Amelie Stark - Socialising
Amelie Stark - Socialising
The rest of the night unfolded without any major hiccups. I exchanged a few words with Tony's friends and business people, as well as some media personnel who were hunting for a story. Occasionally, random guys would try to buy me drinks which I politely refused.
After completing my tour of the guests, I was relieved to find Bucky and Clint by the bar; I needed calm company. “Having fun?” Clint raised his beer bottle to me in greeting, eyes not leaving the drink as he brought it to his lips again. Bucky flagged down the barman and ordered me a champagne as I sat down.
“How my uncle does this so often is beyond me. Socialising is so exhausting.”
“Only if it’s people you don’t know.” Clint smirked as he finished his beer, nodding to the bartender who'd appeared to put a flute glass in front of me. I took the drink gratefully, downing half of it before smiling at Bucky.
“Thanks.”
“I assumed you’d need it.”
The bartender dutifully dropped a new beer in front of Clint. He lent forwards clinking his drink to mine. “How’s our newest God enjoying himself?”
“He’s not.” I smiled. “Seems he’s even more of a social recluse than I am.”
“I’ve seen you at our movie nights, I’m not sure I’d call your behaviour reclusive.” Clint chuckled. Bucky laughed, giving me an amused look as I audibly expressed my exasperation.
“You guys don’t count. It’s not socialising if you live together.”
Clint eyed his bottle as he contemplated my answer. “True. So does that mean Loki will end up dancing on the worktop at our non-socialising movie nights?”
I laughed at the memory. “Let’s hope so.”
After a few rounds, I left the bar and found Loki again, sat at a table as far from everyone else as possible. We chatted about our shared distaste of large gatherings and it was nice to talk to someone who agreed with me. Thor and Natasha soon joined us, bringing drinks with them.
When things started getting really crazy, I quietly escaped to my room, thankful for the sound proofing as well as the distance from the party. I put some calming music on and ran a hot bath, unbothered that’d I’d already had one earlier. The practically scolding water soothed the muscles in my legs, sore from wearing heels all evening, and calmed my nerves.
The next day was quiet in the tower, with most people nursing a hangover. As usual, Bucky was the first in the kitchen and I smiled at him as I went straight to the coffee. “How are you feeling?” I asked him.
He shrugged. “Fine. Had to carry Steve back to his room.”
I smirked. “Where did he fall asleep this time?”
“On top of the bar. Face down.”
Pushing my hand to my mouth I attempted to stifle my laughter. “Please tell me you got photos.” I set my coffee in front of the chair next to him and sat down.
“They’re all in the group chat. Bruce is going to print them out.” I tried again to muffle my laugh, not at all succeeding.
Thor and Loki were next to appear. Thor looked like he hadn’t stopped since last night, clearly still drunk and in very high spirits. Loki looked tired, but he smiled softly at his brother, seemingly pleased enough that he was enjoying himself. “Ah! Amelie! Bucky! Come brother.” Thor spun towards us suddenly, causing Loki to roll his eyes, though he was still smiling.
“Morning, did you actually make it to bed at any point?” I asked, getting up from my chair to make more coffee and guiding Thor into my space by his shoulder. He sat down heavily and chucked an arm around Bucky.
“I did not! Stark knows how to throw a party, and how to keep it going!”
“They both ended up out in the city. Far as I know they’ve only just got back.” Loki stood awkwardly beside Thor, a small smile playing on his face.
I groaned. “Hope Tony didn’t try to buy another nightclub. It took me ages to convince him to sell the last one.”
Loki leaned over the island. “What’s a nightclub?” He whispered.
“It’s like a permanent party where you buy overpriced drinks and lots of sweaty, drunk people are trying to sleep with you.” Loki recoiled back, his nose wrinkled in distaste. I laughed lightly as I got two extra mugs out of the cupboard. “Do you drink coffee?”
He tilted his head, his face unreadable.
“I do!” Thor slapped the worktop with his palm. “It’s very good.”
I smirked and poured a strong coffee, sliding it toward him. Turning back to Loki, I raised an empty mug. “What would you like?”
Loki pressed his lips together. “I’ve not had coffee. We drink a lot of tea on Asgard.”
“I can’t guarantee the quality of our tea compared to yours. Fair warning, it seems Americans don’t tend to make it properly anyway.”
Bucky looked up at this, feigning offence. “Microwaving the water doesn’t make it taste any different!”
“Philistine.” I smirked as Bucky rolled his eyes at me, before turning back to Loki. “Want to try a coffee? I can always get you a tea if you hate it.”
Loki looked me in the eyes for a beat too long, seemingly struggling with something. I smiled encouragingly, waiting patiently as he decided. Finally he straightened and smiled at me. “A coffee would be lovely Ms Stark, thank you.”
“And another for me! It is good!” Thor held his mug up, waving it slightly as he swayed.
At this Loki turned to his brother, frowning slightly. “Has your time on Midgard robbed you completely of your manners, brother?” Thor burped loudly in response. As Loki stared at him exasperated, I laughed and took the mug.
“Not sure you can blame that on Earth.” Setting down Thor’s refill in front of him, I turned to Loki and handed him his. “I guessed milk and no sugar. If it’s too bitter than I can add some.”
Loki took the cup in one hand, looking every bit an English gentleman, and took a small sip. I raised my eyebrows questioningly. “Well?” He set the mug down, looking at me before quickly returning his eyes to the coffee. I smiled as he struggled, clearly wanting to be polite. “One tea coming up!” I laughed, finally taking mercy on him.
Loki grimaced. “It is an interesting taste, but quite complex. I will drink it.”
I smiled. The thought of Loki being the bad guy once again seemed impossible. How was the God who killed so many people the same man who was now afraid to offend me by rejecting a coffee? I put the sugar jar in front of him. “This will make it sweeter.”
Loki sat down and began adding sugar to his cup, he smiled at me before taking another sip. He nodded approvingly. “Thank you, Ms Stark.”
“Call me Amelie.”