Illusions | Loki & Jane

10. Farewell

"Father." Loki sighed as he approached the Bifrost gate, only to find Odin standing there instead of Heimdall. He had intended to visit Midgard again, but the anxious frown on his father's face immediately set off alarm bells in his mind. Something was wrong.

"I know you wish to visit Midgard," Odin said, his gaze fixed firmly on his son. Loki's eyes widened. How did he know? Had Frigga told him? He felt his palms begin to sweat; he sensed that this conversation would not end well.

"I know you've been spending a lot of time with a certain Jane Foster, is that right?"

Shock coursed through Loki. No, he could not know this from Frigga, she didn't even know Jane's name herself. Maybe Heimdall? But he had made him forget his visits to Midgard, he couldn't have remembered suddenly after three years.
."Yes," Loki replied, his voice shaky. The fact that his father knew about Jane made him uncomfortable. "How do you know?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"It doesn't matter," Odin replied.

"It was the three Norns, wasn't it?"

"How do you know of that?" The Allfather's tone shifted, curiosity blending with reproach.

"Doesn't matter."

"You've been eavesdropping, haven't you?" Odin's gaze turned stern.

"What is it you want, Father?" Loki asked, annoyance creeping into his voice, ignoring the accusation.

His father's expression softened as he walked toward him slowly. "I am worried about you, my son. I merely want to share my opinion on this." He looked at Loki, almost as if seeking approval.

"Then tell me," Loki said impatiently, wanting to get this over with.

"Human lives are fleeting; they're nothing. You'd be better served by what lies ahead of you."

Loki stared at him, speechless. Why was he saying this? He knew humans didn't live long, and he understood that Jane would eventually be gone. That was precisely why he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. His eyes darted between the Bifrost and his father, feeling a tightness in his chest. "That does not stop me from seeing her," he hissed.

"Think about it, Loki. What will happen when she grows older and you do not? She will realize the truth eventually. Moreover, she will eventually want a family. Do you intend to give her a child? A half-Frost Giant—"

"SHUT UP!" Tears sprang to his eyes as he clenched his fists, fury and sorrow battling within him. He didn't want to hear this.

Odin shook his head at the painful words escaping his son's lips. "I do not want to hurt you. I am telling you this not as the Allfather, but as your father. You know it is the truth, Loki."

Loki knew. He knew she deserved someone better; someone who could be honest with her, someone who could offer her the life she wanted—a normal human life. If she stayed with him, she would eventually notice that he was not mortal. Her life would never be what she envisioned. He had tried to suppress this thought throughout their time together, but now that it had been voiced, it consumed him.

"It will only hurt both of you more the longer you wait," Odin said softly, his expression understanding. "I am sorry."

Tears streamed down Loki's face, a mix of anger and sorrow. He spun around and ran back to the palace, desperate to escape the spiraling thoughts. He envisioned a future that was impossible, and the possible future was bleak for Jane. She would likely be happier with someone of her own kind—a man who would grow old alongside her, who could give her a child that wouldn't turn blue one day.