Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

On an Asgardian spring morning, Loki was sitting at their bedroom window. They were watching the sunrise, their chin resting on their closed fist.
They’d recently been having trouble sleeping, which is why they were up so early. At this moment, they were preoccupied with whether or not they would be able to have five minutes of peace today. They knew that in a few moments their brother, Thor, would storm in and snatch them out of their room to grab breakfast and then drag them into whatever foolishness he and his friends, the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, were planning that day. They sighed and closed their eyes for a few seconds. They were so tired. . .
Their thoughts were interrupted by a gentle knock at the door.
“Come in.”
A maid opened the door and bowed.
“Your majesty.”
“Yes ?”
“Her majesty the queen will be waiting for you in the blue salon for breakfast in thirty minutes.”
“Tell her I will be there.”
“I will inform her, your majesty.”
She bowed again and left the room quietly.
Loki got up and went to the bathroom to dress up in their usual lathers, brush and style their hair in a half-bun. Before getting out, they took a few seconds to look at themself in the mirror to make sure they were presentable for their mother.
Exactly thirty minutes later, they were entering the blue salon, where their mother was waiting for them. Frigga was alone, sitting at a table loaded with delicious looking food. The Queen got up, smiled, walked up to her child and embraced them.
Loki was surprised to see her alone and not in the company of their brother or any lady of the court.
“To what do I own the privilege of a tete a tete with you mother ?”
“I just wanted to see my little Loki ! What, is a mother not allowed to spend time alone with their own child ?”
“I never said that...”
“I know.”
She smiled and kissed their forehead. A shadow of a smile crossed Loki’s face for a few seconds. Their mother let them go and got back to the table.
“Come and sit down with me Loki. Please.”
They obliged which made Freya smile again. Loki took a seat in front of their mother.
“How are you lately, dearest ?”
She asked while filling up her cup with some Vanaheim tea. Loki didn’t want to answer this question. Firstly because they didn’t want to worry their mother and secondly because they didn't even know how they were feeling. They knew that they were restless and depressed. But they didn’t know why.
After a few seconds of reflection, they answered:
“I’m a little tired. But I'm fine, mother.”
Frigga knew that Loki was lying.
“Then tell me why you don’t sleep at night ? Why your hair looks so dull ? Why you are avoiding everyone, including your brother ? I know you are not okay. Talk to me, sweetheart.”
Loki poured themself a cup of tea and took a sip of their cup before speaking again.
“Nothing to worry about mother. I just have insomnia from time to time. Nothing that an infusion can’t cure.”
“Loki. I know there is something else you are not telling me.”
Loki took another sip of tea and bit into their slice of brioche, before answering to their mother.
“I’m feeling quite... lonely lately.”
“I thought so. What about your friends ? Your brother ?”
Loki looked away.
“It’s not that kind of loneliness mother...”
Frigga paused for a few seconds. She swallowed what was in her mouth.
“Oh, I did not know that darling. Sorry.”
“It’s okay. It’s just that seeing Thor fool around with so many girls and boys... Made me realized that I have no one... like this. It’s making me... Melancholic.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you sweetheart ?”
“I fear that there is nothing you can do for me in this situation mother.”
They gave her a fake little smile.
“I’m here for you Loki. Always.”
“I know mother. I know.”
Frigga smiled to them and said:
“Let’s eat before everything gets cold.”
Loki gave their mother another little smile and the two ate the rest of their breakfast in silence.
Right before leaving the table Frigga took Loki’s hand.
“Your father asked me to be at his side today. We have plenty of things to do but if you want us to talk, or just take a walk, I will be free tonight.”
“Thanks mother.”
She squeezed their hand, got up and left the room. Loki stayed alone for a few minutes before a maid came in and asked if they were done with their meal. They nodded before leaving the room themselves. They wandered the halls for a moment before ending up in one of the castle’s gardens. They sat on a bench and took out a little notebook and pencil from their pocket. Loki opened the notebook and flipped through the pages filled with sketches. They decided to pick up from where they stopped last time. It was a sketch of the garden. Loki was paying special attention to the flowers; they loved their intricacy and grace. They reminded them of their own mother. Loki was so absorbed by his drawing that he didn't hear Thor and his friends approaching them.
“Loki !”
Thor yelled.
They sighed, closed their notebook and put it back in their pocket. They got up as Thor was walking up to them.
“I was looking for you !”
“As you always do brother...”
“We were heading to our usual tavern, and I think you should come with us.”
“Really brother ? It’s 10 in the morning and the weather is wonderful, so why, in the name of everything that’s sacred, would I want to lock myself up in a smelly, stifling tavern ?”
“Because today is Volstagg’s birthday ? And what he wants is to go to his favorite place and eat, drink and fool around all day.”
“I never said anything about fooling around.”
Said Volstagg, defending himself.
“Yeah, I added that part.”
Thor grinned before reporting his attention on his sibling.
“So are you coming or not ?”
Loki thought about the discussion they had with their mother at breakfast. Perhaps the remedy to his solitude and melancholia was out there, in a loud and crowded tavern ?
“Come on Loki there will be plenty of drinks, food, guys and girls !”
“Okay I'll come with you. But if one of you starts a fight or does something stupid I will tell the guards, the king and the queen that you were the sole responsible for your foolishness and that I was there against my will.”
“Sure Loki. Let’s go everyone ! To the tavern !!”
A few minutes later the group entered a tavern called The Forge. Thor almost blasted off the door opening it.
“Thor, Loki, Lady Sif and the warriors three are here to feast and party ! Tyra, my favorite tavern keeper, give us your best table and your finest drinks and food !”
Said Thor using his most dramatic voice.
The tavern keeper, a beautiful, muscular, redheaded woman named Tyra shook her head but smiled upon seeing the group enter her establishment. She got out from behind the bar and led them to the best table of the tavern. Once they were all seated, she asked them:
“So what can I do for Asgard’s finest warriors today ?”
Thor spoke again.
“Well, Tyra today is Volstagg’s birthday, so we are here to celebrate ! We want the finest stuff you have in your cellar!”
She smiled.
“Of course, everything for our champions. Anything else ?”
“When does Unn, with his beautiful voice and his wonderful ass, arrive ?”
“Well, he is not supposed to show up for at least eight hours.”
“Can you do something about that ?”
She sighed.
“Fine. I will send someone to fetch him. But you will have to pay for his extra hours.”
“Of course, Tyra.”
“Anything else, your majesty ?”
“Well, if you could come at our table from time to time, to keep us company... You know like you use to... I will tip you well of course.”
“Alright. But know that’s only because it’s you, I would have slapped anyone else making this kind of offer to me.”
She winked and Thor smiled before walking away.
Loki, who witnessed the whole scene, rolled their eyes to the sky. They were exasperated by the fact that anyone would just give up everything and everyone just to spend a night with Thor or even just to get their brother’s attention. Thor had this reputation of being one of Asgard’s best lover and he was even nicknamed the god of bliss by some people. Loki wasn't jealous of him but sometimes they wished that they could just be as outgoing as Thor. But they were not that kind of person. Sure, they were mysterious and seductive, but Thor was so loud, strong and handsome that most people didn't even saw them. Loki was fine with being the mysterious and mischievous one but sometimes their brother could be a little too much.
They were pulled out of their rambling by the sound of jugs being put down on the table. Tyra and another waitress were bringing various drinks to their table. Loki took a jug of white wine and asked Sif:
“White wine Lady ?”
“Of course.”
She smiled to them, and they filled her cup before filling their own.
Loki wasn’t that close to any of the warriors three, but they enjoyed Lady Sif’s company. Maybe it was because Thor and them grew up alongside her unlike the warriors three. Or maybe it was because she was the only women of the group and helped them to come to terms with their gender, especially with their feminine side.
After she took a couple of sips from her cup, she waved at him to draw their attention.
“Hey, Loki, are you there ?”
“Oh yes, I was just thinking about something.”
“Are you sure you’re alright ?”
“Yes, don’t worry Sif.”
They quickly smiled at her.
“Are you sure you want to be here ? If you want to leave, I can create a distraction.”
They grinned.
“No need. But thanks for the offer. I needed to get out of the castle anyway. To see other people, you know.”
“Yeah, I have heard that you hadn’t got out of the castle in a while. In fact, you are not your usual self lately. You are less of a drama queen. I have to say that I'm kind of worried about you... Wait... Are you plotting something even more nefarious than usual ?!”
“No, don't worry ! I’m just tired, that’s it.”
They took a sip of wine, trying to avoid the subject.
“I guess you haven’t visited a healer yet ? You should see one.”
They sighed.
“How do you know me so well ?”
“I am too, full of mysteries Loki.”
She said that with an odd expression on her face.
“Are you trying to mimic my mischief face ? Because if that’s the case you are failing.”
They both laughed while the boys where toasting and Fandral started singing a song.

Chapter Text

Half an hour later, the boys were still singing when the door opened suddenly.
“I’m here !”
Thor turned around and yelled:
“Unn ! Finally, you have arrived ! Come here !!”
The bard walked up to their table. Thor immediately pulled him into a hug. To the rest of the group’s surprise, the bard smiled and was not taken aback. Thor could be like that sometimes, much to the despair of his parents. Loki rolled their eyes to the sky again before Sif slapped their hand and whispered:
“Hey stop that. Don't be so jealous of him. I’m sure that if you ask nicely in two or three cups any of the boys will give you a hug. Okay maybe be not Hogun.”
Sif grinned. Loki smiled.
“Volstagg hugged you once and you complained about your back for a couple of days afterwards so, no thanks.”
Sif laughed whilst recalling the memory.
“It’s true. But I'm pretty sure that Fandral would hug you. I mean look at him.”
Fendral was already singing with the bard, grabbing him by his shoulders.
“I'm pretty sure that in a few beers he could kiss anyone around this table.”
“Can you imagine Fendral kissing Hogun ?”
Said Loki.
“Hogun would probably stab him on the spot.”
They both laughed at the thought.
After a few more drinks, Volstagg let everyone know that he was hungry. As Tyra was passing by, Thor caught her attention and said:
“Hey, could you bring us something to eat ? And more drinks too, Please ?”
“I can do that.”
“Thank you darling.”
She smiled to the prince and walked away in the direction of the kitchen. He turned back to the group and said triumphally:
“The food is on its way my friends !”
He then leaned in towards Unn and told him.
“I will pay for everything, don’t worry.”
Thor smiled and laid his hand on the bard’s thigh. Unn blushed slightly but put his hand over his, caressing it with his thumb.
Loki and Sif looked at each other, a confused expression on their faces. Apparently, they were the only ones to notice this since everyone else at their table were already drunk or yelling. Or both.
Loki leaned towards Sif to ask:
“Does Thor...”
“Have a thing with this guy ? I think he does.”
“I never thought that he was into bards.”
“I don’t think he really cares that he’s a bard.”
“I suppose.”
As Loki was laying back in their seat, Tyra, and another waitress, arrived with two enormous trays overflowing with various foods: Ham, cheese, bread and butter, baked potatoes, corn, roast beef, sausages, roasted vegetables, smoked salmon, roasted chicken, fruits and of course cakes.
The whole table welcomed the waitresses with cheers. They all jumped on the food, Volstagg trying to take as much as he could, while the others were trying to at least grab a little bit of food before Volstagg took everything for himself. They finally all sat down and got a little quieter, stopping singing and yelling to eat. An hour later all the plates and dishes were empty and their stomach full. Fendral got up and shouted:
“Hey Tyra ! Bring us more beer and wine ! We are not done celebrating this big boy birthday yet !”
He grabbed Volstagg by the shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. They all laughed at the excessive display of affection. Not that it was out of the ordinary for Fendral but it was always funny to see the target’s reactions to Fendral’s assaults of affection. Loki, now kind of tipsy, was trying not to burst out in laughter like the rest of the boys. Sif, smiling maliciously, nudged at them and said:
“See, I told you that Fandral would start to kiss everyone and anyone soon.”
“Oh, I had no doubt that it would happen at some point. I just didn't think it would come that quickly.”
They both giggled like teenagers.
Tyra interrupted the scene by bringing them more drinks. Volstagg jumped on a jug of beer and a struggle between him and Hogun for the dinks ensued. Fendral on the other hand was still laughing.
Thor leaned towards Unn and whispered something into his ear. Suddenly the prince got up and made the whole table go almost silent instantly.
“What about some music now my friends ?”
The table cheered, raising their cups in approval. Thor smiled and offered his hand to Unn to help him get up onto a bench. Once up there, Thor handed him his lute. The bard smiled back at him and started to play. Thor had only eyes for Unn. Loki sighed looking at the scene, feeling slightly jealous. Sif hit them with her elbow.
“Hey, don’t stay glued to your seat ! Invite someone to dance !”
They rolled their eyes at the celling but got up.
“Will you dance with me Lady Sif ?”
They offered her their hand. She giggled, took their hand and got up. They started to dance at the sound of Unn’s luth.
Fandral tried to get Volstagg to dance with him, but he categorically refused to get off of his seat. Fendral didn’t give up and instead carried his attention over to Hogun. He protested but he was unable to stop Fendral. He took Hogun’s hand and made him stand up. Hogun was a little destabilized by the whole thing. He tried to keep a straight face which was not an easy task around Fandral. He dragged Hogun in front of the table, where Loki and Sif were already dancing, drew him closer to himself and started moving around. The two pairs danced for a while. After some time, Unn stopped playing, arguing that he needed a break. But Thor had an idea on how to keep the party going. He jumped on the bench on which Unn was standing a minute ago.
“Loki, come here ! I need you to sing with me !”
Loki rolled their eyes to the sky once again but pushed by the others, they got up and climbed onto the bench to join their brother. Thor grabbed them by the shoulders and started to sing.
Thor sang a song about the legend of the Valkyries and Loki followed along. While Thor’s voice was not exceptional, he managed to sing in tune. Loki on the other hand, had a very beautiful voice. In addition to teaching them magic, Frigga also taught Loki music among many other arts. It was rare to hear Loki sing but when they did everyone around them was subjugated, as if they were casting a spell.
They didn’t even notice but their brother had stopped singing and everyone was quiet. At the end of the song they reopened their eyes and saw that everyone was mesmerized. Fendral had even gone completely silent, which was extremely rare. They slightly blushed before quickly recovering their usual smug smile. The whole table asked for another song including Unn. Loki smiled wildly and agreed to sing one more song for his audience. Thor stepped down of the bench to take back his place next to the bard. Loki started singing again, this time about a painful but beautiful love story. At the end of the song, they could feel the admiration of their audience in their eyes. A satisfied smile appeared on their face, and they got down of the bench, with the help of Fendral, to go back to their seat.
After a few seconds the group came out of the trance induced by Loki’s voice. That’s the moment Tyra choose to stop at their table to collect the empty jugs. Vlostagg jumped on the occasion to ask for more drinks.
“Tyra keep the drinks coming, we are not leaving anytime soon !”
“Of course, you are going to stay here all night. And yes, I will.”
She smiled to him before walking away.
As soon as the tavern keeper was gone, a drunk Fandral decided to focus his attention on Loki.
“So. I didn’t know you were such a talented singer. How is that I never heard your voice before, princess ?”
He said as he was getting closer to them.
“I don’t usually sing for people like you.”
Loki said with a facade of disgust on their face.
No one around the table noticed what was going on, since they were all distracted by the waitress bringing them drinks.
“You are hurting my feelings princess !”
“Good.”
Loki grinned.
“That’s not a way to treat a friend !”
Fendral got even closer.
“Who said I was your friend ?”
Fendral’s expression shifted from a drunk happiness to confusion and sadness.
“Do you really think that ? Am I just some guy to you ?”
Loki suddenly felt guilty. They didn’t thought that Fendral would think they were serious.
“No ! I didn't meant that ! I just... Don’t really have friends, Fendral. I never did. It’s part of my character.”
Fendral was still confused.
“Fine. We are friends. But don’t tell anyone, okay ?”
Said Loki. Fendral face lighted up again.
“I can keep a secret, don’t worry my friend !”
He smiled to them before returning his attention on his drink.
Loki on the other hand was more confused than ever. Why would Fandral react in such a way to a silly joke ? Maybe he had had one too many beers ?
Thor bumped their shoulder.
“Hey, are you with us brother ?”
The sudden contact brought Loki back to reality.
“Oh yes ! Sorry, I was thinking about... What I'm going to drink next.”
“Good idea because your glass is empty. And we don’t allow empty glasses at this table !”
“Well said Thor !”
Volstagg said as took his drink and emptied it in one go.
Thor filled up everyone’s glasses and jugs and they all toasted to Volstagg’s birthday once again.

Chapter Text

The sun was setting, and the group were still at their table. They had continued their partying all afternoon long. They intended to stay there all night and leave at dawn.
After a few games of axe throwing, Volstagg made everyone in the tavern aware that he was famished.
This time it was Fandral who called for the waitress.
“Tyra ! My lovely, lovely tavernkeeper, please bring us some more food and drinks !”
She approached the group, amused by the spectacle that the group was offering. She asked him:
“Same thing ?”
Fandral gave her his signature smile.
“Of course.”
He slid coins towards her.
“Have a drink on me. I hate to see women not having fun.”
He winked. Tyra got closer to him and was now whispering into his ear.
“It’s going to take a little more than that to convince me to share your bed, Fandral. I’m not like the ones you bring back to your room .”
Fandral retreated and took on an exaggerated, offended expression.
“How can you think that was my intention ?”
His tone was overly dramatic. Fandral was clearly joking.
“I feel insulted, Tyra ! Can’t I have pure intentions ?”
Fandral theatrics attracted the attention of the rest of the table.
“You ? Having pure intentions ? Really ? I might as well be ruler of Asgard.”
Loki said. The rest of the table burst into laughter.
“You too Loki ? Will anyone support me here ?”
“I’m afraid you’re on your own for this one, Fandral.”
Fandral finally dropped the act and laughed along with the others. He dropped a few more coins in Tyra’s hand and gave her a genuine smile. Tyra returned the smile before walking away.
Loki observed their little interaction from afar. They wondered what was going on in Fandral’s head. They ended up staring at Fandral for a little too long. The warrior noticed and smiled at them. Loki quickly looked away, facing Sif again. Seeing that, she had a little laugh.
“You changed your mind ?”
“About what ?”
“Kissing Fandral.”
“What ? No ! Why would you think that ?”
“You were just staring at him. Quite intensely at that.”
“That wasn’t the reason. Fandral is just acting quite strangely tonight.”
Sif waved a dismissive hand.
“He’s probably drunk. Like everyone else. Including you. You’re probably imagining things.”
“Probably.”
Said Loki. Before any of them could add anything, Unn had started playing his lute again. They both turned their heads towards the sound. Thor had asked the bard to play a catchy tune and was now approaching the pair.
“A dance, Lady Sif ?”
Asked Thor, offering her his hand.
She turned to Loki, seeming to ask if they were fine being on their own for a moment. They nodded and smiled to her.
She took Thor’s hand and let him lead her away to dance.
Loki looked at them dance for a few seconds before Fandral appeared next to them.
“Don’t even think about inviting me for a dance, Fandral. Unless you want a blade between your ribs.”
Loki had a little smile on his face. They didn’t know why but they couldn’t keep themselves from smiling. It was probably due to the alcohol they had been drinking all day.
“Oh, I know that, don't worry.”
Fandral smiled back before adding.
“Why were you staring at me earlier ?”
“You’re acting weird tonight.”
Fandral swept the air with his hand.
“I’m drunk. It’s probably just that. You’ve seen me drunk before, what’s different this time ?”
Loki looked at his brother and Sif dancing.
“Nothing I guess. Well I’ve been feeling odd lately but it has nothing to do with you.”
“I see.”
Fandral scooted closer to Loki.
“Tell me all your problems, darling.”
“And why would I do that ?”
“Because your usual confidant is currently dancing with your brother. Which means you have no one to talk to.”
“I could talk to Volstagg or Hogun. Or I could just stay alone and drink in silence.”
“Where’s the fun in that ?”
“Oh you are so annoying.”
“You love it.”
Loki rolled their eyes to the celling.
“Fine. I’m struggling with insomnia lately. I’m just tired. No big deal.”
Of course, Loki wasn’t going to tell Fandral that they were feeling lonely. That would be stupid. Like taunting a famished dog with a fresh piece of meat.
“Really ? That’s it ? No lover’s quarrel ? No scheme to take over the throne ? You are disappointing me, princess.”
“Can’t I have regular, everyday problems ? Or is that too un-royal ?”
“All I'm saying is that you have a boring problem.”
“Aren’t you supposed to flirt with someone ? That’s what you always do at parties.”
“No, I’m good for now.”
Fandral had a little smile on his face.
“Why are you smiling ? I’m warning you: If you try to seduce me, I’ll stab you. Party or not.”
The warrior was about to respond when Sif collapsed next to Loki, breathing heavily. Thor was following close.
“Fandral get up ! I need a dance partner !”
He seemed to hesitate for a moment.
“Come on Fandral ! You can’t refuse a dance with me !”
He finally rose from his seat and took Thor’s hand. The prince immediately lead him away from the table.
Loki sighed. Sif rose an eyebrow.
“So... What was Fandral doing so close to you ? Was he trying to steal your heart ?”
She let out a little laugh.
“You know he’d be dead before he could reach it. Also, I don’t even have a heart, remember ?”
Sif let out a small laugh.
“Oh I know. But he’s foolish enough to try.”
“He is.”
Sif took a sip of her drink. Loki did the same.
After a few songs Fandral was back at the table, his head slightly spinning. Thor was visibly enlivened by the party. Since he had exhausted all the possible dance partners around the table, he turned his attention towards Unn. He grabbed the bard’s hand and made him twirl. Unn laughed and Thor pulled him closer. Unn continued to laugh until Thor laid a kiss on his lips. The whole table cheered. Aside from Loki of course. They looked away pretending to be all of the sudden fascinated by the fireplace. Loki emptied their jug before asking loudly:
“Another round ! In Volstagg’s honor !”
The whole table cheered again.
After a few more hours of games, dances, and drinking, the tavern was emptying itself slowly but surely.
Around four in the morning, Tyra came up to their table.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it’s closing time boys and girls.”
Volstagg, Hogun and Fandral sighed heavily. But the group reluctantly finished their drinks and got up to exit the tavern.
Before going out the door Fandral grabbed Tyra’s waist and gave her a light kiss on the lips. The tavern keeper giggled and Fandral joined the group with a big smile on his face. Loki rolled their eyes to the sky once again. Maybe they were jealous. Perhaps they were just craving company.
The group walked back to the palace, talking, laughing and yelling along the way. Thor had convinced Unn to come back home with him. Loki stayed mostly silent, his eyes darting between his brother and the bard holding hands and Fandral.
Loki was more bothered than usual by Fandral’s actions. They were mad at him for kissing Tyra. Which was ridiculous. He would do that at every given occasion, so why were they mad, now ? Had the loneliness made them even more bitter ? Perhaps it was the alcohol ? Or was it something else ?
They soon reached the palace’s doors.
“Well goodnight everyone !”
Said Thor. He was visibly eager to go back to his bedroom and to be finally alone with Unn. The two lovers left the group, almost running to Thor’s room.
“I think I will help guide Volstagg to his room. I doubt he can find it by himself at this point.”
Said Hoggun, while supporting a very drunk Volstagg.
“Good luck. You’re going to need it.”
Added Sif with a little laugh. The pair walked away, with Hogun struggling to guide Volstagg in the right direction.
A blond maid walked by, drawn there by the noise. Sif noticed her and smiled.
She smiled back.
“Loki ?”
“Yes, Sif ?”
“Could you walk Fandral back to his room ? Make sure that he don’t cause any trouble ?”
“Do I really have to ?”
“I can hear you, you know.”
“Loki, I have something to do.”
Sif glanced towards the maid. That’s when Loki realized.
“Sorry I didn’t... Go. I’ll take care of him.”
They gave her a little smile of acknowledgement. Sif gave them a bright smile before joining the blond woman. Sif took her hand and lead her into a nearby hallway.
Loki glanced at them as they walked away, feeling happy for their friend, before being brought back to reality by Fandral’s voice.
“So it’s just you and me now ?”

Chapter Text

“So It’s just you and me now ?”
Asked Fandral.
“It appears so.”
Answered a slightly exasperated Loki. Fandral on the other hand was still smiling.
Loki sighed.
“Let’s go. The quicker you get back to your room, the quicker I can go back to my own.”
“Why are you in such a hurry ? It’s not like anyone is waiting for you.”
“I told Sif I wouldn’t let you wander alone in the hallways. And how are you so certain that no one is waiting?.”
“I would know it if you were entangled with someone. Trust me.
And what if I do wander alone in the hallways ? It’s not like she is going to check if I’m all tucked in anyway. She is probably too busy right now to even think about me, if you know what I mean.”
Fandral was grinning. Loki hated that shit-eating grin. They ignored his last sentence and replied:
“I gave her my word. Let’s go now.”
Loki grabbed Fandral’s wrist and dragged him along with them towards his room.
“You’re no fun, princess ! Come on ! I don’t want to go to bed ! Let’s have fun ! Everybody is having fun with someone right now ! Why not us ?”
“Well unlike you, I want to go to bed. And I doubt that Volstagg and Hogun are having that kind of fun right now.”
“You want to go to bed ? Why, so you can wallow in your own misery ?”
Loki suddenly stopped. They turned around and gave Fandral a deadly glare.
“What did you just say ?”
Fandral grinned again. He knew he had struck a nerve.
“I said that you spend your time wallowing in your own misery. It’s not good for you, you know.”
Loki grabbed the sleeve of his jacket and pulled Fandral closer.
“I could kill you; you know.”
“But you won’t. You like me way too much to do that.”
Fandral whispered. Loki pushed him away.
“Let’s go back to your room before I do something I’ll regret.”
Loki started to walk towards Fandral’s room. The warrior followed along, a smile on his face.
“So, about the fun we were talking about earlier...”
“I swear I will cut your tongue out Fandral.”
“You wouldn’t dare cut off a such important instrument of pleasure !”
“Oh, I would ! Half of the palace would thank me for restoring their sleep.”
“And the other half would curse you for depriving them of their pleasure.”
“I think you overestimate your skills Fandral.”
“How can you know that ? I never had the chance to pleasure you, after all.”
“Good lovers don’t brag about their bedroom exploits.”
They were now almost in front of Fandral’s door.
“Then let me prove to you that I'm not just talk.”
Fandral planted himself in front of them. Loki raised an eyebrow and had a half grin.
“And what makes you think I would say yes to... That ?”
“I saw the way you were looking at me. I saw you isolating yourself from the rest of the group. I saw your jealous gaze when I kissed Tyra. You want this.”
Fandral stepped closer. Loki, as a reflex, tried to take a step back. Unfortunately, their back meet a marble column.
“I might be desperate, but I am not that desperate Fandral.”
Loki was lying. They were lonely and very desperate. And all these years of repressed feelings for Fandral didn’t help either.
They had never acknowledged these feelings before but being confronted so directly by the object of their secret desire made them all come back in full force, to hit them in the face.
Loki’s cheeks quickly became red. Their heart was beating unusually fast, and their breath became heavy.
And of course, Fandral took notice of that.
“Loki ? Are you...”
“Shut up Fandral. I’m trying to decide if I want to kill you or kiss you.”
“Oh well...”
“I told you...”
Loki grabbed Fandral by the collar and shifted their places, pushing him against the column.
“...to shut up.”
Fandral gasped for air when his back hit the marble. Loki closed the distance between them and pressed their lips against his. Loki let go of the warrior’s collar and grabbed a handful of his hair. The kiss was urgent. Almost desperate. Loki pressed their body against Fandral’s, craving intimacy. They slipped their tongue into his mouth drawing a moan from Fandral. That’s when Loki broke the kiss.
“We can’t stay here. Someone could see us. Let’s go to your room.”
“No need to say that twice.”
Fandral took Loki’s hand and led them straight to his bedroom, a grin on his face.
As soon as the door was closed behind them, Loki pushed Fandral against a nearby wall.
“Wow... I knew you wanted this, but I didn’t imagine you would be so... eager.”
Said Fandral.
“I’ve waited too many years for this. I want you Fandral. I want all of you.”
Whispered Loki into his ear.
“Loki... Tonight I am all yours.”
Fandral closed his eyes, abandoning himself to Loki.
Without any words, Loki raised their hand and delicately traced the outline of Fandral’s lips before kissing him.
Loki’s fingers moved from his face to his neck. They unbuttoned the first buttons of Fandral’s shirt.
Fandral helped Loki in their task and soon enough, all his clothes, aside from his underwear, where pooling on the floor around them. Loki on the other hand was still fully clothed.
“Let’s get rid of theses, darling.”
Fandral smiled and very gently, he started to remove Loki’s clothes.
As their coat dropped to the floor, Fandral kneeled and untied Loki’s boots.
Loki looked down. They always enjoyed seeing people kneel before them, but this was... different. For the first time they did not feel the usual feeling of superiority, but they felt affection but most importantly desire. A burning desire.
Fandral raised and their eyes met again. He removed Loki’s shirt carefully and dropped it on the floor. Fandral took a moment to admire Loki. He was admiring Loki like he would admire a statue created by a master sculptor.
“Is there something wrong ?”
Asked Loki.
“There is nothing wrong, don’t worry. It’s just that I have never seen you shirtless before... And you are really beautiful, Loki.”
Said Fandral, with a smile on his face.
Loki grinned, a slight blush coloring their cheeks.
“Keep saying such things, and I might start believing you, Fandral.”
“You are really, really beautiful Loki.”
Fandral laid a kiss on Loki’s collarbone.
“And you haven’t even seen the best part yet.”
Loki said as they guided Fandral’s hands to their hips.
Fandral let his hands slip past their hips and grabbed a handful of Loki’s ass.
They had a little laugh. Fandral smiled and kissed their neck.
Loki let out a barely audible moan. Fandral smiled against their skin.
“Oh... So this is what makes you go crazy...”
He laid another kiss on their neck.
“Fandral...”
Loki moaned his name more than he spoke it.
“I’m going to take care of you, darling...”
Said Fandral as he was pushing Loki onto the bed.

_________________

The sun was already high in the sky when Thor knocked at Fandral’s door. He waited a few seconds before knocking again. Hearing no response, he opened the door. It would not be the first time that he would enter the warrior's room unannounced, after all. He opened the door and entered the bedroom.
Fandral was in his bed, naked, with his arms entwined around a lover, which was nothing out of the ordinary. What *was* unusual was the lover's identity.
Loki was coiled into his arms, their dark hair cascading on Fandral’s chest. Their face was completely relaxed apart from their lips, which were tweaked with a small smile.
Fandral had his arms wrapped around Loki’s shoulders and waist and a lovestruck expression on his face.
Thor had rarely seen Loki looking so peaceful and vulnerable. He smiled.
Thor silently left the room, leaving the two lovers to their sleepy embrace.