My Friend Loki: The Price You Pay

Part 20

Four orders of pancakes on our table, and as I looked at the plate that would have been Loki's, I sighed heavily. How he, I mean, we, were missing out on another new experience for him to try. At least his serving wouldn't go to waste since Thor always had a hearty appetite.

"Hey you two," Tom said, quietly, "I'm going to take my pancakes to go. I actually have some paperwork to do, and patients to see." He shot me a sympathetic look, "Beverlee, it's going to be all right. From what I understood of his nature, I actually expected him to have several outbursts. So for the most part, I believe your influence has been very good on him."

Giving a smile I didn't really feel, I shrugged, "I hope so... and thanks."

Dr. Lowenstein left, leaving me alone with Thor.

"Beverlee," Thor said, "my brother is quite the strategist, maybe he does know who it is. Did he express anything to you last night?"

"No, not a thing," I said, still feeling the sting of Loki's words, "we never discussed the case."

"Don't fret," Thor said, finishing his plate, pushing it aside and moving the extra plate toward him, "Loki was just blowing off some steam."

"Thor," I said, spearing a strawberry onto my fork, "I've been worried about Loki since I got here..."

"You are not alone with those feelings... Beverlee, if you don't mind, I would like to talk to you about your relationship," Thor said, his voice uncertain. "He is usually a solitary person... you seem to have some... magic power over him."

"It's not magic, Thor," I said, thinking, but not knowing how to respond. "It's definitely not magic."

"Well, he certainly seems quite content with you," Thor said. "It's quite the change, as there was a time he felt superior over humans..."

"That point of view... changed rather quickly when we met," I said, recalling that bittersweet moment. "I'll just say, he was in a bad place, and... I was there at the right time."

"Beverlee, I am simply concerned that when Loki is freed, that he in time, may... put you in a bad place."

I closed my eyes, enough was enough.

"Thor, your concern is admirable, but you need to stop this line of thinking." I said, then took a deep breath, trying very hard to not get upset. "Loki is trying to turn his life around. I don't expect it to happen overnight, and I suffer no illusions. I am very aware he has some... 'messed up' tendencies, which I understand were caused by various emotional traumas, and who knows what other variables have played a factor? What he did in the past was terrible, but his clever actions during that event that recently put our world temporarily in chaos need to be recognized. Circumstances are now so different. Our friendship is special because it is foremost based on mutual respect. Please," I said, looking at Thor imploringly, "don't worry about me. The focus should be more on Loki and his adapting to living on Midgard."

"Such noble and selfless words," Thor said, looking into my eyes. "You make me want to consider giving Loki another chance." He put a hand on my shoulder, "with such dedication and devotion to my brother, I have to ask, does he also give you such in return?"

"Yes," I said, "even in this difficult situation, he's been able to reciprocate in ways I never thought he could." a soft smile came to my face as I recalled the moments we shared in so short a timespan.

"Please understand, Beverlee," Thor said, "it is not my intention to cause you any grief about your special bond with Loki." His voice softened, "but as Loki's brother, I feel it is my prerogative to inquire about the stability of that bond."