Chapter 7 - Leave Me:

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After watching Loki, peacefully sleep for a few hours, Thor decided that he would return to his chambers to freshen up. He didn't feel particularly dirty but thought while his brother was peaceful he would take up the opportunity. The shower that he took was short but refreshing as it eased the tightness in his shoulder blades. Once he was dressed he made his way back down to his brothers cell to resume watching over Loki and to make sure he was recovering.

On the way down to the dungeons, all Thor could think about was how he let Loki get into this state. First, by letting him be captured. He had regretted letting that happen at first because it meant everyone was angry with him; the team and his father included. Secondly, by not finding Loki sooner his wounds may have not been as substantial as they were and thirdly, Thor immensely regretted not checking on Loki the first week he was on Asgard. Every time he went to, Sif would tell him to give it another day and although he wanted to get the 'inevitable betrayal' out of the way he listened to her advise. Thor approached his brothers cell and as made his way through the barrier he was caught off guard.

Loki was no longer on the bed, instead he had managed to collapse onto the floor and was currently dragging himself towards the disclosed door that lead to the private bathroom. His face was retorted in pain as he dragged himself by his elbows, making no progress fast.

Thor quickly went to help his floored brother but Loki's head whipped around to glare at him hopelessly.

"Leave me!" Loki spat through gritted teeth before dragging himself further along the floor, still at least a meter away from the door he wanted so desperately to get to. Thor watched for a moment before Loki banged his fist into the floor defeated and ashamed at how his body could be so weak.

"Let me help, brother." Thor said softly as he knelt beside him. Loki shook his head with determination. He had already suffered the humiliation of Thor washing him so he wasn't about to let him lead him into the most private room to relieve himself. Thor didn't listen however as he gently took Loki by the arm, pulling him up to his knees. Loki closed his eyes when a fresh wave of pain shot up through his ribs, causing him to grit his teeth as Thor wrapped Loki's arm around his shoulder, hauling him up to his feet, taking most of Loki's weight. They slowly walked together, Loki tripping occasionally, but never falling, as Thor guided him the extra meter to the bathroom door.

"I've got it from here." Loki's raspy voice spoke as he leant against the door frame for support before pushing the grey door open. Thor gave him a weary look before nodding and letting go of Loki's arm that was around his shoulder. Loki breathed a sigh of relief as his dignity and pride remained in takt as he took slow, deliberate steps towards the toilet. When he heard the door close behind him he knew he was safe now so he quickly grabbed onto the sink to support himself, breathing heavy and kicking himself for being so weak and fatigued.

Thor waited outside the door, understanding his brothers want to relieve himself on his own, he tried not to listen but his worry and the silence got the better of him as he waited for Loki's return.

That was until there was an unceremonious crash that startled Thor causing him to swing open the door to help The god. He took in the sight before him, his brother on the floor again, this time a huge part of the porcelain sink bowl was missing and chips lay around him on the floor. Thor quickly came to the assumption that Loki had took an uncalculated step backwards from the toilet resulting in him crashing to the floor trying to grab onto anything for support. In reality, Loki had stepped away from the toilet just fine, instead becoming extremely lightheaded as black sports attacked his vision. It was on his way down to the floor that he had reached out to at least grab something when he had smashed into the sink arm first.

Thor rushed to his brother, immediately helping him up and back to the bed as black spots still lingered in his vision. It was only when Loki was back in the bed lay down on his side that his vision became normal again as he panted from exhaustion. Thor could only hold a worried look as he watched his brother blink repeatedly while controlling his breathing. Loki was fighting to stay awake as the dark spots returned coving his eyes in a pitch black film.

Thor had rushed to get Loki some water but by the time he had got back Loki had been pulled into unconsciousness.

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Loki awoke slowly, his mind numb as he tried to turn over in the covers. When his movement was blocked he quickly come to realise his was no longer in his cell. Instead he was back in the god awful chains in the hands of the Chitauri and The Other.

No, he thought desperately almost wanting to sob and wail. That can't have all been fake.

Loki desperately pulled on his chains, testing their realness while also trying to break free before slumping down defeatedly with a cry of annoyance.

"Back to reality now." The Other snarled before delivering several excruciating blows and punches to the Gods already broken rand swollen ribs causing Loki to scream out in agony. All the while kept thinking back to his brother and how he wished wholeheartedly that he was here with him now to end this vial torment but he didn't even know what was real anymore. Although he hated to admit it, the time he had with Thor felt undoubtedly real but the pain he was experiencing now was defiantly real as the Other came up to grab a hold of Loki's dry and bruised throat.

"Lets have some fun." The Other laughed, grabbing Loki tighter before the whip, which he hadn't missed, came down on his back sending him into darkness again.

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