Author's Note: Okay, I know this is a lengthy chapter, but I didn't want to chop it down further, or else it would have been, well, choppy. Hope you'll still like it. Thanks for reading this. Hope you enjoy. Review if you like ;)
Chapter 18 revised now!
A few hours later, Natasha and Loki, who is still in her causal wear, are in the limousine driving them to the banquet. Natasha wears a skin-tight petrol dress, shoulder free, black high heels with crystals on them, her hair is in a loose bun and she wears a fine silvery mask. The dress has a heart-shaped cleavage and goes up to half the knee before satin flows from it, giving it a fluid character, though it is really sexy with the deep cut back.
"You are nestling your neck," Loki cocks an eyebrow at her.
"Yeah. I actually had a necklace to go with the earrings, but when I put it on, it didn't match... and then it broke on tops. So now I'm going without and... I actually wanted one to go with the dress," Natasha sighs. Loki glances at her earrings for a second before suddenly a perfectly matched silver necklace appears around Natasha's neck, with rubies and sapphires.
"Oh... wow. That is one cool trick," Natasha gapes.
"You invited me, so it's the least I can do," Loki smirks.
"Thank you. Pity it's not real," Natasha puckers her lips.
"I guarantee you: a goldsmith wouldn't know the difference," Loki tells her.
"That's pretty sweet," Natasha nods. Really, it has its advantages to have a God on your side. Or two.
"I hope you like it that way. Or do you wish me to alter it?" Loki asks.
"No, no, no, it's perfect!" Natasha waves her hands in the air.
"Okay," Loki nods, easing back down.
"And you're not gonna... change?" Natasha frowns at Loki's "garment".
"I like to move around normally for as long as I'm allowed to. I will change once we exit the car," Loki shrugs.
"Still the diva, huh?" Natasha smirks knowingly.
"Fully grown. You know that I always want to leave a lasting impression," Loki snickers.
Natasha, glancing out the window, says, "Ah, there we are. Just so that you know, we are going through the side entrance, if you don't mind. Bruce and Clint want to meet us there – you know the doc doesn't do well with cameras."
"Sure. I would rather not want my picture all over the papers either. Master Fury told me to keep it low if possible, remember," Loki argues.
"Good point," Natasha agrees. "You will have your big show inside, then."
The car comes to a halt by the side entrance, where Clint and Bruce are already waiting for them, both dressed up in their finest tuxedos, looking tremendous in them. Bruce wears a violet pocket square, Clint's is almost silver. Natasha leaves the car first. She winks at Clint as he walks over, not trying to help her out, he knows better than that. Last time he actually wanted to, he had the stiletto heel right on his toes.
"You in a tux... still rare to see," Natasha grins.
"You got your weapons on you?" Clint smirks.
"That is no question, is it?" Natasha huffs playfully, pulling on the hem of her dress to reveal the holster around her calf. Clint chuckles softly. Natasha cocks an eyebrow at him expectantly.
"I guess I don't have to tell you that you look more than good in this?" Clint says.
"Nope, gladly I know that myself," Natsha snickers. Both step aside.
And that is when Loki, in a glimmer of gold and pure light, emerges from the car. Her dress reminds of Greek goddesses and muses: finest dark green silk folded around her body so that the fabric hugs her in just the right places, acting like a second skin to her beautifully framed body. The back is almost completely free, running all the way down to her lower back. Fine golden chains run over the back of the shoulders. Her breasts and torso are hugged by fine golden metal plaids outlining her frame even more, giving it a bit of the style you would actually link with Aesir fashion, though it is absolutely fashionable. The dress is cut in the front for her legs to move freely. She wears high heel sandals of gold with chains running up her ankles to half her lower legs. The dress has a deep cut cleavage, held together by the golden plaids so that nothing falls out. There is a long lacy train, flowing as though it is of water and air alone. A fine golden belt runs along her beautiful hips with a dip in the middle to stretch her torso, after that the dress falls freely over her waist. Her long hair is now in soft curls tugged up in a few places, giving her more of the look of a Greek goddess, golden chains falling down from a fine golden ring running over the back of her head, looking a bit like a halo. This is all accompanied by fine golden earrings with a emeralds at their ends and a golden mask of the finest golden swirls, creating wild patterns, putting even more focus on Loki's beautiful emerald eyes.
"Wow," Clint gapes. He looks over to Natasha, but then adds almost sheepishly, "I mean..."
"Nope, with you on that one: wow." Natasha agrees. Already after the first shopping trip, Natasha knew Loki had an eye for fashion, but that is... way more than that.
"Loki, that really you?" Bruce bows a little in front of the young woman to glance at her. She winks at him, "Could it possibly be anyone else, my friend?"
"No, you are one of a kind," Bruce chuckles. She smirks at him sweetly.
"Just as you are, my friend. I like the violet on you. Did you make that out of your Hulk-pants?" she jokes.
"You caught me," he laughs, holding up his hands mockingly. Both grin at each other.
"May I tell you that you look absolutely breathtaking?" Bruce smiles at her.
"Thank you, Bruce. I give that compliment right back to you. I like that kind of fashion on you a lot," Loki bows to him. Bruce winks at her, "Thanks. Well, to me it's always weird to suddenly wear such tight clothes."
He nestles at his neck indicating his discomfort. Loki smirks as she steps up to him to fix his collar. Her fingers flicker with magic once.
"Better now?" Loki asks. Bruce turns his head, the suit and tie suddenly feel much more comfortable. "Yeah. Thank you very much," he smiles happily. At least it's one problem less.
"Really, I like this kind of wear," Loki glances at the men another time.
"Whatcha mean?" Natasha frowns, to which Loki shrugs, "I feared that the festivities would call for a much more ridiculous fashion, as that of the times of Rococo. I really hated that century. Just filth attempted to look pretty... in some odd way with wigs and... ugh."
She shakes her head.
"You were there?" Bruce frowns.
"Of course. I didn't find the time all too compelling. You can't imagine the stench," she shudders once. Loki dropped the news by now that she traveled to earth before occasionally, but only for a few weeks' time each, or so she said. Though it always comes as a surprise when it turns out that she actually was there.
"So now again... I'm utterly relieved that now you wear much more fashionable clothes," Loki smirks.
"Well, one has to look its finest not to drown in your appearance," Bruce snickers.
"Thank you," she smiles. "But now, after having exchanged kind words, I think it's time for us to head to the party, no?"
"Right... yeah! This way!" Clint nods. He takes Natasha by the arm and they walk ahead.
"Dr. Banner, would do me the honor?" she holds out her pale hand to him. Bruce smirks before holding out his arm for her to hold on to.
"I think this is much more attention that I sought," Bruce says nervously. Loki pats his lower arm reassuringly, "Oh, Dr. Banner, I assure you that if we are running any trouble with that, I will zap you away before you can even turn green in the eye. You have my word for it."
"It's actually reassuring to have a magician at hand who can do that," Bruce smirks.
"At your service," Loki replies sweetly.
"Then we shouldn't keep them waiting, right?" Bruce suggests.
"Right," Loki nods. They go inside as well and soon enter the big hall, where hundreds of party guests are chatting, drinking champagne, or taking in the beauty of the decoration and the place itself. When Natasha and Clint come down the huge stairs with red velvet, all eyes are on them, for they are the Avengers and Natasha looks absolutely gorgeous, of course. However, the people soon return back to their groups to continue with conversation.
"Does Thor know that Loki is here?" Clint asks Natasha silently, to which she replies, "Only if you told him."
"Surely not. I don't dig being the punching bag for the Big Guy," Clint shakes his head. Natasha snickers as they walk downstairs, just to meet Tony and Pepper. She wears a black dress that tugs her body beautifully. The dress has a deep cut shoulder and she has a red mask on a stick to match her otherwise red jewelry and shoes. Tony is of course in the tux with a red pocket square that with petrol dots, but otherwise looks as he usually does: overly contempt with himself.
"Wow, Natasha, you look hot," Pepper smirks.
"You, too," Natasha grins.
"And when I say that, I get smacked in the head," Tony gesticulates.
"Live with it, Tony," Pepper huffs. Natasha and Clint almost immediately receive a glass of champagne from one of the waitresses.
Clint, looking around, whistles softly, "I must say, Stark, it's impressive..."
"I know I'm amazing," Tony smirks proudly, but Clint adds mischievously, "It's impressive that there seemingly was no bigger disaster yet."
Tony grimaces at him.
"Where is Bruce? I thought he wanted to come with you?" Pepper asks, glancing around.
"If he tries to sneak out, I'm calling security to drag him here!" Tony snorts.
"Yeah, yeah, he's on his way," Natasha assures the other woman, ignoring Tony's comment. "He's walking in with his date."
"What? I thought he was coming alone!" Pepper gapes excitedly.
"Nah, we found one last-minute," Natasha winks at her.
"Oh, that's great!" Pepper smiles. Suddenly gasps erupt in the ballroom.
Natasha leans over to Clint with a smirk, "Here they come."
Both turn to the show as Loki and Bruce arrive at the stairs – all eyes, really all eyes, on the beauty next to the professor. Bruce looks nervous for a second, but then she squeezes his hand ever so lightly, and he eases to her touch. Together they start to walk down the stairs, Loki walking as gracefully as a queen. Already as a man, Loki always had a dignified walk, that of a king, really. Everything else could fail him, but his walk, even in the most severe and losing situation never lost its dignity. And now... if she were to be crowned queen, no one would deny her that. She sets one foot in front of the other, shaking her hips just enough to give it a certain kind of sensuality, without overdoing it, though, and her feet almost seem to float over the stairs, not missing its target by just an inch, steady but feathery. Even with the long train, she runs no trouble.
Pepper, her eyes on Loki and Bruce, says, "Tony: Now you can say it without me smacking you."
"Wh, what?" Tony stammers.
"Say it," Pepper urges her.
"She looks... wow," Tony gapes.
"She looks more than wow. I mean... heck, if I were a guy, I'd try to make out with her, god, even as a girl I'd try to knock on her... this is just breathtaking...," Pepper shakes her head. Tony looks at her for a second, but then decides not to comment. Suddenly Steve is by their side, also in dress, but with a blue pocket square.
"Is that...," Steve grimaces.
"Loki? Yup," Clint smirks.
"Wow," Steve puckers his lips.
"Did you see Thor yet?" Natasha asks him. Steve points with his thumb behind him and Natasha soon spots the Big Guy, in a tuxedo and red pocket square with golden swirls, his mouth standing open in shock and awe. Natasha smirks.
Clint, leans over to her, "And?"
"I think he'll break the glass in his palm any second," Natasha huffs.
"Check," Clint grins as he looks at Thor also.
Loki and Bruce meanwhile reached the bottom of the steps. Loki confidently guides the doctor over to the rest of the group, whom she already spotted back at the stairs.
"Good evening, everyone," she smiles at them. The guys still gape at her, more or less.
"Loki, you look absolutely stunning,"Pepper smirks at her.
"She made that dress herself," Natasha adds.
"Really?" Pepper blinks at her incredulously.
"Magic," Loki shrugs.
"Can you make me one some other time? You should try out as a designer," Pepper snickers.
"This is actually a dress I used to wear for when I lived as a girl back a few... hundred years ago. I just altered it a bit here and there," the trickster explains.
"Don't degrade that dress. I just want to watch it in awe. Can you turn for me once?" Pepper asks her. Loki shrugs and does, as gracefully as ever, but immediately puts her hand on Banner's arm so that he doesn't feel left out. He smirks at her for the sweet gesture.
"How much will that cost me? Or rather... how much will that cost Tony?" Pepper narrows her eyes.
"Hey," Tony exclaims.
"Shush, if you wanna live," Pepper glares at him. Tony pouts something incoherent.
"Nothing much," Loki says to Pepper. "I will not sew it, so you just have to pay me for a cloth to make it from, though I would not want money for it anyways. I simply transform the cloth into the shape I want it to have."
"Is it okay if I confess my love to you now?" Pepper gapes.
"Hey!" Tony cries out exasperated.
"That's a girl-thing, Tony, don't even try to go there," Pepper snorts.
"But you look absolutely stunning also, Lady Potts," Loki assures her.
"Too sweet of you, but that dress... literally, Gods have made it, or one Goddess in particular," Pepper winks at her.
"Thank you," Loki bows politely before she turns her attention back to Bruce, "And I thank you for being so kind to walk me down the stairs. I know you don't enjoy that much attention."
"I've had worse before. I got to walk in with one of the three prettiest girls in the room," Bruce snickers.
"True, you did have worse. And I saw no tinge of green," Loki smiles. Bruce winks at her.
"I think Banner won the Prom Queen this time?" Steve grins.
"That is mean of you to say, Captain, with two more Ladies around," Loki scolds him.
Natasha and Pepper argue simultaneously, "Not at all."
"Humans can be really funny at times...," Loki shakes her head. Tony holds up a hand and a waiter comes with glasses of champagne. The waiter gives them all a glass. Tony holds his up ceremoniously, "To a good party!"
"To that dress!" Pepper adds.
"To good friends," Loki smirks.
"Cheers," all agree, clink their glasses together, and then take a drink.
"Well, I'll have to excuse myself. I have some more people to talk to," Steve says, clapping his hands together.
"Who'd be more interesting than us?" Tony huffs.
"Almost anyone he's not stuck to hang around with all day long?" Natasha snorts.
"There's actually some Generals and Admirals and a few veterans I really want to talk to. Is odd when the veterans are actually former colleagues," Steve smirks. "So I will catch you guys later."
With that the Captain walks off, answering his demands as one of the leading figures within the Avengers.
Bruce leans over to Loki, "Don't you want to talk to Thor also?"
"If I did, I would have, Bruce. Thank you. I enjoy your company very much," Loki tells him.
"And I do yours," Bruce winks at her.
"Then this is settled. If the God of Thunder decides that he has no need to greet us, then we don't greet him either. It might be a little childish, but he knows that I tick that way," the trickster shrugs.
Loki, when attending such festivities, always pays attention to the rules of politeness, already as a man. He always followed through the procedures. Greeted the guests, greeted close friends, family. Bowed to those of higher rank. Kissed hands and mumbled compliments. The only thing Loki used to harbor for himself was to come a little late, but only just to bypass the fuss about himself – or Thor's grand opening that usually overshadowed him. That simply was something the trickster wasn't willing to give himself. And now again, she knows that rules would demand from her to greet Thor properly, but it also demands from her the same way that he greets her. Actually, he is much more required than her, because he is the man. But here they are – and he won't even come up to her to greet her. If he can't bring himself to it, then neither can she, so Loki decided for herself. If he wants to play that game, she is in for it. Loki actually feels like it. It's as Natasha said: giving in is not like her.
"Oh, I don't mind. Just make sure I don't get caught in the middle of it," Bruce winks at her.
"You are the Hulk. What could really happen?" Loki huffs playfully. Bruce laughs out loud once.
Thor, meanwhile, is still trying to decide how to move his hands again. Or his feet. Or just one part of his body. His mind is simply not working, as though the parts just disconnected. When Loki came down those stairs... by the Gods, this was a piece of Valhalla transcended into this very moment. But then... the thunderer realized that she was walking in with someone else, and of course it's a close friend, yet... it made Thor's chest contract in jealousy and anger over her obvious choice to walk in with another man. This feeling only intensified at the fact that she wouldn't even have the piety to greet him properly. She seemingly wished to ignore him to mock him once again. By the Gods, this woman!
The God of Thunder grunts as he grabs a tray from one of the waiters, glaring at the man so hard that he just runs off, and Thor starts to pour the drinks down angrily. It's only because Jane and the others taught him not to throw the glass on the ground once he's finished. On earth you don't do that. So he just angrily puts them down on the tray again. Once Thor is done, he shoves it into the arms of the next best waiter to take away. At some point, he actually regrets that he didn't swing his hammer to travel to Britain to fetch Jane. Even if their relationship didn't last long, this would perhaps make him forget about his embarrassment. After a while, he feels a clap on his shoulder: The Captain.
"Do you intend on drinking all alcohol they have in this place?" Steve smirks.
"Your stuff is too weak. To make me drunk... it takes a lot more than that," Thor grumbles. And really, he lives up to his name - his voice sounds just like thunder rolling.
"Well, why do you still try, then?" Steve frowns.
"I do not wish to talk about it," Thor snarls.
"That bad, huh?" Steve grimaces sympathetically.
"One could say so," Thor sighs.
"I think Loki and Banner actually wanted to greet you. Why don't you go talk to them?" Steve suggests.
"I do not wish to talk to them now. I would not be good company at this point," Thor grunts.
"You are mad," Steve makes a face.
"She is not supposed to put up such a show," Thor narrows his eyes angrily.
"I think she could have walked in with a sack over the head and still would have had all attention in the world, Thor. She is a natural beauty," Steve argues.
"Still," Thor grumbles.
"And everyone is walking around in fancy clothes, why shouldn't she? I mean, is not like SHIELD forbids her that," Steve debates.
"Maybe they should," Thor grits his teeth.
"Why?" Steve questions.
"Everyone is looking at her," Thor snarls. Steve grimaces. It doesn't take a psychologist to see that Thor is straight-up jealous. And Thor doesn't want Loki to get that much attention because it means she gets attention from other men, which are... contestants. That is just the way a boyfriend acts when his girlfriend is revealing too much and is getting eye-sexed by all other men in the room. Well, figures he is mad... even if it doesn't figure why he is that mad, really, because... he is not her boyfriend, and he is technically not her big brother either, so... yeah, it's complicated.
"So I can't convince you to enjoy yourself with the rest of us?" Steve tries another time.
"I stand here fair and sound. Thank you, Captain," Thor says, biting his lower lip.
"Well, okay, fine, your choice. If you change your mind, we are over there. And I think Loki would really like to see you, man," Steve shrugs. With that the Captain heads off again, leaving Thor to his own dread. The party carries on. The girls are now by themselves while Tony took the guys to get a scotch at the bar, because he thinks champagne needs at least some manly drinks to have full effect.
"... it's really that easy for you to do that with the dresses?" Pepper asks Loki, still not quite believing it.
"What? Yes. I'm a sorceress. It is in my nature, pretty much," Loki shrugs.
"She did my necklace, too," Natasha smirks.
"Wow. You really have a way with this. I mean... fine, you can create that kinda stuff, but you also put it together in a fitting way, right? So this means you gotta have an eye for that," Pepper puckers her lips.
"I spent hundreds and hundreds of years refining that skill. If I were unable to perform that by now, I would question my capabilities," Loki shakes her head.
"Still, love it," Pepper smiles.
"Uhm, I have to apologize, but I have to ask," Loki moves closer to them, almost uncertainly.
"What? Yes, sure, what is it?" Pepper frowns. It's always rare when Loki asks them anything, because... she knows almost anything.
"How is this held here?" Loki grimaces. Pepper and Natasha frown at her. Loki bites her lower lip, seemingly contemplating for a moment, but then she explains, "Midgard is one of the few realms I spent little time on, and the last time I did... well, it was a different time, and a different kind of celebration. I do not know of all customs you have now. How is it with your kinds of festivities? Is there only drinking and chatting or... is there something else to do?"
"Oh, that, well... no, there should be dancing later on," Pepper shrugs. Loki beams at them, seemingly happy about the news. As if on cue, the lights dim and the dance floor opens up, thanks to Tony's makeshift.
"Tony always needs a show, the little drama-queen," Pepper buries her forehead in her palm.
"How do you put up with him all this time, really?" Natasha makes a face. That is something she still fails to figure. Being friends with him is one thing, but if you are his girlfriend... you actually want to be around him... much longer.
"You gotta have hobbies, lots of hobbies, uhm, work, his credit card... and you have to tell him to shut up. And now that we are intimate... I can threaten him with no-sex-for-you-if-you-don't-shut-it. That works miracles," Pepper snickers.
"Good point," Natasha nods. Tony suddenly stands on a podium, grabs the microphone and smirks, "Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen! Thanks for joining us for the annual Masquerade Ball, one of the best ideas I ever had, I'm bound to say. Either way, now the official, lame part is over and we get to party. So, get the swag in your body and go wild, people! The dance floor is now open! Have fun and bring this house to rumble!"
He makes his typical peace sign before jumping off the stage to join the girls. Clint and Bruce are somewhere in the middle between the women and Thor, who also drew closer because of the sudden fuss. Natasha walks up to Clint and takes him by the arm. He looks confused for a second, but knows better than to turn her down.
"I thought you don't like that all too much," Clint smirks.
"I just want to have a perfect view on what we are about to see. I think the next show is just ahead," Natasha snickers.
"More Thorki?" Clint huffs. Natasha nods, before turning around seductively.
"... you seriously said that out loud?" she grins.
"I'm really hanging too much around with Stark. He is the one to always ponder on it... this just... catches up to you," Clint sighs.
"Check," Natasha snickers. They turn around again, smirking at each other.
Tony, shaking his hip in her direction while snapping his fingers, "Pepper? Up for shaking the hips a bit?"
"You are so cute. The only dance you can is slow dance, and that quite awfully, and YMCA," Pepper huffs.
"My YMCAing is absolutely amazing," Tony insists.
Pepper shakes her head, "True, I became your girl only for that reason."
"I know. So now, let's YMCA a bit," Tony says.
"If you dare, I will run my heel right through your toes," Pepper narrows her eyes at him.
"Not just a bit of YMCA power?" Tony makes a face.
"I will kill you, slowly," Pepper smiles at him sweetly, though her voice is threatening.
"That's so mean!" Tony pouts.
"Loki, you join us?" Pepper asks.
"In a second," Loki nods. She makes her way through the crowd, her eyes meeting Thor's, glittering in the dim light as though made of gold. Loki walks further and further, but, suddenly, without even turning her face, moves right to where Steve and Bruce are standing.
"Bruce? I think you owe me my first dance, as my date for the night?" Loki asks him sweetly.
"Oh, I feel flattered. But I am not really much of a good dancer. You might just as well take someone else," Bruce argues.
"Bruce, do you wish to make me sad by turning me down?" Loki makes a face, faking sadness.
"I'd never," he chuckles.
"Then let's go," Loki says. "I bet you are just hiding your light under a bushel, my friend. Someone as smart as you should be able to figure the math behind something as simple as a dance. Captain, if you allow, I'd steal the Doctor away from you for a while?"
"I don't mind," Steve winks at her. Loki holds out her arm for Bruce to join and they both walk up to the dance floor.
"Did that just happen?" Clint grimaces.
Natasha laughs against his neck, "Thor looks like a soaked puppy."
Clint turns her around to get a view at it himself, just to snicker as well, "Mad soaked puppy."
"Yeah," Natasha agrees.
"This is so much more amusing than this festivity altogether," Clint snickers. Natasha makes a face.
"And of course to have you here," Clint adds.
"Good safe," she smirks. "And I agree. That is just so much fun."
"Check," Clint grins.
"Check," Natasha chuckles. Meanwhile, Loki and Bruce made it to the dance floor.
"I fear I might step on your toes here and there, just so that you know in advance," Bruce warns her, clearly nervous.
"Gladly I am a sorceress. I can make my feet disperse. So even if you, which I still doubt, step on my toes, I shall not feel it," Loki assures him.
"Really convenient," Bruce chuckles. He never thought about it - but that's really a neat trick.
"And this one is rather easy. A simple waltz, Doctor. You know how that goes, right?" Loki encourages him another time.
"I remember vaguely," Bruce smirks. Loki draws him close as they take position, in the motion tugging at the hem of her dress so that it falls from her left hand – so that she doesn't stumble over it. The first beat comes and Loki motions Banner to move. Even if she leads, she lets it look like he is.
"Now, I knew there was a good dancer hidden in there," Loki smiles at him. Bruce smirks at her before she suddenly spins, a small gasp erupting from the crowd watching. She spins back into Bruce's arms.
Pepper tells Tony in a low voice, "Don't even think about it."
"Think about what?" Tony asks innocently.
"Spinning me like this: No to that," Pepper declares.
"I think I could do it," Tony argues.
"Sure. And I will end up in hospital. Cobbler, stick to your trade," Pepper huffs.
"Mehk-mehk-mehk," Tony makes a face.
"Wow... okay, did you know she was that good?" Clint puckers his lips as he watches Loki literally fly over the dance floor.
"I had a feeling... and she did mention that she used to," Natasha think out loud. "Oh darn, she did that professionally in one of the realms when she lived as a woman. Now that makes sense. She seemed to really itch for a dance."
"Well, you can say about her what you want: Her dancing is really...," Clint grimaces, and Natasha completes, "Godly."
"Gladly we aren't too bad ourselves," Clint snickers.
"Check," Natasha chuckles.
Loki still smiles sweetly and happily at Bruce as he goes with her moves. She totally forgot how much she loved to dance, but now that she does it again, the feeling is right back. But then she dares to look around and bites her lower lip nervously, "I think I'm doing it again."
"What?" Bruce frowns at her.
"Drawing the attention to us," Loki replies sheepishly.
"Isn't that the point?" Bruce makes a face.
"Oh, I did not... really... it's just that I love to dance," Loki admits sheepishly. She glances at him – and you can see that she actually means it. He offers as warm smile, "That I can see."
Thor, meanwhile, drew closer, emptying the next glass of whiskey. Steve is standing next to him, to make sure the God doesn't do something overly stupid. Once Loki realizes Thor watching her with such a grim expression, her features harden a bit also, and she spins even madder, as though she flew over the dance floor, as though the ground would no longer hold her.
Steve shakes his head, "What is that between you and her?"
"It's nothing," Thor grits his teeth.
"Yeah, right," Steve huffs. Does Thor actually believe himself when he says that?
"She just means to make me mad," Thor grumbles.
"And I think it's working just fine," Steve mutters under his breath.
"What?" Thor turns to him.
"Nothing," Steve smiles innocently. Thor ignores the comment and continues to stare at Loki as she dances over the floor like a goddess, memories flooding in and out of him as he sees her. Stealing away, smiling. Smiling so sweetly.
The last beat comes and she leans deep down as Bruce holds her. She quickly recovers and straightens up in one swift motion, smiling sweetly at the doctor.
"I thank you for this lovely dance, Bruce. It is an absolute pleasure to have you as a partner," Loki smiles at him.
"I give the compliment right back. You made it look like I'm actually good at this," Bruce smirks.
"I just brought out your strengths, at least I hope I did," Loki shrugs.
"I did not land on my butt or Hulked out, so yeah, you definitely did," Bruce snickers. Loki leans down to give him a cute little kiss on the cheek, "Really, thank you."
"Absolute pleasure," Bruce winks at her. Suddenly he feels a strong hand on his shoulder. Thor towers over him, his cheeks actually blushed, thanks to his anger, his embarrassment, and the alcohol.
"Dr. Banner, if you'd allow, I'd take over," Thor grunts. Bruce and Loki look at each other confused for a second at the change of atmosphere. After a few seconds, her features harden as she glances at the thunderer, before turning to Bruce almost apologetically.
"Oh, uhm, sure, alright... I wanted to get a drink anyways. Thanks for the dance, Loki," Bruce grimaces. She grabs his hand softly one last time, putting on the sweetest of smiles. She doesn't want her friend to feel as though she gives precedence to Thor – because she is not. It is just that she knows better than to make a scene at a ball, and she knows better than to make this man angry in public, especially after he had a few drinks, even if she knows for a fact that Midgardian drinks don't have the same effect Aesir alcohol bears.
"I demand another one later!" Loki calls after him.
"Looking forward to it," Bruce waves at her. He walks up to Steve.
"This was... unexpected," Steve grimaces sympathetically.
"Tell me about it," Bruce huffs.
"Don't you want to steal your Prom Queen back?" Steve smirks.
"Hm, let me think about it... getting killed by the God of Thunder over a dance... nah, I don't think this is a fight I have to fight," Bruce jokes.
"I'd sit that out also. Here," Steve holds out a whiskey to his friend. Bruce takes it with a smirk, "Thanks."
"I hope this doesn't end in disaster. Thor has piled up in a while now. It might be he is just ready to burst out and make a scene," Steve bites his lower lip.
"I hope for him he doesn't. I think Loki would stomp him into the ground," Bruce shakes his head.
"And you'd help?" Steve smirks.
"I think the Hulk would," Bruce snickers.
"Is funny that you are so protective of her," Steve grins.
"She is a very good friend of mine. I mean, Thor is, too, but...," Bruce shrugs, but Steve understands, "You two have chemistry, easy as that. I get that. Have the same with Clint. Sometimes you just relate to a person."
"Right. And Thor...," Bruce sighs. "I know that Loki doesn't want a scene. She just wants to enjoy herself. And I don't like the idea of him destroying that for her coz of... I don't know what."
"Then let's hope he doesn't," Steve shrugs.
"Cheers to good hopes," Bruce raises his glass, his eyes still on the dance floor. Steve clicks his glass against his, also watching the dancers, "Cheers."
Bruce mutters some incoherent curses to himself as he downs the drink.
Thor, meanwhile, closed the gap between him and Loki and holds her very close.
"Good evening to you, too, Thor," Loki says grimly, narrowing her eyes.
"What are you doing here?" Thor says in a low voice.
"Having fun. I was invited," she hisses.
"I mean about...," Thor means to say, but that is when Loki hears the music start. She holds on more firmly, going into position. Thor gets the cue and swiftly moving along as they dance over the floor.
"Wow... for a guy his size, Thor isn't the almost worst dancer... I actually expected him to move more like a troll," Clint cocks his eyebrow at them.
"Yup," Natasha is bound to agree. "I mean, he normally ends up breaking things. Let's hope he doesn't break Loki."
"I think he wouldn't be so stupid to bring that on himself," Clint huffs.
"Check," Natasha snickers.
"I see you didn't unlearn how to dance properly," Loki says.
"It is demanded from a royal," Thor grunts.
"I still remember the dance lessons and how you complained," Loki chuckles.
"I did not like it," Thor shrugs.
"Because it kept you from training," Loki nods.
"Quite true," Thor agrees. He spins her around, lifting her off the ground.
"And I see you learned a few tricks here and there," Loki adds as she lands.
"True," Thor replies.
"... I missed that," she sighs, leaning a little closer.
"To dance?" Thor frowns at her.
"I rarely got the opportunity as of late," Loki shrugs. That is of course truth told: during the time Loki tried to take over Asgard, he hardly had the opportunity. Then Loki was with the Chitauri... and they don't seem to be the type. Then came the prison time... no dancing partners whatsoever. Then banishment on earth, which was mostly dictated by staying by oneself to be under the radar and regaining magic. And then came the time with the Avengers, which then was mostly defined by working, researching, reading, and staying in the house. So yes, Loki hardly had any opportunities to indulge in dance.
"... that's a point," Thor grimaces.
"I take it that you are mad at me for some reason, though," Loki huffs, fiercely turning around.
"Indeed," Thor says, averting his eyes.
"And will you tell me?" Loki demands.
"You are not supposed to present yourself like that," Thor grumbles.
"My intimate parts are well hidden, Thor, if that is what you are trying to point out. This fashion is just the same we wear in Asgard, except for a few adaptations here and there," Loki hisses. He can't be serious, can he?
"Exactly," Thor snorts.
"What?" Loki frowns at him. He swallows thickly before he brings out, "It reminds me, too much."
Loki glances at him briefly, before twirling into his strong arms, and back out again.
"Oh, right... I looked similarly," Loki says softly.
"Do you do this to taunt me again?" Thor demands, but she replies icily, "Not always does the world revolve around you, God of Thunder. Get that into your thick skull."
"Then why?" Thor asks.
"Perhaps because I like it?" Loki retorts. Does it seem that far-fetched, really?
"To taunt me, I'm sure," Thor huffs.
"No, to wear this. To be this. To dance," Loki hisses.
"You just do this to mock me," Thor insists.
"If I were, I would have appeared as a man, in that dress, and then would have asked for your hand, or perhaps I would have come naked, either way... that is what I'd do to mock you," Loki narrows her eyes. Really, Thor should know better. This here would be far too easy - and wouldn't have the humiliation she'd seek with such action.
"Loki," Thor grumbles, but she hisses back at him, "Leave it alone, Thor."
"No," Thor shakes his head.
"I do not wish to argue with you while on the dance floor,"Loki says sternly.
"Then don't," Thor huffs.
"You are bringing me there. And I don't bite... at least not now," Loki snorts. She moves closer, her hips rocking against his. You can see that he likes it, but is embarrassed at the fact that he is.
"Stop this," he grumbles.
"Oh, c'mon, Thor. Now don't tell me you don't enjoy this," Loki huffs.
"I don't," Thor grumbles.
"You lie to the God of Lies, Thor. Remember your place," Loki sneers.
"You remember yours," Thor retorts.
"And here I thought that you could actually be social with me for just a night," Loki sighs.
"What now?" Thor grimaces.
"Thor, I am here to enjoy myself. You are the only one who is a poor sport here. You try to own me. I do not like that," Loki hisses.
"Own you?" Thor grimaces.
"I chose Dr. Banner to dance with me – and you just shove him off the dance floor to dance with me, like one of the brutes in Asgard who claim a maiden. You are marking your territory, you are marking me as your own. I do not like that, for I am not your property," Loki snarls, narrowing her eyes.
"I can't stand it," Thor grits his teeth.
"What now? Dr. Banner? He is a dear friend to us both!" Loki argues.
"I can't stand it to have others so close to you," Thor growls.
"As I said, you try to own me," Loki huffs. And he no longer has any right to own her.
"I can't get past it," Thor snarls.
"There is so many things you can't get past, Thor. If I paid attention to all of them, I would hardly have a life, still," she snorts. Thor holds on to her more than tightly, as though his movements were the extension of his words, replacing the words he cannot say, transmits the feelings he is unable to verbalize.
"It is because you regard me your sibling, still, isn't it?" Loki asks silently. Thor looks at her as she spins away from him. He pulls her close again and says, "You were my brother for almost all my life. That doesn't disappear. It's the past."
"Right, it's the past, Thor. And you never seem to get it. I am no longer your sibling," Loki hisses. She spins around another time, drawing close to his face, her hands dancing over his torso.
"We don't share blood," Loki says.
"We grew up together," Thor retorts.
"So did Volstagg and Fandral and Hogun and the Lady Sif," Loki huffs.
"It's different," Thor insists.
"Could you see me for once for what I am? Who I am?" Loki asks, looking at him, her emerald eyes shimmering in the dim light.
"I see you for who you are," Thor says.
"No, you definitely don't. You don't. You still don't see me. Everyone was looking, you were not. What do I have to do to get you to really look at me," Loki snarls. She turns around again.
"I'm always looking at you – but I turn away so you don't see," Thor admits, biting his lower lip.
"Why?" Loki asks.
"It reminds me too much of that night," Thor says, averting his eyes.
"Then think of something else," Loki snarls.
"I can't. Because you are here," Thor argues.
"I won't leave," Loki sneers.
"I don't want you to leave," Thor admits.
"You said it was too hurtful," Loki snorts. That man is making no sense.
"It just reminds me," Thor bites his lower lip. Loki smiles into his chest before pulling off yet another figure. Dull oaf. They twist and turn erratically as the music draws to its end. Loki contemplates for a second. Normally, she would just leave the dance floor, to get away from Thor, but... she can't bring herself to it. No, just no. This ends tonight. One way or another. She made up her mind.
One last dance.
Loki, a smirk flashing over her face, says, "... even if I'm glad to dance... and Midgardian music bears a certain charm... I miss our Aesir music. It just has a different kind of force to it."
Thor grins back at her, pulling her close again. He knows what she is hinting at – and he feels the same. It's odd how music can actually change one's mood so effortlessly. Perhaps it's just the whiskey, though, Thor guesses.
"True, but for what do we have a sorceress?" Thor smirks. Loki grins back at him, wiggling a finger as suddenly a foreign beat hums throughout the ballroom. Most of the people look irritated, some even leave the dance floor because they don't know how to dance to the beat.
"Loki just messed around with my things," Tony pouts.
"So?" Pepper shrugs.
"I don't like that," Tony puckers his lips.
"And she doesn't like it that you always want her to change into a toaster. Does she complain?" Pepper retorts.
"I hope this is worth it," Tony grumbles.
"I bet it will be," Pepper smirks. Loki is just the person to amaze, so she learned.
Loki suddenly raises her arm in the air, throwing her head back, before she draws into pose after pose, her dress flying beautifully. She then, upon the first beat, puts her weight on her left foot, leaning forward very far so that Thor catches her only just as her body runs parallel to the ground. They stand like that for a second, before she suddenly flips over his shoulder to come back to back with him, making a few wonderful gestures with her hands and arms. She then spins around Thor to come up front again, only to start dancing into the beat, both their moves very strong and into the ground, loud, nevertheless graceful, riding into each other. Loki performs stunt after stunt, the dress never failing her. Thor holds her each time, catches her with absolute security. And in between, they are physically so close that you could mistake them for one person. Sensuality lies in the air, wafting over the dance floor like the most wonderful perfume. The music dies after a few minutes, leaving Loki to lean deep down, almost on the ground, only supported by Thor's strong hand. He lifts her back up and then applause rolls from the crowd. The two leave the dance floor – and the magic suddenly seems broken, again. As though the music was the only thing that held Thor and Loki together.
"I will get myself another drink at the bar," Thor grimaces. Loki nods, a little disappointed, but then decides to join the Avengers, who are seemingly waiting for her. She said it and she meant it, she wants to enjoy herself tonight – and even Thor won't destroy that for her, if she can help it. It ends tonight, she reminds herself.
"Wow, that dance... I never saw something like that before," Pepper whistles softly. Loki looks at her irritated, "Oh... was it really that bad? I thought people were fine with it, after all they clapped their hands..."
Pepper holds up her hands reassuringly, "Not at all, please! It was totally amazing, just... totally new to us! And that's what made it even cooler!"
"That's how we dance in Asgard," Loki shrugs. "The men just need a stronger beat to put their strengths to display. And women are also, for the most part, stronger in this realm, which is why the acrobatic figures play a great part in it. But it's mostly about the strong rhythm... and Master Stark, I apologize for violating your system like that. I could not resist."
"I'll let it slip this one time," Tony snickers. Pepper nudges him into the side, "Do that whenever you want."
"You are too generous," Loki snickers.
"If you don't mind, are you professional at this, Loki?" Bruce asks.
"I was for a while... on one of my voyages I came to stay at a... hm... what do you call it here," she taps her index finger against her chin. "... something like a harem?"
All gape, but Loki quickly carries on to explain herself, "But not with the sex, really, it was more of a temple full of dancers who danced for kings, in either fashion of where they came from or which one they wanted to see. And no, Stark, we did not do what you find in your funny striptease clubs. It just resembles what you'd probably pictures as a harem, for the setting, but I never would have become anyone's courtesan."
"Thank God, I already had a picture inside my head," Tony grimaces.
"It were better for you to leave it there," Loki narrows her eyes at him.
Tony, taking a sip of his Scotch, nods, "Already working on that."
"Either way, that's how I learned dances from all different realms. I did that for some eighty years, so one could say I have some experience," Loki explains.
"Some?" Steve frowns.
"Eighty years are the blink of an eye to our kind... just as are seventy, no?" Loki argues, but then turns to Steve with a smile. "Speaking of you, Captain, would you join me for a dance?"
"Oh, uhm...," Steve blinks at her, obviously caught off-guard.
"I intend to dance with all the Avengers at least once... except for Stark," she snickers.
"Hey!" he cries out, but Loki ignores him and says, "Maybe I bring myself to it, we'll see. Perhaps I just need to drink more... champagne... or Scotch... either way, it's actually a tradition in most realms I came to know that one shall dance with all members of one's own group. So... Captain?"
"I know better than to turn a Lady down, knowing what she can do to me if I dare," Steve grins.
"Oh, I wouldn't force you," Loki assures him.
"I know. No, honestly, it'd be a pleasure," Steve smirks. He holds his hand out to her to take. She curtsies lightly before taking it gracefully.
"Very well," she smiles. "So, if you'd excuse us? I have a feeling you will like this one."
Tony, mutters into his Scotch, "She's changing channels again."
"You are just mad she doesn't want to dance with you," Pepper huffs.
"She says so because she knows I'm with you, my dear," Tony snorts.
"She didn't exclude Clint," Pepper snickers.
"Oh, that...," Tony mutters under his breath.
The music grows louder on the dance floor, and a piece Steve actually remembers from before plays over the loudspeakers – Swing.
"I hope the choice is fine with you?" Loki smiles at him.
"Perfect," he winks at her.
"I have to say that I didn't do this kind of dance too often. So you will have to bear with me," Loki grins at him shyly.
"I didn't do much myself. As you might recall, I was frozen for some time and missed on many occasions for a dance night. I think we'll get through this somehow if we stick together," Steve smirks.
She smiles at him as they start, soon finding their rhythm and actually managing a wonderful Swing. They impress with perfect harmony, less with acrobatic and sensuality at that point. They work their way over the dance floor fast and effortlessly. Of course Loki impresses once again with her absolute gracefulness, and how easily her feet move to the quick beat.
"Didn't remember this to be so much fun," Steve smiles at the petite woman.
"In fact. This dance is very... funny!" Loki grins.
"I can't even remember the last time I got to dance a Swing," Steve makes a face.
"Last time I did... phew, that was some 500 years ago," Loki grimaces.
"What? The Swing is from my times," Steve frowns.
"... you really think you are so original? That very same dance was danced by the Shi-Un eons ago!" Loki huffs.
"Seriously?" Steve blinks at her.
"Well, yes!" Loki says. Both laugh at that as they continue to dance swiftly over the floor. Eventually the music dies, leaving them with big smiles plastered on their faces. The crowd applauds as they leave the dance floor. As they go, Steve leans a little closer to her, "Won't Thor be mad that you dance with others now again?"
"You are friends. I don't see the issue," Loki shakes her head.
"You know Thor...," Steve sighs.
"And he knows me," Loki argues angrily. "And it's tradition in Asgard also to dance with all members of the group. Furthermore, he knows that I am very stubborn. I have a plan of having fun tonight, and that includes dancing. So... he'll have to... how do you say? Suck it up?"
"Quite right. Okay, it's your decision, and your life," Steve agrees.
"Thank you," Loki nods. It's nice to hear that someone say.
They make their way back to the rest.
"I can't remember when I saw Loki that happy, actually," Natasha leans over to Pepper, who nods, "Right, she seems so... weightless suddenly."
"You know what that means, right?" Natasha smirks.
"That we three go to the dance clubs more often, yeah, if time allows," Pepper nods.
Loki and Steve comes up to them.
"Lady Romanov, may I steal your date for just a single dance now also?" Loki asks politely.
"Take him to as many dances as you please," Natasha waves her hands dismissively.
"I don't get a say in this?" Clint frowns.
"Nope," Natasha shrugs.
"Good that I asked, then," Clint smirks.
"Master Barton, would you do me the honor?" Loki asks politely.
"... sure," Clint nods. He takes her hand. Both head to the dance floor once again. She takes his hands and immediately draws him into the dance, a subtle, settled one, but she still pulls it off beautifully. Neither one of them says anything. There is just nothing to be said. Even if it was a long way there, they are now at a level of mutual respect – and that respect goes without words, something both enjoy.
"I thank you very much, Master Barton," Loki curtsies at him.
"Pleasure," he winks at her. Suddenly Tony stands there with that glorious smirk on his face, arms stretched out to the sides, palms up.
"I told you I don't want to dance with you," Loki huffs playfully.
"All Avengers. I am an Avenger. And hey, you say it's tradition," Tony argues with a smirk.
"Did you ask for Lady Potts' permit first?" Loki narrows her eyes at him.
"I don't have to," Tony snorts.
"You always do, though...," Loki smirks at him.
"C'mon, now you will dance with me," Tony declares. He draws closer. Both know it will happen anyways, but that is just their game.
"Unless it's this YMCA thing," Loki insists.
"You don't even know what it is," Tony argues.
"I have enough imagination to fill this space inside my head – and the imagination is enough for me not to like it," Loki snorts.
"Fine, slow dance, then," Tony shrugs. Both start to dance as a subtle ballad hums through the loudspeakers.
"If your hands slip down too deep, you know you will lose that very hand?" Loki threatens him.
"... now you kinda remind me of Pepper...," Tony grimaces.
"We both have a temper, so to speak," Loki shrugs. They continue in silence for a while.
"You really made something out of yourself," Tony says softly, not looking at her, though.
"I beg your pardon?" Loki blinks at him. Tony meets her eyes, then, "Well, look at you. You are definitely no longer the guy who wanted to blow up the planet little while ago."
"... of course, since for being the guy who did something... I'd need a penis," Loki huffs.
"... let me rephrase it: You are no longer the person who wanted to blow up the planet little while ago," Tony says instead.
"I hope for you this is a compliment. For my high heels can hurt, a lot," Loki warns him.
"I mean it absolutely as a compliment," Tony smiles.
"Then thank you," she says in a soft voice.
"I mean... little while ago, I really thought this was all just a set-up," Tony admits.
"What makes you certain it isn't?" Loki huffs playfully.
"That you ask?" Tony suggests.
"I might have anticipated that," Loki shrugs. Tony winks at her. She winks back.
"It's just... you really changed," Tony smirks.
"Other than the sex?" Loki grins.
"Yep," Tony snickers.
"Hm, and change is automatically something good?" Loki tilts her head curiously.
"In this context I think it is, actually," Tony nods.
"Interesting... some may not share this opinion," Loki smiles.
"But we do," Tony assures her.
"The Avengers?" Loki asks.
"Your friends... who happen to be the Avengers, yeah," Tony snickers.
"I always thought it was considered rather pitiful to only have friends thanks to a profession," Loki huffs.
"Nah, that's overrated," Tony snorts.
"Aha," she sighs.
"Well, it's just great to see how far you got," Tony tells her.
"From World's Most Hated to... Avenger," Loki smirks.
"You got it right. We trust you, now. That's what counts," Tony says.
"It's still a weird feeling," she exhales.
"That someone trusts you, well, you can hardly blame people for struggling with that. No one can lie the way you do," Tony shrugs.
"That's not what I meant," Loki shakes her head.
"Then what did you?" Tony frowns at her.
"... to have a place," Loki whispers in a soft voice. Tony frowns at the petite woman and the sudden sincerity in her voice.
"What about Asgard?" he cocks an eyebrow at her, but that only makes Loki scold at him, "You mean this fabulous place in the clouds I was banished from? The home I grew up with that actually wasn't my real heritage? Where they took my children away? Where they put me in a cellar and hate me to my blood? That wonderful place, you mean?"
"Okay, stupid question," Tony admits.
"I feel ties to this realm, true, for it is, indeed, the place I grew up in and spent a great deal of my lifetime at, but... I think I may have found something here that I never had in Asgard, and possibly won't ever find there. And I still have a hard time grasping that," Loki admits honestly.
"Well, as you say, time's long. You still have all time in the world to grasp it," Tony smirks at her softly.
"Perhaps," she exhales.
"Why didn't you want to dance with me, now for real?" Tony asks.
"It's really bothering you that much, Stark?" Loki snickers.
"Yeah, of course. You know me and my ego hardly fit a room," Tony grins.
"It was only just to tease you a bit. You are the one, along with Thor, who falls for it. The others are too cool-headed to fall for my taunt," Loki explains.
"That's... mean... but... touché," Tony puckers her lips. She smiles at him sweetly, he grins back, leaning in closer, but not in a sexual way, but just... as close friends, really. They end the dance all quietly.
"Lady Potts, I bring you back your Man of Iron," Loki declares.
"You could've kept him a while longer. I was enjoying myself so much without him!" Pepper snorts sarcastically.
"Hey, now don't be mean to me," Tony grumbles.
"I'm mean to you all I want," Pepper huffs.
"Yeah, especially when we are in bed and...," Tony wants to say, but Pepper knocks him in the arm, quite hard.
"Hey!" he cries out.
"I'm mean all I want," she smirks at him viciously.
"Where's the love, Pepper?" Tony whines.
"I don't know. Maybe you find it again if you remove part of your chauvinism," Pepper snorts.
"I meant to say that you...," Tony wants to explain, but Pepper interrupts him, "Don't make me kick you in public. The press is here, remember?"
"Oh, you would not," Tony argues.
"Try me," Pepper narrows her eyes.
"If you'd excuse me? I need some fresh air," Loki interrupts in a soft voice.
"Upstairs is a balcony," Tony nods.
"Thank you," she smiles at him sweetly. With that she walks off. Pepper turns to Tony before she presses a sweet kiss on his lips.
"Yum," Tony snickers.