Happy halloween y'all!!!
*
The soft, amber lights from my room spilled into the hallway as I checked my costume one last time. Tony Stark’s Halloween parties were infamous for their decadence, and this year, the pressure was on to outshine everyone. Stark’s challenge had been clear: no half-measures.
I turned to face the mirror, adjusting my velvet cloak with the faintest trace of pride. I’d gone all-in on the vampire look—my skin painted just a few shades lighter than usual, a blood-red lipstick that made me look almost lethal, and a carefully placed drop of faux blood in the corner of my mouth. I even had a classic vampire amulet around my neck, a last-minute addition Loki had insisted would “add to the authenticity.”
“Are you planning to brood in there all night?” Loki’s voice drifted from outside the door, layered with his familiar blend of humor and mischief. “We have a party to attend, darling.”
I opened the door, and there he was. Loki stood in the doorway, arms crossed and leaning against the frame, dressed in a vampire hunter costume that seemed crafted straight out of a gothic novel. Dark, tailored leather with subtle silver details, a rugged belt, and a wooden stake holstered at his side, he looked every bit the determined hunter ready to bring justice to the undead.
“Am I supposed to be intimidated?” I asked, stepping out and giving him a once-over.
Loki smirked, his gaze trailing over my costume with appreciation. “I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. But if you’d rather run, I could give you a head start.”
I laughed, looping my arm through his. “I think I’ll take my chances.”
Together, we made our way down the dimly lit hall. As we approached the common room, the soft buzz of party sounds grew louder. The scent of caramel apples and spiced cider filled the air, mingling with the faintly eerie notes of a classic Halloween playlist. It was easy to get swept up in the atmosphere; Tony had gone all out, as always.
The party room itself was unrecognizable. Stark had managed to turn the Avengers Tower into a haunted manor, complete with fog machines billowing from hidden corners, pumpkin lights casting shadows along the walls, and chandeliers draped in faux cobwebs. In the center, an enormous pumpkin bearing the Avengers symbol glowed fiercely, and all around it, friends and familiar faces moved and laughed in an array of costumes.
Natasha greeted us first, dressed in an elegant black outfit that somehow made her “cat burglar” look effortlessly glamorous. She raised her glass with a grin. “Ah, there’s the star-crossed duo.”
I did an exaggerated twirl. “Only for tonight. By morning, I’ll be back to the realm of the living.”
Natasha chuckled, glancing at Loki. “And you—always the hunter.”
Loki lifted his prop stake, feigning solemnity. “One must fulfill their duty.”
As we moved further into the room, we found ourselves drawn into the lively, chaotic energy that only Stark could orchestrate. Across the room, Bruce had opted for a subtle “mad scientist” look, with wild, spiked hair and a lab coat stained with some suspiciously red fluid. Beside him, Thor, naturally, had taken on his Viking heritage, complete with a helmet adorned with bat wings and a fur cape that looked suspiciously real.
“Loki! Y/N!” Thor’s booming voice cut through the noise as he raised a glittering goblet. “Join us! The evening is young, and Stark has outdone himself with this pumpkin brew.”
Loki and I exchanged amused glances before Thor handed us each a glass. The drink was pumpkin ale with a hint of cinnamon, warm and oddly comforting. Loki took a tentative sip, then raised an eyebrow at me as if to say, not bad.
“Well, if the god of mischief is impressed, I must be doing something right,” Tony quipped as he appeared behind us. Dressed as a retro robot with blinking lights and metallic cardboard armor, he looked as proud of his costume as he did of the party.
“I’m impressed with your attempt to create fire hazards with this outfit,” I teased, pointing to the string of sparking lights around his neck. “But the party’s fantastic, Stark. I almost feel like I should be hiding from hunters here.”
Loki leaned closer, his voice low. “You know, I’d be more than happy to play along.”
Tony rolled his eyes, but his grin stayed wide. “Just be sure to save the dramatics for the dance floor. Speaking of which, go mingle! This party’s only just getting started.”
Following his cue, Loki took my hand, guiding me to where a group of people were already dancing. A lively mix of Halloween classics pulsed from the speakers, and the lights dimmed to a warm, festive glow as the dance floor filled. Loki spun me around effortlessly, his hand firm on my waist as we moved in sync. His touch was warm, steady, and something in his eyes held a spark, like he was more than willing to play the role of my pursuer.
“You’re quite the dancer, Loki,” I murmured, as he guided me through a twirl.
“One of many talents,” he replied, smirking. “I’d say you’re not bad yourself—for someone who’s supposed to be undead.”
I gave a dramatic sigh. “Comes with centuries of practice. The undead must find ways to occupy eternity, after all.”
Our banter went on like that as we danced, back and forth, lighthearted yet laced with something deeper that neither of us acknowledged. In that moment, it was just us—lost in a shared rhythm, lost in the glow of the night. The rest of the room faded into a blur as we moved, two figures bound by playful rivalry and something else, something unspoken.
Eventually, the song slowed, and we drifted toward the bar for a break. I took in the scene around me, the buzz of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the subtle flicker of candlelight casting shadows on everyone’s costumes. Clint had finally abandoned his scarecrow hat, claiming it “itched like crazy,” while Natasha amused herself by balancing an apple on top of it.
“Enjoying yourself, vampire?” Loki asked, his eyes glinting as he took a sip from his glass.
“Absolutely. But you know, I might be due for a midnight hunt soon,” I replied, leaning in with mock menace.
He let out an exaggerated sigh, placing a hand over his heart. “And here I thought you were reformed.”
“Not in the slightest,” I replied, playfully flashing my faux fangs.
As we settled back, Tony’s voice suddenly boomed from the front of the room. “Alright, everybody, costume contest time! So, who’s gonna claim victory this year?”
A cheer erupted as everyone gathered, casting votes and pointing out details in each other’s costumes. Natasha was praised for her sleek cat burglar look, while Thor took “Most Authentic” for his Viking get-up. Loki received a few nods of approval for his hunter costume, but in the end, Tony’s robot ensemble stole the show, flashing lights and all.
As Tony basked in his victory, Loki leaned in, speaking softly. “This is actually… nice. All of us, together.”
I looked around, taking in the relaxed, carefree faces of our friends. It was true; in these rare moments, it felt like we were simply people, not heroes, free to laugh and revel in simple joys.
“Yes, it is,” I replied, my voice softer, almost wistful.
He smiled, his gaze settling on me. “I have to say, I’m quite pleased with my company for the night.”
“Well, you should be. I don’t just dance with anyone, you know,” I teased, nudging him lightly.
Our banter faded into a comfortable silence, and I found myself watching the rest of the party again, letting myself drift into the warm glow of the evening. The music changed to something soft, the kind of melody that lingered in the background as people exchanged stories, whispered secrets, and shared laughter that felt genuine.
Eventually, Loki offered me his hand again, and we slipped out to the balcony, the hum of the party fading to a gentle background noise. The crisp autumn air was cool, refreshing after the warmth of the crowded room, and I leaned against the railing, letting the night wrap around me.
“So, vampire,” Loki said, joining me at the railing. “What’s next for you after tonight’s revelries?”
I shrugged, watching the city lights stretch out below us. “Who knows? It’s rare to get moments like this. I think I’ll just enjoy it while it lasts.”
He nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Wise words.” For a moment, his gaze held mine, a depth and warmth there that made my heart beat just a little faster.
As we stood there, side by side, the Tower below us alive with sound and light, everything felt… right. Perfect, even. I let out a content sigh, allowing myself to lean against his shoulder, just for a moment, enjoying the comfort of his presence.
“Thank you, Loki,” I murmured, almost to myself. “For tonight.”
He looked down at me, his voice low. “The pleasure is mine, Y/N.”
