Azazel looked at Loki dubiously. "Who the hell are you trying to convince, me or yourself?"
Loki shrugged his shoulders. "Myself, I guess."
“You know, all you have to say is 'I’m sorry' and Scott will forgive you,” Azazel said. “I believe he cares about you in his own way. But maybe start with his dad and Fenrir first.”
“You tell your old man that first, then I’ll go bow to Scott when you’re done.”
“The entire lower realm will freeze over before I do that shit,” Azazel said.
They both shivered in disgust, knowing they’d never bow to anyone and ask for forgiveness.
“How are you doing?” Loki asked, changing the subject. “I haven’t seen you in a few days.”
Azazel quirked a brow and looked at his friend. “Do I hear concern in your voice?”
Loki snorted and chuckled. “Whatever. Who’d be worried about you? You’re a grown-ass man and can take care of yourself.”
Azazel smiled. “I’m fine. I have enough work, including yours, to keep me busy.”
“Work,” Loki exhaled and shook his head in disappointment. “When I asked you to be my deputy mayor, I never thought you’d let it take over your life.”
Azazel shrugged. Being the deputy mayor wasn’t a bad gig; he attended meetings and made appearances when needed. However, unlike Loki, he enjoyed the job and wanted to make Valleywood better than it was currently. The magic was fading, and although it was connected to Loki’s powers, it wasn’t enough. It would take many years to get it to the peak of perfection.
“I’m doing this for my own selfish needs,” Azazel said.
Loki sighed and put his foot on the coffee table, taking a swig of his drink. “Your lost angel.”
“He’s here, Loki, I can feel it.”
Loki knew of Uriel and how much Azazel loved him. He had helped Azazel through his heartbreak. Loki and Uriel, from their first meeting, the arguments the two had gave Azazel a headache to last a lifetime. After Uriel left, Loki's dislike turned into hate and promised to give the man an epic ass-kicking.
“I don’t know if I should be jealous or not. Had I known you took the job to find him, I would have asked someone else.”
Azazel chuckled. “You pretend anyone else but me wants to be around you.”
“I have other friends besides you,” Loki grumbled.
“Name one.” Azazel stood and walked over to the bar, refilling his glass, then over to Loki and did the same with his. He set the decanter on the coffee table, then said to his friend, “I’m waiting.”
“You don’t need to rub it in that I’ve pushed people away.” He scowled at Azazel. “Don’t let me start thinking about regrets.”
“What’s there to regret? You did what you wanted in the heat of the moment and didn’t care who it affected. As your friend I should have stopped you, and I did try, but I also encouraged your actions.”
Loki smiled. “I guess that’s why we’re both lonely.”
“I don’t think it will last for long, my friend. I can already feel the magic in Valleywood changing. Are you feeling a bit stronger?”
“I have to admit I am, but we have a ways to go. My father certainly knew how to imprison me with my magic. It’s all around me, but I can’t touch it. I can shift, teleport, and levitate, but those are child’s play compared to the god I used to be. I want my fucking powers back, dammit!” He raised a hand and a small ball of light appeared but quickly vanished into nothing.
“You’ll get it back, you just need to learn how to be nice to people, help others fall in love and show them how to live a good life.”
“Do I look like Rosemary Vale to you?” he whined and rested his head on Azazel’s shoulder. “I’m not some bleeding heart who pays attention to everyone’s needs. I have my own life to live.”
Azazel snorted and patted his head. “There, there, little Loki, everything will be fine. I told you I’ll help you, and I will. I’ll even teach you how to be friendly.”
“You’ve been helpful so far,” Loki huffed.
“Is it a pick-on-Azazel moment?”
