ᵗʳᵘˢᵗ ᵐᵉ

“I could think of at least two dozen off the top of my head but as part of the crew that extended the invitation, I’m more than aware that you are allowed here.” 

“Two dozen, my, that brain of yours works quick.” He smirked, shrugging as he relaxed. “You had a look I didn’t quite trust. Or perhaps that’s just your face.”

“None of these are entirely true, but all of them have some element of truth to them. Curious. Still, you get zero out of three. I don’t give partial credit.”

“Two out of three. As much as I love him, part of me will always be jealous of my brother.”

“Two out of three – though I’m also partial to the hooded sweatshirts and patterned socks when I’m spending time at home – and thank you for giving me something new to do with my Sundays.”

“I know how to lie,” She said, her Russian accent thick as she spoke despite the months she’d spent in America, “I was expecting you to put forth a bit more effort though. Hm -would you call trying to take over a planet mischief? It seems a bit more then that.”

“I was being honest, so i’m not sure what sort of effort you were requiring-- let alone why you think yourself special enough to deserve the effort in the first place.” He rolled his eyes, looking down to pick at his chipped nail polish. “Do I appear to be trying to take over the planet at the moment?”

“Lucie Maximoff. Not that I really care if you know who I am. I don’t really care about the opinion of a person who has led an invasion on my planet.”

“I can’t honestly believe you were even alive at the time to remember that, first of all-- no need to take it so personally. And I’m here in good faith, I assure you. Making amends.”

“Because you’re a deceiving asshole?” 

“Careful with those sharp words, my dear-- You could hurt someone’s feelings.”

“If you are who I think you are, then lying is practically in your blood. I’ve heard the stories.”

“The power of frost giants is in my blood, and they’re hardly known for their wit. But we all have our destined roles, don’t we? Even if, despite all the stories, I’ve been trying to veer off that path as of late.”

“Because you’re you and that’s basically all you do.”

“I’m flattered by your high opinion of me. It means a lot, seeing as how I don’t even know who you are.”

“I’d hope that if you were lying, it wouldn’t sound as pathetic,” Alyona sighed, her eyes flicking over the man -the god, she supposed- before her, “You are the God of lies, after all. If you were going to lie it better be something spectacular.”

“A good lie isn’t spectacular, it’s believable. Spectacular lies are noticeable-- people poke at anything that might be a hole and it all falls apart. And I’m much more into mischief these days.”

“I’m fine, just hanging out really. Don’t touch me, I can get out completely fine on my own.”

“Just hanging out,” she repeated, eyes narrowing even as her lips twitched towards a smile. “Is that supposed to mean you put yourself up there on purpose?”

December pursed her lips “Why do we stay here?” She inquired for the nth time, shaking her head “No, father.” She reached for her robe and slipped into it, glancing over her shoulder at him “Did you need me?”

His brows furrowed at the question. “I assumed you’d followed your sister and brother. You know there’s a home for you in Asgard if you don’t enjoy your life here. I doubt they’d consider any of you eligible for their throne, but you’re still family.” He watched her for a moment before shaking his head. “Not for anything specific-- I wanted to see you. I did miss you while I was away, you know.”

“Lets remember people, we shouldn’t assume someone is evil just because of who their parents are, its not cool. I mean I’m not saying that I’m not gonna end up evil, I’m just saying assuming that I will is wrong.”

“You and my own children could start a club. You might want to work on that phrasing if you’re meant to sound reassuring, however.”

Basia giggled, about to answer when the rest of her father’s words filtered through to her. “You are? Really?” she asked, her face lighting up with genuine happiness. It seemed like Loki was like summer breeze in her life, sweet and warm while he was here, but not lingering for long. She smiled again as he spoke, shoving gently at his shoulder. “You’re biased.”

“Really. There aren’t many people in my life I wouldn’t lie to, but you must know you’re one of them. If I have my way, I’ll be here for the next year, at the very least.” He smiled, reaching up to give her hand a gentle squeeze. “I have always been partial to family, but I think that’s fair to say of most people. And doesn’t make me wrong.”