Sixty Seven
Dinner was awkward. Only Aeyrn spoke, chattering on about her day and the tricks Loki showed her friends. The adults ate in relative silence. It was apparent that Îrben had discussed this afternoons conversation with his wife. They shared a look every time Loki glanced in my direction. Soon Malrin was ushering Aeyrn off to bed.
"Are you two going to talk at all?" Îrben finally broke the silence.
"Tony, what got into you? First you finish six months of work, then you won't talk to me. What's going on?" Loki pried.
"When were you going to tell me you and Îrben had a thing?" I blurted out. It felt like a relief off my chest.
"You said something didn't you?" Loki snapped at Îrben.
"It was an accident. I couldn't cover it up once I said it."
"Tony, love." He clasped my hands. "Yes, Îrben and I were in love once. It was centuries ago. I didn't feel a need to tell you, because I thought you'd act this way."
"What way?" I snapped.
"You're jealous. And rightfully so. I acted the same way around Pepper. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
"What happened?" I asked them both.
"Malrin happened." Îrben sighed. "She came into our lives. I fell in love with her and was seeing her behind Loki's back."
"I was very cross with him for a long time." Loki spoke.
"I sought Loki out when my daughter was born. I wanted my good friend and closest thing I have to a brother to be a part of her life." Îrben went on.
"And once again, we are thick as thieves." They clasped hands across the table.
"Tony, you are the best thing that has happened to my Loki in recent years. Since he found out his heritage a few years ago, he hasn't been himself. I never realized he was Jotun royalty until he came to me thinking it was a curse."
"Tony? Are you going to be alright?" Loki squeezed my hand.
"I think. I guess if you can accept Pepper in our lives, I can accept your former lovers too. Still mad at you for not telling me." I jested.
"You're going to have to accept several centuries worth of lovers then."
"Not much different than mine."
"Tony, come with me. I have a surprise." Loki lit up brightly. He grabbed a couple of blankets and led me into the night air.