AN: So sorry for the delay, GCSEs really suck and I've had no time to write I'm afraid…hopefully this month will be better and I'll be able to update regularly like before. If there will be more delays, I will keep you posted, if anyone is still actually reading this. And if you are I salute you.

Chapter 38

Loki looked disturbingly unchanged. His lean body had filled out more yes but he was still thin and lithe, his features perhaps subtly sharper than before and his hair was longer too. Now it graced the edges of his shoulders rather than his neck; framing his entire face and profile in an almost sinister fashion. He didn't look sinister though; his expression was intimidating but nothing more than that, his gaze almost playful as it danced over the other three beings. He looked as if he'd grown too so he was almost at an equal height to Thor, he wouldn't have to crane his neck ever so slightly to look him in the eyes now.

Thor supposed he must have looked different. His hair was slightly longer just like the other's, he was even more built up than before and he was perhaps fractionally taller, but Loki's gained height was more noticeable. It was almost as if, well…they'd grown up; Thor grimaced. They most certainly had.

It was just painful to think they hadn't done it together.

"Father?"

Thor was snapped awake at the sound of his daughter's voice.

"You're not angry are you?" Freya asked cautiously.

He shook his head in response almost manically, "no, no…I just…I'm just very shocked." Thor blinked hard. "Just, I need to speak with you, in private."

Freya nodded, she had suspected as much; she sent Fenrir an apologetic glance before her and her father walked away into the clearing.

Fenrir watched his father watch them walk away into the distance, the snow whirling gently around them as they walked; Freya looked so tiny next to her father.

"Father-" He began but he was cut off.

"Don't Fenrir," Loki stated.

"You said you don't have a problem with it," the boy stammered.

Loki looked to his son, "I do not but I do however have a problem with the fact that you hid this from me."

"I thought you wouldn't approve," Fenrir murmured.

"I do," Loki assured him. "But you must understand," he looked back up to the pair of Asgardians, his eyes observing one considerably more than the other. "She is a princess, you are a prince, this is…"

"A big deal, yes we know," Fenrir nodded. "We've discussed it."

Loki raised a brow, "you love her then?"

"Most definitely."

"Well then…" His father grimaced, "it is serious."

"Yes…" His son sighed."Very much so. It will create a new bond between Jotunheim and Asgard father," Fenrir pointed out. "Surely you want this?"

Loki snorted, "I suppose, but it is not necessary."

"Father, with all the recent attacks…"

"We can handle them," Loki said a little more coldly than he'd intended. "The Chitauri are nothing serious, not in their pathetic little packs."

"But what if something bigger comes?" Fenrir said, "what if we can't handle them?"

"We certainly won't be asking Asgard for help," the King responded.

"You don't trust them?"

"They don't trust me."

"That's stupid father, they do not even know you."

An almost nostalgic smile flickered at the edge of Loki's lips.

Soon Freya and Thor returned from their little discussion, both appearing a little more resolved. Freya gave Fenrir a small smile and it was returned, Loki saw the exchange out of the corner of his eye and he envied it.

"We should get to shelter if you're not going home," Loki stated finally meeting Thor's gaze, "wouldn't want to get caught in the dark."

"We might as well go back to the castle father?" Fenrir said in suggestion tilting his head. Loki nodded reluctantly in agreement.

"Do you mind if I speak with Fenrir alone?" Freya asked gingerly.

"Be my guest," Loki replied and the two moved to walk ahead leaving Thor and Loki stood practically motionless.

Thor didn't think he had ever felt or could possibly feel more awkward than at that moment in time. He was desperately trying to think of something to say but nothing came out, his throat was dry and his train of thought useless; gods know he'd imagined this moment a thousand times but when they'd been younger…not twenty years later with children a head of them, wanting to get married for gods sakes.

"Come on, we don't want to lose them."

It took Thor a moment to realise that Loki was addressing him and he followed on mechanically, his feet walking unevenly as the snow became deeper once they reached the edge of the woods; their children now small shapes in the distance. How long had they been stood there saying nothing?

He felt almost clumsy next to Loki right now.

"You look…well," Thor attempted.

"How creative of you," was Loki's snide response.

"Least I'm trying to say something," Thor said defensively.

"But you're not really saying anything," Loki said his tone almost sad. "Are you?"

Thor's brows knitted together at that. There was a pregnant silence save for the sound of them walking.

"You have a daughter," Loki finally commented.

"You have a son," Thor stated in return.

"Any other…?"

"Children, no," Loki shook his head. "There aren't many of our sort lying around."

"He's…?"

"Not mine but he is," Loki nodded, "I found him," he said in explanation.

"And you took him in?" Thor checked.

"My, my you catch on fast…"

"Loki," Thor sighed. "We were almost having a conversation."

"Maybe almost is as close as we'll ever get."

"Hopefully not considering what's to come," Thor grimaced.

"You think their love is inevitable then?" Loki questioned, "that they are completely set on this?"

"Young love is supposed to be the strongest sort," Thor sad his gaze looking at the two of them fondly.

"And you'd know, would you?"

"Yes I would," Thor said simply.

Loki fell silent; he couldn't think of a witty response to that.