bulletsandbracelets | New York Fun Times [closed to hashisreasons]

For one brief moment, Loki freezes. He swallows, looking at her with the strangest, most foreign look in his eyes. He smiles, leaning into her touch like he'd never felt anything that intimate before. The idea that someone, anyone could believe in him scares him to his core. "Right," he mumbled, the word choked out. For once, she had actually left him speechless.

Turning, he followed her into the building, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. It wasn't fair that she could get to him like that. He sighed, attempting to shake it off as he let her lead him. In his mind, he should be thinking about suits and colors, not how much she had just delivered a blow straight to his heart.

Diana had not noticed Loki's moment of freezing, having begun to speak with the gentleman waiting at the reception about their appointment. Like many higher class establishments for the making of clothes, it did not appear to be like a clothing shop at all. It was without a doubt decorated to the highest fashions, and the people who worked there were finely clothed, but it would be hard for anyone to say - on first viewing it - that it was a place were suits were made to exact measurements.

Which, to be fair, did mean it was the perfect place for them to be.

"Loki?" She called, standing at the bottom of a staircase. "We're to go to then first floor dressing room." There was a gesture upwards. "Come along, or you'll be left in out of season wear."

"Yes yes, I'm coming..." Loki rolled his eyes and followed along, very tempted to make his walking stick appear just so he could flounce around with it. "You wouldn't dare leave me there if you know what's good for you," he muttered to himself. "Out of season wear? I don't think so."

Loki looked around, taking in every square inch of the establishment. He was impressed by it all, the people seeming to have the same frozen exterior that he sometimes wear. They were people that didn't care what anyone else thought of them because they had something people wanted.

Loki could empathize.

Following along behind Diana, he smirked as he took a good look at her retreating form. "I'm here. Settle yourself, Diana. You make it sound like I wouldn't follow you into a dressing room." He winked at her. "You know that I would."

"Of course I wouldn't leave you in out of season clothing," Diana responded easily. "I have to maintain standards, after all," that tease was still clear in her voice, a light smirk on her face as she glanced over at Loki. He knew she didn't care personally, but there was a level of expected fashionable dress with her work. Actually, it was thanks to her work that she was able to bring him to such a place, so she hoped that he was at least vaguely appreciative of that.

"And that is why I will be sitting out here," she pointed to a comfortable and stylish chair, "while you are in being measured."

Loki shook his head. Of course, she would sit outside. That's what she had always done. And he got to parade himself like some sort of fashion model or a scene out of some terrible film. "Standards are very important," he murmured as he moved over to stand beside her. His head tilted to the side and he motioned to the dressing room. "I'm sure you'll enjoy the show. You always do."

Moving forward, Loki stepped into the dressing room and was greeted by two salespeople who were there only for him. His ego got a small boost at the idea of people waiting on him as they took his measurements. Now, the fun was really going to begin.

Diana always sat outside because she knew someone would have very likely attempted to convince her into doing something that would mean they would never be able to return to this particular establishment were she to join him in the dressing room. Besides which, leaving him to the expert tailors who knew their craft well seemed to result in far better service. She would never tell Loki that she had occasionally been thanked for bringing him along - he wore suits so well, it would appear, that fitting him often became a thing of joy for those in the trade. Unique proportions with the right type of attitude meant that some of the more daring current styles hung perfectly on the God of Mischief. It would never be something she told him outright, but it always brought a bit of a smile to her face.

And even though he attempted to deny it? She knew fine well he enjoyed being able to parade like he was on some fashion runaway, and be admired by anyone who dared to look his way. Which often happened to be many members of staff. As she waited, she was offered a drink and some refreshments. Of course, only the best for the people who came to this sort of establishment.

He certainly felt like he was in his element in the dressing room. In a small way, he could be worshiped without hurting anyone. Diana would argue it was the best of both worlds. He might have been disappointed by the lack of pain, but he'd take the attention with enjoyment. His lips turned up in a grin as people circled around him, measuring him, wanting nothing more to put him in the finest clothes.

He didn't bother asking them to step out, not really caring if they did or didn't. He had no self conscious views of his body and did not feel any sort of embarrassment. He knew what he had, what he looked like and how much he did not care what anyone else thought. That part was as little bit of a lie. He did care what she thought.

Just once he'd love for her to join him in the dressing room.

He stepped out wearing the first suit for her to admire. It was a dark suit, charcoal grey with a dark green tie and pocket square. His long black hair fell gently against his shoulders. The suit looked good on him, a lighter shade of fabric than he would normally wear.

"Diana," he purred as he stepped into her line of sight.

She looked up on hearing her name and gave a nod of appreciation, smiling at the sight.

"Now that suits your marvellously," she said, standing to slowly circle him to see it from all angles. They really did their jobs well in a place such as this, the suit fitted him perfectly and the colour of the fabric helped to bring out his eyes. Or so she thought when she stopped in front of him.

"Yes, I very much like this one."

"That pleases me to hear."

He stood there, grinning widely as she circled him, like a woman stalking her prey. His eyes twinkled and he watched her, not moving, enjoying the way that she gazed upon him. The suit was tight in just the right places. "Then, it shall be mine," he murmured. His head turned and he looked right into her eyes. "I do like pretty things. Maybe you could join me in the dressing room? Help me into the next one?"

She stepped forward, reaching out to smooth the shoulders of the suit.

"Loki," she smiled. And then gave him a gentle push back into the dressing room. "You want to be able to come back here, don't you?"

"Diana."

Loki pouted, intentionally giving her a look as he headed back into the dressing room. The next suit he came out in was practically gothic. He was dressed from head to toe in black. Black suit, black tie, even black shoes. Stepping out of the dressing room in his black suit and tie, he crossed his arms over his chest and he gave her a look. He wasn't sure how he felt about this one.

"Thoughts," he purred.

Diana stood again, circling Loki once more to get a full take on the suit. She noted that they really did fine work here, choosing the right items to properly fit his frame and highlight his height in a way that seem to flatter and compliment it. It had her briefly wondering if they did trouser suits for women, as she could use a new one.

"It does flatter you," she said, coming back around to the front, "but I do admit that the black on black seems... harsh."

"Perhaps I was going for harsh?"

His head tilted to the side and he looked at her, trying to convey meaning with his words. This is the type of suit that he would want to wear back to the ship. It is the type of suit he would want to wear if he was meeting with Thor's new little group of Avenger's. He wanted to set a tone, convey an image, appear to them like he was not one to be trifled with.

While he wanted a 2nd chance, he assumed he would never get one.

"I'll go with more like the first one," he murmured, a hint of something lost in his eyes. Loki smiled for her, knowing she would want that of him. "I really do not need that many," he teased lightly. And there it was, the visage was back on his face. Nothing was wrong. Nothing would ever be wrong. How could it?

Loki turned back to the mirror, gazing at himself in it. He turned, trying to view more of his side angle in the suit. "I do like the cut of the trousers. Perhaps with a lighter shirt and tie," he murmured.

"Then why do you seem so unsure of it yourself?"

She could take a guess as to what his motivations were for choosing a harsh looking ensemble. Something that could act as an outward layer of protection, helping him put on a mask of his true thoughts and feelings on a matter and instead help him portray that aloof detachment he preferred to show to the world at large. Which, truthfully, was fine, if that was what he wanted. But there was something in the manner in which he had come out that made Diana question if it was what he wanted.

"You can go with both," she said, reaching forward to touch his shoulder. "Harsh can be needed in this world, as much as I prefer seeing a you that does not need it."

Loki turned back to Diana, raising an eyebrow at her. It would be so easy to let her in. One hand reached up to cover her hand on his shoulder, keeping it there. He had so many things that he would have loved to say to her, so many feelings he wanted to express. For years, he had known her and they had fun together, but it was always still so separate. There was always something missing. Loki always just chalked it up to not letting her in, not showing her the full him. The only people who knew him better than anyone would be Diana and Thor. And even then, neither of them saw all of it.

"We'll see," was all he said. "I'll go change into the gray one. We don't want to miss dinner and dancing, do we?"

He looked as if he was going to say something else, but did not. Instead, he turned away from her and went back into the dressing room. He was gone for some time, before he finally emerged in the gray suit. Behind him, the staff carried a few boxes, full of the black suit and two more like the one he was wearing. His original suit was also in one of the boxes.

"Did you want to try something on? I do like you in this, though." Loki reached out, gently trailing one of his hands slowly down her arm.

Diana sighed as Loki turned away. There was always something held back, she was guilty of this as well, but it did not stop her wanting for that to somehow go away. She knew that it was just who Loki was, that he would never fully reveal himself to anyone, regardless of who they were or how close they were, and yet... But how could she ask him to do that when she held part of herself back? Yes, a lot of it had been out of necessity - it is hard to be fully open with someone who is hardly there - but still.

"I am very fond of this as well," she said, smiling when he came back out. "I am in need of a new trouser suit for work functions, but I think it will keep." She looked thoughtful. "I may bring you along on that day, for an extra eye?"

As much as Loki hated it, he would not be going anywhere for a while. In a way, Diana had been able to get her wish. For once, he would be there a lot more than just hardly being around. Reaching out, Loki took her hand in his, gently kissing her knuckles. "If my lady asked me, I would join her anywhere. My eyes are always for you." Winking at her, Loki offered his arm to her as they headed up to the front of the store where they could pay for the suits.

If there was anyone that could get him to reveal the truth of himself, it was her. She had a power that he was pretty sure she didn't even realize. All he really wanted was her to be honest with him.

"You say that now, but I worry one day I will ask too much of you." It's possibly a little more revealing than she would usually give, but she doesn't care to take it back. There's a saddness to her smile, even if she would not be able to explain where it came from, and she takes his arm as they go to pay for this suits. This time, it is her treat. It's not like she doesn't have the money - you tend to gather a bit of it the longer you're on Earth.

They had only just stepped outside the building when her phone rang. Frowning, she answered.

"Bruce?"

It wasn't clear what was being said, but Diana's face became stormy.

Loki hears her words and one eyebrow arches in expression as he gazes at her. It is a nugget of truth he does not normally expect from the demigoddess. The surprise on his face is evident as he does not try to disguise it. "Diana..." He sighed, lowering his voice and making it softer for her. He could, when he needed to, have compassion. He just chose to hide it very well.

Anything else he was going to say was cut off by the ringing of her phone. He too frowned, watching her answer the phone. When he realized it was Banner on the other end of the line, his anger grew.

Bruce Banner. Hulk. Pain in the... Loki had finally been able to come to an understanding with the good doctor when he'd been on the ship with Thor, Bruce and Valkyrie. That did not mean he had to like the man, though. Bruce, who clearly had more than just feelings of respect for Diana. The annoying Midgardian had asked about her, at length, on the refugee ship when Thor had mentioned that Loki would be leaving with her while he had waited for her to arrive.

Loki was proud of himself for not killing Bruce in front of his brother.

A small smirk painted his face as he stepped up behind Diana, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close, as if in a lovers embrace. "Hello, Banner. We are a bit busy right now," Loki purred over her shoulder, loud enough that Bruce could hear him. "Busy being wrong again about technology that may attempt to take over your planet? Why are you calling?"

One hand moved up and down Diana's side, invading her space like he knew nobody else would ever be able to get away with. It was only to get close to the phone. Honest...

"I'm just concerned, Diana. Loki is ... well, he's Loki."

That had been what had been said to turn Diana's face stormy. Bruce Banner was a man she respected greatly. He was a visionary in his field, and his work in developing countries providing medical aid at his own expense was something that she admired deeply. It had been wonderful to meet him and begin speaking with him on different matters and they always did have such enjoyable conversations. However, she was not unaware of the fact that Bruce seemed to have feelings other than that of friendship towards her, and that this lead to what could only be called passive aggressive attempts at 'protecting' her from Loki.

Who, considering he had wrapped himself around her so well, did everything he could to annoy Bruce in return. She rolled her eyes, but did not push him away. She'd do it, in a minute or so, when she felt like it. (She would admit, it was oddly nice to have him be so close willingly. Even if the reason for it was irritating to her.)

"See! He's just putting on a face around you, Diana. Trust me, you don't know what he's really like-"

"Bruce," Diana interjected, a sigh coming in an attempt to keep her cool, "I have known Loki for a century. I am well aware of what he is 'really like'." Another sigh. "I thank you for your... kindness," there was a brief face pull as she said it, "but I am more than capable of looking after myself."

"Diana I just-"

"I know what you just," she said, "but in doing so you are insulting a dear friend. And I cannot accept that." Even if said dear friend liked to needle back. She would have to speak to Loki about that.

Oh Diana, Loki would be much closer if he thought he wouldn't get slapped for doing so. He isn't completely heartless with people that he considers to be his friend. And maybe, just maybe, he really was enjoying how close she was. The feel of her pressed against him, the smell of her perfume wafting up to his nose. His eyes closed and he enjoyed the moment for much longer than he should have.

"Banner, how does it feel to know that twice now something smarter and greater than you has tried to take over your planet? Wouldn't you have learned after I did it the first time?" He smirked, his voice low against her ear. He's loud enough that he knows Bruce will hear him, but not loud enough to actually shout in her ear and be rude about it. "Perhaps it is you that I put the face on around, since you are the people who don't trust me. Respect is to be earned, Bruce, not given freely."

In the background, there could be heard some yelling between Banner, Steve Rogers and Thor. Not everyone was as happy as Bruce was about his phone call or warning Diana. While he couldn't make out all the words, Loki made out enough to smile. "I have to go buy some new clothes now. Diana ripped the last ones."

For that, Loki did step away, just out of her reach before moving over to the sales counter. While he knew the impropriety of his words and how they might anger her, he just couldn't resist. Loki turned to the merchant and smiled, pulling out a little plastic card that Thor gave him. He really didn't know what it did, but Thor said that Lady Jane Foster told him it was money, so he had taken it without objection. He could just magically make the staff think he'd paid, but then that would have angered Diana.

"Bloody Banner," he grumbled.

"You're not going to rile me this time, Loki!" Bruce's comment came back quite loudly - Diana winced a little at it. Yelling over a phone always manages to seem louder than yelling in person and she's never quite understood the why of that logic.

"Bruce," she said simply into the phone, shooting Loki a look of his own. She couldn't continue right away - hearing Thor and Steve Rogers insisting that Bruce stop calling and let Loki enjoy his day was oddly amusing in it's way though. "They are right, Bruce."

"But, Diana..."

"No," her voice was firm. "I am out for the day with Loki, and we have dinner and dancing to look forward to." She turned to smile at Loki, making it clear these words were not just for show. "And while it is nice to hear from you, I am busy today. Thank you for calling, and we'll speak later."

"...I guess. Just. Be careful."

Diana almost rolled her eyes, but she just smiled, looking right at Loki.

"I promise you, I am very safe." And with that, she hung up. "Have you made your purchases?"

Loki took the card back and placed into one of the pockets of his suit. He turned to her, smiling warmly. "Oh yes. These are mine now." He stepped closer to her, raising an eyebrow at her as a smirk covered his lips. One hand moved up to her shoulder, gently trailing down her arm his other hand moved around to her back. "Did Dr. Banner not like his phone call," he said with a bit of sarcasm in his voice. "He's probably jealous he didn't get invited. The tables aren't that large here," he teased.

"Are you so sure that you are safe with me, Lady Diana?" He leaned in closer, pressing a soft kiss to her cheekbone. "After all, you heard him, I am very dangerous. Who knows what might happen on the dance floor later?"

He chuckled, his eyes full of mirth as he danced away from her. "Let's go put these in the car, shall we?" He wanted so badly to admit how good it felt to have her in his arms. He wished he could tell her and have her there so much more often. A shiver had run through him as sniffed her beautiful perfume.

Loki offered his arm out to her. "Shall we go get our dinner? I'm very hungry and would love a bite." He laughed, giving her a look as he stepped closer to her. Suddenly, his face grew serious. "Diana... Thank you, for defending me. You didn't have to. It... It means a lot."

Diana responded to Loki's soft kiss by raising her own hand to his cheek, stroking her thumb along his cheekbone. He really did have bone structure that had to be admired and even envied in some cases. A soft smile, that had just small hints of a tease hidden in it, appeared.

"I think I can handle whatever you will dare." She stepped back and laughed herself, nodding to his suggestion. "Yes, we will put your suits safely in the car, we cannot allow them to be harmed, after all." He was so particular, and could mourn even the slightest stain like it was some grave injury. It was rather adorable, really, even if she couldn't tell him that because it was likely not a good idea to encourage the over-the-top behaviour in regards to clothing.

She took his arm. "We shall go get our dinner. I am quite ravenous myself." She softened at his serious look. "You are not the monster you seem to think yourself at times, Loki Friggasson," she said, "and while you do have much to repay... you are one who I will defend."

The fact that her words were sweet and kind were not lost on him. It touched his heart that someone could feel that way for him, even if she would never be anything other than a friend. Her touch on his arm was electric. He felt the shock of her touch and relished in it, any touch he could get.

"I do think Banner should call more often. That was fun," he purred, leaning down to whisper the words softly in her ear. In doing so, his lips brushed ever so slightly against her earlobe. "You're not the only one who's ravenous." The serious moment gone, Loki pulled back and escorted her back to her car. Once it was unlocked, he placed the clothes in the trunk of the car, safe and sound for now.

"Where is dinner and dancing? Is it close enough to walk?" He moved back over to Diana, taking her hand in his once more. "I would love to walk with you in the moonlight tonight," he murmured. "If I am allowed?"

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