Good Ol' Freaky Friday Situation
"But red is my color," Thor complained.
Loki rolled his eyes. "You can't own a color, brother. Peter wears it better anyway."
Thor gawked at Loki. "Uh, what?"
Peter raised his hands. He didn't want another argument to break out. Peter has already had to stop three fights, and they've only been in Asgard for an hour. "How about red and blue? Honorary Spider-Man colors."
Thor sighed. "Fine, fine, I guess I'll have to go tell the designers that you changed your mind, and they'll have to pull out the blue decorations from..." Thor's voice cut off as he left the throne room, and Peter didn't bother to try and listen to the rest.
"My brother takes interior design way too seriously."
"Thor says the same thing about you and fashion."
"Well, someone had to be the good-looking person in the family," Loki shrugged. "Thor doesn't change out of his war costume, and when he does, he looks like a hobo."
Peter laughed and looked around the room. Peter stared at the throne, where, in a few weeks, he would get officially established as third in line for the crown.
Loki must've sensed Peter's nervousness because he placed a hand on Peter's shoulders. "Don't worry, Peter. All you have to do is stand there and look pretty while an old man talks."
Peter chuckled. He knew that Loki was trying to make him feel better, and it worked. Partly. There was still some anxiety bubbling in Peter's stomach, and he knew it would continue to build in the following weeks.
*
"Is all of this really necessary?" Peter asked, lifting the red and blue ceremonial robe and stared at his reflection. His usual gelled back curls were out and styled.
"Of course, it is!" Thor exclaimed, slamming down the goblet on a table. "You have to wear the traditional robes of coronation. It's an honor to be the first to ever wear them in 1500 years!"
Peter's eyes widened, and he whirled around to gawk at Thor. "You're saying that no one else has been able to lift your hammer for your entire life?"
Thor grinned. "Indeed. I have been the only one to lift it until you."
Peter frowned. He couldn't believe that in a millennium and a half, no one had been worthy to lift the hammer, possess Thor's powers, and be in line to rule Asgard. Then, he, 16-year-old Peter Parker from Queens, could lift Mjolnir. A few months ago, when Thor announced that Peter would have a coronation, Peter thought he was dreaming. It was a stupid, really vivid dream, but then Peter summoned Mjolnir to him while he was on the ceiling, and Peter guessed it wasn't a dream.
Now, Peter was a few minutes away from having to walk down the throne room and be crowned. He would have to stand there and have nobles and Asgardians stare at him. Totally not nerve-wracking.
"After you are crowned, you will be led to another room where your party outfit will be," Thor explained. "Once you change, you can come back out, party, mingle, maybe talk to a lady...or guy."
Peter scoffed. "Thanks, but I've got an annoyed girlfriend back on Earth who's pissed I missed the premiere of a horror movie she wanted to watch." Peter kept smoothing down the robes, but then Thor's words clicked in his head. "Wait. Party? I thought it was just the coronation, and then you would take me back to Earth."
"Gods, no!" Thor laughed. "There is a feast and celebration for a week! Do not worry. There has been a room prepped for your stay, and our fitter has organized an outfit for every day."
"I'm sorry. Did you say a week?" Peter laughed out the question. "Uh, nobody told me about a party or staying here for a week? Do May and Tony know? Did they agree to this? I told MJ and Ned that I would only be gone a day. Do you know how much Ned is going to be worried? Wait. Nevermind that. Do you know how much MJ is going to be mad with me? The last and only time I missed a date, she gave me the cold shoulder for a week and a half, and she would've gone longer, but we had decathlon semi-finals, and she had to speak to me. Her cold shoulder is the worst; MJ can show you how annoyed she is with you without speaking. It's her superpower."
"We informed your aunt and Tony, and they allowed it as long as you didn't drink any alcohol, and you would bring your aunt a present," Loki answered, then a smile crossed his features. "I do recommend a dagger. Our blacksmiths are quite handy, and you could get her one with rhinestones. A lady should have the means to defend herself and kill anybody who crosses her."
Peter stared, horrified at the thought of May killing somebody with a knife. She was already scary without a weapon.
Loki shrugged. "You could also get her a dress. I'm sure she's not picky."
Thor got up and slapped a hand on Peter's shoulder, flashing Peter a wide smile. "I'll see you shortly, Man of Spiders. You will do great."
Thor left, closing the doors, and Peter was left alone with Loki.
"You're nervous," Loki said.
Peter scoffed. "Is it that obvious? I-I don't know if I can do this. I mean, I thought I would be back in my room by tonight. I have problems speaking with kids my age and people in general. I can't talk to Asgardians! You said all I had to was stand there and look pretty."
Loki was quiet for a while, simply staring at Peter. Peter knew that Loki was thinking, and by the twinkle in his eyes, Loki was scheming, too.
Then, Peter was stumbling back, hitting the edge of the mirror. Peter was staring at himself, not a reflection, a solid replica of himself.
"I'll go as you to take the crown," the second Peter said. "I'll mingle for a while, talk to the other nobles and eat. You can wander around if you want."
Peter stared at the other him; no, it was Loki. Peter knew Loki could shapeshift and create vivid illusions, but he had never seen Loki shift into Peter. Peter stepped closer to Loki and narrowed his eyes. Did he really look like that? Seeing your reflection and pictures is one thing, but seeing a physical replica of you is another.
Peter brought his hand up and booped Loki's nose. "Does my nose really look like that?" Peter's eyes trailed over Loki's face. "Why did no one tell me that my eyebrow has that peak? And are my-"
Loki shifted back into himself; well, his head changed back. "We do not have times for your questions. You can wander the palace as everyone important will be in the throne room, and I'll go as you to your crowning."
"What if someone does see me?" Peter asked, anxiety rising back up. "I doubt anyone will be pleased to find out that I skipped out on the coronation."
Loki hummed and stared at Peter once more. A few seconds later, Loki smirked and changed back to Peter.
"Well, I do rather enjoy seeing myself."
Those were weird words to come out of Loki when he looked like Peter.
Peter turned around to face the mirror and gasped. He had shoulder-length jet black hair, pale skin, was taller, and had a leaner body. He was Loki.
Peter exhaled and looked back at Loki. "Okay, a good ol' Freaky Friday situation. I dig it." It was weird to talk and sound like Loki.
"A what?"
"Right, you haven't seen that movie yet," Peter said. "It doesn't matter. You do realize you're going to have to act like me, right?"
Loki cocked his head. "I think I can act like a nervous, shy, hormonal 16-year-old boy."
Peter frowned. "Should I be offended?"
"No, I like you, kid."
"Oh, I like you, too!"
Loki made a face and shook his head. "If you do get caught by someone, you'll have to act like me. I can't have you ruining my reputation with your sweet soul."
Peter nodded. "Yeah, yeah, okay, I can do that."
Loki stared at Peter and pursed his lips. "Maybe try to avoid encounters."
"Got it."
A few minutes later, someone came to collect Loki, well, they came for Peter, who Loki was playing to be. Man, Freaky Friday really did not downplay the confusion. Peter stayed hidden as a man led Loki out the room, and once the door closed, Peter counted to 60 then stepped out. He sighed and looked around the room. There wasn't much for him to do in the room besides looking at himself, and though Loki would absolutely do that, it was freaky to know he's Peter but looks like Loki.
Peter stepped out, making sure there wasn't anyone in the hallway. He walked around, making sure to be on the lookout for anybody, but, as Loki said, everyone was at the coronation. A sliver of guilt crept up on Peter at the thought of everyone attending the coronation, expecting to see Peter get crowned. They would see Peter, but it wouldn't be the real Peter, but no one would know, except Peter. Ugh, Peter didn't want to think about it anymore.
Peter found himself staring out at the beautiful scenery that was Asgard. When Peter first came months ago, Loki had to drag him the first few minutes because Peter was too shocked to move his legs. He had come once every week to consult with the preparations, well, Thor did more of that, and Peter still couldn't believe how beautiful Asgard was. There was a certain peace that Peter rarely felt back in New York. Don't get him wrong, he loved Queens and his friends and family back on Earth, but there was always someone to save, expectations to meet, work to do. And Peter loved being Spider-Man, rescuing people, sticking up for the little guy, and writing papers on Quantum Theory, but Peter was 16. He was still a teenager, and there was always so much pressure, and he got tired sometimes. He could get that minute of peace on the roof of a skyscraper, looking out at the city skyline, or maybe mindless tinkering in Tony's lab, or Star Wars marathons with Ned where neither spoke or a night in with MJ where he read, and she drew in silence. Peter cherished those few moments of peace, especially ever since the time between them got longer with age, and the amount of responsibility and work got larger. But here in Asgard, there weren't any looming threats or people to look out for because everyone lived peacefully. Peter could relax and just be a teenager for once, and after the coronation, Peter would be able to call upon the Bifrost and come to Asgard whenever he wanted. Of course, Peter wouldn't abuse that power because Heimdall would get tired of opening the bridge constantly for Peter.
Wait. After the coronation...was the coronation over yet? Peter let go of his grip on his senses and closed his eyes. He could hear a young child crying and their mom consoling them, two kids playing around, someone singing, an old man cursing a couple of kids for stepping on his plants, and...there. Peter could hear clapping and people cheering, then,
"I present to you, Peter Parker, worthy of Thor's powers and third in line to rule!"
The coronation was over, which meant that someone would be leading Loki over to a separate room to change for the party. Peter should at least attend the party, right? He could stuff his face to get out of talking to people, start making friends, maybe dance a little...okay, maybe not dancing. Peter pushed himself and started making his way to the party, but he turned a corner too sharply and bumped into someone. Strays of clothing flew through the air then landed on the floor.
"Oh, Gods! Prince Loki! I am terribly sorry!"
Peter looked down and saw a short servant woman. If he didn't look like Loki, the woman would only be a few inches shorter than Peter, but Loki was tall, so the woman looked short.
Peter was ready to stutter out an apology when he remembered that he was supposed to be Loki. So, he cleared his throat and relaxed his face. "No need for apologies." He knelt and helped the woman picking up the garments.
The woman swallowed and accepted a piece of cloth from Peter. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you not at the party?"
Peter tensed up and stood up so the woman wouldn't see his panicked face. He swallowed and thought what Loki would say to that. When the woman stood, a basket full of clothes in her hands, she raised an eyebrow at Peter's lack of an answer.
"I needed to get away for a moment," Peter replied. "My brother can get boisterous at parties, and after centuries of it, it's a rather annoying sight." Peter held his breath, hoping that was an accurate representation of Loki, but then the woman laughed.
"Yes, I've had my fair share of having to help Thor to his chambers over the years."
Peter softly breathed out, hoping his relief wasn't noticeable. "My brother can be an unbearable twat, but he has his good moments."
The woman pursed her lips. "I shan't speak ill of royalty."
Peter waved her concern aside. "Don't fret. Thor needs a little bit of ill talking to squander his big ego."
A small chuckle escaped the woman, and Peter felt sorry for not knowing her name.
"What is your name, darling?" The pet name slipped out, and Peter wished he could take it back, but it was something Loki would say, so he stayed calm.
The woman stared at him for a few seconds before quietly saying, "Astrid."
Peter smiled. "Well, it was lovely speaking with you, Astrid, but I'm afraid I will have to go back to the party. I can't leave Peter alone in there with my brother."
Astrid returned the smile and nodded. "Of course. I do hope you have fun, even with your eccentric brother there to annoy you."
Peter chuckled and bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Astrid." With another smile, Peter stepped around Astrid and followed the cheering and laughing.
The doors were open, and the talking was louder than ever. Peter winced slightly as his senses were still heightened. Peter reigned in his hearing and relaxed when the noise wasn't causing a headache to form. His relaxation didn't last for long because Peter immediately saw Loki. Not Loki pretending to be Peter, but an actual Loki. Peter ducked away before anyone could see him. Loki must've created another Loki so people wouldn't question why he wasn't at the party. That meant Peter could go to his room. Sometimes Loki's illusions worked in favor of everybody.
*
The following day, Peter decided to attend the party. He felt guilty for not actually being part of his celebration and for Loki having to pretend to be Peter.
Peter waded around people, smiling and waving. He found Loki near the head table, goblet in hand.
"Hey, Loki, enjoying yourself?" Peter asked.
Loki shrugged. "It's better than having to talk to everybody as you. I like standing on the sidelines."
Peter frowned. "I'm sorry about that. I shouldn't-"
Loki raised a hand to stop him. "Don't. You were a nervous wreck, and you obviously needed time to process that you'll be staying for a week of celebration."
Peter smiled up at Loki and resisted the urge to hug him. Loki didn't like showing affection in public because he said it would ruin his image. "Thank you, Loki."
Loki glanced down, and Peter could see his resolve crumble for a second before he looked away. "You're one of the five midguardians I like, so." He shrugged as if to detach any emotion from his statement, but it didn't fool Peter.
Peter was about to tease Loki when a young woman approached him with a wide smile.
"Hi, Peter! I was looking for you."
Peter tried not to show his confusion and smiled. She must've met Loki-Peter. "Well, you've found me. What can I do for you?"
"Well, you owe me a dance, silly," the girl giggled. "You were gone before I could get my hands on you."
Peter swallowed. "Ah, yes. Um, I'll meet you on the dance floor in a bit. I just have to, uh, talk to Loki about something."
The girl narrowed her eyes. "I'll be waiting. Don't you dare disappear."
Peter chuckled softly and watched the girl turn around and walk away. He turned to Loki. "What the hell was that?"
"Well, she flirted with you."
Peter's eyes widened. "What? And you flirted back! Why would you flirt with her? I already have a pissed-off girlfriend on Earth."
"Well, you were out there making friends with servants," Loki retorted.
"You know about that?" Peter asked, then, "Wait. You're telling me you aren't friendly with servants?"
"I am! Just not on your level."
Peter sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "We are never doing Freaky Friday again."
"Okay." Loki shrugged and finished his drink.
Peter was glad he would never have to be Loki again, but then he remembered what he just promised. He would have to dance with a girl.
Peter sucked in a breath, ready to ask Loki to be Peter once more, but Loki cut him off with a glare and said, "No."
Peter sighed. Maybe stepping on the girl's toes enough times would get her to back off without Peter having to tell her that he was taken.