Work Text:
Heroism did not suit Loki.
He was utterly fed up with right, good and light. The concepts were restricting and a blatant lie. Good for whom? Right for what? And light did not exist without darkness. So, ultimately, for a hero to rise a villain first must be born. Ironically, the hero usually was the one who sculpted the villain. Unfortunately, the major population care none for the finer details, celebrating only those who saved their arses.
But villainy was not something Loki did either. Merely because it was boring, predictable, and frankly beneath him. Of course, short sighted buffoons, and morally restricted minds, quickly categorized him as evil. But it was their problem and misconception. Thankfully, Loki learned to rely on his own opinion of himself and did not require approval of others.
Loki simply was, and while he was, he discovered that he adored grey. In the end, everyone had their agenda, and since he spent an unreasonable amount of time dancing to other tunes, he figured that he deserved to serve nobody but himself.
Thus, when he stumbled upon a nearly frozen body of Iron man, he shimmered into existence and ripped the face plate, to admire the stubborn and arrogant gaze of Tony Stark.
The mortal was fascinating. Loki recognized the same ilk and felt no shame in the fierce attraction that developed from it. Of course, the said mortal was oblivious to it, and Loki did not plan on acting. However, this golden opportunity he could not pass. If nothing else, this was guaranteed to entertain him.
“I know I’m pretty, Prancer, but ‘is starring is...is...”
Stark rasped, fighting for breath. Loki looked him over critically. He would die in a matter of moments, and that Loki did not concur. So, he sent his seithr to heal critical wounds and gave the mortal a subtle boost of energy.
For a few minutes, they appraised each other in silence. Then Stark coughed, spitting blood and almost chocked on it. Loki scrunched his nose and took a step away from him.
Stark croaked, which Loki interpreted as a pitiful attempt at a laugh, and smirked at Loki faintly.
“Not that pretty anymore.”
Loki rolled his eyes and clicked his tongue.
“You never were, Stark. You are more on a handsome side.” Loki declared unabashedly. Stark’s eyes widened in shock. Loki enjoyed the display.
“Flirting with a dying man now, are we? I am sure it is low even for you, Lo.” Stark said, emitting a sound that heavily hinted on an extent lung damage. Loki inwardly flinched. He did not enjoy Stark’s pain. However, he was not foolish enough to believe that Stark would accept his help willingly, and unfortunately his seithr could not do much healing without consent of the patient, so to the tricks.
“Speaking of which, I can help you for a little favor.”
“Thanks, but no thanks.” Stark waved him off.
Loki shrugged and found a comfortable place to sit upon to watch over Stark. Stark looked at him funny, and then ignored in favor of expecting his suit.
The process was slow and painful to watch. Every moan and rasp tugged at Loki’s heart, but he did not give in, willing his seithr to monitor Stark’s vitals, so the man would not keel over before he accepted Loki’s help.
After two hours of the spectacle, Loki broke the silence.
"You do understand that nobody else would come, yes?"
"Yes." Stark answered, tightening the material around his wound that bled professedly.
"And that without my aid your death will be slow and agonizing?" Loki asked fearing that the man lost his mind.
"Yes." He said calmly.
"So you accept my terms, yes?" Loki required almost hopefully.
"No." Stark said coldly.
“Why!?” Loki hissed, upset beyond reason.
“The more pressing question is: why do you care, Lo? I mean, my supposed friend left me to die here without the tiniest bit of remorse, and here you are a supposed enemy, getting riled up by my refusal to get help...or that favor you want is that grand?” Stark inquired levelly, but his eyes, they were screaming, burning with fury. The suppressed rage took Loki aback. He did not expect it. The darkness that swam in the exhausted eyes was deep, and Loki chastised himself for not noticing it sooner.
“It is.” Loki settled on a simple answer. Stark snorted.
“Out of curiosity, what possibly a God could want from a mortal so badly?” Stark teased. Loki shivered, glad that Stark was beaten down and therefore his charm was dimmed considerably. Otherwise, Loki would be in much bigger trouble than he already was.
“Accept, and I’d tell you.” Loki said sweetly.
“Good one.” Stark praised, and Loki preened. “Unfortunately, I will decline. My rescue suit will be here in an about an hour. I think, I will survive till then.” Stark said confidently, and Loki would have believed him if he was not aware of Stark’s lethal injuries.
“And if you don’t?” Loki inquired curiously.
“Please rip the arc from my chest and hide it or whatever. I will be happy as long as they won’t get it.” Stark hissed.
“You would entrust me with that!?” Loki hissed bewilderedly.
“’Course. You are the best option. Firstly, you have no need of it since you are already insanely powerful. Secondly, it gives you a perfect opportunity to pull one over them, which I doubt you will refuse.” Stark explained.
“You know me so well.” Loki cooed. “As you wish then.”
“Thank you.” Stark said sincerely. Loki waved it off. “Since you’re being so generous, may I ask for some body heat?”
Loki looked at him confusedly, and then laughed.
“I cannot help you, Stark, even if I wanted to.”
“I sense something more than basic dickishness...”
“Right you are. I am a frost giant.” Loki explained, dropping his glamour, and with it the temperature in the room lowered as well. Stark shivered violently.
“Shit, Lo. Why must you be a deadly beauty, hm?” Tony joked, his skin acquiring a violet hue.
“Born this way.” Loki said, changing and warming the room to a bearable temperature for a mortal, throwing his cape over Stark. Stark sputtered and cursed trying and failing to straighten it. Loki laughed at his pitiful attempts, and laughed harder when Stark glared at him, bundled in green.
“Your glare is as effective as a hiss of a kitten.” Loki purred, enjoying Stark in his colors. Stark snorted snuggling into his cape.
“Nice. What’s this made of?” He asked, slowly warming up. Loki did not allow himself to exhale with relief but couldn’t suppress a relived smile.
“It’s made of elfish velvet and enchanted, obviously.” Loki said.
“Obviously.” Stark parroted with good humor.
“I suppose you won’t tell me what exactly transpired here?” Loki inquired, curious and a bit vengeful.
“Would you tell me what happened to you on the other side?” Stark asked knowingly.
“Not at this time.” Loki said, managing to keep the bitterness out of his voice.
“Empty pleasantries then.” Stark concluded, openly disappointed.
“I wouldn’t call any of our interactions empty. Any words that we manage to exchange were entertaining and engaging. I enjoyed them all. Haven’t you?” Loki inquired, genuinely wanting to know.
“Heh, it’s not like it matters now, so, yeah, Prancer, I did too.” Stark agreed.
“What doesn’t matter now?” Loki asked.
“A mask of a good guy that I tried to pull on and failed spectacularly.” Tony said with a sardonic smile.
“I for one am glad that you stayed a great man, instead of becoming a dull cog in a righteous machine.” Loki said.
“Stop it, Prancer, you’ll make me blush.” Stark jested. Loki chuckled.
“Are you truly capable of it?”
“Under the right conditions I will glow neon pink.” Stark said winking at him playfully. Loki smirked, shifting his position.
“Don’t temp me, Stark, if you’re not ready to follow through.” Loki warned playfully.
“And what if I am?” Stark challenged, and Loki decided to let go, whining longingly.
“Don’t tempt me.” He repeated, his words soaked in heady desire. Stark blinked, taken aback and watched him seriously.
“We will revisit that.” He promised solemnly. Loki nodded.
The tension in the room thickened. It promised danger and foolhardy jump into uncharted waters, but before any of them had a mind to act, Loki heard heavy footsteps.
He didn’t hesitate and teleported to Stark. Stark opened his mouth to protest when Loki’s body appeared practically on top of him. Loki shifted closer, almost, smothering him, and whispered:
“Hush.”
Tony stared at him wide eyed, rendered speechless by the unexpected closeness and vivid green, which was unfairly distracting.
He would have stared blatantly for a while longer, but artless footsteps caught his attention. He tore his eyes from Loki and looked into the direction of the noise.
Winter soldier appeared in his line of vision, walking brusquely to them, and Tony’s heart stuttered, fear overtaking his senses. He shied away from the imposing figure, plastering himself to Loki. Loki breathed calmly, holding him tightly, and it grounded him.
Fuck, it was stupid, but Loki gave him a sense of security. He was especially grateful for it when Barnes walked pass them and to his supposed fallen form, stomping on its head and denting the helmet, and kept hitting its head until it flattened against the concrete floor, Loki’s magic providing the visual gore.
Tony knew it wasn’t his blood, nor his bones were cracking, hell it wasn’t even his suit, and damn, Loki spent loads of time watching him, judging by the flawless copy, but shit he was near panic. Loki’s strong hold was the only thing that was keeping him together.
Loki growled mincingly next to him, shifting away. Tony couldn’t afford him disappearing.
Stark grabbed his wrist, squeezing it tightly. Loki turned, displeased. Stark mouthed ‘no’. Loki nearly snarled, but settled, acknowledging Stark’s right to decide his killer’s faith.
Barnes spit on the mutilated corpse and walked away, whistling a happy tune. Stark swallowed, trembling slightly. However, his eyes hardened with determination.
Loki looked at Stark questioningly.
“I thought you were done clinging to the heroic mask.”
“Yeah, but I am not informing the world ‘bout it. What I will inform them of is Barns.” Stark said, caressing his helmet. Loki looked at it, and chuckled.
“I see.”
“You know, you should acquire a heroic mask of your own.” Stark suggested, startling him.
“How you propose I do that?” Loki teased.
“That’s a plan in the forming, but I’m sure that together we could come up with a very convincing bullshit.” Loki liked the idea, and adored that Stark wanted to do it together.
“Tell your creation to return.” Loki said, teleporting them into Stark’s penthouse.
“Wha…oh. So, you do care.” Stark murmured, looking around dazzlingly and leaning heavily on him.
“Pointing out the obvious now, are we?” Loki said, shifting away.
He, of course, preferred physical closeness, but Stark was overly tempting, and he wasn’t sure he would be able to restrain himself properly.
“No, no, no. Don’t move yet. Comfy.” Stark whined grabbing him and pulling close.
“I’m not your pillow, Stark.” Loki complained, slowing his racing heart, and restraining the desire that arose in him upon such a blatant display of need.
“I beg to differ, and first name basis, please and thank you.” Stark said, snuggling into him and sighing happily.
“Too intimate.” Loki said, tensing. This man would be the death of him.
“And this is not?” Stark inquired naughtily.
It was, but Loki tried to maintain some kind of a line, before he tipped over the edge without hopes of salvation, not that he would require or accept one, if he did fall.
“You can discard it still, Stark.” Loki said bluntly.
“Tony.” Stark insisted. Loki sighed, giving in.
“And now the moment had passed, Anthony.” Loki warned. From this moment on, nothing would tear Loki away from him.
“Tony.” He hissed.
“Everyone calls you Tony. No one calls you Anthony.” Loki pointed out.
“And there’s a reason behind it.” Anthony complained, but Loki didn’t hear any real pain behind it. A caprice, then.
“I am sure there is. So, let me put it this way, dear, I do not curse you for the nicknames, you allow me to call you as I see fit. Deal?”
“Deal.” Anthony grumbled, snuggling into him further.
“Let me heal you.” Loki asked gently.
“Sure, Lo. I wouldn’t have refused then either.” Anthony agreed easily. The simple acceptance took Loki’s breath away.
“Apologies, Anthony. I have miscalculated.” Loki confessed, dropping an apologetic kiss upon Anthony’s hair.
“No biggie. Here, in the end.” Anthony slurred, blacking out. It suited Loki perfectly.
***<<@>>***
Tony unglued his eyelids, to be blinded by the pinkish glow. He moaned and blinked rapidly, clearing his vision.
He was in his bedroom. A pinkish net was floating above him. It was fascinating. He tried to touch it, but his hand wasn’t cooperative.
His pulse jumped, and fear started crawling to his brain.
“Relax, Anthony. It’s a normal side effect.” Loki’s voice broke through the growing terror, and Tony quickly turned his head into the direction of the sound.
Loki was smiling at him teasingly. Tony grinned back, relaxing.
“Had a flashback. Was afraid I imagined you.”
Tony said, looking the God over. Damn, he was a work of art.
“I’m afraid not.” Loki teased. “Now, since you so foolishly fell under my spell, tell me do you wish to be reed of the arc reactor as well?”
“What?” Tony asked, primarily confused.
“I healed your body from the damage you and the others...” Loki’s voice tightened around that world dangerously, as if he was struggling to contain the rage that was lurking beneath his calm facade. “ inflicted upon it. I must say, I am equally impressed and terrified by the lack of consideration you showed towards your health.”
Tony tsked.
“Hypocritical much.”
“I am a God, Anthony.” Loki chastised playfully.
“Does not excuse you.” Tony pointed out. Loki had the decency to avert his gaze, and shrug awkwardly. “Never mind. You’ll nag me. I’ll nag you. And maybe between the two of us we would muster enough care to be relatively intact most of the time, hm?”
Tony could swear Loki blushed, but it was quickly erased, probably masked by Loki’s magic. Tony thought it to be cute, and endearing. Shy Loki was a marvel.
“We could try.” Loki said nonchalantly. “Anyway, Jarvis told me that you won’t mind the removal of the shrapnel and the arc. Initially, I was planning to discuss this with you, but your lungs and chest cavity were severely damaged, thus I had to remove the shrapnel. I won’t apologize for it.” Loki said adamantly.
Tony blinked at him bemusedly.
“Fuck, why would you?! Don’t answer that. I am eternally grateful Loki, for J and the healing. If you can remove it that would be super awesome.” Tony said, and his eyes stung. He wasn’t ready to comprehend the whole impact of Loki’s actions, and his own instinctive response to it.
“Good. Sleep well, Anthony, and when you awake the reminders will be gone from your skin.” Loki said gently.
“Leave them, Loki. I want them to remind me of your kindness.” Tony asked. Loki’s eyes brightened with affection and mischief.
“If you want a reminder, I will gladly paint my runes across your skin, but I would wish to erase others from it. They are not worthy of such honor.” Loki hissed poisonously.
“Ok.” Tony agreed, taken aback by Loki’ possessiveness. He liked it in a way but was not ready for it.
“Ok.” Loki echoed mockingly and Tony fell asleep.
***<<@>>***
He felt fuzzy. The world seemed warm, happy, and vivid. The aches that haunted him where gone, his body was buzzing with energy, and he could breath.
He took a deep breath. Crisp air filled his lungs and left them in a rush. His chest did not protest. He took another breath, and another, and a couple more with ease. The giddy laugh bubbled in his throat and left his lips with a sob.
He cried for a while. Tears freely fell from his eyes mixing with snot. It certainly wasn't pretty, but goddamn therapeutic.
When the tears subdued and his emotions settled, he hopped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom.
As he hoped the skin on his chest was perfectly smooth. The horrors he survived were erased from it, and instead of the arc a green dragon was curled in the center of his chest, curious runes were encircling it. Tony asked J what they meant, but as expected, J had no answer for him.
Tony smiled softly and touched the drawing gently. Unfortunately, it smudged. Tony frowned and stormed out of the rooms in search of Loki.
He did not get far. The God was in the kitchen, drinking some beverage.
Loki looked him up and down, whistling appreciatively. Tony huffed and pointed at the ruined picture.
“Eyes up here, Lo. Why's this coming of?” Tony whined, clearly upset.
“You cannot fault me for enjoying the display, Anthony. You should know it's nearly impossible to ignore your appeal. I didn't think you would appreciate the real thing.” Loki confessed easily.
“You thought wrong.” Tony insisted.
“As much as I would love to mark you with my runes for jest, it actually means something.” Loki explained calmly.
“A devotion of sorts?” Tony asked curiously.
“Of sorts, yes.” Loki said, smirking mischievously.
“But you did put them on my skin regardless, and I want them permanently regardless. So pretty please, Lo?” Tony begged brazenly.
Loki swallowed, thinking that the empires would kneel before Anthony if he asked. Not that anyone would get a chance, he would not allow it.
“Don't beg, Anthony.” Loki requested earnestly.
“Why? I think, it works well.” Tony argued.
“Too well, and I am not yet informed of the limits, so, please, cease.” Loki nearly beseeched.
“I want your runes on me, make a guess?” Tony teased. Loki was not up for it.
“I would prefer clarity.” Loki insisted.
“Fine. I want everything that you are prepared to give.” Tony confessed.
“I doubt that.” Loki said, chuckling. “But it's a good start.”
Tony wanted to argue on principal, but Loki looked earnest, serious and above all hopeful. He couldn’t spot any tease, so postponed his own.
“As you wish, my prince.” Tony said. Loki flushed, clearing his throat.
“I regret giving you a free reign over my address.” Loki grumbled.
“For a God of Lies you’re surprisingly a bad liar.” Tony teased.
“You matter!” Loki snapped. Tony cocked his head curiously. Loki’s cheek became bright pink. He was clearly embarrassed and prepared to defend his ego. Tony didn’t let him. He allowed the pleasure to color his skin and warm emotion sip into his voice and gaze.
“I am honored, Loki. Thank you.”
Loki softened. The poisonous words died on his lips, overtaken by a pleased, timid smile.
The moment stretched, but Tony didn’t feel the need to turn it into something more. It was sweet and stirred an emotion that Tony was afraid he wouldn’t feel again, so he basked in it shamelessly.
J spoiled it.
“Ms. Potts will be here shortly, Sir.”
Tony grimaced.
“Thanks, J.”
“Won’t be a problem.” Loki said, morphing into a stunning brunette, misinterpreting Tony’s reaction.
“Darn, Lo… You are fucking gorgeous.” Tony said breathlessly, admiring the view. “No, though. Stay as you, please.”
“It’s not wise.” Loki said but concurred his desire.
“Zero fucks.” Tony waved nonchalantly and smirked arrogantly. Loki shook his head, chuckling at his antics.
The elevator chimed.
An attractive red- head walked into the room. She was obviously displeased, judging by the angry expression on her face. But when she noticed Loki, it became loathing.
Tony was pleasantly surprised by the lack of screaming, and immediate defenestration.
Pepper looked at his unclad form and snorted derogatively.
Loki clicked his tongue displeasingly and waved his hand, dressing him, in what Tony presumed, was an Asgardian outfit, surprisingly not green.
Tony looked at Loki questioningly, clearly amused.
“I’m possessive.” Loki said in a warning tone.
“You don’t say.” Tony teased, turning to Pepper. “Did the world end?” He inquired icily. Pepper narrowed her eyes and tried to give him papers. He didn’t take them waving at the tabletop. She rolled her eyes, walked to it, and slammed them on it.
“I wanted to clarify the reason for your betrayal, but it is clear. Goodbye Ms. Stark. Please do not contact me.” She said coldly and left.
Tony stood there, watching the closed elevator doors, and thought that he dodged a bullet with that one. If they had been together his heart would have been done for. Luckily, he ended things with her after Ultron. Gods, that woman was bad news.
A chill hand touched his shoulder gently.
“May I be of help?” Loki asked tentatively, and only then Tony noticed the tremors of his body and wetness on his cheeks. Fuck, he was crying. Shit, it was embarrassing, but simultaneously the rightest thing in the world to want Loki to comfort him. Thus, he leaned into his body, and let Loki’s weight hold and ground him.
Loki embraced him gently and held gingerly. He didn’t offer any sugary lies, and Tony adored him more for it. The feather light caress of Loki’s fingers was sweeter than any confession, and his cool, steady breath was the only reassurance Tony needed.
“I wish you would have made your move when I wasn’t such a mess.” Tony whined petulantly, turning in Loki’s arms to hold him. Loki chuckled above him, nuzzling his hair.
“I am broken myself, darling.” Loki said.
“Funny how you call yourself a broken one, when I’m in need of saving.” Tony commented, breathing him in. Loki smelt of winter sun and apples. Tony found it appealing.
“I doubt you need it. Thank you, though, for letting me support you.” Loki said softly. Loki’s fingers moved rhythmically, hypnotically, calming him profoundly.
“Aww, Lo, trust you to turn soapy lyrics into something truly heartfelt.” Tony complained, leaning away to look at Loki. Loki smirked.
“I am not at fault that my skill with words outmatches yours.” Loki teased him.
“Well, you are a God, after all.” Tony said.
“Aren’t you an atheist?” Loki inquired amusedly.
“Yeah, but since you...I dunno, if you were my God, I’d believe.” Tony shrugged.
It was another lyric. Another empty phrase, but in this moment, it felt right to say it, because when Tony was in need of a miracle Loki created one. So, Tony figured if there was anything divine in the Universe than Loki would be it, and if he would ever start believing than Loki would be the only one who he would accept as a God.
Loki groaned, hauling him for a bruising kiss. Tony squawked in surprise, but quickly got on with the program. Darn, Loki was a kisser.
“You’ll end me.” Loki hissed into the abused mouth, that stretched in a delighted grin.
“But won’t it be a glorious way to go?” Tony asked playfully.
“Indeed.” Loki said, tugging him in for another kiss, which was heart achingly gentle.
***<<@>>***
The buzz in the room greeted on Loki’s nerves. He did not like crowds. Any being, mortal or not, became dumb and faceless in the crowd. Loki abhorred the stupidity and ease with which the opinions were swayed, and convictions shattered. He had a pleasure to be on the wrong end of it far too many times, so the arrangement irked him.
However, he saw the benefit. Anthony assured him that the plan would not backfire, and he was willing to see it through.
Granted, he was not in the right frame of mind when he agreed to this. At that time, he was preoccupied with the sweet aroma of Anthony’s skin and maddening tightness that consumed him greedily. Frankly, he would have accepted anything that was spoken in that sinful voice. Luckily, Anthony had not asked for much. Only his trust, and that he had given him a long time ago.
A woman's gasp interrupted Loki's musings rudely. He scowled, glaring at the poor soul, who was clasping her mouth tightly, tears running down her skin.
“Horrible.” “Disgusting.” “Inhumane.” The crowd muttered.
Loki glanced at the screen. Barnes was spitting on Anthony's corpse and Loki's rage flared. He barely caught himself. The temperature still dropped a few degrees. The crowd shivered, frowning.
“Enough of that.” Anthony said, diverting their attention. “As you could see, Captain America plays favourites. I have gotten lucky. Loki saved me.”
“We are glad he did, Mr. Stark. But one must ask to what end? It is rather out of character, won't you agree?” A reporter questioned. A feeble man, with a weak jaw and nasty smirk. Loki rolled his eyes. It was like he never left Asgard.
“Absolutely not. Loki is a trickster, and a menace when irritated. Siblings’ rivalry, many can relate.” Anthony jested, grinning charmingly. The women giggled. The men rolled their eyes fondly. “That's said, no casualties if we scratch the invasion fiasco, which we know wasn't his design. Plus, all the green plushies, beddings and such for foster homes? Missed it, yeah? Well, I didn't.”
“Even if that's true…” The feeble man interjected.
“Fact.” Anthony insisted.
“Fact.” The man agreed quickly. “It doesn't explain his involvement in your conflict.”
“If you haven’t noticed we had flirted for years. So, if the opportunity to jump over a proverbial fence was presented to me, I would have jumped too. He simply did it first.” Anthony declared arrogantly. Loki stiffened a chuckle.
“We have noticed. Enemies to lovers; a weak spot of many. We secretly hoped and feared it. It's still hard to believe, so could you clarify….” A pretty woman asked, blushing faintly.
Loki tsked. Trust the crowd to fuck up something precious. No, of course, Anthony’s deflection would not ruin them. It was young, still uncertain, at least, for Anthony, so Loki understood, and smiled encouragingly at him.
“You know how I hate talking about my personal life...” Anthony whined beautifully making them blush and giggle. A perfect performance. A little white lie that would only hurt a bit. “But in case anyone here or out there got funny ideas, Loki and I are an item, and I ain’t sharing.” Anthony growled with a roguish smirk, winking at him.
Loki froze.
Thousand years of practice hadn’t helped him to keep face. He didn’t anticipate that. He just couldn’t. It wasn’t done like this. Nobody would dare to claim his so honestly and publicly, especially without his permission. Not that he had ever considered giving anyone such rights. Honestly, he wasn’t sure he was on board with this.
It was foolhardy, and insane, to claim him. Anthony should have thought it through. He needlessly invited danger to his mortal life, which would not be mortal for long, especially after his proclamation, and even then, Loki could not guarantee his safety.
There were forces that would smite galaxies to gut him. Thankfully, those forces care none about Midgard. Plus, after the fiasco he pulled Asgard monitored its gates carefully, and yet…well, what was done was done, no use whining about it.
The room exploded, but Anthony quickly put out the fire, ushering them away.
***<<@>>***
“You don’t look particularly happy. Did I cross a line?” Anthony asked uncertainly, when they exited the building and were safely riding back to the tower in his car.
“Yes, darling. That was pleasing, I won’t lie. However, it was, also, impractical. My enemies, which I have plenty, will not hesitate to harm you, thus, I will be leaving for a couple of days to procure an Idun’s apple...” Anthony’s eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to say something, but Loki beat him to it. “And there’s no discussion to be had.” Loki said adamantly. Anthony pursued his lips stubbornly, glancing away. Loki noticed the sparks of defiance dancing in his gaze. He was annoyed, but he needed to think about it before he declared them a couple. Loki saw when Anthony came to the same conclusion; his shoulder slumped in reluctant surrender.
“Fine.” He hissed unhappily.
“Don’t pout, dear. Under different circumstance you’d be glad to receive it.” Loki teased.
“I’d be fucking ecstatic! It’s just… it’s so practical...” Anthony mumbled, and Loki chuckled, pulling him close.
“A practical solution to your declaration would be using you as bait.” Loki said, smirking darkly.
“And going into hiding, of course.” Anthony added sarcastically.
“Of course.” Loki added amusedly.
“So, you're not being practical?” Anthony asked hopefully, and Loki hated the sparks of insecurity that marred his precious, confident gaze.
“I can be, darling, but my enamoured heart won't let me.” Loki purred, biting his ear playfully. Anthony giggled beautifully.
“I adore you.” He said, dragging him in for a passionate kiss.
***<<@>>***
Tony let Loki leave after several amazing months that they spent in Malibu, exploring each other and their awesome relationship.
Tony was walking on air. Loki was marvellous, and perfectly right for him.
Surely, there were plenty of issues they haven’t discussed, and some would not surface for, at least, a couple of centuries, but he was sure they would pull through.
Loki was willing to listen, and Tony was ready to accept. Ideal combination if you asked him.
One issue was bothering him greatly, though. Loki was jealous and possessive. It was in his nature; however, it became twisted under the assault of rejection and neglect.
At times, Loki was unbearable, snarling at him for stupidest things. He apologised after and tried to reign his insecurities but Tony wanted to erase the issue entirely.
He, already knew that a lot of pampering, and reassurance would have to be done before Loki would believe that this was it.
Consuming an apple was a great start, but Tony, also, wanted to know what else he could do to ease Loki’s mind. Thus, he contacted the other one Asgardian he knew.
“I wasn’t expecting you to contact me for some time, friend Tony.” Thor said the moment he walked through the balcony doors.
“As I was surprised by the lack of storms crushing my interview. Drink?” Tony offered, with a welcoming smile. Thor, predictably, beamed at him.
“I have learnt the hard way not to mix in Loki’s endeavours…and yours too.” Thor said, and then added awkwardly. “I haven’t properly apologized for that time.”
“Just let bygones be bygones.” Tony shrugged.
“If you say so. Is there something that you want?” Thor asked shrewdly.
Tony laughed.
“Always thought that Loki was exaggerating with the oaf.”
Thor laughed, smirking at him sharply. Tony raised an eyebrow.
“Loki insults my manners, and way with words. He had never underestimated my intellect.” Thor answered amusedly. Tony whistled.
“That’s a high compliment.”
“Indeed, it is. So…?” Thor prompted. Tony cleared his throat.
Suddenly, it dawned upon him that Thor and Loki were close. Yeah, sure, they squabbled, but in the end, they loved each other. Plus, Thor could crush him with his pinkie. The thought was unnerving.
Tony fidgeted for moment, before diving in recklessly.
“I was wondering is there something I can do to show him that I am happy to be his?” Tony inquired. Thor’s eyes shone with gratitude.
“I have known you’d be good for him the moment I saw you.” Thor praised, and Tony felt oddly proud of himself. “You can wear his colours now and then. You both can make bracelets and weave a strand of hair into it, or you can paint his rune on your skin, though this one is a bit extreme.”
“For a Midgardian?” Tony clarified. Thor chuckled.
“Mostly. Though no one sane will ever paint Loki’s rune on themselves, that I can guarantee.” Thor elaborated.
“Why?” Tony inquired, curious.
“Loki is the best mage the Nines have seen in millenniums, also, the most problematic one. He is not malicious, per se, but irritating, and he managed to infuriate the best part of the Galaxy. Thus, it would be, as painting a target on your back. Plus, Loki's runes relate to his magic, so he will have an influence over you.” Thor said.
“What kind of influence?” Tony asked curiously.
“Depends on the rune.” Thor answered honestly.
“But Loki would love it.” Tony said knowingly.
“Wouldn’t' you?” Thor teased.
“Absolutely. Anyway, been there, done that.” Tony said nonchalantly. Thor laughed.
“Midgard is perceived as a backwards planet inhabited by brainless apes. You are not of much interest to anyone but Asgard, and only as a gate.” Thor said sheepishly.
“Son of a bitch! No offence to your mother.” Tony cursed.
“None taken, since we don’t share one.” Thor snipped amusedly. “I advise to talk to him before you do it.”
“Who said I will?” Tony sputtered.
“I’ve seen this exact maniacal glimmer, Tony. I know what it means.” Thor said.
“Then you know that I will ignore the common sense.” Tony said, smirking sharply. “You can help, though. Tell me what this means if you can.” Tony asked, and a picture of the encircled dragon hoovered before Thor. Thor eyes widened, and he gaped for a minute.
“Where did you see it?” He asked hauntingly.
“Loki painted it on me, after healing.” Tony said, getting uneasy. “What is it?”
Thor swallowed.
“He will gut me, if I tell you.”
“He will gut you anyway, because if you won’t tell me, I’ll nag him, referencing your reaction.” Tony sing sang, with a shit eating grin. Thor sighed heavily.
“It’s a protection spell. Essentially it will connect the bearer to Loki’s power, potentially giving them access to it. There are other aspects too, and as far as I can tell they are design to heal, nurture and such. You can safely paint it on your skin, though, since Loki gave it to you.” Thor reassured.
“He didn’t exactly give it to me…” Tony said self-consciously. Thor looked at him pointedly. “Ok. Yeah.”
***<<@>>***
Loki returned in an elevated mood. The business with apples concluded favourably, and the minor favour that he owned Idunn, wasn’t even worth of mentioning. He was surprised to learn that she liked him and planned to establish a real connection with her later.
Anthony met him with a pleased smile. A sweet feeling erupted in his chest, and he nearly gasped with pleasure.
Home.
He was home. He was wanted and welcomed. How many centuries he wondered the Nines alone? How many years he longed to feel this? Far too many.
“Hey, Lo. How your sally went” Anthony asked, coming to him, and another feeling overtook Loki. This time he keened.
It was … impossible. He couldn’t have. Nines, he shouldn’t have but please, Nornes, please, let it be real.
“Loki, sweetheart, please, tell me what’s wrong?” Anthony pleaded, panicking.
Loki hadn’t noticed when he kneeled on the floor, but that feeling overwhelmed him.
Loki could feel his runes on Anthony’s skin, painted willingly and without prompt. It…Nornes, Anthony had no idea what he had done.
“You should have asked.” Loki rasped, unable to contain the hurricane of emotions Anthony inspired.
“Why? It’s my rune. I can do whatever I like with it, right?” Anthony inquired impishly.
Loki laughed breathlessly.
“You’ve spoke with Thor.”
“Yes or no, Loki?” Anthony pushed.
“Yes, my love.” Loki growled. “Even though you have no understanding of what you have done to me. Yes.”
“Enlighten me.” Anthony snarked. Loki growled again, tumbling him on the floor, so he could loom over him and stare at the brazen creature that tied the God of chaos to him.
“Everything that I am is accessible to you now.” Loki managed to say. It was infinitely more, but his throat was tight with furious affection, and he couldn’t focus on proper wording.
“Enemies included?” Anthony asked.
“Sure.” Loki snarked.
“Superb. So, you’re mine now, yeah?” Tony asked timidly, his eyes shining with the need to be accepted.
Loki smiled at him breathlessly. Thanking the Nornes for gifting him this.
“I was yours before, darling. I am now, and will be in the future, with or without it.” Loki reassured.
He was ecstatic, but he would have never asked for this. This was too much, and Loki hadn’t a clue how he would be able to match this level of loyalty. However, he was sure that he would spent the rest of his life trying.
“Correction. I am yours now, yeah?” Tony teased. Loki blinked the moisture away. He was overwhelmed.
“That you are, my stupid, lovely mortal.” He hissed, bending down and biting Tony’s neck helplessly.
“Not for long.” His wondrous beloved murmured, hugging him close.
“Not at all.” Loki said, breathing him in and mouthing the skin. He tasted divine, and Loki wanted to sink his teeth in, to leave another mark.
Loki whimpered. It was, oh so much, and it burned him violently.
Anthony's hand shifted, gently gliding along his back, and tangled in his hair, petting his nape gingerly.
“Don’t hide, Loki.” Anthony commanded. Loki trembled.
How could he not? He was monstrous. Anthony gave his such a precious gift and he still craved more. He was ungrateful, selfish abomination that didn’t deserve this. He should get away. He should leave him be before he hurts him. Yes, that would be for the best. If his claim has any merit he would be able to...
“Loki!” Anthony hissed, pulling at his hair painfully, so he had no option but to look at him. “Idiot.” He claimed, and tugged him down into a loving kiss.
Loki was one. His resolve crumbled at the first touch. He couldn’t leave. Well maybe he could step out but life without Anthony wouldn’t be possible.
Anthony used his distraught state to flip them and Loki felt exposed.
He knew that the masks fell from his face and he had no mind to pull them up.
“You are not allowed to leave and don’t even think about taking this away.” He said, taking his Tshirt off and Loki could see them, gloving on Anthony’s skin.
They were beautiful, and his and they sung; acceptance, love, power, eternity.
Loki’s hand trembled when he reached to touch them reverently. They were warm and hummed appreciatively.
He didn’t deserve this. It couldn’t possibly be true.
Anthony covered his hand with his, and he felt calmer.
“It is, Loki.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
It had to be said. He couldn’t list the reasons but at least this he could do.
“Hate to break it to you but it’s not up to you to decide.” Anthony said.
“I am a...” He said and faltered.
There was no use of telling him this. He wouldn’t be able to convince him. He didn't want to. All he wanted was to disolve in Anthony and forget the past ever existed.
It was unfair of him. He was ungrateful. He shouldn't have spiralled.
Anthony went out of his way to reassure him and his reaction to this pure act of devotion was what? Thanks, but no thanks.
The shame and guilt consumed Loki. He closed his eyes and turned away. He couldn’t look at Anthony.
For a moment, there was silence, and then he felt Anthony shift, and leave him. It hurt, but he kept still. He couldn’t expect to be tolerated eternally. He fucked up here. Majorly.
Anthony returned shortly, and enveloped him in a full body hug. Loki tensed for a brief moment, and then melted into the hold.
He didn’t deserve Anthony. However, he wouldn’t be able to let go either.
“I understand, Loki.” Anthony murmured. “When nothing in this world is truly yours you tend to obsess over things that belong to you and that translates to people. Unfortunately, people are complex and do not take it well. But, I can relate. Moreover, I want to be yours. You can mark me as much as you wish. It’s fine, Loki. I won’t run away. I swear.”
Loki could feel it to be true. The runes on Anthony’s skin vibrated with heartfelt emotion and it settled something miserably painful in him.
Loki breathed out shakenly, and turned so he could hold Anthony close.
“Thank you.” He murmured. “Thank you.”
***<<@>>***
He woke up from a gentle caress that confused him profoundly. He froze.
Luckily, his seithr recognized Anthony before his brain could react stupidly and violently. He forced his body to unwind and accept affection that was bestowed upon him.
Gradually it eased into it and started to enjoy the caress, and only then Loki opened his eyes.
“Good morrow, dearest.” Loki murmured, stretching to plant a kiss on smiling lips. Anthony giggled, deepening the caress and turned, dragging Loki on top of him.
Loki laughed, setling in. The passion slowly cursed through his veins and this was headily sweet.
Anthony was pliant in his hands. It intoxicated. He felt lightheaded.
He wondered how a person could taste so wonderfully, and why he couldn’t pinpoint the exact taste, despite having tasted quite a bit in his lifetime.
It simply pleased him. He could lick and nibble along Anthony's body for the rest of his lifetime and he doubted that he would ever get bored, especially if Athony kept gasping and moaning in such alluring way.
“My God, please...” Anthony pleaded, arching into him wantonly.
Loki blinked out the daze, glancing at him.
Oh. He was a gorgeous mess.
Loki had marked him all over. Anthony's skin was peppered with red marks, and some of them started darkening.
Loki dragged his nail gently along some of them, admiring his handiwork.
Anthony whimpered, breathing heavily. His eyes were as dark as the night, glistering with supressed passion.
Loki lived for thousand of years, and as such witnessed plenty; miracles of divine beauty, even Yggdrasil in bloom, and yet, somehow, none of them compared to Anthony.
Anthony hissed and grabbed his wrist, pulling him in.
“Whatever you’re thinking, not fair.” He growled, kissing him roughly.
“Anthony...” Loki murmured, kissing him deeply. “Anthony.” He breathed out reverently.
Their bodies came together, and the world was washed away by ecstasy.
Such a simple action, done many times before with various partners, but none of them managed to take his breath away.
Anthony only had to glance at him and he was done for. His touch ignited Loki’s blood, like nothing else, and, by Nines, Loki heard no sweeter thing than Anthony’s voice soaked in passion, urging him on.
“Give in, darling.” Loki purred, near the edge.
Anthony groaned, bitting his shoulder, and Loki gladly followed him into a blissful abyss.
***<<@>>***
Villainy suited Tony just fine. It was, naturally, far from true or practical, however, people needed someone to blame. Thus, he comfortably slid into the position, especially since there was freedom, and magic, and his most beloved God waiting.
Loki giggled madly on the day the world turned on them, chirping annoyingly: “told you so”.
Tony rolled his eyes fondly, shutting down SI and his projects, while packing.
“No matter, you’ve been telling that Vanheirm is better anyways, so here’s an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is.”
Loki’s eyes widened comically, and he blinked at him a couple of times, before his expression alighted with childish excitement.
“You won’t regret it.”
“Sure of it.”