[RIVERVIEW] ic inbox;

[worldsaway]

"Poor timing. Leave your name so I can seek you out in future."

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[ before loki's departure ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ When the message came in, Loki didn't believe it. After all, it seemed a little unreal to be able to travel back and return to Riverview. Like there was a catch. But if there was one, the locals weren't aware of it. Which didn't surprise him.

What surprised him was to learn that it was only him. No Thor. That . . .

It was late when Loki approaches Thor's house. He didn't sense Bryn. Perhaps she went to visit Taako. Which suits him fine. He didn't want to deal with any other company. Thor seemed to be dozing on the couch. There were cookie crumbs all over him and Loki huffed quietly, reaching out to brush them off. Ridiculous. Now that he's hear, words are failing him. What would he say? Oh, Thor, I'm being asked back to our world but without you, but I'm sure it's fine? Absolutely nothing will go wrong.

I won't be long.

It'll be fine.

I'll check up on Asgard. Without you.

Loki swallows. Deep down, he knew why he came to Thor this way. He was scared. What happens if he went through that portal? What awaited him there? Why just him? Every instinct in his body screamed that this would end badly. But he had to go. Didn't he? He said he would stay. With Asgard. And Loki had meant that. He didn't want to take it back out of fear alone.

No. He had to go. Without Thor.

Trembling, he reaches out to squeeze Thor's wrist. It shook badly and Loki could almost laugh at how pathetic he was. But he had to say something at least before he left. Quietly, barely above a whisper.]

Never — Never doubt. No matter how — [ Loki swallows. Sentiment. Still. ] — Do not doubt me.

[ With that, Loki presses a small kiss to Thor's hand before turning away. He had to make preparations before he left. He owed Riverview that much. ]

[worldsaway]

[Thor's days off are never particularly adventurous, but after his brush with illness his days are even less full. He feels perfectly fine, but the myriad of doctors and well-wishers around him prefer that he take it easy. He's a little bored of it, honestly, but he embraces to comfort of his life while he waits to go back to what promises to be a whirlwind of stress.

He awakens with a start, and he instantly knows something is wrong from the look on Loki's face. He listens intently, trying to withhold the barrage of questions he can feel brimming in his mind. He feels uncertainty, but Loki's assurance gives him confidence. In turn, he owes it to Loki to bolster his confidence too.]

You've tested my faith more than once, Loki, but I've never doubted that you'd find the right path.

[Thor smiles, it's sad. He can't hide the fact that he's nervous about what the future holds. Loki turns away, but Thor isn't ready for him to go just yet. He circles around him and sets his hand firmly on his neck and shoulder.]

Whatever happens.. [He starts, but he trails off just thinking about how wrong this could go.] Whatever happens, we'll find our happiness together. If not now, then next time. Or the time after that.

[dothelokimotion]

Idiot.

[ But it comes out hoarse and shaky rather than sharp and rude. The smile is so tremulous, it feels it might shatter at the slightest touch, but Loki forces it through, resting his hand over Thor's. ]

I won't be along.

[worldsaway]

[Thor rolls his eyes at the insult, but he smiles all the same. He locks eyes with Loki, holding his gaze.]

You'll promise to tell me everything. Absolutely everything.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki is startled how easily the lie comes to him. Of course he wouldn't. He couldn't. Not at this stage, not knowing how bad it might. What new depths Loki could reach, no matter what he promises. ]

That seems like a bit much, Thor. I doubt it's that bad.

[worldsaway]

Loki.

[Thor's voice is chiding, in the same soft, warning tone Frigga used when they were planning trouble.]

Promise me.

[dothelokimotion]

[ His expression falters. ]

Fine. I promise.

[worldsaway]

[Thor sees the falter, but he chooses to think nothing of it.]

Thank you. [His hand squeezes Loki's shoulder gently, dropping away.] Go on, then. You'd better get going.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki briefly makes an aborted move — to hold, to say something — but it dies quickly in its inception, his hand falling to his side weakly. ]

I'll . . . be back before you know it.

[worldsaway]

I trust you.

[And though it's said in reference to the length of his trip, they both know it goes beyond that.]

I'll see you soon, then.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki turns on his heel to leave (without magic) before he pauses, his back still to Thor.


Then he turns back to wrap his arms around Thor briefly, a tight squeeze. It barely lasts a second and Loki is already ducking his head and leaving through the door as if it never happened. ]