My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 27

New Avengers Facility. Upstate New York. 10:45 pm EST.

The room in which they held the after-party was roughly the same size as Hamilton House's auditorium. And just like Hamilton House, the place appeared to be another designated space used for public/community events. But what a difference in the setup and furnishings here than from the place from which we came. Here, the sitting areas were not your regular variety of folding chair and tables - this place had some sofas and comfy chairs with little tables beside and in front of them where one could put down a drink or a plate of food. 

Speaking of such, there was a large portable bar in one corner of the room with a long table of snacks at the other.

I couldn't help but notice, with more than pleasant surprise, a jukebox and an area that was designated as a dance floor.

A snowflake motif appeared to be the theme for the festive holiday decorations that hung on the wall and those suspended from the ceiling - it made it feel like we were in a winter wonderland.

And being here with my friend, the Frost Giant, it couldn't have been any more perfect.

As we followed Tony Stark, we could see that a few of the Avengers we had met earlier, along with some other attendees, were staring at us.

However, whatever their reasons for doing so, it was not a bother as we had been invited to this party by Stark himself. And it was gratifying to know Thor was here - who, as we passed, took a moment to smile at us.

Continuing to move along, I soon noticed that Agent Phil Coulson was also in attendance.

In any case, I found myself not letting go of Loki's hand nor he with mine.

Stark led us to the bar, and we all got drinks; a Scotch for himself and two glasses of champagne for us. With our glasses in hand, he led us to an area where we could talk. He plunked himself down in a chair and we took over a sofa.

"So first of all, who's your friend, Reindeer Games?"

Just like when we met Ruth Gallagher for the audition, Loki now looked at me and made a gesture with his hand that I should answer.

"My name is Beverlee. I'm Loki's friend and," I smiled at Loki with amusement, "you could say his life coach."

"Life coach, huh?" Stark said, also with an amused expression. "Well it's not like he couldn't use one. Where were you five years ago?"

"More like... where was she ten years ago?" Loki clarified, looking at me with admiration. 

I chuckled.

"So what's this all about?" Stark asked.

"There was a clip of you at your gala that I... we, saw on YouTube," Loki replied. "You were with Thor. You said some things to that reporter, and... I did not expect to hear you say... such... kind words about... me."

"Oh, you saw that," Stark said taken aback. "Well I meant every word. From what I understand, from talking with Thor, you've been trying to turn things around in your life... just like me." He glanced at me briefly, then back at Loki, "and it appears you've been doing something right."

"Thank you," Loki acknowledged. "I just felt it was important to tell you," he paused for a moment, glancing at me, then turned back to Stark, "history isn't going to repeat itself."

Stark smiled in an odd way and chuckled.

"Loki, while that's good to hear, and I suspect it won't, given the pretty woman you have beside you, I want you to listen to me. Of all people, you don't need to justify yourself - least of all to me. Like I said in that clip, I've done things I'm not proud of either. And then, guess what? I continued to do more things I wasn't proud of... Some of these people in this room weren't exactly happy with the choices I made, but guess what? It's human nature to make mistakes or screw up royally - even when you have the best intentions."