The Power of Pie - GN One shot
Summary: Another belated Christmas story. You host for the holidays as Pepper's sibling and Loki can't help but be enchanted by you.
Warnings: None, pure fluff.
It was Christmas day, and the Avengers were spending it at your home, Y/N Potts, the not so infamous, ever ordinary younger sibling of the much more unordinary Pepper Potts. Long before Pepper even met Tony, you had called dibs on the holiday. Out of all the holidays during the year, Christmas was your favorite, and even though you did not have a mansion or anything fancy – you simply loved hosting all your loved ones, feeding them, and seeing their smiles. Now those loved ones included the Avengers. It certainly made the holiday that much more interesting.
For some of the Avengers it was their first year joining you at your home. After numerous threats from Pepper for everyone ‘to be on their best behavior’, the whole Avengers team was piled into your quaint home just outside of New York City. While your home held that line between small and ‘not so small’, everything was cozy and decorated for the holiday. It was obvious you were obsessed with Christmas; every room was decorated from floor to ceiling. Again, you rode the line between Christmas Chic and ‘Christmas projectile vomited everywhere’. It was perfect, and you wouldn’t want it any other way.
This year was the first year for the Asgardian brothers. Honestly, it was their first actual Christmas on ‘Midgard’ or Earth to everyone else. They stepped into your home and looked around, eyes wide with wonder as they took in all the beauty that was your home. Little Christmas details were everywhere, sparkling lights were hung with care, and you had one of the largest Christmas trees they had ever seen – it almost rivaled Starks back at the Tower. As soon as the crew stepped in, you barreled face first into your role as host. Grabbing and hanging up everyone’s coats, you ushered them into your charming kitchen and offered them hors d'oeuvres to snack on while the rest of the dinner was cooking. You had insisted that you make the whole meal yourself, being well aware of the crazy appetite of most of the Avengers. Cooking, especially cooking for others, was your passion and as they say: food is love!
“Everything smells heavenly, Y/N.” Thor grinned, popping some bruschetta into his mouth. And it was true, your home smelled amazing. There, on your kitchen island, laid a smorgasbord of appetizers that had the team wondering what the main course would consist of. Next to the bruschetta were smoked salmon crisps, Greek salad skewers, devilled eggs, squash blossoms, various cut vegetables alongside artisanal breads and a plethora of dips and sauces to choose from.
Loki looked at the vast spread in front of him with wonder. He wasn’t as familiar with Midgardian food as Thor was, but he was never opposed to trying something new. After careful examination, he took a bit of the squash blossoms and he had to stifle a moan, your cooking was that amazing.
“Thank you so much, Thor! But don’t fill up on the appetizers. There is much more coming.” Your words interrupted Loki’s mouthgasm and pulled his attention directly to you. You were flitting around the kitchen, checking on various dishes that were in different pots and pans, and paying special attention to a turkey you diligently basted. Closing the oven back up, you slung the kitchen towel you were using over your shoulder and wiped the sweat off your brow with the back of your arm. Frankly, you were a disheveled mess, but Loki couldn’t help but admire you. Clearly, you were in your element and the happiness that radiated through you flowed freely through the room and smacked Loki right in the heart. There was something so familiar about you, about your aura.
“They remind you of Mother, do they not?” Thor pulled Loki from his lingering stare with a not so careful jab of his elbow into his younger brother’s side. Loki growled in response, not verbally responding, but the thought intrigued him. He watched you carefully, while trying not to be too obvious, as you played host. Your fluid movements and ability to handle anything and everything clearly made you some sort of witch, but it was your heart that peaked his interest the most. Even while conducting the orchestra that was your kitchen, you still engaged in meaningful conversation with every person in the room. You paid special attention to each person, picking up on the smallest of details and sharing your mutual enthusiasm for the passions they shared and paid humble homage to the complicated mess that was their lives as an Avenger.
You even conversed with Loki, which came as a great surprise to him, as he was only brought along by the graciousness and persistence of Thor. Tony had wanted to leave Loki back at the Tower, but ultimately thought keeping an eye on him was the better move.
“Usually, I like to try and figure out my guests’ favorite dishes, but unfortunately I don’t know that much about Asgardian cuisines.” You gave Loki an apologetic look, offering yet another plate of hors d'oeuvres; this time it was sweet potato crostini with prosciutto honey roasted figs. Again, after careful examination, he took a bite, and it was as if his mouth was his own personal Valhalla. He let out a contented groan and you couldn’t help but grin and laugh, clearly satisfied with your work and his reaction.
“That doesn’t matter as long as you cook like this,” The young prince said, licking his fingertips. Your quick glance to his lips was not missed by him. “Clearly, you are talented when it comes to cooking.”
The casual compliment seemed to fluster you a bit, a rosy hue now gracing your cheeks. But thankfully, you quickly recovered, and then started a compelling conversation with the God of Mischief. You had asked him about his holidays back on Asgard, his hobbies, and interests. Everything was very lighthearted, and he adored your attention after being the black sheep for so long. You never asked about any of his crimes or questionable past. He was just another guest, but apparently one you took particular interest in as you chatted with him way longer than your other guests. All the while, you gracefully maneuvered around the kitchen with perfect precision and perfect timing as you brought dish after dish out for the main course. Yes, truly you were a witch.
But one thing the God noticed was how no one had offered to help you. Clearly, you had everything under control and could do so with one hand behind your back, but if there was one thing his dear mother Frigga had taught him was to be polite in other’s homes.
“Darling, can I help you in some way?” Instant whiplash! You turned your head around to face Loki so fast; you were sure your neck would be sore in the morning. Normally, there wouldn’t be any offers of help as you ran around the kitchen in your own personal episode of Iron Chef. You might look like a pro, but mostly you felt like a chicken with its head cut off, so the offer came as a relief to you.
“Yes,” You let out a long-exhausted sigh, you didn’t realize you were holding in. “I hear you’re good with knives. Is that right?”
“So, I have been told.” He replied with his wide signature grin. There goes your head and your heart, getting flustered again.
“Heh, well, if you don’t mind,” You turned your head away from him slightly, trying to hide your growing blush, but his eyes just followed you. Still, he grinned. “The turkey is done, and everything is pretty much ready to be served. Would you mind carving the turkey?”
“It would be my pleasure.” His face softened a bit, glad that you were actually accepting his help. He had feared that you would reject his offer. In a moment, he was by your side with a flourish of green and his seidr, a set of long Asgardian daggers appeared in his hands. He flipped them with ease and you oo’d and ahh’d at his tricks and Loki soaked up your attention like a dry sponge.
“Well, that’s handy,” You giggled, and immediately Loki decided he loved the melody of your laugh, “But, if you are accepting this task, my dear prince, I have one more I must insist on.”
Now, it was the God’s turn to blush at your possessive term of endearment. Much to his surprise, he liked being called your prince.
“And what is that my dear?” He leaned forward, creeping closer to your face. You too, leaned forward, your faces only inches apart. Lost for a moment in each other’s eyes, before a cheeky grin took over your face and you presented a classic red Santa hat to your turkey savior.
“I must insist you wear this! It’s tradition after all.” For a moment, Loki hesitated. All eyes were on the two of you now and he did not want to look like a fool in front of the Avengers. They already tease him endlessly. But, when you looked at him with big pleading eyes, he couldn’t say no. So, he donned the hat and flashed a smile in your direction.
“How do I look?” He asked, his face starting to flush red again like the hat that sat on top of his long black locks.
“Handsome.” You said simply, before patting his arm and grabbing a dish to bring to the dining room table. Now, with a puffed-out chest filled with pride at your compliment, he went to work with expert precision on the roasted bird before him. It wasn’t long until the turkey was fully carved, the table was filled with incredible dishes, and everyone was sitting and enjoying. Conversation flowed easily between everyone, between heroes and former foes alike, all thanks to the power of your amazing cooking and the holidays. Laughter and groans of contentment with each bite filled the room and it made your heart soar with pride.
“Everything is absolutely incredible!” Thor boomed, taking one last swig of his drink, and promptly smashing the cup on the ground with a proclamation of “Another!”
Loki grinned at his brother, clearly consumed with joy from the conversation and alcohol and followed suit. His cup soon joined Thor’s on the ground with a loud crash.
“Yes! Another!! Everything is so delicious.” The two brothers smirked and cackled and gave each other boisterous high fives as they celebrated their meal.
Meanwhile, the rest of the table sat in stunned silence. The Asgardian tradition was not new to the Avenger’s team by any means, but it was the first Christmas the brothers attended in your household. They had no idea they had destroyed not only the finest china you probably own, but also priceless family heirlooms that have been handed down for generations. Everyone has heard the story of how the fine china was ‘from the old country’ and has been passed down from your great, great, great grandmother down through your family and now onto you; a torch you loved to bare as you hoped to pass it on down to your children and beyond too.
After their princes’ laughter died down, they soon realized that everyone was staring at them. All except Tony Stark who was pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers, clearly exasperated by the guests he brought into your home. It was Pepper that finally spoke up.
“That china was passed down for generations on our family! How could you do that?!” She yelled. The two brothers looked at each other, now stunned themselves at their grave error. With a slow turn of his head, Loki looked towards you, cringing at his mistake. You stared back at him, tears pricking at the corner of your eyes before slowly standing up and grabbing a broom and dustpan. Without a word, you swept up the mess and left the dining room leaving everyone in a heavy, uncomfortable silence.
Loki heart sat thick in his throat and for a few moments, he sat in the discomfort of the room. Then, without another thought, he jumped up from his chair and followed you into the kitchen. Just as you were about to dump the shards of glass into the trash, he grabbed your wrist to stop you. You shot him a glare that sent shivers down his spine.
“Please, wait. I am sorry.” Loki’s eyes were wide and pleading and despite your anger, you listened to him. He let out a huffy, thankful laugh as he reached and took the dustpan from your hands. With a wave of his own hands, and a swirl his of his green seidr, the shards of glass started to melt and mend back together until the two glasses were like new again. You stood, staring in wonder, as this all played out in front of your very eyes.
“Again, I am so sorry, and I apologize for my oafish brother as well. Blame our cultural differences, but we truly meant no offense. Please forgive us…. forgive me?” He spoke his words softly, carefully, as he gently placed the two glasses into your hands. His calloused hands engulfed yours as his thumbs tenderly stroked your skin. You hummed thoughtfully for a moment, considering his offer before a smirk crossed your face.
“I guess I can forgive you this one time, my dear prince.” Immediately, Loki flushed yet again at your liberal use of possessive nicknames. He just met you, but he loved it more each time you had said it.
“Hm, right. Right – thanks, thank you!” He stammered, silent cursing to himself for losing his silvertongue around this enchanting mortal. Without another word, you grabbed his hand with one of yours and the two glasses in the other and lead him back to the dining room. You were greeted with whoops and hollers as you held up the now fixed glasses in the air. Putting the glasses back down on the table, you turned to the prince next to you and gave him a round of applause. Gradually, with your encouragement, everyone joined you in praising your new hero. If the young prince was flushed before, he was definitely red now.
The incident seemed to pass on from everyone’s minds from that moment, and dinner concluded without any further issues. Conversation resumed, and Loki was thankful for your sweet looks of reassurance from across the table. He had feared everyone would forgive Thor for the mistake as the team’s Golden boy, but Loki was still redeeming himself as a former villain. You changed the narrative and made him the hero without question, despite the fact he had initially caused the problem. The gesture was small, but it meant the world to him.
After everyone’s bellies were full, it was time for gifts. Everyone gathered around your giant Christmas tree that was perfectly placed in the front of your comfy living room. Your heart swelled when Loki again volunteered to help you by managing the fireplace, after you explained how Christmas is not the same without a warm and cozy fire. He stacked the wood and lit the fire like a true expert, until he leaned back, hands on his hip and proud of his work. You admired him from across the room as you handed out everyone’s gifts. It was nice having someone help you with hosting after doing it on your own for so long. Granted, you loved it, but there was something sweet, romantic, and surprisingly domestic about doing these things with someone else. Let alone someone as handsome as the God of Mischief.
Eventually, your feet carried you over to him with a small gift in your hands. You had made sure to do your research on each of your guests and get a personal gift for each of them. Loki was no exception. The look on his face was priceless as he turned from the flames within the fireplace to you and your gift. He searched your face for any signs of trickery, years of mistrust fueling him. But when he didn’t find any malice or ill intent in your eyes, only hopefulness, he took the gift from your grasp and started to open it.
“I heard you liked to read, so I thought you might like this. Hope it is alright! I won’t be offended if you don’t like it.” Loki’s eyes flitted from the gift to you, until he unwrapped a collection of works by William Shakespeare. He flipped the book over, back and forth, before he finally locked onto your eyes. You, a mere mortal who likely only knew of his past, went out of your way to give him a special and thoughtful gift. The trickster’s emotions threatened to overwhelm his as his eyes turned glassy.
“It’s perfect. Thank you,” He simply said. You only reflected happiness back at him before reaching forward, gently caressing his cheek with your soft hand. Again, your actions were so simple, but they were so impactful. Loki found himself unintentionally leaning into your touch and then following it with his cheek when you parted from him. A giggle bubbled from you as you watched the tall God turn into putty in your hands. Sheepishly, Loki bit his bottom lip as his craving for your touch was clearly found out by you. But you didn’t say anything and instead patted his shoulder and carried on with passing out the gifts.
Loki watched you like a hawk from his spot by the fire, taking his job as ‘fire manager’ very seriously. Again, you went from task to task, person to person, as you passed out gifts and desserts and made sure everyone had what they needed to feel happy and cozy. Every action was thoughtful and selfless, and the young god was captivated by you. He had never met anyone like you before and here you are, accepting him and the rest of the crazy bunch that was called the Avengers in your home with nothing but grace and unconditional love.
By the end of the evening, most of the crew was passed out in various chairs around the living room; everyone except you and Loki who still sat by the fire, munching on a shared piece of pie. Again, the groans that left Loki was borderline unholy as he ate your deliciously sweet treat. You could only blush and chuckle in response. Every groan was considered a compliment to you.
“This is positively amazing. Everything you make is incredible, truly.” He confessed to you with earnest. Giggling again, you could only continue to thank him for his relentless compliments and munch away.
“So, do you do this often?” His question pulled you from the dessert in front of you.
“Take care of everyone around you?” He asked simply and sincerely, before taking another bite. Still, his icy blue eyes remained locked on you. For a moment, his directness took you aback, but you only shrugged and broke away from his intense gaze.
“And who takes care of you?” That snapped your eyes right back to his. Now, you were truly stunned and wasn’t sure what to say. You thought about all the previous years, all the times you hosted and took care of the family no matter what happened. It became apparent to you that you were handling this all on your own, but it didn’t matter to you. You just simply found joy in helping and caring for others. You didn’t expect anything in return.
“Well, that’s not why I do it. I just like taking care of the people who I care about.” You took another bite of pie, giving Loki a sly wink as the utensil lingered in your mouth. It seemed to fluster him for a moment, and you silently rejoiced at rattling the handsome God.
“That’s not what I mean. I didn’t mean a ‘tit for tat’ type of situation. It is obvious you are truly a caring and pure person, but you deserve to be cared for too.” Now, it was your turn to be flustered. His eyes held nothing, but pure adoration for you and words struggle to form as your heart thudded away in your chest.
“Thank you,” Was all that you could meekly say, your cheeks turning rosy not only from the warmth of the fire.
And it was in that moment, sitting in front of the dancing flames in your quaint home, sharing a piece of pie you made with pure love, that the God of Mischief knew he hopelessly fell for a sweet, selfless mortal.
