Three months quickly passed and many of the days involved going over wedding plans and approving decorations. Loki knew Laney would be going for her final dress fitting soon and he was eager to see what her dress looked like. What he was most eager for was finding out the gender of their baby, and that day had finally arrived.
Laney stood in the bathroom of their chambers and stared at the reflection of herself in the floor length mirror. Her belly had grown considerably, but was still on the small side. She grinned down at her belly as she ran her hand back and forth across it. "Today we find out what you are little star," she said softly.
Loki emerged from the bedroom and walked up behind Laney. He wrapped both arms around her and placed his hands on either side of her swollen belly. "Are you ready darling?" He asked excitedly.
She covered her hands with his and leaned back against his chest. "As ready as I'll ever be."
"Let's be on our way then." Loki said and let go of Laney to take her hand instead, so they could walk. "We are going to plan a huge shopping day after this."
Laney giggled as she let him lead her out of their chambers and down the hall. "I'm sure your mother will want to have a baby blessing. Other will give us gifts."
"That is all fine, but I want us to go shopping so I can spoil our little star." Loki chuckled, and led them around a corner and towards the Hall of Healing.
The closer they got to the Hall of Healing, the more nervous Laney began to feel. "I'm shaking," she said softly as they reached the entrance. "Today's a big day."
Loki stopped then and wrapped his arms around Laney. "We are just finding out the gender. Our little star will still be our little star no matter what." He assured her.
Laney curled against his chest and returned his tight embrace as best as she could. "I'm excited, but nervous," she admitted.
"What are you nervous about darling? Is everything alright?" He asked, worried.
"I'm alright, I just think it's nervous excitement," she replied.
"Do you want to wait longer? We can always reschedule darling." He told her, wanting her to be under as little stress as possible.
She shook her head. "No, I want to find out today."
Loki nodded then moved his arm to open the door for her. "I just hope everyone is already here so we don't have to wait even longer."
Laney smirked at him, then walked through the door to see Desi waiting for them. "Morning Desi."
Desi looked up and smiled. "Good morning! Thor went to get Frigga so she can see the baby, then we will be ready!" She said excitedly.
"It's gonna be a party in here," Laney replied with a chuckle.
"Just a little party." Desi chuckled. "The baby blessing feast will be the real party!"
"I can only imagine the gifts we will receive. I'm sure there will be a lot." Laney walked over to one of the waiting chairs and sat before she crossed her ankles.
"It will be interesting to see." Loki said happily and walked over to sit with Laney while they waited.
"Sorry I'm late." Frigga said as she walked into the room.
Laney grinned. "It's okay. We haven't been here long."
"Are you ready Laney?" Desi asked. She walked over and started getting the Soul Forge ready.
"I'm ready when you are," Laney replied.
"I am ready, just hop up here and we will see what baby is!" Desi said excitedly. Loki stood and offered his hand to help Laney up.
Laney took Loki's hand and then climbed onto the base of the Soul Forge, then laid down.
Loki leaned down and gave Laney a soft kiss then took a step back so Desi could turn the Soul Forge on. It only took Desi a moment to focus the scan on the baby so everyone could see the now well developed baby. "Development looks perfect!"
"Still on the small side," Laney commented. "Or it looks small."
"The Jotnar develop first, then grow. So yes, small, but perfectly normal for this stage." Desi explained. "Do you still want to know the gender?"
Laney grinned. "We both do."
Desi shifted the scans then smiled. "You have a little girl!"
A beaming smile lit up Laney's face. "She really is our little star."
"Yes she is! We have to buy her the cutest dresses!" Loki said, overjoyed.
Laney giggled at Loki's excitement while she stared at the hologram of the baby. "She will be perfect."
"She already is perfect." Loki said softly, in awe of their baby girl.
"Have you picked any names yet?" Frigga asked them, walking closer.
"We haven't really talked about it much. We wanted to wait until we knew what the gender was first," Laney stated.
"Be sure to let me know when you decide, and I want to go shopping with you. I need to spoil my granddaughter!" Frigga said happily.
Laney chuckled as she sat up and looked over at Loki. "Are you happy love?"
"I'm more than happy. I can't believe we have a baby girl... she's so precious already!" Loki said and hugged Laney tight.
She returned his embrace tightly and felt tears well in her eyes. "I can't wait to meet her," she mumbled.
"You only have about six weeks left to go, but now is when she's going to really start growing." Desi told them as she fully shut the Soul Forge down.
"That seems both very soon and far away at the same time," Laney commented.
"It feels like forever away to me." Loki sighed, then kneeled down in front of her. He placed his hands on either side of her swollen belly and then pressed a kiss through the fabric of her dress. "We are so excited to meet you sweet girl."
"Loki... you're going to make me cry," cooed Laney as she placed her hands over his.
Loki stood and embraced Laney. "Our little family is so perfect." He said softly.
She embraced him in return and kissed his cheek, then his neck. "I love you Loki."
"I love you too darling. You and our little star mean everything to me." Loki replied, still holding her close.
"Sorry, I don't mean to interrupt, but someone else has this room reserved after us." Desi told them apologetically.
Laney blushed. "It's alright Desi. We'll go to our chambers and have brunch. Then we will be going to the markets since I am not working today."
"Are you saying that for all of us, or just the two of you?" Desi asked as she had the day off as well.
"Do you mind having company Loki? Or would you like it to just be us?" Laney asked.
"I don't mind the company. We have all been so busy lately, it would be nice to have some time to catch up." Loki agreed. "Besides, we could use the extra help carrying all the baby stuff I plan to buy." He chuckled.
Laney rolled her eyes and smiled. "Company it is then."
Later that afternoon, Loki led them through the market and into the best shop for baby supplies in the realm. "Should I just buy the entire shop?" He muttered out loud, not entirely joking.
"Loki!" Laney laughed as she rubbed her belly. "We don't need the whole shop. The little one will grow. She won't stay tiny forever."
"True, but what if she has a little sister in the future?" Loki asked, being completely serious.
Laney grinned as a blush filled her cheeks. "You would want another?" She asked.
"I have always liked the idea of a large family." Loki admitted.
She smiled as she looked through a rack of baby clothing. "As long as it's not too many. I don't want to be outnumbered," she said with a giggle.
"I think we are outnumbered already as I will never be able to tell her no." Loki grinned, and looked through the clothes as well. He quickly found a couple cute pink onesies.
Laney smirked as she found a tiny dark green dress and held it up for Loki to see. "I think both of us will have that issue."
"You will have to be the strong one." Loki shrugged. "I love this little dress!" He said happily.
"I love it too," Laney replied, then began looking through more clothes.
"You are awfully quiet today brother, is everything alright?" Loki asked, turning to Desi and Thor.
Thor shrugged. "I'm alright Loki. I'm happy for you both. I like listening to your banter about my niece."
"You have hardly said anything all day... if you would rather tend to other business, you can." Loki assured his brother, not wanting him to feel obligated to stay there with them.
"No, it's alright. I might pick out a gift for the feast," he stated. I just wish to have what you do.
"Brother, you do not need to bring a gift, you are family." Loki said, feeling like something was off, but knowing this wasn't the time or place to figure it out.
"I know, but she's my niece. I need to find something special," he replied with a soft smile.
"Only if you want to... things don't have to be formal between us." Loki replied, then went back to looking through the dresses, finding several more he liked.
Thor grinned as he watched Loki and Laney look through items. After he looked a little longer, he found a bench and sat down.
"Can you hold these for a minute?" Desi asked Laney, holding up the little shoes and bows she had picked out.
Laney nodded and took them before she put them in a basket she held. "Sure."
"Thanks." Desi said softly, then walked over and sat next to Thor, intertwining their fingers. "Are you sure you're alright? You're starting to worry me."
Thor looked at Desi and grinned before he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I'm okay. Maybe a bit envious. But okay."
"Envious of what? I thought you were happy?" She asked, scared she had done something wrong.
"I am happy, love," Thor assured as he squeezed her hand. "I guess I'm just yearning for a family now that I see Loki making one of his own."
"Why haven't you said anything? You know I adore children..." Desi reminded him.
"I don't want to pressure you into anything Desi," he said softly. "We haven't been courting long and I don't want to push you into moving too fast."
Desi reached up and cupped his cheek. "I can't count how many times I've told you that sharing your feelings with me isn't pressuring me. How will you ever know if I may feel the same, when you never share your thoughts with me?" She asked softly, wanting him to open up to her.
Thor grinned, then pecked her lips. "I will try to be more open Des. I promise."
Desi returned his kiss and smiled. "Do you want a family?" She asked curiously. "I can remove the spells anytime."
"You would do that?" Thor asked with widened eyes. "We're not wed... would that matter?"
"Given your position, I'm not sure anything is going to be normal for us... I suppose the only thing that really worries me is if you find someone more qualified to be by your side. I mean, I would fully understand... but I don't want to be some kind of... consort." Desi said truthfully. "Other than that, I would love to have a family with you."
"You have never been nor never will be a consort Desi," Thor said truthfully. "I love you, my sweet girl."
"I love you too my handsome prince." Desi said sweetly. "I will release the spells and we can see what happens." She said with a smile. Standing, she held out her hand. "Come on, you better practice buying baby clothes." She chuckled, hoping to cheer him up.
Thor chuckled and grasped her chin before she could pull away so he could steal a heated kiss. "Making the family will be rather fun," he said with a smirk.
Desi returned his kiss then pulled away before either of them could get too worked up. "If you can avoid matters of court, we can start tonight." She grinned, then led him back to Laney and Loki.
Thor smirked and discreetly swatted her ass as they walked back up to the couple, who was paying for their items. "Find everything you like?" He asked.
Desi gave a little giggle and gave Thor a playful grin. "No, not even close. We only have two baskets full... that isn't nearly enough." Loki said, being completely serious.
"Loki, darling. We can't buy a ton of tiny things. She will grow," she said playfully.
"I want to buy her everything she needs though. I don't want her to need anything..." Loki said truthfully, but finally gave in. "I suppose this is enough clothes to get her started... what about toys though?"
Laney reached up and pecked his lips. "We can get a few small ones, but she's not going to play very much when she's born."
Loki returned her kiss, then nodded. "What kind of toys can we get for her?"
"Something she can hold but soft so she can chew on it. Maybe something that rattles too."
"Oh, I know just the thing. Wait right here!" Loki said excitedly, and hurried off. When he returned a few minutes later, he had a little variety of baby rattles. "Like these?"
"Those are cute!" Laney said happily.
"Alright, I think we are all done then, for this trip at least." Loki said, looking over the two baskets of clothes, blankets, and toys. "I will check out real quick. Do you want to sit and rest darling?"
Laney nodded. "A rest sounds nice."
"Come on, I will show you where the bench is." Desi told Laney. "We can sit there while the guys pay for everything." She said and took Laney's arm to lead her over.
She let Desi lead her to the bench, then sat down and rubbed her belly. "All this extra weight really hurts everything after awhile."
"You only have a few more weeks to go." Desi reassured Laney. "Though the wait might throw Loki into a nervous breakdown." She giggled. "So... it turns out you two have made Thor a bit jealous."
"Jealous?" Laney questioned, then winced as the baby nudged into her side. I have been hiding your movement from your daddy little girl. I want him to feel you himself.
"Is she kicking hard again? I've noticed she seems to only kick you like that when Loki is away... never when he's close by." Desi said, wanting to make sure her friend was alright before continuing.
Laney nodded and rubbed her side. "She's not very active around her daddy. I'm not sure why."
"Could it be that she is just calm around him, and she gets so active when he's gone because it upsets her?" Desi asked curiously, thinking it would make a lot of sense. "If you look at how Dia was so drawn to him, it could be the same thing."
"That's possible. If that's the case, Loki can have her every time she cries," Laney said with a chuckle.
"That might actually be the best plan." Desi chuckled. "He can be the one to put her to bed when she's fussy too!"
Laney laughed. "I'll have to get bottles eventually too. I don't know if I'll keep her on breast or not."
"I would recommend you wait until she's at least eight months old before you fully switch her over, but she might need a supplemental bottle daily with special formula since she's more Jotun." Desi explained, making a note to start ordering the supplies they would need.
"You might be right about that. I want her to be healthy," she said softly. "I also would prefer an easy delivery."
"I will do what I can to help you have the best chance of an easy delivery... but you know we can't fully control that, right?" Desi asked, just to make sure. "So far everything looks perfect though."
Laney nodded and rubbed her belly. "I know. I'm just scared of the pain and possible trauma. My body has changed so much already and it's not finished."
"You will bounce right back to normal." Desi promised her. "Jotun babies are usually fairly easy. Don't worry too much, alright? You should also know by now that I'll take great care of you through this." She smiled, but Laney's worries were starting to make her question some things herself.
She sighed and nodded. "I trust you. I just want everything to be alright when the time comes."
Desi reached over and put her hand on Laney's shoulder to comfort her. "It will be. Just relax and enjoy the last few weeks before it's constant baby crying." She teased to lighten the mood.
Laney chuckled and looked up to see Loki and Thor headed their way. I wonder why Thor is jealous?
Desi smiled when she saw Thor coming back. "Did you get everything paid for?" She asked them, noticing they carried no shopping baskets this time.
"I sent it back to our chambers already so we didn't have to carry anything." Loki replied, walking right over to Laney. "How are you feeling darling?"
"Feeling a bit better," Laney replied. "This little girl comes with extra weight to carry."
"Do you want to return home to rest for the evening?" Loki asked Laney. "I can carry you home." He offered.
"Returning home to relax sounds nice. But I should be able to walk darling," she replied.
"You can only walk if you promise to tell me if you become too tired." Loki said with a sweet smile. "Did you want to have the evening with Desi or did you have something planned?" He asked curiously as he helped her up.
"I didn't have anything planned. Are you wanting time with your brother?" She asked as they all walked out of the shop.
"I think it is fine either way. We could keep ourselves busy if you two want time together, but I don't think we have anything critical to discuss at the moment." Loki shrugged, truly fine with whatever they wanted.
Laney looked over at Desi. "What would you like to do? If you want time with Thor I understand."
"I don't mind hanging out for a little while, if you want to. We are going to turn in a little earlier than normal tonight though." Desi answered, wondering if Laney had more concerns to discuss.
"Sure. We can have some girl talk then," Laney said with a smile.
"You need to update us on the wedding plans as well. This last week was so busy for all of us, we've barely had time to talk." Desi sighed. "Is there a date set yet?"
"It was supposed to be a couple of weeks back but the courts in the palace changed that," Laney grumbled. "I haven't been able to talk to Frigga."
"Do you know why they changed it? I can send word for her to stop by this evening, if you want. I know she will make time for you." Desi said truthfully, confused by the changes.
"I'm not sure." Laney looked over at Loki and grinned. "Did she say anything to you?"
"It is just a bunch of political nonsense to work through... it would likely bore you darling." Loki chuckled as he led them all back through the market.
"It's still upsetting that our wedding had to be pushed back," Laney sighed. "Now I'm going to be big and round in my dress."
"That just means everyone will be able to see that our little girl is part of the wedding." Loki said proudly.
Laney smiled as she took Loki's hand. "That's sweet."
"Thor and I can go talk to mother and see if she has a date, while you and Desi have your girl time." Loki promised and squeezed Laney's hand as they turned onto the palace path from the market.
"That sounds like a plan," Laney replied as she started to slow her steps.
"That's enough walking for you." Loki said. He quickly turned and picked Laney up bridal style before she could argue. "Don't worry, we are nearly home darling, just relax." He said and kissed the top of her head as he started walking again.
"Loki!" Laney exclaimed. "I'm heavier than I used to be."
"You are nowhere near too heavy for me to carry darling. I could carry you all day and not tire." He told her with a little grin.
She chuckled at him, but leaned up to kiss his neck. "My sweet fiancé."
"You will learn to love being carried." Loki said sweetly, enjoying carrying her. Once they reached the palace, he carried her all the way to their chambers. "Do you need anything before I go?" He asked, sitting her on the sofa.
"Maybe some tea... and a kiss from you," she murmured.
"I think I can do that." Loki smiled and leaned down to give her a loving kiss. Then he conjured two tea cups and a full pot of tea and a plate of cookies. "I love you darling." He said, then kissed her again before heading out with his brother.
She smiled after him until he closed the door behind him. "I love that man so much."
"You know he loves you too... he makes no effort to hide the way he looks at you or behaves with you." Desi smiled. "I think we both got pretty lucky." She sat on the couch as well and kicked her shoes off so she could pull her legs up under her.
Laney nodded as she kicked off her flats, then bent her legs to rub her swollen feet and ankles. "He's a changed man, that's for sure. Thor is too."
"I didn't know Thor before so I don't know about that... but I like who he is now." Desi said softly. "Come on, bring your feet up, I'll rub your ankles."
"Desi, you don't have to do that," Laney said. "I'm not going to coheres you into rubbing my feet."
"You're my best friend and my patient, it's no trouble. Just don't tell Loki if I am better at massages, I don't need him getting jealous and protective of your feet." She joked.
Laney laughed and moved so her feet rested in Desi's lap. "I won't tell, I promise."
Desi giggled and started rubbing Laney's ankles. "So, what do you want to talk about?"
"Earlier you said Thor is jealous. What is he jealous about?" She asked.
"Oh... that." Desi said, blushing softly. "He's a bit jealous of you and Loki starting a family... and he wants to as well."
"He's wanting a family? Thor's never mentioned anything like that."
"He has now. Apparently that's what has had him feeling so down lately. We... we've agreed to try." she admitted, blushing softly again.
Laney's eyes widened. "You agreed to try for a baby? That's amazing news Desi."
Desi nodded. "I've already dropped the spells... it's why we are turning in early tonight... I don't want it publicly known, but you can tell Loki."
"Frigga would be ecstatic. I'm not sure how Odin would feel about you trying without being wed. But I'm happy for you," she replied.
"I'm not sure he has much interest in marriage. It very rarely ever comes up. I'm honestly not sure how I feel about that." Desi admitted, still rubbing Laney's ankles.
"You should talk to him about it. I know you haven't been together long though. It's a lot to think about."
"I know that... he's already thinking about having a family though and he wanted to make sure I was alright with starting a family given that we haven't wed. It's things like that that makes me think he doesn't want to for some reason. I don't want to come across as pushy or anything though." Desi said truthfully.
"Maybe he doesn't want you to think he wants to wed you out of necessity or politics and for love instead."
Desi thought about it and nodded. "I didn't think about it like that... but also... I never would have agreed to start a family with him for politics either, I agreed because I love him." She said truthfully. "He's everything to me."
Laney smiled. "I'm happy for you both. You'll have to keep me posted on how your trying goes, if your going to start right away."
"We are starting tonight." Desi blushed. "I will keep you posted." She promised. "Do you think Thor has enough Jotun blood for it to happen quickly?"
"I'm not so sure. It was Odin's great grandfather, so it's pretty far back in the bloodline," she replied.
"I just don't want either of us to get discouraged if it doesn't happen quickly. He's been so upset already." She sighed. "At least I know why now."
Laney furrowed her brow. "We didn't mean for this to happen the way it did. I hate to be the cause of why he feels so down about things."
"Oh no, I didn't mean it like that at all." Desi said, feeling bad. "He is so excited to meet his niece and talks about her all the time. I just never would have guessed he wanted a family of his own. I don't even know if he realized it until these last few weeks. It isn't your fault at all, and he isn't upset anymore. I just worry he will be if it doesn't happen right away."
"I just don't want you jumping into something neither of you are ready for, that's all," Laney said softly. "Although I guess no one is ever ready."
"I think I'm as ready as I could be. I've always wanted kids, I just never thought it would be possible for me." Desi admitted.
Laney chuckled and rubbed her belly. "I feel the same way, believe me. I hope you guys get lucky like we did. It may not be as easy for you two."
"Do you think we should just try first, or should we do some fertility tests first?" Desi asked, starting to worry more.
"With you guys, I think you should watch your cycle. Gall told me that anytime Loki and I are intimate and he's not using specific spells, it's pretty much guaranteed."
"That's Jotun fertility though... I know Thor doesn't have enough Jotun blood for that. I already track my cycles though, I have to for the spells I use, to know when to strengthen them." Desi explained, shifting to rub closer to Laney's feet. "This next week should be the right time, but then we have to wait at least another week or two to test."
Laney nodded in understanding. "It will be a waiting game."
"Sorry, I'm not trying to put this all off on you. I just don't have anyone else to talk to... I don't want to worry Thor with all of this." Desi said apologetically.
"It's alright Des," Laney assured. "You're my best friend. I want you to talk to me."
"Thank you Laney, you're the best." Desi said and leaned over to hug her. "You know, if it doesn't take too long, we can raise the kids together!" She said happily.
Laney laughed and nodded. "Yes we can. They would be best friends and possibly even family."
"What do you mean possibly family?" Desi asked, confused.
"I'm marrying Loki. If you wed Thor, which I'd hope so if children are involved, we would be sister in laws."
"First off, if he ever asks me, I will marry him." Desi grinned. Maybe he just doesn't want someone ruling with him... "Second, Thor and Loki are brothers, so they would already be family."
Laney giggled. "I know they're family you goof. I'm saying you and I will be family by marriage."
"Oh, I get it now. Sorry, I guess I'm just distracted." Desi giggled. "We will be family! I am going to find a way to tell him that I'm not worried about the politics when it comes to our relationship. I'm trying to get him to open up to me more as well."
"Communication is huge," Laney agreed. "Loki still has a hard time, but is getting better."
"It really is. This entire time, I thought it was just the stress of overseeing the court that had Thor down. I told him I wish he would have told me what was actually bothering him." Desi said truthfully, then picked up her cup of tea and sipped it. "How has Loki been doing about opening up now that he's been freed and he has the treatment to heal his memory?"
"He has nightmares sometimes, but doesn't like to share them with me. There are times when he's willing to talk and other times he doesn't," Laney explained.
Desi nodded. "I think everyone is like that to an extent. Is he remembering anything from when he was being controlled?"
"Bits and pieces. I think he has a lot of that buried pretty deep."
"Maybe that's for the better." Desi said softly, unable to imagine what Loki had gone through. "I do have a potion for dreamless sleep, if he needs it at any point."
Laney nodded. "I might take you up on that."
