Oh? [ That's interesting. ] The blue-eyed one with the jaw that could crack walnuts? [ Sniffing. ] I'd rather Spock was here, we could have alien'd it up together.
Oh, I beg to differ! [ There's a shimmer in the air about Loki, almost as if a heatwave goes into effect, and when he turns around there's one very Vulcan-like harsh haircut and ears combo going on as he arches a slender brow. ] I can be extremely logical.
Please, that's not even the worst thing you've probably ever been called.
[He pauses.]
But I guess I probably should be nice... at least until after dinner and Norse stories straight from the source, huh? And who knows, I might be even nicer after that.
[He might only call Loki a dork under extreme conditions then...]
You should if you're being clever about insult placement, yes. Insult away after you get what you want from me, that's how everybody else has rolled since the dawn of time.
[ It's said lightly because it's mainly a fact, and not a lot of those circumstances technically apply to him. It's like inheriting a not insubstantial fortune that everyone else knows is actually blood-money; a stigma, but a worthwhile one. ]
That I can currently provide in abundance. Come here. [ Waving him off the countertop to take the spatula, Loki beckons Billy to the cooker. ] I want you to keep stirring the veg while I deal with the rice.
[Sliding off the counter, he goes to start stirring.] So, did you just learn to cook through trial and error? Or did the God of Mischief actually take a cooking class or two?
I watched TV like everyone else. [ A hand rests lightly in the small of Billy's back and Loki directs the other man's hand to flip the vegetables, looming over a shoulder. ] Fold now and again, don't let them turn more than golden-brown at the edges.
[ Drifting a few pinches of spices over the pan, he makes a start boiling the rice and doing the same to that. ]
I'm not the god of anything when I go shopping, you know. It counts for nothing if I don't have the money to pay for bacon and floury rolls. [ Alas!! ] Although it would be nice if it did.
So you're a fan of Food Network, huh? [His brow arches a little at the way Loki stays close, guides his hand, but he follows the instructions.] Alright.
[He shoots an amused glance over at Loki.] What a tragedy. You have to pay for your bacon. But speaking of paying-- have you thought about getting a job here?
And cooking, evidently. [ Nudging Billy's hip with his own. ] Unless the other two are on the cards, but I rather imagine they aren't.
[ Which is why he flirts with him, really. There's no chance of anything happening that would jeopardize Billy's chances with Teddy, in Loki's opinion, so it's all very safe territory. ]
[It really... isn't about Teddy. They're okay -- or as okay as they can be. They're on friendly terms again. They're seeing other people. Billy hopes one day soon, he won't be unhappy at the thought of that-- They're hanging out again, sort of.
But there's still a lot of things between him and Loki. Fresh wounds and distrust. Not really grounds for making out. So it didn't matter that Loki knew how to say just the right things, apparently, or if there was a curiosity there... it'd be a horrible idea.]
Mm. [He shrugs and looks over at Loki.] Friends first, Loki, then we'll talk about those particular cards.
[ Loki, on the other hand, has learned the hard way that a certain level of disassociation between friendship (real affection) and make-outs is needed, otherwise what happened with Verity will occur across the board and quite possibly prevent him from forming any sexual attachments at all. The screaming, protesting face of a dead child will do that to a guy's libido, for a crime that cannot be forgiven deserves no true happiness, no actual release from the guilt, not even for a second.
So, casual sex with just as casual emotions attached to it, and hence casual flirting. ]
Those cards have been flipped by another, they aren't a requirement. You're quite safe. [ But Billy's answer does raise a few flags. ] I take it that means you and Teddy aren't together?
[Billy doesn't really-- know about all of that. He just knows that if it comes down to meaningless sex without attachments -- he isn't that amazing at it. Maybe he'll learn.
But there's already an attachment to Loki there, whether he likes to admit it or not. Loki was still his mentor, still someone whose company wasn't bad.
There's a pause at the next question before he gives a nod.]
It's fine. We're trying the friends thing. I think it'll be better for both of us, honestly, especially while we're here. And if something more happens between us, it happens. But it's going to have to be because Teddy is sure it's what he wants.
[Not because Billy's begged him to come back or anything.]
Never mind what that means, I don't know how many more ways I can reinforce the fact I was a complete asshole a year ago, [ he puts out there, frankly, ] or whether I should remind both of you that this ... separation is precisely the outcome I knew all that manipulation would achieve. I was as precise as a surgeon.
[ Although he looks a bit miserable about the how and why, chin tipped down as he forks the broccoli from Billy's pan into the rice, mashing it in. ]
You should both be hating me, at least that would give you common ground to stand upon.
Loki-- [He lets out a frustrated sigh.] We have other issues to work on besides that. The fact that he could believe you over me kind of points it out. Plus--
[He shrugs, awkwardly. He doesn't like talking about this crap--] Maybe there's someone out there who's better for him. He deserves a chance to find that out, right? Even if I want to be selfish.
[He pauses, looking at Loki, at that miserable look, before he leans in to bump his shoulder against his.]
If it makes you feel better, talking about our mutual Loki punches did break the ice again.
The only reason he believed me over you was because I knew his insecurities and played him like a fiddle, I made his emotions dance to the tune I desired, just like the monster who created me did the same to countless others. [ Billy gains a small smile when the punch-y ice-breakers are mentioned. ] If there's one thing I am grateful for, it's that I did realise I don't have to be that way inclined, even if I am 'Loki' and wish to stay just so. Being around all of you ... helped me.
And so, you see, I'll be your chef until the end of time.
Loki, I said it's not just that anyway. I've been... kind of a selfish ass in other ways lately. [And Teddy did let him know, before all the craziness happened.
He laughs.]
I'm not going to argue about that. You're more than welcome to come cook for me anytime. And-- I'm glad too, you know. That's why I'm giving you a second chance.
[ Pulling a face that implies he rather thinks it would be best for both Billy and Teddy to just yell at him until they wind up making out from the sheer adrenaline rush, he relents with a somewhat shy, evasive smile. ]
I'm glad that you get along with Verity, I saw you chatting at the party.
[ Friends becoming friends, it was satisfying to know that was a thing which could ever happen for him (because he's selfish too, and that's how it looked). ]
Yeah... I didn't know we had you in common until recently, actually. We met at the meet and greet when we first arrived... and then somehow became Mythbusters buddies.
[Yes, Verity was a better topic than any of this. He's glad to follow it.]
She really likes you, you know. And she seems to have a lot of faith in you.
[Which Billy was hoping was a good sign, considering her abilities.]
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He clears his throat a little and shrugs--] Okay, no, I've never kissed through a mask before. I know about making out in clubs though.
[And since they're apparently sharing the dating shenanigans--] I went out dancing with Captain Kirk.
[Loki, don't disappoint him in your pop culture knowledge now.]
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Oh? [ That's interesting. ] The blue-eyed one with the jaw that could crack walnuts? [ Sniffing. ] I'd rather Spock was here, we could have alien'd it up together.
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[He gives Loki a look.] Spock wouldn't have time for your usual mischief.
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If his intention was to get a laugh, then he definitely gets it.]
You can be extremely dorky, I think is what you meant.
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That's twice you've called me a dork today, I'm going to start taking these insults to heart. Then where will you be?
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[He pauses.]
But I guess I probably should be nice... at least until after dinner and Norse stories straight from the source, huh? And who knows, I might be even nicer after that.
[He might only call Loki a dork under extreme conditions then...]
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[ It's said lightly because it's mainly a fact, and not a lot of those circumstances technically apply to him. It's like inheriting a not insubstantial fortune that everyone else knows is actually blood-money; a stigma, but a worthwhile one. ]
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... It's kind of sad he can say that like it's nothing out of the ordinary at all, right? Even if he's referring to-- past lives or whatever.]
Good thing I don't really want anything from you... Besides company, I mean.
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[Sliding off the counter, he goes to start stirring.] So, did you just learn to cook through trial and error? Or did the God of Mischief actually take a cooking class or two?
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[ Drifting a few pinches of spices over the pan, he makes a start boiling the rice and doing the same to that. ]
I'm not the god of anything when I go shopping, you know. It counts for nothing if I don't have the money to pay for bacon and floury rolls. [ Alas!! ] Although it would be nice if it did.
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[He shoots an amused glance over at Loki.] What a tragedy. You have to pay for your bacon. But speaking of paying-- have you thought about getting a job here?
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[He never really thought Loki as the type who'd go hold down a job anyway. ]
Just going to do a lot of cuddling and making out?
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[ Which is why he flirts with him, really. There's no chance of anything happening that would jeopardize Billy's chances with Teddy, in Loki's opinion, so it's all very safe territory. ]
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But there's still a lot of things between him and Loki. Fresh wounds and distrust. Not really grounds for making out. So it didn't matter that Loki knew how to say just the right things, apparently, or if there was a curiosity there... it'd be a horrible idea.]
Mm. [He shrugs and looks over at Loki.] Friends first, Loki, then we'll talk about those particular cards.
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So, casual sex with just as casual emotions attached to it, and hence casual flirting. ]
Those cards have been flipped by another, they aren't a requirement. You're quite safe. [ But Billy's answer does raise a few flags. ] I take it that means you and Teddy aren't together?
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[Billy doesn't really-- know about all of that. He just knows that if it comes down to meaningless sex without attachments -- he isn't that amazing at it. Maybe he'll learn.
But there's already an attachment to Loki there, whether he likes to admit it or not. Loki was still his mentor, still someone whose company wasn't bad.
There's a pause at the next question before he gives a nod.]
It's fine. We're trying the friends thing. I think it'll be better for both of us, honestly, especially while we're here. And if something more happens between us, it happens. But it's going to have to be because Teddy is sure it's what he wants.
[Not because Billy's begged him to come back or anything.]
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[ Although he looks a bit miserable about the how and why, chin tipped down as he forks the broccoli from Billy's pan into the rice, mashing it in. ]
You should both be hating me, at least that would give you common ground to stand upon.
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[He shrugs, awkwardly. He doesn't like talking about this crap--] Maybe there's someone out there who's better for him. He deserves a chance to find that out, right? Even if I want to be selfish.
[He pauses, looking at Loki, at that miserable look, before he leans in to bump his shoulder against his.]
If it makes you feel better, talking about our mutual Loki punches did break the ice again.
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And so, you see, I'll be your chef until the end of time.
[ At least the black humour is a good thing. ]
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He laughs.]
I'm not going to argue about that. You're more than welcome to come cook for me anytime. And-- I'm glad too, you know. That's why I'm giving you a second chance.
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I'm glad that you get along with Verity, I saw you chatting at the party.
[ Friends becoming friends, it was satisfying to know that was a thing which could ever happen for him (because he's selfish too, and that's how it looked). ]
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[Yes, Verity was a better topic than any of this. He's glad to follow it.]
She really likes you, you know. And she seems to have a lot of faith in you.
[Which Billy was hoping was a good sign, considering her abilities.]
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