Wanting Some Fresh Air (Richard)

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

(ooc: January 3rd. Morning. Evan/Richard thread. To start their friendship.)

Evan sighed as he walked out into the garden. It was beautiful. He thankfully no longer had the collar around his neck and was even given nicer clothes. He was still in shock that Loki was his brother. That Evan wasn't the only Frost Giant who'd turned their back on their people and adopted a human disguise. Although Loki had been raised by Frigga and  Odin and Evan felt a bit jealous that Loki had a better life. Although he supposed Loki didn't see it that way as he was always in Thor's shadow the way Loki told the story. Evan smiled taking a seat on the bench gazing at a beautiful water fountain. Despite all the destruction down belong on Earth there was still beauty that Loki had kept intact. Perhaps he could ask to tend the garden as it'd give him something to do. He knew Loki had offered him the title of prince but he wasn't sure if he wanted it. He didn't want to be a prince of the frost giants so why would he want to be a prince of asgard. He sighed picking up a stone and skipping it across the fountain. He grinned seeing it had gone pretty far. He picked up another and started doing it again. He was having too much fun he didn't notice someone else come into the gardens.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

Richard himself was unused to the beauty of Asgardian gardens. They were far prettier than the ones in his city or country home. And that was before Earth was totalled by Loki's chitauri army. Richard was taking a simple walk, remembering his wife's admiration for the gardens and just sighing deeply. He missed her. If only she too was with him maybe things would be less annoying for him in this life. He wanted so badly to forget her but when he was alone to himself he thought of her. People always said he could get another girlfriend and, some person pointed out, that if he felt it, he could get a guy to hook up. But those idiots didn't understand that Richard didn't want someone to sooth his pains, he wanted someone to be companions with, honest to god companions and literally no one showed up for that. Hell, he didn't want a boyfriend/girlfriend, if it happened he wanted it to happen naturally. He just wanted a friend or someone he trusted.

His attentions on his own self-wallowing was pretty much interupted by Rowan, the newly discovered prince of asgard, playing with rocks and skipping them in the fountain. He watched for a bit, seeing the younger man laugh and enjoy himself and he found himself smile. Masking his self-pity into some sort of amusement, richard called out "Hey! You have a nice throw!"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan turned a bit shocked as he stumbled forward shocked at hearing the voice as he fell forward tumbling into the fountain. Embarrassed he stood up blushing his face red as he got out of the fountain sitting on a bench mortified. Thankfully it was warm enough his clothes would dry in no time. But he was sure he'd never live this story down now. He turned at the man and wasn't sure if the man was trying to hide his laughter or not and Evan ended up glancing at his wet clothes and ended up chuckling.

"I guess I do look like a fool. Thanks for the compliment though. Next time I think I won't stand so close to the fountain." said Evan.

He took off his shirt ringing it with his hands trying to get some of the water out before he put it back on. He paused glancing at the man with a grin.

"Of course I end up "falling" for a guy. Literally. Not your best first impression there. Oh well. He is hot though. And I could still see how built he is even with that shirt on. Why do I always meet attractive guys and then something embarrassing happens?" thought Evan.

He was of course unaware Richard was a telepath and heard ever word he just said. If he did well he'd more embarrassed than he already was. He just smiled at the man patting the bench next to him.

"So you here to admire the garden too?" asked Evan.

(ooc: couldn't resist evan liking the guy but thinking he doesn't stand a chance especially after this so just forgets about it. so when richard eventually does make a move evan can be totally blindsided. xd)

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

(OCC: LOL totally fine. Also, ya might as well as him about his dead wife)

Richard gasped before snickering to himself, holding his laughter with a simple hand, he looked as if he was being shy but this was his way of masking his amusement. He tried harder not to laugh as the man blushed and went to a bench, looking like he just did something very bad which made Richard think the poor thing was actually rather cute. "Nah, relax, it's only me here. Besides, if anybody mocked you, your brother would probably beat them up or some shit. He's the king. Not a bad king either. He certainly looks the part"

Richard paused hearing Evan's thoughts and although amused with them, felt a bit antsy. It wasn't that Richard was homophobic, actually he himself had a affair with a couple college guys before his wife but Evan's feelings of attraction to him was something Richard wasn't entirely ready for. He then argued that it wasn't bad that evan thought he was hot, it was a kind thing and besides it wasn't like Evan was a player from what Richard could tell. Why not wait and see? Casey always said to think for yourself before others.

"I have actually. This place has far nicer features than any garden back on Earth. Even before Earth got pummeled by Loki" He  said this as he sat next to Evan on the bench and shrugged at the comment he just made, feeling the need to pretend that he didn't hear Evan's thoughts. He chuckled "My wife would've loved this place...." He then frowned "She's gone though"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan smiled as he Richard joined him.

"It's ok. As long as you're not taking pictures and showing them to everyone." said Evan.

He chuckled. It was a funny situation. He just wouldn't want everyone to be laughing at him behind his back. That would be annoying. He nodded.

"I suppose. I don't really know Loki that well. I was surprised to learn he was my brother. I thought he died before I was born. I could have used a brother growing up." said Evan.

He paused as Richard said he did come to see the garden and it was more beautiful than what he'd seen on Earth. Evan nodded in agreement with that.

"Yeah. I'm not sure if Earth had something as pretty as this. As I did travel around a lot but it was cities pretty much. Well I doubt the Earth has anything this pretty now anyway." said Evan.

He paused as Richard mentioned his wife and said she was gone. Evan sympathized and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Sorry I didn't mean to bring up painful memories. What was she like?" asked Evan.

Maybe talking about good memories would make the guy be a bit happier.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Oh god no. What kind of person would do such a thing? A cheapskate, self-asorbed, arrogant idiot that's who" Richard replied fake-offendly and gave a big grin as to imply that he was joking. He liked Evan already, he had a sense of humor about his situations and was rather laid-back, that was hard to get by. He then paused in slight surprise to learn that both evan and loki just recently discovered their sibling-hood, that Evan thought Loki was dead before he was even born and that Evan would've liked having a brother growing up. He only responded "Oh wow. Now I really think Loki wouldn't want anyone picking on you, assuming that he not only made you prince but is making a bond with you, he won't wanna anyone messing with you. Loki's a pretty scary guy. I normally am a smartass but even I know better than to make fun of him or you" He laughed slightly, trying to be humorous and enjoyable to the other man. He knew he was making a friendly connection so he wanted it to continue as such.

"Oh it's sure as hell ain't pretty now. I'm just saying it never came close to this place. I can't help but never feel the same about city gardens ever again. The fountain is especially nice!" Richard said cheerfully, looking about the garden in admiration and awe. He agreed with what evan said but he felt his own personal attachment to the beauty of asgard. He appreciated it a lot. Maybe it was the country boy in him that liked agriculture.

Then casey, his wife, came up again and Richard sadly smiled as Evan put a hand on his shoulder. He knew the other man didn't mean to offend him and Evan didn't. It was Richard's own sensitive feelings towards it. He didn't ever want to forget her but he really wished it wasn't so painful. He tried and was still trying to move on. Yet Evan was comforting enough to allow him to talk about her more with someone else. Other people who asked him about it simply asked what happened and how she died, which was very shallow to the comfortless richard. Evan, on the other hand, asked who casey was. That was something Richard was more than happy to talk about. He gave a "in-love" sigh before smiling fuller but his eyes looked a bit watery "She was the sweetest woman ever. She had the cutest smile, the goldest of hair, the big blue eyes, god you could see her on a magazine and say "Hey what a lovely woman". She loved nature, she loved life itself. She made me feel better about myself when I had no one else. She was a beautiful, kind, funny, inteligent, witty woman" He rubbed his hands and sighed "I thought nobody would ask me about casey herself. Thanks to you, I just explained her"

He growled slightly "The son of bitch that took her away from me. He's dead but I hope he's burning. He... He took the only thing held precious to me for a while"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan grinned at Richard's words. He was already beginning to like this guy.

"Cheapskate? What would be cheap have to do with taking a photo?" asked Evan teasing him back.

He hoped he would dry out soon or at least no one else would come. And yet he didn't really feel as embarassed as before. Richard just had a way of making you feel at ease. It was kinda nice.

"Yeah. He's sorta playing the big protective brother. We've sorta felt this connection when we first met. Don't tell anyone this but Loki vaporized some guards who were beating me up when he didn't have to. We had to share memories to find out the connection and that's when we learned the truth. I had a horrible childhood. All I wanted was someone to love me and I think the only one who did was my mother but she died giving birth to me. And I thought Loki died before I was born. So all I had was my father. King of the Frost Giants. He was just awful to me. He blamed me for my mother's death and treated me awfully. Made me skip meals, overtrain, whatever he wanted so I could be the perfect king one day if something should happen to him. It got to be so much I couldn't take it. I turned myself human and went to Earth and started a new life. There were a few times I thought I found love but I was wrong. I think Loki and you are the first people I think actually care about me. Part of me's afraid I'll wake up and be alone again." said Evan.

He paused not realizing he was crying as he wiped the tears away and blushed.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to tell you my life story. It's just been on my mind ever since I told Loki. I tried to forget it for so long and for awhile I thought I had. But now it's back." said Evan.

Evan smiled in agreement that there wasn't anything currently on Earth or even before it's destruction that came close to this garden. Evan nodded about the Fountain.

"And if you want to go for a swim the water's fine." said Evan.

He chuckled joking about his earlier fall. He paused as the topic shifted to Richard's wife and Evan smiled and listened to Richard talk about her.

"She sounds like a great woman. I wish I could have met her." said Evan.

He smiled as Richard thanked him for asking about her.

"I know most people try to offer condolences or ask about her death. And while I am sorry she's gone. It always seemed rude at least to me about asking how someone died." said Evan.

He paused as Richard growled as he said her killer's dead and he took something precious to him. Evan paused leaning closer and wrapping Richard into a hug pulling him closer. The man looked like he could use a hug. Of course he was probably soaking the man a bit but that thought wasn't really crossing his mind at the moment.

"It'll be ok. That bastard can't hurt anyone else now. And your wife's in a safe place where no one can hurt her." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"A lot of cheapskates in the world spend money, just not for good reasons" Richard said with a hint of amusement. He was enjoying this time with Evan. He felt much more sincere and happy. In fact this was similar to the ways he felt when he first met his wife. And yet Richard didn't notice the connection and instead assumed it at first as evan being a interesting character. He then heard Evan explain himself with Loki and his suspicions of loki being over-protective were confirmed and that evan asked him not to tell anyone what he was about to tell him. "Secret's safe with me" He said with a wink.

Then Evan confessed that his childhood was not a happy one, that his father who was a king also not only abusive to Evan, but blamed him for his mother's death and forced evan to skip meals for the sake of being a better king with warrior training. Richard felt a bit ashamed to be fortunate to have his precious uncle since his friend who was so charming, had to end up with a broken past. He then saw Evan started to cry and Richard felt even worse, now that the two were connecting Richard felt terrible and began to hate the very father that gave life to evan. If it weren't for loki or him, poor evan wouldn't have anyone to care about. Richard hugged him right after Evan apologized and said he wanted to forget his past "Don't apologize. I can't say I share the same past but I can definitely say that what you handled is something no-one should ever suffer alone. I'm glad you found your brother and I'm glad you're letting it out. Trust me, it's coming from a person who lost his father-figure and his wife all in the same week" He sighed, hugging evan tighter before letting go. Realizing he just confessed a very important piece of his own life.

He was glad that the subject turned to positivity once more as they broke apart from hugging. Richard chuckled as Evan made a joke about swimming in it, knowing exactly what he was referencing "Sure but I probably won't right now. Since it's not my fountain" He then smiled softly as Evan hugged him after he mentioned his wife and who she was, he felt so much better with Evan, no wonder loki wanted to care for him. Richard then bitterly snickered as he responded back "She was murdered. All at the same time my uncle's funeral was going around. We were robbed by the son of a bitch and he threatened to shoot her and did so. There, that explains it all. I know you didn't feel like knowing but I might as well tell you" He felt as if he was going to cry but evan hugging him prevented it from happening and Richard's hand went around the man's shoulders in thanks.

"I know. She's safe. Hopefully she's with my uncle. He was less of a surprise though, although I miss him too, he just died of old age. Things happen. It just it was so bad to have her die at the same time" Richard said, his voice sounding as if he was going to break down.

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan smirked at him.

"True. Although I doubt there's much money now." said Evan, chuckling.

It was if a weight had been lifted. Learning Loki was his brother and now meeting Richard he was happier than he'd been in a very long time. He smiled as Richard said he'd keep his secret. Then Richard listened as he told him his life story and Richard hugged him as Evan couldn't help sob a little as he hugged Richard.

"You and Loki are the first good things that have happened to me. Everyone else hurt me or just left me alone. I don't want to be alone anymore." whispered Evan.

When Richard apologized Evan smiled at him.

"I wouldn't expect anyone to have a life as bad as I did. I did have some happiness on Earth but it never lasted." said Evan.

He paused hearing him as Richard said he wouldn't go swimming now since it wasn't his fountain.

"Well it's my brother's and I don't think he'd mind if you took a dip." said Evan.

He chuckled as the mood was already lightened a little bit with the teasing. Evan paused as he listened to Richard and frowned.

"I'm so sorry. You lost two people you cared about and couldn't even see the bastard get thrown in jail or even confront him. He took the easy way out. But he's gone now. Don't let this anger and sadness take over your life. Like it has mine. You deserve happiness Richard. I know your wife and your uncle would want that for you too." said Evan.

Evan hugged him again this time tighter as he listened to Richard.

"I know. But you have me now as a friend. We don't have to feel lonely or sad anymore because we have each other." said Evan.

"Of course the guy is straight. Just my luck. Well if friendship's all he can give me that's ok. He's been through enough. He deserves to have one person here not looking like they want to jump his bones. I've seen a lot of the others look at him like that. I need to get over these feelings cause one day he'll move to a beautiful girl and I can't act like a jealous idiot. He doesn't deserve that." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Well when you're king there's always the chance to get rid of taxes, thank heavens" Richard said, snickering more, enjoying Evan's company far more than he expected. He smiled softly to Richard as the man began getting a bit more upset when he admitted that him and Loki were the only good people in his life. That caused Richard to hang onto the man tightly once more and responded fondly "Hey. There's always the other side to the rainbow. It just didn't get to you yet. Now it has and you are free to ask me for anything you wish, even a boring ass meeting or something you need to escape from just whistle" He replied gently. "You're not alone. You've got Richard Hughes, that's me, on your side. That's pretty interesting I think" Richard said, patting Evan's shoulder in encouragement

"Well sorry. America stinks when it comes to society too. Some kids on earth suffer that type of bullshit themselves but I didn't, which is why I'm sorry I can't entirely relate to that. That said, your dad is a asshole and if he ever comes near you he'll go through me first" Richard said, surprisingly serious in both tone and expression. Someone as simple as Richard was admittedly hard to see as a sadistic man but he was, partly because he despised people who harmed those Richard himself liked or cared for. "Fucking asshole. What kind of father does that to nice people like you? I've only met you and I think you're one of the most sensitive people ever. Anyone with a brain would see how nice you are" Richard ranted before coughing and sighing "Sorry. Lost myself there a bit. But all of what I said I'm being completely honest with"

"You knock it off. Your brother would kill me for public disturbance, that or one of the ladies might faint of how lean and good-looking I am" Richard said, somewhat forgetful that Evan just admitted in his head that he found Richard attractive, but it came running back right after he said that and a rather interesting joke came up to mind but he didn't state it out loud. He instead paid attention to Evan's kind words over how Richard handled Casey's murder and the fact that her murderer did not see public or official justice due to the robber's suicide. "He just hated himself as much as I did that he did the job for me, I think. Yeah I didn't see him be put to public justice but he's dead. My need for his blood has been satisfied for a while" He sighed, rubbing the tears that were now flowing "I am still struggling to believe what you told me Evan. I do want happiness and I have moved on in some ways but then I start thinking about her. I'm so selfish because you and other people who were friends with me suffered so much more but..." He was then hugged by Evan again and was very relieved that Evan was there supporting him. Richard sniffed and started giving out some of his emotions "I'm not mad, I'm not even depressed. I'm just hurt. That's all. It happens. I move on from these outbreaks of sadness with someone or myself then move on. You're right, we can comfort each other because we are friends"

There was something in Richard's tone that suggested richard as someone who was sure that the two were pals but within that was something of giving a forever open chance for them to be something more. He didn't know why he felt that open chance but he did. Someone as charming and sensitive as Evan was hard to find, some of Evan's personality was similar to casey's yet Evan was very original in both person and attraction. Richard then heard more thoughts from Evan and felt very sorry for trying to ignore them, Richard also reminded himself to practice turning off his mind reading but he felt Evan was trying to not get to him because Evan wanted only Richard, as his friend, to be happy. Richard was tempted to admit right then and there that he was bisexual but he wanted that to also happen naturally, because saying it now would be very awkward and weird. Besides, Evan was keeping it to himself for other reasons, like the fact that Evan was very sure Richard would not be into it at all and it would ruin the chance of friendship. Richard felt bad as well as strangely conflicted. Nevertheless he remembered that he was still responding to Evan "Thanks for this Evan. I haven't had this type of comfort in years" He said finally

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan grinned.

"I suppose that's true." said Evan.

Evan nodded at his words.

"I know. I got Loki and I got you. I could really use a friend and I don't trust easily. Not anymore. But it feels different with you. Like I know I could tell you anything and you won't hurt me. It's just so refreshing to meet someone like you." said Evan.

He wasn't crying anymore but he was still hugging Richard. A part of him was afraid if he let go Richard might vanish or he'd wake up and this was just a dream. He hadn't realized how lonely he had been until Richard and Loki had come into his life. He pulled back reluctantly but still sitting close to Richard.

"Thank you. I never had a real friend before. So if I screw up don't be too hard on me." said Evan, in a half-serious and half-amused tone.

He paused and nodded.

"I suppose you're right. I can't say I was the only one with a bad childhood. I know others had it like me and some probably had it worse than me. " said Evan.

He paused as Richard spoke about his father and he chuckled at his words.

"I think aside from me and my brother you're the first one to insult him. It's quite refreshing to hear someone else hate my father like that." said Evan.

He grinned.

"Don't apologize. I hate my father so feel free to insult him all you like." said Evan.

Evan chuckled.

"I'm the one who probably caused the public disturbance. Although I think everyone most stays in the palace or in the town. I don't even know if we have a gardener for this place." said Evan.

He paused as he said one of the ladies might faint if they saw how good looking he was.

"And a few men might as well." thought Evan.

Evan blushed at the thought turning away to cough to hide his blushing. He could feel he was drying already as he grinned.

"I have to remember to learn some heat spells. I mean I'm not likely to fall into a fountain every day but it does rain a lot here and I'd like to keep myself warm if possible." said Evan.

Evan nodded.

"Well at least he's gone. I suppose they probably would have killed him anyway. Or thrown him in jail for a life sentence." said Evan.

He paused as he hugged Richard again tighter.

"Hey. You loved her. Grief takes time. It could take months or years. Go at your own pace. I can't tell you how to feel. But just know you don't have to always be sad. I know you'll always miss her but try to remember more of the happier times when you think of her. She wouldn't want you to be sad forever and I don't think your uncle would either." said Evan.

He nodded.

"Then you come talk to me. Talking about her and about your feelings may make it hurt less. I don't know if it'll ever go away but it could help. If you want to that is. It's not like we have a palace shrink you could talk to about this anyway." said Evan.

Evan smiled at him.

"Hey. Anytime. We've sort of helped each other today. I know we'll have some good days and some bad days. That's just life. But with you and Loki I know I can get through anything." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

Richard chuckled as Evan agreed with him on the taxes but stopped when Evan said it was hard to trust, despite richard and loki being around. Richard nodded, completely ok with the way evan felt and was very pleased to hear from evan that despite his feelings, Richard was someone he could indeed trust because of evan's knowing that richard was the one to tell anything about. Despite the fact evan wasn't crying richard still held on and kept hugging. It just felt right. He enjoyed evan's hugs. He enjoyed evan in general. He then heard evan say that if he screwed up don't be too harsh on him and although he sounded like he was joking, there was the underlying sincerity, so richard said fondly "I won't. Nobody's perfect, especially me"

"Probably but that doesn't excuse your dad's treatment of you. Or excuse your feelings in general. You being so sensitive and nice is a godsend fortunate thing for you, if I were you I'd kill anyone who looked at me funny. I'm surprised you're so nice but I'm glad too" Richard responded kindly, smiling widely as he continued chatting with his friend. "Well I do. I hate your dad's guts and I hope he burns in hell. No parent should be like him. Ever. If I had kids, I'd love them with every part of my soul. Damnit" Richard said, starting to get passionate again. Then Evan said that he liked the fact richard was insulting his father and could feel free to do it "That's good because your dad is a selfish, cheating, backstabbing, whore-loving bitch!" He then blushed a bit "Wow. Haven't said that much stuff since high-school. Guess your dad is such a shit then. But it's true. All of it"

"Oh in that case, maybe someday I'll dive in there" Richard said winking at Evan. He then once again saw evan blush and knew deep down that evan probably thought something flirty or something related to how much he liked richard physically. He ignored it though seeing Evan change the subject again. "Good idea. Heat spells can also keep you safe in the winter. If you and me ever got lost we might need it to keep us alive. Maybe we should stay away from deep forests until then huh?" Richard said, deliberately trying to be silly again to cheer up his friend and himself.

"Probably. That's why I'm not that upset about it. I'm just glad he's gone" Richard said before Evan began hugging him more. "You're right, evan. You're right. I know. I can't be sad forever. I need to move on not just for casey but for myself. I did love her. I know she'd want me to be happy. It's just hard for the moment is all. I haven't found the right person just yet" He felt a bit conflicted saying that last sentence and he didn't know why but he shrugged it off as sadness or nerves. He continued to chat with evan "Sure. I'll just come to you when I have another episode like this. I trust my feelings to you, man. It's been weird since I don't like talking about her but you made me change my mind. Thanks"

He then nodded with a smile, wiping his tears away "I guess we did. Yeah, bad days and good days go. I'm glad to have found you evan. I'm glad I helped you out and your brother too"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan paused looking at Rowan and chuckled.

"You seem perfect to me." said Evan.

He blushed realizing he said that out loud. And was grateful for the change of subject.

"No. I hate what he did. There's no excuse for what he did to me. I wish things had been differently. But my father might as well have died with my mother because he was always cruel to me." said Evan.

He smiled at him.

"Thanks. I do have problems with my temper I admit and I'm ashamed to admit I've gotten in trouble. But I had never had any real love. So I was naive about it. And I had several one night stands and short relationships. Nothing seemed to last. I was so desperate for love and I still never found it. Maybe something's just wrong with me." said Evan.

He chuckled at Richard's next words about his father.

"Well being an Frost Giant I'd assume he'd melt rather quickly." said Evan, chuckling.

Evan grinned at Richard's words and smiled as he blushed. He looked really cute when he blushed. He grinned at Richard's joke.

"Perhaps next time we could dive in together." said Evan.

He grinned as Richard agreed about heat spells.

"Yeah. Of course I'm too embarrassed to go anywhere looking like this. So I'll just wait to dry the normal way." said Evan.

He chuckled at Richard's words.

"Well forests aren't that bad. It's water I should probably stay away from. At least with all my clothes on." joked Evan.

Evan smiled as he hugged Richard.

"That bastard got what he deserved. He should have been found guilty but the result's the same anyway. He's not going to hurt anyone else." said Evan.

He smiled as Richard got his point.

"I hope so. Moving on doesn't mean you can't still love her and think about her. I know you'd always love Casey. But you deserve happiness again and I'm sure the right girl's out there somewhere." said Evan.

He thought Richard was straight so he didn't mention guys. Besides he was still getting over Casey's death. Hitting on him now whether he was straight or not would be inconsiderate and rude.

"Good. We can help each other. Two lonely souls. I think this is the start of a beautiful friendship." said Evan.

He smiled at him.

"We can help each other through our bad days and laugh on our good days. Perhaps if you like we could be roommates or at least get adjoining rooms. So if want to talk or have nightmares or something I won't be far if you want to talk. Or want a distraction." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

Richard blushed insanely when Evan told him that he was perfect "Awww evan. Stop!" Richard laughed and pretended to make it look like he was just teasing but Evan's words meant more to him than the both of them realized. He started to look at Evan a bit more as he continued talking and smiled bitterly when Evan said that he hated his father but supposed that he died along with his mother. He also chuckled about the fact a frost giant could melt quickly in hell "Maybe. Hey it's over now. The bastard's gone and if he was alive and tried to come near you, he'd go through me" He said sincerely

"Don't say something like that. There's nothing wrong with you. In fact, the people who took you the way they did, there's something wrong with them. They didn't see what a good person you are. Don't bother with people like that" Richard insisted, surprisingly hurt with evan's assumption that because he didn't find love automatically meant something was wrong with him. The fact richard didn't find anybody yet made richard feel very bad. And yet, for some reason, he immediately started thinking what if casey was trying to tell him something with this. That... maybe... maybe casey was telling him evan needed him or that richard needed evan. But that couldn't be could it? Ignoring his thoughts he laughed in agreement "Hey, you and me diving in cold water together? I think not. Let's find a warm pond or something if we're going to do that"

"Yeah. Water can ruin clothes quickly. Yet they clean them too, ain't that weird?" Richard joked in return. He began laughing a bit more, feeling lighter than he had in ages. He felt happy and he had a good time with his friend evan. He didn't feel this way in a long time.

"Good thing too. I don't want anyone to lose their loved one like I did" Richard replied, grateful for his friend's sympathy and understanding. He then nodded as Evan pointed out that moving on didn't mean to forget about casey or not still love her, that hopefully he'd find the right girl someday. Richard was in a hurt stage so he didn't really think about correcting evan that he could've found a guy but yet a pang was in his chest and not because of finding someone new but because evan ruled out men. Richard looked at evan in gratitude but something within him was telling him that evan was really someone he could depend on for company. Which was something richard knew but something about said company may be more than just friends but he didn't think about it too much yet. "Yep. Two lonely souls who aren't so lonely anymore, there's nothing more beautiful than that" Richard said calmly.

"Same to you, evan. You need to chat, rant or rave about anything with me you let me know. Maybe we could get a adjoining room like you said, it'd be nice I think" Richard replied cheerfully "You're right. We'll have laughs and cries and all that good stuff. It'll be a great time huh?" He chuckled slightly

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan grinned seeing Richard blush. He looked even hotter when he blushed like that.

"What? I'm just saying the truth." said Evan.

Evan chuckled along with Richard and listened as Richard spoke again.

"You're right. He's gone. I wish I'd met you sooner though. It would have made life more bearable on Earth having you as my friend." said Evan.

He paused looking at Richard in shock and smile feeling flattered at the praise as he couldn't help the tears that flowed. Only these were happy tears. Richard and Loki were the first people to show him kindness in such a long time that didn't want anything from him. Well he did have a friend once but he had betrayed him so he didn't count him as one of those people anymore.

"Thank you. No one's spoken up for me before you and Loki. Treated me like I mattered. That I'm somebody. At least not without using me and tossing me away when they got bored." said Evan.

He wiped the tears from his face and chuckled as Richard said they should find a warm pond instead of the cold fountain to jump in.

"It's a deal then. Although I'm not sure how many ponds are up here." said Evan.

He chuckled again at Richard's words.

"Yep. Water can be helpful and harmful. Although I guess you could say that about a lot of things." said Evan.

He looked at Richard and sighed.

"Sadly I think many did with Loki's takeover. I mean there's not much left of Earth last I heard. But you're right. No one should lose someone they care about." said Evan.

He paused as the thought of losing Richard or Loki made him worry. He smiled glad he was cheering up Richard a little even though he was quiet for a bit. When Richard spoke again Evan nodded.

"Yep. Two good friends. We can make sure we're both happy and not feeling lonely. As long as we have each other we don't ever have to feel lonely again." said Evan.

He grinned as Richard returned his offer to him as well.

"I will. You've already helped me out a lot today Richard. I needed a good laugh and to talk. I hope we can get adjoining rooms." said Evan.

Evan nodded.

"Yes. It'll be a great time indeed. I have a feeling every second with you will be great." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

Richard shrugged humbly, very touched with Evan's words. He was surprised because he normally didn't feel so good when people praised him but Evan's words were honest to him. Kind and giving, Evan sounded like he really meant what he said. Richard then nodded in understanding and contentment as Evan said that he was right about laufey and that maybe life on earth would be easier if he had richard around. He wasn't sure if that was true but maybe richard could've been a good influence or something for the sensitive evan. Richard didn't know what to think about himself personally but it was nice that evan did think highly of him.

Richard felt very bad when Evan began crying even though he saw that they were tears of joy, Richard went closer and responded "Awww. Evan. Awww, I didn't mean to do that. Don't cry. It's ok. I'm just trying to not make you feel bad about yourself. You shouldn't be so doubtful of yourself" He sighed, rubbing evan's shoulders "Those bastards. Hurting someone like you. Maybe it's good your brother took us over, we were so cruel and stupid to begin with. We take out the nice ones so easily" He looked evan up and down to check on his friend but felt a sudden need to comfort evan again but not in the friendly way. What was happening? Richard was starting to put two and two together but he still tried to deny it for the moment. He smiled softly as evan thanked him "I'm very glad I could help. Your brother's a smart man to realize you mean something. Hell you should feel like you matter. You DO matter. If I matter in this world, so do you"

"Come on. Asgard is HUGE. We'll find one I'm sure" Richard teased, giving a obvious eye-brow raise then and finally started laughing again. His laughter was light and easy, like weight was being pulled away.

"Yeah. Like candy and other things. It's all within moderation" Richard shrugged. He then paused as Evan said that people probably did lose loved ones thanks to Loki's sudden attack "Well.... That's what war and takeover does, I was being in general but you're right as much as I am. There's nothing I can do for strangers yet. I'm not happy about it but Loki, I think, can make up for it someday. If you don't mind me saying so" Richard said with sincerity and honesty in his voice. He turned to see evan worry about something but he didn't bother to ask because evan began talking again. He smiled "I can agree to that. You and me can work out with our loneliness just fine"

"You're more than welcome. And there's plenty more where that came from, just say the word and I'll pop by" Richard promised with a big grin. He then pondered about adjoining rooms "You do realize you're a prince right? You can simply ask your brother for me and you to share a room. I'm sure he won't say no" He then nodded at evan's response that it would be a great time and he would enjoy every second "The feeling is mutual evan. I think we're gonna have fun from now on"

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan hugged Richard a bit and smiled at him. He wiped the tears from his face.

"Don't be sorry. You've just been so kind to me. I just don't feel like I deserve it though." said Evan.

When Richard started rubbing his shoulder that felt really good. Evan moaned before realizing what he did and blushed.

"Sorry. You're just really good at that." said Evan.

Evan blushed at Richard's protective tone. No one had cared so much about him before. Been this protective of him. It was kind of nice. Now he had two people looking out for him.

"Thank you. For caring. It means more to me than you'll ever know." said Evan.

Evan smiled as Richard insisted again that he did matter and he was glad he could help. Well if Loki and Richard cared enough about him maybe he was worth something after all.

Evan chuckled at Richard's words.

"You're right. I'm sure we will. If not maybe we can get my brother to make one." said Evan.

Evan nodded again at Richards words that things needed to be used in moderation. When the subject shifted to many possibly losing their families and friends thanks to Loki's attacks Richard had reluctantly agreed.

"I don't know. I mean he just wanted power before. Or that's what I thought. But he does seem to care about me. So maybe he will. I mean at least he did spare some of the Earth. He could have wiped the whole thing out." said Evan.

Evan grinned at him.

"Sounds like a plan then. I really don't feel lonely or sad much with you around." said Evan.

Evan grinned at Richard's promise that he'd visit if he asked. When Richard suggested they share a room Evan blushed.

"Sharing a room with him? Well maybe I could get seperate beds. And just hope he won't notice I'm attracted to him." thought Evan.

"That actually sounds like a good idea. I'd love to have you as my roommate." said Evan.

He paused as Richard spoke again saying they were going to have a lot of fun together.

"You're right. We will." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Yes you do. If I deserve kindness, then so do you. Everyone deserves kindness" Richard responded, seeing Evan become slightly more emotional than previously. Richard didn't want Evan to feel bad at all, in a way his friend's unhappiness made richard himself feel unhappy. He didn't like this behavior and deeply felt evan deserved better. "Evan. You can't allow the people who treated you bad previously allow you to believe you deserve negative treatment. That's not right for yourself. You need to think about what makes you feel better or feel good. Trust me, if you keep doing that, you're going to be treated badly by a lot of people" He assured again. He didn't want to warn evan but the way evan hated himself was unfair. Richard felt protective and loyal to evan by this point. Sure they simply met but the two connected far more personally than the both of them knew. He hadn't been able to have friends since casey's passing, which was a accomplishment to richard himself.

Richard paused as Evan moaned and Richard couldn't help but blush. He didn't know that he could make evan moan like that. Richard coughed awkwardly before responding cheerfully "Not a problem. My wife told me the same thing when we were on our honeymoon" He laughed hard at that, trying to make light of the situation to once again make Evan not feel embarrassed, sure it was a tad personal but Richard was no stranger to humor. Somehow though Richard felt good for making evan moan like that and he had no idea why. These feelings of wanting to make evan feel better were starting to increase into something richard wasn't quite sure about. But he didn't feel bad about it. In fact, he rather liked it.

"Thank you evan. For allowing yourself to open yourself to me. Someone like you being so willing to trust someone like me humbles me a lot. I appreciate it and will not take it lightly. I know what's it like to not trust people or have very few people care about your problems" Richard assured, smiling as evan smiled. He rather enjoyed Evan's smile a lot, the more evan did it the more richard did too.

"Sure. Your brother's a magical god, we can get away with it. Maybe we should make him also make a ice-cream stand. It's getting a bit too hot here" Richard joked as the two started thinking up ideas for places to swim.

"He clearly cares about you. He made you a prince and accepted you for who you are from the sounds of it. Hey, if you have faith in me, have faith in loki. We'll just wait and see. He's busy making sure he keeps his coop so let's give him a break before he rebuilds. I get he's power-hungry but he, as you said, spared some countries and allowed people to live. If he was truly merciless, he'd kill everybody and you wouldn't meet me!" Richard said, trying to encourage Evan to believe in his brother. Even though evan still had a hard time trusting people, Richard could feel that loki cared for him and so Richard wanted evan to trust his own brother. In a way he was on both evan and loki's side by this point.

"Same to you evan. You're a good person. You really are. Believe that" Richard said, smiling softly, being much more sincere than anything in his life. What was going on? Was Richard really starting to stoop low enough to fall for someone else? Maybe. Maybe this was casey's message to say it was time. But Richard was still insecure so he tried his best to deny it. Give it some more time, Richard thought, maybe the feelings will stop if we just keep talking. However, as richard didn't know how to turn the damned mind reading off, he heard more of Evan's thoughts. He blushed out of instinct but somehow he felt bad that evan was attracted to him and richard was too nervous to acknowledge it completely. He didn't reject evan at all and that was the problem. This meant only one thing. That richard's feelings were becoming mutual. Richard didn't understand that out of all the people in the world evan could've bonded with it was him, but richard felt content. However, due to his own personal fear, Richard decided not to make note of it today. He needed to sleep on this. Right now he and evan were just going to chat. Hopefully, if richard was smart.

"Yeah, we'd totally chat more and probably would think of schemes to piss your brother off just because. Or maybe prank some asshole guards if you feel like it. Why not?" Richard laughed, ignoring his own inner thoughts and continuing the conversation

"Then let's go have fun. Let's prank people, let's look around, let's do something. Sitting here just doing nothing is starting to bore me. Let's enjoy ourselves before your royal brother needs us" Richard insisted, wanting to pass the time and ignore some of the thoughts he was having.

[Rowan/Evan Thompson]

Evan smiled weakly at him.

"Thank you. Although sometimes I don't think I deserve anything. Sometimes I think maybe it would have been better if I died instead of my mother. My father loved my mother but clearly not me. Maybe he blamed me for her death. I'll never know now." said Evan.

Evan paused at Richard's words as he began to tear up.

"It's the truth. My only real friend abandoned me when things got tough. Everyone leaves me or dies. I've tried not to let it affect me but every time someone leaves it still hurts. Why should I try to be happy? I know I'll be left alone again. You and Loki will walk away from me like everyone else one day. Maybe that's my fate. To be sad and alone forever." said Evan.

He was still blushing as he felt Richard's hands still on his shoulders.

"You don't have to stop if you don't want to. That kinda felt nice." said Evan.

Evan resisted the urge to wince at the mention of Richard and his late wife on their honeymoon. It was just another reminder Richard liked girls. Evan should just let his feelings go. Try to move onto someone else. It was clear Richard was never going to be that guy. All Richard would be was a friend. He nodded as he listened to Richard.

"Your welcome. I don't know but I just feel calm around you. No matter how sad I get you just seem to make me smile. To make me laugh. I haven't had this much fun in so long. I'm so afraid this is a dream. That you're not real. That none of this. I'll wake up in my bed back in New York and be alone again. I don't want to be alone again." said Evan.

He wiped the tears from his eyes as he chuckled at Richard's joke.

"Ice cream stand would be fun. Although knowing my brother we'd get some unique flavors named after him." said Evan.

Evan paused at his words.

"I hope so. I want to trust him. He enslaved, banished, or killed his adopted and birth family though. So you can forgive me for being a little nervous. I mean one day he might decide I'm a threat to his rule and toss me to the dungeons. Or into a black hole or something." said Evan.

Evan paused as Richard said he was a good person.

"I want to believe that. I've just been tricked, lied to, and manipulated for so long. I just don't know if there's any part of me left. All I can just remember is pain, sadness, and brief moments of happiness. If this is what happens to good people then maybe I'd have been better off being a bad one." said Evan.

Evan smiled at him.

"Well perhaps not the pranks. I wouldn't want any of the slaves to be blamed. They got enough problems. But I wouldn't mind annoying my brother once an d awhile." said Evan.

He paused for a moment before speaking.

"I'm going to take over the care of the slaves from now on. They're treated horribly. The ones who had powers can't use them anymore with those collars. And without weapons they can't do much anyway. And yet they're still treated badly. I've been treated poorly for most of my life and I'm not going to let others be treated like that. Unfortunately I can't help those who have new masters. But I will make sure I keep the rest of them as safe and happy as I can. Maybe that will be my purpose here." said Evan.

Evan smiled at his words.

"I still haven't dried out yet. I think if I stepped foot into the palace like this well I'd be laughed at. And if I dripped any water in there well I might get into trouble. Maybe we could take a look around the garden. See what else is here." said Evan.

[Richard Hughes(Avatar)]

"Blaming you for your mother's death is like blaming Obama on the weather. You just can't do that. Your father was a very cruel and bad man. You shouldn't bother with him. I know it's hard to not blame yourself or feel bad about the times you had it rough, and I honestly don't mind the fact you're so hurt, but one way or another. You need to be there for yourself. There is no other you Evan, and that's good" Richard insisted, his frown increased as Evan kept saying negative things about himself. He still held his shoulders on evan's and didn't bother removing them at all. He was focused on his friend. That was it.

"Then he's not really a friend. Friends don't abandon each other when times get rough. Fuck him, fuck your father, fuck them all!" He snarled out of instinct. He was so upset now. He wasn't mad at evan, he was mad of the circumstances. He saw that his anger was going to get out of hand if he didn't focus. So he breathed and responded softly, trying his hardest not to explode "Evan. Just because many people in the past betrayed you does not mean that you are just a beacon for sadness and disappointment. Now about the good guy thing, good guys DON'T get a lot of stuff that you had but then again some do. But so do a lot of bad people, they suffer too. We all suffer one way or another. But that does not mean that happiness will never be given to those who suffer. You will have happiness evan. And you do deserve it. Everyone, yes sometimes even bad people, deserve it"

"OK. I won't. I like it too, since it makes you feel better" Richard said, rubbing evan's shoulders seeing the other was getting worked up. He wanted his friend to know that even though it was hard, Richard was here for him. He wanted his friend to understand that unlike whomever his friend was, Richard was not one to back-stab him. He then saw Evan's slight look of disappointment when he chatted about casey and he had a pretty good idea why Evan was upset. Richard's temptation to tell him grew stronger. He didn't though. It was the first day they chatted. Through time Richard would let him know. His heart began to pound nervously as he continued to rub evan's shoulders. He hadn't felt the jitters in years, what the hell was going on?!

"It's not a dream. I can prove it to you" He then tried to pinch Evan's arm and giggled "I'm sorry. Trying to make you laugh, as you said, is what I do with my friends. I'm glad that I make you feel calm and you're having fun. I'm not just bullshitting Evan. I mean every word. I'm glad to be your friend. And I'm glad that you're mine"

"Yeah! Like Golden Age, you know because of his sweet helmet. Ah! Get it! Sweet!" He laughed again, trying to make light of the situation more and more. He then pondered "Other than golden age, which is a good name, we can name another ice cream flavor, loki mint chocolate chip. Since I think green is his favorite color and the black chocolate chips would represent his hair. I'm a riot. This could be a awesome business that your brother can allow me to make!" He laughed some more, enjoying himself.

"Yeah I can see why you'd be nervous. I never had my uncle do that to me. If he did, I'd probably be a different person too. We'll wait and see though. Come on, like I said, if you trust some bozo like me, you can try to trust him. Trying is all you can do. You can do that at least" Richard insisted. He tried his best to understand but he also wanted Evan to have some closure. Some own personal safety. He didn't know how but maybe this was the way.

"If you want to, then do so. There's nothing wrong with that. There is happiness within you Evan. Just like there is happiness within me. And do you wanna know why? Because I'm looking at you and I see a friend who has succeeded in making me feel genuinely happy again. Not just a facade, a actual amount of happiness. That's how I know" Richard assured calmly, smiling at his friend. Evan's lack of confidence made him feel very bad. Not in a pitying sense, more or less in a sense of protection.

"Yeah. He's your brother. It's in the job description. But no pranks, the slaves DO have problems" He then listened to Evan respond that he was going to take care of them from now on. That he saw the abuse they handled and was going to take care of them. That because he was treated poorly, he would prevent that to happen to others. Well, the ones who were not with masters anyway. Richard clapped "Good for you! That's what I call integrity. That is a awesome idea. Good for you, sir!"

"OK. Sure. Going about in the garden sounds nice. This place is too gorgeous to ignore" Richard looked about the garden and smiled after saying that.