Loki always knows when Thor is approaching.
There is a difference of course to the prelude, foul or fair. Were it foul, tis very much like a storm brewing. The once clear sky darkens, clouds gather, and the first strike of lightning heralds his entry. In contrast, were it fair, the sky would brighten, clouds are swept away, and the air static with electricity.
A flash of light and the distant rumble of thunder set the mood for Thor's reception. Tis fortunate then, Loki has not been stirring any plots of late. Well, not against Thor at least. He has much bigger plans to embroil. Rarely, does he feel any trepidation towards his brother's visit. However, he is not so foolish as to let his guard down either.
The doors to his study burst open. The mighty Thor stomps his way in. Loki remains seated at his desk, pretending to be nonplus about his brother's entry and continues scanning the several tomes of books lay out. It does not mean Loki did not dart his eyes upwards to take account of Thor. His brother has chosen to retain his leather vest but sans cape and Mjolnir; must have been out riding no doubt. Although, his linens are torn in a few places and his leathers are scuffed. Ah, a fight as well. What is peculiar though, is the expression on Thor's countenance: tis a cross between frustration and resignation.
Knowing where his brother was supposed to be and seeing him here, this may prove entertaining. Loki has detected no malice towards his own person, so he remains distant from his brother's approach. Best not play too interested has always been his mantra.
Thor always did find ways to get his attention though. Unhappy from being ignored, his brother plops down heavily on the wooden chair opposite of Loki and lifts his log-size legs onto the desk; dirty boots with mud and all, atop his precious books. He glares at his brother whilst Thor only raises a brow in return.
Loki prepares himself for most likely be another of Thor's rants. These meetings tend to be almost always one-sided. If Loki is to be heard, he would need to consult his own mother. He did not mind though, it only means he can steer his brother however which way he wants with Thor oftentimes none the wiser.
"Aye, brother?"
Thor brightens upon hearing that, just like Loki thought he would.
"How goes your task?"
Avoiding the issue, a sure indication of a guilty conscious if he ever saw one. Loki relents for now. He makes a point to push Thor's muddy boots off the books.
"These tomes are older than you Thor, have care."
Having gotten his way, his brother lowers his feet and slouches low on the chair with his thighs wide spread; a vulgar display of Alpha body language if he ever saw one. Loki pretends it did not annoy him out of habit. He carefully closes the books and sends them back to the library with a wave of his fingers unveiling a large leather map beneath. There are marks and notes all over the hide. He then gestures to the map.
"Considering I have been working on it for nigh a century, most would say tis a hopeless endeavor."
The brothers sat in comfortable silence for a moment contemplating the issues, until Thor chances a hopeful look at Loki.
"Have you considered granting father a reprieve in return for his assistance?"
This time, Loki drops the facade and releases his annoyance full force. Like always, the subject brings back the raw memories even after so many years.
"Odin has withheld my true nature and inheritance for nigh a millennium. I will not grant him the satisfaction of knowingly becoming his pawn: just another relic in the weapons vault. I do this my way or not at all."
He is up and pacing about. It never fails to put him in high dudgeon whenever Odin is mention.
"Loki, you have forgiven mother and I for our transgressions have you not? You are a Prince of Asgard still. Why must you remain stubborn regarding father?"
It would seem Thor has resume to champion Odin's cause even now. It still hurts Loki knowing that if Odin asks Thor to jump, his brother will only ask how high.
"I call you brother, do I not? Wherein mother loves me unconditionally, Odin gives niceties to falsehood. Must you remain his champion, even here? Tis my sanctuary you have invaded."
He could not hold back the bitterness even if he tried; tis an old shirt Loki wore well. He stops his pacing and faces his brother waiting for a response.
"I do not wish to fight you and I would not even if father demands it. Unless, of course, you commit something atrocious or try to begin Ragnorok, then I have no choice in the matter."
Oh, that again! He knows Thor spoke in jest however Loki is tired of hearing it. He is the master of his own history making from now on.
"There is no Balder the Brave in the Book of Records, Thor. Hel has confirmed it. Must you always paint me the villain?"
Thor now raises both hands to placate him, his posture in supplicant. Grudgingly, Loki is sooth by the deference, just a little even though he remains annoyed still.
"Calm down brother. My purpose is not to offend or to champion. I came for your counsel."
Alas, the truth! Loki moves back to his chair. He has a feeling this might get lengthy judging by how long Thor has put off his true intentions. He leans forward on the desk, props an arm up and braces his chin on his fist.
"I thought as much. What have you done now, Thor?"
Tis rare indeed when the mighty Thor actually looks and feels apologetic.
"I think I may have offended my Betroth. At least that is what mother tells me."
Ah, yes! Loki has place bets with Lady Sif and the Warriors Three for how long it would take Thor to seek counsel. Despite the Lady Sif insisting that the mighty Thor does not fail at any task, she readily set her markers with the others. Suffice it to say, Loki won. He set to scribe the meeting as proof. Discretely, of course.
"Indeed? Less than a day? This I must hear!"
Thor sends him a look as if he might regret it, he probably would.
"I know not where to start."
Stalling for time once more, it must have been a great offense to warrant such tactics. Loki tries to rein in his mischievous smirk and fails.
"Try the beginning, Thor."
Knowing the battle is lost his brother releases a sigh and began his tale.
"Aye. I did not know what to expect upon meeting him, but Anthony is… tiny."
Loki could not help it, but giggle he did. Oh, that is a very good inkling to where this is going. Thor only shakes his head in warning to cease commentary until he is finish. Loki cannot promise more than a half shrug.
"Aye, tiny. The top of his head reaches my chest—"
"Good for embracing."
Thor gives him the look for cutting him off, but Loki's wide-eye demeanor could not fool anyone.
"His body is muscular, but compact—"
"A fit and healthy body type I hear that is very popular in Midgard."
His brother pauses again but gives up and resumes when Loki continues to serve him the same doe eyes.
"His features: a chisel jaw, eyes are deep set brown as is his hair, define cheekbones, a straight nose, soft complexion and full lips—"
"Ah, masculine yet sultry; an ideal combination for an Omega is it not?"
"Aye, but he seem so delicate, I fear of breaking him—"
Loki cannot play around this. It is such a strange issue to complain about.
"You are aware that the Ambassador states your Betroth not only is he a renowned warrior of his generation but also an unmatched scholar since their Renaissance? You could not break him easily."
"I do not see how?"
Loki raises a brow at that one and points to himself as an example.
"Aye, you have demonstrated your mettle one too many times throughout the centuries for anyone to discredit your prowess. Tis your use of magic in combination that many finds foul."
That again.
"You too, I remember. However, there was the time in Nornheim—"
"Where I have fought my way through a hundred warriors and pulled us out alive—"
Aye. Loki can see how annoying it is to be interjected.
"As I recall, I was the one who veiled us in smoke to ease our escape."
"Some do battle, others just do tricks."
Loki's eyes narrows and retorts instead, "Next time I would not be so magnanimous and escape myself. Would you last before I send for help I wonder?"
Thor immediately realizes his mistake and placates once more.
"Probably, but have peace, brother. I mean no slight."
In the past, Loki may have kept close account to all the wrongs Thor has dealt him, but he finds it easier to feed his rage and let it stew instead.
"Tis forgotten. You are hedging again."
With a nod, Thor begins again.
"Aye. The feast was in full bloom when…."
Tis nearly an hour later when Thor completes his account. By the end of it he had Loki in stitches. It is a long while before he was able to control his laughter.
"Oh, brother! Are you so clueless as to commit one offense after another?"
Thor has never taken to be ridiculed by others as easily as he would have being the instigator. This, Loki knows. However he feels vindicated by this rare incident all the same. Although judging by his brother's growing lack of patience, Loki decides to enlighten him quickly.
"Midgardians consider themselves to be refine individuals with their complicated rules of engagement. Your Asgardian habits must have alarm him I am sure. However that can be overlooked. Your greatest offense is dismissing his fear of horses and breeching tradition by riding with you on Sleipnir."
He gave Thor a moment to take it in, however typical of the oaf, his reply says it all.
"I do not see how that is?"
This is important. Although Loki cannot say that he is a champion for all Omegas, or for this instant, Thor's Betroth, however he can say this is a chance to teach his brother a lesson in propriety.
"Did he submit to you? Given you any indication to approach him intimately? To allow your scent to mark him?"
His brother remains quiet, mulling over the day's event. Suddenly he vacates his chair and runs a hand through his hair. Frustration clearly written all over his feature when he raises a hand to gesture widely as it is his turn to pace.
"That is the crux, brother. I cannot tell. He has behaved strangely cordial throughout. His appetite dainty; his presence fleeting; his comments, while humorous are non-personal; his body language distant and his scent absent."
Hmm. Tis a problem indeed. Loki has some inkling on how to resolve this, but he needs more detail.
"What was his reaction to you, with your close proximity on Sleipnir?"
Thor pause his steps and turn to face Loki. His face pinched in remembrance.
"His back was stiff the entire time, did not relax against me at all. He was completely silent as well."
Loki shakes his head upon coming to a conclusion, but he wants Thor to remember this so he tells him to recount further.
"And what was Prince Anthony's reaction to the Alpha troll who forced him on its lap? His scent must have been overwhelming, aye?"
It finally dawns on Thor when he gasps at his discovery. Tis about time, Loki thought.
"What must I do to rectify this mistake?"
Tis times like this that Loki feels truly superior to Thor. This kind of advice he would give freely since the chances of it coming back to bite him is slim to none. Thor's Betroth can thank him later.
"First apologize, mayhap even grovel a bit. Also you may do well by Tanna, perhaps you will find her to be a strong ally in wooing your Betroth. Then introduce him to your pack. It may provide Prince Anthony some comfort to know them, although a little goes a long way. And be sure to keep Fandral a sword's throw away."
For the first time since the Thunderer arrived, a smile of genuine relief graces his face. His brother moved to embrace him and Loki allows it.
"I thank you, Loki. You should vacate this tower and come down and meet him. I think the two of you would make great friends. I will send for Lady Sif and the Warriors Three. We could have our grand adventures again."
Before Thor could finish his invite, Loki is already shaking his head in negation.
"I no longer belong to your pack, brother; although it would be remiss of me to snub the introduction of the future Royal Consort of Asgard. Very well, in a fortnight I shall do so. That should give you enough time to secure your Betroth prior to introducing another unattached Alpha to the scene once more."
Satisfied with his response, Thor gives his approval and Loki could not help but feel valued. Old habits were hard to kill apparently.
"And I hold you to it."
