If the title doesn't express what this chapter will be about, well it's another gender swap. So this is your cheese and sappy warning right here on how this chapter is going to go. I will accept the criticism and feedback that comes with this chapter but the ones afterwards will be serious so best to get this moment out now.
To prevent confusion early, I will still be referring to Astrid and Loki as Astrid and Loki when they speak when the gender swap happens. In this chapter, Astrid will become Allister again and Loki will be Lyra with their magic; however I will still use she for Astrid and he for Loki and playfully, Astrid and Loki will call each other Allister and Lyra while in their shifted forms. You will know when they are shifted into the opposite gender and when it's over. This note needed to be expressed now rather than the end. Now on with this chapter.
Astrid and Loki's week-long trip to Vanaheim was going well. They renegotiated peace treaties and reworked trade agreements that would benefit both realms. Things were going so smoothly that they actually had a free day to themselves. Astrid and Loki didn't have to speak with Volund and the council until the next day and Astrid knew they needed a date. She wakes up in their bedroom in the house that had belonged to her father Frode and Loki's strong arms embrace her tenderly. He was still fast asleep, peaceful even which made her smile. They loved just sharing a bed together and just being together. It was moments like these that Astrid reflects on that Loki was right in them being public and not hiding behind magic and illusions. This man; this sensitive, kind, smart, and magical man deserved so much and yet most didn't think he did. Soon Astrid thought as she shifted her body to face him, stroking his cheek tenderly.
"Loki darling, we must wake up now.'' She was lightly mused to him.
Her voice stirred him but he didn't want to leave this bed, for them to leave. He relished being with her and he knew they didn't need to go anywhere. All he wanted was time with Astrid and to relax tenderly with her.
" Do we really need to; it is our day off today? We must rest as much as we can." Loki said sleepily, snuggling Astrid close.
Astrid laughed softly and kissed his lips tenderly to stir him more. It was rare for Loki to want to laze about and to not do much. She would agree but she wanted to be out with him and she felt a need for spice in their day together.
"Then I guess you don't want our date today to be special." she mused, turning back on her side to tease him.
Loki smirked and shifted her body, holding her close. She had a way with her words like he did that would tease and intrigue him. He's impacted her life as she did his. His ego wasn't nearly as bruised or shadowed as it should have been growing up with Thor; but he still had a heart for people all because someone had a heart for him.
" Now I did not say that darling. I say we should just rest a bit more. We race along, train, and accomplish so much. Would it be a crime if we just laid together this day and took in one another." Loki chuckled and kissed her neck.
Astrid scoffed playfully and stroked his cheek. They had lived long lives together yet their love still felt as new and tender as when they started.
"Remind me...have we truly been together for so long, still feels like when we had our first kiss. We will reach a new chapter so maybe it is nice to just relax before things pick up."
Loki read Astrid's face and he could tell from the faintest of palpitations she was nervous. He was too but he was through hiding Astrid and he wanted their relationship to be out and public. He didn't care how Egil would react; he was far from the scared boy when he started dating Astrid. Loki knew what he wanted and it was Astrid's hand in marriage.
"It will never be easy and I am partly to blame for the situation we are in. However, it is for the best that we make ourselves known. Otherwise, it will get very complicated when we do wish to marry since I don't want to marry an illusion of our love."
Astrid nodded lightly.
"You won't, Loki, but let's get rid of that thought from our minds since this is a day off for us both and it should be peaceful. Hm, what should we do first."
Loki grinned as he placed his hands on her waist. He took in her beauty and Astrid scoffed softly since of course he would be in a tender mood. She got out of their bed and got dressed.
"Despite that being a nice idea Loki, we should perhaps start off our day with breakfast. Cooking is a pleasure that is simply calming yet romantic."
" What are you going to make? May I help you?" Loki asked Astrid softly
Astrid chuckled softly since this was the same person who...well no Loki was an independent sort despite what people think of the princes. While yes, he liked servants doing some chores for him, he didn't always want to rely on them. Still having him raise a finger to help her cook seemed almost unlikely of a man, let alone a prince.
"Better be sure no one is Asgard hears the prince wants to help cook. They might think I'm a witch and enchanted you to do my bidding." she mused.
She liked they were away from Asgard since her home was always with Loki. This place suited them both better and people actually cared about them here. Part of her wished Loki wasn't the heir and they would just move on to get married. They waited too long and she was done with thinking Egil can change since he never will. She had hurt Loki long enough from hiding their romance and she needed to embrace what will come from people knowing the truth between her and the younger son of Odin.
" Cooking is a necessary skill for anyone to have, I am not sure when it was decided only women should cook. Besides if I won't be king, I may as well get used to doing my part and making our love on equal ground." Loki noted with a chuckle.
Astrid nodded and both went downstairs to make themselves some simple sandwiches with butter, cheese, sliced eggs, and cucumbers. She enjoyed their long weeks together in Vanaheim and no one dared to question what they did in their time. This made them feel like a married couple and she truly wanted to be out with Loki and not hide their romance to most people in Asgard. It wasn't like she wasn't worthy of Loki, but people thought Loki wasn't worthy of her. Loki noticed Astrid deep in thought and was curious
" Astrid, what's bothering you?
Astrid raised an eyebrow at him and shook her head.
"Just thinking about Egil. He truly annoys me and it's because of him we needed to sneak and hide. I shouldn't have feared him for so long and kept us hidden for so long and deceiving mostly everyone. Still...I do wonder how he'd react if we've been dating and that I have no 'honor' to give to Thor since I gave you my virginity long ago."
Loki truly didn't have to feel bad about himself since he was charming, magically gifted, and truly a clever and sensitive person.
"Knowing his reaction, he will have his head explode in rage, call you names I would rather not use myself, and then find a way to get rid of me since I stole the most precious thing you have...very precious indeed." Loki mused.
Astrid sighed but soon found her smile again as Loki finished his breakfast.
"Well, he will be rid of you soon if certain events play out...he will be rid of me too in that resolve as well."
She kissed his cheek gently and mused lightly. It had been a while since they experimented with a certain kind of magic together. Loki kissed Astrid gently pulling her close. He meant a different kind of get rid but he did not need to elaborate since Astrid was smart.
" You always took my side, even when others would or would see me as lesser than Thor or as Egil would phrase 'a conniving honorless wretched snake.'"
Astrid pecked his lips gently and a soft grin came to her face.
"How can you be less if you won my heart? Besides you hear how people speak of you in Vanaheim...you're a real prize."
Loki embraced Astrid.
" I love you, Astrid." Loki whispered as he nuzzled her neck.
He normally would never show himself to be vulnerable but with Astrid he felt safe enough to let down his walls.
"And I love you."
They spent some time reading in their living room and Astrid knew they needed to go out to really take in the day. She thought for a moment and cracked a light smile.
"How long has it been since Allister and Lyra got to go out for a date?" she asked with a light smirk.
Loki chuckled since they would on occasions swap genders and go out as a couple. It was very intriguing since in some ways they were different but others the same. Astrid as Allister was a bit looser and whimsical in the charms while Loki was a bit flirtier and friskier as a woman. Both complemented each other well in either gender and they slowly grew to enjoy these little exercises in magic and love.
" It has been a while dear. Would you like them to take a day out?" Loki asked, smirking.
Astrid chuckled lightly. Long were the feelings of uncomfortableness and instead it was a bit of a rush to shift her body into a man. She needed to be careful of when to become him in Asgard since the Warriors Three and Sif loathed Allister in most regards and only Thor cared for his company.
"Allister is kind of infamous in Asgard. Sif hates him for romancing her, even though Fandral does the same and he doesn't have her scorn. Fandral got beaten up badly when he tried charming your altered female appearance and Volstagg hates how much of a sassy prick I am as Allister. Thor likes him but again he's easily pleased and can be fooled. It would be nice to be him again and he's become another part of me, one I want to take out."
" Well, we can walk and have a lovely date in a nice restaurant for lunch. We won't bat an eye and it's not like we parade that Allister is you and Lyra is me to create more scandal and rumors." Loki mused lightly.
Astrid nodded.
"I recall when Aunt Thyra first had us try changing our genders...truly weird but we don't think that way anymore. They are extensions of us and our love that we get to share and express together."
"That is true and it's very impressive. I do like being someone else at times, someone who is not obligated to be with anyone but the person I love. Almost makes me feel the happiest I've ever felt." Loki mused softly.
"Then you should change first Loki. I get to shape shift a lot since Astrid can't be out with Loki, but Sigyn could. It's more of a treat for you." Astrid encouraged.
Loki smirked and nodded. He shifted his form using his magic and smiled slightly at what he was doing. His black hair was longer and reached down to his back, changed his eye color to be a deep sensual green, he gave himself lovely curves to his hips and decent but plump breasts. To finish, he changed his outfit to be that of a green gown with gold trim. Loki grinned at his female body and chuckled in delight.
" Well, I keep forgetting at times how nice I look as a lady. Based on your eyes Astrid, you must agree." Loki spoke softly.
It amazed Astrid how she was still romantically drawn to Loki even as a woman. Perhaps their love was just that strong and true that gender didn't matter with them. They had their share of experimental exploits and genderfluid escapades that only they would know. Those moments deepened their understanding of each other and increased their intimacies.
Loki looked longingly at Astrid and trailed her neck with his fingers.
" Your turn." Loki expressed softly.
Astrid chuckled and she couldn't keep her love waiting. She channeled her magic and slowly felt her hair getting shorter so it reached her shoulders and changed the color to a rich strawberry blonde. The eyes changed from amber to a soft yet familiar blue and freckles graced the cheeks. Astrid's form changed to that of a somewhat built but still lanky man. To round out the look, she changed her outfit into a navy-blue tunic, black trousers, and blue riding boots. Astrid glanced at the mirror to see she was Allister and smirked lightly. She, well now he, pulled Loki close and stroked his cheek.
"What would you like my dear." she purred lightly at him.
Loki chuckled, shaking his head in an amused way. When Astrid was Allister, she was charmed rather easily and was playful in her newly acquired tones.
" Well, it is beautiful, we can take a walk and enjoy the beauty of your homeland. I honestly never tire of how beautiful Vanaheim is. We can maybe have lunch at that little bistro we both enjoy. We can then see where the rest of the day takes us after we eat." Loki mused softly, batting his eyelashes at Astrid tenderly.
Astrid took his hand and they took a nice walk outside. They escaped into a forest and just took in the fresh air and nature. To them, they were just two people in love and taking in life. Both loved watching the birds fly overhead, watching the small woodland animals scurry around, and taking in the warm sunshine.
"How is this day so far?" Astrid asked.
" As long as I am with you, no matter the form, I consider it a wonderful day. It's quite peaceful today." Loki said as he intertwined their fingers
Astrid chuckled softly and stroked the back of his hand.
"Likewise, my darling. Although I won't lie and say that this form still fascinates me in some ways despite our knowledge."
She understood why she needed to change either the eyes or the hair since both would give Astrid away in the form. This just felt right when needing a male guise after many centuries of practice. Still, she would like to someday just to become the other sex with her same rose hair and amber eyes and truly be in some ways like her true father, but alas scandal and problems could arise.
" I agree, I am still fascinated by my own form too. I wouldn't settle my life as a female, but this is rather nice and useful. I like that this guise is also strong willed and cunning."
Astrid laughed since Loki was like that already when he is his true self. Though there was a bit of a sensual and softness to his personality when he was Lyra. Perhaps he could fully let his guard down because she would protect him, just like Loki does when she's her true self.
"The personality doesn't change unless you act differently or give it a new persona with your actions. I know I'm different this way because I want people not to link this version of myself with my real self. Still, I think you're more alluring as a woman if I had to be honest but it might just be that I'm more hormonal in some ways as a man." Astrid grinned lightly.
" True, I will admit you do have a very alluring and attractive aura as a man, you're confident, handsome, and non-arrogant. I love how you are yourself; you are most pure and beautiful in any form my darling Allister. You truly learned from a good man on how to be, didn't you." Loki mused while smirking.
Astrid gently wrapped his arms around Loki's waist and kissed the top of her head, smiling lightly. She couldn't help but wonder if this was the reality; what if she were born a man and Loki a woman. Would Egil have spared that self and convinced it to go after a female Loki. Sometimes she wondered if she was only alive because she was a girl. She snapped out of her thought, sighing lightly as she stroked Loki's back.
"I wonder if this was the normal if life would be different."
" What do you mean different?" Loki asked curiously.
"If I had been born a man and you a woman. Egil would have wanted me to court Odin's princess and not the golden prince now would he."
Loki could not help but laugh and chuckle. However deep down, he doubts Egil would have let her live if she had been born a boy.
" That is true, but I got to say Egil would hate you more if you are male, since you resemble your birth father more as male. To him that will be like a huge knife in his heart and you know that. In this form, you're practically his doppelganger except for the hair, freckles, and eyes of course." Loki stated.
Allister thought for a moment and chuckled lightly. They were alone so he shifted his hair color to her natural rose color and eyes to amber. Loki smiled warmly and ran his fingers in her hair.
"Now I would be the huge knife." she joked tenderly.
" For what it's worth, you are amazing in either gender. Egil should be blessed he got someone like you, instead he sees you as a tool for his purpose, that disgusts me more than anything. You deserve to be happy...we deserve that no matter what." Loki noted a bit sad
Astrid stroked her cheek.
"Hey now darling, no sad faces now. We still have a lovely day to ourselves before we need to have things as they are. For all its worth, we are both truly a match to behold."
" I'm happy I get to be with the most beautiful being in the all the Nine Realms" Loki mused.
Astrid smiled and kissed Loki gently. She carefully placed his back on the tree trunk so he could be comfortable during their kiss. Their kiss still had the same passion, connection, heat, and tenderness like all their other kisses in their lifetime. Loki reciprocated the kiss with equal passion running her fingers through Astrid's short hair. He pressed herself against him wanting to never be apart.
Astrid smiled since it's been awhile that they reversed the roles. She felt aroused and loved the control in this position. They were equal in terms of who took control in passions normally, but she just felt her blood course more in this form as she ravished Loki with her kisses.
"Is this how it normally feels for you?" she mused lightly.
" Yes, there is love definitely, but there is also arousal, I want to make you mine quite often my dear. Your fault for being so beautiful" Loki teased
"Oh I know the feeling." she chuckled as he pressed his body against hers, letting a soft groan escape him.
Loki moaned and kissed Astrid tenderly. He scratched her back gently and a soft seductive groan escaped Astrid. They felt aroused and almost primal as they kissed but Loki knew they had more to this day then just passionate make outs and sex.
" Allister, if we carry on as is, we won't get to our date. Plus, I know you're starting to feel peckish." he chuckled
Astrid nodded and pulled away. She changed her hair back to strawberry blonde and eyes to blue before they teleported into a pretty peaceful town they frequented often. Astrid took Loki to a very nice little tavern that had private rooms for dining in the back.
"Volund took me here once to have Allister practice his charms...Needless to say that's the one lesson I hated Volund teaching me. Made me feel like Thor and it felt gross. He claims diplomacy but I swear he wanted a laugh. Why my aunt told him I was dabbling in this magic I'll never know."
Loki laughed since that would be something he may have expected from Thor or Fandral to try if they found out Astrid did this, not an esteemed councilman.
"You have respect for women, so taking comfort in your charms is much more useful. You can never be Thor, more so since you have morals." Loki comforted.
Astrid knew Thor had lessened in his womanizing ways these past few centuries and actually respects women. He's dated a couple of women but none of the courtships lasted.
"Plus, Volund forgets I'm still Astrid in this body and women don't appeal to me. The only one that does is you and we both know it's due to our deep connection relationship and not gender or sex."
Astrid did the orders and both of them enjoyed the food. She lingered on her thoughts and it did occur to him just how weird this would be if others found out they did this on occasion, but she enjoyed they could be equals in romance as well. Plus, she didn't care what others thought for the most part, which will be more apparent when she comes out to Odin about the relationship she had with Loki.
Loki enjoyed his food, and company. He stole glances at Astrid's masculine looks as Allister and he truly felt sparks and butterflies when with her. He wondered how Thor would see them had he known about this little exercise they did but it didn't matter. Loki felt at peace in Vanaheim in either form. He hoped that Thor would be king since he found Vanaheim much more alluring to live with Astrid.
"Do you remember how awkward our first time doing this was?" Astrid mused as he sipped on his mead.
" Oh yes, it was very odd, but liberating as well. No one knew who we were except us, Volund, and your aunt. Good thing too since I would hate for us to have lingering eyes." Loki reminisced
Astrid chuckled but also shifted in her seat since it did bring back embarrassing memories.
"Yes, and you had to explain to me how erections worked...god that first one was awful."
Her cheeks got red with embarrassment and Aunt Thyra needed to teach her male anatomy after that. Needless to say, she was more of an expert on the male sex and anatomy than she would have liked to be thanks to her aunt's teachings.
" You arouse me in any form, though I do admit you as male is just as desirable if not more." Loki smirked.
"You're just saying that since you're a lovely lady. Truthfully speaking...I do admire your true form more." Astrid whispered as she stroked Loki's hand.
" Careful my dear, our emotions are high as they are, we do not want other patrons uncomfortable with our displays, do we?" Loki asked.
"Oh, and who's the one playing footsie with me and stroking my thigh like a hungry wolf in heat." she grinned.
Loki smirked
" Perhaps I should stroke the other part of you…." Loki trailed off.
Astrid chuckled and grabbed his hand, stroking it softly.
"Careful, we don't want another scare. My aunt expressed with our magic that it is transformative right down to the biology with this spell. I got nervous thinking I could have been a father when we tried that one time having sex like this."
"Yes, and if anyone should have the joys of motherhood it should be you." Loki mentioned.
Both of them agreed that if they ever had children, and they would love to have children, Astrid would be the one to carry and Loki would be the one to plant the seeds. Too many questions would arise if somehow Loki ended up as a mother while under the guise of Lyra aka Lady Loki and Astrid being the father. Loki smiled lightly and saw a glint in Astrid's eyes. Though being in these forms were nice, Loki did want to spend the rest of their days as themselves since they hardly got that chance to do so.
" Perhaps we should finish up the meal head home so we can be ourselves. I would love to ravish you in private" Loki whispered
Astrid nodded and they finished their date and returned home.
"Alright you first Lyra. I'll make us some tea." Astrid expressed softly, kissing Lyra's cheek before heading into the kitchen to make the tea.
Loki smiled and used his magic to return to normal and dressed in a casual tunic and pants. He liked being Lyra but being himself was easier.
" Your turn Allister." Loki said as he followed after Astrid into the kitchen.
She chuckled as she finished making their tea and smiled lightly.
"What's wrong, you don't like the show I provide you." she teased, handing him his cup.
Loki couldn't lie and he did find Astrid as Allister charming. He's kissed her as Allister in secret at times and it still felt hot and passionate. Still, nothing couldn't compare to Astrid being herself and was looking forward to when Odin declared his heir. Whether he was king or not it didn't matter, all that mattered was his father knew Astrid was his lover and hopefully soon to be fiancé.
" Oh, I do believe me, but I do love you as you are, and I cannot really do what I want with your current form my dear." Loki teased
Astrid nodded and she used her magic to change herself back. She changed her outfit into a very pretty yet slightly tempting blouse with some cleavage and loose trousers; both of which caught Loki's attention.
"People would find us so strange, wouldn't they?" Astrid questioned.
Loki chuckled and pulled Astrid close.
" Oh very much so, but it doesn't matter, we know we love each other in either form, they have to get used to it or avert their gaze, dealers' choice." Loki stated
Astrid chuckled and placed her hands on Loki's waist.
"Won't be long now and I swear after all the good we've done...we deserve to get the good we want, don't we?" she spoke with softness in her eyes.
" You definitely deserve it. I want you to be happy, you're too special to be just a simple wife to someone who won't appreciate you." Loki said softly
"Right...either as a Queen or a simple sorceress and diplomat...both paths are just as noble and can do some real good. Though is there a preference you would want Loki?" she asked.
Astrid knew deep down Loki had some high hopes he might be king. Despite claims of not wanting the throne, she knew Loki would love proving people wrong. She would support Loki no matter the path but she needed to hear it from him at this point in their lives. Loki sighed and thought for a minute.
" I won't lie to you. Yes, a small part of me does hope to be king and to have a chance to make an actual difference, and showing people of Asgard magic is an amazing gift. If I'm not chosen, which I do believe I may not be, it won't be so bad either. You and I can make a difference in our own way. As long as I have you by my side, whether it be queen or not, then I know things will be marvelous either way." Loki explained
Astrid nodded and pecked his lips.
"Don't forget the children we will have someday. They will be at your side too."
Loki smiled softly. He did want a family, more so since it will be with Astrid. His mother expressed how parenthood is a life-changing event but a very loving and rewarding one at that. It truly brings a couple together and their life would have more love with them.
" That will be wonderful, to have children from the woman I love and want to marry. I do wish the coronation would just arrive at this point so we can decide how we will go about our lives." Loki noted
"Well, you will have to beat Egil in a fight if he continues to protest after my announcement…. but he is getting older and you can beat him no problems there if he contests our wanting to be married."
Egil was a pain in their asses and she honestly hoped Loki could kick his ass for all he's done. Loki chuckled pulling Astrid on his lap
" I may be able to beat him, though I do think the biggest satisfaction for you will be if you do it. You are skilled and talented and so headstrong. He will never expect it." Loki mused.
"Headstrong, me? Whatever gave you that idea?" she teased as she bucked her hips slightly against his.
Loki pulled Astrid closer and grinned at his beloved.
" Because you take after your aunt in that aspect. You want something, you go after it, even if you're a bit afraid, you're determined to at least try. It's one of many things I admire about you." Loki said and he caressed her neck and trailed his finger along Astrid's collarbone.
"And to think I was once a scared girl, cowering behind her mother...unsure of the two princes I would meet. I'm glad the right one swept me off my feet."
" I'm glad that you chose me, it is an honor to be chosen by a skilled and beautiful woman." Loki flirted.
Astrid tilted her head slightly and smiled lightly.
"Hm...am I really, you don't jest or flatter me with your silver tongue?"
" Maybe I do but, it is true" Loki whispered before he kissed Astrid, his hands caressing her waist slowly moving towards her thighs.
Astrid giggled at his touch and she playfully moved his hands to her backside and she gently tugged on his hair.
"Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this loving feeling. Make me long for your kiss." she purred.
Loki smirked since she was quoting a song she learned from Midgard. He kissed her neck trailing soft kisses until he found a sweet spot, suckling it. His hands lowered and lightly squeezed her butt.
"Mhm ah! Yes! Oh Loki." she moaned.
Loki kissed down to her collar before he pulled away.
" I do believe we should carry this in our bedroom, don't you agree? " Loki whispered sensually.
"Bedroom then bath then cuddles." Astrid offered with a smirk and chuckle.
Loki teleported to Astrid's room. He laid her on bed and ravished her slowly and sensually. He couldn't wait for their future when Astrid would declare her love for him in front of Egil and her father. They were loving adults and nothing should stop them from being together. Loki loved taking Astrid for himself and Astrid would be making her move soon once his father declared his heir. Deep down he hoped he would rule but no matter what, he hoped to have Astrid. She felt the same about being with Loki and she would figure out a way for their love to be. Astrid loved how Loki made her and the connection they had and she would always be loyal to the man she loves.
I promise the next chapter will have some drama but I wanted to get this out of my system. Bonus points if you know the song Astrid quoted. Next chapter will be intense so stay tuned for more.