And Thor does— at first. But then his eyes wander away from his brother’s outstretched hands to the science magazines and star charts strewn across the countertops. He sees Jane’s research, her precious studies, her whole world set up inside this fragile little home, and he realizes that the choices he makes are not only for himself now, but for them both.Loki places a hand over his chest in mock affront. “Not at all. I’m merely agreeing with you that I should come to live here, and thus demonstrate my newfound benevolence to everyone you know.”
He pauses once more, pressing his lips into a thin line. “Truly?”
“No more tricks, no more mischief— just you and I, brothers once more.”
Loki pushes aside the cake plates and sets both of his palms on the table, as if to suggest that he has nothing to hide. That’s not true, of course, but he knows that Thor will see the gesture for exactly what it isn’t. “We’ll be thick as thieves.”
So if he is wrong about this…she would be the one to pay the price.
“I am sorry, Loki. But I do not know if I can trust you.” His focus returns to his brother’s silhouette. “I was the one who banished you to this realm you so despise, so my word can also release you from it. Go home to Asgard. Go anywhere you like. This will be my gift to you in honor of the passing year.”









