Chapter Text
It was snowing.
Not the horrible kind of sleet-ice-mush that soaks you through and makes you shiver, nor the tiniest little flurries that you can barely see anyway. It was a snowglobe-like snow. Peaceful. Beautiful.
Lonely.
He probably could have been at any number of the Christmas parties going on in the endless buildings around him, really. Plenty of penthouses would happily open the door to Tony Stark, especially on Christmas Eve. The finest drink, the fanciest food, the classiest company.
He grimaced. That’s where he fit, right? Drinking the night away with the shallow elite, those who didn’t give two shits about him as a person, but his money granting him any access he wished. No obnoxious feelings to deal with, no depth to dive into, no personality necessary.
Which was why his satiric wit often got him in trouble, of course. But wasn’t that half the fun? Making them squirm because someone dared to act like a human. But that was just Tony.
Or Stark, as he was so often referred to. Stark – the head of the company. Stark – Tony, or Howard? Didn’t matter. Still a Stark. As long as he made the appearances, smiled, gave the people what they wanted – who cared?
He just couldn’t do it tonight.
And frankly, the fancy food was terrible. What was the point of a mini crab cake that was barely bigger than his thumb? Who could even taste that? He smirked to himself when the image of downing an entire tray of them at once popped into his head. Now that might be worth crashing a penthouse for.
Instead, he kept walking. Hands shoved in the pocket of his hoodie, looking at the ground. He didn’t want to look like anyone important tonight. And really, was he? Sure, he’d kind of saved the world. Or at least, the city. But the team, they’d all gone their separate ways months ago, and it’s not like he hadn’t seen what else was coming.
What he’d never be able to save anyone from.
He shivered, less from the cold than the rememberance of that horde of… things, hell-bent on attacking Earth. They’d manage sooner or later. And then he’d learned even Loki was afraid of the one who controlled them all. Loki, the maniac who tried to take over Earth. Who’d thrown him out his own damn window. Yeah, that Loki still feared this guy.
And that was fucking terrifying.
So what importance could he possibly be, in the face of a force like that? What would he do, fly another nuke into space? Almost die, again? Not likely to help.
Fuck, he thought, shaking his head at himself. He’d sworn to stop ruminating on this kind of shit. To Pepper, anyway. He knew the promise wouldn’t really be kept. And anyway, Pepper was gone. Probably at one of those parties, he mused. So it’s not like it mattered.
He blew out a breath, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk and turning his face upward. His eyes closed against the assault of the flakes, gentle as they were, but he let them fall on his chilled cheeks. He had to stop, regardless of any promises. He’d come out to clear his head, for fuck’s sake, not to drown in what was lingering there.
Without pausing to think about it, face still upturned to the snow, eyes still closed, Tony flung his arms out to the side and twirled – you know, like they do in the movies, when someone’s in the snow. It was stupid, and childish, but kind of hilarious at the same time. He actually felt himself start to laugh, and wasn’t that a surprise? But a moment later, his arm collided with something, and the something made a very irritated noise.
“Do watch where you’re going,” a voice quipped. Snapped, maybe? But it sounded too weary for snapping. Griped, Tony decided.
“Hey, I was standing in the same spot,” Tony pointed out, opening his eyes to look at the injured party. “You walked into – Loki?!”
His jaw literally dropped. Like they do in the movies. He didn’t think that ever happened in real life, but no kidding, that’s exactly what happened to him.
Loki froze, like a rabbit spotted by a fox. He turned fully, so that they were now face to face, and Tony could be sure he’d seen correctly. Yep, that was Loki. His jaw was stuck open and he couldn’t seem to find a way to close it.
“Stark,” Loki muttered, his expression hardening. Loki’s jaw clenched, and Tony still couldn’t seem to control his. So neither of them spoke for a minute.
“Aren’t you dead?” Tony asked as soon as he could work his jaw again; it was the only thing that occurred to him. Look, he was in shock, okay? The man – god – whatever was in front of him was supposed to have been taken back to Asgard more than a year ago and according to Thor was supposed to have been killed months ago. It wasn’t his finest brain moment.
Loki, instead of being angry, actually gave a low chuckle. Maybe even a hint of a smirk. In any case, the jaw kind of unclenched, so that was probably a good thing.
“Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated,” Loki said smoothly.
“Mark Twain? Really, Reindeer Games?” Tony asked, further baffled.
“Do you think Asgardians incapable of reading?” Loki asked, arching an eyebrow. “I have been in this realm of Midgard for months, what else was I to do?”
So many questions were swirling in Tony’s head that he didn’t even know where to start. Weeks? Reading Mark Twain? Not taking over the world? While he tried to formulate the words into a question that made any kind of sense, Loki’s smirk became fully pronounced.
And damn that smirk, really.
“And I would think someone of your intelligence would know that Mark Twain did not, in fact, write that,” Loki went on. “His wording was rather different. But I do prefer the drama.”
Tony couldn’t help it – he really couldn’t. He snorted.
“No shit,” he commented.
Tony wondered momentarily if he ought to be afraid. He didn’t feel afraid. But he always sort of had a fucked up idea about that, anyway, so that didn’t necessarily mean anything. He wasn’t feeling the panic attack coming on, and that alone should be astonishing. He felt like maybe be should break the silence, though.
“So… to ask the obvious question… what the hell are you doing here?” Tony asked, his tone conversational.
“I was walking,” Loki said, looking at Tony like he was an idiot. “And then being assaulted by flailing,” he added.
“Drama, huh? Never would’ve guessed,” Tony replied, rolling his eyes. “I didn’t assault you. You walked into me.” Loki rolled his eyes, and why was that endearing? “But I didn’t mean here, like, this second. Like… not dead. Or on Asgard. Or… anywhere but New York.”
Loki’s face clouded over at the question; Tony had hit a sore spot. He waited for Loki to answer, but it didn’t seem like it was going to happen.
“Alright,” Tony acquiesced, waving a hand as though to brush the question away. “Try again. Are you trying to kill anyone?”
“Not at the moment,” Loki answered, and maybe that smirk was trying to return. Safer waters, it seemed. “If I wanted to kill you, we wouldn’t be chatting,” he added.
“Yeah,” Tony nodded, “yeah, I guess you made that intention pretty clear last time.” He cleared his throat, the silence feeling a bit awkward now. “So. Walking.”
“Yes,” Loki said, rolling his eyes. “I presume you’re familiar with the concept. Unless perhaps you danced your way here.”
“I can dance better than that,” Tony replied, trying to sound affronted. “I’ll have you know Tony Stark has graced many a dance floor with satisfied partners.”
Something turned predatory in Loki’s eyes, though Tony couldn’t quite figure it out. He shivered. But he still wasn’t afraid.
Decidedly not afraid.
“Then why are you out here alone, Tony Stark?” Loki asked. “Surely your skills would be welcome anywhere, on this night of festivities.”
Night of festivities. He sounded so formal, Tony had to laugh. It came out a little more hollow than he’d intended, though.
“Probably,” he agreed. “Doesn’t mean they deserve me.”
Loki made a noise in his throat that sounded like it might’ve been agreement, and Tony wasn’t sure what to do with that, but he imagined it was definitely agreement and he found he liked that.
“So, months, huh?” Tony asked, pulling down his hood and stuffing his overly-chilled hand back into his hoodie pocket. “And all you’ve managed to do is find fake Mark Twain quotes?”
“No,” Loki said disdainfully. “I have learned much about this realm. There is plenty to be read… and more interesting than I would’ve expected for mortals,” he added.
“We’re an interesting bunch,” Tony agreed. “But I would think you’d be bored, given all the alien-gods you interact with.”
“Alien-gods?” Loki chuckled, his face truly softening for the first time.
Tony felt a spike of pleasure that he could make someone laugh. And not because he had money.
“Well, I don’t know who’s who,” Tony granted, cocking his head, “but you’re supposed to be some kind of god. And I definitely saw the aliens.”
Dammit, why had he said that? Way to get personal with an evil being who tried to murder you. This is why you keep getting into trouble.
“Supposed to be,” Loki said, thoughtful for a moment. “I suppose I may as well be, to your people. Though… I am no true god,” he admitted.
Ok, so maybe Tony wasn’t the only one dumb enough to get personal. Unless Loki was trying to manipulate him. Not that he knew how he could be manipulated by being told Loki was not a god.
“Yeah, after seeing Hulk beat a hole into my floor with you, I kind of guessed as much,” Tony taunted, but felt bad when he saw Loki visibly flinch. “Never figured out which of you I should bill for that repair.”
“I would be inclined to suggest him,” Loki answered, in a tone that clearly said the subject was off the table.
“So, not divine, huh?” Tony mused.
“Oh, believe me, Stark, there’s plenty divine about me,” Loki grinned. Goddamn that grin. He had no right to look like… that when he grinned. But Tony grinned back anyway.
“So. Not a god, not here to kill me, and not dead,” Tony summed up.
“That is all currently correct,” Loki confirmed.
“Want to keep walking?” Tony offered. Loki was surprised, and man, it felt good to be able to shock the guy.
“With you?” Loki questioned after a moment of thought. He sounded wary, but… was that hope in his voice? It had to be something else, or Tony was losing it. One or the other.
“That’s what I was going for,” Tony nodded, but shrugged. “But I can walk the other direction, if you want.”
Loki paused yet again, looking warier still. Did Tony scare him? Was that even possible?
“Is this some kind of trap?” Loki asked. “Going to lead me to your team?” The last word was full of venom, but then, Tony supposed he couldn’t blame him for that. They had nearly killed him.
“The ‘team’ isn’t mine, and I have no idea where they are,” Tony informed him. It occurred to him after saying it that it maybe wasn’t the smartest thing to admit, but it’s not like he could take it back. “Besides, you ran into me, remember? I may be good, but I’m not that good at planning a trap.”
Loki blew out a breath, his face turning to amusement.
“That is a fair point, Stark,” Loki said. He cocked his head, and damn, if the smirk hadn’t piqued Tony’s interest, that sure did. “Alright,” Loki finally agreed. “Where to?”
“This way?” Tony shrugged, nodding to the left, across the street. In his mindless wandering he’d ended up across from Central Park, and that was certainly as good a place as any to walk on a snowy night. Loki nodded his agreement and so they headed off.
They walked in silence for a short time, the quiet of the snowfall lending an easy comfort to the lack of conversation. Was he feeling less lonely? What was he even doing here, with this person? This was probably one of the dumbest things he’d done in a long time.
But he wasn’t by himself. And he wasn’t panicking. And he wasn’t drowning in outer space. So, whatever.
“You’re quieter than I remember,” Loki teased after a while. Loki was teasing him? And being downright friendly?
“You’re less insane than I remember,” Tony remarked, unable to stop a grin. And what a surprise when Loki laughed at that – truly laughed.
“I assure you, I am not,” Loki disagreed. “Though, not having a madman in my head is an improvement,” he allowed.
“I wouldn’t know,” Tony mused. “I’m always in my head.” That brought another laugh from Loki, though a quieter one. He really enjoyed making Loki laugh.
Was this all it took to make him happy these days? He really needed to socialize more.
“You’re dressed more normal than I remember,” Tony went on. “None of that weird leather armor. And no antlers.”
“They are not antlers,” Loki snorted. “And I happen to think my leather armor is quite comfortable.” He paused, Tony just grinning at his offense. “But I choose to dress more ‘normally’, as you put it, while I am here. I’m not particularly interested in attracting attention.”
“This is New York, baby,” Tony laughed. “There’s someone way weirder on the subway at any given time than you in that costume.”
“It is not a costume!” Loki exclaimed, shaking his head at Tony. “Why must you insult me? Do you have something against leather?”
“Absolutely not,” Tony smirked, unable to stop himself from the flirty response that would follow that question from anyone (or so he told himself). “I’m always down for a man in leather.” When Loki didn’t respond, Tony glanced sideways at him. Was the man… blushing? That couldn’t possibly be right. Must be the cold. “Or out of it,” he added, seeing if that would get a reaction.
“You are a madman,” Loki agreed after a moment. He shook his head. “Men who play with ice may find their fingers burning.”
Tony stared at him. Was he flirting back?
And what the hell did that phrase mean?
“I don’t know how it works on Asgard,” Tony said, eyebrow raised, “but here it’s fire that burns your fingers.”
“Well, I am not Asgardian,” Loki shrugged. “Ice is more apt, and it burns just as well.”
“Huh?” Tony asked, totally lost now. Loki rolled his eyes at Tony’s confusion, getting defensive.
“I don’t need you to mock me, Stark,” he said, annoyed. “You needn’t feign ignorance.”
“Well, I’m not ignorant, but I’m not ‘feigning’ anything,” Tony said, nonplussed. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Loki stopped, turning to look at Tony, still defensive. Tony stopped, too. After a moment, Loki’s face began to show surprise.
“Thor… did not tell you?” he asked quietly.
“I mean, he made a joke about you being adopted,” Tony said, trying to catch up to whatever was going on. “But I don’t know what that means for you alien-gods. What does ice have to do with anything?”
“I… see.”
Loki frowned at the ground for several long moments; snow gathered in his long, dark hair and on the shoulders of his sweater. Tony wasn’t sure how the man wasn’t shivering by now, in just a sweater; at least he had a hoodie on. He felt an urge to reach up and brush the snow away, and that was really weird. He managed not to act on a thing that would surely get him killed though, so he could at least congratulate himself for that.
“Bambi?” Tony finally ventured, confusion only growing.
Loki’s eyes snapped back to his.
“I apologize,” Loki said quickly. “Nevermind. Shall we continue?” He walked away without waiting for an answer.
Tony stared after him for several steps. What the fuck just happened? Shaking his head to clear it, he hurried to catch up with the man.
“Want to tell me what the hell that was?” Tony asked casually.
“I do not,” Loki said shortly. Well, Tony thought to himself, it wasn’t like he didn’t understand that feeling.
“’Kay,” Tony agreed. He thought the man looked surprised when he glanced over, but he didn’t say anything for a little while longer.
“Why do you not fear me?” Loki finally asked.
Tony wondered if he should be offended, but the man sounded weirdly contemplative, not disparaging.
“You’re not that scary,” Tony grinned, and Loki was clearly offended, so he laughed. “You said you weren’t trying to kill me,” Tony pointed out more seriously, “and you don’t look like you’re taking over the world.”
“And if I were trying to take over your mind instead?” Loki asked, genuinely curious.
“Been there, tried that,” Tony reminded him, tapping the arc reactor that was almost entirely concealed by the dark hoodie. “I’m immune.” Loki gave a dark chuckle at that, and Tony felt a prickle on his neck. Danger? It felt different than that, though.
“No one is immune,” Loki said, his tone surprisingly bitter this time. “But point taken.” They walked a few more steps in silence. “What do I look like I’m doing, then?” Loki asked.
“Walking,” Tony mimicked him. “I assume you’re familiar with the concept.”
“You are infuriating,” Loki muttered, but Tony swore he could see a smirk on his lips before he turned his head away. “What in the Nine Realms made you think chatting with me was a good idea?”
“All my ideas are good,” Tony informed him. Loki didn’t respond to that one, and Tony sighed. He was being awfully persistent. “Okay, fine. Maybe it’s just nice to be around someone who isn’t trying to kill me, doesn’t actively hate me, and isn’t fawning over me for money or sex.” He surprised himself with his honesty, really. He didn’t think he would’ve told anyone something like that. Let alone Loki.
To his surprise, Loki laughed again – but not at him. More like… understanding.
“It seems we have something in common, then,” Loki nodded, and that sure wasn’t what Tony expected to hear. “At least, I suppose there could be worse company.”
“I’m amazing company,” Tony scoffed. “I’m hilarious, charming, and I obviously have the looks.”
“That you do, Stark,” Loki agreed, and Tony felt something like that prickle again. Okay, maybe not danger. He must have shivered, because Loki glanced at him and frowned. “Perhaps it’s time we part ways,” Loki said. “You’re cold.”
“I’m fine,” Tony dismissed him. He wasn’t going to explain why he shivered. But he knew he didn’t really want to go home yet. Alone. To an empty house. Somewhere in his mind he had to admit he was actually enjoying Loki’s company. “What about you? Somewhere to be?”
“No,” Loki said simply. “If nothing else,” he added with a smirk, “you’re the best conversational partner I’ve had in quite a long time.”
Tony couldn’t help but preen a little at that. He’d been thinking the same thing, and was glad to know it was reciprocated.
“So, just a couple of intelligent, good-looking guys, out for a walk in the park while it’s snowing on Christmas Eve,” Tony pondered. “Sounds like a great time to me.”
“Good-looking?” Loki said, his lips turning up in a smile.
Tony rolled his eyes. “I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know,” he said. “I’m not stroking your ego and saying it again.” Stroking? Shit, his brain was really going places he didn’t intend it to. That would be a colossally bad idea, even by his standards.
“Fair,” Loki nodded.
The snow continued its snow globe pace as they walked on in comfortable silence once more.
“Do you often flail about out in the snow at night?” Loki asked eventually, grinning.
“I wasn’t flailing,” Tony huffed.
“Dancing, then?” Loki teased. Again with the teasing.
“I already told you, I am a fantastic dancer,” Tony told him.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Loki said, arching a skeptical eyebrow.
“Alright,” Tony nodded, then reached for Loki’s hand. “Here.”
In a move that surprised both of them, Loki took his hand; they easily got into position, Loki putting his arm around Tony and Tony’s hand drifting automatically to Loki’s shoulder. It was as though it had been planned. Before Tony could say anything, Loki started to lead him in a basic waltz.
“Of course you’d lead,” Tony rolled his eyes, a bit breathless from how close the other man was, and so suddenly. He hadn’t expected Loki to humor him, honestly. Part of him thought the other man might just murder him.
“I am Loki of Asgard,” Loki nearly growled. “I do not follow.”
Tony allowed him to lead for a minute or so, matching every step with ease.
“Well, Loki of Asgard,” Tony spoke up, and he swore he heard Loki’s breath catch, “if you’re done with this beginner crap, maybe I can show you how it’s actually done?” Despite being shorter, he managed to switch their arm positions before Loki could protest, leading him instead.
Tony was downright giddy at the shock on the other man’s face as Tony began to lead them in a salsa, swiveling his hips to an unheard rhythm and moving them around the wide path. He was almost as shocked when Loki joined in, matching him move for move. He felt Loki pull him closer, the man’s eyes dark and a much more serious look on his face than he’d had most of the night.
Tony was pretty sure no one was teasing anymore.
Colossally bad ideas were his specialty, after all.
He wasn’t actually sure which of them moved first; he didn’t think he’d done it, but it was hard to tell. All he knew was that in a moment, Loki’s lips were on his, kissing hungrily, and he was desperately returning the fervor.
“This is a terrible idea,” Tony panted when they pulled apart a moment later, but was quick to pull Loki’s head back toward his to continue kissing him.
“Incredibly stupid,” Loki agreed while taking a breath, but moving to devour Tony once again anyway.
They definitely weren’t dancing anymore; they were pressed too close for that to be possible. But Loki was definitely still moving his hips, and when he did that while fighting Tony’s tongue with his own, well, Tony couldn’t be blamed for reciprocating, really.
“Fuck,” Tony forced out, making himself pull back, though not far. “We can’t do this here.” He wasn’t interested in paying a fine for indecent exposure. Again. And it was cold.
“Then where, pray tell, do you suggest we do this?” Loki asked, hissing out the last word. Tony only realized Loki’s hand had moved lower when he pulled Tony’s hips to him, grinding them together.
“Goddammit, let me think,” Tony protested (not groaned, he definitely didn’t groan). Loki’s low chuckle in his ear made him momentarily rethink paying that fine. “How close is your place?” he finally gathered his wits enough to ask. He wasn’t sure if Loki even had a place, but he definitely couldn’t process beyond that thought now. Get. Inside. Somewhere. Soon.
“Not close enough,” Loki muttered. “But nearer than yours.” Tony felt the man take a deep breath, let it out, then suddenly release him. “Follow me.”
“Right, right, Loki of Asgard,” Tony mumbled, barely thinking.
“Watch what you say, Stark, or I will not be held responsible for my actions,” Loki warned, hurrying off at a much faster pace than they’d been walking.
“Are you ever?” Tony mused, hurrying after him.
“Less than is likely wise,” Loki smirked. Goddamn that smirk.
It felt like it took hours to reach Loki’s building, and Tony wondered if they had the same definition of “close”. But then they arrived, and Tony hardly spared it a thought as Loki went inside, slammed the elevator button, and yanked Tony close.
Before Loki could wrap him up entirely, Tony found the sense to put his hood back up; no sense getting recognized now – not that anybody was likely to walk into the building, if they hadn’t been out on the streets. Loki rolled his eyes but bent to kiss Tony once he was done, holding his shoulders firmly.
The door chimed as it reached the ground floor, and they entered the thankfully-empty elevator. Again Loki slammed a button – Tony didn’t see which and didn’t much care when Loki’s hands gripped his ass and he thrust their hips together. It took everything Tony had not to groan this time. (Okay. Maybe he groaned this time.)
Tony couldn’t be sure if the swooshing feeling was due to the elevator moving or to Loki’s hand pushing his hood aside enough to press heated lips to his neck. When the elevator stopped just a moment later, he hazily assumed it had been the former. Or both. Both was good.
A well-lit, standard and boring hallway greeted them as the doors opened, and Loki was quick to pull Tony along again.
“Easy, Mr. Not-A-God,” Tony grumbled, but allowed himself to be hauled by his arm. “You don’t have to drag me.”
“Then you ought to walk faster,” Loki told him, his voice dark and full of promise that made the elevator ride seem tame on Tony’s stomach.
Loki finally stopped at a door at the end, and in the time it took him to unlock the door, a tiny thought crept into Tony’s head.
Really, really bad idea. He could be trying to kill you. He tried to take over the world. This has to be a trap. You really need to leave.
And then Loki’s lips were on his again, and the thought flew away, never to be heard from again. He was past ‘bad idea’, past ‘destroyed Manhattan’, and way the fuck past ‘leaving’.
The door slammed and Loki broke away again long enough to close no less than three locks. Excessive, maybe, but Tony did have his own high tech security system that was way more secure, so he didn’t really have room to judge. He kicked his boots off mindlessly, heard the thump of Loki’s shoes as well, and then he was being pulled again.
He didn’t really see any more of the place as Loki pulled him through the dark, obviously knowing where he was going. Tony focused on not tripping, though Loki’s grip was firm enough to steady him. It had been a while for Tony, sure, but it seemed like it was maybe even worse for Loki; this was not a trap, this was pure desperation.
And for some stupid reason, Tony didn’t care. Fucking the god-alien-man who threw you out a window and attacked your city after you met on a snowy walk because you were lonely? On Christmas Eve? Why not?
And goddamn, did the man look fuckable. The smirk, the grin, the hair, the lips… Tony Stark may be a dumbass with a death wish, but he wasn’t a fool.
“Gotta say, this wasn’t in the plan when I left the tower,” Tony smirked, grateful that Loki flicked on a lamp in time that he could see the other man’s predatory grin in response. He shuddered. What right did he have to be that hot?
“I didn’t take you for one to follow plans,” Loki said, pulling Tony to him again. Tony allowed him a kiss before replying.
“Which is why I’m here,” Tony nodded, reaching up to kiss the corner of Loki’s mouth. And if he didn’t know better, he’d swear Loki shuddered at that.
Loki suddenly stopped, tensing, and looked down at Tony with a small frown of concern.
“If you do not wish this, Stark - “
Tony cut him off with a growl, pulling Loki’s head down to kiss him hard and make him shut up.
“I know,” he said simply, roughly, looking into Loki’s truly stunning eyes. Were they really that vivid before? In any case, he knew he was free to leave, to stop this. Somehow, he just… knew.
Tearing his eyes away from Loki’s, he realized that the dim lamp Loki had switched on revealed a bedroom. Not as ostentatious as Tony might’ve predicted from Loki, but comfortable. Earthy tones, a very full bookshelf, and a bed that looked more cozy than anything Tony had ever picked out.
Tony suddenly laughed, shaking his head. Loki stared at him, still holding onto him, looking curious and worried at once.
“This is insane,” Tony explained. “And I don’t even care.”
Now the grin was back, and without answering, Loki leaned to kiss Tony again, though this one was softer than the others they’d shared. Loki’s hands slid slowly down Tony’s back, grabbing his ass again, and god, did those hands feel good.
Tony responded by running his hands over Loki’s chest, realizing the sweater he wore was soaked from the melted snow. Loki chuckled and pulled away to remove it; Tony took the opportunity to fling his own hoodie away, knowing it had the same problem, leaving the dark blue shirt under it on. When he’d freed himself from the thing and let it go, he got a glimpse of Loki again – and the man was now wearing only jeans. He really hadn’t been wearing anything but the sweater.
“Well, fuck,” Tony managed, without the full consent of his brain. Really shouldn’t be making the ego bigger. But the man was gorgeous, and he had been alone for a while.
Whether or not it was a wise thing to say suddenly didn’t matter, though, because Loki gave him a pleased grin that told him he appreciated the reaction. He hadn’t figured the man would care too much, really, but it caused something to warm inside of him that he’d made Loki happy.
What a fucking sap.
Loki took the half-step that brought them together again, running his hands all over Tony’s back through his much thinner t-shirt now, and oh god, those hands were warm. Tony moaned – he’d even admit it this time – and brought his arms up to wrap around Loki, simply enjoying the feeling as the man kissed his forehead.
Loki, it seemed, suddenly had enough of the gentle, sweet touches and leaned down to devour Tony’s mouth again, his hands finding the waistband of Tony’s jeans and sliding beneath them, grabbing his ass that way. If Tony had thought those hands were warm and doing things to him over the t-shirt, it was nothing compared to feeling them separated from his bare skin by a thin slice of boxer-briefs.
“Loki,” he breathed, hazily leaning into the other man and sloppily kissing his chest.
“Yes, Stark?” Loki asked, his voice rough. It sounded restrained, too – like Loki was really trying to hold himself back. Tony definitely didn’t want that.
“You feel… amazing,” Tony managed, though that wasn’t quite what he wanted to say. His brain was really not working with him at this point.
Another of those dark chuckles, and Tony whimpered.
“Just wait until I really get started,” Loki promised, squeezing Tony’s ass until his nails dug in a little.
“Ungh,” was all Tony managed, and then he decided since talking wasn’t going to work out for him, he’d put his tongue to other use. Such was their height difference that his mouth was near perfectly placed to circle his tongue around a nipple before finally wrapping his lips around it in a sensuous kiss.
“Fuck,” Loki groaned, and Tony was pleased it was no longer just him making these ridiculous sounds. He realized that Loki’s hand had moved at some point; rather than in his jeans, those long fingers were tangled in his hair, gripping it lightly. It felt good – amazing – and it made Tony want in a way he hadn’t in a long time.
Tony unwrapped his arms from around Loki and slid his warm hands over Loki’s stomach, feeling the man tense. He glanced up to see a hungry look in Loki’s eyes; he’d wondered if he was ticklish, but this was pure desire.
“Go on, then,” Loki demanded when Tony had paused for too long, and Tony just grinned, shaking his head. His hands traced softly over the man’s skin until he reached the waistband of Loki’s jeans – hey, he didn’t feel like waiting, either, okay? - and tried to unbutton them. Excited as he was, though, he found himself fumbling with the button rather than working it properly.
“Fucking jeans,” he muttered, and Loki breathed out a laugh before pushing Tony’s hands away gently.
“Shall I show you how it’s done?” Loki asked, arching an eyebrow, and it took a lot of Tony’s self-control not to sink to his knees before the man with that tone and that look. Instead he took a breath and nodded eagerly, then took a half step back to watch as Loki’s slender fingers slid down his torso and reached into the waistband. Tony knew he was putting on a show – it was Loki, of course he was – but it was a damn fine show.
A moment later, Loki’s fingers deftly undid the button, the zipper, and then he was shimmying out of his jeans. The wiggling hips distracted Tony long enough that it took a moment to notice the underwear – simple black cotton briefs – but he pretty much had to chuckle when he did.
“What?” Loki asked, narrowing his eyes but a grin playing at his lips.
“Somehow I expected something more fancy,” Tony told him, shrugging. “You don’t seem like the ‘simple’ type.”
“Pardon me,” Loki said dryly, rolling his eyes, “but I was not expecting to bring a bed partner home tonight. I had to wear something, I was in those damnable jeans.”
It struck Tony then that this was a strangely intimate scene; Loki hadn’t been expecting company. His clothes, his home, his bed… none of it was a show put on, and he didn’t believe this was something anyone usually got to see from the man.
“I’m not exactly complaining,” Tony said, stepping back toward him and running his hands over those hips that had been swaying. “You’re hot as fuck anyway.”
Loki laughed quietly, and Tony felt that tingle again. More than desire, though… pleasure. He really seemed to be making Loki happy.
“So what would you usually be wearing, then?” Tony asked, looking up into Loki’s eyes.
A seductive grin spread over Loki’s face before he leaned down to Tony’s height, pulling him close.
“Nothing at all,” Loki whispered into Tony’s ear.
“Fuck,” Tony managed, and he realized it probably came out as more of a noise than a word, but whatever. It got the idea across. Who needed words?
“You appear to be overdressed, Tony Stark,” Loki told him, his hands already moving to Tony’s waistband as he spoke.
“Feel free to remedy that,” Tony breathed, his hands stroking Loki’s sides without him even thinking about it.
With the smallest of movements, Tony’s jeans were undone and Loki was pushing them down. He hadn’t even had to fumble with it and look stupid, Tony groused in his head. But Loki seemed to be thinking something entirely different as he pushed the jeans as far as he could, putting his lips on Tony’s to brush a series of soft kisses along his lower lip.
Loki’s hands stopped pushing, unable to do more without bending over entirely, and Tony happily helped him remove the jeans. He pulled off his socks while he did it before tossing the whole bundle aside carelessly.
“So were you expecting some kind of company this evening?” Loki teased, his hands moving over the back and sides of the soft navy blue boxer-briefs Tony wore.
“Definitely not,” Tony informed him, leaning in to kiss his chest again. “This is standard issue Tony Stark, baby.”
Loki gripped his hips, his thumbs both agonizingly close to the front of the underwear, the place where Tony was growing more desperate for him to touch.
“Then I can’t wait to see how you clean up,” Loki growled, bending to trap Tony in a deep kiss again, his hands stroking almost idly over Tony’s hips. Tony must have twitched or something, because a moment later, Loki paused to whisper the word “patience” in Tony’s ear, and his entire body shivered.
Loki’s fingers started to run over Tony’s skin just above the boxer-briefs, tracing gentle lines across his stomach, moving higher, and higher, and…
“Stop,” Tony said, tensing and grabbing Loki’s wrists before he’d even thought about it. To Loki’s credit, he froze at once, looking into Tony’s eyes for an explanation, and maybe even looking… worried?
“Is something the matter?” Loki asked calmly, his hands remaining frozen, barely pressed against Tony’s skin and Tony’s hands still holding his wrists.
“Too close to the reactor,” Tony explained, forcing himself to relax. Loki wasn’t trying to hurt him. But that didn’t stop the physical reaction.
“Ah,” Loki said in understanding, his hands falling away from Tony’s stomach now. “Shall I stop altogether?”
“Fuck, no,” Tony insisted, forcing his hands to let Loki’s wrists go. He flexed his fingers. “Fuck. Sorry. I just… give me a second.” He took a deep breath, refusing to look at the man.
“No need to apologize,” Loki said simply, and to Tony’s complete shock, he felt Loki’s fingers on his cheek, brushing lightly.
He knew distraction was generally a good way to get past those moments when he freaked out, or started to, but that simple action made his brain just go totally blank for a moment.
Loki was… comforting him?
What in all possible hell was that about?
“Breathe, Stark,” Loki said, his voice low and kind. Yes, kind. If anyone had asked what Tony thought might happen in this sort of moment, he never would’ve come up with this. “Are you alright?”
Tony took a breath, realizing with Loki’s words he had stopped. The slender fingers rested on Tony’s cheek, and Tony couldn’t help but look up at him now. He had to know what the fuck the man was thinking.
“Yeah,” Tony answered when he realized Loki was still waiting on a response. He looked into Loki’s eyes, searching. He had to be tricking him somehow, or… or... something. Something weird as hell was going on. But try as he might he couldn’t find a single thing but genuine concern in those eyes. “I don’t understand.”
“Understand what?” Loki asked, cocking his head in confusion and letting his hand fall away from Tony’s cheek.
“You… why are you… helping?”
Loki frowned at him, more confused yet.
“Were you not distressed?” Loki asked, and Tony swore a vulnerable look came over him then, something… self-conscious, almost. “I thought to ease your mind, but - “
“You did,” Tony confirmed, shaking his head in wonder, still unable to look away from Loki. “I just… didn’t expect you to – “
“Dammit, Stark, I’m not evil,” Loki huffed, crossing his arms and blushing just a little. Definitely blushing.
“How did you even know - ?”
“I don’t wish to discuss it,” Loki cut him off, not angry but making it clear the case was closed. “Suffice to say that I understand, and I have no wish to bed someone who is suffering.” He blew out a breath. “Would you like to continue?” he asked, and his tone and expression made clear his disappointment that Tony was definitely about to say no. To walk out.
“Are you kidding?” Tony asked, gesturing toward the mostly-naked Loki, trying to ligthen the mood. “I’m not crazy enough to turn that down.”
Loki let out a laugh of complete surprise, looking both relieved and delighted that Tony had not chosen to leave. He stepped back into Tony’s arms, kissing him softly.
“I won’t touch the reactor,” Loki promised. “Where shall I avoid?”
“Just my chest,” Tony replied, not even thinking about it. He usually told people not to even reach under his shirt; what the hell was he doing, giving Loki more leeway? But he just didn’t care.
Loki had just shown him more respect – caring, honest respect – than he’d seen in some time. If he was going to die a dumbass for trusting him a little, then so be it.
“Understood,” Loki said, then proceeded to scratch his short nails slightly up Tony’s back from his waistband, making the man shudder, and Loki grinned.
Tony pulled him in for another kiss, their mouths working together to consume one another for several moments, their hands roaming all over one another except for Tony’s chest. Loki carefully avoided it. Just like Tony had asked.
Tony got impatient, and mid-kiss, he moved his hand to the front of Loki’s waistband, then trailed it down until he could feel Loki’s cock inside his briefs.
“Oh, yes,” Loki hissed, pulling away from Tony’s mouth and throwing his head back as Tony squeezed him gently.
“God, Loki, you feel amazing,” Tony groaned, stroking the length as best he could through the damn cotton.
Loki growled in response, and his head righted itself as he got control over his senses again, his own hand moving down to grip Tony’s cock in reciprocation.
“Just. You. Wait,” Loki forced out, fingers squeezing Tony’s length as he took his lips in a punishing kiss.
“I’d rather not,” Tony argued, breathing heavily when Loki pulled back.
Loki stopped to stare at him for a moment – he looked a little stunned – and Tony took advantage of the distraction to bring his other hand up and stroke a finger around Loki’s other nipple.
The man sucked in a gasp of air that nearly choked him, and then all at once he picked Tony up – how could that possibly be? - and tossed him, rather gently given the situation, onto the bed. Tony didn’t even really bounce once before Loki was on top of him, straddling his hips and almost glaring - there was a fire in Loki’s eyes that Tony was longing to quench.
“I am going to devour you,” Loki promised as Tony squirmed beneath him.
Tony could feel Loki’s cock against his even though their underwear was still in the way, and the friction was going to drive him out of his mind. Loki took no notice, however, as he began kissing Tony’s neck – again carefully avoiding his chest, staying plenty far away – and making Tony writhe under him.
Tony was in a lust-fueled haze; he had absolutely no room to think of anything besides “I need more of this man”. Without telling his hands to move, he reached up and grabbed Loki’s hair, tugging it gently but firmly enough to make Loki remove his lips fron Tony’s neck, and then pulled Loki’s head to his, kissing him hard. He couldn’t even say why – seriously, no way of thinking – but this was the hottest fucking thing ever.
“Please tell me,” Loki breathed, pulling back from Tony only far enough to talk, “that you have no issue with me removing these.” He ran his fingers along the waistband of Tony’s boxer-briefs. He sounded as though he might actually die if Tony wouldn’t let him.
Yet he was asking anyway.
“Only that you’re not doing it fast enough,” Tony gasped out as Loki gripped his cock through the fabric. He opened his eyes – when had he shut them? - just in time to see that predatory grin back on Loki’s face. Good god, if this was some kind of prank or trap at this point, at least he’d fucking die happy.
Loki moved swiftly, swinging his leg back over Tony’s body so he could get up, but giving Tony a quick kiss before standing.
“Fuck, you’re beautiful,” Tony bit out, and he wasn’t normally one for a bunch of compliments, but he couldn’t help it this time – Loki was beautiful, and he was thrilled.
Loki chuckled, standing up fully, and slid his hands slowly down into the waistband of his briefs. Ensuring Tony’s eyes were on him, he slowly, slowly slid them down his legs, smoothly stepping out of them and straightening again.
“And now?” Loki asked smugly, because he knew what the answer was, the bastard.
“Goddammit Loki, just get inside me,” Tony practically whined. He didn’t normally whine, either, but look at this man – who wouldn’t?
“Is that what you’re so anxious for tonight?” Loki asked, bending down to pull at Tony’s boxer-briefs with not nearly as much fanfare as he’d removed his own.
Tony didn’t care, he lifted his hips and let Loki go as quickly as he wanted.
“Yes,” Tony breathed in answer, his breath catching as Loki’s fingers slid back up his legs and to his thighs.
“You know, you’re not so bad yourself, Stark,” Loki grinned, kneeling on the bed again on Tony’s legs.
Tony knew he looked good, but he was inordinately pleased at the compliment nonetheless. Loki’s fingers continued up Tony’s thighs, stopping to trace the crease where leg met body. Tony twitched, managing not to thrash his legs in desperation – Loki was pinning him, sure, but his legs were still near a pretty delicate place. He could feel the weight of Loki’s cock hanging down on his leg where the man straddled him, and god if that didn’t drive him crazy.
Loki’s hand stayed gentle as it moved ever closer to Tony’s cock, and Tony thought he’d be reduced to begging if Loki didn’t just touch him already, but luckily Loki seemed to be on the same page. Loki wrapped his hand firmly around Tony’s length and gave a short, slow stroke; Tony moaned with his entire body.
“You are eager,” Loki breathed, but if anything he sounded more turned on than judgemental about it, so Tony didn’t bother to reply. It felt like every bit of his brain was focused on the warm, amazingly soft hand on his cock, barely moving though it was.
Suddenly the warmth was gone, and Tony let out the most ridiculous, piteous noise he’d ever heard. He would’ve been embarrassed, if he could think.
“Patience,” Loki whispered again, and then Tony couldn’t complain because Loki’s body was covering his own, warm and comfortable and delicious, and just as Tony thought Loki would kiss him, the man moved to the side.
Tony’s noise of frustration made Loki laugh quietly, and feeling the laugh on his entire body was a whole new weird thing that he never thought would be this amazing. Tony felt Loki reaching for something, fumbling around, and then he was back, his body covering Tony’s completely again and granting him the kiss he so wanted.
The next moment Loki was sitting up again, and Tony moaned at the loss of the delicious body pressed against him. He wasn’t disappointed for long, though, because Loki returned to stroking his cock as he knelt between Tony’s legs. He stopped for the briefest moment and then returned, his hand slick, and Tony realized what Loki had been doing. Lube.
He then realized he could, in fact, open his eyes if he wanted to see these things.
What he saw was long, dark hair partially covering an incredibly handsome face and a concentrated smirk (was that even a thing? That’s what Loki was doing) peeking out the side. And a hand – a glorious, slick hand, with long slender fingers, sliding over his length.
He vaguely remembered Loki had said the word ‘devour’ before, and right now he fully believed that’s what the man intended. And he wanted it more than he’d ever wanted anything.
Tony watched Loki pour more lube into his hand, then toss the bottle aside; before Tony could even take a breath, one of Loki’s hands was back on his cock and the other was trailing a finger down his balls, behind them, pressing on his perineum, and then sliding around his hole and fuck he hadn’t felt that in so long.
Loki laughed when Tony gave a groan of pleasure as his whole body twitched at the sensation, and it seemed to urge him on because he was pressing harder, and harder, and just not quite hard enough, and it was the most delicious thing Tony could think of.
“My, you’re sensitive,” Loki observed as Tony panted, his eyes laser-focused on Loki’s because what else in the world mattered but those beautiful, beautiful eyes?
“Been – a while,” Tony gasped, kind of impressed he managed to make words happen with the sheer sensation that was coursing through him, starting at that tight ring of muscle, continuing from his cock, and radiating just… everywhere.
“Then I can make it worth your wait,” Loki promised, leaning down to kiss Tony’s stomach just under his belly button. Tony twitched – it tickled, but in the hottest possible way – and Loki sat back up, smirking. Loki’s persistent finger finally, finally pressed inside Tony, and he thought he might swallow his damn tongue as he gasped; damn, it had been way too fucking long.
“Fucking yes, Loki,” Tony begged – yeah, he got to that point, but he couldn’t be blamed.
“Mmm,” Loki murmured, twirling his finger around and then adding a second, making Tony buck up into him. “I do like it when you say my name like that, Stark.”
And Tony liked it too; he liked saying Loki’s name, he liked hearing Loki call him ‘Stark’. Seemed weird, since it was annoying generally, but – he could unpack that mess later. Who in the hell cared right now?
“Loki,” Tony managed, making sure to stare into the man’s eyes again, his voice a husky, needy growl.
“Damn it all,” Loki muttered, leaning up to kiss him hard again. “You may regret provoking me, Stark.”
“Don’t care,” Tony panted as Loki’s fingers moved again, finding that sweet spot where they rubbed against his prostate. His eyes were definitely closed again and he realized he really had no control over them at this point. “Need you.”
“You need me?” Loki asked seductively, his lips pressed against Tony’s. Tony could swear there was a hint of uncertainty there, but that was something else to pull at later. He didn’t care.
“I need you… ungh…” Loki’s fingers pulled back and thrust into him, well-timed with a hard stroke of his cock, “… I need you to fuck me, Loki, god.”
“Well since you asked so nicely,” Loki smirked, then adjusted on the bed so he was kneeling next to Tony instead of between his legs. He gave Tony’s cock a gentle squeeze before removing his hand, but left his fingers inside the man, much to Tony’s delight.
“A little assistance?” Loki asked, and Tony opened his eyes to realize the man was kneeling within arms reach, his hand stroking himself, and he sure didn’t look like he needed any help to Tony. But fuck, was it hot.
“Where’d the - “ Tony started.
“By your right hand,” Loki said gruffly, and now Tony could hear he was breathless. Now he was affecting the man for certain. It made him stupidly proud.
Tony grabbed around for a second and found the lube, squirting more into his hand than he probably needed but it’s not like he could focus, and who cared anyway? As he reached for Loki’s cock – and god, was it beautiful, it was going to feel incredible inside him – Loki pulled his own hand away, watching Tony closely. He seemed to be wondering what Tony might do.
Tony didn’t take time to wonder; normally, he might have thought about if he should be gentle or rough, easy or hard, take it slow or get right to it. But his body was acting of his own accord and when Loki’s fingers pressed up against his prostate again, he groaned and his hand reacted on instinct. He took Loki’s cock in hand, not being rough enough to hurt the man but definitely not being gentle, and began to stroke it steadily, ensuring it was entirely coated.
“Fuck, Stark, those hands,” Loki moaned quietly, and Tony felt a thrill rush through him. He always did like pleasing his partners. Loki’s face was in shadow, so he couldn’t see it all that well, but he was certain the man’s lips were parted in enjoyment.
It didn’t take long – not as long as Tony would’ve liked, honestly, as much as he liked feeling that cock in his hand – before Loki stilled him, readjusting on the bed. He pulled his fingers out of Tony, trying to be gentle though it was clear they were both way past patient at this point, and settled between his legs. Tony spread them further instinctively, and Loki grinned.
“I will make you scream, Stark,” Loki promised, that delicious almost-glare holding Tony’s eyes long enough that Tony didn’t notice him moving right away. Then he felt the head of Loki’s cock pressing on his opening, and he out-and-out whined.
“Please,” Tony begged, his hands reaching for the man’s hips, but found they couldn’t reach from this position.
“Patience,” Loki told him, yet again that night, and Tony was tired of hearing it (no he wasn’t, like he was going to get tired of that voice). He laid his hands at his side, gazing up at Loki in what he meant to be a real glare but probably just came off as desperate.
“Yesssss,” Tony hissed, his eyes closing again as Loki pushed his way inside him. “God, yes. Like that.” He was being gentle, but not overly gentle, and Tony was glad he didn’t have to try to tell him to do more. It was exactly what he needed.
“Fuck’s sake, Stark, you’re tight,” Loki said, and his voice was so tight Tony forced his eyes open, looking up at the man in concern. Loki’s face was the picture of overwhelmed delight, however, so he let his eyes flutter closed again.
“Oh god, Loki,” Tony moaned as the man continued to press inside him, and then twitched when his cock hit that lump of tissue inside him like his fingers had. Loki kept going; Tony had thought he was long, but it was a whole other thing feeling that length inside him, and he almost thought it would never end and definitely wished it wouldn’t.
It did, though; Loki’s hips were pressed up against Tony’s ass, and there was no further to go.
“You feel incredible,” Tony babbled out between breaths, trying to reach for Loki again and still not finding a way to stretch that far. Loki helped him out this time, though, leaning forward just enough to capture Tony’s hands and press them into the bed. The movement caused Loki to shift inside him, and it felt so good that Tony couldn’t help wriggling a little bit to try and prolong it.
“You are exquisite,” Loki breathed, staring hard at Tony again. “I want…” he broke off with a breath, thrusting his hips just the tiniest amount and making both men groan.
“What?” Tony asked desperately. “What do you want?”
“I want to fuck you,” Loki whispered, and Tony could swear he was as desperate as he felt.
“I’m not stopping you,” Tony breathed out. “Have at it.” A last, almost probing look into Tony’s eyes, and then Tony couldn’t see anymore because Loki was thrusting into him and his eyes slammed shut.
“Oh god, yes, Loki,” Tony babbled, along with a bunch of other sounds that may have been words, he couldn’t be sure. Loki was keeping a steady pace, not quite fast enough for what Tony really wanted but he also didn’t want this to be over as soon as it started, so he didn’t complain.
“That’s right,” Loki growled, his voice animalistic as he thrust into Tony. “Tell me how it feels, Stark. Tell me what I do to you.”
“F-fuck!” Tony gasped at a particularly hard thrust. “It – it feels – amazing,” he breathed. How was he supposed to tell Loki anything? His brain wouldn’t work. “You – you make me – ahh, fuck, yes, there,” Tony broke off when Loki hit a certain angle.
“Like that?” Loki asked, continuing the same motion he’d just used, and Tony writhed beneath him.
“Yes, yes, like that!” Tony answered. “God, I - “ He started to move his hand to his own cock, wanting desperately to be touched, but then remembered Loki’s hands were pinning them down. “Touch me,” Tony begged, forcing his eyes open again to implore the man on top of him. “Please, I need - “
“Anything you like,” Loki breathed, bending down to kiss him harshly before leaning back enough to grab Tony’s cock.
“Oh hell yes,” Tony encouraged as Loki began to stroke him in an opposing rhythm to the man’s thrusts. He felt a little guilty; he wasn’t really contributing much to the party, but he took a great thrill in lying there being Loki’s plaything. “Fuck, Loki, I wanted - “
“What did you want?” Loki urged, his movements becoming more erratic.
“Longer,” Tony groaned out. “Wanted – to last – can’t – unngghhhh,” Tony couldn’t keep speaking as Loki’s wrist twisted in the most delicious way as he stroked Tony. He felt, more than heard, Loki’s chuckle, and saw the man looking at him smugly.
“Good,” Loki said. “Because neither can I.” He stilled momentarily, giving Tony’s cock a firm squeeze. “But first… I will make you scream,” Loki promised.
“Please,” Tony begged, writhing to get a little friction back; anything that made Loki move again, he’d agree to.
Loki gave Tony’s cock a firm stroke, then settled into a rhythm, faster this time, moving his hips and really fucking Tony now, just as he’d asked.
“God, oh god, yes, fuck, right there, Loki, so good, oh fuck,” Tony gasped with each thrust (or at least, he thought he did, he didn’t know if they actually came out as words). He could feel the tension building in his body and his hips canted up toward Loki’s without his direction, it all just felt too good, and then Loki stroked a thumb over the head of Tony’s cock and Tony was sure he was about to come. Loki must have noticed because he leaned down as far as he could, staring into Tony’s eyes.
“Come for me, Stark,” Loki commanded, and yeah, that did it. Tony fell over the edge, the tension bursting from him in a delightful explosion of bliss. Loki above him, Loki’s hand stroking him, Loki’s cock inside him, Loki’s voice coaxing him, Loki, Loki, Loki…
He realized he was babbling the man’s name out loud, and that he had, in fact, screamed. As promised.
“Fuck, Stark, that was amazing,” Loki panted, his voice high pitched and tense as he gave a last, gentle stroke to Tony’s cock. “You feel - “
“God, Loki, yes,” Tony moaned as Loki continued to fuck him, the man’s eyes glued to his now in a desperate bid for release. “Fuck… amazing… Loki… yes… please… want to feel… come,” he murmured, his body no longer under any kind of his control, and his brain possibly less so. Fortunately it seemed like it was the right thing to say because then Loki was coming, thrusting hard inside Tony with a strangled, quiet moan.
A final hard thrust and Loki bent over Tony, kissing him with a sense of desperation, fulfillment, and longing that only further befuddled Tony’s mind. A couple of short, gentle thrusts later and Loki’s lips left Tony’s as he pulled out of him gently, taking a moment to admire the sight before him before falling to the bed beside Tony.
Both men lay on the bed in quiet bliss for several long minutes, trying to catch their breath and remember how muscles were suppose to work.
“Well,” Loki murmured quietly after his breath calmed down, “that certainly made my night better.”
Tony couldn’t help a laugh at that.
“Gotta agree with that,” Tony remarked. “Hell of a lot better than a shallow fucking party.”
“Glad I could provide,” Loki said, and Tony turned his head to see the man looking smug again. “I did tell you there was plenty divine about me.”
“I can’t argue,” Tony told him. “That was… damn, Loki.
“My pleasure,” Loki grinned, and Tony laughed again. He felt light, he felt carefree, and he felt a lot less lonely than he’d started out. He also felt slightly confused, but he guessed that could be expected after fucking your former enemy.
“You got a towel or something?” Tony asked, gesturing to the mess on his stomach, partly on the bottom of his shirt.
Loki chuckled and nodded. “One moment,” he said, managing to get up off the bed and giving Tony quite a nice view in the process. What an ass that man had. Loki returned a moment later with a soft towel, and Tony cleaned himself up as best he could, though he knew he’d definitely be showering when he got home.
Home. Damn. He was at Loki’s. He frowned.
“Problem?” Loki asked, and from his tone of voice, the man felt every bit as satisfied as Tony did.
“Not real interested in going out in the cold again to get home,” Tony laughed. A thought flitted through his mind of staying there, at Loki’s; he shoved it away as soon as it came, though. The rest of this night was crazy enough; that would be way too far.
“Ah,” Loki said, and Tony couldn’t help but hear a small note of disappointment in it. No way Loki had just been thinking the same thing, right? Of course not. He was imagining things, because it’d been too long since he’d slept with a man. “Well, can’t that suit of yours fly?”
“If I had it on me,” Tony said, shaking his head. He was feeling more idiotic by the moment; all this, and after he knew damn well he didn’t have a suit on him? How stupid could he be? It sounded like Loki was thinking along the same lines, as he made a noise of surprise.
“You went out without your suit’s capabilities?” Loki asked, his eyes wide.
“Yeah, I know, stupid, right?” Tony laughed self-deprecatingly. He stood suddenly, going for his clothes. He felt distinctly uncomfortable at the realization. He stopped halfway through buttoning his jeans. “Where… even are we?”
“Not that far from your tower, don’t worry,” Loki snorted, getting dressed himself. “I’m only a few blocks north,” he added, gesturing.
Tony looked at his phone. 3:16 in the morning. Well, he’d called Happy at weirder times. But he really didn’t feel like explaning why he was where he was. And it was technically Christmas Day. Well, it wasn’t far enough that a walk was unreasonable, he decided.
“Right,” Tony said, shaking his head and looking back at Loki. The man looked as awkward as he felt. How did one say good night after running into an old enemy, dancing with them in Central Park, and then returning to said enemy’s apartment for a good fuck?
“I suppose this is good night,” Loki said.
Okay, maybe it was that simple.
“Right,” Tony said again. He wanted to say more – he felt like this was more than a one-night stand, he felt like more – but he had no idea what it would be. Or what wouldn’t sound insane. “I… thanks,” he ventured. “I did have a good time tonight.”
Loki gave him a little half-smile, and something fluttered in Tony’s heart. He ignored it.
“As did I, Stark,” Loki murmured. “Shall I show you out of the building, or - ?”
“I’ve got it,” Tony rushed, not wanting to prolong the awkward interaction. They both still stood, staring at one another and not moving. “Well… night.”
“Good night,” Loki said, turning his head away, and Tony managed to take that cue and hurry out of the apartment.
It was easy enough to find the elevator and the front door, and it was easy to realize where he was when he got outside. Not far at all, really. Unfortunately, it meant he had nothing to distract him from his brain muttering the words stupid, stupid, stupid over and over again.
Returning home, JARVIS politely greeted him – the AI had always been accustomed to Tony returning home at all hours – and Tony poured himself a drink. Just something small, hoping it’d shut his brain up.
It sort of worked.
He got his shower, got into bed, and lay there for longer than he’d have liked. Wondering.
What if he’d stayed? What if there was more? What if he saw Loki again? What if he didn’t? Why did he really, really want to?
At some point during his musings, Tony finally fell asleep, deciding he just wouldn’t bother thinking about it again.
Probably.
*****
Tony spent a large part of Christmas Day sleeping and then in his workshop. He ignored the texts from Bruce and Steve, wishing him a merry Christmas and saying he could visit if he liked. He didn’t. He responded to the ones from Happy and Rhodey, because he knew they wouldn’t expect anything from him. But largely he ignored the world.
Finally, late in the evening he came out and headed into the kitchen, grabbing a flavored water from the fridge and downing it. He never did remember to eat or drink when he was working, so it tasted pretty good. He was just wondering what he might be able to eat for dinner when JARVIS interrupted his thoughts.
“Sir, there is someone at the door, requesting to come up,” the AI informed him. Surprised, and a little angry that Steve or Bruce or whoever would’ve just come over without asking – even if it was Christmas – he made a quick decision.
“Which one of them is it?” Tony asked, rolling his eyes. He’d just deal with whoever it was quickly and send them away.
“Loki,” JARVIS replied simply. A pause where JARVIS didn’t continue and Tony couldn’t speak. “Shall I tell him to go away?”
“Uh – I – no,” Tony stammered. “No, I – uh. Well.” This was going well. He gave in to his reckless side; his suits were nearby, and JARVIS wouldn’t even be asking if the AI felt there was any danger to Tony. And honestly, there was nothing inside Tony that made him think Loki was there for anything bad. “Ok. Have him… have him come up,” Tony finally decided on.
“Of course, sir,” JARVIS replied, not even questioning Tony’s odd decision. Which Tony realized was odd itself, because JARVIS was his security system.
Before Tony could really get into pondering that, there was a knock at the door.
Tony opened it to find Loki standing there, looking much the same as he had the night before, just in a different sweater. Red – how festive, he thought with a smirk. Loki looked incredibly unsure of himself, and damn if that was a sight Tony had never expected to see in his life.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d let me in,” Loki said, making no move to actually come in.
“How did you know where I live?” Tony asked, realizing it was an idiotic question before it even finished leaving his tongue.
Loki raised an eyebrow at him, in an expression that clearly said, duh.
“Right. Sorry. So… what’s up?”
Loki looked down at his feet, and fidgeted a little with his hands – actually fidgeted! Like he was nervous!
“I… didn’t like how we parted last night,” Loki admitted to the floor. “I suppose I wanted to… talk.”
“Talk,” Tony said, dumbfounded, but feeling a little leap in his stomach. He’d felt the same, even if he’d tried to ignore it all day. To think he wasn’t the only one…
“Yes, talk,” Loki said, looking up at Tony now, smirking. Goddamn that smirk. “I presume you’re familiar with the concept.”
Tony burst into laughter, waving Loki inside. The man came in, Tony shutting the door behind him, and looked around while Tony tried to stop laughing.
“Alright, Reindeer Games, that was a good one,” Tony told him. Loki still looked guarded, but a good bit less nervous. “What do you want to talk about?”
“Well,” Loki said, his voice softer than Tony expected as he pulled his eyes away from a spot in the middle of the room – the spot he’d left a hole in, actually.
Tony wondered what Loki was thinking while he paused.
“If it’s all the same to you, I’ll have that drink now,” Loki finished, staring at Tony with a weird kind of desperate, hopeful, confused gaze.
Tony couldn’t help it. His face broke into a grin.
“At your service,” Tony said, gesturing to the bar. Loki’s shoulders relaxed and he offered a genuine smile.
Tony wasn’t sure what was supposed to happen from here, but he was pretty damn excited to find out.