Pairings: Angela & Sera; Steve & Loki (explicit)

Explicit Content: Anal Sex

The battle is over. Asgard's enemies are retreating.

Loki, Casket of Ancient Winters still under his left arm, watches them go feeling tired and wanting to get home to Steve. He's too tired to deal with the looks he's getting from everyone. He's not even sure if the looks are because of his current blue hue or because of Vali.

Thor turns to his brother and gives a nod. "Thank you for your help. But perhaps you should change your…" He points at Loki and moves his finger all over.

Loki sets the Casket down. "Better?" The word is sharp, accusing. Before Thor can answer, he tells him, "Thrud is guarding Odin at the Healers. You should check on them. Vali and I will check on Mother."

"The Healers?" Worry furrows his eyebrows and fills his blue eyes. "You should come with me. He's our father."

He looks at Vali. "Alright." He picks up the Casket once more knowing what it will do to his skin. Then he takes Vali's hand. The boy turns a lighter shade of blue. "Let's go."

"Loki…"

"Let's go, Thor."

"We can drop that off at the Palace first."

"No."

Thor is now more worried. "I'm not going to change your mind, am I."

"You are not."

Thor nods then leads the way to the Healers. He calls to his daughter as soon as he sees her. "Are you injured?"

"No, Far." She spots her uncle and makes a face from nervousness. Then she sees the boy with him. "Is that…Vali?" She kneels down after Loki confirms it. "Vali, I'm your cousin Thrud. How..?"

"I'm not sure we can explain," Loki says. "The place he was at was paradoxical."

"The All-Father?" Thor asks.

"Inside," she answers as she rises once more. "It's bad."

He gives her hand a squeeze before rushing into his room.

"I suppose we should follow," Loki says. "Don't be afraid, Lee. I won't let him hurt you." They follow Thor. Loki holds his head high.

Thor is standing next to the bed looking lost.

Odin is pale. His one eye is heavy with fatigue. "Loki?"

"In my Jotun flesh. Do you remember your grandson?" He tries to coax the boy from behind his legs. "Vali, say hello to the All-Father."

"Vali?" Regret washes over the old man's face. "How?"

"I'm not quite sure, but I am sure it is him."

The boy finally steps out into the open. He keeps a hand on Loki's leg.

Odin looks at him for a long moment. "I'm sorry, Vali," he says in a strained voice. "I've made so many mistakes." He coughs. It begins in his chest and comes out wet and breathless. "I'm afraid I won't be able to make it up to you. My time is passing." He reaches out to Thor who immediately takes his hand. "Your time is beginning. Asgard will flourish under your rule." His eye looks at the blue man standing proudly. "And you, you've always forged your own path. I'm proud of you both. And I love you." He closes his eye just before his face screws up in pain. After five seconds, his face relaxes once again. "Your mother."

"On Midgard," Thor tells him trying not to cry.

He nods slowly. "I would like to have seen her one more time. Tell her I loved her as well as I could."

Loki puts down the Casket. He sits at the foot of the bed and places a gentle hand on Odin's leg. There is so much he wants to say, so many conflicting feelings. "Angela is on Midgard. Aldrif," he clarifies. "She came to warn us of the invasion. She only knew about it from her lover whom she had just rescued." He's not exactly sure why he chose to give his father hope regarding Angela. He supposes it was easier than trying to put his own feelings into words.

"She's on Midgard?"

"Yes. In Wakanda. Waiting for me actually."

"Tell her… Tell her…" He starts to cough again.

Thor tries to soothe him.

"We'll tell her," Loki assures him. It does more good than his brother's cooing. "As will Mother no doubt." He tilts his head. "Out of curiosity, did you ever consider naming her Hel?"

"Aldrif?" he wheezes.

"Yes."

He takes two heavy breathes. "Is she here?"

"No. She's on Midgard," Thor reminds him gently. "We can send for her."

Odin gives his hand a squeeze. "You're a good man, Thor." He reaches out to Loki. "My sons," he says when Loki takes his hand. "I love you." He lays his head back and takes a final breath.

A Valkyrie steps into the room. "Forgive the interruption." She nods at Thrud. "You've been missed."

"I've missed you all as well," she replies.

"You look well."

"Thank you. So do you."

The Valkyrie turns to the princes. "I've come to take the All-Father to Valhalla."

Thor wipes at tears in his eyes and on his cheeks. He kisses Odin's hand. "I love you, Father."

Loki releases the limp hand in his. He steps away from the bed and holds his son close. He nods at the Valkyrie.

She touches Odin's forehead. "Come, All-Father. Valhalla calls to you." She steps back and smiles gently. "They'll be fine." The words are an assurance. "Come, All-Father. Your subjects await as does your father." She leaves as quietly as she came.

"She didn't mention Mother," Loki realizes with relief. He looks at Vali. "Speaking of mothers, we should find yours."

The boy looks down.

"Then we'll go to Earth. Midgard," he adds so that Vali will understand.

He looks up again. "Really?"

"Really." He looks at his brother who is now being held by Thrud. "Thor, I'll check on Mother if you wish to stay here."

"No. She should hear it from me."

"We'll meet you there then." He gives Odin one last look then leads Vali out of the room. They see Sif coming toward them. He can see by her eyes that she recognizes Vali. "Thor will explain. Or I'll explain later." He stops her with a hand on her arm. "Odin has gone to Valhalla."

She bows her head. "Long live King Thor," she mutters.

"Vali, do you remember Sif?"

He nods. "Hello, Aunt Sif."

"Hello, Vali. It's good to see you again." She looks at Loki once more. "Sigyn?"

"We are off to find her now."

"Try the mountains."

He nods. "Thank you." Then he remembers. "I left the Casket of Ancient Winters in the room. Will you see it's put back?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." The mountains are too far to walk with Vali. Instead, Loki leads him to the stables. "Goran?"

A figure comes out of the stables holding a pitchfork. "Prince Loki?"

"Is Sleipnir available? We need to find Sigyn."

"He's inside with Gisl. I was just washing the blood off him."

"Blood?"

"Not his," Goran clarifies. He smiles at the boy and kneels down. "Hello there. I'm Goran."

"I'm Vali."

"This is my son," Loki tells him.

"It's an honor, Prince Vali," Goran says with a bow of his head. He knows the infamous story of Vali and Narfi. Everyone on Asgard does. He's not sure how Vali can still be so young, but he doesn't consider himself a smart man and so doesn't think too hard about it. "Want to go see your brother?"

The boy nods.

Goran stands. "Come on then." He enters the stables. "Sleipnir, you have visitors."

Sleipnir is just as Vali remembers him. Maybe a little bigger. He's intimidating but also soft and magnificent. And so many legs. He watches his father ask his brother for a ride. He watches Goran saddle him. After Loki climbs onto the horse's back, Goran lifts Vali up. He sits in front of his father.

"We'll be back soon," Loki promises. He's feeling tired and is not looking forward to facing Sigyn. The only thing keeping him going is knowing that at the end he'll be back in Steve's arms.

They ride to the mountains, Sleipnir covering the distance faster than a normal horse.

"Sigyn!" he calls when he begins to see civilians. "Has anyone seen Sigyn?"

The ones who remember stare at Vali. Murmurs swell through the crowd. Is it really him? Is it possible? Who is that? Vali. It must be Vali. Memories of the time, of the injustice done to Loki and his family, of Hodur's deception are brought up.

The crowd splits, revealing Sigyn. She stares at him, hands at her hips. She doesn't notice her child yet. He's partially hidden by Sleipnir's mane. "Loki?"

He rides up. "I found him."

"Found who?"

Loki turns Sleipnir to the side.

Vali chews on his lip. "Mama?"

Her mouth is open in shock. She reaches out to her cousin Malya for support. Her eyes question Loki.

He dismounts and pulls Vali down, holding him against his chest. "It's him. It's Vali."

She approaches slowly as her mind tries to catch up. She reaches out to him. "Vali?"

Vali clings to his father but doesn't resist the kiss and hug she gives him.

"I'm taking him to Midgard," Loki tells her.

"No."

"Yes."

"No," she says again. "He's my son."

"He's my son, too."

"You sent him away."

"After you…" He presses his lips together.

Vali tells his mother, "I want to stay with Poppa."

Sigyn turns accusatory eyes to Loki. But then she looks at Vali. It makes her ache for Narfi. "You've never even been to Midgard."

"Poppa lives there. I want to stay with Poppa."

She nods and strokes the side of his head. "You're my boy."

"I want to stay with Poppa," he repeats more slowly.

"We need to go," Loki says. He puts Vali on Sleipnir before climbing up after him. They ride back to the palace to find Bruce and Borghild. "Tell me if you see them."

A few minutes later, Vali points. "There! It's the Green Skar."

"Uh-oh." As they approach, they see Hulk turning back into Banner. "Bruce, we're returning to Earth."

Bruce looks around. "I, uh, I'm…"

Borghild says, "We will stay here and help them rebuild."

"Bruce," Loki begins, "it's better if Logan hears it from you. He'll have questions I can't answer."

"I can't. I…He deserves someone better," Bruce says.

"You're an idiot. And if you aren't careful, he will find someone else," he warns. "If you change your mind, you know where to find us. Borghild, good luck. I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly here." He points at her. "Find Sif. I have a feeling you two will get along wonderfully."

She clasps his arm and nods. "Try not to get lost."

That makes Loki laughs. "I'll do my best. Oh, before I go, this is my son Sleipnir." He pats the horse's neck. "Sleipnir, this is Borghild. She'll be staying here."

Sleipnir lifts his head and nays.

Borghild smiles and pets his nose. "Nice to meet you."

"Good luck," Loki says.

Kelda runs up. "Prince Loki, Prince Thor is taking the Queen to the Healers."

"Our healers?"

"Yes."

Loki nods. "Thank you, Kelda." He introduces her to his son.

She bows. "It's an honor, Prince Vali."

He whispers to his father.

"Yes, she is pretty. She's also very nice. But we should go see your grandmother." He thanks Kelda and turns Sleipnir to the Healers.

The Healers are assessing Queen Frigga's injuries when Loki and Vali arrive.

Thor stands up straight when he sees his brother. His eyes are red and swollen with crying. "Before you start berating me for bringing her here, you know our medicine is much more advanced than theirs."

"So long as she wasn't hurt by the travel, I'm fine with you moving her." He looks at his mother lying still in a bed as the Healers review and manipulate the holographic images of her insides hovering above her. His hands are on Vali's shoulders. "Have you told her about Odin?"

"Aye." His head drops.

"And Vali?"

"Aye, before telling her of Father's passing."

Loki is glad he wasn't there. "How long is this supposed to take?"

Anger flashes in Thor's eyes. "As long as it needs to. Or are you hoping she'll join Father in Valhalla."

"Don't," he warns.

"Don't what?"

"Don't pretend you know what I'm feeling."

"I don't need to pretend. You made it perfectly clear when you sauntered in holding that damned Casket," Thor yells.

Two of the Healers glare at him.

Loki lowers his voice. "First, that was not a saunter. Second, I will not hide who and what I am. Not for him. Not for you. Not for Asgard."

The sound of a clearing throat makes them stop and turn. "Queen Frigga is stable," the head Healer tells them. "We are keeping her asleep for now. It will give her time to rest and heal."

"How long?" Loki asks.

"A few days at least."

That makes his decision easier. "I need to get home."

"You are home," Thor tells him in a biting tone.

Loki's eyes flash. "My home is with Steve. You know that."

"Bad time?" The voice belongs to Tyr. He looks tired, bloody. His left arm is in a sling. "Is it true about King Odin?"

The Princes both nod. Loki adds, "Thor is king now."

"May his reign bring glory on Asgard," the General says. "Your mother?"

"Resting," Thor says. "The Healers say she should recover."

"I'm glad." He looks at the boy. "And the other rumor is true as well then. Welcome back, Prince Vali."

The boy looks up at the man. He remembers him vaguely. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." He turns to Thor. "I am at your service, King Thor. We are gathering the final numbers and will have those for you before the day ends."

Thor clasps his shoulder. "Thank you, Tyr."

"You should introduce him to Borghild," Loki suggests.

"I've met her. Formidable."

"Indeed." He holds out his hand. "Make sure my brother doesn't do anything stupid."

Tyr clasps his forearm. "Your brother may be rash, but he isn't stupid. Say hello to Prince Steve for me. I hope to see him soon."

"We'll be back to visit Mother." He turns to Thor. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown,'" he quotes Shakespeare, not that his brother would know.

Thor frowns. "You're thinking it should be you."

"I'm thinking I'm glad it's not. Never thought I'd ever say that." He shrugs then gets enveloped in a bear hug. He pats Thor's back. "You don't need me. You have all the help you need here. Just promise me you'll at least listen to them."

"I will. Return soon, Brother."

"We will."

Thor kneels down to say goodbye to Vali. "I'm glad you're back. I'll see you soon."

xxx

It's dark in Wakanda when the Bifrost sends Loki and Vali there. As much as Loki wanted to go straight to the Philippines, he knows the Bifrost would be a beacon to the world. Besides, he had told Angela and Sera to wait for him.

"Finally. We were getting worried," Bucky says.

Angela shrugs. "I was convinced you had forgotten."

"I hadn't. I got…waylaid."

Sera approaches the boy and crouches down. "Who is this?"

"My son Vali. Vali, this is Sera, your aunt Angela, and Bucky." He points to the dog. "And that is Howard."

Bucky waves with his metal hand, but the boy is fascinated by his dog. "What happened?" he asks Loki. "No offense, but you look like crap."

"Gee thanks. Is there any milk or water for my son?"

"Yeah. Sure. We've got dinner left over, too, if you're hungry."

Vali looks up at his father. "Yes, please."

"Come here, kid." Bucky leads the way to a table that's under a tarp. "So what happened?"

"Well, Sera was correct though not completely," Loki begins. "Just as I was telling Thor, Mother arrived. She was hurt. Badly. It wasn't just the Angels and the Dark Elves though. Frost Giants joined them." He tells them how he and Thor met the Queen of Heven in the Bifrost, how they were forced out and ended up on Sakaar. "That's where I found Vali." He turns to Bucky. "Bruce was there, too."

"Bruce? Is he back?"

"On Asgard. I tried to get him to return with us, but…" He shakes his head. He takes a breath before continuing with the story. "We escaped after some difficulty. The battle was in full force when we arrived. Ultimately we prevailed but not without some casualties." He turns to Angela. "Odin has gone to Valhalla."

"Valhalla?"

"He's dead." Loki closes his eyes as emotion suddenly floods through him. He takes a slow breath then opens his eyes again. If they are a bit moist, it's from tiredness nothing more.

"Sorry," Bucky says.

"My condolences,"offers Sera.

Loki nods. Realizing someone is missing, he looks around. "Where's Okoye?"

Bucky answers. "She went back to the palace."

Angela looks at Loki. "The Queen of Heven?"

"Dead. My condolences," he says gently.

She gazes off into the distance as she tries to come to terms with the news.

"It's strange how similar our situations have been," Loki says. "Well, except for the children. And I assume you weren't told you'd bring about the end of the universe. Maybe not so similar."

"Similar enough to know how conflicted you must feel."

"I mostly feel relieved." He turns to Bucky. "I need to get home."

"We can take you," Sera offers. "Right, Angela?"

She nods.

Bucky isn't so sure. "Not if they can track you."

"I can take care of that," Loki tells him. "I just need to get home. It's only been a few hours here, but on Sakaar it was over a week."

"Over a week?"

"Yes. A very long week." He strokes Vali's head. "But worth it."

Vali smiles as he chews.

xxx

Loki is grateful Angela's ship travels faster than a normal plane. It only takes three hours to get to the Philippines from Wakanda. They still cross six time zones making it early morning when they arrive. "You're welcome to stay for a bit."

Angela and Sera look at each other for a moment. "We could use a few hours sleep."

He nods. "I'll let the others know you're friendly. Thank you." Taking Vali's hand, he walks out of the ship and up to the house while his son waves goodbye to his two new aunts.

There's a figure at the door. "Who's the munchkin?" a gruff voice asks.

"My son Vali. Vali, this is Logan."

"Hello, Logan."

"Hey, kid." He looks at Loki. "I smell Bruce."

"Your nose is as impressive as ever. He's back on Asgard." Loki pauses to give Logan time to ask questions or express feelings even though he knows the man won't utter a sound. "I suggested he come, but he was nervous." Another pause. "I warned him you wouldn't wait forever."

"Steve?"

"Still asleep as far as I know," Logan replies.

Loki nods. "Excuse us. It's been a long, long day."

"Who's in the ship?"

"My sister Angela and her girlfriend Sera. They'll come out after they get some rest."

Logan looks at him. "Should we be expecting any more new relatives?"

"Not that I know of." He pats Logan's arm as they pass. "We must be quiet," he tells Vali. "Others are sleeping. We don't want to wake them."

"Okay, Poppa," he whispers.

They go to the bathroom upstairs first. Then they sneak into the room Loki shares with Steve.

"Loki?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you, Darling."

"S'okay. Come to bed," he says in a muffled voice. "How's your sister?"

"Here. Outside in her ship."

He lifts his head and blinks. "Loki?"

"Yes, Steve?"

"Is there someone with you, or am I hallucinating."

"There's someone with me," Loki confirms. He turns on a light causing Steve to squint. It takes all of his self control not to jump into bed and grab hold of him.

Steve sits up and rubs his eyes. Then he gets a better look at his husband and the boy next to him. The resemblance is undeniable. "Is that…Vali?"

"You know about me?"

"Yes, this is Vali," Loki says.

He's mostly awake now. "How? Did your sister bring him?"

Shaking his head, he says, "No. It's a long story."

Steve sees a bundle of emotion in Loki's eyes. He climbs out of bed and hugs him tight. "Whatever happened, you're safe now. You're here." He feels Loki's arms wrap around him.

Loki is the first to pull away. He places a hand on his son's head. "Vali, this is Steve."

He crouches down in front of the boy and holds out a hand. "It's nice to meet you, Vali. I've heard so much about you."

The little hand clasps his forearm. "Poppa says you love him."

"I do. I love him very much. And I love all his children, too."

"All of them?"

"All of them. And I hope as you get to know me you'll consider me family."

Vali nods.

Steve looks at Loki. He has a lot of questions, but he doesn't want to ask them in front of the boy. "You must both be exhausted. Let's get you into bed."

All three of them get into the bed. Loki takes the center spot and turns off the light. He takes Steve's arm and wraps it around him. He waits until Vali is asleep. "Steve?" he whispers as he stares at the ceiling.

"Yeah?"

Loki uses magic to muffle the sounds around Vali. "So much has happened."

"I can tell. You don't have to talk about it now. We can wait until you've had some sleep."

Loki turns his head and finds Steve looking at him. "I found Bruce."

"You did? That's great. Is he here?"

"Asgard. He's on Asgard."

Steve can tell something is wrong. "Loki?"

"Mother is hurt. It was bad."

He can see the worry in his eyes. "Will she be okay?"

"Yes. The Healers have her sedated."

"Okay. We'll go tomorrow. Stay as long as we need to. The others will understand."

"Odin is dead."

The shock silences Steve. Then he isn't sure what to say. He decides to start with, "I'm sorry." Then he asks, "How did it happen?"

"Asgard was invaded. Angels. Dark Elves. Frost Giants."

"Geez. All at the same time?"

"Yes."

Steve assumes Odin died in battle. He figures that's probably how the old king wanted to go out. Good for him. Not so good for his family. "How are you feeling?"

Loki isn't sure how to answer. "Conflicted," he decides.

That makes sense to him. "And Thor?"

"Devastated."

Steve strokes Loki's cheek. "I'm sorry." He tries to focus on the positive. "I can't believe you found Vali though. That's amazing."

"It was…surprising."

"Where was he? How come he's still a kid?" Steve asks. "Was it cryogenics?" He can practically hear Wade getting excited about having another member of the Been Frozen club.

"No. He was on a planet called Sakaar. Time worked differently there."

"Slower?"

"Yes and no. Perhaps I should start from the beginning," Loki offers.

"That would be good."

Loki takes a breath. "It started when I got to Wakanda. Angela brought her girlfriend Sera because Sera heard a rumor that the Angels and the Dark Elves were planning an invasion of Asgard. I decided to tell Thor and let him deal with it. But when I went to him, Heimdall sent Mother to us. She was wounded, bleeding. Just before she lost consciousness, she told us about the invasion. It started before we could warn them. We had to go." Now that he has started, it all comes spilling out of him – getting thrown out of the Bifrost, his time on Sakaar, finding Vali and Thor and Bruce, meeting Borghild, returning to Asgard, using the Casket of Ancient Winters, Vali's reaction to his Jotun form, Odin's death, taking Vali to see Sigyn.

Steve stays silent except for the occasional hum of understanding or sympathy. He holds Loki's hand through it all. "My poor Kitten," he says when he's sure Loki has finished.

"I missed you. I missed you so much."

"You don't have to miss me anymore." He kisses Loki.

It's all Loki has been wanting. He pulls Steve closer as he deepens the kiss.

Steve can feel his husband's need. "Kitten, your son –" He's cut off with another kiss.

"I need you." He climbs on top of him.

"I know. But Vali is right there."

A growl of impatience comes from Loki. The bed splits, the smaller part with Vali moves slightly away. "Better?"

"Yeah?"

"Good." Loki runs his nails down Steve's bare chest before bending over and kissing him aggressively.

Steve can't help but respond. He pulls Loki closer.

Loki bites Steve's ear. "Hurt me. Make it all go away."

"If Vali wakes…"

"He won't. He's a hard sleeper."

"Okay." Steve kisses him again before using his Captain's voice. "Take off the pants. Slowly."

Loki gets out of bed and pulls down the pants. His eyes never leave his husband's. "Your turn." He offers his hand.

Steve takes it and is pulled off the bed. He takes Loki's hands and puts them on his hip. "Do it for me."

He grabs the fabric and pushes down. He lets his eyes wander over the super soldier's muscular body. "You take my breath away."

"As you do mine." He sets his jaw. "On the bed. Face up."

Loki's heart speeds up in anticipation. "Yes, Sir." He lies down.

"Under the covers." Steve orders.

He gets under the covers and pulls them up over his head.

Steve tries not to laugh. He grabs some rope and a bit of lube. "Hands above your head."

Two hands pop out of the covers.

He binds them with the rope tight enough that Loki can feel it and still have circulation. He pulls the covers away. The sight of Loki lying there looking up at him with desire is enough to arouse him. He climbs into bed and puts the covers back over them both. "Hi."

"Hello."

"Hello what?"

"Hello, Sir."

"Better." He bites Loki's shoulder. Then he nips down his body.

Each bite is a blossom of pain that anchors Loki's mind to the present. His breath deepens. His cock swells. He bites his lip to prevent himself from crying out when his nipple is bitten. He needs more like that.

Steve is happy to oblige especially after that reaction. He begins to massage Loki's cock as he continues to bite his husband's skin.

Loki breaths his husband's name. "I've missed you so much." He feels a sharp bite on his inner thigh. His legs are pushed up. There is pressure against his anus just before penetration. A warm wetness encompasses his cock. He moans with pleasure, his breath moving the covers that are still over his face. "I love you. I want to see you. Please, Captain." He feels Steve's mouth move up his cock. There's a final hard suck before he feels a kiss on his belly.

Finally Steve's head can be seen above his.

"Hello, Kitten."

The words make Loki feel warm and cherished. "Hello, Darling."

"Ready for me?"

"I've been ready since before T'Challa called. And that was weeks ago for me."

"Good." He kisses Loki's lips as he pushes into him.

Loki's cock rubs against Steve's belly as his husband begins to move on top of him. He's missed this so very much. It's so easy to lose himself in Steve. It's all he wants to do. Now, finally, he can.

Though Steve started rough, he can tell Loki needs something more sincere now. He makes love to him, doing his best to let Loki feel all the love he has for him. But it isn't long before his body takes over. His thrusts are deep, insistent.

Their hearts beat together. Their breaths mingle between kisses.

For the first time in weeks, Loki can relax. He doesn't have to be cunning or strong. He can just be and feel and love. "Steve," he sighs.

"Loki."

"I'm…I'm…"

Steve pulls away so he can watch his husband's face as he comes. It's breathtaking and brings on his own orgasm. He collapses against his husband panting.

"I love you."

"I love you back, Kitten. I will always love you back." He reaches up and unties Loki's wrists. Each one gets a kiss before he massages them. "About Vali…"

Loki's heart stops, and his mind whirs into overdrive. "Yes?"

"Do they have adoption on Asgard? I know it's super early. I don't even know if he'll like me or if Sigyn would allow it. But I want Vali to know that we're family now and that he's safe."

Breathing again, Loki caresses his cheek. "You are the best person I have ever met. Of course Vali will love you as all my children do. How could he not?"

"You didn't oversell me?" Another thought immediately follows. "Did you tell him much about me?"

"I told him we loved each other and that you are the best person I've ever met."

"Well as long as you didn't put me on a pedestal," Steve deadpans.

"You have nothing to worry about, Darling. He… Sakaar was not a nice place."

"Then we'll do our best to put that behind him." He take a slow breath. "We should probably dress and put the bed back together."

Loki pouts. "Must we?"

"Well, you know him better than I do. You tell me."

There is a sigh then a nod. Steve gives him one last kiss before getting up. They clean up a bit before putting on pajama pants. The two parts of the bed reconnect. Loki takes his place once more in the center before removing the magic around Vali. He looks at his son then at Steve. Sleep comes quickly, peacefully, and dreamless. He's home.

A/N: Happy Holidays, everyone! Stay safe, and have a wonderful 2020!

Until next time…