Chapter 48
Chapter 48
The following weeks were a time for recovery – for both Thor and Loki. It was evident that recent events had left them both traumatized. Thor never let Loki out of his sight, staying by his side every moment. They didn't engage in much conversation, spending most of their time in their room. The rest of the team understood that Loki's discomfort with small talk kept them isolated, and Thor was adamant about not leaving him alone. Thor himself didn't venture outside, fearing to leave Stark Tower, which he considered the safest place for the time being. However, there was a positive aspect to all of this: Because of their fear of being separated, it was no discussion they were not returning home for the time being. Even though no one said it out loud, everyone felt reassured having them around, knowing they were okay. Loki was even quieter than usual, only speaking to Thor. But whenever glimpses of the couple were caught, they both wore genuine smiles.
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One morning, Thor and Loki surprised everyone by joining them for breakfast. This was unusual as they typically preferred to stay upstairs. The others were already gathered, eating and chatting, when Thor entered, carrying Loki in his arms. He gently placed Loki in a chair before sitting down beside him. They began eating in silence. Loki ate less than usual, not because he wasn't hungry, but because he needed to be cautious after the period of insufficient food. The others continued their conversation without either of them joining in. Even Thor remained mostly quiet, his attention fixed on the man beside him. The radio played softly in the background, delivering the news. The atmosphere shifted when, suddenly, Thor jumped up, rushing to the radio and turning up the volume. The others stared at him in confusion.
Tony: "Hey, buddy, what’re you up to?"
Thor didn't respond, instead picking Loki up from his chair and dancing around the room with him. The team couldn't help but laugh at the strange yet endearing scene, especially when Thor started singing along to the song playing: "I'm in love with a fairytale, even though it hurts. Cause I don't care if I lose my mind – I'm already cursed..." Loki appeared entirely at ease, snuggling into his husband's arms contentedly. When the song ended, they both returned to their seats, with Loki now sitting on Thor's lap. No one said a word, content to watch the genuine smiles on their friend’s and his lover’s faces.
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That same evening, Tony suggested having one of their legendary movie nights, and everyone agreed, including Thor, who said he'd talk to Loki „about this matter“. They were in their room, with Loki lying in bed, safely held by Thor who was sitting next to him.
Thor: "- Loki?"
The black-haired man looked up at him, his emerald eyes sparkling at the other’s voice.
Thor: "The team would like to watch a movie together this evening. - Would you like to join? - We don't have to talk, just - watch and cuddle."
Loki: "But what if I get tired? You know my sleeping patterns are – irregular at the moment."
Thor: "Then you can simply tell me, and I'll go upstairs with you so you can rest. - I'll stay with you, of course. I'll only do it if you want to."
Loki agreed in the end, content with the idea of cuddling. He didn't want to deny Thor that wish, especially considering all the sacrifices Thor had made for him lately. Most of those sacrifices had been beyond Loki's control.
Later, they went downstairs. The others were already in the living room, with Tony, Steve, and Clint on the couch, and Bruce and Natasha in nearby chairs. Thor entered with Loki once again in his arms, a common sight recently. It was more convenient for Loki, who didn't have to walk in his weakened state, and it provided them both with a sense of security, knowing the other was close by. Tony gestured to the cushions between Steve and himself, indicating where they could sit. Thor settled onto the couch, gently placing Loki beside him before draping a blanket over him. The movie began, capturing everyone's attention, except for the passing popcorn.
About halfway through the movie, Loki cuddled closer to Thor, curling up at his side beneath the blanket. Thor ran his fingers through Loki's hair soothingly, grateful to feel him so close and secure beneath the blanket. When the end credits rolled, most of the team had already gone to bed. Tony was the last one left, still sitting beside the couple. He observed them for a while. Loki was now curled up in Thor's lap, and Thor held him in a tight embrace, running one hand through his black curls, his gaze fixed on the motionless figure in his arms. Eventually, Thor seemed to notice Tony watching and turned his gaze towards him. His eyes were filled with care, tenderness, and the deepest love, and he was smiling—a rare sight in recent weeks.
Thor: "Still awake, Man of Iron?"
Tony: "I'm usually the last to hit the sack, Goldilocks. Not changing that anytime soon.“
They sat in silence for a moment, Thor's gaze returning to Loki, who had snuggled even closer, burying his face in Thor's clothes. Tony couldn't help but smile as he watched the scene.
Tony: "You totally love him more than anything, huh?"
It took a moment for Thor to shift his gaze back to Tony, his eyes now focused directly on him.
Thor: "Yes. - I love him so – so much. - If you hadn't brought him back - ..."
Tony: "No thing, Sunshine. That's what we're here for."
There was another moment of silence before Tony continued.
Tony: "What if the baby arrives, and they both pull through?"
Thor averted his gaze once more, returning his attention to Loki. When he spoke again, his voice was soft, as if something shattered, would he speak more intensly.
Thor: "Then I'd be the happiest person there was, is and ever wil be. If they both survive, I'd do anything. - Even give my own life."
Tony: "I mean - there's still a chance, you know. A slim one, but it's there."
A fond smile graced the blonde’s features, tinged with sadness yet filled with hope. Tony knew that Thor was probably right—the chance of Loki and the baby surviving was slim to none. But now that they had rescued Loki from captivity, Tony didn't want those dark thoughts to overshadow Thor's happiness. They needed to cherish the time they had left. If they both didn't make it, Thor would be devastated enough. He didn't need to spend the best lifetime he’d have grieving for something that hadn't happened yet.
Thor: "Always so optimistic. - You're a good man, Stark. - Not just in battle. I've never met anyone here on Midgard who matches your intelligence and optimism."
Tony grinned.
Tony: "Guess who I got it from, man."
Thor: "I don't know. - Tell me."
Tony: "Well, you're usually the super-optimistic guy. - You know, when you're not here, we're always arguing, pointing fingers for dumb stuff and all that. But when you return, you magically boost everyone's mood. Even if it's pouring when you show up, you bring sunshine to the squad. That’s also where I got your nickname from, Sunshine."
They sat in silence for a while. Then, Thor carefully stood up, lifting Loki with him. He turned to leave but then turned back one more time.
Thor: "Don’t make this another sleepless night, yeah. - Good night then.“
Tony: "Night, Thor."
Tony watched them as they walked out of the room, lost in thought.
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Thor headed to their room, Loki securely in his arms, the blanket still draped around him like a protective shield. As they approached their chamber, Loki stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open just a bit.
Loki: "Th-Thor? Wh-where - ?"
Thor gently placed a finger to Loki's lips.
Thor: "Shh, everything's alright, love. I'm taking you to bed. - Everything's alright. - You're safe with me."
Thor then carried him into their room, tossing his clothes aside before lying down. Loki had fallen asleep again, snuggled up next to him. Before Thor drifted off to sleep, he gazed up at the window. The stars shone directly onto Loki's face. As he fell asleep, his final thoughts were with Loki. Maybe, even if the sunshine had left them, there was still a chance – a slim one but still there – that the light of the stars was still with them.