Siren's Song

“Loki,” Thor warned.
“I didn’t know we were allowed to bring dates,” Loki said. “I was told S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel only.”
“Actually, I’m a new recruit.” I replied. “Just picked me up today.”
“Welcome to the family, Lady Lily.” Thor gushed.
“Please Thor,” I laughed. “Just Lily.”
The elevator stopped and we walked into the ballroom. I suddenly felt nauseous, there were so many people here. I had never dealt with a crowd of this size. I started playing with a strand of my hair, twirling it around my finger over and over again.
“Nervous?”
I spun around and smiled up at Clint.
“Hawkeye?” I arched an eyebrow, he blushed. “You didn’t say anything.”
“It’s nice to find a place where either people don’t recognize you or they don’t care that you think you’re some big shot.”
“So, how’s Laura?” I asked, I’d met his wife once. She seemed really nice, down to earth, and easy going.
“She’s having trouble with the kids,” he confessed. “The boys are getting to where they want dad around all the time. They resent that I work away from home so much.”
“Hopefully things will get better,” I comforted him. “Maybe you could get a place closer and go home when you’ve got time off.”
“I’ll think about it,” he said seriously. “Do you dance?”
“Only if you want me to step on your toes,” I joked. “You go ahead, I’m gonna get a feel for the place.”
Clint nodded and walked away. I saw him bump into Tasha and he convinced her to go dance with him. I found a shadow and decided to people watch for a bit. Thor was off at a table with a bunch of guys, it looked like they were playing a drinking game. I shook my head and chuckled. What little I knew of the Asgardian was enough that I wouldn’t ever bet against him when it came to drinking. That these men thought they could beat him was laughable.
My eyes strayed again and stopped on Wanda. She was dancing with a blond man who was obviously in love with her and she with him. They talked quietly as they danced, unaware that the world still went on around them. A love that innocent was so precious.
“Nauseating, aren’t they?”
“A little, but that’s what makes it so special.” I glanced at Loki. “Do you like sneaking up on people?”
“Usually.” He snickered. “They jump and make such interesting noises. You are no fun, you didn’t even hiccup.”
“I was waiting for it,” I confessed.
“You were not,” he countered.
“I’ve been standing here watching people,” I continued. “You have gone to each Avenger and tried to get them to react. Is it the attention or just because you want to see if they’ll hit you?”
“Excuse you, I am the God of Mischief!” He crossed his arms, pouting. “It’s what I do. I play tricks on people.”
“Right, keep telling yourself that.” I sassed.
“Is there something wrong with you?” He turned to me, his eyes flashing. “Every other mortal here is afraid of me and rightly so! They act as if they walk on eggshells when I am near.”
“Must put a real damper on your social life,” I replied absentmindedly.
It was quiet for a while, I glanced beside me to see if he was still there. He was staring at me with the oddest look on his face.
“What?” I said. “Is something on my face?”
“Who are you?” He searched my face.
“Forget me already?” I teased. “I rode the elevator up with you remember?”
“I think,” he began as he pushed off the wall. “I think I need a minute alone. Or some fresh air.”
As he walked away I would swear I heard him say he needed a decent drink and something about crazy Midgardian women. I just shrugged and went to the food tables, my stomach reminding me that the finger snacks had been hours ago. As I passed the drinking game Thor grabbed my wrist. I stopped and looked at him, my eyebrow arched again.
“He left you without a prank?” Thor asked.
“He’s upset that this Midgardian woman is crazy,” I joked. “He was going around picking on everyone so when he tried me, it didn’t work. Then when he told me that everyone was afraid of him, I didn’t react properly.”
“Tell me what you said, please.” Thor looked interested.
I shrugged. “I said that must put a damper on his social life.”
Thor burst out laughing. “I like this one! She has a fiery spirit!” He let go of my wrist and stood up, pulling me into a hug. “Ah Lady Lily. You have brought much joy to me. I have found someone that can hold her own against the God of Mischief. I must have Heimdall tell mother.”
“Gee,” I choked. “I’m flattered.”
He released me and went back to his game. When the spots before my eyes stopped moving, due to lack of oxygen, I continued to the food. I smiled at various people and nodded a lot, but I finally got to my destination. Glorious food!
“What did Point Break think was so funny?” Tony asked as he sidled up next to me.
“I got Loki to rethink his position,” I said as I started filling my plate.
“His position?” Tony looked at me. “What about?”
“Being scary,” I continued.
“Wait, he didn’t make you jump?”
“No,” I replied. “I was watching people and I saw him go to everyone else. I was just waiting for him to come to me. Then he started his whole,” I put down my plate and mimed having horns. Then said in a deep voice, “I’m Loki, the God of Mischief. Everyone fears me!”
Tony’s eyes danced and he smiled at me. “What did you say to that?”
“It must put a damper on his social life.” I picked my plate up and turned, in search of a table.
“Can I keep you?” Tony asked.
“Sorry,” I shook my head sadly. “You couldn’t afford this limited edition.”
“Damn,” he laughed. “Maybe I’ll adopt you then.”
“I don’t need a daddy,” I winked at him.
“How about a friend?” he asked seriously.
“I can always use one of those,” I took his arm and he led me to a table.
“Everybody, this is Lily,” he introduced me. “Lily, this is everybody.”
A chorus of Hi greeted me and I sat down. I smiled at everyone and tucked in to my meal.
“You gonna eat all that?” Bucky asked.
“Probably go back for seconds,” I smiled at his disbelief. “I eat a lot. That’s one of the reasons I loved working at the diner!”
“You must exercise like crazy!” replied a white haired guy. “Pietro.”
“Oh! Wanda’s brother!” I shook his hand. “I actually don’t exercise very much. My metabolism is pretty high and then there’s what my momma used to say.”
“Which is?” Pietro smiled curiously.
“Boys like a little more booty to hold at night!” I winked at him and he started laughing.
“I like your sense of humor,” Pepper said.
“I am a firm believer that if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.” I said seriously, then I smiled again. “I’d rather have fun and laugh. Crying gives me a headache and stuffs up my nose.”
I saw nods all around and changed the subject. Not that I didn’t want to call each of them everybody, but I thought their names might be useful in the future. Besides Pietro, Pepper, and Bucky there was Sam and Rhodey. We got to know each other a little better and Bucky laughed when I did go for seconds. On my way back a hand slipped my elbow onto an arm. I glanced at Loki and smiled.
“Dance with me?” he said.
“I don’t know how,” I replied honestly.
“Don’t they teach it in your schools?” he asked.
“No,” I replied. “Besides, I used to work all the time. Can’t keep up with the latest dances if you have a bunch of bills.”
“If I could get them to play a waltz,” he stopped me from leaving. “Would you try?”
“I’ll try almost anything once,” I laughed. He smiled and made for the DJ. I left my plate at the table and told Bucky to guard it with his life.
“Why? Can’t eat it?” He joked.
“I have an invitation to dance with royalty,” I acted hoity-toity. “I’ll need it when I get back.”
He laughed and promised no one would touch it. I smiled and turned to see Loki holding out his hand. I took his hand and the music began. Couples started swaying gently to the music, wrapping their arms around each other and giving sappy smiles.
“Is it required that I look like that?” I whispered.
“Like what?” Loki looked around.
“You know,” I gave him a vacant eyed smile. “Like I lost every thought I ever had as soon as I saw you.”
“I don’t think it’s a requirement,” he replied. “Unless you do lose your thoughts because of how good looking I am.”
“Pretty full of yourself aren’t ya?” I teased.
“You confuse me,” he looked down at me.
“Why?” I asked. “Never met anyone who could throw it back at you?”
“Ow!” Loki cringed, I'd stepped on his foot.
“Sorry,” I replied. “I told you I didn’t know how!”
“Okay, don’t watch your feet,” I raised my eyes to his. “Now, head up, shoulders back. Glide along the floor. I move my right leg back, you move your left one forward. Then the opposite and we continue around the dance floor.”
“That’s it?” I asked incredulous.
“That’s it,” he chuckled. “And no. The only one who was able to ‘throw it back’, as you put it, is my mother. It was decreed that I would never see her again after I returned to Asgard.”
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I lost my mother when I was 16 and my father. It’s terrible that yours is still alive but you aren’t allowed to see her.”
“Yes, well,” he shook his head. “Your doing well for your first dance.”
“It isn’t my first dance,” I admitted.
“But you said,” he started.
“I said that I didn’t know how to dance,” I laughed. “I never said that I didn’t try at some point.”
“You did it again,” wonder filled his voice. “I apologize, I will escort you back to your table.”
“Did I step on your ego?” I asked.
“A little,” he admitted.
“Do you need a bandage?”
“Minx,” he muttered. “Thank you for the dance, Lady Lily. Good evening to you.”
“See ya around,” I called after him. I went to sit by Bucky and searched for my plate. “Bucky! You said you wouldn’t let anyone touch it!”
“We didn’t touch the plate!” he smirked. “But it looked delicious and smelled better.”
“I only have one thing to say to you!” I glared angrily at him.
“Run?” he asked.
“Did it taste good too?” I whined.
“I’ll get you a new plate,” he chuckled at me. He pat me on the back and went to the tables to get another plate for me.
“My Lady,” Thor tapped my shoulder. “Have you seen my brother?”
“Yeah, he left.” I said. “He convinced me to dance and then I stepped on his ego. He said he needed to go.”
“How does one step on an ‘ego’?” Thor asked bewildered.
“I meant I got the better of him again and he didn’t know how to handle it,” I explained.
“Ah yes,” he mumbled. “Was he in good spirits when you parted company?”
“He seemed more confused than anything else,” I admitted.
“I suppose I should check on him,” Thor replied.
“Would you mind showing me to my room at the same time?” I asked sweetly. “I haven’t been able to get to it yet and I’m feeling kinda tired. It’s been a long day.”
“Of course,” Thor offered his hand.
“Sam, tell Bucky I have cookies!” I whispered. “And I’m not sharing with him, then stick your tongue out at him.”
“Will do Lily,” Sam saluted me.
Thor and I walked to the elevator but got stopped by a very drunk Tony.
“Kid,” Tony slurred. “I like you.”
“I like you too, Tony,” I smiled.
“We need to drink together,” he said.
“Tony,” I took his face in my hands. “I don’t drink.”
“No!” His horror filled voice made me laugh.
“It makes my powers go all hinky,” I admitted.
“You poor, poor girl.” He was so sympathetic. “I am so sorry, that’s almost sac…..sacra…...it’s just wrong.”
“See you in the morning, Tony.” I took Thor’s arm again and we continued. As soon as the elevator doors closed, I started giggling uncontrollably. I couldn't believe Tony!
“Are you unwell my Lady?” Thor looked worried.
Unfortunately for him, his worry only made me laugh harder. By the time the elevator stopped on my floor, I was relying on Thor to keep me standing. He kept giving me these looks that were a mixture of confusion and worry. I would almost get calmed and then he’d look at me, setting me off on another round of laughter.
“I must tell you Lady Lily,” Thor began. “Your laughter is a welcome sound in the Tower.”
“Why thank you,” I gasped. “Let me catch my breath real quick.” I took a few deep breaths and calmed myself. “Okay, I think it’s safe to talk.”
“Did you use a spell?” Thor asked wide eyed.
“No, I don’t know any spells.” I smiled. “I just needed to clear my head and calm myself. Which floor are you on again?”
“Loki and I are actually on the floor below you,” Thor grinned. “Should we get too loud, just stomp on the floor. We will hear you.”
“Thank you, I’ll remember that. Good night Thor.”
“Good night to you as well, Lady Lily.” He bowed and left on the elevator.
I shook my head, Lady Lily. Why they couldn’t just call me Lily. Oh well, time to put my things away. I let the door scan my hand and turned the lights on as I closed the door. No boxes waited for me. I sighed and went further in. I stopped in surprise, all my things were put away. Pictures hung, books on shelves, everything had been placed with care and a note sat on a coffee table in the living room. I picked it up and smiled, tears of joy brimming my eyes.
“Dearest Water Lily,
We are so proud of you and don’t want you to be worried about us. Your Aunt Sarah and I thought you would be too tired from your first real party, so we put your things away for you. The new dresses Ms. Potts got for you are real pretty, Aunt Sarah says not to let those boys get away with anything. She’ll come up and whap em for you if need be. We left some snacks for you in the fridge. You should go shopping soon dear, what with that appetite of yours. We love you.
Uncle Jack”
I went into the kitchen and opened the fridge. All my favorite snacks, even some that I only had occasionally. They had really spoiled me. I grabbed some baby carrots, broccoli florets, and ranch dressing. Then found my favorite cookies and went to the bedroom. I slipped off the black dress, hung it up and stripped down to my birthday suit. I grabbed a pair of baggy sleep pants and a tank top, threw em on and decided a little TV was called for. I skipped into the living room and checked my shelves for movies.
“Well, where are my movies?” I wondered aloud.
“Mr. Stark has a wide selection of movies available for your use.”
“Who said that?” I looked around.
“I am F.R.I.D.A.Y., Mr. Stark’s A.I. I have access to all floors and run various programs for Mr. Stark.”
“Cool,” I said. “Any suggestions?”
“What are you in the mood for?”
“Let’s do……...a marathon!” I shouted excited. “I wanna watch Phineas and Ferb! Starting at season 1 episode 1.”

The TV turned on and that wonderful music started. I sang along quietly and danced around the apartment. I was having so much fun that I didn’t hear a knock at the door. I turned to get a drink from the kitchen and froze.
“What are you doing?” Pietro asked. Wanda was next to him, her hand over her mouth to keep her laughter in.
“Watching Phineas and Ferb,” I replied innocently. “Want to watch? I got snacks and drinks.”
“I’m in,” Wanda pushed past her brother and grabbed my arm. “This is going to be fun!”
“Pietro,” I asked.
“I don’t know,” he said skeptically.
“We can have a sleepover,” I bribed. “I have Ben & Jerry’s,” his eyes widened, “it’s Cherry Garcia.” I could see him waver. “And cookies with chocolate milk.” He grimaced at the chocolate milk. “I got cream soda too.”
“Alright, you twisted my arm.” He smiled and we headed to the kitchen.
The three of us loaded up our snacks and walked into the living room. We got ourselves spread out and all set up.
“Okay, F.R.I.D.A.Y.” I called. “Let’s start it back up!”