"It would be boring if I didn't," he pointed out. "I certainly don't want to bore anyone that's listening to me. And I'd hate to bore myself with speaking."

He looked at her for a long time, considering the possibilities. He opened his mouth to ask a question, then thought better of it.

But she hadn't reacted badly, just then. And Loki had never been one to leave well enough alone. Carefully, as if he expected to get punched or worse, he took her hand again, but this time he brought it to rest against his cheek. He looked up at her, no mockery in his expression, just a hint of puzzlement and curiosity, like he was trying to ask a question he couldn't quite put into words.