video; un: sg.rogers

[livingsymbol]

How do you go about picking gifts?

[ He's just going to dive right in. No real introduction, but Steve figures that most people won't care too much about who is asking this or why. ]

I'm sure a lot of you are better at this than I am, so I guess I need some advice. How do you find a good gift for someone that already has far more than you've seen for half your lifetime? Not that I'm aiming to impress anyone, but it'd be nice to pull it off.

[ He grins a little. Okay, so maybe he's trying. Just a little. But Steve is rarely the one that surprises anyone else. He just wants a chance at doing something cool for a change. Of course, he's realistic and knows this is unlikely, but he can try. ]

I'm in a little over my head on this one. Everyone else always has the flashy stuff covered.

Comments

[livingsymbol]

Do you really want to see what happens if I try to paint Loki's face? I'm sure he'd track it right back to you in the end.

[ Steve is also amused, though. It's nice to be able to joke about Loki instead of being concerned about what he might do. Steve raises an eyebrow and smirks when Thor lists his various food suggestions. ]

He's got a rich palate. He hasn't been crazy about the things I've tried to give him, so maybe fruit will be a start. Thanks, Thor.

[worldsaway]

All the more fun for me, then.

[He's not scared of what Loki might try to pull. Any excuse to get a rise out of him.]

Well, we were princes. Our palates are more refined than the average person. [Says Thor, who eats mayonnaise out of the jar with his fingers.]

Fruit is an excellent start. Fresh fruit, star gazing as you serenade him beside a painting of his face. I've made it too easy for you.

[livingsymbol]

[ That amuses him. He can see the brothers bickering even if they get along. That's just part of the sibling relationship, and part of him thinks Thor, like Loki, just doesn't want to be left out. It gets a fond smile out of him. ]

You know, we could all get together sometime. I'm sure he'd like to know you're looking out for him. Worried I might take up all of his time. You could show me how princes do things first hand.

[ It's a kind of offering, Steve's attempt to include the god of thunder more. ]

Stargazing is pretty fun. Last time, he had a lot to show me.

[ See how well they're getting along, Thor? ]

[worldsaway]

I wouldn't object, but I'd run that by him before me. [He chuckles, softly.] He'd much prefer you monopolizing his time than his brother, I imagine.

[He wonders if he seems a little like a sad charity case, but he moves on.]

He's quite fond of them, isn't he?

[livingsymbol]

I don't think so. He just doesn't know how to invite you along. That's how siblings are.

[ Yes, he is poking a bit at Thor too. ]

I'm sure he'd like to know you were interested in spending more time together.

Mm, he seems to like them a lot. Makes me wonder if he just likes me for the costume.

[worldsaway]

Acting as if our problems are conventional is all well and good, but there's a lot more stabbing between us than most other siblings.

[Bluntly. Thor is tired of crossing boundaries and paying for it. He lets Loki come to him, like a cat.]

Mm, well we know he's fond of gaudy things.

[livingsymbol]

[ The weight behind Thor's response makes Steve frown. ]

I know that. I'm sorry for making light of your situation. I just meant that I think Loki probably appreciates the attention more than he lets on.

And not just because he likes attention.

[ Even though that is equally true. ]

Well, he does, but I don't think I could stomach it. I'd have to look at the thing.

[worldsaway]

Don't apologise for making light. I endorse mocking Loki wherever possible.

[Not so much mocking Thor, though.]

You have a long life of looking at things you don't like ahead of you, then.

[livingsymbol]

[ Sometimes Steve thinks the brothers are equally sensitive about teasing. They both have a lot of pride, and he can easily see the relation... And maybe that isn't the best thing to point out. ]

Heh. He can be subtle if he really wants to. Although I think his taste in suits is actually all right.

[ More than all right, but Steve is easily impressed. ]

[worldsaway]

You've missed some interesting phases in his sense of dress.

[livingsymbol]

Really? What'd he used to dress like?

[ He's not making fun of him really, but Steve is intrigued. ]

[worldsaway]

It varied over the years. Lots of fur, different helmets, higher boots and tighter pants.

He's always stuck with green, though.

[livingsymbol]

Green fur.

[ Because of that interesting list, that is what Steve thinks sounds weird. ]

I admit, I don't really know that much about fashion... Is that a popular style in Asgard?

[worldsaway]

All of those elements are common, yes. Loki liked to put his own twist on it, but he always told me I dress like a fool.

[livingsymbol]

[ That makes him smile. ]

Mm, that sounds like him. I guess being the younger one meant he had more to criticize.

[ Steve thinks a moment before saying more. ]

Do you think this is a good idea?

[worldsaway]

Do I think what is a good idea? Telling you everything I know about him?

[livingsymbol]

That's always a good idea. I could use the inside information.

[ He looks down toward his hand. ]

I meant getting more serious. I guess in a way I'd like your approval.

[worldsaway]

[This is simultaneously exactly what he wants and exactly what he doesn't want.]

It's not for me to say.

[livingsymbol]

[Steve can't help looking a little disappointed.]

He's your brother.

[worldsaway]

Then you should know exactly what my approval means to him.

[livingsymbol]

[Steve's disappointment becomes a frown.]

Do you?

[worldsaway]

Why wouldn't I know by now?

[Now Steve is pushing his buttons.]

It doesn't matter what I think, it matters that you're happy.

[livingsymbol]

[And he's going to keep pushing them now.]

It always matters what you think. By now that much should be obvious.

I know you have your differences, but this isn't related to those. I'm asking. You're the one to ask.

[worldsaway]

I'm his brother, not his father. I'm not very well going to oversee your marriage, am I?

[He's exasperated!!]

[livingsymbol]

I don't know. We haven't discussed marriage.

[Stop being a baby!]