[That's a very long and complicated story. The minute Nico starts talking though there's an elbow to the ribs to try and get him to shut up but oops, too late. It's out there. It's out there and he knows that Loki knows exactly what's happening and that look has him withering a little, shoulders hunching into the jacket of his suit and eyes shifting to look at his feet.

This is horrible. Everything's horrible and now Nico's questioning his abilities to take care of himself and he can't let him do this by himself no matter what. That's not what he promised. He promised Nico he'd do everything he could to be there when he spoke to Shuck and that, in his mind, includes this. It's scary. The idea terrifies him beyond belief because Nico's right. He doesn't know how to defend himself against ghosts, but he can't show him he's afraid of that.

But Loki's agreeing. Loki's agreeing and he peers up through his bangs at the god somewhat tentatively like he's waiting for the other shoe to drop. Loki's…not mad. Loki's also not entirely surprised which is a little bizarre.]

I'd really rather not piss off the Black Shuck. [There's a small, vaguely triumphant look at Nico in a way that suggests that he's won.] I'm coming with you. No excuses.

[But he looks back at Loki again and the question is clear in his expression. "Why? Why are you doing this? What do you know?"]

I'll figure something out. You can teach me. Something. Why else would Shuck ask me to come with you? ["Knucklehead." Strangely enough he relaxes a tiny bit even under Loki's ever-watchful eye, enough that he rolls his eyes at Nico again.] Why don't you trust me?