The group traveled to the restaurant and happily ate together. Loki wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he actually found the shawarma to be delicious. And he didn't mind the party afterwards until…
Asta walked up to the bar. "Could I have a rum and coke please?"
"Anything you need, baby," the bartender replied with a wink and creepy grin. "I'll gladly get you whatever you want."
She felt Loki's magic before she saw him. In a split second he was at her side. Asta saw the flash of green in his hand and the light reflecting off his dagger. She grabbed his wrist and kept his hand down.
"No, the drink is all my fiancée shall require right now," he snarled.
The bartender saw the obvious rage (and eerie green glow) in Loki's eyes and backed off. He carefully slid the drink to Asta and walked away.
Asta grabbed her drink and pulled Loki to the dancefloor. "What in the nine realms was that?"
"Did you not notice where that wretched Midgardian was gawking?"
She rolled her eyes. "Yes, he was staring at my breasts. They look damn good in this dress."
"I will not deny the temptation that is your bosom, my darling. But that does not give him the right to… to… ogle you like that."
"And nothing was going to happen. Do you not trust me?"
"I trust you with everything I am. But it's most of these humans that I do not trust."
"I doubt he was going to try anything. And Stark will likely see that he's fired now. I can see Tony staring at us," she said as she looked behind Loki and saw Tony's worried expression.
Loki turned around. He nudged his head back, indicating the bartender, and sliced his finger across his throat. Tony nodded and gave a thumbs-up, instantly dialing his phone.
Asta sighed. "Really? The both of you?"
"We love you and want to protect you. Asta, I don't think you realize what a jealous man I am."
"Oh, I think I'm picking up on it."
He pulled her close. "I guard what's mine, love. You are more precious to me than anything in all the realms. And I will split this world in half to keep you safe."
She blushed a bit. As much as she hated to admit it, possessive, protective Loki was pretty hot.
"Maybe leave the world intact for now, troublemaker. But I don't think I mind you keeping me close like this."
"Mmmm, I agree, my princess. Will you dance with me?"
"Always, but this isn't a slow song. Not exactly your type of music."
Loki spun her around so her back was to his front. "Perhaps not. But I think the staff here needs a reminder of who is engaged to be wed." He placed his hands on her hips and guided her to sway with him to the beat of the music.
She gasped a bit. "I didn't expect you to be the grinding kind of dancer."
"Perhaps you just inspire me."
Asta swooned a bit at the feeling of his hips against hers. She leaned her head back against his chest as they danced. "I can't wait to be married to you," she sighed.
"Well, lucky for you, you only have to wait a few days."
Her head snapped up. "Wait, what?"
"You are, of course, welcome to make any decisions, but Stark has already begun putting together a rooftop celebration for us."
"Under normal circumstances, I think I'd be angry, but I'll let it slide for now." She put her head back to his shoulder.
"Angry?"
"Well, this is my day too! But if Tony Stark wants to plan my wedding, then I don't know that I could do any better. I just get to pick out my dress, thank you."
"That is definitely all for you, my heart. And any other specifics you desire as well. I cannot wait to see you in that gown. Walking down the aisle towards me to become my wife. It's everything I've dreamed of since we were children."
He placed a gentle kiss to the spot where her neck met her shoulder. She shivered and he grinned against her skin.
"You're a tease," she murmured.
"Mmm, in a few days that won't be a problem anymore."
Just then, the song changed and Asta knew their alone time was over.
Wanda, Peter, and Thor came rushing over.
"It's our song!" Wanda yelled. "Sorry, Prince Charming, she's ours for a bit!"
Loki watched helplessly as his fiancée was dragged away. She shrugged as she smiled at him. He couldn't help but grin as the love of his life danced with her friends, so full of joy. They seemed to almost have a choreographed dance to the song and her grace did not surprise him.
Loki walked to the bar, safely away from the lewd bartender who was being yelled at by the manager and most definitely getting fired. Loki ordered a whiskey and stared at the dancefloor. Steve walked up to him.
"Rogers," Loki said, lifting his drink to him.
"Loki," Steve replied. "Congratulations by the way. You're a lucky man."
"That I am, Captain. That I am."
"I don't suppose I need to give you the protective big brother lecture, do I?" Steve asked with a chuckle.
"You're welcome to, if it makes you feel better. But trust me, there is nothing in all the realms that could change my feelings for her. I love her with all that I am and all that I will be."
"Sounds like I don't need to give the speech then."
"Do you finally trust me, Captain?"
"I do now. In the beginning, I wanted to keep an eye on you. Your past made me… cautious."
"Yes, I understand that. It's not exactly something I'm proud of. But she makes me want to be better, every single day. I'd never want to be that man again, just for her."
Steve smiled. "You've got it bad, Laufeyson."
Loki smiled back. "So I've been told."
Steve clapped him on the shoulder and started to walk away before adding, "And if any other bartenders act inappropriately, the rest of us are ready to fix their manners. Just so you know."
"I will happily aid you with that. Regrettably, I couldn't help myself with the bastard staring at Asta."
"Understandable. But this family watches out for each other. And that includes you, Loki."
Loki paused for a second. Rogers had never really included him like that before. "That means a great deal to me, Steven. Thank you."
Steve nodded and left Loki to his thoughts. He looked to Asta on the dancefloor again. The 4 of them obviously had worked on making this dance to this song. They seemed to always pair off, Asta with the Spider boy and Wanda with Thor. Loki would hate to admit it, but that pairing made him feel better than the alternative.
Asta waved to him then and motioned for him to join them. He shook his head and laughed. Wanda frowned and walked over.
"Asta wants you to come dance, so come on!"
"I don't really dance," Loki replied.
"Look, as one half of the Maid of Honor team, it's my job to get the bride what she wants. And she wants you to dance. So, let's go, your highness. March!"
Loki wondered just how many drinks the Witch had consumed, (she had obviously forgotten that Loki was just dancing with Asta) but he smiled anyway. She was right. He vowed to himself centuries before that he would do everything in his power to make Asta happy. And if that was dancing like a fool tonight with their friends, well…
"So be it," he said as he slapped his thighs and stood.
"Loki!" Asta happily called as she saw him walking towards them. "C'mon! The steps are easy!"
He knew that; he'd been watching carefully. And despite what he said to Wanda, he was actually a very skilled dancer. He could dance, he just usually didn't.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
"This and every other!" Asta said with a bright smile as they all danced happily.
Loki began to see what had been missing from his life. This family, this camaraderie, this acceptance, was all he ever wanted. Asta truly was giving him everything he needed.
The song restarted and Loki saw Natasha walking away from the DJ. The spy was obviously not trying to be stealthy at the moment. She joined them on the floor and became Peter's partner despite this dance not really being her type.
Asta smiled up at Loki. "So, what did Wanda threaten you with to get you out here?"
"Your happiness," he answered.
Asta raised an eyebrow.
"She told me how pleased it would make you if I joined the group, so I did. I will do anything to keep a smile on your face, my dove. And if this crazy dance that you and the others created makes you happy, then I shall dance it with the same abandon as the rest of you."
The chorus began again and Asta, Wanda, Peter and Thor yelled. It was their favorite part.
Loki beamed as he continued dancing with them, his friends. What a turn his life had taken.
The rest of the evening was spent with joy and love. When they finally returned to the Tower, Loki walked Asta to her room.
She yawned loudly as the door opened.
"Tired, my love?" Loki asked with a smirk.
"Yeah, it was a big day. And I'm exhausted…" She dramatically held her hand up. "After carrying this huge rock around!"
He chuckled. "Well, get used to it. More of that will come." Loki lifted her hand and kissed her knuckle right above her engagement ring.
"Charmer."
He looked up and winked at her before standing. "You should get to bed, precious. We have much to discuss tomorrow about the wedding."
"Very well," Asta sighed. She got on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. "I love you, my prince."
"As I love you, my princess."
She closed her door and sighed. Everything was finally coming together.
End note: Ok, fun fact: I wrote this chapter months ago and waited for the courage to post this story. So, when I saw Loki's eyes glow on the show, I literally screamed with delight! Canon accepted!
And what are we thinking about that ending? I am SO torn!