Chapter 2- Pay No Attention to the Lady Across the Bar

Loki can only stare at his hand. Well, to be honest he is memorized by the strong yet supple denim covered rear his hand is currently touching. His mind goes blank as his mouth open and closes soundlessly a few times. What a time for his supposed silver-tongue to become tied. Thankfully his brain finally catches up and realizes he's been practically groping a stranger's arse.

As Loki fumbles with removing his hand and tries to find his voice, the bartender straightens up with the pint glass. He doesn't say anything as he places it back on the bar. Turning around the other man seems to give Loki a slow once-over with an easy smile.

"You know, most people would ask for a name before trying for first base." The bartender's words might have been off-putting, if not for the wink he gives Loki.

Loki silently curses his fair skin as he feels his face heat up, again. Although, the Gods must be taking pity on him as a rebuttal snaps into his mind, "I was always told to not let an opportunity slip through my fingers." He smirks at the bartender.

For a moment the bartender stares at him, then he bursts into laugher. The sound of it does something funny to Loki's insides. It is rich, and Loki decides he has a new goal in life: hear that laugh more.

"Aye, I've heard that too. Which is why I am going to buy you another drink and inquire after a name." The man walks back behind the bar and motions Loki over to his side.

Loki notes the bartender waves over a busboy to the spill. He also realizes that he doesn't know the man's name, it is starting to become annoying to only think of him as, The Bartender.

"I would be flattered at your offer, if not for the fact that you work here. Not only that, but you were the cause of the demise of my original drink." Loki feels his confidence returning as the bartender barks out another laugh.

"Oh, you are an Imp! Would my drink offer be worthier of your time if you knew I had planned to buy you one even before you accosted me?" He winks again as he begins to add liquids to a glass, putting on a little show juggling the bottles. He continues in an exaggerated whisper, "Besides, my drinks are far superior to Lady Darcy's."

"OIY! I can hear the lies you are spewing over there! Just remember who taught you everything you know," Darcy tells him from her section, "Also, he is going to hate that swell, you oaf." Loki laughs as Darcy yells across the bar, "And before you forget tell him your NAME!"

Loki swears the bartender has a blush high on his cheeks when he turns around to store the liquor bottles; there is no evidence of it when he turns back to Loki. The bartender places a blue concoction in front of Loki.

"Thor."

"Excuse me?"

"My name, it's Thor. Now are you going to relinquish yours, or is Imp more your style?" Thor's smile can almost be considered a smirk, if it isn't for the good humor shining in his eyes.

"I would much prefer Lord Master of the Universe, but you may call me Loki." He leans over and takes a sip of the drink. Typically, he would never ingest something so sweet but for some reason he wants to please Thor. He also figures it has enough liquor he won't be needing another drink all night.

People are starting to crowd around the bar and Loki sees Thor is looking around, taking stock of the room.

"As much as I would love to cater to you the rest of the night, but it seems I am doing Darcy a disservice," Thor tells him with a sigh as he turns his back on Loki for a moment. Spinning back around, he has a stack of napkins and hands them to Loki, "I am loath to leave you alone on your journey back; so, take these to ease my fears." With that Thor gives Loki another wink and goes to help another customer. Loki feels dejected as he navigates back to his friends.

They are all looking at him, with varying degrees of excitement, as he approaches. Bruce is the first to speak, "Please tell me you got his number."

Loki doesn't say anything, and the answer must be on his face. They all go quiet before Tony cuts in, "Ice next time you want to attempt a 'meet cute', ask me. That was a blatant abuse of alcohol. Trust me, I can help you do much better, and your suit will thank me."

"Tony, the only time I will ask for your advice is when I need a quick escape after a one-night stand," Loki rolls his eyes as he takes a sip of his drink.

Everyone laughs, even Jarvis as Loki settles back on the bench. He places the napkins on the table by Natasha. She stops laughing and nudges Loki in the side.

"Uhhh … Loki did you happen to look at these?"

"No. Didn't think a napkin was worth so much attention."

"I don't know about that Loki," Natasha picks up the top napkin, "this one definitely requires your full attention." She hands it over to Loki with a small smile.

Loki feels his heart rate increase as he takes the napkin.

I'd say call me and we can go out for drinks

but I think dinner would be safer.

123-9876

-Thor

Loki quickly places the note in his pocket. He looks around at all his friends before grabbing his drinking to take a sip, "Tony, it looks like your services will not be needed. It seems I am quite capable all on my own."

The group laughs, expect Tony, who only sips his whiskey with a pout. The conversation shifts onto other topics and Loki places his drink down and relaxes into his seat. He figures he's had a little more than one-fourth of his drink and can leave it alone for a bit. He listens in as Natasha tells everyone the antics of her newest client.

As the night progress, he tries to subtly glance back at Thor, but discovers he is at the wrong angle to do so unnoticed. Loki finds himself engaging in a heated debate with Natasha and Bruce over reading a book verses watching the movie. Jarvis joins in as he loosens his tie. Bruce groans and slips Natasha a few folded bills. She smirks at Bruce and slowly slides the money into her blouse.

Given some time, Loki finds himself annoyed at Darcy. Any other time he would be in awe of her attentiveness. She brings over drinks to the group any time they seem to be running low. Making it pointless to return to the bar. Loki instead peers over his shoulder, this time catching a glimpse of Thor at work. He continues to watch until he realizes Thor is staring back at him. Loki is pulled away from staring at Thor when Natasha actually giggles; apparently watching all of Loki's antics. He glares at her, which only causes her to giggle more. Just before Loki is able to give her a contemptuous remark, Jarvis stands up.

"Well, it's been fun, but I have work to do in the morning."

"Oh Vision, stop your lies! It's Saturday and the office will be closed." Tony is quick to remind him.

"That is all true, but someone has me planning the office Halloween party and I need to get started." Jarvis gives Tony a pointed look.

Tony stares at him and scratches the back of his neck, "You do realize it is the second of September?" Tony purses his lips before waving a hand at Jarvis, "Never mind Jarvis, you do you."

Bruce snorts at this and whispers to Natasha about office husbands. Loki stands up and begins to gather his things, "Come on Jarvis, I'll give you a lift home."

They bid everyone good-bye with a promise to text once they are at their respective homes. Loki takes one last look at the bar and see Thor is no longer there. A quick scan of the room shows he is also not amongst the other tables. Trying not to be too disappointed, he does have Thor's number after all, Loki heads out the door.