Chapter 23
Thor Didn't know what to say. How to apologise for all the things Loki had suffered at his hsnds, at his father's and that of Asgard. He gazed remorsefully over the thin man curled in on himself. Loki had always been lonely and silent.Thor never thought of it, ignored the misery of his brother, thinking this was the trickester's way. Ndver thought how it may have felt to Loki, so different, so lonely!. He and his friends never bothered to make him feel welcomed or appreciated... in fact they had all took sick pleasure in mocking and belittling Loki. And over it, Their parents had gone and lied to him.After that had broken his sweet little brother, who himself as someone abandoned even by monsters, a project of pity. And today, what was revealed today had shattered him. Thor didn't know what to say.. what to apologise for! He himself had in his selfish desire to have Loki back, enslaved him, humilated him. forced himself on him... And if Loki refused to respond to anything he said, if he kept gazing unseeingly at sealing of the chamber Thor could not fault him for it.
In the end Thor had vowed to himself to do everything to give Loki his freedom and dignity back. He was angry at Odin, yes but he was furious at himself for trusting him. Odin had utterly and finally lost his both sons today. He did not wish to confont Odin, it would only resultin rage and destruction. He could not take his father on right now, Odin was too clever too manipulative. He would be ready... So Thor decided to solve one point at a time. Right now Jotunheim needed him.Loki needed him. And he could not afford to leave Loki alone
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The conference started in sombre atmosphere. Odin did not arrive , to Thor's relief. He always had projected himself to be a just and noble king, the blatant exposure of his lies must be too much to face. His people may not speak in front of him, but the word would spread.
Thor dominated the meeting in absence of all father's overbearing presence. The council tried to obliterate but it was decided that a committee will be formed and sent to Jotunheim. And after they submit the report, Thor will decide if the casket will be returned or not. He was at the end of his patience by the time he finished the meeting. He was worried about Loki, more than worried.
By the time he shut the bickering council and sent the visiting king away with dinner invitation, day was tilting towards evening. The post afternoon sun was casting long shadows outside as he walked briskly towards his chambers, towards his lover .
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Thor entered the inner part of his chambers and was greeted with most unexpected scene in his life. Loki was seated on an ornate chair by window, covered only in his midnight blue silk bath-robe, both of his legs dangled over the arm of chair and he was eating from a bowl of ice-cream. Another chair from the same seating arrangement was occupied by Sif, eating from similar bowl.
Sif stood up and bowed as Thor entered. Loki paid no mind and continued licking the spoon ,if more seductively! Thor smiled,
" Glad to see you eating , brother!"
" You have seen me eating for thousand of years, oaf! Thor was kind of happy to hear the snarky reply.
" Yes. But recently you never eat without being forced or atleast nagged by me or Nanna"
" If I may, my king... he is eating even now after considerable amount of force by me. ", Sif said. " In truth I had to drag him out of bed, bathr him and feed him to bring this jovial mood of his out!" ,she added to Thor' s amusement.
" Sif you have overstayed your welcome. You should leave now!" ,Loki was not amused of course.
" Well, now that Thor is here, I am assured that you will not fall on your face. Take care of him ,my king" , with that she put her bowl down and bowed again.
" Let me escort you to door,my lady!" , The king said as he bent down to kiss raven head . Loki leaned in the touch and whimpered in protest when Thor tried to move away to go with Sif.
" I will be back before you know I left, love!" He whispered in wet locks.
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" So ,you and Loki..uh!" Thor asked awkwardly as soon as they were out of bedroom.
" There is no romantic engagement between me and Loki, if that is what you are asking. I really am fond of my head!" ,she answered.
" You cannot blame me for being suspicious, suddenly you are acting kindly towards him!"
" I am just trying to be a good friend to him, as I should have been in the past." ,She shrank in herself trying to hide the remorse she felt.And turned to leave.
" Sif." , He called after her.
" No need to thank me, majesty! He is my friend."
" Its not that, I have another request." He paused to look at her, " Can you keep your friendship with Loki, uh secret?"
" Why?"
"Trust me,Sif .Its better this way.I have something in mind."
" I ..I can be indifferent in public.I will not abuse him,..not anymore! But I csn tell others that I am keeping an eye on him ,on your orders.
Thor agreed and sent her away.
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When he entered back, Loki slowly moved one leg down revealing a marble thigh through the robe's slit. He looked up with one perfect eyebrow quirked up .Thor sighed at the blatant seduction.
" Love, we need to talk!"
" No we don't need talking. We need to touch, and kiss and make love!" He almost climbed the thunderer's body with a grace of cat, a very very mischievous cat.
Thor hugged him pinning the thin man' s l hands and said,
" Baby, I love it when you are expressive about your desires. but I understand when you are trying to deflect.You donot need to talk if you are not ready.Just let's not use our love to avoid it!" He felt the trickster sag in his hug.He just picked up Loki and sat him on bed. The smaller man moved back into cuddle.
" Loki, I am sorry."
" Not your fault!"
" But it is. I should have seen it. I should have asked more. Its unfair."
" Life is unfair!"
" But I should have protected you, as a brother and then as your lover. I failed!" He could not stop the tears rolling down his face. Loki touched his cheeks.. They gazed in each other's eyes. Giving and receiving love, strength... finding home.
" Loki ,I need to tell you something!"
" Is it about your father?"
" No.";
" About Jotunheim?"
" No love!"
" Then what?"
" I have requested my friend Stark, the man of iron to look into your attack on midgard. From start to end... to see if he can" , suddenly Loki moved away and said harshly.
" You did no such thing!"
" Loki ,we need evidence. "
" For what? To present it in front of Asgard's court? or in front of Allfather? I am not getting out of this, Thor . Stop daydreaming "
" I am not dreaming. I am planning, love.I intend to get you pardoned. Then you can be.."
" How?" Loki almost screamed." How will you get me a pardon, Thor. Will you anounce a decree of you yourself.Will you call the thing?. You know its not possible!
" I will do whatever it takes,love! I have promised you your freedom and your place by my side.And I intend to keep it"
Loki felt his irritation at the back of his eyes, Rubbing his forhead he said,
" Ah , lets just discuss this tomorrow. My head is killing me!"
" Come here!"
"