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

[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!]

[worldsaway]

Then it's not serious enough for you to need my blessing.

What you do with him in the meantime is your own business.

[Lies.]

[livingsymbol]

So I have to marry him for you to take us seriously?

[Is that a dare, rain cloud?]

[worldsaway]

If that's what you want. [Nyeh.

But Thor relents.]

His happiness and my opinion are not synonymous.

[livingsymbol]

Maybe we should discuss it then.

[You started this.]

I think that he would appreciate knowing his brother, despite whatever else he might think, found something in him that he could support. As his brother, not as a god.

[Because Steve is giving his honest opinion hour.]

[worldsaway]

If he wants me to be happy for the fact that I'll leave here without him, he's a bigger fool than I thought he was.

He's always had my support, he doesn't need my approval.

[livingsymbol]

What?

[Steve honestly doesn't understand because he doesn't know what Thor means by leaving without Loki. He frowns, but it's out of confusion.]

I was asking for myself, too. I didn't realize it bothered you so much.

[worldsaway]

[He's said too much!! Time to withdraw again.]

It doesn't bother me.

You know I like you. I don't think he could do better. [It's true, but it sounds sort of detached as opposed to the warmth Thor usually exudes.]

[livingsymbol]

I know you believe I won't hurt him. I suppose that passes the inspection.

[It's not the same as approval or liking him, but Steve is getting the idea that perhaps that really is asking too much. The other part still bothers him. What is Thor saying? He' intending to leave Loki behind?]

...Maybe you two need to talk a little more.

[worldsaway]

You're the one with a wedding to plan.

[livingsymbol]

Are you trying to get under my skin? We could do this a different way if that's what you want.

[worldsaway]

I'm trying to evade talking about my feelings, I thought I was being obvious.

[livingsymbol]

Is there a reason you're avoiding your feelings?

[worldsaway]

My feelings are irrelevant to the situation.

[And they shouldn't stop either of you from being happy, is what he thinks.]

[livingsymbol]

Your feelings are important to him. And I'd ideally like to know you weren't bothered by how far we've come.

I don't want to be a reason for your relationship to suffer. That would personally be something I couldn't let myself be part of.

[worldsaway]

[Thor can't help but let out a hollow laugh. Your feelings are important to him. He faked his death, he let him mourn that for months while he sung his praises elsewhere.

Thor is still bitterly angry over it, but he wants his brother's love more than he could ever want his revenge. It feels extremely pathetic, this conversation has made him feel nothing but bitterness so far.]

I'm not bothered by it. [He presses his lips together.] If our relationship hasn't come to a close now, I very much doubt this will end it.

[livingsymbol]

[Steve raises his posture when Thor laughs. It's a wounded noise and Steve doesn't look angry, but he's troubled by the Thor's response. It's shaky.]

Something's bothering you. Someone. Did you have a fight?

[Steve changes his tone to something more sympathetic. Whatever happened between the brothers is probably serious if Thor can't shrug it off.]

Are you all right, Thor?

[worldsaway]

I think there's something wrong with your hearing.

[livingsymbol]

Well, I am a Senior citizen.

[worldsaway]

I can tell.

[livingsymbol]

I just don't like seeing either of you upset.

[But that seems to be all he can manage in Riverview.]

All right. I won't ask then.

[worldsaway]

I'm not upset.