Hello world! Long time, no see :( Buuuuuut…I watched Thor the other day and I found it to be…AMAZING! I especially liked Loki because why he's bad is sad and it made me sad and he was just a great character. And Tom Hiddleston is…I love him. So, without further ado, my first Thor story/my first superhero (and/or villain) story ever! :D

A/N: I am playing in Marvel's sandbox, don't mind me. However, Ria is mine.

Been There All Along

Loki and I had known each other for forever. We grew up as best friends, inseparable and one rarely seen without the other. Loki was by my side whenever I was scared or upset, when I was happy or sad. He was the best friend I had ever had and I was certain no one could be a better friend than him.

…..

15 years later.

…..

"Ria, hurry up! We're going be late!" Loki urged from outside my door.

"Calm down, we'll make it in time." I said, slipping on my black heels and cursing under my breath when my dress was caught in my heel. I managed to pull it free and teeter to the door.

I opened the door to reveal Loki who was leaning against the wall waiting for me. He turned to look at me.

"You look beautiful." He said simply and I could feel my cheeks flush with warmth.

"Thanks." I said quietly, still blushing. Loki offered his arm which I graciously took, using him to support myself as I attempted to walk in my outrageous shoes.

"Whoever created these…" I muttered, stopping to kick off my shoes and carry them the rest of the way. I let my ivory dress trail behind me on the floor as we walked to the feast in comfortable silence.

When we arrived, I was seated next to Sif and Loki's older brother, Thor. On Sif's opposite side sat Volstagg who was eyeing a meaty piece of pork hungrily. I looked across the table at Loki who was talking to his mother. I must have been staring because Thor clapped me on the back and leaned over to whisper: "It's not polite to stare." He smiled devilishly. I punched his shoulder which probably hurt me way more than it hurt him.

For the rest of the night I was careful to make sure no one was watching before I looked across the table at Loki. He was studying the oak table very carefully, his emerald eyes filled with intense focus. I turned to talk to Sif, having given up on getting Loki to look at me.

As soon as I looked away from him I felt someone watching me. I knew it was him. I could practically feel the intensity of his gaze. I turned my head to look at him and we locked eyes before he could look away. Stormy gray met emerald green. I had never seen Loki look like this. The pure emotion in his eyes was nearly tangible. It was almost too intense, too open and vulnerable for Loki's usual reserved behavior.

I was thankful for the end of the feast and the start of the dance. It made a perfect excuse to walk on the balcony and get some fresh air. I stared at the Realm Eternal glittering around me in the light of the setting sun. Asgard was beautiful.

"Are you going to stay out here all night?" Sif called to me.

"No, I just needed a bit of fresh air, that's all." I replied, walking back to the party. "Did you find someone to dance with yet, Sif?"

"No, although I was hoping-"

Fandral walked up and swept me out onto the dance floor. I looked back apologetically at Sif who rolled her eyes.

"You should just ask her, you know." I told him as we spun through the crowd.

"Maybe you're right. The worst she could say is no, right?" He said with a smile. I could tell the wine had affected him slightly. Normally when it came to talking about Sif, Fandral was tight-lipped.

"May I cut in?" A quiet voice asked from behind me.

I turned and stared up into Loki's face. I small smile had found its way there and his eyes held a mischievous glint.

"Of course!" Fandral said happily, running off to find Sif and ask her to dance.

Loki took my hand and gracefully maneuvered us into the middle of the dance floor. He was holding my waist with his right hand, his long fingers splayed over my lower back. His hands were warm. I wouldn't normally feel comfortable being this close to someone but Loki's breath against my skin and his hands carefully pulling me closer seemed natural.

"I meant what I said earlier." He whispered.

"About what?"

"You look beautiful. You always do, but now especially."

"I uh…" Loki had me blabbering like a fool. Loki couldn't possibly mean that how I wanted him to. He didn't think of me as anything more than a friend. Right? Now even I wasn't so sure.

"Ria?" Loki asked quietly, waving his hand in front of my face.

"Huh? Oh. Sorry." I mumbled.

Loki looked a little nervous now, as if he was afraid he had overstepped the line between friends and something more.

"Walk with me?" He asked.

"Of course."

We walked out onto the balcony where I had stood earlier. The sun had set now and millions of stars illuminated the night sky. Loki never let go of my hand. I looked up at him.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. It was just…Ria, I've known you for a long time and in that time, we have become good friends."

I nodded and indicated for him to continue.

"But now…now I don't know where I stand. I'm confused, Ria."

"What do you mean?"

"I…it's just…I can't explain." Loki Silvertongue at a loss for words. I never thought I'd see the day.

But Loki didn't need words to explain himself. What he did next said more than his silver words ever could. He kissed me. Gently at first, unsure of himself and unsure if this was the right thing to do. I hesitated for a moment, stunned, before returning the kiss. He pulled me closer into a tight hug. I let my fingers wander into his soft, black hair. I would never admit it to anyone, but I had dreamt of this.

Loki broke this kiss and rested his forehead against mine. I looked up into his emerald eyes which stared back at me with such intensity that I had to look away again. I laid my head against his chest and smiled to myself. I was just glad we both understood now: it had always been more than friendship.

A/N: So concrit and reviews are much loved. *hinthint* Also: Tom Hiddleston. I died. That man is amazing. Another thing: One-shots in no particular order. Get ready for it. And the last thing: All categories apply. It won't all be fluff and rainbows and sunshine and hedgehogs cuddling with raspberries. I do believe that is all.