Futurology. We could be heroes.

[selfimage]

Who: Loki & Thor
Where: —
When: —
What: A not quite reunion, but a reunion.
Warnings: —



I know you hear me now, we're a different kind. We can do anything. We could be heroes.

[ Loki had never appreciated what Odin had to teach him. Thor had taken better to it, but Thor had been a favorite; Loki, while beneath All-father's wing of guilt and obligation, could be further from the golden image of his brother. he could count the siblings that Odin took favor in more than he took favor in him, but he had realized that it didn't mean that Odin didn't love him. in those instances, Thor was like Odin more than he'd like to admit: noble, righteous, independent and fiercely mercurial, his temperament changing the storm. it was those more violent swings that Loki was able to appreciate the chaos in it. all too often were Loki and Thor thought of as two sides of a coin, their differences used in contrast when Loki was disciplined, forcing him only to see a narrow part of their unshared traits. in reality, there were parts of them that were more the same than they were different. Thor was passionate, capricious and electric. Loki was much of the same, only shrouded in his own wants and needs. he began to see it more and more in the dire times as much as the laughter.

and he was beginning to feel like he liked it.

when he arrived he came with the clothing (very, very useful clothing) on his back and his penchant for new starts. while there was a pang that echoed inside of him with the thought of Angela, Thor and their newly-found re-found father, Odin (with words of love, perhaps), he also craved what he always craved: change. that is exactly what he got.

another trait of Odin's children was that none of them took too well to authority (even when it was their own father's), Loki among them. he though it was ironic that he had "conveniently" tripped through an inter-dimensional tear and into the lap of the fates, and he thought to use it as both a means of flipping destiny the bird as well as outsourcing for new opportunities. there was something that he needed to do, and there was no other perfect situation to do it.

only instead of a perfect situation, he got dragons. a mission full of dragons. no sneakiness, no deceit, no tricks, just dragons. of course they'd find something ill-suited to him on his first mission. it would be generous to say that he makes the best of it. instead, he spends his time roaming and mingling, learning of other travelers and their own unfortunate "accidents" that have brought them here. he sees him once, and that turns a head; twice, and he begins to think that somethings off; three times is a charm, and Loki begins to follow him.

not unsurprising, really. from his perceptions he can tell a few things: this isn't the brother that he knows, this isn't the same concept of god that he's accustomed, and his brother has a far sense of youngness about him that he didn't expect. regardless, he keeps his eyes and ears open, eavesdropping on conversations and gaining all the information he can. when he finally is ready to reveal himself it's leaning up against a tree casually, ankles crossed while he fiddles with his new technologically contraption.

he just has one thing to say: ]

Hello, Thor.

Comments

[norse]

Youth clearly marks you a looser tongue than usual, these clumsy sausage-fingers ought to wring your neck.

[ They don't, of course, sliding free after a pat to that shoulder. He glances down to Mjolnir, hefting it free to tap the front of green scalemaille. ]

I know what I can do, brother, yes, and if I found myself lacking I would surely meet whatever challenge you deemed necessary. However, I feel I must remind you we are not here to break through into any universe we please, even if the chance arises. [ As much as he distrusts ALASTAIR, he only lets a frown pass for a moment. ] We gave our word to help.

[selfimage]

Ought to.

[ he's right, most likely. even if it's just a feeble, jest of a threat, Loki can't help but see the truth in it. he doesn't say so, and instead just smiles easily and cocks his head at him with the little tap tap tap on his not-so-special Asgardian armor. he pushes the hammer away with a finger. (or tries to.) ]

Kinda-sorta. [ he says, like he's about to play a game with words. ] I tripped and fell. Clumsy of me, I know. Everyone seems to want to play the at cosmic debts, and ALASTAIR is no different. I don't trust anything that plays a game of fates. [ thrones, Loki. thrones.

but no, he didn't. there was a wretched fate that awaited him back home—or one that promised to be, anyway. something to be angry about, and something to fight against. something that made him curse his family and himself. he wasn't so dim not to see this as an opportunity, but some part of him can't help but feel like he's walked into a trap. ]

[norse]

[ Mjolnir is pushed back by Thor's design, a restless twirl of the handle in his palm as it drops back to his side. ]

Neither do I and perhaps we are all of us fools for not fighting from the start, but you can learn nothing of them unless you play their game awhile. I do not ask you to trust them or like any of this, only not to cause a fuss. Not yet, Loki.

[ It was surprising in the beginning. Back when Loki was first imprisoned his sudden absence played on Thor's mind with greater regularity than his anger would have preferred. They had been fighting prior, arguing viciously, but always had Loki been around with his scheming and treachery. Knowing he had been in the dungeons had brought a measure of comfort, yet none at the same time because Loki would not repent of his misdeeds, his pride never could, and the whole affair was ultimately pointless, seemingly ending in Thor refusing to visit him for much the same reasons as Odin.

Yet when he wanted his brother's assistance, Loki was still there. Myriad reasons formed barriers between them, Loki burned with spite and imagined slights clouded his judgment, but he answered when Thor called.

Quieter, he affects a shrug that is not so casual as he tries to make it. ]

I've need of you, brother.

[ On my side. How strange to even feel it is worth bothering to ask. ]

[selfimage]

[ perhaps the reputation of Loki precedes him in a way that he hadn't expected. what he had expected were a lot of evil, horrible, apocalypse-bringing Lokis, no matter what the shape or form, but perhaps causing a fuss was all part of it. it had been in his plans to cause a sort of fuss, mainly in the form of doubt.

Loki's bright eyes narrow faintly, and it's easy to see that Thor has hit the metaphorical nail on the head with his very real hammer. ]

Fine. [ he admits after an uncomfortable pause. ] But only—only—not yet. [ then there's a sigh of resignation, and his voice mirrors the quiet. ] And only because you asked so nicely.

[ because this was Thor, and because he couldn't say no. ]

But I have my own way of doing things. I know what I am, and you know what I am. I'll do things as I am, and no less.

[norse]

[ His smile is unbidden, cracking the last remnants of suspicion as hope floods through to take its place. Hope of this being a kinder Loki, more than anything, because while it's tempting to desire a better Loki there is almost no such thing that could exist (his brother was stubborn and angry and wounded but never stupid, never ignorant of how he had wronged others — there was good in him, in the end). The clouds brewing in Thor's chest clear to blue skies and he throws all his caution and awkward hesitance to the wind in draping an arm around Loki's shoulders to reel him in, nudging them into a walk through the trees. If Thor uses his swaggering weight, he doesn't apologise. ]

I was not about to ask you to tote Mjolnir, little brother. [ Wry as his humour is, a laugh levies it up. The Little is important, a distinction from the grown man he knew, a special seat in Thor's heart getting chipped away by the youth (on whom he accidentally-on-purpose offloads his weight) the longer they talk. ] I would have you prove yourself no less than Loki, likely infuriating in every turn you take after this. Ah, but the weightier question remains — will you take me and my sausage-fingers as we are? No paltry burden is this.

[selfimage]

[ Thor's moods tended to change like any form of capricious storm, be it briefly passing or a roaring tempest. he got stubborn and weary, overtaken by simple emotions and not letting much cloud (for lack of a better term) them into anything that was more complex. Loki had long learned to play him, and he had in this incarnation on occasion. despite that, he found that he rather liked it.

there were tales of fox rains, of sunshowers and the types of tricksters that wiggled their way out of their shelters to meet it. he couldn't help but feel like he was in a middle of one, a cloud of guilt beginning to coil in his belly, threatening to pour upon the sudden rush of contentment and familial companionship. a single dark cloud in an otherwise blue sky.

it would be easier if Thor hated him. sometimes, it would be so much easier. ]

Ymir's balls, Thor—you're not marrying me. [ he says hotly as he sways at Thor's weight. ] We need no vows of fraternal affection, truly. I'll more likely wonder what I'm going to do with you before you wonder what you're going to do with me. Be careful, you'll scuff my jacket.

[ my children. my son and my taught and my child who is both. so strong and so quick. so brave and so cunning. I know you. I know everything you are ... and I love you very much. ]

[norse]

[ It would be easier if he could see no shades, no echoes of the Loki he knew now in this man. He would like to think he is better than supplanting one brother than another, and truly he doesn't seek to, it's simply the ease with which he finds comfort in having his brother nearby is so inwardly arresting that he's even pleased when Loki predictably gripes. He doesn't know this person well but he wants to, very much. Thor shan't treat him like a stranger for a moment longer, there's been enough suspicion and pain to last a lifetime; it would do well to put the majority of that behind them. ]

I would fear you a great deal more if we were wed, a thought for which you shall duly pay later for putting in my head with such calm cruelty. [ The heft of his arm shifts as they walk, letting up a little. Any scuffs on that coat aren't from him hopefully, oops. ] Tell me more of yourself, Loki. What were you about before you came to these worlds?

[selfimage]

[ it's easy to displace in a different universe, and he can't help but feel like this is another chance given to him. it doesn't stop the well of guilt, of course, the sick feeling in his stomach that waxes and wanes in his brother's presence. ]

Oh yes, I'm sure you'll find a way to punish me accordingly. [ he quips back in an amiable, chatty fashion that doesn't quite match the words. ] What am I ever doing? Causing trouble, of course ...

[ he pauses, pursing his lips in a thin line. ]

The All-Father had sealed himself in Asgard former with a nefarious brother of his. [ he doesn't really expect Thor to follow, though he wonders just how much he will. he supposes the questions he asks will answer that. ] I broke him out. We needed him to, ah—stop a possible war, and claim our sister.

It worked out.

[norse]

[ Those words are far more reminiscent of the man he knows and garner a narrow look even through a lingering smile, giving a brief nudge to Loki as Thor listens to the rest. There is no way of masking his surprise to hear what comes next and nor is any effort made in that direction, because what. ]

We've no uncle or sister that I know of. [ He hopes it's not some twisted universe equivalent of Sif. Please, no. ] Who are they? Start from the beginning, you mentioned father sealed himself away.

[ He really doesn't like how Asgard former sounds. ]

[selfimage]

[ Loki avoids the part where the whole thing was Thor's fault in the first place. that can come later, if he needs a place to use it. he remembers Thor coming to him, claiming debt owed and whisking him off to the space between realms in amiable faith that they'd find the sister their mother insisted was lost. ]

That goes back much, much, much further. [ and answers a few of his questions. ] You may want to find a place to sit for this, it's a doozy of a tale.

The old man's brother—Uncle Cul—was kept as a secret from almost everyone. A lot of things in our family are, but there are a few dozen centuries, or millennia, whichever, to account for. He took the title of Serpent, and meant to scourge and harvest fearstuff from Midgard. It wasn't very pretty, of course.

[ and the title of "Midgard Serpent," but you know, details. ]

Erm, he got out, too. He came back to Asgardia with Odin.

[ yeah, whoops about that. ]

[norse]

[ Strolling along at Loki's side, he uses Mjolnir to move aside shrubs as they wander and finds himself wondering wearily under his breath, ] Midgard. Always Midgard.

[ That realm can't catch a break. ]

And father let him stay? He does not sound himself.

[selfimage]

Always Midgard. [ Loki parrots. there would have once been bitterness in his words where there aren't now. he's found a home on Midgard (he's found a friend on Midgard) and he knew that one realm out of balance of the others was No Good. ] Dad meant to raze it with fire. Other you had issues with that one. More clashing, and more not pretty. [ it had been about Odin saving Thor, and Loki doesn't doubt that Odin had his doubts. but he was the All-Father, he wasn't allowed to look weak. ]

Where else would you suggest he go? Exile may seem preferable, but that would breed more ill will. Odin ... [ he begins, and then continues thoughtfully. ] he won't betray his family, no matter how much they betray him. One of his better traits, probably.

[ probably, he says. ]

[norse]

I can imagine.

He has never held any qualms over punishing his family before. [ With a meaningful glance sideways. ] Were it not for mother's protestations, he would have killed you the moment I returned you to Asgard. My brother, that is.

[ Frigga is the only reason you are alive, all had heard the cold truth echoing through the hall before Hlidskjalf. If Odin had slain Loki then he would have lost his wife in the process, that was never any great secret, and likely also the reason he turned his only eye from Frigga's indulgences when it came to Loki's cell. ]

Wise as he is, father must have a reason for keeping Cul close and I doubt it will be entirely for the family's benefit.

[selfimage]

[ were it not for mother's interference, I would still have a future.

it's a very bitter thought, and for a brief moment, he looks like he's eaten something sour. he clears his mouth to get rid of the taste and continues as if he hadn't. ]

Ah, I'm certain that there's something. He's had to deal with another me for a millennia, anyway. Isn't that depressing? Other me has certainly been naughty, I take it.

[ maybe he should have. ]

[norse]

He tried to win Midgard for his own after forming an alliance with the Chitauri. Their master to whom he answered is as of yet a mystery. [ His gaze lingers sidelong on this Loki, not missing the pinched look that passes. Thor lets Mjolnir seemingly draw his attention away, batting ineffectually at a twig that whaps him lightly on the leg as he passes. ] Loki feared failure a great deal and longed to rule too much, he need not have been delivered home in chains.

... Another you?

[ Unless he's missing something in the way that sounds. ]

[selfimage]

[ Loki briefly raises his eyebrows like that's predictable, which it was. other Loki had been trying to win Asgard for ages, and with it the title of preferred son. ]

Oh ... erm, yes. Another me. There was a me before me, a very terrible me. A burning me. It sounds like your me may be heading down that me's unfortunate path.

[ his fingers itch and he scratches the back of his neck. it was always a gamble in how much he wanted to tell Thor, especially in current circumstance. ]

That me ... [ he presses his lips into a thin line. ] He died. This me came back.

[ not the entire truth, but not a lie, either. it had been his greatest trick, and his most damning. ]

[norse]

Then perhaps another you [ with a nod to him here before Thor, accompanied by a small sad smile, ] will be awaiting me, some day soon.

[ He would ask how did you die, but that's a darker question for another time. Nor does he think his brother intended to be terrible, he was ... just angry. Twisted by jealousy and rage, and Odin's half-truths.

In an attempt to steer them to easier topics, he asks bracingly, ] And the sister you spoke of, what is she like?

[selfimage]

[ Loki can't help but feel the little flutter of elation, accompanied with the heavy weight of guilt that's never far behind. it had been Thor's predictability that brought him back, yearning for his company again. his other self, his evil self, had banked on it, and had been right. he would've been right in this universe, too.

he wondered, briefly, from Thor's manner and the partial eulogy, if death had been that Loki's intent too. ]

Ah, Angela. [ Loki stretches his arms out as if clearing the air from all the depressing talk, and placing them behind his head. ] A mighty huntress where she hails. Kicked other you in the face a few dozen times, I almost thought you had met your match. She's dutiful and willful, and you can tell she's one of Odin's.

[norse]

She sounds ... interesting. [ Kicking Thor in the face isn't something a lot of people could do and adequately walk away from, he has to respect someone like that. ] I should have liked to meet this fearsome huntress.

[ Less so than another Loki but Thor is unreservedly biased.

Those smaller horns are faintly hilarious, very nostalgic and entirely homely to look upon as they walk through the trees, skirting the field in a contained little world all their own. On impulse he speaks his mind, rough old scars knitted over his heart to do with his brother beginning to ease. ]

You surprise me in many ways, Loki.

[selfimage]

[ there's a tug on a branch that they pass above head, sending a few anxious birds flying from the canopy. ]

I wouldn't be Loki if I didn't.

[ he says easily, as if he had long grown accustomed to Thor's brashness. Thor was never one to completely hold his tongue, especially not the Thor he knew. his moods passed over him like an open book: grumpy to eager to somber.

it would take him a bit to read this other Thor, but the fingerprint left by myth made things easy enough. ]

Good or bad, I may even have a few more in store for you.

[norse]

The good is already outweighing whatever bad there is. Being told at all would be a novel experience, keep your secrets but take care there are never too many. [ A blond head shakes, blue eyes following the startled birds winging above the canopy. It's a little cathartic being able to talk to Loki and yet not, the awkward feeling of being judged for every word isn't present and a bit jarring. Thor picks his words carefully enough within reason, not wanting to overshare or worse still, overlap. ] It was never that I could not keep up with my brother's schemes, only that he held his tongue and would let me learn none of them in full so that when they outran him he felt alone.

You are no more self-aware than he was, and well did he know his wrong-doings. Honest, yes, you speak as one who freely admits what he is although ... You needn't. [ A thoughtful frown pinches his brow, smoothing out as he reaches a crooked finger up to tap lightly at a golden horn. ] One thing that binds all my brothers, perhaps, this strange way of making me feel I've not seen enough of you.

[selfimage]

[ Thor all too much, and all too little.

too little that he could call him for being off point, too much because he knew Loki, and there was resonance in this multiverse. vile, horrible resonance, but resonance nonetheless. he didn't want to be like other Lokis, but also knew painfully that he would be. parts of him meant Loki, others he tried to fervently cast aside like so many empty bottles, consumed and discarded.

I am the crime

there's a breath that evens his thoughts before the rest can follow. ]

I'm not him. [ he says it all too quickly. ] I'm not. I don't want to be. Whatever happened between you and him—Thor, I ...

[ there's a lot he'd like to say, and for a moment he stands stricken as words catch in his throat and threaten to pour out without filter. he could tell him everything; let him forgive him, let him hate him. let whatever happens lead him to salvation or to ruin, not sure which would be better. ]

I don't want to be what everyone wants me to be, nor do I want to be damned by their expectations. [ the timbre of his voice drops, and his bright eyes glance somewhere else that's not Thor. ] Whatever you see of me will be me, whatever that may be. I'm a lot of things, but most importantly I am myself.

[norse]

[ He halts his stride when Loki breaks in with a breath he seemingly can't hold back, Thor's musings falling to the wayside as he takes in the sight of a man with too many differences to ever fit into his brother's mold. Never perfectly, more a jigsaw piece tilting in at a single angle and refusing the rest. It's been apparent from the off yet not so much as now when Loki all but throws off the yolk of comparison (and that really is very Loki-like, although Thor holds his tongue). ]

Forgive me, I spoke carelessly as my thoughts arose. I know you are not the same man and would be glad of your company, regardless. [ His hand finds Loki's shoulder, giving a brief squeeze. ] As for my expectations of you, they stand free and open.

[selfimage]

[ and will they continue?

the arc between his neck and his shoulder relaxes, creating a smooth curve that disappears beneath the fur lining of his jacket. there was always conflict inside of him, simultaneously wishing for resolution between extremes. whatever fire had sparked inside him goes to embers at Thor's touch, and he tips toward him, almost unconsciously. ]

Company I can provide. [ the edge has gone from his tone. ]

[norse]

Good. [ Very good. Thor's emotions settle on the cusp of Loki's, kneading that shoulder to punctuate a relieved smile before letting go. Lightly, and the effort is obvious but earnest, he pushes on. ] You can begin by first telling me why you are dressed like a fan of ABBA.

[ Sometimes the Avengers sit down in the tower and weird shit is brought up which no one thinks Thor pays attention to, but he does and he blames Tony. Also Sam. ]