HUD: Here we go, guys! Thanks for your patience. Next up is Behind Closed Doors.

- Part 7: Date Night -

"How do I look?"

Loki blinked, smirked - Tony was in his (their) bedroom, staring at a long mirror at his reflection. He forewent the usual tank and torn jeans, opting more for business casual. The genius wore a royal amethyst dress shirt that Loki came to identify as his favourite cuffed halfway to his elbows and jeans so dark they was nearly black.

"Quite dashing, sir," JARVIS answered. Tony grinned wider before wincing.

"Aside from this shiner, I would be perfect. Totally casual but not too much, relaxed," Tony said. He fumbled with the buttons around his collar. He had only the first one unbuttoned, then undid the second. Tony paused, stared at his reflection, frowned, and buttoned the second back. "Is two too suggestive?"

There was a pause, as if JARVIS was actually thinking to give his opinion. "Three, sir, would be the limit, I believe."

Tony nodded and slipped the second button free again. Even from the angle of the view from the ceiling, Loki could see the sharp edge of Tony's exposed clavicles. On more than one occasion, and many different locations, Loki had not been able to contain himself from a sharp nibble to the exposed tanned skin. Or from slipping his deft fingers around the collar, teasing - Loki swallowed, hard.

"Still look good, J?" Tony asked again. He held his arms wide away from his body and spun slowly. The faint shimmer of the silk shirt floated with him.

"Impeccable as ever, sir," the AI answered. Loki smiled - for all of their banter, JARVIS never did fail in his care taking duties. Tony grinned broadly.

"Awesome; thanks, J. Hey what time is it?"

"Twenty to seven, sir."

Tony groaned. His arms dropped back to his sides with a low snap. "Dammit that's literally FOREVER. What am I supposed to do?"

"Set the table?" JARVIS offered. Tony paused, thoughtful.

"Good point," the genius agreed. He checked his reflection one more time, running a hand through his artfully tousled chocolate plumage, before slipping into the dark house shoes under the mirror and heading from the room. The camera angle cut around much like it had the night Loki had been there for wine - Loki got a clear view of the short hallway leading from their bedroom to the living room. It was odd to see it all before their mutual touches slowly crept in.

The first time Tony had managed to snap a picture of the god he had been unperturbed. When he later found the photo hanging in the very hallway Video Tony was walking down, he had been rather astonished. It was almost like a scene from one of the genius' other 'how to' videos - Loki had been sitting on the couch, ever present book in his lap, when Tony had simply waltzed by, snatched the book away, and kissed through Loki's protest. Then the photo appeared as their first.

Barton said Tony had photo bombed him, whatever that meant, but Loki couldn't bring himself to take it down. Even now, in the Malibu mansion, he missed walking by it every day - but under no circumstances was Tony to ever find out.

Tony was fumbling with plates, drawing Loki's attention. He set out the stoneware set Tony told Loki he got as a gift from a client in Japan. The plates were square and beveled at the edges, curving outward and nearly touching the tabletop. The stone was stained a deep maroon with a beautifully hand painted single bloomed cherry blossom tree in the centre. Loki smiled - those were his favourite set as well. As Tony set out the cutlery, Loki simply shook his head. This simple first dinner seemed to set the pace for much of their relationship.

Tony fussed about for another few minutes. He straightened the placemats, the plates; readjusted the napkins; polished the wine glasses; opened the fresh bottle of Screaming Eagle; fussed with his hair using the microwave as a mirror; smoothed his collar; tucked and untucked his cuffs; buttoned and unbuttoned that damned second button again; polished the wine glasses again -

"Sir." JARVIS said. His tone got the fumbling genius to pause.

"What's up, J?"

"Be still, sir."

"But what if it isn't perfect!?" Tony said, his tone hinging suspiciously on a whine.

"You have gone above and beyond, sir," JARVIS answered. "I do believe Mr. Laufeyson will find all of this satisfactory."

"He's a prince, J. A fucking prince -"

"Which is why I suggest you cease, sir - he is on the balcony." Tony snapped up straight and fished out his mobile in an obviously belated show of checking the time.

"Why didn't you say anything, J!?" Tony snapped as he crossed from the kitchen to the living room, dropping his mobile back to his pocket. He paused, took a deep breath, and opened the balcony door.

Of course there would be a camera on the balcony, Loki mused. It seemed that JARVIS took the initiative to make him the star of whatever this was. Video Loki stood facing the city, wearing the same long black fur cloak from when Tony found him and gave him the book. He turned when he heard the door open.

Loki remembered Tony smiled warmly as he spoke: "Hey, how are you?"

"I am well," Loki answered. Which had been true, and he knew for a fact that Tony wouldn't be able to pick up on his nerves from his distance. "It seems this world has a penchant for snow."

"Well, it is December," Tony answered, his tone suggesting it was something that Loki should have already known. "Come inside?"

Loki ignored the subliminal suggestion and nodded. He had resolved earlier that he would be as...well mannered as possible. Loki stepped by Tony as he held the door and entered the living room. He remembered his eyes falling to the set table near the kitchen and feeling the warmth of the living room creeping in around his cloak.

"Can I take your coat?" Tony offered. Loki nodded. His fingers worked the heavy clasp free from around his neck and slipped the garment from his shoulders. He twisted to catch it, but Tony had been right behind him the entire time and now folded the cloak in his arms.

"My thanks," Loki murmured. Tony nodded and dropped the coat over the back of a chair.

"Hey, I'm the ever-pleasing host," Tony quipped, and Loki smirked.

"That we shall - " Oh, Loki remembered this. He had been just as furious then as he felt now. Loki surged over to him, hand suddenly gripping his chin and voice a low hiss hardly picked up by the speakers. "What is this?"

"What is what?" Tony asked evasively. Loki remembered realizing his mistake but felt it had been far too irreparable to matter.

"This mark over your face, Stark," Loki growled. He loosened his grip on the man's chin.

"Oh, this black eye? It's just from the fight yesterday," Tony dismissed flippantly. He brought his hand up around Loki's wrist, and Loki visibly flinched. "It's nothing, okay?"

"It is nearly swollen shut - I would hardly call that nothing," the god answered, some of the heat from his tone dying. Loki remembered Tony slightly rubbing his wrist, as if to soothe him, as he spoke.

"It's fine, Lokes," he answered. "Just from the fight."

"...fine," Loki answered. He removed his hand from Tony's chin and Tony released his wrist. After the briefest of glances, Loki ran his hand through his hair to rid the last of the snowflakes. "Perhaps I shall need to intervene again should this be the outcome."

"There would be no complaining from me," Tony answered cheekily, grinning. Loki smirked back.

"As I would expect."

"There, now you're getting it." Tony tried to wink but the action was lost in his swollen eye. "So, you hungry? I've got something pretty awesome waiting for us."

"So I see," Loki drawled. Tony held his hand out for Loki to lead. When he did, Tony shot a very pointed look at the camera, grin comically large. He followed after Loki and pulled the chair out for him before he sat.

"You know," Tony began as he filled their super sparkly and clear wine glasses with the wine. "I think this is, like, the second time I've seen you not in battle armour. You look good."

"My thanks," Video Loki answered as he grabbed his glass. At the time, the god had not at all struggled with what to wear. He knew that slacks and a dress shirt had been obvious, but he had felt the need to add a blazer as well for layered comfort. Loki grinned, remembering hiding his smirk in the wine glass. "You had not mentioned this to be a formal affair."

"It isn't," Tony answered. "I honestly want you to relax, ya know, be yourself."

Loki looked over at him. The genius had moved to the fridge and now had his back to him. The camera didn't catch it, but Loki remembered smiling at the sight of something he could rapidly get used to seeing. The impromptu conversations and meetings over the first several months with Tony had been annoying and trying, but after the gift of the book he now grudgingly treasure shifted something. Tony Stark had garnered more of his attention far quickly than the god wanted to admit.

Tony was heading back to the table with a serving plate in hand. "Now," he began, smile wide and tone excited. "I can't cook for shit. Just so we're on the same page. But I can read and take direction very well, and I think this is going to show it."

Tony winked at Loki as he set out the round plate. It was the serving platter to match the dishes already on the table, it's edges wide and drooping. Loki blinked - the dish had looked vaguely familiar. "Pardon my ignorance - what is it?"

Tony chuckled and turned away as Loki stared wide-eyed at the dish. There were several carefully placed and meticulously rolled...items on the plate. Loki recalled admiring the bright hues of everything mysterious and the obvious variety tucked under what he could identify as rice bound together in a dark green wrapping.

The genius was back, dropping small dishes filled with dark sauce before them both and a final, smaller maroon dish with another wrapping between them.

"This," he said with a gesture, "is sushi."

Loki blinked. "Which is?"

"By definition, sushi is a Japanese dish consisting of balls or rolls of vinegar-flavoured cold cooked rice, served with a garnish of raw fish, veggies, or egg," Tony answered. "I would say it's just really fucking delicious."

Loki blinked again, watching Tony take a sip of his wine. "Interesting."

"Oh, it's that too," Tony said. He scooped up two sticks from beside his plate. Loki noticed he had a similar pair near him. "And you eat it with chopsticks."

"Pardon?"

"Chopsticks," Tony repeated. "Here, pick it up. I'll show you."

Loki had been interested, never shy when it came to learning and acquiring new knowledge. He remembered his curiosity well and had picked up the chopsticks. He mirrored Tony with the placement.

"Okay, that's good!" Tony praised, grinning. He touched them tip to tip and a small click echoed. "So loosen up, hold the bottom like you would never let go, and tap the top down - there, that's it!" Loki did as directed. Tony was beaming at him, and Loki remembered - surprisingly vivid - the swell of warmth in his chest.

"See? You got it. Now, keeping everything loose and tight are key. You're gonna use those sticks to pick up these pieces of sushi." Tony pointed to one of the smaller rolls. "That's kappamaki, a cucumber roll. Pick it up."

Loki hesitated for only a moment. He reached out with his chopsticks - black, sleek, just like Tony's - and gently picked the piece closest to him. It wasn't nearly as odd as he had thought. He popped the piece in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully.

"There you go! How does it taste?" Tony asked eagerly. Loki remembered wanting to tease the man with silence, but the actual slightly anxious tone told him all he needed to know - Tony was being serious and really wanted his opinion.

"Very good, Stark," Loki answered.

Tony's relief had been obvious then and even more so on record. Loki smirked, chin resting on his open palm as he watched. The cucumber roll had been surprisingly good and simple. Tony still made it every now and then for him, always with pride, always checking to make sure it tasted good. For a man of unsurpassable talents, he seemed to have insufferable doubt in himself for the simplest things.

"Please, call me Tony?" The genius asked, genuinely, softly. Loki remembered having his attention pulled fully on the man then, slightly surprised.

"Surely that is not your given name," Loki answered. He had been fishing, looking for secrets, hoping that Tony would answer and Loki would know just a little more about him.

"Anthony Edward Stark," Tony answered. "Obviously, Ed is not okay."

"Anthony, then," Loki answered softly. The video picked it up slightly, but Loki remembered Tony's surprised blink and slight flush. It was too early to blame it on the drink this time.

"Sure, that's fair," Tony answered. He cleared his throat and grinned. "Okay, so, can I tell you what these are?"

"Proceed," Loki answered, resting his chopsticks back on the small stand near his plate. Tony shifted and smiled.

"Okay, this one is called a New York Roll, it's got smoked salmon, apple, and avocado. Now, I don't know how much of Earth's food you're familiar with, but I promise nothing will kill you," he said with a wink. "This was the only thing I could think of that would taste good with apples. The next one is the Dragon Roll - eel, crab, cucumber inside, rice and avocado outside. Tiger roll is beside it, avocado, shrimp tempura, and cucumber. Uhm, my favourite out here is the Manhattan roll. It's the tempura shrimp roll inside and spicy mayo sauce and crab on the outside and masago. Oh, and here's the Spider Roll on a separate plate, also super good - soft shell crab tempura and avocado and masago."

Tony pointed to each roll with his index finger, and Loki couldn't help but feel impressed as he relived the moment. He had been then and more so now. Asgardians are not known for their culinary masterpieces. Tony had made all of this, by hand. It was hard not to be impressed. More so with the knowledge that it was all for him.

"Masago are fish roe, by the way. Flying fish eggs. It sounds gross, but it's so good. It's weird, the texture - they just pop under your teeth, like organic pop rocks. I love it," Tony said as he caught Loki's gaze. "What do you think?"

Loki smiled. "This is quite impressive. I have not yet had this...sushi."

"Well, you like fish, right?" Tony asked. Loki nodded. "Then I think you'll enjoy." He used his chopsticks to pick a piece of each and put them on Loki's plate, an inch apart from the others. It was oddly intimate and make Loki's fingers twitch. "These dishes have soy sauce on them, but before you spread it all over, it's pretty much pure salt. I'd try one of each first."

Loki nodded and took up his chopsticks again. He tried the Spider Roll first and had thoroughly enjoyed the crunch and textures. It definitely was among his favourite from the meal.

They spoke lightly, Loki answering all of Tony's questions about his 'cooking'. Loki chuckled at himself. He was almost ashamed to watch how quickly he snapped his attention to Tony each time he spoke, to see how fast and sure Tony was already worming his way in. The conversation mainly tilted on the food and wine, and Tony was happy to share that Bruce had taken the time to show him how to roll the sushi when he came back from a trip to Japan. Loki had no reason to think Tony had been lying, and, in honesty, he hadn't been.

It was only later, much, much later, that Tony had confessed that in the hours before Loki's arrival that night he and Bruce had been scrambling in the doctor's kitchen, preparing the sushi rice fresh the night before and struggling with too sharp knives to cleanly cut each piece of fish and veg with pained accuracy. Bruce had learned, sure, three years ago, and Tony hadn't lied about Bruce teaching him when he had returned, only leaving out the three-year gap and hour scouring YouTube for refresher courses.

"You still have room for one more?" Tony asked after they had abandoned their plates in favour of conversation. Loki nodded, and Tony rose from his chair. He walked back to the fridge and pulled out a small side dish to continue the same theme of plates. "Good, this one is special."

Tony pushed the large plate further down the table and rested the new one between them. He was nervous, that Loki could feel it then and see obviously again now in replay. Tony bit his lip, and Loki wanted nothing more than to free it from its worrying grasp like he does so often.

"It's umeshiso maki sushi. I figured the reason you liked this wine so much was because of the plum flavour," he said, mumbled, looking down at the almost solid white roll with only a bright magenta dot about a quarter inch wide for colour in the centre. "So I, uh, found a recipe for a pickled plum roll. The plum flavour isn't as sweet, it's more tart, but everything said the shiso leaves compliment it nicely. I...just try it?"

Loki was floored in the video and again as he watched it. Tony had gone so far out of his way for this, all of it - inviting him in, the book, the quiet but comfortable small talk, the meticulously handmade sushi rolls. His tone suggested he had not yet tried it himself, that all this was new and out of his comfort zone, and Loki smiled.

"I shall," he said, his smirk too soft to be anything but a smile, as he lifted a piece of the roll to his lips. It had been delicious, just on this side of perfect with the tartness and the immediate fresh taste of the leaves. The plum taste was still very much alive even under the vinegar, and Loki had decided then that this was his favourite, "This is - "

"Terrible, isn't it? Dammit, Bruce."

"Wonderful, Anthony." Tony blinked owlishly at him, and Loki laughed out. Video Loki merely held his soft, impressed smile patiently. "Thank you."

Tony's breath left him in an audible whoosh that Loki could hear from the video. "Really? Thanks. I'm glad." He picked up his own chopsticks and plucked his own piece. They finished the small roll in silence, and Loki couldn't help but shake his head at them both.

"Were we really that obtuse?" Loki murmured.

"At times, yes," JARVIS answered. Loki rolled his eyes.

"I suppose you would know, spirit. You seemed the general constant in this all," Loki answered.

"Indeed, sir," the AI answered. "Aside from Dr. Banner, Sir has kept this secret surprisingly well from the beginning."

"I shall admit my surprise to that as well," Loki said fondly with a snort. "I love Anthony, but the man cannot keep a secret for the life of him - " he paused, voice caught - oh. Oh. Loki blinked, feeling his heart stutter. His palms suddenly became far too clammy and throat far too dry. He drew the blanket closer to his shoulders to quell his sudden shiver, but he knew it was futile. JARVIS' sudden silence spoke volumes to their mutual shock.

He loves Anthony. Loves. He openly spoke the word without hesitation. Granted, had Anthony been there, within earshot, the case would be far different. But he isn't, and Loki can't take back what he said. JARVIS heard it, he heard himself say it, and playing the fool could only take him so far.

Loki was fucked - and just that phrase alone could attest to how well Anthony had played his part.

He was speaking again (but not?) and Loki vaguely wondered if he had finally lost his mind, only to remember that he was watching a video, and, yes, that explains his own voice being heard outside of his mind.

Goodness, how long had be been lost in thought? He saw himself standing in Tony's living room again, cloak wrapped around his shoulders. He was leaving, the dinner now done. Tony was talking.

"Do you want to come back again?" He asked, his tone controlled and level. Loki recognized it as the genius trying to keep out the hope. Video Loki smiled coyly.

"For what reason? You are not in my debt." He had been fishing again, pressing to see how far the mortal's interest in him went.

"Maybe to watch a movie?" Tony offered. "I don't want to see you as part of some arrangement. I just want to see you."

Loki had been surprised, but hid it. "When do you have in mind?"

"Well," Tony said, shuffling. He still looked dashing in that shirt, standing barely half an arm's length from Loki. It was far too close for acquaintances, but just the perfect distance for someone who obviously wanted more. "Soon? Like, a few days?"

Loki pretended to mull it over, as if he had so much to do that he really should have written it all down. "I believe I may find some time. I shall be in touch." Tony grinned broadly at Loki. The god nodded and turned towards the balcony.

Loki knew Tony was impulsive, as most mortals are, but he would be lying if he said he wasn't surprised. Tony had grabbed his wrist mid-turn, pulling the god back slightly and slowly. He didn't want to pose a threat, but he also gave Loki the option to pull away. Loki hadn't, of course, far too curious -

And for good reason. Tony seemed to draw himself up, willing all his strength, and tilted his head to cross the few inches between them. Loki had sighed, in relief or expectation didn't matter, because Tony had pressed their lips together solidly in their first kiss.

Loki sighed and rested his chin on his palm again, sliding his eyes close. He remembered the feel of Tony's breath against his lips, the tickle of his goatee, and the soft and pliant lips pressing to his. Tony hadn't pushed, as much as he confessed later he wanted to, and Loki had been the one to slide his tongue along the seam of Tony's lips first. Tony had pulled him closer, his other hand gripping his bicep around the fur cloak and his blazer beneath it.

The kiss was warm, searching, and tentative. Tony acted like Loki would disappear in an instant, but the god had had no thoughts to do so. When they parted, Loki opened his eyes in time to watch himself press his lips to Tony's brow.

"I shall be in touch," he heard himself whisper. Tony nodded and released his grasp on Loki, his chest heaving slightly. The light of the arc reactor escaped ever so slightly over the dip of the second undone button with each heavy breath. Loki watched his gaze drop to the side of Tony's face, his eye dark and puffy but not quite sightless just yet. He tsked and traced a small circle with his thumb over the terse flesh. Tony flinched but didn't pull away.

"I will not have you without sight," Loki said. His hand glowed, suddenly too bright for the recording, before he folded his hand back under his cloak. Tony blinked, both eyes wide and functional, in surprise.

"Oh, wow. Thanks," he breathed, touching his face slightly. Loki nodded.

"Good evening, Anthony," Loki said, and Tony nodded. Then he was gone, a soft breath of air filling the void slowly. Tony sank immediately into the chair Loki's cloak had been.

"JARVIS, that was awesome. He kissed me."

"Technically, sir - "

"Yeah, technically I started it. But he finished it," Tony answered. His hand dropped to his lap and he shifted, groaning slightly. "Well, he didn't finish all of it. Actually got a few other things started."

"I shall take your word for it, sir."

Tony grinned, opening his mouth to answer, when the screen flashed. "Incoming HUD from Sir, Mr. Laufeyson."

Loki hissed. He wanted to hear from Tony, obviously, but he wasn't expecting so soon after his own revelation. "Accept, Spirit."

"Certainly, Mr. Laufeyson." The screen displayed the Stark Industries logo, and then Loki was staring at Tony himself. He grinned and waved.

"Hey babe! What's going on?" Tony was sitting in another limo. Is he just leaving his meeting? Had Loki been wrapped up for this long?

"Absolutely nothing," Loki answered with a small grin. Tony seemed in high spirits, which meant that the meeting had gone well. "Was your meeting a success?"

"Sure, but boring as hell. Pep is going to have to e-mail me everything. I lost interest after hello," Tony answered with a snort. "There's no way she can actually expect me to pay attention today, anyway."

"Oh?" Loki asked. He could just see the glint of Tony's eyes from beneath his Aviator shades. "And your reasoning?"

"Well, I'm on my way to the airport, babe," the genius answered, his grin stretching impossibly wider. "My flight leaves in two hours."

Loki couldn't help his own small smile. "I thought you were departing overnight?"

"Change of plans," Tony quipped. He shifted in his seat and leaned forward a bit. "The first meeting went so well that the second wasn't needed after all, so - "

"So you were of no use and Miss Potts has sent you away," Loki drawled. Tony had the decency to look sheepish.

"No, she's letting me go early on good behaviour," he protested weakly, voice sounding very put off. Loki shook his head in mock disappointment.

"Shall I need to punish you upon arrival?" Loki teased. Tony quite literally froze.

"Yes, please," he answered, wide grin back. "I'm out on good behaviour, babe. It was lonely in the big house."

"I am certain," Loki said haughtily. "When shall I expect you?"

"Well, it's six here, ten there, flight is at eight," Tony said. He ticked off hours on his fingers. "I'm using my private jet, so that'll cut the time almost in half. That'll get me - hopefully - around five or six in the evening."

Loki nodded to hide his sudden dread. "That seems accurate. Shall I meet you at the airport?"

Tony's lips twisted into a thoughtful frown. "You can, if you want to. I'd love for you to meet me, actually. That would be awesome." He began to smile again with that nervous lip chew and Loki felt a warmth spread through his chest. "I promise I won't be this sappy when I get back, but I miss you. Would you come meet me?"

After watching hours of videos where he paused and thought and hesitated too much, Loki didn't even blink. "I shall be there."

Tony's smile was breathtaking. He seemed to sag with relief, like he had expected Loki to refuse him. The god never would again. "Thank you. So I'll see you tonight?"

Loki nodded. "Yes."

"Good. I'm gonna get off here, then. Pulling up in a second," Tony said. Loki nodded again. "I'll see you soon."

"Yes," Loki said, smiled, as the feed cut. He was staring at the paused screen of the video Tony had interrupted. "Play, JARVIS."

The video continued with Tony's laugh, and Loki sighed. "Good idea, J. But he did tell me something that I'm totally gonna take advantage of."

"For the new product, sir?"

"Oh yeah, totally. If I wasn't irresistible to him before, I'll make damn sure I am soon," Tony said. Loki frowned. What in all the realms could he possibly be on about?

Loki blinked, thinking back to the previous video. Something revolutionary, something everlasting, that would make him irresistible. There were several factors and options that Loki could name that attracted him to Anthony, several indeed. What was the one thing, possibly new, that Loki couldn't get enough of?

He drew his breath in sharply - it clicked.

Oh, such a clever mortal to fool the God of Mischief, of trickery, of lies.

Clever indeed.