And that's all that I need. Someone else to cling to, someone I can lean on until I don't need to.

[noassgardian]

[It had been long enough now that they could meet up in private, Billy thought, without worrying or giving anything away.

Or maybe it was a mistake, but considering they already had so many piled up, one more really couldn't hurt, right?

And that's why he was at Loki's door, knocking and waiting to be let in.]

Comments

[godofbadideas]

[It takes a few seconds for the knock to cut through Loki's concentration; he tends to get deeply absorbed in reading, even when it's only Harry Potter. For the fifth time.

...Look, he likes the books and they're a good distraction when he can't focus on. Other things.

The book (Order of the Phoenix) is in his hand when he looks out the peep-hole, and opens the door with a grin.]

Billy! I'm so glad to see you.

[He really is; it's not just for the sake of the game.]

[noassgardian]

Harry Potter?

[There's actually a slight quirk to his lips at that, fond and relieved.

But back on topic--]

Hope I didn't come at a bad time or anything.

[godofbadideas]

No, it's all right; I was just reading. Come in.

[He steps back, pulling the door open wider.]

[noassgardian]

Thanks, Loki.

[There's a wider smile and he steps inside, looking around.]

Feels like a while since we've been in here together, huh?

[godofbadideas]

Too long.

[He shuts door behind them. The apartment is much the same as the last time Billy was here, aside from the stack of Harry Potter books by the couch.]

[noassgardian]

Doing some re-reading, huh?

[And who doesn't like Harry Potter? Billy's read them so many times by now...

He looks over his shoulder.]

So I guess this means things are still good?

[godofbadideas]

[Loki flashes a grin.]

Everything is going according to plan. And what can I say? It kills an otherwise boring afternoon. ...Not so boring anymore though.

[noassgardian]

[He turns then to face Loki. He takes a few steps closer, closing the distance between them.]

You remember that talk we were supposed to have, right?

[godofbadideas]

[Loki brushes his fingers lightly against Billy's face, and nods.]

I remember. You want to get some coffee, and sit down?

[noassgardian]

[he can't help it entirely, the way he leans into Loki's touch.]

Yeah, I'd like that, Loki.

[godofbadideas]

[He nods.]

The kitchen?

[He turns to lead the way there, without waiting for an answer.]

[noassgardian]

[Billy follows him in to the kitchen then and leans against one of the counters for now. He can't help but be a little nervous still, uncertain of where this may end up going.

For now, he stays quiet, just watching Loki as he works.]

[godofbadideas]

Fancy coffee or regular coffee? [Loki's getting out the beans and grinder as he asks. They need to have this talk, but that doesn't mean it's not difficult.]

[noassgardian]

Whatever you want is fine with me, Loki.

[He doesn't think any sort of coffee will make this any easier really.]

So-- do you want to wait until the coffee's done to talk?

[godofbadideas]

[Fancy coffee it is then. It may not help with the talk, but foamed milk, chocolate, and whipped cream certainly make Loki feel better. He gets the espresso going.]

We can start now; waiting won't make any difference, will it?

[noassgardian]

Not really... it needs to be said either way.

[He watches Loki quietly. They need to talk, but it's hard to get it going.]

So... have you come to any decisions, Loki?

[godofbadideas]

I... Yes, kind of.

[Loki hands the first mocha to Billy, and gets started on his own.]

I really care about you, Billy.

[noassgardian]

[He takes the cup offered and nods slowly, eyes darting down.]

Like... how much are we talking?

[godofbadideas]

[Loki wraps his hands around his coffee, and leans back against the counter. Licks his teeth.]

...quite a lot more than I ever intended to.

[noassgardian]

I know... same.

[He murmurs after a moment, daring a look at Loki.]

It's really... difficult.

[godofbadideas]

[Loki meets his eyes, and smiles for a moment.]

It is. [He sighs a little.] Even more for you, huh?

[noassgardian]

Definitely...

[He tilts his head forward again, avoiding Loki's eyes for now.]

I'm going to tell him... everything, Loki.

[godofbadideas]

[Loki sighs softly, and nods.]

I'm not surprised. Just... give me some warning before you do, so I can tip Mephisto over a little.

[noassgardian]

Okay... I will.

[He slouches.]

I've been terrible to him, Loki...

[godofbadideas]

...I haven't exactly helped with that.