There was much in terms of frivolity and pomp when the Odinson family learned of their youngest son's engagement; Frigga was thrilled, Odin doubtful at first, Thor, boisterous. It was simply not a question that Loki and Jane would settle closer to their country home in Kent.

It had been some months without a single grotesque event. The funeral for Mary Kelly was as somber a thing as ever imagined, and Fandral was quite devastated. People from all over attended it, and no one felt safe for a long time thereafter. Thankfully, the weather had turned, and the chill kept most from the streets, anyhow.

Jane recovered from her wrist injury, but there was some nerve damage that forever haunted the joint, and she had a time with it.

She was undeterred in her resolve to change Whitechapel in terms of safety, and partnered with Selvig to help ensure it. They continued to meet weekly, mostly with Loki, and even, sometimes, with George Lusk.

Loki gave up going to Asgard daily, handing that responsibility to Fandral, who gladly accepted it. He was being paid much more for his time, which allowed him to care for his mother.

Loki was happy to attend to Jane most days at the apothecary.

And in more ways than one.

Fandral and Martha stayed at the Bethnal Green house, renting space from Loki. It was as full a house as ever there was…five people living there!

And everyone was settled after the autumn months of terror.

And it is springtime when we meet them all again, on the precipice of a wedding.

Jane had fallen into a steady rhythm at the shop, and began to wonder about whom she would sell it to. She didn't want to leave Spitalfields Market bereft of an apothecary. It was something that she dwelled much on, concerned as she was with everyone in the area.

"An' ye be gettin' married, Miss Jane?" asked Freddy Church.

"I am, yes. In just a week, Freddy."

"Ta dat miserable ole bloke, Loki?"

"Heh," she replied meekly. "Well, he isn't as miserable as all that, Freddy," she handed him a bag with the remedies he was obtaining for his ailing mother.

"Well, I 'ope 'e treats ya well, Miss Jane. Ye be de nices' of all dese folk 'round de market," he tipped his cap and headed out…almost knocking Loki over.

He was looming in the doorway. He smiled a snide smile at Freddy, who took a look at him and scampered away.

Loki enjoyed using his height to inflict dominance on the shorter folk in London.

"I don't like him," he announced, entering the shop fully.

"Why ever not?" Jane replied, putting things away.

"He smiles too much," and Loki closed the door.

"Maybe you don't smile enough."

"Nonsense," and he approached her. "Tell me Jane. What time do you plan on closing today?"

"Hadn't thought about it, really…why?" she turned to him.

"Because," and he placed his hands on her waist. "I wanted time alone with my fiancee, and there really is no place we can be alone, seeing as I'm currently running a hotel."

She smiled, looking at his mouth. "What do you suggest?" she asked.

"Mm…something along these lines," and he lifted her to the counter, placing her there, and then pushed her skirts up to her waist, rubbing his hand along her thighs. "What are your thoughts, Jane?' he kissed her neck.

"I agree…an excellent idea…" her breath came quick.

Loki kissed her deeply, tore away at her clothing which disallowed his access.

"Is this wise?" Jane whispered in his ear as he entered her.

"Nothing is wise, Jane," and he moved.

Her head went back, his hands graced her breasts softly as he moved within her…and she moaned.

"My bride," he whispered, bringing her head toward his own, and kissing her.

And as the pair became more erratic, the counter shifted, but neither cared. Loki came, and fell slack, but continued to massage Jane's sex until she climaxed, herself.

It was dim in the shop while they straightened their clothing. "Is there a reason for this afternoon's activities, Loki?"

"Merely my desire, and that includes the desire to see my betrothed. We are to married, Jane, in a week."

Jane nodded.

Ordinarily, an engagement lasted a month or two. But Jane wanted things to calm down a bit before they had any celebratory event, and she also didn't fancy a wedding in the winter.

She couldn't imagine how her life would be any different, considering that she and Loki lived together, slept together…

There was the issue of children, she supposed.

And it was a wonder that she wasn't pregnant already.

Loki looked at her crookedly. "Are you all right, Jane?"

"Fine. Why?" and she went to the back to clean some of the instruments.

He swallowed. "We can look for a suitable storefront in Kent this week if you like," he called out to her, and sat on the settee.

"Lovely," she returned, and entered, smiling.

"Come, dear, sit with me," he held his hand out to her.

Jane went to him, took a deep breath, and sat next to him.

"You cannot fool me, Jane Foster. Something is bothering you," he took her hand.

"Well, no. Not exactly, Loki. It's just…I don't want…" she paused. "Never mind."

"What don't you want?" and his heart did whisper that she was changing her mind, and she didn't want him any longer.

Jane retrieved her hand from his grasp and covered her face. "I don't want this to go away," she sobbed.

"What to go away?" he looked at her carefully.

"This. Us. I've seen what marriage can do to couples. I see it all the time, actually. It can mean the end of so much…" she wiped her face.

"You flatter me, Jane."

She looked at him in question.

"That is to say…I have never been romantic in a strict sense. I have little experience in the realm of things romantic. That you desire us to remain in a state of perpetual engagement is quite a compliment," he leaned over and nuzzled her neck.

"Stop, Loki. I'm serious," she pulled away. "We are so very fortunate. I don't want to spoil it with a wedding."

He looked at her. "Nothing will be spoiled, Jane. I love you. You love me. That's all either of us needs to know."

She swallowed. "Promise?"

"Promise," and he kissed her softly. "Well," he slapped his hands on his knees. "Has the apothecary run its course for the day?"

"Yes," and she let out a sigh and stood. "Yes. I think so."

"Very good," he adjusted his jacket…though spring was kissing London tantalizingly, the chill remained steadfast.

"Loki," Jane said. "We never started that revolt," she slipped her own wrap on.

"And you would like to be a revolutionary?" he opened the door for her.

"Well, you make it sound so childish," she locked the door. "As though, I dunno…'When I get old enough, I'd like to be a revolutionary.' It really isn't like that."

"What's it like, then?"

"More like…I want to do something. I want to help these wretched souls."

Loki looked around them. Yes, there were plenty of people out and about who needed more than they had.

Children playing in the gutter.

Mothers selling whatever they had (including themselves) for food for their children.

"We could support government officials who are concerned about the welfare of the wretched."

"I suppose that's a start," Jane replied. She looked around her and wondered at the state of these people…how did they not fall into despair? How did they not succumb to the streets utterly?

Perhaps they did.

And they reached Loki's home, and before they went inside, Jane took his hand. "Thank you, Loki."

"What for?" he smiled.

"For everything."

Erik Selvig was sitting at his desk. He had been promoted to Chief Inspector, and though he felt he was undeserving, he was pleased for the increase in pay, for he had three children at home. He was unwilling to send his thirteen year old son to work just yet.

He was in a minority regarding that sentiment.

He looked out of the window…spring was blossoming and there was a a bustle that the winter months had not seen.

The murders he had been tasked to solve had all but ended. There was one incident of a mutilated corpse missing its limbs back in December, but Selvig rather thought that it was unrelated.

He felt sorry for the lot of it. Sick, even.

"Hello, Selvig. Sorry to interrupt your reverie…"

He looked over at the door. "Loki," he smiled and stood, and offered his hand.

Loki shook it, then sat. "Well, Chief Inspector Selvig. You appear well."

"I am, I s'pose," and he sat as well. "What brings you here? I haven't had the pleasure for many weeks now."

"I have a business proposal for you," he returned with a smile.

Selvig cocked a brow. "Business proposal?"

"Yes. Jane and I are leaving London after the wedding, and we are both concerned about the state of the area," he paused. "Fandral and Darcy Lewis will take the apothecary over, and Asgard…" he smiled. "I'd like to turn into a safe haven for the women of Whitechapel."

"A safe haven?"

"Just so. Odin has purchased the building next to it, and we will convert it with beds and such, and with running water. The Ten Bells has promised one meal a day for the women, and others will donate other goods."

Selvig eyed him curiously. "There is much to be considered here, Loki. Such as, are they to remain there indefinitely? What if they have children or a husband? Who will maintain the place?"

"Ah…you beat me to it. Those things I'd like to hire you for."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes…on a part-time basis. And Fandral will allow Darcy to see to other things at Asgard, she is to be attending to the apothecary only half time as well."

"I have a situation, Loki. A demanding one…and a family to consider."

"Well, what if your wife and older child helped? They'd be compensated, of course."

"You wish for me to run a brothel," he sneered, dismissing it.

"Listen here, Selvig. I wish to offer these people, people who no one ever considers, a safe place that they don't need to sell themselves for. Perhaps they can earn some money by cleaning the place. Or making a meal. They should be using it as a stepping off point…because more often than not, women are utterly dependent on men. If they learned something, or helped in some way, then perhaps they will be able to move on and care for themselves in some capacity."

"You have a lot of faith in them, my friend," he sighed.

"Don't you? For god's sake, man. You were there!"

Nothing needed to be said to explain further. Yes. Erik had been there.

"All right, Loki. But allow me to speak to the Missus."

He nodded and stood. "You're coming tomorrow, yes?"

"Wouldn't miss it," he nodded his head.

Loki smiled and left.

He was pleased with how that went, and how everything was rather falling into place. It had been his idea to convert the bookshop (which never really enjoyed any sort of profit) into a home for the homeless. He thought that the demand would be high, but he also thought that the merchants would be happy to supply things, as long as they were paid.

Loki didn't tell anyone that he would be paying, at a reduced rate, for everything Asgard would be offering the women.

He had thought long and hard about what Jane had said at the Ten Bells before she went missing…about doing something for these women…a revolt was what she suggested. And she mentioned it a few days previous as well. It was on her mind…and what concerned her, concerned him. But a revolt was illogical, and likely would do little to actually help them.

So, this was the next option, one which Jane readily accepted.

And even Odin, to a greater or lesser degree.

Loki was pleased. He had done something…he wasn't easily touched, but when he was, it was extreme. And he was softened by the women he watched, and in some cases, failed to protect.

So he would do that now.

"Jane!" he called, entering the house.

"Hello, Loki."

"Ah, Dr. Foster," he took off his cap. "Is Jane at home?"

"She's seeing to her dress for tomorrow. I have something that I'd like to discuss."

Loki looked at him. "All right."

"Come, have a seat."

The two went inside to the sitting room. Loki was apprehensive…Jane's father seldom sought a private interview. "What can I help you with?"

"It simply isn't a matter of helping me with anything, Loki. I want to thank you for your generous offer of having me live with the two of you in Kent. However," he paused. "I'm afraid I'll need to decline your kindness."

"Pardon?"

"Yes…you see, Jane was remiss in her thinking, in that while I love her dearly, I don't really fancy living with her and her new groom. I rather think that," he cleared his throat. "It might cause some…problems…both seen and unforeseen."

Loki blushed. Oh, yes, he turned a fair shade of crimson. This was a most unfortunate occasion to turn thus, for he knew that Dr Foster was testing his mettle, and he didn't want to be considered weak at all.

But weakness is sometimes the child of impropriety, and though Dr Foster had meant no harm in his account, Loki had taken it as such. "You must know that I'll not be engaging in any…carnal activities with your daughter, sir, in the plain open. Things such as that shall remain dutifully in the bedroom."

"How very dull, my son."

Loki's mouth hung agape.

And Dr Foster laughed. "Come now, Loki. I would like to see my daughter happily suited in her marriage. If one limits one's lovemaking to the bedroom throughout one's marriage, how is that to be accomplished?"

"You suggest that a happy marriage depends upon finding different venues for sexual exploits?" he smirked. If he was going to be playful, then Loki would be. too.

"No. But it cannot hurt. At any rate, I must insist that I remain in London where I belong. If you would continue to rent part of this house for me while Fandral and Martha remain as well, I would be most obliged."

Loki considered him for a moment. Was it possible…? "Of course, Dr Foster. It is done."

"Excellent," and he stood. "I'll tell Jane. And Martha. She will want to know that she is retaining a house mate."

Loki smiled to himself as he watched his near father-in-law leave and sighed. It would be marvelous if Jane's father had taken a fancy to Martha Durlish.

He rose and went to the kitchen. "Well, Miss Darcy. What sumptuous meal are you preparing for us this day?" he took a bite of apple.

"Oh, jus' a basic roast, Mista Odinson," she quipped.

"You know, Darcy, you should have phonetic lessons. I reckon you'd be a proper lady if you spoke a bit more…genteel. I know a chap who specializes. Mr. Higgins…not terribly far from here."

"Ya fink I'd be a lady?" her eyes went wide.

"So much, Miss Lewis, depends on how we present ourselves via our language. Yes, I think it'd do you some good," he took another bite. "I'll write to him directly," and he left.

And Darcy smiled at her good fortune.

Jane was mucking about with her hair. Her white dress was simple enough, though lace adorned much of the trimmings. She had one Maid, Darcy, and Fandral was standing with Loki. They were marrying in the small chapel just down the road from Loki's home…

No. Hers and Loki's home.

She must get used to that.

Jane was a touch nervous, but the day was very fine, and the affair so small that really there was little cause for nerves of any sort.

"Ya ready, den, Miss?" Darcy was smiling.

Jane nodded, and they were off to the chapel.

The author here allows you, dear reader, to fill in the gaps of the ceremony itself. Sufficient enough to say, there were a few tears, especially when good Dr. Foster handed his daughter to Loki. Frigga was poised and proud, Odin silently approving.

Thor and Sif were in attendance, and it gave Loki pause to see her. Not for any particular reason other than he had met her heretofore with dread and disquiet.

"You appear well, Sif," Loki said, handing her some wine. Brunch was being served, and the Odinson's would be leaving posthaste for their honeymoon.

"I am, thank you," she smiled. "Your bride is a lovely creature," Sif observed. "And you, Loki. So different. Love suites you well."

"It does, this time," he returned with a dark glance. "But come, sister. When can I have the pleasure of spoiling a niece or nephew?"

Sif's gaze fell, then her eyes found Thor.

Thor, who was speaking with Jane.

"It has perfectly astonished us all, Jane!" Thor boomed. "Loki! In love, and married. Such a fine result of all of these horrible goings on!"

"What do you mean?" she sipped her wine.

"Well, I mean all of that Ripper business some months ago…"

Jane quickly looked around for Fandral, and found him deep in conversation with Darcy. "Oh, well," she smiled uncomfortably. "I suppose if one must find a bright spot…"

"We must, Jane! For when such horror occurs, there is nothing to be done but find a bright spot!" he laughed.

"Really, Thor. Some lost everything," she blushed for the thunderous man.

"I know it! And Odin knows! And that is why we are seeing to aiding those effected."

She smiled. "It is generous, Thor. Really. I cannot thank you enough…"

Thor then grasped both of Jane's arms in his hands. "Think nothing of it, sweet sister! We are family now!" he kissed her mouth soundly.

Jane wriggled away, laughing. "You are something, brother," she coughed.

"I'll thank'ee, Thor, for not touching my wife in such a manner," Loki had appeared, quite suddenly, at Jane's side. "You have your own wife to inflict your embrace upon."

"Inflict!" boomed Thor. "As though she did not enjoy it!"

"Hm…she bears the markings of a dissatisfied soul. You ought to see to that directly."

"Dissatisfied?" he appeared to be confused.

"Just so. In other words, she is unhappy with something…it is my opinion that a woman, when she is lacking in certain areas of her life, it is more often than not, the duty of the husband to ensure that she is satiated in the bedroom…"

"Loki…" Jane whispered, elbowing him.

"What, Jane? I'm only looking out for my sister," he smiled innocently.

Jane rolled her eyes and left the two.

"So I'm to have a daughter."

"Odin!" she exclaimed, then laughed a bit nervously. "Is that all right with you, sir?"

"It'll have to be, won't it?" he replied. "But it needn't follow that I'm sorry for it. Loki has long desired a mate, though I'm certain he was loathe to admit such a weakness. I cannot be happier with his choice."

Jane smiled and hugged her father-in law.

"Just don't let me wait too long for some grandchildren. Thor and Sif are dreadfully remiss in that area."

"Why do you suppose that is…?" she looked at Sif, who appeared to be somewhat sad.

"I cannot tell you. Neither she nor Thor are terribly forthright."

"No? Thor certainly gives the appearance of being so."

"My son is loud, Jane. But he is soft. Thor is a very good man, and protects his wife fiercely."

Jane nodded. "Thank you, again for the lovely home."

"Not at all," and Odin kissed her cheek. "When are you leaving?"

"For the honeymoon? Within the hour, I expect."

"I hope you have a lovely time," and he turned, left.

Jane watched him go. She sighed softly and walked to the house. She would need to gather her things.

She was very pleased with the small affair; just twenty people, gathered in Loki's garden, for brunch.

And they were off to Cornwall. Loki had suggested Paris or Venice…but Jane didn't want to be away long, and rather thought that Venice would be there in a few years. She wanted to settle in Kent; ready the house, the apothecary.

"Jane?"

She turned to see her husband in the doorway, smiling.

Her husband…

"Hm?"

"Are you ready?"

"As ever," and she went to him, kissed his lips softly.

America was not what he had expected it to be…not that he had any clear notion of what it would be, but all the same, it wasn't this land of opportunity it advertised itself to be.

This was distressing, for Anthony Stark had promised him things. Things, and he had not delivered.

He had gone to Philadelphia in the hope of meeting him. He understood that he was still in need of parts.

He was thrown from the property.

This was unfortunate on many levels, for he was so very desperate that he began to hate Anthony Stark…irrational hatred filled his mind, poisoned his soul…

…if he had ever had one.

And in his madness and desperation, he went to New York.

Such writhing turmoil seethed his mind…cold months spent in squalor…he begged for help, but little came.

America and her promises can go fuck themselves.

He was lying in the street, a full two years after he had arrived in the land; about six months following his arrival in New York.

He was laying there, when a man tossed him some money. "Get ye up! Whaddya think di is, man?"

He rose, tipped his hat, and ran.

He procured some food and drink…ran ran as fast he could…

"Ya lookin fer a date, man?"

He turned…

…and smiled.

It was May, 1891. Almost three years since the terror had began.

Jane was at her shop in Kent when Loki came in with The Times…a look on his face which bespoke of horror. He handed her the paper. "Look at this, Jane."

She took the thing, with an air of confusion…

And her heart stopped as she read the headline…

"He's in America."

A/N: Well! That was fun! I must thank JaninaM8 for all of her help with this. Goblynn and a. for their enthusiasm. You might be wondering why on earth I would end it in such a place. Well, since this is an unsolved mystery, it seemed fitting to have the story end kinda unsolved as well. That isn't to say that I wouldn't be averse to a sequel, with maybe Loki and Jane in America...but I dunno. It was a ton of work, this, and I have other unfinished stories to attend to.

But thank you again and again for taking this journey with me! It was a true adventure.