CHAPTER 3
Loki hadn't come out of his room since he had beat Tony in chess. Or, as far as Tony knew he hadn't come out. That sneaky bastard probably could've been standing in his bedroom without him noticing. Tony had stopped outside his room and skulked a couple of times. He had even been so bold as to put his ear to the door, but he hadn't heard a sound.
And now it had been five days. He was beginning to think that Loki wasn't even in there anymore. Maybe he had left without a word. Tony shouldn't be surprised. The other possibility was that he had died of thirst (even though he could generate food, didn't necessarily mean he could do the same with water). It was less lightly, but Tony has his fingers crossed for that one.
Except that was a lie. Even though he wanted to deny it with every fiber of his body, the thought of Loki being gone made him uneasy. He couldn't quite describe it. If he was gone or dead, it would be like losing a very cool blueprint or something. Loki was interesting, and Tony didn't want to go back to the life he had. Wait, did he just think that? Okay, that was taking things a bit too far. He wanted to have Pepper back and live with her! Of course he did! But... Getting to know Loki a little bit more wouldn't hurt. In fact, it could prove valuable in the future, if ever he became SHIELD's enemy again. At least that was what he told himself. The truth was that Tony just wanted to know more about what was going on in the tricksters mind because he was intriguing.
But that didn't mean he cared about Loki. It was better that he just hid in his room. Yeah, the less he saw of him the better- Then why the hell was he standing there ready to knock on the door with a cup of freaking tea. What was he thinking? Loki would probably crush the mug and make him eat the pieces. But he still knocked on the door.
"Yes?" a voice answered. Loki sounded busy. He could just drop it now, just turn around and leave and pretend he hadn't knocked. But instead he pushed the door open.
The room was dark, the curtains shutting out what little light still remaining on the sky. Loki was sitting on his bed, a tiny book resting between his slender fingers. Tony wondered how the hell he could read without light. But Loki's eyes soon answered that. They were glowing brilliantly green, almost like traffic lights. It was surreal, seeing his eyes actually glowing, casting a small shimmer of green into the room. Loki was looking at Tony, tilting his head slightly to the side.
"I just wondered if you had died in here. I haven't seen you since-" since you got so angry you teleported away. Loki smiled, sharp teeth showing in the corners of his mouth. Was he mocking him already? Tony wanted to hide the tea behind his back, but he already knew Loki had spotted the mug.
"I am well." Loki answered, his smile fading, but his face didn't turn unfriendly. Tony didn't know if he should be alarmed or not. Loki wasn't usually in a good mood. Tony didn't say anything, and silence fell between them. It didn't seem like the god minded. He just kept his gaze on Tony. "Was there anything else?" he asked after a while. Tony shook his head, but figured he kind of had to give him the tea now, because Loki's eyes had started to rest on the cup.
"I made some tea if you want it." he hesitated to see Loki's reaction. There wasn't any, his face locked in a calm mask. Tony put it on his night table. "I'll just be... Leaving." he said, already feeling really awkward.
"What is 'tea'?" Loki asked. He had put down the book, and grabbed the mug in a steady grip. Tony thought it had to burn him a bit, because it was really hot. He had just been holding the handle of it. But Loki seemed to enjoy the heat. It now hit him that Loki had asked him a question. He didn't do that often, like it was below him or something. Tony shrugged his shoulders.
"It's an English-like drink, it really fits with your accent. Personally I prefer coffee, but I had some tea so..." Loki brought the rim of the cup to his lips. "It's really hot you shouldn'—" but Loki took a sip. He closed his eyes, and then drank some more. He really liked heat huh? Green eyes turned back at him, and for a second he wondered if Loki was going to thank him. "You may leave now." he said, as if he had granted Tony permission to escape the room alive. Tony arched his eyebrows, but didn't bother putting up an argument at the missing 'thanks'. This was Loki, and he probably wouldn't thank him even if he saved his life.
Tony wondered why he bothered to go home every day. It wasn't like he needed to be there. He had plenty of other places to be. The Avengers Headquarters or any of the many buildings he owned. If he didn't fancy any of those places, he could always check into a hotel. But, something told him that leaving Loki alone with all his beloved tech wasn't a good idea. He could have JARVIS babysit him, but… No, it was better to do it himself. And the place he preferred to spend his time in was his workshop anyway. Yes, that was what he told himself. But the whole reason he went home was that he hoped he would run into Loki, and they would sit down and watch a movie and relax. It was silly, hoping for something that had clearly been a one-time thing. Tony figured he had to be really desperate for company, when he was hoping for the trickster god to entertain him.
"Welcome home, sir." JARVIS said as the suit was detached from him. It was kind of unnecessary for him to say that, seeing as they had been with each other the entire time. But it was still nice. Tony smiled sadly at the thought of JARVIS being his only friend at the moment, since Pepper left and Loki decided this friends-with-Iron-man-thing was a bad idea. Not that he had ever counted Loki as one of his friends.
He came into the warmth of his house, wondering if he should upgrade the suit so that it was a little warmer. He walked over to the bar to get a drink, it had been a long day after all, and he deserved it. He poured the alcohol into a glass and brought it to his lips. The well-known taste of gin soothed his worried mind. He turned around to sit down in one of his favorite chairs, when his heart almost stopped. It had a habit of doing that whenever he saw Loki. It was just something about him in his house that was sort of unreal.
He was sitting in Tony's chair. Tony's. Chair. His hair was damp, clearly he had just taken a shower (no, a bath, Loki was the kind of a person who would prefer a bath). He was dressed in a simple, black shirt and black leather pants (he really had a thing for leather, didn't he?). His eyes were calm, and Tony just knew he had been watching him the whole time. In his lap was that little book he had been reading during his stay. Tony wondered if he was a really slow reader, since he hadn't finished it yet. His heart was beginning to get back into a normal beat, and he cleared his throat, ready to tell the god to get the hell out of his chair. Loki crossed his legs, and tilted his head, waiting for him to say something.
"You're in my seat." He said, and knew it sounded childish.
"Is that a way to treat your guests?" Loki was amused, even though his smile was barely visible.
"An unwelcome guest, yeah, it is. Seriously, get out of my chair." He hadn't really expected Loki to get up. This was the guy who had tried to take over the world, why would he give up something so silly as a chair just because Tony said so? But he did, and without a word he walked over to the other (identical, but not as comfy) chair opposite Tony's. He blinked a few times, before it hit him that Loki was still in the room. The chair was vacant, but was he going to use it? He didn't really feel like enjoying his drink in the presence of the trickster. But he had insisted on getting the chair.
He awkwardly sat down (the chair wasn't warm, which was a little bit creepy), sending an annoyed stare at Loki, who was still having fun. He knew how little Tony enjoyed his company. Or at least he had to believe that Tony didn't like his company. Tony wasn't really sure what he liked and didn't like anymore. What he did know was that having Loki there made him uneasy. And he wasn't even saying anything! Just sitting there, studying Tony with those amazing green eyes- Yes, they were amazing, so what? Anyone would agree to say that eyes that glowed were amazing.
It took him a moment to realize he had been staring into them for a while now. He quickly turned his gaze to something else.
"Seeing something you like, Stark?" Loki asked, and even though Tony refused to look at him, he just knew he was smiling. That smug bastard.
"Your eyes are enchanted, aren't they? It's like you stare into them and they hypnotize you or something?" Tony said. He kind of wanted to know, because that would explain why he almost couldn't look away. He hesitated, but looked back at Loki to see his expression. He was smiling, but it wasn't evil. Amused, yes, but not evil.
"No. I am capable of such a spell, but that would take away the natural state of my eyes." Loki answered. There was no way his eyes were 'natural'.
"Your eyes are glowing, you're telling me that's normal?"
"Yes. My eyes do change with my magic, but it is no spell." Tony looked back into them. Alright, this was weird. Sitting here together, staring into each other's eyes. It wasn't the sort of thing you should do with the god of mischief. Not with anyone who wasn't Pepper really.
Loki got up from his chair, not breaking eye contact, and came closer. "Now that I've told you about my glowing eyes, perhaps you would tell me about this glowing device of yours?" he was very close now, and his hand reached out for the arc-reactor. Tony would back away, but he was sitting so it was kind of hard. Delicate, white fingers soon pressed against his chest. Was he just freaking out, or could he feel the cold from them through his t-shirt? And had they always been that white and slender?
"Eh, not much to tell really… It keeps me alive, and glows, a real pain in the ass in bed really." Why had he just mentioned bed when Loki was this close to him? He remembered the incident by the fridge, and swallowed hard. This was bad.
"I think it would be quite fascinating. I wonder what colour my eyes and your device would make together? What do you think magic and science look like combined, Stark?" Loki breathed out his name, leaning closer. His breath was so close to his ear that he could feel it. It was cold. Why was everything about him so cold? Tony's heart had started racing again, and he was sure Loki could feel it.
"I think it would be quite fascinating, yes." Tony answered, his voice only a whisper. What was he doing? This had to stop now. Loki moved his head so that they were facing each other, except he was way into his personal space. He could see his lips clearly, as Loki licked them carefully. They were red, and looked very tempting in a weird way. A chill crept up his spine. His mouth was only a few millimeters away from Loki's now.
Then Loki leaned back up, towering over Tony with his full height. Good… Yes, that was good. Except that Tony followed him, standing not as tall, but still. A sly smile danced on Loki's lips. He placed his hand on Tony's jaw, and yes, his hand was very cold. But that didn't matter, because he was now leaning down so that their mouths were close again. He wanted it. He admitted it, he wanted Loki's mouth on his now. The god obliged him, closing the little space between them.
His lips were cold and soft and just a tiny bit wet. Tony felt the sensation from it flush over his entire body. He placed his hand behind Loki's head, pushing him deeper into the kiss. He didn't care if he was stepping over lines and rules and whatever. In the moment, all that mattered was the feeling of Loki's lips on his. That was until Loki parted his lips slightly, so that his tongue could slide carefully over Tony's bottom lip. On instinct Tony opened his mouth, and the silver tongue of Loki the god of mischief entered him. Tony couldn't help but let out a moan, even though he tried to hold it back. Loki's tongue slid around his own, and he could taste him. The first thing he could describe the taste as was sweet. But he didn't know what it tasted like. The notion of Loki's saliva being inside his mouth was intoxicating. Tony had French-kissed before, sure, but it hadn't felt like this. He put more weight on Loki's head, wanting more of that feeling. The motion drove Loki deeper into his mouth. He doubted he had ever felt this hot from just a kiss.
Loki pulled away, a string of someone's spit still connecting them. Loki was breathing heavily. Even though he sort of tried to keep his posture, he was anything but unmoved by their action. Tony was so turned on he didn't even know what to do. He needed more. He felt like he was drowning. He needed that cool mouth that should be warm but wasn't on his again. His chest was rising so fast, had this really taken his breath away that badly? Loki leaned down again, and Tony met his mouth with his begging one. Again, their tongues brushed against each other. The way Loki moved this time was more desperate, but they weren't battling. Tony didn't mind Loki taking control. He doubted he could even come close to the god in skill anyway. His pride as a playboy dying as Loki's mouth gave him pleasure he didn't even know was possible.
His legs were shaking, and he was unsure of his ability to keep standing for another round when Loki parted for air. He put his hands on his shoulders, not sure how the god would take to the touch. But Loki seemed to understand, because he let him lean on him. Loki's milky-white skin was glistering in the yellow lights in the room. Had it been this dark the whole time?
"Now, how about we combine magic and science in your bedroom?" Loki said. A cheesy pickup line, really, but it worked all the same. His voice was so deep it came out rusty. If just kissing had felt like this, how would… Oh god. Tony's legs pleaded him to find some more support.
"I think that could work, yeah." Tony finally answered. He tried not to sound too needy, but had to admit it was a complete failure. It was hard to comprehend the thought that Loki had just invited him to sleep with him. And what was he doing accepting it? He was the enemy. Of all the bad things Tony had done… If he did this, it would come out on top. And the thought of it lit a fire in him that only Loki's body could put out. Sleeping with the enemy. It was such a cliché, he never would have figured it was this sexy.
He barely managed to find his way to the master bedroom, and had to listen to Loki's small chuckles from his pathetic stumbling the whole way. When Loki finally closed the door behind them, and they found themselves in complete darkness, Tony's heart was beating so hard he could hear it. Like literally, the sound of his heart beating out into the room. He didn't call JARVIS to turn on the lights like he normally did, because the room had to be dark if they were going to see what kind of light they could make.
And yes, Loki's eyes were really glowing in the dark. It looked like a green fire was burning inside of them. Loki's hands were on his chest again, on the neckline of his t-shirt.
"It's in the way." Loki said, as he ripped the t-shirt open with his hands. Tony knew that it was only in movies that that actually worked. But Loki had inhuman strength, even if he relied on magical power most of the time. The sound of the fabric tearing up gave him the creeps. The crack reached down to his arc-reactor, and soon blue light made it out into the room.
The clear blue from the arc-reactor mixed with Loki's green orbs became a sort of ocean-blue. The light danced on Loki's white skin together with his eyes burning. "It seems you are overpowering me. We can't have that now, can we?" Loki said with a sly smile, as the light in his eyes increased. The mixed light became more green than blue. Tony let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. It was beautiful. It was breathtaking, and it was something he had never seen before. Loki seemed to be just as fascinated, because he let the light in his eyes dance. Go from strong to weak, and the blue-green light went from ocean-blue to strong green, and back again. "I will make you kneel before me in this light, Stark." Loki whispered. "I will make you beg me for more and more until your mortal body can't take it anymore." He unbuttoned the two top-buttons on his black shirt. Tony could do nothing but stare at the smooth skin that was now exposed. It was probably very soft and maybe a bit salty. "And maybe I'll let you touch me, even though I am a god." With a swift motion Loki pinned him against the door, and his mouth was on his again.
His cool breath tickled his neck while Loki moved his attention to his veins. Sucking hard, letting his sharp teeth sink into the flesh. There was nothing Tony could do. He was completely lost in the moment. His arms were on Loki's back, awkwardly clinging to him. Loki pushed his legs apart, allowing them to get even closer. He could feel Loki. He was hard. The god ripped his t-shirt open all the way to the bottom, exposing all of Tony's chest and stomach. Apparently, unbuttoning his own shirt was too much trouble, because in the next second buttons flew everywhere. Loki's body was even skinnier than he had imagined. His pale, moon-white skin was covered in sweat already. He wanted to touch him. Carefully, he reached out to put a hand on his chest. But Loki grabbed it before he could reach. "I said, maybe I'll let you." he whispered. There was something about his voice that would make anyone follow his orders. Too mad Tony wasn't just anyone. He wasn't going to let Loki do just as he pleased. His other hand was free, and he quickly grabbed Loki's hair, pulling it hard. The god hissed, leaning backwards to keep his hair from being ripped out. Tony took the chance to make an assault on his exposed neck. Loki let out a surprised sound that could be a moan in disguise. He continued to kiss and suck, while still holding Loki by his hair. "Challenging me?" Loki was smiling. Tony pulled his head down to meet his, and kissed him.
"Yes. I do have a reputation to keep up."
"You will regret it." Loki bit his lip. A taste of copper spilled into his mouth. Tony was about to protest to Loki's warning, but then he was lifted up. In the next second he found himself landing in the bed. Holy hell, Loki really did have inhuman strength. The trickster crawled over him like a predator about to finish off his pray. His eyes were wild, and his breath heavy. All in all it was the sexiest thing Tony had ever seen. He pulled Loki down toward him again, not afraid for another bite. They kissed hard, a lovely, dirty mix of saliva and blood. "You still don't know your place?" Tony didn't answer. He was trying to think of a way of flipping them around, so that he would be on top. But Loki's strength was an obstacle he didn't know how to pass. He wanted to hover over the trickster and kiss and suck on him. He wanted him to feel dizzy just the way he made him feel. "What's with that look? What are you planning?" Loki asked.
"I'm trying to come up with how to turn this around." Loki understood what he meant, and smirked.
"I won't let you." he leant down to kiss him again. Oh god. When he put his tongue in his mouth like that… He really couldn't focus on anything else. Loki's hands had travelled down to his pants, and began unzipping them. He pushed them down from his hips (with a little help from Tony). After some struggling Tony was left with nothing but his boxers, and the ruined t-shirt that still clung to his shoulders. Loki on the other hand was almost fully dressed. Yes, his shirt was open, but that wasn't enough. Tony pushed the shirt over his shoulders, and it slid down, and Loki threw it away. Seeing Loki completely shirtless was much better. Tony drank in the sight of his white, sticky skin. It seemed the god was just as needy as him now, because he had started to remove his own pants.
Loki now lay between his legs, kissing him hungrily. But the friction between their bodies wasn't enough. He needed more. Loki was of the same mind, because he pulled down Tony's boxers.
Despite never having done it before, Tony knew how gay sex worked. And the thought of it made his heart jump into his mouth. Yes, he was nervous. "Oh, and now I frighten you?" Loki had noticed his body tensing. The god smiled as he removed Tony's underwear all together, tossing it into a dark corner of the room.
"Nope." Tony answered, trying not to show that his heart was about to climb out between his teeth. Loki laughed.
"You are a terrible liar. Let me teach you."
"No thanks." The trickster just smiled and kissed him again.
"I won't hurt you." he whispered. "Much."
Tony didn't know what he had expected going to bed with Loki. He probably hadn't been expecting him to take it all the way. But now that he was on the edge of the cliff, there wasn't much he could do. No way he was going to retreat like a pussy. Either way, he didn't picture himself escaping from Loki's strong claws. No. When the god had set his mind on something, he wasn't willing to let it go. And, despite being terrified, Tony loved it. He loved the thrill. The adrenaline flushing through his veins like a hot decease. The sweat that poured out from both their bodies. The hungry bites and slight taste of blood. He loved it, and he wanted more and more. So, he manned up and let Loki continue.
His fingers sparkled in the dim light. For a second, Tony thought he was going to kill him. Maybe Loki preferred corpses, hell, he didn't know. But nothing hurt. He suddenly felt Loki's hand between his legs. It was slippery and covered in some kind of liquid. Dirty magic. He didn't get the chance to question it, as Loki pushed one finger inside. There was no holding the moan back. Mostly, he was surprised by the feeling of something pushing inside of him. Despite how dark the room was, he could see Loki's wide grin. Tony shifted uncomfortable in his position, but Loki pinned him down by pressing his free hand to his chest. That only made Tony struggle more. Loki frowned, and bent down to kiss him. And Tony got lost in his mouth again. Until a second finger was inserted into him. It made him bite down on Loki's bottom lip. The god moaned, and sciccored his fingers to punish him.
It was weird. It was insane. What the hell was he doing? His clouded mind couldn't answer any questions. He could feel his body giving into the new land of pleasure. Loki's fingers moved faster. He wasn't able to kiss him anymore. His breath was too heavy, and he had to meet Loki's movements to drive his fingers deeper. What was he doing? "I think that's quite enough." Loki said. "Do you still wish to be on top?" Tony's brain had a hard time registering the question, but he absently nodded. The god arched his eyebrows, and lay down next to him. Tony blinked dumbly, not knowing what to do. Loki got a little annoyed by the delay, and strong arms soon dragged Tony on top of him. "I am so obliging today. Now you can give yourself as much as you want." Tony didn't understand him. They looked at each other. Tony on top, with one thigh on either side of Loki. "You are so slow." Loki mumbled. He grabbed his hips, and in the next second he pushed hard into him.
Tony could hear his own moan hang in the air for what felt like minutes. None of them moved, and even though Tony was shutting his eyes closed, he could kind of hear Loki's wide, evil smile. "What's the matter? Did you not ask to be on top?" the god teased. Tony didn't answer. He hadn't gotten over the feeling of being filled up. With Loki. When the thought hit him, his heart really did escape from his mouth. And then Loki moved. Only a slight thrust upward, but enough to drive deep into Tony. At least that was what it felt like. "I'm not quite sure how much your mortal body can take." Loki said. Was he concerned? No, no way. And Tony wasn't able to answer any questions now either way. Loki moved again. Tony arched his back, threw his head back and tried to keep his voice down, but it was an utter failure. "Does it feel good?" He was very talkative, wasn't he? Tony wanted to say something, but couldn't. "It would feel even better if you moved by yourself." It took a few seconds for Tony to chew the words, and then put them into action. But he rolled his hips, together with Loki's thrusts and shit.
At some point they both lost the rhythm, and it became a race. Loki tried to push as deep and hard into him as possible, and Tony tried to drive him deeper and deeper. His mind was blank. He couldn't think. Consequences or right and wrong, nothing was there. Nothing but Loki's heavy breathing. The god reached out for him, dragging him down for a kiss. Loki's arms wrapped hard around him. Loki moaned into his mouth as he finished. That pushed Tony over the edge too. The rest… He couldn't even remember.
The next thing he knew, he was lying next to Loki. The room was hot and smelled of sex. Shit. Had they just? What a stupid question. He felt a little dizzy at the thought. He looked over at Loki, who lay completely still. Had he fallen asleep? Tony should leave. Yes. He should. But… His head was heavy, not to mention his body. It felt like he had been running for days. His back hurt a little, and when he moved- auch. He collapsed on the pillow.
He hadn't been thinking straight. How could he? With Loki's mouth- Okay, he shouldn't bring back those visions or emotions right now. He was so glad he had managed to get out of the room before Loki woke up. The last thing he needed was an awkward waking-up session. He should be used to this, leaving his one-night stand before they woke up. But this was a bit different. Of course it was. First of all, Loki was the enemy. Second, he was a guy. Third, he was living with him. He wondered what the team would say if they ever found out about… And what about Pepper? It wasn't like they were really together right now, but he had meant to fix everything as soon as the Loki-ordeal was over. But things were now a little more complicated than that.
He took another mouthful of his strong coffee. He just needed to make sure that it never happened again. As long as neither he nor Loki mentioned it or acted on it, it would be like it never happened. Maybe he could ask Loki to erase his memory? Nah, that was probably not a good idea. He shouldn't insult him. He was a god, after all (and in bed…. Seriously, Tony pull yourself together). He couldn't deny that last night had been the best sex he'd ever had, and the thought of denying himself to ever experience that again sucked.
"JARVIS, what time is it?" he asked, too lazy to check for himself.
"It's 09:13 PM, sir. May I remind you that you will be late for your patrol?"
"You may, JARVIS, you may." He sighed. He didn't really feel like patrolling today. Wait? Why not? It was perfect. Getting out of the house so that he didn't run into Loki again. If anything, he should be thrilled about getting away. But he wasn't.
He wondered if Loki was mad at him for leaving him like that. He knew women normally were, but Loki wasn't a woman. He wasn't even human. And he had been the (Tony hated to admit it, but it was true), dominate one. Loki probably wouldn't care, maybe he'd even prefer it this way. He couldn't really picture him being of the cuddly-type. Why was he giving this so much thought? He was supposed to be on a mission.
Not that the mission wasn't pointless… What was the point of searching for Loki when he knew exactly where he was? He tried very hard not to imagine Loki's naked, slim body sleeping peacefully amongst his white sheets. The only reason he did this was to fool his teammates. He had felt bad about it all along, but the fact that he had slept with Loki somehow made it even worse. Like he had betrayed them on a whole other level.
This seemed like a good day to accept Steve's usual offer of going out for a drink after their patrol. Anything to get his mind off what he had done really.
"Have you gotten back together with Pepper?" Steve asked and smiled. The question surprised Tony, because he had no idea why he would think that.
"No, why?"
"Oh… No. I don't blame you. You have a reputation for it after all." Tony blinked dumbly. What was he talking about?
"What?"
"Oh, come on, Tony, it's obvious you've been with someone. Look at your neck." That was when it hit Tony. The hickeys. Shit. He hadn't thought about them at all! And they were so obvious too! He had to take a big mouthful of his beer not to blush. Tony Stark didn't blush. "Do you feel bad about it? Sleeping with someone else I mean." Tony nodded.
"Yeah. I don't know what I was thinking." At least that wasn't a lie. He felt like a total asshole, which he probably was.
"It's not like you really cheated on her, if you're not together." Steve was trying to be supportive, which he appreciated, of course. It was just that his understanding, kind smile made his stomach hurt.
"I feel like I did. I don't know if we had broken up or not. She said that we just needed some time to ourselves…" Tony wondered how he would explain it all to Pepper if she ever found out that he had slept with the god of mischief. Okay, he had to make sure that never, ever happened.
"Maybe you should get it sorted out. Just ask her." Tony took another very large mouthful of the beer, and wondered if it looked like he was trying to drown himself.
"But I don't want to be that obvious. If I'm all like; Ey, Pepper have we broken up or not? She will know for sure that I slept with someone. God damn it fuck shit I fucked this up so badly fuck." He didn't normally swear that much in front of Steve, and he could see the captain frown. He let his forehead drop dramatically to the table. It hurt a bit, but he still deserved much more pain. He was pretty low now, wasn't he?
"You might want to put it a bit differently. But you're not going to feel better about it unless you know for sure if you're still dating." Tony nodded. He knew Steve was right.
Too many beers later, he flew home. Steve had tried to stop him from flying when he was that drunk, but right now he didn't really care if he crashed and died. And yes, that's how bad he felt. He was trying to come up with something to say to Pepper. And what made him feel like even more of a jerk was that he wasn't doing it for her, he was doing it for the sake of his own conscience. When he thought about it, he didn't need to ask her at all. He would just assume that yes, they were still dating, and yes, he had cheated on her. But she would never know. He would just have to make sure Loki stayed the hell out of his bedroom. And personal space. And mouth.
When he got home he was determined not to call Pepper, and not talk to her yet, and of course never go near Loki again.
Tony was sitting in his chair, and tried to relax with a drink, even though he shouldn't drink any more now, because he would feel it tomorrow.
Loki wasn't anywhere to be seen and thank heaven for that. He was trying to decide if he wanted vodka or gin, when he was interrupted.
"Sir, miss Potts to see you." JARVIS said. Tony chocked on the last sip of his drink, and had to cough. He wasn't ready to see her. He didn't know what to say. Was she going to insist on moving in again? Or was she coming to break up properly? Maybe she had found someone else? When that thought hit him, he realized that he didn't completely hate it. At least that meant he hadn't cheated on her. What the hell? Wasn't Pepper supposed to be the love of his life? All the things they had gone through together, to finally find each other. Tony was about to say to JARVIS to tell her he wasn't in, but too much time had passed, and the door already opened.
Pepper stood in the doorway. She looked very professional, and there was something about her mouth that was a bit off putting. For a second he thought she knew what he had done. But of course she didn't. That was just his old paranoia kicking in again. At least she didn't look mad, Tony noted a tiny bit relived. But what did she want? The papers in her hand gave it away. She was here on business. Well, she did practically run his company for him, so it was no wonder. He really admired that she managed to keep her professional and personal life separate. That was something he had miserably failed at, he reminded himself as a picture of Loki's sweat body flashed before his eyes. God damn it.
"Miss Potts, what can I do for you?" Tony asked. He figured he should hate it more, how distant it sounded when he used her last name. She looked at him, her face was composed.
"I just have some papers for you to sign, Mr. Stark." She walked over to him, and handed him the papers.
"Not gonna tell me what they're for?" He knew this attempt at a conversation could come off as bit desperate, but he had honestly never felt more awkward around Pepper before. But the biggest issue was the fact that Loki could walk in on them any moment and scare them both to death.
"Just some sales. I'm not trying to trick you, just doing my job." She said, and Tony was relieved to see a small smile on her lips.
"I know I can trust you. Thanks for still taking care of everything." It was a sorry apology, but it was the best he could do right now.
"Well, you know me. I'm not going to let this ruin for our professional lives." The question was on the tip of Tony's tongue. Have we broken up? But did he really want to know the answer? If the answer was no, that meant he had cheated on her. Well, he still felt like he had anyway, quilt crawling around in his gut.
"Yeah… Ah, so… How have you been?" No, he shouldn't ask her that. He should try to get her out of here as soon as possible. But then again, if he didn't show that he cared, he might lose her for good. An explanation later wouldn't be enough.
"Good, actually. I bought myself something from you again, for my birthday I mean." Oh no, he had forgotten again. Forgetting her birthday had to be his specialty. She was definitely mad about it. If anything, it had been the perfect time where he should have called her and apologized and made up. But he hadn't, because he had been too busy with his guest. Okay, he had to be the worst human being alive right now. He knew she was trying to make him feel bad, but that didn't change the fact that it was working.
"Pepper, I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it. If you will just sign the papers, Mr. Stark." He nodded in defeat, and started to sign them.
"Anthony Stark? I knew your given name was something other than what your associates call you by." Tony practically jumped in his chair at the silky voice in his ear. Pepper was startled too, but not by Loki.
"Tony? Are you okay?" Tony wanted to turn around and see if Loki was standing behind his chair, but there was really no need, because the wicked laughter could come from no-one but him. So, Pepper couldn't see him. Or hear him. He tried to calm his pulse which seemed to protest against his wellbeing.
"I'm fine… It's just a… Headache." He lied. Loki laughed harder. He hadn't heard him laugh like that before. Despite the circumstances he found that he kind of liked the sound of it. What? No, he hated it! Damn Loki doing shit to scare him! He was seriously going to have a heart attack before that bastard was out of his house. Pepper gave him a skeptical look. She definitely didn't believe him. At least he now knew she still cared.
"This spell is quite fascinating. I have been making myself invisible for years, but this is the first time both sound and vision is blocked." Loki said, and dug his fingers into Tony's shoulders. Tony hurried through the next papers. He had to get Pepper out of here now. "I wonder how long I can hold this spell…" Loki mumbled. He did that just to mess with him. God he hated this guy!
He wrote his name faster than he ever had on the last piece of paper, and handed it over to Pepper.
"Are you sure you're okay?" She sounded honestly worried.
"Yes, I'm fine. If that was all then…" She nodded, and walked towards the door. Tony felt like she was leaving him for good this time. It was something about her posture. The way her heels made a hard sound against the floor. She looked tall and determined. Determined never to go out with him again. He wanted to say 'goodbye', or something silly like that, but the door closed behind her, and she was gone.
Loki moved around the chair, coming to his front.
"That was amusing." He said with a smile.
"I fail to see the fun." He wanted to sound angrier. He should be furious at him right now. But he just felt defeated.
"Have I made you angry?" Loki tilted his head with fake innocence. He reached out a hand to place on Tony's shoulder. And Tony let him.
"Yeah, congratulations, you've made me angry." Tony sighed. Loki frowned.
"You do not seem angry with me?"
"I guess not. It's not all your fault that I can't keep my girlfriend." Tony knew he was being a bit too nice now, but then again, there was some truth in it. When he thought back to how he and Pepper had always argued about the smallest things. How annoyed he had been on her always nagging about everything. He wondered, would it have lasted? But what was he comparing it to? It was the first serious relationship he'd ever had. He looked back up at Loki, unsure of when he had let his head drop. The god was still tilting his head, but he wasn't laughing, or smiling. He was just waiting patiently for Tony to continue. "But to be honest you haven't helped."
"I do not wish to be of assistance." Loki was actually quite tall, Tony noted. Maybe it was because he was wearing boots at the moment. And leather pants… And, was that actually a dark, gray t-shirt? He had never thought Loki could wear something like that, but he was. It could have looked quite casual, if it hadn't had a deep 'V' neck, and been made of silk. Leather and silk. This guy really was a diva.
"It's not like I need your help either. The day I need help from you regarding relationships will be the day I become a monk." Loki gave him a confused look. Of course he didn't get the reference. "That's like someone who can't have sex." Tony explained, and regretted mentioning the word the moment he said it. Talking about sex with Loki probably wasn't a very good idea. Seeing as he was the master of it. Don't go there, Tony, you'll get lost again. He told himself, but his mind had already started recalling that night.
"I doubt you could refuse yourself that pleasure." Loki said as a sly smile crept upon his handsome features. On his- No, on his face, yes just his face.
"You're clearly underestimating me."
"No, I am not." Loki said. His hands were still on his shoulders by the way. His sharp fingertips dug into the fabric of his shirt.
"No, you're right. There is no way I'd go without sex. I mean, I have a reputation as playboy to keep up." The fact that he gave in had nothing to do with Loki's fingers massaging him, miraculously taking away some of the tension he had been feeling for days. "In fact, I think going more than a week without it would be torture." This was bad. Loki didn't even say anything, and he was still winning him over.
"It has only been four days, good thing the torture hasn't started yet." Loki's voice had become low and husky. How did he manage to drag the sound from the back of this throat like that? How did he make the words roll out and sound so hot?
"To be honest, the torture has kind of started."
"Oh, has it?" Loki laughed and leaned in closer. He was now in his personal space, which he found he didn't mind sharing.
"Yeah, it definitely has. Do you think you could ease my pain?" Tony knew he was being a bit too pushy now. Oh, how annoyed he would be if Loki backed down. But he didn't. He just snickered and his eyes had begun to burn again. He just couldn't get enough of that sight. Those eyes were really something.
"Perhaps I could." Loki teased, and his breath was very close.
"Maybe we could go to a bedroom?" Tony suggested. He admitted it, he had no self-control what-so-ever. He was a worthless human being who was so needy he couldn't even go four days without Loki's touch. Maybe this was what it felt like to be on drugs. This incredible need. And he loved how his heartbeat increased as Loki's cold breath hit his mouth. He loved the bony fingers digging into his shoulders like claws.
"I see no need for a chamber, this chair will do very well." Loki whispered on his mouth. Tony could feel his mind becoming clouded and the little voice in his head that kept screaming that it was wrong died out. Why was it so wrong again? Because he was the enemy? This didn't change the fact that Loki was their enemy. It didn't mean he would keep him from SHIELD forever. It was the two of them together, without it having any impact on anything else. Yes, that's right.