Loki Laufeyson - For The Nerves
Loki Laufeyson - For The Nerves
I couldn't imagine a worse scenario than where I was right now. Surrounded by mortals I didn't know, at a party with no escape. The room was a cacophony of laughter and mindless chatter that grated on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. The throng of tightly packed people made the space feel more like a prison cell than a place of celebration.
Thor had been so excited about tonight that he'd barged into my room three hours early to 'help me get ready’. In reality, I was pretty sure he was just making sure I didn't stay locked in my room for the entire evening. As if he would allow me to miss out on this glorious opportunity to socialise with some of Earth's most mundane inhabitants.
"Isn't this great, brother?" Thor boomed, finishing his conversation with a man before he clapped him on the back, nearly sending the poor mortal flying across the room. "The food, the music, the company! What more could you ask for?"
"Maybe some peace and quiet." I muttered under my breath, sipping on my drink - a vile concoction called 'punch.' It tasted like fruit mixed with gasoline.
Thor grinned from ear to ear as his eyes scanned the room. His enthusiasm was almost endearing, though I'd never admit it. He quickly spotted Captain America and waved him over.
I sipped on my drink as Thor and Steven talked, looking around the room as I caught a few people staring at me accusingly before turning back to my glass.
“Brother it is so good to have you here!” Thor slapped me on the shoulder, jostling my drink slightly. Steven had already left to talk to Ms Romanov.
“I’m glad you are happy brother.” I said simply. Tonight was going to be a long one, and Thor continued to talk animatedly as my focus drifted in and out.
“… I knew you’d get on. She gets on with everyone but I knew she’d like you.”
I flicked my eyes back to his face, trying to retrace what he’d been saying. “Who?”
“Amelie! You met her earlier, isn’t she great! We have become good friends and I knew you two would get on!” I smiled. He really did seem very pleased.
“I’m surprised you weren’t immediately enamoured with her brother, most everyone else is!” I raised my eyebrow at that but said nothing, choosing instead to look around the room. “Ah, perhaps I’ve hit a nerve.” Thor chuckled.
I sighed. “Am I to assume you’re trying to play matchmaker again, brother? I met Ms. Stark once for all of five minutes, and I suppose you think you know what I find attractive in a woman?”
Thor grinned as his eyes focused behind me. “You tell me.” He said, gesturing to the main door.
I turned around and my breath caught slightly in my throat. In walked Amelie, on the arm of Peter Parker, seemingly having metamorphosed in the blink of an eye. Her hair was swept up in a graceful chignon accentuated by tendrils that softened her face. The pale pink gown she wore was perfectly tailored to accentuate her curves, with tiny shoulder straps and a small slit in the bottom. It flowed out to knee-length around her feminine silhouette, hugging her body before flowing out at her waist. Her shoes were also pink, with delicate ribbons winding up her calves and thin heels changing her posture.
Peter was holding onto her arm protectively, and they both looked serene as they floated into the room.
I had to admit, she looked beautiful.
“Well?”
I turned back to Thor and swirled my drink slowly, studying it as he stared at me. He raised one eyebrow before laughing heartily. “I can tell by your face brother. No need to say anything.”
I frowned and took a sip. “Regardless of whether or not there were an attraction, that’s no excuse to start your games. She has no clue about my past, and I'm just content not being instantly disliked for a change.”
Thor smiled as if I’d said something funny. “Amelie!” He shouted. “Over here!”
I shot him a warning glance before turning to face her. She smiled as she approached, having separated from Peter. “Hey guys.” She breathed quietly, seeming relieved to have found us.
“Ms. Stark.” I greeted her politely.
Thor beamed at her. “Nice to bring life back into this room again!” He mused, gesturing to the party.
Amelie rolled her eyes and glanced at me. “Personally I prefer smaller gatherings.”
Thor laughed while I swayed awkwardly before clearing my throat. “You look like you could use a drink.”
She smiled at me gratefully but Thor stepped in, clapping me on the back with a hearty laugh. I winced as I felt an instant throb of pain in response to the impact. "I’ll go, you two get to know each other!” He said, heading off in the direction of the bar.
“I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know his own strength.” Amelie smiled at me as I laughed softly.
“He absolutely does, and he spent our entire childhood making sure I knew it.”
She grinned. “Sounds like you have lots of fond memories together.”
Before I could respond, Thor reappeared with three glasses of what looked like whisky. Amelie laughed. "That was quick." She took hers and sniffed it, then wrinkled her nose. "Jesus, Thor, what is this stuff?"
“It's from Asgard... For the nerves.” Thor whispered and winked at her. He eyed my half full drink before downing the two he had. I rolled my eyes.
“Slow down Point Break, save some for the rest of us.” Tony appeared between Amelie and Thor, his cheeks red and eyes bright.
“Seems like you’ve made sure you got enough to yourself!” Amelie quipped, clearly more relaxed with their natural banter than the rest of the party scene.
“As the host, I believe it’d be rude not to take full advantage of my own hospitality.”
Tony silently handed Amelie a glass of champagne and took the Asgardian liquor from her. They clinked their glasses and downed them in unison. “Ah, much better!” Tony smiled at me and rested his hand on my shoulder. “How’s the party Rock of Ages?”
I smirked at how comfortable his drunkenness had made him with me. “Careful Mr Stark, people will think we’re friends.” I eyed Thor as he and Tony laughed.
“If anyone here is sober enough to remember this party tomorrow, then I’m being a terrible host.”
Tony took the empty glass from Amelie, nodding at us before turning back to the bar. With a steady stride he made his way over and I watched him as he left, pulling crowds of adoring faces as he sauntered through them. He drew admirers without effort, like moths to a flame, and for a moment I wondered what it must be like to be so beloved; to make people smile just by walking into a room.
“Well, I’d better do my rounds.” Amelie sighed.
I glanced at her, breaking from my reverie and tilted my head. “Your rounds?”
“As a Stark I’m expected to be the life of the party.” She winked. “Talk to you later. Don’t have too much fun!”
“I highly doubt it.”