They stood together. Always together. They were brothers, that's how it should be. With a grin, Loki slapped Thor on the shoulder.
"Brother. He did not mean it. You know how he can be sometimes." Odin had recently returned from a trip and Thor had ruled in his absence and had failed, of course. Loki couldn't help but think how much better he'd have done. He could rule Asgard and he could do it well! If only Odin would give him the chance.
"Does he think it amusing? To slap at me as if I were some ignorant child? And in front of so many...I will not forgive him for this, Loki. He has gone too far."
"Thor, don't be ridiculous. Of course you will forgive him. He is our father."
"You think I don't know that?"
"I know you do. Just like I know you will forgive him." The God of mischief sighed quietly, stepping a little closer to the edge of the balcony. Such beauty. One could look over Asgard from here and never be bored. And still Loki managed it. Maybe because his fool of a father always overlooked him.
Of course, Thor had failed his little assignment from Odin. If someone had questioned him, a fight would surely follow. He'd made some very bad choices but Odin had returned and everything was running smoothly again. So why was he so irritated? He felt rather than saw Thor step up next to him.
"Loki? You have not been yourself these past few days. You do not speak and when you do, it is very...controlled. Brother? What are you not telling me?"
"Nothing, Thor. You look too deep." Loki turned and gave a bright smile that only Thor would recognise as fake. Hands gripped his arms, pulled him into the embrace of his brother, to which he would not respond. "Let go, Thor, you fool." But a genuine smile curved his thin lips.
"Loki, when you wish to talk, you know where I am. I shall leave you to your thoughts now." Their eyes met before the thunder God strode away. Carefully, he perched himself on the balcony. A light breeze swept his hair around his face and instead of brushing it back; he just let it fall across his face. He could see the bifrost from here and how the setting sun brought the colours to life. He would leave now. He should rest. Now, he pushed his hair back as he stepped down and headed to his room.
Naked and warm, the sheet tugged carelessly up to his torso, Loki stared at the ceiling and tried to sleep. Drifting between sleep and consciousness, he barely heard his door open.
A quiet whisper. "Loki?" Thor. The giant oaf didn't know when to give up. Maybe, if he pretended to be asleep, he would be left alone. He felt the mattress dip from the added weight but continued to feign sleep. "I know you are not sleeping, brother." A firm grip on his chin. Loki knew his brother was grinning from the tone his voice had taken. The hand was removed and placed on the other side of his waist.
"But I am obviously trying to sleep, Th-" Teeth on his neck, nibbling their way down to his collar. His breath caught as he pushed at the giant form that had leant over him. "Fool! You scared me."
"As I intended. You're awake. Are you not?" Smirking. Thor gave his brother an affectionate pat on the cheek. "I've been thinking brother. Those fire giants from Muspelheim? That have been bothering father? We should stop it!"
"Thor, you're being foolish again. He forbid you from going to Jotunheim that one time and he'll do the same again if he has to."
"But if we go now? Without him knowing! Think of the thrill, brother!"
"Oh the joy. It's the middle of the night, Thor. Go back to bed." He shifted over, turning his back on his brother. Those teeth found the back of his neck, nipped fiercely as Thor trailed his finger down Loki's spine, sending a delicate shiver through his body. "Thor! Go to bed, you moronic imbecile." Pouting, the blonde rose.
"Fine. I shall go alone."
Cursing under his breath, Loki rolled to face his brother with a scowl. "Fine. You've woken me, I supp-"
"You were never asleep..." Thor pointed out with a grin.
"Oh, shut up, Thor!" Loki growled as he crawled out of bed and began preparing for a fight with the fire giants.