A random bar in NYC
8:21 pm“I mean it has a nice scent to it, but it’s really bitter for an IPA.”
“Sure I can agree to that, however I rather like my spirits more on the bitter side.”
Thor could only shake his head chuckling.
“How am I not surprised…” The god of thunder replied, sighing as he leaned back in his seat.
Sitting at a booth in some small cozy yet fancy bar with a man who once swore to end his life. Now though himself and Loki were sampling beers while talking about current life, old stories of surviving on Midgard, or even some of the more joyous moments in Asgard. The two were dressed normally enough, a button up shirt and jeans for Thor, a nice suit for Loki. Loki wasn’t quite as uncomfortable with the idea of being around Thor as he had been when they reunited. Still it clearly made him a little uneasy being around someone he had tried to kill.
For Thor though, it was a welcoming moment every chance he had. Finally having something familiar there in Loki, and back on good, if maybe somewhat awkward terms with him was a plus. Especially as Loki found out Thor’s developing taste in specially crafted beers. It gave the two something that they could actually see common ground on which used to be an unimaginable thing for Loki back when they were younger.
Still as Thor finished the small glass of beer and placed it onto the wood tray he glanced over at Loki and immediately could sense something was bothering him. Not the typical feeling of regret that seemed to come from him constantly whenever they were around one another. More akin to something recent troubling him.
Thor smile faded a little, “Something troubling you Loki?”
Loki’s distant look into his own half finished glass of beer got cut short as he realized what Thor asked. “Oh uh… well.” Loki quietly seemed to decide how to talk to Thor about matters. “I told SHIELD earlier today I didn’t want to take part in their big project.” Loki simply stated, though clearly still deep in thought over his actions from earlier that day.
Thor wasn’t expecting him to do such a thing, and was shocked to hear Loki’s news. Especially considering Loki himself was the one to break from the deal. Thor could’ve been more understanding of the situation if SHIELD removed Loki from the team (and also suspicious). However Loki walking away simply didn’t seem like something he could do.
“Are you serious brother?” Thor asked, his hands planted on the edge of the table and eyes wide. “You were so proud of your involvement with them. What happened? I had a feeling that Stark fellow would be difficult to work with for long periods and…”
Loki quickly waved off the theory Thor was about to put out. “No Tony has been fine to be around. Actually rather fun to mess with all things considered…” Loki smirked a little but it quickly faded as he got back to the more important matter. Thinking back he clasped his hands together, leaning forward and placing his elbows on the table. Eyes looking ahead but at nothing. “It wasn’t really one thing to be frank. Valkyrie and I had issues being able to work together. I think the past was just too difficult for her to forgive. When she left I worried my past might make working in such an environment and with such condition probably unwise.” Shifting a little Loki rested his right arm as his left propped up his chin as he looked over at Thor.
“You might be alright with my past, as much as frankly that still amazes me.” Loki glanced away slightly as his own mind had to figure that out. He had a theory it might be due to Thor’s ‘simple minded’ nature. But he felt ashamed thinking that was the only answer. “But my own past just leaves me worried about how I should conduct myself. Make no mistake I’ve learned all there could be to learn from what happened on Asgard. I just worry about slipping up and ruining everything. I’ve made something good for myself now for the first time in eons and I don’t know if I’m willing to risk that.”
Thor paused to think about Loki’s reasoning, even considering he wouldn’t be able to understand Loki’s pain from everything that happened. Even having seen it all first hand, Thor knew his brother was a complicated soul. Still Thor nodded his head. “Its your call but so long as you’re comfortable with the decision I’ll be happy to stand by you on it.” Thor gave Loki a brave smile and a hand placed onto the table toward Loki who gave a weary smile in return.
“Thanks…” Loki quietly replied. Pausing for a moment, going back into his own thoughts before looking back at Thor. “Director Fury was fine with the decision, but you should know I suggested they bring you into the project. I’ve seen all the fine work you’ve been up too lately, maybe being able to do more on a larger scale will fit you better.”
Thor didn’t need long to think about the idea before liking it honestly. “Well they know where to find me, speaking of I should show you the place they set up for me. I still have to move things in but it's got a spectacular view of the city.” Thor for a moment considered telling Loki about Tarene and everything that had transpired a week ago with her.
Finally Thor decided against it. Loki clearly needed to get away from all that kind of drama and Thor could respect it. Not to mention he himself was having difficulty dealing with the matters. SHIELD offers him more than once chance to go see Tarene in the quarters they had set her in but he couldn’t bring himself to see her again. She was so broken when he saw her last, and he still couldn’t shake the nagging feeling he should’ve left her alone.
Loki sensed Thor’s mind swirling itself and paused. “Hmm, something troubling you brother?” He asked mildly concerned.
Thor paused, chuckling a little. “It’s nothing brother, we should enjoy your retirement!” He joked, sliding over a glass of another beer to Loki. “Alright so getting back to more pressing matters at hand. You remember that brew Fandral always had on hand but would never say where he gets it? Try this and tell me it doesn’t remind you exactly of it….”
Loki took a sip and instantly knew exactly what Thor was talking about, and just as quickly realized what Thor was thinking when it came to the issue. Holding back a laugh as he smiled, leaning back in his chair. “Oh no…” Loki laughed.
“Right?! I’ve had half a mind to go visit the brewery that made this out in Portland for the last week!” Thor proclaimed.