The next morning, Desi went into work early to set up a little area for Star. She had already told Laney that Star could come to work and she was excited to spend the day with her sister and niece.

Laney walked in the clinic with a yawn, holding Star in her arms. "Morning Dess," she said sleepily.

"Good morning!" Desi replied, cheerful as usual. "I made a little area for Star. We have baby Jotun twins to see this morning!"

"That sounds like a lot of fun," Laney replied. She walked over to the play area Desi had made and laid Star down on her belly in front of some colored blocks. "Who's twins, are they?" She asked.

"Not anyone I know. They are new clients." Desi answered.

"I'm guessing Frigga has made it to where Jotuns can be normal clients," Laney said.

Desi shook her head. "Not exactly. She gave her support, but I had to go head-to-head with Odin. In the end, he signed the petition." She said humbly.

Laney grinned. "That's great news!"

"I was so shocked when he signed the petition. I filed it right away though, before he could change his mind." Desi admitted. "It's been so hard to go through all of the new cases."

"I bet. If you need help, I'm always here," Laney said.

"I was hoping to train you as my full-time partner." Desi admitted. "And also, as my own healer."

Laney's eyes widened. "Seriously?" She asked. "That would be pretty amazing."

Desi smiled as she nodded. "Thor and I have talked about it and we both agree that you are our absolute first choice."

"What would you want me to do?" Laney asked. "I'm not trained as a midwife or anything."

"I would train you. Everything is normal so far, so it should be a normal delivery." Desi explained.

"I hope so," Laney replied. She sat on a nearby chair and turned to look at patient paperwork. "Besides the stronger nausea, you've been great so far."

"I have the nausea under control now and bad morning sickness is common. It is a relief to feel better." Desi said happily.

Laney began going through some of the papers that sat in front of her on the desk. "I'm glad you're doing better too; I know it sucks to feel sick all the time."

Desi nodded in agreement. "Did you look over their record?" She asked, pointing to the patient record.

"I was a little," Laney said. "Lin and Amiee, fraternal twins. They're almost four years old and just need a health check, right?"

"They need a regular check, and we will be checking for a vitamin deficiency." Desi answered.

Laney nodded and pulled out a couple empty symptom sheets and wrote the children's name at the top of each. "Which vitamin? Are they having problems with food?"

"I don't know yet. I'm almost certain it will just be a matter of diet. They don't live on Jotunheim, so I think they just eat too much local food." Desi explained.

"Where do they live? Here in Asgard?" Laney asked.

"No, they are coming from Vanaheim." Desi answered.

"That's where Frigga is from," Laney commented.

"I know, I've seen her healer file as well. It is a nice realm." Desi agreed.

Laney frowned to herself as she filled out what was needed on her part of the forms. "I've never been."

"I have only heard stories, but I have met amazing people from there." Desi said truthfully.

"It would be pretty amazing to travel there one day. I think Loki could learn a lot from Frigga's home realm."

"Thor says it's a beautiful realm. We should all make a trip there together when the kids are a bit older." Desi suggested.

Laney nodded. "That sounds like it would be a fun time."

"We think so too. Thor and Loki have both been there before, so they can show us around." Desi said excitedly.

"This is true." Laney turned to face Desi, wanting to tell her about last night's events, but halted as the parents and the children came into the clinic.

"We will talk over lunch." Desi promised Laney, knowing that look. She smiled and walked over to greet the parents. "Hello, I'm Desi. It's nice to meet you."

"You as well. I'm Ari, this is Fin and our two little ones," Ari greeted.

"Over there is my sister, Laney. She will be helping as well. Would you like to bring the little ones over to the exam table?" Desi asked sweetly, smiling brightly at the children.

Ari led the children over to the table. Lin held onto Ari's hand while Amiee was being held in her father's arms. "Amiee is rather shy, so she might be more difficult for you," Ari explained.

Desi nodded and turned to the small child. "Hello Amiee, I'm Desi. Do you like puzzles? I could really use some help with one." She said sweetly to the girl.

Amiee turned and hid her face in her father's chest. "Amiee, love. She wants you to play," Fin explained softly.

"You can just sit here on the table and play while I talk with your brother. How does that sound?" Desi suggested, wanting Amiee to be comfortable.

Fin rubbed Aimee's back. "I'll be right here," he encouraged. Aimee took a deep breath then nodded. "Good girl," he praised as he sat the little girl on the exam table in front of the wooden puzzle Laney had sat on it.

"Thank you for helping me!" Desi said happily, then turned to the little boy. "Do you mind if I take a look at you? I need to see how your horns are growing."

"One's bigger than the other," Lin boasted proudly with a nod.

"I can see that!" Desi said, encouraging his pride. She reached out and gently felt the small nubs that would eventually turn into horns. "You are going to have very nice horns when you grow up!"

"Do you tink so?" Lin asked. "I want them to be like Prince Loki's!"

Laney turned to face the little boy from her spot sitting at the desk, with wide eyes. "When have you seen Prince Loki's?" She asked.

"I haven't. But my momma says that he has them, so I want mine to be like his," Lin replied.

Ari blushed. "I was here recently and witnessed the prince with his tiny child. I couldn't help but to let Lin know that the prince was like him, encourage him that the horns are a good thing."

Desi turned to Laney. "Do you think he would be willing to come by here for a few minutes?" She asked, thinking it would be good for Lin to see Loki in his Jotun form.

Laney shrugged. "I can try. I'm not sure what he's doing today though," she said honestly.

"Would you be willing to ask him or send word to him? I can watch Star if you want to go to him yourself." Desi offered.

"I'm willing," Laney replied happily. "Is he with Thor today?" She asked.

"I think so, but I think they are just going over the trade route that Loki wants to reopen." Desi answered.

Laney nodded, stood and straightened her dress. "I will be back shortly then," she stated then turned and left the clinic.

Loki sat in the family study with Thor, looking at the maps spread out across the table in front of them both. "I want to eventually reopen all of the old trade routes. Only two of them need serious work at this point." He explained to his brother.

"What other trade routes would that be?" Thor asked curiously. "I only know of the main ones we currently use."

"You were never told about the old trade routes?" Loki asked in disbelief.

"There isn't a handbook on everything," Thor replied. "I was never told about them and I'm not a fan of reading old scrolls like you are. If a route isn't being used, the court doesn't mention it."

"It isn't just about reading old scrolls, brother. Those routes are safer and an easier ride for the merchants. Leaving them unmaintained also leaves every realm very vulnerable." Loki explained.

Thor furrowed his brow. "Why did father let them become abandoned I wonder?" A knock sounded at the door, causing Thor to turn and look behind him. "Laney, how are you?"

Laney stood in the opening of the study's door. "I'm well Thor. I was wondering if I could borrow Loki? We would not be gone long," Laney replied.

"Will you be returning him today?" Thor asked teasingly.

"Yes Thor," Laney chuckled. "You would not be without your brother for long."

"I just know how the two of you are." Thor chuckled. "I would normally not care, but Loki says there could be vulnerabilities, so it needs to be taken care of quickly." He explained.

"I promise you Thor, it will not be long," Laney assured as she met eyes with her fiancé.

Loki gave Laney a loving smile. "Here, just look over my petition while I'm gone, and we can discuss it when I return." He told Thor, pushing the sealed scroll over to his brother. He stood up and walked over to Laney, greeting her with a gentle kiss.

Laney kissed him in return and took one of his hands in hers. "Come with me to the clinic?" She asked softly. "Someone wants to meet you."

"Who wants to meet me?" Loki asked nervously. He gave Laney's hand a squeeze as they started walking.

"There is a Jotun family in the clinic, and they have a set of fraternal twins just over a year old," Laney explained. "The little boy, Lin, mentioned that he wanted his horns to look like yours. His mother is trying to teach him that having horns is okay."

Loki gave Laney a concerned look. "Why would he want horns like mine? They didn't even grow in properly..." "

Laney squeezed Loki's hand. "He looks up to you," she answered. "His mother Ari saw you from afar with Star recently, and told her son about you to help him feel better about his horns growing in."

"I'm not exactly the best role model." Loki pointed out. "I will do my best to cheer him up though."

"I think it's cute that he has picked you as a role model. It makes me think of how a son would be if we had one," Laney said honestly.

"I have a long way to go before I'm truly ready to be a role model." Loki admitted.

Laney grinned. "I know that, but maybe this little boy could help you out."

"How would he help me?" Loki asked as they turned left down the next hall, almost back to the hall of healing.

"Lin could help you see how it feels to be looked up to. Star also looks up to you, but she can't tell you just yet," Laney answered.

"How do you know Star already looks up to me?" Loki asked, confused. He opened the door to the healing ward for them, letting Laney go in first.

"You're her dad, sweetheart. She's going to look up to you and look to the both of us for guidance," Laney told him sweetly.

Loki nodded. "That makes sense." He agreed. I need to do the very best I can for my little girl. "What room are they in?"

Laney pointed down the large hallway. "Room two," she answered, just as she began to hear a little girl squeal. "The little girl is extremely shy. Desi might be having issues looking at her for her exam."

"I don't know if I can help, but I will try." Loki promised. When they reached the room, he knocked and waited for permission before opening the door. He stopped in the doorway nervously when he saw the small Jotun family.

Ari and Fin turned, smiled, and bowed her head out of respect. "Prince Loki," Ari greeted.

"Loki, this is Ari and Fin, they are Lin and Aimee's parents," Laney introduced as she walked in behind Loki and shut the door.

"H-hi..." Loki said nervously. "There's no need for formalities with me."

"I am sorry," Ari said. "It's just what we're used to."

Lin turned his head from his puzzle and quickly spotted Loki in the room, causing a wide smile to light up his face. "Prince Loki!" he said happily.

"Hello little one." Loki replied, more at ease with the children. "I was told you wanted to meet me?"

"Yes!" Lin said excitedly, his puzzle forgotten. "Where are your horns?" The little boy boldly asked.

Loki hesitantly glanced down at his own hand to see that he was back in his Aesir form. "I...um... I can change how I look."

Lin's grin got impossibly bigger. "That's so cool!"

Laney chuckled as she watched Loki and Lin interact with each other. She walked over to where Star's mini nursery was set up and quickly changed her diaper before she joined the small group with her in her arms.

Loki watched Laney the entire time, not wanting to be too far from her. When she returned, he wrapped his arm around her. With Star so close, his form started slowly changing on its own as it normally did.

"Prince Loki is naturally Æsir," Laney explained. "But he is Jotun like you are. Being in close contact with another Jotun causes him to change unwillingly, but he can also use his magic to change."

Lin's eyes watched as Loki slowly changed to a brilliant shade of Jotun blue, revealing the etchings in his skin and the horns on his head. "This is awesome!"

Loki flinched slightly at the boy's excitement. "I had trouble with my horns so one is a little crooked still."

"That's okay! Mine are just nubs." Lin bent his head so Loki could see them. "I hope mine grow big and curl like yours do."

"Your horns look very good already. I didn't even have nubs yet at your age." Loki said, encouraging the boy. He tightened his arm around Laney, needing the comfort.

Laney smiled at Lin's happiness and bounced Star around in her arms. "I told you Loki would be happy to see the both of you," she told the children.

Loki turned his attention to the little girl. "Did you want to see me also?" He asked her sweetly.

Aimee hid behind Ari but peeked between her legs. "Hi pwence Woki."

Loki smiled softly and knelt down to be more at her level. "Do you have horns as well?"

"No," Aimee answered softly. Slowly she walked out from behind her mother and walked up to him. "I like your dwawings."

Ari grinned. "She means your etching on your skin," she explained.

Loki smiled bigger and pushed up the sleeves of his tunic so she could see more of his markings. "Can I see yours? I bet they are even nicer than mine."

Aimee walked closer to Loki and held out her arms for Loki to see her markings. "I like yours better."

"Yours are so pretty though. You look like a little princess." Loki said sweetly.

Aimee blushed purple and giggled before she lurched forward and clutched Loki around the neck in a tight hug.

Ari and Fin looked on, surprised. "You're the first person she's ever warmed up to besides family," Ari said.

Loki looked up at them. "Sorry... I just wanted to make her more comfortable." He said, feeling very vulnerable since he was on the floor, and they were not. He also noted how they were both larger than him as well.

"No, it's alright," Fin assured. "We're just surprised she's taken to you so quickly."

Laney smiled and placed her hand on Loki's shoulder. "It's okay Loki."

Loki gave them a little nod and calmed himself, mostly for the sake of the children. "Do you want to see a little magic?" He asked, finally returning Amiee's hug.

The children both smiled at him. "That would be cool!" Lin said happily.

"Nothing too big, love," Laney said.

Loki looked up at Laney and smiled. "I know darling." He told her, before looking back at the children. "Alright, but we need to go out of the room. Let Desi finish checking you really quick, then we will go see some magic, alright?"

The kids looked over at Desi reluctantly. "What do you have to do?" Lin asked.

"I only need to weigh them and look at the markings on their backs." Desi replied.

Lin grinned. "That sounds easy."

"It will be very quick and easy." Desi said happily.

"Okay," Lin replied. He walked over to Desi and allowed her to pick him up.

"What do you think about Loki's horns now that you've seen them?" Desi asked Lin as she carried him over to the scale.

"I think they're cool! I want mine to curl like his do," Lin replied.

"You need to eat lots of fruits and veggies to help your horns grow big and strong like his." Desi told Lin, making note of his weight, then picking him up again. While walking back to his parents, she also got a good look at his back.

"Fruit is good. I don't like green things though," Lin commented as Desi sat him back down.

"Which green things do you not like?" Desi asked sweetly.

"Most of them," Lin replied. "Especially the string ones or ones that look like leaves."

Desi nodded. "I didn't like those much either when I was younger." She chuckled. "We are going to try some other veggies that you might like better. How does that sound?"

Lin grinned and nodded as he watched Desi try to encourage Aimee from Loki without luck. "I tink Aimee likes Loki."

"I think so too. Maybe you and Aimee can come have dinner with all of us later." Desi suggested, thinking Lin would like that.

Ari shrugged. "I don't want to impose on anyone."

Desi looked over at Ari and smiled. "You wouldn't be. It's an invitation."

Laney nodded in agreement. "All of you are more than welcome to join us," she assured.

"It's settled then, you will all be our guests this evening." Loki said with a little smile.

Aimee squeaked in happiness and tightened her grip around Loki's neck. "You seem to have an admirer," Laney said softly.

Loki chuckled, unable to hide that he enjoyed the attention. "I think so. Maybe she would like to see the garden." He told Laney.

Laney chuckled as she watched Loki stand with Aimee in his arms. "I would ask her parents first," she said.

"I will, but I wanted to make sure it was alright with you first." Loki replied.

"I don't mind. Maybe Star here can have a friend," Laney replied as she rocked the dozing baby in her arms.

Loki smiled and looked back to the parents. "If you would like, we can go to the garden after this and I will show the children a little bit of magic."

Ari and Fin smiled while Fin picked Lin up into his arms. "That sounds lovely," Ari said.

"How long did you plan to stay here?" Loki asked, wanting to make sure they would have everything they need. Desi took the opportunity to check Aimee while she was comfortable in Loki's arms.

"Just for the day," Fin replied. "We have a business to run in the outskirts of the market."

"What is your trade?" Loki asked curiously.

"Furs and jewelry," Fin explained. "We haven't been very busy, but I am hoping with colder weather we will get business."

"Please send a sample of your furs. It's been some time since we have brought any new furs into the palace so we might place our own order." Loki told Fin.

Fin's eyes widened. "Of course! I can do that as soon as we reach home."

"Thank you. I will come down in person soon as well. I have fallen behind on my market visits." Loki said sadly.

"We would love to have you," Ari assured. "We can always use the business."

"Palace orders can be very detail oriented. So long as you don't mind that some will be a bit picky, you will have the business." Loki promised her.

"That sounds like a plan," Ari said happily.

Later that evening, Loki sat next to Laney in the family study. He kept his arm around her and Star, feeling very clingy again. "I will have to get used to working again. I missed you today."

Laney leaned up and kissed Loki's cheek. "I missed you too."

Thor smirked from his spot on the couch across from Laney and Loki. "You two are such love birds."

Loki looked over at his brother and grinned. "It's not my fault you have issues showing affection in public." He chuckled. He leaned in to press a kiss to the top of Laney's head but ended up burying his nose in her hair to inhale her scent. "You smell so good this evening."

"I don't have any issues," Thor retorted, then leaned back in his spot with his arm around Desi.

"I'm not wearing perfume, although it could be the soap from the bath," Laney told Loki, but snuggled tighter against him.

"I don't know, but that must be it. It doesn't smell like soap though." Loki commented. With a little grin, he sent a small but chilly breeze at his brother.

Thor raised an eyebrow at Loki. "Do we need to watch Star for a while? You two are quite... attached."

"I don't know yet, but it's quite possible." Loki shamelessly agreed.

Laney blushed crimson and hid her face in the curtain of her hair, making Thor chuckle. "You're embarrassing Laney, brother."

Loki tightened his arm around Laney, holding her closer. "I'm sorry darling. I know I need to control myself better in public." He said truthfully.

"It's alright Loki," Laney replied, then turned and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger a bit longer than normal.

Thor looked between Loki and Laney, becoming curious. "Has something changed between you two?"

Loki looked over at his brother and frowned. "No, I don't think so."

"What're you thinking Dess?" Thor asked. "Kind of reminds me of when we went to the pond when it was still warm."

"I have been thinking that same thing. You know, the Jotnar can sense all of those changes as well." Desi told Thor quietly.

"I imagine so, the way he's acting," Thor replied back.

Laney looked between Thor and Desi with a curious eye. "What're you two whispering about?"

Desi looked over at Laney and blushed. "The potion will still work, but I think you're ovulating right now." "

"Ovulating?" Laney questioned.

"Yep. You still have your regular style cycles while using the potion." Desi explained.

"Is that why both of us are so drawn to each other then?" Laney asked.

"That's exactly why. Just be careful that you don't get too caught up in the sex." Desi told them, out of concern.

Laney blushed and looked discreetly over at Loki. Why hasn't he said anything? She took a deep breath and readjusted Star, who was asleep in her lap. "We haven't, I can promise you that. How long do you think it will last?"

"Only for a day or two." Desi assured Laney, noticing that Loki was completely drawn in by Laney's scent.

"It's already been a couple of days, I think. At most, a day and a half," Laney explained.

"Then it shouldn't last much longer, but I doubt Loki will go the rest of the night. He looks ready to have a go with you right here." Desi chuckled.

Laney turned and looked at Loki, noting the hungry look in his eyes. "I think you're right," Laney agreed.

"Do you want to sneak off for a while?" Loki asked Laney in a low growl.

"I think we would need a sitter first," Laney chuckled, then turned to Desi. "I know you have a lot going on, but I don't think I'll be able to turn Loki... off for a while."

"We will watch her. I could never turn town time with a baby." Desi giggled. "Just go have some fun."

"Are you sure? I don't want to push her on you," Laney said.

Desi rolled her eyes and gave Laney a look. "Do you know who you're talking to?"

"Yes Dess, but I know you two have a life too," Laney said.

"That's true, but with how easily I tire, we mostly stick to cuddling in the evenings." Desi admitted.

Laney nodded knowingly. "That will change in the second trimester. But thank you for agreeing to watch her. I know you know her routine."

"I'm so close to being there and I'm looking forward to it. I am also so eager to know the gender." Desi said, rubbing her belly bump.

"It really is amazing seeing the image of the baby on the Soul Forge. I can't wait to see you witness it when it's your own," Laney cooed.

"I can't wait either! I was thinking maybe we could have a girl's day soon? I want to go look at baby stuff. We haven't gotten much yet." Desi said excitedly.

"That sounds like a lot of fun. We'll have to look at gender neutral stuff for now though."

"I know that, but there's tons of cute gender-neutral things. And it's fun to just look." Desi pointed out.

"Oh, it is. I love baby stuff," Laney said happily. When Thor stood, she leaned forward and helped him take Star into his arms.

Loki instinctively tightened his arms around Laney when his brother was near them. "Thank you for watching her." He told Thor and Desi.

"It's alright brother, just be careful squeezing her," Thor replied.

"Huh?" Loki mumbled, then realized the hold he had on Laney and loosened his hold. "I'm sorry darling, did I hurt you?"

"No, I'm alright," Laney answered. "Thor and Desi are going to watch Star tonight."

"I know that darling. I just didn't realize I was holding you so tight. My head feels...foggy." Loki admitted.

"Your instinct to reproduce is making you foggy. You'll be okay, love." Laney smiled at him and pecked his lips before she looked back at Desi and Thor. "Do you have everything you'll need for her?"

"Of course. Please don't worry about anything. We will spoil her rotten, and should she need you, I won't hesitate to ruin your fun." Desi said, both teasing and truthful.

Laney chuckled and gently untangled herself from Loki so she could stand. "I know you would. I guess we will go ahead and be off. We will see you both in the morning."

"I will come by a little early so Star can nurse before we go to work. Good night you two." Desi promised, then waved to them as they left.

Laney turned and faced Loki with a heated look in her eye. "Well... we have the whole night to ourselves my prince. What will you do with me?"