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He tries to be a good brother, he does, but sometimes, when Thor is on his last nerve and the stars align just right, when he sees, with such perfect clarity, something he knows he can get away with— well. Loki just can’t resist.
But this time he knows he’s gone too far.
He can pretend all he likes that it hasn’t been needling at him, all the talk of Thor’s coronation, and he isn’t sure if those opportunities have been presenting themselves more often, or if, as he grows pettier, the bar simply gets lower, but it always, always works, and Thor’s temper is predictable as always when anything goes awry. And Loki has been counting every little mishap, every tantrum, and then imagining that trying to rule Asgard.
Is it his fault Thor is so easily led? How easy it is to convince him that something was his own idea, and then simply get out of his way as he launches into it headfirst. Really, he’s done the realm a favour, hasn’t he? How can anyone look at Thor after today and trust his judgement? How can anyone see him as anything but an impulsive child?
Still, his stomach lurches at the aftermath. It’s one thing to plan, that gleeful mental trail of dominoes, it’s another to see the result. So, so much worse than he could have envisioned. Ultimately, Loki had taken no pleasure in the consequences, but…. Thor could have stopped it. There were plenty of opportunities to turn back, to reconsider, but no, that’s never been his way.
Loki has holed up in one of his favourite forgotten corners of the palace, drumming his fingers anxiously against a stone ledge overlooking the sleeping city. This was far worse than he had intended, and as much as he tries to convince himself, there’s guilt roiling in his stomach just the same. Best be out of mind for a while, try not to be associated with this disaster in anyone’s mind. Norns all forbid any of his brother’s friends think to blame him for this…. Or worse, his mother.
Loki scrubs his hands over his face, as a chuckle he’s been suppressing slips forth and the dam breaks— and the god of mischief laughs until tears roll down his cheeks.
How long would it take bleached eyebrows to grow out?