PART TEN
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Loki awoke in a tub of warm water, submerged up to his neck. He kept his eyes closed even as he sensed Thor behind him, then felt the god's fingers running gently through his wet hair.

"Thor," he said with a smile.

Loki opened his eyes and sat upright in the free-standing tub. The water sloshed around him, and Loki judged by its clarity that Thor had long since washed all of the blood and sweat away while he was asleep.

Even supplemented by the Tesseract, The God of Mischief had ended up using a great deal of his own power to repair Tony Stark's body. He would admit that he had misjudged the extent of Stark's injury, and the complexity of the device embedded in his chest. Loki's muscles carried a dull ache from the exertion, but he was satisfied that his magic was replenishing itself at a healthy rate. Assuming Stark was currently recovering in his room upstairs, the procedure had been a success.

Loki looked around him and noticed that his clothing and scepter were missing.

"My robes and scepter?" he called to Thor, who had gone to fetch a towel from across the room.

Thor nodded as he approached, and gestured to the doorway to Loki's bedroom.

"You anticipate my every wish, dear brother."

Thor bowed, extending a hand to assist his foster brother out of the tub, his other arm holding the towel ready.

Loki took his hand and stepped gracefully from the water.

Thor stayed within his personal space as Loki stood, dripping on the tile floor.

"Dry me," he ordered.

Thor obeyed, draping the towel over Loki's shoulders and rubbing it against his skin. Loki lifted his arms and spread his legs slightly to allow easier access. Thor was nothing if not efficient; the luxuriously large, soft towel dried his body quickly. Loki used just a touch of magic to dry his hair.

Thor looked disappointed when Loki shooed the towel away from his hair, but was appeased when Loki pressed his freshly clean, nude form against Thor's robed body and allowed himself to be embraced.

"What is on your mind?" Loki murmured against Thor's shoulder, and Thor felt the gag unlock. He carefully removed it from his mouth.

"I was worried for you."

"You need not be. I knew full well what I was doing."

"I know, Master. … It only troubles me to see you in pain or struggle."

Loki pulled back to look up into Thor's eyes. "Does it? Surely, not always," he suggested, and lifted one of the God of Thunder's large hands to his throat. "Or am I mistaken?"

Thor's cheeks flushed pink at the insinuation. "That is… not what I meant."

Loki's smile dimmed. "Is that so," he let Thor's hand fall away. "Well then…"

He turned and walked toward his bedroom without another word.

This was a test, and an obvious one, that Thor would recognize in an instant. But sometimes the Liesmith chose to use supports crafted of truth to keep his manipulations on track. Showing Thor affection and praying upon his confused responses was too fun to resist.

"Wait."

Loki smiled at the sound of Thor's voice—it sounded broken and weak at his dismissal, as if Loki's displeasure had physically hurt him. Loki wondered how much of that strain was caused by the scepter's hold, and how much was genuinely Thor. He'd heard that tone in his brother's voice in the past. It was easy to instill, but always difficult to will away.

When Loki stopped his escape, Thor walked up behind him and gently curled a hand around the nape of his neck. The touch was warm and perfect, the sensation wrapping around Loki's heart and then further, down to his groin. The raven-haired god had a hard time fighting its effects, but something told him not to hide in his magic.

"I am sorry, Master. Let me try… let me try to please you."

Loki nodded after a few moments. He'd started this game, and wanted to see what Thor might do.

Thor pressed his robed body against Loki's naked back, pushing his thigh lightly between his legs. The God of Mischief let his head fall back against Thor's shoulder, eyes closing in a sign of trust. He gasped softly in excitement when Thor's free hand slid around to caress his bared throat.

Thor felt arousal wash over him at the sight of Loki's serene expression, the gray-green eyes gently closed, the perfect mouth relaxed and open. He wished he could close the few inches between their mouths and kiss those soft, pale lips, but feared it would break the mood.

"What is it like… being unable to speak?" Loki suddenly asked.

When Loki was nervous, he babbled. The Liesmith was a true expert when it came to talking himself out of problems, but when he was not playing a role, his nervousness might be gauged by how much he chit-chatted. Loki knew this about himself and hated it, seeking to never be anxious or unsure, never to let his control slip.

Recently, Thor had influenced that part of him, chipping away at the shields and inhibitions Loki had thought he'd perfected through the many years leading up to his fall. Now, even though the God of Mischief nearly owned a planet and controlled several of the most extraordinary beings in the Nine Realms… he found he was inevitably undone by a few touches or sincere words from the only person to ever enter his chilled heart.

He still wanted to resist the feeling. Loki had been fighting against himself for so long, and had become so good at it, that it was hard to break the habit and move on.

"It is frustrating," Thor admitted. "But also, perhaps… freeing."

"Is it really?" Loki wondered, and breathed deeply. "Let me try it."

Thor was surprised, though he knew better than to draw attention to Loki's out-of-character moments. It had only angered his foster brother, in the past, and Thor had to admit that he loved seeing this side of Loki. He was calmer, more open, and less defensive. Thor supposed it was because Loki didn't seem to have an agenda, now that he'd won. In some odd way, it reminded him of when they were younger, when his brother had no burdens... when they were at home in Asgard. When he was by Thor's side. If Thor had only known, back then, they might have avoided all of this. But would Thor have cared? Would his previously platonic, purely brotherly relationship with Loki ever have changed into what he now strived for? And would any of it have mattered?

Thor mentally shook himself. It would not do to regret his mistakes or imagine different paths he could have taken. The past could not be relived. He held Loki here and now, and that was what counted, for good or ill. He was now changed, and with that change came a blind devotion more powerful than any love he'd ever felt before. Thor hoped Loki wasn't deceiving him… that maybe some of his feelings were returned... but he knew chances of that were slim. But even if the God of Mischief was truly evil and only toying with his heart, Thor would take it.

"If that is what you wish," he answered, safely.

Loki gave a nod.

Thor lifted the gag to his master's waiting mouth. Loki accepted the rubbery protrusion on the inside of the device that further ensured its wearer's inability to speak or move his jaw enough to bite his own tongue.

The act of placing the gag on his foster brother was very intimate, and Thor hoped Loki wouldn't open his eyes as he felt his cheeks flush.

Thor held the device still until it magically adhered itself. "Is it alright?" He asked quietly after a few seconds.

Loki nodded, puzzlement creasing his brow at the new experience. He lifted a hand to touch the device, running his fingernails along the edge against his skin, testing it.

"You find it strange," Thor commented.

Loki nodded again, opening his eyes, which then seemed to smile up at Thor.

Thor's heart swelled. He couldn't stop himself from leaning in and placing a tender kiss against the gag. When Loki didn't resist, he rested his hands on the god's shoulders, then turned Loki to face him and kissed at his neck.

Loki squirmed slightly, Thor's bold lips warming his skin so quickly that he felt out of control. He found that his enforced muteness was also putting him on edge. He had every reason to trust Thor, but any reassurance was overshadowed by anxiety as he was made more aware of his nakedness compared to the other god. He felt much less powerful at the moment, what with the day's tiring events, his current state of undress, the distance of his scepter, and the loss of his voice.

Though he was irrationally frightened, Loki was also able to remove himself from the scene and be fascinated by his own reactions. Having Thor treat him like this while he felt vulnerable was a new experience—he'd always had the upper hand in battle. Thor had never really been stronger than him, until now. Yet, it was fitting that he might allow such gestures only when he knew Thor was under his power. The thought excited him.

"Loki, you are shaking. Are you unwell?"

The god realized that he was indeed shivering, and his eyes had closed tightly as Thor held him.

Loki shook his head, willing his body to relax.

"You look chilled. Here," Thor swiftly removed his robes and wrapped the fabric about Loki's shoulders before the god could stop him.

Loki inhaled Thor's familiar and comforting scent left on the robes, and let his eyes close again. Why worry? This was Thor, who he controlled, soul and body. And he could remove the gag at any time, to order his brother to do whatever he wished. Maybe this nervousness was just a result of being still tired from earlier in the day. Perhaps he just needed to rest.

Loki opened his eyes, just as Thor moved close to him again, unbidden.

"Loki," Thor murmured, pressing his face against Loki's neck. He sounded slightly pained.

When he realized Thor was now as naked as he had been a few moments ago, Loki couldn't help but glance down to his groin… But he wasn't expecting to see Thor's fist curl around his hardening member and pump it slowly.

"B-brother," Thor whispered, his voice catching, and Loki flushed as he sensed Thor look up to catch him staring. Boldly, Loki didn't look away from Thor's display, keeping his eyes as neutral as he could.

"I am sorry," Thor said softly as he began to stroke himself, "I cannot.. contain myself any longer. Your beauty undoes me," he admitted.

Loki enjoyed the sound of Thor's voice when it was weak, especially when it spoke those words. How did Thor know just what to say to him? Was it another manifestation of the scepter's influence, or had the God of Thunder really been thinking such things for the past week, and saved them up to confess to Loki when he had a voice again?

Loki felt his own arousal stirring, and it was not as surprising as he expected. He knew this feeling; he'd already experienced how the scepter's influence had emboldened Thor and caused him to act so passionately. He remembered the last time he and Thor were together like this… It was a few days ago, and the meeting had ended with Thor pleasuring them both simultaneously, those large, strong hands working him to bliss. Loki had been exhausted from that day's battles, too, and nearly passed out when it was over. Thor seemed to have a knack for catching him off-guard.

Not this time.

Loki's steel gaze flicked up to Thor's eyes, challenging, before dropping to watch him again.

Thor leaned his face into Loki's shoulder once more, starting to pant a little as he pleasured himself at a quicker pace. "You are.. watching me…" Thor gasped.

The mighty God of Thunder was that stimulated by Loki's gaze on him? Loki knew he had a formidable stare, but had always used it to threaten, never to…

"Aahh, by the Norns, Loki.. your watching! Even without words, you… affect me so."

Feeling brave, Loki reached a hand down to brush against Thor's thigh. The movement caused the red fabric around him to stir, and its weight fell to the floor. The two of them were suddenly equally naked, and Loki had nowhere to hide. Embarrassed, he removed his hand and took a step back.

"No," Thor gasped, and his free arm twisted around Loki's waist, pulling their bodies close.

Loki turned his head to the side, cheeks red as he felt the fast motion of Thor's pumping hand jostling both of their bodies.

"Please.. please," Thor begged. Loki heard the desperation in his voice; he was close.

Loki's hand shook with nerves as he slipped it between them, and caressed Thor's muscled thigh, close to his member.

Thor gasped and his fist slowed its movement, then curled at the base of his weeping cock. "Touch me, touch me, please, Loki!" His tone was frantic.

Loki wasn't one for taking orders, but given the circumstance, he decided to obey. His hand slowly wrapped around the silky hard heat of his Thor's cock, and stroked it a few times slowly, feeling the weight twitch in his grasp before Thor let out a whimper, and his larger hand covered Loki's.

"Ahh, Loki… Loki…!" Thor moaned his name again and again as he thrust into their joined hands.

Loki felt Thor shudder and watched his brother's head fall back, his face contorting in a pleasure resembling pain as his body tensed. The god released with a grunt and soft gasp, his hot seed spilling against both of their stomachs in several long spurts.

"Aahh.. forgive me," Thor panted after a few moments, reaching for the towel that had been dropped earlier.

Loki shook his head and grabbed Thor's bicep, then gave him a meaningful stare when their eyes met.

Thor swallowed thickly.

Loki pushed the God of Thunder to his knees, his face within inches of Loki's semi-hard cock. Thor's seed was dripping down Loki's abdomen, and Loki put a hand behind his brother's head, guiding him to it.

Thor took the suggestion and didn't hesitate for a moment, sticking out his broad tongue and beginning to lap at Loki's stomach. The dark-haired god's abdominal muscles jumped at the strange sensation, and he hissed in air when Thor's hand suddenly cupped his balls.

"So beautiful," Thor murmured dazedly as he finished cleaning Loki's stomach. He ran his tongue up Loki's now-erect shaft, then dipped it slightly between his legs, behind and around his balls. Glowing blue eyes glanced up to meet grey-green for a second, before Thor took Loki completely into his mouth.

Loki shuddered and held onto Thor's shoulders for support as his knees grew weak. This was the second time Thor had used his mouth, and Loki had thought himself prepared… he had made several misjudgments today, it would seem. But he might be able to correct this one.

"Mmmnh, mmh," Thor moaned shamelessly as he sucked, head bobbing back and forth, the sound and its vibrations making Loki shiver. He gripped Thor's blonde locks, and held the god's head still for a moment as the tip of Loki's cock still rested in his mouth. Thor continued to lick him, seeming so desperate to please, so genuinely lustful… and Loki felt something inside him snap.

He thrust his hips forward sharply, making Thor gag a little. A second time, and the blonde grunted eagerly. Then Loki lost himself, nails gripping Thor's scalp, hips bucking again and again to plunder soft, wet, humming heat.

He wanted to see Thor break, wanted to find out how far he could stretch the scepter's influence. Was there a limit to Thor's devotion? How much rough treatment would he take? Loki was suddenly determined to find out. Things he'd never before imagined, were at once filling his mind, all the possibilities of wonderful tortures he could try on Thor. Loki finally, fully realized… Thor was his.

He held Thor's face flush against his abdomen as he came, deep in the god's throat. Thor gagged a little and his moist eyes squinted shut, but Loki kept him still until he swallowed. Then he pushed Thor backwards, letting him fall to the floor heavily.

Sex had never interested Loki before, but now… He understood. It wasn't merely a meeting of bodies or a series of specific touches. It wasn't even about reaching orgasm, though that part was enjoyable. It was really about something that happened between the actors; a dialogue more tangible, even, than the words Loki could give such weight to.

Thor had certainly sensed a change in his foster brother's attitude. Loki looked down on him with ice-cold eyes, his posture commanding and, Thor admitted, frightening in an exciting way he'd never felt before. Loki's lean hands clenched and unclenched at his sides. He was breathing heavily through his nose, chest rising and falling rapidly, high on his orgasm and the realization of the power he had. He looked as if he was about to attack.

Even though Loki wore the gag, Thor could no more see him as impaired than disobey him. The God of Thunder felt himself getting hard again as Loki stared at him with open, wild lust.

After a few moments, Loki took off the gag and wordlessly handed it back to Thor.

Thor glanced at it briefly before placing it against his face, and felt it adhere.

A grin twisted Loki's lips, his teeth bared.