#mcu!loki

He's not the worst you've ever had to deal with. You've been yelled at by cousins and long-lost kids for not treating their dying relative as if they're fully healthy and capable of making a complete comeback. But Loki's snipes certainly feel the sharpest. It's like he knows your every insecurity when he strikes.

Still, you're not doing this job for him. You're here to make sure Frigga isn't in a lot of pain. That she's not suffering.

When you walk into her room, Loki glares at you. For once, Frigga catches it.

"Loki, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, mother," he quickly assures, eyes softening as he looks at her.

"You looked at my poor nurse as if she was a demon," she insists.

"It's nothing," he reiterates before storming out.

Frigga looks at you, "I'm so sorry for my son."

"It's okay," you nod. "Not everyone processes their grief in a healthy way."

She chuckles, "if only you knew!"

"He must love you very much to hate me so."

"Oh?"

"I'm a reminder that he's going to lose you," you shrug. "The fact that he's so hostile towards me, indicates he's severely pained at the thought of losing you. You must be very dear to him."

"Thank you for seeing the best in him," she smiles. "Not many can."

After the appointment, you head out to your car but hesitate when you see Loki pacing by his own vehicle.

"She's ready for visitors again," you inform him as you look for a way to walk past him.

He stops pacing. "I heard what you told her about me. Your insight into why I'm acting the way I am."

"Would you have preferred I kept my mouth shut?"

"...yes and no," he admits. "Mainly because you're not wrong."

"You're not the only one who's ever been mean to me for such reasons."

"It doesn't excuse my behavior," he shakes his head. "I...I apologize for my...immaturity. I will try to do better going forward."

"I appreciate that," you smile. "Now go and spend some more time with your lovely mother. She enjoys when you read to her."

His eyes soften, he looks like he wants to cry. "Thank you."