riverview | [ text | un: trickster ]

[ Loki shrugs. ]

I am curious and mortals do tie themselves in knots over such matters. My other self's frustration was merely an added bonus.

[ A confusing bonus, though. He'll have to think about what it means. ]

[ this is why you and Steve get along, you are both subtle fucking trolls when you want to be.

god, if the two of you become actual friends, Riverview is doomed.]

When was the last time humans ever did something the easy way? We are kind of known for creating elaborate scaffolding for simple concepts so that we don't have to face the truth of things. [ a pause, before Tony shrugs.] Also for the sake of argument I am sure.

[ Joke's on you, they cemented their bond through donuts. It is unbreakable. ]

Sure of what?

[ curses! the bond of doughnuts is truly unbreakable. ~~Tony is sure to be low-key jealous if he finds out.~~ ]

Mmm? I am sure that we create elaborate concepts for simple things so we can argue about the nuances that don't really matter. Again, a distraction from self awareness or something.

[ Loki blinks, not sure what to make of this conversation. It has a shade of normalcy he can't quite interpret. ]

Your customs are your own. The only problem is the assumption that most, if not all, will grasp them immediately. There is security in the nuance. It leaves room to maneuver.

[ what, should Tony start railing against how you are a blight upon the universe or something? because that really isn't his style, sorry.

there is the smallest wry grin at that answer though, and Tony wants to laugh.]

Assumptions? I never thought you one to care for what other's assumed about you, Loki. However, either you genuinely want to know about this nuance for the sake of knowing and using it to manipulate a situation to your benefit, or you fear perhaps someone has fallen into one of these nuances in regards to yourself without your full awareness.

[ a pause before he leans in, eyes bright.]

They must be persistent as all hell, really.

[ That is a little too close for comfort and he automatically rears back, his eyes flashing. What is with these heroes? They're nothing like the ones Loki knew and whatever advantage he did was vanishing quickly. They knew too much of him and he knew nothing in return. ]

No one would dare.

[ He attempts to put his game face on. ]

Perhaps I simply seek to learn so that I can watch people fall over as I misconstrue it.

[ And thus, leave him free of any misconceptions ]

[ ah yes, like Tony thought. that reaction is sadly not at all a surprise to Tony. there is a hum and a shrugs, something knowing in his gaze. there are two ways that Tony can go about this; serious or--]

You say that, but hot and slightly crazy is actually a type. And, desipte your less than kosher life choices in the past, you do make an entertaining conversational partner.

[ is he perhaps a little biased thanks to his, uh, relationship with the other you? maybe.

still.] And perhaps it is an attempt to know the rules of the game to play it all the better, but I'm not so sure.

[ sorry Loki, sometimes Tony is actually really perceptive about people. and, you know, uses that ability. ]

[ What is with this other reality? Loki almost wants to tear his hair out. ]

You, Stark, should not be discussing types considering your own life choices.

[ that would hurt if it, you know, wasn't true. look, he has fucked up and he knows it, this isn't up for debate nor is it something that you can rub in his face because he is trying to be better, thanks.

something you might angle for in the future. maybe.

Tony just deadpans:] How do you think I know it is a type? Why do you think I have no issues getting dates? I mean, sure, being stunningly intelligent and rich also helps, but it's clearly the hot and the impulsive if not reckless life choices I make that endear myself to others.

[ He blinks. ]

That is not an apt comparison and you know it.

It isn't? Genius, blood of a couple thousand on our hands, stunning hair and wit, daddy issues you can see from space. I think the biggest difference here is I at least take responsibility for the shit I have pulled. I'm not letting all the terrible choices that I have made, and probably will continue to make, that have hurt and killed people define me in an attempt to hide.

[ there is a moment where Tony seems to be searching Loki's gaze, something in him wondering how much of the man they see here is the God of Evil and how much is wounded animal.]

Learn the rules of the game if you want, Loki, but you should probably try a little self-honesty at the same time if you want to succeed at it.

[ Loki snorts lightly, to disguise his own apprehension. This is the most Stark has ever spoken to him. The most honest as well. It unnerves him. He doesn't want to share his similarities with others.

( he doesn't want to know what separates them. Because he knows ) ]

Who said I was hiding? Have I not been forthcoming?

[ oh you precious thing. Tony just raised an eyebrow: try again, Liesmith. Tony expects better than that to fool him. ]

I mean with yourself, Loki.

[ he almost sounds soft when he says that, kind; like he knows what it is like to wake and see the monster in the mirror every morning, but he refused to let that be all he was. ]

[ His eyes flash as he replies flatly. ]

Not everything is a game, Stark.

And what part of this seems like a game, Loki?

[ that earns him a pointed look. ]

Is it not a game for you?

[ He resists the urge to pace, his eyes wild and bright. ]

Tony Stark, genius at work. Bored without a problem to solve.

[ ah yes, that tactic. Tony rests his chin in his hands and looks at Loki, gaze sharp and devoid of any judgement. ]

I think that implies you are a problem, which I can't say is true. And, perhaps I just enjoy conversations with people who look at the world differently, no matter the topic. Or maybe you're right, it distracts from all the self loathing I have going on. Who knows?

[ What is happening right now. His tone is waspish. ]

The latter. Clearly.

[ isn't it obvious? Tony is getting answers. duh.]

You would think that, but that is incredibly telling. I mean, if this were a game. But it isn't, just a conversation between a god and a mortal.

[ okay, not he is being a bit teasing, but he has come to the conclusion you are far less god of evil and more just... lost.]

[ Stark has never been that smart. Neither was the Captain. The Avengers were paltry when it came to games, to this simple battle of wits. He lost his footing in this, badly. He folds his arms behind his back. ]

Out with it, Stark. What do you want?

[ maybe you just never played the right games with them. or maybe they were still finding their footing. no matter, that makes Tony laugh. it isn't a condescending laugh either, he is genuinely amused, if not a little sad.]

I got what I wanted, Loki. I think the question is what do you want?

[ Even more foreboding. His voice lowers to a snake's hiss. ]

Surely, you can hazard a guess there. My methods may be duplicitous but my motives have always been clear.

Attention. I know. Look at me suit, isn't is obnoxious? Also, attention grabbing. I would say switch out your colour scheme, but probably not an option for you.

[ is it foreboding? Tony is just being honest. ]

Also, not sure trying to raze this place to the ground is your best bet, I mean, sure I can build it again but rebuilding Asgard was a pain in the ass and I would really like it if you didn't.

[ Loki flinches. The knowledge of destroying Asgard is still raw and he does not know what to make of it. His expression flickers before he deliberately turns his gaze away. ]

I'm not so foolish to attempt wanton destruction.

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