"Agent Coulson."
"Your Majesty."
The men stood staring at each other. Then Coulson outstretched his hand, perhaps realising that he was the one meant to subject to an Asgardian prince, rather than the other way round.
"I need to apologise for my actions on the Helicarrier," Coulson began, but Loki interrupted him.
"I understand," Loki said, smiling. "You couldn't go against Fury's orders. I admire your commitment to the cause."
"I admire your commitment to Stark," the man replied. "He is... difficult, at the best of times."
"Difficult but worth the effort," Loki commented, and shook the agent's hand.
Coulson smiled.
"I believe my employer had the same thought."
"Anyway, what can I do for you, Agent Coulson? I trust this isn't a courtesy call."
Loki raised an eyebrow and Coulson visibly sighed.
"Yes," he admitted. "We have a... situation, which calls for your unique set of skills. I don't believe you've used this particular skill on Earth yet, but myths tell the tale of a shape-shifter capable of adopting the faces of others, and that shape-shifter is, reportedly, you."
Loki turned his head to one side, calculating.
"You are correct," he said softly. "Shape-shifting is one of my specialities. What is this situation you speak of?"
"Can we go somewhere private?" The agent asked.
"Of course."
Loki showed Coulson into the nearest room and then elegantly sat on the sofa. Coulson remained standing. Loki knew the agent took the typical view of assuming that he held all the power, but the reality was that Loki held all the cards.
"This is.. tricky," Coulson said slowly.
Loki gave him a scathing look.
"I may be a master of words but believe me I prefer brevity above all else. Tell me it plainly or not at all."
Loki was, after all, a brilliant diplomat.
"Basically," Coulson said, trying to warm into his theme, "There is an arms dealer we need to catch in the act. How familiar are you with nuclear weapons?"
Loki gave him another look.
"A lot. I am Tony's friend, after all, and I did my fair share of studying all sorts of disciplines at university."
"Then you'll be all set," Coulson said, pleased, refusing to be cowed. "SHIELD needs you to infiltrate the dealer's lair and strike a deal. I need all the information you can get."
"Do you want me to dispose of this criminal?" Loki asked pleasantly.
"Detain, yes. Destroy, no. He may yet yield results during interrogation."
"Very well," Loki replied. "You have yourself a deal."
Coulson shook his hand.
YOU ARE READING
Starting Over #2 - Loki
Fanfiction[SEQUEL] Loki has found his place among the Avengers, but when will his luck run out? The sequel to Starting Over.
