Companionship had ever been a lacking part of Loki's life. In his youth he had played and adventured with Thor and his companions, but they had never truly been his friends also. Their loyalty and love was for Thor, their admiration was for Thor, their companionship for Thor. What courtesies they extended to Loki were in part because of his position as a prince and in part because of Thor's affection for him, that had at least been true. And if Thor had teased him or mocked with the others, his words and actions had never been intended maliciously.
The others were too afraid of his biting tongue and intelligence, too disgusted by his use of trickery in battle and the women's art of magic. He was an oddity in his own home, but he had been an exceptional oddity and never ashamed of his pursuits. Few understood that his tricks, as they called them, could be just as deadly as a well-wielded sword or hammer.
Yet now, in the most impossible of circumstances, it seemed he had found a companion.
Over the next few days the two kept their distance, aware of the impending lie and the truth that lay beneath it. But after Jane returned and had satisfied herself that Leita was no threat - she even offered him a paid position alongside Darcy as a second intern - things shifted back to a comfortable status quo. Loki found himself seeking out Darcy's company more and more frequently, from simple things such as preparing meals together, to continuing explaining his theories and equations.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and the project moved ever onwards at a glacial pace. Loki resisted any attempt to discuss his true heritage even when they were alone, he was Leita now and the lie must be maintained however curious his companion had become.
Seven months following the night of discovery, Loki watched as Erik and Jane left the new laboratory talking nineteen to the dozen about a possible breakthrough. He noticed them ignoring Darcy, brushing her aside as always, and he noted the flash of hurt beneath the glib smile and faux nonchalant remarks.
"You do yourself a disservice by walking forever in their shadows."
no subject
The others were too afraid of his biting tongue and intelligence, too disgusted by his use of trickery in battle and the women's art of magic. He was an oddity in his own home, but he had been an exceptional oddity and never ashamed of his pursuits. Few understood that his tricks, as they called them, could be just as deadly as a well-wielded sword or hammer.
Yet now, in the most impossible of circumstances, it seemed he had found a companion.
Over the next few days the two kept their distance, aware of the impending lie and the truth that lay beneath it. But after Jane returned and had satisfied herself that Leita was no threat - she even offered him a paid position alongside Darcy as a second intern - things shifted back to a comfortable status quo. Loki found himself seeking out Darcy's company more and more frequently, from simple things such as preparing meals together, to continuing explaining his theories and equations.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and the project moved ever onwards at a glacial pace. Loki resisted any attempt to discuss his true heritage even when they were alone, he was Leita now and the lie must be maintained however curious his companion had become.
Seven months following the night of discovery, Loki watched as Erik and Jane left the new laboratory talking nineteen to the dozen about a possible breakthrough. He noticed them ignoring Darcy, brushing her aside as always, and he noted the flash of hurt beneath the glib smile and faux nonchalant remarks.
"You do yourself a disservice by walking forever in their shadows."