>> I really like how this ends - especially the idea that Loki can get *himself* out, <<

One of the things he needs most is agency so that part is essential. Loki has to be able to influence what happens to him, or he's not really a character, just a pawn. In the movies, he's mostly a pawn.

>> and that his mother is still taking care of him in subtle ways. <<

Frigga loves Loki. She just doesn't always know what to do with him.

>> The quote from earlier about finishing his studies was cute. I wanna see Loki get to "play". :D <<

So do I!

>> The thought of all the sparks when he finally gets to meet the Avengers again is intriguing. <<

Enough sparks to light a fire.

>> I find it really cool that Loki is thinking things through here and working out some of what he really wants, and why what he's tried so far hasn't worked. Clue-having characters are much more fun. <<

Agreed. Loki is smart as a whip. He's just been surrounded by a lot of shitty examples for most of his life. That makes it hard for even the people who love him to get any good lessons through the murk.

But when Loki linked minds with Clint and Eric, suddenly his horizons got a lot wider. With more examples, and Clint's considerably better if not always perfect set of mental coping skills, Loki has new options for figuring out what's wrong and how to fix it. Because even prior to game night, Clint had spent a lot of time with Phil and had already overcome many obstacles, so those experiences will help Loki now.

>> The dynamic between Loki and Clint is particularly interesting. The complications of a character who *is* naturally a follower, fighting that part of him because he's been forced into service, and then also having a mid-link so he understands and has some compassion on the guy who victimised him... <<

Plus of course it's not the first time Clint was taken against his will. He's got a lot of negative examples for comparison, but he also has the fact that Phil had to shoot him in order to close contact. What Clint resents is not the service, but being denied a choice and being turned against his own allies. With the link in place they understood each other, which is why not only does Clint sympathize with Loki to some extent, but also Loki -- who had been pretty focused on himself -- now sympathizes with Clint in return, which makes him hate himself more for what he's done.

>> And Loki desperately wanting someone like Clint, but knowing that he's screwed it all up, and how the hell does he even begin to make it right when he probably has zero example from his family of how to admit mistakes and make amends... It's very cool. <<

I'm glad this is working for you. I want to explore how they would actually sort out what has gone wrong between them, and how to fix it so they can salvage the parts they both liked. Fortunately for Loki, the Avengers have gotten plenty of experience in learning and teaching personal problem solving.

>> (I mean, totally sucks for the characters, but makes a fascinating story.) I look forward to more! <<

Sooth.