( how the dinosaurs died )

[dothelokimotion]

Who: Loki + You
Broadcast: Video
Action: Planetside
When: Right here, right now

[ the feed turns on, though it seems to start with a burst of static and a blurry screen before it finally seems to straighten itself out. though the scene you might be seeing seems a little . . . hard to take in. mostly because it looks like everything has been frozen. plants, grass and giant dinosaurs like T-Rexs that were in mid-lunge to bite on . . . a huddled lump who has a quilt over their head and cocooned deep within the covers. And also happens to be sneezing a lot. ]

This — [ loki sneezes, looking pale, harried and a little . . . blue. ] — Is the worst. Why is everything so — [ another loud sneeze. ] — uncomfortable?! And how do you make it stop?!

Comments

[dothelokimotion]

Pain is more of a, ah, state of mind.

[ he pauses, trying to find the right words. ]

It . . . does not bother me the way it would for other people. This is not a wound, just — a scar. Old and brittle. It no longer hurts but I don't enjoy looking at it.

[sinistral]

The intangible pain is bad enough without adding the physical on top of it.

[His own voice is a little reflective, words for himself as much as for Loki.]

Scars are useful, sometimes. A reminder of strength, that we’ve survived when others might not have wanted us to. They’re still not pleasant but I don’t see this as a lesser part of you.

[dothelokimotion]

[ a wintry smile touches his face. ]

I don't know how useful this scar is.

[sinistral]

I suppose it's trite, but as useful as you want it to be. If nothing else it provided a catalyst for us meeting today, so I can't think of it as entirely negative.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his lips curve further. ]

I cannot fault that.

[sinistral]

And it will take a bit more than a second form to scare me off.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his expression softens, turning the blood-red to something warmer, like sunlight on a poppy field. gently, he takes bucky's metal arm, pressing a kiss to his knuckles. ]

Thank you.

[sinistral]

[It's unexpected, especially given Loki's insistence that he's dangerous like this. He's not used to casual touch being a positive thing. But he lets his fingers curl a little around the hand holding his own, just for a moment.]

Save the real thanks for when we get you back to the shuttle and you can breathe easier, hmm?

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki chuckles, his gaze flitting briefly to that movement, his smile never straying. the corners of his eyes crinkle. ]

Oh? And what should these real thanks look like?

[sinistral]

[He meets that gaze for a moment before letting his own slide away, a little awkward.]

Nothing in particular. I didn't come here hoping to get anything from you. You needed help. I could provide it. It's a nice change.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki shakes his head, bemused. ]

It was merely a jest. And it is not about what is owed. But what I am willing to give.

[sinistral]

[Loki why do you put up with this fool.]

Then I guess you're the one who should answer your own question.

[dothelokimotion]

[ you know why. ]

I suppose I could find a way.

[sinistral]

Should I put myself into your capably devious hands?

[What is this conversation even]

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki smiles, feeling bold. ]

It seems you already have.

[sinistral]

I have, with one caveat: we get you to your shuttle first. Deal?

[dothelokimotion]

Deal.

[sinistral]

After that, I guess we'll see what happens.

[dothelokimotion]

[ a small hum. ]

I quite enjoy that as well.

[sinistral]

The keeping me in suspense? Or the seeing what happens?

Or both?

[dothelokimotion]

Can't it be both?

[sinistral]

Why not? Be a little selfish, I don’t mind.

[dothelokimotion]

[ his expression softens. ]

You don't mind my being selfish with you?

[ he had taken a risk, despite the kiss being a token than a noose. still. loki knows he's undesirable at the root of things. too many flaws packed into one person. ]

[sinistral]

Should I?

[He turns to face Loki more properly, in order to watch his expression. What he wants to express is tricky to put into words, and he doesn’t want his meaning misconstrued.]

How could I? You’re one of a very small number of people who see me, without prejudice and without trying to make me fit into a certain shape or mold. I’m inviting you to be selfish, but aren’t I doing the same?

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki gently brings up their joined hands between them, fingers and knuckles pressed together. like a union. ]

Whether you could or could not isn't important to me. Be selfish with me.