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The brew wasn't perfect but it was the closest to coffee, so he sipped it gratefully, even though it numbed his tongue and made his throat tickle.
Loki was watching him amusedly. The little shit warned him that this drink wasn't made for mortals, but Tony heavily insisted, so Loki made a trade. He gave a precious gem for it, and, even though, Loki said it was nothing, Tony wasn't about to waste it.
He would drink this even if it kills him.
“You don't have to, sæti.” Loki told him, smiling affectionately.
Tony snorted and took a big swing from the cup. It took a lot from him not to gag, but he kept it down. Loki laughed, shaking his head.
“You know, there’s no need for it and yet, you still do it. Why is that?”
And wasn’t that a million dollar question? Tony didn’t know why he was doing it. He just did.
He could argue that he was grateful, or that he really missed coffee. He could add that Loki made his days brighter. He brought happiness and warmth, and after everything, Tony wanted to give some back.
But in the root of it, caring for Loki came as easy as breathing to him.
He didn’t thought about it. He simply noticed and acted accordingly. And the funny thing was it brought no discomfort to him.
His heart didn’t race, nor his skin flushed. His ego was silent. His insecurities saw no reason to flare, because being with Loki felt natural.
Like consuming this alien drink. His stubbornness aside, he didn’t feel obligated to do it. Loki didn’t put pressure on him. He, also, knew that Loki wouldn’t hold it against him if he threw it out. He would smile and find another beverage, giving treasures away, like candy wrappings.
All because, Loki loved him. He didn’t hide it, didn’t shy from it or spoiled it with brooding.
Loki was simply there and Tony supposed that that was what love was truly about.
It was giving freely, not asking anything in return, and he was doing it too.
Granted, he wrote it off to friendship, and probably months ago it was, but not now, when he was purposely drinking poison to please Loki.
Luckily, he didn’t have to wallow in self pity or drown in overthinking, because Loki loved him back and it was about time he gave him what he deserved – recognition.
“Because I love you.” Tony said, and the words didn’t cut his throat. The cursed traumas stayed silent and not a silver of fear was felt.
Loki smiled.
“Good to know.” He said, magicking the cup away.
“Hey! I was drinking that!” Tony exclaimed.
“You were. But I don’t like the taste.” Loki complained.
“What your preference has to do with...” Tony started, but the rest was swallowed by Loki’s greedy lips.
“Ah”, he thought. “Had to find something he liked then.”