Loki sucked in a deep breath as he stood in front of his own mirror.
Critically he looked over his own appearance. Mostly he had gotten used to his own blue skin and red eyes.
But sometimes… Sometimes he was still unsettled. It was so obvious now, how different he was from everybody else.
Even if he always wore Asgardian clothes to cement his role as a true Asgardian, Loki reached for his brush, and calmly started to brush his own sleek hair.
He had to make a good impression, it meant the entire world to Thor that Loki would get along with these Midgardians.
Funny really, it hadn't been that long ago that Loki had desired to spite Thor in any way possible, now he was willing to do these kinds of things he really didn't need to, just to make Thor happy.
The brush went through Lokis hair and softly the hair fell down his shoulders. It was going to be fine, Loki was already on good terms with Tony, Bruce, Pepper and Steve. He was over half way there.
That only left Lady Romanoff, Agent Coulson and… Well… Agent Barton whom he had stabbed in the shoulder a while ago.
In Lokis own defense, he had indeed been saving the world.
Finally Loki put down the brush, then straightened out his tunic. His new wardrobe, black and red… He used to favor green so much. Even made it his own image.
Sadly, it just didn't look good with his now permanent complexion. Or maybe that was for the better, Thor had said it to, Loki had changed. He wasn't the same person anymore.
Sif had pointed it out to, it wasn't just his looks which had changed, it was so much more fundamental than that.
He was stronger now, he knew he was. Which was why he could do this.
Loki took in a deep breath, giving himself a final glance then finally walked out to join the others at tonight's feast.
Already all the Midgardians were seated together, though they did seem to be parted with Tony, Pepper and Bruce on one side, Romanoff, Coulson and Barton on the other side, and Steve Rogers in the middle trying to to act as a negotiator bringing them together.
Loki sighed deeply as he walked over them, immediately earning every bodies attention. "Good evening." he offered them an gentle bow and stood up again. "I hope your day here at New Asgard has been to your liking and that you will enjoy tonight's feast. Would you mind terrible if I join you?"
"That would be an honor Prince Loki." Coulson smiled kindly, though there was an air of apprehensive from him. Probably because Loki had indeed been the one to break into the Shield facility last year.
"Thank you." Loki sat down opposite the group.
"Soo..." Barton glanced at him. "Sorry, this has been bothering me all day. Why exactly are you blue now?" he asked.
Loki smirked. "You might not believe this." he informed. "But I sold my Aisir guise in exchange for the means to safe the world."
"So you still insist you were saving the world?" Barton asked.
"Indeed." Loki replied. "The Tesserect was but one out of six pieces needed to accomplish this feed. Five pieces more had to be collected, one of them demanded a price. A steep price. Normally nothing else but a full life would be accepted. I cheated though, I found the loophole.. Instead of giving up a full life. I gave up my own life as an Aisir." he held up his hand. "So, now I merely have to live out my life as a Jotunn instead."
"That is your thing isn't it?" Tony asked. "Finding all the loop holes. Like with the head and the neck Thor was talking about the other day."
Loki smirked. "I have been accused of being an abuser of loop holes yes." he admitted. "I personally don't see anything wrong with that. Do you?"
Tony snorted. "Well that really depends doesn't it?" he asked.
"So what you're saying is, you changed your own species?" Natasha asked.
"Yes and no." Loki replied. "I was born a Jotunn, the way you see me now. How-ever as I was merely an infant, a spell was put upon me, making me appear Aisir like Thor. Everyone was fooled including myself. I then grew up in Asgards halls, raised as an Aisir and Thors brother. I have lived most of my life an Aisir, but I was born Jotunn. So really, I was merely returned to my original self."
"That's some complicated mess." Tony commented.
Loki nodded. "I agree, I can't say I quite grasp my adopted fathers thought process in this regard."
"Do you know who your biological parents are?" Tony asked curiously.
"Tony seriously!" Pepper reprimanded him.
Loki chuckled slightly. "It's quite all right. I do not know who my mother is, but I shall imagine I will find out eventually. It will be essential to peace talks I believe. For my father by birth is King Laufey of Jotunnheim. Thus, I was born a prince of Jotunnheim, but was raised a prince of Asgard."
"Wooow." Tony gaped. "Now that's some King Arthur legend shit right there."
"Sounds like bull to me." Clint commented.
Loki smirked. "Believe what you want." he said. "I can see how conflicts between realms is so far removed from you. As well as saving an entire universe. Enough of that, let's talk about things which are less abstract." he invited. "How do you like New Asgard?"
"It's very nice." Natasha smiled. "People has been very kind and welcoming."
"Actual vikings?!" Coulson gaped. "First Captain America, I mean The Captain America! And now this?!"
Everyone turned their heads to Coulson, the man whom had been so professional until this very second and Coulsons eyes widened as he realized his slip.
At ones he straightened up, fixed his tie and cleared his throat. "It has been a very enlightening day. I think Director Fury will be quite pleased." then he relaxed a bit. "The Asgardians does seem like very good people. When I talked to King Thor he was very reasonable, and willing to listen. Doctor Banner as well seem to be at a good place. I'm glad." he smiled softly, his smile looking actual genuine. "Things seems fine, that's fantastic."
"You came here looking for trouble?" Loki asked.
"Prince Loki, I never hope to find trouble." Coulson replied. "All I want is to help keeping people safe. The world out there can be harsh and uncompromising, I am trained to make the tough decisions and act swiftly when needed. That though doesn't mean I desire to start any new conflicts, when things are actually just all right. I am happy." he stated. "Doctor Banner is of no harm to anyone when he is here, that's a good thing. Marvelous in fact. King Thor seems like a very reasonable man, willing to listen and consider. Also a very good thing, I will take the good things when they come my way. Not just dismiss it to look for trouble."
"How curious, you are aware of all the dark undertones in the world. Yet you are an optimist." Loki observed.
"If I didn't believe there is good in the world. What would even be the point with all the things I do?" Coulson asked. "Why would I put my life on the line, if I didn't think there was something worth protecting?"
Everyone looked slightly stunned at Coulson, he seemed a bit embarrassed as he glanced down.
Loki smirked. "You humans can be quite respectable." he commented just as Thor came.
"Brother." Thor breathed. "You joined us, I'm so happy." he smiled.
Loki smirked. "Just trying to make a good impression Thor. And perhaps even learn a few things, I actually feel like I am learning all ready." he turned to Thor and wasn't the least bit surprised to see Thor being one massive grin. Happiness radiating from him. Then he reached out a hand, and placed it on Lokis shoulder.
"Thank you Brother." Thor whispered, his voice shaking lightly.
"It is in our best interest to make friends not enemies is it not?" Loki asked… It was honestly hard for Loki to comprehend what Thor could possible be thinking right now. At this exact moment in time, but in an alternative time line. Loki had just lost a battle, was in chains. These people had apparently kicked the ever lasting shit out of him after he had killed Coulson, the man sitting right in front of him… Died this day but in another time line.
It really had to be weird for Thor. It was really had to think about.
"You all right Thor?" Tony asked sounding honestly concerned.
Thor nodded. "Forgive me."
"Please be patient with my brother." Loki asked. "Yes he is king. But also in recent years he has been through many hardships. He has done so well, to overcome his inner weakness. But sometimes it shows. It is not because he is weak. It is because he has gone through untold hardships, believe me."
"It's okay." Bruce assured. "Thor has only ever been nice to us. If there's something we can do."
"Talk to us, for now." Loki asked. "Come on Thor, sit down." he gestured at the seat beside himself and Thor nodded as he sat, then looked up only to take a breath. Clearly he was overwhelmed, looking at this entire crowd of people. Midgardians.
"Sorry." Thor looked down. "Forgive me."
"Hey, no sweat big guy." Tony smirked. "You've only been nice to us, even the assholes over there." he gestured at Natasha, Clint and Coulson.
Loki smirked, then reached up a hand and put it on Thor shoulder, then allowed his hand to stay there. "This is your victory Thor." he whispered so only Thor could hear. "You wanted everyone to be saved. Now here we are. You earned it."
Thor took in a big gasp, then nodded.
"Now then." Loki removed his hand. "Let's drink and enjoy our evening."
And they all nodded, smiling. Things were going to work out.
