"I was studying the new spells with mother in the morning. Have you known that just by touching someone's forehead, you should be able to dive into their memories to make them reveal what you want to know? Imagine the possibilities." Loki paused. "Anyway, after lunch mother had to attend some meetings with father and so I went into the library to read further about the spells. It is fascinating, actually. It seems that they have been invented by a powerful Asgardian sorcerer thousands of years ago as a tool to fight against Vanaheim. Did you know that Vanaheim once was in an open rebellion against Asgard? I wonder if Hogun knowns…"

Loki, who was lying in the bed inside his chambers, turned his head to look at the reaction of the person lying next to him.

His clone mirrored his movement and Loki found himself looking into his own face.

"Right." Loki said. "Anyway, that was my day."

Since he learnt how to make clones of himself, Loki would make one before going to sleep to tell him about his day. It helped him fall asleep quicker if he told someone. It made him feel as if somebody cared about his day. And no one ever came to tell him goodnight since he was old enough to take care of his evening routine on his own.

"Tomorrow I think I will…" Loki began but abruptly stopped when the bed next to him bent and his clone disappeared.

"Who are you talking to, brother?" Thor said, grinning.

"No one. What are you doing here?" Loki replied.

"I was bored in my chambers. Father was telling me about his adventures on Jotunheim, but then some General came with an urgent business and he left. I can't fall asleep."

"Father came to your chambers to tell you stories?" Loki questioned.

"Yes, but then he left before finishing the story. But he promised to come back tomorrow. Anyway, I am sure that his quest ends by slaying all the Frost Giants…"

"Why are you here again, Thor?" Loki said after a moment of silence.

"I can't fall asleep." Thor replied.

"Why cannot you go to some of your friends to play games with them?" Loki suggested.

"Because I wanted to be with you. I haven't seen you all day. What have you been doing?" Thor questioned.

"I…" Loki began but stopped himself. He was sure that Thor didn't actually care and would start snoring after two sentences.

"Well, brother?" Thor gave Loki a raised eyebrow.

"I actually read about a rebellion on Vanaheim…" Loki said quietly.

"Rebellion on Vanaheim? I have never heard of that."

"It was a rebellion against the Asgardian dominance, actually…"

"What, really? I wonder if Hogun knows…" Thor wondered.

"I was wondering that too." Loki smiled.

"Do you know more about it, brother?" Thor asked.

"Yes. I can give you the book if you want to read about it." Loki offered.

"I'd prefer if you told me."

And so Loki did. He told Thor all about the people of Vanaheim rebelling against Asgard. He narrated about the most famous battles and how in the end, they were defeated by their grandfather.

"That was wonderful, Loki. How do you know so much?" Thor marvelled.

"I read." Loki grinned. Then he yawned.

When Thor saw Loki yawning, he yawned too.

"Should we go to sleep?" Thor asked Loki who only nodded.

Thor wrapped himself under Loki's thick blanket.

"Should we go to breakfast together, brother? Maybe we could sneak up to the kitchens and steal some whipped cream…I am so tired of eating all those things that mother considers nutritious." Thor said.

"Sounds like a task for a God of Mischief." Loki winked at Thor.

"I knew you would agree." Thor laughed.

"Goodnight, Thor."

"Goodnight, brother."

…

"Thor." Loki whispered in disbelief. This was not possible. It couldn't be.

Steve hurried towards Thor who pulled the sword out of his belly. Flood of blood followed his movement.

"Thor. Can you hear me, buddy?" Steve was talking to Thor who seemed to be unconscious. "Somebody, get help!"

"Get help?" Thor whispered almost inaudibly and slightly opened his eyes. "Loki?"

"I am here, brother." Loki replied as he knelt next to Thor and took his rough hand into his. He was in shock.

"Stark! We need to do something! Strange?" Steve was asking.

"His physique is Asgardian. I have no idea what to do. But this wound." It was Banner who answered and who shook his head. Steve looked at Strange who mimicked Banner's expression.

Loki saw that. "No."

"Loki?" Thor whispered.

"Yes, Thor?" Loki said in a tight voice.

"Thanos is dead. You are safe." Thor said.

"Yes." It was all that Loki managed to say.

"The Asgardians. The Midgardians. They are all safe."

Loki nodded.

"Good." Thor smiled. "Loki. Listen to me." He squeezed Loki's hand. "You are the prince of Asgard. You must promise me that you will ensure the safety of our people as they build their homes here. You are the king now." Thor said with urgency.

And Loki knew that hearing that sentence was everything that he has ever wanted. He looked around. They all saw him defeat Thanos. They saw him strike the fatal blow. They all saw him fighting on their side. He even saw some little mortals with that funny Midgardian technology they used to broadcast events all around their planet. By now, every person on Midgard knew that they were still alive thanks to him, Loki of Asgard. They would welcome him.

The line of succession would fall to him. The Asgardians would no longer object to that. He would be their king. They would rebuild Asgard in his image.

It was all he ever wanted.

All was here, almost within his reach.

It was a few breaths away.

"Loki." Thor caught his attention. "You really are the best, brother."

Thor closed his eyes.

This chapter is divided into two parts. This is part one of "All He Ever Wanted". The second part is written and will be uploaded very, very soon (no idea why anyone would believe me after this super long break between updates, but still...).

Happy 2019!