Stepping off the platform into the air conditioned room of the Avengers Tower, Loki followed behind his brother's fast pace. His eyes scanned the buildings and skies of New York City outside the glass walls. The very city he unleashed hell upon with the Chitauri invasion six years ago. He suppressed a shudder at the memory. So many things had changed since then including his desire to rule Midgard and its obstinate population. Truthfully, he was surprised he was even allowed to set foot back in the city, even if it was with great reluctance and belligerence from those in authority. Thor's confidence in Loki's supposed help and new mentality rang loudly through the halls as he fought for his brother's right to be an asset to the Avengers. Loki continued to wonder what he had done to earn such trust and affection.
They left the quinjet on the roof before making their way towards the living quarters of the Avengers. Stark had been generous enough to lend them a quinjet to allow them unrestricted access to travel from NYC to New Asgard and back. It probably had been more of a combination of Steve and Pepper to convince Tony to give them a quinjet. A smugness settled over Loki whenever they were in the quinjet for they quickly learned he was a far superior pilot then his behemoth of a brother and Stark had demanded only Loki could fly after a few…close calls with Thor in the pilot's seat.
"Welcome back King Thor Odinson and Prince Loki Odinson. The others are currently residing in the main sitting room." FRIDAY announced calmly over the speaker in the elevator. "Shall I alert them to your impending arrival?"
"If you wish." Thor replied, leaning against the back of the elevator's mirrored walls. He wore his favorite Midgardian costume of jeans with a plain shirt and a black cotton jacket unzipped. So plain and peasant for a god and king. Loki wore his preferred black suit, not willing to falter on his choice of impeccable appearance just because his brother felt it was unnecessary.
"What do they require of us this time?" Loki stood stoically, facing the elevator door.
"Steve mentioned a new HYDRA base but Fury wants to provide the full details after our arrival."
Ah, Fury. Keeping everything close to the chest until absolutely necessary. Loki did not fault the man for his choices, but neither did he look forward to seeing Fury again. It would be simplest to say the two were not on speaking terms…even though this would not be the first mission Loki helped the Avengers with. He doubted he would ever earn the title of an 'Avenger', not that he actively sought after it. He kept a cold, aloof countenance when involved with the Avengers and on missions. Internally, and he would never admit it, he looked forward to the missions. To fight and thrive in the thrill of bloodlust and adrenaline. To use his magic for more than just mundane things like on New Asgard. To forget, even for a short time, of his haunted past and only focus on the moment.
Swiftly they arrived on one of the floors dedicated to the Avengers' living quarters. As the door opened, the sounds of jeering and taunting and the strong smell of coffee wafted through before they even took a step out of the metal box.
"Hey, it's Point Break and Reindeer Games!" Tony called out from the large kitchen, already pouring himself a glass of scotch even though it was just after the noon meal.
As the two brothers stepped further into the expensive, open room, a few heads swiveled their way from the sectional couch facing the huge TV to their left. What appeared to be a baseball game played on the screen.
Steve Rogers rose and approached, a small smile on his face. "Good to see you, Thor." He shook hands with Thor quickly before giving a brief nod in the other's direction. "Loki."
"Captain." Loki responded monotone. He knew the good captain appreciated his help but still did not trust him. Not that Loki blamed him. Everyone kept him at arm's length, besides Sergeant Barnes and even that was a tentative…acquaintance.
"Fury should be here in an hour for the briefing. I'm glad you can help us out with this one, it looks like it could be big." Captain Rogers stated, turning slightly to face the others in the room also. "Either of you want something to eat before? The cafeteria sent up a platter of sandwiches and fruit."
Of course Thor immediately followed the captain towards the kitchen island covered in sandwiches, fruit and some kind of pastries. Some conversation began between the three standing in the kitchen causing Thor to laugh, Stark's typical smirk and Rogers to shake his head. Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes and Natasha Romanov sat on the sectional couch watching the game. He wondered where the others were when movement from the central hallway caught his eye and held his gaze.
Walking into the common room from the hallway was Wanda Maximoff and… Audrey Murphy. The two chuckled at something before Wanda moved towards the kitchen to grab a drink out of the fridge and Audrey stopped just inside the room to survey those there. Her golden-blonde hair was a stark contrast to the royal blue blouse she wore over a white pencil skirt and nude high heels. Truly she was beautiful, there was no denying it. She was willowy with a slim figure and elegance in her movements. The sun kissed skin that graced her only accentuated her poise and flawless features. Heads turned to gaze at her whenever she entered a room and Loki found he was no exception.
"Lady Audrey!" Thor boomed as he moved to embrace her, swallowing her slender frame against him. "How fare you this day?"
Once released, she smiled brilliantly at him. "I'm well, thank you. How are you, it's been months since you were last here?"
"Ah, yes. Winter was tough but we are here, thank the Norns. Now I come to aid and revel with friends!"
Loki wondered how much she truly understood and cared as she continued to smile at his oafish brother.
"Well we missed you." She patted his arm as she stepped to the side. Immediately her cognac eyes found Loki's green and held them for a moment. "Hello, Loki." She smiled, not quite as carelessly, as she looked at him.
He gave a bow of his head in her direction, not taking his eyes off her.
Returning her attention to Thor, her voice was warm and alluring as she spoke. "I'll make sure both of your suites are readied immediately. Do you think you'll be staying long?"
"For some time. My people are safe with Heimdall and Lady Sif in charge in my absence."
She nodded, typing away at something on the Starkpad she always carried with her. "Excellent. There is a charity event in a week here that I would love to have both of you at. I'll make sure to send the tailor to you in the next day or so for new suits." After that statement, she turned to glare and point at Stark, leaning casually against the kitchen island. "And you had better wear that suit Pepper had made for you. You cannot keep showing up to these events in jeans and a Metallica t-shirt."
Tony sighed dramatically. "I'm a free spirit. I do what feels good."
"I will make you regret it."
"Oh, what are you going to do, mom? Spank me? Is that something you and your boyfriend are into?"
"No, sweetie." She smiled over-the-top with a sugary coating on her voice that spelled trouble. "I will change all of your Metallica and ACDC music to Hank Williams though, I'm sure my girl FRIDAY would be most accomodating."
Tony's mouth dropped as a few others snorted or giggled at the look of horror on Tony's face. Loki could not help the faint tug on his lips. Although she was beautiful, he had found her ability to stand up to Stark most amusing.
"I mean it, Tony." She said before moving towards those on the couch. As subtly as he could, Loki's eyes followed her, both charmed and entranced. It had been her long neck and legs that initially beguiled him, images of running his hands and lips over her soft skin calling to him. After meeting her, he quietly inquired about her to find, to his disappointment, that she already had another in her life. With that knowledge, he tried to keep his distance, continuing his bored demeanor. She was always kind and courteous to him, going out of her way to make sure he lacked in nothing and trying to make his suite as comfortable as possible. It had been a long time since someone, besides his brother, showed a sliver of the consideration that she so easily bestowed upon him. It was infuriating. It was reassuring. For a moment he felt less like the monster that he was.
Audrey moved to stand behind Sergeant Barnes, carding her free hand through his dark hair. "You need a haircut soon."
"What? You don't like my long hair?" Barnes leaned his head back on the couch to meet her eyes and winked.
She rolled her eyes playfully. "Between the long hair and this scruff…" she slid her hands down to his cheek, "people might mistake you for a mountain man."
He snatched her hand before she could pull it away. He pressed a kiss to her palm, keeping her hand in his. "But I'd be your mountain man, doll face."
Loki felt himself stiffen at the show of affection. He hated the surge of jealousy that ran through him. There was no right for him to feel that way. The few times he had accompanied Thor to the Tower over the past year, he witnessed the flirtatious banter between the two. If Audrey were to be unclaimed, Barnes would be fighting even harder for that spot by her side.
Audrey laughed, tugging her hand away to run her fingers through his hair one last time. She made some kind of flippant comment to the Black Widow before stepping away and heading his way. Looking up, she met his eyes once again, only warmth and acceptance shining forth. As she approached his side, on her way to the elevator no doubt, she stopped beside him.
To his surprise, she gently placed her hand on his arm. "It's good to see you, Loki. You've been missed as well."
He scoffed at her quiet statement but did not remove her touch.
"I missed you." Her voice softened even further with the confession before she retracted her arm and continued to the elevator, her heels clipping on the floor.
His mind whirled at the counter-intuitive statement. What had she meant by that? They had only spoken a handful of times before alone. Usually when the chance arrived for him to carry an actually conversation with her, someone, typically Barnes or Maximoff, were always quick to interrupt and demand her attention. A mask of emotionlessness covered his face as he remained stoically. All others in the room seemed to have forgotten about his presence. A blessing truly. Silently he moved toward the large glass walls overlooking NYC to stare out.
What felt like moments later, the half person, half computer glided down through the ceiling into the kitchen startling those in it. "Director Fury has arrived and requests our presence in the conference room." Vision stated blandly.
A few grumbles sounded from Tony but everyone began moving towards the elevator. Hesitating, not wanting to be stuck in a confined space with all of…them, Loki tugged on his suit sleeves. Whatever this mission was, he hoped it would be a satisfying distraction for a few days. Already he felt the thrumming in his veins from the glares of mistrust thrown his way when others thought he was not looking. At least those in New Asgard were more discrete in their distain of him. As he finally started towards the elevator, thankfully clear of said heroes, he could not ignore the secret desire to gaze once again upon those cognac eyes that had never looked upon him in anger and disgust.
She scanned the crowd before her, the people milling about and socializing. The director of the veterans' charity had already given his expected speech for the night, thanking Stark Industries and the Avengers for their overly generous financial donation and continued support of their fellow veterans. Now people would begin to slowly trickle out of the ballroom on one of the upper floors of the Avengers Tower. Audrey could not wait for this party to be done. The new pair of stilettos she had bought to match her simple black dress were rubbing her heels raw. Hopefully she had some band-aids at her apartment to cover the blisters for tomorrow.
"FRIDAY, can you inform the governor's escort she will be descending soon and is slightly intoxicated." Audrey whispered from the dark corner she stood in. The ear piece kept her connected to the A.I. and those under her charge for the running of the event. Her faithful Starkpad sat on her desk in her office and she found she missed the familiar weight. It would draw unnecessary attention though.
"Yes, ma'am." The A.I. replied, "do you wish me to go ahead and lock down the second elevator and only make the ground floor accessible?"
"That would be great. I see Mrs. Myers is still here but let's not give her the opportunity."
"If I may say, you handled her well in the past. I found it most humorous."
Audrey smiled. "Thanks, girlie." The memory of finding the stout, middle-aged Mrs. Myers trying to sneak off the elevator to rendezvous in Captain America's suite…was definitely one for the records. Although Audrey still had not told Steve about the encounter, or the subtle threats she had to give the woman to keep her where the party was. Poor Steve would blush and be incoherent from embarrassment.
"Clara, cut off passing out more hors d'oeuvres. Champagne is fine still. Those not serving can begin cleaning up." Audrey commanded to the head server for the event. She could hazard a guess that the servers were as ready as herself to be done for the night. It was just after midnight and the event had begun at 8pm. A short party, considering some that Tony liked to throw, but still draining enough she was wishing she could kick everyone out. Plus these heels were the bane of her existence at the moment. Potential pitfalls of online shopping and not breaking the shoes in beforehand.
Moving out of her corner, she wandered the outskirts of the tables, nodding and smiling to those she knew and caught her eye. A small dance floor had been set up and a few couples occupied it while most resided elsewhere. Ceasing her movement, she watched as Tony dragged Pepper onto the dance floor for a slow dance, a stupid grin on his face. He was probably bored out of his mind. Audrey took a moment to appreciate her mentor's happiness in the arms of the man who loved her, even if he was the worst at showing it frequently. They were able to be true to themselves, and their relationship was better for it. She could not help but wonder if she would ever fully feel that with Brandon. Quickly, she averted her eyes before going down that rabbit hole. The charity's director and his wife were talking animatedly with a CEO of a popular airline and a university president. Steve, Natasha and Thor were speaking with some veterans who had been invited to the event. Bruce and Loki sat at a table nearby looking extremely out of place. A second quick scan confirmed that neither Wanda nor Vision had come up at any point, probably for the better. Mrs. Myers was chatting with a politician's wife while throwing lusty glances at Captain America. Audrey wondered if another conversation was needing to happen with the woman, or she should just forewarn Steve. Sam was dancing with…someone's wife and making her laugh. Rhodney had left already, soon after the speech, needing to be in DC in the morning. Of the Avengers here, where was…
"Dance with me, Miss Mae."
The only physical reaction to the sudden voice from behind her was a faint inhale and stiffening of her spine. It was a blessing she no longer cried out and dropped things when one of the Avengers, particularly a certain super solder, decided to scare her. It took years for her reactions to diminish to what they were now.
"I sound like an old schoolhouse teacher when you call me that, Mr. Buchanan."
Bucky chuckled as he slid to her side. "I like Audrey Mae, besides you know I only call you that when no one else is around."
"Tony would have a field day if he learned my middle name."
"I got your back, doll."
She tipped her head to lay it on his broad shoulder for a moment. A silent acknowledgment of how deep his statement went both ways. Most people saw their flirty, teasing banter, the hugs and friendly touches. What they did not see was the many times Audrey held Bucky as he processed the nightmares that ravaged his sleep still, too afraid to tell the others for fear they would take him off the upcoming mission. How she made sure he was eating when regrets and depression warred against him. And the fun discussions and arguments they had when she introduced him to the world of A Song of Ice and Fire and all those in Westeros. Who knew she would find a fellow fan in Bucky?
"Alright, I have got to get back to work."
He watched her straighten. "One day I'm gonna get my dance, Miss Audrey Mae."
"Whatever you say, Buchanan." She patted his back as she walked around him, headed towards the security by the door. She planned on checking in with them before starting to round up her servers and close the place down.
A ding in her ear piece alerted her to an incoming call.
"Who is it, FRIDAY?"
"A Mr. B. Wilson. He has tried your cell phone three times already. Would you like for me to forward this call to voicemail to?"
Sighing, Audrey changed direction and started towards the open balcony which would offer some resemblance of privacy with the huge flowing drapes covering the glass doors. "Put him through."
Click.
"Hey, baby. Where are you? I thought you were coming over tonight?"
"No, there is a charity event tonight. I mentioned it before."
She could practically hear him pinching the bridge of his nose. "Right. I'm sorry, baby. Work has been crazy. I've barely seen you this week. Can you come over after? I'll make breakfast in the morning."
The chill in the night air caused goosebumps to break out over her exposed arms and lower legs. She bit her thumbnail as she leaned against the metal railing looking over NYC. Her eyes scanned the structures as her mind tried to plan a plausible excuse. "It's going to be late. I have work tomorrow to oversee the cleanup."
"Come on, Drea. You know I have a big case starting next week, I'll be so swamped we won't see each other. I miss you."
"Fine." She breathed out, resigning to the fact she would be exhausted tomorrow.
"Thanks, baby. I'll see you soon."
Click.
She sighed as she rubbed her arms for warmth. All she wanted to do was get out of these god-awful heels, have a large glass of wine and sleep in her own bed tonight. Brandon was right though, they had barely seen each other this week. Maybe she could just work a half-day tomorrow so she could catch up on some sleep. A quick survey as she had stepped onto the balcony showed no one else was out there for a reprieve. Knowing she was alone, she let her shoulders slouch as she finally took the time to look at the New York City lights. The city that never sleeps. It was beautiful in a way but she missed a night sky full of stars and galaxies. Somewhere a child's imagination could go and be free from the contents of her true reality, even just for a little bit.
Suddenly a warm weight covered her back causing her to turn around and gasp. Behind her stood the god of mischief with his face half covered in shadows but emerald eyes bright against his pale skin and black hair. In the next instant she realized his suit jacket was what the unexpected warm weight was.
"You appeared cold. My apologies for startling you so."
Her brain sputtered out momentarily as their eyes held, before she could collect herself. "Yeah…yes. Its chillier out here than I expected." She glanced around, subconsciously tugging the sides of his jacket tighter around herself. "I thought I was alone. You were inside at the table with Bruce."
His signature smirk appeared on those lips of his, making her heart flutter for a split second. "I have been out here for some time. My clone, or illusion, has been keeping Bruce company."
"You're not a fan of parties?"
"I do not enjoy the mindless chatter and fake pleasantries associated with these types of events."
"And what kind of events do you prefer, if I may ask?" She leaned back against the railing behind her, arms now in the sleeves of his jacket. Truthfully she needed to get back inside but…she found herself reluctant to leave. Just a few minutes would not hurt, right?
"On Asgard, we would have celebrations that would last days. The finest wines and ales flowing freely that both sated hunger and thirst. Music that called out to your soul, begging for you to partake in the revelry and lose yourself to the beat with a dance partner. There were competitions, usually ending in Thor winning, that were most amusing to watch." As he spoke, his eyes seemed to gaze off just over her shoulder, voice sounding wistful. Silence hung between them after his description.
"They sound magical." Audrey softly said, drawing his gaze back to hers. "I can see why you prefer those."
"It is not through some fault of your own that Midgardians do not know how to properly celebrate. You have done wonderfully tonight with what you have available."
"I'm…not sure if…you're flirting or trying to start a fight."
He chuckled before sweeping a deep bow then rose with a wink. "Most certainly flirting, my dear."
She giggled at his theatrics before she could stop herself. His smile widened as he moved to lean on the railing next to her. They stood in companionable silence, the sounds from the party drifting through the door and the honking of horns from below them. She admired him out of the corner of her eye, something she had found herself doing often over the past hours tonight. He wore a sharp black suit with a white undershirt and deep green tie, emphasizing his brilliant eyes. Handsome was the word properly used to describe him but she would have changed that word to sensual. There was an aura that hung around him that screamed dangerous and lascivious. His movements were graceful and deliberate, like a panther, with no fear of a misstep. True confidence with perhaps a touch of arrogance. His silky voice was what she liked the most, honestly she could listen to him read Shakespeare for hours and would be left wanting more.
A tinge of a blush warmed her cheeks as her thoughts drifted away from her. He fascinated her and she hoped over time to befriend him more. She enjoyed his quiet company and sassy remarks. He was so closed off to the others…she hoped to one day help change that.
"How are you not cold?" She found herself asking.
He hesitated for a long second, cocking his head to the side as if to examine her and her motives. "Cold does not affect me."
"Because you're a god?"
"You could say that."
Something about his reply and his tone hit her hard. There was something more there but clearly it was a sensitive subject.
"I should probably get back." She stood and slipped his suit jacket off, loathed to abandon its warmth and its owner's presence. "Thank you for letting me borrow it."
"You are most welcome, my dear. I beg your pardon for stealing you away from your duties."
She smiled as she took a step back. "It's ok, I enjoyed it. Thank you for distracting me."
"Anytime you wish. I like to distract and cause mischief."
Rolling her eyes, her smile softened as she stared at the god before her, highlighted in moonlight and artificial glow. "Good night, Loki. Sleep well."
"A pleasant night to you as well, Audrey." He dipped his head while maintain eye contact. His jacket draped over his arm as if he had no intention of putting it back on.
Promptly she spun around and darted back inside, hoping no one noticed her absence. Guests were trickling out and some of the servers were already beginning to clear the tables. She found Clara and devised a plan of what could be left to clean up for tomorrow. In the back of her mind, her distant thoughts clung to a pair of enchanting eyes, intoxicating voice and a scent of snow and mint. She wondered if her dreams would contain him…again.