Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Thor: "Loki!"
Thor had raced back in panic, imagining what could possible have happened while he'd been away. He sprinted into the house, darting into the bedroom but finding it empty. No! Not again! Pictures were reappearing in his mind: Loki lying bloody and pale in the forest, shivering and helpless. His breaths fastened, becoming erratic as he stood in panic.
Thor(panting): "LOKI!"
Loki(quiet): "Here!"
The sound of the voice of his lover sounded like heaven to Thor's ears. It came from the bathroom. Thor leaned against the wall, calming himself down before turning and entering the bathroom. Loki was sitting on the rim of the bathtub, an expression in his eyes that Thor couldn't read. Thor ran towards him, kneeling down in front of him and taking his hands, which were shaking slightly, into his own.
Thor: "Loki, what is it? Did you get sick again? Were you scared?"
Loki: "N-no. Thor - it's - I - I am - "
Loki trailed off, staring down at his hannds with the same emotionless expression as before, which began to falter as the seconds went by. Thor really became anxious as Loki kept searching the right words.
Thor: "What is it, dear? What troubles you?"
Loki: "Thor - I'm - … I'm with child."
At first Thor thought he'd misunderstood Loki, who was now looking at the floor in emberassment. Thor had known that it would theoretically be possible for Loki to become pregnant. But he had always pictured it as a mere rumor, not relevant for their lives. He'd never believed that Loki, this fragile figure of a man, could ever become pregnant. Thor looked at him in a mixture of admiration and astonishment, added by a heart-wrenching amount of love.
Thor: "Wh - what? You're - pregnant?"
Loki looked a little panicked, not sure as of how Thor would react.
Loki: "Please let me keep it! We can do this - right? Together?"
Loki really looked worried but Thor couldn't hold back a wide smile, gently placing a hand on Loki's stomach and kissing him lovingly.
Thor(gentle): "Of course we can. You needn't worry, my love. This is - this is - simply … beautiful! We're getting a new family member!"
Loki smiled back but after a few seconds, doubt appeared in his emerald eyes.
Loki: "But - what if - what if Odin finds out? Our baby will be half of a frost giant. (panicking) He will want to kill it as soon as it takes its first breath! Or even before!"
Loki's gaze filled with panic and Thor lifted him off the bathtub, cradling him in his arms.
Thor: "Love, I won't let anything happen to it! Odin won't even know about the baby until its birth and even if he does, I'll protect you both. I'll do everything I can to keep you and our baby save! Even if I have to pay with my life! And if Odin tries to harm any of you, he'll pay with his! You'll get this child, whatever it costs. I'll help you get through this. Our baby will be the most beautiful thing you can imagine, I assure you. There's nothing to worry."
Loki relaxed a little, still looking worried. Thor stood up carefully, carrying Loki into their bedroom and wrapping him into their blanket. He knew the next time was going to be draining, for him as well as for Loki. He wasn't sure for how long it would work to take Loki with him to work and there was no option in him staying at home. Loki was still traumatized and being with child, meaning he mustn't be exposed to stress. Furthermore, he didn't know anything about jotun pregnancies, neither did Loki as far as he knew.
Thor: "Loki - I know it'd be best if no one knew about this. But I guess we should consult our healers. We don't know anything about your origin's birthing habits and the last thing we need are complications because we're not experienced enough. I don't want you to suffer if it could be avoided."
Loki: "But - but what if Odin notices?"
Thor: "He won't. I'll simply go and get the healer here. If you're fine with it of course."
Loki considered for a moment, then he nodded hesitantly.
Loki: "Alright, but-"
Thor: "I'll be back in no time, as always. Don't worry. You can always call me if you feel sick or lonely."
He bowed down, kissing Loki passionately. Then he stood back up, adjusting his cape and looking tenderly at Loki's flat stomach once more.
Thor: "Take care as long as I'm away. (short break, looking at him a last time) - I love you!"
Loki: "Of course I will. - I love you too!"
When Loki smiled at him, as sweet and loving as only he could, Thor's heart melted and he returned a smile, that was filled with more love even Loki could take. Then he turned to leave, shutting the door gently and leaving the house, still with Loki in his thoughts. They were going to get a child. They were going to get a baby!