Advice From A Brother
As more days passed, their friendship deepened into something more profound. Tony found himself captivated by Loki’s enigmatic charm, his quick wit, and the way his eyes could shift from playful mischief to a depth that hinted at ages of wisdom. Loki, in turn, was drawn to Tony’s boundless energy, his unyielding optimism, and the way he could dissect the most complex problems with a single, elegant equation.
Their differences became their strongest bond. Tony, always striving for control, found solace in Loki’s embrace, allowing himself to be swept away by the magical currents swirling around the Asgardian. Loki, however, found himself yearning for the human connection he had never experienced, the warmth and stability Tony offered. They both felt out of their depth with the way they were feeling and sought out support from the people they trusted the most.
Loki decided to speak to Thor regarding his feelings and, maybe even find the courage to finally come out to him. As the sun dipped below the horizon, golden light filled Thor’s room in the compound. Thor was sprawled across the floor, attempting to braid a strand of Loki’s hair. While his attempts were clumsy and half-hearted, Loki appreciated feeling close to his brother.
Thor didn’t have the daintiest of fingers and began muttering under his breath before finally speaking up. ‘You know,’ Thor began, his voice thick with the mead he'd been indulging in, ‘you’d be a lot more fun to braid if you stopped twitching like a startled squirrel.’
Loki snorted, his eyes glinting with amusement. ‘Perhaps if you weren’t pulling at my hair with the grace of a drunken troll, I wouldn’t have to twitch.’ Loki patted the top of his head instinctively to ensure his hair was still on his head.
‘Hey, I’m getting better!’ Thor protested, holding up his work, a tangled mess of Loki’s black hair. 'See? It's almost… something.'
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the crackle of the fire Loki had summoned being the only sound. Then, Loki spoke, his voice softer than usual. ‘Thor, I…’ he faltered, biting his lip.
Thor looked up, concern lacing his face with Loki’s uncertainty. ‘What is it, brother?’
Loki took a deep breath. ‘I’ve... I’ve been thinking a lot lately about… Well about quite a bit to be honest.’ He turned to look at his brother, his usually mischievous glint replaced by a vulnerability that was unfamiliar to them both. 'Thor, I need to talk to someone. About some of these things.'
Thor, ever the gentle giant, sat down next to him and took one of Loki’s hands in his. 'Anything, brother. What troubles you?'
Loki took a deep breath. ‘Well I’ve got this friend, you see. I’ve started to feel…things. I think it’s becoming a bit more than just friendship and I’m unsure of how to proceed.’ Loki looked into Thor’s eyes, awaiting an answer.
Thor smiled at his brother. ‘I see. You must tell her how you feel, brother. I’m sure the feelings are mutual between you. You’ve had girlfriends before, so I’m surprised you’re uncertain of this. Do you think she does not like you in return?’
Loki shook his head and dropped his gaze. He took another deep breath, words catching in his throat. 'I think...I think I might be...' He paused, the silence stretching like a tightrope, threatening to snap. 'I think I might be bisexual.' Loki blinked hard, tears threatening to spill, not daring to meet Thor’s gaze.
Thor nodded at what Loki had said. ‘I see.’ Thor said simply causing Loki to look up with a confused expression before he continued. ‘I’m happy that you’ve finally figured yourself brother.’ Thor squeezed Loki tight.
Loki pulled away and looked at Thor. ‘Finally figured myself out? You say that like you knew already.’ Loki chose his words carefully and was sure not to sound angry with Thor.
Thor sighed and rubbed a hand on his face. ‘Well, I did happen to hear a rumour when we were teens. Apparently, you and some stable hand had…relations.’ Thor finished with a slight cough.
Loki’s face flushed red and he stood to pace the room. ‘People knew about that?’ He asked, shocked before shaking his head. ‘I suppose it was only a matter of time before one of those relationships were spread around.’
It was Thor’s turn to blush. ‘One of those? You’ve had multiple boyfriends?’ Thor asked, surprised.
Loki smirked at Thor in response. ‘Arguably just as many as I have girlfriends, brother.’ Loki came and sat back down next to Thor. ‘And, It’s a man that I have feelings for at present. I am not convinced he feels the same given his track record.’ Loki says with a slight blush, knowing of Tony’s playboy reputation. ‘I just don't want to risk jeopardising such a friendship for what could be unrequited feelings. I've never felt quite this strongly for anyone before.’ Loki sighed as his mind was running through his different options.
Thor listened intently, eager to help out his brother. ‘Why don't you have a chat with him then? If you feel comfortable enough, maybe you could come out to him. See if that helps gauge things. And if he doesn't support you, he's not a friend worth having. Only if you feel comfortable to do that though.’ Thor finished, sounding firm in his response.
Loki nodded and looked to Thor. ‘If he doesn't support me, I rather feel like we'll be told to leave his property.’ Giving Thor an idea of who the mystery friend is.
Thor sat there stunned for a second before confirming if his suspicions were correct. ‘You have feelings for Tony? The same Tony that you have a rocky history with because you threw him out of a window?’ Thor sounded uncertain.
‘Aye Thor. The same Tony. We have such a good friendship now and all that is behind us. I just wish I had some more clarity over these feelings.’ Loki closed his eyes and sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. ‘It's a big risk to take if he doesn't support me.’
Thor approached Loki and placed his hands upon his shoulders. ‘A risk I think you should take, Loki. I'd much rather you know, than to find out through homophobic jokes made about somebody else. I have to say though, I don’t see that kind of behaviour from Stark.’ Thor gave Loki a tight hug.
‘I'll think about it, okay. I won't make any promises though. If I find an opportunity for it then I'll try.’ Loki said, starting to sound more determined. He wanted to make this work, and if nothing else, he still wanted to come out to who he considered to be his best friend.
Thor nodded in response. ‘I don't want you to feel like I'm pressuring you to come out, Loki. I'm just concerned about how it'll affect you if he were to say something in front of you that targets something so personal. It's your choice and I still want you to do it when you feel ready.’ Thor reassured his brother.
‘I know, brother. And I wouldn't have agreed to try if I truly didn't want to come out. I just worry, is all.’ Loki knew Thor was already aware that he worried too much, but still felt like clarifying.
‘I know you do, Loki. I'll support you regardless though, always. I am proud of you.’ Thor said with a gentle smile. He made a point to be more honest with Loki, knowing how little support he received when the two were just boys.
‘Thank you.’ Loki smiled softly back at Thor. ‘Well, it’s getting late, I shall retire to my own chambers. I do really appreciate you, brother.’ Loki said as he made his way over to the door.
Thor chuckled. ‘I love you too, Loki.’ And with that, Loki was on his way to his room, mind racing with different ways he could bring up this sort of conversation with Tony. He was ready to tell him and wanted to do it sooner rather than later. Feeling slightly more confident, Loki got himself ready for bed and fell asleep, dreaming of a future with the man of iron.