for @counterstep

[cuttingremark]

Loki arrives at the restaurant slightly before the agreed upon time, carefully cloaked in a glamor that would only allow Barnes to see who he really was. He's not sure New York remembers who he is after the last few years. but better safe than sorry.

Back then he would have balked at the idea of eating in a small hole-in-the-wall establishment such as this, but traveling Midgard had taught him that these places often have the best food in the area.

He waits outside, shooting a quick text to Barnes that just a picture of his face with the "Scarr's Pizza" sign in the background.

Comments

[counterstep]

"That. Okay, yeah, that was. Obvious after I said it. That's. I dunno." His brow furrows, and he leans back in his seat.

"I feel similar, I guess. People look at me, and they see what they want to see. Usually got nothing to do with who I really am."

[cuttingremark]

"Perhaps that's why we get along so well." Loki smirks across the table, foot traveling just a bit higher up on the inside of Bucky's let before he pulls it away.

"Or maybe you've just fall for my roguish charms."

[counterstep]

His breath catches slightly, the way Loki's foot moves forcing another shiver. And then it's gone, and Bucky swallows thickly, licking his lips to hold his composure.

"It's. Well. You're definitely charming." Among many other things. "Not a lot of people ask me out in a serious way though. And you still did that, even with me dismissing you a lot. I thought that was nice."

[cuttingremark]

"What can I say? I'm persistent." The first few times were almost a joke, mostly because Loki enjoyed Bucky's reaction. It didn't take long, though, for his requests to become genuine.

"And I'd say you're worth the effort."

[counterstep]

Persistent, which Bucky appreciates. People only insist when they really want something, and that means there's a level of Loki's interest that isn't simply fleeting.

That given, he isn't sure how Loki's sure of his worth yet.

"I dunno. I'm just. A guy."

[cuttingremark]

"I mean, you're a little bit more than 'just a guy.' It takes more than a mortal to keep up with me."

[counterstep]

"Pretty sure I'm still very mortal..."

[cuttingremark]

"One of the most interesting mortals I've come across. And charming to boot," Loki winks at Bucky as the waitress returns, expertly balancing their copious amounts of food.

Loki's foot begins wandering up Bucky's leg again as she sets everything down, going much further up than previous.

[counterstep]

Oh. That. He doesn't expect that, and when the waitress arrives, he's startled out of his thoughts, then helping to clear space so it's easier for their food to be set down. The movement of Loki's foot makes him drop the salt, which he quickly puts back after clearing his throat.

He waits for the waitress to leave before throwing Loki a look.

"I'm. Not gonna fuck you in the toilet. If that's what you're going for."

Look, someone needs to set the ground rules, here.

[cuttingremark]

Loki chuckles, looking as pleased as the cat who ate the canary.

"Norns, no. That sounds disgusting. I just wanted to see your reaction." In other words: he's messing with him.

[counterstep]

As someone who definitely has had sex in a public toilet before, Bucky decides not to argue.

"You're the kind that likes playing with your food, aren't you."

[cuttingremark]

"Now whatever gave you that idea?" Loki's grin widens as he takes a plate with slice of pepperoni.