A/N: As always, so sorry for the long wait!

As Tony and Loki began making their way back to the living area, Loki reached for Tony's hand and entwined their fingers. They grinned at each other as they entered the elevator, and Tony said, "Let's keep the goodbyes short and sweet, okay? I'm, uh... tired."

"Oh, I am as well," Loki said airily. "Absolutely exhausted. I can hardly wait to lay myself down in our bed... to rest."

"Yeah, me too, on account of how... tired I am," Tony said, repressing a snicker and freeing his hand to give Loki's bottom a lascivious squeeze.

Loki yelped happily and shot Tony a wicked grin. "So, how do you reckon to rid ourselves of our guests without being outright rude? I assume that's a concern."

"Ha, don't worry. I'll give Pepper the ol' heave-ho, she'll see right through me, and she'll tip off Bruce. Jane's so Thor-sick, she won't even notice. We're good."

"What about the Captain?"

"Oh, shit, I forgot about him. You're right, he'll never take the hint, being a virgin and all."

Loki made a "pffft" sound. "He's not a virgin." His brows drew together in doubt. "Is he?"

"Hell, I don't know, but it doesn't matter, the point is, he'll want to stick around and chat. That cannot happen."

"Right. Well, why not simply announce that they all must go home because you've been called upon to satisfy your mate's need to rut?"

"No can do, babe. On Midgard, that's known as TMI, and it's... frowned upon. At least among nice ladies like Pep and Jane. And Capsicle."

"I see. Well, I'm sure you'll think of something."

"Yeah, no problem, I'm Tony Stark. I can navigate a little social awkwardness. Just watch."

Loki nodded, and the car came to a smooth halt. They strode through the doors and into the living room, which was abuzz with robotic activity. Little cleaning bots were swooshing around with whisk brooms and dust cloths, while one larger bot vacuumed, and another awaited orders to carry food back to the kitchen. Bruce was taking down decorations, Steve was moving furniture, Jane was organizing the gifts, and Pepper was orchestrating everything with military efficiency. She turned to greet Tony and Loki with a pleased smile.

"Hey, there you are. I think it went well, don't you?"

"It was amazing. Brava! An absolute triumph," Loki said sincerely. "Thank you so much."

"Did you have fun?"

Loki was prepared to continue making whatever reassuring sounds were needed to quickly move things along, but Pepper's question stopped him cold. "Fun?" he asked, sounding bewildered.

"Yeah, did you have a good time?" She paused to eye Loki more closely. After all, it wasn't a hard question.

"I, uh—"

Tony stepped up. "Pep, it rocked, you guys were awesome. Now, everybody go home," he said, making a shooing gesture. The four stopped what they were doing to give him a puzzled look, and Tony added, "I mean, this was an incredible amount of work, you all must be dead on your feet. So, go on, get out of here, we'll finish up later."

"Oh, I'd like to see that," Pepper said scornfully. "No, there's just a little more stuff to put away, and—"

"And, I'll take care of it," Tony said, giving her a meaningful look as he took a silver tray out of her hands. "Now, thanks a million, but scoot."

Pepper stared from Tony's supposedly eager-to-help face to Loki. He still hadn't answered her and was now studying the floor, frowning in thought. Pepper was beginning to feel uneasy.

"Loki, what's wrong? Did we screw up somehow?"

He looked up. "No, not at all. It was lovely."

Tony nodded vigorously. "Yeah, it was super-cool, now if you guys could just go—"

"Hold on a minute." Pepper went up to Loki and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, come on, tell me what's bothering you. Did we offend you? Was it too much? Not enough? Did we forget something? Please, I really want to know."

Loki focused on her and smiled slightly. "No, it was perfect. But, your question—did I have fun...?"He drew in a breath and let it out sharply. "I grew up a prince, accustomed to finery, comfort, unending luxury. But with all that came a sense of duty. Responsibility. Always in the public eye, always tasked to maintain the royal image. To uphold the myth of the throne... For me, fun came in stolen moments. I had to take it, I don't recall it ever being offered to me, by anyone." Loki's jaw was set in the old bitter lines, but after a moment, his expression turned gentle, quizzical. "Did you truly make all this happen in hopes that I would find enjoyment in it?"

It was Pepper's turn to look bewildered. "Well, yeah. Of course. We, all of us—we wanted you to have fun. That was kind of the point."

"Yeah, babe," Tony added. "They were totally trying to make it all just the way you'd like it. They did it all for you."

Loki looked from Tony to Pepper, and gave a soft laugh. Then, he took Pepper's hand and raised it to his lips. He pressed a kiss, and said, "That is... astonishing. Thank you."

Pepper shrugged, not sure what to say. "It was our pleasure," she at last said kindly. "You've sort of wormed your way into our hearts."

Loki chuckled. "Well, I had a very good time."

By now, Bruce had joined them, and he patted Loki on the back. "Good deal."

Steve was standing stalwart beside him, nodding. "It was a gesture to show that we all support you."

Jane came up next. "Yes. I know we don't know each other very well yet, but Thor... When he found out we were planning this, he was so excited. He's so happy that you liked it."

Loki stepped back, beaming. "I did like it. You've all made me feel so welcome. Thank you again." He tipped his head graciously, caught up in genuine gratitude. But then he saw Tony, his hair left ruffled by the wind, dark eyes trained on him like a laser, looking hot as hell in that Ironman pose with a slight tent in his trousers.

Oh, yes.

Back to the matter at hand.

"But now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll retire. It's been a very busy day." He raised an eyebrow impishly. "Hasn't it, love?"

That was Tony's cue. He clapped his hands together purposefully.

"It sure was. Big success! Now, I'm sure you guys have other things to do, places to go—don't feel you need to hang around on our account. Adios!" Tony made like a theater usher, indicating the location of the exit. When no one moved, he added, "In other words, get OUT."

Pepper had known Tony a long time, and was familiar with this particular brand of impatience. Plus the smirk on Loki's face... Understanding dawned. "Oh. I get it. Bruce, come on, let's go. The parents-to-be need some alone time."

"Huh? Oh. Okay," Bruce said. He waved a hand at a bunch of garland lying on the floor. "I can just take this stuff down to the garage, and—"

"Nope, leave it, we're going. You too, Steve, we'll give you a ride. Jane, are you coming?"

Jane was holding a handful of tiny baby clothes, and she looked up as if shaken from a daydream. "Oh, we're leaving? Okay." She laid the clothes on the couch and went to grab her purse from a room down the hall. The others followed to get their things.

They returned to say one last goodbye to Tony and Loki, but they were gone. The four heard the closing of a door down the hallway and a sudden spouting of decidedly raucous laughter. Bruce and Pepper grinned as they made their way to the elevator.

Steve frowned. "What? Where'd they go? What're they...?"

"Think about it," Pepper said cheerily.

Steve looked uncertainly to Bruce. He made a crude gesture, forefinger of one hand poking in and out of a circle he made with the other, and Steve reddened. "Oh."

"It was a really good baby shower," Bruce said with a wink, holding the doors open.

They rode down to ground level. Happy brought the car around, everyone piled in, and they headed back to Pepper's.

Tony led the way into the bedroom and Loki followed, closing the door behind him. He started to say something, but Tony made a swift three-point turn, grabbed Loki's arms, and skillfully guided him to the bed. Loki made a show of resisting, a pretty good show, and he had them both laughing by the time Tony wrestled him onto the mattress, careful for the swell of Loki's belly. Once they were snuggled in face to face, they started kissing. Somewhere down the hall, they heard their friends leave.

"Alone at last," Tony said.

"Yes." Loki wedged himself in closer to Tony and sighed contentedly. "Quiet again. It's wonderful."

Tony grinned smugly. "How'd you like the subtle way I got rid of them?"

"Subtle? Is that what you were attempting?" Loki shook his head in amusement. "Ah, well—I suppose, for you, it was."

"Listen, I didn't say, 'Get out of my house so I can have a roll in the sack with my boyfriend,' like you would've done."

"True. I admire your restraint."

"Damn right. I can do subtle, classy, whatever, as long as I end up getting to be with you."

Loki's superior sneer faded, replaced by a serious look. He laid a hand alongside Tony's face and looked into his eyes. "You Midgardians. I am constantly in awe of your ways. Your feeble little bodies that hold so much strength, your foolish hearts so filled with courage and love. To think I used to..." He let the thought fizzle away, glad when Tony gathered him closer, and he buried his face in Tony's neck, inhaling his scent. Tony shivered at the cold nose on his warm skin, but it felt amazing.

"Is this your way of admitting that you can be a dumb-ass sometimes?"

Loki snickered. "Is that what you would like? An admission of dumb-assery from me? Well, so you shall have it: there are occasions on which I can be a tremendous dumb-ass. And, I am very thankful to you for pointing it out when needed."

"My pleasure. And, hey... Right back at you."

They lay together for a long while, each enjoying the touch of the other, the rhythm of beating hearts.

Eventually, Tony pushed Loki's shirt up and laid his hand on Loki's tummy, fingers spread wide to span the breadth of firm skin. He slid his hand in a slow arc over where his baby was growing, a little arm or leg pressing outward to meet him. "Hey, look—he knows me! Hi, baby, Daddy loves you!" Tony scooted down and planted kisses all over Loki's stomach, and Loki rolled his eyes in good-natured exasperation.

"He—or she—is simply responding to external stimuli, you could be a goat for all he knows."

"You are SUCH a dumb-ass..." Tony murmured between kisses.

"Why don't you put that mouth to a more practical use?" Loki suggested helpfully, trying to shove Tony's head down to his crotch.

"Jeeze, impatient much? I'll get to it, I'll get to it..." Tony paused to nip the bulge in the front of Loki's trousers, earning himself a delighted chortle for his trouble, but then Loki twisted away.

"Get off me. We need to be naked," Loki announced imperiously.

Tony obediently slid off the bed and Loki got to his feet, whisking off his shirt and pants almost as quickly as he'd have done if he'd had the use of his magic. He lay back down and watched as Tony methodically removed his watch and tie before pulling off his suit jacket. He took the time to hang it up, carefully smoothing out a few wrinkles.

Loki glowered at him. "Stark! What in the Nine are you doing, I thought you wanted to fuck me. I'd be better off pleasuring myself to pay-per-view porn than waiting for you to remove all of your tailor-made dandy-wear."

Tony hid a grin and instead flashed him a snarl of disgust. "Give me a minute, will you! This is Armani—want me to just drop it on the floor like a wet towel? And, if you want to talk dandyism—I'm not the one with gold threads and silk piping on his jacket, am I?"

"Oh, I do look good in that one, don't I?" Loki said, pleased.

"Listen, you look fucking hot in anything, especially my bed." Tony grinned naughtily as he unbuttoned his shirt extra-slow, and then wiggled out of his trousers as Loki drummed his fingers on the nightstand.

Tony hung up the pants.

He appeared to be about to drop his underwear when he stopped and strode to the bathroom.

"Where are you going?" Loki asked.

"Gotta brush my teeth!"

"Oh, for the love of..."

The sound of very thorough, very vigorous brushing came in loud and clear, followed by copious amounts of rinsing, spitting, and then gargling.

"Now what are you doing?" Loki asked dourly.

"Want to be minty-fresh for you, babe!"

"Mm. Would that you were so concerned about the stench you make when you fart in the middle of the night."

Tony returned and began dragging down his underwear, but something on his ass caught his attention and he comically tried to turn around to give it a suspicious glare. "What the hell...? Look at this, babe, what is it? A zit? Ingrown hair? You don't think it's skin cancer, do you? All that tanning on nude beaches, bound to catch up with me someday..." Tony went to Loki's bedside, turned and leaned forward, presenting the offending area for Loki's inspection, only to get a growl of aggravation and a resounding smack on his rear.

"Do NOT expect me to play nursemaid to your disgusting dermatological flaws, human! If you're worried, go to a doctor. Otherwise, small-clothes off, and get in bed. Now."

Tony straightened and twisted to examine the spot again, frowning thoughtfully. "You know, on second thought, I think it's an ant bite. I'm kind of allergic. I better put some Benadryl on it—"

"Stark, so help me..."

Tony gave a low chuckle, pausing to admire his beautiful, impatient, thoroughly irritated god. "Eh, it's fine. Thanks for your heartwarming concern, though."

"Ah, well, never mind, I no longer find you appealing in the least. You know what I do find appealing? Cake. I only had one slice, I'm going to fetch more—"

Loki started to get up, but in a flash, Tony was naked and on the bed, making Loki scoot over to make room for him. "Oh, no you don't. Something tells me you're still VERY interested, and we can get cake later. Or—whoa. Wait here."

Loki let out a groan of frustration, but the sight of Tony's bare butt zipping out of the room was enough of a distraction to keep him from doing some serious damage to the room. When Tony came back, he carried a huge piece of cake on a plate like a trophy.

"Here we go."

"Oh, no. No, no food play. It's—sticky." Loki frowned in distaste. "Besides, I was only joking about wanting more. I fear the heavy fat and sugar content of your Midgardian desserts will put unnecessary weight on my already burgeoning figure. I doubt you've noticed, but lately I've had to become more creative with my wardrobe to allow for the... fullness that's taken place."

"Hell, you could use a few extra pounds, you're eating for two. And, as far as I'm concerned, you're gorgeous just like this. No clothes needed." Tony openly ogled Loki as he settled back on the bed, cake in hand. He pulled off a chunk and offered it to Loki.

"Flatterer." Loki glanced down at himself and shook his head. "I look like one of those python snakes after it's ingested a chicken."

That made Tony lose his concentration and burst into laughter before saying, "You do not." Tony kissed him and murmured, "You look good pregnant." He pressed the cake to Loki's lips, and he agreeably opened his mouth and allowed himself to be fed.

Loki liked it when Tony worshipped him (in his own inelegant Midgardian way) and he liked sharing the treat, eating a morsel from Tony's hand, licking his fingers when it was all gone, making Tony moan. Loki lay back, fitting himself against Tony. He took his lover's cock in his hand, stroked and squeezed it, and let out a sigh of admiration.

"Look at you, so hard for me. Impressive, given your advanced Midgardian age..."

"Don't go there..." Tony said. He still had a finger's worth of frosting left, and he looked at it appraisingly. "Might have to use this for lube."

"Eww. Let's not." He gave Tony a frosting-flavored kiss. "I do think we'd best get down to business, though, before I really do lose interest. I wasn't being entirely facetious when I said I was tired."

"My poor baby." Tony kissed him back, and then he scooted to the edge of the bed.

Loki scowled. "Now what're you doing?"

Tony looked surprised. "Thought you were ready to 'get down to business.'"

"Yes, which is why I question your moving further away from me. Your cock's not that long." Loki grinned sweetly.

"Ha ha. I was just, you know, giving you room to do your thing."

"My thing."

"Yeah, you know, the blue thing." Tony waggled his eyebrows lasciviously.

"Oh." The explanation brought forth a surge of irritation. It was true that for the last few weeks of their lovemaking, Loki had chosen to assume his Jotunn form every time. There'd been a persistent need roiling in his groin that was only soothed by Tony's deep thrusting, but that had finally passed. Now, he just wanted to be himself, but what if Tony liked his intersex self better?

"Is that your preference?" he asked in a flat tone.

Uh-oh, Tony thought, a little jolt of panic hitting him. Having a choice in how your lover's genitals were presented to you wasn't nearly as cool as he'd originally thought, not when hurt feelings were lurking just beneath the surface. "Uh... No? I mean, I like it, I like it a lot, any time, but, you know, I like everything we do in bed, well, maybe not the handcuff thing, that was kind of ouch-ier than I like, but—"

Loki's annoyance had gained steam. "Do you prefer my female organs for sex or not?"

Tony gave him a pleading look. "Baby, I love you. I love you whether you're Jotunn, or just my sweet Loki, the guy I fell in love with, it doesn't matter. Either way, you make me feel good. The only thing that matters to me is that I make you feel good. I just need for you to tell me what you want."

All the perfect words, and they only made Loki angrier. Fury whooshed through him, and even though he knew it wasn't directed at Tony, he couldn't help lashing out.

"Let's get one thing straight. In spite of my current predicament, I'm a man, I'm male, and if it weren't for what was no doubt a run of the most noxious hormones ever found in the nine realms, I would never havetaken on that cursed form for any purpose. And, never would again, if at all possible." He huffed in disgust, sat up against the headboard with his arms folded across his heaving chest.

Tony wisely kept his distance, sensing that this wasn't the time for logic. He carefully pulled himself up to mirror Loki's pose at the extreme other end of the bed and stayed quiet. Pepper had taught him a thing or two about hormones, and he'd learned he could keep his trap shut for hours if he needed to. He set his jaw in a firmly locked position and stared straight ahead.

They were both quiet for a bit, Loki clearly stewing, Tony studying the wallpaper. Then, Tony turned to look at Loki. Shit. He looked so unhappy—Tony couldn't stand it. He scooted closer and pulled Loki back into his arms, but Loki irritably jerked away. "I'm so sorry, baby," Tony said softly. "I'm so sorry."

There wasn't a sound in the room except for Loki's angry breathing, but after a while, his unyielding pose drooped a little. "Oh... You've nothing to be sorry for. I don't mean to be difficult, it's not aimed at you. I just feel so... so..." His hands were clinched in frustration as he searched for the right words.

"Pregnant?" Tony supplied, a lighter note in his voice.

Loki looked at him in amazement and nodded. "Yes, that's it exactly." He gestured at himself. "Look at me! Everything's out of my control, my body is no longer my own, I feel things that don't make sense, I want things that I don't really want, and I can't even gather my scattered wits enough to explain myself to the one I love most in the world without losing my temper." In a plaintive voice he added, "How can you put up with me?"

"Well, in fairness, you're not all that different from when you're not pregnant—" Tony stoically accepted a hard shot to the ribs from Loki's elbow as being his due. "Ow." He rubbed the spot and continued. "The point is, as I said—I love you, for a lot of reasons. Now, relax. Come on, come over here. I'm telling you, you can be as much of a dumb-ass as you want—I'm still not going anywhere." He held out his arms and Loki hesitated only a moment before inserting himself. He allowed himself to be soothed by Tony's warmth, shivering as his mortal ran a hand up and down his back and planted a kiss on his temple. He felt the anger evaporate.

"My alchemist," he murmured softly.

"Huh?"

"You've taken a heart of dullest granite and magicked it somehow." Loki scooted lower to lay his head on Tony's chest, eyes aglow from the arc reactor. "You take the rage and hatred stored there, draw it out and spin it into gold. Any sorcerer would envy you such talent."

"I think it's called 'listening.' Which I never used to do, ask Pepper. But you... I don't know, you make me want to be better. You make me want to think about stuff besides booze and sex and circuit boards. Oh, and hot cars. Not that those aren't fun—it's just, I'd rather do them with you. Well, not the booze, that has to wait, but, yeah."

Loki looked up and settled so he could take a quizzical look Tony into eyes. "Speaking of which—how long's it been since you had a drink?"

Tony shrugged. "I had a sample of that horse piss your brother brought here this afternoon, talk about rank. Other than that... I don't know, months, I guess."

Loki gave a slow smile. "Since you found out I was pregnant."

Another shrug. "Yeah. I've had a shot or two, here and there—but, nothing like I used to do." He looked at Loki. "I just haven't felt the need."

Loki reached up and kissed Tony. "I want you in me, Stark."

"Yes..." Tony making a triumphant fist-pumping gesture. "So... We're going for plain old run-of-the-mill gay sex, right?"

Loki snickered. "As if I'd participate in anything run-of-the-mill. But, yes, that's what we're going for."

"All right," Tony said with satisfaction. He opened the nightstand drawer and fumbled for lube, laying it on the bed beside him. He kissed his way down Loki's body, found his cock with his lips and took him in. Loki moaned appreciatively; Tony really was masterful at this, his lips and tongue working in harmony as he first licked and then sucked, pointy mustache hairs prickling sensitive flesh. Loki closed his eyes, only vaguely aware when Tony reached for the lube without stopping what he was doing.

Then, he did stop and Loki opened his eyes a slit. Tony was looking at him, those huge brown eyes shimmering with lust. "Legs apart, Shakespeare. Gotta do a little prep work before the big game."

Loki chuckled, raised his knees and obeyed, and he felt Tony's slicked-up finger probe into him. He groaned at the breach, a thrill of want spreading heat from the pit of his stomach to his cock, to his nipples, to the tips of his fingers and toes. He arched into it, welcoming Tony in with little wriggles of pleasure, and Tony eased in a second finger. A deep sigh came from Loki's throat and he started murmuring. "Oh, Stark, someday I'll return this gentle care, this tender preparation, right before I plunge myself into the unplundered depths of your well-muscled backside..."

Tony paused his ministrations to respond. "Big talk for a pregnant guy." He twisted his fingers in search of Loki's prostate.

"Well, that's in the future—oh! yes, just there—first, I must birth this damn baby, then, reclaim my body, and finally... ah, gods, yes... go about the business of seducing the hell out of my cocky little Midgardian." Loki's words were coming breathily, stilted. "M-mm, ah, I, uh... I'll have you on your hands and knees one day, my love—"

"Uh-huh."

"—and, then, I'll spear you—Norns, that's good, don't stop—spear you like a majestic beast, oh, fuck me now, PLEASE—"

Tony grinned. "Loki?"

"Eh?"

"Are you saying you're ready for me?"

"Ah, yes. That will do, Stark. Let's... proceed."

Chuckling, Tony shifted himself up, but halted as he realized he was about to put his full weight on Loki's stomach.

"Uh, hold on. I don't think this is such a good idea."

"What do you mean?" Loki gasped, eyes narrowed.

"I've been reading one of your pregnancy books—"

"You have?" That was a revelation. Loki hadn't noticed Tony reading anything but email since they'd met.

"Yeah. It said that missionary-style isn't so great in the last trimester, for the, uh, parent's comfort, plus it could even be dangerous in some cases. I think you're far enough along that we need to try a different position."

Loki blinked. "But I like it when you're on top of me. I can look in your eyes and kiss you."

"I know, I like it too, but I'm afraid I'll squish the baby."

Loki's brow furrowed as he considered Tony's comments. "Well, what do you suggest? I refuse to rut like a dog in this condition, so that's out."

"Okay, well, turn on your side."

"All right." Loki gave him a little smile, and with a bit of effort, hefted himself up and over, settling into the soft nest of the mattress, a pillow supporting his head and neck just so.

Tony snuggled up behind him, sliding one arm under Loki as he cradled his lover's belly with the other. He held him like that for a while, nuzzling under his ear and pressing his groin against Loki's bottom. "How's this?"

"Nice, if you want me to fall asleep."

"Uh, nope, don't want that."

"Then, maybe we could try having intercourse. Just a suggestion."

Tony rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. Just trying to take care of you." He raised himself, assessing the logistics of the situation. He squeezed more lube into his palm and slicked himself. He helped Loki pull up his knee and then, going slowly, eased inside him, groaning as slick heat sucked him in. "This okay?" he whispered.

"Y-yes." The intrusion was a relief after so much anticipation, but, damn, it had been a while since they'd made love in this manner. Loki had forgotten how... well-endowed Tony was. "I'll just need a moment to, uh, become reacquainted with this particular activity."

Tony pressed in until he was fully sheathed, and then he leaned down to kiss Loki. "I'll be careful."

"Thank you." Loki looked back over his shoulder. "Now, move!" He gave a little backward thrust as encouragement.

"You got it, angel. I love you."

Tony had been right, Loki quickly realized. It was good, so good, there was no pressure on his stomach and he could easily reach his cock to stroke himself in rhythm with Tony's thrusts. It didn't take him long to spend, and Tony came right after, letting out a roar of release and clutching Loki close to him.

"Tony..." Loki gasped. He flipped over to face Tony, and they embraced for a long, long time.

Tony was almost asleep when he felt the little fluttering under Loki's skin where it pressed against his own belly. He ran a hand over the spot, and said, "Hey, baby..."

Loki chuckled. "Well, how about that? Seems he does know you, after all."

"I could have told you that." Tony tipped Loki's face up and gave him a warm kiss. "Dumb-ass."

"Is that to be my name for the rest of this pregnancy?" Loki asked with a sigh.

"Nah, just when it's deserved. And, then again when the kid's a teenager."

"I'm sure he'll call me worse than that."

"Not when I'm around. Mutual respect's the name of the game, right?"

Loki gave wry smile and nodded. He snuggled into Tony's chest and blissfully fell asleep.