Under New Management // Thorki

5.

Thor blinked away the sleep in his eyes as he realised today was his parents funeral. He frowned, his eyes clouding with sadness as it became real. He climbed out of bed and pulled on his armour, walking out from his room to find everything was close to ready. And everyone who would be attending had arrived.

It was to be held early, as his parents never liked things to be put off. The blond sighed when he realised the only person missing was his own brother. He scoffed, in all honesty, he shouldn't have been surprised.

He made his way to the fields, where everyone was gathered. He found himself standing with his best friend Sif, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears.

"I'm sorry." She whispered softly, staring at the ground.

"Do not apologise. You did not kill them." Thor said sadly, pulling her in for a hug which she gratefully returned.

The ceremony continued for about four hours before everyone began to head their separate ways. Those who were close family and friends, went to the dining hall for food and comfort. The burial was something Asgardians didn't attend. It was not traditional.

Thor sat with Valkyrie, tossing back beer, wine, alcohol of any sort. Eventually, he felt his anger scream within him, so much so he could no longer ignore it. He couldn't believe Loki hadn't had the decency to show up for his own parents funeral, even if they weren't his biological parents. They were his parents. Thor raged from the hall, stomping down to Loki's room.

Without hesitation he slammed down the door, his anger only rising when he found the room empty, no different than he had found it weeks prior.

His mind clicked as he remembered the dinner, he stormed down to the king's chambers. And he swore, if he found Loki there, he'd fucking kill him.

For once, Thor noticed the guards were not present, likely attending the gatherings themselves. The blond slammed his fists against the door, his booming voice thundering through the metal, "Loki! Open the door!"

It was several moments before Thor saw the door opened just slightly. Loki didn't look at him, he kept his head low as he spoke, "Yes?" It can out as hardly a whisper.

"You know you've missed your own parents funeral?" Thor demanded, flames raging in his blue eyes.

"Yes."

Loki's answer only seemed to enrage the blond god even more, "Have you no shame?! To respect?! How dare you be so selfish, brother!"

"I..." Loki swallowed painfully through his damaged throat, "I am not your brother."

Thor threw the door back, sending the raven stumbling, eventually falling back with a soft thud.

"That is all you have to say?!" He roared as Loki stared up at him blankly, dull afternoon light shining on his skin.

"Is that why you didn't go?!" Thor yelled, "Because you were too busy fucking the new king all night?!"

Loki visibly flinched at his words, standing weakly. "I..." He closed his mouth, finding nothing that could possibly save him from this.

"And you have nothing to say in your defense!" The blond roared, shoving the trickster to the floor once again. But this time, when Thor made eye contact with the Loki, his eyes were flooding with terror, tears threatening to spill as his body trembled violently.

Such a sight caused Thor to stop dead in his tracks, and truly look at the broken man at his feet. And yes, there was no other word for it. Loki was broken.

Thor finally noticed the bruises he bore, on his neck, his face, his arms and gods knew where else. The raven pulled his thin legs to his chest, watching Thor's every move as though he was waiting for him to lunge.

Loki had never been afraid of Thor before, and the idea that he was now, made the blond's heart ache. Thor's anger melted as he kneeled in front of Loki's shaking form.

He brought his hand up to gently stroke Loki's cheek, but he moved away instantly, his eyes widening with panic, "Don't don't don't don't don't DON'T TOUCH ME." He spat, his voice breaking as he repeated himself brokenly.

"Loki... It's Thor, I-I'm not going to hurt you." He said gently, slowly pulling the trickster into his lap.

Tears spilled down Loki's cheeks, "I-I'm sorry," he whimpered, "I-I wanted to go... I wanted to... I really wanted to..."

Thor rocked him, "It's okay... Shh... I won't let anybody hurt you."

Loki scoffed, his heart yearning for that to be true.

"Why scoff? Do you not believe me?" Thor asked, blinking in mind offense.

"I wish I could..." The raven said sadly, "I really wish I could, but there's nothing you can do to protect me now. It's out of your control."

"What? Loki, what's going on?" He asked.

"Nothing. I'll be fine, Thor. I'm a big boy." He said, smirking a bit, but his attempts to shield his hurt through his sarcasm were weak.

"You don't look fine. I've never seen you like this." The blond insisted.

Loki smiled painfully. Moments passed before he spoke, "You should go. Go back."

"Not without you. You said it yourself you wanted to be there."

Loki stood as well as Thor, both heading to the door. But the raven stopped before the exit.

"I do want to be there." He said softly before his eyes connected with Thor's, "But as I have been told, what I do is no longer my choice." He said and held up the silver band before closing the door.

The thunder god stood unmoving for about a minute, baffled. He'd the ring before. That specific band. But he could place where.

"You know,"

Thor jumped, turning as he heard a sudden voice.

"Huh?" He asked, relieved to find it was only Sif.

"Loki." She said, her eyes focused on the door, "since I met him, he carried more anger and pain than a thousand armies could ever bear. He was betrayed, deceived, neglected, and hurt. Believe me when I say he has already crossed hell. And the only time I saw peace in his eyes was when was saw you," her eyes clicked to his, "you are the only reason he's still alive."

And with that she placed a hand briefly on Thor's shoulder and left.