My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 6

Thor had shown me a handbill for an upcoming special event in which he would be attending as a featured guest.

"When Loki sees this... it's going to hurt him," I remarked.

"I know," Thor nodded, then put a hand on my shoulder. "He will pretend that it doesn't bother him, but..." he paused, then looked at me hopefully, "I do not wish my brother to be alone on that night. It would mean much to me, and, of course, to him, if you could keep him company."

"And spend our time in... the Sanctum?" I clarified.

"Knowing you both were safe here, would be peace of mind for me," Thor replied.

"Although," Doctor Strange piped up, "I can take you both by a portal to any other location you wish for the duration of the event."

Loki then walked into the room. No longer was he wearing that stained suit I had found him in last night, he was now sporting yet another fashionable ensemble.

"So this is where you are," Loki said happily as he saw me. "There's quite a few twists and turns in this place, it really could use some..." He then saw Thor, which startled him momentarily, but recovered swiftly, "Brother? What are you doing here?"

I took a deep breath. With a sympathetic expression, I gave the handbill back to Thor, then walked over to Loki. Briefly taking my friend's hands with each of mine, I gave him a warm smile, which he returned... one last bit of happiness before discovering his morning would be ruined.

"Loki, I'm here to see you and Beverlee," Thor said. "I need to talk to you about something." With a gesture of his hand, he motioned for all of us to sit down, which we did. "There's no easy way to tell you," and handed the paper to Loki.

Loki began to read it and remained quiet as he did so.

"This event makes quite a lot of money for Tony Stark to continue to give back to those who were affected during the Battle... uh, that time," Thor said, attempting to sound upbeat. "I hope you understand why I must attend."

"Yes, Thor," I said, "I'm quite sure many are buying tickets simply to see you, along with the possibility of getting a photo op or selfie," and gave him an encouraging smile. "I cannot find any fault with you attending such a good cause."

"Beverlee is right," Loki said, with a sympathetic expression on his face. "Your attendance is a must for this worthy event. More donations will be forthcoming simply with the flex of a bicep and a flash of your smile." He returned the handbill to Thor.

"Both your support and understanding mean a lot to me," Thor said, putting the paper back in his pocket, "thank you." He stood from the chair, and we all followed suit. "Well, I must be going, it was really nice seeing you, Beverlee." He took my hand and pulled me into another hug, "I hope it's not too long till we meet up again."

Glancing at Loki, who seemed to be lost in thought, I then turned back to face Thor, "I hope so too," I said, then with a chuckle, "although, considering how things seem to work these days, I suspect it might be sooner than you think."

Releasing me from his enveloping hug, Thor walked over to Loki, then put a hand on his arm, "Brother, I suspect why you patronized that bar last night. If I may, I would like to talk to you about it later."

"You know where to find me," Loki responded with a shrug.

Thor turned to Strange. Lifting his hand, he pointed his finger in a couple of directions, then said in the manner of a question, "I'll show myself out..."

"Then, good day, Thor Odinson," Strange said, pointing him in the right direction, with a nod and a hint of a smile. After Thor had departed, Strange looked at us, "are we ready to go?"

I no longer felt ready. Asides from not being able to talk to Doctor Strange privately, I would have liked to have had a moment alone with Loki to talk about Stark's gala. However, seeing that Doctor Strange seemed to show that he was somewhat in favour of my friend, perhaps during breakfast I would seize the opportunity. As well, breakfast also does have a way of improving one's mood...

I just hoped, for Loki's sake, whatever restaurant we were to dine, they served pancakes.