Laney woke to the sounds of Desi messing around with vials nearby. She sat up and covered her mouth with a yawn, then looked over at her friend with a sleepy smile. "Hey. Enjoy your alone time with Thor?" she asked.
Desi looked over and smiled. "I did. He had every snack imaginable served. After I ate enough to ease his worries, then he gave me a full body massage that lulled me right to sleep."
"That sounds rather amazing. Loki's done that a couple of times for me," Laney replied.
"It was. I feel so much better now. Thor is going to stop by soon. His father summoned him, so he will be here once he's done." Desi told Laney, then finished cleaning up her workspace.
Laney nodded, then stood to stretch out her back. "Loki was wondering if he could somehow bathe? I don't mind cleaning him up myself."
"I can put a special bandage over his wounds so he can have a bath. I think it would be best to wait for Thor though. He can help Loki walk, or even carry him if needed." Desi replied.
"So do you want to let him get in the tub then? He's been getting antsy about wanting to move around," Laney told her.
"A soak in one of the large tubs would be alright. The water will take some of the pressure off his joints, just like when you were pregnant, and so it will be easier for him to work out the stiffness. If that goes well, then he can start moving around some." Desi explained. "He's doing really well, all things considered."
Laney smiled. "He will love to hear that news. I just need to wake him."
"How has his pain level been?" Desi asked curiously. "The transfusion was very successful this time."
"He's been feeling a lot better," she replied. Laney sat back on the edge of the bed and ran her hand through his hair. "Loki?"
Loki groaned softly and slowly started to wake. "How long was I asleep?" He muttered.
"Just a couple of hours. Would you like to have a bath?" She asked softly.
"Yes I would. Did Desi say it's alright?" Loki asked her.
"Yes, it's safe. You may need to be carried into the bath though."
"Why do I have to be carried?" Loki fussed.
"You may be too weak to stand Loki. You've been laying down for a while."
"Who will be carrying me?" He asked her.
"Thor most likely. Would that be an issue?" She asked.
"No. I will let him. I was worried it would be someone else." Loki admitted.
"I don't know who else it would be." Laney bent down and kissed him softly, then checked on Star. "She will be hungry soon."
"I don't know either, and that's why I didn't like it. I don't want a lot of people around me right now... just people I know I can trust." Loki said truthfully.
"Well you can trust all of us. We're your family after all," Laney soothed just as Star's face turned into an uncomfortable frown and she began to grumble.
"I do trust all of you. It's strangers I'm leery of." Loki clarified. "Is she alright?"
"She's getting hungry." Laney rubbed the tiny girl's back. "I'll have to take her from you soon, so she won't start to cry."
"Go ahead darling. I don't want her to be uncomfortable." Loki said softly, stroking Star's hair. "I will just hold her when she's finished."
Laney gently lifted the tiny girl up and held her with one arm and unclipped one side of her dress with the other. "She latches quickly," she commented as she positioned Star and made sure she latched correctly before she looked back up at Loki.
"She has a good appetite." Loki chuckled proudly. For the moment, he was very content to just watch his little girl. "Do you think her markings look anything at all like mine?"
"I do," Laney answered softly. "She has the same markings across her forehead as you, as well as her little chest."
"I've never really looked at my markings, so I couldn't tell." Loki admitted.
Laney looked up at him and smiled. "Well, I think you ought to. I'm still curious if you and Gall are somehow related, honestly."
"Have you asked the woman who came to help? She might also know." Loki suggested.
"No... no I haven't," Laney answered with a shake of her head. "She's not very talkative and seems quite scared."
"I don't blame her. I'm surprised she came at all, knowing how unwelcome we are." Loki admitted. "I can't really do much myself right now, but I would like her properly thanked for her help."
"I'm sure she would appreciate that. I thought about... letting her formally meet Star, but I didn't want to do that without you're okay," Laney replied. "I know you've never met... but she is your mom."
Loki went quiet for a moment. "I never objected to her meeting Star. I... I just don't know what to even say to her." He said softly.
Laney reached over and took his hand. "Anything that comes to mind would be okay Loki. But I do have a feeling there's more to her story and to yours."
"You should ask her then. I do want to know... it's just so weird. I don't want to lose my mother..." Loki sighed.
"You're not going to lose your mother Loki. Frigga isn't going anywhere."
Loki gave a little nod. "You said you think there's more to my story... what else do you hope to learn?"
"Maybe about you as an infant... and what actually happened," Laney replied. "She just doesn't seem the type to do what you've been told all your life."
"Do you want to ask her about it? Taking Star to see her might help her open up?" Loki suggested.
"I'm not sure. She would hardly say two words to me when she was in here for your transfusion."
"I don't think it would hurt... but I won't push it if you aren't comfortable." Loki promised.
"I can try... but I'm not sure she will talk to me," Laney said honestly.
"That's why I suggested trying while letting her see Star. It might show her you trust her and welcome her to a degree." Loki explained.
Laney nodded as Star finally finished suckling and pulled away to wipe at her eyes. "I see what you're saying. Hopefully she sees it that way as well," she replied as she reclasped her dress.
"Just be safe, alright? I couldn't handle it if anything happened to you or Star." Loki said sincerely.
"We will be safe, I promise," she replied just as someone knocked on the door, then opened to reveal Thor.
"Hello brother." Loki said cheerfully when he saw his brother.
Thor grinned widely. "You're doing a lot better. I've been worried about you." He shut the door behind him then walked to stand by Loki's bed.
"It turns out I just needed the right healer." Loki chuckled.
"Desi is an amazing woman, that's for sure," Thor replied and glanced over at Desi to see her tidying up.
Desi glanced over when she heard her name and grinned. "I am forever in her debt for the care she took with Laney and Star." Loki told Thor.
"Maybe we'll just have to ask you to babysit when the baby's born then," Thor said playfully.
"You already know we will." Loki chuckled. "I'm glad Star will always have someone her age to play with."
Thor grinned and sat in the chair by his bed. "Me too brother."
"I can finally get cleaned up, if you are willing to help me into the bathroom." Loki told his brother.
"Of course. Desi, which one will we go to?" He asked.
"Right next door, there is a large, shallow bath. I figured that would be better if he needs help out." Desi told Thor.
"I'll go ahead and fill it," Thor replied then stood and went to the next room.
Loki turned to Laney and took her hand. "Would you mind helping me clean up? I don't want to make even more work for you, but I wouldn't be overly comfortable with someone else having their hands all over me like that." Loki said truthfully.
"I have already volunteered. Desi will watch Star," she told him.
"Thank you darling. You are too good to me." Loki said sweetly.
"I like taking care of you. It's only right to return the favor after all you've done for me."
"After I'm back in bed, do you want to take Star for that visit?" Loki asked curiously.
"I can if you'd like me to," she answered. "Do you want to undress in here or in the bath?"
"Whichever is easier is fine." Loki said, feeling tired more than anything.
Laney shrugged. "We can keep your underwear on until last minute," she said softly.
Thor soon returned, his hands damp. "The bath is filled. It's not too hot, I hope, I made it a lot cooler than I would like."
"That works for me." Loki agreed with Laney. "Thank you, brother. It will be nice to feel clean again."
"You're welcome. Just let me know when you're ready," he replied.
"I'm ready now." Loki answered, then started trying to get himself up.
Laney handed Star to Desi, then placed one hand on Loki's back. "Go slow Loki. Don't hurt yourself."
Loki slowly moved himself to the edge of the bed, then pushed himself to his feet. He immediately fell back onto the bed as his legs just weren't ready after being in bed so long.
"Easy!" Laney gasped as she quickly grabbed his arm to steady him. "Your wounds are practically healed, but you're still weak."
"I don't know that I can walk very far." Loki told her. He took a deep breath, but when he tried to move one leg, he felt too unsteady.
"Moving will be hard the first few times, but the strength will quickly return to his legs." Desi assured them.
"Do you want Thor to carry you?" Laney asked.
Loki looked at the floor, feeling bad. "I... it might be best." He sighed.
"We can work on your mobility tomorrow or even after your bath if you're up for it. Don't feel bad Loki," Laney said quietly.
Thor moved to stand in front of Loki and offered his hand out to him. "I have you brother."
"The pool would actually be a really good option to strengthen his legs." Desi offered. She watched Thor help Loki, making sure the strain wasn't too much for the remainder of Loki's injuries.
It didn't take long for Thor to assist Loki into the next room. "I will help you stand while you undress."
Loki nodded and undressed himself. As he did, he caught sight of the wound and forming scar across his stomach. "Was it really that bad?"
Thor held back a grimace. "The blade cut all the way through. It sliced through quite a bit of muscle and clipped an organ or two."
"Were you there when it happened?" Loki asked quietly, letting his brother help him into the shallow bath.
"I was not. I was battling in the throne room at the time." Thor gently helped Loki sit down and turned as Laney walked into the room with soaps and cloth.
"What does my back look like? Can you see where the blade came out?" Loki asked, feeling very self-conscious of the injuries once Laney walked in.
"Just a line. Nothing more," Thor assured.
Loki wrapped his arm around his stomach, covering the wound from Laney's view. "I can try to clean myself if you want." He told her.
Laney looked towards Thor, who nodded and left to give them privacy. She sat at the edge of the bath and frowned down at Loki. "Baby, I've seen your wounds at their worst. It's not going to do any good to hide from me."
Loki sighed and let his arm fall to his side. "I don't like that you have to see me like this... I don't even like being like this."
"For sickness and health Loki. I'm always going to be here," she soothed softly.
"I know you will be; you've proven that so many times. I will always want to be the best I can for you though." Loki said truthfully.
Laney poured some soap on a cloth, then dipped it into the water, making it soapy. "I know. But it doesn't hurt to show weakness." She slowly began to run the cloth along his shoulders, soothing his skin.
"That feels good." Loki sighed contently, relaxing again.
"I'm glad," she said softly as she continued by going along his neck, to his opposite shoulder.
"I have really missed being able to bathe. I feel better already." Loki admitted.
"I can imagine." Laney bent down and kissed his cheek. "Do you want me to wash your hair? I can give you the cloth."
Loki looked up at Laney with a little smile. "If you wouldn't mind." He replied.
Laney handed him the cloth then bent down to help Loki wet his hair before she lathered it with soap. "How does that feel?"
"It feels incredible. My hair has been so itchy." He answered. After taking a minute to just enjoy the feel of Laney massaging his scalp, he started washing himself with the cloth.
She smiled and continued to run her hands through his hair. "I'd join you if I could," she commented.
"If I use the pool to help strengthen my legs, you can join me, if you want. I will likely need my brother there as well, so we can make it a swimming double date." Loki chuckled, really liking the idea.
Laney chuckled as she tilted his head back so she could rinse his hair. "This pool is a bit shallow for swimming. But it's at your waist when you stand, so walking would be easier."
"I meant the bigger pool. The heated one for swimming in the winter." Loki clarified.
"That does sound fun. I could help you," Laney replied.
"Mother could watch Star for us. I don't think she would mind." Loki said happily.
Laney tilted his head back by gripping his hair so she could capture his lips. "I will ask her," she murmured.
Loki made a soft noise of agreement, then pressed his lips to Laney's again for a lingering kiss.
She smiled into the kiss and gently bit his bottom lip. "I have missed you so much."
"I have missed you too. You're all I've thought about." Loki said truthfully. "As soon as I can walk again, I want for us to wed."
"I would do it right now if you'd let me," Laney chuckled. "But I would love to honeymoon if we can."
"I would love to wed you now, but I would like to be able to stand by your side for our special day." Lokk said truthfully.
"I can't blame you for that," Laney agreed. She sat back once his hair was completely rinsed, though one hand kept trailing across his shoulders.
"You don't mind waiting?" Loki asked as he slowly leaned forward to wash his legs.
"I will wait as long as you want me to," she said honestly.
"Just until I'm up and able again. We have waited too long already." Loki said with a little frown.
"I know we have," Laney replied quietly. "But everything happens for a reason I guess."
"Yes it does, even though we don't always know the reason." Loki agreed.
Laney watched him for a little while and smiled. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm sore but I also feel so much better." Loki said, his tone reflecting his feelings. "Could you get my back for me?"
"Yes I can," she replied quietly. "Could you scoot forward some?" Unknown to Loki, she had stripped out of her dress, leaving her just in a pair of underwear.
Loki shifted and moved forward, leaving a space behind him. "Is that far enough?"
Laney quietly got into the pool, then sat behind Loki, maneuvering her legs around his body. "It is," she murmured into his ear.
Loki tensed at first, then leaned back and relaxed against Laney. "That was a very pleasant surprise."
She smiled and kissed just under his ear before she grabbed the cloth he held from his hand. "I thought you'd like that."
"I love it. I have missed the feel of your arms." Loki said with a soft sigh, enjoying every moment of their time together.
Laney kissed his shoulder before she slowly began to wash his back with the lukewarm water. "I've missed things like this... being this close."
"Me too, and I love this so much. When can we try the big pool?" Loki asked, eager to heal.
"I'll have to ask Desi," Laney replied as she rinsed his back, then leaned up against him, pressing her bare chest against his back.
Loki gave a soft moan of comfort and relaxed against Laney again. "Can you ask Desi when I'll be able to move back to our chambers?"
Laney smiled and rested her hand against Loki's back. "I will ask her that too."
"As much as I would love to stay here with you forever... can I get out now? I'm feeling very tired." Loki sighed.
"Yes sweetheart, you can. I already have dry clothes laying on the bed for you." Laney kissed his shoulder softly before she stood and grabbed for her dress to cover herself. "Do you need Thor again?" She asked.
"Darling, you don't have to cover yourself so quickly, it's just the two of us here." Loki told Laney. "But yes, I will need his help."
"I just don't want to show myself to someone," Laney murmured softly as she stepped out of the pool. "I'll go get Thor."
"Darling, wait... what's wrong?" Loki asked, trying to stand up to follow Laney. "Did I do something?"
Laney blushed and turned to face him. "I'm alright Loki. I didn't mean to startle you."
"I can tell something is wrong, please talk to me darling." Loki pleaded, slowly getting to his feet.
She rushed to him and held onto his elbow as he slowly stepped out of the pool. "I... I don't look like I used to Loki."
Loki gave her a confused look. "Darling, I knew your body would change from carrying Star. Those changes only make me love you even more."
Laney frowned as she tied her dress closed, hiding her body from his view. "I love you too," she murmured.
"Please let me see you darling..." Loki softly pleaded.
She shook her head. "Maybe... maybe later Loki."
Loki sighed and nodded. "Alright darling... just please know that any changes don't change how I feel about you, just as my new scars didn't change your feelings for me." He said softly, then sat on the edge of the pool.
"That means a lot Loki. Really. I just... don't feel comfortable in my skin right now," she quietly.
"Take as long as you need darling, I'm not going anywhere." Loki promised, then tried to stand again, but was starting to struggle more.
"Baby, be careful. I will get your brother," Laney stated, then turned and left the room only for Thor to walk in moments later.
"Need assistance?" He asked.
Loki gave a little nod, still feeling down over Laney's insecurities. "Yes please."
Thor held Loki up by his elbow and let him get his balance. "Do you want to try and walk a little?" He asked.
"Sure." Loki mumbled. He took a couple shaky steps, then almost fell.
"Easy," Thor said as he quickly caught him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, my legs are just still weak." Loki replied.
"You'll be better in no time," Thor assured as he led Loki back into the room and helped him sit on the bed.
Laney smiled softly at Loki from her place in the chair by the bed, though her smile didn't reach her eyes.
Loki laid back on the bed and stayed quiet, not sure what to say. "You don't have to go talk to that woman if you don't want to." He finally said softly.
"I can wait if you want me to. Give her time to rest," Laney replied.
"I will see if mother wants to talk to her." Loki said simply.
"That could be an idea." Laney stood and helped him into a pair of underwear and shorts. "How do you feel?"
"I'm fine... could you please call for mother for me?" Loki asked her softly once he was dressed.
Laney nodded, then bent to kiss his cheek. "I will call for her then go and take a bath myself. Desi has Star." She stood and smiled down at him before she left the room and made sure to ask a servant to retrieve Frigga before she went to their chambers.
At Loki's request, Desi returned Star to him while he waited for his mother. Lost in thought, he mostly stayed quiet, aside from the occasional cute comment to his daughter.