AN: This is going to be my first ever completed chapter story! w haha Since this is an AU some of the characters may seem OOC from the series but that is simply because in this they have different backgrounds even though they aren't mentioned. Each chapter is going to be around 1,000-3,000 words. This chapter is definitely the longest. I hope you enjoy my story. Read and review!

The party was an unusual one for the likes of Tony Stark. It was more quiet than usual and had less than a hundred guests. Soft Jazz music played in the background instead of a boisterous D.J. and everyone sipped their drinks while they made light conversation. Tony roamed around the room, not staying in a conversation very long with anyone. He arrived at his best friend Virginia "Pepper" Potts' side and gave her an exasperated look. She rolled her eyes at him. She was the one who planned the entire party.

"Come on Tony, if you're going to sponsor the opening of a new publishing company just so it can bear your name then you know you had to have a party to get to know your clients. There are a few authors out there. Go try and charm them. Maybe they'll make you the hero in their upcoming books," her tone was playfully snarky. Tony gave her shoulder a soft shove and smiled.

Thinking that he might be able to charm at least one of them Tony dove back into the crowd. He did indeed charm a few of the girls, but they were romance novelists and he didn't want to be caught up in one of their stories; especially the one who had a fancy for killing the males. Tony made a hasty retreat from them and ended up at the large window that lead out to the balcony. The doors were open despite the winter chill. With the small amount of people the temperature had still risen dramatically in the house. Tony wandered onto the balcony, seeking a comfortable cool down. He leaned against the railing of the balcony and sipped his scotch. He looked out past all the buildings and could see a sliver of the sea. The moon reflected off of the mirror-like surface. His eyes wandered upward toward the sky. Despite all the city lights he could see the stars. There seemed to be more than usual.

Tony gave a soft chuckle as he realized that some of what he thought were "stars" were actually snowflakes. They fell onto his skin a melted at the warmth. Setting his glass on the railing he turned to lean back on it but was stopped as he registered that he wasn't alone out here. Another man stood not but a few feet away. He too admired the small flakes falling around them. As the crystalline water hit his skin it seemed to linger longer than it did on Tony's. This baffled him slightly and he found himself drawing closer to the mysterious man. The man had long, sleek black hair that curled up at the ends. His skin was pale against his black suit and coat. As Tony drew closer he noticed that the man wore a green scarf that complimented against the green in his eyes. The man was looking back at Tony as he approached. Tony gave a nod and a smile before standing next to him.

"Not much of a party is it?" Tony asked.

"Quite the contrary, it is a fine gathering," the man's voice was deep with a silky British accent, for some reason it amused Tony.

"Then why are you out here? Shouldn't you be in there enjoying the company of everyone?" Tony gave him a knowing look.

The man's lips spread into a smirk that revealed a bit of pearly teeth.

"Should you not as well? Oh my apologies. Anthony Stark is more of the wild party type; where great amounts of alcohol are consumed, the music is over loud, girls in skimpy outfits surround you, and there may be a small amount of gambling going on," Tony was about to put up a defensive but the man gave a breathy chuckle. "To answer your question though, I'd rather be out here. I find it better to be freezing than to be in a crowd like that. Yes I have to work with them because I want them to publish my books, but it does not mean I like to socialize with them."

Tony gave a smile. It was nice to have someone who understood him. The company of this one man for the few minutes that had just gone past was already much better than that of over an hour's worth that he had spent with the other party goers.

"Then why did you come to the party?" Tony inquired, leaning against the railing and bringing the scotch to his lips.

"My editor thought it would be great for me to get to know others in the company, also he thought I might be able to meet you and be inspired to make you the next hero in my novels," the sarcasm in his voice was almost icy but inviting. "At least I'm sure that was on your mind as you talked to that gaggle of romance novelists."

Tony nearly spit out the sip he had just taken, "yeah, that wasn't my best idea. I don't want to be wrapped up in one of their novels."

"Especially Mari's? She's the romance and murder type. I also think she's a feminist. Male characters don't last long with her." The man looked over at Tony and grins filled their faces as they both broke into laughter. Once they composed themselves the man held out his hand. "I'm Loki Laufeyson. It's a pleasure to meet you." Tony shook his and.

"And I'm… Well you already know. You know this is the most intelligent conversation I've had all night Mr. Laufeyson. In a crowd of people who love the English language you would think they would be better conversation makers." Tony made a small face back at the doors leading to the party. People were starting to dwindle as the party reached the halfway mark of the second hour.

"Please, call me Loki. I'm not too fond of my family name," Tony gave a nod to Loki, "and despite popular belief, Mr. Stark, we writer's tend to be less skilled in the art of speech than we are at writing. Although it also helps if the other party is interested in the conversation." Loki gave Tony a smirk which he reciprocated.

The two men fell into easy conversation as the snow began to fall a bit faster around them. Neither of them noticed as they stared out into the city lights. From behind them Pepper approached the doorway in search of Tony. Seeing that the man had finally found someone to settle and talk with she decided to not bother him and took over his job as host, even though there was no doubt that it was her job from the beginning. The number of guest grew even smaller as the third hour of the party approached.

"What kind of novels do you write, Loki?" Tony asked.

"I prefer the murder mystery genre. I also like to dabble in horror," Loki gave a smile that rivaled that of the glistening snow. "My editor is trying to get me to write some romance because he believes it will make me more popular since romance novels are 'big' right now."

Tony paused thoughtfully, "maybe I'll read one of your books. I don't read much past science or mechanics related books but, hey, it couldn't hurt. And don't go for what your editor says. It's more fun to become famous with what you like doing. Trust me; I wouldn't be a billionaire if I didn't like what I was doing." Tony gave a playful wink.

Loki gave a soft chuckle and glanced back at the party. There were no more guests left in the room. He glanced around at the snow and saw that they were both covered in a nice layer of water. He shivered now that he was aware of the cold. Granted he was more used to it than the average person, but standing out while it is snowing rather heavily for roughly two hours could leave a person rather chilled, and soaking wet. He erected himself from his position leaning on the railing and began to walk toward the doors. Tony followed him, feeling the cold as well. Once inside Tony closed the doors so the room would warm up. He noticed the absence of people and looked over at Pepper who sat at the bar.

"Everyone has been gone for about 20 minutes now. I didn't want to disturb you two because you seemed to be really into your conversation." Pepper watched the water drip from them and smiled. "I suppose I should have brought you in earlier though," she handed Tony a towel and rushed off to get another one for Loki.

"I had best be going. I did not expect to stay so long after the party adjourned. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Loki headed for the elevator. Tony watched the man's figure retreat.

"Wait," Tony found himself saying. "It's cold outside and you are soaking wet. Why don't you stay and dry off? You can even take a shower to warm up so you don't get sick." Tony walked toward the man, genuinely not wanting him to leave.

"It is quite alright. I am used to the cold weather," Loki countered.

"Yes but I kept you so long in the snow. I wouldn't want to be held responsible if you got sick and couldn't finish a book on time," Tony raised his eyebrows with a smirk.

Loki chuckled, "it is quite alright. I have a roommate and she is probably waiting up for me. I wouldn't want to worry her."

"You can call her and tell her where you are. Hell I can call her, what's her number?" Tony drew closer to Loki's tall thin frame.

"It is quite alright Mr. Stark."

"Please. I insist." Tony was right next to Loki looking up into his brilliant emerald eyes. Loki gave a sigh and slinked off his jacket. He hung it, along with his scarf, across the back of a chair.

"Alright, but I won't stay too long. I will take you up on the shower offer though; I dislike the chill of the melted snow."

Tony nodded with a smile and took his own jacket off. "I think I might have some sweats and a T-shirt that would fit you. You can wear them while your clothes dry." Tony slipped off to his room and left Loki in the living room. Loki pulled out his phone and hit his first speed dial. It rang for a while until a slightly irritated voice answered.

"What is it?"

"Hey Natasha, I just wanted to let you know that I am going to be staying at Mr. Stark's house a little longer. I stood out in the snow too long and I'm kind of drenched. Just wanted to let you know so you wouldn't wait up for me." Loki smiled at the familiar voice of his red-headed roommate.

"Loki, it's nearly two in the morning and you know I have to wake up early. Did you really think I was waiting up for you?" She sounded groggy. "I don't give a damn that you're still at Mr. hot shot's house. Just be sure to have a little fun, "her voice became a bit playful. "You don't get out enough."

Loki rolled his eyes, "you know I'm not like that Natasha. I'm gay, not a man hunter."

"Well maybe you should be; you haven't had a boyfriend or been with a man in nearly two years now Loki. Even I've had Clint for the past year. You really need to get out to some bars." Natasha gave a yawn.

"The men at the bars are normally brutes like my cousin, or of low intelligence. I like my social standing as it is." Loki grumbled at her usual 'you need to get laid,' speech.

"Whatever Loki. I'm heading back to bed. Enjoy your stay at Stark's." The line went dead before Loki could bid her adieu.

Tony soon walked into the room with sweats and a T-shirt. He handed them to Loki and nodded to the hallway he just came from.

"There is a guest bathroom just down that hall. It's the last one on the left side. If you need anything I'll be in my shower. That's the second one on the right, through the bedroom, and the clear door at the left end of the room," he walked back in the direction he came and disappeared into the hallway before Loki could say anything.

The clothes seemed well enough. It was just a regular pair of black sweats and an ACDC shirt. Loki followed his instructions and found himself in a large bathroom. There was a Jacuzzi bathtub in the back corner and a shower stall big enough for 6 just to the side of it. Loki stripped off the rest of his clothes and stepped into the shower stall. He turned on the water and allowed it to flow in his face and slide, gently down his body as it adjusted to the perfect warm temperature. He may not have enjoyed the snow, but the shower was soothing. The warmth quelled his muscles that had grown tight from the cold and as he brushed the water through his hair he allowed all thoughts to escape him.

He stood under the stream for a good twenty minutes before looking around the shower for shampoo and soap. Finding them on a stand in the corner he proceeded to wash himself. After washing all the suds off of his body he stood in the warm stream, not wanting to leave his warm haven just yet. He came to a resolve that the water would eventually run cold so he couldn't stay there all night. Loki turned off the water and stepped out. Just to the side, fluffy, white towels hung on a rack. He pulled two off, wrapping one around his waist and using the other to dry his hair. After getting a sufficient amount of water off of him her dressed in the clothes and looked at himself in the mirror. He didn't look too bad in the slightly baggy clothes, but his hair was a disaster. He found a brush and smoothed down his black locks. Satisfied with how he looked he exited the bathroom and headed back to the living room.

When he entered the room he found Tony sitting on the couch in a similar sweats and t-shirt outfit like his. Tony's attention was focused on a movie that played on the television. The movie was familiar to Loki. It was one of the James Bond movies, a favourite series of Loki's. After a minute of watching Loki identified it was 'Die Another Day'. Loki walked over and joined the man on the couch. Tony looked over at his new companion slightly startled by his appearance.

"You're rather sneaky. Didn't know you were in the room until you sat next to me."

Loki chuckled. "What has you watching James Bond?" he asked.

"I actually really like these movies. Looks like their having a marathon. Next on is Casino Royale. I can turn on something else, not that there is much to watch this late at night."

"It's alright. I actually love James Bond. Casino Royale is one of my favourites." Loki settled into the couch.

Tony smiled and turned it up a little. "Great. Oh, Loki, Pepper said she can put any of your clothes in the wash; the ones that don't have to be dry cleaned. Otherwise everything is going to air dry."

"I'd like that. Let me go grab them for her. I left them across the toilet in the bathroom so they could dry," Loki traveled back to the bathroom and was back soon, handing his clothes to Pepper who sat at the bar doing some paperwork. "Thank you. My jacket and scarf are the only ones that need to be dry cleaned. I hope you don't mind I leave them on that chair."

"Not at all Loki. At least you're nicer than Tony about it. He just leaves his clothes everywhere. Granted it is his house, but he treats me like a house keeper instead of his best friend." She gave Loki a smile and stuck her tongue out at Tony playfully. He gave her a cheeky grin in return. She left the room and Loki returned to the couch. His eyes glued to the screen as he happily watched the movie come to an end.

"What other things do you like?" Tony asked out of the blue, "other than murder mystery, horror, writing, James bond, and snow?"

Loki thought for a moment, "I like some nerdy things," he said shying away from the question a little.

"What kind of nerdy things?" Tony tried?

"Things like 'The Hobbit', 'Lord of the Rings', 'Star Trek', 'Star Wars' and the like. It may be kind of weird but I also still read comic books sometimes," Loki said.

Tony gave a chuckle, "glad to know I'm not alone. It isn't that weird. Plenty of grown men are nerds. Although, I wouldn't have tagged you as one. You seem too proper," Tony sipped a drink and smiled at Loki.

Loki raised his eyebrows and smirked at Tony, "you've only known me for a few hours. There are quite a few things you don't know about me. Although it is nice to know I am company to someone who shares similar interests." Loki's eyes went back to the screen.

"Well then tell me about yourself Loki. I'd love to know about you so I can judge you accordingly." Tony gave Loki a challenging look.

Loki couldn't help but accept the challenge. The two began into a comfortable conversation about their likes and dislikes, completely disregarding the movie they were watching before. They found quite a few similarities between each other. They both could cook, but Tony preferred to have someone else do the cooking and Loki barely trusted anyone cooking if he didn't know them. They both were pranksters in their teenage years and had gotten detention on many occasions. They both liked old cars, but Loki would prefer to walk or ride a bike than take a vehicle because it was better for the environment. Loki disliked the taste of meat, but didn't mind a good steak every once in a while. It was well into the early hours of the morning before the two slowly drifted to silence and were turning back to the movie.

Loki subconsciously rubbed his eyes as he settled deeper into the couch. Tony was comfortably leaning against the arm of the couch; he was warm from the slightly closer proximity of Loki than from before and the arm. He too was beginning to drift off, but he did not want to fall asleep just yet. He didn't want to lose a moment with the company he kept. He had almost forgotten what it was like to have long conversations like this while getting to know someone. He had often just gone to the bar, gotten drunk and picked someone from the crowd to spend the night with. This was, of course, nothing like that. Loki was just an acquaintance, now friend.

Tony felt a weight against his arm as Loki fell over in his sleep. Tony looked over and could see long eyelashes dusting across Loki's cheeks. They were as black and as full as his hair. Tony brushed aside some hair to get a better view at the detailing of Loki's face. His features were pale and chiseled like that of a statue. He was a marvel to look at. A clink from the kitchen broke Tony from his spell. He looked up to see Pepper with a glass of water.

"You know rape is illegal," she said.

Tony glared at her. "You're ridiculous. He's just become my friend. As if I'd want to sleep with him."

"Then why are you looking at him the way you look at new parts for one of you projects? Tony I know how your mind works; I've known you for years. Granted I've only ever seen you like someone when you were infatuated with me for that little while, but come on. You don't even treat those hookers you find at bars as good as this. I'm just saying; if you want to keep him, don't sleep with him yet. He doesn't seem the type to get right into that. Of course you would know best since you spent the last few hours talking to him like a couple of girls at a sleep over." She sipped her water and crossed her arms with a small air of arrogance.

Tony snorted and rolled his eyes, "Pepper you're over analyzing this. Honestly."

"Whatever. Good night Tony. Oh and if you don't want to disturb him you're going to have to stay the night on the couch." She set down her glass and pulled a blanket out and laid it across the two. "You'll need this. It's pretty cold."

"Thanks," Tony muttered as Pepper left the room. He looked back down at Loki with a small smile. He shifted down into the couch more and pulled the blanket up before switching off the T.V. With a few deep breaths to level his breathing Tony, too, fell into a slumber.