Hell or High Water (#Wattys2016)

•No, She Don't Mess Around•

Flashback set before Loki met Charlie.

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"It is your only prospect of obtaining the throne, Loki. As you are aware, your father -"

"The king." Loki corrected with a huff, momentarily interrupting the guardian. Heimdall looked at him with a mix of trepidation and irritation. He knew Odin would not fair well on a sensitive level when it came to his sons, notably Loki, but Heimdall understood the pressures and responsibility it takes to run not just a kingdom, but to keep a firm reign on the rules and a secure lineage in order for the throne to maintain its legacy. Though from the recent turn of events, it appeared Loki would acquire his much desired wish. He is not sure if that is bad or good, knowing the trickster god has attained a name for himself as well as become a prominent liar when something is merely within his grasp.

"Be that as it may, Odin has provided me with specific instructions should anything happen to him."

Loki's eyes narrowed at this, as if he did not know that little tidbit well enough by now. Heimdall hoped that he and Loki could keep the conversation civil, given the god was very used to getting his way, and he was afraid that Frigga had much to do with this - but who is he to judge? He himself is a guardian of the Bifrost, and even Odin has been known to use magic on occasion.

Loki closed his eyes for a few seconds, jaw set, and resumed the conversation, smooth tone back in its usual place, and what Heimdall thought to be originally a trace of being adamant about the situation is well hidden, or perhaps he misheard?

"As you know, Heimdall, I do not give in so easily when what I strongly believe to be rightfully mine at this point is within my reach. Rest assured I will not disappoint."

"Indeed, I am faithful that you will not fail," Heimdall smiled, despite Loki's reputation, he valued the Jotunn's indomitable spirit. One needed this if they were to become a wise and trustworthy ruler. But he would be lying to himself if he trusted Loki with his life.

"Unless Thor is convinced, however." Heimdall added just as Loki made to leave, hand clutching his spear tightly before loosening. It was then Heimdall saw the intense underlying look of hope drain from his face, and for a moment glimpsed the quiet but gifted young boy who studied often for days on end wishing to relish even a piece of what Thor accomplished since birth in his father's glory, the same young boy who would sometimes ask him about the other nine realms and what secrets lie there - hoping to impress Odin on such matters, the same boy who has now grown into a capable man with many secrets of his own. Leaving his former self shattered under misfortune and an urge to become ruler so great that Heimdall wanted to simply see his downfall rather than to have him rule and ruin Asgard with his vindictive ways. It may seem unkind to think such things, but there is naught he could do and it would infringe his place in the palace, if only a short time.

Loki turned, and with a nod, stated that it isn't an option he is ready to put into action.

Heimdall simply stared ahead, awaiting what is to come confidently with an astute mind and a heavy heart.

I remember a shadow....

°°°°°

"Charlotte! Where's that espresso I ordered?" Rachel Duncurt called. Café Del Monaco was swamped. It never failed to surprise her how much people needed caffeine on a daily basis and how many that could fit into a café that supposedly held a limited number of caffeine-deprived people - roughly twenty.