Since some of y'all asked for Thorki fics, I'm gonna do one. They're not related in here (not that they ever were in Marvel in my opinion). Hope you will enjoy this fic though!
⛔ Mentioned of character deaths, mentioned of a toxic relationship, mentioned of an abusive relationship, mentioned of rape (non-consensual sexual intimacy) and psychological torture, mental health issues, mention of suicide etc etc ⛔
Side Stony, Spideypool, Sambucky
Coffee and flower shop!AU
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It would be weird for a male to be a florist in the eyes of stereotypes and judgemental people but apparently, there was this one Loki Laufeyson who decided to fuck stereotypes and build his own flower shop with the help of his best friends, Tony Stark and Bucky Barnes.
Tony decided to be in charge with the billing and the modal at first before their shop flourished surprisingly well and was able to pay on their own. Then, Pepper Potts, Tony's childhood friend became the manager, helping them organise everything neatly because they're a mess without woman power according to her, which Loki had agreed without many arguments since Pepper actually reminded him of his amazing mother.
Bucky suggested that they add in some kind of extraordinary touch to their shop by combining it with a coffee shop. Thinking that it might attract more customers, Loki agreed and Tony funded again for their coffee shop equipment. "I'm a billionaire. Buying all this stuff won't dent my wallet," the brunette said. And true to their expectations, their shop was a huge hit.
Bucky made coffee and bake some cakes for the shop, always trying new recipes day by day.
Of course, one of the reasons was Anthony Edward Stark, a rich businessman of Stark Industries and successful actor working at a cute homey coffee shop in New York with the notorious CEO of said industries, Pepper Potts.
Their business had grown quite well throughout 3 years since they first started. When they were stabilised enough to recruit some workers, the first honorary staff member was Tony's own adopted son, Peter Parker-Stark, an absolutely intelligent science student from Midtown High. And then Harley Keener-Stark joined the crew as well, an MIT student just as intelligent as Peter from Tennesse.
Tony did love to stress-adopt people, Loki realised.
Soon after that, Peter's friends joined in whenever they could on weekdays and weekends. Ned Leeds, Michelle Jones, Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborn. They're all such sweethearts, helping Loki out with the customer's requests for their flower arrangements to helping Bucky at the counter as a cashier. It was really fun to be around them and Loki realised that this was the first heartwarming thing he ever felt in a few years since he left home.
A voice snapped his reverie out and he focused on what was happening around him. "Jerk!" a blond quiffed-hair hunk in a leather jacket with baby blue eyes greeted with a wide smile, coming over to the counter. Loki looked at the counter, surprised to see Bucky grinning back at him widely. "Punk!"
"How have you been these few years, Buck? I missed you. I'm really sorry that it took me long to return," the male softened, smiling with guilt. "It's okay, Stevie," Bucky reassured, signalling MJ to take over his job for a moment. Peter nudged his side gently, making Loki looked at the child with a raised eyebrow. "Who is that?"
Loki shrugged his shoulders in confusion. "I'm not sure myself, Pete. I've never met that guy and I don't think Bucky ever told me about him."
He looked back at the two with curiosity, who took a seat nearby them. Is that Bucky's boyfriend?
"I understand that you needed time to find yourself, Stevie. Losing Peggy, I could only imagine the pain you were forced in out of sudden. Especially that you were about to propose to her. I'm glad you're back now, squirt," Bucky's smile took a teasing turn. "I mean look at you, Steve. You've grown taller and you're massive!" he said in mirth. "Had an eye on someone yet?"
The blond guy, Steve, rolled his eyes as a response, smiling hesitantly. "I'm not interested in dating anyone, Buck. I'm still.. trying to find out about my sexuality. I'm still uncertain these days. Kinda on the borderline of 'shit, my eyes are going to split one left and one right' to 'fuck, I'm very gay and I'm gay panicking'. As you can see, I'm a late bloomer," he said dryly.
Bucky smirked with a raised eyebrow. "Back then when you were a squirt, you were definitely having your gay awakening, Stevie. You kept staring at everyone a little too long," he grinned. "You stared at me a little too long too," he snickered. Loki and Peter shared a look before eavesdropping again.
Steve blushed bright red, covering his face while groaning. "Buck, I was 15 and didn't know any better!" he whined. "But now- oh-" Steve stopped talking suddenly, staring unabashedly at the entrance of the shop. "He's very pretty." Loki and Peter turned to look at the said 'pretty' person who just entered the shop before choking on their breath.
It was Tony.
Luckily neither of them noticed that Loki and Peter were eavesdropping on them as Bucky turned to look at the entrance before bursting out into laughter. "Buck!" Steve hissed, looking embarrassed. Bucky paid him no mind as he called for Tony. "Hey, Tony! I have a childhood friend of mine that I wanted to introduce to you!" he said brightly.
Steve made a dying noise, covering his face in shame. Tony and Pepper walked towards the two with confused looks. "Childhood friend?" Tony questioned. Bucky nodded. "Stevie, this is Tony Stark, one of my best friend. Tony, this Steve Rogers, my childhood friend."
Tony's cheeks tinted pink as Steve looked at him with a small shy smile that didn't suit the fashion style he was wearing at all. "Hello, Steve. It's a pleasure to meet you," he smiled sweetly. Loki snorted softly in amusement behind his palm as he stared at the scene. Peter looked slightly interested and revolted at the same time. Who wouldn't be revolted if they saw their parent staring at a random stranger with a besotted look not even a minute meeting the other?
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Tony," Steve said, shaking his hand politely before smirking at Bucky. "I have someone that I wanted to introduce to all of you too," he grinned and as if on cue, a dark-skinned male, a slightly disfigured looking blond male and a taller and larger build blond came into the shop, dressing quite similarly to Steve. "They're bikers," Peter breathed, staring at the disfigured male with fascination. Oho?
"This is Sam Wilson," Steve introduced the dark-skinned male. "This is Wade Wilson. No, they're not related at all," he beckoned to the disfigured male. "And lastly, this is Thor Odinson," he said about the last larger build male.
Loki could tell Bucky was having an internalised gay panic the longer he stared at Sam. It seemed like Peter had taken an interest to Wade as well by the look of it. Loki couldn't help but snort. Hopeless gays they were.
"So, this is my childhood friend, Bucky Barnes."
"I'm Tony Stark and this is one of my best friend, Pepper Potts. Over there by the counter is Peter, he's my adopted son. Harley is another one of mine but he's in the kitchen. That beauty over there with a ponytail is Loki Laufeyson, also one of my best friends," he introduced. "Welcome to Monsieur Coffee, the most quality coffee and flower shop you could ever find in New York funded by Stark Industries," Tony bowed just for show.
"Yeah, Tony funded for us. Loki owned the flower shop. I owned the coffee shop but our profits are combined and most of them were sent to the orphanages in need," Bucky shrugged his shoulders. "Peter, Harley and his friends helped out occasionally on weekdays and weekends. By the counter, there is Michelle Jones. Rather call her MJ."
"Ssup," MJ nodded at their direction before focusing back to her customer.
"Peter, helped me!" Harley whined as he slammed the staff door opened. "Gwen fucking Stacey applied too much foundation to my face! Look how white I am! Make her stop! Why can't she put it on you?!"
"Because Peter is the sweetest angel sent from Heaven and you're the devil sent from Hell to torture us all with your stupid potato gun!"
"Hey! My gun is not stupid! Tell her that my gun is the coolest gun you'd ever seen in the entire world, little bro!" Harley growled. Peter laughed loudly as he stood up, walking towards the door to help out whatever they could. Tony stood there with his arms crossed to his chest. "Okay, guys. I think you shouldn't destroy Bucky's kitchen to pieces," he said. "If Bucky complained about the mess you all made, I'll revoke your lab privileges and you'll be grounded until I say otherwise."
Loki and Bucky both burst into laughter at the horrified expressions Harley and Peter made at Tony. "But Dad!" Peter whined. "I didn't even do anything! As Gwen said, I am an angel sent from Heaven! I was helping Uncle Loki silently, doing my job like the docile filial child I was-"
"What an utter bullshit you could have ever said to me, Underoos. You and Harley are just as devilish as you can get. Get back to work with minimal complains if you don't want me to revoke your lab privileges," Tony glared playfully. Peter and Harley saluted, scurrying into the kitchen to do the job immediately.
"Stark," Loki said in annoyance. "Peter was helping me out with my flowers and you told him to go to the kitchen!" he sighed. Tony blinked at him before grinning sheepishly. "Oops, sorry. Well, it's not like there's much work left to do, right?"
Loki stared at Tony deadpanned before sighing again, sipping his tea. "One day, I'll strangle you in your sleep, Stark. Mark my words."
He then noticed that Thor had moved closer, leaning against the counter to look. "They're absolutely beautiful," he complimented in a very deep voice that made the raven-haired shuddered down his spine. Light blush adorned his cheeks as he looked up shyly at Thor.
"Thank you. These are the customers' orders I need to finish up."
"Do you want me to help? I used to help my mother arranging flowers a lot when I was a child," Thor said with a small grin. Although, Loki bit his lips hesitantly. "I don't want to bother you, Mr Odinson. I assure you, I can finish this on my own," he said.
But Thor insisted, saying he wanted to help out. Steve smiled sheepishly at him. "Thor may look like a mafia boss but he's actually the sweetest person you could ever meet," he said. The said male beamed brightly and Loki could imagine golden-coloured puppy ears perking up on top of his head and a tail to match, wagging excitedly whenever he was praised.
Sighing softly, he relented, patting the empty spot next to him that Peter once occupied. Thor went to sit with him and help him out with gentle hands even though it was big as hell. Thor clearly knew what he was doing as he sat there quietly doing his work, occasionally asking Loki what to put and the design of the bouquet.
Loki glanced at Tony, who had sat with Steve in another table, probably trying to get to know one another before they could date. Bucky seemed to take interest in Sam as they talked like no one's business. Wade had migrated to the counter where Peter was at, watching the two of them painfully flirt with each other. He didn't notice that Pepper already left, too focused on his work and Thor's body heat next to him.
"Is this right?" Thor asked softly, showing the bouquet at him, eyebrows furrowed slightly. Loki couldn't help but let out a soft smile. "Yes, that looks perfect. Thank you, Mr Odinson. Your help was very much appreciated," he said. And with that, his work was done for the day.
"You can just call me Thor, mon chéri," he said. Loki ducked his head shyly, some parts of his hair escaped his ponytail, hiding his face for him. The taller male tucked the strand of curly hair behind his ear and Loki blushed brightly, face resembling a tomato. "Don't hide your face, mon chéri." Loki pushed the hand away weakly, his heart suddenly beating so fast in his chest. "You brute," he huffed and Thor laughed amusedly. The sound of his laughter echoed through the shop and a few people glanced at them briefly. Tony and Bucky smirked identically towards him but he retaliated by beckoning to their own companies.
"I would like to get to know you, mon chéri, if that is okay with you."
Loki fiddled with his pencil nervously. Never in his life had someone been interested in him like this before. He didn't quite know what to do. He pondered the options for a few minutes and Thor waited patiently, never losing his smile. Maybe I could try this dating thing, he thought. Getting to know Thor won't be such a bad thing after all if Tony and Bucky are considering their options to get closer to their respective interest.
"Alright, Thor," he made up his mind. "Hello, my name is Loki Laufeyson. It's a pleasure to meet you, Thor Odinson," he smiled. Thor took his hand and placed a soft kissed on his knuckle like the gentleman he was before grinning. "Trust me, mon chéri. The pleasure is all mine."
Loki looked away to hide his wide smile. By the look on Thor's face, he didn't hide it quite well.
∆
Days turned to weeks. Weeks turned to months. Soon enough, Loki's friendship with Thor reached seven months. By the fourth month, Tony announced that he was taking it slow with Steve and both Peter and Harley were very happy for their dad, accepting Steve in their family after they deemed that Steve was motherly enough for them.
By the sixth month, Sam and Bucky announced that they're in a serious relationship to everyone and Loki was genuinely very happy for the long-haired brunette. Bucky had been in an 'on and off' relationship before this and he deserved someone to take care of him and cherished him like how Sam had been doing as of late.
Wade and Peter decided to take it slow as well. Wade had just lost his wife and daughter about a year before, Loki learned. So, he understood that Wade was a little hesitant to have a serious relationship with Peter. But Loki knew Wade was the 'it' to Peter the moment he saw them together.
About him and Thor? Eh, let's just say that Loki was very wary of relationships. Watching his own family fall to ashes as he grew up, he just couldn't imagine himself having a healthy happy relationship. There were a few times where Loki found himself wanting to kiss Thor but then reality smashed in and he was thinking and overthinking stuff.
At the moment, Thor had asked to accompany him to the mall to buy a suit because Tony had invited them all for Stark's Gala Night. The male yet again threw his premium debit cards at them and told them to buy whatever they wanted. So, to the mall, they went for a suit for both of them.
That was originally the idea.
Until Thor saw a beautifully stunning silky green dress (as shown above). Loki inhaled sharply when Thor looked at him with those big bright blue eyes, knowing that he was a sucker to it. "Please, mon chéri? For me? You'll look absolutely incredible on the Gala!" he said with a hopeful smile. Loki groaned into his hands, grabbing the dress swiftly without a word and walked into the dressing room to change.
The guy that aided them chuckled with amusement as he knocked on the door. "I suggest you wear something else before the dress, mister," he said. Loki opened the door and grabbed the stuff without looking, just wearing them all silently. The thong the staff member gave made his ass looked better. Loki nodded at the mirror in approval. This guy clearly knows his shit, he thought.
Then he wore the dress that hugged his body at all the right places. Since it was a woman's dress and he obviously doesn't have a curvy figure similar to a lady, his body was petite enough to fit in.
He smiled, letting his hair down from his usual ponytail, he unlocked the door and walked out.
Thor stared at him unblinking.
The staff member whistled appreciatively with a smirk. "Damn, dude. You're rockin' that dress. I say your boyfriend is definitely rendered speechless," he laughed. Loki blushed hard at the word 'boyfriend' cause no, Thor was not his boyfriend. They're not dating, yet.
"Thor?" he bit his lips shyly, poking the taller male's cheek lightly, snapping him out of his daydreams. "How do I look?" he smiled, spinning himself around in a circle slowly.
"Beautiful," Thor said with fondness. "You look absolutely beautiful, mon chéri."
"Thank you, Thor." He ran a hand through his long hair with a sigh. "We have so much shopping to do," he said but the staff member, Jake, Loki saw the nametag pinned on his work clothes, shook his head with a grin. "It's okay. Your clothes and shoes are already set," Jake said, pointing at the counter. "You two just needs to do a little manicure and hair doing, and you'll be set to go."
Loki and Thor left the shop feeling satisfied, happy with the service Jake gave to them. His joyful character made the both of them rather cheery as well as they went to the hair salon to do Loki's hair.
"Should I cut my hair, Loki?" Thor asked questioningly as he stared at his reflection on the mirror as Loki did his waves and curls. Loki eyed the blond male with amusement. "I thought you liked your blond locks, Thor?" he chuckled.
"Well, I do but I was wondering if I should get it trimmed. What do you think? Would I look good with short hair?" Thor asked. "You'd look good in any kind of hairstyle, darling," Loki said and thus, Thor decided to cut his hair into a boy-cut style.
Loki laughed softly at the result. "You look slightly different but the good kind. I like it. It suits you. You look very handsome," he complimented. Thor straightened his back on his seat with a proud smile, obviously taking Loki's praise into a count.
After they did their hair, they went on with the nails. Thor got his cleaned and trimmed while Loki got his cleaned, trimmed and polished. Black nail polish was painted on his fingernails and he loved it.
Thor then sent Loki home to the Stark Tower after they had finished their shopping spree. Tucking Tony's card in his pocket safely, Loki turned to Thor with a grateful smile. "I had a very wonderful day today. Thank you for bringing me along," he said.
Thor leaned closer and pecked his cheek lightly. "It was delightful to have you with me for the entire day. Thank you for accompanying me, mon béau," he replied. Loki bit his lips, pondering slightly before deciding to gather his courage and do what he wanted to do.
The raven-haired cupped Thor's cheek gently, caressing the stubbled skin with his thumb, whispering, "I really enjoyed being in your company, love. Thank you." He pressed his lips against Thor, kissing the other softly. The blue-eyed male kissed him back with the same amount of gentleness before pulling away slightly.
"We need to talk about this," Loki said, voice not any higher than a mumble. "Indeed we do but we have time. For now, you need your beauty sleep, my Queen," Thor responded with a tender look. "It's getting late and I promised Stark to bring you home before 12 am, sweetheart. It's already 11:50 pm."
Loki gasped at the time, panicking. "Oh my god. Oh my god!" he grabbed all his stuff, stopping before he was fully out to kiss Thor one last time. "Text me, love."
"I will," Thor smiled.
And Loki closed the door, hurrying towards the entrance of the goddamn large tower with panic. Tony was protective of him and he knew his curfew was before 12 am. He didn't mind the protectiveness. It feels good to have someone cared about you.
He managed to enter the penthouse by 11:55 pm. He sighed, grinning sheepishly at Tony's raised eyebrow. "Had fun?" he asked, taking back the card Loki borrowed for the day. "I did," he grinned. "I kissed him."
Peter and Harley whooped in joy. "Finally you made the move!" Harley threw his arms out in exasperation. "I was half-assed wondering if I had to wait until I'm old and wrinkled for you to grew balls!"
They all talked for a bit more before Loki went to get ready for bed, feeling satisfied to the bones after he had showered. He messaged Thor just before he went to sleep.
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Mon chéri 🍷
Hello, Thor. Back home yet?
My Love 💕
Yes, Loki. I've arrived home. Are you already in bed? I was just getting ready for bed. I hope you'll have a good sleep, sweetheart.
Mon chéri 🍷
Have a nice bath, love. Thank you. I hope you'll have a nice sleep too. Goodnight, handsome. 💋
My Love 💕
😍 Goodnight, beautiful.
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Loki giggled softly at the reply before he placed his phone away on the bed table and snuggled under his soft bed sheets with a small smile on his face. Then before long, he finally fell asleep.
∆
It was three hours before the Gala and Tony's girls, Natasha Romanoff, who was his secretary and close friend, Pepper, Bucky, Peter, MJ, Gwen and Tony himself dragged Loki to prepare themselves because they needed to look amazing in this Gala. "We needed to slay the red carpet as glamorously as they could," Peter had said with a large amount of excitement.
Harley, who was bringing his boyfriend that no one knew the existence of called Jason Turner to the Gala as his plus one, was over with the boys, Steve, Wade, Harry, Ned, Sam and Thor.
While the 'girls' took ages to get ready, the 'boys' didn't take much time to look good. Tony had even sent to Steve a text message, "If you don't look as good as I do in this Gala, I'm divorcing you, Steven Grant Rogers." To which Steve replied with, "Of course, Your Majesty. 😚💕 I'm doing my best to look good for you."
Loki gagged playfully at their soft attitude with each other.
They all helped him get ready. Pepper helping him do his hair into a high ponytail since his hair was long enough to do one, letting a few strands of hair lose, curling slightly around his face. Natasha did his make-up. She gave Loki smokey eyes and bright red lips. "It'll leave prints," she then smirked at him mischievously and he immediately cast away every non-holy images out of his head with a blush.
Tony had helped him wear the dress since he was already in one of his many flashy suits. He forced the male to strip in front of him as he helped him out, barely batting a glance. "Relax. We've seen each other naked so many time before. Besides, we're like brothers," he said without shame.
Tony stared at Loki after he was done, along with his heels, whistling. "If I could date you I would but sadly we're both taken by big hunky blond and blue-eyed bikers individuals," he snorted. Loki couldn't help but laugh at the statement before looking at himself in the mirror. "You think I look good?"
"You look stunning, Reindeer Games. Though not as stunning as me but stunning still nonetheless," Tony smirked at him cockily. "Prick," Loki responded.
"But honestly, you slay in that dress. I would be wearing one to match you if it wasn't for Pep stopping me from causing ruckus through the media."
So, you could probably imagine Thor's reaction when he saw Loki all ready and standing with his head high, walking towards the male when they arrived. He made a weird noise as if he was a dying dolphin before pulling him into a tight hug. This dork, Loki thought fondly as Thor pulled away. "You look so beautiful, mon chéri, that I could cry." Like I said, a dork.
Loki chuckled and pecked Thor's cheek gently, careful not to smear his lipstick as they walked into the building, ignoring the shouts of reporters and blinding flashes of their camera as they passed by. "You look handsome too as always."
"Thank you, mon chéri."
Thor pulled his assigned chair out for him at the big circular table and Loki sat down, thanking him sweetly. The other sat next to him while Bucky sat on his right side. The arrangements followed with Sam, Steve, Natasha, Clint Barton (who was Natasha's best friend and plus one), Wade, Ned, MJ, Gwen, Harry, Harley and Justin. Peter had to join Tony and Pepper because he will be taking over the entire company once Tony and Pepper ever retired from their position.
Originally Harley was supposed to have the place since he was older but the blond child adamantly refused, saying that he was not interested in business at all. "Maybe I can help Peter out as his assistant or something but I am not going to put myself as the CEO of the notorious company ever," he had told. Tony respected his wishes and Peter agreed to take over the legacy.
Tony stood at the podium on the stage with his "I am Tony Stark" smile, greeting the audience politely. Peter and Pepper stood to his side primly. Though Peter had more of a nervous smile on his face rather than a paparazzi smile. Loki looked around at the people around him, belonged to a highly named company or from a wealthy family and etcetera. Some had genuine excitement on their faces, some had a haughty look as they stared at Tony with disdain and some others had carefully structured blank expressions.
"Alright. Let's do this. Do I have your attention? Thank you. So, yes. Hi and hello, everyone. Thank you for coming to Stark's Gala Night. It is an honour to pull this event out and I love how this is wonderfully done and out together. Applause for Ms Potts as usual and my two sons for organising such event," Tony started and everyone erupted into applause even if some of them were halfhearted. "This night's Gala is organised to announce my soon retirement and to celebrate my youngest son's replacement of my place as the owner, the future legacy to continue Stark Industries as had been for years since Howard Stark founded it.
"Why your youngest? You have your older son that could replace you," someone chimed from the audience. Tony's eyes hardened slightly when Peter flushed, shifting under hundreds of eyes staring holes at him. Loki felt a little bad for the teenager.
"Harley Keener-Stark was supposed to take over but he refused and I, a great father that I am, respected his decisions. Peter Parker-Stark agreed to take over and I feel like Stark Industries would flourish well under his reign," Tony cleared his throat. "I may not be retiring for a few years but do expect Mr Parker-Stark to be in Board meetings with me and he will be learning things on how to handle a company but my son is a very intelligent individual and I know that he could bring out the best of Stark Industries in the future."
"Now, without further ado, I will let Peter take over the speech," Tony stepped aside and hugged Peter tightly, whispering what looks like words of encouragements to the boy. Loki and everyone at the table applauded loudly. "Go Peter!" Harley waved enthusiastically, making the brunette snorted amusedly to the mic.
"Hello, everyone," Peter greeted with a nervous smile. "I honestly don't know what to say because originally I wasn't supposed to say anything-" he turned to look at his dad with playful narrowed eyes. "-since he was the one who should do the whole speech. What he said wasn't even on the script but that's Tony Stark to you. Never the one to follow rules," he smirked teasingly.
"Some of you may not know me and some others probably does. So, I'm going to introduce myself because it's only polite to do so. My name is Peter Benjamin Parker-Stark. I am originally from Queens and I am 16 years old. I am currently studying at Midtown High School or Midtown School of Science and Technology despite my father pleads to send me to MIT earlier like Harley."
They all could see that Peter's stance started relaxing and grew more confident with himself the more he talked. "Why am I taking over SI for dad instead of Harley? Dad already explained in his speech earlier that he respected Harley's wishes not to be involved with the company although Harley did tell me that he would be helping me out and I have my friends and family members that would help me out so I don't mess something up."
"What are my plans once I stepped in to be the owner of Stark Industries? Easy. I would name one of my best friend, Michelle Jones, as my CEO because women's power is something you don't want to underestimate. They could just stare at you and instantly they'll know what secrets you could be hiding. You have no idea how much she and Ms Potts scares me sometimes," he grinned, making a few people laughed at his jokes.
"I already told dad about my plan to make her as my CEO and he agreed with it. When I bring it up to MJ a while back, she also agreed with it. So there you have it, the owner and CEO positions are secured. Just a few heads up though, once she comes in the position, do not ever mess with her. She's a very intimidating person," Peter warned playfully.
"What are my future plans for SI to flourish further? Well, I do have a few ideas and I brought it up to dad and Harley. They both think it's great but I don't want to ruin the surprise by telling you lot what they are. Although I guess telling you about one of them wouldn't hurt now, would it?" Peter smirked at the audience, winking mischievously, acting a lot like Tony.
"Maybe it seemed childish to you but I was thinking that perhaps we could create robotic animals. I called it Pet Apocalypse. The idea came to me one night when one of my friends in school said that they really wanted a pet but they're allergic to them so their parents wouldn't let them have one. It's sad that some fur allergic people who adore animals couldn't enjoy them. So hence the idea coming. I am already on my way making one as a prototype and a tester with Harley's and dad's help. The progress looks great so far and if there are no complications, maybe we would release it soon by the end of the year or next year. Since not everyone is a billionaire, I considered making it affordable to everyone including the ones with low incomes, not too cheap but not too expensive either. This is environmentally friendly and this could be purchase by anyone and everyone regardless of the age. The robotic animal could be a great daily life companion, a therapy pet or even a guard pet."
The silence around the hall was deafening for a few moments before everyone applauded at him in awestruck. Even Loki himself was surprised. He knew Peter was such a sweetheart but the fact that such a kind-hearted child like him existed, he knew Stark Industries will do very good during his reign.
After a few more pleasantries, Tony, Peter and Pepper stepped down. Thus, the party started and everyone mingled around. Tony and Peter went to greet the guests, sneakily seeking for alliances here and there. Pepper came to the table with a tired smile. "Whoa, that was tiring," she chuckled, having a seat next to Natasha.
"Peter did great," Loki praised and Pepper beamed happily. "Didn't he? I am so proud of him. He's a copy-paste of Tony, I swear, but a little more golden-hearted."
They all danced, had fun and mingled around with people who came to them to strike a conversation or two but still stayed within the circle before the real disaster came towards one Steve Rogers.
"Hello, Steven," a bulky black-haired guy purred as he came towards Steve as if he owned this place. Thor, Sam and Wade hardened immediately, glaring at the guy with so much hatred, Loki noticed. Steve froze, face pale with fear before he pasted on a fake polite smile as he turned towards the guy. "Hello, Louis. Fancy meeting you here," he forced out.
Louis smirked and swirled his wine in his glass cockily. "Yes. Well, Stark did invite me after all. It would be quite rude to refuse his invitation. It's not every day that the infamous Tony Stark holds out an event like this.".
"So I heard you and Stark are now a thing," he said, sipping his wine. Steve clenched his fists before relaxing forcefully. "Yes, we're dating," he said curtly. "So how does it feel to date the richest guy on the planet?" Steve bristled at the question. "You do not have the authority to know how I feel about dating him, Battison."
"Oho? Is that cockiness I sensed? Wow, Steven. You've grown so much. The last time I saw you before I dumped your pitiful existent, you barely could even hold your ground. Dating Stark must've given you quite the attitude, isn't it?"
Loki internally gaped at the scene in shock. This guy hit Steve before? This guy is Steve's ex? Steve was in a toxic relationship with this Louis wannabe guy? What the fuck? he thought. Pretty much everyone around him stared at the guy in shock as well at the fact that he was willing to insinuate that he had beaten Steve before. Bucky looked pissed off now.
"I always had my attitude with me. I just didn't want to waste them on someone like you because it's not worth my time," Steve responded level-headedly, seething in his seat. Harley looked like he was about to murder someone but Justin held him back with a firm "don't" look.
Louis raised an eyebrow as if challengingly. "If I remember correctly, you never once talked back to me, acting like a very obedient little wife every single day. You like it though acting all docile and submissive under my hand," he sneered leeringly.
Loki inhaled sharply, clutching onto Thor's trembling arm tightly to stop him. Before they knew it, Louis yelped and his pristine white suit was ruined with red wine. He then saw Peter with a murderous look, holding an empty glass of wine in his hand and Tony, who stared at Peter in shock because never did anyone ever saw Peter looking so pissed off before. The small child threw one hell of a punch on the asshole's nose, making the other fall to the ground and Loki heard a sickening crack as Louis' nose broke and started to bleed.
"Listen here, you dipshit," Peter growled lowly, catching everyone's attention, who stared at the scene, horrified. "You do not say shit about my Pops, you hear me? I don't care whatever history you may have with him but I fucking repeat, you do not say a single shit about my Pops, you abusive fucker. And for your information, no. My dad didn't invite you. He didn't even know you existed. I was the one who invited you under his name because I noticed that Pops always have this weird ticks on him that no one should have for years. My best friends, MJ, Ned and I hacked through everything until the fucking wormhole to find your garbage ass."
"I knew you'd approach him the moment you see him and I'm gonna tell you this, you fucking dare show your butt face in front of my Pops and say shit about him in front of his friends? The audacity your poop sized brain has to approach my Pops to say shit? I'm astounded that you have NO COMMON SENSE at all because out of all the places you could approach him and say shit, you opted to say dumb stuff in front of his friends?"
Peter stalked to the stage angrily and grabbed the microphone, speaking to it with a furious look on his face. "I'm sorry to ruin your fucking night whatever but I take no bullshit if you decide to mess with my family. So listen up, fake ass bitches that feel like they own this shit and having the AUDACITY to say shit about other people, I'm handing you back your shit to you by rubbing it in your face. Do NOT mess with my family ever. You mess with them, you'll be messing with me too. Let me tell you that if you EVER mess with them, I swear to fucking dig deep down to find all of your dirty little secrets and fucking expose them everywhere. So beware of what you say and how you act around my family. And you Mr Louis Battison, I'll fucking see you in court. I'll sue your ass for harassing my Pops and for the abuse you put him in for 3 years. Happy, kick him out, please. Literally, if you could."
Then suddenly the sweet smile was back and he beamed to the guests. "I'm so sorry for the inconvenience caused, everyone. Please do enjoy the rest of the party!" Peter turned off the mic and walked off the stage towards the table. Steve immediately pulled him into a hug. "Oh my gosh, Pete. That was absolutely unnecessary and we'll talk about the amount of cussing you just said later but thank you so much nonetheless." Peter hugged back fiercely. "You're a family. I need to protect my family no matter what." Steve chuckled wetly with emotions. "Love you, Peter."
"Love you too, Pops."
"Jesus, kid. When did you learn how to punch like that?" Tony stared with awestruck. "Aunt Nat and Uncle Clint taught me self-defence for the past few years. It was cool," Peter beamed. "I should be worried that you're teaching my child behind my back, Nat, Clint, but I'm so proud of you, Pete. That was not a Tony Stark style except for the suing people part obviously but you stood up on your own and I'm so proud of you." Peter grinned and high-fived his dad with a laugh. "Thank you."
"Good job, little bro," Harley smirked and Peter smirked back cockily. "Thank you, Harls. MJ, Ned and I worked amazingly hard for that."
Wade raised an eyebrow at Peter, not saying anything. Peter bit his lips, smiling slightly. "You're not going to say you're proud of me or I did a good job? After all, you were the one who taught me not to take bullshit from people, senpai," he said. The former laughed, pulling Peter into a tight hug. "You did good, Baby Boy. Standing up for yourself and for others in need is a good thing, sweetums. Of course, I'm proud. Are you crazy? Who wouldn't be proud staring at their lover being fiercely protective of their family? Absolutely not me," Wade said, pressing a sweet kiss on his forehead.
After the Gala ended, they all went to the Stark Tower for a movie night. They all showered at the penthouse, changing their clothes to comfortable PJs and scattered all over the place to watch the movie called Frozen 2, courtesy of one Peter Parker-Stark.
Obviously, they're all cuddling their lovers except for Clint, who Loki learnt had already married someone named Laura and had kids. But that didn't stop him from leaning against Natasha, who was cuddling Pepper in return. Even Happy Hogan (Tony's Head of Security) Bruce Banner (Tony's Science Bro as they dubbed themselves as) and Colonel James Rhodes (Tony's military best friend from MIT, who had come down from the base for a month holiday) was there with them for movie night.
Loki took in his surroundings and relaxed against Thor's big body figure on the lovers' seat, loving the feeling of Thor's muscled arms wrapped around his slender body, watching the movie with rapt attention.
Then it was storytime as soon as the movie ended.
Steve explained from the start where he first met Bucky when he was 8, picking a fight with a bully much bigger than he was. "The squirt just never knew when to quit," Bucky groaned. "I had to save his ass for so many times. It's ridiculous." Then he said he met one beautiful brunette called Peggy Carter at the age of 16. They loved each other but they were never in a relationship. At 18, he was about to propose to her when she died in a car crash.
Devastated, Steve told Bucky that he wanted to be away from everything and everyone for a moment. Understanding the pain his best friend was in, Bucky watched him leave, promising to come back after a while. "I did a lot of stuff that I wasn't really proud of and that's when I met Wade at 19. Wade then introduced me to Sam and Sam to Thor."
"I was still feeling lonely, still struggling from the loss of Peggy even though it's been like two years when Louis approached me when I was 20 and reached my sudden growth spurt. He was kind and gentle at first but only after 3 months dating, he started being a little-" Steve's voice cracked slightly before clearing his throat. Loki's heart ached for the blond. "-aggressive to me. He forced me to live with him and I could barely go out to see my friends before I couldn't go out at all. He'd forced me to do the chores, wash his clothes, iron them, fold them neatly. He'd forced me to keep the house clean. He'd forced me to cook all his favourite meals," Steve started trembling so hard, biting back the tears that threatened to fall.
Peter, Harley and Tony hugged Steve tightly, trying to ground him. The 16-year-old were already sobbing as he listened to the story. "He would force his way with me, beat me when I refused. There wasn't a day where I don't have bruises and swells all over my body. I had to mind my manners, only speak when I was asked to. I can't look at his face when I talk. Eyes down, he would say to me. He told me to be a good pet, a good little wife for him. He called me a lot of names. He said he's doing this for my own good. And I believed him. I kept repeating the words that he loved me and it's for my own good in my head over and over again. But then Sam came over when Louis was out and he told me that I couldn't stay any longer. I stayed with him for 3 years before I finally stepped out of the house at 23. I was so terrified that he'd find me and forced me back in there."
"Sam, Wade and Thor helped me break out of the habit and it helped for a while. There are still a few habits that refused to leave my body. Thor trained me in the gym to build my body posture up. Wade trained me on how to fight people and self-defence. Sam helped me with therapy. After 3 more years, I reached 26, I heard Tony funded the coffee shop and the flower shop. I had no way of contacting Bucky then and I was overjoyed when I heard Bucky on the television. Told them all that I wanted to meet him and fast forward, here we are now."
Steve smiled waveringly, hugging the crying Peter, who was on his lap tightly. Tony and Harley hugged his sides as well. "Don't cry, please," he said to the crying child, wiping away the tears gently. "It's all okay now. I have you guys and I'm happy." He pulled the three into a big hug. Tony leaned his forehead against Steve. "You're so brave, Stevie. You're so so brave. I love you." The biker pecked his forehead gently. "I love you too, Tony, and I love you kids as well."
"We love you too, Pops," Harley said with a bright smile, wiping his tears away. Peter pulled back and pecked Steve's cheek lightly, wiping his own tears away as he said, "We're always here for you, Pops. Every one of us."
Everyone told a story of themselves, their regrets and their worse fears. Loki didn't have much to tell since his life was pretty much boring before he met Tony. He already knew about everyone else's life except for Wade, Thor and Sam.
Sam told them that he joined the US Army at 13 while taking online classes, saying that his father was in the army as well and finished his service as a war veteran at 20. His life was pretty much normal after then before he met Thor when he was 25.
Thor said his parents were killed in a burglary when he was 6 before he was kidnapped and sold to the auction. At 7, a mafia leader bought him and took him in. He told them they trained him to be a machine, cold and emotionless until he was 21 before he was released to the wild. They homeschooled him and taught him so many gore stuff. They taught him survival and how to kill people without getting caught. "It was horrifying to people," Thor said, arms tightening around Loki's waist. Loki held Thor's hands reassuringly, providing comfort for the assassin. "It wasn't a normal thing to take a child in and train him to be a machine."
"Then I found Sam at 29. Though I found Wade first at 26."
When it was Wade's turn, everyone could tell the 20-year-old were terrified to tell his story. Peter moved away from Steve to comfort the other. "Hey, it's okay if you don't want to tell. No one is forcing you, love," Peter said but Wade shook his head. "I-I want to. I just.. C-Can I-"
"Of course," Peter sat on Wade's lap, wrapping the big arms around his small figure tightly. Wade buried his face in his neck to calm himself down. Whatever the male had gone through must've tortured him mentally. "Take your time, sweetheart. We'll wait. It's okay. I'm here. I'm here."
"I was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. An illegitimate child from my father and her sister-in-law. I was a very mentally problematic child from the start," he started shakily as he pulled his head away from Peter's neck, eyes not meeting anyone. "I was raised by my mom and my Uncle Mickey, who in my head was my biological father, which he was not. I uh.. I grew up most of my life telling lies about my family. I told everyone that my father abandoned my mother while she was pregnant with me and she took her anger out on me. Other than that, I told everyone she died when I was 5 and that my father was an army officer. I said he was abusive and caused me to grew up as a thug and a criminal. There's just.. a lot of lies I said about them and I.. I don't really know why I told everyone those lies in the beginning."
"I-I couldn't remember what my life back then was like at all. All that was in my mind was false memories I forced on myself and lies I implanted in my brain."
"All I could remember was being burnt alive but thankfully I survived though my skin was ruined. Thus, making me look like a scorched hotdog. And I remember joining the Canadian Army at 16 before being kicked out at 17 because I um.. I didn't follow orders that conflicted with my moral codes. Then I was recruited to be an assassin. I murder my way out of everything until I met Thor. Only then I see things that clashed my point of view a lot. Thor sent me to the hospital out of concern because I repetitively trying to kill myself off apparently a few months before I met up with Sam. I was about to murder him right there and then but the doctor diagnosed me with attention deficit hyperactive disorder, manic depressive disorder and schizophrenia, among other stuff."
"So to say, I'm fucked up in the head," Wade said cheerfully, pointing his finger guns to his head. "Because of it, I made so many enemies and I had a wife when I was recruited and a daughter a year later. She was only a few months old," he croaked sadly. "They didn't spare her."
"Which was why I kept pushing Peter away at first," he explained. "It was for your own good but then you kept insisting and my feelings for you were growing each day. I don't want to lose anyone anymore," he sobbed, into Peter's back. The brunette in his arms was rigid.
"His mental illnesses are incurable according to the doctor," Thor said. "It's permanent. Wade was supposed to be admitted to the mental asylum but he refused and he.. beheaded one of the doctors there. Since then, the three of us took care of him since he was the youngest in our circle."
"His breakdown can get so bad that he just shuts down," Steve whispered with a heartbroken expression. "It takes hours to get him back out of the depths," he said.
Everyone eyed Peter warily, curious to know how he would handle this situation. Loki knew Tony didn't want Wade to be around Peter if he was deemed dangerous to the people around him but he knew Peter's decisions were important since it was his relationship, to begin with.
"I'm so sorry I'm not the one you'd wish to have," they all heard Wade said to Peter. Loki closed his eyes briefly, trying to get his emotions in check. He couldn't bear to look at the broken man in front of them.
Peter wiped away his tears before turning to Wade. "Kneel on the floor in front of me," he ordered and Wade did as told dutifully, back straight towards them.
Ah, Loki realised and by the look on everyone's faces, they realised the same thing as he did too. No wonder Peter could keep Wade in line and that Wade listens to no one else but him.
He's a submissive and Peter was his dominant.
"Hands on my knees," Peter ordered. Wade dutifully placed his hands on the younger's knees. "No talking unless I say otherwise. Eyes on my face," he said. Again, the disfigured male did as told without questioning. "I want you to listen very carefully, Wade Winston Wilson, because I will not repeat this again. Make sure my words are imprinted in your brain. Nod once if you understand me."
Loki watched with interest as Wade nodded his head one time.
Peter smiled gently, cupping his cheek tenderly, eyes soft with love. Wade leaned his head against the palm like a puppy. "I never had anyone that I'm genuinely interested in and honestly, I could have anyone else if I wanted to but I chose you, love. I chose you," he said, biting his lips, thumbing away the tears streaming down Wade's face like a waterfall at the words. Loki thought that their relationship was breathtaking and beautiful.
"You honestly thought that I wouldn't run a background check on you? I did on Uncle Thor, Sam and even Pops. I already know everything, Wade. I told Ned, Harley and Harry to hack on your files, every single existing file around the world about you. I didn't want to ask you about it because I didn't want to put you in a position where you're helpless, vulnerable and was forced to tell the truth. I want you to tell me this on your own."
"Wade, crazy or not, I love you. Maybe everyone would think I'm too young to understand what love really is because I'm just 16 but I know deep down that you're it for me. I want to have this with you. Sure, we'll fight and have a few disagreements where we would definitely say things we don't really mean to say but in the end, we'll always come back to each other. Remember what you said the other day? We're made for each other cause we're soulmates. I wouldn't have anyone else but you."
"I want you to use your skills for the good things from now on. To protect and not to attack, okay?" Wade nodded hurriedly as much as he could while Peter holding his face. "I want you to protect yourself. I want you to protect me. I want you to protect your family. Got it?" Peter asked and Wade silently nodded his head.
"When it gets too much, on the scale from 1 to 10 with 1 meaning I feel queazy and 10 being I feel like I'm going to suddenly go on a murder spree. Tell me whenever you started to feel a little less than what you usually feel on a daily basis, okay? Tell me whenever it happens, wherever you are at any time, okay."
"Okay," Wade sniffled.
"That's my good boy," Peter whispered softly, smiling waveringly before leaning his forehead against Wade's. "Gosh, I love you so much."
"I-I love you too," Wade whimpered, launching himself to hug Peter tightly before bursting into tears again. Peter laughed softly, rubbing his back as he swayed from side to side. Steve came over to the couch and comforted the male as well.
Loki finally smiled at ease when Tony joined in the group hug as well. "We all love you, Wade. Don't worry. Maybe you won't heal from your mental health but just know that we all love you nonetheless."
The green-eyed male cuddled closer to Thor happily, humming softly when the other gripped his waist firmly, nuzzling his neck. "I love you, mon chéri," Thor mouthed his neck playfully. Loki chuckled softly, patting his stubbled cheek as he peacefully eyed the cuddling group of four.
His eyes roamed around the room, taking in every single person in the room one by one. He knew that they won't have a smooth journey but he was confident enough to say that they will make it through everything Life threw at them. They have each other along the way. Dysfunctional as they were, they're family.
Yeah, we'll make it through, Loki thought calmly.