The day of the celebrations were here, Leah was being pampered beyond her imagination. Loki had been in a better humor about their child after the talk last night but Leah knew it would not be the last she heard of it. He would be determined to keep a close eye on her now. However Loki had disappeared early that morning only to return with a beautiful dress which would only show off her ever-growing curves, once again the emerald-green and gold of his colors. The also Queen had given her some golden jewelry which Leah presumed were planned to go with it. She knew they were in this together, Leah didn't mind though as they were great gifts and perfect for today. Thor had left her a letter for her with Helena explaining that he was going to find her brother to give him her letter and answer some questions. All in all the day had started perfectly in her eyes.

The only thing was that she was actually worried about today, all those people there and who was she. She was just some human girl who didn't really belong here and she knew it. This was a world of gods she had gotten muddled up with and now was pregnant with a gods child. She didn't know what to make of it and how to be. They were going to be the center of attention today, her, Loki and the bump. She didn't want that really either but it was what was expected of her now.

Helena was in the middle of braiding Leah's long hair when Leah jumped slightly pressing her hand to her stomach. She understood now where the bruises were coming from, their child had a definite strong kick, she couldn't blame it though. It must still be growing and she could only expand so far considering she felt like a balloon already.

"Is the child kicking?" Helena smiled down at her.

"Then some." Leah smirked back at her rubbing her stomach trying to soothe the child back into a sleep. Hoping it wasn't going to cause to many more bruises for its father to fret about.

"I wasn't far off with my last born when I was your size." Helena commented continued to be artistic with Leah's hair.

"Really?" Leah glanced up at her not realizing that there was hope their child may not need much longer inside of her.

"My first-born I was like that for weeks waiting for him to arrive." Helena quickly added stopping Leah's growing hope. "Each pregnancy can be slightly different. They say it all depends on the development of your child. I do not know much about it though. What are pregnancies like back on your world?"

"We use time." Leah thought for a moment. "It's around 40 weeks give or take for each pregnancy."

"Every woman has the same length in time?" Helena sounded amazed by the idea.

"Give or take a little yes." Leah nodded smiling at her friends awe in the matter. "Makes it easier in planning I guess."

They sat there in silence, Helena finished her hair, it was stunning. She had almost made a crown with her hair by braiding golden threads through her hair which was wrapped around her head, it was breath-taking. Leah got into the dress which Loki had gotten her which was beautiful silky material which wrapped around her making her pregnancy obvious but also made her feel attractive and feminine. It was a halterneck design and full length to the floor with golden embroidery on the hem of each layer.

Leah stood in front of the full length mirror, she actually looked like one of the gorgeous women who belonged here instead of a fake. Which she felt like she was quite often when she tried to fit in, now she didn't really need to try so hard. Leah turned around to look at Helena before throwing her arms around her and giving the woman a hug.

"Thank you." Leah whispered

"Now you should feel like you belong here." Helena told her grinning"Head high and show them the woman you are."

Leah just nodded, she actually felt better about today, like she should be here and deserved this after all. She heard Loki enter the room as Helena left them, he just stared at her for a moment his mouth slackening in awe. She just stood there feeling a little self-conscious about how he was staring at her. She felt herself blush, it wasn't like he hadn't looked at her like that since she was pregnant. But it was so intense, it made her tremble as she bit the corner of her lip waiting for a response.

"You look amazing." He finally said smiling at her before stepping closer and running his hand along her cheek. "Like a proper princess of Asgard."

"Princess." She laughed at him leaning into his hand. "I am definitely not one of those."

He just chuckled at her before gently placing his hand on her stomach, she looked at him completely unsure what he was thinking. She placed a hand over the top of his and held it there smiling. She liked these little moments they had together, she found these more important than any other gesture he made. It was the sign that they were actually going to be a proper family, like ones she had only ever dreamed about.

"It shouldn't last to long, it's just the greeting and the feast. We will chat to the guests for a bit and show our faces." Loki reassured her placing his hands on her hips. "We can go after that, we can blame the pregnancy at least."

"Look after me." She sounded weak and scared. She was completely unsure about what to feel and to expect of the day ahead.

"I promise." He nodded kissing the top of her head.

She followed him out of their chambers, she felt a little nervous, Loki just took hold of her hand and smiled at her which helped calm her nerves. They entered the large hall full of guests, people immediately started staring at them. She could feel herself blush, their were far to many eyes on them, it made her feel really awkward. She knew then she didn't really want to be here and be something for people to talk about. There was a large group of women huddling around her making Loki leave her which she glared at him for. The women asked all the usual stupid questions which Leah just smiled and replied.

She finally found a moment to go out on the balcony and get fresh air, she could see Loki laughing with a few of the men. It amazed her how far he had come, how he had changed and had healed himself from the pain that he use to be in. Considering the man he was when he attacked New York and when she arrived here, he had developed so much, he now laughed and was relaxed in the company of others. It was lovely to see.

She heard footsteps looking over her shoulder to see Jane heading over to her, also looking a little awkward and out-of-place during this feast. Leah just smiled at her as they stood side by side looking out over Asgard.

"Leah I am so sorry about the way I was." Jane began fiddling with her hands that were in front of her.

"Don't worry about it." Leah shrugged, she didn't really mind at all, she knew everyone had their own opinion and Jane was entitled to hers. "If my old self met myself now, I would have probably said the same thing. He is a better man now, better than he was, he was just lost, hurt and suffering. We aren't too different I guess, he has helped me heal as I helped him."

"So you do actually love him?" Jane frowned staring at Leah

"Yes." Leah nodded knowing that Jane was only trying to understand, she glanced back into the crowded room finding Loki immediately still talking among the men. "with all my body and soul."

"So are you excited about the little one?" Jane continued now smiling and looking a little more relaxed around her. "I mean it must be?"

"I am scared in all honesty." Leah sighed turning to face her friend and leaning against the balcony. "I mean human and god it could be interesting. I am not quite sure what our child will come out as." Leah placed her hand protectively on her bump.

"Surely it will be fine?" Jane reassured her looking a little baffled. "I will bring back some baby clothes when I next visit."

"Your going home?" Leah stared at her a little shocked.

"I better had." Jane nodded looking a little sorry about it. "I have work yet to do and I have been here for too long already."

"Good luck then." Leah gave her friend a hug smiling. "Make sure you come back though."

"I will and I will want to see your baby." Jane laughed holding onto Leah with equal strength.

Leah just heard her name being called as she pulled back from the hug, she looked at Leah apologetically before leaving her friend on the balcony to join the party again. Leah was mingling with the other women, she could see Loki was across the room keeping his eyes on her. She liked how his attention was still fixed on her being over protective, she heard the door open as she saw Thor walk in with purpose. Leah just turned around facing him staring as he approached her. She could see the serious expression on his face which made her feel like a bucket of cold water was poured on top of her.

"You need to come with me." He told her holding out his hand to her.

"What's going on Thor?" Leah frowned, she suddenly felt Loki take hold of her shoulders from behind her. She glanced at Loki who seemed to be assessing Thor as well.

"Brother whats the meaning of this?" Loki sounded at little dangerous obviously not liking how Thor was behaving in front of all these people.

"Healers on Midgard are saying that your brother will not last the night." Thor looked at her completely ignoring Loki. "He has been gravely injured, I fear that they are correct sister."

"Oh god." Leah looked at Thor her mouth wide open, she felt the breath being forced out of her body as the shock of what he said hit her. "Of course." she nodded. "Yes I will."

"Leah." Loki stared at her now looking worried himself. She suddenly then knew why he was worried, he was banished from earth, not ever allowed to return. It meant that they were to be separated from each other again. "Please?" He begged staring down at her.

"Thor please can Loki come with us?" Leah turned and pleaded looking at Thor. She felt a familiar sinking feeling in her stomach. She knew what Thor's reply was going to be, but if there was only a chance. "I need him with me, please."

"I cannot permit it sister, his punishment still stands." Thor explained shaking his head. "I promise you brother I will not leave her alone. I will protect her and your child as they are my family too."

Loki just stared from Leah to Thor before nodding but not looking that happy about it. Leah just looked up at Loki staring at him before throwing her arms around him. She felt the tears start, she didn't want to be apart from him but she needed to see her brother. She buried her head in the crook of his neck, he held onto her kissing the top of her head before whispering into her ear.

"Please be careful?"

"I want you with me." Leah felt herself break down not wanting to leave now.

"Take Helena, she will look after you." Loki told her pulling back and looking at her seriously before turning to his brother. "Is that permitted brother?" Thor just nodded actually looking a little sorry for his brother "Keep a close eye on her and my child please, they both mean more to me than anything."

Leah just kissed Loki on the lips before following Thor out of the celebration. Leah picked up her cloak, Helena was ready to go with them too, their travel was short, Thor kept hold of Leah this time though preventing her from falling to the ground. The three of them were in a medical unit some where, Leah couldn't really tell where, as all hospitals looked the same too her. She looked at Thor who seemed very relaxed considering, she followed him to an area when she saw Steve and Natasha sitting there waiting. Leah just froze as the fear came, she didn't expect to feel this way about seeing friends, she felt Helena take her hand to help calm her.

"God Leah." Nat gasped getting up heading towards her before stopping staring down at her abdomen. "So your definitely pregnant? its true then?"

"Yes." Leah nodded feeling Helena step beside her. "How is he? What happened?"

"We were mobbed, he got shot, there is another archer out there at the moment. He's good Leah, Stark has his best men working on him, Leah its not looking, it doesn't look good." Nat explained before taking hold of Leah's shoulders. "We looked for you, why didn't you just explain?"

"It's complicated." Leah shrugged not really wanting to talk about it now. She saw Nat staring at her knowing that she wasn't going to let it go now. Helena rubbed her back feeling Leah tense up, Leah just looked at Helena who just nodded encouraging her to continue. Leah just looked back at Nat rubbing her stomach. "It's mine and Loki's child. He didn't trick me or anything like that. We are in a relationship together, planning to be a family for this little one."

"You slept with him, that monster?" Nat snapped her eyes glaring down at Leah. Leah could feel herself get anger but knew that Nat was only being protective and didn't know the full story. "Your actually planning to keep it and stay with him?"

"I fell in love with him Nat." Leah growled back at her friend shaking her head. "And that is the reason why I ran from all of you lot, you would judge me for actions out of my control. Now please show me where my brother is?"

Nat just stood there looking at her for a minute before turning and pointing to a door way. Leah just walked in with Helena following her, She saw her brother roped up to machines and electrical equipment. She felt herself begin to cry, she never seen him like this before.

"I am sorry." Helena told her sounding comforting placing a arm around her.

Leah turned seeing it was only her and Helena, Helena wrapped her arms around her and gave her a hug, it was what Leah needed now. She could only wish that it was Loki here, supporting her when she needed him the most.

Helena just sat in the corner keeping an eye on Leah, Leah was in shock at the state her brother was in. He was covered in bandages but the extent of his injuries were plain to see. There was a gentle knock at the door, Helena stood up as Steve walked into the room.

"You okay Leah?" He asked "I brought you some tea, apparently pregnant women can't drink coffee."

Leah just turned and looked at her friend smiling at him, he actually looked a little sheepish about being in the room she could tell. Leah just stood up from the chair and walking over to him.

"Thanks Steve." Leah went over to her friend taking the tea he offered smiling slightly before turning back to her brother "Has any doctors said anything?"

"They would not tell us anything?" Steve shook his head glancing at Clint. "Perhaps they will tell you?"

"Oh." Leah sighed, She felt Steve wrap a protective arm around Leah pulling her against his strong large body. She felt the tears form in her eyes again. She just leaned against her friend pleased that he obviously wasn't taking it too badly about her and Loki's relationship.

"Is there anything I can do for you." Steve frowned looking down at her.

"Not really." Leah shook her head.

"He looks after you well?" Steve blurted out obviously wanting to know but feeling a little embarrassed about asking such a question.

"Pardon?" Leah looked up at her friend frowning.

"Loki, he treats you well, he didn't force you to do anything that?" She noticed how Steve had started to blush slightly. However he still had his arm wrapped around her rubbing her arm.

"No he didn't trick, lie or force me to do anything I didn't want Steve." Leah looked up at him smiling feeling at ease actually talking to him about it. "He has been great actually all I ever wanted."

"I am pleased for you." Steve squeezed her a little tighter. "He will be alright, you know that right." He added looking at Clint.

"I hope so." Leah stared back at her brother feeling a small glimmer of hope that if Steve could except her choice then so could every one else. Perhaps Clint would be fine about it also and that he could be involved with either his niece or nephews upbringing. She then looked at him properly knowing that perhaps he would not survive this, considering how he looked now. Maybe he would never find out the life that she was going to have and the family they had always wanted.