A Tale of Mischief and Mutants part 2

Frozen

—-Loki—-

The rest of my time in the hospital goes both as rockily and as smoothly as I'd expected. I've been visited by too many teammates that I never wanted to show this awful form to. I know Thor tried to keep them from seeing me but I could tell they had been unrelentingly badgering him about me so I told him to just let them come see the monster for themselves.

Of course I didn't use those words exactly but he didn't try to stop them from visiting after that. They were all too kind, their kindness is something I want to believe was genuine but for most of them I simply can't. Only time will confirm to me whether their acceptance was feigned or true. Other than these visits from my teammates the rest of my stay went relatively smoothly.

Somehow in the process of Birger stitching Sam up she found the courage through her fear of the situation to stubbornly take back the minor injury she inflicted on his arm. I hadn't even bothered arguing with her about it this time, I know she felt guilty. The rest of that day was spent mostly resting other than a visit from Peter.

The remaining three days I spent at the hospital were filled with nothing but rest and visiting teammates. If I wasn't in this hideous form I might've actually enjoyed the positive attention from the teammates I've recently accepted to be my friends. The most tolerable interaction was the conversation I had with Steve, Bucky, and Wilson.

Apparently they had been the ones to find me and what they found made them look at me in a whole new light. Usually I'd be horrified that someone had seen me in such a vulnerable state, but the way they responded to finding me that way was so filled with pure hearted concern and fear for my well being I could come to no other conclusion but that their expressions of kindness and acceptance must be genuine.

Then there was the way they talked with me and carried themselves around me... I couldn't even argue with myself the reality of their acceptance. As with Sam it was blatantly obvious it somehow didn't matter to them. As for the rest, their company and conversation was comforting and kind but even I the liesmith can't convince myself they're being 100% genuine with me.

I loathed every glance they spared my way because I'm convinced deep down they likely loath this side of me too. I just wish my teammates didn't know... I wish they'd never know. Nothing can change this reality now though and it's a fact about me that I'll either need to constantly make up for or one I'll have to somehow distract them from.

—————————————————————

It's been a bit over a month now, Strange and I have been able to replace Odin's spell over me this came only after a reporter somehow photographed me. I shake my head remembering when I'd found out those photos existed. Sam and I had been sitting at Drekka's waiting for our meal when they appeared on the restaurant's TV that's always flipped on an international news channel.

The restaurant went dead silent and Ferdi quickly shut off the television. Sam and I both hurriedly made our way out the door, everyone trying not to make their glances at us terribly noticeable. I was so humiliated and ashamed that I refused to leave our home for days after.

The photographs have since made their rounds on the internet but their authenticity is still in question. I know I should get on top of this before someone leaks files from S.H.I.E.L.D validating them and this world sees I've been lying to them. I just don't know if I can, it makes my stomach sick every time the subject of those pictures is brought up.

I can't bare the thought of exposing myself in that way, telling all of Midgard what I really am. Other than those damn pictures Sam and I are both doing a lot better. Sam's walking fine again now and every day she's been working her running endurance back up. I haven't started training at the sanctum yet as I've been trying to keep a low profile because of those pictures.

That means staying out of New York I simply can't stomach any altercations right now. Any questions asked about those photos would in all honesty break me down. Here in New Asgard things have remained all but the same, all but because of the new presence of a certain mortal. Apparently Rosalind wasn't the most supportive of Thor in my absence and who showed up to help him but his old flame Jane Foster. Jane has taken to visitating Thor for days at a time over the past month.

She hasn't spoken with me yet but to be fair I've been aloof keeping to myself because of the picture fiasco. One thing lead to another with this and they're basically back together now. I'm glad for him, I always thought he was foolish for allowing that relationship to crumble. Even back when I first met her I'd thought to myself that even through my bias against mortals Jane Foster was a woman filled with integrity and ferocity worthy of any man's or even god's attention.

I thought this based only upon the research I'd done on her on Midgard and upon only a few seconds of interaction with the woman where she'd slapped me for what I'd done to her home. Bravery and audacity like that... those are treasured traits on Asgard. Traits she and Sam have in common. Yes I'm rooting for them, and I'd like to see New Asgard crown a queen one day, hopefully Thor has enough sense not to mess things up this go round.

Right now it's Friday night and Sam and I are partaking in our usual Friday night routine. Sam has cautioned me on the movie we're about to view. She seems to think it might be triggering for me in some way. At first I don't comprehend why the poster art displayed on the screen lacks the title of the film but depicts Disney's standard run of the mill smiling princesses.

The princesses are animated utilizing Disney's typical computer animated style a style which has been carefully crafted to appease broad audiences from nearly all demographics. I'm bewildered as to how Sam could think anything so obviously inoffensive could possibly rattle me that is until Sam begins explaining.

"This movie, Frozen, it was actually really controversial when it came out because the main character, while not technically a mutant, is clearly mutant coded. She has ice powers and struggles with her abilities, self acceptance, and acceptance from others.
It was so controversial yet it still managed to become one of the highest grossing animated movies of all time due to just how relatable the main characters feel and how good the script, songs, and animation are."

I suddenly understand completely why Sam thought this film might be a problem for me.

"...Ice powers?"

Sam nods.

"Yeah. We don't have to watch it but trust me it's a huge cultural touchstone one that people will likely make reference to towards you because of... because of those pictures."

Sam seems ready to abandon the movie completely if I express the slightest bit of discomfort with the idea. I, while somewhat uncomfortable, am also curious. I want to see what exactly this movie is about.

"...I should probably view it if only so I'm aware of the context then."

Sam nods and we begin watching.