As Thor returned to Asgard, he was exhausted, both in mind and body… Being away from Asgard meant being away from Loki, meant Loki could not cast the spell so he couldn't feel his arm, which meant he was unable to sleep at night.
But… It had been worth it, Thor was happy.
By bringing gifts he had managed to negotiate terms with the leaders of Midgard, the items he had brought were far beyond the Midgardians own scientific advancements and they had been beyond eager to get a closer look.
Thor had assured the Asgardians did not ask for any hand outs, all the asked was a piece of inhabited land and they would make sure to be self reliant, taking care of themselves, make their own food and build their own houses, no help needed.
And that more than anything seemed to ease the world leaders, Thor had asked the prime minister of Norway as the first one if they could use a piece of their land and the prime minister, eager the be the first one to get his hands on these items which could boost their own technology was only happy to agree with a big, kind of sleazy, but seemingly also rather genuine smile.
Now Thor was back at Asgard, exhausted…. Looking forward to sleep. Please!
As Thor entered the halls, soldiers were kneeling for him, servants bowed, Thor waved them away looking around for a familiar face.
Finally a blond came running, Fandral whom stopped in front of him and fell on his knee. "My king!" Fandral smiled his charming smile.
Thor offered him an exhausted smile as Fandral stood up.
"I trust all is going well." Thor replied.
Fandral nodded. "Loki has been a true inspiration." he informed. "I would never have believed it, but he always kept himself composed! He has been firm but fair and people has fallen in line, even those who refused at first."
Thor exhaled deeply relieved. "Thank the Norns. Not that… Not that I doubted he could handle it! I just."
"You were worried, understandable." Fandral nodded. "I assume you wish to find him so he can make a report?"
… Oh yeah, report should probably go first… Thor just managed to keep back a groan. "Aye, I need to find Loki, do you have any idea where he might be?" he asked.
"It's after dinner, so most likely in your mothers garden for his venting session."
Thor blinked. "What?" he asked.
"It's this thing Loki and Sif has started doing, after dinner they sit down and Loki vents to her." Fandral informed.
Again Thor was stunned quiet, he just looked at Fandral as if he had grown an extra head. Then he had to ask again. "What?"
"I know, it's weird!" Fandral exclaimed. "Those two, they could never even stand each other before! Putting them in the same room was like asking for an earth quack to happen! And now, they look like they have been best friends for years!"
Thor blinked, honestly having a hard time comprehending Fandrals words, he shook his head, then looked at Fandral again. "Loki and Sif?" he asked again.
Fandral nodded. "Yes."
"Are willingly spending time together… Every day after dinner?" Thor asked.
And Fandral nodded again. "Yes."
"And they haven't killed each other?" Thor asked.
"That I cannot be sure of, but they both seemed pretty alive when I saw them at dinner." Fandral informed. "Who knows though, the Sif I saw may have just been a specter! OR! Maybe Loki has actually been dead for weeks and that's an impostor! Would explain the nicer attitude wouldn't it?" he asked in a blink.
"That's not funny." Thor muttered.
"Apologies my king, you just looked like you needed a good laugh." Fandral smiled amused. "I am pretty sure that's the real Loki and the real Sif, and somehow they just… Found common ground it seems. Come one, I'll take you to them." he gestured with his hand.
Thor hesitated slightly but finally followed.
And true enough, he was lead to Friggas garden, from there they headed to a corner of it and Thor halted as he heard a voice.
"And then she asks again where Thor is!" Lokis voice exclaimed. "As if I hadn't already told her seven hundred times! And when will he be back?! I don't know! How should I know, he is negotiating with another realm! It's not my fault bureaucracy is a pain no matter which planet you are on!"
And then a laughter, Thor recognized it, Sif's laughter. Thors eyes widened. Even more shocking was that suddenly, Loki seemed to be chuckling as well.
Sif and Loki laughing together?! What weird reality had Thor created?! And how had he done it!
Slowly Thor moved towards the voices, he had to walk around a hedge which shielded a patch where a small tea table was now standing, a pot of tea on it and two mugs.. And sitting on chairs was indeed. Loki himself, in his newer Asgardian clothes and Sif in her usual warriors attire.
"He better get his ass back here soon though." Loki commented lifting a cup to his lips, Sif looked up, past Loki and up at Thor, then she just burst out laughing.
Now Loki looked up looking confused. "It wasn't that funny."
Sif shook her head, unable to speak from laughter, then pointed behind Loki at Thor.
Loki blinked, then he turned his head and finally, he looked up at Thor. "Oh." Loki blinked. "Thank you for getting your ass back here."
Thor couldn't help it, he smiled amused, then he laughed as well. "HAHAHAHA!"
Loki smiled softly, his red eyes glistened then he stood up so he stood in front of Thor. "About time though."
"I apologize brother." Thor laughed, swiping away a tear. "It is as you said, bureaucracy! How-ever, I am happy to inform things has now been settled."
"That's good." Loki sighed deeply. Then he looked up, suddenly standing straight. "My king, the evacuation are going as we planned! So far twenty-three ships has been boarded and is on their way to Midgard! Containing 9882 citizens total. I have also started to move the items from the treasure vault as you wished! You wished for the flame of life to be moved first, and I have now moved it to the place we agreed upon. There are sadly still disputes among the people at court whom thinks trickery is involved, but I have stood firm in the orders you left behind!"
Thor looked at Loki, then he smiled. "I knew you could do it, it is in no way an easy job. But there is no one better. Thank you so much brother. I am sure Father is shining from pride as he is observing us. And especially you."
Loki smiled, it was a genuine proud smile, clearly he had soaked in the pride.
"Look I… Could we wait for the full report until tomorrow?" Thor asked.
Loki nodded. "Of course." then he glanced at Thors arm. "I assume you desire sleep."
"Aye." Thor sighed deeply. "Though it does do me well merely to see you, and Sif as well." he looked at Sif.
Sif blushed looking the other way. "Thank you Sif." he breathed.
"I..." Sif slipped some hair behind her ear. "I just wanted to help."
Thor felt his own face warm a bit, his heart seemed to beat a little bit louder as he looked at her face… Had it always been glowing like this? Then finally he managed to tear his eyes away, to return to Loki.
"I'll follow you to your chambers." Loki stated. "We can talk while we walk, and then I'll cast the spell ones we are there."
Thor nodded. "Thank you Loki." he breathed.
Loki looked at Sif. "please excuse me. Same time tomorrow?" he asked.
"It would be my pleasure your highness." Sif bowed her head.
"Thank you." Loki smiled and then, finally started to walk away with Thor.
As they walked, Thor couldn't help but steal glances at Loki. "So… You and Sif, you're..."
"I get frustrated, she allows me to vent my frustrations to her." Loki stated simply.
"So you're..." Thor didn't know what to make of it.
"Starting to become friends, I would dare say so." Loki admitted. "I thought that would please you, you always wished your friends would become mine as well."
"So… Just a friend?" Thor asked.
Loki looked at him. "What is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, you know. Just asking." Thor stated.
Loki lifted an eyebrow. "I could never see Sif as anything else than a friend. The mere thought of something different is weird to me. I mean, for the last couple of hundred years it has been quite clear that the only one she had any feelings towards were you! So even going there is just weird!"
"Oh." Thor blinked. "Ah… I see."
Loki smirked. "Sif will be pleased you are finally showing an interest."
"I am not!" Thor exclaimed then halted by Lokis look. "I just… It was nice to see her like that with you! That's all! She's proven she is a kind and understanding as well as a wise and strong woman!"
Loki nodded. "Aye, you're right. Truth be told, you could do a lot worse than that." he stated holding back on his arm. "If you want my sincere advice, don't be an idiot! If you let that one slip away, you're a moron!"
Thor halted… Loki just kept walking though so he was now a good way in front of Thor.
"Hey wait!" Thor came running after Loki. "What, what did you mean by those words?!"
Loki didn't reply.
"LOKI!" Thor shouted.
Loki though was only smirking as he kept walking.
"Loki come on! I am tired, let your mischievous self have mercy on me!" Thor begged.
Loki turned his head, then poked out his tongue as he winked. "Still god of Mischief." he stated and turned back as he kept walking and Thor came running.
"LOKIII!"
