He supposes not. "At least Daniel still wants to be my friend. I think. He might just not want me to be murdered. Which I appreciate regardless of the friendship."

“I hope so. I’m trying.” And then threatened with murder for his efforts.

He take a breath. “I want . . . friends.”

*sighs* “I didn’t even do anything . . .”

*sits down*

✔️ 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐧 ✔️ 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟎 ✔️ 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 ✔️ 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲. ✔️ 𝐍𝐨 𝐑𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐦𝐬. 𝐑𝐓 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞?

"Of course. Don't worry about that in the least." She has no need to apologize for something she cannot help and that he should show basic courtesy for regardless. "I always like talk with new people."

Of trusting someone only for that to lead to his family being hurt. Again. They are always hurt when Odin finds them.

"I'm not even sure what I would ask," Váli admits. "I just get tired of being alone." And he thinks she will understand that. It's hard to see others paired up and happy sometimes.

It's reassuring that she does care. At least that means she doesn't want him dead like that . . . crazy one. "Not dizzy at all. I feel great actually." Not better just . . . well, he feels fine. "Maybe the half Jötun thing has its perks. Are /you/ feeling okay?"

Well, it's as good a promise as any. "Guess I did say I wanted more friends," he jokes.

“I’m not good at fighting.”

Váli glanced over at the lurking presence and swallows nervously. “He’s not going to kill me is he?”

“Umm . . . well . . . I feel fine,” he replies, looking down at his wrist. The only evidence she had done anything at all is a slight smear of blood. The tiny bite marks had already begun to heal. Whether that is her or him, he’s not sure. “Should I feel anything in particular?”

It’s a strange sensation . . . kind of feeling like a straw. But it’s not painful. Not after the initial sting of her bite anyway. And he’s not feeling any ill effects. So that’s good, right? “I guess that means it tastes good?” he jokes.

He doesn’t know that she is being gentle — that this is the exception. But there is only a little sting. Then, he chuckles. “Sort of tickles.”

// Daniel scribe making me talk to myselves. 🤣

Váli /does/ laugh. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Technology confuses him.

He has no clue why he’s doing this, but Váli sets his hand in hers. Curiosity. Boredom. Either or.

“I think you have other people needing you more.” Those who pray to her should get help first.

He’s a Catholic. Got it. Umm. Váli flails about in an attempt at the sign of the cross but looks like he’s swatting flies.

“Is that you trying to lure me into a false sense of security, or will it really not hurt?”

May the Norns be with him.

We figured out a solution, everybody. We are going to distract Armand with a blender.

“I know. Everybody just has so much to worry about. You have much to worry about. I don’t want to add to it.”

Váli whimpers. “Does it have to be /me/?”

So . . . . . . yes to the blender then?

He knows. Everyone keeps offering help. He just doesn’t like asking for it.

Everyone keeps using this word “probably.” Give him a percentage of the likelihood she won’t drain him.

If he gives Armand a blender, will he go away?

Embarrassment mostly.

😳

Another one? Does he not understand how twins work?

Does not want to be thrown around like a bouncy ball. AND WHY DOES HE HAVE TO BE IN THE CORNER LIKE THAT?!

His father is Loki. Of course, he is being dramatic.

To be honest, he’s scared.

“ I am OK with the vampire, but the vampire is not OK with me!”

And this is why he doesn’t try to make friends. His life is always in danger when he does.

Will smite the vampire for threatening and/or harming her grandson.

Getting in on this- That's my nephew... See what happens to you for even contemplating harming him.

Touch. My. Son. You will be obliterated.

“What did I dooooo?”

One never can be too careful in these situations. "I appreciate that," he replies with a sincere smile. "Really I do. And I would return the favor but . . . well, you know. Whatever I can do."

He sits there allowing the not entirely unexpected examination. She is rather touchy, though. "Umm. Partly human . . . maybe. My mom was human until she was made immortal. Or as immortal as we can be." The gods of Asgard and Vanaheim can be killed, but it takes a lot. They can die of old age, ~

He has never taken this risk -- and he doesn't mean the fraternizing with vampires part. He has not been /allowed/ to tell people who he is. Too dangerous. Not just for himself but for his whole family. No pressure. He just needs /someone/ to know. "I'm . . .not human either. Or not all the way."

"Can't it be a little bit of both? I don't want to die, but . . . I also want a friend." And maybe he should not be seeking a friend in this particular place, but it can be lonely in the world without friends. He imagines it is the same for her. "Can you keep a secret?" he asks, deciding to go ~

Maybe he can convince her that he’s more valuable alive. He’s a good friend, he thinks. Or would be if given the chance. “I’m Váli. Hello, new friend.”

He nods slowly. “I don’t have many friends.” Then, he winces. “I promise I’m not as pathetic as I sound.”

He looks worried. “Umm. Can we just be friends instead?”