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Considering how they got together, it was actually fascinating.
Almost six months ago Loki had dramatically and enthusiastically wrapped his arms around him, kissed his cheek and loudly declared him his ‘lovely little mortal’. He’d then gently squeezed Tony’s hip and met his gaze in a way that had implied, ‘play along’.
Being one of the only mortals among the Revengers, he’d smiled, wrapped an arm around the demi-god, kissed his cheek in return and cheerfully started to act like the doting boyfriend.
It meant that, ten minutes later, when a half dozen men in uniforms stormed through the marketplace looking for ‘unattached lessers’ he was safe. He'd been a little worried for Rhodey and Bruce but Loki had apparently sent an illusion to Thor in order to warn him and Thor had quickly claimed Rhodey and Valkyrie had done the same with Bruce. They’d all then hurriedly conducted their business and got back on the ship.
Tony had lamented to Rhodey that he wished he could have seen Thor act like Rhodey was his lover. Rhodey had raised a brow and said ‘he never did that. He treated me like I was a slave or a pet. Val did the same with Bruce. Was a bit weird, but better than being grabbed by those guards. Is that what Loki did with you?’
Tony’s eyebrows had shot up, but after a brief consideration of the facts, Tony had gone to Loki’s room, knocked on the door, and made the offer to do more than ‘play along’.
Loki had been momentarily surprised, but then he’d tugged him inside for a night of very good sex and the start of a relationship that Tony remained pretty damn happy to be a part of.
The fascinating part had first appeared a few months in when they’d been on a different and less slavery-positive world and Loki had been distracted by a bookstore. Tony had found the mage absorbed in a book and been struck with the desire to mischievously return the favour. He’d made sure Loki knew it was him before coming up from behind, wrapping his arms around Loki, kissing his cheek and murmuring, “Hey Lokes.”
When they’d been playing up their ruse, Loki had barely reacted to anything affectionate. But that time? He’d jolted, his eyes wide and his ears going pink. Although he’d tried to hide it, the truth had been obvious: the affection had left him flustered.
And, for a second, Tony had hesitated, worried he’d done the wrong thing.
But when another person had walked past with a book, Loki had grabbed his arm, seeming to pull him closer. From the corner of his eye, Tony had seen the patron glance at them and keep walking, but his attention had been fixed on Loki.
The mage hadn’t seemed uncomfortable at being seen, instead, he’d almost seemed possessive even proud. Like he'd enjoyed showing off their affection and relationship.
Yet, the flush had remained.
Neither of them had mentioned it, but after that experience Tony had decided to run an experiment.
He never instigated it when they had to focus on the task at hand or when they were in an environment that could prove hostile. But, if they were having a leisurely day out on a planet, Tony would make a point of being as affectionate as possible.
Every time, without fail, Loki got flustered and pink-eared, but he never once asked him to stop. He leaned into the touch and enjoyed it. They never spoke about it after and while Loki never initiated, it was clear he liked it.
Eventually, a month and numerous tests into it, they’d been lying in bed, Tony’s head pillowed on Loki’s shoulder as the mage read. He’d finally been unable to contain his curiosity and asked, “Hey Lokes?"
“Hmm?”
“How come when you came onto me in public you didn’t care, but when I do it to you, it’s different?”
There was a beat. “Ah.”
“Like,” he continued, “you didn’t care when I kissed your cheek and hugged you on that slave planet. But if I do it now, I mean, you clearly like it, but you react a lot more.”
“Well, that is simple.”
Loki turned a page in his book. Tony shifted, better looking up at Loki. He wasn’t as flustered, but Tony could tell he was a little embarrassed by the slightly pink ear tips.
“Going to explain it?”
Loki sighed softly. He also finally looked down at him.
“When I approached you, it was merely a ruse. A nice one, yes, and also one I thought you would bear more tolerably then being seen as my slave.”
“Wise deduction.”
Loki smiled faintly. “Yes. Well. The reason it meant little to me was because it meant nothing to either of us. Now, you are acting in truth. Blatantly and affectionately proclaiming me yours.”
Loki shrugged, as if it meant nothing, but Tony couldn’t quell his smile, because, it was abruptly obvious how much it did mean to Loki.
“Truth is sweeter than the lie,” Tony murmured.
“Quite,” Loki said, back to looking at his book.
Tony continued to smile, he also sought out Loki’s free hand which was by his side on the bed. He linked their fingers together and saw Loki’s lips twitch faintly. He wasn’t as obviously pleased as when they were in public but it was just as sweet.
And although he was no less fascinated by the differences in Loki’s personality, the main part that mattered was that his lover was proud to be with him, and that they were both happy to show it.