Title: Normal childhood
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: see part one

With Thor and Jane on Earth and his parents occupied with a diplomacy situation Loki found himself receiving a call from the medical unit. The nurse informed him that his nephew was injured; and required surgery. With time served and good behavior Loki had been granted permission to leave his cell provided he kept a wrist monitoring device on. He informed the nurse he'd be there as soon as he could.

Reaching the medical unit Loki found four year old Jacob sitting on a mobile bed. The blond boy had tears streaking down his face and his right arm was at an unnatural angle. Seeing his nephew Loki felt something he wasn't used to. Something he hadn't felt in a long time. Love and concern for a family member. Though he'd spent little time with his niece and nephew (Jane had originally not wanted him around them) Loki had developed a bond with the twins. He'd been delighted when neither had seemed to judge him for his past. The innocence of children.

"Uncle Loki."Jacob greeted between sniffles.

Loki crouched so he was eyelevel with the boy. "What happened? Where's your sister?"

"Jenna is home with Aunt playing and fell from one of the balconies."Jacob explained. "Arm hurts."

Loki knew Aunt Leigh was one of his brother's trusted servants. A nanny that had been with the children since they were born.

"He's fortunate there was a park under the balcony; the grass softened the fall."Doctor S'lassi reported as he approached. "His right arm is broken and some of the bones need to be fused rather than reset."

Loki hid a wince of sympathy for his nephew. He'd broken his left leg as a youth and remembered the pain well. Standing he enveloped Jacob in a hug being careful of the right arm.

"I know you're scared, Jacob but it'll be alright."Loki stated quietly. "I'll be here the whole time."

"Really?"Jacob asked.

Loki nodded as hes stepped back. "Really. They'll take good care of you; you'll be better in no time."

After a few minutes Dr. S'lassi and the nurses wheeled Jacob into surgery. Loki leaned against the far wall and waited.

Couple hours went by before hurried footsteps could be heard near the entrance to the medical unit. Loki turned to find his brother and wife anxiously scanning the room. Loki walked towards them stopping a few feet in front of Thor.

"Jacob's alright just a broken arm."Loki informed the worried parents. "He's been in surgery for a few hours should be out any time now."

Thor visible relaxed while Jane pulled away from her husband and walked to the surgery ward. Thor watched his wife until the door closed behind her.

"Thank you for being here for Jacob."Thor stated quietly.

"What Uncles are for."Loki responded. "I shall return to my cell now. If you could update me when he's out of surgery?"

"Stay."Thor responded. "He'd like you to be here."

Loki nodded silently as he and Thor leaned back against the wall. He knew it was a small gesture but it was one that spoke volumes. One that indicated that Loki's relationship with his brother wasn't completely gone. There was still hope that it could be mended. Years ago Loki might not have cared about that flicker of hope. Now it meant the world to him. Something to work on; something to look forward to. A chance to make amends.

end