I don't.

But he's useful.

I hardly think the inclusion of Stephen Strange would do that.

[ his expression turns sardonic. isn't that what he had to do with david anyway? at least strange wasn't a believer in the ancient. ]

If he accepts, he'll understand.

[ and it still counts. ]

We've come to some accord, at least. I'm not too concerned.

There is that.

Mm.

[ loki shrugs. ]

It's a way to fill up time. And who knows? It may prove beneficial.

[ he smile faintly before glancing away. ]

Sometimes, I think I carry within me, a little void. From my time there. Because I remember . . . being a speck of dust in the universe. Utterly forgotten, utterly alone. I thought it made me strong, to know such things. But over time, I found knowing that makes it harder to fill myself with joy.

I live vicariously, but vicarious joys don't last. Nothing truly does. Not even Gods, it seems. So I might enjoy it for a time, but what I enjoy varies from moment to moment.

[ loki takes them, brushing a thumb over sephiroth's knuckles. ]

I know.

[ oh. his grip tightens. ]

You do?

[ loki lets out a shaky laugh. ]

I don't think I've ever done that or been that to anyone.

I wouldn't go that far.

[ loki huffs, a smile filtering through. ]

Don't be mean, I just confessed to a difficult feeling.

Maybe not.

At least it's enough that I'm not in your eyes.