–Due date–
"Uh, Y/N," Thor looked at you concernedly, tilting his head sideways. "Is that supposed to happen?" You had just stood up to stretch your back then looked down and saw a pool of liquid down at your feet. Your body tensed with a contraction. "Shit, that would be my water breaking," you groaned out, your face turning white. "Someone find Sif. And where's Loki?"
Right on cue, your boyfriend entered your room hurriedly with Sif. "I figured I should have her here because you seem close - oh my god," Loki cried out as he noticed the liquid on the floor. "This is it, you're having your child!" You snapped as another contraction ripped through you. "Nobody's having any kid unless somebody gets me to the medical ward, now!" You hissed through gritted teeth. You and Sif laced your arms around each other as she half carried you down the hall; Thor and Loki trailing right behind.
-
You had been settled in the medical ward with the finest healers and midwives in Asgard. Sif and some of the other female guards were allowed in as well, but keeping in accordance with Asgardian custom, the men could not enter the room until after the woman gave birth. While Thor rested comfortably on a plush couch in the hall, Loki paced back and forth, running his hands through his hair.
"Sit down, brother," Thor said gently, tugging at Loki's cape and pulling him down next to him. "Y/N will be fine and so will her child. She is strong."
A guttural scream echoed throughout the hall as you cried out in pain, followed by a steady torrent of obscenities. Both Thor and Loki winced. "I am so glad I will never have to endure that," Thor said, his eyes wide. Loki nodded, responding hoarsely. "Me too. But I hate not being able to be with her."
Thor grabbed his brother's arm consolingly. "I know. But it is tradition. The man must sit outside, listening to the torment of the woman he loves, but is unable to help her. You want to shield her from this pain but you cannot. While she suffers, you do as well. It will bring you even closer; whenever she is in pain, you will remember this and be there undoubtedly."
Loki looked at Thor in surprise. "That was actually fairly wise, Thor."
Thor leaned back with a satisfied smile on his face, quickly changing to a frown as he heard you scream and start swearing again. Loki buried his face in his hands. "Do not fret, Loki. It will be over soon enough."
—
Within an hour, your screams had subsided. Both Loki and Thor jumped up at the sound of your weak laughter and a baby's wails.
Sif opened the door, smiling. "You can come in and see her and her son."
"A son!" Thor cried out excitedly, rushing in the door. Loki stepped in tentatively, unsure of how to react around the newborn and his girlfriend. Thor was already kneeling by the bedside, gazing at the hold adoringly. "Well done, Y/N. He will make a mighty warrior someday! And of course, I will train him." Thor said happily. You smiled weakly. "How about we get him walking first, Thor?" You said hoarsely, your voice still raw from your screams.
"Isn't that right, little one?" You crooned at the small bundle in your arms, rubbing a thumb over his soft cheek. You looked up at Loki and were startled to see his eyes were filled with tears. "What's wrong, love?" He shook his head, sitting down next to you and kissing your forehead gently. "Nothing. He just looks a lot like you." You gazed at your tiny baby boy proudly, his dark eyes mirroring your own. Loki smoothed your hair away from your sweaty face. "You did amazing." You smiled. "Come here, Lo." He placed his lips on yours and you broke apart as your son squirmed in your arms. You rocked him gently and kissed his nose. "Do you want to hold him?" Loki looked at you nervously. "I've never held a baby," he answered. "Well, first time for everything. It's easy. C'mon." You transferred your son gently into Loki's arms, beaming at him as he gazed at your child tenderly, holding him as if he were glass. "He's so small," Loki said quietly, smiling. "Hi, little one. I'm Loki. You have such a wonderful mother." He handed your son back to you gingerly. "What are you going to name him?" Thor inquired.
You looked at your son for a moment lovingly as a tiny smile broke out across his face. "Eitan," you said softly. "Endure," Loki murmured. "My son will be happy and strong," you whispered, kissing his forehead as happy tears came to your eyes. "Just like his mother," Loki replied, gazing into your eyes. "Loki," you said softly as you started crying. "I couldn't have done this without you. And I know we've only been together a few months, but I trust you with my life. And the life of Eitan's. And I know I want to be with you for the rest of my days." You exhaled. "Will you do me and my son the honor of raising him as his adopted father?" Loki's eyes grew wide and he nodded fervently, kissing you hard. "The honor is mine, Y/N. Wow, I'm a father now," he said laughing. You laughed too and he kissed your cheek. "I was going to do this later when you were feeling better, but I don't think there's anytime better than this."
Loki moved away from your bed, and you felt your pulse race as he dropped to one knee. "Oh my god," you whispered happily. Out came the ring, simply wrought in a delicate silver band and shining with a beautiful diamond stone. "Like you said," Loki said hurriedly. "It's only been a few months, but we both know that we want to be with each other forever. I love you, Y/N, and want to spend the rest of my life loving and protecting you and your –well, I guess now our – son. Will you marry me?" "Yes, yes, of course, I love you," you said ecstatically, clasping one hand over your mouth as Loki slid the ring on your finger. You and Loki turned startled as sobbing started, Sif and Thor were both crying hard. "A baby, an engagement, this is the most beautiful day," Thor choked out. Sif nodded wordlessly, wiping tears away. "You both deserve each other."
You looked at Loki and Eitan with joy in your heart – grateful that you had made it through every hardship and struggle to bring you to this moment. Despite Noba, despite everything, the power of love and friendship had been there to guide you on your journey. "I love you all so much," you said, laughing through your tears. Encircled in the arms of your fiancé and friends with your son in your lap, you felt whole.