Chapter 1
Loki sagged outside of his apartment door. He just needed a moment to collect himself before going in.
It was ridiculously late, but he knew they'd be up waiting for him.
Bracing himself, he opened the door.
"Daddy!" Fenrir, Jo, Hel, Vali, and Narfi launched themselves into his outstretched arms.
"Babies!" His arms were filled with them. Unable to help himself, he covered them in kisses. "You're supposed to be in bed," he gently chided.
"We can't sleep!" Hel cried.
"Miss you!" Vali and Narfi sobbed.
"We just wanted to make sure you got home safe," Fenrir defended.
Jo nodded his agreement.
His eldest Fenrir worried too much for a seven-year-old, and Jo who was only five always followed his big brother's lead.
Hel was only four and more afraid than she'd ever let anyone know.
Vali and Narfi were two-year-old twins, and they didn't understand why he was gone so often.
But the worst one was Sleipnir who wasn't even a month old.
He hated leaving them, but if he didn't work, he couldn't support them.
They were barely holding on as it was.
"It's ok," he whispered. "Everything's going to be ok."
One by one, he put each of his kids to bed.
Fenrir and Jo shared the lumpy futon.
Vali and Narfi shared the spare bedroom.
Hel slept with him and Sleipnir.
Once the kids were put to bed, he made their breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the next day. Finally, he allowed himself to sleep. He’d only get four hours until he had to wake up and go to his second job.
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