whose_son_am_i | Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

Christine had been just about to steal a kiss when he turns on his heel with a dagger out.

Well, that's one way for Sif to find out what's going on between Christine and Loki.

"Hi Sif." Christine gives a sheepish little wave.

Sif had her suspicions, as there had been an occasional rumor--besides simply that the two were staying with each other. Or how Christine had lit up upon seeing him when they'd arrived in New York. "Friend Christine..." She started, voice quieter as she approached.

Once Loki lowered the dagger that is, which he did. Studying Sif carefully, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"Are you...happy and certain?" Because the lady had been involved with Loki before, and it had gone badly. But there were signs the other was changing. Further, Christine was a grown woman and intelligent in her own right--and Sif had already warned her enough.

Naturally it raised eyebrows that Loki would not only be invited to but would stay at Christine's apartment.

Christine nods, "I am both."

The doctor does appreciate the concern, it's actually quite nice to have people worried. Granted everyone is convinced that Loki is going to break her heart; and he very well might.

You should probably tell her that you do actually like me.

Must I? There is such a plaintive *whine* in the mental voice. Loki vanished his dagger, and sighed. Debating with himself, before motioning Sif closer still.

Now the warrior was intrigued. Still worried for her friend, but she'd done all it was reasonable to do. "I am glad." Except for one thing, Sif could do. Jabbing a finger at Loki's chest, she made sure he met her eyes. "Break her heart, and I'll cut out yours."

Loki simply looked amused. "Didn't we have this conversation or a similar one back when I helped Thor escape with Jane Foster? Is there to be a line, again, for those who want to kill me?"

please? her reply is just as sad. She wants Sif to know that she's not entirely mental on this.

"If he hurts me he's going to genuinely have a line up. Likely including the Sorcerer Supreme."

Since she's been training with Stephen they've grown quite strong as friends.

"I will have my place in that line, should it be needed." Sif confirmed, eyes firm on his.

"Lady Sif, I say this to you in all confidence. I will not hurt her."

You are making me soft, Sweetling." There are overtones of a tangle of emotions. He's unhappy to be thought soft, but also sad because he is hurting her--there's a desire to make her happy and keep her happy. It's the same desire that's rooted in his protectiveness.

"You've lied before, Loki. Why is now any different." Sif crossed her arms. "I trust my friend, Christine--I do not trust you."

"...you're right. I have lied, and will likely lie again. But...I am not lying, when I say Christine is mine to protect, and mine to care for." Then far more softly, and somewhat grit out. "I've pledged it on my mother's name."

That had Sif's brows raising up in surprise. Loki was a talented liar, and often seemed genuine when he was anything but. This was...new.

Edited 2021-09-03 19:12 (UTC)

You're not soft. She reassures him. He can care about someone without being weak because of it.

Christine brushes her mind to his, thankful and gentle, making sure he knows that she is here and supportive.

Sif stared at him, studying him--and studying them. Before she nodded. "I hope you're being genuine, this time, Loki. You've much to atone for, however. But that can wait another time." She looked over Christine's garb, and weapons. "Teaching you to throw daggers?"

Loki nodded, and stepped slightly back to let Christine speak for herself.

Christine brushes her hand against his as she moves.

"Yeah, I like the idea of keeping anyone that wants to hurt me at a distance." Christine smiles as she makes a little space and throws one of the daggers which sticks neatly out of the target.

"That and the magic I'm learning makes me a bit less fragile."

"You have a good teacher for it, then." Sif said, politely not noticing the affection. "I also recall him mentioning that you might be looking for armor? Would you be looking for more modern that you might find on Midgard, or should Brunhilde and I be looking elsewhere?"

"You both probably have already thought of this, but I would suggest keeping the armoring light and flexible as much as possible. She will be doing her best to stay away from direct fighting except as needed in an emergency. And she will not be alone, if I have any choice in matters."

"I'll hold you to that, Loki." Sif said with a hint of satisfied smile.

"Loki knows his way around a dagger." She nods.

"Something in between, I very much like the look of what you wear but it may be too bulky for spell casting." Christine quickly casts a deep red shield in her hand.

"I have been studying quite a lot"

Edited 2021-09-03 19:47 (UTC)

The shield did bring a smile, and an approving nod. "Well, while you're visiting again if you wish a practice partner, I would be honored and welcome the chance to aid you." A moment as her head tilted, and she moved to look Christine over from a different angle.

"I can make suggestions, but your best help in finding armor to your liking likely is your current teacher. None of the warriors I ever trained with used magic." Sif knew Loki was capable in a fight, even if he was not a warrior like the rest of them.

"I came to see if you wanted that offer now, but since you're already occupied, it might wait."

"Actually, Sif, it's good you came. I have a plan, where having you and Christine involved would be most helpful." Loki said, still not relaxing fully. "I was hoping if I gave you some names, you and she might go and be certain the people I've identified are quite aware that there will be punishment for inciting violence in our current situation? Not to mention, just persuading them it is a bad idea?"

"I'll be selective, or else I'll end up with my own horns." It's both a joke for Sif and a little inside joke for Loki.

"I do trust he will help me find the best armor for casting, he seems to want me in one piece." There is a tiny smile given to Loki.

"You know I want to help."

"He was trained as a prince should be, even if not as prominent as Thor." Sif confirmed, with a nod to Loki. "You're thinking perhaps of what my friends call 'good cop, bad cop'?"

"Similar enough in concept, though I was thinking more reminding them of the carrot and stick." Loki confirmed, with a grin. "Hopefully it will only take a carrot..."

That made Sif grin. "And you're asking me to spend time with my friend. You're slipping, Trickster--this isn't nearly devious enough for you."

"I figured I'd save the devious stuff for myself. My hands are already dirty, after all." Loki said it with a grin and little mocking bow.

"It is actually quite sensible. Sure you don't want to set one of them on fire or something?"

She can only conjure the smallest of flames, fire is, turns out, not her strong element.

"Actually I don't want you setting them on fire. If anyone is, I'd rather it be our own people." Loki said entirely seriously.

"I'd rather not set them on fire at all." Sif added. "But I agree. For all you are our ally, and under protection, Christine you are not one of us. It might be taken as further provocation and attack by your people."

Christine nods. It had been intended as a joke but it's a stark reminder that she isn't one of them and never will be.

"No fire. I'm not very good at it anyway."

But she is important to them. To Sif and Thor, and the New Asgardians she's met--as a friend and ally. To Loki, she is much more. They don't mean the reminder cruelly, either. In this situation however it is a key detail.

But I was thinking that you might 'nudge' some sense into them, and keep things calmer. Mind you, it's not the most ethical suggestion--but I'm sure you'll figure out what and how far your limits are. Loki's mental voice was confident in her, and his mind held hers tenderly. "...I won't push you to do anything you're NOT comfortable with. My hands are dirty enough already, so if need be, I can and will handle those tasks."

"Forgive me if I find that reassuring, friend Christine. If I did not know you, I would worry about you learning magic as it is. Too often I've seen powers put to negative ends." Sif responded.

I can do a bit of suggesting. It keeps the violence to a minimum and that's good.

Christine has rather strong morals but they also aren't absolute and she does see the merits of doing what is needed for the greater good.

"I've mostly been working on shields and healing magic. I am a helper, even still." She reassures Sif, and it's true, she has very few damaging spells, and those are just in case she needs more than a shield.

I truly do believe you will be more effective on this task. Much as I hate to be away from you...

"Witches are...tricky. But Healers are always welcome--and there is often overlap between the two of which I am well aware." Sif said, sincere in her words. "Helper you may be, but you are strong, Christine." Sif's eyes darted to Loki, then back to Christine with a conspiratorial smile. "Make sure he treats you as the treasure you are, my friend."

"Thank you, Sif." Christine is flattered to be so well liked by the warrior. "Don't worry, I keep him on his toes."

It's very true, she does manage to surpise Loki and that pleases her.

I'll be alright for a little bit. And Sif is sure to keep me safe.

"No easy task. I shall leave you both to your practice soon." Turning her attention to Loki. "When were you thinking of us enacting your plan?"

"Hmm...give us about 3 hours, and then come to my rooms. I'll have the information for you and Christine."

I know you'll be safe, my Sweetling. I'm more lamenting the loss of your company.

"I will see you later, Sif." Christine offers a genuine smile. She really does feel quite at home among the Asgardians.

You did leave me for months again, you can live without me for a few hours. And then have me in your bed tonight.

It wasn't easy. Along with a mental equivalent of a kiss.

Sif nodded. "3 hours it is then. Practice well, Christine. Behave." That latter most clearly directed at Loki who simply smirked at her. Then the warrior was heading back the way she came. She had some ideas of her own about who might be on the list of names Loki would give her. She also wanted to talk to Thor--was he aware of this development? She would not break confidence, but she did want to assess how much the brother knew.

Once they're alone again, Loki finally relaxed a fraction. Enough to bring her formerly injured hand up and kiss it. "Back to business then. I want you consistently hitting the target now for at least a half-hour."

Christine thinks Thor is likely to have picked up on his brother's affections, at least somewhat.

She does lightly touch his face before nodding at getting back to work. She does get to the point where she is consistently leaving the daggers in the target.

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