Starting Over - Loki (COMPLETE)

14) Public Reception

After seeing Hammer, Loki couldn't exactly hope to keep the news of his appointment as CEO under wraps. As such he and Tony planned an event, otherwise known in Stark terms as a party, where guests could enjoy themselves and find out a little bit about Loki.

"Who are we inviting?" Loki asked, intrigued, reading over Tony's shoulder as he composed an email to his guardian, Obadiah Stane.

"Journalists, celebrities," Tony muttered. "Pretty much anyone who'll fit in the building. Charities too, of course. I'm inviting a few specific people but it's an open invitation. Do you want to invite your doctor buddies?"

"They would enjoy it immensely," Loki replied, smiling. "Could I invite Jane Foster too?"

"The cute astrophysicist? Certainly."

Tony finished typing and hit send.

"That's Obadiah invited. He hates not being in the know but I love surprising him."

"Is it wise to do that?" Loki questioned wryly. "Employing a new manager, especially one who is on par with you, is a pretty big deal. Stane still runs the board."

Tony shrugged.

"Well then the board can have a bit of a shock as well. Variety is the spice of life."

Loki shrugged his head but went along with it. It was Tony's company, after all.

*

As expected, the party was excellent. Tony had the money to provide the best caterers and the title to invite the best entertainers and so the party got off to a great start.

Loki, for his part, was trying to keep a low profile for the first half an hour before everybody sat at their tables and Tony made his speech. To do so, he mostly mingled with his friends.

"This is weird," breathed Daniel, glancing round. "I never thought I would see even one celebrity and then Tony Stark visited the hospital and now we're at a Stark party with over a hundred celebrities!"

"Cool it, Daniel," Uriel said casually. "Blend in, relax."

"This is so exciting," Libby said with a smile. "Thank you so much, Alden!" 

She hooked her arm through his and Daniel gave him a surprised glance.

"Something is bound to go wrong," Alejandro stated in his usual way.

"I bet Al didn't miss your endless optimism, Alejandro," Daniel laughed.

Alejandro sniffed.

"I'm only being realistic. As such, I dare each of you, excluding Alden since he now seemingly counts as one, to speak to at least one celebrity tonight. And Alden doesn't count," he added when Daniel turned to engage Loki in conversation.

"Alden!" Came a delighted voice.

Loki turned and saw Jane coming towards him, wearing a pretty blue dress. She'd made a real effort with her hair and outfit. The others, with the exception of Libby, began walking off to fulfil Alejandro's challenge.