A/N: Not that any of you care, but I finally got a desk to work at today! Very excited (possibly uncontrollably, but I haven't decided yet :P) I live in a fairly small apartment so there's just not a lot of room for furniture that wasn't planned from the beginning, but it just fits so nicely tucked away in a little corner. Now I can actually write and draw at a desk instead of make-shifting my couch into a workspace. It even got my cat's seal of approval when the first thing he did was curl up underneath it lol. Yep, I think I'm uncontrollably excited!
Tony opened the door to a room that did not belong to him without knocking. His humming and slamming the door shut drew the attention of the room's true occupant, who had planted himself out on the balcony with a sketchpad. "It's open." Steve said dryly.
Tony held up a large bottle and a couple of glasses. "You left the party early." he complained, pulling up a chair across from the soldier and placing the glasses on the wide ledge.
"This is a great view and we'll be busy tomorrow. Tony, don't pour that, I can't...Tony..." Steve sighed as Tony filled both glasses.
The inventor grinned. "Sometimes you don't drink to get drunk, you drink to enjoy the drink itself and the company."
Steve huffed a laugh and shook his head. "No arguing with you, is there?"
"Nope."
"What is it?"
"I have no idea, but it's damn good," Tony answered, lifting the glass.
"What to?" the blond questioned, fingers finally finding their way around the glass and mirroring his friend's motion.
"To friends past and present. Ones that we loved and ones that we thought we should have killed the first go-around."
Steve laughed outright at the statement. "To friends," he agreed solemnly and the glasses clinked together. He took a small swig from it and noticed that Tony took a considerably larger one. "Slow down there, if you're planning to keep up. I'm not hauling you back to your own room."
"I promised Pepper I would behave," Tony slurred. "Lotsa pretty goddesses around and she couldn't make it. Something about a board meeting..."
"Yes, I think she'd prefer it if you didn't father a demigod. In fact, I think everyone would prefer it if that didn't happen." Steve said.
Tony laughed and took another drink. "No. No questionably powerful offspring allowed. Pepper would most certainly not approve and then I'd have to have it raised here and then it would sound like Thor."
"And be raised under Thor's roof." Steve added.
Tony nodded seriously. "I feel like behaving."
Steve smiled. "I'd like that in writing."
"Writing is no good, Cap. You need it on the internet."
"I couldn't get anything on the internet if I wanted to." Steve said.
Tony harrumphed and reached for the bottle, refilling both their glasses. "Liar. I know you've been taking lessons from Jarvis."
Steve shrugged, looking embarrassed. Tony put the bottle down. "You could have asked me, you know."
"I didn't want to bother you."
"No bother," Tony urged, leaning back in his chair. "Really."
"I'm a difficult student."
"Only because you don't know anything about it. I can work with nothing."
Steve chuckled and poured himself another glass. He didn't drink, as a rule. Drinking reminded him of times when he wanted to get drunk and the many reasons that went along with that. He glanced at his friend and couldn't help but smile. Well, there was always the chance of replacing what drinking meant to him.
"Not a chance." Steve said, smile widening.
Tony leaned forward and poked him in the chest. "You have untapped depths, my friend. You will learn the internet and take over the world."
Steve shook his head. "Not really my thing, world domination. It would be a conflict of interest."
Tony sighed. "You need more ambition."
Steve shrugged again, taking a sip. "I'm...content."
Tony watched him for a long moment, observing his friend. He didn't think it was untrue, but he also thought Steve was still searching for a part of himself he wouldn't find this side of the War. It was something he thought he understood, if only a little. "You're a good man, Cap." he said quietly, but with sincerity. He stood and swayed dangerously. Steve quickly put down his glass and stood to steady him. "I can walk." Tony insisted pushing him away. He took two steps and headed towards the ground.
Steve caught him. "Yup. I can see that."
Tony felt his whole world sway dangerously and Steve's hands take hold and steady him. His voice rang in his ears and he grabbed onto him for support. Apparently Asgardian mead was stronger than Earth beer. Duly noted.
Steve started inching him towards the door, the glasses forgotten on the balcony along with his sketchpad. The rooms were large, leaving plenty of space to cover and they had made it to the door before Tony began his protest. "I'm not done, Cap. The night's still-"
"I've heard it all before," Steve chuckled. "Come on." He urged the shorter man out the door and around the corner to the room he had made a mental note to be the inventor's. It was funny, that in the brief time of knowing Howard Stark and becoming his friend he had done this for him more than once. He had never imagined that he would be pulling his son along in the same fashion some years later.
Steve got Tony to the bed and unceremoniously dropped him there, the dark haired man slumping to the side. Tony tried kicking off one shoe, the effort taking much longer than it should have, but Steve watched him struggle with a smile. When he managed the first, he took pity on him and helped him out of the other.
Tony flopped back onto the pillows with a sigh. "You know, Rogers, you're all right for being so damn spangly."
Steve shook his head. "Thank you. I think." He started to walk away when Tony grabbed his sleeve.
"You should get a girl," Tony said, eyes serious but not quite focused. "I mean it. I can find you a real nice girl."
"Oh, no. My days of being set up are long gone, Tony, but thank you."
Tony frowned at him. "A real nice girl." he repeated.
Steve patted his chest. "Go to sleep, Tony. We have a big day tomorrow."
"Right. Pick you up bright and early. I'm a good date, you know."
"I know."
The sun peaked over the horizon, bringing in the morning far earlier than some would have liked. Hangovers were well-earned in Asgard, and Tony had not been the only Avenger that had found himself drinking late into the night. Some, though, had simply spent it trying to forget harsh words in any way they could find.
Loki was not surprised when he had knocked softly on his brother's door many hours after he had left and found the room empty. He had returned to try and toss and turn a bit before resigning himself to books and study for distraction. Not that that had helped. He was left with many thoughts and too little noise to pull his attention from them.
As the sun rose, he felt his clothes melt into the more ornate ones that he wore for ceremonies. Servants were gathered to finish last minute details, but other than that the halls were empty. The trickster found himself in a grand room just behind the throne room. It had been the place where Thor had stood just before his coronation the last time, but he had no promise that the blond god would make this his entry point now. He wasn't sure he even hoped that he would. Perhaps he would do more good by simply avoiding him and pretending that the quarrel did not happen.
"Loki."
He turned at his name, the relief flooding through him making him realize that he had hoped his brother would show at this place more than he had hoped against it. Thor was already dressed, only missing his helm. "Thor." Loki greeted softly.
The blond god stepped forward until they were standing side by side, as they had before, but this time neither looking at the other.
Loki took in a deep breath through his nose and smiled sadly to himself. "Thor," he repeated carefully, "you will be an excellent king. You are hailed and admired and you should have no shadow on your legacy. In my pursuit of more I cost myself everything. You must believe I wish this was not so."
"We won't speak of this today, brother," Thor said shortly. He stopped, not missing the hurt look that crossed the younger god's features ever so briefly. He sighed, adding, "I shouldn't want to be cross with you on this day."
Loki nodded, accepting this statement silently.
"Though I do wish to speak of it again. Later," Thor continued, turning his eyes back to the entrance.
After a moment more of silence, Loki shifted, his shoulder bumping Thor's lightly. "Don't be nervous."
"I'm not nervous."
"You're a terrible liar."
"I only think you have something planned."
"Of course I do. It just won't be when you expect."
Blue eyes turned to see a devilish grin that gave him no comfort. "Loki," Thor warned.
Loki gave his most winning smile. "Fear not, my brother. It will be glorious."
"Your idea of glorious is enough to make me nervous." Thor grumbled.
"Oh, give me some credit. I know how to make a grand gesture." Loki said.
Thor thought briefly of Stuttgard but chose not to mention that particular grand gesture. "It will not embarrass mother?" Thor asked.
Loki snorted. "You really want to know if it will embarrass you in front of Jane. Do not play games."
"You are the one with a trick up your sleeve that I've no hope of stopping, so I pray you not to speak to me of games." Thor said, pushing Loki's shoulder to lessen the sting of his words. Loki laughed and Thor laughed with him.
"My lords, it is time," a servant said, bowing and handing Thor his helmet. It had been repaired since its damage in Jotunheim and Thor looked at it carefully. There was no sign of the gash in it, nor the blood that had been left behind. It brought back memories, and he glanced to his brother expecting the same old jest.
Loki merely pursed his lips briefly and smiled. "You will be spectacular," he murmured, and then was gone, the illusion cast almost as if he disappeared, but Thor saw the wisp of green as he melted around the corner to take his place for the ceremony. He took a deep, steadying breath and stepped forward.
For a moment, his world went silent. All of Asgard stood before him, at least those most important to him and to the kingdom. At the front, upon the stairs stood his family, his most beloved. He took the steps he had taken before, but this time the cheers and applause came without his encouragement. His mother and warriors stood waiting, now not only proud but certain. His father, now ready for his son to be named heir. His friends, standing for him as well, those he has fought alongside and those he fights for. His love, eyes and smile bright, her presence a beacon. Thor's gaze fell back to the front, meeting the eyes of his brother. Despite their argument the evening before, Thor would not doubt Loki's place, would no longer doubt his own place. He reached the bottom step and looked up at his father who smiled down at him. "Thor Odinson." Odin called, his voice echoing through the hall.
He acknowledged at all the right times, accepted all the right oaths, and in the end he knelt before his father and accepted a burden that he couldn't have imagined so heavy.
"Long live the future king of Asgard," a voice called out and everyone applauded. Thor turned, blue eyes wide in truly humbled awe, and it seemed certain that they were not just responding to what they always knew would come about. They were responding to what they wanted. His smile broadened as he realized that the call had come from none other than his brother.
Even Volstagg could not complain over the delicacies that awaited them in the banquet. Smiles and cheers were plentiful, as was alcohol, and Thor gave a hearty laugh as Tony cheered him in a way only the dark haired inventor could. People mulled about and he shook hands, embraced, and greeted so many that he had almost forgotten to be wary of his brother's impending surprise.
The fireworks went off without warning, silencing everyone as magic encouraged them towards the high-vaulted ceiling and colours exploded all around. Thor turned, and the fire surrounding him momentarily before bursting again into bright reds, oranges and yellows behind him. The light in the hall dimmed almost to the point of being extinguished as Thor was highlighted, the magic in the explosion twisting into the shape of a sunburst behind the future king before fading away the lights in the hall resuming their normal cheerful brightness. Everyone cheered wildly, whooping and calling their approval.
Thor cast a knowing look at Loki who merely smiled before vanishing from his brother's sight.
The party continued in high spirits, Loki watching from his carefully selected corner. He was almost surprised by Odin appearing at his shoulder. "Quite a show that someone orchestrated," the Allfather said knowingly, his one good eye twinkling with a bit of mischief that Loki rarely saw.
The trickster grinned. "I should say that someone wanted to make up for things passed."
Odin nodded and placed a hand on his younger son's shoulder, pulling him closer so that he spoke lowly. "I fear the day might be cut short."
Green eyes searched the crowd, their owner knowing exactly of what his father spoke of. He had felt a tugging on his conscious since they had gathered. There was someone that could expel a great amount of power in this place, but he couldn't place where. He had done his best to ignore it, push it to the back of his mind, but with Odin acknowledging it as well, he could no longer. "Does Thor know?"
"I have said nothing to him."
"Might we keep it that way? I should prefer to deal with it quietly if it might disrupt this celebration."
"I thought you might."
Searching eyes found their target and Loki felt his heart drop. "I will handle it," he promised.
"Shall I send any of the warriors to you?" Odin asked.
Loki shook his head. "No. I fear that will do no good. The only one who would not draw attention to the matter would be Sif and even if she conceded to helping me he would not allow it to go unnoticed by all. No, I will handle this." Loki said, repeating his vow somewhat vehemently.
Odin nodded, squeezing the thin shoulder gently. "As you say, my son. Do not forget we are all of no small might. If this event must be disrupted for a second time, at least let us be the ones to be at your side." he said softly.
Loki could not conceal his surprise, and nodded. "Yes, Father." he said.
He momentarily let his eyes drift way from his target to find his brother. Loki smiled. Thor was standing with one arm curled over Jane's shoulders, the young woman looking radiant in a gown of deep gold. Thor's head was bent near to Roger's, all of them laughing. Loki set his jaw resolutely and turned his gaze back to the intruder.
He moved through the crowd lithely, shifting between smiling and laughing gods and goddesses, only to stop near a tall man with dark hair pulled back a the nape of his neck. "What an honor, to have the brother of the crowned prince approach me," Arlan drawled, eyes shifting towards the younger sorcerer.
"You are not welcome here," Loki answered tensely.
"You're telling me to leave?"
"I am."
"You wound me, Loki. It has been years since we have set eyes on one another, and I thought I might receive a warmer welcome than you are willing to give."
"You mean to ruin my brother's day. I won't let you. Leave now, while you might leave with your life and wits about you."
"Is that a threat?"
A smile curled the trickster's lips. "If you take it as such. A promise as well, that if you do not allow him the moment of glory that he so richly deserves, you will regret it for the rest of your days."
"Richly deserves, eh? Then you have found what you were searching for. My... benefactor should be very interested to know this."
"Get out."
"Such rude behavior from a prince should not be tolerated. Surely your father would be disappointed." Arlan said, sounding amused.
Anger flared in Loki but him kept a tight grasp on it. "My father the king is aware of our conversation and supports me fully in asking you to leave."
Arlan nodded as if he had expected nothing different. "It is such a pity to have you wasted like this, Loki. You could do so much more. If you're going to ask me to leave, come with me and see what I and my benefactor can offer you."
"There is nothing you can offer me that I would be interested in. I will ask you only once more." Loki growled.
Arlan smiled, the gesture devoid of humor. "Oh, do ask me once more. There is so much in store for you, prince of Asgard."
Loki squared his shoulders and Arlan gave him a mock bow. "As you wish, I shall depart your brother's royal presence and descend to the places I am most accustom." With that he turned to leave.
Loki felt a coldness grip at him in his wake and motioned to a guard. "Take two others that you trust well to obey you," he said, "and follow that man there. Do not approach him, but make sure that he leaves the palace. If he does or if he does not, report back to me on the matter."
"Shall we force him to leave if he does not, my prince?" the guard asked.
"No. Do not approach him. Simply tell either my father or I if he goes or if he stays."
"Or your royal brother?"
"No. Under no circumstances are you to tell Thor any of this, do you understand?"
"Yes, my prince." The guard bowed and left, collecting those he wished to take with him.
Loki sighed, uneasy with the simpleness of Arlan's leaving. "Keeping things from the crowned prince?" Aegir's voice filled his ears and Loki turned to glower at the aged advisor.
"Only what will allow him to keep his cheer on his day," Loki snapped.
"I mean you no ill will, Prince. Only to congratulate you on your first real thought of your brother in his new position."
Loki tilted his head and did not bother to hide the dangerous flash of irritation. "My first thought?" he questioned.
Aegir nodded sagely. "Yes, my prince. It gives one a bit of hope to know that you would consider your brother on this day, even though it is the least you could do considering what you cost him on his first coronation."
Loki allowed himself to briefly enjoy the thought of strangling the man before him with his own beard. "Not that you would understand this, Aegir, but Thor has always been my first thought. If you'll excuse-" Loki tried to walk away but Aegir grasped his arm.
"That is untrue and you know it, young prince. Your first thought has always been for yourself. I hope if your brother, bless he who is our crown prince, should offer you any sort of...position in the council that you will decline it. You realize he would only do such a thing out of obligation."
Loki felt himself stiffen and did everything he could not to backhand the aging man to make him let go of his arm. "My brother does what he does only because he feels it right. To say anything else is to question his intentions and to give him less credit than he deserves. I suggest, Aegir, that you watch yourself in that manner. Thor is no fool, no matter what he may appear."
"Certainly I did not-"
"Do not play games with me, old man. You know he offered me a position and you know that I turned it down. The walls in this palace have ears, and I learned that in the youngest days of my youth. If you ever - and I do mean ever - attempt to manipulate him in any manner I will make sure that I have your head on a platter. If you will excuse me?"
Aegir sputtered behind him but Loki paid him no heed and eventually the sound of the old man's mutterings were lost to him in the crowd. He found Natasha watching him and nodded to her respectfully. He could see her consideration and eventually she nodded in return. She could prove useful, he thought to himself, and made a note to keep it in mind. The core of him had known evil, had know the darkest side of himself and of others and that part of him now stirred deeply in his mind. This matter with Arlan would not be over, no matter whether he left or forced the matter and stayed in the palace, and Loki knew it. He should have killed him years ago, and perhaps they would be spared this. Loki grimaced to himself, knowing he had not the skill to kill him years ago.
TBC
A/N: I have no promises as to when the next installment will be out. I'm sorry =(
I've had a couple questions on who the villain was going to be. Dun dun dun! Arlan's back! Not that that answer doesn't pose more questions. XD
