Step Seven

"Meet the parents"

Thor's wedding was coming in two weeks. All of the Avengers were indulging in the preparation for a trip to Asgard. Thor was so thoughtful and invited them all, even though it was forbidden for mortals to come to the godland. However, the Thunderer demanded from his parents that they make an exception for his comrades and Jane's family, a.k.a., her mother, Darcy, Ian and, of course, dr Selvig, who will be her witness. Thor chose his brother as his witness, which was understandable.

Loki was a nervous wreck because of that. He tried not to show it around, but he was stressing over this. Not only he has to behave among his people, but he has to prepare a good speech as well. Once Thor learned that this is a custom in Midgard, he demanded to have this at his wedding as well. Loki was mad at Tony for bringing up every wedding custom with Thor last week. The blond god was excited to have them at his wedding with Jane. And so, Loki will have to prepare a speech and organize him a helluva bachelor party. Tony wondered whether it will contain some strippers. Do they even have strippers in Asgard?

"We do not," the god in question answered.

Tony shook himself out of thoughts. Did he say it out loud? The mortal looked over his sullen boyfriend, who was perched over a paper in the corner of his workshop. Yes, sullen, for Loki was still a bit angry for the stunt Tony pulled earlier this week when he rejected Loki's attempts to have sex. Oh, Loki stayed silent for two days. He even disappeared for a day, as FRIDAY informed him, however she could not determine where did he go. The Trickster used his neat trick with skywalking to do so. Tony could only guess that he went somewhere off the world. He could only hope that he didn't find someone else to release the steam off. They were faithful to each other, right? Stark was. When Loki came back from his little trip, Tony apologized and wanted to talk, but Loki dismissed it with a simple wave of his hand and a soft smile. He was a bit angry, which was shown in his huffs when he muttered under his nose insults like idiot, oaf, fool. They were directed at Tony, yeah? He knew it.

"However, we have very skilled… dancers," Loki added after a while. "I'm certain I can persuade some to do some...erotic dance for my brother."

"Jane would kill you and then him, if she ever finds out he liked it," Tony pointed out.

"Isn't it the main part of a bachelor party? To get wild for the last time?"

"You were watching the Hangover with Barton, weren't you?" there was only a smirk on Loki's face when he raised his head and looked at his lover. "If you're planning on doing things from the movie… I'm game, babe. We can all get wasted in some tavern in Asgard and then we'll see how things will go. Let's just stay away from drugs, ok? I've done this shit when I was younger and it's bad. But I'm up for some alcohol. We can even take some from home."

"There will be no need for that, love," Loki got up from his place and walked towards Tony. The mage leaned down and placed a kiss on the top of his head. "Asgard's mead will be better for this."

"If you say so, honey."

"I must visit Thor now," he informed the man. "I shall be back in the evening. Would you dine with me tonight? I know it is Friday and this means the dinner with the team, but I wish to spend some time with you, Anthony."

"Yeah, yeah!" he agreed. "Let's ditch our merry band and go out? Or we can stay in and order something from that Italian place you liked?"

"I will cook us dinner," hmm… Tony saw Loki cook once and it didn't end very well. But Stark was determined to please his god. "Do not worry, love, I am better at cooking now. Lady Potts has helped me get into a cooking course. I will not burn our dinner."

"Alright, Mischief," he smiled upon his boyfriend. "Let's wine and dine tonight. And tomorrow, we're going to Asgard, right? Can I take Rhodey with us too? Before the rest will come in next week?"

"But of course, love, James will be welcomed just as much as you."

"Awesome."

Then Loki disappeared from the workshop in the sparks of his magic. Stark pulled out his phone from his jeans and called his best friend.

"Pack up, Jamie, we're off to Asgard tomorrow."

"You will so own me for this, Tones. I'm thinking of many upgrades to War Machine suit and maybe letting me take Carol to your home in Spain. Three weeks."

"Rhodey," he addressed him. "You can have the house for yourself for years even. Hell, I'll write your name on the ownership just now."

"No nee…"

"Yep. I'll do it. Now, pack and we'll see each other tomorrow. Bye."

Later, in the evening, Loki indeed prepared them delicious dinner. Some salad with shrimps and good medium-rare steaks with vegetables. Tony didn't even complain that he has to eat some rabbit food. They drank their wine in comfortable silence with soft music playing in the back.

"I'm so happy, you're not angry with me anymore, Bambi."

"Angry with you?" the god asked confused, as he finished his third glass of red wine.

"For last week… when I ran…"

"Oh, darling," Loki smiled softly at him. His features, even more, beautiful in the candlelit. "I was never angry with you. Hurt a bit, yes, but not angry. Especially, when I understood your reasonings later. I was not angry, Anthony."

"No?"

"Of course not, love," Loki reached over the table and took Tony's hand into his own. "For all, I should be pleased that you were so adamant in following Asgardian Courtship Rituals. And you are still intending to follow them, are you, elskan minn?"

"Yeah," there was a smirk on the god's face and glee in his green eyes.

The rest of the dinner went smoothly with Loki smirking behind his wine glass and Tony smiling in return. When they parted for a night, the god leaned to press a lingering kiss on Tony's cheek and wished him wonderful dreams. Oh, he didn't have to worry about Stark's dreams. He played the main role in them anyway, only less clothed.

When the morning came, Tony and Rhodey waited in the living room of the penthouse for Loki, Thor, and Jane. The younger god went to retrieve them, so they could all arrive in Asgard at the same time. Both men had their bags prepared. Only a few personal belongings, five pairs of jeans, two suits. Loki informed them that they will receive proper Asgardian clothing for the ceremony anyway. Tony learned from Thor that he will most likely wear Loki's colors there anyway, to show that he's the intended Prince Consort. Tony was ok with it. The rest of the Avengers will wear light blue, to show their guest status. So Tony packed as many green shirts as he could find in his closet, which he upgraded lately.

Soon, the two gods and soon-to-be-goddess teleported into the living room. They greeted each other and stepped out to the deck. Thor grabbed Jane to his side, and Loki did the same with Tony and James. Then the god of Mischief grabbed his brother's elbow and the Thundered called out to the gatekeeper. Before they knew, they were swapped by the mystical rainbow bridge.

Tony was awed. Even though his insides were going crazy, he kept his eyes open the whole travel, to marvel this tunnel. Oh, he hoped that Loki will let him study it later, preferably with him by Tony's side, so he could explain everything to him. Mere moments later they stepped out of the Bifrost in the middle of some rounded dome, covered with gold. A black man with golden eyes and equally golden armor, holding a big sword in his right hand, greeted them with a bow.

"Prince Thor, Prince Loki," he addressed them first. "Lady Jane, heroes of Midgard. Welcome to Asgard."

"Heimdall, these are Anthony Stark, the Man of Iron and Loki's intended and James Rhodes, the War Machine."

Heimdall only nodded to this.

"Your horses await my Princes," he gestured to the outside of the dome. "Also there are horses for your guests. King Odin and Queen Frigga await you in the palace. I hope you will enjoy your stay in Asgard, Midgardians."

When they stepped out, there were indeed five horses waiting for them. Loki petted the beautiful black horse's head and smiled softly at him.

"I've missed you too," he whispered to the animal.

Thor helped Jane get onto her horse, James hopped onto the one as well, while Tony stared horrified.

"Is everything alright, love?" Suddenly Loki was standing behind him.

"Yeah, tots, babe," he swallowed hard, hoping he didn't show his fear. He never was a man who loved horses. It stayed with him from his childhood, when he fell from the horse at the age of six.

"If you want, I can skywalk us to the palace," Loki whispered into his ear. Thor turned to Loki and gave him a raised eyebrow. The mage only waved at him, silently telling to go ahead. His brother nodded and took off with Jane by his side and James behind them. "Darling?"

"I'm not fond of horses…"

"There is no need to be embarrassed, Anthony." Loki grabbed his hand and soon they were in the middle of some golden hallway. Tony was so glad he was used to Loki's magic walking, otherwise, he might have ended up barfing on the queen's shoes. Stark knew her from Loki's stories. And now, she was standing before him with the same soft smile Loki was often giving him. "Mother."

"Loki, my sweet boy," she drew him into her arms and squeezed hard. Loki melted in this embrace. It was warming Tony from the inside to see him so happy and at ease. "I have missed you."

"I missed you as well," he admitted and stepped back from her embrace. Loki turned to Tony for a moment and his cheeks were slightly rose. "Mother, please meet this is…"

"Anthony Stark," the queen said and Tony bowed his head, as he was getting onto a knee before her. That's what you should do, right? Every movie about royal customs was showing this as a part of the etiquette. However, before he had a chance, he was grabbed by two strong arms and pulled back up. "There is no need to bow to me like this, Mr. Stark. You are my son's beloved. You are a family."

"Yes, your highness," he spoke as well.

"Please, call me Frigga."

"Then, if you don't mind, call me Tony," she nodded to that.

"I am very pleased to meet you," she revealed and grabbed Tony's hands into hers. "I have heard stories of what kind of a warrior you are, Tony, but Loki didn't tell me a single thing about your courtship. As a mother, I want to know everything. Why don't you take a walk with me, Tony? We can get to know each other better."

"I…"

"Mother, shouldn't you wait for Thor and Jane?" Loki interjected. "Surely you want to spend some time with your firstborn and his intended."

"I have planned a day with Jane for tomorrow. Now I want to learn more about a man who captured the heart of my baby."

"Mother!" Loki hissed, embarrassed.

"Shush," she pinched his cheek. "Go talk to your father, while Tony and I will have a little chat. Go, go."

Loki smiled apologetically to him but did as ordered. Frigga walked Tony through the hall. Many people they passed bowed to her and him as well, as the queen was holding him under his arm. Soon, they stepped out of some exit and walked a path towards a garden. Tony deducted that it must be the famous garden of Frigga. Loki told him it had the most beautiful flowers he could ever imagine. Tony didn't know a single thing about flowers, except for roses that you buy for your loved ones. However, he suddenly saw Loki's point here. The flowers here were so colorful and beautiful. No wonder Loki loved this place.

"Tell me, Tony, do you love my son?"

"With all my heart," he replied truthfully. "Before Loki… I wasn't good at this love thing. I had a long term relationship with only one woman. I loved her, but not like I love Loki. Even before we got together… I mean before I started to court him, I knew that I have some serious feelings towards him. They grew from a friendship and understanding. They were already so deep that I felt I loved him, even though I couldn't name the feeling. I'm not sure I make any sense to you, but…"

"No wonder he loves you," she interrupted him. "Your minds and souls are the same. I am truly happy you've founded each other, Tony. My son was miserable for most of his life, living in darkness… but you are his light in it. A light that draws him like a moth to a flame."

"He's my light too."

"So, this is the mortal that captured the heart of our youngest?" they heard behind their backs. Tony halted their walk abruptly and turned around. There was a fat, old man with an eyepatch standing in the entrance to the palace. The man quickly made a way to them and stood before Tony, looking at him sharply. "Anthony Stark, the famous Man of Iron I heard about."

"King Odin," Tony bowed and went to his knee before the king. Odin didn't stop him like Frigga. However, the queen quickly pulled him up.

"I told you, Tony, you do not need to bow before family."

"We shall see, if he will be family, my wife," Odin stated. "I am not certain he is fit to be Loki's Consort."

"Husband…"

"Hey, I love your son, ok?" Tony called out and looked angrily at him. If his mouth didn't act on its own, he would probably choose other words to address the king.

"You think love is everything?" Odin gave him a hard stare… suddenly, he looked more like Fury. Tony wondered for a brief moment is every man with an eyepatch gives these vibes? "Courtships are more than that. Loki is a prince, his consort must follow certain rules."

"I know all about them, ok? I already fulfilled most of them. I know that in your eyes I'm just a mortal, probably a flick in Loki's life," he continued. "But I love him, so much and he loves me too. I want to be what he wants me to be. His lover, his best friend, his partner, hell… even his consort or however it's called here."

"So, you do intend to wed our son?"

"Hell yeah I am," there were grins on both Frigga and Odin's faces. "This is why I came here with the only left member of my family. James is like a big brother to me, even though we're not blood-related. King Odin, Queen Frigga…"

"Wait…" Frigga said and disappeared in golden sparks. She reappeared a few seconds later with Rhodey by her side. His best friend was so confused by that. "Now, you were saying?"

"Right… King Odin, Queen Frigga, I, Anthony Edward Stark, son of Howard and Maria, am asking for your son's Loki hand in a marriage."

"Do you proceed with your brother's words?" Odin addressed James.

"Indeed, King Odin. On behalf of Tony, I ask for Loki's hand in marriage. We offer him a household on Midgard and a life worthy of a prince." James spoke. "We offer protection for him, and loyalty to him and the whole Asgard."

"Very well," Odin replied. "I give you Loki's hand in marriage, Anthony Stark of Midgard. Wife," he turned to the queen. "Bring our son to the garden, he shall learn of this outcome."

Frigga disappeared again for a brief second before she and Loki appeared next to Odin. The dark-haired mage eyed them suspiciously before his eyes set on his lover.

"Loki, son of Odin," the king started. "The brother of your mortal asked for your hand in marriage. Do you agree to be wed to Anthony, son of Howard?"

"I…"

"Wait," Tony interrupted him and fished out a blue velvet box from the pocket of his jeans. Tony dropped to one knee before Loki and opened the box revealing a simple silver band with many, small green and blue diamonds. "Loki Odinson, will you marry me?"

"I…" There was a bit of a shock on his face, but soon it turned into one of the softest smiles Loki ever offered to Tony. "Of course I will, Anthony. I will marry you."

The engineer grinned at his god and stood up. He gently took Loki's left hand in his and slipped the ring on his finger. It looked perfect on Loki's long pale finger. Tony run his thumb over the ring before he brought Loki's hand to his lips and placed a soft kiss on his knuckles. The young god threw himself into Tony's arms and squeezed him. Stark could feel something warm and wet running down his shoulder.

"I love you, Bambi," he whispered to the god's ear.

"I love you too, my star," Loki replied.

"Wife, have Heimdall announce in all nine realms that Prince Loki of Asgard will be wed to Anthony Howardson of Midgard. We will hold both weddings in four days."

Ah yes, Loki often told him that time flies differently in each realm.

Later, when they parted their way with Loki's parents and James, the god led him towards his old chamber. As expected, it was filled with lots of books and green and gold tapestries. It was so Loki. Tony briefly wondered when he will be led towards his chamber. Surely he couldn't sleep in one bed with Loki, in Asgard? Not before they will be wed.

"So, where is my room?"

"I will take you there later, love… but you can stay with me if you want."

"Loki… you know we can't yet…"

"Do you truly wish to marry me?" he asked suddenly, looking at Tony's face. The man in question gave him a surprised look.

"Of course I want to, Lolo. Why would you…"

"Not just because you want to have sex with me? Or to fulfill these Asgardian Courtship Rituals Thor told you about? Do you want to marry me, because you love me and actually want to be my husband? Not because someone ordered you."

"Loki…" he wished he could say things as easily as Loki.

"Anthony, there is something you must know about these Asgardian Courtship Rituals you've been following lately. When you learn about it, I will not be surprised if you change your mind about the upcoming marriage."

To be continued.