abstractborders | A Quiet Place Meme

Given the circumstances of what was going on, Loki had been doing his best to avoid people as much as he could with some rare exceptions. There had been a mother and her two children that he had come across and helped for a few days, all of them in desperate need of food and medicine. They had set off in much better shape than he'd found them, grateful for his help and hopefully on their way to someplace safe. After that it had been brief interactions with a few individuals that had also taken refuge in the area though Loki was not familiar with any of them.

The last thing he expected, or even hoped for honestly, was to see his brother or his parents again. (And not even because he'd always had a bit of a rocky relationship with the latter.)

He'd only just returned from a supply run, moving about his stolen home as silent as ever. The kitchen was carefully stocked with cans and jars that he'd collected from surrounding houses and the shops not far from the residence, produce tucked neatly into bins and ready for use for that night's meal. It was there he'd been kneeling when he'd gotten that feeling of something close by, the young man pausing, frowning before rising and moving through the house towards the entrance.

The hunting knives he'd found near the start of this fallout were snagged from their place on a pillow near the stairs and Loki stepped out onto the porch--

Only to freeze as he came face to face with his brother.

Thor saw movement in the house as he approached and he pauses, shifting his grip on his makeshift weapon. Then the person stepped out and his face lit up. He was visibly pulling in a breath, his exuberance brimming rapidly as he spreads both arms in excitement.

Normally he would be shouting his glee but instead, his facial expression did the shouting for him. He runs forward with big loping strides on bare feet.

Loki wouldn't have a chance to run away because Thor was wrapping his skinnier kin up in his arms to lift him and give him a swinging hug. He was so happy to see Loki alive and well! He thought for sure that Loki would have irritated someone enough to throw him to the monsters!

He releases his brother, signing with one hand. He wasn't great at it but he knew enough.

Good to see you! Only one?

He makes a grand gesture at the area behind himself, still grinning ear to ear with delight.

For a split second Loki thought they were completely screwed. He fully expected his brother to actually speak and doom them both.

Thankfully Thor seemed to at least be smart enough to restrain himself from doing so though it didn't stop him from crushing him in an embrace and dear gods you are lucky he was quick enough to turn the blades away so you didn't get stabbed, Thor!

The tension in his frame drains slowly and he returns the embrace just before Thor pulls back, a bit surprised but pleased to see that his brother had picked up some sign language.

Good.

The knives are tucked into his belt, freeing both his hands.

Likewise. I'm on my own. A few others in the area. We all stick to ourselves. Quieter solo.

Loki can't help but grin faintly, shaking his head at Thor.

Come inside you oaf.

And he jerks his head then, turning to lead the way.

Stabbed, bah! Thor would welcome even a stab from Loki after so long being separated! He almost claps his brother on the shoulder but instead awkwardly pats him. He even understood most of what Loki was signing. They wouldn't have to sit in awkward silence. Only regular silence.

He wasn't wrong, Thor had seen how groups of people could rile themselves up into a panic but now that Thor was here he wouldn't leave his brother's side easily. He'd been lucky this time to find him after all.

He follows Loki into the house, carefully setting bag and sledge down so not to make noise. It seemed Loki had a good set up here. Thor had ended up sleeping in trees more than once. It would be nice to rest indoors for a consistent period.

Knew you would stay. City boy. He's smiling again, just happy to be with family after what felt like ages without them. Not knowing if they were even still alive.

How bad was city?

His expression became more serious now. He had hated watching so many deaths when they could do nothing about it. All they had tried had failed.

Loki had seen his far share of it as well which was exactly the reason why he had gotten as far from the city while still being within reasonable distance of resources as he could.

Resources are too valuable. The dark haired young man rolled his eyes after he signed it, giving his brother a dry look that lasted a moment before it was something relaxed, softer again. I was familiar with it. Better for keeping myself alive.

The harsh reality of it.

Thor's next question gets a weary look out of Loki and he shakes his head, frowning as he quietly leads the way into what had been the living room and has since been turning into a kind of general living space. Loki sinks down on an armchair that doesn't make a noise when he does, sighing without sound as he taps his fingers together before moving them.

There were swarms of them. Everyone too loud, too frightened. He avoids Thor's gaze, staring at a fixed point on the floor. I avoided the military so I wouldn't come face to face with death. So much for that.

Thor would have wanted to go to his family's home immediately. He could understand Loki's point of view, as much as he didn't think it was the best idea. Resources would run out in this area soon enough. Or expire. Loki surely couldn't live here for the rest of his life! He would need to convince him to come along to the family home.

He takes his time to investigate the place, seeing what Loki had already set up. It seemed his brother was as resourceful as ever. Things were set up well here. It would be difficult convincing Loki to leave he was sure. But he would succeed!

He turns and heads back over his brother, crossing his arms as he looks down at the young man sitting. He waits for Loki to finish before communicating.k

Unknown danger. Should have been here.

He should have come home as soon as things looked bad. He regretted it. Maybe he could have kept people safe here.

You alive. Good.

He kneels down to pat Loki's knee, giving it a squeeze. Everything would be better now that they were back together.

It wouldn't have made a difference.

He signs it and gives his brother a rather sad look of acceptance, Loki long having come to terms with the fact that there was much any of them could have done. It was just a stroke of sheer luck that he'd been able to get away from the more populated areas when he did.

There's a moment where he simply studies his brother, lips turning down in a thoughtful frown as he chases away thoughts of the day the world seemed to end. Thor was here which meant he had traveled all this way and that meant he was heading to a specific place.

You plan to go home. It's signed in a rather quick and formal manner, the signs lacking the emotion that Loki had been using before.

Thor was terrible at signing, though he practiced with the book he had in his bag as often as he could. But he knew what that shut down of expression meant. He sighs, his head dropping before letting go of Loki's knee to sign more insistently.

Safer. Parents?

He shrugs, looking around a little dramatically to indicate he didn't know where they were or if they were alive because he had no idea. He hadn't been able to get any messages out in time. He puts one hand over an eye, to indicate their father then waves it.

Never mind him, he was trying to say. He knew they had a tense relationship, after the whole... adoption thing. But..

Mother.

Of course. He just had to bring their mother into it directly.

She isn't the issue.

Thor knew that. He knew damn well it had never been an issue with their mother that had eventually driven Loki to move out on his own and--

Shaking his head, Loki stood just as silently as he'd sat, running a hand through his hair that had come loose from the ponytail he'd drawn it back in earlier. Frustration was clear on his face despite his attempts to close himself off and gods does he want to just scoff at his brother; curse at him and tell him to leave.

But he can't.

Give me a couple days. Then we'll go.

Oh, Thor knew she wasn't the issue. He also knew that while he got along perfectly fine with both parents it was much more difficult for Loki. No matter what Thor tried to say in regards to their father Loki would never believe that there was love there. Of course, there was love there but...

He watches Loki stand, seeing the frustration. He stands so they were at level. He didn't want his brother to shut him out now of all times. They needed to communicate.

His big hand nudges Loki, trying to get him to look at him. He smiles, shaking his head.

Take time. No rush. If need can go ahead

Thor gives Loki's shoulder a small push before signing again.

No hiding though

Loki looks up when he's nudged, frowning faintly at his brother though it's a short lived frown. Sometimes it's just impossibly hard to stay irritated with this idiot of an older brother of his.

No. We'll go together.

He wouldn't go if Thor went ahead. He'd head in the opposite direction and probably not look back. That was just how he was, unfortunately. If they were going to do this it was going to be together.

No hiding. Stay here with me for a couple days. I have plenty of resources. We can set out from here.

Loki gestured a bit more animatedly as he spoke, relaxing again despite what he was agreeing to do. Where he was agreeing to go.

Thor was glad the energy was coming back to him. He clenches both fists, shaking them with joy and strength. Look at them, together! They hadn't been together as a team in so long! Not since Thor went to the military anyway. Times home were always tense then. Now they could be...

Well, it really had taken the end of the world to get them back together, hadn't it?

Thor did have to admit it would be nice being still for a little while. He looks down at himself then motions weakly. He was a mess. He clearly bore the marks of someone who had been traveling for a long time without stop.

Could use food.

Even after spending time in the military his brother was still like a giant puppy.

Loki can't help but roll his eyes though there's an almost fond look on his face when he does. Despite the issues he'd had with their father, despite how distant Loki had felt--acted sometimes..his brother had always been the one person he could never stay away from for long. Even now that hadn't changed. It was so easy to fall back into that comfort zone with him despite the world having fallen into ruin.

He bites back an amused sound, lips twitching into a grin and he signs something quickly--And a bath--before motioning Thor to follow him into the kitchen.

Redoing his ponytail as he goes, Loki scans the room with a thoughtful frown before immediately setting about gathering some food that would be quick and easy to prepare. He had something else in mind for dinner itself but for now simple sandwiches with some bread he'd managed to keep fresh would suffice.

Thor follows after Loki, carefully peeling off the shirt he'd been wearing for too long the last couple days. He would need to give it a good wash, or as best he could with making as little noise as possible. Honestly, he wasn't entirely sure how he was going to get much of a wash of his body.

He reaches up to give Loki's ponytail a little bap with a playful smirk. He motions to it then rubs the back of his own head. Military cut. Didn't have a choice. But Loki really dedicated himself to the long hair aesthetic.

He pokes Loki's ribs next with a bigger grin. Still skinny too, huh?

Setting the sandwich fixings carefully on the table, Loki rolls his eyes as his ponytail is bapped, ducking his head to the side as he actually looked at Thor now--

Well. The military had certainly done him some good.

His gaze flicks up as Thor motions to the back of his own head and Loki can't help but look amused. Could be worse, his expression clearly says before he shrugs. It wasn't a bad look for the other. Better than that ratty mullet he'd had for a time.

Just as he's about to start actually putting together food Thor pokes his ribs and Loki has to bite his tongue not to let out a laugh, turning to swat the other's hand and give him a glare. (No real malice to it but gods you are a brat!)

Stop that.

Mullet! If he heard that he would have surely argued. Loudly. Because it was hardly a mullet! Did Loki not remember his glorious golden mane?! He was like a lion!

Loki was more like.. .. a long haired ferret. That was wet.

Still tickle? Really?

Thor was thoroughly tempted to keep up the prodding and poking but... He glances towards the door, frowning. No. As comfortable as the two were with one another it wouldn't be safe to grow too complacent.

What supplies have?

It was basically a mullet, Thor.

He just rolls his eyes and looks down at what he's doing, starting to put together some sandwiches for them. He was glad that his brother didn't keep pushing and prodding because that would just make things dangerous for them both.

Movement catches his attention and he glances up.

Plenty. What are you looking for?

Thor shakes his head slightly. He was just curious. He wanted to know what they were looking at. Though, it might be good to get an inventory and figure out what would be useful to take with them. Also, to see if they would need to take a walk and gather more for the journey.

Maybe a new shirt would be good for Thor. Supplies that their parents might require.

What is nearby?

After signing he began preparing a small wash bowl. It would feel good to get some of the grime off. He continued to glance up at Loki so he didn't miss the signing.

Hardware store. Grocery Store. Few other small shops.

He signed it then finished the sandwiches and cleaned up everything he'd used as quietly as possible. Let nothing go to waste, that's how he'd made it this long. Once he was finished he returned to the counter and leaned back against it, watching his brother as he frowned thoughtfully.

There is not a lot left but we should be able to find useful things. Might have to travel outside of the area if you want specific items.

Thor nods, taking in the information with a thoughtful look on his face. Standard, for a small area like this. He wondered how much could be brought with them and besides that, how much would be actually useful. Perhaps he should just map the area and come back in the future if there came a need for it.

The water was taking on a bit of a grimy look already. He hadn't realized he'd ut things off for so long. C'est la vie. He knew there were waterways that they would be passing. He could dunk there.

Clothes nice. He motions over himself. If can fit

Look at him, Loki. It wasn't like it was easy finding clothing that fit nicely.

An eyebrow goes up and Loki gives him a look that says 'Not my fault'.

We'll find something, he signs in an attempt to reassure his brother, pushing away from the counter and moving over silently to see what sort of progress he was making with the shirt. His nose immediate scrunched in distaste and he reached out to rest a hand over his brother's, shaking his head and signing with his free ha. Not worth it. Wait.

Motioning for him to stay, Loki slipped out of the room and off to another part of the house where he had stockpiled various supplies--clothes, blankets, things of that nature. It took a minute or two of sorting through things but he managed to find a long sleeve shirt that was a couple sizes too big for him and returned to the kitchen, holding it out.

Better than nothing. Just might be tight.

Well, to be fair, genetics had a lot to play. Look at Thor, Loki. He was built to be bigger than a truck. It was just natural that he worked hard to fill that out. Loki was just stuck with a ganglier frame.

He glances down at the shirt and sighs. Yes, it was officially time to retire the shirt. It had been through quite a lot. While he was willing to give it more time for washing it was probably going to be a waste of effort. He just couldn't give it the scrub it needed.

Thor carefully squeezes the shirt out so not to make noise and also not to make a mess. He hangs it on the handle of a cabinet gently and turns to take the shirt from Loki. He holds it in his hands, then looks up at Loki with a brow raised.

The shirt was pulled on and if it could make expressions the look of 'very upset' might be the one it was making. It took on a painted on appearance and didn't want to sit entirely at his waist. It was fine for now though.

Thor moves silently through the house to find his bag. He pulls out laminated state map and lays it out carefully. They needed to find the best path from here to where they needed to be going.

Ganglier--lithe is the word you're looking for, asshole.

Loki can't help but look amused at the way his brother looks in the shirt, shrugging at the raised brow. Sorry, Thor. It's not his fault you wear clothing fit for an elephant.

His gaze follows Thor as the other moves out of the room before Loki moves to follow him just as silently, curious to see what his brother was after. The map immediately draws his attention and he's kneeling down beside the other man to look it over as it's smoothed out, immediately pointing to where they were--Current.

Thankfully he knew the area well enough to be able to find it without having to search much. Now, their parent's house..

Loki frowned and started to trace a path only to pause and lift the hand to sign. Going to take several weeks.

Thor meant every thought he had. Gangly.

He pushes the shirt sleeves up to choke his forearms but also so he could have an easier extension of his arms. He nods when Loki points out where they are and his eyes follow as his brother draws a pathway along the map. He might have been frowning by the time Loki pulls his hand back to sign how long he predicted it would take.

Thor nods in agreement. It was going to take far longer than what people normally walked in this day and age. It would mean a lot of time out in the open if they couldn't find shelter. Supplies would be thin.

Will need path changes. For supplies.

With two of them it may end up taking longer.

Asshole.

May need to alter path for shelter. Though it may be quieter to sleep outdoors in some cases.

The house they were currently in had been carefully set up so that it would make as little noise as possible. Loki had taken all the care that he could to figure out what floor boards creaked, which stairs squeaked, made sure to prop doors up well enough that no breeze would force them closed. It had taken some time to get everything just right but he'd managed it.

While on the road they wouldn't have that luxury.

Loki frowned thoughtfully as his eyes roamed the map before he spotted something and pointed to it. Railways.

Could follow the railroad. Guaranteed towns that way.

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