Texting #3: Loki's Memes
Tower Universe - Short
Loki has discovered the wonders of Midgardian memes — and Gwen is his unsuspecting audience.
Loki lounges in a quiet corner of a cozy bookstore, swiping through cat videos on his phone. Inspiration strikes and he crafts what he considers a masterpiece:
Captain America photoshopped as a disgruntled cat, pawing furiously at a laser dot.
He smirks, finishes the edit, and sends it to Gwen with a single message:
Text from Loki: “It’s art.”
Gwen is in the middle of a SHIELD briefing. She hears the ping and checks her phone. One glance — and she bursts out laughing. The entire room looks over.
Text from Gwen: “Oh my… that is absolutely art. Who taught you photo editing?”
Text from Loki: “A trickster learns many things in exile.”
He replies smoothly, followed by another image — Thor as a startled golden retriever mid-sneeze.
Text from Loki: “Consider this my cultural contribution to Midgard.”
Gwen tries to refocus on the meeting but keeps snickering.
Text from Gwen: “Cultural contribution. Right. Memes by Asgard. We’ll open an exhibit.”
Text from Gwen: “I’m getting dirty looks for laughing during this meeting. I have to ignore you now.”
A pause.
Text from Gwen: “Send more.”
Loki chuckles, reading her quick string of messages. Clearly she’s losing the battle against curiosity.
Text from Loki: “Ah, the hazards of trying to blend in with mortals.”
He follows it with another edit — Black Widow as a sleek black cat, ready to pounce on Hulk’s head.
Text from Loki: “The true star of their team.”
Text from Gwen: “So far, Steve and Nat are cats, Thor’s a dog… what am I, then?”
Loki taps his chin. This requires precision. He scrolls through his camera roll, smirking at his existing edits — then inspiration strikes.
A new photo arrives: Gwen as a fox, surrounded by vines and flowers. It’s a little too polished to be casual.
Text from Loki: “Obvious, isn’t it? Cunning. Playful. A little too clever for your own good.”
Gwen grins despite herself.
Text from Gwen: “I like it. Approved.”
A few moments later, she sends back her own edit — an angry badger in Iron Man armor, steam practically rising from its helmet.
Text from Gwen: “Tony looks like this right now because I can’t stop laughing.”
Loki bursts out laughing, picturing it instantly.
Text from Loki: “How do the others feel about your… distracted behavior, little fox?”
Text from Gwen: “Pretty sure they’ll kick me out if I laugh again. I’m supposed to be learning about some major threat, and I’m texting you instead.”
Text from Loki: “Ah, the perils of irresistible entertainment.”
He sends another photo — Hawkeye as a scowling owl perched on a bow.
Text from Loki: “Hawkeye’s probably glaring like this at you right now.”
Gwen bites back a laugh and snaps a stealthy picture of Clint, who looks exactly like the meme.
Text from Gwen: “Accurate.”
Loki zooms in on Clint’s scowl, delighted.
Text from Loki: “I have a gift. Next time you want to annoy them further… just forward my masterpieces.”
Text from Gwen: “I’m making a special album just for your art.”
Loki’s grin widens, equal parts mischief and pride.
Text from Loki: “Ah, my muse is also a collector. How very flattering.”
He pauses, fingers hovering over the keyboard, then sends one last message:
Text from Loki: “I expect my gallery opening by next week.”
Text from Gwen: “I’ll bring the badger.”