Note:
My short vacation has come to an unfortunate end so all updates will only be 1 chapter from here on out unless I get a lot of editing done. Currently re-writing chapter 11 so I've slowed down a bit because I want to do that chapter carefully. After that it should be a breeze.

Chapter 9:
A Constant Wave Of Tension On Top Of Broken Trust

Sleep did not find its way easily that night. His mind reverted back to the, as he admitted, surreal conversation he had had with Tony. A year ago this was a man who was being fought against and a man he hated for having defeated him. But in the span of almost four weeks Loki found that hate slowly diminishing until it was not present any longer. He even went as far as to admit that he did not hate Clint either. He felt uneasy, insecure and in danger around Clint. At first Loki could not fathom why Clint's presence stirred him so but he was slowly realizing that it was Clint's behavior.

Clint behaved exactly as his father did. No matter how hard he tried to suppress his anger, to not act on a thoughtless whim or give in to his insatiable Id he knew for certain that Clint would never stop acting hostile towards him. In a way, he came to the conclusion that of all the people in the house he had wronged him, beside his brother, in the foulest way. Eventually he resigned to avoiding Clint all together, they were all living in a peaceful state and if Loki the liesmith was to be honest he enjoyed the present company, relished the fact that these people who he had wronged had actually given him a second chance and helped him recuperate from his ghastly injuries and if he analyzed the situation even further they were also the reason for his current inner peace. Peace he had not known of for centuries.

Loki felt safe in the mansion. He was not looked down at with judgmental eyes, was treated as if he was one of their own, literally from Thor's part, and they were now including him in passive activities they partook in. As he thought of the day's events he smiled, even if all that junk food had made his stomach a bit sick and the movies Jan had picked out, safe for the last one, were as she stated "trashy" he still had a wonderful day and it did not involve him burning something or killing someone.

As his mind calmed and was beginning to feel the hazy side-effects of sleep he smiled as he cuddled the blanket close to him.

Unfortunately for him as his mind drifted swiftly into a deep sleep he tossed and turned and groaned as his mind was plagued by a nightmare. A nightmare that once it reached its climax forced him awake by its horrifying content. He sat up from his bed quickly and a sharp yelp escaped his throat. He looked around his room in panic, his eyes were wide, his pupils had shrunk and he was breathing heavily and panting. He placed both hands on his throat and as he pulled them away he felt a soft tingle and a bile sickening reaction stirring in his stomach. When he saw the room was empty he placed a palm on his forehead and looked down at the bed. He passed his hand through his hair as he inhaled and exhaled in order to regain his composure and to calm his breathing.

"It was just a nightmare. That's all it was." Loki thought as he then realized he was neither confirming a fact nor trying to convince himself of something.

As his breathing returned to normal he grabbed the end of the blanket and as he placed his head back on the pillow he pulled the blanket over his head. An action he had not done since he was a child. He tried to fall back asleep but found it difficult as his mind was plagued by the nightmare. Loki was well aware that it had been a nightmare but the nature of it and its contents had shaken him.

Loki pulled the covers away and looked to the night stand beside his bed. The small clock with the brilliant red numbers in it confirmed it was 3:44 in the morning. He sighed heavily as he sat on the bed and grabbed his pillow. As he hugged the pillow tightly he looked at the door and without thinking he stood up and walked out into the hallway.

He looked down the hallway to his right and walked up to the door next to his. He held onto his pillow with one hand and with the other gently opened the door as to not disturb the person inside the room. As he crept inside the room he could hear rumbling snores emitting from the person inside. Oh, yes, this was definitely Thor's room. He would recognize that sound anywhere.

Thor was a heavy sleeper when he was sure he was resting in a safe place; it would take an explosion or a hammer to the head in order to wake him from his sleep. Nevertheless he blinked his eyes awake as he felt a presence in his room. He slowly sat up on his bed and turned the lamp on his nightstand on. As his vision cleared he looked to the wall next to his bed and on the chair a smaller skinnier frame had curled itself in a fetal position. Thor batted his eyes a few times to clear his vision more and as soon as it cleared he was puzzled at who it was.

"Loki? Are you all ri—"

"I had a nightmare." Loki cut him off before Thor could finish his question. Thor smiled down at his brother as he remembered countless times Loki had snuck into his room and hid under the covers next to him because of a nightmare or a horrible storm.

"Is there anything I can get for you?" Thor's tone was soft with a hint of protectiveness that never seemed to have left him.

"I don't want to be alone right now." Loki said in a quivering breath as he tightly hugged his pillow.

Thor could not help but smile again. He grabbed his two pillows and blanket and made his way towards the chair while Loki followed his every move with his eyes. Thor went into the closet to retrieve another blanket and as soon as he returned he smiled at Loki, stretched out the blanket and gently placed it over him. Thor then grabbed the pillow that Loki had been hugging and placed it between his head and the padded chair while smiling. Loki returned the smile and relaxed his body now that he was assured he could stay in the room.

"Should I leave the light on?" Thor asked as he placed his hand on Loki's head.

"If it is no bother to you, I would prefer it on."

Thor nodded silently and placed one pillow on the floor in front of the chair and sat down on it as he leaned against the chair. After wrapping himself with his blanket he propped the other pillow behind his head and sighed contently as he looked up at his brother who was smiling down at him as his heavy eyelids began to fall. "Sleep well, brother."

Loki moved his right hand and let it drop over Thor's shoulder lazily and grabbed a small amount of his hair and held on to it as he continued to smile at Thor. As Thor returned the smile Loki sighed contently and said, "Good night, my brother."

As usual Bruce, Jan and Hank were up and fixing breakfast, of all the people in the house they were the only ones who were able to walk around a kitchen without setting something on fire or completely destroying a meal. As they finished the food the other members made their way into the dining room near the living room of the third floor. Their slow, wobbly steps chased the smell of waffles, coffee, juice and assorted fruits.

Usually there were eight plates set at the table; there should have been seven plates since T'Challa was away in Wakanda handling a personal manner but he was not due back for another four days. Clint sighed at the eighth plate, he knew exactly who would be joining them for breakfast that morning and as irritated as he was he also remembered telling Tony and Steve he would adjust his attitude. So he sat down, closed his eyes and was determined to enjoy his breakfast without it being ruined.

A loud knock at the door startled Loki awake. He uncovered his head and looked towards the door sort of looking to see if he really did hear a knock. After a few seconds there was another knock on the door but this time Bruce spoke up.

"Hey, Loki? Breakfast is ready. Go wash up and meet us at the table, 'kay?"

Loki blinked three times and then turned to his side. Thor was gone so he turned back to the night stand and saw it was 9:02 in the morning.

"Thor awake before me? Now that is impressive." He muttered under his breath as he slowly stood up and made his way into the room next to Thor's which was his. He felt a little shame as he quickly walked down the hall realizing he had spent the rest of the night sleeping in his brother's room. Two grown men practically cuddling each other like prepubescent girls. The shame doubled when Bruce came directly to Thor's room and called out his name instead of Thor's.

"I don't care." Loki thought as he walked into his bathroom to clean up to go have some breakfast.

"So I heard that noise again and as I kept walking I swear I thought I was going to scream!" Steve was telling the group a story from when he was just a child and in doing so managed to light up the table with some laughter. Everyone had finally gathered at the table and was eating breakfast, all except for one person.

"Good morning!" Steve said as he cut his story short when he saw Loki shyly walking up to the group. The rest of the group greeted him and ushered him to join them.

He stood still for a few seconds analyzing each of their faces and when he saw they were all staring back he lowered his gaze, crossed his arms over his chest and slowly made his way to the empty seat between Thor and Jan. As soon as he sat down he looked at the food and in a soft tone said, "Good morning."

Everyone smiled and nodded, safe for Clint, and continued to eat. After a single bite from the waffles Loki lowered his utensils and added, "And thank you for breakfast." This time his tone was a little louder but not by much. Bruce, Jan and Hank looked up at him and then at each other. They never asked for praise of any kind for fixing breakfast, lunch or dinner but it was a very pleasant thing to hear, to know their work was not overlooked.

Tony just could not help but smile wide and thanked them as well, followed by the rest of the group. It certainly brightened the room and even Clint smiled. After breakfast Tony and Bruce examined Loki's shoulder and after a few tests they concluded that his shoulder was as new as ever.

Loki's face dropped and he tried to hold in a shudder but Tony and Bruce noticed. Bruce placed a hand on his now healthy shoulder and said, "Hey, it's gonna be okay, Loki."

"Yeah, hey, it's not like your dad's gonna throw you in some dungeon, throw away the key and forget about you." At least that is what Tony hoped. In the time, however short it was, that Loki spent with them he had actually gained a place in their heart. Tony could not believe it but he went from hating Loki to actually being fond of him and he was sure he was not the only one to feel that way.

"Besides," Tony continued, "Thor said he would visit every day, and you know what? If Thor allows it, we'll tag along too!" Loki searched Tony's face for any signs of fallacy but was taken aback when he saw none and was reassured when Bruce nodded in agreement.

"Aw, the hell with it." Tony said as he smiled. "When your dad lets you go you are more than welcome to come back any time. Hate to break it to you, sport, but you actually have some friends here."

Loki's eyes widened and as he turned to Bruce he saw he was happily nodding. "Do you really mean that?"

"Every word."

Loki kept searching their eyes for a trace of a lie or some false sense of pity that made them say those words but in truth had no intention of keeping their promise but as much as he tried there was no indication that they were being dishonest.

"You know, you don't have to go back today. You can just relax here today and go tomorrow." Bruce suggested as he looked at Tony searching for approval. After all, it was his house.

Tony stopped to think for a minute and before speaking he tousled Loki's hair. "Yeah, hey, let's head on up to the pool and spend the entire day relaxing and at night we can watch some movies. Any movies you want to choose, sport."

As soon as they stepped out Tony and Bruce informed the group of the day's activities and like school children who had been told they did not need to leave for school they scrambled to their rooms to look for appropriate attire for the pool. Thor had already been introduced to the pool and what it was but Loki had never seen one up close. In his years in the library reading and doing research he came across information about Midgard regarding its history, development and other information. He knew most of the things the mortals used and what they were for. He had the theory well placed but the practice is what he lacked.

Still he enjoyed the day and to his surprise he found he actually laughed. He did not cackle with an evil tone, he just laughed and smiled. It was something Thor had not been a witness to in centuries and in turn it made him smile and laugh to see his brother genuinely happy. Thor actually began to question if what Loki had said about their father, The Warriors Three, Sif and the rest of Asgard was true.

In his mind he saw—he felt—that he and Loki were treated the same but now that he was watching how Jan, Steve, Tony, Hank, Bruce and even Clint now, who was actually talking to Loki, behaved around him and treated him he was shocked to see a very plain and clear contrast to what he thought was certain back in Asgard. Thor shuddered at the thought; it was an ugly, cold and heartbreaking thought.

"Am I the only one in Asgard that actually loves him?"

Thor shuddered at the very thought. He did not want to think of such a heartbreaking realization but unfortunately for him all the evidence was right before his eyes. His father hardly flinched after he pulled Thor up from the edge of the Bifrost and had seen his youngest commit suicide. Every ill word Thor's friends spoke of him, how they mocked him, and never bothered to listen, really listen to what he was trying to say.

The second he returned from his memories and finished analyzing everything he actually began to doubt if it was a good idea to return Loki to Asgard. He would be sending his youngest brother to the wolves. This sudden and welcome change in his heart and soul would surely die and Thor would have been the one to have caused his new found happiness to wither and die a horrible death.

"Thor!"

Thor's train of thought was interrupted by Loki who had been hovering over his face calling his name for a few minutes now. Thor shifted his sight to land on his brother's face and Jan who also hovered over him. Thor had been lying down by the edge of the pool on top of a long towel when that string of thoughts had consumed his attention. As his focus shifted on his brother he sheepishly smiled at him as he saw a smile plastered over his face and his wet hair messily decorated his face that housed green eyes so bright they were almost unnatural yet so full of life.

"Jan and I are heading into the kitchen to retrieve some things. Would you like anything, brother?"

"No need. Tony and I will gather some more drinks and food. I need to speak to Tony anyways."

"Suit yourself." Jan said and immediately pushed Loki back into the water and began to laugh uncontrollably even as Hank scolded her.

Thor sat up, stood up and looked for Tony who was conveniently sitting on a chair, relaxing and taking in the sun. Thor approached him and without saying a single word he shifted his eyes to the house and back to Tony who got the message. He stood up and both of them walked back into the kitchen. Thor had gone to the refrigerator to get some soda but was inclined not to look at Tony as he gathered the strength to say what was in his mind.

"So are you going to tell me what is bothering you or am I going to have to guess? I'll make this a game and you know I'll just end up being awkward." Tony playfully quipped.

Thor looked his friend in the eyes and Tony quickly saw he was not in a jesting sort of mood so he straightened himself out and approached Thor to see what was going through his friend's mind. Thor grabbed one of the soda liters and set it down on the counter as he sighed.

Tony was taken aback. Thor was the kind of person that would never hesitate to speak his mind, instead of waiting around he would grab his hammer and break through anything in order to get to the bottom of the problem. He was the first to march head on and face the problem but this was no Thor he had ever seen. This was Thor facing a problem he could not find a solution to.

Tony loved finding solutions. He was, as he repeatedly said, one of the best people around to solve any problems and if his friend needed help he was sure to try his best to help.

"Am I doing the right thing? I feel as I will be handing him over to rabid wolves that will bite instead of show any kind of sentiment towards him."

"Ah," Tony said, "Thor, I don't pretend to know what problems you and your family have but we have spoken a few times about what happened. How he threw himself off the bridge, how there was a feast. I don't pretend to know your father but from stories you have told us and even those Loki has talked of I can't help but feel that…" Tony paused, he wanted to be his snarky, no-filter-because-this-needs-to-be-said self but he wanted to tread carefully since he knew Thor loved his family and did not want to offend him but he also felt the doubt and worry within the Asgardian.

"Thor," Tony decided against fearing offending the Asgardian before him, "Thor, you were the favorite, you were the one who no matter how busy your dad was he would always make time for you. All those stories you have shared with us ever since the team was formed? Clear evidence to it. You were never treated as equals. Hell, your friends never even trusted him and he may have earned some of that alienation but it was instigated by your friends and family and it was through their reactions that his reactions grew worse. In their eyes you were the greatest thing to have ever existed. Him? I'd be surprised if he even ever received praise for at least one thing he ever did."

The massive Asgardian began to breathe heavily, his eyes searched Tony's. He wanted to tell him he was wrong but Thor had to face the fact that Tony was right. "How could I have been so blind?"

"Hey, don't blame yourself. Pat yourself in the back and know that of all the people up in Asgard at least you were and are still kind to him. In most ways you act like a better father than your actual father ever did. Why else would he have run up to your room last night after having a nightmare? Even as a grownup he still, subconsciously, looks to you as an authority figure, as a safe haven. Don't blame yourself, big guy. And if you really feel that Loki is in any danger when you get there tomorrow all you have to do is come back." Tony reassured with a warm smile. "This morning I told Loki that as soon as he was released he was more than welcome to come back."

Thor's face lit up as he heard those words. His fears were made solid and present before his very eyes. No one in Asgard had said anything of that sort to Thor after Loki had fallen. In all retrospect he was barely mentioned and when he was it was by mockery and insults of Frost Giants and traitors and monsters.

"Do you really mean this, Tony Stark?"

"I promise. Hey, the little bastard actually managed to get us to like him and I have a feeling he likes us as well."

Thor immediately hugged Tony who groaned a little as the giant Asgardian squeezed him, "Thank you! I am in your debt, my friend!" Thor's words were laced with such sincerity and such heart that Tony pushed down the lump that had gotten caught in his throat. After talking some more both of them returned to the pool area to enjoy the sun and water.

That night after watching several movies, they lost count after the sixth movie; they all retired to their rooms to rest for the night. However, Loki had sheepishly followed Thor to his room and as soon as he saw his brother in the doorframe he was more than happy to let him sleep over once more.

Loki seemed to have fallen asleep quickly but Thor was still plagued by uncertainty. He tried to fight it but he knew deep down that returning to Asgard was not the safest thing for Loki. Eventually sleep slithered its way to Thor and as he slept he also dreamt.

Thor opened his eyes and he was back in Asgard. It was strange to say the least, there was no one around and there was no sound at all. He tried to speak but no sound came from his throat. He then decided to walk back to the throne room to see if his parents were there but as soon as he arrived he found the great hall, which was usually teeming with life, empty.

Thor sighed deeply but as he turned to his side he saw Loki standing before the great golden doors leading outside. Thor quickly gave chase but Loki ran away. Thor tried to catch up but his bulkier frame was no match against Loki's smaller and slimmer frame when it came to speed. Eventually Thor caught up to Loki and saw he stood in the middle between dozens of Asgardians who jeered and at him and on the other side were his teammates ushering Loki to their side.

Thor looked at the scene before him and saw his brother was suddenly in chains and gagged. Tears streamed down his face as he desperately tried to reach for Tony and the others. Thor ran up to his brother and tried to break the chains but it was no use. He looked up at his brother with lament in his eyes as tears built up. Loki looked past his brother and onto his teammates, he then shifted his eyes to Thor's and then back to the mortals to which Thor now looked and saw a rip behind them.

One by one entered the rip, most likely returning to Midgard, but each of them had a sad look upon their face, even Clint. Thor was now breathing heavily and then he turned his gaze to his brother. He gently placed a hand on his pale cheek and placed his forehead on his. After a few minutes Loki urged him to follow the mortals but before doing so he placed a kiss on Loki's forehead.

Thor walked backwards, refusing to turn his back on his brother and the further away he got the more violent the crowd behind Loki became. They shoved him, punched him, hit him with clubs and spears but as much as Thor wanted to run to him the rip was pulling him through and seconds before being completely pulled in he reached out for Loki and Loki reached out to Thor.

Both of them crawled towards each other while extending an arm to try and grab one another. The despair in their eyes was equally agonizing and as much as Thor was yelling he could not hear anything. Tears fled both of their eyes and as soon as their fingers intertwined with the other's fingers they were both suddenly pulled away from each other.

Thor suddenly sat up on the bed. There were tears streaming down his face and in a move of disbelief Thor placed a hand on his cheeks and when he pulled his hand away it was wet. He looked up and saw Loki was still asleep. When he saw his brother slept so peacefully he could not help but cry as he lay his head back down and tightly hugged his brother's arm. Thor drew his arm close and continued to silently cry.

The following morning there was a somber atmosphere engulfing the mansion. No one laughed; no one made jokes or jabs or ribbed anyone. Breakfast was awkward and lunch was uncomfortable, at best. There was a heavy and burdening feeling spread between the residents, shifting glances, shallow breathing, no words, no smiles, tears held back for the sake of maintaining a shaky balance.

Clint looked to the rest of his teammates, even he dared not to glance in Loki's direction much less Thor's. He felt no genuine need to glare at the god of lies, not when his eyes carried a tone of regret or even what he thought was sadness. Clint watched Loki's movements. They were clumsy, loose and lacking any effort. Usually Loki was one to sit up straight, never placed his elbows on the table, carefully cut his food in small pieces, as opposed to Thor who just stabbed his food with a fork and engulfed his meal in a single bite. It was like watching a cobra try to swallow an ostrich egg. Loki was well mannered and would always wait to swallow his food before speaking. Not even Jan was that articulate.

Clint looked at Loki sitting at the table between Jan and Thor. His left arm was ever so casually placed on the table, he was slouching, his face mere inches from the plate, the fork in his hand was loose and held awkwardly like he lacked even the energy to hold up a simple fork, his eyes wandered over the steak and mashed potatoes and salad, which remained barely picked at.

It was mostly sad, Clint had to admit it. Just yesterday he was in the pool with this individual and the rest of his friends having a good time. The Loki from yesterday was completely different from the Loki sitting a few feet down from him. How Clint wanted to hate that man, he even missed thinking about strangling him in his sleep to spare them all any future grief and rid the world of one more villain but that hate, to his own surprise, was absent.

Eventually Loki looked up and as if on cue looked to Clint. After locking eyes for a few minutes Clint no longer saw a supervillain bent on destroying the world or whatever it was villains so boldly stated they wanted to do nowadays. He saw a man in death row eating the last meal he will ever have. He saw a dying patient in a hospital bed as he slowly died alone. He saw a child abandoned on the side of the road left at the mercy of the world and whatever dangers it had to offer. He saw so much despair and hopelessness in those two sets of eyes, which looked down.

After the group finished eating lunch they gathered on the roof of the mansion to say their last good bye. Loki opened a rip big enough to transport his brother and himself back to Asgard. This time however, there were no chains on his ankles or wrists and no gag. As Loki lowered his trembling hand Thor caught it and Loki looked to his brother and Thor looked back in a gesture to let him know everything was going to be all right, even if the thunderer did not believe it.

Loki looked back at the group, he wanted to hide behind them, he actually felt the urge to beg and plead his brother not to return him to Asgard. He wanted to stay with his brother and the mortals where he felt safe and actually felt wanted and cared for.

He denied such pleads and swallowed any and all sorrow he felt. He knew he had to go through with this task if he ever wanted to return to Midgard. He knew that any future he could hope to have there solely depended in his completing his sentence in Asgard. It was an act of redemption from his part, or at least the start of it.

"Let us return home, brother." Thor said as he placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "I swear to the very universe itself that I will stay to see you are not harmed." Loki simply nodded in silence.

As both Asgardians took several steps forward Loki grunted as he awkwardly shifted in his steps. He looked behind him and saw Jan had wrapped both arms around Loki's waist and buried her face on his back. The slightest sniffle escaped from her and in turn a gasp escaped from Loki. No one had ever wept for him. Not that he had ever seen.

After a few bittersweet minutes the rest of the group had actually come up and in what Thor perceived to be the single most surreal event he had ever witnessed in his life they had all circled his brother and embraced him in pats and hugs and reassurances that all will be well. Even Clint patted him in the back.

Loki in turn returned the affection and in the gentlest motion wiped away the tears from Jan's eyes and gave her and the rest of the group a small smile. He then turned his eyes on his brother and both Asgardians walked through the rip as it silently and slowly closed behind them.

The ever vigilant Hiemdall kept his eyes in and around the very fabric of existence. He barely knew of the word surprise or what it entailed. It was no wonder the towering god did not flinch when a rip solidified before his very eyes. He kept a close watch however, mostly because one of the two beings walking through the rip was not to be trusted.

As Thor and Loki walked through Thor raised a hand in a greeting gesture towards the watchful god to which Heimdall returned the gesture. Loki merely looked at Heimdall, not really giving a greeting, not scowling, not really doing much except for plainly looking at Heimdall. How Loki wished that the brave Heimdall had the gift of fortune telling. Maybe then he would feel more at ease to know how his father would react to seeing him once more.

Heimdall returned the gaze. He saw and heard everything. He knew everything. He reserved any judgment of the raven haired god and just observed.

As the duo proceeded to walk to the palace they froze in their tracks as Odin the god king approached them, the Warriors Three and Sif steadily behind him. A cold chill crept up Thor's back as he looked upon his father's face; it was laced with a fury Thor had never been witness to.

"Father, we have returned home." Thor said as he and his brother approached their father. Odin merely stared. That cold, indifferent stare that made Loki uncomfortable enough to actually feel like vomiting. Thor's greeting went unanswered as Odin looked beyond his sons. He gripped Grungnir tightly in his massive hand, tight enough to turn his knuckles white.

"No, Thor, you have returned home." Odin said as he stared down at his children.

"Father?" Thor questioned.

"This is the home of Frigga, this is the home of Thor, and this is the home of Heimdall, the home of Odin, the home of the Warriors Three!" Odin roared as he approached the brothers with quick haste and fury. Thor quickly placed himself between his father and his brother acting as a protective shield.

"This, however, is no longer the home of Loki the trickster!" The god king's words bellowed throughout the brothers. Loki shut his eyes tightly as he hid behind Thor. He grabbed at Thor's crimson cape and buried his face in it hoping and praying his father was merely expressing built up anger and did not mean the words that so casually slipped through his lips.

"Father, please, reconsider your words. Loki has—"

"I have grown tired of this malicious, imprudent pup and his scandalous actions and ways! To create mischief in the name of harmless pranks is one thing but to scheme and plot against his own brother's life?! This I will not tolerate! I forbid this!" Odin, in his fury grabbed Thor's left upper arm and pulled him away, tossing him to the floor and exposing Loki. He then proceeded to grab Loki by the throat, and squeezed as tight as he could while lifting him off the ground.

As soon as Thor gathered himself he looked to Odin and shouted, "Odin, do not! Please, I beg of you!"

The pleads went unanswered or even acknowledged as Odin continued to rage at his youngest son. "If you will not react to kind and gentle words perhaps it is in rage that you will finally react!" Loki was struggling, mostly due to the fact that he could not breathe, not with Odin's massive hand so tightly clamped around his throat. As his father continued to yell he opened his eyes and tears fled his eyes as he looked to Thor.

Odin was surprised, however he kept his surprise internal as to not show any signs of flinching at the sight of his youngest weeping in pain, most likely both physical and emotional. Loki let out a cough and felt the pressure in his head tighten.

"Everything you whisper to lies in ruins eventually, you never care, and you never love. Everything around you, all around you is nothing more than an opportunity to benefit you and you never cease to think of the consequences of those beings you easily trample! No more, no more will your poison infect our home and our lives!" Odin squeezed his hand tighter and in his fury he slammed Grugnir on the half reconstructed bifrost. As Odin's hand clasped even tighter around his neck Loki tried to inhale but it was useless. Instead of air being supplied to his lungs all Loki managed was a gagging gasp and as Odin kept closing his hand around Loki's throat Loki kept grabbing the sleeve on the All-Father's arm.

"You no longer have a home here! You no longer have family! Bastardized by Jotunheim and now Asgard! Prince to no throne, heir to no one! You are no longer welcome here!" Odin's roaring words pierced through Loki and Thor as easily as any blazing spear or sword could. Thor protested even as the Warriors Three and Sif tried their hardest to contain him and hold him back. Loki no longer struggled.

Odin looked in his youngest son's eyes; tears still flowed even if everything behind them appeared dead. The vibrant green turned a dark hue and they simply dropped to the ground as he no longer moved. The only indication that he was still alive was the shallow breathing.

With his other hand the one eyed king created a rip behind Heimdall and as he carefully watched the watchful god he said, "Should Loki Odinson ever set foot in this kingdom ever again he is to be killed on sight."

"All-Father, he is your child!" Thor boomed in protest, unable to believe the order Odin gave. Even the Warriors Three and Sif gasped. Heimdall himself took a step back but acknowledged the king's order with a nod. Loki never reacted, safe for the thicker stream of tears free falling from his red stained eyes. Odin placed one last look into his youngest son's eyes and in one swift move he tossed Loki through the rip and without over thinking or glancing at anyone else Thor gave chase to find his brother. As Thor's cape vanished the rip closed behind him and Odin stood silently, watching where the rip was.

"Leave us." The All-Father instructed to the warriors behind him and as they bowed they shuffled casually away. Most likely to discuss the recent events they were witness to. Odin turned his gaze to Heimdall, his expression was devoid of any emotion or to the less talented it would have seemed that way. Odin's single pupil held more regret in it than his entire body could hold. Grungnir ever so slightly shook in his hands as he looked to the watchful god, quite possibly trying to find a way to say something. Heimdall beat him to it.

"May I speak freely, my liege?"

"I see no harm in it, brave Heimdall." Odin said as he watched the watcher.

"I see and hear everything; nothing escapes my eyes and ears. Not the sound of thundering feet in march for war. Not the sound of swords sharpening. No one can escape my wandering eyes, nor think to pass unnoticed past me. No silent assassin with hopes of victory. None escape my notice." Heimdall paused but for a minute before looking the All-Father in the eye. "I also see and hear other things, smaller things, things that go unnoticed. Like the sound of a heart slowly dying or seeing a body so overwhelmed with pain no amount of herbs or spells or medicine can offer any comfort. It is terrible to witness such an event."

Odin took in the words Heimdall so carefully chose and as they swirled around in his head he began to see what Heimdall was really trying to communicate. He slightly nodded and turned to return to his chambers.

"My king?" Heimdall asked and Odin froze in his tracks. "Does your last order still stand?"

"No. Not even the greatest amount of anger and fury could possibly sway me to have my own children butchered. But I will ask that you watch. No matter what happens I want a daily report of his doings no matter what they may be." With that the god king retrieved to his chambers and the watchful god returned to his post.