Step Five
"Keep the restrain, even though the temptation is high"
PART I
"Delivery from Wakanda, Boss," FRIDAY addressed him, as he was finishing his morning coffee.
Tony placed the cup with a drawing of Loki surrounded by hearts back on the table in his workshop. The cup was a joke, a present he received from the Trickster on his last birthday six months ago. Stark knew it was a joke since he presented Loki with a white A-shirt with I heart T.S. Now that he thought about it, it's no wonder his friends thought they've been together longer than they stated.
"Sweet!" Tony replied and went to the elevator. However, before he had a chance to step in, Rhodey showed up, holding a wooden box in his hands.
"This came for you, Tones," he handed him the box. James Rhodes was one of four people that could handle him things and he had no problem with that. The other two were Pepper, Loki, and Bruce. "It's from Wakanda. You ordered something from T'Challa?"
"Yep!"
Tony walked back to his worktable and placed the box in the middle of it. He reached for a screwdriver to pry it open. A few pushes later, Tony took off the lift and spotted a smaller wooden box hidden among bubble wrap. The engineer took it out and gently placed it on the table. He opened the box and took the items out. He brought them closer to his eye to inspect them. They were perfect, just the way he designed them. The markings were the exact runes he had learned from Loki. Yes, Tony learned how to speak in Aesir's language. Years of friendship with the mage provided him with great knowledge and meaning to shamelessly offend people around him, who didn't have a single clue what he had said. They used to prank the Avengers all the time with this new ability, as long as Thor wasn't around, who would probably decode their words.
"Since when do you need daggers?" Rhodey's voice reached his ears. A moment later, the soldier was standing next to him and pointing at two silver-covered daggers in his hands. "Tony?"
"They're not for me," he explained. "Next week, Loki and I will hit three-month anniversary. I know it's cheesy as hell, and I probably act like a teenage girl now, but I want to celebrate this. I asked T'Challa to make me two daggers with the vibrannium. It cost me a lot, but it'll be so worth it. Loki lost his daggers in the last battle and since Thor cannot him provide with a new set made in Asgard for now, he uses simple knives. Thor promises that the new blacksmith in Asgard is still learning how to use tools and materials. I offered my help to make weapons for Asgardians, but the smith declined."
"They're beautiful, I'm sure Loki will appreciate them," Rhodes commented with a small smile. "It's nice, you know."
"What?"
"To see you so happy, so smitten with him," Tony only smiled sheepishly. "You really love him, don't you?"
"Yeah… I mean we didn't say it in words, but… yeah, I love him."
"Oh, you want to give him the daggers and say I love you then, huh?" Stark just nodded. "You're such sickeningly in love. It's cute."
"I can be cute. I'm good at cute."
"So, when should I expect a wedding invitation?" Rhodey inquired, grinning madly. Tony just gave him a roll-eye. "Come on, you're so gone for the guy. You weren't in for marriage before, but this is different. You're different, Tony. It's clear that your feelings for Loki are deep. You weren't like this when you dated Pepper, man. Admit it, you are thinking about tying the knot with our regular Space Prince/Mage."
"Maybe, one day," Tony whispered. Rhodey gave him a knowing look and observed the daggers some more.
"And those signs? What are they?"
"These are Asgardian runes, Platypus," Iron Man presented him with the one in his left hand. It contained two black engraved marks. He pointed to the higher one. "This means courage, this means magic." He placed the dagger back in the box and showed him the second one. "This one means strength and this one power. They all represent what kind of a warrior my Loki-doki is."
"Holy shit… it's... amazing." Tony liked to think so as well. "I bet, you're gonna have a hot night after that. Better clean your bedroom, Tones."
"I told you, we can't have sex yet." the shorter man gritted through his teeth. He hated this situation, but it had to be this way. "It's too early."
"Come on, it's been almost three months since you're dating. How long do you want to wait?"
"Thor said that we should stay innocent until the wedding night," Rhodey's eyes and mouth opened in a shock. "Yeah, I know, kinda middle-aged, but Loki was raised like that. Thor proposed to Jane six months after they got back together. Their wedding will be held in a month in Asgard, even though they will live on Earth for a few more years. Thor says that they will have to return to Asgard once Odin will be closer to step down. Then he'll be appointed as the new king and she will become the queen of Asgard. Loki said to me that Thor asked him if he wants the throne after Odin will step down, but Lokes declined it then."
"Huh, I always thought he wanted the throne."
"No, he just wanted to point out that Thor wasn't good for a king then." Tony shrugged his arms. "But if the situation would require it, Loki would take the crown again. But only if there was no other choice of a king. He's the second in the line."
"Huh, and then you would be the queen of Asgard," Rhodey joked.
"I'd be a Prince Consort, if we would be married, of course."
Loki once explained to him how all the titles lookup in Asgard. When Thor announced his engagement to Jane, Loki detailed that until Odin will give the crown to Thor, she will be a princess of Asgard, however without the ability to take the throne. When she would be named the queen of Asgard, after Frigga will step down as well, she could rule in Thor's stead, whenever he's unwilling to do so, as long as they won't have a male heir.
"Which you will," Rhodey concluded, as Tony put the second dagger in the box. "At least give me a week's notice, so I'd be able to buy myself a proper suit. Better yet, I'll buy one today, just in case. I can never know with you two."
"Very funny, Jamie-bear," Tony stuck his tongue out, feeling his cheeks burning. It happened a lot lately, especially when talks with Tony involved his feelings for the local Trickster. He couldn't help it. "Thor waited six months, so I guessed it's an appropriate time in Asgard. However, he told me that engagement can last longer. But…"
"But how will you keep in your pants that long?"
"I'm…"
"Mr. Loki is approaching, Boss," FRIDAY interrupted their talk.
Tony cursed loudly and quickly shoved the box with daggers into a drawer in his desk. Just when he was closing it, Loki punched his access code and walked in looking like a million-dollar.
The mage wore the tightest black jeans Tony ever saw, hanging low on his hips. They wrapped his lean legs in so delicious way. Tony wanted to rip them off of him. The shirt he had on actually belonged to Tony, it was one of his Black Sabbath, from a concert in the late nineties. It was too small for Tony now, but still slightly bigger for Loki's lean frame. It hung lower on his shoulder, revealing the pale skin that Tony dreamed of touching. His hair was naturally curled today, loosely falling on his right shoulder. Even though he wore simple Earth's clothes, Tony believed he never saw anyone sexier than him. Stark's mouth went dry at the view.
"Anthony," he almost purred. Yep, his ears and eyes just had their small orgasm. "Colonel Rhodes."
"Hello, Loki," James greeted him back. "How have you been?"
"I fare well, colonel. And you? I heard from Anthony that soon you will be able to come back to the team. It is great news."
"Yeah, I was cleared by my doctors and by Helen and I can finally get back into my suit."
"Yes, the Avengers certainly missed the War Machine. It is not the same without you, Colonel Rhodes."
"You can call me James, you know or Rhodey like most of them," Rhodes smiled at Loki.
"Very well, James."
"Ok, kids, I leave you two alone and go talk to Steve," Rhodey winked to Tony and gave a small wave to Loki as he made his way out of the workshop.
"Kids? I am millennials older than him," Loki pointed out before he solely focused on Tony. He walked closer to him and leaned down to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Hello, darling."
"Hey, Muffin," Stark placed his hands above Loki's waist. He didn't break any rule by that and he liked to hold his boyfriend. "How was your meeting in the city? Did you finished your errands?"
"Indeed," Loki confirmed. "And the meeting was very enlightening."
"So, you had fun?" the Trickster nodded to that. "Who were you meeting with? You never told me."
"A friend," Tony gave him one of his usual looks. "You do not have to concern yourself with this matter, Anthony. Everything went swell. I got the answers I sought."
"You know we have FRIDAY here and you have me."
"Yes, well, some questions have to be asked outside my home, love." Loki shook his head, smiling beautifully. Dear Lord, Tony was so smitten with him. "Let's forget about that. You mentioned a dinner next week. Are we going to some restaurant? How should I clothe myself?"
"Sweetheart, you'd look gorgeous even in a potato rack," oh there it was! The cutest thing Tony ever saw. Loki's adorable blush. "But to answer your question, yes. We will go to a restaurant. Do you remember the Atelier? We went there last year, for dinner with Bruce and Natasha?"
"Yes, I remember," Loki recalled. "They had this wonderful pasta with those long green things."
"Asparagus, yes, that's there. I thought that we can go there, just the two of us. We'll wine and dine then take a stroll in the night's lights? What do you say, Loke?"
"I can't wait, Anthony," Loki replied in a low tone.
The mage raised his right hand and placed it on Tony's shoulder. Then he slowly began to trace his fingers over the bare muscles on the mortal's arm. Tony wasn't touched like that in ages, which is why the simple touch sent shivers all over his body. Or maybe it was because Loki was staring into his eyes so deeply as if he tried to see what's inside of him. Stark swallowed hard, as Loki opened his mouth slightly and licked his thin lips.
Someone save me before I jump his bones!
Loki leaned down, his intention crystal clear. He was tempting Tony. This was a test. It had to be. A test to see if Tony can really restrain himself. It was a test. Before Loki could connect his lips to Tony's, the engineer turned his head slightly, so Loki's lips ended on his cheek. For a moment, he felt the mage freeze in this position, but soon, Loki just went with it.
"You have a board meeting in an hour, Boss," FRIDAY interrupted them. The mage pulled back from his mortal and took a step back. "Miss Potts wanted me to remind you. Your presence is required. She says, and I quote, if he won't come then I'll castrate him by my hand."
"Ouch, that woman!" Tony exclaimed, placing a hand over his heart. "You see, Lokes? She wants to cut my jewels. She's a menace."
"If she'll try, I will defend you, love," Loki assured him, patting his head. "Despite my likeness towards Miss Potts, I will not let her harm you, Anthony. Your castration would be fatal for us." Loki sighed. "I will leave you, darling. Change your clothes before going there, you have stains on your jeans."
"I'm the owner of SI, I think that I could even go there in my boxers and a t-shirt," Loki gave him a pointed look. "Alright, I put some nice suit. Hey, maybe when I'll get back we will go to the Art Gallery? I got an invitation for some unknown yet artist who's doing some modern art. I don't know what does it mean, but you like art, right? You liked the Louvre."
"A splendid idea," Loki quickly agreed. "I will be done with my sparring session with Widow, and I have a free evening."
"Great, it's a date, Lo-lo."
"Indeed, my love. It's a date."
With that, Loki turned on his heel and went out of the workshop, swaying his hips in a desirable way. Stark balled his hands and bit down on his lip to stop himself from running after him. When the mage disappeared in an elevator, Tony let out a strained breath.
"He's gonna be the death of me," Stark stated. "Can a person die of sexual frustration?"
"You will be the first, boss."
"They will engrave on my tomb. Tony Stark, died from restraining himself from sex."
"It will be a catchy headline, Boss." Iron Man snorted loudly. "The meeting, sir. Or there won't be any sex in the future, for you."
"Right! We must keep my jewels unharmed until I get into Loki's pants. Tell Pepper that I will meet her in thirty minutes. And have her order my favorite coffee or two."
To be continued.
…
Bonus scene:
Loki POV:
The mage was pacing in front of the high building. Dark sunglasses that he borrowed from his lover on his eyes were keeping him more adapted between the Midgadians. At least between the circle of people, he was currently around. Soon the wretched sound heralded the end of the occupation. As soon as he spotted people he was looking for, Loki made his way towards them.
"Mr. Loki!" the fat one exclaimed. Loki remembered his name, but couldn't recall at the moment.
"The three of you, come with me, now."
"Is Mr. Stark alright?" the other asked.
"Yes, it is I who require your assistance." The three small humans followed him quickly behind the corner of the building and right into a restaurant known and liked by many Midardians. "Order what you want."
Fifteen minutes and three orders later, the three were consuming their meals. Loki watched them warily. He never understood why people liked this particular food. His Tony liked it as well. Loki not so much. He preferred the circle with many ingredients. Pizza. The best Midgardian food, as far as Loki knew. Finally, when their mouths were stuffed, Loki leaned closer and eyed each of them.
"So, what's up, Mr. Loki?" the girl asked. Michelle. "We only have like an hour of a break."
"Yes, I am aware, Miss Jones," Loki replied and took a deep breath. "I am in need of assistance from you. As you are aware, I am currently being courted by Anthony. And Midgard is so different than Asgard in this matter. I've watched many movies about courting on Midgard, but as I've been told, movies shall not be a good representation of how humans act. This is where I need your input. I need you to tell me exactly how courting looks like on Midgard and how should I act, so Anthony would take me to his bed."
"Wait, wait, wait," Parker shook his head and looked at Loki with confusion. "Are you asking me, Michelle and Ned for some dating advice? Is this some kind of joke?"
"It is not a jest, Spiderling," Loki assured him. "Most of those people in movies were your age and as far as I am concerned, the two of you date and you," he pointed at Ned. "You seem to be smart enough to know anyway. So, kids, tell me, how to date on Midgard and what to do to copulate with Tony."