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1. Pepper
It wasn't supposed to work. Pepper had been against it from the start, but Loki was mortal and there was nowhere else they could put him. It was to minimise his chaos and mischief while keeping him under the strict eye of JARVIS.
And, apparently, there was a charm so no one (unless they were told) could recognise him.
So, one day, Pepper went from a relatively normal day, to having a former chaos god and supervillain mulishly employed by Stark Industries.
She wasn’t even sure what to do with him.
But, strangely enough, he was polite. He also skimmed over some files in her office and noticed and error even she had missed.
(She pointedly did not draw any parallels about herself and the demi-god.)
Instead, she tried to treat him like any respective employee and ask what he would like to do. His answer was, unsurprisingly, sarcastic and unimpressed with his lot in life.
But Pepper had years of dealing with Tony before and after their romantic relationship. She was able to work out that for all he was chaotic he liked order. He was also very good at diplomacy and wording.
She set him to work reviewing the contracts for Stark Industries (making sure she double-checked anything he touched before it was passed). But he was very good. He managed to word them even better deals. He also finished things faster than should be humanly possible.
He seemed bored by the whole thing, but still inevitably sniffed out more work.
And Pepper was incapable of ignoring a good employee. She praised him for his work. He scoffed and rolled his eyes, but Pepper was sure he’d also looked a little surprised.
The point was that after a few weeks, they had a decent working relationship. A few people didn’t like his attitude, but a good bunch of others did like him.
Things were going smoothly – or as smoothly as possible with a redeeming former mage in their midst. It almost got to the point that she forgot just who had stuck Loki here.
But one day when she was going to speak with one of the lawyers about a contract (with an annoyed green scrawl pointing out a massive error that could have lost the company thousands) she overheard voices.
“I just can’t believe she stuck you with the vipers.”
“I assure you there are no such animals here.”
Pepper slowed her steps, taking care to be quiet as she listened.
“Only because you can’t shapeshift anymore, Reindeer Games.”
“Just because I do not possess seidr doesn’t mean I cannot murder you with this very pen bearing your name.”
“Oh please, you and I both know AllDaddy’s magic will stop you before you could even try.”
“Perhaps I could merely steal money from your company and hire someone to do the deed for me.”
Pepper sucked in a small breath. The words hit too close to home, too close to Obadiah. But surprisingly, Tony just laughed.
“Yeah right. Who’d come here and actually talk to you for a change?”
“I will have you know I am well liked, Stark.”
“Pfft,” Tony scoffed. “As if.”
“I believe even your former lover is fond of me.”
“That’s because Pepper’s kindness personified,” Tony snapped. “Don’t take it personally.”
Pepper’s eyebrows rose. That, from Tony, was almost jealous. And she knew the man enough to realise it wasn’t jealousy over her.
Now that is unexpected.
“And what does that mean for yourself?” Loki demanded. “Just one more charity case?”
“I’ve got too much money to need anyone’s charity.”
“And I assure you, I have no need for your own.”
Knowing she’d listened long enough, Pepper started moving again. She turned down the hall and found the two men standing in the hallway. Loki was wearing his now familiar black suit. He also had his green fountain pen in hand. Tony was in his typical band shirt and jeans. They weren’t standing particularly close, but when they noticed her, they both seemed to shift ever so slightly away from each other, as if they’d been caught doing something they shouldn’t have.
Pepper had to try hard to keep her eyebrows from lifting.
“Loki, Tony,” she greeted. “I didn’t expect to see you two together.”
“And it is most unwelcome,” Loki immediately said. “Please use your influence and send him far away. I would rather work on these futile Midgardian contracts than bare his presence a moment longer.”
Tony rolled his eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself. Only reason I’m here is to make sure you aren’t blowing up my company.”
“Surely you can manage that all on your own?”
Tony’s eyes narrowed but Pepper swiftly moved between the two of them.
“Come on, Tony. I’m here to have a few words with one of the lawyers. Loki was kind enough to find a fault in a contract. Let him get back to work. I assure you; he’s performing better than most of our contracted staff.”
Pepper saw a brief glimmer of pleasure on Loki’s expression at the compliment – but it disappeared when she hooked her arm through Tony’s. She started pulled him away even as she couldn’t help noticing the undercurrent between the two men.
Interesting indeed.
She would have to speak with JARVIS when she was next alone. She wondered if the A.I. could tell her just how often Tony had come to find Loki and exactly how receptive he’d been every time. Pepper had a feeling; it was a lot more than she’d have imagined before finding them together today.
2. Thor
It was most curious to see his brother so… invigorated.
Thor had imagined he would be more likely to cause damage to Stark’s industry. Instead, he seemed to hold a certain pride in his actions.
A most peculiar thing, only made understandable when he went to visit his brother’s rooms only to find him absent. Instead, he was in Stark’s laboratory.
He had ascended to the place, only for his arrival to remain silent and unremarked upon. It was strange of Stark’s servant to do such a thing.
But then, he heard them.
“Do you expect me to leave without it?”
“I can’t believe Pepper’s got you on gopher duties.”
“She likely thought it a fitting task as I am used to handling the belligerent and unintelligent.”
“That’s a lie. You totally think I’m a genius.”
“I think Miss Potts was remarkable for withstanding you for so long.”
“I told you to leave Pepper alone.”
“Afraid I might grow to admire her?”
“Afraid she might be forced to give you the ‘its not you, it’s me’ speech, and Sparkles, it’s most definitely you.”
Thor blinked. He did not always understand Stark’s conversation, but he knew enough to understand the implications. A ridiculous sentiment, of course. Miss Potts was a fine woman, but not of a personality that Loki would find romantically engaging.
No, if it was to be anyone Loki would be drawn to…
His eyes widened and he was suddenly very grateful and understanding as to JARVIS’ silence about his arrival.
“I hardly think she will have such high standards. After all, did she not consort with you?”
There was a sudden abrupt silence. Before.
“Stark, I-”
It was halting almost apologetic. Nigh unheard of from Loki.
“No,” Stark said, his voice rough. “You’re right about that. Pepper deserved a lot better than me and-”
“No, Stark,” Loki sounded fierce. “My comment was out of line and… untruthful.”
There was another weighted silence and although Thor did not know what would come next, he had heard enough. He stepped quietly back into the elevator and had JARVIS take him from the laboratory.
As he ascended the tower, he could not help a small smile.
He had been wary of Loki’s redemption on Earth, even more so for him to work in Stark’s industry with so many mortals. It seemed he had underestimated the wisdom of the idea. And how quickly Loki could grow to become fond of Midgardians.
Well, perhaps just one in particular.
3. S.I Employee
They were at it again. Mavis couldn’t help grinning. She paused her work to rest her chin on her palm, watching them bicker.
Like two kids with a crush.
It didn’t seem like the kind of thing you’d expect from Tony Stark. He was said to be a playboy with more notches in his bedpost than Casanova. A king of seduction and flirtation. But Mavis was pretty sure that was from people who’d never worked with him.
He was a bit of a mess. An endearing mess, but also a bit of an asshole. And ADHD to the extreme.
The new guy was a bit of an asshole too. Incredibly brilliant and efficient, but arrogant and uncaring about who he pissed off.
(They complimented each other pretty well, if you asked her.)
Still, even though the whole building had worked it out, it seemed they were completely oblivious.
“At it again?” Jim said, pausing by her cubicle.
“Yup.”
“Guess I lost the bet. Thought they’d be caught making out by last week at the latest.”
She shook her head. “Nah. Got a few more months in them yet.”
“Months? Come on. They’re guys. Surely one of them is going to make a pass soon.”
Mavis was already shaking her head. She didn’t want to presume, but the way they looked at each other when they thought the other wasn’t looking? That spoke of longing. That was pining. It was like one of her romances novels that she’d never be caught dead admitting she read.
“I don’t think they’re ready for the risk yet,” she said.
Jim scoffed and shook his head before walking away. Mavis kept her gaze on the two men. Her smile softening even as she felt a little bit wistful.
Everyone wanted an office romance, and being the focus of a handsome heroic billionaire was enough to make quite a few men and women jealous. But Mavis supposed that the brilliant attracted the brilliant.
There was no way she’d ever be smart enough to catch the attention of men like that. She was okay with it. She was more than happy to watch from the sidelines and silently cheer the two of them on.
Mr Stark had done so much for Earth (and for the lives of his employees) he deserved someone who could make him happy. She really hoped the new guy could be the one to do it. And with the way the man's face lit up when Mr Stark entered the room and softened so sweetly when their boss wasn’t looking… well, it gave her hope.
If that’s not love, I’ll stack my whole romance collection on it.
In the meantime, she’d keep an eye on them and hopefully be the lucky one to see the resolution and become the winner of the office’s rather large betting pool.
4. Rhodey
Initially, Rhodey had thought Tony was out of his mind and that Pepper was equally insane for letting fucking Loki walk around in Stark Industries.
Yeah, he didn’t have magic anymore, but he was a literal trickster god. It was like letting the fox into the hen house and telling him to do their taxes. Rhodey had expected disaster.
Instead, Pepper started to like him. JARVIS said even the employees liked him and that he was a very good employee himself.
Rhodey had scarcely been able to believe it and the first moment he'd had some annual leave he’d been in New York and preparing to sniff out just what kind of bullshit trickery he was up to.
Instead, he’d found the two of them snarking at each other and Pepper insisting that everything was under control. There had been an odd twinkle in her eye that Rhodey had found suspicious but with Tony thrilled to see him and spending little time with Loki, Rhodey had eventually let it lie.
(He still checked in with JARVIS routinely.)
Rhodey wouldn’t say he’d let his guard down. He still distrusted Loki – but when he next showed up, planning to surprise Tony with the visit, he was let, not into the lab or penthouse but a communal floor by JARVIS.
He’d been confused until he heard the voices.
“Do you really wish to insist on this?”
It was Loki and he sounded almost… concerned.
“Going to tell me to stop now too?” Tony asked.
The tone was that particular kind of worn and frustrated that spoke of lack of sleep and his brain running too fast that he couldn’t slow down if he tried.
“Am I going to recommend you cease drinking coffee and instead try to rest? Yes.”
Tony muttered something Rhodey couldn’t hear. He crept closer, making sure not to make a sound.
“There is no need for that language,” Loki drawled. “Your servant is the one who switched off the coffee machine.”
“Fucking traitor.”
Loki huffed a soft laugh and Rhodey was too curious to stop. He closed the distance to the doorway and carefully peeked inside. Tony was leaning heavily against the counter. His clothing was in disarray, his hair a mess and there were noticeable bags under his eyes.
Loki was almost directly behind him, a single palm resting gently on his back. Loki’s expression was also incredibly soft.
“You should take me up on my offer,” Loki said gently.
Those words would normally make Rhodey tense with suspicion, but Loki looked too… open and unguarded.
“I’m not…” Tony clenched his fists. “I can’t just switch off.”
“Meditation is not about switching off. Not exactly.”
“Well, I can’t just clear my fucking mind. My brain doesn’t work that way.”
“Even if it does not, laying upon the floor and listening to me talk about breathing or your company’s contracts are sure to send you to sleep.”
Tony gave a strangled laugh and turned his head. Loki’s gentle expression was quickly masked for a teasing smile. Rhodey couldn’t see Tony’s face, but he could picture his smile.
“Is that a dig at my avoidance of paperwork?”
“My respect for Miss Potts continues to grow with every minute spent in your company.”
Tony shoved him lightly. “Asshole.”
Loki grinned. But he also moved his hand from Tony’s back to his arm.
“Now, shall we leave for somewhere quieter?”
Tony shifted; his uncertainty obvious.
“Look, it’s a nice try, but I haven’t slept more than a few hours for days. I just… my brain and fuck.” He brought a hand to his face, rubbing his eyes. “It’s the nightmares, you know?”
Rhodey’s eyebrows rose, surprised Tony was admitting to them.
“I do,” Loki answered candidly. “And it is why I will not begrudge you a sudden waking or what comes after. I do not ask that you sleep peacefully, only that you allow me to help you try.”
Tony let out a heavy breath, but a moment later he tipped forward, his forehead briefly resting on Loki’s chest. Rhodey saw Loki’s reaction. It was only for a split-second but he looked startled, he also looked fond.
It was an expression so open and affectionate that Rhodey turned on his heel and hurried away.
He knew that if he stayed and Tony saw him, Loki’s offer would be in vain and Tony would come to him. Rhodey suddenly didn’t want to be the one getting between the two men. He’d rarely seen Tony let his guard down around anyone.
Maybe it was a bad idea, but Rhodey was trusting his gut on this – and the opinion of all the other people he trusted. Because if they’d witnessed half of what he’d just seen? Rhodey could understand the twinkle in Pepper’s eyes and why everyone was insisting that Loki wasn’t going to hurt Tony or Stark Industries.
It was pretty damn obvious the only thing on his mind was protecting them.
5. Tony
“You’re not as subtle as you think you are, Loki.”
Tony froze and for a moment he felt a jolt of something he didn’t want to untangle. He knew everyone was out to think the worst of Loki, he didn’t want to learn Pepper was still doing it too.
“I do not know what you mean,” Loki remarked.
“Really?” Pepper, at least, just sounded amused. “So, you aren’t trying to subtly ask me questions about Tony?”
Tony blinked. Surprised to be the subject of conversation. Surprised also that JARVIS hadn’t warned him or the two of them. He was big on not letting eavesdropping occur. Privacy and all that. Still, he wasn’t complaining.
“Why would I be enquiring about Stark?”
“You know, if we keep doing this you’re only getting further away from any answers.”
There was a long pause.
“Norns damn you,” Loki muttered.
Pepper laughed, but the sound was gentle. Tony also heard her heels and could just imagine her stepping closer, maybe patting Loki on the shoulder. Tony’s insides squirmed again, only this time it was an emotion he could quickly pinpoint: jealousy.
He knew he was one of the few people allowed into Loki’s space. He didn’t like someone else doing it. Especially not his ex-girlfriend who spent a lot more time with Loki then he was currently feeling comfortable with.
“Just ask me what you want to know,” Pepper said gently.
“I do not simply ask,” Loki grumbled.
“Of course. You skirt around the subject and try to get a straight answer without asking a definite question. No wonder you’re so good with our contracts.”
The silence seemed very heavy; Tony could just imagine Loki scowling.
“Just ask, Loki,” Pepper said, her voice surprisingly gentle and kind.
“You know him well,” Loki finally got out.
“I do.”
“And you are… tolerant of me.”
“Tolerant is not a word I would use.” She was back to amused again.
Loki snorted and God, Tony just wanted to see the former-mage’s face, pick out those normally guarded emotions and see if he could work out what he wasn’t saying.
Pepper gave a soft sigh.
“Come on, Loki. Let’s have a tea in my office.”
“I do not require your pity,” he said abruptly, his tone clipped.
“Good, because I wasn’t about to offer it. Now, do you want my help with Tony, or not?”
There was a long silence before the sound of retreating footsteps filled the hallway. Tony waited just long enough to poke his head around the corner. He saw the two of them walking away and frowned after them, his mind running through what he’d just overhead.
Just what did he want to know about me?
Tony knew what he wanted it to be; and although he’d always thought the chances of that were slim, now he was wondering if he’d maybe underestimated.
Maybe, he’d have to catch Pepper later and ask her some questions himself.
+1 Loki
It was a peculiar turn of events. Loki could admit, he had never have imagined his life would lead him to a Midgardian building using his gifts with words to prepare contracts.
Perhaps, even a few decades ago, he would have been appalled. Seen it as degrading even.
And yet, he could not. The Midgardian’s praised him for his skills. They treated him politely. They were beneath him, yes, but they were… tolerable.
Far more so than the Aesir.
A few mortals in particular, he was fond of. One even more than the rest.
Something which, not for the first time, found Loki sighing and turning his chair to better look out the window at the New York skyline.
Being a mortal worker truly did leave him with extend periods of time where he was required to do nothing. An uncommon occurrence on Asgard and, when it happened, had required extensive effort. Here, he could ponder things at his leisure.
(Were he capable of using seidr, he could have used the time far more productively. Norns damn Odin for his infuriating restrictions.)
And, much to his frustration, when left to his own devices, he wasn’t planning mischief, murder or mayhem (as many of the Avengers believed) he was instead contemplating… courtship practices.
Mortal, courtship practices, to be precise.
He had even lowered himself to asking Virginia Potts for assistance. She had been mercifully polite and candid in explaining Anthony Stark’s preferences. He still felt no more certain about his approach.
Asking the man to a movie seemed so… so common.
He scowled and rapped his fingers on the desk.
“Servant,” he called.
“Yes, Mr Liesmith?”
He tapped his fingers again. “Your master… he favours his cars, does he not?”
“He does, Mr Liesmith.”
Loki was not overly fond of the contraptions, but he supposed, something relating to them would be a sufficient basis for a courtship outing.
“And food. What does he favour currently?”
“Mr Stark favours-”
The door to his office opened and he stiffened, his eyes widening as the man on his thoughts entered.
“-hamburgers, but Mr Stark also-”
“Yes, enough, JARVIS,” Loki hurriedly snapped.
His feeble mortal heart raced, but apart from a brief frown directed at the ceiling, Anthony didn’t seem to notice anything unusual.
“Stark,” he began, trying to keep his voice smooth.
However, he soon found words drying up on his tongue as Anthony walked around the desk and perched on top of it.
Loki’s eyes widened as he looked at the man, so close to him, so at ease in his work space.
“Right, so, hey. Sorry to interrupt you and J there.”
“It is fine,” Loki said, still thrown at the proximity.
His hand was inches from Anthony’s thigh.
“Did you know the Stark Industries employees love you?”
Loki blinked. “I am aware many of them tolerate me.”
“No, they think you’re scarily efficient and a bit intimidating. They also think I’m hyper focused and a little bit insane. They also have a betting pool as to when we’re going to hook up.”
Loki’s breath felt punched from him.
“They what?”
“Mm,” Anthony said. “Turns out, we’ve been missing a whole lot of conversations about us. They don’t know you’re you, but even the people who do, they think we’re moments away from dating.”
Loki swallowed. “I-”
Anthony leaned in close and Loki fell silent. Anthony was smiling faintly and his gaze seemed soft in a way Loki had always imagined he was misreading.
“I’m tired of missing conversations I didn’t realise I was having.”
Anthony’s hand covered his own and Loki’s fingers twitched, but he didn’t pull away.
“So, what were you and J talking about earlier?” Anthony asked.
There was something so inviting in his gaze. And Loki knew that mortal lives were fleeting – his own life was fleeting for as long as he was restricted from all he once was.
“Which meal I should take you to when I ask you to spend an evening with me,” Loki said boldly.
Anthony grinned. “I could go for some Thai, if you’re up for it. You knock off work at five today, don’t you?”
Loki smiled back. He also shifted his hand, letting their fingers link.
“I could be persuaded to leave even earlier.”
Anthony laughed. “You know, I’m not the CEO anymore.”
“Then perhaps you will have to keep me company here?”
Anthony managed to shift even closer, his eyes seeming a little darker. “I could work with that.”
Loki would have chuckled, but he was too busy being distracted by Anthony’s hand on his shoulder and the man’s lips covering his own.
And although neither man knew it, as they continued to kiss, a very relieved A.I flipped the lock on Loki’s office door, making sure that this final discussion would not be overseen or interrupted.