Stages of the sun
because one wonders what Loki could
have been, if it had worked out
It is not just that Loki returns on the evening after his mysterious disappearance; he does so in his original form. Or at least in something close to his original form -- his step retains its confidence but has grown measured, deliberate; his smile, sharp as ever, has a different edge.
Yamino notices and does not say anything besides a careful "Welcome home." Loki's smile stays fierce and cruel, not softening like it usually does, and Yamino is suddenly glad that Fenrir is sleeping somewhere upstairs rather than being here to welcome their father home. The light in Loki's eyes is brighter than usual, but cold and far from fire.
"We were-- worried about you..."
"At least I'm back," Loki says. His tone is wry, not flippant, and Yamino is almost comforted. But then Loki goes on, and his voice - like his pace and his eyes and his smile - is no longer entirely his. "I know now, you see. Where I came from, and where I must go." He tilts his head lightly to the side, looking directly at Yamino. The gesture should have been familiar and reassuring. It fails to be either. "It begins now, Midgardsormr."
"Loki-sama?"
For a moment Yamino thinks he sees confusion in Loki's eyes, but it fades as easily as smoke. Perhaps it was a trick of the evening light. Loki's voice is casual as he says, "It was always a matter of time, Yamino-kun."
There is something distant about Loki, unless there is not and Yamino is merely imagining things. Loki steps past him, ignoring Ecchan's puzzled greeting, and despite himself, Yamino's thoughts turn to the memory of cold waters and a pale sun. ( He cannot help his habit of doing so; there is little else in his life worth recalling. ) He is hurrying after Loki before he realises it, reaching out -- Loki turns before Yamino can catch his sleeve, and the questioning detachment in his gaze is enough to make Yamino freeze, fingers outstretched in mid-air.
"I just-- Loki-sama --"
"I'll explain at dinner," Loki says, not unkindly. He takes Yamino's hand in a vague attempt at reassurance, his fingers strangely cold against Yamino's skin.