Working Title : Loki & Annie

Chapter Twenty-Five -Who needs Condoms?

Annie's eyes jumped up to meet Thor's, his had a slight sheen to them and she felt hers starting to tear up as well. Loki's fingers had retreated from the bowl back to sit against his stomach. She could just see them peeking out of one sleeve of the shirt, his fingers were picking at each other. That's when she also noticed that his breathing was close to a pant, as if he were frightened. And she realized that he knew she and Thor had discovered that he had eaten a single ring and now he was waiting. For punishment.

Okay okay okay, do NOT freak the kid out. Don't make a big deal out of it. But Holy Crap! This is a Big Deal. But don't sound like it's one. Just act casual. But not too casual. Be calm. Then- hey, did you just use a Star Wars quote? Yes you did and bonus points for it being Han Solo. Oh My God, can you please just freakin' focus for once?!

Annie took a breath, making sure she was quiet, then spoke with an even voice that she hoped reassured Loki that she was telling him the truth. "Great job trying that cheerio, Loki. I hope you liked it. Remember that the rest are yours too and you can eat them whenever you want." She left it at that, rising from the couch with a nod of her head at Thor. Casual. But not too casual. Boom.

Thor stared down at Loki. He wanted to tell him to eat the rest. To just finish them, it was not that difficult, it was but a mouthful. However he held himself back, if Loki should have been told this surely Lady Annie would have told him? Loki was his to care for. He put a hand on Loki's head, gently rubbing at the prickly short hair. "Eat Brother."

He followed Annie to the guest bedroom where she flipped the light on. The room was furnished with the queen sized bed that was covered in a deep brown bedspread with several matching pillows edged in a burnt orange and a forest green rug covered most of the floor. A tall dresser was against a wall and two chairs were on either side of the sole large window that was covered in orange sheers. Blinds covered the windows. A small night stand was on one side of the bed with a lamp on it.

"Sorry about the color scheme, I was in a fall phase of my life. Actually," Annie studied the room thoughtfully, "it was less a fall phase and more that everything was seventy-five percent off." Annie moved further into the room so Thor could step past her. "Room for your clothes," she motioned to the dresser then opened the closet door. "I'll need to get you some extra hangers, and linens." Annie frowned.

Thor wondered if he knew where her thoughts had traveled. "I would have you tell me if you have need of more money. I have no wish for my Brother and I to become a burden on you and your home." Annie was about to speak and he held up a hand. When he spoke next his tone was that of a man used to being obeyed, "I want you to purchase what is needed to make our stay comfortable not only for us, but also for you to have us here. Whatever you require to do that, I want it done. The money that I have is meant to be spent, I would trust you to spend it wisely."

Annie tilted her head sideways and looked at Thor. Make their stay comfortable. I can do that. Make myself comfortable? We will have to see about that. "Of course, I can do that. Just let me know what else you need and I can get it for you guys." Annie turned back to look in the direction of Loki. "I can guess some of the things he'll need. Speaking of what he needs-" Annie looked to Thor. "If you want to get him ready for bed I can get something for him to wear overnight so you don't have to worry about any accidents."

"Accidents?" Thor was frowning.

"Uh, him wetting the bed." Annie couldn't help feeling bad for Loki, he had so much to overcome.

"Ah. Yes. Thank you." Thor followed Annie out of the bedroom and while she went towards the small kitchen he went to Loki. The boy was still staring down at the bowl of what Lady Annie had called Cheerios and now Thor knelt on the floor in front of the hunched boy. Looking into the bowl he counted and tried not to be disappointed when there were still nine left.