Chapter Sixteen:
I Would Not Wish Your Company
On My Worst Enemy
After the knock down drag out fight in Alayna's kitchen, Loki the Angry God of Mischief teleports to his own apartment seething at the fact he allowed, (yes, allowed), a lowly Midgardian to get the best of him. In his anger he curses her in every language he knows including a few that have not been heard in over a thousand years. "Too tall!? Who in the Nine does she think she is?" At least he got a little pleasure from the look on her face when he placed her on the kitchen counter. "Served her right! The woman cannot even argue logically." He smirks at the thought though somewhere in the back of his head her words haunt him. How many times has he heard Thor say the very same things. After all, he has faked his own death more than once but his pride will not allow him to see the hypocrisy of his actions.
This was not about him anyway, it was about the arrogant stunt she pulled. How dare she determine what is best for him, a Prince of Asgard, someone completely above her! At least she was right about one thing. It is best for this folly to come to an end. Why should he keep company with someone so childish and ridiculous? He thinks how easy it will be to return to his routine before he met her. He can see it now, walking the streets alone and unencumbered by any attachments complete in himself and his superiority to the people of this world. He will walk among them with ease and indulge in his own interests and desires without any need for friendship or companionship. With his thoughts composed, he vows to set his plan in motion. It will be as if nothing ever happened.
For two days he puts his plan into action, walking through the city with his cane in hand and his head held high until he encounters his brother, Thor, who as usual, is way too cheerful. "Brother! Good to see you! I have a surprise for you." Loki looks at his brother wondering how he will be trying his patience this time. It's not that Loki doesn't care for Thor but his exuberance can be very draining. He knows that Thor loves him with out condition akin to a Midgardian puppy and in a way he owes Thor his freedom. His brother spoke up in his defense at his trial and never doubted that Loki was under some form of mind control. For those reasons, he owes Thor some semblance of patience. "And what can you possibly have that is of any interest to me" Thor holds out the envelope containing the tickets and Alayna's note... "With my sincerest apologies." He looks at the tickets and sees what opera they are for and scoffs. "She must think I am some sort of womanizer. No thank you." He hands the envelop back to Thor.
His brother smiles. "Ah so you are not interested in the lady or her offer. It will be my pleasure to take both from you. After all,we had quite an encounter at Stark Tower. I think she is fond of me already. But I will need to see about getting her phone number. Be assured Brother she will forget you soon enough." Thor is not completely stupid. He knows how to push Loki's buttons. Laying claim to something that his brother might be interested in usually does the trick. It is not often that Loki can find someone who can put up with him and the lady seems to genuinely care about him. Why allow Loki to waste the opportunity. He slaps Loki on the back and starts to walk away. He doesn't get far before Loki sighs and catches up with him demanding the envelop back. "I might not be fond of the her but I would not wish your company on my worst enemy." Thor laughs and this time walks away knowing his brother fell for his act.
Loki watches Thor walk away and stares at the envelope with ambivalence before shaking his head.
. "This doesn't mean I have to invite her."