Hell or High Water (#Wattys2016)

👑Bonus Chapter: The Date

A/N:

***Just a small May 2020 edit here, lol: I've unpublished Anya's Choice. It simply needs a rewrite due to how unhappy I was with the finished product. See? That was small. I'll quite possibly have it re-published after finishing a few other projects.

Thank you so much for all the support!

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The two men donning dark shades and grey hoodies gripped their menus tighter as the copper haired boy sat down five tables across from them. The shorter of the two men was ready to leave just as they sat down. He hated these modern hipster cafe's that were popping up all over the country. He saw enough in Malibu to last a lifetime.

"Why are we doing this again?"

"Because I don't trust your son."

"I don't trust him either, but that gives you no right not to."

Thankfully the dark tinted specs shielded his eye rolling from the other man. Typical Stark reasoning.

"She's going to be the death of him. Surely you don't consider these two a match?"

"No, she's going to be the death of us if you don't keep your voice down. This is a stupid plan."

"It was your plan in the first place!" Loki's voice raised above a whisper. He quickly ducked behind the menu when a waiter glanced at them.

"We need to move closer. I can hardly hear what scandalously crude words your son may be warping my daughter with."

"Hence why you should never listen to me. Thor was right. You are overprotective. There's a reason I like him better."

"Of course. But does Thor have any offspring? Maybe there's a reason for that too." Loki retorted. Everytime Stark pushed his buttons, which seemed often, it turned into a battle of wits. 

"I don't understand what you're hung up about. If he's anything like me at sixteen... " Tony trailed off, following Loki's attention to the two teenagers behind them.

Anya was sharing a smoothie with Nathan. Two straws in one cup. Close enough contact, even if there was no touching. Just an average date, they said. What could possibly happen, they said.

Loki shared a look with Tony.

"Let's switch tables. And order something this time without sprinkles. That waitress already thinks we're a couple."

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God, he thinks he's so cool. With his Ray Bans and blue blazer. He fits in with the atmosphere, for sure. Isy was right. All the fuss is just that. Typical high school gossip. So why was I surprised he asked me out? I can't believe how nervous he's making me. Okay, Anya, breathe. You're in control.  It's not like there haven't been a dozen girls before me. I'm probably not the last. I didn't even expect to have fun, just not in the typical sense. So glad I was able to hold back the laughter until I went to the restroom, hearing him stammer for a reasonable number after I asked how many girls he'd dated was priceless!

"You think they know we see them?" Nathan asked, he was grateful she didn't order half the shop like other girls he'd gone out with.

"Nah. Pretend we're talking about something funny; start laughing."

"Yes, ma'am." Nathan smirked. She hated it, but had to admit that it suited him. She noted how his eyes crinkled when he smiled and scolded herself.