Careful, Thor. If you start thinking things like that, sooner or later you'll say them, and if you say them Loki will take you up on them. He's content with the equilibrium they've reached. The brotherly banter, the way they're both holding one another at arm's length, able to laugh together but not quite ready to trust.

It's all right. Maybe for the best. He is not built to be trustworthy, and Thor deserves someone trustworthy at his side. Still, the idea of 'like old times' is compelling. Some part of him would love to be Thor's little brother again. But even if it's too late for that, they've got a quiet moment here, and when Thor gives him that lazy half-hug, Loki's eyes blink open in pleasant surprise.

Oh. Well. All right, then.

It's a shame to have to vocalize bad news under these peaceable circumstances. "Yes," he says. "Him. He did not wish to say, but this is meant to be an early wake. He has something to face at home and does not expect to come back from it."

"And he's been estranged from his Thor. Your kindness means much to him, I think."