This is it! I'm so grateful to everyone for the love and encouragement you all have given me. It's amazing because I honestly remember my inspiration coming from a rewatch of the Avengers where I thought, "Huh, whatever happened to Darcy?" and the rest was history… Much love!

Many months later

Asgard

Darcy delivered her daughter in a room entirely decorated in white. It reminded her vaguely of the SHIELD hospital room she had woken up in so many years ago, but this room was calming while the former had been panic inducing. The windows were slightly open to let in the cool spring breeze, and a healer named EIr had been instrumental in creating an ambience of health and anticipation. Darcy had experienced quite an untroubled pregnancy (she figured the Universe owed her at least that)- she had wed Loki when she was exactly six months pregnant, and they had returned to Asgard together, to make amends with Loki's family. He had stood before the Allfather and made his case- laying out the true cause of Loki's madness and proving that he his only crime was allowing Thanos access to his mind. The issue was resolved surprisingly easily, considering the magnitude of Loki's actions. Thor played a huge part in preventing further punishment, assuring his parents that Loki truly, truly had suffered enough.

Darcy was very grateful to Thor, who had done much to circumvent Loki's overwhelming guilt regarding Lucy. He, who had every reason to hate his brother, was the last to forsake him and the first to defend him. When Darcy tried to thank him for all he had done, Thor merely shook his head. "I know the part I played in making Loki the man he is today. As for Lucy… there are forces beyond us mere Aesirs in the Realms, and I know not why they saw fit to take my daughter. All I know is that I have my brother back, and I have a family to care for." Darcy had no words to fight Thor on that, but she still felt bad for the way she had destroyed Thor and Jane's happiness.

Despite her ongoing guilt, there was a constant sense of wellbeing that Darcy couldn't ignore. Every morning she awakened with a sense of anticipation and excitement- she was carrying her and Loki's baby- and that was fucking amazing. Sometimes she would connect with her daughter, not speaking but communing through emotions and a whole lot of smiling and sighing. She was glad that her mood was so sunny, because Loki had been more than despondent after attending Lucy's memorial service in the ceremonial chamber her parents had been married in.

Darcy couldn't cheer him up, but anything to do with his daughter could. For example, Darcy spent the first five minutes of each morning examining her stomach in the mirror- from the first sign of a swollen belly to the day she "popped", Darcy looked at her stomach. For Loki, it was reassuring that there was something to look forward to- someone to love in his future, and Darcy knew her husband had so much love to give. At night, when Darcy undressed, Loki would always eye her hungrily (he was a horny bastard) and as her pregnancy progressed, her breasts got even bigger. Loki, who was already her girls' number 1 fan, was overjoyed- Darcy not so much, considering how sensitive they were. The best part of being pregnant though, sex aside, was the time she spent with Loki in their bed, arguing over names and predicting their baby's future. Darcy oft mused that her daughter would be a groupie, while Loki saw neuroscience in their little girl's path. The only thing they agreed on was when Loki would rest his palms on Darcy's growing stomach, and he would speak. Sometimes to Darcy, but mostly to the life growing within.

The joy was infectious. Odin had been more or less neutral on the addition of Darcy to his family, though he did genuinely thank her for all the good she had done for his son. Frigga on the other hand was ecstatic- Both grandparents had been heartbroken over the loss of Lucy, they were both excited for the arrival of a new princess, and Frigga especially was pleased to have her son back, better than he had ever been before. She openly accepted Loki into her arms, reassuring him that he had never left her heart. It had shocked Darcy, that when Loki first returned to Asgard, his first act was to beg his mother for forgiveness. In that moment, she saw a flash of a small raven haired boy, crying over a harsh punishment- and when Loki embraced his mother with all his might, Darcy saw his husband's shoulders shake with previously unshed tears.

Loki was at first embarrassed and frustrated to reunite with his father, whose pride wouldn't allow him to acknowledge any change in his son. It wasn't until Darcy had grown tired of the stand-off that she yelled at Loki to pull his head out of his ass, and she reminded Odin privately of the role he had played in Loki's insanity.

It all worked out for the best- the men were on speaking terms, and Loki was working as best as he could towards forgiveness for the man who had, after all, rescued him from abandonment and raised him as his own. There was resentment and anger for sure, but Loki no longer wanted to murder his family members.

Thor and Jane's arrival to Asgard complicated things further though- Darcy was the one who couldn't face Jane. She felt entirely responsible for all that had transpired on Earth, and as a result she had no idea how to approach her best friend. Loki actually did a better job of reconciling than she did- he asked Thor to bring Jane to a garden, where he (reluctantly) explained to her the true extent of the madness Thanos brought to his mind. He also explained Darcy's role in it all, sparing no detail in describing her as the hero behind it all. Thor had described the moment as "electric"- no pun intended- as Jane had said nothing but had burst into tears, throwing her arms around Loki. Darcy didn't know how she was supposed to broach the topic of her best friend's daughter's murder at the hands of her possessed then-boyfriend.

In the end, it was Jane who came to Darcy- she barged into her room one afternoon, saw the swell of Darcy's belly, and began to grin and sob at the same time.

Overwhelmed, both women began to babble apologies but Darcy refused to hear Jane out.
"I made the mistake, and I didn't tell the truth, and you paid the price and I can't say I'll ever stop feeling like shit for it, Jane, so please? Say you forgive me, but don't tell me it's not my fault."
Jane responded by hitting Darcy with a pillow.

"You ass! It was not your fucking fault! It wasn't and I KNOW IT and I love you! Remember, Darce? I loved my daughter more than the universe and all its contents, but I don't blame you. I can't blame you, I even tried, but my mind wouldn't let me. It's almost like, I don't know, you're the one thing in my life that hasn't ever changed. Even in your white lie, you had my best interests at heart, and Lucy's! She was yours as much as she was mine, and I know you miss her almost as much as I do. Despite that, you and me are constants! Like in experiments!"

"Are you comparing me to a goddamn fundamental of science Jane?"

The goddess weepily considered it and nodded, laughing.

"Okay then, Jane. I guess if science is involved, I have to believe you…"

They hugged and made up, and Darcy finally felt the fear and stress within her unfurl, releasing a more permanent peace than she had ever known before. She hadn't lost the guilt, but she could stop blaming herself entirely.

That was why, a few weeks later, Jane stood near Darcy's bed in the pure white room, coaching her through her breathing and holding her hand. Thor was standing outside the room, pouting because he wasn't on the short list of people allowed in the birthing room. Loki was also outside, worried sick and upset since Darcy had kicked him out because, to quote her, "his panic sweat was beginning to stink up her vibes".

Darcy herself wasn't scared of giving birth, even though the contractions were truly beginning to get old. She had a strong connection with the little girl inside her, who was very clearly signaling that her arrival was imminent. The apples of Idunn were also reassuring to Darcy, who was sure that they could only help her chances of delivering a healthy and hale baby.

Loki on the other hand had NOT been convinced. In the latter months of Darcy's pregnancy, he had obsessively monitored her health, and had no qualms with tapping into their connection to see if they baby was alright. A part of Darcy was very touched by Loki's concern, but the pregnant part of her wanted to smack him into leaving her alone.

The healer was also pleased that Darcy was safely progressing into labor, four hours since her water had broken. Jane, who had endured a grueling 16 hour delivery, was amazed at how calmly her friend was riding out the labor pains. If it weren't for the sheen of sweat on her forehead, Darcy would have appeared as unruffled as a woman at a day-spa.

It was around the 8th hour of labor that things got dicey. Darcy's tolerance for the pain had begun to dwindle, though she wasn't really vocalizing her complaints. She was 9 inches dilated, and Eir was preparing for the final stage- pushing. Loki was still outside, pacing nervously around the corridor with Thor trailing him like an anxious puppy. It was a sight to see, Thor placating Loki with tales of Jane's delivery and his experiences as a father- though he felt a large dose of guilt at that, Loki couldn't help but resent how the tables had turned- Thor was more knowledgeable in a subject than he.

Loki had been patiently listening to Thor describe the way Jane had cursed at him at the end of labor when Jane herself rushed out, telling Loki to "get the hell in there!"

Darcy had begun to push, bracing herself against the railing of the bed. On her left stood Jane, who held one hand and rubbed her back with the other. On the right stood Loki, who was gripping Darcy's hand almost as tightly as she was.

Eir was soothingly encouraging Darcy-

"Push, my girl. You're doing so well, the baby is going to crown any minute now. Just keep going- ah! Look! I see the princess is almost ready to arrive!" Darcy could hardly hear her, the burning sensation traveling up and down her back. She wasn't worried about any former injuries though- she could only focus on getting her daughter out of her and into her arms.

Loki wasn't feeling too good either- Darcy was quiet, and pale, and her grip on his hand surpassed the strength of a grown warrior. He kept opening his mouth to speak, but Darcy would then emit a strangled scream and push again, and with each push Eir would exclaim something positive- and then the baby actually crowned, and Darcy sent Loki to the foot of the bed to catch their baby. Eir positioned his hands to first support the appearing head, and then as Darcy gave a final effort, the rest of the slippery, tiny body which slid out of her mother more quickly than Loki had thought possible.

Eir took the baby from Loki for an instant then, allowing him to snip the umbilical cord with a pair of gold scissors. Loki's hands were shaking with the intensity of his emotions but he managed to do the job, while Jane wiped Darcy's forehead with a cool cloth and cried tears of joy.

For the first time throughout the experience, Darcy showed panic and concern. "Why isn't she crying?! Is she okay? Is our daughter okay?!" She was frantic until Eir handed Loki a tiny, swaddled baby girl.

Jane took one look at the child and burst into tears, running out to Thor in the hall- Darcy thought her heart was about to break but then Loki laid her baby in her arms for the first time, and all guilt melted away.

"She's sleeping… Loki, she's already asleep. She didn't even cry… my perfect girl didn't even cry…"
Loki couldn't reply- he was too choked up, and instead kissed Darcy's forehead and wrapped his arms around his family as gently as possible.

Eir glided to the bed and offered Darcy a soothing herbal tea for healing. It had a tranquilizing effect on Darcy, who felt drowsiness overtake her quite quickly. She was drifting off to sleep when Loki asked, "What shall we name her, love?"

His wife murmured a reply he couldn't hear, so he lightly shook her shoulder and bade her repeat herself.

Darcy roused enough to respond. "I want to call her Alana- it's silly, but my daddy's name was Alan, and I want to honor him somehow. I never got to say goodbye to him…" Darcy fell back asleep, and Loki felt the overwhelming fear of losing Darcy to depression fill him again. A coo from Alana brought him back though, and he was gifted with a fully awake daughter.

He sat in an armchair away from the bed and allowed himself the pleasure of introducing himself to the small wriggling bundle in his arms.

"Hello, darling. I'm your father… I'm your dad. You have a beautiful mother, but I swear you're even more beautiful than her- my girl. My girl." Loki began to tear up with happiness, and Alana began to tear up as well- she was as loud as any baby would be, so Loki called Eir and she showed him how to prepare a bottle of formula (a wonderful Midgardian invention) for Alana.

The little girl quickly guzzled down the bottle, and then fell asleep in Loki's arms. He finally took the time to look at her features- Alana was her mother, through and through. She had the delicate nose and heart shaped mouth of Darcy, and her eyes were the most pure shade of blue, though he thought that might be a trend for newborn infants.

What Loki loved the most though, was the spiral of black curls on his daughter's head. It was silky soft, and so like his it made him want to cry. He could see no sign of his Jotunn blood in her, but had no doubt that it would pop up someday. He didn't care though- what he had hated in himself, he loved in Alana.

After a few moments, he decided to share his joy. Thor and Jane were still outside, faithfully waiting for their new niece to arrive. Loki felt nervous bringing out his daughter when he had so recently destroyed his brother's family, but they showed no sign of grief.

Jane immediately held her arms out and Loki could not deny her the pleasure of holding the child. Unable to hold back, Loki mentally told Thor that he felt sorry for any grief he or Jane might have experienced this day. Thor told Loki to shut up, out loud. "You are still quite a cow, you know that? And Jane and I have some news to share as well…"

Beaming, Jane nodded. "I'm two months along… I know you think I should hate you, but I can't. I don't get it… guess I know how Darcy felt, huh? Anyways, I know the facts and I know not to blame you for anything. Don't let something as dumb as shame ruin the beauty of this moment, okay Loki?"

He was speechless, but Jane knew that he was grateful beyond measure to hear that.

Soon Frigga and Odin arrived to meet their new grandchild, and Loki was moved to see Odin shed a single tear as he cradled his granddaughter in his arms and laughed.

After a while though, Alana grew fussy, and Loki took her back to their room where Darcy was bathing, with Eir's help.

He waited on the bed, enjoying the sensation of Alana's weight in his arms. Eventually, Darcy exited the bathroom. She looked more beautiful than she had ever looked- her hair was shiny and her face was glowing, though she still seemed fatigued. Darcy carefully reclined on the bed, and then Eir began to teach her to feed her daughter. Loki felt a stirring in his loin (inappropriately) when Darcy opened her robe to reveal her swollen breasts. Carefully taking Alana for the first time, she positioned her near her nipple. Darcy had read that breastfeeding was often a slow, frustrating process for both mother and child, but Alana was having none of that. She immediately latched on, so suddenly that Darcy gasped from the unfamiliar sensation of tugging on her breast.

"Oh! Oh- wow, that's a weird feeling. Loki, look! She figured it out so fast! Isn't Alana the smartest baby, isn't she?!" Darcy slipped into baby talk in the last sentence, and Loki couldn't help it. He began to laugh, freely and loudly- so much so that he got weird looks from Darcy and Eir.

"I apologize dearest, I'm just… I've never been so happy."

Darcy, who avoided tapping their connection often, replied: I'm happier. I never thought I'd have this… a man I love… a child of my own- my own family. I'm a mother and wife. I got to help save the world and it's all thanks to you and this miracle in my arms… You can't be happier than me.

"You forget, Darcy. I hadn't known happiness until I met you- even when I was mad, I sought you out. You, you who rooted out the poison in my mind and cleansed me- you who wasn't repulsed by the monster I truly was. You helped me. You have always been helpful, to the point of self-destruction. Now, whenever I have to make a decision, I ask myself, "What would Darcy do?" and most of the time, I do it."

Darcy couldn't reply, she was so choked up. Instead, she scooted over gingerly on the bed, making room for Loki to recline next to her. Alana had finished feeding, so Darcy covered herself and cradled her in her arms while Loki gently massaged his wife's shoulders.

As Loki's touch calmed the ache in her back, Darcy let her mind drift. She thought back to the first time she had ever met Loki.

It had been a day of flames, and blood, and destruction. In less than thirty seconds, Loki had altered her life irrevocably, and within moments she was sent hurtling towards Earth.

She had been broken, battered, bruised. She had been left with nothing. Darcy Lewis, perpetual loser, had refused to let that stop her- for once, she had stood her ground and gotten her dues.

The wheelchair was a part of her she could never forget- not the callouses on her hands from the constant wheeling, or the liberating sensation mere walking could give her. Her paralysis was a lesson and she had learned it by heart- nothing can stop a person who was on the path meant for them.

Her path was always meant to meet Loki's again- and then their lives intertwined, and everything became a mess- and there was Darcy, and there was Loki, two lost, broken people. Darcy with the broken back, Loki with the broken mind- together they had healed one another, and neither knew how to thank the other, except to love them the way they deserved to be loved.

She was beginning to cry from the depth of her emotions, but Loki stopped her by pressing his lips to Darcy's. The kiss was salty from both their tears, and Loki began to speak.

"You have saved me Darcy Lewis- from myself and from Thanos and from the likes of SHIELD. You are what keeps me sane, and good, and kind. And you have given me my greatest gift- our daughter, our child. I vow to protect her and love her and I will never, ever let her feel overshadowed." He was fierce and intense in his promises, and Darcy had nothing else to say, except, "I know."

And then she snuggled deeper into the pillows, and Loki wrapped an arm around his little family. The lights dimmed and Darcy fell asleep, joining her daughter.

For a moment, Loki fought sleep, endeavoring to capture the moment.

He couldn't win that battle though- he was too exhausted, but he had a moment to chuckle as he recalled the first time he knew he loved his foolish mortal. It was after that initial attack by the Russians on SHIELD- when they had won the battle and not realized the coming war- and Darcy had told him

"… I don't really know. I don't hate you. I don't even dislike you that actively, besides occasional irritation. Forgiveness though? I think, maybe, I'm getting there. Forgiveness is the step to recovery that I refused to take for years, and now it seems like I'm feeling a bit better. So I think I forgive you. Or maybe, when you stopped having dual personalities, my hate faded. I don't hate you specifically- I hated the god who killed thousands because he was insane and sociopathic. You on the other hand have rediscovered your empathy, and so I know you are different. Maybe… there is nothing to forgive you for. I have nothing against you."

And he knew then that she was the best thing in the 9 realms to ever happen to him, and to lose her would kill him.

And he knew, more than anything, that the greatest warrior he had ever known- not Thor, not Sif, not even his father-

It was Darcy Lewis, wielder of words and coffee and love- love, the deadliest weapon Loki had ever seen.

Love had baffled him, broken him, and brought him to his knees.

Love brought him to Darcy.

And Darcy brought him to his ultimate happiness.
Everything was perfect.

With that final epiphany, Loki joined his family in slumber.

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Oh my gosh… I'm finally done with this monster and I'm so sad and happy because I've never finished a story before and I know this isn't supremely good, but it's mine and I love it. Thank you to every reviewer and favorite-er and follower- you got me through this and made me feel like I was writing for a reason. I love you all and I'll be writing again soon.

Xoxo

Finnsgirl994