Braid

Notes: I've only written a story for fun once before, so I really have no idea what I'm doing. This might turn into a series of short snippets if I feel motivated. I hope you enjoy it.

Thor huffed in frustration as a chunk of sweaty blond hair fell into his eyes once more. He smacked the flat of his sword into the practice dummy before him in a show of agitation, before storming to the edge of the training ring. He tossed the sword to the ground with a resounding clatter, alerting everyone in the area to his temper. Loki, standing at the range with a handful of simple throwing knives, peered at his brother surreptitiously.

Thor pulled a thin leather thong from one of several belt pouches and yanked his hair back, away from his face. Fumbling pathetically with the leather strip, Thor managed only to further enrage himself as his hair slipped free of his grasp and back into his face. His yell of irritation echoed through the yard, and Loki jumped in his place. Scrabbling to put his knives away, Loki rushed over to the training ring.

As he neared Thor, Loki slowed to a cautious walk. He leaned slightly, trying to catch Thor's eye before he came in range of his strong arms. With his temper, one could never trust Thor not to take a swing at any who dared to be in his presence. Loki swallowed the lump in his throat and carefully addressed his older brother.

"Brother… Perhaps I could aid you in some way?" He kept his voice soft and demure, almost weak sounding. Thor was less likely to lose the last vestiges of his composure around someone he deemed too pathetic to fight. The blond turned sharply toward Loki, his lip curled in an unpleasant sneer.

"If you know some secret to control such annoyances" – he gestured to his hair aggressively – "then please, do tell."

Loki nodded quickly, stepping closer and holding out his hand. "Yes," he breathed, "I believe I may be of service. Give me your tie." Thor stared at him for a long moment, much to Loki's discomfort, before marching over and thrusting the leather string into his outstretched hand. Loki gestured to the ground and smiled apologetically. "If you could, Brother, sit here before me."

After heaving a dramatic sigh, Thor sank to the ground at Loki's feet. The younger of the two slipped the hair tie between his lips and carefully took up the blond locks before him. With some difficulty, Loki began to slowly braid Thor's hair. His tiny fingers were nimble, but unused to the motions. His own hair was too short for such a need, and horse hair was much stiffer and easier to braid. When most of the length was pulled back, Loki wrapped the leather around the end of the plaited tail and stepped back.

The braid was a bit lumpy and off center, but Thor seemed to find it satisfactory. One hand slid down the length of it as he stood. He smiled at Loki and nodded once, firmly.

"Well met, Brother. I do not know why you waste your time with a lady's skill, but it has proved must useful here."

Loki winced slightly, feeling a hot blush climb up his pale cheeks. "It's not a lady's skill! You would be continuing with your tantrum had I not known it. And I practiced on the horses. Contrary to popular opinion, your mane is not the most unruly in Asgard."

Thor laughed heartily, patting Loki's back fiercely. "As you say, Brother. Lady's skill or not, it is most appreciated here." With that, Thor hefted his sword and returned with renewed vigor to his practice dummy. Loki smiled shyly, pleased to have helped his brother, and walked back to the throwing range with lifted spirits.

Thanks for reading!