Loki woke early and had breakfast brought in the chambers sitting room, then set it up as a little breakfast in bed for Laney, to surprise her. "Good morning darling." He said softly, once it was all ready.
Laney grumbled as she woke and rubbed her eyes. "Good morning Loki, did you sleep well? What is all of this?" She asked.
"I wanted to surprise you with breakfast in bed before I have to go." Loki explained with a smile.
"Awe, you're so sweet," she replied, then leaned over to kiss him. "This looks perfect."
He returned her kiss and sat next to her. "I'm glad you like it darling." He smiled.
She sat up and grabbed a strawberry. "You got all of my favorites too. I love you darling."
"I love you too and I want to do all I can to take care of you." He said truthfully and picked up a tart and took a bite.
Laney finished one strawberry then grabbed another and dipped it in cream. "I'm thankful."
Loki finished his tart, then picked up his plate of eggs and roast meat. "I want to take care of... of both of you." he said softly.
Tears filled Laney's eyes. "Awe... Loki."
"Please don't cry darling... I'm doing my best, I promise I am." he sighed.
"No, no... they're happy tears Loki. I promise," she assured.
"But... what did I do? Breakfast doesn't need tears." he said, confused.
Laney moved the breakfast tray over then scooted closer to Loki so she could cup his face in her hands. "You mentioned both of us... not just me or you, but the little one too," she whispered. "It made me very happy."
"We are a family now... I may be terrified, but we are still a family." He admitted.
"Yes we are, to all of the above," she chuckled, then kissed him gently.
He returned her kiss softly. "I love you so much darling." He murmured, then pecked her lips again before finishing his meal.
"I love you as well... we both do," she replied softly, then finished her own meal.
"Are you staying in your pajamas today?" He asked her curiously since Desi had mentioned it.
She shrugged. "I thought about it. Although I don't know how others will be to see me in a shirt and shorts."
"Darling, if anyone takes issue with you being comfortable, you send them directly to me and I will deal with them directly." Loki told her, not willing to put up with anyone giving her trouble.
"I will do that," Laney assured as she maneuvered her way into his lap, feeling clingy.
"Do you need me to stay here today?" He asked, wrapping his arms tight around her. "Just say the word and I will." He promised.
Laney shrugged as she snuggled against him. "You can still go with Thor if you want to. I just like having you close," she murmured. Her hands held tight to the fabric of his sleep shirt as she rested her head against his shoulder.
"I truly can reschedule and stay here. It is just a quick errand we were going to tend to." He told her.
"I don't wanna make you miss out on spending time with your brother," she said softly.
"I appreciate that darling, but you will always come first." Loki said, keeping his arms around her.
Laney tilted her head upward to kiss him under his chin. "Are you sure you don't mind?" She asked softly. "What were you going to get?"
"I don't mind at all darling. It is just some palace business, my brother can easily handle it." He assured her.
She nodded as she ran her hand through his hair. "If you're staying today, what will we do? I wouldn't mind a walk to the market later."
"We can do that. I'm curious though, is it that you want it to just be us, or that you just don't want to be away from me?" He asked her curiously.
Laney blushed as she averted her eyes from him. "I want to be close to you," she said softly. "I always want to be close to you, but this feels stronger, like I need to be with you or touching you."
"It is perfectly fine darling, I don't mind at all, I love being with you. The reason I asked is because the business we needed to attend to is in the market. If you didn't mind, we could all go down there together that way, should my brother need any help, we would be close by." He suggested to her.
"That would be okay," she replied. They sat there contently together, just enjoying each others company. Laney kept playing with Loki's hair, coiling it through her fingers. "Do you want me to cut it?" She asked softly. "It's really long."
"Are you sure you're alright with us all going?" Loki asked her, wanting her to be happy. "I am still alright with it being cut."
"Yes, love. I'm okay with all of us going. We might even find something for the little one, although it's super early to purchase anything." Laney pulled away to bring Loki's hair around his shoulders. "It's almost as long as mine... how short would you like it?"
"Why is it too soon to buy anything?" Loki asked curiously. "I want it just long enough to still annoy mother." He chuckled.
Laney reluctantly climbed out of Loki's lap, then got off the bed to go into the bathroom. When she returned she had a pair of scissors in her hand, along with a towel. "We don't know if it's a boy or a girl, plus the people don't know I am expecting yet." She grabbed the desk chair and pulled it to the center of the room. "Come sit."
Loki got out of bed and walked over and sat in the chair. "Should anyone question a purchase, you could say it is to send to a friend on Yamir. It is common knowledge you have been living there."
She shrugged as she grabbed her brush and began to brush his hair so it would lay straight. "I suppose. When would you like to make the news public? I am sure we will have to make an announcement."
"There is usually a feast. It would be similar to our courtship feast, but the guests usually bring a gift for the baby." He explained and held very still for her.
Laney picked up the scissors and slowly began to cut his hair, doing her best to keep it even. "It may be too early yet for that. But then again, Desi said we have six to seven months."
Loki made a little face as his hair was cut, but made no complaint. "If the test results are absolute, the announcement could be made anytime. When the gender isn't known, gifts will usually be more neutral." He explained.
"I assume the Soul Forge will be used to keep an eye on the baby. Do you think it could tell us what we're having when it's able?" She asked curiously.
"I think it can, but that's not really my area of knowledge." Loki admitted. "We can ask Desi or a midwife if you want."
Laney moved to face him as she continued to cut his hair. "I'm almost done, you'll need to shower afterward. Would you want to know what the baby is?"
"Is there a reason we wouldn't know?" Loki asked, starting to become concerned.
She smirked at him. "Only if you want it to be a surprise about the gender." Laney stepped back and looked at her work. She'd gotten the length just above his shoulders. "That should feel better."
"Would you rather know, or have it be a surprise?" He asked her, then stood up to brush the loose hair off his shoulders. "It does feel better."
"I would be happy no matter what we do," Laney replied. "Are you going to shower? You may end up itchy if you don't."
"If we know, it would be easier to know what to get... and pick names." he replied, then nodded. "Yes, I will shower real quick then we can go find my brother."
Laney smiled at him. "Then we will find out what the gender will be."
"When will that be possible?" Loki asked her, still sounding nervous about the pregnancy in general.
"I'll have to talk to Desi when we see her today. I'll have regular appointments with her about the little one before long." She followed Loki into the bathroom and turned on the water to the bath for him.
"We will figure all of that out later." Loki promised her. After shifting his clothes off, he stepped into the water to wash his hair.
Laney couldn't help but smile and ogle him as he bathed. "Yes, we will," she said.
Loki finished his quick bath and turned the water off. When he stepped out, he had already dried himself with the spell. "How does my hair look now? Will it be an alright look for me?"
"It looks wonderful," she said with a smile, while she sat on the counter top, by the sink.
"I will get dressed then we can go. I am eager to have these errands finished with." Loki said truthfully. He shifted into his clothes, wearing a casual tunic and trousers.
"I just need to do my hair and get dressed, then we can meet up with Thor and Desi. I wonder how their first night living together went."
"However it went, I know she will tell you all about it." Loki chuckled. "I hope it went well though, I think they are very good for each other."
Laney nodded in agreement as she slid off the counter. "I think they are too," she replied as she walked back into the bedroom to get a dress to wear.
Loki followed Laney into the bedroom. "They need to get more comfortable with each other though, or it will all fall apart."
"I get that. Desi is shy and Thor is worried he'll do something wrong. They need to open up to each other." She took off her sleep shirt and quickly put on her dress, then sat on the edge of the bed to put on her flats.
Loki quickly knelt down and slid her flats onto her feet for her. "Is there anything we can do to help them open up?"
Laney shook her head. "They need to learn for themselves Loki. I want to help them, but couples push and pull. They need to work together and learn more about one another."
"I know, I just really worry about them. I will not interfere though." He promised, then stood and offered her his hand so they could walk together.
Laney took his hand and let him lead her out of their chambers and into the hallway. "Are we going their rooms I assume?" She asked. "I don't want to interrupt anything, but Desi has caught us on a few occasions."
"Their chambers are on the way so I figured we would check there first. I'm sure we will eventually interrupt something, but given them my brother barely even holds her hand, I doubt we will catch them at much right now." Loki chuckled, leading the way to Thor's chambers.
"He did kiss her yesterday," she pointed out as they walked. "But I do see your point."
"Yes, but by feast time, it was back to their distance. I worry he isn't over Jane yet and that is why he's like this." Loki sighed. When they stopped at Thor's chamber door, he knocked, making sure it was loud enough for them to hear if they were still in bed.
"I agree with you," Laney said softly.
Thor walked to the main chamber door and opened it. "Good morning Loki, Laney. How're you?"
"Good morning Thor," Laney said with a smile.
"Good morning brother. We were going to visit the market soon and wanted to see if you wanted to join us. That order from the blacksmith needs to be picked up." He said, hoping Thor would remember the ring and not question it.
He nodded. "Yes, both of us can accompany you if you want us to. Unless Laney would like to stay at the palace."
"It was Laney's idea to go to the market. She didn't know that's where our business was, so I suggested we just all go together." Loki explained.
Thor grinned at them both. "That sounds like a good time then."
"Is Desi awake yet? I hope you didn't wear her out too much last night." Loki teased.
A blush filled Thor's face instantly. "She's in the bath. She shouldn't be too much longer if you would like to come in and sit."
"Sure, that would be nice." Loki agreed and walked in with Laney. "We have tested the bath and it will comfortably seat two." He pointed out to Thor.
"Trying to get me back for teasing you brother?" Thor asked as she led them to the sofas and sat down.
"No, I will get back at you once something is actually going on." Loki admitted. He helped Laney sit down then sat beside her.
Thor chuckled and shook his head. "You wouldn't be yourself if you didn't."
"Really though, how did things go last night?" Loki asked curiously, wrapping his arm around Laney.
"Good," Thor answered. "It was a little awkward at first, but we ended up cuddled together in bed for the night."
"Do you think things will be easier for the two of you now?" He asked, hoping it would be.
Thor nodded. "Things should be a little easier. It's very new for us both. We don't have the history the both of you do."
"I know you don't, but there's only one way to build that history." Loki shrugged as Desi walked out, dressed in a light blue summer dress.
"Is everything alright?" Desi asked, not expecting to see Laney and Loki that early.
Thor turned and smiled at her. "Everything is fine. They came to ask if we'd like to join them in going to the market."
"Oh, okay! That sounds nice." Desi said with a smile. "When are we going?" She asked, standing there awkwardly.
"Whenever everyone is ready to go," Laney answered, noting her nervousness. I need to talk to her.
"Let's go then. Early shopping is always best." Loki said and stood up then offered Laney his hand to help her up.
Laney smiled and continued to hold Loki's hand once she was standing. "Is everyone ready?"
"I am," Thor stated as he stood, then turned and held out his hand for Desi. "Are you, Desi dear?"
Desi blushed and took his hand. "Yes, I'm ready." She said softly, and followed Laney and Loki out of the chambers.
Thor grinned down at her as they followed behind Loki and Laney. "How was your bath?" he asked softly.
"It was nice and relaxing. I don't think I've ever been in such a big bath before." Desi answered with a little giggle.
"Well it's yours now as well. Feel free to use it anytime you like," Thor replied as he caressed the back of her hand.
"I will, thank you... oh, would it be alright if I use that empty drawer in the dresser so I can unpack a couple things?" Desi asked hesitantly.
"Of course Desi. You can have more than one drawer and closet space if you require it. It's your space too, make it your home," Thor said sweetly.
"Just the one will be fine, I don't want to change everything after barely being here one day." She admitted.
Thor nodded. "This is your home now Desi. I want you to feel at home."
"It's your home too and it doesn't feel right to force my stuff everywhere." Desi said softly. "You have everything so well organized already."
He relented and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I just want you to be comfortable."
"Thank you, I appreciate it." Desi said sweetly and blushed softly. She was quiet after that for the remainder of the walk to the blacksmith, just unsure of what to say.
"Do you two want to look at the nearby merchants while we go in here?" Loki asked Laney and Desi. "It's hot and loud in there."
Laney shrugged. "There's a clothing merchant across the road, we can go there," she responded.
"I promise this inspection will be quick." Loki told Laney then kissed her softly. "Find something cute over there." He grinned.
"I'll try," she said with a chuckle, then grabbed Desi's hand and pulled her towards the merchant across the road, wanting to see the wares they had.
"It looks like they have some baby stuff here." Desi pointed out and wrapped her arm around Laney's arm. "We need to start thinking about a nursery." She said excitedly but she kept her voice down.
Laney grinned as a faint blush covered her cheeks. "I know we do. I'm wondering if Loki could do an enchantment to add a room to our chambers?" she thought aloud. They walked into the small hut and began looking around.
"I don't know but that would make it easier if he can." Desi agreed and looked around with Laney. "They have lingerie as well." She teased.
"I have a couple of sets actually, although I'd like to find a white set," Laney replied as she looked through some of the folded clothes.
"We will find white then!" Desi said happily and finally let go of Laney's arm to look through the clothes. After a few minutes, she held up a very revealing lingerie set in white lace. "How's this?"
Laney's eyes widened. "I think Loki would have a heart attack."
"Isn't that what you want in this case?" Desi giggled. "Come on, it's perfect!"
"I'll get it. I think he will rather enjoy it... it's best to get it before my body starts to change. Why don't you find yourself a set too? Maybe in red?"
Desi blushed from her cheeks to her neck. "I don't have any reason to get clothes like this." She mumbled.
Laney frowned. "Desi, I know you two are not to that part of your relationship, but you need to try and relax around him."
Desi nodded and sighed softly. "I know and I'm trying. It's just hard still, especially after the queen started talking about teaching me my duties as a possible future queen... it's very overwhelming." She admitted. When she turned from the lingerie, she found a cute dress in red that caught her attention and took it from the rack to look at.
"I know it's a lot to think about, being with someone of royalty. The best thing to do while you're getting closer to him is to not see him as a royal and just see him as a person. Otherwise that's all you'll focus on." Laney watched as Desi held the dress in her hands. "Why don't you get it?"
"It is hard to focus on anything else. I panic and freeze up when his status comes to mind." Desi said sadly. "It's hard because you know I'm clingy, but I don't think he likes a lot of contact." She shrugged, then put the dress back. "I will have to save up to afford these prices. It's nice to look though."
Laney walked over to a stand that had jewelry placed on it. "Maybe you two should go to a place away from the palace, but still here on Asgard, so you can get to know one another a bit more."
"I don't know, it would have to wait until I have a few days off. I start my new post tomorrow. It would also depend on Thor's duties." She explained, then walked over to the discount clothes and found a cute blue dress. "What do you think about this one?"
"That color is cute," Laney replied. "You could find a secluded spot on your days off. Thor is still doing court, but Odin is recovering."
"I will try to talk to him about it." Desi agreed. She put the dress back and went back to the red one. "I'm going to see if they will hold it for me." She said happily.
"Are you ladies having fun?" Loki asked as they walked over. He wrapped his arms around Laney's waist from behind. "Did you find something cute?"
Laney blushed as she held up the lingerie set she'd been holding. "Desi found this... what do you think?"
"I would need to see it on you to know for sure, but I think I like it." Loki teased, approving. "Do they have any that are more revealing?"
"This isn't revealing enough?" Laney asked with a chuckle. "It's made of nothing but lace."
"I could picture you in less." Loki smirked. "It will be fun to rip this off you." He whispered in her ear.
"Loki!" she whispered harshly, knowing she was ten shades red.
"Yes darling?" Loki chuckled, then turned Laney to face him so he could kiss her softly.
Laney eagerly returned Loki's kiss and daringly nipped his bottom lip. "Naughty thing," she murmured.
"Guilty as charged." Loki grinned, then looked over at Thor.
Thor smiled over at his brother and Laney as he wrapped his arm around Desi's shoulders. "What about you?" he asked softly.
"I found a dress I like, I'm going to see if they will hold it for me." Desi told Thor, snuggling into his side.
"Why would you need to put it on hold?" Thor asked softly.
"I just need to save up a little more for it." Desi explained, not embarrassed about not having the money.
Thor nodded. "I could get it for you if you'd like?" he offered, then looked up at the sound of Laney's voice. "I wonder why she's so red," he said with a smirk.
"Thank you, but it's alright. I will be able to afford it when I get paid next week." Desi explained. "Loki probably saw the lingerie she picked out." She giggled.
"I am sure they will hold it for you if that's what you wish," Thor said as he chuckled at her comment. Seeing Desi in something like that would be beautiful.
"I am going to go ask real quick." Desi said with a smile, then she walked off to go ask.
"Just pick something out for her as a surprise." Loki said, having been watching Thor, knowing that look all too well.
Thor nodded, then glanced around, feeling lost on where to start. "What color though? What size?"
Laney turned to lean against Loki's chest. "She likes almost every color but pink, and she wears a medium."
"Thank you Laney," Thor replied, then began looking through items.
"You'll want to pick something both cute and sexy, since this is new for her. But it also has to match whatever you plan to happen." Loki told his brother. "Like, do you just want something cute for her to sleep in? Or do you want to encourage intimacy?" He asked curiously, so he could give better advice.
Thor huffed. "I do not want to push her, Loki. This is different than it has been with anyone, even... Jane."
Loki shook his head. "I wasn't suggesting to push anything and I wasn't even suggesting any particular level of intimacy. I was simply asking because different outfits are made for different effects." He explained, then picked up a cute set that was only very lightly revealing. "Try something like this. It's cute, but also good for the lighter stuff like making out."
Laney smiled as she watched Thor take the clothing with a smile and a nod before he walked to the merchant. "That was nice of you," she said quietly.
Loki smiled at Laney. "Well, they need to get closer to each other, and I like showing off my expertise in lingerie." He chuckled.
"You're a good brother," Laney replied with a grin.
"I try to be... sometimes." Loki joked. "Besides, he needs to get laid." He shrugged but didn't say anymore about it since Desi came back over and put the dress back.
"They don't do holds, so I'll just come back next week and see if it's still here." Desi said, disappointed, but not overly bothered by it. "Where did Thor go?"
"He found something he liked for himself and went to purchase it," Laney answered. "I think it was a grey tunic."
"I wouldn't have picked grey as a color for him, but it doesn't matter, he can make anything look good." Desi admitted with a little grin.
Laney chuckled as Thor came back with a wrapped package in his hand. "Are we going to look at more merchants?" He asked.
Desi blushed deeply at the thought that he might have heard what she said. "I was thinking we could browse as we walk, then have lunch in the park before heading home?" Loki suggested.
"I like that idea, what do you think, Desi?" Laney asked.
"That's fine with me." Desi agreed, back to being nervously.
Thor took Desi's hand. "Lead the way brother," he said happily, then followed Laney and Loki back outside.
Loki nodded and wrapped his arm around Laney, holding her close as they walked. "There's several merchants before the food stands, so if you want to look at anything, just tell me."
The group meandered through the market, stopping at little shops along the way. Laney didn't show much interest until she saw a merchant that sold nothing but baby items. "Awe... Loki."
"Do you want to look and pick a couple things out?" Loki asked her, wanting to make her happy.
Laney led Loki to the merchant and was in awe of the little clothes and toys. "Everything is so tiny." She picked up a pale yellow onesie and showed it to Loki. "What do you think?"
"If you like it, I think it's fine." Loki said, only glancing at the onesie.
"Should I get this for Dia?" Desi asked, holding up a little purple dress. "She would look so cute in this!"
Laney's eyes brightened as she held the onesie in her hand. "I think she would be adorable."
"I miss her so much already. I need to find a babysitting job on the side again." Desi said and paid for the dress.
"I'm sure you'll be liked well by the people if you offer that," Laney replied as she decided to put what she held back on the shelf.
Desi nodded. "I plan to. I love watching the little ones." She said truthfully.
"Darling... why did you change your mind?" Loki asked Laney.
Laney shrugged. "I just felt uncertain about getting it, and you didn't seem to like it much," she answered softly.
Loki sighed, feeling bad. "I just don't know anything about baby clothes. I have no problem with us getting them." He assured her.
"I don't know about them either," Laney said, "We just have to learn and get what we like."
"Alright... do you see anything you do like?" He asked, wanting her to pick something.
Laney looked back down at the pale yellow onesie and also spotted one with stars on it. "Our little star..." she murmured.
"I think you should get that one." Loki encouraged her. "It... it's cute." He said, trying to be involved more, for her.
Laney smiled and picked up the onesie with the stars and quickly to it to the merchant to purchase it. "It really is adorable."
"We will have to set up an area for the baby clothes and stuff." Loki said with a little smile. "Are you ready to get lunch?"
"Yes, I'm starved," Laney agreed. They all continued to walk together, soon reaching the food stands. "Loki, can your seidr create rooms?"
"Rooms? I don't think so, but I've never tried. I will have to ask mother about spells or enchantments to add to our room." He replied. "What does everyone want to eat?" He asked the three of them.
"Noodles and broth sound good to me," Laney said.
Thor grinned. "I would love roast chicken."
"I think I'll just have an iced tea." Desi told Loki. She handed him the last of her coins before he walked over to the merchant to place their order.
Laney looked over at Desi as they all found a place to sit. "You're not hungry?" She asked. "That's not like you."
"I will eat at the palace later. Moving cost more than I thought it would, so I'm a little short on coin right now." Desi explained as she took her seat.
"It's alright Des. The post you have now will earn you more than double what you made in Yamir," Laney assured, although Thor looked concerned.
"I know it will, that's why I'm not worried about it. I was actually shocked when I saw how much I will be making. I made decent coin before, I just didn't have a lot of time to plan the move." She told Laney truthfully.
Thor patted Desi's knee. "Things will work out. You have me now as well."
Desi gave Thor a little smile. "I know, but I'm not with you for your coin. I have always paid for what I need." She said truthfully. My stubbornness and fears are going to push him away. Her thoughts were interrupted when Loki returned with their meals, including one for Desi and set her coins down with her food.
"I know you're not Desi, and I admire that about you," Thor said truthfully. He thanked Loki for his food and began to eat.
Desi sat there for a moment while everyone else started eating, then finally gave in and decided it was best to accept the meal without arguing. "Is there any business down here tomorrow?" She asked the three of them.
Laney shrugged as she sipped on her broth. "I'm not sure. You may have to talk to Frigga to see where she's going to start you out at first."
"I'm starting off here in the village, that's why I asked. If you were going to be down here already, I was going to see if you wanted to visit on lunch break." Desi explained, then took a bite of her roast chicken.
"I have one more day off, so I can make a visit down here on your lunch tomorrow," Laney said. "I don't mind."
"You are supposed to be resting though. I don't want you to go out of your way like that." Desi said truthfully.
Laney rolled her eyes. "As long as I'm feeling good, I can still take a walk."
"Alright!" Desi said happily. "But promise you won't be stubborn if you aren't feeling good tomorrow." She insisted.
Laney glanced over at Loki, knowing he was staring at her while he ate. "I promise."
Loki gave Laney a soft smile, happy to hear she wouldn't push herself, then looked at and gave her an encouraging nod.
Desi took a deep breath to calm her nerves, then turned to Thor. "Would you... like to visit for lunch as well?"
Thor grinned as he reached for a cloth to wipe his mouth. "If you would like me to join you, I would love to."
"I would... like for you to join me." Desi admitted with a little smile. "Do you know where the clinic is?"
"I've gone with mother a few times to greet children who are ill," Thor stated. "I will be there."
"I'm looking forward to it." Desi said sincerely. "I don't know anyone there, so it will be nice to have you guys there."
Laney finished her noodles and sat back in her chair. "I'm sure Frigga will escort you to the clinic in the morning. She's not going to make you figure it out on your own."
"She hasn't said anything about it, but I'm sure I can find it." Desi said confidently. "If she is busy, I will just ask a merchant for directions once I get down here."
"She knows you're starting tomorrow, so I assume she will take you to introduce you to everyone," Thor agreed.
"If not... would you want to?" She asked him, blushing softly.
Thor smiled at seeing her pink tinged face. "I would be honored."
"Thank you." Desi said softly, then took another bite of her chicken.
"Do you want to do any more shopping before we return to the palace?" Loki asked Laney.
"We can if you want to," Laney replied, although she fanned herself with the cloth she'd put in her lap. "It's beginning to get hot though."
"I think it might be best to head back. We should only shop in the morning and evening during this heat." He said truthfully, then finished his roast vegetables.
Laney nodded in agreement. "I'm afraid to be out in the heat too much, honestly."
"As soon as everyone is finished, we will head back. This would be a good day to relax and read." Loki suggested.
"I'm finished." Desi told Loki, pushing away her empty plate.
Thor put Desi's plate on top of his. "I am finished as well," he stated, then stood so he could throw away the plates.
"Darling, are you ready?" Loki asked Laney, not wanting her to feel rushed.
"I am," Laney answered. "The noodles were really good today."
"I can have the soup brought up to the palace anytime you want." Loki promised her, then stood and picked up their trash. After throwing it in the nearby bin, he returned and offered her his hand.
Laney gratefully took it, her bag in the other hand, as she stood. "I'm ready when you are."
Loki pulled Laney close and led the way back to the main street through the market. The heat was starting to get to him, but he didn't want to complain. They all walked with each other down the market's street until he stopped in his tracks when he saw Magnus walking towards them.
"Laney? Can we please talk for a moment?" Magnus asked, stopping a short distance from the group. "I don't want any trouble this time..." he said sincerely.
"Umm... sure," Laney said hesitantly as she squeezed Loki's hand, then walked up to her father and walked a little bit away from the group, but stayed within eyesight. "What's wrong?"
"I just want to talk..." he told her. "I want to understand where I went wrong... I thought I had given you a good life on Yamir?" He asked her calmly.
Laney furrowed her brow at him. "What do you mean? You didn't do anything wrong."
"You up and left, and all so you could be with a Jotun reject." He said softly to be sure only Laney would hear. "Even after you saw him, you still chose to be with him."
Laney angrily crossed her arms over her chest. "Daddy, you know I have loved Loki for a very long time. Ever since we were children. Just because he's Jotun, does not change my mind."
"You should have been over him years ago. I thought it was enough to move us away, I even introduced you to some very nice young men. You can't expect a prisoner to give you a good life!" He retorted.
"Loki gives me an amazing life!" She exclaimed. "Odin is the one that told you that we were moving. Are you saying that it was you that caused us to leave?"
"The Allfather announced the post and I offered to take it. He didn't want to send us that far away, but agreed in the end and gave the orders. Him and I both agreed the match was no good." Magnus told her.
Laney narrowed her eyes at her father. "I love Loki. End of story, father. It destroyed me to find out of his supposed death, and you know that. When I learned he actually lived, I was elated."
"Exactly. Don't forget that I was there for you when you fell apart. I tried to cut everything off before he hurt you. Yes, I'm the one that stopped your letters, and I have no regrets in doing so." He told her. "It's time to stop this nonsense and come home."
"I am home," Laney retorted sternly, as tears welled in her eyes. "I plan on living here in Asgard for the rest of my life."
"I won't have you waste your life away here." Magnus reached out and grabbed her arm. "We are going home." He told her firmly. "It's bad enough that you ran away, but you made your friend come with you!"
Laney quickly grasped her father's arm and planted her feet. "I'm not going anywhere with you." She growled, then turned her head and met Loki's alarmed face. "Loki!"
Loki crossed the space in an instant and lifted Magnus by his neck. "If you ever touch my wife or put our child at risk again, I will kill you." He threatened, meaning every word. He dropped Magnus to the ground, then wrapped his arms protectively around Laney, both to comfort her and calm himself. "Did he hurt you darling?"
Her eyes were wide as she stared at her father, coughing on the ground. "I-I'm okay," she stammered, though her thoughts were a whirlwind. Wife?
Loki barely glanced up and saw guards surrounding them, nervous to make any move since they were unsure about what exactly happened.
"Is it true?" Magnus asked Laney. "You are having his child?"
Laney met her father's eyes and let out a shaky breath as she clung to Loki's arms. "I am," she said simply. "I'm with child."
Magnus tried to get to his feet when one of the guards put their hand on Loki's shoulder, intending to arrest him. "Stop, it was my fault and I don't want to make a report." Magnus told the guards, then looked to Thor to back him up so Loki wouldn't face charges.
Thor walked up to the scene and placed a gentle hand on Loki's back. "Nothing has been seriously done here. My brother was protecting Laney, that's all."
The guard looked between Magnus and Thor, then bowed and stepped back. "We must still report the disturbance..." he told Thor.
"Of course you do, and you are bound by oath to report the facts... the fault is mine and mine alone." Magnus stated before Thor could say anything. The guard nodded then the group walked away.
Laney furrowed her brow as she stared at her father. "Why the sudden change of heart?"
Magnus looked at Laney with a sad expression. "My family has already been torn apart. I won't bring that pain to anyone else, especially my own daughter." He said sincerely.
"Our family is fine," Laney countered. "I know we lost mom, but she wouldn't want you to be like this. She always accepted Loki and knew of my feelings for him."
"I can believe that, but she never even told me of your feelings for him. Everything I heard was from the army." He explained.
Laney leaned into Loki's embrace. "Maybe she knew your temper would flare," she suggested.
Magnus looked down at the ground, ashamed of himself. "She also would have helped me through it... I'm sorry for how I acted. Losing your mom destroyed me, and it's felt like I've been losing you too." He told her.
"You've never lost me father," Laney said softly. "My love just expanded to this man right here and now our little star too," she added as she felt one of Loki's hands drift to her stomach.
"I won't cause any more trouble for you, I vow it. I will finish my sentence and return home quietly." He promised her. "If you decline, I understand... but if you would be willing to write and let me know when the baby is born, it would mean a lot." He said, then turned and started to walk away.
Laney left Loki's embrace and jogged to her father and clasped a hand on his shoulder. "I'm still upset with you," she murmured, "but our baby will need all of its grandparents."
Magnus stopped walking and turned to face Laney. "That is why I asked if you would write. I would be honored if you would allow me to send an occasional gift." He said truthfully.
"Daddy... I want you to be able to meet the baby," Laney said, "If you want to that is."
"You... you would let me still be part of your life? After everything I've done?" He asked, barely able to believe it.
"I am mad at you and I don't fully trust you," Laney stated firmly. "But... you're my father and I want you to be a part of my child's life."
Magnus nodded, knowing he was getting what he deserved. "Is it possible I could ever earn your trust again? I don't want to lose you too."
Laney looked back at Loki, then back at Magnus. "One day, perhaps. But what you did and what you've done recently has hurt me and Loki. It won't easily be forgotten."
"I understand and I will work hard to earn your trust... both of your trust. For what it's worth, I do regret what I did to him." He said truthfully. "I do need to return to work... could I give you a hug?"
"You can have a hug," Laney said happily then felt as he held her in an embrace. "I've missed the real you for a long time," she added.
Magnus held her tight with tears in his eyes. "I've missed you too, more than you know and I'm so proud of you."
Laney kissed his cheek and held him tightly in return. "Thank you daddy... I really do love him. He's my world."
"I know it comes late, but you have my blessing." Magnus finally managed to smile at her. "I have always wanted to be a grandpa." He chuckled and let go of her so he could dry his eyes.
"That's sweet of you," Laney said as she let him go. "But I'll take your blessing when some time has passed. You said Loki was a reject and we aren't a good match just several minutes ago. As far as being a grandpa, I'm glad you're happy about it."
"I do want to apologize for saying those things, but I think it is best for Loki if I wait until he has had time to calm down. If you would, can you please tell him I would request an audience to apologize, when he is willing?" He asked her, hoping she would deliver the message.
Laney nodded, feeling Loki come up behind her and place his hand on her lower back. "I will do that, and I'll see you soon, I hope."
"Thank you. I work down here every day, if you ever want to talk for a bit... maybe work on reconnecting." He told her, but didn't feel very hopeful she actually would any time soon. "I do need to get back to work though, or I can get put back in prison."
"I'll talk to you soon, father," Laney said with a small smile, then watched as he waved and walked down the street.
"Are you right darling?" Loki asked Laney. He tried to hide it, but he was still a bit shaken from the altercation. "Should we get back to the palace?"
Laney turned and embraced Loki. "I'm okay. Let's go home."
