Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 39: When in Rome

"It's fine," you said kindly, "Besides, I already met your dad."

"What?!" he exclaimed quietly, but the sound of a door opening around the corner would delay any explanation.

"Tell you later."

You turned your attention to the direction of the sound, with Odin stepping around the pillar seconds later. Thor and Loki stood, the latter tapping your back as he made to do so, letting you know to rise.

"Father," Thor greeted.

"Good morning, my sons," he smiled to each. You noticed Loki, though his eyes still held a tinge of uncertainty and worry, returned the smile softly. "Lady Wren," he nodded, the same kind smile on his face, which you gave right back. "Thank you for joining us on such short notice."

"Thank you for the invite!" you said in your typical excited tone, which was probably made all the more so by your nerves. Loki gave one quiet chuckle, the motion in his shoulders and smile on his face betraying him. Though Odin was still watching, you gave Loki a playful glare.

"It is you who are doing us the favor," Odin assured you, taking his seat.

That was the cue for everyone to resume their positions, Thor returning to his seat on his father's left. Loki was directly across from Odin, and you across from Thor. The last time you'd been in this hall was the morning after your fight with Loki on the balcony. That felt like yesterday and yet years ago. One thing was certain though, you and Loki had come quite a ways. Now you were sitting beside him as his friend, not across as reluctant, angry allies. You glanced to Loki right as he did the same, the identical type of thoughtful smile on his face that you realized was on yours. Perhaps he was thinking of the stark contrast as well?

 "How goes the construction on Vanaheim?" Odin asked as servants began filling the plates and cups.

"Very well," Thor answered, "They're on pace to have it finished in a fortnight. The aid we've lent has yielded results a month earlier than initially anticipated."

"And the reported activity on Muspelheim?"

"No confirmed sightings, though we know Surtur lives," Thor said with a nod to you.

"Oh, is that the name of that fire place?" you asked, before realizing you were interrupting.

"Yes," Odin smiled, "Muspelheim, home of the Fire Demons."

"The universe wasn't real original when it made it's realms was it? Planet #1, you're fire people, Planet #2, you're ice people," you said, pointing to imaginary people.

Loki shook his head while Thor laughed.

"Where would Midgard fall in that list of generic peoples?" Thor asked.

"We're the epitome of bland dirt, and not in a cool rock-giant way. We literally call ourselves Earth! Might as well have named the planet Dirt."

"You know that's just one name?" Loki asked, amusement in his voice.

"Yeah, cuz Midgard is much better. Compared to Nidavellir, Jotunheim, and Svartlehei--- no, shvartalfei---ya know, however you pronounce the Dark Elf home. Anyway, we're still boring. Others in the galaxy call us Terra, which in Latin literally means 'land.'"

"We can't all be Asgard, I'm afraid," Loki gloated.

"I think I'd take MID-gard over ASS-gard," you shot back.

Loki looked at you like "Did you really just say that here?" while Thor continued laughing.

"Oh, no offense!" you said quickly to Odin, "Asgard's my favorite place in the world, I was just joking cuz...well, Loki asks for it sometimes."