Chapter Text
"Stark. I want to ask you something."
"Christ Loki!" Tony shrieked, his hands coming up to cover his heart as he turned wide eyes and a face drained of colour on the god. "Stop doing that! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"
"Why would I do such a thing? We are allies now are we not?" Loki asked, confused.
"You sure have a funny way of showing it Legs. You know I have a heart condition." Tony said, scowling at him. "Can't you send a note or something? Or I don't know, call me first?"
"I don't DO, notes, Stark. Now, do I have to silence you so I can ask my question or will you let me continue?"
"I don't know. Could you be any more rude than you already are? And Thor doesn't have a problem sending a text message. I don't see why you can't do the same. Thought you were supposed to be smart."
"Do not mention that oaf's name in my presence." Loki growled, glowering at him. "And I prefer to speak with my allies in person, Stark. This... detached method of communication you mortals seem addicted to is abhorrent to me. There is no context, no emotion in this thing you call "texts." It is yet another way you humans have proven how lazy and uninvolved you've become where the mere act of conversation has been reduced to a miniscule effort on anyone's part. It is no wonder you've had an upsurge in those whose existence is rooted in entitlement and grand expectation and dissatisfaction."
"Hold up there Shakespeare! I never said I wanted to text you all the live-long day. Just a heads up that you're on your way. And stop crapping all over Midgardian tech. We've changed a helluva lot more here on earth than that fancy golden palace in the sky has in centuries. I agree it's not a good or healthy way to socialize, but at least we're innovative."
"Innovation that has managed to put more social distance between your people than any other time in your history. Including your wars."
"Okay, hold up." Tony said, putting a hand up to stop the god from speaking as he moved out from the kitchen to seat himself in the living room. "As entertaining as it is for me to debate the merits of earth tech with you, and trust me, I'm gonna laugh about this later, but I'm pretty sure that's not why you're here. So. Care to tell me what's on your mind Prancer?"
Loki scowled down at him and sank into a chair opposite the mortal. "With the way this conversation has deteriorated, I'm surprised your species ever managed to crawl out of the proverbial muck. Advances in tech aside, you at least had an era where conversations were exceedingly polite. Something that is sorely lacking presently."
"Argh." Tony groaned. "I can see now why people would cringe when you showed up at any kind of social gathering. Can we leave off disparaging earth for one minute, my Prince, so you can tell me the real reason you're here?"
Loki sniffed, looking for all the world as though Tony's request was tediously annoying. "Fine. I want to know more about this Midgardian monster holiday that is taking place next week."
"Monster holiday?"
Loki scowled at him. "Yes Stark. Monsters being celebrated. I am given to understand that mortals dress up in ridiculous masks and go to strangers homes to beg for... treats? Or something like that. I've read that it is meant to both honour the dead and guide the ephemeral to the other side by keeping a candle lit in one's window."
"You mean Halloween?"
"I thought it was All Hallow's Eve?"
"Kinda the same thing. I mean, I'm not up on my history but it was called that for ages. Then it was modernized into a capitalist free-for-all just like every other traditional religious celebration."
"So what was its purpose originally?"
Tony sighed loudly and gave him an annoyed glare. "Don't you use the internet?"
"I do. And?"
"Can't you just look it up yourself?"
"I was not satisfied by the experience."
"Fine!" Tony said, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Give me a minute here."
After perusing his tablet a moment he gave Loki a look and huffed a sigh. "I'm not gonna go into all the history here, but it was originally a celebration for the end of the harvest and a... hmm, how do I put it? A day set aside to honour the dead, which is called All Saint's Day, and no, I'm not gonna discuss the history for that. The day itself is also said to be when the veil ?" Stark muttered, looking uncomfortable with the word. "Between the living and the dead was thinnest. I assume that means that people thought ghosts would be easier to see. Anyway, kids would go door to door in disguise and get treats, like apples and such from residents who were basically thanking their ancestors for the harvest, which were represented by the masks the kids wore. It seems adults then spent time celebrating the harvest through shared feasts and different forms of fortune telling. At least that's what it says about bobbing for apples, though I have no idea how that was supposed to work."
"When did it change?"
"No idea," Tony shrugged. "I mean, there's been a trend of many people distancing themselves from religious doctrines and a general replacement of religion in favour of science in more developed countries, but it's not like it was decided overnight. Also, people became much less superstitious and fearful of things they don't understand."
"And what about this aspect of harvest celebration? Did people no longer wish to give thanks?"
"Again. No idea." Tony shrugged, "but we have Thanksgiving day here and so does Canada, so maybe they just moved it? Couldn't tell you if it's different elsewhere, but it's also, as far as I know, a purely North American celebration."
Loki narrowed his eyes. "I see. You mortals do seem to come up with numerous ways to incorporate more holidays and celebrations into your calendar than I have seen in any other realm. It is odd. Though Asgard does have numerous feasts, they are for very different reasons."
"So is that all you wanted then?"
"For now." Loki replied, giving him a mischievous look. "I thank you for your time Anthony, but now I wish to think about this some more. It is... interesting, to say the least."
"Why does the fact that you find Halloween interesting, make me nervous?" Tony asked, his gaze filled with suspicion.
Loki laughed and got to his feet. "Because it's me of course. I would be disappointed in you if you weren't a little suspicious. I'll be in touch."
With another knowing smirk, Loki vanished, leaving Tony to stew and worry over whatever the trickster might be up to.
***
Tony didn't believe that was the end of Loki's interest in Halloween, but several days passed with no sign of the trickster and he eventually put it out of his mind.
He was repairing a boot repulsor in his lab when a burst of gold-green energy flashed in the corner causing him to startle and drop it to the workbench with a loud clatter.
He glared at the god who crossed the room, a smirk on his lips. "What's the matter Stark? Still reacting to my appearance?"
"It's not your appearance, it's the fact you can't use doors like a normal person. What are you doing here anyway? I'm busy."
"I wish to take part in the festivities tonight and I want you to accompany me."
Tony returned his look blankly. "What festivities?"
"Halloween of course."
"Kinda late for that Prancer." Tony said, waving a screwdriver at him. "You need an invitation to go to a masked party and I'm pretty sure you don't have one. You'll have to go next year." Tony replied, returning his attention to his boot. "Now, if you don't mind, I've got to finish working on this."
"I'm not talking about parties, Stark. I'm talking about trick or treating. I wish to participate and you are coming with me."
For a moment, Tony thought that Loki was playing a trick on him and laughed, enjoying the joke until he caught Loki glaring at him, an impatient look on his face. Sobering, he stifled his smile as much as he could, but knew he wasn't entirely successful by the deepening frown on Loki's face.
"Um." Tony hesitated. Loki seemed damn serious and Tony didn't want to laugh again, even though it was ridiculous what the god was saying, but he also didn't want to disappoint him. He'd grown fond of the trickster months ago and though he knows he's kept his feelings hidden, so it's hard not to feel bad that he can't help with this.
"Sorry, Lokes." Tony said, setting the boot aside to give the other man his full attention. "As much as that... kinda sounds fun? Adults can't go trick or treating. It's a... thing only kids can participate in."
Rolling his eyes, Loki huffed an exasperated sigh, disappointment in his gaze. "I am aware of that Stark. And I have no intention of going as myself. I am a shapeshifter. And I can work the same spell on you. Now, let's go. I do not want to miss this."
"Wait! Hold up. It's not even dark yet, it's too early and I never agreed I'd go with you anyway."
"I see. I had thought you were different. That we were past this... mistrust you had of me. It seems I was wrong. Very well, I will go alone as I always have. Sorry to have bothered you Stark." Loki said, hurt in his eyes and then he turned to march out the workshop door.
Tony blinked in confusion and a stab of regret as the weight of Loki's words hit him. Panic washed through him, settling like a heavy pit in his stomach and he was moving before he'd thought to do so.
"Wait!" Tony cried, dashing to the god's side, who was rigid where he'd stopped at Tony's shout. He had paused mid-stride, keeping his face blank and avoided Tony's eyes. "Loki, that's not what I meant. At all." He added, moving to face the silent god. "I just..." Tony's cheeks were flushed with shame as his words trailed off, looking away from Loki's piercing emerald gaze. How could he tell a god that he'd never done this before?
"Anthony?" The sound of concern he heard in Loki's voice was enough to make him meet the god's eyes, now filled with worry. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"I..." Tony stammered, running a hand over his face. "Shit. It's... embarrassing okay? I... I've never... I've never been out like... like that before."
Loki narrowed his eyes, his confusion evident. "What do you mean? You grew up here. How could you have not participated in a night designed specifically for children?"
"My fath... Howard wouldn't let me. He said Stark's couldn't be seen begging door to door like some homeless person."
"If you were in a costume, how would anyone know?"
Tony snorted and shook his head. "After my third kidnapping, I wasn't allowed to go anywhere without a bodyguard. Howard couldn't handle the negative press for refusing to pay ransom for his son anymore. There was no way he'd risk a fourth by letting me do something so... common, without someone watching over me. So yeah, whatever his reasons, I've never gone to people's houses to beg for candy."
"So it's not me you're rejecting spending time with."
"Of course not Lokes! I lo... enjoy spending time with you." Tony stammered, talking faster to cover up his near slip. "You're witty, smart and interesting to talk to, you have a great sense of humour and you can understand me when I go off on a tangent regarding my tech. Do you know how rare that last bit is?"
"I... might have some idea." Loki hesitated, Anthony's praise and almost confession of his feelings had warmed his heart. But he didn't want to pressure the man into doing something he didn't want to do. "Does that mean you'll come with me tonight? I'll understand if it makes you too uncomfortable."
Tony looked away. He was not going to deny how curious he was, but... magic? How could Loki pull that off and disguise them both? "Can you really make me look different?"
"You know how powerful I am."
"Well yeah, but... I always thought your disguise magic was just you. Like your shapeshifting. I didn't think you could disguise other people. I mean, is it real or just like a glamour thing?"
Loki rolled his eyes. "I am the most powerful sorcerer in all Nine Realms, Stark. It will be real enough that no one will recognize either of us."
"Still..." Tony hesitated.
"Do you trust me?"
"You know I do Loki." Tony blurted, his cheeks flushing and his eyes going wide in his outburst. "I mean... uh, yeah, of course."
Loki's chest swelled with surprise at Stark's sincerity and warmth filled his chest, his throat suddenly restricted and he swallowed past the lump there to hide his shock. "In that case, all I need to know now is, what do you want to be for Halloween?"
***
"I can't believe I'm doing this." Tony muttered, trailing after the Trickster god.
"The way you say that makes me feel the need to ask for clarification." Loki muttered as he stalked down the street. His outfit was rather surprising. The god had chosen to dress up as a knight, complete with armour and a long sword strapped to his waist. Of course, he was also the size of a very adorable 10-year-old, with long flowing black hair, so the effect was rather endearing. "Is it the fact you're doing this with me or the effects of my magic?" Loki continued, a faint strain in his voice as though preparing for Tony's rejection.
"It's just weird being this size again." Tony grumbled. "It's not you. Without you I wouldn't even be here."
"I can always change you back if you're uncomfortable." Loki huffed, increasing his pace.
"I'm not uncomfortable Loki."
"Oh really?" Loki scoffed.
"Oh my god." Tony sighed, exasperated. "Stop that. Your magic is awesome Loki! I had no idea you could even do this! I just didn't realize how cool it would be."
"So you don't want to change back?"
"Of course not!" Tony exclaimed, following Loki to their first house. "Let's get some free candy."
"Oh, well. That's good then. Though I still don't understand why you dressed like that."
"Shut up. My costume is awesome. Don't tell me you've never heard of pirates before."
"I just..." Loki huffed as they waited for the kids ahead of them to move away from the doorstep. "Why would you choose to dress as a villain? You're supposed to be a hero."
Tony rolled his eyes at the god and focused on keeping his voice down. "You really don't get the point of dressing up for Halloween do you?" When Loki only huffed at him in annoyance Tony continued. "You're supposed to dress as something you will never be or someone or something you admire. Or if you like scaring people, something frightening. I thought that was why you chose a knight."
"They seemed to be honourable warriors." Loki retorted. "And I like the armour."
"Well I always wanted to sail around the ocean like a pirate. I like the idea of hunting for treasure and fighting sea battles. Unfortunately, I suck at sailing and being on boats, so..."
"Ah, I see then." Loki nodded as though Tony had revealed something important. "I believe it's our turn now. Are you certain of what we're supposed to say?"
"Of course I am, I'm not stupid." Tony said with a roll of his eyes as he grabbed Loki's arm to tug him forward. "Come on."
"Trick or treat!"