It was early morning, and the only sound that could be heard was the near-silent pattering of bare feet. Two brothers rocketed down the corridor, giggling as quietly as they could so as not to wake anyone. They knew from experience that if they were to do so, they were sure to be scolded by their father.
The younger had a mischievous air. He was thin and agile, easily managing to dodge his brother's many attempts to tackle him. Every time he cackled with joy as he watched his chaser dive and hit the ground with a great thump.
"You'll never learn, Thor," the dark-haired boy taunted, skipping around his older brother gleefully, "I'm faster than you!"
"I'll catch you sooner or later," Thor chortled, bringing himself to his feet, "you cannot run forever!"
"No, I can't," came the reply, "but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve."
With that, the boy tore off down the next corridor.
"Loki!" Thor called after him, forgetting he was supposed to be being quiet. After a quick look around, he chased after his little brother.
It didn't take him long to catch up. If Thor had been a great thinker, he would have noticed that Loki had clearly been waiting for him. In fact, Loki had started the whole thing by taunting him in the first place.
"Can't catch me!" Loki teased as they began their chase again.
"I shall!"
Loki turned a corner and looked around to see Thor on the opposite end of the corridor. Feeling daring, he pulled a funny face. This caused Thor to laugh uncontrollably, and he slowed down in turn. Loki waited for him, a triumphant smile painted on his face.
"I-is that all you've got?" Thor began to pick up speed again, though Loki remained stationary.
"No!"
The smile was still painted on the younger boy's face as he stared dead ahead at his golden haired brother. He was waiting until the last moment possible before making a break for it again.
"Really?"
Thor grinned.
"Because that's a dead end!"
Loki ran that way anyway, his brother close on his heels. Thor seized his chance; leaping at him, his arms outstretched, finally ready to drag him down. Instead, his hands grasped air and he fell in a heap on the ground. He felt his face burning red with embarrassment. How could he have missed? He could hear Loki's distinctive giggling coming from behind him.
"How did…?"
"I can't believe you fell for it! It was an illusion!"
"How?" Thor sat up, confused. Loki crouched down beside him, smiling kindly for once. He offered him a hand and pulled him to his feet.
"I can teach you if you like."