Green

Author's Note: I had every intention of updating this sooner! If you're sticking with this story, thank you, thank you, thank you! I hope it is living up to your expectations. Please continue to comment your thoughts! x

You accept the FaceTime call from Tony, and a holographic screen emits from your phone. The list of things you cannot stand about your brother is insanely long, but his ability to upgrade your phone with technology that companies haven't even thought about yet is one perk for sure.

The small Tony takes a look around, "Well, the place is still standing." 

"Do you ever just start with, 'Oh, hello, Y/N. How are you doing today?'?" You cross your arms and lean on the counter behind you.

Loki emerges from his room and stands beside you.

"And there's Mischief himself, which also means you haven't killed one another," Tony says as he pulls something up on a tablet.

"For which we should both be rewarded for that accomplishment," Loki says with a grin.

"Please, the trip is still young," you wink at Loki, which Tony doesn't see.

Tony gets called away by Bruce for a second, and Loki leans to your ear, "Do not test me, mortal."

"But it is oh so much fun, moron!" you can tell Loki is trying to fight back a smirk, which only increases your pride in pushing his buttons.

Before Loki can say anything else, Tony comes back onto the screen, "Change of plans. There's a gala tonight that you both need to attend. There are codes locked away in one of the offices that we need."

Neither you nor Loki say anything, as Tony pushes more buttons, tapping away on a screen, "Loki, I've reset some of the programming on your bracelet. You'll have some of your powers, but still limited. If I get any more info, I'll call." 

You notice Loki look down at his wrist, a quiet scoff escaping when he watches the lights on the bracelet reboot. You want to say something, but really, what could you? Loki makes zero eye contact with you, and just leaves the room, back to his own.

Two hours later, you're on a group video chat with Nat and Pepper, "Ok. You've seen the red, green, and now here's the silver dress. What do you think?" You step back and do a 3rd spin so they can see the entire look.

"The red was nice, better than this one, but it was a but too out there. Nice, but not for what's needed tonight," Nat chimes in.

"Agreed. The silver you're wearing is great, but for one of Tony's parties," Pepper says from the living room.

"Plus, that emerald green dress looks AMAZING on you!" Nat points out.

You walk back over to your bed and pick-up the green dress again, "I do love this color."

"You're not the only one who really loves green," Nat and Pepper exchange a look while you change back into the green dress off camera.

"Who? Bruce?" You call back to them as you zip it up.

Pepper laughs, "Contrary to what people may think, he doesn't care for green."

"Huh," you get the zipper all the way up. "Then who? Shrek?" 

Nat now cackles, "Maybe we will have you figure it out for yourself. Right, Pep?"

You come back into frame after adjusting the thin gold straps on your shoulder, "That's not fair! Now you're going to leave me hangi...?!"

"Bye, Y/N!" Nat and Pepper click off simultaneously. 

"Great chatting," you mumble, close your computer, and grab your purse before closing your door. "Alright, Mr...what did you call yourself? Sharpe? Are you ready?" You ask as you rummage through your bag to make sure you have everything.

"I thought your memory was bet..." Loki stops when he looks up and sees you.

When Loki doesn't continue, you look at him with your eyebrows raised, but then your face drops when you see his, "Oh! You know I kind of like this color, and Nat and Pepper had said that it was a good choice, but I usually don't wear it, and it's probably not..." you start to ramble. Part of you has always been self conscious about wearing dresses, and with Loki's facial expression, it just...

Loki shakes his head, "What? No! Y/N, that is not what I...."

"Then....what? I have other options. I can go change," you point back to your room.

"No! Do nothing of the sort. If anything," Loki pauses, now looking you up and down. "Feel free to wear green more often."

You try to fight the blush creeping up on your face, but only win half of that battle, "I will...keep that in mind." You then have the chance to take-in Loki's appearance, "Now, your turn to give me a spin."

Loki adjusts his blazer and slowly turns, "Well?"

"I'll give you credit; you probably wear a suit the best out of everyone on the team," you close your purse.

"Careful; that almost sounded like a compliment, Y/N," Loki watches you.

You walk over to the sliding glass door, "Can't be. No pigs are flying." You double check to make sure the door is locked as well.

"You are insufferable," Loki puts on his overcoat and holds yours open for you.

"Thanks," you shrug into your sleeves, but then choose to do your best Loki impression. "Do not act as though you do not love every minute of it." 

"I detest you," Loki's lips slightly curve up despite his words.

"Glad we're on the same page," you both get into the car and head to the gala.

----------------------------------------------------

You and Loki walk-up the steps to the entrance, "God, I hate these things."

You think you say it in your head until Loki replies, "You may call me Loki; no need for formalities, mortal."

There's a smirk on his face when you glance over, so you shove Loki, "Moron. And actually tonight, you're Jonathan, remember?" Loki groans in annoyance, "One more thing." You dig into your purse and take out a pair of glasses.

"Do you wish to be sure you see how incredible I look in my suit?" Loki's tongue licks his top teeth as he grins.

You roll your eyes, "I'm trying to see the part of you that's not overtaken by your ego." A man checks your tickets and ushers you into an entrance hall that leads to a huge ballroom, "But no. I actually do need glasses for distance, but I usually wear contacts. These," you tap them. "Scan any room and send the blueprints to your vision."

"Tony's invention?" Loki puts his hands in his pocket as you both continue to walk.

"Mine, actually," you look down and smile lightly. "One of the perks of having Tony as a brother is free access to top technology."

"Ah. Well, do allow me to retrieve the beauty AND brains a drink," Loki bows his head a few inches.

What Loki says doesn't register with you, "Deal. I need to have these scan for a few minutes anyway."

Loki nods and heads off towards the bar.

About two minutes later, you hear a voice behind you, "Now what is a beautiful person like yourself doing standing alone?"

You slowly turn around, to ensure that the glasses finish scanning, "Oh, you meant me!" You put on a fake smile and personality.

"That I did," the man extends his hand. "I'm Marcus." 

You reluctantly shake his hand, "Cassidy." This guy isn't bad looking, but the shiver that goes up your spine has your senses on high alert.

"Let me get you a drink," Marcus takes two steps away.

"It's already on its way, but thank you," you explain.

"Ah," Marcus sighs. "So you didn't come alone?"

"No, I....." you start to say, but an arm snakes around your waist.

"Apologies for taking so long, my dear," Loki's voice purrs into your ear as he hands you the drink.

You're impressed that Loki knows to play the game, so you do so as well, "Thank you, sweetie." You take a sip and relax into Loki's arm.

"Dear and Sweetie? Ok. You weren't lying when you said you came with someone," Marcus laughs and takes a sip of his own drink.

"I should hope not; we've been together for just over 3 years now," Loki pulls you even closer into his side.

Tony and Nat have taught you well, so Loki's words don't phase you, "JUST over? What he really means is nearly FOUR years." You playfully poke Loki in the side.

"Maybe you should be with someone who can remember," Marcus winks.

You feel Loki's grip tighten, which shocks you for a second, "Maybe you should move along." Loki's jaw clenches as he speaks.

You share a small smile to break the tension, "Thank you for the drink offer. Enjoy the rest of your night, Marcus."

He turns to leave, but then Marcus leans to your ear, "Let me know if you change your mind."

When Marcus is far enough away, Loki's hand drops from your waist, and you turn back to him expecting a playful, laughing grin. 

Instead, Loki's deadly serious, and jaw still clenched, to the point where you're sure his cheekbone could pop out.

"What?" you ask as Loki looks at you.

"You will NOT be seeing Lucas later," his expression remains the same.

"You're right. But maybe Marcus," you down the rest of your drink.

Loki's fists clench, "You...if you knew what he was thinking of doing to or with you..." 

His reaction is taking you off guard, yet you can't help but want to annoy Loki further, "Really? Maybe I should go and fi..." you take a step back as a joke.

Loki pulls you against him as if you're dancing, "You are MINE."

Your breath catches in your throat, all joking now tossed aside, "I..."

Loki's eyes widen, realizing what he just said, "MY....responsibility." Loki quickly corrects himself.