Father--rather, Odin, he’s not Loki’s father--had been in the Odin-sleep for some time now. Loki kept him there under safe watch, never restricting him or going against his will. That’s as simple as it was. Odin had needed his rest, so Loki had taken over under his guise. Loki had helped his weak father to the chamber, camouflaging them both from all; and Odin had simply stared at his son wearily before regrettably nodding his agreement and slipping into his rest.

He had made Loki king.

Loki relished having rule over Asgard. While he had only accepted Odin’s blessing under the pretext that he would disguise himself as Odin and strive for peace as Odin himself would, Loki still felt exuberated to finally be king of Asgard.

He soon grew bored, however.

How he longed to reveal himself. To slide back into his old personality. To play simple tricks on friends--had he had any left--to tease people playfully. Alas, Odin would never do such a thing, and Loki would restrain himself to only taunt respectfully as Odin would do--and it just wasn’t enough. He never thought he would say this, but…

"I no longer wish to be king." The words spilled from his mouth one night as he lay in his father’s chamber, looking at the wrinkled hand of his disguise. He sat up in bed, gazing into the mirror that revealed his true, though weary, form. As he turned his gaze to Odin’s helm, he repeated the words once more, knowing them to be true. "I am tired of being king. That old fool!" Loki swiped his hand to the side, throwing the helm to the floor as his disguise disappeared. "He knew exactly what he was doing!" Loki flopped back onto the bed as he realized the wisdom in Odin’s choice. It wasn’t just a preference for Thor to have the throne due to lineage, though Loki didn’t fool himself, he knew well that was a great deal of it. No, Odin was wise in more than one way. He knew Loki would grow bored with the job.

Peace, tranquility just wasn’t his style. Indulgence, getting his way, that part of rule he could appreciate. Supervising the military was entertaining. Keeping the realms in check was simple. But soon it all grew monotonous as he remained forced to hide his true personality and pretend to be Odin, Allfather.

"I can’t very well go against his wishes, now that he’s in the Odinsleep," Loki mumbled, feeling just a smidgen less of disgust for Odin than he had previously. "After all, he did entrust me with his throne. Why," he chuckled, "I don’t think I’ll ever… oh that bastard." Loki groaned and stood to pace around the room. "He could foresee my boredom. He gave me the throne, knowing that I would eventually relinquish it." He kicked the fallen helm out of annoyance, watching it clatter noisily unscathed across the floor. "And now I am stuck with it, as he’s still in the Odinsleep. Perhaps…" He trailed off, walking back to the mirror to inspect himself. Despite being more lethargic lately, Loki had actually lost weight due to his gloomy mood. He stared at the comfortable leather he wore under his father’s guise, but replaced it in only an instant with his battered and worn outfit. The one he had attempted his takeover of earth with...the one he had "died" in. He brushed off some souvenir dust from Svartalfheim, preening himself just a bit.

A shadow of an idea, a plot, hatched in his mind as memories of people and tricks bubbled up in his mind. At night, he had plenty of time to burn. Why not stave off his boredom by visiting Midgard? After all, Loki had only recently discovered a way between the worlds… through his father’s own chamber. Convenient for the king.

Not that Loki hadn’t considered delving off before. He had his regards about returning and facing some old acquaintances from his little trip to New York. It went so well that time. But now, his idea was to return as one of the dead. After all, Jane knew the difficulty in walking between the two worlds… and of his death.

Loki, Ghost of Mischief.

"Darcy, please." Jane sighed, trying to shoo her roomie out. "Thor said he’s coming tonight so please."

"All right all right fine I’ll go," Darcy replied. "I just don’t know why you can’t go out with him..instead of shoving me out of our--"

"Because we like to spend time together without people gawking at us."

"You could just.. go visit Asgard with him."

"You know he’s not really allowed to do that."

"He did it before."

"I was poisoned by an ancient weapon."

"Yeah, that’s still kind of freaky. You sure they got it all?"

"Darcy."

"Okay, okay, I’m going."

Jane sighed as Darcy finally left, turning to put a fresh pot of coffee on. Shortly after hitting the ‘brew’ button, she pulled out two cups. Turning to set the table, she dropped the cups to the floor, the shattering accompanied by a gasp as she saw Loki for only a moment. His form disappeared just as quickly, leaving Jane standing there with a rapid heartbeat and the shattered remains of the two vessels on the floor.

Taking a quick inventory of the house, Jane had to remind herself of Loki’s death as she shakily cleaned the cups up. She was just about to dump the shards into the garbage when she heard a loud crack of thunder, jolting her once more into upheaving the contents of the dustpan. She cursed loudly as Thor silently entered, leaning back down to clean up the mess a second time.

"Jane, are you all right?" Thor knelt down to assist her, but she leapt back as Loki threw a guise of himself onto Thor, only for a moment, for Jane to see.

"Leave me alone!" She panted as the form in front of her returned to the caring and concerned Thor, who remained where he was. "I.. Thor?"

"Jane? What is going on?"

"I keep.. I keep seeing your brother."

"Loki?" At Jane’s nod, he continued. "I thought you no longer had these visions."

"No, well, they stopped months ago.. I mean.. I thought I got over that, y’know?"

Previous visions? Loki watched them, intrigued.

"You can’t blame yourself."

"But it was my fault. Your mother, your brother.. they would both be alive had I not found the Aether."

"Must I remind you, Jane, as always. Malekith would have found the Aether eventually. I am just glad that we had your help to stop him."

"Thank goodness Erik knows what he’s doing."

"Even with the lack of underwear?"

Jane started laughing as she remembered showing Thor the clip after everything had settled down. Thor joined in her laughter, and it was then that Loki left the two alone as he wandered stealthily the streets of Midgard.

"So, Jane blames herself for my death? Interesting." He disguised himself only mildly, changing his clothes to resemble his outfit from Germany. He entered into a coffee lounge, conjuring up money to buy himself a cup of the bitter drink which humans call ‘coffee’. He’d only had it once and, as he drank his second cup, was still unsure whether he liked it or not.

"That sure took the edge off my job," he commented, leaning back in his seat. As he watched, a girl sat across from him; she looked mildly familiar…

"Rough day at work?"

"Mmm.. long and dull, rather."

"Yeah? What do you do?"

"Govern. Unfortunately, everything runs smoothly."

"A-ha, you’re probably the first person I’ve heard complain about that."

"Yes.. but where there is no chaos, there is no entertainment."

"Boy, you’re really laid back today. Or are you always so relaxed when you’re not trying to, y’know, take over the world?"

Loki was grateful that he had finished swallowing, for he knew that the hot, bitter liquid would have landed outside his mouth had he not. Despite how hard it was to surprise him, he was completely caught off guard.

"I’m sorry, what do you mean by that?"

"A new set of clothes isn’t that great of a disguise. Do you really think us humans are that dumb?" She crossed her arms, leaning back. "It hasn’t been that long, has it? Did you forget me? Well, we never formally.. met I suppose.."

"I don’t recall meeting you," Loki replied, selecting the questions he’d answer. "Your name?"

"Darcy. I’m Jane’s intern."

"Darcy… Darcy Lewis, ah yes. I had wondered why you looked so familiar."

"Geez, I’m so unimportant you missed me?"

"I wouldn’t say that. We all play our part."

"Were you just preoccupied? Y’know, because of your mom?" Darcy watched as Loki’s collected composure slacked as he stared at her in surprise. "Oh, uh, Jane told me. Sorry.. about what happened."

Loki hesitatingly lifted the coffee for another sip, relaxing when he realized Darcy was more at ease chatting than himself. "..Thank you."

"So… you’re not really dead, huh?"

"I’ve been dead for years."

"You’re a real emo, y’know that?"

"Emo?"

"Dark mind, dark heart," Darcy said mysteriously, waving her hands as she widened her eyes. "Emotionally disturbed. S’alright, we all are. Some..more than others," she said, obviously referring to him. "Ever talk it out?"

"I believe I’ve discussed all I need to with my brother."

"Yeah but what about someone you don’t know? Maybe you should talk to a shrink."

"I assure you, Darcy, nobody would ever want to explore the dark corners of my mind."

"Hey, just some advice." Darcy checked her watch and nodded. "Well, I’m meeting Ian in a few, so I gotta go. Maybe I’ll catch ya around?"

"Doubtful," Loki scoffed, voice loaded with scorn. "I am not too fond of this world."

"And yet, here you are, drinking our crappy coffee." She smiled and turned, leaving without another word.

Loki stared after her, wondering how one mortal could repeatedly break down his composure when those he had known for over a thousand years, in his own home, couldn’t make him waver once.

Maybe Thor was right about these humans after all.

Loki’s outing had him sated for weeks. He spent his ruling hours delegating as usual and, in his off time, mulling over his thoughts about what he had seen on Earth. Amused by Jane’s shock and reaction; uncertainty of his feeling toward her with his brother as they shared a laugh.

Then, Darcy. He wondered if she had told Jane. He often thought of Darcy and her words, carelessly but truthfully tossed out at him. There was no riddle in her words, no elegant lilt in her speech; brutish and crude language spoken brazenly to a stronger, higher being and she knew who she was talking to, but she was only honest. Curious. Indifferent. No… empathic? It all bothered Loki, because as straight as she was with him, the natural trickster in him was so used to twisting everything around, he was convinced that every conversation held hidden meaning, deceit, somewhere…

But what of this Midgardian who knew almost nothing of him? His tyranny, his fall, and now, his loss. The way she spoke to him, she treated him as an equal. He was no human, no, but she didn’t mention his hostility, his invasion. Just a regular, casual chat.

"I must see her again," he said to himself as he watched the day begin to wane. "Tonight, I leave again for Midgard."

---

"Okay Darcy I’m--GAH!" Jane leapt nearly out of her skin as she got a glimpse of Loki before he disappeared, the damage already done as her heart pounded unforgivingly.

"Whoa whoa you okay there?" Darcy watched as Jane looked around the room again, for the third time.

"I thought I saw Loki again…"

"Again?" Loki, hidden from sight, didn’t miss the amusement in Darcy’s eyes. "I thought you stopped seeing those hallucinations."

"I swear, he’s come back to haunt me." Jane grabbed her coat and keys by the door. "I’ll be back in a few hours."

"Have fun! Buy me some ice cream while you’re out!" When Jane shut the door, Darcy smiled and stretched out on the couch, but set the remote on the coffee table. "You know, you’re a pervert."

Loki materialized in front of her, hands crossed at his back. "You say this, yet you wear no pants around your friend."

"We’re roomies, we don’t have to wear pants around each other. Besides, we’re both girls. You’re not." She tilted her head. "At least I hope not. Never saw a girl with an ass like that."

Loki gave no sign that he had noticed her compliment--that was a compliment, wasn’t it?--as he took his seat in the lounge chair. He gazed around the apartment, spotting photos of Jane, Thor, Jane with Thor, Darcy, Erik, other people he assumed to be the humans’ family. On shelves and sometimes on the floor were electronics bits and odd-looking machines, as well as the occasional piece of clothing.

"Are all Midgardians so...chaotic in housekeeping?"

"Ha!" Darcy caught the reference from the previous chat. "Mostly. Some actually do pick up after themselves. Jane usually does."

"So you’re the one at fault for the mess."

"Kinda. Mostly, yeah. I’ve been feeling really lazy today."

"Do you do nothing every day?"

"Heeyyy, it’s Sunday! I’m allowed to enjoy my weekend off." Darcy still made no attempt to cover her bare legs, her black underwear in full view of Loki. "What about you? You get time off from...governing?"

"At night I have much free time."

"And you spend it here. With me. Really?"

"I find you interesting."

Darcy snorted before laughing loudly, clearly amused by that statement. "Are you sure you’re a trickster and not a jokester?"

"You find that so hard to believe?"

"Well, yeah. I’m one of the least interesting people out there. Here. Around."

"Not in my eyes." He allowed a smile to shine through, not missing it when she stared at it. He knew himself handsome, after all. "It appears as though you’ve neglected to tell your roomie that I am still alive."

"Yeah. I’m not really hiding anything. I just never saw the point in telling her. Besides, it was funny to watch you scare her."

Loki delighted in her mischievous side. "I can do much more than that to frighten someone."

"Oh, please demonstrate. If you think you can scare me."

"You underestimate me, Darcy Lewis."

She jumped as she felt something touch her foot, then saw a doppelganger of Loki grinning before disappearing. "Fine, fine. So you can be in two places at the same time."

"And create illusions." Before her eyes, he turned into Captain America in full costume, remembering the last time he’d used the disguise.

"Ooh, ooh!" Darcy clapped. "Do me now!" Per her request, he shifted into Darcy, and she paused before bursting into laughter. "Manboobs!"

Darcy’s childish nature, pure enjoyment from his tricks, and laughter caught him off guard, and he found himself laughing for this first time in.. goodness, it had been a long time.

"That’s awesome! You could really cause some trouble with that trick."

"If you only knew."

"I know, I know! Dress up as Thor."

Loki’s smile nearly dissolved at this request. "Why my brother?"

"Why not?" She grinned innocently, and Loki paused in hesitation.

Nobody else has made me laugh that way.

Loki slowly assumed the form of Thor, but unbeknownst to Darcy, she took the form of Jane. Her voice remained the same as before, so as she answered the door when she heard the knock, she was unaware of the change.

"Come in!"

"Oh good I--Oh, sorry, didn’t uh, mean to interrupt."

"Oh, no, was just talking to him," Darcy replied, but this time, her voice had changed. She noticed immediately and took a somewhat obvious look in the nearby mirror, eyes widening.

"Sooo, is Darcy here?"

"...Nooo, actually, she went out for a walk. I believe. Sorry, Ian. I’ll let her know you dropped by?"

"Great. Thanks Jane." Ian scurried off after taking another glance at Loki-as-Thor, the door locking behind him.

"No way! That was so cool!" Darcy looked down to see herself back to normal, and was pleased to see Loki had returned to himself.

"Ian is your partner?"

"No. Yeah. Well, he kinda saved my life during the convergence… I mean, we date, but other than the work we do, he’s a little.. boring. And slow." She shrugged helplessly, and Loki caught her first weakness.

"You don’t love him."

"He’s a nice guy. But nope." That was the end of it. She watched him in mild curiosity, and he watched her right back, staring right into her eyes. There was no uncomfortable tension between them, just relaxed gazing. And just as Darcy was going to offer to take him out, he stood fluidly, gracefully.

"I believe it’s time for me to return home."

"Aww, already?" She stood, hands on her hips. "You think cell phones work in Asgard?"

"Work, perhaps. Communicate with your satellites, doubtful." He glanced down at hers in distaste. "I’ll return, be assured."

"You really find me that interesting, huh?"

He turned to face her again, letting slip a mischievous smile before dissolving away. "More than you realize."

---

"Oh, mother, I wish you were still here. I need advice." Loki toyed with Odin’s helm as he lay in bed, the stupid, ridiculous, impossible phrase running through his mind. He kept smacking it away, quelching it, putting it out of mind. But it kept. Coming. Back.

You like her.

She’s mortal.

You like her.

I’ve spent a grand total of under an hour with her.

You like her!

How can I? We’re from different worlds. I’ve done things that… she would never approve of.

She seems to like you.

The new words popped into his head, seeming to erupt from his subconscious like a land mine. He stared at the ceiling, opening his mouth to argue with himself. He sighed, rolling his head to the side.

I could talk with her more. Ask her views, opinions. Why am I letting this mortal affect me so?!

He threw the helm suddenly, cracking the mirror on the far wall. He slowly stood, walking over to gaze into the distorted image.

"Now the mirror shows my true reflection… would she take me knowing my true nature?"

"Why are you ignoring his calls? I thought you two were dating."

"We really only have science in common." Darcy picked up the loose laundry around the room, tossing it into the hamper.

"You've started ignoring Ian...and now you're actually picking up after yourself. Are you feeling okay?"

"Ha, ha; very funny Jane. Didn't you say Thor was coming over tonight?"

"You're cleaning for my date with Thor?"

"I just thought it would be nice to give you a break for once. Can't a girl express her appreciation for her roommate?"

Jane watched Darcy skeptically, but shrugged and decided not to complain. As she grabbed her bag, she noticed Darcy was overdressed for lounging. "Do you have a date tonight?"

"No, I just felt like going out tonight. I thought I'd give you two privacy on your date." Darcy heard a low chuckle and grinned, tossing the last piece of clothing into the hamper and snatching her bag. "Later Janie!"

As she exited the apartment, she heard a shriek from inside. Knowing well who caused it, she waited patiently, and sure enough, Loki appeared at her side. "You are so devious."

"It has been a long time since my efforts have been appreciated." He followed her as she walked, debating whether to dress down a bit to match her casual Midgardian outfit--but for her sake, he did choose a more classy-casual style.

"So how long were you listening?"

"Long enough to know that you weren't really cleaning house for my brother."

"Nope. By the way...you keep calling Thor your brother. I thought you had a problem with calling him that, seeing him that way."

Loki paused, needing to mull over his thoughts for a moment. "...We may not be related by blood...but we are brothers." The realization was as simple as that, but it took talking with Darcy, this mortal, to make it come out. Anyone else, and he probably would have toyed with their words.

"Aww, good for you. Now if you weren't dead, you two could make up."

"I do not know...if Thor would forgive me."

"Jane said you gave your life to save him. I think he would forgive you."

Loki slipped into silence, walking alongside her on the sidewalk. He was only shaken from his thoughts when he felt his hand taken by Darcy, and he looked over to see that...she just wanted to hold his hand as she walked. Why, this was a child's action...but he didn't mention that to her.

"You would forgive my actions?"

"Well, which ones? You tried to destroy a town in New Mexico, then you tried to enslave humanity with an alien army in New York."

Her hand didn't tighten on his, it didn't loosen. There was no anger, only curiosity. He smiled as he answered. "I could tell you my reasons, but it doesn't change what happened."

"But I'd still like to hear them." He felt her hand squeeze, and at the same time, felt his chest squeeze. He calmed his sudden racing heart, regaining his composure before Darcy could even tell it had become compromised.

"I..apologize, Darcy...but I don't think I am ready to discuss that--"

"Hey, no worries. We can save that for a later date." Did she just call this a date? "For now let's just go out and show you some of the fun stuff us.. Midgardians like to do."

Before she led him to the movie theater, he couldn't help but think how he was going soft.

---

"My king, are you feeling alright?" Sif had approached the throne and noticed Odin lost in thought, expression troubled.

"Yes...yes, I'm quite all right." He stood, walking down from the throne stiffly. "Walk with me."

The two walked the length of the throne room, Loki's usually youthful speed slackened due to his thoughts. Once they reached the balcony, Loki gazed out at the stars. "Tell me, Sif... Could you ever see yourself falling in love with a mortal?"

Sif gazed out at the stars with him, smiling. "I thought you had already discussed this with Thor."

"Their life is but a moment compared to ours. I can't understand why anyone would fall in love with one of them."

"Perhaps it's their differences that attract us. They only live a century, so they spend their time more...lively."

"They have no magic, their wars have no end, and their governments are in constant chaos. You call this lively?"

"Despite this, they thrive. They live. They love. They appreciate life just as we do."

"They don't know any better."

"They do now. They know of our world."

"Mankind has always known its mortality compared to their gods." Loki grew thoughtful, watching the stars and thinking of Darcy. "But could one ever be happy as their mortal lover grew old and died whilst we have millennia more?

"I believe Thor questions that every day. Who wouldn't? Though...I would think their time together is--"

"More valuable," Loki interrupted, a longing smile on his face. Catching this, Sif placed her hand on his.

"We all miss her."

Realizing Sif was referring to Frigga, Loki nodded and gave her a smile. "Thank you, Sif. I had better get back."

"Of course, sir." She took her leave, and Loki told the guards he was turning in early. He gazed out at the setting sun before turning and going to his chambers, quickly disappearing through the portal.

---

Darcy lounged on the couch once again, but this time she was dressed decently--and fully. She was watching TV and scoffed each time Loki was put down in the discussion.

"Not fair. You don't really know him." She watched a bit more, munching on potato chips. "So what? We all have problems. Loki has daddy issues, so do a million other people but you don't see them getting trashed."

"But they didn't try to enslave humanity," Loki said, appearing next to her.

"Loki, hey! No, but plenty of them have turned into outright murderers." Darcy sat up, patting the seat near her. "Want some chips?"

Loki sat next to her, accepting her offer as he tried the snack food. "These are interesting. Chips of what?"

"Potatoes. Sliced thin and fried. With salt. Really not good for you."

"Then why do you consume them?"

" 'Cause they taste good, duh."

"There are many nutritious earth foods that make tasty snacks, why do you not eat those instead?"

"If I saw any I would buy them."

"You could always make your own. Cooking can be an enjoyable art."

His hand stopped hers as she reached for another chip. She looked up at him and leaned forward, eyes clearly stating what she wanted.

Despite his pounding heart, Loki resisted the urge to meet her in a kiss. He instead smiled and stood, pulling her to her feet as well. "Care to cook with me?"

"Sure, of course. Wouldn't mind more than that too, but cooking is good."

"You are so brazenly honest. I do like that about you."

"You do, huh? I think you're the first." As she led Loki into the kitchen, she pulled her hair back into a ponytail to keep it out of the food. "So you like me but you won't kiss me, what's up with that?"

"I don't want to rush a relationship."

"You Asgardians live for eons, you like things slow. Makes sense."

"Not entirely correct. My brother didn't exactly go slow."

"Oh, so it's your superiority complex thing. Not sure if you want to get involved with a mortal?"

Darcy was hitting some key strings, and she smiled as she noticed Loki beginning to get flustered.

"Not until I know...that you'll accept me, knowing my true nature." Loki hadn't realized how difficult it would be to speak the truth to her. Lies were so much easier.

"Well, you have no trouble hitting or killing people. You get frustrated easy, right? And you like tricks, pranks, and you're great at deception." She had begun to slice some sweet potatoes as she talked. "But I can also see how nervous you are around me. That's not someone who's messing around with someone else. You really want to make a good impression. If you ask me, your true nature is just some adopted kid with daddy issues who needs to learn how to trust and love."

Loki was silent as he browsed the cabinets, pulling out seasonings and oil. He reached over to take the sliced potatoes from her, and his hand landed on hers. Rather than pull away, he kept his hand on hers as he spoke quietly.

"That's not all I am."

Darcy took his other hand in hers, smiling encouragingly. "Nobody is that simple. But like I told you before, I'd love to listen."

In response, Loki gave her a true smile that said 'Soon'. He joined her in creating their own line of chips, and after leaving them in the oven to bake, they sat down at the kitchen table.

"Why do you not have an herb garden?"

"Because plants are so easy to kill." As he raised an eyebrow, she held up her hands. "Really! Some weeks they get rain and they don't need water and I forget, and some weeks it's like ridiculously hot out and they pretty much dry themselves on the plant. I just gave up, gramma would die if she knew, well okay she's already gone, but it's just easier to buy them already dried."

Loki couldn't help but laugh at her sudden outburst at the simple question, his first laugh since he'd been with her last.

"Why, how big is your garden at home?" Darcy crossed her arms, challenging him.

"Before my exile, I had my own haven. An exotic garden filled with the finest herbs and the rarest flora in all the realms. Plants long extinct on their home worlds flourished under my care." He grinned as he held his hands out, recreating for her his garden around them.

Darcy's eyes widened as her apartment dissolved into an essential eden of beauty, the sheer variety of beautiful alien plants stunning her. "No way. Did you just teleport us to your garden or something?"

"I am a master of illusion," Loki said confidently, smiling. "Does my garden please you?"

"Yeah! I've never seen a garden so beautiful. I can even smell it!" She reached out to touch one of the plants, but the entire image slowly dissolved in a golden light from the spot she had touched. When it had completely gone, she looked around the familiar apartment. "Aww."

"Perhaps one day I can show you the real thing." Loki turned her gaze to him, holding her chin gently in his hand.

Oh, but that wasn't what she expected at all. She felt a tingle where he touched her--was that his magic or was that normal?--and for once, when she gazed into his eyes, she saw the same wanting that she felt. But then he paused, furrowing his brows as he looked away. She repeated his action, reaching up to make him face her.

"You've gotta stop over thinking things, Loki. If you want someone to let you in and give you a chance, it has to be mutual." Without waiting for an answer, she used her free hand to grab the neck of his shirt, pulling him down into a kiss.

Loki's arms wrapped around her as he finally accepted the idea of them together, the thought of her rejection completely gone from his mind. There was no more talk as their kissing grew heated and passionate, Loki unable to restrain himself now that he had shrugged off his own restrictions and had Darcy’s consent.

Darcy, pleasantly surprised by his sudden surge of passion after restraining himself, reveled in it. She had never been kissed quite so deeply, lovingly, longingly. At first she wondered if it was an Asgardian thing, then if it was Loki’s way, then she was getting kissed by a god, and then she could no longer think as they essentially cleared off the table with their bodies.

Fifteen or so minutes later, Darcy was nearly out of her bra when a strange smell filled the room and alerted them both to reality. While Darcy easily shifted attention to the smell, Loki audibly groaned in displeasure as she changed her focus away from him and what they were so close to doing to each other.

"Find the source of that smell and destroy it so we can continue," Loki growled, pushing himself to his feet--though he was leaning on the table, hunched over slightly.

"Okay okay hold on, um… wait that smells like burning.." Darcy grabbed her mitts and pulled the oven door down, revealing blackened crisps where their carefully-prepared sweet potato slices had been. "Aww. What a waste of food." She proceeded to open the window so the apartment would air out, and it was just now that they heard a familiar voice approaching the building--Jane talking on her cell phone. "Oh, shit."

"Move to the bedroom."

"There’s no lock on that door."

Loki suppressed a yell of rage and instead slammed the table with his fist, forgetting his strength as it cracked under his hand. He stood himself upright, despite the longing in his groin, and tried to regain his godly composure. He disguised himself in his New York oppression ensemble so many know him for and pressed a drawn-out kiss to Darcy’s lips once more before disappearing from sight.

Darcy stared at the spot Loki had gone from, remembering to hastily pull her bra straps back into place and throw her shirt on rapidly before Jane came in and saw--

"HOLYSHIT!"

Darcy darted into the living room of the apartment to see a white-faced Jane grabbing the doorframe for balance. "Jane? Y’alright?"

"I swear I saw Loki again!"

"Janie, we talked about this." Darcy went to Jane and gave her a shoulder squeeze. "You need to see a shrink about this. Seriously."

"But it only happens sporadically, it makes no sense on the frequency of--"

"Shrink, Jane!" Darcy grabbed her coat and headed out the door. "Going for a walk see you later sorry about the kitchen bye!!" Darcy slammed the door behind her and zoomed off before Jane could question her about anything, before Jane could snap out of the ghostly shock and notice Darcy’s flushed cheeks, mussed hair, and sloppily worn shirt.

Darcy straightened herself out as she walked, taking a leisurely stroll down the road. She spotted a man ducking into an alleyway and instinctually knew she should follow. Jogging to catch up with the figure, she saw the teenaged male pushing aside a full dumpster as though it was empty and on wheels, and then slipping into a grated door in the abandoned building. Sneaking over, she silently slipped inside the doorway after him, but was met with pitch black darkness. Feeling around, she traveled into the darkness, finally having the bright idea to use her cell phone light to see where she was going. The building creaked around her more than once, making her stop and listen for any falling objects. As she rounded a corner, she was met with a stone wall, a dead end.

"Oh come onnnnn. No fair! Where did he go?" She shined her cell phone light onto the floor, looking for possible tracks in the dust--and found tracks into and out of the wall in front of her. "What? Is this a trick wall?" She walked forward and put all of her energy into one shove, rushing her body forward--and she fell right through the portal.

Loki’s arrival was met with a welcoming party. Always cautious to return to Asgard in Odin’s guise, even through the unknown portal’s pathway and into his locked chambers, he was quite surprised to see an anxious Thor standing in the room with a battle-ready Sif at his side.

"Thor, Sif. To what do I owe this surprise visit?" Loki had emerged into the room behind them silently, closing the pathway door before it had been seen. As he approached and they turned, he stopped--regretting the action immediately--as Thor raised his hammer angrily.

"Who are you?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"My father is in the Odinsleep, there is no illusion there. You clearly are not my father."

Loki wondered how they had found--oh, right. Loki had turned in early, mentioning feeling ill; his room had been found empty and the castle had been searched...naturally, Odin had been found, no doubt looking somewhat younger than Loki had been masquerading lately. He raised his hands in defeat, sighing.

"Clearly, the mighty Thor has discovered the ruse. Though he has yet to discover who is behind it, and that his own father has approved it himself."

"You say the Allfather has knowingly placed an imposter on the throne of Asgard? I’ve never heard such outrageous lies."

"Calm yourself, Thor," Sif said, though she was just as ready as Thor to leap into action. "Let us hear what he has to say."

"Surely more lies," Thor spat out, gritting his teeth when Loki gained a cocky smile.

"Ah, but I am known for that, it would seem. Here is the honest truth: Odin needed rest, he could not go on; so he gave the throne to his son while he slept."

"I am his only son," Thor said angrily, taking a step--but stopping when Loki held a hand up.

"As much as you try to convince me otherwise." Loki stepped forward, daring to approach the two battle-ready Asgardians. "No, you Thor, were his flesh-and-blood son who wanted that mortal from earth. He had another son, so you tried to tell him, the frost giant a-dop-tee that in the end Odin cast into the dungeon to rot." Loki stopped three feet from Thor, letting his guise fall and revealing his true form, clothed in casual Asgardian clothing. "And as Odin’s only willing heir present to assist him into the healing chamber, he entrusted the throne to me. Surprise, brother; not only do I still live, but I rule all of Asgard now." Loki’s tone was bathed in hostility, but his body language was forced. Just as Thor was about to verbally fight back, Loki betrayed himself with a grin. "Though I bet you never thought I could rule without the realms falling into ruin."

Still shocked that Loki was alive before him, Thor had to process his brother’s explanation and sudden shift in personality. He wasn’t sure if more tricks were being played on him, and he turned to Sif for help, completely overwhelmed by the whole situation.

"Loki, how did you survive? Thor saw your death."

"He saw a temporarily paralysis. How quick you are to discount me, brother; frost giants are more resilient than one would think." Loki ran his thumb down his chest, the scar still there. The wound had not been enough to kill him, though it had been great; but he prided himself on his performance of death.

"All this time, Loki… you’ve been ruling Asgard?" Thor stared at his brother, unable to believe Loki really could keep everything together.

"Quite well, don’t you think?" Loki smiled. "Although, I will be honest… Odin can have the throne when he awakens. The lack of chaos bores me and I know he would disapprove if I started another war."

Thor let out a laugh of disbelief as Loki shocked him, wonderfully, once again by his ability to change. He rushed forward, pulling Loki into a crushing brotherly hug. "Oh, Loki. We had all thought you… it’s so good to have you back."

"Really, you’re glad that I’ve returned?" Loki glanced at Sif with a hint of a grin, and she rolled her eyes and smiled. "Well, good to know that my approval ratings have gone up."

"Holy shit, this is one neat… oh. Hey Thor." All heads turned to spot Darcy standing at the once-hidden opening to the pathway, giving them all a goofy grin.

"Darcy?" Thor is the first to speak, understandably surprised by her appearance. "How did you find your way to Asgard?"

"Holy crap, I’m in Asgard? I thought you had to ride on the big rainbowy thing!"

"Her, ah, arrival is partly my fault." Loki motioned to the doorway behind her. "I did not think I was followed."

"There is a portal to Midgard… in my father’s bedroom?!"

"As unsafe as it sounds, it has been very handy to me lately."

"What have you been doing in Midgard?"

"Ah, well.." Loki walked over to Darcy, standing behind her and taking her by the shoulders. "It would seem that, though not by blood, as brothers we both share a fondness for mortals." At Darcy’s mild look of incredulity directed toward him, Loki grinned. "I mean that in a good way and you know it."

"Loki in love?" Sif put a hand to her mouth in shock, truly never able to see this day.

"And you said mortals were beneath you," Thor scoffed.

"I was wrong. They’re very interesting… ingenuitive… affectionate…" Loki’s arms slid down to pull Darcy against him, and Thor couldn’t help himself--he let out a sound like an injured dog.

"I apologize, brother.. it’s so strange..to see you like this."

"Alive?" Loki chuckled, enjoying how Darcy was totally going with it and discreetly rubbing up against his pelvis. He only hoped Thor nor Sif could detect his rise in temperature and heartbeat. "Well, now that you know the truth, you can peacefully go sleep. Elsewhere."

"But Loki, I still have questions--"

"Tomorrow!" Loki gasped, pointing toward the door with one hand while his other visibly squeezed Darcy’s arm as she grinned lewdly.

Catching on before Thor--thank the gods, for Loki’s sake--Sif led Thor out with the explanation that Loki needed to return Darcy to Midgard. Once the door shut, Loki pointed to the bed.

"Welcome to Asgard. As king, I order you to accompany me to bed with no further interruptions."

Darcy chuckled, giving Loki a salute before invitingly heading to the bed, stripping the entire trip. "Of course, my king."

---

"Father is not yet ready to emerge from the--dear god, Loki!"

Loki’s head shot up as he looked at Thor, quickly awake, noticing Thor’s expression of shock as he saw the topless Darcy lying on Loki’s bare chest, the blanket thankfully covering their lower bodies. He grinned smugly and ran a hand through Darcy’s messy hair, gently straightening it.

"Have you slept with Jane yet, brother?"

"Loki! You were to return her to earth!"

"That is what Sif said, not I. Darcy remained by my side by her wishes."

"You know as well as I that she cannot stay here."

"I do know that, Thor. I will accompany her to Midgard soon enough, perhaps through the bifrost this time." He paused. "I must ask this of you, as Odin asked it of me; do not tell anyone that Loki sits on the throne of Asgard. They must know their king is still Odin."

"Why did he make this request?"

"Oh, he probably knew I would grow bored and would relinquish the throne. He is wise; he wouldn't want enemies invading at the first sign of the Allfather's vulnerability."

Thor nodded, glancing at the sleeping Darcy once more. "Shall I uh, personally bring in breakfast for you and..Darcy?"

"Do you still question our relationship? Tell me, is it my former view toward mortals that confuses you.. or your struggle to grasp the idea that I can find love just as well as you?" There was no animosity in Loki’s voice, only pure amusement.

"Stop fightinngg," Darcy moaned, happily remaining on Loki’s chest. "You’re both beautiful."

"You heard her, Thor. Go fetch your king his breakfast, and be sure to bring some dessert for his woman."

Thor formed fists before almost stomping out of the room, earning a pleased laugh from Loki--to which Darcy adored.

"Last night was one of the best nights of my life."

"Only one of?"

"Well for one there was the night I was born, and I like to count the night I was conceived."

Loki stared at her, once again amused to no end by how her mind worked. "We will be doing that again soon."

"Oh, yeah. No question. Hey, d’you think we should tell Jane now?"

"I suppose, before I overburden her weak human heart."

"Hey, I’m human too."

"Ah, yes, I meant…"

"I know." Darcy chuckled, pulling the blanket fully around her, leaving Loki fully nude on the bed, much to her pleasure. "Y’know your clothes really hide your muscles."

"I may not be as toned as my brother, but I do not idle my time away reading." Loki waved his hand, a set of clothing appearing over his form...earning an ‘Awww’ from Darcy. Sitting up, he smoothed his hair back as he readied himself for breakfast.

"You know you always look like totally perfect, right?"

Caught off guard, Loki paused and turned to Darcy. "I’m sorry?"

"You do. Naked or pissed or whatever you’re wearing, you’re just always attractive."

What’s the matter Loki, have you finally nothing to say?

Shut up.

His smile was enough of a thanks for Darcy, who started chatting about how so far all of the room decorations she’d seen had been very celtic, and how with the bifrost landing sites are similar, it made sense and then she wondered how similar celtic and norse really was and Loki just listened with unending patience, in part due to his amusement. They were soon served breakfast by Sif rather than Thor, who, compared to Thor, wasn’t surprised at all to see Darcy still in her king’s bed. She wished them well, mainly Darcy, before leaving the two to happily enjoy their breakfast.

---

"Soooo humans technically aren't allowed in Asgard or what?"

"You have a life to live on earth," Loki responded, walking Darcy back through the hidden portal into the dark building. "I have many more years over you; I can spend my time in both worlds if I please."

"Yeah but technically compared to you my time is limited, so I should be allowed to make periodic trips to Asgard. At least, like, once a month."

"I shall try to arrange that."

Darcy sighed in relief when they were met with sunlight again. She began to walk out of the alleyway but was stopped when Loki firmly grabbed her wrist.

"We must be sure the portal remains secret. No doubt my brother will try to have it sealed off in the future, but until then we must remain unseen." True to his words, their forms went completely invisible.

"No way. How do you do that?"

"Magic, of course. Now let's go."

"I can't see where you're going."

"Follow the sound of my footsteps." Though she couldn't see it, Darcy could feel his hand trace her cheekbone before his footsteps began to fade. She ran after him, grinning like a little girl.

"This is so totally weird. I can't see where my feet are stepping. Magic must take way much practice."

"Yes..way much. Hundreds of years of practice."

"Aww, man! No fair to us, you guys live longer. Don't you have any easy spells to learn?"

"Spells? Why do you call them spells? This implies they must be cast. Magic is a series of skills."

"Okay, same question, replace 'spells' with 'skills'." She stuck her tongue out at him before realizing he couldn't see it.

"There are few skills that take decades to learn. Perhaps we will explore those later."

"I wanna learn the one where you disguise yourself."

"The physical disguise is easy. Learning to change voices is less so, and the act of making the disguise real is beyond your scope of years."

"Real? You mean...masquerading as me would really turn you into a woman?"

"Precisely."

Darcy laughed very obnoxiously at that realization, earning an annoyed glare from Loki. "Wow so the myths about your children are totally true!"

"I have never turned into a horse or borne any creature from my own body!" Loki angrily threw back, but his venom was ignored completely as she kept laughing. She only stopped when he grabbed her shoulder and gave it a jerk.

"Need I remind you that we are trying to go unnoticed?"

"Oh, yeah. Oops!" Unfazed by his change in attitude, she simply rubbed the now-tender spot on her shoulder.

They arrived at Darcy and Jane's apartment soon after, Darcy finding herself visible but Loki silently missing. "Aww, you leave?" She knocked on the door, hearing a low chuckle behind her moments later. The door swung open quickly, both relief and anger showing on Jane’s face as she grabbed Darcy by the arm and yanked her in.

"Where have you been? You said you would be right back!"

"Geez, Jane, chill! I’m a big girl, I can take of myself too. I do have a life, y’know."

"You said you were going for a walk. I called to check on you and your phone never rang. I know you never have it off, I knew something was wrong."

"I must not have had reception," Darcy says, a grin spreading onto her face. "Sorry to make you worry but last night was amazing."

Jane’s eyes widened in realization, hands going to her hips. "You met a guy, didn’t you?"

"Quite a while ago, yeah, but we just kinda...made it final."

Jane smiled, about to congratulate her friend and ask in the same breath what he was like, but her eyes grew wide as she saw Loki materializing from Darcy’s shadow. She watched as he rose above Darcy, pulling Gungnir back--before thrusting it forward, right through Darcy’s heart. Unable to react, Jane just gasped in terror, stumbling backward. "No!"

Darcy reached forward, grabbing at the spear blade weakly. She moaned, slumping backward onto the pole as her blood soaked her clothing. Tossing her away like a rag doll, Loki lowered the blade and twisted it as Darcy slid off it and landed in a heap on the floor, her gasps of pain going unheeded as Jane remained too frozen to even call out Thor’s name.

"What’s the matter, Jane Foster… you look like you’ve seen a ghost." Loki directed the tip of Gungnir toward her, and in perfect theatrical timing, charged her.

Just as Loki would have gored her, Jane’s wide eyes stared as his form disappeared completely. Her frantic eyes searched the scene before her, revealing Darcy watching her curiously, with an amused Loki standing at her side.

"Geez, what did you do? You totally did one of your illusion things didn’t you?"

"Pleasurably." Loki chuckled. "You see how effective it was."

"You nearly did give her a heart attack. What was the illusion?"

"A spear through your heart and the same for her."

"What! You’d better not do that to me for real!"

"Of course not. I would prefer your chest unscathed."

"Wait, wait, wait. What’s going on?" Jane stood, walking toward them on shaky legs. "Illusions? Tricks? How? Loki’s dead!"

"Presumed," Loki corrected, mock innocence on his face.

"Wait so--Darcy… you and Loki--"

"Oh, yeah!" Darcy laughed, making a fist-pump. "He is amazing."

"He’s a murderer!"

"Former," Darcy replied, defending him. "He promises never to do it again to an innocent person. Right, Loki?" She glanced up at Loki, who pretended he hadn’t heard her. "Riiiight?"

I still can’t believe this mortal has such sway over me. "Yes, I promise," he answered, clearly displeased.

"See Jane? He’s on our side now. Well, my side."

"You’re really okay with this? With...him?" As Loki raised his eyebrows in questioning, she shot off again. "You had better not harm her!"

"Too laaate!" Darcy grinned, leering suggestively.

"Oh my god." Jane turned and walked out of the room, closing the bedroom door behind her.

"Well, she seemed perfectly delighted by our union."

"She’ll come around."

"Perhaps not. She may never forgive my actions."

"But you'll never do it again--"

"That does not matter," Loki interrupted, "What I did, whether I believed it to be correct or not, was unforgivable. I shall seek not her forgiveness, it matters not to me. After all, you are all I need from this realm."

"Aww. You're so sweet. It's hard to picture you in those SHIELD videos, trying to kill everyone."

"I am..not surprised that there is video of the event. I would rather put that behind me..."

"You did kill a bunch of people and try to enslave the earth."

"Rule, not enslave." He glared at Darcy. "There is a difference."

"A world made free from freedom. Yeah I know the words. That's waaaay different than being a king or a god."

"That is still not--"

"Whatever you call it, you were a total badass. I’m pretty sure you still can be, too. Try to use your powers for good and not evil from now on, kay?"

Once again finding his annoyance turned to amusement, he smiled. "Fine, then." He shared a short kiss with her, both wanting more after he pulled away. "I must return to Asgard, for the throne requires its king."

"I'll be waiting for you," she replied, pulling him back for more of the kiss. She pulled away as his strong hands wandered down her sides, smiling. "If you don't leave now you're not getting outta here at all today."

"Mutually...agreed," Loki replied, chuckling. "Farewell, Darcy."

---

Thor approached the bifrost with the unseen Loki next to him, waving his hammer eagerly at his side.

"Calm yourself, brother; we shall see them soon enough."

"To think it; we both chose mortals who know each other and work in the same field of science."

"Same age, same attraction to Asgardians…"

"One of them sane, the other out of her mind..."

"Yes, why Jane would choose brawn over brains is beyond me. Mortals are quite strange."

"Especially yours, she chose you." Thor knew he was on the losing end of their battle of wits, as usually happened; he still hadn't grown accustomed to it.

"Fear not, Thor, for your muscles and strength are rivaled by no mortal. As long as that is all Jane desires, you shall have her unopposed." Loki laughed, striding ahead of his grumbling brother. As he entered the bifrost entry room, he revealed himself. "I'm well aware that you have been overseeing my adventures, Heimdall."

"You are correct, my king." Heimdall bowed to Loki, readying the bridge for earth.

"You see Thor; Odin named me king and Heimdall has witness."

"Aye sir, that is true; but you know I bow to you only for Odin's sake. He will be glad, when he awakens, to see you haven't brought war upon us."

"Does everyone truly think me so incompetent?"

"Given your past attempts? I think you have your answer," Thor replied, finally gaining the upper hand in their bickering.

"Heimdall, please open the bridge so that I may distance myself from this buffoon."

"As soon as he is insulted, he resorts to name-calling." Thor laughed heartily as Loki disgruntledly awaited the opening of the portal.

"I hope Odin awakens soon," Loki muttered. "I am long overdue for an extended vacation." The portal appeared after his last word, and he didn't wait for Thor's reply as he ran into it for a head start.

They arrived outside the girls' apartment, heading in together. While Thor always wore his armor, Loki opted for clothing nearly identical to what he had worn in prison, curious to see if Darcy preferred something fancier or simpler.

"Jane! Darcy, we have arrived," Thor said quite loudly and merrily as he knocked at the door. The door opened, Thor walking in first. He was met with a nervous Jane, while upon entry, Loki was met with a painful metal fist.

"So you really have come back from the dead, eh?" Tony readied another fist, but Loki easily dodged it, grabbing Tony and throwing him to the floor.

"Yes, I couldn't stay there, it was just so glorious." He rubbed his jaw where Tony's punch had landed. "May I ask why you lay in ambush?"

"To kick your ass, of course. Sort of a...payback for New York. Not that it would be enough, but it's a start."

"I have no desire to return to that event in any way. I apologize for my ill decisions, and I never intend to--"

"Save your apologies, we've all had enough of your lies and tricks."

"Tony. What my brother says is the truth. Please refrain from attacking him any further, for I will not assist you if he fights back."

"He backed down last time," Tony said, launching a fist toward Loki. He hadn't expected Loki to dodge it so quickly, or for Loki to slide his legs from under him and drop him to the floor. He realized too late that he should have left his helmet on, as Loki dropped to the floor, restraining Tony and pressing his hand against Tony's neck, crushing the airways.

"Loki, stop this."

"Why? So he can continue to--"

"Loki! You promised!"

Loki immediately released Tony's neck, leaving the other man gasping and coughing for air. He shot off his assailant, staring at the disappointed face of Darcy who had just arrived at the apartment.

"Darcy, it wasn't his fault," Jane said in Loki's defense. "Tony threw the first--"

"Regardless," Loki interrupted, thanking Jane with his eyes, "Tony here was merely thanking me for New York. He is not the only one who, I'm sure, celebrated news of my death."

"You're not wrong about that," Tony said with some difficulty, rubbing his bruising neck. "Think you can give us reason to celebrate your return, or do I have to call in the cavalry on you?"

Loki reached down and grabbed Tony's metal wrists, pulling him up to his feet in an instant. "Thor has sworn himself protector of this realm. While I am still learning of its positive qualities, I will take the same pledge. I will protect Midgard--earth--as long as my brother thinks it is worthy." Tony didn't miss the caring smile Loki gave to Darcy, who was grinning. "I would ask that you refrain from telling your director about me, as I don't think he would find truth in my words."

"I'm having trouble myself, really." He turned to Darcy, raising a brow. "So, you're actually dating this guy?"

"Once you get him to loosen up, he's really loose," Darcy said with a suggestive grin.

"Darcy," Loki said in a warning tone.

"What? You're proud of our relationship aren't ya?"

"Very. But I prefer our...intimate exploits remain between us. We need not make others feel jealous." Loki pulled Darcy into his arms possessively.

"Jealousy you need not worry about, brother. After all, is Darcy not the first woman you've had? I would be more concerned about news of your inexperience getting out."

Anger flashed on Loki's face, but he had enough discipline to not yell. "Perhaps I cannot lie claim to experience, but would your lover be comforted in knowing that you'll have no trouble pleasing her, as you've had many centuries of experience in the bedroom?"

Shock registered on Jane's face, Thor turning to her with a very, very nervous expression. She didn't wait for an explanation, only slapped him across the face before walking out the door, Thor giving Loki a venomous look as he followed.

"Wow. You are so great at making friends," Tony commented, actually impressed. "You manage to piss off everyone you meet."

"Was it true?" Darcy asked, glancing at the door.

"Not completely untrue. We are each over a millennia in age; and while I have found more fulfilling ventures than physical pleasure, Thor is definitely more physically-inclined in nature."

"Gee. Poor Jane." Darcy paused, realization dawning on her. "Oh my god you were a virgin!"

"Does that really matter?"

"Whether or not it matters to you, the whole team's gonna know about it," Tony said with a smirk.

"Aww, you're really gonna emasculate him like that?"

"Consider it more payback for New York." Tony grabbed his helmet, heading for the door. "Until next time."

Loki expressed his goodbye with an annoyed stare, while Darcy smiled with a wave.

"Finally, we're alone once more." Loki pulled Darcy into a kiss, only pulling back when Darcy gave him a gentle push.

"You know you have to talk to Jane later."

"I think Thor will be able to.." Loki paused, remembering his opinion of Thor's communicational capacity. "Right... I will have to. Now silence yourself unless it's my name on your tongue." They moved to the bedroom, where Loki was delighted to find that Darcy had recently installed a lock.

---

"You still refuse to speak with me, brother?" Loki laughed as they entered Heimdall's presence, clearly much more satisfied than Thor.

"Why should I listen to anything you have to say, when all that comes out of your mouth is tainted?"

"I have told you I'll remedy what I said."

"If the first explanation turned her away from me, I can only imagine the damage you'll inflict with a second."

"The first was meant as an retaliation to your unchecked tongue."

"I know well what I said, it was your tongue that lashed out without restraint."

"Someone is coming," Heimdall interrupted their quarrel, keeping his amusement out of his voice and his expression.

Loki quickly turned invisible, nearly losing his concentration from shock when, accompanied by Sif and several guards, Odin walked in.

"Loki, reveal yourself." Odin spoke with the unquestionable knowing Loki had learned to hate.

"I see you have awakened," Loki said as he appeared in front of the surprised guards. "I trust you slept without worry?"

"Mostly. However, I was surprised to awaken to such..order."

"Do you think chaos and trickery are my only skills?" Loki crossed his arms, disgruntled.

"Your previous bids for power have earned you that reputation, Loki."

"Perhaps. I am learning more every day, my king." Loki knelt to Odin, surprising all but the Allfather. In this action, he relinquished the throne, returning it to Odin. As he stood, he saw...dare he believe his eyes...pride on Odin's face.

"Both my sons have proven themselves in times of need." Odin smiled, holding a hand up to motion to the palace. "Tomorrow night we shall have a feast in the great hall, and all loved ones are invited." Odin inconspicuously glanced at Sif and then Loki, smiling knowingly. He turned and left with the guards, Sif remaining with the other men.

"You told him?" Once out of earshot, Loki contained his astonishment as he spoke.

"When he awoke, you were nowhere to be found. He worried for the safety of the realm, so I told him where you go some nights."

"Well." Loki ran a hand through his hair as he made the decision--though it really wasn't that hard. "Darcy will finally see Asgard."

"But brother, she has already been to--"

"She has never been out of the bedroom."

"And you accuse me of spending too much time in the bedroom."

"Come brother, sleep calls. Tomorrow I shall return to Midgard and return home with our mortal companions."

"...Very well. Good night to you, Heimdall."

Loki simply grinned his farewell to the gatekeeper as they headed across the bifrost, quite excited for tomorrow's festivity.

---

"Thor?" Odin greeted his son into the hall as Thor entered. "Why have you not gone to Midgard for Jane?"

"The last time I visited…" Thor paused, clearly upset. "Loki mentioned my past exploits in the bedchamber. Jane was not very fond of that."

"And so he is off remedying what he said."

"It was in part my fault, father. I happened to.. mention… that Darcy was Loki’s first woman."

"Really?" Odin raised his brows, looking surprised. "I had thought he was only being secretive about his relationships. She is truly his first?"

"I have seen enough of Loki’s reactions in the past to know I spoke the truth. The rage on his face was clear."

"Come, speak with your friends. If she loves you as much as you say, she will return with Loki."

Thor agreed, proceeding to mingle with his friends as they awaited Odin's guest of honor.

Though, they didn't have to wait very long.

Loki entered with two women, one at either side of him. On his left was Jane, her hands folded in front of her as she walked, a smile forming as she caught sight of Thor. On Loki's right was Darcy, her arm in his as they walked, her eyes on everything but the people as she took in the sights around her.

All three were dressed for the occasion, Jane and Darcy both sporting mildly classy clothing from their own closets layered under a shimmering cloak in the color of their choice--Jane in silver and Darcy in a deep green to match Loki--who was dressed also in semi-formal Midgardian clothing, but with a green-and-gold cloak of the same style as his company. Still with Darcy in arm, Loki held out his left hand, grinning.

"Well, I brought the entertainment. Shall we begin the party?"

A chorus erupted from the many feast attendants, all surprised, shocked, and some even appalled to see Loki standing before them. He held up a hand to quiet them, although from his critics he still heard murmurs.

"News of my death was delivered prematurely. Whether mourned or celebrated, I care not. I have made many regrettable mistakes in the past, but I intend to serve alongside my brother as protector of the nine realms." He heard someone call out 'disgraced prince' and he chuckled. "Worry not, I am stepping down from my position. I no longer desire the throne of any world. My brother and...father, there are no wiser kings than them." With this, he nudged Jane toward Thor, who was all too happy to embrace her. Loki proudly put his arm around Darcy, walking forward toward the table. "Now let's start the party!"

Celebration began with toasts to good health and long life, and a scattered few to the return of the fallen prince. Loki soon found himself confronted by his approvers, many questions of his survival, past whereabouts, and Darcy directed toward him. In response, he explained that he was more resilient than he appeared, and he had met a wonderful woman while he had been recuperating. He was proud to introduce Darcy to his friends and vice versa; he introduced her as an intelligent and honest woman and his inspiration. She was understandably flattered by this comment, but otherwise seemed unfazed by the attention, going as far to drink some mead with Loki and loosen her already slack brain-to-mouth filter.

"Ohhh god I hope she isn't embarrassing you," Jane commented to Thor when she noticed Darcy talking about the first time she met Thor and tasering him, laughing loudly but cutely.

"Nonsense. As a matter of fact, I think she is turning into the life of the party." Thor smiled, handing Jane a drink. "Come; drink with us and join in the celebration."

"You know, I think I will." Jane downed it all in one shot, realizing moments too late that Asgardian alcohol was much, much stronger. "Burns--ahh, how old is this stuff?"

"Three thousand years old. My father made it in his youth. To break this out, it must only be a very special occasion. And I agree!" Thor laughed heartily.

Loki appeared next to them, holding up his flagon with a laugh. "Come Thor, I never see you so sober at a party!"

"And I have never seen you drunk! Take care not to overstep your limits," Thor warned with a chuckle. "You are trying to earn respect, not drink it away."

"Aaah, I'll never have respect from all, not after what I've done. It matters not, to me!" He chuckled, downing more mead against better judgement. He walked off a bit unsteadily, calling out. "Darcy, Darcy! Come, we must tell the tale of the failed potatoes!"

---

The party lasted halfway through the night, but Loki and Darcy did not. Lightweights compared to their company, they ended up in a corner, Darcy tamely in his lap as they slept.

Attendants, as they departed, expressed their good cheer to Odin and Thor for the return of Loki; though some still understandably expressed concern. They were sent off with confidence that Loki would be watched closely, which seemed to satisfy them.

Jane, using better judgement than her friend, only had one drink the entire night and was able to gain appreciation and interest from the guests, pleasantly surprising them with her intellect, curiosity and humility. Having awakened from her one-hour power nap, she accompanied Thor as he woke Loki.

"Is it morning already?" He sleepily asked, somehow managing to not awaken Darcy as he sat upright and cracked his stiff neck. "I see why you enjoy your parties, Thor. It appears I've been doing merriment wrong for all this time."

Thor chuckled. "I have told you, brother. You never allowed yourself to let go."

"I've had other things to worry about." As Darcy began to awaken, he wrapped his arms around her protectively.

"Ohh, my heaad… and where did I sleep?" She leaned her head back slowly, glancing up at Loki. "Not a bad spot…"

"Coffee would help that," Jane commented. "Then again, it would help me too... you wouldn’t happen to have a.. coffeemaker around, would you?"

"Your bitter morning drink? We have no need for such daily stimulation in Asgard--"

"Yeah you guys are just perfect in every way," Darcy said sarcastically, hangover making her cranky.

"...However, we do have tea to help wake you." Thor took Jane’s hand, pausing. "And Loki? You have herbs in your garden for Darcy, don't you?"

"Of course." Loki gave Thor an appreciative nod as he was left alone with Darcy. He pulled her to her feet, both amused at her hangover-induced grumpiness and sluggishness and annoyed by mortal inferiority. He led her out into the sunlight, watching as she struggled to take in the sights through a world-class headache. "Your alcohol-induced pain shall end soon enough. Come, it’s only a half of your miles away."

"That faaar?" she whined in reply, keeping hold of his wrist so she didn’t lag behind too much. "Where’s a taxi when you need one…"

"I had forgotten how inactive most humans are."

"Hey! It’s more Americans than anyone. So be nice about my race, I don’t make fun of yours."

"What could you insult?"

"I don’t know… no iPods."

"I’ve no idea what those are, but they sound like what I used in Germany."

"On that guy’s eyeball? Ew, gross! I heard about that!"

Loki chuckled darkly as he remembered how the party attendees ran screaming. "That was enjoyable."

"...You said you would never--"

"I said I would never kill an innocent person again," he corrected. "Don't mistake my comment. I don't enjoy inflicting pain. I enjoyed watching the m...people run."

Through pounding in her head, Darcy didn't catch Loki’s near-slip of the word ‘mortals’. She just snorted in laughter, holding her head immediately after. "Exhibitionist."

"It has served me well so far."

"Yeah, totally. You were almost killed for it."

"I gained your eye."

"Don’t say it that way we were just talking about that guy’s eye!"

Loki laughed and led her toward the gardens, pulling her past all the wonderfully variant flora in a rainbow of colors as he led her to the herb garden. His past irritation for her slowness had been replaced by excitement, as he had found someone to share with. His garden. His books. His magic. His tricks, even. And...his secrets. He slowed as he led her into the sun-lit atrium, the golden latticed walls allowing light to shine through and cast shadowed runes onto the ornate well of water in the center. Herbs surrounded the well, grew along the walls, cascaded from overhead. Under their feet was a lush carpet of green and gold herbs creating a stylized walkway, the golden ones slowly releasing a gold powder that seemed to glow in the sunlight. It was this herb that he took a few bunches of to use for her, as well as one from overhead, and one by the water.

"These herbs will cure your ails." He reached into a bush near the well, drawing out a knot-carved cup, dipping it into the water and placing the herbs inside, swishing the cup nine times before handing it to her. "Take care, it’s not a tea; drink the herbs as well."

"Never pegged you for having a garden like this...you showed me way less." She drank the herbal tonic, holding the cup as the pounding slowly stopped nearly instantly, and whatever caffeine deprivation she may have had was sated, leaving her energized and amazed. "...Can I take some of this stuff home? What are these herbs?"

Loki chuckled, naming a few for her. While she could pronounce a few of the Norse names, she recognized none of the plants. "Man. Are any of these from earth?"

"Many. I take it you really don’t garden often." At her shrug, he chuckled. "You may help in my garden later, if you like. Come and join me under the ash tree." He led her to the center of the large tree grove, sitting down in the dappled shade with her.

"This is really amazing. Did you plant it all yourself?"

"Over some centuries, yes. I'm glad that you enjoy it." He smiled, leaning back against the large trunk. "From day one you have been ready to listen to my darkest secrets without judgement. Without truly knowing my thoughts or my soul, you have defended me multiple times and more than earned my trust...you have also earned my heart." Loki turned his head to see the speechless Darcy returning his gaze, eyes wide and bright as he continued. "As I share my heart with you, I must share all of it, even its darker side." He took her hands in his, pulling her against him as he began his explanation.

"You know of the realms. You come from Midgard, Thor from Asgard...there is Vanaheim and Svartalfheim and Jotunheim and more. Well, you know of my being adopted...but you don't know my true parentage. You see, a thousand years ago, there was a glorious battle to save Midgard from the frost giants' attempted conquest. Odin had won the war, but he began another with his souvenirs from Jotunheim. Along with the casket, he saved the life of a starving, helpless Jotun infant..."