Best of Friends

Chapter Five

                                          •••

When we were children, we used to race all of the time. I would challenge the boys to run to the Bifrost and back to the palace almost everyday. When we started to get a bit older, we decided that running wasn't as fun as riding a horse. So naturally, as soon as we were old enough to ride, I began to challenge the boys to horse races and they were my favourite way of passing time.

We hadn't done it in so long, we'd all been so busy growing up. Thor and Loki started to have more responsibilities as Princes of Asgard, I've watched many 'fair maidens' come and go as they tried to impress the future King of Asgard. But to no avail. I always used to wonder what it would be like to have a whole party dedicated to me, all these suitors trying to impress me. Not that any of that could ever happen. I may have had a party dedicated to me, but I am glad to not have strange men tripping over themselves to win my praise.

"What's a matter Thor? Has Midgard turned you soft too?" I chuckled as I watched Thor struggle to climb onto his horse.

"It's been a while, I still know how to beat you at this game, do not fear" he shouted back as he was finally comfortable on the horses back.

"Meg we both know that you need a head start" Loki said as he appeared next to me on his horse.

"All this talking, much less racing, I hope you can both still keep up!" Chimed Thor as he trotted up to us.

"Oh I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you, I was too busy beating both your asses!" I grinned

"Let the games begin" said Loki as he began to prepare his horse to run.

"Oh you're on!" I said before we all set off racing back to the palace.

The boys may be gentleman, but do not be mistaken, they take great pride in the fact that they don't let me win on purpose. So I do actually have to give it a good shot. Unfortunately for them, because I wasn't riddled with the responsibilities of being a Princess of Asgard I was able to spend time doing other things, for example, I am exceptionally good with horses. I spent a lot of my spare time at the palace stables. This means I immediately have the upper hand.

Thor likes to think he's good with horses, but he just likes to flaunt his masculinity and impress any ladies that may be watching. Lucky for me, that means he's distracted, very easy to over take. Loki on the other hand, he's very competitive. He hates to lose, but so do I. My favourite horse, just happens to be that tiny bit faster than Loki's.

I got back to the palace first, followed by Loki and then Thor. As I dismounted from my horse I held my hands up in the air and then took a bow to mock the boys.

"You may kiss my feet, it would help me feel better about winning"

Loki rolled his eyes as he walked towards me "I think you feel pretty good already"

"You're right" I smile sarcastically "I feel great!"

Thor finally came plodding along, while smiling softly, knowing he was going to be mocked as soon as he got close to us.

"Alright, I was bad today, it's been a while" he scoffed

"That is not an excuse! You were too busy showing off to those maidens!" I giggled

"Brother, I do think Midgard has made you soft" Loki chuckled

"Oh definitely, he's gone all mushy" I poked Thor's chest and he rolled his eyes, gently pushing me away.

"Speaking of Midgard" Thor spoke "I have to go back there tomorrow"

My face dropped, a disappointed scowl appeared instead. My arms fell to my side and I began to shake my head at him.

"You're kidding? You've only just got back"

He looked apologetic "I know that I've not been back long but-"

"No, no but Thor. Loki and I wanted to spend some time with you instead of training all day, we wanted to have fun again"

"Meg this is important"

"It always is" I scoffed before turning away and beginning to walk into the palace.

"Goodbye to you too" I heard Thor mutter as I left. The brothers bid goodbye to each other briefly, Loki shrugged and told Thor he would speak with me.

He really couldn't stay for a little while longer? I don't understand why every thing has to change just because we've grown up. I don't think anything will be the same anymore. I just have to accept that we're all changing as we're getting older, the bond we have can't always be the most important thing in their lives anymore.

I laid down on a bench in one of the hallways, I dangled my head off the side and took a deep breathe, letting out a sigh. As I did so I heard footsteps coming towards me. I didn't move, I didn't even look to see who it was. I watched them walk in my direction and stand right in front of me.

Black and green leather. Loki.

"Go away, I'm wallowing"

He crouched down in front of me so that his face was opposite mine. He smiled softly, tilting his head slightly to one side. I looked at him, straight into his piercing eyes, those damn eyes. Loki was always the one to follow me after any fights we had, whether I'd fought with him or Thor. He would always follow me to make sure I was okay. Granted, I argue with Thor a lot more than I do with Loki. Mostly because Loki tends to loom in Thor's shadow, always picking up the pieces after his brother.

Loki didn't say anything, he just looked at me, waiting until I was ready to speak. I looked at him and something seemed different. I couldn't place my finger on what it was, but something had changed.

"I miss him" I finally spoke, it was barely audible but he understood. He gave me a sympathetic smile "I know you do" he said.