Loki Laufeyson – Movie Night
Loki Laufeyson – Movie Night
I looked at myself in the mirror, feeling foolish. I was certain that plain trousers and a jumper constituted as ‘comfy clothes’ but I didn’t want to look out of place.
It was Peter who’d told me about the movie night and I had been able to tell from his voice that he genuinely wanted me to join them, but no matter how much I wanted to be included I knew there was no place for me here. All the Avengers were going to haul-up in the lounge, order food, and enjoy each other’s company. Everyone’s company except mine.
Letting out a deep breath, I ran my fingers through my hair. No sense in prolonging the inevitable, plus I didn’t want to seem rude. I started walking towards the main lounge, debating on how to behave. I could take the furthest seat, or perhaps even linger at the kitchen island. It would be rude not to show up, but I didn’t want to encroach on their family time.
Because really, that’s what they were. One big happy family.
I let out a sigh of both anticipation and dread as I rounded the corner. My hands were firmly clasped behind me, a gesture of false confidence. When I arrived at the lounge, everyone was seated. Apart from Peter and Tony who had yet to arrive, they all sat close together, chattering with ease. Even though I wanted to join in their conversations, I felt like an outsider.
I watched them for a few moments, feeling my heart ache. Silently, I turned and began to retreat.
“Loki, wait.”
Someone tugged at my arm, turning my attention back around. Amelie's expression was one of understanding as she stared into my eyes. No one else seemed to have noticed my arrival as I looked back at the sofas.
I smiled tightly. “I was just heading back to my room, I’m not sure that…”
“Please, Loki.” She interrupted, placing a hand on each of my shoulders, forcing me to fully face her. I eyed her warily, my clasped hands falling slowly to my sides. “I know this is the last thing you want to walk into, but there are people here who will be happy to see you.”
I smirked slightly. “And the others?”
She rolled her eyes, smiling. “They will learn to like you, but only if you give them a chance.”
Where she stood, the atmosphere yawned softly like a thing of heat and weight; thin enough to be felt but rich enough to be wrapped up in like a warm blanket. I studied her face as she stared back at me determinedly, still gripping my shoulders. I motioned my head towards her hands. “You do realise I am a God right? Royalty?”
This earned me a snort as she smirked. “Well your highness, you’re going to do what you’re told for once. How novel for you.”
My eyes widened as I raised my eyebrows, a big grin spreading across my face. “Oh but I like this. You should be forceful more often.”
Amelie chuckled as she pulled her hands away. I remembered why she came over and my grin disappeared as I glanced at the sofas again. This time, I made eye contact with Natasha and she held my gaze, undeterred. As her eyes bore into mine, I shifted from one foot to the other, unsure why I was feeling uncomfortable.
Finally, she released me and I looked back to Amelie, who smiled encouragingly. “Well, your highness?” She cocked an eyebrow, smiling as if she knew she’d already won. Resigned, I sighed and gestured for her to lead.
She bounced slightly, thoroughly pleased with herself and we walked side by side to the others. Thor saw me first, meaning that any hope of a quiet arrival had been lost. “Brother!” He opened his arms wide as his voice bellowed over the sound of the TV. “Perfect timing! I had feared you would not come.”
I smiled tightly and clasped my hands behind my back again. I made eye contact with the rest of the Avengers, receiving a variety of responses. Banner stood up to pat me on the shoulder, seeming genuinely pleased to have me. Bucky nodded, giving me a small smile - a big gesture for him as far as I could tell. Steven and Clint were the wariest of me, but the captain still nodded politely. “Loki.”
I nodded back, briefly flicking my eyes to Clint. He looked back at me, still unsure, so I settled on a small nod to him as well.
Natasha perched on the corner of the couch and motioned for me to take the empty spot beside her. I sat down cautiously, trying to maintain some polite distance from Ms. Romanov. To my surprise, Amelie plopped down next to me, leaving only inches between herself and Bucky.
Everyone quickly fell back into conversation and I did my best to relax, resting my hands on my knees, determined not to fidget. Bucky lent forward, catching my eye. “What food do you want Loki? So far we’ve got a tie for three different options.”
The others all looked to me, waiting for my answer as I swallowed dryly. “What are my choices?”
Amelie answered me. “Bruce and Natasha both want a curry. Steve and Clint want a Chinese, but Clint always wants Chinese.”
Clint smirked at her before his eyes flicked back to me.
“Bucky and I seem to be the only ones with taste so we want pizza.” Amelie sat back, grinning as the others rolled their eyes. “Thor of course wants everything. What’s your favourite?” She turned to me then, waiting expectantly.
I looked down at my knees before looking between everyone. “Honestly, I have yet to try any of those, so I don’t think it would be very fair for me to cast a vote.”
Amelie frowned at me, appalled. Even Clint raised his eyebrows and I suppressed the desire to shrink slightly as everyone continued to stare at me.
“How?” Clint leant forward, speaking to me directly for the first time. “How have you never tried Chinese?”
“Not everyone’s as obsessed with one type of cuisine as you.” Steven laughed softly as Clint turned to him accusingly.
“I know what I like!”
Everyone laughed good-naturedly as Steven stood from the sofa. “Well I think that settles it, we’ll get a selection. Now who needs a refill?”
I looked down the sofa and realised that everyone was drinking beer, except Amelie who had a flute glass. She downed it and held it out to Steven, smiling. “Thanks cap!”
He rolled his eyes taking the glass from her. “Loki?”
I paused, struggling to remember the name of literally anything I’d ever drunk.
“There’s whisky, you had that at the party right?” Amelie smiled at me, subtlety rescuing me from my predicament.
I smiled before looking back to Steven. “A whisky would be great thank you Steven, can I help?”
“Nah you’re fine, and call me Steve. Steven makes me sound old.”
Bucky piped up over his beer, smirking to himself. “You are old.”
I smiled as Steve left for the bar, turning to Amelie to give her a nod of gratitude. She smiled encouragingly.
“Mr Loki! Hi!” Peter came bounding into the room, shortly followed by Stark. He came over to me grinning as I smiled at him warmly.
“Hello Peter, it’s nice to see you again.”
Peter beamed at me before turning to Bucky. “I got you another magnet!” Bucky laughed as he rolled up a sleeve, revealing a patchwork of magnets covering his metal arm.
I cocked my head, it seemed an odd way of dealing with a disability, but I couldn’t deny that they both seemed happy about it.
Peter placed the newest addition proudly before turning to Amelie. “Budge up Am.”
Amelie slid closer to me as Peter plopped down between her and Bucky. Before I could adjust to make more room for her, she was pressed against me, our thighs touching. I froze, glancing to Natasha - if I moved over I’d collide with her. Ms. Romanov looked at me and smiled politely, unaware of my turmoil.
Steve brought us our drinks, offering them over the back of the sofa. Amelie spun around and grabbed them, her body pressing into mine in the process. She twisted back around and gave me my glass of whisky. I couldn't help smiling as I took it from her; a slight cough following as I cleared my throat.
“Thank you.” I said quietly, unsure why I suddenly couldn’t look her in the eye.
Tony plonked himself down on the opposite end of the sofa next to Bruce, sighing as he reclined back into the cushions.
Natasha leaned forward to address him. “How did it go?”
Steve handed a beer to Tony, who took a large gulp before answering. “Gonna be another few days at least, got no idea what it is we’re missing.”
I sipped my drink, not paying much attention to their conversation. I couldn’t seem to focus on much else but the feeling of Amelie’s leg pressed against mine. She felt warm, and for some reason I was pleased that she hadn’t recoiled from the contact.
“What food are we having?” Tony sat up, placing his already empty bottle on the coffee table and reaching for a new one. Steve had brought over several and placed them in the middle of the table.
“We thought we’d get a selection, as a welcome to our newest God.” Steve nodded at me, not smiling, but not unfriendly either. I nodded back.
Tony groaned. “I am not calling multiple restaurants.” He fell back against the sofa dramatically. “Peter, you’ve got our usuals on the app right?”
Peter beamed, seeming thrilled to have been chosen. “Sure Mr Stark!”
Everyone called out their requests as Peter did his best to keep up. Amelie leant closer to me speaking quietly. “Would you like me to choose some things for you? I can get you a good selection.”
I smiled gratefully, pleased I wouldn’t be required to make any decisions. “Please.”
She grinned and turned back to Peter to give him our order. My eyes lingered on her, tracing the silhouette of her neck and shoulders. Scolding myself, I quickly returned my eyes to my drink.
Soon the orders were placed and everyone relaxed back into easy chatter. When the food arrived, Thor and Steve both went to the lobby to collect it. The food took up the entire coffee table, with some boxes ending up on people’s laps. Thor immediately started helping himself to everything and I smiled to myself as I watched him. After everything that he’d gone through, it was wonderful to see him so relaxed.
I waited for everyone to start eating before I made a small plate for myself. I eyed what Amelie had chosen and mirrored her selection. Sitting back down, I made my way through the food.
Amelie was right, she’d chosen well.