The rest of the week passed by quickly and soon it was time to return to Asgard. Ava stood in the diner, saying goodbye to everyone. "Goodbye, Miss Ava." Pedro said. "You were just starting to get fun…I wish you luck and happiness."

Ava smiled. "Thanks, Pedro."

"You're always welcome back any time, Ava." Jack told her.

"I'll keep that in mind, Jack." She then looked at Jen.

Jen wrapped her arms around Ava and pulled her in for a tight hug. Tears were brimming in her eyes, threatening to spill over. "I knew this was coming…and I thought I had myself prepared…but I was wrong." Jen said.

Ava hugged her friend back. "I know." She replied, her own tears threatening to spill over.

"But…I am happy for you." Jen replied. "But you know, if you ever want to come back, my couch is always open for you to crash on."

"I know." Ava replied. She and Jen shared one last squeeze before breaking apart.

Jen then looked at Loki. "You had better take care of her."

"I will…for the rest of my life." Loki replied.

They finished their goodbyes and then hopped in a cab, which took them outside of town. They paid the cabby and then walked the rest of the way to the bi-frost sight. "Are you two ready?" Thor asked his brother and sister-in-law.

"I am." Loki answered. He then turned to Ava and took her hand in his. "Are you ready, my love?"

Ava looked at him, smiling despite the tears that glistened in her eyes. "I'm ready to go home." She answered.

"Heimdall, bring us home." Thor said, looking up at the sky.

A bright light surrounded them and transported them in a short time. The light faded and they were no longer on Earth. "Welcome back." The deep voice of Heimdall greeted them. "Your horses are waiting."

"Thank you, Heimdall." Loki replied.

They all then walked out of the gate and onto the bridge. There were only two horses waiting. Thor climbed on his large white horse. Loki then mounted his black one and held his hand out for his wife. Ava grinned as she accepted his hand and he pulled her into the saddle with him. She couldn't help her grin widening as she remembered the first time she rode with Loki like this.

"What are you thinking about, my love?" Loki asked as he snapped the reins and his horse began to move.

"Just about the first time I rode like this with you." She answered. "The day you first told me you loved me."

Loki grinned remembering the day perfectly. "A wonderful day that was."

They were all soon arriving at the stables. Thor dismounted his horse and then walked to the door to wait. Loki dismounted and then helped Ava down, pulling her right into his arms. "Well, this is familiar." Ava said playfully.

Loki grinned down at his wife. "It's not quite right though…we're missing one thing."

"And what would that be?" Ava asked, though she already knew.

"This." Loki answered, pulling his wife closer and kissing her deeply.

"Will you two break it up already?" Thor teased.

Loki stopped kissing his wife for a moment and looked up at his brother. "No." He said, causing Ava to giggle and then kissed her again.

Thor laughed and rolled his eyes. "I am sure that there is a bit of a reception waiting for us inside…well more for Ava." He said.

Ava broke the kiss after a few moments. "What are you talking about, Thor?" She asked.

"He's probably referring to your parents." Loki answered. "I am sure Heimdall has been watching and keeping them informed…I am sure Mother even has something planned."

"Right." Ava said, remembering her parents and remembering the queen's tendency to want to throw parties for any occasion.

"That reminds me…we are not properly dressed." Loki said. He then used his magic to have his usual clothes return and take the place of the shorts and tshirt he had worn on Midgard, as well as the same for Thor. He also replaced Ava's clothes, getting rid of her cut off shorts and tank top and putting her in a beautiful lavender tunic. "Are you ready for your welcome home, my love?" Loki asked.

Ava gave him a small smile. "You'll be with me the whole time?" She asked, suddenly feeling nervous about seeing all of her family again.

"Of course." Loki answered, kissing her forehead. He sensed his wife's trepidation and took her hand in his, giving it a gentle reassuring squeeze. They then began to walk into the palace, hand-in-hand with Thor just a few feet ahead of them. They made their way through the halls and were soon standing outside the large double doors that led to the dining hall.

"Are you ready, my love?" Loki asked.

Ava took a deep breath. "I think I need a moment." She answered.

Loki gave his wife a kiss on the forehead. "Are you feeling a bit nervous?"

Ava nodded. "I know that this is home...but it has been so long...and my parents..." She said, trailing off.

Loki looked over at his brother. "Go on. We'll be in in a moment."

Thor nodded and opened the doors to go inside.

Loki pulled his wife into his arms and kissed the top of her head. "Everything is going to be just fine, my love...they have missed you...maybe not as much as I have, but they have missed you very much. They are going to be so happy to see you."

"I know." Ava replied. "It's just been so long."

Loki pulled back and lifted a hand to cup her face. "Everything will be fine."

Ava nodded. She then took a deep breath. "Lets go."

They pulled apart and then headed inside the dining hall. Ava's mother and father were standing on the terrace with Odin, Frigga, and Thor. Gail turned and saw her daughter. "Ava." She breathed.

"Mom." Ava replied.

Gail picked up the hem of her dress slightly and began running to Ava. Ava found herself letting go of Loki's hand and running towards her mother. The two women met in the middle of the room and embraced. Both of them broke down in tears.

Gail hugged her daughter tightly and stroked her hair. She pulled back slightly and then put her hands on either side of Ava's face. She used her thumbs to brush away her daughter's tears. "You're home...I can't believe you're here." Gail said looking at her daughter.

Ava smiled at her mother. "Well...I am." She said, not sure of what else to say.

Gail gave a small laugh. "You have no idea how happy I am that you're home with us again."

"Quit hogging our daughter, Gail." Hagar said, coming over.

Gail kissed Ava's forehead. "I love you, sweetheart."

"I love you, too Mom." Ava replied, kissing her mother's cheek.

Gail then stepped aside and Hagar pulled his daughter into his arms. He kissed the top of her head. "I am so glad you're back." He said, having to fight back tears.

Ava hugged her father tighter. "Me, too."

Hagar hugged his daughter tighter for a moment and then let her go. He kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you, too." Ava replied.

Frigga walked over to Ava then. "Welcome back." She said, smiling at Ava and wrapping her arms around Ava.

Ava smiled and hugged her mother-in-law back. "I'm glad to be back."

They broke apart and Frigga gave Ava a kiss on the cheek. She then walked over to Loki and hugged him and kissed his cheek.

"Ava, welcome back." Odin said.

Ava smiled. "Thank you, your majesty."

"We have this feast to enjoy." Odin said. "We mustn't allow it to grow cold."