Hellfire

Small Words

Loki felt the grip on his thin waist tightening, his brother's fingers slowly digging deeper into his skin. He saw the guards hesitantly lowering their weapons which were still directed towards the captain and found the courage to speak again and repeat himself. 'I have use for him.'

'Do you now?' Thor asked, though he sounded more annoyed than curious. 'Care to enlighten?'

The raven looked at the captain from the corner of his eye, the unmistakable confusion and uncertainty clear on his face. 'Of course,' he turned his full attention on Thor and smiled, wrapping his arms around the god's neck. 'Algor now rests in the hands of Asgard, of you. This planet will need your guidance, your leadership to be able to rebuild again from the ashes of war, just like all other planets you have so bravely conquered.' The trickster closed in on his brother, his smaller body pressed against rock-hard muscles while he let his head rest on Thor's shoulder. 'I know you will have to leave for a short while and I will have to miss you so...'

'I will miss you as well,' Thor stated with all his heart, his arms wrapping protectively around Loki's waist. 'There will not be a day where I will not think of you... However, I do not see what this has to do with the mortal.'

The Liesmith wrapped an arm around Thor's shoulders, his other hand resting against his strong chest. He let his lips brush against the nape of his brother's neck as he whispered, softly and almost frightened, 'I will be so alone when you are gone... I am so scared, brother.'

These words nearly broke the Thunderer's heart, his breath caught in his throat as he felt Loki cling onto his clothes like he did when he was still a small child. It was the first time in years that his brother had shown this much emotion, since he had spoken so openly. 'Loki, I want you to look at me,' Thor's voice was soft. He placed his hands on the raven's shoulder and pushed him back ever so gently, creating some distance so he could look him in the eye. 'I will not allow anyone to touch you during my short absence, you have my word. I will double the guard, I will lock the palace gates for as long as is needed.' He placed his hands on Loki's pale cheeks, his heart beating softly at the fear written across the raven's face. 'The guards will protect you. You will be safe.'

'Safe?' The trickster looked upon the guards who were still holding the captain down, their gazes showing utter confusion as Loki turned his head and buried his face in the Allfather's neck. 'I do not trust them, Thor,' he whispered. 'I have seen their gazes when you are gone. They watch me as I read, they follow me when I tend to mother's gardens. They spy on me when I am alone, bathing, their eyes filled with nothing but lust.'

Loki's lips caressed Thor's neck as he whispered this, his breath ghosting over the god's skin. He felt horrible, guilt washing over him as his brother's body completely tensed, his rage flaring through every muscle. Never had the raven's heart felt this heavy when spreading his vulgar lies.

'Have they ever dared to lay their foul hands upon you, brother?'

The Allfather's words were low and threatening, the promise of torture and death clear in his voice.

'Not yet,' Loki cupped Thor's face in his soft hands, his thin fingers caressing the man's cheeks. 'I ask of you brother, let the mortal protect me whilst you are gone. Let him be at my side, watch over me and help me find my way through the lonesome and isolated days of your absence. Let him be my guide, my comfort, whilst I pray to the Norns for your safe and erelong return,' he pressed his soft lips against those of his brother, having to swallow down bile that was threatening to crawl up his throat. 'Please?'

Thor remained silent, his expression betraying none of his thoughts. He wanted his little brother to be safe from greedy hands, to stay pure and delicate for his eyes alone. Loki was meant to be with him, they were bound, through fate, through love, and, when time was right, through marriage and descendants.