Once they were finally able to get to the celebration banquet, Loki and Asta were surrounded by their Avenger friends. Hugs and congratulations were all around before everyone took their seats.
Thor stood up. "Family and friends! I'd like to say a few words about the happy couple! Loki and I have, admittedly, had a tumultuous relationship, but we've always been there for each other and over the last few years, we've grown as brothers and friends. I treasure him and I am so happy for him today. Asta and I have known each other since we were children. I know I annoyed her, but I always appreciated how she cared for my brother. And once I was old enough to understand properly, I watched with my own annoyance how they never seemed to admit to their feelings. I was happy when she came to Midgard with me, but curious as to how it would affect them. I shouldn't have worried. I should have known that nothing would keep them apart for long. And once I got Loki to Midgard, all fell into place, and I was lucky enough to watch their love blossom again. So, today, I raise my glass to my brother and my new sister!" He lifted his goblet. "Gratulerer! I love you both. And by the way… you're welcome," he added with a wink. (Congratulations!)
Loki rolled his eyes as Asta laughed.
"Now," Thor announced. "In celebration, let's eat!"
"Leave it to Thor to make eating a part of his speech," Loki grumbled.
"I think it was a perfectly Thor speech. And the food is going to be delicious, so who can blame him for getting excited? Besides, throwing them aside, I am truly looking forward to the honey rolls!"
"Can I—"
"Loki, no!" Asta interrupted before he could even finish the question.
"You say 'Loki no' but I feel like you're thinking 'Loki yes.'"
"Loki, you are the crown prince, future king of Asgard. This is your wedding feast. You cannot magically throw rolls at the guests."
He pouted. "Fine. I just wanted to take a little walk down memory lane, but my bride says no." He paused in thought. Then brightened and asked, "What if I ask Nugget to do it?"
"Loki! You cannot ask my sister to throw bread at the Warriors!" Asta said through gritted teeth.
"Why not? She's adorable and no one would question her. I bet Stark wouldn't even get mad."
Asta pinched the bridge of her nose. "I am not having this conversation."
"I'm just laying out some options."
Just then a waiter brought their dinners. They both thanked him and Asta turned back to Loki. "Can we just enjoy this for now?"
"Yes, I know this is one of your favorite meals. Then we shall dance our second first dance and cut the cake that is somehow even larger than the one we had on Midgard."
"Well, to be fair, that was for about 50 of our closest friends. This is for about 500 of our closest friends."
Asta took a bite of the warm honey roll and moaned in appreciation.
Loki smiled. "Just as good as you remember, love?"
She nodded. "New reason to not throw these: I will likely eat them all. I might be gracious enough to give you one."
"Crown Princess Asta, known for her grace and kindness!"
"Not when it comes to her carbs!"
"And there's your Midgardian side," Loki said with a smile. He leaned over and softly kissed her. "I love my Midgardian princess."
"Midgardian princess, eh?"
"Well, Tony might as well be royalty, so yes, I believe it applies."
"I'm certain he'd agree with that!"
The rest of the evening went by quickly. They danced a beautiful waltz for their first dance (in Asgard), they ate the delicious cake (though, Loki would later admit that the Midgard cake was better), spoke with friends and dignitaries (though, not as much to friends as they'd liked), and watched Thor and his friends get drunker than they had seen in quite some time (very entertaining). The evening was full of merriment and before they knew it, it was time to leave.
They gave a brief thank you and good night to their guests before Loki scooped Asta up and teleported them to their chambers. They would leave the next day for their honeymoon in a royal house elsewhere on Asgard, but for this evening, it was easier to stay close.
Loki gently set Asta on her feet and turned his hand in the air. The door glowed green for a moment and Asta knew he magically locked the door. He waved the other hand and the glow surrounded the entire room.
"We are quite safely locked in and soundproofed. Nothing shall disturb us, nor shall we disturb anyone else, pet."
She bit her bottom lip and his resolve to take his time almost broke.
"Has it not always been soundproofed?" she asked with a worried tone.
"It has, but recent events have led me to realize that we might need a bit more."
Asta blushed knowing that he meant her.
"Don't be embarrassed, my love. I adore your sounds. In fact, I encourage them."
She looked up at him through her lashes. "Oh really?"
"Yes. I find them to be quite encouraging and… invigorating. My name from your lips always sounds like music, but when it's moaned like you do, well, that's just perfection."
Asta stood on her tiptoes and kissed him gently, knowing he loved to be the one to deepen them. And this time was no different.
He pulled back a bit and whispered, "Remember when I told you how easily I planned to get you out of this dress?"
"Well, yes. I assumed you were going to cheat with magic."
"Cheat! My love, you wound me!" He spun her so her back was to him. He placed feather light kisses to her shoulder. "No, I admit that I used magic to design it this way, but I only need my hands to remove it from your body."
She shivered at his implication. "Ok, my curiosity is piqued. Show me."
He chuckled low and it made him sound like the bad boy his reputation deserved. He pulled the zipper down from her neckline to her waist.
"Well, that's not any different from—"
"Just wait." He shifted some material over and found a second zipper, kneeling as he unzipped it. As he lowered that one, Asta gasped.
"How did I not know that was there?"
"Because it was hidden amongst all these ruffles, darling. And your attendants didn't know any better."
Loki knelt as he finished pulling the zipper down, so the only thing keeping the dress on Asta was the off the shoulder straps. He grabbed her waist and turned her again. There was something absolutely jaw-dropping about seeing him kneeling before her. He grabbed hold of the material and tugged the slightest bit. "May I, my bride?"
"Of course, my husband," she whispered.
He pulled and the dress fell to the floor, leaving her just in her crinoline and panties.
"Don't let that stay on the—"
She was interrupted by a flash of green that made the dress disappear. "It's safely in your closet now, darling. May I continue?"
"Yes, of course."
"Now admittedly, I didn't consider the large petticoat underneath, so…"
He snapped and suddenly the underskirt was gone. She raised an eyebrow at him.
"Well, I have to have some mischief, do I not?" he said with a smirk. He scooped her up and carried her to the bed.
Asta ran a finger down his chest. "You are severely overdressed, my prince."
Loki leaned over her. "Yes, I suppose I am. How does my love wish me?"
"Oh, let's just skip to the good parts," she said a smirk to match his.
"Mmm, my minx," he growled as a wave of green washed over them both and removed all their clothes. "Oh… You meant you as well, right?"
"Trickster," she replied before pulling him down to kiss him.