Chapter 12
Chapter 12
As the days passed by, Loki's condition grew better. Once he'd gotten over the fact that Bruce and the others were only trying to help him, he calmed down step by step, which allowed his injuries to heal faster. The only thing that still upset him was that the memory of what had happened to him still hadn't returned and no one knew who'd attacked him. Only when Thor wasn't near him, he grew nervous, ending up in a panic attack if Thor didn't show up for a while. So Thor always stayed close, reassuring him he'd be back soon whenever he had to leave for a short time. The other avengers kept their distance. Of course Bruce would check his condition and exchange the infusions, but other than that, nobody really dared coming closer. Tony sometimes got curious and looked through the observation window, but he knew if he came in he'd probably only scare the frost giant, so he stayed out as well. However, it came the day, Loki had become strong enough to get up and Thor convinced him to leave his room to eat something. While Thor got inside to convince Loki to come out, the others waited in front of the door, curiously of how the trickster would react. A few minutes passed in thrilled silence until the door of Bruce's lab opened and Thor stepped out, Loki standing beside him. The thunderer had wrapped one arm around him protectively so there was no way he could trip or fall. Tony was the first one to step forward and give him an unsure smile.
Tony: "Hey buddy, good to see you're up already! Quite a rough time, huh?"
Loki didn't smile back only looking at Thor with an insecure expression in his gaze.
Thor: "No need to be afraid, love. Stark's only attempting smalltalk. He does not intend to harm you, neither does anyone of the others."
Natasha and Captain Rogers nodded eagerly. As none of the others continued saying anything Thor spoke up again.
Thor: "I guess I'll bring you into the dining room. You're hungry, aren't you?"
As Loki nodded slightly, Thor led him on, away from the others, who were gazing after them.
Tony: "Wow! Is this the Loki we know? The guy destroying cities, trying to rule the world and subdue mankind? Because if he is then he had a 180° turn."
Bruce: "Ah, don't forget what he's been through. He's got worse panic attacks than you ever had, Tony. And still, I guess for him and his health, it'd be best if they left rather soon. It's obvious he's not feeling save here."
Captain Rogers: "Well, I wouldn't feel any different in his situation. He threatened our lives and it's only logical he'd have to pay with the consequences. Who wouldn't be scared of the avengers in this case?"
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After Loki had eaten something, Thor immediately brought him back as Loki was obviously exhausted and barely able to carry his own weight. When Thor came out again, Bruce waved him over towards him, a sign they needed to talk. Thor walked over, greeting him with a small gesture.
Banner: "And, what's your impression? How's he doing?"
Thor: "Well - he's not trusting any of you. And to know that he's here, weak and exposed to your mercy isn't quite relaxing, although I'm here as well and he knows I'd protect him from anything you might be doing."
Banner: "Hmh, I get that. I think it's best for him if you leave rather quickly. I can't do much more for him anyways. Physically his alright?"
Thor: "He's definitely improving. Although - he still seems quite stiff and apparently it hurts whenever he moves to fast or to abruptly."
Banner: "Yes, that's something I wanted to talk through with you as well. Loki's severe injuries are healing rather fast luckily and also the other bruises and cuts will be gone in a while. But - there are some tensions and strains in his muscles that can only be treated with time. He'd need a daily massaging program as he's obviously not able to properly move them himself."
Thor nodded while listening to the doctor's words.
Thor: "Should it be done by a doctor?"
Banner: "Well - not forcibly. You just have to know how to do it accurately."
Thor: "Then, why don't you tell me?"
Banner: "Ahm - you? Thor, aren't you more the warrior type? I'm not sure your strength is h-"
Thor: "As you might not know, I'm also able to control my strength. I already touched Loki a few times and he didn't complain I was to strong. So - tell me how this works and I'll fix him up myself!"
Banner hesitated shortly before replying.
Banner: "Al-right. then - how can I show you best? Maybe let's take someone to practise it so I can teach you properly. What's about-"
This was the moment when Tony decided to go and see what the others were doing. As Banner was considering whome to take best he was just coming down the hall, a bottle of Vodka in one hand.
Banner & Thor: "Ironman!"
Tony stopped abruptly, giving them a bewildered look.
Tony: "My title!"
Banner: "You're gonna be Thor's guinea pig!"
Tony: "In what matter?"
Banner: "I just told him Loki needed massaging to recover and he voluntered to learn how to do it. I'm gonna instruct him with your help. You don't have to do much. Just lie down and tell us if it's uncomfortable."
Tony sighed.
Tony: "I guess there's no way around it, am I right? Just - remember I'm not your enemy, okay?"
Thor grinned.
Thor: "Don't worry, Stark. You're just as save in my hands as Loki will be."
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Banner: "Tony, lie down!"
Tony: "I don't think I like this job."
Banner: "Oh, you only have to relax. Thor is doing the work."
Tony: "I don't think that calms my worries."
Tony lay down, looking at Thor suspiciously.
Tony: "You know how to do this, right? I mean - I don't want you to break my ribs or something."
Thor only shrugged his shoulders, giving him a "comforting" look.
Thor: "Oh, I think Banner's going to show me."
Banner: "Exactly. Tony, turn onto your stomach!"
Tony did as instructed.
Tony: "What next? Shall I take off my clothes?"
Banner: "Not necessarily. - But you of course can if you want to. Alright, Thor, with Tony it's not the main point but with Loki - it's important that you start slowly, or better, carefully so you get a feeling how much strength he can cope with and what hurts. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't hurt. Especially in the beginning it's normal that it will hurt but don't give in on him. Don't stop if he tells you to. You're gonna do it 15 minutes a day at first. If he can stand it, intensify it and do it longer. 20 minutes or half an hour."
Thor nodded while listening carefully. Bruce quickly showed him the moves, then it was Thor's turn. It quickly turned out, that Asgard's prince was quite talented. He took one or two minutes to check how much strength Tony was comfortable with and only pushed further in small steps. Tony didn't complain once, somewhen closing his eyes and starting to relax under Thor's gentle and smoothe hands. When Thor finished and stepped back, Tony was sleeping.
Banner: "Good job! I fear Loki won't fall asleep that easily but if you apply the same strength to him, it should be alright."
Thor: "Fine, then - when can we leave?"
Banner: "I think for Loki it'd be best as soon as possible. He doesn't seem very comfortable with our presence. I'll check him through once more, then I think you can go."
Thor nodded, following Banner towards Loki's room.