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I'll be there soon.

[ and true to his word, in no time at all, he's rapping his knuckles upon the door. ]

[ So no wine, then. Nothing to dull this edge. Tech Boy answers in no time, like he's been waiting by the door for just the slightest sound of a knock. The smile he flashes is solemn, sad. ]

Yo.

[ And without another word, he guides Loki into his room -- completely neat and tidy in spite of how much of a mess his life is. Loki won't appreciate if he dawdles and wastes his time, so once they're both in the room and he shuts the door behind him, he heads to the bed to sit -- to wrap his arms around himself. A young godling on the verge of despair. ]

I want you to know that in terms of things I tell you, information I share...you can still trust me. I will always, always tell you the truth. I will always tell you everything. But...

[ His eyes raise, but they can't quite meet Loki's -- can't quite bear the look of disapproval he's going to get. ]

In terms of Seto Kaiba...I've been compromised. I can no longer be trusted with information because that asshole has a way of digging it out of me, ruining everything. My relationship with Monika. Now you...

[ His fingers dig into the opposite arm, digging so hard he would bruise if his body didn't instantly heal. ]

He knows about you and me. He found the rune. He figured out I was working with you. I mean, he was on board to be the tech guy -- to make the devices and beef up my security. But then he wanted assurance, to use the rune as leverage just in case we tried to turn on him. Or fucking something. I destroyed it. So he couldn't. Because I'm not letting that fucker drag you down. I'm sorry..

[ His eyes flood with tears -- the first time he's crying. The first time he allows himself to because he can't stop. Because Loki's respect, Loki's trust was more important to him than anything. More important than even Monika and now that's gone. ]

I'm so fucking sorry.

[ well. that is annoying, but not wholly unexpected. technical boy is fragile. loki knew this. no amount of loyalty could account for it. when you're fragile, when you're desperate, you cannot contain it. everything spills out of you.

kaiba doesn't have the personality to dig further. he's arrogant but not the best at being conniving. just stubborn and headstrong. it's a setback, but it's a setback loki can live with. though inwardly, he's glad he didn't share anything particularly sensitive.

that being said, loki is certainly not pleased. ]

Explain to me how a mortal got the better of you, a god.

Worship.

[ He sniffs, wiping the back of his hand across his eyes. It doesn't stop the tears from still quietly flowing, but at least clears his vision for a moment. ]

He is one of technology's most ardent, loyal followers. Here especially where I'm weak, he's been vital. He's the one I cheated with. Sex with a follower, worship in that way will always amplify power -- even if it's not my preferred method.

[ wow. these new earth gods are weak. loki can't imagine what his life would have been like if his power was tied to people or belief. either way, what done is done. loki can move on.

he sighs. crying is just so . . . dramatic. ]

Very well. It seems that plan is no longer viable. It will have to be shelved.

[ That cuts. Deep. ]

It'll still work. I'll take the fall if it comes down to it, but having a secure network benefits both you and him and fucking everyone here. I don't think it needs shelved.

[ This is when desperation strikes. ]

I don't believe him -- any of the shit he's tried to say about you and who he thinks you are. I don't believe him because what does he fucking know? Give me a chance to show my loyalty to you. I'm not asking you to trust me with information because you can't right now. Not until he's out of the picture, but that doesn't mean I won't do whatever you want me to -- tell you whatever you want to know. About him or about anyone. Kill whoever you need me to kill or take the blame so you can walk free. Let me make this up to you.

[ loki is not surprised technical boy took it personally. to see the plan shelved is the same as seeing himself shelved and there is some truth to it. he despises setbacks, even when he plans for them. this was a minor plan compared to the bigger ones loki has in store, so losing this did not cost him anything. it had been a wise decision on his part to let it branch out and see what happens.

as he assesses technical boy, loki finally responds. ]

As I said, I do not particularly care what he says or who believes him. Mortals will believe anything. He does not know me nor does he care to learn. He is a limited being.

[ whatever kaiba susses out or learns is still nothing compared to what loki knows. in that, he is still supreme to everyone else here. he holds the pieces. he knows the secrets. ]

But I do not have interest in my projects being mired by trust or a lack of it. So it is shelved. We can pursue it another time or with another contender. There are other power sources I had considered.

[ he purses his lips. it seems, despite his own clinical breakdown, loki cannot let it go easily. still he can soften the blow. a little. ]

I don't need blood on my altar or proof of your loyalty. You are not a thing and it's clear you have . . . other priorities. Fine. Do as you must.

[ his eyes flash, a poisonous green. ]

But perhaps it is time to deliberate on whether you wish to chase sentiment or not. Do you wish to kneel to others to be satisfied or are you a God?

[ It will always come back to this, won't it? It's a statement he's heard from many since being here. Are you a God? People trying to get him to claim his own power. The tears seem to have stopped for now and he wipes their residue away, brushes his sleeve across his nose to catch the post nasal drip. Emotions really are disgusting.

His eyes raise, finally meeting Loki's, seeing that flash of power and still looking him in the eye. ]

I'm a God. I'm a fucking God.

[ A bit of spark back in his voice, determination. ]

I know I've lost sight of that. Between being offline and this fucking virus of emotions infecting me -- I've had to rely way too fucking much on others. But when my power is restored, you're going to see. I'm going to show you. I'm going to show you exactly why they worship me. So watch me, Loki, because you're about to see the motherfucking future in action.

[ He will make Loki proud. He will regain what he lost here. He will get Loki's respect goddamnit. ]

Edited 2021-05-27 16:34 (UTC)

[ he nods slowly. ]

Let me remake the rune. But don't lose this one.

[ he claps his hands together once more, sorcerous green light spilling forth before it comes together. ]

[ He didn't expect that. He wouldn't have even asked. He figured the rune was gone to him -- a punishment for his weakness. So Loki's offering brings a wash of relief. The older god doesn't hate him. It's enough. It's enough of a crumb for now to give him hope. ]

I won't. I swear it.

[ His expression grows sincere: ]

Thanks, man.

[ Not only for the rune. ]

[ loki merely purses his lips. he still dislikes being thanked, no matter what he does. he simply gives a sharp nod. ]

Do with it as you will, but you need to get your house in order.

[ You need to get your house in order. Tech Boy visibly winces at that statement, looking up sharply. It's an echo of something World said to him as well -- a reminder that while they are very different, they still are both Loki. There's still likely to be some of what World is inside this version, no matter how superior he is. ]

R-right.

[ He swallows that back. He will not let what he has known taint this. He's a god. He's superior to human ways of thinking. Innocent until proven to fuck him over and all. ]

I will. You can count on it.

[ that remains to be seen but loki isn't here to needle technical boy. ultimately he is his own responsibility. and he has doubts now. especially since the god is very easy to read, easy to predict. ]

We shall see.

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