Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 39: When in Rome

"Yes, very wise," Odin nodded.

"I'll have to drag her kicking and screaming the whole way," Loki snickered.

"That's an exaggeration! I'm just cautious of how hard you may go on particular days and for particular reasons."

"If you're referring to your comeuppance for a little swim you so kindly treated me to, you can rest assured that my revenge will be more than an aggressive training session."

"Swim?" Thor asked.

"I pushed him off the rainbow bridge," you giggled proudly.

"A human got the jump on you? You're slipping, Loki," Thor grinned.

"Yes, well it would appear I underestimate the depths she would go for a prank. A pleasant walk to her favorite place in an attempt to save her life didn't seem like the time for treachery."

"Nah-uh, don't make me out to be a heartless friend, I learned all of it from you."

"It would appear you're less vigilant around her, brother. Perhaps you're comfortable in her presence?" he said, eyebrows going up and down and a quick wink shot your way.

"Not now, Thor," Loki pleaded.

"What?! I was just saying you're comfortable around your friend. There's nothing more than that...is there, brother?" Thor smiled.

Odin simply watched as you and Loki sighed synchronously, glancing to each other and then back to Thor, neither knowing who should argue with him or if it was worth it.

"So about that night when you were young?" you turned to Loki, "Sounds fascinating."

"It really is," he smiled, "Thor---"

"Ok, fine!" Thor cut him off, "Boring people. Just get together already," he muttered under his breath, following it up with a quick sip of his wine.

"Huh, what was that Thor?" you threatened.

"I said I'm glad we're all together today."

"Mmhmm," you nodded, you and Loki grinning triumphantly.

"Are plans for the festival running smoothly?" Odin asked, changing the subject with obvious intent, "I've spoken with Tilidirn about the layout of the streets and security during the parade. We wouldn't want another incident with any child nearly crushed by a horse. How about the festivities? Have you begun the list of vendors and events?"

"The sign-up for vendors is nearly full, but I've left the organization of events to Loki. He's better at negotiating those sorts of things. I can't stand the debates over who performs what and when."

"Very good. I'm sure you'll have the times and events running flawlessly," Odin complimented Loki.

"It shouldn't take long to sort out. It's simple logic, really. One must appeal to their intelligence," he replied, and you could see him biting back some follow-up about what little intelligence they have, or something along those lines. "Snacks are provided continuously, but the hour of the main food fair will consume anyone's ability to physically partake in competitions or games. Therefore, they should be spaced later in the day, with visual entertainment centered towards the end of the food fair. It's how mother used to block them, so I believe we should stick with her tradition."

"Wasn't there issue with the length of the performances encroaching on the games and vendors time?" Thor asked.

"Yes, because we never properly utilized the time between the parade and the food," Loki explained, "If we have the first performances ready to go, we could scratch them off the list before the tents even open."