Loki and Alexi chat over dinner. Their conversation is light, and Loki feels a bit more at ease when he realizes that Alexi doesn't plan on talking about Asgard in public. That alone helps him to be a bit more comfortable. He also immensely enjoys the food, another thing that relaxes him. After, Alexi drives back to the townhouse.

"So. Is this goodnight?"

"Perhaps we could sit in the square for a few moments? It is a nice night, even if it is a little chilly."

"Sure." He grabs a blanket off the back seat, "But I hope you're OK with snuggling. It's cold and I only have one blanket."

Loki nods and takes his hand as they walk across the street to the park. They settle on a bench near the ash and Alexi wraps the blanket around their shoulders.

"This tree reminds me of home...or, rather, where I grew up. It isn't home anymore."

"Do you ever think about going back? Even for a visit?"

"Yes. But it cannot happen. Odin has cast me out. Even Thor could not bring me back in."

"That's harsh. Isn't Odin Thor's dad?"

"Yes."

"So that makes him your father too? Or is that one of those things I'm not supposed to talk about?"

"No...it would. Though I have not called him such for years."

"But you don't want to talk about him. Or not-home."

"I do not know. Since I lost my ability to be a part of that place, it has been closer in my heart than when I was fleeing from it."

"We have this phrase, 'absence makes the heart grow fonder'- maybe it's true."

"Do you not miss Sokovia?"

"Yeah, sometimes. It was a beautiful country. I'm sure it still is, with the new lake and all, but it's not where I am. I try not to think about it. I don't want to be heartsick."

"I understand."

"Yeah, well there's nobody keeping me out of my childhood home. Just bad memories. You must have a few if you're not allowed to go back."

Loki sighs, "I do not want to tell you what I have done, but I suppose I should in case you do not wish to continue this."

"Wow, that bad?"

"In my eyes, yes. But can it wait until a second date? I would like my first to be a pleasant memory."

Alexi smiles, "Sure. Not going to lie, I'm horribly curious, but yeah. Wait. Is this really your first ever date? How old are you?"

"Wanda has calculated it to about equivalent to twenty years, in terms of percentage of a lifespan. But over a thousand, numerically speaking. And yes. A first. This is not how one seeks a partner in Asgard."

"Let me guess. More fancy, less friendly?"

"More distance, yes. And because of my station, it would be more complicated. We would sit together at feasts, and then you would be my guest at a few. A guest enters with the family, you see, and is acknowledged by the court. And then there would be walks in the public places of the palace. Perhaps an arranged attendance to a poetry reading, or lecture. Then more private audiences, but always with a strict time limit. Eventually, we would be allowed to take matters into our own hands, but it would not be for quite some time."

"Oh, wow. That's intense. I think I like our way better. I mean, yeah, I meet some creeps sometimes, but it's my choice, you know? Nobody else is deciding what I do to find my romance. I like getting to write my own love story."

Loki takes Alexi's hand, "It is entirely new to me."

"How far did you get in the courtship thing in Asgard?"

"There were many who sat beside me. A few who became guests. And one dear girl years ago who I was certain would keep my heart. Sigyn made it to the private audiences. Trading small remembrances. And one kiss so sweet I thought my heart would lift from my chest. But she asked to end things. The formality, the pressure of the throne, it was too much for her. She said that in any other family, she would be my wife. And so we agreed to part ways."

"Damn. I'm sorry."

"Is it poor form to speak of such things on a first date?"

"Yeah, probably, but it's OK. It's getting to know you. Do you miss her?" Alexi snuggles the blanket around them a bit more tightly.

"Sometimes, yes. We were very close and she was dear. But life changes us all. And mine has taken me far from those days."

"Now there's something we have in common. Life taking us a long way from where we were."

"Oh?"

"Just the transgender thing. And moving from Sokovia, learning how we talk here, how we dress here. How we work here. Nothing is the same. And I like it, but still. Nostalgia for the few things I loved back there, you know?"

"Yes. I do."

"Well there's another thing we've got in common."

Loki smiles, his hand still in Alexi's as they cuddle under the blanket. Alexi rests his head on Loki's shoulder and they sit quietly for a few moments, a little awkward, unsure.

"I suppose I should let you return home. The chill is increasing."

"Yeah, probably." Neither move. "I don't really want to, though. This has been a really nice night. Thanks."

"Thank you. I have had a lovely first date."

"Cool." He stands and Loki joins him, both still trying to keep the blanket around their shoulders as they huddle together walking back to the car, "I feel amazing that you let me be your first date here. Really amazing. We'll have to do this again." He pulls the blanket off Loki's shoulders when they reach the car and he tosses it in the back. "'Night, Loki."

"Good night." Alexi opens the door and starts to sit, but Loki tugs on his arm and stops him for a hug. He kisses Alexi's cheek. Alexi smiles and gently kisses the corner of his lips. Loki is a little stunned, but happy, as Alexi drives away.

When Loki is in the warmth of his living room, going to bed is the last thing on his mind. He picks up the phone and calls Wanda.

"Good evening, Loki. How was your date?"

"Delightful. Absolutely delightful."

"Oh?"

"Yes."

"Is there something you wish to share, my dear?"

"I think this is the start of something. He kissed me. Lightly. Sweetly. Only the corner of my lips. But the flutter was there. The little feeling that I might lift from the ground were things to continue so delightfully."

"This is wonderful! Will you go for a second date?"

"He said we would have to do it again. Yes."

"Oh, that is beautiful. You aren't going to sleep tonight, are you?"

"It is unlikely. I will be up all night with this bliss. I want to dance in the moonlight to music only I can hear. Or perhaps simply sit on the balcony with hot chocolate and my dreams."

"You are a romantic."

"Of course. I feel everything deeply, not only that which is painful."

"Hmmm. Does this mean you will be utterly and absolutely adorable when you are in love? Will I catch you humming to yourself? Will a smile always grace your lips? Will you wander into daydreams?"

"Oh yes, it will likely irritate you to no end."

"On the contrary. I find it delightful."

"Thor teased me mercilessly when I fell in love in our younger days."

"Magda and I might tease a little, but you must tell us if you feel we are hurtful."

"I will. He was not the only one. His friends took things farther than I thought reasonable."

"We will be kind. I promise."

"Thank you. For everything. Without you, I would be dead and there would have been no tonight."

"Oh Loki, you are ever welcome."

"It is more than the others would have done. I owe you my happiness and my life."

"Darling, you owe me nothing. I simply did what a decent person would do."

"More than that. You have given me a family. Sisters. A place in this world. And now a friend who may become much more. How do I ever thank you for such a thing?"

"By living and loving well."

"Of course. It is so simple."

She laughs, "Yes it is. And you will. But now it is late. Perhaps I can take you for coffee in the morning? There is a little place beside the bookstore Magda says you love so much."

"I would like that very much."

"I will see you in the morning, then. Now, get some sleep, darling. At least a little. You will be able to enjoy tomorrow all the better if you do."