Loki dreamed of the future.
A dream in which he rode astride a magnificent black stallion, golden armor glimmering in the blood red sunlight while his golden spear twirled and danced in his slim hands.
He was older, with flowing black hair under his golden horned helmet and lean muscles rippling beneath his green and black attire. Occasionally his older self would laugh victoriously and cast green magic at his enemies, cutting down row upon row of foot soldiers.
He could scarcely believe that this valiant warrior in his dreams was himself.
A deep laugh had his older self galloping over to an older Thor, just as golden and as magnificent as usual. Thor's blood red cloak and Loki's own jade green one flew out behind them majestically as they rode the battle field together, working as a well practiced team to decimate the enemy warriors.
When the fight was over they embraced despite the gore on their armor and complimented each other in deep and strong voices.
Then there was Odin riding down on his eight legged steed to congratulate both his sons, and the pride in his father's eyes warmed Loki's heart.
If this dream showed his future then he couldn't wait to grow up.
He would be a warrior and a magic user, no longer scorned for his efforts but rather praised for his prowess. Thor would love him like a brother, and Odin would embrace him as a son.
Knowing the pain of his present self, Loki found himself wishing he could live in this dream and never have to wake up to the rejection and disgrace that awaited him.
A tear slipping down his cheek Loki watched his older self once more before he felt the ache in his limbs growing and he knew he would soon be waking. He knew he'd promised to stay silent but he would have to talk to his father and apologize, maybe then they could both move on?
Odin was the first to notice the signs.
Having sat by his son's bedside for the last few days worrying about the dark haired waif lying so still and silent, the smallest movement immediately had him hopeful.
" My son, can you hear me?" He prompted, cupping Loki's perpetually cool cheek in his large palm.
Loki's eyes fluttered and soon his brilliant green eyes were focusing on his face with exhaustion clear in their depths.
" Father?" He murmured softly, wincing as his throat grated painfully.
Gently helping his son sit up he helped him sip a cup of water left at the bedside for such an event.
" Is that better my son?" Odin asked gently.
A small but grateful nod answered his question and Loki shifted, pushing his small body to sit upright and face his father properly. A tense silence filled the room while Odin gathered his thoughts and soon it was broken by a small voice that pierced Odin's heart with the pain it held.
" I'm sorry father".
Three words that had Odin immediately grasping his son's pallid hands and smiling gently at his downcast child.
" You have nothing to be sorry for my son, I found out the truth, you were not to blame for what happened but rather the young Sif and the warriors three," Odin revealed, bitterness lacing his last few words as he thought of the pain those teens had caused his young son.
Loki's head shot up, jade green eyes widening in surprise as the truth was revealed before pain filled their depths again and tears began to build up.
" Why didn't you believe me?" Loki sobbed quietly, and oh how much pain was encased in those five short words.
Odin found tears filling his own remaining eye at the sight of his crumbling child, and a moment later he was gathering his young child in his strong arms and holding him there as he cried.
Stroking his dark locks and resting his chin on the top of his silky head Odin found himself sighing dejectedly.
" I judged you by the tricks of the past and I shouldn't have done so. I should have believed you but I was blinded by anger and I acted terribly towards you my child. Can you ever forgive me for how I wronged you?" He asked, tears causing his voice to come out rough and pleading.
Loki tilted his head up to gaze up at his father and he gave a watery smile, happiness encased in his jade orbs.
" Of course I can father. I love you," He whispered softly.
Laughing slightly in relief Odin clutched his son close.
" I love you too, Loki, I love you too".
Covering her mouth to hide a sob of happiness Frigga watched from the ajar doorway, crystalline tears slipping down her perfect cheeks. Everything was right with her world again.