Loki, Laney, and Desi walked into the large barn and were instantly met with the sounds and smells of horses. The stablemaster looked up from pouring some oats into one of the horse's buckets and grinned. "Can I help... Desi! Good to see you!" he said with a smile as he put his bucket down, then walked up to them. "And you've brought friends. Are you going riding?"
"We would like to and my friends would like to pick the horses." Desi replied.
The stablemaster nodded and stood aside for them. "Pick whomever you'd like!"
"It's been quite a while since I've been here," Laney commented as she walked through the barn. "Do any of the horses catch your eye Loki?"
"I don't know yet." Loki said, as he followed behind her. He finally stopped in front of a black mare. "This one. We will ride her." He told Laney.
Laney walked over and stood beside Loki, then held her hand out towards the mare. When the mare sniffed her hand, then bumped her hand with her nose, it made her laugh. "She's sweet. Do you want to ride double again, love?"
"I assumed we would, unless you wanted us to have our own horses." He told her. "I like riding with you."
Laney couldn't help but grin, then leaned upwards to kiss his cheek. "And I, you."
The stablemaster grinned as he brought the halter to Loki that belonged to the mare. "This is Midnight. She'll be a great ride for you both. Lovely couple you two are by the way."
"Thank you very much. I will tend to her myself, if you don't mind. It is nothing personal, I have just always tended to the horses I ride." Loki said politely and took the halter. As he gripped it, he noticed his skin tone and froze.
Laney turned from scratching Midnight's neck to see Loki stricken with fear. She instantly moved into his line of sight. "Loki, hey. Love look at me, everything is okay. You're okay."
Loki shook his head, eyes still wide with fear and dread. "I... people have seen me like this... you didn't tell me." he stammered.
"No I didn't, because you have been comfortable this whole time," Laney replied softly, then glanced to Desi, not knowing if she was going to need her help. "Loki, I promise it's okay."
"But it's not okay! I can't be out like this terrifying people!" Loki countered angrily, starting to get worked up.
"Name one person who has been scared. Name one incident walking over here where anyone has acted differently." Desi challenged, earning a glare from Loki.
"Loki, Desi is right. You have frightened no one," Laney said, trying to console him. "The stablemaster, even just mentioned that we are a cute couple."
"Come on, deep breaths." Desi told Loki and he finally started to calm down somewhat.
"S-sorry darling. I-I think I'm alright now." Loki told Laney. He was still on edge but calming down.
Laney rubbed his arms and nodded at the stablemaster, letting him know everything was okay. "That's it love. Everything is fine, you're safe."
Loki wrapped his arms around Laney, clinging to her. "Can I shift back now?" He asked quietly.
"If you would feel better, you can shift back. I'm not forcing you, love," Laney consoles as she hugged him back in return.
Loki nodded and slowly shifted back to his Æsir form. He looked at his hand and calmed down fully once he saw no sign of blue tint to his skin. "I'm sorry for panicking."
Laney smiled up at him and reached up to caress his cheek. "It's okay," she whispered. "Let's enjoy ourselves on our ride okay?"
Loki nodded. "I will try, I promise."
"Can you help me pick a horse?" Desi asked, trying to help with a distraction. Loki nodded and started looking at the other horses in the barn.
Laney grinned after him, then opened Midnight's stall so she could brush her and prepare her for the ride. "Such a pretty girl," she cooed to the mare.
Loki finally picked a mare for Desi and helped her get the horse ready. As Desi led her out, Loki returned to Laney to prepare their horse. "Is she brushed and ready?" He asked her.
"Yes she is," Laney said proudly as she fed Midnight a sweet. "She's a sweet horse."
Loki rubbed the mare under her chin then walked out and encouraged her to follow. After a moment, she followed him out of the stall, then they stopped and waited for Laney. "Are you coming darling?"
Laney grinned and jogged to catch up with him. "Yes I am. I forgot you liked to ride without a saddle."
"I almost always ride without a saddle. They annoy me, as do the reigns." Loki explained. When they were outside, he helped Laney onto the horse, then mounted behind her.
"You have a way with horses to ride without the usual guides," Laney commented as she leaned back against Loki's chest and watched as they quickly caught up to Desi.
"I have been riding my entire life. Mother taught me how to ride without tack." Loki explained, as he wrapped his arms around Laney's.
"That's wonderful," Laney said softly, "I never got to see you learn that. It must have been after I moved here."
"It was after you moved. She started teaching me how to bond with horses to distract me from you leaving." Loki explained and brought them up next to Desi.
Laney held Loki's hand and squeezed it gently as she smiled over at Desi. "Enjoying yourself?" She asked.
"Yes, but it is better with Thor." Desi shrugged and led them onto the trail. It was through a nice tree grove and provided a nice view of nature.
"Just a couple more days Des, then you'll see him again," Laney assured her. I cannot wait to see your face when Thor picks us all up.
Desi nodded, but still wasn't her cheerful self. "Two days to be exact, but it feels like an eternity."
"It will be here before you know it Desi," Laney assured as she felt Loki tighten his grip on her waist.
"Tomorrow should go fast since it will be a busy day." Desi replied. "Does he know I'm coming back the day after tomorrow?"
Laney nodded then grinned. "He does. He's the one writing the letters to you after all."
"I know, but his last letter sounded like he was unsure of the day. I didn't know if you had heard anything from him." Desi explained when the sound of thunder sounded in the distance.
The horses tensed at the reverberations felt through the ground, then tossed their heads. "I think we should get them back." Loki told Laney and Desi.
"That sounds like a good idea. It seems the storm was closer than we thought it was," Laney said as she looked up at the sky while she reassured Midnight by rubbing her shoulder and neck.
Loki coaxed the mare to turn around, then they all started to head back. They arrived back at the stables just as it started to rain. "She doesn't handle nearly as easily as Seph." He commented as he dismounted then helped Laney off.
Laney patted Midnight's side as she held onto her mane to lead her back into the barn. "Every horse is different."
"I know but it takes a lot of time and effort to work with Seph as seamlessly as I do. I don't think many put that much time into their horses." Loki shrugged, not meaning anything bad by it.
"Well, I'm glad that you do," Laney commented. She led Midnight into her stall and made sure to close the stall door behind her. "Some horses have no clue how to have a rider without tack, only used to a bit in their mouth."
"She did very well, I am not complaining. I was merely stating the difference," Loki explained. He left for a few minutes to help Desi put the saddle up, then returned to Laney. "Are you ready to go? I will use a spell to dry us after the walk in the rain."
"Yes I am. Hopefully it doesn't get too bad on our way back." She exited the stall and latched the door behind her. "Desi, are we still going to your home? I'm sorry the ride wasn't longer."
"Sure. We can chat and pack a bit before dinner," Desi said happily. "I really hope this storm clears so you two can go to the beach." She added as they walked out of the stables and into the rain.
Laney and Loki followed Desi out into the drizzle of rain that had started to fall from the sky. "For now let's just hope that the rain doesn't get worse as we walk," Laney said with a chuckle as she quickened her pace to keep up with Desi.
"It looks like this will be a good one." Desi commented as she looked up at the dark clouds. "We better pick up the pace a little." She said, grateful she lived in the middle of town so they were never too far from her place. Loki walked with Laney, holding her hand, just listening to the girls chat.
"I hope we can make it before it starts to pour," Laney replied with a chuckle as she ended up almost jogging to keep up with Desi. "Not so fast woman!" she chided playfully.
Desi giggled and slowed down to a brisk walk. "Sorry, I just don't want to get stuck in the downpour. You know how bad the hail can be out here." She reminded Laney.
Laney nodded in agreement. "I do, but I don't think this will be too bad of a storm that it would hail. At least I hope not."
"The last few storms have had some hail, but not like that bad storm a few years ago. Remember that hail that damaged a lot of houses?" Desi asked, still kind of scared of storms like that.
"That was awful," Laney agreed as they quickly passed by the market once more. "I had to assist in fixing some of the buildings with my magic. I couldn't sit by and do nothing even though I don't know many spells to use for that purpose."
"I don't know anything at all past healer magic, but I helped in the mobile aid to help people that were injured. It was such a bad time and I hope there is never a storm like that again." Desi said truthfully and led them down a different path to her place.
Laney followed close behind Desi, holding tight to Loki's hand. "I agree. It was a stressful few days. Are we getting close to you home Desi? You took us a different way."
"Yes, this is a shorter road." Desi explained and turned them down a little alleyway. When they came out, they were right beside Desi's home. She quickly let them inside as it was starting to rain harder.
"I'm glad you know all of the shortcuts," Laney commented with a giggle as she quickly stepped into the house and let down her now wet hair. "I'll have to wring this out and braid it or it will be a mess."
"Just stand still, both of you." Loki told them. He cast a spell that made them all feel warm for a moment as it fully dried them.
Laney turned and graced Loki with a smile. "Thank you Loki. I really need to learn that one." She sat on a nearby chair in the kitchen and proceeded to start braiding her hair.
"I can teach you." Loki promised then walked over and took her hair to braid it for her. "I can fix it for you."
A blush filled Laney's cheeks as she let him do her hair. "You are kind of adorable sometimes, you know that?"
"I try my best." He chuckled and finished braiding her hair. Desi brought out hot tea for the three of them to warm them up.
When he'd tied the end of her braid, she turned to face him and gave him a gentle kiss. "My sweet Loki," she murmured.
Loki returned her kiss and smiled. "Would you like to move to the sitting room?" he asked her.
Laney took the cup of tea that Desi offered her. "Sure. We can all relax for a little bit before we finish packing up Desi's things." She stood and walked into the sitting room, quickly claiming her usual spot on the sofa. "How much is left to pack?"
Desi and Loki sat on either side of Laney with their tea. "Not much. I have just the main stuff I've been using. Like, I need to pack the rest of my clothes and dishes... and a few things from the bathroom." Desi replied.
"I would leave out just enough for you to use. Are you still keeping this place though? If you are, I wouldn't take everything with you," Laney stated.
"That's right, I don't need to take everything. I forgot about that... I won't need my dishes in the palace at all..." Desi said, now thinking about what she really needed to take.
Laney chuckled, then took a sip of her tea. "No, you will not. You'll be living a couple doors down from me and Loki after all," she pointed out. "You could even leave some clothes here if you wanted to. I know I'm going to leave some here."
"I don't know what clothes to leave and what to take. I know I'll get there and want all the clothes I left." She giggled.
"It's completely up to you, what you bring with you. I'm sure that you'll end up buying new ones at the market regardless," Laney commented, knowing that Desi liked to shop when she was able to.
Desi looked over at Laney with a grin. "Are you asking me to go on shopping trips with you?"
Laney shrugged. "I wouldn't mind it. Plus I know Loki won't want to go with me all the time."
"Wait, why won't Loki want to go with you?" Loki asked Laney curiously.
"I'm sure he wouldn't want to watch me try on clothes all the time," she said, then glanced over at him with a smile. "He needs guy time just as much as we need girl time."
"If you want girl time, I'm fine with that. But for the record, I would go with you every time." Loki said truthfully.
Laney grinned at him. "Well, you're welcome to come along any time you would like to. I'm not going to say no."
"I will come along some times, but you can have girl time too, I don't mind and I would never try to stop you." Loki said sincerely.
"Can you tell me more about Thor?" Desi asked as she laid down with her head on Laney's lap.
Laney looked down at her and sat back on the sofa to give her more room to be comfortable. "What would you like to know?"
"Anything and everything. I don't care how small it is, I just miss him so much." Desi admitted.
Laney couldn't help but to chuckle. "Well, he's tall and he has blonde hair," she teased and dodged the knowing swat that came her way. "He likes kids and sometimes joins in on the reading time in the market with his mother if he has the chance."
"That sounds so cute! I hope I get to see him at reading time at some point!" Desi said truthfully. "Do you think he wants kids?"
"I don't know," Laney answered honestly. "That would be something to ask him for yourself. Besides other odd facts I know about him, I do know he is a part of a group in Midgard called The Avengers. He helps protect the realm from any major threat."
"Can you tell me more about the Avenger group? Why isn't Loki part of a group like that?" Desi asked her.
"Umm... Loki?" Laney asked, not wanting to upset him.
"You can tell her, I guess I don't mind." Loki said with a little shrug.
Laney nodded and took a deep breath before she explained what she knew. "When Loki fell from the bridge, you and I both know that we were told that he perished. Two years later Heimdall spotted him on Midgard preparing an attack against them. It took Thor and the rest of The Avengers to stop him from doing what he wanted to do at the time. Thor told me that Loki was not himself the entire time, until one of them hit him rather hard."
Desi gave Laney a curious look, then sat up. "Isn't that what he was imprisoned for?" She asked Laney, noticing how Loki looked like he was trying to ignore the entire conversation. "Did he ever get a full exam?"
Laney shrugged. "I'm not certain if he did. If it was not for Frigga writing to me and telling me he is alive, I'm sure he would still be in that cell where they had him."
"You said he wasn't himself... did they ever figure out why that is?" Desi asked, recognizing a few key statements but not wanting to jump to conclusions.
Laney shook her head. "I am not sure. I feel like Odin knows something but he has not told anyone." She leaned heavily against Loki's side as thunder continued to rumble overhead from the storm. "I only know what I have been told."
Desi looked between Laney and Loki, a bit scared by the pissed look on his face. "You know I have more questions, but there are cookies in the kitchen." She told Loki, telling him it was alright if he wanted to go.
"You need to drop this. It isn't safe." Loki muttered.
Laney rubbed Loki's arm. "Alright Loki. We'll stop... but that does not mean we don't have questions."
"I will go find the cookies." He sighed, gave Laney a quick kiss, then stood up and left the room.
Desi watched him go and once he was in the kitchen she turned to Laney. "I don't know that he's the one who attacked... what all have you been told?"
"I only know what Frigga and Thor told me Desi, which isn't a lot," Laney said. "Frigga told me mostly of his heritage and how they hid it from him while Thor only summarized what happened in Midgard to me. Loki is very defensive about it, although I hope he will open up to me one day... just like I hope to open up to him about when I thought he was gone."
Desi nodded sadly. "You will in time. Until then, I'm always here if you need to talk or anything." She promised. "Do you think he would let me check a few things?"
"That, you would have to talk to Loki about. He may be more open to it than examining his Jotun form, but as defensive about the subject as he is, I couldn't give you a straight answer."
Desi wrung her hands nervously. "He isn't very open with me directly, so I don't know if he would agree if I asked him."
Laney sighed and looked towards the kitchen. "I don't know either Des." She turned and smiled at her friend, when a lightning flash outside the window caught her eye. "The storm has gotten a bit rough out there. I hope the weather tomorrow will be nice."
"Do you want to talk to him about it?" Desi asked her, clearly scared to bring it up herself. "I'm sure it will be fine."
Laney nodded as she played with the hem of her blouse. "I will broach the subject with him, but I want to wait until we're back home. Plus we have other things to talk about too," she reminded her.
Desi nodded as Loki returned with the cookies. "What else do you want to talk about?" She asked, changing the subject.
Laney's eyes widened. "Umm... nothing of major importance," she replied while she discreetly put her hands on her belly. "Are the cookies good?" she asked Loki as he sat back down beside her.
Loki looked over at Laney. "Had you wanted to talk to Desi about something else? I can return to the kitchen." he said, sincere in his offer.
Laney shook her head. "No, it's alright." She looked over at Desi to see her smirking at her, which made her narrow her eyes in return. "Did you want me to help you with anything before we brave the rain to go home?" she asked. "It's starting to get late."
"No, I think I'm pretty much done since I don't have to take the dishes." She chuckled. "If it's too bad, you're welcome to stay here."
"What do you think, Loki?" Laney asked. "Do you want to try and go to the house or stay here with Desi tonight?"
"If we stay here, are you two going to spend half the night giggling?" Loki asked with a chuckle.
Laney raised an eyebrow at him. "Either that or we'd end up grossing Desi out," she remarked.
"Have fun walking in the rain!" Desi giggled. "There will be none of that in my house!" She teased.
"Oh, if Thor were here I think it would be an entirely different story," Laney retorted with a laugh as she moved to place her legs across Loki's lap.
Desi blushed a deep shade of red. "We are nowhere near even considering anything like that." She mumbled, then blushed even deeper when she remembered how he looked at the lake when they all went swimming.
Desi's reaction only made Laney giggle more. "Both of you may not be, but I can tell you've thought about it."
"No I haven't!" Desi replied quickly, her voice raised. "I mean, I saw a lot of him when we went swimming, but I've never thought about sleeping with him." She admitted truthfully.
Upon seeing Desi's very red face, Laney calmed down and curled further against Loki. "Okay, okay. I'll quit teasing."
"I've just never been with anyone like that before, and I know he has. My inexperience won't interest him... and I truly like him, I'm not just trying to get him in bed." Desi said softly.
"Desi... Loki is my first," Laney stated. "He's had other partners and we're together now. Don't put yourself down."
"You and Loki have a lifetime of history though. I just kind of... showed up." she sighed. "It's hard alright? He's the future king and it's hard to think he would actually have interest in someone like me." She admitted, then quickly dried her eyes.
Laney quickly got up and wrapped her arms around her friend. "Don't cry Desi. I swear to you, Thor really likes you. I would not lie to you." She hugged her tightly and rubbed her back. "If you want us to go home we will," she said softly, "Give you some time to relax."
"I just worry that he will find someone more noble and that will be the end of it." Desi admitted sadly.
"It can be hard to start a new relationship, but if it is meant to be, nothing can stop it." Loki told Desi.
"I will be alright, I promise." Desi promised Laney.
Laney smiled and kissed Desi's cheek before she let her go. "I'll tell you what Frigga told me when I first came back to Asgard. Let your heart guide you, because it knows the way."
Desi sighed and gave Laney a soft smile. "I'm trying. I think it will be easier once I'm not so far away." Desi said. "Thank you for helping me through my insecurities. You're a really good best friend."
"I'm always here to help," Laney replied with a bright smile, only to jump at the sound of a overly loud crack of thunder. "Stupid storm."
"It's alright darling, you're safe." Loki assured Laney as he stood to hold her close. "If you are too scared to walk back, we can stay here."
Laney leaned back against Loki's side. "I'm not scared... but I don't mind to stay."
"Darling, you nearly just jumped off the sofa." he pointed out, worried about her.
"I'm fine, I assure you," Laney stated while she stared out of the window and watched the rain. "I was just startled."
"Are you certain love? I don't want you stressed." He told her.
Laney looked over at Loki and nodded. "I'm sure." Then Laney watched as Desi opened a nearby closet.
"I will make up the sofa and you two can have the bed." Desi told them.
"Are you sure you want us to have your bed? I don't want to inconvenience you." Laney asked.
Desi thought about it for a moment. "Fair point. Loki can have the sofa and you and I will take the bed." She chuckled.
Sleep without Loki? Laney shrugged. "I'll do what we must... but I don't know if I'll be happy about it."
"Don't pout. He doesn't want to hear our girl talk." Desi joked.
Laney rolled her eyes and relented. "Fine, but don't get mad if I sneak in here late at night."
"Or, I take the bed now, you two have your girl time out here, then Laney joins me in bed after." Loki suggested to them.
"That's actually a good idea." Desi agreed.
Laney chuckled and nodded. "That is a good idea."
"Then it's settled!" Desi said happily. "I will grab a blanket." She said then stood up on her toes to get one out of the closet.
Laney watched her get the blanket then turn and walk down the hallway as she let out a contented sigh. "Have you enjoyed today, love?" She asked as she turned to look at Loki.
"I have, it has been a very nice day." Loki replied and wrapped his arm tighter around her waist. "Have you?"
"Yes I have," Laney answered. "Thank you for all you got for me today. I have a feeling you'll always spoil me."
"I love spoiling you darling. You are everything to me." Loki gently lifted her chin and kissed her tenderly.
Laney returned his kiss and placed a hand on his cheek. "I love you Loki.," she murmured.
"I love you too darling." Loki said softly and placed his hand over hers to hold it to his cheek.
"Okay, I have blankets and pillows!" Desi said to announce her arrival. "Laney, you can look through my pajamas if you want to borrow something."
Laney turned and watched Desi, but still held onto Loki's hand. "I'll find something I'm sure."
"It's the box right next to the bed. You can wear whatever you want." Desi told her. She laid the blankets and pillows out to make little beds on the floor, like they usually did at sleepovers.
Laney watched her with a smile. "I'll go change real quick then." She uncurled from Loki's side, then walked down the hall to Desi's room.
Loki watched her go with a little grin, then stretched before going into the bathroom.
"Find something cute?" Desi called out to Laney.
Laney walked back down the hall in an oversized night shirt that reached her knees and hung off one shoulder. "I just might take this from you," she said with a giggle. "It's so soft!"
"Go ahead, I have a couple more. They are so comfortable!" Desi replied. "But you have to make sure it is Loki approved." She teased.
Laney chuckled. "I guess we'll just have to see what he thinks."
"If we are talking about the way you are dressed, I like it very much." Loki said, walking back into the sitting room. "Don't be shy, give us a twirl."
"Now, why would I be shy?" Laney asked with a chuckle as she spun in place in her bare feet. "I really do like this shirt."
"Yes, I think it is Loki approved." Loki chuckled. "It is very cute. I should find more like this for you."
A light blush filled Laney's cheeks as she sat on the pallet of blankets that Desi had made when a thought came to her mind. "What will you wear tonight?" she asked him.
"I have a pair of trousers to change into." Loki told her. "I think they are blue though, not black." He said, annoyed by the color.
"There is nothing wrong with the color blue, Loki," Laney chastised.
"Do you have any idea what I look like when I wear blue?" Loki muttered.
"Love, blue looks fine on you. I've seen you wear blue but it was a long time ago."
"My brother wears blue." He mumbled, making Desi giggle.
Laney smirked. "Loki, Thor wears red most of the time unless he's dressed down in Midgardian clothes."
"I know, but he does wear more blue than I do." Loki shrugged.
"The objection could have been worse." Desi whispered to Laney, referring to the Jotun skin color.
"In any case," Laney said with a smile, "I will still say that blue is as good as any color."
"Well, I will be in bed. Have fun with whatever girls do." Loki chuckled. He came over and leaned down to give Laney a kiss before he left for the bedroom.
Laney and Desi chatted well into the night, talking about everything and nothing all at once. When Laney noticed Desi kept yawning, she sat up from her spot on the floor. "I'm going to let you go to sleep. I know you have to get up and go in for a little while tomorrow. I didn't mean to keep you up so late."
"It's fine, we haven't done this in so long and I have really enjoyed it." Desi said truthfully. "If Loki will agree to an exam, bring him by tomorrow. If not, meet me here first thing in the morning the day after and we will go get our things from the clinic and I will do your test." She said, sounding half asleep.
"Alright. I have had a lot of fun just hanging out with you tonight like we used to." She stood from the floor and stretched. "Sleep well Desi."
"You too, and we will do this more once we are both moved to Asgard." Desi promised. As soon as she laid her head down, she fell right to sleep.
Laney grinned, then quietly walked down the hallway and into Desi's room, closing the door behind her. She watched Loki for a few moments before she pulled the blanket back and slid into bed. Loki rolled over in his sleep, feeling Laney's presence. He held her close and slept peacefully until morning.
