Loki's Pain

Chapter Thirty-Four- Poofing, Bamfing, and Banging

Author's Note: Graphic SMUT warning for the second half of this chapter.

"Who the hell are you!?" Ash growled at him, poofing up above him on the railing that he was hanging upside down from. The demon-looking man swiftly swung himself upright only to pause and stare at Ash's pristinely white skin and hair. It took Ash growling in frustration for him to snap out of it.

"Ack, sorry. I am Kurt Wagner. A fellow teleporter. When I heard that the Professor was coming to meet you, I decided to follow along. I thought I might help with training..." He spoke quickly, clearly flustered, and with a thick german accent. Seeing him up close, Ash noted that he didn't look much older than Ash himself, but his glowing yellow eyes spoke of far more experience than his youthful appearance could account for.

Up close he also noted several patterns that had been carved into his flesh, leaving scars that formed intricate raised swirls and symbols in his short blue fur. They reminded him, slightly, of Loki's own patterned skin, and he poofed away from the stranger to return to Loki's side. He was a bit unsettled by how the man was staring at him, and was reassured by Loki's presence next to him. Kurt followed behind, bamfing onto the floor and walking closer until he saw Loki's arm slip around Ash's waist and pull him closer. Ash noted the disappointed expression that crossed his face, but he shook it off quickly and replaced it with a smile. "Too bad... But no matter. My offer of training still stands. Teleportation is trickier than it looks, and has far more risks than most would think..." He spoke seriously, despite the jovial smile.

"Why should I trust a total stranger that just "followed along"?" Ash asked him seriously, "Why would you even be "curious" enough to do so?"

Wagner was silent as he debated how best to answer, how to explain his curiosity, and even his desperation. He knew from Ash's gaze that his question was asking far more than just what the surface of the question showed. He was worried because, despite being fluent in several languages, english was not his first language, and he did not wish to be misunderstood.

"I... I have been alone... too long. Despite the family I have built with the X-Men, and at the school." Wagner began, and Loki felt Ash tense until Wagner continued, "Though I am not unique in my ability, in recent years, most are not quite as strong as I am in my gift... So I am still... set apart. I heard that you might be even stronger than I, and I was both intrigued and concerned for you. I hoped... we might better understand each other. When I later heard that you had even more abilities than just my own... I had to at least meet you. I will also admit, when I finally saw you... I find you quite beautiful and might have hoped for more... But you heart is already taken." He nodded towards Loki, "I will not interfere with that. I am even happy for you. Love is a blessed thing. So, I would understand if you choose not to accept my offer. But, even if you choose not to train with me, I would still like to be... a friend. I know too well how being different can leave you... misunderstood, even among others similar to you." Wagner was brutally honest, the obvious loneliness and yearning for understanding companionship left everyone stunned. His honesty even left a grudging respect for the demonic looking man in the hearts of all who heard it. Ash instantly felt sympathy for him, and actually understood exactly how he felt. Ever since he had unlocked that gateway into the past for Loki, he had also felt that growing sense of isolation. Despite people having similar gifts and talents, none of them had them in such abundance or strength. It seemed, sometimes, as if he was suddenly speaking elvish while everyone else still spoke english.

Wagner, once he had finished speaking, held out one of his three-fingered hands, and Ash took it without hesitation. He didn't even need to think about his inclusion at all after hearing him speak. "Coordinate with the others to form a training schedule, okay?" Ash said, patting their joined hands with his other one, before nodding to the cluster of Logan, Storm, and Xavier that had gathered in the corner nearest the door, "As for friendship, we will see how things go from here, okay?" Wagner smiled in delight as he nodded acceptance and wandered off, leaving Loki and Ash mostly alone for the first time in what felt like ages, though it had only been an hour or two at best. The sleepy-sounding chirrups of Poe and Freya both, as they nestled together at the nape of Loki's neck, only seemed to add to the exhausted sensation.