Mischief on Midgard

Green beast

Loki was, in a word, exhausted.

He hadn't even taken the time needed to appreciate the room Tony that had given him to stay in as a 'live-in employee.'

Regardless, it was his room now. He had successfully infiltrated the Avengers tower. It was only that, unlike most other Humans that Loki had the 'pleasure' to meet, the Avengers themselves were proving to be decidedly tiring to be around!

He had to always be on his metaphorical toes, mindful not to say the wrong thing that would clue them in on who he was. Especially so with Tony. The man of iron's mind seemed to be working double-time, all the time. The Captain was, of course, the very definition of innocence. Always believing the best in the people around him. Constantly encouraging the group to get along as a whole. He reminded Loki the most of Thor, and it was sickening.

And then there was Bruce Bloody Banner to add into the entire mix.

Loki let out a groan as he fell down onto his new bed, landing face-first onto one of the plush pillows. He wasn't entirely sure what was the cause of it, but whenever he saw said scientist, images started to flash uncontrollably through Loki's head.

A big green ogre grabbing him by the leg and slamming him into the floor. Over and over again, at full strength no less! Loki had been naught but an insect before the Hulk. Now? If he was found out, well... he had none of his prior power available to him. The same treatment from such a beast would result in his immediate death! Loki shivered, the tremble passing through his entire body.

No. Don't think about it, Loki. Don't... Just... Just keep it out of your mind! he thought to himself desperately.

But the more Loki tried not to think about those events, the more they started to flash before his eyes. He grit his teeth, and tried to meditate, tried to force the thoughts away. After what seemed like forever, as Loki had no idea how long he had been lying there, only that it had started to get dark outside, his body finally started to relax. His mind slowly grew foggy from exhaustion.

Finally... he thought to himself with more than a little bit of relief. At least this stupid near-mortal body is good for something! Grant me peace!

Loki was ready to slip away into a, hopefully, blissful sleep. He didn't even bother to get up so he could change clothes. Of course, thanks to his fantastic luck so far, that was the exact moment the door started to buzz. He had a guest. How wonderful.

Loki groaned in annoyance. What in the Hel could anyone want from him right now of all times? The door buzzed again, cheerful yet insistent, and Loki growled as he dragged himself up from the bed. He grabbed his fake glasses and put them on as he managed to drag himself to the door.

"I'm coming," he muttered, hitting the button that would open the automatic door.

Only for him to stand face to face with Bruce Banner. In less than a second, all the flashing images from earlier re-entered Loki's head, and he stepped backward.

"Erhm. I... I hope I am not disturbing you," he said sincerely, wincing as Loki's flinched back. "Look, I just... I wanted you to know it's okay. And I thought that maybe, if we could talk for a bit, just you and I, you'll see that too."

Loki remained quiet as he stood there, blinking at the other man.

"I brought beer," Bruce said, flashing him an awkward smile as he hefted up a six-pack of beers.

Loki glanced at the items in his hand. Even he could recognize a peace offering when he saw it. Peace offerings of drinks and tasty foods were also a time-honored tradition in Asgard. To deny any such offerings when they were offered was considered a grave insult to the gift-bringer. It was, in fact, extremely rare an Asgardian would deliberately refuse offerings. Usually, it was only done to humiliate and insult either their enemies or people they considered less than worthy. A way of saying 'You are not even worthy enough for me to take your offerings,' which was one of the worst insults imaginable to the Asgardians.