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

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki laughs softly. ]

I am a sore loser. Just like you.

[livingsymbol]

That's just fine. Makes it more interesting.

[ And just in case Loki doesn't believe him, Steve nudges Loki with his shoulder. ]

Don't think you'll win so easily next time.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Loki chuckles, relaxed. ]

Oh, I'm sure I can manage another victory.

[livingsymbol]

Someone's confident.

[ He's happy to see the tension leave Loki's shoulders. Steve puts a hand on Loki's arm. Even if his words aren't enough to really reassure him, he can always fall back on his standard: acting the part. ]

I'm warning you, I won't make it easy.

[dothelokimotion]

I expect nothing less.

[ He nuzzles the base of Steve's neck, pressing a kiss there. ]

[livingsymbol]

Well, good. I hope you have reasonably high expectations by now. All things considered.

[ He can't help teasing him a little bit. ]

[dothelokimotion]

It does seem reasonable to have them high.

[ But he curls his fingers around Steve's hands, squeezing them briefly as thanks. ]

[livingsymbol]

[ Steve's expression softens as Loki squeezes his hands. It's a small gesture that speaks volumes from the person he's learned often leans on the things he never says. ]

Set them as high as you want. I'm ready for anything you've been holding back.

[dothelokimotion]

That seems unwise.

[ Especially for someone like Loki who constantly thirsts for more, who struggles with what he has but also equally aware that he deserves none of it. ]

[livingsymbol]

I'm not afraid.

[ He looks into Loki's eyes like he's taking the hesitation as a test. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ His eyes go soft as his fingers brush themselves over Steve's arm. ]

Who said anything about fear?

[ But he's not bothered. ]

But that suits me fine. I was never wise.

[livingsymbol]

Mm. Just my interpretation.

[ Maybe that's telling. That Steve chooses to think that Loki's doubt suggests Steve might be afraid of something. That he's not strong enough. ]

Sometimes you don't have to be. We got this far by trying our best. I think we can still go a lot further. It's a leap of faith.

[dothelokimotion]

[ An interesting one. Loki files it away, just in case. ]

Mmm, and where might we be leaping to? A present for me, hopefully.

[livingsymbol]

You'll just have to trust me.

[ Part of him just likes teasing Loki with the prospect, but another part wants to see the god's reaction to his gift now that he has an idea of what he's aiming for. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ There's a lengthy pause before Loki makes eye contact, holding it despite the traces of vulnerability there. ]

I trust you.

[livingsymbol]

I won't disappoint you.

[ Steve holds the eye contact. It's a promise, because what Loki needs to hear is unwavering assurance. From what Steve knows, Loki is used to disappointments. He can at least offer something to convince him that won't be the case. ]

[dothelokimotion]

And if I disappoint you?

[ Always a distinct possibility. ]

[livingsymbol]

You won't.

[ Steve doesn't accept that possibility. ]

You've been proving yourself since we met.

[dothelokimotion]

I'm not sure what I've proven, Steve. I could be lying. I could just be a mistake.

[ His voice stutters over the word mistake. ]

[livingsymbol]

You're not.

[ The stutter and fear in Loki's voice get Steve to pull him closer. ]

You're never a mistake. And you're not lying either. Just breathe for a moment. You're still the Loki I know, all right? You've come this far. Don't lose hope.

[dothelokimotion]

[ Aren't I? Loki asks himself. Taako is angry with him. So is Thor. They may never speak to him. He'll be forgotten. With a shudder, he takes a quiet intake of breath, getting himself under control. Steve was still here. He was still here. He shifts to rest his head under Steve's chin. ]