Fandom: Marvel Movies
Movie: Thor
Characters/Pairings: Loki
Rating/Warnings: K+
Word Count: 394
Adoration
A familiar, sinister voice reveled in Thor's shame, murmuring of the limitless possibility that was suddenly within Loki's grasp. Oh yes, the change was palpable, unmistakable in the hot fury in their father's eyes as he raged at his favorite son. And it was there in Loki's own weak protest, one he knew to be futile before it ever escaped his lips.
Let it happen, the voice urged, the softest of whispers compared with Odin's furious shout. Be silent… this is for the best.
How many times had he longed for a chance like this, a shining moment where he might step out of Thor's seemingly impenetrable shadow and claim the admiration that should've been his? For how many years had he dreamed of an opportunity to prove his worth, to show Asgard that he'd make a fine ruler… far better than his brash, unthinking brother?
Let it happen.
Silently, Loki watched the tragic scene unfold, refusing to ask himself whether pleas for clemency would make a difference. Why should it matter that Thor's eyes, much like his own, were filled with tears when he was cast into the void? And why did Loki have to bite back a final protest that sprung to his lips, or wonder how his brother was supposed to survive such a brutal blow?
Banished. Friendless. Stripped of all his powers? These things should be of no consequence… not when Thor's downfall opened a clear path to Loki's own ambition.
But it wasn't a throne Loki pictured in the aftermath, nor even the glorious vision of his future subjects prostrate before him. All he could see was his brother's eyes… helpless and terrified, like a wounded animal who suffers yet doesn't understand the reason for its pain. Those same eyes, once filled with innocence, laughter, warm affection… a gentle, trusting gaze that would never be directed at Loki again.
No, this was the only way, regrettable but necessary in order to shield Asgard from a king ruled by mindless arrogance and a foul temper. Thor had brought this punishment on himself… deserved worse, truth be told, considering how many lives he'd already put at risk. Loki should feel gratified… relieved… overjoyed.
But strangely enough, all he knew in that moment was that he'd forever feel the loss of those eyes.