Have you ever thrown a fistful of glitter in the air?
The freezing downpour has turned to a light drizzle by now, the pavement glittering in the yellow glow of the streetlights. Loki stands on the sidewalk just beyond the flat's concrete stairs, Molly watching from a few paces behind.
He only has enough power left for one final act, his grand finale in this twisted play. After that, he will be completely powerless, at his brother's – no, not his brother, Thor's – mercy. Loki hopes that this will make his imprisonment and the journey to Asgard less painful. Without his powers, he poses far less of a threat than he would with them. Thor will not have any reason to use his brute force.
Stretching out his arms slowly, palms up, Loki focuses on the green light pulsing weakly in his mind. He draws it forth, tilting his head back as it flows from within him out into the air, a swirling cloud of emerald glitter spiraling up into the sky.
As the last flecks leave his fingertips, he turns back to Molly, lowering his arms back down to his sides. "It was a message to Thor," he explains. "It will inform him of my location. He should arrive in a minute or so."
Molly nods, crossing her arms against the cold.
They must say goodbye now. If he waits, it will only become more difficult – for both of them.
"Molly," he says, taking a step towards her, "you must promise me that whatever happens next, you will not defend me." She begins to protest, but he holds up a hand to stop her words. "I am a criminal, Molly, and a murderer. But Thor will not truly harm me; you must believe this. Please, Molly. Promise me that you will not fight him. I…" He trails off, unsure of how to continue. "I cannot bear the thought of you being harmed because of me."
"I promise," she whispers. He nods, glad she understands.
She surprises him one more time, throwing her arms around him in a warm embrace. He returns the gesture willingly this time, arms curling naturally around her small frame.
"I'm going to miss you," Molly says, her voice muffled by his coat. "I know that sounds insane, because I've only known you for six hours. But it's true."
"I shall miss you as well," he replies as they pull away. "You have been a friend to me, Molly, like no one else ever has. I could not have asked for better company after these past few days, filled with so many horrors. Thank you for your trust." Loki pauses again, considering his words carefully. "I will return to you, someday. When all of this is behind me…I will come back." He swallows nervously. "If you will allow me, that is."
Molly smiles, and all his fears disappear. "I'd like that."
There is a sudden crack of thunder overhead, and Molly jumps. Their time together has ended.
Loki keeps his eyes on Molly the entire time, glancing away only once at Thor when he first crashes into the pavement beside them. He smirks at Molly, tilting his head towards the others as they land. "Did I mention that he travels with a team?"
Loki does not struggle when Thor chains his hands and feet, nor does he resist when the other Avengers secure a gray metal muzzle over his mouth. He knows that their only aim is to eliminate his greatest weapon – his voice, his lies.
Molly remains brave the entire time, assuring the Avengers that no, Loki did not harm her; and yes, she will be fine. He is proud of how well she handles it all, even though she fights back tears as they restrain him.
The team roughly pulls Loki away from Molly's steps without another word. As they lift themselves into the sky, Molly gradually fading to a dot on the ground, Loki sends his final thought to her through the miles of space dividing them.
Farewell, Molly Hooper.
Her reply rings clearly in his mind.
Until next time, Loki.
Beneath the muzzle, he grins.
To be continued…