A/N: I'd like to apologize for how long this took to post. I can't stand that it took me three weeks to finish this. The reason why it took so long? I got lost in Tumblr. Tom Hiddleston, Robert Downey Jr., the Chrises, and Jeremy Renner everywhere! So many gifs and pictures. Does the dashboard never end or something?
I apologize for rambling, and that this is even shorter than the last one. I hope you enjoy the two chapters, the second one is mostly finished now and it should hopefully be up by later tonight or early tomorrow morning. My sweet followers deserve it, so I'm sorry if it's terrible.
Also thank you for your continued support, it means so much to me. Makes me wish I'd finished this even more.
A Festival of Fools
Tony had a foolish smile as he rocked back and forth on his feet on Loki and Thor's doorstep. He'd rung the doorbell repeatedly until he heard an angry curse from inside from who he assumed was Loki. Now he just looked around at the front of the large house that belonged to the Odinson's, rather impressed by what he saw. It was expensive and beautiful with many large windows and what looked like miniature gardens, all together having an older feel to it.
One of the large oak doors opened to reveal Loki, who was dressed in tight black jeans with a white belt, a green shirt, and brown and white hoodie. Tony allowed his eyes to run up and down the teen as he leaned against the door frame, a smile spreading across his face. Tony had to admit, he looked good, almost as good as himself. His staring was stopped though, when Loki playfully asked, "No flowers?" Tony stared at him in confusion for a moment, before grinning broadly and picking a dark red rose from one of the bushes at the door, soon holding it out to him,
"For you."
"How thoughtful," he chuckled, daintily taking the flower between two fingers and looking at it, "Mother will be displeased though. She hates people touching her plants."
"Well then we better get out of here pretty damn quickly, where's Thor?"
"He should be barreling down the stairs soon." Just as Loki said Thor came charging down the steps, a large smile on his face and blue eyes bright with excitement. The guy was like a giant puppy.
"Shall we be on our way, friend Stark?" He boomed, looking anxious, and Tony couldn't help but laugh.
"Sure thing, buddy," he raised a brow, "So I'm friend Stark now?"
"Does this name bother you?" He looked genuinely concerned that he might offend him somehow, and this just made Tony smile more.
"I still prefer being called Tony, but I don't mind. Let's go," he motioned them to follow him to the car.
"So, we're going to the one who is nicknamed after a bird's house, correct?" Loki asked as they slipped into the Camaro, Thor taking the back while Loki took the passenger seat.
"Yeah, we're going to Clint's house," he laughed, pulling out onto the street and heading in the direction of their destination.
"I see. What is the point of these Friday night festivities?"
"They are just for fun and bonding, brother! Much like a family!"
"Thor's got it pretty much figured out. It's all just for enjoying ourselves."
"How foolish. You all degrade yourselves on a weekly basis in front of one another." Tony laughs and playfully pushes Loki,
"Don't think of it like that. Think of it as letting go."
"I prefer to hang on." They both stare at each other as they stop at a red light, the same shimmering look of amusement and challenge in both of their eyes, and they completely forget that Loki's older brother is sitting right behind them with a confused expression. But then Tony does remember, and quickly returns his attention to the road, trying to ignore his pounding heart.
Tony walked quickly up the steps to Clint's house, Thor at his heals and Loki hanging behind as far as he could to show his displeasure, which only made the leader all the more excited for this. Knocking the starting notes of Beethoven's Fifth on Clint's door, he grinned back at the two of them and asked the party, "Ready to have some fun?"
"Of course!" Thor boomed happily, while Loki just rolled his eyes and slowly made his way to Tony and his adoptive brother. Tony was about to comment on Loki's reluctance when Bruce opened the front door.
"Good to see Loki actually came. This means you'll actually have to hold up your end," Bruce said with a smile, causing Loki to chuckle and Tony to pout.
"It's unsettling how you take so much joy in my suffering."
"You're exaggerating."
"Am I?" Tony asked dramatically before making his way into the house with Loki and Thor. Bruce sighed and shook his head a bit before closing the door behind them.
"So what are we to do during these festivities?" Thor asked, receiving a shrug in response from the science obsessed teen.
"I'm not sure. Clint and Natasha planned everything and I barely got here. I know pizza's involved though."
"Then I'm okay with it," Tony grinned, dropping himself on the couch in Clint's living room. It only took a minute before Natasha and Clint came into the room, holding some videogames and sodas, while Steve followed behind with a large pizza box. "Fooood," Tony practically purred at the sight of the box, gaining a small smile from Loki. Apparently he enjoyed Tony's strange enthusiasm for the greasy but delicious form of sustenance.
"Yes, food," Steve replied, setting down the box on the coffee table near where Tony sat, "but we need to focus on something important, right Clint?"
"Right!" the man in question replied, soon holding up his collection of games, "What games are we gonna play this time? We need to choose something goof too, since we have two new guys," he gestured to Thor, who was now happily sitting beside Tony, and Loki, who was keeping as much distance as the confines of the living room allowed.
"We should play something violent. I bet you'd like that, huh big guy?" Tony asked Thor who responded with a wide smile,
"I do enjoy games of war, friend." Everyone, minus the brooding mute in the corner, quickly began bickering over which one to play after this discovery.
After a good fifteen minutes of that, another fight began on who would sit out the first round. Due to the fact that there were only four paddles and only one position as a referee, because a fight always broke out, two people would be excluded from each match, and the only one who volunteered for one spot was Loki. The bastard trying his hardest to keep away from everyone and stay out of the activities. Tony would have to fix that, so he decided to take the second spot while Bruce took the job of referee.
The first game chosen was a rather violent war game, one Thor was absolutely jubilant about playing, which didn't surprise Tony. He seemed like the type that'd enjoy battle. Due to this, angry and excited shouts quickly filled the room as teams of two were made and the fighting began. It was an interesting sight to behold, especially since Thor seemed to be immediately part of their group, he fit in ridiculously well, but Loki could be like that too if he actually wanted to, and Tony hoped he did.
Watching Loki more intently than the game from the corner of his eye, Tony desperately tried to understand what was going on in the teen's mind. "I do not understand why these games are seen as enjoyable," Loki eventually whispered, more to himself than anyone, but of course Tony saw that as an invitation to talk to the raven haired man.
"It's probably because you get to attack people you're pissed at without the threat of being arrested," he grinned, scooting closer to him on the couch they shared. Loki gained a thin smile at that,
"That does sound enjoyable when put in such a way."
"Of course you like the violent revenge idea," Tony snorted, real laughter coming out when Loki pinned him with an angry stare.
"What does that mean, Stark?"
"Means you seem like the type who relishes getting back at people."
"This is true," Loki agreed, a glint in his eyes that said many of his good memories were of revenge. The idea made Tony's mind flood with what Loki might be capable of.
"So, are you going to play any of the games we choose?" He inquired, grabbing a slice of pizza out of the now almost empty box.
"I doubt it."
"That isn't fair."
"How and what isn't fair?"
"You're getting an easy punishment for our tie."
"Talking to you is anything but a light sentence."
"There is no need to get so nasty with me, babe." Loki rolled his eyes at the nickname before he took a soda from the table, popping it open and taking a long drink from it. This act showed off that long neck of his again, making Tony's mouth go momentarily dry. It was almost as if Loki was trying to punish him, which really wouldn't be that surprising.
"I am not being nasty," Loki finally spoke after taking his lips away from the can, and Tony tried to focus on eating his food instead of the wet flesh, "only honest. I don't even see why you'd desire me to accompany your group in such festivities." That caught Tony off guard. Why did he want Loki with the group? Why did he want Loki around period? The man was snarky, arrogant, narcissistic, an ego the size of Texas, not that Tony should talk, and on top of that he obviously damaged in more ways than anyone should be, he was...Tony. Why would he want himself around? No one could love themselves that much, not even a Stark.
"You seem like you need a few good friends," he finally provided, eyes on the violent explosions Thor had caused with a grenade, but they weren't focussed, just staring.
"And you believe your band of misfits is the ideal set for me?"
"Pretty much," Tony grinned, though it never reached his eyes, because he knew there was something deeper going on, which, frankly, scared him. Loki gave a soft snort to that answer, emerald orbs soon focusing on Tony's profile.
"You are an interesting man, Stark."
"I know. I'm fantastic, you should get to know me better."
"I'm not so sure I want to. The more you talk about yourself, the larger your ego becomes, and I don't want to suffocate when it completely fills the room."
"Same goes to you, babe." They exchanged glares, not noticing the other ten eyes on them.
"I fear another challenge is arising," Thor mumbled, catching their attention, and Bruce nodded.
"Awesome, I didn't get to see the last fight," Clint chimed in.
"I'm up for another contest, what about you?" Tony smirked, eyes still trained on Loki's.
"What kind of contest?"
"How about one involving games?"
"You will not rest until I participate, will you?"
"Nope."
"Fine. A war game?"
"Nah."
"Then what kind?"
"I have an idea," Natasha finally spoke, her pretty face having a small smile that meant nothing but trouble.
"What is it?"
"You two should play my favorite."
"Oh hell yes," Clint laughed, "I would pay to see that." That perked Tony's interest. What could be Nat's favorite game? It'd probably be disturbing, mentally scarring in fact. Due to that fact, he agreed.
"Sure, why not? Sounds entertaining enough."
"Oh no," Steve sighed in unison with Bruce as Natasha grabbed a box off the shelf. While she did this Clint plugged in the Kinect, causing Loki to raise a brow while Tony furrowed his.
"What? Does this involve movement?"
"Did you really think Nat's game would be a sit around game?" Clint asked, slipping the game in when it was handed to him. He had a point.
"What is this game?" Loki questioned, only to be answered a moment later as loud music went off from the TV with a whispered Just Dance.
"Shit."
"Is that worry in your voice, Stark? Can you not dance?" Tony wanted to punch the amusement out of Loki's voice.
"I can dance amazingly for your information, I just feel bad for you. You're going to be obliterated."
"Do not be so sure, friend Stark. Loki is quite the accomplished dancer."
"Really? That, that is just great to know."
"Silence yourself and start the game."
"Fine," Tony laughed, grabbing Loki's wrist and pulling taller teen to stand next to him on their 'dance floor', waiting for the dance they would receive after Tony pulled the random option. "But shouldn't we make this interesting?"
"I do not wish to risk another horrible punishment."
"Don't get bitchy, it's nothing major."
"What is it?"
"I'll tell you when I win."
"That doesn't ease my worries."
"I guess you should try to win then."
"I will, and when I do so, you will take me home, so I may enjoy a quiet evening."
"Deal," they briefly shook hands before returning their eyes to the screen in front of them.
Roars of laughter filled the room after the Start option was also pulled and the song Promiscuous began. Tony fought back his own laughter as Loki put on a pouting expression, which looked inhumanly good on him, as he realized he would be dancing as Nelly Furtado. Before Tony could even comment on how fitting he thought the character was, they had to begin, shuffling quickly back and forth, away from and towards one another as the provocative music played. Laughter was soon joined by cheers for who the others wanted to win. Most of the bets were on Loki, because he could move like no one else they'd ever seen. Even though the dance had simple moves that often looked slightly jerky, he made them elegant and sexual, which was partially the music's fault too.
Falling into a perfect rhythm with one another, the dance continued, their eyes locked as they understood which repetitive moves were after each other. The cheers didn't matter to them anymore, only their opponent and winning did. When the dance finally ended, their eyes immediately went to the screen and tried to catch their breath. The game quickly showed the scores and Loki let out a triumphant "ha!" and smirked at Tony, "Time to take me home."
"You owe me ten bucks Bruce!" Clint shouted from behind them, followed by a sigh from the loser and the good football captain.
"I had a feeling you would be victorious, brother," Thor said, face beaming as if Loki'd just won a gold medal at the Olympics. The winner only rolled his eyes and looked away. Tony inwardly sighed at that, wishing he knew more of what'd transpired between Loki and his family, but quickly shoved the desire to the back of his mind. It wasn't any of his business, he'd find out if Loki actually wanted to ever talk to him. He hoped he did.
"Well we should head out then, eh?"
"Shall I come home with your, brother?" Thor questioned with a hopeful look Tony glanced between them, quickly noting the narrowing of Loki's eyes, and he decided to keep them from the obvious fight they would have if Loki spoke.
"Don't bother Thor, I'll make sure he's alright. I'm sure Nat wants another rematch anyway after you beat her ass." Natasha glared at Tony for bringing up the earlier defeat, but Clint enthusiastically stated that they would want one. Thor agreed to it, a sad look in his usually bright eyes that reminded Tony quite a bit of a scolded puppy.
"Great, I'll take him home and come back afterwards."
"Be careful," Steve called to them as they went out the door, Tony only replying with the wave of his hand, while Loki gave him a slight nod. Tony couldn't help but smile at that, it seemed Loki was fitting in more than he knew.
The drive to Loki's home was strangely pleasant, most likely because of why they were driving. He didn't gloat with words, he just smiled smugly, watching Tony out of the corner of his sparkling eyes, and it irked the hell out of him, but he didn't let it show. Tony prefered to see Loki happy for reasons he didn't particularly enjoy thinking about. So instead of thinking about Loki's victory or his feelings, he decided to turn on the radio. With a simple click, music at the insanely high volume Tony preferred, burst through the silence, causing Loki to jump and cry out in shock. Laughing uncontrollably, Tony turned the volume to a manageable six and switched it to the radio from Metallica. "What? Music scare you?"
"Only when it's screaming garbage."
"You take that back or I'll dump you on the side of the road," the music lover threatened, but smiled nonetheless. Loki only smiled thinly and moved a long-fingered hand to the dials, clicking until he found something he agreed with. It took Tony a minute to place the band, soon going into another laughing fit.
"What?" Loki snapped.
"Just...really? Escape the Fate? I didn't think you were the emo type."
"Silence yourself, I enjoy this song and I'd like to listen to it."
"Fine." They drove another minute in silence, the song about issues being the only words spoken, but then Tony wanted to talk again like usual, "What other music do you like."
"Coldplay."
"And?" Loki leaned back into his chair, eyes gazing up at the cloth ceiling in thought.
"Hmmm...there's quite a bit I enjoy, but another band I have quite a bit of fondness for is Breaking Benjamin."
"Good to know you have some music taste." Loki smacked him on the arm, causing him to laugh for what seemed like the fiftieth time that night.
"Why do you even care what kind of songs I listen to?"
"It's just something I thought would be good to know," he shrugged, pulling into the long expanse of driveway leading to the Odinson mansion, "We're here."
"Obviously."
"Shall I walk you to your door?"
"Please." Tony smiled and slipped out of his seat, coming around the front of the car and opening Loki's door, noticing with a snort that the rose he'd picked earlier was in the teen's pocket.
"My fair lady," he held his hand out, receiving an amused and questioning look before, to his surprise, hand was actually grasped. Tony pulled him front the car and kicked the door shut before trailing behind Loki up the winding path to the oak doors. Pulling out a small set of keys from his pocket, Loki opened one of them, letting the entrance stay slight for an odd moment. That was when Tony realized he was just listening, listening. Loki was seeing if his parents were nearby, in fear of having to run into them, and Tony would be a liar if he said he'd never done the same. Howard wasn't fun to deal with sober or drunk, so it was best to stay quiet and avoid him at all costs. Did this mean Thor and Loki's parents were just as bad? Or was it just one? Or was it only bad for Loki? The latter seemed the most plausible of the ideas. Thor didn't seem to have a problem with anything, while Loki was a walled off mess. It'd only make sense if his home life was the same as everywhere else, and hell did Tony want to change that.
"Can I get a kiss goodnight?" Tony asked playfully, silently desperate to break away from his disturbing thoughts, and gave Loki his famous smile. Loki chuckled softly, looking down for a moment and shaking his head quietly, before returning his emerald gaze to Tony's chocolate one, with a small smile,
"Maybe next time, Stark." He flicked a loose curl off Tony's forehead and began heading inside, only to have Tony grasp his wrist,
"Wait."
"What?" The taller teen looked surprised at the sudden demand and touch, but didn't pull away.
"I..do you want to know what I wanted as a prize?" A soft snort came from Loki as he stepped back out to face Tony,
"Sure."
"I wanted your phone number..." A look that could only be described as completely stunned.
"But...why?"
"I thought it'd be a good idea."
"A good idea for what?"
"In case you ever just," Tony paused, a sudden mix of shyness and embarrassment coming over him, which was unheard of for a Stark, "just...needed someone...to talk to that is."
"Why would I need that?" Tony felt his cheeks begin to burn as he tried to find a good response, only offering a shrug to begin with.
"I'm not sure, okay? Maybe you'd want to talk things out, like at the roller rink. I can be a pretty good listener, contrary to popular belief." Loki made a thoughtful noise in reply, then suddenly whipped the iPhone from his pocket and offered it to him,
"Put in your number. If I wish to talk to you, I shall, I don't need you calling me constantly."
"Fair enough," Tony laughed, not bothering to try to hold back the enormous smile that took his face, carefully taking the phone in hand. With quick fingers he programmed himself into the contacts and held it back to Loki, asking, "good?" He retrieved the device, trying to give him an annoyed look, but his amusement broke through.
"You misspelt destiny."
"I did?"
"Yes," Loki held it up, the screen showing Your Density, Tony Stark.
"Well that's embarrassing."
"Quite," he replied, erasing the title and replacing it with An Annoyance.
"Bitch."With a laugh Loki waved him off, heading inside and shutting the door behind him. Pretending he didn't see Loki erase the new title as well and put Tony before the door shut, the brunette gleefully headed back to his Camaro. Maybe he could change some things.
A/N 2: In case you don't know what the Promiscuous dance looks like, the wonderful thing can be viewed here. watch?v=5lz5KM0_GAA
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Cool if you did, cool if you didn't.
I also apologize if I insulted any musical fans. If it means anything, I enjoy all those bands. I also apologize if terrible humor.