Loki had become a foodie. He had taken Bruce's comment to heart about becoming achef. He began to experiment with cooking and different regions of Midgard - especially the Nordic region where he had been worshiped eons ago. He spent more time with Natashia as well - both of them attending various cooking classes, as well as Natasha sharing recipes from her homeland and the subtle nuances in cooking them that couldn't be found in a recipe book. The God of Mischief and Mayhem has found comfort, and perhaps purpose, in all things food.
The two men had moved into their new apartment and had fallen into a new routine. Loki had begun making breakfast for his roommate before he left for work and dinner when he came home and Bruce was the very willing tester for Loki's food. They would also try new restaurants, and food trucks at least twice a week to break the routine of cooking and to inspire new ideas for Loki. Although neither would admit it, it had become almost domestic.
A few weeks later, Bruce and Loki sat on the balcony of their apartment watching the sun set. Loki let out a sigh and turned to Bruce. He stared at Bruce for a moment realizing that at some point over the last year he had fallen in love with Bruce but knew deep down that Bruce could never love him. A part of him died realizing that but he also knew he would do anything to keep him as a friend. Bruce gave Loki the side eye and said, "You're scaring me Loki, is there something on my face? Are you plotting to take over New York again?" Loki snorted and then began to talk.
" I was thinking after my last session with Eir that I need to be doing more with my life here on Asgard. While working with various animal and homeless shelters, therapy, cooking classes and so on has been fulfilling I feel like I need to contribute more. After talking with Natasha and Bucky, I realized I would love to work with food - maybe even one day owning a restaurant. However, after talking with Natalie I realized how impractical owning a restaurant would be right now so with her encouragement and help I've decided to open a food stall at the local farmers market. Get my toe in…see what happens."
By the time Loki had finished Bruce had grabbed Loki's hand in excitement, "Loki that's fantastic! I'm so proud of you! I cannot express how much it means to me to hear you say that and the progress it means you've made." Loki looked down at their joined hands blushing at Bruce's words and the physical contact. The men had touched before but after Loki's realization that he loved the man sitting across from him, it felt different. Bruce seemed to realize he was holding onto Loki's hand for longer than was necessary and let go, although it seemed to Loki reluctantly. A slight awkwardness continued for a moment before Bruce stood and abruptly left, leaving Loki to wonder what would happen next.
The first farmers market was a raving success, with Loki's booth running out of food within the first hour and a half of the market opening. He came home exhausted yet exhilarated at the thought that for once something he did was not only successful but successful for the right reasons. He spent the next few days cooking up a storm with Natahsia and Bucky making quite a bit more than they had the first week. The second week proved to be just as popular as the first, making Loki double the size of his booth and roping in his two friends to help. Over the course of the summer, Loki came to realize two things. First, that he had perhaps found his calling as achef. His realization was proven correct when the New York Times food critic Pete Wells, right before his retirement, had written that it was the best Nordic and Russian food he had ever eaten. The second thing he had realized was that he needed to make a move on Bruce - he could no longer wait in this no man's land of not knowing if Bruce loved him back or simply saw him as a friend.
He decided he would roll the dice that Friday, after all he was the damned God of Mischief and Mayhem! He had been in battle, was the father of the guardian of hell and had stood up to the All Father ... .but why then, did this Friday feel like the biggest battle he would ever face?
Friday evening came faster than Loki thought possible, and he anxiously awaited for Bruce to come home from the hospital. He hadn't realized that Bruce had signed up to work a double shift so would be beyond exhausted when he came home but Loki could not delay another day - he simply had to know if the man would reciprocate his feelings. If he didn't, well Loki would cross that bridge when he came to it.