If Only

Laufey looks upon the green-eyed Asgardian with hatred. How dare he enter his domain, unwanted! And now, claiming he is his son. That bastard child he cast out years ago. The problem being, mainly, that he actually has proof.

The Asgardian, Loki, briefly glows with an unmistakable shade of blue, right in front of his eyes. Simply because Laufey's helmsman grabbed him, promptly releasing him when he changed the way he did. He can't actually expect him to believe this! Why would Odin take that useless child, much less let him live? That tiny, helpless child...his own child...

And in one brief moment, Laufey can see it. He can see back to that moment when he first laid his eyes on the tiny child that now stands before him as a grown man. He can hear his little laugh, his cry, those tiny hands reaching up to him, fists curling and uncurling, begging to be brought up in Laufey's arms. That smile.

And here he is, now, years later, alive and well. Small, still, but powerful nonetheless. Wise, even. But who is he? Not a Frost Giant. Not of Jotunheim, like he should be. No horns, no markings. The palest Asgardian skin, scheming green eyes, sleek black hair. Fine clothing, of golds and leathers not of Laufey's realm. Not needed here, in Jotunheim.

Loki continues to stand there, smiling a devilish grin at Laufey. And Laufey cannot seem to diminish the thought of Loki being of Jotun blood. He finds the thought impossible. He stands there, unfazed by the biting cold. Just the look on his face alone tells Laufey that he is, in fact, his son. The way he stands, the smile, the smoothness of his voice, though laced with cunning.

That smile.

He can see it all, how it would have played out-his little son trotting down the halls, learning to walk, take his first steps. Being idolized by all the other inhabitants of Jotunheim as their prince. Learning how to harness abilities even Laufey can not imagine exist. Perhaps, even, playing with Odin's son, growing up in peace, making peace, as children; something Laufey could never think of achieving in years. Peace. Eternal peace, spreading through the Nine Realms.

And all at the hand of his tiny son.

If it hadn't been for that stupid decision.

Laufey sighs, quietly to himself. "I will hear you." He says, giving Loki the answer he has long been awaiting. He will lead Laufey's best men, himself included, into Asgard, to recover the Casket that so rightly belongs to the people of Jotunheim. And in the end, he will stay to rule Asgard as their new king.

Because he cannot fathom the idea of playing any part in Jotunheim. He believes he does not belong here. But he does. That is unfortunate, Laufey thinks. Because Laufey knows he belongs here, that he'd make a fine king.

If only he hadn't made that stupid decision.