Astrid decided to spend time with Thor today since she did feel bad about not giving him some proper attention since coming back home. She was concerned if Thor and her would ever be like how they were when they were children. Things were simpler back then and he seemed to be so innocent and sweet. He wanted to be her protector with Loki and it was like he was her older brother in some regards. They were both adults now and Astrid knew Thor had changed in their five years apart, specifically with his interest in women. Egil was thrilled she was seeing Thor and Astrid hoped that Thor and her would have a good time together.

They went horseback riding together in the morning and it slowly became like old times for them both. She would beat him in races and they took in the beauty of Asgard like in the early years. He would tell stories of his hunts and spars and she would share her times in nature. Thor was just glad to get some alone time with Astrid since he had missed her. He had been with other ladies and women, but none seemed to have the softness, sweetness, or warmth that Astrid seemed to have for him. After they had spent their day riding, they returned to the palace and he had a lovely lunch that the kitchen staff made for them. Thor grinned as he and Astrid first took in the view from a palace balcony. Astrid's eyes lit up somewhat of just how glorious and majestic the city looked from where they were.

"Do the sights here compare to Vanaheim Astrid?" Thor asked with a warm smile.

She smiled lightly at him when he asked about her other home. Moments like these showed that Thor could show interest in other people.

"There is not really a comparison. Both Asgard and Vanaheim have their own beauty. It is a matter of perception, Thor." Astrid said softly.

Thor chuckled lightly and he carefully put an arm around her.

"You always saw the beauty in everything, makes me wonder how the world looks in your eyes, Astrid."

Thor smiled lightly and he cared a lot for Astrid. He wanted to keep her safe but he knew Astrid could take care of herself as well. In reality, he just wanted her at his side.

" I pay attention to little things, not just what others tell me to. For you Vanaheim must be boring since it's only magic based really and not much for fighting, but for me it's more than either of those things. It's peaceful, welcoming, and there's a sereness I feel when I am there. Asgard kind of hypes me up in most places." Astrid mused with a warm smile.

Thor chuckled and he took Astrid's hand gently and they sat together at a table to dine. He was on his best behavior and didn't just shovel in food in his mouth since Astrid was with him. Ever since Astrid left, he wondered just what would become of his friend. Thankfully, she was still tender and sweet but had become even more of a beautiful woman even though she was one of his closest friends.

"I heard from Sif you actually had to hunt in Vanaheim for your aunt and that you can do kill shots. That's splendid Astrid, it can serve us well in combat when we fight together."

She sighed at recalling all the animals she had killed so she and her aunt could eat. It was the way of life but it didn't make the act of killing any easier.

" I did it so we would eat and so I would have the necessary skill for survival, I did not enjoy it, Thor. It was necessity but still sad." Astrid said bit sad

Thor nodded.

"Yes you love animals, I know. I still remember when we found that bird with the broken wing when we were nine. You and Loki spent time helping it heal….it was sweet."

Astrid smiled lightly since she saw something in Thor she's missed, genuine compassion. He was her friend and he did care and like her, but this didn't have a motive of getting closer in a touchy or romantic way.

" Yes, well it was small and it didn't deserve to be left for dead. I'm glad it was able to fly again." Astrid stated sweetly

Thor reached for some more food and he gently grazed Astrid's fingers. He was trying to put on his charms as a man to win her heart since he truly wanted Astrid to give them a chance and take a small risk.

"What did you miss most in Vanheim?" he asked.

" The peaceful atmosphere and my aunt. She was hard on me in training because she wanted me to be the best, but she was very kind and caring when we were not training. She was the kind of person I can talk to without judgment, though she can be very stern." Astrid said with a sweet smile.

Thor's hand felt warm and it was sweet. However Astrid did not feel any sparks or attraction to him. He was handsome but Astrid did not see him as anything other than a friend or perhaps a brother.

"Maybe I can meet this aunt someday since she is family to you. It would be an honor to meet her since she helped you to become more of a woman."

Thor noticed Astrid had flowers in her hair and that kind of turned him on. She was beautiful and she truly loved nature, perhaps he and her could have more experiences in nature together. Astrid enjoyed her time with Thor since he was being respectful and actually taking an interest in her time away from both of them, not knowing what was on Thor's mind.

" Well my aunt is amazing, she is kind but don't mess with her because she can use magic on you to punish you, and it can be scary, mostly it was funny at times. She is intelligent and knowledgeable in multiple areas of magic." Astrid said with a smile.

Thor cracked a light smile as he finished eating the copious amounts of food. Astrid was modest Thor saw and it barely seemed like she had much. He took this as an excuse to touch her face to see if she was okay.

"Are you feeling alright Astrid; there's still plenty of food if you're hungry." Thor mused as he felt her forehead and cheeks.

Astrid playfully brushed him away giggling.

" I am fine, Thor. I'm just not a big eater like you. I had my fill and it was great." Astrid chuckled

Thor chuckled softly as well and he took her hand in his.

"You always know how to make me laugh and smile, Astrid...I can't imagine anyone else giving me a similar feeling."

He moved a loose hair and was inching closer to her lips. Astrid smiled but felt a bit uncomfortable.

" I am sure there are other beautiful women who will gladly make you laugh and keep you company." Astrid joked.

Thor ignored her and slid his hand under her dress to stroke her thigh and was moving in even closer to her lips. Astrid was now really uncomfortable, even mad. She moved his hand away and slapped him in the face.

"Just what do you think you are doing!?" Astrid shouted

Thor pulled away and stroked his cheek. Astrid was a bit stronger than he thought and but it was still a gentle love tap compared to the men that slugged him. Sif had even hit him harder than Astrid but it still stung.

"I thought you wanted me. You didn't ignore my other advances or cues. You didn't seem bothered before." he stated in a confused tone.

That's what she got for being nice and not thinking Thor didn't have ulterior motives with her.

" Yes well I grew up, and you clearly didn't. I can't believe you Thor. You're still trying the same tricks on me as you do with other women. Doesn't it disgust you that you're treating me this way?" Astrid expressed, angrily getting up.

"But you're not like other women, Astrid. You clearly outclass them and you are strong, very strong. I can imagine just what you'll be like with me." he grinned a bit lightly.

" We are friends Thor. That's all I want us to be. I am not interested in being one of your conquests…. Take me home now." Astrid expressed, crossing her arms firmly.

Thor got a bit mad and he was going to shout something at her, but instead he let out a loud belch. He stiffened a chuckle at that and he shook his head.

"We're not done here Astrid. Please just hear me out. I'm better for you than anyone else. I know you and we should be together."

Astrid rolled her eyes, making a disgusted face. She shook her head in protest.

" Take me home, or I will walk myself if I have to." Astrid declared firmly.

Thor sighed.

"Astrid, come on, just give me a kiss. We're best friends and I just want to see if there is truly something between us. Don't make such a big deal about one kiss." he asked.

"What about our promise Thor, that you wouldn't try to change things. I don't want things to change." Astrid defended angrily.

"Well I do want things to change since I do care about you a lot more than most women. I've missed you and I thought you would miss me and your heart would want me...at least that is what Egil told me! Come on one kiss, please Astrid!"

Thor was a womanizer and like a child throwing a tantrum. She was not about to put up with that. She stormed away, deciding to walk after all. Egil was more of a moron then Thor if he wanted them together she thought as she stormed fast paced.

Egil was helping some warriors train on the palace grounds when he saw Astrid storming off. He looked a bit concerned as he stopped what he was doing to go to her.

"Astrid, what has gotten you so miffed and upset?" Egil asked.

Astrid glared at Egil annoyed. It was his fault Thor was changing into a man she almost couldn't recognize. Clearly she had an idea what Egil wanted and it wasn't what she wanted.

" Your precious Thor is a womanizing pig, that's what's wrong and I don't like it at all." Astrid said.

Egil sighed since his daughter couldn't see the big picture. She has a way in to be queen and her relationship with Thor was what he always wanted.

"Men in Asgard have differences in how they swoon women. They can be a bit handsy at times but that's just in their natures when they are young. It will pass when they mature a bit more. What exactly did he do?" he asked.

" He tried to feel me up and kiss me… if he is like that with other women, why don't you pick one of them to be his bride. They all adore him. I want someone who treats me with respect." Astrid stated.

Egil scoffed since clearly he knew that other women like Thor. However, he wanted Astrid to be the one for the next king. Thor will change once they are together and she could even be the one to teach Thor about respect for women.

"Well none of them are my daughters now are they? You have a stake in Thor's life and heart. I'm actually kind of mad you didn't let Thor kiss you. He's just a boy who always had a crush on you." Egil expressed.

Egil didn't understand why Astrid was so resistant. They were friends and friends of opposite sexes can grow into lovers. Thor was the cream of the crop and the next king and Astrid was treating him like table scraps. It didn't make sense to him since Thor was the firstborn son and was going to be king in his eyes.

" I don't see him as a lover. Most I will ever see is Thor is like a brother." Astrid explained

That got Egil mad and he nearly raised his hand up again to slap his daughter. Instead he threw a mace near Astrid's feet to startle her.

"You better get that thought out of your head. If Thor wants you, you should let him have you! You're his best friend now, but you can be his wife someday! Best start changing yourself so you can be his main lady. He won't go after others once he has you, in fact he was just practicing with them so as to please you someday in bed and to be a man for you. You're an ungrateful little wrench! He and I worked too hard for you to ruin things!"

Astrid scoffed annoyed since that wasn't better but worse. He was loving women in bed all so he could practice...that really grossed Astrid out and saw sharing a bed as an ultimate sign of true love and not just raw passions. If he could go on like it was nothing with them, how would it be for them once the passions and looks fade.

" We don't always get everything we want, Father. You should know that better than anyone. I can't change how I feel. I'm not interested in being Thor's wife and I hope we can regain the friendship you're trying to ruin! Just because mother married a magicless brute, doesn't mean I have to do the same!" Astrid stated definitely.

Egil lost his temper and slapped Astrid square across her face. He had it with her and spat at her feet. He did not raise Astrid just so she could defy him and his wishes.

"The only man that will get my blessing for your marriage someday is Thor. You better be a good young lady and let him spread your legs someday. I don't care about your magic, you're only good for Thor, no one else." Egil whispered angrily before returning to his men.

Astrid rubbed her cheek, and got mad. She blasted Egil with her magic so he fell on his face. He let out a groan, feeling pain across his face and back.

" I decide who is good for me, and who is not. Your whole life is a lie, you have no right to force me to live that way" Astrid said before storming back to her house.

She got into her room and locked her door. The pain of what Thor and Egil did broke her down as she rested on her bed and cried into her pillow. At this rate she will end up hating Thor as well and she didn't want to hate one of her best friends. Egil wasn't her father and she just wanted to live her life, a life without him dictating it for her. Astrid heard light fluttering and looked up to the window. It looked like a paper bird flying in her room. She smiled softly and opened her hand so it could land on it. Astrid opened the note and sure enough it was from Loki.

I do hope your day with Thor was a lovely one. It was a nice day for horseback riding. Shame I couldn't go since I needed to have lessons in diplomacy and strategy. Wish I could see you, but I won't impose myself on you. You need your time and I don't want to take it up if you don't want me to. Let me know when you want to see me and I will be happy to spend time with you.

Your dearest friend and prince, Loki

Astrid read the note and smiled softly. Even Loki writing letters made her heart flutter. She began to think of a response to write and came up with this:

My dear friend Loki,

Today started out nicely, but did not end that way. More so Egil sees me as nothing but someone to just be Thor's wife. I would like to see you since you always know what to say to make me feel better and lift my spirits. You and I always understood each other. I would like to see you as soon as you can possibly make time for me. Let's meet up tonight at the palace library. I could use your company and I want to escape Egil when I know he won't be awake to check on me.

Your sweet magical best friend, Astrid

Nightfall came and Astrid was excited to sneak out for the first time. Her Aunt Thrya had trained her in illusion copies to the point where they can be on top of real objects. That was perfect since she wanted to escape but still 'be home'. She made a perfect illusion of herself in bed and cracked a light smile.

"Egil's so dense he will just see me there and think I'm there. Now sleep tight, my copy." Astrid whispered before she snuck out the room through her window by shifting into a brown hawk.

She flew for a bit until she got closer to the palace. She shifted into a black cat and ran to the library quietly and stealthily. Astrid didn't know if Loki was inside and kind of felt nervous waiting outside alone.

Loki was making his way to the library. Thankfully, his family was asleep and no one but Heimdall would know, but it was just him reading like usual. He walked quietly nonetheless and saw a cat in front of the library door. He smiled softly

" No one is around but us Astrid, you can shift back" Loki expressed

Astrid let out a soft mew and pawed at his leg to continue her cat act playfully. Loki smirked and knelt down petting Astrid gently. She made such a lovely cat and her fur was very soft.

" You want me to rub your tummy or scratch under your chin kitty?" Loki chuckled.

Astrid shook her head and pawed at the door. She knew better and it would be weird if he did that to her as a cat. Astrid was paranoid and didn't want to let her shifting fade until they were inside and alone. Loki chuckled and stood up. He was only teasing Astrid. She did make a very adorable looking cat though. He opened the door and went inside. He made sure Astrid got inside and her tail wasn't in the way before he closed it.

Once the door was closed, Astrid shifted back into her normal self and just embraced Loki tenderly. Thor and Egil's actions were still on her mind and that still upset her. She was glad they had this opportunity together and she didn't care if it went against Egil's wishes. Loki embraced Astrid in a warm and strong embrace. He had felt something was off since Astrid was quiet today. Then again her note did explain some of why she was upset but he wanted to know more and comfort her.

" Come on, let's sit and have a chat, Astrid." Loki said softly

Astrid smiled and she took his hand and they sat on the couches together. She mused at herself since she snuck out to see him. She doubted she would have done this for anyone else but she cared about Loki immensely.

"How does it feel that I snuck out to see you Loki?" Astrid asked with a slight smile.

" Honestly, flattering and mischievous but in a good way." Loki said with a sweet smile.

Astrid giggled softly but soon her laughter died down and she sighed.

"How can a day go from so good to so bad so quickly? Thor really shouldn't be breaking his promises to me but I wonder just how much damage my father did in my time away from him."

" What exactly happened, Astrid?" Loki asked a bit concerned

Astrid bit her lip nervously.

"At first I thought he was like my Thor...our Thor, caring about what I did in Vanaheim, my aunt, my magic; he even had good table manners in front of me and was a charming friend. Did he not talk to you about what happened? You are brothers aren't you? Thought he would talk to you about bruised egos."

Loki chuckled bitterly since that did happen. Thor did say something about Astrid being rude in his grumbling angry mood before Thor closed his chambers to him.

" Said something about you changing and not being happy with his affection, before he stormed into his room." Loki explained.

Astrid looked puzzled but then got a bit annoyed.

"Have I changed that much? I had made it clear I just want us to be friends and not change things between us. Yet today he had the nerve to almost break his promise by trying to kiss me and graze my thigh under my dress."

Loki stood up angry at that. He thought Thor would have more respect for Astrid, but he clearly was acting on his hormones than using her brain.

" He did what?" Loki got up angrily.

Thor that womanizing pig. Yes he was his brother but Astrid was not one of his conquests or whores, he had no right to disrespect her wishes.

"Just as I told you...to be fair he can mistake any affection as romantic. I wonder if I led him on or did he take my kindness for romantic interests. What did Egil put in his head?" Astrid sighed.

" I honestly don't know. Egil does not go near me and when he does see me he always glares at me. He only acknowledges me in the presence of my parents. Astrid, you are a wonderful woman. I do not think you did anything to lead him on." Loki said softly gently taking Astrid's hands in his.

Astrid pulled her hand away and stroked her cheek. She was still reeling that Egil hit her….than again she could since he wasn't her father by blood but he still raised her. She had yet to heal it yet since she was just so distracted and wanted to take her mind off it. Loki looked over and noticed Astrid's cheek was a bit redder and swollen. His eyes widened in anger as he glanced at the inflamed cheek.

" Did Egil do that to you? How dare he!?"

Astrid sighed as she tendered her swollenness with her magic.

"What makes you think Egil did this?"

Loki wasn't wrong, but she was curious as to how his mind went to Egil and not Thor. Loki chuckled

" My brother may be a womanizer, a brute, and a bit of a pig, but he would never raise a hand on a woman in a violent way. Egil on the other hand is unpredictable and nothing would surprise me if he was actually more of a violent brute."

Astrid nodded but sighed. Egil had been her father for all these years yet his feelings seemed to change when Astrid was becoming a woman. Was she truly just a means to an end and not something to be cared for?

"I got really angry when he told me I should ahem 'spread my legs someday' for Thor and I blasted him with magic to have him fall on his face. I'm not sorry at all for that and I can't understand why my mother is still with him. I don't need him to tend to me anymore and I think our loving parental child bond is broken now."

Loki laughed when he heard Astrid blasted Egil with magic. He knew it probably was not appropriate to laugh at that and his mother would be angry if she knew he did, but Loki did not feel upset. If Astrid wasn't his biological daughter and she was his brother's child, Astrid would only have him as a father figure. He should have continued to care for her and respect her, not see her as a way to better himself.

" Your mother is a bit softer and not as strong minded as you. I don't mean to disrespect Astrid, but you are clearly stronger and I admire that about you." Loki expressed softly with a slight chuckle.

Astrid managed to smile and adored Loki's amusement and chuckling. She knew seeing him was the right decision as she felt her heart become more at ease.

"Don't be too mad at Thor. I think part of the reason he's trying hard is because of Egil. He might not even know what he wants for himself. I kind of felt bad for slapping him but I didn't want him to kiss me."

Astrid didn't want her first ever kiss to be with Thor but she didn't speak that thought. Loki smirked since it oddly relieved him that Astrid refused Thor's advances. Nonetheless he cared about her and didn't want her to be a fleeting or passing moment.

" Thor may not know what he wants, that doesnt give him the right to disrespect you. You are his friend and if you are uncomfortable with how he behaves tell him before he goes further. It will upset him but too bad, he needs to know he cannot cross certain boundaries." Loki stated in a concerned tone.

Astrid sighed and she cuddled a bit close to him.

"Have you given thoughts about what you want Loki for? I know one thing was you wanted to be like Thor's equal since you always felt in his shadow. Sad you feel that way."

Loki smiled somewhat. He and his mother spoke about what he wanted. Frigga knew Loki wanted Astrid. He liked her romantically for a long time even before she left for Vanaheim. Frigga encouraged him to go and court Astrid despite Egils objections. However Loki knew he could not say that yet, more so since Thor ruined Astrid's day and she did not need anymore stress today.

" It is one of the things, perhaps, for people to see me as someone other than Thor's brother and a mischief maker who is jealous of him. I do not want people to see magic as something bad. It would be nice if people saw magic the same way you do Astrid" Loki explained with a soft gaze.

Astrid gazed back at Loki and she truly felt something different about him. She's always known Loki was a sensitive man, but she truly found his desires heartfelt. In her time away, she knew Loki had learned more magic and she could almost sense the power in him.

"I hope so too Loki...did you learn how to make fireworks yet, like small ones? Sometimes when I try it, I just make a small fire ball in my hand." she asked.

Loki chuckled softly and opened his palm. A small display of colorful fireworks began exploding in an array of beautiful lights. This mystified Astrid and cuddled towards him.

"Truly beautiful Loki." Astrid mused as she watched the show in Loki's hand.

He truly knew how to make a not so good day end on a sweet note. Loki smiled as he saw the light in Astrid's eyes when she watched him perform magic. He knew he cared deeply for Astrid, more so than just his best friend. He wanted to be with her and make her happy. He could not imagine a life with anyone else. Unlike Thor he would not force anything on Astrid. He would wait and see if she would come to him. He wouldn't force anything on her like Egil was and he would be there for her.

"You know...I felt a really thrilling rush sneaking out tonight. Not caring much but just wanting to get away for a while...it did help that I was seeing you." Astrid spoke softly as she rested her head on his chest lightly.

Loki smiled and he held Astrid close gently stroking her soft hair

" I agree, feeling the thrill of sneaking out is exhilarating and feels amazing. I would love to do it again, but only with you." Loki mused

Astrid chuckled since that was a lie.

"Don't cut yourself short Loki. I know you'd like to do this more often to get insight and a leg up. That's just how my Loki is." Loki chuckled softly and kissed Astrids head.

It didn't go unnoticed that she called him 'my Loki'. It made his heart flutter and he wondered...He hoped she had a feeling of mutual attraction to him. He felt sparks on his lips when he kissed Astrid's forehead and she didn't object to the kiss. Loki felt warmth and a gentleness in him and he couldn't help but smile and admire Astrid.

" Aside from mother, you may be the only one who sees me as more than Thor's brother and mischief maker. Perhaps that's one of many reasons I always enjoy having you around and just having you near me" Loki whispered

Astrid felt a pleasant shiver up her spine the way Loki whispered that and she couldn't help but feel...right with that. She always thought of him in her five years and wanted so much to return to Asgard for him.

"Someone has to bring you some light to clear away the shadows. It can get pretty dark always being in the shadows." she whispered back softly.

A perfect metaphor for his life, being Thor's shadow from his greatness but Astrid being his light to show him what he could be and do. He wanted her light.

"Perhaps someone already has brought that light simply by being themselves." Loki said softly with a loving gaze toward Astrid.

They spent their time reading together under soft candlelight until Astrid felt a bit tired. She had nodded off three times and realized she probably spent a long time with Loki. At least all of her pain from the day melted away and was glad she got to see Loki. Loki felt himself get sleepy as well. He knew he should turn in since he could tell Astrid was also sleepy. Loki admired her peaceful expression during times she drifted off.

" Perhaps it is time for us to rest my sweet Astrid." Loki said softly.

She nodded and put the books away. Loki walked her to the library door and she smiled softly.

"Shall we do this again tomorrow night, maybe by the pond?"

" I shall be there waiting for you" Loki agreed gently taking Astrids hand

Astrid smiled and gave Loki a kiss on his cheek. As she pulled away, her focus briefly was on his lips. She shook her head blushing and she pulled her hand to stroke a loose strand of her hair.

"See you tomorrow Loki. Maybe earlier, but I will still see you."

She shifted into a white cat this time and ran off. Loki watched as Astrid ran off in her cat form. He smiled to himself as he had a feeling of hope for the first time. Hope that someone as amazing as Astrid may see him as more than just a friend and as what other people see him. She was gentle and kind to him. He felt nervous and always wanted to see her. Loki wanted Astrid happy and he wanted to be the one to make her smile.