Finally it was the night before the wedding. The couple had chosen to skip bachelor/bachelorette nights and a rehearsal. But Tony insisted on a get together anyway, so Asta chose pizza and (as Loki called it) weak Midgardian ale and they all gathered in the common area.

Tony stood. "Now, I had figured tonight would look a little different, but since our bride-to-be is always keeping me on my toes, she didn't want the evening I had assumed. So, instead, as per usual, I'm bringing the party to you. Mystery guests, enter and sign in, please!"

Suddenly, all of their hero friends began to appear from various doors.

"Everyone is here?!" Asta squeaked.

"Yep," Tony replied.

She looked around and saw Rhodey; Jane and Darcy; Stephen, Christine, and Wong; MJ and Ned; Quill, Gamora, Groot, Rocket, Drax, and Mantis; Shuri, T'Challa, Nakia, and Okoye; Laura, Lila, Cooper, and Nathaniel; Fury, Phil, May, and Maria; Scott, Hope, Hank, and Janet; Pietro; Yelena; Shaun and Katy.

"How did you get everyone here?" she asked.

"I asked, they came."

Asta ran to Shuri. "You're here! I wasn't sure you'd be able to make it!"

"Well I am!" Shuri replied as they hugged.

"And does that mean…?"

"Guess who your last bridesmaid is?"

The pair squealed as they pulled apart.

Asta took Shuri's hands. "Thank you so much! Of course, now the sides will be uneven, but that's ok."

"Loki said he will take care of that."

"Is he pulling a secret friend from somewhere?"

Shuri shrugged. "I am not about to question that man of yours."

Asta glanced at her fiancé. "Yeah, I guess I won't either."

Loki smiled back at Asta, then turned to Tony. "You are a wonder, Stark. You have an idea and it just…" He snapped his fingers. "…comes together."

"This one took a lot of work, especially with the limited time you both gave me. But, it's definitely worth it to see that reaction."

Asta was now hugging Katy and was pointing to Darcy to be next. Loki was overjoyed to see her like this. "Yes, definitely worth it," he agreed. He took a deep breath. "Tony, I have one other favor to ask of you."

"Well, I'm a little busy planning the last favor you asked, but shoot."

"Will you stand with us?"

Tony's head snapped toward Loki. "Wait, what?"

Loki smirked. "Ah, the great Tony Stark is confused?"

"Well, a little. You want me to stand up there with you guys?"

"Yes. I had thought of it earlier, but Asta wanted the sides to be even and we had no others to balance it out. But now that Shuri was able to make it here, the sides are unbalanced again. And I can think of no one else I'd rather have on my side than the man who has helped my bride grow here on Midgard."

"Wow. Yeah, yeah, of course I will. And I appreciate you asking too."

"Well, I cannot express the gratitude I have for you taking her in and giving her a home and a family here. You are absolutely deserving of standing with us."

"Do I have to change?"

Loki laughed. "Well, I considered changing your tux to green, but perhaps Tony Stark should stand apart."

"No, this isn't my day. Magic me up, Merlin!"

Loki rolled his eyes. "I shall take care of it all tomorrow."

Tony nodded his head and walked off before things could get more emotional.

As the evening began to wind down, Asta made her way to Tony.

"This was an awesome surprise," she said as she hugged him tightly.

He pulled back and smiled at her. "Well, I had figured on a rehearsal dinner, but this worked out too," he said as he lifted his beer glass to her and gestured around.

"I'll probably be healing some indigestion later in a few people, but it was so fun. Thank you so much!"

"It really was nice to have everyone here for a party. Thanks for getting married and giving us an excuse."

"I'd say anytime, but I only plan on doing this once. Well, on Midgard at least."

"I think I'm off to a good start for rivaling an Asgard party," Tony joked.

"Definitely a good start and you still have the actual wedding to get to. Show off!"

"Always! Showing off is one of my love languages. But maybe you should get to bed soon. You've got a big day tomorrow."

Asta smirked. "How parental of you."

She didn't miss the look that just barely crossed Tony's face and quickly made a plan for the next day.

"But you're right," she continued. "I'll tell our guests good night, check on some healings, and then find Loki. Wanda and Natasha are insisting that we keep apart until tomorrow at the ceremony."

"Hey, traditions are traditions."

"Indeed." She got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Good night then. And thank you again."

"Anytime, sweetie."

He smiled as she walked off and quickly made a plan for the next day.

After telling the guests good night, she found Loki.

"I suppose this is where we part for the night," she sighed.

"These inane Midgardian customs," he griped.

"Aw, I think it's cute. Builds up the anticipation of seeing each other."

Loki wrapped his arms around her. "I have waited centuries for this. The anticipation does not need to intensify! And I am enraptured every time I see you. This will be no different."

"But it will be different. This time I will be in a wedding gown, walking towards you, ready to become your wife. Not quite the same as 'hello, darling, welcome to lunch,'" she added in a low voice to impersonate him.

"I'd never compare seeing you at the dining room table to seeing you as we wed. But still, I understand what you're saying. So, I shall bid you goodnight and look forward to seeing you tomorrow."

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. Asta instantly blushed.

"I am a lucky woman."

"And I am a lucky man. Good night, darling. I love you," Loki said before kissing her softly.

She smiled as she pulled back. "I love you too, troublemaker."

Wanda ran over then. "Ok, Romeo. Time for Juliet to go home. See you tomorrow!"

Natasha appeared from nowhere and pulled Asta away toward the elevator.

"I love you!" Loki called.

"I love you!" Asta replied before the doors shut.

"Damn Midgardian rituals," Loki muttered before going to say good night to the guests.