Loki had grown accustomed to getting his way. So naturally, when a man stepped in front of him in line, he had something to say. What he hadn't known, or cared about, was this man as a millionaire superhero in charge of one of the world's largest and highest-grossing companies, Stark Enterprises. Just because Anthony Stark was a genius with money didn't mean that he could cut in line. Loki had been waiting for a long time for his order to be taken, and if this man thought he was going to extend that time, he needed to think again. Of course, he also hadn't been expecting the man to apologize, pay for Loki's order as well as his, and invite him to join him for lunch. Loki accepted; Free food was always welcome and the cafe was crowded. He didn't want to eat outside or sit next to some unwelcoming stranger. So now Loki sat across from an infuriating, nonchalant businessman who was currently shoving a doughnut in his mouth.
"This is my favorite place," He said around mouthfuls, "I usually just send Happy or someone else to get me stuff, but I like this place. It's great, don't you think?"
Loki just nodded as he bit into his sandwich. When he'd found out that Stark was going to pay for his food, he quickly ordered a more pricey meal. He may be well off, but he was never going to spend more than $20 on a sandwich unless it wasn't his money. Especially, if this person who was offering the said money was rude. Loki was pleased that the sandwich tasted as well as it had cost; This place never shirked on quality and taste.
Stark either didn't notice Loki's lack of interest in the conversation, or he didn't care, because he just rambled on. "So, obviously, you know who I am. I mean, who wouldn't? I'm me. I'm Tony Stark, the genius, billionaire, playboy, philanthropist. I'm flipping Iron Man! And, yes, I did say flipping, there are kids here, you know." He turned to wink at a woman walking by. She blushed and hurried out the door.
Loki could feel the ego radiating from Stark, it was almost tangible. He was pretty sure no one was as egotistical than him, even himself, which is saying something. But, Loki was hiding insecurities behind his facade, so maybe Stark was hiding something as well. Loki wondered what that could be. This man had his life handed to him on a silver platter. There couldn't possibly be any cracks hidden inside him, could there? Loki hummed, contemplating.
Stark took this as a confirmation that Loki knew who he was. "Anyway, what I'm getting at is that I don't know who you are."
Loki blinked at that, not expecting the pompous rant to stop, especially to address him. He'd assumed that Stark was only talking to him so that he could do just that, talk. Apparently, there was more to this conversation then Loki had anticipated. Quietly wondering what these intentions could be, Loki just looked at him. He was willing to play this game with Stark, but only if Stark played his game as well.
After a second, Stark caved in, "Tell me about yourself. I did just buy you lunch. The least you could do is introduce yourself."
Loki smiled, Stark had just accepted. He loved a good challenge and wondered if Stark would be an equal match, unlike his naive brother. "I believe the reason you bought me lunch was that you had been rude."
Stark gaped at him, then stepping in stride with Loki responded, "Yes, and you buying a more expensive dish was a fair enough payback I believe."
Loki grinned, so far Stark was doing well in this mind and word game. "I'm surprised you noticed that." He let the man have that victory. "Very well, I'm Loki Odinson. Nice to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stark." Then, he looked down, pretending to be done with the conversation and finished his sandwich.
There were several moments of quiet as Stark waited for more. Loki could hear the gears turning in his head when he realized he wasn't going to get anything other than that and if he didn't say something soon the conversation was going to die. Loki took a slow sip of his tea. It had cooled down quite a bit, but it still was warm enough that he didn't care.
"Loki Odinson. That's a unique name," Stark prompted, hoping to get something out of this. Loki only sipped his tea in response. The man was going to have to try a bit harder to get Loki to react. Stark, seeming to realize this, continued, "Is it Dutch? Wait, don't tell me, I'm going to figure this one out." Loki started. He had been about to answer, but it seemed that Stark wanted to play another game. This was even better than he had expected. Thor would never have tried to guess. He would have wanted answers, then and there. Loki was starting to respect the businessman, despite the rudeness he had shown earlier. "It's got to be something European. The whole ending in 'son' is very European…" Stark was muttering to himself and it was interesting to hear the genius think. Loki was quite amused and he felt his irritation ebbing away. Stark eyed him, "Yeah, he's most definitely European. Not Dutch, that name doesn't fit with that. Maybe Scottish? No. German? No, not that either," He stopped to address Loki again, "Your first name, does it have the same origin as your last name?"
Loki nodded, chuckling, "Yes, it does."
This seemed to spur Stark on, who quickly continued in his speculation. "Loki...Loki...such a unique name...should make this easier...unless it's a nickname," He looked up, "It's not a nickname is it?" Loki shook his head, "Why does it sound so familiar...Loki Odinson...Come on Stark, think…" Suddenly, he sat up, "Norwegian?"
Loki chuckled, "Close enough,"
Stark hummed, "So, you were named after the Norse God of evil or, whatever."
At this Loki almost growled. He was not the God of evil. He was the God of chaos, mischief, self-serving neutrality. None of those things were inherently evil. Sure, some of those things hurt others, but sometimes he did good things as well. He was the God of stories and of time, of other dimensions. He was so much more, but others always saw him as the God of evil. He caught himself and smiled, "God of mischief," He corrected, "And, not exactly." He supposed he could have agreed, but the God of lies even tells the truth from time to time.
Stark chuckled, "Are you from around here?"
"Not exactly," Loki knew that Stark wanted answers but what was he going to say? 'No, I'm not from around here, I'm actually a space Viking and I live on a floating rock in space called Asgard.' That was laughable. Plus, he and Stark were still playing their game. He guessed he could have said something less vague like 'I'm from Norway' or even just a simple 'No'. But he felt like he needed Stark to dig for the answers he wanted.
"Not exactly? That's all you're going to give me?" Loki raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Fine," Stark grumbled, "Could you at least tell me what you do for a living? You seem to have some money on you. You'd have to, to own a suit like that." Loki smiled, he quite liked this suit and had several more like it at home. It had cost quite a bit, but Stark was right, he did have money, and quite a lot of it. "What I don't get, is that I know every wealthy person in this city and several from other places, but I don't know you. I've never even seen your face, let alone heard of you."
Loki smirked, "You've heard plenty of me." He ignored Stark's question, and while he obviously noticed, he didn't seem to care, more intent on what Loki had just said.
"What do you mean? I just told you, I've never heard of Loki Odinson until now."
Loki laughed, "I'm sure you have. How else could you have guessed the origin of my name?" Then, deciding that he'd said enough, he stood up. Before Stark could respond, Loki slid a business card over to him. "Thank you for the meal and conversation, Mr. Stark. I'm quite looking forward to seeing you again." And with that, he sauntered off.