[video]; thunderer

[worldsaway]

[The video begins in the swampier edges of the jungle. Thanks to the flooding, the water is up to Thor's waist and he has mud up his arms and on his face. He holds the camera up at a selfie angle, smiling into it and waving with a muddy hand.]

If anybody happens to know where a big, fat crocodile went, let me know. He's got a scar over his eye and his legs are very stumpy. Embarrassingly stumpy.

[Thor looks about him, holding the camera out so the audience can really appreciate the view of the overflowing river and not the fact that he's wearing a wet singlet.]

And if you've lost anything in the floods, let me know and I'll keep my eye out for-

[He cuts himself off when he catches sight of something making ripples on the water. His arm whips out of camera, snatching the tail of a snake that he brings into view.]

Look at this! Did you know snakes could swim?



[The snake hisses, flicking its tongue at Thor even as it coils around Thor's arm in a lithe, slow crawl. When Thor's hold lessens though, the snake rears back slightly like a mirage before vanishing and revealing a grinning Loki who very casually slides a small dagger into Thor's side.]

Oh dear. Was that me?

[Thor grunts, mostly in surprise but there's pain in it. The little blades sting, and it's a miracle that he can hold onto his camera (lopsidedly) when he drops to his knees and grips his side.]

You've done it now, brother. [Thor growls, with a clenched jaw.] It's all going dark. Dark and cold. I see a light, it's calling me. I'll bleed out before they find me.

[And with his final breath, he musters the strength to try kick Loki into the mud along with him.]

Comments

[livingsymbol]

No one's perfect, Loki.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Okay, he huffs, bemused. ]

There isn't any real reason. It's just an old habit.

[livingsymbol]

[ That answer is much more relatable to Steve. He relaxes, reassured by Loki's huff of breath even if it is exasperated with him. ]

Well, we all have those too. I'm sure even Thor has his.

[dothelokimotion]

You should see him at the dining table.

[livingsymbol]

So you're saying there's more than one reason he likes crocodiles.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki laughs. ]

Well, he has been known to eat almost anything.

[livingsymbol]

Maybe you should have become a crocodile. Made him feel better.

[dothelokimotion]

Tempting, but I don't have the best mobility as a crocodile.

[livingsymbol]

You know, I've never seen you as a crocodile. They're pretty fast in the water.

[dothelokimotion]

I suppose I have never tried.

[livingsymbol]

It's all right. Don't worry about it.

[dothelokimotion]

I am not worried.

[livingsymbol]

It's not like you can't do it. I just never saw it.

[dothelokimotion]

You want to see me turn into a crocodile?

[livingsymbol]

I think it'd be impressive.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki wavers. ]

Well, if you wish to see it, I can oblige.

[livingsymbol]

You don't want to?

[ What's that hesitation for? Is it dangerous? It's times like this he wonders what Loki is really thinking. ]

You don't have to do it. I'm plenty impressed.

[dothelokimotion]

I know.

[ Loki sighs briefly. ]

It surprises me, when people ask. People don't normally regard it so favourably.

[ He's surprised by the bitter twist on his lips. ]

They are just "tricks" to pass the time, after all.

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve's expression softens at the comment. ]

Do you think they're good enough?

[dothelokimotion]

[ Does he? Loki takes pride in his work, his skills, but he has always found them to be lackluster. ]

I think they suffice for my needs.

[livingsymbol]

[That answer is not committed. It's not proud, the way Loki can be when he's excited about doing something. Steve tilts his head slightly, taking that in.]

You think they could be better.

[dothelokimotion]

I think, considering my . . . disadvantaged state, I am strong enough. I am not Asgardian.

There are some heights I will never reach.

[livingsymbol]

[What?]

You're not at a disadvantage.

[dothelokimotion]

Have you seen Thor?

[livingsymbol]

Have you seen me? I mean the way I was.

Look, not all of us are going to be Thor. That's not a disadvantage. It's a difference. If you want to practice, we can work on your tricks until you think they're good enough, but you should be proud of what you can do.