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Chapter Text

Thor scowled as he passed the same picture on the wall that he’d already passed four times. He wasn’t sure if it was the wizard or the wizard’s sanctum that didn’t like him, but there was no denying that one of the two didn’t want him here.

Thor was not to be dissuaded, though; he continued his determined stalking through the sanctum. He passed the picture another three times before he spotted an open doorway that he was quite certain hadn’t been there before. He moved toward it, grinning with delight as he recognized the lounge that he’d once met Strange in. He was utterly pleased to see that Strange was indeed there. “Infinity-beer Wizard!” Thor called out cheerfully, then paused when he realized that Strange was not alone. “Man of Iron!” he added at the sight of Stark already in the room.

Neither responded immediately to his calls and Thor’s smile dimmed. He frowned as he watched the two men. They were standing closely together—almost intimately so—both of them sharp and stiff, with narrowed eyes and tight jaws.

There was a strange tension between them, not unlike the air before a lightning strike—an atmosphere that Thor felt particularly qualified to recognize as god of thunder. Though he had to admit he was not entirely sure what it meant in this particular case.

Thor shifted uncomfortably, wondering whether he should say something more. Finally, Stark turned toward him, dark glare fading as a mostly genuine smile appeared on his face. “Good to see ya, Point Break. How is everything in New Asgard?”

Thor shed his discomfort to beam at his friend. Stark’s care for New Asgard was nothing less than genuine; Thor had no doubt that should Thor of his people ever be in need of help, that Stark would be there immediately. It was a weight off of Thor’s shoulders to have such a staunch ally here on earth where his people were dependent on the good will of the people here.

“Quite well, thank you. Valkyrie was in charge while I was away helping the Guardians, much to Loki’s displeasure. He argues that he made a good king, once, and could easily do so again.”

Stark snorted and Strange finally turned away from Stark to look at Thor, though his glare didn’t so much as fade. “I hope that’s been strongly vetoed.”

A wry smile crossed Stark’s face, and he sent a taunting look in Strange’s direction. “I don’t know, I heard he did a great deal of good for the arts on Asgard.”

Thor smiled at the reminder of Stark’s support of Loki. Of all those among the Avengers, Stark had been the quickest to forgive Loki. The two had surprised Thor by striking a quick friendship with one another, but he had grown quite accustomed to the results of it. The two had compatible personalities. Stark was unbothered by Loki’s mischief and an equal match in his snark. 

“An interest in the arts does not suddenly outweigh attempts to subjugate the earth,” Strange said, tone a little testy as Stark turned to look at him. Thor scowled a little. Some people just really weren’t willing to look past Loki’s actions in New York, much to Thor’s continual disappointment. Not that he didn’t understand, but there had been mitigating circumstances. Thanos was… persuasive—and fond of torture—and Loki had not fully been in his right mind.

For a long moment Strange and Stark just stared at each other, but then Stark turned back to Thor, completely ignoring Strange’s point. “I heard your character had quite the soliloquy.”

Thor shifted uneasily, hoping that Stark hadn’t heard any specifics about said soliloquy—his character spent most of it crying in a very dramatic fashion—though he doubted that Loki had spared him that indignity. “Ah, that is, Loki may have taken liberties with the recounting of the battle against Malekith.”

“Liberties, huh? I would never have guessed,” Stark said wryly, lip quirking up into  smile. “Anyways, was there something you needed?”

Thor waved at the sanctum in explanation. “Ah, yes. I came to speak with infinity-beer—“ he paused at the venomous glare on Strange’s face. He was trying to get on the man’s good side at the moment and Thor’s friendly nickname for him was perhaps not the way to do that. “Ah, Doctor Strange,” he corrected quickly, pasting on a  guileless smile.

Stark nodded. “Right. That would explain why you’re here. Well, in that case I’m headed out. Nice to see you again, Thor.” He gave Strange a curt nod, and his voice went ice cold. “Strange.”

“Stark.” Strange’s voice was just as cold and his eyes remained narrowed as Stark turned away and headed out the door. The cloak that was always on Strange’s shoulders lifted off and floated after Stark. “The cloak will keep you from touching anything you shouldn’t.”

Stark made a dismissive gesture over his shoulder. “Please. As though I want to touch your hocus pocus, Strange.”

Strange snorted, clearly unbelieving. “The Cauldron of the Cosmos would like a word with you.”

Stark didn’t bother responding, disappearing down the hallway, cloak floating after him. Thor spared a moment to wonder if the sanctum disliked Stark as much as it disliked him. Strange certainly seemed to dislike Stark just as much.

He turned towards Strange and faltered. Because Strange was still staring in the direction Stark had disappeared, but his glare was gone, replaced with something… very different. Something that was very much not dislike. It was an expression that reminded Thor of the way he had felt when Jane had ended their relationship. A longing for something lost, for something that was now forever out of reach.

Thor shifted uncomfortably, knowing without a doubt that it was an expression that Strange definitely didn’t want Thor to have witnessed, much less empathized with. “Ah, is now a bad time?” he asked, letting his gaze dart around the study so that he wasn’t looking at Strange. Strange did not seem like the sort that would want Thor to bring attention to whatever he was currently feeling. Nor did Thor expect that Strange was the sort that would want to see Thor’s empathy, would likely misconstrue the emotion as something closer to pity. “I could have sent an electronic letter?”

He glanced back at Strange to see that the look had disappeared, his expression now completely neutral. He moved to a chair and sat down, gesturing for Thor to do the same.

Thor followed the instruction, settling into the same chair as last time. A cup appeared in Thor’s hand as he did, beer pouring into it. It really was a nifty trick; he would need to visit more often. Though he’d have to come up with a good excuse. Strange likely wouldn’t like the thought of him coming over purely for the infinity cup of beer. “Have you gotten a computer, yet?” Strange asked.

Thor blinked at him. “What for?”

Strange closed his eyes for a moment, shaking his head. “What can I do for you, Thor?”

Thor leaned forward, making sure to put on his most innocent expression. Strange sighed, not a good start. “It is about my brother,” he started, aiming for his most appeasing tone of voice.

“No,” Strange interrupted, voice bored. And really, Thor should at least be allowed to argue his brother’s case. Loki was a changed man, now. Or perhaps not ‘changed’ but he was at least changing, something that Thor really thought should be taken into account. “We’re not lifting our surveillance on your brother.”

“He really is much better now,” Thor entreated, his tone wasn’t quite pleading—he was king after all and pleading hardly gave the right impression—but he allowed it to be earnest. “Meeting our murderous half-sister really helped him put his priorities in order. He prefers more… minor mischief these days.” He didn’t expect that Loki would every truly stop his mischief, to do so he would no longer be Loki. Still, the difference in mischief that Loki was engaging in really should count for something.

Strange made a dismissive gesture. “That means nothing to me, nor to the rest of Kamar-Taj. But, if you really want to try to argue your case: take it to Wong.” He smiled, and it was a sharp thing. “He has even less patience than I do.” Thor had met Wong on one occasion and the man had looked entirely unimpressed with his very existence. It was a disinterest that Thor was not used to being on the receiving end of. Needless to say, Thor would prefer to avoid him. He was sure that if he could get Strange on his side, that Strange would be able to convince Wong and the other decision makers.

Thor frowned. There had to be some way to convince Strange that Loki deserved a chance. His brother was starting to grow… annoyed with the surveillance; Thor had no doubt that he would be the one who bore the brunt of that annoyance.

And really, there was only so many times he could get stabbed before the desire to stab back became too strong to resist. But he was king now, and stabbing his younger brother—even if said younger brother was Loki—was rather frowned upon, no matter how much said younger brother would deserve it.

What he needed was a way to help Strange see Loki in a better light. But Strange was rather adamantly against Loki; Thor couldn’t imagine anything that would possibly be enough to change Strange’s mind.

The memory of Strange staring after Stark popped back into his mind and with it the beginnings of an idea.

He drank half of the beer in one go, watching as it refilled itself immediately. He stood. “I understand,” he said, as diplomatically as he could, and he was proud to say that his diplomacy was improving in leaps and bounds. “You and the rest of Kamar-Taj must do what you feel is necessary. Perhaps in time you will see him as I do and change your mind.”

Strange looked like he thought that Thor was what Loki called an ‘overly optimistic fool’, but that was alright. Thor was not unused to people looking at him in such a way. Thor was quite certain that he’d be able to prove Strange wrong, just as he’d done many others in the past. Loki had long ago taught him the value in being underestimated; though admittedly it was a lesson that had taken Thor quite some time to learn.

“Until that fateful day,” Strange said, voice dry with his disbelief, “Loki will remain under surveillance as a potential threat to the earth.”

“Of course.” He sat the beer down on the table that appeared next to the chair. “I don’t suppose I could bother you for a portal to New Asgard? Stark has been rather adamant about not using Stormbreaker to travel via bifrost in public places, something about leaving a mess behind when I do.” 

Strange sighed long-sufferingly, but put on the ring he carried with him on his belt, opening a portal. Thor stepped through quickly, hearing the portal close instantly behind him.

His people greeted him cheerfully as he passed by them. They were healing, his people, and while there were cracks of grief that followed each of them, Thor could see the signs that New Asgard would recover. Would prosper.

He found his brother quickly in the middle of the town square. He was putting together another play, this one a rendition of their miraculous escape from Hela that had Loki being far more heroic than Thor recalled actually happening.

But that was the way of the arts, or so Loki told him.

Then, many of Thor’s own feats had, on rare occasion, been embellished. He could allow his brother a few of the same. Just so long as Thor’s character didn’t spend half the play crying this time.

“Brother,” he called out.

Loki turned at Thor’s call. “Did you get those pesky sorcerers to back off?” he asked, poorly hidden hope on his face.

“Not yet,” Thor admitted, a wave of guilt filling him at being unable to give better news. “But I have a plan,” he added quickly before Loki could get too disappointed. “You are going to convince Strange that you are both harmless and helpful.”

Loki’s expression twisted into something utterly vicious. “I shouldn’t need to convince that peddling magic user of anything,” Loki hissed under his breath. “I am far from harmless and entirely superior to him. If it were not for the fact that his order outnumbered me, I would be quick to prove it.”

“Yes, let’s… avoid that,” Thor said quickly; he could easily imagine that starting a chain of events that would end poorly for everyone. “No, I have a plan. One that between the two of us I know we can pull off. It will most certainly soften Strange’s opinion of you.” And then Strange could stand as Loki’s advocate before the rest of Kamar-Taj. Thor was certain that getting Strange on their side would open the door to future success.

Loki sighed, but waved at him to continue on with his explanation. Thor tried for his most guileless smile. Loki’s expression darkened, clearly recognizing the smile for what it meant. “I’m not going to like this,” Loki muttered under his breath, sounding entirely displeased with life in general and Thor in particular.

“On the contrary, you’re going to love it.” Hopefully. Probably. It was a form of mischief after all, even if more… benevolent than Loki was normally inclined. “I have discovered that Strange is carrying a torch for one of my shield brothers. If we were to… aid him in helping him achieve the affection of said comrade I am sure he would be much more inclined toward you.” He had seen even the gruffest of warriors soften when in love, and he doubted that Strange would be an exception to that rule. Hopefully.

There were an awful lot of ‘hopefully’s’ to this plan, Thor noted to himself, but decided not to mention that out loud. He needed to be convincing, and that sort of talk was the furthest thing from it.

And anyways, if they were successful with their venture and Strange still didn’t soften, Stark liked Loki, and perhaps his appreciation for Loki would rub off on Strange. Or at least Thor thought that it was yet another thought worth hoping for.

Loki’s expression seemed to go through all five stages of grief in rapid succession before it finally shifted and ended in sheer exasperation. “You want me to do what?”

“I’ll be helping you,” Thor was quick to add; it was important that Loki knew that Thor was on his side. Too often, in the past, had Thor failed to be on his brother’s side even when Loki had always been on his. “And it will be an excellent way to show that you are a changed man. That you are inclined toward, ah, helping, rather than hindering.”

Loki made a face, clearly displeased at the thought of ‘helping’. It was, admittedly, not something that Loki did particularly often. At least not in a straightforward fashion. Loki preferred his help to be subtle and his mischief to be seen. Thor didn’t entirely understand it, but it was Loki’s way. “No, most definitely not.” Loki shook his head. “I am not some… matchmaker!” He sounded absolutely disgusted, as though Thor had suggested something revolting.

Thor raised an eyebrow at that, unimpressed by both the tone and the claim. “I do remember Volstagg and Hildegund,” he told Loki a little exasperatedly. “And while I know you have tried to downplay your role, you were quite instrumental in helping the two of them finally come together as a couple.” He swallowed back the wave of grief at the thought of Volstagg’s death. Now was not the time for such things.

“I had nothing to do with that. And if I had—which I don’t—it was because Volstagg was completely hopeless,” Loki defended. “I simply could not stand his pining any longer. Any actions that I may have taken—negligible as they might be—would have been an act of self-preservation, nothing more.” Thor was rather certain that Loki was protesting too much for that to be the real reason, but he figured it would be better to not say as much.

Instead he focused on convincing Loki that this was not so different a situation. “Exactly,” Thor said eagerly. “This too is an act of self-preservation. And it is clear that Strange is quite desperately pining over Stark, you would—“

Loki straightened, the dark look in his eyes disappearing for gleaming mischief. “Did you say, Stark?” he asked, tone suddenly gleeful. “As in my Stark?” Thor doubted that Stark would be fond of being called Loki’s. But Loki had always been possessive of his friends. “As in the only mortal here that does not entirely aggravate me?”

Thor was pretty sure this reaction was as much a good sign as it was a worrying one. “Yes?” The word came out as more of a question than an answer.

Loki rubbed his hands together, smile sharp. Thor could practically see ideas and plans already running through Loki’s mind. “Why didn’t you say as much? I’m in.”

Well, that had been easier than Thor had expected. He wasn’t sure, yet, if that was a good thing or not. Oh well, he was certain this was all going to work out just fine.

“Excellent. We’ll have Strange convinced of your good nature in no time and the surveillance lifted.”

Loki just waved his hand dismissively, strangely distracted from the goal. “Right, right. Of course. Now, tell me what you noted between Stark and the sorcerer. I need information. Details. What did you notice?”

Ah. What had he noticed? “There was a great deal of glaring,” he tried. 

The look Loki gave him was completely unimpressed. “Glaring?” he asked. “That’s what you’ve got for me. That’s far from helpful. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that is distinctly unhelpful. I thought you said that Strange was carrying a torch. Surely you didn’t get that impression from glaring.” Loki scoffed.

“No,” Thor defended himself. “It wasn’t just the glaring. The moment Stark’s back was turned, Strange’s expression changed. He looked at Stark the way…” he shifted awkwardly. “Well, the way I imagine I look at Jane,” he admitted.

Loki, thankfully, did not comment on Thor’s admission. “More useful, I suppose. Still not what I’m looking for.” He tapped at his chin. “This will require surveillance. And interrogation.” He hummed thoughtfully, before starting to walk away from Thor. “I am going to New York. I have noticed that when I have spent time with Stark that Strange has a tendency to show up.” He shook his head. “I cannot believe I missed the signs. Of course the sorcerer holds a torch for Stark. I had thought it was his dislike of me and his desire to have me as far away as possible; it makes sense, though, that it is out of a misplaced need to protect Stark.” Loki scoffed. “As though I would harm one of the only mortals here that’s not entirely infuriating.”

“I can—“

Loki scoffed. “You are as subtle as a lumbering bilgesnipe, Thor. No. I can handle surveillance and subtle interrogation on my own.”

Thor scowled. He could be subtle! True, it was not his forte, but that did not mean he wasn’t capable of it! He sighed. Still, he’d gotten Loki on board with the plan. He had no doubts that soon Stark and Strange would be happily in love with one another and Strange would be forced to see that Loki had changed his ways and was now among the ‘good guys’. Plus, he would be in such a good mood from the previous stated ‘happily in love’ element of the plan that he’d be easier to persuade to leniency.

The plan was, if Thor said so himself, perfect.

Chapter Text

“Anthony.” Loki sauntered through the workshop. He stopped for a moment to pat DUM-E in that casually disinterested way he’d learned that allowed him to be affectionate without looking affectionate.

“Hey, Loki,” Anthony responded, glancing up at him briefly before focusing back down on whatever he was working on. Loki glanced an eye over it, but he had to admit that he didn’t have a clue what it was this time. “What are you doing here?”

“Nothing,” Loki lied. He could hardly say that he had shown up for the sheer purpose of bringing Strange here so that Loki could observe their interactions. For one, it would be terrible for his reputation if he was seen showing even the slightest interest in Strange’s doings, not with Loki’s distaste for the two-bit sorcerer. For the other, he could hardly alert Anthony of Strange’s interest in him until Loki had done a full analysis and determined the best path forward.

Anthony looked up again. “Seriously, Lokes? You always have a reason.”

“What is it with you and that abominable name,” Loki murmured. Lokes. Ridiculous. It was better than the nicknames, mind. Reindeer Games was an awful name that could die a fiery death. But Lokes.

Loki stalwartly ignored the way it sounded like something a friend might call him. That was simply something he couldn’t handle.

“You call me Anthony,” Anthony pointed out. “It’s Tony.”

Loki made a face at that. He refused to resort to a plebeian nickname that everyone else used. Anthony suited him just fine.

“Regardless, I am here for a drink. Perhaps you have time?”

Anthony frowned down at what he was working on, tilting his head in consideration. “Sure,” he decided. “I’m at a place I can stop.”

Anthony closed off his work, holograms disappearing around him as he led them out of the workshop and up to the living space. 

Anthony served them both drinks, Midgardian brewed alcohol for himself and some Asgardian brewed alcohol for Loki, before settling down on the couch. “Okay, so you’re absolutely not here for the alcohol,” Anthony told him. “So what are you really here for.”

“Can I not be here simply to escape the presence of my overbearing brother?”

Anthony shrugged. “Now that, I’d believe.” He took a sip of his drink. “I saw Thor this morning, do you know what he was doing at Strange’s place?”

“Attempting to work through a matter for me.” Loki waved his hand dismissively. “He failed, as expected. But it is what it is.”

“That’s right. They have you under surveillance.” Anthony smirked at him. “I’m surprised you haven’t found a way to avoid their magic yet.”

Loki grimaced. He’d thought he had initially, but dimensional magic was not the same as the seidr that he used and it was more difficult to work around than he had expected.  “What were you doing at Strange’s place?” he asked, deflecting the question and beginning his interrogation.

Anthony sighed. “Steve’s made me the liaison with Kamar Taj who made Strange the liaison with the Avengers.”

Hmm. Was Rogers aware of Strange’s supposed tendresse for Strange? Or was it merely the fact that Anthony had experience with collaboration?

“That goes well?”

Anthony snorted. “Strange despises me, but he’s capable of being professional.”

Loki hummed. “I am not surprised that he has no taste. You are tolerable.”

That earned him a laugh. “Thanks, Lokes. I’ll take ‘tolerable.’”

As he should. “I imagine you quite dislike him, then?”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to help you cause him problems, Loki.” He shrugged. “He’s fine. He’d actually be pleasant to be around if he didn’t hate me the way he does.” Anthony’s lips twitched. “Admittedly, sometimes I get a rise out of him on purpose. But he makes it easy.”

“Yes, well—“

A portal opened a few feet away and Loki watched as Strange stepped through, expression already irritated. “You,” he said, ignoring Anthony completely to focus on Loki—or at least appearing to, though the way Strange almost immediately stepped so that he was nearly between Loki and Anthony showed another matter altogether. “Are supposed to be in New Asgard.”

“Am I not allowed to visit a friend?” Loki asked, sipping at his own drink, relishing in the slight burn. “I know it may be difficult to conceptualize, but there are those of us who have those.”

Anthony sighed. “Really, Loki? Do you have to antagonize him?”

Loki allowed himself an indelicate snort. “This, coming from you. As if you do not antagonize him?” Had Anthony not just admitted to that particular fact.

Anthony shrugged, a smirk on his lips.

“As I thought.  You are the master of antagonism. In fact, I recall that when we first met you threatened me and then made comments about my performance issues.” He aimed the words at Anthony, but kept his gaze on Strange, knowing exactly how Anthony would continue this conversation and wanting to get a feel for Strange’s reaction.

Anthony laughed. “And then you threw me out a window.” Strange’s eyes flared with protective anger, twitching a little in such a manner that indicated he wanted to move closer to Anthony as though he could spare him from past pains. “Strange might do the equivalent to you. You know how much you hate falling through his portals.”

Loki truly did hate it.

It was not just the fact that it gave Strange an advantage against him, but it reminded him of those moments when he had fallen into the void, a seemingly endless fall that Loki had thought would kill him. 

If only he had been so lucky. Death would have been kinder than Thanos.

But no one, not even Thor, knew what memories the portals provoked in him and Loki would never expose such weakness, even if he suspected that if he hinted at it that Strange would never use the portals against him in such a way again. From what he had heard, the man was too soft-hearted, underneath all of the… prickliness that seemed to be a defining trait, especially when Loki was involved.

“Yes,” Loki said, responding to Tony’s suggestion. “Strange does lack some imagination in his choice of magic.”

“I believe in efficacy,” Strange said, voice sharp with annoyance.

Loki rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. Whatever you say.”

Strange looked a second away from creating a portal and dropping Loki through it. Loki prepared himself mentally for the moment, but before Strange could, Anthony was standing from his seat and moving into Strange’s space. “Hey, come on, he’s not doing anything right now. He was pardoned for New York.”

Loki considered the action. Anthony had twice now stated that he believed that Strange hated him, but the easy way he moved into Strange’s space and the easy plead indicated at least some subconscious knowledge that Strange would yield to him.

How interesting.

“Loki’s pardon has no sway on the Masters of Kamar Taj,” Strange said pointedly, body angling slightly so he could better see Anthony without losing sight of Loki. Loki preened a little at being considered a threat.

Anthony rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I know, you and your cult—“

“We’re not a cult,” Strange snapped.

Anthony raised his hands, genuine apology slipping into his tone. “—your order, sorry. You guys don’t like Loki, and I get it. He’s… Well, he’s Loki.”

“Excuse you,” Loki said, all feigned offense.

Anthony sent him a teasing grin, a sparkle in his eyes. And oh, Strange was never going to like Loki if Anthony continued to so obviously favor him. It was quite the rush.

“But he’s a good guy. So why don’t you… I don’t know, sit down and have a drink. Get to know him like the civilized person you are.”

“I have no desire to ‘get to know him’,” Strange said coldly.

“I didn’t hear a no to the drink,” Anthony said, ignoring the tone easily. “The way I see it is you can have a drink and keep an eye on Loki for his visit, which you clearly want to do. Or you can trust that Loki isn’t going to cause any problems and go back to doing whatever it is you do in your sanctum while Loki and I catch up.”

Loki was not surprised when Strange clenched his jaw but accepted the drink.

Loki could see why Anthony would come away from the interaction with the opinion that Strange disliked him. But Loki suspected that had it been anyone other than Anthony, Loki would already be falling from a portal and would have landed rather unceremoniously in New Asgard.

The only question would be whether it would be instant or if Strange would have made a point.

“So,” Anthony said, turning back to Loki as Strange sat down. “I hear you’re putting together a new play? What was it called again, ‘Ragnarok: The Broken Children of Odin’.” Anthony raised an eyebrow. “I thought you’d made peace with the whole Odin thing.”

“Hardly,” Loki said. “I may have realized that I maintained some level of affection for him, and that I am… gratified to know that he did care about me in his own shattered way, but that does not erase his numerous crimes. Crimes that I see now were far more numerous than I had initially believed.” 

In truth, while Loki had forced himself to recognize that he loved Odin, he had also come to realize that Ragnarok was almost entirely to blame on Odin, who had known that his death was the key to unlocking Hela and yet he had done nothing to prepare Asgard nor he and Thor for Hela and the truths she bore.

“You locked away his memories and magic then abandoned him on Earth,” Strange said, seemingly unimpressed.

“And he locked away my identity and held me on Asgard,” Loki retorted. “He had mere years here, I lived with his lies for centuries.”

Strange considered him for a moment then nodded. “A fair point. Perhaps he could have suffered in his ignorance a while longer.”

Loki blinked in surprise at the acknowledgment that, in some ways, Loki had been justified in his reaction to Odin. Anthony sent the two of them a warm smile, as though he and Strange had done something remarkable by ‘getting along’ with each other.

Oh Norns. They must be truly sorry case if Anthony was so pleased with such minimal interaction.

Especially since, based on Anthony’s comments, he held no particular fondness for Strange. Though Anthony didn’t seem to entirely dislike him, either. He simply tailored his reactions to Strange’s mood towards him.

“Regardless.” Loki waved a hand dismissively, mulling over the thought. “The play goes well. I’ve been told that it is considered quite an honor to be chosen for many of the roles. I’ve got a number of my fellow Asgardians lining up to play the Hero Loki.”

Anthony, who had been sipping at his alcohol, started coughing and choking over his drink Loki narrowed his eyes at him as Anthony gathered himself back together. That was an entirely unnecessary reaction.

“Sorry, Lokes,” Anthony said. “It’s just that Thor implied something about your, ah… interpretation of events last time I saw him.”

“Ignore him,” Loki said superciliously. “He is merely displeased that my role is more interesting than his own.”

“I’m certain it is,” Strange said dryly.

Loki narrowed his eyes at him. He turned back to Anthony. “Perhaps you can be there opening night, as my guest of honor.”

Anthony looked mildly bemused. “Sure. I’ve always been a fan of the arts. And I’m sure your play is going to be… entertaining.” The way his lip twitched, meant that he thought it was going to be hilarious. Which, when one considered some of Thor’s lines, was perhaps not unfair a belief.

Not that Anthony knew that yet.

But then, perhaps Anthony knew enough of him and his mild vendetta against Thor. At least there were no more attempts at stabbing Thor—no matter how much Thor might deserve it. Rather Loki settled for merely needling at Thor in a variety of ways.

Progress was being made, no matter what some people might think.

Loki gave Strange his best look of dismissal. “I suppose you are welcome to attend, Strange.”

Strange’s gaze darted to Anthony and Loki could practically read his thoughts. Accept Loki’s offer and concede to some degree of friendliness and have the opportunity to ‘go out’ with Anthony—even if it were not an actual courting event—or reject the offer and maintain their current status quo, but lose out on the opportunity to spend time with Anthony.

“I’ll consider it,” Strange said neutrally.

Ah, so the status quo was maintained. For now.

Anthony snorted. “Not a fan of the arts, Strange?” He sipped at his alcohol, looking at Strange over the rim of his glass with a raised eyebrow.

“I enjoy the arts,” Strange defended. “I’m simply not certain how I feel about Loki as a playwright.”

Humor glinted in Anthony’s eyes. “Only one way to find out.” He leaned forward, expression teasing. “Come on, Strange. Live a little.”

Strange looked faintly mesmerized by the smile, though Loki was sure that Anthony failed to notice. “Unlike you, I fail to see how expending wasted time at Loki’s beck and call is ‘living a little’,” the words came out so cold as to be icy, in complete opposition to the way his gaze nearly pled to accept, now that it was Anthony essentially offering.

Anthony just rolled his eyes, turning away from Strange to look back at Loki. “Ignore him. He’s just sour.”

Regret flickered through Strange’s gaze.

How entirely ridiculous, Loki thought. Strange’s tone emphasized sheer disinterest, almost disdain. Loki couldn’t fathom what was behind the obvious self-sabotage, but now that Loki was looking for it, it was clear that that was what it was.

Loki didn’t doubt that Strange had his reasons. Loki also didn’t doubt that the reasons were utterly idiotic. Loki had never had any interest in a romance of his own, but he’d subtly—and not so subtly at times, which was the only reason Thor had picked up on some of his efforts—played matchmaker for over a dozen different pairings. He considered himself something of an expert. Strange, Loki had to concede—very reluctantly, mind—was not the worst potential suitor for Anthony.

Anthony needed someone intelligent and bold. And, as much as Loki loathed acknowledging it, Strange was both. The magic was somewhat of a surprise; Anthony was almost painfully science-minded, but really, the more Loki thought over it, the more he found the contradiction appealing.

Anthony needed someone to force him to stretch his understanding. Strange filled that role remarkably well. Of course, Loki considered himself the superior in that regards, but Strange would work fine as a secondary source.

Strange also had a biting tongue. Anthony would be too quickly bored by someone without a bit of bite to them. 

Yes, as loathe as Loki was to admit it, Thor had somehow managed to stumble on quite the remarkable development. This, here, was a matchmaking opportunity worthy of Loki’s skill. Not that he was every going to actually give Thor credit for it. Loki was going to end up doing all the work anyways. He always did. And Thor’s romantic explorations had always ended… poorly. 

At some point Loki was probably going to have to step in and find Thor a partner—and Loki had thought Foster had been a good choice, but she had apparently wised up—that could handle him.

Loki shook the thoughts away. “I always ignore Strange,” Loki told Anthony, getting back to the point. “I find he has little to contribute.”

Strange’s eyes flashed with annoyance, followed by a twist of pain as Anthony laughed. And really, Strange’s eyes were ridiculously expressive. How had Loki never noticed before? It would have certainly given him quite the advantage in some of their other encounters.

Likely, it was because Loki had dismissed Strange early on as nothing other than a nuisance.

It dawned on him with some horror that if—when—he managed to get Anthony and Strange together, he was going to have to, he shuddered, befriend Strange

“Are you quite finished?” Strange bit out. “Or do you two plan on blathering about all day.”

Anthony rolled his eyes. “Loki’s been here maybe twenty minutes, Strange. I told you, you don’t have to stay. Loki knows how to behave himself.”

“You’ll forgive me if I doubt that,” Strange muttered, just loud enough for Loki to hear. Though he doubted Strange realized just how sensitive his hearing was compared to the average human’s.

Loki couldn’t even truly be offended because he was up to something.

“Honestly, I’m surprised the two of you don’t get along better,” Tony noted. “You’re both assholes with magic. Shouldn’t that be a recipe for the two of you being BFFs or whatever terminology people use these days.”

“BFFs?” Strange asked, sounding disgusted. “Really?”

Loki despaired that his Allspeak didn’t adequately translate whatever 'BFFs’ meant, because he was sure if he actually knew, he’d have plenty of scathing retorts. As it was, he figured it meant something friendly.

“He is—“

“Nope,” Anthony interrupted. “That was not an opening for the two of you to start slandering each other.” He rolled his eyes. “Neither of you are particularly creative.”

Loki was mildly offended at that. His ability to create effective and blistering insults was unparalleled.

“Fine,” he said stiffly. “I shall refrain. But I will have you know that my magic—“

“Nope,” Anthony interrupted a second time. “I really do not care whose magic is supposedly superior.”

All right, so sometimes Loki’s insults were predictable, but that was one instance and not an example of his normal contributions.

“Anyways,” Anthony continued. “Tell me about what’s going on in New Asgard?”

Loki accepted the topic change, filling Anthony in on first the actual status of New Asgard before falling into the newest gossip. Anthony might not know all of the people Loki talked about, but he was an absolute gossip whore.

Strange looked mildly annoyed by the whole thing, but Loki caught the snort of amusement that occasionally escaped, despite Strange’s best efforts to maintain his state of aloof disinterest. The disinterest didn’t seem capable of standing against Anthony’s laugh, though. Loki watched carefully, noting the longing in Strange’s eyes when Anthony let out a particularly delighted laugh. “Oh god. Who introduced them to video games? Didn’t anyone warn them to stay away from the trolls?”

“It is the fault of Thor’s new friends,” Loki said in disgust.

“Who introduced them to video games?” Anthony asked. “Aren’t they aliens? What in the world would they knew about Nintendo?”

Loki shrugged. He didn’t pay much attention to Thor’s new friends. They were more tolerable than the Warriors Three or Sif had been, but he didn’t see the point in general with engaging in people who ‘put up’ with him wholly because they wanted to be on Thor’s good side.

He could make his own friends, thank you very much. Anthony being one such example.

“Regardless,” Loki said. “This ‘Mario’ has become quite popular among Asgard.” He shrugged. “I do not understand the appeal myself.”

“Yeah, me neither,” Anthony admitted.

Loki finally finished his drink and stood. “Well, I’ll be off. Rehearsal for my play should be beginning soon. Someone needs to make sure that it goes well.”

Anthony snorted, standing as well. “Yeah. Looking forward to seeing it.” His lip twitched up in amusement. “I’m sure it’ll be… entertaining.”

“As though it would be anything else.” He glanced at Strange who had stayed mostly silent during the encounter. “You are still invited,” he said, feigning graciousness purely because he knew it would irritate Strange. “If you can deign to attend. You can be Anthony’s plus one.”

Strange’s gaze darted to Anthony who merely snorted. “Are you trying to convince him to come, or ensure that there’s no chance of it?” Anthony asked. “Because making him attend with me is a surefire way to make sure he stays far away.”

Another flicker of regret entered Strange’s gaze. “I can’t imagine why,” Strange said, tone a little snide. “You’re such enjoyable company.”

Anthony just waved a hand at Strange as though that proved his point.

Loki just shrugged. “Perhaps he’ll see sense.” Strange would, if Loki had any say in it. “You’re mildly tolerable.”

Anthony just rolled his eyes. “From you, that’s high flattery.”

At least Anthony recognized it. Loki bid him a final goodbye then tugged at his seidr to travel back to New Asgard and the abode he shared with Thor.

Thor was waiting eagerly for him. “Was your interrogation a success?”

Loki made a face. “You were not… completely hopeless,” he said. “Strange clearly harbors some affection for Stark. Stark is, however, completely oblivious and somewhat ambivalent.”

Ambivalent, Loki could work with. Anthony didn’t dislike Strange, he’d simply taken Strange’s own attitude towards him and decided it wasn’t worth the effort.

But Rogers had already ensured that there were reasons for Strange and Anthony to interact and Loki had a few ideas of his own.

“Then our plan will work?”

Loki hated that he had to admit that it had been Thor’s plan. That was all right, Loki was going to be the one who actually made the plan work. That was the important part.

“Perhaps,” he said neutrally. “I have a few ideas in mind.”

Thor beamed. “Excellent. I have a very good feeling about this.”

It was rare that he and Thor agreed on anything, but Loki did this time. He had a very good feeling indeed.