Four months had passed since Ava's birthday. Loki spent his days training with the guards and when he could, practicing his magic. His nights were spent in Asgard with Ava. They spent most of their nights making love, but not always. Some nights they would just talk and cuddle before falling asleep. On this particular day, Loki had just returned to the Jotunheim and was feeling particularly loney after leaving Ava's bed that morning.

He had begun walking towards the palace and sneaked back into his chambers. He made his clone disappear and then sat down on his bed. He began to ponder what he might be able to do so that he could stay with Ava for a while. He truly hated having to leave her in the mornings. He wanted to spend the day with her in the Asgardian sun. How can I stay with her? He thought. It was then that he got an idea. He grabbed a piece of paper and began to write out a short letter.

Dear Father,

I have gone out to the farthest reaches of our world on my own. I think it is best for me to complete my training. I will return once I feel that I am worthy to return. Worthy to be at your side. This may take days, weeks, or months, but I must do this and do it on my own. Do not come looking for me. I will return when the time is right.

-Loki

He then folded the letter and headed out. He left the letter in his father's chambers, where he was still sound asleep. He then sneaked out and headed for the temple. He quickly changed into his Aesir form and stepped through the back wall of the fireplace and out into the sun of Asgard.

Ava…

Ava was riding her horse through the forest. She had been riding with Thor, Sif, and the warriors three, but she had sneaked away. She had wanted to be alone…that and she was getting sick of Fandrall's advances. She rode to the clearing where she and Loki used to spend their days when he could come to Asgard during the day. She dismounted her horse and tied her to a tree. She reached into her saddle bag and pulled out an apple. "Here you go, Midnight." She said, speaking to the horse as she fed it the apple.

Once Midnight had finished her apple, Ava petted the mare's nose. "Such a good girl." She said. Midnight neighed an nuzzled Ava's hand.

"I was hoping to find you here." Came the familiar velvet voice from behind.

Ava turned to see Loki standing behind her, a smile on his face. Ava grinned and ran over to him, throwing her arms around his neck. Loki embraced her, pulling her close and kissing her. After a few moments, Ava broke the kiss. "This is a pleasant surprise." She said.

Loki grinned. "This isn't even the best part."

Ava wrinkled her brow in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I'll be staying in Asgard for a while." He answered. "I hate leaving you in the mornings."

"You're staying? For how long? How?" Ava fired off questions.

Loki grinned. "For a few months perhaps…we'll see how it goes." He answered. He then went on to explain about the letter he had left for his father.

Ava couldn't help but to grin. "This is the best news I've heard all day." She then pressed her lips to his enthusiastically.

Loki smiled into the kiss. He felt Ava's tongue at the line of his lips, deciding that she would be the one to deepen it this time. Loki obliged her opening his lips and allowing her tongue to explore his mouth while twisting and tangling with his. He was just about slide his hand under the strap of her dress, when they were interrupted.

"So, this is what the princess of Asgard does when she sneaks away from the rest of the group."

Loki and Ava broke apart and looked to see Thor and his friends. Fandrall had been the one who had spoken. Ava felt her cheeks redden at having been caught. Of course it was a good thing that they hadn't arrived a few moments later, otherwise Loki and Ava might have been in the middle of something a little more intense. "Well, Fandrall the mystery is solved why she turns down your advances." Volstagg teased.

"Yes, she has better taste in men than that." Sif added, a teasing smile on her face.

Fandrall glared at his friends and then turned his attention to Thor. "Why are you not pounding him into the ground?" He asked. "You always give me a good thrashing and all I do is say things to Ava. I have yet to touch her. He has had his hands and lips all over her."

"Because your advances are unwanted." Ava answered for her brother, glaring at Fandrall.

"Trust me, I do not like it." Thor added. "But as long as Ava is not protesting and he has not done anything… dishonorable to her, I must let them be."

Loki and Ava both had to keep their expressions under control. They knew exactly what Thor meant…and they had already done that. So, they had to make sure not to look too guilty.

"And what does the Allfather have to say about all of this?" Fandrall asked.

"He doesn't know." Thor, Loki, and Ava answered in unison.

Fandrall couldn't help but to grin. "Keeping secrets from your father and king…that doesn't seem to be a very smart thing to do."

Ava just glared at Fandrall. "Just shut it."

The group ended up sticking around a while, not leaving Loki and Ava alone. They would sneak off somewhere, but the group would catch up to them. Before much longer, Ava and Thor had to return to the palace for dinner. The others returned to the respective homes and Loki made his way to Ava's chambers to wait for her. Luckily Sif and the warriors three had agreed to keep Loki and Ava's secret.