Yes, accidentally admitting where his feelings fell hadn’t been the plan, and Loki had been momentarily mortified, but things had been good. Thor was happy, and as much as Loki wanted to tell himself that wasn’t what he wanted, the fact was, he loved Thor, and he’d done a lot of growing up since his big step-brother had been back. 

It didn’t hurt that there was a lot about this that Loki had never experienced before. Yes, there was a level of terror and anxiety, because he could hurt Thor, and he’d never felt some of the bone deep things that he felt when he was with Thor, when he talked with Thor. Even if he had some anxiety about how things would work out if they went further (because maybe that would break the deal for Thor), he felt like his concerns were almost numbed by Thor’s easy confidence and assurance that he was going to treat him like he was special.

Things were getting easier. And Loki was certainly feeling even warmer towards Thor.

“Hey, Loki.” The sound of Tobias’ voice snapped him out of his considerations, and Loki turned away from the computer where he’d been working on booking practice time at their next competition. “How’s it going? How’s that hot brother of yours? Haven’t seen him since--”

Loki wasn’t sure what it was. If it was the way Tobias said ‘hot brother’ or the fact that Loki instantly saw red when he heard them, but before he could stop himself, he was turning in his chair and fixing Tobias with a look, one finger extended.

“Listen up, because I’m not going to repeat myself. You need to stop. Stop trying to get boinked by him again, because he’s not interested and you’re starting to get really creepy. Understand?”

“Whoa. Whoa, uh, okay. Geez, I was just joking.”

Loki rolled his eyes and turned back to the computer. “Whatever. Stay away from him and stop thinking about him so much. I have work to do if I want to get out of here on time.”

Was that harsh? Maybe, but Loki had been sick of Tobias long before he’d realized he felt something for Thor, and now that they were where they were now? He wasn’t about to share Thor for a minute. Tobias had had his chance. It was Loki’s turn now.

Heading home an hour later was nice. Half-day’s were always a treat, and when Loki walked in the door to their house, he was in a sunny mood. Especially for him.