"Brother, come look! Look what I've done!" cried a tiny Balder, toddling towards Loki with a large piece of parchment in his grip. With his free hand, he clutched and tugged at the hem of Loki's emerald green cape, giggling happily. With a small smile, Loki collected the yellowed parchment in his hand and swept his eyes across it, taking in the work of his smaller sibling. In the finest of paint oils, was a beautifully crafted painting of Loki himself, standing tall and proud with his helmet in his hands.

"It is phenomenal, Balder. You may make an artist yet." Loki crooned lovingly, bending over to pinch one of his brother's cherubic cheeks. The toddler let out a warble of laughter.

He is innocent. Loki thought miserably. So very innocent. His small and beautiful brother was completely oblivious to the blackness that clouded the heart of his older brother.

"I made it just for you 'Owki!" Balder garbled, before running into Loki and giving him a hug worthy of Valhalla.

The sheer reverence in Balder's voice caused a sting of pain to pulse through Loki's body.

Lies and deceit.

That was all he had to offer his younger brother, simply because that was all he had to offer anyone. Unlike Thor, Loki didn't have crowds of swooning females all vying for his attention. Nor did he have numerous battle conquests, or statues erected in his name. He didn't even have the love of his father. Odin clearly favoured the golden sibling and that was that. Balder was all Loki had. While the bright and beautiful infant buried himself into Loki's middle, Loki peered at the painting once more.

It was surreal.

Loki looked almost…gallant.

The bright green eyes in the painting bore into Loki's own ones with a strength that he knew he would never attain. He stood with a posture so imperious that Loki scowled in anger. The pretty painting did a marvellous job of lying.

Instantly, Loki felt the familiar creep of sadness tiptoeing towards him.

"Is this how you view me, brother?" he asked softly. "Do you think me strong and gallant?" With wide and fearful eyes, Balder stepped back and placed his plump little palm onto Loki's clenched fist.

"You're the best, most clever man in all the nine realms!" He cried happily, before pulling Loki's fist up and kissing it. "I love you 'Owki!"

Tears stinging his eyes, Loki snatched his hand away, the action causing Balder to look hurt and surprised. His angelic smile morphed into a confused frown in a matter of seconds. Regardless, Loki continued speaking.

"I am no strong warrior like our dear… brother." Loki said derisively, shivering at the thought of Thor. "I am Loki, the cowardly trickster, incapable of love or sentiment. And you, little angel, have allowed me to lie to you!" He continued to mutter. He turned away from the terrified infant. His eyes stung with tears which threatened to blind him completely. Frustration pulsed through his searing veins and his jealousy only intensified.

Suddenly, the small sniffles and whimpers from behind him caused Loki to burn with shame. No. Loki thought firmly. I may despise myself, but I will not let Balder suffer because of it. At that, Loki turned towards his crying brother and bent down on one knee, placing a hand onto Balder's shoulder.

"Why don't you like my picture 'Owki, I made it just for you! Did I do it wrong? I can make it again!" Balder pleaded miserably, tears running down his face.

Guiltily, Loki lowered his hand to take Balder's hand in his own and squeezed it gently. He used the other to gently wipe the infant's tears away.

"It's perfect, Balder. Just like you."

Slowly, the fires within Loki began to die down and a smile crept onto his face. "Don't listen to Loki when he's angry. He hurts others to make him feel better. But you won't let him." Loki stated firmly, giving Balder's hands another squeeze. "Please don't let him." He continued more weakly this time. Balder gave Loki a watery smile and pulled his hand to his lips, giving it a kiss.

"Okay 'Owki. I'll do it because you told me to!" Balder giggled proudly, all traces of unhappiness gone from his face.

Loki couldn't help but feel calm.

Precious child.