Loki x Reader: Into the MCU

Chapter 39: When in Rome

"And the award ceremonies?" Odin asked, "The winners for costumes and similar trophies in the parade are usually done during that time. Do you intend to dispatch with those competition categories entirely?"

"Heavens, no. The people would riot if the costumes were ignored. No, I've decided we should announce them with the others before the fireworks. It always seemed foolish to dedicate such a length of time for short a ceremony when we have more awards in the evening."

Odin nodded as he thought about Loki's point.

"Make it so, my son. I trust your judgement."

"Thank you...father," Loki hesitated just a bit, noticeable enough to you and, you were sure, his father and brother.

Thor's face grew slightly worried, glancing from his brother to Odin. Odin, however, continued as if nothing had happened.

"It is a shame Brunnhilde will not lead the garrison in the parade, though I hardly blame her for such a choice," Odin said matter-of-factly.

"Oh my gosh, I always forget that's her actual name."

"Yes, they all just call her Valkyrie on earth," Thor chuckled to his father.

"Oh please, when have you ever called her Brunnhilde?"

"When have I ever called her Valkyrie?"

"You...ok, damn, fine. Wait, no, you've had to have called her something!"

"To her, yes, but I don't believe I've ever asked you where she is or called across the room for her, not since actually learning her name."

"Well, I'm sorry, I never saw you ask her name in Ragnarok, so I don't believe it. Loki, you've never called her Brunnhilde?"

"I never cared to ask her name," he said blandly, not looking up from cutting his food.

"Ok, not the best person to ask," you admitted to Thor, "But still, don't pretend as if Brunnhilde is something we should have all known to call her."

"Yes, but you could have done this thing, it's a new invention actually, it's called asking. You see, it's this thing where you---"

"Oh shut up! Royal pain in the ass. Sorry!" you apologized quickly to Odin once again.

"I quite agree, child," he said in amusement.

"Father!" Thor exclaimed in a betrayed tone.

You started laughing, with Loki and Odin following suit. Eventually, even Thor couldn't not join in. Loki's joyful expression as he chuckled along with his father and brother was something you never thought you'd see, but it was the most welcomed sight. It was happier than you'd seen him before. Additionally, all tension Loki usually had around Odin was gone. You hadn't even noticed when it had disappeared, as you just now thought back on how he'd been openly engaging in conversations and banter for most of breakfast.

"Have the two of you decided who will be with you during the parade?" Odin asked, once the laughter had subsided enough to get a word in.

"Sif usually fills the role when I don't feel like asking anyone, but she's still away. I'd ask Brunnhilde," Thor said the name with emphasis and look to you, "But she'd rather be anywhere but...well, she wouldn't accept. I suppose I'll ask one of our friends of the court. Lady Serena is usually kind enough to oblige."

"What of Jane Foster?" Odin asked.

"Ja---Jane, father?" Thor asked, caught by surprise.

"Yes. I should think you'd like the young lady accompanying you to be the one you love?"