Special thanks goes to Cassy27 for her continuous support and help! I wouldn't have been able to get this finished without her!

Chapter Two || I'll Show You Everything

Loki was crouched down against the wall.

For some odd reason, that was the first thing that Thor registered when he walked into the living room, his backpack resting over one shoulder. He had come home after his exam, wanting nothing more than to hang out with Loki until Farbauti came home with Agatha. His exams were over and he was free from the trials of school – at least until he went to college. But walking into the living room and seeing Loki crouched down against that wall … well, that wasn't something that Thor had expected to see.

The second thing that Thor noticed was the black and blue bruise that was on Loki's chin. Why he hadn't noticed that before was beyond him, a thought that he would probably think hard about for days to come, but it was enough to alert Thor of something amiss. It was as though he was suddenly seeing every little aspect about the scene in front of him. Loki crouched down against the wall. The bruise dark, painted on his face by what looked like a thumb. And if that was the case then Thor knew he'd see some more on the other side of Loki's chin. He had only been gone for a handful of hours, but bruises that dark and in such a short span of time … He took in the way Loki was trembling, how his knees were pressed tightly to his chest, the way his shoulders curled on himself, as though he could shrink in size and become invisible.

But what startled Thor the most about the scene was the expression on Loki's face. He had seen it before, but seeing it from inside as opposed to outside like before … well. Thor felt as though the floor had been dropped from under him. The expression was petrified. It was as though someone had taken a picture of Loki and expanded it, making it large enough to cover him, because he was so still and was just staring towards the other doorway, the one that led in the direction of the bedrooms. He was just staring, eyes wide, face devoid of colour, just waiting. The only reason why Thor knew it wasn't a picture – besides the obvious reasons – was because of the shaking. What was also terrifying was the fact that Loki hadn't even realised that he was standing in the living room with him, like he was so horrified that all he could focus on was what put him in that state.

All at once, Thor felt the anger sweep over him. He had remembered what it had felt like to stand on the outside, watching helplessly as Loki was brought this low. He had remembered wanting nothing more than to run in there and protect Loki, and he sure as hell felt that now.

Dropping his backpack on the floor – Loki didn't even hear that – Thor took a few cautious steps towards him, not wanting to cause him any more fear. "Loki?"

He didn't know what to expect – the silence in the room was eerie – but he felt a rush of relief crashing into him when Loki snapped his head in his direction. The fear in his eyes dissipated slightly, giving way to the same relief that Thor was feeling. Thor started moving towards him and Loki immediately scrambled to his feet, all but throwing himself at Thor, arms wrapping around him so tightly, he could hardly breathe. But that was all right. Thor would gladly take a few moments of that than stare another second at the scared expression that was Loki's face just then.

"You're okay," Thor found himself saying, his arms wounding around Loki's body just as tightly. While Loki was doing it solely for the protection, Thor was doing it for comfort, hoping that his steady grip would calm him, soothe the pounding of his heart, which Thor could feel so clearly. Turning his head towards Loki, he pressed his lips against Loki's throat, his warm breath ghosting over pale flesh and a pounding pulse, hoping desperately that that would let him know that he wasn't alone, that he was going to be fine. "Just relax. Everything is going to be okay."

"I don't – he just came in and – and I didn't – I couldn't –" Loki stammered, his grip wavering from tight to loose, the pattern then repeating. He remained flush against Thor's body, but he pulled his head back enough to where Thor saw how wide his emerald green eyes were, how panicked and ashamed they were, as though he was upset with himself for not being able to stop what happened, but not sure how to express that feeling just yet.

It caused another dose of fury to spread throughout him, his grip on Loki tightening even more, because who in the fuck did that bastard think he was?

"I'm here now. I promise you this won't happen again," Thor had no idea where any of this was coming from, but he believed every word that he spoke. He loved Loki. He loved him and there was no way he was going to sit idly by while Loki was broken and beat down. "Where is he?"

Loki's eyes widened when Thor pulled away, his arms suddenly scrambling to grasp a hold of Thor again. Thor would have gladly embraced and held him were they alone, but that certainly wasn't the case now. Shaking his head, Thor gently took Loki's hands and put them to his sides, holding him there. Despite how terrified he was, he needed Loki to listen and hear what he was saying.

"Stay here. I'll be right back."

"No, Thor!" Loki gasped and jerked out of Thor's grip, only to grab his hand in both of his, as though he could hold him back. There was no way. Thor was too angry and he would get that fucker out of their house. "Please, don't!"

"He's not staying here a second longer!" Thor found himself exclaiming. Perhaps using such a strong voice wasn't the best move – Loki flinched at the volume and hunched his shoulders more – but Thor couldn't help himself. He was torn between staying with Loki and getting that fucker out, but he realised that, in order to protect Loki, the house needed to be evacuated from –

"I'm not?"

Thor watched as Loki's face drained of colour all over again. Thor was sure that, if he wasn't holding onto Loki, Loki would have backed into the wall once more and crouched down, curling in on himself. He probably would have, but Thor didn't let him go. He wouldn't. Turning towards that voice, Thor braced himself, allowing his anger to re-surface as he glowered at Laufey.

The fucker had the nerve to look smug, as though punching and grabbing his son was something to be proud of. God, Thor was absolutely livid.

He took a moment to size Laufey up, taking in jet black hair that was the same as Loki's and piercing blue eyes that reminded him immensely of Odin's. He noticed other details that had been overlooked the last time he saw the man – high cheek-bones, a strong nose, a pointy chin that fit his face. Laufey's cheeks were pink, too, and, the longer he stood in the room with them, the more Thor could smell faint traces of alcohol clinging to his skin and clothes. From what Loki had previous said, as well as Sif, Thor wouldn't have been surprised if Laufey was drunk.

"Get out," Thor found himself saying when he felt Loki's fingers instinctively tighten around his hand, snapping him out of his deep assessment of the man before him. When Laufey didn't move – not one fucking muscle, as though he wasn't the least bit intimidated – Thor found his voice rising, as well as his temper. "You have no right being in this house. Get out now or I'm calling the police."

Loki tensed.

"Who are you exactly?" Laufey asked, cocking his head to the side. Thor clenched his jaw tightly. Those piercing blue eyes were sharp and calculative, taking him in much in the same way as he had earlier. There was amusement in those eyes, as well, a sick humour in the way he was staring down at him, as though waiting to see what he would do next.

It doesn't matter who I am," Thor chose to say, straightening his shoulders, trying to make himself seem taller. Laufey was peering down at him as though he wasn't to be taken seriously, and Thor didn't like it one bit – or the damn height difference. "All you need to know is the way to the door."

"Why? This is my house, too. I help pay for it."

"You aren't welcome here."

"And who are you to say that to me?" Laufey demanded, obviously fed up with the way the conversation was going. Thor couldn't blame him – he was getting annoyed with it, too. "What the hell is he even doing in here, boy, huh?"

The question was directed at Loki, but Thor could feel how he flinched back, as though Laufey had struck him. It was just another tally to his ever-growing hatred of Laufey, because how the hell could anyone do such a thing? Loki was strong and confident and he did everything that he could to take care of his family, and Laufey was hurting him, breaking him, making him shrink back in fear, as though he wasn't valued or important in the slightest, when in truth, Loki was so important, so cherished and wanted and needed and loved.

"I … he's my – my boyfriend …" Loki stuttered out, his hands gripping Thor's so tightly, he could feel the bones straining and shifting slightly. He didn't stop Loki, though.

Thor honestly didn't know what to expect from Laufey, had no idea what he would do or say or re-act. Laughing, though … laughing was something that he hadn't expected. Of course, the laughter wasn't one of amusement. It sounded hollow, almost devoid of emotion. Against his control, Thor felt a shiver racing right through him, because that was the sound of someone who was unpredictable, of someone who had nothing to lose and didn't give a damn. The sound had Thor pushing Loki back some, putting just a little bit more distance in between him and Laufey, because if there was one thing that Thor was sure of, it was that Laufey would not be putting another finger on Loki – not if he could help it.

"That should surprise me. My son is a fucking queer," Laufey snorted and moved to the end-table. It was then that Thor realised that there was a beer bottle sitting on the faded wood. He watched with tension in his limbs as Laufey lifted it to his lips and drunk the entire thing. "What did it, boy? Was it cleaning my house, taking me to court for DUI's that did it, that made you suck dick and get fucked in the ass? Was it woman's work that turned you? Or is your mother selling you to whoever'll take you to pay for what I refuse?"

His words shocked Thor to the point where he couldn't even speak. He felt his anger intensify, could feel it coursing through his veins, causing his heart to pound almost painfully against his rib-cage, but for the life of him, he couldn't get over the shock of Laufey's words, couldn't get over how easily they slipped through the man's lips, as though he didn't care of the effect that they may have over Loki. Of course, that thought was naïve and stupid of Thor for even taking into consideration, but still …

"Go," Loki finally said after almost a full minute of absolute silence – silence that was filled with nothing but thick, stiff energy, Laufey and Loki staring at each other, completely ignoring the fact that Thor was standing right in the middle of them. "Please, just … just go, leave."

Shaking his head, Laufey chuckled before putting the beer bottle back down on the end-table. "I'll go," He said, amusement clear in his gaze. "You're nothing but a pussy, boy. It's fucking disgusting."

"Get out!" Thor shouted. He couldn't contain it any longer. Snapping out of his shocked state, Thor wrenched his hand from Loki's grip and took a few threatening steps forward, only stopping when Loki grabbed his arm, jerking him to a halt.

Past the anger and the overwhelming need to shield Loki from his asshole of a father, what was almost kind of terrifying was how little Laufey seemed to regard either one of them, as though he wasn't in the least bit intimidated. He didn't seem to care, didn't seem to worry about what they would do after he left, like he already knew that he had control over the situation, that he had Loki so fucking scared that he wouldn't call the police or get help from his uncles. And as Thor watched Laufey walk out of the house and out of sight, he knew that Loki wouldn't, either. Because he was too fucking scared to call the police or tell anyone, even though Thor knew Farbauti knew.

The situation was so fucked up and tangled and twisted, Thor had no idea how to proceed.

Loki sagged behind him, and Thor turned around, his arms rising to wrap around Loki, but he stopped himself, unsure if that was even wanted at the moment. He stared in concern, sparkling blue eyes watching, assessing, and searching for any other marks, places that Laufey tainted with his touch.

"Loki?" He brushed the backs of his fingers against his bruised chin and, though his touch was gentle, Loki still flinched at the sensitivity – that or he simply didn't want to be touched.

"I'm okay," Loki said voice soft.

Pressing his lips together, Thor steered Loki over to the nearest chair and deposited him there before crouching down on his knees beside it. He didn't know what to do, so he just sat there, holding Loki's hand, watching as colour slowly returned to his cheeks.

Loki had been still and silent for almost ten minutes before he yanked his hand free of Thor's and reached for the empty beer bottle that was on the end-table, throwing it against the opposite wall, shards of broken glass falling over the floor. Thor didn't even flinch, didn't move when Loki leaned forward and ran his hands roughly through his hair, blinking harshly at the tears that threatened to fall from eyes.

"I hate him," He said, voice quivering just slightly – so slightly that Thor barely detected it. "I hate him."

"I know."

Thor sank down until he was sitting in front of the chair Loki was in, his back pressed against the front beside his legs. He squeezed Loki's ankle before leaning his head back. He sighed heavily, because he did know. Laufey and Odin were two different people with two different methods of controlling and manipulating and hurting their children. While Odin used clever words and hid behind the failure that was his dying company, Laufey used his fists and threats.

Thor knew of the hate that Loki was feeling, because it was the same hate that he felt whenever he thought of his own father, of the way that he was treated and ridiculed and goaded into doing things he wanted no part in.

"I know," Thor repeated aloud to himself, his eyes falling closed when he felt Loki's fingers thread through his hair.

Loki saved him, and Thor would do everything in his power to save Loki in return.

-x- -x- -x-

How he got himself into this, he had no idea, but Thor was willing to bet that it was planned in advance. Standing in the doorway, his arms crossed, and a pinched look on his face, he watched as Agatha ran around her perfectly ordered room, snagging things off the shelves, and insisting that they weren't in the right place. As much as he adored the little girl, as much as he loved dropping down on the floor with her, set to play for hours on end, Thor was ready to call it a night. But she just wasn't budging. Shaking his head and finally walking fully into the room, Thor wrapped an arm around her waist as she attempted to run by to yet another shelf and pulled her into the air, the sounds of her squeals piercing his eardrums. She squirmed for just a moment before falling still, giggling and smiling up at him as though he was her everything. And, honestly, that sucker punched Thor right in the gut, because there was something distinctly different about the affections of a lover and that of a little girl who thought the world of him. It simmered the annoyance that had festered inside of him, caused him to gain a bit more control of the situation.

"Agatha, you know it's bed-time," He said, keeping his voice gentle and open, but at the same time, firm. She had to know that just because he adored her precious little face, he wouldn't give into her attempts. Thor only hoped that Agatha would consent, because his head was beginning to pound. "What are you doing?"

"It's not right, though," She said, pulling her bottom lip, a pout framing her face, causing her cheeks to puff out. She truly was going to all the stops to stay up just a little bit longer. Thor snorted softly and started to walk her towards her bed, Agatha whining, her fists balling into the fabric of his shirt. "Thor, it's not right! Mummy didn't do it right!"

"How about this: I will fix it with you telling me where things go, but you have to stay in bed with your head on that pillow. Do we have a deal?" Thor asked, compromising. He bounced Agatha a little, pleased when she smiled and nodded her hand, her arms wrapping around his neck casually, as though she had always done it. And honestly … it felt that way to him, too.

Swallowing back the adoration, the want to stay with her even longer, Thor carried her to her bed and deposited her there, waiting until she was in a comfortable position before pulling the blankets up to her chin.

"Okay, tell me what to do first."

The box of puzzles moved to the adjacent shelf across from the window. The jewellery box full of beaded necklaces, bracelets, and rings moved onto the bedside table. Stuffed animals changed positions and order. Before too long, Thor started to notice even more things that weren't in the right place, and he soon started moving them without Agatha even having to tell him what to do. And he talked. He wasn't even aware of what he was saying half the time, quiet little jokes, vague memories of a childhood that wasn't completely fucked up. Agatha was quiet in bed, her eyes following him, a smile crossing her face whenever he chanced a glance back at her.

She was beautiful, her jet black hair standing stark against the pastel pinks and greens of her sheets and blankets. Her emerald green eyes had become unfocussed throughout Thor's tidying up, her energy seeping from her as she started to drift off.

When Thor finally finished, his headache a constant thrum against his temples, he came to a crouch beside Agatha's bed, a hand coming to rest at the top of her head. "Is that better, ladybug?"

"Yeah," Agatha whispered, as though mirroring her tiredness. "Thor?"

"Yes?"

"Can we have pan-cakes tomorrow?"

Thor smiled and stood up, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "We can have anything you want. Go to sleep now."

"I love you."

That word was becoming more and more familiar to him. After so long of wanting more than anything to know what it felt like to be loved, it had been almost intimidating for Thor to even hear the word, much less say it. And when he had finally said it, it was to Loki. But when Agatha said it for the first time, when she spoke those three powerful words … it had been then that Thor realised that there were different variations of the word. While he already knew that, it was the experience that shocked him, the impact of the feelings shooting through him and warming him to the very core that solidified just how much he cared and cherished his new family.

He loved Loki with all of his heart, wanted to be with him in mind, body, and spirit.

He loved Farbauti and Agatha, wanted to feel – and reciprocate – their compassion and affection.

He loved that he wanted and was willing to do anything for them.

"I love you, too, Agatha."

Silently closing the door, his heart beating steadily, despite the emotions going through him, Thor made his way down the hallway. A tall glass of water sounded heavenly – his bed even more so. Loki was in their bedroom, cramming once more. The very idea of having to drag him away from those books made him almost groan; because that was the last thing he wanted to do at the moment. But not doing it would mean having to hear it in the morning when Loki had a migraine. Pulling out the band that had his blonde hair pulled back, Thor ran his fingers through the tangles, feeling the pressure lighten some.

His mind lost in thoughts of how he'd pull Loki away from his studying, Thor jumped, startled at the sight of Farbauti in the kitchen. Emerald green eyes looked up from her purse at the sound of his footsteps, her thin lips spreading into a warm smile. It appeared as though she had just gotten home.

"Hello, sunshine," Farbauti said, all of her attention focussing on him. His heart – like all of the other times – clenched at the sound of the nickname she had given him, at how nonchalant and casual she spoke it, as she had so many times before. "How are you?"

"I've been better," Thor found himself saying, rubbing the back of his neck as he made his way deeper into the kitchen. The headache seemed to be travelling around his head, his eyes blurring at the constant throb. "How was your day?"

"Normal," She said, eyes narrowing. "What's wrong, Thor?" Coming around the small island, Farbauti closed the distance between them and put a hand over his head, as though checking his temperature. The gesture had Thor smiling, despite the pain. "Sit down. Let me make you some tea. It'll help soothe the headache."

Thor immediately started shaking his head, reaching up to take her hand. Farbauti was too kind, too generous. It was a trait that he envied about her, how large her heart was. "I won't ask that of you. You worked all day and I'm sure you're hungry –"

"You didn't ask and as your mother, I'm telling you to sit down and let me make you tea," Farbauti interrupted the sound of her voice both soft and firm. She kissed his cheek and urged him towards the island's bar-seat and, after a moment of hesitation, Thor relented. "I've hardly seen you this week. How are you doing?"

There were certain things about each of them that he loved individually, certain things that he kept close to him at all times. He loved Agatha's spirit, how she was full of energy and, despite the hard times that her family had had, she always had a smile on her face. It was encouraging and motivating, and Thor loved that about her.

Thor loved Loki's … everything. He loved that he could sit and talk to him about anything and everything. He loved that he could sit and not speak at all, his presence and company enough. He loved the way that Loki had changed him for the better, loved how Loki gave him strength and courage to do things he never thought possible.

With Farbauti … Thor loved her as any son would, because she was the heart of the home. Even when he hardly knew her, she took care of him. Even when he had nothing, she made sure that he had her. And after the unease had left him, Thor had found himself seeking her comfort, found himself wanting to talk to her, hear what she had to say, offer him advice, and listen to his worries. She didn't tell him what to do. She guided him towards his own solution. She cooked for him and protested against his rebuttals. She cleaned his clothes, despite the fact that he was willing to do it himself. She hugged him when she came home and kissed him on the cheek before he went to bed, and even though many teens his age had often complained about wanting their independence, Thor secretly yearned for the days to slow down, for the years to stop passing by so quickly, because he didn't want to leave the warmth that Farbauti emanated.

Before he was even aware of himself, Thor found himself talking, relaying details of his week. He spoke of the many adventures that he shared with Agatha, chasing her around the house – his heart sung when Farbauti gently scolded him for running around in the house – and how he and Loki had driven around to collect college brochures to start perusing through. He told Farbauti about the few dinners he, Loki, and Agatha had with Sif at the diner, the trips to the park, how Loki had refused to get on the swings, because of how the sway of the equipment made him nervous. And all the while, he drunk his tea, slowly feeling the way the tension in his temples eased into a dull pain.

"You've had a busy week," Farbauti smiled when Thor finally finished speaking. "There aren't too many of those days left."

"Yeah … kind of sad about that," Thor said, casting his eyes down to the countertop. He wondered if she knew what he was thinking, about how he hated the thought of leaving after finally getting to know what it was like to have a real family. The thought sounded stupid in his head, his cheeks heating up slightly, as though Farbauti could read his mind.

"A door closes, another will always open. Change is hard, but family always remains," Farbauti said as she came around the small island, Thor's eyes rising to watch her approach. She came to a stop beside him, wrapping her arms around his large shoulders. "Go to bed now," She said, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "We'll talk more tomorrow."

Burying his face in her shoulder, Thor nodded his head and closed his eyes. He didn't want to let go, didn't want to pull away from her. He felt like a child, but he didn't care. Farbauti was warm and glorious and ethereal and he had never felt safer.

But he had to pull away. He was almost out of the kitchen before he stopped, turning back to Farbauti, catching her questioning gaze. "Oh, Agatha said she wanted pan-cakes in the morning."

"Chocolate chip for Loki and Agatha, blueberry for you and me," Farbauti winked.

Thor smiled. "Goodnight, Farbauti."

"Goodnight, my sunshine."

-x- -x- -x-

April was warm. The windows were open, the curtains swaying with the breeze. Thor was splayed out on the couch, his mobile resting on the cushion next to him, playing music that had Loki rolling his eyes after every song. Of course, that was precisely the reason why he wasn't changing it – Loki constantly nudging him with his foot was just too much fun, his subtle hints going nowhere. Brochures were spread out around the couch and on the floor, all in easy reach of Thor and Loki.

"Thor, the sun to my moon, my love, the pain to my ass, turn that fucking shit off or I'm going to break it," Loki said, digging his toe into Thor's thigh. Stretched out with his back pressed against the arm of the chair, Loki looked at Thor over a college pamphlet somewhere in Arkansas.

"Why do you have to be like that?" Thor complained half-heartedly, pressing a button that muted the music. "You're such an ass."

"Fuck yourself and shut the hell up," Loki replied, emerald green eyes flicking over what he was reading. "I'm busy."

Tossing the brochure in his hand to the ground, Thor shifted in his seat and picked Loki's feet up, placing them on his lap. He felt restless and he had a slight feeling as to why that was. "Why would I want to do that myself when I have you to assist me?"

"You've become quite the cocky fuck, haven't you?"

"I wish Farbauti was here to hear this language. She'd kick your ass."

Loki smirked. The pamphlet almost covered his entire face, but Thor could see those beautiful emerald greens, and that was all he needed to see to know that he was smirking. "Yeah, she probably would. I guess it's a good thing she isn't here right now."

Thor smiled for a moment before feeling it slowly seep from his face, lips pulling down into a frown – or a contemplative look of concentration, as though he was thinking really hard, as though he were trying to figure out how to say something without causing quite the stir. And he was. What he had to say … he had no idea how Loki would re-act. A part of him wondered if he should be surprised at how much he valued and cared for Loki's opinion and thoughts, but the more dominant part of him realised that talking to Loki about matters – important or not – were normal, something that was done mostly without even thinking, without even realising. It was just another show of how much trust they had built into each other.

"You're doing that thinking thing that I love so much," Loki said dryly, pulling Thor from his thoughts.

Glancing up, sparkling blue eyes full of uncertainty, Thor cleared his throat before swallowing thickly. "I have something to tell you."

"Obviously," Loki said before glancing up. He must have realised how serious Thor was, must have seen the pinched expression, the tense shoulders, because he soon tossed his own pamphlet to the ground. "What is it?"

"I don't know if I want to go to college."

There. He'd said it.

A plethora of emotions were shooting through him after the words were spoken. Half of him wondered what Loki was thinking. School, college, it was all so important to Loki, because it meant taking care of his family, it meant securing a future. But all of those things … it was exactly what his parents kept telling Thor, and though the circumstances were different, even though their words had been spoken for not his benefit, but their own … it still left a sour taste in his mouth – a past that had done him so much wrong.

The other half of him was … well, the other half of him was relieved and almost giddy that he had finally gotten it out. The life that had been set before him was now questionable, empty and open for whatever Thor had in mind. He could do anything, go anywhere. He didn't have to worry about making good marks, didn't have to worry about paying for loans or hunting down scholarships, writing essays to impress professors and his other peers. He didn't have to do something that he didn't want to do.

He had his life back.

But what did it mean for him now? What would Loki think? He was quiet now, posture still, as though he was trying to process what Thor had just said. The position made Thor nervous, had his heart slamming against his rib-cage, because what if Loki was angry at him? What if he was frustrated and disappointed that Thor was just tossing an assured life away?

He didn't want Loki to think little of him after his revelation. God, he didn't want Loki to hate him.

"What do you want to do?" Loki finally asked his voice full of curiosity.

"I don't know," Thor said, shrugging his shoulders. "And, to be honest, I don't want to know right now."

And that was it. Understanding filled Loki's eyes, the stiffness of his muscles relaxing, his body sinking back into the cushions. "You better cook dinner for me every night then when I come home. I can't have you getting lazy on me."

Relief surged through Thor and, before he knew it, he had Loki wrapped up in his arms. Words couldn't express how elated he felt. He felt foolish for even doubting Loki, for even thinking that he would be disappointed or upset with him. He understood, knew of the damage his parents had put him through, accepted that – at least, for a little while – he wanted nothing more than to live, to not have to worry about responsibilities and expectations. And that was okay. They were okay.

"I love you," Thor found himself saying into Loki's neck. Perhaps he was squeezing him a bit too hard, but Loki wasn't making any protests, was hugging him back just as tightly, so Thor didn't ease his grip. "I love you so much."

Loki chuckled. "I love you, too. Now get off of me and help me decide which college to go to."

Grinning, Thor leaned back and snagged the closest brochure to him. He felt lighter now, as though looking at those brochures wasn't a commitment he'd have to take. And, God, did it feel good.

"Where were you thinking? What State?"

"Here in California," Loki replied, leaning closer to Thor to look at the one in his hand. Definitely the wrong one to look at, since it was all the way in North Carolina. Loki sighed. "I'm not looking forward to those fucking scholarship essays … or the possible loans. Fuck my life."

"It's not all bad," Thor said, pushing him with his shoulder. He couldn't stop smiling, and it grew when Loki glanced over at him, a smile of his own lighting up his face. Loki was truly beautiful.

"Yeah, it definitely has its perks."

Of all the times for the moment to be ruined, it just had to be in that moment, right when Thor was leaning in, and getting ready to press his lips gently against Loki's. He thought about ignoring it, really wanted to, but the shrill of his mobile ringing was too loud, and it would certainly ruin any moment he had hoped to create. Groaning, he pulled away, grabbing the device. After sending Loki an apologetic look – Loki didn't seem too put out, leaning back and grabbing yet another college pamphlet – Thor stood up and moved away from the couch, heading into the kitchen. It was then that he looked at the caller-id, then that he realised who was calling him.

It was his mother.

He didn't answer it. He couldn't even if he wanted to. Thor found himself standing frozen in the kitchen, his mind racing. Though he was still absolutely furious with his parents and what they had done to him, how they had re-acted the last time that they saw each other, he couldn't help but think about why they were calling him. Surely they weren't stupid enough to beg for him to come back home. Honestly, they had to know that that wasn't going to work. Perhaps Odin had gone bankrupt. But that wouldn't explain why his mother would be calling. And then he couldn't help but wonder why he was even entertaining any notion at all as to why they would be calling. It wasn't like it was going to change anything.

The mobile rang again.

For some reason, it sounded urgent to Thor's ears. Or perhaps that was just how the ringing sounded. Of course, he never noticed it in that way before. Shaking his head, Thor cursed himself for thinking so much about it. It didn't matter. Finger hovering over the TALK button, Thor hesitated for a moment, biting down on his bottom lip. Was it worth it …?

Before he could give himself the chance to think any more about it, Thor pressed the button and brought the phone to his ear, his heart pounding, his pulse racing. "Hello?"

"Thank God, Thor! Why didn't you answer the first time?" Frigga demanded her voice high and almost frantic sounding. There were noises in the background, sounds that appeared to be moving quickly. He quickly forgot about them, though, when Frigga's next words reached his ears. "I need you to come to the hospital."

Thor felt his blood run cold. "… Why?"

"Your father had a heart-attack. They don't … Thor, they don't know if he's going to make it."

She spoke some more, giving him details about what happened, walking in on it, things that Thor could barely hear over his franticly beating heart. He found himself sinking down at the island's bar-seat, his head coming to rest on the counter, eyes falling closed. Dread filled him, eyes blurring to the point where he had to squeeze them shut to ensure that nothing fell. And he didn't know why he felt like crying, why he felt like screaming and stomping his feet and throwing things around and breaking anything he could get his hands on. Perhaps it was because he thought he was forever done with them and now he wasn't. Perhaps it was because his father could be dying and the last thing he said to him was words of hate and anger.

Or maybe Thor recognised a trap when he saw one, had experience in the tricks and schemes of his parents, but knowing, ultimately, that there was no way out of this one.

He had no idea when Frigga hanged up, had no idea how long he'd been listening to the dial-tone for. All he knew was Loki's hand suddenly sliding up his back, coming to rest on his shoulder, the touch enough to have Thor taking in a shuddered breath to keep from losing himself completely.

"Thor –?"

"I have to go."

The words came out of him without him even thinking them. What he was feeling … God, he didn't even know. Pressure pressed down on him, the weight suffocating, and Thor suddenly ripped himself away from Loki, pushing him out of the way as he rushed into their room, tears blinding his vision. He had no idea when he started to cry, but he was and he had no idea how to stop them, so he did nothing. It was just another tick to a world that was taking the control from him once more.

Grabbing articles of clothing and a few personal possessions, Thor balled them up and stuffed them in a duffel-bag, uncaring of how wrinkled and ruffled or broken or ruined it would be once he took them out later. He just … God, he had no idea what to fucking do. All he knew was that he had to leave, that he needed to just …

"Thor? Thor! What the hell is going on?" Loki demanded. He followed Thor into the room and came to a stop beside him, latching onto his arm to get him to stop and answer him, but Thor didn't have the time, couldn't stop, had to go –

"My father had a heart-attack," Thor blurted, angrily wiping away the tears before grabbing his backpack. He needed more clothes, needed his toothbrush and … what the fuck were you supposed to take to the hospital? He had to go, he had to fucking go, he should have already left – "I'll be back in a few days. I need to go to the hospital."

Giving up, Thor tossed the backpack to the floor and grabbed the duffel-bag. Swinging it onto his shoulder, Thor put his hand on the back of Loki's neck and pulled him closer, slamming their lips together, savouring, relishing … When he pushed away, he didn't look back at Loki. His head was racing and his mind was moving in so many directions, thoughts swirling and making him feel disoriented. Loki was talking to him in a confused, alarmed tone, but Thor wasn't paying him any mind. He couldn't, because if he did, he would want to stay, but he couldn't stay. Not now, not when his father was in a hospital bed, and why did he care? He didn't know, he didn't know!

"Thor, will you just stop!"

"I'll be back!" Thor threw open the door and started at a jog. He had to run home and get his car, get to the hospital … "I'll be back."

He chanced one glance back, one look at Loki standing in the doorway, at his hair jet black, eyes emerald green, beautiful pale skin …

He couldn't help but wonder why he felt like it was goodbye.

This is the end of this instalment. There will be more.