Spooky Action at a Distance | Frostiron

The Worst Is Yet to Come

Loki was exhausted. Sure, the dinner could've gone worse, but the tension was awful. Worse than usual. He guessed that it was because Odin was more annoyed than usual, and more inclined to take it out on Loki. He couldn't wait for it all to be over.

He didn't know what Odin was going to do, and that unnerved him. Loki was now close with someone so Odin couldn't risk hurting him. Tony would notice. There were things far worse than physical pain, though. Things that he wouldn't be surprised if Odin did.

Tony felt as if he could relax slightly. For the rest of their trip they could avoid Odin as much as they wanted to. He didn't know how easy that would be, but it was something that they needed to do. If Tony had to spend another second around him... Tony would probably punch him.

He looked around, seeing the golden hallways pass. He had no idea where they were going, he was just following Loki. Part of him was concerned about times. They had two hours until the ball and Tony didn't want to go far, just in case they'd end up being late. Well, fashionably late was fine. He just didn't want to risk annoying Odin any more than they already had, just in case something did happen.

Loud footsteps pulled him out of his thoughts, instantly recognising them as Thor's. Thor had a habit of walking loudly, to the point where it was a recognising trait of the god. Thor walked over to them, a nervous smile playing at his face.

"Brother, can we talk?" Thor asked his sibling, his voice seeming strained.

Loki looked at Tony who smiled in reply before heading around a corner. He wasn't sure where he was but there were some nice paintings on the wall, at least. Plus, he was close enough to defuse the situation if needed. Loki turned to his brother, his brows furrowed.

"Is everything okay?" Loki asked in reply. He never normally saw Thor so worried.

"Everything's fine for the most part," Thor replied. "I simply... I need some advice."

"You're coming to me for advice? Are you ill?" Loki questioned. Thor never went to him for advice.

"It's about father," Thor replied. "I've angered him."

"I know. It's been abundantly clear." Loki sighed.

"I'm going to propose to Bruce," Thor said hurriedly, as if he was scared to say it. "Father doesn't approve."

That made sense, Loki thought. Of course Odin wouldn't approve. Bruce was human. What could he bring to the throne? It didn't help that Thor was crown prince, he thought. Odin wouldn't risk having a human on the throne. Why would he?

"He doesn't control you, Thor. Don't let him get in the way of your happiness," Loki replied. "Propose to him. Wed if you can. What Odin thinks doesn't mean anything. You won't lose anything here. Odin wouldn't risk you not getting the throne."

"It's... Yes. You're right. What could he do if I propose?" Thor asked, a confident smile growing.

"I wouldn't test him," Loki said. "Stay safe, Thor."

"I will, you don't need to worry about me, brother." Thor smiled.

"When do you plan on proposing?" Loki asked.

"In... an hour," Thor replied with a sheepish smile.

Loki almost laughed. He could see the nerves darkening in his brothers eyes, how he wouldn't stop fiddling with his hands and when he did he was gesturing while talking. He could see right through his brothers confident and cocky facade.

"He'll say yes. You needn't worry about that." Loki smiled softly. "He would be stupid not to."

Thor smiled softly. "Thank you, brother," he replied. "How are things going with Anthony?"