Masked Lovers

02 - Just can't help but Love the Guy

"Harley Dominic Keener!"

"That's not my middle name-" He didn't have one but technicalities.

"You went out in the suit again!? After I specifically told you not to!" He was still left floating in Loki's green magic bubble thing - which he should totally take advantage of, how strong was it? would the force be enough to slam through a wall ?! At this point going with it as he kicked his feet like an excited school girl, chin resting on his armor free hands and everything.

"The school year's coming up. I know how incredible my inventions are but that suit is for emergencies only, not to frolic the city and get on newspapers." He spun the coffee in his whiskey glass, Harley had done it once out of pure spite to not clean the dishes and it's stuck with them since, leaning onto Loki dramatically. "I can't believe I said that, my father was right all along."

The god only smiled, tutting his tongue, and shaking his head in shame with him. "That is, how is it you like to say," He glanced up at Harley, green eyes glittering with amusement... and mischief. His eyes widened slightly, feeling his heart drop, oh no. "Very tragic, love."

"Love?"

"HOW DID YOU-"

"LOVE?!"

"MAY I BE DISMISSED!?" Harley attempted to pop the bubble with little success, choosing to simply hide his face in his hands as Tony freaked out in front of him.

"Harley, I can't decide whether to feel proud or flabbergasted to know that you're using the suit to impress someone!" He paused for a moment, downing his coffee and slamming the glass onto the coffee table, a large grin painting his face. "So, who's the lucky kid that caught the potato kid's heart?"

"Nobody. He's nobody." He mumbled glaring intensely at Loki who only grew more amused.

"Oh man, I have got to tell Pepper and Platypus about this. They're going to flip. Oh, wait until I meet this kid  myself! Oooh! Pepper is totally going to have to give you two the talk though," He made a face, "I am not ready nor volunteering for that."

"Nooo- stop!"

"No. In fact, I bet Platypus and Lokes here would just love to meet..." He paused, encouraging Harley or Loki to give him the details.

"Nobody. Their nobody."

"A certain vigilant caught his eye." He glared at Loki, face burning red as Tony grew more excited.

"Woah, Harls! I didn't know you loved having such an exciting life." He looked away, groaning in embarrassment.

"Stoooop!!!!"

"Never!" Tony hummed back, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Let me guess, it's Spider-man isn't it?"

Harley choose to only glare at the beautiful, dirty floor below him, face burning a bright red.

"I knew it! You have been hanging out around him a bit more than usual." He sobered a bit before continuing to speak, "But seriously Harley, you shouldn't be using the suit at your age. I want you to have a normal life, what with the Accords in place, I don't want the government thinking you've gone rogue or something. Seeing you hang out with Spider-man has already put way too much attention to you guys by the council."

"But Tony-"

"Anthony is right, Harley." Loki spoke, gently setting Harley down. "We can not risk your safety with you being under age. The Accords may not be able to touch you now but sooner or later, the more you poke and prod, the more problems will pile up for us all."

"What about Spidey? We've recently noticed an increase of weapon usage and-"

"Look kid," Tony set a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure it's not a big deal right now. And if it is, we can't just act without the council's permission. I'll be sure to update them on that issue but unless it gets serious then they'll send us out in a jiffy."

Harley had no energy to mock Tony for using "jiffy", only nodding solemnly in response. Tony frowned slightly, eyes hardening with worry, unsure what to do now.

"Anthony mentioned a celebration coming up at your education center, in which students celebrate traveling home?" Loki inquired, Tony smiled widely in response, happy with the quick change of topic.

"Yeah! Homecoming! You gonna ask anyone to join you in a dance?" At Harley's sour expression, he quickly added, "Or planning something with your friends?"

He decided to take the bait, letting Tony guide him to the couch in his personal lab. "Well, not really. Lizzie offered to dance with me as thanks for helping her with setting it all up but uhm... I declined for obvious reasons."

"Ah. But you could go as friends?"

"Tsk." He kicked his legs absent mindlessly. "She's focused on planning and stuff, I doubt she'll even take time to enjoy the dance and prefer everything goes smoothly."

"You have not acquired any other friends?"

Harely only sighed, shaking his head in disappointment. "There's this Flash guy but he's kinda a dick."

Tony only laughed, patting Harley's back to comfort him. "I'm sure you'll find someone to fit in with soon enough. It's only your first year at this school after all."

"Exactly! Meaning everyone has their friend group and- and know each other. I'm just an outsider to them." Loki and Tony shared a look of concern with one another over the pouting teen. "I kinda mess the country, everyone there knows each other and is more, ya know, friendly. Maybe that's why I like hanging out with Spidey so much."

He smiles softly to himself, ignoring the adults now smiling softly towards him, "He's just the kind of guy everyone can't help but love."