They do all know that. I am typically by their side or leading them in any fight we have. Unfortunately this time I was stuck on the other side of the galaxy. By the time I fought my way back home, the damage had been done.
I wouldn't know how to stop. Would you call yourself more optimistic or pessimistic?
[The faintest thoughtful pause. The impulse to remain bright and flip is difficult to override, but then, this is the beginning of being some sort of legal family.]
If pressed, I suppose pessimistic, but I hope to live somewhere between the extremes.
There are times I've learned when sharing the burden has been the right thing to do, my human team of friends insists on it when I'm on their planet. But when it comes to my people, it is my responsibility. And my honor to serve them.
[ Thor sighs. Those damned plays.]
They hold some truths, yes. The details are his to tell, but know that you have accomplished something very unusual, in the best possible sense. My brother does not love or trust easily.
[ Thor considers what to say. There's many things he'd like to say, but it's a line between how much Loki would like him to give away, while thinking of the best ways to represent him. ]
It would be helpful to regularly reassure him of your affection for him. Directly and out loud. He has a tendency to doubt and test people. He was treated poorly by most of the people in his life, myself included, although in my case it was out of ignorance.
That is no simple task but it seems you are up for the effort.
Oh one other thing. If you ever say a nice thing about me, be very quick with mentioning how much more you like him. Loki has a tendency to fear people will prefer me to him. I told him it was foolish with you but some things take time to outgrow.
Yes, you would be correct. Our temperaments are vastly different. I am friendly and a warrior and he is pensive and well-learned. But admittedly, in our culture what I am is more celebrated. I am the favored son of the royal house. He's never felt like he fit in to the mold. I've always thought our differences were good, I like his mind and sense of humor, when he's not stabbing me. But my love for him was not, unfortunately, universal.
I was blind to it. I thought everyone loved him as I did. I am working on seeing everything from his point of view. Loki has triggers for feeling ignored or unwanted, so that's why I suggest reassurance. Perhaps between the two of us we can get through to him.
I expected to marry for position. I'd hoped it would at least be for my own and not my father's, but even that might have been quite a trick to manage.
[But, to be clear,]
I'm glad it's this instead. I hadn't contemplated a heart could feel properly full this way.
Our parents never really gave us demands about our marriage, although they were not really pleased when I brought my human love to Asgard. But they did end up accepting it, as I have no doubt they would with you, were they still alive. It's rare to marry outside of our species, but not unheard of.
[ Frigga would have been concerned like she was with Jane, but she did want them to have love in their life. Who knows with Odin, honestly. He might have cared less for Loki's choice as Thor was the heir. It is better not to know with him. ]
[ Thor doesn't note that it's probably because his father, who did disapprove of Jane, knew she'd be dead within 80 years or so, and therefore barely was a concern. He didn't intend to speak much of the age difference, so he pauses when it's put out there. ]
I would never call it a burden, and my brother is not impulsive, he would not agree to marry you if he felt that way. But you do know about the lifespan difference, yes?
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I wouldn't know how to stop. Would you call yourself more optimistic or pessimistic?
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[The faintest thoughtful pause. The impulse to remain bright and flip is difficult to override, but then, this is the beginning of being some sort of legal family.]
If pressed, I suppose pessimistic, but I hope to live somewhere between the extremes.
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[ Thor appreciates the honesty. He may be unbearably sunny-tempered at times, but he doesn't expect that from anyone else. ]
A wise venture. What do you know of my brother and our family?
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Well, I've seen the plays for a start.
[Which definitely seemed 100% factual.]
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[ Thor sighs. Those damned plays.]
They hold some truths, yes. The details are his to tell, but know that you have accomplished something very unusual, in the best possible sense. My brother does not love or trust easily.
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My utmost will be given to deserve it, I assure you.
[And, well, since they're here.]
What else should I know?
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It would be helpful to regularly reassure him of your affection for him. Directly and out loud. He has a tendency to doubt and test people. He was treated poorly by most of the people in his life, myself included, although in my case it was out of ignorance.
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[But also.]
Will he believe me?
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[Which will be, you know. A Task.
But he's super here for it.]
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Oh one other thing. If you ever say a nice thing about me, be very quick with mentioning how much more you like him. Loki has a tendency to fear people will prefer me to him. I told him it was foolish with you but some things take time to outgrow.
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Hearts are foolish things. Still, I would hazard his has been taught a healthy concern over the years.
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People so often fail to see the treasures that lurk just beyond the edges of their expectations.
It's a shame he's had to carry that.
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We'll do our utmost now.
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What else should I know about you?
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[But, to be clear,]
I'm glad it's this instead. I hadn't contemplated a heart could feel properly full this way.
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[ Frigga would have been concerned like she was with Jane, but she did want them to have love in their life. Who knows with Odin, honestly. He might have cared less for Loki's choice as Thor was the heir. It is better not to know with him. ]
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a lot.]
Will it not be such a burden, then? My humanity?
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I would never call it a burden, and my brother is not impulsive, he would not agree to marry you if he felt that way. But you do know about the lifespan difference, yes?
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