Chapter 3: Bonding Moments

Hi? *hides behind both Eret and Loki for protection* I know it's been over a year since this fanfic has been updated, and, truth be told, I haven't had any inspiration for it lately. But after watching the first episode of Loki, I couldn't not update it.

Stay safe, and read and review!

After breakfast, the twins leave.

Soon, Ruby, always the late sleeper (she takes after me in that regard instead of Eret, having been an early riser since he worked for you-know-who), comes downstairs. Loki has since changed into his original form, black hair, green or blue eyes, but his outfit stays the same.

"Hey, sweet-pea."

"Morning, Mama."

"Come on, there's someone we'd like you to meet."

Loki kneels down in front of Ruby, who is hiding behind me, afraid of the stranger.

"You're the spitting image of your mother."

"Spitting is rude."

"That it is." My father says, chuckling.

"What he means, my little love, is that you look a lot like your mother." Eret tells Ruby.

"Oh."

"It's okay, Ruby. This is your grandfather. He's my daddy."

"I thought Grandpa was your daddy."

"That's a bit complicated, my little love. Sometimes, people have more than one father or mother in their lives, some are the father or mother that helped give you life itself, others are the ones who welcomed you into their homes later in life. Your Grandpa Frank is one of the ones who helped welcome Mama into his home later in her life."

"Is that why Mama doesn't have blonde hair?"

"That's part of the reason, yes. You see, Ruby, your mother was born with black hair like mine."

My father and Ruby continue to get to know each other throughout the day.

Later that day, with Ruby asleep in his arms, my father tells me and Eret that he had been there when I had the miscarriage.

"So you were there? There when I had the miscarriage?" I ask.

"Yes. I wish I could've done more that night."

"Why did my mother make up such a rule?"

"She wanted to protect you. Wanted to make sure you were ready."

"Ready for what?"

"You haven't always had brown hair."

"And? It must've lightened in the sun."

"No. You must be a partial shape-shifter."

"Partial?"

"You can only change you as yourself. You can't change yourself into anyone else. I am here to reconnect with you, my daughter, but to also help you get control of your powers."

"I didn't even know I had powers."

"You sure do. You got your powers from my side of the family, of course."

We begin to talk about pleasant things, like what my daughter learned that day, and what we were having for dinner.

After dinner and after Ruby goes to bed, we continue to talk.

"So…is there anything you would like to know?" My dad asks me.

"When can we start training?" I ask.

"How about tomorrow? Any plans?"

"Not that I know of."

"Good. We can start then. Eret, do you have any plans tomorrow?"

"No, sir, I do not."

"'Sir'? I like you. Ehehehe." Dad says, smirking.

~.~

The next day, Eret is watching Ruby and I'm with my dad out in Berk's forest.

"Okay, so, as I mentioned last night, you are a partial shape-shifter. Concentrate on something you'd like to change on the outside, like your hair or eye color. Something easy to start off with."

"Okay." I close my eyes and concentrate on turning my hair blonde, the same shade as my adoptive siblings' hair.

"Did I do it?" I ask, peeking one eye open.

"Almost. You've turned a streak of your hair blonde, but not the whole thing."

"So…?"

"It's a good start, sweetheart."

"Can…can we take a break?"

"Of course."

Dad and I sit down on a log and a thought crosses my mind.

"What's on your mind?"

"I…I just want to know…what were your thoughts the night I had the miscarriage? And the day I gave birth to my son?"

"Well, sweetheart, are you sure you want me to talk about these things? I know these things aren't easy subjects for you to talk about yourself?"

"I'll be okay. So?"

"Well, let's start with the night you had the miscarriage. I was asleep in Asgard, and your Uncle Thor woke me up, telling me he had something he needed to show me. I got up, fearing the worst for you and Eret…and when I got here, to Midgard, and I hid myself from everyone's view, I saw the fear in your eyes as I saw you losing your baby and suffering. I would've given anything to take your pain away that night."

"Thank you, Dad. So…what about the day that I gave birth to my son?"

"Well, like I said about the miscarriage, I would've given anything to take your pain away. It hurt me so much to see you in such pain. I wanted to reveal myself to you that day, but you didn't know me then, like you know me now. But know this, my daughter, if I could have saved your son and the real Anthony, I would have given my life to do so."

I stand up, appalled at what my father said.

"Dad, I…I can't lose anyone else. Especially someone like you."

"Someone like me?"

"Someone who cares about me and loves me."

"Sweetheart, I didn't mean to upset you. I absolutely hated that I couldn't do anything for you the night that…that your fear came true. Or the night you lost your baby or the day you lost your son."

I go to my knees, sobbing, not knowing what else to do.

I feel Loki – Dad – wrap his arms around me, and I breathe in his scent.

"Oh, my darling daughter. My poor, poor girl. I'm here. I promise."

"I – I –"

"Shhhh. I know. I know."

"I can't lose you, Daddy. I've lost so many other people. I can't lose you, too."

"You won't lose me, sweetheart. I promise. I will always be here for you when you need me, from now on."

"Thank you."

"You're quite welcome."

My dad and I rise together, and, after drying our eyes, we walk home.