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Midgard, aka Earth, was such a curious place. Humans were a fascinating creature, and at times very confusing. They were holding this strange celebration, during summer, to celebrate love. It was definitely a very WARM summer day at that; which wasn’t the best season to be on earth if you were part of an ancient race of beings that live on a planet of all ice!
Along the street were vendors selling strange confections, drinks, treats and multi-colored striped fabrics. Besides all the colorful confectionery and other extravagant items, was a grim looking figure. Loki Laufeyson had been wandering along the gathering of brightly colored humans in strange dress. He was tall, thin, and wearing a rather expensive looking black suit. His raven colored hair had been tied back in a low bun, and emerald eyes curiously watched the crowd. As a man sporting a blonde wig walks by, Loki felt his breath catch in his throat.
“Thor?!” He could not believe his eyes. It could not be his brother, could it?
The strange blond haired figure was in fact NOT his brother. He was much too thin, and the wig was nothing but falsehood! Loki shook his head, the heat was beginning to get to him, making him quite dizzy. He needed some libations. Some cold drinks. He came across some liquids, and started to snatch them from the table, ignoring the midgardian shouts of protest. Unfortunately none of these liquids were icy enough, and the god was starting to not be able to see straight. He rubbed at his eyes, and to his horror, his hand had become a deep sapphire color. The nails were black, and there were a few raised marks upon his skin. The usual markings of a Jötunn dictating his true parentage. He started to stumble, his knees giving out.
“Uh, nice costume. H-Hey are you alright?” An average-looking man in a purple t-shirt and glasses asked, looking suddenly concerned.
Was this man dressed in black drunk? Loki did not seem to hear him. He started to stumble.
Meanwhile, Scott had been wondering about the parade, he was always curious about these, but spending an indiscriminate amount of time in lock up, he never had the chance to. But now he did. He saw quite a few interesting costumes, blond wigs and sparkles, and there was one person who was dressed all in blue? With quite interesting markings along his arms and face and even really awesome red contacts! Although, the tall blue fellow looked a bit under the weather. Almost as if he was suffering from a heat stroke, that doesn't bode well. The strange costumed man stumbled, and Scott acted fast to catch him so he wouldn't hit his head.
“Whoa there!”
Loki instinctively hissed towards Scott, revealing sharpened teeth. There were snowflake-like freckles dotted across his skin that seemed to glow. He tenses up at Scott’s touch, but doesn’t pull away.
“Unhand me, mortal.” His voice was slurred, barely audible.
“Hey now, you don’t look too well. Are you ok? You seem a bit warm. Love the make-up job, you look awesome!” Scott gave him a sideways grin, before it turned into a frown, at how unfocused the ruby red eyes were becoming.
“Yes.” Is all Loki growled without an explanation. And then, Loki fell to his knees. It’s too hot. Too unbearably hot. “Not…Make…Not cosmetic.”
Scott frowned. “Are you ok? You look a bit overheated. Have you drank any water recently? Where’s the nearest vendor? Excuse me, do you have any water?” He asked a passerby.
A nearby man looked up at Scott and blinked. “Um, I have a bottle in my bag.” He pulled the bottle of water out and handed it to the blue man. “They’re handing them out over there. Here you go.”
“Thanks.” Scott took the bottle from the stranger, and helped crack open the bottle. “Here you go, bud. Drink this. It’s probably better to drink warmer water at first instead of something cold. You need to hydrate more.” Scott carefully held it to the strange blue man’s dark lips. Did he say it wasn’t cosmetic? He shook his head and helped Loki drink the water, holding it in front of his mouth.
Loki is frigid to the touch, and nearly comatose. He lickes at the water, much like a snake. Scott sighed in relief, as he did.
“You are probably overheating, heat exhaustion. I need to get you out of the sun, into some shade or something. There’s a tent over there for cooling down. Can you walk?” Scott frowned, noting the strange dark haired man seemed a bit heavier than he looked. “I’m Scott by the way. Scott Lang. Can you tell me your name?”
“Loki Laufeyson.” Loki muttered, before slipping unconscious.
Scott carted Loki to the nearby tent area, out of the sun. He seemed to be a little more coherent but also unconscious now, but at least less in a ‘sick way’ and more of a ‘tired’ way. He took off his jacket, and placed it under Loki’s head, to give him some comfort. He couldn’t help but gently run a hand over the strange white markings on his arms, entranced by the sparkling freckles, almost as if they were stars in the dark night sky. He hoped he was ok, He grabbed his rainbow bandana from his pocket, and poured some of the water from the water bottle onto it, draping it over Loki’s forehead to help alleviate his overheatedness.
It wasn’t too long before Loki began to come around, realizing there was something wet and cold on his face. He blearily looks at his hand and sees pale skin. ‘Thank the Gods.’ The Jötunn nightmare is over. For now.
Scott gently laid a hand on Loki’s shoulder, to catch his attention. He had been watching, entranced as the blue skin had faded into a very pale color, and the starlight freckles vanished.
“Hey.” He said softly, to not startle the man too much. “How are you feeling? Do you need more water?” Scott held up a new water bottle in his hand, fresh and still sealed.
Loki still felt terribly exhausted and already the heat from the outside of the tent was seeping into his skin. “No. I…I-I need to go home. I’m allergic to the h-heat.”
Scott nodded. "Yeah, it's pretty hot today. If you want, I can give you a ride. Wouldn't want you to pass out again." He helped Loki into a seated position, handing him the water bottle, it's a cold one, condensation dripping down the sides. "My vans not too far, plus it has great air conditioning. It will get you to where you're going much faster."
Already, Loki seemed lethargic again and hardly able to stay in an upright position. “Where is Thor?”
Scott noticed the lanky man starting to wobble again. And helped him open the water bottle. "Here, drink some water, it should help out." He carefully helped Loki sip from the water. "As for Thor, the name sounds familiar. Are you here with him? You seemed to be alone when you passed out earlier." Scott noticed that while Loki's skin was pale, there were faint markings where the freckles were and the lines etched on his face. He really should get him to somewhere safe; somewhere cooler, even just temporarily.
“He’s my brother.” He simply says and seemed fascinated by the water bottle. It’s as if he’s never seen it before. He squeezed it, fascinated by the crinkle sound it made. How curious!
Scott nodded. “What does he look like, I don’t know if he’s nearby or anything. I didn’t see anyone near you when you passed out. Do you know where he lives, are you staying with him?” Scott paused, wincing. “Sorry I don’t want to overwhelm you with all these questions. Let's just start with an easy one. Does he have a phone number?”
The Trickster’s confusion only grew. “No. We could send a raven?”
Scott blinked in equal confusion. “Ah, sorry, I left my raven in my other shirt.” Scott gave Loki a sympathetic sideways smile at his silly magician’s joke. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how else we can reach him.” He gently squeezed Loki’s shoulder. The heat definitely seemed to be showing on his face, his cheeks were becoming a splotchy blue color. “I’m sure we can think of a way to find him, but first I think we ought to get you out of the heat and into some colder air.”
Loki nodded, seeming very sleepy, as he leaned against Scott’s shoulder. “I would like to go away now, kind mortal.”
Scott nodded, helping Loki to his feet. “C’mon, my van’s just down the block.” Scott half carried Loki to his van, sticking to the shade, and even grabbing a frozen icee. “Here, have some ice cream, it should help you cool down. There’s my van.” He pointed to the brown and yellow van. "Let's get you inside.”
Loki followed Scott after receiving the treat, sticking his tongue straight into the frozen treat. It’s cold and sweet. He attempted to take an entire bite of the snowy snack. The van is unlike any carriage he’s ever seen, and Loki struggled to get in. Scott helped Loki into the van, rolling the window down to help get some air circulated. He then went around to the other side, putting the key into the ignition, but before starting it, he paused.
“Ah, bear with me, it's a little on the loud side. Can be disconcerting if you aren't ready, sorry.” He gave a sheepish smile, before starting it up. He then turned on the air conditioner on full blast, angling the vents in Loki’s direction to help alleviate his heat exhaustion.
Loki winced at the noise, but managed to overcome it. Soon, there was cold air blasting on him, and it was quite wonderful. He felt himself start to drift off, random patches of sapphire skin gathering upon his face. Scott smiled at how Loki just fell asleep, finally having a relaxed look on his face, he let the air conditioning blast his face. He put the snowball treat into the cup holder so it didn’t make any messes. He didn’t know where to take the stranger, Loki, but he couldn’t just leave him alone out there, not if he was prone to heat exhaustion! He decided to wait for him to feel better before finding out where his home might be, if he had one, or not. Unfortunately that took much longer than he anticipated.
It was just past sundown, and the parade ended an hour ago, and Loki was still passed out, although at least he was looking much better. His pale flesh didn’t look sickly blue. The ice cream had since melted into a sickly sweet juice, so he just slung the liquid out the window. He carefully buckled the seatbelt of the sleeping man and decided to at least take him to his house. He couldn’t just leave him alone, so it was decided. He very well couldn’t just stay in the parking lot all night, so off he went. The ride to his home was quiet, the only sound was of the strange things Loki muttered in his sleep, in a strange lilting language, that was quite beautiful. He pulled up to his home. He looked over to the still slumbering man, before going around to the other door, in order to bring Loki into his house, thinking it would be much more comfortable inside. At least it had cooled down some. Loki suddenly opened his eyes a small crack, and Scott noted there were dark circles around his eyes.
“I’m not feeling very well, kind soul.” He says in Asgardian, and still seems almost half asleep.
Scott gave him a soft smile, not quite sure what he had just said. He might as well just bring him inside; can't spend all night in the car now, could he? He half carried, half walked him into the house, and into the spare bedroom next to his, laying him in the bed, keeping the lights low, but not all the way off. Then he went down to the kitchen to get some ice and water, in case he woke up thirsty, which he would be surprised if he didn’t! Unfortunately the only straws you have when you have a 10 year old are the silly kind, but that was ok. He went back to check on Loki who was still out if it, but seemed more relaxed now in the soft bedding. He couldn’t help but gently brush a hand along Loki’s cheek, brushing the dark curls out of his face.
Loki was half awoken by the touch, and started to fight the urge to sleep. He needed to remain alert, now that he was in a mortal’s home. This wasn’t safe! Scott blinked in shock when the dark emerald green eyes stared at him in intent.
“Oh, hey, sorry if I woke you. Are you thirsty? Here’s some ice water.” He held the glass of water with the loopy straw in numerous spirals. “Just drink it slowly so you don’t make yourself sick.” Scott’s brown eyes were full of kindness, and warmth.
Loki rubbed at his eyes, and it is quite clear he’s fighting to stay awake.
“I’m not thirsty.” He mumbled, and ended up curling back up on the bed on his side, emerald eyes staring intently.
Scott put the glass back on the side table that had a night light lamp of an elephant holding some balloons that glowed different colors. “Alright, bud, get some rest then. I’ll be in the room next door.”
He watched Scott go and almost immediately fell asleep again. Normally, Loki wouldn’t fall asleep this quickly. Especially in a stranger’s house. But the heat took quite a toll on him.
...
It was some time later, and Loki’s fever seemed to have cooled down greatly since the day before, which was good news. Scott placed a fresh glass of ice water on the table next to the bed, and looked over the slumbering man. He was actually quite handsome, his face having almost ethereal-like angles in the cheekbones, although he did seem to have dark shadows around his eyes. He was quite breathtaking, his dark curls painting a stark halo on the pillow under his head.
Loki hadn’t remembered the last time he’d been treated so kindly. So gently and with so much…. love. Not since his childhood,; since his mother! It was certainly different. He had a soft bed that had emerald colored blankets upon it. And they were his blankets, summoned from his own quarters. All of them were his! Said Trickster was cuddled up in his blankets, after a particularly rough night. A plethora of nightmares had attacked him, and only after dawn did Loki finally sleep. He vaguely stirred, hearing something being moved about. Loki sleepily opens one eye, and watches Scott somewhat.
“…What are you doing?” He asked, sounding almost intoxicated from how slurred together his words and voice are. At least it was in English this time, his allspeach working now that he was rested.
Scott blinked, not expecting Loki’s soft voice. He gave a slight grin, and then blinked in shock. Weren’t the blankets blue last night? Now they were green with beautiful gold embroidery. He shrugged, questions for later.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you. I was just getting you a fresh glass of water. How are you feeling? You seemed to have slept pretty rough, but you at least don’t seem as fevered as you were yesterday. Are you still sick from the heat?”
It took Loki a long minute to reply. He still seemed incredibly fatigued. “The heat. And…Other things. I haven’t had an opportunity to rest in a long time.”
Scott gave Loki a sideways grin. “Well, I’m glad you could get some rest. I’m sorry I took you to my home without asking if you were ok with it, but you were really sick from the heat, and I didn’t know where you lived. I hope that's ok. Can I get you anything to eat?”
“Ice.” Loki replied and from underneath the blanket, he pulled out a stuffed snake. That definitely wasn’t there before.
Scott nodded, slightly intrigued by the sudden appearing stuffed snake; it had very dark blackish green scales that seemed to shimmer in the low light of the bedside lamp. And it was about the length of Loki's forearm.
“Here, there are ice cubes in this glass. They're not crushed ice, my blender kinda took a dive when Ant-onio knocked it off the table.”
The way Scott said the name, he said it putting an emphasis on the ANT part of the name.
Loki carefully takes an ice cube and sucks on it for a minute or so. Just the act of eating ice seems to have drained him. “Please don’t let your ant take a dive on to me.”
Scott blinked for a moment. Not many people who didn’t know he was Ant man would catch the ant pun in the names.
“Nah, he’s out in the garden in his colony for now. Don’t have to worry about them. What about you? You seem like you are still a bit under the weather.” Scott reached out to feel Loki’s forehead to see how he felt.
He wasn’t burning like he was, but he wasn’t cool either. Loki proceeded to hold his stuffed snake to his chest, the snake was beautifully made. “I told you. The majority of the heat sickness is through. It’s other things, considering I am at rest.”
“Sorry, I’m just a worry-wart. Comes with the territory of being a parent. I can't help but worry and want to make sure my guests are well taken care of. My name is Scott, by the way. Scott Lang. I think I caught your name when you passed out, I think you said it was Loki?” He had a sideways grin, one that let his front teeth peek out just ever so.
Loki opened his eyes again, having been attempting to rest once more. “Yes. Loki Laufeyson, Prince of Asgard. The Rightful Ruler of the Jötunheim. Trickster God. God of Chaos. Full time bitch. Part time snake. Liesmith, silver tongue, and Wolf Father.” He snapped out.
Scott noticed that Loki had started dozing as he muttered the string of names he apparently went by, and gave a sheepish shrug. “That's a lot, and it's really cool.” He gave him a concerned look. “You seem like you're still tired. If you want, I can let you get some rest. My room is just next door.”
Scott got up to leave the room, and paused when a hand gripped his shirt. Although Loki seemed to be fast asleep, he somehow had a firm grip on his arm. Perhaps he did not want to be alone? He couldn't help but chuckle, and patted his hand, gently.
"Alright. I'll stay here. Let me pull up the chair." Loki muttered something in that beautiful lilting language he did not quite know, but let go of his hand. And Scott moved the chair closer to the bed. "I'll sit here if you want, bud. I know what it's like to be alone." It was true. Before he was moved into Luis's cell in San Quentin, he was alone. He was grateful for the friendship they had forged. If Loki needed a friend, he'd help him out!
…
Loki seemed to fall into a deep sleep, sleeping for several more hours, before waking up again, in the late evening. He awakened to an empty bedroom. He got up and wrapped one of the emerald blankets around him, he stumbled out of the bedroom, leaning against the wall.
“Scott? Scott Lang?” He called out, his voice still somewhat thick with sleep.
Scott came around the corner, from the kitchen. "I'm here, sorry. I got a little bit hungry, so I went to get myself a snack." He turned on the light in the hall. "Are you feeling better? Can I get you anything? A sandwich. Some fruit?" Scott had a bright smile, but his dark brown eyes were full of concern.
Loki seemed worn down, and his hair had come undone from the usually neat bun. There’s faint bruising upon his face, and even the oddest dotted scars around his mouth. “I believe the heat sickness is through. I am still…Very vulnerable.” As he quietly admitted this, a light blue blush spread across his face. “I still require more healing.”
Scott nodded. He did seem he was still tired. He was clutching the stuffed snake close to his chest, holding the blanket tight around his shoulders. In spite of being quite taller than him, something about his composure almost made him seem very small; unsure. Almost as if he had expected Scott to kick him out or something like that. He gave him a reassuring smile.
"That's ok, you're welcome to stay as long as you need. You sure I can't get you something to eat? Something to drink? It's no trouble whatsoever." Scott made his way back into the kitchen.
Loki followed him, quietly thinking. “I like peaches,” he finally said, more into the blanket than out loud.
Scott smiled, placing his grilled cheese sandwich on the counter, turning off the stove. “Sure thing, bud.” He reached into the fruit basket that had various fruits in it, grabbing a peach. He rinsed off the fuzz and after drying it off, he held it out to Loki. “Here you go. I can cut it up if you need help.”
There’s a rare smile, but a genuine one at the peach. Loki truly looked so happy at a mere piece of fruit. “You can?”
Scott nodded, grabbing a bowl from the cabinet, and cutting the peach into eighths, as well as removing the pit stone, setting that next to the sink. He grabbed a fork, and placed them on the table. “Here you go. Have a seat.” He pulled the chair out for Loki.
Loki watched him cut up the peach with hungry eyes. Once it’s given to him, he doesn’t reach for it at once, thinking it could be a trick. It took him several long minutes for Loki to just touch one of the slices. He winced as if it was going to be taken away. But it’s wasn't. Loki slowly consumed the peach fragments.
Scott took a seat next to Loki, eating his sandwich. He was certainly strange, but nothing wrong with that. Hell, he could shrink and talk to ants!
“So, do you want to do anything while you stay here? We can watch some movies, or just talk. Whatever you want. Hell, I’ve got books too if you like.” He shrugged.
Something about how Loki was acting, it seemed like kindness wasn’t always given to him, or friendship so easily given, so if he could help change that, he would.
Loki withdrew into his blanket, and the plate of peaches hidden underneath. Every few seconds he would bring another slice out, and consume it slowly. He glanced at Scott, eyes wide looking so vulnerable; so small and lost.
“Movie? I do not know what that is.” He muttered softly.
Scott blinked thinking of the best way to describe a movie. “Hmm, they're like plays but ones you can watch over and over. Performances recorded to watch whenever you want."
Loki didn’t give a response, but he did eat a couple more peaches silently. He seemed to be satiated, some normal color returning to his cheeks. He had muttered something about wanting some rest, so Scott helped the strange man back to the other room with a fresh glass of ice water. The silly straw had entranced Loki as he sipped at the cool water. It wasn’t long before he fell back asleep, holding the stuffed snake close to his chest muttering something about 'Jörmungandr' whatever that meant. Maybe it was the stuffed snake's name? He noticed that the stuffed snake seemed to have actual emeralds as it's eyes. It was definitely well made, and made with love. He frowned, a passing thought running through his head. Something he might bring up later, if Loki was feeling better.
"Sleep well, Loki." He said softly, tucking the blanket over his shoulders, and went back to the kitchen to clean up. He had a feeling that his life was going to be very interesting, from now on. But he didn't mind that, normal was overrated, and hopefully, Loki would allow him to be a good friend. Everyone needed and deserved friends, no matter their circumstances.