Summary:

Frigga has appeared in your room and has told you that she has a solution that will help you and Loki stay together. It seems like it will be dangerous, but the promise of answers on the horizon might just be worth the risk

Notes:

Happy Friday everyone!!! Wow, what a ride this fic has been recently! Are you ready to see what's to come? I have been so excited for this chapter for so long and now your questions will be answered!! Here we go!! Also, thank you so so so much for 70,000 hits on this fic!! You all amaze me so much and I am so grateful for each and every one of you lovely readers!! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy!!

(See the end of the chapter for .)

Chapter Text

Loki stared at his mother, shocked that she had appeared in your bedroom. It had been quite a while since he had seen her, given the fact that she was on Vanaheim with Odin. Based on the gentle shimmering around the outside of her figure, Loki knew she wasn't actually here in the room. Frigga had the ability to project herself across the realms without the help of Heimdall, so it was possible she could be literally anywhere at this very moment.

Frigga eyed Loki and smirked when she saw his dagger still raised towards her. Her hands remained neatly folded across her stomach as she lifted a perfect, blonde brow.

"I don't think you need that, son," Frigga chuckled. Loki looked down at his knife and blushed. He waved it out of existence and looked back up at the image of his mother.

"My apologies. It's been a long day," he grumbled.

"So I've heard," Frigga hummed. She looked over Loki's shoulder and smiled when she saw you curled against his back, your body still nude. Your hands were braced on Loki's obliques as you carefully watched Frigga. Loki's mother waved. "Hello, sweetheart. Loki, who is this?"

"Oh, mother, this is my beloved." Loki said your name before turning back to look at you. He waved his hand and your sweater and leggings from before covered your body. He took your hand in his and smiled softly at you. "It's okay, my love. This is Frigga, my mother, Queen of Asgard. She won't hurt us, I promise."

Loki could see the fear leave your body as your posture relaxed. You slid out from behind Loki but kept your body pressed closely to his. You nodded at Frigga and Loki admired the flush covering your face.

"It's nice to meet you, Queen Frigga," you said, bowing your head. Loki marveled at the natural grace you had even while sitting on the bed when presented to his mother. It reminded him vaguely of when he brought you to Alfheim and you presented yourself as the perfect, poised princess he always imagined you would be if you held that title.

"Oh, dear, just call me Frigga," Frigga said with a wave. "I've heard a lot about you. My other son has informed me that Loki is quite smitten with you. And from what I can see, he wasn't exaggerating."

"It's true," Loki murmured, lifting your hand up to press a soft kiss to it. "I'm in love with her, mother. She is the only one for me. I refuse to live a life without her in it."

"I can see the love in your eyes, Loki. I can see the love in hers too. What you two have is good, it is pure. It's what love should be," Frigga noted. But then, she sighed and her beautiful face contorted into a sad grimace. "But it is causing a lot of trouble, isn't it?"

"It is," Loki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "A few months ago, I discovered -"

"The flares. I know. Odin knows," Frigga said. "He knows more than you think. He heard about what else has happened on Midgard, Loki - the flares returning, Michael and Gretchen, he knows it all."

"How do you know about Michael and Gretchen?" you asked.

Frigga just smiled coyly. Loki rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Frigga is gifted with foresight and magic. She knows more than she lets on," Loki explained. He paused and recalled something he had heard back on Asgard. "Thor said you were keeping Odin on Vanaheim. Why? Did you know about this?"

"From the first night you came to Midgard, I knew you would find love here. I had to keep Odin away for it to bloom. It was imperative that this love happen. Though I knew Odin did not want it to happen for a few reasons. If he interfered, your beloved may have ended up dead," Frigga warned as Loki's face paled.

"No!" Loki shouted. "He can't hurt her!"

"He won't. I won't let that happen," Frigga said proudly, and Loki believed her. Loki relaxed slightly but he pulled you closer to his body, needing to feel you safe and warm against him. His brows furrowed when he looked back up at his mother.

"Wait, you just said our love is causing trouble. You wanted it to blossom anyway?" Loki questioned.

"Yes. It had to, Loki." Frigga paused and pressed her lips into a tight line. "I want to explain more but I do not have much time. Son, Odin is coming to Midgard. He's coming for her."

"No, I won't let him take her," Loki growled, shooting up from the bed to stand in front of Frigga.

His heart pounded with the need to protect you. He had come so far, endured so much, and he would not lose you again. You were his top priority, the only thing he truly cared about. He would rather die than let anything happen to you - he had proved that earlier. Loki's love for you was like a fire, unyielding and growing in power and strength with every passing moment. It was that fire, that passion, that had him ready to start a war with his own father just to keep you safe. He had just gotten you back after losing you for so long. He would not let Odin get between you, not now.

Loki finally knew what loss felt like. It was a dark abyss full of nothingness that forced the darkest parts of him to emerge. Without you, he was nothing. When he came back to Midgard after abandoning you, he was sure that he was going to lose you. Seeing Gretchen standing over you with that knife was the scariest thing he had ever seen. The air was knocked from his lungs and he knew in that moment of danger, there was nothing he wouldn't do to save you. It was why he stooped to the low he did of pretending to want Gretchen. As much as it made him sick, he had to pretend he wanted her to keep you safe.

But it didn't stop there. When Gretchen pulled her gun on you, there was no doubt in Loki's mind about what he was going to do. He was so startled by the need to get you out of the way of the bullet that he hadn't even bothered protecting himself with armor or his defenses. His only concern was to get you away from harm. When those bullets lodged themselves in his body, Loki had made peace with his death. He would readily embrace it if it meant you would be safe.

Then, you fool, you fought for him. You slashed at Gretchen with such determination avenge him that it was wildly astonishing to Loki. If he wasn't bleeding out on the floor, his cock would have definitely been hard. But as he lay there, that fear of losing you set in again. Gretchen had secured her gun and again, without any hesitation, Loki used the last of his magic - the magic keeping him alive - to stop her.

Your life, your wellbeing, your safety - it was more important than anything to Loki.

When the whole ordeal was over and you saved him with the Livets Blomst, Loki was sure he was actually dead or dreaming. Nothing felt real until you kissed him and he felt you. The feeling of your body against his confirmed that everything that had just happened was real and you...you loved him. Even after everything, you loved him. Your love was so strong, powerful, and trusting. You were the good he did not deserve, the light he wished to bask in, the heart he wanted to live in. You fought for him, for his life, for his love. You were too caring, too forgiving, too trusting, but he would not take it for granted, not anymore. Loki messed up in the past. He hurt you, tore you apart, made you feel as if you were alone. He would never subject you to that anymore. He would ensure that loneliness, heartache, pain did not exist in your life. Loki would protect you from the darkness of this universe, no matter what it took.

With this powerful thought in mind, Loki summoned his battle armor and his helm. He could hear you gasp behind him. Loki smirked and looked down at the shimmering image of his mother, who had her brow raised in consideration.

"If Odin wants her, he has to go through me. I am prepared to do whatever it takes to keep her safe," Loki announced, his eyes glowing green with his magic. He heard you whimper and with a subtle inhale, he could smell your arousal. Such a good girl, he would have to indulge you later.

"Including taking six bullets," Frigga murmured. She reached out and pressed her hand against Loki's abdomen, but her palm glided through him. "You truly love this girl. I am so excited that this has happened to you, Loki. It is about time..."

"I do love her, endlessly," Loki whispered, the glow of his magic fading away. He looked over his shoulder and saw you sitting up on your knees on the bed. Your hand was resting over your pendant and your lips were parted. You looked so beautiful, his good girl, his sweet pet. His face hardened and he turned back to his mother, determination flooding through his veins. "What must I do?"

"Go to Asgard."

"Mother, I can't. If we stay together, the flares will only grow on Asgard," Loki tried to explain but Frigga held up a slender hand.

"Trust me on this, Loki. You must listen to me," Frigga said. "I told you I knew how to help. This is what will help."

"And what of the flares on Midgard?" Loki questioned.

Frigga smiled. "You will figure them out."

"You and your riddles," Loki huffed. "When will Odin be arriving on Midgard?"

"Very soon. I cannot hold him back much longer. You must go immediately." Frigga placed her hands over Loki's. "Once he discovers you are not here, he will come to Asgard."

"Mother, he will be strong on Asgard," Loki murmured.

"But you will be stronger," Frigga whispered. "Amazing things have happened to you, Loki. Things you have not even realized yet."

"What are you talking about?" Loki asked. Frigga glanced at you, her eyes knowing and cryptic, but Loki could tell that something was happening. Was this what Thor tried to tell him on Asgard before Loki cut him off? Sighing, Loki shook his head. "If something happens to her..."

"Nothing will happen, I promise. Besides, Heimdall will protect her. I will protect her. Thor will protect her, and you know nothing gets past your big brother. Nothing bad will happen," Frigga said with a smile. "Now go! You must leave now!"

"I will. Thank you," Loki said as Frigga's image faded away. He turned back to you and removed his helmet. He walked up to the bed and cupped your face. He stroked over your cheeks with his thumbs as you looked into his eyes.

"Loki? Is something going to happen to me?" you whispered.

"No, pet. I will take care of you," Loki said softly. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course," you responded. You reached up and kissed Loki, your hands tangling in his hair. Loki groaned. As much as he wanted to keep kissing you, he knew that there was an urgency to leave. Pulling away, Loki smiled down at you.

"I will be honest with you, pet. I do not know what is happening. Frigga's words...they were mysterious. There was weight to them. But whatever happens, you and I will get through it together," Loki said. "Now, we must be going. Are you okay with going to Asgard?"

"Loki, I'd follow you anywhere," you said with a small smile.

There was a faint blush on Loki's cheeks as he stepped back and helped you off the bed. He waved his hand and a simple sundress appeared on your body - green with golden lace decorating it. Gold sandals appeared on your feet, their straps and laces climbing up your calves. Loki smirked possessively as he walked you out of the bedroom. He went to the front door when you froze.

"Wait!" you gasped. Loki turned around and you were staring up at him with wide eyes. "If Odin is coming here then I don't want to leave Cooper here. I don't want him to get hurt."

"Very well. Bring him along," Loki said. You whistled and Cooper came running into the room. You knelt down and scratched his cheeks. Loki nodded at Cooper and his magic collar appeared around his neck.

"We're going on a little trip, Coop," you said. "We're going to Asgard."

Cooper barked and Loki snorted. You stood back up, looking questioningly at Loki.

"He said he's excited to find a bunch of new spots to pee on and mark," Loki laughed. Cooper barked again and Loki rolled his eyes. "Apparently, my bed is first on the list. He's still a bit upset at me."

"Cooper," you said in a chastising tone. "Be nice. He's the reason I'm alive right now. He messed up but he came back. If it wasn't for him going to Gretchen's, I would be...I'd be dead."

Cooper whimpered and walked up to Loki. He nudged Loki's hand with his wet nose and Loki smiled, patting his head.

"It's not just me, mongrel. You were the one who managed to bring me here. You're a very good boy," Loki said. He paused and smirked. "You're the best boy."

Cooper howled and Loki laughed. You could tell that howl came from a place of excitement. You giggled as Loki walked you both out of the building. He walked you into an alley nearby. Loki magicked a leash onto Cooper.

"It's just until we get to Asgard," Loki said and Cooper gave a curt nod. Loki tugged you against his body and wrapped one arm around you. "Hang onto me."

"Yes, Master," you whispered. Loki bent his head down and kissed you, sinking himself into the feeling of you as the Bifrost shot down and carried you both to Asgard. The trip was short and when you finally reached the Realm Eternal, Loki lifted his lips from yours and walked you into the golden dome. He watched your eyes widen in awe as the Bifrost shut behind you and you took in the scenery around you. "Oh, wow."

"Welcome to Asgard, my love," Loki purred, keeping his arm locked around your waist. His eyes were trained on you as you took in your surroundings. His heart fluttered in his chest seeing you so in awe of his home.

"It's beautiful," you whispered. You were truly amazed by what you were seeing, and this was just the entry gates, technically.

"It is nice to see our home through the eyes of someone so new to it," a booming voice declared. You squeaked and Loki chuckled. Loki secured his grip on you as a tall man wearing golden armor to match his golden eyes stepped down from a platform at the center of the room.

"Beloved, this is Heimdall, the Great Guardian," Loki said. He introduced you to each other with a smirk on his face.

"It's nice to meet you, Heimdall," you said softly. "Thank you for bringing us here."

"Oh, I didn't bring you here," Heimdall said.

"Pardon me?" Loki questioned.

"You'll discover it soon, Master Sorcerer," Heimdall announced with a grin.

Loki rolled his eyes before pausing and looking at Heimdall sheepishly. "Heimdall, I must apologize for my behavior the last time we spoke."

"You were hurting, my Prince. It is understandable," Heimdall chuckled. His golden eyes focused on you and his lips quirked into a tiny grin. "But you two are together now. It is lovely to meet the woman who has stolen the Dark Prince's heart. I am glad to see everything is okay."

"It's not exactly all fine, I'm afraid," Loki sighed. "Frigga sent me here. Odin has figured out what's been happening on Midgard and has finally left Vanaheim. She told us to return here. She said...she said I'll be stronger here? Frankly I do not know what that means."

"You will be stronger, indeed," Heimdall murmured.

"What do you all know that I don't?" Loki growled. You placed your hand on his chest and he looked down at you. You were giving him gentle eyes, ones that grounded Loki and had his anxiety and frustration melting away.

"You'll find out." Heimdall turned to the side and swept his arm out, pointing you towards the palace. "You must go. Your brother is in the throne room."

"Thank you Heimdall," Loki sighed.

"Thank you." You nodded at Heimdall. You tugged on Cooper's leash. "Come on, Coop."

Loki swiftly led you down the Bifrost, his long legs carrying him at a quick pace. You trotted to keep up with him, not only because you were much shorter than him but also because you were so distracted by the sights around you. Where Alfheim had natural beauty, Asgard prospered in advanced architecture and structures teeming with bronze, silver, and gold. Your eyes were wide the entire time, but unfortunately you couldn't spend much time looking around.

"We must get to the palace, pet. I promise once this is over, I will give you the grand tour of everything," Loki assured you, squeezing your hip.

"Loki, I'm scared," you whispered. "Your mom said this was supposed to help us but it just seems dangerous."

"I know," Loki said grimly. As he walked you through the town surrounding the palace, people began poking their heads out of their homes to catch a glimpse at what was happening. Loki ducked his head and pulled you against him, shielding your body from the onlookers. "Whatever happens, I will keep you safe."

Cooper barked and Loki nodded.

"So will Cooper," Loki said. "And do not worry, my brother will protect you as well."

"I don't even know him," you laughed.

"You're mine, pet. He knows that. That's enough to warrant his unconditional protection," Loki explained.

The rest of the walk to the palace was quiet. You tried to keep your eyes down as you approached the large, golden castle. You could feel the eyes of nosy Asgardians trying to get a look at what was going on. Loki was doing his best to shield you while also staying calm about whatever was going on, but you could see his stress. His jaw was locked and his eyes were cold and determined.

You didn't know why you were here. Frigga said that returning to Asgard would give Loki the answer to being able to stay with you but it was also putting you in the line of danger. There seemed to be something that Frigga and Heimdall knew that Loki was oblivious too, which was frankly making you anxious, given how Loki seemed to be one of the smartest people in the universe. You had just gotten Loki back, you didn't want to lose him again. Whatever was going to happen, you were going to stay by his side. He was willing to die for you, and you would do the same. You loved him and nothing in the Nine Realms could stop that.

Not even Odin, if it came to that.

When you reached the gates of the palace, Loki nodded at the guards. They swung the large, golden gates open and Loki led you into the front courtyard. Cooper sniffed around excitedly, his tongue hanging out of his mouth whenever he lifted his head to look at you. You giggled. At least he was having a good time. You tightened your grip on the leash as Loki walked you up to the front doors. The guards opened the doors and when you walked inside, you gasped and froze in place.

The palace was huge.

The ceilings felt like they were miles above your head. The floors, all made of either smooth stone or marble, reflected the golden lights hanging from the walls. Paintings, sculptures, and fountains decorated the halls. Servants bustled around, almost oblivious to your presence. You felt suddenly underdressed as you eyed the complex mixture of outfits that passed by you. As if he could read your mind, Loki squeezed your hand and you looked up at him.

"You look perfect, little one," Loki whispered, dipping down to kiss your forehead. "I love you. Thank you for trusting me."

"I love you too. I'll always trust you, you know that," you said with a true smile. Loki rubbed the back of your hand with his thumb as he led you to the throne room. The guards opened the golden doors for him and shut them loudly behind you both.

The throne room was completely empty aside from a large, golden throne at the far end. A man sat on the throne, his legs spread wide and a large staff held in his hand. He was resting his head on his fist. When he noticed you entered, he broke into a large smile and stood up.

"Brother!" he shouted, walking down the steps quickly after waving his staff away. Loki rolled his eyes but nodded at you, indicating you to follow him. You walked up to the front of the throne room.

"Darling, may I introduce you to Thor, God of Thunder, King in Standing of Asgard," Loki said. You gasped, blinking quickly. This was Thor! You felt silly for not recognizing him already. You blushed and curtsied, introducing yourself. Thor laughed and pulled you into a tight hug. You squeaked as he rocked you back and forth.

"It is so good to finally meet you!" Thor said. He pulled back and braced your upper arms. His blue eyes ran over your body before looking back up at Loki. "You're a lucky man, brother."

"Yes, I'm well aware," Loki growled, pulling you back into his embrace. You felt yourself getting wet at the possessive nature Loki was displaying yet again but you knew this wasn't the time or place for that. Loki groaned and cocked his jaw. "My apologies, brother. I know you would never do anything. It's just been a very stressful day."

"I understand." Thor nodded. He looked back at you and smiled. "I would like to thank you for what you have done for my brother. He was in a dark place before you arrived in his life, though he may not admit it. You brought out a light in him and helped him find true love. I can see how much you care about him just by the way you look at him, and for that, I am forever loyal to you."

Thor pressed a fist to his chest and bowed humbly before you.

"Oh, my," you stuttered. "That's...that's so kind of you, Thor."

"It is the least I can do. You're a good person. One I would trust fully." Thor eyed Loki but Loki stood there with a stiff expression on his face. Thor sighed and shook his head, looking back at you. "Thank you for coming all the way to Asgard. I'm sure the journey was unexpected, though I'm glad you took it. It's good to have you here."

"I'll admit, I'm a bit scared to be here. Your mother seemed anxious to get us here," you said, wringing your hands together. Loki placed his hand over yours to halt your movements. You immediately sunk into his touch and tangled your hand with his. Thor watched the movement with a small grin.

"Something is going on, Thor," Loki explained. "What is happening?"

"Something very rare and perhaps a bit unbelievable. Still, Frigga told me you would be coming. I wish I had more time to prepare for this," Thor said, his joyful expression clouding over with something more serious and ominous. "It's good you got here when you did. Odin has yet to arrive and we have much to discuss before he does."

"What do you mean?" Loki asked. Thor went to speak but he paused, his eyes falling to Cooper.

"Baxter? Is that you?" Thor asked. Cooper huffed and Thor held his hands up in defense. "Sorry, your new name is Cooper. Got it."

Your jaw dropped as you looked between Thor and Cooper. "You know my dog?"

"You know her dog?" Loki repeated, just as confused as you were.

"I do. A few years ago I stopped on Midgard and met a man who was taking care of a Golden Retriever who just gave birth. Given my connection to Goldens, I gave him my blessing over the litter. It looks like you ended up with one of them," Thor laughed.

Cooper made a noise and Thor laughed. He crouched down and Cooper pulled himself out of your grip. He went over to Thor and began licking his face. Loki crossed his arms over his chest and shook his head.

"Unbelievable. Now I have two blonde bastard boys to deal with," Loki murmured. You chuckled and rested your head on Loki's arm. You watched Thor and Cooper mingle with a soft smile on your face. You couldn't believe your luck with having adopted a dog literally blessed by Thor. You looked up at Loki and tugged on his sleeve. He gazed down at you. "What is it, sweet?"

"Your brother and Cooper are like twins," you giggled.

"I know. It's ridiculous," Loki snorted. He cleared his throat and both Cooper and Thor peered back at him with wide eyes. "If you two are done licking each other's asses, I'd like to get back to the important matter at hand before father arrives."

"Right! I'm sorry," Thor said, blushing as he stood back up. He took a deep breath and looked between you and Loki, his blue eyes weary. Finally, he settled his gaze on Loki. "Loki, have you noticed any changes within yourself recently?"

"Changes?" Loki asked with furrowed brows. "No, other than I'm sober now, there's been nothing."

"Are you sure?" Thor asked.

"Brother, stop these games! Tell me what is going on before Odin arrives!" Loki shouted. "Pardon my harshness but dammit, Thor! I am trying to protect the woman I love and I am literally in the lion's den waiting for the beast himself to arrive!"

"Everything you do is to protect her," Thor murmured thoughtfully, scratching his bearded chin.

"Everything, Thor," Loki emphasized.

"He almost died for me," you said quickly. Thor lifted his eyes to look at you and you nodded. You squeezed Loki's hand tightly as you shuffled back and forth. "My friend - well, not really my friend anymore, she tried to kill me. She tried to use me as a sacrifice to get Loki to love her. Loki cursed her and she went to take revenge on me for it. She, uh, drew a gun. And then she tried to shoot me but Loki pushed me out of the way and took the bullet. She shot him five more times. He almost died because his defenses had been lowered."

"You almost died?" Thor's voice was barely a whisper as he stepped in front of Loki. The younger Prince nodded, his face set in cold lines. Thor placed a hand on Loki's shoulder. "I am sorry I wasn't there to protect you."

"I didn't need protection. I didn't even care about myself. All I wanted was to keep my love safe," Loki explained thoughtfully. "It didn't cross my mind that I would die. All that mattered was that she wouldn't."

"This friend, er, ex-friend? Whatever the relationship was, she tried to kill you to get to Loki?" Thor asked, turning his attention towards you.

"The flares," Loki sighed. "I told you, the flares were bringing out lurking darkness in some people. She happened to be one of them. I thought me leaving Midgard would help drain my essence from her but it didn't work."

"I see," Thor hummed, his face twisting into an unknown expression.

"Now you see my stress, Thor. I want to be with her more than anything but I can't. I just put her in danger," Loki whispered, shutting his eyes and shaking his head. You ran your hand along his arm, trying to soothe him. He opened his eyes and looked at you, and you could feel the desperate sadness inside of him.

"Are you sure?" Thor murmured. "Because I think you are missing something that is happening here."

"What do you mean?" Loki and you both questioned at the same time.

"Loki, why have you not made her a goddess?" Thor asked with a smirk.

"Make her a goddess? I can't just make her a goddess," Loki scoffed.

Thor crossed his arms over his chest and his smirk grew larger, more knowing. "You can if she already is one."

"Excuse me?" you gasped, shaking your head. "I'm a goddess? No, that's not true. I'm just some girl from Earth. Oh, Midgard, sorry. Regardless, I grew up with a single mom in a shoebox apartment. I struggle with loans and I barely make enough money to keep my fridge stocked."

"Perhaps I worded that poorly. You aren't already a goddess but what if you were born to be one?" Thor said. He gestured between himself and Loki, the latter of which was staring at the ground, his lips parted in contemplative shock. "When Loki and I were born, we knew we were going to be gods."

"Yeah, but you're both Asgardians," you stressed.

"No," Loki whispered. "When Odin was searching for someone to be the God of Sex, he was asking people on Alfheim and Vanaheim as well, people who were not full Asgardians, let alone even partial Asgardians."

"Exactly," Thor chuckled.

Loki's eyes flashed up to stare at his brother. "Do not jest with me brother. This...this cannot be a trick. You know what this would mean."

"I do. Heimdall and I discussed it," Thor said.

"You discussed it? Of course you did," Loki sighed, running a hand down his face.

"How would that work, though?" you asked. Loki looked down at you and he could see the surprise on your face. He turned fully towards you and cupped your cheeks in his large hands. Immediately, you felt soothed in his touch, the look of adoration in his eyes grounding you to this moment.

"Sweet, do you remember what I told you that night of the thunderstorm?" he asked.

"The one with the inventive massage?" you giggled.

"Yes, that one," Loki laughed, his face flushing a bit red. "I told you that a god can pass on one of their domains to another god, thus making them a god of that domain. If this is true, if you were born to be a goddess, then I would be able to pass one of my domains onto you."

"So, what? You're just going to snap your fingers and I'm going to be a goddess of...sex?" you whispered.

Loki grimaced and shook his head. "No, not sex. That domain isn't meant for you. I can't feel you owning it."

"I need to sit down,' you whispered. Loki waved his hand and a comfortable chair appeared behind you. You sat down and held your head in your hands. Your heart was pounding in your chest. This day had been way too much for you to handle. Just this morning you were crying over Loki not being in your life anymore. After being kidnapped, nearly sacrificed, bled all over by your dying lover, had amazing sex with your no longer dying lover, and being swept off to a foreign realm, Loki was telling you that you were meant to be a goddess. Panic began rising inside of you and you were trembling. Loki crouched in front of you and rubbed his hands along your thighs, hushing you. "Loki, this can't be real. This has to be a mistake."

"I'll admit, I'm shocked by it too. But not unpleasantly. I'm surprised I didn't think of it sooner," Loki sighed. He looked over his shoulder at Thor who was watching you both with concern. "Brother, why do you think this is the case?"

"Well, you see, there -"

"Silence!"

The air in the room seemed to go still. Loki and Thor froze, staring at each other as the golden doors to the throne room swung open. You looked up and stood as a powerful presence stormed into the hall. Loki stood in front of you, that same determination from earlier flooding his features. You looked between Thor, Loki, and the new mysterious man. His gray hair hung around his face, which was fuming with anger. When you noticed that he only had one eye, you realized who it was.

Odin.

You grabbed the back of Loki's armor as he held an arm out, further shielding you from Odin. Behind the old man, a beautiful woman gracefully glided in. You recognized her as Frigga, Loki's mother. She closed the doors to the throne room behind her and stayed near them, her eyes swiftly moving across the room. When Odin reached your group, he nearly growled.

"Where is the girl?" he snarled.

"You will not touch her," Loki sneered. Thor stepped forward and stood beside Loki, his arms crossed over his chest.

"She is under my protection," Thor said. Odin gaped at his sons, who stood proud and defensive in front of you. His one eye glared between them where you were peeking out. He jabbed his finger out at you.

"You! Come here!" Odin shouted.

"Stay, beloved. There is no need to move," Loki said.

"Beloved? Beloved? I thought she was nothing to you, Loki. Isn't that what you told me many moons ago?" Odin asked.

"Hello Odin, it's nice to meet you. My name is Loki, God of Lies," Loki snorted. Thor chuckled and even you had to hold in a laugh. In the corner of the room, Frigga was shaking her head but you could see that she was amused by Loki's comment.

"This girl has caused nothing but trouble! She must be exiled at once!" Odin shouted. "Flares on Midgard? Murderous humans? This has gone too far!"

"I agree, it has gone too far. But we have discovered a solution, father. Loki's darling girl was born to be a goddess," Thor said.

"What? No, this is ridiculous," Odin said, clearly flustered. He held a hand out towards Thor. "You have no sense in you, son. Where is Gungnir? Return it at once. I am back to reclaim the throne."

"No, I don't think so," Thor said, stepping forward and towering over his father. Both Loki and you widened your eyes as Thor defied his father. "You said it yourself, Odin, I'm King of Asgard until the power is returned. Quite frankly, I don't think I'm ready to return it."

"Why are you doing this?" Odin spat.

"Because I vowed to protect her," Thor growled.

"Protect her? A weasley mortal? She is not a goddess, Thor! You are insane!" Odin screamed, his face red and hot as he yelled. You gripped onto Loki tighter as you watched the scene unfold. You had never seen anything so fiery, so intense in your life. You were thankful Loki was shielding you because you were sure if this got ugly, you would be caught in a serious crossfire of godly powers.

"I am not insane!" Thor rebutted. "If you listen to me then you will know I am right!"

"Thor, explain yourself," Loki instructed, his voice calmer than you expected.

"No, do not speak," Odin said.

"Quiet, old man!" Loki yelled. "What is the harm in letting Thor explain what he believes is the truth?"

"Because it will all be falsities," Odin huffed.

"You do not know that until you let him speak." Loki shrugged and gestured to Thor. "Go on, brother."

"You have no authority to call the shots here, Loki. You are not the King," Odin growled.

"He's not, but I am. And I will speak," Thor said proudly. "When I first heard of the flares, I thought that it was Loki's magic gone wrong. Something bad was happening and the girl seemed to be the catalyst of it. Then, this man named Michael came around. Loki exiled him and once he did, something strange started happening. Loki was becoming stronger."

"Stronger?" Loki asked. "What do you mean?"

"Have you noticed things that you used to do that would tire you out no longer doing that?" Thor asked.

"Yes, I have. Certain magic, making clones...but I thought nothing of it," Loki murmured.

"Did you also think nothing of summoning the Bifrost?" Thor was smiling, a confident grin that you were sure he robbed from Loki.

"That is not possible," Odin said stubbornly.

"It is. Loki called on the Bifrost several times. To and from Alfheim, to Asgard. He didn't even realize it, I bet," Thor bargained.

"I summoned the Bifrost? How is that possible?" Loki whispered.

"Your power is growing because of her." Thor pointed to you and you let out an involuntary squeak. Loki whipped around and stared at you, his eyes wide. Thor stepped closer to you and gestured between you. "Those flares, Loki, that was your magic trying to latch onto her and bring out her true nature. Because she is a mortal and was not able to accept your gifts, your magic was pushed out in the form of the flares, which were trying to find someone to absorb them. It must have latched onto Michael and Gretchen because they were close to her."

"So Michael and Gretchen were absorbing my magic because her body couldn't accept it?" Loki murmured. "So when Michael left Asgard..."

"Your magic was not being absorbed by a source it was not meant for. You got stronger because it was being focused back into your lover. The same would happen with Gretchen," Thor explained, his smile bright. "Loki, your beloved is meant to be a goddess. Your magic wants to bring out her true nature."

"It's true," Loki whispered, looking down at you. He broke out into a wide grin and tears were dancing in his eyes. "You are meant to be a goddess."

"But there's more," Thor said with excitement. "Your powers are increasing not just because she's meant to be a goddess. She is meant to be your goddess."

"My goddess?"

"Enough!" Odin shouted, storming forward. He grabbed Thor by his breastplate and shook him. "You are spewing lies! A mortal cannot be a goddess!"

"Why not? Loki spat. "If I, a Jotun, can be a god then why can she not be a goddess?"

"Because...because they just cannot!" Odin said, pushing Thor away and scrambling around. He was muttering to himself and you wrapped your arms around Loki, trying to keep him in front of you. You could feel his heart pounding beneath his skin and you just realized then how startling this was for him as well.

"Tell me why mortals can't be gods and I will drop this entire thing," Thor demanded.

"Because they are weak and feeble and useless," Odin growled, his one eye staring at you. You could feel his hatred, the pure lividness he held because you were here in his throne room. No, you would not accept this. Not if you were meant to be a goddess. You wouldn't let him walk all over you just because you were from a different planet. You unlatched your arms from Loki and lifted your chin.

"No, we're not," you said, stepping out from behind Loki. "How dare you say that?"

"How dare you speak to me?" Odin sneered.

"I will speak to whoever I want to speak to because I am Loki's beloved and I will not accept any slander towards me," you hissed. Loki raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed, as you stepped forward towards Odin. "Yes, I'm from Earth but that does not make me weak."

"How dare you come close to me, you little rat," Odin snarled. He grabbed your arm and tugged you but Loki was on him in an instant, dagger pressed to his throat. Thor had pushed you behind his large body, his stance ready for attack. Cooper, who had been mostly quiet until this point, was advancing on Odin, his teeth bared and his fur sticking up from fury.

"You will not lay a finger on her or else I will slit your throat right where you stand," Loki growled. He pushed Odin away but kept his dagger out. Cooper remained in front of Odin, a constant growl vibrating from his golden chest. "If she is meant to be a goddess, then it does not matter whether she is mortal or not."

"It does matter! Mortals cannot be gods and that is final," Odin groaned.

"You hate mortals so much. It..." Loki paused, his face lighting up with realization. "That is why you have pushed Midgard away from us. They are not distant from us by accident. You have alienated them from us on purpose!"

Frigga smiled in the corner, her eyes lit with a knowing look.

"You are correct," Odin huffed, straightening his robes. "They are too weak to be gods. It was better for them to be pushed away."

"Do you truly hate the mortals, father?" Loki whispered. Odin did not budge but Loki could only assume his silence was confirmation. "If you hated them, why would you try to protect them when the flares started? You told me I had to take care of my followers."

"I knew what the flares were," Odin murmured. "I knew it was your magic trying to find your goddess but I also knew the side effects of what was happening. If I told you about the bad things occurring, I hoped your common sense would kick in and you would leave in order to avoid the darkness from happening."

"You knew this whole time that she was a goddess and you never said anything," Loki nearly cried, the pain in his voice so sharp that it hurt you to hear him this way. "This could have been avoided if you just told me what she was! The flares would have never gotten so large, so dark! She would be one of us now! She would have never gotten hurt! That's why you were so insistent that I marry Princess Kassandra, wasn't it? I would be strapped down to her and never able to find my true partner just because she was Midgardian."

"How many Midgardians would have been gods if it was not for you?" Thor asked suddenly, his blue eyes filled with rage towards Odin.

"Oh, do not pretend as if it was all my fault. It has been this way since before I was the King." Odin rolled his eye but Thor just shook his head.

"But you had the chance to fix that. No one was stopping you," Thor said.

"Face it, Thor. Some realms are not worthy enough to be gods," Odin said with a casual shrug.

"Is that why you only asked people of Asgard, Vanaheim, and Alfheim to take the mantle of God of Sex?" Loki asked.

"Yes," Odin said bitterly. "Those realms are the only ones worthy of becoming gods."

"What about Jotunheim?" Loki growled. When Odin stayed quiet, Loki held out his knife and roared, "what about Jotunheim?!"

"No!" Odin shouted in defeat. "The Jotuns are barbarians, monsters. They are not civilized enough to be gods. They do not hold the sophistication."

"What about me, father? Or should I say, uncle? What about me?" Loki hissed. His eyes were glowing red, something you had seen only once before. At the time, you thought it was a trick of the light but now you could see that his eyes were actually glowing like rubies. Thor held onto you tighter as Loki crept upon his father. The room was getting colder and you gripped Thor, squeezing his arm. Loki shook his head as he leaned over Odin. "What about me?"

"You are not just Jotun. You have other -"

"What about me?!" Loki screamed. "Am I a barbarian? Am I a monster? Am I not good enough to be a god? Do you hate me, Odin? Do you hate me as much as you hate the Frost Giants?"

"No! You...you are different. But you are reckless! You always have been!" Odin fought back.

"I was never reckless. I was young, that is what boys do," Loki growled.

"Who are you kidding, Loki? You were a horrid child! Always getting into things. Always messing with magic you did not deserve. You were a mess, a reckless brat. You caused me more trouble than I wanted. I never even wanted you!" Odin shouted. You sucked in a breath and Thor froze. You watched Loki's face fall as Odin poked his wrinkled finger into his chest. "You were the worst thing that had happened to me. I never wanted you, Loki. The only reason I took you in was because of Frigga. I would have sent you back to Jotunheim if I could so you could freeze amongst the rocks. Even now you are just too much trouble! You cannot control your powers! You are fucking mortals! You are not a god! I should have gone for you myself that night of the attempted murder!"

"What?" Loki whispered, his knife clattering to the floor. You covered your mouth with your hand at what Odin just admitted. "That...that night...the assassination...you sent the guard to kill me?"

"Is this true, Odin?" Frigga said finally, stepping forward from her shadowed corner. "Did you try to kill my son?"

Odin looked between them as if he was trying to realize what he had just said. Finally, he sighed and shook his head. "I was exhausted of him, Frigga. He was too much work, too much recklessness. But even worse, I could see the power he would possess. I had to end it."

"If you wanted to end my power, why would you give me another title?" Loki questioned. You looked between Thor and Loki and quickly bolted over to where Loki was. You grabbed onto him, holding his hand to keep him stable. He squeezed your hand tightly and you winced, but continued holding onto him.

"I searched far and wide for someone that would take the role of God of Sex so it wouldn't be you." Odin's eye landed on you. "But you were destined for it and everyone could feel they weren't meant for the part. Hundreds of people wanted it but they could not take it when you were destined for it. I had to give it to you because you knew you were meant for it too, deep down. Being the God of Sex opened you up to meeting your goddess but I hoped that your focus on being the best god you could be would prevent you from searching her out. You stumbled upon her by destiny, it seems. I didn't want you to be that powerful. I never wanted you to grow into a fully mature god. You didn't deserve it, a Jotun. So I sent the guard to kill you before that power could manifest when you were a child but you killed him first."

"I hate you," Loki said simply. Cooper began howling and then he jumped forward, attacking Odin with bites and scratches to his legs. Loki let Cooper attack Odin, a smug grin on his face as the dog protected him. When Cooper backed down, Thor came forward.

"So not only have you tried to prevent mortals from fulfilling their roles as gods but you also tried to kill your son," Thor said with a sad laugh. He waved his hand and Gungnir formed in his fist. He slammed it against the ground and the doors to the throne room opened, guards flowing in. "Odin of Asgard, you are under arrest for treason."

"Treason?" Odin scoffed.

"You tried to kill the crowned Prince of Asgard, which is a form of treason. And as King of Asgard, I have the authority to declare this decision," Thor said.

"Frigga, stop this boy," Odin said, turning to his wife. Frigga stood there, shaking her head. She looked at the guards and waved them forward. Odin gasped. "Frigga!"

"You tried to kill Loki. You will never have my forgiveness," Frigga said, approaching Odin. "But if we're being honest, I never loved you to begin with, Odin. I married you because I knew what you were doing to the mortals. Then, I had the foresight of you holding back a powerful god - my son. I married you to put an end to this. It was my duty ever since I was a young girl. And now, the end is here. I am glad."

"Frigga," Odin whispered, his voice shot and broken.

"Thor will take care of the realms and fix the wrongs you have done. I give complete authority to him to receive the full title of King of Asgard and Allfather." Frigga waved her hand and a gold shimmer covered Thor. He grinned and slammed Gungnir on the ground.

"You have betrayed Asgard, Odin. And for that, you will be charged with treason and sentenced for trial. But just to be sure that you can't stop anything..." Thor turned to Loki. "Would you do the honors, brother?"

"Gladly," Loki growled. He stepped forward and held both of his hands out. His eyes glowed green and Odin began gasping, writhing in pain. A gold stream spilled from his body and into Loki's hands. Odin grabbed his throat, his hands, his body, trying to hold in what Loki was stripping from him. When the last of the golden stream disappeared, Odin collapsed into the guards' arms.

"By the authority of I, Thor Allfather, Prince Loki of Asgard has stripped you of your powers. Now you are just like those weak, meager mortals you are so against," Thor snickered. Loki smirked and returned to your side, the glow in his eyes fading.

"Son..."

"I'm not your son and you are not my father. Our relationship was over once you declared you tried to kill my brother. Guards, take this prisoner to the dungeons. I'll deal with him later," Thor said. The guards nodded and tugged a kicking and screaming Odin from the throne room. Once he was gone, Frigga took a sigh of relief and turned back to Loki.

"Loki?" she whispered.

"He tried to kill me," Loki sighed. He buried his head in your hair and while you didn't know what to say, you could at least provide this basic comfort for him. "I hate him."

"I'm so sorry, Loki," you whispered, clinging to Loki. His body trembled in your touch and you could feel him living through all the trauma once again. Everything was silent for a few minutes. Cooper was rubbing his cheek against Loki's leg, whimpering softly. You shut your eyes and hugged him tighter. "This chapter is closed. He can't hurt you anymore."

"He's gone," Frigga reassured him, backing your statement.

"Was it true, mother? You married him to save the realms?" Thor asked, earning a nod from Frigga. "Mother, you are a badass."

"Thank you, son," Frigga giggled. She placed her hand on Loki's arm. "Do not listen to Odin. You are an amazing god. You are valuable and powerful just as you are."

"I know," Loki whispered, lifting his head. "I just can't believe my own father would do that."

"That man was never your father, not really," Frigga said. "I'm sorry you had to suffer through this."

"It is okay." Loki looked down at you and folded his hand in yours. "I have my beloved. I will be okay. The past is the past. Finding out who was behind this was not what I expected but I believe it was the closure I needed. My darling is right, this chapter is closed."

"I love you, Loki," you whispered.

"I love you too, pet," Loki said with a wink. You rested your head against his arm, glad that Odin was finally out of the throne room. Everything that happened was...a lot. You were drained and you wanted to lay down, but there were still answers that you needed.

"So, a goddess, huh?" you said with an awkward laugh.

"Yes. It seems Thor was not able to finish explaining it all," Frigga said, clasping her hands together. "Loki has become incredibly powerful because he has met you. You two were meant to be together because your domains are intertwined, meaning you make each other stronger."

"She made me more powerful with magic and I...I showed her love, how to love herself, how to be herself - how to stand up to Odin, my feisty pet," Loki chuckled. Frigga nodded with a small smile. Loki sighed. "But what could she be?"

"Yeah, I don't know what kind of domain I could be in charge of," you said shyly.

"Think about it. Is there something that connects you both?" Frigga asked.

"Sex," Loki snickered.

"But what is most necessary in sex?" Frigga pressed on.

Loki froze, his eyes widening as he recalled what he had told you so long ago.

Trust is a key with sex. If you do not trust your partner, where is the intimacy? I never force anyone to trust me. That would be an abuse of power. I sort of just watch over the bonds of fidelity, you know? Trust, fidelity, loyalty - it is all the same and I reside over all of those domains. You need them to have the pure rawness and power of sex.

"Trust," Loki said softly. "You need to have trust."

You both stood there and suddenly, everything made sense. The way you were so easily able to mix with Loki, how you would always be willing to engage in what he gave you, how even after everything, you trusted him completely. Loki thought back to all of the people who had mentioned they trusted you. Heimdall...Thor...Kassandra...Alvana...

Heimdall shielded you...Thor protected you from Odin...Kassandra gifted you the Livets Blomst...Alvana trusted you with her precious supplies...

They felt it within you, the trust that you naturally held. The way that you were able to radiate that feeling of natural loyalty. They felt it because they were higher beings, powerful beings that could see beyond what the mortals could.

How many times had Loki asked you if you trusted him? Thousands, perhaps, which was unique considering not many people trusted a being designated the God of Mischief and Lies. But every time he asked that, you answered with complete confidence that you did trust him. He had held knives to your neck, had his hand squeezed around your throat, bruised you, flogged you, fucked you in the most brutal ways possible and you loved it. You loved it because you trusted him with your entire heart. It was that trust that opened up all of the sexual experiences you had together. Without trust, there is no intimacy. Loki was strong because of your support and your abilities. You held the power of trust within you. It was why you and Loki meshed so well together. Thor was right. It was destiny that had brought you together.

"Is that why I heard you above all others that first night? Why I felt so compelled to come to you?" Loki asked, looking down at you.

"Yes," Frigga said with a nod. "It was your natural connection calling to you. It was why you couldn't stay away from each other, despite living so far away and existing in such different lives. You were meant to be together. I knew Odin did not want this connection to happen so I kept him away so it could flourish. And the flares, well, you had to overcome them. You had to prove that you were stronger than the challenges thrown at you. In the end, you two always came back together. You are intertwined."

"The Goddess of Trust," you whispered. "I'm...the Goddess of Trust."

"Well, only if Loki passes it on to you," Thor said with a laugh.

"Of course I would," Loki cheered. He grabbed your hands and kissed them. "Do you know what this means?"

"That I have a lot of work cut out for me?"

"Yes," Loki laughed. "By becoming a goddess, you become like me. You'll live as long as me."

"Oh my gosh," you whispered. "We can be together?"

"Until the end of our days," Loki promised. He looked up at Frigga. "If she becomes a goddess, what does that mean for the flares on Midgard?"

"The magic looking to enter someone will finally be able to enter her body. It will help her grow into her true nature," Frigga answered. "And they will disappear from the realm and will not return, if she accepts the position, after all."

Loki looked back at you and you could see the excitement in his eyes. He wanted this so badly, to be with you, to see you become this great being. But you had no idea what that meant - what you had to do, become, be. Were you ready for this? You saw the power that Loki and Thor had, would that become of you too? Were you truly destined to be this person?

Up until now, your life was a mess. You were stumbling through it with no direction. Now, you knew what was expected of you. You could say yes and be with Loki forever, be the Goddess of Trust. You could grow stronger in a way you never believed. But you could also reject it, turn away from this burden of a responsibility. This wasn't your life, it never was. You were meant to live on Earth in your apartment with your dog while creating art. A goddess...it didn't seem real.

Loki squeezed your hands and you looked back up at him. He pulled you in and settled his hands on your waist. Then, he bent down and kissed you. He kissed you in front of the most important people in his life, as if he was declaring that you were his and he was yours. You kissed him back, holding onto his armor with a tight grip. When he pulled back, you could feel everyone's eyes on you - Thor's, Frigga's, Cooper's.

But more importantly, you could see the love in Loki's eyes - the love he held for you and you alone. But Loki didn't just love you now. He had always loved you, even when you were believed to only be any other mortal. To Loki, you were always special, you were always the person he wanted to be with. And you loved him. You loved him more than you had ever loved anyone or anything before. In his hands was the life you had always wanted to live - a life that was intertwined with Loki. This was your chance, but were you prepared for what would come with it.

You swallowed the lump in your throat when Loki smiled at you, his voice smooth as he spoke.

"So what do you say, my love? Are you willing to become the Goddess of Trust?"

Notes:

IS SHE GOING TO SAY YES?!?!

I've been hinting at this the entire fic and if you were reading closely and connecting the dots, I already told you this would happen back in chapter 11. Did ya catch it? Did ya see it coming?

Comments and kudos are always loved and appreciated!!

Visit me on tumblr @ shiningloki !