(Nyx, age 11)

"Come on Loki, the ball is starting," I called through the door. I stared at the elegantly carved door impatiently. I had been ready for ten minutes not and Loki was still getting dressed. I told him to start getting ready an hour ago but he wouldn't listen and now we would be late. "I told you to get ready earlier."

"You're very impatient," Loki called. I turned as Thor approached me in a dark blue tunic.

"Nah, you're just slow." Thor approached me. I heard Loki laugh. "Mom wants us in the ballroom now."

"She doesn't need help brother," Loki called. I glanced at Thor and grinned. "Give me a minute."

"Nice dress, Nyx," Thor commented. I flattened the long skirt and nodded.

"Thank you. Frigga picked it out for me." I answered as I looked down at it. It was solid emerald green with green lace sleeves. Loki opened the door and froze when he saw me. I tilted my head at him.

"Whoa." he gasped. I frowned in confusion. "Nyx you look…"

He trailed off, seeming to be at a loss for words. I looked at what he was wearing. A black tunic with another green one on top that remained open. Black pants and boots. He looked so familiar. Not familiar, I realized, safe.

"Suddenly Loki doesn't have something to say. Amazing." Thor looked at me. "You should dress up more. It would be quieter around here."

Loki looked zone out as he stared at me. The faintest smile played on his lips but it wasn't one of tease or taunt like he normally used on everyone else. This one was hesitant but full of admiration. I glanced at Thor in silent confusion. He patted my shoulder before turning away.

"Once he gets used to how you look in that dress he'll learn how to speak again." Thor sauntered off. I waved my hand in Loki's face. He blinked and shook his head.

"Sorry Nyx." he grinned sheepishly. "You look absolutely amazing."

"Thank you." I smiled warmly at him. "You don't look too bad yourself."

He grinned. His usual Loki grin in place as he spoke, "Come on slowpoke, we're gonna be late."

He took my hand and led the way to the ballroom. I laughed. "Um, who are you calling slow?"

He chuckled and squeezed my hand. We emerged into the crowded ballroom. My eyes widened at the number of people. I took a step back from the crowd, my eyes flickering to Loki. He turned to me and bow, extending one hand.

"Would you like to dance, m'lady." he looked up and grinned. I swallowed, glancing at the crowd once more. I looked back at Loki and gave a short nod. I took his hand and let him lead me around the room in a fast paced waltz. My movements were hesitant at first but after a few minutes I figured it out. After a dance, we walked to where Frigga stood.

"You two looked beautiful out there." She said with a warm smile. I blushed and bowed my head. Loki, on the other hand, raised his chin, his own face glowing from his mother's praise. She looked over the crowd and her smile vanished. "Now your brother on the other hand..."

We turned and followed her gaze to see Thor roughhousing with Volstagg. Frigga shook her head and started towards them. I glanced at Loki who was frowning at his brother. I took his hand, making him look at me, and led him back into the crowd. The music slowed down, letting us fall into pace with it easily. Loki forgot about his brother and focused on dancing with me. His green eyes remained locked on mine even when the music stopped. Without looking where we were going, we walked to Frigga's side as Odin gave a speech about the meaning of the ball. I stepped beside Loki and tilted my head so it rested on his shoulder. I knew a few people in the crowd shot us looks, mixes of confusion and annoyance, but I didn't care, and I knew Loki wouldn't either.