"And... CUT!"

It was the final take for the day and for the film they were shooting for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. While happy with the take, the scene they had been filming wasn't. It was very dark and dramatic, the antagonist being brutal to one of their main characters - strangling them to death.

"I didn't squeeze too hard, did I, Tom?" Josh Brolin asked.

Tom Hiddleston slowly shook his head, and gave Brolin a thumbs up with a small smile.

"I think I might do better with another take, though." Hiddleston said to the Russo Brothers, "If I could just..."

"Tom," Joe Russo said, "it's fine. We made sure to do several takes to make sure we got it properly. We have enough to choose in editing and for the DVD / Blu-Ray extras."

"Please," he implored, "I still don't feel like I nailed it."

"Sorry, Tom," Anthony Russo said, "we already gave word to the crew that it's a wrap. Don't worry, you did great."

"I suppose you're right," Tom conceded, his voice quiet.

"Go on to Craft service," Joe said, "get yourself some tea. You've earned it."

"I think he's earned something stronger than tea," Anthony said.

"Thanks, guys," Tom said, shaking their hands and heading out the door from the set.

Hiddleston didn't make it to Craft service. As he kept walking, the enormity of what he had just finished shooting was starting to hit him. It wasn't a good feeling either. He leaned against the side of a trailer, and slid down until he had to bend his knees, finally sitting on the ground.

For almost ten years he had portrayed Loki, and now... what had he done? Or more specifically, what had they made him do? He had killed the scene - at least he hoped so - and now, possibly even his character.... His head fell into his hands.

"Hey, mate, what's up?" a familiar voice asked.

Tom would know that voice anywhere.

It was Chris Hemsworth.

Squatting in front of him, Tom looked up to see his friend's face.      

"What have I done, Chris?" Tom whispered.

"I don't know, what do you think you've done?" Chris replied.

"As Evans would say, 'I don't wike it.'"

"I know, but this is what they wanted," Chris put his hand on Tom's shoulder, "Come on, I'll go with you to Craft service. I think you could really use that cup of tea. I could also use a drink."

Hemsworth offered his hand which Hiddleston gladly accepted then pulled him up to stand.

"Thank you, God of Thunder," Tom said, a bit of a smile now on his lips, "I've said it before and I'll say it again. I couldn't have asked for a better brother from another mother."

Hemsworth didn't say anything, he simply smiled and put his hand on his dear friend's shoulder, then pulled him into a hug.

As they walked off together to Craft service, Hiddleston, at least for the moment, felt things were going to be okay.

****

[ This vignette was inspired by events from "A Conversation With Tom Hiddleston" at Ace Comic Con in Seattle 2018 & an article from USA Today (Life) "Sicario's Josh Brolin is smiling over his killer summer, even with 'Avengers' casualties" by Bryan Alexander, especially the quote, "Brolin says he did have sympathy for Hiddleston, who was "obsessed" with nailing what looks to be his last scene with Loki.  "He had been with that character for so long. And he's lauded for doing it," says Brolin. "Tom was so vulnerable at that moment. So choking him out wasn't the most  fun thing I have ever done." ]