From MCU to 616

[coldsong]

In the early evening, Loki's phone buzzes with a text from...well, Loki.

You haven't seen our new pony yet. And now we have reindeer. I think you'd better come visit soon.

The children are having pizza an movie night here with some friends. Care to visit?

Comments

[magpiemythos]

Oh! Yes, absolutely!

I have

news

lots of news actually

Things are happening

[Sorry Loki but this is all coming in several rapid texts in quick succession. While this isn't new for him, there's an almost... frantic energy about things this time.]

[coldsong]

Things are usually happening.

I get the distinct impression these are THINGS, and not merely things. Have you eaten? Get over here and I'll feed you.

[magpiemythos]

Upper Case and all yes, these are T H I N G S and possibly even T H I N G S

I have not

was a bit distracted

had news anyways and

well then saw something and

food would be wonderful

omw

[coldsong]

[Oh shit, there are italics, too?]

I'll see if I have something strong to drink.

[Although, with Thor on the wagon and four kids in the house, alcoholic drinks are few and far between for this Loki. He settles for brewing coffee and dumping a great deal of cocoa powder into it. Hopefully that will suffice.

When the other Loki arrives, he is sitting on the porch with coffee and pizza laid out on the little table next to him. There's noise from within the house; whatever the kids are watching has them giggling and yelling.]

[magpiemythos]

[Coffee with cocoa is about perfect, especially now.

And it doesn't take too long for her to arrive, hands in the pockets of her coat as she feels a bit of relief realizing that her twin had decided to have this little get-together about as alone as they could manage it.]

Hope you weren't waiting too long?

[coldsong]

[He smiles when she walks up, trying for reassuring, as he's not quite sure what's going on that's got her worked up. It can't be as bad as that time he threw a Wake for her, at least. So he's seen her worse.]

Just long enough to make you a plate. Here, have a seat. The children will want to say hello, but they're going to be caught up in their movies for a bit longer first.

You look lovely, as always, by the way.

[magpiemythos]

You're a delight.

[If there's anyone in the Nexus she'd trust with the mess that she's discovered well, her otherdimensional counterpart was about topping the list. She smiled faintly at the setup, leaning to press a kiss to his hairline by way of greeting before slouching casually in the empty chair.]

I'll be happy to say hellos once the horde realizes I've arrived. In the meanwhile-

[A soft huff of amusement as the scent of cocoa and coffee drew her attention in the mug she plucked up almost like a comfort.]

Would you like the good news or the upper case italicized thing first?

[coldsong]

You tell me that more often than most people; that's why I keep inviting you over.

[That's tongue in cheek, of course. He tilts his head into the kiss and smiles at her. Those are gestures they have in common; these gentle sibling touches and kisses on the cheek or forehead. It feels good to share that. How on earth did he get along without a twin Loki before he came to the Nexus, anyway?]

Let's start with the good news. Perhaps telling it will soothe your nerves a bit.

[magpiemythos]

Most people don't appreciate your unique charm- but greedy thing that I am I'll continue monopolizing all that time of yours.

[It really was a strange thing, seeing how well they got on when Loki was aware that every other time she had been around another, well, Loki things always blew up. But she appreciated it, this odd sibling bond they'd formed.]

The good first then! [She seemed genuinely cheered at the idea, even if the shadow of whatever worry she had muted it ever so slightly to an observant eye.]

Well, you've certainly seen how close Cricket and I have gotten, [It might've seemed a little strange to see her settling in with the bootlegger into their cute little domestic life, but it made her happy all the same.] Not to draw it out, but we've...

[A fond little laugh.] I made an utter fool of myself in the asking process, but we're engaged.

[coldsong]

[It's been a long road for the both of them, really, though they've walked slightly different paths.

He tilts his head, eyebrows climbing toward his hairline as she gives him the good news. He can't pretend there are no mixed feelings. Somehow, she and Cricket seem to be a good match, and he can easily tell they're happy, but he is human. In the Nexus, a normal lifespan could be anything, but there will be a defined ending for them all some day, and Cricket's will almost certainly be before hers.

That's something he's had to think about with his own lovers, though, and he certainly can't criticize. At this point, he thinks the inevitable heartache may well be worth it for the joy along the way.]

I just saw him the other day. He must have wanted to leave it to you to tell me.

[He reaches out and squeezes her hand warmly.] I can't not point out that there are emotional risks. But I'm glad you're happy.

And now I'm going to have to get you both an engagement gift! Making work for me.

[magpiemythos]

[Definitely a complication. And she can tell that he realized it- how could he not? It was the same issue he'd come across in his life.

But he didn't question it. A kindness that she was grateful for, though she said nothing about it- calling attention would spoil that dodge of the elephant in the room after all.]

It wouldn't surprise me a bit, he knows how we get on. [Her mug was set aside for the moment, freed hand moving to settle over his.] Quite happy, risks and all.

But yes! Someone has to keep you occupied. I already gave Cricket a sword- blanked entirely on the modern 'ring and one knee' idea, but luckily he found my little snafu charming.

[coldsong]

[Loki laughs, content to dodge the questions and complications for now. It would be hypocritical to harass her about them anyway: he has Harley. He has Ian. Neither of them will match his own lifespan. That, and in a way, she is far older than he is, even if some of that age comes from the echoes of a person who existed before her, and died, and made an attempt to return through her. There is heartache there, he's sure. Even if the old Loki who was before this one was wholly evil, there was heartache in their past.

But now is the present, and they're having a conversation over cocoa, while the night deepens quietly around them.]

You don't think four children is enough to keep me occupied? Your faith in me is astounding, thank you.

You really gave him a sword? That's actually adorable. Did he have any idea what that meant?

[magpiemythos]

[She already feels a bit better. Still alarmed by what she'd discovered, off-kilter, but not nearly so badly as she had been when she first replied to her twin's text. This was... well, clearly good news first was the way to go tonight.]

He had no idea! [She grinned wryly, with a little 'what can you do?' shrug.] He was very confused- thought we were going to have to fight someone and very sensibly pointed out that he didn't really have the swordplay know-how as it were.

[coldsong]

[He hasn't forgotten there is bad news to come, but he too seems to be relaxing, calm and optimistic. Whatever the crisis is, he's sure it can be handled, between the two of them and perhaps, if needed, their friends.]

Oh, dear. He'd make the attempt even without knowing what he was doing for you, I'm sure. [He can't not laugh, but it's not mocking. He and Cricket don't always see eye to eye, but they have a solid alliance and, at this point, some mutual respect.]

If you do ever have to fight, he probably ought to have a gun, not a blade.

That's not the bad news now, is it? That you've got a fencing tournament you need a second for? Because I'd do it, but I fight dirty.

[magpiemythos]

He was ready to beat the daylights out of Doctor Strange for me sight unseen, so I'm fairly certain the trend isn't about to let up anytime soon. [It was both... incredibly sweet that he was so loyal, and at the same time it scared Loki a bit. She knew her enemies were many, that they didn't accept that she was something different. Cricket could get hurt if one of them were to find their way to the Nexus.] You're right though. A nice pistol, or maybe a rifle. Give him some options.

As far as fencing goes, I'd welcome you and your sneaky tactics, but it's not quite so simple I'm afraid, [She smiled faintly, a rueful thing.] And it's not... bad news. Not yet. Complicated though, and it could end badly but...

[Nothing for it. She steeled herself, pressed on before she turned away from the subject. The Boy deserved better than cowardice.] You've seen the younger counterpart we have, I assume? The one with the... magpie?

[coldsong]

Well, that makes me wonder what the Strange from your world is like. I'd rather like to punch the one from mine, myself. [Only a little, though. He doesn't want to actually damage him, just knock him down a few pegs.]

[He sobers, seeing the shift in her expression. Honestly, complicated news might be worse than bad news, because it means you have to do something about it, and wrong choices are so very easy to make.]

...the child, yes. I've spoken to him a few times. I told him once that he could come to me and rely on me not to judge his actions, if he needed to.

[magpiemythos]

He's ridiculous to be fair. Does a lot of punching that's really ill-advised with those hands of his but... [Loki shrugged faintly.] He tries. To do right by magic and those who use it. In his brash, arrogant way.

[She wasn't eager for the conversation shift, easy enough to see in the way her gaze drifted down to her hands, mouth twisting on some unpleasant emotion.]

He... really is the best of us. If any of us were to find Valhalla in the end, it would be him. [Her brow draws, pensive as she shakes her head, fingers tensing around the mug she held.] But if he is able to go home-

He will die. And there will be naught but the void for him. We- [A grimace, shoulders shifting a fraction, stance almost wounded a moment.] I can't. I can't allow it to happen. He deserves better than betrayal and that fucking bird-

[coldsong]

[For just a second, Loki thinks she's saying Cricket does a lot of punching, but then his brain catches up and he makes a thoughtful noise.] Sounds like a parallel, anyway. Though I've never seen my world's punch anything, but I've only met him twice.

[The talk of the child Loki makes him wince inwardly. He has an inkling of how things happened in the world she comes from, though it's definitely incomplete.] I didn't realize he was stuck here; I actually assumed he was coming and going already.

[That's a reason, in and of itself, to step in and try to help. No child, even a Loki, should have to fend for himself. Granted, his current experiences with his own brood are partly what makes him feel that way.]

Ssh, easy...do you want to warn him? [Weren't you the fucking bird? is what he wants to say, but he holds off on that, because there's probably a gentler way to ask for clarification.]

[magpiemythos]

I honestly don't... know how freely the boy comes and goes. I didn't realize he was about at first and when I did discover him I... steered clear.

[She just scowled down at the mug she held, enough so that it was likely a surprise tha the cocoa still inside didn't flash boil on the spot honestly.]

And I don't know that warning him would help. The Old Man's noose was already drawn tight when he discovered it's existence, and I cannot say when it was laid in place at the start. [Loki took a shaky breath, trying to sort herself enough to focus.] If it's already... warning him won't help. It's his better nature used against him, his existing becomes the thing hurting others and he can't allow that, won't allow that.

[She can taste the phantom blood on her tongue, the tack of feathers against her lips and the hot streak of tears down her face cooling slowly in the breezeless air of the in between space.

Damn me,

damn you all-]

[coldsong]

[He can't match her stare for intensity. It's really rather impressive. But the longer she stews, the more he's worried for her sake.]

You were the bird before, were you not? [His voice is soft, modulated but without pity. She won't take but so much sympathy; he knows he wouldn't.] What happens to Ikol if the path that you've walked is blocked to him and the child?

[He's aware that's not her concern just now, but he's not prepared to do something horrible to one Loki to save another. They'll figure out a third option, if they must.]

[magpiemythos]

[Her shoulders jerk faintly at the observation, confirmation enough even as she nodded mutely, lips working on a frown.

And he was quite right- too much sympathy for this would not end well, but he'd guessed his tone well enough that she didn't seem to take umbrage at least, even if she didn't seem especially soothed.]

Don't know. He's a smart little shite though he'll likely be fine. [Would he? She didn't know, couldn't bring herself to want much of anything to do with Ikol and his magnetism towards the old.] This'll at the least keep that poisoned start from him. Maybe Thor won't turn from him. Maybe Asgard won't cast him out. Maybe he won't have to die so something better can come around, unburdened by what I've done.

[coldsong]

You think separating them would be the better course for them both, then? [It's possible. It's also possible her self-hatred has bled over and she just doesn't give a damn. He'd understand that, too.

After a moment of silence, he reaches out and puts his hand over hers.]

I can seek out the child easily enough. I actually rather hoped to introduce him to my four at some point, anyway. If they can all make friends, it will be an incentive for him to stay.

I'm not willing to do harm to the bird, but I'll see what I can do to push them apart. If worst comes to worst, I suppose I could see if my world can hold onto Ikol for a bit. I'm dead there, so it wouldn't make for two in one place. [...Technically.]

I'd be happy to have the child here, honestly, though fostering a alternate of myself sounds like the sort of thing that could blow up in my face. But Thor wouldn't mind him in Asvera, either, I'm sure.

[magpiemythos]

I... [She hissed out a shuddering sigh, gaze focusing on the hand settled over hers, mouth twisting on the uncertainty in what to say.]

I don't know. Better for the boy for certain but for Ikol I... [A faint shake of her head.] I don't... I can't. If I deal with him I'll wring his feathered little neck. I can't be objective or fair when it comes to that little bastard.

[But her twin was talking, was musing on ideas, and he could likely see some of the coiled tension easing in the set of her shoulders as she nodded.]

Whatever option winds up being best it's a kinder fate than waits him. Them, I suppose.

[coldsong]

[He's actually not sure he wants Ikol around Thor. This version he trusts with everything, but the other is an unknown quantity. He doesn't want to hurt them, but his world's Thor remains even more emotionally delicate than the Nexus version.

But he suspects there are others who could manage the task of keeping an eye on a tricky magpie. Valkyrie. Barnes or Rogers, perhaps. Strange.

...haha, actually, dumping a Loki on Strange would be the perfect vengeance for their first meeting. If his counterpart weren't in distress next to him, he'd probably laugh at that idea. Instead, he squeezes her wrist gently.]

We may have to just...try a few plans and see which one sticks. I'll try bringing the children to the arcade. I took him there once--or he took me. Not sure which. He was definitely better with the games than I was. I should demand a rematch, can you tutor me first?

[That last part is a joke. He hates to see her upset like this.]

[magpiemythos]

He likely took you. He's... like that sometimes.

[She wasn't calmed yet, but her twin's comment still earned a thin huff of something almost a laugh. She appreciated his attempt to cheer her, kinder than she felt she deserved in the moment but she was far too greedy to turn the attention away.]

I can do what I can, but that boy is shockingly good at those games. Skeeball is a lost cause.

[coldsong]

Damn. I'll have to try to beat him in Dance Dance Revolution, then. At least my legs are longer, so I have an advantage, there.

[Please enjoy that mental image, Loki.]

Listen... [Both hands cover her shoulders, squeezing gently.] I have an idea what you're thinking, but whatever ill you've done in the past, you've given immense good to me, to Cricket, to Thor and the children. It doesn't excuse things, maybe it doesn't even balance them out in a cosmic sense, but you are truly, dearly loved here, flaws and quirks and gifts and all. I love you.

And we'll make this work out for the little Loki's sake, I promise.