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If somebody had asked Loki what he wanted to do before his adulthood, he would've pulled out his journal, taken in his hand a note he hid between the stained pages and would read out loud every position on the list.
While having on his face a proud grin, very similar to the one preschoolers have when somebody asks them Who do you want to be in the future?.
Loki on this list had many "desires" written down. Yet, most of them were just the fantasy of a teenager. Things such as getting wasted, losing virginity or winning a duel weren't something worth enough to do on the last day. (Not mentioning that most of them were already done).
But he valued one point particularly: travel.
Though, not just a travel - he had done that many times before. Alone, with Thor or with parents. But every time, he was there as a Prince. "Price Loki visiting Vanaheim in order to take part in the Royal Meeting" or "Prince Loki going to the forest to read book".
No, Loki his last day wanted to spend just as Loki. Even though, he wasn't quite sure himself what that meant.
Back to the old question, Loki would've said that he willingly would visit his favorite lands (mainly Vanaheim) and see the sights he cherishes the most. Such as libraries, book or weapon market, fountains with gardens and, finally, the waterfall.
In Vanaheim he especially loved one place: located 2 hours walk from the center, behind the Black Forest and a wide meadow. Hidden under the hill and surrounded by a bunch of trees and bushes. There is the Waterfall.
When he saw it for the first time ever, during some boring escapade with Thor, Loki had to stop, get off his steed, walk to the water and just look. He always felt some special connection with nature, but what he had felt at that moment was very much different than anything - like he made eye contact with his soulmate. He immediately stated that this place would for certain be his favourite in the whole Nine Realms.
Thor, not surprisingly, didn't understand why his brother was staring at the water like it was the most precious thing under the sun. But Loki wasn't annoyed by Thor's lack of sense. Maybe he was even pleased by it. He would've gotten jealous and incredibly mad if Thor also found sympathy for Loki's place.
Because it was his place. And only his. Thor would immediately destroy it, by throwing a party there or vomiting into the clear water after drinking all night. Or he would do an even more shameful thing with some random woman he had met just before, almost as drunk as Thor himself.
That's why, after the 3-minute stop, when Thor asked with a tint of irritation: "Is it as special for you to stare at it?" Loki felt relief. He quickly smiled at Thor and said "No, it is not".
He memorized the exact route to this place, he even summoned his journal and wrote down every detail to not get lost when he'd be visiting it again.
When he was doing that, he remembered his old list. And, at that moment, an amazing idea formed in his head, an idea to be there on his last day of youth, 12 hours before his 1000th birthday.
He decided that he, first, would go to the Vanaheim centre. He will buy a book, red wine and strawberries. After that, he'll start walking towards his previously chosen spot. He will spread the blanket, pour the wine and spend his last hours in the company of nature.
The only thing he didn't like was how summer in Vanheim was when in Asgard they had winter. He felt sorrow for leaving the long-awaited coldness and the sight of snow for the sake of sun, which he hated so much.
But the Waterfall was too beautiful to resign from it. That's why Loki was motivated to sacrifice literally anything in order to go there.
What he for sure wasn't expecting was what the price was his literall birthday.
Loki, at the age of 999 years old, while sitting near the Waterfall in the unbearable heat of the sun, at the same time being exposed to the freezing wind from water itself, he got sick.
He was forced to leave his dream place, not long after 4 hours, only because he was feeling a throatache.
And, 13 hours later, Loki was found lying in bed, with a high fever, a burning throat and coughing with such force that he had to have a "vomiting bucket" close to him.
In conclusion, if somebody asked Loki how he imagines his last hours as an adolescent, Loki would say Definitely not like that.
Loki sighed, at the same time, with disgust, throwing the used tissue into the trash can which was already overflowed with other used tissues. However, the greater part of those were caused by the tears and not the runny nose.
The tears Loki had shed after his father came to his room and announced that "Due to your health condition, the adulthood ceremony has been postponed by 2 days".
Needless to mention how much that statement made Loki upset. He will be an adult not at the age of 1000 years, like a normal Asgardian, but at the age of 1000 years and 2 days.
Different from everyone. As always.
Loki snorted at the reappearance of that thought.
Different he repeated sourly in his mind (because his throat was hurting too much).
And, immediately after that, another thought showed up He wouldn't say that to Thor
Loki fell on the pillows under him, exactly in a way like every person who can't breathe, but at the same it drips from their nose, would. Also, his head was hurting, just like someone was about to split it in half.
In addition, it was too hot for him, but he was sure that the moment he took off his covers, he would start freezing.
He could cry (again) because of all that. Actually no, he didn't even know what "that" meant anymore, because he felt that he could cry for any trivial reason.
Loki wanted to go to sleep. But, of course, he couldn't. And because he physically couldn't and from the thought Who goes to sleep 2 hours before their birthday?
He realized he would have to spend those last hours all by himself. And, even if he wanted to do it from the beginning, it still hurt. After all, there was a significant difference between celebrating it alone in some forest, far away from Asgard and in bed, due to a sickness, in the palace.
Thor hadn't even bothered to check on him all day.
Loki felt the urge to sob again. However, he really wanted it to be caused by the fever and not the pathetic desire to see his brother.
He had to admit, with huge resistance, that Thor was also on his list - celebrate with Thor it was written on the very bottom. Honestly, he first wanted to go to the Waterfall with him all along. Maybe even to get wasted with him, even though he himself was thinking about such things with disgust.
But if he was there with Thor, everything would be different. For example: Loki would stop him from vomiting into the water.
They would drink the wine together and just lie down on the blanket. Though Thor would probably get bored after half an hour and start complaining.
But Loki would be glad anyway.
Stop it he shushed himself. It wouldn't have happened anyway, because his non-existent immune system decided to fail him one more time. He should stop dwelling on these things and focus on his adulthood: purposes, goals, plans! On his life as an adult!
Somehow, Loki didn't feel too convinced about it.
Even when he was doubting if anything in his life would improve by just the birthday itself, Loki still held onto that fragile, flickering hope somewhere in his dark heart, that Allfather would start seeing him as a surer candidate for the throne.
Honestly, the thought of it had died in him a long time ago. But, there is a saying for those situations: "Hope is the mother of fools".
Loki sighed again. He closed his tearing eyes, wishing to be in a warm bath rather than on a sweaty bed. He shouldn't have hope. In general, he shouldn't even think at all. He should go to sleep and not think.
A long time ago, he had already decided that he, of all people, should be the one who can't think. It only brings disaster to him or makes himself cry.
Just like now when he reminded himself that father would choose Thor anyway. That Thor didn't want to see him, because "The Mighty Thor doesn't have time for such stupidity"; he made his father disappointed again for destroying this year's Asgard's biggest celebration because of a slight flu; and mother hadn't come to see him for 3 hours, because she also started thinking of him as a laughing-stock.
And by the realization that even the Waterfall didn't want him. That's why it chased him away and made him sick.
Of course, that all was only the invention of a fever, but Loki, in his state, could believe even the words of a broom if it decided to speak to him.
The Mighty Thor Loki repeated in his mind. Then he added with a grimace The Puny Loki
Weak Loki, defeated by a flu he stated. He would start laughing if the coughing didn't take control over his body. He rose to a sitting position and didn't even bother to cover his mouth during the attack. It was definitely disgusting, but also, he wasn't in a position to care about it.
The coughing force became so strong, Loki had to, with panic, look for the forgotten bucket. He didn't want to throw up, he hated doing it more than anything else. That would be a great birthday present.
Luckily, it wasn't needed. Loki fell back onto the pillows while panting and gasping for the air. He wished to drink something, but moving would be too much effort. Even if the full glass of water was standing not even 10 inches next to his bed.
He looked at the clock on his desk, which told him that there was 1 hour and 49 minutes left until midnight.
Amazing he drawled and closed his eyes. The previous coughing attack made Loki so exhausted that he could have fallen asleep at that moment. But he didn't want that, he wanted to wait and see how the hour changed from 11:59 to 12:00. He wanted to be there when he finally became an adult.
But when he closed his eyes, he couldn't find the strength to open them again. Maybe sleep was a better option anyway:
At least he wouldn't be thinking of being alone on his birthday.
-
The sound of knocking (banging) at the door had awoken Loki from his sleep. Panicked, he looked at the clock and a great wave of relief flooded him when he realized that he still had half an hour until midnight. He didn't miss his own birthday.
Of course, he knew who his guest was - only one person in the whole Nine Realms may not have any manners, but can still claim the throne.
Thor, as always anyway, didn't wait for an answer and just came in. It was always funny to Loki - how Thor was knocking and immediately entering, like he was just announcing himself or giving a moment for him to "prepare". Loki could always lock his door by using magic, but, especially now, he did not feel such a need.
"Brother!" Thor exclaimed with a radiant smile, regardless of the fact that it was a literal night and almost everyone in the palace was asleep.
Loki did not reply, for 2 reasons - 1) Thor annoyed him by just being there with that sunny smile. And 2) he couldn't.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, letting a little worry slide into his tone, when he realized that Loki didn't even make a single comment about his entrance, as he usually does.
Thor continued, sitting down on the chair next to Loki's bed and still observing his pale silhouette "Mother said you fell ill"
Then he added with a compassionate smile "And father, that the ceremony has been rescheduled"
Loki only snorted in response. That was all he needed at that exact moment: compassion, pity.
He turned his back to his brother. Suddenly, the whole previous sentiment of "How much he doesn't want to be alone" or "How he wishes for Thor being here" had evaporated. Now, Loki would give anything for Thor to leave him alone.
"Loki?" Thor started, uncertain. His almost pained tone of voice only made Loki more irritated. Thor asked again, with his hand outstretched to check his brother's temperature "Are you fee-?"
"Where have you been?" Loki sharply cut him off. He let himself sound like some sulky teenager (the one who he still was then).
"Oh" Thor really didn't see that question coming. He answered simply, lounging in his chair again "I was busy doing...things"
He glanced furtively at his bag, which Loki didn't even notice. But that was for later. They still had more than 20 minutes.
"Things" Loki muttered. So Thor really didn't have time for him, because he was occupied with his own issues. Loki shouldn't feel surprised, he knew that he wasn't as important for other people to change their plans just for his unworthy person.
That thought made Loki just feel bad. He pulled the blanket over him and buried his face in the pillow, causing, because of his already labored breathing, to feel like he was suffocating.
It was also one of the things on Loki's list. But he quickly forgot about that. It was too late anyway and he didn't have the energy to even do anything.
When Thor was going to ask Loki another dumb question, his cough returned. Again with such force, which was breaking his ribs. However, he didn't have the strength to pull himself up to a sitting position, so he was only coughing pitifully on the pillows under him.
He was too focused on the pain in him that he didn't realize it when Thor put his hand on his back and started rubbing it calmingly.
But, no matter how much the massaging feeling was pleasant, as soon as the attack was over, Loki irritably slapped his brother's hand away and moved even further away from him than before.
"Brother-" Thor started, but was interrupted again.
"Why are you still here?" Loki panted from his sore throat.
"Because your birthday is in a moment" he answered, like that was the most obvious thing in the world.
"The Ceremony is in 2 days" Loki reminded him, again exhaling a few wet breaths.
"The Ceremony does not equal the birthday" Thor scolded him softly. He got up and took the glass of water from the bedside table and gave it to his brother. At first, Loki didn't want to accept it, but the urge to heal his throat, at least in some way, was more than just welcome.
Thor watched Loki for a moment, then he turned around and started walking towards one particular place.
From his spot, Loki watched his brother carefully. When he was sure that he had finally done it and Thor was leaving, he felt a weird kind of fright. He had no idea himself if he wanted Thor to leave or not.
Regardless of the answer, Thor didn't leave. Instead, he got closer to the window, where on the curtain rod Loki's outfit was hanging.
He hummed softly while looking at the clothing. He raised his hand and rubbed the white fabric between his fingers.
"Don't touch. It's silk" Loki rose to a sitting position to see better what his brother was doing. With half-closed eyes, he watched how Thor was almost studying his ceremonial attire.
"They also made me wear something similar" Thor said with some thought. He wondered if Loki still remembered that day. He turned to him and sent him a smile "Though, I truly doubt if I would be able to put it on now"
"Of course, you wouldn't" Loki snorted. However, he added after a moment with a slight smile "It is not your size"
"And it's not your colour" Thor bit back.
He looked at the attire once again: it's long sleeves, same long back and wide hood. It was more resembling of a cloak than a dress for celebration. Also, the silk was intertwined with golden and silver thread. Without any unnecessary patterns or decorations.
Loki chuckled in a way of how his condition was letting him to and said: "You know himself, that is to show my unwavering virginity"
"I don't think your virginity is as unwavering, dear brother" Thor laughed.
"And look who is talking" Loki raised his brows in surprise.
"Shut up" Thor silenced him, but still with a smile on his face. He turned to the outfit and looked at it again. Carefully. From top to bottom.
He imagined Loki wearing that.
Loki, walking through the long hall on the golden carpet to get to the father's throne, who will perform the Ceremony.
Loki, walking with his proud stride, with raised chin and looking only ahead. With a pleased smile on his face, when the people gardening around are applauding him and are cheering for their Prince.
Loki, taking the rhyton in his hands and drinking in one gulp mjød.
Loki, actually becoming an adult.
"Are you okay?" now Loki was the one asking that. He was staring at Thor with a confused look since he went mute and started gripping the material in his hands.
"Ah, yes" Thor responded immediately and dropped the hem of the cloak just like it had burned him.
Loki stated that Thor was acting weird. Maybe it was the fault of his fever, but for the moment he was certain that his brother was going to cry. Which would be especially unusual.
He wanted to make a comment about that, but Thor took over the conversation. He announced with a smile, turning again only to Loki: "They're baking a chocolate cake for you. You will be the first in Asgard who will get it instead of the white one"
"I'm glad, everyone will finally know what's good" Loki answered confidently. But, he still added with a note of uncertainty in his voice: "Although I doubt if our people will be enjoying the menu I have chosen"
"Don't worry" Thor started. He began walking towards another window, at the same time saying: "If anything, I'll eat it all"
Loki smiled kindly in response. He said, while looking at his hands lying on the blanket "Then I wish you good luck eating the portions prepared for the entire Kingdom"
The entire Kingdom Loki repeated mutely in his head and immediately tensed. He wasn't worried about the whole Asgard seeing him - after all, he always wanted that. His mind was more occupied with thoughts such as: "something bad will happen", "you will make a fool of himself", "you will be ridiculed" or even "everyone will see how much of a failure you have become".
Most of the time, he tried to suppress those thoughts. And he was generally successful with it. But now, the days before the actual party, he felt like those voices had finally broken free from the shackles and came back 10x stronger than before, yelling at him and keeping him awake for the last couple of nights..
He just wanted everything to be perfect.
Because, since the throne couldn't be his, the Ceremony was his last occasion to shine.
Especially when literally everyone will come to see him, due to the last party being so grandly celebrated was Thor's adulthood ceremony. And before that - Loki's day of birth. Asgardians, after almost 500 years, really had a reason to celebrate.
And it was confirmed in how willingly they accepted the proposal to connect Loki's birthday with the annual Midwinter Festival. What would make Loki's day be celebrated even until the new season.
Loki felt honored by that, mainly because he loves Midwinter more than anything. But it also made him feel even more nervous than before - the moment he would destroy something, he would also destroy the long-awaited holidays.
But still he wouldn't resign from that. Not when people will come to see him. Not Thor, not the Queen Frigga or the Allfather. But only for Prince Loki.
And that was the thought he for sure couldn't give up.
"Why are you stressed?" Thor's voice snapped him out of his thoughtfulness.
Loki raised his head and realized that Thor was watching him, probably for a while now. Apparently, he noticed how Loki started picking skin from his hands: a bad habit which he practices every time he feels even the slightest bit anxious. At least he finally stopped with the nail-biting thing.
"I'm not" he snorted dryly. He continued more firmly, but still, at the same time, avoiding Thor's gaze "Why would I? I am the Prince, after all. Those things should be easy for me..."
Loki really regretted saying the word should, because now, his whole lie has been shattered completely. Not like Thor actually looked like he got fooled before. If anything, he put that attitude which Loki hates with all his heart: a good, wise, affectionate, older brother.
"It will be fine" he said, sitting on the spot next to Loki on his bed.
Loki rolled his eyes after hearing that and turned his head away - he knew that everything would be fine, that he shouldn't be worried and yet, those poisonous thoughts were still whispering to him.
"What makes you so sure?" Loki asked with a weak voice. He was surprised at himself of how desperate and pitiful he was sounding - like he was going to burst into tears in a second and start begging Thor to swear to him that everything for sure would be fine.
"I just know it" Thor shrugged with a smile. But when Loki didn't look as convinced, he leaned to him and put his hand on Loki's still restless hands. He winced from the feeling of how Loki's skin was incredibly warm.
Loki, from the sudden touch, turned to his brother and met his gaze, which was still soft, but now more serious. Thor started without a note of hesitation "You will be amazing, because you, brother, of all people in the World, are sure to do great. And if I don't doubt you, you shouldn't as well"
"And what if I fall? You saw the length of that cloak..." Loki said almost in a whisper, gesturing to a clothing in the corner of the room, but still not breaking eye contact even for a second.
"Then I will catch you" Thor assured him with a warm smile.
Loki let out a shaky breath "Do you promise?"
"I promise" Thor replied immediately, softly squeezing his brother's hand.
Loki's mouth twitched in a shade of shy smile, after that he lowered his gaze.
It was fascinating how he actually made Thor swear such silly and trivial things to him. But that made Loki's worries disappear in some way. If not completely.
He always found it amazing how his brother's simple words could make him believe whatever he said. No matter how unreal that would be.
Thor patted Loki's hand before taking his own off. Loki wouldn't admit it out loud, but he felt something in a shape of sorrow after he became devoid of touch.
"Thor..." he started, sounding even more pathetic than before, with his head still down and the voice not being louder than a shaky whisper: "Where were you all day?"
Thor sighed and lazily got off bed. Loki observed him, from under the curtain of his black curls, as he approached the leather bag on the floor (Loki had no idea how he didn't notice that earlier)
"If you really must know..." Thor said while taking the bag in his hand. He added with a serious gaze, when Loki tilted his head to see better "But it will spoil the surprise"
And, while standing over Loki, he handed him a long black box.
Thor sat down on a chair and explained: "Your gift"
"Gift?" Loki repeated, like he had forgotten that people do that for birthdays.
Thor continued, leaning deeper into the chair "I went to Midgard today and I stood in line for half the day"
Loki stared at the box. The material from which it was made was quite rich (by Midgard standards), so he had no idea what he'd see the moment he would open it. Because, apparently, Thor was obviously waiting for it - judging by the way of how he was watching Loki, like his life was depending on his reaction.
And Loki, feeling that his curiosity had reached its zenith, opened the box.
"Wow" Loki raised his brows almost to the forehead as his eyes widened greatly from astonishment.
"Do you like it?" Thor bit his lip, feeling how the tension was getting bigger. He spent a great amount of time searching for a perfect present for his brother, so he really cared if what he had bought was good or not. It was for sure original.
"Thor it's..." Loki said, still being more than surprised. He delicately took one of the things from the box and ran his finger through the leather material. He finished, feeling how on his face a broad smile started to form "These are high heels"
Loki held in his hand one of the shoes: with colour so black that his skin seemed to be snow white; open-toe, which would make his nails visible; and 4 inches, for sure, would be added to his height the moment he put them on.
But Loki's attention was mostly drawn to one particular thing - a golden snake, which was wrapped around the heel, climbing upwards to cover the ankle as well. Shining so much that Loki could see his own reflection in it.
"Marvelous" Loki stated, with a grin from ear to ear.
"Really?!" Thor shouted, jumping out of his chair and taking a spot on Loki's bed. The relief flooded him immediately, contorting his face in an over-dramatic expression. He added after a while, with an amused smile "That's good, because I was forced to fight with a bunch of women to get those. One of them even tried to bite me"
The idea of Thor - a 6'4ft male, chasing away from him some (probably) fragile women, was too much for Loki. He couldn't help but burst out laughing.
He panted between the wheezes "Then I think it was your fiercest fight"
"True" Thor agreed proudly.
When Loki calmed down, he looked at the shoes again. He said, now quieter "These are truly beautiful"
"That is why I bought them for you" Thor replied, pleased that Loki was happy. At first, he wanted to buy a dagger or a journal for him, but, after deeper thinking, he stated that it would be too predictable.
He remembered that Loki was complaining that the only pair of high heels he owned was too uncomfortable and still, after the years of using them, they were still rubbing him. And additionally, he had to glue the heel at least 2 times.
So, when Thor, long before his brother's birthday, ended up in Midgard and found out about some "new collection of heels", he immediately decided that they were going to be Loki's perfect birthday gift.
Especially when some fancy designer was making them. Of course, it cost him a lot of money from his own pocket...but he didn't regret it. Not when on Loki's face appeared that healthy blush and in his eyes showed that, not seen by Thor for a long time, sparkle.
"Thank you, brother" Loki sent Thor a radiant smile.
Thor couldn't help, but think of How young Loki looks. And, because of that, he felt his chest tighten. Actually, it was a thought he had to deal with every day for the last couple of months.
He really didn't want Loki to grow up.
"Everything for you" Thor said, moving closer to pull Loki into a tight hug and place a gentle kiss on top of his head. He hugged him even tighter when he realized that Loki wasn't even trying to move away from his touch.
"Can you promise something?" Thor asked, still holding Loki.
"It depends" he pulled back slightly to give Thor a skeptical look.
Thor smiled sadly. Then he begged "Don't change that much"
Loki sighed. That would explain Thor's strange behavior.
"You know I can't promise this" Loki replied weakly, trying to avoid Thor's eyes.
"Then, at least promise me that you will always be my brother" Thor said, not as confidently as he used to be.
That promise Loki could make.
"Of course" he said right away, looking into Thor's eyes. However, he suspected that his inner jealousy and bitterness, sooner or later, would spill in him and would lead to an ineffable catastrophe.
But, for now, they are here: in Asgard, in Loki's room, celebrating his 1000th birthday. Only two of them.
"Brothers forever?" Thor asked with a half smile on his face.
"Brothers forever" Loki repeated, with a smile similar to Thor's.
Thor pulled Loki into his embrace again. But it still didn't make Thor feel any better. He said with pain in his voice after a moment "I really don't want you to grow up"
"It's a good thing you're telling me about it 3 minutes before midnight, dear brother" Loki chuckled in response, now trying to escape from Thor's touch.
"3?!" Thor shouted, moving away from Loki and looking at the clock. After that, he immediately threw himself at the leather bag on the floor.
"What is this? Another surprise?" Loki asked with curiosity. He covered his mouth with his sleeve and started coughing, when Thor was still searching inside of the bag.
Apparently, he was looking for something important, judging by his determined expression.
"I have it!" he announced, when on the clock there were 2 minutes left. He presented Loki, what he took with a proud smile "And it's another reason why I was busy all day"
And when Loki was thinking that Thor wouldn't surprise him any more that day, he had done that. Thor was holding in his hands one big jar of mjød and two high glasses, tulip type, made of sea glass and decorated with gold.
"You stole it?" Loki asked with a comically open mouth.
Drinking mjød was one of the traditions in Asgard, which was the most important part of the ceremony - Asgardian, on the day they get to the age of 1000 years, have to drink, at one gulp, a whole horn of mjød.
It was associated with an old myth about Kvasir and how his blood mixed with honey made mjød. After drinking it, the person was supposed to become a "skald" and "wise".
Of course, that was only a stupidity.
Still, Loki felt very excited about this part. It was forbidden for minors to drink it, which, by the way, was very funny, judging how literal alcohol such as beer and wine was being served to people who weren't even 600 years old.
And, it was very guarded - if somebody wanted to drink it in a tavern, they had to first prove that they're adults. If it turned out they cheated, Allfather himself would pass a verdict.
Though, those weren't some harsh punishments such as being locked in prison for eternity (or even a day) or corporal flogging. After all, people who were trying to drink it were just dumb teenagers.
Including Loki.
He wouldn't be himself if he didn't try to steal it from the kitchen or even his father's private stock. And, even when he was the most sneaky figure in the whole Asgard, he never succeeded.
To be honest, he wasn't even close to saying that "I almost did it". If the servants did not see him, then his mother did and even his father. And each time he had to face the consequences.
So, after many years of tries and receiving penalties (which were growing from a disappointed grimace to even being locked in the palace for sometimes even a whole season) Loki had given up.
He decided that he would wait those couple of centuries like a patient and good child. Like a polite son, who he should be.
Long years had passed and, maybe Loki didn't become "polite" nor a "son", but, at least, he didn't try to steal the drink. Although it tempted him on almost every occasion.
"Loki, I'm an adult" Thor reminded him while pouring mjød into the glasses.
"Right" Loki admitted, when the cough had attacked him again.
It was brief, but still made on Thor's face appear a concerned expression. He asked, holding in both hands the already filled vessels "Are you sure that you're fine?"
Loki frowned with irritation and rushed his brother "Yes, yes, I'm fine. Now give me this"
He was really excited about finally drinking that. A trivial thing, but he's been waiting 1000 years for it. Everyone in Asgard was enjoying it, so the flavour itself was enough to arouse the Prince's curiosity. That's why he couldn't hold back from almost snatching the vessel from his brother's hand.
"10 seconds, brother" Thor chuckled, handing drink to Loki's already outstretched hand. A bittersweet feeling had appeared in his body when he saw how Loki was taking the vessel from him and after that, with sparks in his eyes as well as a wide, excited smile, he began to stare at the red-gold liquid.
Loki glanced quickly at his brother and said, almost shyly "Thank you for being here with me"
Thor felt a slight prick in his chest at these words. Of course, he was happy about being there with Loki, but at the same time, he wasn't: father should have been there too, mother as well.
However, he quickly chased those thoughts away - they are organising that big party themselves and that also requires dedication. Further, he doubted if parents, who are going to bed not long after sunset, would stay awake until midnight.
But that's exactly what Thor is for. And he wouldn't let this opportunity pass for anything in the whole Nine Realms.
"I will always be" he promised, with a soft smile. Loki tried to find a lie, hiding behind those words or on Thor's face. He felt his heart tighten as he couldn't find anything, realizing that he really had to believe in those words. Making Loki, just like before, to believe that too.
They both stared at the clock with full concentration, as if the action itself would speed up the change of numbers.
And, when it finally happened, in the room first sounded Thor's cheer, then the clink of glasses bouncing off each other and another of Thor's shouts:
"Drink it all down!" Thor ordered with a broad smile, also getting ready to finish his own drink.
Thor, not surprisingly, was the first one who drank everything. It was caused by years of practice. He was supposed to throw the vessel on the floor, in order to break it, but his screams were enough noise. After all, nobody knew that Loki was drinking mjød on that day. And Thor would be really in trouble for doing that.
He watched as Loki, with joined eyebrows, was draining the glass. He put it back on the bedstand and immediately frowned in grimace. Making Thor burst into laughing.
"It is utterly disgusting!" Loki said, wiping his wet mouth with the back of his hand.
He continued, when Thor was still laughing "It's too sweet and terribly thick, like...like some gross jelly! I don't understand why you are all so fond of it"
"So, 1000 years of waiting for nothing?" Thor asked, trying to calm himself down.
"I guess I'll stick to the wine" Loki said, disappointed with the whole thing.
"I'm sorry, brother" Thor giggled quickly.
When he stopped, he looked at his brother and said gently, with a soft smile on his face "Happy birthday, Loki"
The grimace on Loki's face was replaced with a slight smile. He said after a moment, more to himself than to Thor "I'm an adult now"
Thor sighed. It was probably stupid for him to worry over such things. He looked at Loki, at his fully-grown brother. He stared into his eyes, the same eyes he had seen for the first time, 1000 years before, when he was so small and fragile, that Thor was afraid of hurting Loki.
But that's enough of these sentiments.
"Nonsense" Thor waved his hand like he was chasing away those words and leaned to Loki, to pull him into as tight embrance as he would really hurt him this time. He said undoubtedly, resting side of his face onto Loki's head "For me you'll always be my sweetest little baby brother..."
"I'm dying" Loki gasped, trying to escape from Thor.
Thor opened his mouth as if he had just missed a great opportunity. He explained with a broad grin, when Loki raised his brows in surprise "Then you won't ever grow up"
Loki elbowed him in the ribs and finally managed to get out of Thor. He sent him an annoyed look and fell back on the pillows, at the same time fixing his ruffled hair "You're not funny"
However, he added with a joking smile, when Thor was rubbing the sore spots "Now I'm going to be taller than you"
"You wish" Thor snorted. Somehow, the idea of Loki being taller than him, didn't look as convincing to Thor.
"And I'm going to get ripped. I will defeat you in eeevery duel" Loki announced with proudly raised chin.
"Uh-uh" Thor nodded, not believing him at all. He joked instead "Better focus on being a skald and a wise"
"I always was them" Loki yawned slowly. Just now all the tiredness of the day had caught up with him (even so, he had slept the greater half of the day and then a whole evening). Still, he didn't want to go to sleep. He didn't want it to be over yet and Thor to leave.
"That I can believe" Thor chuckled and yawned as well.
"I will never drink this again" Loki said, pointing at the empty glass.
Thor reminded him with a compassionate smile "You will have to tomorrow"
"Oh, no" on Loki's face showed the greatest pain Thor has ever seen.
"At least, you know what is coming" he said, patting his brother on the shoulder to reassure him.
Loki really hadn't thought about this. Although it might be better - he doubted if during the Ceremony he would be able to surpass a grimace.
That would be his failure.
And Thor had just saved him from that.
When Loki was about to tell a joke or (Norny forbid) another sentiment, he felt his throat tighten.
"Thor-" he gulped while covering his mouth with his hand.
"What's wrong?" Thor immediately reacted with panic. He watched his brother trying to sit straight, at the same time gagging.
"Bucket!" he panted, pointing at the thing on the floor. He ordered again, when Thor was trying to understand what was going on "Give me the bucket!"
And, when Thor did that, Loki immediately started vomiting. He took Loki's hair in one hand and, knowing how much Loki hates throwing up, he was gently rubbing his back using the other hand.
But, somewhat he was glad - he finally had an excuse to spend the rest of the night in Loki's room to reminisce about old times and to continue crying over the fact that Loki had grown up.
Even if he didn't become a fan of mjød that night.