WARNINGS: Incest happens here, mostly between the momentarily unnamed brothers, but there is a bit of Thorki as well. Personally I've never seen incest as needing a warning- two consenting adults and all- but apparently it's considered ideologically sensitive material, so fair warning~ Also, brief mentions of violence. Other than that, this is safe ;]

Part One

Surprisingly enough, the trip was Loki's idea. He supposed it was a sign of desperation, but personally, he'd always thought there was something admirable about desperation. It kept the blood warm.

Nearly two years had passed since Thor had hauled him back Asgard, and he'd had time to think. If nothing else could be salvaged after the trouble he incited (and he was more than aware that almost nothing from his previous life was salvageable) he wanted his brother back. His brother, who'd talked his way out of severe punishments he'd just as soon never think of again, and who still sat beside him at the feast table, still came to his room if he woke from screaming nightmares, still teased and picked with him like he did when they were children. If the stubborn man insisted on keeping his company, he wanted him to at least benefit from it.

To say he'd made it hard on the Thor would be an understatement. He'd spent the last two years fighting him nail and tooth, if he was honest. But when it all began, he'd thought it justifiable. After they settled back into a somewhat regular life, Thor had been kind to the point of cruelty, and Loki fought against it as best he knew how- pushed him away when he came running to his bedside, scoffed at his puerile cheerfulness. He hadn't been ready for anything so sweet as attention, much less pup-like devotion. It was too soft, too soon, and he thought if he didn't die by someone's hand, the suffocating presence of his brother would do the job just as well. Of course, he hadn't thought of him as his brother then. He'd denied him even that comfort. The word was too familiar, and Loki refused to say or hear it. It cut Thor as surely as his love cut him, and they went about their business smeared in one another's blood.

Two years had never passed so slowly, but there was something to be said for Thor's determination. Regardless of how hard Loki fought, he continued to run back to him. The man's stamina was impressive, and in the face of it his own began to fail. Loki's fuel stores for outright rejection were fast depleting, and he was tired. Tired of fighting, but more so, tired of pretending his brother's love didn't touch him. Despite his resistance, the unwavering affection had been all that kept him sane since his return. Odin was still furious and would hardly deign to speak with him, and their mother- she was better, of course, but there was no escaping the pained disappointment that rested in her new gray hairs and tighter mouth. He had hurt her, and the guilt was crippling. And if he thought he was friendless before, there was certainly no arguing it now. Even those that had once been civil refused to look him in the eyes. Thor, however, had never abandoned him or treated him any differently than was nothing left for him now but his brother, and he was ready to claim him, or at least prove himself worthy.

He eased into it, not wanting to raise suspicions by a sudden change of face. When Thor came rushing to his bedside to quell his fears, he would relax into his pillow instead of barking for him to leave. If he made to touch him, he leaned into it instead of ripping himself away. He'd even taken to going riding with him again, as he used to when they were boys. Thor had happily taken it in stride, but with an expected level of wariness. He'd never relented in his loving attacks, but in the final few months had begun to show signs of defeat. His eyes had lost their characteristic spark, and he approached Loki with the shyness of one used to rejection. Despite that, it only took a few weeks of stable acceptance to convince Thor of his sincerity, and the reciprocation effectively lifted the man's spirits.

It was strange if he thought about it. Two years ago he would have given anything to have the power to wipe the grin from his brother's face. It did nothing but stir guilt, and he'd wanted it gone. Now, however, he was willing to do whatever necessary to hear him laugh again- really laugh, as he used to. That honeyed rumble, warm as summer and just as gentle. Much like his personality. Brutish as he appeared, he'd always been the soft one, and Loki missed it. It was that longing that birthed the idea for the trip.

Thor had always loved visiting the other realms, and when they were younger they often went on little trips together. It was never long, maybe a week or so, but the uninterrupted togetherness always did them good. Even at a young age there were distractions from one another- friends, differing hobbies, and the like- and venturing out eliminated the gaps. They were more brother in those days than any other time, and returning always left them with a new appreciation for one another. And if the effect was so great prior to their, ah, disagreement, as Loki had come to call it, it was bound to work now. At least he dearly hoped it would. And if he had learned anything from his brother in the last two years it was that hope was worth its weight in gold.

"What sort of trip?"

Loki shrugged, tossing an apple to Thor. They'd come out riding hours ago, and had stopped in their favorite field to rest. The grass was taller and softer there, and the horses appreciated it as much as their ride-weary thighs. It seemed as good a time as any to bring up his plan.

"Just a trip, like we used to take. Surely you remember." He kept his eyes safely on their horses, not wanting to come off too strong. The crunch of an apple, then slow thoughtful chewing- Thor was being just as diplomatic. Loki wasn't sure how he felt about that.

"Where would we go?" he asked finally, taking another bite. For pacing, perhaps. His brother always had odd methods.

Loki turned to face him before answering. "Midgard. Let me finish." He held up his hand when Thor made to speak, effectively silencing him. "Admittedly, it didn't go as well as it could have on our last trip-"

"Your last, you mean," he teased. "Mine was a success."

Had he not had an agenda, Loki might have snapped at him. It was still a sore spot, after all. As it were, he merely smirked in assent and carried on. "Which is why I chose it. What is it you're always harping on about- recasting and whatnot? Or are those empty words?"

And Thor had the sense to look momentarily insulted. After taking time to enjoy it, Loki nudged his thigh playfully and the man's expression melted into something kinder. "What if father doesn't approve?"

"He will if you speak with him, paragon of sons." He grinned around the last words, daring Thor to challenge them. The other rolled his eyes but otherwise accepted. Perfect.

"How long should I say we'll be gone?"

And this was the rub. Loki knew it. He wanted more than a week of his brother's time. Though they'd repaired some of the rifts in their relationship recently, it wasn't nearly enough, and seven days wouldn't do it. Licking his lips thoughtfully, he looked back to their horses. "Two months."

Another bite of the apple. Gods, but he hated Thor as a diplomat. He was dreadfully transparent. "You realize," he began, "that you aren't making this easy for me."

"You say so you won't speak with him?" Loki did his best to keep his voice even. No room for error now.

"No."

"Then what did you say?"

Thor sighed, shifting closer. Loki felt it, but kept his eyes trained on the horses. "Look at me." He resisted, but only for a moment. Thor's heat against his arm was comforting, and he quickly relented. The man made sure to catch his gaze before continuing. "I only meant he'll be hard to convince. A lot can happen in two months."

"What, exactly? His main suspect for any and every incident will be safely out of sight."

He regretted saying it almost instantly, and bit his tongue as penance. Thor hated it when he took stabs at Odin, however small, usually on the basis of the position in which it left him. Don't ask me to choose between you, he'd say, and damn it all if he didn't look kicked while doing so. He didn't address it, however. He supposed he should be grateful.

"What if he should need us for something? That's all I meant."

Loki shrugged, hoping to regain footing. "Tell him where we're going, if you'd like. You act as if he couldn't send someone or retrieve us himself if need be."

"And where exactly would we go? It hasn't been long. Need I remind you how much attention we drew?"

Loki scoffed. As if he hadn't considered that. "I wasn't going to suggest New York, if that's what you're asking."

Thor chuckled lightly at that, and it eased a bit of Loki's tension. "I didn't think so."

An easy silence fell between the two of them, and Thor took his turn examining the horses. Loki kept his eyes trained on his face. His expressions often betrayed him, and he preferred interpreting them to waiting for an absolute answer. It was easier on his nerves, at least.

"Is there no other length of time you'd settle for?" It was a slow, deliberate question, but lacked conviction. Was he succumbing so quickly?

"If there was, I would have said it."

A sigh, as if to say I thought as much. He wouldn't say it, though. He'd keep it up a while longer, if only for form's sake. "You're sure?"

Loki's fingers practically itched with impending victory, but he kept them still. He wouldn't celebrate until he was absolutely certain. Not that it was far off. He knew how to procure certainty. "Please, brother."

Though he'd been considering it for weeks, Loki still hadn't lifted the ban on the word. He'd been waiting for the perfect moment to do so, and it had yet to present itself. Until presently, of course, and the result was certainly worth waiting for. Thor snapped to attention almost immediately.

"Brother?" The other man echoed the word, eyes widening slightly.

"It's what we are, is it not?"

Thor couldn't have contained his grin if he wanted to, and Loki offered up a small one of his own in return. So, he'd won. He'd almost forgotten how simple it was.

"It is," Thor said, clapping Loki's shoulder as his smile spread impossibly wider. "Brother."

Had he thought it was directed at him, he would have answered, but he knew the man was just testing the word. He let him taste it in silence. He owed him that, he supposed.

After a moment, Thor jumped up, stretching a bit. "Choose a location, and I'll talk to father. For now, let's return to the horses. They've rested long enough."

He reached down and scooped Loki up by his underarm, making sure to pull him into an embrace before the smaller man had a chance to flee. He didn't attempt to wriggle free of Thor's arms. Loki had never been particularly physical, but he knew such displays were important to his brother. Besides, a hug now and again didn't hurt. The words that often followed them, however... Well, they were another matter entirely. Speaking of which-

"I've missed you."

Ah. There it was.

He couldn't help but stiffen at the words. They were as much an accusation as anything else, and he didn't quite know how to respond. He never did. Instead of silence, however, he laughed it off and finally pulled away, heading for their horses.

"I've been here all this time. And I warn you: if you're trying to soften me, it's useless. I'm a better rider, and won't throw a race for the sake of your pride."

He hurried and mounted before Thor had time to catch up to him, flashing him a smile. The man grinned back, taking up the jest quickly. "You're sure you won't reconsider? You have the advantage of youth, if you'll recall."

"Is that so? Just how much did you age while I wasn't looking?"

"Quite a bit," he said, pulling himself onto his horse feebly for effect. "I'm old enough to be your grandfather now."

Loki couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head as he nudged his horse to a trot. "You'll have to forgive me then, old man. I didn't know."

Thor laughed at that, kicking his horse a bit to catch up to Loki's. He didn't initiate a race, however, and perhaps never intended to. It didn't matter, he supposed.

Yes, Loki had missed this. A trip was just what they needed.