AN: Hehe, you seem to enjoy tormenting Thor just as much as I do. I promise you'll be getting more of that. Though there will always be some happy moments in between too. It's the stick and carrot game after all.

Enjoy!

XxX

While Loki was down at the bottom of the lake, experimenting, the god of thunder was somewhat anxiously waiting for him to show up again. He first felt that something was wrong when the water began to warm up around him. At first he thought it was nice and that Loki had done it to enjoy his bath some more. But then it got hot and hotter until Thor only wanted to get out. But he hesitated - still waiting for Loki.

When the water started to boil, Thor hissing in pain from the burn, he started calling out Lokis name. He even plunged down to search for him but he could see nothing.

"Loki!", he screamed again, panic clenching his chest even worse then the burns did. "LOKI!"

Then suddenly he saw something dancing on the water. Quickly he swam towards it and with something close to horror he recognized it to be his brother. White, unmoving and being pushed this way and that by the boiling water.

"No... Loki!"

Thor quickly went to grab the body, hissing again as the mere touch of his unnaturally white skin set his hands aflame and dragged him to the shore.

Thor let his eyes wander over his brothers form helplessly. He starting shaking him, calling his name, even slapped him, but all it did was adding a new burn to his hand, that was now raw and red with the skin peeling off it. Thor barely noticed the pain.

He leaned his head against Loki chest and a new wave of panic took him over when he couldn't hear a heart beat. He wasn't breathing either.

"No, no, no! This can't be! Loki!"

Thor didn't understand. How could this be happening? Aesir didn't just drown. Jotun didn't just drown. Loki was too experienced a mage to be fried by his own spell.

But Loki was here and he wasn't moving and Thor had to do something!

Unfortunately, Thor knew shit about healing magic. He did however spend some time in a Midgardian hospital and had Jane Foster explain first aid , trying to convince him that the doctors had not been attacking him.

With that memory still being fresh, Thor clumsily pushed down on Lokis chest, willing his heart to start beating again. It didn't.

He leaned over, pressing his lips to Lokis and blowing air into his mouth. It didn't seem to do anything either.

Thor had no idea how long you were supposed to do that but after some time even he had to concede that his actions weren't helping. So it came that the god of thunder sat on his knees next to his motionless brother and raised his head to the skies in a scream of anguish. Dark clouds were hiding the far to cheerful sun and rain and lighting started to come down on the forest.

And then, after five agonizing minutes, Loki slowly turned blue.

"Loki? Loki!"
"By the Norns, shut up, I heard you the first time."

Thor was promptly on him, catching the Jotun in a bone crushing hug. "I... I thought you were dead... again!"

"Get off me, you ruffian!" Loki tried to forcefully push him away, but his body still only had little strength. Eventually the god let go of him and Loki sprang to his feet. He was quickly summoning his clothes back on him and shot Thor a glare. Then his eyes landed upon the lake, that was still boiling slightly. His eyes widened in surprise. "What happened?"
"I don't know! Suddenly the water was all hot and started boiling. Then I saw you drifting there and you were so white and didn't breathe and your heart was still. I'm... I'm just glad you're okay."

"I told you I was going to try something out", he scolded the blonde. "I was reversing the ice magic to make heat... Quite a bit more then I expected but do you really think I'd be so stupid as to fall prey to my own magic?"

"But... your heart wasn't beating!"
"Because I lowered my body temperature, idiot! It was simply going slower. Now do me a favour and cover yourself."

It seemed Thor had only now realized that he was still naked. Loki waited until the shuffling stopped when he put his clothes back on, occasionally interrupted by a wince when the armour touched his burned flesh.

"You could've told me what you were doing", Thor complained. "I was really worried about you. And you almost cooked me in there too."

"I'm glad you mention it", Loki said scathingly, "because I would like you to explain to me why I shouldn't kill you on the spot. Do you think it's funny, taking advantage of me like that?"

"What do you mean?", Thor asked, honestly puzzled.

"I was conscious the entire time, even if I couldn't move."

"Oh."
"Yes, oh. I thought I've made it clear that I don't want your hands anywhere near me ever again."

"But I can explain that!", the blonde defended. "I know I'm not good at healing but I learned about this technique on Midgard. They can revive people like that, massaging the heart and sharing their breath. I was only trying to help you!"

Loki gave a sneer. "Really!? And there I was thinking you couldn't decide wherever to molest me or beat me to death!"

"I-I'm sorry! But that was not what I was trying to do, I swear!"

Loki gave him another disgusted look. He went over to where their horses were staying and grabbed Vindrs reins.

"You know, I was thinking that maybe there was a chance yet – a version of this story where both of us would come out of it alive. However it seems you're making every effort to prove me wrong. I am disappointed in you, brother."

With those words he mounted his horse leaving a very much frustrated Thor behind.

It was only when Loki had left the forest behind and was sure that, if Thor followed him, then only in a safe distance, that he allowed himself a small, evil smile. A smile that eventually turned into a grin, until it turned into a full blown laugh that had Vindr snort at him in irritation. He had given Thor the scare of his life, given him false hope only to restore their relationship back to the broken, hate-filled thing that it was and even managed to make him believe it was all his fault alone. Yes, he was doing a fine job indeed to keep his brother on his toes. It wouldn't do for him to become happy. Loki would teach him a lesson or two about what his life had been like these past centuries. He would break apart that mighty god piece by piece until he would do everything to please, would do everything to make Loki smile. And even then he would keep him under the constant fear of failing, of disappointing.

Let's see how Thor would enjoy being in his place for once.

XxX

Thor was sitting at a late breakfast, completely ignoring his eggs and staring with the look of a kicked puppy at Loki, who sat some paces away at the long table. There were only a couple of servants and even fewer nobles still around and his brother was seemingly immersed in a stack of paper in front of him that he was quibbling notes on while only paying his breakfast a passing interest.

Loki had been very cold to him this past week. He hadn't even come to ask how Thor was doing after he came back and had to have the healers look at his burns – which once again started up the rumour mill. This was only the second meal they were taking together again. Or more precisely, it was the second time Loki didn't just order his food in his room in an attempt to avoid Thor. He liked to believe that meant he had begun to forgive him, though that was ridiculous. Thor hadn't done anything to warrant his brothers anger. It had all just been one big misunderstanding. He had tried to explain it, but Loki would hear nothing of it.

At least, Loki seemed to tolerate his presence again. Thor was free to admire his brothers silky black hair that he wore longer now then ever, forming a stark contrast to his pale complexion. Oh how he longed to touch that soft skin, to leisurely draw a finger over that strong jawline, down his throat and further still onto his chest. He had heard those markings the frost giants wore on their whole body weren't just decorative scars, they were birth marks that everyone of them had. He had only seen Loki twice in his blue form and noticed a couple of semicircles at his temples and chest but he didn't know what else there was and he wondered...

"Thor? Do not tell me you are sleeping with your eyes open."

Thor jerked up and found that Loki was staring right at him, having probably called his name more then once.

"I'm sorry – I was away there for a minute", he hurried to say.

"I did notice that", Loki scoffed. "I was asking you if you would like to help me with a few spells that I am experimenting on."

The god of thunder blinked in surprise. "Sure. What do you want me to do?"

Loki collected his work and stood. "Come with me."

Thor quickly followed his brother out of the dining hall. His heart was doing a ridiculous little step dance. Loki had never asked him for help concerning his magic. Never ever. Of course that was probably because Thor used to scoff at him for practising it. But to ask for help alone was already rare and then to let him in on 'the one thing he truly enjoyed in his life'? He couldn't help but feel special. Maybe this was his chance to make it up to him?

However, he also felt a slight apprehension. He was not that stupid, he knew that Loki was probably planing something. He could count on that spell being quite painful on his person. But of course he was a god and he would be damned if he let himself be discouraged by a little pain.

They had reached Lokis quarters and again Thor felt his heart make a flip. It had been ages since he had been in here. He remembered a time long, long ago when they would sneak into each others rooms at night when they had had a bad dream or just longed for a little company. They had done so for a surprisingly long time but abruptly stopped the first time Loki walked in on him rutting some servant maiden (which had been especially awkward for him, since he had been thinking of Loki while he did it).

After the door was closed Thor took a look around. The main colours were still green and gold, with the furniture being made of dark wood. They were in Lokis bedroom, which could really only be identified as such through the gigantic four-poster bed. Lots of book cases and a clearly regular used desk made the room look more like an office.

Loki was walking to said desk, setting his work at its designed place and told him without looking:

"Remove your armour and your clothes waist up."

"What?", he asked somewhat stupidly.

Loki sighed in exasperation and turned to face him. "Do I have to repeat myself?"

Slowly and without losing eye contact Thor shed his black cloak and let it fall next to the bed. He fiddled with his armour somewhat nervously. He couldn't help but think that a spell thrown at him without it would hurt a lot more.

It seemed Loki was getting impatient quickly and moved to help him with the armour. They were getting in the way of each other so after some time Thor just let his arms fall limply and watched as Loki removed his armour. He bit back a comment about not having expected to get him to rip his clothes off his body this quickly.

Finally the armour was gone and Loki stepped back, completely unaffected, so Thor could remove his undershirt too.

"Now I want you to lie down", Loki commanded and nodded to the bed.

Again Thor hesitated. If these orders didn't have a sexual suggestion hidden in there then he'd eat his hammer. Why was he doing that?

"I won't touch you, Loki", he said carefully. "Even if you ask me to." He had learned that lesson.

Loki threw him a look of disgust. "Well then you won't object if I restrain you, will you?", he said spitefully. "Now get on the bed."

Slowly Thor moved to lie between the soft cushions. Loki was soon at his side.

"Raise your hands over your head", he ordered and Thor did as he was told, still watching Loki carefully.

The god of mischief raised his hands that were surrounded by a yellow glow and held them over Thors wrist. He muttered a few words Thor did not understand and then pulled away.

The god of thunder tried to lower his arms but found he couldn't. They were tightly bound to the bed post by an invisible power.

Loki watched him struggling for a few moments with scientific interest before he nodded in contentment. "This will do for now. Try not to break the bed, will you?"

Then Loki turned around, moved to grab his papers and left the room.

Thor was waiting for him for a few minutes.

"Loki?", he asked then. "Can I go now?"

No answer. He started struggling against the magical binds again.

"Dammit, this isn't funny! Loki! Get back here!"

He waited another half an hour, filled with much cursing and struggling but Loki never showed up. At last Thor had to accept that he had probably left his quarters entirely. He was stuck.

Damn.

XxX

"Damn you bastard, what did you do to him!?"

Somehow Loki managed to still sneer arrogantly, despite being just violently slammed against a wall.

"My, that is not appropriate behaviour for a lady such as yourself, Sif."

"Where is Thor!?"

"Whatever makes you think I would know? I have better things to do then keeping watch over him."

"I can't find him anywhere and you were the last person seen with him!"

"Oh of course, how could I have forgotten?", Loki replied in his most sarcastic, malevolent voice. "I've got him chained to my bed so I can have my evil way with him. Don't you think I have more reason then anyone to avoid him?" He had to fight really hard not to smirk at that though. After all, Thor was currently chained to his bed.

"Sif, let go of him." That was Fandral. He and Hogun were standing behind the warrior maiden and although they looked as if they would very much like to beat some sense into Loki too, they knew that he was still a prince and even more then that, he was currently the favourite and touching him would not be wise.

"You did prevent him from leaving Asgard", Sif pointed out. "And I do think you have a reason to want him dead."

"I believe right now I have more reason to want you dead, my dear lady", he retorted. "If you do not let go of me immediately I will let you be executed for treason for attacking a prince."

"Now, let's all just calm down and stop joking", Fandral tried to reason.

"I am not joking", Loki growled.

Hesitantly Sif let go of him and took a step back. Hugun nudged her with an elbow. She openly sneered at him but in the end she gave Loki a stiff bow and said:
"I apologize for my rude behaviour, prince Loki."

Loki regarded her with eyes cold as steel. "I am done pretending with you lot. You were never my friends. To be honest, I've always despised you and was just putting up with you for Thor's sake. Obviously, things have changed now. If you step out of line one more time, you will feel my wrath and that will not be pleasant." Now he did throw in a smirk. "Just ask Thor."

With these words he turned around and left the three warriors alone. Oh how good it felt to finally give these idiots a piece of his mind! Sifs face really had been great. But the god of mischief knew just the thing to make the day perfect.

Smiling somewhat stupidly the prince returned to his quarters. Thor had been in there for a little more then eight hours now. It was time Loki got to play with his new toy.

Thor was still chained to his bed when he entered and he did not look happy.

"Have you finally decided to show up?", he snapped.

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Are we in a mood today?"

"You've been holding me captive for a whole day and I'm starving!"

Loki did not pay him any attention as he moved closer to examine the restrains – carefully keeping out of the range of kicking legs.

"Have you tried to fight against them?"

"Of course!"
"Try again."

Thor started pulling at the invisible chains. His muscles became more pronounced and there was even a drop of sweat making its way over his chest.

When the wood of the bed started to creak, Loki told him to stop.

Without sparing his brother a glance Loki went to note something on his paper.

"It seems then that the spell doesn't lose any of its potency when cast over a long time..." Thor looked at him confused and Loki chuckled. "What, you thought I'd keep you here just because I'm cruel? I never do anything without purpose."

Thor averted his gaze and remained silent. However Loki saw the tips of his ears turn red. A delighted little sound escaped him and in a moment he was at the bed, leaning over Thor.

"Oh, so that was what you thought! You thought I had forgotten about you, or maybe even I'd keep you here out of spite. You really have a low opinion of me."

"That's... That's not it!", Thor protested.

Loki quickly pressed his finger against Thors lips to shut him up and shook his head, still smiling. Because of course he had only kept Thor here to torment him. The art was to make him think he hadn't.

"I assure you that you are only here for scientific purposes. You did agree to help me with a few spells, didn't you? Now tell me if I had wanted to practise a destruction spell and use you as a dummy, would you have agreed?"

Thor hesitated, his eyes never leaving his. Then he nodded.

"So you would have risked immense amounts of pain and an afternoon in the healing chambers, but you get angry at me when I ask you to remain motionless for a few hours? I will tell you, brother, you have the worst patience."

He could see the shift in Thors eyes, could see how he bit back an excuse and lowered his gaze in shame. He had bought his words and felt silly for doubting Loki. For not trusting the god of lies. It was so hilarious Loki wished he had one of these Midgardian cameras to catch the picture.

"You... You're right. I'm sorry I snapped at you."

Now this made Loki perk up. He had not expected an actual apology. In fact it was so surprising a confused "What?" escaped him.

"I was... I was never showing any interest in your magic. I don't know how much effort you had to put into it, how many hours you sat and learned spells on your own, not having anybody to practise on. I don't know how you do these things and I have no right to get angry at you, especially when you finally decide to show me some things. I am sorry for my impatience and will try to do better from now on."

Loki felt thrown off his track. Thor didn't do humble. He didn't do any sincere apologizing. Even if he was in the wrong and even if he realized that himself he still would not apologize more thoroughly then a gruff "Sorry" because he had to. There was actual regret shining from those blue eyes.

Objectively Loki knew that Thor didn't just apologize for his rude welcome. He had to have fought with his anger for the whole day, probably having almost broken down the bed in an attempt to get free several times. He had cursed Loki and sworn to himself to never fall for his tricks again. That was what he really was sorry for, for his feelings of anger towards Loki. Even if this time around they had been justified, there were so many others when Loki had been exposed to this anger unrighteous and suffered from it. He didn't know if Thors words were aimed at that particular chord in him but Loki felt as if he was apologizing for far more then just snapping at him.

For some reason, this made Loki angry. As if he could forgive Thor this easily! As if a few words could undo all the pain and suffering he went through! Did he think just going to Midgard for a few days and pretend to 'learn' from the mortals would make him a new man? Even if he did change, which he seriously doubted, changing alone wasn't enough! It wasn't even close – Thor could not claim to have become a different person and expect him not not hold him accountable for all the wrongs he did to him! He had to pay for it and just saying he was sorry and expect him to be happy about it was an insult!

Thor seemed to have sensed that he'd said the wrong thing because when Loki turned away from him with an icy expression he struggled against the restrains again, trying desperately to reach out for him.

"Loki! Loki, please, I know I'm... I'm not good at this kind of thing but... Please say something..."

"Shut up!", Loki snapped, only halfway turning to him. He had reached his desk and pulled out a long, silver dagger from its drawer. He raised the blade high to let the sunlight catch on it and so that his brother could see it from his position too.

"It's a shame you had to ruin the mood", he whispered and slowly turned around again. "That will make this a lot more unpleasant for you."