Stay With Me (an Avengers fanfiction)

Chapter Eighteen: Gala Preparation

Three days later, I walk into the living room and a burst of confetti explodes in my face.

"Happy birthday!" All of the Avengers yell.

I grin and brush confetti out of my hair. "Thanks, guys."

"Nineteen," Tony says dramatically. "It seems like only yesterday that you moved into the tower."

"Hm," I say, accepting a hug from Steve. "You must be older than I thought if you've forgotten the past two years, Tony."

Clint laughs at Tony's wounded expression. "And you call Steve old?"

"Shut up, Barton," Tony grumbles.

"Excuse me, mother of the birthday girl coming through," a voice calls, and my mom comes into view, peering around Thor's sizable form.

Thor glances at her and quickly steps out of the way, allowing my mom to get to me.

She hugs me, and then holds me at arm's length, shaking her head. "When is your hair going to be red again? Us redheads are going extinct, you know."

"It's only been five days since we talked," I say in exasperation. "It takes time. So, how long are you staying?"

"Until after Christmas," Mom replies.

I grin. "You're coming to the gala then? You can't escape it this time."

Mom sighs. "I suppose so."

"It's going to be fun," I say, nudging her.

"Are we going to eat this cake or what?" Clint asks, brandishing a knife at the cake resting on the kitchen counter.

"Yeah!" I exclaim.

Mom glances around. "So, when do I get to meet Loki?"

I glance around as well. "I have no idea where he is."

"I believe he is still in his room," Thor says behind me.

"Thanks." Clint passes me a slice of cake and I pass it to my mom. "I'll be right back."

I head up to the twelfth floor and knock on Loki's door.

After a moment it swings open. "Yes?" Loki asks, looking surprised to see me. I'm surprised to see that he wearing a navy blue sweatshirt, like a normal person.

"You're missing cake," I tell him.

"I'm aware, thank you."

Loki starts to turn away and I add, "You really should spend some time with the team. Also, my mom is here and she wants to meet you."

"As entertaining as that sounds--"

"It's also my birthday," I press.

Loki sighs and steps out of his room. "Fine."

I smugly lead the way back to the elevator. "Nice sweatshirt, by the way."

"Its clothing is one of Midgard's few good points," Loki replies.

I feign offense. "Ouch."

"I didn't say it was the only good point." Loki glances at me as the elevator doors slide open and he exits, leaving me staring after him with a bewildered expression until I realize that the elevator doors are sliding shut again and I need to get out.

I follow Loki into the kitchen and take the lead again, heading over to my mom and Natasha, who instantly stop talking when they see me approaching.

"Talking about me?" I ask casually.

"Not exactly," Natasha says evasively.

"Uh-huh," I mutter unconvinced. I turn around and grab Loki's sleeve, dragging him over next to me. "Anyway, Loki, this is my mom, Faith. Mom, this is Loki."