He had noticed how good Anthony was for Loki but it took another intrusion of his in a private moment for him to realise that Loki was good for Anthony too.

Anthony was against the wall gasping, at first Thor was ready to just throw himself out of one of the palace's windows as he thought not again. However this was a different kind of gasp, a harsh pained kind of gasps and he was against the wall like a wounded animal clutching his chest.

Loki was there, all attention so solely on Anthony and he talked Anthony down by talking about mundane items and describing the weather. There was a breaking point when Anthony allowed Loki to touch him again and Anthony clung to Loki as if he was his life support.

It was hard for Thor to accept as this was his idol, he had come to admit that this was the case, and he had admired him in the vague sort of way not really considering him a person as much as they were, he had seen him as more. Anthony was supposed to be perfect but suddenly he was not.

Another reason it was hard to see was the fact that Anthony and Loki more than fit together, they needed each other. Loki needed Anthony more than he would ever need his older brother.

The next time he saw them together was in the library with Anthony hunched over a book whilst Loki leant over him, Loki's hair tickling Anthony's ear. They looked happy.

It seemed a shame that they would not be accepted. Except maybe by Thor himself.

Anthony was Tony Stark. A Midgardian. He had found out quite by accident, much like how he had found out about many elements of Loki and Anthony's relationship. Including elements he would prefer not to know. Thor felt his visions of an idol shatter a bit further, Anthony was not merely a person, he was human - a mortal. Mostly he felt pity for his brother as Anthony's lifespan was so short in comparison to their own.

Thor told no one knowing that although he still held Anthony in high regard few others will. Loki deserved all the time he got with the mortal, mortal though he may be.

They were in Odin's Vault, depositing another of Loki's gifts to the vault. In which he discovered another harsh reality when Loki touched the casket of Ancient Winters.

Thor watched with the same horror as Loki no doubt felt as his skin turned blue and eyes red. Jotun. Frost Giant. Their mortal enemies and the monsters that filled bedtime stories. His hand ached for Mjolnir in instinct. His brother was one of those monsters that snatched away little Asgardian boys who did not go to bed when they were told. One of the monsters that hid under the bed of those who had been bad with their wicked red eyes. One touch could lose you a limb.

But then he saw his brother's eyes. They were the same, red though they were. Full of fear and self-loathing. And Thor was angry.
Odin and Frigga must have known, but yet they told stories of Jotuns as monsters as fiends only fit for slaying. Monsters that ate children. He loved his parents but could see no excuse for this. His heart felt heavy as he lost respect for them. It panged and felt like a betrayal to himself and well as to Loki.

Loki and Anthony both must have taken his anger for another reason and Anthony stood in front of Loki protectively whilst Loki had the look of resignation and betrayal.

"My brother, Asgard will burn for its injustice against you." Anthony and Loki both were startled and their expressions changed. Anthony gave out a cheerful bark of surprised laughter and Loki looked cautiously hopeful.

"Asgard needn't burn." Such loyalty his brother had for Asgard despite everything. Thor would respect his decision, unlike what he had before many times.