Loki sat on a large blanket laid on the grass in Central Park. On the blanket, was a picnic basket, some plates and assorted fruits, cakes and sandwiches. Beside him sat his 18 month old son, picking slices of fruit from a plate and slowly and awkwardly bringing them to his mouth. Loki smiled and gently caressed the little boy's curly black hair.
It was a bright and sunny day, very warm and proper for a picnic. The trees and grass were green, flowers blooming. He watched Bruce and Rebecca play on the swings, his daughter shrieking with laughter. That evening they would be celebrating her fifth birthday with their family friends but today her birthday was just for her family. Eventually, Rebecca got off the swing and came running up to him. "Daddy, Daddy!"
"Yes, Rebecca?"
She sat on his lap and hugged him, asking, "Will you read to me?"
He laughed, kissed her on the head and responded, "Gladly, birthday girl."
She snuggled in his lap while he picked up a children's book which sat on the blanket and began to read. Bruce came and sat next to his husband, their son sitting between them. He happily lifted a slice of fruit to his father and waved his arms, his dark brown eyes looking up to him.
"Good job, Robert! Take another bite!" As his son took a bite, Bruce leaned over to wipe the juice off his face. Loki stopped reading for a moment to smile at the scene before him, leaning over to kiss his son's head. Rebecca wiggled in his fathers lap, "Read daddy!" Loki smiled and continued to read until Steven started to bark at a bird and stole Rebecca's attention. Seven began to go after the bird and Rebecca followed. Robert stood up and took hesitant steps to follow his sister.
"Rebecca, don't go far!" Bruce called, "and pay attention to your brother - he's not as fast as you yet." Bruce smiled as Rebecca took her brother's hand and helped him to follow Steven. Loki stared at his children, hardly believing that this was his life now. Bruce moved so that he was sitting close to his husband and drew him into his lap, asking, "What are you thinking about, baby?"
Loki snuggled in closer to Bruce before responding. "I was thinking about how when I came here all those years ago to find that balance and to seek your advice how I never would have thought my life would have turned out like this. Two beautiful children and an adoring husband. It's better than I could have ever imagined and more than I deserve."
Bruce kissed the top of Loki's head before responding. "Loki, you deserve all the love that the children and I have for you. You are a wonderful father, who helps and guides his children out of love and never in anger. You are the perfect husband for me and I will spend the rest of my life showing you in words and deeds how much you mean to me." Loki adjusted himself so he was facing his husband and gave him a searing kiss that quickly escalated into more as he ground into his husband's growing erection. "Loki," Bruce gasped, "We're in public and our children are close by." Loki sighed and stopped but not before kissing one more time before whispering, "Thank you Bruce. For everything. I love you more than words can express."
Loki reluctantly climbed out of Bruce's lap just before Robert tumbled back onto the blanket. "Up! Up!" Robert requested between giggles. Brue picked his son up, throwing him in the air, his laughs growing louder and sweeter the higher he went. Loki looked up at them smiling, love and contentment overflowing. He had the perfect life.