A Tale of Mischief and Mutants part 2

My Friend

—-Loki—-

The next person I call is Heimdall I put down my phone and call out.

"Heimdall!?"

Though we're on good terms now I had tried to hunt him down when he figured me out when I was posing as Odin, I also froze him with the Casket of Ancient Winters and was just generally an ass to him... suffice to say I'm a tad nervous. I'm afraid he's still angry though he doesn't show it when we talk.

He's always been good at stoicism. 'He cared enough about you to stop his work to see you in the hospital.' It's nice for once to hear my voice of devil's advocacy arguing the positive position. The room fades around me and the landscape is barren and black Heimdall stands before me.

"You summoned me?"

My silver tongue fails me and I stand there in silence for a second before speaking.

"Uh yes... now, I understand if you're unwilling to after well, everything but I wanted to ask..."

"Loki that time is behind us what is your question my Prince?"

"Would you be one of my groomsmen? It's customary on Midgard to have some people who are important to you to fill the position and-"

"I am well aware of Midgard's traditions for marriage. As an ambassador it's an event I often attend."

"As I said I understand if you wish not to you have no obligation to fulfill my request. I'm not asking this as your prince."

"No, as my friend. I would be honored to be a part of the ceremony uniting you with Lady Samantha."

'My friend'? After everything? I fail to hide my expression and give up on veiling my emotions altogether letting a genuine smile cross my lips and saying exactly what I'm thinking at this moment.

"Thank you."

He smiles.

"I look forward to seeing you in two weeks time, farewell my friend."

When he vanishes my emotions hit me like a bullet at his farewell. I find myself crying tears of joy. Father always told me when I was young that I was far too emotional for a boy and it was unbecoming of a prince who may someday rule Asgard (not that he'd ever actually planned on letting it be me). At this moment his words that echo in my mind from my adolescence warning me that crying was reserved for women, children, and the weak and an unfit state for warriors and rulers don't matter to me.

I am alone and I am going to let happen whatever comes naturally. I'm actually following the advice of my therapist today. Though I know hiding and bottling up emotions is harmful after hearing it explained to me rationally by a professional it's a habit I cannot seem to break.

It's been reinforced in me for over a millennium. For now though I continue to smile Peter is my best friend almost like a younger brother and always brightens my day, I didn't think Bruce actually cared but I'm fairly certain he does now, and I assumed I'd ruined any chance at real companionship from Heimdall but he's seemed to somehow actually forgive everything I've done. I find myself emboldened from my happiness as I make my next call...