Heaven Beside You

In a realm light years from all heartache, a beautiful home sat atop a grassy knoll overlooking one of the many great, glittering lakes of Alfheim. In it resided the likes of Steve Rogers and Loki of Asgard whose lives were nothing short of idyllic as they basked in the heavenly glow of equanimity. Life was a dream, teeming with eternal love. This was their happily ever after.  

The world in which they retired was beautiful; a kingdom composed of enchanted forests and more gardens than there were stars. A harmonious realm of fae and elven folk, of sparkling mermaid lagoons, of skies that promised never to cast gloomy shadows, and lush, green orchards that stretched as far and as wide as the eye could see. It was a paradise of otherworldly wonder. 

But Loki needed not the frivolousness of picturesque grandeur, for their life, their love, was Steve and Steve alone. They could be together anywhere else — anywhere at all —  and Loki would always, always be drowning in euphoria. Heaven was beside him. They prayed they’d never be parted from him. Should life will it so, their souls would never cease to find one another across oceans, over mountains, through the stars and through the years. Their devotion was an unyielding force to be reckoned with. Not even death could tear them asunder. 

The aforementioned man quietly entered their shared bedroom. Soft, golden rays of sunlight streamed through dancing gossamer curtains. They were delicately draped over yawning windows, creating an invitingly airy ambiance. The sun’s warmth tickled the smooth, alabaster complexion of Steve’s dearest. Cool wind graced their silk clad form. Their skin was as white as snow, dusted with a pink blush. They were breathtakingly beautiful; a cherubic enchantress meticulously and delicately carved out of the finest marble. 

Who would have thought that Steve Rogers, the Captain America, the paragon of virtue, could end up so enamored of one of his adversaries? Who could ever believe that such disparate and incongruous people could be here together? It certainly doesn’t appear to be the most pragmatic of decisions. Odd as it was, such turn of events were a path that the Captain would always — always — choose. 

They began as two people simply working out how to be. Countless nights were spent shuffling into meetings to sit upon creaky folding chairs and speaking of the tales of their misfortunes. It wasn’t easy, but there was comfort in it; solidarity. As time passed, Loki learned many lessons. Accountability. Acceptance. Catharsis. How to process guilt, the loss, and ultimately learn to move past a millennia of neglect and feelings of inferiority… and the awful ways that Loki used to fill the hole in their heart. He came to see Loki was both the wound and the blade; both the torturer and the flayed. He was quick, if not the first, to understand that Loki was just as much (if not, more) a victim as they were the villain. Everyday, Steve motivated Loki to be better. And everyday, Loki made sure to pay him in kind; endlessly devoted to him. Along the way, Steve learned lessons from Loki, too. He learned to break cycles of self-sacrificial tendencies brought on by unwavering selflessness. He came to understand that, ultimately, he wasn’t just Captain America. He was, and always has been, Steve Rogers. First and foremost. Through Loki, he recognized that he, too, had needs, dreams, and a whole life beyond solely being a soldier.

If it weren’t for them, they would never be here at all. He remembered that day very well. Routine, busy, with more work on his mind than he could ever hope to keep up with. Each day that cycled by was so identical to the last that they all blurred into a meaningless jumble. Somewhere along the lines, Steve lost sight of himself and merged into a persona. Loki saw the tired, stodgy look in his eyes and the toll it took on him.

And it was on that day, atop a tangle of sheets and over the sound of their own breathlessness, Loki turned to him and said, “Honey, we should run away.”

“Someday,” Steve answered. And one day, they did. They were worlds away; a fact that brought great comfort to the pair. Freed were they from the shackles of fealty and despair.

They were two people negotiating their differences. What they found, well, was something else entirely, more profound than they could ever hope to be. A bond borne of cold and rain, not unllike a rose growing bold in barren and desolate lands. Their strengths, their weaknesses, and everything similar and dissimilar alike manifested into the smooth and jagged edges of two adjacent pieces of a puzzle. 

But it was never immediate. No, there were no fluttering butterflies, no inescapable yearning, and no ceaseless flashes of a particular face in their private thoughts. It was never love at first sight. Neither was it the second, third, nor tenth. Bullets flew in place of sparks. In the years that followed, the other’s presence made them wary at best. Steve originally found it difficult to move past Loki’s mercurial and mendacious nature. As for his counterpart, they found it an uphill battle to allow room for yet another person in their heart. Ulterior motives seemed to exist at every which angle they turned their gaze upon. Loki could not help but marvel at the singular damage of this dark idea: that their whole existence was a kind of fabrication and nothing (no one), no matter how small, was ever true. Friendship came at a cost. And there were days that the scion of Odin hid from the very person whom their heart sought, afraid of the fiery yearning that burned the depths of their heart and what it could mean. It took Steve much longer to gain Loki’s trust than he did trusting them. 

Even so, fate willed their worlds to collide. And, collide it did. Two souls fused together and became one. Yet, it was never about fulfilling unmet needs, nor was it about the inane notion that, in their couplings, they would miraculously find themselves cured of all grief and misery. (Granted, they only got together once they both felt healthy enough to truly be committed.) No, it was in getting to know one another. It was in understanding, compassion, and in creating fond memories together. In getting annoyed by bad habits only to grow fond of them. In eventually falling in love together. Hopelessly, endlessly, and almost painfully so. Their love flourished in growth and healing. Their hearts, though scarred, beat with nothing but love and gaiety. 

Alas, regardless of how much Steve loved Loki, their slumber would have to come to an end. The blond nearly felt rueful. Even so, a day of jouissance awaited. The day of love brought far too many opportunities to celebrate their bond to spend it merely idling about. 

“Princess…” the blond called fondly. His hand weaved its way into the loose, shiny coils of black locks. When the other failed to stir, his heavy hand smoothed through the emerald silk of their nightgown. Pellucid eyelids parted to reveal the jewels of the god’s eyes. There was Steve, stroking the small of their back. Making them smile as the sweet aroma of warm, freshly baked goods wafted through their humble abode.

“Good morning, sleepyhead.” His voice was soft and gentle; music to Loki’s ears. He was like warm days, sunshine, and honey. The corners of thin lips curled into the most precious of smiles. Steve couldn’t help but plant a tender kiss to their forehead. 

“Good morning, my love,” they greeted as they unfurled sinewy arms, inviting the other into their embrace. 

Without a moment’s hesitation, Steve pulled them into his larger frame. Emerald orbs sparkled with glee as his warmth enveloped them, only to disappear behind their eyelids. Loki took the time to nuzzle their cheek against the rhythm of his beating heart. It was but another reminder that he was here and so were they. Together. Contiguousness was a gift in and of itself, one that Loki cherished in their every waking moment. Slowly, a small, contented smile crept across their face once more. The sight sent Steve’s heart soaring. 

Today would bring more smiles, that he knew, and before long, the burly man ushered his partner to get ready for the day. 

“I’ve run a bath for you, Doll. Your clothes are in there, too.”

Smiling still, Loki kept an arm wound around his waist, “Have you now? Should I expect a new lingerie set?”

“If I tell you… that’ll ruin the surprise,” hummed Steve. 

He couldn’t hope to contain his smile as excitement crept over him, ever eager to see those eyes of theirs lighting up. He swore up and down that the universe was crafted purely to exist within those eyes. 

“Not even a little hint for your Valentine?” They asked with the slightest hint of a pout.

“Nope! You’ll have to see for yourself.”

“So, definitely lingerie?” Loki unwound themself from Steve and made their way towards the bath with a spring in their step. But as Loki neared, the goddess turned, quizzical brow raised, “Well? Won’t you accompany me?” 

Steve hauled himself up and made his way to his lover’s side, snaking an arm around them and pulling them flush against his body. “No, sweetie, not this time. But I’ll walk you in.”

“Oh, such a gentleman. Always keeping me company,” Loki mused, turning to squeeze him tight. “Still, it’d be much better if you joined me.”

Gentle hands caressed shapely sides, easily dwarfing their waist in contrast to himself. Loki looked so small and frail against him, a treasure to hold near and dear. “There are a few more things I have to take care of, love. But…”

Steve’s hands traveled down slender wrists and eclipsed bony hands. He tugged them toward the adjoining bathroom. “I have a surprise for you.”

Lo and behold, once Loki stepped into the room, they were met by the fragrance of fresh roses and the golden glow of candles lining the large tub. The bath itself was dappled with rose petals. Off to the side, an ice bucket sat containing a bottle of red wine, accompanied by a heart shaped box of chocolates. Sure, it was a tad early, but who honestly cared?

“Sweetheart…” gasped Loki, breaking out into the widest of smiles. They turned and nearly tackled the Avenger with a hug. How was it that they came to be with someone who would take the time to prepare such elaborate gifts, all for the very simple reason that they wanted to spoil them? And still, there was the prospect of more. “Baby, I love you. This is perfect.”

Steve gave a hum as he squeezed their waist. A hand rubbed circles over the small of their back. “I love you, too. But that’s not all.” Steve motioned his chin towards the counter. On it, a gift bag rested. “Your clothes are over there. Take your time and enjoy yourself. I’ll come get you when everything’s ready, alright?”

The black haired beauty turned to him and smiled, nothing but utmost adoration for the handsome man before them. The brightest constellations really did sit within the jewels of their eyes. And, by god, what he wouldn’t give to keep them burning brightly. 

“Okay. Thank you, my love,” they wrapped around him tighter and burrowed away into his broad chest briefly. Eventually, he left them to their own devices. 

Right away, they made a beeline for the counter and retrieved their present. Two boxes were stacked in the bag, the largest of which Loki opted to unwrap first. Inside were a pair of dainty red sandals complete with small heart shaped crystal buckles. The next box contained a beautiful silk dress, embroidered with red roses all throughout. It had off-shoulder puff sleeves and a sweetheart neckline that Loki knew full well was chosen to accentuate ample mounds of soft breasts. It was fit for a princess. His princess. Frankly, Steve had great taste. 

But, most salient of all, Steve supported them. 

Steve accepted them as they were. He not only made an effort to understand Loki’s fluid gender identity, but also made careful sure to show his support. It was basic decency, sure, but it was more than what they were ever even used to. To not only respect them but also indulge them in ways others would sooner regard as ‘Ergi’? Norns, and they thought it was impossible fall in love even harder, but here they were. With Steve, Loki felt safe. With him, they were shamelessly and unapologetically themselves. The Princette smiled and held the dress to their form, eying the figure in the mirror. Steve made them feel so loved, so beautiful. So special. Sure, they were all but material things, but it was one of the many million ways Steve told them, “I love you.” All of them.

They were just so… lucky. Not once did he idealize a certain way of being. Steve never forced the notion upon them that they should be better, but instead came into their life knowing and accepting every aspect of their being. He loved them without ever having to be someone else entirely. Many suns have dawned and many moons have fallen and in every one of those cycles, Steve had always, always been Loki’s biggest supporter. And, he knew full well that Loki was his. Altruism, compassion, his honesty, his strong sense of self and overall grounded-ness played in perfect harmony with Loki’s own merits. They were both the people they needed in their own lives. As they sat and enjoyed all that their lover prepared, Loki continued to ponder just how blessed they were, wanting nothing more than to be by his side once more. 

Hand in hand, the couple stepped out into the world of endless spring. In a few short steps, they found themselves basking in the aureate glow that nurtured sprawling, endless meadows and graced alabaster skin. Wisps of verdant blades danced to the rhythm of a gentle breeze. Dots of color sprinkled the land. Wildflowers were in everlasting bloom. They stretched for miles, loved by the buzzing bees and the clumsy, fluttering butterflies. Steve knew the names of most; himself having taken clippings from the bouquets and crowns his lover gifted him. His most recent journal contained blue cornflowers, poppies, daisies, corncockles, and even dandelions to name a few. Olden leather bound books found themselves adorned by pressed flowers overtime. 

From above, a long procession of billowing clouds streaked across the sky, embellishing the medley of soft, early morning pastels. Alfheim’s many moons hung low in the sky and rolling hills dotted the land. How rare and beautiful it truly was to exist, together, despite the infinite cosmos. By some miracle, their lifetimes have overlapped, and somehow, they’ve found themselves here. Life itself, no matter how long, was a fleeting, meager thing. Far too easily did time slip through their grasp. And far too often did they take it all for granted, simply flittering through their every waking moment. Living itself came easily. But to be alive, to be so enraptured, and so aware… 

It felt as if they’d never known color like this morning revealed to them. 

The scion of two crowns smiled for the melodies of nature reached their ears. Birds of all colors sang their songs as pellucid, cascading waters tumbled over smooth stones. They followed Steve to the source of such sound, and soon, over the soft grass, a beautiful picnic spread sat in waiting. A stone’s throw from coruscating waters, pink silk lined the soft earth. Atop it sat a wicker basket, and all around were delectable treats prepared by their lover. There was a homemade cake, and in the style of the classic Valentine’s Day candy heart, Steve had carefully piped “Valentine, Be Mine” into the icing. Off to the side, a bottle of Loki’s favorite champagne stood alongside two glasses. 

“Oh, my love, you shouldn’t have,” Loki smiled as they smoothed their skirt to sit atop the blanket. Steve joined shortly after and began to unpack their food. 

“Mmm… but I wanted to.”

Loki helped him set down their plates and napkins before pouring their glasses for them. They leant against the man and nuzzled the cozy (albeit a little itchy) material of his cable knit sweater, “But what if I wanted to? You’re always spoiling me. I should be spoiling you…”

They handed their libation over to their partner who was more than happy to accept. 

“Oh, what a sap. Sweet as can be,” said Steve, though Loki gave a small pout. He kissed them, and they, in turn, pecked his lips repeatedly. Their attempt at spoiling him in kind.

Steve cupped their cheeks and pulled them in for a deeper, but chaste kiss, “Look at you. You’re giving me toothaches just from kissin’ me.”

“Aw,” Loki feigned a pout, though a giggle threatened to slip, “You poor, poor senile man. Pray tell… have you cleaned out your dentures? Checked your blood sugar recently?” 

Steve couldn’t help but chuckle, blue, sparkling eyes flickering briefly towards the excess of sweets awaiting them. But then he rolled his eyes and pressed a finger to the very tip of Loki’s nose. “Ha-ha, go ahead and laugh. That’s hilarious! I’m calling my social worker and my lawyer.”

“Mmm… but then, who else shall I acquire social security benefits from?” Loki pondered aloud, playful, “Pilfering checks is quite the arduous task, you know… I suppose I’ll just have to ensure that you’ll leave everything in my name. Bequeathed under absolutely no suspicious circumstances, of course.”

“Plotting my demise, are we? Still, you’re good to me, baby,” hummed the blond, pulling Loki in to nuzzle black locks. Warm vanilla filled his senses, a fragrance that he had grown to hold near and dear to his heart. 

Trite as it was, the smaller of the pair never once bats an eye, proudly proclaiming, “And you’re good for me.”

Steve heart swelled with pride; never once wanting to be anything but. He would do anything just to see them smile. 

“Which reminds me…” Loki began again. Gracile fingers formed an intricate yet familiar gesture. And from those fingers, ribbons of emerald billowed until a small tear in the space before appeared. “I have a surprise for you. Close your eyes, my dear.”

Loki reached through and felt around their pocket dimension. 

“Are you sure it’s not a snake?” Steve inquired, giving a playful poke to their side and easily eliciting a small giggle and twitch from their partner. “It will be if you keep tickling me. Now… your eyes, please.”

“Threats! So romantic. Happy Valentine’s Day,” Steve gushed and pinched the skin of Loki’s cheek. Nevertheless, the sapphires of his eyes disappeared behind his eyelids. The dark curl of his lashes fanned over prominent cheekbones. And for a moment, Loki found themself lost in his beauty. 

Asgard’s Princette retrieved a large package and, carefully, placed the item before their lover. Feeling the slight shift, Steve opened his eyes to a big, golden box sealed with a silk ribbon. Red origami roses and small paper leaves artfully adorned its lid, the sight of which only proving to stretch his smile further. And, in turn, Loki’s. The sheer thoughtfulness alone was enough to turn the soldier into mush. 

“Baby doll…” already filled with gratitude, Steve smiled. Carefully, he undid the ribbon, set the lid aside, and revealed its contents. Tissue paper left the gift itself still concealed, and on this rested a handmade card. Blue eyes flickered up to the sorcerer. Beaming, Loki encouraged him to explore this further, “Go on then, my darling. I promise I haven’t gotten you a snake.”

“Am I getting two snakes?

Verdant eyes watched in anticipation as Steve picked up the card. “Verily,” they said, “Possibly three.”

“You should have gone with three for ‘I love you’.” 

“I believe the card may do a better job than three serpents.”

“Touché.” Steve carefully examined the cover — the front of which was beautifully designed with pedantic calligraphy stating, “Happy Valentine’s Day, my dearest!” Along the corners were roses to match the exterior of the package, a small detail not lost on the Captain. Upon opening the card, a red rose bloomed. An intricate pop-up craft courtesy of the God of Mischief themself. And on the left corner, a message was inscribed. Loki recalled every little word, all of which were immortalized in ink. Years from now, they’ll look back and reread these words, a testament to this moment having ever existed. Who knew; perhaps one day, their children would read the words of their love, too? 

“To my dearest love, the light of my life, Steve. 

How great it is to wake up in my place atop your chest, listening to the steady beat that sang me to sleep. How great it is to awaken to the shelter of your arms around me, silencing the chaos of storms. The quiet thunder of your breaths, reminding me that I am not nor will I ever be alone. I love you. I love you and the sunshine buried in your laugh, the way it would shine through your teeth and light up the whole world around you. And in turn, my own. Your heart overflows with the kindness of which no world is worthy of, and yet you’ve chosen to take me into yours. Each and every day you find a new way to say I love you. And each and every day, just when I think I’ve given you my all, I find myself falling in love with you more and more. With each passing day, you are and will always be my Valentine.” 

Eager eyes watched on, taking in the very way Steve’s eyes moved back and forth in his perusal. Loki observed every infinitesimal change in Steve’s expression, the butterflies in their own stomach taking flight as a wide smile crept to his face. Forming familiar wrinkles and a certain gloss to his eyes. 

“Lo, darling…” Steve turned and pulled his lover close, just in absolute awe over it all. Loki loved so hard because they knew how it felt to be loved so little. Steve’s only wish was to be able to make sure Loki knew he loved them just as much. “God, I love you. So much. So fucking much.”

“And I, you,” smiled Loki. They say that actions spoke louder than words, but to hear and return it in kind always made their heart flutter in ways that not even the halls of Valhalla could give. And while they could sit there and swoon, Loki eventually looked up and nudged Steve to move on to the other present. 

And so, he carefully set the card aside and secured it with his glass functioning as a paperweight. He brushed the ornate tissue paper aside, revealing the ebony wood of a French easel. Steve heaved it out of its packaging and gently set it down to take a moment and admire its craftsmanship. Delicate tracery lined its body, paired up with gold hardware and various compartments. It was a piece commissioned by none other than the god themself, created by some of the finest artisans of New Asgard. 

“I know how much you loved sketching in the gardens,” Loki began. Undoubtedly, it would be much easier now to transport all of his belongings wherever he so chose. 

“Darling, this is amazing. Thank you.”

The man fiddled about until the easel was erected. He had the option to fold its legs and set it upon a surface or use the stand. He chose the former. 

“Mhm. Now, you’ve told me you’ve always wanted to work with color.…” Loki continued.  Steve never really did have the luxury of time to get started on such projects. Sometimes, on the off chance that they somehow scrounged up some spare time for errands, Steve wandered into craft supply aisles. Often, he’d ponder the finest brands and what paints would suit him best. Would he take on a certain art style? And if so, what would it be? Would he prefer water colors, acrylics, or oil paint? Perhaps he could be a mixed media artist. As the couple strolled about, Loki would always catch him longingly running his fingers through paint brushes. They were soft, he said, and he loved the texture of the bristles against the tips of his fingers. Alas, Steve never did quite get the chance to foster his passion for the arts. At least, not in any meaningful way. Nothing beyond stationary and sketches. But, now they had all the time in the world and Loki wanted nothing more than Steve’s happiness. How best to achieve this besides support his hobbies and interests? They made sure to do their research, scouring the Internet during the couple’s routine trips to Midgard. (To visit a close friend of theirs, of course. Naturally, neither of them could bear to up and abandon Bucky.) During those times, Loki secreted forums and art sites until they eventually narrowed their list to the best of the best. The whole kit was fully stocked with various art supplies. 

Buzzing with excitement, Loki could hardly sit still. They could practically feel their heart rattling against the confines of their chest at the very prospect of Steve finally seeing his present in full. And, Norns, they were half convinced they were seconds away from just bursting. Loki couldn’t help but pipe up, “Try the first compartment.” 

The Avenger undid its fastenings and flashed them a wide smile, eyes twinkling. “Is this lingerie?”

“If I tell you… it’ll ruin the surprise,” Loki mused as they cracked a big grin. 

“So, it’s definitely lingerie.” 

Steve raised the lid. Rather than lingerie, rows upon rows of paint tubes lined the first half while the bottom housed a palette. The lid itself lined with brushes of all shapes and sizes. And, to think this was just the first of many compartments. This was just the tip of the iceberg. As expected, Steve ran his fingers through the bristles. They were beautiful; their handles were made of ornate polished wood. Golden ferrules held soft bristles together. But, on one of them, a golden band sat incongruous. It was lined with diamonds, sparking brightly in the sun. 

Oh. 

Realization struck Steve like a freight train. The card, those words… it all made perfect sense. 

Two words.

Hell.

No.

He’d spent countless nights planning every little aspect of this day down to the finest minutiae, obsessing over even the right shade of frosting of all things. Point being, when it finally came down to it, this was Steve’s day to thoroughly spoil them rotten. 

Steve dared not move a single muscle, disallowing his expression to shift or make any outward indication of knowing or having ever even noticed. Loki watched on with bated breath. Waiting on something. Anything. 

And, suddenly, Steve raced to beat their lover to it. He whipped around and landed on a bended knee before them. In his hand, he presented them with a small velvet box and wasted no time in uncovering its contents. A golden ring sat between the folds of silk lining. It was crowned with a large emerald and framed by intricate filigree, shaped to vaguely resemble a tiara. Diamonds adorned its band. It was a creation of his own design, one of but many renderings of various concepts Steve’s creative mind envisioned around Loki’s ring finger. 

To say the least, Loki was stunned. Blue eyes locked on theirs. And that pair of emeralds flickered between him, the ring, and the one presented before them. The air hung charged and heavy between the lovers. For the briefest moment, time stood still. 

Both faces uncontrollably split into the widest of smiles and their cheeks flushed various shades of pink. A rush of excitement arose, sending thrill coursing through every last fiber of their bodies as warmth bloomed within their chests. Was this really happening? Conversations of matrimony transpired between on several occasions. And, at that point, it was only a matter of time before one of them inevitably proposed. What were the odds that they would choose the same day to seal their union?

“No!” Loki exclaimed, followed by fits of giddy laughter emanating from both parties. They took the band meant for Steve and held it out to him as they too got on their knee. “Excuse you! No! I’m proposing here!”

Steve shook his head no, the grin on his face so wide that his cheeks began to ache. “Uh, no. Uh-uh. I did it first. You never asked!”

“Well, then, will you marry me?” Pleased, with themself, their smugness spilled over uncontainable joy. 

“No!!” Steve broke out in another fit of laughter. Quick to correct themself, he started, “I mean, of course I will…”

Loki beamed and threw their arms around him. They took his hand and made an attempt to slip the ring onto his finger. Alas, Steve closed his first. The bearded man fully intended to propose to them. And he rushed to rectify this. “But I’m going to propose.”

Loki giggled and started peeling his ring finger from his fist. “In that case, the answer is yes.” 

Steve shook his head adamantly as a smile continued to paint his features. “No. No, no. Let’s take this from the top.” 

“How about a countdown? 

With a heavy but playful sigh, the soldier relented and nuzzled his nose against their hair. “Alright.” 

Loki signaled for them to start, and no sooner than that did the pair begin counting in unison. 

“Three…”

“…Tw-“ 

Steve cut their lover off with a big dopey grin, knowing full well that the likelihood of Loki trying something were very high. He might as well beat them to it! “Will you marry me?”

“Steve!” Exclaimed the raven, breaking out into a hearty laugh. Verdant eyes twinkled and they looked to him as he came down on his knee once more. When their eyes met, Steve matched that same wide smile. Loki felt like they were walking on seventh heaven’s air. 

“Let me,” he said, and Loki caved and nodded fervently. 

Once more, he bestowed the ring upon them, his heart beating to the sound of a thousand disharmonious drums. He’s rehearsed these words millions of times in millions of ways. But, when it came down to it, he seemed to lose his power of speech. His eloquence trembled as the words spilled from his lips, an exhilarating rush of euphoria setting him alight and blooming in his chest as if a cacophony of thousands of fireworks. 

“Loki, the apple of my eye, light of my life, my muse, my dear happiness, my everything and more…”

Loki’s smile was so wide, they thought their cheeks were just about ready to crack. A single teardrop appeared at the corner of their eye, which then rolled off and scorched the skin of an angular cheek. 

“I love you infinitely and inexpressibly. If you’ll allow me, I promise to love and cherish you long after I breathe my last. I’ll love you to the ends of time and even more. Today and forevermore, you are the one I will always adore. Will you marry me?”

Loki couldn’t launch into his arms fast enough, exclaiming a shaky, “Yes!” 

To finally hear that word, to be here, to be with them… Suddenly, Steve stood and spun them both. Their laughter filled the air, and suddenly, Loki’s lips came down on his, happy tears still spilling from their eyes. To be loved this hard and to love in return… Norns, it was everything. He was everything. How truly fortunate and beautiful it was that somehow, through infinite years and millions and millions of galaxies, their paths have somehow diverged and now, well, now they were here, glowing in their merriment, sitting amongst the flowers at the grassy banks of a river as the heat of the sun warmed the tops of their heads.

Steve purred deeply as he swallowed the sweet heat of their mouth, their lips moving in a slow dance until his lover pressed further; deep and fervent, commanding a sort of dominance that Steve knew he had to quell and control. His tongue slipped into their mouth and once more, the world stood still. And, yet, it spun, dizzying, as it revolved around themself and their partner.

Their everything and more.