Disclaimer: Not mine.
Loki stared at her blankly, and all she could think of was 'Oh no… I broke him.'
"A date…" he said after a few moments.
"No," she corrected, not wanting to scare him off, "not a date."
"Not a date?"
"No, it's sort of just a… shenanigan…?"
"A shenanigan?" he asked, brow furrowing in even more confusion.
"Could you say something other than repeating what I'm saying? I mean, you must know what it's like... you've been to a wedding before, right?"
Loki cleared his throat and cocked an eyebrow.
"Not in the traditional sense."
Now she was confused.
"In what sense, then?"
The wheels were obviously turning in his head, and Grace could feel her patience plummeting and her frustration skyrocketing.
"The untraditional sense."
"No shit," she commented with a not altogether pleasant smile, only to receive a smirk from Loki.
"You are getting quite attitudinal for someone asking a favor."
"Are you seriously going to make me beg?"
"Of course not. Simple pleading will suffice."
A sound that could arguably be considered a growl vibrated in her throat, and she turned around to leave, only to be stopped by a gentle, but firm grasp on her elbow, tugging her back to face him.
"When and where, Grace?"
She eyed him suspiciously.
"Seriously?"
"I am always serious," he said, as if hurt she could think otherwise.
"Very funny, but if you're actually agreeing to do this, I'll owe you big time. There's just a few things you need to do."
"Such as…"
"You need a suit."
"Can you not procure me one?"
"I could, but I barely have time to go dress shopping, much less suit shopping."
"Then am I to acquire one?"
"Well, you don't really know where to go." She sighed dramatically and shook her head in mock exasperation. "If only there was someone else that we both know and trust, someone who is familiar with the area, someone who, like you, has a lot of time on their hands during the day…"
Loki was by no means amused by her antics.
"No."
"Oh come on, Loki. Please?"
"I can deal with her so called sense of humor here, in a controlled environment, but not out in the wild."
"She's a person not an animal."
"I've yet to see the proof."
Grace sighed and licked her lips, needing to prepare herself before she spilled her guts to him. One would think she'd be used to it by now.
"Look, here's the thing. I have a reputation at work for being a bit cold, and while normally I don't care what they think, I'm going to be forced to sit at a table with these people for an entire evening, an evening I can't act annoyed during. Katie showed me the layout and for some unknown reason I am sitting next to that asshat Dr. Lombardi. So I need an ally, Loki. If I'm to make it through the evening without murdering my superior you need to be there, because if you refuse now then you are definitely getting a call in the middle of the night to help me hide the damn body, and I don't even have a trunk to transfer it. Now you are going to buy a suit with Betty. Got it?"
It was only slightly condescending that he was obviously laughing at her little spiel.
"I'm not going to like it," he said once he got his laughter under control.
"Did I ask you if you'd like it?"
"No."
"Good. I'll tell her you'll be ready tomorrow at noon."
She glared at him before turning to leave.
"I just have one question."
Grace took a deep breath and faced him.
"What?"
"What shoes do you plan on wearing?"
"May I remind you that you are here for geographical familiarity and to help with the transaction, not to help me actually pick out a suit."
Loki closed his eyes tightly, having a better appreciation for why Grace always rubbed her temples to get rid of the tension.
"You can try to remind me, but I'm just going to ignore you," Betty said, looking at suit coats and randomly thrusting them against Loki's chest, his jaw tightening even more with each one.
"I can dress myself without you."
As promised, she ignored him and held a nauseating teal coat up to him.
"So are you looking forward to your date?"
"It's not a date."
"Then what is it?"
"A shenanigan."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Loki shrugged, because he honestly had no clue.
"It's a date," Betty said as if it was obvious.
"A date is a ritual performed and agreed upon by two consenting adults who wish to deepen their association to a committed, caring, and sexual relationship in order to find companionship and procreate."
"Is that what it says in your notebook that you'll take when you go back to the Mothership?"
Loki closed his eyes again to hide the eye roll.
"If I was an alien, taking into consideration the level of technical prowess, intelligence, and mastery of altering the very rules of physics… why would I use a notebook to record my observations?"
"Because a diary seems to personal..? Although now I can kind of see it. Dear Diary, Day thirty-four of living with the humans, still quite unsure of how to work the puzzling, yet ingenious technology known as a microwave. I caught Grace, the adult female, staring at me again today. I cannot get my extraterrestrial mind off of her strange, yet aesthetically pleasing human features. I do so hope that she is a consenting adult looking to participate in a sexual encounter leading to a lifetime of companionship, but alas, I must return to my home planet. They are in dire need of more sarcasm, and I cannot let them suffer without my help. Until tomorrow, love Loki."
Betty grinned over at him as he glared at her over the rack of black suits.
"Your imagination will be your ruin."
She shrugged and said, "Worth it."
"And that infernal microwave is broken. That's why it burns everything."
"Sure it is."
He shook his head and grabbed a few items, holding them aloft to analyze them.
"These will do."
"You have to try them on to see if they fit."
"My spatial reasoning skills are perfect. They will fit just fine."
Betty shrugged.
"Okay then, it's your funeral if they don't and Grace finds out."
She held her hands out to take the suit, only to have him pull the items to his chest.
"Perhaps a trial run will be prudent."
He glanced at Betty who nodded.
"The dressing rooms are over here."
She led him through the store and over to the small rooms, where he peeked his head inside.
"Just go on in and try it on; I'll wait out here."
Once he disappeared inside, Betty leaned against the door.
"So do you need condoms?"
She heard a loud thump against the wall and a quiet curse.
"I know Grace is on the pill, womanly problems and all that, it's just a question of your sexual history and how potent and sneaky your sperm are."
A man passing by her gave her a strange look, to which she merely smiled and waved.
The door swung open to reveal a slightly disheveled, but rather handsome Loki in a well fitted suit.
"I am not having this conversation with you."
"But I'm having it with you, so I guess you'll just have to suffer. I can talk louder if it'll help."
"Fine. No, I do not currently have any prophylactics with me, seeing as I neither have had any opportunity nor inclination to acquire them."
"And your sperm?"
"Is perfectly suitable and none of your concern."
"I just want to help."
"Then keep your mouth shut."
Betty shrugged and motioned for Loki to turn around, to which he complied.
"Looks good. I would have gone with the periwinkle, but to each his own."
"So are we finished here?"
"We got shoes and a suit, so I think so unless you want to go get your haircut so you don't look like a little princess anymore."
…
"…No? Okay. Then yes, were done."
Grace tucked a stray lock of her slightly curled hair behind her ear, bending down to help Joey finish packing his overnight bag.
"But I don't want to stay with Betty."
"Joey, please don't fight me on this. We're already running a little late."
Jack strolled into the room and smiled at his mom.
"You look pretty."
She straightened and flashed a smile towards him.
"Thank you. You don't think it's too much, do you?" she asked, smoothing her hands down the fitted, ruched material.
"No. I think you look really pretty."
"You're all right," Joey added.
She nodded.
"Thanks Joey. It means a lot. You boys ready?"
They nodded and left the bedroom. Grace went to the kitchen to put in her earrings while she waited for Loki to get out of the bedroom. The man looked perfect all the time, how could it take him this long to put on a damn suit?
The door opened and he strolled into the living room, smirking at Joey who had already planted himself stubbornly on the couch.
Grace thought he might have been speaking to someone, but she couldn't be sure. She was too busy having a slight heart attack from the visual of Loki in a suit.
She caught his gaze for a moment before his swept over her, the corner of his mouth lifting while his eyebrow cocked.
"That's an interesting choice in color," he commented, taking in every inch of her in her new dark green dress.
"It's all right."
The smirk transformed into a grin.
"And that's not the best part," she continued before coming around the couch to let him see her shoes.
She was pretty sure she saw his pupils dilate at the sight of the black platform pumps, but she could have been mistaken.
(She wasn't.)
"You boys ready to go to Betty's?"
They got up to get their bags while Loki slowly approached Grace.
"You look beautiful," he whispered to her, gazing into her eyes.
She shuddered, goosebumps forming on her arms at his low voice, his penetrating stare, and just the overall Loki effect.
"I tried to look pretty for you, since you are the knight in shining armor to my damsel in distress."
Grinning, he glanced over her again.
"Mission accomplished, although you are many things, Grace Stewart, but you are absolutely not a damsel in distress."
"Perhaps not."
With the boys waiting by the door, all four left for their evening of festivities.
Grace led Loki into the chapel, finding an open space for them in one of the pews. She glanced at Loki, who was staring around the place in confusion.
"Haven't you ever been to a wedding in a church before?"
"No. The wedding I attended… they didn't exactly believe in the Christian God."
"Oh," she said, nodding. "That's interesting. What religion were they?"
Loki stared at her for a long moment before opening his mouth, only to be cut off by the sound of music.
Grace quickly shifted in the pew, hugging the shawl tighter around her bare arms as she watched the flower girl start down the aisle, soon followed by the bridesmaids and groomsmen. She bit her lip and stood as soon as Katie appeared, stunning in her white gown, escorted by her adoring father. Grace started crying silently, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"What's wrong?" Loki whispered to her, a frantic look in his eyes.
Why was she crying?
What happened?
She was happy a minute ago.
"It's so beautiful. She's so beautiful," Grace muttered back, fishing out a tissue from her handbag.
"So why are you weeping?"
"I'm not weeping. I'm crying little tears of joy."
Little?
His incredulous stare must have had its effect since she narrowed her gaze at him while they sat back down.
"I may be a practical and realistic woman, but I still think it's beautiful. Look how happy she is," she whispered into Loki's ear as they watched the happy couple stand at the altar. "Look how happy and in love they both are, how they just stare at one another and know. I don't think they'll last necessarily, but right now, they're flawless. The world will soon give them enough hardships. It only makes this better for them. It only makes this moment more perfect."
She turned to meet his gaze, which was fully focused on her, his brow furrowed in concentration.
Grace sniffled and smiled softly as he raised his hand to wipe the last few stray tears from her face.
Licking her bottom lip, she turned back to face the front, just in time to watch her best friend say her vows and then be kissed by her new husband.
Grace clapped and cheered as the happy couple left the chapel, followed by the wedding party.
"They're going to take a million pictures now, so we can go ahead to the reception. It's just down the street so we can walk in you want."
Loki nodded and they slid out of the pew before exiting the church and strolling down the street.
"So why weren't you a maid of the bride?"
Grace frowned at the wording, but eventually got what he was asking.
"While Katie is my best friend, she comes from a large, loving family. She's got sisters and cousins, even a lot of sister-in-laws, not to mention friends from her youth that she still spends time with. I ranked low on the priority list. I don't mind, since she's really my only friend."
"What am I?" he asked, staring at her.
She glanced over at him and smiled.
"Very, very complicated."
Leaning over, she linked her arm with his.
"I'll accept it," he responded.
"What am I?" she asked, hugging herself to his arm as they neared the reception hall.
"My second chance."
She slowed to a stop, staring up at him.
"Do you really mean that?"
"I thought it was obvious."
Grace watched him closely, trying to discern any cue to signal he was joking. A quick smirk, a flash of light in his eyes, anything, but he was completely serious.
And worse, he didn't seem to notice the effect his words were having on her.
"That's a nice sentiment," she whispered.
"'Sentiment'."
He shook his head slightly and looked away from her.
"What?" she questioned.
"There was a time in my life that I hated that word. It was a weakness to feel for others, a hindrance. I believed that everyone eventually turned against you, so it was best if you struck first. You were a victim to your family's acts, Grace. I wasn't. I caused so much pain and suffering. I didn't care who I hurt, in fact I even enjoyed it sometimes. I felt it was justified. When I cared for my family, I was disappointed all the time. I felt like a freak, an outcast, invisible sometimes, so I stopped caring. I did a lot of bad things," he whispered, returning his gaze to meet hers. "Some unforgivable. I hated everyone, but now everything is different, and it's all because of you."
"That's the most I've heard you talk about your past."
"I don't think I've processed all of it yet."
"It just takes time," she said, taking hold of his arm again before resuming their walk. "And patience was one of your virtues, right?"
"It is."
"Then you'll eventually come to terms with it."
"I hope so."
"Hello, Grace."
She felt herself tense at the sound of Dr. Lombardi's voice. She slowly turned to face him, a false smile at her lips.
"Doctor, always a pleasure."
"Who is this?" he asked, motioning towards Loki.
"You honestly don't remember him?"
The doctor looked over Loki, who was observing the exchange with mild curiosity.
"No. Why? Do I know him?"
Grace rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"No. Guess not. He's a friend. Excuse us."
She gripped Loki's hand and stood, dragging him away from their table and to the open bar.
"Thank God he found somewhere else to sit. I can't stand him."
"Why?"
"Because he's an egomaniacal, selfish narcissist with a god complex."
Loki cleared his throat and looked away awkwardly.
"Yeah," he muttered, "those are the worst."
"Tell me about it."
The dinner and speeches were out of the way. The music, overly sappy love songs, was already playing, dancing had begun, and the night was relatively pleasing. Most of the coworkers were polite to her and Loki, if not shocked that she showed up with him.
She tried not to be too insulted by that.
Now she just had to avoid Dr. Lombardi and all would be peachy keen.
She ordered some champagne and rubbed her forehead.
"Does he bother you often?"
"Not so much after he called me a frigid bitch."
Loki frowned, anger darkening his eyes.
"Why would he do that?"
"Don't get upset. It's not the first time I've been called that."
"You're really not helping to assuage my annoyance."
She sighed and swept up the glass once it was set in front of her.
"Just forget about it, okay? We're having a nice night."
Loki let out a breath and nodded.
"Of course."
"I'm going to go talk to Katie for a bit. Will you be all right by yourself?"
He nodded.
She squeezed his hand before leaving, going over to the ecstatic bride.
Loki watched Grace smile widely and laugh, hugging the other woman and talking animatedly to her. While most people would have said that the bride was glowing, Loki would have to disagree. There was just something about Grace when she was genuinely happy. She was breathtaking. It almost hurt Loki to watch her like that sometimes, because he knew she wouldn't always remain that way, even if he wanted her to.
She deserved as much happiness she could get, and so much more. She deserved to love and be loved. She deserved that perfect moment she talked about in the church.
She deserved the world, however unrealistic it was for her to get it.
A soft smile came to his lips as he watched her, listened to her laugh, everything. She turned to him and smiled for a moment before returning to her conversation.
He remembered a discussion he had with another woman not long ago. A discussion about love. Even when she was willing to risk the lives of everyone for one man, she denied love. She had said it was for children. Loki had agreed with her at the time, but now he was not so sure.
Was this love?
This feeling in his chest as he watched her?
This tightness that seemed to both weigh him down and lift him up at the same time?
How was he supposed to know?
"Loki?"
He shook his head, seeing that she was now before him.
"She's going to throw her bouquet, so we should go find some good seats for the show."
"Throw her flowers?"
"Yeah, it's a tradition. All the unwed women go stand behind her, and the bride throws the bouquet over her shoulder. Whoever catches the flowers is supposed to get married next."
"That is how upcoming nuptials are decided?" he asked incredulously.
She laughed and shook her head.
"No. God, where did you grow up? It's just a fun thing to do. It doesn't really mean anything. Come on."
He followed her as they approached their table, twisting in their seats to see the dance floor.
"If all the unwed women are to try to catch this, why aren't you?"
"I raise two young boys, work full time, deal with a meddling mother figure, and put up with you. Do you really think I have room on my plate for the burden of catching a bouquet?"
"No…?"
"That's right. Besides I don't feel like getting trampled. You're about to see feminism and humanity regress to before the time of civilization."
His brow furrowed and he turned back towards the women, just in time to see the flowers soar overhead, and chaos erupt. All the women seem to pounce on the arrangement, throwing themselves at each other and tearing at the bouquet, nearly wrestling on the ground before one teenager snatched it from the others. She stood up and waved it in the air, victorious before running up to a nervous young man.
"He looks overjoyed," Grace laughed, sipping her champagne.
"Truly," Loki muttered, still a little in shock at the squabble he had witnessed.
"Are you sure you don't want to dance?" he asked.
"No. I'm not much for dancing. I like to people watch. If you're bored we could do-"
"No. I'm fine. I just don't want you to miss anything."
She smiled and nodded. "I'm fine, thanks."
Wrapping her arm around his, she leaned her head on his shoulder watching the couples dance, smiling at the elderly couple waltz, the young children awkwardly swaying back and forth.
"This isn't so bad," he muttered to her.
"Really?"
"I've suffered through worse."
"I heard."
He glanced at her, confused.
"Your shopping expedition with Betty."
Shaking his head, he growled.
A noise that affected her entirely too much.
"That damnable woman."
She laughed.
"You love her. You know it."
Grace could only laugh harder at his scandalized expression.
"I do not. It is a test of my character not to strangle her."
"Sure it is. Come on," she said, sitting up. "I'm ready to go home."
They got to their feet and she left his side to go say goodbye to her friend.
Nope.
This wasn't painful at all.
When they finally walked into the apartment, Grace groaned loudly.
"Finally, I can take off these shoes."
"Grace?" he asked, with a serious tone. "Why did Lombardi call you a 'frigid bitch'?"
"Loki… why do you want to talk about this?"
"I would like to know."
"Why?"
"Because for some reason you seem to believe him."
She let out a humorless laugh and shrugged.
"Why wouldn't I? The history kind of speaks for itself."
"What history?"
"Exactly! My lack of history with men... Fine. You want to talk about it. Okay. I had one boyfriend… ever. It was in high school and he dumped me for being a prude. Then the party happened, and I was sort of turned off to all things men and sex related. It took me a long time to get over it, and by then I was a single mother already. I have to put the boys first, so dating wasn't a priority, nor was I ever really attracted to a man, not to the point where I'd want to pursue anything. So yeah, they would say that I was cold, that I was a bitch. I don't see that changing. Even with you, I freeze. I'm so attracted to you that I can't think straight sometimes, but look at what always happens. I start thinking and second guessing, and I freak out every time. So some epic love story isn't in the cards for me. I've accepted that. I've dealt with the fact that I am cold and unfeeling, that my mind will never shut up and I'll probably go through life without the love and affection someone gets from sharing their life and bed with another person. What else am I supposed to do?"
"You can not give up?" he offered.
She scoffed at him, narrowing her gaze as she approached him, glaring up at him while she pointed her finger into his chest.
"You think I want to be like this? You think I want to know that I'd be horrible and unfeeling during sex?"
Loki shook his head, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her in disbelief.
"That's really what you think."
"Well I've had no evidence to prove otherwise."
"Fair enough," he yielded.
She nodded and tried to turn away, only to feel his cool palm press against her cheek, turning her face back towards his while he lowered his head and caught her lips with his own, his arm wrapping around her back and tugging her up onto her toes.
A small squeak escaped her as she froze, feeling him linger against her mouth, the light suction against her top lip, the way her body relaxed into his as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Heat swept through her, settling just below her navel as her hands fisted the lapels of his coat.
When he released her lips, pressing his forehead to hers, they both breathed deeply, not moving away from one another.
"What are you doing?" she questioned, staring into his eyes as she felt his thumb gently caress her slightly swollen mouth.
"Proving you wrong."
She only had time to close her eyes again before he was stealing her breath away with another kiss.
A/N: I'm staying up entirely too late for this, but fuck it.