Laney sat at Loki's bedside after her shower, in a new fall dress and her hair pulled back into a bun. "Hi Desi. Feeling better?" She asked softly while she caressed Loki's arm.

"I am starting to. I'm just glad the stress didn't hurt the baby." Desi said truthfully while she looked over Loki. "He's doing good so far, I think he's ready to come around."

"I hope so," she replied as she looked over at him. "I miss those green eyes."

"Go on, help him wake." Desi encouraged Laney.

Laney looked at her with a furrowed brow. "How?"

"However you would normally wake him." Desi shrugged.

Laney looked back down at Loki and caressed his cheek, then ran her thumb across his bottom lip. "Loki? Baby can you hear me?"

Loki groaned softly, slowly coming around. "You're doing great." Desi encouraged Laney.

She smiled, seeing Loki's eyes flutter. "Loki, baby it's me. I'm home," she said softly.

Loki slowly opened his eyes, then groaned softly in pain. "Where am I?" He muttered hoarsely, not focusing on anything yet.

"You're home, in Asgard, in the healing ward. You're injured," Laney answered softly. Tears welled in her eyes, happy to hear his voice after so long.

After a moment, Loki reached out and took Laney's hand. "Missed you... so much... worried about you." He told Laney, struggling to string the words together.

Laney smiled and bent to kiss his cheeks. "I missed you too."

"What happened?" Loki asked, trying to focus on Laney. "Don't remember much..."

"You were injured saving your mother," Laney answered.

"Is she alright?" He asked, then shakily raised her hand to his lips, kissing the back of her hand.

A couple tears fell down Laney's cheeks, but she nodded. "She's in perfect health. But you will be in here for a while."

"I'm fine." Loki mumbled. He released her hand, and let it fall to her belly. "Don't feel Star." He said, the panic evident in his tone.

"Shh, it's alright," she soothed. "You'll get to meet her when you're a little more awake."

"Why can't I feel her?" He asked, now acting like he was going to try to sit up.

"Loki, be careful." Laney turned and looked at Desi. "Could you get Star from Frigga please?"

Desi nodded and walked across the room to Frigga, who quickly handed Star over. She then brought Star to Laney. "She's sleeping... don't let him get up." She whispered.

Laney nodded then turned and gently placed Star on Loki's chest, causing him to put an arm around her. "Be easy love... meet your daughter."

Loki tried to look down at the baby as he wrapped both arms around her. "She's so beautiful." He said softly, in tears of joy.

Laney smiled and ran her hand through Loki's hair as well as Star's. "She's a lot like you."

"When was she born?" Loki asked Laney. I wasn't even there like I promised...

"The day we were transported to Alfheim because of the attack. She is a winter solstice baby," Laney told him.

"She's so perfect. How are you doing? Is she healthy?" Loki asked, wanting to know everything.

"I'm a little sore still, but I'm well. Star is perfectly healthy, just small," she answered.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, I truly wanted to be." Loki said, still in tears.

Laney bent and pecked Loki's lips. "I did as well, but there was nothing we could have done. Desi kept me centered and helped me give birth to our little girl. But there's always next time... when we're ready."

"I will make sure I'm their next time." Loki promised, but he was starting to doze off again.

"I'm sure you will, my Loki. I love you so much," Laney murmured.

"I love you too. You and Star. My girls are my everything." Loki mumbled, drifting off, but not wanting to let go of Star. He was slower to shift with his health, but holding Star triggered him to change back to his Jotun form.

"You can hold her sweetheart. She feels safe in your arms," she said softly.

"Love you." Loki said in barely more than a whisper as he fell asleep. He didn't loosen his hold on Star though, keeping her snug.

Laney smiled a watery smile as she continued to run her hand through his hair. "When will he be stronger Desi?"

"He's getting stronger all the time. I think I'll do another transfusion tonight, but he's doing really good." Desi told Laney. "You didn't see him when we first got back... he's already made a full turn around."

"I've been worried about him, but I trust you." Laney sat back in her seat and let him sleep.

"You know I would never lie to you about it..." Desi said truthfully. "I can promise you that he's going to recover."

Laney nodded and smiled at her. "I'm glad your exam went well. I've been thinking about you too."

"I was so worried about all the stress." Desi admitted. "It turns out though, this is the result of our little camping trip."

"I had a feeling you two would be up to no good on that weekend," she replied with a giggle.

"Oh please, we're never up to any good. He can't keep his hands off me." Desi retorted with a giggle of her own.

Laney laughed and shook her head. "Neither can you."

"That man's body is pure perfection. It would be an insult to try." Desi giggled, forgetting Frigga was still in the room.

Frigga chuckled from her spot on a nearby couch. "I love how much you two love my boys."

Desi blushed deep red. "I didn't mean for you to hear that..."

"Pfft, don't worry about it. I have heard worse I'm afraid," Frigga replied with a wave of her hand. "I'll give you girls some time together to gossip." She smiled at them both then stood and quietly left the room.

Desi stayed quiet for a moment after Frigga left. "I don't think I've ever been that embarrassed before."

Laney snickered. "You're fine. I'm sure she has heard worse."

"I don't doubt it, but that's still not what I want to say in front of my fiancés mother." Desi admitted.

"She's lighthearted. Frigga knows we mean well." Laney turned once she noticed Star moving out of the corner of her eye.

"I think she would have to be used to hearing such things, given who her sons are." Desi giggled, then looked over at Star. "I think she's getting hungry."

"She might be but getting Loki to let go of her will be difficult." Laney gently grasped Loki's arm, so she would be able to pick up the baby.

Desi took Loki's arm and held it for Laney. "Get her quick, he's tensing up and way stronger than me."

Laney chuckled as she picked up Star and cuddled her to her chest. "He might wake up."

Loki grumbled incoherently in his sleep when Laney took Star. "He's definitely not happy about it." Desi said, laying his arms down again.

"He'll be alright," she said softly. Laney unclipped part of her dress before she brought Star to her breast to latch and feed.

"I think it's kind of sweet, that he knows when she's close, even when he's asleep." Desi said truthfully.

"I think Star will notice him too. She always radiated towards him in my belly."

"Do you think she will want to go back with him when she's finished nursing?" Desi asked curiously.

"Hmm," Laney looked down at Star and watched as she fisted her dress in her tiny hands while she nursed. "I'm not sure."

"It will be interesting to see." Desi admitted. "She is so cute."

Laney bent and kissed Star's forehead. "She's wonderful."

"I have no clue what goes into repairing the palace and such, but if Thor is needed, do you mind if I stay with you while he's busy?" Desi asked, not wanting to spend so much time alone.

"Of course. You might get bored though," Laney told her.

"You can't really think I'll get bored with my best friend and the cutest baby in the realms." Desi chuckled. "It's just until I can go back to work."

Laney smiled as Star let go of her breast. "Alright little girl, time to burp," she said softly as she raised the baby to rest on her shoulder and began to pat her back.

"You don't need to make her burp, not when she nurses naturally." Desi reminded Laney.

"I know, but I'm just afraid she inhales air," Laney replied as she turned her small pats into a back rub.

"Jotnar babies can handle a little bit of air. It doesn't sit in their tummies like it does with other babies." Desi explained but looked over when Loki stirred again.

Laney kissed Star's cheek then sat her on her back, on her legs. "Pretty girl is wide awake," she cooed while Star stared up at her.

"She's so happy all the time, it's incredible." Desi said in awe, watching Star. She finally took a seat to relax.

"She's my good girl," Laney replied, still cooing at Star, though keeping an eye on Loki too.

Loki slowly opened his eyes, then tried to sit up, groaning in pain. "Laney..." Desi said softly, drawing her attention to Loki.

"Easy sweetheart," Laney told him. "Your side and chest are sutured. Desi could you help him sit up?"

"No, he needs to stay laying down." Desi told them both.

"Where is Star?" Loki asked Laney.

"I have her. She was hungry," Laney replied just as Star began to fuss.

"Can I have her back?" Loki asked, relaxing once he knew they were still there and fine.

Laney rocked Star back and forth with her legs, but she continued to fuss. "If you'd like. But she's fussy."

"I will calm her." Loki promised.

"Alright," she replied, then stood and gently laid Star on Loki's chest.

Loki wrapped his arms around Star and held her close. "You're alright baby girl." He cooed at her.

Laney watched as Star quickly settled down and stared at Loki. "Daddy's girl."

"I love that she is." Loki said softly. "I missed her when she was away just now."

"She wasn't away. I was feeding her. Desi has found a way to turn my milk more Jotun for her and she loves it," she told him.

"She was out of my arms, is what I meant." Loki said softly. "How did she change the milk?"

"It's a type of fruit from Jotunheim," Laney answered.

"Is it safe for you?" Loki asked Laney.

Laney nodded. "Yes, it's safe because I need it to nurse."

"I'm glad it makes Star happy. I love you so much." Loki told Laney.

"I love you too. Both of you," Laney replied.

"I'm so glad you are both safe. Sending you away was the hardest thing I've ever had to do." Loki admitted.

Laney leaned over and kissed Loki softly. "We were safe and sound. I missed you like crazy and Desi missed Thor."

Loki returned Laney's kiss. "I missed you and I know Thor missed Desi." Loki said truthfully. "How long has it been?"

"We've been back for three... four days. We were in Alfheim for almost two weeks."

"Does that mean Star is already almost three weeks old?" Loki asked, feeling heartbroken about all the time with them he had missed.

Laney furrowed her brow in thought. "I guess so. She mostly eats and sleeps or stares at us. I'll be excited when she starts to play."

"That's all babies do darling." Loki chuckled. "I am excited to teach her magic, if she has the ability."

"I'm excited to teach her anything." Laney scooted closer to the pair and ran her hand through the tufts of black hair on Star's head.

"I can't believe I was ever worried... I could never abandon her." Loki said softly, fighting back tears.

Tears welled in Laney's eyes as she watched Loki. "I never had a doubt in you."

"I was full of doubt... part of me still is. I refuse to let myself follow whatever path led to my own abandonment." Loki said resolutely.

Laney sighed softly and moved to run her hand through his hair. "That would never happen with her Loki. Ever. She could turn purple, and I would still love her."

"I don't worry about you leaving her. I just still don't know why I was abandoned, so I don't know how to ensure I don't do the same." Loki said sadly. "I love her so much and it would devastate me to lose her." He said, failing to hold back his tears.

"Shhh, we'll figure it all out. I promise," she assured him.

He looked at Laney with tear filled eyes, then held Star closer. "I can't lose her."

"You won't sweetheart. Neither of us are going anywhere." Laney watched as Loki nodded but was too emotional to find any words. "It will be alright Loki, I swear it."

Loki calmed down after a few minutes. "I just love you both so much. When I've healed, I'm going to find out what happened so I can put this all behind me." He promised.

"I will help you and do anything I can to help," Laney replied.

"I just need to get better so I can get answers." Loki said softly.

"We will Loki, we will."

Loki took a deep breath to calm himself. "What all did I miss?"

Laney shrugged. "That's more of a question for your mother instead of me. I've been by your side since we've returned."

"Is she here?" Loki asked. He moved one hand from hold Star and took Laney's hand, giving it a little squeeze.

"I can call for her. Would you like to see her?" Laney asked with a small smile.

"Would it be alright if I see her for a moment?" Loki asked, sensing something was off.

"Sure. Do you want us to stay, or do you want to speak with her alone?"

"Stay." Loki said quickly, tightening his grip on her hand. "Please don't go." He nearly begged.

Laney nodded and caressed his hand. "Shhh, I won't go anywhere."

Loki calmed down again. "Will you lay here with us?" He asked, wanting to feel her closer.

"I can if you want me to." She looked over at Desi and smiled. "When will Thor return?"

"He's in bed reading. I can go find Frigga if you want, before I go." Desi offered.

"That would be lovely Desi. I would be very grateful," she replied.

Desi nodded and got up then walked out. A few minutes later, Frigga walked in to see that Loki was trying to scoot over to make room for Laney to lay with him.

Laney has just sat on the edge of the bed and turned to Frigga with a smile. "He's asking for you."

"I stayed close by." Frigga said, walking over to them. "I did send Desi away for a while though, so she can rest."

"Thank you. She really does need it," Laney said softly. "Loki has some questions for you I think."

"I know, I just don't know where to even start." Frigga said. She looked away when Loki gave her a questioning look.

Laney frowned. "Just start from where you think is best."

Frigga took a deep, steadying breath, then fully explained everything from the attack right up that very morning. At the end, Loki was tense and in tears.

"So, the woman that was here... she really is his mother," Laney murmured.

Frigga nodded. "She is. I'm still trying to get her to agree to an introduction."

Laney sighed and looked over at Loki. "Are you alright?"

"I just found out that after everything, my birth mother still doesn't want anything to do with me... so no, I'm not alright." Loki said softly.

Frigga narrowed her eyes at Loki. "That isn't it Loki. She feels like if she were to come into your life now, it could change how you feel about others. Something I know wouldn't happen, but I can see how she thinks."

"How would it change how I feel about anyone else?" Loki asked, sniffling.

"She doesn't want to step in and feel like she replaces anyone, namely myself. I know that would never happen, but I understand how she feels." Frigga gave him a soft smile and patted his leg.

"You will always be my mother. Nothing will ever change that." Loki said firmly.

Frigga smiled, a hint of tears forming in her eyes. "It makes me happy to hear you say that."

"Regardless of what happened, you are the one who raised me, took care of me, and never gave up on me." Loki said truthfully.

Frigga rubbed his leg, hoping to comfort him. "I'm always here for you. So is Laney, your brother, and your father."

"Where has Odin been? I have heard no mention of him during any of this." Loki pointed out.

"The battle has taken a toll on him. He's been spending a lot of time resting so as not to go into Odin Sleep," Frigga explained. "I have brought Star to him though, and he adores her as much as I do."

"She's staying here with me now." Loki said, sounding even more upset now.

"Loki... don't be so mean," Laney chastised. "Odin is her grandfather. He has the right to meet her and see her."

"I didn't say he couldn't see her. He can come here to see her." Loki clarified.

Frigga chuckled. "I never thought you would be so overprotective. But it's alright for now."

"It's not about that. Two weeks I've been here, nearly dead, and he couldn't even stop by once." Loki muttered.

"He has been here Loki, just not as much as he'd like. It's almost as if he's taken ill. Just a walk down the hall makes him out of breath," Frigga told him.

Laney frowned and held onto Loki's hand. "Maybe Desi could help?" She asked.

"You didn't say anything at all about him so much as even asking about me." Loki retorted. "It's fine. I honestly don't know why I even thought he would." He sighed but calmed down.

Frigga frowned and sighed. "I know you and your father have a very rocky relationship Loki. But his health has fallen enough to where he's thinking of stepping down."

"He could have asked about me had he wanted to." Loki said but was too tired to argue. "Fine, you can take Star to him."

"Baby he asks about you and your family every day when I come to bed," Frigga told him. "If you ever want to come see him, I will find a way to take you."

"I can't imagine he would want me to bother him like that." Loki said, but he sounded more content now. "I will leave him be. Thor should go visit though; I know he will want to make sure my brother is well. And if anyone can help him, Desi can." He said softly, starting to doze off again.

Laney shrugged at Frigga and ran a hand through Loki's hair. Frigga just smiled. "I will let both of you rest. It's getting late," she said softly and stood. "I will see you both tomorrow."

"Goodnight Frigga," Laney said softly.

"Goodnight mother." Loki said softly.

"Goodnight darlings," she replied with a smile, then left after she dimmed the lights.

Laney turned and looked down at Loki with a soft smile. "Let me change her and put her in her bassinet, then I will lay with you."

"Can't I hold her after you change her?" Loki asked, not wanting to part with Star.

"For a little while, but she sleeps in her own bed at night," Laney said softly as she gently took Star into her arms.

"She can sleep with me tonight, right?" Loki asked with a pitiful look.

Laney sighed as she laid Star down and unbuttoned the bottom of her clothes to get to her cloth diaper. "If I say yes, will you make it into a habit?" She asked.

"I think we both already know that I will." Loki admitted.

"I'm afraid she will get squished at some point. Tonight is fine, but she needs her own bed," Laney told him as she removed the diaper and cleaned her up.

"She will have her own bed darling... when she's older." Loki promised.

Laney smirked at him then redressed her before she lifted her up and walked back over to the bed. "She never woke up," she said softly as she placed her back on Loki's chest.

Loki wrapped one arm around Star, holding her close. "Are you ready to lay with me? I miss your warmth."

She smiled down at him before she carefully moved to lay beside him and laid her arm around his waist. "I've missed yours too."

"I don't know why I feel so cold lately, but I can't seem to get warm." Loki said, shivering.

"That might be the blood transfusion Desi had to do. I can ask her about it," Laney replied quietly.

"Please do. It really bothers me." He admitted, sounding close to drifting off again.

"I will ask her in the morning sweetheart. I'm sure it's short term." Laney nuzzled into his neck and placed a kiss to his skin. "I've missed you so much."

Loki managed to wrap his other arm around Laney, holding her close. "You were my very last thought... I was so scared for what would happen when you learned that I had fallen before the battle even started." He said softly, fighting back tears again.

"I never knew it was you," she whispered. "I was actually in labor when the horn sounded throughout Alfheim. They told us that it meant someone important had fallen."

"I didn't even kill any of those bastards before I fell." Loki grumbled. "I was down before I could even make a difference... and I couldn't even be there for you."

"Loki, baby, it's not your fault at all. I don't blame you," Laney whispered.

"I almost couldn't bring you back... I feel like I failed in every way possible." Loki sighed.

"You're not a failure. You are everything to me and have done so much."

"I will let it go for now." Loki promised, not feeling strong enough to argue the point.

Laney sighed, then placed gentle open-mouthed kisses along his neck. "I love you so much Loki."

"I love you too darling. More than anything." Loki said truthfully. "You and Star are my everything."

She smiled softly and moved to capture his lips before she snuggled against him and slowly fell asleep.