Working Title : Loki & Annie

81 Clean Sand, Urination, and Evil Wizards

Even though it was her idea Annie couldn't believe they were back in Walmart again. She had shaken her head while thinking that despite everything, yes, she was becoming a Walmart Person. Not only that but she was turning two aliens into one too. Great, just what every visitor to earth, Midgard, needs to learn about human culture. At least we're not at Costco. 

Thor was pushing the shopping cart with Loki sitting buckled in the seat. He had been insistent Loki be buckled because he would have his brother safe in the metal wagon. Despite mentioning that she didn't think Loki would try to stand up in the cart Thor wasn't budging. Which was fine, at least Thor was concerned about Loki's safety.

With both canvas wagons folded inside a second shopping cart, Annie led the way to the toy aisles. At the toddler aisle, she spoke to a wide-eyed Thor, "We don't have to look at everything, these toys are a little young for Loki."

Thor stepped forward, the last time they were here they hadn't taken their time to see everything and now he wanted to look at it all. "Nay," He tried to understand what he was seeing, "I would have you explain what all of this is."

Loki's thoughts agreed with Thor's, he wanted to know what everything was as well. The bright colors reminded him of the BiFrost yet even that didn't have these colors. Dazzling bright colors that he couldn't name, he didn't know such colors existed never mind that the objects themselves were mystifying.

Annie watched the two brothers, her lips moved into a half-smile as they both wore the same expression of bafflement and curiosity. She thought that was exactly the look that toys should bring to a kid's face, never mind that one of those faces belonged to an adult. "Well, okay, so, before we start. Explain to me again about toys in Asgard."

Thor's face scrunched on one side, "We have toys, I've said this before." He waved at what was in front of them, "Nothing at all like this. Our toys are wood or metal. And are to prepare a child for their future role."

Thinking that this was pretty much what he had said previously Annie nodded, "Okay. So how about you also point out anything that looks familiar?"

Thor's face scrunched up on one side, "Nothing appears to be familiar." He looked to Loki, "How about you, Brother? Do you see anything you recognize?"

Loki ignored Not-His-thor calling him Brother to let his eyes move over all that was within his view. It was difficult since he was looking backward and Not-His-Thor took up the view in front of him. He was in the way. But what Loki could see still remained a mystery so he shook his head, the feeling of the little string ball jiggling on his hat a distraction.

Thor felt a ridiculous flutter in his chest when no scowl appeared on Loki's face at Thor calling him Brother as well as actually answering the question. A glance at Annie showed that she seemed just as pleased. "Well, My Lady, we are at your disposal for enlightenment."

Annie did feel happy, any sign, even a little one like not dismissing Thor's sibling claim was a step towards repairing their bond. Add to it Loki answering Thor's question and she felt like this was going to be a good experience."Okay then. Excellent." She rubbed her hands together. "So, how about you point to something and I'll tell you what it is."

Thor's hand shot out, his finger pointing to the closest item. "Start with this, then this one, then this one."

"Okay, okay." Annie held up her hands with a faint chuckle, "I get it." She looked to Loki who was still turning his head to peer around, "Loki, hey buddy?" 

Loki turned to look at Annie, his eyes wide.

"I want you to let me know if there's something you want to know about, alright?"