Astrid anticipated Loki's arrival and couldn't help but smile at the thought. Though she liked training her magic, she liked it more when Loki was with her and more so when they didn't have their mothers watching. Astrid was curious if Loki would actually be able to train her to make copies of herself. The world of Asgard and the other Nine Realms were vast and open and she longed for a way to sometimes get away while also remaining where needed. Astrid wore a simple magenta dress with a pendant around her neck and comfortable boots for her ride with Thor later. She mediated under her tree in her yard to clear her mind and allow her magic to start coursing. Loki was let in by Astrid's mother. He walked through the house to see Astrid meditating. She looked at peace and so pretty he thought as he lingered a bit on her. Loki refocused his thoughts and went over to her.

" Hello Astrid" Loki said with soft smile

Astrid opened her eyes softly and smiled as got up from the ground to hug her close friend. She always felt comfort with Loki and despite his mischief, he was very noble to her.

"His majesty and the queen didn't mind you leaving the palace today?" she chuckled lightly.

" I don't see why they would, I finished my lessons and I wanted to see my dear friend." Loki said returning the embrace

"And I see from your bag you intend to read with me after. Wish we had the same lessons and not just ones with your mother. It would be better to focus if you were in my lessons."

He chuckled since a main complaint from when they learned magic with either of their mothers was that they talked so much. He enjoyed sharing words with Astrid but he was thankful they had separate instructors for everything else.

" I think it will be less productive since we may never stop talking." Loki said with a chuckle

Astrid smiled lightly and nodded in agreement.

"My mind is still on how you made a copy to stab Thor's thigh...both in the magic and you hurting him lightly."

Loki chuckled at Astrid's sweet nature; she never wanted either of them hurt.

"I didn't want to hurt him, but he was being quite foolish and mocking our training in some aspects. Making copies is actually what I will teach you today, since I know it can be very useful." Loki explained

Astrid's eyes beamed with excitement since she was already thinking about where and when she could use it to do things she would like.

"Yes, since we won't be limited by daylight anymore if I can slip away at night and let my copy cover for me."

Loki smiled mischievously. He was a bit of a bad influence on Astrid but he welcomed it. He enjoyed her company and he would be lying if he didn't want more time with her.

"Already think of mischief and things you can do?"

"Oh you're indulging in that thought I know. I'm sure you want company in your midnight reads in the library." Loki's eyes widened and he couldn't help but smile softly.

"You enjoy our quiet readings in the library?"

"Of course I do. Sitting with you, sharing what we're reading and learning...glancing at your pensive yet soft eyes."

" You have the most serene look with the softest smile when you read, your focus is amazing. "Loki commented.

Astrid's smile grew wider and felt her heart race.

"Hopefully that focus can get us somewhere since I don't want to keep our dreams waiting now do we."

" No we do not, let's get started then." Loki said with confident smile

Astrid looked at a book with notes Loki gave her and studied it quite well. There was a lot that went into the copies of Loki's caliber. They were very real, almost like making an identical twin of yourself that can act on its own. It amazed Astrid but also intimidated her. She moved a loose curl behind her ear as she finished reading.

"How long did it take you to write this for me?"

"Not long, don't worry Astrid." Loki said with a bit of a cocky tone.

Astrid chuckled as she closed the book once she finished.

"Books are one thing, examples are another." She spoke in an elegant way.

" Fair enough." Loki stated and focused. He was able to effortless project a copy on other side of Astrid

Astrid reached over to the copy and her hand did go through the hand. So it did have a small drawback she thought, good to know she noted. She glanced at Loki and questioned,

"How long can they last?"

" As long as no one touches them with anything, they can stay for quite a while. Of course extreme force will buckle them and cause them to disappear. They are only copies after all, think of a magical version of ghost in a way except it's you." Loki explained.

He was not sure if he explained it right since he didn't see many people doing what he did and he wondered if Astrid could even learn it.

Astrid nodded and saw Loki remove the copy with his hand. His magic aura was rich and strong Astrid saw and she was always impressed with Loki's knack for magic.

"Do you project a bit of your mind into it as well or is it just imagining another version of you?"

Loki chuckled amused as he watched Astrid before finishing removing his copy. He always liked how Astrid took interest in his magic and asked questions. He didn't have many people to talk magic with so having Astrid was a blessing to him.

"Well you do have to project a bit of your mind into your copies, since if you want them to act as you, you need to be convincing and make a copy that will be able to fool others." Loki explained

Astrid nodded and closed her eyes. She reached her hand out and tried to conjure another version of herself on the other side of the yard but when she opened her eyes, nothing projected. She tried several times but not even a grainy copy appeared. She got a bit frustrated and sighed angrily. Loki sighed and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Astrid calm down, it is not something you can learn to do in a day. Even I struggled with it when I was first learning it. You will get it. Just give yourself time." Loki said softly

Magic came easy to her so she wasn't used to failure or even not partial mastery.

"Magic is my only draw to help Asgard someday. If I can't master all elements of it, what good am I? I don't just want to be a pretty lady with 'cute magic tricks', I want a purpose."

Loki patted her shoulder in comfort.

"You will have it, Astrid. You are not just a pretty girl. I saw you use magic to spar with Sif you can do amazing things. Even the greatest sorceress doesn't know everything." Loki assured her.

Astrid smiled a bit and looked softly at Loki.

"I know, but I at least want to try...hang on...do you think I'm not in the right mindset?"

" Well that depends what are you thinking about?" Loki asked curiously.

Astrid thought for a moment.

"Well it's more like I wasn't thinking of deception, just summoning. I think there's a difference between conjurating a copy and summoning. Sometimes it could be for good, but I probably need to deceive people to perform it. It is rooted in a bit of dark magic but it's not completely dark, but merely a twilight of magic where context matters and intent….Sorry; I get my ramblings from my mother it seems."

Loki shook his head.

" It's ok Astrid. It's probably why it's not working. You are thinking a bit too hard about this. Ok clear your mind of all things, and focus simply on making a copy of yourself that's standing besides you, just a copy for now. "Loki suggested.

Astrid nodded and raised her hand up once more. A purple aura emitted from her hand and slowly, a copy was being made. To her surprise, it was actually pretty convincing and not so blurry. Loki was impressed and proud since Astrid was able to make copies. She still needed work but it was a good start.

"There we go, see how easy that was, now try again just a copy again. Don't worry about having it be perfect, just make another" Loki advised.

"You mean there could be more than one? Incredible." Astrid mused.

"Focus Astrid, but not too much." Loki stated with a mild chuckle.

"Oh you love it when I'm focused just like I like your cheeky smirk." Astrid chuckled back.

Loki chuckled since Astrid always made him laugh. They always understood each other and he admired that Astrid would take his side when matters came to brute force or tactical thinking.

" I do like seeing you focused. It looks very natural for you as well."

Astrid smiled and was able to make two more copies and the first one she made was actually walking a bit on its own.

"Oh Thor's not going to like this." she mused playfully. He hated when Loki made copies in their spars or even daily lives; so her doing it would really upset him.

" Well it is not for him to like. It's your power, he has to accept it at times. Not all magic can be lovely color changing orbs and healing flowers. Very impressive Astrid, when you make a copy of yourself don't think too much about the small things. Just focus on replicating yourself and bit of your mind to temporarily deceive someone" Loki advised

"Spoken like a true mischief maker I see. But I guess if I want to sneak out with you, I'm not so innocent either."

"No one is innocent Astrid, but I guess it will be a perk to see you in evenings to read" Loki smiled softly

"Maybe more than reading." she mused in a low voice, deciding what to show Loki. Loki raised an eyebrow

" You want to prank Thor in his sleep? " Loki asked since he was not sure what Astrid meant.

"You know I don't like pranking Thor, it's not nice. But I mean...it's silly, forget I mentioned it."

"Come on, Astrid please tell me?" Loki asked now curious.

"Well...maybe sometimes we can do more. Like dancing...maybe sneaking off to a lake...other things but yes, reading will always be something to do. We don't want our new shared power to be done for the same things right?"

Loki was surprised Astrid suggested these ideas. They were not bad, they were very sweet and mischievous as well. He was seeing a different side to his friend, a side he would connect more with.

" Better make sure not to let Thor catch us then" Loki mused

"How so?" Astrid asked, a bit confused.

"He is always aiming to please father, if he sees us he will think I used magic on you and tell father on us both." Loki expressed a bit of annoyance.

Astrid didn't think that would be all true but she did sighed slightly.

"It isn't just me that things have changed a bit have they? Thor just seems to be...different lately. I'll actually be surprised if he wants to go riding with me today since lately his eyes have been drifting and more focused on the warrior he wants to be." Loki sighed and sat down

" He wants to prove he is ready to be a king" Loki expressed

"Yes of course, both of you do...Speaking of, I need to teach you something. So take your pick; smoke tactics, conjuration of weapons, or invisibility."

Loki grinned since all were very good magical skills. Tove was an excellent sorceress to teach Astrid since it meant more magic for him to learn through her. He wondered how Vanirs learned so much magic and if they had spells for everything you could imagine.

"Conjuration of weapons sounds very useful" Loki said

"Wow you picked the most violent option. You sure I'm not really speaking to Thor?" she questioned. Loki rolled his eyes playfully.

"It is not necessarily violent. If we are in battle we will need weapons, and it will be useful if we can conjure them on will to avoid bad injuries or death." Loki expressed calmly

"You know I'm just playing around right? Partly I looked into it so Sif can shut up about me having a weapon that should be close combat or not as limited as my bow is...hard to say that if you can energy conjure a bow with unlimited arrows."

Astrid raised her arm up and soon a purple wispy bow emerged and a wispy quiver with loads of arrows were conjured on her back. Loki's eyes widened as he was very impressed.

" How do you do that?" Loki asked

Astrid smiled softly. She loved it when she amazed Loki. He was always adept at magic and a lot of what her mother knew, Loki was quick to learn.

"First, I imagine a weapon. It can be any weapon but I tend to see that weapons you're more familiar with conjure faster and are much easier to do so. Then I just project it into the ether of the world and summon it like you would do a copy. It's not summoning a physical weapon, but a weapon made by magical energies." Loki thought for a moment and tried to think of a weapon he would want to conjure. He lifted his hand and imagined a small dagger. He looked to see one was in his hand in a wispy green aura. He smiled showing to Astrid.

Astrid smiled but also chuckled softly, shaking her head.

"Magic comes so easily to you. That took me all year to master on my own."

Loki grew a bit quiet. Tove didn't teach her this, but in fact she self-taught herself that. He was very impressed yet confused why Tove didn't teach her this.

"Your mother didn't teach you to summon weapons?" Loki asked, surprised a bit.

Astrid shook her head. When she asked, her mother refused. It wasn't even hard or dangerous magic, but magic that was a bit 'beneath them'. Her mother was both practical and flashy with her magic and deemed just making energy based weapons common and a waste.

"She sees no use for that type of magic. If magic is at my fingertips why waste it on making something on something brutish. Yet she married my father, a bit of a black sheep of our people you'd think he was of Asgard."

Loki chuckled a bit since he had to agree on that

" Sometimes I forget you are not Asgardian because your father acts like he is one of us and fits in so well."

"Equal parts training in body and weapons and light magic to grow out his beard faster. I do wonder to what extent he did work with magic before forgoing it completely. My mother and him seem to have a story that goes beyond just the war but they won't tell me."

Astrid wondered if her father was ashamed that he couldn't do magic well like the other Vanir. He didn't fit the mold of one at all and I think he sometimes resents what he is. She also wondered why they would hide their past, especially when her mother always spoke of learning and studying the past to make a better future. Loki did see Astrid was more like her mother but mostly just her own unique person, one that cared about him.

"You do seem different from him, you are sweet, gentle and funny. You can fight but you chose to be good at magic rather than weapons" Loki stated looking softly at Astrid.

"Vanir blood is in me, magic would always be my path. I'm not sure why my parents moved us here when I was small since Asgard, while lovely, seems to clash with what I should be...Just my luck I have you."

Loki smiled softly and viewed it as a compliment.

" I think it's because our fathers are great friends and my father wants his friends to be close. I'm glad though, since I don't know if we would get along as well if you lived so far." Loki expressed

"More than likely our paths would rarely cross if ever...a thought I wish not to have….once we're done with training, can we read under the tree together." Loki nodded with soft smile

"I would love that."

Astrid was impressed with how Loki was able to conjure daggers and spears effortlessly, both regular and magically conjured ones. Astrid was able to make her copies walk which was big since it was a lot to instill movement. Speaking and actions would take time but progress was progress. Astrid sat with Loki, there's backs on the tree and both were reading tomes of magic. Unknowingly, Astrid laced her fingers in Loki's hand while reading the book she was levitating with her other hand.

Loki smiled as he felt Astrid lace her hand with his. It was warm, comforting, much like Astrid's whole presence in his life. When she was around, he did not feel so different from his family. He didn't feel so different from anyone in Asgard and that made his head light and almost carefree. Astrid cuddled a bit closer to Loki and stroked his hand with her thumb. Astrid didn't know why her body was fluttering or getting all warm with her best friend...but it was oddly mesmerizing.

"Loki...is there a certain magic spell or charm that makes someone feel different from someone?" Loki smiled softly.

" I don't really know so I can't say for sure" he expressed. Loki felt his heart skipping a few beats and his stomach was feeling antsy and he was not sure why it felt this way now. He glanced softly at Astrid's amber eyes and the feelings only intensified. He studied her face and there was almost a look he didn't recognize from her...a serene and docile one.

"Oh okay. Just asking...today is such a nice day, isn't it."

" It is, it is perfect," Loki said softly, looking at Astrid. He knew she was talking about the weather but he wasn't thinking of the weather at all.

Thor made it to Astrid's and he was wondering what was taking her so long to meet him at the stables. She was never late, let alone an hour late. He was let in by Astrid's mother and he could see Astrid and Loki were reading together under a tree, hands together. He chuckled but deep down he felt kind of pissed. Loki was a snake he thought and he was breaking serious lines with Astrid now and that wasn't right to him. Thor wanted time with Astrid since she was his friend too.

"Hey Astrid!" he bellowed as he approached them. Astrid was snapped out of her thoughts and book as a voice called out to her. She saw Thor approaching and realized she must have forgotten about their ride. She reluctantly let go of Loki's hands and stood up.

" Hello Thor." She said with sweet smile

Thor embraced her and twirled her around a bit playfully. She was very dainty but also warm and Thor enjoyed twirling her effortlessly. Astrid laughed softly but was also getting a bit dizzy in his arms.

"Did you forget about our ride today? I hope not since I planned for us to ride to a nice lake together, just you and me." Astrid smiled and she hugged back.

"No, I remember, I am sorry I just lost track of time with my book." Astrid said

"Just books?" he questioned, kind of leering at Loki without Astrid seeing.

"Loki and I were just reading until you got here. I lost track of time in the book. I am sorry Thor lets go get ready to ride." Astrid said cheerfully.

"Want to join us brother?" he asked out of courtesy and not out of genuine want.

Loki smirked. They were having a nice moment and part of him hoped Thor would forget so he can have Astrid to himself all day. However she was also Thor's friend and he couldn't be greedy...yet.

" No you two go on, have fun. Be good to her Thor." Loki stated playfully. He really didn't want his brother doing anything that can hurt them both.

"She's with a future king, she will be in very good hands Loki." Thor grinned. Something about that statement really agitated Loki, but he smiled as he saw them go off and he returned home.

Thor brought Astrid to the stables and she picked the same horse, a black stallion. He knew this horse wasn't Loki and he made sure of it too. Thor picked his white horse and they both raced off together. He was astounded that Astrid was always faster at horse back riding than he was and he always wondered why that was.

"You a horse whisperer and didn't tell me?" he joked. Astrid rolled her eyes playfully.

"You do remember I can shapeshift into animals. I shapeshift into horses so I know how to treat them well as a person. I told you this before." Astrid expressed.

"Oh right you have...you never let me or Loki ride you as a horse." he chuckled.

Classy she thought sarcastically but she shook her head. It would be very weird and thus she will never do that.

"Yes and I never will, certain boundaries will never be crossed."

Thor simply nodded as he got his horse next to Astrid and they rode at a slower pace. He glanced over to Astrid and he smiled lightly at her.

"Is that a new dress? Looks really good on you." Astrid smiled though this time the flattery felt weird. Of all things, she blushed though and simply nodded.

Thor chuckled softly and ran his fingers in his hair.

"So...did Loki teach you anything today?"

He knew his brother Loki did and he gloated often every time that Astrid challenged him and stimulated him. It annoyed him that he and Astrid could bond in that way but he knew it meant a lot to Astrid as a Vanir to learn magic.

" He did as a matter of fact. It was a fun lesson. I also taught him magic as well."

Thor chuckled.

"You know, I sometimes worry if perhaps someday you will join in his mischievous antics, but thankfully you always show me you won't."

Astrid sighed since she knew Thor often got jealous that she and Loki would get along well. She wasn't stupid and she can see they were both stating to get jealous of the other.

"You and Loki are both precious friends to me. Sometimes we spend time with each other to balance our interests. It doesn't mean I care any less about you." Astrid defended

Thor grinned slightly and nodded.

"I know, it's just I want to keep my promise to you that nothing will change and we will be friends, the three of us. Kind of hard when you sneak off sometimes to do magic with Loki."

Astrid sighed.

"Loki and I have mutual interest and skill in magic and reading, and you and I have horseback riding and fighting to some extent. We will always be friends, the three of us." Astrid assured.

"Good since I'm not one for losing friends, especially sweet ones like you Astrid. Our parents would be proud that we are friends."

They made it to the lake and made sure the horses wouldn't escape. Thor stripped off his shirt and removed his boots and socks. Astrid sat by the lake's edge and she looked to Thor. He has built a lot of muscle and he was toned and handsome. He was very strong and Astrid did feel a small admiration towards him. Astrid felt her heart race a bit and decided to sit at the water's edge to put her feet in to cool off.

Thor caught Astrid checking him out and grinned as he got in the water.

"Join me Astrid. The water is fine." Astrid shook her head and smiled.

" I don't feel like swimming. I do like the water on my feet, that's enough." Astrid stated.

Thor chuckled and playfully splashed her, getting her dress wet.

"Come on, the water's nice and you're probably all hot right? Nothing to be afraid of."

"I am fine as I am Thor, but you do enjoy yourself." Astrid smiled softly.

Thor sighed but nodded as he swam while Astrid watched him. She normally would jump in with him and they would race together. He wondered if Astrid was ill or if Loki did something.

"I saw your father while I was training earlier. Great man, strong like a bear he is...I'm still amazed by his conquests with my Father back in Jötunheim."

" He is a strong man and he is amazing. I'm proud of his accomplishments." Astrid said softly.

Thor chuckled and nodded in agreement.

"He says I'm practically like his son too with how often we see each other. He thinks there will be wedding bells in our future."

This was news to Astrid since her father, while warm towards Thor, hadn't talked or joked about that with her. She wondered why he would keep that to himself let alone share that with Thor.

"Well your father and mine are close, and we have been friends since we were children, but it is a bit early to think about marriage. Wouldn't you want to choose your bride, not have someone decide who you marry?" Astrid asked.

"You may have a point on that. After all there are many fine women in Asgard...but you nearly top the lists in beauty, brains, and charm."

"That's sweet Thor, but I am sure I'm not the only one who is beautiful and smart." Astrid stated.

Thor sighed and he got out of the water to sit with her at the water's edge. He looked at the sun and cracked a smile.

"Well look at that, the sun's setting already. It sure is beautiful isn't it."

" It is, sunsets are mesmerizing." Astrid said, smiling softly watching the sky.

"Kind of wish this day didn't have to end...maybe it doesn't need to." Astrid looked confused.

"What do you mean?"

Thor chuckled and took her hand, stroking it softly. He gazed softly into her amber eyes, smiling softly at her. Thor knew Astrid was pretty, but in this light she was very much a gorgeous person.

"Maybe you can spend an evening with me and truly not have this day end." he mused softly.

Astrid scoffed and moved away from him. How dare he Astrid thought and kind of felt hurt by those brazen words.

" You say I am your friend, yet I know you use that line on other women who are also beautiful."

Thor's face fell as Astrid got up and started to go to her horse.

"But I do mean it with you...Astrid I care about you and I do think there's something special we have."

"Thor, we are friends, and I am not comfortable with you trying to treat me like other women." Astrid expressed sternly.

She liked Thor and he was her childhood friend, she watched him grow up into a handsome teen. She did think he was handsome, confident, bold, and at some points charming...but something felt right and wrong about what he wanted; what her father might want of them.

Thor sighed and rubbed the back of his head.

"I'm sorry Astrid. Here I promise not to have anything change between us and here I am, rushing into changing something. You do have to admit though you have a charm most men don't ignore."

Astrid didn't see it, but Thor saw just how beautiful she was. Her hair and eye color were talks among other people he trained with and he felt protective when they talked about her. They didn't know her and others just saw her as an exotic beauty with a cute interest in magic. What Thor saw was a strong yet sweet woman who would fight for what's right and truly made his day better with just a smile.

" If they talk about me, they should have the courage to approach me. I don't bite." Astrid jokes

Thor laughs and nods.

"I think it's less to do with you and more to do with my brother and I."

Astrid did acknowledge she didn't have many friends. Aside from Loki and Thor, her only 'friend' was Sif and that was contentious since they fought a lot. That fighting was often fought with might and magic but she was the only girl and young woman that had ideas outside common fair for women.

"Oh well we did grow up together and we are always close." Astrid admitted

"We sure did...and I know if I don't get you home, Egil is going to be worried sick about you and the only other man I fear aside from my father is yours." he chuckled.

"You should, my father loves me and he is protective." Astrid said.

Thor and Astrid rode back to the stables to return the horses. Astrid stroked the horse's nose and fed it her last apple she had in her bag. Thor smiled as he interlocked her arm in his and started the short walk home.

"Sorry again about today. Your father kind of got in my head about us and it was starting to make me think."

"About how he hopes we will maybe marry when we are adults. Yes sounds like father, but I think it is because our parents are so close. Nothing personal Thor but I would like to choose who I marry, I am sure you would too." Astrid assured.

"But there is hope I can be yours someday?"

" We are too young to think about this right now, when we get older and feel that connection than we can maybe get married." Astrid said.

Thor chuckled,

"Until then, we will continue to be friends...but I won't stop my attempts at courting you since I do think we have sparks." Astrid forced a smile since she knew Thor would not let this go now. He corrupted women and she was not interested in ruining her friendship by becoming another one of his conquests. She hoped he would resign to the fact they were friends and let her decide what and who she wanted.

Thor dropped her off and they shared a hug before Astrid needed to return. She had a meal with her parents and her father was still humoring the idea of her and Thor looking sweet. Astrid cracked a slight smile but her father was doing more harm than good. She went to her room and saw a familiar young teen in her room.

"Loki?" she whispered as she closed the door behind her. Loki smiled softly and turned to face her.

" How was your ride with Thor?" Loki asked. He did care if she had a good time and he wanted to know she was ok.

"It was fun though he did forget why I'm good with horses….again...Do people hit him in the head when he trains?" she asked in a concerned tone. Loki chuckled.

"Perhaps they do, I'm not always there. "Loki expressed with soft smile

Astrid chuckled softly so her father wouldn't hear her. He did wonder how Loki got in here but she was just happy to see him.

"Yes, well he enjoyed a swim once we got to the lake while I soaked my feet and we talked." Loki was curious

"Oh what about?" Loki asked

Astrid sighed a bit and averted Loki's gaze since it was a bit awkward.

"Nothing important."

Loki was concerned if she was trying to lie to him. His brother did something stupid he thought, he always did.

" You know I can tell you're lying. What's wrong?" Loki asked.

Astrid knew it was stupid to lie and she nodded.

"My father put an idea in Thor's head about us being good together, like marriage, and it might have ruined the day slightly."

Loki scoffed since it did not surprise him that Thor would be chosen once again.

" Let me guess they did not bother seeing how you felt, though knowing Thor he is probably ecstatic."

"If he is, he could have fooled me since I told him not to treat me like a conquest and ruin things….I do care for him but I still don't know what I want yet. I mean if you think about it, I only see two guys..."

Loki nodded since he understood. As much as he liked Astrid's company, she needed to know who she wanted away from them, without the others' influence on her.

" Sometimes I wonder if your father considers you as a trade off." Loki expressed.

Astrid felt a bitter sting at those words and glared slightly.

"You know how awful that sounds?"

Loki sighed.

" I know it sounds bad and I am sorry Astrid. I just mean you are a living being with thoughts, a heart and your own life. Your father considers marrying you off in the future like your some kind of bargaining chip to keep peace without even asking how you feel." Loki explained

"I do think for him it's wishful thinking. After all, I know he wasn't the perfect man for my mother but she married him. It would be kind of sad if he didn't allow me to do the same for love right."

Loki thought for a minute. He had a vague idea but he did not want to say it since it would upset Astrid. He was not even sure that's why though all indications pointed to it. If so...it would crush him more than he would like to admit.

Astrid noticed something faint in how Loki looked and she chuckled softly. Of course that's why he's in her room and conveniently not sitting down in a chair. Slight flickers in his form and the light hit him in such a way for her to see her magic.

"You're not really here." she mused.

Loki looked at Astrid and smiled a bit smugly.

"Clever girl, but yes I can't really be here, your father would have my head if he caught me sneaking into your room. He might find it nefarious."

Astrid nodded but still smiled softly all the same.

"I know...but it is still nice albeit sneaky of you."

Loki smirked and went closer to Astrid. He knew he couldn't touch her, but it was still nice to see her smile.

" Well I came to see you and make sure you were ok, that is all" he said softly

"Make sure you sleep. I would hate for you to get dark circles under your eyes."

'You should rest too . Have a good night . "Loki said with sweet smile

Astrid watched as Loki's copy disappeared and sighed. Two very different brothers, both dear friends, but she did worry about them both. If Thor was outwardly feeling emotions for her, was Loki hiding them internally. She cared for them both so much and she didn't want to ruin things or tear them apart. All she could hope for is that life would go on and she could continue the relationship she has with both Thor and Loki. Wishful thinking yes but right now it was doable since they were all very young and their lives had not decided for them just yet.