Easy and slow, the light of the New Year crept its way along the stillness of Jane Foster's bedroom. Stillness, indeed; but mere hours previous the place had been loud and passionate…screams of pleasure did reverberate her pale walls. But now, locked in a tender embrace of newfound love, she slept soundly.

Candy wrappers, clothing, party hats, all littered her floor. She and Loki had had fun, and it showed.

Loki was first to open his eyes, and what he saw was this:

Jane's plane of skin softly moving with her steady, even breath. Her shoulder blades poking through the derma before him. Her mass of hair in a sweep over her pillow. And his own arm, draped over her casually.

He smiled. He longed to wake her, but thought better of it, and instead, slowly slipped his arm from around her waist.

He rose from the bed and went to the bathroom to wash and such…brewed some coffee. Sighed.

Loki's life had taken such a turn, it was impossible to reflect on it without wonder. Never would he have expected, even but a few days ago, that he would be waking in the embrace of the woman he loved. He leaned against the counter, rubbed his face with his hands. He went to the bedroom to dress, and to look at his phone.

She was still asleep.

It was about nine. Frigga wanted them there around four…that left quite a bit of the day. Perhaps he would take her to his apartment. Jane had never been there.

He thought about the ring which remained steadfastly on Jane's finger. He hadn't thought at all about asking for it back, it was a gift, after all…and he poured some coffee for himself, and sat on the sofa.

But then, was it simply a gift? It was meant to substitute for Thor's lack of an engagement ring…

He felt sick. Fuck…why did he feel nauseous every time he thought about Jane and Thor together…?

Shit…he covered his mouth and almost went to the bathroom.

"Morning," came her voice from behind him.

Loki turned and saw Jane approaching him, wrapped in a soft, cream colored robe. His stomach settled a bit, and he smiled as she sat next to him. He pecked her cheek. "Good morning. There's coffee," his eyes went to the kitchen. "It isn't Heimdall's but then, I don't know if you were ever partial to his muck."

"I liked it alright," and she stood and got herself some.

"How? It is positively painful to consume."

"Mmmm," she approached him once more. "I dunno. I never found it to be painful," Jane sipped and sat back in the sofa.

He scowled. "Well, I suppose no one's perfect," and he sat back with her. "Jane…how would you like to see my apartment before we go to my parents' house?"

"Oh! Yeah. That'd be great," she smiled. "I guess I've never been."

"You haven't…and you know what that means, don't you?"

"Um…yeah. I don't know where you live."

He laughed, but nuzzled her neck. "Yes…but it also means that we have another venue wherein we might see to our carnal desires."

"You're insatiable," Jane said.

"No…actually," and Loki sat back from her. "Actually, I always had firm control over my libido. I had a drive, to be sure, but I have always kept it in check."

"Oh yeah?" she wasn't convinced.

"Yes. There is a time and place for such things, Jane. You will do well to remember that," he said, standing, and he retrieved more coffee. "In fact," he continued. "I am always in control of everything. I am quite adept at controlling things in my life."

Jane giggled. "How admirable."

"Do I detect sarcasm in your tone?" he raised an eyebrow.

"Not at all," she replied innocently.

"Jane Foster. Come here," he was standing, in a tee shirt and underwear, and he lifted his chin.

She gulped. "No."

He smirked. "Come here," he persisted.

"No," more defiantly.

He calmly set the mug down, went to her, and pushed her back into the sofa, tickling her frantically.

"No no no no! Stop!" she shrieked, laughing hysterically. "Ok! You're in control!" her eyes streamed tears.

"Over?" he breathed.

"Everything!"

"Very well," Loki sat up, laughing and breathing hard. "Don't you forget it."

At that, Jane jumped on him, straddled his lap, pinned his wrists on either side of him, and held him fast. "Don't forget what, now?" she whispered.

He was too shocked to move, though he was grinning widely. "Well, Jane. I'd never have thought it…" he attempted to move…"…unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your take…your assault has rendered me…" he eyed his crotch, now betraying his arousal.

"I don't mind…" she murmured.

And they saw to it immediately.

Loki pushed open the door to his apartment, and walked inside, leaving it open for Jane to follow. He began turning on lights and such, and he ruminated on just how different he felt compared to the last time he had been in here…

The glass was emptied promptly. Scotch burned as no other alcohol could…

Why was he doubting…? She had already confessed her feelings.

Because, he thought, he was Loki, and that was what he did. He doubted. Especially when it came to someone caring for him.

Because he wasn't his brother.

Because he wasn't all braun.

He hadn't the charm of Thor, the smile, the confidence…

He was slippery and sarcastic. He was dark to Thor's light. He was brazen and occasionally, unfeeling.

He sat by his window. It was eight pm…he should just go.

But what if she had changed her mind? What if she chucked him out, screaming at him? It was possible, and he wouldn't blame her if she did. He would be heartbroken, to be sure…

Loki stood and went to shower.

My god, he loved this woman.

And as he cleaned himself, he thought about what it would be like to hold her…to kiss her…he had thought about it enough, to be sure.

But he hadn't thought about it with any sincerity. Now, the possibility lingered on the lip of hope, and he quivered at the thought.

So much for reverie.

And as he left, just before the door clicked shut, he thought that he would be returning either the most dejected, wretched, tormented bastard ever to exist…

…or the happiest, lightest, most insanely blissful man alive.

Luckily enough for him, the latter was who walked into his apartment.

"So, Jane. Can I get you something to drink?"

She looked about the place. The wall of windows stood opposite, but other than that, the apartment was fairly dark; black leather, dark wood…some fake black wood. Glass. She turned around, and saw the Keever photo above the sofa.

She smiled. "It looks really good there."

He went over and stood next to her. "It does, doesn't it?" he took his coat off and laid it on the sofa in front of him.

Jane slipped her fingers in between his and admired it. "So…drink. How about some water?"

"Water?" he sounded as though she had just suggested they drink anti-freeze.

"Yeah. You know…water?" she smiled.

"One water coming up," and he went to the kitchen to procure said beverage.

Jane sat down and crossed her feet at the ankles. Well, she would just need to muster up the courage to see Frigga, Odin, and Heimdall. She was dreading it, to be sure. How would they receive her? Would they hate her?

"Penny for your thoughts," Loki said, handing her the water.

She blushed slightly. "Um…nothing. Just thinking about…about going to your parents' house," and she gulped down the water.

"Are you still nervous?"

"Yeah. Well…of course I am…I lied to them, pretty horribly, for a month. It'd be pretty weird if I wasn't nervous."

He shrugged. "They love you, Jane. They are willing to forget about all of it."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I know my family."

She sighed, sounding unconvinced. "I dunno."

"Jane. Look at me."

Her eyes found his.

"Nothing bad will happen. They still love you. Ok?"

She nodded, conceding his point, though still unconvinced. "Ok."

He noticed the doubt in her face, but decided not to press the point. She would find out soon enough. "Jane?"

"Yeah?" she asked as though from a haze.

"What…" he paused. "Um…what would you like to do about the ring I gave you for Christmas?"

"About?" she asked confusedly.

"That is…" he cleared his throat. "I had given it to you with the understanding that…ah…" he swallowed and stood. "My brother would be giving you a new one. But, that is unnecessary now."

"Yes…?"

He felt ill. "Yes. So…"

"Do you want it back, Loki?"

"No! No…" he ran his hand through his hair and walked to the window. "It's just that…well," and he swallowed once more. "That ah…I meant it as a pre-engagement ring…and now…"

"Are you saying that we are engaged?" she smiled.

His gazed snapped at her. "No. But…I understand that there is such a thing as a promise ring. Silly, really. But perhaps…we can reflect on it as a possibility."

"A promise ring? Reflect on it as a possibility? Loki…" she stood. "We've been in a relationship for about fifteen hours."

"I know," his gaze fell. "Perhaps I am overeager."

Jane laughed and went to him. "Maybe…lemme think about it, alright?" she stood on tiptoe and pecked his cheek.

And Loki smiled at her. "What do you think of my apartment?"

"It's nice. But kinda cold. You need some curtains…a few different chairs…and then, I think it'll be great."

"You wish to alter my decor?" he looked at her crookedly.

"No…just soften it up a bit. Keep your leather. But just add a few things. I'm not much into decorating…and I'd never tell you how to decorate your own place," she paused. "But you asked my opinion."

He nodded. He certainly had. And…he saw her point. "Shall we relax in the bedroom before dinner, Jane?"

"The bedroom?" she smiled.

"Indeed. I find that a nice lie-down always sees me right before a meal," and he began to lead her to his room.

"Hmmm…I think I see the start of something wicked, Mr. Odinson…"

"Thor! Let go of Sif and come here! I need your help!" yelled his mother from the kitchen.

Thor grumbled a touch but relinquished his hold on his lady love. "Yes, mother? What is it?"

"This damn dishwasher!" she was on the floor, the dishwasher pulled out from the wall, and Frigga was shining a flashlight, looking helpless at the connections. "Poor Jane thought that she was doing us all a favor. Little did she know how hopeless we all were at electronic gadgetry."

"Allow me, mother," and Thor went around to the back. "Ah…here we go!"

"Oh good," and the front door was heard opening.

"Mother? Father?" Loki's voice sounded out.

"Loki!" exclaimed Frigga, and she bustled out to meet him. "Oh, good. And Jane…" she pulled Jane into an embrace.

"Hi, Frigga," said Jane softly. She pulled away, examining her face for any sign of disapproval or anger.

She found none.

And so she hugged her once more. "I'm so glad!" Jane whispered. "I was so worried…I thought that you'd all despise me," and she wiped away some tears.

Frigga pulled away smiling. "Nonsense. How could we? You saved our Loki."

"Saved me from what?" Loki asked.

"Yourself, dear," and she patted his cheek. "Alright. Dinner is nearly ready," and she left to go to the kitchen, where profanities were being uttered by one, Thor.

"Thor must be attempting to fix your present," Loki smiled.

"Oh god. What a mess. I should never have bought it," and she began to walk into the kitchen.

"Nonsense," he took her wrist. "It is a joy to watch them muck about with machinery. Heimdall is duly amused," he kissed her mouth. "I should have at it as well…" and he went in.

And Jane stood there, in the hallway, reveling in the manner in which it had all worked out.

"I told you it would end in a wedding," came the deep voice of Heimdall.

Jane turned around in a whirl. "Heimdall! You have got to stop doing that!"

"Doing what?" he asked, approaching.

"Being creepy."

He laughed. "Jane dear…you and Loki…?"

She nodded.

He smiled. "Well…I am pleased. You two suit one another quite well."

"I'm so glad you approve," she said, following him into the sitting room.

"I do. Loki is tough…but you got through. No small thing, I must say."

Jane shrugged. "Yeah. I guess. But I fell in love with him, you know. It wasn't all me just cracking a shell. I never meant for it to happen."

"We seldom do, dear…"

Jane Foster was sitting back after a delicious meal, listening to her family laugh and tell stories. Occasionally, Loki would touch her hand, her thigh, and she would smile, but mostly she just listened to them all…

"It never ceases to amaze me how everyone in this family doubts me, yet I constantly rise to the challenge," Loki said.

"Oh, Loki. Cease your act. Everyone loves you. And we are so grateful that you fixed the dishwasher," Thor replied.

"It is all Heimdall's doing, Thor. He is a scoundrel. To think, he allowed our poor mother to be vexed beyond measure, scrubbing her own dishes like a common housewife! It is not to be born!" he was impassioned.

"Loki…" Jane whispered. "That's a bit over the top, don't you think?"

"Heimdall, Jane here is coming to your rescue. She overlooks all of your faults, preferring to see only what paltry virtues you can boast. How generous of her," he downed his drink.

"I never said that," she laughed.

"Hang on, Heimdall…she is rethinking her position," and Loki looked steadily at her. "Jane…do consider. He is a knave. He is a puppet master. A sneak. He is certainly not to be trusted."

Said knave was laughing. "Oh, Loki. You are funny. Tell me, when is the happy day?"

"Excuse me?" Loki looked at him with confusion.

He eyed Jane's left hand.

"Oh Loki!" exclaimed Frigga. "Oh! Look, Odin! They're engaged!"

"I…" Loki began. "That is…"

"Loki," began Thor. "You rascal. One night with you, and she is yours," he winked. "You move quickly, brother. Bravo," and Thor got up and took some dishes to the kitchen.

"Congratulations, son," said Odin. "While I have certainly had my doubts about our Jane here, she is well suited to you," he downed his wine. "Well…Happy New Year, Loki, Jane," he smiled at them both. "Heimdall," and Odin got up. "I'll see you upstairs, Frigga," and he left.

"Oh, Jane! It is exactly as it should be! Thor and Sif…and you and Loki! Oh, I knew how it must be! And to think! I believed you to be in love with Thor!" and Frigga shook her head. "Will you have a large wedding, dear? Oh! I love weddings! So wonderful!" she got up and took some more dishes to the kitchen.

"Well. It seems congratulations are in order," Heimdall said, standing. He looked at the positively dumbfounded couple. "I knew this would end with a wedding."

Loki rose to his feet. "You, Heimdall, are a complete and utter asshole. What the fuck is your problem? What have you done?"

"I have simply gave a push or two where it was needed," said he. "Loki, you love Jane, is that not so?"

Loki straightened. "Well, yes…but that…"

"And Jane. You love Loki."

"Yeah," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "But what about what we want, Heimdall? What if we aren't ready?"

"Long engagement," he replied, picking up more dishes.

"You can't just do this man. This is our lives you are playing with," Loki cried. "Who are you, anyway?"

"Your friend," and he left the room.

"My friend," he said, sitting once more. "Friend, indeed. What's that saying, Jane…? Friends like these…?"

"Who needs enemies?"

"That's right."

"He's right," Jane said quickly, without thinking.

Loki turned and looked at her.

"I mean," she continued. "I mean…" she swallowed. "Isn't that what we basically agreed upon earlier?"

"Did we?"

"I think so," she was looking at him steadily. "I mean…right?" maybe he had changed his mind. "Loki?"

"Sorry. I'm sorry…it's just that…" he laughed a touch. "I suppose I just never thought that you'd be marrying me."

"Well…think again," and she kissed him.

Not long before their wedding about a year later, Thor had been hanging about, wondering about it all…and he asked Jane, before she took his brother's name, just when she had fallen in love with Loki. With Loki of all people.

And she said, "While you were sleeping."

Finis.

A/N: Well! That was a fun ride! Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited this story, and followed it. I really, really enjoyed writing it!

Thanks especially to JaninaM8, Breviary Rose, jeadamized, and Liana Slane. You guys rock.

I'll finish up Days of Wine and Roses now...I hate having all of these loose ends!