Curiosity inflating tenfold now, he watched the lights from down below reflect off of it before turning to look back at the man, holding his gaze. Well, that was certainly an interesting turn of events. Well, more so than any other so far. "How could I ever be more than a rolemodel to you? I'm afraid I cannot see how that is possible, especially considering the fact you've just barely figured out I am real, and not some character from an ancient mythology." the words were not meant to be condescending, nor did they have any sort of malicious tone to them; it was all just simple wondering, half speaking his thoughts out loud.

First instinct flared up inside the god; to either turn around and escape, inthe case that Tom were to make any sudden movements or attempt anything, but he stood his ground, feeling far too skittish all of a sudden, paranoia hanging over his head. Blinking once, he felt like something was tearing inside of him, deep in his chest. Nobody had ever spoken to him like that before, and nobody had ever derived this reaction from Loki. Shelter? He would be needing that, especially here. Some small voice in the back or his mind told him he really wouldn't be finding as good a company as this kind man, no matter where else he found refuge. So, against all odds, he took the other slender hand in his own. "The consequences for aiding me will be severe if you are caught. Feel free to withdraw your offer, I will not blame you. " No. That was not true. Lies, all of it. He selfishly wished to go along no matter what. Upon mentioning the beat up bit, he became aware that there was actually quite a few bruises and sore spots all over his body from a rough landing.


Tom smiled victoriously. "You're more than my role model, you were my mentor. I had to /be/ you for so long… I looked up to you, and as ridiculous as it sounds, I cared for you and asked your help every day…" He squeezed the cool hand in his happily. "I've longed to meet you for so long…"

He laughed softly. "Oh, hush. They won't catch you, you're Loki! All you have to do is stay under your magic, and stay behind me, and no one will see you… You'll be safe with me. I wouldn't let them take you, no matter who /they/ are… Now, I have to get changed from this damned hot thing, and once I get free of your persona, we'll head home, okay?" He smiled soothingly as he started to lead him from the rafters. "I'll just take you to a shady spot. You hide in the shadows, right? So I'll leave you under a tree, where no one will go, and you can just hide a bit until I get changed and drink a bit more water. I'm a bit overheated…"

He led him to a small tree, making sure no one saw them, and set him next to the trunk. "Now, please, milord, just… stay here for a few minutes. It will take time for them to help me out of these heavy clothes, and then I have to towel off a bit and dress in my own clothes. I promise I shall return as soon as I can, and I hope you'll be here when I return?" He looked him over worriedly, biting his lip slightly as he left. He didn't want to leave him alone for a moment. He had no idea if he was dreaming or not, but he didn't want it to end…


This man's own enthusiasm for everything was quickly beginning to rub off on Loki, or at least affect his mood very quickly and efficiently. He could justly say that he had never met or been in the company of anyone like Tom, and he felt there would never be anyone else like him. Shock, surprise, confusion, it was all muddled in the ravenette's eyes as Tom kept talking, listing all the impacts his very...character, he supposed, had had on the spritely actor. Reassured by the squeeze, he felt as if he deserved nothing of the doting affections he was being showered with...but it made him feel more complete than he ever had before. "I was not aware anyone could care for me as deeply as you do...so blindly. Well, it seems your wish has been granted, then. I cannot imagine I live up to your expectations." he murmured, resisting the urge to run his thumb over the warm skin of the hand eagerly clasped around his own. Loki's skin was always uniquely chilly, perhaps another reason why nobody dared get too close to him.

A glimmer of humor was in the god's eyes at the man's next statement, observing him to be rather hyper and a tad childish when it came to something he was so passionate about. "You do have a point there. I have mastered disguise over quite a bit of time, but those are incredibly brave words for someone hiding a very dangerous outcast from gods; the stuff of legends. Yet, for some reason, I seem to be assured that this is true. I will do the most in my power to keep you from being a target of their punishment if I am caught and eternally incarcerated..." He trailed off on the last bit, images flashing through his mind about what that would be like. For the first time, he smiled ever so slightly, lip curling up a fraction. "Alright, I shall wait as patiently as I can." Leather boots tapping softly on the iron grating that served as floor for the rafters, they made their way down. Smile dissipating, he thought for a moment before replying. "Yes. It is something I am far too accustomed to," he said rather quietly, and t was true. Or, rather, he'd always been cast off into the shadows, never able to shine in Thor's stead. All the more time to brew his bitter hate, it seemed. "I will wait, then. But if any threat appears, I will not be here once you return. Be sure to keep yourself properly hydrated."

Hands clasped behind his back now, he rested back against the scraggly tree, feeling its rough bark in his palm, eying the set, lights beginning to dim as things toned down for the night. Milord? It sounded like a title only for a king. Loki...was obviously not a king, as Tom would know full well. "Yes, I believe you will find me here upon your return. Circumstances permitting, of course. " And the god intended on keeping that as best he could, already feeling an attachment forming, and he hadn't the foggiest notion as to why; but he did not want to crush Tom by leaving, not if he could help it.


Tom nearly giggled as he ran to the trailer. "Mortals! Get this off of me!" The dressers burst out laughing as they helped him out of the clothing, taking him to a small kiddie pool they'd bought for him and dunking water over him to cool him off. He smiled the whole time, shivering under the chilly water until he was allowed to move behind the screen and change underwear. He pulled off the wet ones and dragged on the new ones, happy to be cared for so much. He quickly pulled on his clothes before kissing them all on the cheek and thanking them.

He dashed out of the trailer, breathing excitedly and looking around. He casually walked to the tree, trying not to draw focus. "My lord?" he whispered. When he saw Loki, he smiled happily. "Great! You're still here! I hope I wasn't too long!" He bowed his head lightly as he began to walk away. "Are you hidden from others?" "Of course." He nodded at that as he led him, wanting to hold his hand again, but not sure if he'd be allowed. He also thought about what had been said. He waited until they got into his car and zoomed off to someplace where they wouldn't see him, before stopping the car and looking at him.

"Okay, don't be mad, but I wanted to respond to all that you said to me and ask you something, and I didn't want to do that while you were hiding from everyone….

First. Don't ever think you don't live up to my expectations. You more than did that. And yes, you did answer my prayers, and I couldn't be happier. It was getting to be hell having to pretend to be you when I knew I couldn't compare.

Second. You are no dangerous outcast, you are Loki, God of Mischief, Lies, Trickery, and I might add good looks. Do not degrade yourself so.

Third. I couldn't care less if I get dragged off to some Asgardian prison for the rest of my meager life, as long as I still get to see you. I've waited for you for too long to let you go so easily. There's no need to protect me, I've got the Chrises and Scarlett on my side, no matter what. And they can kick ass.

Fourth. I wish I could tell you that you'll never need to remain in the shadows again, but I can't promise that. I can only say I will do what I can to keep you in the light.

Fifth, I may have forgotten to get a drink… so that will be my first order of business when we get to the hotel.

Lastly, do I need to call a doc- I mean, a healer? You don't look too good…."

He looked at him, worried he may have offended him. "Also, I um… I don't want to offend you, ever. And I'll only ever tell you the truth. And I'll do what you want, so… don't get mad at me or leave, okay?"


Sighing wearily, Loki slid down the trunk of the tree, feeling as if his legs could no longer fully support the weight of everything; his armor, his conscience, the overload of everything that had happened so far in such a short amount of time. He found himself looking up at the heavens, his home so far away. Gritting his teeth, the god forced back the overwhelming burning at the back of his eyes, swallowing the tightening of his throat away. No, he could show no such weakness here. He was an outcast and would remain one forever, it was no longer his home up above in the heavens. He would have to push himself to forget all that had taken place before. He was a Jotun, and they would never go to great lengths to achieve back their prince either way. He was a prisoner of war. Aesir blood mingled with that of the frost giants to create a mutt mix that no-one had ever truly sought or wanted. But he would not wallow in pity. No, Loki was going to make sure all of them truly regretted the mistake they had made, that they paid for it in their blood, mingled with that of all the ones they had claimed to love. Now was not the time, for he had no idea how to even return to the realm.

Swallowing a few more times, he leaned his head back to rest against the tree, feeling worn and hollow now. Perhaps there was no hope for him; but he was damned to live an eternity this way, and Loki had tried countless times to end his eternity by his own hand until he realized it was to no avail, and grew even more tarnished in the soul. These thoughts were beginning to drag him down, like anchors attached to both his ankles, sinking further and further. There was no end in sight, only more pain for Loki, which would then be ridded of, or sated at least, by expelling his hurt onto others. It was a vicious cycle he knew he would never be able to readily rid himself from. It was ridiculous how fast his mood changed, and his eyes seemed to cloud over for moments, unaware of his surroundings, wondering what it would be like to never have to live forever. He could only ever imagine.

Still trapped in his self-murderous thoughts, Loki took a few seconds to notice the man before him, smelling fresher and looking quite a bit sprinkle lively than before, if it was at all possible. Now he could see that his true hair was a head full of soft golden-blonde / brown curls all around his head, now dyed black for film purposes. It looked very good on the actor. Any sort of pleasant expression was gone from his face, and Loki wrestled to keep the pained one off, rising from his seat on the dirt to follow after the man. "No. Not very long." Voice distant, he gazed out at the scraggly brush now shadowed black in the dark. Climbing into the odd form of transportation, the god was uncharacteristically quiet during the ride, focused on what was outside the window, shifting in his seat as they stopped. Their eyes met again, and he felt momentarily uplifted by the voice, which now had a pleasant British accent to it. Stunned that Tom could be so straightforward, but put it in a manner that was so inspirational. Raising his eyebrows, Loki wondered if at one point he had ever been so fulfilled in his life like Tom was, so ready to offer advice and stick avidly to what he was passionate about no matter what. Not sure what to say for once, he glanced outside, then back at him.

"I still cannot say I understand your level of determination for all of this, but I can say that it means more to me than I will ever be able to demonstrate outwardly." pausing for a second, Loki bit his lip. "Though, I am not sure how well your mortal allies would be able to withstand an attack from an actual Thor, or Odin from that matter. I have my own tricks, of course, but one can never know. You care...so much about me, it is an incredibly new, but pleasing experience," his voice grew softer at the end. "If I am in the shadows, you must be sure to keep yourself from being drawn in by them. It is no way for someone so..invigorating as you to live, and I will fight tooth and claw to ensure it." glancing down at his hands and armor, he brushed at then for a few seconds. "No. Anything of the sort, too much exposure is the last thing I need." he murmured, figuring on resting his magic for a while. "I will heal myself with my powers."

An unhumored laugh escaped him, short and rather like a scoff. "You will not offend me. Nor will you have to worry about serving me, did you expect me to tell you to kneel or something of the sort?"


Tom put the car back in gear and headed back to the hotel, smiling softly. "I… I'm not sure I know what to say… I'm flattered. I, I suppose I never thought that you'd accept me wanting to care for you. That and you wish to keep me from the shadows you keep referring to. Whatever it is, I'd suffer it for you."

He laughed a bit, continuing. "And, well, I am to demand the mere mortals to kneel very often… And as for the rest, just… go with the flow, you know? Just let it happen. And now that I know I won't offend you, I'm going to keep talking, so you'll just have to ignore me if I get too annoying… You don't have to worry anymore, whatever happened out there…" it finally hit him. "D-Did you just fall from the Bifrost?"