Thor and Loki sat opposite each other at the table in the library, Loki gazing at Thor, and Thor gazing at his hands that rested clenched on the table. They sat like this for a long while, neither saying anything, before Loki spoke up.
"You know what will happen if Odin finds out what Fandral knows." Loki waited for
Thor's response, but received none. Loki sighed, looking away from his brother in frustration. "Your reputation will be ruined, as will mine." Again he awaited a response, but received none.
He hated when Thor was like this. He could sit and turn in on himself for hours, until he figured out whatever it was that was in his mind.
"I could leave, we could kill Fandral, beat Fandral to it and confess," Loki began stating every possible course of action he could think of. But after a few moments of this, Thor interrupted him.
"We could just tell him." Thor stated, as if his suggestion was the most natural choice in the whole nine realms. Loki jaw dropped, and then laughed dryly, "You are kidding, right? What do you want to do, Thor? Walk in to the throne room, walk up to Odin and say, 'Hello Father, how's your day going? Oh and by the way, I'm screwing my adopted younger brother!'" Loki's voice was sarcastic and disbelieving, as he rolled his eyes at his older brother's obvious stupidity. But Thor looked back at him, a stern and stubborn look on his face.
"And why not, brother," Thor asked, eyes focusing in on Loki, "What is wrong with that, brother?"
Loki looked at Thor like his brother had grown a third head. "Thor, have you been drinking? You must be completely out of your mind if that even sounds like a remotely good idea. There is plenty wrong with that, of course!"
"But why, brother," Thor began, his voice rising in his zeal, "As you have repeatedly reminded me, we are of no blood relations, and who better to stand at my side when I am king then my brother!"
Loki deadpanned at Thor, amazed at his brother's brazen stupidity. "Thor, it's just, you can't," Thor interrupted Loki before he could finish. "And you are capable of providing me heirs…."
Loki's eyes widened, as he stood from his chair, knocking it backward, his voice rising, "And what makes you think I would even want that! I already told you I am tired of standing in your shadow!" Loki bellowed angrily, hands on the table, his face reddening.
Then Thor spoke up. "But listen, Loki," Thor began, standing, and crossing around the table put a hand on Loki's shoulder, turning his brother to look at him gently, "That is what you do not understand. You would be by my side, not underneath me. That is what I wish, Loki. You," Thor reached a hand up to grab Loki's head, stroking his little brother's jaw line with his thumb, "Beside me on the throne…"
The promise of what Thor had suggested made Loki's mouth water, as he envisioned himself. And Thor continued, "I would not have to hide my love for you, and you are capable, as I mentioned, of providing me the heirs I would need…" Thor leaned in toward Loki, and Loki felt as if he might be melting, "Does that not sound tantalizing to you Loki?"
Loki was silent for a few moments, the promise of such power pricking his ears, opening his mind to the possibility Thor was stating. He simply nodded in compliance, which made Thor smile, and take a step back from him. "Then," Thor began, "That is what we will do."
"But," Loki began, but he cut himself off. He wished for the throne, but he was not sure if the other things Thor was saying were what he really wanted. But Loki could not think of an easier way to rule Asgard than through his naïve older brother. "Ok," Loki agreed, nodding toward Thor, "Alright fine. But what if it goes awry? What then?"
"We leave."
Thor's answer shocked Loki. "Leave? You would leave Asgard, with me?" Thor nodded in agreement. "Yes, I would."
Loki just hoped that Thor's plan went as good as his older brother thought it would. Thor kissed him hastily, before speed walking out of the library. Loki sunk down into his chair, preparing himself for the worst public humiliation of his life.