foundlingmother

Pre-Thor
Thor was scared of thunderstorms in his youth. He felt he couldn’t share it with anyone. How could he tell Odin or Frigga that he was afraid of the very force of nature he controlled? So, he would sneak into Loki’s bed, hold his brother close, and whisper to him about how everything would be alright. A very confused Loki, who was unafraid of thunderstorms, would try halfheartedly to tell Thor that, but would eventually just let Thor hold him because he liked having his big brother close. Thor outgrew his fears. Loki never realized that Thor was the scared one.

After learning how to go unnoticed (I don’t think Loki’s ever really invisible, it’s just him using illusions to trick people into not seeing him), Loki moves items of furniture or other objects in Thor’s rooms and it drives Thor mad. He keeps stubbing his toe on mysteriously repositioned chairs. His favorite toys always seem to be trying to escape over the balcony. Thor’s convinced they’re alive for about a decade.

While Thor sometimes enjoyed listening to Loki read or talk, he never attempted to engage Loki in discussions of magical theory. He would shift the conversation or not-listen, eyes glazed. He wasn't interested in the subject and often felt out of his depth.

Loki and Thor were both adventurous, and once they reached a certain age there was no hope of keeping them near the palace or even the city. They'd wander into the forests around Asgard, camp, and slay monsters. They learned to cook, sew, build fires. Every basic survival skill young hunters would need.

As they grew older, Thor began inviting others on the adventures Loki and he planned. Eventually, they became Thor's adventures that Loki was invited to join, and increasingly chose to refuse. Thor always brought back something for Loki, which Loki received politely, but did not seem overly excited about. Sometimes he brought back rocks, ingredients for potions, plants, jewelry, books, etc. Anything that might intrigue Loki. Loki kept everything Thor ever brought him, as he was deeply attached to these symbols that showed Thor was thinking about him even while he was with his friends.

In battle formations, Thor always positioned Loki in the back in the most protected position, not only to keep Loki safe, but also so Loki could best utilize his skills with magic and throwing daggers. His ranged abilities. A part of Loki understood the strategy. Another part knew Thor didn't seem to value Loki's talents highly, and so this positioning was yet another way Loki found himself unequal, being hidden behind his bigger, stronger brother.

Post-IW (Alternate MCU Universe)
Tony Stark builds a floating city (Asgardia) for Thor and his people (because the politics surrounding land and borders are crazy and Thor would like his people to have a home quickly). Thor’s very particular about the new palace, which, despite being much smaller than the one on Asgard, he insists must have certain luxuries like an expansive library with comfortable nooks to curl up in. Tony’s surprised by this because Thor wasn’t too fussed about his level in Stark Tower or any of his other accommodations on Earth. He later learns that Thor’s entire design of the palace revolves around Loki. What would make Loki happy? What would make Loki comfortable? What would make Loki stay?

Thor works hard to meet Loki halfway, discuss Loki's interests (including the magical theory he ignored as a younger man, which turns out to be more interesting than he remembered, especially as it pertains to his own abilities), etc. He puts in a tremendous amount of effort to be a good, supportive brother.

Thor sometimes decides to go without his prosthetic eye, so Loki decides he must learn to fight without it. The two of them spar and Thor slowly learns new techniques. He learns how to guard his blind side and take advantage of people seeking to exploit it. Loki doesn't hold back, and Thor comes away from each training session with many bruises. As Thor gets better fighting with a limited field of vision, their sessions turn into Loki training Thor to increase his control over his power.

Loki starts slipping sleeping draughts into Thor’s drinks because the oaf won’t listen to reason and stop working through the night on everything that needs doing post-Thanos’ defeat.