Jane took a deep breath in. Surprisingly, she had slept rather well, falling asleep quickly from exhaustion. She could hear movement from the kitchen downstairs, and lost no time in putting on her dressing gown to follow the source. She still wasn't quite awake, but considering the circumstances, perhaps it would work in her favour considering how headstrong she could be at times.

"Good morning," she said.

"Good morning," he replied rather cordially, but he had a tired and confused look on his face. He hadn't looked like he'd slept at all.

Jane checked that she remained open and receptive to him, but the pain of Thor's death was still with her, and was something she could not mask. And she was too tired to think about her personal wellbeing at the moment.

An uncomfortable silence settled on them both.

"I hope you don't mind, but I thought I would look for some food," Loki said rather smoothly.

"O-of course."

Loki resumed his search of the cupboards. Jane could see that he hadn't made up his mind about what he was going to do to her, so was treading water by being polite.

Suddenly she realised where he was looking. "No, not that one!"

But it was too late – the cupboard above the stove emptied its contents of old, unwashed bowls straight onto Loki's head.

Jane giggled as an automatic response.

Loki looked at her murderously for the slight.

"No, no – I'm sorry – it's no big deal, I swear!" She placed one of the bowls on her own head, gesturing with her hands in a "ta-da" way.

Hearing no response, she removed the bowl and glanced up at him. He was no longer angry – rather, he looked confused and scared at her behaviour. Obviously he was upper-class, and was taught from birth to act regally. But he looked pacified that she'd meant no serious insult before.

Jane found clean bowls for both of them and they ate together in rather subdued silence. It wasn't comfortable, but she wasn't stressing about it, either.

Suddenly she heard footsteps outside the door, and it flung open.

"Jane! I am returned!"

Thor rushed through the door, only to stand still as he saw Jane and Loki together at the breakfast table. Both of them looked surprised to see him.

"So you escaped the black hole, I see," mused Loki.

Thor ignored his words, but his expressions turned from disbelief, to anger, to hurt at the sight of them together.

"I see I am unwelcomed," and he turned to leave.

"No! Wait!" pleaded Jane, looking to Loki desperately.

Loki pursed his lips. "I was going to bed her but she talked me out of it," he said rather sheepishly, looking down and to the side.

"What?" said Thor angrily. "Brother, I know you say I'm an idiot, but I am not so stupid to believe that."

"It's true," hissed Loki, well aware that the great Loki was undone by a mere mortal girl, which was very painful to his reputation.

Thor stood silently observing him, not quite convinced.

Jane gave Thor a small hug. "It's true, but we're friends now," she said smiling.

"Yes, now we're one big happy family," Loki said dryly, but on some level he seemed content. Maybe it was a lack of his usual angst that gave this impression.

Thor's face showed one of surprise, and then happiness as he realised he was still the object of Jane's affections. They shared a passionate kiss.

"I shall leave now, as I shan't want to waste a delicious breakfast so soon," demanded Loki, sweeping his cape away and rising from the table.

"No, brother – wait," said Thor, breaking the kiss, genuinely wanting to enjoy the peace with Loki. "Please stay."

"You are an idiot," said Loki through gritted teeth, naturally irritated at Thor's lack of shrewdness. "But only an idiot could love me after all this time," he added, relenting and revealing softer feelings.

Thor gave an infectious grin and slapped Loki on the arm in a playful way. "Why, I do believe that is the first compliment you've ever given me, brother," said Thor warmly. Loki looked irritated, and did not reply through great self-restraint.

Loki's gaze turned to Jane. "Jane, you are worthy of my brother," said Loki kindly. Jane beamed. "And I do mean that as a compliment," he added, glancing at Thor.

Thor and Jane laughed.

It was nice. It was nice to suspend old habits, forget the unforgivable acts of the past, and even for a moment, enjoy the family feeling. And if it was one thing Loki could count on, it was Thor's idiocy.