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He had heard a lot about this bathhouse. Some Asgardians said that it could do more than just strip grime from the skin. They whispered that, once every century, its waters could temporarily sever a person from their magic. Whether there was any truth to the rumor or not, Loki had always been fascinated by it. Though he himself didn’t enjoy bathhouses as many Asgardians did, he knew that Thor was quite fond of them; something about fellowship and bonding in nakedness. However, as a prince, Loki had never been forced to go to them and therefore never tried it. He didn’t suspect he would enjoy it—nothing seemed less pleasant than a group of sweaty, hairy, grown men sharing a tub.
Anyhow, Thor had invited him along that evening, and well, normally he would have declined, but he was intrigued. Tonight, the phenomenon was said to happen and he wondered if the bathhouse really had that ability. Could it actually strip him of his powers?
Pale moonlight shimmered down, illuminating the pathway with the help of the glowing lantern that dangled in his brother’s grip. The big blonde trotted alongside Loki, towel swung over his shoulder.
“I really cannot believe you have never been to a bathhouse, Loki,” Thor stated, shaking his head in disbelief. “You have been missing out—though I do believe it is best in the company of others, which we will unfortunately have less of this time. You’ll have to come again soon,” He concluded.
“What exactly is there to enjoy about more people?” Loki scoffed. “I should think fewer would make the experience far more tolerable. There is nothing in a bathhouse that I cannot obtain in my own chambers.” He was glad to be going at midnight.
“One should not judge without firsthand experience. You must keep an open mind,” Thor smiled, clearly pleased with himself. Since when did he become such a witling? Last time he checked, his brother was still an overgrown meathead.
“How noble of you, brother,” Loki said sarcastically, lips curling into a grin. He was too excited to be annoyed. Having the opportunity to study an unfamiliar event and potentially witness new magic wasn’t something he experienced everyday.
As they approached their desired destination, more and more of it came into view. Loki could now make out the entrance, the stone arch glimmering with the large vines that drooped over the cave. After a deep inhale, Loki noticed something was changing in the air. It was more humid, and the scent of honey and herbs lingered. Ah, it was actually quite pleasant. He could feel the tension leaving his body already.
Thor, noticing Loki’s unusual relaxation, had to ruin it. He gave him a shove to the side with his elbow (it was meant to be brotherly but he accidentally put too much force into it), knocking him off balance. Loki stumbled off the pathway before eventually catching his footing again.
“Apologies,” Thor shrugged sheepishly, smiling, “You seem to be especially light today, brother. Have you been eating enough?” Loki, having regained his composure, walked beside Thor again. He granted him a roll of his eyes, but otherwise ignored him. Thor’s obnoxiousness was nothing new.
They finally entered the steamy bathhouse, sandals clopping on the stone. Many small pools littered the edges, each one framed with beautiful polished stones. There were a few people relaxing in them. The main pool was hard to ignore as it glimmered elegantly, a reflection of the moon painted on its smooth surface. Not a ripple in sight. Casting his eyes up, Loki noticed that the moon could be seen perfectly in the middle of a large opening in the cavern’s ceiling.
“Glorious, isn’t it?” Thor said in appreciation.
“It is indeed,” Loki agreed.
Thor sighed giddily, already tugging his tunic over his head. “Perfect.” Loki looked away at once. “Have some modesty. Must you undress with the urgency of a wild animal?”
“You’re in a bathhouse.”
“I am aware—don’t they have changing rooms or something of the sort?” At this, Thor barked out a laugh.
“What’s the point of a changing room when you’re going to be naked anyway?” Annoyingly, he had a point. But Loki disliked admitting it. By then, Thor had already shamelessly discarded his clothing in a pile by the nearest pool. At least he had the decency to wrap his towel around his waist. He now looked at Loki expectantly. “Well?”
“Yes, yes, give me a moment.” With obvious reluctance, he began peeling back his layers. After awkwardly rolling down his trousers, he tied his own towel around himself. Once he had finished stripping down, his clothing joined Thor’s in the untidy pile.
“Are there no servants to watch our garments for us?” He questioned, waving a finger in the direction of the pile with mild disdain. Thor thought for a second.
“Eh, typically there are. But I gather that there are less of them at this time of night,” Then he added with a shrug, “No matter. I’m sure one will tend to them soon.” They made their way to the small pool of water next to them, where Thor happily climbed into. Loki sat on the edge and dipped his toes in, testing the water.
At first it was hot, the warmth climbing up his body. But after a bit, he felt adjusted to it, and deemed it safe enough to ease himself deeper. Eventually, he was chest-deep in the water, bottom sat on a seemingly natural stone. It was enjoyable, the water bubbling softly. He looked to his left to see his brother with his head tipped back, eyes closed, and a satisfied grin spread across his face. What a bonehead.
The warm water was affecting more than just Loki’s mood though. The heat submerging his body drew attention to his bladder. He was feeling something he hadn’t noticed before—the need to urinate. It was far from urgent, though still uncomfortable.
He supposed it had been a few hours since he’d last gone. It had slipped his mind since he was pretty routinely with his privy visits. Normally he would be in his own chambers by now, tucked under his covers, completely dozed off. His body was likely not used to this change of schedule. Regardless, he was fine and could probably hold it for quite a bit longer. For now, he could just relax. He adjusted his seating until he could comfortably lean back.
“So, what led you to accept my invitation, brother?” Thor started, cracking an eye open, “I feel that it is rather out of character for you,”
“Oh, you know, I like to experience new things,” Loki stated thoughtfully. It wasn’t untrue. Just not social things. More arcane ones.
“No, no I didn’t know that. That’s why it seemed unlike you.”
“Perhaps you don’t know me as well as you thought you did,” Loki smirked easily. Thor scoffed, sitting up now.
“Ha! Please, I know you still sleep with that stuffed animal Mother gave you when you were a babe. I also know you write love poems in your diary.” Loki stared at him, his smile dropping from his face. That was not information to be spoken aloud, in public. Thor was the one smirking now.
“What? It’s true!” The numskull snickered. Loki was beginning to think that now was a good time to test out the rumors of this bathhouse. He hoped that all the talk was false, just so he could get a little revenge on his sibling. Thor slouched lazily in the tub, unaware of the dangerous scheming going on in his brother’s head.
Loki was just about to attempt to cast a spell, when a pulse coursed through his lower abdomen. The urge was getting worse. Squeezing his legs together seemed to be the remedy to his issue. He tried not to let the discomfort show on his face. Maybe he had been in the water too long, he didn’t usually do the best in hot water. Cold water was his preference. He always bathed in cooler temperatures. It refreshed him.
“Loki? Is something the matter?” Thor asked him, eyebrows furrowing in concern. Loki immediately sat up straight.
“Ah, might we move to a different pool? I do believe I have been in the heat for too long,” He tried his best to sound composed.
“Yes, of course,” Thor said, relieved, “I had forgotten that you prefer colder climates,”
The men shifted over to the next body of water, which was much cooler than the last one. It wasn’t super cold by any means, but it felt chilly in comparison. Loki felt much more comfortable in this one, however, his bladder was still bothering him. The organ felt tight and constrained. He wondered if they had a lavatory here, since they lacked something as basic as a dressing room.
He contemplated asking Thor, but considering how he laughed at him for the changing room question, he decided against it. It was too humiliating.
But suddenly he had an even more shameful thought. No, he couldn’t. It was far too unclean and gross. But, he was familiar with the water systems here, in that the bath water was constantly refreshed from the springs outside. It was obvious to anyone who could see the flowing streams that surrounded the cave. Still, it didn’t make him feel much better.
Would Thor notice? He turned his head to see the man shivering, broad shoulders drawn up. Ugh, he was sure he would notice the temperature change. Maybe he could get them to move to a warmer pool? Or better yet, get Thor to go to his own separate pool.
“It seems you are the one feeling uncomfortable now,” Loki tried, “Why don’t you move to another pool?”
“Nonsense, I am perfectly fine,” Thor’s teeth chattered. Now, why was he being stubborn about this? It would solve all of their problems. Thor could be warm and Loki could be cool. And Loki could relieve himself, but Thor didn’t need to know about that one.
“No, you are clearly not. You look like you’re freezing,” Loki pressed. “Why don’t you just exit this water?”
“Because—” Thor hesitated, then looked at him with disarming sincerity. “Well, I wanted to spend time with you, Loki.” Oh. Loki exhaled quietly through his nose. Fine. Loki stood up, grabbing his towel and stepping out of the bath. He beckoned for Thor to follow him. Together they shuffled to another bath, this one warmer than the last but still short of the sweltering heat of the first. Lukewarm. Manageable. Loki tried to look composed as he stepped over the edge and into the water.
He shifted on the submerged stone bench, trying to find comfort. Of course, Thor had to plop himself right next to him. The pressure in Loki’s bladder had become impossible to ignore now, aggravated by the warmer water surrounding him. It was infuriating to him. He would just have to get it over with.
And that he tried. He subtly spread his legs and forced himself to loosen his muscles. He tried to focus on the sound of the springs, on the rippling water, on anything except Thor’s nearness. He attempted to let go.
A few moments passed, and still, no success. His body wouldn’t cooperate. He was too tense and he couldn’t stop thinking about how Thor was beside him, shoulder nearly brushing his own beneath the water. The strain in his abdomen only sharpened, an intense ache now. He swallowed carefully and tried again, forcing himself to relax inch by inch.
A trickle teetered on the edge, about to escape—but, no. He couldn’t. His muscles immediately locked up, thighs clamping together. There was a slight chance that his brother would feel the water warming, and he couldn’t risk it. He would just have to endure it. Surely they would leave soon enough.
Loki sought a distraction for the time being. Glancing up, he focused on the cavern ceiling that glittered with mineral deposits. They looked like stars from far away. Along the surrounding walls, narrow streams spilled steadily into the pools below, their constant dripping and hushed trickling echoing through the chamber. The sound made him tense involuntarily, his legs tightening.
“You are awfully quiet,” Thor spoke up. Loki had never been a chatterbox, but he was definitely speaking less than usual.
“I am just thinking,” Loki said as confidently as he could.
“I believe you do far too much of that,” Thor uttered lightly.
“And you do far too little,” He sputtered, irritation slipping through despite himself.
“Easy, brother. There is no need to become feisty. You are meant to relax.” He laughed softly. Thor was getting to be annoying. Like an insect persistently buzzing in his ear. Now he remembered why he never joined him in things like this. Why did he even come this time? Oh, right. He wanted to experience the myth. Loki nearly scoffed aloud. As though some ancient spring could truly strip him of his magic. He was far too powerful for that.
“Is something troubling you?” Thor questioned, “I don’t get on your nerves for nothing.” Okay, well that was false.
“Oh, you most certainly do.” Loki crossed his arms in frustration.
“Did I do something wrong? Are you upset with me?” Thor’s expression softened. Loki opened his mouth with a biting retort ready on his tongue, but another throb pulsed through his bladder, sharp enough to make him falter. He pressed his lips together instead, breath hitching almost imperceptibly.
“No, you have done nothing wrong,” was all he could muster. He took a moment to regain his composure. During this time, he could feel Thor’s unusually observant eyes studying him.
“Loki, are you perhaps in need of the toilet?” Thor interrupted the silence. That caught him off guard. Loki’s eyes widened, his head snapping toward his brother. Thor only tilted his head, calm and attentive in that maddeningly straightforward way of his.
“Ah, that is all? Phew.” He let out a chuckle.
“I—no,” he answered, too quickly.
“Don’t be upset! It is hardly uncommon! We have been sitting in heated water for quite some time.” Uh oh. There was nothing Loki could do now, except maybe manipulate him. Actually, that’s pretty reasonable. Closing his eyes, he pictured himself composed and unbothered, sitting serenely exactly where he was. Beneath the water, he moved his hand subtly, sending ripples across the surface as he cast the spell. And cast it.
His stomach dropped. It wasn’t working. He tried again, smaller this time, barely more than a flicker of magic beneath the water. Still nothing. No way. The rumors had been true. This place somehow suppressed his power. He wasn’t even sure how to process that. That didn’t matter though, there was no time to dwell on it.
“Uh… brother?” Thor lowered his voice to a whisper for the last part. “Are you peeing?”
“What!?” Heat flooded his face. “No!” What could possibly have led him to that conclusion? Oh, maybe the fact that he was staring intently into the water and suspiciously swishing his hand around as if trying to dilute something. Wonderful. He probably looked like such a fool.
“It’s alright if you are! I’m certain most people simply relieve themselves in the water.” Thor assured him gently.
“I’m not!” He insisted. Thor still looked unconvinced. “I mean it! I’m not!”
“Alright, alright!” They looked at each other in awkward silence for a minute, before Thor cleared his throat.
“Ahem, if you still need to go I’m sure we can find a lavatory,”
“You don’t know where one is?” Loki was beyond embarrassment at this point. He dragged both hands down his face. He needed to piss so bad that he no longer cared whether Thor helped him.
“Well—I’ve never had to use one here.” Thor shrugged. Wow. That certainly made Loki feel better about apparently being the only one of them ever forced to seek out a privy in this place, on his very first visit, no less. He didn’t have words to describe his exasperation.
“Don’t worry! I’m sure I can find an attendant!” Thor was already preparing to hop out of the pool when Loki seized his arm.
“Absolutely not.” The last thing he needed was for anyone else to learn that a prince of Asgard couldn’t hold his bladder. He was sure that everyone here already knew that he needed to relieve himself with how loud Thor was being.
“Then, what do you suggest?” He finally asked for his input and Loki let go of his arm.
“I suggest,” he said slowly, “that you stop announcing my private affairs to the entirety of Asgard.”
“Gods, you are being dramatic! There are, what, five other people here?” Then he added, “and I am speaking quite softly!”
“Softly?” He hissed, “you may as well stand and proclaim it to the heavens!”
Thor looked genuinely offended by that comparison. “I would never embarrass you in such a way.”
“Really? Well you are doing an admirable job at it already!” All this whisper-yelling was not helping his situation. The straining of his vocal cords took away from the power his muscles needed to clench. This was so frustrating. What could he even do? Every option was humiliating. Use magic? Nope. Ask a servant? Shameful. Waltz around looking for a privy on his own with his legs pressed together and a red face? Never!
Another painful pulse from his bladder made Loki curl forward slightly. He bit back a miserable sound.
“Loki,” Thor mumbled sympathetically.
“Fine,” he muttered bitterly. “Find your attendant.” That was the best option.
Thor immediately hauled himself from the pool with a splash, equipped his towel, and strode off, completely unconcerned by the water streaming from his hair and shoulders. Loki sank lower into the water until only his eyes remained above the surface. He let his hand squeeze a disgraceful spot, he couldn’t help it.
When Thor returned, Loki was barely holding on. His legs were twisted so tightly he was sure they were going to lose circulation. His face was pinched in discomfort and his cheeks were flushed.
“Yes, of course! Thank you kindly!” Thor waved off whoever he was talking to and hurried back over to Loki. The moment he saw Loki’s condition, his expression twisted into a wince.
“How– how are you doing?” Thor grimaced. Loki answered with nothing but a venomous glare. “Right. The man said that there is a lavatory located on the north side. It should be right over there,” He pointed across the baths. “Can you make it?”
In all honesty, Loki didn’t think he’d make it. But, he’d have to try. Thor offered him a hand and he took it, having to painfully spread his legs in order to climb out of the water. He was almost certain a dribble escaped, but it wasn’t noticeable since he was already soaked. The instant as he had secured the towel around himself, he jammed a hand between his legs. He was so unbelievably full that he could hardly stand up.
“Come on, you can do it,” Thor encouraged gently. He tugged Loki in the direction of the privy. But he wasn’t budging. His legs refused to separate. He wasn’t going to make it. His whole body tensed as a wave of desperation washed over him. He squeezed tighter, trying to will it away.
“I-I can’t,” He gasped as a hot spurt slipped through his fingers. Then another. He couldn’t hold it anymore. Loki’s breath hitched sharply.
His body gave out all at once. Liquid surged from him in an unstoppable rush, darkening the white towel to a humiliating yellow before streaming down his legs. It splashed against the stone beneath him as his knees buckled helplessly, shaky as a newborn fawn. A mortified, trembling sigh escaped him alongside the overwhelming relief.
Thor reacted quickly. He pulled Loki backward into the bath with a tremendous splash, catching him before he could collapse completely. Water surged around them as Thor steadied him upright, hands on his shoulders. Loki slumped forward, humiliation burning through him as he relieved himself.
Though unnoticeable to anyone else, he could feel the water surrounding his groin warm. His eyes stung with disappointment, tears gathering despite his efforts to blink them away. He couldn’t believe he had let it get this bad. At his grown age this should never have happened. He should’ve just sucked it up and asked his brother where the lavatory was ages ago. It would’ve been far less mortifying. As he wallowed in self-hatred, his bladder finally finished emptying.
“Brother?” Thor’s composed voice cut through Loki’s thoughts. “Have you finished?” Loki nodded miserably, forcing himself to meet Thor’s eyes. Thor studied him quietly before lifting a thumb to brush away one of the tears that had escaped down Loki’s cheek. The gesture only made more tears threaten to spill over.
“S-stop. Just stop.” He pushed Thor’s hands off him. He couldn’t handle this. It was too childish. And he was not a child.
“Loki. It’s alright. It’s just an accident,” Thor’s voice remained calm, reassuring. Then, as if it helped, he added, “And there’s no harm done. You were already wet anyway.” Loki stared at him in disbelief.
“It is not alright,” he snapped, his voice trembling. “None of this is alright. I should never have come here.” Now Thor looked upset, his face tightening.
“Nonsense. These things happen. It’s simply something you need to work on,” He spoke with authority. “This shouldn’t discourage you from trying new things, or spending time with people.” Some distant, rational part of Loki knew Thor meant well. But Loki’s emotional brain was having none of it.
“I’m going home.” He said as firmly as he could. He knew Thor couldn’t stop him.
“That’s okay. We were going to leave soon regardless.” Loki snatched up his towel, now thoroughly drenched after floating loose in the bathwater. Once he climbed out, he wrapped it tightly around himself, though the wet fabric clung unpleasantly to his skin. He scanned the room for his discarded clothes, frustration mounting when he couldn’t find them. An attendant spoke to them before he could continue searching.
“Prince Thor. Prince Loki.” He bowed respectfully, handing them their garments. Loki was too overstimulated to do anything but grab his clothing.
“Thank you,” Thor spoke for Loki. The servant nodded and walked off. They got changed right then and there. Loki was still wet, unable to dry off since his towel was drenched, so the clothing was very difficult to put on. Thor noticed, and attempted to help him, but Loki slapped his hand away.
“Don’t coddle me.” He muttered coldly. Thor thankfully took the hint and backed off. Loki wanted nothing more than to just collapse in his absurdly expensive bed and sleep until noon. He was done with this trip. At the very least he had gotten his answer. The bathhouse truly could strip away his magic.