Disclaimer: I don't own anything.

AN: Thanks to those that reviewed! It's always nice to hear that someone wants you to continue a story. Here is part three and I hope it will be enjoyed.

Awake my Soul – Part III

"I just don't get it." Thor kept bouncing an old tennis ball off against the wall of Loki's bedroom, but he didn't take his eyes away from his little brother. "First the guy sends you dozens apologetic messages and now you're going out with him?"

Loki rolled his eyes. He didn't understand where the sudden concern came from, but he appreciated it. Thor showing this kind of affection was rare. "I know you don't like Tony," he said, taking out yet another shirt, "but this date is happening, Thor, so tell me. Green or grey?"

Catching the ball with one hand, Thor spun around on Loki's office chair. He cocked his head a little and narrowed his eyes. "Definitely green."

"Great." Loki tossed the green shirt onto his bed and put the grey one back in his closet. "Or perhaps I should wear something more casual?" He began to shuffle through another pile of sweaters and wondered whether he should wear jeans or his suit-pants. Behind him, Thor stood from the chair and pulled all the clothes from Loki's hands.

"Green shirt and jeans," Thor said, "so stop fiddling. You're like a giddy teenager."

"Watch your words," Loki spat, but amusement seeped through his voice. He did feel giddy and nervous and he absolutely loved it. Smiling, he turned to look at Thor. "This is important to me, Thor," he said, "and I really want it to go well."

"Then take a deep breath," Thor replied calmly, "and everything will work out."

"Just a moment ago, you hated me dating Tony and now you're giving me advice?"

"You're my little brother so if this is important to you, it is to me."

Loki grinned. "Thanks."

oOo

The evening had nearly come to an end and Loki had not once glanced at his watch. Walking alongside Tony Stark gave him chills and he couldn't stop smiling. Honestly, it was becoming ridiculous. He tried to stop, but each time Tony said something funny, Loki found himself smiling or grinning or laughing.

"So how are your classes?" Tony casually draped an arm around Loki's shoulder and pulled him closer.

"They're fine," Loki answered, "some are boring, some aren't, but I try to go to each one. It gets tempting to skip a few, but Victor is keeping me on the right track."

"Yes, Victor," Tony said, "he sounds like a really good friend."

"He is," Loki turned his head slightly so that he could see Tony's dark eyes, "I've known him for a while now. We met in high school and I didn't have many friends, but Victor was always there for me, you know?"

"Don't tell me high school was hell for you."

"It wasn't," Loki explained, "my father is Odin Allfather and my brother Thor. Kids didn't dare to bully me. Besides, I kept to myself and I had Victor."

Tony raised an eyebrow.

"We had a thing," Loki explained, fond of the memories he shared with Victor, "it didn't work out in the end, but we stayed close friends. I know you only met him briefly, but once you get to know him, you'll like him. He can be very distant, but that's because he had a tough childhood."

"And what about you," Tony asked, "what about your childhood?"

"It was completely normal, if that is what you're asking," Loki said. They took a left turn and Loki began to recognize the neighbourhood. If they walked for another fifteen minutes, they would arrive at Tony's mansion. The evening was nearly ending and Loki hated it. "Thor always stole the spotlights, but I didn't mind. I liked the quiet life."

"I've read articles," Tony said, "and I know Thor has been prepared to take over your father's position in Asgard Industries one day, but never have I read anything about you."

"That's my choice," Loki slid his hand around Tony's waist, "I don't want a life in public and I don't want the entire world to know who I am. Besides, I'm very shy."

"Shy? That I can't believe."

"It's true." Loki chuckled. "One camera and you'll find me in my room with the door locked. I suppose you're different. I can't remember an issue of Time which didn't feature an article on you."

"Well, I am the CEO of this mediocre company that makes up to billions a year," Tony smirked, "people want to know the man who runs it."

"And you love every moment of it." Loki watched Tony's smirk broaden. He halted and waited for Tony to spin around until they faced each other again. "You surprise me, Tony, in a very good way."

"I like to hear that," Tony said, stepping close to Loki, "because you surprise me, too. Is this the time?"

Loki was confused. "What time?"

"You said I was allowed to kiss you when our date has ended," Tony explained, apparently finding Loki's confusion adorable, "I know it hasn't really ended yet, but this just feels like that time."

Slowly, Loki placed a hand in the nape of Tony's neck. "I think it is that time."

Tony leaned forward and pressed his lips against Loki's. It was a short kiss, even a bit shallow, but Loki enjoyed every moment of it. He opened his lips slightly and he felt Tony smile. Pulling the billionaire closer, Loki felt him tugging at his shirt and he wished the moment could last just a second longer.

"Are you sure about this?" Tony gazed into Loki's green eyes. "I don't want to scare you away like last time."

"Shut up," Loki snapped, "and just kiss me again."

"Yes, sir."

oOo

Four weeks later.

oOo

Loki was seated on his favorite spot on the couch. It offered him a perfect line of view on the television and he could still see whenever someone entered. He hated it when someone - Thor mostly - snuck up on him and scared the living shit out him. Today, he was half watching the news (something about a crime lord and a police shoot-out) and half reading a chapter in his psychology book.

It was so that he saw Fandral entering the living room. The man smiled when spotting him and Loki kindly returned the smile. "If you are looking for Thor, he's not here, but he should be home any minute."

"Then I'll wait," Fandral said and dropped down on the couch. He snatched Loki's book and began to leave through it. "This does not look interesting."

"Speak for yourself," Loki said before grabbing the book back, "this is far more interesting than your or my life actually. Those are very bland."

"Bland?" Fandral echoed. "My life is not bland, Loki, and I hear that yours has become far more interesting lately."

Loki smirked. "Who has told you that?"

"A little bird," Fandral joked.

"Thor I take it." Loki instantly understood the situation. He closed the book and placed it in his lap. Between Fandral and the still playing TV, there wasn't going to be much time for reading. "He really can't keep his mouth shut, can he?"

"So tell me," Fandral said, pulling his knees up to his chest, "you and Tony, huh?"

"It's only been a month," Loki said, "but you have to believe me, Fandral, he is really nice. He's just a jerk when you or Thor or anyone else is around."

A loud laugh escaped Fandral's throat. "So basically all the time." A pillow flew his way, but he caught it easily and only laughed even louder. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't offend your boyfriend."

"You shouldn't," Loki said with amusement in his voice, "but seriously, he's a really great guy."

There was a short silence and Loki could see the many thoughts flitting through Fandral's head right now. For a long time, he had been able to read those effortlessly, but not anymore. Fandral had become more guarded and Loki was sure he was the same. "What are you thinking?"

"Just that-" Fandral inhaled deeply, "-we were good together, weren't we?"

It was a subject Loki hadn't been prepared for, but he needed to reply. "We were."

"We had fun and we talked about everything," Fandral continued, his gaze distant as his thoughts were consuming him, "I actually miss those times and sometimes, I wish I could turn back the clock. Do things differenly, you know?"

Loki nodded. He understood perfectly. "But it's impossible. What happened, happened and there is no way back. I'm just glad we could stay such close friends. I am glad you are still in my life."

A content expression filled Fandral's face. He straightened his back and wrapped his arms around his knees. "You deserve much, Loki, I hope you realize that."

"Much?"

"Much more than Tony Stark."

Loki averted his eyes from Fandral. He knew his boyfriend wasn't really liked, but that had never bothered Loki before. He did what he wanted and he never listened to anything the people thought of him. It wasn't pleasant to keep hearing it all, though. "He is my choice and maybe things will work out, maybe they won't."

Fandral leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on Loki's arm. "I know you have Thor and your parents and I believe you when you say that Tony is a good guy - I'm sure he can be very friendly and kind - but if there is ever anything you want to talk about, I'm here for you."

That was the Fandral Loki had grown to like and love. "I know," he smiled, "thanks."

Someone cleared his throat behind them and both Fandral and Loki snapped their heads towards the new presence. Loki's eyes widened with delight when he found Tony standing in the doorway, Thor just right behind him.

"Tony!" Loki jumped up from the couch and hurried towards him.

"Thor let me in," Tony explained, "I hope you don't mind."

Loki frowned, hearing a sharp edge to Tony's voice, but turned to his brother first. "Fandral has been waiting for you."

Thor sounded surprised. "Really?"

"I was hoping we could hang out," Fandral said as he lifted himself from the couch as well.

"This is the first time you officially meet my boyfriend, isn't it?" Loki turned his gaze from Fandral towards Tony and back again. He could see they both a little drawn back and uneasy, but Loki ignored that. It was never ideal to meet someone's ex-boyfriend and Loki understood that Tony felt slightly annoyed. "Fandral, this is Tony. Tony, this is Fandral."

"Hi," Fandral said softly.

"Nice to meet you," Tony replied politely.

Having been pleased by the meeting, Loki grabbed Tony's hand and guided him away from the living room.

"Let's go to my room," he said. They silently went up the stairs and made a left turn. Loki's room was grand and spacious, with a large bed, a walk-in closet and an old wooden desk. There was no TV and that had been a consious decision by the youngest Odinsson. It would have distracted him too much during his studies.

"I didn't know you were coming over," Loki said cheerfully while dropping down on the bed. Tony choose to sit at the desk, the keys of his car still in his hands. "You should have called."

Tony smiled crookedly. "I wanted it to be a surprise."

They had spent enough time together for Loki to know that something was bothering Tony, but he wasn't sure what it could be. "I have nothing against surprises," he said, "I'm glad you got to meet Fandral."

"Yeah," Tony replied, "he looks like a great friend."

Loki shrugged, leaning on both his elbows so that he could have a clear view of Tony. "He is," he said hesitantly, not understanding why Tony was being so difficult, "I have known him for years since he is one of Thor's best friends."

"Yet, I have only ever seen him hang out with you."

Loki eyed him carefully. "You've only ever seen him once. We were talking about you, actually. He said you looked like a good guy."

"Well, if Fandral says so."

Loki shot Tony a dark glare while pushing himself up from his elbows. "I get it, you don't like him."

Tony crossed his arms before his chest. "I never said that."

"You don't have to. Are there any of my friends you do like?"

"Are there any of your friends that aren't your ex-boyfriend?"

Silence.

Loki gazed deeply into Tony's eyes, not believing what he had just said. Where did this suddenly come from? Why was Tony making such a big deal out of this and why had he said those words that cut through Loki's heart like a dagger? "You're a jerk."

Tony seemed to understand what he had just said. "Loki, I didn't mean-"

"Oh, I understand," he lifted himself from the bed, never disconnecting with Tony's eyes, "I understand perfectly what you mean, Tony. You think I am the kind of man that has slept with all of his friends!"

Tony's gaze softened, his cheeks reddened and it was clear he regretted his words. "No, I didn't imply-"

But Loki didn't care. He wasn't someone who just allowed anyone to insult him. "Yes, you did. Why are you being so rude? Is this because of Fandral?"

As if a switch had been turned around in Tony's mind, he suddenly rose from his seat and turned angry as well. "Well, he is prince charming, isn't he?"

"What?"

"I saw how you two were downstairs," Tony nearly shouted, "both of you, so closely on the couch. It looked really intimate and I could tell you were having a wonderful time until I showed up."

"You are imagining things, Tony, and I shouldn't have to apologize for hanging out with a friend. You must feel really insecure if you think there is something between Fandral and me."

"Maybe you should tell Fandral that." Tony paced up and down the floor. "He was all over you and don't tell me you are that stupid to notice that the guy obviously still loves you."

Loki swallowed heavily. He couldn't believe the things Tony was saying. "I don't have to listen to this nonsense," he said in a hard voice, "first you call me a...a...a whore that sleeps around with all his friends and then you accuse me of being stupid? I want you to leave."

Tony seemed to finally grasp the things he had just said and shock flooded his eyes. He tried to reach out for Loki. "I'm sorry, Loki."

Loki relentless slapped the hand away. "I said, leave."

For a long moment, the two only looked at each other. Loki was furious, his face pale with anger and Tony looked beaten down.

"Leave," he repeated.

And then Tony did just that.