Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Another day, Thor decided to take Loki out for a walk. He wasn't planning on staying out for hours but Loki hadn't been outside for so long and the prince thought it could not harm him. Also, he himself missed being outside. Normally when he'd been down on Midgard in earlier times, he'd been jogging every day together with one of his teammates or exploring New York City. That's why staying inside for several weeks had quite a toll on him. Convincing Loki however was a different story. The trickster didn't want anyone to see him "out of shape". Thor's reassurances that he was beautiful and his belly barely noticeable were to no avail. It came as a surprise that, of all people, the one who made him agree in the end was … Tony. Thor'd been telling him about his failed plan when he'd come down for breakfast. Half an hour later, the Asgardian was up with Loki once again, fine with staying in the house if this was what Loki truly wanted. They were just cuddling in the bed when a voice could be heard, shouting up from downstairs.
Tony: "Thor? Why don't you come along for a run in the park? You wanna go out anyway and because Reindeer games doesn't come along … "
Thor thought for a second but he didn't even come to answer because Loki was already jumping up. When he'd heard that Stark wanted to take Thor with him, his opinion had changed rapidly. He didn't want to stay without Thor, not right now that the baby could basically change shape any time and none of them knew how he'd be afterwards. Thor got up as well, grinning. He'd have to thank Stark later for that little favour.
Thor: "Slowly, love. No need to hurry. We will go whenever you are ready."
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10 minutes later they were out on the street, walking next to each other while Thor had one arm wrapped around his lover's waist - just to be sure and because he needed the contact. Stark hadn't insisted on their exercise run, already guessing his plan had worked out the way he'd calculated. They walked in silence for several minutes. Loki was looking around curiously, taking in every new thing he hadn't seen yet and inhaling the fresh air. He appeared to be rather relaxed, which Thor was thankful for. During the last few weeks, it had been difficult for both of them to find peace of mind. He himself was entirely focused on his love. From time to time they stopped for a moment, allowing Loki to recollect his strength. When the blonde spotted a café, he held Loki back gently.
Thor: "Do you wish to drink or eat something, dear? Over there is a small restaurant we could use for taking a break."
Loki: "Yes but - do you even have something to pay our food? I don't think they are going to accept asgardian means of payment."
Thor nodded confirmingly.
Thor: "When I entered the team and stayed at Stark Tower for the first time, Stark equipped me with some money common here on earth. I think it was quite much actually, but - he said I would probably need it somewhen and even if not, he'd have enough to be generous."
The god of mischief let himself be led over to the café, where they sat down at a small table in a corner. The restaurant was nearly empty. A good thing because Thor knew Loki'd feel safer if not too many people were around to see him. After sitting down next to each other, Thor protectively laid one arm around Loki's shoulders, handing him the menu. When they'd decided for something, a young waitress approached them. Thor didn't miss the sceptical glimpse she threw at Loki's belly although he himself had apparently not noticed it. The blonde tightened his grip a little, clearly demonstrating Loki belonged to him and he wouldn't tolerate any comments on his current condition. Thor only ordered coffee, black as he liked it. Loki took black tea, a bacon sandwich and a chocolate brownie. Thor didn't even wonder about the strange picking combination, it was rather similar to the meals he'd brought Loki throughout his pregnancy. But the waitress didn't conceal her astonishment, staring at him in clear disgust. Thor's eyes sparkled with fury.
Thor: "Is there a problem with my love's order, me lady? No? Fine, then I guess you may leave now!"
The brown-haired woman left quickly, nearly stumbling on her way to the kitchen. When Thor looked over to Loki, the trickster was smirking shily.
Thor: "What is there to smile about? She embarrassed you and I reminded her of her place."
Loki kept smiling, his eyes filling with love.
Loki: " - Thank you."
Thor didn't respond, shushing him with a kiss instead.
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A while later, the waitress returned with their orders. This time, she didn't dare to look at both of them, only putting the plates down and leaving as fast as she could. Thor started laughing quietly, sipping from his coffee in contentment.
Loki: "I guess you showed her rather good where her place is."
Thor: "Yes Loki - yes, I guess so too!"
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After they'd finished their meal and paid the "kind" waitress, they continued their walk. Thor headed out of the crowded city into the quiet and peaceful nature. He knew Loki would like that much more and he was right. Once in the forest, Loki's face lit up with a smile and lost the last bit of tension. At seeing his love smile, Asgard's prince felt his heart melt with love and joy. He thought of their baby once again. Of course the times were hard right now, but once it would be with them, everything would even out eventually and they could simply live a happy life here on earth, with his friends. And their child. He hoped it would look like Loki. He would enjoy it so much, having another so beautiful being around him which would always remind him of Loki when they were apart. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even realised he'd been heading for a park his team had shown him once. But when he lifted his gaze the next time, they were there. Surrounded by trees, grass and flowers. They stopped simultaneously. Loki stretched out in the grass, right next to Thor. The god knelt down as well, taking Loki's hand into his. He kept looking at him for a while, admiring the way his eyes were still sparkling like precious emeralds and his hair laid splayed out on the cut grass.
Thor: " - You are so beautiful, my love! After all we've gone through together, when I wake up in the morning and see you sleeping next to me - I sometimes still can't believe that you're finally mine. That I'm married to the most beautiful, intelligent and fascinating person the Nine Realms have ever seen. I love you, Loki! I love you from the very core of my soul. I know, I'm telling you nearly every day but - still I can't find better words to describe my feelings to you. If I am the day, then you are the night that evens me out so beautifully. If I'm the always shining sun, then you are the magnificent moon I need to exist. If I am a cloud, full of thunder and lightning, then you are the wind that makes me storm. My heart is bound to yours, Loki. If you suffer, I suffer with you, making it rain to show your tears to the world. And if you are happy, the sun is shining because if you are smiling, I am happy as well. We will never be able to exist without each other because if our other half is gone, we'll be ungrounded, without purpose in this world. Because if there is no night, there won't be a day either. If the moon doesn't come out, the sun will always shine, burning itself and the world beneath it. And if there's no wind to move the clouds, then it won't storm either and the cloud will explode, bringing chaos and destruction to the Nine Realms."
Loki kept quiet, a mixture of awe and bewilderment on his features. Then a tear dropped from his eyes, rolling down his cheek.
Loki: "With what of my doings did I deserve you?"
Thor bent down, gently kissing it away and embracing his precious love, tucking him close to his chest. He spoke in a low, rumbling tone, nearly whispering into Loki's ear.
Thor: "With everything you are, dear!"
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After a while simply sitting there in quietness, they got up again, ready to return. Thor stood up first, reaching a hand down to help Loki to his feet. But when the man came to stand, he moaned loudly, holding onto Thor's arm for support and grimacing. Thor stepped closer instantly, holding him securely with both arms and supporting his back with his hands.
Thor: "Everything alright, love? Is something wrong?"
Loki moaned again, a little quieter this time, trying to suppress his pain.
Loki: "No-just - I - guess the baby's awake again. - I'm okay, just give me a-ahhh!"
Loki couldn't hold back a small scream, sobbing in his lover's strong arms. Thor stroke his back soothingly but strong enough to make him feel safe and protected.
Thor: "It's fine, Loki. That was enough for today, hmh? Do not worry, I will bring you back."
With that the prince lifted Loki into his arms with all tenderness, letting him curl up and starting to walk quickly. On the way back, both didn't talk a lot. Thor kept rubbing Loki's back and stomach comfortingly and as soon as they got home, he tucked him into bed straight away, lying down next to him. Before he could say anything, Loki'd already fallen asleep.