thefinaljedi | Appointments

[Loki follow Luke but he feels more and more reluctant with every step. Of course he is quite aware of what is at stake and what he has heard. But there is also the part of his older self that is like him, exactly like him. But what is there to understand when there was no reason for him to do so?

He helps himself with the snacks and the tea and finally moves to sit in one of the chairs. Instead of focusing his attention to the conversation at hand he focuses everything on picking green Skittles out of the bag of Skittles and placing them on the table.

The look on his face is completely blank.

When Luke is done talking he raises his hand.]

I ask your permission to speak.

[Loki pours himself a cup of tea and listens to Luke's words impassively.

Well, he isn't the sort to shout unless he loses his temper, and he refuses to do that now. And personal attacks, well. It depends on how one defines that.

But that is neither here nor there at the moment. He simply says coolly:] I do not really have anything left to say on this subject.

[Luke nods to the boy.]

By all means.

I have been pondering about this meeting and I have concluded something.

[He taps his fingers on the table.]

Something very important...

[He looks at Luke and then at his older self.]

I have absolutely no desire to be here nor do I wish to come to an agreement that would mean I have to engage in the act of understanding him, you see? And I am not lying. I never lie.

So may I leave now?

[Loki smiles thinly.] Lying by making a statement about never lying. How delicious.

[Loki is of the opinion that his younger self is incapable of understanding him, and does not particularly care. He owes the boy nothing.

Loki leans back in his chair, lounging as is his habit, and sips his tea.]

Edited 2013-01-08 06:23 (UTC)

[Even before Luke can open his mouth to respond properly Loki chuckles softly.]

Lying about not needing company and friends while actually craving nothing else. How delicious.

[Luke gives the boy a look that could freeze a wampa's blood and curtly replies]

You are not helping, Loki. I'm not asking you to understand one another. I can see that will never happen. I would like it, however, if you would find a way to dwell within fifty kilometers of one another without these antagonistic jabs at each other.

[Loki goes cold with anger, to the extent that the tea in his cup actually freezes.

How dare the boy. But that certainly justifies every bit of caution and dishonesty Loki has displayed toward him. He is not worthy of trust, just like nearly everyone else in this place.

As if he has a right to Loki's carefully protected inner thoughts, to see and mock his weaknesses after a careful tour. As if Loki needs people or craves anything from these mortals.

Bastard. Just like them. Just like all of them, hypocritical little toad.

But he smiles. Because he's very good at smiling when he's angry, when he's upset, when he's anything other than happy. (hit him, he laughs instead of crying) The tea starts steaming in its cup again and he takes a sip before speaking, his tone dangerously pleasant.]

Honesty with those who would take everything from one is such an intelligent policy.

[He has killed to defend far less for himself. But he will also bide his time before deciding what to do.

He already knows this - Luke's efforts will be wasted on the boy.]

[Did that tea just...? Loki's eyes narrow as he watches the cup his older self is holding.

Anger.

Even though his face shows a broad smile and the tone of his voice is awfully pleasant, Loki knows better. His older self is absolutely furious.

And that is good, in a sense, because now Loki knows all he needs to know. He ignores the words coming from his older self's mouth and shifts in his chair to look at Luke.]

So be it, Luke Skywalker.

Yet, I shall refrain from apologizing, I sincerely hope you understand that.

I have no desire to damage the friendships my older self rather does not have.

[Luke's eyes frost over, as cold as Loki's tea. He can feel the anger mounting in the room. Diffusing the situation was probably beyond him, he guessed. The child just seems to be so set on causing trouble, and his words seemed extraordinarily hurtful to the older Loki.]

Both of you, please stop.

[With a pointed look at the older Loki, he says flatly]

Marshal your emotions.

[And to the child]

And stop antagonizing him. This conflict is entirely unnecessary, and you're only escalating it. I'm rather disappointed you're unwilling to work towards a peaceful solution, but that is your decision.

[He puts his palms down on the table.]

After seeing this rather...childish display, it's fairly apparent that unless you agree simply to avoid one another, there will be arguing. You're both clearly unwilling to really talk to one another without attempting to undermine the other in one way or another. Does this about sum it up?

[Luke gets a narrow-eyed look for that. Is he not controlling himself? He hasn't dragged the brat out of the room by his hair. He hasn't even raised his voice. The mask is still perfectly in place.

Loki smiles like a knife edge.]

Oh, I am quite willing to be polite. [Courtesy is one more type of knife.] When I'm not being pecked at by magpies. [Loud carrion-eaters seem a decent analogy for the boy. He shifts slightly in his seat, wishing for the cushion he normally uses, but it's better to not display that sort of weakness overtly right now.]

That is a very accurate analogy, older self. Painfully accurate even.

[After that he shifts in his chair.]

I shall explain myself, yes? For once, I do believe that my older self is capable of kindness, sincere kindness. So I also believe he is capable of forging friendships and bonds with others. Yet, he keeps denying that he needs that, and calls me the fool for desiring such things.

[Loki speaks slow, very slow, carefully choosing his words. He will stand his ground regarding the apology Luke has requested.]

As I stated earlier, breaking that agreement has been nothing more but a slip of the tongue. And it shall remain nothing more than that, you see?

Yet, for one who claims to rather be alone, I got the most astounding response. Honestly, I am the fool, older self?

[There is a hint of frustration in his voice now, and he looks at the other.]

Am I correct to presume you think I am out to ruin all your friendships? That would not make me any better than you, hence it is you who placed that threat.

You are all that do not wish to become. Yet, I know for sure that the desire to change is just as big for you as it is for me. Only it is you who has fallen victim to anger, jealousy and sadness. And that will be your downfall.

[After that Loki allows himself to relax again. He probably comes off as arrogant, his older self might come at his throat any second. But he thinks he has done well. That he has chosen his words right.]

I might as well reveal the big secret, older self.

[He makes a gesture with his arms as if he is sayig 'ta-da']

I do not possess any magical abilities.

[When Loki is done he turns to look at Luke, gesturing that he is well...done.]

I wish to leave now.

Edited 2013-01-10 16:54 (UTC)

[Hearing all this, Luke Skywalker, Jedi Master, the man that negotiated the beginnings of peace between the Imperial Remnant and the New Republic, groans out loud. The child Loki was perhaps more more frustrating to deal with than any of the stodgiest Imperial Moffs or hardline admirals. And he was only twelve. He was done with neutrality, and tired of the venom flying around the room.

So done.

His eyes gave the older one an apologetic look and he turned to the child.]

Loki. I'd like it if you'd agree to never speak such ills of your older self again. He's not the monster you seem to think he is. I'd like your word on it. And I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your word this time.

[And with a lack of anything else to do, he expelled a breath and prepared to stop the older Loki from tearing apart the boy.

Not that he'd blame him in the slightest]

[Loki smiles, like only he can smile when he is that murderously angry. He would kill this boy, or at least administer a severe beating if it weren't for keeping the longer game in mind, for needing to think of aspects beyond his temper, which has gone from scorching to utterly cold.]

Hypocrite and liar. Oh, you are such a thing to which one should aspire, little magpie.

[The best way to protect something is to hide it away, pretend that it is not important. And Loki refuses to let that preening little shit tear away at his secrets like he is owed something.]

Did you expect me to be surprised by your lack of magics? [He tilts his head slightly.] Maybe if you were in communication with something greater than yourself, you would understand that the mind and words are tools best not wielded like a hammer.

[Odd, perhaps, that so much disgust could be packed into such a mundane word.

He looks at Luke. He has been surprised, by Luke coming to his defense so strongly, but he does appreciate it.] For my part, this boy shall cease to exist to me. My word on that, and I do not give it often.

Edited 2013-01-11 02:10 (UTC)

[Wrong words. Maybe he has been too blunt. No..., not maybe, he definitely has been too blunt. The words coming from his older self fly right past him, even that brilliant referral to Mjolnir.

Alas, he has lost, apparently.

Yet, he feels frustrated. Not even about losing. Luke hasn't even considered his words or listened to them, now did he? Even though they were not exactly well chosen, it has been the truth.

He wonders if the darkness has grown inside of him now. Probably. He turns towards Luke.]

The darkness...has it spread out to my head now?

[And what if Leah would grow fond of his older self? Because in all fairness, his older self would probably look most handsome without a shirt. And Leah was into such things... He slid off the chair slowly and starts to rub the back of his neck.]

I shall take my leave.

[Luke gives the boy a shake of his head.]

No, it hasn't. You're no monster either, you're just frustrated and lashing out. People, good and bad, do that. I am sorry. I do not think ill of you, as I do not think ill of your older self. I just...think it's best if the two of you try and avoid confronting each other. Or interacting. It's better for everyone that way.

[And frankly that was his initial intent. He was a bit better at more aggressive negotiations, anyway. And these two are just...frustratingly difficult.]

Good luck, young Loki. I'm sure I'll see you around.

[Loki is not fooled by any of this. His tone is still utterly cold as he speaks.]

Give your word, little magpie.

Or I shall retract mine.

[And then it would be war, open or not. At this point, he does not care. In fact, he rather welcomes the chance for a bit of destruction, because he is very, very angry at his younger self now.]

[He listens to Luke's words and finally shakes his head.]

I think tired is the right word, Luke Skywalker.

[Loki stops in his tracks and turns around again. Ah yes, his word. Almost forgotten...sort of.]

I shall, but I have one small request, older self. Agree to that and you shall stop to exist for me as well, yes?

[The look on his face hardens.]

Desist from contacting Leah.

[Of course Leah is perfectly able to defend herself and make her own choices, but she is also his bff. The bff of all bff's. And she would probably kick him in the groin for demanding such a thing. And pummel him.

And actually, he would not care if she chose to do so, as long as he was able to protect her.]

Your word, Loki.

[Luke raises an eyebrow, realizing the younger one has made a big, big mistake. He'll have to go looking for this Leah to give her a heads up.]

Edited 2013-01-13 01:34 (UTC)

[Well, good to know who his younger self thinks is most valuable. He wonders if she knows he thinks he can speak for her; obviously he hasn't been beaten about enough by Sif. Maybe he ought to let her know. Such a lesson would do the boy good and be very amusing.

By any means, though, Loki isn't about to play this game.]

Speaking for someone who is not here? Shall we divide the whole village between us? Piss on it like dogs?

[He looks at Luke, obviously not thinking the Jedi will buy this attempt either. Luke has never seemed the sort to let others speak for those not present, not like this.]

[Loki is aware of the risk with mentioning Leah, but then again, how much will his older self value the word of his younger self?

But Leah can stand up for herself and Loki prays to whatever deity a deity can pray to that she would not think his older self would be gorgeous without a shirt.

She probably would, just to taunt him.]

Not at all. We have many friends in common. If you wish I will not speak to them in exchange for you not contacting Leah, I will do so.

You will have my word, you see?

That isn't how it works, little magpie. You only get to give your word for yourself.

And really, I care not at all to whom you speak, so long as I am not the topic of your conversation. I am not nearly so interested in the petty details of your life as you seem to hope.

[As amusing as it might be, Loki knows that it would only do him harm in the end to cut off the boy from his friends, because those friends would eventually find out why - likely the boy would cheat and indicate this to them in some way - and then it would be unnecessary trouble on his doorstep.]

[Loki.

Loki, honestly.

Honestly, Loki. Honestly.

Honestly?

Honestly. Loki.

Loki. Honestly.

Honestly.

Are you really that stupid?]

I...agree with your older self. Your friend should decide that for herself.

[Honestly]

Of course she should decide for herself and all things concidered, this should not be a problem. After all, my older self has no malicious intents whatsoever. I fully expect him not to seek her out to spite me.

You tend to agree with my older self a lot, Luke.

[After that he turns on his heels. Frankly, he is quite done with both of them.]

I will presume we have an agreement like this, you both have my word.

[And he walks off...]

[Loki rolls his eyes. He really hopes he was not as big a fool as this when he was that age.]

No, that is not how agreements work, with presumption. I do not agree to that. My word is as I stated.

[ He already said the boy would cease to exist for him, and that is good and enough. Try to use the master's own tricks against him? Idiot. As if he would ever fall for that, where he would let presumption replace what he has spelled out.]

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