worldsaway | [RIVERVIEW] ic inbox;

Very funny. [Thor says curtly, brushing off Loki's threat easily. He doesn't maintain eye contact long, turning to take the ball as Qiri drops it at his feet so he can pick it up and throw it. Hard.

Perhaps too hard, since it smashes through the fence on the other side of the yard. Both dog and goat trot over to inspect the perfect little ball shaped hole in the wood and Thor slumps his shoulders.]

Happens all the time.

[ Loki studies the damage with an intense expression before smoothing it over. That were no mere bumbling movement or a lack of gauging. No, this was something intense, buried deep down.]

I'm familiar with all your accidents, Thor.

What happened?

I threw a ball and it went through the fence. [Thor says, blandly. And he's obviously not exaggerating when he says it happens often, because he's found another ball to throw.

This time he uses restraint, and he decides it's easier to be honest.]

Sif is gone. And Bryn.

[ Ah. That would do it. Loki sidles closer, mindful of the distance between them as he sets the bottle down. ]

I have no doubt Bryn will find her way to the ship.

She might. [Thor says, it's not like him to rule anything out. He likes to imagine they'll all reunite, but he's skeptical, he finds it hard to imagine it will work out that way.]

But I don't think she will.

[ Carefully. ]

What do you think will happen then?

I think I'm not the only one with problems back home, and I shouldn't expect that everyone should leave their problems behind for mine.

[He says it just as carefully, he's obviously been thinking about it.]

I also think I have commitment issues. Primarily, the issue where I commit to someone and then everything goes to shit.

Expectation is one thing. Choice is another.

[ And from what Loki had heard, Bryn chose Thor. Why wouldn't she? Loki shuffles closer. ]

And this place is different. The state of affairs here and the way it conducts itself is different.

But she's not in this place anymore. [Thor's voice strains, he's trying not to be frustrated. It just feels futile.

Qiri returns the ball again, so he picks it up and throws it.]

There's no point trying to guess what might happen. It is what it is.

[ There is just something wrong about Thor being despondent. Loki doesn't begrudge him that but he is at a loss as to what to do. What should be done? Words are weak at a time like this, even from Loki. ]

Perhaps.

[ Hesitantly. ]

Would you prefer not to be alone right now?

I don't know what I prefer.

[He kind of wants to be alone, to wallow. He kind of doesn't want to wallow, doesn't want to think about how big and empty the house is.

He's been staring stubbornly forward for most of their conversation, but he glances toward Loki to fixate on him finally.]

I'm very good at repeating the same mistakes over and over, aren't I?

[ Loki doesn't say anything, but he reaches out to touch Thor's neck, much Thor would do for Loki. It is a little awkward, due to the height difference. Nevertheless Loki lets his hand rest there. ]

"Things rarely come as easily as they go, for that matter. It takes patience, and it comes and goes, but it happens." That is what you told me. And I remember that. I remember everything you tell me.

[ Because Thor is Loki's big brother. If Thor had said the world was flat, Loki would have believed him. He would have cursed, acted skeptical, maybe raged, but he would always believe. Loki lacks it in everything else but Thor. ]

I do not think it was a mistake. At least . . . not one of your making.

[It is a little awkward, but it's a welcome gesture. Thor even finds himself leaning into it, making it easier for Loki.

It doesn't stop him from rolling his eyes when Loki re-purposes his words. It does little to dull the flicker of appreciation he feels for Loki's honesty, which makes it hard to stop himself from smiling just a little.]

All I'm saying is, it's a little disappointing when the worst possible outcome is the one that comes to fruition. Even if you were expecting it. [He shrugs again, because he's trying to push through this without getting wet in the eyes.]

I thought I had longer.

[ It would be very easy to say that Loki had always claimed this. Has always said that living with mortals is finite and ultimately, it gnaws at the soul. You will never be ready. But Loki has been through enough possible outcomes, good and bad. They're still here. Loki's palm is cool against Thor's skin. ]

I know. I know you did.

[Thor bows his head in acceptance. In lieu of tears, storm clouds are starting to darken the sky overhead and it starts to drizzle. Thor is very aware of what he's doing, but he makes no move to stop or move to shelter.]

Last time I dealt with a break up, I went searching for Infinity Stones and prophecies. Now I'm not really sure what to do.

[ Loki barely manages to repress a shudder and his gaze darts away like a wild creature before it settles back into a sense of normalcy. Instead his fingers seek out forgotten empty tears that are not there. ]

You are a king of Asgard. You have your people. You have more than you know.

If you need time for grief, then take it. But you know what you must do.

I know that if everything had aligned for me like it did for her, I would have left. Without a doubt.

But my people aren't here. I'm just biding time until they can miraculously figure out how to send us home as well. Going to parties and drinking, not very kingly.

You don't have to be a king all the time. I certainly wasn't.

[ Why do you think he went out in a robe after a while. ]

And your people not being here does not mean you still cannot help pave the way. Get into a discussion with Stark about land. Have them in writing.

Then I don't want to be a king right now. I want to be a fool who put all of his eggs in one basket and sat on it.

[He's perfectly dour, even as he says that, but eventually his face cracks into the barest hint of a smile.]

You don't need to advise me. Just tell me I'm an idiot and find me something to drink and I'll be fine.

[ That remark startles him in a way. Loki was so ready to prove he's different. He can advise and help. But again, he's trying to be someone he's not, just so he could stay. That he's worthy enough to stay. ]

You're an idiot.

And I brought you something to drink, which you didn't notice at all. Not a single word of thanks either.

[What Loki can provide as an adviser is invaluable to Thor, but he can't deny the sense of comfort he gets from hearing a familiar phrase in a familiar tone.

It makes his smile linger, though it fades and he raises a brow down at the drink.]

Ah. [He looks back up at Loki.] Rude of you not to introduce us.

[ Loki pokes his chest with the bottle. ]

I'm rude? I don't see you getting any glasses. Thankfully, I'm more than capable of doing so.

[Thor grunts, just barely rolling his eyes before he steps away and toward the door.]

My apologies, your highness. [He bows, gesturing toward the door.] Please, enter at your leisure. You will be glad to know that there are plenty of glasses inside.

[ He sniffs, his nose held high. ]

Excellent. I'm glad to see you're civilized.

Homeownership really changes a man. You'll notice it's clean, and I had something to do with that. [He follows Loki through, and he's right. It's very tidy, decorated with relics that resemble Asgardian craftmanship as much as Bryn's heritage. It's as modern as it is rustic.

There's a couch in the room they walk into, with an open view of the garden and a very, very tidy liquor cabinet that is obviously in frequent use. Thor sets two glasses on the table in front of the couch.]

So, what are you up to lately? I worry about those idle hands of yours.

[RIVERVIEW] ic inbox;

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)