Author's Note: I was in a strange mood when I wrote this, and I actually got inspiration for it by listening to the theme song of Disney's Pixar animation movie "Up", particularly the last part of the song... O.o

It's based very much on how Thor wasn't there for Loki when Loki needed him :(

I hope you'll enjoy it :)


At seven years old

"Brother!"

Loki's eyes flew open, and he flung himself into sitting up. He was shaking, his breath coming in shallow, terrified gasps, and he realised he had thrown his hand out to try reach for something that was too far ahead of him.

"No..." he said softly into the dark.

Loki lowered his arm and tried to block out the taunting voices from his nightmare, as they seemed to echo around the blackness of his room.

See how happy they are without you?

They don't need you!

Who would notice if you weren't there?

The shadows were jeering at him, so Loki's green eyes looked around for the bedroom door.

As soon as he saw it in the gloom, he threw off the covers and ran to it, slipping out, knowing whom to go to.


Thor rubbed his eyes when the soft voice said his name. He saw a small figure standing by his bed, blanketed in the gloom.

Loki's trembling began to slow when his big brother hugged him tightly as they sat side by side, the fear leaving Loki's eyes.

"... What happened in your nightmare?"

"I saw some people..."

"Who? Did they turn into monsters? Were they Frost Giants? Dark Elves?"

"Father, Mother and you. You were all laughing"

"In what way? You know that Sif, Fandral, Volstagg and Hogun are just- "

Loki shook his head.

"You were just laughing as you do when you're happy"

"Why was it a nightmare, then?"

"You were all running away together, and I couldn't reach you..."

Thor hugged his little brother closer.

"That will never happen, Loki, I promise. When you need me, I'll be there for you, okay?"

Loki smiled gratefully.

"I know you will, Brother"


Four years later

Loki threw himself awake and sat up, quietly gasping in panic. His green eyes were wide and full of fear as he forced himself to steady his breathing.

He ignored the growing shadows as he threw aside the blankets without hesitation and hurried to his way out.


"Thor?"

The older boy opened his eyes drowsily.

"Not another nightmare, Loki!"

"Yes- "

"You're too old to need comforting because of your bad dreams, Brother! You should be able to handle them on your own."

Thor closed the door, and Loki stood outside for moment in the cold gloom.

Is there an age limit for needing someone to be there for you?

He sighed quietly and made his way back to his room to deal with the nightmares alone.


Author's Note: I hope it was okay...

Please let me know what you think, and thank you for reading :)