The Invisible String Theory

Chapter 10 - This is How We Stay

We walked together, hand in hand, back toward what was left of our camp. The space around us rippled as Loki summoned a portal.

When the light receded and solid ground returned beneath our boots, Asgard greeted us with the same majesty it always held– golden spires, glowing skies, and a quiet hum of energy in the air. But somehow, it feels different now. Like it had paused too, waiting for us.

Loki looked at me though gauging whether I'd bolt. I didn't. We walked, side by side, our steps quieter than usual. But between us... the silence no longer strained

Our hands found each other just past the gates, held a moment too long, then tried to pull apart when we saw movement ahead.

Too late.

"Oh, look at this," came a booming voice from behind one of the gilded columns. "Trying to be subtle, brother?"

Loki groaned without looking. "Thor."

We both turned just as the God of Thunder stepped out with a grin too wide to be harmless.

"I'd say I'm shocked," Thor went on, folding his arms across his broad chest, "but after sensing you two bicker your way through half the Realms, this was bound to happen."

"I'm sure the Realm was grateful for the entertainment," Loki muttered, releasing my hand a moment too late.

"Oh, don't stop on my account," Thor said, tilting his head. "It suits you, really. Opposites attracting and all that."

"I thought you would be on Earth, grunting and posturing with the Avengers." Loki said with annoyance.

"Even heroes get a day off! Besides, Mother's waiting in the study, she's been pacing."

I straightened at that. "She knows we're back?"

Thor nodded. "Of course. She always knows. But don't worry– she's more curious than furious."

That didn't ease the tight knot forming in my stomach.

As we moved past the palace gates, our boots echoed with the weight of memory. Sunlight filtered through towering columns, catching in the crystal threads of suspended banners overhead. Asgard hadn't changed—but I had. The place felt both distant and familiar, like hearing a song you used to hum as a child but no longer remembered the words to.

Thor walked ahead, a bundle of joy and booming laughter, clearly energized by their return.

As we continued, my curiosity tugged again. I leaned closer to Loki, lowering my voice. "So... the Avengers?" I asked, glancing up at him. "Are they some sort of mortal war band?"

Loki's expression twitched into something between a smirk and a wince. "Of a sort," he muttered. "A rather theatrical one. They parade around Earth in capes and armor, saving cities while destroying others."

Thor must've overheard, because he turned around, walking backward now. "A noble bunch! Well, most of them. Stark talks too much. Rogers talks even more. But I trust them with my life."

"She was asking me, Thor," Loki snapped, barely containing his annoyance.

Thor winked. "She deserves both perspectives, don't you think?"

With a roll of his eyes, Loki turned back to her, keeping his stride smooth. "They are protectors. In their way."

I hummed. "Maybe I'd like to meet them."

"No."

The sharpness of his response surprised me.

He didn't meet her gaze. His eyes were trained ahead, his jaw tight with something unspoken.

"I just thought—" I began.

"I know what you thought," he cut in, his voice low but steady. "You'd want to help. That's who you are. You see people in danger and you step forward. Without hesitation. Without thinking of yourself."

I stopped walking, the quiet in my chest louder than the clamor of the palace ahead.

Loki turned to face me, finally meeting my eyes. "But not this time," he said. "Promise me. Stay out of that world. It will chew you up. And I—" He paused, the sentence heavy in the air. "I wouldn't be able to stop it."

I softened. "I wasn't planning on saving the world," she murmured. "Not today."

Behind us, Thor called out again, voice echoing in the courtyard. "Are you two whispering about your tragic love story back there? Because I must be kept in the loop!"

Loki groaned audibly.

As we parted ways with Thor at the end of the corridor, I glanced sideways. Loki's hand had found mine again, quietly this time. I said nothing. Neither did he.

We stepped into the study together.

Frigga stood by the tall windows, dressed simply, but still somehow regal, bathed in golden light. She turned at the sound of the door, her expression instantly softening.

"Well," she said, her voice like warm water. "You two seem...closer."

Loki cleared his throat awkwardly. "Travelling does that."

Frigga's eyes sparkled. "So does survival. Whatever you faced, it's changed both of you."

"We're fine," I said quickly "Just tired. It's been a long stretch."

Her gaze drifted between us, lingering where our shoulders touched. "I won't press. Not today."

She stepped forward and took my hands gently. "I'm glad you're back. Both of you."

I nodded, words catching somewhere in my chest.

Frigga reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "You've grown since I saw you last."

Loki let out a quiet huff, And I swore he mouthed, finally, someone notices.

She released my hands and looked at Loki with something between pride and concern, but didn't press.

"You should rest," she said. "Not here– go on. There'll be time to talk later."

Loki inclined his head, almost graceful, and gently steered me from the study.

We walked past a pair of guards and up a spiral staircase. Finally stopping at a dark wooden door. He opened it with a wave of his hand, and I followed him inside.

It was quiet here. Familiar. Too clean, too perfect– but still somehow him.

As the door shut behind us, the tension ebbed out of my shoulders.

Loki turned to me. "Well?"

I blinked. "Well what?"

"Are you going to pretend that didn't feel like an ambush?"

I smirked. "Only if you admit you panicked when Thor caught us."

"I don't panic," he muttered, pulling his cloak off and tossing it aside. "I strategize."

I gave him a look.

He sighed, rubbing the back of neck. "Fine. I panicked."

A pause. Then, softly:
"But only because it matters now."

I stepped toward him, and for once, neither of us reached first. We just stood there, breathing the same air, listening to the city fade outside the window.

"So what now?"

Loki thought for a moment, then said, "I don't know, just as long as you're here with me."

"I do recall you being the picture of aloof elegance," I teased. "The god who never clings."

He groaned, but didn't move. "Do shut up."

I smiled.

From the ashes of Elyndor, from the fracture of the soul bond, from the illusions and betrayals and near endings– they had become something new.

Not perfect. But whole. And that was enough.