Steve struggled to look through the small holes in the mask, the large paws of his costume making it almost impossible to hold onto the railing or get a proper footing on the steps of the stairs.

'Thanks, kiddo,' Steve mumbled as he took Peter's hand and, with a little help of his son, finally made it to the bottom of the stairs.

'This might be none of my concern,' Thor started as he stared at the two. 'But if it is so much to your disliking, why choose these costumes?'

'Because my dearest Tony here made a bet with Bucky,' Steve said as he placed a hand on his boyfriend's shoulder, and although his words were kind, his voice ringed heavily with irritation, 'and he lost.'

'Well, what was the bet?' Loki asked.

'Whether you would come to the party or not,' Tony sighed, watching the trickster raise a questioning brow. 'Barnes said you would come, me and Bruce said you wouldn't…'

'And he lost,' Steve smiled behind the large mask, but his hand clenched tightly around the playboy's shoulder in irritation. 'And now, we both have to dress up as Disney characters by Bucky's choosing.'

Peter, Loki and Thor looked at each other for a second, after which they all started to giggle.

'Oh, look who's laughing! At least I'm not wearing an actual dress!' Tony snapped as he looked at the two gods.

'These are togas, my friend,' Thor said as he wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, 'very different.'

'Well, since this party could not start any better, I say we raise a glass,' Loki suddenly spoke, holding the tray with drinks in front of him, making sure each glass was directed towards the right person.

'That was out of nowhere…' Tony Looked at the raven with a raised brow, but he then scoffed and grabbed his glass. 'Might as well.'

'I don't know how, but I should be able to drink with this mask on,' Steve said as he carefully took hold of his glass with his large fluffy paws.

'I'm not really allowed to drink yet…' Peter pouted, looking at the bubbles in his glass that slowly moved to the surface.

'Nonsense, you are a growing man, Peter,' Thor laughed as he grabbed his own glass and handed the other to the teen. 'This will make you strong,' he added with a wink, not noticing the unamused expression of the captain since it is hidden under his mask.

'Well than, before we join the others in their merriment, I would like to make a toast,' The trickster smirked as he grabbed the last glass and raised it, 'here is to the very first celebration of Hallows' Even. Let us hope the spirits of the deceased will fall for our…' he then looked at Tony and Steve, 'Splendid disguises.'

The five Avengers raised their glasses and drank their champagne, Peter being the first to put his half-full glass back on the tray.

'Yeah, sorry, I really don't like champagne,' he said as his face somewhat constricted.

'It does taste weird…' Tony noticed but he shook it off and placed his empty glass back on the tray as well.

'I am relieved to hear that I am not the only one who thinks so,' Thor smiled somewhat and looked at his empty glass. 'I was already afraid it was just me.'

Loki fought bravely against the sour flavor that remained in his mouth, Norns he hated potions, they hardly ever tasted good. He took a deep breath and looked at the other Avengers in anticipation, waiting for the brew to work its magic.

'Well, let's get inside,' Tony said as he placed a hand on Peter's shoulder. 'We're already late for our own party.'

'Something the matter, brother?' Thor asked as he saw Loki looking at the empty glasses in disappointment.

'Nothing, Thor,' the raven sighed. He watched the three making their way towards the living room and placed a hand on the captain's shoulder. 'Let's go, Steven. We would not want to miss Rhodes's "Boom, you looking for this?" War Machine story for a millionth time, now would we?'

But as the captain did not move, Loki frowned, 'Steven?'

'Loki,' Steve grabbed the trickster's wrist, holding onto it tightly. 'I, I don't feel so good…' he mumbled as he grabbed his stomach with his other hand.

'Why? What is the matter?' Suddenly, Loki started to smile excitedly, 'Are you feeling different? Any changes? Feeling… unlike yourself?'

But as the captain let himself slumber against the wall and to the floor, the god's smile faded. 'Steven…?'

The blond let his glass fall from his hands, the chards scattering all over the marble floor, causing the other three Avengers to turn around as well.

'Steve?' Tony asked with a smirk, 'Come on, stop acting like a little kid, it's not that bad.' But as his boyfriend started to curl in on himself, Tony's expression changed completely. 'Steve!'

'Dad,' Peter called worriedly, letting himself fall on his knees in front of the blond together with Tony while the trickster took a few steps back.

Steve did not reply, the only sound coming from him being whimpers and growls of pain.

Thor looked at the three huddled on the ground and then at his own brother whose eyes were locked on the family as well. 'Loki, is this of your doing?' he asked, his voice low.

'I, I,' Loki stammered, quickly shutting his mouth as Tony turned his gaze towards him as well.

'What did you do?' The playboy asked, looking like he was about to explode. 'What was in that champagne? Did you poison us?!'

'What? No! No, I would never, I just,'

'Guys,' Peter called out, his hands on the Steve's mask, 'I, I can't get this mask off.'

At that moment, Peter received a swing of Steve's arm to his stomach, causing him to fall against Tony's legs. The four men looked at the captain as he squirmed on the ground, his face towards the wall. The costume that he wore, it… it changed. The horrible tangled brown fabric changing into soft fur, the paws on his hands and feet slowly growing into actual claws. The fake tail that first laid motionless on the floor now moving agitatedly and in uncontrolled motions, sweeping from one side to the other.

'Steve?' Tony cautiously walked towards his boyfriend whose back was now turned to the avengers. 'Steve, honey, you okay?' He crouched behind the captain and placed a hand on the man's shoulder.

At that moment, Steve turned around, his wide eyes bright yellow, his large fangs bared and his face… His face was like that of a boar, or rather, like a beast.

The creature tried to stand, it's claws ripping straight through wall paper as it tried to support itself against the wall.

'D-dad…?' Peter stammered after which he shook his head. 'Dad, it's okay, you're fine, just-' he tried as he approached what once was the captain, but as the creature nearly lost its footing, it scraped the skin on the teen's arm with its claw, causing Peter to hiss and take a few steps back again.

'Peter!' Tony shouted, quick to raise on his feet and stand protectively in front of his son.

The beast looked at the wounded teen and, now on all fours, took a slow step back, his head hanging between his shoulders.

'Oh, no, dad, it's okay,' Peter quickly smiled as he showed his arm. 'Look, I'm not even… well, I'm just… There is hardly any blood, see? I'll be fine.' But the creature did not look up.

'There now, big guy,' Thor now said as a gentle smile became visible on his face, 'the sun's getting real low,' he reached out his hand, taking a slow step forward.

The beast's eyes suddenly grew completely back and, with one strong swing of its paw, send the god flying against the wall.

'Well, it was worth the shot,' Thor said with a strained voice as he got back on his feet.

The captain's eyes then changed back to normal, showing utter regret and fear. It looked around, glancing from the door to the living room, to the stairs and eventually, his eyes locked on the front door.

'Steve, please don't,' Tony tried but with a shake of its head, the captain burst through the front door, and ran into the darkness.


NOTES:

And that's it for the first chapter. Really hopped you liked it even though it is a little rushed... But hey, I did finish it for Halloween!
Enjoy the rest of your day, stay safe and eat sweets 'til you throw up :D