the variant time files make me crazy. they make me insane.
DOSSIER #201
R.V.A CASE LL-4.1 & DX-4.1 | ENGLAND, 1813
You swear he will be the death of you.
It's an unconditionally hot summer — but that doesn't stop the men from gathering on the front lawn of the manor for a good game of rugby in the late afternoon sun.
Beside Jane and Darcy under the pergola, you bury your face into your fan.
Mr. Loki has forgone his jacket — there's rivets of sweat running down the long, strong stretch of his neck and chest. His sleeves have been rolled up, and you inhale tightly as you watch him laugh at something Thor says and back peddles down the greenery. He's all legs. Tall, sharp, and handsome.
And sweating.
Good lord.
You reach for a glass of lemonade. The condensation bites at your fingertips. You feel a bead of sweat run down your back.
Even here, in the shade, it's hot.
Blame the view.
Jane and Darcy are no better. The conversation died a while ago when the jackets and shirts were tossed to the grass in favor of denoting teams.
When the match finally ends, you try your best to fan yourself and resume your reading. Jane and Darcy decide the heat isn't worth suffering any longer.
Loki has other plans.
He's still a bit out of breath when he approaches the covered tea-table. His smile is boyish — a rarity.
"I hope you enjoyed the sport."
You drag your eyes across him. "Seemed rough."
Loki squints into the sun, his hands perched on narrow hips. He perches one leg up on the second step, and leans. He looks relaxed. Truly a sight you try to remember. He must have noticed.
"I believe we're headed to the pond for a swim," he says, turning to eye Thor back over his shoulder, "Should be back in time for dinner."
His curls are sticking to the back of his neck. You can see the muscles of his back through the thin linen of his shirt.
You clear your throat. "Do enjoy."
"I'd offer another view," he says slowly and with enough coy to kill, "But, I fear that may not be entirely decent for a lady of your standing."
You nearly choke on your water.
"Must you tease?"
His laugh is gentle. "It's in my nature, Doctor."
"Yes, well," you mutter as you stand, "Enjoy the swim."
You gather your book, and turn — but before you can step down, there's a hand offered to you. Loki looks softer and less like the man whom you'd had such a dire rivalry with during the spring. Summer has brought different feelings, it seems.
You take his hand and ignore the burn of your skin on his.
He helps you down the steps, then gives a small, courteous bow.
"Perhaps... Chess, after dinner?" he calls, after you return the bow and begin down the path.
Quote & Inspo from my favorite chapter of #ftvwl from @whirlybirbs. I pictured this line with a whole lotta anger at what he saw, knowing at what he predicted was going to play out in that scene, and helplessness from what he still felt powerless to. I'm impacted from the important moments from well written fanfics. No, I've only had 1 drink, yes its a giant four loko <3
doc has just started her career as team asgard’s head athletic trainer after selvig’s retirement the year before.
laufeyson goes down after a slide tackle to the horrified sound of the crowd. he was on track for a record season. the center forward is now out for the 2024 season.
cut to loki hating doc because she’s the one who hands down the news about his rehab time, hating because she’s intent on making sure he plays next season, hating because she’s kind despite his anger.
and he is angry. he might as well quit. he will never play again. just last week he was a star athlete in his prime — a paparazzi’s dream. now he is some fame-starved, hungover loser. he sits on the damn bench.
but that damn doc pushes. and pushes. long days when he can finally wear a brace, to rehabbing his knee entirely. sunsets in the summer over the pitch as she runs drills. again. again. again.
