"Darling," pleaded Loki. "Please try to understand. Thor and I have just made this discovery as well. We were merely trying to understand the whole situation before telling you. I promise I was going to tell you today."
Frustrated, you drop into an armchair with a sigh. You were growing tired of secrets. You weren't a child, for heaven's sake, but a Celestial! "I'm just tired of being left out on the story. I need to be informed of what is happening." Loki melted at your feet and took your hand.
"I understand," he said softly. You could see the pain in his eyes now. He knew what it was like to be left out. "I'm sorry for upsetting you, I meant no harm. Forgive me."
Feeling guilty for saddening him, you take his hand and place it on your heart. "Of course, love. I didn't mean to sadden you. You are both worried over me, and I appreciate your concern. Truly." Loki rose with a worried expression, kissed your forehead, then exited the room giving his brother one glance.
"Y/n, I know you don't trust me anymore—." Began Thor. You stood up and rushed over to him nodding.
"No, no. Please. I still trust you. I know you only wanted to protect me. You meant well." You smiled up at him. "You are still my favorite brother." Thor smiled back and gave you a big hug. "I need to go find him. I'm afraid I acted too harshly, for which I am sorry."
"I'm sure he'll understand. Go find him." Replied Thor. He gave you a squeeze before watching you go, wondering how this will all end. It was dark in the building because of the thunderstorm, so you flipped on light switches on your way through the hallways in search for Loki. You finally found him in a quiet part of the living room, gazing out the window with his hands clasped behind his back. For a second you debated on whether leaving him alone or waiting for him to notice, although you knew that by now he had sensed your presence in the room. So you decided to wait until he spoke.
"Y/n," he said finally. His tone was deep in worry. "I cannot lose you." It was so sincere, you couldn't help the tears from rolling down your face. "You are the most important thing to me, and I swear I will do anything to protect you. You have pulled me out of my pit of self pity and showed me that I can not only love, but also be loved." He slowly turned towards you, tears in his eyes. Your face was now a entirely wet with tears and struggled to keep your breath steady. At the sight, Loki wrapped you in his arms and comforted you, who could no longer keep yourself from crying freely. "I love you so much, darling." He whispered. He rubbed your back and caressed your hair.
"I love you too." You breathed between sobs. You stood there together for a couple of minutes before Loki picked you up and carried you back to your bedroom. He covered you in a soft blanket and tucked you in.
"Please stay." You said in a small voice. Loki cuddled beside you and wrapped you in his arms.
"I'm right here, my light." He kissed your neck.
"I don't want to lose you again. I can't stand it, I'd rather die."
"Then you shan't. I will always be with you. And together, we will face all our struggles and difficulties, conquering each and every one of them." He kissed you again and placed his hands under yours on your belly. "And I shall do my best to be the father I wish I had." You smiled and felt comforted. Since you had already taken a nap earlier that day, you both rested and enjoyed each other's touch in peaceful silence. The rain now fell softly, and the clouds were growing lighter. There was the soft hum of people downstairs, going about their day. For a while you were certain you could hear Nat and Wanda debating over what made the best wedding cake. You smiled and readjusted your posture on the soft but firm bed. Loki's weight rested behind you without stirring. Very gently, you rotated your head to look at him. He had fallen asleep. You realized that he had probably not slept for days. After a few minutes, you quietly got up and exited the room. Loki was breathing heavily, indicating a deep sleep. You created a small ball of light in your hands, and then threw it into the room where it exploded without a sound and filled the room with a soft blue mist floating in the air. Sweet dreams, my love.
Downstairs in the kitchen were the two friends looking through wedding magazines, still stuck on the cake.
"Y/n, look! Here are some ideas for decorating… what do you think?" Exclaimed Wanda.
"Well," you began, gazing at the pictures, "I would like something elegant, not too flowery but beautiful. It should be based off the weddings colors."
"I think I have an idea. Let me sketch it out and I'll get back to you." Said Nat.
"Did you find a date?" Asked Wanda.
You had completely forgotten to ask Loki after all the distractions. You would have to ask when he wakes up. "Oh—I forgot. I'll ask when he gets up." You noticed the fresh pot of hot water on the stove and served yourself a mug of chamomile tea. A dark evergreen cake with golden lace. You couldn't help but imagine the beautiful wedding cake made with rich ingredients of good quality—not too sweet but bursting with flavor.
"Almond." You thought aloud. The two friends looked up. "What if it was an almond based cake? Like marzipan. Wanda, you would know what I'm talking about. I'm sure Russian desserts also include almonds." Wanda's face lit up.
"Yes! I love almond desserts."
"You're forgetting that I'm Russian too." Nat rolled her eyes. You slapped your forehead.
"Of course, Nat. I'm sorry—I knew that." You smiled in embarrassment.
"Don't worry about it, I'm just messing with you." Replied Nat waving her hand with a smile. "You have a lot on your mind." You sighed as you dipped a spoon into the honeypot.
"You got that right… but still." You stirred the spoon into the hot tea. "Did you finish your sketch?" Nat nodded and handed over a piece of paper with pencil all over it. It was a beautiful two-story cake with fine decoration. It had markings for what colors would be where, and on the bottom in all capitals was written "ALMOND". It was perfect.
"Natalie! This is amazing!"
"Is there anything you would change?" Asked Wanda. You shook your head.
"Nothing at all. This is beautiful. You're both officially hired." Everyone laughed. For another two hours you talked about the menu, flowers, decor, and dress. Everything seemed to be making good progress, all that was left was a date and a gown. Pepper walked in about halfway through the discussions and eagerly joined the brainstorming despite having come back from a long business trip. It was decided that once the date was settled, then the gears could really get going. It was just then that Loki walked in.
"Ah, I see we are planning without me." He kissed you on the cheek. "Would you happen to know something about a sleeping spell cast over our room that caused me to sleep like a child?" He raised a brow with a grin.
"Hmm. Maybe." You shrugged and smiled back. "I'm sure you needed it."
"Loki, we need to know what day you would like to be wed." Said Pepper softly. "It's the last thing we need to know before we can proceed with our plans." The prince placed his hands on his hips.
"Well," he thought, "how long do you need to prepare?"
"Two weeks, maybe."
"What do you think, my sweet?" He asked you.
"I don't see why not, darling. Why wait for the world to end?"
"Then in two weeks from today it is. And what of the cake?"
"What do you think about an almond cake?" Piped in Wanda.
"Sounds delicious." He approved. The rest of the day went by slowly, making plans and hoping for the best. The following week you spent a few hours with Dr. Strange, refining a few of your powers that he taught you earlier that year. Thor and Loki discussed terms of safety and backup plans for worst case scenarios. By the end of that week, Loki peacefully returned to Asgard to settle things with Odin and the council. He was still a prince of Asgard, which meant he still had moves he could make. During his visit back home, he sought for more information about Theron from Odin and Heimdall, who confirmed that the wicked ruler was at a safe distance for the time being, and that he would report any moves towards Asgard or Midgard immediately. Before his return, he sought for advice from his mother concerning a gown for his bride-to-be, as well as a ring.
"Mother, I know you would know more of these things than I. What do you suggest?" Frigga thought for a moment as she walked towards her windows overlooking the kingdom.
"Let's see…" she whirled around with a twinkle in her eye. "I think I know just the thing." The queen rushed out of the room followed by her son into the seamstress room a couple of rooms down. The maids quickly stopped and curtsied in attention. Frigga signaled they could resume and went to the long desk dedicated to designing. In a minute, she had sketched an entire gown with all the details necessary, colors and materials written down.
"What do you think?" She asked with great satisfaction. Loki gazed in wonder and pleasure.
"Mother, you are a genius." He replied. "She will look beautiful." The queen looked at her son lovingly.
"Her mother would be just as proud as I am of you." She said. "You belong together." Loki kissed his mother.
"I will never be good enough for her, mother. But she loves me, and I love her more than anything. After you, of course." Frigga pretended to be offended, and both laughed quietly. She then took the diagram of the gown and gave is to the head mistress.
"This is a wedding gown for my son's fiancé. Place it as a priority to be done in three days. Use as many helpers as you need." The maid curtsied in acknowledgement. "And use the magical thread, she is a Celestial." She gave her son a wink, to which he smiled. "We also have a wedding to prepare." After a meeting with the king and queen, Loki was able to secure an Asgardian wedding eight weeks from that day. Odin had seemed to grow less cold towards Loki, although there was a worry he tried to hide and wouldn't speak of. Back in Midgard, you practiced combat with Nat—which you intentionally did more of while Loki was away to avoid him fussing over you. After a knife-hand combat, Nat suggested taking a break. You knew she did it for you, but you decided not to fight against it.
"I'm not sure there's more I can give you. At this point I'm the one who's practicing." She said before taking a swig of water. You nodded with a chuckle.
"I suppose so, but I haven't yet practiced with a bigger opponent." Nat raised a brow.
"You've never practiced against a guy?"
You shook your head. "No, and I know I need to. Who do you suggest?"
"Well, you're pretty good. I think you could give Bucky a go." Bucky seemed reasonable, although you admitted to being a little nervous about it. "I'll go see where he's at." You watched Nat of after giving her a thumbs up as you drank your water. While waiting, you did some stretching and extra warm ups. Soon, footsteps were heard coming down the hallway towards the training room. Normally practice is done outside, but after all the rain, it was very muddy and slick.
"Hey Bucky," you waved, "Nat thinks you might have a chance to breaking my neck." Nat rolled her eyes.
"I think I'd rather live once Loki gets back. You're the only reason he hasn't attempted to take over the world again." Bucky chuckled. "But I'd be happy to see what you've got. I'll start easy."
"Oh don't go too easy," said Nat. "She might break your neck." You made a face and shook your head.
"Maybe not today, I won't." You teased. You both took your places in the middle of the padded room while Nat took a seat, curious to watch the combat. Steve had joined after searching for Bucky, also interested in how things would turn out.
"Just one rule." Said Bucky. "No funny magic tricks."
"Fair enough." And without hesitation, you tackled him with such force he wasn't ready for, both of you flew crossed the room and slammed against the wall. Bucky realized what Nat meant, and decided not to hold back. It grew pretty intense, especially since both of you had exceptional hand-eye coordination. Kicks started coming as well, and swift fists flew only to be strategically blocked. After settling the fact that no one will be hit, you decide to try different lock positions. You managed to follow such a quick and unexpected attack pattern, Bucky suddenly found himself on his back and out of air.
"By all the stars!" You panted. "I thought it would never end." With that, you collapsed onto the floor from exhaustion. Nat rushed up beside you.
"Hey, are you okay?" She helped you sit up. You nodded affirmative, catching your breath. Bucky was now sitting, watching to make sure you were alright.
"You good, Bucky?" You breathed. He gave you a thumbs up. Steve helped him up and walked towards you.
"You're good, y/n. Great job." He gave you a fist bump.
"Thank you."
"Now you're done for the day."
"Yes sir." You chuckled. Everyone got up and headed towards the living area for a break. It had been three days since Loki left, and Thor reassured you that everything was going well. You received word that Heimdall was on the watch, which brought you comfort and relief. Everyone else was glad to hear it too.
"Do you have plans after your pregnancy?" Asked Bruce sipping on his coffee. "I don't know about you, but it seems like you would be safer here mingling among regular humans than in an all powerful kingdom in the sky." He had a point, but there was no way to tell yet for sure.
"That's true," you answered slowly. "Although Asgard can protect me better. Maybe I can stay here for a while. But it's hard to tell at this point. Who knows what will happen in nine months." Bruce nodded. You thew a a few salted popped corn into your mouth and focused back on your next move on the Monopoly board against Steve, Nat, Bucky, Tony, and Wanda. Tony was winning so far, and poor Wanda was struggling to survive.
"I don't get it…" thought Steve. He was staring at the board intently, rubbing his chin. Tony raised a brow popping a potato chip into his mouth.
"Pretty obvious, if you ask me." He said in an as-a-matter-of-fact tone. Steve waved.
"No, I mean Theron."
"Oh."
"He's obsessed on taking over kingdoms and killing off one of the most powerful beings of the universe." Steve still stared and the board with a frown. "Why?"
"I don't know." You shrugged. "Maybe some people feel like it's the only way to make a name for themselves. Survival of the fittest. It could be a number of reasons… hate, revenge, jealousy… hurt.
"You almost sound like you're sorry for him." Laughed Bucky.
"Maybe I do." You laughed. "I tend to feel sorry for the worst of beings despite their wickedness. I guess I just like to believe that there is a good side to everyone, it just may be beaten down and locked up by the bad side." Everyone went quiet in thought.
"Well you certainly proved that with Loki." Said Nat finally with a smile. "You kinda saved him from himself. Not anyone can do that." You reached over for a handful of roasted-salted cashews.
"It wasn't easy. But I fell in love with his good side, which gave me enough determination to persist for eternity." It was Wanda's turn, and you could sense she was struggling to make an important decision. You read her mind and told her to read yours, giving away the right move. Wanda looked up and grinned. "Although…" you added a wink, "I love his mischievous side too."
"Hey!" Exclaimed Tony, catching on to what just happened. Everyone in the room laughed.
"Nice one, darling." Said a familiar voice. You whirled around to see who was standing in the doorway.
"You're back!" You rushed up to hug the love of your life. Loki squeezed you tightly around the waist and kissed your neck. "I started to wonder if you got lost." You teased.
"Far from it," he said placing his forehead on yours with a twinkle in his eye. "I was able to make arrangements for our Asgardian wedding." You gasped.
"Really? When?"
"In eight weeks. Mother has everything under control." Just then Thor walked in.
"Brother!" He exclaimed. "How are things back home for you?"
"All is well." Replied Loki. Tony cleared his throat.
"It's your turn, y/n."
"Oh sorry." You rushed back to the board game. "Where am I?"
The rest of the week sped by as wedding preparations were made. Tony took care of hiring the service crew and dedicated one of the large rooms in the compound for the ceremony. Your only hope was that you would quickly recover from your morning sickness on the big day. The cake ended up looking fabulous. Two stories of almond goodness as a dark teal with dark blue decors. Everyone marveled over it. The wedding gown was an easy task. Tony had a tailor come in and made a custom gown according to your instructions. It was white at the top which faded into a blue-grey going down to the floor, where it had some fine evergreen embroidery. The sleeves were thin and see-through, also embroidered. The v-neck was modest but attractive. The gown flowed freely all around you with a slight extension on the back. Loki couldn't take his eyes off of you as Tony walked you down the isle, beaming with pride. You had asked Tony if he would do you the honor of walking you down the isle since you had no one else. After all, he had been like a father to you. That morning you were surprisingly well with an appetite. Pepper, on the other hand, was the one not feeling good. She laughed it off saying that she was glad to take it from you on such an important day. The ceremony was a simple, happy one. A few made some lighthearted jokes about Loki's past which made everyone laugh, including himself. Most linked to a sweet and touching remark about when you met and how everything changed. Emotions were quickly dampened by the following meal after vows and I-do's. A very merry Thor raised a toast to the new couple, perhaps sloshing a bit of his drink onto Hawkeye, who was back from a small mission overseas. The party went on late until you were off to your honeymoon in a quiet village in Maine near the ocean. Instead of staying at a hotel, the sound of a cozy bed and breakfast sounded much more pleasant and peaceful. The morning after your arrival, you went outside to walk on the rocky beach.
"Pepper is was right," you sighed. "Maine is beautiful." You squinted from the sun as you peered over the endless, blue horizon. Loki squeezed your hand.
"Not as beautiful as you." He lifted your hand to his lips, making your smile. "You are a dream come true, darling."
"Am I?" You laughed. "You used to dream of me?"
"I still do."
"Is it any different than before?"
"Well, in a way. Now I dream of what it will be like to be a father and husband to my beautiful wife." Loki had you sit on a large rock overlooking the beach down below where the cottage was. "I am so incredibly lucky and proud to call you mine."
"Oh, Loki…" you giggled. "You're a helpless romantic, you know that?"
"Shall I cease, my love?" He let go of your hand with a smirk. "Is it too much?"
"Never." You folded your hands on your lap. "I wouldn't have it any other way." Loki picked up a flat smooth stone about the size of his hand, and threw it across the water. The rock skidded off a dozen times before disappearing into the waves. A seagull swooped overhead with a gawk.
"Loki?"
"Yes, my light." Loki skidded another stone across the water.
"How will we defeat Theron?"
Loki stopped and regained his full composure. Your expression was heavy with sudden emotion. The wind had picked up, flinging your long hair over your face. Loki slowly made his way towards you and gently pulled your hair back and tucked it behind your ears. He cupped your face in his hands and lifted your head. You gazed into his eyes, wishing you could once again get lost in his galaxy of green and blue.
"When the time is right," he began, "we will do it together. You, Thor, and I. We could even have our friends in Asgard help. I'm sure they would do anything for you."
"What about the baby?" You choked.
"Mother will protect the baby. She will know exactly what to do." He comforted. You hugged him tightly.