Loki stood before them, mortified. "What?" He repeated, his gaze shifting between Thor and Odin. Thor stared back at Loki, eye's wide; Odin's face emotionless.

"What did you say?!" Loki yelled, anger and desperation and disbelief evident on his face. Odin stood silent, and when Thor opened his mouth the reply, Loki's building rage exploded.

"No! No, I think I heard correctly! Who ever said I consented to this!?" He bellowed in rage. "Was I even going to be asked!?"

"Loki, calm yourself!" Thor exclaimed, putting a hand up in defense, "We shall talk this out!"

"NO! I will not discuss anything, for it seems it has been decided for me!" Loki turned his rage next onto Odin, "And You!" Loki took a step toward Odin, "I am not some relic from the vault for you to parade around and use at your will!" Loki screamed in his rage, before shoving past them and taking off back into the palace.

Odin and Thor stood in shock, and soon Thor became enraged as well. "Father?! I did not wish for this!" Thor looked at Odin, confused. "Why would you do this, Father?"

Odin stood for a long moment, gazing at his eldest son blankly. "What you came to me with last night….This is what is best for Asgard! Joining the kingdoms was Loki's original purpose! Thor, if you are to be king, you must think of the kingdom and your people before all."

Thor sighed, gazing angrily down at the floor. Odin continued, "And Loki at your side is what you wished, was it not, my son? Take this opportunity open armed. Do not refuse it!"

"But Father, it may be what I wish, but what of Loki? He will not look kindly on his true race being flaunted! It bothers him as it is! Father-"

"Enough!" Odin's thundering voice echoed loudly, and Thor fell silent. "This is my final decision as your king. This will happen, even if you don't want it! It will take place tomorrow! It is my order as your king!"

Thor was outraged at Odin's disregard for Loki's feelings, but said nothing. After a moment of consideration, Thor spoke, "And what if I cannot convince Loki to do this by tomorrow?" Thor had a clue of what is father's answer would be, but was reluctant to hear it.

"Take it this way, Thor; if Loki does not agree to this, then I will imprison him again. The only reason he was released now was because of your account of the events on the dark world."

Thor opened his mouth to object, but Odin shushed him. "This is the end of the conversation!"

Thor was infuriated, "But Mother would-" Odin cut him off, hollering, "But your mother is not here!"

They both stared at each other, Thor's face a twist of rage and grief, Odin's as blank as it always was, although Thor thought he caught a flash of grief in his father's old eyes, but if had been there, it had disappeared just as quickly.

Thor was appalled by his father, as he often was recently, but made no more attempt to argue. He shook his head, and whispered, "Yes, Father," before he turned to leave.

Now the only thing he cared about was keeping his brother from prison.

He took off down hallway after his brother.

Loki walked aimlessly through the streets of Asgard. He wasn't exactly sure where he was headed, but the last place he wanted to be was back at the palace. The air was warm, a nice breeze blowing through the large streets.

It was just the kind of weather he enjoyed. He hoped that his brother would not come looking for him, but knew that inevitably he would. His brother could be as stubborn and persistent as a dog.

He stumbled when a weight ran into his legs. He looked angrily to see what had hit him, but his gaze softened when he gazed upon a small boy, no older than seven gazing back at him with large eyes.

Loki knew the boy recognized him.

"I'm sorry, sir!" The boy squawked, "It was an accident."

Loki stood watching the boy for a moment, before smiling and squatting down to child's height. "It is of no issue," Loki stated, before uttering a few words and conjuring a large green flower with petals that looked as if they'd burst into flames. Loki outstretched his arm, offering his creation to the small boy.

The child took it hesitantly, a small smile gracing his young face.

"I am Loki."

"I know," The boy stated, smelling the flower, and inspecting the thing trying to figure out how the sorcerer had created it. "And what is your name, child?"

"Dolei." The boy offered hesitantly, before he heard his name called from across the way. Loki smiled and offered a wave as the small child ran off to his mother, showing her the flower he thought was amazing. Loki stood slowly, heaving a sigh as he watched the child go.

When a hand landed on his shoulder, he started, standing hastily, and turning to face its owner.

Thor stood before him, gazing at him warmly, offering him a sincere smile. "That was nice of you, you know."

Loki snorted, turning away and continuing his walk. Thor walked beside him, unabashed by Loki's disinterest. "You made that boy very happy."

"Whatever."

Thor laughed quietly, keeping in step with Loki. After a few moments of silence, Thor sighed. "Please, brother, let us talk about this." He was met with continual silence. Thor hoped that Loki's rage had not ripped apart the fragile relationship between them that Thor had recently created. But then Loki spoke, almost in a whisper, "Why do you wish to talk about it, Thor?"

"Because, Loki, it is important! Father has given me an ultimatum about this."

Loki huffed, shaking his head and looking at Thor with evident disgust, "And what is that dear brother? It is so very much like Odin to threaten me into doing what he wishes." Thor was hurt by the comment but did not respond.

"He has said that if you do not participate in this, he will reinstate your permanent prison sentence."

Loki stopped his movements, staring straight ahead with a blank look that Thor could not read. He simply stood where he had stopped, staring off to some unknown point that Thor could not place.

Worry sparked inside of him, but then Loki responded. "So I have no choice then?" Loki turned to face Thor, a mixture of different emotions playing on his face, "It is either be imprisoned by your side and used as a living treaty, or be imprisoned in a cell for all eternity?" His voice was quiet and emotionless, and soon his face followed suit. He took a deep breath and awaited Thor's answer.

"That is correct…I am sorry brother, I would not…do not want it this way."

Loki was silent for a long time, and Thor's heart hurt to see his brother like this. Thor feared that whatever miniscule amount of love Loki had held for him had been squashed. When Loki still did not respond, Thor spoke instead. "Listen Loki, if it means anything to you brother, I do not look upon you as a treaty, but as my brother, a blessing…my love."

Loki glanced back toward Thor, and Thor took this as a sign to continue. "I know this is not how you wanted Loki, but, perhaps we can enjoy the bright side of this situation? I can love you as I've always wished too, and I would not have to hide it….And you could rule…."

Loki's gaze shifted multiple times and Thor knew this look. Loki was contemplating his next move. He was probably thinking of the actions that would benefit him the most. Thor was angry. He was beyond angry. He was furious! His relationship with Loki was fragile as it was. They were barely on the same side. He hoped that Loki's view of him and feelings had not changed.

"Loki," Thor urged, "If you do not wish to be imprisoned you must. Is it that you do not wish it to be me beside you?"

"No!" Loki was surprised by his own outburst, and quieted himself. "That is not it brother, I…" Loki sighed loudly, defeated. If he complied it would benefit him more than refusal. "I do not wish to be paraded around! I will be publicly humiliated."

"It humiliates you to be seen with me? Brother, we will be in this together. As we always have! I will be right beside you, and all of Asgard and even Jotunheim will know of our greatness! All will love and respect and obey you. I will no longer have to hide my love for you…" Thor paused, before adding, "And all of Asgard will recognize you as my equal."

Loki stopped to consider this for a moment, before he replied. "Fine."

"What?" Thor wasn't sure if he had heard correctly. Had Loki given up? His brother did not usually give in this easily. Thor felt bad, but he could not deny the joy and elation he felt in his heart. "Loki, this will not be as bad as you envision." Thor took a step toward Loki, but stopped when his brother shot him a warning glare. He put his hands up in defense, a hopeful smile playing on his face,

"Alright, well why do we not head back to my bedroom at the palace. There are preparations to be made, and things we could…discuss."

Loki raised an eyebrow, and for a moment Thor thought he might start raging again. But then he smirked playfully, "Fine. I'll meet you there." And in a swift circular movement, Loki's body vanished in a twinkling of green, and Thor was left standing in the street by himself.

Thor laughed at his brother's tricks, and turned running towards the palace.