What to Expect when You're Expecting ((Arranged marriage AU, magpiemythos))

[shieldborne]

It's not hard for Steve to dote on Loki at the best of times, but given the additional excuse of incoming babies, his skills rise to new heights. Partly it's necessity; to protect his friends from god-induced damages he needs to make sure he's between them and his spouse as often as possible, but also...

There's something right about it, funny and wholesome, to be making trips for ice cream and flowers and honey candy to please the expectant parent. Steve doesn't sleep much, anyway. He's happy to go out late at night or early in the morning for food runs.

There's some inherent stress in Loki being even more mercurial than usual, though. Steve finds himself on edge at times, but there's no doubt in his mind it will all be worth it. For children. For a family.

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[magpiemythos]

"As far as I'm concerned, they are of your blood." She replied simply, sipping her own tea. "They're of my line, and so that makes you... oh, an especially complicated uncle? If you'd like to be, that is."

She knows her own complicated history with her children. Hadn't wanted to ask her counterpart and risk bringing up painful memories. But she knew she would want to be in the children's lives in his shoes, and so wanted to give him the option.

"Mortals can be exceedingly clever in working around their limitations, for good or ill." A slight softening of her own expression at his admission, smile turning a bit wry at the edges. "Of everyone I don't think you need to justify yourself to me in that respect. Even at my worst I never hated Midgard for all I might have said as much to upset Thor or alarm his friends."

[coldsong]

His expression says he wasn't expecting that response. He looks both startled and flattered, eyes searching her face for any hint that she's merely saying what she thinks he wants to hear.

Well, that's always a possibility with a Loki, but...he doesn't think so. Not here, not now. "I'd like to be," he says, with a small nod.

He takes another bite of cinnamon roll, and the set of his shoulders relaxes. He's much more comfortable now, and he snorts softly, licking icing off his thumb. "I wasn't trying to justify myself, just clarify. I'm happy to find we're of a like mind, though."

He's quiet for a moment, then admits, "I do want children again some day. I was never so involved with mine before as I ought to have been, perhaps. Merely a distant defender and a giver of gifts and food and furs."

[magpiemythos]

"It's settled then! The first uncle in what I'm sure will be a motley crew of them." Loki held little illusion that most of the Avengers wouldn't attach to the twins in some manner. "And it would not surprise me if you wound up being a favorite."

Children always did seem to enjoy mischief. And why wouldn't her children find her counterpart to be absolutely delightful? Her expression sobered as the other continued on, his admission familiar enough in some ways.

"My involvement in my children's lives... never went well. At least when I knew of them, or was in a state to care about anything." Admitted slowly, fingers lightly drumming at the edge of her plate, a physical sign of the unease that came from the admission. "Being Loki's child has always... ended poorly, it seems."

Steve has reassured her that they'd protect the twins, that any children they had would be safe. But how could they protect them when the Norns themselves seemed hel-bent on their sorrow? If something happened, Loki wasn't sure she could forgive herself.

[coldsong]

"I am also, at times, an aunt," he admits with a smile. "But as I was raised as Prince of Asgard, I will likely spend more time as uncle."

On the whole, he's a little tickled by the prospect. An opportunity to be just irritating enough to drive the humans to distraction, perhaps, while still protecting the children and keeping on their mother's good side. Sounds like a fun challenge.

He regards her more seriously when she speaks of previous children. Gods will almost inevitably outlive half-mortal offspring, but what she grieves is clearly more than that. "My descendants are outcasts, for the most part, shamans or outlaws or madmen on the borders of their society. It seems inevitable, with my blood. But I think you speak of more than that."

"I've wondered...many of the stories told of me in Midgard are exaggerations or patently untrue, but they must have come from somewhere, and I did not start most of them. Fenrir, Hel, and Sleipnir are all older than me, but I've wondered, if it isn't rude to inquire...?"

[magpiemythos]

"Well either way I forsee plenty of chances for entertainment for an enterprising aunt or uncle." Loki knew she'd be entertained by the human's scrambling to keep up, as always, that if the twins took after her, they would too.

Hell, with as playful as Steve was too, it was likely a given.

"No, not rude." A faint huff as she took another sip of her tea, considering things. "For the most part the stories are true. Some details are different- I'm Odin's ward rather than his brother, for example. But where my children are concerned things are... correct. To a point, anyways. I honestly don't know if Hela is mine, or how she came to be... not with the sorceress as Fenrir or Jörmungandr were, I know that much. It's possible I simply haven't had her yet." A small, strained sort of grimace appearing as her gaze stayed on the cup in her hands, brows drawing slightly. "The tales of Narvi and Vali were... distressingly accurate."

[coldsong]

Steve might take some adjustment to deal with a friendly relationship with this world's Loki, but his spouse will surely be able to ease him into it.

"Hela is apparently my half-sister. Or...adopted half-sister. I don't know. She's not friendly."

He frowns, and it deepens when Narvi and Vali are mentioned. There's a moment of uncertain silence, and then he sighs and reaches across the counter to put his hand on her arm, gently. "Oh, my dear...I am truly sorry. I had thought--I had hoped--well, there was an incident with one of my grandchildren, and that was bad enough, but I never had children by those names."

[magpiemythos]

Loki figures it will take a little bit, but she has faith that if anyone can accept the other trickster, it would be Steve.

"I don't know that Hela actually knows how to be friendly."

And thankfully she doesn't need to elaborate for her counterpart to understand just why the twins were such an unhappy subject. A faint smile, something grateful in it at the light touch of his hand, a short nod accompanying. "There were no portends or ill whisperings from the Norns when they were born. I... well I'd hoped that Sigyn's bloodline would temper whatever curse mine seems to carry."

Clearly that wasn't the case, unfortunately.

[coldsong]

"Our version of Hela seems to be a bit obsessed with ruling the universe," Loki says thoughtfully. "And I suppose some might think it's a bit rich for me to criticize, but really, at my worst I had my sights set on two or three worlds tops, and I was not in my right mind."

Seeing the comforting touch is welcome, he leaves his hand there, and the frown on his face softens into something more neutral, a gentle look that's neither smile nor frown.

"I don't think it's a curse. I think we are by definition between two natures. We do not fit into anyone's Order, and therefore neither, quite, do our progeny. There is inherent vulnerability in that, but there is also strength."

"And, whether he knows it or not, your husband is one who refuses to find a place in anyone's Order, as well. With at least three kindred spirits around them, I think your children will have a better chance here than ever before."

[magpiemythos]

"I've had those moments. I wanted to rule Asgard, or if not that then I wanted to destroy it all. Everything. I was... very all-or-nothing." Understatement of the year right there.

But she's silent as he speaks, thinking on his words. Because he's certainly right in his assessment, and it's... comforting to know that she's not alone in this. Not that she was before, she had Steve and knew that he would defend her and their children without hesitation, but her counterpart here understood intrinsically the worries she had.

Hope Loki wasn't too attached to that shirt because he's getting an abrupt hug, and his twin's hands might still be a bit sticky from the rolls.

"You're right, of course." Yeah this is her Loki everyone else can fight her.

[coldsong]

He gives her a long, thoughtful look, because there's a lot he could say about his more unfortunate recent activities, and some of it's widely known, and some of it's only known by Thor, and he's more or less on probation as far as the Avengers are concerned. But here he might find the sympathy he has both desired and been reluctant to accept.

Before he says anything too foolish, he's being hugged, though, and he makes a grunting sound of surprise, flailing briefly. The better part of him decides 'fuck it' within half a second though, and he hugs back. No one's here to see him spoil his ice-prince persona, so why not?

He pets her upper back, a bit awkwardly, and then he gives a fond little laugh and settles into it. "What is this power you're using against me? Sweets and hugs, and already I am conquered. Don't tell Thor."

[magpiemythos]

"Certainly not." She replied primly, letting the serious moment pass for now. Letting them both have something lighter, as she shot her twin a smile. "Thor will have to try and puzzle that one out himself. If I share my secrets then I can't monopolize your attention so easily and I can be rather selfish at times."

And to be honest she's pleased at the acceptance her affection gets here. Not always an easy thing, but it's just the two of them so what was the harm with indulging a mutual want for hugs?

[coldsong]

He laughs again, and his arms are loose enough she can pull away whenever she wants, but he's in no hurry to withdraw, himself. "I can't recall anyone seeking to monopolize my attention before. Certainly not in centuries."

"I think you're trying to get babysitters lined up early," he accuses. "But I can't blame you for it. Is there anything you need for the nursery? Or anything in the way of baby clothes?"

[magpiemythos]

Nope, Loki is quite content to enjoy the hugs for now. "Well now you've got me mugging for your attention. Best get used to it, I can be quite greedy about getting it."

The accusation earned a laugh from the other trickster, light and unrepentant. "I might just be. Better to start early though, hm? But... yew wood. For the crib." Just staying settled where she was because yes she was here for some nice casual affection. "I trust if anyone could ferret out an appropriate tree, it'd be one of us."

[coldsong]

"No, no, I think this is an ideal solution for the both of us. We're both bottomless pits demanding adoration, this way we both get what we want at the same time."

"Yew wood," he sounds pleased. "I was going to offer to shop or take you shopping, but I can certainly get you a good yew tree. Do you want it from Midgard or Asgard?"

[magpiemythos]

"And the Ten Realms breathed a sigh of relief!" She paused, brow furrowing in thought. "Or is it nine here?"

Multiverse shenanigans could get confusing at times.

"Well, whenever I do go shopping, as if I wouldn't invite you along." Shifting just enough to snag another piece of cinnamon roll to nibble, but certainly not letting go of her twin just yet. "Asgardian if you can manage it. And I'll likely need some help finding a carpenter, you'll know better than I which are up to our exacting standards, hm?"

[coldsong]

"Wait, you've got ten? What's the tenth?" He's immediately intrigued. Why haven't they compared notes sooner?

"Asgardian it is. Don't you dare get crumbs in my hair." He doesn't mean that, but if she's going to hug and nibble, so will he, taking up his teacup and sipping carefully.

"Well...I mean, if you'd like to borrow one of our carpenters, I don't think Thor would begrudge you. Or if he would, I could get around him easily enough." Norns know they have a few artisans around Asgard.

[magpiemythos]

"Heven. Newly rediscovered after Thor and I rescued our sister from there. It was a whole big to do." And Angela was a million times more awesome a sister than Hela so there was at least one element of his home universe that was superior.

"Got it. Frosting only." Not that she was serious about that, but she had to tease.

"I think I'm still getting... reacquainted with the idea of Thor not hating my guts again. A nice change, but definitely an adjustment." Because yes she'd fucked up that badly back home.

[coldsong]

"Heven," he repeats, and shakes his head. "Well, I want stories, then, as long as you're getting sugar all over me."

He tilts his head to get a better look at her face and gives her an uncertain smile. "Surely it can't have been as bad as all that?"

[magpiemythos]

"Oh yes. Apparently years and years before, the Angels who dwelled there waged bitter war with Asgard, and their Queen stole Odin's firstborn, the infant Aldrif, to try and force him to surrender. Odin of course refused, and as far as he knew, his child was murdered so he sealed Heven away from the other Nine Realms to protect them."

A shake of her head as her attention was drawn by that uncertain question, brows lifting. "He by his own words loves me no longer, and considers me no sibling of his. If not for a promise made to another, he would have killed me."

Deceptively calm words, but Loki would certainly be able to read the deep hurt that lurked under the veneer.

"Didn't it seem odd that it was only the All-Mother who accompanied me here at first?"

[coldsong]

"Honestly, is there anyone who hasn't waged war with Asgard?" he murmurs rhetorically. "Sometimes I think perhaps the Aesir aren't as nice as we'd like to think we are."

That was so audibly tongue-in-cheek the next door neighbors probably picked up on the sarcasm.

His voice gets gentler again after that, though. "He said something similar to me, once, but has since changed his mind. There is...a tremendous gulf of experience and outlook between Thor and myself, and always will be."

"You'll have to forgive me for not questioning your entourage," he adds, a wry note creeping into his voice. "I was distracted."

"But what matters is that you are here, now, and we can make that a good thing."

[magpiemythos]

"Oh no, clearly everyone simply doesn't understand the Aesir ways of being neighborly." Because y'know conquering was being a great neighbor right?

"I... this is different than the usual. I think I may have finally pushed too far past what he can forgive, and to be honest I don't say I could blame him for it."

A soft chuckle slipping from her at that admission, brows lifting in an almost contrite manner. "I did feel a bit bad that you were caught in the crossfire on that."

"...I think only you and Steve have ever considered my presence to be a good thing as well. I rather like this change."

[coldsong]

Tentatively, he reaches up and strokes her hair a few times. "I hope you're mistaken, but I have no basis to argue with you."

He shakes his head a little. "I was furious at the time, but in retrospect I have to admit it was a good prank. And it prompted a conversation Thor and I should have had years ago, so all's well that ends well."

"He adores you, doesn't he? I'm impressed. I thought this marriage would be...rocky. But you both seem happy."

[magpiemythos]

She let out a soft sigh, tilting her head slightly for that touch, taking reassurance from it and his words. "You may be correct. Time will tell, and well he does have my number."

"To be fair I wasn't sure you would even be there. But I'm glad that it seemed to end well for you, even if you were impressively upset. I was half-certain I'd be stabbed on the spot, decorum or no." Teasing lightly as she nudged lightly with a shoulder.

"I'm sure there will be things we don't agree on, beyond minor domestic squabbles... but somehow we fit, and I'm glad for it. I was expecting well... you've seen plenty of political marriages I'm sure to know the typical best-case scenarios. This one is so easy to forget that it began that way, and I am... as content as I'm able to be. Even happy, as you've seemed to notice."

[coldsong]

"And in the meantime, I'll let you borrow my Thor, provided you take proper care of him. If you return him to me all wrinkled and stained I'll expect you to pay for cleaning."

He laughs. "Now that would be an old-fashioned wedding. Knife fights between the bride and the guests? Why isn't that a tradition, it sounds glorious."

"Rogers doesn't trust me as far as he can throw me, you know." He smirks, then considers. "Although he could probably throw me, come to think of it. Perhaps you'll be a tempering influence between the two of us."

[magpiemythos]

"You're a gem. I'll of course return him in the same condition I found him in."

This was... it was nice. She'd at least expected they could be civil to each other, but easy banter and teasing was comforting, that they might be proper friends of some manner even with the rocky beginning to things.

"Have the bride fight the groom's friends and family and vice-versa, make it a real party. Bonus if it has to be in secret at some point during the wedding, no one else other than the combatants can know it's happening."

"He could probably throw you a decent distance if he put his mind to it." She agreed, tilting her head consideringly. "But I'm sure he can be convinced to play nice, even if it's for my sake at first."