Fic: Protege Moi
Title: Protege Moi 1/2
Pairing: Loki/Thor
Rating: R
Spoilers: If you've already seen the movie Thor then you're good.
Summary: Sometimes the only thing to do is start again.
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Warning: Contains sexual situations between males
A/N: This is the belated gift fic for chocolate_jive hope your exams went well. Again thanks to el_gilliath for beta'ing, seriously you are awesomesauce XD
Then
Loki sat in the dark, dank cell that would be his holding place until the Avengers found somewhere that would neutralize his magicks. Pulling at the chains absentmindedly he snorted. The only reason why he was still alive was because Thor still could not let him go; even after his numerous attempts on the other God’s life; Thor still seemed to believe that Loki was worth saving.
His brother had never been this lenient before, his time on earth had changed him and Loki had come to hate that change almost as much as he hated the look of disappointment that Thor had levelled on him after his capture.
What right did Thor have to judge him? He was not the one that had been stolen from his people in some feeble attempt to promote peace. Thor was not the one who had been looked down on no matter what his efforts produced only to have the same efforts praised if they came from another. His brother had no idea of the suffering that Loki had endured at the hands of his oh, so benevolent race. At least the Jotun never pretended to be anything but the barbarians that they were. Perhaps that was where his failure lay, an army created of man could be defeated by man but if he could go back, remake the Jotun.
“Even when brought low, still you scheme.”
Loki’s lips twisted as he turned his head to face the voice, none of his guards had spoken to him, whether out of fear or anger he did not care.
“And what would you know of my schemes?” he purred, eyes narrowing as they caught sight of the figure lounging against the far wall of his cell. A large cloak hid the person’s face but the voice had sounded male and familiar.
“You could say I am intimately acquainted with all of your more nefarious ideas.” The figure responded as the robed head tilted, the move again so familiar, yet out of place.
“I would offer my apologies but if you know me, as well as you claim, you would surely see the falseness of any words I might utter.” He retorted.
The man chuckled “I know you Loki Laufeyson. It is quite possible that I know you better than you know yourself.”
“Ah, then you have me at a disadvantage because I cannot place you at all.” Loki conceded smiling in away that had always made him seem less devious.
“That is because you are not looking close enough.” The man remarked as he shifted from the wall. Taking a few steps forward so that the light caught and shone on the dark blue of this skin, where it was not covered by his clothing.
Loki’s eyes narrowed as he watched the Jotun “If you have come for retribution, take it.”
“You see and yet you are still so blind.” The man tsk-ed and Loki gritted his teeth to stave off his anger at being treated like a child.
“Then why don’t you show yourself instead of hiding in the dark?” he snarled.
The Jotun chuckled again as a long fingered hand rose to the cloak and pulled it away to reveal a face that Loki knew well.
“It cannot be!” he whispered.
“Are you telling me Loki Laufeyson that you are so addled that you do not know yourself?” purred his doppelganger.
Now
The sound of the alarm shattered the calm that had settled over Asgard and Odin was on his feet before his guards, Gungnir poised and ready for battle.
Within the chamber, that held the Casket of Ancient Winters, a lone figure stood, his back to Odin and the destroyer kneeling before him.
The figure’s hand rested lightly against the casket and Odin could feel the pulse of cold like a heartbeat beating through the chamber with each of the stranger's breaths, yet the robed interloper did not try to remove the casket from its resting place, instead he seemed to be….waiting.
"If you attempt to remove that, it will be your life." Odin warned as he took a step closer.
The robed head turned slightly as if the person was trying to catch a glimpse of Odin from the corner of his eye but the darkness of the robes hid any distinguishable features.
"And why would I wish to remove an empty box?" the man drawled, voice lilting and calm.
"If it is but an empty box to you, why bypass my guards and render its protection useless?" Odin queried as he gestured to the destroyer.
The man's shoulders shook lightly as he chuckled "Yes but I do believe we both know that this is much more than an empty box."
"Then you know that none but the Jotun can wield its power." Odin stated
The man raised a hand, the robe's sleeves sliding away as the light of the morning caught and glinted upon the blue skin and Odin's grip tightened on Gungnir.
"It would be a pity if a Jotun were to lay hands on your "not-box" then." the Jotun agreed. "However you may rest easy, All-father, for this is not the treasure I seek."
Odin's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Then you will not mind moving away."
The Jotun shook its head "I must admit that I have come to like this space." it purred slyly "Such cold after the suffocating heat of your palace. I must say King of Asgard, for one so benevolent you do not make it easy for outsiders to find comfort within you halls."
"What is this treasure that you seek?" Odin asked, trying to distract the Jotun.
The Jotun turned then and Odin frowned at the familiar yet strange features, the dark brow and laughing eyes set in blue skin.
"I have already secured my treasure." the Jotun admitted.
"Then why have you come to this place if, as you admit, it is not to retrieve your people's treasure?"
The Jotun tilted his head and eyed Odin curiously "I have no people, All-father, I was one with myself and I raised myself there is but one other that I call my own. So if you are seeking to provoke my actions you have sought the wrong path to follow."
Odin nodded as he thought on the creature's words. A Jotun raised away from Jotenheim, much like the child he had taken, Loki.
"Then why are you here?" Odin asked bluntly when the Jotun remained silent.
"I wished to rest eyes upon the one that ceased the wars between the Asgard and Jotun, even if these wars were your own fault to begin with." the Jotun responded circling the casket.
"You would have me turn my back on their slaughter of a race far less advanced than their own?" Odin growled
"I would have you accept your faults, All-father." the Jotun laughed softly "Yet that is something even I cannot magick up."
"So you wished to lay eyes upon me and you have." Odin smiled, determined to beat the Jotun at its own game "What more do you wish?"
Crimson eyes flickered over him in amusement. "My wishes are many and somewhat infinite, I do not think you, for all your power, could grant me them."
"Then perhaps I can grant the wishes that depend on my presence." Odin offered
The dark head ducked as the Jotun chuckled again "You are so eager to remove me from your presence, All-father." he sighed before leaning back, fingers trailing against the casket which pulsed in response to his touch. "Answer me this Odin, why have the Jotun never laid siege to Asgard to regain their treasure?"
Odin's breath stuttered within his chest at the knowing look on the Jotun's face. "With their base of power gone, it would be foolish." he responded, reciting the tale he had spun late in the night as he cradled his injured face and listened to the squall of the only thing that could truly turn the tides of the wars.
"I would advise you not to lie to me, All-father." the Jotun whispered, voice as cold as the halls of Jotenheim. "My people, as you called them, have little time for the magicks held within this casket. Yes, it bolstered their powers somewhat but the casket had not been there at the beginning of their time and yet the tales of their wars has been spread through the nine worlds.
Odin exhaled slowly "It seems you already have the answer for your question. Why then ask?"
"Perhaps, it is in me to cause chaos or perhaps I simply wish to hear you admit that it was not your prowess that ensured your victory." the Jotun responded.
"And what did ensure my victory?" Odin asked, dreading the answer even as the words left his lips.
"Within Jotenheim there is only one thing more important than power." the Jotun smiled as he straightened to his full height, the light of the day filtering through him like a prism and Odin strode forward as he realized the deception. The creature smiled at his expression "That thing, Odin, is children.” It smirked, head tilted regally as it stared at him, “It would be a pity if you lost yours."
A scream from the corridors and the sound of Frigga's voice had Odin on his knees. He did not need to look to know what the creature had done. It had retaliated in a way none of the Jotun before him had considered; taking what Odin held most precious…his sons.
Then
Thor stared at the blank walls of the room he held within the Avenger’s Headquarters. His comrades had left Loki’s punishment to him, thinking that it was fitting. After all only a God knows how to truly harm another.
Celebrations had raged into the night after Loki’s capture and Thor had seen the confusion on the faces of those around them as he kept himself apart from the festivities. Only Captain America had approached him with condolences and a look of sorrow in his too old eyes. Even Jane who he had come to respect so much did not truly understand why Thor was not glad that they had ceased the chaos and destruction that Loki had wrought.
But then again, none of the others had seen the look of madness in his brother’s eyes or the acceptance as he was led away.
Reaching out, Thor brushed his fingers against Loki’s helmet. Even separated from its owner it still crackled with the energy that Thor had long since associated with his silver-tongued sibling.
Maybe if he had kept Loki closer, not shunned him when Thor’s own feelings sought to dishonor them both none of this would have occurred. Or if the All-Father had been honest, told them the truth from the start there would have been nothing to be ashamed of, no need to pull away…
“I never believed you would be one to brood,”
Thor’s head snapped up at the familiar voice, his eyes widening at the sight of his brother and….himself?
The Gods were clothed in dark clothing that seemed a direct replica of his and Loki’s but other than their physical appearance the two were obviously different, standing well within each others space with a familiarity that made Thor’s gut clench with envy.
“You cast horrid aspirations on our intelligence, Loki” The Other-Thor growled “I often wonder why I remain in your presence.”
“Who are you?” Thor demanded, rising to his feet.
The Other-Thor took a step forward, blocking Loki from Thor’s view and the move made Thor look away. He had never sought to protect Loki so freely, had never offered him such safety.
The Other-Loki tssked as he stepped around his companion “Your heart weeps.” He whispered as he paused before Thor, raising a delicate hand to his cheek and Thor watched as his skin tinted blue. “I could not listen and remain unmoved. I will not have any version of you suffer for the mistakes of others.”
“My consort has already come to an agreement with his counterpart.” Other-Thor added as he pulled his Loki back against him in a move that was blatantly possessive.
“An agreement? Consort?” Thor questioned in confusion.
“Your feelings for your Loki are not as one-sided as you fear.” Other-Loki smiled softly.
“We have a solution, to cleanse his madness.” Other-Thor added.
Thor’s eyes widened “What would I have to do?”
“Begin again.” Other-Loki whispered “We can restart your lives as it should have been, would you….”
“Yes!” Thor interrupted and the Other-Thor smiled “You are a brave man, worthy of much love.”
“We will ensure you receive it,” Other-Loki finished as the world faded away.
Now
The two princes tumbled from the sky onto the desolate frozen tundra.
Thor was on his feet as soon as he settled, turning in search of the enemy that had displaced them but there was nothing but ice as far as the eyes could see, the only other person here was…Loki!
Whirling Thor knelt before his brother’s fallen form. Loki’s skin was tinted the same blue it had become when the strange man that seemed so familiar had walked into their rooms and sent them away with nary an explanation.
“Loki, are you harmed?” Thor queried as he helped the smaller teen to his feet.
Loki gazed at him with those alien red eyes for a moment before shaking his head and clutching his cloak, closer to him. “I am well, Thor.” He whispered.
Thor nodded, Loki spoke little at the best of times and he was probably still in shock.
Taking stock of their surroundings once more, Thor grimaced before collecting the packs that the stranger had sent with them. He’d seen Odin bring one of these on his campaigns across the nine realms and Thor knew that whatever was within the bags would replenish themselves until their user had no more need of them.
“We should find shelter,” Loki whispered as he stared out at the barren lands.
Thor nodded, shouldering the packs before grasping Loki’s hand in his own. He was the eldest and Loki’s safety was his responsibility. Thor would not allow any harm to come to his brother, not as long as he drew breath.
*O*
Loki watched as his brother shivered within the confines of their cave. Thor had been in constant motion and Loki now understood that his brother had been trying to keep himself warm even as Loki sat unaffected upon the icy floor.
Frowning he glanced down at his blue skin, perhaps the stranger had changed him so that he would survive within this icy domain but it begged the question of why the man hadn’t seen fit to do the same thing to Thor? He had obviously not meant to kill them or the packs he had sent with them would have been foolishly taunting, so what had the man hoped to accomplish by leaving them in a place that only one of them could survive?
Thor’s shivers pulled Loki’s attention away from his mental ramblings and he rose to his feet, shrugging his cloak from his shoulders as he approached his golden-haired brother.
Thor’s lips had turned an unnatural blue and from this close Loki could see that the other teen’s body was in a state of constant shivers.
Kneeling Loki spread the cloak over Thor’s feet and his brother blinked slowly as if he was just noticing Loki’s approach and the thought scared Loki because if he lost Thor…..the thought alone made his gut clench unpleasantly.
“What are you doin’?” Thor slurred.
“You are cold.” Loki whispered, brushing his fingers across Thor’s cold cheek.
There had to be something he could do, anything!
Thor shook his head as his hand rose, trying to push the cloak towards Loki “Ca-can’t t-take it.” He stuttered “You’s c-c-cold.”
Loki’s closed his eyes to hide the tears that fear had brought to the surface. “I am not, brother.” He responded, tucking the cloak around Thor once more.
Thor nodded slowly “G-good, n-need you s-safe.”
This time Loki could not more hold back his tears than he could banish the cold from his brother’s skin “And what about you?” he whispered, throat clogged “I cannot do this without you, brother.” He cried bowing his head as another of Thor’s tremors made him shiver in response “Do not leave me.”
“Do-don’t want to.” Thor spat out as his eyes slid close and Loki froze in terror before shaking him hard enough to rattle Thor’s larger frame.
Blue eyes blinked open blearily and Loki glared at Thor’s confused expression.
“You cannot sleep you fool!” Loki snarled “You will never wake if you sleep.”
“I-I’m so co-cold, brother.” Thor whispered “I w-want….”
“I do not care what you want; you will not leave me, Thor! You cannot!” Loki ordered and Thor flashed him a weak smile.
“Do you remember the stories mother told us of the warriors that wanted to be one with each other?” Loki whispered, glancing down at his blue skin.
Thor nodded “G-good t-tales.”
“Yes,” Loki agreed as he reached for the pack, hoping beyond hope that the tales had been true or what he was about to do would be for naught. Grinning as his fingers found Thor’s dagger beneath the food he pulled it out “Do you remember what they did?” Loki asked
“B-b-blood?” Thor queried and Loki nodded
“Yes, they shared blood and one’s strength became the others and any weakness was washed away.” He muttered, gritting his teeth as he drew the dagger’s edge across of his palm. Raising his hand he took Thor’s and made the same wound before clasping them together. “Let my strength, stolen as it may be, become yours brother.” He whispered as their blood mingled.
*O*
Loki kept watch as Thor slept. His brother had begun to breathe easier mere moments after the ritual and Loki had watched curiously as Thor’s normally golden skin bled blue.
“Let my strength be yours because I cannot be without you.” He whispered as he brushed a kiss against Thor’s warm forehead.
Part 2
Pairing: Loki/Thor
Rating: R
Spoilers: If you've already seen the movie Thor then you're good.
Summary: Sometimes the only thing to do is start again.
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Warning: Contains sexual situations between males
A/N: This is the belated gift fic for chocolate_jive hope your exams went well. Again thanks to el_gilliath for beta'ing, seriously you are awesomesauce XD
Then
Loki sat in the dark, dank cell that would be his holding place until the Avengers found somewhere that would neutralize his magicks. Pulling at the chains absentmindedly he snorted. The only reason why he was still alive was because Thor still could not let him go; even after his numerous attempts on the other God’s life; Thor still seemed to believe that Loki was worth saving.
His brother had never been this lenient before, his time on earth had changed him and Loki had come to hate that change almost as much as he hated the look of disappointment that Thor had levelled on him after his capture.
What right did Thor have to judge him? He was not the one that had been stolen from his people in some feeble attempt to promote peace. Thor was not the one who had been looked down on no matter what his efforts produced only to have the same efforts praised if they came from another. His brother had no idea of the suffering that Loki had endured at the hands of his oh, so benevolent race. At least the Jotun never pretended to be anything but the barbarians that they were. Perhaps that was where his failure lay, an army created of man could be defeated by man but if he could go back, remake the Jotun.
“Even when brought low, still you scheme.”
Loki’s lips twisted as he turned his head to face the voice, none of his guards had spoken to him, whether out of fear or anger he did not care.
“And what would you know of my schemes?” he purred, eyes narrowing as they caught sight of the figure lounging against the far wall of his cell. A large cloak hid the person’s face but the voice had sounded male and familiar.
“You could say I am intimately acquainted with all of your more nefarious ideas.” The figure responded as the robed head tilted, the move again so familiar, yet out of place.
“I would offer my apologies but if you know me, as well as you claim, you would surely see the falseness of any words I might utter.” He retorted.
The man chuckled “I know you Loki Laufeyson. It is quite possible that I know you better than you know yourself.”
“Ah, then you have me at a disadvantage because I cannot place you at all.” Loki conceded smiling in away that had always made him seem less devious.
“That is because you are not looking close enough.” The man remarked as he shifted from the wall. Taking a few steps forward so that the light caught and shone on the dark blue of this skin, where it was not covered by his clothing.
Loki’s eyes narrowed as he watched the Jotun “If you have come for retribution, take it.”
“You see and yet you are still so blind.” The man tsk-ed and Loki gritted his teeth to stave off his anger at being treated like a child.
“Then why don’t you show yourself instead of hiding in the dark?” he snarled.
The Jotun chuckled again as a long fingered hand rose to the cloak and pulled it away to reveal a face that Loki knew well.
“It cannot be!” he whispered.
“Are you telling me Loki Laufeyson that you are so addled that you do not know yourself?” purred his doppelganger.
Now
The sound of the alarm shattered the calm that had settled over Asgard and Odin was on his feet before his guards, Gungnir poised and ready for battle.
Within the chamber, that held the Casket of Ancient Winters, a lone figure stood, his back to Odin and the destroyer kneeling before him.
The figure’s hand rested lightly against the casket and Odin could feel the pulse of cold like a heartbeat beating through the chamber with each of the stranger's breaths, yet the robed interloper did not try to remove the casket from its resting place, instead he seemed to be….waiting.
"If you attempt to remove that, it will be your life." Odin warned as he took a step closer.
The robed head turned slightly as if the person was trying to catch a glimpse of Odin from the corner of his eye but the darkness of the robes hid any distinguishable features.
"And why would I wish to remove an empty box?" the man drawled, voice lilting and calm.
"If it is but an empty box to you, why bypass my guards and render its protection useless?" Odin queried as he gestured to the destroyer.
The man's shoulders shook lightly as he chuckled "Yes but I do believe we both know that this is much more than an empty box."
"Then you know that none but the Jotun can wield its power." Odin stated
The man raised a hand, the robe's sleeves sliding away as the light of the morning caught and glinted upon the blue skin and Odin's grip tightened on Gungnir.
"It would be a pity if a Jotun were to lay hands on your "not-box" then." the Jotun agreed. "However you may rest easy, All-father, for this is not the treasure I seek."
Odin's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "Then you will not mind moving away."
The Jotun shook its head "I must admit that I have come to like this space." it purred slyly "Such cold after the suffocating heat of your palace. I must say King of Asgard, for one so benevolent you do not make it easy for outsiders to find comfort within you halls."
"What is this treasure that you seek?" Odin asked, trying to distract the Jotun.
The Jotun turned then and Odin frowned at the familiar yet strange features, the dark brow and laughing eyes set in blue skin.
"I have already secured my treasure." the Jotun admitted.
"Then why have you come to this place if, as you admit, it is not to retrieve your people's treasure?"
The Jotun tilted his head and eyed Odin curiously "I have no people, All-father, I was one with myself and I raised myself there is but one other that I call my own. So if you are seeking to provoke my actions you have sought the wrong path to follow."
Odin nodded as he thought on the creature's words. A Jotun raised away from Jotenheim, much like the child he had taken, Loki.
"Then why are you here?" Odin asked bluntly when the Jotun remained silent.
"I wished to rest eyes upon the one that ceased the wars between the Asgard and Jotun, even if these wars were your own fault to begin with." the Jotun responded circling the casket.
"You would have me turn my back on their slaughter of a race far less advanced than their own?" Odin growled
"I would have you accept your faults, All-father." the Jotun laughed softly "Yet that is something even I cannot magick up."
"So you wished to lay eyes upon me and you have." Odin smiled, determined to beat the Jotun at its own game "What more do you wish?"
Crimson eyes flickered over him in amusement. "My wishes are many and somewhat infinite, I do not think you, for all your power, could grant me them."
"Then perhaps I can grant the wishes that depend on my presence." Odin offered
The dark head ducked as the Jotun chuckled again "You are so eager to remove me from your presence, All-father." he sighed before leaning back, fingers trailing against the casket which pulsed in response to his touch. "Answer me this Odin, why have the Jotun never laid siege to Asgard to regain their treasure?"
Odin's breath stuttered within his chest at the knowing look on the Jotun's face. "With their base of power gone, it would be foolish." he responded, reciting the tale he had spun late in the night as he cradled his injured face and listened to the squall of the only thing that could truly turn the tides of the wars.
"I would advise you not to lie to me, All-father." the Jotun whispered, voice as cold as the halls of Jotenheim. "My people, as you called them, have little time for the magicks held within this casket. Yes, it bolstered their powers somewhat but the casket had not been there at the beginning of their time and yet the tales of their wars has been spread through the nine worlds.
Odin exhaled slowly "It seems you already have the answer for your question. Why then ask?"
"Perhaps, it is in me to cause chaos or perhaps I simply wish to hear you admit that it was not your prowess that ensured your victory." the Jotun responded.
"And what did ensure my victory?" Odin asked, dreading the answer even as the words left his lips.
"Within Jotenheim there is only one thing more important than power." the Jotun smiled as he straightened to his full height, the light of the day filtering through him like a prism and Odin strode forward as he realized the deception. The creature smiled at his expression "That thing, Odin, is children.” It smirked, head tilted regally as it stared at him, “It would be a pity if you lost yours."
A scream from the corridors and the sound of Frigga's voice had Odin on his knees. He did not need to look to know what the creature had done. It had retaliated in a way none of the Jotun before him had considered; taking what Odin held most precious…his sons.
Then
Thor stared at the blank walls of the room he held within the Avenger’s Headquarters. His comrades had left Loki’s punishment to him, thinking that it was fitting. After all only a God knows how to truly harm another.
Celebrations had raged into the night after Loki’s capture and Thor had seen the confusion on the faces of those around them as he kept himself apart from the festivities. Only Captain America had approached him with condolences and a look of sorrow in his too old eyes. Even Jane who he had come to respect so much did not truly understand why Thor was not glad that they had ceased the chaos and destruction that Loki had wrought.
But then again, none of the others had seen the look of madness in his brother’s eyes or the acceptance as he was led away.
Reaching out, Thor brushed his fingers against Loki’s helmet. Even separated from its owner it still crackled with the energy that Thor had long since associated with his silver-tongued sibling.
Maybe if he had kept Loki closer, not shunned him when Thor’s own feelings sought to dishonor them both none of this would have occurred. Or if the All-Father had been honest, told them the truth from the start there would have been nothing to be ashamed of, no need to pull away…
“I never believed you would be one to brood,”
Thor’s head snapped up at the familiar voice, his eyes widening at the sight of his brother and….himself?
The Gods were clothed in dark clothing that seemed a direct replica of his and Loki’s but other than their physical appearance the two were obviously different, standing well within each others space with a familiarity that made Thor’s gut clench with envy.
“You cast horrid aspirations on our intelligence, Loki” The Other-Thor growled “I often wonder why I remain in your presence.”
“Who are you?” Thor demanded, rising to his feet.
The Other-Thor took a step forward, blocking Loki from Thor’s view and the move made Thor look away. He had never sought to protect Loki so freely, had never offered him such safety.
The Other-Loki tssked as he stepped around his companion “Your heart weeps.” He whispered as he paused before Thor, raising a delicate hand to his cheek and Thor watched as his skin tinted blue. “I could not listen and remain unmoved. I will not have any version of you suffer for the mistakes of others.”
“My consort has already come to an agreement with his counterpart.” Other-Thor added as he pulled his Loki back against him in a move that was blatantly possessive.
“An agreement? Consort?” Thor questioned in confusion.
“Your feelings for your Loki are not as one-sided as you fear.” Other-Loki smiled softly.
“We have a solution, to cleanse his madness.” Other-Thor added.
Thor’s eyes widened “What would I have to do?”
“Begin again.” Other-Loki whispered “We can restart your lives as it should have been, would you….”
“Yes!” Thor interrupted and the Other-Thor smiled “You are a brave man, worthy of much love.”
“We will ensure you receive it,” Other-Loki finished as the world faded away.
Now
The two princes tumbled from the sky onto the desolate frozen tundra.
Thor was on his feet as soon as he settled, turning in search of the enemy that had displaced them but there was nothing but ice as far as the eyes could see, the only other person here was…Loki!
Whirling Thor knelt before his brother’s fallen form. Loki’s skin was tinted the same blue it had become when the strange man that seemed so familiar had walked into their rooms and sent them away with nary an explanation.
“Loki, are you harmed?” Thor queried as he helped the smaller teen to his feet.
Loki gazed at him with those alien red eyes for a moment before shaking his head and clutching his cloak, closer to him. “I am well, Thor.” He whispered.
Thor nodded, Loki spoke little at the best of times and he was probably still in shock.
Taking stock of their surroundings once more, Thor grimaced before collecting the packs that the stranger had sent with them. He’d seen Odin bring one of these on his campaigns across the nine realms and Thor knew that whatever was within the bags would replenish themselves until their user had no more need of them.
“We should find shelter,” Loki whispered as he stared out at the barren lands.
Thor nodded, shouldering the packs before grasping Loki’s hand in his own. He was the eldest and Loki’s safety was his responsibility. Thor would not allow any harm to come to his brother, not as long as he drew breath.
*O*
Loki watched as his brother shivered within the confines of their cave. Thor had been in constant motion and Loki now understood that his brother had been trying to keep himself warm even as Loki sat unaffected upon the icy floor.
Frowning he glanced down at his blue skin, perhaps the stranger had changed him so that he would survive within this icy domain but it begged the question of why the man hadn’t seen fit to do the same thing to Thor? He had obviously not meant to kill them or the packs he had sent with them would have been foolishly taunting, so what had the man hoped to accomplish by leaving them in a place that only one of them could survive?
Thor’s shivers pulled Loki’s attention away from his mental ramblings and he rose to his feet, shrugging his cloak from his shoulders as he approached his golden-haired brother.
Thor’s lips had turned an unnatural blue and from this close Loki could see that the other teen’s body was in a state of constant shivers.
Kneeling Loki spread the cloak over Thor’s feet and his brother blinked slowly as if he was just noticing Loki’s approach and the thought scared Loki because if he lost Thor…..the thought alone made his gut clench unpleasantly.
“What are you doin’?” Thor slurred.
“You are cold.” Loki whispered, brushing his fingers across Thor’s cold cheek.
There had to be something he could do, anything!
Thor shook his head as his hand rose, trying to push the cloak towards Loki “Ca-can’t t-take it.” He stuttered “You’s c-c-cold.”
Loki’s closed his eyes to hide the tears that fear had brought to the surface. “I am not, brother.” He responded, tucking the cloak around Thor once more.
Thor nodded slowly “G-good, n-need you s-safe.”
This time Loki could not more hold back his tears than he could banish the cold from his brother’s skin “And what about you?” he whispered, throat clogged “I cannot do this without you, brother.” He cried bowing his head as another of Thor’s tremors made him shiver in response “Do not leave me.”
“Do-don’t want to.” Thor spat out as his eyes slid close and Loki froze in terror before shaking him hard enough to rattle Thor’s larger frame.
Blue eyes blinked open blearily and Loki glared at Thor’s confused expression.
“You cannot sleep you fool!” Loki snarled “You will never wake if you sleep.”
“I-I’m so co-cold, brother.” Thor whispered “I w-want….”
“I do not care what you want; you will not leave me, Thor! You cannot!” Loki ordered and Thor flashed him a weak smile.
“Do you remember the stories mother told us of the warriors that wanted to be one with each other?” Loki whispered, glancing down at his blue skin.
Thor nodded “G-good t-tales.”
“Yes,” Loki agreed as he reached for the pack, hoping beyond hope that the tales had been true or what he was about to do would be for naught. Grinning as his fingers found Thor’s dagger beneath the food he pulled it out “Do you remember what they did?” Loki asked
“B-b-blood?” Thor queried and Loki nodded
“Yes, they shared blood and one’s strength became the others and any weakness was washed away.” He muttered, gritting his teeth as he drew the dagger’s edge across of his palm. Raising his hand he took Thor’s and made the same wound before clasping them together. “Let my strength, stolen as it may be, become yours brother.” He whispered as their blood mingled.
*O*
Loki kept watch as Thor slept. His brother had begun to breathe easier mere moments after the ritual and Loki had watched curiously as Thor’s normally golden skin bled blue.
“Let my strength be yours because I cannot be without you.” He whispered as he brushed a kiss against Thor’s warm forehead.
Part 2