Thor came into the dining hall with a look of resolution etched onto his features. He knew what he was about to do was foolish and would be met with a poor response, but he didn't care. He needed to try at least.

Placing a hand down on the table to grab Loki's attention, he waited until the other glanced up at him incredulously. He had Arden in his lap, feeding her as he ate his dinner. Valkyrie wasn't in the room luckily, or else it would've been awkward and he probably would have had to ask her to leave momentarily.

"I'm going to say this once and I just want you to hear me out." Thor said lowly.

"I already know what you're going to say." Loki spat. "And the answer's no. I'm sorry you and Liv didn't work out, but you and I are not meant to be together either."

"I want you to give us a chance." Thor's words shocked him as much as they confused him. "If it's too weird, too hard for you, I won't take it personally. I get it. I'm just asking for us to try."

"Thor…"

"I know my feelings toward you make little sense. There are many who've told me that I should throw you back in prison for your previous crimes, reinstate Odin's command that you be imprisoned. That I should punish you…but I can't. I can't do that and I should."

Loki swallowed thickly, speechless for once.

"I can't, because you've grown. So I won't."

"Yes."

"…what?"

"Yes, I'm willing to give it a chance. One, that's it." Loki replied. "And I suppose I feel the same way about you."

"You love me?"

"Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves." The look in his eyes told him very differently.

o

Things went well for the next few weeks. They were adjusting to their new relationship and what it meant for both of them. Subconsciously, they knew nothing would be the same. Yet they were taking their time, choosing not to rush things. With a tray in hand, Thor set it down on their bed. Cracking a wide grin, he noticed the look of distaste on the other man's face. He sat next to him on the thick blankets and raised a brow.

"What's wrong? I figured you'd be hungry by now." Thor told him. "Not to your liking?"

"The food is fine." He murmured. "It's just I should have brought it to you. Seeing as how you're king and all."

"Well, give and take." Thor replied. "I don't mind, anyway."

"You're too kind to me."

The older man knew he wasn't simply speaking of the food. It made him pause a little uncertainly, the silence awkward.

"No, it is about give and take." Thor said a bit more seriously, the jesting tone gone from their conversation suddenly. "For all his faults as a father, Odin was a good husband."

Loki couldn't disagree. He simply nodded, feeling a bit saddened as he remembered Frigga once again.

"Shall we?" The blonde gestured to their dinner.

They ate in pleasant silence until Thor broke it minutes later. "Where's Arden?"

"She ate already. I put her down, so I'm assuming she's sleeping. Hopefully." Loki replied quietly. "In any case, the maids are looking over her now."

"I see."

o

After they were finished, Loki made to stand. Thor pulled him back down onto the bed with a smirk. The younger man's brow rose as he sighed a little, yet a grin tugged at his lips.

"I'll be right back."

So he waited for what felt like forever, until Loki slipped back into their room. He removed his cape in a languid manner, tossing it aside. The blonde rested on his elbows, smirking as he watched him undress. Sitting down next to him, Loki put out a few of the candles nearby, only the dim light from the fireplace illuminating the room. Thor rested a hand on his face, smoothing a thumb over his cheek as he leaned in to kiss him deeply. Loki responded, leaning in to lay on his chest. Thor was very aware of his clothing suddenly, quickly moving to remove the armor and cape.

This was their first time together this way that didn't involve obligation, Thor realized. Before, when trying to conceive Arden, there had been nothing particularly romantic about the situation. It was what it was. This felt different, though. This felt so much better than the rushed, indifferent sex all those months ago.

A gasp fell from Loki's mouth as he took a nipple into his mouth. He licked at it, before moving to his neck, nipping at it more roughly than intended. The younger man groaned, grabbing onto Thor's back as his head titled back from pleasure.

He pushed the older man down so that he lay completely flat on the bed, smirking as he straddled him. Thor watched as he moved to take the tip of his cock into his mouth, moving to taking a fistful of black curls as he propped on one elbow. Moaning lowly, his eyes shut as he took him deeper, swirling his tongue along the tip every now and again.

When he felt close, he gently backed off. Loki gave him a look, smirking at how flushed he was. Moving so that he laid under him, he spread his thighs and gave him a lidded gaze that nearly made him take him right then. Thor swallowed thickly.

A hand stroked along the younger man's thighs, a finger gently pressing against his sex. Thor sensed Loki's shame, his embarrassment that still lingered even though they'd been together before. His intersex nature was peculiar, unique even. It didn't deter him from slipping a finger inside him gently, while his other hand stroked his cock. The pleasure was nearly overwhelming. Loki's eyes widened, before closing tightly as his head rolled back.

He took his time preparing him, before moving between his thighs. Entering slowly, he grit his teeth as warmth encased him. Loki let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, wrapping his legs loosely around Thor's waist.

"Loki?" He sounded concerned.

"Move." He demanded.

He wasn't that gentle, but wasn't forceful either. It did knock the breath from Loki's lungs a bit as he grabbed onto anything he could. At the moment, it was the blonde's broad shoulders. It was a pleasurable haze after that—it could've been minutes, hours. Skin slapped against skin as the thrusts picked up in pace and rhythm. Loki met his thrusts in time, gasping as he tried to hold back his release. Precum leaked out profusely, his cock twitching as he felt his muscles finally tense to the point of no return.

"Ah—!" His breath got caught as he came hard, arching his back.

Thor slowed his pace, groaning as his shaft was constricted suddenly. It was enough to send him over the edge, lowering his head to the other's chest as he released. Planting a rough kiss onto Loki's lips, he pulled back a little as they both tried to breathe normally again. Panting, they reveled in the afterglow.

Rolling to the side, Thor ran a hand through his hair as he continued to pant heavily. Loki glanced over at him, moving so that he rested closer to him. They enjoyed the pleasant silence, sleepiness washing over them.

o

Holding Arden in his arms, Loki fondly brushed her light brown curls back. The baby was almost one year old now, though in Asgardian terms that was nothing since they lived for millenniums. Still, he wanted to celebrate.

Luckily, she would age normally as a human would until adolescence, when aging would slow significantly. Loki was glad it was like that, otherwise he'd have to take care of a infant for centuries. Quite literally. Not that he minded caring for her, but sometimes she was a lot of work. Her crying tantrums were notorious around the palace by this point. Overall, she was a well-behaved child but quite feisty. He assumed she'd gotten that from him.

"Arden, are you excited for your birthday?" He asked her, smirking amusedly when she turned big, blue eyes up at him. She giggled, flailing her arms. "Well, I'm going to take that as a yes."

Val entered the room just then, smirking. "Hello, princess."

Arden squealed loudly in response, clapping her hands. She reached out for her, cooing as Valkyrie took her into her arms.

"Someone's in a good mood. Excited?" She asked the girl, grinning warmly when Arden giggled and bounced a little in her arms.

Thor walked up to join them, waving at the two. They inclined their heads to him, nodding. Loki stood up from where he sat in the large golden throne, allowing Thor to sit down. Placing a hand onto the golden chair, he smiled a little.

"Any news?"

Thor shook his head. "No. No new battles for now, no threats. Things are freakishly calm. Too peaceful."

"How about we just try to enjoy it while it lasts?" Val asked amusedly.

"Good point." The blonde grinned.

Arden wriggled, attempting to get out of the warrior's grip. She reached for her father, grunting a bit. Thor took her into his lap, holding his daughter close. Valkyrie looked between them, placing her hand on her hip.

"Well, I'll see you two later."

They nodded, watching as she left the room to go spar or teach some of the younger warriors they assumed.

"Hello, Arden." Thor brushed her hair back gently, giving her a warm look.

It was quiet for a few moments until he added, "It's hard to believe we're here now, after everything."

"It is hard to believe." Loki agreed. "Yet, here we are."

"Do you ever think about…ah, nevermind."

Loki smirked a bit. "What, overthrowing you again? Plotting some scheme? No, too predictable."

"Growth, I like it."

He turned to face him directly. "Yes, well, you've grown too. Not nearly so arrogant and bull-headed."

"Thanks?"

"You're welcome." He drawled.

"To think, after all this, I'm ruling over Asgard though I previously had little desi—!"

"I think I ought to—!" Loki interrupted, looking a bit paler than normal.

"No offense, but I'm trying to talk here. Could you let me finish? I'm trying to have a moment."

"I need to sit down." He admitted, gripping the chair more tightly. "I've been quite dizzy and nauseous lately…and I didn't want to tell you yet…but I think I may be…"

Thor's eyes widened and he abruptly stood. "Oh—! Please, sit."

"Thank you." He breathed, sitting down as Thor passed Arden to him. The girl rubbed at her eyes sleepily, blinking groggily as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"You're sure?"

"Not entirely certain, but I'm pretty sure. I need to see the healer."

Thor leaned down to kiss him chastely. "Why don't we put her down for a nap and we could take a nice bath."

"That sounds nice."

They shared a warm look as a pleasant silence filled the room. Standing, they left the throne room side-by-side, capes billowing behind them.