Peter followed Loki through the cave unsure of how long the trek had become. There was nothing but darkness behind him, the only light source was the magical one in Loki's palm.

"We're almost there," Loki informed him as they continued walking.

Peter squinted as sure enough light from the exit poked through the darkness. This made the boys walk a bit faster. Loki made the little ball of light vanish as soon as they stepped out of the cave.

"Whoa!" Peter looked around in amazement. They had left it was night and now it was day! "This is Asgard?"

Loki smiled. "Technically but we're a little outside where people usually are."

All around them were just trees and plants and such. "The air is the same as Earth's, huh?"

The prince just looked bemused. "I suppose." He shook his head before leading Peter away from the cave entrance. "Come, it's a little ways back to the palace."

That's right! Magical space princes lived in palaces! Magical space palaces!

Peter grinned in excitement as he moved to catch up with the other boy.

It wasn't long until buildings came into view, they were almost golden as the sun's rays reflected off them. Peter had to stop just to admire what he could see. It wasn't like any city he's been to. Well, he had only been to St. Louis one time but this wasn't anything like that! The view kind of reminded him of when Dorothy found the Emerald City, just full of possibilities and adventure. He definitely wasn't in Missouri anymore.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

Peter turned to Loki. "Yes!"

The other boy smiled, pleased with his reaction. "Your new home."

"Are you sure?" Peter bit his lip. He was definitely psyched about all this but what if Loki's parents just sent him back to get abducted by aliens? After all, he was just a human. He twisted his hands together. "What if I say somethin' like really rude by accident and your parents hate me?"

He's had a fairytale read to him a time or two and the occasional mythology story. Royalty or gods tended to be offended by a lot of things. Then of course sometimes, he knew he said things he shouldn't. His grandfather said that he had a case of "foot-in-mouth" during the worst of times. He didn't quite understand but he knew it got him into more trouble than he can count. The last thing he needed was to make Loki's parents hate him.

Loki put a hand on Peter's shoulder. "They keep Thor around and he says and does plenty of stupid rude things. You'll be fine!"

Well, that sort of reassured him but still maybe he could offer something to sweeten the pot?

"I promise I'll help do any chores you need done if that means they'll like me," he made a gesture of crossing his heart and his friend merely gave him a funny look.

"I'm a prince, Peter. I don't really have any chores," he said bemused. "I mean it, don't worry." He led him towards what had to be a courtyard. "Asgard protects the nine realms and one of those realms is Midgard," they ignored the strange looks they were getting from any passerby, "you're midgardian therefore helping you is simply part of the duty of protecting the nine realms."

This all seemed to make sense to Peter so if Loki was convinced and thought it all out then he really ought to relax. "Okay."

"Good!" They passed some guards who looked like they were ready to stop them only for them to look confused.

"What's up with them?" Peter whispered.

"Oh, I've made us invisible for a moment." Loki shrugged as if wasn't a big deal. "I can't hold it very long though so we have to hurry."

Peter followed along but he couldn't help but wonder why. He refrained from asking though as his friend looked to be concentrating on keep them invisible. Huh he didn't feel invisible. Wait, was there a certain way of feeling invisible? Cartoons sure made it seem that way.

They arrived to what looked to be a bedroom, leaving Loki looking relieved. He wiped his brow and grinned at Peter. "We made it!"

"Wow! Is this your room?"

Loki closed the door. "Yes."

The room's palette seemed to be mostly green and gold which made Peter wonder if that was his friend's favorite colors. One thing that there was plenty of in Loki's room were were books on huge shelves and books stacked on a somewhat messy desk. No wonder Loki was so smart.

"Sorry about the mess," he said as he sat down at his bed. "I don't usually have people in my room so consider it an honor."

Peter set his backpack down. "Really?"

Loki nodded. "I like to keep my room closed, especially to my brother," he huffed, "he's lost plenty of my belongings!"

"Dang."

Loki patted the space beside him so Peter could join him on the bed. He opened his mouth then closed it as if thinking better of it for a moment. Peter waited as he sat comfortably beside him. "Peter," he licked his lips, "before we left you were upset."

Peter swallowed as his night started to come back to him. Seeing Loki outside the hospital then getting chased by aliens had been enough to distract his mind from more unpleasant things. Being reminded made his stomach drop, his gaze turned to the carpet. It was very ornate. He wondered how long it took for whoever to make it to get the pattern down. It was awful complicated and-

"Peter," Loki's voice was soft. "Something happened...you were in tears when I found you."

His hands fisted at his jeans.

"My mom was," his voice tightened. "My mom was sick."

"Oh."

Loki didn't press any further and Peter tried to compose himself.

"I'm sorry," was all the prince offered and Peter just nodded accepting it.

It was foolhardy to try to reign in his emotions and before he could help himself he was weeping.

Everything had gone by so fast. Why hadn't he taken her hand? Why couldn't he at least look at her? He would never see her again and he didn't even look at her at her last moments. It wasn't fair. He had left his grandpa and didn't even tell him. He would have apologize later. He had to. It was the least he could do for his mother. Once it was safe to do so he would.

His thoughts were interrupted by a soft touch. He sniffled, looking up from his hands to see Loki patting him on the shoulder. The prince looked uncomfortable but sympathetic nonetheless. He offered a watery smile and the prince took that to return his own strained smile back.

The door to Loki's room suddenly opened and a beautiful woman entered, her expression concerned as she stood in front of them.

Peter used his sleeve to his face trying to keep any more tears at bay.

"Mother," Loki said looking a little sheepish. "Hello...are you here to fetch me for supper? I brought a guest. This is Peter."

Peter's eyes widened as his brain tried to remember what you did when you were in front of a queen. Quickly, stumbling a little he bowed all while hiccuping an apology.

Loki's mother just sighed. "Please rise."

Peter sniffled as he stood up.

The queen looked conflicted before sighing again with a shake of her head. "There will be words," Loki opened his mouth as if to interrupt but she held out a hand to silence him, "there will be explanations but your father will be present. I will not be swayed if this is some sort of trick."

Loki pouted. "It isn't a trick! Tricks are funny! Peter is my friend and I saved his life by bringing him here! This is serious, mother!"

Again she looked concerned, turning to look at the crying boy. "Just come eat. I will ask another spot be made for your guest."

She left the room and the boys let out a breath.

"...your mom is pretty," Peter offered.

Her hair was golden and done up in some sort of bun. Her dress had been a warm yellow color that made Peter feel at ease. She definitely had a good mom energy to her.

"Aye," Loki agreed but he was still pouting, "and scary but I'm glad she saw you first."

"Why?"

Loki stood up then offered him a handkerchief. "Because having the Allmother at your side is always a benefit."

After washing up the two boys headed for the dining hall and was met by Loki's brother, Thor.

"Who's this?" The other boy asked, eyeing the strange clothing.

Loki smirked. "This is Peter, my new friend." He put a hand on Peter's shoulder. "He's midgardian and his title is Starlord."

Thor just continued to scrutinize the midgardian."Lord of the stars? Impossible and especially for a midgardian."

Peter felt like he was in school again, some snooty kid making fun of his nickname. "I'm right here."

Thor laughed. "So you are."

Loki just huffed. "Ignore him Peter, he's just jealous."

"I am not! And I'm especially not jealous you're in trouble with father! Ha!"

Peter turned to Loki. "In trouble?"

"Don't bother listening to him. He's always trying to get me in trouble."

"He's lying, Starlord," Thor said with a shake of his head, "he always lies."

"Shut up!"

"Try and make me!"

Peter looked between the two boys before tugging Loki along. "C'mon."

The prince looked annoyed but he followed, gritting his teeth at the sound of Thor's obnoxious laugh.

Peter leaned in to whisper, "your brother's a jerk."

Loki snorted but his mood improved somewhat, until they entered the dining room.

At the head of the table sat a man with an eyepatch dressed in gold. No doubt this was Thor and Loki's father, Odin. His lone eye watched them enter the room but he remained silent, his expression stoic. Seated to his left was the queen who Loki informed him was named Frigga.

Peter stood to the side and watched the two princes take a seat before awkwardly joining Loki at the last available space.

On the table was a large array of food. A lot of the food looked recognizable to the midgardian if not a bit bigger than what he was used to. The roasted meats were larger than his head!

Peter didn't touch anything, too nervous to try. Odin's stare worried him. What if he picked the wrong thing? What if he used the wrong instrument to eat? Was this a test?

Frigga cleared her throat before turning to Peter. "Please eat, dear."

Loki gave Peter's arm a pat before putting food on his own plate as if to demonstrate how to go about this. It helped as it made him less anxious. He scooped some potatoes and ham which seemed to make the queen relax.

"Child," Odin addressed as Peter was taking a sip from his goblet, "what is your name?"

Peter quickly swallowed, way too quickly as the drink went down the wrong tube. He turned away to cough. Wheezing in recovery he answered timidly, "Peter Quill, sir...um your highness, sir."

Thor laughed at the exchange, food spitting everywhere.

"Thor! You animal!" Loki looked disgusted as he wiped his cheek of Thor's spittle.

Frigga sighed before reminding Thor of his table manners which earned her a careless apology.

Odin resumed speaking, "Then you are the one who saved my son while he was on Midgard."

Peter nodded. "Yes sir."

"I owe him a debt, father," Loki pipped up. "Aliens arrived to abduct him from his home."

"So you saw fit to abduct him yourself."

The two boys frowned.

"Peter, you no doubt have a family who misses you." Odin didn't look unkind just stern. "You belong on Midgard."

"Father-"

"Loki enough."

The prince pouted.

Peter looked sad. He should've known. He didn't belong here. Truth be told he didn't mind going back he just didn't want to get taken by aliens he didn't know. What if they ate him?

"What about the aliens?" Loki asked. "Are we at least going to guard Peter and make sure he's safe? I'll do it! I can conceal us with my magic."

Odin looked tired while Frigga looked concerned.

"Why would invaders come to take you, Peter?" She asked looking him over.

"I really don't know, ma'am," he replied softly. "They-they sounded awful angry. I couldn't understand them but Loki said none of it was good. He said it wasn't safe there and I sure didn't feel safe."

"You weren't! They mentioned something about getting paid for taking you!"

"What?"

Thor quirked a brow. "Like a bounty? You have a bounty on your head, Starlord?"

"A bounty?" Peter squeaked. "I never even been to space!

Frigga turned to look at Odin. The two looked engaged in a silent exchange. It lasted for a few minutes while the boys looked on, unsure (except Thor who was busy eating to care).

"Peter, you may stay," Frigga finally said with a small smile. "You are under our protection."

Loki grinned, clapping his friend on the back.

"T-Thank you ma'am," he looked at Odin, "and thank you sir!"

Thor shrugged looking indifferent.

"Now that's been settled, let's enjoy the rest of the meal."

Hours after dinner the day was finally taking its toll on Peter. He wanted so badly to stay up and listen to Loki and Thor's stories but he kept nodding off. Loki looked just as tired as he yawned between his turns of tale weaving. The warmth by the fireplace didn't help in warding off sleepiness.

"I think it's time for all warriors to be in bed," Frigga said rising from her spot by the fire. "Come now."

"I could stay up for hours, mother!" Thor claimed with his fists raised.

"I'm sure you could but I ask you don't."

"Sleep well my sons," Odin nodded to them, "and Peter."

Bidding the king goodnight the boys trailed behind Frigga like ducklings.

The two princes slipped into their bedrooms, leaving Peter with Frigga in the hall. The midgardian was unsure. He had taken a step to follow Loki but realized there wasn't a place for him to sleep there. Would his stay be like a sleepover? Would he sleep on the floor? He rubbed his eyes.

"Peter you left your bag," Loki came out to hand it to him. "Don't lose it or else Thor will claim it as his."

"He wouldn't do that, Loki."

"He would mother, he would." He shook his head before looking at Peter. "Goodnight, Peter. See you tomorrow."

Peter gave him a little wave. "Goodnight, Loki."

Frigga smiled at the exchange. "Come, Peter, I'll show you to your room."

"I get a room?"

"Of course, you're our guest."

"Thank you, ma'am."

She led him down the hall before opening a door, as if by magic the room lit up.

"Wow!" Peter stepped into the room, looking around in awe. "It's so big!"

"Do you need anything else, dear?"

Peter shook his head. "No way! This is amazing! Thank you!"

"You're very welcome," she said with a little laugh. "Get some rest."

The queen left, shutting the door on the way out.

Part of him wanted to explore the room but he was too tired. The bed was begging for him to sleep on it. Kicking off his shoes the 8-year-old practically flopped on the large bed. He sighed. The pillows were so soft. It was all it took for sleep to claim him.


A/N: I didn't realize it when first writing it but I kinda referenced a lil scene from Infinity War. It was the backpack thing btw. Thor takes Peter's backpack in IW lol.

anyway, hope it was alright! any mistakes are mine and thank you for reading.