riverview | [video]; thunderer

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[video]; thunderer

[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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

[ Steve's expression softens at the comment. ]

Do you think they're good enough?

[ 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.

[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.

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

There are some heights I will never reach.

[What?]

You're not at a disadvantage.

Have you seen Thor?

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.

[ Loki opens to reply but he realizes, no, he has not seen Steve in his other form. He never gave it much thought. After all, what Steve looks like has little to do with why Loki loves him. Still loves him. ]

I am proud.

[ But Loki also looks nettled. Like it's a cross between something he believes and something he automatically disbelieves. Despite the progress he has made, there are some lines in his past he struggles. Is he worthy? His magic is strong, he loves the art, but does it matter? Are they just tricks and he's fooled himself to believe they're worthwhile? ]

I think if you're comparing yourself to someone like Thor, you're always going to feel a little less great. But being like him, being from the same place, doesn't mean you have to be him.

[He does but doesn't understand. There are levels and depths to that feeling that are personal to Loki and that Steve won't be able to visualize until he sees them come forward, but what he does understand he charges right into.]

You have talents that other people don't have. If you're worried that they aren't holding up to a war hammer, then we work on them until they do.

[ Briefly, Loki wonders if he should tell Steve. I wanted to lift it. I wanted to know how it felt. To be worthy, to lift that hammer. But that is such a deep, personal yearning that Loki has never fully put into words, not with anyone. It is a sliver, lodged deep into his heart. And Loki knows, even with Mjolnir gone, it'll never leave. ]

Worry doesn't seem — You're right. I have my talents.

I asked because I want to see who you are. It's not just about being able to do things. The shield and the suit are important to me, but I don't need them to be who I am.

[As much as he does feel them to be part of his identity, they are pieces of him.]

I'd love to see you at your best. Bet it's something to behold.

[ Loki huffs! But he's smiling too. ]

I'm quite sure you've seen me in various angles.

[Wow. Steve clears his throat.]

I thought we were talking about what you're proud of.

[Why does everyone need to embarrass him?]

[ You started it. ]

We were.

But I rather like this turn in conversation as well.

You would.

[And now he's being salty because he's uncomfortable with being called out. Loki's ability to play with Steve's feelings is hilariously on point.]

What happened to you showing off?

I'll do that for you. In private.

[Steve's wry look shows that he seems aware that he's never getting the conversation back on track.]

You say that like I'm not already proud of you.

[ Oh. Loki melts. ]

Maybe I need a demonstration. To refresh my memory.

We can talk about that later. I'm still waiting for you to show me everything you've got.

[He's going to make Loki like himself one way or another.]

Right now?

I meant magic tricks.

[Stop avoiding the subject!]

[ Loki flips his hair. ]

I don't perform on video.

[ Loki, you have performed on video several times. ]

Don't be shy now.

I have never been shy.

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