The art of losing isn't hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster.
Though it was certainly true that he enjoyed playing games, that the thrill of the competition and the reward of winning was something which satisfied something primal and innate, he was not accustomed to loss.
It was also undeniably true that he coveted many things. These things ranged from power to a lighter armor, from acknowledgment to fine wine, from love to submission. But nothing, nothing in all of the realms could compare with the desire he had for his so-called brother's ex lover.
He had taken to visiting her on occasion.
On Midgard.
Why was he visiting her? Well, he had become enamored of the conceit that to win her would hurt Thor. And he wanted to hurt Thor, for many, many reasons.
But then something changed, and she became more receptive to his company.
Something changed, and he was not quite so dubious in his motives.
Or perhaps he was more so.
Either way, it happened that it was a very hot evening in the desert (there were many of these), and Jane Foster was star gazing (as was her custom).
And Loki lurked in shadow observing her in her reverie.
He must have her.
"Jane Foster."
She turned and sighed (also her custom), but offered a weak smile. "Hey Loki."
"Do you never tire of your constant examination of the stars?"
"Do you never tire of bothering me?" and she laughed.
"What else do you do to pass the time?"
"I dunno…sometimes I read…watch a movie…play cards…?"
"Play?"
"Yeah…a game? Cards?"
Intriguing. "Well, perhaps you might show me."
"Show you how to play cards? You'll cheat."
Loki laughed. "I should be insulted, but I'm too amused to really be affected," he paused. "You have my word that I shall play fair."
"You word."
"That's right."
She rolled her eyes. "How will I know? You're a sorcerer."
He shrugged. "I tell you what. I'll wager something of value if I win…and you shall claim victory if you lose."
"That's dumb." But Jane figured that though this was quite possibly the dumbest thing she had ever done, she might as well do it than not, and agreed.
She wasn't doing anything, anyway.
"I'll teach you five card stud."
And they went down to her meek dwelling, and Jane dealt out the cards.
An hour passed thus, and Jane had poured out some wine for herself, and was feeling flushed and tipsy.
"No, that isn't a straight flush…that's that…other thing…" she wasn't making sense.
"I lost once more, then," and he smiled.
"You are something…you almost sound pleased."
"The art of losing isn't hard to master; so many things seem filled with the intent to be lost that their loss is no disaster."
"Right," Jane smiled. "So…what do I get?"
He sat back and his mouth curled. "Well, Jane, what would you like?"
"I…" what did she want? "Ummm…"
"Care if I make a suggestion?"
"No. Go ahead."
He leaned in very close and looked at her steadily. "I can offer you a kiss."
She looked at him blankly. "What."
Loki smiled more broadly. "Aren't you curious?"
"No!" yes she was. Jane swallowed.
"I think that you are the one who is being less than honest."
And Jane returned his stare and began to perspire somewhat…
And before she knew it, his mouth was on hers and her eyes were closed…her hands were grasping the table for balance…
…and just as she began to emit a soft moan, he stopped.
She opened her eyes, and he was gone.
And Jane Foster did think that she was the one who had lost something that evening.