Chapter 10: Gorgeous… just Gorgeous

Spontaneous applause broke out in the bookstore.

"That was the BEST skit ever!" one patron proclaimed.

"You need to do these more often," another announced.

Stark saw the opportunity and grabbed it. Raising his arms up, he smiled at the people who had gathered around. "Thank you, thank you. Stark Industries is proud to have sponsored this little tableau." He walked between Tauriel and Mary, hissing at the elf. "Put the bow down, sweetheart."

Tauriel glared at him, maintaining her stance. "I am not your sweetheart," she hissed. "Dolle naa lost," she muttered under her breath.

Thranduil sniggered.

"Sorry," Mary looked at Thranduil, releasing the hank of hair she held in her hand. "Didn't realize it was real."

Thranduil looked coldly at the woman. "Why would it not be real?" He nodded his head imperceptibly at Tauriel, indicating that he did not deem this strange woman to be a threat. Tauriel lowered her bow.

Mary shrugged. "Hey, I didn't realize how extreme some of you cosplayers can be. I mean, honestly… growing out your hair like that? What does your boss say?"

Thranduil looked confused. "My boss?"

"Trust me, I don't mind," Stark stepped in to the conversation. "He could dress like King Kong and I wouldn't care… as long as he does his job, right boys?" He winked at Loki and Thranduil, hoping they would catch on to what he was trying to do and avoid any problems.

"Wow! They work for you, Mr. Stark? I guess I ought to thank you for bringing all these guys here. This is the best turnout I've had at a book signing," Mary admitted grudgingly. "Would you guys be interested in following my tour?"

"Sorry, but they have other plans," Tony replied. "Now, boys? Why don't we head back for dinner? Pepper should be back soon."

Em wrapped her arms around Loki's waist once more. "Oh no, he promised to take us to dinner, right?" She nodded furiously at her friend who was still standing next to Thranduil.

Taking the cue, her friend latched onto Thranduil's arm. "Yes, dinner. They promised to take us to Lutece."

Eight other women, including Mary, swarmed around Loki and Thranduil. "Yes, dinner! They promised!"

"My precious!" several women chanted at once as they maneuvered to get as close as possible to the two.

"Jarvis!" Stark shouted, realizing this situation was getting out of control.

"Yes, sir?"

"I need reservations for a party of…" Tony glanced over at the group and counted the women fawning over the two men. "Party of fifteen at Lutece. And send the limo here."

"Fifteen, sir? You realize they typically require more advance on their reservations. And you did not forget tonight, did you?"

"I know. Just tell them it's me, got it? We should be there in an hour. And what about tonight?"

"You are taking Miss Potts to the gala at the Met. Shall I have her meet you there or add one more for Lutece?"

"I'll call her myself and make it sixteen for Lutece." Tony pulled out his cell phone and punched in Pepper's private number.

"Tony! What's going on?" Pepper asked, her face appearing on the screen. "Is something wrong?"

"No… Yes! I need you back here, right away." Tony noticed that five women were hanging off Thranduil, and the others were happily snapping selfies with Loki. He held the phone up so Pepper could see it.

Pepper smirked. "What? They're not fawning over you? Jealous?"

"Pepper!"

"Is it the blond hair or the leather?" Pepper asked.

Tony looked over at the god and the elven king. He sighed heavily. "Right, whatever. Probably both, or the novelty. Listen, they managed to almost cause a riot here at the bookstore…"

"What are they doing at a bookstore? I thought you told Jarvis to keep them occupied?" Pepper interrupted him.

"I did, and he did… for several hours. They watched LOTR, and then Thranduil got a bug up his butt and wanted to read the books for some reason and Jarvis let them leave with one of my credit cards. I'm taking them and their girlfriends to Lutece's. Jarvis is making reservations. Can you join us there?"

Pepper laughed. "Sure. But I think you'll need to get them all properly dressed before you go. That gal on the left won't get past the headwaiter in that outfit."

Tony took stock of the various state of dress the group was in. "Right. Just… hurry. Please?"

"What? Can't control them?" Pepper teased him lightly.

"It's not them, what if Fury finds out Loki is here, and I know about it?"

"When have you ever cared what Fury knew?" Pepper pointed out. "I should be back in an hour. I'll meet you at the restaurant. Have fun shopping!" her face disappeared from his phone.

"Pepper!" Tony shouted in frustration.

"Shall I get her back on the line, sir?" Jarvis asked.

"No, the limo?"

"It is about to arrive out in front, sir. And I have secured reservations for the restaurant in one hour. I have also called ahead to alert Macy's to expect your party for fittings in ten minutes."

"Excellent." Tony rolled his eyes. "Why did they have to come here?"

"Sir?"

"Nothing, Jarvis. Just talking to myself." Tony shook his head and waved at Loki and Thranduil. "Boys, gather your new friends and follow me."

Loki smirked, but did as requested. Thranduil frowned, then seeing Loki was doing as Stark bid, he elected to follow as well. The group made their way through the store, eventually walking outside.

A limo slid up to the curb seconds later and an attendant sprang out to open the doors. "Mr. Stark!"

"Right, thanks. Ladies, gentlemen…" Stark gestured to the limo. "If you would please, we are on a tight schedule."

Loki entered first, followed by Sif. He moved to the back and settled into a plush seat. "Nice." As he waited for the others to get settled, he opened the refrigerator next to him and pulled out a bottle of champagne and held it up. "Thranduil! Shall we?"

Thranduil sat next to him and inspected the bottle. "What is this cham-pag-na?"

"I am not certain, but it looks interesting," Loki replied. He inspected the label. "It states that it is Krug Brut Vintage, 1-9-8-8… batch number perhaps?"

"Krug? Sounds like something a dwarf would brew," Thranduil commented.

"Or an orc," Tauriel added as she finally sat down. "What is this drink?"

Loki shrugged. "Not certain, but shall we try it?

"If we do not like it, we can always give it to them," Sif nodded towards the bevy of ladies that had accompanied them.

Stark was finally the last to enter. He saw the bottle Loki was holding up. "Loki, be careful. That stuff is vintage 1988."

"I am aware of that. The label clearly states so," Loki replied as he peeled the gold foil off the top. "Thranduil insists it is a dwarvish drink. Is it?"

"It is a drink fit for a king!" One lady shouted. "Pour me some!"

"Well, then," Thranduil smiled. "I shall try some."

Loki stared at the cork for a second, then lightly touched it. The cork popped off easily.

"How on earth did you do that?" Stark asked.

Loki laughed. "I promised mother I would never give away my secrets." He quickly poured four glasses for himself, Thranduil, Sif, and Tauriel. "Now, who else wants some?"

Several ladies began clamoring for a drink. Loki passed the bottle across to one lady, who deftly poured a glass, then looked over the rim seductively at Loki. "Thank you," she sighed, batting her eyelashes.

Stark rolled his eyes. "Seriously? Listen folks, we have to make one stop. We aren't dressed appropriately for Lutece, so we are making a stop at Macy's…"

"Who's buying?" one lady chirped.

"I'm paying… but ONE outfit each. Got it?" Stark said sternly.

The limo pulled up in front of Macy's and they were ushered inside to a waiting elevator that whisked them up to a private level.

"Mr. Stark. I am Mark Anthony. I shall be assisting the gentlemen today in selecting appropriate outfits, and Miss Stancil shall be working with the ladies," he gestured to a drab woman standing at his side. "We are pleased you chose Macy's for this shopping venture."

"Right. We've got twenty minutes to get everyone dressed and out of here. Can you do it?"

Mark rubbed his hands together. "I enjoy a challenge."