Chapter 8
Chapter 8
At work everything went like always. Thor would walk into the arena alongside his challenger, they would have a little encounter and afterwards Thor would come out as the winner, while his opponent would have to be carried out in most cases. The only slight difference at this day was that, although Thor still won every fight he went in, his mind was somewhere else. While the boxers were doing their best to hit him, the only face he was seeing was the one of his lover. He basically knew he didn't have to worry, but still - he did. His precious Loki was lying at home sick and the only thing he could think of was returning to his side as quickly as possible. Therefore, as soon as he was finished he was headed straight for the exit of the arena, when his boss, Mr. Norwood approached him. Thor considered to simply ignore him and walk by, but then decided differently, for he knew his boss was probably about to give him the money Loki and he needed so desperately.
Norwood: "Good work today, Mr. Odinson!"
Thor: "That's my way of working. Thank you. May I now get my salary for today and leave? I have to return home immediately."
Norwood: "Unfortunately I'm not allowed to pay you right away for we're a little short on money ourselves. Your wins are a great benefit but still we can't give you what we still didn't get ourselves. Tomorrow there'll be a great occasion where the world's best boxers will take part in a competition. I want you to take part in this competition and if you win, I swear you'll be paid directly tomorrow. Deal?"
Thor's smile faded slowly. He hesitated shortly before answering.
Thor: "Sure. - I'll be there tomorrow. You have my word."
Norwood: "Good. Then see you tomorrow, my champion."
Mr. Norwood patted him on the shoulder but Thor didn't pay any attention to saying goodbye. The only thing he had on mind was getting home and so he started running.
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When Thor got home his first way led into the bedroom. Loki luckily still was in bed, shivering underneath the blankets. As soon as Thor came in, he brushed off his sweaty cape, dropping to his knees next to the bed, exhausted from the fights and the sprint home. As soon as Loki registered the noise he looked into Thor's direction, hope in his eyes.
Loki: "Th-thor? 's it you?"
Thor smiled, stroking back Loki's hair.
Thor(a little out of breath): "Yes Loki. - I'm back. - How are you?"
Loki: "I'm - I'm - "
Loki had to interrupt his sentence 'cause he'd started sneezing quietly. Thor reached over towards the bedside table and handed him the handkerchiefs Loki accepted thankfully.
Thor: "Have you already eaten something?"
Loki only shook his head tiredly, not willing to say anything else.
Thor: "Come on, dear - you have to eat something. Let's do it now, hmh?"
Loki didn't reply, knowing Thor wouldn't leave him a choice anyways. Thor took the plate of soup he had prepared earlier and lifted Loki into a half-upright position to which Loki responded with a snarl. While Loki ate, Thor watched him with concern.
Thor: "No really - how're you feeling?"
Loki: "Like dying."
Thor grinned slightly, pulling Loki into a hug.
Thor: "Did the pills work?"
Loki: "Y - yes but I already took three."
Thor nodded thoughtfully.
Thor: "Is there anything I can do to help you? would you like to eat something else? Or drink?"
Loki: "N-no. The tea is empty but I don't think I could keep more. Just - stay here."
Thor: "I'm with you in a second, love. I'll just change clothes so you don't have to suffer because of my smell."
Loki smiled exhaustedly, handing the empty plate back to Thor and sinking back against the pillows. Thor helped him adjust before getting up and kicking off his fighting clothes. After changing into his leisure wear he returned to Loki's side and noticed the man had already fallen asleep again. Thor sat down on the edge of the bed. Loki opened his eyes sleepily, but when he noticed who it was he only cuddled closer into Thor's arms. As the thunderer held his lovver, he noticed his shirt was sweat-soaked and completely wet.
Thor: "Apparently we have to change your clothes as well. You can't keep wearing this."
Thor quickly stood up again, walking towards the wardrobe and picking out another of Loki's sleeping shirts. When he returned to Loki he hadn't moved an inch. Thor gently removed the blanket, which caused Loki to shiver even more. Thor lifted him up slightly, pulling off the old shirt and tossing it over his shoulder carelessly. Afterwards he replaced it with the dry one. As soon as he was finished Loki fell back into his arms, moaning of exhaustion. He carefully started rubbing Loki's back, who was lying limp in his arms, like a doll that'd gotten thrown away. He started caressing Loki's delicate features, stroking his hair, then moving further down to his back and stomach. Loki's body reacted immediately, sending shivers down his spine. The heat of Thor's touch seemed to calm him and ease his pain. Thor, who'd noticed the change continued stroking him. Several minutes later, Loki's trembling faded slowly until he was lying still, with eyes closed in pure satisfaction. Thor was satisfied too, admiring the lithe figure lying in his grip. For the next few hours he kept himself busy with exchanging Loki's cloths, cooking new tea and fulfilling every wish of the younger one, which weren't to many. Whenever he guessed Loki was feeling uncomfortable or in pain he started stroking him and calming him down. He knew Loki wasn't at the point to tell him what he needed so he simply made his own assumptions. After he had eaten something himself he joined Loki underneath the blanket. Damn, it was hot! Although loki was shivering the temperature in the bed was nearly unbearable. But when he noticed how lost Loki looked, he hugged him nonetheless. Sharing his warmth with the burning fever of his lover to give him new energy.
Loki: "W-will you stay with me?"
Thor: "Sure, my love. Everything's alright. I'm here. Forever. Everything's fine."
Thor watched as Loki cuddled further into him, burying his face in Thor's chest and slowly dozing off into a slumber. The blonde put a fair kiss to Loki's hair.
Thor: "Good night, love. Tomorrow everything will be better."