AN: Oh, I don't think I've ever hated school this much. All I wanted to do was write my fanfic but nooo... I had to do the stupid Quadratic Formula and learn about presidential campaigns! However, while I was at school I was able to look at all your lovely reviews thanks a bunch and in answer to ElleKnowsNot's question, this fanfic is hopefully far from over and even when I do finish it I hope to do a sequel, though what the story line would be I have no idea.
For a moment, neither talked, partially because they were uncomfortable but also because they weren't too sure what to say either. Loki took a deep breath, looked down, and then finally said, "Why did you lie to them?"
Apparently Bruce hadn't been the only one studying someone else. He was surprised that he had been able to tell. "I didn't lie."
Loki smirked as he replied, "I'm a god when it comes to lies. You can't fool me. So, tell me, why did you lie?"
Bruce sighed and was tempted to retort back with something along the lines of 'then why did you hide your feelings' but didn't. He simply said, "Because I didn't want to hurt them."
Loki shook his head and gave a dramatic roll of the eyes as if he was talking to a child. "You were hurting them even before you lied."
"What do you mean?"
He expected something along the lines of rude or annoying to come from Loki's mouth. He expected some sarcastic remark and a smirk. However, Loki instead reached out his hand and carefully put it on his arm.
Bruce involuntarily flinched.
"And that, is exactly what I mean," replied Loki as he removed his hand. "You did the same thing when Tony nearly jumped you and everyone crowded around your bed.
"You see, even if you see the person, know them and trust them, your body can't forget. It won't go away immediately and for some, it never will period. You were wronged in such a way that it is not only unforgivable but real.
"It is real because even if it's not on such a grand scale, you are hurt everyday. Sometimes it is in simple, little ways. Other times it is much larger, like this. You are hurt so much and the only thing you can normally do is hope that the memories will fade and you can forget it ever happened.
"But not with something like this. You can't ignore it. You can't lie about it to others or yourself. And, the worst part is that you never will be sure if it will happen again, never be sure you're truly safe. The only thing you really can do is trust in your friends, confide in them, and above all never lie to them."
When Loki finished his little speech, he turned away, but not quick enough. Bruce saw something in his eyes again and, combined with how passionately he had spoke, was almost positive that he had been speaking from experience. But, the only way that he could think Loki could have been hurt like that was when he had been punished in Asgard. And, now that he thought of it, nobody had ever said how Loki was going to be punished.
What exactly had happened on Asgard?
