A/N: Hello everyone! I'm so sorry that I forgot to update this story on here. I keep forgetting that I have it on this site, since not as many people read it here. Anyway, enjoy! The next chapter will be up soon.

Chapter Six

For a moment, Loki couldn't even speak. The silence stretched on awkwardly, and Thor frowned.

"What's the matter? Have you never heard an Ugly Jotun joke before? I thought everyone knew at least one—"

"Shut up," Loki hissed, and then gritted his teeth. If he clawed Thor's eyes out, he reminded himself, he might give away his disguise. Slowly the shock burned away into anger and hurt. Ugly?! If there was one thing Loki knew, it was that he was gorgeous. At least—his heart skipped a beat—he was considered beautiful on Jotunheim, and his Asgardian appearance had to be at least relatively attractive here, but…what of his Jotun form? Would the Asgardians find him ugly?

"Maybe the Jotuns find you just as hideous."

Everyone stared at Loki, before Fandral let out a guffaw. "That's great! Unconventional, true, but still funny. Know any more traditional ones?"

"I'm not joking," Loki snapped, jumping to his feet. "I didn't quite realize how arrogant you both were. You may find the Jotun people unattractive, fine, but to make jokes about it—"

"Luke," Thor broke in gently, "I'm sorry, please sit."

Surprised at his sudden change in demeanor, calm washed over Loki long enough for him to regain his seat. He wasn't going to forgive Thor that easily, but he could at least hear him out. …And then superheat Mjolnir the next time Thor reached for the handle of his weapon. But he did like Thor usually, so he was at least willing to listen while he plotted his revenge.

Thor smiled fondly at him, "I didn't realize that you had such a gentle heart," he carefully reached over and smoothed Loki's hair back, "But you're getting worked up on the behalf of people who would not be bothered anyway. The Jotuns don't care what we think of them. They do not care what anyone thinks of them." Thor took Loki's hand, and he was too shocked to resist. "Trust me, I have had to deal with them while on trips with my father. Jotuns aren't like you and me—they aren't kind, they aren't thoughtful, they aren't even rational. They are like the dragon we fought; sentient and dangerous certainly, but undeniably monsters. I promise you, they would not—"

Loki hit Thor with all of the force that he could muster.

As everyone stared at him, shocked, he realized what he had done and teleported back to Jotunheim.

Thor thought he was a monster. He thought that the people Loki loved were monsters. It didn't make sense—Loki himself had never had dealings with Thor, but the Asgardian prince had met his father and brothers on more than one occasion! How then did he still think so poorly of them?

Slowly, he took a deep breath before turning to his mirror. He stepped closer to examine himself, heart racing. His appearance was the same as it always had been, but now he searched for some flaw. How could they possibly find him ugly? His skin was a lovely shade of blue, he thought, though he was paler than most. Was blue skin unattractive? He frowned as he thought of Thor's blue eyes. That couldn't be it, could it? Unless blue was only attractive as an eye color.

Thinking of eyes brought Loki's gaze to his own. He had always found his eyes beautiful, glistening red like some of the gems he wore on formal occasions. True, Jotun eyes didn't boast the variety of colors that Asgardians did, but there were still varying shades and his were bright and clear. Still… Loki remembered one of the few Asgardian tales he had uncovered as a youth about a warrior who sought to avenge his family by hunting the monster that killed them. The "demon," he had thought at the time, looked a bit like a scaly bat-Asgardian hybrid, with one clear alteration—its fiery red eyes.

Loki chewed his lip as he considered his reflection. Was it the eyes? The markings that proclaimed his family? His fingers gently traced the graceful silver lines. He'd always thought that his markings were particularly nice. Loki sighed and sat before the mirror, running his fingers through his hair wondering whether his horns were the problem. Did all Asgardians find all Jotuns hideous? Is that why they found them monstrous? Were there exceptions?

Loki suddenly pushed himself to his feet, frustrated. Here he was examining himself in the mirror as though the problem was with him. Clearly, this wasn't true. He was perfect. That meant that the issue lay with Thor and Fandral and Asgard in general.

He paced the length of his room, trying to decide what to do next. He was angry—furious, really—that they would promote such disgusting lies. To generalize all Jotuns showed either small-mindedness or complete ignorance. (Here Loki decided to pointedly ignore the fact that he had made some unflattering generalizations as well). He would have to teach Thor a lesson. But how? He groaned as he realized he had publicly punched the crown prince of Asgard. He probably should just never return.

As Loki collapsed backwards onto his bed, there was a knock on his bedchamber door. He sat back up just as his father entered.

Laufey smiled as his eyes fell upon his youngest son. "I received a message from Byleistr asking for me to send him his favorite pen with our next correspondence, so I went to fetch it myself from his room. He always complained that your pacing next door made the paintings on his wall rattle, but I did not believe him until today. You have been gone too often, lately. I have barely seen you. What is on your mind, child?"

Loki rolled his eyes at his father's use of "child" as he always did, making Laufey chuckle. "It's nothing. I just have a friend who—no, it's nothing."

He could tell his father was concerned and didn't believe him in the slightest, but Laufey chose not to pursue the topic. "Will you be at dinner tonight? Without Byleistr here it feels empty enough, but you've also missed many meals in the past several weeks. Have you been spending all of that time on Svartalfheim?"

Loki lowered his eyes and shrugged, unwilling to admit that it hadn't just been Svartalfheim that he'd been visiting. "Mostly," he replied vaguely. He snuck a glance upwards to see his father was looking slightly downcast. "Of course I'll be at dinner tonight," he quickly added. "In fact, I might be around a lot more in the future," he mumbled, his thoughts full of anger and hurt as he considered his new (and now former) friends on Asgard.

Laufey's gaze softened as he sat down on the bed next to his son. "You know you can tell me what's bothering you, if not directly then indirectly. I would help, if you would let me."

Loki sighed, and then leaned against his father's shoulder. He probably shouldn't say anything, should let his father get back to whatever important thing he was doing before he took time out for two of his sons. "I suppose, it's just," he searched for the words. "Let's just say there is a person who believes some really horrible things about a group of people, and while there must be a basis for it somewhere, it isn't true. But the person probably won't hear any differently. What can fix that type of ignorance? Is there even a point in trying, or is it just hopeless? Does it mean, contrary to what I thought of this individual before, that they are just a terrible person?"

Laufey smiled a little, "Philosophical today, aren't we?"

Loki glared up at his father, who pressed a quick kiss to his forehead in response. "I'm sorry you've encountered someone who is clinging to some untrue belief, but you should never give up on someone you think is a good person. People can always change their minds, but in my experience the truest way to change someone's way of thinking is love," Laufey continued speaking, but suddenly a spark of an idea lit in Loki's mind and he was no longer truly listening. It was foolish to think that Thor would ever actually care for someone he thought was a monster, but that didn't mean Loki could find a form of revenge. He would teach Thor a lesson. Lokiwas still busy spinning his plan while his father spoke on, "If a person cares for you in any respect they will care for your opinions. Of course, this doesn't always work out and," Laufey hesitated, not noticing that he no longer held his son's attention as he finished quietly, "While love can cause peace and understanding, handled incorrectly it can cause war and regret. I personally know only too well the dangers unchecked love presents, and have made some decisions in my past that—"

"Thank you, Father," Loki jumped to his feet and kissed his father's cheek, "I know just what to do."

He was going to make Thor fall in love with him. Then, when he was so in love he'd do anything for him, Loki would tell him the truth and they'd see who the monster really was. He'd make Thor rue the day he called Loki ugly.

Laufey frowned, "Loki, are you sure—"

But Loki was already gone.

-Thor-

Thor sighed heavily for the eighth time on their way back to the castle, and Sif rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Thor, that's enough. Luke just overreacted to something, the way he always does. He'll be fine, and he'll probably be back soon."

Thor frowned, his eyes on the ground as he walked. "Not this time. This was different, I truly upset him. I'm not sure what I said," he wrung his hands and sighed again, dejected.

Volstagg laid a heavy hand on Thor's shoulder, "Don't fear, everything will work out. My wife and I have upset each other dozens of times, but we always come back around. Perhaps you can talk to him when he returns and allow him to explain why he was so affected by your words. Listening can be more helpful than speaking."

Fandral snorted, "I'm not sure what happened, but usually Luke has a better sense of humor than that. Although," he grinned, "that punch was beautiful, I didn't see it coming. Has anyone you liked ever hit you like that before? Is it illegal?"

Thor shot Fandral a look and glanced quickly around at the people they were passing on the road before saying in a lowered voice, "I'm not sure, but we're not going to tell anyone about it if Luke does come back. He was clearly upset and I don't want to make this situation any worse."

"Still," Fandral squinted at Thor's cheekbone, "I think he left a mark."

The Asgardian prince rubbed his cheek absentmindedly, still worrying and replaying the moments before Luke disappeared in his mind. He had looked so hurt, like it was personal.

As Thor was thinking through everything to try to figure out where he had gone wrong, Hogan finally spoke up. "Jotuns aren't monsters, you know," Thor stopped short, almost causing an accident as a man behind him nearly ran them over with his cart. He apologized and then gave his friend a disbelieving look as they moved to the side of the road.

Sif raised an eyebrow. "They raided your village and killed innocent people. I thought you hated Jotuns."

"I do," Hogun's dark eyes flashed, "But they are not monsters. Monsters cannot help but be what they are; those Jotuns chose their evil actions."

Thor scowled, "They may have attacked your village, but you don't know them as I do. I've had to speak with them, debate with them, eat formal dinners with them," he shook his head, "I can't see them as anything other than monsters. You remember what happened last time I visited Jotunheim," Thor reminded them grimly, eyes dark with the memory.

Fandral cleared his throat awkwardly, "Not to be indelicate," he said carefully, "But I feel like Hogan was trying to make a point. Were you going to connect all of this to Luke?"

Hogun was silent again for a moment, before giving Thor a considering look, "It's very possible he knows a Jotun that isn't terrible, and is fond of him. It would explain the personal reaction."

Thor blinked at him, taken aback. "You think Luke has feelings for a Jotun?"

Before Hogun could say that wasn't necessarily what he meant, Fandral cut in, "That makes so much sense! No wonder he was so upset that we called Jotuns ugly! He must find them really attractive," Fandral grinned at Thor, "Which means that you need to grow another couple of feet. I also foresee blue skin paint in your future."

Thor scowled and Sif groaned, "Can't you take anything seriously, Fandral?"

"I suppose that could be it," Volstagg supplemented in a thoughtful voice, "Love can be blind, after all."

As they continued to debate the possibilities, Thor's mood only darkened further. If one of those monsters had tricked Luke into liking him, nothing good would come of it. By the time they reached the palace gates he was considering forgoing sparring for the day in lieu of a visit with his mother, who always seemed to understand things better than he ever could. Those plans were abruptly changed, however, when they found Luke waiting for them at the palace entrance.

-Loki-

Loki's heart raced as the people he had considered friends approached, realizing he had to quickly make up for his missteps and redirect their attention elsewhere, or he could be sent away without ever even getting to put his plan into action. They hadn't quite noticed him yet, and he felt a pang as he watched them argue over something. He truly had enjoyed their company. He might even miss this when it was over.

Loki firmly stamped those emotions out as Thor finally looked up and saw him. Something flashed through the Asgardian's eyes then, but Loki wasn't sure what it was. It couldn't be anything good, however, so he quickly moved forward to do something before Thor could.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, stepping all of the way into Thor's personal space and reaching up to gently lay a hand on Thor's bruised cheek. "I didn't mean to hurt you, it's just," he forced tears into his eyes and ducked his head to pretend to hide them, "The smallest things have been upsetting me lately. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. My brother has been ill and I've barely been sleeping." He ran a hand over his face and peeked up to see how Thor was reacting. He mentally congratulated himself as he saw that the Asgardian prince was looking down at him, distress clear in his eyes. A moment later Thor had gathered Loki tightly into his arms and was holding him as Loki pressed his face into the prince's chest, trying hard not to smile.

"Gods, Luke, I wish you had told me earlier. You must bring him to the castle at once! We have the best healers here in all of the realms, your brother will be better in no time." He smiled down at Loki and stroked his hair soothingly as Loki thought quickly to fix the situation.

"Actually, I just visited and he, he's been feeling better. It's just the lack of sleep now, I'll be fine. I just didn't mean for things to get so out of hand," he shot Thor a guilty look, which the other prince responded to with a fond smile.

"Think nothing more of it, it never happened. Will you stay with us today? Or would you rather be back with your family as your brother recovers?"

Loki pretended to consider this as he laced his fingers through Thor's and chewed his bottom lip. "I think it would be better if I stayed," he glanced up at Thor through his eyelashes shyly, "It's a good distraction for me."

Thor beamed and squeezed Loki's fingers tightly. "Of course, we're happy to have you. Let me know if your brother needs any further assistance, because you're welcome to bring him here." He gently pressed a kiss to the top of Loki's head, and Loki's heart raced—because of his plan's success, of course. Certainly not for any other reason, he reassured himself. It was almost too easy.

As Thor released him and stepped back, Volstagg came forward to give him a tight hug, saying in an emotional voice how sorry he was and that the importance of family overrode everything else, in his opinion. Fandral gave him a half-guilty grin and apologized for insulting the attractiveness of Jotuns, who he was sure could be very sexy at times, followed by a wink. Loki wasn't sure how to interpret this, and gave him a confused smile. He didn't miss the glare that Thor shot at Fandral, which perplexed him further.

Hogun also expressed his well wishes towards Loki's brother, but when Loki turned to Sif, he saw her appraising him with narrowed eyes.

"I didn't realize you had a brother," she said casually, "You've never mentioned him before."

"I have two, actually," Loki replied slightly snippily, "And a father. My mother is dead. Do you want any more family details? It's not as though you've ever asked before." He was proud of himself for not even faltering on the word mother.

Thor was giving Sif a murderous look, and she had the grace to appear embarrassed. "That's not what I—I'm sorry. You're right, I just thought—but um," she cleared her throat. "I'm sorry. I'm sure we'd love to meet your brothers when the sick one is feeling better. You should bring them around."

Thor's face lit up, "That's a wonderful idea! I'm sure we would love them."

Loki struggled to hide his alarm, "Well, they're usually very busy," he hedged, "But perhaps sometime. We'll see." Inwardly he hoped that they'd forget about it. He'd figure something out, though, if it became a problem later.

Sif gave him another slightly suspicious look, but appeared to think better of saying anything.

"Were we going to go to the practice grounds sometime today?" Fandral teased, "Or did we decide that loitering outside of the gates is a better option?"

Thor grinned and threw an arm around Loki, "To the practice grounds it is!"

-Thor-

Thor was ecstatic that Luke had returned, although he fought to hide how pleased he was because of Luke's situation with his brother. Thor tried to imagine Luke as a sibling and concluded that he was probably the youngest. He wondered if his older brothers were protective.

"What's having siblings like?" Thor blurted out, following his train of thought.

Luke cocked his head thoughtfully, smiling. "Well, I can't speak for everyone who has a brother, but I am quite a bit younger than mine, and they tend to dote on me."

Thor grinned. He could see that.

"They're actually my half brothers," Luke said after a moment, "We had different mothers. Theirs died when By—Byren was young, and my mother died when I was born."

The grin fell from Thor's face. "I'm sorry," he mumbled, feeling blessed to have both of his parents alive and well. "That must have been terrible for your father, losing two people he loved."

A shadow fell over Luke's face, and Thor felt guilty for bringing up something so depressing. "At least he has you and your brothers, though," he added quickly. "It's sounds as though you are a close family."

Luke's lips quirked up a bit at the edges, as though he was laughing at some joke that Thor didn't understand. "Yes, we are very close. We would do anything to protect and defend each other against anyone who would insult or hurt us." There was an edge to his voice.

Thor nodded, "That's how it should be. Sometimes I," he hesitated and glanced ahead at the others. He and Luke had fallen behind. "Sometimes I wish my father and I were closer," he admitted quietly. "I used to feel as though he truly loved me. He used to set aside time to spend with me and my mother. Lately though," he paused, "It just feels as though he is distancing himself on purpose. He is disappointed in me. I used to try very hard to please him, but I admit I've given up. Even when I tried I never had his approval."

Luke was silent for a moment, and Thor started to think that he shouldn't have mentioned it.

"You shouldn't have to be someone you aren't just for your father's affection," Luke said at last. "I disappoint my father all of the time. Hel, if he knew some of the things I've done lately he would slap magic blockers on me and lock me up in my room for the rest of my life. But he still loves me, and I know that will never change." Luke opened his mouth as though he was going to continue, and then closed it again, considering. "At least you have friends who care for you," he ended quietly, looking away.

Thor's heart leapt. Was Luke talking about the others, or his own feelings? And it sounded as though Luke really had been up to some mischief lately—or at least something his father wouldn't approve of—but did that mean he had been to Jotunheim? Could he have feelings for a Jotun? It sounded like a stretch to Thor, but if it were true, well…

He was confident he could win Luke's affection from him.

Thor grinned. If Luke fell for him instead, then he would be safe from the Jotun. Thor did always enjoy a good challenge.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I just enabled guest reviews on here, I wasn't aware that I didn't have that option available.

Please let me know what you think!