Chapter 26
She had decided not to say anything. Well not yet anyway. She couldn't be sure whether she was actually right yet and Tony still wasn't back from his trip away to be able to confirm her suspicions. This allowed Pepper to keep a watchful eye on Loki over the next few days, taking note of the amount of times he snatched up his phone to reply to texts or else shared in whispered conversations with Natasha and Darcy.
It wasn't until the following Monday that Tony returned to school looking much more tired than before he left. At break she caught him and Loki talking but it didn't seem out of the ordinary. More importantly, it didn't look as though they were concealing feelings for each other or trying to get some quality time alone. Tony would say something short and Loki would respond in a quiet tone, leaning close to him so that others wouldn't hear. Pepper thought they might be talking about their secret relationship but that didn't quite fit. They looked to be discussing something far more serious than that.
As the days passed the weather warmed as did Tony's mood. The week after his return he was practically back to normal, joining in with conversations at lunch times and laughing along with everyone else. There were still times when Pepper was definitely suspicious of the pair and, though she didn't have any concrete proof, decided to breach the topic anyway just to see the reaction.
"Is the rumour true that you're seeing someone?" She asked rather forwardly at lunch on Wednesday. Loki wasn't there yet and the others were all in a deep enough conversation of their own that they weren't paying attention to hear her question at all.
"What?" Tony said, making no obvious movements that would give anything away.
"I just wondered," Pepper said, playing it cool. "It's just some people are even saying." She leant in close and lowered her voice. "That you're dating a man."
"Really. Woah, I haven't heard that one. Last time I checked into the Realm of Rumour people were still saying that I was going to drop out of school to follow my dreams of marrying a French bodybuilder named June," Tony laughed, propping his feet up on the chair opposite. "Why the sudden interest in my love life?"
"No reason. I just didn't know you rolled that way is all. I thought perhaps, if you did prefer men, you would have told me because we did date for a long time and though it may have meant nothing to you, it did mean something to me."
Tony sat up straighter at that, obviously confused about why the conversation had taken such a serious turn.
"Okay, slow down there Pep. Where is all this coming from?"
At that moment Loki arrived and, though it might seem an innocent gesture, Pepper registered the slight difference in Tony's demeanour upon his arrival, noting how he moved his feet off the opposite chair to make room for Loki to sit down.
"Hey," Loki greeted, brushing a stray strand of hair out of his face. "Everything okay?"
"Actually we're having a private conversation right now if you don't mind," Pepper said stonily, not bothering to look round.
Frowning in obvious confusion, Loki stared at Tony, his expression asking the question of 'what the hell is going on?'
"That was a bit harsh Pepper," Tony defended, sharing another look with his boyfriend before turning back to the strawberry blonde. "We're not talking about anything that private. So you want to know my relationship status, that's fine. And in answer, yes I am seeing someone."
"Male or female?"
"Is that relevant?" Loki cut in.
"I'm sorry, I thought I said this was private," Pepper snapped back. "Well?" She insisted, turning her gaze back on Tony.
"No I'm with Loki on this, is that really relevant?"
They could both see that Pepper was reaching the end of her tether and neither Loki nor Tony wanted her to explode in the lunchroom. They were also both very much aware about what she was insinuating, having already guessed that she knows about them or at least has some suspicion. Not lying would perhaps calm her insistence for a while but lying was also distinctly unfair to Loki as he had already had to endure keeping their relationship a secret for so long.
"You know Tony, you've had a real change of heart since we went out. Before you couldn't stand this guy and now you defend him?"
"Pepper come on, don't be so rude."
"Seriously though, why are you defending him?" She questioned, her cheeks reddening in frustration. "There must be a reason?"
"Because he's..." Tony trailed off, staring off in a different direction.
"Because he's...? He's what Tony?" It seemed she didn't need a direct answer, taking his silence as confirmation of her suspicions. "So you're dating. How long for? While we were still together I expect. Or is this something new, a bit of an experiment before we all go off to college? Did you know he's not gay Loki, sorry to burst your bubble and everything but he's not really into black haired lanky men or really any men at all. I'd advise you end it now because he's just playing you, he probably has another two or three twinks on the side. I doubt just one would keep him satisfy-"
"That's enough!"
The harsh tone cracked like a whip through her rant, rendering her silent.
"I said, that's enough!" Tony repeated, in a lower more warning tone.
A few seats away Darcy nudged Natasha and they both turned to see what was going on.
"Bu-" Pepper tried to speak but Tony cut across her.
"I think you've said enough. Yes we used to date but that doesn't give you any right to comment on my relationships whether they are with a male, female or otherwise. Is that clear?" He didn't continue until Pepper nodded. "Good. Secondly it is none of your fucking business whether I do or do not date Loki, neither is it your place to harass him in public about it."
"Tony you really don't have to do that," Loki muttered, staring down at the table. "I've heard far worse."
"Well I haven't and it doesn't matter anyway because no one should say stuff like that ever. It's horrible."
He paused for a second to calm his breathing. Pepper sat dumbstruck in front of him and Loki continued to look uncomfortable. The rest of the table had gone very quiet but no one made any move to get involved. The few clueless members of the table - Bruce, Steve and Phil - exchanged looks of confusion as they finally cottoned on to what Pepper was suggesting.
Much to Tony's dismay, Pepper was the one to finally break the ominous silence. "Assuming I'm right in thinking that you two..." She didn't finish her sentence. "Why him? What's so special about him that he managed to convince you that being with a guy was what you wanted?"
Releasing a sigh of frustration, Loki got to his feet. Tony stared up at him in surprise.
"I've got to go," Loki said quickly. "I can't sit here and listen to this. I can't..."
And Tony knew exactly what he was saying. Loki wasn't being weak or a coward. He wasn't running away. He was just fed up with it all. The only way he would be able to fully defend himself would be to confirm Pepper's accurate conclusion that they were dating. Tony had been the one who wanted to keep their relationship quiet at first, worried about how people would react, but it had gone on too long. Tony knew Loki wouldn't wait forever but the feeling of keeping it hidden had just become so comfortable that he didn't want to ruin it by telling everyone. But now Loki had reached breaking point and Tony couldn't blame him. It was time to decide. Come clean and live with the consequences or keep the lies going and hope that somehow Loki would forgive him. He didn't like those odds very much.
Getting to his feet in a rush, Tony caught Loki's wrist just as he turned to leave. Loki looked back and guessed what was about to happen by the expression on Tony's face. Giving him a smile of reassurance, Loki adjusted Tony's grip so their fingers were entwined instead of circling round his wrist.
"What's so special about him? I could say all the clichés about how he's so smart and terribly funny but instead I'm going to say this. Once he stayed over at mine and made me the best pancakes I've ever tasted." A few titters of laughter followed this statement as the rest of their table continued to listen. "You might think that's stupid to pick up on but I don't. It's the little things I like about Loki and they all add up to this one big picture you see every day except that I'm just privileged enough because I get to see more of that picture than You do." There were a few 'awws' from their audience after that line. Tony chose to ignore it. "Yeah you might think it's weird because you didn't realise I was attracted to guys and it was weird for me a little but that only hit me way way after I realised how much I liked Loki. His gender is of no problem to me so why is it the only bit you seem to care about?" Tony said, turning away from Pepper, who was looking more surprised than ever, to stare up at Loki who had gone very still.
"I think people know now," Loki said after a moment's pause, nodding his head vaguely to acknowledge the fact that quite a few people were staring at them.
"That a problem?"
"Definitely not," he replied with a smile.
"Good because even more people are about to know in a second."
And with that Tony pulled Loki closer and kissed him in the middle of the dining hall.
The reaction was immediate from their table. Pepper gasped and looked very upset. Natasha, Clint and Darcy all cheered. Thor hid his face in his hands while Jane beamed up at the pair while Bruce, Steve and Phil simply stared, realising that they had been totally oblivious to Loki and Tony's apparently serious relationship this whole time.
Others in the close vicinity started to notice too. There were catcalls and jeering from some people, while others whooped and clapped. Even the teachers started to get involved, either with smiles or nods of approval or else looking the opposite way and pretending not to notice, to shakes of the head as they watched the public display.
When Tony and Loki broke apart they started to laugh, both very aware of how much attention they were receiving. It was their fault but that didn't make it any less intimidating. Sitting down awkwardly, the rest of their friends all looked at them with a mixture of shock and confusion. Darcy and Jane were the only exceptions as next second they burst out laughing and, a few seats away, it looked as though Natasha was on the verge of hysterics as well.
"I think..." Natasha began, feigning seriousness. "I think people might know about you and Tony," she said to Loki, who was sitting with his head in his hands, a dark flush creeping up his neck and over his cheeks.
"I can't believe we just did that," he said, his words muffled by his hands. "I don't think I can ever live it down."
Tony laughed, rubbing his thumb in comforting circles over the back of Loki's hand.
"But you used to hate him," Pepper spoke suddenly, in a very small voice.
"No I didn't, I just found him mildly irritating."
"There's a difference," Loki smiled widely, clearly enjoying himself. Pepper looked as though she wanted to hit him.
"I think I'm going to go," she said instead, getting to her feet with as much dignity as she could muster in the current situation.
Running a hand through his hair, Tony said, "Wait Pepper." She stopped and turned back, without making eye contact. "What you said was terrible but you are my friend and I don't want to lose you over something like this. I'm not asking you and Loki to be best friends, hell I'm not even asking you to be friends at all. But I want you to be civil to him because he's important to me and I'm sorry that this upsets you but I'm not going to lie just to save your feelings. This is my life and I can do what I want."
She nodded slowly, her head bowed. "I'm sorry," she whispered. Sniffing loudly, she turned to Loki and repeated her words. "I'm sorry Loki. What I said...it was unfair."
Loki didn't react at first but, after a glance from Tony, he gave a very brief nod in acknowledgement of her words. He didn't forgive her. Neither of them did. Nor would anyone else who had heard the exchange. But it was better to try and accept and move on than continue down the bitter path that she had put them on.
The end of the day came swiftly after that and, soon enough, Loki was riding shotgun while Tony drove them back to his house. The radio served to break the comfortable silence; both were exhausted enough from their day that they couldn't think of anything to say.
They collapsed onto one of Tony's sofas, Loki more on top of Tony than on the cushions. Tony pushed him off gently, wrapping an arm around him instead to draw him closer. He leant in close and pressed his lips lightly to Loki's temple before moving lower and kissing his cheek before kissing him very briefly on the lips.
"What was that for?" Loki asked slightly breathlessly.
Without replying Tony kissed him again, cupping Loki's face and lightly running his thumbs over his cheeks before leaning in for the third time.
"I have to go back to New York this weekend and I want you to come with me."
At that admission, Loki placed a hand on Tony's chest to create some space between them. He looked at him in disbelief, unable to comprehend what he had just been told.
"What? Are you being serious?"
"Yep."
"But-but we can't, I can't," Loki clarified, trying not to notice the hurt replacing all the previous optimism on Tony's face. He wanted to go, of course he did, but there were just too many reasons why he couldn't. "Our exams start so soon and I need to study and I don't really have enough money right now and I doubt my parents would give me the money even if I did somehow manage to convince them to let me go."
"You're making excuses."
"No I'm being reasonable," Loki said, rather more forcefully than he intended. Tony sat back then got to his feet and began pacing the room.
Pausing in his tracks, he turned back to Loki. "I have a plane, you don't need to pay."
"I-what?"
Tony rolled his eyes, looking distinctly uncomfortable. He reassumed his seat beside Loki but continued to fidget. Bringing up the subject of his family and inheritance wasn't something he particularly enjoyed, especially when some people only ever talked to him because of that reason. It had never been like that with Loki though, and for that he was thankful. In truth his family was hardly ever mentioned and even then it was usually himself bringing it up. Loki was very respectful when it came to privacy and didn't pry unless Tony gave him any indication that it was okay.
"Stark Industries has a few private jets, one of which is specifically mine to use whenever I go to visit. I try to avoid using it but this time I don't mind. It would be unfair to expect you to pay for travel when I am inviting you as my guest."
"But-" Loki tried but Tony cut him off again.
"Just consider it Loki, please. I really want you to come."
To his surprise, Loki smiled widely at him. This time when he spoke, his voice was much softer and, luckily, Tony didn't interrupt him. "I have considered it. I want to come, I really do. I'm just trying to be rational because the chance of my parents allowing me to go is very small what with schoolwork and everything."
"So you will ask them?" Tony couldn't even attempt to disguise his hopeful tone.
"Yes," Loki said, placing a kiss on the other man's lips. "Of course I will."
Unsurprisingly that conversation didn't go nearly as well as either of them hoped. As soon as Loki broached the subject Frigga absolutely refused to hear it. Apparently it was a completely irresponsible thing to suggest and she thought that both himself and Tony were more mature than this which thoroughly confused Loki. How did going to New York with his boyfriend make them irresponsible? He thought it showed total responsibility and maturity but according to his mother apparently not. He didn't mention this, however, because he didn't fancy being scolded for backtalk.
Sat at the end of the table, Odin watched the exchange in silence as Frigga gave Loki a list of reasons why going was not a good idea while Loki sat quietly, struggling against the urge to speak out. Though he agreed with Frigga in some respects, yes it was better for Loki not to go due to his exams starting very soon and him needing the time to revise, he also saw that this was something that Loki really wanted to do. After all, it was only for two nights and everyone needs a break from revision once in a while. Why couldn't this be his break?
After voicing his opinion, Frigga stared at him incredulously. She opened her mouth to argue against him but he held up a hand rendering her silent. "Loki, you can go with Tony," he stated plainly. Then he turned away from him, and his expression of complete surprise, to address Frigga instead. "He's an adult now and we should start treating him as such. If he thinks he can spare a weekend away from revision then we should allow him to make this decision because, though it's a hard truth, if he ends up failing his exams then it's his fault not ours."
Ouch. Okay so maybe Loki hadn't been dedicating as much attention to his schoolwork as he used to, he was still passing all his classes with excellent grades. However, he did agree that it would be his own fault if he did fail. For once he was actually agreeing with Odin. Miracles do happen.
"But how is he going to get there?" Frigga asked, clearly desperate to find a last argument to hold on to. It seemed also as though no one even realised Loki was there anymore seeing as he wasn't even being addressed directly despite being the only one who could answer the question.
"Tony has a plane," he cut in when Odin didn't answer. His parents turned to look at him in unison, surprise clearly visible in every line of their faces. "He's really rich," He added bluntly. He didn't have the energy to explain Tony's life to them because he was pretty sure they already had a sound idea.
Somehow they agreed. Loki wasn't quite sure how seeing as he had to sit through a good hour of discussions before his mother finally agreed to let him go. It was no surprise to anyone that he practically skipped from the kitchen, past a bewildered Thor, up to his bedroom where he called Tony to give him the good news. To say Tony was thrilled was an understatement.
And so, on Friday evening, the two were on their way to the airport courtesy of a lift from Rhodey. Despite rush hour traffic they made it there in good time, allowing them time to relax a little before the flight. Though not outwardly showing it, Loki was rather excited to see Tony's private jet. He'd never been inside one before, hell he hadn't even seen one in real life at all (TV didn't count).
They boarded not too long later – Rhodey had already left, telling them to enjoy their trip and send Obadiah his best – and, despite its small exterior, the plane was surprisingly very roomy. They settled at a table near the cockpit, storing their hand luggage under their seats until after takeoff.
"What do you think?" Tony asked after Loki first walked through the door.
"I think I can understand now why you have so many friends," Loki replied, staring around the plane's interior admiringly.
"Oh shut up you," Tony laughed, hitting him playfully on the arm. Loki just grinned in response.
The flight to New York wasn't particularly long but after landing they had to make their way across the city to Obadiah's house, or rather, mansion. Though he really wished he wasn't, Loki was nervous. This was far worse than facing Rhodey for the first time after Tony had told him that they were together. This was Obadiah. The man that Tony respected more than anyone. The man that was, besides Rhodey, Tony's closest thing to family he had. The man who ran Tony's multinational business until he came of age. This man was beyond famous, beyond rich, and very important to Tony. If he messed this up, if he made a fool of himself, he would never live it down. He couldn't do that to Tony.
There was also the issue that Obadiah didn't know about the two dating. The day before Tony had hinted that he was going to tell him during their visit but the topic was never discussed in more detail. If he disapproved then that spelled disaster from the start. And if he approved, well, there wouldn't be too much to worry about as long as Loki was polite and respectful and he was always polite and respectful to those who deserved it. He just hoped Obadiah deserved it.
When they approached the front door Loki got the feeling that he wasn't the only one who was nervous. Tony gripped his hand tightly in reassurance and kissed him lightly on the cheek before letting go of him completely.
"You ready?" He asked, uncharacteristically earnest. Loki nodded, smiling slightly. "Good...okay."
And with that he reached over and rang the doorbell. They heard it echo through the house until a dark shadow appeared on the opposite side of the opaque glass.
"Here we go," Tony murmured just as the door opened.
I hope you enjoyed this update and I'm very sorry it's taken so long. Exams are over now so let's hope I can post more quickly from now on.
There are now only two chapters left of this story *cries* and also I should mention again that this story is part of a series so hopefully not long after this story is finished I'll be able to start posting the sequel. For now it's goodbye and I'll see you all next time.
