Ever since the invitation from Tony; Lori had been looking forward to the party for the entire week. However Lori had been given the responsibility of the guest list. She had asked Tony who of his friends he wanted at the party; Tony just laughed and said, "Me? Friends? Have you seen me? Apparently I'm volatile, self-obsessed and I don't play well with others...?"

Lori couldn't help but agree so at this loss she asked Pepper the same question, "Well, the Avengers are already invited – so invite magazines and celebrities, and Lori – get a photographer."

Sometimes her job frustrated her, but she enjoyed the perks and she loved her boss; he made her job lively.

So… It was Friday – Lori had sent the invites, now she would have to see who would turn up. But by quarter to five, she could barely contain her excitement, the anticipation, the buzz; but she hadn't even picked out an outfit yet...

Tony walked out of his room, wearing his three piece dress suit, carrying a bow tie, he smiled, "I can never get this... Do you mind, Lori?"

"Not at all," she stood from her desk and helped Tony put his bow tie on.

"Thanks, Lori, now go get ready!"

"You sure, Tony?"

"Yep, see you at eight."

"Bye, see you then!" Lori walked into the lift and pressed a button. The doors opened with a ding. She continued through a pair of double doors and she was home.

She moved through the apartment and into the bedroom, she glanced at the bed; guilt struck her in the heart. She loved Thor but Loki; what she felt for Loki was raw and passionate. Thor was caring, safe.

She tried not to think about it…

She donned a purple chiffon dress; she put a belt on to show her hour-glass figure. She did her make-up and pulled on a pair of sparkly Converse – they were for special occasions. She then bounded down to the party.

Stark was to make his entrance; 'One must be fashionably late to one's own party…'; "Lori – Pepper – get on either side!" Tony held both arms out like a gentleman and they took each arm. Then the doors opened.

The music stopped and every one of the guests turned as the three entered.

Lori felt her face go as red as a beetroot, but Tony's grip around her waist assured her that everything would be okay.

She caught sight of Thor and he beamed at her, he then proceeded to stuff his face with a sausage roll; Lori giggled.

They walked down and joined the party, the music commenced again. Lori went to Thor and he wrapped a secure arm around her waist.

She looked around the room and saw a kid with dark, wild hair and had a camera; he couldn't have been that much younger than her so he came up to her.

"You're Lori, right?"

"Yeah, you must be the photographer for the party."

"Yeah," held out his hand, "Peter Parker." He smiled.

She shook it, "Thank you for doing this, Peter."

"Hey, no problem."

"Come by the office Monday and we'll sort out payment arrangements."

"Oh, sure, yeah…" He played with his hair nervously. "Do you guys want a photo together?"

Thor had been listening to their conversation and spoke up, "That would be wonderful, Midgardian…" Peter stepped back and Thor smiled broadly and Lori tried to have his enthusiasm, but the truth was she didn't really like her picture being taken. The camera flashed and Peter was summoned to take more around the room.

Lori kissed Thor on the cheek and told him that; as the organiser of the party; she had to go check that everything was at least perfect. He smiled, nodded and began to talk with Bruce.

The food was exquisite, she got the stuff Tony and her both liked, seeing their tastes were so alike. She knew Thor would like it, he would eat almost anything. The music was good, not overpowering any of the conversations that were happening.

She found Tony. He was talking to Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. They were talking about physics; something Lori knew next to nothing about. Then their conversation changed the likes and differences of the Avengers to the Fantastic Four.

"Who fought Galactus?"

"Who fought a God, complete with army?" They glared slightly and Lori giggled.

"What?" They both asked.

"Jeez, testosterone…" She replied, and Peter joined them, took a snap of Tony and Reed together and then Tony insisted that he have a photo taken with Lori. Click.

"I have rock-staring to do…" Tony winked at her and walked off, Pepper following behind.

Lori glanced around the room she saw someone harassing Steve, Lori assumed in was Johnny Storm because Sue was pulling him away… Then a kid who couldn't have been more than seventeen came up to the Captain.

Steve glanced at him then back at the party.

"Thank you…" the kid murmured.

"For what, son?" Steve furrowed in brow in confusion.

"For meeting my dad…" said the kid, they then faced each other.

"Your father?"

"Phil Coulson…" Steve became lost for words, he continued, "He really looked up to you… You were the reason he believed in heroes. You were his inspiration… So thank you…" he stopped as his voice fragmented, and he gave a half-smile.

The Captain pulled him into a hug, "What's your name?"

"Steven."

Lori turned away. The doors swung open and the misplaced master assassins strolled in. They matched, as they were both dressed in black. Tony caught sight of them and began applauding, no one else; except the Avengers; knew why but followed suit. "Clint, Natasha, nice to see you!" They smiled at Tony.

Fury made his way to them, "Where the hell have you two been?"

Clint looked at Natasha, "We took a detour…"

"To Budapest..." Natasha giggled.

"Finished the assignment?"

"Completed, sir."

"Well… enjoy the party…" They both nodded and went in search for drinks.

"Thor!" Fury called to across the room. This obviously caught Lori's attention, she followed Fury.

"Banner too. I have a mission for you – I only need the two of you… To go to London," Thor gave a fleeting look to Lori, Fury glanced at her, "She can't go…" Thor's face fell, but nodded, his face sombre.

"What must be done?"

"Lori? Could you…"

"Oh – sure." She was dismissed. She decided to see if the guests were enjoying themselves, she gave hellos and smiled sweetly and asked how they were, they all nodded and grinned in enthusiasm. To be honest the atmosphere was infectious; she couldn't help but beam.

The doors swung open once again. "Bonjour!" Justin Hammer sauntered in.

Lori rose her voice, "Excuse me; I do believe you weren't invited."

"Well then, you must be doing your job wrong." He smiled.

"Hammer, get out." Tony said venomously.

"Aren't you going to greet your guest to your party?"

"As Lori said, you're not invited so get out. Now." Tony glared at him. Tony was joined by Clint, Natasha, Steve, Bruce and Thor. Hammer leaned back obviously intimidated. He hurried out the room and out of Stark Tower.

"Well at least he's taken care of."