Castle of Glass

Chapter 1

Intruder at the Gates

Anthony "Tony" Edward Stark, a sophomore known for curiosity, recklessness, and just plain mischief, was bored. Utterly bored. Tony didn't like the feeling, he much prefered being deeply intrigued by something, which he usually was, due to the fact that he loved understanding everything, and I mean everything. So because of this terrible boredom that plagued him, it didn't take him long to sift through the gossip flooding the halls around him, and realize, there were new students. At the knowledge of this, Tony couldn't help the shit-eating grin that formed on his handsome face, as well as the giddy feeling bubbling in his gut. New students were his favorite students.

Following the source of what seemed like the most reliable chatter, he found himself peaking around his corner at the two newbies, two brothers in fact, immediately being filled with interest. They were both a good five-inches taller than Tony, this fact irking him slightly, one being far more muscular than the other that looked like he could use a good meal. The larger of the two was disturbingly handsome, with wavy golden locks, facial hair to match, tanned skin, and stunning crystal blue eyes that expressed every emotion he felt, much like a puppy, while the thinner of the two was the exact opposite. He was, simply, gorgeous, having porcelain skin, beautiful inky black hair, emerald green eyes that had an icy feel to them, and Tony couldn't help but notice how he was all impossibly long legs. After taking in their self-esteem smashing appearance, Tony thought it best to meet these two, because he loved making impressions. Taking quick strides Tony planted himself right in front of them, waiting to be noticed as the brothers quietly bickered. The blond was the first to notice him, giving a smile as bright as the sun to Tony, a complete stranger. In return he offered his best charming smile, his eyes glancing to the black-haired brother, who made a show of ignoring him. He kind of liked that.

"Hello! Who might you be?" The blond boomed, voice sounding like thunder to Tony. How someone could carry such a noise for speech seemed impossible to him.

"Tony Stark," he offered his hand after a moment, the blond quickly taking it in a crushing grip and shook it.

"It is wonderful to meet you Sir Stark! I am Thor Odinson, and this my younger brother Loki!" Tony smiled and turned his gaze to Loki, his emerald eyes flicking to Tony's chocolate ones briefly.

"Salutations," he said lowly, proving to be Thor's utter opposite even more. These two were just delighting Tony with interest; strange names, even stranger manner of speaking, and the fact that they were polar opposites.

"Same to you two," Tony replied to them both, "I was surprised, but overjoyed, to hear we got two new guys so far into the year."

"Overjoyed?" Loki asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.

"Of course! I know everyone here, so it's no fun. You two will feed my insatiable need for social knowledge for the time being." Thor let out a hearty laugh at that, the sound rumbling in his chest and drawing even more eyes to the trio.

"Well we are indeed glad to bring you happiness, Sir Stark. Loki shares a certain need for knowledge as well! Hopefully you two will get along swimmingly!" Tony offered Loki another charming smile, only to receive a cold, judging stare in return. Ouch.

"That'd be great. I'm sure we'll be awesome friends." he said, returning his eyes to Thor's after a moment, making the man smile broadly once more. Loki simply rolled his eyes, striding away on those sticks he called legs as the bell rang above them, Thor offering a wave before he followed after his brother. Tony had a feeling today would be nothing short of interesting.

"Where do you think they're from?" Tony asked the blond football captain next to him who was staring intently at an algebra problem, this boy being his close friend, Steve Rodgers. In response Steve let out an irritated sigh, much to his amusement. "What's with that noise Stevey?" Tony questioned, laughter in his voice.

"I'm just tired of you asked me about the new guys. I know as little about them as you do-"

"I believe I know more than you, actually," he interrupted, grinning. Steve rolled his eyes,

"Whatever. Either way I really need to study these. I have a test."

"So do I, but I'm not worried."

"You never worry."

"Still. If you're not going to talk to me about interesting things, I suggest you leave," Tony turned his head, doing his best impression of a diva.

"Fine." Tony looked at his friend in mock-hurt,

"You would just leave me?"

"Sorry man, school is more important."

"I am deeply offended." Steve gave a laugh at that, offering his usual bright smile,

"See you later Tony."

"See you, cap'n." He responded with a small wave of goodbye and Tony stood up soon after, moving his eyes quickly across the courtyard until he found the head of hair he wanted. A soft snort came from him as he watched Loki hide out of sight of most, reading a thick book with a scowl. To Tony it looked like he needed a friend.

Vibrantly green eyes flicked up to Tony as he leaned over Loki, a large smile on his face, "What on earth do you want?"

"To talk."

"You're the type that loves people and never shutting up, aren't you?" Tony shrugged, grin growing as he dropped himself next to Loki and peered at the book in his hands.

"Shakespeare eh? You looked like the poetry type."

"I'll ignore what you're insinuating."

"Now what would I be insinuating?" Tony quirked a brow, enjoying the obvious annoyance he was causing the handsome man.

"Why don't you just say what you wanted to when you decided to pay me a visit, and leave?"

"You're no fun."

"If you wanted fun, you should have gone to that fool, Thor. He loves people," Loki spoke with such distaste it intrigued Tony. These two were so damn interesting it excited him.

"That's not a very nice way to talk about your brother."

"I'm not a very nice person. And I assure you that oaf is not my brother," Loki said haughtily, sticking his sharp nose in the air and flipping his hair over his shoulder, showing off a jagged scar protruding from the neck collar of his shirt. Strange.

"Everyone else says you're brothers. Even Thor does."

"I am adopted you twit!" he snarled, narrowed eyes looking a poisonous shade of green. That made a hell of a lot of sense to Tony. If you looked at the two standing next to each other, it would never cross your mind that they were brothers.

"Oh," was the only thing that came from his mouth after a long beat of silence.

"Does that mean we're done here?" Loki was obviously extremely touchy on the subject of family, like the man kneeling beside him.

"Yeah I guess."

"Then leave."

"Why?" Loki glared at Tony,

"I am truly astounded at your stupidity."

"Ouch. Why can't I just enjoy your company?"

"Why would you enjoy my company?"

"Because you're pretty interesting. I want to know all about you," Tony replied, leaning against the wall Loki had been hiding behind, folding his arms behind his head and giving him a sideways look. He then added with a playful smile, "plus you're pretty damn cute." Loki's face was the perfect picture of surprise, eyes wide, mouth open, and brows raised.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me," Tony winked and stood, the obnoxious bell going off nearby. As he walked towards the school entrance, he could feel Loki's eyes boring holes into his back, bringing him quite a bit of amusement.

Tony had to admit he was surprised by the fact that Thor Odinson and Loki Laufeyson, he had insisted to be called that, had already made strong impressions by fourth period. Thor was already surrounded by girls too, even being asked (begged by Steve) to join the football team. While the elder of the two was already becoming a center of attention, Loki had been trying his damnedest to stay out of the spotlight, but was being pulled into it anyways. He was an ice king, having spoken the most to Tony, which really wasn't that surprising, out of everyone, and quite a few of foolish females liked that. Some of the popular girls were even a part of that group, the rest being after Steve and Thor, which Tony found just laughable. I mean really, Loki with one of those prissy bitches? Loki would never go for one of them...at least that's what Tony hoped.

Waiting for Loki, Tony stood quietly by his last class' door, rocking back and forth on his feet with a smirk. He had been nothing short of ecstatic that his new "friend" was in his final two classes, finding the best entertainment in bothering the poor newcomer. Thor was fun to talk to as well, but he didn't give the reactions Tony loved, and by reactions, he meant pure disdain and annoyance with him. Challenges and puzzles were Tony's favorite, he hated things that were easy, they just didn't bring the kind of amusement or knowledge he so craved.

Ceasing his rocking as a scowling Loki slowly approached the door, asking him with a smile, "So, Loki, how has your day been?"

"Nuisance filled. Now step aside, I must be on my way." With a snort, Tony allowed him to go through the door, stepping after him as soon as he was in the hall. Loki took long strides, having an amused light to his emerald eyes as Tony tried to keep up.

"Are your classes treating you well?"

"They teach me what I need."

"You sure like vague answers, don't you?"

"And you seem to thoroughly enjoy constantly speaking."

"Snap," Tony replied, snapping his fingers along with the comment. Loki rolled his eyes, but a small smile was on his face. Note to self: Loki enjoys jokes at the expense of others, he thought with a grin before opening the school's outside door for both of them.

"As wonderful as this had been, Stark, I believe this is where we part," Loki spoke, each word having a thick layer of sarcasm, as they stopped at the bottom of the steps.

"It is. I hope we can do this again soon, Mr. Laufeyson."

"I assure you we can, but I will try to prevent it at all costs," Tony received a smile that was all sharp white teeth, one that sent a shiver of excitement down his spine. The look was mocking, but had a hint of challenge to it. Loki wanted to see how far Tony would go to be around him. He gladly accepted it.

"And I assure you I will try as hard as I can to make sure we spend as much time together as possible."

"I'd like to see you try, Anthony."

"Well you'll get just that." He let out a short laugh before turning on his heel and walking towards an expensive looking car that already contained a grinning Thor. Tony smiled slyly, "Let the games begin, Mr. Laufeyson. I'll be through those gates in no time."

Free thinking fingers ran over the familiar dip in the center of Tony's chest as he lay on his bed, tracing each jagged line of the scar. Chocolate brown eyes flicked to the owner of the hand, Pepper Potts, who didn't return the gaze, being too distracted by the packet in her hands. "What're you doing?"

"Desperately trying to understand how someone as smart as you is failing a class."

"Which class?"

"How do you not know that, Tony?"

"I never check my grades." The red-head gave him a disbelieving look, her fingers ceasing their movements in the middle of his scar, but the feeling of their circling was still there. He hated how sensitive the damn mark was. "What?"

"Are you insane?"

"I don't believe so. But when does a crazy person know they are?" She sighed,

"Can't you be serious?"

"Of course, but I choose not to be."

"Oh, Tony."

"Oh, Pepper." He prodded her side with his index finger, "You need to lighten up for once. Come on, give me that pretty smile." She rolled her eyes, but gave in, looking at face,

"Why don't you try harder at your homework and I'll try to lighten up?"

"Depends, what class do I need to work harder at?" She glanced at the front sheet,

"Pottery." A groan came from Tony,

"I hate pottery!"

"Obviously."

"Do you know how awful that class is?"

"Yes, I'm in it with you."

"Oh yeah..." Pepper patted his shoulder and slid off his bed, grabbing her backpack,

"I have to go, I'll see you tomorrow, Tony."

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"I have a date with Happy."

"Happy? Really?"

"Oh hush, he's a great guy."

"He's boring."

"I need someone "boring" after dating you for a year." Tony shrugged,

"Suit yourself." Pepper smiled and waved, shutting his bedroom door on her way out, and leaving him alone. That seemed to be happening a lot lately. He didn't like it, not one bit, so he decided he needed to do something. With that in mind he pushed himself off the bed and grabbed some fresh clothes out of the closet, quickly sliding out of his dirty ones. He tugged on the jeans he'd grabbed, only to stumble in front of the mirror, his eyes going to that distracting mark. Tony stood straight, staring at the scar intently, as if he could will it away. No such luck. It would be there forever, no matter how he changed in appearance or age, it would be a permanent reminder of what he'd endured. Funny how the things we always wished to forget stuck with us until we died. After what seemed like hours, Tony finally averted his eyes, absently running his hand over the ruined skin before pulling on his AC/DC shirt. Now he really needed to get out of the house.

Shouting a goodbye to his uncaring, and most likely drunk, father, he left through the front door, heading straight for his black Camaro. Tony slid in the key quickly, slamming the door and took off at illegal speeds, just needing to be on the road for a while.

After an hour of senseless driving Tony finally stopped in a parking lot, resting against the steering wheel, forehead pressed to it. Who knew driving could get you this worked up? He sucked in air greedily, trying his best to fight off the barrage of memories, but the car wasn't helping, especially not a tiny, fast one like the one in the thoughts. It took a few more gulps of air and getting out of his Camaro before the remembering stopped and his attention was taken by where he'd stopped; a roller rink. Tony snorted and sat up, surprised to see that there was a good amount of people heading in and out, and that was when he recognized a car. It was an expensive maroon one, one he'd seen with two new students in it earlier today. Glee filled Tony at the realization and he practically sprinted into building.

Older music played above as people, most teenage couples, rolled about in the large oval rink in the center of the room, while some bought food and drink from the built-in concession stand on the left side, and the rest sat around at nearby tables. Tony grinned at the sight, it bring back some good memories of him bothering poor couples and his friends, soon scanning the crowd for the newbies. Thor was easy to find, being one of the tallest people there, skating about with what Tony guessed were a few of his friends and a possible girlfriend. Though he enjoyed talking to Thor, he was probably the friendliest guy, next to Steve, he'd ever met, he still preferred Loki's cold glare and sharp tongue. Yes, Tony Stark was a masochist when it came to people like Loki. Even if their words truly hurt, he loved it. And that's why when he spotted Loki sulking at a table in a far corner, he all but skipped to him. "Hey there, beautiful," he practically purred, pulling out a chair and sitting on it backwards so he could rest his arms. Loki narrowed his eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice when he spoke,

"You."

"Me."

"I did not expect you to come to such a place, Stark."

"I'm unpredictable."

"I hate people like that."

"You look like the type that hates a lot." Loki actually laughed at that, making Tony's smile grow. Entertained green met laughing brown as Loki looked at him, answering as he twirled a straw in a Cola can between his long fingers,

"I cannot deny such assumptions."

"Not surprised," Tony leaned forward in the chair, balancing it on two legs, "So I'm assuming you hate this place?"

"Indeed."

"Then let's do something you despise."

"Excuse me?" Loki rose a single brow, and Tony chuckled at the perplexed look on his face,

"I'm asking you to skate with me."

"Why would I do that?"

"The same reason you even talk to me, you have fun with me." Loki looked absolutely insulted at the idea, making Tony laugh again.

"I do not and shall not."

"Please?" He made his best pleading face, one worthy of Thor. Loki furrowed his brow, but soon sighed and gave a nod in agreement. "Great!" Tony grabbed Loki's hand and dragged him off to get some roller skates, ignoring the taller teen's grumbles. In a matter of thirty seconds they had their skates and Tony was dragging a wobbly Loki out into the slippery rink, grinning like a madman.

"These contraptions seem impractical and unsafe."

"Shut up and try to have fun." He got half way to looking pissy before Tony took off on the track with him. Loki clung to Tony's arm as they moved, eyes wide in fear and making Tony laugh harder than he had in years. "Who knew you were such a fraidy cat?"

"I am not afraid! Only shocked at the speed and unacquainted with roller skates."

"You talk funny," was the brunette's response, smiling slyly at Loki's scowl, which eventually melted into a grin.

"Do not underestimate the magnificent power of a decent vocabulary." Tony laughed so hard he had to grasp the side of the rink, soon smiling up at Loki, who looked rather proud at causing him to that.

"You've got a point, Shakespeare."

"Shakespeare?" the taller of the two questioned, leaning against the side of the rink as Tony caught his breath.

"Yeah, it's a nickname for you."

"That's silly."

"What? It fits you!"

"It does not."

"It so does!" Even though they were arguing, they were both smiling, proving even more to Tony that Loki did have fun with him. But before they could continue, Thor skated up with his friends, looking like his happy self.

"Loki! I'm glad you have decided to join us!"

"I am not joining your band of fools in skating."

"Yes, but I am still glad you have decided to have fun as well!"

"Who's this, your new boyfriend?" One of Thor's friends interrupted, looking pleased at Loki's venomous glare, but truly curious as well. Tony glanced between Loki and the rude, moustached blonde, sensing the tension between the two of them immediately and realized Loki was an outcast among the entire group. Thor was obviously the only one who actually wanted Loki around.

"He is not my boyfriend, Fandral." What was with the weird names? "He's not even a friend."

"That's not true," Tony piped up, only to receive an angry look from the man in question.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Now Frandal, don't question Loki. Besides, who would want to date him?" The female of the group interjected, causing Tony's mouth to drop open slightly. Why would Thor enjoy time with these people?

"Please do not say such things about my brother-"

"I am not your brother and I am right here. If you wish to continue gossiping about me like the group of harpies you are, go somewhere else."

"Why don't you go somewhere else?"

"I might as well, I feel as though being in the same building as you is causing my brain cells to die anyway," Loki hissed at the female before skating off, only to be hit by someone with a drink, causing it to spill down the front of him. Tony watched as he breathed in deeply through his nose with eyes shut, trying to keep his facade of calm. But he began to falter as he quickly returned his skates and stormed out through the entrance.

"I'm gonna go after him," Tony murmured to Thor before returning his own skates, and heading outside. He sighed as saw Loki with his forehead pressed to his knees as he sat on the maroon sports car. Tony quietly walked over, soon seating himself next to the raven haired teen, who he could now see was quivering slightly. "Hey," he drew out the word, his nervousness apparent.

"I hate them," Loki replied in a shaky voice.

"I can tell. They seem to return the feeling," Tony silently cursed himself for his choice of words, even more so when Loki showed one glaring green eye, rimmed with tears. "Sorry..."

"Do not apologize for the truth, Stark, it is unbecoming. I know of their distaste for me, Thor seems to be the only oblivious to it," he responded, resting his chin on his knees now, hugging them tightly to his chest.

"I still could have said it better, if at all." Loki simply sighed in response and Tony looked at him completely now, "You want to talk about it?"

"About what?"

"I don't know, maybe, everything?" He asked, making a quick gesture with his hand towards the rink and the rest of the world.

"Now why would I want to do that?"

"I don't know...maybe I could be someone you could talk to...I could...be someone you could rely on," Tony said slowly, unaware of his reasoning behind the sweet words he was giving to someone he barely even knew. All he could understand was that he saw a piece of himself in Loki. A large piece actually, one that made the person carrying it so horribly damaged, they could barely remember if they were being themselves most of the time. Every word, every person, every movement, seemed to need a type of mask, and Tony hated how well they fit.

"Yes, you could be," Loki whispered, interrupting his inner monologue, and he looked over now, causing Tony to swallow harshly. Loki's eyes were wide, emerald orbs holding what could only be fear. He was just as afraid as Tony had always been about letting people in, and it led to his ridiculously natural next move. Tony snaked an arm around the thin man's shoulders, pulling him to his chest in the most comforting action he could offer someone.

"Does this mean we're friends?" Tony murmured into the raven locks, smiling slightly.

"Shut up Stark," Loki sniffled with a soft laugh. He took that as a yes.

"So do you want to talk?" he asked after a short time of listening to shaky breaths coming from Loki.

"I am unsure."

"Why?"

"I don't know if I want to trust you with personal knowledge."

"Think I'm a blabber mouth?"

"From what little time I've spent with you, I can most definitely say you are." Tony pouted for a brief moment, then shrugged,

"Well I am. But you can trust me to keep stuff like this away from others. I promise." Loki pulled away slightly, looking up at him with uncertain eyes and Tony responded by giving him a reassuring squeeze of the shoulder.

"Fine...what shall I begin with?"

"How about with what happened in there," he tilted his head to the building, "why were you even there?"

"Thor believed I would enjoy going out with him and his band of fools."

"Why?"

"Because Thor is desperate to have me in all of his life, the idiot. He doesn't seem to understand the mutual hatred between his friends and I."

"What is with the hatred anyway?"

"They believe they are better than me. Everyone thinks so. I'm just the adopted kid, I'm not really related to the "great" Odinsons, who cares what I think? Who cares that the adopted kid doesn't know what affection is, who cares that Loki isn't wanted by anyone, who the hell cares that Loki is hurt constantly by ones that are his supposed family!" Anger became more apparent with each word, causing Tony to flinch quite a bit. Now Loki shook worse than before, keeping his distance from his arm and showing that familiar walls were rising around him. Unsure of how to approach the situation, Tony just gave the emotionally unstable teen's shoulder another squeeze. Loki glanced at him, and he responded with a nod to continue talking. Looking slightly reluctant to begin with, he did so,

"No one gives a damn about me-"

"Thor seems to care quite a bit about you," Tony responded, somehow managing to find his voice. Loki glared and Tony raised his hands in surrender, "Just saying."

"Thor tried to pretend we were actually brothers, but it ended badly. It just made the pain of finding out I was unwanted by two family's all the worse."

"Why were you adopted if you weren't wanted?"

"I...wasn't technically adopted..."

"What?" Tony furrowed his brow in confusion, getting more lost as he tried to comprehend the meaning of Loki's words.

"It was never official. There was no paperwork or anything, that's why I use my real father's surname. I was quite literally left to fend for myself as a babe, only to be picked up by Odin."

"How do you know who your real father is then?"

"Laufey had quite a reputation, one that almost proved I was his, me looking like him only helping more."

"Oh..."

"Yes," Loki sighed and looked up at the stars, looking tired, "my story is a confusing and long one. But not nearly as confusing as why I'm sharing this information with you, Stark."

"I'm just so awesome you can't help it," Tony supplied, grinning when Loki rolled his eyes and shoved him a bit.

"Continue to tell yourself that."

"I will."

"Of course you will. Something needs to be constantly feeding your ego."

"Ouch. How do you even know so much about me?"

"You aren't unknown at your school, Stark. You have quite the reputation, especially being the genius billionaire Howard Stark's son." Tony made a face,

"Why does everyone have to bring that up?" Loki smiled slightly, a hint of sadness in his voice,

"Because our families' control our lives. We're supposed to live up to their standards and be just like them."

"Amen to that." Loki chuckled and returned his gaze to Tony,

"I despise how easily I can talk to you."

"I knew you'd say that at some point."

"Let's never do this again."

"Why?"

"Because doing things like this is strange." Tony nodded a bit. Even he had to admit this was the strangest thing he'd ever done...with anybody.

"True, but I liked it. Want a lift home? I doubt Thor will be out anytime soon."

"No."

"How come?" Tony pouted a bit, disliking being shot down when he wasn't even really trying.

"I don't want you to know where I live. With my luck you'll drop by unannounced," Loki gave him a sly smile, obviously feeling better. Tony snorted and raised a brow,

"How is it possible that you already know me so well? Seriously, it's creepy."

"I'm good at reading people, Stark. Especially ones as transparent and predictable as you."

"Damn you're mean. I'm sure there's plenty you can't figure out about me."

"We'll see." They both grinned at each other, eyes gleaming in a playful and challenging way.

"I guess we will."

Author's Note: I absolutely adore the coupling of Loki and Tony, FrostIron, so I decided to start writing this. I also adore High School AUs. They're just fun.

I decided to give Tony a scar on his chest, a rather large circular one, because no one ever gives Tony something to be close to the arc reactor in AUs, which has always bother me slightly. I'm strange I know.

I seriously apologize if they're ridiculously OOC and if you believe it's moving too fast. I kind of wanted it to start off with them being slightly close to begin with.

Hope you enjoy, cool if ya don't, cool if ya do.

Also I believe someone needs credit for Loki's nickname Shakespeare. I got the idea from the wonderful fanfic writer Loki-Laufeyson-of-Asgard, who is far better at writing than me, and if you are a FrostIron fan, I insist that you check out her amazing works!