Before you get started reading.
Author's note: What you need to know for this fic, is that Loki is dead. Thor has just returned from his funeral in Asgard. It has been three days since Loki's attack and it is in MidOctober about a week from Halloween.
Disclaimers: I do not own any of Marvel's characters. I do own my Loki, a few others, the plot and the some of the backstory. Including my Loki's past.

Well enjoy.

Chapter 9 Avengers Assemble

Tony looked at the clock on the wall and worriedly shook his head. "I thought your new DJ would be here by now," Pepper said irritably. "You said you would get a new one did you forget?"

"Pepper would I forget something like that? He must be running late." The door opened then and Loki walked in. "Loki what are you wearing?"

"It is wedding garb from Kleik's."

"What are you the bride," Tony asked looking at the skirt, "And is that gold?"

"It is gold and no I am not the bride. In their culture everyone wears skirts to semi-important occasions."

"What do they wear to important occasions," Pepper asked.

"Nothing." They both blinked and Loki grinned a little. "That's why I refuse to go to their funerals. This was the only thing I had that would be suitable for this occasion."

"You look stunning," Tony said hoarsely. Loki was wearing a gold half mask with what appeared to be small blue sapphires set in the corner of the eyeholes. He was also wearing a gold blouse with sapphires as buttons and a long gold skirt, decorated with gems cut and set out like flowers around the hem. He also sported a gold choker with a large tear shaped sapphire set in the middle. The gem was engraved with something that looked like words but not in any language ever seen on Earth.

"Thank you so where should I set up," Loki asked holding up a set of speakers.

"Over here," Pepper said as Tony failed to move.

"Thank you madam," Loki said politely following her. Pepper noticed his feet were clad in gold and sapphire encrusted slippers.

"So who's wedding did you attend dressed like that," she asked as he set up the speakers and plugged Tony's ipod into them.

"My," he paused then said slowly, "My best friend's wedding. He died the next day." Loki finished the sentence his eyes slightly glazed over in sorrow then he looked up at her and smiled. "He looked awful in his outfit."

"It must have been hard losing him," Pepper said giving him a slight hug as he stood up.

"You have no idea."

"I just might. I nearly lost Tony last week."

"Right he fought against the Chitauri. I didn't think he was injured."

"He wasn't injured, in the fight. He brought a missile through the portal and nearly didn't make it back alive. I guess I was lucky I didn't lose him for good."

"Very lucky but do you not have to change?"

She glanced down at her pants and gasped, "Yes I do. I'll be right back."

"Do you need anymore help? I can help set up while you go change your clothes."

"Thanks Loki, go to the kitchen and get the punch bowl and put it on that table over there. Then get the cups and put them by the bowl. I'll be back shortly."

Loki did so then helped Tony carry the food in as well. "Loki, I never asked how I could pay you for helping me tonight"

"Tony you do not have to pay me. It is my pleasure to help."

"Loki I'm a billionaire I may not have to pay you but I want to. So what do you want?"

Loki thought for a minute, "Sodium Chloride."

"Salt, you want to be paid in salt?"

"Yes, it doesn't have to be a lot, a gram or two will be fine."

"Why do you want salt," Tony asked again.

Loki raised an eyebrow in retaliation, "Because I can sell it for a good price elsewhere."

"Do you realize salt is inexpensive here?"

"Is it?"

"Yes it is. You haven't gotten around to studying Earth yet have you?"

"Not quite. I have not had much time and do you not also have to go get dressed for your party as well."

"You're right be seeing you in a bit." Tony waved and ran towards the bedrooms. Loki smiled it felt good being with people again, very good.

*8*8*8*

Fury did not want to go to Stark's party; he had gone though to try to get some more information on Loki. He lingered outside the door of the room and wondered if he had gotten the wrong room or time. He had expected to have music blaring when he arrived up instead it was a decent level. He walked in and immediately spotted Stark, who was dressed in a suit of armor. Not his Iron Man armor, but 17th century German armor, complete with a sword and shield, which were leaning against the bar. Fury preyed Stark wouldn't get too drunk and try to use the sword.

He looked again around the room. Clint and Natasha were dressed as Robin Hood and Annie Oakley respectively while Pepper Potts was dressed in a long medieval gown. He didn't see Dr. Banner yet but Steve Rogers was standing by the DJ talking and dressed as waiter, he was using his shield as a tray. Fury headed over keeping his eye's pealed for Loki. Stark had said he had invited him.

He pulled up short when he realized the DJ was Loki. He tugged the brim of his fedora low over his eye patch turned up his collar and slipped into the shadows to listen to the conversation.