Loki isn't following Thor's thoughts or private terrors, but he can sense the tension that comes and goes, the sudden racing of his heart, and the hand on Thor's head moves to stroke his forehead. Easy, Brother.

"You laugh," he says with a smirk. "But have you not savored adoration just as much? Who among the Aesir shies away from glory? Even Mother loved her devoted ones. Besides...it changes something, to be thought of as a benevolent force. Had I never called myself the savior of Asgard, I might not have felt compelled to stick my neck out and come away from Sakaar even after your words of wisdom."

Fake it until you make it, is what he's saying. Although he does think he did an awfully good job on Svartalfheim, thank you.

"I will introduce you to the children," he promises. "Whenever you wish. It's not fair to play favorites, I suppose, but if I allowed myself to, those two would be mine. When they first arrived, they would not let me go."

"Some are still recovering," he tells Thor gently. "All are grieving. But they are safe here, and loved, and that is no small thing to a child. We have a strong people, Thor. We will be fine."