Following Our Own Script

Chapter Four

"So your female counterpart stayed in Jotunheim to rebuild for the giants you assume exist?"

"Her name's Angrboda."

"Didn't ask." Heimdall glanced into Loki's memories. Jotunheim was a realm he hadn't been to in person for obvious reasons. Through Loki's eyes, Heimdall had to admit, it was beautifully untouched. The warm colors of the land reminded him of autumn. Wildlife flourished. The fireflies that covered the lakes was something out of a book Frigg had read him as a child. No wonder the giants wanted to hide its wonder from the Aesir.

"And you know more giants are hidden out in the world because of... a dream?"

"More like a feeling. She had it too, but Angrobda also has visions. A combination of things helped us feel out what we should do next."

"Let me get this straight- you left behind everything, everyone, plunging into the unknown because the two of you had similar gut feelings?"

Loki shrugged.

"Oh, to be young and in love. Makes even the smartest of men weak. And seeing as you're already at the bottom of the barrel, there isn't much I can expect from you."

That made Loki uncharacteristically quiet. Heimdall stopped walking, turning to look back at him.

"Ask your questions."

Loki stopped chopping his way through the brush to fidget with his knife. He avoided Heimdall's gaze. "Have you ever been in love?"

Heimdall raised an eyebrow. Loki wanted to know the logistics of a relationship. Wanted to know if what he felt was love, if he and the giantess would be like his father and mother. But deeper than the bigger questions, Loki had such innocent wants. How absolutely adorable.

"Oh, you poor boy. It's a bit too late to regret not giving her a kiss goodbye."

Loki turned red. "Stop! I didn't tell you you could read me."

"I've never asked. I never will." Heimdall's smirk grew. "Oh, ho ho. Not just a goodbye kiss, but your first kiss. You call yourself a man and your lips are still virgin, much less the rest of you."

Loki's complexion rose to a deep red. "Seriously, knock it off." His embarrassment was shifting into frustration. Seemed like this was another topic the retired God failed to teach his son. Loki had an incredibly basic understanding of the birds and the bees but lacked the alone time and first-hand experience to be able to talk about it like an adult.

Heimdall spun around, his movements dance-like. He practically sang his words. "And to think, you wanted to save yourself for that girl. Pity when she finds I already tainted you"

Loki's eyes darted at him. He approached Heimdall. "What are you talking about?"

"Huginn already filled you in, right? Nothing more for me to say."

Loki reached to grab Heimdall's collar. He sidestepped around Loki's hand, shoving his chest. Loki stumbled backward but caught himself.

"Heimdall," he hissed. "What are you talking about?"

Heimdall extended his arm, bowing with his shit-eating grin. An invitation.

Loki, knife still in hand, lunged. Heimdall barely twitched to avoid being hit. The fight they had been promising each other for months had finally begun.

What a lovely reaction Heimdall had received. He stayed on the defensive, wanting to watch Loki's fury grow. The confusion and horror growing in the boy was peak humor. He didn't imagine anything too foul, which made his innocents all the more clear.