Author's Note: I'm just blown away by the response to this story. Thank you all so much for the continued kind words of feedback, all the faves/kudos, bookmarks/follows, reviews/comments, and everything else you've sent my way in regards to this tale! I've never had a fic take off like this one has. After this chapter there is only one more part so we're nearly at the end. I do hope you enjoy! Thanks again!

Notes: Story takes place after the events of the first Avengers movie but before Jane encounters the Aether in Thor: The Dark World. This story was not fully beta read so any mistakes you find are my own. I'll fix them later, but please do not point them out unless it's through a private message. Thank you and I hope you enjoy this! Much love, xxDustNight

Disclaimer: All non-original characters, plot points, and information belongs to those at Marvel Studios, Warner Brothers, or J.K. Rowling. The story plot and dialogue belongs to me. I do not write for profit.

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Part IV

"Who is that?" Hermione inquired, wide eyes staring down at Loki in fear.

"That would be Thor," he muttered, wiping one hand over his sweat dampened face. Glancing back at Hermione, he noticed she looked alarmed.

"What do we do?" Hermione whispered, hands coming up to cover her naked breasts. She opened her mouth to say more but before she could, Loki had willed their clothing back into place. Disappointment settled in her chest as he gently prodded her to allow him out from underneath her. She slid from him to stand by the bed, offering him her hand.

Loki was surprised by the hand held out in front of him, but he hid that easily enough and accepted what was offered. He stood and led them over to the table, not attempting to release her hand in the process. Once there, he helped her to sit, effectively breaking the illusion he'd put up earlier. Giving her a reassuring nod, he turned to face the approaching God of Thunder. Thor came into view, stopping just before the platform that held his cell aloft.

"Thor," Loki began, walking toward the shimmering barrier with hands clasped behind his back. "After all this time, now you come to visit me." He laughed, the sound far from amused, but Thor's demeanor did not waver and this made the mischievous god smirk harder.

"Loki, enough. I come with news from Midgard." Thor peered around Loki so that he could see the other person in the cell. "Lady Granger is who she says she is, and it appears that her absence has not gone unnoticed."

At this, Hermione scurried to her feet and came to stand next to Loki. "What's going on? What have they done since finding me missing?" She was unable to keep the worry from her voice, knowing that her friends had probably alerted the Ministry and possibly even the papers in an attempt to locate her.

"Relax, Lady Granger," Thor told her, his voice warm and reassuring. He offered her a smile then which did soothe her nerves to an extent. "I have spoken with the one known as Potter and informed him that you had arrived safely on Asgard. After speaking with him and the ones who cast the charm upon you, I have returned and consulted with the Allfather."

"Is he letting me go home?" Hermione asked, glancing briefly to Loki, who continued to glare at Thor. She still wanted to go home, yes, but she also was quite interested in seeing where this connection with Loki was headed. He was her destined soulmate, there was no denying that any longer for either of them. However, she couldn't stay here on Asgard, not with her life on Earth.

"He is, but you must remain here for a short period still," Thor informed her and then shook his head with a frown. "He and the Allmother are discussing how best to proceed with the situation and would like for me to escort you to a room in the palace where you may be more comfortable for the duration of your stay."

"Oh…" Hermione swallowed, not quite knowing what to say. She bit her lip and gave Loki a glance to see his reaction to the news. His face was impassive, emerald eyes trained on Thor without blinking. She looked back at him too, realizing that she really didn't want to stay in the cell. An actual bedroom would be nice, and she'd probably have access to a bath. Which she she desperately needed now, especially after having sex with Loki. Feeling her cheeks flush, she cleared her throat and nodded. "That would be nice."

Thor nodded and then the forcefield wall shimmered and disappeared, allowing her to walk forward. She could feel Loki's heavy stare on her back as she descended the cell's platform and she suddenly felt bad for leaving him behind. How were they going to get to know each other further if she was upstairs in the palace and he was locked down here? Oddly, as she stopped by Thor and looked up at Loki, her heart ached just a tiny bit. Loki's face hadn't changed, but his eyes did seem a little darker, sad even, seeing her leave. Swallowing back her fear, she was just about to ask Thor is Loki could join her somehow, when the God of Thunder spoke.

"Well," he asked, gesturing with his hand toward Loki. "Are you coming or would you rather remain in the cell?"

Loki took a hesitant step forward and then stopped, canting his head in suspicion. "I am to join Lady Granger?" His eyes were narrowed, no longer sad in any regard. This was the look of someone who was prone to being deceived.

"Of course," Thor replied and then sighed as he raked a hand through his long, blond locks. "Father wanted for you to remain here but mother insisted that in order for you to get to know your soulmate, you would need to be with her."

A stealy smirk slid onto Loki's features and then he was staring at Hermione with a mischievous glint in those bright green eyes of his. It sent a chill of anticipation down her spine and she suddenly felt exposed all over again. Was this the soulmate charm or something else? Either way, Hermione felt her breath hitch and wanted nothing more than to be alone with Loki without worrying about prying eyes or whether or not they couldn't be too loud.

Still smirking, Loki took a hesitant step forward and then paused. "This is not a trick? I will not be further reprimanded for exiting this cell?" He waited for Thor to answer, jaw tense as he ground his teeth together.

Shaking his head, Thor answered, "No, you will not." Loki's smirk returned to his face and he eagerly moved from the cell to stand before both Thor and Hermione. It was only then that Thor reached out and gripped his throat, though not hard enough to hurt. "You will, however, take heed, Loki. If you conduct any trickery or attempt escape, I have been given permission to kill you on sight."

Teeth bared and eyes flashing, Loki hissed, "You would not, brother."

"Do not tempt me," Thor replied without wavering. Hermione watched as his grip tightened just enough to slow the flow of oxygen Loki was breathing. Green eyes widened slightly and then he nodded slightly. Thor released his grip on Loki and backed away from his adopted brother. "I should also inform you that if you betray us, Lady Granger will be thrown into a cell and kept there until her last breath."

"What!?" Hermione squeaked, eyes wide as she looked from Loki to Thor. She couldn't stay in a cell here! She'd seen what type of monsters were being held prisoner, not to mention her life back on Earth.

"That is a ridiculous threat, Thor. Mother would never allow it," Loki replied coldly, cracking his neck after having it squeezed by Thor's massive hand.

"Mother insisted," Thor snapped and then turned away, prepared to lead them upstairs. "I advise you not to infuriate her. You know how she can be. Now, come with me. I have to rejoin the discussion on your circumstance after taking you to your room." They began heading up the stairs, their feet making scuffing noise on the rocky surface.

"We're to share a room," Hermione said quietly, her cheeks flaming as she again recalled what had occurred earlier. She felt Loki's gaze fall on her, but ignored him so as not to burst into flame.

"Yes. I expect that will not be an issue. The guards said that there were no issues between the two of you overnight." Hermione missed the slight upturn of Thor's mouth, but Loki did not. He growled and grabbed hold of his brother's arm, forcing him to stop and turn around and face him.

"I would suggest, Thor, that whatever transpired between Hermione and I in the dungeons, is no business of anyone but our own. If I find that stories are being spread that could implicate her propriety, I will not spare a second thought to end those that spoke of such occurrences." Loki's glare was so fierce that Hermione could have sworn the temperature in the hallway dropped multiple degrees. Then again, maybe it did. "Am I understood?"

Thor inhaled and then looked from Loki to Hermione, some sort of conclusion formulating in his mind. Hermione had no idea what that may be, but after a tense moment, he nodded and exhaled. "I understand, brother," he said softly, reaching out to place a hand on Loki's shoulder. He squeezed, the gesture much gentler than before. "I will ensure that no rumors are spread of you and Lady Granger's relations."

"Very well." As Thor dropped his hand and resumed leading the way to their room, Loki gave Hermione an apologetic look as if he was worried she would be afraid of either how he'd just acted or the rumors that were, no doubt, spreading through the palace. Offering up his arm, he quirked an eyebrow.

Figuring things couldn't get any stranger, she accepted his arm, looping hers through it and allowing him to escort her behind Thor. Nothing else was said between the three of them for the rest of the short journey to their rooms. When they reached a large set of double golden doors, Thor wasted no time throwing them open and gesturing inside. Loki dropped his hold on her arm so that she could be the first to step inside.

The room was beautiful, to say the least. A large canopy bed took up most of the space, it's golden frame glittering in the sunlight cascading in through the open balcony doors. A sitting area with a chaise lounge and a table accompanied by two chairs sat before the balcony. There was a dresser to the left and a door to the right that opened to a bathing chamber. Tenttively, Hermione wandered through the space, her head tilting to and fro as she took it all in. She peered into the bathing chamber, amazed at the size of the bath. Not even the Prefect bathtub had been so large! Turning around to face Thor and Loki, both of whom were watching her with amused faces, and couldn't help the way her face lit up in a smile.

"This is magnificent," she breathed, gesturing to the room. "I've never seen anything so grand. Do I really get to stay here? With Loki?"

"Indeed, you are welcome to stay here as long as you remain on Asgard," Thor informed her, bowing his head slightly. "Now, please make yourself at home. I must return to the counsel, but I will make sure that a meal is brought up for the two of you." Clearing his throat, he turned once more to Loki. "Behave yourself, Loki. I beg of you."

"You have such little faith in me, brother," Loki said with a smirk, rolling his eyes as he walked more fully into the room and sat upon the edge of the lavish bed.

"Do you blame me?" Thor replied, smiling just enough to show his amusement.

Loki threw his head back, his dark hair cascading down his back as he scoffed. He sent a wink toward Hermione before glancing back at his brother. "I suppose I do not, but I shall promise to practice restraint for the moment."

"Good. I shall see the two of you later this evening."

And then Thor was closing the doors behind him, the sound of a lock being forced into place. They were alone then, and Hermione's heartbeat sped up, not knowing what to expect now that Loki was no longer contained in his cell. Would he go back on his word and harm her so that he could escape? Would he continue to want to talk with her? Would he ignore her entirely?

All these questions and more zipped through her mind, but not for long. Not wasting any time, Loki quickly rose from the bed and made his way for the bathing chamber. As he walked, he began to shed his clothing piece by piece until he was entirely nude. Hermione could do nothing but gape as him as he sauntered by, his body fully on display. Throwing her a cheeky grin, he asked, "Are you just going to stand there all day or are you going to join me for a bath?"

Mouth opening and closing a few times in shock, Hermione was at a loss for words. This was all happening so fast. Hadn't she just been having drinks with her friends? Now, she'd found her supposed soulmate, had sex with him once already, and was now being propositioned to join him in a bathtub that was nearly the size of her flat! This was ridiculous. Surely, if she just closed her eyes and willed it so, she would wake up at home in her bed safe and sound. But as Loki paused just before the edge of the bath, turning so that she could see the entirety of his naked body, she knew she was wide awake. Even in her wildest dreams, she'd never would be able to conjure up the image of perfection Loki was before her.

She swallowed, her gaze trailing slowly from his emerald eyes down his godlike body. Not having the chance to examine him earlier, she did so now. He was tall, very much so, with straight shoulders, a muscular chest, and long, long, long legs. After doing an initial sweep, her eyes returned to his cock, hanging semi hard between his legs. Her mouth went dry as she recalled the feel of it inside her, filling her with its length and bringing her to orgasm. Okay, now she was blushing furiously and as she quickly returned her gaze to Loki's, she found him smirking.

Loki allowed Hermione to scrutinize him, her eyes warming him as they swept over his form. He wasn't sure what exactly she was looking for, perhaps some sort of justification for joining him, but he did not deny the fact he enjoyed such attention. The longer she stared to more aroused he grew and when her eyes lingered on his sex, he couldn't help growing ever harder. Hermione was ravishing on her own, but naked, she was to die for. He wanted her in the bath with him so he could do as she was doing to him now. He motioned to her with one finger, drawing her attention and finally forcing her to walk closer.

As she moved, Hermione slowly removed her shirt, her face disappearing for a moment before the garment was tossed aside. Next she paused to toe off her heels and then she was shimmying out of the strange denim pants Midgardians were accustomed to wearing. They hugged her curves, but those curves were better worshiped without being covered in cumbersome layers. By the time she stood before him, she wore nothing but her simple undergarments. He could tell she was just as affected as he was by the flush on her skin and the way her chest rapidly rose and fell with every breath she took.

Oh this was going to be fun.

Loki stared down at her, her hesitance reflected in her beautiful brown eyes. One long fingered hand reached to lightly trace the strap of her brassier. She shivered under his touch and he smirked at that, hooking his finger in the strap and tugging it off her shoulder. Leaning forward, he placed a chaste kiss to the spot he'd just revealed. Her hand came to rest on his naked thigh, her fingers digging into his chilled flesh. He glanced up through a curtain of dark hair and gave her a toothy grin.

"May I divest you of the rest of you garments so that I may worship your body properly?" Loki inquired, his voice husky with desire and curiosity. Hermione trembled as his lips again kissed her shoulder, this time much closer to the sensitive base of her neck.

"Y-Yes," she stuttered, her breath hitching as he sucked at her flesh. His nimble fingers made quick work of her bra and then her breasts were revealed. Sighing as he cupped them, Hermione couldn't find a single word to say. He placed gentle kisses to the top of each mound before letting go and taking hold of her waist. He tugged her against his body, a little yelp of surprise leaving her lips as their naked chests were now pushed together.

Ducking his head into the crook of her neck, Loki traced the column of her neck with his nose, inhaling her scent. She smelled of roses, sex, and something that was probably specifically her. It was intoxicating and Loki found himself surprised that he may never want to let her leave his arms. Kissing a trail to her lips, he paused. "I can't wait to have you again, Hermione."

"Oh sweet, Merlin," Hermione mumbled as Loki rocked his hips against hers, allowing her to feel just how affected he was. She was far from unaffected herself, her knickers damp from her arousal so much so that her cheeks flamed in slight embarrassment. "Loki," she breathed, the words whispered against his lips as her eyes shut in pleasure.

"Is that a yes?" he asked, fingertips hooking in the band of her knickers. The tip of his tongue traced her lower lip and she panted wantonly. He could smell her arousal, and he growled impatiently.

Trying to get her emotions under some semblance of control, Hermione opened her eyes. She knew she should say no and get to know Loki properly before having sex with him again, but she honestly didn't want to. She wanted him, and badly. They were soulmates; there would be time to learn each other's favorite bloody colors and foods later. So throwing caution to the wind yet again, Hermione nodded and all but growled herself. "Yes, Loki. Good Godric, take me already."

"I have no idea who the hell Godric is, but I'm not sure I'm willing to share you," Loki growled before forcefully kissing her. She moaned into the kiss, allowing him to slip his tongue inside her mouth for a taste. At the same time, he ripped her knickers in half, relishing in the gasp that left her mouth, causing him to steal her breath. So that she wouldn't hyperventilate, he released her lips and licked his in an almost predatory manner. "If you and I are to be bound, you are mine and mine alone."

Hermione was panting, her heart torn between not wanting to belong to anyone and yet desperately aching to be completely owned and devoured by the god standing before her. Her vaginal walls clenched in anticipation and really that was all the answer she needed. She was wrecked and it was entirely the spell's fault. "Shut up and make me yours then," she challenged Loki, earning her a quirked eyebrow. She threw herself at him then, and he caught her easily as she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him eagerly.

Having always enjoyed a challenge, Loki walked them into the bathtub as they continued to explore one another's mouths. The tub was perpetually heated and as the warmth of the water lapped at their bodies, Loki knew they were in no way going to last long. He supposed there would be time to take things slow later, once the frantic urge to couple had dulled and they were curled together in the bed. For now, though, Loki intended to mark Hermione as his. Breaking the kiss, he moved his lips to where her neck and shoulder met and bit down, hard. He knew it had to hurt, but Hermione didn't cry out in pain but ecstasy instead.

"Oh, gods yes!" Hermione cried as Loki bit her, which in turn caused her to orgasm. Her thighs trembled as she came apart, her legs tightening around Loki's waist. It didn't last long, but it was enough to leave her breathless. "Apparently, I'm a bit of a masochist," she muttered, her hands lightly brushing the hair from his shoulders.

"It would appear so," Loki agreed, licking his lips and walking them through the shallow water to press her back against the wall. "I see no problem with that; in fact, I would prefer it so."

Hermione giggled, the sound joyous and melting Loki's icy heart. He stared at her in awe, surprised by the effect she had on him in such a short period of time. Perhaps they truly were soulmates, destined to find one another and fall in love. But was Loki capable of true love? As if sensing his uncertainty, Hermione cupped his cheek and pressed her lips against his in a brief kiss. When she pulled away, she smiled briefly.

"Don't overthink this, Loki. If we do that, then we'll never give it a chance to blossom." He could find no fault in that, having spent enough time in the dungeons pondering his future and fate. He'd been under the impression that those four walls would be the only he would ever see again. This could be a new beginning for him, and that was something he was willing to take a risk on. If it meant freedom, happiness, and the possibility of love, then he was all in, his former sentence be damned.

"Then what do you suggest we do?' he asked, his eyes glancing briefly to her lips before meeting her steady gaze. This was new to him. Never before had he been in a relationship, if this could even be considered that. They were thrust together by a spell, a chance of fate intertwining their souls and giving them a chance at happiness, if they so wished for it enough. Hermione could end this, return to Midgard alone, leaving him to rot in his cell.

"I say that we give us a chance. Take it moment by moment, day by day, and so on." She shrugged, the ends of her curls damp from the bathwater. She was feeling much the same as Loki, it seemed. Unsure of the future, but willing to take a chance if the other was as well. "What do you say? Are you willing to give up your nefarious ways and see where this can go?"

He knew he ought to take time to think about it, to stew over the pros and cons, but as he looked deep into Hermione's eyes, he saw a glimpse of a future he'd never thought could be his. He exhaled in a rush, letting his heart guide him for the first time since he was a mere child. "Yes," he found himself saying. Hermione's smile could have lit the entire city had it been dark outside. She carded her hands through his hair and tugged him close, kissing him slowly. It was much different from their previous kisses, this one giving the promise of something more. Loki found himself drowning in the feeling, his hands tangling in her damp curls and holding her to him as he fell further and further down whatever rabbit hole they'd tripped into.

They said no more, their bodies doing the talking for them. Hermione rocked her hips against his erection, her core seeking him out. One hand left her curls to trail down her heaving chest. It disappeared underwater, finding her aching core. He thrust three fingers into her easily, loving the way she threw her head backward as she cried out for more. He fucked her with his hand for a moment, making sure she was fully prepared to take him deep inside.

"Please," she begged him after a while, her fingers digging into his shoulders almost painfully. If he was a mere mortal he may have ended up with bruises.

"Patience," he chuckled removing his fingers and taking hold of his heavy cock and tracing the tip over her folds. She groaned, heels digging into his lower back. "My, you are impatient."

"And you, are a tease," Hermione countered, eyes opening into slits to glare at him. Taking matters into her own hands, she replaced his hand with hers on his cock and stroked him a few times, smirking when a strangled moan left his lips and he had to reach out and hold the ledge of the bath. Squeezing slightly as she moved from base to tip, Hermione soon had him a panting mess just as she had been moments before. Loki's hips were rocking along with her motions, and she found herself leaning forward to lick a path up his neck. Taking the tender lobe between her teeth, she tugged, earning her a strangled cry from his lips.

Releasing him, she had no reason to say a word, for Loki knew exactly what her intentions were. "Fair enough, Lady Granger," he muttered, both hands cupping her face so she couldn't look away. "You have made your point." And then he was kissing her, nipping and sucking at her lips with an intensity like never before. At the same time, he thrust his cock inside her cunt, filling her entirely. They both groaned at the feel of it, and then they began to move as one.

The water sloshed around them as Loki pounded into her, his body forcing her into the wall of the bath over and over again. She'd be sore later, that was certain, but now she paid it no mind. With every thrust, she moved closer to her orgasm while feeling herself form a deeper bond with Loki. When it became too much for them to continue kissing, they pressed their damp foreheads together and simply stared into one another's eyes. Loki's hips were losing their rhythm the closer he came to orgasm, so Hermione took hold of his hands and placed them on her breasts.

Understanding her unspoken directive, he began to tug and pinch her nipples, eliciting the most beautiful of sounds from Hermione's lips. She, on the other hand, arched her back so that Loki would hit her at the perfect angle. Within seconds she felt that tightening tension coiling in her lower belly, signalling the end. The sound of their wet bodies accompanied with their moans was the most erotic song Hermione had ever heard. When, at last, her orgasm crashed over her, she felt as if she was flying, her hands carding through Loki's hair and pulling his mouth back to hers. She kissed him hungrily, as if he was the last meal she would ever have.

Hermione's enthusiasm was contagious, and Loki soon found himself unable to hold back any longer. As her walls clenched around him, he allowed himself to come undone. He didn't stop moving until Hermione broke away for air, taking huge lungfuls of the steamy sustenance. Exhausted as they both were, Loki slipped from her body and then pulled her into his arms, cradling her to his chest. Then, he waded through the water to the shallow end of the bath so they could rest on the underwater benches.

Curled around him with her head on his chest, Hermione allowed him to use his fingers to comb through her wet curls as she came back into herself. When her breathing had returned to normal, she opened her eyes to find him watching her thoughtfully. She smiled, slowly, and watched as he returned the gesture. It was odd to see a smile on his lips rather than a smirk, and she immediately decided that she wished to see that more often. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that she had somehow come to the conclusion that she accepted Loki as her soulmate. Now, she had to find out if he truly felt the same, or if it was just because they'd had sex.

"Loki, I have to ask…"

"Yes," he prompted her, his hand stilling as he waited for her to continue.

"Are you sure that you want see where this goes?" She gestured between them, indicating the soulmate bond. "I know you agreed before but-"

"You want to ensure I am not just using you to sate my sexual desires." When she flinched at his words he laughed and resumed combing her hair. "Fear not, Hermione. I meant what I said earlier. I would like to see where our path leads."

"Really?" She had to ask, it was silly and childish, but she needed to hear it again.

Sighing, Loki reached for her hand and tugged her upright so that they were no eye to eye. "If it would ease your mind, then I will make a vow to you." Intertwining their fingers, he placed a chaste kiss to her lips and then continued, "I vow to have an open mind to this soulmate charm and whatever outcome follows. I would very much wish to see where our relationship can go, even if it does end at some point down the road. Is that to your liking?"

Unable to keep from giggling, Hermione nodded and then gave him a peck on the lips. "Yes, that seems entirely out of character for you, but it will suffice. I believe you."

Grumbling to himself about trying his best, Loki figured it would take some time for people to see the old him, the Loki who knew how to care for others rather than cause chaos and destruction to get what he wanted. Already, this bond with Hermione was changing him, and he felt it was only a matter of time before he was changed for good. "Very well. Now we must convince the Allfather that we've decided to take this spell seriously."

"How hard could that be?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose, Loki truthfully said, "I presume there will be a great many questions asked before he allows us to officially court one another and travel back to Midgard for your friend's wedding."

"Then we just need to show him how serious we are," Hermione told him, a determined look on her flushed face.

"What do you suggest?" He asked, and then listened intently to Hermione's plan. He couldn't help how his eyes widened in surprise from time to time, pondering if she wasn't more cunning than even he could be in order to get what she wanted. They finished their bath at the same time they finished planning and curled up in bed to await their meal. As they drifted into a light sleep, Loki had already decided that if Hermione's plan didn't work, he was going to fight tooth and nail so that they could be together. This clever witch was his and he wasn't going to let her slip through his fingers.

. . . .

To the surprise of both Hermione and Loki, Odin was more receptive to their wishes than they originally thought. Loki suspected Frigga and Thor played a heavy role in placating the Allfather into allowing him to be free of his former charges and thusly allowed to court Hermione properly. There were stipulations, of course, meaning Loki had to abide by all laws and rules in every realm lest he be thrown back into his cell, or worse, sentenced to death. Not liking either of those options, Loki had willing agreed to what was asked of him, earning him a grateful smile from Hermione that warmed him through and through.

"Now, if you are prepared, Thor will escort you two to the Observatory so Heimdall can return you to Midgard," Odin informed them, his one eye still watching Loki with a hint of mistrust despite everything that had just transpired between them.

"Actually, if you wouldn't mind," Hermione said tentatively, giving Loki's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Loki and I would like to spend a few more days alone in our quarters before we return to Earth. We'd like to continue getting to know one another before I introduce him to my friends and family."

"Is this what you want as well, Loki?" Frigga asked, a small smile playing at her lips.

Loki could tell his mother was pleased with herself and beyond thrilled that he appeared content, happy, and good for the first time in many years. He sighed with feigned irritation and nodded. "It is, indeed, mother. Hermione and I are going to give our bond a chance to nourish, to see if it is worth pursuing."

"Very well, then," Frigga said with a nod, and then placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm to keep him from objecting to their son's wishes. "You and Hermione may remain until it is time for her to celebrate the union of her friends."

"Thank you, mother, father." Loki bowed his head and then wrapped his arm around Hermione's waist. He couldn't help the feeling of warmth that filled him as she settled her head on his arm, too short to reach his shoulder. He turned and began to guide them from the throne room, but they were stopped as his mother called out to them.

"Perhaps, someday soon, we will be celebrating your union instead."

Loki and Hermione shared a wide-eyed look before she blushed prettily and ducked her head. Loki shrugged and glanced over his shoulder to find his mother and Odin watching him with identical grins. He rolled his eyes and then ushered hermione from the room before they could further embarrass the two of them. They spent the remaining time before having to return to Midgard wrapped up in each other, both figuratively and literally. By the time they stood waiting for Heimdall to open the Bifrost, they knew everything they could about one another. And as the light of the Bifrost exploded around them, transporting them across the realms, Loki couldn't think of anyone else he would want to spend the rest of his days with.