Loki never greeted Thor in the morning. It just didn't happen. Loki was an early riser while Thor was a late riser. By the time Thor woke Loki had already started his day. Usually there was a plate of eggs or something on the counter for Thor that Loki had made hours earlier. Loki would usually be sitting on the couch a cup of tea in one hand and a book in the other. He would maybe glance up at Thor or maybe pay him a nod, but rarely would Loki even speak to Thor until after Thor had eaten and they went to see their father to be assigned their duties. So on December twenty-fifth when Thor walked out of his bedroom he wasn't surprised to see Loki on the couch reading. Ignoring Thor. Thor grabbed his bowl of oatmeal that Loki was keeping warm with magic and a spoon and sat on the couch next to his brother. Loki rocked slightly with Thor's weight on the couch, and he glared slightly as he spilled some tea on his green silk shirt. Thor winced waiting for a knife to come out of Loki's pocket, and for Loki to toss it at him. Thor was quite surprised to see that Loki merely snapped his fingers cleaning up the spill and setting his tea on the night stand beside the couch. Thor ate his food and then stood, putting his dish in the sink.

"Don't bother," Loki said snapping his fingers, the dish cleaning itself and landing back in the cabinet. Thor smiled as he looked back to Loki who was blushing slightly.

"What is it brother?" Thor asked. Loki blushed harder as he set his book down. Thor came to sit next to him. This time being careful not to rock the couch. Loki slid a hand into his pocket and pulled something small out. He looked away and then grabbed Thor's hand pressing it into his hand. Thor looked down at the small object. It was a small charm about the size of a nickel. It was wooden and was carved in the shape of a hammer almost identical to his own. Thor smiled as he looked down at it, tracing the wood with his finger.

"I carved it myself," Loki murmured. Thor beamed at his little brother.

"I didn't know you carved," Thor said.

"I didn't up till now," Loki replied. He smiled just a little. And not a smirk that Thor was used to seeing on his face. A true and genuine smile. Thor smiled back.

"I love it," Thor whispered. Loki smiled. And then his arms were around Thor. Thor was surprised as his brother threw himself at him, but Thor held him close, stroking his long black hair.

"I'm glad you like it," Loki whispered. Thor smiled.

"Merry Christmas, brother," Thor whispered. Loki smiled.

"Merry Christmas to you as well, brother," Loki said pulling away. And their eyes met once again. And then Loki turned back into himself. He stood, taking his book to his room, his clothes switching from his pajamas to his daily leather robes as he walked forward, his hair tucking behind his ears some kind of hair gel holding it there. Loki smirked.

"You'll be late to father's meeting if you don't hurry," Loki said his eyes sparkling. Thor gasped in surprise and then ran passed Loki, getting dressed quickly. Loki laughed.

"Merry Christmas, brother," Loki stated again. Thor smiled as he pulled his shirt over his head.

"Thanks, Loki. Come on." And they both walked to the throne room. Loki was back to his sassy and snarky self once more. But Thor knew deep down there was still a part of Loki that was the man he had seen that morning. The one that had hugged him. And that made Thor smile.