A Mutual Interest
The next morning found both Tony and Loki ready to put a plan in place for a chat during the day. Naturally, Tony started his day in the lab, tinkering about waiting calmly for Loki to join him. When Loki eventually came into the lab, he took a seat but was deep in thought the entire time. As Tony continued to work, he couldn't help but notice how quiet it was in the lab. Normally, the two of them would be bantering back and forth or arguing about some obscure scientific principle. But today, there was an unusual tension in the air.
Finally, Tony couldn't stand it anymore. 'Alright, what's going on with you?' he asked, looking up from his work. He put his tools down so Loki knew he was properly listening.
Loki raised an eyebrow. 'Excuse me?'
'You've been weirdly quiet today,' Tony said. 'Is everything okay?' He made his way over to Loki and sat down near the god.
Loki hesitated for a moment, then sighed. 'I was just thinking,' he said, not giving anything away.
'About what?' Tony asked in a neutral tone.
Loki took a deep breath. 'About what I’m about to tell you. I... I am attracted to men, Stark. I’m bisexual.' Loki looked up to see that Tony’s face had softened, but was slightly taken aback.
Tony blinked, surprised by Loki's sudden admission. 'Oh. Okay. I, uh... I had no idea.' Tony was secretly relieved even if he was mildly shocked by how unexpected that had been.
Loki shrugged. 'Few people do. I have never spoken of it before with anyone other than Thor. But I... I feel comfortable with you, Tony. And I wanted you to know.' Loki stopped and waited for Tony’s reply, hoping for something positive.
Tony smiled, touched by Loki's trust in him. 'Well, I'm honoured that you felt you could tell me. And I'm here for you, no matter what.'
Loki smiled back, a genuine, warm smile that made Tony's heart skip a beat. 'Thank you, Tony. That means a lot to me.'
The two fell into silence for a moment, before Tony spoke up again. 'You know, I'm actually pretty open when it comes to sexuality. I have... explored my own interests in the past. And I've learned that it's important to be true to yourself and to follow your heart, no matter who you love.' Tony took a breath before continuing. ‘I’ve never actually come out publicly and the whole playboy persona kinda took care of everything and rumours were squashed pretty quickly but maybe its time for me to go public. I can see the headlines now - Breaking news: Iron Man bisexual?’ Tony laughed, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Loki looked at Tony, a mixture of surprise and admiration in his eyes. 'I had no idea. Though I do enjoy the thought of you messing about with the media. They need something to teach them not to pry so personally into people’s lives'
Tony chuckled. ‘I'm glad that you feel comfortable enough to be yourself around me, Lokes.'
Loki nodded, a small smile on his lips. 'I am glad as well.'
Tony looked around his lab before turning back to Loki. ‘Besides, this is something I'd rather be known for, something that actually matters. Something that can change the world.’ Tony smiled at Loki once again before the smell of smoke filled the lab.
'You know,' Loki drawled, his voice smooth as velvet, 'for a man who claims to be a genius, you seem to have an uncanny knack for setting your inventions on fire.' He laughed as Tony shot him a glare, but the corner of his mouth twitched upwards.
He shook his head, stifling a laugh. ‘It’s a work in progress, I’ll have you know. Besides, without the occasional explosion, where’s the fun?’ He tapped a button on his gauntlets, and the prototype whirred back to life, emitting an eerie blue glow as the smoke slowly lessened.
Loki smirked, his eyes twinkling. 'Well you certainly must have diverse talents, Stark. I find the meticulous nature of your craft… oddly soothing to watch and I quite enjoy helping you out sometimes.' Loki waved his hand and the wires on the prototype weaved together neatly, connecting to all the right places.
‘You’re sure this won’t blow up in my face, right?’ Tony asked, despite already knowing the answer.
Loki raised an eyebrow and moved closer to Tony. ‘If I can weave illusions that fool Odin himself, do you think I’d let a mere prototype explode on you?’ Loki placed a hand on Tony’s shoulder briefly before leaning in to take a closer look at their hard work.
Tony snorted. ‘I wouldn’t put it past you.’ He winked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
They fell into a comfortable silence, the rhythmic whirring of the machinery providing a background hum. Tony continued to tinker, occasionally tossing a stray screw across the room, which Loki would catch with practised ease, a small smile playing on his lips. The odd flash of magic lit up the whole lab in a soothing green glow.
Finally, Tony spoke up again. 'Can I ask you something?' he said, looking over at Loki, slightly nervous.
Loki nodded, setting down the pieces he was joining together. 'Of course,' he said, his tone curious, full attention now on Tony.
Tony took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. 'I know we've only really just started to get to know each other a bit better, and I’m glad that we’ve developed such a strong friendship despite everything that's happened, but I can't ignore the way I feel anymore,' he said, his voice low and earnest. Tony watched as Loki’s face twisted into mild confusion.
Loki's heart skipped a beat, secretly hoping this was going to go where he’d hoped. 'What do you mean?' he asked, his tone barely above a whisper.
Tony sighed, looking down at his hands. 'I like you, Loki. More than just a friend, I think. I know it's probably crazy, and I don't expect you to feel the same way, but I had to tell you. I can't keep it inside anymore.' Tony avoided Loki’s gaze and awaited a response. Loki was silent for a moment, processing Tony's words. He hadn't expected this despite what he had dreamt about and thought about for weeks, but now that Tony had said it, he was eager to confirm his mutual feelings.
'I like you too, Tony,' he said, his voice barely above a whisper. 'More than I probably should.' Loki gently placed his hands under Tony’s chin and pushed his head up so their gaze met.
Tony's face broke out into a wide grin. 'Really?' he asked, his voice filled with hope.
Loki nodded, smiling back. 'Yes. I think... I think I'd like to see where this goes,' he said, his tone hesitant.
Tony's grin grew even wider. 'Me too,' he said, his voice filled with excitement. He made his way over to Loki and wrapped in a warm hug, smiling as he felt Loki’s arms wrap around him. As they pulled away from each other, their eyes locked and they stopped. Tony's breath hitched. He was captivated by the intensity of Loki’s gaze, deep green eyes filled with mystery. He closed his eyes, surrendering to the moment, to the unpredictable, yet intoxicating, power of Loki's presence. Both eager to push their relationship further and enjoy the solitary moment between them.
As their lips met, a spark ignited, a burst of energy that seemed to consume them both. The air crackled, the room shimmered, and Tony, for the first time in his life, felt truly alive. He had no idea what the future held, but he knew, with a certainty that shook him to his core, that this was just the beginning.