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It wasn’t planned.
Norns knew if it had been suggested even a few years ago, Loki would have utterly dismissed it. (Truthfully, he still found it hard to accept some days.)
Simply put, after his invasion of Midgard and subsequent redemption on the planet, Loki had found himself in a tower full of alphas. For many omegas, it might have proven overwhelming, but he had grown up on Asgard where alphas were dominate and omegas both rare and coveted.
He, of course, was not coveted and he had gone out of his way to refuse any alpha who came close. Often, they wanted him for his title or status not because of him. His refusal to obey and his outright violence when someone tried to make him meant that he was undesired.
It meant that being the sole omega in Avenger Tower should have caused him little drama. It should have been the same as Asgard where everyone, both alpha and beta, sneered at him or outright ignored his presence.
But, from the earliest moments, it wasn’t.
Because while the Avengers had originally disliked him for his actions, their subsequent understanding of what he had been through meant they felt sorry for him. He, after all, was a poor and pitiful omega who had been manipulated. It rankled him and found him wanting to lash out.
He often did, but rather than create hostility, they seemed even more inclined to mother him. Him. As if he was some pathetic Midgardian child rather than a being older and far superior to them.
The only one who didn’t was Anthony Stark.
He, much to Loki’s initial confusion, treated Loki as if he were merely… a person. As if his designation did not matter. He also believed Loki could look after himself.
It had first occurred a week into his time in the tower. Rogers and Thor had been trying to convince him not to use the training rooms alone. He’d nearly eviscerated them, but the bands still monitoring his seidr had warmed in warning. Rather than gain even further restrictions, he had turned on his heel and left.
While stalking down the halls he had almost run into Anthony Stark.
“Woah there, Reindeer Games,” he’d exclaimed, reeling back. “You’ll take a guy out if you’re not careful.”
“It would bring me great pleasure to do so,” Loki had snarled.
“That’s rude. What have I ever done to you?”
Loki, much as he hadn’t liked it at the time, had been forced to concede.
“Little. Therefore, you would be wise to stay out of my path.”
“Yeah, JARVIS mentioned you looked ready to come to blows.”
Loki had glared. “So, you are spying on me?”
“No. Not really. More keeping a general eye on whether murder is soon to occur in the tower.”
Loki’s upper lip had curled. “Oh? And I would have thought you would believe your shield brothers too noble to do such a thing?”
Anthony had blinked. “Erm. I wasn’t talking about them.”
The words had been so unexpected that they had broken through his anger.
“You expected the violence to come from me?” he’d questioned, feeling incredulous.
“Uh. Yeah? You’re not exactly subtle when you’re radiating fury.”
“And you believe I could overcome two alphas?”
Anthony had continued to look confused.
“Um. You threw me through a window and undermined the people trying to control you? You almost took over Earth and probably would have if you’d actually wanted that as an outcome? What part of that means I’m going to doubt your ability to beat the crap out of them?”
It had been his turn to stare in confusion.
“But… I am omega.”
“And what part of that stops you from being able to kick most of our asses?”
“Nothing,” Loki had whispered.
“Right, exactly.” Anthony had still looked very confused, as if he didn’t understand what the problem had been. “Well, anyway. Try not to kill people if you can avoid it. I wouldn’t blame you, but I don’t relish the clean-up, you know?”
He’d then, seemingly unthinkingly, patted Loki on the shoulder before walking away. Loki had stared after him, his anger forgotten to be replaced by a strange warmth where the man had touched him, as well as acute disbelief.
Because an alpha had just acknowledged his worth and power. Not only that, an alpha had touched him and he had not shied away or lashed out. Instead, he had… not minded.
It had been at that moment, and for the first time, that Loki had actually found himself curious about an alpha. And with his anger all but forgotten, Loki had decided to explore the man’s behaviour further.
He had felt certain it would be a fluke. A single lapse in the alpha’s otherwise frustrating and pitying behaviour.
Only… it hadn’t been.
In the weeks that followed, Loki had made sure to cross paths with Anthony numerous times. He had put himself in positions he would never have dared around other alphas. He had waited for coddling, mocking, posturing and even overtures. There had been none.
Anthony had seemed confused, amused, irritated and disinterested in equal measure.
Such behaviour was so foreign, so intriguing that it had landed him in his current predicament.
Anthony Stark did not behave like a typical alpha. He didn’t try to protect Loki, to dominate him or otherwise treat him as a potential possession. And in doing so, Loki gave him grudging respect, then genuine regard and finally, much to his frustration… affection.
It had been four months since that initial conversation in the hall and he was now a frequent visitor to Anthony’s lab. At first, it had been so different, so nice to be respected regardless of his designation. It had been relieving to be able to stand in close quarters and alone with an alpha and not fear the man’s touch or aggression.
Until, rather suddenly, it was not. It began to annoy him.
He had never once cared about his lack of desirability. Honestly, he had preferred it as it kept alphas at a distance and allowed him his solitude. Now, it felt like an insult. He was intelligent, gifted with seidr and capable. All things that Anthony Stark should admire.
So then, why did the alpha so completely ignore him?
He was handsome, was he not? He was a reforming villain, yes, but his connections to Asgard and the other realms should have found a man like Anthony clamouring to court him.
Which, of course, begged the question, why did he care?
A question he did not like considering because it opened far too many doors to uncomfortable questions. (Because he had never cared, never wanted to care. But the Norns damned warmth every time Anthony touched him was hard to dismiss.)
Because, he had done what every foolish omega did at some point in their life. He had found an alpha he liked, and, surprise of all surprises, the alpha had, of course, no interest in him.
Of course, there were many avenues he could take.
He could express his interest to Anthony and hope for reciprocation (something he did not have high hopes for nor wish to suffer through).
He could ignore it entirely (but he had never been good at merely suffering or wallowing in silence. He had done enough of that on Asgard to last him an eternity).
Which, in a way, left him with a single recourse open to him.
He went to Thor.
While he did not enjoy seeking assistance from his adopted family for anything, he wanted a solution and this seemed the best option.
His previous experience with alphas meant he had little chance of a problem.
After waiting to be allowed into Thor’s rooms, Loki had stood before him with no wish for Thor’s blundering attempts at pleasantries.
“I wish for you to make an offer for me,” he stated.
Thor frowned. “An offer?”
“On behalf of the Odinsons.”
Thor blinked. Then his eyes widened.
“You wish us to proposition an alpha?”
Instinctively, Loki wanted to twitch. He had always hated the laws. Because, yes, while leaving a family in charge of an omega’s future could protect them. It could also hinder them. Loki had known from a young age that if he did not find an alpha of his choosing, Odin would select one for him in due course.
In Anthony he had found an alpha whom he genuinely liked. It was the best outcome he could possibly gain and it could allow him to see how the mortal reacted to the idea.
“Yes,” he stated.
“You have found one here? On Midgard?”
“Is that a problem? Surely any alpha is acceptable? One must merely feed them an apple and any problems of mortality will be immaterial.”
“I am just surprised, brother,” Thor said, still seeming mystified. “You have denied alphas for so long.”
“Perhaps I merely needed to find the right hand to master me,” Loki drawled.
Thor, much as he expected, brightened at the words. He didn’t hear the sarcasm or the lifetime of loathing such words inspired. Because, that’s what he would always be to Asgardian alphas. A possession in need of an owner.
At least with Anthony, Loki could be certain he would be seen as more than that.
Thor stepped forward and clasped his neck. Loki twitched, but remained in place. The Thunderer smiled at him, looking immensely happy.
“If this is so then I shall happily make this alpha the offer. Who gains your favour?”
“Anthony Stark.”
Thor, if possible, only seemed happier.
“A fine warrior and provider. You choose wisely, brother.” He squeezed again. “I shall go directly to offer you to him. I am sure he cannot refuse such a fine prize.”
Rather than say something that would descend into an argument and possibly lose him Thor’s goodwill. He merely nodded. Thor released him and left the room as cheer personified. The moment the door was shut, he rolled his eyes and teleported to his floor.
He went to his room and dropped down upon his bed. He laid there and stared at the ceiling as he waited.
Loki knew it would only be a matter of time before Anthony sought him out. He was torn between curiosity and a hint of wariness. After all, he might believe Anthony an alpha worth accepting, but only time would tell if he was proven right.
It had been a high risk, but he felt certain Anthony would not accept immediately. He would come to him to confirm his interest and that was when Loki would learn exactly what the alpha thought of him.
And yet, he could not help but worry about if the man said yes. Because, if he did, by Asgardian Law, he would belong to Anthony entirely.
No matter how fond he was growing of Anthony, being owned was a concept that still filled him with a distaste bordering on revulsion.
It took less than a half hour before the doors of his rooms were being thrown open. Loki cringed, he also readied his seidr in immediate response. He had hopes for what would follow, but regardless, he would be ready.
When Anthony Stark stalked into the room with tense shoulders and a look of confusion, and possibly even disgust on his face, Loki tried to remain calm and relaxed.
“Have you come to claim what is yours?” he drawled.
“What the fuck, Loki?”
Loki was ready to leap into action at a moment’s notice. But he saw more disbelief than lust in the man’s expression.
“I assume Thor has made his offer on behalf of the Odinson family?”
“He told me that I have the right to claim you as my possession. That I can wander downstairs and fuck you until you either accept or a bond is formed.”
The disgust in his voice twisted Loki’s stomach. It was an instinct he couldn’t quell. The alpha he wanted didn’t seem to want him. But, logically, he knew it might be all manner of things that Anthony was resistant to.
“That is correct,” Loki said. Anthony gritted his teeth. “You are within your rights to refuse,” Loki continued, “but I would think carefully before doing so.”
“What?” Anthony snapped. “You’ll stab me and Thor will beat me up?”
“No,” Loki replied. “But an omega prince is a fine trophy and not something offered frequently.”
Anthony blinked, and abruptly, the anger simmering beneath his skin seemed to disperse.
“What…? You’re not… you’re not an object, Loki.”
“I am omega. It equates to the same thing.”
“That is… that is fucking bullshit.”
Anthony was back to being angry again, but unlike before, it didn’t increase Loki’s tension, rather it made him relax.
“Oh? Then you are not planning to pounce upon and ravish me?”
“Christ, Loki. No. God. I just… fuck. I came here because I thought you’d put Thor up to some kind of bullshit prank and-”
“I would not joke about this,” Loki said.
He also sat up fully. He drew his legs inward until they were crossed. He rested his hands loosely between his legs. Despite the open posture, he was still ready to draw his daggers. Only unlike any other alpha would react upon being given him on a platter, Anthony did not seem threatening.
“Then you… you really told him that I could have you?”
Loki’s cheek twitched. He didn’t like his interest being so openly discussed, but he had begun the process, it would be foolish to discard it now.
“I will be given to an alpha at some point in my life. Did I attempt to gain one I could tolerate? Yes.”
“Fuck, Loki. I don’t… I didn’t…”
“Yes?” Loki questioned. “You what? Because from the earliest moments since arriving in this tower, you have given no indication that you feel anything for me. And I will admit, that does annoy. You have treated me with respect, with the acknowledgement that I am dangerous. You treat me well. So, yes, Anthony Stark. I believe you are deserving of the benefits of claiming an Asgardian Prince. What I do not know is whether I am something you would find appealing.”
“Are you asking me whether I’m attracted to you?” Anthony asked, the question almost wheezed.
“Well?” Loki snapped. “Are you?”
“God.” Anthony ran a hand over his face. “This isn’t… this isn’t simple, Loki.”
“Isn’t it?” He demanded. “Am I attractive to you? Am I an omega you can bed? Or am I simply so completely unappealing that you cease to see me as ‘omega’?”
Anthony swallowed. He also stared at the floor. “It’s more complicated than that.”
Loki glared. “Explain it to me.”
“You’ve… you’ve noticed the way I treat you is different to the way other alphas do, right?” He glanced up and Loki nodded stiffly. “Well, I can’t… I can’t take full credit for that.”
Loki frowned. “What do you mean?”
“I’ve never been great with emotions. I’m actually really fucking shit with them. And that extends to designations.”
Loki’s frown deepened.
“I do not follow,” he grudgingly admitted.
“I don’t really get it. Like, yeah, I’m alpha and you’re omega, but I don’t really see us as different. I’ve never seen any of us the same way.” Anthony rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. “It pisses everyone off, to be honest. I don’t act the way everyone expects and wants me too. People put up with me, but I know what they mutter behind my back. I’m not normal. I got used to it a long time ago.”
Loki stared at the alpha, trying to equate it with what he’d seen of Anthony. It made… a strange amount of sense. Yes, he had seen the others grow annoyed when Anthony was in the room. Yes, he had noticed their peculiar looks around the two of them. But mostly, he had been focusing on their reactions to him, not their reactions to Anthony himself.
“I see,” Loki murmured.
“It was nice, actually, with you,” Anthony mumbled. “You’re the first person who’s seemed to like it.”
Loki was startled. He hadn’t thought of it in such a way. Yes, Anthony was the first alpha to treat him the way he wished to be treated. But he had not thought whether other omegas would like such behaviour.
“And that is why you made no move to persue me?”
Anthony laughed harshly. “Loki, you tense up anytime someone so much as mentions ‘omega’. You also gave zero indication you’d enjoy anyone touching or wanting more from you.”
“I let you touch me,” Loki murmured.
It was as close to a confession as he could get. Anthony blinked before looking shocked. It was as if he’d never noticed the way Loki was different around him. And, if he was as useless with emotions and designations as he’d admitted, it would make sense that he hadn’t.
“Oh,” Anthony whispered.
Loki merely looked at him, wondering what the alpha would do. Wondering if Anthony’s implications meant he might have thought about him. He needed to know.
I have already pushed it this far.
“If you knew I would let you close to me,” Loki murmured. “Would you step nearer, Anthony Stark?”
Anthony swallowed. He also met Loki’s gaze. His usual warm brown eyes were hard to read. He took a step closer and Loki’s heart sped up. A part of him wanted to tense, but he ignored it. He kept watching Anthony as the alpha came around the bed.
He sat down and after a brief hesitation, he extended his hand. He paused in mid-air, but when Loki did not move away, he rested his hand on Loki’s knee. Warmth radiated from the spot. A small keening noise wanted to form, but Loki swallowed it down.
He would not show such weakness, especially not in front of an alpha.
(Not even Anthony. Not yet – maybe, not ever.)
“I don’t like the way the Asgardians do things,” Anthony said, his voice sounding raw. “I don’t like that you’re some fucking trophy for me to own.”
“I have never enjoyed the idea of being someone’s possession,” Loki answered. “Despised it, in fact. To the point that I would rather be the most hated omega in the realms if only to save me the degradation of a claiming.”
“But you asked for me,” Anthony murmured. “You suggested it to Thor. Put it in motion.”
“Yes.”
“Because you knew I hated it too.”
“You had seemed to,” Loki agreed.
“Fuck,” Anthony shook his head. “That was a hell of a risk.” He huffed a laugh. “You were ready to rip me to shreds if I misstepped, weren’t you?”
Loki grinned faintly. Anthony chuckled and not for the first time, Loki could admit how handsome the mortal was. Yet, all too soon Anthony sobered. His humour disappeared for seriousness.
“I do like you, Loki,” he said. “But I don’t want to claim you the Asgardian way. That shit is nasty. I don’t even want to do it the Earth way. I just…” he seemed to struggle. He even looked down at where he was touching Loki. “I like what we have. Yeah, I’d like more. But just… I don’t know how to do it. I’ve never needed to.”
He looked at Loki again, as if seeking guidance.
What a strange situation, Loki thought. For perhaps the first time in the Nine Realms, an omega needs to lead an alpha.
Yet, Loki was not unnerved, in fact he was almost charmed. He was also (although he would never admit it aloud) relieved. This was exactly as he had hoped – better even. Anthony was accepting him. Clumsily, yes, but genuinely. He was also giving Loki more than a fair say in the matter.
It was why Loki leaned forward. He closed the space, watching Anthony’s eyes widen at how close they were.
“Leave it to me, alpha,” Loki murmured. “For I do not seek someone to dominate or pamper me. I seek a partner whom I can trust and whom can trust me. We have already managed quite well as we are, haven’t we? Now, we will merely add intimacy.”
Anthony’s eyes darkened. “I can get behind intimacy.”
Loki chuckled. “Good.”
He also closed the remaining distance and kissed him. Anthony cupped his neck and immediately kissed back. He wasn’t dominating, he wasn’t aggressive. He was merely Anthony and he was taking his lead from Loki.
What a strange, fascinating alpha.
The thought found Loki smirking as he dragged Anthony closer.
And now, he is mine.