A/N: Sorry for the delay, I actually meant to update this a lot sooner because of the cliffhanger but I've been super busy with life stuff recently. (I barely have time to even read my favorite fan fics! Bleh. Need to tell real life to go away. ;D)

- Chapter 2 -

There Once Was A Brother...

Time seemed to pass slowly as Loki lay in his arms, breathing slowly. The darkness surrounded them, faint starlight lingered across the windows and into the room.

Thor didn't know what to do. A big part of him wanted to carry Loki to the healing room, to fix him, help him; but another part, the part that knew Loki so well, understood that Loki was afraid of being seen as weak again. His brother had always been seen that way by others, at least on some level, but after what had happened, after the Chitauri and then the Avenger's help afterward... Loki was determined now more than ever to prove his worth, his strength.

He is breathing, Thor thought, he's not dead...not dead. Just asleep. He'll wake up soon, then I'll ask him what he wants. Thor nodded his head to no one. He knew Loki would heal, or at least he should, so long as he was alive, breathing. His brother's magic would heal him quickly. Yes. He will be fine soon enough. And then... He felt anger welling up inside him. Who would dare harm a son of Odin? A prince in his own home? Thor gritted his teeth, old feelings of jumping to action without thinking, of crashing through doors and splintering wood and bone, came rushing back to him. But no, he needed to stay calm. Wait for Loki to wake. Yes, Loki...please wake...

As if his brother had heard him, a small groan passed Loki's lips.

"Brother! Loki!" Thor shifted a little, but tried not to jostle the smaller god too much, fearing for any injuries. Injuries... Thor berated himself for not checking earlier, but would he want me to? Once again, Thor found himself honoring Loki's wishes. He had never liked being doted on, even by their mother. Not that she ever paid any heed to his protests. Thor smiled, yet still sadly.

A small glint met his eye suddenly. He let Loki's head slide back slightly, then reached a hand out when he observed the strange metal around his neck. What is this?

"Loki," he whispered worriedly. Who did this? The metal was cold to the touch despite having been on Loki's neck for some time. Thor examined it carefully with both hands, balancing Loki on his knees to support him. It was a strange metal, gold and silver in the light, and there was a small hole that appeared to be made for a- Thor swallowed. It's a collar. He was suddenly angry again. He clenched his fists, his blood rising to his head.

"Thor..." Even the small half-whisper almost made Thor jump, his anger quickly fading. The thunderer wrapped his arms around Loki again, lifting him slightly.

"Loki, brother... I am here. Please, speak to me," his voice cracked, tears threatening to flow again. "Brother?" Loki's eyes were moving behind closed lids. Then slowly, as if painfully, they opened a crack.

Thor softly ran his fingers through Loki's messy hair, whispering for him to wake, but Loki didn't seem to notice his presence. The mischief god was in a daze, mumbling incoherent words between alternately closed and drowsily opened eyes.

Loki was saying something. Thor couldn't make out the words so he leaned in closer, his ear near Loki's face. He made out a 'no' and a 'please' before he fell silent again. Loki...What has happened to you. His little brother still seemed half-asleep, as though he were caught between a dream and reality. Loki suddenly shook his head and his face scrunched up as if in pain. He seemed to finally find his voice, although it was still a whisper.

"Brother...why..?" the trickster whispered. His eyes drooped but remained open, as if thinking, concentrating, worried. "No no no..." He shut his eyes, but this time it seemed deliberate.

"Loki, I am here. Please wake up." Loki's eyes suddenly opened, as if the sound of Thor's voice had shot through him. "Loki!" Thor began, "What has happened? Brother..?" His voice trailed off, the look in Loki's eyes silencing him. His eyes. Thor suddenly didn't know what to do, his brother's eyes boring into him with a fear he had not seen in a long time. A long time... Since he first came back from the Chitauri. Thor felt his jaw open, hanging uselessly on his numbing face. Why do you look at me so? Loki's eyes widened even further, as if afraid Thor would speak. Now the younger was trembling, his entire body shaking under Thor's grasp.

Thor finally forced words out, unsure what to say, "Loki... What has happened?" He found himself repeating, new words lost in his brother's piercing green orbs.

Thor's hand moved reflexively to his brother's face to comfort him, just as a sharp keening noise broke out from Loki's throat. Then suddenly, Loki jerked out of Thor's arms and scrambled on hands and knees like a frightened animal to a far corner. Thor had never seen Loki move so fast. The smaller god crouched in the corner, his knees folded up to his chest, his arms burying his head, grasping at his dark hair.

"No no no no...not again, no no no..." His terrified words floated towards Thor, who remained where he sat, perplexed.

"Brother?" Thor's voice only served to make Loki flinch.

"Please, please, no no no. Not brother, not anymore, you're not, you're not..." He hid his head further into his arms, as if trying to hide away from the world, sink deeper into the corner.

Thor slowly stood up and walked toward Loki, his steps careful as though approaching a wild animal.

"Loki, no one will harm you. Please tell me what has happened. Do you know who I am? I am Thor, your broth-" Loki cut him off.

"No!" He sobbed into his arms, "Not my brother... Not anymore... No more, no more. No one to help me." He continued sobbing and had started rocking as he grasped his own hair tighter.

What can I do? Thor thought. After all that has happened after the Chitauri... He has been doing so well, why has he changed back? Had he truly found peace, or was it a ruse? A dream? He shook his head slightly. Or perhaps you convinced yourself of it, Thor Odinson. Perhaps your fragile brother only wished to please you. Perhaps he only pretended to get better, to please his older brother? To repay your kindness the only way he knew how... He regretted the moment he thought it: ...to lie.

Thor was only a few steps away from Loki when the mischief god glanced up warily, a terrified cry escaping his lips.

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No no, stay back! Loki's mind shouted. He wanted to scream and get away. Run to the door, run to the window, anywhere, as long as it was away from Thor. Why was his panic catching up to him now? A sudden thought entered his mind, why didn't you fight back more then? You might have been able to do something... The logical part of his mind knew it wasn't true; there was nothing more he could have done. He was caught off guard, and when he finally realized the danger he was in, it was too late. But now... Now he knew. If only I could get this damned collar off! He wondered if he could bolt for the door, find some guards, anyone. But he was hurt and Thor was faster, and... running would probably make him angry.

His mind was too panicked to notice that Sif was nowhere to be found, or that Thor was now wearing different clothes, or that Thor was now speaking. He had forgotten the blue orb, and the runes that had painlessly burned across his skin. His instincts drove him, and right now, escaping the predator before him was all he could think about.

His not-brother was so near, too close! Two voices argued in the back of his mind: Run! one said, the instinctual half. No! Negotiate! the logical part said. But his mind made his decision for him as he spoke.

"Thor...please..." He sobbed and stared at the floor beneath Thor, "Please don't. Not again, I beg you..." Loki continued staring at the floor but sensed a shift in Thor's facial expression. But he couldn't bring himself to look in the thunderer's eyes.

"Brother. I..." Thor's voice wavered, as if he were thinking, then finally said, "Why do you say these things, what has happened? Who did this to you?" Why does he call me 'brother' now? Loki thought. 'To mock you', a voice whispered back. 'To sicken you further with familial sentiment' it continued, 'to make you writhe when he does it again.' Loki shook his head furiously, get out of my head!

"Stop!" He heard is own voice scream, his eyes tightly shut. Thor said nothing, frozen, as though Loki's words were meant for him. Why does he listen to me, then?

"Brother, please speak. I will not hurt you."

Not hurt me? Loki wanted to laugh but all that came out was a whimper. He opened his eyes and stared at Thor's boots. They were still near but were settled several steps away. Loki rested his hands on his knees gingerly, trying to stop the shaking.

Thor's voice began again, "Please, Loki, tell me who did this to you." He asks please? But why? Why would he ask me such foolish questions? Somehow, Loki still found his voice answering.

"But, Thor..." He swallowed hard, "it was you."

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Thor found himself backing away, jaw dropped open, disbelieving. His mind reeled, confusion painted across his face. He had continued walking backwards until he slipped on something. What? He looked down. Blood. How had he not noticed earlier? The trail led away, away toward the bed and- Thor froze. His breath caught in the vice-grip that was now his ribcage. He couldn't find his heartbeat, his entire body suddenly felt like dead weight. No... The blood trailed across the floor, then up the bed, mingled with- He couldn't look. He ripped his gaze away, toward his still cowering brother. This isn't possible, how could... I didn't... could not have... He stared at Loki's shaking form.

"What did you say?" Thor's throat was dry, his words were flat, they didn't echo across the walls, fake against the marble.

Loki slowly gazed up at him, the terrified eyes only meeting his for a moment, then returning to the floor. "Y-you... you hurt me." His small form tried to hide further within itself, as if expecting retaliation. Thor didn't move, his body suddenly felt like stone.

"How did I hurt you?" Am I speaking? Thor wondered. It was as if he wasn't in control of his own voice, as though something were forcing his words out. He still couldn't move. He just stared straight ahead, as if his sight went straight through the trembling form of his brother.

Loki seemed to hesitate, confusion on his face. "You..." He looked around, still confused, "...you..." The words seemed to catch in the trickster's throat, as though strangled by his crippling fear. His gaze lingered away from the spot on the floor, then moved slowly, across the floor, then onto the bed.

Thor couldn't help but follow it. Follow his brother's tired eyes to the destroyed bed. Sheets were ripped to shreds and there was blood, blood everywhere, and- Thor finally regained control of his eyes, he shut them as tightly as he could, not wanting to look anymore. Not wanting it to be true. But he had to know, had to make sure so he wouldn't have to live with a simple suspicion, to ensure that he could help Loki properly, to...to... He didn't care anymore, he just had to know what had happened here, had to hear it from his own brother's lips.

"Loki," Thor choked out, "tell me what happened to you." He couldn't back down now, the words already out.

Loki was now looking at him, nervous and fearful, but steady. He swallowed once, then answered. "You raped me, Thor." Before he had uttered his name Thor was already running to the washroom.

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He could hear his once-brother vomiting in the washroom, but he couldn't believe it. Why? The question had repeated itself over and over since he had woken up.

When Thor and Sif had first appeared, they weren't themselves, they were- different. And now? Now Thor had changed again. But where was Sif? Had she returned to the festivities? Did she return to gloat over how pathetic the second prince was to the Warriors Three? And why is Thor still here? He had thought it was to hurt him again, but his behavior said something else. Does he suddenly feel remorse for what he has done? Loki didn't know what to do with his confusion, nothing made sense anymore. He was suddenly struck by the idea that none of it had actually happened. That Thor was emptying his stomach in the other room because nothing of the sort had occurred, that he was sickened that Loki would even think it. But the thought quickly faded as Loki gazed across the floor and bed. Yes. It had happened... The evidence was everywhere. And his body, he still hurt. His hope faded. Hurt... Loki gritted his teeth, suddenly fully aware of his body, the pain that coursed through it as though his mind had decided to forget for a while. He slowly slid and plopped down on his side, still gripping his knees.

Thor finally emerged from the washroom, his face downcast and pained. Loki quickly glanced away, toward the floor, a nervous habit from his time with the Chitauri. He is different, though. He couldn't deny it.

The thunderer's strangely quieted but firm voice drifted toward him. "Brother, I..." Thor stopped near the desk that Sif had been sitting in. "I do not know what has happened, but," he finally lifted his tear-streaked face, "I give you my word, I have never hurt you in such a way, and I never will." His voice was strained, his face full of hurt and confusion. Where was that hurt when you were violating me? Where was that sorrowed face when I screamed for you to stop? But Loki shook the thoughts away, it was time to get something back- maybe not his power, he gave up on that a long time ago, but maybe he could regain a grip on his sanity. He needed answers. Loki shook his head, still staring at the floor.

"But...it was you," Loki croaked out. Thor had taken a step closer but stopped when the smaller god tensed.

"Loki, I do not know why, or how..." The thunderer shook his head once. "I do not understand. I was with everyone in the celebration hall until I came here and found you...unconscious." He shifted his weight uncomfortably, still confused.

Loki suddenly felt angry as he lashed out. "Thor, it was you!" He felt his body tense up as he shrank back further into himself, into the cold corner. Thor seemed taken aback, mouth open for a moment, then clamped shut.

A few silent moments passed before Thor spoke again. "I-I do not know what to say, brother, I-"

"I am not your brother," Loki spat. He could sense the thunder god's hurt from across the room.

"Loki...I thought we had moved beyond that-" But he caught his words before Loki did. Loki would have scoffed if his body would have allowed it.

"'Beyond that'? If this is what lay beyond that then I wish I had never left there," Loki shifted his tired eyes downward.

"Loki, what must I do to convince you that I did not do this? I am as confused as y-"

"What could you possibly know about what I am thinking?!" Loki seethed. "D-Did you think that you could bring me back here, back to your home, so that you could do whatever you pleased with me? The pathetic and weak runt of a frost giant would be no match for the greatness of the thunder god, Thor Odinson." He had somehow lifted himself up on shaky legs, his back sliding up the wall, his breath coming in short strained gasps. His lungs hurt, his body protested his defiant stand.

Thor's mouth was agape, his face utterly exasperated as though he couldn't find words to speak. A long moment past in silence. Neither god moved, Loki was still half-way up the wall, his form shaking violently from the strain. He wanted to sink back down, to crawl away and hide until everything and everyone was gone, until only he was left, his sorrow spent and shattered, long gone with the tides of time.

Thor spoke first.

"Loki... may I take you to the healing room?" His voice was quite, almost eerie to the trickster, so accustomed to Thor's voice booming through his ears. Loki only shook his head, not wanting others to see his state. The thunder god didn't seem disappointed, as though he had expected the answer.

"You cannot make this right, Thor, there is nothing, no test you can pass to convince me that that was not you." Thor's eyes lit up suddenly, his face still sorrowful, but it was obvious that something had occurred to him.

"Loki..." The golden son's voice was different, hopeful, suddenly. Loki still couldn't meet the thunderous blue eyes. "Loki, there is a test! A test that will prove that it was not I!" Now Loki's eyes shot to his not-brother's. What? He didn't know what Thor could mean, but the sudden hope in his eyes pained Loki to his core. And what if you fail it?

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For a brief moment Thor wondered if he wasn't doing this for his own benefit. To have his Loki back, the one that didn't push away from an embrace, that allowed Thor into his innermost thoughts and didn't shy away from sentiment as he once had. The tortured brother that had emerged from the clutches of the Chitauri had scared Thor more than anything, and the next one, the one that the Avengers had nursed back to health filled Thor with a joy he hadn't known in so long. But this Loki...what was he? Was everything for naught? Would he ever trust Thor again? The moment Loki had mentioned a 'test', the idea sprang into his mind. But now Loki was speaking again.

"What test?" The trickster's eyes were suddenly on Thor, suspicious but vaguely curious. Thor knew he would at least have to convince Loki to trust him again, if only for now. It was true, he realized, he did want his brother back the way he was, but he also knew Loki needed it as well. The pain stretched through his thin form, caused him to wince and jerk at Thor's every word, at his own words. Yes, he needs to learn the truth.

Thor moved a few determined steps toward him, but the trickster whimpered and quickly slid back into the corner with bowed head. But the thunder god's mind was set.

"Loki, we must go to Midgard."

Loki looked curiously at him. "Midgard?" Thor nodded. "Why?" he eyed Thor suspiciously.

"I have no time to explain. Whatever has happened here..." Thor tried to find the right words to convince his brother. "I know you do not believe me, but perhaps you will believe the Avengers." Loki looked down again, thinking.

"The Avengers..." His words trailed off as he rested his hands on his knees, considering. Thor wanted to be near him, to explain, but he thought it would be best to show him instead, to leave now and prove once and for all that this was a lie, that his brother hadn't been hurt by him. That it was someone else- a shapeshifter, dark magic, something.

"Loki." The mischief god's eyes glanced up for a moment, then shot back down.

"What."

Thor hesitated, "Would you like to..." he paused a moment, "...clean up first?" Loki glared at him suddenly, but said nothing further as he looked over his own blood-covered hands. Loki winced as a pained look crossed his face. Thor thought he was in pain at first, but soon realized it was a look of embarrassment. "Loki," Thor began, "would you like me to help you-"

"No!" His outburst startled the both of them, Loki shrunk down again and looked around nervously, avoiding Thor's gaze. And in a much quieter voice, "I- I can do it myself."

Thor nodded reluctantly.

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Loki did need help, but he wasn't about to allow Thor to touch him. He gritted his teeth and stumbled on unsteady legs toward the washroom. He could feel Thor watching him, could almost hear his winces and slight shifts every time Loki fell or bumped into something. In truth, Loki was in immense pain, and he would have gladly crawled into the room, if only Thor would leave! But he knew that was not about to happen. Is it out of concern for me, or for himself? To not allow his victim to run screaming for help? The thought suddenly seemed absurd. Why not do more then, if that were true? Why not kill me, or at least threaten me? Why offer to take me to the healing room?

He would have shaken his head, but he only stumbled again, the washroom's door frame catching him. He heard Thor take a quick step behind him, but the thunderer did not approach. If he is so concerned, why does he not help me? But the trickster knew the answer. Thor had changed as much as Loki had these last few years; his brother- once-brother -was respecting his wishes. The trickster sighed in confusion.

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It had been painful. Everything Loki did in the washroom took an eternity and while he had already been tired before entering there, he now felt like a walking corpse. The clothes Thor had graciously thrown into the room seemed too tight, too suffocating, but Loki was glad of the coverings.

But now...now Loki was too tired to even move. He remained on his hands and knees before the door, breathing heavily. It suddenly occurred to him that it was taking every ounce of his strength to even sit up like this- there was no way he was walking out of here. Damn. Thor was going to have to carry him. No no no! His mind screamed. He didn't want Thor anywhere near him, much less touching him.

Loki shook his head furiously even though it rippled pain down his entire body. Stop it, you pathetic worthless runt! He made himself breathe. In, out, in, out. If he were going to do something, he would have done it already! Control yourself!

He clenched his teeth until his head hurt, but finally yelled out the door before he could stop himself, "Thor!" The familiar figure was in the doorway in an instant causing Loki to flinch back. Thor seemed to notice.

"Sorry, brother. Do you- what is it?"

Loki felt the blood leaving his face but pressed forward, choking the words out. "Thor." He wanted to run, hide somewhere. "I...I cannot stand." Loki couldn't even bring his head up to look at Thor's response.

"What would you like me to do?" His voice was gentle, calm. Somehow, it made it worse.

Where's that boisterous oaf my brother used to be? Loki bit his tongue at the slip- not my brother, no more -but didn't have time to berate himself for it.

Thor was leaning down, and now he was on his knees in front of him. "Loki," his voice was questioning, "what is that thing around your neck?" Loki's hand unconsciously shot to the metal, feeling its edges.

"It stops my magic," he replied flatly.

"Did the person who," Thor stopped for a moment. "Did he put this on you?"

Loki only nodded and continued staring at the floor. "Sif gave it to you- to...him..." Perhaps Thor has forgotten what happened? That theory seemed ludicrous as well, how and why would that happen?

"Sif?" Thor's surprised voice fell on him, "Loki, S-Sif? What? What do you mean? Sif gave this to him?" Loki finally looked up, confusion was etched across Thor's entire face.

"Yes," Loki was now confused at Thor's confusion. "She was here, too. Did I not mention-"

"No you did not." Thor scratched his head and ran his fingers through his hair, thinking. He stood up and continued, "But...Sif was there with me, she was talking and laughing and drinking with everyone else..." Thor's voice trailed off. Loki's gaze drifted back to the floor as he stared at Thor's shifty boots. "How could she have...and why? Then someone has stolen her face as well."

"Thor...it doesn't matter." Loki's voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. He suddenly felt the urge to cry again. Nothing is right anymore...

The thunder god's voice filled the room, suddenly back to himself. "Loki, perhaps Stark will be able to remove the collar as well. Our instruments may be powerful, but they can be crude-"

"And if it is enchanted?" Loki couldn't keep his weight up anymore, he slid down to a more comfortable position on his elbows with his legs to the side. "The humans have no tools against something like that." Loki felt something stir inside of him suddenly; he realized he wasn't healing because of the collar. I don't care anymore! I hate this floor! I hate your damned boots always walking in front of me! I just want this to be over!

Loki's breathing was harsh, labored. His mind was swimming. "Just get me off this damned floor, Thor!"

Thor did nothing for a moment, his boots stayed where they were. "A-Are you certain?" he stammered and leaned down next to Loki.

"Please," Loki inhaled deeply, frustrated, "just do it now." He was determined, his frame rigid, but his mind and body screamed when Thor slid one arm under his legs and the other around his back. No! Stop! He wanted to shout, scream, scramble away, tear at Thor's face, rip his blood-red cape, bite, jump out of his arms, anything! But instead he only whimpered, his arms were limp across his own chest, curled in and useless. He couldn't even find the strength- physical or otherwise -to protest. His eyes were clenched so tight his entire face hurt. He tried to shrink back, into himself, but there was only Thor, his body suddenly everywhere- next to him, under him, his breath too close, his armor cold against his left side. No no no no...

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Thor didn't know what to do. Loki was trembling furiously in his arms, his face paler than usual, a picture of pure terror, begging him to stop. What should I do?

"Loki, would you like me to put you down?" he tried softly, but his voice only made Loki flinch. Even so, the smaller god did not answer, his eyes still tightly closed. Thor sighed internally, still uncertain what to do, and walked out of the washroom. He looked over to Loki's balcony, the stars bright across the horizon, the rainbow bridge glittering in the distance. I will need the Tesseract to return to Midgard... The Tesseract was in the vault room.

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It may have been a better idea to leave Loki in his room while Thor retrieved the cube, but Thor feared that whoever Loki's attackers were might return. He was also aware that once put down, Loki might not allow him to pick him up again. The trickster still trembled slightly, and his eyes remained closed, but he seemed to calm down somewhat after they left the room.

The corridors, even at this time of night, were usually guarded by the occasional patrol, but the darkened halls were strangely quiet. Where are the guards? Thor wondered.

After passing through dozens of corridors and passing dozens more doors, Thor finally encountered a single guard, who appeared to be off duty and drunk. The guard, upon seeing Thor, tried to straighten himself against a wall, unsuccessfully.

"Y-Your highness," he slurred.

"Where are the other guards?" Thor found his own voice angry for some reason. "Why are there no patrols in the royal wing?" The guard suddenly noticed Thor's bundle, then shook his head as if he thought he was looking at an illusion.

"But...my prince, you ordered them away, you," he hiccupped, "said...something." The guard thought for a moment, a finger up. "I believe you said we were being replaced for the night. Do you not remember, my lord?" The guard tried to keep his balance, but fell back onto the wall, drowsy, his eyelids drooping.

What? I never ordered... It suddenly occurred to him why: so no one would hear... He gritted his teeth angrily, leaving the guard and continued down toward his father's vault.

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The guards outside the vault had not protested, in fact, they barely glanced Thor's way until they noticed Loki in his arms. One had offered assistance, but Thor had only replied with a firm 'As you were', then continued into the vault to retrieve the Tesseract. It was not a big issue, Thor frequently visited Earth, visiting Jane and the Avengers, and his taking of the Tesseract was a common sight. Even so, on the way out, he told one of the guards, the same one who offered help, to tell their parents that the two princes were visiting Midgard and would return when they had time. The guard nodded and said nothing in return, trusting his prince and future king.

Loki remained quiet the entire time, his eyes shut, his expression closed-off. Thor began to wonder if he was even awake.

Something suddenly occurred to Thor as he walked the stairs leading away from the vault.

"Loki?" His brother's eyes shut tighter. Not asleep, then. "Many people may see you if I am to walk to the Bifrost..." Loki's brows furrowed. His jaw was clenched. Thor thought for a moment, then an idea popped into his head. "I could fly us with Mjolnir. It would be faster and no one would see us."

Loki's eyes opened.

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"And how are you to carry me if one hand grips Mjolnir?" Loki didn't look at Thor, his gaze remained low, staring at nothing.

Thor sighed. "Brother, if you would but allow me to take you to the healing room-"

"No!" Loki began struggling.

"Alright! Alright! Brother!" Thor seemed ready to release him but Loki ceased his movement immediately, closing his eyes once more.

No healing rooms, Loki thought. They'll see me, mock me. Too many questions. No more! No more humiliation, no more laughter at my expense. I'll jump off the Bifrost again before I endure anymore! He crossed his arms, the only show of defiance he could muster, but it didn't stop his bottom lip from quivering slightly.

Thor was speaking again. "Then if you are so determined for no one to see us, then you must allow me to fly us to the bridge."

"And, once again, how do you plan on doing that?" Loki opened his eyes and risked a glance at Thor's face, his expression thoughtful.

"I will carry you with one arm, and Mjolnir I will hold in the other, as we always have, brother." He spoke as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Not your brother...

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They reached an open courtyard nearby, the night air seeping into his leathers. The stars sung overhead, danced and mingled with the colors of nebulae scattered throughout the nine realms. Several crickets chirped nearby, not a single artificial light could be seen. Loki heard Thor inhale a deep breath, and he even found himself relaxing a little. To Earth, then; at least I know I will be safe with the other Avengers, whatever this 'test' reveals.

Thor dropped Loki's legs carefully, setting his feet on the stony ground. He let go of his upper body slightly before they both realized he could not stand on his own. Not wasting time, Thor unhooked Mjolnir from his belt before positioning Loki so he could wrap an arm around him from behind and across his chest, under the trickster's arms so he couldn't lose his grip. Loki suddenly felt panic at the position, his mind racing, his heart pounding furiously in his chest.

"No no no, stop! I don't like this!" he cried.

"What's wrong?" Thor asked with concern. "I have always held you like this when we flew with Mjolnir, although it has been many years..."

Loki's body refused to move, to struggle; he couldn't control his breathing. When was that? His memories were hazy. He was paralyzed, the feel of Thor behind him sending his mind reeling. 'Maybe you can scream for me...' The memory flew into his mind, no stop! Loki suddenly wrenched himself out of Thor's grip, just as he heard his knee crack on the ground. His hands caught the rest of his fall, but Thor was already near him again, his hands around his waist, steadying him.

Loki shook his head, silently begging, trembling, tears already streaming down his face, "Please don't touch me, Thor..." Thor's hands were gone so fast he wondered if they were ever there.

"Loki...I am sorry, I..."

Control yourself, Silvertongue, Loki scolded himself. He was only helping! one voice cried, Oh, really? Are you certain? the other voice countered.

"Just," Loki began, "help me up again." Thor seemed taken aback for a moment, but obliged with two wary hands on Loki's shaky arms. After some effort, with Loki's damaged body and Thor's hesitation at every turn, the trickster god was finally standing, with a steadying thunderer's hand under his arm. Thor seemed at a loss as to what to do. This cannot be the same man, Loki's thoughts started up again, he's afraid to even touch me. Did someone really steal my brother's face? His body, his skin?

Loki suddenly lunged at Thor, hugging him around the neck, his face turned away.

"Loki, what are you-" Thor said in surprise.

"We will fly like this, just...hurry and get this over with." Get it over, get it over, get it over! Thor wrapped one strong arm around Loki's waist and held him tight. The smaller god cringed and couldn't help a small whimper, but he told himself it was because of his injuries.

.

The flight had not been comfortable and Heimdall had seen Loki; there was really no avoiding it. He sees everything, you fool, what does it matter? Thor had somehow had his wits about him and asked about the attack on his brother, but Heimdall said that he saw nothing; only a strange blue haze where Loki should have been. Heimdall knew Loki could hide himself from his sight, thus he had not believed it a cause for alarm. The trickster had wanted to lash out, to scream at him that he had done nothing of the sort, but his own mind told him it wasn't the gatekeeper's fault. There was strange magic at work there...whatever it was.

And now, to Earth. Thor unhooked the Tesseract from somewhere behind him and the two activated it together. A familiar bright light engulfed them, and they were gone.

A/N: I'll try to update this story regularly but since the chapters are so long the interval between will probably be long as I need to time to both write and proofread them.
Again, sorry if Loki's OOC but he's really not the same guy from the films anymore. Kinda sad, lol. I guess you could say he's 'lost himself' and has been trying to get back to what he used to be. Poor bby.

Comments, questions? Love to hear from ya. ;)