[On shoulder lifts casually, head canted briefly to one side as Loki continues to study the final effect.]
You've met me.
[And, admittedly, Loki did wear clothes very much like his brother's. That nevertheless hardly made the look scream 'witch.' Just... something else. Something a bit cozy around the edges that didn't bear naming.
It's easy enough to drift along behind Lin Lie to the bedroom, idle flutters of wind still catching at the edges of the cloak. It's a little less easy to keep not naming things when it feels so lovely to be told someone wants to see him all in gold. (Maybe that's a normal friend thing to say here in Midgard. It feels a bit more twisting and pleasant in his gut.)
But clearly back to easy when there's smooth silks and intricate embroidery to examine. Loki isn't well known for his immense respect for... well, anything, but he's certainly minding his manners now, bending over the box to examine the clothing without beginning to paw or prod.]
...it's quite elegant.
[Less respectful is the clear surprise that Lin Lie owns something elegant, but there's only so much restraint Loki can have at any given time.]
That's why I've said 'many of those' and not 'none.'
[ Lin Lie knows that gender—and even species—is a flexible thing for Loki and that he, obviously, is very adept at magic, so it doesn't surprise him that the god would like to go by "witch" instead of "wizard" like Dr. Strange. It is frankly not a big deal for him, so his voice is calm and unassuming, simply accepting what the other has said, but he now wonders if it's more relevant for Loki or considered unusual in Asgard.
He catches from the corner of his eyes the fringes of the cloak still moving with an unnatural breeze, and he throws a pleased and amused look at the other man. When he sits on the bed next to the box and Loki, he's careful with the cloak as to not crumple it or let the edges brush against the floor. He's pleased to see that Loki seems to take the same kind of care with the offered clothes, because this, too, is him sharing a very personal part of his culture. The jab at his fashion taste is less appreciated but more expected, and it only makes Lin Lie reach out and playfully bat at Loki's arm. ]
Jerk. I am not allergic to wearing nice things! And this... [ Lin Lie's finger gently runs over the back of the jacket, tracing the face of the lion there. ] My nai nai hand-sewed it; it took her some time, but she managed to finish in time for the Spring Festival. Oh, 'nai nai' means grandmother, more exactly, my father's mother.
[ He doesn't have a mother or any family from that side, so the distinction is needed. It's been enough time that the fact doesn't hurt Lin Lie as much as it once did, but it also makes his father's and brother's absence all the worse. But that doesn't matter now; he's having a good time, and he's going to nudge the box closer to Loki. ]
If this doesn't offend your sensibilities, then do you want to try it or not? I can turn around.
ofc <3 html may hate us sometimes but the tags are always A+
[It's nice, not having to explain the fluidity of his existence, but even nicer to have such easy acknowledgement as a witch. Something a bit pleased stays flickering in the back of Loki's eyes, even as they soften through the story of the clothing.]
She's quite the talent. [Delicately, he moves closer, smoothing carefully along a hem.] Incredible stitchwork.
[There's a very genuine depth to the compliment, real appreciation in the light examination he's giving the clothes. He's seen incredibly competent workmanship over the centuries--and he's done quite a bit of stitchwork himself, between fussing through his own clothing and fixing up battle wounds. This clearly commands his genuine respect.
His hands stay respectful as he gently lifts out the pants and changshan to set neatly on the bed. His tone is back to teasing as he (once again) begins peeling out of his armor.] Oh, darling, you know I prefer an audience.
[Or, in a real way, absolutely did not care if Lin Lie did or didn't look.]
I can't code when I'm sleep deprived, sob. But aah thank you, your Loki is fantastic too ♥
[ Now that this has been brought up, Line Lie wonders if he's been addressing Loki incorrectly all this time. The problem is that pronouns in his first language compared to English are very different, both in terms of formality level and definition. ]
Hey, I mean to ask. Would you be more comfortable if I used 'they' to address you? I'm having some trouble with the English translation of the usual pronoums since I think of things first in my native language.
In Mandarin, the third-person pronouns are gendered in both singular and plural, but the masculine and feminine variants sound identical. We just use different characters when writing them down. So the only technically correct way to refer to someone as gender neutral in Mandarin is when speaking.
It gets even more complex when I am using Mandarin while written in Traditional Chinese, like they do in K'un Lun, because while all human pronouns are once again gendered, a third is used for holy beings. Which vary from a general idea of 'god' to a general usage for any supernatural divine creature, and then there are non-human pronouns, classified by animacy, while all are pronounced exactly the same. And you are a god, so...
[ Okay, Lin Lie realizes a second too late that he's yapping. Honestly, he could talk for hours about linguistics and history; that's what happens when you have a scholar with no outlet because he's no longer in college. ]
Sorry, that was probably too much.
[ Embarrassing. He would not be surprised if Loki called him a nerd. But the god seems busy admiring his nai nai, and the view makes Lin Lie feel all warm inside for some reason. He knows Loki wouldn't praise someone or something just for the sake of giving a good impression, so he must mean it. ]
She would have been proud to know someone enjoyed her handiwork. Just like she would love you enjoying it.
[ He's tempted to grin at Loki and lie back to enjoy the spectacle, but in the end he only does the former. ]
I'll just help you adjust it if needed; wrapping the waist ornament so it doesn't slip down can be quite tricky.
[ He doesn't openly stare when Loki changes into the clothes, but he also does not not stare, appreciating the way the silk clings to the other man's frame. The jacket might be a bit loose due to their shoulder difference, but it all will look good on Loki all the same. Gold truly can be his color. ]
lmao same; the struggle is so real!! also just always so pleased with these two being dorks :')
[It's an interesting start to a question as Loki sheds his outer layers, head cocked just slightly as he manages the buckles and straps. It's certainly less confused than many other questions have been, a soft sensation like being understood curling against his mind.
It's just that it goes from a question to an explanation to, by the time Loki's stripped down to the waist, apparently a short dissertation on linguistics. It's very nerdy. It's a bit charming. It's probably too much, but it crooks a smile sideways into Loki's lips.]
You really have a pronoun for gods? [That's not the point. Before the next lecture can derail them, the Asgardian briefly holds up one finger.] Any are fine, for what it's worth. [There will come a time when 'they' feels the most right most often. There were versions of himself he'd crossed brief paths with, thriving in that place in their lives. For now, however...] My mother calls me her son, so.
[So the words usually turned out 'he' and 'prince' and 'brother.' They fit well enough, when they came more or less from that all-important source.
Switching out trousers is a quick business, not much more than a quick flash of long bare legs before the structed Asgardian garment is replaced with the softer fall of the Midgardian set. There's more of a pause with the pendant, Loki's head tilting to one side before simply shifting closer so that Lin Lie will help him as he starts working carefully into the changshan.]
Yes and yes, I love these two. And sorry for the delay!
We do. 'He' when referring to a God is pronounced tā.
[ And he will leave it at that, well aware that poor Loki doesn't need a second 5-minute speech about Mandarin. The linguistic explanation gets a little out of hand, but Lin Lie was sincere in his want to know how better to address Loki to make him comfortable, so having any type of answer is good. ]
Okay, then I'll use male pronouns. Just let me know if that changes. [ The smile on Lin Lie's lips reinforces the idea that he will have zero problems with Loki's preferences, now or in the future. His gaze goes down to the other man's fair legs, appreciating their length, before he catches himself and looks away.
As Loki puts on the changshan, Lin Lie reaches out after that wordless request to unfasten the cords of the belt. He has to briefly circle and put his arms around Loki's waist so he can grab the other end of the belt, and for a moment, he's pretty close to the man's hip and very much unaware of said closeness, eyes down and focused on the pendant and tassels. The quickness with which he manages to weave the cord of the belt into an elaborate shape shows how familiar he is with this type of knot, even though his hands shake slightly. ]
[There will be time for more lectures. There will be time for the questions that Loki's native curiosity is kicking up and clamoring for answers to. For now, it's probably more important to finish getting dressed.
Also important to mark, with the weight of genuine appreciation, the kindness of the offer.] I will. [Wait for it.] ...thank you.
[Acceptance and understanding are actually nicer than the sensation of eyes and hands on him--and those are incredibly, incredibly nice. Certainly quite nice to have even the glancing touches of standing too close and being helped into a belt.
The fit of the changshan clearly isn't exactly right, if closer than Loki would have guessed. There won't be any magical alterations, although there will be a few moments of letting his fingers simply continue to delicately explore the quality of the fabric and stitchwork as things settle into place.
One cool hand rests lightly on Lin Lie's arm as Loki twists and turns slightly, trying to catch both sides of the outfit.]
[ Lin Lie would be more than willing to both chat and answer Loki's curious questions once they happen; he's always found seeking and sharing all sorts of knowledge—even if it comes peppered with occasional teasing comments—to be one of the best things you can do with other people. He's fairly surprised at how relaxed and natural his conversations with Loki have turned out, to the point they're plain dress-up.
He's even more taken aback by the gratitude in the god's voice, to the point it leaves Lin Lie looking up at him, blinking quickly before his brain processes the miracle. ]
Oh, of course. [ Rubbing the back of his head, he gives the other man a coy smile, his voice soft. ] Anytime, Loki.
[ Not only is Loki saying that noteworthy, but Lin Lie is also not used to being thanked much for anything, so he doesn't expect it. He's glad, though, that he's managed to make Loki comfortable.
Once the belt is ready and the changshan's fabric is falling down Loki's front and legs, he reaches out to tug at some of the fabric on the side, helping to smooth the possible wrinkles. Lin Lie gets a good look at Loki once the god turns to face him completely, and brown eyes gaze up and down, admiring the way the clothes cling to his frame. It is not a perfect fit but close enough that it makes for a striking view all the same.
Lin Lie knows that Loki could magically adjust it to his body, but when that doesn't happen, part of him is very grateful that his grandmother's hard work remains unaltered. ]
Yes. [ Loki's palm resting on his shoulder is a nice weight, and he doesn't mind it. In fact, Lin Lie's own reaches up to gently give Loki's hip a squeeze. ] It might not be your exact size, but you're glowing. Now I know what to get you for Christmas.
[Casual contact is such a wonderful thing. The small brushing touches of pulling one another into clothing were all well and good, but this stray reaching for one another without need is properly lovely.
Still, after a moment, Loki can force himself to let his own hand flit away again, reaching for the jacket to shrug into.]
"Glowing?" [There's a hint of amusement in his voice, perhaps. Mostly there's only the pleased little perk of soaking up compliments.] What does that even mean?
[He knows how it makes him feel, certainly, which is more than enough to feel pleased.]
[ To have someone reaching out to him with no intention to fight Lin Lie is also a novelty to him. It is also a problem because he might grow too fond of it and then miss it when it's not something he can enjoy often. But that might be an issue for another day. ]
Well, you know... [ Lin Lie makes a vague gesture with his hand, which clarifies nothing about what Loki is supposed to know about the glowing praise. Perhaps saying that was a bit much; he realizes it once he's already said it, Loki. It simply fits; he can't explain it very well, but hey, he might as well own it. ] It means that you look good. The color complements your eyes.
[ He stands after that and makes a point of not staring into those specific eyes, lest he make a fool of himself again. Their faces are at the same eye level, but Lin Lie's gaze is looking down, checking how the jacket falls on Loki's shoulders. ]
I do look good. [The usual spritely ego, but there's a touch of genuine depth as well.] Well spotted.
[But it is a bit nice to be told he looks good in someone else's clothing, not quite fitted and certainly not the usual well-crafted styling. It is a bit lovely to know someone who doesn't seem overly interested in this sort of thing has taken note of one's eyes.
And, really, this doesn't not suit him. It isn't exactly Asgardian style but--like the robes Lin Lie is currently wearing--it rhymes in a way the feels a bit natural at the edges. Loki moves with a slight delicacy as he gives another spin, but that's much more respect than discomfort.
There's no discomfort in the little gasp of something like affront as he faces the other again properly.]
Ridiculous. It's much better than "not bad." [The cloak Lin Lie's wearing doesn't need straightening, but Loki reaches to fuss with it all the same.] Look at us, hm?
[ Rolling his eyes at that cheeky answer is tempting, but Loki does look good, and Line Lie was sincere in his praise. Plus it's hard to call out Loki on his self-pride when there's that underlying joy in his tone. ]
Don't let it go to your head. [ It's what he says in the end while brushing some invisible dust from Loki's shoulders. Lin Lie doesn't sound all that chastising about it. He takes a step back and watches Loki spin in place, trying to keep his own smile in check in the process.
He's seen foreigners wear all kinds of (usually cheap) clothes from his culture before; tourists or people who dress up for some cosplay or another, who fail to give them the reverence they deserve. To them it's just an insensitive game, playing dress-up. It feels different with Loki and the way he handles the clothes he's been offered. Perhaps because Lin Lie is also trying his best to be careful with the Asgardian robes he's wearing, understanding their importance. ]
So fussy. [ There's fondness in his voice and he stays still while Loki also fiddles with the cloak. ] Fine, you look good enough that it is worth immortalizing the moment. We could take a picture. Or are the clothes I am wearing a secret, since they belong to Thor?
[Alas, the praise has already gone to Loki's head. Thankfully, his ego comes in waves; self-recrimination will bring him crashing back down at some point soon enough.
For now, there's no shadow of the impending crash. Wearing something graceful requires graceful movement, but there's also something chipper and pleased in the slight spring of Loki's step as he slides to chase down wherever he's abandoned his phone.]
Oh, I doubt he'd recognize his own clothes in a picture of himself.
[In a much realer way, he doubts his brother would begrudge him a few borrowed articles in the clear face of enjoying time with a friend. He doesn't like the henning sensation of Thor wanting him to go off and find people who didn't think he was "too much;" still, it's got to come in handy for moments like this.
Finding his phone means finding the little bouquet of cake pops he'd also brought as part of this whole shebang, molded into little black dragon heads he absolutely does not recognize.] --unless you spill on it. He might notice that.
[ Self-worth issues are not an uncommon thing for Lie Lie, and he doesn't wish them on anyone. He can deal with Loki having a bit of an inflated sense of grandeur; it might be better than the alternative. They just have to keep each other in check to balance things out, and that's it. ]
Ah, well in that case, if you are sure. That's great.
[ He follows Loki, surprised at how quickly he makes up his mind about the photo suggestion and goes to fetch the phone; Lin Lie doesn't even know where he left his own. Maybe somewhere in his jacket or his jeans, who knows. He isn't always the most organized person out there and has lost more than one by accidentally dropping the phone from skyscrapers while patrolling as the Iron Fist. But he needs to find it too, so he can take a few extra photos of Loki as well.
The mission of finding his own phone gets immediately sidetracked when he sees the sweet Loki brought him. To say that Line Lie looks delighted would be an understatement. ]
Are those little Toothless dragon cake pops? Oh, heaves, they're almost too cute to eat.[ But no, he still is going to. Eventually. ] No, no! I'll be careful, I don't want to stain the clothes.
there were so many cute ones to choose from!! people are so talented!!
[The question has Loki frowning, leaning closer again to study the little sweets.]
...they have teeth. I mean, not real ones, obviously.
[The list of movies Loki has not seen but absolutely should is honestly incredibly long. At this rate, they'll simply have to have another day lounging around this apartment, sharing more culture and probably eating more adorable snacks. Such a burden.
Hopefully less of a burden to have Loki, who has found his phone, snap a few quick pictures of Lin Lie examining the treats. At least one is going to Wanda. She deserves updates in the reverse, surely.
Because proving to your friends that you know how to have friends is a very normal thing.]
[ Loki not knowing it's an absolute tragedy that must be remedied. ]
You are so sweet when you have no idea what you are talking about. [ Any other person saying that might sound mean, but Lin Lie looks amused in a charming way that's a bit hard to hate. ]
I'll explain. The cake pops are modeled after a black dragon from a movie, and his name is Toothless. He has teeth, too, but his teeth are retractable, and the Viking who met him named him that. It's a fun movie; it's called 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and we need to watch it one day and properly educate you.
[ Lin Lie eventually reaches out to grab one of the cake pops and doesn't immediately notice that Loki has already been snapping photos. When he does, he smiles and then eats the cake pop in one bite because those are the rules. He makes a happy low hum as he savors the treat and then glues himself to Loki's side, one arm wrapping around the man's waist so they can both fit in the picture, smiling. ]
Ready when you are. Qiézi! [ Which is the Chinese equivalent of saying 'cheese' for the camera. It sounds similar, but it means 'eggplant' instead. ]
[Just the grumpiest little look at being called "sweet," and another for being told he has no idea what he's talking about. It is, admittedly, a bit undercut by the explanation, because it's incredibly difficult for Loki to be anything but curious--and there's a density of information there which clearly needs unpacking.
Also difficult to look grumpy with someone happily munching on a cake pop. Harder still when getting tugged into essentially a one-armed hug with a cheerful grin.
Besides, that kicks in the instinct to pull his own arm around Lin Lie's shoulders, hand with his phone lifting to a flattering angle as the crooked smile slats into place.] --appelsin!
[It is weird how many different foods got said in different parts of the world as a reaction to cameras. Collecting them is fun, as is snapping a few rapid joint selfies of the pair of them in their exchanged outfits. Pictures accomplished, it's back to the slightly grumpy but curious face.]
How many movies have they made about the Vikings? They absolutely did not have cameras when we were here.
[Should he be untangling now that the photos are done? Probably. And yet, here he is, comfortable.]
[ That only makes the whole thing funnier. This time, Lin Lie would show some self-restraint, something usually unheard of when he is involved, and not point out to Loki that he is pouting. Lin Lie does have some survival instinct.
And yes, it is interesting how many different food-related words are used for these things; when Lie Lie gets better at Icelandic, he will be amused to realize Loki just said 'orange.' ]
In general or for the How to Train Your Dragon franchise? Because there are tons of movies about Vikings out there, with varying degrees of accuracy.
[ Where Loki is curious, Lin Lie is happy to explain to feed that curiosity, in between devouring cake pops. He will only have the one for now, but once the photo is over, he will reach out towards the bag, grab another and it to the other man, all while still pressed to Loki's side. It's comfortable, and he is a sucker for physical affection; sue him. ]
The one I told you about is a trilogy, but the last movie is so-so. And these are not real Vikings, so they got a lot of things wrong about the vulture. However, there are a ton of dragons, and that is always a plus. [ Say the herald of an Immortal Dragon, who is not biased at all in this subject whatsoever. ] The movie is on streaming; I can put it on for you to judge for yourself. You might either get a kick out of the character's name or think they're too ridiculous.
[Well, if no one's going to move, then perhaps no one has to admit that they're terribly touch-starved and need to cling to this sort of casual contact longer than average. The god's arm stays casually over Lin Lie's shoulder, weight slightly shifted to lean against the man.]
It truly is shocking how much you all get wrong about your own realm's history. [Surely, of everyone Loki had complained about this to, here he was preaching to the choir. Historians and archeologists knew a lot, but also tended to know how much of their own work turned on conjecture and incomplete records.] Besides, there were barely any dragons here, back then.
[Well. There were probably dragons here, in this lovely hospitable part of the world. There hadn't been many in the frigid lands Loki remembers visiting as a child--and the ones he'd met had all been incredibly cranky about it.
If it's still being offered, he'll take a half-bite of the cake pop. Like the absolute heathen he is.]
[ They say silence speaks louder than words sometimes, but right now, silence is just blessed and comfortable contentment. Lin Lie isn't the most touchy-feely person, since respecting other people's personal space and showing deference are big things in his culture. But with Loki, he still wants to be respectful, of course, but there's a kind of ease that comes with how unapologetic and casual the gods are about most things. It's a contagious feeling that Lin Lie welcomes. ]
Sometimes we don't know better. For others, it's on purpose. History is often written by the victor, and it is biased ad changed to either magnify their exploits or hide the truth about their barbarity.
[ Indeed, Lin Lie has a lot to say about the story of mankind and the bias of all cultures that populated the planet, but he won't bore Loki with it. He makes a nod of agreement at the dragon comment but then adds ]
Dragons per se, no, not in this plane. But we had skeletons of dinosaurs, which people from centuries ago mistook for dragons' remains.
[ His dad has even uncovered some of those when he worked on different expeditions, but he was no paleontologist. Whatever Lin Lie might have thought to say next dies in his throat when he sees Loki eat the cake pip that way. ]
That's barbaric! You can't be trusted around cake pops. [ A huff. Lin is still holding the cake pop in front of Loki's mouth as if waiting for him to go for the second bite and finish it off. If he does, however, he's going to playfully shove back the offered treat and pop it into his mouth instead, grinning. ]
[They're learning the rules, perhaps, of being in comfortable contact. So far, it seems very much to be so good. It's comforting, even, having this solid place to lean while Loki's own jaw clenches unconsciously at the reality that victors write history.
True here, true everywhere. Someone else really should get a move on becoming a god who collects all stories.
Less clear are the rules when leaning to take a second bite turns into a vanished cake pop and the imbalance of leaning nearly ends in lips glancing against lips. Loki catches himself back, but... it's an interesting moment of physics.]
--rude. [Not that the Asgardian sounds overly bothered, if just a tiny hair off-kilter.] Did people really think your dinosaurs were dragons?
[Just keep yammering about dragons with this one, surely.]
[ It probably helps that Lin Lie has had positive experiences with other people before, mostly his teammates of the Agents of Atlas, even if he didn't reach out to touch others all that much and most of the people he hung out with were girls. Amadeus is a good friend, but he could also be a bit much in the same way Thor could be if you spend much time in his presence. Loki is different—fun but calmer, sarcastic but entertaining, and Line enjoys it.
He's expecting the complaint after being denied the cake pop, not so much the fact that in an attempt to have it Loki's mouth would end up this close to his own. Lin Lie's free hand immediately goes to Loki's waist to gently steady him, and it stays here.
He pulls the now empty cake pop stick away from his own mouth, dropping the hand holding it to his side but not moving further than that. His eyes scan Loki's face, quickly moving from Loki's green ones to his lips. ]
Sorry. [ And he is, but only a little. The way the right corner of Lin Lie's mouth briefly upturns into an aborted smile should make it clear. The cake pop is now gone, but he can still taste the sweetness of the chocolate icon and the more citric taste from the cake crumbs coating his tongue. He almost asks Loki if he wants to taste it too. And where the fuck did that thought come from? ]
Ah, yeah, some people did. Because of the size and strange shapes, some were really set on believing that the bones belonged to mythical creatures. Maybe they just wanted to believe in something magic, special.
[Well. He'll count a bit of a sorry and a bit of a smile as sticking the landing of having this sort of wobble. Certainly the hand at his side still feels comfortable. Certainly the lack of everyone jerking away feels like a victory.
Loki's own lips twitch at the corner before he settles back into leaning in place and swiping through the selfies they've just taken on his phone.]
I mean, but there was magic. [That much Loki knows about this silly little rock in this silly little realm. Not always strong, but certainly real.] And I'd have to assume actual dragons.
[Given who he was talking to.]
Is all that really kept so completely separate, here? From-- day to day life?
[ It's not as if Lin Lie would make fun of Loki for that. He might make fun of him for many other things, since they're often sassing or teasing each other. But, at least for Lin Lie, that's part of the charm of their conversations and meetings—to be comfortable enough to be a bit of a little shit to each other.
Since it seems like they're going to stay this glued to each other for the time being, he relaxes further, looking at the selfies they've taken as well and smiling at the view. Hey, they look pretty good in those. ]
Yes and no, I'm talking about very archaic times. Magic was mostly performed in either secret societies who weren't open about their business with the common folks or by people who were rare enough and smart enough to go unnoticed. Many people still sees magic as something to fear nowadays. Which is stupid. Magic simply is; how you use it is what can cause problems or solutions.
[ He doesn't bring up the Salem trials and how horrific they were because he is sure that Loki might look it up out of curiosity, and the god doesn't need more trauma. There's sadly a lot of other examples of people being violently stupid towards things they did not understand. ]
As for dragons, yeah, they exist in both the sea and K'hun Lun. I had to help return one to Namor once, it was trapped, but they're not that common on Earth. Neither then nor now. Which is a shame, because dragons are super cool.
[They do look good. It's always remarkable how well-tailored, fashionable clothes could do for a person, whether or not they were made with that person in mind. It does help that they're both handsome individuals, of course. (And, if Loki's honest, handsome as a pair, but that's neither here nor there.)
Lin Lie's take on magic is certainly much better than the Puritans of a few centuries back had been. Loki's lips stay quirked, thoughtful and just a bit pleased--because it's all always so, so much easier to exist in places and with people who understand this critical piece of himself, deeper in his core than most other pieces of a faintly malleable identity.
His attention flits from the phone to Lin Lie's face, head canting to one side in consideration.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
we've all been there!
You've met me.
[And, admittedly, Loki did wear clothes very much like his brother's. That nevertheless hardly made the look scream 'witch.' Just... something else. Something a bit cozy around the edges that didn't bear naming.
It's easy enough to drift along behind Lin Lie to the bedroom, idle flutters of wind still catching at the edges of the cloak. It's a little less easy to keep not naming things when it feels so lovely to be told someone wants to see him all in gold. (Maybe that's a normal friend thing to say here in Midgard. It feels a bit more twisting and pleasant in his gut.)
But clearly back to easy when there's smooth silks and intricate embroidery to examine. Loki isn't well known for his immense respect for... well, anything, but he's certainly minding his manners now, bending over the box to examine the clothing without beginning to paw or prod.]
...it's quite elegant.
[Less respectful is the clear surprise that Lin Lie owns something elegant, but there's only so much restraint Loki can have at any given time.]
Thank you for understanding o7
[ Lin Lie knows that gender—and even species—is a flexible thing for Loki and that he, obviously, is very adept at magic, so it doesn't surprise him that the god would like to go by "witch" instead of "wizard" like Dr. Strange. It is frankly not a big deal for him, so his voice is calm and unassuming, simply accepting what the other has said, but he now wonders if it's more relevant for Loki or considered unusual in Asgard.
He catches from the corner of his eyes the fringes of the cloak still moving with an unnatural breeze, and he throws a pleased and amused look at the other man. When he sits on the bed next to the box and Loki, he's careful with the cloak as to not crumple it or let the edges brush against the floor. He's pleased to see that Loki seems to take the same kind of care with the offered clothes, because this, too, is him sharing a very personal part of his culture. The jab at his fashion taste is less appreciated but more expected, and it only makes Lin Lie reach out and playfully bat at Loki's arm. ]
Jerk. I am not allergic to wearing nice things! And this... [ Lin Lie's finger gently runs over the back of the jacket, tracing the face of the lion there. ] My nai nai hand-sewed it; it took her some time, but she managed to finish in time for the Spring Festival. Oh, 'nai nai' means grandmother, more exactly, my father's mother.
[ He doesn't have a mother or any family from that side, so the distinction is needed. It's been enough time that the fact doesn't hurt Lin Lie as much as it once did, but it also makes his father's and brother's absence all the worse. But that doesn't matter now; he's having a good time, and he's going to nudge the box closer to Loki. ]
If this doesn't offend your sensibilities, then do you want to try it or not? I can turn around.
ofc <3 html may hate us sometimes but the tags are always A+
She's quite the talent. [Delicately, he moves closer, smoothing carefully along a hem.] Incredible stitchwork.
[There's a very genuine depth to the compliment, real appreciation in the light examination he's giving the clothes. He's seen incredibly competent workmanship over the centuries--and he's done quite a bit of stitchwork himself, between fussing through his own clothing and fixing up battle wounds. This clearly commands his genuine respect.
His hands stay respectful as he gently lifts out the pants and changshan to set neatly on the bed. His tone is back to teasing as he (once again) begins peeling out of his armor.] Oh, darling, you know I prefer an audience.
[Or, in a real way, absolutely did not care if Lin Lie did or didn't look.]
I can't code when I'm sleep deprived, sob. But aah thank you, your Loki is fantastic too ♥
Hey, I mean to ask. Would you be more comfortable if I used 'they' to address you? I'm having some trouble with the English translation of the usual pronoums since I think of things first in my native language.
In Mandarin, the third-person pronouns are gendered in both singular and plural, but the masculine and feminine variants sound identical. We just use different characters when writing them down. So the only technically correct way to refer to someone as gender neutral in Mandarin is when speaking.
It gets even more complex when I am using Mandarin while written in Traditional Chinese, like they do in K'un Lun, because while all human pronouns are once again gendered, a third is used for holy beings. Which vary from a general idea of 'god' to a general usage for any supernatural divine creature, and then there are non-human pronouns, classified by animacy, while all are pronounced exactly the same. And you are a god, so...
[ Okay, Lin Lie realizes a second too late that he's yapping. Honestly, he could talk for hours about linguistics and history; that's what happens when you have a scholar with no outlet because he's no longer in college. ]
Sorry, that was probably too much.
[ Embarrassing. He would not be surprised if Loki called him a nerd. But the god seems busy admiring his nai nai, and the view makes Lin Lie feel all warm inside for some reason. He knows Loki wouldn't praise someone or something just for the sake of giving a good impression, so he must mean it. ]
She would have been proud to know someone enjoyed her handiwork. Just like she would love you enjoying it.
[ He's tempted to grin at Loki and lie back to enjoy the spectacle, but in the end he only does the former. ]
I'll just help you adjust it if needed; wrapping the waist ornament so it doesn't slip down can be quite tricky.
[ He doesn't openly stare when Loki changes into the clothes, but he also does not not stare, appreciating the way the silk clings to the other man's frame. The jacket might be a bit loose due to their shoulder difference, but it all will look good on Loki all the same. Gold truly can be his color. ]
lmao same; the struggle is so real!! also just always so pleased with these two being dorks :')
It's just that it goes from a question to an explanation to, by the time Loki's stripped down to the waist, apparently a short dissertation on linguistics. It's very nerdy. It's a bit charming. It's probably too much, but it crooks a smile sideways into Loki's lips.]
You really have a pronoun for gods? [That's not the point. Before the next lecture can derail them, the Asgardian briefly holds up one finger.] Any are fine, for what it's worth. [There will come a time when 'they' feels the most right most often. There were versions of himself he'd crossed brief paths with, thriving in that place in their lives. For now, however...] My mother calls me her son, so.
[So the words usually turned out 'he' and 'prince' and 'brother.' They fit well enough, when they came more or less from that all-important source.
Switching out trousers is a quick business, not much more than a quick flash of long bare legs before the structed Asgardian garment is replaced with the softer fall of the Midgardian set. There's more of a pause with the pendant, Loki's head tilting to one side before simply shifting closer so that Lin Lie will help him as he starts working carefully into the changshan.]
Yes and yes, I love these two. And sorry for the delay!
[ And he will leave it at that, well aware that poor Loki doesn't need a second 5-minute speech about Mandarin. The linguistic explanation gets a little out of hand, but Lin Lie was sincere in his want to know how better to address Loki to make him comfortable, so having any type of answer is good. ]
Okay, then I'll use male pronouns. Just let me know if that changes. [ The smile on Lin Lie's lips reinforces the idea that he will have zero problems with Loki's preferences, now or in the future. His gaze goes down to the other man's fair legs, appreciating their length, before he catches himself and looks away.
As Loki puts on the changshan, Lin Lie reaches out after that wordless request to unfasten the cords of the belt. He has to briefly circle and put his arms around Loki's waist so he can grab the other end of the belt, and for a moment, he's pretty close to the man's hip and very much unaware of said closeness, eyes down and focused on the pendant and tassels. The quickness with which he manages to weave the cord of the belt into an elaborate shape shows how familiar he is with this type of knot, even though his hands shake slightly. ]
never rush never worries! <3
Also important to mark, with the weight of genuine appreciation, the kindness of the offer.] I will. [Wait for it.] ...thank you.
[Acceptance and understanding are actually nicer than the sensation of eyes and hands on him--and those are incredibly, incredibly nice. Certainly quite nice to have even the glancing touches of standing too close and being helped into a belt.
The fit of the changshan clearly isn't exactly right, if closer than Loki would have guessed. There won't be any magical alterations, although there will be a few moments of letting his fingers simply continue to delicately explore the quality of the fabric and stitchwork as things settle into place.
One cool hand rests lightly on Lin Lie's arm as Loki twists and turns slightly, trying to catch both sides of the outfit.]
This is right?
Thank you so much, sweethear 💕
He's even more taken aback by the gratitude in the god's voice, to the point it leaves Lin Lie looking up at him, blinking quickly before his brain processes the miracle. ]
Oh, of course. [ Rubbing the back of his head, he gives the other man a coy smile, his voice soft. ] Anytime, Loki.
[ Not only is Loki saying that noteworthy, but Lin Lie is also not used to being thanked much for anything, so he doesn't expect it. He's glad, though, that he's managed to make Loki comfortable.
Once the belt is ready and the changshan's fabric is falling down Loki's front and legs, he reaches out to tug at some of the fabric on the side, helping to smooth the possible wrinkles. Lin Lie gets a good look at Loki once the god turns to face him completely, and brown eyes gaze up and down, admiring the way the clothes cling to his frame. It is not a perfect fit but close enough that it makes for a striking view all the same.
Lin Lie knows that Loki could magically adjust it to his body, but when that doesn't happen, part of him is very grateful that his grandmother's hard work remains unaltered. ]
Yes. [ Loki's palm resting on his shoulder is a nice weight, and he doesn't mind it. In fact, Lin Lie's own reaches up to gently give Loki's hip a squeeze. ] It might not be your exact size, but you're glowing. Now I know what to get you for Christmas.
(ˆ ³ ˆ)♥
Still, after a moment, Loki can force himself to let his own hand flit away again, reaching for the jacket to shrug into.]
"Glowing?" [There's a hint of amusement in his voice, perhaps. Mostly there's only the pleased little perk of soaking up compliments.] What does that even mean?
[He knows how it makes him feel, certainly, which is more than enough to feel pleased.]
aww♥
Well, you know... [ Lin Lie makes a vague gesture with his hand, which clarifies nothing about what Loki is supposed to know about the glowing praise. Perhaps saying that was a bit much; he realizes it once he's already said it, Loki. It simply fits; he can't explain it very well, but hey, he might as well own it. ] It means that you look good. The color complements your eyes.
[ He stands after that and makes a point of not staring into those specific eyes, lest he make a fool of himself again. Their faces are at the same eye level, but Lin Lie's gaze is looking down, checking how the jacket falls on Loki's shoulders. ]
Hm. Not bad.
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[But it is a bit nice to be told he looks good in someone else's clothing, not quite fitted and certainly not the usual well-crafted styling. It is a bit lovely to know someone who doesn't seem overly interested in this sort of thing has taken note of one's eyes.
And, really, this doesn't not suit him. It isn't exactly Asgardian style but--like the robes Lin Lie is currently wearing--it rhymes in a way the feels a bit natural at the edges. Loki moves with a slight delicacy as he gives another spin, but that's much more respect than discomfort.
There's no discomfort in the little gasp of something like affront as he faces the other again properly.]
Ridiculous. It's much better than "not bad." [The cloak Lin Lie's wearing doesn't need straightening, but Loki reaches to fuss with it all the same.] Look at us, hm?
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Don't let it go to your head. [ It's what he says in the end while brushing some invisible dust from Loki's shoulders. Lin Lie doesn't sound all that chastising about it. He takes a step back and watches Loki spin in place, trying to keep his own smile in check in the process.
He's seen foreigners wear all kinds of (usually cheap) clothes from his culture before; tourists or people who dress up for some cosplay or another, who fail to give them the reverence they deserve. To them it's just an insensitive game, playing dress-up. It feels different with Loki and the way he handles the clothes he's been offered. Perhaps because Lin Lie is also trying his best to be careful with the Asgardian robes he's wearing, understanding their importance. ]
So fussy. [ There's fondness in his voice and he stays still while Loki also fiddles with the cloak. ] Fine, you look good enough that it is worth immortalizing the moment. We could take a picture. Or are the clothes I am wearing a secret, since they belong to Thor?
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For now, there's no shadow of the impending crash. Wearing something graceful requires graceful movement, but there's also something chipper and pleased in the slight spring of Loki's step as he slides to chase down wherever he's abandoned his phone.]
Oh, I doubt he'd recognize his own clothes in a picture of himself.
[In a much realer way, he doubts his brother would begrudge him a few borrowed articles in the clear face of enjoying time with a friend. He doesn't like the henning sensation of Thor wanting him to go off and find people who didn't think he was "too much;" still, it's got to come in handy for moments like this.
Finding his phone means finding the little bouquet of cake pops he'd also brought as part of this whole shebang, molded into little black dragon heads he absolutely does not recognize.] --unless you spill on it. He might notice that.
omg I want those cake pops
Ah, well in that case, if you are sure. That's great.
[ He follows Loki, surprised at how quickly he makes up his mind about the photo suggestion and goes to fetch the phone; Lin Lie doesn't even know where he left his own. Maybe somewhere in his jacket or his jeans, who knows. He isn't always the most organized person out there and has lost more than one by accidentally dropping the phone from skyscrapers while patrolling as the Iron Fist. But he needs to find it too, so he can take a few extra photos of Loki as well.
The mission of finding his own phone gets immediately sidetracked when he sees the sweet Loki brought him. To say that Line Lie looks delighted would be an understatement. ]
Are those little Toothless dragon cake pops? Oh, heaves, they're almost too cute to eat.[ But no, he still is going to. Eventually. ] No, no! I'll be careful, I don't want to stain the clothes.
there were so many cute ones to choose from!! people are so talented!!
...they have teeth. I mean, not real ones, obviously.
[The list of movies Loki has not seen but absolutely should is honestly incredibly long. At this rate, they'll simply have to have another day lounging around this apartment, sharing more culture and probably eating more adorable snacks. Such a burden.
Hopefully less of a burden to have Loki, who has found his phone, snap a few quick pictures of Lin Lie examining the treats. At least one is going to Wanda. She deserves updates in the reverse, surely.
Because proving to your friends that you know how to have friends is a very normal thing.]
One together?
Oh I beleive you!
You are so sweet when you have no idea what you are talking about. [ Any other person saying that might sound mean, but Lin Lie looks amused in a charming way that's a bit hard to hate. ]
I'll explain. The cake pops are modeled after a black dragon from a movie, and his name is Toothless. He has teeth, too, but his teeth are retractable, and the Viking who met him named him that. It's a fun movie; it's called 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and we need to watch it one day and properly educate you.
[ Lin Lie eventually reaches out to grab one of the cake pops and doesn't immediately notice that Loki has already been snapping photos. When he does, he smiles and then eats the cake pop in one bite because those are the rules. He makes a happy low hum as he savors the treat and then glues himself to Loki's side, one arm wrapping around the man's waist so they can both fit in the picture, smiling. ]
Ready when you are. Qiézi! [ Which is the Chinese equivalent of saying 'cheese' for the camera. It sounds similar, but it means 'eggplant' instead. ]
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Also difficult to look grumpy with someone happily munching on a cake pop. Harder still when getting tugged into essentially a one-armed hug with a cheerful grin.
Besides, that kicks in the instinct to pull his own arm around Lin Lie's shoulders, hand with his phone lifting to a flattering angle as the crooked smile slats into place.] --appelsin!
[It is weird how many different foods got said in different parts of the world as a reaction to cameras. Collecting them is fun, as is snapping a few rapid joint selfies of the pair of them in their exchanged outfits. Pictures accomplished, it's back to the slightly grumpy but curious face.]
How many movies have they made about the Vikings? They absolutely did not have cameras when we were here.
[Should he be untangling now that the photos are done? Probably. And yet, here he is, comfortable.]
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And yes, it is interesting how many different food-related words are used for these things; when Lie Lie gets better at Icelandic, he will be amused to realize Loki just said 'orange.' ]
In general or for the How to Train Your Dragon franchise? Because there are tons of movies about Vikings out there, with varying degrees of accuracy.
[ Where Loki is curious, Lin Lie is happy to explain to feed that curiosity, in between devouring cake pops. He will only have the one for now, but once the photo is over, he will reach out towards the bag, grab another and it to the other man, all while still pressed to Loki's side. It's comfortable, and he is a sucker for physical affection; sue him. ]
The one I told you about is a trilogy, but the last movie is so-so. And these are not real Vikings, so they got a lot of things wrong about the vulture. However, there are a ton of dragons, and that is always a plus. [ Say the herald of an Immortal Dragon, who is not biased at all in this subject whatsoever. ] The movie is on streaming; I can put it on for you to judge for yourself. You might either get a kick out of the character's name or think they're too ridiculous.
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It truly is shocking how much you all get wrong about your own realm's history. [Surely, of everyone Loki had complained about this to, here he was preaching to the choir. Historians and archeologists knew a lot, but also tended to know how much of their own work turned on conjecture and incomplete records.] Besides, there were barely any dragons here, back then.
[Well. There were probably dragons here, in this lovely hospitable part of the world. There hadn't been many in the frigid lands Loki remembers visiting as a child--and the ones he'd met had all been incredibly cranky about it.
If it's still being offered, he'll take a half-bite of the cake pop. Like the absolute heathen he is.]
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Sometimes we don't know better. For others, it's on purpose. History is often written by the victor, and it is biased ad changed to either magnify their exploits or hide the truth about their barbarity.
[ Indeed, Lin Lie has a lot to say about the story of mankind and the bias of all cultures that populated the planet, but he won't bore Loki with it. He makes a nod of agreement at the dragon comment but then adds ]
Dragons per se, no, not in this plane. But we had skeletons of dinosaurs, which people from centuries ago mistook for dragons' remains.
[ His dad has even uncovered some of those when he worked on different expeditions, but he was no paleontologist. Whatever Lin Lie might have thought to say next dies in his throat when he sees Loki eat the cake pip that way. ]
That's barbaric! You can't be trusted around cake pops. [ A huff. Lin is still holding the cake pop in front of Loki's mouth as if waiting for him to go for the second bite and finish it off. If he does, however, he's going to playfully shove back the offered treat and pop it into his mouth instead, grinning. ]
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True here, true everywhere. Someone else really should get a move on becoming a god who collects all stories.
Less clear are the rules when leaning to take a second bite turns into a vanished cake pop and the imbalance of leaning nearly ends in lips glancing against lips. Loki catches himself back, but... it's an interesting moment of physics.]
--rude. [Not that the Asgardian sounds overly bothered, if just a tiny hair off-kilter.] Did people really think your dinosaurs were dragons?
[Just keep yammering about dragons with this one, surely.]
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He's expecting the complaint after being denied the cake pop, not so much the fact that in an attempt to have it Loki's mouth would end up this close to his own. Lin Lie's free hand immediately goes to Loki's waist to gently steady him, and it stays here.
He pulls the now empty cake pop stick away from his own mouth, dropping the hand holding it to his side but not moving further than that. His eyes scan Loki's face, quickly moving from Loki's green ones to his lips. ]
Sorry. [ And he is, but only a little. The way the right corner of Lin Lie's mouth briefly upturns into an aborted smile should make it clear. The cake pop is now gone, but he can still taste the sweetness of the chocolate icon and the more citric taste from the cake crumbs coating his tongue. He almost asks Loki if he wants to taste it too. And where the fuck did that thought come from? ]
Ah, yeah, some people did. Because of the size and strange shapes, some were really set on believing that the bones belonged to mythical creatures. Maybe they just wanted to believe in something magic, special.
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Loki's own lips twitch at the corner before he settles back into leaning in place and swiping through the selfies they've just taken on his phone.]
I mean, but there was magic. [That much Loki knows about this silly little rock in this silly little realm. Not always strong, but certainly real.] And I'd have to assume actual dragons.
[Given who he was talking to.]
Is all that really kept so completely separate, here? From-- day to day life?
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Since it seems like they're going to stay this glued to each other for the time being, he relaxes further, looking at the selfies they've taken as well and smiling at the view. Hey, they look pretty good in those. ]
Yes and no, I'm talking about very archaic times. Magic was mostly performed in either secret societies who weren't open about their business with the common folks or by people who were rare enough and smart enough to go unnoticed. Many people still sees magic as something to fear nowadays. Which is stupid. Magic simply is; how you use it is what can cause problems or solutions.
[ He doesn't bring up the Salem trials and how horrific they were because he is sure that Loki might look it up out of curiosity, and the god doesn't need more trauma. There's sadly a lot of other examples of people being violently stupid towards things they did not understand. ]
As for dragons, yeah, they exist in both the sea and K'hun Lun. I had to help return one to Namor once, it was trapped, but they're not that common on Earth. Neither then nor now. Which is a shame, because dragons are super cool.
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Lin Lie's take on magic is certainly much better than the Puritans of a few centuries back had been. Loki's lips stay quirked, thoughtful and just a bit pleased--because it's all always so, so much easier to exist in places and with people who understand this critical piece of himself, deeper in his core than most other pieces of a faintly malleable identity.
His attention flits from the phone to Lin Lie's face, head canting to one side in consideration.]
When did you meet your first dragon?
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