Hi! It's been a while but here it is! I fucking huge chapter! It's longer than most of the one-shots I ever wrote. And I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it!

(Loki is SO ADORABLE)

"He made me laugh like no one else alive, Sif. His charm, his cleverness... We hunted together, as boys. I was never happier."

Thor talking about Loki in Thor #615

Rush Rush Rush!

Loki pushed her mare, Ivy, to the limits till the point that the speed made her raven braid whip against her back painfully, but the teenage girl ignored it and turned her head slightly to see Thor in her heels on the back of his mighty stallion. But she was far more rapid and smart. She changed her direction and crossed some stream sending a rain of refreshing drops upon her heated cheeks. And then went up and down through the meadows of Asgard.

With a strong pull of her back legs Ivy reached the top of some hill and jumped on the open air like flying over the green ocean of tender spring grass. Loki laughed and pressed her knees releasing the reins, straitening her back she spread her arms to the sky in a wild hit of desire to embrace the winds. Her laugh turned into a yell "CATCH ME" And without a moment of hesitation, just before the heels hit the ground again pulled herself up from the saddle and kept swirling in the air for mere seconds before a strong arm wrapped around her waist and they both lost the balance almost falling from the mount. With a rough scream Thor made the animal stop on a dime and they both plunged to the ground. But the God turned his body just in time to take all the impact protecting the girl in his embrace. Both rolled down the hill while the horses heighted loudly in alarm, and when they finally reached a plain surface the man groaned in pain and anger while the young mischievous lady just laughed in a attempt of incorporate herself dizzily on his stomach.

-Are you harmed, Loki?

- Not at all, thanks to your wonderful reflexes.

- WHY THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT? – Oh now he was really angry.

-I kow... I know... I scared Ivy. Poor girl.

-Ivy? You scared ME to death! Were you trying to kill yourself?

-No

-Then you were trying to kill me, of a heart attack.

-C'on Thor, it was funny.

-It was not. Don't you ever do something like that again. Never!

- Ok, ok. I won't

-Double affirmation, so you're lying – He frowned. Loki could be so difficult sometimes. – Why do you keep doing those things all the time? Do you not understand you could get hurt? Or worse?

-Not if you're there to save me.

-I won't be there always for you, Loki.

She said nothing for a while, then just smiled softly

-I know.

He exhaled deeply and incorporated himself placing her in his lap and petting her hair gently.

-I don't want to restrain your freedom, but if you don't stop your conscienceless actions I will have to.

-I just want to have a little fun sometimes. – She refused to look him in the eye standing instead on her feet and offering her hands in help for Thor.

- I know – he leaned to kiss her forehead – but I don't like to see you in trouble. Nor does the Allfather.

-Well, he likes the idea of me sewing all day long, and I suck at it.

-True. - He whistled to call the horses.

-Hey! – She punched him in the ribs but the Golden Prince just laughed

- What? You were the one to admit it, you completely suck at all girly duties. Mother is going exasperate with you.

- I can cook pretty well. And you like my bakery, don't deny it.

-But that's not a job for a princess.

-I'm not a princess – she cut him- and what's wrong with liking a bit of action. I'm not becoming another Sif, or something.

-Make sure she doesn't hear that – he petted her hair – Besides, I'm the one teaching you to ride, save your breath for the King.

-Don't treat me like a child – she rejected his caress – And I'm going to do exactly so. If I'm not allowed to spend all day reading a little bit of exercise is not going to do any harm, right?

- I guess so.

They walked the rest of the path in silence. Not the uncomfortable one like the first time they did it, but a very different one. Understanding.

Later on that day Thor would leave her with his father, not a single word about her behaviour, as always. Whereas he suspected the King already knew about their adventure. Trying not to think about it he went in search of his friends.

Which could be found in two places after the sunset; the dining hall or the tavern. And it resulted to be the last one.

He dropped his weight in a chair near Fandrall and ordered a large jar of mead.

-I bet your day didn't go very well – Sif wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

-My sister is a living hurricane with suicidal tendencies.

His friends exchanged a look between them, before the woman sat by his side and ordered another drink.

-You love that child too much, Thor. Often to the point of forgetting how ingenious and sly she can be. I'm pretty sure she actually wants something from you and knows you would do anything for her to stop harming herself.

- Don't talk about her like that – He favoured her with a tired look – But you're right, I must speak to her, make her understand she can trust me anything without tricks.

Lady Sif smiled. The All-father's Protected was a very difficult lady. One day she was nice to you, willing to help and to learn everything, another one you could get a bug in your breakfast or a sharp insult. Somehow she managed to make others dislike and adore her at the same time. Whereas Thor wasn't right either. She was already very mature for her age but he still seeing that little girl that followed him around grabbing his hand with devotion. Innocent and defenceless like a kitten. But as her battle teacher and a close but objective person Sif could see features of a panther in the raven-haired, young woman. Definitely they both needed that talk.

-Why you don't invite her to our hunt journey tomorrow? You two can go by your own to a tranquil place and chat calmly.

He seemed to consider the proposition, a small smile breaking his lips at the end.

-Sif, I adore you.

A little Thor slipped under his baby-brother's covers and hugged him tightly. Due to the cold of his hands the younger prince awoke with a shiver.

-Brother, what are you doing?

-I had a nightmare, brother. – His voice broke in sobs

Loki yawned and turned so he could wrap his tiny arms around the blond's shoulders, petting his hair as their mother used to do.

-Shhh... Shhh... It's ok, tell me what it was and let it go.

-Do you remember what daddy told us about the Giant Bears? Those as biiig as the tallest trees? I've dreamt of them. I-I was there and I was angry but not afraid... and then the bear turned to the left and I felt terrified... fear, brother, he turned but I felt afraid... and...

He sobbed into the dark hair and Loki embraced him even tighter.

-They are long ago extint, brother.

- I know bro, but... – sob – The hunters say they still exist.

-Common people say lots of things, but daddy knows better. Right?

Thor dried the tears from his face and hugged the other back. A small smile on his lips

-Right.

-Good.- A four-years old Loki kissed his brother in the cheek. – Besides, if a Giant-bear appeared I would protect you!

Thor laughed softly.

-No! I'll protect you. Because I'm older and because I love you, brother.

When they arrived there she was already in the stables. All the horses were prepared and chewing their hay. Loki, however, was lovingly brushing Sleipnir's mane with a faint smile on her lips.

-Did you do all that yourself? – Thor placed a kiss on her forehead – You do really enjoy treating with horses, don't you?

-They are noble and beautiful like no other creature. Good morning, Sif, Sires.

When the group left the walls of Asgard the sun was barely starting to show itself. Rising lazily between the eastern mountains. The air was cold and dry, so they could see their breaths, but no one complained, be it because they were supposed to be strong and manly or because they really didn't mind it.

Loki trotted by Thor's side inspecting the prince from toes to head.

-Where is Mjolnir? – She raised an eyebrow inquisitively

-I left it home. There's no pride in slaying animals, even the fiercest ones, with weapons made for slaying Gods.

-Well – she put outside her sleeve a little dagger tied with a silver chain. – This wasn't made to smash Gods or demons, so I guess it's Ok.

Thor smiled, taking a little moment to observe her better. Loki was mounting Ivy with confidence and ease, her jet black hair in a tight bride tied to a little ring at her shoulder. It's not like Loki disliked dresses, she tolerated them if they were simple and without lots of silk, but she clearly preferred her high black boots and leggings of the same colour. Her upper body was hidden under a green waistcoat with a white hood and a golden belt connecting to a metal plate protecting her heart. The sleeves of this outfit started under the shoulders and ended with bid golden bracelets where she hide her knives upon a pair of black gloves.

She looked charming like that, but alarmingly mature and serious. And the prince didn't know why he suddenly felt that bittersweet sensation on the tip of his tongue. Maybe because her growing up meant she was no longer his baby sister, the energetic little child that looked at him with admiration in her grass-green eyes. Suddenly wind blown towards them hitting Thor with her chamomile scent and he smiled. Time could pass by but there were things that never changed.

The forests of Asgard could be really beautiful in spring; lovely birds singing and the flowers blooming in a kaleidoscope of bright colours. Having left their horses in a small clearing the group rushed through the centenary trees in pursuit of some deer Hogun swore to have seen. Sun already close to the west and a couple of rabbits in their bags along with a big wild boar on Volstagg's shoulders, all ears and eyes they watched their steps in silence while throwing each other quick glances. Loki touched her brother's arm gently and when he bowed down he found her bright eyes looking into the depths with a smile in her lips. He followed her gaze and noticed briefly some movement between bushes.

-Psss – he tried to get his friend's attention, but they were heading in another direction.

-Thor let's go there – she whispered on his ear, eyes glittering in excitement.

How could he say no? He just embraced her waist keeping her close while advancing carefully to the point. She moved her feet in stealth curled under the prince's arm too entertained to complain that she didn't need his protection. A crushing sound broke the dead silence just in front of them. Light sword in hand Thor looked to Loki and she nodded in an answer.

3... 2... 1... They both rushed forward trespassing the brushwood and scaring to death a young boar that with a loud yell hurried back to the depths. They run after him with a laugh

-Thor! To the left! To the left! – Loki rolled her dagger ready to throw into the animal's ass. But failed and with a loud –Fuck! – That Thor disapproved pulled the chain back catching the weapon and letting the elder to cut the boar's pass making him turn slightly getting almost hit by another flying dagger. But even so it managed to escape again making the two humans follow him into the forest.

- Loki, don't leave my side!

-Don't worry! Catch him, you oaf!

-Hey!

-Sorry! Got it from you!

-Ja ja! Ja!

-Yay!

They pursued the poor animal for a good while till he was lost out of sight and then stopped to catch their breaths when the girl suddenly jumped over the man's back

-Carry me!

- Get down, limpet! – He turned her over carrying her like a sack of potatoes with her head upside down and kicking feet in the air.

-Stay quiet or I'm dropping you! – he mocked in response.

-You wouldn't dare!

-Shhh... – Thor suddenly went silent, putting her to the ground gently – I think the boar is back, I heard something.

They both glared over some tall bushes and the elder made Loki a sign with his head to go around them and they parted with quiet steps, him to the left, and her to the right.

The Golden prince thought that he's gotten the little animal at the end, that he and his "little princess" could go back to their friends with a decent trophy and a reminder of that wonderful hunt together, the reminder of those happy moments between them. He didn't expect to hear a fierce roar when a monster emerged from the greenness.

-Aaaaah! – Yelled Loki while Thor was left petrified. A monster... a... NO! Enormous body covered with black fur, sharp claws the size of his torso, and... and those fury filled, bloodied eyes... A giant Bear.

No! That couldn't be real! They were supposed to be extinct. There was no chance for them to loaf around in Asgard's forests. The beast got in two feet shaking its legs in a treating roar letting Thor see his enormous teeth and smell the rotten rests between them. It was the girl's scream that brought him from his amusement.

-LOKI RUN! – He ordered facing the beast sword in hand. But the monster repelled his attack, the weapon flying to the side. There was no time to call Mjolnir and Thor with a battle scream threw himself into the monster's torso pushing both of them back. "Anything to let Loki escape" Was the only thought in his mind when he has been tossed away hitting painfully a tree and breaking its trunk. In a moment the bear was upon him, head as big as Thor himself, smelling of rage and death. And the prince prepared himself to give the last of his strength to slay that creature.

-Hey! You, ugly guy! – A dagger got right into the beast's ear making it yell in pain. Loki was a few meters away, messy and bruised but with courage filling her slim body.

– Let my brother be! COME HERE! Come and bow to me, you filthy dirty monster!

-LOKI NO!

But it was too late, the bear turned his body ready to jump over the young lady, and she rushed back waving her hands, guiding it away from the blonde who was trying his best to get to his knees unaware of the deadly pain in all his body.

But those creatures weren't taken from legends in vain. In two large jumps it was already behind the girl, throwing her to the ground and towering upon her as it did with the man before. Thor felt his heart stop beating.

One second.

Once second of silence and then...

ROOOOOAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGG GRRRR!

There was so much pain in the giant bear's voice that the earth itself shake under its body. Falling backwards the monster retrieved crying desperately incapable of walking on his upper legs. With laments it crawled into the depths of the forest letting Loki lie in the ground.

Thor rushed to her just in time to see her bare hands turning from a dark blue to their usual pink.

-I did it – she was glaring at them panting heavily, a bright smile on her lips. – I did it! Thor I did it! I scared him away! I gave him frostbite and he ran away! YES! Yes! Did you see it, Thor? Did you...? Thor?

She was taken aback by a fierce look of fury in his eyes. Out of his brain, relief and fear still mixed in his heart as he lost his mind. Blood draining from his head turning everything red... How dare she? How dare she to do something that crazy? SHE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED!

-IDIOT! YOU LYING PIECE OF SHIT! YOU STUPID SPOILED BRAT! – He gasped her shoulder painfully raising his hind ready to slap her – IF YOU WANT TO DIE SO BADLY I'LL KILL YOU MYSELF!

It was the fear and betrayal in her eyes that stopped him. Breathing heavily and suddenly aware of all the pain his body held he lowered his fist. No, he would never hit Loki, not her. No matter what she did he would always forgive her, because she was his weak point. She came into his life when he was missing a part in his soul and filled it with laugh and care. Feeling tears of relief on his bloodied face he embraced her forcefully, like trying to melt their bodies together, so he wouldn't need to fear for her any longer while separated. He buried his nose in her hair, braid undone, letting the soft and permanent smell of chamomile calm him down along with the hand petting his back.

-Thor... – her voice was soft like silk – I lost my gloves

He forced himself into a smile.

-We will get them back, or order you new ones. – Pulling back he kissed her forehead, and then her temple and her cheek while caressing her jaw with a warm thumb.

She tried to clean the blood out of his face with her hand.

-You're hurt.

-It's nothing

-I'm sorry. If I had reacted quicker you wouldn't be harmed.

-WHAT? – He caught her wrist anger rising again, face suddenly serious. – You must be kidding. I'm the God of Thunder so I can't be killed so easily by a brainless being. But you, you... Loki, we need to talk.

-Now?

-Yes, now!

He caught a deep breath, looking her in the eye.

-Do you even know how much we all love you? How much Father and Mother, or I love you?

She averted her gaze.

-No, look at me. You know we care for you. You were ready to pay with your life before to save me because you felt afraid of me getting hurt. And I'm a grown up man. Now imagine how it's to me every time you risk your health senselessly.

-Thor I...

-Shut Up and listen to me! You are an egoistic brat, Loki! You don't think about your family's feelings when putting yourself in danger. You can't go around playing with people's love, with MY love...

-Thor...

- And that from now... Do you know how much you scared me? I thought you would be ripped apart... I felt as if...

- You are a fool, Thor! – Her eyes were full of tears- How do you think I feel every time you are outside at the battlefield or just hunting wild monsters?! You were worried? I'M ALWAYS WORRIED! Most of the time I can't sleep thinking about how you are, if you are bleeding or beaten up. And I pray to the old gods for you to return alive and healthy. I cannot take it any more! I want to go with you always! Like today, like now... to make sure you are fine.

He went silent, looking at her with wide eyes. Did she really felt like it every time he was not near? Suddenly all his rage was gone, replaced with a warm care. He could continue seeing her like a little girl but she was not it anymore. Now the tales of his adventures didn't left her wondering, they made her think about all the risks he was constantly going through.

And still…

- But you went too far, Loki. Don't do that to me ever again, please. – With pleading eyes he kissed her watered eyelids.

- I regret nothing! And I will gain the right to be by your side! I WILL! If not with my knives then with... – She glared at her own hands.

-Loki, I know you can defend yourself pretty well. But frostbite won't save you from everything if you insist in accompanying me.

-I know – she sighed and climbed onto his lap – However, I'm not talking about that. You see… the Allfather told me it. He told me that besides my race I had another gift which I would notice when the moment came. And now I can feel it, Thor. Is like an immense pool of strength inside me. It's growing day by day and sometimes I feel overwhelmed by it. It's like a wild energy beating inside me. It makes me do things I usually wouldn't and… it's trying to get outside. I think it's time to ask the King for guidance.

The prince listened her senseless mutterings in silence, his brows frowning. Everyone knew that Loki was of Jotun blood, it was not a secret. But had his father hidden something really important from them?

-What are you talking about, my girl?

She looked directly at his face with a soft smile.

-How much do you know about magic, Thor?

Aaaaaand... It's over! I hope there was not too much fluff. Thor is so cute and loves his little sis so much! I'm trying to make Loki resemble in some way her older self. And not just in character. Followers of Journey into Mystery maybe noticed that her outfit is the same Kid!Loki wears. (if not, google it)

Also, in my headcanon Loki is a good rider and skilled with little weapons that do not require too much strength. But don't worry, Old, Good Loki will be back in time, I'm planning three or four more chapters before shit'll get serious

BTW: In the next chapter an old, good friend will visit Loki, putting the loyalty of Odin's best companion to a test. Guess who it is?

Oh... and: I'm doing this for personal pleasure, but a little bit of feedback wouldn't hurt. I really want to know what do you think about this project, and specially about this chapter, that was kinda hard to make.

Thank you :)