It wasn't just Thor who hurt. For all the man had been convincing himself it was, hiding behind the supposed safety of that wall of drink, those who cared for him noticed. Unsure what to do about it, with Asgardian culture being what it was, how to get Thor to accept the help he needed.

He wished he could. Just give Thor what he wanted, let him hide. But it wouldn't help. It would just put this off longer, Thor would hurt longer. It would be cruel, for all Thor would thank Loki for it, and he couldn't bear the thought.

"No Thor," He tried to keep his tone firm, but as kind as he could manage it, a faint, almost watery huff following. "Bor's Blood but of all the times for my famed silver tongue to have fled me."