Thank you so much for the responses to this fic, they motivated me so much! Please keep them coming! The more responses to this, the more motivated I am.

Small note: There will be a lot of character POV jumps as my goal is to explore the main guy's relationships towards Loki and his new behavior that none of the Avengers had ever seen. It's like GoT style, but it's still centered on Loki and Sylvie's plot.

So in this one, I'm trying to mend all their relationships together. Hope it works though.

Neither less, hope you enjoy this one!

The last time Thor had seen Loki distraught was when he visited him in the dungeons. Not that this Loki remembered that feeling, but the God of Thunder did. He had seen him emotional in their younger days, but as they grew up, he became quieter and didn't respond or react much. Such situations didn't seem to faze him as much as Thor did.

But when it does, it means something big.

To think that he gets to see his brother's softer side is a gift, and also a curse. And all because of this lady. He had only met and talked to Sylvie a few times, she has the similar behavior of his brother, except that she was sterner and fiercer, but cunning like his brother. No wonder Loki has an interest in her.

Even though this woman turned out to be another version of himself.

Thor didn't really see her as another Loki. Sure, she has similar powers as his brother, but she's more headstrong than him. The God of Thunder himself can feel the different magic radiating within them, so when they first met, he didn't sense like they are the same. Merely similar.

And to think that they both seem to complete each other is something Thor thought is heart-warming. To see him care so much for someone, standing up to object to their methods, to fiercely protect someone, and to willingly look humiliated so that that person can be safe…. This is not the Loki he remembered, but the Loki he had hoped for.

Loki is capable of love, he finally realized. Perhaps he has known about it, just not convinced enough.

Thor found him at the training grounds after his meeting with Nick Fury and the new SWORD agents. Because some of the Midgard people are still skeptical with Loki, it was decided that he'll work with Strange on the magic area while he works with the Avengers….. at least, what's left of the Avengers now that Tony, Steve, and Natasha are gone, and Clint seems to be on another mission elsewhere.

Now that he had done his part and report what he found to the SWORD and Avengers, he has some time to himself. Thus, visiting his brother.

His brother is doing his infamous magic tricks again, except this time, with weapons floating around. Appearing and disappearing as it hits certain targets thrown by the other sorcerers. Thor had seen the way he fought, but he can sense that his magic abilities are stronger. Father was right, mother would've been proud.

The moment Loki spotted Thor coming to him, he turned back to the bald magician, "Perhaps that'll be enough for today, Wong. Thank you."

Wong only nodded and left him, passing by Thor and going back inside the temple. Thor looked at his brother, "Didn't know you are into training."

"Hello to you too, Thor," Loki chastise calmly, "I've been studying a lot of new magic from your friends, thought I might try it here."

"I see," Thor hummed, "You still busy?"

"Yes, I'm going to take a few more readings about the other dimensions and cosmic powers…."

Thor groaned, "Oh come on. If you spend more time on those books, you are going be old soon."

"Hey," Loki protests.

"Come on, it's night already, take a break. Let's have a drink or two. I know a place in New York where we can get one of the best drinks of Midgard!" Thor exclaimed happily, but his brother is not always an outgoing person, "Banner and I went there before, and I'm telling you, it's the closest thing to home. Plus, since I'm an Avenger, drinks are for free! Let's drink like we used to!"

"Actually, you went drinking with the rest. I was just there to drink and watch you guys chatter like animals. I only had to make sure you stay sober before Father punt your sorry arse."

"This is different, come on. Just you and me," Thor said enthusiastically, but Loki is still unconvinced as his eyelids are half-opened.

"You must've wanted something from me that you'd want a drink with me."

Thor looked at him horrifically, "Why does everything have to be a catch?"

"Because that's you, Thor. Every time you wanted something, there'll be a catch. And it's either I get into trouble, or we both do. Or you'd want to do another bet."

"Okay, fair enough," the God of Thunder murmured, "But this one is different. A heart-to-heart conversation, just you and me," Loki lifted his brow, "Besides, we haven't really caught up much since we last met. This may be the only time." This is true though, he doesn't know his brother now and what he had been through, so this is an opportunity for them both to catch up, especially when the rabbit and his gangs are still out there looking for some signs for their green lady.

His brother stared at him with irritation and doubt, something not unusual he had seen. Finally, he sighed, "Fine."

Thor's eyes lit up, "You will?"

"Only until 8 pm," Loki conjured a watch on his wrist, "We have about two hours."

"Deal," Thor smiled widely, he believed that he'll get sidetracked so time won't matter, "Right, so we'll just ask one of the magicians and we'll be off to New York."

"That won't be necessary," with a snap of his fingers, his brother conjured a mist and it slowly turned into a portal. Thor peered from where he stood to see that the other side is the familiar park of New York, "After you?"

"Didn't know you can do that," Thor stepped forward to the portal, still looking impressed with Loki's new abilities now.

"Oh, wait until you see what I can do with daggers."

The bar they were in was located in a small area of New York. It's a little less crowded than when he last visited here with Banner. Perfect!

Thor picked the same place where he and Banner used to sit at the serving table. The bartender knew him already, and without him saying what he wants, he got them both his favorite drink. What a delight! And, since it's not too crowded, it's the perfect place for him and Loki to have a talk without being interrupted by others.

"So, you're telling me these TVA guys have been pruning innocent people when things didn't seem to be according to whatever timeline there is?" Thor asked as he finished his drink, sitting beside his brother. This is truly the first time in his life where his drink lasted longer than their conversation. He used to chug his drinks fast, but with the conversation with his brother, the drink didn't seem to finish yet.

He didn't know that catching up with his….how do you say it…..another variant of his brother would be much more interesting than the beers.

Loki nodded as he sipped his, "I found that out from Sylvie after I confronted her, turned out the whole TVA is a fraud but also not a fraud. It's really confusing at this point."

That name again. Sylvie. The woman who changed his brother's heart. When they first met, he can tell there is something going on between them. He didn't connect it with love first until he caught them hugging, close to kissing. Or perhaps they had kissed already after he walked in.

How the tables have turned. She must've done something to him that his brother's behavior has changed.

"Ahh, yes, Sylvie," Thor grunted, "I've been meaning to ask you about her actually."

"She's fine if that's what you want to ask," Loki immediately answered.

"Good to hear that," he said, "But how is she coping now? How are you two doing?"

"Working on that," his brother said sheepishly.

"I see," Thor said, before he scratched the back of his head, "Do you not find it strange that you met another variant of yourself?"

"I did," he said, "But after getting to know her, I don't feel like she is me. And she doesn't like it if someone calls her a Loki."

"How come?"

"That's what I'm trying to find out too, my only clue is that it's because she's tired of being indicated as me and that she wants to be her own person," his brother said.

"But she does have your powers, somewhat," Thor said, "I mean, she's adopted like you, a Bifrost, got some magic tricks up your sleeves, somewhat sly…."

"Okay, okay, I get the point," Loki said with a frown, "Let's leave it that she's another version of me. But she doesn't want to be me, so I can truthfully say that she's not exactly me as well."

"That I can agree," he said, "I mean she's way smarter than you…."

"Hey," Loki looked at him with an offended face.

"She has her own tricks," Thor continued with a grin, the way she was able to manipulate a Kang back then was pretty impressive, and something the Loki he knew couldn't do, "Does she remember what her mother and father look like?"

"I doubt it," Loki said as he looked down at his half-empty drink, "She was taken as a child, everywhere she goes, it triggered signal to the TVA. So, she had nowhere to go and no one to rely on."

"Oh," Thor grimaced, perhaps Sylvie is a totally different person despite both being Lokis. Her past sounds so much more tragic, "How did she come across you then?"

Loki shifted uncomfortably, "Let's just say…..what do people call it here….romance at work."

"Sounds like someone I know," Thor said, thinking about his late buddy, Stark. Oh, how much he missed his old friend. He'd probably say something snarky to his brother right now. He then switched his attention to Loki, "You know, for someone who doesn't rely on anyone, she relies on you pretty deeply."

"Not really."

"But she does trust you, right?"

"I hope so," Loki said, still not looking at him, "She's still having trust issues, but it's improving little by little."

Once again, this is the first time he saw Loki insecure. A lovesick bird. He used to mock him that he changed because of Jane, and now, his brother has changed because of Sylvie. If only she doesn't have those trust issues, he'd barge up to her and would've told her to share her feelings to him. Oh, how the tables truly have turned. He couldn't help but chuckle.

Which made Loki lift an eyebrow at him, "What's so funny?"

"No," Thor smiled, "It's just…. This is really the first time I see you so worried about a lady, something you've never done…..Kind of reminds me a bit of Mother."

Loki's face turned soft at the reminder of their mother, Frigga, "Right… Mother."

"I met with her visiting you when father put you in the dungeons," Thor confessed. His brother blinked at him, indicating to continue, "I wanted to see her, discuss a few things with her, can't remember about what. But I saw how she was…..sad, after visiting you in the dungeons."

"Thor, I don't know what happened there," Loki immediately went defensive, "And that wasn't me."

"Yea, yea, I know you are not the Loki after New York," Thor gets it, "But mother really cared for you."

Loki sadly nodded before taking another sip, "I'm very aware of that. Wish we had more time with her."

Time, that phrase suddenly lit something up in Thor's head. He turned his body to his brother, "You know, there is a way to visit her…"

"Yes, I know. By going back in time visit her," this made Thor blink and his brother looked at him unimpressed. He then lifted his hand and showed him a circular bracelet with some fancy design like a vase, "You're not the only time traveler here."

He grumbled, "Thought for once I could beat your wit."

"Well as far as brains go, I've got the lion's share," Loki smirked, "Besides, it's much easier this way than to use your tedious machine when you tried to get those infinity stones."

"You made our efforts look cheap," Thor leaned his head on his head, feeling a little irritated.

"Work smarter, not harder, brother," Loki said, then he took his glass and made a clink to Thor's before drinking them. After two gulps, he placed his glass down, the bartender immediately filled more for them, "Besides, this thing wasn't easy to obtain since it's Kang's."

"How'd you steal it?" Thor asked.

"Sylvie did," Loki murmured, "After she killed him though."

"And you stole it back?"

Loki wrinkled his nose, "I prefer the term borrow."

Thor scoffed, still the same Loki, "Fine, so, you can go to anytime anywhere?"

"It's not as easy as it was," Loki said, "With the timeline jumbled up, it's hard to pinpoint the timeline that we were at and the destination. Using this won't be a walk in the park anymore."

"But can you navigate your way to find the mother we knew?"

"I can try," Loki said, "It'll take a lot of time though, that's why I haven't used it yet. It's tedious."

"I see," Thor hummed and downed his glass until it's empty, wiping his mouth, he looked at his brother, "Loki, I want you to know that if you need help, I'll be around. You don't have to do this on your own again," he said sincerely, "I think we'd be surprised what we can do when our strengths are combined."

Thor was expecting to get a 'thank you from his brother, but instead, Loki quirked a brow up, "Two glasses and you're drunk already?"

The God of Thunder felt a small lightning stab in him, here he was being genuine to his brother and all he got was doubt from him, "Dammit, brother! I'm being real here!"

Loki looked at his watch, "This is a new record for you," he lifted his brows up, "You were able to stay sober for nearly an hour."

Thor gave him a glare, "Loki," he warned.

He brought his hands up and chuckled, "My bad," and the both of them couldn't surpass a laugh. This is nice, it has been a while Thor had a heart-to-heart conversation with his brother without a fight. It really felt real, and honest. He didn't know that when he invited his brother for a drink, it'd end up filling a hole left in their hearts.

"I've missed you, brother," Thor looked at him genuinely, he placed his hand on his shoulder, "When I saw you died in the hands of Thanos, I swore that he'll pay ten folds. And then, when I finally found back again, I was shocked, happy, and frightened that this may be all a dream or I'm already dead. But…well…..I'm really grateful you are here now."

Loki nodded, this time, not poking any fun on him. He too mirrored his action, putting his arm on his, and looked at him sincerely, giving him a light hug, "I've missed you too, brother."

And both brothers toasted to a new era and downed their drinks. After they finished half their drink, Thor wiped his mouth and turned to his brother, "Oh, and Loki?"

"Yea?"

"I look forward to meeting your girlfriend."

It's been about a week or two since she's here, yet it didn't feel as trapped as she was back in the TVA. In the week she has been here, Loki constantly visits her every day. And by the way, he comes and goes, she can tell that he's trying to be really respectful.

Probably by means of compensation for what he did, Sylvie thought.

But after their talk last time, it didn't really sound that Loki was truly betraying her. If anything, he really did try to save her. It's just that, it's hard to believe it when he hid the truth from her, and that part still hurts. She's still trying to let it go, but it's still a work in progress. And the progress is pretty slow, especially when you only have a limited place to pace around.

Loki has been keeping her company, sometimes he'd visit twice or thrice a day. He dropped by a couple of times, bringing her more books (as if The Hobbit is something that can be finished in a day) and some more comfortable clothing than her gear (Asgardian tunics), and sometimes just to sit and talk. Sylvie finds that his visits are very welcoming and something she'd look forward to, as it gets pretty lonely oftentimes.

Tonight though, she wasn't really expecting him. She was in deep in the book he gave her to read, if only her magic isn't restricted, Loki would probably bring the spell books that she might certainly be interested in, at least, that's what he said.

What she didn't expect is another familiar face to visit her. Someone came through the mist entrance, making her lookup.

To see Mobius there, face lighting up to see her.

The only time anyone ever visited her was Loki, to see another person was a wonderful sight as well. Sylvie smiled at the sight of her friend, she closed the book and jogged to him, "Mobius," she exclaimed happily.

Her dear friend walked up to her, equally as happy, "Sylvie!"

The two shared a friendly hug, she hadn't done this since she last reunited with him. She pulled back, "Why are you here?"

"Why to see you, of course," Mobius said, "I was hoping to find Loki so that I can come here easily, but I couldn't find him."

"He's not here?" Sylvie felt a little disappointed with that knowledge.

"No, no," he shook his head as Sylvie led him to the gazabo that she resides, "Those sorcerers thought I was an intruder, I had to go through a little unwelcoming security to get here."

"Yea," she sighed before sitting on her sofa, "The people here rarely have a sense of humor, best not to take it personally."

Mobius joined her, "Lucky for me, I can tolerate that. Especially after discovering you two."

"Okay, I'm not that bad," Sylvie laughed.

He chuckled, "At first, but better now."

She smiled, feeling heart warmed to know someone could tolerate her. And it's also nice to have friends, to have this kind of conversation. The last time she did was with Loki, and speaking of him, "Do you know where Loki went?" somewhat feeling a little shy about asking this.

Mobius looked up a moment, "One of them mentioned that he met with his brother. So probably, he's with him."

Sylvie nodded, "That's good," she knows how much his brother means to him, he deserves this moment.

"Have you met him?" he asked, Sylvie turned to him, "Thor, I mean."

She shook her head, "I don't think I'm ready to meet anyone yet."

"I understand," he said understandingly, "I promise you though, Thor isn't so bad. He'd get along with anyone. No doubt including you."

"I doubt that" she murmured sadly, "Not after what I've done."

"Hey, it's alright, Sylvie," Mobius said to her closely, "Kang was manipulating you, it wasn't your fault."

"It doesn't matter," she clasped her hands together, "I caused this problem. Now everyone wants me dead. And here I am."

"Loki wouldn't let that happen," he said confidently, "He cares so much about you, and I'm certain that while he's here, he's doing everything he can to keep you safe. Even Thor and their other red friend are on his side to help you, they must've understood. You too can count on them."

Sylvie smiled at the thought of Loki, "They didn't have to, especially Loki."

"Yea, but he did. Especially after you kiss him," he slyly said, making her eyes widen and her cheek blush, "so how was it?"

"Oh, piss off," she snorted, staying quiet for a while before adding, "it was nice though."

"Such charmer you two, and two dorks," he chuckled, making her grumble a bit for successfully making her embarrassed, "You know," he grunted back, "I've known he liked you since the start." She looked at him, he smiled, "That time when we arrested you both back at the TVA, I interrogated him on what was your nexus event. And I sort of lied that you were pruned, and I've never seen him devastated for you."

This is new, Sylvie thought. Loki hasn't told her about this, "I didn't know."

Mobius smiled at her, "He cares a lot about you," he placed his elbows on his lap, still looking at her with content, what he said to her sends a Deja Vu, "And because he knows what you felt that day, he didn't blame you at all. Heck, you should've seen him defending you so fiercely when they took you in. He threatened to burn the sanctum. You don't know how much you meant to him."

Sylvie knew that he talked them out of her sentence, and to hear that his best friend was proud to recall that time was another matter entirely, "If only they didn't lock my magic, you'd be able to show me."

"Ah, well, I'll leave that to your imaginations," he winked, "All you need to know is that you can trust him. Sure, he did lie a bit to you. But he didn't do it intentionally, and he'll do everything he can to save you. Even if it means hurting him."

She pursed her lips, remembering the time she nearly killed Kang, only for Loki to appear in front of her without a weapon and her sword right at his neck. He truly couldn't kill her that day, "Loki told me that you helped him defend me too."

He shrugged, "Nah, I just said a few words, kinda like signing a petition. He said more stuff, I just add the icing."

"Thank you, though," Sylvie sincerely said, "He wouldn't be able to get all the support he had if it weren't for you."

"I'm doing it for a friend. Both of my friends," Mobius smiled contently. They both nodded, Sylvie liked the idea of being his friend, it feels less lonely now, "How are you coming along here? You good?"

She nodded, "Mmhmm, they gave me a quite comfy place for a prison. And Loki gave me books to read, so, it's something. I feel less trapped but would prefer the little freedom, if possible, soon. I'm not used to being confined."

"Yea, I can see that. You slipped past our nose frequently," he commented, making her feel proud, "But be a little more patient, we're doing all we can to locate Kang. Once it's over, and you're clear, you'll be free in no time."

"Any leads on him?" she asked.

He shook his head, "All his variants are as clueless as us, sadly. The more we interrogate one, the more they gave us confusing stories," he rubbed his head, "it seems that our only hope is Ant-man."

Sylvie quirked her brow up, "Ant-man?"

"Oh, one of the Avengers, Scott Lang," he said, "He is familiar with another thing called the quantum realm, maybe by going there, it'll tell us something."

"Hope so," she murmured.

"We'll fix everything, don't you worry, Sylvie. We're close, I can feel it," he exerts his optimism to her, and she can feel it radiating to her, "And if we're lucky, maybe the Avengers might bust you out because they need your help."

Hmm, helping the Avengers. Doesn't sound so bad, she thought, "I think I like that idea."

"I'll pitch it to Loki, maybe he can persuade his brother to talk to the magicians here," Mobius blinked, "Then you'll be out of here even quicker than we imagine. Just like how I did when he was first in the TVA."

"Are you going to wait until he returns?"

"Nah, I was just dropping by here to see if he's not buried in books again. He has a bad habit of trying to prove himself right, and when he's determined about it, he'd get so excited he forgets everything. And then, he gets cranky the next morning because he lacked sleep. It's annoying to put up with him on that."

"Yes, that's very him," she giggled.

"The way he demonstrates things are terrible, he still owes me a salad," he stuffed his hands in his pockets, "Anyways, that's part of his bad habit that I want him to break. Glad his brother is here to stop that, and I can take a detour to see you."

She smiled, "Thanks for stopping by."

"Anytime," her friend smiled, giving her a pat on her shoulder, "I'm glad you are doing okay. Otherwise, I might actually be convinced to join his parade to burn this place," he smirked mischievously, making her laugh.

Just then, someone else came out of the mist entrance. Revealing to be a sorcerer that she often sees keeping guard of her, "Visiting hour is over."

Mobius grumbled, "Oh come on, even Loki doesn't have those stuff."

"External parties are not allowed," he said sternly.

He sighed, "God, I'm beginning to feel like Loki is right about this place," he stood up and looked at her, "Tell him I said hi?"

She nodded, "Of course."

He nodded and gave her a salute, "I'll see you soon." He turned and walked to the entrance, following the sorcerer guard, and left her alone again.

Sylvie plopped down her sofa and sighed, the goddess looked up the ceiling and recalled the conversations they had.

Aside from Loki, she didn't really have friends. Not even having the chance to have a meaningful talk with anyone, and she quite liked it. Now she really can't wait to get out of this place so that she can be with him and Mobius.

And talk freely with Loki. There's so much she wanted to ask about the time he defended her. He didn't go into detail about it, she hopes that he didn't make a hidden deal behind her back again.

But what if she can contribute to the Avengers? Maybe that can help too. But she's not sure she's ready to team up with a bunch of strangers who wants to see her dead. How does Loki do that with the Avengers?

She sighed, now she wants to see Loki soon. She finds that she misses his presence very much, and a terrible metaphor to hear from him doesn't sound so bad.

I'm not certain about this part. I didn't want to do another conversation with Loki and Sylvie first here because I want the others to feel comfortable around our love birds. Thor's conversations with Loki were a little difficult to come up with because here he is trying to understand the brother he once knew and not as well.

And the talk between her and Mobius is very much needed so that Loki and she can escalate their relationship and come to an understanding.

Let me know what you think! How was it? Leave some comments below!

Claire