not_a_troll | 6.5 [anything goes]

[Pain corrupts. Pepper thinks back on what she knows of her world’s Loki, what he told her of Odin and fathers. Still, even if that hurt is what drove Loki to invade Manhattan as he had, he isn’t the only one who has suffered.]

It doesn’t have to corrupt you. [Her arms tighten around him again, not only due to his warning.] There are people who have suffered and used that to motivate them to do good things. Tony’s one of those people. [A man who had seen and suffered, but took it all in and used it to become so much better.] He chose to be a superhero. You can choose to do something better with your pain, too.

[Loki notices how Pepper's arms tighten around his waist and yes, perhaps this is a hug. Because he's sad and struggling with a lot of things and yes, that is most definitely hug-worthy. Instead of tensing up he forces himself to relax and pretend not to take notice of it.

And she is right. Pain could be a motivator and eventually pain could be nullified by receiving praise or love or acceptance. And Loki treasured all of those things. Perhaps acceptance the most.

Pain was also a tool that could strengthen a well-chosen lie.]

It is all a matter of strength of mind and the like. And the will to change. Change is important, you see? I am glad Tony Stark has realized that as well.

Do you fear that I might end up as my elder self? After all, that is what everyone expects of me, right? A lot of 'I told you so's'

It’s not an entirely unreasonable thing be concerned about. [She says it gently, carefully, not wanting Loki to think that she’s already certain he will end up like the one from her world.] But you aren’t him, and our worlds aren’t the same, even if they’re really similar.

[Even if they both have Tony Stark. Pepper’s heard enough about the version of him from that universe to make sure her Tony never becomes like him if she can help it.]

I am not him. I am also quite tired of telling everyone that I am not him and that I might resemble him but that that does not mean I am going to be him. Because, indeed, our worlds differ.

[He lets Frakki slow down to a relaxed pace. He is still looking around but at least he knows now that he is looking around in vain.

Loki had not expected that Leah's disappearance would make him feel this sad. Even though he knew she would be safe, even though he knew she wouldn't be a subject to experiments or anything like that, he really misses her.

It makes him feel strangely empty and alone. While there was no reason for him to feel that way. He sighs briefly, hoping to clear his head enough.]

Perhaps we should return.

I didn't say you were. [Just that she could understand the fear. But Pepper's in a position of bias in regards to Tony, and who he is in other worlds. She has to believe that the younger Loki isn't the same on principle alone, and those who know Tony have said how different her version of him is.

She notices when Loki slows the horse, but doesn't say anything. Not until Loki offers the suggestion of returning, and she looks down when he sighs.]

If you're ready to, sure.

She is not in the forests. Thus she has gone home.

[And he's still here. That is the quite painful thing about it.]

I appreciate your help. You are most skilled when it comes to utilizing a flashlight.

[He tries a smile when he turns to look at Pepper and he also]

6.5 [anything goes]

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