Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“There is a difference between happiness and mania Thor,” the therapist said, from inside his little zoom video box.
Thor was sitting at the kitchen table in the American apartment he was renting, staring at his laptop screen. He’d taken over supervision of the American office of his family’s company two months ago and he’d rented this apartment a little over a month ago, right around the time he reconnected with some of his old friends and met his new friend Loki.
He’d been back and forth between America and Norway only once in the past three weeks as he finalized things in the Norway and France office. He was moving to being part time at both of those offices and there were just a few things left for him to finish this next week.
He hadn’t been able to make time to see any of his friends, including his new friend Loki during the past three weeks and this time was proving to be no different. He was only here for the rest of today, but he was hoping to be back in a week or so to start doing actual work.
It was Sunday afternoon and he was rather worn out. He’d spent the morning and early afternoon at a work lunch trying to win yet another contract for the American office. He had sealed the deal and felt like he was walking on sunshine when he got back to his apartment and saw a string of funny texts from Loki.
They’d been texting pretty regularly for the past month, nothing too serious, just updating each other on their days and sharing funny anecdotes. They’d talked on the phone twice and it had felt cozy and familiar, as if they’d been doing this for years not weeks.
Unfortunately, Thor had a pre-scheduled virtual appointment with his therapist scheduled for today and that pulled him right out of his happy high. Or rather, it forced him to examine his happy high and now here he was, toes tapping anxiously on the floor and fingers drumming on the table.
“You sound happy, Thor. I don’t think this is a manic episode. I think it might just be genuine excitement about the possibility that Loki offers, but also the possibility that he represents. That maybe there really is someone or multiple someones out there for you who will treat you better and make you happier than Leif.”
“But I’m having a lot of symptoms. I’m not sleeping as much as I usually do, maybe six hours instead of the usual ten to twelve. I’m not eating as much, I- well I’m actually not having a lot of sex but I want to be having a lot of sex. Specifically with one person which also doesn’t seem normal for me. And I can’t think about anything but him. I’m easily distracted at work, and I’m afraid I’m going to do something rash like…like show up at his house with flowers or something.”
His therapist stared into the laptop camera for several moments, unblinking. Thor had to look away. He hated that he still had trouble opening up in therapy. It had been almost five months and he thought he would have been better at it by now.
“Thor, have you considered that maybe you are just infatuated with Loki? There is something called limerence which is a state of deep infatuation with another person that can sometimes involve intrusive thoughts and a consuming passion which can lead to lack of sleep and big romantic gestures?”
He’d heard of limerence before and it didn’t have good connotations in his mind. “But isn’t that like…when a creepy lad is obsessed with a girl who has no interest in him? Like a stalker? Are you saying I’m a stalker? I swear I’ve only seen Loki twice-”
“No no, it’s not necessarily like that. Happy couples can fall into limerence, typically if there is trauma involved in either of their past love lives, but even that isn’t always the case. It’s a form of engagement that causes dopamine highs, while true feelings of love elicit a serotonin release. It’s why people in limerence often experience a rollercoaster of emotions as it relates to their love object, because the dopamine wears off and they have to constantly look for their next hit.”
None of that sounded right to Thor. He knew what it was like chasing dopamine, hell he could win an olympic medal for that sport. His jaunt around Europe could have been his timed trials and he would have passed with flying colors. This was different though. He wasn’t experiencing the jittery highs and panic about dropping low. Instead he was panicking because he was high.
“I…don’t know if that’s quite what it is either…” he admitted slowly. “I do not feel like my happiness right now is dependent on Loki, it is more that…he’s helped make life feel a little more happy. But…I think I am worried it is all fake. That this is just some fluke or that my medicine is not strong enough anymore to contain…it.”
“So…let’s circle back to this idea that maybe you are just happy.”
He hated when his therapist did this. He provided just enough ammunition for Thor to shoot his own argument in the foot.
Happy. Was he just happy?
Thor knew very little about being happy. He hadn’t been truly happy since his mother died. His relationship with Leif had been fine. They’d never been truly happy together except in those first two months where they weren’t actually together. They had been content though.
As someone with bipolar disorder, Thor knew a lot about being just content. His pills made him content. They pulled him up from his lows, but also down from his highs until he landed in a valley between the chasm and the mountain. The valley was okay. It was pleasant. Very much just fine and content. But that’s about it.
Content described his life at work, where the only reason he’d made any big changes in four years was because of losing Leif.
Losing Leif had made him very much not content. The breakup and then the fallout with the media had pushed him right into that chasm and in an attempt to get out, he’d triggered a manic episode that lasted almost an entire month.
He’d gone on a wretched bender across Europe where he’d drank and fucked himself into near oblivion. He’d thrown away his mood stabilizers and when his highs had threatened to crash into lows, he’d taken uppers and pulled all nighters forcing himself to stay manic.
All things come to an end though, good and awful, and Thor had finally started taking his therapist’s calls again and he’d helped Thor get back on his medicine and regulate back out.
It had been during one of his highs that he had called his father to announce he wanted to be moved onto the American projects, so there was at least that blue sky behind his clouds.
“Thor, if you are truly concerned, I am happy to adjust your dosage by a small amount. But you know that is going to have side effects and I’d really hate to impinge your actual happiness out of fear that it might be something else. If it does turn out to be mania, we can deal with that, but…it’s your choice.”
Thor had made a choice, during the course of their conversation. It had come to Thor like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Maybe to some people it would have been, but relationships outside of friendships and fucking didn’t come easily to Thor.
He didn’t like the thought of these feelings swirling inside of him being limerence. He cared too deeply about all of his friends in that house, and he was already starting to care too much about Loki to risk it being some kind of romantic obsession. He had started out this call with his therapist trying to protect them, and himself, from his bipolar disorder, but he also refused to hurt any of them with this limerence bullshit.
Thor’s last in person conversation with Loki had him thinking seriously about polyamory and he could admit to himself that it had caused him to spiral a little. He had told Loki he needed time to think about it, but really he’d always thought he would be willing to give polyamory a try. He tried to apply this answer to Bucky, Loki, and the others but it felt like too much. Thinking about their beautiful little polyamorous family was too much, too soon, and too impossible to even consider.
But Loki…there was something in the way he looked at Thor, in the way he touched Thor so softly, like he was afraid his delicate fingers were somehow going to hurt Thor. It reached deep down into a part of him that he thought was gone. He had thought his ex had carried it out the door with him and thrown it into a gutter somewhere.
So, Thor had decided to do exactly what he was afraid he was going to do in a fit of mania, but instead do it with a clear mind and a purpose. He hung up with his therapist, promising to keep him posted, and called his driver and a few minutes later they were speeding off through the city towards the quint’s apartment.
He was going to take a hard look at Loki and if his feelings felt real, if this whole crazy thing felt real, he was going to just ask Loki. Ask him if there was even the slightest possibility they could be together, or if he really was just chasing fantasies.
He arrived at their apartment too quickly. He hadn’t really thought of how he was going to say what he needed to, he just knew he needed to see Loki. He nearly ran up the stairs and knocked on the door before he could overthink it.
It was as if the universe knew exactly what he needed because Loki was the one who answered the door, looking just as stunning and just as devastatingly not-Thor’s as ever.
His hair was down around his shoulders and he was wearing a t-shirt that was so big it was sliding off one of his slender shoulders. He could see just the hint of a tattoo peeking over his shoulder and Thor had to rip his eyes away so he didn’t get distracted. The t-shirt was covering the top half of a pair of black joggers, and his feet were bare, toes painted a bright orange.
Thor had never seen anyone so beautiful in his entire life.
He had no idea what he was going to say, but when Loki raised a slender eyebrow and stepped to the side to allow Thor to pass, he didn’t hesitate before taking that first huge step forward.

Chapter Text

To say Loki was frazzled would be an understatement. 

Loki had just been texting with Thor earlier that day, daydreaming about what it would be like to just text him the truth. That he was definitely developing a crush on him, if not something even stronger than that. 

A few weeks before, the quint- he, Nicky, Charlie, Steve, and Bucky- had met to discuss the potential of Loki and Thor dating. Everyone had been incredibly supportive and even excited for Loki, with the caveat that Thor would have to be willing and interested in joining the quint one day. 

The last time Loki had seen Thor had been over three weeks prior, and he’d spent the better part of the evening in Thor’s arms trying to figure out if he would be interested in dating not just him, but also the entire quint. Or more accurately, the entire quint sans-Bucky, who wasn’t interested in taking on any more partners, especially not his ex-lover Thor. 

Thor admitted he was interested in polyamory, but hadn’t come to any sort of conclusion yet, but he had promised to get back to Loki when he did. 

Loki had felt pretty content with that answer for now, allowing his friendship with Thor to blossom naturally over funny texts and a few late night phone calls. He’d been content with it this morning when he’d had sex with Nicky, when he’d gotten dressed and put on one of Charlie’s T-shirts, just to see him blush, and he’d been content with it as he’d eaten lunch in bed with Charlie.  

He was much less content with it when Thor appeared on their doorstep. 

“Hi! Are…are you here to…see Bucky?” Loki asked tentatively, as he gestured Thor into their foyer and onto one of their two couches. 

“Would you believe I was just in the neighborhood-” 

“Hey baby, I missed you this morning. Were you in Charlie and Nicky’s room-” Bucky rounded the corner from the kitchen into the living room and came up short as he saw Thor. 

He was shirtless, with a pair of flannel pajama pants riding low on his hips. Loki momentarily thought that Thor had already seen all of Bucky, so maybe this wasn’t as awkward as it felt for Loki. Bucky just stared at them though so maybe it was a little awkward. 

Loki gave him big, panicked eyes, but Bucky didn’t seem to pick up on them. “Oh- hello! Thor, I had no idea you were in town! And…Loki, I didn’t know you’d invited him over?” 

He gave Loki’s outfit an up and down appraisal with a skeptical look on his face. Loki could have facepalmed if it wouldn’t cause this rapidly deteriorating encounter to become even more awkward. 

“Uhm, I didn’t-” 

“Loki, darling, who was at the door- oh, Thor! How nice to see you! Would have been nice to have a slight warning, sweetheart, I would have put on something- …well I was going to say nicer but perhaps just ‘something’ is actually appropriate.” 

Nicky had just emerged into the dining room wearing only boxers and Loki was pretty sure he was going to die of embarrassment. 

If Steve or Charlie walked out half naked he was just going to throw himself off the balcony. 

“I didn’t-” Loki tried to say again. 

“My apologies, my very fit friends!” Thor exclaimed in his most friendly voice, or at least the most friendly voice Loki had heard thus far. He was very clearly checking Nicky out, who, never one to give up free attention, leaned his hip on the dining room table and crossed his arms, flexing his biceps.  

Bucky snorted and scooted around Nicky on his way back into the bedroom. “Just one moment Thor, let me make sure no one else is going to walk out here naked.” 

“Hey, I’m mostly decent!” Nicky squawked indignantly. 

“You’re pretty much always indecent, love,” Bucky teased as he disappeared into the hallway. 

“My sincerest apologies, Loki. I didn’t consider that I would be dropping in on you unannounced on a Sunday afternoon. Of course you and your lovers are very busy-” 

“Oh we were busy this morning, but Loki was just watching Netflix now. I’m sure he doesn’t mind the interruption.” Nicky gestured with his hand at the TV which had a comedy special paused on it. Loki blushed furiously and tugged at the shoulder of Charlie’s shirt, trying to get it to sit on his shoulder, but it just kept falling off. 

When Loki had seen Thor through the peephole he should have run back to his room and changed. Or he could have run to get Bucky, or, alternatively, just not answered the door at all. He had spent a lot of time thinking about what he’d say to Thor the next time he saw him in person. He had waffled back and forth on if he’d immediately ask Thor about polyamory, if he’d flirt or try to allude to his growing interest in Thor or if he’d just play it coy. He’d gone over scenario after scenario and none of them had involved Thor showing up unannounced on his doorstep. He trained his panicked eyes on Nicky and thankfully he picked up on it immediately. 

“Thor, could you excuse us for just the tiniest of moments? I do think I’d like to put something on- you look dashing by the way,” Nicky purred as he winked flirtatiously at Thor. 

Loki had barely even processed that Thor was here, let alone what he was wearing, but he turned to him now to give his outfit a once over. He was wearing a moss green v-neck t-shirt that looked very expensive, and a pair of neatly pressed black chinos. Thus far, Loki had only seen him wear dark and neutral colors, and he wondered momentarily if that was a Scandinavian trend or just a Thor trend. 

Thor seemed to be watching Loki appraise him, so he gave a quick smile and retreated quickly into the back bedroom with Nicky. 

They passed a now fully clothed Bucky in the hallway who murmured, “I told the others but they’re- er, otherwise engaged. They won’t come out to join us undressed though.” 

As soon as they were behind the closed door of the bedroom, Nicky smirked at him and he scowled back.

“Do you think it was entirely necessary to tell him we had sex this morning?” Loki grumbled. 

Nicky's smirk only intensified. “Well, I don’t want him to think that you don’t have a very healthy sex drive, now do I?” 

“Nicky,” he groaned and buried his face in his hands. 

Nicky stepped to his side immediately and wrapped his arms around him. “Wait so, just to get this straight, you didn’t invite him over?” 

“No- I mean we were texting this morning and he mentioned he was at a lunch with some American clients, but he said he was leaving first thing in the morning so I just assumed we wouldn’t get to see him on this trip. Then he just showed up.” 

“Hm, do you think he had a nice long wank in the shower after his meeting, finally decided polyamory is the thing for him, and came to tell you?” 

“Nicky!” Loki groaned again. 

Nicky chortled as he walked into the closet to pull on some clothes. His clothes were still primarily kept in what used to be his and Charlie’s room, but he sometimes wore Loki and Bucky’s clothes when the other bedroom was occupied. 

Since Loki had joined the quint, it seemed like the delineation between the rooms had begun to blur. The room they were currently standing in had originally been Bucky and Steve’s. When Loki moved in, they’d moved all of Steve’s clothes and his work setup into Charlie and Nicky’s room, and more nights than not, Charlie and Steve would sleep together in the other room while Nicky, Bucky, and Loki slept in this room. They had five sets of toothbrushes, various hair products and makeup spread between both bathrooms and enough lube and toys distributed throughout the house to supply a brothel for years. 

Loki quickly made his way into the closet as well. Nicky had pulled on a pair of gray joggers that fit him well enough and one of Bucky’s more slim fitting black v-necks. On Nicky it was just a regular v-neck as he was several inches smaller around the chest and waist than Bucky. He, of course, still looked gorgeous. 

Loki had absolutely no idea what to wear and, knowing him better than he knew himself sometimes, Nicky pulled out one of Loki’s favorite cable knit sweaters and a pair of skinny jeans for him to wear. Loki quickly changed into them and he immediately felt better than he had a few moments before. He combed his fingers through his hair and momentarily considered swiping on some makeup, but he didn’t want to seem like he was trying too hard. 

“You okay, sweetheart? Need to do some deep breathing or anything?” Nicky asked, all of the teasing gone from his words, replaced by affection and a tinge of concern. 

“No I- I feel a lot better now. Wearing real clothes…that you picked out for me.” 

Loki blushed at the admission and Nicky pulled him in for a quick kiss. 

As they walked back into the living area, they heard Thor’s boisterous laugh. He had seemed a little subdued, almost a little nervous, when Loki had first answered the door. Lounging in the living room with Bucky, though, he looked completely at ease now. 

The thing about polyamory that continued to surprise Loki was getting to see the many different sides of a person come out depending on which partner, friend, or lover they were with. Loki knew that Bucky and Thor were technically ex-lovers, but they were first and foremost really good friends. Based on the story Thor had told him about his recent breakup, it seemed like maybe Thor just really needed time with his friends. 

Loki’s heart sank at the thought. He had swan dived off the deep end into infatuation and potentially a real interest in Thor within a little over a month of meeting him, but Thor really was recently single and apparently not doing incredibly well with it. 

Loki realized he was being quite selfish and so, right then and there, he promised to stop flirting with Thor and just let the chips fall where they may. He didn’t want to put any kind of undue pressure on Thor right now and asking him if he was interested in dating not one but possibly four other men seemed completely absurd now. 

All that being said, Loki could still remember the way Thor’s body felt against his, even several weeks later. He reasoned that friends could cuddle just as well as lovers or partners could, and maybe they would just become cuddle buddies on their way to being good friends. 

Nicky of course was not privy to Loki's internal monologue, so as they approached the couch he purposefully threw himself across the couch Bucky was occupying, sprawling onto Bucky’s lap, forcing Loki to sit next to Thor on the other couch. 

He could do this. If he just remembered cuddle buddies and friends he would get through this. Or perhaps if he just tried to remember how haunted and sad Thor’s eyes had looked when he’d spoken about his ex. That should definitely do the trick. 

“So, it appears it actually might have been my invitation Thor was following up on to drop by. I told him the last time he was here that he is always welcome at our place,” Bucky said jovially as they settled into their seats. 

“No no, my old friend, you are being too kind. I was just out for a drive when the urge to see all of you struck me. So I dropped by, unannounced. My sincerest apologies to all of you,” Thor said. 

“None needed Thor, we love company! Since you’re here, would you like to stay for dinner?” Nicky offered. 

Loki glanced at the clock and saw that it was only three. That was going to be a lot of talking and hanging out that Loki was absolutely not prepared for. 

“No, my friend, I do not wish to impose-” 

“I think Steve and Charlie would be really disappointed if they missed seeing you, Thor. I think they were planning to join the rest of us for dinner, so you should definitely stay!” Bucky insisted. 

Loki wanted to throttle both of them. He wasn’t sure if they were just being friendly or trying to be “helpful” but Loki was finding their actions decidedly unhelpful. 

To Loki’s surprise, Thor glanced over at him, as if trying to gauge his reaction. His eyes were soft and maybe even a little hopeful. 

“You should stay,” Loki said softly, against all of his better judgment. Thor remained surprisingly quiet, and just continued to gaze at Loki. “I’d…like it if you stayed. It’s great to see you and…I’d love to spend some more time with you,” Loki tried again and Thor grinned. 

“Well, I think I will stay then! Oh- where is my good friend Percy?” 

“The peacock? Oh Loki cuddles him nearly every night so he’s probably back in one of our bedrooms,” Nicky supplied unhelpfully. 

Loki had indeed cuddled the plushie almost every single night, despite Nicky’s near constant demands to be cuddled instead. He had put Percy on the ground earlier this morning before they’d gotten frisky so as not to scar the poor thing. Although, as established by Loki and Thor, Percy was most definitely gay so maybe he wouldn’t have minded watching. 

Loki was pulled from that strange train of thought when Nicky asked if they should play a board game. Thor once again turned to Loki to answer and Loki stuttered out his agreement, not that Nicky would have listened if he’d said no. He was already halfway across the room rummaging through their small board game collection. 

The quad had bought a few classic Hasbro board games during the first year of the pandemic and then when Loki had come along he’d introduced them to some of the more modern games that featured new more advanced mechanics, like resource management, deck building, and card drafting. Bucky had been ecstatic to get back

into gaming and the others had followed suit, with varying skill levels. 

Nicky nearly skipped back to the couches, having selected a card drafting game, a murder mystery game, and a memory game. 

“Do you play a lot of games Thor?” Bucky asked, as he shuffled the cards for the first game they were going to play. 

The object of the game was to be the last person standing, by using a series of absurd cards to take out the opponents. It was the simplest of the three and would only take a few minutes to explain, even to a novice gamer. 

“I’m afraid my expertise lies solely in business, my dear friend. So, unless it is monopoly, I will probably not be very good at it,” Thor chuckled. 

“Monopoly tends to end in a lot of screaming in this house,” Bucky laughed affectionately. 

“That or an orgy because everyone is just so desperate for the game to stop,” Nicky deadpanned. 

“I think a lot of drinks would be required for that,” Thor said, keeping up with Nicky’s banter. 

“Oh! Good idea,” Nicky jumped to his feet again and made a beeline for the alcohol cart. 

Loki’s internal groan must have been audible, because Thor placed a hand on his knee. “Are you good at board games?” he asked softly. 

“Oh, I dunno, I’m alright-” Loki tried to say. 

“He’s hustling you Thor. He’s incredible at games. He’s super sharp, and able to pick up new games faster than anyone I’ve ever met, and I played a lot in college,” Bucky said as he dealt out four hands of cards. 

“He’s pretty evenly matched by Steve, Bucky is probably next, and me and Charlie usually end up fighting over second to last place,” Nicky said as he returned to them with four ciders. 

“Ah, well I think I will be your new competitor then Nicholas,” Thor said, glaring over at Nicky with mock heat. 

“Bring it on big boy! I’m actually pretty good at this game because it’s almost entirely dumb luck,” Nicky said flaring out his cards in front of his face like a pro. 

Inexplicably, Thor’s cheeks turned pink as he slowly picked up his cards. Loki wasn’t sure if he hadn’t appreciated being called big boy, or what. 

As he continued to blush, Loki realized why. Thor was slowly spreading the cards out between his two hands, holding each card between his fingers. 

“Thor…do you not know how to hold playing cards?” Loki asked as nicely as he could. 

“Don’t worry Thor! I didn’t know how to for a long time either,” Bucky said kindly. 

Thor refused to look up from his cards, making a big show of examining each card. Loki fanned out his cards in one hand and took a sip of his cider, only showing off a tiny bit, waiting for Thor to look back at him. 

Thor finally glanced over at him and he looked a little awe struck. He tentatively asked, “is…it something you could teach me, my not so new friend?” 

Loki warmed at the silly words, liking that he had his own unique “friend” title with Thor. He snapped all of his cards back together like a fan and placed them, and his drink back down on the coffee table. Nicky snorted into his drink, and even Bucky rolled his eyes fondly at Loki’s showmanship, but Loki didn’t care. Thor was looking at him like he hung the moon and Loki was going to take everything he could get at this point. 

“Okay, so you want to try and get all the cards into one hand- here let’s start with them all together,” Loki gently slid the cards out of Thor’s hands, letting his fingers brush over Thor’s as he did so. There went those stupid “not sparks” again. He refused to admit that he felt anything more than the brief stimulation of nerve endings when he and Thor touched.

Loki demonstrated how to slowly unfurl the cards a few times while Bucky and Nicky chatted softly on the other couch. 

Slowly, Loki took the fanned out cards and placed them precisely into Thor’s outstretched hands. He managed to hold the cards for a few moments before he shifted his thumb and they collapsed into a pile in his hands. 

Loki laughed fondly and offered to create the fan for him again. 

“Can I try? Will you show me?” Thor held out his hands which were still cupping the pile of cards. He was grinning like an eager toddler and Loki couldn’t have said no even if he wanted to. 

He scooted right up next to Thor, until their legs were pressed together and Loki could bracket Thor’s large, muscular arm with his two thin ones. Loki placed his hands on either side of one of Thor’s hands and slowly helped him arrange the cards. 

Loki was looking at the cards, but he felt three other sets of eyes on him. He glanced at Thor and saw his head was turned towards Loki’s face, not the cards. 

“You should…probably watch or you might miss it,” Loki murmured. 

Thor’s eyes looked down at his mouth while he spoke, before looking back up at Loki’s eyes. They both quickly glanced back to their joined hands. 

Loki helped him fan out the cards a few times and after the fourth time Thor let out an excited woop and Loki felt his heart do a nauseating loop de loop in his chest. 

“Hey, good job!” Nicky called from where he was lounging on the couch, his legs thrown across Bucky’s lap. 

Loki withdrew his hands from Thor’s, but he really didn’t want to scoot away. Thor hesitantly passed the hand of cards to his left hand and let out another woop when it stayed in place. He flexed his fingers experimentally and when they stayed in place he threw his other arm around Loki’s shoulders. 

“My not so new friend, you did it! I am a card master now!” 

Loki laughed and let himself be pulled into Thor’s side. He smelled like the depths of a forest, like sweet decaying wood and sharp, clean air. It made Loki want to get lost with him, to get lost in him, for just a moment. 

He could feel the eyes of the other men on him, though, so he grudgingly pulled back just enough to allow Thor to retract his arm. 

Thor didn’t go far though, he immediately placed his large hand down on Loki’s thigh and didn’t move it as he asked if they could start the game. 

Nicky and Bucky sat up and quickly explained the rules and soon they were lobbing imaginary bombs at each other and trying to plant land mines in each other’s hands. Loki delivered a particularly brutal blow to Thor, wiping out half his hand of cards, and Thor wrapped both of his arms around Loki in a rough squeeze and shook him back and forth gently. 

Nicky chortled with laughter because Thor’s downfall meant he wouldn’t be last place. Unfortunately for him, in the next round, Bucky completely annihilated Nicky’s hand, meaning Thor would take home the title of “not last.” He threw the remainder of his cards in the air and shouted in triumph and Loki laughed harder than he should. 

“Alright, it’s not quite dinner time but I could use some snacks. Loki wanna help me grab some?” Bucky asked. 

Loki got up and followed him into the kitchen as Thor cleaned up the cards and Nicky began to set up the horror mystery game. Loki followed Bucky into the kitchen only to be swiftly yanked into the pantry by Bucky’s hands on his sweater. He was about to protest when Bucky kissed him up against the solid wooden shelves. 

“Hi,” Loki whispered softly against his mouth, leaning in to kiss him again. 

“Hi baby,” Bucky whispered back, kissing him a third time. 

“Any particular reason we’re making out in the pantry?” Loki asked, fingering the neckline of Bucky’s soft sweater. It was black, surprise surprise, but some of the yarn stitched into it was a sparkly teal so it seemed to shimmer even in the dark light of the pantry. 

“Sorry…I just wanted to check in on you, see how you’re dealing with Thor’s very obvious flirting, but then…I realized I also wanted to make out with you,” Bucky said as he pulled Loki in for their fourth kiss. 

Loki acquiesced happily. How was he handling Thor’s flirting? Well on the one hand he still had no idea what Thor actually wanted from him, and on the other he was absolutely intoxicated by it. He figured that was probably the answer Bucky was looking for. 

“I…well I’m a little overwhelmed to be honest. I feel like…it feels a little like having sex with Charlie. Like a wave is crashing over me and I can’t quite tell which way is up. But with Charlie at least I know I can push back. I still really don’t know what would be crossing a line with Thor and-” Loki cut himself off as he tried to figure out how to say what he was thinking. 

Bucky nuzzled his nose into Loki’s neck as he waited for him to continue. 

“I feel like…he’s still really sad. I don’t know if you saw that too when he arrived, but he seemed really…down. I don’t want to upset him or…hurt him...” Loki whispered to the quaker oat man, who he was now making eye contact with over Bucky’s shoulder. 

“Hurt him?” Bucky pulled back up and into Loki’s eyeline again. 

“I don’t know…if he somehow thought he was getting just me and not…an entire quint of lovers and partners. I can’t imagine he’d be ready for that if he’s still hurting so much from his breakup.” Loki worried his bottom lip between his teeth. 

Bucky hummed in thought. “Do you think that maybe that’s his question to answer, though? You don’t have to hold back or try to police yourself, you could just do what you want to do with him. Flirt, play, cuddle, whatever. And if he has questions or concerns he should be the one to raise them.” 

Loki scrunched up his nose as he thought about this. 

“Or…you could just let him take the lead I guess. Just give back whatever he gives to you?” Bucky suggested. 

Loki nodded at this. “I feel like that’s kind of been the way I’ve operated with all of you, and it’s gone pretty well so far.” 

“Yes, but we were already in a polyamorous relationship. You were following our lead because you didn’t want to overstep a boundary with us. In this case you’re the one in the relationship, Loki. It’s possible he might be waiting for your queue, even with all of his flirting and touching- which I will say is at least partially just pare for the course with Thor.” 

Loki was absolutely not ready to set any kind of tempo for them when he still had absolutely no idea if or what Thor even wanted from him. Hell, he wasn’t even completely sure what he wanted. Well no, even though Thor wasn’t his usual type, he was still unbelievably attractive, and even though he was a little loud and brash when he was with the others, he was soft and so gentle with Loki. Like a giant delicately handling a dandelion flower. No, he knew he absolutely wanted Thor, he just wasn’t sure if he wanted the implications of wanting Thor. 

Loki had told Nicky that he would love him for forever, and even though he hadn’t said as much to the other men in the house, that was how he felt about them too. He wanted forever with them, so long as they’d have him. 

That meant, though, that anyone he brought into the quint would probably have to want forever with him, and the quint as well. He knew they weren’t married or anything, that Thor would be free to date and break up with him and the other members of the quad, but Loki didn’t know if he could forgive himself for bringing that kind of stress and heartache to the quint. 

He sighed and rested his forehead against Bucky’s. Bucky gently stroked his back and tipped his head back to brush his lips over Loki’s forehead. “I know Nicky promised not to meddle but…he may need to be reminded. Do you want me to say something to him?” 

“No, no it’s okay. I don’t think he’s meddling per say, I think he’s just trying to make sure I don’t get in my own way.” Loki sighed. “I think I’m going to just follow Thor’s lead.”

Bucky grinned at him like he’d just solved a complicated math problem. Loki didn’t feel anywhere near as jovial, but he gave Bucky a final kiss and they turned to begin rummaging through the pantry for snacks. They quickly threw together a tray of food and brought it back out to the living room. 

Nicky was kneeling on the floor next to Thor’s legs, holding up the instruction manual so he could point at a final diagram as he finished explaining the rules of the game. Thor was totally enthralled, sipping absently at his drink. 

“-and anyways you’ll be on Loki’s team and he’s amazing at this, so you might actually win one game tonight!” 

Nicky put the manual away and picked up Thor’s key card as well as the code book and handed them both to Thor. 

Loki took up his seat next to Thor again and Nicky handed him his key card. The way the game worked was they would be given different puzzle cards and they had to solve them using one or the other of their code breaking key cards to try and crack the entire haunted murder mystery. The cards were pretty small though and they were going to have to study the cards together, faster than Nicky and Bucky could. 

He scooted right up against Thor again and shot him an apologetic smile. 

“Sorry, this game can be a little tricky. We’ll need to be able to compare these cards kind of fast.” Loki held up his key card and Thor held up his. If Loki leaned against Thor’s arm he could just barely see both cards. 

“How did we do this last time, Loki?” Nicky asked as he and Bucky were also holding their cards up in the air next to each other. Their similarity in size made it a little easier for them. 

“I’m not going to tell you! That’s cheating-” Loki teased, as Bucky grunted and yanked Nicky into his lap. From that position they were able to perfectly line up their key cards in the air and they would have a clear advantage over him and Thor. 

“Ha! Now I remember. Steve and Charlie couldn’t get the mechanics of this right, so they ended up lying down on the floor together, but we still beat them!” Nicky chortled happily and Bucky rolled his eyes as he squeezed one arm around Nicky’s middle. 

Loki felt Thor’s eyes on him, and he hesitated before slowly turning to look at him. 

“Would you…want to try something similar so we can achieve victory?” Thor asked, raising his eyebrows expectantly. 

Well, he had said he was going to follow Thor’s lead.

“He does look too cocky for his own good doesn’t he,” Loki mused, gazing over at Nicky who shot him a predatory grin, like the lion tattooed on his back. 

Without another word, Thor settled all the way back into the couch, leaving a sizeable amount of space between his long, thick legs. He lifted up his arms and Loki delicately climbed into his lap, settling down on the couch between his legs. 

Immediately Thor’s arms came back down to rest alongside Loki’s thin frame, and he held up his key card right next to Loki’s. He sat forward so he could also look at the cards, and his well muscled chest pressed up against Loki’s back.

“This is much better! Good suggestion my friend,” he called over to Nicky. 

Loki tried desperately to school his expression, but from the looks on both of his lover’s faces he wasn’t doing a great job of it. 

He felt like he had just stepped into a spa, wearing a weighted blanket, while on the world’s strongest anxiety meds. It was like all of the stress and worry he’d been carrying around with him this week, during the pandemic, and maybe even as far back as his childhood, just drained from his body. He felt safe and so incredibly warm in Thor’s arms. However, he also felt like he was in serious trouble. 

Bucky was smiling at him with his eyes and Nicky was practically beaming at him. He glared at them, knowing that only they’d be able to see it, and they quickly looked away. 

“Okay! Now that everyone is ready, I’m going to pass out the first clue cards. There’s no time limit, but the team that figures it out first has the first opportunity to make a guess about what room the murder took place in. Obviously right now you’ll just be guessing blind, but as the game goes on it becomes more and more important to be the first to guess. Okay, ready- actually wait-” Nicky leaned forward and cut the clue deck in half sliding one half over to Loki’s side of the table, “-why don’t we just draw our own cards, it will be easier than passing things back and forth across the table.” 

Nicky settled back comfortably into Bucky’s chest and Loki imagined that was probably why he didn’t want to keep moving. Loki also had no interest in leaving the warm embrace he was in. 

“Okay, so flip to page 37 of the code book-” 

“What if we each hold up one key card, I grab the clue card and hold it up in between, and you can hold the code book in your lap?” Thor whispered in his ear.

 Loki had to suppress a full body shiver when Thor’s warm breath ran down his neck. “Y-yea, that sounds great.” Loki flushed when he stumbled over his words. 

Thor flipped open the code book to the page Nicky had told them and he placed the book in Loki’s lap. His hand gently brushed the inside of Loki’s thigh and Loki had no idea how he was going to make it through this.  

“OKAY when you two are done sharing secrets! Ready?” Nicky griped. 

They both nodded, and Loki could feel some of the stray hairs that had fallen out of Thor’s top knot brush against his own neck. 

“Draw!” 

Thor’s long arm reached out and grabbed the clue card with his right hand and he brought it up right next to his clue card he was holding in his left hand. This resulted in Thor basically enveloping Loki in a hug.  

With a shaky arm, Loki lifted his own key card up on the other side of the clue card, pressing his arm against Thor’s. 

If he had thought their position felt good before this was an entirely different level. Loki actually had to close his eyes for a moment at how intense the feeling was. He could feel the firm press of Thor’s pecs on his back, his biceps were pressing against Loki’s shoulders and their legs were practically laminated together. 

It was a similar feeling to what he sometimes experienced when the other four men were all touching him or focusing all of their attention on him at once. He felt simultaneously too warm and like he never wanted to know what cold felt like ever again. He also felt incredibly small, like Thor was a force of nature and Loki’s small body wouldn’t stand a chance against him and his strength, and yet at the same time he felt incredibly safe. 

“Hm, I’m really not sure about this one,” Thor murmured against his ear and Loki snapped his eyes open and stared intently at the cards, trying to focus on anything but the way his stomach was tightening and his palms were beginning to sweat. 

“Marble,” Loki called succinctly, and the other team froze, looking over at them as Loki glanced down at their code book. 

“Is that right?” Nicky called, glancing down at his own book. 

“It is,” Thor murmured. He had leaned over Loki’s shoulder to glance down into Loki's lap as well. 

Please for the love of all that was supposed to be sweet and innocent about a board game night, do not let him get hard right now. Loki forced himself to focus on the softness he was feeling inside, the warm, fuzzy, tingly feeling behind his chest as opposed to the coil tightening in his belly. 

“Nice! Okay what’s your guess?” Nicky asked and Thor confidently yelled out “Kitchen!” as he reached for the card placed face down on top of the kitchen. He flipped it over and it was a dud clue. 

“Ooooh nice try. Well, better luck next round. Ready? Draw!” Nicky yelled, and Thor scrambled forward to discard the clue card and get another one. 

Loki was jostled forward, and he instinctively reached down to grab onto Thor’s thighs to keep from falling off the couch. He could feel, almost as distinctly as he could hear, Thor’s breath hitch as Loki’s fingers dug into the fabric of his chinos. 

Well, at least it seemed like they might both be in equal amounts of trouble here tonight. 

Chapter Text

Thor wasn’t sure how his plan had gone so well and yet so completely wrong. 

To start, he had walked into their apartment with the intent of talking to Loki and that had been completely derailed when Bucky and then Nicky had appeared. He had gotten to see Nicky half naked, which was an absolute treat in and of itself, but he had really hoped to speak with Loki and that hadn’t happened. 

Instead, he had ended up roped into board games. He wouldn’t usually have agreed to games, except it guaranteed he’d be able to spend some more time with Loki. 

As the cards for their first hand were dealt, Thor revised his plan. Maybe he didn’t need to actually speak with Loki to determine how he was feeling about him. If he could just name this feeling he had whenever he was around him, maybe he’d feel better. He didn’t want to believe it was some sort of passing obsession, or infatuation, but then he needed to figure out what it actually was. 

Loki had offered to teach him how to hold his cards and he was initially mortified. Leif had always wanted them to play games together, but he would get angry and yell at Thor when he didn’t pick up on the game fast enough or when Thor wouldn’t intentionally lose so he could win. Because of this, he’d stubbornly refused to learn to hold cards so he didn’t have to play games with Leif. 

Loki had been so gentle with him though, brushing his long, delicate fingers over Thor’s more clumsy ones, until he was actually able to get the hang of it. He hadn’t meant to so freely touch Loki, but he had thrown his arms around him in a moment of joy and Loki had practically formed himself to Thor’s side. 

Thor decided then that this was definitely partially infatuation. He wanted to do things to Loki’s body that were really not appropriate to think about in mixed company. Did that mean this was just him chasing a dopamine high? Just another form of addiction he’d lose himself to? 

He worried about this all through the first game until they started the second. Then he’d gotten Loki in his arms and practically in his lap.  

He had never felt anything like this before. He felt like all of the noise in his head, the chattering manic voice that dimmed with his medicine but never quite went away, slowed and then hushed to just a quiet murmur. The depression that constantly nipped at his heels like a rabid dog also seemed to lessen. Even though he was the one resting his weight on Loki, he himself felt grounded and stable.  

When he leaned forward to pick up their first card Loki’s body responded to him, molding back against his chest and his arm wrapped around Thor’s. It was almost paradoxical how small Loki was compared to him. He felt like a bird, hollow boned and unbelievably delicate. 

Thor knew what he was feeling wasn’t dopamine. There weren’t any jitters and there seemed to be no edge to his happiness, just a soft pool with gentle lapping waves. 

So maybe this was more than just infatuation. Maybe he’d flown right past infatuation into something else, something deeper and heavier. Something that turned words to cotton in his mouth and made him desperately want to ask Loki if he felt it too, but he was almost struck dumb by his fear that the answer might be no. 

Then Thor had reached for their second card and Loki had clung to him like a feral cat, his fingers digging into his leg with a surprising amount of strength. A movie reel started up in Thor’s mind of sexual and sensual things Loki could do to Thor with those hands. Thor was absolutely incapable of helping Loki solve the next three clues as he focused all of his attention on not getting an erection with Loki in his lap. 

He tried to get his focus back. The next time they got an answer wrong, some six clues later, Nicky took his sweet time reading the clue he and Bucky gained. Thor let his arms fall across Loki’s legs and he hugged Loki around the waist. He felt that feeling of centered rightness again and Loki must have felt something as well, because he leaned his head back on Thor’s shoulder and tilted his forehead to rest along Thor’s jaw. 

Before he could stop himself his stupid heart spoke for him. “I’ve heard amazing things about the view from the balcony, but I’ve yet to see it. Would you show me after this game?” 

He felt the muscles in Loki’s stomach tighten, but oddly his shoulders and back stayed completely relaxed. He wasn’t sure how to read that response. 

“Sure…we’ll probably order dinner after this game…maybe while the others submit the order, I can take you out there?” 

Loki’s breath was warm and sweet against the side of Thor’s face. It smelled like cider and vanilla. It seemed like all of Loki smelled like vanilla, like a warm candle, permeating around him like a haze. 

They, and by they he meant Loki, began to dominate in the game. He was merciless in solving the puzzles, guessing rooms, and organizing their clues. He finally shouted that he wanted to solve the mystery and Bucky and Nicky gaped at him. 

“That was so fast, our last game took almost twice as long as this,” Nicky whined, glancing at the clock. 

Bucky followed his gaze and shrugged. “It is almost dinner time. If Loki gets it right, we can go get Steve and Charlie and put in a dinner order.” 

“Alright Loki, what you got?!” Nicky said, brandishing his code book at him. 

The second Loki had asked to solve the puzzle Thor had given up all pretenses of the game and had just fully wrapped his arms around Loki’s waist. Loki made a soft noise in the back of his throat and leaned even harder back against Thor’s chest. 

“The murder happened in the bedroom, and it was the high priestess at midnight. She was enraged over a stolen piece of jewelry and so she murdered the pauper with her jewelry box.” 

Nicky frantically flipped to the back of the book and glanced through the storylines there and he gave a dramatic groan and collapsed to his knees on the floor, throwing himself dramatically over the coffee table. 

“You are the game master, Loki. I am unworthy of being in your presence!” 

Loki snorted at this and shifted forward. Thor immediately released him and he stood up, his back making a satisfying popping noise as he stretched. His sweater rode up his back a little with the stretch and Thor was gifted with a quick flash of skin. 

“You know what I want for winning? You get to take care of summoning our lazy partners while I show Thor the balcony.”

Loki took a few steps forward and reached out a hand for Thor, which he took immediately. They made it almost all the way to the balcony doors when Nicky called after them. They turned to see him rushing over to the bar cart. “You have to have wine the first time you see our view, especially now that the sun is setting! It’s too perfect not to.” 

Nicky pulled out six glasses, filling the first two quickly and handing them to him and Loki. He glanced down to see Loki giving Nicky a look, but Nicky completely ignored him as he continued pouring the rest of the wine. 

“Huh- when there’s six of us it uses up the entire bottle of wine. No more having single glasses left in a bunch of bottles. Six is a pretty perfect number, don’t you think?” Nicky asked, throwing a cheeky grin at Bucky who just rolled his eyes affectionately. 

“Come on,” Loki grumbled, pulling Thor by the hand out onto the balcony. 

It was a little chilly and he noticed Loki immediately shiver as he wrapped one arm around his torso, bringing the glass of wine up to his lips to get started on that alcohol blanket. 

Thor wistfully thought if he had a jacket he could be one of those men in American movies who put their too large jacket around the shoulders of their lover. Maybe on their next date he would wear one on purpose. 

He quickly drowned both thoughts with a large gulp of wine. It was deep and oaky, and he immediately regretted not savoring it. He took a smaller drink and held it on his tongue for a few moments. 

Loki was not his lover and this was not a date. He had shown up at their place, unannounced, with the intention of asking Loki if there was even a chance they could date, but this in and of itself was definitely not a date. Except when Loki glanced up at him, his eyes danced with curiosity and what looked suspiciously like affection. 

“Do you get overwhelmed by social situations, or am I just projecting on you?” Loki asked curiously. 

Thor’s eyebrows shot up, but after a moment he thought he understood the question. Loki was trying to figure out why he’d asked him out onto the balcony. Thor actually did get overwhelmed in social situations, but not intimate gatherings like these. He could do this all day long, it was the large galas, fundraisers, and frilly events he was forced to go to for work that exhausted and overwhelmed him. For a second he wondered if having Loki on his arm, or in his arms, at one of those events would make him feel better. 

He gazed down at Loki’s soft, open face. He was so beautiful, almost shockingly so. Thor could lie, or at least mislead him into thinking that was why he had asked him out here. They didn’t have to have a tough conversation on what was turning into a great night. 

Then again, it was the reason he had come over today. Loki blinked up at him and he was just so sweet, something in Thor cracked. 

“I do get overwhelmed sometimes, but that’s not why I asked you out here. I actually wanted to let you know, I have been giving thought to polyamory. I- well…I actually talked to my therapist about it.” He felt a little heat flash across his cheeks, but he knew therapy was nothing to be embarrassed about. It had saved his life in many ways and he would never apologize for getting help when he needed it. Or more accurately, when he was able to finally admit he needed it but hey, he had gotten there eventually. 

Loki’s eyes widened and he shivered almost violently. Thor pursed his lips and, before he could stop himself, he stepped forward and turned Loki around with a gentle hand on his shoulder. He draped himself around Loki’s back, wrapping his arms around him.

As if their bodies had become attuned to each other on the couch, Loki immediately stepped back against him and molded himself against Thor’s chest. 

“Is…this okay?” he asked timidly, as if Thor hadn’t been the one to put them in this position. 

“Well…I suppose that’s part of what I wished to speak with you about, as well.” 

Loki took a drink of his wine, leaning his head back against Thor’s chest. “Oh yea…?” 

“Yes.” Thor took a deep drink of his own wine and then another, effectively draining the glass. He leaned over and placed it on the patio table so he could rest both of his arms, and his weight, on the balcony railing, bracketing Loki in his arms. 

Loki took in a deep breath as if he was the one who was about to speak. Thor did the same, and then he did speak.  

“I think I would be interested in pursuing polyamory. It’s…hard for me to imagine right now. This breakup has been hard, and being so badly misunderstood by the public has been harder. I was in what I thought was a decent relationship- I mean we were engaged for helvete…” he trailed off. It usually wasn’t a good sign when he devolved into cursing in Norwegian. 

Loki was frozen against his chest, barely even seeming to breathe as he waited for Thor to continue. He took another steadying breath and tried again. 

“I was in what I thought was a loving relationship, but I’ve come to terms with the fact that it really wasn’t love. Not the kind of love I want, or…the kind of love I think I can give. I think I have so much love to give, and I think I could be capable of giving it to more than one person but…I can’t even imagine how it must feel to be loved in return by more than one person…” 

“It’s beautiful. More than I thought I could ever have, or could ever be worthy of,” Loki murmured as he placed his free hand on Thor’s arm. 

“I…don’t know if I could be worthy either, but I have made up my mind that I would try if-... if the opportunity ever arose.” 

They were both quiet then, Thor gazing out at the city in front of them and Loki polishing off his wine. He leaned over Thor’s arm to place his empty glass next to Thor’s. 

Loki turned around and pressed his back against the railing so they could look at each other. 

“I think that’s a very brave decision. It’s not always easy or simple, but polyamory and polyamorous love are the best things that have ever happened to me,” Loki said without a hint of hesitation in his voice. 

Thor found himself accidentally watching Loki’s mouth as he spoke. His lips looked so soft. The wine Thor basically speed-drank was making his eyelids feel a little heavy. 

“I…don’t even know how to ask this question,” Thor said in a moment of sheer, vulnerable honesty. 

“Just ask. Whatever it is…you can ask me…” Loki placed his hand on Thor’s chest. 

He could feel the pressure of it through his shirt, but none of the warmth was seeping through. Maybe Loki’s hands were already chilled from the cold. Depending on how Loki answered his next question, he might be able to get him back into the apartment and out of the cold pretty quickly. 

“Are you- I mean…can you- can I try? With you? I…I want to. I want to try, to see if I could have this. Is there any way I could have this with you?” He wasn’t even making sense to his own ears, so he imagined there was absolutely no chance of Loki having understood him. 

“Can you…have a polyamorous relationship with me?” 

“And…I guess everyone else? But…I want you- I mean I want to try with you first. To see if there’s any way I can…be worthy of love like this.” 

Loki’s eyes seemed to shine in the twinkling fairy lights, different shades of brown swimming with flash after flash of emotion. 

“I…what does that mean. Try. Like, go on a few dates? Have sex, see a movie, be in a relationship, fall in love…when would it change from trying to doing? Do you…see anything past trying?” 

Thor had no idea how this conversation was happening. He had been almost positive Loki was going to tell him they were in a closed relationship and thanks but no thanks, there’s the door. Nicky’s comment about six being a perfect number floated across his mind and he had to blink to clear his head again. That didn’t really help though. Loki’s question was…confusing. 

“I…sorry, I feel like we are talking a little…unclearly?” Thor said. 

Loki nodded immediately, his shoulders sagging a little. “You’re right…I’m sorry, you…you kind of asked in a cryptic way so I wasn’t sure how to respond in a way that wasn’t equally as cryptic.” 

Thor grimaced and straightened back up to his full height, stepping back from Loki. He glanced over at the couch that was outfitted with a pile of throw blankets, and then turned back to Loki. He had followed Thor’s gaze over to the couch and he smiled a little ruefully. “We do seem to like couches, don’t we?” Loki murmured.

Thor’s heart fluttered both times Loki said “we.” Thor plastered a pleasant smile on his face, but really his insides felt like they were careening down a mountain on a malequipped bobsled. 

Once again, Loki took his hand and led him across the balcony. They sat down and Thor shook out two of the blankets for them, draping one around Loki’s shoulders, and then placing the other across their laps. They were sitting slightly angled towards each other, their knees touching so they formed a v-shape. 

“So…I guess maybe let me start this time?” Loki asked hesitantly and Thor couldn’t help but reach out and take one of his hands under the blanket. Loki wrapped his other hand on top of Thor’s. 

“So, we are in a polyfidelious quint, which means we have agreed not to take on other people on the side, outside of the group. That doesn’t mean that we cannot bring new members into the group, they would just have to be willing to be ‘fidelius’ to the group as well. That means that I- for example- could not date…just you, and you date just me, forever. I couldn’t have you be my- my partner outside of the quint. But. If you wanted to be with not just me, but other members of the quint, and you wanted to make us six. That is, uhm-…allowed doesn’t feel like the right word but…that is okay with all members of our group. We talked about it and that is the decision we came to about-...well about you, Thor.” 

Thor felt like his world was tipping off of its axis, or maybe it was realigning onto a new axis. Loki was basically saying he could join their group if that was what he wanted. He wouldn’t be “allowed” to only be with Loki, but he could be with Loki and some or even all of the others. 

“Uhm…” he felt like his brain was short circuiting. He had hoped beyond hope that maybe there was a chance Loki was even slightly interested in him, and now Loki was telling him that they’d discussed him and- what? All agreed they were interested in him? Some of them were interested in him? He’d always been very attracted to Nicky, Steve, and Charlie and he’d already been with Bucky- suddenly his stomach lurched. 

“Is…does Bucky know? Is he-” 

“He said he is not interested in taking on any additional partners, whether it be you or someone else, but he is absolutely on board for you- uhm…joining us. If that were ever a thing you wanted to do.” Loki’s voice was level, but he seemed to be curling in on himself a little, and his eyes drifted out across the city. 

Thor quickly tabled the Bucky issue for now. He wanted to believe Loki, but he was obviously a little skittish about ex’s right now, and he would want to have his own conversation with Bucky if this ever came to anything. 

It wasn’t going to, though, if he let Loki talk himself out of it, which was kind of what it looked like he might be doing in his head right now. 

“Loki, look at me. Please?” he murmured and Loki glanced back over. 

“Is…this something you are interested in? Am…I someone you’re interested in?” Thor asked softly. 

Loki’s eyes widened and he nodded frantically. “Yes! Yes, sorry I…I guess I thought maybe it was kind of obvious that I’m interested in you. I mean…I’ve been texting you nonstop for a month and just spent the past hour practically melting in your arms.” He let out an embarrassed laugh. 

Thor felt a little like he was melting. 

“So…you want to…try this with me?” he asked, needing just a little more clarification. 

Loki frowned slightly at this. “See, there’s that word again. I…what do you mean try? Like do you just want to try and see if you’re ready to be in a relationship again? Or do you want to try and see if you could be in a relationship with me? Or try polyamory? Because…try makes it seem like maybe you don’t actually know if you want…me, or us or…a life together. And…in this quint I- I think that is pretty important to all of us. That we all want, and can see a life together, the five of us…forever.” 

Thor swallowed involuntarily. He had thought he wanted forever when he was with Leif. Now he was desperately glad he hadn’t gotten it. Hearing Loki say it with such conviction and love for the other men made it seem a little less impossible, even if it did still feel a little unattainable to Thor. 

“Well…I guess I’m asking if you would want to try to get to know each other better, with the intent of being together? And of me joining the group?” 

Loki squinted at him. “Like…dating? Or just like, let's stay friends and see if anything comes of it?” 

Thor shook his head because at least he knew that much. He didn’t want to be Loki’s friend. Well, he did, but he wanted to be so much more and that made it feel like friends just would not be good enough, would never be good enough again. 

“No. I don’t want to be just your friend, Loki. I think I’ve known that from the moment I met you.” 

“So, you want to…to try dating me? To see if we work?” 

“Yes.” He tightened his fingers around Loki’s and he squeezed back. 

“And what about the others? Would you try dating them as well or…” 

Thor thought about this and he could almost feel the gravity of the moment. He knew he had to be direct and honest in his response. 

“I don’t know if I could try with you and the others all at once. I think I would probably want to know that I definitely have something with you before I begin trying with anyone else. Because…if we don’t work- if you decide you don’t…want to be with me…Then I don’t think I want to be with anyone else here. I couldn’t be a part of this if I couldn’t be with you.” 

He couldn’t believe how serious the conversation had become. He kept saying the word try because he wanted to emphasize that this entire thing would be an effort in trying for him. He had tried to date, to get engaged and to get married and he had fallen short. This would be him trying again. 

This all felt very different from pulling someone at a bar, or meeting someone on an app. He would never say to one of them that he “wanted to be with them” before they had even really started to date. Somehow with Loki, and with this group, he knew his words had been completely true though. He wanted to be with Loki or he didn’t want to try again. Not with this group, and maybe not at all. 

It had been a little like this when he had met Leif. Leif had been so intense with his interest in Thor that he had thought it had been an instant connection. Looking back now, he realized he had been quite manic when he had met Leif, and Leif had taken advantage of that. He had slotted himself into Thor’s life so quickly that by the time he hit his next wave of depression and began to question their relationship, Leif was already threaded all around Thor like a vine, or maybe more like a weed. 

That had been why he had called his therapist this morning. He didn’t want to just be making another manic decision, throwing caution and reason to the wind. 

He didn’t feel manic right now though. He felt incredibly clear headed and very calm, despite his heart beating a little rapidly as he awaited Loki’s next question. 

He didn’t ask one though. He gazed up at Thor deep in thought. Thor blinked down at him until he finally spoke again. 

“I think that…that is exactly how we feel as well. Everyone here is quite fond of you, but you all have been friends for a long time and the interest never arose. It…well I think it is the attraction and interest I have in you that has caused this conversation to happen,” Loki mused. 

“Attraction and interest?” Thor teased lightly, squeezing Loki’s thigh. 

“Do you only feel one of those?” Loki asked in an equally light tone, but his fingers tightened against Thor’s. 

“I feel a lot more than just those two,” Thor admitted openly. 

Loki looked down at his lap. “And because of that you- you want to date me? You want to try at love again and see if…if that could be me? And the quint?” 

In a moment of bravery, Thor lifted his hand and tipped Loki’s chin up to look at him. His skin was so soft and his eyes shone. He wanted to kiss him. He wouldn’t- it would be far too much in one night, but he desperately wanted to. 

He often wasn’t as good with his words as he wished he could be. Some of it was English being his second language, but most of it was just that sometimes things would get lost between his heart and his vocal chords. Physical touch though was Thor’s specialty. He could communicate sonnets through his body and he thought he could probably write a few about the way Loki was looking at him right now. 

“Yes. I want to try- no. I want to date you. If you want that too…”

Loki’s smile took his breath away. He very nearly did lean in to kiss him, but he distracted himself by brushing his fingers up and down Loki’s jaw. Loki’s eyes fell to half mast and Thor’s stomach tightened. 

“I do. Want that, I mean…I want to date you,” Loki said back. 

They grinned at each other like a couple of alley cats. 

“Are there… rules I should know? About dating someone in a polyamorous relationship- with the intent to try- uhm, to join that polyamorous relationship?” Thor asked. 

Maybe he needed to talk to his therapist about this whole “try” thing. It felt like it kept slipping into his sentences, lessening the intensity but also the sincerity of his words. 

Loki’s brow furrowed. “Would you be comfortable discussing this with the group?” 

Thor’s chest tightened unpleasantly and he looked away. That felt like a lot right now. Like he was going to be sitting on a panel to be interviewed, or like when he went to what he thought was a business dinner, but it turned into his associates asking him questions about his breakup with Leif. 

“Hey,” Loki’s voice was soft as he raised his own hand up to Thor’s face. He pressed ever so gently against Thor’s cheek to get him to turn his head. He never would have been able to move Thor like this, but he went willingly, turning to look back at Loki’s concerned face. 

“That’s okay! We don’t have to tonight- I just… I’m not sure how much of that answer I can provide on my own. I- well. When I started spending time with the quint, I was sort of dating everyone, but really I was primarily dating Nicky.” 

Thor’s eyebrows rose at this. He had noticed that he and Nicky were the most cuddly of the group, but Nicky seemed to be like that with everyone. He hadn’t known that theirs was the deepest connection, or at least the first connection Loki had made. For some reason, this sparked a heat in his chest and in his groin. 

If he had to choose one person of the original quad he was the most interested in, it would probably be Nicky. The way he pushed and flirted with Thor lit him up inside, like he was still a carefree teenager, before life began to chip away at him. He really liked Charlie as well and felt a deep, carnal interest for him, almost like two predators who belonged to the same pack. Steve just made him happy. He made him want to rent a cabin in the mountains back home and curl up by the fire with him. Preferably naked since Steve was almost exactly his perfect type. 

“Were there rules or- or guidelines for you and Nicholas?” he asked, leaning his face into Loki’s hand that was still on his cheek. 

He smiled softly. “Well…Nicky wanted us to take things slow- sexually. So we did, but then that was completely different from how things went with Charlie or Bucky. I think it’s really up to us as a couple. I mean… as a pair. To- to decide.” 

The word couple seemed to trip Loki up as much as it did Thor. He definitely wasn’t ready to be a couple with anyone quite yet, but he didn’t mind being a pair. On the topic of sex though an uneasiness settled around his shoulders like a heavy jacket.

“I am…going to be traveling a lot. I bought an apartment not too far from here, but I will only be here part time. I’m assuming you will continue having sex with the quint-“ 

Loki shot him a sharp look, like he was afraid Thor was about to tell him not to. He quickly stumbled on. 

“-which you should! Of course! Please- I…I don’t wish for you to stop. But…would you prefer if I stopped having sex? I…well I have many friends across Europe who I connect with when I am in their area,” Thor tried to explain as delicately as he could. 

“Do…any of those friends have more than just sexual interest in you, or you in them?” Loki asked hesitantly, 

He thought hard about this. “I am absolutely not with any of them. Some of them are in relationships and we have polysexual arrangements but…I suppose some of them have more feelings in them than others.” 

Loki pulled his bottom lip between his teeth for a moment. 

“It…doesn’t really seem fair for me to be sharing a bed with three others and tell you you’re not allowed to do the same…” 

“Would it make you feel better if I limited it to only three as well?” Thor asked. He had meant it as a joke in his head, but it came out serious. 

Loki quirked an eyebrow at this. “Actually…maybe if I knew a little about them, the- the three…and…if I was sure that you wouldn’t stop trying with me to try with them…?” 

Thor squeezed his hand. “There is no one in my life right now that I want to be with in that way. I…have two friends in France who are very dear to me, but they belong to each other. I very much enjoy their company when I am there, but nothing more than that. One of my best friends in Norway I see every time I am home and a good friend in Spain I see once in a while, exclusively for carnal pleasures. And food. We all love food very much.” Thor smiled ruefully at Loki. 

He was being completely honest. He had no romantic feelings for any of them and would never choose them over this new, delicate thing with Loki. If he asked him to stop all of them tonight he would. Actually, maybe he should offer that.

“Okay, I mean that all sounds-” 

“But I can stop. I would stop. If you asked,” Thor interrupted. 

Loki smiled softly at him. “No, I…I suppose a little like how I joined the quint, I don’t want us to rush our- dating. For sex. I will be getting my fill here, so I think it makes total sense for you to get your fill elsewhere with those three- er… I suppose four,” Loki said with a slight cheeky grin. 

Thor chuckled. “Would you like me to remove one of the others?” 

“No, I’m just joking. Besides, I assume you don’t see the one in Spain often…?” 

That was correct. She was one of his few female lovers and they came together on occasion to play with dominance and submission. He had on instinct named her as one of his three primarily because of the different aspect she brought into the bedroom, but he doubted he would even see her before he and Loki got serious or ultimately decided this try hadn’t worked. 

“You…don’t want another partner in the US?” Loki asked suddenly, pulling his lip between his teeth again. 

“Well…” Thor began, stroking his finger over Loki’s hand he was still holding under the blankets, “I don’t have any others here right now, and I have no interest and no intent to find new partners moving forward. Also… it seems like if I wanted another one, there are four- or maybe three right here,” he said, tipping his head towards the apartment. 

Loki snorted. “Don’t let them hear you say that, or they’ll be all over you.” 

Thor made an over exaggerated thoughtful face, as if he was contemplating all the men he could sleep with in the house. 

Loki let out a huff and pulled both of his hands off of Thor, just to use them to shove his chest playfully. Thor reached up on instinct and caught one of them with his own, not wanting to lose that contact with Loki. Thor winked at him, wanting to poke fun just a little more. 

“Hey! Me...me first…please…” Loki’s tone had quickly gone from playful to plaintive and Thor gently pulled him forward by the hand he was holding. 

Loki tipped forward at an awkward angle, falling into Thor’s arms, his cheek coming to land against Thor’s collarbone. He wrapped both of his arms around Loki’s thin shoulders. 

“Of course, kjære. You first,” he whispered. 

Loki tilted his head against Thor’s neck. “Is that the word you keep texting me? It means…darling?” 

Thor hummed thoughtfully. “Yes, I think if you were to Google translate it, that is probably what you would get, but my mother always used it to mean my dear, or my sweet one. You can assume it means whichever one of those you prefer.” 

“My sweet one…?”  Loki whispered almost reverently. 

“Well,” he murmured, stirring Loki’s long gorgeous hair with his breath, “you are very sweet.” 

“I like that…” Loki whispered. He shifted on the couch, bringing his legs up underneath himself so he could more fully recline into Thor’s arms. 

“I like this,” Thor admitted, gently running his hand up and down Loki’s arm and he received a shiver in response. 

“I think…we probably have a lot of ground rules to set between us, and between us and the others…but maybe we can do that later? How long are you in town for?” Loki asked. 

“Well I’m supposed to be leaving in the morning. I should be able to come back next weekend? I could...take you on a proper date?”
“You mean you won’t just show up at my house, unannounced, while I’m in pajamas?” 

“You looked very cute in pajamas,” Thor deadpanned, and Loki let out an indignant squeak, but proceeded to burrow happily against Thor’s chest. 

He couldn’t believe this was actually happening. He had done just that, showed up unexpected and uninvited on Loki’s doorstep and he’d been welcomed in by not just Loki, but every member of the quint. Now they were cuddling, actually, purposefully cuddling, and flirting. At least he was flirting, Loki was more like nuzzling. 

“So…as you Americans like to say, is it a date?” Thor asked, absently rubbing Loki’s back. 

“Yes, it is very much a date. Do you- want me to wait to tell the others until then?” 

“No, you can tell them whenever you feel comfortable doing so, but…perhaps just not tonight?” 

“Why Thor, are you nervous? You’re so big and strong I didn’t think someone like you could get nervous,” Loki said playfully, squeezing one of Thor’s biceps. 

“Yes well, don’t judge the dog on its hairs.” 

Loki sat up and gave him a quizzical look. “Is that like…Norwegian for don’t judge a book by its cover?” 

Thor flapped his hand dismissively. “What a stupid phrase. Of course you judge a book by its cover, what else would you have to judge it by? Now a dog. You don’t know how strong or smart it is just by it’s fur now do you? No. You do not.” 

Loki blinked at him and then he burst out laughing and buried himself back in Thor’s arm. Thor thought maybe he’d have to make fun of silly American idioms more often. 

Chapter Text

“Thank you! Can you leave it on the ground?” Charlie called to the delivery person through their front door. 

“Pizza’s here sweetie, is that the last drink?” Steve asked from where he was leaning against the wall next to Nicky, who was standing at the bar cart. 

Steve and Charlie had finally gotten out of bed when Bucky had fetched them, and they’d been pleasantly surprised to hear that not only had Thor dropped by, but he and Loki were on the balcony together. They’d agreed to wait twenty minutes before ordering pizza, and then it had taken another thirty minutes for it to arrive. 

“Are you doing alright?” Steve asked quietly, apparently having observed how Nicky’s hands were shaking slightly as he stirred the sixth mixed drink. 

Was he doing alright? He had been flying high for most of the day. He woke up in bed with Loki and Charlie and proceeded to have amazing sex with both of them. Loki had been practically insatiable since he’d begun flirting with Thor some three weeks before, and Nicky was just drinking it up. 

They showered and then Nicky had eaten lunch with them in bed, wrapped in a comforter and their love. He’d enjoyed watching Loki blossom under Thor’s attention and he had been excited when they’d gone onto the balcony together. 

Unfortunately, from that point on he’d begun to feel a little unmoored. It was possible they really were just looking at the view, but the longer they stayed out there the more anxious Nicky got. 

Loki had all but promised Nicky forever, but what if Thor could promise him that as well, but not with the quint? Nicky loved him so much, and he wanted him to find someone like Charlie was for him. He just didn’t want to lose Loki in the process. 

“I’m just…a little nervous…” Nicky admitted and Steve reached out a hand for him. He stepped willingly into his arms and accepted his hug and reassurance. 

“Have faith in Loki, kitten,” Charlie said, as he brought the pizzas to the table. 

“I do…I just have a lot of anxiety as well…” Nicky groaned, burying his face in Steve’s shirt. 

After a moment of Nicky’s grumbling, Bucky placed a gentle hand on Nicky’s back and he turned out of Steve’s arms and into his. 

“And that’s alright, sweetheart. We just don’t want to burden Thor with our worries or concerns just yet, alright? There will be lots of time to set ground rules and work through expectations and guard rails.” 

“I just…love him so much…” Nicky whispered against Bucky’s neck. 

“I know, Nicky, and he loves you. I told you, I spoke to him earlier and his biggest concern was whether or not Thor would fit in with the quint. He’s not going to leave you.” 

“Us…” Nicky corrected softly. 

Bucky brought his hands up to cup Nicky’s cheeks. “He’s not going to leave us. He loves us, and we love him. And I think there’s a real chance we could love and be loved by Thor, too. We just have to let Loki work things out in his own way, okay?” 

Nicky felt stupid for being so anxious. He hadn’t felt this way with any of their other partners. Then again, he and Charlie had been equally responsible for bringing Bucky and Steve into their relationship, and Nicky had been the primary driver bringing Loki in as well. Maybe Nicky just had control issues. Actually, he definitely had control issues, that was a known fact, so maybe this shouldn’t be that surprising after all. 

He leaned forward and kissed Bucky, hoping to drown out the creeping feeling of dread in his stomach. 

“Do you want to go ask them if they’re ready for dinner?” Charlie asked softly. 

“Sure!” Nicky tried to put on his most chipper voice, but from the pained faces his partners shot him he was failing. 

He took a deep breath and then walked to the balcony doors. He opened the door and stepped outside into the chilly night air. Thor and Loki were curled up on the couch while Loki attempted to point out a constellation in the sky. Thor had his hand on Loki’s thin wrist and was redirecting him to where the constellation would have been in the Norwegian sky. 

Nicky experienced the usual warmth and affection that he normally did when he saw his partners being affectionate with each other. That seemed like a good sign. He softly cleared his throat and they both turned to him. 

“We ordered pizza…if you’re hungry.” 

Thor downright beamed at him, as if he’d just announced they’d discovered the cure for cancer. “I love American pizza! Nowhere near as good as Italian, but so much better than Norwegian! Thank you, Nicholas, my friend, we will be in momentarily!” 

As he spoke, he gently helped Loki right himself, and Loki sent Nicky a syrupy sweet look that Nicky returned with a grin. 

They filed back into the house together and Nicky placed a glass in both of their hands. 

“Oooh Nicky, it’s so pretty!” Loki cooed, wrapping an arm around Nicky’s waist. The drink was a curacao blue, and it was heavy on the pineapple juice and rum, something he knew Loki would love with the greasy pizza. 

“Just like you doll. Hurry up and sit down, I’m starving.” He squeezed Loki’s waist and then released him so they could all take their seats. 

Moving clockwise around the table, they sat with Charlie at the head of the table, next to Nicky, then Loki, Thor on the other end of the table from Charlie, Bucky, and then Steve on Charlie’s other side. 

They quickly distributed the pizza and everyone complimented Nicky on the drink. Well, except for Charlie, who grumbled about how alcoholic it was. So what if Nicky wanted to get a little drunk with his lovers and possible new lover? No harm, no foul, right? 

Nicky was trying to subtly check out the way Loki and Thor were interacting. He felt like something had definitely transpired outside, but he wasn’t sure if it was “the thing” or “the conversation” or just a conversation. 

Nicky found Loki’s thigh under the table and placed his hand on it, squeezing lightly. Loki didn’t falter in his question to Thor. He was asking him where he would be traveling to in the morning. 

As Thor responded, Loki’s hand found Nicky’s, and he placed it gently on top, tapping his thumb on the top of his hand three times. This was the universal code for “I love you” in their house. Nicky flipped his hand over so he was holding Loki’s, and he tapped three times back with his index finger. They both pulled their hands back, Loki to grab his pizza and Nicky to grab his drink. 

The rest of the dinner flowed effortlessly, easy conversation turning even easier as everyone became a little intoxicated. 

“My dear friends!” Thor bellowed holding up his third cocktail of the night. “Thank you for once again welcoming me into your wonderful home! My apologies again for coming unannounced. Next time I shall bring dinner with me and be very announced!”  

Nicky rolled his eyes at Thor and he winked back. Nicky felt an actual blush color the tips of his ears and he snorted into his drink. He was a little drunk, that’s all. 

“When will you be in town next? You said you’re transitioning to half time in the US, does that mean every other week or some other configuration?” Bucky asked, smiling warmly at Thor. 

“I don’t think it will ever be quite so clear as that, but yes! Hopefully one to two weeks a month, probably more, but possibly less. And I believe I will be back in the area next weekend,” Thor said, shooting Loki a very obvious look.

“While we were on the balcony I offered to show Thor around some of the neighborhoods between here and his place. We might do that next weekend if Thor ends up in town,” Loki explained. 

“And then I will bring dinner for you all!” Thor declared, raising his glass to them all again. 

Loki hesitantly raised his own glass to touch Thor’s and then they all followed suit. Thor looked delighted. 

“To old friends and new friends, and old friends becoming new!” he called and they all cheersed. 

Charlie and Steve began to clean up and Thor apologized for having to leave so early. 

“I’ll walk you out?” Loki offered as he stood up from his chair. 

Thor smiled at Loki, but it was something tender, unlike his more usual exuberant smiles. Nicky looked away to give them some privacy. He looked over at Bucky who shot him his own tender smile. Nicky gestured at the couch and they both stood up as well. 

Thor and Loki spent another thirty minutes on the front stoop. Nicky took advantage of that time by flirting with Bucky, telling him the increasingly filthy things he wanted to do to him and Loki that night. 

Bucky finally pinned him to the couch and was about to, hopefully, have his way with him

when Loki walked back in. 

He froze in the entryway, his eyes locked on both of them. 

Nicky smiled coyly at him. “Hi sweetheart. Everything alright?” 

“Uhm, yeah, I- I wasn’t sure if everyone would want to talk now or…later?” 

He stepped out of his shoes and slowly padded over to them. Loki kneeled down on the floor so he was eye level with Nicky, who was still pinned underneath Bucky. 

Loki leaned forward and kissed Nicky. It was a sweet kiss, tinged with tomato sauce and fruity alcohol. It made Nicky’s heart sing and his stomach tighten painfully. Not helping the matter, Bucky chose that moment to grind his hips down against Nicky’s. 

He gasped and broke the kiss. 

“It doesn’t matter to us, Loki, whatever you want to do. Do you want to talk now? Or later?” Bucky ground his hips against Nicky’s again and he let out a whimper. Nicky watched as Loki’s pupils dilated and his breath began coming faster. 

“If I choose later…Could I…join you both?” he asked in a shaky voice. 

They answered together, a chorus of “of course” and “literally always,” and Loki’s returning smile was dazzling. 

“Bedroom or couch?” Bucky inquired. 

“Bedroom,” Loki answered. Bucky yanked Nicky up by his shirt and Loki scrambled to his feet. 

“We’ll talk tomorrow- love you both!” Nicky called to the kitchen and they got confirming grunts from Steve and Charlie in response. 

Nicky could barely keep his hands off Loki. He was already trying to remove Loki’s shirt as he walked backwards towards the bedroom and Bucky was dragging Nicky along by his belt loops. 

When they all finally stumbled into the bedroom, Bucky shoved them both down on the bed. 

Nicky was still feeling a little raw and off balance, and while he was sure Bucky would pick up on it, he wanted to say it out loud just to be safe. 

“I need someone to fuck me. Please…” 

Bucky nodded immediately and turned to Loki. “Would you like to give and receive or just give tonight?” He asked sweetly as he finished removing Loki’s shirt. Nicky quickly ripped his own off over his head and began pulling Bucky’s off as well. 

“B-both? If that’s okay?” Loki breathed.

Bucky pulled Loki into a bruising kiss and Nicky yanked off his joggers and underwear and then reached for Bucky’s pants, successfully ridding him of all of his clothes as well. 

Nicky whimpered pathetically as the other two  continued to kiss. Bucky pulled back and stroked his hand down Loki’s cheek before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on his forehead. 

When he turned to Nicky, his eyes were warm and teasing. “Alright, alright sweetheart. I’ll pay attention to you now.” 

Nicky whined again and this time added a pout. He wasn’t trying to be a brat, really he wasn’t, but watching Bucky and Loki kiss without him felt like sandpaper against his nerves right now. Bucky was a very magnanimous lover, but Nicky felt like he might need even more attention than Bucky could give him. He was sure if he asked, they would both focus on him and his needs tonight but he really didn’t want to make it all about him. Or he did, but not in such an explicit way. Suddenly he knew exactly what he needed. 

“I- I need Charlie,” he whimpered, just as Bucky was about to kiss him. 

Bucky’s eyebrows shot up and Loki popped up off the bed. “I can get him! Do you want just him? Or him with us?” 

“Him…with us. And Steve,” Nicky said, conviction solidifying his words. 

Bucky’s eyebrows couldn’t go any higher than they already were, but he glanced between the two of them curiously. They had only had sex as a quint once before, so this was not an insignificant ask he was making. 

Loki faltered, but only for a moment, and then he quickly left the room. 

“Nicky, my love…we’re going to be okay,” Bucky breathed against his lips. He brought his hands up to cup Nicky’s face. 

“I-I know that. I just…can’t seem to get my anxiety to know that. Maybe one of you can fuck that feeling out of me.” 

Bucky smiled a little sadly at him before Nicky pulled him into a brutal kiss. He bit at his bottom lip and stroked his mouth into submission with his tongue. 

He only pulled back when he heard the others enter the room. He looked up to see Charlie appraising him with concern etched in his brow. 

He practically threw himself across the room and into Charlie’s arms. 

“Okay- okay, kitten. It’s alright. We’re going to take care of you tonight, okay?” Charlie wrapped a hand around Nicky’s throat and placed just enough pressure that he felt his eyes begin to close. 

If the others hadn’t been there, he probably would have just dropped to his knees and been done with it. Just let Charlie take control of his body and get him so far out of his head he couldn’t be anxious anymore. But he wanted more than even that tonight. He wanted to know that their group was whole and thriving and that no one was going to leave him.  

Steve hummed in agreement and he wrapped a hand around Nicky’s wrist, squeezing almost painfully. 

“Does everyone consent to all five of us having sex with and around each other?” Charlie asked with gravity in his voice. All four of them consented immediately. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Loki make his way back over to Bucky and they crawled across the bed to the opposite side. Charlie and Steve led Nicky to the side closest to them, sitting him down on the edge of the bed as they both quickly got undressed. 

Nicky spent the entire time whining until finally Steve crawled onto the bed behind him and pinned his arms behind his back. He bent down to whisper against his ear. “Are you still feeling anxious?” 

Nicky nodded emphatically. 

“Okay sweetie…Let’s see if we can’t get you out of your head a bit,” he readjusted his hands, so he was holding both of Nicky’s in one of his and he reached around and began stroking Nicky. 

Nicky moaned and tried to thrust up into his hand. Charlie kneeled down in front of him and spread his legs open, holding him down against the bed with two strong hands. 

Nicky whimpered and tried again, unsuccessfully, to thrust up into Steve’s hand. 

“Charlie,” Nicky whimpered pathetically. 

Charlie’s eyes were sparkling as he looked up at him. “Do you need us to be gentle with you, love?” 

Steve’s hands immediately loosened on his wrists and slowed to a languid tempo on his cock.

“No! God, please, no,” Nicky whimpered and he cried out when Steve tightened both of his grips again. 

He heard moaning behind him and he turned to see Bucky with his face between Loki’s spread legs. 

Nicky’s head fell back against Steve’s chest and he whined pitifully. Charlie’s eyes flickered over his shoulder to take in Loki and Bucky. “You want to watch, kitten?” 

Nicky nodded his head desperately. Steve shifted behind him until he was resting with his back against the headboard. He pulled Nicky to him by his arms and it tweaked his shoulder painfully, but he went along willingly. Charlie climbed onto the bed and he grabbed lube from the nightstand. 

Loki let out a loud moan, and Nicky glanced over to see Bucky finger fucking him with just his saliva. 

Nicky whined in the back of his throat again and Charlie quickly lubed up his own fingers and, with little fanfare, slid a finger into Nicky. He let out a shout and collapsed backwards onto Steve’s chest. Steve kissed along his jaw, craning his neck until he could capture Nicky’s lips. He shoved his tongue into Nicky’s eager mouth, stroking his tongue in time with his hand that was still stroking Nicky, and with Charlie’s thrusts. 

They both worked him into a rhythm until he was whimpering and begging. 

“Please, please, m-more- Steve!” he cried out when Charlie struck that spot inside him. 

Charlie’s eyes flickered to Steve and then over to Bucky and Loki. He got a dangerous look in his eye and Nicky was about to ask about it when he pulled his fingers out of Nicky. 

“Bucky,” he called gently. Bucky glanced up from where he was still taking Loki apart with his fingers. “Can I fuck you while you fuck Loki?” 

Bucky’s eyes widened. “O-of course.”

Charlie poured more lube into his hand and he reached behind Nicky to stroke Steve who moaned in Nicky’s ears. 

Nicky’s brain didn’t have time to catch up to what was happening as Charlie grabbed him roughly by the hips and lifted him up and back onto Steve’s cock. He couldn’t control the entrance since his arms were still behind his back, so Charlie decided the speed at which he sank onto Steve. All three of them moaned as Nicky’s body greedily accepted all of Steve in a fluid motion. 

“Oh- god, Nicholas,” Steve moaned in his ear and Nicky let out a shattered moan of his own. 

Charlie shifted behind Bucky and made quick work of preparing him as well. 

Nicky was distracted as Steve released his hand from around Nicky’s wrists. He reached up with that same hand, grabbed Nicky by the throat, and pulled him down hard against his chest. 

Nicky’s arms were still pinned behind his back and the angle was brutal on his shoulders. However, the sharp pain combined with the delicious pressure around his throat had Nicky’s mind beginning to fuzz over. He felt all of the anxiety and tension from before slowly leaving his body. 

“S-Steve…” he whimpered. 

Steve was still languidly stroking him as he began to slowly thrust up into him. 

“Let me take care of you,” Steve whispered against his cheek. 

He nipped gently at Nicky’s ear, which was such a soft contrast to his brutal grip on Nicky’s throat he moaned. 

Nicky closed his eyes for a few moments, trying to enjoy all of the competing feelings. The bed shifted and he opened his eyes to see Loki on his hands and knees in front of him with Bucky lining himself up behind him, and Charlie behind Bucky. 

“Hi,” Nicky breathed out happily. 

Loki’s face lit up and he bent his head to kiss the inside of Nicky’s lifted thigh. “Hi baby.” 

“I love you,” Nicky said on instinct. 

Loki hid his smile in Nicky’s leg as he murmured, “I love you too.” 

Nicky’s eyes flickered back to meet Charlie’s and he smiled knowingly at him. Leave it to Charlie to orchestrate this entire scene so that Nicky could be fucked and manhandled by Steve, while also being loved on by Loki. 

Charlie’s eyes turned steely with concentration as he slowly slid into Bucky. Bucky grabbed Loki’s hips and pulled him back and onto his cock. They all moaned and Steve, who must have been watching Bucky and Charlie, groaned. He pressed his nails into Nicky’s throat and he let out a long moan of his own that turned into a cry when Loki bit down on his thigh. 

Bucky grabbed Loki by his hair and pulled his head back as he thrust into him. Loki let out a strangled cry and Nicky couldn’t keep his eyes off him. The long plane of his back, colored by over a dozen tattoos, was already beginning to glimmer with sweat. He was so beautiful, Nicky just wanted to sink his teeth into him and devour him. As if reading his mind, but in reverse, Bucky used his grip on Loki's hair to lower his head down onto Nicky’s cock. 

Nicky shouted at the image and the feeling and just the entire thing. 

“That’s it gorgeous…suck Nicky’s pretty cock…” Bucky purred and Nicky arched his back. 

Steve moved his hand out of Loki’s way and instead he reached down to grip Nicky’s hip. Then he really began fucking up into him. 

“Oh god- yes- yes!“ Nicky cried out. 

He let his body go limp, allowing Loki to work on him from the front, while Steve brutally took him from behind. Bucky helped Loki time the bobbing of his head to Steve’s thrusts and soon the five of them were moving in sync. 

“So beautiful…” Charlie murmured, as he stroked his hands down Bucky’s sides. 

“You’re all- so- hot-“ Nicky panted. 

Steve chuckled in his ear and licked a path from below Nicky’s ear up to hair line. Nicky bucked his hips into Loki’s mouth, who pressed back into Bucky, who arched his back sexily for Charlie. 

Moans, whimpers, cries, and curses filled the air.

“I. Fucking. Love all of you. So much,” Bucky grunted in time with his thrusts. 

“Same,” Nicky groaned and Steve gave him a particularly brutal thrust at the same time Loki hummed on Nicky’s cock.  

Charlie gripped Bucky’s shoulders and bent him forward even farther. “I love you all as well,” he murmured. Bucky cried out as he thrust into Loki at their new angle. 

Loki cried out against Nicky’s cock. Nicky’s head was swimming and he almost lost himself when Steve bit into his shoulder, murmuring, “I love you all more than anything in this world.” 

He was so close, but Loki fell first. Bucky yanked him upright against his own chest and Loki came with his usual quiet cry. His cum splashed across Nicky’s chest and his own straining cock. 

Bucky thrust desperately a few more times, as did Charlie, and then they were cuming together. 

Steve shifted forward to get a better angle and he grabbed Nicky’s cock again. They moved together, and Nicky begged and whined. 

Charlie gently moved Loki and Bucky to the side of the bed where they curled around each other, and suddenly he was there in front of Nicky. 

He leaned down, bracing one hand on the headboard, and kissed Nicky brutally. He took complete control of his mouth and the last thing he heard was Loki whispering his name. 

He came hard. So hard his vision flashed white and he spasmed against Steve’s chest. 

Steve continued to desperately thrust up into him and Charlie gripped Nicky’s hips and helped him continue to ride Steve until finally he came with a low groan as well. 

Charlie fell back onto the bed, and he pulled Nicky with him. Bucky had shifted so he was lying farther up the bed with Loki on his chest. Steve rolled over and wrapped his arms around both of them. 

They all fell still, the only noise in the room was their quiet panting. 

Nicky felt absolutely disgusting. The combined sweat of at least three of his lovers covering and quickly cooling on his body. There was also cum and saliva in various places on him and he tried not to think too hard about that. He was going to have to get up and shower very soon, but he just wanted a few more minutes of this. Surrounded by his lovers and enveloped in Charlie’s comforting, supportive warmth. 

“I love you,” he murmured against Charlie’s chest and he felt more than heard his voice break over the words. 

He was definitely a little drunk. He didn’t often get this emotional during sex when he was sober. 

“I love you… more than five way orgy’s,” Charlie responded. 

Nicky raised a sarcastic eyebrow, trying to press down his traitorous emotions. “Wow… that’s a lot.” 

Charlie hummed contentedly and Nicky really should have been content too, but he needed just a little more. 

“Forever…?” he asked softly. He didn’t think about it until he spoke, but the room was completely quiet, so everyone could hear his question. 

“Yes, kitten. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but I think you are down right stuck with me.” He stroked his hand up and down Nicky’s sweaty back. 

“You’re stuck with me too, dork,” Bucky said, nudging Nicky’s leg with his foot. 

“And me. And allll of my idiosyncrasies,” Steve drawled lazily as Bucky stroked his fingers through his hair. 

Nicky didn’t dare look at Loki. He didn’t want to pressure him into saying anything in front of the others. His soft voice responded anyways though. 

“M-me too…I mean…if you’ll have me.” 

Nicky’s eyes snapped to his and then they filled with stupid tears from his stupid emotions, and he felt stupid, but also the happiest he’d felt all night. 

Loki smiled back at him until with a start, he sat bolt upright, pulling violently out of Bucky’s arms. He looked shocked and confused and maybe a little hurt. 

“Is-...is that why this happened?” Loki asked, looking around at all of the men splayed out around him. “Are…are you worried or- or upset with me? Because of Thor?”

“No! No, not at all my love!” Nicky had never called Loki that before. He was beginning to have more nicknames for Loki than he knew what to do with. He blamed it on the fact that Loki had somehow managed to burrow deep into Nicky’s heart as if he had always belonged there. Their relationship had grown and changed over the past eight months and sometimes Nicky just didn’t know what to do with all this love. Drowning Loki in it seemed to be the current plan. 

He saw pleasure ripple across Loki’s face at the pet name, but it was quickly replaced with concern again. 

Nicky held out his arms and Loki practically dove into them. 

“I’m just…being my stupid anxious self…you did absolutely nothing wrong,” Nicky murmured as he began stroking Loki’s back. Loki burrowed deeper into his arms, wrapping his own slender arms tightly around Nicky’s back. 

Charlie tried to shift away to give them space, but they both glared up at him with skeptical looks. Charlie let out an indulgent chuckle and wrapped his arms around both of them. 

They stayed like this for a surprisingly long time until finally Loki was the one to beg for a shower. 

Bucky, Charlie, and Steve excused themselves for the other shower and Loki pulled Nicky into the shower in this room. 

Under the hot spray of the shower head, Nicky could almost forget all of his earlier anxieties. Loki, of course, wasn’t going to let him off the hook that easily though. “Do you…want to talk about it?” 

Nicky grimaced into the stream of water. “If it is Thor and his interest in the quint, we should probably do that as a group. If it is…anything else…well, that’s up to you.” 

Loki hugged him from behind, pulling him out of the shower spray and back against his thin chest. He nuzzled his nose into Nicky’s neck and Nicky sighed. 

“I was…just feeling a little scared. That…maybe Thor would tell you he wanted to be with you, but not with us.” 

Loki nodded against Nicky’s head. “I mean, if that happened- which it didn’t by the way- then I would have just have sadly turned him down.” 

Nicky felt guilt climbing up his throat, tightening his vocal chords until he couldn’t say anything in response. 

“You…know that that’s what I would have done, right?” Loki asked quietly, stroking his thumbs over Nicky’s hip bones. 

Nicky wanted desperately to nod so this conversation could be over, but he just couldn’t. It would be a lie and he didn’t lie to his partners. 

“Nicky…” Loki breathed and that one word was so sad Nicky felt tears prick his eyes again. 

“I- I’m sorry…I just…Charlie is, truly, the only reason I’m here. The only reason I’m still…alive. He saved me and he continues to save me when things get too hard when- when my past gets too hard and- I want you to have that too. I desperately want you to have someone like that, but…it just really scares me that if you found someone that holds as much of a pull for you as Charlie does for me, and if they wanted you to leave with them…I mean I don’t think I could fault you for that…” 

Loki turned him around so they were face to face. 

“Charlie would never ask you to leave the quint, right?” Loki asked sharply. 

Nicky’s head tipped back like he’d been slapped. “No! Of course not! That’s not-“ 

“Because he loves you? And he knows that this is what you want?” Loki continued. 

Nicky closed his mouth and slowly nodded. 

“Well this is what I want too, Nicky. I want…you. I want to be with you, forever. I want to be with the quint, forever. I can’t be with someone who doesn’t understand, respect, and agree to that. When or if I choose someone the way you have chosen Charlie…it won’t be me choosing them over you, Nicky, it will be me choosing us.” 

Nicky let his tears fall and blend in with the shower water still dripping down his face. 

“I’m sorry…” Nicky whispered and Loki took his face in his hands and kissed him tenderly. 

Nicky hiccuped a sob into the kiss and Loki shifted so he was just holding Nicky against his chest. 

“It’s okay to be afraid and to come to me when you feel that way. Change is scary, but I promise Nicky, nothing is going to change between us. I mean- unless maybe it somehow gets even better.” 

Loki laughed softly and Nicky let himself laugh along with him. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Loki slept fitfully in Nicky’s arms that night and Nicky found himself and Loki awake stupidly early the next morning. Nicky groaned into Loki’s hair and burrowed tighter against his back, hoping to squeeze him back to sleep. A blue light flashed across his closed eyes and he cracked an eye open to see Loki was texting Thor. 

“Oh my god is he awake too? Ugh you guys can have each other,” Nicky grumbled as he flipped over to press his back against Loki’s. 

“Hey! That’s…not very nice…” Loki mumbled as he rolled over as well, wrapping himself around Nicky’s back. He nuzzled into Nicky’s neck but his grip was painfully tight around Nicky’s ribs and the implications of his words hit him suddenly. 

“Sorry, sweetheart…I didn’t mean-...I mean, I’ll have both of you as well…I just meant you can have each other at stupid fuck thirty o’clock in the morning,” Nicky’s voice was garbled, but his mind was sharpening as he realized his careless words could have definitely hurt Loki’s feelings. 

“Oh…well, okay then,” Loki said, sounding completely placated. 

He brought his phone around to Nicky’s front and held up the blue light right in front of Nicky’s face. 

“Loki!” Nicky groaned and turned around, once again, burying his face in Loki’s chest. Loki wrapped an arm around his back and kept his other one outstretched, presumably to text Thor. 

This actually seemed to work for Nicky and once Loki began stroking his back, Nicky happily fell back to sleep. 

He awoke some hours later to find a gentle hand stroking him through his boxers. He groaned into Loki’s sleepshirt clad chest and squirmed even closer. 

“Good morning,” Loki whispered, kissing him gently on the forehead as his hand continued to do very naughty things to Nicky. 

“G’morning-  ngh-” Nicky mumbled as his voice broke around a groan. Loki was really pulling out the stops. His thumb was dragging across his slit and his wrist was twisting in a tantalizing way. 

Nicky groaned and rolled on top of him, stilling his movements. 

“Do you want me to fuck you?” Nicky growled. 

“Yes please,” Loki hummed, wrapping his arms around Nicky’s neck. 

He really had become insatiable recently. This was maybe the fourth or fifth time Loki had woken Nicky up with a hand or blow job and requested Nicky fuck him into submission. It was good that that was what Loki wanted this morning though, because Nicky’s ass was hurting from the intense angle he’d had sex in the night before. 

“How much prep do you need?” Nicky asked dazedly as he reached blindly for the lube bottle on the nightstand. 

“Not much,” Loki murmured, sliding out of his boxers and removing Nicky’s as well.  

“Mmm, you’re so good for me,” Nicky murmured distractedly as he managed to manhandle both of them out of their shirts. 

He dipped his head and lapped at one of Loki’s nipple piercings. Loki moaned and began stroking his hand down Nicky’s spine. He shivered and bit down on the sensitive nub already in his mouth. 

“Oh god- Nicky. T-too much…I’m not going to last long already, please- please…I need you inside me.” 

Nicky sat up and went to lube up his fingers but Loki grabbed his wrist. 

“You don’t…need to do that…you can just stretch me out yourself,” Loki whispered plantivily. 

“Fuck, Loki. I am barely conscious right now. I’m going to hurt you by accident. Let me just-” he quickly drizzled some lube on his fingers and slid one and then quickly two into Loki. 

He moaned and arched off the bed as Nicky began to quickly stretch him open. 

This was a new development for Loki over the past month or two. He’d begun requesting his lovers stretch him out, not with their fingers, but with their cocks. It was incredibly beautiful and moving to have him place that amount of trust in them. However, it was a very slow, almost reverent process, for which Nicky did not have even an ounce of wherewithal for this morning. 

Loki wanted a quick morning fuck, and Nicky was going to deliver. He slid in a third finger and when Loki shouted his name he figured that was good enough. He wiped his fingers on his cock for some extra lubrication and then he slowly lined himself up. 

“I want you to look at me the entire time,” Nicky commanded and Loki nodded immediately. Nicky promised himself he’d do the same. He took in Loki’s heaving chest that made his nipple rings shimmer and flicker in the morning light. His cheeks were slightly flushed and his jet black hair was spread out on the pillow and bed around him. 

Despite his earlier denial, he very slowly sank into Loki, forcing him to feel every single inch of him.
“Oh- god Nicky…” Loki moaned, eyes closing. Nicky pinched his hip and he gave a small yelp and opened his eyes again. 

“I literally just told you to watch me the whole time!” Nicky said, laughing through the strain it was causing him to go this slow. 

“Sorry- mmmmmm, forgot…” Loki said, a smile in his voice as his back arched off the bed when Nicky finally sunk all the way in. 

“So fucking gorgeous…” Nicky murmured, running his hands up and down Loki’s flanks. 

He ran his hands around and down Loki’s ass and grabbed his thighs. He lifted them up to rest on his arms and bore down on Loki, changing the angle from nice to fucking mind blowing. 

They both moaned loudly and Nicky began moving in a steady rhythm. Loki whimpered and then moaned when Nicky dug his nails into his thighs. 

“You’re…so good…feel so good, oh god Loki,” Nicky babbled, as Loki began to tilt his hips up to meet each of his thrusts. He wanted to touch more of him but it was hard in their current position. 

“Touch yourself for me?” he asked, and Loki’s eyes flashed. 

Instead of following directions, he struggled to sit up. Nicky immediately released his legs and Loki sat halfway up to grab his face and kiss him roughly. 

Their mouths definitely didn’t taste fresh, but the kiss felt amazing and helped Nicky finally wake all the way up. 

“Let me ride you,” Loki whispered and Nicky immediately complied. They switched positions so Nicky was reclined up against the headboard and Loki quickly sank back down onto him. They both moaned obscenely. Loki began a brutal pace and Nicky reached forward to begin stroking his cock. 

“Nic-c-k-y,” he cried as he picked up his pace.

“Oh, god, please don’t stop,” Nicky groaned, momentarily allowing his eyes to close. 

“Hey, you- gotta- look at me too,” Loki chided and Nicky grudgingly opened his eyes again. “I’m gonna cum if I watch you bouncing up and down like that…god look at you…fucking made for this…you’re so beautiful,” Nicky ran his unoccupied hand up Loki’s chest and pinched first one then the other nipple. 

Loki lifted his hands up and ran them seductively back through his hair. 

“God, fucking tease Loki…” Nicky whimpered as his stomach began to tighten painfully. 

Loki looked directly into his eyes as he licked his lips. “I find it hard to believe I could be a tease while I'm actively riding you.” 

“I know right? But somehow you still are,” 

Loki laughed happily, throwing his head back, continuing to purposefully torture Nicky with his beauty.  

“Should just send Thor a picture of you like this…” Nicky murmured, partially because it was actually what he was thinking and partially to see what kind of reaction it would elicit in Loki. 

Loki bit his lip but he didn’t break eye contact so Nicky decided to push it. 

“You’re going to look so pretty riding him,” he murmured and Loki whimpered around his bitten lip. 

“Wonder if he’ll be gentle with you, or if he’ll want to use you like you let me do,” Nicky asked, as he reached up and yanked on Loki’s long hair. Loki moaned and began to frantically roll his hips down onto Nicky’s. 

He lost the thread of the teasing, switching to just praising Loki for how good he felt. Nicky planted his feet on the bed and began to fuck up into him. Loki fully lost himself then, head thrown back as he took and met every one of Nicky’s thrusts. 

“N-nicky, I’m s-so close.” 

“Me too sweetheart, just a little more- oh god, yes, yes, squeeze me just like that, oh god-” 

Loki clamped down around him and his moan shattered out as he gave one last hard thrust right into Loki’s spot and they both came in a series of gasps and groans. 

Loki collapsed onto him and Nicky shifted around until he could pull out of him and then he too collapsed backwards onto the bed. 

“Was…that okay?” Nicky asked quietly, stroking Loki’s hair back from his face. 

“The sex? Yea, it was fucking amazing. You’re always amazing,” Loki said, turning his face up to look at Nicky. 

He felt a blush creep across his cheeks. “Well…thank you, but I actually meant that I mentioned Thor. I just wanted to turn you on, that’s all…” 

Loki blushed too and he turned his head so he could rest his cheek on Nicky’s chest. He was silent for a moment, but then he nodded shyly. 

“You do that with Charlie don’t you? Talk about scenarios with the rest of us?” Loki asked. 

Nicky did do that. He loved it when Charlie would describe the ways he wanted to give Nicky’s body to their lovers, or what he wanted to help their lovers do to Nicky. He didn’t do it as much with the others, occasionally Bucky, and now he’d done it once with Loki. 

“It was…pretty hot to be honest,” Loki admitted. 

“So…do you think that’s a thing that’s going to happen soon?” Nicky asked curiously 

Loki sat up. “I thought you said we should wait to talk about that until we’re with the whole group.” 

“Ugh, you’re right, sorry,” Nicky said, scrubbing a hand down his face. He was dying to hear how their conversation had gone, but he had meant it when he’d said they should talk as the full quint. Suddenly he realized something.

“Is that why you didn’t sleep well?” 

It was Loki’s turn to scrub his hands down his face. “A little, yeah. I think I just have a lot on my mind. I-….I’m sorry, that’s also why I was texting him this morning. I wanted to know how much he was comfortable with me sharing with you all. I…hope that’s okay? That…I was texting him while we cuddled?” 

“Okay well first- yes. Absolutely. You can talk to him whenever and however much you want. I don’t need the others to tell you that. But…you’re right. Should we go see if they’re up?” 

Loki scrunched up his face at him. “Should we…maybe shower first?” He gestured to Nicky’s cum streaked chest. 

Nicky gave him a cheeky grin and Loki laughed and pulled him up and into the shower. 

When they emerged from the bathroom, Steve was leaning over the bed, clad in boxers and a t-shirt, gathering up their bedding to do a load of washing. 

Loki blushed, but Nicky just shot him a cheeky grin. Steve rolled his eyes fondly at him. 

“Bucky and Charlie put in an order for brunch…sorry we didn’t want to bother you in the shower, but we got all your favorites.”

“Perfect,” Nicky purred as he walked up to Steve’s half bent over form and draped himself over his back. 

“You were amazing last night, sugar.” 

Steve laughed self-consciously. “Thank you sweetie…so were you.” 

“We should do that more often.” 

“Have sex…?” Steve asked, standing up and turning around to pull Nicky into a one armed hug, precariously balancing the laundry basket on his other hip. 

“Have an orgy.” Nicky watched with pleasure as a blush spread all the way down Steve’s chest. He didn’t have to look over at Loki to know he was probably blushing too. 

Nicky cackled happily, having reached his daily blush quotient for both of them before the day had even really started. Loki walked past them to retrieve some dirty laundry off the floor, still clad only in a towel. 

“I really love your tattoos Loki… would you let me draw them sometime?” 

Loki’s entire face lit up even as he blushed. Nicky forgot Steve didn’t really see Loki shirtless very often, probably only a handful of times in total. With Loki’s gender dysphoria he didn’t really walk around the house shirtless. 

“Sure Steve, I’d be honored.” 

“Okay, too much cute, too early in the morning,” Nicky complained as he pulled on boxers and a pair of sweats and walked out of the bedroom. 

“Who’s going to feed me coffee and tell me I’m pretty?” he asked loudly as he entered the dining area.  

“I’m pretty highly caffeinated already, so I guess I volunteer as tribute?” Bucky grumbled from his seat at the table and he squawked indignantly as Nicky threw himself into his lap and took a long sip of his coffee. 

“Oooh vanilla? When did we get vanilla coffee?” Nicky asked happily. 

“Uhm… I bought it. It’s a syrup we can add for either coffee or espresso. I…I thought you and Bucky might like it,” Loki said shyly as he emerged from the hallway. He was wearing a soft sweater Charlie had bought for him and his cheeks were still a little flushed.

“You’re far too good to him,” Charlie murmured as he wrapped an arm around Loki’s shoulders and steered him into the kitchen to get his own coffee. 

“Can you make me a vanilla sweet coffee thing please?!” Nicky called and Bucky groaned. 

“So tiny and yet so loud.” He buried his face in Nicky’s neck, so he didn’t think it was that much of a problem. 

He cuddled into Bucky’s arms and gave him his coffee back. They sat in silence for a few minutes and he wondered absently if Thor would mind how loud he was in the morning. 

“I think Loki wanted to talk to us about Thor this morning,” Nicky said as the other three all made their way to the table. Just then, someone knocked on the door and Charlie deposited his and Steve’s coffee on the table and went to fetch the food. 

They spent the next ten or so minutes serving all the food and then they settled into their seats to eat. 

“What would you like to talk about, Loki?” Charlie finally asked. Loki swallowed the bite he was chewing and put his fork down on his mostly full plate. 

“Please, finish eating first if you’d prefer,” Steve said softly and Charlie made a chagrined face. 

“No, no I think I’d prefer to talk before I eat actually.” He wiped his mouth on his napkin and placed it next to his plate.

He went on to tell them about his conversation with Thor and how he wanted to “try” dating Loki before dating the rest of the quad. 

“Bucky, he also seemed to be in agreement that he was interested mostly in just continuing his friendship with you.” Bucky looked very happy at that and then, to Nicky’s surprise, Loki turned to him next. “I will say…he does seem particularly interested in you. He’s definitely interested in Charlie and Steve too but, I think he really likes the rapport you two already have.” 

Nicky blushed and looked down at his plate. Charlie chucked and Bucky scoffed. “I mean, who wouldn’t be interested in Nicky.” 

Nicky tucked his chin in embarrassment, feeling suddenly a little shy. “So, just to be clear, we’ll wait for his queue to start anything with him? Just let him explore his relationship with you first?” Nicky clarified. 

“Yes I think that’s right. I’m sure he’d be happy to talk with all of us next weekend, he just wasn’t ready to talk about it last night,” Loki said. 

“How are you feeling Loki? I know you had been hoping this conversation would happen, but Thor kind of just popped up last night. Did you get the answer you wanted?” Bucky asked kindly. 

Nicky reached out to put his hand on Loki’s shoulder. Loki smiled at him and then got a thoughtful look on his face. “I…think so? I mean obviously the best possible answer would have been if he knew he was already in love with me and ready to move in with us and live happily ever after, but short of that fantasy…I feel like this was about as good as it could have gone?” 

Nicky shot Charlie a quick glance. If things really did work out, and Thor began dating the quint, would he really want to move in with them? And if so, where on earth were they going to put him? He knew that Charlie had been keeping an eye on townhouses being built nearby. The last Nicky had heard they would be ready for purchase within the next several months and then ready to be lived in several months after that. The townhouses had four bedrooms and the plan, Charlie’s plan at least, had always been for Loki to have his own room. That would probably work when Thor came around, but six people in one house was still a lot of people. 

“Maybe he’ll be able to give you more clarity and certainty after your date next weekend- assuming it is a date?” Charlie asked lightly. 

“I…well I guess that’s something I wanted to ask you guys…is it okay if I go on dates with him outside of the house and- and away from all of you? I don’t want to upset anyone.” Loki’s eyes very briefly flickered to Nicky and then fell to his hands, which were curled in his lap. 

Nicky ran his hand down Loki’s arm until he could pull one of his hands into his own. “Are you comfortable going on dates outside the house with him? If so then that is completely okay with us.” 

Loki nodded in response. 

“Then you should do it! Go out on dates, have your first kiss, have your first time, really get to know each other and fall for each other just…come back to us. With Thor. When you’re both ready.” Nicky believed almost every word he said was true, he was just also trying to hide the anxiety and fear of abandonment that were still swirling through his chest. 

Loki brought Nicky’s hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “Is that how…everyone feels?” He looked around the room and everyone nodded in turn. 

“Do you…want me to keep you posted on how it’s going and- and how I’m feeling or…?” 

“That’s totally up to-” Charlie started 

“Yes please,” Nicky spoke over him at the same time Bucky said, “definitely.” 

“We’d be happy to hear it,” Steve added at the end. 

Loki smiled happily and Charlie rolled his eyes fondly. “Do you have any other questions Loki? Happy to answer them whenever, but remember you’re just as much a part of the decision making as we are. If you want to do something or want to not do something, you get an equal say in it just like any one of us does.” 

Loki bit his lip. “I guess I just feel a little like the blind leading the blind here…I’m the newest member of the group so I feel like I know the least about polyamory…” 

“Did you want us to all talk together next weekend when we have dinner?” Bucky offered 

Loki made a face. “I don't want to put too much pressure on him…” 

“We’ll just follow your lead, Loki. Whatever support you need from us, we’re here,” Charlie said. 

Loki smiled around at them and Nicky sank against Bucky’s chest, hoping maybe these crazy swirling feelings would go away on their own. 

Chapter Text

“We’re so happy for you, Thor,” Luis said, taking another bite of his croissant spread with jam. 

They were sitting at Luis and Jeanpaul’s kitchen table in their bathrobes. Thor still found it touching that they kept a bathrobe for him, hung up off to the side in their closet. He only came around a few times a month, but they always welcomed him to their kitchen table for tea, dinners, and breakfasts, and into their bed for long nights of fucking and talking. 

Today, the talking had started in the bedroom but was ending at the kitchen table. He checked his watch and saw he only had another thirty minutes until his driver and his assistant were going to pick him up to head to the airport. 

“Well, I don’t know if there’s much to be happy about yet… my first actual date with Loki is tomorrow.” 

“Yes, but you have the potential to end up with five men, no? This alone is worthy of excitement!” Jeanpaul exclaimed. His French accent was much thicker than Luis’ was, turning his th’s into z’s and rounding out his vowels. 

Thor found it incredibly endearing, especially in bed. His mind flashed back to just a few hours ago, when he had Jeanpaul bent over the bathroom counter as Luis watched from the shower. His soft voice had cried out for him in french and made lilting music of his name. 

He was very handsome, tall and lean, with midnight black skin he took impeccable care of, using only the finest French skincare products. 

They had known each other for almost a decade, since they had met at a charity gala in Norway. His parents were relatively famous French artists who liked to donate to charities all across Europe. Jeanpaul made frequent visits to Norway to tend to some of his parents' charity work and Thor began spending more time in France after his mother died, when he took over a portion of the French account. 

He had begun sleeping with Jeanpaul right around the time his mother died, and it had continued until he met Luis. Luis was his opposite, short and rather stocky, with olive-toned Mediterranean skin. He was wicked funny, and disarmingly charming. Thor had been immediately enthralled by him, but he had backed off, giving their relationship time to flourish. 

Then one night, about six months into their relationship, they’d all three gotten drunk at a vineyard and ended up making out under a gorgeous trellis. Thor had called them a car to take them all to their respective homes, but when they got to Luis and Jeanpaul’s place they had invited him up. Since then, they had gotten married and moved into this gorgeous cottage house, but they had continued inviting Thor over. So, he had made a commitment to see them every time he was in town, and they did the same for him in Norway. 

Leif had thought his polysexual relationships were disgusting and he’d forbade Thor from seeing them while they were together, even just as friends. He’d agreed to stop sleeping with them but had continued to see them, just to hang out and catch up, throughout their relationship. Leif had detested it, and it led to them having a very contentious relationship. Needless to say, they were not sad to see Leif go. 

The three of them had spent a lot of the past seven months of Thor’s newly acquired bachelorhood tangled together in bed or sipping coffee and eating delectable pastries at this kitchen table. 

“If he is less bad than Leif, I am happy!” Luis exclaimed, letting out a puff of smoke from his hand rolled cigarette. 

He offered it to Thor but he waved it away, just as he always did and always would. Many of his friends back home smoked and others did løssnus, an awful tobacco chewing powder he always ended up getting stuck in his teeth. 

“He’s nothing like Leif. He’s…gentle and incredibly kind. He reminds me a little of you, my friend, but even more so.” 

He rested a hand on Jeanpaul’s naked leg. He was wearing his robe untied and it had fallen open sometime during breakfast, exposing the gorgeous slopes of his chest and groin. 

Thor was proud of his body, but he would never be quite as comfortable in his own skin as his French lovers were. At first he thought it was just a coincidence, but after having somewhere near fifteen different French lovers he was beginning to think it was a French thing. 

“Ahh, well if he is like me then very good!” Jeanpaul said joyously, lifting his glass of champagne to his lips. They didn’t bother watering down their champagne with orange juice, they just drank it straight. 

“If we do end up together, and I end up a part of their group... I will no longer be able to join you in your bed,” Thor said regretfully.

“Should you be joining us now?” Luis asked. He was the more practical of the two, always quick to ask questions and seek clarity.

“If you are having second thoughts about Loki, the offer still stands, mon chou. You are welcome to be our trois in our ménage à trois, forever,” Jeanpaul said, stroking absently at his stomach. Thor’s eyes followed his movements and his cock twitched, but his heart ached. 

“But I would only be your sexual trois not your amor.” 

“Oui, you know my heart has only room for one,” he looked lovingly over at Luis who blew a perfect smoke ring at him. It circled his face and he laughed. 

Just as he had told Loki, Jeanpaul was his dear friend but he would never be his love. Luis was perfect for him in so many ways and their relationship was what Thor strove for in life. 

“You are our good friend, Thor, whether you are in our bed with us, or not. If things do become serious with this Loki, we will of course wish to meet him,” Luis said, pouring him more champagne. 

Thor brought the bubbly drink to his lips and smiled faintly. He had spent the week trying not to get his hopes up higher than they could be met this weekend, but Luis and Jeanpaul had spent the past six hours gushing over how excited they were for Thor. 

“But now mon cheri, you must show us a photo before you leave! I do not know how I am expected to survive the suspense if you do not!” Jeanpaul demanded, handing him his phone from where it had been resting on the table.

“I don’t really- have photos of him-“ 

“Ahhhh, no, you are lying, I can tell! Look at how his brows knit together,” Luis teased, nudging Jeanpaul in the arm.

“You have the sexy photos and you do not wish to share?” Jeanpaul whined. 

“No! They’re not sexy, they’re…just sweet. He sends me selfies sometimes with- with the stuffed creature I purchased for him.” 

Loki had started off by only sending him photos of Persey the Peacock, but then Thor had sent him a photo of himself in a mirror, still wearing his three piece suit from work, bemoaning the fact that he did not have a stuffed plushie. 

Loki had sent him back a photo of himself holding Persey and pouting. This had led them to send a series of selfies every night before bed, as if they were horny teenagers back in University. He had to admit though, it was the highlight of his night, every night. Well, last night had been quite lovely here with Jeanpaul and Luis but even so, he had been sure to take a photo of himself in their bathroom mirror while he was still at least semi-wearing his shirt. 

Thor grudgingly opened his phone and saw that Loki had sent him a photo last night. He didn’t have a chance to inspect it himself before Jeanpaul snatched the phone from his hands. 

“Thor! He is lovely!” Jeanpaul exclaimed and Luis grabbed the phone from him. 

“He is quite different from Leif. What a gorgeous man. Very feminine,” Luis observed without any malice. 

“Yes, he is genderfluid actually, but usually goes by he/him.” 

“Oh Thor, how lovely indeed! Gender is a beautiful thing to be explored on one's own as well as with a lover. I’m sure you will take excellent care of him, as you do for us,”

Jeanpaul cooed.

Thor finally got his phone back from Luis and he nearly dropped it when he saw that Loki was shirtless in this photo. He had sent Thor a few photos where it was obvious he was shirtless, but Percy had typically been taking up the majority of the screen. In this one there was the vaguest hint of what looked like a nipple ring in the bottom corner of the photo and Loki’s entire slender shoulder was visible. His hair was a fluffy mess and his cheeks were slightly flushed. He looked…well he looked like he’d just had sex. 

Thor quickly looked at the photo he’d sent Loki and he realized his shirt was buttoned incorrectly and there was a slightly visible hickey on his collarbone. Thor’s cheeks flushed hot and he had to open his robe to try and cool off. 

His two lovers observed him, but did not comment as he put his phone back down. 

“Shall we see you again before you are officially unavailable to us?” Luis asked. 

“Well, I will always be available to you, just perhaps no longer sexually,” Thor responded, noting the way Luis’ eyes were wandering up and down his exposed chest. 

“But of course, and we for you as well,” Jeanpaul responded. 

“I will do my best to see you again before then though, yes.” 

“Shall we get you dressed then so you do not upset our poor Sif?” Jeanpaul asked, standing up and offering Thor a hand. Thor accepted it gratefully and they wandered back into the bedroom. 

Sif was Thor’s executive assistant, best friend, life coach, and former lover, even though she would only ever admit to the first and grudgingly the second. Soon after they had been together, Sif realized that she was asexual. On her most feisty days she liked to say Thor helped her discover that she wasn’t into sex, but really it had been meeting her now wife, Valkyrie. She had helped Sif discover that while she enjoyed giving sexual acts to her partners because they enjoyed it, she herself had little use for it in her life. Valkyrie was also asexual and similar to Jeanpaul and Luis, their love for each other was something Thor wanted desperately.

When they got back to the bedroom, Luis tenderly disrobed him and slowly helped dress him while Jeanpaul watched, stroking himself languidly. Thor groaned and pulled Luis into a brutal kiss. Their tongues were zingy with champagne and his mouth tasted like tobacco, but Thor drank it down anyways. He always tried to touch his lovers like it could be the last time they ever touched. If things with Loki moved quickly, this actually could be the case. 

Jeanpaul came to him then and they exchanged their own kiss as Luis began to stroke Jeanpaul, and Thor through his newly donned trousers. 

“Luis…” he breathed softly. Luis twisted his wrist and Thor groaned into Jeanpaul’s neck. 

“We will be quick,” Luis said happily and Thor reached down to undo Luis’ bathrobe as well. 

They stroked and kissed each other until Thor was getting dangerously close. Luis seemed to sense it because he fell to his knees and in one swift movement pulled him out of his pants and took him deep in his mouth. Jeanpaul continued kissing him, brushing his fingers over Thor’s nipples and reaching down to run his hands through Luis’ hair. Thor only lasted another minute and he came down his lover’s throat. 

Jeanpaul moaned and Thor reached for him and stroked him until Luis rose to his feet and took over. Thor was panting and shaky and he really needed to finish cleaning up because Sif was probably here already. But, if this was going to be his last time in this bedroom, he wanted the last sight he saw to be this. His two dear friends stroking each other to their finish with Thor’s cum still dotting Luis’ lips and bruises, left by his hands, adorning Jeanpaul’s hips. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor hadn’t thought through the logic of allowing Jeanpaul to leave marks on him the day before he was supposed to meet up with Loki. He usually wouldn’t have allowed it regardless, but it had been several weeks since they’d been together and he had begged Thor so sexily with his sinful French accent. 

Thor was standing in his American apartment bathroom, pulling at his shirt collar to make sure this shirt would fully cover it. American Springs were strange, it was mid-may but the weather had been particularly cold, so he was wearing a v-neck cashmere sweater that only revealed the tips of his collarbone, effectively hiding the love bite that was farther towards his shoulder. 

He sighed and made a mental note to not let that happen again. Sif texted him that she was outside with their driver. She had insisted that they use some of his travel time this weekend to finalize a pitch deck. They were meeting first thing Monday morning with the business man they had been wooing the previous weekend. It seemed like he was just about ready to commit, but they needed one final meeting to solidify it. Thor was ready for the presentation, but Sif was nothing if not thorough. 

Several minutes later he slid into the back seat of the small limo his family’s company owned. 

“Did you have a restful morning?” Sif asked, not even looking up from her folder of files. Her long brown hair was pulled into a tight bun and she looked very severe in her power suit. 

“I did, and you? Also I told you Sif, you don’t need to dress so formally on weekends.” 

“Yes, thank you, but I am attending a working lunch and then meeting Valkyrie’s family for dinner. So all of your niceties are unnecessary.” 

Valkyrie came from a wealthy family like Thor’s and they also had some offices in this city. Thor was thrilled that his transition to working more in America would also benefit Sif. 

Thor smiled widely at her. “I rather thought you liked my niceties all the time!” 

“You would sadly be mistaken, but it’s alright to be wrong from time to time, sir.” She still didn’t look up at him, but her lips curled up into a smile. 

Thor hadn’t had an executive assistant for a long time, not liking the idea of having someone answer to his beck and call. Sif was a childhood friend, and she’d always played the older sister role for him. They’d fallen into bed together in their early twenties and it had been fine, but when she’d found Valkyrie Thor was more relieved than anything else that now their families would finally stop trying to set them up with each other. 

On a depressive swing a few years back, Thor had been complaining to Sif about his inability to keep things organized at work and his challenges with using his time effectively. She had drawn him up a brutal schedule, and made all the calls necessary to get him started. He had offered her the job on the spot, paying her more than some of their other senior management staff, pulling extra funds from his own salary, but he didn’t care. From day one she was unbelievable at her job and he couldn’t believe how he’d survived without her for so long. 

“You’re nervous, Thor. Is it the meeting? I have your slide deck right here, shall we review it?” 

She handed him the slides still without looking up so he had no idea how she knew he was nervous. He tended to rub his fingers together when he was anxious and all of his close friends and family knew about the tick, but he was doing it in his lap and she definitely hadn’t been looking there. 

“Do you have anything on how to take a gorgeous member of a polyamorous couple out on a first date?” 

Sif finally looked up at him. “No, sadly it seems like I must have left that in my other folder. The ‘how to give a fuck about my employers personal life’ folder.” 

Thor pouted at her. He realized how silly it was for an over 185cm, 95 kilo man to pout, but he did it anyway. She quirked an elegantly manicured eyebrow at him. She was very beautiful with her sharp cheekbones, straight nose and pert lips. 

“No need to be cruel, Sif! You could just say you do not have any advice.” 

“I do not have any advice.” 

“See? How difficult was that.” 

“Quite. I am internally screaming.” 

“Sif!” 

“Thor. You are a wonderful, sexually attractive- or so I’ve heard- devoted man. You have said that Loki is nothing like Leif, so I assume that means he already sees all those amazing qualities in you. Just be yourself and stay open to the idea that there are others of us out here who can love you, and will always love you, despite Leif and the tabloids trying to convince you otherwise.” 

Thor felt actual tears sting his eyes and he had to look away. Sif was often cold and removed with him, which was perfect for their professional relationship, but sometimes he missed his childhood friend. She would come out every once in a while though. Like the weekend she spent with him in a tiny chalet in southern France when she’d had to track him down and stop him from chasing after Leif and his new man. Or the two nights she spent sitting with him through his detox in Prague. If she was coming out now for him, she must really think this date was important. 

Unfortunately, that only served to make him more nervous. “I don’t…know if I can do this…what if it’s too soon after Leif, what if I’m not ready and I-“ 

“The fact that you are concerned about not being ready means you are ready. For months after Leif, you threw yourself at anyone who looked at you and you did not care for a moment if you were ready for their sex, love, or abuse again. You just dove right in.” 

The sex and abuse was true, Thor had gotten tangled up with a nasty guy in Milan before he’d managed to stumble away to Prague which is where Sif had finally intervened. He hadn’t been chasing love and he definitely hadn’t received it, but her point was still valid. 

“What if…he finds out about all of my baggage and problems, and he does not wish to be with me anymore,” Thor asked softly. 

It was almost easier when men and women knew him from the tabloids, because at least then if they still sought him out, it was like they were saying at least some of his more public blunders, fuckups, and problems were okay with them. Loki hadn’t known next to anything about him and he had promised not to google him either. 

“Thor. If he can not handle you at your worst, then he does not get to be with you at your best. I will say, this is far from your worst as well. You have not been there since you started seeing your therapist more regularly.” 

Thor nodded, staring down at his large hands. “I think I’m beginning to really like him.” 

Sif’s hand on his knee was both shocking and comforting. 

“Good. Now, stab yourself in the brain with this so you’ll be ready to go up and tell him that when we get there.” 

Thor groaned but did as he was told and did a rapid response Covid test. Luis and Jeanpaul had tested before he had seen them, but he wanted to be extra careful. 

The test came back negative right as they pulled into Loki’s apartment complex. It was turning into a gorgeous day and he was really excited for the more action oriented part of their date. It was just the dinner and talking about feelings that terrified him. 

“I just…want something as easy as what you and Val have…” 

Sif snorted. “It looks easy because we have all of the hard conversations when you are not around to see them. Relationships are all about the conversations, Thor. So start today. Tell him how much you like him. Tell him your fears and let him soothe them. Because after today, I am not doing anything but shoving this rolled up slide deck down your throat until we land this deal.” 

Thor snorted and, with that encouragement, got out of the car and walked up the stairs to their apartment. He took a deep breath and was about to knock when the door flew open.

A surprised looking Loki was bodily shoved out the door by Bucky. “If you won’t stop fucking pacing, why don’t you just go for a walk- oh look! Thor is here. Fantastic! Have fun!” 

With that, Bucky slammed the door closed. 

Loki blinked up at Thor and his cheeks steadily turned a warm pink. He was absolutely stunning in a white jean jacket and a lilac cropped sweater that fell several centimeters above what looked like a pair of women’s checker print trousers. They hugged the slight curve of his hips perfectly, and left a tantalizing strip of skin visible. He had his hair down and styled to one side revealing an intricate dangling earring. He was wearing makeup, eyeliner and purple eyeshadow, and his lips were bright pink, but Thor didn’t think that was from makeup. 

“You’re…beautiful- I mean, you look beautiful,” Thor stumbled over his tongue. 

Loki looked down and bit his lip. Ah, so the color definitely wasn't from makeup. Thinking of the new found freedom to touch they seemed to have established the previous weekend, Thor brought his hand up to softly tilt his chin up. 

“Do you not wish for me to compliment you? I very much enjoy doing so, but I will not if it makes you uncomfortable.” 

Loki smiled shyly at him. “No it’s- very sweet…thank you. I would love- I mean, I do love your compliments. Please don’t stop.” 

Thor smiled broadly at him and he let his fingers brush gently down Loki’s throat as he pulled his hand back. 

As he did so, his eye caught on something right under the collar of Loki’s jacket. He must have stared at it for a beat too long because Loki suddenly brought his hand up to touch his throat. His eyes went wide. “I- sorry…Nicky likes to…bite.” He whispered the last word like it was some kind of curse. 

Thor smiled and, on a whim, he pulled the corner of his sweater to the side revealing his own mark. “As does Jeanpaul… Luis likes to be bitten so it works out rather perfectly for them.” 

Loki’s eyes widened even father. “Is that- the baker? And his partner he’s madly in love with?” 

Thor laughed. “Precisely. They are actually married, they use partner instead of husband but, yes. We actually discussed that, yet again, this week. Jeanpaul reiterated for me that Luis is his one and only love. Quite beautiful but…not for me.” 

Suddenly, Loki got a quizzical expression on his face and he whipped out his phone. He scrolled to the photo Thor sent from France and he felt his face heat up. 

“Ha! I had wondered if it was a trick of the light or not! You sent me a post-sex mirror photo?!” Loki asked, sounding scandalized. 

Thor huffed out a laugh and reached forward to gently scroll down Loki’s phone. “Is that not what this is as well?” he asked, gesturing at the photo Loki had sent that night. 

“No! See how I don’t have any marks on me? That was a pre-sex- I mean- it wasn’t even supposed to be related to sex! It was just a selfie I was taking but then Nicky came in and…” he trailed off looking away from Thor. 

Thor felt something in his stomach tighten in both pleasure, but also nerves. 

“Did he…know you were taking it for me?” 

“Oh yes,” Loki said, laughing a soft private laugh.

“Was he…jealous?” Thor asked, not quite understanding the laugh. 

“Oh, no, quite the opposite. He threw off his clothes and kept trying to get in the picture. I told him maybe it was a little early for sexy selfies from him, but he kept insisting, and the only way I could keep him from sending you one of them was to…well…distract him.” He looked up innocently at Thor and Thor burst out with a loud laugh. 

“I am learning so much about you, my definitely no longer new friend.” 

“Oh yeah?” Loki teased and he took Thor’s hand and began leading him down the stairs. 

“Yes, like that you, for example, enjoy being bitten,” he tossed Loki a sideways glance. 

“As it seems you do as well,” Loki said slyly. 

“Ah yes, I do, but I also enjoy doing the biting.” 

Loki licked his lips, possibly subconsciously. “As do I.” 

“Are you…” Thor trailed off. He really should divert this conversation back to something more civil and appropriate for a walk through the city, but his brain seemed to be stalling out on the image of himself biting Loki and vice versa.  

“Am I…?” Loki prompted. 

Thor said nothing, pretending to take in their surroundings as they exited Loki’s apartment complex and began walking in the general direction of Thor’s place. 

“Not going to answer? Is it another sexy question? If so, I bet I can guess what it was,” Loki said teasingly. 

Thor raised his eyebrows. “Well by all means then.” 

“Were you going to ask if I’m vers?” 

“Vers meaning…versatile? As in both…” 

“Top and bottom? Yes. And yes.” Loki clarified and then confirmed Thor’s suspicions. 

“Hm, that is quite interesting. I- well… I am not, so I do not often have vers partners, as you said…or perhaps I have, but have never known it?” he hummed thoughtfully. 

“Neither Jeanpaul or Luis are?” Loki asked and then he nearly pulled his hand out of Thor’s to press his hands to his face. Thor clamped down on his hand at the last second, so he ended up only bringing one hand to cover his face. “Sorry, that is so totally not my business.” 

“Anything that is my business is free for you to ask about, Loki. I don’t mind at all, and I know they do not either. They are quite open about their sexuality and sex lives. So…to answer your question. No, neither Luis nor Jeanpaul are vers, I serve as a replacement for Luis when I join them and Luis and I engage in other ways of course, but not like that.” 

Loki raised his eyebrows at this but with no signs of judgment, just curiosity. “Wow, that's really interesting actually. All five of us are vers, with some definite preferences of course but…well, anyways I’ll let them tell you more if you ever want to ask them about it, but it allows for a lot of configurations.”

Thor hadn’t put a huge amount of thought into it, and he was never able to guess which way a person leaned in bed just from seeing them outside the bedroom. However, at this new revelation, he felt a tiny thrill at the fact that he would in fact be able to interact in the way he wanted to sexually with both Steve and Charlie. He had made an assumption about Nicky and seemed like he was at least partially correct, 

“Yes I- I would imagine it does…” Thor felt himself getting lost in his head as he imagined just a few of the arrangements he could get into with them. 

Loki drew his attention with a slight pressure on his arm. He had grabbed Thor’s bicep to pull him to a stop in front of a coffee shop. “Can I…show you my favorite coffee shop?” he asked a little shyly.

“Yes! Of course! My apologies I was…allowing my mind to wander. How far are we from my flat?” He pulled out his phone and quickly Google mapped their location in relation to his place. It was about a thirty minute walk. That wasn’t too bad actually, not that he ever had to walk, having constant access to an assistant and a driver, but he could if he wanted to. Maybe he could go for a run and meet Loki here. 

They grabbed a coffee and sat on one of the several benches out front. Thor noticed Loki lay his hand on the bench between them with his palm facing up. It was such an endearing gesture he almost just left it there to admire it some more. However, he could tell they were in the part of dating where they were establishing norms on physical touch so Thor wanted to be intentional.  

Thor laid his hand in Loki’s and they threaded their fingers together. 

“Is there anything in particular you’re hoping to find in the area?” Loki asked. 

“Yes, actually. It would be nice if there was a pub or a tavern with outdoor seating. In Norway, we don’t drink as much during the week, but we go out to drink a lot on Fridays and Saturdays. I used to go to clubs almost every weekend, but as I’ve gotten older I have mostly switched to pubs.” 

“Oh I think there are several around here actually. Mostly Irish pubs, but there might be one or two others.” 

Thor was intrigued by them, but he would only be going to them if he had friends to go with. He wasn’t really the type to go drink alone. Well, unless he was manic. Then he’d do just about anything he damn well pleased. He tried to shake away the thought, so he turned back to Loki. 

“What did you do on weekends before the pandemic?” 

“Oh I went clubbing a lot. I love to dance and- well… I also like to drink and have sex, so I would end up pulling almost every weekend.”

Thor couldn’t stop his eyebrows from raising in surprise. He had not expected that answer. Loki raised his own eyebrow back at him in challenge. 

“There is… a concept in Norway called koselig. It means cozy or coziness and it is the idea of being warm and content, often surrounded by friends and loved ones. It is…sort of like going to a cabin, lighting a fire and having an intimate night with friends or- or a lover. I suppose that is more how I had envisioned you spending your weekends.” 

Now that he thought about it though, Loki with his semi-revealing outfits, makeup, purple nail polish, and all, would also fit right into clubbing culture in Norway. 

Loki snorted which surprised Thor. “Oh I mean that is exactly who I am now. Soft sweaters, hot cocoa, and cuddling up on the couch under warm blankets. I don’t really think I’ll ever go back to clubbing and partying like that. I much prefer this life, to be honest.”

Warmth spread through Thor’s chest. He had been chasing koselig for a long time. Most of his former lovers had been “do-ers” and Leif was the biggest “do-er” of them all. He would always be dragging Thor to one function or another to get facetime and schmooze with different well-to-do people. Thor hated it, but he went along because he thought he loved Leif and he thought he loved him back. 

Loki leaned softly against his side. Thor pulled their joined hands into his lap and swapped their hands so he could lift his right arm up and around Loki’s slim shoulders. 

He made a surprised but content noise and melted into Thor’s side. 

Thor laughed softly. “Yes, I think you may be the definition of koselig.” 

“Do you…like that?” 

“Yes, I love that. I want to curl up on a thick bearskin rug in front of a fire with you and tell you stories, and hear yours.” Naked. He wanted to do all of the above, but naked. 

“I mean… that sounds like pretty much the best date ever,” Loki mumbled into his coffee cup.

“There is another Norwegian concept called friluftsliv. I believe it translates to ‘outdoor living.’ It means spending as much time outside as possible. Skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, even just going for walks like this. Do you like being outdoors?” 

“Uhm…I don’t mind outdoors? I’m sure if you asked me to do something outdoorsy with you I wouldn’t say no. But I do recognize the fact that if there was ever an apocalyptic event and we had to survive in the wilderness? I would probably be the first one voted off the team. And- …well I would say and eaten but,” he lifted up his thin arms in demonstration, “there’s really not much to eat.”  

Thor let out a surprised laugh. He looked Loki up and down, noting his thin frame and delicate hands. “I suppose you are not the hearty type.” 

Loki snorted in response. Thor felt a strange feeling pass over him. “I would keep you safe,” he said, his tongue getting ahead of his brain. 

Loki looked up at him, the slightest uptick in his lip. 

“Let me guess. In the apocalypse, you would build us a nice little cabin and kill that bear for us to be koselig on?” Loki asked.

He absolutely slaughtered the pronunciation and also used it as a verb not an adjective. He said “kaw-slee” while it was supposed to be “koosh-lee.” Nevertheless, it was absolutely adorable. 

“I…well, yes actually, that is pretty accurate,” Thor admitted. 

Loki laughed and pressed himself tighter against Thor’s side. 

Thor had to get up and get moving or he was going to end up grabbing Loki’s face and kissing his coffee tinged mouth. Loki seemed to sense it or maybe he was feeling the same way, because he stood up and pulled himself out of Thor’s embrace. He did, however, immediately put out his hand again for Thor. “Shall we?” 

Thor took his hand and they threw away their cups and continued walking. 

Loki pointed out several shops including a book shop, wine shop, and a distillery. Loki chatted away about all of them, noting that both Charlie and Steve had an obsession with good bourbon. 

“I will have to write that behind my ear in case I come across any good bourbons in the US. Germany has some good whiskey, but I do not think we have much bourbon…” He thought about it a little longer wondering what was the most similar in feel and taste to American bourbon. 

Loki was staring at him with his brow furrowed again. “You’re…going to write it where?” 

“Behind my ear? Is that not something you say?” 

Loki laughed his musical laugh and Thor’s heart dipped like it was on an amusement park ride. 

“No. Does it mean to remember?” 

“Sort of, I suppose it’s more like to make a mental note of, or perhaps you say to put in a file?”

Loki laughed again. “To file away! Okay I got it.” 

Without thinking, Thor pulled him into his arms and squeezed him teasingly. 

Loki let out a surprised squeak, but then burrowed into Thor’s arms. He felt so good. So small, yet somehow sturdy against Thor’s chest. 

He tried to keep his thoughts calm and clean, focusing on all the different ways he could hold Loki in his arms. Unfortunately it quickly turned to all of the things Thor could do to Loki while he was in his arms. He felt himself growing hard and he didn’t have time to release Loki before he squirmed a little, brushing their hips together and Thor’s breath caught painfully. 

Loki tipped his head up to look at Thor as he slowly did it again. Thor brought his hands down to Loki’s hips and stilled his movement. 

“Does talking about semantics turn you on?” Loki asked teasingly. 

“You turn me on and-...Loki are you really trying to grind against me on a city street?” 

Loki was indeed trying to rub up against him, despite Thor’s firm grip on his hips. He tightened his grip until it had to be a little bit painful, but all Loki did was let out a quiet sigh and grin up at him. 

“You’re going to be trouble, aren’t you,” Thor murmured thoughtfully. 

“Do you like trouble?”

“Absolutely.” 

In an attempt to both fill a need he felt in that moment, but also to surprise Loki, he pulled him tightly into his arms and lifted his feet off the ground in a crushing hug. 

Loki gave a breathless laugh, but he hugged him back and stopped moving his hips. 

They separated and continued their walk. Thor didn’t even ask or wait this time, he just grabbed Loki’s hand. 

When they reached Thor’s place, neither of them said anything about going up to see it, they just continued walking, circling the block looking for any other fun hidden gems. 

They found a family owned Indian restaurant and Thor’s stomach growled. “What do you think about bringing this back to your place for everyone? Do you know what they would like?” 

“I think so! Are we going to carry it back with us?” Loki asked a little skeptically. 

“No, I’ll call us a car as soon as we order.” 

They donned their masks and went inside and Loki immediately began scouting the menu. He pointed out nine different dishes as potential options and Thor ordered all of them without batting an eye. He also ordered several types of bread and he was about to order dessert when Loki put a soft hand on his arm. 

“I, er- we don’t need to order dessert,” he said softly and Thor just nodded and finished the order. The shop owner looked delighted at how large the bill was, while Loki blanched, and Thor just signed the bill, giving a 25% tip. 

“Could I pay you back for some of that? Really Thor, that’s too much-“ 

“Kjære, I think we should probably establish right now that money is not a concern for me. I am happy to show you my bank statements if that would put your mind at ease, but I do not wish to debate who will pay for things with you. It will probably always be me.” 

Loki gave him a skeptical look. “Are there…five zeroes?” 

Thor blinked at him and then he understood the question. He smiled wryly but said nothing. 

“….six?” 

Again he said nothing.

“Oh man…seven?” 

Silence. 

Loki gasped and his hand flew to his mask-covered mouth. He was so unbelievably adorable. It was also incredibly refreshing to think that Loki truly had no idea of his net worth when he became interested in Thor. That had been true for some of his earlier lovers. However, by now his name had become relatively well known around the circles he moved in and it was harder and harder to find friends and lovers who didn’t jokingly ask him to cover all of their dinner bills, their rent, and even buy them cars and shiny toys. The trouble was, Thor would happily do all of that for someone he loved. He had done it for Leif and look where that had landed him. 

“…eight?” Loki squeaked. 

Thor smiled broadly at him. “Well, I suppose that is actually my net worth. If we are really speaking about my bank account it is probably only seven.” 

“Only seven…” Loki trailed off, looking around the small restaurant. 

“I have done very little to earn my wealth. It is family money less so than it is mine. This is why I like to spend it on friends and- loved ones. Is…that going to be a problem?” Thor asked quietly. 

Loki responded with a soft chuckle. “Honestly, maybe it would have been a year ago. But Charlie is the same way. He feels badly about how ruthlessly he climbed the corporate ladders to get his money, so he spends it on us pretty freely.” 

Thor and Charlie had actually talked about that at the BBQ a few weeks back. Not in quite so many words, but Thor had understood the meaning behind how Charlie had explained his work and his wealth. 

They didn’t say any more on the matter, merely sat in companionable silence for another fifteen minutes until their food was ready. When they stepped outside, bags in hand, his car was waiting for them. 

“Is this…your personal car?” Loki asked tentatively looking at the short limousine. Thor had balked at it the first time he had seen it as well, but the limo design allowed for him and Sif to sit across from each other and discuss business as they traveled between meetings. Speaking of Sif. 

“Well it is my company’s car meant only for me? And…by the shadows I can see in the backseat it appears my executive assistant and her wife may also be in the car. My apologies for this, I’m not quite sure…” Thor’s driver ran around the side of the car and opened the door for them. 

“My apologies Thor, I was on my way to drop them off at Mrs. Valkyrie’s for dinner, but they insisted on coming along to meet Mr. Loki.” 

Volstagg was another one of Thor’s long time family friends. He served as Thor’s driver, but he was really his bodyguard. Thor mostly waived him off of this duty, but on occasion he would drive him somewhere and accompany him inside. Because Thor didn’t use his services often, he also provided security and companionship to Sif in his off hours and Thor paid him greatly for all of it. 

“Oh- you can just call me Loki if- if that’s alright?” Loki asked hesitantly as he hugged one of the stacks of to-go boxes to his chest. 

Volatagg gave him the cold, calculating once over of a security guard, but then he slowly shifted into friend mode and gave him a more purposeful up and down. 

He smiled broadly at Thor who almost let out a groan in response. He could almost hear his teasing in his head, noting how different and how pretty Loki was compared to Leif. Volatagg and Leif had hated each other and he took every opportunity to remind Thor how ugly he thought Leif was. 

“What a pleasure it is, Loki! Please allow me to take you and my good friend Thor here to your destination safely.” 

Loki smiled back at him. “Okay! Thank you so much! Would you like any food or anything? I think Thor bought almost the entire restaurant, but I could run back in and-“ 

“It’s alright kjære!” Thor said, laughing jovially at Volstagg’s bowled over expression. “One of the dishes is for him.” Thor dug through his bag and pulled out one of the orders of chicken curry and handed it to Volstagg. He was still staring at Loki. 

“Oh- of course, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t- I mean of course you would, you’re great and-“ 

“Loki.” Volstagg reached out and placed a hand on Loki’s shoulder. “Thank you for your incredible kindness, that I have done nothing to deserve. I assure you, your boyfriend spoils me excessively, so you have nothing to worry about or apologize for. It has been absolutely wonderful to meet you.” 

Loki blushed a deep crimson as he looked down at his armful of food. 

“Alright, let’s go before the food gets cold.” Thor ushered Loki into the car while glaring at Volstagg. 

“Boyfriend?!” he mouthed and Volstagg just shrugged and grinned cherubically. 

Thor slid into the car behind Loki and took the food out of his arms and placed it in a storage box in the side compartment of the car designed specifically to hold take out boxes. 

“Before you try and offer them food, Loki, they’re going to dinner, so they’re well covered-“ Thor stopped short as he glanced up and saw Loki practically cowering in his seat. He looked over and saw both Sif and Valkyrie decked out in incredibly luxurious dinner clothes. 

Sif was in a jewel toned suit with diamonds in her ears and Valkyrie was in a wine red, long evening dress with diamonds around her neck. They were both staring intently at Loki who looked like he wanted to leap out of the now moving car. 

He wasn’t quite sure how to defuse the situation. Sif could be very intimidating. Valkyrie was a goddess among men and she could be intimidating in her own way. Thor remembered what Loki had said about how he felt his gender could change depending on who he was around and he wasn’t sure if that was part of it or if he was just terrified of meeting Thor’s friends. 

“You two look absolutely wonderful-“ Thor started.

“Why would he offer us food?” Sif asked in her most intimidatingly sterile voice. Ah, so she was doing this on purpose to investigate his date. 

Thor saw Loki flinch out of the corner of his eye and he decided to take a chance his hunch was right. 

“Loki…is actually genderfluid, and…I think…they?” He turned fully to look at Loki, who was refusing to make eye contact with anyone in the car. They nodded very faintly and so Thor continued. “I think they might have tried to offer you food since they just offered some to Volstagg, not realizing that if I didn’t pre-plan to bring him food anytime I got some myself, he wouldn’t let me into the car.” 

“I resent that! That happened one time!” Volstagg called from the front, where he had opened the partition so he could speak to them. 

Loki was still looking down at their hands and Thor wasn’t sure what else to do about it. 

“That was an incredibly kind gesture, Loki. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of any of Thor’s partners offering his driver food,” Valkyrie said kindly. 

“I…didn’t mean to imply that I didn’t think Thor would care about his employees…” Loki murmured quietly and Thor couldn’t stop himself from throwing out an arm and pulling Loki roughly against his side. As had happened every time before this one, and was perhaps just the norm for them, Loki melted into his embrace.

“You did nothing of the sort. You offered one of my best and oldest friends a deep kindness and I appreciate that…more than you could know.” Thor let his voice get very soft at the end, really only for Loki’s ears. They looked up tentatively at Thor, so he gave them his best and brightest smile. 

“So Loki, we don’t have long. As one of Thor’s other best friends, tell me what you think I should know about you.” 

Before Loki turned back to Sif, Thor saw a distinct softness in her eyes, but she hardened her look when Loki finally did look up at her. 

Thor tightened his grip around Loki’s shoulder and he was about to tell her to back off when Loki spoke. 

“Oh, uhm…well. I’m genderfluid and queer. I’m 29 and I live with- uhm… I live with four other men, three of whom are my partners and the other is a very dear friend. I don’t have any living parents, that I know of, but I recently connected with some cousins so I have some family across the states and probably more back in Puerto Rico where my mother, and I believe my father were from. I am very excited to explore my relationship with Thor and…I, uhm…I think I’m starting to really like him. Actually, I- I know I am.” Loki had started off semi-confident but they slowly looked down at their hands as they finished speaking. 

“And you are hoping Thor will join you in polyamory? Even though he is very much in the public eye and it may be scrutinized and degraded by the media?” Sif asked cooly. 

Thor let out an actual growl and Loki seemed to deflate in his arms. “Sif-” 

“I…I have thought about that, yes. I only want Thor to do what he wants and is comfortable doing but…we are not afraid of scrutiny for living a lifestyle that is beautiful and full of more love than anyone could ever dream possible. I would never want to hurt Thor’s reputation or that of any of my partners with my behavior or my actions, so I will absolutely keep that in mind through our time- …dating. But…I do understand your concern, and would welcome any suggestions or recommendations on how to handle optics or public relations, as I don’t really have any experience in either.” 

Thor had to pick his jaw back up off the floor of the limo and even Sif looked impressed. That didn’t stop his next cutting words from whipping out across the limo though. 

“Are you quite done interrogating them, Sif? You weren’t even supposed to be in the car right now, and you came in ready to attack Loki and my relationship with them and their partners. There is virtually no media interest in me here and it is not like I am planning on parrading them through a press conference back in Norway.” He glared daggers at her and she looked cooly back at him. They both turned to Loki when they spoke. 

“I…it’s okay. It was a very valid question. I'm sure she, as your friend and employee, is quite worried about the optics.” 

Valkyrie let out a surprised laugh. She turned to look at Loki with soft affection in her eyes. “You really are special, aren’t you Loki.” 

Sif didn’t give them time to respond, turning to Thor she said, “well there may not be any press conferences you plan to bring him- my apologies, them to, but I rather assumed you would like to stop bringing me or Valkyrie as your date to galas and the next one is only a little over a month away. If you plan on bringing Loki or any of your other partners, it is probably a discussion worth having, no?” 

Thor let out an exasperated groan. He had forgotten about the gala and really he wasn’t sure if he himself was even going to go, let alone with a partner. 

“I told you already, Loki is my only partner- or date right now,” he didn’t dare glance at Loki, unsure how they would feel about the fact that he’d divulged so much information to Sif. 

“I am aware of that, but in one month’s time perhaps you will have more than just Loki,” she replied. 

The car fell silent and Valkyrie leaned forward to look at Loki. 

“I love your outfit. We don’t really have cropped sweaters in Norway because it just gets too cold, but yours is absolutely darling.” 

“Thank you,” Loki said softly, coming out from where they’d been cowering against Thor’s side. They sat forward slightly in their seat to better take in both of their outfits. “I love…I mean pretty much every single thing you’re both wearing. You both look absolutely breathtaking.” 

Sif softened a bit and she gave them the first genuine smile of the night. “Thank you Loki. And I agree with Valkyrie, you are quite adorable yourself.” 

Thankfully they were pulling into Loki’s apartment complex. “Well…I would say it was lovely to see you both, but I’m not sure that’s the truth- well it was lovely to see you Val,” Thor said, dipping his head towards her. 

“You as well Thor. And it was absolutely wonderful to meet you Loki! I’m so happy Thor has found you, and I cannot wait to see you again.” 

“You too!” Loki said as Thor nearly dragged them out of the car with their bags of food. 

As the car drove away Thor watched Loki visibly deflate. 

“I’m so sorry Loki. Truly I had no idea they would be in the car. I know Sif means well, but sometimes-“

“I’m so glad you have friends like that, who care about you so deeply,” Loki interrupted, looking up at him. 

Thor stopped short. “But…you seem…sad.” 

Loki laughed softly and actually physically shook himself out. “No no, more just…a release of tension I guess.” He let out another laugh and this one sounded more lively. He straightened back up and smiled warmly up at Thor. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you! Just needed to kind of go ‘woooooh’ after that,” he said, shaking out his hands to emphasize the sound. “I have to say, if I had to get the ‘what are your intentions with our friend Thor’ talk, it was nice to get it from two women who practically looked like goddesses.” 

Thor let out a bark of laughter. “You’re forgetting Volstagg. Did he also look like a goddess?” Volstagg was around Loki’s height with a fair amount of heft to him and a long, curly red beard to match the long shaggy hair on his head. 

Loki let out a startled laugh at the thought. “Oh, well…I didn’t really feel like I was getting the sixth degree from him, more just an invitation into the car.” 

“More like an invitation into his good graces. I can’t believe you offered him food…you are now probably his new favorite person. Just warning you though, you may have to bring him food forever. He really loves American candy so anything tiny will do, but he’s a little like a dragon. You have to continually give him offerings.” 

“I have to bribe him to like me?” Loki said, giving him a funny look. 

“Oh, no! He will probably like you forever, now. Also…you not being Leif is a big gold star in his book. No, you may need to bribe him to get into the car though,” he said, chuckling fondly. 

“He said that only happened once! I think maybe you’re just giving him a hard time,” Loki said, grinning cheekily at him as he reached for one of the bags Thor was holding. 

He didn’t give it to him, instead he ushered him up the stairs with it. “Oh no, don’t be fooled by his big jolly beard. He has on numerous occasions refused me entry to the car. Typically when I’m drunk or being too loud. He’ll make me go back into the bar or restaurant and come out with food for us to share so I sober up a bit.” Thor’s voice had grown fond by the end of his statement. 

The first time it had happened had been the weekend his mother had died. Thor had stopped eating all together and before one of their car rides, Volstagg had refused to unlock the doors before Thor ate something. Thor stubbornly refused and so then Volstagg had said that he had also not eaten much, so he demanded Thor go get him food instead. He had been thoroughly annoyed that his friend, but also his employee, was making him fetch food for him. 

They had sat on the sidewalk while Volstagg ate and slowly he’d been able to coax Thor into taking a few bites as well. He’d done it on every car trip those next few weeks until Thor just got used to eating his meals outside on the curb with Volstagg. Nowadays it was more of just a habit than anything else. They often didn’t eat together, but he still got Volstagg food nonetheless. 

Just as they reached Loki’s door he froze and looked up at Thor in a panic. “Oh shit- I meant to ask- did you…want to talk about anything with the others? About us or about them?” 

Thor was a little thrown off by the question but not as much as he had been thrown off by the interrogation in the car. “I…honestly don’t know if I have much strength left for another conversation today. I’m so sorry, did you want us to?” 

Loki actually looked relieved. “I was pretty neutral on it to be honest, but now…no I don’t really want to but- I do just have one question?” 

Thor adjusted the bags in his arms and nodded. Loki glanced at the bags and hurried on with his question. 

“I- uhm…I just wanted to ask, do you- not want me to be physical with the other men in the house when you’re here? We’re all pretty, uh, touchy around the house. Even with guests and… especially me and Nicky. If that’s not okay though, I don’t have to be?” 

Thor smiled. “No, Loki, please just be natural with your lovers. I don’t want you to do anything different for my sake. I saw you with them the other three times we have been together, I have no problem with it at all.” 

Loki looked even more relieved. “Okay!” he said with a big grin. He turned and finally opened the door. 

Chapter Text

Loki was beyond exhausted as he opened the apartment door. 

He had spent the entire morning anxiously pacing around the house and even Nicky’s attempt to distract him with sex and then food hadn’t done much to help. He’d sought out Charlie who, to his surprise, had deposited him in the bath and refused to let him out for over an hour as he massaged shampoo into his hair and rubbed his back.

That had helped significantly, but as soon as he was out of the warm water and Charlie’s embrace the nerves had come back. So much so that Bucky had finally kicked him out of the house and practically into Thor’s arms. 

The walk had been lovely and he’d been feeling great until the car ride back. He was still feeling shaken as they walked into the house. Steve was sitting on the couch when they entered and he quickly rushed forward to help Thor with the food. 

“Wow, it smells amazing!” Bucky said, emerging from the kitchen with Nicky in tow. Nicky gave him a questioning look, wondering how Thor had responded to the question he had promised to ask about physical affection. 

Loki smiled and opened his arms and Nicky practically tackled him with a hug. He held Nicky tightly to his chest as Nicky nuzzled into his hair. 

“Did it go okay?” Nicky whispered. 

“It was great but… I met a few of his friends and they interrogated me a bit.” 

Nicky squeezed him tighter. “Is that why you’re shaking? Were they cruel to you?” His whisper had a bite to it, but Loki quickly shook his head and moved his lips next to Nicky’s ear. 

“They were very pleasant, just terrifying. I’ll explain it all later.” He gently kissed Nicky’s cheek and pulled back. He caught Thor watching him, but his stare turned affectionate when he noticed Loki looking back at him. 

Bucky gave him an awkward one arm hug until Loki pulled him into a tight embrace. Bucky let out a startled laugh 

“Missed you too baby,” he murmured into Loki’s hair. “You okay?” 

Loki just nodded and pulled back. Charlie placed his hand on Loki’s lower back as he passed and that was a typical public display of affection for them, so Loki rejoiced at it all the same. 

They took their seats and Loki and Thor took turns explaining each of the dishes. The food was wonderful and Charlie said they should add it to their rotation of takeout restaurants.

“The owner seemed really nice too! Would be great to support another local business!” Loki got a series of sweet looks from around the table and they all agreed readily. 

Bucky had his feet tangled with Loki’s under the table throughout dinner and as they finished eating, both Nicky on his right and Thor on his left reached for his hands. He eagerly accepted both, but this left him with no hands to finish his drink. Nicky had made some kind of spiced drink to go with the Indian food and it was very different from what Loki would normally drink, but still delicious. He would just have to drink it with dessert. Speaking of which. 

“Does anyone have any room left for dessert?” 

“Sweetheart, you know I’ve been looking forward to this all day. Please don’t tease me like this,” Nicky winked at him. 

“Nicky and I did lick the spoon when you were done, so we know it tastes good!” Bucky said. 

“We licked the same part of the spoon,” Nicky leered over at Thor who laughed good naturedly. 

“Oh my god, was that your first kiss?” Thor asked in an aggressively flamboyant American sitcom-style accent. The entire group erupted into boisterous laughter as Bucky blushed and Nicky looked impressed. Loki squeezed both of their hands and they both looked at him affectionately. 

“Nicky, since you’re so excited, can you help me get it set up?” Loki asked as he stood up and grudgingly let go of Thor’s hand. 

As they walked into the kitchen Loki felt his sixth-Nicky-sense tingle so he placed a hand behind his back to lessen the blow. Sure enough, two steps into the kitchen Nicky shoved him up against the fridge. 

“Hi baby,” Loki whispered as Nicky pressed himself up against his chest. 

“Hi…sorry… I just need a moment of your time,” Nicky said, sounding ironically like a traveling salesman. He captured Loki’s lips with his own and pilfered his mouth with his sinful tongue. 

“I missed you,” Loki whispered and Nicky huffed.

“You don’t have to make me feel better. I’m a grown boy. I should be able to handle myself. I'm just…a very needy grown boy…” he ended his statement with another brutal kiss. 

“I know, my love. It’s okay,” Loki whispered, using Nicky’s endearment back on him. 

Nicky’s breath caught and he burrowed himself deeper into Loki’s arms. 

“I love you so much and I’m so excited to hear all about your date. Hopefully with your cock in my mouth.” 

“Nicky!” Loki hissed in embarrassment. 

“What? Too soon? Okay fine, I can’t wait to hear about your date with your hands in my hair. Better?” Nicky asked.

“Well…yes, actually. That sounds lovely.” 

Nicky pulled back and grinned at him, sweet and pure and Loki pulled him in by the back of his neck for one more kiss. 

“Okay, let’s get these desserts plated,” Loki said as he went into the fridge to start pulling out trays. 

He had made 16 individual cheesecakes, because that’s how many ramekins they owned. He had hoped everyone would have 2, or even possibly 3 over the weekend, but he was now also planning on sending Thor home with a few for his colleagues and friends. 

Nicky quickly served them onto six plates while Loki bustled around adding powdered sugar, chocolate swirls and twill garnishes he’d prepared earlier that day. Finally, he added some fresh fruits and they were ready to serve. 

They put them onto a tray, something Charlie had purchased for them several months ago since five plates were too many for even two people to carry. Now that it was six, and might be six a lot more frequently, Loki was especially grateful for the tray. 

Everyone oohed and ahhed as Loki carried them out and Thor looked absolutely delighted. 

He handed out the desserts and everyone dug in immediately.

Loki kept control of both his hands so he could enjoy the dessert and his drink. He glanced to Nicky for his approval first and he made an appreciative, somewhat sexual noise in the back of his throat. Then Loki turned to Thor. 

He was suddenly hit with a pang of doubt as he remembered Thor had spent the last week with his French-bakery-owning lover. 

However, despite this, Thor made a similarly obscene moan as he dug into his second bite. “Oh Loki…” he murmured and Loki felt heat flood down his chest and straight towards his groin. “No country in the world makes cheesecake like America does, and this is quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever had.” 

Loki flushed even hotter at the praise. “Thank you…” he said to his plate. “There are a bunch of extras. I’ll package them up and you can bring them to Sif, Valkyrie, and Volstagg.” 

Thor was about to say something when Bucky exclaimed, “oh my god you still hang out with Sif and Volstagg? Wow it’s been so long! I miss those guys!” 

“I’m sure they miss you as well! They are very fond of you, Bucky.” 

Loki’s heart sank. Bucky was so loveable, he wasn’t surprised by this at all, but he wondered if maybe they’d liked Bucky in a way they’d never be able to like him. Would they be disappointed to learn that Thor was going to end up with Loki and not Bucky? 

Thor’s big hand landed on his thigh and he looked up. Thor was looking meaningfully at him as Bucky spoke. 

“They did seem to love me. Maybe it’s because the first thing I said to them when they asked if we were dating was-“ 

“Have you seen this beast? He would eat me alive,” Thor said, finishing for Bucky. 

“They knew we were fucking though, didnt they,” Bucky asked with laughter in his voice. 

Thor’s eyes twinkled as he continued to stare at Loki. “They absolutely knew we were fucking.”

“Oooh, so how did they take the news you might be joining a polyamorous relationship where we will in fact, not be fucking again?” 

Loki’s eyes widened but Thor laughed boisterously, finally turning to look at Bucky. “They’re taking bets on whether or not we do end up in bed together.” 

“Oh, I’m sure we’ll end up in bed together just not with each other,” Bucky said, a glint in his own eyes. 

Thor got a thoughtful look. “Do you think I should edit that into the terms of the bet?” 

“How much are we talking here?” Bucky shot back. 

Loki felt like he was watching a game of tennis, the banter was so quick and so sharp. He had seen a little of this before, but he hadn’t truly grasped the extent of the rapport between these two. He had to admit it was rather enthralling, like watching Charlie and Nicky together. 

“5000.” 

“Oh you should absolutely edit the terms of the bet. Does it include watching movies together in bed naked? Because that may also happen.” 

Thor smirked at him. “I shall call my lawyers immediately.” 

“God I wish you were joking,” Steve chimed in, laughing good naturedly.

“You know I do not mess around with bets, Steven.” 

“Okay there is absolutely a story here!” Nicky said, placing his palm on the table so he could lean forward and whip his head back and forth between the two of them. 

“Steve and Thor used to like to bet quite often. It varied from how many women Nat could pick up at a bar, to who could eat the most tacos. Steve is intimately familiar with Thor’s legal team because he had a lot of winnings to collect, but also a few debts to pay.” 

Loki and Nicky slowly looked between the two. “I…wow. That was not where I thought this conversation was going. It really didn’t seem like it was going anywhere good, but wow. I’ve learned so much. Who knew Steven was a betting man,” Nicky said cheekily looking over at Steve. 

“I try not to be, but Thor just brings it out in me,” Steve admitted grudgingly. 

“Have anything you’d like to wager on now?” Thor asked happily. 

“Absolutely not. I think I’m just going to clear some dishes away,” Steve said, laughing good naturedly as he and Bucky cleared the table. 

“Thank you so much for dinner Thor,” Charlie said pleasantly from across the table.  

“Can you stay for a movie? And by a movie I mean cuddling with Loki on the couch?” Nicky asked, grinning cheekily at Thor. 

“Oh you don’t have to-” Loki tried to let him off the hook. He’d probably had enough Loki for the day, or possibly the week. 

Thor looked doubtfully over at the couch. “Actually, that sounds wonderful, but will all six of us fit on the two couches?” 

“We’ve fit four on one couch before no problem,” Nicky said hopping up. He practically pranced over to the couch directly facing the TV. “We’ll just use this one and you two can use the other,” he said, gesturing to the second couch. “Let me get us all another round of drinks. Cocktails? Wine? Beer?” 

Charlie and Loki both asked for wine and Thor asked for a beer and Nicky quickly complied. They all moved over to the couches just as Bucky and Steve emerged from the kitchen. 

“Movie?” Nicky asked. 

“Uhm, we actually were going to, er- I wanted Bucky to look at a project I, uhh-” Steve fumbled. 

“We’re going to have sex, but thank you for the offer,” Bucky stated succinctly. 

Loki balked and glanced over at Thor, but he just grinned back. It seemed they all really were just going to act normal around Thor.

“Well alright. Holler if you need any assistance,” Nicky said with a wink. 

Nicky was already sitting down and when Charlie took his seat, he sprawled out across the sofa, placing his head in Charlie’s lap. 

Thor sat down on the couch in the seat farthest from the TV, so Loki took up the middle seat. He had cuddled on this couch many times before and the only real way it worked was for one person to lie on the other person’s chest or sit in between their legs on the couch. Nicky had definitely orchestrated this on purpose so he’d have no choice but to get really cuddly with Thor. Casual meddling was Nicky’s specialty. 

Thor gave Loki a confused look about how they should arrange themselves. Loki was about to sigh when Nicky piped in “helpfully.” 

“The best way for both of you to see the TV is if you both lie down like this.” 

Nicky sat up and shoved Charlie down onto the couch. He went willingly, but his tight lipped expression showed how deeply wary he was of being manhandled by Nicky. Loki would be willing to bet Thor and his lawyers that Nicky, or at least Nicky’s ass, was going to pay for this later. 

Once Charlie was turned sideways on the couch, Nicky crawled on top of him and laid down. It was an incredibly cozy position, so at least Thor might appreciate that. 

“That is…totally up to you,” Thor murmured to him. 

“I mean…I’m down for whatever,” Loki responded casually. 

His cheeks flamed hot as Nicky began the movie, perhaps to give them something to get distracted over besides how awkward this first purposeful cuddle session was going to be. 

After only another moment’s hesitation, Thor obliged, and assumed a similar position as Charlie. He rested his head on a pillow propped up on the arm of the sofa, and he brought his right leg to rest against the back of the couch. 

Loki took a deep steadying breath. He loved firsts, it was one of his favorite parts of polyamory, and in the grand scheme of things this was a pretty small first, but a first all the same. 

As gently as possible, he scooted between Thor’s legs and then paused. With Nicky and Bucky he would kind of lunge onto their chest and then turn around so he either curled against their side with his back against the sofa, or he would lie on their chest on his back. Loki wasn’t really sure what to do here, so he just remained frozen. 

Thor took over the decision making and just grabbed Loki and pulled him on top of him. Loki shifted until he came to rest with his cheek pressed against Thor’s ample chest and the rest of his body flush against Thor’s. After a little shifting, their legs tangled together near the bottom of the couch. Thor tugged the throw blanket off the back of the couch and pulled it over them. 

Loki had to stifle a satisfied groan in the back of his throat, but it came out as a contented hum. 

Thor shifted and wrapped his arms around Loki’s back. 

“Are you koselig, kjære?” 

Loki adored Thor speaking Norwegian. It was like his accent found its home, and became thicker, like a sweet sticky syrup that enveloped Loki. He particularly loved the endearment Thor used for him. It sounded like “sha-rah” to Loki’s untrained ears. 

“How do I say yes?” Loki asked. 

“Ja,” Thor responded. The word sounded like “yah” and because of his position on top of Thor, it rumbled through Thor’s chest and into Loki, running down his stomach in a tantalizing way. 

“Ja,” Loki repeated back and Thor squeezed him gently. 

Loki couldn’t be entirely certain, but he was pretty sure if he could describe what bliss felt like, this would be it. Both Bucky and Nicky were close to his size and while Charlie was bigger than him, he was still more on the lean side. Thor, however, was just big. He was hulking strength, and bands of muscles under Loki’s fingers and he felt so incredibly warm, safe, and right. 

He couldn’t stop his next words even if he’d tried, it was like they were just too true not to be spoken out loud. 

“You feel…so good,” he whispered. 

Thor began to gently stroke his back, fingers mapping out every dip and ridge in his spine. “So do you.” 

Loki snorted. “I can’t really imagine that’s true… I’m so bony.” 

Thor hummed and it rolled through Loki like a cresting wave. “I think it’s rather like how we like holding and petting cats. They are actually rather bony, but they’re quite cuddly and warm and it just…makes you happy to have them in your arms.” 

Loki couldn’t stop himself from poking a little fun. “Are you calling me fluffy?” 

Thor gave him a quizzical look. “We would not say that in Norway about a person…I am uncertain if it has a bad meaning in English?” 

Loki laughed. “It means fat.”

“Oh, well, of course not, don’t be absurd. I thought Nicholas was thin and then I met you,” he laughed jovially. Something about that hit Loki the wrong way though. 

He tilted to the side and leaned up a little bit so he could see Thor’s face. “Are…none of your previous lovers built like me?”

Thor seemed to think about that for a minute. “Well…when I was younger, perhaps I pulled some men at bars who were more similar to you, but in recent years my partners have all been built more like Steve or Bucky.” 

Loki bit his bottom lip, unsure what that meant about Thor’s interest in him. Was that why he had said he had just wanted to try with Loki? Was Loki so far from his normal type he wasn’t even sure if he was attracted to him?

“Kjære…what are you thinking? It looks like you are thinking too hard about something.”

Thor brought a hand up to gently trace the tension around Loki’s eyes and then his tight lips. He brushed his fingers gently over Loki’s bottom lip and they parted automatically. Thor’s eyes became hooded as he stared intentionally at Loki’s mouth. 

If Thor kissed him, that would mean he was interested in him, right?  

Loki bent his head forward ever so slowly and Thor followed him with his eyes, but said nothing until their mouths were only an inch apart. 

“What are you thinking?” Thor asked again, cupping Loki’s cheek with his hand, stilling his movement. 

“Are you…you are attracted to me, right?” 

Thor let out a sharp laugh and pulled his hand back from Loki’s cheek. He reached below the blanket and gently grabbed Loki’s hips with both hands. Loki had been lying on one side of Thor’s body, pressed between his right side and the couch. Thor very gently shifted him until he could feel Thor’s rock hard, very impressive length through both of their pants. 

Loki tried to stifle his sharp gasp. Using his grasp on Loki’s hips, Thor pulled Loki higher up on his chest, and away from his crotch. He pressed his lips right under Loki’s ear. 

“Please, do not ever doubt my attraction for you. It does not matter to me that you are different from my previous lovers. You are unbelievably gorgeous, and absolutely what I want. I would love to take you on this couch right now just to prove that to you but…I do not want to be rude to our friends and I want us to have the chance to know each other a little more before we…” he stopped speaking and shifted his hips ever so slightly against Loki’s leg, finishing his sentence with an implication. 

Loki shivered in his arms at his intense words. Then Thor kissed the tender skin right below his ear and he shivered again. Thor was stroking Loki’s hips gently with his thumbs. His hands were so large they nearly fully encased Loki’s hip bones. It was a heady feeling, knowing that when Thor finally did take him, he would be able to completely control his body if he so chose. Loki realized he was no longer thinking if anymore, but when.  

“I actually think it is incredibly sexy, the difference in our size,” Thor murmured as if he had read Loki’s mind. 

“I do too,” he whispered back. 

He had no doubt Nicky and Charlie could hear every word they were saying, but he didn’t care, and Thor didn’t seem to mind much either. 

“Mmmm… soon I will bring you to bed, Loki. I just do not want to rush anything the way… the way I did with Leif.” 

Yes, the infamous Leif. Loki was putting together a pretty solid picture of the type of partner Leif had been and it didn’t seem good. He wished he could get a quick tutorial of how exactly not to be like Leif so he didn’t trigger Thor or hurt him in any way. Since that clearly didn’t exist, he was just going to have to follow Thor’s lead. He turned his head so he was the one whispering against Thor’s neck. 

“I am happy to follow your lead.” 

He pressed his own kiss under Thor’s ear and he could feel Thor’s abs tighten. He couldn’t stop himself from doing it again. Thor’s fingers held a little tighter to his hips and he was reminded of that steamy hug they’d shared on the sidewalk earlier. Loki had reveled in getting to be a little bit of a trickster when it hadn’t seemed serious, but it felt pretty serious now. 

All the same, he allowed himself one more moment of teasing, and he gently flicked his tongue out and licked the place he had just kissed. 

Thor’s breath caught and he tilted his head down to look into Loki’s eyes. 

“Is that following my lead?” he asked, a teasing lilt braiding itself into his accented words.

“Well…you kissed me there first.” 

“One kiss. I gave you one kiss there.” 

“Would you like to even it out?” 

Thor’s eyes widened and when Loki tilted his head so he had access to his neck again, Thor leaned forward and bit into his skin. Loki gasped and then shivered almost violently when Thor flicked his tongue out to lap over the bite. 

Thor sighed and his breath ghosted over his now slightly damp skin and Loki couldn’t help the way his hips ground down against Thor’s hip. 

“You are trouble…” Thor purred against his neck. 

“I would…just like to point out…I am not the one causing trouble right now,” he panted as Thor licked his neck again. Oh god, this man was going to be his undoing. He had withstood the absolute torture of a slow burn from both Nicky and Bucky. He truly wasn’t sure if he’d be able to do it again. 

“When you say…soon…” Loki asked and received a chuckle in return. 

“Follow my lead, kjære. I won’t make you wait too long, I promise.” 

Loki took in a deep steadying breath and then slowly settled back down onto Thor’s chest. Thor began gently stroking Loki’s back again and slowly the raging coil of fire in his stomach began to cool. He tuned into the movie and realized it was a rom com they’d seen a few months back. He let the familiar storyline wash over him as he cataloged the way Thor’s body tensed, moved, and then slowly relaxed under him. 

About thirty minutes later Thor brushed his lips over Loki’s forehead. Loki fisted his hand in Thor’s shirt in response and hummed contentedly. 

A little while later Thor reached up and brushed his hand over the top of Loki’s hair. The touch was featherlight and when he brought his hand back up to the top of his head, Loki leaned his head into the touch. 

Thor began softly stroking Loki’s hair, making him melt like a puddle of ice cream. He released his hold on Thor’s shirt and every muscle in his body relaxed. 

“So sweet…like a little puppy,” Thor whispered, continuing to stroke his hair. 

Loki’s eyes closed and didn’t open again until the end of the movie. He hadn’t fallen asleep so much as he had just drifted. He was still aware of when Thor stopped stroking his hair and went back to stroking his spine. He had also been aware of Thor shifting him more fully onto his chest so he could hug Loki comfortably around the waist. 

“Are either of you awake?” Charlie’s soft voice called to them.

They both grunted their responses. Loki turned his head and blinked open his eyes to see Charlie standing up, holding a sleeping Nicky in his arms. 

“Nicholas is asleep, so I’m going to take him to bed. Please feel free to stay as long as you would like or even sleep over if you wish. There’s room for both of you in our bed, or Loki, if Thor does leave at some point, you’re welcome at any time.” 

“Thank you, Charlie,” Loki whispered, his voice husky with disuse. 

“Yes, thank you, Charles. I don’t think my back would like to stay on the couch again and… I don’t think I’m quite ready to join you in your bed, but I may stay just a little longer.” 

“We will sort out sleeping arrangements some other time then? The quad enjoys sleeping in one bed together from time to time. I’m sure we will be able to come to an agreement.” 

Thor nodded, but Loki wasn’t sure if Charlie saw it. Either way, he quietly left the room with Nicky in his arms. 

“I think…I would prefer our first time choosing to sleep together to be in my apartment, if that is alright with you?” Thor asked suddenly. 

Loki slowly sat up on Thor’s chest so he could fully see him. 

His eyes were heavy lidded with sleep and his lips were soft and so kissable. Loki’s sleep-addled brain wasn’t able to stop him in time. He leaned down and kissed Thor. It was soft and sweet, but Thor seemed to barely even register what was happening. Loki pulled back and wondered if he had made a mistake. This was definitely not following Thor’s lead which he had just promised to do. 

Thor’s eyes were wide but he was smiling. 

“I’m sorry, I-“ Loki didn’t get to finish his apology, because Thor reached up and grabbed him by the back of the neck to pull him down into another kiss. 

Loki felt like he was flying. Thor’s mouth was indeed incredibly kissable. His lips were plump and soft, and his hand on Loki’s neck was firm, but gentle. He wanted desperately to deepen the kiss, but he knew that was definitely not his call to make. So instead they just swapped closed-mouth kisses. Thor’s mouth did open slightly, just enough to let his lips massage against Loki’s in a way that had no right to feel as good as it did.

Loki hummed happily into the kiss and Thor let out an amused huff of air that skated across Loki’s lips as they both pulled back from the kiss. Having clearly lost all self control, Loki swooped down and pressed one more kiss on his lips before pulling back up. 

Thor raised his hand and brushed his thumb over Loki’s lip again. “So much trouble…” 

Loki laughed a little louder, now that they didn’t have the other two men to bother. “I’m in so much trouble?” 

“You are so much trouble,” Thor clarified, “I feel like you’re too cute to get into much trouble, which just makes you even more trouble.” 

Loki couldn't stop himself from laughing again. He felt bubbly and shimmery inside. He gazed down fondly at Thor and wondered if now that they had their first kiss, if he had to follow Thor’s lead on all kisses or if it was just taking their kissing to the next level. To test this question, he leaned down and kissed him again. 

Thor pushed him back with a hand on his chest. Loki felt a bolt of disappointment crash through him as he assumed it meant he was not allowed to initiate kissing just yet. However, Thor then used that same hand to pull himself into a sitting position, swinging them around so he was sitting on the couch normally and Loki was straddling his lap. 

He threaded his hand into Loki’s hair and pulled him back in for another kiss. This time he did open his mouth and Loki opened his in return and let Thor’s tongue slide into his mouth. He wasn’t forceful, it didn’t seem like anything Thor had done with Loki thus far was forceful, but he was demanding. He pressed against Loki's tongue, demanding he move with him, and so their tongues danced around each other, swirled and played and then he pulled his tongue back and Loki tentatively followed with his own tongue. 

Thor's grip tightened in his hair as Loki began to explore his mouth. He had already been holding fistfuls of Thor’s shirt, but he released one of his hands to come up and cup the back of Thor’s head. 

He wanted so badly to get his hands into Thor’s hair, but he would never do that without asking explicit permission first, so he just cupped his skull and left his hair alone. 

Thor let him explore his mouth a little longer until he finally chased his tongue out and they resumed some of the earlier closed mouth, massage style kissing and Loki found he liked it almost as much. Almost, but not quite. There was something about making out that Loki just adored. 

When they finally pulled away both of their lips were wet and Thor’s were kissed a deep pink and it just made Loki want to kiss him again.

“Now that I know you can kiss like that…dritt Loki…soon might have to be this week. I’m not sure if I can wait much longer than that…” 

Loki laughed his bubbly laugh again, but then he sobered as he remembered Thor’s earlier question. “Can I ask…why do you prefer our first time not be here?” 

“Oh, I just do not feel comfortable kicking someone out of their bed for my use, and…I guess I am a little uncomfortable knowing that men I have not slept with have slept in that bed before me, and will do so after me. Is…that a problem?” he asked looking up into Loki’s face. 

Loki felt like his heart and dick were playing tug of war with each other. He wanted Thor more than he had ever wanted anyone else. He also knew that this ask, on top of Nicky’s already present anxieties and worries could be too much if not handled correctly. He wouldn’t hurt Nicky. He would never hurt Nicky. 

“I don’t have a problem with that, no, but…I do think this is something we will need to discuss with the group. I’m not sure if…that might slow down the timeline a little bit? Also… I mean- I want you Thor…I really want you, but I’m okay if we take a little longer getting to know each other. It really doesn’t have to be this week if we’re not ready. When are you back again? Actually, when can I see you again this week and then when are you coming back again?” 

Thor smiled softly at Loki’s rambling and rubbed his big thumbs over Loki’s hip bones. 

“I am here until Friday morning, I have to be in France for a meeting on Friday afternoon. I will be in day long meetings Monday through Wednesday. I…was going to ask if I could take you out for lunch tomorrow? And now I am thinking maybe I should bring dinner over again on Thursday and we can talk with the others? I am then gone for two weeks and will be back for two weeks after that.” 

Loki felt like he was on a rollercoaster trying to take in all of the information while simultaneously trying to control his emotional responses. 

“Oh- wow uhm, okay so…yes! I would love to get lunch tomorrow. Thursday sounds like a plan, and damn two weeks feels long…but then you’ll be here for two weeks, that’s amazing!” 

Thor smiled up at him. “I think that may become more of the normal cadence for me, but truly I cannot make any promises quite yet. Landing this deal this week will partly determine that, as well as some other work in Norway and France.” 

Loki nodded. “Okay so…I will see you tomorrow and Thursday?” 

“Yes. It is a date! Or…I meant that as the American phrase, not as a demand, which I realize is how it came out…” 

Loki laughed and swooped down to kiss him again. Just a quick soft kiss of appreciation and maybe a little adoration. 

“It’s a date,” he whispered against his lips. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

As if paying him back for the weekend before, Loki woke up with Nicky’s hand down his pants Sunday morning. He glanced blearily at the clock and saw it was already ten a.m. 

“I have until 11:30 to have sex, shower and get dressed. Can we make that work?” he asked sleepily. 

Nicky smiled wickedly over Loki’s shoulder. Loki turned his head just in time to see Charlie slide back into bed. He pressed himself up against Loki’s back, his hand brushing down Loki’s side. 

“If you want it to be quick, may I offer my services as well?” Charlie purred, causing a shiver to roll down Loki’s spine. 

“O-okay-” his consent seemed to be all that was required, and a few moments later he was completely naked and Nicky had taken him in his mouth. 

Loki arched his back off the bed and reached blindly for something to grab onto. Charlie took his hand and made him open the lube bottle for him. Charlie began lubing up his fingers as well as his cock and Loki wondered momentarily who was going to be on the receiving end of both of those. 

“So Loki, this can go as fast or as slow as you’d like, you just have to answer a few questions about your date,” Charlie purred. 

“What?” Loki gasped, his hips bucking when Nicky gave a particularly delicious suck. 

Charlie moved down between his legs and Nicky shifted around so he was bending over Loki from the side. 

“We’d just like to know how your date went and now feels as good a time as any. So, how was the walk?” 

“Uhm, it was good he- mmmm, he held my hand and we, uhm, we talked about these Norwegian- ughhh… Norwegian words that mean living outdoors or being outdoorsy or fucking- something- I don’t know- basically he likes the outdoors and being adventurous but he also likes- oh fuck Nicky…” 

Loki had been trying so hard to answer, because he knew how Nicky and Charlie liked to play games. If he didn’t answer them fully and quickly, he wasn’t going to get what he wanted, which was Charlie’s cock. Inside him. Right now. 

Charlie was currently running his wet fingers around Loki’s hole while Nicky was still sucking on him. He had been doing fine until Nicky tongued at his slit and he’d lost all train of thought.
“Nicholas, he’s going to finish too quickly if you keep doing that,” Charlie chided gently. 

“Well he is in a rush, I thought I’d try and be a little nice,” Nicky said grinning like the Cheshire cat, Loki’s wetness making his lips glisten. 

“He also likes what, Loki?” Charlie asked, gently pressing just the tip of his index finger into him. 

“Oh god- he likes being cozy? I think that was the word? It’s this idea of being…safe and feeling warm and happy, with friends and- and loved ones, like…the way you both make me feel,” he panted out and they both froze, Nicky with his hand slowly stroking Loki and Charlie with his finger about halfway into Loki. 

“God you can’t just say shit like that when we’re practically torturing you. Really takes the wind out of our sails, you know?” Nicky teased, but his smile was soft and loving and Charlie was giving him big round adoring eyes. 

“You’re right. Fuck feelings. Someone put something inside me that is bigger than a finger- agh-” he cried out as Charlie thrust two fingers into him. 

“Keep going Loki…” he ordered. 

“He, uhm… we- we hugged and he got hard for me and I- well, I channeled my inner Nicky so I basically grinded on him on a public sidewalk,” Loki said laughing and then moaning when Charlie crooked his finger and hit his spot. 

Nicky cackled and leaned down to give his cock one hard suck before lifting his head back up. 

“Nicholas, can you prep yourself?” Charlie asked as he continued to thrust into Loki. 

Loki whimpered. “Wait! I’m being good! I- I’m answering your questions!” 

Nicky stroked a hand down Loki’s chest, brushing his thumb teasingly over one of his nipples. 

“You are, darling. That’s why you get to fuck me while Charlie fucks you. If you weren’t being good, we’d just make you watch us fuck.” 

Loki whimpered and arched off the bed again when Charlie crooked his fingers. 

“Keep going…” Charlie instructed and his voice was like velvet. 

Loki turned his head to watch Nicky slowly start to finger himself, his head thrown back as he let out a breathy moan.

Loki quickly explained ordering dinner, he skimmed over the number, but explained Thor’s wealth and then he briefly explained the interrogation in the car. Charlie slowed down his thrusting and instead began to stroke Loki as he explained how intimidated and scared he’d been of messing up in front of Thor’s friends. Nicky paused his prep to lean down and kiss Loki sweetly. 

“Let me guess, they all fell in love with you in the end?” Nicky asked. 

“Well,” Loki panted, his mind and his body so overwhelmed and overstimulated he was barely sure which way was up anymore, let alone the emotional interests and intentions of other people. “I…complimented their outfits and they seemed to like that?” 

Charlie laughed and began thrusting into him again. 

“Uhm…so there is one last bit,” Loki admitted as Nicky finished his prep and Charlie added a third finger. They both stilled and looked down at him. 

“I, uhm…well Thor said he wanted to not move too quickly with sex, so I said I’d follow his lead, but then I- I kissed him.” 

Charlie thrust into him hard and Nicky reached out and pinched his nipple and he wasn’t sure if he was being rewarded or punished. 

“But! But I- I only kissed him, closed mouths, it was- it was innocent I-” he slammed his head back on the pillow when Charlie crooked all three fingers in him. 

“Oh god! But- but then…he, he pulled me into his lap and we made out and- oh fuck, he’s so big, he’s just…so much bigger than me and it’s so sexy and- oh god-” he began to whimper uncontrollably as Charlie pulled him to the edge of the bed. He lifted Loki’s legs up so they braced on the edge of the bed and left him spread open for Charlie. Loki’s cock was rock hard and waving in the air, ready for Nicky. 

Charlie built up a steady rhythm with his fingers and Nicky climbed on his lap and centered himself over Loki's cock. 

“Well, we all know how you like to be absolutely dominated, so it’s no surprise you find his size so endearing, darling,” Nicky said casually as he sank all the way down onto Loki’s cock. 

Loki practically screamed, but Nicky leaned forward at an obscene angle to press a hand over his mouth and pin one of his hands above his head. Loki immediately raised his other hand and Nicky captured both in his surprisingly strong grip. 

“God, you’re going to let him fuck you just like this aren’t you? He’s going to hold you down and he’s going to slowly fuck you just. Like. This.” Nicky matched his words to the tempo Charlie was holding with his fingers. 

He cried out against Nicky’s hand. 

“Actually Nicholas, I think he’s going to fuck Loki like this,” Charlie murmured and he ripped his fingers out of Loki and with no warning slid his cock all the way into him. 

Loki’s back arched so hard off the mattress he was surprised he didn’t snap in two. He cried out in pain and mind blowing pleasure at everything that was happening to him. Oftentimes in bed he liked to fight and push back against whoever he was with, but right now all he could do was just take what he was being given. He wondered if this was what it would be like with Thor. 

“Nicholas- let him speak. Loki, color?” 

Nicky immediately removed his hand. 

“Green, please- oh god, please-” Nicky covered Loki’s mouth again and they began to move inside and on top of him. 

“He really is so much bigger than you isn’t he…he could probably hold you down with one hand on your chest. He’ll be able to throw you around like it’s nothing, pick you up and fuck you on his cock standing against a wall or bent over a counter. He’ll have complete control of your body, just like we do right now,” Nicky purred, not losing his train of thought or even stuttering as he rode Loki, hard. 

All Loki could do was whimper and nod. 

“We’ve trained you so well Loki…look how good you’re taking my cock…not trying to fight us or anything. I bet Thor will like what a submissive little lover you’ve become.” Charlie’s words were like fire across Loki’s nerves. He loved it and hated it at the same time. 

As if some part of him wouldn’t allow him to be fully submissive, he suddenly had the urge to fight back. He bucked his hips hard against Nicky and turned his face sharply out of Nicky’s grasp. 

Nicky just laughed happily. He bore down hard on Loki’s cock and pulled his hand back from Loki’s mouth. “I dunno Charlie, he’s still got a lot of fight left in him. I think he’s going to make Thor work for it. Make him find those places on him that just make him scream and beg to be dominated. Like…here…” he grabbed Loki’s nipple ring and gave a rough tug and Loki did scream. He arched his back up, changing the angle of Charlie's next thrust and it perfectly hit home. He shouted again and his voice broke when Nicky tugged on the nipple ring again and Charlie hit his spot a second time. 

“Oh, god- please please please…I’ll…I’ll be good, I- I want to be good for him, I do, I-” 

Nicky tugged again and bent down to bite into Loki’s other nipple. Charlie picked up the tempo, fucking into him almost to the point of pain, but just shy of it. 

It was such excruciating pleasure he didn’t think he was going to last much longer. 

“I just can’t wait until Thor joins us…then he can watch the way you come to pieces for us…” Nicky murmured and Loki’s mind nearly whited out. He couldn’t even imagine what Thor would think. 

He thought Loki was trouble now, wait until he witnessed the way Loki misbehaved in bed. The way he would crash into and up against his lovers, pushing both of them almost to the breaking point, but always ending up happy and unbelievably satisfied. He wanted to do some of that crashing now. He bucked his hips viciously into Nicky who gave a startled cry and fell forward on top of Loki. 

“I...want him to watch me fuck you…the way you beg for me, and cry for me…he said he’s never been with a vers before. I want him to get to see how even someone as small as me can make you scream,” he grit out as he fucked up into Nicky. Charlie matched his speed to Loki’s so they were moving together.

Nicky cried out over and over each time Loki’s thrust struck home. 

“And then…maybe I’ll give you to him and I’ll get to watch him fuck you next,” Loki growled and Nicky whimpered against his chest. 

Charlie shifted his angle once again, pressing deep into Loki the way he loved. 

Loki gave an animal cry as he bit into Nicky’s shoulder. Nicky let out a pitiful sound and Loki finally yanked his hands loose from Nicky’s loosening grasp so he could grab Nicky’s hips and take control of him. 

Charlie laughed darkly. “Nicholas, I think Loki may have beaten you at your own game.” 

Nicky just nodded and clung to Loki as the force of Charlie’s thrusts moved Loki up into Nicky. 

“Ohhh-h- f-fuck Loki…oh g-god…oh- p-please, please I- I- I’ll be good…for Thor…for you…I promise,” Nicky cried. 

“I know you will, baby…” Loki murmured. He stroked a hand through Nicky’s sweaty hair and thrust into him roughly. 

Loki hadn’t exactly intended to flip the script on Nicky, but it sure had worked. Loki was much more used to playing with Nicky like this, offering to give him beautiful body to their lovers and telling him all the things he wanted to do to Nicky while they had an audience. He wasn’t used to it being turned around on him though. 

Loki hadn’t really known he had an exhibitionist side until he met the quint. Nicky must have seen it though and he’d been tapping into it more and more recently and Loki had to admit he did like it. He also loved having a squirming, begging Nicky underneath or on top of him. 

Charlie let out a dark laugh and both Loki and Nicky turned their heads to look at him. 

“What you both seem to be missing…is that Thor and I are going to take turns dominating both of you, and sweet Steve and beautiful Bucky are going to watch.” 

It was as if they were playing with magnets and the poles kept shifting. With just his words, both Nicky and Loki fell under Charlie’s control. 

He reached up a hand to press into Nicky’s shoulder blades and he began guiding both of their movements as he pressed up into Loki with his cock and down onto Nicky with his hand. Loki was experiencing it from both directions and the room began to spin. 

“Oh god- Charlie, please-” Loki moaned. 

“Charlie…” Nicky whimpered. 

They were all perilously close. With rough hands, Charlie grabbed Nicky’s shoulders, pulled him upright, and gripped his cock. With just a few strokes, Nicky was cumming all over Loki’s chest. It splashed across him, hot and fast, and some of it landed on his lips. Loki’s eyes lifted to meet Charlie’s and he licked his lips. Charlie moaned low and tortured as he thrust desperately into Loki. It only took another few moments and they were both cuming as well. 

They collapsed into a sticky wreck on the bed, all of them breathing impossibly hard.
“What…the fuck was that…” Nicky asked between pants, but there was laughter in his voice. 

“That, Nicholas, was the perfect example of two vers subs attempting to be doms,” Charlie’s voice was husky and warm and Loki couldn’t stop the bubbly laugh that came out of him. He laughed and kept laughing until he collapsed against Nicky who was also laughing and then they were kissing. Not hard, nothing like how he’d kissed Thor the night before, but it still felt amazing. Warm and familiar and perfect. 

“I love you so much. Both of you,” Loki said as he turned and reached out a hand for Charlie. 

“We love you,” Nicky said, hugging Loki tightly. 

“Oh uhm…Thor does want to come over on Thursday to talk about his and my relationship I think, and… maybe more than just that. I’m not really sure-” 

Suddenly Loki remembered he was also supposed to see Thor today. He glanced at the clock and squeaked in horror. It was almost eleven. He scrambled out of the bed and nearly threw himself into the shower. Nicky laughed and slowly followed him into the bathroom. He waited until Loki’s frantic shower was done before he stepped in to take his own. 

Loki sprinted, fully naked, across the hall and prayed to every god he could think of that Steve wasn’t in the room. Thankfully someone listened, because it was only Bucky in the room, lounging in bed watching TV. 

“Well good morning, gorgeous,” he drawled as Loki darted into the closet. 

“I need help picking out a lunch outfit for a date with Thor! Can you help- like- really quickly?” he shouted from inside their closet.

Loki could hear Bucky scramble off the bed and into the closet behind him. 

“Okay, sexy, cute, or casual? Also on a scale of Charlie to Nat, what are we talking?” 

“Uhm, cute but endearing, and two degrees more feminine than Nicky?” Loki responded on pure instinct. 

Bucky spun in a tight circle in the middle of the closet and then he reached out and grabbed a striped crop top. Loki’s hand flew out to stop him. “I wore something cropped yesterday. Can we do endearing in a different way?” 

Bucky hung the crop top back up and continued flipping until he stopped abruptly and they both stared at a black pleated skirt that Loki knew fell an inch or two above his knees. 

They turned to look at each other and Loki grinned. “I take back everything else I said. I’m wearing that.” 

Bucky laughed, grabbed him by his naked hips and pulled him in for a quick kiss. He released him and began flipping through their clothes again. 

Loki quickly rummaged through his drawer and pulled on a pair of silky black boyshort underwear. He shimmied his way into the skirt and Bucky tossed him a short, thin, gray hoodie. It fell to right above the waist of the skirt and was made of a soft tshirt material. Next, Bucky tossed him his white jean jacket and his doc martens. Loki rolled his eyes at the doc martens but he slid into them anyways. He did a quick spin in front of the mirror. “God, you’ve made me goth,” Loki said, rolling his eyes affectionately at Bucky.  

“You want some eyeliner?” Bucky asked as he walked into the bathroom. Loki followed him in. 

“If you come near me with that charcoal shit I’m going to bite you. I want to look soft and cute, not goth and dangerous- although…Thor does keep telling me he thinks I’m trouble…” Loki looked in the mirror to try and quickly decide what he was going to do with makeup. 

“Isn’t that the fucking truth…god look at you,” Nicky drawled from where he had appeared, in just boxers, leaning seductively against the door frame. 

“Look who’s talking,” Bucky teased, eyeing Nicky up and down. 

“You want to get in some trouble while Loki’s out playing with Thor?” Nicky purred and Bucky walked over to him and pulled him in by his hips, the same way he’d done to Loki minutes before. 

Loki pouted in the mirror as he swiped some glittery eyeshadow over his lids and tousled his still wet hair. He reached into his jewelry case and pulled out a small silver hoop for one ear and a long dangling silver spiral for his other. He added five silver rings across his two hands and decided that was probably as good as it was going to get. 

He turned back to the door and found Nicky curled up against Bucky’s chest. So much for trouble. 

“Do I look okay? Anything else?” Loki asked shyly. 

Bucky turned back to him and grinned. “Lip gloss?” 

“No, they’re probably going to be making out,” Nicky said, sticking his tongue out to lick Bucky’s cheek. 

“Ugh, baby-...Well in that case you look perfect, Loki- Nicky get off of me!” Bucky griped as Nicky attempted to stick his tongue in Bucky’s ear. 

“Nicholas, leave Bucky alone. Loki, Thor’s here- oh wow…you look amazing,” Steve said as he came into view in the bedroom.

Loki suddenly felt incredibly shy. He looked down at himself and then back up at Steve. “Do you think…Thor will be okay with the skirt?” 

“Absolutely,” Bucky said. 

“And if he isn’t. Fuck him. Either literally cause then you won’t be wearing the skirt or figuratively. Either works I suppose,” Nicky said, stroking his chin. 

Loki surged forward and pulled both Bucky and Nicky into a hug. They quickly hugged him back and took turns giving him quick kisses. 

“Have fun, Loki,” Steve said softly and Loki beamed at him. 

He got to the edge of the bedroom and then took a steadying breath before walking the rest of the way out to the front room. 

Thor was chatting amiably with Charlie, with his back to the bedrooms. Charlie saw him first and his face lit up with a gorgeous smile that nearly took Loki’s breath away. 

That was nothing compared to Thor’s reaction though. He gave Charlie a puzzled look and then turned around. Loki froze as Thor gave him a quick once over. His eyes widened and he got this slow, sultry grin on his face as he did another much slower up and down appraisal. “Wow…” Thor breathed and his grin got even wider. 

Charlie clapped Thor on the shoulder and walked back towards the bedroom. He stopped right next to Loki and turned his head to look down at him. He brought his hand up to tilt Loki’s face up so they could make brief eye contact. Charlie gave him a love drenched look, leaned down to kiss his forehead, and then walked back towards the bedrooms. 

Loki turned back to Thor with a slightly sappy grin on his face and Thor’s was somehow even sappier. They walked towards each other and met by the entrance to the kitchen. 

“You are. So. Beautiful,” Thor breathed out, giving him yet another once over. 

“Don’t you mean…I look beautiful?” Loki hedged. 

“No…you are beautiful. You are beautiful in everything you wear, whether it's a baggy t-shirt or…this. And I mean…hellig dritt you look so sexy in a skirt…but you, Loki. You are just unbelievably gorgeous. How could you think for even one second that I wasn't attracted to you.” 

Thor leaned forward in a rush and threaded his hands through Loki’s hair to pull him in for a kiss. Loki leaned into the kiss, pressing up onto the balls of his feet to meet Thor halfway. 

Thor’s hands slid down Loki’s thin waist to catch on his hips. He pulled Loki flush against him as he fingered the waistband of the skirt. 

Loki wrapped his arms around his neck and pulled back from the kiss. “I’m glad you like it.” 

“I love it. Do you wear skirts often? You don’t have to just for me but…hellig dritt.” 

Loki laughed. “What does that mean?” 

“I think you say…holy shit?” 

Loki laughed again and kissed him one more time before dropping back down onto his heels. “You look really good too.” 

He really did. He wasn’t wearing anything special, just a long sleeve gray henley shirt and navy blue chinos. He was wearing a necklace and the chain peaked out from under the two open buttons at the top of his shirt. Loki would have bet money it was the necklace with his and his mother’s rings on it. He also had an expensive looking watch on his wrist and a signet ring on his right ring finger. 

Thor scoffed at him, and waved his hand in the air like he was waving away a bad smell. He placed a hand on Loki’s lower back and steered him towards the door. 

When they got to the car Volstagg was waiting for them and he nearly fell over when he saw Loki. 

“Hellig dritt you look incredible, Loki.” 

Loki beamed at him. “Hey, I know what that one means! And thank you- wait, how do I say that?” 

“When someone, a friend, or a friend of a friend, gives you a compliment you can just say takk. But if someone of authority or someone you do not know very well gives you a compliment, you can say takk skal du ha,” Thor responded, saying the words in Norwegian slowly for Loki. 

“So, if Thor’s father were to give you a compliment, definitely say the second one,” Volstagg said laughing. 

“Not helpful, Volstagg…” Thor muttered. 

“Takk…skal du ha?” Loki tried to repeat, a little nervously now that he knew this could be important later. 

Volstagg gave him a soft look and then he looked at Thor with what Loki could only describe as a gloating look. 

“Did I…say it wrong?” Loki asked hesitantly. 

“No, kjære. Volstagg thinks you’re adorable and he’s making fun of me for it, with his eyes.” Thor shot his friend a clearly faux-angry look. 

“Thor’s ex was very much not adorable and I tried to warn him, but he did not listen! So now I have to make sure he does listen when I say that you are perfect for him.” 

Loki flushed all the way down under the collar of his sweatshirt. 

“So incredibly not helpful, Volstagg!” Thor said, finally ushering Loki into the car. 

Thor was toting his own blush as they drove away from the apartment and to their lunch reservation. It was a little bit of a drive, so Loki took Thor’s hand where it was resting on the seat and he pulled it up and over his opposite shoulder so he could cuddle into Thor’s side. 

“Is this how it’s going to be? You using me as some big meat blanket?” Thor asked affectionately, pulling Loki even tighter against his side. 

“I mean, pretty much yeah. Once I know I can have or give you certain kinds of physical affection, I’m not going to be shy about taking and giving.” 

“Good…I don’t want you to be shy with me.” Thor tilted Loki’s chin up and kissed him softly on the mouth. 

“Should I assume I can do the same?” Thor asked. 

“Abso-fucking-lutely,” Loki said with conviction. Thor let out a startled laugh and kissed him again. 

When they finally arrived, Loki almost wasn’t surprised to see they were at one of the area’s hottest riverside cafes. 

“Oh wow, I’ve heard about this place, but I’ve never been!” Loki said excitedly, taking Thor’s offered hand to help him out of the car. He wasn’t the best about being mindful of keeping his legs closed when he was wearing a skirt. It was possible he flashed several pedestrians, but he shrugged it off because Thor held his hand all the way to the hostess stand and then all the way to their reserved seats on the patio. 

They did that gross thing couples do where they stared adoringly at each other across the table, until the server came to get their drink orders. They both scanned the QR code and opted for two different interesting sounding sandwiches to share and mac n’ cheese because, as they discovered, they both loved melty cheese. 

“So. Tell me five things I don’t know about you,” Loki said. He’d been on enough first and second dates this past year to know to come prepared with date questions. 

Thor raised an eyebrow and took a sip of his drink. 

“Well…I love to binge watch dancing shows, I particularly like the American Dancing with the Stars.” He smiled and then got a sly look. 

“Your turn. Except, tell me five things I don’t know about you that you do not want me to know.” 

Loki almost spat out his drink. “If I don’t want you to know, why would I tell you?” 

“Because. You like a little trouble.” 

Loki wasn’t even sure that was true, but he was definitely in trouble now. He tried to think quickly, not liking the silence that was spreading between them. 

“I was nervous you weren’t going to like me wearing a skirt, like this would be the line too far that would make me too different from your past lovers,” Loki finally admitted. 

Thor blinked at him in surprise. “I’ve had lovers of all genders and gender presentations before. You are not the first one to wear a skirt for me- or…around me, I mean.” 

Loki raised an eyebrow at the slip up but, as usual, he felt his stomach dip a little at learning this fact. Maybe he did have some jealousy problems he needed to work through. He found himself constantly feeling inadequate to all of Thor’s past and present lovers. 

Thor was studying him and he suddenly reached out his hand for Loki’s. To his shock and delight, when he accepted Thor’s hand, he hooked his foot around the leg of Loki’s chair and with his hand and foot he pulled Loki’s chair right up against his own. With a few quick adjustments Thor reset the table so they would be able to sit and eat next to each other. 

“I think I am beginning to be able to read you, kjære. Every time you learn something new about me and my past lovers you become sad.” He squeezed Loki’s hand softly. 

“Not…sad per say. I guess I’m just still trying to figure out why you would be interested in me at all given that…it seems you have access to a world full of beautiful people who would happily be with you who- who aren’t already in a committed polyamorous relationship.” 

Loki began to toy with the paper napkin his drink was sitting on. Thor studied him again. “Your committed polyamorous relationship is a huge benefit of dating you, Loki. It is not the only reason why I am dating you, but it is definitely a plus for me.” 

Loki bit his lip and nodded slowly. 

“I think…the second thing you should know about me, Loki, is that I have had a huge amount of sex- I have been tested! I am clean, as are the three lovers I have chosen, but…okay may I also do a third?”

Loki blinked in confusion until he realized he meant fact. “Oh- yeah of course.” 

“I…have bipolar-depressive disorder. It can lead me into manic episodes when I am not taking my medicine, and…I often lose track of time and have holes in my memory. I have had probably over sixty to seventy lovers, but truly I only remember, and even care to remember, maybe ten of them. So there will be a lot of things that are not new or surprising to me, but it does not make them any less special or precious when it is with you.” 

Loki began to slowly shred the napkin in his fingers as he tried to absorb Thor’s words. He had also had many lovers in the past and none of that affected the way he felt about Thor. Any similarities he found just meant that he had a type and any differences just felt new and exciting. Maybe it was actually possible the same applied to Thor. Loki forced himself to focus back in on Thor’s admission though. 

“Oh, wow…my mom actually suffered from that as well. I mean- I didn’t learn that until after she passed away but…I know a bit about it from some research I’ve done. I’m sorry Thor, that sounds…kind of scary.” 

Thor nodded, but looked away from him, so Loki continued speaking. “I…appreciate that you told me all that, and that…you don’t want me to worry about your past lovers. Thank you. I think that- that might actually have helped…”

Thor smiled warmly at him then. “Your turn I believe.”

“Oh, uhm…I’ve also been with probably over forty or maybe even fifty people, and I do actually remember all of them, but…I guess it’s like you said. It doesn’t affect how I feel when I’m with you. Uhm- I suppose the part I wouldn’t have readily volunteered would be that…they were both men and women.” 

He had told Thor about his gender and his sexuality, but he wasn’t sure if this would come as a surprise to him. 

“Mine are both men and women as well- actually, my Fourth fact is one of the three I am still seeing, the one in Spain, is a woman. We…enjoy doing bondage scenes together.” 

Thor seemed to be intensely studying Loki’s face now. 

“Oh god, my third fact is I fucking love being tied up, but…” Loki looked out over the water realizing he actually really didn’t want to admit this, but then again that meant it was perfect  for the prompt Thor had given him. 

“But…?” Thor asked quietly.

He turned back to look Thor dead in the eye. “But I like being tied up because I like to fight back in bed. Many lovers have tried tying me up thinking it would make me submit, but it’s actually quite the opposite. It makes me go- well…a little wild.” 

Thor’s eyes widened and then in the same blink slid to half mast. He licked his lips as he stared at Loki’s mouth and then his throat. 

“Your fourth fact?” 

He was in so deep now he didn’t think it even mattered anymore. “Nicky and Charlie like to play a game where they talk about their other lovers, or their lovers’ lovers, while in bed. So this morning Nicky and….and Charlie held me down and fucked me as they asked me to tell them about our kiss last night. And then Nicky said he wanted to watch you fuck me…and I said the same thing back to him.” He had taken a little artistic liberty with the retelling of the story, but that was the basic gist of it anyways. 

Thor took in a sharp breath and glanced out over the water. He let it out very slowly before he began to speak again. “I suppose…this is my fault for asking you a question that clearly could become sexual, while we are out in public.” He shifted in his chair and Loki had to stop his eyes from drifting downwards. 

Their food arrived and was a welcome distraction for both of them. Loki asked Thor about his plans for his two weeks out of the U.S. and he told him about the quality time he enjoyed spending with Jeanpaul and Luis. He admitted that being in France felt particularly hard now because of Leif, and he enjoyed the companionship just as much as he enjoyed the sex with his two French friends. 

He went on to explain that he would spend some time in Norway, so he would also probably share a bed with his friend Fandral. They had been childhood friends, and they found comfort in each other’s bodies the way he and Volstagg found comfort sitting on curbsides eating dinner together. He admitted he was actually one of his lovers who enjoyed wearing skirts and he did full drag from time to time. 

“Ah, is that why Volstagg was so quick to accept me wearing a skirt? I was a little surprised,” Loki admitted

Thor actually blushed at this. “Yes well…he has seen me and Fandral together and he’s seen many of my other lovers over the years so…I would say very little surprises him anymore, but…” he trailed off for a few moments. 

“How about your last fact is something you don’t want me to know and mine is something I do want you to know?” Loki asked softly. 

Thor nodded slowly, sitting with the question for a few moments. “The fact that Volstagg and Sif have seen me with so many lovers and partners over the years… means that when they approve of someone it holds a huge amount of weight for me. And…they both seem to wholeheartedly approve of you.” 

Loki’s eyes widened and he took his turn to sit with that for a few minutes. “Well…the four most important people in the world to me like you. So much, in fact, that not only do they want us to be together, but they want to be with you as well.” Loki smiled cheekily at him. 

“I guess the universe is trying pretty hard to tell us this might be…right,” Thor said quietly. 

They ate in silence for a few minutes, their hands still linked under the table. 

“I am excited and nervous about Thursday,” Thor admitted. 

“Why are you nervous?” 

“Well…it feels a little like asking a partners father for permission to date them- or in my case to fuck you in my apartment.” 

Loki let out a startled breath. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever even heard Thor say fuck let alone in that context. 

“It also feels a little like a ‘should we, shouldn’t we’ dating conversation with the rest of the group,” Thor admitted. 

“I suppose it doesn’t have to be that, if that feels like too much for one conversation?” 

“No, I am excited for it, just…nervous.” 

“Well…if it counts for anything, I’ll be right there with you,” Loki said, squeezing his hand. Thor placed his napkin on his empty plate and Loki followed suit. 

Thor signaled for the check and the server bustled over with it as well as a credit card machine. A few moments later they were leaving the cafe. To Loki’s surprise, Thor pulled him towards the river and they began to walk along the trail that ran adjacent to the river. Thor said nothing so Loki upheld the silence, enjoying the nice weather and the feeling of Thor’s hand in his. 

Eventually they spotted a little alcove, surrounded mostly by trees and Thor led Loki into it. It was almost completely shrouded from the trail and looked out over the river. Thor pulled Loki against him and Loki let out a surprised but happy laugh. 

Thor continued the conversation as if it had been a few seconds ago, not nearly fifteen minutes. “You are why I am going in front of your lovers on Thursday to ask if I can bring you to my apartment to further our relationship and…to ask if they would still like me to join your relationship. Of course having you there makes a difference. You are the only reason I am trying this again. You are the one who makes me want to try to- to love and be loved, actually truly loved, again.” 

Loki looked up into his broad face and took in the slight tension around his eyes, but the soft set of his jaw. It was as if he was holding both excitement and nerves at equal levels inside himself. Loki felt a little like that too. Every day he got to know more about Thor he was equal parts nervous and excited. Excited because it was starting to seem like this was very real, and nervous for that exact same reason. 

He didn’t know how to say all of that though, so instead he stood up on his tip toes and pressed the sweetest kiss he could to Thor’s lips. 

Chapter Text

Charlie was growing increasingly worried about Nicky. As the days passed and Thursday approached, the day they were finally going to sit down and talk with Thor, there was a palpable energy in the house. Loki was somewhere between ecstatic and hopeful, Charlie and Steve were feeling optimistic, but Nicky was a ball of anxious energy and rough edges. 

Charlie tried throughout the week to pin Nicky down, sometimes literally, to get him to talk about it, but he would evade any serious conversation. 

He was in peak fawning form as well, throwing himself at each of his lovers like he was playing sex roulette. The others agreed willingly, but Charlie was beginning to sense a wariness in Bucky as he too picked up on the anxious edge. 

Loki didn’t seem oblivious, so much as he was trying not to pry. Wednesday night, though, he approached Charlie in his room.
“I’m…a little worried about Nicky. Do you think I might just be overreacting to my own anxiety or has something been going on with him?” Loki asked cautiously, kicking at the carpet absently with his feet. 

Sometimes Loki was like a little kid with his sensitive nature and need to please all those around him. He also had a mischievous side, like Nicky did, that would come out in bed, but also made him stubborn. 

He was none of those now though. Instead he just looked worried and a little anxious. 

Charlie gestured for him to sit on the bed with him. He was propped up against the headboard working on his laptop, but he set that aside along with his reading glasses when Loki crawled into bed with him. Loki sat cross legged at his side, so he was facing Charlie. Loki tentatively put his hand on Charlie’s and he nearly rolled his eyes. While Loki would take and demand from Charlie when they were having sex, he was a little more tentative in asking for the more casual forms of affection. Charlie tipped Loki’s chin up and kissed him softly on the mouth. He melted into the kiss, forming himself around Charlie’s body and slowly climbing onto his lap. 

Charlie had just meant to give him a reassuring kiss, but he wasn’t too upset about the direction this seemed to be heading. However, Loki stilled once he positioned himself on top of Charlie. 

“I-...sorry. Can we talk like this? I just…like to be close to you.” 

“Of course darling. You’re worried about Nicholas? In what way?” Charlie settled his hands on Loki’s hips, just holding him steady for their talk. 

“He’s been really clingy with me, but not in a ‘I love you so much I can’t get enough of you’ sort of way. More like a…‘I love you so much and think this is the last time I’ll get to touch you’ way.” 

Loki was incredibly observant and Charlie wasn’t surprised he’d exactly nailed down the vibe Charlie had been picking up as well. 

“And…we’ve had a few conversations the past several weeks that make me think he might still be afraid that I’m going to leave. Which…I don’t know, it just makes me really sad. That he thinks I would do that to him and to all of you. I’m not leaving and I don’t think-...no, I know Thor wouldn’t ask me to but…” 

Charlie didn’t say anything, letting Loki parse through his thoughts out loud. He gently stroked his thumbs over Loki’s hips and hummed that he was still listening. 

“But…Thor is going to ask everyone tomorrow if we could have sex at his place for the time being. I don’t think he’s comfortable having sex here when he hasn’t been with any of you yet. I- I kind of think he feels like it might bother or offend you all. I’m sure you’ll try and convince him otherwise, but he might be pretty insistent. I don’t mind either way I’m just…I’m afraid Nicky might be…upset or jealous or…sad.” 

Charlie stiffened. He wasn’t sure if it was a good thing for Loki to be previewing this information for him and only him, when they were talking as a group tomorrow. Unfortunately, he was also afraid Loki might be right about Nicky. 

“The thing you have to understand, Loki, is that our ex used to run off  and have sex with other men and lie to us about it. When we would try and confront him about it, he would threaten to leave us. He’d turn it around on us and make our legitimate fears and hurt seem like irrational jealousy. I think Nicholas is dealing with some of that fear again, even though it is unfounded, and…you could be right. Some of that fear might be manifesting as jealousy, or what appears to be jealousy. I highly doubt he is actually jealous of the time you spend with Thor. He has so many other lovers and partners to fill his time with when you are away, but…I think it is more that he is scared the more time you spend with Thor the more likely it seems, to him, that you might leave.” 

Loki’s eyes filled with tears and he looked down at his hands where they rested on Charlie’s chest. “I…I don’t want to say it’s not fair for me, because obviously it’s so beyond not fair that you and he went through that…I totally understand that he’s been hurt horribly, and is being triggered by this entire process with Thor but…” he looked up into Charlie’s eyes and the tears spilled over. “I’m not going to leave. I have promised that six ways from Sunday and I don’t know what else to do besides just- just stopping with Thor. And…I would do that. I w-would, Charlie, I promise, if that’s what he needs I w-will.” Loki began to sob and Charlie sat forward pulling him tightly against his chest. 

“Oh Loki-” 

“I don’t want to hurt him, Charlie. I love Nicky so fucking much I- I don’t want-” 

“I know, darling, I know. Okay, shhhhhh.” 

Charlie pressed Loki’s face into the soft cotton of his t-shirt and allowed him to thoroughly soak it with tears. He rocked gently back and forth in their slightly awkward position until Loki’s sobs quieted into soft hiccups. 

“Okay. How about we try that again, huh? You said you don’t want to say it’s unfair to you, but it does feel unfair doesn’t it. You’re doing everything you can to appease Nicholas’ concerns and it doesn’t seem to be working. Does that feel unfair? Make you feel a little sad and maybe a little hurt?” Charlie prompted gently. 

Loki nodded against his chest. 

“You’re allowed to say that to him, darling. I’m not saying go guilt trip him, please don’t do that, but…this self flagellation and offering to stop seeing Thor…that’s also unrealistic. He would never want you to do that and you don’t truly want to do that either, do you?” 

Loki shook his head this time. 

“Okay. So what do you want? What would you like to accomplish tomorrow?” 

Loki slowly sat back up. His eyes were red rimmed and his face was splotchy and Charlie couldn’t help but reach forward and stroke his fingers across Loki’s wet cheeks, wiping away the last remnants of tears. 

“Well…in the immediate term I just want to be able to spend time with Thor and not have it negatively affect Nicky. Like how you could take me on a date and then to a hotel room to have sex and Nicky- well he might feel a little lonely and so he’d seek company from the others, but he would be totally fine with it. I want to- to be able to further my relationship with Thor so that he can then start to invest in forming relationships with all of you. I feel like once Nicky sees Thor forming relationships with more than just me, including even himself, maybe that fear will go away?” 

Charlie nodded in agreement. “I think that is true. But we can’t force Thor to start forming relationships with the rest of us just to soothe Nicholas’ fears. As much as I want him to be happy and comfortable, that’s not really fair to Thor, or to the rest of us.”

It was Loki’s turn to nod. “Well…so I guess that’s what I’m asking. What can I do right now?” 

Charlie only needed a moment to think about it. “I think you should go tell him everything you just told me- minus you offering to stop seeing Thor. Just tell him how you’re feeling, listen to how he’s feeling, and see where you can work together to make sure you’re both happy and excited for what’s coming next.” 

Loki gave him a wry look. “That was the solution? Just talk about my feelings?” 

Charlie gave him an equally unamused look back. “Yes Loki, that is almost always the solution in a polyfidelitous relationship.” 

Loki looked away sharply, color streaking across his cheeks. Charlie smiled softly at him but he didn’t take his words back. Embarrassment was a good emotion. Maybe it would remind Loki to trust and communicate with his partners the next time something like this happened. Charlie and Nicky had had to learn that lesson often when they first started the quad, and were clearly still learning that lesson based on the challenges Nicky was currently facing. 

“Thank you for coming to speak with me, darling. You know you always can. But…that will typically always be my advice for you. But, if it’s helpful hearing it from me, I’m always happy to remind you of it.” 

Loki looked back with slightly remorseful eyes, but his lips were twitching up into a smile. “I love you,” he breathed, taking Charlie by surprise. 

He threaded his fingers gently through Loki’s hair until he could cup the back of his head. “I love you,” he said as he pulled Loki in for a kiss. 

The kiss devolved into touching, which morphed into sex that was tooth achingly sweet, a rare occurrence for him and Loki. He enjoyed taking his lovers apart just to build them back up stronger, and usually with Loki this involved a fair amount of pushing and clashing. Today it seemed like Loki just wanted to give and receive easy pleasure. 

Loki turned into play doh in Charlie’s hands and he built him into a happy squirming mess. Charlie worked their cocks together in his hand and that was all they seemed to need and they came almost at the same time, tangled around each other. Loki nuzzled up sweetly against Charlie’s chest and he marveled at this incredibly special person he was allowed to call his lover and his friend. 

That evening, Charlie stealthily ran interference for Loki, inviting Bucky and Steve into their own bedroom to watch a movie with him. The need for bedroom delineations seemed to have disappeared long ago. Both bedrooms, along with the entire apartment, belonged equally to all five members of the quint, he just still thought of the rooms in this way for ease of naming. Maybe they should just start calling them the left and right bedrooms. 

Right as the movie was finishing up, Nicky walked in. He looked contritely around the room and then quietly walked over to Charlie, where he was lying reclined with Bucky sleeping on his chest. Steve hadn’t been terribly interested in the movie so he’d been sketching for the past hour. 

Nicky timidly reached out and grabbed Charlie’s hand and pulled on it gently. 

Charlie glanced at Steve who had looked up when Nicky walked in the room. Steve had clearly seen the exchange and he nodded, reaching out both hands to pull Bucky onto his own chest. He smiled warmly at both of them as Charlie got up and followed Nicky into the other bedroom. 

Nicky walked over to the bed and sat shakily down on the corner of it, looking at the ground as he began to speak. “I think…I need to set up a therapy appointment for next week.” They’d gotten pretty lax about their therapy appointments, and it really had seemed like Nicky was doing well. The last month had been different unfortunately, and Charlie thought it was a great idea to re-engage with their therapist. 

“And,” he continued, “I think…would you join me? I think you might be able to help me explain some of my feelings and the reason why I think I’m feeling some of the things I’m feeling…well, better than I could at least.” 

Charlie nodded and then verbalized his affirmation when Nicky continued to stare at the floor. 

“I…I don’t want to lose him Charlie,” he said and his voice broke pitifully around Charlie’s name. 

He quickly walked over and kneeled down between Nicky’s legs. “You’re not going to, my love.” 

“No,” Nicky was shaking his head so hard some of the tears that were spilling down his cheeks flew off and landed on Charlie’s own cheeks, like he too was crying. “No, I really think if I don’t figure my shit out, I really might. If I push him too hard and he does something stupid like- like tries to pick me over Thor- which isn’t what I want! That’s never been what I want, I just…I’m so scared of losing him that I’m doing and saying stupid things and I think I could end up pushing him away myself.” 

Charlie had a strange feeling in his chest. It happened very rarely, but on a few occasions he felt himself being yanked in two directions at once. This had happened a few times, where Nicky and Loki, Nicky and Bucky, or, on incredibly rare occasions, Steve and Nicky would get into an argument. Charlie would feel like he was being ripped in two, needing to comfort and love both parties, regardless of who was right or wrong.  

Loki hadn’t come into the room with Nicky, so did that mean their conversation had gone badly? Was he in the living area, or worse, had he left the apartment because Nicky had done or said something that had upset him? Nicky was clearly upset right now, right here, but what if Loki was off somewhere also upset and alone, and needed Charlie just as much as Nicky did? 

“Did…you two have a fight?” Charlie asked cautiously. 

Nicky studied his face and then let out a short humorless laugh. “No…sorry, I probably should have said that first, I guess. No, we had a good conversation. Loki is on the phone with Thor right now. He…we decided that maybe Thor deserved a bit of a heads up about…about some of the things I’ve gone through and why it might make tomorrow’s conversation challenging. So…Loki’s asking Thor to come over before dinner so we can talk. Me and Thor I mean.” 

Charlie’s eyebrows raised. “Nicholas, that's…very brave. You don’t have to do that for him to understand that you might be feeling a little scared. I’m sure just a tiny bit of context would suffice.” 

“I know…but, I mean, if I’m going to end up with him in the end of all of this anyways, he’s going to have to know eventually right? I…I’m tired of all of the cloak and dagger I’ve been feeling recently. I just want everyone to be on the same page so if I feel a certain way, I can talk about it and not feel like I’m breaking some code of silence or something…” 

Nicky rolled his shoulders as if in pain and looked around their bedroom with unseeing eyes. 

“I’m sorry you’ve been feeling that way, kitten…you know how important I think communication is.” 

Nicky laughed bitterly. “Yeah, Loki said you gave him the ‘communication is key’ speech. He felt really bad for talking to you before talking to me but…as always, seems like you did the heavy lifting for me and told him how I was feeling before I even knew how to put words to it.” He gave Charlie a soft look that was laced with just a hint of reprimand. 

“I didn’t go to him with that information. He came to me and asked very specific questions which I answered to the best of my ability.” 

Nicky wrapped his arms around Charlie’s neck and leaned forward to kiss him softly on the lips. He wondered idly if some of Loki’s earlier softness had rubbed off on Nicky the way it felt like it had rubbed off on Charlie. 

“I know, my love. I’m not mad about it. Not mad at you or Loki. I just…I guess I’m just wondering if you will always feel responsible for my emotional well being, and like you have to be the one to explain how hard things can be for me sometimes.” 

Charlie cupped Nicky’s cheek in one of his palms. “Well…I feel responsible for the emotional well being of everyone in this house. And it’s like you said with therapy. You and I speak a similar language that only we can understand about what happened to us. That is a role I will always play in your life and I have no problem with that, especially if it means you are better understood and loved because of it. But you know…I now feel rather similarly about Bucky, Steve, and even Loki from living through some of the worst of the pandemic together. We speak a language that only the five of us can speak about how impossibly hard it was for us, having to worry about Steve’s health, deal with our covid scare, and isolate ourselves together for over a year and a half. Thor is not going to speak that language either and there may be times where we need to help decode each other's feelings on that as well.” 

Nicky seemed to puzzle on that for a few minutes. Charlie waited in silence, giving him the space to process, but his knees were beginning to ache. He stood up and Nicky’s hands immediately snapped to the waistband of his pants. Charlie had absolutely seen this coming, so he just threaded his fingers lightly into Nicky’s hair. 

“You want to keep thinking about that with my cock in your mouth?” he asked gently. 

Nicky looked up at him with an unreadable expression. 

“You want to think about nothing with my cock in your mouth?” he tried again and Nicky grinned up at him. Charlie smiled too and then he closed his eyes as Nicky pulled down his pants and closed his fist around Charlie’s hardening length. Nicky slid off the bed and onto his knees for a better angle and Charlie let him get them started. Once he’d built up a steady rhythm Charlie took control, panting out praise and affection as he fucked into Nicky’s mouth. He could tell Nicky had dropped and he kept thrusting, but allowed his mind to wander momentarily to how amazing Nicky was for him. 

He could not have built a more perfect boyfriend for himself if he’d been given an instruction manual. All of his lovers in the house, and he was convinced Thor as well, were amazing for him in their own ways but Nicky, his Nicky, was absolutely perfect. He knew him better than he knew himself sometimes and his quick wit, sharp tongue, and never ending well of need constantly kept Charlie on his toes. 

He was also perfect for him in bed, like right now. He let Charlie explore some of the darker sexual parts of himself and he always helped Charlie toe the line between dominance and devotion. 

“Cum for me, love,” Charlie whispered as he was just a few breaths away from his own orgasm. They came together, and like a perfectly synchronized dance, Charlie dropped to his knees to catch Nicky as he fell forward. They stayed like this on the floor for a few minutes while they both caught their breath and Nicky swam somewhere below the surface of consciousness. This was how Loki found them when he walked in a few minutes later. 

“Oh- sorry, I can-” 

“Loki,” Nicky whispered hoarsely, his throat raw from the force Charlie had put behind some of his thrusts. 

“Loki, darling, can you grab some water and some of the candy I keep in my desk drawer?” Charlie called to him gently. Loki quickly complied and was kneeling by their side a few moments later. 

“So perfect…” Nicky mumbled, reaching out to stroke his hand down Loki’s face. Loki handed Charlie the candy, but he tipped the bottle of water against Nicky’s lips himself. Nicky drank greedily and seemed to become a little more alert after that. He whined for the chocolate, which he now probably needed less to return from subspace and more just because he liked sweet things. 

“Okay, alright, you can have one,” Charlie said, rolling his eyes as he peeled off the wrapper and placed a single chocolate on Nicky’s eager tongue. 

He chewed for a few moments before speaking again. 

“Want more,” he mumbled around the sweet still in his mouth. 

Loki had handed Charlie several brightly colored chocolates. Not knowing how many Charlie would need, Loki had, of course, over-provided. 

Charlie turned to look at Loki, who was still kneeling next to them, sitting in a beautiful supplication pose, hands folded around the bottle in his lap, back straight and shoulders back as he watched them. 

Charlie felt a tug in his chest, and an almost primal urge, so he followed it. “I’m going to give Loki one instead,” Charlie said softly to Nicky’s very verbal displeasure. 

“Oh, I’m okay thank you-” 

“I would like to feed you one,” Charlie stated, allowing the timber of his voice to dip with the command. 

Loki shivered and even Nicky fell silent at the tone of his voice. 

Slowly, making sure both of their eyes were on him, he unwrapped the chocolate and placed it on Loki’s tongue. He maintained steady eye contact with Charlie the entire time he chewed the candy until he finally swallowed and smiled. 

Charlie trusted that they both understood the significance of the act. Charlie loved them both, they loved him, and each other, and they were going to take care of each other. 

Completely ruining the moment, but also somehow making it even sweeter, Nicky tackled Loki to the floor. The water bottle rolled across the carpet as Nicky pinned Loki down and forced his tongue into Loki’s mouth to lick up the remnants of the sweet he had been denied. Charlie stretched out his aching knees and back and laughed softly as his two lovers wrestled around on the floor. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Uhm, quick question…” Loki asked from where he was fidgeting with a pillow on the couch. He was wearing what Charlie would describe as a comfort outfit. His pastel pink sweater was thin but long, ending at his knuckles and midway down his thighs. He was wearing black leggings and fuzzy socks on his feet and he looked edible to Charlie, so he was sure Thor would probably think the same. 

Nicky was sitting curled up on Loki’s right, idly playing on his phone, and Bucky was reclined on Loki’s left, flipping aimlessly through channels on the television. As a trio, they seemed to gravitate around whichever one of them needed love and attention at the moment. For the past week it had been Nicky, but today it was Loki. 

Honestly, he was thankful Bucky seemed to be taking this whole thing, and really this whole year, in stride. Charlie wasn’t sure if their little group could deal with any more stressed out partners. He loved them all terribly, but he was beginning to find gray hairs on his head and in his beard. 

“Can I be, uhm…physically affectionate with Thor?” Loki finally asked. 

“You literally cuddled and made out on that couch,” Nicky said, flicking his wrist absently at the couch Charlie was sitting on, while he continued to look down at his phone. 

Loki’s cheeks colored and Charlie sighed internally. “Nicholas…” he chided gently. 

Nicky looked up, first at Charlie and then he glanced at Loki. 

“Oh- sorry sweetheart. I just meant you’ve already been physically affectionate with him in front of us. Of course you can and should continue to do that. Whatever you both are comfortable with is fine.” 

“And we’ve already established that he is okay with you being affectionate with us, right?” Bucky added helpfully. God bless Bucky. 

“Yeah…” Loki mumbled looking down at the pillow. 

“Then I guess the only question left is can we be physically affectionate with him?” Nicky asked, and his tone was serious, all teasing and flippancy gone. 

Loki looked up at him. “Uhm, I feel like that’s more a question for him, right?” 

“Well yes, but I meant is that going to be okay with you? I’ve always been rather tactile with him, and he’s pretty physical with Charlie and Steve as well. Is that alright with you?” 

“O-of course!” Loki stuttered, color cresting his cheeks again. “I mean, honestly that’s awesome. I’d love it if we could all just be natural and affectionate with each othe-” a loud knock on their door interrupted Loki’s words. They all froze and looked at each other and finally Nicky shoved Loki off the couch. 

He stumbled a little on his way to the door. He opened it and Thor’s face lit up like a holiday parade float. He was wearing an auburn v-neck and black trousers, obviously having changed into something more comfortable after work. 

“Hi,” Loki breathed, grinning up at him. 

“Hi Loki. May I come in? I come bearing fo-” his word was cut off as Loki threw himself into his semi-raised arms, which were indeed carrying bags of food. Loki wrapped his arms around his neck and pressed his face into Thor’s chest. 

Thor’s expression morphed from surprise to tenderness as he leaned his head gently against Loki’s and laughed. 

“I would love to embrace you in return, kjære, but I don’t have any free hands right now.” 

Loki quickly let go and stepped back in embarrassment. 

Charlie turned away from their cuteness to check on Nicky. He was also watching them and there was a soft smile playing across his lips. Charlie knew Nicky was nervous. He and Thor were going to go onto the balcony to talk while the others arranged dinner, but he was proud of Nicky for still being happy for Loki’s happiness. 

Charlie stood up from the couch and went over to Thor to help him with the bags of food. Together they hefted the bags up onto the counters in the kitchen and Thor began to explain how to reheat some of the items, broil some others, and boil the tea. They’d opted for Thai food tonight and Thor had swung by a place right by his apartment so they could all try out a new locally owned restaurant. Loki trailed after Thor and in the middle of a complicated explanation the shop owner had given him about the tea, he paused to lift his arm up so Loki could slide in against his side. He lowered his arm around Loki’s shoulder and continued seamlessly back into his explanation. 

Charlie tried to bite back his smile, but it was hard not to beam at them, seeing how perfectly their relationship seemed to be coming together. 

Once all of the food was on its way to being reheated, Thor leaned down and kissed Loki’s forehead and promised he would be back soon. He left the kitchen and a few moments later they heard the balcony door slide open and then shut. 

Loki fretted around the kitchen, having already prepared that night’s dessert earlier that day. It was a gorgeous mango mousse cake. Charlie had sampled some of the leftover mousse in the bowl and it was delicious. 

“It’s going to be fine right? Nicky is going to be fine?” Loki fretted and Charlie could have kissed him for being so sweet. Well, speaking of which. 

Charlie gently pushed Loki back against the fridge and tilted his chin up. “Nicholas is going to be fine. We’re all right here and you know Thor. He’s a huge teddy bear. He would never do or say anything to hurt Nicholas. You are also going to be fine, even if it doesn’t feel like that right now.” 

Loki nodded against Charlie’s grip on his chin. 

“I’m going to kiss you now, as a distraction so you stop worrying, okay?” Charlie asked. 

When Loki nodded again he leaned down and sealed his lips around Loki’s. It started soft and gentle but, as was often the case for them, slowly escalated into something a bit steamier. One of their timers dinged and Charlie ignored it, but Loki laughed against his lips. 

“Thank you, Charlie…I think I’m okay now.” 

Charlie pulled away and they not only tried to figure out where the timer was, but what it was for. It appeared it was for the tea boiling away on the stove, so they removed it from the heat and Loki began to make up glasses filled with sweetened condensed milk. Once the hot tea cooled, they’d add ice and pour it all together. 

Finally, about thirty minutes after Nicky and Thor had gone out to the balcony, the timer for the crispy items went off and Charlie turned off the broiler, but left them in the oven to stay warm. Charlie slid in some of the items that needed to be reheated and let them warm in the scalding hot oven. 

“I think it’s about time to go check on them. Do you want to go, Loki?” Charlie asked softly. 

“Maybe…we should both go? That way if both Nicky and Thor need someone to talk to or comfort them, they’ll each have someone?” 

Charlie smiled affectionately down at him. Sometimes he really did wonder how he’d gotten so lucky to find someone as sweet and loving as Loki. He placed a hand on Loki’s back and led him to the patio doors. He slid it open and two slightly damp faces looked back at them. 

“We just wanted to check on you both and say the food is just about ready-” Charlie had the wind knocked out of him as Nicky slammed into his chest. 

He was trembling, but he wasn’t actively crying, so Charlie counted that as a sort of win. Thor looked a little shaken, but he smiled at Loki as he walked to his side. 

“How are you doing, kitten?” he whispered to Nicky. 

“I’m…good. We had a good talk- I mean…it was hard, for me, but…really good. Thor opened up a fair bit about his ex and some challenges he has with trust and jealousy as well and I think we’re totally on the same page now. I just…still have some more to deal with clearly, but we have an appointment for Wednesday right?” 

“Yes, love, we do. Hey-” he gently urged Nicky to look up at him with a hand on his neck, “I’m really proud of you.” 

Nicky ducked his chin against Charlie’s chest and Charlie squeezed his shoulders. 

Loki reached out a hand for Nicky and he immediately released Charlie and threw himself into Loki’s arms, knocking them both back several steps until Loki’s back hit Thor’s chest. Thor wrapped his big arms around both of them with ease. 

“My friends…my good, good friends,” he murmured, ducking his head to rest his cheek on Loki’s head as he rubbed Nicky’s back. 

Seeing that he was no longer needed, Charlie headed back to the kitchen to start bringing out the food. Steve, who had been in the bedroom working on a project, and Bucky, who had been dozing on the couch, followed him into the kitchen to help. Bucky finished serving the tea into glasses while Steve and Charlie hefted all of the food and plates out into the dining area. 

They all coalesced around the table and Loki asked if they had any kind of mango or melon alcohol and Nicky perked right up. He bounded happily to his faithful bar cart to make them all something fruity to go along with the tea. 

The food was wonderful and for the first hour of their dinner they all laughed and joked with each other and Loki, Thor, and Nicky practically oozed happiness. Finally though, the reason for their dinner had to be addressed. 

“So, it seems to be a group consensus that no one likes having chats around the actual table. Sometimes we sit off to the side, but six is a lot of people. Do we want to move to the couches for our conversation?” Charlie asked. 

Loki looked between Thor and Nicky, and when no one said anything he quietly said, “I think that sounds good to me?” 

Everyone quickly agreed and moved to the couches. Without any discussion or organization they sat in a similar formation to their seats at the table. Thor, Loki, and Nicky on one couch, and Charlie, Steve, and Bucky on the other. They all shifted around until they were touching and holding each other and seemed ready to talk. 

“So…Loki told us that you wanted to talk to us about your relationship with Loki, as well as your relationship with the rest of us. Do you have a preference for where we start?” Charlie prompted. 

“Well, I suppose there is not actually too much to say about my relationship with Loki.” He looked down at Loki who smiled up at him with naked trust in his eyes. Charlie’s heart warmed at the exchange. 

“I would like to invite him to spend an entire weekend with me in two weeks, with the intention of us furthering our relationship in a way that our one-off dates have not allowed thus far. I do not wish to steal him from you for the entire weekend though. I’m happy to bring dinner or we could go out somewhere Friday and I will of course return him to you Sunday night and we could do something else as a group then if you wish, but…I would like some alone time with him with-” Thor faltered for a moment. He worked his jaw slowly and Charlie had the desperate urge to reach out to him. 

“I’m…sorry…My ex-fiance, Leif, made it very hard to have open conversations with one another and with our friends and family. Anytime he thought I was speaking about him he always assumed it was negative so…this feels strange to me but…good. Good to be able to speak so freely, just…hard.” 

To Charlie’s surprise, Nicky reached over Loki to squeeze Thor’s thigh, and then he actually stood up. He walked to Thor’s side and pushed lightly on his shoulder. This of course was completely fruitless, but Loki quickly got up and scooted over and Thor moved to the middle seat of the couch. Nicky climbed onto the couch, folding his legs under him so he could lean fully against Thor’s side. He reached across Thor and grabbed for Loki’s hand and Loki took it, but he looked almost as surprised as Charlie felt. 

Thor hesitantly raised both of his arms in the air and Loki and Nicky ducked under them to curl against both of his sides. They were still holding hands, and their joint hands rested on Thor's lap. 

Thor just blinked down at them for a few moments. “Thank you my very small friends.” As if to illustrate his point he squeezed them both to his sides and they both squeaked and laughed. It seemed to dissipate some of the tension in the room and Charlie saw Steve and Bucky smiling as well. 

“So. I think I was saying that… I would like to invite Loki over so that we can explore the physical sides of our relationship, which will, I hope, include sex. Is that a problem for anyone or- uh, does anyone have any questions?” Thor asked, biting his lip a little shyly. 

“Good with me!” Bucky said. 

“I am very happy to hear you are furthering your relationship with Loki,” Steve said sweetly. 

“No problem at all,” Charlie confirmed. 

“I…asked Thor if we could have a heads up for when he and Loki were going to go off on their own to do things together. Just so that I can…entertain myself during those times,” Nicky said gently and Charlie shot him an encouraging smile. “Sorry Loki if…if you wanted it to be a surprise or anything…”
“No, not at all! I love having things to look forward to! That sounds like an amazing weekend, I’m very excited, and…thank you Nicky. For being so brave and willing to talk so openly about everything. I know it’s not easy,”  Loki said. 

“Okay well…enough about me- or actually more importantly, moving on to fun things about me! So when do we get to start dating, Thor?” Nicky asked, sitting back to look eagerly up at Thor.

He smiled indulgently at Nicky. “Well, when would you like to start dating, Nicholas?” 

“Hmmm, well definitely not until after your slumber party with Loki. How about a month?” His voice was teasing but Charlie could spot signs of tension in his shoulders and his hand that was still clutching Loki’s. 

“How about we don’t put a set timeline on it for now. I will be back in two weeks, for two weeks, and maybe we can reconnect sometime near the end of those two weeks? Maybe…I can take you for ice cream since I know how much you like sweets?”

Nicky beamed at him and happily burrowed back under his arm. “Is that alright with you Loki?” Thor asked. 

“Of course! I’m excited for you to start your relationships with the others as soon as you all are ready.” 

Thor turned to Steve and Charlie and seemed to hesitate. “There is…a question I need to ask you both, and I hope it is not too forward of me to ask...” 

Charlie nearly rolled his eyes as he watched both Nicky and Loki perk up at the potential scandal in the question. “Of course Thor, please ask us anything,” Steve responded. 

“Loki mentioned that you are both…versatile?” 

Charlie couldn’t stop the smirk that spread across his face. “We are, with each other, but not with Nicholas, Bucky, or Loki,” Charlie responded, tilting his head to the side to indicate he was speaking of himself and Steve. 

“I…am not. I really only top, is that…okay?” 

Charlie glanced at Steve who was blushing, but he nodded his head, and nearly whispered, “that’s okay with me Thor, thank you for asking.” 

“That is also alright with me,” Charlie responded, allowing a slow sensual smile to curl his lips up. 

Thor’s cheeks and the tips of his ears looked like a child had splashed red water colors across them. “And, do either of you have a desired timeline?” Thor asked.

“Uhm- I do actually…” Steve said, and everyone turned to him. “I’m working on a really time intensive project right now that should be done in about a month. If we could wait until then I would be a much more involved and available partner?” 

Thor quickly agreed. 

“I have no timeline in mind. Happy to defer to how your relationships progress with Loki and Nicholas. You know where to find me if you want to check-in throughout that time and I’m ready whenever you are.” He winked at Thor and Nicky chuckled. 

“Well, that is actually all I wanted to discuss with you all,” Thor said a little shyly. 

“That was…surprisingly easy,” Loki said thoughtfully. 

Charlie smirked. “Communication doesn’t have to be hard, darling, it just needs to happen.” 

“Well, our conversation was definitely not easy but… I’m really glad we talked, Thor,” Nicky said, absently playing with the collar of Thor’s shirt. 

“As am I, godgutten min.” 

Nicky sat up at the new word. “What does that mean?” 

Thor’s cheeks darkened. “Oh, that…sort of fell out of my mouth,” he chuckled nervously. Nicky continued to stare up at him so Thor cleared his throat. “Uh…it is hard to explain in English, but it means sort of…’good boy’ or ‘my good boy’”

Charlie chuckled softly. “Oh you’ve definitely done it now…he might never let you call him anything else, ever again.” 

Nicky was staring up at Thor with big green eyes and Charlie could almost see the gears clicking into place in Thor’s mind. Thor pulled him back down against his chest and tilted his head so it could rest on top of Nicky’s soft puff of hair. 

“Would…anyone like dessert?” Loki asked, and everyone readily agreed. Bucky got up to help and Charlie watched Thor watch Loki. 

Even though the month really had not felt easy, the day had gone surprisingly well. He was glad Nicky had gotten a rough timeline from Thor, which would hopefully help with his anxiety. He wished he could have nailed down a timeline for himself more succinctly, but he had no interest in stepping on anyone else’s toes. 

“Anyone want more drinks?” Nicky asked, as he stood up to get himself a drink. Everyone chimed in with their drink requests, even Bucky and Loki from the kitchen. Charlie got up under the pretense of helping him with the drinks. When he got to the bar cart though, he shoved Nicky against the wall, pressing him against it with a hand on his sternum. 

He leaned down and nuzzled his nose into the sensitive skin below his ear. Nicky let out a startled huff at the shove and then a gasp at the soft touch. 

“I’m so proud of you, kitten. I’m going to reward you later, my sweet boy,” he purred the last few words so Nicky understood the significance of them. 

Nicky smirked at him and whispered, “now who’s jealous?” 

Charlie pressed a hand over his mouth as he ground his hardening length against Nicky’s.

He groaned into Charlie’s hand and he did it again. 

Nicky licked petulantly at Charlie’s hand and he chuckled. He bent his head down and bit at the spot he had previously nuzzled. 

“Not jealous…I just wanted to remind you that you’re also mine,” Charlie growled. 

He pulled back to look into his boyfriend’s gorgeous emerald eyes and to his surprise it wasn’t just lust he saw. Nicky lifted a hand up and placed it against Charlie’s hand that was still covering his mouth. He tapped his index finger three times to the beat of “I love you.” 

Charlie pulled his hand back and replaced it with his lips. Nicky leaned up into him and Charlie pulled them back from the wall until he was just holding him in the middle of their dining room, kissing him like his breath was the only air left in the room. 

When he finally pulled back Nicky swayed into his chest. Charlie laughed softly and squeezed him tightly around the waist until he got his feet under him. 

“I am forever yours,” Nicky whispered. 

“As I am eternally yours,” Charlie responded. 

Charlie helped him bring the six drinks over to the couches. After they’d handed them out, instead of letting Nicky take his seat back by Thor, Charlie sidestepped him and took the seat instead. He settled into the couch and pulled Nicky into his lap with an indignant shout. He immediately calmed once he realized what was happening though. 

Thor laughed indulgently and scooted over to give them some more room. When Bucky and Loki returned, they handed out the elegantly plated desserts. Bucky took Charlie’s vacated seat and Steve threw an arm around him. 

Loki looked hesitantly at the small space next to Thor for a moment. Thor spread his legs to make a space in between them and he held out a hand to Loki, who happily accepted it and Thor pulled him into his arms. 

They all dug into the dessert and there were appreciative noises all around. 

“You are wonderful,” Thor cooed, and he hugged Loki back to his chest with a big hand on his stomach. 

Loki tilted his head up and back and Thor placed a soft kiss on his lips. 

Nicky was staring at them, tapping the spoon idly against his plate. Loki glanced over at him and a slow smile spread across Loki’s lips. 

“Can I help you, baby?” Loki asked. 

Nicky’s returning grin was sickly sweet. He leaned forward and to Charlie’s mild surprise Loki did as well. Thor immediately released his hand from Loki’s stomach, so he could bend over at the waist to meet Nicky for a kiss. 

Nicky raised his hand up to cup Loki’s cheek as he deepened the kiss. Charlie quickly grabbed his plate before it could topple onto the floor and he rolled his eyes fondly. 

Yeah, Charlie definitely wasn’t the jealous one, but by the way Thor was smiling and chuckling softly he guessed it was alright. 

Chapter Text

“Well, as always Thor, it was a pleasure,” Fandral purred from where he was splayed out across the bed, completely naked. 

“Takk,” Thor drawled as he pulled his boxers on from where they had been lying strewn across the floor.

“Am I safe in assuming this is the last time you’ll be in my bed? Guess I’ll just have to see you at the galas and balls,” he took a deep drag on the cigarette he had just rolled. 

Thor was so grateful Loki didn’t smoke. Actually, he didn’t think any of the members of the quint smoked. It would be a welcome change from his current three lovers and his ex. 

“I do not think that is a safe assumption, no. I still have not had sex with Loki, and even then I’m not sure if he’s going to ask me to stop having sex with you. I will still only be in the U.S. half of the time,” Thor said. 

He rooted around through their tangled clothes to find his pants. 

“Oh, well, I didn’t think you were going to wait until he asked you to stop. I sort of assumed by how in love with him you are, you’d volunteer to stop. But good to know my body is so irresistible to you,” he dragged a hand down his soft chest and even softer stomach, sliding it through the sweat and cum that were drying there. 

Thor found Fandral incredibly handsome. He was currently sporting a mustache and tightly trimmed light brown beard which complimented his shock of blonde hair. He was a few centimeters shorter than Thor and while he used to be quite fit, over the years he’d turned to sex, drink, and drugs as his passtimes, spending less and less time in the gym. Thor still loved his body though, and the way it seemed to know Thor’s body perfectly. 

They’d tumbled into bed together one drunken night when they were teenagers and they’d maintained a best-friends-with-benefits relationship for almost a decade and a half. They’d both had serious relationships that had meant they couldn’t sleep together and each time it felt like they were finally donating an old item of clothing, or molting a final layer of skin. However, after Leif, Fandral had dumped his on-again-off-again boyfriend and gone with Thor on his manic bender across Europe. 

Fandral’s voice held no venom, animosity, or even regret as he spoke now about them ceasing their sexual relations. He could have been letting Thor know he was going to start using a different shampoo for all of the emotion behind his words. They would be best friends for the rest of their lives whether they were having their incredibly comfortable sex or not. That wasn’t what was upsetting Thor though. 

“I find it hard to believe that with the limited information I have shared with you about Loki-” he kicked at their pile of clothes until he was finally able to find his pants, “that you could come to the conclusion that I am in love with him.” Thor yanked on his pants and buttoned them more aggressively than strictly necessary. 

Fandral took another long drag on his cigarette before answering. “You talked about him almost all night, and then as soon as you woke up this morning, prinsen min,”

Thor groaned at the old nickname. Throughout their childhood his friends used to call him “my prince” as a joke and Fandral still called him that from time to time.

“I…did not,” Thor growled. 

“You did.” 

“You’re lying.” 

He blew a puff of smoke in Thor’s direction and he fanned it away in annoyance. “Also Volstagg and Sif have been sending updates.” 

“Fy faen!” He made a mental note to teach Loki that one. It roughly translated to fucking hell, and Thor used it often. 

“I don’t know what else you expect. We were all really worried about you after Leif. Even Hogun.” 

“Hogun has not been worried about me, he’s too busy drinking expensive wine at his girlfriend's vineyard,” Thor grumbled. 

Hogun was the third in their quad of friends from childhood. He was a serial monogamist, and was always dating some woman or another. Right now he was at his new girlfriend's vineyard in Italy. 

“He has too. He’s texted me at least twice since you broke up.” 

“Which was almost eight months ago.” 

“Yes, but you know when he’s knee deep in some beau, twice is a lot for him. And besides they were very long texts. At least three sentences each. But he’s in the group chat so he’s been getting all the updates all the same.” 

Thor threw a shoe at Fandral, which he expertly dodged, not even blowing out his cigarette. 

“I asked you all to stop texting about me in a group chat I can’t see.” 

“Would you prefer we texted about you in a group chat you could see?” 

“I’d prefer if you stop texting about me at all! I am not a child that needs to be minded,” Thor stalked over to the bed to grab the shoe from where it had lodged in between the bedframe and the mattress. 

Fandral extinguished his cigarette on the ashtray on his bedside table, and reached up to pull Thor roughly on top of him. 

Thor groaned as his relatively clean chest landed on Fandral’s filthy one. 

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, we’re not worried about you anymore. Now we’re just mildly excited and taking bets on whether you’ll bring him to the gala next month.” 

Thor chose a brutal kiss as his answer. He settled his weight on top of Fandral’s hips and braced his hands on the bed frame letting his hair fall in a curtain around their faces. 

Fandral tasted of smoke and sex and he didn’t smell much better, but underneath it all there was the faintest smell of mountain air and home. Thor loved that smell. He felt like all of his friends had it. He would catch a scent of it when he hugged Sif after a business deal, or when he sat with Volstagg and ate dinner in the back of the limo. 

“I’m still deciding if I’m going to bring him. I’m not in love with him…yet…so it seems like a lot to drop on him. Thank you all for your concern, but I would appreciate it greatly if you would leave me the fuck alone.” He kissed Fandral one more time and climbed back off of him. 

“So bossy. Do you think Loki’s going to like that?” he teased and Thor almost threw the same shoe at him again. 

Fandral didn’t even bother putting on a robe as he walked Thor to the door some ten minutes later. 

“Well, I hope to see you the next time you’re back, but whether we have sex or not should be up to you and not Loki. I don’t think you should make him ask to be your only lover- but then again, what do I know?” he shrugged his bare shoulders and sauntered away, exaggerating his already flamboyant walk, giving Thor a good show to remember until next time. Even if Thor now wasn’t entirely sure if there would be a next time. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Did you bring me a present?” Nicky asked the second he opened the door to the apartment for Thor. 

“I brought everyone Italian food?” Thor offered, holding up the bags in his hands. Nicky stepped back and let Thor enter their apartment. 

He’d been hoping Loki would open the door, but Nicky was a close second. He hadn’t seen either of them in two weeks, and even though he’d video called with Loki a handful of times, and even video chatted with the entire quint at one point, he still missed them more than he thought he would. 

“Thor, you really don’t have to keep bringing us food,” Steve murmured as he walked up and grabbed the bags from one of Thor’s hands. 

“Maybe it’s Norwegian culture. Instead of trading us a cow for Loki’s honor, he brings us amazing takeout,” Nicky teased, taking the other half of the bags from Thor. 

“If it is Norwegian culture, I sure haven’t heard of it,” Thor said, laughing indulgently. He did a quick scan of the room and saw Charlie on the couch and Bucky emerging from one of the back bedrooms. He turned around and called something into the bedroom and then walked into the living room. 

“Hey Thor. Loki is just finishing packing. He said he didn’t want to get drunk and then try and pack or he’d end up with two weeks worth of lingerie and only one sock.” 

Thor let out a startled laugh and Charlie chuckled from where he was typing away on his laptop. The man seemed to always be working. 

“Nicholas has definitely done that before. Except usually it’s our entire drawer of sex toys and not even a single sock.” 

“Hey, a guy has to have priorities,” Nicky said, sauntering back into the living room. “Also, Loki can’t get drunk tonight because he would never forgive himself if he was drunk for his first time with Thor.” Despite his statement Nicky walked over to the drinks cart and began pulling out six glasses. 

“Well, it won’t, uhm…necessarily be tonight. I’m…kind of exhausted from the flight and then nonstop meetings…” Thor admitted, a little abashedly. He was also nervous beyond all reason, and he wanted at least one drink, or possibly five. 

He was still standing in the entryway and until Loki came out he wasn’t really sure where his place was in the room, or in the quint. So, he leaned his shoulder against the wall and crossed his feet at the ankles. 

“Oh, I was just joking, Thor,” Nicky said, looking up from the glasses he was pouring wine into. He smiled sweetly at him, but then his smile fell and Thor felt his breath catch for a moment. “But seriously we need to talk about this no present thing. When you go somewhere fun you have to bring me a present.” 

Thor let out the breath that had gotten stuck in his throat. He crossed his arms in mock annoyance. “But…I go somewhere almost every week.” 

“Well it’s a good thing you’re rich,” Nicky chortled. 

“Nicholas,” Charlie called from the couch, not even looking up from his laptop. 

“Yes?” he called back innocently, eyes still locked on the wine. 

“I told you to be good tonight. Loki and Thor might be a little on edge.” 

“I am being good! I’m distracting him by having an open and honest conversation about how my needs are not being met.” 

“Well, I am going to buy you ice cream next week,” Thor reminded him. His brain couldn’t even begin to think about his first potential date with Nicky though, so he went back to fretting about Loki. 

He wondered if Loki was also nervous and that was why he was taking so long to pack. His eyes wandered to the hallway that was still empty, but they snapped back to Nicky when he began to speak again. 

“Ugh Daddyyyy, you can’t buy me a present from the place I live in already,” Nicky whined and Thor’s stomach did something strange. 

The room fell deadly silent and Nicky finally looked up from the wine he was pouring to smirk at Thor. 

“I…don’t know how I feel about that…” Thor said slowly, which was the actual truth. 

“Neither do I,” Charlie said, finally looking over at Nicky with something that looked a little like curiosity, but also a little like lust. 

“Oh I’m sure about it. It’s absurd,” Bucky said, as he emerged from the kitchen with a stack of plates and silverware. 

“Do you have a Daddy kink we didn’t know about?” Steve asked amiably as he began to bring the food out in large serving dishes. 

“Not that I’m aware of, but isn’t life just one big learning experience? Besides, you already have a nickname for me. Now I need a pet name for you, so I thought I’d just start experimenting until something sounds right,” Nicky said, picking up one of the wine glasses to lick off a drop of wine that had spilled over the rim. He made purposeful eye contact with Thor the entire time and this time when his stomach flipped he knew exactly what that feeling was. 

“Well, Thor’s nickname for you doesn’t really apply right now,” Charlie stated bluntly. 

“I’m being good-” 

“No, you’re not,” Charlie chided. 

“Charlie!” Nicky’s voice went up several octaves as he whined. 

It was so overtly, sexually submissive Thor’s stomach tightened again. Oh he was in a lot of trouble with this one. 

He had always known Nicky was a bit of a tease and definitely a sub. As the quint began to open up to him and welcome him in, they were slowly letting him see more and more of their true selves and how they interacted when it was just the five of them. 

He felt a little bad for every time he’d ever called Loki trouble. Loki was nothing compared to Nicky. Nicky was a little hellion and Thor couldn’t wait to try and tame him. But that would have to wait because just at that moment Loki emerged from the back bedroom. 

He looked almost angelic in a white peasant blouse and lilac skinny jeans. He also looked incredibly anxious. His shoulders were taught and his eyes were downcast as he walked out into the dining room. 

Before Thor could even think to go to him Nicky was there, threading an arm around his waist. “Red or white tonight, love?” he asked even though he had already poured four glasses of red without asking any of them. 

“Uhm…white- or…I don’t know…maybe I, uh…shouldn’t drink…?” He glanced up hesitantly at Thor and then immediately his eyes skittered away. 

All of Nicky’s earlier teasing and whining had completely vanished. Instead his voice came out soft and soothing. “Thor was going to have one glass to unwind from work. Would you like to also do that? I’ll give you a light pour.”

“Uhm, yeah that sounds good, thanks.” He finally looked up at Nicky, who gave him a dazzling smile and Loki’s lips seemed to quirk into a small smile of their own accord. Nicky leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss. Loki laughed quietly as Nicky released him to go open a bottle of white. 

Thor took this as his chance and he walked over to Loki. He stopped around a meter away from him to let him decide how he wanted to greet Thor. 

“You look lovely tonight…I missed you,” Thor said softly. 

Loki’s eyes slowly traveled up his body. He was wearing his gray slacks from work and he’d thrown a sweater over his button down to make it a little more casual, but he was still way overdressed for a quiet dinner. Maybe that was another reason he felt a little nervous and out of sorts. A few strands of his hair had fallen out of his bun, as tended to happen as the day went on, and he thought at least that softened his look a little.

“You look amazing…god I’ve missed you so much,” Loki breathed and then they moved at the same time, each taking a few steps forward until Loki was wrapped in his arms. 

The tension in his shoulders eased as he felt Loki’s shoulders do the same. “Is it…bad to say I’m feeling kind of stupidly nervous? Like I’m a virgin on prom night or- oh wait, did you have prom in Norway?” Loki pulled back to look up at him.

“We did not have prom, but we had formals and I have seen many American teen dramas, so I understand the sentiment. But I also was absolutely no longer a virgin by then so I can’t really relate. Were you?” Thor asked skeptically. 

They’d talked a little about their past lovers. He knew Loki had been with men and women, when Loki was feeling both male and female, but he realized he had no idea what Loki’s first time had been like. Thor’s had been a random boy in the village he’d fancied for all of a week and they’d done it in his parents cabin. Pretty much as Norwegian as he could have done it. 

“Oh, no, decidedly not. I kind of lost my virginity in pieces. Had sex when I was fifteen with my best female friend to confirm I was gay and she was lesbian- successfully confirmed both. Then about six months later had sex with one of the preppiest guys in my year. And then had my first purposefully lesbian encounter when I was nineteen.” 

“Oh, I guess I should probably ask- uh, you are- I mean are you feeling, uhm-” Thor managed to trip over his own tongue and Loki raised an unimpressed eyebrow at him. 

“Feeling masculine?” Loki mercifully provided. 

“Uhm…yes. I mean- I shouldn’t assume! I think maybe I have the past few times I’ve seen you so, I’m sorry. I know you told me last week you were having some happy neutral days and it just reminded me that, uhm, maybe I should check?” 

 “Thank you for asking. I am feeling decidedly masculine. Mildly terrified, but definitely masculine and…you don’t have to check if you don’t feel comfortable doing so. I’m happy to just tell you when I’m feeling one way or another,” 

“I guess I’ve just been relying on the cues everyone else has given me, but…tomorrow it’ll just be you and me…” 

Both related and unrelated to Loki’s gender, Thor felt like he had been handed a puppy and wished the best of luck in keeping it alive, fed, and loved. Loki wasn’t a puppy, obviously, but they would be spending almost the next 48 hours exclusively with each other. He had thought about doing a one night sleepover to start, but he had decided to just go all in and give them a full 24 hour period of sleep, wake up, spend time together, sleep, wake up again. 

“Well you’re welcome to ask whenever, I just…I don’t like feeling like a quiz you’re trying to pass,” Loki’s tone was mild but there was tension collecting in his shoulders again. 

“I’m sorry. What I should have said- and will say from now on is: what gender are you feeling today and how can I make you feel safe and seen?”

Loki smiled softly and buried his face in Thor’s chest.“I’m feeling very masucline today and he/him pronouns would be great but…still a little soft, so- hence the shirt and hair I guess.” 

Loki’s hair was loose around his shoulders, falling in slight waves down his back. It was styled in a side part and Thor just wanted to stroke his fingers through it. 

“You look absolutely beautiful. Very soft and sweet.” He gently tilted Loki’s chin up and bent his head to kiss him. Loki pressed up into the kiss, reaching up to place his hands gently on Thor’s neck. 

He really appreciated that Loki didn’t try to manhandle his hair. He didn’t mind letting his hair down in bed and having it stroked and appreciated by lovers, but he always hated when people would just assume they could touch and mess with his hair. He wondered briefly if tonight would be that time or if they’d wait until tomorrow. 

As if reading his mind, Nicky walked over to them with two glasses of wine. Thor’s was a full glass or red and Loki’s half of white. Loki didn’t leave Thor’s arms he just accepted the glass from Nicky with a quick thanks and then he turned back to look up at Thor. 

“To…our weekend together,” Loki toasted. 

“To getting to know a lot more about each other and…to us,” Thor said, clinking their glasses together. 

They both drank deeply and Loki finished almost half of his glass. Thor chuckled softly. “I have to be very honest with you Loki. It has been a very long day for me. If we want to just say right now that we will eat and drink together with the others and then go back to my apartment to fall asleep together, I am very okay with that.” 

The last of the tension seemed to drain out of Loki’s body. “Really?” 

“Of course, kjære. We have the whole weekend together and also, I think just falling asleep together is a new step for us- or I suppose purposefully falling asleep together, not on a couch?” 

They both glanced at the couch where they’d fallen asleep together back when this whole thing had started almost two months prior. 

“I’d…really like that actually.” 

Thor leaned down and gave him another kiss. “How about we get you a real glass of wine then.” 

Loki quickly downed the rest of his drink and Thor laughed. They were right on time to take their seats at the table and Loki graciously thanked everyone for getting dinner all set up and he even more graciously thanked Thor for the food as they all began eating. 

“Please, do not mention it. Loki, you have set me on a mission to try and support every small business restaurant in my neighborhood. I cannot eat all of this food alone, so I am happy to bring food over!” 

“Yes, but you absolutely have to let us cook for you sometime soon, okay?” Charlie asked. 

“Food is Charlie’s love language just like mine is gifts, words of affirmation, physical touch, and a lot of sex,” Nicky added unhelpfully as he took a large bite of lasagna. 

“Did you just list every love language?” Bucky asked.

“I think he missed acts of service,” Steve said. 

“Well I’d argue a lot of mind blowing sex is an act of service,” Loki chimed in.

“No but seriously, you should let Charlie cook for you. It’s why Loki bakes for you every time you come over. That’s one of Loki’s love languages,” Nicky said flippantly, but Loki turned pink and looked down at his plate. 

Thor had of course picked up on this already, but he wondered if he had other languages Thor had missed. 

“If you really would like to, I’d love to come over for a home cooked meal. How about Sunday?” Thor offered. 

Charlie agreed immediately and he and Steve quickly fell into a side conversation on what they should cook. 

Thor turned back to Loki. “Do you…have any other love languages? Possibly one I would be able to reciprocate, because you really don’t want me to bake for you.” 

Almost in unison the entire table, even Charlie and Steve, responded, “physical touch.” 

Loki blushed even harder, and Thor let out a startled chuckle. 

“Also words of affirmation,” Nicky added but his voice was that same soft soothing tone from earlier. It made Thor’s ears perk up, because it seemed like whatever Nicky said in that tone would be in Loki's absolute best interest. “I think maybe with Charlie’s emphasis on communication, words of affirmation have become pretty important for all of us. But…I think it’s particularly important to you, right Loki?” Nicky asked. 

Loki nodded a little shyly. 

Thor thought about this for a moment. He had never thought words of affirmation were his love language, but after Leif he sometimes felt like words were next to meaningless. 

“What about you?” Loki asked quietly. 

“I…think that I value actions more than words. I think I do better at communicating and showing affection through touch, and through dedicating time and effort into a relationship.” 

“I…like that. About you- I mean,” Loki said, taking another long drink of his wine. 

He was on his second drink by now and looked like he was nearing a third. They were definitely not having sex tonight, but Thor liked that they were learning new things about each other already and their weekend hadn’t even officially begun. 

He would have to think about Loki’s need for words of affirmation. Maybe he could talk to Jeanpaul about it, he also seemed to crave loving words from Luis. 

The night went on, and the wine flowed and an exorbitant amount of garlic bread was consumed. Nicky joked that Loki had better pack a toothbrush and he got a terrified look on his face and scurried back to the bedroom while the others cleared the dinner plates. Loki had made tiramisu to go with the dinner and Thor almost swooned. He loved Italian desserts and really needed to go out and visit Hogun just to eat some delicious gelato and cannoli.

After dessert, he usually would have pulled Loki onto the couch or brought him out to the balcony. However, he thought this was the natural break in the evening he needed to transition them into their portion of the weekend together. 

As everyone cleared their dessert plates, Thor gently grabbed Loki’s wrist. 

“Would you…like to come back to my place now?” he asked and Loki nodded eagerly, but with evident trepidation.

“I promise, we don’t even have to kiss if you don’t want to. I’m just…well I’m excited to spend some time alone with you tonight. Even if we just watch a movie on my couch.” 

Loki nodded again but this time with more conviction. “Did you…want to bring some more tiramisu?” 

Thor nearly pulled him off his feet, he hugged him so hard. “How are you so perfect for me?” he asked, only partially joking. 

Thor and Nicky packaged up the dessert while Loki went to grab his things. Bucky trailed after him, offering to help him make sure he didn’t forget anything. Charlie and Steve bid them goodnight and retired to their bedroom. 

“I really do hope you have a good weekend…” Nicky mumbled as he stared down at the wrapped up dessert. “I…hope you know that. I’m wishing you absolutely nothing but happiness, even if it seems like I might have started your weekend off badly by asking for so much heads up… I can tell you’re both really nervous.” 

“No, Nicholas, you did nothing of the sort. Unfortunately with my travel schedule it will probably be necessary to pre-plan dates and even pre-plan time to have sex. Obviously that has some challenges, but I also really appreciate the structure it provides me with. I like to know that when I am in a certain area, I will be spending time with certain people, doing certain activities.” 

Nicky chewed on his lower lip. “Okay…I…I guess just- have fun? Ugh sorry, I don’t know how to say this… uhm. I hope you find as much joy, fulfillment and- and love in being Loki’s lover as I have. He has…changed me. For the better. And a huge part of that for me has been in being physically intimate with him and I just- I truly hope you have an amazing weekend.” 

Thor pushed back from where he had been leaning against the counter and pulled Nicky into his arms. “Thank you, Nicholas. I don’t know if this is…protocol, or okay to say this, or what, but…thank you for loving Loki the way you do. Thank you for every single part of you that I know loves every single part of Loki. Thus far, I have liked every last piece of him I have been allowed to see and I’m excited to see more and…well, I’m just so lucky that you and all of the others have welcomed me into your home, your life, and your relationships. I don’t take any of that lightly.” 

Nicky squeezed him tightly. “I’m so glad you found each other. So unbelievably glad.” 

Just then Loki padded into the kitchen and stopped short. “Oh, I’m sorry. Am I- interrupting?” 

“I was just telling Thor how much I love you and he was telling me how excited he is for this weekend,” Nicky answered and Thor was impressed with the lack of sass in the response. 

Loki smiled warmly at him and opened his arms. Nicky immediately went to him and pressed his small body tightly against Loki’s even slimmer one. Thor was struck by how incredibly adorable they were together. 

“I love you too,” Loki whispered and Nicky kissed him, really kissed him. There was a little  bit of tongue and, as had been the case the handful of times he’d seen any of the others touch or kiss Loki, Thor was enthralled by it. They were both incredibly good looking on their own, but when they came together it was like they became a painting, maybe even a masterpiece. 

He felt the same way about Nicky and Charlie. He had seen them pressed against each other the last time he’d been here and the way their bodies seemed to know each other was like how he and Fandral could come together in the middle of the night in pitch black darkness and just fit together. Except unlike him and Fandral, there was a deep, almost physically palpable love between them. 

It reminded him of when he saw eighty or ninety year old couples holding hands on a park bench. They had lived a life together and they had become each other’s lives. He felt that when he looked at Bucky and Steve as well. Childhood friends who were more than just a part of each other’s stories, they were each other’s stories. 

Would he and Loki be like that one day? The dynamics of the quint kind of seemed like that would be what would happen with a little assistance and intention from himself and Loki. 

“Thor?” Loki’s sweet voice broke him from his reverie. “Are you ready to go?” 

“Yes. Let’s go,” he gave Nicky one last hug while Loki grabbed something from the fridge. 

They greeted Volstagg briefly at the car. Unbeknownst to Thor, Loki had made a mini tiramisu for him and he handed him the container and a plastic spoon and he could have sworn Volstagg teared up. He gave an absurdly deep bow to Loki as he opened the door for him. Loki of course blushed and giggled adorably. 

Volstagg looked meaningfully at Thor as he slid into the car. He leaned back out to whisper violently, “I swear to god if you put this in the group chat-“ 

“Of course it’s going in the group chat, I’m already composing the message in my head- GET IN THE CAR THOR!” Volstagg whisper-shouted as Thor made as if to exit the car to throttle him. 

He slid reluctantly into the car and was hoping to be able to spend a few minutes in peaceful quiet with Loki, possibly holding him and cuddling, but instead Loki climbed into his lap. Thor raised his eyebrows in genuine surprise. 

“Hi, kjaera. How may I assist you?” 

“Kiss me,” he commanded and Thor obeyed readily. 

He pulled Loki in by the nape of his neck and they kissed long and deep for the entire ten minute car ride. As they pulled up to his place, he considered just staying in the car with Loki to keep kissing. He just felt so good in his lap and in his arms, he was afraid they would lose some of the momentum and that some of the nerves would creep back in when they actually got into his apartment.

Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, Loki pulled off him right as they pulled to a stop. He smiled impishly up at him and they climbed out of the car on slightly shaky legs. 

He carried Loki’s bags for him, a backpack and a small duffel bag, and when they entered his apartment he asked Loki to place the dessert in the fridge so he could bring Loki’s things back to the bedroom. Thor came back out to meet him and found Loki gazing longingly around the kitchen. 

It was a beautiful space, really the entire apartment was. It was a one bedroom but it was very spacious. The front door opened into a small foyer space and then immediately into the kitchen which was outfitted with the most up to date appliances, marble countertops, and chrome fixtures. 

A large island separated the kitchen from the living and dining area. There were two bar stools at the island and then a small two person table against the wall diagonal and to the right from the front door. 

The living room was about the size of the one in the quint’s apartment, with a large plush sofa, a glass coffee table, and a full entertainment center with a flat screen TV, up against the left wall. 

On the right, past the kitchen table, there was a small hallway to walk down to get to the bedroom, which had a walk-in closet and a large master bathroom with a marble shower. 

Loki seemed to be studying the oven and Thor rounded the island so he could step up behind him and wrap his arms around his waist. “You’re welcome to try it out this weekend. I don’t keep a lot of fresh ingredients in the house, so they don’t go bad while I am away, but I have almost all of the staples. I was…thinking maybe I could cook us dinner tomorrow night if you’d like?” 

Loki turned around in his embrace and threaded his arms around Thor’s neck. “What else did you want to do tomorrow?” 

“Well…I thought maybe…” he gently pushed Loki back against the counter nearest the stove, “I could bring you breakfast in bed, and then we could go for a walk down by the river. We could go to this cafe that is supposed to have a gorgeous view of the city. Then…we could come back here, relax, I can cook you dinner and-” 

“You can woo me into bed?” Loki provided.

He smiled and leaned down to brush his lips softly against Loki’s. “I was going to say and you could bake something if you’d like but…yes I would also very much like that, but only if that is where the night takes us.” 

Loki tilted his head. “So…you’re saying if the night doesn’t take us there, you’d be okay if we just didn’t have sex this weekend?” 

“Of course. I mean I very much would like to have sex with you, Loki, but if things don’t feel right or you don’t feel ready, then of course it’s alright to wait.” 

Loki seemed to think about that for a few moments. “Could we have sex tonight?” he asked curiously. 

Thor’s eyes widened a little. “Well…” he glanced at the clock to see it was only eight, “I suppose if the night takes us there I don’t see why not, but I am definitely still a little tipsy and I think you might be too so- we would have to see if we were sober enough.” 

Thor was a little more uncertain about that. He wasn’t planning on drinking anything tomorrow night so they’d be ready, but if Loki really wanted to tonight and they sobered up he’d probably say yes. 

Oh who was he kidding, he’d had amazing drunk sex before, actually he loved drunk sex, he just didn’t want to do anything wrong on their first time. But. If Loki thought he was sober enough and asked for sex later, he would probably comply. 

“Okay. I don’t think I want to tonight, but…maybe tomorrow?” He gently walked his fingers up Thor’s chest and it was oddly sensual. Thor settled his hands in the curve of Loki’s lower back.

“So what would you like to do tonight?” Thor asked. 

“Could we…cuddle with less clothes on than we have now? Maybe watch a movie in bed?”

Thor chuckled. “Exactly how many less clothes?” 

Loki smiled coyly and pulled out of Thor’s arms. He sauntered backwards down the hall. “How about you just start taking things off and I’ll tell you when to stop?” 

Thor chuckled in astonishment, but followed him into the bedroom. He obliged, pulling off his socks first, to which Loki wiggled his eyebrows. He laughed and pulled the sweater off next. He was wearing an undershirt, but Loki didn’t know that so he started to unbutton his dress shirt and was intrigued when Loki didn’t stop him. 

Loki bit his lip and watched intently as he took off his button down, but then chuckled when Thor reached the white v-neck. Next he reached for his belt and Loki still said nothing. He removed the belt and unbuttoned his pants. 

Loki raised his eyes to meet Thor’s gaze and Thor raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t told me to stop so…” he unzipped his pants and was about to take them off when Loki looked away. 

“I obviously don’t want to cuddle you in work pants but…do you want to cuddle in just underwear?” Loki asked. 

“Well I guess that depends…will you also be in just underwear?” He desperately wanted to be in just underwear with Loki, but then they definitely wouldn’t be cuddling. 

“Hm…probably not. I’ll probably put on some lounge pants.” 

“Then I don’t really mind either way.” 

Loki smiled and made a stately flicking gesture with his wrist. “Off with the pants!” he commanded like regent royalty. 

Thor laughed and slid his pants off. Loki’s breath caught right as Thor remembered he was wearing a pair of his more luxurious silk boxers. They clung to him in a very obvious way and he realized this probably wasn’t going to work. 

“Wow- okay. I was picturing like checker print loose fitting boxers or something you could just lounge in, not…I mean basically the masculine version of what I’m wearing…which is definitely not lounge appropriate.” 

“Yes, sorry, I forgot I was wearing these. I’ll put on lounge pants as well.” He turned around and began to rummage through his drawers when something Loki said struck him. 

“Wait- you said the masculine version of…what are you wearing?” 

Loki smiled to himself as he grabbed his duffel bag and turned to walk into the bathroom. Right before he stepped over the threshold he looked back over his shoulder and said, “wouldn’t you like to know?” and disappeared into the bathroom. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

The next morning went exactly as Thor had planned. 

He woke up early, as usual, and was able to slide Loki softly off his chest and onto a body pillow so he could make Loki breakfast. He kept it simple with pancakes, sunny side up eggs, bacon, and coffee, and he set it all up on a tray he had ordered especially for this weekend. 

He had also ordered a bouquet of flowers for Loki that he had hidden in the pantry. He fetched them and set them on the kitchen island. On a whim he grabbed a single rose in full bloom and placed it on the tray as well. He finished the tray off with a bowl of fresh fruit, silverware, and two glasses of orange juice.  

He brought the tray to the bedroom and found Loki sitting up in bed trying to rub the sleep from his eyes.

“Good morning gorgeous. Sleep well?” Thor asked, feeling incredibly domestic in his endearment and his question. 

Thor had slept phenomenally. Probably the best sleep he’d gotten in a long time. While he didn’t always sleep well when he had a bed partner, Loki had curled up on his chest and stayed there the entire night. He was like a personal heater and a weighted blanket rolled up into a nice smelling, sweet little noise making package. Basically he was so exactly what Thor wanted he had a hard time believing he was real except, here he was, sitting in Thor’s bed the next morning. 

“Good morning, darling,” Loki drawled, his voice still heavy with sleep. 

He stretched his arms over his head, eyes still squeezed shut. The sleep shirt he was wearing rode up revealing the sharp curves of his hips and Thor was glad he was still holding the tray so he didn’t try and grab him by those hips and do very dirty things to him, this early in the morning. 

Loki finally seemed to fully focus on Thor and his eyes went wide. “Oh wow! You did all this and - oh my god look at the flower! You got me a rose?” his eyes went soft and wide and all Thor could do was nod. 

He leaned forward and delicately picked up the rose and held it in his hands like it was a precious artifact. Thor got himself situated sitting up against the headboard of his bed while also getting the tray set up between them. Loki scooted up the bed as well and reached his hand up to touch Thor’s cheek. He brushed a large lock of hair back behind Thor’s ear. 

Thor hadn’t ended up taking out his bun last night, but several large chunks of hair had fallen out. He would need to put it back up before they left. 

“Do you…not like your hair being down?” he asked as Thor pulled out the silverware for both of them and handed a fork and knife to him. 

“I…don’t mind having it down with those I am close with. It hasn’t always been like that but…after Leif it- well it just kind of feels like a way I signal to others and myself that I’m feeling my most at ease and comfortable with them?” Thor knew there was more to it than that, but he didn’t really want to get into it right now. 

Loki placed the rose horizontally across his lap and began to cut into his pancakes. “That makes sense to me. I guess my hair has been more about how I’m feeling inside that day than about who I’m around but…well I guess who I’m feeling inside can also be determined by who I’m around, so actually maybe it’s a bit of both.” 

Thor chewed thoughtfully on a piece of bacon. “You don’t have to leave it down for me but…it is very beautiful down- ahh dritt I forgot to ask didn’t I. Loki, may I ask what gender you’re feeling this morning?” 

Loki smiled around a big bite of pancake he just stuffed in his mouth. He chewed quickly and swallowed. “Sorry- these are really good! And masculine again today, thank you for asking. I can’t say for sure of course but…thus far I have felt decidedly locked in as masculine when I’m around you. When you left it shifted a bit, but up through now, I’ve been feeling very much like a gay man when I’m with you.” 

Thor nodded, not knowing the proper response aside from unadulterated acceptance. 

“Do the plans for today still sound good this morning?” Thor asked. 

Loki swallowed another big bite of eggs. He hadn’t paid close attention last night, but he was now wondering if Loki had been too anxious to eat dinner. 

“Walk, cafe, dinner, hot passionate sex?” 

Thor nearly choked on his coffee, but he nodded slowly. 

“Yeah, sounds great!” Loki smiled and Thor had no choice but to smile back. 

They finished breakfast and took turns showering and getting dressed in the bathroom. Thor couldn’t help but wonder if his next shower would be with Loki. He opted for another pair of silk boxers for the day, again wondering briefly what Loki was wearing under his black skinny jeans. 

They stuck mostly to the plan, starting with a walk and the cafe. On the way back from the cafe Loki pulled him into a bookstore and they spent an hour browsing books and sharing thoughts and opinions on different genres, tropes, and stories. 

As they continued to walk back towards Thor’s local grocery store, he pulled Loki into an antique store he’d been eyeing and Loki helped him pick out a painting to liven up his living room. It was a gorgeous mountain scene with a cabin and a pack of sleeping hunting dogs. Loki loved it for the dogs as well as the reindeer up on the mountain and Thor loved it for how it reminded him of home. 

Finally, they went to the grocery store and Thor got everything he needed to make them a cozy soup for dinner. He wanted tonight to be all about koselig for Loki and for himself. 

Loki got some ingredients for a trifle he said he could make in phases so as to not get in Thor’s way while he cooked dinner. Thor tried to assure him he was very excited for the company in the kitchen. 

When they got back, they began cooking and they moved around each other, touching and flirting. When they both had to wait for something to finish baking or boiling, they kissed against the counter. 

Loki wasn’t kissing him the way he’d kissed him last night in the car, but that was probably for the best if they were going to get through dinner and dessert.

When dinner was ready and plated, with Loki’s dish chilling in the fridge, they sat down at the kitchen table with just one glass of wine each. It loosened them both up and they talked about favorite memories from their childhood, friends they’d had that they missed, and friends they still had. Thor had already told Loki about Fandral so he didn’t see the need to bring up their sexual rendezvous again. 

They ate dessert on the couch and Loki began getting freer with his touch and finally Thor asked if he could take Loki to bed. He agreed and they held hands on the short walk to the bedroom. 

“Would you like me to take my clothes off again and you tell me when to stop?” Thor offered as Loki began to awkwardly shift foot to foot. He quickly nodded and so Thor peeled off his thin sweater and then slowly pulled off his t-shirt underneath. He didn’t stop, even as Loki’s eyes traced over every line and ridge in his chest. He unbuttoned his jeans and slowly unzipped them, while Loki watched him like a hawk. He slid them down and finally kicked them off. “S-stop,” Loki’s soft voice commanded and Thor stopped. 

He basked in Loki’s attention for a few moments before asking, “would you like me to take your clothes off until you tell me to stop?” 

Loki shivered but he nodded and so Thor walked over to him, but instead of taking anything off he leaned down and kissed him. He started the kiss slow and reassuring, but it slowly turned sensual and teasing. 

Loki lifted his arms above his head and Thor removed the sky blue blouse he was wearing.

That was when Thor spotted his nipple rings and his brain just about short circuited. “I forgot you…have piercings?” he asked dumbly. 

“And tattoos.” 

Thor tossed his shirt to the ground and very gently, as if Loki was an animal that could be spooked, brushed his thumb over one of the piercings. Loki’s entire body shivered and Thor’s abs tightened. He slid that same hand the rest the way down his stomach and rested it on the waistband of Loki's jeans. 

He hesitated for a beat but, hearing no protest from Loki, he slowly unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. 

He saw a hint of silk, so he slowly kneeled down to pull Loki’s jeans down his legs. This revealed that Loki was wearing a pair of silky pink panties that hugged his hips, and outlined his cock perfectly.

Before his brain could tell him to slow down, he leaned forward and mouthed at Loki’s cock through the smooth fabric. 

Loki let out a sharp breath and his hand lifted to Thor’s cheek, but he didn’t say anything. That wasn’t going to work for Thor. 

“You are so beautiful,” Thor said, pressing a soft kiss to the tip of Loki’s rapidly hardening length. “May I?” he asked, keeping his hands steady on Loki’s hips. 

“May you…touch me? Suck me? Fuck me? Yes. Please, Thor don’t- don’t make me ask for it again. Please,” a whimper rose in his throat and Thor took him in his mouth. 

The sensation was amazing, the slide and glide of slippery fabric and the hardening heat and weight of Loki in his mouth. He grabbed Loki’s hips and he let out a low moan that rippled through Thor’s nerve endings. 

He pressed his tongue roughly along the underside of Loki’s cock, through the now wet fabric and Loki’s knees began to shake. 

Thor glanced up and he nearly lost control right then. Loki’s brown eyes were shining with lust and desire, but also what looked like surprise. Like he couldn’t believe they were here, and Thor was on his knees in front of him. 

Thor was a top and sometimes even a dom, through and through, but he loved to provide for his lovers. He loved giving blow jobs and rim jobs and completely overwhelming his partners with pleasure. 

He pressed his tongue into the tip of Loki’s cock and he whimpered. Thor could taste him through the damp fabric and he tasted sweet and musky. 

Loki gripped tightly at Thor’s shoulders. He did it again and Loki’s knees trembled. He wondered if he did it a third time if Loki would drop into Thor’s arms. He swirled his tongue around the head and then plunged it into the tip again and Loki did indeed collapse with a huff. 

Thor scooped him up and carried him to the bed, gently laying him out as close to the middle of the bed as he could reach and he quickly crawled in after him. 

“Thor-“ 

“I’m going to take care of you, kjære,” he whispered as he bent down to kiss him deeply. Loki immediately opened his mouth to Thor and he plunged his tongue in, swapping the taste of his precum for the delicious, heady flavor of Loki’s mouth. 

He explored his mouth for what felt like the thousandth time, but was probably only barely in the double digits. 

Loki moaned into the kiss and grabbed roughly at Thor’s neck. He tried to pull him down with his hand and when that didn’t work, he planted one foot on the bed and tried to press up into Thor’s body.

Thor quickly grabbed his hips and pressed him down into the mattress. 

“None of that,” he murmured. “I’m going to take care of you, so you have to let me do what I want to do.”

Loki raised a challenging eyebrow. “Is that so?” Thor remembered Loki saying how he liked to push back and could even become wild in bed.

Thor wanted to see it, but he also didn’t want their first time to be a wild frenzy. He meant what he said, he wanted to take care of Loki. 

He trailed one of his hands up Loki’s chest to brush against one of his piercings. His abs tightened and he curled in on himself a little. Thor did it again but with more purpose, slowly brushing each of his fingertips and then his thumb over the sensitive nub. 

Loki whimpered and trembled. Thor leaned back down and licked the other nipple, gently running his teeth over the skin and then grabbing one of the balls of the barbell with his teeth. He tugged gently while brushing his fingertips over his other nipple. 

“Oh god- Thor.” 

Loki’s hand came up to the top of Thor’s head but then he hesitated. 

He raised his eyes to meet Loki’s. “Can…is it too early for me to ask?” He brushed his fingers feather light over Thor’s man bun. 

“Why would it be too early,” he breathed, purposefully puffing air over Loki’s now wet nipple. 

“Not sure if you- ngh, feel comfortable enough- ahhhhh, with- with me- oh god…” he threw his head back and let out a long moan as Thor teased and sucked and finally bit into his nipple. 

“I feel very comfortable with you Loki. Would you like me to do it or would you?” he asked, swirling his tongue over Loki’s abused flesh. 

“I- I’ll do it- mmmm, oh, yes- fuck, please-” 

Thor was slowly, with very measured movements, tugging on the ring in Loki’s left nipple while dragging the pad of his tongue over the right. He wasn’t entirely sure which one had gotten Loki to beg so he did each again one at a time. He received a similar response when he slowly pulled on the ring. 

Thor was surprised how quickly Loki was showing his true colors. He clearly liked to whine and beg and he also seemed to like a little pain. 

Loki reached for Thor’s hair with trembling fingers and Thor bent his head forward, switching to lap at the other nipple. He played with the barbel in his fingers, sliding it back and forth and gently tugging on it. 

“Oh god-“ Loki tried to rock up into Thor, but Thor pressed him down with one of his hands on his stomach. Loki finally managed to get his fingers around the hairband in Thor’s hair and he tugged it loose. 

Thor’s blonde locks tumbled around his face and a few strands tickled over Loki’s overly sensitive skin. He nearly cried out, reaching up with both hands to sink his fingers into Thor’s hair. 

Thor abandoned his current task to slide up Loki’s body until he could bend down to kiss him, shrouding them with his hair, allowing it to tickle over his face and neck. 

“How are you…so sexy,” Loki asked through kisses. “God it’s like…like you were made for me…” he moaned as Thor slowly ground his hips down into him. 

He had been thinking the same thing about Loki. He absolutely adored responsive partners and thus far Loki responded to almost every single one of his touches. 

“Are you always this vocal?” Thor asked, nipping gently at his ear. He shivered in response, but Thor could feel heat rise to his cheeks. 

“Uhm…yeah…” 

“So perfect for me…” Thor murmured, lowering his mouth slightly to bite into his neck. 

Loki moaned and brought his hands back up to Thor’s hair. Not to pull, push, or guide, just to stroke his hands through the long locks. The sweet pleasure it gave Thor was in stark contrast to the raw fire that was ripping through his stomach and sinking into his blood. 

He gazed down at the one who was eliciting these conflicting feelings and saw that he himself was a confliction. His smile was soft and happy, but his eyes were a little wild. 

“Can I- touch you?” Loki asked, hesitancy in his voice but absolutely none in his eyes. 

Thor grabbed him by the hips and turned them over so he was lying on his back and Loki was sitting on his lap. His panties were still deliciously wet and he shifted his hips up so their cocks rubbed together. He had to suppress his own moan so he could hear Loki’s.

Loki’s head fell back revealing a long expanse of throat and soft skin. He wanted to flip them back over so he could sink his teeth into all of his throat and chest, but he stilled as Loki’s hands began exploring Thor’s own chest. He started at his neck, slowly stroking patterns across his collarbone and pecs, leaning down to occasionally kiss or nip at his skin. 

Thor had a smattering of blonde downy hair across his pecs and then a darker trail starting under his belly button and tracing down. Loki explored all of it with his fingers and mouth. Thor groaned appreciatively at different spots but he wasn’t quite as responsive as Loki. 

Loki hesitantly brushed his fingers over one of Thor’s nipples and to his surprise his hips jumped. He wouldn’t have said he was particularly sensitive there, but Loki’s slow stroking and touching was electrifying his skin. Loki bent forward and lapped at one of the pebbled nubs and he bucked his hips, knocking Loki off balance so he sprawled across Thor’s chest. 

They both laughed and Thor grabbed Loki’s hips, slowly rocking up into him. Loki trembled against his chest and he clung to Thor as he slowly began a rhythm, pulling Loki’s hips down as he thrust up. 

“Oh god, more, please- need more-“ 

Thor flipped them over again and Loki moaned. “I love that you can just throw me around.” 

Thor had to admit he was getting a high from it. He checked himself quickly to make sure he was still feeling completely in control, no mania or intrusive thoughts. 

No, he was one hundred percent here with Loki. 

Loki began to squirm under him and he hooked his fingers in the top of the panties. “I absolutely adore these…so sexy…but I think it’s time for them to go.” He pulled them down and off of Loki’s hips, shifting his eyes down to watch as he dragged them down over Loki’s long thin legs. God he wanted them spread wide or thrown over his shoulder. 

He brought his eyes slowly up his body until they landed on his proud length. Loki was a great size, and his cock curved prettily up at Thor.

Like before, he couldn’t stop himself from taking him in his mouth again. 

“Oh god- no, please- need- need more, please,” Loki begged, his hips thrusting up into Thor’s mouth and then grinding down against the bed to get away from his warm heat. 

Not sure what more meant, Thor bobbed his head all the way down, taking Loki entirely into his mouth and throat. 

Loki screamed, throwing his head back, his arms splayed out akimbo and he arched gorgeously off the bed. 

Thor did it again pulling back almost to the tip then swallowing him down. He swallowed, letting his throat flutter against Loki’s cock. 

Loki shouted again and began to shake. “Please, please Thor I can’t- I can’t take-“ 

Thor let out an actual growl around his cock and he shook violently as if he was vibrating from his very core. 

“Please- I need you…” he whimpered. 

He gave a long suck as he slowly lifted off of him. 

“Need me to do what, kjære,” 

Loki’s eyes were heavy lidded and his breathing was ragged, but he still looked entirely too in control. Thor didn’t want him to go wild, but he did want him to let go a little. 

“Fuck me…please Thor…” 

Thor leaned up to kiss him, forcing his mouth open with a hard hand on his jaw. Loki moaned into the kiss, apparently liking the slightly rougher treatment. 

Thor hopped off the bed, took off his boxers, and returned to the bed with a bottle of lube from his night stand. 

He used his large hands to spread Loki’s thighs open. He could practically wrap his hand around his entire thigh and the sight of it had his cock pulsing. 

Loki began to tremble, but it looked more like restraint than anticipation. He was white knuckling the sheets and his abs were impossibly taught. Thor didn’t like that. 

“Loki…you look like you’re holding back…I want you to ask me for what you want. I promise I will do almost anything for you.” 

He stroked his hand up and down Loki’s thigh, ghosting his fingers over his cock and then back down his leg. 

“I…I like it rougher than this…I like to be held down and… to be pushed so I can push back. When- when you’re this gentle…I mean you’ve always been so gentle with me…I feel like I’m not allowed to push,” Loki admitted, breathy with want, but also maybe with some rising nerves. 

Thor thought he understood. He often got like this with lovers as well, afraid to be the one to push hardest in case he pushed too far. Loki had told him exactly what he needed, so Thor was going to give it to him. 

He dropped the lube bottle and grabbed Loki around the waist to yank him lower on the bed. He was as easy to move around as a pillow, seemingly weighing next to nothing to Thor. He grabbed Loki’s hands and brought them up above his head, then pinned his wrists down. They were so slender they took up only the very middle of the palm of Thor’s hands. 

“God you’re so small… like I could envelop you entirely… take control of your little body… make it do whatever I want it to.” 

Loki bucked violently off the bed, not loosening Thor’s grip at all but definitely piquing his interest. 

“Is this what you meant by push back? You are going to have to try harder than that kjære.” 

Loki growled an actual growl and it was the sweetest, sexiest thing he’d ever heard. His eyes weren’t sweet though. They had turned wicked sharp and dangerous, like he was looking for Thor’s weak spots so he could sink his teeth in. Literally. He thought if he released Loki right now, looking the way he was, he might actually end up with his teeth in him. The idea was quite appealing actually, but Loki had requested something and Thor had promised to give it. They could explore that more later. 

Since his hands were occupied, Thor used his knee to shove open Loki’s legs again. He pressed his knee softly against Loki’s ass to give him something to grind on and he didn’t disappoint. Loki began rocking his hips ludely against his knee and Thor’s cock protested, leaking pearly fluid onto Loki’s stomach. 

Loki glanced at it in surprise, like he hadn’t even known Thor was rock hard for him. Like he didn’t know how much Thor wanted him. He remembered how anxious Loki had been the night before and some of his anxiety from weeks prior. 

“Do you see it? Can you feel it? What you do to me? What you’ve done to me since the moment I met you?”

He leaned down to tease Loki, brushing his lips slowly from jaw to temple and back. Loki tried to chase his mouth with his own but Thor wasn’t having it. He pressed up with his knee, applying pressure to his tight ass as he bit down softly into his neck. 

Loki nearly screamed and the noise was raw and desperate. 

“I-I’m not going to b-break. You’re still being s-so gentle,” Loki panted a little pathetically. 

Thor didn’t believe that. He looked like he could easily be snapped in half by someone even half Thor’s size. He tried to remind himself that, as Loki had mentioned once, he and Charlie had pretty volatile sex and Charlie was not a small man. 

He still didn’t feel comfortable fully letting go though. 

“If you’re not…going to give me everything. Why give me anything at all?” Loki asked and there was no venom in his voice, just the truth. 

God maybe Loki’s skill wasn’t in pushing physically, but verbally and mentally. Thor felt the words like a brand across his back as his muscles screamed to be set loose. 

“I…can’t hurt you the first time we’re together I…I can’t…” 

“Thor… I won’t let you. Stoplight colors, okay? Red stop, yellow slowdown or soften up, green good. Please…I like a little pain, darling.”

Thor swooped down and caught Loki’s mouth with his, pressing his tongue deep into his mouth letting a little more aggression bleed into the kiss. He forced Loki’s jaw open wider, shoving his tongue deep into his mouth.  

“Thor- I need to feel you…” Loki whimpered. 

“Kjære…when I’m done with you, I’m all you’re going to feel.”

Loki moaned, throwing his head back and exposing his gorgeous neck to Thor’s teeth.

He bit down harder than before and Loki shouted and rocked down against Thor’s knee. 

He pressed up a little harder and bit into his collarbone and Loki’s voice broke around a cry. 

This really did seem like what he needed. Thor pressed up hard against his ass and sucked at the bite mark he had just made and Loki began to beg. He wanted fingers and teeth and Thor’s cock and he wanted it all immediately. 

Thor tightened his grip brutally on Loki’s wrist and he keened, arching off the bed and falling back onto it. Thor brought Loki’s wrists together and held them down with just one of his hands and reached for the lube bottle. 

He was lucky he had a long wingspan. He was somehow able to hold Loki down while fumbling to lube his fingers with one hand. He ended up getting it all over Loki’s leg but he didn’t seem to even notice. 

He tossed the bottle to the side and, with little warning slid a finger into Loki. He screamed and arched off the bed. “F-fuck, Thor, yes, yes-“ 

He screamed again when Thor pulled his finger out and thrust all the way back in. 

“God…I love the way you scream for me…” Thor growled. 

Loki started squirming a moment later, so Thor added a second finger. Loki shouted, but was bearing down on his hand again just a few moments later. 

Thor slowly added a third. His fingers were not small but neither was his cock, and he needed to adequately prep Loki or they could have some trouble. 

Loki squirmed uncomfortably and Thor commended himself on taking this part slow, even though all he wanted to do was fuck him with his cock right now. 

He slowly stretched him until Loki was crying out and begging again. 

“I need you! Thor!” Loki begged. 

His eyes were closed and his head was turned to the side, burying his nose in his uplifted arm. Thor leaned forward, putting all of his weight into Loki’s wrists and bent his head to bite into his nipple again. 

“Please!” Loki screamed as his hips stuttered, like he was unsure if he wanted to grind up into the air or fuck down onto Thor’s fingers. 

“I will, kjære, I just need to make sure you’re ready,” 

“I’m- fucking ready! I’ve been ready for an hour,” he growled and Thor was reminded of a bear cub he had once seen in the forest. Small, incredibly dangerous, and coiled with power, but also playful and so, so adorable. 

Thor thrust his fingers a few more times, twisting and spreading them to try and open Loki up just a little wider. 

“Thor!” Loki called out desperately and he couldn’t deny him any longer. 

Thor pulled out and grabbed the lube bottle again. He had to pull his hand off Loki’s wrists to spread an entire handful of the sticky liquid on his cock. He positioned himself at Loki’s entrance, grabbing his hips with his slippery and dry hands. He slowly slid in and Loki gasped and then fell entirely silent. 

Thor froze and Loki whimpered. “Just…in- please, all in,” he whined. 

Thor didn’t think that was the way to go about it, but Loki kept begging so he slowly slid all the way in. It was smooth going, but it was also impossibly tight. Way too tight. Loki was absolutely  not ready for Thor’s size. 

He had actually received complaints from lovers in the past, men and women, about how big he was. Loki grit his teeth and whined in a high pitched noise like he’d been kicked and Thor’s chest clenched. 

Loki was panting hard and squirming, but instead of trying to get away he was trying to impale himself deeper onto Thor’s cock. 

“Loki…” he groaned, fisting his hands in the sheets to stop from moving. Every instinct in him was screaming for him to move, but he knew he couldn’t yet. 

“You’re…enormous…” Loki ground out, his eyes still squeezed shut. Thor lifted his clean hand to gently stroke over the creases in Loki’s brow until they slowly started to loosen. 

“I’m sorry, kjære…I told you I didn’t want to hurt you and now I have….” 

Not to mention the bruises forming around Loki’s wrists and hips, and the mild beard burn and bite marks marring his chest and shoulders. He trusted that Loki liked those marks and that type of pain, but this was different. He had been so careful entering Loki, he hoped he was okay, but it was always possible to tear something and that was one of Thor’s biggest fears. 

“No…no’s so fucking good…I just…need a second.” 

Loki’s hands had come to rest next to his head and he turned his face to bite into his own wrist, teeth pressing into the bruises forming there. 

Sometimes when a lover asked him to wait, Thor would soften a little inside them, and it would help move things along. Watching Loki mouth at the marks he had left on him was unfortunately making the likelihood of that happening now very, very low. 

Thor leaned his head down so their foreheads met. “Might be better to stretch you with a toy first next time,” he murmured against Loki’s mouth. 

“Oh fuck, your voice is so sexy. Please tell me more things you’re going to do to me.” 

At first Thor thought he was teasing, but Loki closed his eyes and rolled his head to the side so Thor was a breath away from his ear. 

“Well…next time I’m not just going to use my fingers, you clearly need a lot more than that.” 

Loki whimpered, but said nothing. 

“I’ll get you a toy that will fit you perfectly. Big, maybe just a little smaller than me. I’ll take it slow, stretch you out with it centimeter by centimeter. It’ll be easier to go slow when it’s not my own cock because… fuck you feel so good, I can’t even describe it…I can feel your every breath, like I’m inside your chest, not just your pretty little ass.” 

Loki moaned, squirming down onto his cock again. They let out twin gasps as Loki’s body flexed around him. “God yes…just like that, Loki. You can move, just go slow… let yourself adjust… I want you to feel me inside every part of you…yes- oh Loki, yes!” 

Loki was slowly moving his hips up and down, probably no more than a few centimeters each time, but it was sending shockwaves through Thor’s entire body. 

“You’re…so…good…oh god, Loki.” 

“Don’t- don’t stop- saying my name like that…” Loki whispered against Thor’s lips. He wrapped his arms around Thor’s neck and used the leverage to start to move more, as if he was on top of Thor as opposed to below him. 

God Thor wanted Loki on top of him, getting to see his long, lithe body bouncing and rolling, but he knew if this was too much, that would absolutely break him. They’d try that another time. With toys and a fair bit of patience Thor could get almost anyone stretched and wet enough to take him. It was the impatience that always beat him. 

“I…can’t believe…you’re real. Truly the best cock I’ve ever had.”

Thor laughed good naturedly. “Thank you…That might be too much information about your other lovers though.” Thor winked so he knew he was joking.  

“You’re right, you should find out for yourself.” 

“So naughty…talking about other men you want me to sleep with while my huge cock is inside you.” 

Loki smirked up at him. “Huge is not a big enough word.” 

“Be still my beating heart. Or maybe that’s my ego…”

Loki laughed and it was beautiful and Thor could feel it from where he was buried inside Loki’s core. He thought absently that he could probably cum just from staying here, feeling and listening to Loki’s laugh. That would not do great things for said ego though. 

“Are you…almost ready? I really- really need to move…” 

“Oh, I’ve been ready for a while,” Loki said, smiling wide. 

Thor wasn’t sure how he hadn’t noticed, but Loki’s face had completely changed. There was no pain, no tightness, just laughter, lust, and a handful of other positive emotions Thor didn’t have the ability to parse through. 

“I’m going to fuck you now.” Thor reached up to capture Loki’s wrists again. “Ready?” 

“Yes,” Loki breathed and then he threw his head back and moaned low and deep in his chest as Thor began to move. 

He kept the rhythm slow and steady at first and then slowly started to build as Loki’s body continued to adjust, taking in more and more of him. It was like Thor had unlocked some chain keeping Loki’s tongue at bay, because he began to speak, words flowing and tangling, each sentence getting filthier and headier than the last. 

“Oh god-d- you feel so good-” Loki writhed and bucked under Thor. 

“Better than I ever c-could have imagined…And i-imagined a lot-t.” 

Thor let out a throaty laugh, and leaned down and kissed him, their lips bumping and dragging in time with Thor’s thrusts. 

Then he slowed down, focusing more on the stroke and drag of himself inside of Loki. 

Loki let out a long whimper and then his words continued. 

“I want you every day. Every single day I wake up th-thinking about you.” 

Thor’s cheeks were aching and he realized he’d been smiling. Smiling harder than he’d smiled in months, and it was like his muscles had forgotten how to do it. 

“This…This is what I’m going to think of n-now. Y-you inside me, s-stretching me, a-and f-fucking me- oh my god you’re actually inside me right now. Oh, Thor,” Loki’s head rolled back and his eyes shut as his chest heaved and his hips rocked up to meet Thor’s. 

Thor was still smiling, and it wasn’t just his cheeks that were aching, he felt an ache behind his eyes. He squeezed his eyes shut but didn’t stop smiling. 

“I am inside you…and you feel so good Loki…” He opened his eyes and met Loki’s beautiful brown eyes that were almost black with lust. “I’m going to have to stop myself from fucking you every single day I’m here…god I want to though…you feel so incredible and- f-fucking look at you.” 

He racked his eyes up and down Loki’s body. His small muscles were rippling across his chest and his almost completely ignored cock was bouncing against this stomach hypnotically. His legs were curved around Thor’s hips. Thor realized with a start he was inside him, but he hadn’t even touched all of him. He released Loki’s hands and he kept them raised above his head. 

“Oh kjære…you’re so good for me…” Thor whispered as he brought his hands down to cup Loki’s ass. Each of the supple, solid orbs fit in his hands perfectly. 

He squeezed his hands, losing a bit of his rhythm, but Loki moaned happily. 

“You like that?” Thor asked, squeezing him again. 

“Yeah-h…I like how much b-bigger you are than me…” he admitted a little shyly even though he’d said as much before. 

“So do I, kjære.” He used his hands to spread Loki’s legs even wider, allowing him to sink a little deeper into him. 

“Oh god- Thor I’m…I’m-“ he cut himself off, biting into his wrist again. 

“Are you going to cum for me?” Thor asked, speeding up his thrusts. He didn’t respond for a few moments, taking each of Thor’s thrusts and arching his back almost violently. 

“N-no please, please…”

“No...?” Thor asked with a shaky laugh. 

“Please I- I… don't want… it to stop…I’ve wanted you for s-so long I-”

Thor stopped thrusting and Loki cried out and his back bowed roughly. Thor must have struck his prostate and he was still on it. He quickly pulled out a few centimeters and Loki fell back onto the bed with a shattered gasp. His chest heaved and his muscles clenched so hard around Thor he had to take in his own shaky breath. 

“Loki…it’s okay. This is not for just one night. I’ll fuck you again tomorrow if you want. And tomorrow night and the night after that and the night after that…I told you. Whatever you want. I will give to you.” 

“Promise?” he asked, his entire body trembling in Thor’s arm.

“Yes. I promise. I’m not going anywhere…you’re mine now, kjære.” He wasn’t sure where the possessiveness had come from, but Loki’s head lulled back and the phrase “words of affirmation” suddenly flashed across Thor’s mind. 

“You are mine now, Loki…now let me make you cum.” Thor’s breath was a shaky growl and he started thrusting into Loki with vigor. 

He was getting close now and it seemed like Loki was as well. He was keening and gasping in a way Thor hadn’t heard before. 

He sat back on his haunches just a little so he could bring a hand to Loki’s cock.

Loki cried out as if he had been struck, but his back arched in pleasure. Thor began stroking him, off tempo with his thrusts and Loki started to writhe and buck underneath him. 

“Yes, oh- god, yes, yes, please- oh, darling-“ 

Thor added the way Loki begged to his top five favorite things about him, as well as the fact he called him darling. Thor had never been anyone’s darling before. 

Thor’s hips began to stutter and he let himself beg a little too. 

“So perfect, so beautiful, oh Loki, yes…yes, move just- just like that…oh Loki, please- kjære mitt, please cum for me.”

With a few more thrusts and pulls on his cock Loki cried out, but it was disarmingly soft compared to the rest of his noises. He came in soft spurts but it took so long that it brought Thor right up to the edge and he tipped over right as Loki let out a final gasp. 

He came hard into him, grunting and moaning, his voice catching on Loki’s name as he collapsed forward, catching himself on his hands on either side of Loki’s shoulders. 

They panted and gasped into the warm air of his bedroom. He hadn’t really thought of this as his bedroom until this moment. He had a room in his parents mansion and a flat in the same building as their headquarters in Norway, and a flat in France. None of them except the mansion really felt like home to him. All of the sudden he wondered if this could. If this room, with Loki in it, could feel like home. 

“Take a deep breath, kjære,” he murmured and Loki obeyed immediately. He slid out of him in a fluid movement but Loki gasped. His breath caught, and he choked, coughing as Thor came to rest next to him. Ignoring how sticky they both were he pulled Loki into his arms and rubbed his back softly. 

“I’m sorry…you’re okay…I’m right here,” he soothed as Loki coughed and trembled in his arms. Okay maybe a deep breath was the wrong move. He would recommend a steady shallow breath next time. 

“I’m…way better than just okay,” Loki murmured and he wormed his way onto Thor’s chest. 

“Good, kjære…that is so good,” Thor felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him, but he knew they needed to clean up. 

He gave them both a few more minutes to catch their breath and then he carried Loki into the shower. He was practically dead weight in his arms so he let Loki rest almost all of his weight on him as he washed them both off. Their hair was sweaty, but Loki sleepily told him they could wash it in the morning. He quickly toweled them both off and carried Loki back to bed. 

He wasn’t sure if Loki required any kind of after care, and he tried to ask if he wanted Thor to get him some clean clothes, or some water or food, but he shushed him and climbed back onto his chest. He nuzzled into him and promptly fell asleep. 

Thor chuckled and began stroking his fingers down his back. He hadn’t seen much of Loki’s tattoos so he used now as an opportunity to study them. There were a series of animals, flowers and numbers and he wondered sleepily at the significance of each before he too slowly drifted to sleep. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor roused out of sleep slowly, unsure of what had woken him up, but sure that it had been something. 

Then he felt a hard length nudge against his own. He stifled a gasp as his senses came flooding back to him and he realized Loki was still asleep on his chest, but he was grinding against him in his sleep. He glanced at the clock on his night stand to see it was four in the morning. 

He tried to gently shift Loki off of his crotch, but he clung to him with surprising strength for such a small, sleeping person. He tried again fruitlessly and only managed to jostle him awake by accident. 

“Kjære…” he gasped when Loki very purposefully ground their hips together. He looked up at Thor with sleepy eyes, but there was a hint of that wildness he had seen earlier that night. 

“Mmmm…you woke me up from a really good dream…” Loki grumbled.

“Oh yeah?” 

“Yeah…kind of upset about it actually, darling…think maybe you’ll need to make it up to me.” 

Thor smiled slowly, catching on to what Loki was suggesting. 

“Do you…want me to pick up where the dream left off?” he offered. 

“Well…we were in the middle of fucking, so I don’t think that is quite feasible…maybe we can go back to the beginning.” 

Thor was thrilled at the idea that Loki was actually dreaming about him. He had three other lovers to dream about, but if Loki’s subconscious mind had really chosen him…

Thor felt a surge of pride and pleasure and he wrapped his arms tightly around Loki’s back. 

“And how did it begin?” Thor asked, the timbur of his voice dropping without his permission. 

Loki slowly sat up, rubbing his eyes and then looking down at Thor with a little more awareness but also something that looked a little like shyness. 

“Would you…want to try stretching me with just your kuk?” he asked. 

Thor had to stifle a grin at the word. Loki seemed to love learning and using Norwegian words and Thor loved the way his American accent changed the words into something different, something almost enchanting. This particular word was more of a slang word and wouldn’t typically be used in bed, but he loved hearing it in Loki’s voice nonetheless. 

Then Loki’s request slowly sank in and Thor’s body tensed up. 

“Oh…kjære, I don’t know… I’ve never done that before.” 

“We could…try it now? I think I’m still pretty open from earlier?”

Loki was so beautiful and eager looking up at him, he had to close his eyes to get his bearings for a moment. 

“We…could try but…you’re so small, Loki. I could really hurt you,” he whispered. 

“I know. But we can be careful, right?” 

Loki sat fully upright and straddled Thor’s legs, pressing their already hard cocks together before Thor even had the chance to respond. He began to rock back and forth and a desperate groan ripped out of Thor’s chest. He grabbed Loki’s hips, encouraging him to rock against him faster and harder until they were both leaking and moaning. 

Loki smiled down at him, looking like he was pretty proud of himself. Thor’s proud little peacock.  He reached for the lube and Thor had to pry his fingers off Loki’s thin hips to grab his wrist.

“Not like this kjære. This would be way too much. Why don’t you lie down.” 

Thor sat up and Loki slid off him and, to his surprise, laid down on his stomach, folding his arms under his head. Thor nearly groaned as the mental images started to play across the backs of his eyes. He could sink into that gorgeous body and fuck him face down into the mattress. Controlling not just his ass, but his cock and his breath. 

He took in a deep steadying breath to quickly dispel the thought and he began applying an obscene amount of lube to himself. Really the more the better. He moved so he was kneeling between Loki’s spread legs. 

He traced his dry hand down Loki’s spine, pressing into a few of the vertebrae that made him moan, and scratching his nails down his sides. He was so tempted to press his finger into him first, but he had said they would try. 

He spread Loki’s soft, supple cheeks apart and saw that he was still flared open from their last time. Still though, it seemed almost absurd the difference between his sweet little opening and even just the tip of Thor. 

He forced himself to take another steadying breath and nudged his tip against Loki’s hole. 

Loki whimpered and Thor glanced up at his face. He was smiling blissfully, his eyes closed. “Stoplight colors?” Thor asked. 

“Yes. Green,” Loki whispered. 

Thor slowly started to push forward and it seemed like he wouldn’t be able to fit and maybe this whole dangerous experiment would end. Suddenly, with a sigh from Loki, he breached his entrance and his entire tip sank into him. 

They both groaned and Thor pressed his hands firmly against Loki’s ass. He hoped that if he lost any shred of control and he needed to quickly pull out, he’d be able to push off of him as opposed to if he gripped Loki’s hips like he normally would. 

Loki was making desperate, keening noises, so he figured that meant he was good to continue. 

He pressed in another few centimeters and Loki whimpered, a noise that was both pleasure and pain. Thor waited until it turned to just pleasure and then he sank in a little more. 

Loki grunted and clenched around him and stars burst across Thor’s vision. He had to take in a few gasping breaths to keep his mind clear. There was a good reason he’d never done this with anyone before. He had been afraid he was going to rip Loki open, but he seemed to be doing the same to Thor in return. 

He had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed during sex before. Loki was experiencing every single centimeter of him, achingly slow, and it was like he was reading every part of Thor’s mind, body, and soul. 

Could Loki really take him? All of him? Not just his cock, but his mental illness, his messy past, and his unclear future? It seemed like he wanted to take his cock at least, so maybe he should just focus on that. 

Loki had begun whining, high in the back of his throat so Thor slid in another several centimeters. Loki let out a pleasured moan so he kept going and then he must have finally reached his prostate, because he began whimpering and begging. 

“Oh god, oh god Thor, fuck- please- right there- right there!” Loki whimpered, trying desperately to push back against Thor’s cock, but Thor’s hands held him firmly into the mattress. Then he began to try and grind into the bed. 

Thor let out a guttural laugh, and wrapped his fingers under Loki’s hips, pulling him off the bed. 

“No kjære, none of that. You asked for this torture. Now we’re both going to suffer through it, together.” 

Loki was babbling nonsense now. More, harder, please, no, too much, not enough. He thought he even heard a Norwegian curse in there. 

He slid in another few centimeters with not much left to go. Loki began to whimper and a tear slid down his cheek. 

“Color?!” Thor demanded, his voice coming out broken and commanding. 

“Green. So…fucking…green,” Loki said through broken gasps. 

With one last push, Thor sunk all the way in and as his balls hit Loki’s pelvis they both moaned. 

“Oh my god- you actually did it, oh fuckk-,” Loki moaned. He pulled his arms out from under his head and laid them down next to his hips, so they were resting more neutrally. 

Thor didn’t stop to consider his next move; he grabbed Loki’s wrists and brought them behind his back. 

Loki’s hips bucked violently up to meet Thor and he pressed down with his cock. 

“F-f-fuck, Th-Thor,” he whimpered, hips bucking again. “Oh g-god, yes-,” 

Loki was crying again, but his hips didn’t stop pressing up against Thor’s cock. Thor let out a shattered breath and then he slowly began moving 

“O-o-oo-oooooh,” Loki breathed out a moan. He was such a vocal lover and Thor wanted to learn every one of his sounds. 

He slowly picked up the tempo, pulling a little farther out with each thrust. 

Loki continued to try and meet his thrusts and what Thor didn’t have the wherewithal to tell him was he couldn’t pick up his pace until Loki stopped moving. Thor was just so much bigger than him, if he came up to meet him and Thor bared down too hard, he could land back on the bed in a painful way, and he wasn’t going to risk any pain tonight. 

Finally, Thor managed to coax him into submission and then he really started to fuck him. 

Loki had become a puddle of noises and need as Thor drove down into him. 

“Ahh-hh-h f-f-fuck, Thor, oh g-god I w-want this so b-bad. I’ve been thinking a-about this so m-much- oh darling,” he whimpered and groaned. 

“Yeah?” Thor breathed back, barely having enough breath to keep his body moving, but he needed to hear more. 

“Y-yeah, I f-fucked myself on a t-toy the other night, th-thinking about this. J-just like this,” he ground into the bed, seeking friction to go along with the shattering fullness Thor was giving him. 

“Did you…fuck your bed…like you’re doing now?” Thor ground out and Loki nodded frantically. 

“Did you cum for me?” he asked and Loki nodded again. 

“Did you cry for me?” he asked as he slowed his pace enough to bend over Loki’s body and lick a tear off his cheek. 

“N-n-no,” he whimpered pitifully. 

He started trying to push back against Thor again. Thor couldn’t have that, so he bit into his shoulder and pressed roughly on his wrists as he sat back up. Loki stilled immediately and he began fucking into him harder than before 

“Hm…you didn’t do a very good job then, did you,” Thor bit out. 

Loki let out a broken laugh that was part sob, part hiccup, part moan. “Could never c-compete with you. You’re….everything right now,” he moaned and Thor’s heart trembled behind his ribs. 

Loki was everything to him right now too. 

His chest tightened painfully and he felt an indescribable panic, like the feeling he had when he missed the last step on a staircase and for just a breath he didn't know how he was going to make it to the floor. Thor didn’t know how his life could ever get better than this exact moment. Loki, his Loki, sprawled out below him looking wrecked and beautiful and so happy and Thor was wrecked and happy as well. 

How could he capture this moment and burn it into his heart so he could pull it out in the dark times and know that life could be this good. He understood exactly how Loki had felt earlier and he needed to hear him say it too. 

“Loki,” his voice came out in a spindly whisper, and Loki’s eyes glanced up to meet his, perhaps recognizing something in his voice or in the shake of his hands on his wrists. “Please…tell me this isn’t it…”

Loki’s eyes grew wide. “You said…last night that it’s not. That…that I’m…yours?”

“I know I did and I meant it I just… I need to hear you say it too…please… I can’t-” 

“Come here,” Loki whispered, craning his neck to the side. Thor leaned over him again, pausing his movements so he could rest his forehead on Loki’s temple. 

“Now. You listen to me. We’ve only just barely begun this thing between us…going on dates and having incredible sex, getting to know each other and…hopefullly falling for each other…” Loki’s voice shook as he spoke. He took in a deep, shuddering breath that he let out on a breathy laugh.  

“You had better strap the fuck in, darling, because I’m not letting you go now. There are endless things I want to do with you and- and for you because you’re mine and…I’m yours. For as long as you want me.” 

“Loki…” Thor groaned, probably directly in his ear, but neither of them seemed to care. He slowly began thrusting into him again and Loki moaned loudly in return. 

“Mine,” Loki whispered again, and Thor blinked away the wetness that had gathered in the corners of his eyes. 

“Mine,” Loki growled. Thor tried to respond but his throat was tight and his hands were shaking. 

“Thor-” Loki said and the desperate note in his voice shook Thor’s voice loose. 

“Yours Loki…I’m yours.” 

Thor sat up and took a deep, steadying breath. He slowly worked his way back up to his previous pace. He marveled at the arch of Loki’s spine, the beautiful ink splayed out across his shoulders and back, and the way Thor’s own cock looked sinking into him over and over. 

He could have this. As much as we wanted, he could have Loki, and be with Loki, because he had meant what he’d said. Loki was his and he was Loki’s. 

“Can you cum like this?” he asked, giving a particularly rough thrust. 

“Y-yes, oh fuck yes,” Loki moaned.

Thor tightened his grip on his wrists, digging his fingernails into the already abused flesh. 

Loki began to cry again, and Thor pounded into him. “Soon?”

“Yes-“

“Not until I say,” Thor groaned and Loki let out a broken shout as he slammed into his prostate. 

“P-please,” Loki whined. 

“Not yet.” 

Thor watched as Loki’s entire back began to tense and his hands balled into fists. He kept up the brutal pace, digging his thumbs into the tender flesh of Loki’s wrists. He began to sob as he thrust desperately against the bed. 

“You can…rut and fuck all you want Loki- still can’t cum yet,” he growled. 

Loki continued to sob, but he nodded. 

Thor was close to asking Loki for his stoplight color one more time, but then a small smile curved up at the corner of Loki’s lips as he thrust fruitlessly against the bed. 

He waited until Loki was strung tight as a bow and then he turned his hips ever so slightly and thrust directly into his prostate, holding his cock there as he bent over to murmur, “now,” into Loki’s ear. 

He needed this. Needed to take back this control he had so thoroughly lost in his mild panic a few minutes before. He bit into Loki’s shoulder so he could feel Loki’s orgasm in his mouth and all around his cock. 

Loki let out a strangled cry and then another startlingly soft moan as he came and his entire body went limp. Thor stayed with his teeth locked in Loki’s shoulder as he thrust a few more times and then he sat up, pulled out, and came all over their joined hands and Loki’s back. 

Loki moaned as the warm liquid fell across him. He had cum in him earlier that night, but it seemed something in his caveman brain had wanted to claim him like this too. 

He didn’t release Loki’s wrists, he just loosened his grip until it was a barely there touch. 

He let his eyes drink in the sight of Loki, completely fucked out, eyes closed, chest heaving, as bruises began to take shape on his shoulder and his wrists. The red and purple contrasted beautifully with Thor’s pearly white cum and he had to admit he was feeling just a little manic. 

Thor’s hands were shaking as he stroked his fingers down Loki’s cum streaked spine. He took a deep breath in and then rolled onto his back, throwing an arm over his eyes, trying to catch his breath and beat back the noise that was starting up in his head. He hadn’t thought that his moment of doubt had been a sign of any mania, but he was beginning to feel a little unmoored. 

Just as his chest began to tighten in panic, a small overheated body was on his chest and he wrapped his arms tightly around Loki’s sweaty, sticky back. 

The fuzz and noise in his head began to quiet and after a few minutes he felt settled and surprisingly steady, like he had that day on the couch playing board games. 

He opened his eyes to look down at Loki. His breathing wasn’t quite even, but he was so still he might have been asleep. 

He used a regrettably sticky hand to brush Loki’s hair back from his face. 

Loki let out a disgusted grunt. 

“We’re…fucking filthy,” Loki grumbled. 

“Yes, we are…I wonder whose fault that is, hm? Something about a sexy dream was it?” Thor teased, continuing to stroke his hand through his hair. 

“I’m sorry- did I cum all over your back? Am I the one combing that cum into your hair? No, I don’t think so,” Loki grumbled, biting into Thor’s collar bone. 

His hips bucked involuntarily and they both let out pained groans as their oversensitized cocks brushed together. On instinct he reached down and grabbed Loki’s hips to steady him. Unfortunately, his fingers must have dug into bruises because Loki’s entire body convulsed and he let out a shattered groan. 

Thor quickly pulled his hands up to his waist and shifted him slowly down onto the bed so he could curl up on his side. 

Thor turned as well so they were lying face to face. “I’m sorry…you’re right. I shouldn’t have been making you dirtier without your permission.” He wanted to reach out to stroke Loki’s face but realized that would once again be spreading his own mess on Loki. Why had he done that? 

Loki laughed softly. “No, it’s totally fine. If anything it’s- well…it’s kind of incredibly hot. I mean like…probably don’t do it all the time but…if you want to claim me tonight…please do.” 

He grabbed Thor’s hand and, to his complete surprise, brought it up to rest against his throat. 

Thor rubbed his thumb gently over the chords in his throat and Loki’s eyes closed. 

Thor had to struggle to swallow around a lump in his throat, as if he was the one with a hand around his neck. 

“You would…let me do this?” he asked softly, applying the gentlest of pressures. 

“I…wanted you to last night, I just…didn’t know how to ask,” Loki admitted quietly. 

“I told you that you could ask me for anything,” Thor said. His eyebrows scrunched up as he finally looked away from his own hand and up into Loki’s beautiful face. 

Loki smiled shyly. “Yeah well…sometimes it can drop me into subspace and I wanted to stay present with you and…well that all just seemed like way too much to try and say with your enormous cock inside me.” 

Thor smiled ruefully at the filthy words. “You drop sometimes?” he asked. 

“I do, yes. It’s not something I typically seek out, but it can happen and…I mean it is nice when it happens, but I try not to surprise lovers with it.” He gave Thor a cheeky grin. 

“Yes well…thank you for that. I have some experience with it, but probably best not on our first time.” 

“So you’re saying on our third time maybe?” he asked.

“I’m saying maybe we could play sometime soon?” he clarified, smiling at Loki’s blissed out expression. Loki yawned hugely and Thor slid his hand around to the back of his neck and pulled him against his chest. 

“Fuck I…I actually think maybe I just want to try and sleep a…a little more…” Loki mumbled, his words starting to slow down and spread apart. Thor pulled him tightly against his side, making sure to leave just a little breathing room between their crotches. 

“Go to sleep, kjære. I will still be here in the morning.” 

Chapter Text

Loki woke up with a gasp and then a whimper. He had somehow ended up on his back with Thor’s arm and leg strewn across him and he was surprised at the amount of pain he was in. His ass was not only sore, but felt like it might be out of commission for several days. His back ached and there was a painful pinch in his shoulder. 

Thor’s weight wasn’t helping, it was actually nearly unbearable. He tried to shift out from under him, but that was about as pointless as Loki trying to lift a truck off of himself. 

He pushed at Thor’s shoulder and when he didn’t budge he poked his side. That also proved unsuccessful and Loki began to feel an unreasonable amount of panic well up inside him. He took a deep breath and then spoke gently.

“Thor? Thor sweetheart, you're too heavy.” Maybe the new surprising endearment would wake him up, but it proved just as fruitless as the shoving. 

He stroked his hand gently down Thor’s cheek which made his eyelids flutter, but still nothing. 

“Thor?” he said a little louder. 

He stirred but only moved more on top of Loki. 

“Thor!” he shouted, the panic forcing his voice out louder and sounding more scared than he had meant it. 

Thor startled awake and rolled off him immediately. He sat up quickly and then looked like he may have given himself a wicked head rush because he swayed slightly, but then righted himself and looked down at him in concern.

“Elskede?” he said and then shook his head violently, rubbing his hands down his face and looking down at Loki again, a tinge of color staining his cheeks. 

Loki wasn’t sure if that was the name of a lover or another Norwegian word he didn’t know, but he filed it away for later. 

“Sorry, you- you were kind of crushing me and I’m kind of hurting-“ he gasped as he tried to shift positions. Pain shot up from his ass, into his spinal cord and up into his shoulder. He felt tears prick his eyes. As he tried to relax his muscles, another spasm hit and he curled in on himself reflexively, rolling into a painful ball on his side. 

“Loki?!” Thor asked in concern and his hand fluttered over Loki coming to rest gently on the forearm wrapped around his knees. 

“I’m…okay. Just really really fucking sore, god…and something in my shoulder is pinching.” He tried experimentally rolling his shoulder and got a promising pop from it. He tried again and found the pain much more bearable. 

He slowly stretched out his legs and tried arching his back slightly and felt another pop. He rolled a little more freely back onto his back but a shot of pain from his ass had him rolling back onto his side.

“Okay, so… I think maybe I was just lying in one position for too long with your weight on me. Everything feels a little better when I move it, except-“

“Except for your ass you begged me to pound at four in the morning?” Thor asked a little testily. 

Loki glared up at him. “I’m the one in pain, why are you getting angry?” 

Thor immediately stilled and he looked down, chagrined. “I’m sorry…I’m not angry with you, I'm upset with myself. I said I wasn’t going to hurt you and then I did.” 

“Hey,” Loki said, trying to sit up. 

He ended up curling onto his hip to keep the pressure off his ass, but he managed to maneuver into the position without too much trouble. This was not the first and would definitely not be the last time he was sore after sex. Hell, sometimes he had trouble walking after a particularly rough night with Charlie. 

“It’s okay. I’m totally okay, just a bit sore that’s all. We might need to figure out sleeping positions so that I don’t end up trapped under you and having to wake you up at-“ he glanced at the clock on the nightstand, “oh, wow it’s already eleven.” 

Thor looked at him sadly. 

“Hey none of that! I had a fucking amazing night. I wouldn’t take back a single second of it, so wipe that look off your face or I’m going to go shower alone,” Loki tried to tease. 

Thor smiled slowly. “You think you can stand up?” The slightest hint of teasing in his voice made Loki smile widely. 

“No idea, but good thing my big strong boyfriend can hold me up.” He was teasing but Thor’s eyes widened and Loki realized what he had said. 

“Is…that what I am?” 

“Uhm…I…is that what you want to be?” Loki asked, a little uncertain. 

He had never admitted as much out loud, but he had a hard time calling Nicky, Bucky, or Charlie his boyfriend when they were already someone else’s, or multiple someone else’s boyfriends. They’d settled on partner and lover, but for some reason that didn’t feel right for Thor. Boyfriend felt like it fit him perfectly though. 

“I…would. Yes.” Thor reached for Loki’s hand and lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it softly. “What…would you like to be?” 

Loki hummed thoughtfully. “I like everything that boyfriend implies but…I just…I really can’t go by that because there are days where that gender is going to be wrong…” 

Thor squeezed his hand and smiled warmly at him. 

“In Norwegian we only have one word for boyfriend, girlfriend or gender neutral partner. It-” he laughed softly, “well it will probably sound familiar to you. It’s kjæreste.” 

It sounded like Thor’s endearment for him but with “es-tuh” at the end. Loki rolled the word around in his head. “And it…doesn’t have a gender implication?” 

Thor shook his head. “No. We call women, men, and non-binary individuals that.” 

Loki felt a bubbling heat fill his chest. He knew there were queer ways to alter those words, like datefriend or feyfriend, but none of them had ever felt right to Loki. Spanish gendered the words as well so he had never thought to look to other languages. 

“I…really really like that…will you say it again?” 

“Kjæreste mitt,” Thor purred, and it made goosebumps break out across Loki’s skin. 

Loki tilted his head at the second word though. Thor had said it while they were having sex as well, adding it to the end of his endearment. 

“Mitt is the non gendered way to say mine- as in you, the object or person, are gender neutral, and you are mine.” 

Loki shivered at his words and felt that bubbling heat spread into his blood. It flowed all throughout his body, warming him from his fingertips to his toes. 

“You like that? Being mine?” Thor asked, his eyes boring into Loki’s.

Loki crawled forward and came to kneel, straddling one of Thor’s legs. He lifted his hands up and stroked them back through Thor’s hair. His eyes fell to half mast as he continued to gaze at Loki. 

“Yes,” Loki finally said. “I really like being yours.”
Thor threaded his own hands through Loki’s hair and pulled him in for a kiss. It was soft, keeping their morning breath in their own mouths for the time being. 

With that thought, Loki remembered how desperately he wanted a toothbrush and a shower. 

“Can I tell you more about it in the shower?” Loki asked, laying his head on Thor’s shoulder. Thor stroked his hands down Loki’s back for a few moments before gently hooking an arm around his waist and another under his knees. In a fluid motion Loki would never be able to pull off, he rose from the bed holding Loki against his chest. 

They showered together, taking turns under the jet of water, and Thor massaged shampoo into his hair and then gently rinsed it out. He cupped his hands over Loki’s forehead so none of the soapy water would fall into his eyes and Loki wondered if he was falling in love. 

He wondered it again when Thor toweled him off, and then again when Thor handed him one of his own t-shirts to put on so he didn’t have to put on pants. 

He slid on another pair of silky underwear first, but shooed Thor’s hands away, admitting the silky fabric felt nice against his slightly raw skin, but he was definitely still hurting. He really, really wondered if he was falling in love when Thor gave him a soft look and pulled him gently against his chest, rubbing his hand soothingly over Loki’s lower back. 

Thor made them breakfast again, and Loki wandered around his apartment checking out the entertainment center and inspecting the books on the coffee table. 

Thor had a state of the art sound system as well as two different gaming systems. On the coffee table there was a video game controller and a fantasy novel that caught his eye. Loki picked it up and found that the spine was broken and it was dog eared in several places. Thor’s back was turned to him as he fried off the bacon, so Loki flipped to one of the dog eared pages. 

His eyes skimmed the page and he saw it was a sex scene. The two characters were both male identifying, and one of them, a fairy it seemed, had just cast a spell to tie the other up in tree branches. Except actually, it seemed like the tree was coming alive and instead of holding the other man down with branches, it was the tree spirits arms. Then the first character began to take off his pants, and apparently the tree spirit didn’t have pants because they began to- 

Loki’s eyebrows flew up and he slammed the book shut. Thor glanced over and he blanched. “Uhm…I…” Thor stuttered. 

“Like fae erotica?” Loki provided. 

Thor turned an even deeper shade of maroon. “Oh…uh, the other pages are more…romance, but…yeah, I guess there was that one scene-” 

Loki almost ripped the book he tore it open so fast, flipping to the next dog eared scene. 

“Really you don’t need to read it-” Thor said, rounding the island coming towards Loki. He did his best to speed read the page. Loki realized with a start it was a polyamorous love story between the fairy, a human, and the tree spirit. 

Thor wrapped his arms around Loki from behind to try and grab the book. Loki skimmed the remainder of the page and then gave Thor a soft look as he pulled the book out of his hands. “Is this a…long time favorite book of yours? Looks pretty well read,” Loki hedged. 

“Uhm…no I, uh…picked it up a month or two ago,” Thor admitted, blushing again. Loki could hear the bacon sputtering and splatting on the stove. He considered continuing to tease his boyfriend- oh man how weird did that sound in his head. 

“Okay. Maybe you can tell me about it sometime. I need to read some more lgbt fiction,” Loki said, and he had to admit he really did need to read more poly lgbt fiction. Especially if it was how his boyfriend was doing his research on being poly. “How about we go finish making breakfast, sweetheart?” Loki asked, and Thor turned him around in his arms to give him a tight hug. 

“Sweetheart?” Thor growled, his voice low and rumbling through Loki’s chest. 

“Yes, you’re my sweetheart,” Loki said, with conviction. 

“Based on all your sexy talk last night I thought I was your darling,” he whispered. 

Loki wiggled suggestively against his chest. 

“You’re that too.”

“And your boyfriend?” 

“Uhuh,” Loki nuzzled his face into Thor’s neck.  

“Wow…seems like I’m a lot to you,” his voice was teasing, but his words struck Loki in the chest. 

He pulled back a step so he could look up at him. “Is…that alright? I don’t want to- I don’t know, move too fast, or put too much pressure on yo-” 

Loki let out a surprised squeak as Thor hauled him back against his chest with hands on his bruised hips. 

“Of course it’s alright, Loki. I told you…I’m yours. You can call me whatever and however many names you like…don’t be silly,” Thor whispered into his hair. 

“Ha, well…I’ve been told I can be dramatic,” Loki admitted with a laugh. 

“By who?” 

“Nicky.” 

Thor snorted and pulled away. He steered Loki towards the kitchen with a steady hand on his back. “I’m not sure if Nicholas should be allowed to call anyone else dramatic.” 

Loki laughed. “Why do you say that?” 

“He called me Daddy last night.” 

Loki’s eyes widened and he wheeled around to press a hand to Thor’s chest. 

“I’m sorry. Do you have a Daddy kink that Nicky found out about before I did?!” 

“No! I…I mean…well…” he looked away from Loki and seemed to be really considering the question. Loki wasn’t sure if he should be surprised, offended, or turned on, but he was a little bit of all three. He decided to lean into surprised. He pouted dramatically and Thor finally looked back at him and laughed. 

“I am already your sweetheart, your darling, and your boyfriend. Now you want me to be your Daddy?” The way Thor’s gorgeous voice curled around each of the endearments and the word boyfriend had Loki’s heart singing, but when he said the final word something curled in his stomach and he couldn’t for the life of him tell if it was discomfort or pleasure. 

“Is that you confirming that you have a Daddy kink?!” 

Thor gently nudged past Loki so he could flip the bacon in the pan. 

“I truly have no idea. I never would have thought so, and…I’m sure Nicholas was being dramatic, I don’t think he was trying to be sexy. But…” 

“But you liked it?” 

Thor threw him a slightly wary glance and Loki dropped all teasing. Instead, he gave him what he hoped was a warm and open smile. Thor rolled his eyes, but he smiled as he turned back to the bacon. 

“I…don’t know. But I don’t think it’s something I want to explore with you if…if that’s okay? I want to be your boyfriend, your lover and…maybe something more one day, but your Daddy dom is not one of them.” Loki’s spine tingled at the word as he imagined him playing that role for Nicky. 

“That is completely alright with me. But…if you do end up being Nicky’s- uhm, Daddy dom…I get to watch.” 

Thor’s eyes snapped to his and a slow smile spread across his lips. “Are you serious about that? Just in general. You want to watch me fuck your other lovers?” 

Loki actually shivered at the words. “Thor, I want it almost as badly as I want you to fuck me.” 

Thor’s breath came out in a rush and he licked his teeth as he turned back to the stove. “Wow…I’ve never had a…kjæreste who didn’t want to be the only person I was fucking. I’ve had very few real kjærester and they’ve all been…very private and maybe a little controlling.” Thor flipped two pieces of bacon over with the tongs and went back to staring into the popping grease. “I…guess I wasn’t sure when you said I was yours and…you were mine if…” he trailed off, flipping over a few more pieces of bacon. 

“If…I didn’t want you to be with the others?” Loki asked, concern coating his words. 

“Not…exactly. But maybe you didn’t want me to…I don’t know. It sounds silly now. Of course you still want me to join the quint. That was the purpose of us dating on our own at first. I know that…I guess I just wasn’t sure if you would want to…join me joining the quint? Does that make any sense at all?” 

Loki smiled saucily. “You weren’t sure if I would want to have a sexy fae threeway with you and Nicky? Or maybe let you and Charlie take turns with me? How about if all four of us fucked? Or maybe Charlie and I will just watch you be Nicky’s Daddy…Because darling, I want that, all of that, so badly…do you?” he leaned against Thor’s back and dragged his fingers up under Thor’s loose lounge shirt, tracing the contours of his abs and his silky hair. 

Thor’s stomach trembled under his touch and possibly at his words. “Yes,” he said in response, and the honesty and shake of it warmed Loki. 

“Good…because I want to be with you while you’re with them, I want to watch you with them, and I want you to have them to yourself- and maybe tell me a little about it after.” He bit playfully into Thor’s shoulder and he hummed in pleasure. “I want you to find love and I want you to find pleasure with them the way I have and…I want you to give them love and pleasure too. Because they deserve it and I want that for them as well.” 

Thor turned and pulled him into a kiss, their tongues languidly swiping and pressing now that they were minty clean. 

“Do you- want them to also be my kjærester or would you prefer to be my only one?” he asked. 

“I…don’t want to dictate your relationships with the others, Thor…that’s…not really my place I don’t think…” 

“I would still like to know if you have feelings on it one way or another though,” Thor pressed, stroking his hands gently through Loki’s drying hair. 

“Well…you are my only boyfriend…and I think you will be my only boyfriend,” he admitted, looking over Thor’s shoulder at the bacon. He reached around Thor to turn off the stove and then brought his attention back to Thor’s face. His eyes were soft, but his lip was pursed. 

“Okay then,” he said, but his face was still conflicted for a few moments. 

Then, he squeezed Loki for another hug and when Loki next saw his face it was set in conviction. “I was thinking I should probably stop sleeping with my other lovers.” 

Loki was a bit startled. That was absolutely not where his mind was right now. He had been mulling over the fact that he was sleeping with Bucky, and Thor was probably going to be sleeping with Steve. He wondered if the four of them would end up in bed together at some point and if Thor and Bucky would be okay with that. 

“Why do you…say that?” he asked cautiously, trying to quickly pivot his thoughts. 

He had assumed Thor would continue sleeping with his lovers until he was a fully integrated part of the quint. It still felt unfair to Loki that the rest of them had lovers at the ready 24/7 while Thor would spend half of his time in other countries alone. That was the point of the other three lovers, which Loki was fine with. He supposed Thor would have to ask the others and maybe that seemed too daunting to him?

“Well…uhm, actually it was…Fandral who brought it up.” 

Loki knew that Fandral was one of Thor’s four best friends from childhood, along with Sif. He had parsed together, through Thor’s stories and texts the past two weeks, that Fandral was Thor’s lover in Norway. 

“He said I should not make you have to ask me to stop, I should offer when I am ready to offer and…I have you now, Loki. I do not need anyone else.” 

Loki raised his hand up and stroked it down Thor’s face. They were lucky they had decided on a french toast bake for breakfast, which was already in the oven. Otherwise they probably just wouldn’t be eating breakfast. 

“Thank you for saying that, sweetheart. But I know you’re poly, so I’m sure you still want the others. And…won’t you be lonely when you’re in Europe? If you stopped seeing them?” 

“No, I…” Thor glanced away and then back. Loki got the distinct feeling Thor was about to lie, or at the very least fudge the truth. “I’m sure I would be alright.” 

Loki bit his lip. “Well. I don’t want you to just be alright, darling. If it makes you happy, and they make you happy, and…it’s just sexual? Sexual and friendly?” 

Thor smiled and nodded. 

“Then I am very much okay with you still seeing them.” 

Thor looked away again and kept his eyes averted as he spoke. “Do you…think the others will feel the same?” 

Loki sighed. “I think Charlie will. I’m not sure about Steve to be honest, and Nicky…” 

“Yes, it is Nicholas who I am the most worried about. I do not feel any guilt having not spoken with him about it yet, but…when I take him out this week or perhaps next I will need to tell him, I think.” 

Loki nodded and gave him a weak smile. “Well…best of luck with that.” 

Thor let out a bark of laughter and all of the tension of the past few minutes melted away and he kissed Loki again. 

They went about setting the table, pouring orange juice and making coffee, and soon the french toast was done. 

They tried to sit at the table but Loki let out a pained groan when he tried to sit on the hard dining room chair. Thor quickly pulled out the tray from the previous morning and ushered Loki back into the bedroom. They ate breakfast in bed and when they were done Thor placed the tray on the floor and pulled Loki onto his chest. 

“Is there anything you would like to do today, kjære?” 

“This is nice,” he mumbled sleepily into his chest. 

Thor laughed and began to stroke his back. Loki sat up and struggled out of Thor’s large t-shirt and then he laid back down on his chest. 

“Is…this what you want to do today? I thought you were hurting?” Thor asked curiously.

“Oh no, I am. I just want you to rub my back without a shirt on,” Loki clarified, nuzzling into his chest. 

Loki began to doze as Thor gently stroked his back, seeming to catalog every bump and ridge, and trace each one of his tattoos. 

“Would you mind if I put on some football? The European kind, not the American kind. Norway’s season got delayed, so they’ve only just started playing,” Thor traced a particularly tantalizing path down Loki’s spine, apparently having memorized every one of his most sensitive spots. 

“Only if you keep doing that,” Loki whimpered. He tried to reposition himself in a way that didn’t have his now semi-hard cock pressing into Thor’s stomach. 

Thor switched on the TV and did exactly as instructed. He continued to trace delicious patterns into Loki’s back for the next ten or so minutes until Loki was writhing and whimpering on top of him. 

“You know…” Loki finally murmured and Thor stopped stroking him for a moment. “My cock isn’t sore…” 

“Oh?” Thor asked, laughter in his voice. 

“Yeah,” Loki murmured, biting down on one of Thor’s nipples through his shirt. Thor’s hands grabbed Loki’s hips and dragged him on top of his own hardening length. 

Loki moaned and Thor sat up enough to take off his shirt and throw it across the room, the football match apparently forgotten. 

Loki slowly pushed up onto his knees, the thin satin and lace of his underwear stretching and pulling across his aching cock. He whimpered at the tension and Thor reached for him and began to stroke him. 

He moaned and let his head fall between his arms, his hair cascading down Thor’s gorgeously toned chest. 

“God you’re really something to look at, ar-aren’t you,” Loki panted out. 

“Look who's talking…You are so incredibly sexy. And these…prettiest panties I’ve ever seen.” 

Loki preened at the compliment thrusting his silk clad erection into Thor’s hand. 

“Purple is a lovely color on you. I’ve noticed you seem to prefer it,” Thor murmured, and Loki thrust his hips again. 

His underwear today was lilac, with lace panels in the sides. Loki liked to wear lacy, pretty things like this, but he had been a little nervous about wearing them for Thor. Thor had said his usual type wasn’t like Loki, but then he’d also said he’d been with many men who liked to play with gendered clothing. He’d been nearly paralyzed by indecision while trying to pack Friday night. He’d been wearing comfy boxer briefs during their group dinner. Then, in a moment of bravery, he’d slipped into a sexy pair with black and pink lace when he’d gone to brush his teeth after the Italian meal and he’d loved the way they felt against his skin, so he’d quickly stuffed a handful of them into his suitcase. 

Loki moaned as Thor continued to stroke him and the look in his eyes were somewhere between lust and hunger. He guessed he’d chosen well with the lingerie. 

Loki tried to sit back on his haunches, but his ass protested and he let out a pained grunt. He leaned forward onto all fours so he was left hovering over Thor as he worked him through the soft underwear. 

He shifted onto one hand to try and pull Thor out of his boxers, but he was off balance. That, combined with Thor’s increasing tempo, had him wobbling and he fell back onto both hands again. 

“S-sorry…” he whimpered, rocking his hips forward to meet Thor’s hand. “I want to…touch you and suck you, I just-” 

“Shhhhh, kjære…I’m busy,” Thor teased as he continued stroking Loki. 

He groaned and tried to squat down a little more so their cocks could rub against each other. His lower back pulled and when he whimpered Thor pushed him back up. “Loki, stop squirming. I’m enjoying taking care of you right now. Let me.” 

“But-” 

“No but.” 

“I could try-” 

“Nope. I want to touch you right now, so that’s what’s going to happen.” 

Loki whimpered and then he let out a full throated moan when Thor pulled him out of the top of the underwear and stroked him, skin on skin. 

“Fuck- Thor…m-more.” 

Thor let go of him for just a second to slide the silky fabric down his legs. He only brought it down to Loki’s knees, further restricting his movement. He was stuck on all fours above Thor, while he stroked Loki over his own impressively hard cock, that was just sitting there, waiting for some attention. 

“Sweetheart…I want to make you feel good-” 

“I do feel good, kjære,” 

“No, please I- I need you to feel th-this good too, please-” 

“Okay, okay!” Thor said with exasperated affection in his voice. 

Thor slid his left hand down his own stomach and began stroking himself as well. Loki groaned and let his head fall between his arms again so he could watch Thor’s two hands stroking both of them together. His left hand looked a little awkward at first, but once he seemed to find his tempo he began to thrust up into his hand and Loki rocked into his other. 

They were both moaning and Loki felt way too good given the fact that he was literally getting a handjob in the cow yoga pose. 

“Oh god- Thor…you’re t-too good to me.” 

“I am just the right amount to you,” Thor said around a breathy moan as he continued to up the pace.

“Look at me, kjære,” he called a few moments later. 

Loki brought his head up and was instantly glad he did. Thor’s face was relaxed, but his eyes were alight with affection and lust. Loki groaned but didn’t look away. Thor licked his lips and Loki whimpered, and then he bit his lip and twisted his wrist and Loki moaned. 

He was getting close and he said as much to which Thor just smiled at him, tipping his head back as he picked up the pace of both of his hands. 

Loki whimpered and then he begged. “Please, oh- yes, please, please, Thor, oh- please-” 

“So polite,” Thor groaned as he dipped his finger into Loki’s slit and then dragged his wet thumb along the underside of the head. 

“Oh- fuck Thor-“ 

“Mmm, less polite,” Thor husked. 

“Thor!” 

“Cum for me, kjæreste mitt,” Thor whispered and Loki did, groaning as his hips spasmed as if he was fucking Thor’s hand. He splashed cum all over Thor’s chest and a little on his boxers and pants. 

“C-cum for me Thor,” Loki begged with a quiet whimper. 

With just a few more strokes, Thor did just that and their combined cum mixed and pooled between his pecs and in the creases of his abs. 

Loki leaned down and lapped at the pool right between his pecs, the only place he could reach with his tongue while still remaining in this relatively safe all-fours position. 

“Loki,” Thor growled and he pulled him down roughly against his chest. Loki felt the warm liquid smear across his chest and Thor dragged his sticky fingernails down Loki’s back. 

“If you want to be filthy, then here,” Thor said, and Loki whimpered and then groaned as Thor stuck two of his finger’s in Loki’s mouth. 

Loki sucked them clean and then curled his tongue around his other fingers until he had sucked and licked his entire hand clean. 

Loki greedily grabbed for his other hand, the one that had been on Loki himself, but Thor lifted those fingers to his own mouth and Loki swore he could have cum again just from the sight of it. 

Loki groaned obscenely as Thor sucked three of his own fingers into his mouth and he squirmed against the filth on Thor’s chest. 

Thor laughed a little darkly and pulled his fingers out of his mouth with a lude sounding pop. “I didn’t think you wanted me to claim you like this after our first time?”  

“I count this entire weekend as our first time,” Loki replied smoothly. 

“Is that so?” 

Thor reached underneath Loki and collected more of their cum on his thumb, and then he reached up and smeared it across Loki’s lips. Loki flicked his tongue out to lick it away and lapped at Thor’s thumb as well. 

“Fy faen,” Thor whispered. 

Loki raised an eyebrow and sucked Thor’s thumb into his mouth. Lapping his tongue around it teasingly. Thor pressed down on his tongue with his thumb and cupped his chin with the rest of his fingers. 

“Ah, yes I actually meant to teach you this one. It means fucking hell. I say it pretty often actually.” 

“Wh-t, y-u -ay -is -orning?” Loki tried to ask around the finger in his mouth. 

Thor laughed and pulled his hand back. “Come again?” 

“Oh, darling, I don’t know if I can cum again. Feeling pretty sore,” Loki teased, flicking his tongue out along his bottom lip again. 

Thor chuckled. “What did you say?” he clarified and Loki grinned. 

“What did you say this morning? Started with an elsk I think?” 

Thor’s eyes widened and he looked away. Loki tried to push himself up, but Thor held him down with a hand between his shoulder blades. 

“It is…actually not a word I have ever used before…it was my tongue getting before my mind I think. It is a much more serious endearment than…than I think I am ready for quite yet.” 

He looked up at Loki finally and smiled a small smile. “Love, elske, in Norwegian, is very different than it is in English. We do not say it very often and we do not say it lightly. There are a few endearments that go along with it, with the same elsk- beginning: elskede and elskling are a little more serious than other endearments.” 

Loki tried to hide the disappointment he felt. He was pretty sure he didn’t love Thor yet, it felt way too early to feel that way, but for some reason having that confirmed by Thor made his chest ache a little bit. He was being ridiculous though. He had three men waiting for him at home tonight who did love him, and Steve loved him like a brother and a friend. Still, to know Thor had said it by accident but not actually meant it made him sad. 

Thor frowned and pulled Loki into a kiss sweeter than their morning french toast. “I…may need some time to feel that way again Loki. Or…maybe it is more accurate to say to trust that what I am feeling is real. I thought I knew elske with Leif, but I was clearly very mistaken. I do not know if I can trust how I feel any more.” 

Loki sat up and this time Thor let him. “You know…I felt that way for a while too. After I found out my mother died, it brought a lot of things from my childhood back about how I could love her when she didn’t love me the way I needed to be loved. I…still loved her though. It didn’t make my feelings any less real or in any way invalid. The quint helped me to see that. I…I hope maybe you can see that one day too. I don’t doubt that your- uhm, love for Leif was real.” Even just saying the words had Loki cringing and Thor looked away again, but he felt like he had to say this. “And maybe he loved you too, I don’t know, but his love clearly wasn’t good for you, good enough for you, or what you deserve. I don’t think that defines your own love though. How good of a lover, a partner, a boyfriend you are for…for me.” 

Thor closed his eyes and Loki leaned forward to rest his forehead against the side of Thor’s temple. It was the same position Thor had taken up with Loki the night before during sex, when Thor had needed comforting then as well. He knew words of affirmation were important for him, but he didn’t know how to communicate with Thor. Maybe touch? 

He balanced on one hand to turn Thor’s face slowly towards him. As soon as he was in position, he kissed him, licking and nipping at his lower lip until he opened his mouth. Loki tried to pour all of the words he’d just said into him, through his tongue and his breath. Thor responded slowly, looping his tongue around Loki’s and then threading his fingers into Loki’s hair the way he was beginning to love. They kissed for a while until finally Loki began squirming uncomfortably. They pulled back and Thor smiled cheekily at him. 

“Getting tired of my claim over you?” 

“Ugh, we’re so filthy. Again. So many showers in twenty four hours.” 

Thor laughed, but gently maneuvered Loki into a position where he could scoop him up and bring him back to the shower.

While they were in there Loki shyly asked something he’d been wondering all afternoon. “So…you’re in town until next Friday right?” 

“Mhm,” Thor answered from behind Loki. 

Thor was in the process of gently washing Loki between his cheeks. He insisted it was important to keep the area clean so Loki didn’t get any kind of infection. Loki wasn’t in any kind of torn or ripped pain, just an aching soreness. He let Thor do what made him feel better about it though. 

“Well...do you…hang out on weeknights usually or…” Loki tried to ask. 

Thor turned him around and Loki got a face full of water when he tried to look up at him. He spluttered indignantly and Thor laughed, moving them a step backwards so Thor’s back would catch the spray. 

“Are you asking when I would like to see you in the next two weeks? The answer is all of the time, as much as you will see me, but I have to be mindful of my work schedule and of your time with your other lovers.” 

Loki blushed from more than just the hot water and he bit his lip. “Do you happen to know your work schedule?” 

“I…do not. Let me check my phone when we are done?” 

They finished up quickly, Loki moving them a little faster through drying each other off than he normally would so Thor could get to his phone. 

Thor indulged him though, and soon they were lying in bed again, Loki on Thor’s chest while he scrolled through his phone. Loki glanced at it over his shoulder. There were an ungodly amount of appointments on Thor’s calendar, some of them running as late as eight and nine p.m. some nights. Loki’s heart sank as he anticipated Thor saying he wasn’t free at all. Slowly though, as Loki watched, he began declining invites and deleting things left and right.

“It looks like…okay…hm…alright. It looks like I can be free Tuesday, Thursday, late Friday night, and Saturday, then next Wednesday and Thursday.” 

Loki brightened considerably. “And I could see you all those days?” 

Thor laughed. “I don’t want to steal you away from the others-” 

“No I know, but you’ll be working the whole day, so I’ll spend the whole day with them and then just the nights with you? And…maybe…late Friday night we could have another slumber party…?” He drew mindless patterns on Thor’s chest with his finger and Thor’s soft breath fluttered over his face. 

“How about…we do Tuesday, Friday and Saturday this week and I take Nicholas out for ice cream on Thursday night to talk with him. Then you can have me next wednesday and Thursday as well.” 

Loki couldn’t stop the thousand watt grin that lit up his face. “Okay!” 

Thor kissed him sweetly. “Okay…now should we get up so we can go allow Charlie to love us with food?” 

“Yes, I think we should.”

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Dinner was relatively uneventful, or at least as uneventful as it ever was with his beautiful little family. 

As soon as Loki stepped through the door he ended up nearly tackled to the ground by Nicky. Thankfully Thor caught him when he stumbled and he kept his hands on Loki’s shoulders as Nicky pressed himself tightly up against Loki. 

“Hi baby…I missed you,” Loki whispered into his hair. 

Loki hugged him close and marveled at how he had so much space in his heart to hold open an entire piece for Thor as they worked on his relationship, while simultaneously missing the other three men who already had their carved out portions of his heart. 

“I missed you so much but…it’s okay. How was your weekend?” Nicky released his grasp around Loki and stepped back to take a good look at him. He watched as Nicky took note of the bruising Loki had forming on his collarbone and shoulder from one of Thor’s bites.  

“It was…really really good. We went for a walk on the river, went to a cafe, and Thor made me two breakfasts and dinner,” Loki said happily. 

“And?” Nicky prompted, smirking at him. 

“And…Thor is now officially my boyfriend! And I’m his kjæreste. It’s a gender neutral Norwegian word for boyfriend/girlfriend.” Loki couldn’t keep the utter glee out of his voice, both at the novelty of the title as well as the development in his relationship with Thor. 

Steve popped his head out of the kitchen and sent them both warm smiles. “Loki, that’s wonderful news! And Thor! Congratulations!” 

“Yes, welcome Thor,” Charlie said, leaning out of the kitchen as well. Loki turned to see Thor’s cheeks turning pink but he smiled back at them. 

“Thank you…it was of course all Loki. He’s so wonderful and he’s holding my hand through this entire process of dating again- and, uh, then trying to date multiple other people,” Thor said, eyes looking at only Loki. 

“Okay, great, but did you have amazing sex?” Nicky asked impatiently, grabbing Loki’s hand and spinning him around like he’d be able to see it branded into his skin. 

“Uhm…” he tossed a look at Thor who shrugged and then walked into the kitchen to presumably avoid this conversation. 

Nicky pulled Loki towards the couch and before he could yank Loki down onto the couch he pulled his hand out of Nicky’s.

“Wait- sorry I…I’m really really sore. I couldn’t even sit down this morning…” Loki admitted, his cheeks flushing. 

Nicky’s eyes rounded in shock and he turned to Bucky who had been tidying up some of their workout supplies. “Is that what your first time with Thor was like?!” Nicky demanded.

Bucky cast a quick glance at Loki and he shrugged his ascent to Bucky answering the question. 

“Uhm…no, my first time with Thor was fine. He did stretch me out more than anyone I’d ever been with before, but…the third or maybe fourth time, we were really, really drunk, and it was my fault. I rushed the whole interaction and he ended up hurting me a fair bit because I said I was ready when I wasn’t.” 

Nicky nodded in understanding. “Ah- that’s happened with me and Charlie many times.” Charlie was also quite sizeable, nearly matched with Thor in length but a little more slender in girth, just like him. 

“You are…happy sore though, right? All happy pain?” Nicky asked hesitantly. 

Loki nodded immediately. “Yes! Yes absolutely! All happy. So, so happy…” he bit his lip and looked down at the floor. 

“Loki, that's amazing. And now he’s your boyfriend!” Bucky pulled him into a tight hug and, to his slight surprise, a sweet kiss as well. 

Loki melted into the kiss. With Loki’s excitement about Thor, and Nicky’s anxieties, the past few weeks had been crazy. It had felt like a whirlwind of Loki spending time with Nicky, Nicky and Charlie, and Thor, and then some time with the group, but he had spent almost no time alone with just Bucky. 

As Bucky went to pull away Loki reached up and cupped his face so he could press his lips to the soft skin under Bucky’s ear. Bucky hummed happily. 

“I missed you…not just this weekend, but the past few weeks…I feel like I haven’t been a very attentive partner…” Loki murmured. 

Bucky squeezed him. “Not at all, Loki. You’ve been getting your footing with Thor. I completely understand.” 

“Still…” 

Loki mouthed at Bucky’s neck and he shivered, causing Loki to inflate with pride that he knew how to please Bucky so well. “I’d love to spend some time alone with you these next few weeks. Maybe we could go on a date? I know quality time is your love language.”

Bucky turned Loki’s face away from his neck with a soft hand on his chin and kissed him again.

Loki marveled at the difference in textures, taste, and style between kissing Thor, Nicky and Bucky in such quick succession. Thor’s pillow lips almost massaged Loki’s, making Loki want to fall into Thor like a blanket fort. Nicky was all nips and teases, tantalizing just as much as Nicky himself. Bucky was soft and sweet, stroking Loki into a needy mess. 

“I would love that, Loki, thank you for thinking of it.” 

“I love you,” Loki murmured against his lips. 

“I love you, baby,” Bucky whispered back, pulling Loki in for one more tight hug. Unfortunately, he accidentally shifted against Loki’s bruised hips and he let out a pained choking noise. 

Bucky quickly pulled back and hesitantly pulled down Loki’s lounge pants to reveal his silky underwear. 

“Cute panties, Loki,” Nicky purred from where he’d thrown himself onto the couch. 

“Thanks…they’re…really soft and feel nice against the bruises. Hence the lounge pants as well,” Loki said, gesturing at his soft pants. 

Bucky pulled the garments a little lower revealing the hand shaped bruises on his hip. They were a deep purple and looked much worse than they felt. 

“Holy shit, Loki…we’re not going to be able to touch you for a while,” Nicky noted. 

“You said you can’t sit down either? Did you tear anything?” Bucky asked in concern. 

“No, I don’t think so, just…really sore.” 

Nicky reached up for him and gently pulled him down onto his lap, but sideways so he was sitting side saddle on his legs. 

“Ow- uhm… I don’t- oh… oh okay that works actually.” Nicky continued to shift him around until only his thighs were touching Nicky’s legs. 

Bucky sat down next to him and turned sideways in his seat so Loki could lean his back against Bucky’s. He felt all of the tension leave his body as he was finally able to relax in a seated position for the first time today. 

“Oh wow…this feels lovely…thank you…” 

Loki let his head tip back and rest against the back of Bucky’s head. 

“Early on in the pandemic, Bucky and Charlie would go a little too hard and me and Steve came up with this position for Bucky,” Nicky said, stroking a hand down Bucky’s arm. 

“Really?! Wow you seem so…in control all the time Bucky. I guess I haven’t seen you and Charlie really lose control before,” Loki noted. 

“It was less of losing control and more asking for more than I could handle,” Bucky said, his voice thrumming through Loki’s back. 

“What did you do, Loki?” Nicky asked, playing with a lock of Loki’s hair.

“Uhm…well, I woke Thor up at four a.m. and demanded he stretch me open with his very impressive cock, and I thought we were really careful but…well actually now that I think about it… it might have been the really aggressive, hands behind my back, face shoved into the bed fucking afterwards that did it…” 

Nicky groaned, letting his head fall against Loki’s shoulder and even Bucky let out a soft stream of air. 

“Fuck, that’s so hot, and I can’t even bang you myself to celebrate. How long do you think you’re out of commission?” Nicky griped. 

“Oh, I don’t know, probably not too terribly long- oh actually I think I’m going to sleepover at Thor’s again Friday night into Saturday if that’s okay, Nicky?” He nuzzled his cheek against Nicky’s soft hair. 

Nicky raised his hand in a go ahead gesture. “Sounds good to me. Just means I’m going to keep abusing poor Bucky’s ass all this week and this weekend.”

“That’s what you think…maybe I’ll pin your arms behind your back and fuck you until you can’t take anymore this week either,” Bucky griped.

Nicky shifted under Loki, causing Loki to whimper as it torqued his back and ass. 

“Oh shit- sorry sweetheart- fuck, okay, I really don’t want to hurt you. Let’s talk about literally anything else,” Nicky groaned. 

“Oh I came across this poly fairy book, have you guys heard of it?” Loki asked, changing the subject. 

Bucky loved lgbt fiction so they fell into a discussion on the series it belonged to and then a longer conversation about some of the books Bucky wanted to read next. Eventually Charlie walked out of the kitchen, running a hand through his hair causing his shirt to ride up over his toned stomach. All three of Charlie’s lovers on the couch made appreciative noises. Charlie just rolled his eyes. 

“Dinner is just about ready. Loki would you prefer we all eat on the couch?” Charlie asked, taking in their position on the couch. Loki wasn’t surprised it took Charlie all of five seconds to figure out what was going on. 

“Oh- no I don’t want to be a problem, and you guys put all this effort into cooking dinner. It’s fine, truly-“ 

“Loki, I do not want you to be in pain at dinner. Have you tried an ice pack?” Charlie said in his commanding voice. 

“…Thank you Charlie…” Loki demurred. “And- actually no I haven’t! I’ll get it-“ 

“Here,” Thor said as he padded out into the living room with an ice pack. His smile was friendly, but his eyes were sad. 

He handed the ice pack to Bucky who slid it onto the sofa right below where Loki’s butt was hovering. 

“Here, Loki. Let me help.” Bucky braced his hands under Loki’s arms and slowly lowered him onto the ice pack. 

“Ow- owww, ow ow, no, I- fuck, ow- I can’t-...Oh- ohhhhhhh” Loki let out an involuntary groan as he settled fully onto the ice pack and felt its soothing chill sink into his muscles and slowly reach the core of his pain. 

Bucky smiled but Thor looked nearly stricken. Bucky glanced up and saw the look on Thor’s face and then he glanced at Charlie who was still standing in the door frame. Loki watched them do one of their quick eye conversations.

“Thor, could Bucky and I get your help grabbing drinks? I want to let Nicholas continue to spend time with Loki. I know he missed him a lot this weekend.” Charlie placed a friendly hand on Thor’s back and steered him towards the bar cart across the room and Bucky followed closely behind. 

Loki pursed his lip, but Nicky turned his face back to look at him. “Let them talk to Thor. I’m sure they’ll reassure him that sometimes amazing sex can cause some soreness and bruising, but that’s okay,” Nicky whispered. 

Loki nodded and settled against Nicky’s chest. “You really missed me this weekend? Did it…go okay?” 

Instead of answering, Nicky pulled Loki into a kiss and they spent the entire length of the other’s conversation kissing, and then some. He forgot he had even asked a question, getting lost in the feel of Nicky. He just felt so comfortable and so warm, like his favorite jacket or his monogrammed blanket. Charlie had bought him one of those a few months back so he had one that matched the rest of the quint. He wondered if Thor would have one of his own one day. It would be really nice to have slumber parties with him, but every single day. 

Bucky and Charlie finished talking to Thor and he made his way over to Nicky and Loki. Loki was pulled from his daydream about living arrangements and blankets by Thor’s strong hand stroking his back. He pulled back from kissing Nicky to look up into his boyfriend's sweet face. 

“Kjære, can I help you to the table? Maybe with the ice?” he asked, and he looked much less contrite and bothered than he had before.

“Sure! Thank you, sweetheart.” He accepted Thor’s hand and he pulled him smoothly to his feet. Nicky handed Thor the ice pack, stood up, and walked around the other side of the coffee table to give them space. 

Thor leaned down and kissed Loki’s forehead. Loki’s eyes slid closed and Thor gently brushed his lips over his eyelids, and across his cheekbones. 

“What’s this for?” Loki asked, turning his face up to receive a few more soft kisses. 

“I just…was reminded that I can feel sorry that you are hurting, but also feel like we had the most absolutely perfect weekend together, and some of the best sex of my life, and…I can feel both of those things, and that’s alright.” 

Bless Bucky and Charlie. Loki kissed him again, and Thor responded by stroking a hand down his chest, coming to rest on the waistband of his lounge pants. 

“I am going to try to be more careful and not hurt you again but…I am also not going to hold back if you tell me in the moment that you feel good or that you want something,” Thor added and Loki beamed at him. 

“Come on you two, let's eat!” Nicky urged, gesturing with one of the beer bottles he was opening. 

Thor led Loki to his seat and helped him get situated on the ice pack. He probably should have iced first thing this morning, because he was already feeling a lot better with just the ten or so minutes he’d spent on the ice. Good lesson for next time he supposed. 

Charlie and Steve had made a huge pan of bacon mac n’ cheese and Loki smiled over at Thor happily who returned it ten fold. He reached out and took Loki’s hand, holding it on top of the table this time, no more hidden nudges and touches under the table. 

Steve began serving everyone as Nicky turned to Thor. “So how long are you in town this time?”
“I’m here until next Friday. My schedule is full but I’ve already discussed with Loki some times for us to connect this week. I was thinking I would like to have him over to my apartment again Friday night if that is alright with you, Nicholas?” 

Nicky waved it away. “Of course. Please, neither of you have to ask permission, a simple heads up is perfect.” 

Thor inclined his head in a nod. “And then, I was wondering if I could take you out for ice cream Thursday night?” 

Nicky’s entire face lit up and Loki smiled softly to himself. 

“That would be great! And-” Nicky slanted his gaze to Loki, “did you want me to ask permission, or…?” 

“Oh, god no! Please, do whatever you’d like with Thor, baby. Like you said, a heads up would be lovely but even that isn’t necessary.” He lifted the back of his hand up to stroke down Nicky’s cheek. Nicky caught his hand and intertwined their fingers against his face. He turned his head and kissed the back of Loki’s hand reverently and then released him. 

“Thank you for the invitation Thor. I’m really excited to spend some more time with you,” Nicky said. 

“As am I, my friend!” Thor responded jubilantly. 

Nicky turned to the rest of the group and held up his drink and they all quickly followed suit. “I’d like to make a toast to Loki’s amazing new boyfriend, and our very good friend Thor. Here’s to getting to know you better and hopefully letting you get to know us better.” 

Everyone cheersed and clinked glasses and Thor grinned tenderly at both Loki and Nicky. 

Chapter Text

***********************************************************************Part Two*********************************************************************

“So just so I understand, you’re going on a date with someone who is not your kjæreste…this is Nicholas, one of the other men who lives with your kjæreste, and who you are also trying to date,” Volstagg clarified, from where he stood leaning against the passenger door of the car. 

“That is correct, yes.” 

“And do you love him the way you love Loki? 

“Fy faen Volstagg, this is our first date! I’m not even sure if it is a date, I’m just taking him out for ice cream so we can talk,” Thor huffed in annoyance and headed towards the stairs. 

“Doesn’t mean you can’t already love him!” 

“Yes it very much does!” he shouted back and jogged up the stairs, trying to get away from his absurd friend. He was pretty sure this whole thing was going to be live tweeted to their group chat. 

He knocked on the door and was a little surprised when Loki opened it. 

“Hi sweetheart!” Loki exclaimed, throwing himself into Thor’s arms. 

“Hi kjære! I have to admit I didn’t think you would be the one answering the door. Is…Nicholas here?” He had just seen Loki two nights before, but he was already missing him and it felt amazing having Loki in his arms again. 

Loki laughed against his chest. “Of course. He was walking around in his underwear until five minutes ago when Charlie finally made him change, so I think he’s just trying to find a-” 

“Get your hands off my mans, Loki! You get him every other day this week, but tonight he’s mine,” Nicky called as he sauntered down the hall. He looked as beautiful as ever in a form fitting long sleeve magenta v-neck sweater and dark wash jeans. 

Loki giggled and gave Thor a final squeeze before pulling back. Thor wasn’t having that though. He caught Loki by the wrist and pulled him swiftly back against him to give him a rough kiss. 

“Thor. Get your hands off my Loki please,” Nicky chided and Thor smiled, releasing Loki who took a step back and beamed at both of them. 

“Can I put my hands on my mans?” Loki asked, stepping forward towards Nicky. 

“Yes, that is allowed. Everyone is allowed to touch his majesty if they so choose-” he let out a huff of air as Loki slammed into his chest for a tight hug. Nicky’s smirk, which he’d been wearing since he emerged from the bedroom, softened and he hugged Loki in return. When he pulled back, Loki grabbed his chin and gave him a filthy kiss. 

Thor’s eyebrows shot up at the amount of tongue he could see and desire stirred in his gut. 

Loki finally pulled away and stepped behind Nicky, swatting his butt to make him step forward towards Thor. He assumed he was allowed to hug Nicky since they’d done that before, so he spread his arms wide and Nicky pressed up against his chest. What he wasn’t expecting was for Nicky to grab him by the back of the neck and crash their lips together. 

Thor barely had time to process the kiss before Nicky was pulling away, smirk back on his face. 

“Well it seemed like we were all doing that, so thought I might as well take my turn,” Nicky purred.  

“We’ll have to have a better first kiss than that,” Thor noted. 

“Oh, we will. That was just a prelude,” Nicky winked up at him. 

Thor pulled him back against his chest and rested his cheek on the top of his head. “Loki, I apologize for ever calling you trouble. It appears this one invented the definition of trouble.” 

“Yeah, I probably should have warned you about that, but thought maybe it would be more fun to find out on your own,” Loki gave Thor a cheeky grin and turned to leave. 

“Oh, Loki, have a great date with Bucky!” Nicky called. 

Loki beamed at him and gave a little wave before walking back to the bedrooms. 

“Did they decide what they were doing? On Tuesday Loki still wasn’t sure,” Thor asked. 

Thor had taken Loki on a date Tuesday night to a biergarten in the city. It had been an amazing night with perfect weather, good food, and good beer. Thor had spent limited time in Germany, but he loved the vibe of biergartens and who could turn down a good oversized pretzel with beer cheese. 

“Yeah, they’re going to try out this outdoor ax throwing place. They said if they like it, all six of us should go!” 

Thor’s eyebrows rose. “Ax throwing?” 

“Yeah it’s like darts but instead you throw axs. Actually, it seems like it would be right up your alley, right big boy?” Nicky asked, finally pulling out of Thor’s embrace to grab his keys and wallet off the front table. 

“That does sound very intriguing…” Thor said, ignoring the nickname. It seemed Nicky was still trying to figure out what to call him. Did that mean Daddy was out? 

He shook off the thought and placed a hand on Nicky’s lower back to guide him out the front door. Nicky didn’t bother locking the apartment since Bucky and Loki were apparently leaving momentarily as well. 

Nicky practically pranced down the stairs and Thor had to stifle a laugh. “I found an ice cream place that has two hundred flavors down near the river. Have you been?” 

“Two hundred?! No I absolutely have not been, that sounds amazing!” 

Thor smiled and patted himself on the back. His work week had been crazy, so he’d ended up googling ice cream spots last night. When this one had popped up he knew he had found a winner. 

As they reached the car, Nicky stopped short, looking at Volstagg who was giving him an aggressive, security-detail-level up and down.  

“Holy shit you have the most gorgeous hair I’ve ever seen! You must be Volstagg! Loki’s raved about your beard, but I had no idea your hair was just as luxurious.” Nicky turned to look up skeptically at Thor. “Is there something in the water in Norway? Why do you all have gorgeous hair?” 

Nicky still hadn’t seen Thor’s hair down but he assumed Loki had either reported back, or Nicky was just making assumptions. 

Volstagg softened at the praise. “I can assure you that not everyone in Norway has hair as magnificent as mine.” 

“Well, I guess we can’t all be as follically gifted as you two. And Loki of course. Oh and Bucky? God, there are so many gorgeous haired men in my life, do you think it’s me? Do you think I attract them? I mean we all know I have the best hair of the bunch but damn, Volstagg, you’re really giving me a run for my money here,” Nicky said, fanning his hand in front of his face. 

“You do have very nice hair,” Thor murmured and Nicky turned to grin up at him. 

“Thanks doll, I’m happy you finally noticed. I think I can count this date as a success already since you complimented my hair,” Nicky flicked his neck so his hair flopped out of his eyes for just a moment and then flopped back. 

Thor really did love Nicky’s hair. It was always expertly tousled, with one side cut longer than the other so it curved and flopped slightly into his eyes. It looked so soft and made him appear gentle and sweet, when he was really feisty and prickly. 

Funnily enough, this was a quality he loved in his men. He liked when they had some sass and attitude. Leif was one of the glaring exceptions to that rule. He was calm and calculating, enjoying a good joke and sometimes even appreciating dark humor, but he definitely wasn’t the life of any party and he never lit Thor up inside the way Nicky did. 

“Well, I do not wish to stand in the way of the rest of your date, even if it sounds like it’s going quite well thus far,” Volstagg said, giving Thor a look he knew all too well. This was the “do you think you can handle this guy?” look that Thor sometimes got when bringing especially feisty men home from bars. 

“Thank you so much, and let me know when we get there if you want me to run in and bring you some ice cream! Apparently there are two-hundred fucking flavors, so if you just name a flavor you want off the top of your head they’ve probably got it!” Nicky quipped as he practically dove headfirst into the car. “Oh damn, is there a sun roof? How do you open it- oh is this the button? Oh shit that’s not the button…what the fuck does that do- oh my god do the seats vibrate? Ha- that’s pretty kinky, Thor,” Nicky rambled from inside the car. 

Volstagg let out a low chuckle. “Well…you’ve really got your hands full with this one huh?” 

Thor gave him a “no shit” look. 

“He seems sweet though. These American boys seem like they’re going to be really good for you, Thor. And he’s definitely crazy about you,” Volstagg noted. 

Thor didn’t have time to parse through all of that because it sounded like Nicky was continuing to press buttons in the car and he should probably stop him before he broke something. 

He slid into the car and Volstagg closed the door for him and returned to the driver's seat behind the privacy partition. 

“Do you know what kind of ice cream Volstagg likes? I was thinking we should get him two or three he might actually like and then one bat shit crazy flavor just to see how he reacts,” Nicky smiled mischievously at him and Thor couldn’t help but roll his eyes. 

“Thank you for offering to get him ice cream and yes, I do think I know what he would like. I’ll order him those and you can pick your chaos flavor,” he smirked over at Nicky, but was surprised when he got a stern look in response. 

“I’d like to buy it if that’s alright? I know you can totally afford it or whatever, but he’s doing us a real favor driving us around like this. I want to make sure to say thanks.” 

“Godgutten min…” Thor murmured, and without stopping to think about how this was technically only their first date, he pulled Nicky against his side. 

Nicky came more than willingly, leaning his head against Thor’s pec and placing his hand on Thor’s thigh. They were silent for a few moments and he tried to imagine that this was just a common occurrence for them. Going out to get ice cream together, buying Volstagg ice cream and pranking him with weird flavors. It felt quite nice. 

“Does you using that nickname mean I’m being a good boy, so we can open the sun roof?” Nicky asked, beginning to bounce up and down in his seat. 

“Yes, alright, here,” Thor said with a chuckle, reaching towards the wall where the sunroof buttons were. 

He should have figured this would happen, but Nicky immediately bolted for the middle of the limo and stood up, poking his head and shoulders out of the sun roof, only to stumble back and have his shoulders smack into the frame of the sun roof. 

“Nicholas! You have to be careful!” 

He wasn't sure if they were on the highway yet, but the winds could get pretty intense when the limo got moving, and he didn’t want Nicky to get battered by it. Thor had done this drunk a number of times and had ended up feeling like he’d been punched in the face. 

Thor reached out for Nicky and pulled him back into the car. “Are you okay? Winds weren’t too bad?” he asked. Nicky’s hair was mussed and his cheeks were pink, but other than that he looked okay. 

“Ugh, I’m fine Daddy, just having some fun,” Nicky drawled and Thor felt like a snare had caught him by the throat and choked out his air. 

It wasn’t the same feeling he’d had when he watched Nicky and Loki kiss. That had been a warm, sensual desire that he could conjure up just by thinking about it. This was something different. It was hot, setting his blood on fire, but it also felt slippery, like if he thought about it too hard, chased it too hard, it would slip out of his reach. 

Nicky’s face had been teasing as he looked up at Thor, but as he continued to watch him and read his reaction his expression turned curious and intrigued. 

“I know, baby, but I don’t want you to get hurt on our first date,” Thor purred. He said the word baby with the same tone and inflection Nicky had said “Daddy.” Nicky’s eyes widened slightly and then his lips quirked up. 

“Okay Daddy, whatever you say.” He proceeded to climb into Thor’s lap and press his back up against Thor’s chest. Thor wrapped his arms around his slim waist, and held him tightly. 

“Godgutten,” he murmured into the skin of Nicky’s neck. 

Well. This date was not going anything like he’d planned. He had hoped to talk to Nicky about their relationship, set some guidelines, maybe begin discussing a timeline for them, as well as to ask about him sleeping with his other lovers. He had considered raising the “Daddy” thing, but he hadn’t envisioned them sliding right into it like they’d reached some sort of telepathic agreement. Maybe he could still get the date back on track. 

He stroked his thumb idly over Nicky’s ribs and he hummed in content. 

“Did you have…any sort of ideal agenda for our date? Anything you wanted us to discuss or establish? I have a few things I’d like to discuss, but I want to make sure we cover whatever you are interested in.” 

“Well,” Nicky said, returning Thor’s idle stroking by rubbing his own thumb over Thor’s bicep, “I had hoped to establish some expectations for us around sex and our relationship. Maybe talk about some preferences and safety, if the subject came up, but…well it seems like we may have just established some of that.” He waived idly between the two of them. 

“I…might need that a little more spelled out for me,” Thor admitted and Nicky laughed pleasantly. 

“How about we wait until we get our ice cream and we can start at the top with expectations and where we stand as a couple right now?” Nicky asked. 

Thor’s chest tightened at the word couple, but he tried to play it off. He definitely didn’t think they were a couple, but he realized with a start that he and Loki now were. They were in a real relationship, his first in eight months, and now he was going on a date with Nicky to establish what their relationship would look like, while throwing around words like Daddy and baby. How had this become his life? 

“Alright, that sounds good to me. How is your week going?” Thor asked, trying to change the subject to more neutral ground. 

Just like that, they fell into an easy conversation and Thor was surprised how natural it felt, chatting with Nicky as he sat in his lap. It felt comfortable, like this was just something they did all the time. He also found Nicky incredibly easy to talk to. Well, when he wasn’t sassing him or doing dangerous things like calling him Daddy. 

When they pulled up to the ice cream shop, Nicky bounced out of his lap and nearly threw the door open. “Don’t go anywhere Volstagg!” he called as he shoved a mask onto his face and dashed into the store. Thor laughed fondly and followed him in, sliding his own mask into place. By the time he reached Nicky he was already in line, murmuring the names of ice creams as his eyes scanned the list. “Oooh, dill pickle? Or…oh how about mac n’ cheese!” 

Thor rolled his eyes at both flavors. Volstagg would eat just about anything, so while Nicky’s prank was funny he would probably end up loving whatever they gave him. Then his eyes landed on two of the flavors. 

“Volstagg hates spicy food…he acts tough, but he’s a total spicy lightweight.”

Nicky’s eyes widened. “Is that mean? He’d still be able to enjoy the others, right? I mean, it is ice cream, which is what you eat to get rid of spiciness…hmmmmm…okay! Let's do it. Should we do sriracha? Or ghost pepper peppermint?” 

“He actually really likes peppermint, so that sounds like a good compromise.” 

They got up to the counter and Thor ordered the two flavors he knew he’d love, biscoff and chocolate mocha, and Nicky happily ordered the naughty peppermint and handed over his card. 

Nicky practically skipped back to the car and Thor rolled his eyes. Volstagg had actually been able to find a parking spot, so he was standing outside the car with his arms folded across his chest. 

“Alright, what sort of trouble am I expecting here. Are these all full of bugs? Thor once got me to eat a grasshopper covered in chocolate.” He accepted the ice cream from Nicky and took a bite of the mocha first. 

His eyes widened and his face softened. “Oh wow this is really good.” He tried the biscoff next and had the same reaction. 

He could nearly feel the anticipation rolling off of Nicky as he took a big, too confident bite of the ghost pepper. 

Volstagg’s eyes widened again and then began to water. “Spicy! It’s spicy ice cream! Why!?! Why would they do this- oh wow it’s actually really tasty…” Volstagg looked at the ice cream like it was an enemy who turned out to be friendly. 

Nicky was absolutely overflowing with excitement. “Do you like it?! Oh I hoped it wouldn’t be too awful, but if you really like it that’s awesome!” He was practically bouncing up and down and Volstagg pulled him into a rough one armed hug. 

“Thank you Nicholas. That was very kind, and mean, and kind of you,” Volstagg said with a laugh.  

Nicky laughed in return. “Hey I was going to get you mac n’ cheese but Thorrrrr suggested something spicy,” Nicky teased. 

Volstagg made a thoughtful face. “Can’t decide if that would be disgusting or delicious…” 

“We’ll just have to all come back again soon and try some more flavors!” Nicky beamed at him and Volstagg gave him a big, genuine smile in return. 

“Alright, you kids go have fun. I’m going to walk down to the water and enjoy the nice weather,” Volstagg said, making a “shoo shoo” gesture with his hand as he walked away. He waited until Nicky had turned back to Thor to give Thor a conspiratorial wink. 

Thor was overwhelmed with emotions. He had an almost childlike excitement to go back into the store and buy himself and Nicky as many fun ice cream flavors as they could handle, but he also felt a soft warmth growing in his chest towards Nicky. He was a little firecracker of trouble, but he was also now the second member of the quint to be incredibly kind to Volstagg. 

Nicky was holding his mask and he was about to put it on when Thor cupped his cheeks. “Thank you, Nicholas, for your incredible kindness. I think you just made Volstagg’s night.” 

Nicky smiled and went to respond, but Thor bent down and pressed his lips softly to his. 

He didn’t melt against Thor the way Loki did. Instead he seemed to press into him, wrapping his arms around Thor’s neck and shoving his lean torso against Thor’s muscular one. Thor’s lips were bigger than Nicky’s, but he held his own in the kiss, pressing and sliding his soft lips against Thor’s bottom lip, gently licking at his top lip, but not demanding more.  

When they pulled back, they were both smiling. 

“Now that was a first kiss,” Thor declared. 

Nicky shrugged. “Eh- would have been better if we had ice cream in our mouths. Maybe we could see which flavors taste best together.” 

Thor laughed and threw his arm around Nicky’s shoulder. “Well by all means, lead the way.” 

They ended up getting six different flavors and Nicky found them a table on the patio farthest away from everyone else, with a spectacular view of the river. Thor could just see the back of Volstagg’s head where he was sitting on a park bench. 

“So where would you like to start?” Nicky asked, reaching across the table to steal a spoon of the frosé sorbet in Thor’s bowl. 

He pushed his bowl forward and pulled Nicky’s forward so they were lined up in the middle of the table for them both to eat. 

“Well…I suppose first I’d like to just establish what it is we’re looking for from each other. Are you…looking for romance? Just sex? Both?” 

“Definitely both. It has to be both for me,” Nicky said around a bite of, funnily enough, grasshopper mint ice cream. He would definitely have to get Volstagg some of that next time. 

“And would you prefer romance and then sex, or sex and then romance?” 

“Sex then romance,” Nicky said, again answering immediately, not having even finished his bite of ice cream yet. 

Thor raised his eyebrows at the speed of his answer. Nicky swallowed his bite and clicked the spoon against his teeth as he gazed at Thor. “I think that…I have more than enough romance in my life right now, and I really want you and Loki to be able to focus on your romance. I, however, can never have enough sex in my life, so I’m excited to start that part of our relationship.” 

“Alright…and so, I guess that’s where some of what you said in the car comes in?” 

Nicky reached for a bite of rocky road. “Yes, I think so. So would you like to discuss expectations, wishes, safety etcetera, or should we talk about what we already seem to be establishing between us?” Nicky raised an eyebrow and licked the ice cream on his spoon like it was an ice cream cone. 

“Maybe…timeline and expectations?” Thor asked, his eyes trained on Nicky’s little pink tongue flicking out against the ice cream. 

Nicky licked the ice cream again, smirking at him and finally causing Thor to look up to meet his gaze. “Well I think we both know the timeline is anytime after this conversation.” 

Thor swallowed thickly, but nodded. 

“Expectations…well I suppose that gets back to what just happened in the car, hmm? I am a sub and I think it’s pretty clear that you’re a dom. Is that what you want from me?” 

“If…you would like another dom…yes, I…I think so.” 

Nicky smiled and sucked the ice cream off his spoon, lapping at it teasingly with his tongue. “And do you want to be my Daddy, or just my dom?” 

Thor took in a sharp breath and looked away. 

A tentative hand grabbed his hand and he looked down to see Nicky’s slender fingers on top of his. 

“Sorry. We’re having a serious conversation and I was being serious, but I did it flippantly. Is that something you’re interested in? Because…I have to be honest I’ve-...not really done it before…but I talked with Charlie about it and I do think that maybe it’s something I wouldn’t mind trying, if it’s something you’re interested in trying out as well. I mean- unless you have experience in it? The way you keep reacting made me think maybe not, but…” 

Nicky trailed off and Thor took a bite of the cotton candy Nicky had insisted they get to bide himself a little time. The second the neon ice cream hit his tongue though he nearly choked. Nicky let out a startled laugh and the tension between them eased. Nicky patted Thor’s hand patronizingly as he took a huge spoonful of the cotton candy for himself. 

Thor rolled his eyes and took a bite of the mocha instead, still buying himself a little more time to think. 

“So…I am very happy to be your dom. But, no, I do not have any Daddy-dom experience. Until last weekend I would have said I also had no interest in it, but…I’m willing to experiment with it if you’re interested. It doesn’t turn me off, I’m just…not certain if it will turn me on? Do you have any other kinks I should know about?” 

“I love being tied up, I can play with blindfolds but need some safety precautions. I don’t do any other sensory deprivation. I like pain, but nothing that draws blood or leaves scars. And absolutely no shaming, denial or anything…cruel,” he said, glancing away from Thor. 

Thor knew from their conversation on the balcony that Nicky and Charlie had been in an abusive relationship and he didn’t want to go anywhere near any of that if he could help it. 

“Of course. I don’t ever want to make you uncomfortable or…hurt you in a way you don’t want.” He reached out and took Nicky’s hand again.  

Nicky looked back at him and smiled as he reached for another spoonful of ice cream. They discussed some more sexual preferences including biting, scratching, safety, and toys. Thor almost told him about his other lovers, and how they were all clean and tested regularly, but he held it back for the moment. 

They continued chatting about their relationship, deciding they’d go on dates the next time Thor was back or even the time after that, allowing both of them time to invest in some of their other relationships. Nicky admitted he’d been feeling a little detached from Steve during his most recent project and he wanted to prioritize time with him as well and allow Thor to prioritize Loki. 

Out of the blue, Nicky asked Thor a few questions about his work and he answered happily and it somehow led to a conversation about his mother’s passing and him moving home to help out more with the family and the company. It definitely wasn’t something he would normally discuss at such lengths on a first date. This didn’t really feel like a first date though, since he’d technically known Nicky for years through Bucky and Steve. 

Their conversation eventually turned to Nicky’s childhood. Thor learned that Nicky’s parents had died when he was a child and he learned a bit about his time spent in foster care. They finished their ice cream and Thor leaned back in his chair, happily holding Nicky’s hand and listening to him talk. 

He felt a little too full of ice cream to drive home, and he found he wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Nicky yet either. He asked Nicky if he wanted to walk down by the water and he readily agreed, so they walked down to the water’s edge and Nicky took his shoes and socks off to walk down onto the pebbled shore and Thor followed suit. 

They weren't able to walk far, probably no more than two city blocks before the shore turned back into a wooded area, but they turned around and opted to do another lap of the beach. On the second lap Nicky’s hand brushed Thor’s and he took it. They chatted amiably about Nicky’s job and some of the travel he’d done. Thor admitted Nicky had seen a lot more of the U.S. than Thor had, and Nicky invited him to join him on one of his next work trips and Thor was surprised to find he actually liked the idea. 

Right as they reached the turn off point to go back up to the path off the river bank, Thor reached out and caught Nicky by the hip. He pulled him flush against his chest and kissed him breathless. He tasted like sweet cream and chocolate and even a little bit of that awful cotton candy, but he found he didn’t mind it when it was mixed with the taste of Nicky’s mouth. His tongue was small and soft, and Thor loved the way his own tongue could almost wrap around it and Nicky laughed into the kiss when he tried to see if he could give Nicky’s tongue a hug with his. 

“It’s like those games we played as children, where you had to try and tie a cherry stem in a knot in your mouth to see if you would be good at kissing or giving head,” Nicky laughed and Thor gave him a look like he was talking nonsense, which it sounded like he was. 

“Wait- I guess that wasn’t a thing in Norway?” Nicky asked and when Thor shook his head Nicky frantically started putting on his socks and shoes. 

Thor gave him a quizzical look, but slowly started to put his own on as well. Nicky waited, rather impatiently, for Thor to finish, and then he grabbed him by the hand and tugged him up the path back towards the parking lot and the ice cream parlor. Volstagg saw them and popped up off the bench to follow. Thor tried to wave him off, but Nicky just kept tugging him up the hill. He was shockingly strong for someone so tiny and Thor didn’t want to risk stopping and making him fall, so he just followed along willingly. 

There was no line in the shop this time so Nicky walked right up to the cashier and asked if they could have a bowl of maraschino cherries and Thor blanched. Nicky’s eyes glinted wickedly up at him and then he pulled him back towards the car. 

“Volstagg! Have you heard of this? You take a cherry stem and you try to tie it in a knot in your mouth and it proves if you’re good at giving he- I mean…uh…making out!” Nicky corrected, not so seamlessly. 

Volstagg gave him a concerned look and Thor burst out with a thunderous laugh. People in the parking lot turned to look at them but Nicky didn’t even seem to notice. Volstagg looked around quickly but seemed to think the situation was under control because he turned back to Nicky. 

“Okay well- we should do it! Since you guys never got the chance!” Nicky picked up a cherry and wrapped his tongue around it to pull just the fruit off of the stem and he handed that one to Thor. 

“Please do not pre-make out with my cherry stem, thank you Nicholas,” Volstagg said, quickly reaching into the bowl to grab his own. 

“You’re really doing this?” Thor asked Volstagg, a bit surprised. 

“Sure, why not? How else am I ever going to know if my hetero-ass could give good head?” he winked at Nicky who burst out laughing in return. “If I beat you two, I’m texting Fandral immediately.” 

“Well, best of luck,” Nicky said, before he did the same cherry trick, looping his tongue impressively around the final cheery to pull it off and then they all held up their stems. 

“On the count of three, put it in your mouth and try to tie it in a knot. One…two…three!” 

They all popped the stem in their mouths. It was bitter, but also had the sickly sweet syrup of the maraschino cherry. Thor very quickly realized his tongue was too big for this sort of dainty task, and he only managed to just get it between his teeth and on top of his tongue when Nicky pulled his out of his mouth and it was tied in a perfect knot. To his shock Volstagg pulled his out no more than a second later. 

“Damn it!” Volstagg said, throwing his on the ground and Nicky chortled. They both looked at Thor and he just shook his head as he continued to try and get the stem to do anything other than roll around on his tongue. 

“Rematch!” Volstagg shouted and grabbed another cherry. Nicky happily complied and this time they both did the cherry sucking thing with their tongues. He had to admit, Volstagg wasn’t bad with his mouth. However, that was really not an image he ever needed, so he quickly looked back to Nicky. 

“Ready? Three, two, one, GO!” Volstagg shouted and they both put the stems in their mouths. 

This time Nicky won by a landslide. Thor counted in his head and it took him less than five seconds, while it took Volstagg close to eight. 

“Ah, just needed to get my tongue warmed up,” Nicky said triumphantly as he held up both of the knotted stems in his hand. Volstagg laughed grudgingly and threw his second knotted stem on the ground as well. “Damnit, I really wanted to win just for bragging rights- Thor I don’t think you’ve got it mate, you should probably just give up,” Volstagg said laughing harder. 

Thor spat the stem onto the ground. It was completely shredded by his teeth and he just shook his head sadly. “I wonder if it’s just a practice thing. I don’t know if Fandral would be able to do it.” 

“Why don’t you ask him the next time you see him? Could be fun for you two,” Volstagg said teasingly. 

Volstagg loved to poke fun at them for sleeping together. The first couple times they slept together, Volstagg had been uptight about it, worried it was going to ruin their friendship. If anything, it just solidified their group more and now it was something they spoke openly about. 

Except for the fact he still hadn’t told Nicky. He was going to, probably on the ride back, but this was not the way to do it. He shot Volstagg a slightly panicked warning glance and Volstagg quickly pivoted. “So are you two ready to go or are there more ways we want to prove that I am categorically better than Thor at everything?” 

“Hey it’s not my fault my tongue is just too big!” Thor whined, appreciating the subject change. 

“I mean…that can be useful for some things…” Nicky deadpanned and Volstagg nearly choked as Thor let out another boom of laughter. It looked like Nicky was laughing more at Volstagg’s face than anything else. Volstagg told them both off and said they could get their own door as he wandered around to the driver’s side of the car. 

They climbed into the car still laughing, and as if it was the most natural thing to do, Nicky climbed back into Thor’s lap. They fell into an easy silence as Volstagg started up the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Thor wrapped his arms around Nicky’s waist and he hummed contentedly. Thor tried to get his mind off of tongues and things they could do. 

Instead, his mind wandered to what Nicky had said. That he wanted Thor, and wanted sex with him whenever he was ready. He also thought about how Nicky had said they could take it slow with the Daddy play and decide together if that was something they wanted. It meant they would have to experiment with it though, and he wondered if maybe Nicky would want to try it as early as next week or if they’d wait until his next trip. 

Completely ignoring his mental musings, Thor’s body decided it knew what it wanted and it wanted it now. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the nape of Nicky’s neck. Nicky shivered and squirmed a little on his lap, but he didn’t protest. 

Thor tightened his grip around Nicky’s waist and kissed him again, this time pressing Nicky down firmly onto his lap so he couldn’t squirm. 

Nicky dug his nails into Thor’s arm, but that didn’t stop Thor from biting down into the soft place where Nicky’s shoulder met his neck. 

“D-Daddy?” Nicky whimpered and Thor brought his hand up to press firmly into Nicky’s sternum, as he lapped his tongue over the bite. Nicky groaned and tipped his head to the side to give Thor more access to his neck. 

Thor slid his other hand lower, pressing into Nicky’s stomach pinning him back against Thor’s chest. “If you don’t want this…tell me no right now and I’ll stop,” Thor breathed into his neck, “but if you say yes…” 

“Yes, Daddy,” Nicky said with no hesitation, and he spread his legs for Thor. 

Thor breathed out a shaky breath and Nicky shivered as it ghosted over his wet skin. Thor drank in the sight, licking the pad of his tongue slowly up Nicky’s neck until he could bite into the spot right under his ear. 

“O-ooh,” Nicky moaned and the noise went straight to Thor’s cock. Nicky was sitting right on it and this time when he tried to squirm on it Thor let him. At first he was just wiggling, but then he began to move his hips in a purposeful undulation like he was riding Thor. It felt way too good given that it was basically just dry humping, but he realized with a start it really wasn’t just dry humping. Nicky’s first murmur of Daddy had dropped them into a scene and Thor couldn’t believe this was actually happening, but he wasn’t going to be the one to stop it. He didn’t think he could even if he wanted to. 

“Yes, just like that baby…god your ass feels so good.” 

Nicky whimpered and nodded and Thor was shocked with how quickly he became submissive. Minutes before he had been sassing Thor and now he was like puddy in Thor’s hands. Pulling inspiration from some of his encounters with Loki, he brought his top hand higher up and pressed gently against Nicky’s throat and he moaned. 

“Daddy…please,” he whispered and Thor pressed his hand harder into his throat and used his thumb to press Nicky’s head up and back, so it fell back onto Thor’s shoulder. 

Nicky’s movements slowed and Thor used his other hand, still pressed against his pubic bone, to urge him to move again. 

“Be good for Daddy…keep going,” he whispered and Nicky whined, but did as he was told.

His girations felt maddeningly good and Thor let out a low groan, which caused Nicky to whimper. 

Thor lifted his knees up to press into the insides of Nicky’s legs and he pressed outwards, forcing Nicky’s legs even wider. The image it created was almost obscene, Nicky spread out for him, Thor’s hands pressing into his throat and stomach, just a few centimeters away from his visible erection in his jeans. 

“Please…” Nicky whimpered, and Thor turned his head to bite into his jaw. Nicky cried out and his girations turned to squirming again until Thor urged him back into a rhythm. 

“Please what?” he asked. 

“Please…Daddy…” Nicky whispered as if Thor had been reminding him of the game they were playing, not actually asking what he wanted. Thor didn’t want to break the spell though, so he rephrased his question. 

“Anything for my baby. What do you need?” 

“Touch me, Daddy, please-” his voice cut off with a gasp as Thor gripped him through his pants. His cock was long and lean in his hand and it felt so hot even through his pants, almost like he was on fire. 

“You and Loki are so polite when you’re begging…” he whispered, to see how Nicky would react, and because it was true. 

To his surprise Nicky laughed headily. “I definitely…picked it up from him…I used to be much more of a b-brat,” he panted as he continued to ride Thor’s cock. 

Thor smiled wickedly. He pressed his thumb into Nicky’s chin again, tipping his head to the side so he could bite into his neck, lapping at the bite immediately to turn Nicky’s gasp into a moan. 

“You can be a brat for me baby…I’ll take care of you no matter what. I just might have to punish you for it…” Thor growled. He truly had never done a Daddy-dom scene before, but somehow the words were coming naturally to him. 

Nicky whimpered and ground his hips down painfully hard. Thor growled and bit into his neck again. Nicky let out a cry and Thor lifted his hand to his mouth. 

“The divider isn’t soundproof baby…don’t need Volstagg knowing the beautiful little noises you make for me.” He squeezed Nicky through his jeans and he whined into his hand. 

“Will you be good? Can I take my hand off?” Nicky nodded and Thor pulled his hand back, letting it come to rest on his stomach. 

“But…you said if I was a brat you’d punish me…what if I want to be punished, but I also want to be good…” he whispered as he continued to grind on Thor, but he also began thrusting up into Thor’s hand. 

“What kind of punishment do you want from me? Maybe it could be a reward instead.” 

Nicky only hesitated for a moment before he whispered, “spank me.” 

Of course that was what Nicky wanted. Someone with a clearly developing Daddy kink would obviously want to be spanked. Knowing everything he did about Nicky he also really should have seen his next words coming. 

“In-in front of the others…Loki and…m-maybe Charlie?” 

Thor’s blood lit on fire and he thrust up against Nicky’s body hard, making him whine loudly. Thor saw Nicky’s eyes go wide and scared. 

“S-sorry Daddy…you surprised me…I’m sorry,” he whimpered. Thor placed his hand back on his sternum, pinning him to Thor’s shoulder. 

“You’re right, baby, it’s okay. Daddy’s not mad…I’m just going to hold you like this now…it’s my turn, you just let go for me.” 

He began to thrust up into Nicky and he whined and whimpered, but kept the volume of both low. When he picked up the rhythm of his stroking hand Nicky collapsed into Thor’s grip, giving his body over to Thor entirely. 

“Th-thor…” he whimpered and it shocked Thor so much his hips stuttered. He hadn’t realized it until now, but they hadn’t spoken each other’s names throughout the entire scene. It shocked his system to hear it now. 

“Yes, godgutten min?” 

Nicky whimpered and his head fell forward, hiding his face from Thor with the fringe of his hair. “T-tell me…” 

“Tell you what?” he asked, truly having no idea. Did he want him to say he loved him as part of the scene? He’d heard of some Daddy-doms doing that as part of their scenes, but he didn’t think he’d be able to do that. 

“Th-that…you’d do this in front of Loki and Charlie… that…you’re not ashamed of it, o-or…of me.” 

Thor’s eyes went wide and his breath caught for a moment. “Oh my sweet little one, yes…yes I will happily do it in front of whoever you want…I’m not ashamed at all. You are so beautiful, such a good little sub I can tell. I want to be your dom and show you off. This is just a fun added kink we can explore together. There is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, if anything…” Thor licked the outer shell of Nicky’s ear and he whined. “I think it’s incredibly sexy…”  

Nicky whimpered and thrust up into Thor’s hand. 

“Tell Daddy what you need…” he murmured, trying to get Nicky back out of his head, and also needing to know if he felt okay to continue or if he wanted to stop or switch to something else. 

“P-please Daddy…touch me- not through pants…please!” 

Thor didn’t even stop to think that they were about to go from grinding and dry humping to having sex in the back of his limo. He thought absently maybe he should be surprised, but he would do anything his baby wanted right now. 

“Help me open your pants, baby,” he commanded and Nicky immediately complied. His hands had been gripping uselessly at Thor’s arms before, but now they had a task to do. 

He quickly unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans, and pulled himself out of them. Thor groaned in his ear as he took him back in hand and Nicky let out a high pitched, quiet whine. 

“That’s it little one…let go for me. I’m going to cover your mouth, so you can make whatever noises you need to.” 

He began stroking Nicky and he brought his hand up to cover his mouth as he returned to thrusting up into him and stroking him, now skin-on-skin. 

Nicky moaned and cried out, whimpered and whined and Thor could hear all of it, severely muffled from his hand, but it was still there, and it was driving him crazy. 

After a solid two to three minutes of this Nicky scrambled uselessly at Thor’s arm. He quickly complied and lowered his hand from his mouth. 

“O-oh, Daddy…gonna cum- oh god, Daddy-” 

“Wait baby-” Thor threaded his hand quickly under Nicky’s shirt and pulled it up all the way to his shoulders. 

Nicky let out a pained whimper as Thor continued to stroke him. 

“Okay sweet boy…cum for me now,” he murmured, and with just a single stroke Nicky was cuming all over his now bare stomach. The sight was beautiful and Thor groaned into his neck. 

Nicky collapsed against Thor’s chest, but his cock continued to leak onto Thor’s hands. 

“D-Daddy- Daddy- no- too much, please-” he cried and squirmed, but Thor continued to milk him through his orgasm until his cock finally fell limp in his hands. 

Thor felt like his blood was on fire. Hearing Nicky cry out and beg him to stop, even though he had clearly wanted more, had him wondering what else he could do to his baby and get away with it. With his complete consent of course, but suddenly an image of him spanking Nicky took over his brain and he groaned into Nicky’s neck again. 

Meanwhile, while Thor’s mind was spiraling to dark and sexy places, Nicky panted and shook in his arms as he came down from his orgasm. 

“I-I’m…cold…Daddy…” he whimpered and Thor shushed him, kissing his cheek softly. 

“Here, baby, hold your shirt up. I’m going to grab a towel.” 

Nicky took over holding his own shirt up and Thor reached down and pulled up the seat cushion on the seat next to them. Thor hadn’t purposefully not sat on that seat, but it had turned out perfectly in the end. He pulled out a towel first and then a blanket and shut the seat. He put the blanket on the top of the seat and brought the towel to Nicky’s chest. 

First he used it to wipe off his hand and then he gently wiped off Nicky’s chest and stomach, slowly lowering it to clean off his wilted cock. 

“Ooo-oohh, Daddy,” he whimpered and his hips stuttered against the textured fabric of the towel. He clung to Thor’s shoulder and tried to pull away from the towel. 

“Shhhhhh…you’re okay baby…” Thor whispered, finishing cleaning up and tossing the towel aside. He gently tucked Nicky back into his boxers and zipped and buttoned his jeans for him. 

“You…you didn’t- cum did you?” Nicky asked, his teeth nearly chattering as he shook. Thor brought the blanket around him and wrapped him up in it. 

“It’s okay,” he said, catching Nicky’s wrist as he reached for him, “this wasn’t about me. This was…well…honestly I’m not really sure what this was. It’s like…having you in my lap again, my body just kind of acted on its own…but. Regardless. It was never about me getting off.” 

Nicky laughed and some of his usual sass and energy seemed to be returning. 

“Are you saying your body has Daddy instincts?” Nicky teased but it still shot straight through Thor to his aching cock. 

“God, I don’t know…maybe,” he said, laughing, but then he sobered and he wrapped his arms around Nicky. 

“You asked me to tell you I wasn’t ashamed…are you? Are you worried about what the others will think?” 

Nicky quieted and sat there silently shaking in Thor’s arms for a few moments. He knew some subs got really cold and sleepy after scenes. It looked like Nicky got cold, but he seemed completely alert. 

“So…I didn’t really know how to say this while we were…you know, laughing and eating ice cream on our literal first fucking date but…My ex who I told you about already…HE tried the Daddy dom thing on me once, but it was really just a twisted up version of HIS shame kink. It…was kind of awful and thank god Charlie put a stop to it, but…I think I may have internalized a little of that shame and while it feels fucking amazing to be reclaiming this kink from HIM, it also feels really hard to- to not worry about what the others are going to think…”

Thor sat with this for a moment. “You said you talked to Charlie about it already?” 

“Yeah, that same night I called you it as a joke- last Friday, I guess? We had a really long talk about it and I said pretty much that- well at the time at least, it was me playing with the idea of reclaiming more of what HE took from me. Charlie was pretty adamant he could never do that for me and honestly? I don’t want him to. He’s not my…that for me. He’s so many things for me, but not that. I told him that what you and I have is so new I could kind of work to define it with you as we went along and he was excited for me to figure it out but…I don’t know. I have a lot of internal doubts and fears still, I guess…” Nicky stared down at the floor of the limo as he spoke. 

“Charlie would never judge you, Nicholas. I don’t know either of you incredibly well yet, but I know enough to know that for sure. He is pretty much only living on air and love for you.” 

Nicky cocked his head the same way Loki did when Thor said something in Norwegian. “Is that…not a phrase in English?” Thor clarified. 

“Nope, definitely not. But I think I understand what it means. Damn, I thought Charlie and I were more subtle about our love for each other than that. Don’t want to drown you guys in it or anything,” Nicky said, finally looking back up with a slight smirk. 

“You actually are rather subtle. Unlike you and Loki and you and Bucky,” he said, squeezing Nicky’s sides teasingly. He let out a soft squeal and burrowed into Thor’s chest. 

“Sorry not sorry. We’re adorable, so it’s okay,” Nicky said. 

“It’s okay regardless of how cute you all are together but…You and Charlie…while you might be more subtle than that, your eyes are not subtle for each other. It is quite beautiful to see how deep and loving your relationship is.” 

Nicky went still. “Is that what you want with Loki?” 

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. 

Nicky’s smile was as soft as a kitten's fur. “I see it. For you and him. I see that and more.” 

Thor smiled back, reaching up to stroke his clean hand through Nicky’s  hair. “It’s not that I don’t see that with you-“ 

“No, but it’s different, and I know that. It should be different. We won’t and can’t all give each other the same thing and that’s not why we’re in this together. I don’t want five identical relationships and I imagine you don’t either.” 

Thor nodded, pressing a soft kiss to Nicky’s forehead. “Do you want…the Daddy relationship outside of the bedroom as well? I have to admit I’m not quite as certain about that…” 

Nicky scrunched up his nose as well. “I don’t know… None of my doms are doms outside of the bedroom, I think it would all get a little too complicated if I actively had three doms. And besides….I don’t really think of myself as very submissive outside of the bedroom.” He grinned wickedly up at Thor and he laughed, rubbing circles into his back through the blanket. 

“No, I definitely do not see you that way either.” 

Startling both of them, the intercom between the front and back crackled on. “Whenever you two are done doing whatever it is you’re doing that I want absolutely no information about, we’re here. You can just let yourself out so I don’t have to see any evidence of all that you haven’t been doing in the backseat of the car I just got detailed.” 

Nicky blushed scarlet and buried his face in Thor’s neck. “I’m sorry Daddy…” he whispered. 

Thor laughed good naturedly, hoping it would make Nicky feel better. “Absolutely nothing to apologize for. This was not the first time and… well with the way things are going with you and Loki I don’t think it’s going to be the last time I have sex in here- oh…actaully, Nicholas do you think we could go for a short walk? There is one other thing I need to discuss with you- not bad I promise, but I don’t want to drop you back at home until we talk about it.” 

Thor had just realized he had delayed the talk about his other lovers for the car ride, but now he and Nicky had already had sex and he still hadn’t cut things off with other lovers and hadn’t even told Nicky about them yet. 

Thor swallowed uncomfortably as Nicky nodded and pulled the blanket off of his shoulders. He shifted out of Thor’s lap to fold it up and he placed it neatly on the seat before climbing out of the car. Thor followed him out of the car, but part of him wanted to dive back into the car and shout for Volstagg to floor it. 

Chapter Text

Nicky’s mind was surprisingly blank as he followed Thor out of their apartment complex and on a walk around their part of town. Typically, after sex Nicky’s mind was like a rock concert, no real thoughts just a cacophony of noise and chaos. 

His mind would sometimes go blank after doing an intense scene where he dropped, but that was more like he went somewhere else as opposed to staying present but being clear headed. That was how he felt now. He also hadn’t dropped, even a little, doing the Daddy play which made this all the more surprising. 

He had that horrible moment of doubt and fear in the middle, but as soon as Thor confirmed for him that he wanted it just as much as Nicky did, it was like all the noise that was always in his head stopped. 

He had gotten really cold after the scene, which was new, but if that was all the payment he had to give, he would gladly pay it every single time. He hadn’t had even the slightest urge to leave Thor’s arms afterwards, he’d actually wanted the opposite. He’d wanted to stay safe in his arms for a long time.

He still wasn’t sure if he wanted a Daddy outside of sex, but he was curious if it could help with his anxiety from time to time. He thought now was definitely not the right time to bring this up though because Thor had gotten really serious and scared looking, and was leading Nicky on a walk to apparently talk about something.

They’d gone several blocks and he still hadn’t said anything and Nicky felt some of the doubt and fear start to creep back into his mind. Without really thinking he quietly whispered, “Daddy…?” 

Thor immediately reached out and wrapped an arm around his shoulder pulling him into his side as they walked.

“Are you still locked in, baby?” Thor asked softly. 

Nicky would have said no but the way the Daddy-baby exchange had his muscles relaxing and his mind quieting down had him questioning that. 

“I…I don’t know what I am…I’m sorry… I know we just said we don’t know if we’re going to do this out of the bedroom but-...fuck, I’m sorry…” 

“Hey, baby, it’s okay. We’re both new to this. We’re just figuring it out together. What do you need right now?” 

“I…I don’t know. I’m actually feeling really good like- my head feels really clear. Honestly, clearer than it ever has after sex. But…you want to talk and- I don’t know I started freaking out a little I guess but…I feel better again…” 

“Do you think it was the Daddy exchange that helped or did you just need some reassurance?” he asked.

“I…don’t know,” he said honestly. He reached up and held Thor’s hand that was dangling over his shoulder. 

“Okay. Well, we’ll keep experimenting and just see what works for us,” Thor said, gazing down at him. 

“Okay,” Nicky said and he smiled back up at him. “So…what did you want to talk about?” 

Thor took a deep breath and let it out in a woosh. 

“So…about a month ago when Loki and I decided to start dating, I was still having sex with- well…with a fair amount of people in Europe. I haven’t had a consistent lover in America-...actually since Bucky. But I have many in Europe. None of them are romantic and most of them are several years old if not over a decade old. I asked Loki if he wished for me to stop and-“ Thor let out a small laugh and Nicky looked up at his face. 

His cheeks were tinged pink and his eyes were tense, but his mouth was quirked in a rueful smile. “Basically Loki said that because when I was in Europe, he was sleeping with three lovers, we agreed that I would also keep three lovers, which was actually four because I chose a woman in Spain, a friend in France as well as his partner, and my childhood friend in Norway-“ 

“Is that Fandral? The one Volstagg was clearly making illusions about?” Nicky said, trying to keep a teasing note in his voice even though he was feeling a bit prickly in a non-teasing way.

“Yes…the three of us, our friend Hogun as well as my executive assistant Sif are all childhood friends. I…well I started sleeping with Fandral in high school and we’ve sort of kept it up since then. I actually slept with Sif for a little while as well, until she found out she was asexual.” 

Nicky rolled this around in his head for a moment. It was actually kind of sweet that they'd all stayed friends for so long. He tried to imagine that he had slept with one of his friends from the foster care system and kept it up for a long time. That wouldn’t be anything to be jealous of. Nicky figured if they had wanted to date at this point, they would have.

“Okay…and so, now that you’re Loki’s boyfriend?” he asked. 

“So, I offered to stop sleeping with them and Loki said he didn’t mind so long as it wasn’t romantic and it was, obviously, only when I was in Europe and away from him…” 

Nicky understood what the point of the conversation was now. “So now that we’ve had sex you’re asking my permission?” 

Thor’s biceps tightened but he didn’t squeeze Nicky’s shoulders he just seemed to be storing tension in them. “I…am offering that I will stop, and asking if that is what you would like me to do.” 

Did he want Thor to stop sleeping with people across the ocean, when there was no way he could be with either him or Loki? 

“Well…” he started, deciding to just parse this out verbally, “it’s not like…you would be in the U.S. with the chance to be with me or with Loki, but instead choose to fly back just to fuck them, right?” 

Thor flinched but he shook his head. “No. Absolutely not, and I will not be taking any new lovers, especially not in the U.S. If I am here, I am Loki’s and yours.” 

“What if one of us visited you in Europe?” Nicky didn’t know if this would ever happen, but he wanted to see how Thor would prioritize them. He had better put Loki first, but whether or not he would put playing Daddy to Nicky over sleeping with his best friends he wasn’t quite as sure. 

“I would be exclusively with you or with Loki. So I guess what I’m saying is that when I am in the same country as either of you, I will be yours and only yours.” 

Nicky’s heart fluttered at the answer. He didn’t really think of Thor as his quite yet, but he guessed if they kept this up he would be his Daddy in the bedroom or at the very least his dom. Maybe one day he would really be his, but when that happened he didn’t think he’d want Thor to be with anyone outside the quint. 

“So…what happens when you fully join the quint? Would you still sleep with them when you’re away?” Nicky asked, trying to keep any judgment from his voice. If he was away from the quint half of the year would he sleep with old friends who had become long time lovers? He really didn’t know. 

“No. I know you are a closed group and I am not asking for any kind of exception to that rule for myself. And if- er, when I become intimate with Steve and Charlie, if either of them wishes for me to stop seeing Fandral and Jeanpaul and Luis I will. Immediately. And if you change your mind or Loki does, I will also stop immediately.”

Nicky thought about this for the next half lap around the block and Thor didn’t say anything, he just kept his arm wrapped around Nicky’s shoulder. 

“I think that…if or- when I start to develop real feelings for you…I don’t think I will be okay with it anymore but… for now I think it’s fine?” 

Thor pulled them to a stop and turned around to face Nicky. “Okay. That is completely fine. And if in two weeks when I am away- if it bothers you or makes you feel any bad feelings please just let me know and I will stop.” 

“Are you… I mean do you like- report to Loki when you are sleeping with someone?” 

Thor did a kind-of-sort-of head shake back and forth. “No, but he has texted me while I have been with both sets of lovers. I sent him a photo from the bathroom of my lovers in France and he texted me good morning while I was in bed with Fandral. He sent me a selfie with him and Bucky in bed and I asked if he wanted one of me and Fandral so I sent him one.” 

Nicky blinked at that. He really wasn’t sure if he would be okay with all of that, but on a whim he asked if he could see the photo of him and Fandral. Thor nearly dropped his phone pulling it out of his back pocket, his hands were shaking so badly. 

Again, seeming to be flying by the seat of his pants, Nicky placed a steadying hand on Thor’s trembling hand and looked up into his eyes. “It’s okay Daddy…I’m not upset, or mad. I’m just curious.” 

Thor’s eyes snapped up to his and his shoulders released as if they had been held up by marionette wires. Nicky filed this away in his “what the fuck are we doing- are you my Daddy?” folder which was rapidly forming in his brain. 

Thor nodded slowly and then, much more calmly, flipped to the photo of him and Fandral. 

Nicky actually salivated at the image of Thor’s naked chest. The photo was taken from above so he could see all the way down to Thor’s sheet covered lap where a sleepy looking man was lying with his head on Thor’s thigh throwing a peace sign up for the camera. He had a handsome face, but he had a very average looking chest and stomach. Nicky had been expecting some chiseled Greek god like Thor and he wasn’t sure how his heart would handle it. “Do you…have a photo of the four of you? You, Volstagg, Hogun, and Fandral?” 

Thor seemed to light up as he pulled up his Facebook and scrolled through images. However, he had to scroll through a bunch of him and his ex and Nicky noticed his shoulders tense up again. 

“Hey, you know you can untag yourself in those right?” Nicky asked softly as Thor continued to scroll. 

He glanced up. “Oh…really? I have to admit I really do not use Facebook very often. My team is trying to get me to be active on LinkedIn and I just don’t have capacity for so much social media.”

Nicky laughed. “How about after you find that picture, we keep walking, and I can untag you in all of them?” 

Thor gave him the sweetest smile. “Thank you, baby.” 

Nicky’s breath caught and he gave Thor a shy smile. 

Thor glanced back down at his phone and he lit up again. He handed the phone to Nicky and urged him to scroll to the right. Nicky immediately found himself smiling too at the goofy photos he and his friends had taken. Some of them were only a year or two old while others must have been reposted from their childhood. There was clearly nothing special between Fandral and Thor, if anything, in almost every photo Fandral and Volatagg, and Fandral and Hogun were hugging or leaning on each other, and Fandral and Thor were only touching in a few of the photos. Suddenly he was scrolling through wedding photos and he glanced up at Thor who looked down at the phone again. 

“Oh! This is Luis and Jeanpaul’s wedding!” he exclaimed, gently taking the phone from Nicky to scroll through a few of them until he came to a few of the three of them. He handed it back and Nicky smiled again. Jeanpaul was an incredibly good looking black man who was clearly madly in love with his partner Luis, a shorter, wider set mediterranean guy with a devious smile. 

Thor was absolutely beaming in every photo, and when Loki scrolled to a photo where Jeanpaul was smashing cake into both Luis and Thor’s face, Nicky's heart felt like it was overflowing with affection. 

“Wow you look…so happy with all of them. It’s…really sweet.” 

Thor blushed and looked down at the sidewalk. “Yes they are like my home…I feel more at peace with them than I do in any of my actual homes- and I have several.” Thor chuckled, but Nicky felt sadness wash over him. 

“Thor…you could have said that in your explanation. That it’s more than just sex it’s…comfort and friendly affection and…rightness. Of course I don’t want you to give that up-“ Nicky tried to say. 

“But…I would. For Loki. And for you. I… I’m starting to feel at home with Loki too and…you, and the quint… you are the future I want and I’ve always know that sex with Fandral and being Luis and Jeanpaul’s third…that’s my past and at the very best it’s my present, but I have no future with them. Until I met Leif, and then after Leif and before I started dating Loki, that was all I thought I was ever going to have. But…I don’t feel that way anymore.” 

Nicky fisted Thor’s phone tightly so he wouldn’t drop it, and then he threw his arms around Thor’s neck. He kissed him, hard and desperate, like if he didn’t kiss him right now he might die. Or at the very least burst into tears on the sidewalk. 

Thor wrapped his arm around Nicky’s lower back and kissed him back like maybe he might cry too. Nicky could kiss Thor forever. His lips were softer than Nicky thought possible, and they nearly enveloped Nicky’s mouth and it satisfied that part of Nicky that always wanted to be dominated and held. 

Nicky slowly pulled away and brought his non-phone holding hand around to cup Thor’s cheek. “Well…you’re not going to lose a future with us because of spending time- even if it’s sexy time- with your friends. As we start to get closer to that actual future, of us all being together - really together- we will need to discuss it again, but until then I am completely okay with it. And whenever you do tell Charlie and Steve, maybe let me and Loki join? It just took me a little while to get there because you didn’t explain it very well-“ Nicky pulled back to smack Thor on the arm and he laughed and rubbed his arm like there was any chance it had actually hurt, “but I think if we help you explain to them, they will also have no problem with it.” 

Thor waved this away. “By then I may have already decided to end it on my own. But…thank you, Nicholas. I will remember your offer.” 

Nicky took his hand and they started walking again and Nicky got a lot of pleasure in untagging Thor from every single photo he had with Leif. Right before he handed the phone back he realized Thor was listed as single. 

“Hey- uh….totally no pressure, I just wasn’t sure if you remembered that you were still listed as single on your profile? Wasn’t sure if that was like a PR thing or whatever.” He handed the phone back to Thor and he glanced down at it. 

“Oh…no not particularly, I just didn’t even think to change it. I…am not sure I want to link my account with Loki’s. It will create a huge amount of press and trouble I am not quite ready for, but- well actually…” He stopped walking again and Nicky stopped with him. 

“Maybe I can ask your opinion about this. In a few weeks there is going to be a charity gala that my company and several others in my sector will be attending. I am always allowed to bring a plus one and…well, Sif and the others were telling me I should invite Loki. I…don’t want to put any pressure on him, do you think- do you think he would want to go with me? I’m very happy to go alone but then…perhaps if he accompanied me, I would use that as my announcement that I am in a relationship?” 

Nicky hummed in thought. “Would Loki like to go to a fancy event with you? Absolutely. But…is Loki ready for the kind of scrutiny that would bring on him? And I guess are you ready for the kind of scrutiny it could bring on you? On top of that, Loki is genderfluid, and he could be having a very femme day, or he could just want to wear a dress. Are you able to deal with the consequences of that?” 

Thor didn’t say anything, he just bit his lip and rubbed his fingers together. Nicky hadn’t noticed it earlier, but it seemed to be a nervous tick of his. He imagined it would be easy to hide under a conference room table or in his pocket at an event. He gently took Thor’s hand and he stopped immediately. 

“No pressure to answer now- and I mean you don’t have to give me those answers. But maybe have those questions answered before you ask Loki?” 

“Yes…yes I think you are right. Thank you my-“ he stopped short and glanced down. 

Nicky smirked up at him. “Yeah? How you gonna finish that sentence?” 

“Uhm…would…you like to finish it for me?” 

Nicky laughed. “No, this should be good. Lay it on me Thor. What am I?” 

Thor turned green and red at the same time like a very unhappy Christmas card. He began to worry his finger over Nicky’s hand, but he held tight. 

“Uhm I guess we are, in the definition of the word, lovers?” 

“We are. Is that what you would like to call me casually? ‘Thank you my lover?’” 

Thor thought about it some more. “I suppose…you could also be my baby…” 

Nicky felt a thrill run down his spine at the word, but he tried to stay casual. “Is that something you would say in front of the others? Or on the phone?” 

Thor bit his lip. “Yes…but I am unsure if you wish for me to call you that. I could keep using godgutten.” 

“You could,” Nicky agreed. 

Thor glowered at him. “Do you have a preference?” 

“You’re the one saying it Thor, it has to feel right coming out of your mouth.” 

Thor groaned. “Can I…keep thinking about it?” 

“Of course, doll.” 

Thor smiled softly and they walked back to Nicky’s apartment. When they arrived at his door he turned to look up at Thor. “Would you like to come in and see Loki? Or the others?” Nicky offered. 

Thor checked his watch and his shoulders sagged. “No, I unfortunately should probably have left almost an hour ago. Sif is probably at my house waiting to beat me to death with her presentation binder.” 

Nicky gave him a pitying look. “Okay, well I’ll just go fuck Loki and tell him how you’re my Daddy now-“ 

Thor hauled him against his chest and kissed the breath out of him. When he got some of it back he laughed. “Is that a no- you don’t want me to tell him?” 

“Oh, no, you are welcome to tell him anything you would like- actually then I don’t have to tell him which would be great, as I am still not very good at talking about my other lovers.” 

“Oh that’s right, he’s sleeping over tomorrow right? Okay, I guess I’ll take it easy on him tonight- maybe I’ll let him fuck me instead.” Thor bent down and bit Nicky’s neck. He let out a squeak and then arched into him with a moan when he licked his tongue over the bite. He seemed to do this a lot and Nicky was definitely not complaining. 

“Is that…also just you showing your support?” 

“Mmmm…no. I do not wish for you to feel limited in your activities because of me,” Thor grumbled into his neck.

Nicky pulled back and forced Thor to look at him. “I suppose…that’s fair, since I would never ask you to temper your sex for my benefit but…Loki and I are very vers. I have no problem getting fucked tonight so Loki can get fucked tomorrow.” He winked at Thor who laughed a little uncomfortably. 

“I do not wish to affect your relationship with Loki in any way.” 

“Well, sorry to tell you doll, but that’s not how it works. I’m going to be spending a different amount of time with Loki, and he’s becoming a different person because of you- but none of that is a bad thing. Everytime we add another person to our relationships, all of them change and shift to accommodate and to adapt. And that really is okay. You’ll find that too as you start to explore things with me and then the others. It will change your developing relationship with Loki, but hopefully all for the better.” 

Thor bit his lip and then nodded. Nicky quickly glanced at his hands and saw they were loose at his sides. Thor’s nervous tick was like the stoplight 1-2-3 finger code but for life outside of the bedroom. 

“Alright, doll, I’ll say goodnight then.” Nicky reached back up to give Thor a final hug and kiss goodnight. 

“Goodnight…my baby…” he whispered in Nicky’s ear and he did his best not to shiver, but Thor must have felt it because he chuckled darkly in Nicky’s ear. 

“Goodnight…Daddy.”

Nicky turned his head and gave Thor one last kiss goodbye. 

Nicky walked into his apartment and closed the door behind him. He was ecstatic to see that Charlie and Loki seemed to be waiting for him. 

Loki had his head in Charlie’s lap and Charlie was stroking his hair with one hand and typing on his phone with the other. They both looked up when Nicky walked in and Loki jumped up and ran over to him for a hug. 

“Hi sweetheart,” Nicky said, accepting the hug and then a kiss from Loki. 

Loki’s eyes went wide and he stepped back to give Nicky an appraising look. “You…taste like him,” he noted, with a bit of wonder in his voice. 

“Well, we did just share a goodbye kiss-” 

“You smell like sex,” Charlie said matter of factly from where he was still on the couch, already back on his phone. 

Nicky spluttered indignantly. “Literally, how can you smell it from over there?!” 

Loki gasped, looking utterly scandalized. “Did you really have sex with him on your first date?” 

“Oh, doll…do I have an incredibly sexy story for you I am going to tell you-” he grabbed Loki and pulled him tightly against himself, grinding their hips together, “while you fuck me over the couch. Charlie can listen and watch.” 

Nicky watched Loki’s eyes dilate and even Charlie had to put down his phone. 

“Did you…play?” Charlie asked cautiously and Nicky gave him a wicked smile. 

Loki’s mouth fell open. “Like…Daddy-dom play?” 

Nicky frowned. “Awww, you both ruined the surprise!” 

Loki laughed and kissed Nicky on the cheek, but Charlie was giving him an appraising look. “Maybe we should discuss this a little first and then you can proceed with the couch fucking?” Charlie prompted. 

“Fine! But you’re both absolutely no fun,” Nicky said as he walked over and flopped down on the couch. 

Loki followed behind him and sat down next to him. Nicky flung his legs up onto Loki’s lap and leaned into Charlie’s already open arms and settled against his chest. Charlie gave a sniff and then a small laugh. “Wow you really smell like sex. Did you cum on your clothes?” he asked. 

Nicky glanced down at his shirt but he didn’t notice any stains immediately. “Uhm…possibly? Okay can I just tell you the story please?” 

They both nodded so Nicky started at the beginning. He explained how he accidentally called Thor Daddy when he pulled him out of the sun roof and how he started calling him baby, but in a way that was very different from the sweet pet name Loki had for him. He then told them briefly about the conversation, and about how he and Thor agreed to focus on sex and then romance. Loki raised a critical eyebrow. “I’m sorry- you put me through the slow burn, but you had sex with him on the first date?” 

Nicky gave him a level look. “Yes because I knew that you were someone I was going to fall madly in love with from the start. I don’t feel that with Thor. I feel…well okay- I’m getting there!” 

Loki’s eyes widened but he nodded silently. Charlie had been absently stroking patterns on Nicky’s arm, but his touch stilled. 

He went on to describe them getting back into the car and Thor starting the sexy time with his sinful mouth, to which Loki let out an appreciative laugh. Then he admitted he was the first to say Daddy, and how Thor had been great about seeking consent and how the second he had gotten it Thor had fully locked into the scene. 

He would have left this part out if they were fucking, but because they were just talking he slowly explained the minor panic he had and he gave Loki the cliff notes version of his traumatic experience with his ex. 

Loki’s eyes filled with tears and he looked away until Charlie reached out to him and held his hand. 

Nicky quickly jumped back to the sexy time and he tried to explain some of the more complicated feelings he had during the scene, like a total submission to Thor but not in a purely sexual way. It was like he had handed Thor all of his worries and concerns and was able to just enjoy the scene and play with him. He was a little worried Charlie might take offense, but Charlie’s touch remained soft on his hip and his hand was still loosely holding Loki’s, resting on Nicky’s thigh. 

Finally, he explained that they weren’t sure if they were going to keep doing it outside of the bedroom. However, when they’d gone on their walk, he had felt stressed and said Daddy and felt better when Thor comforted him, and he had comforted Thor when he felt stressed by doing the same and it had seemed to work. He didn’t mention what the stressful conversation was, feeling like it wasn’t his place to tell Charlie. 

Charlie wrapped his arm around Nicky’s chest and squeezed him and Nicky waited for either of them to respond. 

“Well…I can’t believe I’m saying this but that is SO unbelievably hot, and I absolutely want to watch you two do a scene if that’s ever an option,” Loki said, smiling widely at him and squeezing his calf. 

Nicky smiled in relief but then he felt Charlie’s arm tighten even more and he craned his neck to try and look at him. He caught only his profile and he looked thoughtful but not upset. 

“Having a Daddy can be a pretty intense experience, kitten. Even just inside the bedroom. As you’ve already noticed after just your first scene, it can carry over into your everyday life with the person. I think if that is truly what you and Thor want that is completely fine but…just do be mindful of that, love.” 

Nicky nodded. “Yeah I- I think you’re right but…god it just felt so good. Like I immediately knew how we fit together and Thor did too and…he’s never been a Daddy dom and I’ve never been a- a baby-sub and yet somehow it just clicked. For both of us. And I liked being able to give him comfort by calling back to it and yet…not really in that moment being a Daddy-baby pair it was more just like- like reminding him that he is capable of taking control in scary and tough situations? I guess- wait, actually it feels a little like when you first started calling me kitten.” He turned around this time, sitting up so he could look at Charlie. 

He smiled fondly and reached up to stroke Nicky’s cheek and Nicky continued. “It was something we used in the bedroom at first, but then it just became kind of a call out to…to things we’ve been through in and out of the bedroom, but it always makes me feel sweet or makes me feel strong depending on what I really need at that moment. This was…like that. Like I could make him feel strong, and make myself feel safe just by calling back to it?” 

Charlie nodded his head magnanimously as if he was approving of a business deal. “I think that actually makes a huge amount of sense, love. I think you should communicate that to Thor just to make sure you’re both on the same page with it, but-” 

Charlie stopped talking as Nicky pulled out his phone and began to type everything he had just said. “Sorry! I just- need to write this down so I don’t totally lose it and forget to tell him.” 

Charlie laughed affectionately and pulled Nicky back into his arms. 

“I think that was all I had to say anyways, kitten. I think the moral of the story is we both think it’s incredibly hot and can’t wait to bring popcorn to watch your next scene.” 

Nicky looked up from his phone. “You definitely didn’t say you thought it was hot…do you?” 

Charlie smirked. “Yes actually…I think I do. Mostly just because it’s Thor as the Daddy and you as the baby…I don’t think I would like it for anyone else and I despise it in porn-” 

“Oh me too!” Loki said. “I…uhm…I actually tried watching some earlier this week, out of curiosity, and it was so cringey.” 

Nicky bit his lip. “So did I and…I also thought it was really cringey but…it was less cringey when I thought about it and jerked off to it being Thor as the Daddy.” He buried his face in Charlie’s shoulder and Loki and Charlie laughed affectionately as they reached for him. 

“So what was that about me fucking you over the couch as you suck Charlie off?” Loki murmured, already undoing Nicky’s pants as Charlie started to pull off his shirt. 

“Uhm- I don’t think that was what I said but- ughhhh, sounds- mmmm, great,” he stopped trying to talk as Loki began stroking his naked cock, and Charlie began to play with his nipples. 

He did indeed end up bent over the back of the couch, while Charlie kneeled on the cushy seats and Nicky happily sucked him off. 

“Can I not call you baby anymore?” Loki asked after a particularly rough thrust had Nicky whimpering around Charlie’s cock. 

Charlie pulled him off so he could answer Loki.

He coughed a little as he dragged in a full breath of air. “No you totally- ughhh Loki… fucking hell… yes, please still- ahhhhh, please call me that. I love it…so sweet and- oooooh, different. Very different.” Nicky somehow got the whole sentence out even though Loki was purposefully hitting his spot with every thrust. 

Loki laughed breathlessly as he stroked his hand down Nicky’s naked back, catching his fingers on each of the ridges in his spine the way he loved. 

“Good…cause I love calling you my baby. God you’re so sweet, look at you…” 

Nicky whimpered and just as Charlie was guiding his head back down he had an idea. 

“Charlie will…will you drop me? I want to- to compare it to- mmmmmm…to the Daddy play. Please?” he whimpered and Charlie complied. When Nicky took him back into his mouth, Charlie gripped his hair hard and fucked into his mouth. 

Nicky started to drop quickly, as he always did, and he felt himself disconnect, also the way he always did. He had just enough conscious thought capacity to note that it was way different than the Daddy-dom scene before he fully fell into subspace. He floated through both Charlie’s and Loki’s orgasm, and then finally his own. 

He came back up from his little jaunt in subspace curled on the ground with Loki, who was gently stroking his hair and pressing a piece of chocolate to his lips. Nicky took it gratefully and Charlie got up from where he had been sitting at the table, completely naked, working on his laptop. 

“For…fucks sake Charlie…are you seriously working right now?” he mumbled around the sweet in his mouth. 

“Actually,” he said, bringing a glass of water to the floor with him as he sat down next to him and Loki, “I was doing some research on Daddy-dom scenes. Did you notice a difference between subspace and what you felt with Thor?” 

Nicky nodded. “Definitely. Oh! I forgot to mention- when we finished I didn’t have any desire to get up or shower or anything. I was actually kind of…well kind of like you, love,” he said, reaching up to touch Loki’s face. 

Loki smiled warmly. “Cuddly and clingy?” 

“Exactly!” he said, and got his ribs tickled for his sass. He shrieked and laughed, trying to get away from Loki and into Charlie’s lap. Charlie pulled him into his lap and then pulled Loki against his side. 

“Oh- I was also incredibly cold. Is that normal?” Nicky asked. 

Charlie hummed thoughtfully for a moment, rubbing his hand up and down Nicky’s back. “I think that you reach a different kind of subspace, or maybe not even subspace at all when doing Daddy-dom scenes. It has to do with the combination of cortisol, adrenaline, and endorphins that are released from submission and pain, versus from a Daddy-dom scene.”

Nicky blinked at him stupidly. Charlie gazed steadily back. “It can also be a form of escapism, letting you take on a different role, which can help you enter an altered state of consciousness. There’s actually this really interesting research article that talks about top-space. Apparently it’s kind of like a flow state, like when you get really in the zone-“ 

“Like you are right now?” Loki purred teasingly and he stretched out, lying down on the ground, displaying his long tantalizing body to Nicky. 

Nicky looked up at Charlie for a moment and he grinned sheepishly back. Nicky kissed his nose and then slid on top of Loki like a snake. Loki laughed and started to trace patterns into Nicky’s back. 

“You can tell us more Charlie. Nicky will probably fall asleep, but I’m interested!” Loki said. 

“So there’s this theory that for doms…” 

Just as Loki predicted, Nicky started to drift to sleep. As he listened to his lover's soft voices, he hoped he would have great dreams of his three favorite doms.

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Loki and Thor spent Friday night and all of Saturday together, so Nicky prowled around the house looking for trouble and ended up finding it in Steve. He had not intended to talk about the Daddy-dom thing yet, but he did admit that he’d gotten a hand job from Thor in the back of his car. 

However, when Steve sexily asked him if he’d been good, he ended up spilling the whole story. Not only was Steve accepting of the Daddy kink, he was actually so turned on by it he pinned Nicky to his desk and fucked him until he screamed for release. 

Bucky found him an hour or so later, after he had showered and curled up in bed naked. They kissed a little, but in the end they fell asleep curled around each other. 

A little while later, Nicky woke up feeling frisky and decided to wake Bucky up with a blowjob, but Bucky quickly pulled him up, flipped him over and after the absolute minimum of prep, began fucking him into the mattress. The sex was amazing, but pretty quickly afterwards Nicky felt like his skin was trying to crawl off his body. So, he got up and took a too hot, too long shower until Bucky finally came in to drag him out. 

Instead, Nicky pulled Bucky in and they took a normal temperature shower together. Nicky had a feeling it wasn’t just the sex making him anxious. He wanted to tell Bucky about Thor, but he didn’t know what the protocol was- not just because they were ex’s but because he really didn’t know if Bucky would approve of the Daddy-dom arrangement. 

Finally, Bucky grabbed him and pulled him roughly against his chest. “What’s wrong, my love? And please, if you respect me, you will not say ‘nothing’ because you are practically vibrating and it’s making me anxious.” 

Nicky looked down at his pruney toes. “I…hooked up with Thor in his limo and I think I might have a Daddy kink I’m going to explore with him and it made me feel better then I’ve ever felt after sex and I’m afraid because I want to tell you, but I don’t know if you want to hear about Thor, or Thor and me, or me and Daddy-dom play or me and Thor and Daddy-dom play and I’m sad because I’m so fucking in love with you but I feel like you might…think I’m disgusting.” 

Nicky wasn’t sure if he actually took a single breath in that proclamation, but he did now, and it was shaky and a little wet. 

“Nicky?” Bucky spoke quietly, but Nicky refused to look up at him. Bucky tried to lift his chin, but he refused that too. 

Finally, he bent down so his face was in Nicky’s line of sight. Nicky let out a small huff and finally lifted his chin so Bucky could stand back up. 

“Okay. First of all, I am also madly in love with you, and could never find you disgusting for something as benign as wanting to call a huge, gorgeous, very obvious dom, ‘Daddy.’ Okay?” 

Nicky tried to look away again but Bucky grabbed his face. 

“Second- you can always tell me about all of your lovers and all of your feelings, sexual and otherwise. I have no problem with Thor! It’s not like we broke up and it’s going to hurt my feelings. Our thing just ran its course and also I can still barely keep up with four lovers, five is just not feasible for me. We can’t all have the sexual stamina of a sixteen year old and a heart filled with never ending, over flowing love.” He smiled at Nicky and Nicky bit his lip and tried to look away a third time. 

Bucky grabbed his face with both hands. “Nicky! What is going on? Why…are you mad at me? Did I…did I do something? Oh shit- is this because I made the joke about you not calling Thor Daddy last weekend? Oh sweetheart, I’m sorry. I thought you meant it as a joke and I just thought it was a dumb joke that might make him uncomfortable. I didn’t know…shit Nicky, I’m so sorry-“ 

“No its…it’s not that, I mean- it’s mostly not that. I just- I don’t know…you’re really not a dom or a sub…I guess sometimes I just worry that you’ll find out one too many of my kinks and it will be too much for you…” 

Bucky was silent for a moment and then he pulled their faces together so he could rest his forehead on Nicky’s. 

“Is this about your ex? Did HE shame your Daddy kink?” 

Nicky grudgingly explained what had happened and he went into way more detail than he had with Thor or Loki. Bucky knew a lot more about his ex than anyone else in his life, aside from Charlie. It somehow made it easier for Nicky to go into the darker details, like how it had been one of the times his ex had tied him to the bed and refused to let him go until he submitted to the Daddy play, but then turned around and shamed him ruthlessly for it. He had made him think Charlie would find him disgusting and never want to be with him again, knowing he wanted a Daddy and not just a lover. 

“Oh Nicky, my love. My sweet, sensitive, beautiful love. You and your kinks are so sexy, and so pure. I’m so sorry you were ever made to feel otherwise. If I have ever done anything to make you feel that way I am so sorry and I will make it up to you, I swear.”

Nicky had begun to cry but he shook his head and pressed himself into Bucky’s arms.

“You don’t…think it’s weird?” 

“A Daddy kink? No, Nicky of course not. Besides, I honestly think it makes total sense for you. Even when you submit to Charlie and Steve you’re still you. You’re still your petulant feisty self,” Bucky said smiling and leaning in for a quick kiss. “But being Thor’s baby, especially because he’s so sweet and kind, might give you the chance to submit without having to fight. Or maybe it just gives you one more avenue to be bratty which is also totally fine but…yeah. I can definitely see it.” 

Nicky felt absolutely blown away by Bucky. On second thought though, he pretty much always was blown away by Bucky, so really this all seemed just about right. 

“I’m so sorry I doubted you…” he whispered and Bucky pulled him in for a long kiss. 

“It’s okay. I know everything with Loki and Thor has made you feel off kilter and maybe a little insecure and now this old kink is popping up for you and it has some trauma you’re trying to sort through. I'm here to help if you need absolutely anything.”

“Just…you. God I need you… please…” Nicky whimpered and Bucky let him slide to his knees and suck him off and Bucky came quickly, crying out and trying to pull Nicky off before he came. Nicky kept his mouth sealed around his cock though and swallowed in penance.

Bucky laughed shakily. “You also love punishment and atonement… so literally this kink was made for you.” 

Nicky blushed but didn’t argue as he stood up and accepted a loving kiss from Bucky.

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Nicky waited until Monday afternoon to ask Loki for Thor’s number. Loki immediately complied and texted it to him. He pulled up his notes app and reviewed everything he wanted to tell Thor about Daddy-dom play, as well as the fact that he’d told the whole house and it had gone incredibly well. 

Before he could overthink it, he dialed Thor’s number. 

“Hi! It’s uh- Nicky!” He said a little too eagerly when Thor answered. 

“Ah, my baby! Did you miss me?” Thor purred into the phone and Nicky had meant to play it cool, but he immediately slipped up. 

“Yes, Daddy,” he almost whispered. 

He could hear Thor’s breath catch. 

“Good…I missed you too.” 

“But…I also wanted to tell you something and ask you something,” Nicky admitted breathlessly. 

“Oh?” 

“Yeah. Uhm…I was wondering if you were free again? Before you leave?” Nicky didn’t mean to sound so desperate, but suddenly he felt desperate. Desperate to talk to Thor, to see him and to figure out what this thing was they were building between them. 

“Oh…baby, I’m so sorry. I don’t think I am- I have plans with Sif on Wednesday and then I promised Loki-“

“Oh, okay- no it’s fine, please don’t worry about it,” Nicky interrupted, feeling a little silly. 

“Nicholas, it’s not fine. I’m sorry. I should have prioritized finding time with you as well, this trip is just incredibly hectic-“ 

“It’s okay! Really. Can…can I still tell you what I wanted to tell you?”

“Of course. I’d love to hear it.” 

He quickly explained his thoughts about using Daddy and baby outside of the bedroom and Thor actually thought that sounded like exactly how he felt using it as well. 

Nicky then shared how all of his partners knew about his Daddy kink and they were all supportive. At least two of them were even more than supportive, they wanted to watch. 

Thor let out a thick laugh. “How about next time I’m in town…we take them up on that?” 

Nicky groaned into the phone and then there was silence. 

“…what are you doing right now?” Thor asked suddenly. 

“Why, did you discover you’re free enough to come see me?” Nicky teased. 

“Sadly no…But...” Whatever Thor was saying was drowned out by an incoming facetime call. Nicky was so startled he almost declined, but then he realized it was Thor.

Nicky was currently lying in bed shirtless, his hair mussed up from anxiously yanking at it before and during their call. He scrambled up into a sitting position and pressed the accept button.

“Hi?” Nicky asked tentatively as Thor came into view. He was sitting at a desk and the angle and stability of the camera made Nicky think he was calling from a laptop. That, and he also had headphones in. 

He was dressed in a crisp button down without a tie and his shirt sleeves were rolled up. He looked absolutely amazing and Nicky was disheveled, and half naked. Great. 

“Hi,” Thor said, all calm, cool and confident, and Nicky’s stomach tightened as his heart lurched. “I have some time before my next meeting and you sounded so sad we wouldn’t be able to see each other this week, I just thought-“ 

“Oh, Thor, no it’s okay. Really I shouldn’t have called you during work hours anyways, I’m sorry-

“And,” Thor said, his lips quirking up as he interrupted Nicky interrupting him, “I thought maybe you could use a little attention from your Daddy.” 

Nicky’s eyes widened and he bit his lip. He felt the muscles in his back do a weird spasm between tensing and relaxing, as his body tried to parse through the conflicting emotions he was feeling. Want, and need, warring with the desperate desire not to be a burden or to take advantage of Thor’s kindness and interest. 

“Or…if I was mistaken, then I can just let you go-“ 

“No! Daddy, please!” he whined, again completely surprising himself with how easy it was to slip into this role. 

Thor smiled, slow and sweet. “Okay, baby. I need you to be good and quick for me now. Do you have a laptop you could call me back on? And does your door lock? I need your hands free and I don’t want anyone else seeing you like this. Not until I can show them what a good baby you are for me in person.”

Nicky glanced over and saw his laptop on his desk. He nodded quickly and Thor smiled. “Okay. Go get it, and once it’s on and set up, call me back. I’m going to lock my door as well.” He winked at the camera and then hung up. 

Nicky threw off the covers and bolted for his laptop. On the way back to the bed he darted into his closet and did something bold. He grabbed a pair of his lacy boyshort underwear. He loved sexy underwear, but he didn’t like the way the elastic in women’s underwear bit into his hips. Loki had introduced him to the world of men’s sexy lingerie, and Nicky had dove in head first. 

This pair was cut like a pair of really short boxer briefs, but made entirely of lace. He loved how sexy it made him feel, he just didn’t wear them often because even with the better cut, they weren’t the most comfortable with so much lace. 

He used to wear sexy lacey things for his Skype sessions with Charlie when they both traveled so often. Maybe it would become something he wore for Thor. 

He settled back onto the bed, not even bothering to put his sweats back on. He just pulled the sheet over his lap, opened the app, and dialed Thor. He answered on the first ring. 

“Hi baby- wow look how pretty you look all flushed.” 

Nicky felt a little hot from his sprint around the room, and he flushed even darker at the praise. He wasn’t sure what Thor wanted to do on his break, but Nicky really hoped it was phone sex otherwise he was wearing sexy underwear for nothing. 

“How can I help, little one. What would make you feel better right now?” 

“I…want to be good,” he whispered. 

Thor raised an eyebrow. “You want to be good for me?” 

Nicky nodded. 

“You want Daddy to tell you what to do, so you can do it?” he asked and Nicky shivered and nodded. “And you want it to be…sexy?” Nicky immediately nodded again and Thor smirked. 

“Good. Now I want you to lean back for me baby, Daddy wants to see you. Didn’t get to really see you last time.”

Nicky was thinking the same thing in his head right as Thor said it, but instead of feeling stage fright he felt emboldened. He placed the laptop at the perfect angle to catch his entire naked chest and his lap. 

“Oh baby… look at you… so pretty,” Thor cooed and Nicky’s eyes fell shut at the praise.

“I want you to touch yourself. Just your chest. Use soft touches, I just want you to get used to the feel of your hands. But. I want you to imagine that they’re my hands.”

Nicky did as instructed and slowly began to run his fingers up and down his chest starting at his shoulders then going down to his hips then back up. He brushed his hands over his collarbone and imagined Thor digging his fingernails or maybe even his teeth into them, so he did that to himself and moaned. 

“Oh, good boy…” Thor whispered in English. 

It surprised Nicky and he arched his back in pleasure at the praise and at his fingers which were now brushing over his nipples. 

“So sensitive…god look at that pretty arch…are you going to arch off the bed like that for me?” 

“Yes Daddy,” he whispered. 

“Good. Don’t stop.” 

He kept stroking his chest until he came back to his nipples and then he began to lose focus, circling and brushing, pinching and flicking. He began to pant at the pleasure and Thor was silent on the other end, just watching him. 

Nicky missed his praise though so he kept touching himself with feather light touches and looked at the screen. 

“I-…Daddy c-can I show you what I’m wearing? For you?” 

“Of course baby,” his eyes were dark with lust and it made Nicky shiver. 

Nicky readjusted the laptop and tilted it slightly so it would catch his face and then all the way down to his upper thighs. Slowly, almost painfully slow, he pulled the sheets down off his legs. 

Thor gasped quietly. 

“Are those lace panties? For me? Oh my sexy little one…” Thor groaned and Nicky whimpered. 

“I…love it when you call me that…” 

“My little one?” Thor asked, his voice more husk than sound. 

“Y-yes,” Nicky stuttered. “A-and your baby.” 

Thor hummed happily. “Well…you are my sweet little one. My beautiful baby...God look at your sweet little ass…Baby, I want you to touch yourself, through all that lace. Can you do that?”

“Y-yes Daddy.”

“Nice and slow baby. There you go, just like that.” 

He started stroking himself through the lace and it shifted and caught against his skin, causing delicious competing sensations. He’d done this before but he forgot how good it felt. “Mmmmmm… ooooh… it feels good…” 

“Good baby, that’s so good. What else do you need, little one? How about your nipples? You can touch them again.” 

“O-okay.” He lifted his other hand up to his nipple and tweaked it hard. 

“No, baby, soft and sweet, just like you.” 

He nodded and began to gently ghost his fingers over his nipple. He let out a soft gasp and found it actually felt amazing in contrast with the rough lace rubbing against his cock.

“Does that feel good baby? 

“Yes Daddy,” Nicky whimpered. 

“Good. Keep going.” 

He kept going, but after another minute or two he wanted more talking. He wasn’t sure how to ask for it though. 

“Daddy.”

“Yes baby?”

“I- I just…really like saying it…and hearing you respond.” 

Thor smiled. “You prefer a lot of talking in bed? And- I guess, over the phone?” 

“Yes…” he whined.

“You need me to talk more?” 

“Please Daddy…”

Thor smiled widely at him. “Thank you for asking for what you need, baby. We’re still new at this, so I won’t know unless you ask. My good boy…” 

Nicky whimpered.

“I want to see you arch your back again in those pretty panties. Go a little faster, baby.” 

Nicky complied, stroking himself faster and twisting his wrist a little with each upstroke. 

He moaned but it wasn’t quite the toe curling pleasure he was looking for. 

Thor hummed on the computer screen. “Are you imagining it’s me, baby? Do you remember how it felt when my hands were on you?” 

Nicky did remember and he closed his eyes and pictured he was back in Thor’s lap and it was Thor touching him through his naughty underwear. He squeezed a little harder and then his back did arch. 

“Ooh, Daddy-“ his voice broke around another moan when he heard Thor groan on screen.

“So beautiful. You’re so beautiful. Next time I have you in my lap I’m going to make you arch just like that. Maybe pin you by your throat again, but let your back arch, bend and bow just like that.”

Nicky could picture it and almost feel it, Thor’s hand around his throat again. He moaned pitifully. 

“Don’t stop baby. Touch the tip, just like I would with my hands.” 

Nicky did so and gasped at the feel of the lace dragging across his slit. 

“Again.” 

He did it again and groaned. 

“Lick your fingers, and keep touching your nipples. I can’t wait to get my mouth on them…so pink and sweet- want to roll them between my teeth…” 

“Please,” Nicky whimpered, doing as instructed. He brushed his wet fingers over his nipple the same time he dragged his thumb over his slit again. 

“Daddy!” he cried and his back arched painfully off the bed. He fell back down with a huff and his hands stuttered for a moment. His head felt fuzzy and he was finding it hard to concentrate. It wasn’t subspace, but it was something similar. He really wanted to be good for Thor, but he found it a little hard to get going again, even though he definitely wanted more. 

“Do you have any toys nearby, baby?” Thor asked. 

Nicky nodded, relishing the fact that Thor seemed to sense exactly what he needed. 

“Grab what you have and show me- quickly little one.” 

He scrambled onto all fours to reach into his nightstand and Thor groaned. 

He looked back over his shoulder at the camera and realized Thor was getting a nice view of his bent over ass covered in lace. 

“Baby…can I take a screenshot of you like that? Just for me…” 

“O-okay…you can take as many as you want,” Nicky whispered, thrilling at the idea of Thor having this photo saved on his laptop for his personal viewing whenever he wanted. 

“My good boy…” 

“Daddy-“ his voice was high and needy and his eyes fell shut. 

“Focus baby. Show me your toys.” 

Nicky pulled out everything in the drawer. It was a mix of all five of their toys. They deep cleaned them after each use because they liked to share all their play things. 

He showed Thor a butt plug, beads, a dildo, two different types of vibrators, a cock ring, and this really naughty thing that looked like a tube and felt like a mouth. Nicky didn’t use that one often, it was almost too much and he usually didn’t last long. Although maybe that was what he needed now. 

“Wow…which…which one is your favorite?” Thor asked, his voice having gone quiet, but somehow darker. 

He held up the final toy without hesitation. 

“Oh god…good boy…okay baby. I want you to pull down those pretty panties for me- just enough to pull yourself out, okay?” 

Nicky shoved all the toys aside and did as instructed. 

“Now, I want you to put it on. Do it now.” 

Nicky did as instructed. It was a little tight and felt strange when it wasn’t on. “Turn it on baby…” 

Nicky swallowed hard and then did as he was told. He immediately arched off the bed with a small shout. 

“Oh. good boy…” Thor’s voice was wrecked as he watched Nicky writhe in pleasure. 

Nicky started moaning and crying out and babbling absolute nonsense. 

“Oh god- Daddy, mmm- no, please- ahhh, I- I, no- Daddyyyy.”

Thor laughed affectionately. “I do not know why you are saying no when it is so clearly yes.” 

Nicky squirmed and moaned, throwing his head back against the pillow. “Too- too much, Daddy, please, t-too much-“ he wondered suddenly if he was saying Daddy too often and he clamped his mouth shut for a few moments, whimpering through his teeth. 

“Baby- I want to hear you, don’t stop.” 

“D-dont want-t… s-say Daddy t-too much,” Nicky gritted out through his teeth, as wave after wave of pleasure threatened to drown him. 

“God baby, no. I love you calling me Daddy…don’t stop. Please. You can say it as much as you need. It’s so sexy.” 

Hearing Thor begging, and almost as desperate for it as Nicky was, broke some brain-mouth connection for Nicky and he just let loose. 

“P-please Daddy, I-I’m being s-so good. Please… n-need you, Daddy…” 

“I’m right here baby. Let yourself give in to it…give in to me,” Thor growled. 

Nicky threw his arms up next to his head like Thor was there, holding him down, and he begged. 

“W-want you to- hold me down Daddy. Please- need you- want you-“ 

“I will very, very happily hold you down, baby…play with those pretty pink nipples…suck you, rim you, fuck you…tie you up and spank you…whatever you want baby. It’s yours.” 

Nicky started to thrust his hips. The toy was stuck on him, so it didn’t make much difference, but it felt good to let his muscles respond how they wanted to and apparently it looked pretty good to Thor, because he let out a rough moan. 

“G-good for D-Daddy?” Nicky whimpered.

“Yes, baby- so good for Daddy. Fucking look at you…don’t stop.” 

Nicky couldn’t have stopped if he tried. He was careening towards the edge of a cliff with no breaks. 

“D-Daddy, g-gonna cum…ooooh-“ 

“Cum for me, baby. I’m right here.” 

“O-ooh, I- oh god- Thor-!” Nicky saw Thor’s eyes close and he bit his lip around a smile as Nicky came violently into the toy. His entire body shook as the orgasm rolled through him. He arched his back and cried out and had to rip the toy off himself as it kept vibrating, pulling him through his climax and somehow past it. 

“O-oh fuck… I…ooh.” 

Nicky curled in on himself and began to shiver. So strange, this weird cold sensation. 

“Nicholas? Can you hear me little one?” 

“Y-yes,” he whimpered. 

“Nicholas, my sweet boy… I need you to go get someone, okay? I don’t want you to be alone right now and I can’t hold you or keep you warm from here. As we keep playing, we’ll figure out exactly what kind of after care you need, but I don’t want you crashing, okay?” 

“I… don’t want…to move…” he mumbled and his eyes slowly closed and he shivered and shook in the middle of the bed. The covers were thrown down by the foot of the bed and he couldn’t seem to find the energy to get up to get them. 

“Okay baby…I’m going to call Loki okay?” 

“Mmm…” Nicky mumbled, his eyes falling shut. 

“Faen- Nicholas, did you lock the door?” Thor asked suddenly. 

“Nah…don't…lock doors here…” he murmured because it was true. They just closed their doors if they wanted privacy and everyone respected it or assumed they would be asked to join. Or, in Nicky's case, he would often be “punished” for interrupting, which he of course loved to do to Charlie. 

Speaking of, a few moments later the door opened and Charlie stepped in and smiled down at him lovingly. Nicky felt like his heart might actually explode. 

“Charlie!” he cried happily and Charlie quickly made his way into the bed, pulling Nicky’s sweaty, shivering body into his arms. 

“Hi kitten- sounds like you had some fun?” he murmured in Nicky’s hair. He began to stroke Nicky’s arm as he looked up and at the laptop screen. “Thank you for calling Loki. He wanted me to come in, since I have more experience with subspace and crashing, but…looks like he’s not in subspace- some kind of in between, Daddy-dom space.” 

“Yes, that’s what it looked like to me too. He gets really cold and cuddly- also seems to need a fair amount of attention and reassurance. Is that anything like his normal subspace or post-sex state?” Thor asked. His voice was back to its normal timber, and a little softer than usual. Nicky closed his eyes as he listened to his two lovers talk. 

Charlie shook his head. “Quite the opposite, actually. I think for the time being, while we figure this out, would you mind calling me instead of Loki-“

“I love Loki!” Nicky burst out, that brain mouth connection still completely broken it seemed. 

Charlie laughed and he heard Thor’s warm chuckle as well. “I know, kitten. And Loki loves you. I’m just going to do your aftercare for these scenes for a little while, okay?”

“Okay…I love you too!” he said quickly. 

Charlie’s next laugh was softer, more private. “I love you too, Nicholas…more than any subspace or Daddy-space is going to keep you from me,” he murmured directly into Nicky’s ear. 

He then turned back to the laptop and spoke louder. “I’ll have Loki send you my number and you can call me from now on?” 

“Perfect, thank you Charles.” 

“Of course.” 

Charlie began stroking Nicky’s back and he shivered at both the touch and the cold. Charlie brushed his fingers over the lace of his underwear and then reached down to the end of the bed to grab the covers. 

“You dressed up pretty for Thor? What a good boy…” Charlie said as he wrapped them both in the blanket. 

“That he is…” Thor murmured thoughtfully. 

Charlie looked up at the camera and scoffed. “Really? That…is actually rather surprising. I figured in a Daddy-baby relationship Nicholas would be a brat.” 

Thor chuckled. “I am not going to lie…that was also my assumption. But no, he is…Nicholas, you are such a good boy. So obedient and sweet.” 

Nicky loved that Thor switched to talk to him not about him when he was delivering praise. He blushed and buried his face in Charlie’s button down clad chest. 

“Well…he is definitely sweet,” Charlie murmured, combing fingers through his hair. 

“Well, I’m going to leave you to it Charles-“ Thor tried to say. 

“No! Daddy, don’t leave!” Nicky cried out, trying to sit up, but Charlie kept him pinned to his chest. 

“Nicholas…” Charlie chided and Nicky collapsed back onto his chest. 

“I have to go back to work little one,” Thor said affectionately. 

Nicky felt dread crawl down his spine. He couldn’t believe he’d just said that in front of Charlie and that he’d done a fucking scene while Thor was at work. He shivered violently and suddenly felt a little unsure of the whole thing.

“I’m…sorry…” Nicky mumbled and to his surprise, Charlie gently turned him over in his arms so he was leaning with his back against Charlie’s chest so he could see Thor, and Thor could see him. 

“No- baby! Why are you apologizing? I video called you remember? This is exactly what I wanted to do on my break, and you were so perfect for me. Godgutten min.” 

Nicky whimpered and tried to turn back into Charlie’s arms. He caught a concerned expression on Charlie’s face. 

“Nicholas. Look at Daddy please,” Thor called gently and Nicky immediately looked at the screen. 

Thor was grinning broadly, leaning back in his chair, his shirt a little mussed up and a flush still adorning his cheeks. “There you are…my perfect boy. Thank you for an amazing break from what was becoming an awful day. You were exactly what I needed…you are exactly what I need, baby. Thank you.” 

Nicky flushed and this time when he tried to hide his face it was out of an embarrassed pleasure. 

“Say goodbye to Thor, love,” Charlie urged him, gently turning his face to look back at Thor.

“Bye Daddy…” he whispered and Thor smiled. 

“Bye baby. We’ll talk soon, yes? And you have my number now. Text or call me any time you’d like. I’m looking forward to it.” 

“Okay…” 

Thor winked at the camera and then he clicked off.

The silence was all encompassing and Nicky quickly flipped back over into Charlie’s arms. 

“I…I’m sorry-“ 

“No, absolutely not. Thor wouldn’t let you do this guilt thing and neither will I. We don’t shame each other in this house, Nicholas. Neither of us is ever going to shame you. So don’t do it to yourself either.” 

Nicky thought about that for a few minutes. Where was all this shame coming from recently? There had been so much of it in the shower with Bucky he thought maybe he’d gotten it all out. 

“I just…don’t want anyone to think badly of me or…think I’m a burden…” he said, trying to understand it himself. 

“Nicholas, Thor looked happier than I have ever seen him, except when he is looking at Loki, who he is clearly smitten with. And you know how much I love taking care of you.” 

Charlie had once described it as not so much a kink, but rather his life purpose. He wanted to spend the rest of his life loving and taking care of Nicky, and Nicky wanted that too. He just hadn’t thought that had meant taking care of him after he had sex, phone or in person, with other people. But that was how it had gone with each of his new lovers. Charlie was always there for him. 

Thor though, Thor was new to all of this and it seemed like maybe Nicky actually did require some after care. 

“I…I think maybe it’s hard that…instead of walking away, now I'm demanding and needing- I don’t know…love, attention, affirmation…it feels like you and Thor would be better off if I just walked away-“ 

“No!” Charlie nearly snarled. 

Nicky jumped and pulled out of Charlie’s arms. He immediately looked contrite, and he reached out a hand to stroke Nicky’s cheek. 

“Please…don’t ever say that Nicholas…you walking away is a learned trauma response. It is never a good thing. It is something you learned to do to survive and we all continue to let you do it, because it makes you feel safe. But…love, I would much rather hold you in my arms every day, twice a day, three times a day- I don’t care. I would rather be able to comfort you and care for you than have you need to rely on a trauma response. And Thor very clearly wants to be your Daddy-dom and that means he wants to take care of you as well. Not just during but very clearly after sex as well.” 

Tears had started to collect in Nicky’s eyes and he blinked and they all started to roll down his cheeks. 

Charlie brushed some of them away with his thumbs. “My sweet Nicholas…I love you so much. Truly…more than any type of aftercare will ever bother me and…I am so happy to see you responding in new, different ways to sex. I think we should make a few appointments with our sex therapist and maybe you can even invite Thor to one of them but…I think this is a beautiful, amazing thing you have found with Thor.” 

Nicky nodded, wiping at his cheeks with the palms of his hands. “O-okay.” 

Charlie pulled him back against his chest and Nicky pulled at the lapel of his dress shirt. 

Charlie quickly unbuttoned it and pulled it open so he was bare chested against Nicky’s bare chest. Nicky let out a large sigh and nestled into his embrace. Charlie slid even lower down the bed so Nicky could settle completely onto his chest. 

“I love holding you and comforting you like this, kitten. You feel so good…” Charlie murmured against his forehead.

Nicky nodded and was suddenly unbelievably exhausted. “Can I…sleep now…”

Charlie shifted under him and pulled out his phone from his back pocket. “Yes, love. You can sleep. I’ll do some work on my phone.” 

Nicky nodded into his chest and Charlie pulled the blanket up over his shoulders.

“Love you…” Nicky murmured and he didn’t even get to hear Charlie’s response before he fell asleep. 

Chapter Text

“So do I get to meet him soon?” Fandral drawled. He was currently sprawled across Thor’s back, as Thor lounged on his stomach, texting. They were both a little sweaty from the sex they had an hour earlier. Neither of them were in much of a hurry, so they were just lounging in their boxers. 

“Who?” Thor asked absently. 

“Fy fain, Thor, the gorgeous man you’re texting.”

Thor chuckled and he felt it reverberate into the bed and back into Fandral. “Well, I’m texting two of them right now, so you’ll have to be more specific.” 

“Well I am assuming you are bringing your love to the gala, not your baby- but really I would like to meet either.” 

Thor groaned and dropped his head to the bed. Fandral insisting that Loki was his love was getting on his nerves. 

He’d told Fandral about the Daddy-dom play with Nicky and asked if he had any advice or experience. Apparently Fandral had actually played with a Daddy-dom before. He gave Thor a few pointers before they both became too turned on to do anything but sink into each other’s bodies and mouths. 

Thor groaned again. While that had been great, he had to make a decision soon about if he was going to have Loki join him as his plus one at the gala next weekend. Really he probably should have given him much more warning than just a week, but he still wasn’t sure what to do. 

“Hello- yes, hi this is Fandral- yes Loki it’s wonderful to speak with you as well-“

Thor jerked his head up to see his phone was no longer on the bed. “Fandral-” he shouted and tried to turn over. Fandral was not a small person- nothing like Loki and Nicky- so he did what any annoying best friend would do and scrambled up and sat on Thor’s back, refusing to let him get up and batting away his hands. 

“Yes, so I’m calling to ask if you’re free next Friday?” 

“No! Fandral-” Thor yelled. 

“Yes, please pay no attention to Thor yelling- I had to restrain him, and while he’s a big fan of bondage for others he’s not as big into it for himself- oh you are free? Fantastic! Here’s Thor. He would like to invite you to a gala. Can’t wait to meet you!“

Fandral shoved the phone against Thor’s cheek. He tore it from his grip hoping maybe he had been faking it, but no. Loki’s name was on the screen as well as a selfie they had taken together the previous week. Thor had taken Loki to the zoo and he’d demanded they take a selfie with the peacocks wandering around the plaza. 

“Hi!” Loki’s sweet voice chimed over his phone speaker.

“Hi kjære…” he murmured as he bucked his hips viscously, dislodging a laughing Fandral. Showing absolutely no remorse, he slid off Thor and sauntered to the bathroom. 

“Should I just disregard everything he said? If it’s still too early to announce we’re dating to paparazzi and all that I totally understand,” Loki asked, laughing softly. 

God, Loki was too good to him. It would be too easy to just brush it off and not have to have this conversation. 

“No it’s not that- I mean, that is something to consider. It’s going to create a lot of public scrutiny and people will look into you and your life but…since you’re American I don’t think many people will care too much. Once they find out you’re not European nobility they tend to lose interest….But no, it’s…Leif is going to be there…”

“…and you don’t want him to see you with me?” Loki’s voice was soft and steady, but Thor could hear an edge to it. He sat up so fast he almost dropped his phone. 

“No! I mean- I’m not trying to shove you in his face or anything even though- I mean you are amazing and very worthy of bragging and shoving in people’s faces but…no. I…I’m afraid he’s going to try and- and talk to you and…” he trailed off. 

He hated how tongue tied and useless his mouth was being right now. He had two dueling fears in his mind and he didn’t seem to be able to speak to either one. He was afraid Leif was going to try and talk to Loki and turn him against Thor, but he was also afraid he was going to get in Thor’s head. 

“And…you’re worried he’ll say bad things about you and I’ll- what…believe him? Thor…if he told me the sky was blue I probably wouldn’t believe him. I have no intention of listening to a word he says, honestly I have no interest in speaking with him at all-“ 

“But that’s part of the problem,” Thor sighed. “It’s a work event so I have to be civil and- not just civil but social. His-…husband is very wealthy and in our sphere, wealth is power. Obviously they could never try to harm me or my company because everyone knows he cheated on me, but…if I were to ever slip up, even the tiniest bit, they would be able to do as they please and really hurt our company, blaming it on me and my behavior. Also it does not look good if I or my kjæreste ignores him.” Thor took a deep shaky breath and decided to just say the rest. 

“And I know him…he’s going to take advantage of that and spend as much time trying to bother me as possible. He’s- well he’s done it before. I’ve seen him at two events since we broke up and he was…incessant. And each of those times was very, very hard on me and…it caused me to regress in my mental health. The first time it sent me into a manic phase and the second time I was depressed for several weeks after.” 

Loki was silent and Thor could hear Fandral singing in the shower. The sound made Thor’s heart ache. He could just hang up and stop worrying about the future and how he was going to keep working in the same sphere as Leif for the rest of his life. He could go have sex with his best friend and feel safe and cared for. But then Loki’s lovely voice came through the phone again. 

“Thor…my darling. I want to be there for you in whatever way you want me. If you just want me to call you before you go to the gala, or if you want to call me after? We can do that. Or if you want me to come to Norway and just stay in a hotel and see you before and after, or if you want me there with you to deflect some of the stress and attention from Leif. I will do whatever you need.” 

Thor slowly curled onto his side on the bed. He took a long breath and held it for a count of five and then let it out for a count of five. “I…want you there…” he finally admitted, to himself and to Loki. “But-“

“No ‘but’. I’ll be there. When do you need me? I’ll go look at tickets right now and- oh god…I guess I’m going to need something to wear, right? I’m assuming it’s black tie? I- uh, do not own that- but I’ll find something! Okay-” there was a shuffling sound and Thor closed his eyes at the flood of emotions crashing through him. He felt overwhelmed, overjoyed, anxious, exasperated, and terrified. 

He stiffened in surprise as he felt a large, slightly damp body press up against his back. Fandral must have finished his shower and found Thor curled up in his bed like when they were small boys. They spent most of their childhood sleeping over at each other’s houses. Cuddling the way only children could do, so freely. Fandral fit himself around Thor’s back now and he wrapped an arm around his waist. 

The shuffling stopped and Loki’s voice returned. “-alright! I have a pen and paper! So what time do you need me to fly in-“ 

Thor had to think fast to stop Loki from booking himself an absurdly expensive commercial flight. 

“Loki, you’ll fly there with me. I will come out…let’s say on Tuesday, do some work and see you and then we can fly back together on Thursday-“

“Thor no, that’s absurd. You don’t have to come all the way here just to fly me back. I’m sure-“ 

“Sif wishes for Val and her parents to be there as well, so they were already planning on flying out next Thursday. We will join them. I’m sure they would love to meet you.” Valkyrie’s parents adored Thor and often invited him over for meals when they were all in America or Norway at the same time. Her parents split their time between Norway, America and Germany where they had business and family. 

“Oh…well did you just want me to fly with them on Thursday? You don’t have to come out- ”

“Loki. I want to see you and Nicholas. I miss you both terribly, it will have been almost three weeks by the time I get to see you, and if I don’t visit, I will not see Nicholas for another full week.”  

Loki went silent and Thor had to close his eyes again. 

“Okay sweetheart. I hear you. And…I miss you too and I know Nicky will be absolutely ecstatic to see you.” 

Thor felt Fandral nuzzle into his neck and he took a deep steadying breath. 

“And about clothing, uhm… do you think maybe I could ask Sif about where she got that gorgeous jewel toned suit she wore to dinner with Valkyrie and her parents? It was so beautiful.”

“Yes, that is a good idea actually. I will talk to Sif as soon as we are done. How long would you like to stay after? I was planning on returning to the U.S. that Sunday. I…know this is a big event so we may want to quarantine afterwards for a few days before we can take a test. You of course would be welcome to stay with me?” 

“Oh that sounds perfect actually! Very safe and…it’s okay? That we…spend that much time together?”

“It is very much okay with me, so it is up to you-“ 

“Yes! Yes that sounds…amazing Thor. Wow, I’m so excited to see you! Will I get to-“ 

Fandral reached around Thor and grabbed the phone from him and put it on speaker. 

“Loki!” 

“-meet your friends? Fandral! Hello! I was just asking Thor if I would get to meet you?” 

“But of course you will! And Jeanpaul, Luis, and Hogun as well!” 

Thor actually had no idea any of them were coming, but it figured the first time he was going to have to see Leif in over three months the reinforcements would show up. He loved his friends so dearly and he felt a warm glow light up his chest when he thought about Loki being included in their ranks. 

Loki and Fandral chatted excitedly about all of the things they were going to do together in Norway while Thor grabbed his phone back. He left it on speaker and began to text Sif about the suit. 

She responded that there was no way they’d be able to get Loki one in time, but she thought they actually might be the same size. She was planning on staying in Norway, so she offered to bring some clothes over with her that next Thursday when she came to meet Valkyrie and they would go from there. 

“We will definitely take you clubbing. You haven’t truly partied unless you’ve partied in a Norwegian club!” Fandral said as Thor focused back on their conversation. 

“Okay! Wow I haven’t been to a club in over a year, or actually…probably longer. I’ll have to find something to wear.“ 

“As little as possible!” Fandral exclaimed. Thor growled angrily and moved to sit up and take the phone far away from Fandral, but he held fast to Thor’s waist. 

“Okay well I might have to take Thor’s word on it. I wouldn’t want to…reflect poorly on him.” 

“Nonsense- you should see what I wear when we go out and we’ve been best friends our whole life. I don’t think there’s anything you could wear that would upset anyone more than I do.”

That was true for the most part. There would be different scrutiny for Loki because he would be Thor’s kjæreste, but he loved the way Loki dressed and he felt his back stiffen and his cock grow a little hard imaging what he would look like in actual clubbing clothes. 

Fandral felt the slight shift in his body and he reached a hand around to stroke softly at Thor’s stomach.

“Loki, it has been so lovely speaking with you. I think Thor and I are going to spend the rest of the day together and he’ll be back in your very capable hands in just a few days.” 

“Yes, it was lovely speaking with you! Can’t wait to meet you! And Thor…I can’t wait to see you.” 

“Me as well kjære” he murmured into the phone as he hung up. 

He let out a low predatory growl and Fandral hummed in anticipation. 

“Are you upset with me for making you invite him to the gala or for inviting him clubbing? Or! Are you just this excited to see him in clubbing clothes? Or maybe you’re excited to see me in my clubbing clothes?” He wrapped his hand around Thor’s stiff length.

Thor growled again. “You know I will only be able to be with him while he is here, right? I cannot do anything with you.” 

“Of course, but I would invite both of you to enjoy my utter beauty nonetheless.” 

Thor groaned as Fandral pulled him out of his boxers. “Are you excited?” he purred against Thor’s neck, twisting his wrist the way he knew Thor loved. 

He groaned again and turned around in Fandral’s arms and pressed a rough kiss to his mouth. Fandral hummed happily and Thor took a moment to examine his face. His eyes were a striking blue and there were lines beginning to appear next to his eyes and at the corners of his always smiling lips that hadn’t been there a few years before. 

He was so handsome, and Thor felt so lucky to have had him in his life for so long as a friend, an ally, and a lover. Even if the last one was only for a little while longer. 

Fandral was studying his eyes and he must have noticed the shift. He threaded his arms around Thor’s neck and pressed their bodies together. Thor sighed and tapped their foreheads together. 

“Thank you my dear, sweet friend…for your friendship and your never ending support and patience with me. I will miss this when I can no longer join you here.” 

Fandral kissed him and it was soft and unlike their usual crushing, teasing kisses. 

“Ja, min prins…” he kissed Thor again and pushed him onto his back so he could climb on top of him. 

Fandral swirled his tongue around three of his own fingers and reached behind himself, quickly inserting one and then two fingers. 

“Fandral…” Thor purred, running his hands down his soft stomach curving around his hips to grab his ass. Thor spread his cheeks apart for him, so he’d have an easier time stretching himself. Soon he was on three fingers and he was moaning softly. 

Thor stared at his face until he met his gaze. Fandral smiled cheekily and winked at him. 

Thor laughed and slowly pressed his hips up so his clothed election rubbed against Fandral’s naked one. 

He groaned and pulled his fingers out of himself. He yanked Thor’s boxers down and Thor kicked them off, using his hands to maneuver Fandral right over his tip. Fandral spit in his hand and rubbed it over Thor’s cock. 

They took matching deep breaths in and then he slowly sank down onto Thor’s length. Again they let out matching groans. 

For a split second Thor imagined this level of comfort, familiarity, and synchronization with a real partner. With his kjæreste. He thought he had that with Leif and when he’d lost it he had never thought he’d get it back. But he had the opportunity again now. 

Fandral moaned and Thor’s attention snapped back to his oldest friend, riding him as good as he did over 15 years before. They’d been having sex for almost half their lives and it wasn’t boring, but it was familiar, and it was safe. Thor let all of his anxiety and thoughts of  Leif drift away and he shifted his attention away from Loki. There would be time for that next week. 

“Move with me, Thor,” Fandral commanded, and Thor complied, falling into their steady rhythm where words weren’t necessary to convey the deep bond and affection they would always share. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor was a little stiff from the flight, so he considered going to the gym before going to Loki and Nicky’s house. As he got into the car and Volstagg asked where he was heading his phone dinged. 

He pulled it out to see a shirtless photo of Loki and Nicky. Loki was the feature of the selfie, his tantalizing nipple piercings on display and he was grinning happily at the camera. Nicky was behind him, an arm slung across Loki’s shoulder, smiling wickedly at the camera. It looked like they were standing in their closet. A second later another message appeared. Trying to decide if we should get dressed for you, or if you’d prefer us like this. 

Thor laughed happily. He’d had sex with Loki five times now and each had been completely unique, Loki pulling out tricks and positions Thor hadn’t done in years. He’d only had the one encounter with Nicky, but he’d had phone sex with him four times and had seen him completely naked, as well as adorned with some extremely sexy lingerie. 

While the invitation was incredibly enticing, he felt another sort of tightness in his body, a deep longing to just be with both of them. 

Thor: Any chance I can take you both for dinner first?

Loki: Ugh so we have to get dressed? - Nicky 

Although he was texting Loki, it seemed like Nicky might have taken his phone. Suddenly he got another message from Nicky’s actual phone. 

Nicky: If you just want to take Loki for dinner, please don’t let me intrude.

He called up front to Volstagg to take him to Loki’s apartment and asked if he could wait outside for a few minutes, as he was bringing his two lovers out to dinner. 

Thor: Not at all. I miss you too, baby. Can’t wait to see you 

They had continued experimenting with the Daddy-baby play outside of the bedroom and Thor was finding he liked it a fair amount, and it was actually particularly useful in certain circumstances. Like when he was trying to reassure Nicky that he missed him, wanted to see him, or wanted to have phone sex with him. 

Nicky: Okay, Daddy. See you so soon.

They arrived at the apartment and he exited the car and nearly ran up the stairs. He could picture Volstagg laughing at him inside the car, but he didn’t care. 

He knocked twice, the door opened and suddenly both Loki and Nicky were in his arms. 

“Hello!” he said, laughing loudly. 

He bent his head and to his surprise they both leaned up and kissed him on the cheek. He turned his head to Loki first and gave him a quick kiss on the lips and then did the same to Nicky. 

Nicky grabbed him by the neck and deepened the kiss and Thor let out a startled laugh. Loki shifted around in his arms to lean against his side so Nicky could press himself against Thor’s chest. 

He rubbed his tongue softly over Nicky’s and he whined into the kiss. He gave him one more teasing stroke and then pulled back. 

“Daddy…” Nicky whispered and Thor ran his fingers through his hair. 

“I missed you too, baby. Godgutten min.” 

Nicky pulled away and allowed Loki to press up and into his chest. Thor took Loki’s face in his hands and kissed him soundly. Their tongues danced and played in a much more familiar drag and tease and he reveled in how well their bodies were already beginning to recognize each other. 

They pulled back and he pressed a kiss to Loki’s forehead. He wrapped him up in his arms and then reached for Nicky who immediately rejoined the hug, wrapping an arm around Loki’s waist as well. 

“It is so good to see you both. Shall we go to dinner?” Thor asked. 

“Are we dressed okay?” Loki asked. 

He stepped back and Thor took in their outfits. Loki had his hair down and pinned to one side, revealing a long rose gold spiral earring. He had a splash of gray eyeshadow on and a soft maroon color on his lips. He was wearing a maroon button down with black velvet detailing and it was cut to fit his slim shoulders and slight waist. The shirt was tucked into black skin tight jeans and boots. 

Nicky was wearing a similarly slim cut blue, v-neck, cashmere sweater and slate gray chinos. He also had an earring in, a gold and diamond stud, and there was a slim chain around his neck. 

They actually looked much nicer than Thor did. He was in a slightly rumpled brown corduroy jacket over a tight black v-neck shirt with his favorite black corded necklace with a Celtic knot at the bottom, overtop of comfy jeans and boots. 

“You both look gorgeous. I was thinking of trying the Burmese restaurant near my place? They have a-“

“Patio with fairy lights! It looks so cute, I’ve been wanting to try it!” Loki exclaimed, excitement glittering in his eyes and Thor smiled widely. 

“I’m down for whatever, so long as one or both of you are for dessert,” Nicky said, leading the way out the door. 

Loki laughed good naturedly. “Well I’ll have Thor for almost a week to myself. If you two want time together you’re more than welcome to it.”

Nicky smiled softly back at Loki. “Well, you get first dibs on your boyfriend, love. We’ll just see how we feel after we eat our weight in rice and noodles.” He wrapped his arm affectionately around Loki’s waist as they approached the car. 

Volstagg was leaning against the car waiting for them. “Loki, Nicholas. Good to see you.” Thor realized this would be the first time Volstagg would see him with his two lovers at the same time, and he could feel some of Volstagg’s apprehension. 

“Hi Volstagg! How are you?” Loki asked excitedly. 

Volatagg softened a little. “I am well Loki. And yourself? Nicholas?” 

“Oh- we have something for you!” Nicky burst out, reaching into his back pocket and Loki did the same. They pulled out two small cellophane bags, wrapped in pretty ribbons. 

“Loki tried his hand at making fudge and it turned out really well! And I’ve been trying to perfect my candy making technique, so this is some candy I made. They’re cherry filled,” Nicky said, winking at Volstagg. 

He let out a throaty laugh and happily accepted both packages. 

“You two are…very special. Thank you. I have the biggest sweet tooth, I am very excited to try them!”

“Not sure if they’ll go with whatever Burmese dish Thor brings you, but possibly!” Loki chimed in. 

Volstagg held out his arms for a hug and he let out a surprised grunt when they executed a similar duo-hugging technique as they had used on Thor. 

“Oh-…okay. Alright, yes, okay-“ he said, squeezing their shoulders as they squeezed his waist. 

They were both quite a bit shorter than Volstagg, and they made a sweet picture together. Actually, on that note, Thor quickly pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of them. Volstagg looked unamused, but Nicky and Loki laughed and pulled back from him. 

Thor ushered them into the car with a light hand on each of their backs. They grinned up at him as they slid in. 

Just as Thor was about to slide in, Volstagg stopped him with a hand on his arm.

“Are they all like this? How is it possible you found five of the nicest people on the planet?” his tone was mocking but his eyes were full of a warmth and pride he hadn’t seen his friend direct at him in a long time.

“Well you remember Bucky-“

“Ah yes. He was a feisty one, but also quite sweet?”

“Yes, and I think he’s only gotten sweeter as time has passed. Steve is incredibly kind and Charlie is quite protective of the others, but I’ve seen a softness from him recently as well.”

“Well…if these two were mine, I think I’d be protective as well,” Volstagg mused. 

Thor couldn’t help but agree with that.

He slid into the seat and Nicky immediately climbed over him. His first instinct was pleasure, but his second instinct was a longing to hold Loki as well, but then Nicky kept going and slid onto the seat next to Thor. They closed in on him from both sides and he felt a little like ice cream inside a melty cookie sandwich, bracketed on each side by his sugary sweet lovers. 

He thought he would be more prepared to entertain two lovers at a time given his years of being with Jeanpaul and Luis, but this felt different. Maybe it was because he was starting to develop serious feelings for Loki, and he and Nicky were more focused on playing and sex. He wondered if this was how Jeanpaul felt when he was with Luis and Thor. He would have to speak to him about it. Maybe he should create a “phone a lover” group chat the way the others had their “worried about Thor'' group chat, or whatever silliness they probably titled it with.

He desperately wanted to spend some time alone with Loki tonight, but he had been right when he said they would have the entire next week together in Norway as well as in his apartment here. So maybe he should prioritize time with Nicky.

He tilted his head until it came to rest on Nicky’s and he gently stroked his hand up and down his arm. Nicky hummed happily and reached an arm out around Thor to grab Loki’s hand. 

Or… maybe Thor could prioritize both. Either way he shouldn’t worry about it now. 

“Tell me, how have you two been?” 

They both launched into a series of stories, explaining the past two weeks worth of activities, skimming over those that they had texted Thor about. Instead they focused on smaller things, like intimate dinners, Loki’s continued investment in his baking, Bucky and Loki spending more time together, and Nicky and Steve doing the same. 

Thor was filled with a surprising amount of warmth and heat hearing about Steve.

He had always seemed so off limits, as an ex-lover’s partner. Now, knowing that he was quite possibly going to be one of Thor’s future lovers made Thor equal parts excited and nervous. 

They arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a corner table on the patio which was completely covered in fairy lights. Loki and Nicky looked dazzled and pride swirled under Thor’s ribs at being able to make them both happy. 

Nicky asked him about his week and he tentatively explained he had spent a fair amount of time with Fandral. He noticed Nicky reach under the table for Loki and, rather on instinct, Thor reached out a hand to place on Nicky’s thigh. 

“Are you still feeling okay about this, Nicholas?” Thor asked tentatively. 

“Oh yea, it’s no problem. Sorry,” he said laughing a little abashedly, “I only reached for Loki because I know Fandral is the reason he’s joining you for the gala and I’m going to miss him.” 

“I am sorry to be stealing him from you,” Thor said, and he meant it. 

Thor had begun to realize that if things with him and Loki continued at this pace, he may begin to invite him on a lot more of his trips. Similar to the way Valkyrie traveled with Sif to France and often to the U.S. so that they were only separated for short windows of time, if at all. He knew that that would mean he would be stealing Loki from his lovers a lot. 

“No, not at all, Thor. Before the pandemic Charlie and I would be gone almost as frequently as you are. Our plan was to begin to take Bucky and Steve with us, making sure to always leave two people together at home so no one would have to be alone. As things keep opening up we will begin traveling for work more, but also for pleasure. We will just have to start to figure out as a group how we work around six people’s schedules to ensure no one ever has to feel lonely or be alone. Right now, that solution for you is Fandral, Jeanpaul and Luis, but over time maybe that will mean bringing Loki, Steve, Charlie or- …or maybe me, on trips?” 

Thor squeezed his leg. “I had realized you and Charlie traveled for work, but not that you were so open to traveling for pleasure. Would you like to join me on one of my trips back to Norway or France?” 

Nicky’s cheeks turned pink and he turned to look at Loki who smiled widely and nodded encouragingly. “So long as I’m not displacing Loki…” Nicky mumbled.

Both Thor and Loki reached for Nicky at the same moment and they ended up pulling him in two different directions. Nicky let out a startled laugh and Thor released him to Loki.

Loki wrapped his arms around Nicky’s shoulders.

“Baby, you are just as much Thor’s lover as I am. Just as I am just as much Charlie’s lover as you are. I know Thor and I are just getting things figured out, but I never feel like I’m displacing you when I spend time with Charlie. I really want us to find a way for you to not feel that way either.” 

Thor raised his eyebrows at the “baby” and Nicky chuckled. “Loki’s pet name for me has been ‘baby’ for much longer than we've been playing, Thor.” 

Thor raised his other eyebrow as he realized he had heard Loki call Nicky that before. He felt a slight ache in his breast bone and he was shocked to realize it made him feel slightly territorial. He never thought he’d be jealous of someone getting affection from Loki- he thought it would be the other way around. 

Loki was studying his face intently and a small smile spread across his lips. “Are you jealous, Thor? That he was my baby first? I’m more than happy to share…” 

The ache turned into a flash fire as his eyes settled on Nicky. He was flushed a delicious shade of pink all across his cheeks, ears, and neck. “I…I promise you’re my only Daddy though…” 

“I know baby…” Thor cooed, running a finger down Nicky’s cheek. 

Nicky shivered in a way he hadn’t when Loki called him that. The idea of sharing Nicky with Loki began to swirl around his mind and he had to shake his head to clear it when the waiter came to take their food order. He gestured to Loki and Nicky and instructed them to order and he would get Volstagg’s on the way out. They ended up ordering six dishes to try and bring back to the others. 

“Uhm…Thor?” Nicky asked hesitantly after the waiter went to submit their order. 

“Yes?” he said, gazing fondly over at his two lovers. 

Loki’s arm was still draped over Nicky's shoulders and he loved how open they both were with their affection. He was already receiving much of that affection from Loki but he didn’t think he’d mind it from Nicky either. 

“I…would love to go to Europe with you. Whenever the time is right. No rush from me I just…wanted to make sure that I said that.” 

“Thank you, godgutten min.” He took Nicky’s hand and held it on top of the table. 

Nicky began to tentatively ask him about France and he spent the next twenty minutes explaining some of the work he did there and things he liked to do for leisure. 

France still held some pain for him because of Leif and it must have bled through in his words because Nicky was squinting at him. When he asked, Thor didn’t hide the truth and to his surprised Nicky let out a sharp laugh. “I think once you are officially sleeping with all four of us, you should bring each one of us there, and have sex with us all over France so you can reclaim the entire country as your own.” 

Loki laughed, but Thor’s inner dom was thrilled by the idea. 

“Do we need to be careful with how public we all are with our affection towards you? I…well actually I guess- are you going to be publicly poly?” Loki asked. 

Thor had begun discussing this with Sif, but until he came out to his father he wasn’t ready to bring it up with their PR team. He really wasn’t sure how they would react and he was waiting on their recommendation to make a decision himself. He might not heed their recommendation, but he wanted to hear their take on the cost/benefit analysis of the decision before coming to a conclusion. 

“I think I am still deciding what feels right for me as it relates to my work, and the image my life and lover or lovers have on my company. I…wish it wasn’t this way, but my private life is only private behind closed doors. In Europe, especially in Norway, there is a lot of press interest in me, still. I will be officially announcing Loki as my kjæreste this weekend but…” 

Nicky nodded his understanding. “That makes sense. I mean, I actually don’t think any of us are out as poly at work. We like to keep our lives separate. For your work, can we…still be affectionate in America?” 

“Yes, I do not believe that will be a problem and…I have no intention of asking any of you to hide here, in your own country, around your own friends.” 

Nicky lifted Thor’s hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. He turned his hand around in Nicky’s grasp so he could cup his cheek. Their food arrived a few minutes later and they were too engrossed in their meal for much conversation after that. 

Finally, as it appeared they were all full and happy, Thor asked for the check, and the final dish for Volstagg. 

As they approached the car, he handed the box of food to Nicky, and together, Nicky and Loki happily handed it over to Volstagg. 

He admitted, a little abashedly, that he had already eaten the fudge and candies and that they were incredible. He told them both they should sell them and he would be their first customer, and Loki practically glowed with pride. 

As they climbed into the car Nicky curled into Loki’s side, and Loki leaned into Thor. 

“You’re coming back to our apartment right? We can hang out for a while longer?” Nicky asked quietly, his voice slightly muffled by Loki’s hair. 

“I think I would like to spend the evening with both of you. Where would you prefer we spend that time? My apartment is available, but I have no problem returning to your apartment.” 

Loki raised an eyebrow. “Has…something changed? It didn’t really seem like you wanted to have sex, sleepover, or even really hang out in our bedroom before?” 

That was a fair statement and a fair question. He wasn’t entirely sure what had shifted, but he did have a hunch.

“I think that now that I am with both of you, I feel less like I would be…overstepping any bounds by spending time in a bed that only belonged to one of my partners. I am also thinking I may be ready to begin to spend time with Charles and Steve, so I guess it bothers me less for that reason as well?” 

Nicky’s eyebrows shot up and Loki’s eyes lit up but, in contrast, he pulled his lower lip between his teeth. Thor knew him well enough by now to know this was one of his stress responses.

“Kjære…which part of this is causing you stress? I had hoped this would be good news?” 

Loki looked startled and he shrunk away from Thor and back against Nicky.

“I…sorry. I’m very excited you’re coming back to the apartment with us! That’s amazing and…ugh, I'm sorry, this is so embarrassing…” 

Loki buried his face in his hands and both Thor and Nicky gently pulled his hands down. 

“It’s just us, Loki…we would never judge you. We- we care about you so much.” Nicky caught Thor’s eyes over Loki’s head and he grimaced. Obviously he had wanted to say love, since Thor knew how badly Nicky loved Loki, but it was still too early to lump Thor into that. 

“I just…I just told you, Nicky, that you would never be displacing me with Thor and I mean that whole heartedly! But…Thor, I just feel this urge to be with you all the time and I’m not jealous! I just…know it takes a lot of time to balance four lovers…” Loki trailed off looking down at his hands. 

Thor leaned forward and pulled Loki into his lap and Nicky kept his hand on Loki’s back as support. 

“Do you not want me to-“

“No! No truly, I’m so excited for you to begin your relationships. It’s just something I feel like I need to deal with. I obviously can’t be with you all the time and it’s- I mean it’s really selfish of me to want that.” 

“It’s not selfish sweetheart,” Nicky murmured. “Charlie and I spent every second together for almost six months. Then after we got out of our abusive relationship, we spent another year basically just curled around each other. Steve and Bucky grew up together and even they’ve said the first two years of their relationship were intense. You and Thor have only been together for a little over three months. Of course you want to spend as much time as you can with him.” 

Thor wrapped his big arms around Loki, and Loki melted into his chest. “Thank you for saying that but…it still feels selfish. I don’t want to keep you from Steve and Charlie or from Nicky!” 

Loki pressed his soft, slender fingers against Thor’s face and softly stroked his cheek, almost reverently. Thor cupped the back of Loki’s hand against his cheek. 

“I also want to be with you every single moment, Loki. The only reason I think I’m ready to begin exploring relationships with Steve and Charles is because I know you want me to. But, you can want me to do that and still miss me, and still want more time with me. We’ll just have to balance that.” 

Loki nodded. “And we’re going to spend the next week together! I’m so excited and- again…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to react badly-“ 

“No more apologizing, love. There’s nothing to apologize for,” Nicky murmured. 

Loki bit his lip again and Thor kissed him, forcing him to release it. “Well, we’re going to spend a lovely night with Nicholas right now. If that is still alright?” Thor clarified. 

“Yes!” Loki said and he kicked his legs up into Nicky’s lap and smiled at him. Nicky smiled back and began to rub his hands over Loki’s jean-clad calves. 

They sat in an anticipatory silence as they pulled into Nicky and Loki’s apartment complex. Once they entered the apartment, Thor let his lovers pull him back toward their bedroom. They turned into the right bedroom and they found it empty. Actually the whole house was empty, or at least it seemed that way. It was possible they were behind the other closed bedroom door, but Thor didn’t have time to worry about that before Loki was on him. 

He grabbed a fistful of Thor’s shirt and dragged him down into a kiss. Nicky began to take his clothes off, starting with his shirt and then unbuttoning his jeans. Thor didn’t want to, but he pulled back from Loki for just a second. 

“Baby, what do you think you’re doing? I’ll undress you when I’m ready.” 

Nicky whimpered and Thor dragged Loki back in for another kiss. 

Nicky whined, high in the back of his throat. “Are you going to fuck me, Daddy?” he asked and there was an edge of brattiness in his voice that Thor wasn’t used to. 

Loki’s fingers tightened in his shirt and he moaned, letting his head fall forward onto Thor’s chest. 

Thor looked over at Nicky who licked his lips endearingly. “Or are you going to make Loki fuck your baby.” 

Loki moaned again. “You guys are so fucking sexy, oh my god…” 

“What would you like, kjære? Do you want me or Nicholas to fuck you?” 

“I…I want you to fuck Nicky. And I want to watch,” Loki said succinctly, while his eyes danced wickedly. 

Nicky whimpered and reached for both of them, but Loki stepped back and out of Thor’s arms. He gently palmed himself through his jeans, but made no other move besides that. 

Thor hadn’t been expecting that. He hoped Loki wasn’t doing it because he thought that was what Thor wanted. Thor just wanted both of his lovers to feel good. He locked eyes with Nicky and he already looked almost wrecked. He was trembling slightly and his eyes were dark.

“I…can’t believe this is happening…” Nicky breathed and Loki laughed softly. 

“That I’m letting my sexy boyfriend, your Daddy, fuck you in our bed? And that I’m going to touch myself while I watch?” Loki asked. 

His voice was a sexy purr, and the timber was low and dark in a way Thor had never heard before. It was almost like a dom’s voice. He wondered suddenly if Loki was actually a switch. Did he vacillate between dom and sub? It was strangely alluring hearing his kjæreste talk like that to his sweet Nicky. 

Nicky was letting out a soft whine, his hands fisting over and over in the sheets.

“Are you going to be good for Loki and good for Daddy?” Thor asked, and Nicky immediately nodded, all traces of brattiness gone. 

Thor stepped forward and traced his hand down Nicky’s chest. He’d made Nicky do this to himself over video chat, but this was the first time Thor would get to touch him himself. 

“You’re so pretty,” he murmured, brushing his fingers over Nicky’s nipples just to watch him shiver. 

Thor pulled him to his feet and slowly unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, kneeling down to pull them off his legs. He was wearing another pair of lace boy shorts. 

Loki hummed happily. “So, so pretty…” 

Nicky blushed, but he also bit his lip and looked down at Thor with huge eyes. 

“What?” Thor asked softly. 

“You’re…being very gentle…” 

“I’m going to take care of you,” he murmured, leaning forward to softly kiss Nicky’s hip. 

“You don’t have to- nghhh,” Nicky let out a groan as Thor bit into his hip, refusing to elaborate on what exactly his care for Nicky was going to look like. 

“Do you trust Daddy?” Thor whispered as he bit into his other hip.

“Yes…” 

“Yes what?” 

“Yes, Daddy…” he whispered. 

Thor grabbed his sinfully sexy underwear and yanked them off with one hand as he grabbed Nicky around the base of his shaft and took him entirely in his mouth. 

“Fuck- Daddy, oh god-“ Nicky moaned and then Thor heard Loki’s gorgeous moan. A growl rolled through his chest and Nicky gasped at the vibration. 

Thor swirled his tongue along the underside of the head of Nicky’s cock and he cried out. 

“L-Loki, please, sweetheart,” Nicky begged.  

Thor glanced up to see Nicky grasping at Loki’s arm pulling him onto the bed. Loki settled behind Nicky, sprawling out with his jeans open and his beautiful cock in his hand. He was stroking himself so languidly it was like he’d forgotten he was doing it. Loki lifted his other hand up and ran his fingers down the knobs in Nicky’s spine. This made Nicky shiver and whimper and Thor would have to remember that trick for later. 

Thor pressed his tongue flush against the underside of Nicky’s cock as he slowly slid up and off him. 

“D-Daddy?” Nicky asked pitifully. 

He wrapped his hands around Nicky’s hips as his eyes met Loki’s. 

“Did you change your mind, or are you just feeling playful?” Thor asked sweetly. 

Loki smiled lazily at him, his eyes at half mast. “Just feeling playful,” Loki murmured, running his fingers back up Nicky’s spine. 

Nicky shivered under Thor’s strong grip, so he pressed him down onto the mattress. He squirmed and Thor grinned up at him. 

“I think I promised to hold you down as I made you arch that pretty back of yours, baby,” Thor leaned forward so his breath ghosted over Nicky’s cock, and he flicked his tongue out at the end to slide across Nicky’s slit. 

“Ooo-ooooh, fuck…me…” Nicky cursed. 

Loki chuckled from his reclined position on the bed.

“Is that what you want, baby?” Thor confirmed, as he slid his tongue across Nicky’s slit again, marveling at how different he tasted than Loki. 

“Y-yes. Please, Daddy, please…I w-want Loki to watch you fuck me.” 

His trembling voice was what pushed Thor over the edge. He pushed Nicky down onto his back and stood up to pull his shirt off over his head. He was about to unbuckle his belt when Nicky sat back up and reached for him. 

“Please?” he whispered. 

Thor grasped his chin and stroked his large thumb over Nicky’s sharp cheekbone. “You can take them off, but no touching or teasing. I’ve waited too long for this. Now I want to have you.” 

Nicky bit his lip as he undid Thor’s belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, and slowly slid them and his boxers off. 

Nicky gasped audibly when Thor’s cock sprung loose. Nicky turned to glance at Loki, who gave him a sly look. 

“Like what you see, baby?” Thor prompted, drawing Nicky’s attention back to him.

“You’re…so big, Daddy…” Nicky breathed. 

“I’m going to take care of you baby. But if I’m too big for you, we can do whatever else you-”

“No! Please, I- I need you inside me, Daddy.”

“Okay, baby. Lie down, and spread your legs for me.” 

Nicky scrambled back onto the bed. To Thor, and apparently also Nicky’s evident surprise, Loki pulled Nicky backwards so he was lying on his back with his arms above his head. Loki wrapped his hands around Nicky’s wrists and held them down against the mattress and Nicky let his legs fall open with a whimper. 

Thor had to take a deep breath in through his nose. Nicky was just so pretty, and the fact that Loki, his Loki, was holding his baby down so he could fuck him made his chest overheat.

“Baby, I’ve seen you use lube before on video- is it in here?” Thor asked, gesturing at the nightstand. 

Nicky nodded and Thor opened the bedside table drawer. He found a plethora of sex toys, lubes and one particularly large dildo. Before he could think about the fact that other men in this house had probably used it, he grabbed the dildo and the lube and shut the drawer.

Nicky stared up at him with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. “A-are you…going to use that?” 

“To spread you open, yes,” Thor answered quickly, as he poured a generous amount of lube on his fingers. 

Loki let out a quiet moan and Thor smirked at him over Nicky’s head. “If you would ever be patient enough, kjære, I would do this for you too, but you’re always begging for me before I can get the toys out.” 

Loki flushed red in embarrassment but also pleasure, at least if his smile was to be believed. 

“Th-that’s because Loki is naughty. I’m good,” Nicky whined and Thor chuckled darkly. 

He traced the toy down Nicky’s chest letting it slip and catch on each of his nipples. Nicky whimpered and arched his back so sweetly. 

“D-Daddy-”

“Ask nicely, Nicky,” Loki growled at him and Thor felt heat shoot through his chest straight into his cock. 

“P-please Daddy,” Nicky whimpered, and he glanced above his head to receive Loki’s approving smile. 

God, Nicky was so much of a sub he was even seeking Loki’s dominance. Thor’s head was practically spinning at the many different ways this scene was turning him on. Nicky was being so good for both of them though, so he had to move things forward. 

He circled one of his wet fingers around Nicky’s rim and slowly slid his first finger in. He was molten hot, and so tight. 

“Oh god, baby, you feel so good…” he moaned. 

Nicky groaned in response, and squirmed against Thor’s finger. “M-more…” 

Loki yanked hard on Nicky’s wrists and he cried out in pain, tightening around Thor’s fingers. 

“Please- more,” he whimpered and Thor obliged, quickly working his way up to three fingers. 

“Daddy, please!” Nicky was arching beautifully off the bed. He’d begun to beg when Thor scissored his two fingers, now he was rolling his hips and fucking himself on three. 

“Soon, baby…” Thor whispered.

After a few more thrusts, Thor pulled his fingers out and quickly lubed up the dildo. He pressed it against Nicky’s puckered opening. 

He glanced up and met Loki’s eyes. 

He’d told Loki this before, but the sub was always the one in real control in a scene. The dom took every queue from them and at the slightest hint of discomfort the dom would always stop. 

In this moment, Thor needed both Loki and Nicky on board before he would proceed. Loki’s eyes were heavy with lust and he smiled and nodded his head once so Thor turned his attention back to Nicky. 

He made the most beautiful noises as Thor slowly slid the toy into him. Loki moaned as they all watched the toy sink in up to the handle. 

“So good…my baby boy…so good for me,” Thor murmured and Nicky arched his back and cried out as if Thor had moved the toy, but he hadn’t actually begun to do that yet. Nicky was an “absolute slut for praise”- his own words from an earlier Skype session. Thor was more than happy to oblige. 

“My beautiful boy, look how sweet and eager you are…” he slowly began to move the toy in and out and Nicky cried out again and he saw Loki tighten his grip on Nicky’s wrists. 

“So sexy…” Loki murmured and Nicky preened under the attention. After a few more thrusts Nicky began to roll his hips against the toy. Nicky was incredibly quick at adjusting, maybe Thor didn’t need to spend as long prepping him as he’d thought. 

“Are you ready for me little one?” 

Nicky was nodding even before Thor finished asking. He glanced up and made eye contact with Loki. He smiled and winked so Thor took that as his queue. 

He slid the toy out and Nicky made a wounded noise. He slid his hands up and down Nicky’s sides, allowing himself just a second to process that he was finally going to claim this beautiful man. 

He quickly drenched his cock in lube and lined himself up with Nicky’s hole. 

“After tonight…you’re mine, baby,” Thor murmured. 

“A-already yours Daddy,” Nicky sighed back. 

Thor slowly slid just the tip of his cock into Nicky. Nicky whimpered in response and Thor pressed in farther. He watched Nicky's face intently for pain or discomfort, but his eyes had fallen closed and his mouth was soft. 

“Nicholas?” he whispered as he continued to slide in. All of the sudden Nicky gasped and his abs tightened and he curled upwards. Loki had to yank him back to the bed by his wrists. 

“R-right there…” Nicky cried.

Thor pulled out just slightly and slid back in, and Nicky reacted the same way. He cried out so loudly Loki slapped a hand over his mouth. Thor closed his eyes to memorize exactly where he was inside Nicky, and to try and catch his breath. Then with a sharp thrust he sank all the way in. 

Loki removed his hand as Thor bottomed out. 

“Oh g-god,” Nicky’s voice shattered out. Thor moved his hips in a circular motion to stretch him out just a tiny bit more and Nicky hummed in pleasure. 

“I should have known how perfect my baby was going to be…” Thor said, as he gave a soft experimental thrust. 

“Daddy!” Nicky shouted. Thor stroked his hands down Nicky’s legs and then spread them even wider, pressing his knees back towards his chest. 

The few centimeters that allowed him to sink in further had him seeing stars. Nicky made a guttural noise, from deep in his chest. 

“Look how good you are…god you’re not like this for any of us are you. So naughty and disobedient. But for your Daddy…you’re so sweet,” Loki crooned. He brought Nicky’s hands together under one of his hands and ran his other down Nicky’s chest to stroke affectionately at one of his nipples. 

“G-good for- for Daddy,” Nicky whined as he tried desperately to fuck himself on Thor’s length, and Thor knew it was finally time to move. 

“So good baby…” he praised, as he began slowly stroking the inside of Nicky with his cock. He focused less on trying to hit a deep place in him and more on the drag and pull. 

“Harder, Daddy,” Nicky begged, and Loki let out a rough moan. 

“Manners…” Loki ground out, dragging his nails roughly up Nicky’s ribs, scratching ruthlessly at Nicky’s nipple. 

“Please! P-please Daddy, fuck me harder...W-want Loki to-to see how good I am for you- please!” He screamed the last word and his back arched as Thor slammed into him, perfectly striking that spot inside him. 

“Oh god…” Loki groaned, bending nearly in half to press a kiss to Nicky’s mouth. So much for just watching. Loki hadn’t been “just watching” the entire time, but Thor didn’t mind. In fact, he preferred it this way. 

Thor began to thrust faster, adopting a grueling pace. Nicky responded to every thrust like it was the first and best he’d ever received. He hadn’t known what to expect from Nicky, but he had always imagined he’d be more like Loki. A little terror in bed who had to be subdued and pulled out of his head. Instead he was a pliant, all too willing little lover. 

“You’re so sweet…so obedient…look at you, letting my Loki hold you down…while I take your sweet little body…” he stroked his hands down Nicky’s sides, reveling in how small he was and yet how different he was from Loki. His body felt like a small coil, plied full of pent up energy just on the verge of snapping. Loki was almost soft with his thin frame, and the sweet curves of his hips and ass. 

Loki laughed softly. “He really is only sweet for you…” Loki murmured and Nicky let out a proud huff. 

“Good…that’s what I want. My sweet, obedient boy. I want to take you just like this, whenever I want you…” Thor murmured. 

“Daddy,” he whimpered and his voice cracked as Thor thrust into his spot again. 

“You’re so good, Nicky… but I bet you could do more…” Loki murmured, pinching his nipple, rubbing the pink bud between his fingers. Nicky whined and squirmed. Then, to Thor’s utter delight, he lifted one of his legs up to rest on Thor’s shoulder and the next time he drove into him he went so deep, he and Nicky let out twin cries. 

“Yes…god you’re both…so perfect…” Loki pulled his hand back from Nicky’s chest and began to stroke himself again. Thor moaned at the sight and picked up his pace. 

Nicky melted into a puddle of pleasure and pleas. Yes Daddy, more Daddy, please please please Daddy. Thor absolutely drank it up. He couldn’t believe how much he liked it. It felt like he had unlocked an entirely new part of being a dom and he felt powerful, wanted, and needed. 

He had a hard time admitting it to himself, but entering the quint he had felt like Loki wanted him, but maybe he didn’t need him. Loki’s embarrassed admission earlier that evening about how badly he wanted and, yes, needed to be around Thor had made not only Thor’s day, but probably his year. 

Thor could admit to himself that he desperately needed Loki. He missed him terribly when he was gone and to know Loki felt the same way gave him a reassurance he hadn’t realized he needed. 

Nicky was different. This was different. His baby needed him. In every scene they did, in every late night phone sex session, Nicky was absolutely desperate for him and Thor could fill that need. 

“I’m right here, baby. I’m finally, finally inside you and I’m here and you’re mine,” he snarled as he thrust brutally into Nicky’s spot.

“Oh- Daddy- so close- please,” Nicky panted. 

Thor wrapped his large hand around Nicky’s length and stroked him in time with his thrusts. 

Loki dug his fingernails into Nicky’s wrists as he struggled. 

With a shout and a final delicious back arch, Nicky came all over his chest. Thor raised his head and locked eyes with Loki. Loki moaned and Thor gripped Nicky’s hips tightly as he began to thrust erratically. Nicky was still coming down from his orgasm and he was so tight it didn’t take long until Thor’s abs and back clenched. Nicky let out a broken moan and Thor finally came, doubling over to grip at Nicky with nails and clenching fingers. 

After he took a few moments to catch his breath, Thor pulled out of Nicky as gently as he could, but Nicky still cried out. 

“Daddy…” he whined and curled in on himself. “Okay baby…it’s okay…” he panted and he collapsed sideways onto his ass. Loki released Nicky’s hands and continued to stroke himself. 

Thor was expecting Nicky to curl up against his chest the way Loki often did after sex, but to his surprise, both he and Thor reached for Loki at the same time. Nicky glanced up at Thor as if asking his permission. Thor desperately wanted to touch Loki, but he wanted this just a little bit more. 

“Do you want to help?” Thor asked and Nicky nodded, scrambling onto his hands and knees between Loki’s jean clad legs. 

“Be good for Daddy,” Thor whispered as he gripped Nicky by the back of his neck and pressed him down towards Loki’s cock.

Loki released his grip on his cock, placing both of his hands behind himself to stay upright. Thor gripped Loki around the base of his cock and Loki whimpered. 

Thor pressed Nicky’s head down and he fed him Loki’s cock until he was deep in his throat. 

Loki threw his head back and moaned, arching up into Thor’s hand and Nicky’s mouth. 

“So good for me baby, look how beautiful you are…taking care of my sweet Loki.” 

Nicky whined and moaned around Loki, which caused Loki to moan as well. 

Thor felt his own cock jump and throb back to life. He reached his other hand around to Nicky’s hole again. He pressed gently against it and he allowed Nicky to pull back off of Loki so he could respond to the inquisitive touching. 

“Ooooh, Daddy, please…” he whimpered.

“Please yes or please no baby?” 

“P-please…use me…please I- I need-“ Thor cut him off by pressing his head back down onto Loki. Loki groaned and curled over Nicky’s head, running his fingers along his face, his cheeks, and his hair. 

Quoting Nicky from earlier, Thor couldn’t believe this was happening. He positioned himself back behind Nicky again. He reached down and scraped the remainder of Nicky’s own cum off his chest. Thor smeared it on his own cock before he slowly sank back into him. He was still open and slick with Thor’s cum. Thor’s eyes rolled back in his head for a moment at the wet heat encompassing him yet again. 

Nicky cried out so hard he gagged on Loki’s length. 

“Color, my love,” Loki said as he grabbed Nicky’s hand and forced him to hold it up. Nicky immediately flashed 1 finger and Thor and Loki let out twin groans. 

“Ugh, you’re so good for me, Nicky…and god you’re taking Thor’s huge cock again. You’re going to be so sore…feeling your Daddy all week…” 

Nicky moaned at his words and then groaned as Thor began to slowly thrust into him again.

While the show they were putting on was absolutely mesmerizing, Thor found he missed Nicky’s voice. When he met Loki’s eyes he could tell he felt the same way because he pulled Nicky up off of him. 

Nicky gasped in surprise, blinked in confusion and then shouted a broken noise as Thor thrust into him hard. 

“D-Daddy? I- I can take more. I can make Loki f-feel good-” 

“Shhhhh, love. I stopped you, not your Daddy. I want to hear your pretty voice more than I want you to suck me right now.” Loki kissed him roughly and licked some of his own wetness off of Nicky’s lips. 

Thor pulled Nicky up and back against his chest and banded an arm around his middle to keep him upright. He was fairly certain if he let go of him he would fully collapse.

“Loki, come here,” Thor commanded, letting his voice drop to his real dom voice, not his soft sweet Daddy-dom voice. 

Loki obeyed immediately, coming to kneel in front of Nicky. 

He continued making shallow thrusts into Nicky causing him to whimper and shake in his arms. 

“Be good for Daddy, Nicholas. Here-” Thor grabbed Nicky's wrist and together they both gathered Loki and Nicky’s cocks in their two hands. Loki threw his head back and moaned obscenely. 

“Oh- oh, Daddy, oh god- Loki- I- oh- Daddyyyy.” Nicky squirmed helplessly, continuing to take Thor’s thrusts from the back while his cock rubbed between their hands and against Loki's cock. 

“God- don’t stop saying that Nicky- so fucking sexy I can barely stand it,” Loki moaned his head falling forward to rest on Nicky’s shoulder. 

“Oh- Daddy, I’m- oh god, feels t-too good, Daddy please-“  Nicky cried.

“No baby. You can’t cum until Loki does. We don’t want to be greedy, do we?” 

“N-no! W-want Loki to f-feel good.” 

“You love Loki, right?” For a moment Thor wasn’t sure if this was appropriate to say, but Loki let out a high pitched whimper and Nicky let out a wet moan. 

“Yes- god yes, so much- oh god I love L-Loki so much, Daddy I promise-“ 

“Oh, I know baby, I know. You’re so perfect for us.” 

Thor’s head was spinning as his two worlds, his Daddy-dom play with Nicky and his growing affection and relationship with Loki crashed together and formed into something breathtakingly beautiful. 

“So good for us…” Loki murmured and Nicky let out a sob which Loki captured in a kiss before releasing him again. Thor hadn’t even realized he had said “us” until Loki parroted it back, but damn if it wasn’t true. Nicky was perfect for Thor, for Loki, and for them as a couple. 

“Please Daddy- h-help me be good for Loki,” Nicky begged 

Before Thor could do anything, it was actually Loki who helped. He captured Nicky’s mouth in another brutal kiss, adding his hand so there were three hands stroking him and Nicky together. 

Loki released him from the kiss in time for Nicky to start moaning. 

“D-Daddy, Loki, oh god-“

Thor growled, unable to express the raging emotions flooding through his body. He pushed Nicky forward so his head came to rest on Loki’s shoulder and he fucked into him roughly, making sure Loki could see everything. 

Loki began bucking his hips and begging. 

“Oh- Thor, Nicky- I- I need you, I-I need you both- oh please, please…” Loki begged his hips stuttering frantically. 

“R-right here, love,” Nicky murmured. 

“Cum for us, kjære,” Thor commanded. 

After a few more thrusts and aggressive strokes Loki gasped and he came over all of their hands.

Nicky and Thor opened their hands so Loki could collapse backwards onto the bed and Thor tightened his hand back around Nicky. Nicky grabbed uselessly at his arm and sobbed desperately. “D-Daddy please! It-it hurts- Daddy- need to cum!” 

Thor thrust into him, aiming with deadly accuracy and pounding his prostate as he twisted his wrist and slid his thumb against Nicky’s slit. 

“Cum for me, Nicholas,” he growled. 

“Th-or,” Nicky choked out as he came a second time and Thor came just a few moments after. 

Thor lost his wherewithal for a moment and he let go of Nicky, but he thankfully collapsed forward into Loki’s outstretched arms. Thor fell onto his side, not wanting to be far away from his lovers, but not wanting to crush them either. 

Loki did some quick maneuvering and was able to pull Nicky onto his own chest while collapsing against Thor’s side. 

Thor bent his head down to kiss Loki and it was slow and sweet, their lips brushing and nudging as Loki tipped his head back to deepen the kiss. Nicky wrapped his legs around Thor’s large thigh but other than that remained mostly still and silent. 

“You both are so incredible,” Loki murmured as he stroked Thor’s face and then he turned to Nicky in his arms. 

“My love…” he whispered and stroked that same hand down Nicky’s cheek. 

“I love you,” Nicky breathed, his eyes closed and Thor felt his chest clench. He hadn’t said those words after sex in a long time, probably several years. He’d very rarely felt the urge with Leif, but god did he feel it now. 

Loki was still almost fully clothed and Thor helped him maneuver out of his shirt and then he shimmied out of his jeans revealing a pair of silky gold and black cheekster style panties. 

“Pretty,” Thor said with a smile, stroking his hand over the perfect curve of Loki’s ass. 

“Always so pretty…our pretty Loki,” Nicky mumbled. 

“Sleep now. We can shower in the morning,” Thor murmured, stroking his hands simultaneously through both of their hair. 

“You’re staying?!” Loki’s excitement cut through his clear exhaustion, but Thor just pressed his head gently back down onto his chest again. 

“Yes, kjære mit. I’ll be here when you wake up.” 

He pulled the blankets up and over both of them and they settled softly into sleep. 

Chapter Text

Steve woke up with Bucky twined around him and the other side of his bed empty. He’d fallen asleep with Charlie pressed up against his back, but he wasn’t there now. He assumed Charlie was up and getting ready for his morning run and, on a whim, he decided to rush and see if he could catch up with him. 

He gently extracted himself from Bucky’s arms and kissed him lightly on the forehead. He stirred a little and then cuddled back under the covers. Bucky was not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination. Steve hadn’t really been a morning person either until he started running with Charlie. It had been almost a year and a half since then, and he got up to run and workout with Charlie almost everyday now. 

He quickly threw on a workout shirt, joggers, and a pullover. He walked out into the hall just as Charlie emerged from the other bedroom. Steve glanced over his shoulder and saw Nicky and Loki curled up against Thor, and they were all shirtless. He let his eyes linger over Thor’s chiseled chest and shoulders for just a moment before looking back to Charlie. 

Charlie smirked and closed the door, and they both headed for the front door. 

They took up a slow pace and ran for about forty minutes until they finally slowed to a cool-down walk and Charlie led them towards their favorite coffee shop. 

“So, Thor finally slept over…” Steve murmured. 

“He did indeed. I wonder if that signifies a shift in his relationship with Loki and Nicholas or if it means a shift in his intentions with us?” Charlie mused.

Steve cracked his knuckles anxiously. He’d asked Thor for more time before they began to date so he could finish his newest project, but he had wrapped it up that past weekend. 

He’d spent the entire week thus far obsessing over what to do and how to tell Thor he was kind of, sort of ready, but also very much not ready. 

He was the only one in the house who hadn’t dated Loki, so it had been almost two years since he’d embarked on a new relationship. 

Charlie took his hand, and stopped him from popping his knuckles again. “You don’t have to pursue anything with Thor if you don’t want to. It’s completely fine if you just want to be with Bucky, Nicholas, and me.” 

“It’s not that I don’t want it…I just feel like I don’t have the stamina or the…emotional capacity to be the one to pursue him. I think whenever he is ready and interested in me I’m more than willing to give it a shot but…I don't know where to take a wealthy businessman on a date. I don’t know how to…to impress him or make him want me the- the way I want him. The way I’ve always sort of wanted him.” 

Charlie squeezed his hand. “I think Thor has made it very clear he is interested in you as well. But if you have any concerns you should just raise them with him, I’m sure he’d be happy to discuss it with you.” 

They donned their masks and stepped into the coffee shop. “Do we know what Thor likes to drink?” Charlie asked. 

“I think I usually see him drinking unsweetened lattes?” 

Charlie chuckled softly. “Bet he’ll love Nicholas and Loki’s orders.” 

Charlie paid for their six coffees and carried them back to the house. Charlie grabbed his coffee and walked to the couch to flip open his laptop. “I have a call in about 15, don’t think I have time to shower and change. I’ll just take it out here.” 

Steve nodded and placed Bucky’s coffee in the fridge. He knew Bucky would still be asleep, but he wasn’t sure about the others. 

He tentatively opened the door to the right bedroom and saw Thor sitting up in an empty bed, scrolling on his phone. 

“Good morning my friend!” Thor called and his eyes lit up when he saw the coffees. “Nicholas and Loki are in the shower.” 

Steve couldn’t help but stare at his well muscled chest. Steve had well defined pecs and abs, but Thor was on a different level. “How do you look like that, and work and travel so much?” Steve’s traitorous mouth blurted out before he could stop himself. 

Thor raised an eyebrow. His hair was in it’s usual man bun but several strands had fallen out. “I am very lucky. I gained all of my muscle definition in high school and it has never really gone away. I used to be much larger, even when we first met, but I no longer have time for building muscle. I just attempt to stay in shape now.” 

Steve nodded and looked down at the coffees. “We got you a latte. I, uh- feel like I’ve seen you drink them before?” Steve muttered, pulling Thor’s coffee out. He walked up to the bed and leaned his leg on the mattress to reach forward and hand him the coffee. 

Their fingers brushed and Steve absolutely wasn’t going to make a big deal of the fact Thor was lying in the same spot on the bed that Charlie had fucked Steve in the previous morning. They’d changed the sheets, because Loki and Nicky had a hunch Thor might be staying over, but that didn’t help Steve’s mind much. His mind, which was wondering about all of the things Thor could probably do to him with his strong muscles and big hands. 

The physical aspect of starting a new relationship only made him a little nervous, but it was more the emotional side Steve was worried about. He and Bucky had been friends for years before they’d gotten together. He had barely just begun to consider Charlie and Nicky friends when they’d started dating. There had always been a sexual and romantic undertone between them and even clueless Steve had been aware of it. 

With Thor though, they’d been friends for years now and he’d never felt more than small stirrings and he’d always tamped them down violently. To now be able to throw open the door to them felt a little disorienting. 

“Would you…like to join me?” Thor asked softly. 

Thor rarely spoke tentatively, his sentences typically flowing out with exuberance. His voice was soft now though. He’d spoken this way to Steve before over the years, kind and soft, a little like how Charlie spoke to him. However, while Charlie was still authoritative, even with his softer voice, Thor’s voice and eyes were gentle. Zero command, just a request. 

“I, uh- I mean I might be sweaty-“ 

“You do not have to if you do not want-“ 

“No, no- uhm. Sure.” Steve scrambled awkwardly into bed, leaving the tray of coffees on the nightstand.

In his haste, he ended up practically pressed up against Thor’s side. 

Thor’s eyes went wide, but then he got a pleased look on his face, and he wrapped his arm around Steve’s shoulders. 

“Thank you very much for the coffee. And for this lovely surprise.” 

Steve shifted down on the bed so his shoulders were pressed against Thor’s chest. Thor’s arm dropped down around Steve’s waist and his hand came to rest on the outside of Steve’s thigh only an inch or two below his butt. 

It felt shockingly intimate, but also somehow like they’d done this hundreds of times before. Like this was the obvious next step in their friendship, coffee in bed with cuddles and sweet words. 

“It’s…nice to see you here so early in the morning. Are you heading to work soon?” 

Thor took a sip of coffee and raised his eyebrows in surprise. 

“This is very good! Thank you my friend! And no, I took today off to spend time with all of you.” He smiled over at Steve and he blushed. 

“Uhm…that’s very sweet of you. I, uh- just wanted to let you know I finished that project I was working on. So- I mean absolutely no pressure, please continue to pursue your relationships with the others! I just wanted to let you know…” Steve took a too big drink of his coffee and nearly choked. 

Thor squeezed his thigh once and scooted somehow even closer to Steve.  

“Thank you for letting me know. I…do not know if I will be able to do anything big with you today, but I would love to take you on a proper date soon?” 

“Oh, yes of course- please continue with your plans for the day, I just uhm…thought you might like to know.” 

Steve was staring resolutely down at his coffee cup when he felt strong fingers on his chin. Thor turned Steve’s face towards him, and their eyes met. Steve always forgot how gorgeous his eyes were. A similar blue as his own, but with a depth and a sparkle. Steve didn’t think he’d ever seen his eyes sparkle like this before, though. 

“I very much wanted to know. I do not have any set plans for the day. I just wanted to spend some time with whoever was available during the work day, and Nicholas wanted us to have a ‘family dinner.’” 

“Oh- I was going to take the day off since I just finished my project, but- I know Loki and Nicholas have flexible schedules so-“ 

“We should definitely spend some time together today then!” Thor said eagerly, his fingers switching from gripping to stroking Steve’s jaw. 

Steve let out an involuntary sigh at the touch and Thor’s lip quirked up in a smile. He slid his hand down to Steve’s throat, gently brushing his thumb over his pulse point. 

“Did…did you always…want me? Or- I mean I know we were in our own relationships, but…were you ever interested in me before?” Steve couldn’t stop the words as they tumbled out of his mouth and he momentarily considered bolting for the door.

Thor tilted his head in thought as he began to gently stroke his thumb over Steve’s collarbone. “I have always been very attracted to you. You are almost exactly my usual type…” Thor’s eyes traced over his mouth and Steve’s lips parted of their own volition. “I do not think that I ever let myself think about you like this before though. You were with Bucky, and I was with Leif. But…now…” 

Thor’s eyes were so intense on his lips he could almost feel them, like a phantom kiss. God, but he wanted the real thing. A thrumming need had started where Thor’s hand was resting on his throat and it was pulsing down through his chest into his stomach. 

It may have been over a year and a half since Steve had a first kiss, but when Thor’s tongue flicked out to lick his own bottom lip, Steve knew what was coming. His abs pulled tight and they both leaned in towards each other, but then the bathroom door opened and Steve jerked back like he had been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. More like he was caught with his mouth a scant inch away from Loki’s boyfriend. 

“Sweetheart, do you want pancakes or-” Loki pulled up short as he caught sight of Steve and Thor, cuddled up in bed together with Thor’s hand on Steve’s neck.

Steve flushed with shame, as if maybe he was doing something wrong, but then Loki’s face lit up. “Oh! Hi Steve! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Please continue or-“ 

Nicky, who had been fighting to get his towel to stay knotted, slammed into Loki. 

“Oh! Darling, what-” Nicky’s eyes lifted and when he spotted Steve, he too broke into a huge grin.

“Hi sugar! What are you doing- Oh shit, did we interrupt a moment?” Nicky asked and Loki burst out laughing. 

Everyone stared at him in confusion. “Nicky…” he said, gasping around his giggles, “its your ‘sugar’ ‘Daddy,’” Loki said pointing at Steve and then at Thor. 

Nicky burst out laughing, Thor snorted and Steve just blushed, which was rather typical for him. 

“You did interrupt us about to kiss, but we will just have to save that for later.” Thor winked at Steve and removed his hand from his neck. Steve’s blush crept down into his shirt and he felt like his skin was on fire, and attempting to crawl off his body. 

However, Thor left his other arm wrapped around Steve’s waist. His hand was still cupping his thigh with a solid grip and it made him feel surprisingly grounded. 

As the initial wave of embarrassment slowly ebbed, Steve wondered momentarily when later would be, but he shook off the thought and its associated anxiety. 

“Charles and I got you both coffee. Bucky is still asleep in the other bedroom,” Steve said softly.

“Aww, thank you so much Steve! We’ll go bother Bucky. Get out of your hair,” Loki said, as he bustled over to grab the coffees. Nicky winked at them as he followed Loki out. 

Steve wanted to protest, but the words got stuck in his throat, tangled up with his embarrassment and desire. 

Thor turned back to face him and Steve shifted slightly so he was half facing him as well. 

“Is it…later now? Or is later like…later today or the next time you’re back…?” Steve asked haltingly. 

Thor grinned wickedly and Steve felt a flash or arousal shoot straight to his groin. 

“It could be later right now…or I could take you to lunch since you are not working today?” 

Steve’s eyebrows shot up. “Like…on a date?” 

Thor smirked at him. So, yes. Like on a date. 

“Uhm…okay. That sounds…great!” Steve said as the excitement slowly settled in.

He was going to go on his first date with Thor today. He hadn’t even known Thor would be here today and now he was going to be spending a large portion of the day with him, and possibly even getting a first kiss. 

“Great,” Thor parroted back, his lush accent making the word sound tantalizing, “I think I will shower and get dressed. It sounds like Loki and Nicholas may have wanted to have breakfast?”

Steve laughed affectionately. “I wouldn’t agree to pancakes if I were you. They like to mix in weird candy, fruits, and whatever they can find around the kitchen. They’re usually sickeningly sweet.” 

Steve got out of bed and walked into their walk-in closet. He’d put most of his clothes in here with Nicky and Charlie’s stuff so he could change in and out of workout gear with Charlie. 

He closed the door and parsed through his clothes until he found a navy blue v-neck he knew pulled nicely across his chest, and a pair of well worn, ass-hugging jeans. He waited until he heard the bathroom door click and then he headed to the shower in the other bedroom. 

He found Loki, Bucky, and Nicky wrapped up in each other in bed. If Steve had to guess, he would assume that Bucky had been asleep and Nicky and Loki had descended on him, cuddled up and dozed off themselves. 

Steve showered and dressed quickly, and went out to the kitchen. There he found Thor staring blankly into their pantry. In a moment of boldness, Steve tried to channel his inner Charlie, and be confident. He walked up behind Thor with the intent of wrapping his arm around his waist. 

Unfortunately, he chickened out at the last minute and ended up just placing his hand on the middle of Thor’s back. 

When Thor turned around, though, he wrapped his arm around Steve’s waist. He wheeled him in front of himself and pointed into the closet. “I passed Charles in the hall. He said he has a lot of work to accomplish today, and I think the others may still be asleep. Breakfast may be up to us. Any ideas?” 

“Well…we have cereal. I can make us eggs. I can make us oatmeal. Uhm…there might be leftover pizza in the fridge?”

Thor’s resounding laugh tickled up and down Steve’s spine from where their bodies were lightly touching. “I have not had cold pizza for breakfast since University. I think I will have to pass, but only to preserve the sanctity of those memories. As well as the fact that we are going out to lunch,” Thor leaned his chin on Steve’s shoulder. 

As their friendship had evolved, they had touched each other with more familiarity. Steve would sometimes grab his shoulder when he laughed, and Thor would grab his thigh or arm. They had fallen asleep on their small couch in their old apartment before, pressed up against each other with their heads tilted together. Thor had even thrown his arm around Steve’s shoulders or upper back from time to time. 

This was different though. This was a soft embrace, a feeling of connectedness that went beyond just friendship and camaraderie. Steve was shy with touch until he really got to know someone. He’d known Thor for so long, just not in this way. Did that matter though?

Steve tentatively turned around in his embrace and looped his arms up around Thor’s neck. He was only a few inches taller than Steve, but something about his large muscle mass made him seem much bigger than Steve. Thor’s hands came to rest in the curve of Steve’s lower back. 

“We can just have cereal if you’d like? The others can have some when they wake up. Or- we could always go wake them up, and have breakfast in bed?” Steve offered, grinning playfully. 

Thor grinned back at him. “Breakfast in bed sounds great. I will grab the cereal and milk if you can grab bowls and spoons?” 

Steve hesitated for just a moment longer, trying to memorize the feeling of their bodies fitted together like this. Thor gazed steadily back at him as if he knew what Steve was doing. 

He took a chance and pulled himself flush up against Thor and dropped his arms down to his back for a hug. Thor hugged him right back, and he realized he wasn’t sure if they had ever really hugged before. 

If they had, he thought it would have been painfully obvious how interested in each other they were. Steve could feel the distinct bulge in Thor’s jeans, and he was sure Thor could feel his as well. He didn’t dare move until Thor tilted his head to bump into Steve’s. 

“We could…always go to my apartment for lunch…” Thor offered, his voice a little husky as it rolled down Steve’s neck. “It is our first date though, so I am also more than happy to take you out to a nice lunch instead.” 

In this exact moment, with the way his stomach was tightening and his cock was hardening, he wanted desperately to say they should just go to Thor’s apartment right now. Screw lunch and even screw breakfast, they should just get in the car and go. However, Steve always prided himself in not thinking with his cock. 

“Lunch out would be lovely. This is…really nice…but I would appreciate a first date out of our apartments.” 

Thor tightened his arms around Steve as if to emphasize how nice this felt. He made no move to leave Steve’s arms, so Steve gave himself to the count of five to let go. It ended up being closer to eight but when he pulled back Thor did as well. He had the faintest hint of a flush across his cheeks and Steve was unreasonably proud of himself for causing it. 

They bustled around until they had all of the cereal, milk, bowls, and spoons on a tray. Steve found the others’ coffees in the fridge, so he grabbed their three cups and whipped up two fresh mugs for himself and Thor. 

He shot Charlie a quick text to ask if he needed a refill, wanted cereal, or wanted to join them, but he responded that he was on calls for the next five hours. 

They made their way to the back left bedroom and when they entered, Steve and Bucky locked eyes and smiled at each other immediately. He was the only one of the three who seemed to be awake. He was gently stroking Nicky’s fluffy hair, and Loki lay sleeping on the other side of Nicky. 

Thor brought the tray over and laid it on the bottom of the bed and Steve walked around to the other side of the bed to set down their coffees. Steve slid under the covers with Bucky and Thor did the same on the other side, sliding in next to Loki. 

“Good morning, love,” Steve said at a normal volume to potentially encourage the other two to wake up. 

“Good morning. You brought breakfast? And Thor is here?” Bucky asked sleepily, rubbing at his eyes as he sat up a little to stretch his back. 

“Had sex…was great…sleep time…” Nicky mumbled as he shifted until he was lying with his cheek pressed against Bucky’s lap. Bucky laughed affectionately and went back to stroking Nicky’s hair. 

“Wow, that’s great Nicky. I know how badly you’ve wanted this,” Bucky looked up at Steve and he smiled back. 

“Uhm…I think that Thor and I are, uh- going out to date on a lunch- er…going out to lunch on a date…” Steve felt like someone had lit a match under his cheeks, they were practically radiating heat.

“Oh? Just you and Thor?” Bucky looked between the two. Thor didn’t say anything, he just smiled his big, crowd pleasing smile. 

“Uhm…yes just us two, is- is that okay? And, is it okay if we…I mean if it goes well and we continue to- to date?” 

He hated how much he was stuttering and stumbling. His nerves felt like they were being rubbed raw and his hands were beginning to shake. It didn’t feel like a panic attack, it felt more like the flood of adrenaline released right at the starting whistle of a race. 

“Of course it’s okay! Wow, that’s so exciting, I’m so happy for both of you! Is…that why you brought in breakfast and coffee? Is it celebratory cereal?” Bucky grinned teasingly at Steve and then at Thor. 

“The cereal is more of an excuse to see you three,” Thor admitted. He was stroking Loki’s hair, whose eyes were half lidded, but he did seem to be awake. 

“Don’t need an excuse to see us…can always see us…but…coffee is much appreciated.” Loki made grabby hands for the coffee and Steve smiled as he grabbed his coffee and handed it across the bed. He let his reaching hand come to rest on Nicky’s back and he stroked soothing circles into the relaxed muscles there. Nicky stirred but kept his eyes closed as he snuggled into Bucky’s leg. 

“Same for me. No excuse needed but- you know that,” Bucky said, winking at Steve. Steve did know that of course. He also knew he didn’t need an excuse to see Nicky or Charlie, but he still felt he needed an excuse to be around Thor, and it seemed Thor felt the same way about Loki. 

Loki cleared his throat as he took another sip of coffee. He looked a bit more awake now that he had some caffeine and was fully situated in Thor’s arms. “I’m sorry. I think we were going to make you breakfast. We came in to get Bucky and then must have fallen back asleep.” 

“It’s alright, kjære. I am enjoying this time here with you four more than any breakfast.” 

“I just…know that you always take such good care of me, and now of Nicky. I want to make sure we’re taking good care of you too,” Loki murmured as he nuzzled into Thor’s chest. 

Steve’s heart clenched, seeing the way Loki and Thor were so clearly falling in love with each other. He had watched Loki fall in love and be loved by first Nicky, then Charlie, and finally his kind hearted Bucky. 

He had learned through their entrance into polyamory that Bucky still had some scars from their fight back when they were teenagers and Steve had a few of his own. He was desperately afraid of hurting any of his lovers, especially Bucky, and he didn’t ever want to accidentally make anyone feel unloved or unwanted. He was also painfully shy and anxious though, so sometimes it was hard for him to make the first move or set the pace for a relationship. 

He had followed Charlie’s lead for their relationship and while he’d scheduled and planned his first date with Nicky, Nicky had taken over from there, guiding them through hooking up and finally both Charlie and Nicky guided him through his first time being a dom. 

It definitely wasn’t ever something Steve had imagined doing or being, but he loved the way he could take control of the moment and give and take from Nicky. He seemed to love it as well and the past month they’d been more purposeful in finding time to go on a few dates and have a lot of sex. 

Thor, however, was only looking to top, and that was another thing he had never really imagined. From the first time he and Bucky had sex, Steve was the permanent top. He had never, and probably would never have changed his opinion except he met Charlie and Charlie showed him how unbelievable it could be to listen to commands instead of make them and to take a lover in his own body. And now Thor wanted to give him that as well. Steve shifted uncomfortably, as his eyes wandered over Thor’s clothed pecs and arms. Loki was reclined against Thor’s chest, and Steve imagined it was him in Thor’s arms instead. Maybe Thor would trace his finger’s over the curve in Steve’s biceps, carving out the shape of his pecs and each one of his abs. Steve would let him go as far as he wanted, and maybe he’d go as far down as the top of Steve’s jeans…

He tried to shake away the mental images but it was too late. Unfortunately, even though Thor was on the opposite side of the bed and hadn’t actually touched Steve, a bulge was forming in Steve’s pants as if he had. Bucky, who was curled against his side, clearly took notice. 

“So, where are you going for lunch?” Bucky asked innocently, placing his hand gently on top of Steve’s lap under the covers. 

Steve’s breath caught and he glanced down at his treacherous lover. Bucky squeezed ever so gently and Steve let out a shaky breath. 

“I am not sure! Wherever Steve would like to go, I am happy to take him.” Thor threw a kind smile over at Steve, and Bucky ran his hand down Steve’s length. He had to use every ounce of control he possessed to not thrust up into Bucky’s hand. 

“Well, sweetheart, what are you in the mood for?” Bucky asked innocently, as he continued to stroke Steve under the covers. 

“Uhm…I…” Steve stammered, catching a whimper in the back of his throat right before it could escape. 

“Didn’t you want to try that Hungarian restaurant, Steve?” Loki asked sweetly. Bucky twisted his wrist and Steve gasped. 

“Y-yes, that's right I- I wanted to try the Hungarian restaurant over by… the city,” 

Steve was practically panting and Loki was giving him a skeptical look, but Thor just looked curious. He supposed he was lucky Nicky was still asleep because he’d seen Steve coming apart like this before and he would absolutely call him on it. 

“I love Hungarian food! I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Germany and Hungary and have developed a few favorites. I am excited to see how they compare over here,” Thor said thoughtfully.

Of course Thor had spent time there before. He felt a little dumb for suggesting another European country’s cuisine, but Thor really did look excited. 

Bucky also looked excited for him and Thor, but it was laced with mischief. Finally, Steve had to put an end to the torture, because he absolutely was not going to cum in his pants while Thor watched. He gently grabbed Bucky’s hand and intertwined their fingers. 

Bucky turned in his arms and laid his head on Steve’s shoulder. 

Loki asked Thor a question about dinner and they launched into a quiet discussion about whether they should cook or order something for dinner. 

“I’m surprised you let me go for so long,” Bucky murmured and Steve shook his head fondly. 

“Were you thinking about Thor?” Bucky inquired.

Steve bit his bottom lip and glanced away. This was the hardest part of polyamory for him. Making sure he wasn’t ever hurting Bucky or making Bucky feel left out or jealous. He nodded subtly and Bucky squeezed his hand he was still holding. 

“That’s great Steve! I’m so happy you’re ready to give this a shot! It’s so obvious he treats Loki like royalty, I’m excited for you to be doted on a little.” Bucky turned completely in Steve’s arms to give him a hug and he jostled Nicky in the process. 

Nicky let out a groan and he rolled over and buried his face in Loki’s crotch. Loki let out an indignant squawk and chaos ensued. 

Loki shoved Nicky into Bucky who retaliated by trying to poke Loki in the ribs with his toes. Nicky, not to be ignored, threw himself on top of Loki and then Bucky jumped on his back. 

Thor let out a startled laugh and, adding to the chaos, pushed all of them off of himself so they landed in a tangled mess in the middle of the bed. Hands, feet, elbows, groping fingers, and roaming mouths flew in all directions. They finally came to rest with Loki reclined against the headboard, Bucky reclined against Loki’s chest and Nicky kneeling over both of them. His eyes were lit up, turning the green almost iridescent. He leaned forward, bracing one arm on the headboard next to Loki’s head and his other hand cupped Bucky’s crotch. Bucky let out a whimper and squirmed against Loki who let out a moan. 

“You’re both more than welcome to watch… but if you’re not interested in seeing all three of us naked in the next thirty seconds you might want to leave,” Nicky growled, his voice rough and sexy with sleep. 

Thor’s eyebrows shot up and Steve quickly scrambled out of bed. If it had just been him, he probably would have stayed to watch, but there was no way he could sit here with Thor and watch. Thor grabbed the tray and his coffee and they made a hasty exit back to the dining room. 

“It does not seem like we are having a lot of success with breakfast,” Thor laughed, grabbing the milk and turning to walk back into the kitchen. 

“Maybe we should just give up on breakfast for today. We could…just have some granola bars and maybe- walk to the Hungarian restaurant? It should take about an hour and then we’d be just in time for lunch?”

Steve followed Thor into the kitchen, and he stepped into the pantry to sort through their boxes of granola bars. Thor stepped in behind him and reached around him as if to grab a granola bar, but instead he braced his hand on the heavy wooden shelf and wrapped his other arm around Steve’s waist, pulling him back against his chest. 

Steve let out a startled laugh. “Do you have a thing for pantries?” 

“I have a thing for you,” Thor growled playfully. Steve clenched every muscle in his body to stop the shiver his voice elicited. 

“Would…you have pursued something with me today if I hadn’t come to you this morning?” Steve asked, his mouth once again betraying him. 

Thor hummed and pressed his hand flat against Steve’s stomach. His thumb traced the contours of one of Steve’s abs and his heart skipped a beat. 

“No. While I have been thinking about this…about you for a while now, I was waiting for your lead to proceed.” 

“I don’t want to lead…” Steve admitted honestly. He stared blankly at the boxes of granola bars and dried pasta in front of his face. 

“You…want me to take the lead in our- dating?” Thor’s voice stuttered a little and Steve wondered if he had been trying to say relationship. Steve had to admit he also wasn’t quite ready to call it a relationship, but in the span of an hour it had morphed into something that wasn’t just a friendship either. 

Steve didn’t feel like he had control of his words right now, so he merely nodded. 

“I am happy to do so…but I need to know if you have boundaries or restrictions. For example, is this alright? And holding you as I did earlier?” Thor pressed Steve back against him even harder and Steved hummed in pleasure. 

“Yes…and…I very much was ready to kiss you this morning.” 

“Sex?” Thor asked, the word alone making Steve’s heart rate pick up. 

“Uhm…probably not quite yet? I- I’d at least like to go on a date or two first?” 

Thor nodded and began stroking his hand languidly up and down Steve’s stomach. 

Steve stifled a groan and tilted his head back against Thor’s shoulder. 

“This is…alright?” Thor asked. 

“God…yes…” 

Thor continued stroking his stomach, pressing himself up against Steve’s back. He couldn’t believe they were basically cuddling in the pantry. He knew that Bucky, Loki, and Nicky often did this during dinner parties. They’d escape with each other into the pantry for a moment of privacy, grounding, and checking in on each other. 

He wasn’t sure which he and Thor were doing. It felt like they were in the exploratory phase of their relationship and Steve could get lost in it. Especially if he got his hands on Thor. 

He lifted one of his hands up to trace his fingers up Thor’s arm, from wrist to elbow. He had coarse, blonde hair covering his well muscled forearms and when Steve's fingers curled around his biceps he let out a content sigh. 

Steve had never been with someone this big before. He felt just on the border of intimidated and incredibly turned on. He wondered if he had any of the same effect on Thor or if he was just another semi-muscular guy Thor was going to sleep with. 

Thor nuzzled his nose underneath Steve’s ear. “Thank you for telling me what you need. I will take the lead from now on.” 

His breath against Steve’s neck might as well have been a roaming tongue or tickling fingers. He shivered violently and Thor pressed his hips forward and Steve nearly gasped as a huge bulge pressed against his ass. 

So maybe Thor did want him as badly as Steve wanted him. 

Suddenly, Thor pulled back, grabbed two granola bars from the shelf and walked out of the pantry. Steve floundered for a moment, trying to get his bearings as he found himself feeling a little unmoored. 

He left the pantry and closed the door behind him. He found Thor in the front hall, sliding his wallet into his back pocket and the granola bars into his jacket. 

Thor held out his now empty hand for Steve and he took it with only a moment of hesitation. 

They headed out on their walk and they fell into an easy conversation about the gala and what Thor and Loki were going to do in Norway. 

Steve recognized several of the names of Thor’s old friends that would be there for the weekend. Thor’s eyes lit up as he described the places he wanted to show Loki and the things he wanted to do with all of his friends. Steve couldn’t help but smile along and he only needed to ask a few follow up questions to prompt Thor into telling several outlandish stories of the trouble he and his friends used to get up to in Norway when they were kids. 

Steve could listen to Thor talk all day. 

When they would hang out before the pandemic, he would curl up on the couch next to Thor and Bucky and listen to them pass stories back and forth like a bottle of liquor at a college party. Actually, quite a few of their stories often revolved around a passed bottle of liquor. 

As they continued walking, Steve realized he actually knew a lot about Thor, way more than he had known about Charlie and Nicky when they first started dating, and for a long time afterwards too. 

Steve’s knowledge of Thor ended when the pandemic started though. He had known bits and pieces about Leif, and he had even known that they had gotten engaged, but he didn’t know anything past what the tabloids said about his breakup. 

They arrived at the restaurant and were seated at a table in a back corner of their outdoor patio. As they took their seats Steve asked the question that had been rattling around his head for the back half of their walk. “How are you doing Thor? With the breakup? I…I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been.” 

Thor met his gaze and then his eyes darted away. “It…would be easy, and true in a way, to say that I am doing very well. Loki has made me feel things I didn’t think I was capable of feeling again and he’s given me hope. So much hope. But. On my own sometimes, when I’m on long flights back and forth between here and Europe, or late at night when I’m alone…sometimes it still feels awful.” 

Steve could understand that. He hadn’t even been dating Bucky when they’d separated, but it haunted him for years. Thor and Leif had been engaged. Thor had probably been building a life in his head with him and then it was all shattered by Leif’s infidelity and betrayal. 

“I’m so sorry, Thor. You don’t deserve what he did to you. And…while I am eternally grateful that I have this opportunity with you now, I still wish it hadn't happened this way.” 

Thor smiled softly at him. “I wish I had just never been with him. Truly I do but…if I hadn’t, I don’t think I ever would have been ready to date the four of you now. I was still a wild partier and bachelor when I met Leif. He changed me for the better and the breakup changed me too. At first I thought it was for the worse, but I think maybe it has helped me be more honest with myself about what I want.” Thor stopped talking as the waitress approached to take their order. 

Steve hadn’t even looked at the menu, so he asked Thor to order some of his favorites for both of them. Thor ordered four dishes and two German beers for them. Steve smirked at the beer order and Thor smirked back. Their beers arrived only a minute later and they both took healthy sips. 

“May I ask…what it is that you want?” Steve hedged, quickly sipping his beer again to try and hide some of his blush. 

Thor tapped his large, thick fingers on his beer glass. “I want…forever. I want a partner, or partners, who I can build a life with. For the time being I am going to be back and forth between countries a lot, but it won’t always be that way. I want…some stability. I want to know if I’m feeling lonely or melancholy, or scared late at night, I have someone or multiple someone’s I can call or even better, turn to in bed.” 

Steve smiled faintly. He hadn’t really spent any time thinking about what it would be like to date Thor, but he’d seen how happy and then sad Loki was every time Thor came and left. He wondered if it would get easier as he became more integrated into the group or if it would just be even harder. 

“Do you want to move in with us once you’re dating all of us?” Steve blurted out and he nearly slapped a hand over his mouth. Thankfully he was still holding his beer glass so instead he pressed that to his lips and drained half of the glass. 

Thor blinked at him. “I…I mean, I told Loki that I wanted to try dating him before beginning to date the rest of you. Clearly, we have been incredibly successful but…I do want to make sure that things work out between you and I, and myself and Charles but if things do work out…Of course I would want to live with you. I’m just… not sure when everyone would be comfortable with that and I don’t know if your apartment could really fit six grown adults in it. But…as of right now, I want to spend every moment that I am in America with you five.” 

Steve realized this probably should have been a conversation for the entire quint, or at the very least for Loki and Thor. He was literally on his first date with Thor and he’d just asked him if they should live together. 

He glared down into his almost finished beer and the waitress must have noticed because a moment later a new one was being set down in front of him. 

He glanced up and saw Thor smiling softly at him. “Do you want me to move in with all of you? If…we really do work out?” 

“Yes. Of course,” Steve said without hesitation. 

It was Thor’s turn to blush and look down into his drink. 

“Thank you my friend…you have no idea how much that means to me to hear that. That you have faith in me… and in us.” 

Steve suddenly wished Bucky was here. He always knew exactly what to say whether it was to Nicky, Loki, or Steve himself. He tried to channel Bucky as he reached across the table and took Thor’s hand. 

Thor smiled at him and then Steve did the opposite of channeling Bucky and he just blurted out his first thought. “I’d love to visit you in Europe sometime if-…if you’d ever be interested in that- I mean, so you’d maybe be a little less lonely?”

To his utter relief, the wattage on Thor’s smile went up. “That would be wonderful, Steve! I would love to have you visit- oh…actually…” 

Thor looked away and his expression darkened for a moment and Steve accidentally gripped his hand harder. 

He quickly looked back to him and smiled softly. “There is something I need to discuss with you. It is not bad! But…your offer reminded me-“ he stopped talking as the waitress arrived with their food, but Steve felt a pit settle in his stomach and he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to eat any of the food Thor had ordered them. Thor looked at it like he too was feeling a little nauseated. 

To Steve’s surprise he stood up and dragged his chair over right next to Steve’s. He sat back down and took Steve’s hand again. “So…I have already discussed this with Loki and Nicholas. I probably should have just discussed it with all of you at once but at the time I thought it would be better to do it over time…” 

Thor went on to tell Steve how he currently had two sets of lovers, a married couple in France and his best friend in Norway. He promised he wouldn’t be seeing them while Loki was with him this coming weekend and when Steve joined him in Europe he would also exclusively be with Steve. 

Steve was actually surprised at how not surprised he was. He’d always known Thor kept a lot of men and women’s company. He had described some of his escapades to him and Bucky over the years and it had stopped with Leif. Steve had no doubt it had picked back up almost immediately afterwards. If the tabloids could be believed, it involved a wicked bender across Europe. 

Thor gently volunteered that there was no romance involved, just a deep fraternal affection and the urge to keep the cold away at night. Steve nodded his understanding. He was probably the least sexual member of the quint, but even he could understand not wanting to be abstinent for half of the year if he was only able to be in America with the quint for the other half. 

When Thor offered to stop Steve felt a little thrown off. He had been holding Thor’s hand the entire time and at this he actually pulled his hand back. 

“But…it doesn’t sound like you’re doing anything wrong so…why would you offer to stop as if you are doing something wrong? That feels…bad,” Steve said, looking away. 

Thor reached for his face but Steve turned back to look at him before his hand could brush his cheek and he dropped his hand uselessly back to his own lap. 

“I…you’re right. I do not believe that I am doing anything wrong, but I did not want you to feel like you had no say in the matter. If it bothers you, or if anything ever bothers you, I will do everything in my power to rectify it.” 

Steve bit his lip. “Okay. I hear you. But…I want you to do what you want to do and need to do. Please don’t ask me to decide that for you, or even offer me the choice.” 

Thor blinked at him but then he slowly nodded. “Okay. I hear you,” he parroted back, but for some reason the words struck Steve hard because it seemed like he really meant it. “I will not ask, or put this on you again. Just let me know if you want me to do anything differently.” 

Steve smiled and this time he was the one to reach for Thor’s cheek. He ran his thumb over the stubble on Thor’s jaw and he smiled. 

“So,” Steve glanced at the food on the table and then back at Thor, “what dish are you most excited to try?” 

“Oh, definitely the goulash,” Thor said as he gestured at a red stew. “Even my father, who cannot cook, can make good goulash.” 

Without removing his hand from Thor’s cheek, Steve turned back to the table and filled up a spoon of the stew. He slowly lifted it to Thor’s lips, giving him ample opportunity to protest or decline, but he didn’t. He opened his mouth to accept the spoon, his eyes locked on Steve’s as he pursed his lips around the spoon to suck off the stew. 

Steve removed the spoon and Thor closed his eyes as he worked his jaw on the meat. Steve could feel the muscles in his jaw flex and it was strangely intimate. Thor’s eyes opened and they were sparkling with excitement. 

“It is very good! May I?” 

Thor took the spoon out of Steve’s hand and Steve dropped his other hand to rest on Thor’s thigh. 

Steve readily accepted a spoonful of the stew from Thor. While he wouldn’t describe himself as a sexy eater, the way Thor’s eyes drank in his face and mouth he figured maybe he put on a relatively decent show. 

They took turns feeding each other dishes. Thor really liked the stuffed cabbage and Steve found he greatly enjoyed the chicken paprikash. Once they had tried all of the dishes they finally served themselves plates of their favorites and they began talking about some of the trips Thor had taken to Hungary. 

They made a fairly sizable dent in the food and they got it all packaged up to take home. Thor called them a car home and ordered an extra dish to go. While they waited for the car, they sat on a bench outside of the restaurant holding hands like this was just something they did on any old Wednesday. 

Steve was full of food and beer and he let his head fall onto Thor’s shoulder. Thor wrapped his arm around his waist and pressed his hand against the outside of Steve’s thigh again. 

“I really like that…” Steve said, tipping his head towards Thor’s hand on his leg. 

Thor chuckled grudgingly. “I started doing it with Leif actually.” 

“Hey, that’s a great thing to have come out of the relationship then. It makes me feel…very safe,” Steve admitted. 

Thor curved his hand over Steve’s thigh until it came to rest a few inches from Steve’s crotch. 

Steve laughed. “Okay and maybe it makes me feel a little of something else too.” He lifted his head until their mouths were just an inch apart. Thor’s eyes began to close just as their car arrived. And by car, he meant limo. Steve nearly choked.

Thor laughed and they separated. “I’m surprised Loki and Nicholas had not spoiled the surprise for you. I thought by now you would have known my car is a small limo. I promise though, it’s mainly just so I can take meetings in it.” 

Steve blinked at him a few times. A hefty, red headed and bearded man got out and bustled around to the side of the car. 

“You must be Volstagg! Bucky has told me many stories of the gorgeous, but sadly straight, ginger man!” Steve said before he could stop himself. 

Volstagg lit up and let out a deep belly laugh. “You must be Steve, Bucky’s elskede. He told me a lot about you as well.” 

Volstagg, Hogun, and Fandral had all come to America to visit Thor while he was teaching dance classes and they’d met and hung out with Bucky for several weeks. Bucky was nothing but complementary and affectionate when describing his time with them. As it turned out, Thor was actually sleeping with Fandral even all these years later. He was curious if Bucky had picked up on that when they’d been together. Thor had said he was welcome to discuss with Bucky, he just wanted to tell Charlie himself. 

“We’d love to have you over for dinner sometime! I’m sure Bucky would be ecstatic to see you again and you’ve met Nicholas and Loki. Maybe the next time Thor is back in town?” Steve offered.

Volstagg beamed at him. “That sounds wonderful, Steve. I do have a request though. Could Loki make the dessert?” 

Thor let out a loud laugh. “Really taking advantage of my kjæreste, Volstagg. But yes, I’m sure he would absolutely love to bake for you.” 

“Maybe you can speak with him about starting his own business. None of us want to pressure him too much, but maybe from a third party he’d be more open to discussing it?” Steve asked hopefully. 

Volstagg’s cheeks turned a ruddy color similar to his beard. “Ahh, I have already been bothering him to monetize his baking. But I am always willing to try again! Maybe over a beer.” 

Thor rolled his eyes affectionately and held the door open for Steve. He slid in and Thor followed a few moments later, after having apparently handed Volstagg the extra dish he had ordered for him. 

As Thor slid in next to him, he reached up and cupped Steve’s face. “What a great idea. Volstagg is going to love coming over for dinner. Thank you.” 

There was a beat of silence and unlike the other two times, Steve didn’t feel this one coming. Thor leaned in and suddenly they were kissing. Steve’s eyes closed and he reached up and clutched blindly at Thor’s face and neck. He opened his mouth on instinct and Thor’s tongue slid out and stroked against Steve’s. He tasted like tomatoes, beer and something tangy and undefinable. His tongue was warm and strong, if a tongue could be described as strong, and he quickly took over Steve’s mouth. 

Steve let out a soft moan into the kiss and Thor reached around to grip at the back of Steve’s neck, somehow making the kiss even deeper. 

This kiss wasn’t like any kiss with any of his other lovers and it definitely wasn’t like his last first kiss, which had been with Nicky in a dark movie theater. 

Thor’s hands were large and powerful on his jaw and his neck and he felt the heat and size of him in a way he had never experienced with any other lover. He was always the bigger one in his relationships, even Charlie was just a little smaller than Steve was. Thor didn’t dwarf him in any way, but he was definitely bigger. 

His lips were surprisingly soft and plush and it felt almost like they were massaging Steve’s and it was incredibly pleasant. Steve typically zoned out and focused on what his own or his lover’s tongue was doing when kissing. Right now though, he found himself noting the way Thor’s neck and shoulders flexed under his fingers, the way Thor’s lips felt on his, and the familiar tingling and tightening in his stomach. God and this was just a kiss. He couldn’t imagine what doing even more than kissing was going to feel like. 

They finally pulled back and Steve nipped playfully at Thor’s bottom lip the way Bucky and Nicky liked to do to him. 

Thor smiled wickedly and pulled him back in for another kiss and he playfully flicked his tongue against Steve’s. 

Steve couldn’t help it, he laughed into the kiss and sucked teasingly on Thor’s tongue. He grunted and pulled back but he was smiling. Steve didn’t let him go far, pulling their foreheads against each other. 

“God…that was a first kiss,” Steve breathed. 

“Yes…it really was.” 

Steve took pleasure in how flushed Thor’s cheeks were. “If I knew it was going to be like that, maybe I would have taken you up on your offer to have lunch at your place.” 

Thor turned his hand that was still holding the back of Steve’s neck to check his watch. “Unfortunately, I think we might be out of time for that now. But I will be back later next week? Could I…invite you over then?” Thor asked. 

Steve answered with another kiss and they sank into it again, and it was sweeter than the dessert they had opted out of trying at lunch. 

“Just to confirm…that is a yes?” Thor whispered against his lips. 

“Absolutely, yes.” 

Thor pulled him in for yet another kiss and Steve felt his neck crick at the rough angle. Following some carnal instinct, Steve did something he never thought he would do. He climbed onto Thor’s lap like he weighed 100 pounds, not close to 200. Thor seemed absolutely delighted by it though. 

“Steven! I never would have guessed!” Thor joked, laughing into their next kiss. 

Yeah, Steve would never have guessed either. But these side kisses just weren’t enough and if all they could do was kiss for the last ten minutes of their drive home Steve was going to make the most of it. 

He settled himself onto Thor’s lap, keeping most of his weight on his knees. Thor kept him locked in a kiss as he threaded his arms behind Steve’s lower back. 

The angle of the kiss allowed Steve to plunder Thor’s mouth with his tongue and he took full advantage of it. Thor hummed happily into the kiss and his hands drifted down to Steve’s hips. 

“I thought you were following my lead, handsome?” Thor mumbled against his lips. 

Steve laughed. “I am. You kissed me. Now I’m kissing you. Lead followed.” 

Steve swooped down and kissed him again, coming up on his knees to really take advantage of being taller than Thor in this position. Thor grabbed his ass with both of his hands and squeezed and they both groaned. 

“You have…an incredible ass…” Thor murmured between kisses.

“Thank you.” 

“Truly. This could be considered America’s ass.” 

Steve laughed heartily. “It’s just because it’s big, like the rest of me. I think Nicholas has an amazing ass, and he dresses it up all pretty too.” Steve hadn’t thought he was drunk on the three beers he’d had at lunch, but his tongue was definitely looser than it normally would be. 

Thor chuckled. “Yes, as does Loki- trust me. Really, you all seem to be very gifted in physique.” 

“God you’re one to talk,” Steve griped, running his hands down Thor’s impressive arms. 

“I am muscular, but I do not think I am particularly sexual. You on the other hand…” Thor traced the curve of Steve’s ass with his fingers, caressing the crease where his butt met his upper legs. Steve groaned and pressed back into his hands. He was growing hard again and all Thor would have to do is glance down and it would be all too evident. 

He settled back on Thor’s lap, but what he wasn’t expecting was to land on Thor’s own rock hard bulge. Steve gasped and accidentally rocked his hips. They both moaned and Thor gripped brutally at his hips. 

“Steve,” he ground out through his teeth. “We have to go back upstairs to the others in just a few minutes and I am now no longer decent.” 

Steve laughed and just to be petulant he rocked his hips again. “Good. Neither am

I.” 

Thor laughed, but it was strained, as he forced Steve off his lap. “I will text Volstagg to go around the block again.”

Thor pulled out his phone but before he could type out the text, Steve pulled him into a final kiss. When Thor broke away he was breathless and shaking his head. “Alright Steven. I’ll make that twice around the block.”

Steve laughed like a school boy and collapsed into Thor’s side, humming happily when he wrapped an arm around his shoulders and shot off the text. 

“Next week?” Steve asked softly. 

“Next week,” Thor said, conviction and a deep heady lust coating his words. 

Chapter Text

“So if Val's parents hate me, are you going to break up with me?” 

Loki was anxiously bouncing up and down in his seat as their car made the turn into the airport hanger. He’d been bouncing since the second he got in the car and it was only becoming more frenetic and anxious as they pulled in. 

Thor had actually been relatively calm this morning. His alarm had gone off at 3am for them to make their flight at 4. 

He’d woken up with Loki in one arm and Nicky sprawled across his other. The six of them had fallen into Steve and Bucky’s bed to watch a movie, at Nicky’s forceful request, after a wonderful dinner cooked by Charlie and dessert made by Loki. They’d all fallen asleep together but at some point some of them had migrated to the other room for more comfortable sleeping. Six was a lot of grown adults in one bed. 

Thor’s calm had carried them through the morning of Loki finalizing his packing and had gotten them all the way into the car. Unfortunately, that was when Loki’s anxiety had struck with a vengeance and Thor was beginning to find it hard to beat back his own anxiety as well. This, however, was not a source of his anxiety. 

“Kjære, they’re going to love you. And if they do not, they are not my parents. I do not need their approval. And even if my- my father disapproved of you, I would still not break up with you. Many of my family did not approve of Leif and that clearly didn’t stop me.” 

Therein lay Thor’s anxiety. They were now only a day away from the gala where he would see his horrible ex-fiance. 

He sighed and ran a hand down his face but he suddenly realized Loki had stopped bouncing in his seat. He turned to look at him and he had an unreadable expression on his face. 

“Loki?” 

“I’m sorry. I am supposed to be here as moral support for you and while I desperately want your family and friends- and friend’s families to approve of me…it’s not really about me is it…I’m sorry. I’ll do better from now on.” 

Thor felt both alarmed and slightly relieved. He truly didn’t care what the others thought of Loki, because Loki was amazing, kind, and loveable, and he knew everyone was going to fall for him. He realized though with the mention of Leif he’d rather undermined that sentiment. 

He turned in his seat and cupped Loki’s face. 

“No, I’m sorry. You have every right to be nervous. I’m sure I will be nervous when I meet your cousins and Hector. I just meant I have the utmost confidence that they will love you just as I- uhm, adore you.” 

Loki’s downcast eyes glanced up and he smirked at him, but didn’t say anything. Thor had begun slipping up more often around Loki.

He still truly didn’t think he was quite ready to say love, especially with his Norwegian upbringing. In Norway love was a very serious, very private thing. His mother had raised him in a very openly loving house and it had seeped into his friendships and the way he formed romantic attachments as well, but he still moved slower than many others in admitting he was experiencing romantic love. Still though, he was feeling a whole hell of a lot for Loki, whether it was love or the prequel to love he wasn’t sure, but it was beginning to seep into his words. 

“And if they had some kind of problem with you- which unlike for Leif where it was justified in your case it would be very unjustified- I wouldn’t care. Because I have made up my mind about you and I am not easily swayed.” 

Loki’s smirk fell away. “You’ve…made up your mind about me?”

Thor blinked at him. “…yes?” 

“Would you…like to share it with the class?” Loki asked. 

Thor blinked again. 

“Sorry- American phrase. Would you like to tell me what you made up your mind about?” Loki corrected, a slight edge to his voice. 

“Oh. You,” Thor said, having thought that was obvious. 

It was Loki’s turn to blink. “Yes, you said that. I mean what about me?” 

Just then Volstagg parked the car and threw open the divider. “You both ready? Their Uber arrived several minutes ago so they’ve just been waiting in the rain.”

“Oh no!” Loki cried and scrambled out of the car before Thor could even grab his backpack. He rolled his eyes internally at his sweet kjæreste. How could anyone not love him? 

He wasn’t quite sure where Loki’s confusion had been coming from. Thor had made up his mind that he wanted to be with Loki, and after his brief talk with Steve about living together it seemed everyone else had made up their minds as well. Thor didn’t quite feel like he was a part of the quint yet, but they were definitely part of his life. If Thor wasn’t careful, Loki was going to very quickly become his entire life. 

He went around to the back of the car to help Loki with their luggage, pulling out Volstagg’s as well, since he would be flying with them to Norway. 

Loki was bouncing on the balls of his feet and Volstagg threw an arm around his shoulder as he opened an umbrella for them both and bustled them both across the tarmac to the waiting plane. He thought it spoke volumes that Volstagg, his best friend and bodyguard, was escorting Loki to the plane and not Thor. Valkyrie and her parents were of course already seated in the plane, Volstagg had just wanted to get them moving before the storm really hit. 

They’d discussed it earlier via text and Thor didn’t want to worry Loki with anything else, but they had to take off in the next fifteen or so minutes to avoid getting caught in the storm. 

Thor hustled after them with their bags, ignoring the rain. When they got to the plane stairs, Volstsgg nearly shoved Loki up them as he turned around to grab some of their bags to carry up the stairs. 

As they got to the top of the stairs Volstagg ducked into the cockpit to let the pilots know they were ready to take off. Thor deposited their luggage in the luggage storage area and wrapped his arm around Loki’s shoulders. 

Loki was looking around the cabin of the plane with huge eyes and Valkyrie was watching him affectionately while her parents were openly inspecting him. 

The cabin was moderately sized for a private plane. There was a table with four plush chairs around it on the left, two more tables with two slightly less plush chairs for working lined up on the right, a bench chair up against the windows behind the four seater table, a bathroom, and a small back cabin with a bed in it.

Loki turned to Thor with wonder shining in his eyes and Thor pulled him against his side. He felt the moment Loki noticed the bedroom because he tightened his grip around Thor’s waist. 

Valkyrie and her parents were sitting at the table with the four chairs and Valkyrie stood up to hug both of them. Volstagg bustled into the back of the plane right as they began introductions. 

“Yes, yes, lovely to see you all, we’ll see you for the next eight hours. Please take your seats and buckle in.” Volstagg placed his hands on Loki's back and wheeled him to one of the sets of two seater tables. 

“It’s lovely to meet you!” Loki called over his shoulder as Volstagg led Loki to the back of the plane, and Valkyrie’s parents chortled. 

“What a little dear,” her mother commented. 

“Much better than the old grumpy one,” her father agreed. 

“Loki is wonderful. I’ll invite him up here once we reach altitude- Volo! Lovely to see you!” 

Volstagg slid into the seat next to Valkyrie and Thor walked to the back and got Loki strapped into the seat that would be facing forward on takeoff. Right as he sat down in his own seat the pilot came over the loudspeaker and told them to prepare for takeoff and a few minutes later they were in the air. 

Loki was staring in wonder out the window and he startled when Thor reached across the table to grab his hand. 

He squeezed his hand and Loki beamed at him. “As soon as we reach cruising altitude you can officially meet Valkyrie’s parents.” 

Loki looked much less worried than he had been before. “Okay! They seem nice.” 

Thor snorted. “They are very nice, which I’ve been trying to tell you, but you haven’t even spoken to them yet. How do you know they are nice?” 

“They smiled at me, and it touched their eyes so I think they really meant it,” Loki said as if it was the simplest thing in the world. 

Thor let out a startled laugh. “Maybe I should keep an eye on you at the gala. If all someone has to do is smile at you to gain your affection and trust, there might be people fighting to take you home with them.”

Loki rolled his eyes. “The only one taking me home is you, darling, and I think you know that.” 

Thor kissed Loki’s knuckles. “I…will probably need you to remind me of that while we are there. Sometimes I can lose sight of that…” 

Loki smiled softly. “I’m yours.”

The conversation from the car drifted back into Thor’s mind and he was about to say something when the altitude alert went off and Volstagg appeared at their table. 

“Alright Loki. Are you ready? They’d love to meet you.” 

Loki unbuckled and stood up, and accepted Volstagg’s arm when he offered it. Thor stayed in his seat and several minutes later Volstagg returned. 

“Man, they are cooing at him like a cute puppy dog,” Volstagg said. 

“Well, he does look quite adorable today,” Thor commented. 

He looked over his shoulder to gaze at Loki across the plane. He was wearing a cream colored cowl neck sweater and maroon chinos. His hair was in a twisty updo with a clip Thor knew Charlie had bought him, small hoop earrings from Nicky and a necklace from Bucky. Loki had shown each item to Thor as he’d put them on and sleepily explained the significance of each. 

Thor had already planned on spoiling Loki this weekend, but now he added “buy Loki things to put on his body to show he’s mine” to the list. 

Volstagg chuckled. “Are you sure adorable is the word you want to go with? You kind of look like you want to sink your teeth into him.” 

“Maybe not my teeth but…I was just thinking I want to buy him some pretty things while we are here.” 

“For him to wear tomorrow?” 

Thor’s eyes widened. He hadn’t even thought about that. “That would be…quite a statement, yes? I didn’t even buy Leif items for events.” 

Volstagg just raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. 

Thor had noticed Loki admiring his watch before as well as the watches Nicky and Charlie wore. Maybe he would get him a watch, or a bracelet. Suddenly, he was struck by an idea and it must have shown on his face because Volstagg grinned at him. 

He was interrupted from his planning and plotting by a chorus of laughter from the front table. It seemed everyone was laughing at a joke Loki had told because he was grinning proudly as Valkyrie grabbed his thigh and her mother grabbed his arm. 

Thor unbuckled his seatbelt and walked up behind Loki and placed his big hand on Loki’s slim shoulder. 

“Thor! Your dear Loki was just telling us a marvelous story about his time in boarding school. You found someone with a passion for dance, like you- and he bakes?!” Valkyrie’s mother beamed up at Thor. 

“Yes he really is a good one, lad. Excellent find and we’ve already invited him up to our mountain house when the peak opens for the summer. Don’t you dare try and keep him from us Thor, we know Volstagg will bring him to the mountains without you if you resist,” Valkyrie’s father joked.

Loki was blushing fiercely, but when he looked up at Thor, his eyes were filled with hopeful pride that he’d pleased them, and by extension Thor. Thor couldn’t resist those gorgeous brown eyes. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on Loki’s forehead. 

Both of Valkyrie’s parents’ eyebrows shot up and Valkyrie snickered. 

“You are your mother’s son aren’t you. Bless you, dear,” Valkyrie’s mother tittered. 

Norwegian couples rarely showed public displays of affection, but Valkyrie’s parents had been good friends with Thor’s parents and his mother often displayed over the top affection for his father and for Thor himself. Valkyrie’s mother had also lived in southern America for many years, and she picked up some of their mannerisms, phrases, and open affection.  

Loki offered Thor his seat but Valkyrie got up to spend some time with Volstagg, probably plotting god knows what. 

They chatted amiably for several hours until Loki’s eyelids began to droop. Thor politely excused both of them from the table. They had probably only gotten four hours of sleep and Thor was beginning to feel it as well. Valkyrie and Volstagg took their places, with a bottle of wine and glasses in hand, so Thor knew they wouldn’t be missed too badly. 

Thor steered Loki towards the back bedroom and quietly shut the door. Loki looked at the king sized bed in awe. It took up almost the entire room, but Thor liked to spread out, surrounding himself with work and sometimes drinks on the long flights. Right now though he just needed to get Loki into his arms. 

He gently urged Loki out of his shoes and he crawled into the bed and Thor followed after. He buried them under the plush blankets and pulled Loki into his arms. 

“We will be arriving in around five hours. Get some sleep, kjære. Sif will be meeting us at my parents mansion with the suit and we will probably be going out drinking as soon as that is done,” Thor kissed him and expected him to fall asleep immediately. Instead he crawled on top of Thor and nuzzled into his neck. 

“Oh, Thor… they were so nice…I’m sorry I was worrying for nothing…” Loki sighed, his eyes sliding closed. 

“You were worrying for nothing, but that’s alright. I think you have made it onto their permanent invite list for their three homes. I think they might be in love with you.” 

“Mmm not who I need to be in love with me…” Loki murmured.  

Thor stroked Loki’s hair back from his face. “Oh?” 

“Yeah…your friends…and your dad…” Loki murmured drowsily. “And then…maybe you can love me too…” 

“Loki-“ Thor choked in surprise, but Loki had already fallen asleep. 

*************************************************

“Truly, gorgeous, you’re sure Thor is the one for you? He’s such a hulking beast isn't he? I on the other hand am a contortionist in bed-“ 

Loki let out a fit of giggles stopping Fandral in his tracks. 

Fandral was currently attempting to put his trainer clad feet behind his head and had managed to topple over backwards, launching Loki into a near fit of hysterics. 

Thor hadn’t really been worried about Fandral and Loki hitting it off, and thus far they were getting on phenomenally. 

“Okay well- in my youth I was much more bendy. Tell him Thor! Defend my honor!” Fandral pleaded from where he lay crumpled in a heap on Thor’s bed. 

“I seem to remember you being able to at least lift your legs to your chest before. Haven’t managed that in a while though come to think of it,” Thor teased. 

Fandral shrieked in faux outrage as he attempted and unceremoniously failed to pull his legs to his chest. Thor had been kidding, but based on the slightly pained expression on Fandral’s face, he may have actually pulled something. He gave a cocky grin though as he managed to pull one of his legs to his chest in a stretch.

Loki covered his mouth as he continued to giggle hysterically. 

“Alright, there’s way too much fun happening in here for my taste. Loki let’s see if we’re going to make this thing work,” Sif said as she tore into the room with three garment bags. 

Loki immediately sobered and gave her a wide eyed look somewhere between panic and naked hope. 

“I brought three suits in three different sizes from when I was going through my chasing Thor across the country, too stressed to eat, phase.” 

She shot Thor a stern look and he bit his lip chagrined. 

“Thank you so much Sif. I am so sorry for being any trouble,” Loki demurred, seamlessly pulling attention away from Thor’s transgressions. 

“It’s no trouble, Loki. I’m just afraid nothing is going to fit,” she began viciously pulling clothing from the garment bags.

“I promise I’ll get more suitable clothing moving forward- I mean…in case Thor ever wants to bring me to another event,” Loki said trailing off. 

Valkyrie snorted from where she sat painting her nails in the corner and Fandral guffawed. “Oh, honey. Once Thor sees you in one of these suits, he may never let you take it off. And just wait until you get a tailored number. He can barely keep his hands off me when I put mine on and I’m not his-“ Fandral said. 

“Kjæreste,” Thor interrupted aggressively. 

Fandral stuck his tongue out at Thor behind Loki’s back and made a heart with his hands. 

No, Thor hadn’t been worried about them getting along.  While Loki had been worried Fandral wouldn’t like him, Thor had been afraid he would like him too much, and Thor would have to pry him off Loki with a crowbar. 

Just as he’d suspected, Fandral had been waiting at the mansion when they arrived. He had immediately launched into a quick fire round of “getting to know Thor’s love” questions, and he had finally asked what Loki’s intentions were with Thor. 

“I want to make him proud, not just this weekend but…every weekend and of our time together moving forward. And…I want to make him happy. Above all else, I just want him to be happy,” Loki responded and Fandral had been smitten ever since. 

He’d spent a solid hour bantering with Loki about how bad of a lover Thor was and how Loki should really choose him instead. Thor knew Fandral well enough to know he was merely trying to see if Loki would complement and defend Thor. About halfway through though, Loki had caught on, and he’d begun issuing challenges for Fandral to prove his sexual prowess and worthiness of Loki’s love and affection. 

At first, Thor had tried to intervene but he was reminded of when they were school children and teachers would try and separate the four of them. They’d get into so much trouble passing notes, paper airplanes, and causing chaos that they would end up just shoving them back together in the back of the classroom. So, Thor had mostly just ignored their banter, but now Fandral had shifted gears into proud papa bear and Thor was not in the mood. 

“Fan, you are being a nuisance. Sit down, and let me work. Alright Loki, let’s try this one first. Quickly now, in case we need to adjust course.” Sif shooed Fandral away and handed the smallest suit of the batch to Loki and he nodded obediently and quickly disappeared into the bathroom.

Thor and Fandral glared at each other as Fandral continued to make heart symbols with his fingers, drawing them in the air, and making a big heart with his arms. 

A few moments later Loki called out that it was too small. Sif’s eyebrows raised and Valkyrie clapped her hands together. “Oh lovely! That means one of the other two will most likely fit!” Valkyrie called. 

Sif looked intently between the two other suits and then handed last year’s outfit through the door. 

“Hm- the shoulders don’t really fit-“ Loki called only a minute later. 

“Yes, I found that as well. Alright! Last one Loki.” 

She handed in this year’s deep jade colored, velvet suit through the door. “The shirt isn’t going to fit. It’s cut to accommodate my breasts, but we can get you a fitted button down no problem. Come out with just the pants, vest and jacket on if they all fit.” 

The room fell silent as they all waited breathlessly. At least Thor was breathless. Watching the flurry of clothing and quick fire decision making was ratcheting up his heart rate. 

“Oh…wow…uhm…I’m going to come out okay? Sorry it…didn’t fit over my thick sweater but I think a thin dress shirt will work so- I’m uh, not wearing a shirt-“ 

Sif nearly ripped the door off its hinges as she yanked it open. In a hurry, as always. 

Thor’s heart skipped several beats. The pants hugged Loki’s hips perfectly, tapering out over his thin thighs and accentuating his calves. The vest fit him like a glove with just enough room for a dress shirt. It was cut low, only coming up to the bottom of his rib cage which is probably why it wasn’t affected by Sif’s chest in the same way the shirt was. The jacket made his shoulders look impressive, but not padded, and cut perfectly at his waist. Truly it looked like it was designed for him. 

“Oh my god, you’re a vision!” Fandral shouted. 

“Oh, Loki!” Valkyrie gasped. 

“Wow, you look great!” Volstagg chimed in from where he had come to lean against the door amidst the chaos. 

“You look nice,” Sif deadpanned and the entire room turned to stare at her and silence fell over the room. 

At face value, her compliment seemed the least sincere of the bunch, but Sif handed out compliments the way one would hand out spare kidneys. 

Thor managed to pick his jaw back up off the floor before saying, “that is a huge compliment from Sif. Truly, I don’t know if even I have received such high praise.” 

“And you slept with her,” Fandral snickered. 

“And now I’m asexual,” Sif deadpanned again, not even looking at Thor. 

Loki burst out in a startled laugh and they all turned to him. He had slapped a hand over his mouth but his eyes were full of mirth. If this teasing had happened in front of Leif he probably would have stormed off, but not Loki. 

Fandral seemed to be following Thor’s same train of thought because he quietly said, “oh Loki…you really are perfect for us.” 

“Us?” Thor asked indignantly. 

“Yes, Thor. Loki belongs to us now, just as we belong to him. Isn’t that right Sif?” Fandral asked. 

Sif gestured at Loki wearing her suit. 

Loki turned an endearing shade of pink that actually went quite well with the suit. Fandral apparently agreed. “God and you’re beautiful too. I can’t wait to see Leif’s face.” 

“Fandral, stop scaring the boy,” Hogun’s melodic voice carried into the room and settled over Thor’s nerves like a caress. 

“Hogun-“ Thor gasped as he blew into the room like a mountain wind and landed right in Thor’s arms. 

“Thor! My wonderful friend. It is so good to see you! And Fan- come here you.” Hogun pulled Fandral into their embrace and Holstagg didn’t wait to be invited, he just stepped into the hug. 

They all turned to Sif expectantly and she rolled her eyes and refused to move. To Thor’s surprise Hogun turned nearly 180 in Thor’s arms and looked at Loki. 

“And this exquisite person must be your kjæreste. Loki, how wonderful to make your acquaintance. I’m Hogun, the fourth and best member of our friend group.” 

Loki beamed at him but made no move to approach their circle. 

Volstagg shifted and held out a hand to Loki and he took it hesitantly and was unceremoniously yanked into the group hug. 

“Careful of the suit, your heathens!” Sif called. 

Loki looked like he was being very conscientious of the suit, and he shifted his arms so he wasn’t putting any pressure on the seams, but it caused the jacket to gape open and reveal the low cut vest.

“Wow, did Thor personally design you for himself? He’s obsessed with nipple piercings,” Hogun exclaimed with a laugh. 

“How do you know that?!” Volstagg gaped as Thor choked. Fandral let out a wicked cackle and Loki turned scarlett. 

“How do you not know that?” Hogun retorted. 

“How are you so unbelievably sexy?” Fandral asked Loki and he blushed even redder. 

“Fan!” practically the whole room chided. 

“What? It’s a valid question!” 

Thor released Hogun from his hug and shifted so he could pull Loki into his arms. The others began to bicker and joke amongst themselves and Thor almost missed Loki’s murmured question. 

“Do you like it…?” 

Thor’s eyes flared wide. “Of course I like it! You are are utterly breathtaking, kjære!” 

“Oh…okay, I just…you didn’t say anything so, I wasn’t sure…” 

Thor realized he was right. He’d been too shocked by Sif’s reaction to share his own. 

“Loki…” he murmured and tipped Loki’s chin up to look at him. “You are the most beautiful person on the planet to me and this suit only accentuates that. It is gorgeous and you are gorgeous and everyone at the gala is going to agree with me. I’m going to have to beat people away from you with cricket mallets.” 

Loki laughed softly and tried to bury his face in Thor’s shirt, but instead Thor gripped his jaw and leaned down to kiss him. He kissed him like they were alone and not in a room full of people who were going to make extensive fun of him for this. 

Loki tried to give him just a peck and pull back, but Thor forced him to stay in the kiss. When Thor swiped his tongue over Loki’s lower lip he melted into the kiss and clung to Thor’s shirt. 

The room had fallen silent and suddenly a French accented voice rang out. 

“Ah, so this is your amor? Is he going to be shirtless tomorrow, because I must say, we may spend the entire night staring at him,” Jeanpaul’s voice wrapped around Thor’s spine, releasing tension he didn’t even know he still had. 

“And what a shame, because we do love staring at you in a suit as well. But it simply cannot be helped,” Luis purred. 

Thor laughed into his kiss with Loki. He pulled back and turned around, pulling Loki in front of him to face his lovers.

Jeanpaul and Luis were as glamorous as ever, draped in elegant French clothes of varying shades of black and gray. Loki stiffened in Thor’s arms and Thor squeezed his hips reassuringly. 

“Hi, uhm- I’m Loki. It’s very nice to meet you-“ 

Loki was ripped from Thor’s arms by Jeanpaul gripping his shoulders and pulling him forward. He gave him an ostentatious four kisses on his cheeks and he released one of his shoulders for Luis to step forward and give him the more customary two kisses. Loki looked a little starstruck and they both laughed. 

“Ah, Loki, we will have to teach you how to bisou, so you do not look so flustered tomorrow,” Jeanpaul said kindly. 

“Well, if anyone is going to teach Loki how to kiss, it should be the French,” Fandral teased as he walked over. Luis released Loki to kiss Fandral and then he stepped back to allow Jeanpaul to kiss his cheeks as well. Jeanpaul did not release Loki’s shoulder and Fandral threw an arm around his waist. 

“Uhm…do you kiss in Norway?” Loki asked tentatively. 

“No, we are not so touchy here, but many of the guests are not from Norway, so there will be lots of kissing and some hugging,” Fandral answered. 

Thor saw Loki’s spine stiffen. “Oh…yes I think I may need to practice that then.” 

“Très bonne, Loki. D’accord, so in France, the Netherlands, and Belgium we do twice. And you turn your cheek as well, do not remain stiff. Like so.” 

Jeanpaul leaned in to demonstrate but, unfortunately, Loki turned his head the other way and they ended up kissing on the mouth.

Loki gasped and his hands flew to cover his mouth and the room erupted in friendly laughter. 

“I am so sorry!” Loki murmured through his fingers. His eyes were wide and he looked rather like the world might end. Jeanpaul let out a trilling laugh and Luis chuckled good naturedly.  

“Well! That is one way to greet the other guests, but may I suggest you leave that only for those of us in this room!” Luis said, leaning forward to kiss Loki on the hand covering his mouth. Loki’s eyes flared even wider. 

“Okay, maybe Loki should only practice with me,” Thor said, stepping forward with an exaggerated huff. 

“Nonsense. You men are just making it harder on him. Loki, you will almost always kiss on the right cheek first, you merely tilt your head to the side and kiss the air. Here.” Valkyrie stepped forward and pulled Loki away from the other men. She leaned forward and tilted her face and Loki followed suit and they executed a perfect two kiss greeting. 

Loki smiled tentatively and Valkyrie beamed. “See? It is simple. You do not need to initiate any bisou, as you are American no one will expect it from you. Merely receive other’s greetings- oh! And do not try to hug as a greeting, most Europeans do not do so.” 

Loki nodded rapidly. “Oh- I hadn’t really planned on touching anyone except maybe to shake hands but- I guess that is not as common either? Uhm- okay! I will just follow the other person’s lead!” 

“We shake hands here Loki, that is not a problem. It you offered your hand the other person would most likely shake it,“ Valkyrie said. 

“And find it endearing, since you are so adorable,” Fandral chimed in unhelpfully. 

“They may attempt to kiss your hand though,” Hogun offered. 

Loki glanced down at his hand and blushed. “Uhm-“ 

“They are teasing you now, Loki. Please feel free to change back. We need to go buy you a dress shirt and these miscreants will just continue teasing you and Thor until they keel over.” Sif shooed Loki back into the bathroom and turned to glare at all of them. 

They all looked chagrined except for Thor who just felt grateful that if he was overprotective, Sif was like a kevlar vest. 

“We want Loki to feel confident and proud going into tomorrow, not anxious and uncertain. Understand?” Sif hissed in a whisper and they all nodded immediately. 

“How could he not be? He is one of the most beautiful people I have ever met, and he will be on the arm of Europe’s most eligible bachelor,” Luis asked seriously. 

“It seems Loki is very shy and does not have that French sense of confidence,” Fandral explained as if he had known Loki for more than a little over an hour. 

“Ah, perhaps this is best. Leif knew he was attractive and he used it for evil,” Jeanpaul noted and Thor’s stomach clenched. 

“Loki is probably the most pure individual on the planet. He might be a little playful and mischievous, but I do not believe he has even a milliliter of evil in him,” Volstagg added. 

Hogun was watching Thor carefully and he finally spoke up. “Perhaps though, it is not Loki’s confidence going into tomorrow we should be concerned with. Thor, how can we support you and your wonderful kjæreste?” 

“I will be there to provide actual security, but I will not be able to keep Leif away from you two. Can the others run interference?” Volstagg asked hopefully. 

“No, we must be polite and professional,” Sif intoned.

“Merd, must we? He will have his French bastard husband with him as well, no? What a disgrace to my motherland,” Jeanpaul said angrily. 

“Yes we must. If you cannot behave yourselves you will be uninvited from the gala,” Sif said, switching into her executive assistant role.

“But that is what we cannot do to help. What can we do to help?” Hogun pressed. 

Thor felt like he was in the center of a twister like in that American movie. Everyone around him was speaking about and over him, their familiar friendly voices stirring up Thor’s anxieties and flinging them around the room. 

Just then the bathroom door opened and everyone continued speaking in hushed voices as Sif grabbed the hanger from Loki. 

Loki glanced around the room and his brows knit together as he took in the atmosphere. He walked directly up to Thor and took his hand. He looked up at him and studied his face. Then he smiled softly and reached his other hand up to touch Thor’s cheek. Most of the room fell silent, but Loki didn’t even seem to notice. 

“Will you come with me and Sif to find a dress shirt?” Loki asked softly. 

“Of course,” Thor answered distractedly. 

Loki beamed. “Good because you’re going to be the one looking at it all night. Don’t want you to hate it.” 

Thor let out a slight huff. “I doubt I could hate anything you wore.” 

“Well. Besides that, I figured if you’re anything like my other lovers, you’ll want me to play dress up for you,” Loki winked and some of the tension left Thor’s body. 

“Hm, I would very much like to put you in a huge fur coat, and maybe some wool.” 

Thor ran his hands down Loki’s arms. Loki had described his sweater as thick, but it probably wasn’t going to be thick enough to run around in tonight. Maybe he actually would buy him a jacket or shawl. On that note, he still needed to find a way to sneak off and buy him a gift for tomorrow. He knew exactly what he wanted to get him and where to get it from, he just needed a few minutes to purchase it. 

Loki tipped his head up and Thor immediately obliged with a kiss. Thor was aware of how affectionate Loki was, but acutely so with the eyes of his seven closest friends on him. That didn’t stop him from giving Loki a second kiss and then a third on his forehead. He left his lips pressed to his head for a few moments allowing the rest of the tension to leak out of his shoulders. He had a mission and that was something Thor could do. Get Loki warm clothes, a dress shirt, and a gift. 

“Are you ready to go, kjære? Sif?” he asked. 

Sif stepped forward and offered her hand to Valkyrie who happily took it.

“We will of course join you!” Jeanpaul announced happily. 

“I am as well!” Hogun said and Fandral wrapped his arm around Volstagg’s shoulders and shot them a thumbs up. 

“You’re all coming?!” Sif blanched. 

Usually Thor would have been just as exasperated as she was, but in this case he welcomed the distraction from tomorrow as well as a distraction to allow him to sneak off to buy Loki a gift…or five.

They all filed out of the house and stuffed themselves into the limo Thor used in Norway. Volstagg and Hogun hopped in the front and Fandral opened up the partition so he could lean forward and chat with them. Valkyrie and Sif took up the seats next to Fandral and Jeanpaul and Luis slid into the seat Thor usually occupied, leaving only one seat open. Thor rolled his eyes and slid in after them, pulling Loki into his lap so they could all squeeze in. 

“Tres belle,” Jeanpaul crooned.

“Ja, de er vakre,” Valkyrie agreed in Norwegian. 

“Bellisimo!” Hogun called from the front, craning his neck around to give Thor a goofy grin as he butchered his girlfriend’s native language. 

“Does that mean pretty?” Loki whispered to Thor. 

“It means you two are adorable, and we are so happy Thor has found you. Finally,” Fandral said, with a gravity he rarely displayed. 

Loki bashfully ducked his head. “I’m really lucky to have found Thor too…” 

“But of course. Thor is wonderful,” Luis said, grinning broadly at him. 

“Eh, he’s alright. I still say I’m more fun in bed,” Fandral said, turning around to wink at Loki. 

“Oh? Is this true?” Jeanpaul asked. He and Luis looked at each other and then gave Fandral an up and down appraisal. 

Fandral turned around fully to face them and he spread his legs and tilted his chin up as he appraised them back. 

“Are you trying to replace me?!” Thor asked, only half joking, as it seemed they too were only half joking. 

“Never in our hearts, Thor!” Jeanpaul said. 

“But…in our bed…” Luis purred. 

Fandral’s eyes flared wide and he bit his lip. “Well, if I’m ever in France-“ 

“You absolutely must visit us,” Jeanpaul stated. 

Loki giggled against Thor’s neck. 

Thor wrapped his arms tightly around his waist. “You think it’s funny, huh?” Thor tickled his sides and he squeaked trying fruitlessly to tear Thor’s hands off his sides. 

“No!” he whimpered and tried to escape by leaning forward, but Thor just pulled him firmly back against his chest. 

“That’s what I thought,” he growled playfully in his ear. 

“I just don’t want Fandral to be lonely when you’re gone or- when I’m taking up your time. Maybe it would be nice if they had each other as well?” Loki whispered and Thor noticed Fandral watching them. He met Thor’s gaze and rolled his eyes affectionately. 

“Trust me, kjære, Fandral is never lonely.” 

Fandral grinned wickedly at him. When Loki glanced over, Fandral’s look turned softer and he blew him a kiss. 

Luis asked Fandral where he was taking them clubbing that weekend and they spent the rest of the car ride into town debating places to go.

When they arrived, they all piled out and Sif led Loki and Thor into a specific shop, while the others meandered down the walkway towards some of the other stores. 

Loki was immediately drawn to a rack of brightly colored women’s blouses and Sif clucked her tongue and followed him. Thor walked up right next to Valkyrie and leaned down to speak close to her ear. “Val, I need to sneak away at some point tonight and buy something for Loki-“

“And you need me to be a distraction? Happily, Thor. What are you buying him?” she said quickly.

Thor smirked, but said nothing and she raised her eyebrows.

“Oooh secrets, I love it. Well, show me later then.”

Together, Loki and Sif found several options of dress shirts for Loki to try on for tomorrow, as well as a handful of items Loki just wanted to try on in general. He ran through a fashion show of options and Thor’s mouth watered when he tried on some of the low cut blouses. “I love this one…and the last one,” Loki admitted as he neared the end of the pile. Loki had found a gorgeous silk shirt to wear under the suit, and the two blouses made of luxurious fabric that made Loki light up in a way Thor felt in his chest. 

“None of them have price tags, so I need to ask how much they are-“ 

“I will ask,” Thor said, standing up quickly to make his way to the cashier’s desk. 

On his way there, he pulled a wool shawl off the rack that he had spotted on the way in. He silently slipped the owner his credit card and requested the two shirts be wrapped up, the third which Loki was still wearing be placed in a garment bag, and he would take the shawl. 

The sales woman happily agreed and she floated off to take the items from Loki’s “yes” rack, hanging on the door of the fitting room. By the time Loki emerged, back in his street clothes, Thor already had the bags on his arm, and held up the shawl for Loki’s inspection. 

“Oh wow that’s gorgeous! Did you find out how much-“ he glanced at the bags and then his smile turned into a glare which he turned on Thor. “You didn’t.” 

“Oh, but he did. Welcome to the life of dating Thor,” Sif chuckled. 

Loki bit his lip, but to Thor’s surprise made no additional complaints. He allowed Thor to drape the shawl over his shoulders and as they exited the shop he wrapped his arms around Thor’s arm. 

“Thank you, sweetheart. You’re obviously far too good to me but…thank you,” Loki murmured. 

Thor squeezed his arm with his hand and they walked into a sports store Volstagg and Fandral were in. They wandered around the store for several minutes until Valkyrie cut in, asking Loki if she could bring him to her favorite store.

“And I promise I will only buy you things with your permission,” she said, dragging him out of the store, followed behind by Sif, Jeanpaul, and Luis. 

Thor quickly exited the store and walked down the hill to a jewelry shop he knew about, but had never visited before. The owner was a family friend who had tried to petition Thor to let him make Leif and his custom engagement bands, but Leif had steam rolled right over that idea. 

Thor walked in and was delighted to see that the owner was behind the glass case and they chatted amiably for a few minutes before Thor shared his idea. The owner was elated and fifteen minutes later he walked out with a large gift box in his pocket. 

He caught back up with the group at a pub and Loki nearly threw himself into Thor’s arms. 

“They keep buying me things! I’m going to need a new suitcase at this rate-“

“Which we will happily purchase for you if you would like,” Valkyrie offered and Loki groaned. 

“How about you buy me a drink, so you can feel better,” Thor offered and Loki beamed up at him. Loki grabbed his hand and dragged him to the bar where he proceeded to buy him the most expensive, crazy sounding cocktail. Thor also requested his favorite beer, saying he wanted Loki to try it. 

The bartender handed them their drinks and Thor balked at the huge drink served in a boot. He glanced inside and saw that it was bright pink. Thor grabbed several straws and they brought it to the table. He took one sip and laughed. 

“If anyone wants an incredibly fruity, highly alcoholic drink, I brought straws-“ 

Valkyrie, Luis, Fandral, and Loki all grabbed one and they polished off the drink in under fifteen minutes, while Thor happily sipped his beer. 

Fandral dragged Loki to the bar and they came back with another one of the fruity boots and when that one was finished Hogun did the same. By eleven they were almost all drunk and Luis and Fandral were hanging off of Loki, and Valkyrie was plastered against Sif’s back. 

Volstagg was practicing his French, sober so he could drive them home, with Jeanpaul who was teaching him filthier and filthier phrases. Thor and Hogun were chatting amiably, just finishing off their latest round of beers when Fandral tilted sideways and nearly dragged an equally drunk Luis and Loki to the floor. Thor was only just barely able to catch and stabilize them, but he decided it was time to call it a night. 

Volstagg went to fetch the car and Sif and Thor collected all of their purchases from under the table. They really had bought Loki a lot of clothes and when the car arrived Thor stashed them all in the trunk while everyone else piled in. When he finally joined them, he found Loki curled up in Fandral’s lap, his legs thrown across Luis who was pressed up against Fandral’s side. Jeanpaul had joined Volstagg in the front, and Thor ended up sitting next to Hogun. 

“Thor, my best friend!” Hogun said, throwing an arm around his shoulder. “When are you and Loki coming for a visit to Italy?” 

“I keep telling him you should bring Nicky, because he loves wine way more than I do-“ Loki tried to say before Hogun jumped in again. 

“You should both come! Or all six of you could come! Volstagg said he’s going to be having dinner with Bucky and Steve soon? I would love to see Bucky again as well and I need to meet the infamous, cherry toting Nicholas and his partner.” 

Thor laughed tiredly. “I only just took Steve on a first date. I think an invitation to Italy might be a little much, and I haven’t even begun dating Charles-“ 

“Well what a first date it would be flying to Italy!” Hogun shouted happily.

“How romantic!” Loki called happily. Thor glanced at him to see his eyes twinkling with affection and warmth. 

“Would you like all six of us to go to Italy, kjære?”

“Oh Thor, could we really?” he asked, all big eyes and a sweet smile 

“For you? Anything.” 

Loki scrambled off of Fandral’s lap and climbed across Luis, who kissed his cheek, and Hogun, who ruffled his hair. He landed in Thor’s lap and curled into his chest.

“You’re amazing,” Loki whispered loudly.

“Thank you, Loki. So are you.” 

“Thank you! For bringing me and for wanting me here, and,” he leaned forward and cupped a hand around his mouth, “for introducing me to your friends. They’re so sweet and fun! I’m so excited to get to know them!” 

Of course, because Loki was thoroughly drunk, his whisper was almost normal conversational volume, and Volstagg could probably hear him in the front of the car. Loki closed his eyes and leaned against Thor’s chest and Thor glanced up to see every one of his friends giving him sappy eyes. His mother would have told him if he kept rolling his eyes this hard they were going to roll down the street, but he didn’t care. 

Thor reached up and gently stroked his hand down Loki’s hair and he went limp in Thor’s arms. He made a few sleepy noises and then his breathing evened out. 

Conversation started back up around him and he chimed in when he could, but mostly he just focused on how amazing it felt to be surrounded by his friends, in his beloved city, with Loki in his arms. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

“Okay Thor, I think I’m just about ready to go-“ Loki ground to a halt in the entrance of Thor’s bedroom. He was fully dressed in Sif’s suit and the silk dress shirt he’d bought the night before. His hair was styled to the side with a black clip Valkyrie had purchased for him. 

Thor had just shrugged into his jacket and Loki was staring at him like he had never seen him before.  

“You look…amazing,” Loki breathed.

“Thank you, Loki. So do you. The shirt is perfect.” 

“I…can’t believe you’re my date for tonight,” Loki mused.

Thor chuckled. It would be slightly more accurate to say Loki was Thor’s date, but he definitely wasn’t going to correct him. “Well. As your date, I have a surprise for you.” 

Loki’s eyes widened and then narrowed in suspicion. Thor smiled a little hesitant and Loki reached for him, his eyes softening in surprise at Thor’s hesitancy. 

“I’ve never done this before…but, I wanted to buy you something that you could wear tonight if…if you’re comfortable with it. So…I had an idea and please tell me if this is not okay or just feel free to ignore it entirely! But…” he handed Loki the box and waited for him to open it. 

He gasped when he saw the ornate, diamond and sapphire encrusted watch and bracelet set. 

“I wanted to get this for you not just for the gala but…I have been watching a lot of videos online about being genderfluid, and having a genderfluid partner, and it seems like some individuals prefer to wear gendered bracelets, necklaces, or pins to show what gender they are feeling that day- so…I was thinking you could wear the watch when you were feeling more masculine, both when you are feeling neutral, and just the bracelet if you were feeling feminine? Or you can just wear them whenever you want because- I mean I think they’re both very pretty, and you’re always very pretty- but. If you wanted some sort of accessory coding to show how you’re feeling I thought…maybe you would like this? But truly just feel free to ignore-“  

“Thor!” Loki shouted with a laugh, interrupting Thor’s babbling. “What a wonderful idea, sweetheart. Wow they’re absolutely gorgeous-“ he fumbled as he looked at the box more closely. 

“….Thor…”

“Yes mit kjæreste?” 

“Thor?!?” He said a slight panic rising in his eyes as he clearly recognized the name of the jeweler. The owner was a family friend, but the shop itself was relatively well renowned, apparently even in the U.S. Loki glanced back down at the box and his eyes nearly bugged out as he appeared to really take in the stones. 

Thor smiled widely at him. “Remember Loki…seven zeroes” 

“Yes, but I don’t have seven zeroes! And I don’t wear seven zeros!”

Thor laughed loudly as he took the box from him. He pulled out the watch and unclasped it. Loki obediently held out his left wrist and Thor slid it on. “I assure you, kjære, it does not have seven zeroes.” 

He held out the bracelet next. Loki looked at it for a moment. “If I am going by your accessory code, I do not need it right now.” He looked a little sadly at it. 

“Hm, what if you wear it on your other wrist and it’s just decorative, but if it’s the same wrist then I’ll know it means you’re feeling neutral?” 

Loki lit up. “Okay!” He stretched out his right wrist and Thor slid it on. 

Thor felt a possessiveness flair up in his chest seeing the jewelry adorning Loki’s wrists. Thor looked up and found Loki watching him. 

“You like that…? Me wearing your jewelry?” 

“Yes. I want the whole world to know you’re mine,” Thor said, with absolute conviction. 

“Yours,” Loki whispered, fingering the band of the watch on his wrist. Thor put the box back into the bag and pulled Loki in for a tight hug before releasing him and leading them down to the car.

“Are you ready to meet my father?” Thor asked as Loki settled against his side in the car. 

“You said he will have already been drinking? And that’s a good thing?” 

Thor had arranged for them to meet his father an hour before the event began at a swanky bar next to the venue. It turned out his father had already invited Valkyrie’s parents out to that same bar two hours before the event, so they would be arriving an hour into his father’s drinking. 

“Yes, and Valkyrie’s parents will have hopefully softened him up to you, since they absolutely adore you.”

“I like them a lot too, so…I don’t feel too guilty if they talk me up just a little.” Loki was worrying the bracelet between his fingers and Thor placed his hand overtop of his. 

“And…you will more than likely be meeting Leif at some point tonight…” 

“Oh that doesn’t bother me in the slightest- I mean, I know it bothers you, so it bothers me it just doesn’t worry me. I don’t care what he thinks of me. I have a horrible opinion of him and besides that, he thought that there was someone else on this planet more deserving of love and a faithful relationship than you, which means clearly his opinions are untrustworthy and therefore don’t matter to me. ” 

Thor blinked at him, at a total loss for words. 

“And! That applies to anything he may say, imply, or think about you. His thoughts and words are meaningless to me. You are all that matters to me. Which…” Loki seemed to lose steam as he glanced down at his watch. “Is why I’m so anxious about meeting your dad…” 

Thor grabbed Loki and yanked him into his lap, not giving a damn if he wrinkled his suit or not. “Loki I-…I wasn’t going to say anything because I know you, and know that you would think it was cheating somehow but…I have already told my father a fair amount about you and about- uhm…how perfect you are for me, what an amazing friend and kjæreste you are, and…how much I care for you.” 

His father had asked if he could see himself marrying Loki and he said he wasn’t sure if he believed in marriage anymore after how easily Leif had broken their engagement and promises. However, he had said he could picture forever with Loki. He wasn’t entirely lying, but he had left out the polyamory for now. He wanted his father to meet Loki first, then maybe he could share the fact that he was in a polyamorous relationship later. 

Loki stared at him open mouthed. “You…you did?” 

“Yes. I am sorry, I realize now I probably should have told you earlier, but I did not wish to upset-“ he was cut off by a rough kiss from Loki.

“Thank you…for- for caring enough about us to want to prep your dad. I…I promise I’ll live up to your praise and faith.” 

Thor pulled Loki in for another kiss and he could have said it right then. I love you. The words he never thought he’d be able to say again were flapping against his chest and beating up against his teeth. He managed to keep himself silent by keeping his lips pressed against Loki's lips, forehead, cheeks and neck for the rest of the drive. 

“Thor!” Loki cried when he bit down on his neck. “Please- I don’t want to look completely debauched the first time I meet your father!” 

Thor hummed happily against Loki’s neck. “Are you sure, though?”

“Yes! My darling!” Loki said, laughing and pulling Thor up for a kiss that felt very final. Well he didn’t like that one bit. He grabbed Loki’s jaw and stared into his eyes. “I’m going to thoroughly debauch you tonight though.” 

“God, please do.” 

Despite his earlier protests when Thor pressed their mouths together Loki happily opened his mouth and accepted Thor’s wandering tongue. They both groaned into the kiss and Thor was about to grab Loki’s hair when Loki’s hand snapped out and grabbed his wrist. 

“God damnit, Thor!” he was desperately trying to hide his laugh as he gave Thor his best attempt at a stern look. 

Thor pulled him back against his chest and buried his nose in his neck. He smelled so good. Like home, and desire, and warmth. Suddenly his mouth was speaking without his brain’s permission. 

“I- need you,” he whispered. It wasn’t those dangerous three words, but they felt big nonetheless. 

“You’ll have me tonight, Thor, I promise-“

“No…I mean I need you at this event, with my friends, by my side meeting my father…thank you. Thank you for being here for me.” 

Loki let his head tip back against Thor’s shoulder. “Of course, sweetheart. Whatever you need. Whenever you need it. You have me.” 

Thor was silent for the rest of the trip as his brain caught up to the adrenaline of the week and he realized this was really going to happen tonight. 

He was still in his head when they entered the bar and he greeted his father. His mind was far away, or more precisely it was several hundred meters across the street at the event venue. 

Loki was wonderful with his father, and by the end he was just as smitten with Loki as Valkyrie’s parents had been. Loki was like a happy peacock, preening and glowing under their approving gazes and Thor really was proud, but he was also terrified. 

He had warned Loki several weeks ago that seeing Leif might trigger his bipolar depression or mania in an unpredictable way, but he hadn’t brought it up again. Then he’d gone and written checks he didn’t know if he’d be able to cash for tonight with Loki. 

His father had clearly noticed Thor was worried, and he’d allowed him to be distant throughout his meeting with Loki. Finally though, he cleared his throat forcing Thor to look him in the eyes. 

“I know you both had a very long flight here. If either of you is not up to staying long tonight, no one will miss you too terribly. Just say hello to the important guests, and make sure to look after your wonderful new partner, Thor.” 

His father knew him far too well. He was giving them an out if Thor became overwhelmed or stressed at the gala. He wanted to explain this to Loki so he didn’t bristle. However before he could say anything Loki spoke again. 

“It…has been a pretty rough time change for me, sir. I will do my absolute best to stay at the event as long as I can, but I may have to take you up on that offer and depart earlier than I would normally prefer.” Although Loki was speaking to his father, both of them were looking at Thor. 

“I will of course do whatever I need to do to…make you comfortable, and…feel safe.” Thor said quietly, very obviously not speaking about Loki and his fake jet lag. 

“Good. See that you do, Thor. Now Loki. It has been such a pleasure to meet you. I will see you at the event, and perhaps you both would join me for breakfast on Sunday before your return trip?” 

“Of course Father,” Thor agreed quickly. 

“It was such an honor to meet you. I look forward to breakfast on Sunday!” Loki said sweetly and his father smiled before taking his drink to go find Valkyrie’s parents again. 

“Loki-“ Thor tried to say, but he felt like he was choking, like he was drowning. 

“Anything,” Loki said softly, eyes lifting to meet Thor’s. There was power and fierceness behind them but also a much deeper emotion, something warm and crackling like a fire. “I will do. Anything for you tonight. Do you hear me?” 

“…yes.” 

“Good. Now let’s go meet your friends.” 

Thor smiled softly as Loki took his hand and led him out of the pub. 

“Our friends,” he said so softly he wouldn’t have known Loki heard him except for how his fingers tightened around Thor’s hand. 

It was almost surprising how quickly things happened. They met up with their friends and made their way into the gala. They staked claim over a table, depositing outerwear and bags on the chairs before they set out to mingle. 

Thor held Loki’s hand as he introduced him around the room. He did exactly what his father had asked of him. He spoke to every contact he hadn’t seen in a while and slowly worked his way to some of their more regular clients and partners. He felt like he was half paying attention to every conversation, a quarter watching Loki and a quarter scanning the room for Leif. 

Jeanpaul introduced him to a few French businessmen Thor had never met and they crooned over Loki and his suit and somehow the four of them, minus Thor, launched into a fashion conversation. By the time they were finished, Thor had been promised a meeting with them in two weeks and Jeanpaul was praising Loki on his ability to sweet talk potential clients. 

Thor had been thinking the same thing all night, how incredible Loki was at shmoozing, but in case it made Loki self conscious he hasn’t said anything. He should have known he would have appreciated the praise, because he was practically beaming at Jeanpaul now. 

Thor reached for him and wrapped a strong arm around him. 

“You’re amazing, Loki. I’m sorry I’m only half here, I should have said something earlier-“ 

“Thor,” an all too familiar, sickly sweet voice crooned.

He glanced up to see Leif standing a meter in front of them, back locked ramrod straight, arm tucked into his husband’s. To Thor’s surprise he wasn’t smirking or gloating, instead he was practically glaring at Loki. 

Chapter Text

Loki did a rapid once over of the men standing in front of them. The one glaring daggers at him was clearly Leif. He was impeccably dressed, but he was actually rather average looking. He had handsome features, but Loki lived with four incredibly handsome men and was dating a fifth and he was nothing compared to them. 

He had clean cut brown hair, a wide brow, strong jaw and sharp nose, but there was nothing inviting about his features. Suddenly, as if reading Loki’s mind, his features shifted and, like a chameleon, he became charming. Loki felt his stomach knot violently. 

He knew how chameleon’s operated. He had dated and believed he had fallen in love with one. But he was just a user and he’d used Loki and thrown him away. Just like Leif had done to Thor. 

Loki straightened his spine and stared cooly at Leif, only giving the husband a passing glance. He had pretty features and the way he wore his clothes spoke of entitlement and money, as if he wore expensive things every second of his life. 

“I do not think I have made this young man’s acquaintance before. I’m Leif,” Leif held out a hand for Loki and he took it and shook it firmly. Leif had one of those limp handshakes that showed money and disdain. “Ah, I can tell by his handshake, he is American.” 

“He is,” Loki said smoothly. “I am Puerto Rican, but raised on the mainland.”

Leif’s eyebrows actually raised at this. “Oh? I do not know if I have ever met someone from Puerto Rico.” 

“Well, now you have,” Loki said sweetly. 

“And you are Thor’s date for tonight I presume?” Leif said, allowing coolness to trickle back into his words. “I should probably warn you, Thor is under a lot of public scrutiny right now. I suppose that is slightly my fault for marrying my wonderful husband-“ 

“Loki is my kjæreste, actually,” Thor interrupted. “And he is well aware of how you have brought public attention and scrutiny down upon me.” 

Loki didn’t miss the way Leif’s eyes flared as he took in Loki again. 

“Ah, but Thor, I believe you garnered a fair amount of media attention yourself, didn’t you. Something about a trip to Budapest? Such a shame, I thought you and I had a lovely time when we went to Budapest together. I didn’t think there was a bath house we left unexplored, but you did manage to find some trouble in one of them. Or was it several?” He turned to look at his husband as if for clarification. To Loki’s surprise, his husband looked disinterested in the entire conversation. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve made your acquaintance. I’m Loki,” Loki said, holding out his hand to the husband.

“No I don’t believe you have. Emilien,” Emilien said. His handshake was a little firmer but his voice was still disengaged. For some reason that pissed Loki off more than Leif. Homewrecking was just as unforgivable as cheating to Loki. The least the man could do was hold a conversation with them. 

“Do you have any plans while you are here?” Loki asked Emilien. 

“I spent the day showing Emilien some of our favorite places, Thor. I do love to visit them when we are back,” Leif answered for him. 

“Did you spend much time in Norway before meeting Leif,” Loki asked, still pointedly addressing Emilien. 

“Not very much. It is far too cold for me,” Emilien said disinterestedly.

“Yes, it is why we ended up at Emilien’s villa in France. Too cold and too far of a flight. It must have been quite a trip for you to get here, Loki. Have you visited Thor often? I know how hard long distance can be. Easy to get lonely,” his voice curled at the end and the insinuation was so blatant Loki wanted to spit.

Thor was silent and statue-still next to Loki. He had left his arm around his shoulder and Loki was a little surprised he wasn’t stiffening at the question. He wanted to glance up at him to make sure he was alright, but he also didn’t need to draw him into this conversation. 

“I don’t find distance hard at all. When both partners are committed to each other and the relationship, it is rather easy to navigate time zones and long flights. Besides, anticipation is a beautiful thing,” Loki said, only just managing to keep the venom out of his words. Thor let out a soft breath and to Loki’s surprise, Emilien let out an exasperated huff. 

Leif’s face took on some of that indifference of before, but his eyes were sharp, almost cruel. “Yes, well with Thor, be prepared for most of the relationship to be that anticipation you’re so fond of. His work will always come first, isn’t that right?” 

“I think there’s something honorable in that, actually. Loyalty to his family’s company is not something I would ever begrudge him.” 

Leif took a step forward and then Thor did stiffen. “You think you’re better than me, hm? Stronger maybe? You’ve been with him what, a few minutes? Try years. It wears you down. Loki. Thor will wear you down,” he nearly spat the words and Thor tried to pull Loki back, but instead Loki stood his ground. 

“Smile for the camera you’re so fond of, Leif,” Loki pasted a placid smile on his face as a photographer snapped a photo from behind Leif of him practically in Loki’s face. 

Leif took a quick step back and cast his eyes at Thor. “Well. I have to commend you, Thor. This one seems to have a strong head on his shoulders. Have fun while it lasts. There’s no way he will stick around with you for very long. Have you told him about Fandral yet? And your little French play things? I’ve seen them lurking around here tonight. Glaring at me like I’m the one who wrecked us. I’m sure you never told them the truth and I know you must not have told Loki what you did in Copenhagen and then in Milan?” 

Thor stiffened. 

“No, I didn’t suppose you would. Too bad, Loki. Maybe if Thor could finally be open with you your relationship would have a chance, but…If he hasn’t even told you about his past, how can you have a future together?” 

Emilien’s eyes lit up as he saw someone behind Loki. “D’esole, I must be going now. Leif?” He offered his arm to Leif who took it quickly. 

“Lovely seeing you, as always Thor. I look forward to seeing you again, if I see you again, Loki,” and with that, the infamous Leif and his rather drab husband were gone. 

Loki blinked as they stepped away and he brought his arm up to wrap around Thor’s waist. He had barely said a word the entire time, and Loki suddenly felt very uncertain. He had done all of the speaking and had in essence insinuated Leif was weak, disloyal and dishonorable. He hadn’t expected Leif to lose his cool like that though, or to be so explicit with his venom. 

The way Thor had described interacting with Leif, he thought it would be heavily veiled allusions and references, the way Loki had tried to speak. Instead he had thrown blame at Thor’s feet and tried to warn Loki off of Thor because…what? He worked a lot? There had been that reference to bathhouses, which Loki already knew was about Thor’s bender through Europe. The references to Copenhagen and Milan were new, but truly Loki couldn’t care less about them. 

Thor’s friends must have been watching the entire interaction because Loki barely had time to shake himself out before a strong hand was steering him back towards their table. Loki glanced up to see Volstagg leading him to the table while Hogun and Fandral chatted with Thor. Loki could see clear tension in Thor, but his friends were smiling broadly, probably in case there were any other cameras around. 

“I…think that went mostly okay? He made a few insinuations and references, but I did pretty much all of the talking. I…hope that’s alright…?” Loki murmured quietly. Volstagg pressed his hand more firmly into Loki’s back. 

“I’m sure that’s fine Loki. Are you okay? We saw Leif in your face. You looked so calm and cool…we were worried we’d have to intervene but Sif kept saying-” 

“Just don’t make a scene,” Sif murmured as she flowed by them. She was wearing a much more subdued suit than the one Loki was wearing, while Valkyrie was in another gorgeous evening gown. It seemed like Sif was wearing two hats tonight, as best friend and EA. She had dressed the part for EA and seemed to be doing damage control now. When they reached the table Loki turned to see Thor pound back two shots in a row at the bar. Fandral was smiling and chatting fluidly with the bartender, but Hogun and Sif were talking quietly under their breath, shooting furtive glances at Thor. 

“How bad did he seem to you? Manic? Depressed?” Volstagg asked quietly. Valkyrie was sipping a glass of wine, looking bored, but there was tension around her eyes Loki could see even from the other side of the table. 

“He…didn’t seem like anything. He just sort of shut down. And-...wow he’s now done four shots. Should…should someone maybe get him to slow down?” Loki asked, his chest and back tightening. He had promised Thor’s dad he would take care of him and keep him safe. Four shots didn’t seem very safe. 

“Four is the limit we allow when he’s...not doing well. But they won’t let him drink any more than that,” Volstagg’s eyes were tense, but his voice was smooth. 

Loki watched as Fandral laughed, slapping Thor’s back as if part of the laugh, but then he left his hand there. Hogun knocked his shoulder into Thor’s jovially and together they effortlessly turned him away from the bar and led him over to where Jeanpaul and Luis were speaking with three gorgeous women. Thor barely paid them any attention, but Loki watched the way each of them checked him out.

“That does not bother you?” Volstagg asked, slightly inclining his head at the women. 

“No. They can look all they want, and Thor can even look if he’d like. Obviously I would never want him, or any of my partners to cheat on me, but if they did then…it probably means they were going to cheat on me anyway. So…guarding, being overprotective, or getting jealous feels pointless to me.” 

“Hm, Leif was a very jealous boyfriend,” Volstagg mused quietly. 

“Well…I find cheaters often are. My ex cheated on me numerous times, but he was incredibly jealous and controlling of me. I find since they themselves have the capacity to cheat they seem to suspect those around them of it as well. I…noticed Leif was very overbearing with Emilien. I imagine it may be the case with them as well…” 

The entire time they were speaking, Loki kept his eyes glued on Thor, and suddenly Thor glanced anxiously around the room until his eyes landed on Loki. Loki smiled at him and he quickly looked away. Loki schooled his expression in case any one else was watching, but he felt his heart plummet. 

“Is…there a reason you wheeled me over here? Should I…give Thor space?” Loki asked quietly. 

“When we approached you, Fandral asked him if he wanted us to get you out of the line of fire for the rest of the evening and he said yes.” 

“Line of fire being…schmoozing and potentially interacting with Leif again?” Loki clarified, feeling his hackles rise a bit. 

“Yes. So you are very much allowed to go back over to Thor, he just seemed to think-” 

Loki was out of his seat and walking across the room before Volstagg even finished his sentence. 

When Loki reached Thor’s side, he glanced up at him and Thor’s eyes widened in a delayed surprise. He was definitely drunk, and Fandral cast him and Loki a quick glance before focusing back in on the conversation. 

“Thor, are you…tired from our flight?” Loki hedged, trying to ask without asking if he wanted to leave. 

“No I-...no,” Thor said, glancing back at the women who were now checking Loki out with almost as much interest as they had shown Thor. Loki smiled sweetly at them but stepped further into Thor’s space, making it obvious they were there together. To Loki’s dismay Thor turned and took a step towards Jeanpaul who placed a steadying hand on his upper arm and pulled him into the conversation he and Luis were having. 

Loki tried not to visibly show his hurt and disappointment. When one of the women asked him about his suit, he allowed himself to be pulled into a conversation with them. They were actually quite lovely to speak with. It turned out they ran a series of women owned organizations who did business with Thor’s company. They had started working with his company at the insistence of Thor’s late mother and Loki softened to them immediately. Loki admitted he had sadly never met Thor’s mother and they launched into a series of heartwarming stories about her. Loki tried to keep one ear on them and his other listening in on Thor, but he wasn’t really speaking, just letting Jeanpaul, Luis, and Fandral speak around him. 

“Loki, it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you. Please give Thor our best, but it looks like dinner service is about to begin, so we are going to take our seats,” one of the women said, reaching forward to give Loki’s cheek an actual kiss. 

The other two followed suit and they left. Loki turned around just in time to have Fandral throw an arm around his shoulder and lead him back to the table. 

“We’re going to run interference at dinner and keep Thor from drinking anymore. We try to limit him to four, but he may try and drink more as the night goes on. Please feel free to drink if you would like, we can manage him,” Fandral murmured low in Loki’s ear. 

“No, I was already planning on not drinking tonight. I’ll keep an eye on him too,” Loki said under his breath. 

“Well…that might be best left up to us. Depending on which way Thor swings tonight he can get pretty angry at those who try to limit his alcohol consumption and watch over him. I wouldn’t want him to be angry with you,” Fandral’s arm tightened around Loki’s shoulders.  

“Thank you but…” he trailed off as Thor walked over to Sif and Valkyrie. He spoke gently to Sif and then sat down next to Valkyrie. Sif glanced at him and Fandral for a split second before sitting down on Thor’s other side. Loki’s steps faltered and Fandral nearly tripped as he continued to walk forward. 

“Steady there. He’s avoiding us, not you. I promise,” Fandral whispered. “Sure you don’t want a drink? Sometimes that can be the easiest way to handle him…” Fandral’s words weren’t bitter so much as they were sad. 

They all took their seats. Loki sat on Valkyrie’s other side, followed by Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg, Jeanpaul, and Luis. 

No one was out right watching Thor, but everyone’s eyes seemed to be drifting around the table, skimming over Thor every few moments. Loki unfortunately wasn’t able to look at Thor at all without craning his neck around Valkyrie, which felt a little too obvious. They made it through the first two courses, before Thor flagged down a waiter and ordered a triple of whiskey. Sif tried to beg off of the drink for Thor, but he shut her down coldly. 

Loki clenched his fists under the table, and Fandral reached under to grab one of his hands, and a moment later Valkyrie grabbed his other. 

“I…don’t understand…I really didn’t think the conversation went badly? Why is he avoiding me? Or you guys if that’s what you think is happening…” Loki whispered. 

“It doesn’t have to have seemed like a big deal…sometimes even just seeing Leif can set him off,” Fandral murmured into his wine glass. He had drunk three glasses with their first two dishes, his own, Thor’s and Loki’s, and he signaled the waiter for another. Loki wasn’t a huge drinker, but the quint did drink with most dinners. He felt the slight itch to drink now, but he wanted to be fully alert for whatever the rest of the night was going to bring. 

As dinner arrived the waiter brought Thor’s drink and Loki heard more than saw Valkyrie laugh and bump her shoulder roughly into Thor’s. There was a soft splashing noise and a loud curse as Thor dropped his drink all over the table. 

“Oh! Thor! My apologies! I’m so sorry- but you know what? Have you tried the virgin mojitos? They’re amazing. Here. Let me order you one.” She leaned back in her chair to flag down the waiter and Loki finally glanced over. Thor was downing what looked like a single shot of whiskey that was left in his glass. He was glowering at Valkyrie, but when his eyes met Loki’s his face fell and he looked back at the table. 

A few moments later Thor stood up and Fandral did the same. “I need to use the washroom. Would you like to follow me in?” Thor growled. His voice was low but his tone was nasty and Loki felt himself flinch. 

“Oh, darling, you know how I love following you into washrooms,” Fandral murmured back sardonically, and did in fact follow him away from the table. Loki glanced around the table and found everyone’s eyes on him. No one said anything for several moments so finally Loki spoke up. 

“Should I…follow them too?” Loki asked, but suddenly Loki saw Fandral bustling back towards their table. He leaned over his seat whispering quickly.  

“Fy faen, he slipped out the back door when I turned my back for one second. A few of us should go after him- no, you four stay here. Volstagg, Hogun, Loki. With me,” Fandral said, gesturing at the other four sitting around the table to stay seated as Sif made to stand up. 

Fandral let out an exuberant laugh and placed both of his hands on Loki’s shoulders. “Loki! My new friend, I’m so sorry you’re feeling so jet lagged. Let us escort you back to the mansion. Thor went ahead to make sure your rooms will be ready for you.” 

At least they were all consistent with their cover story. Loki laughed unconvincingly and patted Fandral’s hand where it rested on his shoulders. “I am so sorry to be a bother. Thank you so much for your help.” 

Loki stood up and hugged Valkyrie and then Sif goodbye. The four of them walked with purpose to the exit and then Volstagg and Hogun jogged into the parking lot to grab their car. Fandral grabbed his hand and kept him by his side as he whipped out his phone and dialed Thor’s number. 

“Fy faen, he ignored my call,” Fandral murmured. 

Loki pulled out his phone and dialed his number and it rang five times and then went to voicemail. Loki’s chest was so tight his growl of annoyance came out as a whimper. 

“Loki, vennen, it’s alright,” Fandral said. Loki filed that new word away for later. He was too anxious to try and ask about it now. 

“Sorry. I’m fine. Just concerned and…” Loki trailed off. 

“Annoyed? Confused? Angry? Scared?” Fandral provided. He stroked his thumb soothingly over the back of Loki’s hand the way Thor often did and he wondered momentarily if this was something they had started with each other. 

“Anxious and…useless,” Loki finally responded. 

“That is alright, vennen, it just means you care. It is very likely he just went back to the mansion or to his office apartment.” 

“Really? Because if I were him I’d be going to a bar to get wasted since my annoying friends and partner wouldn’t let me,” Loki said, letting some of his anxiety bleed into his voice.  

Fandral huffed. “Yes, that is also what I would do…” 

Wordlessly Loki dialed Thor’s number again and this time it went straight to voicemail. “Fee fahh.” Loki said, trying to imitate the Norwegian curse. Fandral burst out laughing and that was how Volstagg and Hogun found them on the sidewalk. Loki looking unamused and Fandral laughing jovially. 

“Good news?” Hogan asked from the front seat and Fandral and Loki slid in.

They turned in their seats so they could speak to them through the partition. 

“Sadly no. Our friend Loki was just being adorable and I was marveling at how different this would be with Leif,” Fandral said. 

“Leif would still be inside, furious with Thor for leaving early, and drunk as hell,” Volstagg laughed softly. 

Loki thought that if they could laugh right now maybe there really wasn’t much to worry about. His phone buzzed and he looked down to see that he had been added to a group chat titled “We <3 Thor- but Sometimes he’s Stupid” 

I added Loki- please identify yourself with your first text- Sif

Welcome Loki! You looked so lovely tonight. Hopefully you get to wear your suit again sometime soon - with less excitement - Valkyrie

Any news from Heimdal? - Hogun

Sif: He has not seen Thor. 

“Heimdal is the gatekeeper and guard at Thor’s parents estate,” Fandral explained quickly. 

Hogun: Is it worth calling his office?

He didn’t answer when Loki called, I doubt he’d answer at work. Is anyone in the office?  -Fandral 

Hogun: We could call his father? 

A flurry of messages flooded in saying it was too early and not to bother him yet. Then a new flurry a few moments later when Sif reported she had asked a staffer who was still in the office and she hadn’t seen Thor either. Loki let out another whimper-groan and buried his face in his hands. 

“Loki?” Fandral asked gently. 

“I promised his dad I’d look after him and I fucking lost him…” Loki felt tears prick his eyes and he scrubbed them away quickly, pretending to just be wiping his hands down his face. 

“Oh, vennen we’ve all made that promise. Don’t worry, if he’s going to blame anyone it will be us. Or Sif-” Fandral chimed in. 

“But Sif is almost more a part of their family than Thor is, so before you start worrying about her. Don’t,” Volstagg commanded from the front seat as they pulled to a stop. Fandral pressed on Loki’s side and they slid gracelessly out of the limo. 

Fandral grabbed Loki’s hand again and dragged him into the bar they were parked in front of. Fandral wheeled him up to the bar and he reached across the bar and grabbed the shoulder of one of the men as they passed by. 

“Hey, gorgeous! Have you seen Thor?” Fandral asked, his voice lilting sweetly in a way Loki had heard him tease Thor with. 

“Fandral! No I have not seen him tonight-”

“Give me a call if you do okay?” Fandral blew the pink haired man a kiss and he wheeled around and yanked Loki back towards the door. 

“Can I call you even if he doesn’t show?” the pink hair man called. 

“Might be a long night for me if we can’t find him soon. You can always try though!” Fandral turned around and blew him another kiss and then they were on the sidewalk jogging to the bar next door.

They tried six bars on one side of the street while Hogun jogged between the bars on the other side. When that proved fruitless, they drove to another street and did the same thing. Twenty minutes later Fandral was shivering from the cold and this time when they went into a bar he ordered a double shot of whiskey and downed it before asking about Thor, with no luck. 

Loki was beginning to shake now too, but it wasn’t from the cold. A series of doomsday scenarios were beginning to play through his mind. Thor unconscious, Thor hurt, Thor in an alley…

They drove to yet another street and Loki was beginning to feel a lot more of those emotions Fandral had rattled off before. He was annoyed, he was scared, and something else was fighting for his attention, a warm oppressive feeling in his chest that he tried to shove down in favor of picking up his pace as they jogged between bars. 

This continued for another thirty minutes until Loki had to pause to catch his breath. He bent over his suit-clad knees and regretted every morning he hadn’t gotten up to run with Charlie and Steve

His mind was spinning out even faster than their frenetic jogging. He was livid, terrified, and even if he wasn’t out of shape, he suspected he wouldn’t be able to catch a full breath, based on how much his heart was aching. 

He took another ragged breath and pushed himself to jog to catch up to Fandral. Fandral took his hand and they fell into step with each other for half a block until Fandral wheeled to a stop so hard Loki fell backwards into his chest. 

“Wow you’re so small,” Fandral commented, his arms coming around Loki’s waist to steady him. 

Fandral felt very different than any of his current lovers. A little softer and also very cold. The frigid temperature of his fingers made Loki want to wrap him in a blanket and leave him in the car while Loki continued to search for Thor. He was Loki’s boyfriend, it should be his responsibility.  

Loki’s head spun with frustration and a cloying feeling of hopelessness. 

He wanted Thor back almost as badly as he wanted to breathe and it was reaching an almost unbearable level now. Like he’d been underwater too long holding his breath. He felt like at any moment he was going to gasp for air, just to drown instead. 

He was about to voice how overwhelmed he was feeling when he realized Fandral was staring intently into the bar. “Why did you stop?” 

Fandral pointed into the bar and through the glass Loki was just barely able to see a large man sitting at the bar. 

Loki tore away from Fandral and ran into the bar straight up to the man. He had a man bun of golden hair, and at least half of it had fallen out. His suit jacket was thrown half-hazardly over the bar. 

Loki pulled up short when he saw the man’s shoulders were shaking. Fandral blew past him and grabbed the man by the shoulders and turned him around in his chair. 

It was Thor, thank god, but he was very clearly crying and the bottom fell out of Loki’s stomach. 

Loki hurried to his side and Thor took one look at Loki and turned back to the bar, grabbing his drink and downing the rest of it in one gulp. Fantastic. He loved that this was his boyfriend’s reaction to seeing him. He was still wearing the ridiculously beautiful suit and he had probably ruined it with all of the running and sweating he’d done tonight. Loki knew this wasn’t about him, shouldn’t be about him, but he was reaching a mental and emotional limit. 

“Thor. We’re leaving now,” Fandral said, doing his best to sound stern. 

“I’m not going anywhere with him,” Thor said, gesturing blindly in Loki’s direction. 

“And why the fuck not?” Fandral said, annoyance slipping into his words. 

Loki felt like Thor had turned around and punched him in the stomach. That warm feeling clutching at his heart felt like it was burning him up from the inside out. If he just stopped for even a second he thought he could identify it, but he didn’t have that luxury right now.  

“Sorry, I’m not in the mood to have the fight that’s probably going to end my relationship. Think I’ll pass,” Thor spat out viciously. 

“What are you talking about?” Loki asked, his voice soft and scratchy.

“Didn’t I just say I didn’t want to do this now?” Thor said, his voice colder than Loki had ever heard it directed at him. 

“Mate, you’re drunk. Stop talking before you actually do get in a fight with Loki. Let’s just go home, and you two can cuddle and talk it out later-” Fandral tried to say. 

“He told Loki to ask me about Copenhagen and Milan,” Thor said and Loki noticed Fandral freeze. 

“Thor…Loki isn’t going to leave you because of-“ 

“No? Because I’m pretty sure that’s what destroyed my relationship with Leif, or at least that’s what he said tonight,” Thor spat out. 

They all fell silent and before Loki even knew what he was doing he grabbed Thor by the shoulder, planted his feet and used all of his strength to spin him around on his bar stool. He was surprisingly successful, probably because Thor was so drunk and obviously not expecting it. 

Thor’s eyes were tumultuous and filled with so many emotions, Loki flashed back to the first night they’d met. That night he had seen intrigue, pain, trepidation, and so much potential. Tonight though, he saw anguish, fear, confusion and a flood of something else, something deep and warm and so overwhelming it added to the fire in Loki’s chest. He had been ready to yell at Thor but now he had to lock his joints together so he didn’t fall to his knees and cry and beg Thor to just come home safe with him. Loki took a sharp breath in. 

“You listen to me. Right now,” he said through gritted teeth. “I am not Leif. I will never be Leif. You and all of your friends keep telling me all the great ways I’m not like him, but now he says one thing, one thing to me that, yea I was a little curious about but I wasn’t even going to ask you about, and you fucking run away? You drown yourself in a bottle then make me chase you across this god damn city I’ve never even been to?” Loki took a shattered breath in as some of the pain and hurt and fire bled into his words. He wasn’t done yet though, the words just kept flooding out. 

“We’re not doing this. You’re going to get in the fucking car, right now, and then we’re going to go back to your parents place, we’re going to take a shower, and go to bed. Then in the morning. We’re going to talk about this. Not what Leif said but this,”  Loki gestured at the bar they were in, “and why this happened and how we can keep it from happening again. Because it seems like we’re going to keep seeing him so we’re just going to have to fucking figure this out. Okay?” 

Loki was shaking so hard he had to lock his jaw together to stop his teeth from chattering. 

Thor blinked at him owlishly and Fandral had a small bewildered smile on his lips. 

“We’re…going to keep seeing him…because…” Thor asked, looking like he was trying to figure out a challenging math problem and really hoping his answer was correct. The naked hope in his face almost broke Loki. 

“Because I’m not fucking leaving you, Thor! I’m going to keep going to these shitty events, wearing expensive clothing and getting served food and wine I didn’t even get to eat today because I was too busy worrying about you but. That’s fine. It’s all fine because we’ll have many more opportunities to get this right but I swear to god if you don’t get in the car right now I’m leaving you in this bar, Volstagg will take me home, and you can walk.” 

“You’re…not leaving me but… you’ll leave me at the bar…?” Thor blinked slowly as if he really couldn’t understand Loki not leaving him. Loki let out an exasperated groan. 

“Yes. My love. I will leave you at this bar and you can stumble your way back and I will be there to welcome you home. Because right now. I am very very angry with you. And very very tired but I am not leaving you. So. Please. Can we go home.” 

Thor blinked at him again and Loki was about ready to just yank him off the bar stool when he smiled softly. “You…called me your love…” 

It was Loki’s turn to blink back and he realized the raging fire in his chest was swirling around that word. Of fucking coure it was love. He had suspected that was what it was for weeks now, the low thrum of warmth in his chest and lingering at the back of his mouth every time he saw, talked to, touched, or even thought about Thor. He had even thought maybe he’d tell Thor he loved him this weekend if that was how things worked out. So the endearment really wasn’t that shocking to him, but Thor looked like he’d been struck stupid by lightning. So, Loki did the only thing he could do. 

He just shrugged. 

“Yes, Thor. You are my love. Quite possibly the love. Of my life. You absurd, frustrating, sexy, wonderful bastard. Now. GET. IN. THE-“ 

“Okay, okay elskede, I’m going,” Thor said, lifting his hands up in the air. 

The Norwegian word tickled something in Loki’s brain, but he wasn’t able to identify it off the cuff. Thor stood up on shaky legs and tried to take a step forward but he got tangled in the barstool legs and sort of collapsed onto Loki. Loki let out a yelp and Fandral grabbed Thor’s arm and threw it over his own shoulder. 

Thor leaned his head on Fandral’s shoulder as they walked and Loki could just make out his whisper. 

“Did you…hear that Fan?” Thor asked. 

“Did I hear that Loki is quite possibly the most patient, understanding, sweet person you have ever had in your life? But that he also has a spine and threatened to make you walk home?” 

“No…well…yes but, no…that he…might love me…” 

“…Yes Thor. I heard that too,” Fandral murmured. 

“Oh…okay…” 

To Loki’s shock, Thor began to cry. They got him to the car where Volstagg and Hogun were standing with their arms crossed over their chests. When they saw them stumbling under Thor’s weight they rushed forward to grab Thor. 

“My friends,” he said in a broken voice. “I am…so sorry…” 

“It’s alright, Thor, you’re safe now. We’re here, we’ve got you, and Loki is here-“ Hogun tried to comfort him but this only made Thor cry harder. Loki closed his eyes against the sound. It was like every one of those crying orphan puppy commercials put together. 

Volstagg and Hogun looked alarmed for a moment, until Thor said through his tears, “my elskede…is…here…”

They both gaped and turned to Loki who stared blankly back at them. 

“What…what does elsk-” but he stopped. 

He suddenly remembered being in bed with Thor, and he said a word and it meant my love but times one hundred. Something like my beloved, my one love. Loki felt heat rise on his cheeks and his own eyes burn, but he quickly blinked all of that away because he was not doing this here. 

Loki was too tired to wish that this had gone a different way. A silly part of him had pictured telling Thor he loved him in some romantic or quintessentially Norwegian outdoor/cozy way, but it happened in a back alley bar and there was no taking it back.

Loki had a lot more to say to him about his love and what it meant to him, for him, and for them. It seemed like Thor, or maybe just drunk Thor, might feel it as well, but they’d definitely need to have a further conversation about that. 

The other three men watched all of this play out on Loki’s face and they smiled softly at him. He let out a huff and then turned back to Thor. They helped load Thor into the car. As they all settled in and Volstagg pulled away from the curb, Loki’s phone vibrated from a flurry of texts, but he didn’t need to check them. He knew where his love was, he was right here. 

After a few moments of awkward silence Thor collapsed sideways until his head was in Loki’s lap. Most of his hair had already fallen out of its bun, so Loki gently pulled the hairband loose and brushed out his gorgeous locks with his fingers. Thor hummed contentedly and again, Fandral and Hogun gaped at him. 

Loki wasn’t sure if he’d broken some kind of taboo, so he quickly worked his hands through Thor’s hair to pull it back into a neater bun, but Thor caught his wrist and slid his hand down until he could grasp the rubber band and he threw it on the floor of the limo.

“I don’t want that. Leif…bought it for me,” he murmured his eyes falling closed as Loki stroked his fingers through his hair. 

“Leif…bought you this specific hairband?” Loki asked, confused. He received no response from Thor and as he continued stroking his hair his breathing evened out as he dozed off to sleep.

“While they were dating, Leif bought him this huge pack of hairbands as a power move. Thor used to be more playful with his hair. Sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes in top knots or fade cuts. But Leif didn’t like that. So he bought him a pack of hairbands and just handed them to Thor and walked away,” Fandral explained and Hogun scowled. 

Loki reached up and touched his own hair. He’d had a lot of people, men and a few women, try to tell him what to do with his hair over the years. They always thought they were helping, or being nice and looking out for what was best for Loki, but it was always just what they wanted and how they wanted Loki to look. 

Loki grimaced and continued stroking Thor’s hair. 

“He really did a number on you didn’t he, love…” Loki murmured, stroking his cheek and then his shoulder. 

He bent at the waist to place his forehead against Thor’s temple which had slowly become their go to move for serious, intimate moments. He took in Thor’s woodsy, mountain smell mixed with sweat and alcohol. He had been bluffing about the shower. He had just said it in case it enticed Thor to get in the car. He was having Hogun and Fandral flop Thor down on his bed and then Loki was going to change, brush his teeth and go the hell to sleep. 

This plan immediately fell apart when they arrived at Thor’s house and found all of their other friends waiting. Thankfully this meant they had no trouble getting Thor up the stairs and to the bedroom. Sif noted blandly that they should probably get Thor out of his incredibly expensive suit so he would have less to feel guilty about in the morning. 

Loki asked if someone could help him and Fandral and Jeanpaul followed Loki into the room and together they were able to wrestle Thor out of his shoes to start. 

Fandral went to work on his shirt and Thor seemed to come to awareness a little more, less of a drunken stupor more just drunk. 

“My beautiful Fandral…” he murmured and Fandral continued undoing the buttons. 

“It’s okay, Thor. You’re home now. We’re just getting you out of your clothes so-“‘

“Fan!” Thor shouted, pushing him away with surprising gentleness. They all froze nonetheless. Loki had never seen Thor this drunk. Was he a violent drunk? Is that why his friends had known to limit his alcohol consumption?

“I told you…when Loki is here I am just with my elskede…” Thor said, trying to sound authoritative, but he swayed slightly and Fandral and Jeanpaul had to grip his arms so he didn’t topple over backwards. 

Fandral huffed out a laugh and Jeanpaul chuckled. 

“You are right Thor-“ Jeanpaul started to say. 

“Jeanpaul! You as well mon chou. You both are so amazing…so kind and so good to me in- and outside of bed but…wait until you meet my elskede-“ 

“Thor, sweetheart? I’m right here, It’s okay-“ Loki stepped forward and was roughly pulled into Thor’s arms. He let out a squeak and Fandral and Jeanpaul stepped slightly away to give him space. They didn’t release Thor’s arms though, probably in case he tried to topple over again. 

“Loki! Oh my Loki…so gorgeous and sweet and gentle. You have never made me feel sad before,” Thor crooned. 

Loki shifted in his arms so he could continue unbuttoning his shirt. “That’s really good sweetheart-“ 

“Leif makes me sad,” Thor said matter of factly. 

“Oh my love…I know. I’m so sorry,” Loki murmured, finally getting him out of his shirt. He hadn’t meant to call Thor love again but, well, in for a penny and all that. He might as well just keep using it. He slowly began working on Thor’s pants and he was able to get them unbuttoned and unzipped, but then he was stuck.

“Thor, it’s time for bed. Can you help me get your pants off-“ 

“Loki, I am too drunk to have sex with you tonight,” he placed his big hand directly on Loki’s face. Loki spluttered and gently shoved his hand away. “You deserve better than drunken sex and- and I will not hurt you,” Thor continued, again with that same drunken gravity. 

“I know, I’m not asking you to-“

“Would you like me to use my mouth on you? I think I can do that-” Thor mumbled reaching for Loki’s hips. 

“No darling, thank you!” Loki cried out as heat crept over his skin, but Jeanpaul and Fandral just laughed affectionately. 

“But…Loki,” he whined, “you know I love the way you taste. I’ve barely gotten to taste you all night,” he nuzzled his face into Loki’s neck and licked away some of the cooled sweat under his jaw. Loki shivered and wrapped his arms around Thor’s shoulders. With him on the bed and Loki standing, he was just about at Loki’s height. 

“No- darling it’s alright. I just want us to go to sleep together. Can we do that?” 

“Like…our first night together? And then our second? You were so beautiful…wearing your pretty panties just for me…so sweet. I love how sweet you are to me…I love a lot of things about you.” Thor buried his face in Loki’s neck and snuffled a sigh. 

Loki's eyes pricked with tears and he couldn’t even muster the energy to be embarrassed anymore. He let them spill down his cheeks as he wrapped his arms around Thor’s big head. 

“Yes my love…just like our first and second night together. And…I love a lot of things about you too. We’ll- we’ll talk about all that tomorrow, okay?” Loki’s voice broke and he felt Fandral’s hand on his shoulder, and Jeanpaul’s on his back. 

“It’s okay now Loki… you did it. You got him home safe. Everything’s going to be okay.” Fandral’s voice was soothing and after a moment Loki nodded with conviction. 

“Will you help me get your nice pants off, love? Please?” Loki pleaded. 

Thor shifted his hips until his pants were just below his butt and Loki tried to pull them off but he was still too heavy. He gave a huff and finally Fandral and Jeanpaul stepped forward. 

“Hey big guy, gotta help Loki out here okay? He’s ready to cuddle and love on you, but you just can’t seem to get your pants off,” Fandral said, as he managed to yank one side of his pants down while Jeanpaul and Loki struggled on the other. Finally, Thor flopped backwards and they were able to pull his pants all the way off. Fandral pulled off his socks and Jeanpaul folded the pants up and laid them on the back of one of the plush armchairs situated against the far wall. 

Loki was overheated and overexerted, so he finally took off his jacket and laid it over Thor’s pants. Fandral picked up one of Thor’s legs by his ankle and shoved him onto the bed. Loki unbuttoned and removed his dress shirt with shaky fingers.

“Loki?” Thor called. 

“Yes, my darling.” 

“Where are you?” 

“I’m right here, love. Just getting undressed and ready for bed as well-“ 

“I missed you. At the gala. I think…maybe I told you to go away, but I did not mean it…I want to be with you always…” 

Loki paused in removing his undershirt. “I…want to be with you always as well,” Loki called back softly. 

Fandral and Jeanpaul gave him soft smiles as they shoved Thor’s other leg up and onto the bed. 

“Loki, I think we will let you handle it from here-“ Fandral started to say. 

“Fan! Don’t go! We could all cuddle- Loki is a fantastic cuddler.”

Fandral chuckled and he leaned over the bed to stroke his hand through Thor’s unruly hair. “Thank you for the invitation, min prinz, but the night is still young enough, I think I may take up in someone else’s bed tonight instead.”

“And…could that be…our bed perhaps?” Jeanpaul asked softly and Fandral turned to him with wide eyes. Loki held his breath, not wanting to interrupt their moment or remind them he was still standing there.  

“Would you…like it to be?” Fandral asked and his voice dipped low and sensual. 

Loki was surprised Jeanpaul didn’t melt to the floor because that is probably what Loki would have done. This was different from the tone he’d used in the bar and with Thor earlier. This was silky and almost serpentine in the way it wrapped around the room and suddenly Loki understood with clarity what Thor saw in Fandral. He wasn’t Loki’s type, but he was definitely Jeanpaul’s type it seemed. 

“Oui, beacoup…Luis and I have discussed, and our bed is open to you if you like.” 

Fandral smiled slowly. “Well, by all means then. Lead the way. Loki-” he turned to Loki and smiled softly, “thank you. For loving Thor the way you do. He may need some hand holding the next few days and we will be here to support you through it but… it looks like aside from wrestling his big drunk self in and out of cars, you have this completely handled. Text the chat if something comes up, or you need anything at all, alright?” 

Loki nodded and suddenly he was being hugged by first Fandral and then kissed on both cheeks by Jeanpaul. And then they were gone. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Loki awoke to someone stroking his hair and murmuring soft words. He picked out the words kjære, drunk, sorry, and finally elskede. He couldn’t managed to get his eyes open, so he drifted back to sleep. 

The next time he woke up someone was stroking his back and murmuring “I can not believe I keep calling you elskede…never even used that word before that morning…” 

“I remember that…” Loki croaked out, his throat raw with disuse. 

Thor froze. “You…do?” 

“Yeah and I think I remember what it means too.” 

Thor hesitated for several beats and then slowly began to stroke his back again. 

“And…what do you remember it meaning?” 

“Sort of a super powered version of ‘my love?’” Loki asked, brain and tongue still heavy with sleep. 

“…yes, that is pretty much what it means.” 

Loki turned around and found Thor almost completely naked, turned on his side, gently stroking fingers up and down Loki’s side. 

“Do you remember saying it last night?” Loki asked hesitantly. 

“Sadly, I think I remember everything about last night…” Thor said, glancing away. “Are you…still quite angry with me? Would you like me to go to a pub so you can make me walk home from it?”

Loki’s lips quirked up. “I…may need a few minutes to work back up to it.” 

“Take all the time you need. I will just enjoy this for the moment.” 

They lay like that, face to face with Thor stroking his back, and Loki’s eyes began to close until he caught a whiff of himself. “Oh god…I think I need a shower and a toothbrush.” He smelled like alcohol, bars, and anxious sweat. Thor didn’t smell much better and he grimaced. 

“Yes…I did not want to wake you, but…we do have quite an odor.” 

“Will you shower with me?” Loki asked on instinct. 

“Of course, els- …Loki. I will do anything you ask of me.” 

“Will you…tell me more about elskede in the shower?” 

“…if you would like, yes,” Thor agreed haltingly and ten minutes later they were in the shower and Thor was holding Loki tightly to his chest as Loki rinsed the last of the shampoo out of his hair.  

“Elske is a very serious form of love, reserved only for true loves and life partners. At least…for me it is. We have a different love for friends, cousins, and not as serious relationships. For me…the word elskede is like saying “I love you, my love” in English. Strong and…sure.” 

Loki let the water pour down his back and he nuzzled into Thor’s chest, wanting to be as close as he could when he asked his next question. 

“Is…that why you stopped yourself from saying it a few minutes ago? You're not sure?”

Thor continued stroking his back and he hummed in thought. Loki felt the hum across his cheek where it was pressed to Thor’s chest. 

“I think I do not know…if you are sure. I think elske is more of a mutual feeling. Two people…loving each other. Together. Not just me deciding for you or for us… you…you called me ‘love,’ but I know that is a much more casual endearment in America.” 

“It is…but not when I use it. I only use it for people I truly love,” Loki clarified. 

Thor’s breath caught and Loki looked up at him. “Thor…I love you. I love you more than I thought I could ever love another person and every day I come to love you more. Meeting your friends and your father, seeing you all dressed up for the gala, and…hell even running all around town last night to find you just made me realize how much I love you, but…I think I’ve loved you for a while now.”

Thor bent his head down and kissed Loki softly. Loki brought his hands up and cupped his face in return. Their mouths were minty fresh and gentle, but Thor pulled back far too quickly. 

“Loki…I have to tell you about Copenhagen and Milan-“

“You really don’t have to if you don’t want-“ 

“No, I need to. You need to know what you’re getting into with me and-“ 

“Thor, truly it’s okay. I don’t want Leif to force your hand, you don’t have to-“ Loki tried to say but Thor powered on ahead.

“I almost killed myself in Copenhagen.” 

Loki’s entire body froze, but Thor continued talking. 

“I…I honestly think it was an accident. I just took too many pills, chasing a high and mixing it with alcohol- I don’t even know. I barely remember anything, but…Leif found me. And then in Milan I tried to do it again. That time it…it wasn’t accidental. At least not entirely. I knew how many pills hadn’t worked last time so I did more that time. He found me a second time and he said there wouldn’t be a third. He was going to leave me if I didn’t shape up. And…I thought I did. I really thought I did and things were good between us. Honestly better than they ever had been but… but he left, he- …he found someone else. Someone who wouldn’t wreck his life like I had tried to.” 

Loki stumbled backwards and his back hit the cold wall of the shower. He was glad he hadn’t fallen to his knees because that had been his first instinct. How on earth could Thor have ever gotten that low and not sought help? What if Loki had lost Thor before he’d ever even found him?

“I…want to promise that I’m better now. That I'm on mood stabilizing medication and getting help and that it should never happen again, but-... truly I cannot promise that Loki. I…I think you can love someone but not love their flaws and their problems and sometimes…they’re just too much to handle. I would never be able to be with someone as…as sick as I am. I know that about myself and…if you know that about yourself-” 

Loki flung himself across the shower and into Thor’s arms. 

“Oh, god Thor…my love…I’m so sorry that happened to you. God I’m so sorry,” Loki was crying and Thor’s arms tightened around him. “I can’t say I’m…prepared to handle any more attempts you make, but I will become prepared. I’ll…I’ll take whatever classes or seminars, read books, I- I can ask my therapist? Or maybe yours? We can go together! I…are you okay right now? Oh god-“ Loki found himself taking another stumbling step back and only Thor’s strong arms around him kept him from falling backwards. “Were you…feeling that way last night?” 

“No! No, no as I said…I am on mood stabilizers now and in active therapy. Nothing like that has happened since then. When…when Leif and I ended, I forced myself into a prolonged manic episode so I wouldn’t drop that low again. It…also was not good and I got in some fights in bath houses in Budapest because they remembered me and Leif going there together and they said some stupid comment or another and it set me off, made me fall low again and I couldn’t face what I might do if I fell that low again.” 

Thor rested his head on Loki’s. 

“Thor I’m…so sorry. For everything that you’ve been through. I know it doesn’t make up for any of that but…I’m here now. I’m here and I love you and I promise, I’m not going anywhere. Not because of Leif, or the press, or your mental illness or anything.” 

Thor hugged him tightly. “Neither am I, Loki. I- I love you. I was trying to explain that in the car in America and then on the plane I…I’ve made up my mind about you. About us, about the quint. I want you. I want to be with you forever. I want to be with the quint- if they’ll have me…forever. You are my…my elskede.” 

Loki stood up on his tiptoes and kissed Thor. He threw his arms around Thor’s neck, craned his own neck and forced his tongue into Thor’s mouth. He let out a startled huff but then opened to the kiss. Loki was getting a face full of water in this position, so Thor turned them around and pressed Loki up against the cold shower wall. 

“Loki…” 

“Thor,” Loki breathed back, grinding their hips together until they were both groaning. 

“Let me take you to bed, elskede. Please…I…I think I may have messed up our first time saying I love you, but…let me show you how much I love you with my touch and my body. I promise. I won’t mess this one up.” 

“Thor-” Loki’s voice broke, and he clung to Thor tightly. “You didn’t mess anything up my love, but…yes. Please, yes,” Thor picked him up, bumping the water knob off with his shoulder and Loki grabbed their towels as Thor carried him back into the bedroom. They did a quick haphazard drying off and then Thor pushed Loki to sit on the edge of the bed. 

He knelt down in front of Loki and looked up into his eyes, as he took Loki’s hardening length into his mouth. It was so perfectly reminiscent of their first time together Loki let his head fall back and he moaned quietly. 

It had only been a few days since he’d gotten off, but in their house that was actually pretty abnormal. Thor was amazing with his mouth. He swirled his tongue around the head of Loki’s cock and hummed around it as he took him all the way down his throat. 

“Th-thor…love…oh god…you feel so good, I’m- I’m not going to last long if you keep- ah!” Loki shouted as Thor fisted the base of his cock and began stroking him, pulling up with his mouth and following with an upward stroke of his hand and then lowering his hand back down and following with his mouth. 

“Thor- I’m really- really not going to last- oh, sweetheart please- I- ooooh-” 

Loki whimpered and tried desperately to pry Thor’s hand off of him, but it only took a few more strokes and sucks and he was cuming down Thor’s throat. He swallowed it all with no problem and milked him through his orgasm. 

Loki whimpered as Thor slid his mouth off. 

“S-sorry love… I guess I really wanted that. I can do you next-” Loki tried to reach for Thor, but he grabbed Loki’s wrists. 

“Tell me, elskede,” Thor said, and his voice was low and gravelly and stopped Loki in his tracks. “How many times have you cum in one night?” 

Loki felt his balls tighten and he shivered all over as if experiencing an aftershock of an earthquake. In all actuality it probably was an aftershock from the orgasm. “Uhm…f-four…” he stuttered out. 

“Four? Oh I think we can do better than that,” Thor growled. 

“Thor-” Loki squeaked and then gave a quiet shriek of laughter as Thor grabbed him, leaned up and tackled him onto the bed. He arranged his limbs so he didn’t land on Loki with any of his weight, but he kissed him deeply as he began to stroke his hands down his sides. 

“Oh god, love…I think I need a minute- feeling a little sensitive- aghh,” he whimpered as Thor brushed his hand gently over his cock. It jumped and twitched, but Loki’s hips canted away from the touch. 

“That is not a problem,” Thor said, reaching for his nightstand and pulling out a bottle of lube. Loki’s eyes widened as he lubed up his fingers and spread Loki’s legs open. 

He started slow, just circling around Loki’s rim, taking care to not touch his oversensitized cock or balls. Even just this had Loki moaning and writhing on the plush mattress. 

He pressed a finger to Loki’s perineum and Loki swore he could feel it inside him. He trembled at the feeling and let out a groan of pain and then pleasure as Thor’s first finger breached his hole and slid in. Thor wasn’t playing around though, he immediately crooked his finger and hit Loki’s spot. 

Loki’s head tipped back and his back arched slightly. He let out a shaky breath expecting Thor to thrust the finger all the way in or maybe even add a second, but instead he began to gently tap his finger against Loki’s gland like he was ringing a doorbell. It felt like bolts of electricity were rocketing up his spine. 

“Thor!” he shouted and his back arched right off the bed. He slapped a hand over his mouth but Thor sat up and pulled it away, pressing it roughly to the mattress. 

“No, mit elskede, I want to hear you. I want the entire house to hear you.” 

Loki whimpered and then shouted when Thor swirled his finger over the spot like he was mixing together finger paints. Loki’s cock was fully back to life and it was leaking against his stomach. 

“Could you cum just like this? Without me even touching your pretty cock again?” Thor asked, running his eyes up and down Loki’s erection and it almost felt like a caress.

“I…maybe? Probably? I’ve done it a few times-” he groaned as Thor began to tap his prostate again. 

“I want to see it…want you to cum just like this…” 

Loki’s entire body was trembling and it felt like his heart was trembling too. It was worn out from its desperate sprints last night, and then the horrible shock of Thor’s words in the shower. But it was also flooded with more love than Loki ever imagined possible. It felt like his heart was beating in double time, both blood and love pumping through it in alternating beats. 

Loki whimpered, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, physically overstimulated, and somehow still desperately needing more of both. 

He tried to thrust his hips down onto Thor’s finger. He loved the prostate stimulation, but he wanted more. He wanted fullness, and thrusting and he wanted his cock touched and he wanted Thor to tell him he loved him again and he just wanted more. 

“P-please, Thor. Need…need more, please-” he tried to say, but he cried out unintelligibly at the end as Thor pressed incessantly on his spot. 

“Thor! Please!” Loki cried. 

Suddenly Thor pulled out and reached into his nightstand again. He brought out a toy and Loki knew exactly what it was. His stuttering heart and mind slammed into focus as he looked at the toy. “Is…that…” 

“A prostate toy? Yes,” Thor said as he began to spread lube on it. 

“What…do…do you use it on…yourself?” he asked shakily. 

“It was a funny gift from Fandral. He said maybe it would help me dislodge the stick up my ass,” Thor said smirking. 

“But…have you used-” 

“Loki, I think maybe you should be more concerned about what I am going to do to your ass, than what I do to my own.” 

Lokie’s eyes widened. “Oh my god so you do use it? Are you about to put a toy in me that you’ve used? God that’s so- fucking- hot-” Loki groaned and thrust uselessly into the air and squirmed until Thor brutally held his hip down against the mattress again. 

“Is it…?” Thor asked as he lined the toy up at Loki’s entrance. 

“Y-yes, oh my god YES-” Loki shouted the last yes as Thor pressed the toy in and made direct contact with his prostate. 

“Well then…yes. I have used it a few times. I was just curious about the pleasure I work so hard to give my lovers and…well…it does feel pretty good.” 

Thor hit a button and it started to vibrate and Loki cried out, arching up and trying to force himself down on the toy. He wanted to continue down this train of questioning and ask Thor to tell him more, a lot more, about his time using the toy on himself. However, Thor adjusted the toy slightly so it was resting perfectly on his prostate. He upped the vibration level and then he removed his hand and used one hand to pin Loki’s hands above his head and left his other hand digging in brutally to Loki’s hip. Loki fully lost all trains of thought then. 

“Thor- oh, I- oooooh, it feels- too good, too much, oh god-” Loki strained against his hands, thrashing and squirming to no avail. 

“It’s not too much. You can take it. You’re going to take this and so much more before I’m done with you tonight, love.” 

Loki whimpered and tears filled his eyes at hearing Thor say the endearment in English. He loved the way his Norwegian pet names sounded in Thor’s mouth, but there was something so tender and intimate about Thor saying it in English. It crashed through Loki like it’s own orgasm. 

“You like that? Me calling you my love?” Thor purred. Loki closed his eyes causing the tears to trickle down his cheeks. Thor released his hip to turn the vibration up a level. 

Loki only lasted another few seconds before he let out a wet moan and came for a second time. Barely anything came out of his cock, which was actually typical for his prostate only orgasms. 

Thor quickly removed the toy and lubed up his fingers again. 

Loki stared at him in disbelief and began to sob as Thor pressed his finger back into him. This time, he went all the way in and Loki arched his back painfully off the bed. 

“M-more,” Loki begged and Thor slid in a second finger. 

“Oh- god, more! Please, more!” To Loki’s shock, even though he was actively sobbing, Thor didn’t even hesitate when sliding in his third finger. Loki cried out and bucked his hips and Thor kept his hands pinned above his head, but let him move his hips as he wanted, so he fucked himself on Thor’s fingers until he pulled them out in a rush. 

“Fuckk, Thor!” Loki cried.

He was so over stimulated, and yet still desperate for more, to be filled and stretched and claimed by his love. Thor had been so sure he was going to leave him last night, Loki needed him to see how strong his claim was on Loki by claiming him now. 

Thor leaned over Loki and captured his lips. Loki drank in the kiss and his tears slowly stopped as his breathing began to even out. 

“There you go, my love…I need you calm…I’m going to finish stretching you with my cock,” Thor whispered and Loki’s muscles tensed up again as he remembered the second part of their first time together. Thor kissed him long and slow until he relaxed yet again. 

“Do you want to be on your back or on your stomach?” Thor murmured, stroking his hand down Loki’s chest. 

“B-back…want to see you.” 

“Good, love, I want to see you too.” Thor began generously lubing up his cock and Loki was nearly vibrating with anticipation. Thor leaned back up and kissed him again as he slowly lined up his cock and sank in the tip with almost no resistance. 

“O-oo-oh,” Loki whimpered and Thor released his wrists so he could grab his thighs instead. Loki reached up and tangled his hands in Thor’s wet hair. 

Thor slowly sank in another half inch and Loki sighed happily. He let his head fall to the side and he closed his eyes. 

“What about…like this? Do you think you could cum just from this?” Thor whispered, and Loki shivered but he couldn’t answer. It didn’t really feel like cumming was the goal for either of them anymore. It felt like Thor was trying to wring out every bit of pleasure from Loki, push him up to the edge and then blow past it. 

“Or- do you need this?” Thor asked, taking his nonanswer as a no. 

A strong hand wrapped around his cock and Loki gave a ragged cry. His last orgasm had been so delicious he hadn’t even clocked the fact that his cock had gone untouched for almost fifteen minutes. Thor began to stroke him as he slowly sank in another half inch. 

Suddenly, it was at least partially about orgasms again. Loki whined and squirmed and Thor reached up and pulled at one of Loki’s nipple rings. 

“Fuckk…” Loki breathed as Thor repeated the tug, sinking in a full inch and continuing to stroke him. Loki really might cum a third time just like this. 

“What do you need, kjære?” 

“Pain,” Loki whispered without hesitation. “A-and…love…” Loki added in a whimper, recognizing the strangeness of the request but Thor’s eyes shone like blue fire and he bent forward. Loki lifted his legs up to his chest to increase the depth of the angle and they both moaned. 

“You already have my love…let me give you more and…a little bit of fun too,” he whispered as he bit down on one nipple, tugged on the other and continued to stroke him with his other hand. Loki’s shout stuttered out of his body in time to Thor’s strokes. 

“More,” Loki begged. Thor bit into his collarbone and pulled and twisted the nipple piercing. Loki let out a real scream and bucked his hips, forcing Thor in even deeper. 

“Oh god- please, don’t s-stop, s-so close.” 

Thor purposefully pushed in farther and he did the bite-twist-stroke maneuver and Loki was tipping right on the edge. 

Thor switched his hand to his other nipple, this one with a barbell in it, and he twisted the bar, in essence twisting the nipple itself, bit into his pec, and bottomed out inside Loki. Loki shrieked as he came again in one feeble spurt across his stomach. 

Thor’s eyes flew wide and they both stared at each other for a moment. While Loki was loud in bed, his orgasms were always surprisingly soft. That one had felt like someone had slammed their hand down on some pleasure sensor inside his brain and accidentally also hit the button that made him scream. 

“Who knew love and pain were the key to making you scream when you cum for me,” Thor’s voice was low and it rattled through Loki in a way that had him spasming on Thor’s cock, still embedded inside of him. 

“Let us see if on four you scream again,” Thor said, grabbing his legs. 

“Love, I think I need a bre- oh fuckkkk,” Loki let out a low moan as Thor began to thrust into him. This was what Loki had been craving for three full orgasms now. His head fell back and his hips arched up, taking in each of Thor’s thrusts. It was glorious and Loki could barely manage conscious thought. However, he knew he needed a little more than just thrusting, and he also knew he couldn’t trust Thor with his aching and abused cock. 

He reached down and began stroking himself, avoiding the overly sensitive spots and focusing mostly on the base. 

“Oh, Loki…you’re so tight- god so beautiful…yes, kjære just like that…” Thor thrust into him and Loki matched the role of his hips and his stroking hand to Thor’s thrusts.  

“Thor- I don’t know- how long I can last like this- oh god feels too good,” Loki continued to stroke himself and Thor picked up his pace. In the haze that was settling over Loki’s brain he realized he was working towards orgasm number four and Thor hadn’t even cum once. Loki slowed the pace of his hand to try and make sure Thor was able to get off this time. 

Thor wasn’t having that though. He growled and slapped Loki’s hand away, beginning to stroke Loki himself. Just as Loki had suspected, Thor focused on the most sensitive parts of his cock, twisting his wrist around the head and thumbing the slit and Loki screamed, slamming his head back into the pillow and reaching over his head to grab onto the headboard. His abs and back pulled taught and his entire body shook. 

“So beautiful- god look at you…” Thor crooned as he continued to thrust into Loki. 

His fourth orgasm was coming fast and he tried desperately to hold this one back. His prostate was swollen and so sensitive and each thrust felt like a live wire reaching inside of him and Thor’s hand on his cock knew exactly where to tease and touch. 

“Thor- need you…to cum…please…I- I love you…so much- please-” Loki sobbed and Thor didn’t let up, but he leaned forward and brushed his lips over Loki’s. Not a kiss as much as a glancing blow, but it felt like fire across his sensitive skin. 

“I’m…right behind you love…” Thor whispered brokenly. 

Loki gave a desperate shout but then his fourth orgasm crashed over him like a tidal wave. He cried out over and over as Thor continued to thrust into him a few more times. Suddenly, he pulled out of Loki, and came all over his stomach and legs. 

Loki didn’t even have time to protest that before Thor was flipping him over and spreading his legs apart. The pressure on his cock, and the drag of the fabric against it had Loki sobbing again. But that was nothing compared to when Thor brought his mouth between Loki’s cheeks. 

Loki gasped and nearly choked as Thor slid his tongue into him and began to lap up his own mess from inside Loki. He shivered and cried and just let it all happen to him.  

Thor squeezed his ass, alternating gripping him and digging his fingernails in. He brought his mouth up once to bite viciously into the place where his ass met his thigh and Loki whimpered out some incoherent nonsense involving the word love multiple times. 

Thor then returned to eating Loki out, but he teased the pads of his fingers over the bite mark and Loki sobbed. Loki heard the vibrating noise of the toy and before he could shout no, Thor pressed it against his perineum. 

Loki felt the vibration through his entire body and he began to thrust against the mattress and Thor urged him with a hand on his lower back as he continued to press the cursed toy against him and fuck him with his tongue. Loki got in a solid thrust just as Thor turned up the vibration and he came again, choking on his breath and trembling from his hair all the way down to his toes. 

“Loki…was that five? You’re so good for me, love…” Thor crooned, running his hand gently down Loki’s back. He ran it down his ass and brushed over the bite mark and to Loki’s complete surprise, his cock twitched again. He thrust uselessly into the bed and Thor froze. 

“Do…you…want more?” Thor asked and Loki sobbed in confusion. No, he hadn’t really wanted more after the second, maybe the third orgasm. The fourth and fifth were ludicrous. There was barely any wetness below him on the sheets because he had nothing left to spurt out, but his balls were tightening and his hips were thrusting and he found the words form in his mouth before he could stop them. 

“Toy…again…please.” 

Thor obeyed immediately, sliding the toy in to rest against his abused prostate. Loki cried out and arched his back so hard he curled onto his side. Thor grabbed his top leg and lifted it up so it was resting on his shoulder and he could strike his prostate with the toy from the side. 

Loki gasped and shook and sobbed and it was one of the best build ups to an orgasm he had ever had. He could feel every nerve ending in his body humming, and his body was too spent to tighten up, so he just laid there letting it all rush through him. Loki swore he could feel the orgasm starting in the muscles in his fingers, and it spread slowly through his body. 

“Thor…my love…close…” he gasped, his hips stuttering uselessly. Thor curved Loki’s leg so it would stay put on his shoulder and he reached down and stroked Loki. 

The pleasure rippled through him, and the building orgasm moved faster towards his cock and it only took three or four more pulls by Thor’s expert hands and he was cuming. He closed his eyes and let out a long moan that was almost no more than a breath. His hips stuttered uselessly over and over and his head fell forward onto his chest as he rode out pleasure like he had never experienced it before. The toy was still on and Thor’s hand was still heavy on his cock and it brought him through the orgasm and past it until he let out a broken noise, and Thor quickly removed the toy and released his leg. 

Loki curled his legs into his chest and buried his face in his knees. 

He sort of lost sense of time then. He had never felt that much pleasure before in his entire life. It wasn’t like being in subspace or coming down from subspace. He had been completely present for every single moment, but now he felt like there was a veil forming between him and the room around him. Like he was slowly sinking below water. Perhaps it was just all of the stress of the past week, coupled with not one but six releases. He felt boneless and his mind was light as air, but his body was as heavy as lead. 

“I love you…” Loki whispered, and marveled at how amazing it felt to say to Thor. His Thor. 

“I love you. Six fold,” Thor responded immediately. 

Loki began to tremble and Thor quickly pulled a blanket up and over him. “I l-love you-u six-x fold, t-too…I p-promise I’ll- I’ll get you back…” Loki’s voice trailed off as Thor began to stroke his hair. 

“You do not have to, elskede, but if you wish... I am yours. My body, my pleasure, my orgasms- everything belongs to you,” Thor said softly, continuing to stroke his hair. It was the only part of Loki he was touching which was good because it felt like just about as much as Loki could handle right now. 

Loki tried to reach a hand up for Thor’s arm but it collapsed back onto the bed. 

“S-sleep…” Loki murmured, his eyes closing.

“Of course elskede… I might need to take care of a few things while you are asleep. If you wake up and I’m gone just-...here-“ Thor retrieved Loki’s phone from the night stand and placed it right in front of Loki’s face. “Just call me and I will be back to you within minutes, I promise.”

“Okay,” Loki mumbled. 

“I love you…Loki…”

Loki wasn’t sure if he was able to speak the words aloud or if he just said them in his head before falling back to sleep. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thankfully Loki didn't wake up alone. He woke up to someone lightly rubbing his shoulder. 

He hummed happily. “G’morning…love you…” he mumbled as if his brain had just restarted on the last thing he had said or been trying to say, like a video recording starting back up again. 

“Well that’s real sweet, vennen, but I’m not so sure how Thor would feel about that.”

Loki‘s eyes snapped open and he turned around to find Fandral sitting on the end of the bed with a cup of coffee in his hand and another on the nightstand. 

Loki reached for the coffee and felt a shot of pain run through him. It wasn’t anywhere near as bad as their first, or really second, time together. This was more like he felt like his entire body had been wrung dry, like a rag. 

He whimpered and Fandral continued to rub his shoulder. He sighed sadly. “Thor told me I could come in and check on you, and I really wanted to see if I could get you caffeinated enough to want to go clubbing with me tonight, but…it seems that might not happen.” 

Loki bit his lip. The idea of ever moving again was very unappealing. However, the idea of going out and being able to rub all over his sexy boyfriend, who he loved and who loved him back, was rather tempting. 

To try and test it, Loki very slowly sat up. To his surprise the pain was mostly in his lower back and stomach from clenching and unclenching his muscles so much, and it really wasn’t that bad. The covers pooled around his waist and Fandral’s eyes widened. 

“Wow…piercings, tattoos, and enough bruising to be in a bar fight. How could you NOT go clubbing with me tonight?!?” Fandral whined. 

Loki glanced down and saw a smattering of bruises across his hips and several bite marks on his pecs and shoulders. He really did look like he went a round or two. He should feel embarrassed for Fandral to see all of him like this, but then again Fandral had seen all of Thor like this too, so maybe it was just evening everything out. 

It also seemed like Thor must have cleaned him up while he slept because there was a distinct lack of cum all over his chest which had been there before he’d passed out. So really. It could be worse.

“I really, really want to go! I promised you we would and I’m very excited to, but-“ 

“Then you’re going! Here!” Fandral handed him the cup and Loki accepted it. He took a small sip and then hummed happily. It was heavily doctored with sugar and cream and had hints of vanilla. He nearly moaned when he took another mouthful. 

“Wow, Thor said you liked it sweet. I didn’t believe him, given… well…” he gestured at the bruises on Loki’s hips and he grinned Cheshire like at him. 

“Do you often find that how one likes to be fucked relates to their coffee order?” Loki drawled, loving the blush that elicited on Fandral’s face. 

“Sometimes! I’m just saying, based on all the screaming I heard this morning, really didn’t seem like you liked anything sweet,” Fandral chortled happily. It was Loki’s turn to blush, but before he could defend himself his stomach growled loudly. 

“How about I go make you some food and I send Thor up with it and some more grossly sweet coffee?” Fandral offered. 

Loki was almost done with his cup and he smiled bashfully at Fandral. He took a final gulp of coffee and gave Fandral back the cup. 

“Alright, I guess you’ve convinced me. Do you- want to help me pick out my outfit later?” Loki glanced at the clock to see it was already eight pm. “Uhm- maybe after I eat?” 

“Gladly! Just have to make sure we don’t make you too sexy or I’ll just end up staring at you all night. Although…maybe that depends on what Jeanpual and Luis wear,” Fandral winked. 

Before Loki could stop himself he asked, “oh, how was your night?” 

Fandral froze and his blush deepened. “Oh…it was…actually quite amazing. Turns out, Thor is the only lover they’ve ever had as a couple and since he is not a vers like I am, there was quite a lot for us to…explore together. We may do some more exploring while they’re in town and I think I saw Luis ordering me plane tickets for a few weekends from now,” Fandral got a cocky grin and Loki burst out laughing. 

“That’s- amazing! Wow. I'm so glad you won’t- uhm…miss Thor too terribly when he’s- uh, busy.” 

Fandral’s face turned very serious and he reached out and took Loki’s hand, stroking his thumb over the back of it. Loki saw the slight flicker of intrigue in his eyes as he took in the bruises adorning Loki’s wrist, but he didn’t comment on that. 

“I do not want you to ever worry about me, Loki. Thor and I have spent our lives filling a hole for each other, and nothing more. Thor wants a life partner and a family which I will just never be able to provide for him, nor do I want to. It is nothing but amazing that he has found you. I am not worried, lonely, or a single negative emotion about you taking that place next to him, in life and in bed. Jeanpaul and Luis…they are a happy bonus for me and I believe I am for them, but they have each other and that is all they want and need as well.” 

Loki blushed at his sincere words. He stared down at their hands and then Fandral squeezed his hand and hopped off the bed. 

“I will send your elskede up soon, Loki! Begin thinking about outfits and I will return in an hour!” Fandral practically skipped from the room, all traces of seriousness gone. 

Loki decided he should probably try and shower, so he would be able to eat and play dress up with Fandral in the next hour. He stumbled his way into the bathroom and quickly showered for the second time that day. When he emerged from the bathroom Thor was perched on the edge of the bed wearing a soft looking sweater and chinos. 

“Loki, I hope-“ Thor started to say but Loki didn’t let him finish. 

“Thor!” he cried happily as he flew across the room and into his arms, ending up straddling his lap, his towel barely covering him up.

 He wasn’t sure where the animalistic, possessive energy came from, but he practically mauled Thor. He grabbed his shoulders and sucked and bit marks into his neck and collarbone. When Thor pulled him gently off his neck Loki captured his mouth instead, pressing his tongue in mercilessly and drinking up the soft moans and grunts Thor made in the back of his throat. 

Thor’s hair was still down, falling past his shoulders in luxurious waves. He wondered if something had transpired between them with the throwing away of the rubber band or if Thor was just letting it air dry. Whatever it was Loki was making an absolute mess of it with his hands. 

“Ooooh, mit elskede,” Thor groaned and captured Loki’s wrists with his large hands. He brought them in between their chests. 

“I was going to say…I hope it was not too terrible being woken up by Fandral? He would not stop whining about going to the clubs so I told him he would have to wake you up and ask himself. I was surprised when he said you wanted to go but…it seems perhaps you are full of energy?” 

Loki was busy trying to nuzzle his nose and face into Thor’s neck, just taking in his smell and the feeling of his hair on his face. 

“Yes, I uh- have to admit I might be a little sore from this morning. I think some sexy dancing might be all I can offer tonight but…I’m very excited to offer it.” 

As if to prove his point Loki squirmed on his lap. Thor laughed and released his wrists. He reached down and rubbed his thumbs over some of the bruises on his hips. Loki hissed and bit at Thor’s neck again. 

“If you continue doing that, Loki, I may not let you out of my room tonight, and then Fandral would be quite disappointed, and he can be very loud when disappointed.” 

Loki laughed and switched to kissing Thor’s neck. 

“Elskede, I am not sure if that is much better.” He wrapped an arm around Loki’s shoulders and one under his knees and he turned him so he was cradled in his arms instead. 

“Mmmm, I’m not sorry,” Loki said, leaning up to kiss Thor again, but a little softer this time. Thor was the one to deepen the kiss. Their tongues swirled and Loki tasted coffee, and the sweet flavor of his love. Finally, Loki pulled back with a groan. 

“Okay, you’re right. Not helping. Did you bring me food?” Loki asked. 

“I did. Here,” he turned Loki around once again so he was sitting on Thor’s lap with his back to his chest. 

He brought a plate over from the nightstand with lasagna, salad and some kind of chocolate dessert on it. Loki practically inhaled the dinner and then Thor handed him his new coffee mug to drink with the cake. 

Loki let out a satisfied sigh and fell back into Thor’s arms just as Fandral came bounding into the room. Loki let out a squeak and both he and Thor pulled the covers over top of Loki’s barely covered lap. 

Fandral smirked and dropped the backpack he had slung over his shoulder. “I brought some extra accessories and my own clothes so I thought we could play dress up together and make Thor feel very sexually conflicted.”

Loki giggled and Thor growled behind him.

“What? You two are all in love, and disgusting, and boring now. I have to have fun where I can,” Fandral winked at them. 

“Hey! I’m still fun!” Loki exclaimed, jumping up from Thor’s lap. He stalked over to his suitcase and grabbed a handful of items and headed into the bathroom. He heard Fandral titter and Thor laugh quietly. 

He started with a pair of low cut silky panties that wouldn’t show over his very low rise jeans. Next, he slid on said black jeans and then a fishnet long sleeve shirt with medium sized holes in the netting to reveal a lot of skin. He had several top options as well as a short sleeve fishnet to work with if the long sleeve didn’t work. He slid a studded belt, courtesy of Bucky, around his hips and then he decided to just let Fandral and Thor decide. 

He stepped out of the bathroom to find Thor gone and Fandral wearing a pair of tight red pants and a tight black v-neck that somehow smoothed out his soft stomach and made him look tall and slinky. The shirt had rips in it and the flashes of skin it showed were very appealing. 

Loki held up his three options. A cropped pink hoodie, a purple cropped shirt and a black flouncy shirt that sat on the tips of his shoulders and flowed down into a deep v-neck. 

“We can not both wear black, so even though it is very pretty, that one is out. I think the hooded shirt will be too warm on the dance floor so I think you’re going with the crop top!” Fandral announced. 

Loki laughed and slid the shirt on. It came to right below his ribs and showed off a substantial strip of fishnet covered stomach. 

It mostly hid his bruises, except for his wrists. They showed through the fishnet pretty obviously. Fandral seemed to notice this as well. 

“Ah! I had an idea for this,” Fandral announced and began digging through his backpack. He emerged with a set of wrist cuffs and a choker necklace. Loki took them and studied them for a moment.

“Fandral…why do these have D-rings? Are these…restraints?!” 

“I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about,” he said, smiling wickedly. 

Loki toyed with the ring on one of the wrist cuffs. “Has…Thor seen or used these on you?” 

Fandral just smiled and Loki groaned. He put them on anyway, deciding to leave the choker off. 

“You need a necklace, Loki. If you refuse the fun one all I have left is this,” he handed Loki a piece of black leather that tied with a ribbon in the back. Loki held it up to his neck and turned to look in the full length mirror. It actually worked perfectly with the outfit so he attempted to tie it on himself, but struggled for a moment until Fandral came up behind him. 

He pulled Loki’s hair aside and tied the ribbon snuggly against Loki’s throat. Loki reached into his makeup and jewelry bag and pulled out a hair tie. He tied his hair up in a sloppy ponytail, allowing some strands to frame his face and he slid in two dangly earrings and finally pulled out eyeliner, mascara, and lip stain. Fandral watched all of this from the mirror and when Loki finished and turned around Fandral grinned wolfishly. 

Loki smirked back. “Thought you were going to watch Jeanpaul and Luis tonight?” 

“Oh I will. But neither of them are here now are they?” his grin turned lopsided and Loki felt a tug in his chest. He could really see Fandral becoming his good friend. He was a little chaotic, like Nicky, but sweet and unwaveringly loyal. Before he could stop himself he stepped forward and pulled Fandral into a fierce hug. 

“Oh-…Loki…” he said softly as he wrapped his arms around Loki’s shoulders. 

He was several inches taller than Loki, so he rested his head on Fandral’s shoulder.

“Thank you Fandral. For helping with the clothes, bringing me coffee and…for helping me find Thor last night. You’re such an amazing friend for him to have. I'm…so grateful for you.” 

“Of course, vennen, but truly the pleasure is all mine in being Thor’s friend and…hopefully in being yours now, too,” Fandral murmured, stroking his back gently. 

Just then Thor walked in, wearing a tight white v-neck, tucked into dark blue jeans and boots. He had a leather jacket on overtop and Loki nearly swooned. 

Thor pulled up short when he saw them hugging. “Is…everything alright?” 

“Amazing!” Loki said happily, pulling back from Fandral to turn to him. 

Thor’s eyes rounded as he took in Loki’s outfit. His eyes lingered on his midriff and then caught on the wrist cuffs. 

“Fan…” he growled, low in his throat. 

“Yes, min prinz?”

Thor stared at Fandral for a moment and then shook his head and laughed. Loki took a step forward and Thor reached for him, dragging him in by the loops in the wrist cuffs, making Loki gasp.  

“You look…delicious,” Thor whispered in his ear, and Loki shivered. 

“So do you.” 

He wrapped his arms around Thor’s neck brushing his fingers under his shirt to press into the marks he knew were there and Thor growled deep in his chest. Thor pulled Loki flush against him and leaned down to give him a surprisingly tender kiss. 

Loki heard a soft chuckle behind him and turned to see Fandral with his phone out snapping photos of them. 

“Don’t worry, Loki. This is going in the group chat so you’ll see it,” Fandral said. 

Thor’s arms tightened around Loki. 

“Loki…is in the group chat…?” 

“But of course!” Fandral chortled, pocketing his phone and shouldering his bag. 

“I don’t think-“ Thor began to huff. 

“Are you ready to go yet?” Hogun called from the hall. He was wearing black leather pants and a ripped blue t-shirt. His hair was purposefully tousled and he looked very ready to go out on the town. 

He stopped and his eyes widened when he took in Thor and Loki. “Wow…” he breathed, giving Loki an appreciative smile. 

Loki blushed as he realized he would in fact be seeing all of Thor’s friends- his friends? dressed like this. 

“Man, Val is going to be jealous!” Hogan hooted. 

“Of what?” came a pretty feminine voice from down the hall. Thor led him and Fandral out of his bedroom and they all met in the foyer of the house. They were all dressed in varying club clothes. Valkyrie was in a crop top and mini skirt, with knee high leather boots. If anything, Loki was jealous of her but her eyes rounded when she saw him and then she turned on Sif. “I told you fishnet goes well with crop tops!” 

Sif huffed and threw her hands up. “Why did you ask me in the first place?” 

Sif was wearing a slouchy t-shirt that fell off of one of her shoulders over a pair of form fitting green camo pants and combat boots. 

“You look amazing, Val,” Loki said, accidentally using the group nickname for her. He was about to take it back when Valkyrie threw her arms around his neck. 

“Thank you, vennen!” 

“Okay- what does that mean? Fandral has been calling me that as well,” Loki asked. 

The group chuckled. “It means friend. It’s very affectionate but…it is often used for children,” Hogun said, throwing his arm around Loki’s slim shoulders. 

Loki thought about this for a moment and then smiled and said, “I’ll take it.” 

Just then Jeanpaul and Luis walked in looking absolutely stunning in various black and white pieces, including pants that looked like they were painted on, and flowing shirts and jackets. Loki caught Fandral nearly salivating on the floor. 

They all piled into the car. Loki ended up in Thor’s lap again, and they sped off for the city. 

The club wasn’t an exclusively gay club, but the patrons seemed to mostly lean that way. 

They stood in line for about thirty minutes and Loki cursed himself for not bringing a coat until Thor took his off. Like a little weasel, Fandral immediately snuck into the coat and wrapped his arm around Loki’s waist so they could both huddle underneath it. Thor laughed affectionately and fell into a conversation with Hogun and Sif. 

“Are there…restrictions I should be aware of? As in…being Thor’s partner in public?” Loki asked quietly. 

Fandral hummed in thought. “Here? No, I do not think so. I suppose try not to make a huge scene but, again- I am his best friend and I never temper my behavior based on how it might show on him. Also…we have been quite affectionate with each other publicly in the past and it never seems to matter. The only reason the press was so interested in him recently was that Leif kept stoking the fire. I think you really put him in his place last night though. I wouldn’t be surprised if attention dies down from now on.” 

Loki nodded and huddled closer to Fandral. 

Once they were finally admitted, Thor put his jacket in coat check and led Loki to the bar. 

“Shots!” Fandral called and the bartender took out an absurd number of shot glasses. 

“I am going to try not to drink too much tonight, elskede,” Thor murmured. 

Loki nodded. “I think I…might actually drink tonight, if that’s okay?” 

“Of course! Please have fun.” Thor signaled the bartender and ordered Loki a large fruity drink to go with his shots. 

Thirty minutes later they were all pretty drunk, minus Volstagg and Thor. They ordered another round of drinks and Fandral led the way to the dance floor. At first the dancing started off tame as everyone finished their drinks, but as the music changed to something with a solid beat things got crazy, quickly. 

Loki ended up pressed between Valkyrie and Sif and they danced for several songs until Fandral pulled him and Valkyrie into an intense grind and shimmy dance. Loki threw his hands in the air and allowed Valkyrie to grind on his hip while he gyrated against Fandral’s side. 

After another song change, Jeanpaul and Luis stole Fandral and Loki ended up fist bumping with Volstagg and Hogun. 

A few songs later, he ended up back with Fandral, and this time Jeanpaul and Luis grinded against his sides, pulling out hip gyrations Loki would kill for. 

Thor was a little more subdued, bouncing and grooving with whoever he was standing with, but he made no move to approach Loki. His eyes were always on Loki though and Loki enjoyed putting on a good show for him. 

Finally, a very sexual song came on and Fandral chuckled, shoving Loki across the dance floor towards Thor. Hogun handed them both a shot and then marched off across the dance floor. Thor laughed good naturedly and they linked arms and took the shot together. Loki suddenly felt a little nervous. He knew he was a good dancer, but Thor was an actual dance teacher and he wondered if he was going to totally embarrass himself. 

Thor didn’t give him long to worry though. He grabbed Loki’s hips and pulled him against his chest. He bent his knees and slid one in between Loki’s legs. Loki let the music pound through his chest and he pulled out some of his filthier dance moves, grinding on Thor’s leg and pulling Thor into a brutal kiss. 

They danced like this for the entire song and then Thor turned him around and, with a heavy hand on his shoulders, bent Loki forward. The music became even dirtier, as if to fit his new dancing position. He obliged, grinding against Thor, moving his shoulders and back in time with the beat.

He locked eyes with Fandral who was grinding between Jeanpaul and Luis and he winked. Loki laughed and Thor pulled him back up by the shoulders. He placed one hand against Loki’s bare stomach and the other against his sternum. Heat flooded Loki at the intimacy of the position, and Thor bent his knees and grinded on Loki in time to the beat.

“Thor…” Loki groaned after a full minute of this. He was growing painfully hard and didn’t think his pants would hide it well, even in the dark room. 

He turned around in Thor’s arms and Thor kissed him roughly. Loki groaned into his neck as Thor guided them into the next song with a hand on his lower back. 

“No fair…my pants are much tighter than yours, now I can’t turn around,” Loki whisper shouted in Thor’s ear. 

“I fail to see how that is my fault,” Thor said, laughing wickedly as he threaded a finger into the d ring on one of his wrist cuffs and yanked playfully. 

Loki whimpered and ground against Thor mercilessly. Thor let out his own groan and removed his finger, instead grabbing both of Loki’s hips. Loki reached up and threaded one hand through his own hair and arched his back. He momentarily remembered putting on a similar show for Nicky several weeks back and it just fueled his confidence. 

He lifted one of his legs and wrapped it around Thor’s hip so he could bend backwards and roll his back and hips to the beat of the music. 

“Loki….” Thor growled, his voice a low predatory thing that shot down Loki’s spine. 

Luis and Fandral danced their way towards them. They came to stand a few feet from Thor, and Luis bent Fandral forward. 

Loki released his grip on his hair and threaded his arm around Fandral’s shoulders so he could press their foreheads together and they both smiled drunkenly at each other. 

“I would just like to let you know,” Fandral murmured, “that every single person in this bar cannot keep their eyes off of both of you. You are by far the sexiest couple here.” 

Loki glanced around and realized Fandral was right. Eyes all over the room were occasionally glancing or outright staring at them. 

“Is that a bad thing,” Loki asked, dropping his leg from around Thor’s hips. Thor grabbed him and turned him around so he was up against his chest again. 

Loki reached out and grabbed Fandral’s hand and Luis shifted so Fandral and Loki were pressed up against each other’s fronts as Thor and Luis danced on them from behind. 

Fandral leaned in to speak into Loki’s ear. “Again, vennen, I do not believe so, but that is not my call to make. You could text Sif if you are concerned-“ 

Suddenly, Jeanpaul appeared at their sides and grabbed Luis brutally by the neck and kissed him deeply. Fandral tried to move out of their way but then Jeanpaul grabbed him and pulled him into a kiss as well. Soon they were all grinding on each other and taking turns making out. 

Thor let out a startled laugh and pulled Loki tightly back against his chest. 

“Did you know about this?” he asked in Loki’s ear. 

Loki tipped his head up to place a kiss on Thor’s jaw. “I did, yes. It happened last night I believe. Sorry- I thought you knew as well?” 

“No- I had no idea. Wow…that is one of the top five most sexually confusing things I’ve seen in my life.” 

Loki laughed. “Oh yea? Not top three?” 

Thor growled low in his throat. “No. Top three is you with Bucky, you dancing with Sif, and you dancing with Fandral.” 

Loki let out his own startled laugh. “Ah- sexually confusing because you have been with them, want to be with them, and can’t be with them?”  

Thor laughed in embarrassment. “Yes, but also because my cock wants it but my heart very much does not.” 

Loki turned around in his arms and pulled him down for a deep, lingering kiss. They kissed through the next song and into the song after that. 

Loki pulled back to find that Sif and Valkyrie had shimmied up next to them. Thinking fast, or as fast as his drunk mind would allow, Loki reached out a hand and gently touched Sif’s exposed shoulder. She glanced at him and smiled so he decided to just ask right now. 

“Sif- I wanted to ask…is this alright?” He gestured between himself and Thor. 

Thor and ValkyrIe tilted their heads inquisitively. 

“You and Thor making out? You mean…because I slept with him? Vennen, I am very much not interested-“ 

“No! No not that,” Loki said laughing. “I mean, like…from a PR standpoint? I don’t…want to embarrass Thor or get him in trouble…” 

Valkyrie laughed and Thor tightened his arms around Loki’s waist. 

“Oh Loki…truly as long as you two do not get in screaming matches in public, like he and Leif, or get in fist fights followed by public indecency like he did in Budapest…you two are a loving, consenting couple. Use good reason and you will be fine. When you want to come to Europe with multiple partners- like Italy? We should have a conversation, but for now, enjoy your elskede.”

Loki beamed at her and she patted his cheek before twirling Valkyrie away. 

Thor turned him around and lifted Loki off his feet so he had to wrap his legs around Thor’s broad hips. 

“You could have asked me that, kjære, I would have told you the same thing.” 

“Well I didn’t know if that was the answer, and I thought Sif might have an easier time telling me no than you would,” Loki stroked Thor’s face softly, out of congruity with the song bumping over the speakers. 

Thor grinned wickedly, surprising Loki. “You think that I cannot say no to you?” 

Loki pursed his lip and then smiled impishly. “Yes. I think that you cannot say no to me.” 

Thor smirked. “Try me.” 

“Hmmm okay. Kiss me.” 

Thor kissed him and Loki trilled with laughter. “See?” 

“Wait-“ Thor got a confused look on his face. “Oh, dritt, I am supposed to be saying no…okay try it again.” Thor got a stern look on his face. 

“Okay,” Loki leaned in to whisper in his ear, “let me suck you off when we get home.” 

Thor frowned and squinted at Loki. “…no.” 

Loki smirked. “Take a bath with me in your luxurious tub and let me stroke and tease you until you’re begging to fuck me.” 

Thor growled. “No…” 

“Let me grind on you right now until you cum in your pants, and then let me take you to the back and let me clean you off with my mouth.” 

Thor’s hands dug painfully into the bruises on his hips and Loki whimpered, shifting until he settled right on Thor’s rock hard bulge. 

Thor bit into Loki’s neck and he gasped. “This is not fair…just because I do not want to say no to you, does not mean I cannot.” 

Loki smirked at him and kissed his cheek. “You didn’t say no to the last one…” 

Thor released Loki back to the floor and then pulled his hips tightly against his erection. Loki had to bite his lip to keep from moaning. 

“You are right, my Loki. I did not say no…and actually I would like to take back both of my no’s from earlier. I was coerced.” 

Loki laughed happily. “You want all three?” He said as he started grinding seductively against him. 

Thor reached up and knotted his hand in Loki’s hair. “How about just the first two. I will use my power of no to say I don’t want to cum in my pants.” 

Loki laughed but continued grinding. “Yes, sir.” 

They continued dancing, sometimes joined by the others, sometimes alone for another hour and a half before Loki was disgustingly sweaty and bone tired. 

Thor led him back to the bar and ordered them both large glasses of ice water and slowly the rest of their friends joined. 

“I think most of us are ready to go, but you two can stay longer if you wish!” Luis said, hanging off of Fandral who had his arm wrapped around Jeanpaul’s waist. 

“No, we're ready!” Loki said brightly, looking up at Thor with what he hoped was a promise of more to come in his eyes. 

Thor bent down and kissed him. “Yes elskede, let’s go home.” 

Chapter Text

Loki followed through on both of his promises that night and afterwards they slept soundly curled up in each other’s arms. Early in the morning, Loki woke Thor up with his mouth on his cock and, then after, while they were both sleepy and sated, they finally discussed Thor’s behavior Friday night. 

He apologized profusely and Loki forgave him so long as he agreed to never run from him again. He agreed and they made out in bed until it was time to go to breakfast with his father. 

He had no intention of bringing up polyamory only two days after introducing his father to Loki, but his father kept asking Loki questions about his life, his interests, and what he did in America. Unfortunately, because most of his life involved the quint, Loki had to keep providing half truths and some outright lies. Finally, Thor took his hand under the table and told his father everything. 

He was silent for a few minutes, continuing to eat his breakfast while Thor sweated and Loki tried to break his fingers with his grip strength. Eventually, his father wiped his face and placed his napkin on his plate. 

“I think that you are deserving of all of the love in the world, Thor. And Loki, from the short time that I have known you, I believe that is true for you as well. If this relationship, if these men give you that? Then I have no interest in getting in your way. You will of course have to work with Sif and the PR team on optics, and you will need to be very careful moving forward but…if my blessing is what you are asking for, I am giving it. I do just have one question,” 

“Of course,” Loki answered for them both. 

“Loki…will you be to Thor what his mother was to me? Or is there someone else in the group who will play that role? I just…have always wished for Thor to know that sort of devotion and love and I just don’t want him to get lost in a group of six.” 

Loki smiled bashfully down at his plate. “Yes sir I…I hope to be that for Thor. I…already love him more than I have ever loved anyone else, and I’ve been in this polyamorous relationship for almost a year now. What I have with Thor is unrivaled and…I want to be with him…forever, Sir.” 

Thor felt tears prick his eyes and he saw the same emotions playing across his father’s eyes. He wished more than absolutely anything that his mother could be here right now. Although, she wouldn’t have handled the situation any differently than his father had. 

Actually, Thor wondered if his father was purposefully channeling his mother. Thor had been expecting a much more intense interrogation than they had gotten and even possibly some derision. Then again, his father had seen him at his absolute worst with Leif, so maybe he was just happy Thor was happy. 

Loki and Thor quickly finished their food, and his father re-asked Loki a few of his earlier questions and Loki happily shared about some of the hobbies and activities he did with the other men. Then he admitted that he and Nicky were in the process of setting up an online bake shop and Thor was just as surprised as his father. 

“Loki…if you need capital I’m happy to-” Thor tried to offer. 

“Thank you, love. I knew you would be, and Charlie has also offered but…I think we want to do this on our own, if-...if that’s alright.” 

Thor couldn’t help it. He wrapped his arm around Loki’s shoulders and pulled him into an awkward side hug. He caught a flash of pain in his father’s eyes, but it immediately turned into pure love for his son. 

They returned home to pack and Volstagg drove them to the airport. Volstagg, Sif, Valkyrie, and her parents were staying in Europe a few more days to be with Hogun and Fandral, but Loki needed to get back so he could begin quarantining before moving back into his apartment. Usually Thor tacked his quarantine period onto the end of his trips, but there were just too many people bustling in and out of the mansion, so it would be best to do it in Thor’s apartment back in America. 

The flight was as long as usual, but he spent the entire time in the back cabin bed with Loki, who demanded he get to orgasm in the sky, something about a club at a mile. Thor took care of that several times and then Loki slept for the remainder of the flight. 

They took a taxi to Thor’s apartment and spent the rest of the day trying to acclimate to the time change. They ordered takeout and a grocery delivery so they could cook some meals over the next several days, but other than that they mostly just curled up on the couch together. 

Monday morning, Loki video called the quint and ended up chatting with Nicky and Bucky for over an hour. Nicky burst into tears when Loki told them that he had told Thor he loved him, and Bucky beamed like he had won the lottery. Thor tried to get up and give Loki some privacy, but Loki had a death grip on his hand so he stayed put. 

Nicky recovered rapidly and demanded to hear about the entire weekend so they took turns telling him about the weekend. When Loki alluded to their adventure in multiple orgasms,  Nicky moaned and tackled Bucky off the screen. Loki laughed loudly and Bucky shouted “we’ll talk to you both-ngh, later! Love you Loki!” 

“Love you both!” Loki called back before quickly slamming the laptop lid shut. He looked up at Thor with a predatory look and he soon found himself tackled to the bed as well. 

The second day of quarantine Thor woke up and found Loki already awake making them breakfast. He was wearing one of Thor’s shirts but there was something sparkly on his wrist. Thor gently lifted up his hand and saw he was wearing the bracelet he had given him. 

“Loki?” he asked quietly. 

Loki smiled tentatively up at him. “I think I might need they/them or even she/her pronouns today, love…” 

“Uhm, okay! I can do that! Do you…not want me to, uh…touch you, or-” 

“I think PG touching?” Loki murmured, flipping the eggs in the pan, not looking up at Thor. 

Thor gently wrapped his arms around Loki’s waist and rested his chin on their head. 

“Not a problem. I have a lot of work to do today, but would you like to do that movie marathon we’ve been talking about tonight? We can cuddle on the couch, and I’ll make us dinner?” 

Loki turned in his arms and looked up at him. “That sounds amazing.” 

They kissed Thor lightly on the cheek and Thor tilted his head and gave them a similarly sweet kiss on the forehead. 

They spent the day being incredibly soft and gentle with each other. Thor had to admit, he felt a little off balance, having never been with a partner whose gender was fluid before, but he also felt incredibly good being able to meet Loki’s needs, whatever they may be. 

They fell asleep on the couch together and when Thor woke up a while later he carried Loki to bed and left them in their clothes and bracelet, merely curling his body around Loki’s and falling back to sleep. 

On the third day, Thor woke up when Loki pounced on him and shoved his tongue into his mouth. 

“Ngh- good morning my love. What-” he wasn’t able to finish his sentence because Loki continued to kiss him breathless. When he eventually relented, he held up his wrist to show the watch, and just the watch, and Thor grabbed him by the hips and rolled over on top of him. 

They ended up grinding against each other until they came on each other’s sleep clothes and they had to take a shower and run a load of laundry.  

They spent the rest of the day fucking on different surfaces around the house, in between Thor’s numerous zoom meetings. He was surprised that even just one day of a break for them had led to this level of lust and need in Loki, but Thor was delighted to be the one to fill that need. 

The fourth day Loki was practically vibrating out of his skin as they took the covid tests and waited for the results. Thor was surprised it had taken this long. The last time they had a sleepover it was only two days, and Loki had been anxious to get back to the others by the middle of the second day. He’d made it close to a week now without seeing the others. 

When the results both came back negative he became a little tornado, packing up his things and throwing them into bags so they would be ready to go over to the quint’s house as soon as the work day ended. 

The second the clock struck five they heard a honk sound out front and Loki tore out of the apartment, leaving Thor to carry their bags down to the car. He laughed affectionately when he got to the car and found Charlie leaning on the front passenger side door with his arms crossed while Loki pressed Nicky into the side of the car. Nicky was practically grinding on him while Loki shoved his tongue down his throat. 

Thor placed their bags in the trunk and walked over to Charlie and was surprised when he got a bear hug from him. 

“Hello,” Thor said in surprise, wrapping his arms around Charlie’s lower back and giving him a solid hug in return. Charlie chuckled gruffly in Thor’s ear and it made a shiver run down his spine. 

“Sorry. Watching them has me a little…antsy,” Charlie said, glancing down at their respective partners still pressed together against the car. 

It was then that Thor noticed the distinct bulge in Charlie’s pants pressing against his thigh. 

He hummed in thought. “I believe I promised Steve a date this week. Would you like us to find some time together as well?” 

Charlie smiled and pulled back from Thor. He seemed to mull over the question and was about to respond when Loki nearly tackled him. 

“Hi darling! I missed you too,” Charlie leaned down to give Loki a soft kiss, and Loki immediately turned it rough, grinding against his hips and threading his fingers through Charlie’s short hair. 

Thor wanted to continue to watch them to see how things played out, but then he felt a soft tug on his hand. He turned to see Nicky looking up at him, his pupils dilated and lips bruised. 

“Hi Daddy…” he whispered a little shyly. 

“Hi baby,” he purred, and just like that, he felt the Daddy-dom part of himself snap into place. He pulled Nicky into his arms and leaned back against the car. 

There was no one point during his week with Loki where he would have said he missed Nicky. Instead it was more like a low thrum, just below the surface, but always there. He had noticed it when he had mentioned his date with Steve, like an aching pain brought to the forefront of his mind. He felt his need for Nicky flare violently to life having him in his arms again. Thor tilted Nicky’s chin up and brushed his lips over his. 

“I missed you, Daddy…” Nicky whispered. 

“I missed you too, baby. We should find some time this weekend for us,” he pressed a soft kiss to his mouth and when he pulled back, Nicky bit his own bottom lip shyly. Thor quirked an eyebrow at him. 

“Could…could Charlie watch this time?” 

Thor’s eyebrows shot up. Well, he had just said he would find some time for him and Charlie. Would this count as furthering their relationship? 

“Nicholas…” Charlie called. They both turned to see Charlie holding Loki firmly against his chest, Loki’s hands fisted in his shirt. “I told you to be good, and not bother Thor with our request the moment you saw him.” 

Nicky pouted and pressed up harder into Thor’s arms. “Daddy doesn’t seem to mind!” 

Thor felt a dark thrill roll through him and his hands tightened against Nicky’s hips. “You have to listen to both of us, little one. If Charles told you not to do something, and you came to me and did it anyways…that means one of us is going to have to punish you.” 

Thor could feel Nicky’s entire body tremble in his arms. “But…” 

“We will deal with you this weekend, kitten,” Charlie said, reaching out a hand to stroke the backs of his fingers down Nicky’s cheek. Nicky actually tried to bite his fingers and he whined plantivily. “Charlieee, why not now?” 

“Nicholas…you know it’s Steve’s turn first.” 

Nicky buried his face in Thor’s shirt and Thor traced his fingers up his spine the way he had learned he loved. Nicky whimpered and collapsed into his arms. 

“I’ve never seen you be such a brat before, baby,” Thor murmured, and Nicky whined again. Thor leaned down and bit into the sensitive skin under his ear. “It’s kind of sexy, seeing you misbehave…but you better be good for me, baby.” 

“Daddy!” Nicky whined arching his back against Thor, tipping his head back in a plea for more bites and kisses. Thor threaded his fingers through the soft hair at the base of his neck, locking his neck in this position. 

“Are you going to be good for me?” Thor murmured

When Nicky didn’t immediately answer, Thor craned his neck back farther. 

“Yes! Daddy, please I promise…I’m…your good boy…please-” his voice cut off into a whimper as Thor bit softly into his neck again. 

Thor was going to enjoy the hell out of this. Watching his baby misbehave for Charlie but then become his pliant little boy when it was his turn? Oh yes. Ideas began rolling around Thor’s head until he heard his love’s soft voice. 

“Can…I watch too?” Loki asked quietly and they all turned to him. He was similarly buried in Charlie’s arms, but his eyes were on fire with heat and desire. 

“Of course, elskede,” Thor responded for both of them, not even waiting for Nicky’s permission. 

“Please do…” Nicky murmured. 

“Loki, Nicholas came along so he could sit with you in the back, but it seems he might now want to spend some time with Thor. Would you be alright sitting in the front with me?” Charlie asked, tipping Loki’s chin up. 

“Of course!” Loki replied happily, accepting a soft kiss from Charlie. 

They all piled into the car and Thor spent the short car ride home teasing Nicky, murmuring dirty things in his ear until he was a trembling gasping mess. Loki and Charlie held hands on the gear shift and he heard Loki softly explain their week to Charlie. When he got to the part about telling Thor he loved him, Charlie brought their joint hands up to his lips for a kiss. Thor buried himself in Nicky’s neck and ravaged his sensitive skin until he was nearly crying with need. 

When they got to the house, Nicky grabbed Loki by the hand and practically dragged him up the stairs. Charlie laughed indulgently and helped Thor bring their bags up to the house. When they got inside they found a slightly bewildered looking Steve standing uncertainly by the couch. His eyes lit up when he saw Thor though. 

“Hi,” he called softly but made no move to greet them. “Uhm- Bucky was here to greet you too, but…well Nicky grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him into the bedroom so…he might be a little while.” 

Thor laughed happily, but Steve still made no move to approach them. Charlie grabbed the bags from Thor’s hands and, casting him a quick encouraging glance, quietly exited the room. 

“Hi handsome,” Thor said, finding it shockingly easy to slip between his relationship with Loki, to his Daddy-dom with Nicky, and now to this new little fledgling relationship with Steve. 

He took the few steps necessary to meet Steve by the couch and he pulled him into a hug. It wasn’t as tight as Nicky’s had been, or as lustful as Charlie’s, but it felt wonderful nonetheless. He turned his face to brush his lips softly along Steve’s jaw and he actually shivered in Thor’s arms. Oh the things he wanted to do to this big strong man to make him shiver and come apart for him. 

“I’m really looking forward to our second date. Are you free tomorrow night?” he murmured against Steve’s temple. Steve nodded and tightened his hold on Thor’s back. “Can I make you dinner?” Steve nodded again and Thor gently tilted Steve’s head so they were eye to eye. “Are you feeling shy?” 

Steve smiled ruefully. “Not…shy. Maybe just…nervous? I wasn’t sure if things would feel the same as they did that first day.” 

“And? How do you feel?” Thor asked.

“Even better,” Steve admitted with a wide grin. He then pulled Thor in for a kiss. It was soft and tentative at first, but when Thor bit at his bottom lip Steve tilted his head back and opened his mouth to Thor. He spent a few minutes just re-exploring Steve’s mouth before he released him for another tight hug. 

They spent the evening lounging on the couch and they ordered pizza, which they ate in shifts as different pairs disappeared onto the balcony for glasses of wine, and back into the bedrooms. At one point Thor ended up with Loki back in his arms, and at another he sat with his arm around Steve’s waist. 

As the day wore on, Thor slowly realized that the quint was trying to make him feel like this was just a regular day for them, in which they went about their business with each other. He found he quite enjoyed it. He even played a few rounds of a new video game with Bucky before it got so late he had to admit it was time to leave. 

Volstagg had arrived back in America that afternoon, and he was waiting downstairs for Thor. Loki walked him down to the car and pulled him into a fierce hug. 

“You know…you’re welcome to sleep here…anytime,” Loki hedged, not making eye contact with Thor as he spoke. 

Thor gently turned his face up so he had to look at him. “I know elskede. I would love to stay, but I have a lot of calls to make and some things to catch up on in the morning. I think it will be easier for me if I sleep in my apartment tonight.” 

“Okay…I- oh…I guess I also probably won’t see you tomorrow night?” Loki asked and he turned his face away again. It sounded like he was trying really hard to not sound disappointed. 

“Mmmm…I can pick Steve up and say hello before we leave?” Thor offered.

“No, that's okay. I don’t want to be a problem if you weren’t already planning on it. Can I…see you on Saturday?” 

“Absolutely! I- uh, don’t know if Steve will be sleeping over, so maybe not first thing Saturday morning, but I will be here by lunch time at the latest. Okay?” 

Loki looked back up at him and this time his smile and excitement were genuine. “Okay! I-...I love you.”
“I love you, Loki. I’ll see you very soon.” They kissed for a few minutes and then Thor slid into the car. Volstagg slid down the front window so he could wave to Loki and then they headed back to Thor’s apartment. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor only allowed himself to check his phone on actual breaks during the work day on Friday, and he only had two of those. To his surprise it was actually Nicky who texted him the most, followed by Steve asking if he could bring anything that night, and then correcting himself that Loki was making them dessert.

At his second break he finally had a text from Loki, but it was just a photo. He was sitting between Bucky and Nicky on the sofa and he was making a heart with his hands and laughing at something Bucky was whispering to him while Nicky’s arm was out stretched, presumably holding the phone up. The photo made Thor’s chest ache in a good way so he made it the background on his phone and got back to work. 

By the time he finished everything he needed to do, he had barely enough time to make it home and change. He sent Volstagg to pick up Steve and sent Loki a quick selfie of himself getting dressed apologizing for not swinging by to say hi. 

Loki sent back a selfie of him sitting in Charlie’s lap, taking a big bite out of a slice of pizza. He loved that they were sending selfies to each other outside of their usual good night photos. It made Thor miss him somehow more and less. 

Just then his doorbell rang and he slid across the floor in his socks to answer it. He took a deep breath to collect himself and opened the door. He found a shy looking Steve holding a small tray of cannoli as well as a bottle of wine. The bottle of wine had a ribbon and a card in the shape of a heart around it. 

“Unfortunately, neither of these is from me. By the time I thought to bring you something they’d already claimed alcohol and dessert but…I did bring myself?” 

Thor reached forward and grabbed him by the hips, pulling him across the threshold and into his house so he could kiss him up against the wall. Steve laughed into the kiss as he held the pan and bottle of wine out to the side. 

Thor pulled back, smirking, and grabbed the bottle and brought it into the kitchen. It was red, so it wouldn’t need to chill and he quickly opened the card. “Sorry for being a brat, Daddy. Have an amazing first second date! <3 Nicky” Thor laughed at the crossed out word, since Steve and his first date had been so impromptu, this did sort of feel like their first date. This was a sentiment Thor had expressed to Nicky the night before. 

He tucked the card into his drawer of knick knacks. He never thought he would have such a drawer, but spending several weeks with Loki he’d picked up little odds and ends with him. Right now there was a bottle cap from Loki’s first Norwegian beer, the takeout menu from their now favorite Indian restaurant, a few notes Loki had scribbled to him and now this card from Nicky. 

“The dessert is actually perfect. I made a lasagna, and it’s in the oven now. I thought we could make a salad together and I guess open this bottle of wine?” Thor mused as he opened his fridge. 

Steve walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around Thor’s waist. Thor leaned back into his sturdy chest and took in his smell. He smelled warm and sweet, like he’d spent the day baking pies as opposed to helping Loki make a cold dessert. 

“Hi. I’m really excited to be here,” Steve admitted against Thor’s neck. 

“Thank you for coming over. I’m excited to have you here. The more time you all spend here the more it feels like home to me. Until…maybe one day we can all actually share a home.” 

Steve tightened his arms around Thor. “I heard you and Loki shared I love you’s. Have you…talked more about living together?” 

Thor finally focused long enough to grab the salad ingredients from the fridge. He placed them on the counter, closed the fridge door and turned around in Steve’s arms. “No, not yet. This weekend was…hard in some ways. I didn’t want to bring up anything else even harder but…Loki did tell my father he wanted to be with me forever.” Thor stared unseeingly out across his apartment as he said this. It still seemed impossible to him, but he was coming to terms with the fact that maybe these huge, scary feelings he had for Loki were actually reciprocated. 

“Thor,” Steve breathed and Thor turned back to look into his beautiful blue eyes. “That’s amazing! I feel like after that, discussing living arrangements is more just logistics than anything else!” 

Loki had said Thor was welcome to sleepover whenever he liked. That was a start wasn’t it? 

“It’s up to more than just Loki though, right? I want to spend some time with Charles, start to really date him and then…maybe I’ll feel more ready to talk about all this. With everyone.” 

Steve smiled but he dropped the subject. Thor began chopping vegetables and Steve opened the bottle of wine for them and then proceeded to plaster himself along Thor’s back and not help with the food prep at all. Thor didn’t mind one bit. 

They finally sat down to dinner and clinked wine glasses. Thor was careful to limit himself to one glass throughout dinner in case Steve wanted to take things further physically. Steve nursed two glasses, but he seemed pretty sober. 

They opted to have dessert on the couch and Thor wrapped his arm around Steve’s waist and rested his hand high up on his thigh. Steve leaned into him and Thor thought that if this was as far as they went tonight he would still consider it a fantastic evening. 

They sat in silence for several minutes and Thor was about to offer to turn the television on when Steve spoke. “What…did you envision for the rest of our night?” 

“Wel, I wanted to leave that up to you?“ 

“But…I want you to take the lead,” Steve said softly. 

“…you are right. You did ask me to take the lead. Well. How about I list a few options, you tell me your preference, and I’ll take it from there? I do all the hard work, you just have to pick a multiple choice answer.” 

Steve laughed softly. “Alright, I guess that works.” 

“Well…first I suppose is how we close out our evening. I could turn on the tv and we could just cuddle. We could stay on the couch and kiss some more. We could go into the bedroom and do more than make out, but not have, uhm- intercourse. Or…we could go into the bedroom and do anything and everything. And then after that I could take you home, or you are welcome to stay here for the night.” 

Steve stiffened. “Oh…I…shit Thor, I’m sorry. I didn’t want to be presumptive, so I haven’t actually talked to Bucky about sleeping over. Would it…be alright if we held that for another night? Or I mean- I’m sure you’re welcome at our place if you wanted to come back with me and sleepover with- well…with the rest of us?” 

Thor tipped his head in thought. He was sure that would make Loki, and probably Nicky, incredibly happy. “Alright, if that is okay with you, I would love to spend the night at your place. With or without you depending how you’re feeling?” 

“Okay,” Steve said smiling, but then his smile faltered. “Uhm…for before that, uh- I like option 3 I think?” 

Without another word Thor stood up and held out his hand for Steve.

He blushed from the tips of his ears down into the collar of his soft v-neck T-shirt. “Oh- uhh, yeah, I guess now works.” He took Thor’s hand and Thor led him into the bedroom. 

They stopped at the foot of the bed and Steve shifted from foot to foot a little uncomfortably. 

Something about the position gave Thor an idea. “I want you to start taking your clothes off for me, and I will tell you when to stop.” 

If Steve wanted him to be in control, he could do that. He didn’t think Steve wanted a dom, and Thor really didn’t need any more subs, but he could do control and command. 

Steve eyed him carefully but then did as he was told. First he took off his socks and laid them neatly on the corner of Thor’s desk. Then, to Thor’s surprise, he reached for his belt buckle and undid that. Then he unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans and slid them off. Thor marveled at the glimpse of his ass he got from Steve’s loose boxers. Then he let his eyes travel down his powerful thighs and shapely calves. 

He raised his eyes up and wondered briefly if Steve was going to reach for his boxers next, but he grabbed the hem of his t-shirt. Slowly he lifted it over his head and Thor marveled at his well defined pecs and abs. Thor had been around Steve half naked before. They’d gone swimming together a few times over the years, but it felt different in his bedroom. 

He folded the shirt up and placed it on his folded pants and then he turned back. Slid his thumbs under the waistband of his boxers. 

“You can stop, handsome. This is perfect- for now.” 

Steve stepped forward. “Can I…take yours off until you ask me to stop?” 

Perfect. This was exactly what Thor had wanted. He had reversed the roles he and Loki had played, keeping the power in his own court to put Steve at ease, where as Loki had wanted the power for him to feel at ease. 

“Of course. I am yours tonight, and for as long as you wish to have me.” 

Steve started with Thor’s shirt brushing his fingers over Thor’s abs and pecs as he dragged the shirt off over his head. He traced the lines of his chest and abs with his fingertips as he lowered his hands back down to the waist of his pants. He slowly undid Thor’s belt and then unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. He knelt down to slide them off and then slid both of Thor’s socks off while he was down there. He gripped Thor’s calf and pressed a soft kiss to the inside of his knee. 

Thor hadn’t been sure what he was going to do about his boxers, but when Steve reached for them Thor stayed quiet. Steve’s eyes widened, but he slowly slid his boxers off. Thor wanted Steve to ask to take them off, to want to take them off, because then Thor could feel conviction in wanting them off too. He didn’t feel right making Steve strip naked before he was naked himself. 

Steve pulled off his boxers and then slowly looked over his cock. He smirked and glanced hesitantly up at Thor. 

“So…you just wanted me to take everything off? No intention of saying no?” 

He still looked a little nervous so Thor went with humor. He lifted his hand to reveal he was still wearing his watch. “No. I would have said no if you tried to take this off.” 

That was of course a lie. If they got too frisky he would have to take it off just to be safe, but he loved the way Steve’s eyes crinkled when he laughed and his shoulders finally relaxed. 

To Thor’s surprise Steve remained kneeling on the ground and he tentatively wrapped his fingers around the base of Thor’s cock. He wasn’t fully hard yet but with a few purposeful strokes he filled out. 

Steve’s pupils dilated, turning his blue eyes nearly black, and he, again very tentatively, brought his mouth to Thor’s cock. He did something different than Thor was expecting though. He gave the side of his cock an open mouth kiss. Thor was tempted to ask about it, but then he did it again, only lower, and his tongue slipped out, tracing a vein all the way down to the patch of coarse blonde-ish brown hair at his base.

Thor couldn’t help the moan that escaped his lips. Steve looked up at him hesitantly. 

“You do not have to do anything you do not want to do,” Thor said, reaching down to stroke his hand through Steve’s fluffy hair. 

“Do you want me to?”

“Yes,” Thor said without hesitation. 

The sight of Steve on his knees for him was driving him wild, and he was expending every ounce of willpower to stay calm. 

Steve waited for a breath and then he took Thor in his mouth starting at the tip and slowly sinking lower down. Thor didn’t think Steve was out of practice, but he had perhaps never been with someone quite as big as Thor. He choked a little and had to pull back to gasp through his nose.

“It’s okay…You don’t have to go deep. It feels amazing right there,” Thor crooned and Steve switched to focusing on the top half of Thor’s cock. This was where his skill apparently excelled because he quickly worked Thor into a moaning mess. 

He pressed his tongue to the underside of his cock and swiped it back and forth along his frenulum which was one of Thor’s favorite places to be touched. He did it a second time while also applying gentle suction and Thor saw stars burst across his vision and he took in a shaky gasp. 

“Oh god, Steve… feels too good…I want to make you feel good too,” he reached down and gently pulled Steve up by his shoulder. Steve came willingly giving a final, gentle lick to his tip that had Thor shivering. 

Thor pushed Steve back onto the bed and he sat down with a surprised huff. His legs fell open and Thor couldn’t give up the opportunity to repay the favor. He knelt down in front of Steve and took him in his mouth, through his boxers. 

Steve groaned and threaded his fingers through the loose strands of Thor’s hair. He had worn it in a bun to work, but before he could overthink it, he reached up and ripped the hairband out. He still had a lot to work through about his hair and Leif, but this felt perfect right at this moment. 

“Thor…you’re…so…glorious,” Steve panted out. Thor laughed and his breath must have tickled over the wet fabric because Steve’s hips bucked. 

“Ugh- can…can we take…them off?” Steve asked haltingly.

 Thor didn’t need to be asked twice. He reached up and yanked his boxers off and immediately took Steve fully in his mouth. 

Steve groaned letting his head fall back revealing the beautiful planes of his neck. He was pretty big himself, but Thor had a lot of practice. He gripped the base of his cock and bobbed his head, letting the tip of Steve’s cock strike the back of his throat.

“Holy…fuck…” Steve whispered and something about hearing his gorgeous, usually so polite, voice curse had Thor groaning. 

Steve moaned and then let out a shaky laugh. 

“Are you…another one of my lovers…who likes to try and make me curse?” 

Thor chuckled, letting his throat tighten around Steve in a way that made him shout. 

Thor pulled off of him with a rough suck and Steve trembled. 

Thor stood up and pushed him higher up on the bed. Steve went all too willingly and Thor prowled overtop of him. 

“I like to think that my interests in your filthy mouth are totally original, Steven,” he said, leaning down to suck one of his nipples into his mouth. 

Steve grunted and pressed his chest up into Thor’s mouth. Hm, good to know. 

“Well…I mean I…don’t really give blow jobs very often so…that is a little original?”

Thor sat up. “I’m very honored, handsome. Truly.” 

Steve laughed but he also blushed. “Like it was hard to tell I’m inexperienced…” 

“Hey, all that means is you need a little practice,” Thor said, winking at Steve. 

Steve actually licked his lips and Thor was about to take over his filthy mouth with his own when Steve bit his lip. Thor paused and raised an eyebrow. 

“Practice like…right now…?” Steve asked hesitantly. 

Thor tried to control his excitement. It had felt amazing having any part of Steve touching his cock, but his mouth was definitely a top favorite thus far. 

“Sure. How do you want me?” 

“Uhm. Like- like this- maybe?” 

Steve gently pulled at Thor’s arms until he shifted higher on the bed and came to kneel over Steve’s face.

“Oh- Steve…are- are you sure?” 

“Please…want to…try,” Steve whispered. 

“Okay…we can, uhm- use the finger code, or you can just tap my thigh if you want to stop.” 

Steve nodded eagerly and Thor closed his eyes and grit his teeth for a moment to keep himself steady. Quick mental check showed he was feeling very in control. No mania or nasty hints of depression which was truly impressive given the interaction he’d had with Leif only a week before. 

He opened his eyes and saw Steve looking up at him with trust and affection in his eyes. 

“Okay…” Thor said again, and he gripped the headboard and slowly lowered himself into Steve’s mouth. 

He groaned and opened his mouth trying to take Thor in deeper, but Thor made sure to only go as deep as Steve had taken him in before. 

It felt amazing, but Thor was concentrating so hard on not hurting Steve or wrecking their first time together he couldn’t really let himself enjoy it. 

They spent a few minutes experimenting with it and Steve seemed to be getting more comfortable, but Thor was thoroughly in his head the whole time. 

Suddenly, Steve tapped his thigh and Thor pulled out and swung his leg over so he could collapse onto his ass next to Steve’s shoulder. 

They both gasped in shaky breaths for a few minutes and then Steve turned onto his side. 

At first Thor thought maybe he was feeling done and just wanted to cuddle, but then Steve nuzzled his nose into the patch of hair above Thor’s throbbing cock. 

“I think…maybe that was a little advanced for me but…can we do it like this?” Steve asked, and Thor wondered if maybe he had been able to tell Thor was too distracted to enjoy it. 

Thor quickly flipped over so he was on his side with his face lined up in front of Steve’s crotch. Steve let out a shaky breath and then took Thor in his mouth again. Thor pulled Steve into his mouth as well and soon they were both moaning and grunting around each other’s cocks.

Thor grabbed his hips and pulled him deep into his throat and Steve became a whimpering mess. Thor didn’t let up and he could feel Steve’s stomach starting to clench against his chin. Thor hadn’t 69ed in a while and he felt a thrill of excitement at how willing to please and willing to try new things Steve was. Thor had had very little idea what to expect from him in bed, but this was a nice surprise, even if it did feel like they had to bumble around a little to get here. 

Steve hummed in pleasure and it seemed to let him take Thor in even deeper. He began stroking Thor’s balls and it was exactly what he needed. He felt himself tumbling towards his orgasm and while he didn’t mind swallowing, he actually enjoyed the heady rush it gave him sometimes, he didn’t think Steve would. 

Right when he was about to cum, he tapped Steve’s thigh to tell him to pull off but Steve came himself instead and Thor couldn’t stop his own orgasm. It hit him hard and his hips canted forward and he heard Steve choke before he could push himself backwards. 

Steve’s cock fell out of his mouth and Thor ended up spilling the rest of his cum onto his stomach as he rolled to his back. 

Steve coughed and spluttered, wiping a shaking hand across the back of his mouth as tears streamed down his cheeks. 

Thor quickly sat up and swayed slightly from the head rush, before he jumped out of bed to grab them towels. 

“Dritt, Steve I’m so sorry. I tried to tap your thigh, but-”

“S’okay Thor,” Steve said, accepting the towel and wiping at his eyes before wiping off his mouth and chin. “I really wanted to try it with you and I guess I got the whole experience.” Steve gave him a lopsided grin, but Thor felt like an asshole.

He licked subconsciously at his lips, tasting Steve there. For some reason the taste and feel calmed him and he purposefully licked more of him off his bottom lip. Steve let out a soft breath. 

“That was…incredibly sexy…I mean- not me, I was a mess, but…you…I have to be honest when you asked us about, uhm…bottoming for you, I kind of thought you were going to just want to-” he trailed off for a moment and Thor quickly wiped himself off and slid back into bed next to him. He wrapped his arms around Steve’s shoulders and pulled him against his chest. 

Steve curled against him all too willingly, resting his head on Thor’s pec, and his hand on Thor’s stomach. He took in a shaky breath and continued. 

“I thought you were just going to want to fuck me into the mattress and be done. But…god that was really sexy and…kind of…sweet?” 

Thor laughed softly. “Have you never been with a top who wanted to take care of you like that?” 

“Oh I mean- Charles of course when we first started out but…well actually he’s vers so …I guess I’ve never been with someone who’s just a top? And…I thought I was exclusively a top for a long time and I never really gave blow jobs or was asked to give them. And Bucky…”

Thor knew what he was going to say. Bucky lost patience with blowjobs quickly, preferring to just fuck, at least with Thor. He didn’t think he wanted to bring attention to their past right now though, so he stayed silent. 

“Well- Bucky wasn’t super into them for a long time. And then with Nicky, we don’t do it often but…with Charles I kind of realized I’m actually vers too and it made me rethink a lot of my past assumptions about myself. And- uhm…I’ve started trying to give him blow jobs more often, but I still feel…shy about it I guess? I don’t know…” Steve was absently tracing patterns onto Thor’s stomach. 

“Well. You seemed plenty brave to me Steve. Hell, it’s our first time together and you got on your knees for me, asked me to fuck your face, and then sixty-nined with me.”

Steve buried his face in Thor's chest. He had liked that brave Steve, but he also liked this soft, shy Steve curled in his arms right now. 

“Truly Steve. That was incredibly sexy. You may not be quite as experienced as some of us, but I truly think sex is mostly about enthusiasm and the desire to make the other person feel good. And I felt great.” 

Steve laughed softly. “So…as long as I keep giving blow jobs enthusiastically…?” 

Thor laughed again. “And, let me know what you want at the end. If you like to swallow, just to taste, or you want me completely out when I cum-“ Steve shivered in his arms and clung tighter to his chest, “-any of those are great. Oh, and of course just don’t use teeth or anything.” 

Steve was silent for a beat and he was about to inquire further when Steve let out an embarrassed laugh. 

“Uhm…yeah don’t- don’t worry about that. Charles taught me about that…” 

“Did…you bite Charles?” 

“Uhm…”

Thor let out a loud belly laugh, unable to help himself. Charlie could be so intense, but Steve was so sweet and gentle. He couldn’t imagine Charlie had been happy, but he probably didn’t take it out on Steve. 

“I bet he really loved that,” Thor said with a chortle. 

“I mean he was really nice about it- after he stopped shouting in panic…” 

Thor laughed again and Steve crawled on top of him and flopped down on him with an annoyed huff. It knocked most of the air from Thor’s lungs, so all he could do was cough out a final laugh before they settled into silence. 

“Thor?” Steve asked several minutes later. Thor had begun to drift off to sleep so he was glad Steve called him back to attention. 

“Thank you. For tonight. Uhm- this isn’t usually how I would act on a second date, but…I figured we’ve known each other so long and I just… what did you say earlier? I uh- really wanted to- to taste you…and make you feel good.” 

“You did Steve. That was great and it was amazing getting to taste you as well…after all this time...” Thor nuzzled his nose into Steve’s neck and he let out a happy, purring noise. 

Thor could get used to this. His weight was just on the edge of too much, but it made Thor feel solid and grounded which sometimes was all he needed. 

“If you want to go back to your apartment tonight, we should probably do so soon,” Thor said finally, stroking his hand down Steve’s back. He traced the vertebrae to see if he liked that like Nicky did. He got little response so he traced his hand back up the sides of his back and then back down. 

He then traced his fingers over his tailbone and down his ass and that made Steve’s hips jump. He traced the crease between his ass and thighs and Steve moaned quietly. Thor dug his fingernails into the meat of one of his cheeks and Steve bucked his hips against Thor. 

Their semi-hard cocks brushed together and they both groaned.

“Or…maybe…we could do this first?” Steve hedged. 

Thor laughed and shifted then back onto their sides. 

“I like that idea,” Thor murmured against his lips. 

He kissed him, forcing his tongue into his mouth as he reached down between them. Together they were actually too wide to grip all the way around with just one of his hands. He gripped the top of them, rubbing the heads together and then he gripped lower down their shafts. 

Steve whimpered into the kiss. He loved the noises this man made. He wanted to catalog every one and see what he could do to earn new ones. 

“Th-Thor,” Steve moaned when Thor twisted his wrist around their heads. 

Steve had begun to leak and Thor quickly collected it with his thumb and smeared it down their lengths as best he could. 

“Oh god- Thor.” Steve wrapped an arm around Thor’s upper back and canted his hips up into his hands. 

“Yes?” Thor responded gruffly. 

“N-nothing…I just like finally getting to say your name in bed.” 

Pleasure and need burned down Thor’s spine and he thrust his own hips against Steve’s cock. 

“Is that so? Tell me more…have you been thinking about it for a while?” Thor growled, and Steve’s hips bucked again. 

“Uhm- y-yeah, I guess- ooooh, I uh, started thinking- oh god…about it- about you the- the night we all talked about timelines, mmmmmm,” Steve buried his face in the pillow for a moment and moaned as Thor finally was able to get somewhat of a rhythm going. 

“What did you think about when you thought about me?” Thor coaxed, loving Steve’s shy, halting voice telling him naughty things. 

“I…I thought about you k-kissing me, and- and then I kissed you in the car and I th-thought about how good it felt to grind on you…and then I thought about riding you.” He moaned as Thor thrust against him in time with his strokes. 

“Fuck- mmmmmm, I… I talked about it w-with Charles. H-he really likes to t-talk in bed and-and I asked him to tell me h-how he thought you were going to fuck me,” Steve moaned and started thrusting in time with Thor. 

Thor leaned forward and bit softly into Steve’s shoulder. He groaned and tilted his head against Thor’s.

“D-do you…want me to tell you what he said?” Steve asked softly.

Steve was so cute, Thor had never expected it and he almost couldn’t stand it. He lapped his tongue over the bite and drank in the way it made him shiver. “Yes, handsome. Please tell me.” 

“He- he said you would…tie me to the bed frame…and fuck my mouth and th-then use a toy to open m-me- oh god,” Steve tipped his head back and Thor sucked on his revealed skin. 

“And then what would I do?” Thor whispered. 

“Y-you would leave the t-toy in while you stroked us together. Just like this.” 

Thor chuckled darkly. “I’m making all of your fantasies come true today- huh?” 

“Y-yes…” 

“What next Steve? Don’t stop.” 

“You’d get us really, really hard and th-then you’d pull out the toy and s-slide into me-“ he whined high pitched and his hips began to stutter. 

“Yeah? While you were still tied up?” Thor pressed, and Steve nodded desperately. 

Thor’s head was spinning with the naughty story and his increasing pleasure. The more Steve let himself fall into the fantasy the smoother his thrusts got until they were sliding against each other in a tantalizing rhythm. 

“You want me to tie you down- and fuck you with my huge cock? You wouldn’t be able to do much except take it. Take everything I can give you. Maybe I’d touch you like this- or maybe I’d see if you could cum just from me inside you…hitting that spot…” 

“Oh god- Thor please- need it- need you-“ Steve’s voice was a low guttural plea, and he arched into Thor and it was so sexy Thor couldn’t help but groan. 

“Ughhh, you beg so well. Are you practicing? Maybe if you begged pretty enough I’d take mercy on you…touch your sexy cock a little for you, while I fucked deep into you.” 

“Th-Thor,” Steve cried out, as he fucked up into Thor’s hand. 

“Give me your hand, Steve,” Thor commanded and Steve immediately released his hold on Thor’s shoulders and brought his hand down between them. 

Thor grabbed his wrist with his top hand and placed it on the top of their cocks. 

Steve whimpered as Thor swiped his finger through their sticky tips. 

“Ooooh, wh-what-“ Steve tried to ask but Thor reached around him and pressed his slick finger to Steve’s hole. 

“O-oh god-“ 

“Is this where you want me? Inside you?” Thor asked, seeking permission. 

“Yes, yes, yes-“ Steve chanted. 

“Right here?” Thor pressed his finger in angling his hand until he was able to find it. 

“Thor!” Steve shouted and he gripped their cocks almost painfully. Thor thrust hard against his cock and Steve quickly started stroking them again. 

“You like this? Me fucking your pretty cock and your tight hole?” Thor’s mouth was filthy tonight. He didn’t always talk this dirty, but it seemed to be driving Steve wild and he loved to see it. 

“Y-yes! G-god I want you inside me-“ 

“Want me to stretch you open? Maybe not even use a toy…I bet I could do it with just my tongue-“ 

“Oh fuck-”

“You’re so tight, Steve. So hot. I just want sink into you… make you mine-”

“Thor!” Steve came all over their cocks and hands and Thor quickly pulled his finger out. He knocked aside Steve’s hand and stroked them together, stroking Steve through his orgasm and bringing Thor right up to the edge. 

“Ooooh- oooh- f-fuck, Thor!” Steve bit into his shoulder and that was what Thor finally needed and he tipped over the edge, moaning Steve’s name. 

They collapsed against each other and Steve moaned softly, big shoulders trembling as he rode out the aftershocks. 

“God…you’re incredible,” Thor whispered, stroking his shoulder with his wrist since both of his hands were now filthy. Steve shivered and Thor realized he was still wearing his watch and the cold metal must have touched his overheated skin. Thor wanted to rub his hand down Steve's back, but he didn’t think they’d gotten to the “claiming each other with cum” phase of their relationship. 

“Alright…we desperately need a shower. Come on-“ he hauled Steve out of bed and he groaned and complained, but when Thor reminded him they were heading back to his apartment and their partners he got with the program. 

Thirty minutes later they were walking into the apartment together, hand in hand. The lights were off in the front room but both of the bedroom doors were open and light was spilling into the hallway. They walked down the hallway and found Bucky and Charlie curled up in the left bedroom and Loki and Nicky in the right one. They looked at each other and then looked into the opposite rooms and then back at each other. 

Steve laughed softly and cupped Thor’s face. “I think I might…” He trailed off but tilted his head towards the bedroom with Bucky and Charlie. 

“Yes, that is fine-“ Thor started to say 

“I’ll see you in the morning though?” Steve asked, a slight note of desperation in his voice. 

“Of course,” Thor whispered before kissing him fiercely. For a moment, as Steve walked into the left bedroom he wondered if he’d made a mistake. But, he quickly changed his mind as he walked into the other bedroom, closed the door, and Nicky’s sweet voice filled the room. 

“Loki, love, look who’s here!” 

Loki was lying on Nicky’s chest in a soft looking tshirt, his face squished against Nicky's collarbone. He sleepily opened his eyes and then they flew open wide. 

“Thor!” He cried sitting up. 

“Hi, elskede,” he said as he walked towards the bed. Loki scrambled off of Nicky and to the edge of the bed. 

“Hi! How was your date? Is- is everything okay-“ 

“Everything is wonderful, love,” he said, gathering Loki into his arms. “Steve hadn’t discussed sleeping over with Bucky, so he wanted to come back and sleep here so-” Thor paused to allow Loki to peel his shirt off over his head for him. He chuckled softly as Loki helped take off his jeans and Thor kicked off his socks. He had packed pajamas in his backpack, but it didn’t seem like Loki was going to give him time to put them on. 

“Okay- okay kjære, I’m here.” He climbed into bed and Loki climbed around him so he was on one side and Nicky was on the other. 

“Hi Daddy,” Nicky said sleepily, nuzzling into Thor’s neck. To his surprise he found sleep coming for him quickly. 

“Hi baby…” he murmured, running his hands through Nicky’s hair. 

“I love you…I can’t believe you’re here,” Loki murmured, cuddling up tightly to Thor’s side.

“I’m here…” he murmured and slowly closed his eyes. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor woke up early the next morning to a light tapping on the bedroom door. He cracked open his eyes and saw Charlie standing there, fully dressed in running clothes.

“I just wanted to see if you wanted to go for a run with us? It not, we can grab coffee and bring it back for you?” Charlie asked softly. 

“Mmmm…us is…you and Steve?” Thor asked groggily. Charlie nodded. 

“I have some running clothes that might fit in the closet. Should I get them out for you?” Charlie offered.

“Uhm….yes- yes sure. Why not,” Thor said, slowly shaking himself awake. He scrubbed a hand down his face and then began extricating himself from the blankets and his two smaller lovers. Nicky murmured and Loki stirred, but Thor was able to gently grab them both and scoot them together as he slid out from between them. They immediately latched onto each other and fell back to sleep. 

Thor stumbled into the closet and ran his hand down his face again. “God…they’re adorable…” 

Charlie chuckled. “Bucky is in the bathroom, but he’ll probably come in soon too. The three of them curled up together in the morning is probably the sweetest thing you’ll ever see.” 

Thor suddenly had a flash of Steve curled up in his arms, sated and hiding his face in Thor’s chest. “Steve was pretty cute last night…” Thor murmured absently as he stretched out some of the kinks in his back. He loved holding Nicky and Loki at night, but it kept him pretty stuck in one position and his back was apparently not a fan. 

“Oh?” Charlie said and Thor realized he had spoken out loud. “He was very happy when he came to bed last night.” 

“Oh,” Thor felt a blush creep across his face. “That’s…uhm-...I was really happy too.” 

Charlie chuckled and handed him a pair of running shorts and a t-shirt. “I…can’t promise I’m going to be cute for you, Thor.” 

Thor nearly choked on his own saliva, but managed to turn it into a cough as he took the clothes. “That’s…alright. I have to admit I…didn’t really think you would be.” 

“No?” Charlie murmured, and his voice was light and lilting, and Thor realized he was taking advantage of his sleep-addled state to tease him.

“No,” Thor said, letting his voice drop an octave lower. 

Thor was only in the boxers he had slept in and he felt a little exposed compared to Charlie’s fully clothed body. However, he also noticed the way Charlie’s spine stiffened in response to his voice. He slid the running shorts on and Charlie continued to watch him, saying nothing, so Thor spoke again. 

“You didn’t have the chance to answer my question. Would you like to find some time for us this weekend? I don’t really have any set plans today…” 

Charlie blinked at him for a moment. “I don’t need anything formal, like a date or a sleepover invitation. Maybe we could just…talk? Spend some time together?” 

Thor smiled and he pulled the t-shirt over his head. “That sounds great.” 

They met Steve in the hall and he gave Thor a slightly shy grin. Thor beamed back at him and clapped him on the back, letting his hand linger longer than he normally would. They set out at a brutal pace, but Thor enjoyed pushing himself physically, he just didn’t often have the time or wherewithal to get up and out this early. The neighborhood was quiet and as they turned down to run by the river Thor thought this was something he could do every morning if he lived with the quint. 

As they continued to run, he thought maybe he would ask them if he could join for more of their runs even before then. He could always meet them at the river. It was closer to his apartment than theirs, so he’d probably have to do an extra lap to make up for it, but maybe that could work. 

Steve glanced over at him from time to time, and as they crested back up from the river onto the city sidewalk he bumped shoulders gently with him. “You look like…you’re thinking hard about something…” Steve said between breaths. 

“Oh, just…” Thor glanced over at Charlie who was running a little ways ahead of them. His calves were pumping and his thighs were glistening with sweat and Thor had to look away before he began to salivate. 

“Just…?” Steve asked gently and Thor’s attention snapped back to him. 

“Just thinking how…nice it is to get out and run…with friends- er…lovers?” his step faltered and Steve laughed breathily. Oh god, here came that game again. Nicky had made him pick, and he’d clearly chosen baby. Loki was getting too many names for Thor to even count anymore. What the hell was he going to call Steve? 

“I like partner, if that’s alright with you?” Steve said gently. 

“That is absolutely alright with me…Thank you for telling me.” 

They ran in silence for a few more minutes before Steve appeared to read his mind, like he knew Thor’s head better than he did. “You can…run with us whenever you’d like, Thor. Even…if you’re not living with us, or sleeping over- which…you’re welcome to do whenever you want! I just meant…even if you’re not. Sleeping over that is.” 

Steve glanced away and nearly stumbled over a tree root he would have seen if he was looking. Thor caught him by his elbow but it caused them to fall behind several paces and Charlie noticed and slowed his pace until he was matching them again. 

“You okay, sweetheart? Did you trip?” Charlie asked, and Thor’s heart warmed hearing him use the cute endearment for Steve. He knew that they only used it on each other which only added to the cuteness. Thor was on cute overload today and it made him feel a little itchy. Like he wanted to either sink into a pool of stuffed plushies with his lovers in his arms, or go for a ten mile run and then lift heavy weights in a gym for a few hours. 

“I’m okay, just a little slip up,” Steve responded, refusing to look at Thor. 

“It’s my fault. I distracted him. I was asking if I could potentially join you…on more of these runs- even if I wasn’t sleeping over.” 

Charlie’s eyebrows went up. “Of course! You’re always welcome, Thor. You have my number…text me any morning you want to join. We have a home gym as well if you’re interested and-...you’re of course welcome to sleep over any time as well.” 

“Thank you…” Thor said and focused on not tripping over any tree roots himself. 

He could practically feel Steve vibrating next to him, probably hoping Thor would bring up living together. Maybe it would be something they’d talk about later that day, but not right now. 

They finished their run and picked up coffees for their partners. Thor laughed at the fact they all took their coffees on the sweet side. When they returned to the apartment, the three of them were indeed curled up together in bed and Thor had to admit it was probably top-three cutest things he’d seen in his entire life. 

Steve and Charlie disappeared to shower and Thor did the same, changing into the lounge clothes he had brought to sleep in, but decided he might as well wear them now. He brought his half full coffee to the couch and sat down, marveling at how comfortable he felt in their apartment, even though it did still very much feel like their apartment. 

“Mind if I join you? Steve wants to get some work done while it’s still quiet. I thought I would do the same, but wouldn’t mind a little company,” Charlie asked as he walked up to the couch also in lounge clothes, holding a laptop in one hand and his extra tall coffee in the other. 

“Of course! Please sit. It’s your couch,” Thor said, not sure why he added the unnecessary qualifier at the end. 

Charlie quirked an eyebrow, but said nothing. Thor was expecting him to sit on the opposite side of the couch, or even the middle seat but slightly away from Thor. Instead he sat down right next to Thor so their legs and sides pressed together. Charlie booted up his laptop screen and took a long sip of coffee. 

“You know. I’ve been looking at buying this townhouse for over a year and a half now. They started building them before the pandemic started, and of course were quite delayed, but I think they’re going on the market in the next few weeks.” 

Charlie clicked to his browser and an information website popped up about town homes. They were quite expensive, but for him and Charlie they were plenty affordable, not even counting the income of the other four men. 

Charlie began to click through the tour of the home and Thor’s eyes widened. They were very nice inside, and they had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and were four stories tall. “I realized once Loki moved in with us that two bedrooms just isn’t doable. I was looking at three bedrooms so Loki could have his own room and space, but then decided if we ever got up to six, four bedrooms would probably be nice, potentially turning the fourth into an office. The living room is quite large, could probably fit three couches in it and there’s a basement that we would probably use as a gym or maybe an art studio for Steve.”

Thor stared in amazement as he continued clicking through the townhome. Why was Charlie showing him this? He hadn’t missed the reference to six, but it had seemed a bit hypothetical in nature. 

“It is a little pricey up front. I…have not actually told the others how expensive it is. I believe Nicholas knows, but the others do not. Right now, we’re splitting all household costs, based on percentages, and they will probably wish to do something similar for this house. As it is I think everyone will be able to just barely afford it but…if we split everything by percentages six ways... It would definitely make their portions more affordable.” 

Charlie hadn’t looked at Thor the entire time he was speaking, just continued to click through the website. The gated complex had a pool, a clubhouse with a state of the art gym, grills, and a lot of parking. It was absolutely gorgeous and would be an amazing place for the quint to live but…was Charlie insinuating he wanted Thor’s help in paying for it? Or was he just saying he would like Thor to join and the money would be an added bonus? 

“Uhm…” Thor started, not really sure what he was going to say. Suddenly, Charlie snapped his laptop closed and looked at Thor. 

“I’m sorry. That was…not very tactful of me. Of course we do not need your money, I just wanted to make it clear that…if at any point in the future, you ever wanted to live with us, we are more than happy to let you pay your fair share. Not only would every single person in this house love to live with you, financially it actually would even the distribution of funds more. Of course we would also love to live with you even if you didn’t pay a dime, but…I had a feeling, you’re like me, and would never be able to stomach that.” 

Thor’s insides were flopping around like a freshly caught fish. It had been one thing when Steve had told him he was sure everyone would want to live with him. It felt completely different knowing that Charlie had already begun to think through logistics and finances. 

“I…haven’t spoken to Loki about living arrangements yet…” Thor admitted. “Do you…need to know before you can put an offer on the house?” 

“No, absolutely not. I was going to go through with the purchase before Loki even met you. I…uhm. Do you- I mean- did you…like it?” he asked, sounding a little nervous. 

“Well, I have to admit I wasn’t exactly looking at it for myself, but…will you show me again?” 

A smile split across Charlie’s face and Thor felt his flip flopping stomach settle back down. Charlie pulled up the page again. Thor casually slid his arm around Charlie’s waist to pull them closer to each other so he could see the screen better. 

Charlie began flipping through the pages, explaining the different bedroom configurations, where he pictured some of the furniture going, and other design ideas. While he was speaking and pointing enthusiastically at the screen, Thor reached down and gently cupped his thigh. Charlie stuttered slightly over what he was saying, but then continued. 

A few minutes later, Charlie pulled up a map to show that the townhouse was actually relatively close by. So close that their morning runs would probably follow a similar route and still end up down by the river. He stopped moving the mouse on the screen and glanced up at Thor. 

“Sorry, I…I know this is all probably moving a little fast for you?” 

Thor titled his head to the side. “Well…I think by design, my relationships with each of you are moving at varying speeds. Just based on where our current relationships are, I would of course never dream of having this conversation with you or Steve, or probably even Nicholas at this point but…if I was only dating Loki…with the amount I travel and how badly I want to spend every moment I am in America with him…I think I would probably be considering living arrangements with him in the next month or two anyways.” 

Charlie nodded at this and then got a slightly chagrined expression on his face. He slowly closed his laptop lid again. Thor heard the padding of soft feet on the carpet as someone passed by to walk into the kitchen, but he didn’t look up to see who it was. 

“When I said we should talk today, this actually wasn’t what I had meant. It’s just…what you said to Steve got me thinking, and I actually got an email from the complex yesterday that they’re going to start announcing the house numbers that are ready to be purchased…so I thought maybe it was the right time to bring it up but... I had actually wanted us to talk about…well, us,” Charlie said looking up to meet his gaze. 

“What would you like to discuss?” Thor asked, not taking his hand off of Charlie’s thigh, but shifting his hips slightly so he could tilt his head towards Charlie and look into his eyes as they spoke. 

“Well…Steve has confided in me that he has asked you to take the lead in your relationship. It seems you and Loki are on a relatively even keel now, and you and Nicholas are actively exploring your Daddy-baby relationship. I guess, I just wanted to say that for me, I am happy to take the lead or to follow your lead, but I think that I am ready and…eager to do either, whenever you are.” 

Thor’s eyebrows raised. He had sensed a shift in their interactions since he returned from Europe with Loki. Maybe it was the old proverb, absence makes the heart grow fonder, or maybe distance made the cock grow harder. It was one of those two. 

“And…are we leading towards romance, sex, or both?” 

“Mmmm, both? I will admit though that for me, sex often leads to romance, more so than the other way around,” Charlie said, a small smirk touching his lips. 

“Is that so? Well…I am happy to let you lead if that is what you want.” 

“As I said, I’m alright with either, it’s really whatever you want-” a snickering noise came from the kitchen, interrupting Charlie’s speech. They both turned and saw Nicky standing in the doorway holding one of the cups of coffee and a few granola bars. 

“Hi,” Nicky said, a cheeky grin on his lips. “I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop. Bucky went to bother Steve, and Loki wanted coffee and breakfast so I came in to grab it and…couldn’t help overhearing you two-” another round of giggles burst from his lips. “-and it truly sounds like you’re sketching out a business deal!” He burst into laughter again and Thor raised an eyebrow and Charlie glowered at him. 

“Oh god- okay- I’m going! Please continue to sketch out your sex life. I think we have some extra legal pads in our room if you need them! Maybe a rubber stamp?” Nicky called, laughing to himself as he sacheed down the hallway. 

They slowly turned and looked at each other again. Charlie still looked annoyed and then a very different look passed over his face. 

“Thor…would you be willing to table this conversation for later today?” 

Thor inclined his head curiously. 

“I think…you promised that we were going to punish Nicholas for his behavior when we picked you up at your apartment. It seems he’s misbehaving again this morning.” 

Thor felt a dark desire twist through him. He was still holding Charlie’s thigh and he had been sporting a minor erection the entire time, loving the feeling of Charlie’s strong muscles underneath his hand. This was very different, but somehow still felt like he and Charlie were sharing something, progressing their relationship in a way, by continuing to progress he and Nicky’s. 

“You are…correct. He seems to be mostly misbehaving for you…does that mean you wish to punish him?” 

“Well… Nicholas and I do not quite have that sort of relationship. He seeks my dominance when he needs to escape or feels the need to apologize for something more…existential, I would say. But I let him be a brat for the most part, with only minor consequences. You on the other hand…I know he has been behaving rather excellently for you…I think this shift in behavior feels more like something you should punish.” 

Thor’s abs tightened almost painfully and his cock began to throb. “Is this you giving me permission?” 

Charlie smirked at him darkly. “More like…planting the seed of an idea. The only person’s permission you ever need to punish Nicholas, is Nicholas. I am merely…making a suggestion.” 

Thor had to keep himself from launching off of the couch and running into the back bedroom. His Daddy-dom side was fully on board, but he forced himself to spend another few breaths holding Charlie. He squeezed his thigh and then slowly rose from his seat, dragging his hand along Charlie’s lower back and Charlie hummed approvingly. Thor held out a hand to Charlie, and he took it with a wicked glint in his eyes. 

They walked back to the bedroom and found Nicky lounging against Loki’s side. Loki’s arm was thrown across Nicky’s stomach, as he sipped his coffee and munched on a granola bar. Nicky wasn’t eating or drinking, he seemed to just be listening to a story Loki was telling. 

Loki fell silent when Thor walked in. Loki smiled at him and then slowly tilted his head in inquiry. 

“Nicholas…” Thor said gently and he heard Charlie chuckle behind him. 

Nicky glanced up at them and smirked. “Oh no- am I in trouble?” 

Loki glanced between them. “What did you do?” 

“I may have teased them about-” 

“Something that was not really your business, was it little one?” Thor purred softly. 

Nicky’s eyes widened and he sat up. He didn’t look concerned as much as he looked intrigued. 

“Do you- want me to say I’m sorry, Daddy? I didn’t mean to intrude.” 

“Well, baby… I’m a little conflicted. I woke up this morning and actually wanted to reward you for your apology gift you gave me and Steve. It was such a nice start to our night…I do still think I’m going to give you your reward, but you were just such a brat in there and you were never truly punished for being a brat the other day. So now…I think I’m going to give you both.”

Thor took in Nicky’s visible tremble. Loki’s eyes grew wide and he heard Charlie shift behind him. 

“So. Which would you like first?” Thor asked  

“Uhm…re-reward? Please?” 

“Please what?” Thor asked, needing Nicky completely in the scene before they started.

“P-please Daddy. I want my reward.”

“And your punishment,” Thor said. A statement not a question, but of course if Nicky disagreed he wouldn’t do it.  

“Y-yes. Please I…I was bad and I want you to punish me,” his voice was shaking almost as badly as his body and Loki was still holding him, his eyes trained on Nicky’s fingers, presumably checking their stoplight finger number code. 

“Stand up, baby. You want Loki and Charlie to watch you get your reward?”

“Yes Daddy,” Nicky said, standing up on shaky legs. 

Hm, Thor’s plan wasn’t going to work if he was already shaking this badly. Suddenly, he had an idea. 

“Charles, would you undress him?” he said, turning and speaking softly to Charlie. 

“Of course,” Charlie murmured, stepping forward to make quick work of Nicky’s lounge clothes and within a minute he was completely naked. Nicky glanced around at the rest of them and his cock seemed to harden as he took in their clothed bodies compared to his naked one. 

“Now. Charles, will you restrain his hands above his head, and also hold his hips back against yours?” 

“Wh-what?” Nicky asked in confusion but Charlie immediately obliged, grabbing Nicky’s arms and bringing them above his head with one hand, as he wrapped a strong arm around his waist.  

“I saw how much you liked to be held down by Loki, baby. And I know how much you love Charles, so- I thought he could be part of your reward.” 

Nicky smiled softly, his body going still against Charlie’s strong hold. “Th-thank you Daddy.” 

“Thank you baby,” Thor said as he kneeled down in front of Nicky. 

He wrapped his hand around the base of his cock and slowly slid it into his mouth. He heard three moans of different pitches and timber’s from above him. He glanced to the side and saw Loki had moved to perch on the edge of the bed, and he was white knuckling the sheets. His coffee had been discarded as well as the granola bar he was eating. Now his eyes were raking down all three of their bodies. 

Thor took his time, really getting Nicky going, until he began to thrust his hips helplessly. Good, that was part of his plan. He knew exactly what was going to happen next because it’s what he would do as a dom. 

Without disappointing, Charlie spread his big hand out across Nicky’s stomach and pressed him back against himself. 

“Now, kitten, you have to be good, remember? Your Daddy is giving you a reward. Be a good little boy for him and just take it.” 

Nicky let out a high pitched whine, but he stopped moving his hips. Thor could feel how hard he was trembling through his cock in his mouth and when he began to tense up Thor pulled off of him. Nicky let out a cry of displeasure and collapsed fully back into Charlie’s arms. 

“I think that was a good reward, don’t you baby?” Thor asked, licking his lips as he looked up at Nicky. 

“Y-yes, Daddy. Thank you Daddy.” 

“Of course baby. But now. I do have to punish you. And remember, this is what you asked for. Reward and then punishment.”

“Yes Daddy.” 

Nicky’s eyes were liquid emerald, burning with hunger and a tiny bit of fear that caused Thor’s heart to stutter. 

Charlie immediately stepped away from Nicky, who almost collapsed to the floor, but Thor caught him right in time. He held him to his chest as Charlie grabbed Loki’s hand and pulled him off the bed. Thor watched as Charlie stepped back against the wall opposite the bed and held Loki to his chest similar to how he held Nicky moments before, just without restraining his hands. 

Loki looked momentarily confused and when Thor glanced down to check, Nicky looked equally as confused. Thor laughed to himself. That was because they didn’t know what was about to happen, but Charlie had clearly figured it out. 

“Now baby. I already told you what I’m going to do to punish you. Do you remember? You asked me for it.” 

Nicky’s eyes widened. “S-spank me?” 

Thor heard Loki’s sharp intake of breath and Thor’s cock ached in his pants. That was for later though. This wasn’t about him. 

“Yes baby. I need you to tell me now, with a color or your fingers. Is that still a punishment you can handle?” 

“Yes, Daddy. Green,” he said. 

“And you still want Loki and I to watch? Color Nicholas,” Charlie commanded, his voice low and husky. 

“Yes…Charlie…green,” Nicky’s eyes had fallen half lidded and Thor hadn’t even touched him yet. Thor held his shoulders still as he sat on the edge of the bed so he didn’t fall over. 

“Now, lie across my knees baby- yes just like that,” he helped guide Nicky over his knees and when Thor glanced up Loki looked like he was the one who was about to fall over. 

Thor glanced pointedly at Loki’s hands where they were clutching Charlie’s arms and he quickly flashed him one finger in the air.

If Loki had never witnessed something like this before it was going to be a new experience for him. 

Thankfully, the woman he used to play with in Spain loved being spanked, so Thor had a lot of experience with doing this and keeping it safe. Still though, he’d never done it with a man and definitely never for an audience. 

“So, Charles…” he said, rubbing his hand slowly along one of Nicky’s cheeks. “How many hits do you think he deserves for disobeying you?” 

“Five,” Charlie said and Thor was surprised how low it was. He didn’t think that would be nearly enough to get Nicky into the right headspace. “And for today?” 

“Five,” Charlie said again. 

Ah, so it seemed he was going to let Thor control the number. 

“Hmmm, I think you deserve five for today as well, baby. But I didn’t know you were being bad when you went against Charles’ wishes. Do you think I should still spank you for that?” 

“Uhm- y-yes Daddy. I-I’m sorry… want to be punished,” he whispered and Thor squeezed his butt softly in reward 

“Good boy, such a good boy for me. How many do you deserve, baby?” 

“Five?” he whispered, and Thor appreciated the nice round number. 

“Twenty…that’s a lot, baby. Have you done this before?” Thor hadn’t even thought to ask and he realized too late that this could have been something he’d done with his ex that would be very traumatic. He glanced quickly up at Charlie who gave him a small smile and shook his head once no. 

“N-no…only with Daddy.” 

Thor felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude, affection, and a primal territorialism. He had to bend down to kiss Nicky’s shoulder to quiet the raging emotions. Nicky shivered and whimpered at the contact.

“Oh, my good boy… you’re so good for me, baby. This? This is just to show you how good you are. Daddy isn’t mad at you- but you were bad so you must be punished. Do you understand?” 

“Y-yes,” and to Thor’s surprise he began to cry. 

“Now, baby. I’m going to let you cry and scream and beg all you want, okay? There are only two rules. Can you listen carefully now?” 

“Yes,” Nicky gasped. 

“The first is if you need me to pause or wait, say yellow or hold up two fingers; red to stop or hold up three fingers. Loki will be watching your hands, he will see that, okay? The second, is you don’t get to cum until I’m done.” 

“Wha-“

“Baby? Do you understand? Repeat it back to me,” Thor said, smoothing his hand over his butt again. He saw Charlie smile from where he was standing, and Thor felt a different kind of pleasure, knowing Charlie approved of the precautions and care Thor was giving his boyfriend. 

“Y-yes Daddy. Colors, fingers, c-can’t cum.”

“Good boy…” Charlie murmured from across the room and Nicky whined. 

Thor cracked his hand on his ass and Nicky and Loki gasped. Thor heard a shuffling noise, glanced up, and saw Charlie had put his hand over Loki’s mouth. Charlie’s own eyes were blazing with lust and definitely an edge of excitement as well, but he had pressed his lips together. He clearly understood the message Thor was sending. This was his scene. 

“That was number one, baby. Pay attention to me.” 

“S-sorry Daddy-“ 

Thor cracked his hand over his ass again.

“Two. No need to apologize, little one. I just wanted to make sure you heard me.” 

Thor soothed his hand over both of Nicky’s cheeks. He’d managed to strike both of them so each one twitched under his hand. 

Nicky was tensing under him and that’s not what he wanted so he moved his hand up and stroked Nicky’s back for a few moments until he relaxed then he cracked his hand twice in quick succession. 

“Ow- ow…” Nicky gasped. Thor’s eyes flew to Loki for just a moment and he was trembling in Charlie’s grasp but he had two hands up holding Charlie’s arms. They were both showing one finger. He quickly jerked his left hand towards Nicky and his right hand back towards himself. God, Loki was so perfect. What an easy code to remember. He absently soothed his hand over Nicky’s ass.

“Owwww, Daddy…” he whimpered, trying to move away from his touch. 

“Yes…that was only four, baby. We have sixteen to go. It’s going to hurt.” 

He spanked him again and he cried out. “Fifteen to go. But you like the pain don’t you baby?” 

He didn’t give him a chance to answer, he just cracked his hand over his ass, this time going a little lower so he hit the sensitive skin of his upper thighs. 

“Owww!” Nicky screamed and Thor’s eyes flickered up and back down from Loki’s hand. 

“That was six, that means you’ve already gotten past disobeying Charlie. That feels good doesn’t it? To know you’re forgiven?” 

Nicky didn’t say anything for a few seconds but then his body seemed to relax a little. Thor cracked his ass twice more and then when he began to moan he did it a third time and he shouted in surprise. 

“Nine. Don’t try and predict my strikes baby or-“ he slapped his thighs and Nicky groaned, “-I’m going to have to add more,” Thor finished. 

“No, please- Daddy, I’m- I’ll be good, I- I promise,” he started to sob and Thor soothed his hand over his legs and ass until he calmed down. Then he cracked him again. 

“Ten. So I forgive you for misbehaving as well.” 

“Th-thank you,” Nicky sobbed but his voice was getting softer. Perfect, this was exactly where Thor needed him. 

He spanked him again and Nicky began to gently rut against his leg. “Eleven. Baby…what is the second rule.” 

“N-not, g-gonna cum- just need-“ he rutted harder and moaned. Thor grabbed him brutally by the hips, pressing his thumb into one of the red spots forming on his ass.

“Daddy!” he shouted. 

Damnit, he was pulling Nicky out of the space he needed him in, but he also needed them to be safe.

“You can move around if you want baby, but only when I’m not hitting you. You could get hurt if you’re in the wrong position when I strike you.” 

“O-okay…” Nicky said quietly. 

“How about every two hits you get a few seconds to move. Understand baby? Repeat it back to me if you do.” 

“Every…two…can move…” he said and to Thor’s surprise his voice was falling quiet again. 

“Good boy…” he cracked him extra hard this time as a reward. 

Nicky moaned low in his chest. 

“That’s twelve, let’s start there.” 

Nicky ground his hips into Thor’s leg and Thor could feel the wetness through his lounge pants. Thor ran a finger down one of the perfect orbs of his butt, marveling at how red they were getting. Nicky stopped moving and Thor waited a few moments just to be safe then hit him hard on the backs of legs.

“Ow…D-Daddy…” he whimpered. 

“Thirteen. Being so good baby.”

“H-hurts…” 

“I know, little one. But you can do it. You can take a little pain for Daddy, right?” 

Nicky nodded his head, rubbing his tear streaked face on his arm. 

Thor lifted his hand and lowered it back down with a resounding crack. 

“Fourteen, you can move baby.” 

He rocked his hips and whimpered pathetically then quickly fell still again. 

Thor waited several extra beats until he felt Nicky begin to tremble, then he spanked him almost gently and he whimpered then he spanked him harder than he had the entire night.

Nicky let out a woosh of air like he’d been punched and didn’t move a muscle. He glanced quickly at Loki whose fist was closed. Loki’s eyes were big, but he just shook his head and nodded his head toward Nicky. Thor faltered for only a moment, then he made a split second decision.

Thor bent over Nicky and pushed the hair off his face. His cheeks were bright red and stained with tears, but his eyes were closed. 

“Baby, only four more. This is me forgiving you for today. I need a color, though. Can I finish?” 

“G-green,” Nicky whispered. 

Thor soothed his hand over his spine. And then cracked his hand once, twice, three times. Nicky barely moved but he let out a low whine. 

“Last one baby. You still can’t cum yet but you will soon, if you need to. I promise. Take a deep breath for me.” He placed his hand on Nicky’s lower back so he could feel him take the breath and then release it. Right as he took his next normal breath Thor slapped his hand down on the first cheek he had hit. 

Nicky moaned and then began to cry in earnest. Thor quickly pulled him up and into his arms. 

“Oh, baby, you did so well, oh my sweet baby boy.” He kissed Nicky on the mouth which seemed to rouse him a little. He kept kissing him and gently reached his hand down to soothe over Nicky’s ass.

“Ah- ow- Daddy- ow ow-“ Nicky cried out, but he was pressing his ass into Thor’s hand. 

“Yes, baby. I know it hurts. You’re not going to forget to be good now, are you?” 

“No Daddy,” he said, still crying and squirming on Thor’s hand. 

“And- you know I can give you this as a reward too, right? So you don’t have to misbehave to get this.” 

Nicky’s eyes shone with tears but also happiness. “Yes Daddy.” 

“Good boy. Now, what do you want, baby? Do you need to cum?” 

“Y-yes Daddy.” 

“What do you want?” he asked again. 

“Ch-Charlie, L-Loki-“ 

They came to him immediately and Thor scooted them both up onto the bed so Nicky was resting with his back against Thor’s chest. Charlie and Loki settled in on either side of Thor. 

“What do you want, Nicky?” Loki asked sweetly and Charlie began to stroke the inside of Nicky’s thigh. 

To Thor’s surprise, Nicky grabbed Thor’s hands and brought one to his leaking cock and one around to grab his ass. 

“Ooh- ow- I- w-want more, please,” he begged. Thor was glad he’s gotten explicit instructions by Nicky’s hands, because he wasn’t quite sure what more meant. The other two seemed to figure it out for themselves though. 

Loki leaned forward and began licking one of Nicky’s nipples while Charlie gently cupped his balls and stroked his hand down Nicky’s thigh. 

“Oh- god- ow- Daddy, owwwww-“ Nicky cried and began thrusting up into Thor’s hand stroking his cock and then back down into his hand groping his ass. Thor ran his nails gently over the abused skin. 

“Oooh- ahhhhh-“ Nicky whimpered, his hips beginning to stutter. 

Thor had pretty much figured out that while Nicky liked some pain, he also liked to whine about it and tell Thor he was hurting. He guessed the whining was part of the pleasure for Nicky. 

Thor squeezed his ass roughly and Nicky cried out. 

“H-hurts- Daddy-“ 

“I know, baby. Tell me how much it hurts,” Thor murmured.

“So much- stings and- and burns- oooooh…so good- ooooh Daddy it hurts,” he squirmed on Thor’s hand, begging for more. 

“You’re so close baby. You’ve been so good. You deserve this. Cum for me when you’re ready little one.” 

“Daddy,” he whispered, and then came almost as softly as Loki. His cock spurted small jets over and over and all three of them kept their hands on him through the whole thing until he finally collapsed.

His body began to shake and Thor was momentarily worried he was crying, and not in a good way, until he saw Charlie’s lips quirk into a sort of dopey smile and Loki was smiling too. Thor craned his neck down and saw that Nicky was softly laughing. 

“Th-that…was…crazy,” he panted out through giggles. 

“You were amazing, love,” Charlie whispered reverently.

Loki curled up against Thor’s shoulder. “So were you,” he whispered to Thor and Thor turned his head to catch him in a kiss.

Nicky sobered up quickly and turned to look up at them. 

“Daddy?” he asked and Thor immediately turned his attention back to Nicky. Maybe he shouldn’t have given Loki attention with Nicky just moments past orgasm in his arms. But of course that wasn’t an issue, because it was Nicky and Loki after all. 

“I-I want to watch…you and Loki,” he whispered. 

“Right now, baby?” 

Nicky squirmed against him as if to remind him he was hard enough to cut glass. 

“This wasn’t about me though, baby. You know that, right?” 

Nicky flopped around until he was lying on his stomach on Thor’s chest. “I know. It was about me…and I want to watch you fuck Loki. I haven’t gotten to see it yet!” 

Nicky was grinning impishly, but still playfully, and Thor stroked his clean hand down Nicky’s tattoo. 

“Okay baby…if that’s what you want- and what Loki wants.” He turned to look at Loki who grinned in excitement. Thor chuckled and Charlie carefully gathered Nicky up in his arms and pulled him off to the side. 

“Nicholas- I still need to do some aftercare for you. Charles do you have-“ 

“Got it,” Charlie said, reaching into the less used night stand to pull out a container of soothing lotion. 

“Would you…mind if I did this? While we watched you and Loki? I think Nicholas would like that,” Charlie asked, running his hand up and down Nicky’s back. Nicky practically preened at the attention and Thor smiled. 

“Of course,” he said right as Loki climbed on top of him, straddling his legs. They were both fully clothed but the look in Loki’s eyes made Thor feel stripped bare. 

Loki had now seen this raw part of him, the Daddy-dom who was just as vulnerable, if not more so, than his baby-sub, but Loki still appeared to love him. 

As if reading it in his eyes he leaned down and kissed Thor, long and deep. 

“How do you want me, love?” Loki asked and Thor wanted to respond “any way I can have you. Please just don’t stop looking at me like that” but that wouldn’t be particularly helpful. He knew Loki felt incredibly sexy riding Thor, he’d said as much the few times they’d had sex like that. 

“Do you…want to ride me?” Thor asked, beginning to slide his hands under Loki’s shirt. 

“Yes,” Loki breathed and lifted his arms up to allow Thor to pull off his shirt. 

Loki leaned down and kissed him again and then he was yanking at Thor’s shirt and Thor tossed it onto the floor once he got it over his shoulders. 

“Want-” he heard Nicky murmur and then his small hand was reaching for Thor’s bicep.

Loki and Thor laughed as Nicky made Charlie move them closer, so they were resting up against the headboard right next to Thor. Charlie was still gently applying lotion to Nicky’s legs, but his ass was looking a lot less red already, so he must have finished soothing the skin there. 

“Like what you see, sweetheart?” Loki asked, bending over Thor to stroke his hand down Nicky’s back. 

“I love what I see,” Nicky responded, very pointedly looking Loki up and down. 

Loki put on a show, like the sexy little peacock he was. He ran both of his hands back through his hair and arched his back sexily. Thor sucked in his breath and Nicky moaned. 

“So fucking beautiful,” Nicky murmured, then he squeezed Thor’s bicep, “right Daddy?”

“You’re right baby… you’re perfect love,” he breathed, running his hands down Loki’s side. 

Loki absolutely blossomed under the attention. He quickly got them both out of their pants and Thor allowed himself, and the others a few moments to appreciate the silky, lacy thing Loki was wearing, before he ripped them off. 

“You two and your sexy panties are going to be the death of him,” Thor growled. 

Charlie gave an affirming growl from next to him. 

When they were finally naked, Loki surprised Thor by reaching into the night stand and pulling out lube and the same toy Thor had used to fuck Nicky last time. 

Nicky recognized it too because he gasped sharply.

Loki grinned wickedly at both of them. “I can be good too,” he murmured and Charlie let out a dark chuckle. 

Loki began to finger himself and Thor groaned, letting his head fall back against the bed frame. He realized with a start that Charlie was seeing him completely naked for the first time and they weren’t even going to touch each other. He glanced up and found Charlie’s eyes on his face. 

“Charles…I…” Thor didn’t know how to voice what he was feeling but Charlie smiled back like he knew anyways. Charlie leaned down over Nicky and kissed Thor’s mouth with the softest of pressure. He pulled back and returned to his previous position. 

Thor raised his eyebrows in question. 

“Thought maybe you might feel strange, being on display for me when we haven’t been together. So. We cuddled and have now kissed. Thought that might help,” Charlie said.

Thor laughed heartily and he sat up, gripping Loki gently around the waist so he wouldn’t tumble over. Thor twisted and leaned over Nicky to pull Charlie in for a kiss. It was wet and their teeth crashed together, but then Charlie gripped his face and changed the angle and it turned into a deliciously rough kiss and Thor’s cock throbbed and begged for attention. 

He pulled back and a trail of saliva connected their mouths for a second. Charlie’s eyes were dancing and Thor knew he had been right earlier in the closet. Charlie wasn’t going to be nice and cute for Thor. When he finally did get to take Charlie, it was going to be rough and dirty. 

“Better?” Charlie asked, a little breathless. 

“Much,” Thor stated, and then returned his attention to Loki. He’d made impeccable progress and was already fucking himself with three fingers. He twisted his hand and let out a cry that sounded more pain than pleasure. Thor grabbed his wrist and stilled him. 

“Hey, kjære, there’s no rush. No need for pain. I want you to show Charles and Nicholas how good I make you feel.” 

Loki whimpered and Thor slowly began to guide his wrist in and out until they built up a solid rhythm and Loki was panting in pleasure.

“Ngh- Thor. Please- more!” 

Thor obliged, gently urging Loki to sit back until he was on his butt with his back leaning towards the foot of the bed. His legs were spread wide over top of Thor’s legs. Nicky moaned at the picture and Loki tossed his hair over his shoulder, clearly loving the attention.

“My pretty Loki,” Thor murmured, lubing up the toy. 

“You like that, Nicky?” Loki asked, his voice hitting that lower timber it got when he spoke to Nicky like this. “You like that your Daddy’s going to fuck me with the same toy he used on you?” 

“Yes,” Nicky whimpered. 

“Funny,” Charlie purred, “I’ve used that toy to fuck both of you in the past as well. I guess you’ve just never watched me use it on each other.” 

Loki groaned and Nicky whined loudly, and Thor’s stomach tightened. He slowly slid the toy into Loki and he moaned and arched his back. Thor eased it all the way in and then switched on the vibrator. Loki actually screamed in surprise and then it tapered out into a low moan of pleasure. 

“Fuck, I forgot it vibrates…” Nicky murmured. He was still gripping Thor’s bicep and he flexed his fingers as he watched Thor begin to fuck Loki, in and out, with the vibrating toy. 

“Th-or, pl-ease. Please!” Loki cried. 

“Please what, love? Let them hear how pretty you beg,” Thor crooned and Nicky’s fingers tightened. 

“Oh, god, please- Thor…let them…see you fuck me… please I- I need you- oh god I love you so much-“ he cried out as Thor struck his prostate with the toy. 

Well, he hadn’t been expecting that. He had to grit his teeth around the emotions that flooded over him. 

Instead of letting loose the million and one sappy things he could say, he gently slid the toy out and pulled Loki back onto his knees. Thor began to lube up his cock and Loki actually took some lube and slid it into himself with a single finger, swirling it around as he let out little huffs and whimpers. 

“Oh- Loki…so good for me, love.” 

He pulled Loki farther up until he was lined up right over top of his cock. He slowly lowered him by pressing down on his hips and he slid in surprisingly fast, the extra lubricant and time with the toy seeming to have done the trick. Within a few breaths Loki was completely impaled on him. 

“Oh- god, love… f-fuck th-that worked so well,” Loki said, letting out a bubbly laugh. 

“It did. I’ve been- mmmm- trying to tell you love- ughhh…just need a little more prep- ahhh, fuck, Loki,” Thor gave up trying to talk as Loki began to roll his hips. The added wetness only adding to slip and slide of their bodies. 

“Oooooh, Thorrrr,” he whined, starting to move up and down on his cock. The movement made his nipple piercings and his hair bounce up and down, and it was so sensual Thor let his head fall back for a few seconds so he could catch his breath. 

Unfortunately, this allowed him to see that Nicky had pulled Charlie’s cock out of his pants and underwear and was stroking him in time with Loki’s bouncing. 

Thor groaned too loudly and quickly looked up to meet Charlie’s eyes. They were dark with lust and a flicker of pride, as Thor couldn’t help but look back down. Charlie was quite large. Not quite as big as Thor, but definitely the biggest of the quint. He looked even bigger with Nicky’s small hand wrapped around him. This, along with Loki’s sinful hips, were making stars dance across Thor’s vision. 

He clenched his abs and honed back in on Loki. He was still bouncing in his lap, his head thrown back, but he was starting to lose momentum as the pleasure built up between them. Thor grabbed his hips and began guiding him and when even that proved too much, he merely held Loki in place and began to fuck up into him.

“Th-th-thor, o-oh, m-my, g-god-“ Loki chanted and it sounded like he was talking into the blades of a fan. Nicky laughed, a bright crystalline thing that made Loki smile in return.

“You’re so sexy- ughhhh,” Nicky groaned, throwing his head back into the meat of Charlie’s chest, who let out a grunt. 

“Th-thanks,” Loki said, and then he let out a loud yelp as Thor dug his fingernails into his hips. 

“I feel like…no one is paying attention to me tonight,” Thor growled. Loki bit his lip and his eyes were chagrined so Thor gave him an extra hard thrust and a wink so he knew he was just joking. 

Loki smiled and leaned forward to brace his arms on Thor’s shoulders so he could take over again.

“Yes…it can be- ooooh… a little chaotic having sex with both of them,” Charlie murmured, groaning when Nicky gave his cock a particularly good tug. 

“You like chaotic though,” Nicky purred. 

“You- mmmm, like us,” Loki panted out letting his head fall forward, sending his beautiful hair cascading down his chest. He picked up his tempo and Thor welcomed the change in pace. 

He was getting close, but he felt like he needed a little more to fully tip over the edge. 

“I do…I love you both…so much- god you’re so gorgeous,” Charlie growled and he reached out and gripped Thor’s shoulder right above where Nicky was gripping. 

Loki rolled his hips and spine similar to how he had done on the dance floor, half for pleasure, half for show, and damn if that didn’t do it for Thor. Watching his love put on a show for their lovers. 

“Oh- Loki…I’m close, love, nghhhh-” Thor grabbed Loki’s shoulders and slammed him down onto his cock over and over and Loki cried out. All pretenses disappeared and Loki finally fully let loose. He let Thor completely take over and fuck up into him brutally, over and over again. No more preening or showing off, just raw, dirty pleasure. 

Thor’s stomach clenched and his balls tightened. Loki threw his head from side to side and gripped desperately at Thor’s shoulders. 

“Thor- Thor, p-please, I- I need-” 

Nicky leaned forward across Thor’s chest and gripped Loki’s cock, stroking him in a quick tempo that had Loki choking out a scream. 

“God- yes, Loki- so- s-so good, oh god-” Thor threw his head back and arched off the bed as he came into Loki. Loki cried out and Thor was just barely aware of Nicky continuing to stroke Loki as he moaned softly and came all over Nicky’s hand and Thor’s chest. 

Loki collapsed sideways and well muscled, tanned arms shot out and caught him before he could fall off of Thor. 

Thor pulled Loki off of his cock and together he and Charlie settled him onto Thor’s chest. He was shaking like a leaf, but he gripped Thor’s sides softly and stroked his thumbs over Thor’s ribs. 

They both turned to look at Nicky, who was making a desperate whimpering noise, staring up at Charlie hopefully. Charlie rolled his eyes affectionately, but nodded. 

Thor blinked in confusion as Nicky scrambled, careful of the red marks on his ass and legs, off of Charlie and onto his hands and knees. 

Charlie reached up and threaded his fingers through Nicky’s hair as he spread his legs and pushed Nicky down. Nicky grinned and then opened his mouth to accept Charlie’s cock. Charlie gripped himself and slowly fed his entire length into Nicky’s mouth and throat. Thor groaned and wrapped his arms tightly around Loki, pressing him against his chest as Loki let out a whimper as well. 

They both watched, transfixed, as Nicky gave himself over to Charlie’s hands and his cock. It was quite beautiful to watch and completely different from how he was with Thor. 

“Ohh, Nicholas…you’re so beautiful…so perfect for me…” Charlie crooned, as he stroked the outline of himself in Nicky’s cheek. Nicky whined and seemed to swallow Charlie down more. 

“Oh god- yes- yes, just like that kitten…” Charlie began to thrust up into Nicky’s mouth and when he adjusted his grip on his hair to be much rougher, Nicky’s eyes fluttered closed. 

“Subspace,” Loki whispered into Thor’s ear and he nodded. Nicky’s jaw had gone completely slack and it looked like the only reason he was still upright was from Charlie's hands in his hair and bracing his shoulder. 

They were a gorgeous pair to watch. Charlie’s strength was clearly the only thing keeping Nicky from falling to the bed, and Nicky’s submission was beautiful and pure. 

Thor got lost in their movements for a few minutes until Charlie let out a desperate moan. 

“S-so good, oh Nicholas- I- oh god, close-” Charlie grit out, as he thrust frantically into Nicky’s mouth and then he pulled out and came with a gravel filled groan all over Nicky’s neck, chest, and their sheets. Charlie bent forward at the waist and caught Nicky when he fell towards the bed. He let out a whimper and Charlie gathered him up and cradled him in his arms. 

Charlie turned to look at Loki and, before he could even say anything, Loki scrambled off of Thor and walked, somewhat stiltedly, over to Charlie’s desk. He pulled out a water bottle and a handful of something, and then quickly came back to the bed. Thor sat up, and accepted Loki back into his lap. He handed the water bottle to Charlie and settled into Thor’s arms. Thor looked down and saw that Loki was holding a few pieces of foil wrapped chocolates in his hand. Water and sugar. Good to know that was what Nicky needed when he actually hit subspace. 

They all sat in silence for a few minutes as breaths evened out, and sweat began to cool. Finally, Nicky stirred in Charlie’s arms. 

“Nicholas, my love. We’re all here whenever you’re ready to come back to us, okay?” Charlie crooned.

Nicky hummed his understanding and to Thor’s surprise he slowly blinked his eyes open. 

“Ch-charlie?” 

“Hi, kitten. That was fast. Didn’t fall too far?”

“Mmm…” Nicky mumbled and his eyes began to close again. 

“Here, love. Have some water.” He tipped the bottle up to his lips and he drank a little at first and then more greedily. Loki reached out and stroked his hand over the back of Nicky’s head and then gently settled his hand on the nape of Nicky’s neck. 

“Mmmmmm… feels…different,” Nicky murmured with a little more life in his words. Loki held up the chocolates and Charlie grabbed one, unwrapping it quickly and gently pressing it to Nicky’s mouth. Nicky accepted and sucked on it for a moment before chewing it and swallowing it. 

He blinked up at Charlie and seemed to be a bit more aware. Thor tightened his arms around Loki’s waist and he looked up at him and smiled sweetly. 

“Different how, kitten?” Charlie asked, soothing his hand down Nicky’s back. 

“Like…Daddy-dom space a little. I feel…good. Like, centered and here but…also like subspace where I’m kind of looking up- or maybe looking down at myself while you were fucking my mouth. Like…I feel good and safe but, disassociated?” 

Nicky blinked his eyes a few times and Charlie pressed another chocolate to his lips. Nicky smiled and accepted it gratefully, lapping out his tongue to swirl around Charlie’s fingers. Charlie rubbed his now spit covered finger down Nicky’s lip and then down his chin and Nicky laughed. 

“How about you? You in dom space or too busy fantasizing about how sexy it was to watch Thor beat me?” Nicky’s voice had regained some of its teasing lilt he used with Charlie, but his words were wickedly dark in a way they usually weren’t. Thor felt a shiver run down his spine and he saw it happen to the other two as well. 

Loki let out a shaky laugh. “Wow…the subs really do have all the power don’t they?” 

Thor reached out and placed his hand gently on Nicky’s back. 

Nicky tilted his head back to look at Thor and he grinned impishly. Thor laughed softly. “They really do.” 

“All the same…thank you Daddy.” 

“You’re welcome, baby. I would say any time, but…”

Nicky laughed. “But that was a-fucking-lot.” 

“That it was…” Charlie murmured, burying his face in Nicky’s neck. Nicky wrapped his arms around Charlie’s shoulders. 

“I love you…” he whispered, and Charlie responded with something too quiet for Thor to hear. 

Thor nuzzled his cheek against Loki’s hair. “Mit elskede.” 

“Mine,” Loki whispered back. 

Chapter Text

Charlie awoke an hour or so later to the overwhelming smell of sex. It seemed they had all fallen asleep, and he glanced at the clock to see it was nearly four in the afternoon. He would have to get some work done the next day to make up for doing next to nothing today, but right now it felt alright. 

He shifted around and received an annoyed groan from Nicky. He opened his eyes and glanced down to see Nicky curled up against his chest with his back pressed to Loki, who was curled up against Thor’s chest. 

They were all naked except for Charlie who was still wearing his lounge shirt and pants. Regardless of that, they were all, himself included, covered in varying amounts of sweat, cum, and saliva. 

This was an almost unheard of experience for Charlie, and the quint at large. Loki and Bucky typically preferred showering after sex, and Nicky practically demanded it. However, it seemed that with Nicky’s new found ability to stay present after Daddy scenes, they had all fallen asleep before showering. 

Charlie shifted and the way Nicky’s skin stuck to him made his stomach roil. Okay, so maybe Charlie also had a thing about being clean after sex. He’d been having sex with Nicky and showering afterwards for close to six years now and he wasn’t as used to cuddling and sleeping afterwards. 

He debated just getting up and showering alone, but he knew Nicky was going to be very unhappy when he woke up, happy Daddy scene or not. He gently pulled Nicky into his arms and was in the process of maneuvering them out of bed when Nicky woke up. He cursed and squirmed in Charlie’s arms and managed to wake up Thor and Loki in the process. 

“Mmm…too early,” Loki whined and Thor groaned, wrapping himself tighter around Loki. After a few moments though, Thor’s eyes slowly opened. He glanced at the clock on their nightstand and let out an annoyed grumble. 

“Love…it’s actually the afternoon and…we are filthy,” Thor said. 

“Mmmm- I’m not the one who spanked the hell out of my lover…I am angelic. Y’all are filthy as hell,” Loki drawled. 

Loki rolled over and tried to bury his head under his pillow but Nicky reached out and stroked his hand down Loki’s stomach eliciting a squeal of surprise. “Yea, that’s dried cum all over your stomach, darling. I think you’re just as much of a filthy heathen as the rest of us.” 

Loki rolled onto his back. “But why so early!” 

Charlie laughed affectionately. “Still not early, darling. It’s almost four pm. Who wants the first shower? Or should we all just shower together?” 

He realized a moment too late that this would be yet another step for him and Thor to take with each other, but not truly with each other. He didn’t seem to mind though. 

“I wouldn’t mind all four of us together?” Thor said and Loki groaned but held his arms up in the air as if he was a toddler who wanted to be picked up. 

Thor laughed and sat up, arching his back to pop a few of his vertebrae. He then did a quick under shoulder and knee maneuver and lifted Loki out of the bed. Loki nuzzled into Thor’s chest and he carried him into the bathroom. 

Charlie had to take notes. He was currently cradling Nicky against his chest, but it was rather like picking up a feral cat the way Nicky’s claws were in his shoulder and arm. 

“Why can’t you behave like Loki when he wakes up? He whines, but he’s still sweet.” 

“Cause fuck you, that’s why,” Nicky griped as Charlie carried him into the bathroom. 

“Sorry, baby, I don’t think you’re ever going to get that honor,” Loki joked sleepily from where he was now standing, leaning heavily against Thor’s chest. 

“Yeah, but your boyfriend will soon, eh?” Nicky said, looking up at Charlie with a teasing glint in his eye. Charlie rolled his eyes and unceremoniously dropped Nicky’s feet to the floor. He protested loudly. 

Seeming to be just about done with Nicky’s whining, Loki reached out and yanked him into his arms, pressing him between himself and Thor. Nicky immediately settled down, draping himself across Loki’s shoulders. 

“So loud…so bratty…” Loki murmured, kissing Nicky’s neck softly. 

“You like it,” Nicky said, grinding against Loki’s hips. Loki whimpered and clutched at Nicky’s shoulders. 

“I dunno…I kind of liked- mmm, watching Thor spank you into submission this morning…” Loki said, his voice dropping low as he spoke into Nicky’s hair. As was usually the case for Charlie, when someone spoke authoritatively or tried to dominate Nicky, he felt his cock throb with the need to dominate him too. It was already nearly at attention and it stiffened painfully at Nicky’s next words. 

“You do know that happened because I was a brat, right?” Nicky said, biting into Loki’s shoulder. Loki moaned and clutched at Nicky’s hips. Thor looked sleep-addled and uncertain what to do with his two apparently horny lovers in his arms. 

Charlie walked past them all and stripped down so he could step into the shower and turn on the water to start it heating up. Loki shouted as Nicky apparently did something else to him. 

“Nicholas, baby…I think we’re trying to get less dirty, not more dirty…” Thor murmured helplessly.

“But Daddy…Loki feels so good,” he whined. 

“Nicholas, if you two are going to fuck, I’m going to shower in the other room,” Charlie griped. 

Charlie stepped out of the shower which was now warming up, and turned to look at the other three men. He really wasn’t interested in another blow job, or even worse, jacking himself off while Nicky and Loki fucked. No, if they wanted to fuck, Thor could watch and Charlie could find Steve or Bucky and get out some of his sexual frustration that way. This morning has been a glorious show, but Charlie wanted in on the action now. 

“Why? You could fuck Thor, and I can fuck Loki, and it will be great,” Nicky sassed and something in Charlie pulled taut and he moved on instinct. 

He grabbed Nicky by the throat and pinned him to the wall next to the shower, ripping him away from Loki a little rougher than he had intended. 

“I’m sorry…is my little kitten trying to tell me who to fuck?” 

Nicky’s eyes widened for a second in surprise and then they slid to half mast. “Maybe- ngh-” Nicky cried out as Charlie wrapped his hand around his semi-hard length. 

“I thought we just had a lesson in misbehaving, Nicholas…” Charlie murmured as he began to roughly stroke Nicky’s cock. He pressed Nicky back harder and his ass touched the cold tile wall and he cried out. 

Charlie could just barely hear Loki and Thor murmur to each other. 

“Are we…going to watch?” Thor whispered quietly.  

“Oh man- when they get like this…it’s a little intense, but also like...incredibly sexy. If Charlie is really about to fuck Nicky like this, you are definitely going to want to watch,” Loki answered with a soft laugh. 

Charlie’s spine tingled at the compliment and at the audience and he could see in Nicky’s eyes he wanted to put on a show too. 

“I don’t know…it’s all a little fuzzy. Maybe you should remind me,” Nicky sassed and Charlie grabbed him by the hips, spun him around and pressed him up against the wall. Before Nicky could even complain, he cracked him hard across his ass with his open palm. 

Nicky shouted and it was more pain than pleasure, but when Charlie did it again it settled out to more pleasure than pain. 

“Ch-charlie, please, I- I’ll be good-” Nicky whimpered, hands helplessly clawing at the slick tile wall. 

“Oh…it’s too late for that now, love…” Charlie purred and he used his finger to trace the shiver as it ran down Nicky’s spine. “You woke up being a brat and I’m getting pretty tired of it…” he growled and Nicky whined, high in his throat. 

“Bend over the sink,” he commanded, grabbing Nicky and roughly shoving him in the direction of the sink. Nicky stumbled and looked back at Charlie with a pitiful pout, but his eyes betrayed his excitement and Loki must have seen it as well because he laughed softly from where he was pressed against Thor’s chest. 

Charlie glanced over at them and let his eyes linger on Thor’s face, and Thor gave him a breathtaking smile. Charlie went to step by Thor as he headed to Nicky, but Thor grabbed him by the back of the neck and kissed him. Their mouths were sticky with sleep, but it still had sparks shooting down Charlie’s spine. He lingered for maybe a second too long because Nicky’s high pitched whimper echoed through the room. 

“Charlie!” Nicky whined and Charlie wanted to keep him waiting just a little longer, but there was an edge of actual desperation in his voice so Charlie left Thor to walk to his side. 

“You think you deserve my attention, hm?” Charlie asked, sliding back into his dark drawl. 

“Yes,” Nicky gasped as Charlie settled his hand between Nicky’s shoulder blades. 

“And why is that?” 

“Because- you want Thor to see how sexy you are?” Nicky panted, and Charlie bent him roughly over the sink. 

“Really? Flattery is the route you’re choosing?” Charlie asked. 

“Because you love me?” Nicky whispered, only loud enough for the two of them to hear and Charlie nearly choked. He pressed three fingers against Nicky’s lips and bent over him. 

“More than anyone or anything on this planet, Nicholas...Now. Suck,” Charlie whispered directly into Nicky’s ear. Nicky moaned around his fingers, but did as he was told. 

Charlie let him suck while he took a moment to inspect the damage to Nicky’s pretty little ass. There were the outlines of handprints on the roundest part of his cheeks and his thighs were actually bruised, but the skin closest to the seam in his ass seemed mostly untouched. Charlie thought it would probably be safe to fuck. 

Charlie glanced in the mirror and made eye contact with Nicky as he made quite the show of deep throating his fingers. He assumed his fingers were plenty wet by now. 

Charlie ripped his hand free and bent Nicky even lower. “See, if you’d just showed this level of enthusiasm about getting out of bed to shower with your lovers, we wouldn’t be in this predicament right now.” 

Nicky whined and arched his back, shoving his ass higher in the air. “So…now you’re going to punish me?” he asked. 

“Oh, no my love, that’s not my job anymore. Punishment is about absolution…and that’s not what I’m offering you.” 

Nicky let out a confused whimper and Charlie stroked his slick finger around his hole. 

“No…your whining is just really grating on me, so I’m going to fuck you until you can’t speak anymore.” He slid his first finger in and when Nicky moaned in pleasure he quickly slid a second in. 

“I’d…like…” Nicky tried to say, as Charlie thrust into him roughly. He slid in a third finger and Nicky cried out. “To…see you…try,” Nicky finally managed to get out and oh what a mistake that was. 

Charlie ripped his fingers out and turned Nicky around, shoving him until he was awkwardly sitting on the counter portion of their sink armoire. 

“Want to say that one more time?” Charlie growled, bringing their faces an inch apart. Charlie had half a mind to just pound into him now, but he really wasn’t fully prepped and he definitely wasn’t slick enough. Nicky, seeming to sense this, reached into the basket they kept on top of the toilet and retrieved lube. He offered it to Charlie with shaking fingers. 

Charlie let a hint of a smile peak through his stern facade as he took the bottle and Nicky smiled tentatively back.

Charlie surged forward and kissed him roughly, then pulled back just as quickly, leaving him gasping and desperate. 

“I…uhm…” Nicky said squirming as he watched Charlie pour a very generous amount of lube onto his cock. 

“I wouldn’t say it again, Nicky…” Loki whispered. His voice trembled, however, when Charlie and Nicky glanced over at him, he was grinning wickedly at them. 

They looked back at each other and Nicky’s eyes went dark. 

“I’d like to see you fucking try,” Nicky growled and Charlie let loose a visious snarl. 

He grabbed Nicky’s hips and yanked him to the edge of the counter, where he landed  on a bunch of his bruises, but he ignored Nicky’s yelps of pain, forced his legs open and thrust all the way into him. The second he bottomed out he grabbed Nicky’s wrists and slammed them back into the mirror. 

Nicky let out a shattered scream and his head rocked to the side, leaning against one of his outstretched arms. He let out a series of pained grunts and groans, as Charlie shifted back and forth, urging him to quickly acclimate to having Charlie inside him. 

He could hear Loki and Thor’s moans, but his focus was tunneled in on Nicky.
“Nicholas-” 

Nicky immediately put up two fingers and Charlie stopped moving. He loosened his hold on Nicky’s wrists, but didn’t let go. 

Ten full seconds passed as Nicky panted and shifted uncomfortably and then finally he sighed. His head fell back and he dropped his middle finger so he was just holding one finger. 

“Mmmmm, it seems like you’re already struggling to speak…” Charlie murmured as he began to thrust into Nicky. 

“Nghhhhh,” Nicky ground out, as he brought his bare feet up to Charlie’s back to pull him in deeper with each thrust. 

Charlie started up a tempo, having to rely pretty exclusively on his back and core muscles. He was exuding a fair amount of strength keeping Nicky pinned to the mirror as he struggled and squirmed. Charlie’s breath started coming in ragged pants and soon they were both gasping and grunting, neither of them having capacity for words anymore. 

Every few moments he heard a quiet murmur or groan from Loki and Thor, but for the most part they were a pretty captive audience. He didn’t turn around once to look at them, instead focusing solely on his Nicky. His boyfriend, his bottom, his sub, his love, his to fuck whenever, however, and wherever he liked. The rush of emotions and possessiveness threatened to submerge Charlie. He felt heady and actually a little overwhelmed with emotion and the tightness in his chest. He had to let something out, or risk drowning, so he chose to let a little of his emotions seep through. 

“Mine,” Charlie growled softly. 

“Yes-” Nicky choked. 

“Mine!” Charlie snarled even louder, sinking his teeth into Nicky’s shoulder. 

“Yes! Yes, Charlie- yours…always yours, please-” Nicky cried and begged, pressing his shoulder further into Charlie’s mouth. 

Charlie dragged his teeth across Nicky’s shoulder and onto his chest, leaving large red welts, staking his claim on his lover's body. Nicky loved to be marked, and he was proudly sporting marks and bruises from Thor, so Charlie figured it was only fitting he wear some of Charlie’s as well.

“M-more,” Nicky cried and Charlie dug his fingernails into his wrists. He then dragged his nails down Nicky’s arms, claiming his fair skin with stripes of red. 

“G-god- y-yes….” Nicky cried, arching into Charlie’s touch. When Charlie’s fingernails reached his shoulders, Nicky wrapped his arms around Charlie’s neck and Charlie picked him up by the hips. He turned around swiftly and slammed him back into the wall by the door. 

“Charlie!” He screamed as Charlie pressed him into the wall and fucked up into him. He rolled his hips and met every one of Charlie’s thrusts. 

Charlie pressed his hand into Nicky’s throat, but put most of the pressure holding him against the wall into his hips. 

Charlie bent forward and bit into his neck, right above his hand and Nicky’s hips started moving erratically. 

“P-please, Ch-charlie I- I’m- so close.” 

Charlie wrapped his fingers around Nicky’s leaking cock and started pumping him, keeping him pinned to the wall with his other hand and his mouth. 

“Charlie!” Nicky cried, slamming his head back against the wall. 

All Charlie could do was growl against his neck. He was close too. 

Nicky bore down on Charlie’s next several thrusts and Charlie’s head started spinning and he felt that overwhelmed, choking feeling again. He’d never felt this overwhelmed during sex. Maybe it was their audience, or how rough they were being with each other?

Nicky sank his fingernails into Charlie’s shoulder and shouted his name as he came, flooding Charlie’s hand with warm liquid. Then Charlie was cuming too, and it ripped viciously through him, stealing the last of his breath and making his vision go black. 

He was able to pull out of Nicky, but his vision didn’t return the way it normally would. He grasped blindly at Nicky’s shoulders with his hands, his messy one sliding a little but finding purchase on Nicky’s biceps. He didn’t want to drop him, but Charlie felt like he himself was about to drop. 

“Thor!” Nicky called and just as Charlie felt his knees give out, Thor was there, wrapping an arm around Charlie’s shoulders and an arm around Nicky’s waist. 

Charlie collapsed against him, his vision still blurry and he was just barely able to see Thor position Nicky so he was sitting on Thor’s hip like a koala bear. This made Charlie laugh internally, but on the outside, he just let out a quiet groan. 

“Nicholas I- I’m so sorry…” he murmured. 

He had never almost dropped Nicky during sex before. He wasn’t sure what was wrong with him, until suddenly he realized what time it was. 

Thor was giving him a skeptical look so maybe he had realized it too. “Have you eaten today? You had coffee after the run, but then we ended up in bed with Nicholas and Loki, fell asleep, then this, and it’s nearly five now.” 

He was completely right, and Charlie realized suddenly how light headed he was feeling. His muscles were spent, but not in a good-sex kind of way. Rather they were exhausted in a “can’t go on” sort of way. His blood was pounding in his ears and he felt vaguely nauseous. He took good care of his body for the most part, but he’d been completely swept up in the day and in Thor. 

“Here- why don’t I take Nicky to shower, and Thor- can you get Charlie something to eat?” Loki offered sweetly, coming forward to pull Nicky into his own arms. 

Charlie’s head spun as he tried to shift himself in Thor’s arms. Thor took over, pulling him flush against his chest so almost all of his weight was on Thor. “Nicholas… you….need…aftercare?” he tried to ask in a pained whisper.
“No Charlie, I’m fine! Let Thor take care of you okay? I- I love you,” Nicky breathed, still finishing catching his own breath. 

Charlie blinked dazedly at them as Loki carried Nicky out of the bathroom. 

“Charles? I’m going to sit you down on your bed, and then I’m going to go grab you a little food and I’ll be right back, okay?” Thor murmured as he led Charlie to his own bed. 

Fuck, Charlie couldn’t believe he was the one requiring aftercare, or any care at all. He hadn’t even slept with Thor, he’d just gone too hard on his own boyfriend and now Thor was stuck taking care of him. 

He sat with an undignified groan on the bed and his body seemed to have a mind of its own. He tipped sideways and curled his legs into his chest. It was a pretty embarrassing position, but when Charlie got wasted this was the only position that would make the room stop spinning, so perhaps it would work now. 

Thor merely smiled down at him and ran a hand down his naked back before leaning down to snatch up his boxers and lounge pants. He quickly left the room and Charlie managed to crawl up the bed and sink onto his filthy sheets. 

He must have closed his eyes, because what felt like only a second later, but was probably several minutes later, he awoke to the bed dipping sharply. He opened his eyes and was promptly pulled into a semi-upright position against Thor’s chest. Thor held up a plate and a bottle of soda in front of Charlie’s face. 

“Alright. I brought you some soda for blood sugar, there were sandwich fixings in the fridge so I threw something together, and I brought a cookie too-...just in case.” 

Charlie blinked at the tray and for some reason his hand reached out and grabbed the cookie. Thor chuckled softly. “I’ll be sure to let Loki know that in your time of need, you reached for his baking first.” 

“I’m so sorry you have to see me like this…” Charlie nibbled awkwardly at the cookie, but when the sugar hit his tongue he shamelessly took a huge bite and then scarfed down the rest of it in just a few quick bites. 

Thor smiled at him but said nothing, just continued holding the plate for him as he grabbed half of the sandwich and tore into it. It was actually pretty good and Charlie’s vision had slowly returned to normal. He continued to mindlessly eat until he had finished the sandwich as well. 

“Thank you, Thor…again I’m so sorry-“ 

“Please do not apologize, my friend. It is very much okay,” Thor said kindly as he placed the empty plate on the nightstand and wrapped his now free arm around Charlie’s waist. He didn’t even hesitate this time before cupping Charlie’s naked thigh. 

Charlie allowed himself a few moments to appreciate Thor’s naked chest pressed against his side. He had never been with someone as big as Thor. Steve was Charlie’s height and a little bulkier, but Thor was just all around bigger. 

Charlie had definitely never bottomed for someone this large. He had to admit, it felt a little intimidating. He had been exclusively a top for most of his time in college. After college he’d had a handful of boyfriends, who were more like friends with benefits that he brought to work events. He bottomed for a few of them, but it never really did much for him. 

It wasn’t until the pandemic set in that Steve helped him discover he was vers. He took Charlie apart in gorgeous ways, but he never overpowered, fought with, or pushed Charlie too hard. He had a feeling if he let him, Thor would push him. He also now suspected Thor would be equally as likely to coddle and take care of him afterwards, a thought that didn’t bother Charlie as much as he thought it should.

Thor offered him the soda again and he grudgingly accepted it. He took a few sips and it actually did help. His head was clearer and he was suddenly sharply aware of his nakedness. He hadn’t managed to get under the covers, he had just collapsed into them. One of the blankets had fallen across his lap, but the rest of him was completely bare. 

“How are you feeling?” Thor asked gently and Charlie turned on his side, bringing his top leg up on top of Thor’s legs. Thor didn’t move his hand from Charlie’s hip, so it ended up dragging across his leg and landing on his ass, making his cock pulse under the blanket.

“Better…” he purred, and his tone turned dark and husky almost without his permission.

Thor squeezed his ass and Charlie thought they were on the same page, but then Thor took them in a different direction. 

“You were…incredible with Nicholas. The way you push and he just takes and takes…I have been wondering if I should be rougher with him. He asked for it the first time we had sex but….he’s just such a good boy for me, just like Loki is. I find myself holding back a bit… I don’t know. Maybe it’s because they’re just-“

“-so small,” they said together. 

Charlie laughed softly scooting a little closer to Thor, while his hand stayed pressed to Charlie’s ass. “You can probably get a lot rougher with Nicholas and he would love it, but… you’re his Daddy. You get to decide what is best for him and what you want to give him. He and I have developed our rapport over a very long time and a lot of it is rooted in love and pain.” 

“Ahhh, yes I discovered this with Loki as well. Love and pain seem to go hand in hand with pleasure.” 

Charlie let out a soft huff. “Yes, Loki and I have an interesting time together- wait, maybe I should have asked first,” Charlie paused and looked up at Thor. Their faces were mere inches apart and he could see all of the speckling of colors in his eyes. “Is it alright with you if we talk about your other lovers? I am very open- as are they. But I won’t if it makes you uncomfortable.” 

Thor mulled that over in his head for a moment. “Maybe, since I have only had one encounter with Steve we could not discuss him yet? But Loki and Nicholas are fine.” 

Charlie nodded his understanding and settled his head back onto Thor’s shoulder. Thor flexed his fingers on his ass but didn’t move his hand away. 

“For Loki and I, it’s interesting because my goal is always to push him as hard as I can, but not necessarily to drop him, more to get him to let loose. With Nicholas the goal is at least half the time to drop him and that’s more formulaic, whereas with Loki I have to just respond to what he is giving and give back tenfold.” 

Thor hummed in thought. “I think I would love to see you two together sometime. The way you were with Nicholas…” Thor said slowly, beginning to stroke his fingers over Charlie’s ass. The touch made Charlie’s skin tingle. He brought his hand up to lay on Thor’s stomach, letting his pinky brush the top of Thor’s lounge pants. 

“I would be happy to have you watch, and I think Loki is a bit like Nicholas in that he loves to put on a show.” 

Thor laughed robustly at this, but he didn’t stop stroking Charlie’s skin. Charlie spread his fingers wider so his pinky and ring finger were resting on Thor’s pubic bone. They both remained silent and so Charlie decided to press. 

“Our conversations about you and I keep getting interrupted. If we start talking about us again, do you think the others will just materialize?” Charlie joked, pressing his hand purposefully against Thor’s stomach. 

“Is there much left to discuss? Maybe we just shouldn’t talk, if it keeps summoning them to us,” Thor teased back, he moved as if he was going to turn towards Charlie but then he looked at the open door and paused. 

“If you close it, they won’t disturb us. Or- they might, but if they interrupt us then we can just make them watch,” Charlie said, sitting up to allow Thor to jump up and close the door. 

He nearly prowled back to the bed as something shifted in him, the way Charlie had seen him shift in the Daddy-dom role. 

“Are you sure you are alright? We do not have to do anything right now. Or-“ Thor said as he came to kneel next to Charlie on the bed, “I suppose I could just do all the work?” 

Charlie had to admit he was still feeling a little low on energy. He laid back down on the bed, and gazed up at Thor. “I have done quite a lot of work today…” 

Thor laughed and he moved in between Charlie’s legs. 

“You’re wearing far too many clothes, Thor. I think you should take them off,” Charlie purred. 

Thor smirked down at him. “If I am doing all the work…I think that means I am in charge, so I decide when to remove my clothes.” 

Charlie squinted skeptically at Thor. “I think you want to be in charge even if you’re not doing all the work.” 

Thor’s smirk turned more pleasant. “I am not always in charge when I top. With Fandral, I am often on the receiving end of a lot of bossing around.” 

Thor had told Charlie about his other three lovers the previous week and Charlie had no problem with it. He didn’t find it particularly sexy to discuss, since he had never even met Fandral before, but it didn’t bother him. 

“What is it you want from me, Thor?” Charlie asked, hoping maybe they would finally answer this question. 

Thor hummed, as he reached down and pulled the blanket off of Charlie’s lap. His cock was semi-hard and began to stiffen further under Thor’s gaze. “I thought that I wanted to be what you are for Loki. Someone who can push you, and you can truly push back.” 

Charlie’s cock jumped at that. He had been thinking that as well, but he hadn’t wanted to voice it in case Thor was looking for something softer. He imagined he was going to find that with Steve, but maybe that was just all Thor wanted. Charlie could probably be soft, if he tried really hard. 

“It sounds like there might be a but in there?” Charlie pushed. 

“But…” Thor hummed as he stared meaningfully into Charlie’s eyes, “seeing you almost collapse in there…it made me realize I think I also want to take care of you.” 

Charlie’s breath caught. He had absolutely no interest in a dom-sub, Daddy-baby relationship, but it didn’t really sound like that was what Thor was insinuating. It sounded more like he wanted to take Charlie apart slowly and put him back together with care and affection, the way Charlie sometimes had to do with Loki and Nicky when they were in a bad place. 

“What do you want?” Thor asked, his voice a low rumble that wrapped around Charlie’s chest and cock. 

Charlie’s head still felt a little fuzzy, so he just went with the simple truth. “You…”

“I want you too, Charles. Give me a little more than that though,” Thor said fondly, leaning forward to brace his hands on either side of Charlie’s shoulders 

“I…want you to push me…I think that sounds fun and like maybe I’d even learn a little about myself but…right now…I just want you to do what you want with me. I’m still a little out of it so I probably can’t put up much of a fight…but I want you. Now,” Charlie said, finally reaching up to grab Thor by the back of the head and pull him into a rough kiss. 

Thor’s hair was in the messy remains of a low bun, and Charlie combed his fingers through it until they caught on the hairband. He paused and Thor nodded into the kiss and Charlie ripped the hair band off, bringing his other hand up to parse through his hair as Thor took over the kiss. 

He pressed Charlie back into the pillows and thrust his tongue into his mouth, quickly mapping out the insides of his mouth and playfully teasing his tongue. Charlie marveled at the softness of his lips, and the way they brushed and rubbed against his own. Thor pressed his clothed erection against Charlie’s and Charlie groaned. 

“God I want you…” Charlie growled into his mouth and Thor groaned in response. He was tempted to reach down and yank off Thor’s pants, but he had insisted he didn’t want to do any work, so he was going to stand by that. 

Thor seemed to get the memo though, because he sat up to quickly yanked down and off his pants and boxers. Then he was back on Charlie, picking up the kiss where they’d let off. Thor rubbed their now bare cocks together and Charlie moaned.

“More,” he growled and Thor immediately complied, reaching down to grasp their lengths together. They were both well endowed so Thor was only able to press them together, not wrap his hand all the way around them both, but that was fine with Charlie. 

He thrust up into Thor’s hands as Thor thrust down onto him and they moved together for a few moments. 

“You like being bitten?” Thor asked as he grazed his teeth over Charlie’s shoulder. 

“Yes. Nails and scratching are good too.” 

Charlie moaned as Thor dug his nails into the meat of Charlie’s back and his teeth into his shoulder. 

“Y-you?” Charlie asked a little breathily. 

“Oh, do your worst to me skatt,” Thor breathed. 

“Skut?” Charlie asked. Thor waved his hand in a thinking gesture. 

“I think it translates to treasure? My treasure?” he said, squinting as he tried to find more words to describe the Norwegian word. Charlie just waved this away. 

“Sure. That’s…quite lovely actually but...don’t stop,” Charlie said groaning as Thor twisted his wrist around the heads of their cocks. 

“You want more? Or is this enough for tonight?” Thor asked, his voice a little strained as he continued to work their cocks together. 

“Fuck yes, I want more. But-” Charlie said and Thor immediately stilled his hand. “I don’t really enjoy prepping with fingers. Feels too…sharp? I’m not sure how to describe it.” 

Thor’s eyebrows raised and he blinked a few times. “Toys?” 

“Yes, that's usually what Steve and I do,” Charlie said and he gestured with his hand to the nightstand. Thor quickly reached in and pulled out a toy and lube. 

Charlie leaned back on the bed, placing his hands behind his head again in a leisurely pose, a smirk adorning his lips. 

Thor let out a deep laugh and it made Charlie actually smile. 

“Yes, skatt min, lie back and enjoy. I’m going to take care of you tonight. You can fight me next time,” Thor purred and he stroked his hands down Charlie’s sides, reaching around to cup his ass and spread his legs open. 

Charlie groaned and closed his eyes. He didn’t love this part if he was being honest. Fingers felt too poke-y and sharp, and the toy felt so impersonal. He pretty much never used them on his own and it felt almost clinical having to use them just so his body could take what he actually wanted. 

Charlie could hear the pop of the cap of the lube bottle and the squelching noise as Thor lubed up the toy thoroughly. Then he teased Charlie’s entrance with his slick fingers. 

“God, your fingers are huge,” Charlie noted, opening his eyes to glance down at Thor’s hands. Two of his fingers were as thick as the toy. 

“Would you like to try my fingers instead? I’d love to have them inside you…it’s just whatever you’d prefer.” 

Charlie was silent for a moment as he considered. 

“We could always switch to the toy if you don’t like it?” Thor offered and Charlie reluctantly nodded and let his head fall back against the pillow. 

Thor popped open the bottle again and lubed up his fingers more purposefully. He continued to tease him, to the point where Charlie stopped anticipating the entrance and let his muscles fully relax. A few moments later, when his hole was practically dripping with lube, Thor slid his finger in, crooking it experimentally and finding Charlie’s prostate remarkably fast. 

“F-fuck,” Charlie cried, arching his back and thrusting his hips down. He glanced down and saw a proud look on Thor’s face, and then he did it again. “Oh- God- more!” Charlie groaned and squirmed on his finger. 

Thor slid in a second finger and Charlie bucked his hips. Thor placed a steadying hand on his stomach and scissored his fingers. Charlie didn’t like that very much, so he bucked his hips forcing Thor to twist his hand and hit his prostate again. 

“Thor- need more,” Charlie just managed to grate out. He was pushing the tempo fast, not wanting to allow himself the opportunity to get uncomfortable with the fingers. He could feel it creeping up, but unlike Steve, whose gorgeous slender artist fingers just made him feel like he was being stabbed, Thor’s big meaty fingers were filling him up nicely. He still wasn’t the biggest fan, but it felt less impersonal than a toy. 

“So bossy…” Thor murmured as he slid in a third finger. He purposefully twisted his wrist and Charlie nearly lifted off the bed, he arched his back so hard. 

“Oh fuckk me-e,” Charlie cursed, having picked up the cursing habit from Nicky. Thor smirked and twisted his hand again. 

“Thor!” he shouted, fisting his hands in the sheets. Thor’s eyes were intent on him as he began fucking into him with this fingers, changing the angle every few moments making Charlie writhe and pant. 

“More- Thor just fuck me already- ugh-” Charlie groaned loudly as Thor pressed his fingers roughly against his prostate. 

Finally, when Charlie was right on the brink of ripping Thor’s fingers out himself, Thor pulled out and wiped his fingers on his cock. Watching his fingers move, Charlie realized three fingers was still nothing compared to the size of Thor’s cock. Before he had time to second guess this, Thor was pressing into him. 

He knew what to expect from having sex with Steve, but this was on an entirely different level. Thor was huge, and it stretched Charlie past any point he thought he’d ever be able to reach. He tilted his hips in discomfort and just when he was considering asking Thor to stop, Thor’s cock head grazed Charlie’s prostate. All of his breath wooshed out and he nearly choked on a groan. 

“Oo-ooh f-fuck,” Charlie groaned and Thor paused until Charlie sharply nodded his head. 

Thor gripped his hips and kept pushing in and Charlie felt like he could barely catch his breath. 

With a final push, Thor was completely inside him and it was suddenly way too much. Too full, too fast, too much emotion threatening to overwhelm Charlie. He was fond of Thor, he’d say he was even beginning to adore Thor, but what flooded over him now was a thick, cloying love. He loved the way Thor had fit into their group and with this, with them having sex right now, he was completing enmeshed in the group. There were now six of them. Five phenomenal people that Charlie had the privilege to call lovers, friends, and partners- possibly for life. But that was also five people he had to support and care for. He loved caring for his partners, but for some reason it all just felt overwhelming right now. 

Charlie was shaking, harder than he had earlier when he had felt so bad and Thor froze. 

“Charles-” 

“Thor- I can’t-” 

“Yes you can, min skatt…just breathe through it-” 

“No I- I really…I- it’s too much, it’s…everything is too much- I can’t- you-” tears had gathered in his eyes and they choked his throat. 

“I. Am right here. I’m not going anywhere. I’m not going to move a centimeter until you’re ready. You can do this. Here-” Thor reached to the other side of the bed and Charlie was surprised when he grabbed the soda bottle. He uncapped it, leaned down and gently cradled Charlie’s head to feed him some of the soda. The tenderness of the gesture made Charlie’s entire body slowly relax. 

Slowly but surely it stopped feeling overwhelming and felt…well. Good. 

Charlie let out a soft moan and Thor fed him a little more soda and then recapped the bottle. He stroked his hands down Charlie’s side and for some reason Charlie’s mouth opened and he just started talking.  

“I…have always felt like I have to take care of the entire quint…alone. Like it’s all on my shoulders. Financially, emotionally, logistically- just…everyone was relying on me.” 

Thor didn’t even blink at the strange mid-coitous discussion topic. Instead he just nodded his understanding. “I can see why you would feel that way but... You don’t have to take care of them. Each member brings something to the table, in the way they care for each other and look after each other.” 

“I know, but…” Charlie trailed off, unable to fully explain himself. 

Thor studied him and then his eyes turned soft. “You like taking care of everyone…but you’ve never had anyone take care of you.” 

Charlie’s breath caught again and he had to look away. Thor brushed his hand down Charlie’s cheek and turned his chin so he was looking at Thor again. 

“Do you want me to take care of you, Charles?” 

Charlie stared at him, but couldn’t make his mouth move. 

“Is that what you need from me? You need me to let you fight and push, but also need me to support you? In your big move into a new townhouse, in supporting and taking care of the quint, and in bed? Will you let me take care of you?”

“Yes,” Charlie breathed and it was barely audible, but Thor heard it. 

Thor’s eyes were overflowing with something Charlie didn’t understand, but then he leaned down and kissed Charlie, deeply. He started to move his hips, thrusting softly into Charlie and he groaned, trying to roll his hips to meet his thrusts. 

Thor’s surprisingly gentle hands stilled his hips and he continued to thrust into Charlie. “Let me do this for you, Charles…” Thor murmured against his lips and then he went back to kissing him and fucking into him painfully slowly. 

“Please…” Charlie whispered and his head fell back as Thor pulled out farther, sliding back in to press against his prostate. 

“Oh- god…Thor…” he moaned and he tilted his head to the side to rest against the pillow. His left hand came up to rest on the pillow next to his face and Thor threaded their fingers together pressing his hand back into the pillow. Charlie brought his other hand onto the pillow and Thor did the same thing. Charlie’s breath was coming out in shaky pants, but that tight, overwhelmed feeling from earlier was gone. 

“So good for me…” Thor murmured, his voice tight and controlled as he continued to thrust into Charlie. 

“Good for… me too…” Charlie responded as best he could. His head was fuzzy, but in a very pleasant way and his body felt incredible, lightweight, and buoyant, like he was lying on a beach somewhere. 

“Do you like beaches? Do you go on vacation often?” Thor asked and Charlie hadn’t realized he had spoken his feelings out loud. 

“Not…very often…” Charlie breathed and then moaned as Thor struck that spot inside him again. “Wanted to…take everyone to Europe but…then COVID…ughhh Thor,” he groaned, turning his head to the other side and Thor leaned down and kissed his throat. 

“I would like to invite the entire quint to Italy to visit my dear friend and his girlfriend’s vineyard…but I’d love your help planning it…” Thor said, his breath coming out fast as he spoke, but also sounding steady and assured. 

He couldn’t believe they were talking about vacations right now. It was better than talking about his fears and insecurities a few moments prior, but when he had imagined sex with Thor he had imagined it being reckless, rough and wild. Sort of like how Loki was in bed, a little tornado that ripped through him and left him breathless let alone speechless. This softer, friendlier reality made Charlie’s heart stutter. 

“That…sounds nice…I’m sure you- you don’t really need my help…” Charlie panted, arching his back when Thor hit his spot again. 

“I want it though. I want you…to be my partner. In bed…in life…” he kissed him and then continued. “I really like you, Charles. I respect the- oh god…the fucking hell out of you.  You’re so strong and…the way you’ve supported the quint I- I want to do that too…but I don’t want to replace you. I want to do it with you. Please-” Thor’s head tipped forward to rest against the side of Charlie’s as he thrust harder. His thrusts were smooth and on tempo, but his voice was staggering out raggedly. 

“Yes…yes I…I want that- Thor please, oh god- please I want you. I- I need you,” Charlie moaned and it was the truest thing he’d admitted to all night. 

He needed someone else to help him support the quint, support all of their wants and needs and love. All of the sudden Charlie could see it. Charlie could plan their trips in the US to use his plane and his funding, Thor could plan their international trips. They could buy the quint that townhouse together, and then they wouldn’t be falling all over each other in this apartment. Each of his lovers could fill out the space with their own passions and hobbies. And Thor would be there too and they would all be there. Together. 

“Yeah?” Thor breathed. 

“Fuck- yes Thor. God yes…I want you so badly. Want you in my life, in my bed, f-fucking inside me…please-” 

Thor captured his mouth and began a brutal pace. Charlie disobeyed his earlier request and began moving his hips in time. Thor broke off their kiss to moan, “oh god- Charles I-...I can do it, you don’t have to-” 

“No, Thor. Partners,” Charlie said, and he lifted up one of his hands, having to exude a fair amount of force with Thor’s weight on it. He was able to bring their joined hands up to rest on Thor’s shoulder leaving the other one pinned to the bed. 

“Yes,” Thor breathed and began meeting each of Charlie’s hip movements until they were moving perfectly in sync together. 

“God you’re a fucking vision…” Charlie murmured. 

Thor really was, rippling pecs and rock hard biceps quivering with strength. His abs were practically chiseled from granite and they led into one of the starkest oblique “penis V’s” he’d ever seen. No wonder Nicky was so quick to claim Thor as his Daddy, the man was practically a walking billboard for dominance. And yet, he was taking Charlie apart so sweetly.

“As are you my…partner…” Thor smiled brightly down at him, his hair falling around his face in gorgeous golden waves. 

Charlie tipped his head back and arched his back in pleasure as the pressure in his cock and tightness in his balls increased. 

“Oh- Thor…I’m-” 

“Me too,” Thor panted back, his breath landing in soft puffs on Charlie’s neck. 

“Need you-”

“Right here,” Thor ground out.
“God please don’t stop- don’t- don’t leave-”
“I’m never leaving you. Never leaving the quint. I’m here to stay. You’re mine now,” Thor growled and he brought their still joined hands on his shoulder down to stroke Charlie’s almost forgotten cock. 

“Thor!” Charlie shouted, and with just a few strokes of their joined hands he was cuming all over their stomachs and chests. 

“Charles…so- close-” 

“Cum for me Thor,” Charlie growled, his ass clenching hard around Thor as he rode the end of his own orgasm. 

“Oh- fy faen- Charles-” Thor came with a growl that Charlie would be replaying in his head for days. His climax pulsed into Charlie over and over and Charlie finally lifted up both his arms and his legs and wrapped himself around Thor until he collapsed onto his chest. 

He grunted and shifted around until he was able to pull out of Charlie and then settled onto him again. 

He was incredibly heavy, and they wouldn’t be able to stay like this for long, but Charlie just needed this for a few moments. 

“I think I am crushing you,” Thor whispered breathlessly. 

Charlie wanted to disagree but it was true. Thor rolled off him, but then immediately gathered him into his arms. 

“I- don’t really need this-” Charlie tried to say, but Thor pressed Charlie’s face into his sizeable pec and after a few awkward moments his body relaxed into the embrace and he decided it wasn’t so bad afterall. They lay like this for close to fifteen minutes before Thor’s phone began to ring. 

“Sorry, I should probably answer this,” Thor said sheepishly as he reached for the nightstand. 

Charlie sat up and Thor sent him another sheepish glance before answering the phone. He flopped back down on the bed and began listening to whoever was on the other line. He got a dour look on his face so Charlie made a quick escape to the shower. 

His high powered shower head did little to ease the ache forming in his muscles. He’d had a lot of sex today and he was still feeling shaky and off kilter from earlier. He leaned his head against the wall for a few moments, letting the shower head beat against his back as he tried to take inventory of his symptoms. 

“Charles?” Thor’s concerned voice called from the entrance to the bathroom. Charlie tried to look up, but his head spun and suddenly he was in Thor’s arms again. 

“S’okay…just a little dizzy…” Charlie said. “You- you should shower. I’m just going to…sit down…usually goes away if I…sit down…” Charlie slowly sank towards the floor and Thor knelt down with him. 

“Has this happened before?” Thor asked, his voice rough with concern. 

“Uhm…it’s…happened a few times recently…” more like five or six times this month alone. Usually it would hit in mid afternoon when he’d realized he hadn’t eaten, or that he’d eaten and it just hadn’t seemed to matter. His hunger was acting very strange and he was nauseous more often than not. He thought it was probably just a response to the amount of stress the quint as a whole had been under. He was also almost constantly dehydrated, waking up thirsty in the middle of the night and never feeling like he was able to get enough water. Speaking of water. 

“I…could use some water?” Charlie asked and Thor quickly stepped out of the shower and filled up one of the cups they had on the counter. He brought it back into the shower and Charlie laughed to himself about drinking water, while in the shower. 

“I’m going to shower very quickly so I can get you back to bed…alright?” Thor said, eyeing Charlie warily. 

Charlie shot him a thumbs up in a move so reminiscent of Steve it made his heart ache. He pulled his legs up into a criss-cross position. Their shower was quite large, with more than enough space for Charlie to sit off to the side while Thor showered. Drinking the water had helped a little and sitting on the floor helped even more. 

“You need to go to the doctor,” Thor said authoritatively. 

Charlie stared up at him, unamused. “You know the Daddy-dom voice doesn’t work on me, right?” 

“How about the ‘very concerned partner because you’re being a dumbass’ voice?” Thor said, glowering right back at him. 

“Not much better,” Charlie grumbled. 

“How are you going to take care of Nicholas if you’re sick?” 

Charlie felt like Thor had slapped him. He looked away sharply. Thor stepped forward, and kneeled down in front of Thor again. He gently wrapped his large hand around Charlie’s upper arm and he had to lock his muscles to keep himself from pulling away. 

“I’m sorry skatt…but it’s true. Nicholas and the others would be devastated if something happened to you because you refuse to take care of yourself. Will you just go to one appointment? Please?” Thor’s voice was soft and melodious with his lovely Northern European accent and Charlie sighed in resignation. He turned back to face Thor and was rewarded with a sunny smile and a soft kiss. 

“Alright…” 

“Besides! I need you healthy so we can take the quint to Italy!” Thor said enthusiastically, standing back up to wash the shampoo out of his hair. 

Charlie marveled at the way the soap rolled down his chest, between his pecs, and outlined every single abdominal muscle before trailing down into his plentiful pubic hair. Thor reached down and awkwardly scratched at his stomach. Charlie glanced up and smirked at him. 

“Just admiring the view,” Charlie purred. 

Thor’s chuckle was low and dark, but he continued washing himself off. “While the flattery is kind, I do not think either of us are up for another round today.” 

No Charlie absolutely wasn’t up for another round. 

“So…Italy?” Charlie asked, and they spent the next five minutes discussing logistics. Thor helped Charlie up off the floor, toweled him off and tucked him back into his arms in bed as they continued to discuss. 

It turned out the call Thor had just gotten was summoning him back for some ad hoc meetings in France first thing Monday morning. He would need to be there for a week and a half and then he’d have to go straight to Norway for another week and a half of meetings, but then he said he was going to take a full weekend off and fly the quint out to Italy. 

Charlie thumbed through the quint’s work calendars on his phone. Now that Nicky and Charlie were going to be traveling again for work and Loki and other members of the quint were possibly going to begin traveling with Thor, sharing calendars had become necessary. 

“It looks like we’re all relatively available that week. We can let the others know and solidify the plan?” Charlie offered, but Thor grimaced. 

“I’m not looking forward to telling Loki, Nicholas, and Steve that I’m going to be gone for three weeks. This shouldn’t happen moving forward I…well I actually just about shouted at my father on the phone. He knows it is a big ask to be away for that long now that I am…involved in the U.S. I’ve been thinking about this for a little while now but…I think I am going to try and move off of the France account and shift to working on the American account more heavily.” 

Charlie stiffened in Thor’s arms. He was half leaning against Thor’s broad chest, half leaning against the headboard so he had to crane his neck to look up at Thor. “But…you love France.” 

“I do…but I love Loki, and care for all of you more. And besides, if I want to visit France I can still do that, but with all of you.” Thor smiled down fondly at Charlie and he felt his heart stutter, similar to how it had during sex. 

He had felt so much during sex, he could barely even begin to parse through it right now, so he just nodded and burrowed deeper into Thor’s embrace. 

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and when they shouted for whoever it was to come in, Nicky walked in with his arm thrown over Loki’s shoulders. 

Just like that, it was like Charlie’s entire world righted itself. Like he had been slightly tilted, slightly off kilter the entire time since they’d had sex in the bathroom, but now he knew exactly what he needed. He wasn’t a sub, he didn’t need to be punished to seek atonement. A simple apology would do fine, but Charlie needed Nicky in his arms. Now. 

“Nicholas,” he called and his voice shook over the syllables. 

Nicky’s eyes widened and he rushed to Charlie, practically diving into his arms. 

“Hi,” Nicky breathed. 

Charlie buried his face in his neck and he felt the bed shift as Thor turned away from him, presumably to welcome Loki into his arms. 

“Hi, kitten…I’m so sorry about earlier. It’s unacceptable that I almost dropped you.” 

“It’s really okay Charlie-“

“No. It’s really not. I…have not been taking the best care of myself, and I could have really hurt you. I need to take better care of myself-…maybe even let others look out for me a little as well…so I can take care of you.” 

Nicky looked up at Charlie with a hint of confusion, awe, and a whole lot of love.

“…okay Charlie. I hear you. I accept your apology, and hope you will let others look out for you from now on.” 

That wasn’t entirely the point of Charlie’s apology, but he wasn’t surprised Nicky had latched onto that. Since they’d formed the quad he had noticed the way Nicky watched him with Steve and sometimes even Bucky. For years Nicky had been trying to get Charlie to let others take care of him and Charlie had always resisted. There was no way he was admitting out loud, with Thor and Loki right here, how much Thor had taken care of him tonight. He would probably tell Nicky all about it later, but not right now. 

“I love you so much Nicholas. So fucking much. More than…anything else,” he whispered desperately. 

“I love you, Charlie,” Nicky said and he kissed Charlie, hard on the lips. Charlie kissed back just as fiercely, and for the first time this afternoon his lungs fully filled with air. Nicky was more than just his love. He was his breath and his life. He would make an appointment at the doctor’s first thing Monday morning because this was what mattered. Him being healthy and strong enough to have Nicky here, safely tucked away in his arms. 

Chapter Text

Thor collapsed onto his bed with a ragged huff. It had been an impossible two weeks. 

His time in France had been hectic and when he’d gotten the official okay from his father his second to last day there, he’d made the announcement he would be moving permanently off of the France account. This had led to two days of nonstop meetings and he’d almost missed the window of availability for his flight back to Norway. 

Things just got worse when he got to Norway and received a phone call from Nicky, who was crying hysterically. After asking nicely several times, Thor had had to pull out his Daddy-dom voice to get Nicky to put Loki on the phone. When Nicky finally put the phone on speaker, Loki calmly explained that some of Charlie’s test results from the week before had come back concerning and they were waiting for the results. Unfortunately, earlier that night, Charlie had collapsed in the kitchen and they’d had to rush him to the urgent care clinic. 

The on-call nurse had taken one look at him and diagnosed him with diabetes. They were waiting for the final test results from the doctor, but she had put him on medicine and given him an IV of glucose and he’d perked right back up. Everything was going to be fine, Loki assured Thor over and over again. The quint hadn’t even planned on calling Thor until they had the final results, but Nicky had spiraled into a panic and for some reason had called Thor. 

Thor had been both incredibly touched by his baby calling him when he needed him, but also a little disheartened that he hadn’t been kept more in the loop. 

Thor had spent the rest of the night on a video call with Nicky and Loki. Loki apologized profusely for not keeping Thor up to date and promised to talk to the quint about it in the morning. He swore they would keep Thor looped in from now on. Loki fell asleep shortly thereafter, but Thor stayed up all night comforting Nicky. He offered several times to fly home for just the weekend, but Nicky assured him they were going to be okay, they just all missed him terribly. 

The next day they got the news that Charlie had Type I diabetes and Loki added Thor to the quint group chat so they could all discuss together. 

Loki renamed the chat group “The Sext” which would be the proper name for the group of six, but Nicky said that made it sound like all they were going to do in the group chat was sext. While he had no problem with that, he lobbied for them to change the name. After some back and forth they renamed it The Sextet like they were some kind of music group. 

Thor offered to reschedule the Italy trip, but Charlie threatened to go to Italy by himself without the rest of them. The conversation quickly changed to a lot of medical speak and recipe research. 

The rest of the week and weekend had passed like Thor was walking through a fog. He was on his phone almost constantly and Fandral hadn’t known Thor was going to be home, so he’d flown to France for the weekend to be with Jeanpaul and Luis. Thor had been so busy while he had been in France he hadn’t gotten to see them at all, so he was a little jealous, easily irritable, lonely, and incredibly horny. 

He didn’t want to bother his lovers though, so he spent every night jerking off in his shower and then sometimes jerking off a second time in bed to fall asleep. 

He somehow made it to Sunday night, but it had been two weeks since he’d seen the quint. So, here he was, lying face down on his bed wondering if he could just grind into the bed like this and if that would be enough to get him off so he could fall into another night of fitful sleep. 

His phone rang, momentarily distracting him from his gloominess. He picked it up and saw an image of Nicky’s adorable face next to a video chat request. He quickly answered and rolled onto his back, holding the phone up dangerously above his head. 

“Hi baby,” Thor breathed happily as Nicky’s face appeared on screen. 

He could absolutely use a scene with Nicky right now, anything to get his mind off of how shitty the past two weeks had been. 

“Hi Daddy! I miss you…so so much.” 

“I miss you baby,” Thor purred, but then he paused when Nicky adjusted the screen and Charlie came into view, leaning back against the headboard of their bed. He looked good, less pale and gaunt than he had the other few times Thor had FaceTimed with him, but still quite tired. 

“Skatt min, how are you?” Thor breathed, his lust giving way to warmth and affection. Which was quickly derailed when Nicky grinned impishly at the camera. 

“He’s horny. I’m horny. And we were wondering…would you like to play with me and Charlie? I mean obviously not playing Daddy-dom with Charlie but… he misses you too.” 

Charlie was looking off to the side, a slightly embarrassed look on his face. Thor quickly sat up and walked over to his desk, booting up his laptop as he smirked at the camera on his phone. 

“Is that true, Charles? Do you miss me?” 

Charlie licked his bottom lip. “Yes…” 

“Miss me inside you? On top of you?” 

“…yes,” Charlie breathed again and he bit his lip this time. 

“Okay but this is about me! I’m the baby and the sub!” Nicky whined, reaching for the screen to turn it back towards himself. 

“Nicholas,” both he and Charlie called and Nicky let out a pitiful whine as he yanked his hands back towards his chest. Nicky looked desperately up at Charlie and then back at Thor on the screen. 

“Oh, we are going to have to do this in person when we’re all together again…” Charlie said with a laugh, wrapping his arms around Nicky and pulling him into his lap. 

Charlie finally looked at the camera and his eyes were filled with lust, but also a playful glint that lit Thor up inside. 

“Yes…I can’t wait to take turns domming with you, Charles. You’d like that, huh baby?” Thor purred and Nicky whimpered, squirming in Charlie’s lap. Thor brought the laptop and his phone back to his bed. 

“Would you both give me just one moment? I’m going to call you back on my laptop. Baby?” 

“Yeah?” 

“Be good for Daddy, and let Charles-”

“Ugh- call him Charlie! I hate hearing Charles in bed, it freaks me out,” Nicky whined. 

Thor raised his eyebrows, but Charlie just shrugged. 

“Be good. Let Charlie take off your clothes,” Thor said with a bit of attitude. 

Nicky smiled uncertainly at the screen. “Are…you going to be Charlie’s Daddy now that you finally pinned him down and fucked him into the mattress?” 

“Nicholas,” Charlie groaned looking up at the ceiling in exasperation. Thor didn’t even have to think before answering. 

“No little one. It’s just you. It’s only ever been you, and always will be just you.” 

Nicky’s cheeks flushed and he looked down. 

“I’ll call you right back, baby,” Thor said softly and he waited until Nicky looked back at the screen and smiled before he hung up on his phone. In the time it took for the call to connect on his laptop, he took off his t-shirt and shucked his lounge pants. He situated himself so he was leaning against his headboard in only boxers. 

“Charlie disobeyed your orders, Daddy,” Nicky reported the moment the call reconnected. Nicky was sitting next to Charlie now and he was shirtless, but Thor could just barely see something black on his hips. 

“That’s because you asked me to, brat,” Charlie growled and he grabbed Nicky by the shoulder and yanked him across his lap, so he was bent over Charlie’s knees. Nicky laughed and wiggled his ass in the air. “Nicholas wanted to show you one of the pairs of panties he bought to bring to Italy,” Charlie said and while he rolled his eyes, his tone was incredibly affectionate. 

Nicky was indeed wearing a pair of black panties with intricate lace making up the entire side panel, and the legs were cut high, showing off the curve of his gorgeous ass. 

“Oh wow baby, you bought those for me? God, look how pretty you look,” Thor said, smiling affectionately at the camera. 

“Pretty for Daddy?” Nicky asked, biting his lower lip. 

“Yes, my sweet boy. So pretty for Daddy.” 

“Nicholas doesn’t dress this pretty for me,” Charlie teased, running his finger along the curve of Nicky’s ass, making him shiver. 

“You don’t let me keep anything on long enough to make it worth the effort,” Nicky said, turning his head up so he could stick his tongue out at Charlie. 

“So…what can I do for you two tonight?” Thor asked, loving talking with both of them, but feeling a little unsure of how they were going to conduct a scene when things were already feeling a bit chaotic. 

“Charlie’s still feeling kind of weak, so he just wanted to watch. He misses you a lot and won’t stop whining about it,” Nicky reported. 

Charlie scowled, and cracked his hand over Nicky’s ass. 

“Ow! Daddyyyy, he hit me!” Nicky whined. 

Thor burst out laughing. God he missed them both so much. 

“I’m happy to just watch, Thor. Or I can do whatever you ask me to do to Nicholas, but I won’t be able to fuck him or anything too strenuous. If… this feels uncomfortable…I can leave,” Charlie offered softly, absently soothing his hand over Nicky’s ass where he had hit him. 

“No, please stay. That sounds perfect. As long as that’s okay with you baby? Charlie’s going to be my hands and mouth tonight. Everything I would normally make you do to yourself, Charlie is going to do.” 

“Y-yes Daddy,” Nicky said, his voice beginning to shake with anticipation. 

“Did you like it when Charlie hit you? I know you like it when I hit you,” Thor purred softly. He knew this wasn’t how Charlie and Nicky played, but he wondered if they’d want to try it under Thor’s instructions. 

“Yes Daddy…” Nicky said, and his voice had the sexiest catch in it as he said the word Daddy. 

Charlie must have liked it as well because he let out a soft breath. 

“Charles?” Thor asked. 

“I’m happy to spank him for you. I probably don’t have energy for too much of it, but I'm happy to do a little…foreplay,” Charlie murmured, squeezing Nicky’s ass. He let out a tiny squeak and Charlie settled his big hand on Nicky’s head, effectively silencing him. 

“How about, when I do this,” Thor made a slight shooing motion with his hand, “you spank him?” 

Charlie nodded and Nicky’s muscles tensed. 

“You have to relax baby, or you’re not going to get spanked,” Thor chided and Nicky took a deep shaky breath and slowly relaxed over Charlie’s knees. Thor waited until Nicky took in a breath and then he flicked his wrist. 

Charlie cracked his hand hard over his ass and Nicky cried out. 

“Ooooh- Daddy-” he flicked his wrist again. 

“Daddy!” Nicky yelled. Thor’s eyes were locked on Nicky and Charlie’s eyes were locked on the computer screen. 

“Yes baby?” Thor purred, and flicked his wrist again. 

“Oh g-god…” Nicky moaned and bent his head forward to rest on his arms. 

“You like that?” Thor asked, as he flicked his wrist twice in a row. 

Charlie obeyed, spanking him twice in quick succession. 

“Ooooooooooooh owwww, Daddy,” Nicky’s words got higher as he spoke, ending in a high pitched whine. He had begun rutting against Charlie’s knee and this time Thor didn’t want to stop him. 

“How many do you want baby?” he flicked his wrist and Charlie hit his legs this time. 

“Five!” Nicky shouted. 

“You do seem to like that number, baby. Nice round number,” Thor noted. 

“I-it’s h-how many partners Charlie and I have now,” Nicky panted out. 

“Oh good boy…” Thor breathed and he flicked his wrist. 

“Owwww!” Nicky cried out and he thrust against Charlie’s leg. 

“Do you want to count this time baby? Was that one?” 

“O-okay D-Daddy…st-starting now?” 

“You want an extra one? Alright baby. Start from one…now.” 

Charlie spanked him hard and Nicky cried out thrusting against Charlie. 

“Daddy!” 

Charlie tightened his fingers in Nicky’s hair and bent his head back sharply. He let out a high pitched whine. “You have to count for your Daddy, Nicholas,” Charlie chided. 

“O-one,” Nicky whimpered. 

“Good boy,” Charlie and Thor said together. Nicky let out a long moan and Charlie released his hold on his hair. Nicky buried his face in his arms where they were resting crossed on the bed. 

Thor was feeling a little playful so he began to stroke his chin, eyes locked on Charlie who was clearly watching him. This time Thor only flicked two of his fingers, as if he was royalty who could barely dane to flick his entire wrist. 

Charlie smirked at him and spanked Nicholas hard. 

“T-two, oh g-god Daddy…n-need-” 

Thor flicked his fingers again and Charlie hit him again. Nicky bucked his hips violently against Charlie’s legs. “Three! Please! Daddy! N-need to cum-” 

“Oh baby, it is so far from time for you to cum. We’re only just getting started.” 

“Please! Please, please Daddy, I- I can cum again, I’ll-I’ll cum for you again I promise! I just really want to cum like this for you too,” Nicky whimpered, turning his head to look at the screen. 

Thor removed his hand from his chin and placed his hands behind his head just like Charlie had done the last time they’d fucked. “If you really think you can cum from just this baby, you can cum on five.” 

“C-can I have two more? I-I didn’t know I could-” 

Thor lifted one hand off the back of his head and flicked his wrist and Charlie spanked him. “F-f-four, Daddy, please-please,” Nicky begged while Charlie grinned devilishly at Thor, clearly understanding the reference in Thor’s current position. Thor’s blood was humming as he balanced flirting with Charlie while domming his baby. 

“Yes, baby two more. You’ll get seven in total and you cum on seven. Do you understand?” 

“God yes-” Nicky whined and Thor flicked his wrist. 

“D-Daddy…five…” Nicky whined and his head fell back down to the bed. He ground his hips against Charlie’s leg and Charlie soothed his hand over his ass. Thor couldn’t wait to get the panties off him to see how red his fair skin was turning. It wouldn’t be anywhere near like what it had been for Thor with the fabric of the panties and the much lower hit count, but it would still be beautiful. 

“M-miss you Daddy…” Nicky whispered. 

Thor flicked his wrist. 

“Six…” Nicky said in the same soft tone. He ground his hips languidly now and Thor gave him a few moments to rut around before making a different gesture to Charlie. He sat forward, removing his hands from behind his head. He spread his fingers out horizontally and moved them in a downward motion like he was pressing down on something. Charlie immediately obliged, sliding his hand down to Nicky’s back and pressing down on his shoulders so his back bowed and raised his ass higher in the air. 

“O-ooooh, Daddy,” Nicky murmured, eyes still closed and back arched beautifully. 

Thor flicked his hand a final time and Charlie hit him so hard the sound reverberated in their bedroom. 

“D-Daddy…” Nicky breathed and his hips spasmed and he let out a low moan as he came in his pretty black panties on Charlie’s leg. 

Charlie actually looked impressed as he soothed his hand over Nicky’s back. He gave Nicky almost no time to recover before he slid off his sticky panties. Thor groaned when he saw Nicky’s ass. It was mottled with pink and red handprints and it was so beautiful Thor leaned forward and took a screenshot. Nicky had given him permission and seeing as how Charlie was completely clothed, and Thor had government level encryption on his computer, he assumed it would be okay, but he’d run it by Charlie later. 

“My good, sweet boy…you came so beautifully…just from being spanked. But we’re not done yet are we? No…Charlie’s going to flip you over now.” 

Charlie grabbed Nicky by the shoulder and hip and turned him over, and then spun him around so he was reclining against Charlie’s chest. His movements were a little jerky, and suddenly Thor wondered if that had been too much to ask him to do, but the second Nicky settled against his chest he sighed happily and leaned back against the headboard. 

Nicky was panting and looked completely blissed out, his eyes closed and his chest heaving. 

“Can you really cum for me again, baby, or do you just want to be done now?” Thor asked.

“No! No Daddy, p-please don’t go-” Nicky called. He rubbed at his eyes and blinked a few times and then he smiled sweetly at the camera. 

“Okay little one…I need you to listen carefully, okay? I don’t want to ask Charlie to do too much for us, so what I want you to do is reach up and lock your hands behind Charlie’s neck- yes there you go. Just like that- grab your own wrist like how Loki restrained you…perfect. My perfect boy,” Thor crooned as Nicky followed the instructions precisely until he had manaccled his own hands behind Charlie’s neck. 

“And now…Charlie is going to play with your nipples, get you excited for me again,” Thor instructed. 

Charlie ghosted both of his hands over Nicky’s nipples and he whimpered, hips thrusting uselessly up into the air. His cock was a little wilted from his orgasm but it quickly began to fill again. 

Charlie did an interesting swirling movement with all five of his fingers on one of Nicky’s nipples and Nicky practically melted against his chest. Thor needed to try that one next time. 

“Does that feel good baby?” Thor prompted and Nicky moaned. 

“Yes Daddy…s-so good…want more-” Nicky whimpered, his head lulling to the side of Charlie’s chest. 

“You think you’re ready for more little one?” 

“Yes- please!” Nicky whined and then groaned as Charlie pinched his nipples, twisting just a little bit. 

“Okay…Charlie’s going to play with your balls for me…They look so delicious…can’t wait to get my mouth on them,” Thor growled, his own balls tightening as he watched Charlie gently cup his balls and stroke his fingers over them. 

“Oooh- ooooooohh,” Nicky whimpered trying to move both away and down into Charlie’s hand. “D-don’t…r-really do-do that a lot,” Nicky whimpered as Charlie continued to play with him. 

“Really? You seem quite sensitive,” Thor mused, finally reaching into his boxers and pulling himself out. He gently fondled his own balls and moaned, causing both men on screen to groan as well. 

“D-Daddy touching- y-yours too?” Nicky asked. 

“Yes baby…why. Do you want to touch them?” 

“Yes- w-want to get my mouth on you s-so bad Daddy,” Nicky whimpered. 

“Do you need something in your mouth right now, sweet boy?” Thor asked, switching to gently stroking just the head of his cock. God that felt almost too good, but he had to do something. His balls were pulling almost painfully tight and while he wasn’t ready for this to end, he was desperate for some stimulation. 

“Yes- Daddy…need your cock, please- so big…want it.” 

“Do you think you can take it all in, baby? Don’t want to choke you…too much…” 

“Oh god- Daddy, please- f-fuck Daddy, choke me, please,” Nicky rolled his head to the side as if knowing exactly what Charlie was going to do. Charlie immediately complied, lifting his hand off Nicky’s nipple to place three fingers in his mouth. Nicky moaned around them and his eyes rolled back in his head a little. 

“Good boy…oh god, I can almost feel your mouth on my cock. So tight and warm…your mouth and throat are so small, look how you can barely take Charlie’s fingers…I’m a lot bigger than that…” Thor crooned. 

Nicky nodded his head against Charlie’s fingers and Charlie pressed them in deeper and Nicky’s chest convulsed like he was gagging but he didn’t, he just tilted his head up and took his fingers in a little deeper. 

“Oh- fuck, baby…god you’re so sexy…want to touch your pretty cock, make you feel good too while you take me in so deep, just like that.” 

Charlie moved his hand from Nicky’s balls to his cock and began to stroke him, and Thor matched his own stroking hand to Charlie’s. Charlie groaned and Nicky made a similar noise around Charlie’s fingers. 

“So beautiful…spread your legs a little more for me baby,” Thor instructed, settling even lower against his headboard, stroking himself faster now. 

Nicky spread his legs obscenely wide and Charlie picked up his pace on Nicky, this time matching Thor’s pace. 

“You’re sucking so good baby…but I miss your pretty voice. Think I’ll have Charlie take a break, maybe use his wet fingers to fuck you,” Thor growled and Charlie pulled his fingers out and slid them down between Nicky’s legs. Nicky adjusted, sliding higher up on Charlie’s lap so he didn’t have to lean down too far or strain at all. This meant he had to readjust his arms, so he bent them at the elbows, to keep his hands locked behind Charlie’s upper back now. The position pulled his chest taut, and accentuated the smooth planes of his neck. 

“So beautiful…how does that feel baby- having a finger inside you while Charlie strokes you like that.” 

“W-want m-more Daddy…can t-take more, please,” Nicky begged. 

Thor nodded and Charlie slid in a second finger and crooked them, finding Nicky’s spot immediately. 

“Daddy!” Nicky screamed. 

“Oh you’re so good for me, baby…so pretty. I want you to fuck yourself on Charlie’s fingers. Next time, maybe I’ll have you fuck yourself on a toy while I watch.” 

“O-ooooh, please…want t-to be good for you…b-both of you,” Nicky whimpered as he started to thrust his hips up and down on Charlie’s fingers.  

“You are so good baby…god so good, are you getting close?” 

“Yes Daddy.” 

Thor watched for another minute as Nicky came apart on Charlie’s hands and Thor’s commands. “I want you to cum for me baby…cum for me again tonight, right on Charlie’s hands.”

“Daddy, w-want you to c-cum too- please!” Nicky whined and then shouted as Charlie gave a particularly hard thrust. His back arched higher and his hips moved desperately. 

“I-I’m close, my sweet boy. You go first,” Thor panted, his hand moving frantically over his cock. He cupped his balls and squeezed them lightly and he really was going to cum soon.

“Cum now baby,” Thor growled and Charlie slammed his hand into him and twisted his wrist on the head of Nicky’s cock. 

“Daddy!” Nicky screamed and he nearly arched his way right out of Charlie’s lap as he came hard across his stomach and all over Charlie’s hand. 

“Oh- god- baby…” Thor groaned and several strokes later he came all over his own hand and chest. 

Charlie groaned and Thor saw him bury his face in Nicky’s neck, kissing insistently at the skin there. 

“Ch-Charlie. D-do you need-” Nicky asked plaintively but Charlie cut him off with a kiss. 

“No, kitten, I’m perfect. Just love watching you like this…God Thor…you’re so incredible,” Charlie said, his head falling forward to rest on Nicky’s shoulder. Nicky smiled sleepily at the camera. 

“My good Daddy…” he breathed softly and Thor chuckled. He glanced at the clock on his laptop and saw it was past midnight. His heart skipped a beat. 

“Charles, it’s dinner time there right? Do you need someone to bring you food?” 

Charlie gave an almost imperceptible shrug and Thor had to suppress an annoyed groan. 

“I’m going to text Loki,” Thor said, a little of his annoyance bleeding into his voice as he shot Loki a quick text asking him to bring them food. 

Nicky laughed tremulously as he began to shake. Charlie picked his head up and grabbed a blanket, wrapping it around them before he put his head back on Nicky’s shoulder. 

“Are you feeling alright? Light headed or anything? Are you keeping your insulin, glucose pills, and juice in the bedroom like the doctor said, in case you need them?” Thor asked. 

He was one to talk, he was light headed from that amazing orgasm, but he needed to make sure Charlie was alright. 

Nicky laughed softly as Charlie was the one to groan in annoyance. “Daddy is such a Daddy he even takes care of Charlie,” Nicky snickered, running his fingers gently along Charlie’s arms, which had come to rest around Nicky’s waist. 

“I mean-...I’m just-” Thor started to say, feeling a little embarrassed, and like maybe he’d crossed a line. 

“Being your phenomenal self. Please, ignore Nicholas. He’s Daddy-dom high,” Charlie said, lifting his head up to smile softly at the camera. 

“I’m Thor high. I love playing with you as my Daddy, but…I also love watching you take care of Charlie too…” Nicky said softly, looking between the camera and up at Charlie. 

Thor smiled softly in return, eyes scanning back and forth between the two of them. Thor heard the door open on their end and Loki entered the screen, crawling onto the bed with a tray containing a glass of water, a glass of milk, a slice of pizza, two salads and what looked like meat loaf. 

“Sorry- this is kind of all we have on hand right now,” Loki apologized to the two sleepy, slightly fucked out looking men. 

“Thank you elskede,” Thor murmured and Loki jerked his head around to the screen. 

“Hi! I didn’t know you’d still be on video,” he said, shifting around to sit next to the two others so he could face the screen. He picked up a plate and began feeding forkfuls of the meatloaf to Charlie.

Thor had talked to Loki on video earlier that evening, but every opportunity he got to see his love made his heart dance. He wiped his messy hand on his boxers and situated himself back into them, sitting up so he could better see the screen. 

“Thank you, darling. I can take it from here,” Charlie hummed, grabbing the plate and fork from Loki. He very ungracefully scarfed down the rest of the meatloaf and then Loki handed him the salad which he tore into. 

Loki more tentatively held up the plate of pizza to Nicky who whined. “Feed me?” 

Loki rolled his eyes at Thor, but he pulled Nicky into his lap and began to feed him the pizza slice. Thor was overwhelmed with love for Loki and a warm trembling feeling he was beginning to harbor for both Nicky and Charlie. He wouldn’t quite call it love yet, but he suspected it was well on its way to becoming love. He and Steve’s relationship was moving slower, but they had facetimed multiple times in the past two weeks, reinforcing the friendship they’d been forming for the past several years. They also delved into a little sexy video chatting of their own. 

“We get to see you in just a few more days,” Loki called and Thor focused back on the camera. He hadn’t noticed he had begun to doze off, but Loki’s sweet voice called him back to semi-consciousness. 

“Yes, my love…I can’t wait…” 

“Me too,” Loki breathed. 

“Me three!” Nicky called. 

Charlie just grunted as he sipped at the glass of milk. 

“I miss you…all of you…so much…can’t wait…” Thor said as he began to drift again. 

“Go to sleep my love. We’ll talk tomorrow,” Loki said and Thor was barely able to nod before the screen went black and his eyes fell shut. 

********************************************************************************************************

Thor arrived at the vineyard early Friday morning and was greeted by an armful of Fandral and Hogun. Volstagg, Jeanpaul and Luis were all apparently still sleeping and Hogun’s girlfriend, Giulia, was busy setting up the courtyard for them to have a nice dinner once all of the guests arrived. Sif and Valkyrie were set to arrive mid-afternoon and the quint was arriving late-afternoon. 

Hogun gave Thor a quick tour of the vineyard. It was situated on a hill that looked over a swath of other vineyards and had a villa style house with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a gorgeous kitchen. He knew Charlie, Steve, and Loki would want to sink their teeth into the main house’s kitchen. He ran this idea by Giulia, who was thrilled at the idea of not having to do all of the cooking and baking for the long weekend. 

Next they toured the guest house, which had four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a smaller, more practical kitchen. Thor placed his belongings in one of the two rooms that would belong to the sextet. Giulia tried to apologize for the limited sleeping space, but Thor, somewhat abashedly, explained to her that it wouldn’t be a problem. Hogun merely snickered and led them out of the house.  

Between the house and the vineyard there was a beautiful courtyard, lined with trellises covered in grapes. In the center stood a small pool and an assortment of lounge chairs, fire pits, and tables. There was also a large dining table underneath a side section of trellises that Giulia was setting for dinner to seat all fourteen of them. 

Thor offered to help and he was quickly put to work. They spent the next several hours prepping the courtyard, pre-making snacks, food for dinner, and drinks. When Sif and Valkyrie arrived, Sif pulled him to one of the tables in the courtyard to do some paperwork for moving off of the France accounts. 

“Oh mon cheri, am I to assume this means we will no longer be seeing you?” Jeanpaul whined, as he flung his arm around Thor’s shoulders. 

“I guess we will just have to make do with your delicious friend,” Luis purred, leaning against Jeanpaul’s side as he ogled Fandral across the courtyard. 

“Yes, I think from now on if I am visiting France it will be with members of the uhm…sextet,” Thor said, stumbling over the strange word. He’d never said it out loud, hadn’t even really thought the word much, but he thought he should probably start using it because he was a part of it. Group chat and all. 

“Sextet being the five lovely men you sometimes cohabitate with?” Luis asked and Sif snorted. 

“You’re so polite Luis. Yes, the sextet is the four men he sleeps with and his ex fuck buddy who he is friends with.” 

“Excuse me!” Thor said a little indignantly. “Loki is the love of my life and…I’m starting to love the others as well…” 

Sif looked up from her paperwork. “Are you in relationships with all of them now?” 

“I-...yes…I think I am,” Thor said, feeling conviction rise in his chest as he thought of his soft and sexy night with Steve and his amazing day and numerous video chats with Charlie. 

“Ah- forgive me then. It makes more sense to me now why you flew them across an ocean to see you,” Sif said with a smirk. 

“I absolutely cannot wait to meet them!” Fandral hooted as he walked over and slung an arm around Luis, effectively putting both of their and Jeanpaul’s weight onto Thor’s shoulder. 

“Loki has been- get off of me- singing your praise Fandral, so I think they are excited to- GET OFF- meet you as well.” 

Thor was, rather unsuccessfully, trying to wrestle Jeanpaul off of him, but when he moved Jeanpaul, Luis fell onto his shoulder and then Fandral, until he ended up with all three of them sprawled across his shoulders and the back of the chair. 

“Are the other men as affectionate as your Loki?” Luis asked curiously. 

“I would argue some of them are even more affectionate,” Volstagg hummed as he walked behind them. 

“Oh my poor virgin eyes!” Hogun groaned from where he was flopped on a chair with Giulia sitting on his lap, elegantly smoking a cigarette. 

“Nothing is virgin about you, amore,” she joked, getting a laugh from the group. 

“They…are all affectionate in their own ways. But they are all American, so I think their affection is much more than we are used to in Norway.” 

“Ahhh but nothing compares to French and Italian love, eh Giulia?” Jeanpaul crooned, his French accent wrapping endearingly around her name. 

“You are correct, cato, and oh how I love hearing you speak. I could listen to that accent for days,” Giulia crooned, her own Italian accent making the endearment and other words bend and bow at her command. 

Thor finally managed to man handle his former lovers off of his back and he stood up, stepping away from Sif and the paperwork he had just completed. 

“I am sorry I did not inform you of my time commitments changing in France. I should have called,” Thor spoke softly, so only the three men standing around him could hear. They shook their heads affectionately and Luis squeezed his biceps. 

“No need for apologies, mon ami. We are just so happy for you. We would of course still love if you brought your lovers to visit us. I would love to show Loki the bakery and of course have the others to our cottage!” Jeanpaul crooned and Luis nodded enthusiastically. Thor agreed readily. 

He then turned to Fandral who grinned broadly at him. “Are we breaking up Thor?” 

“Well, I wouldn’t mind continuing to see you when we are both in Norway, but if you are otherwise,” Thor gestured at the two frenchmen in front of him, “engaged. I understand.” 

“You know there’s more than enough room in my heart and bed for all of you!” Fandral said happily. 

“Who knew Fandral was in such high demand,” Valkyrie purred as she sauntered by them, taking up Thor’s previous seat at the table with her wife. 

“Everyone!” Fandral huffed, indignantly. 

“Oh, Thor?” Giulia called and Thor excused himself to walk over to her and Hogun’s chair. “It appears as if your guests have arrived. They passed through the security gate and should be pulling up momentarily.” 

Thor's heart stuttered, as if he was feeling nervous before giving a company wide speech, or starting down a particularly challenging ski route. He tried to gather himself, but a moment later the door to the courtyard opened from the gravel front driveway. 

Nicky stepped through the door and his eyes absolutely lit up when he saw Thor. He could see Nicky mouth the word “Daddy” and then he was running across the courtyard. 

Thor managed to take five or six steps forward before Nicky launched himself into his arms. Thor caught him midair and spun him around. 

“Hi baby,” Thor breathed as Nicky slammed their mouths together. 

He wrapped one arm under Nicky’s legs and the other around his back. Nicky happily clung to his front as they kissed. He heard the soft chuckles of his friends behind him, but he couldn’t care less. Nicky’s mouth was soft and pliant, and Thor could have kissed him for hours. 

When they finally pulled back, Thor glanced back at the door just in time to see Loki walk through the gate. He didn’t even pause before running towards Thor and Nicky. Thor barely had time to shift Nicky onto his hip before Loki jumped on him as well. 

“Hi, elskede,” he breathed, and Loki buried his face in Thor’s hair. He was wearing it loose more often now, having come to some kind of drunk epiphany that all of his lovers and friends adored his hair and so he should let it down from time to time. 

“Hi! Oh, Thor- I missed you- oh god- I love you so much,” Loki whimpered into his neck. 

“It’s so good to see you, kjære,” Thor murmured. He didn’t have any free hands but he nudged Loki’s cheek with his nose until he lifted his face and then finally they were kissing too. 

He felt Nicky shifting in his arms and he nuzzled his face into Thor’s neck. “Missed you Daddy,” he whispered so softly Thor could barely hear it, but it still filled him with pride and pleasure. 

Loki pulled back with a huge smile on his kissed-pink lips and he gently pressed his finger’s against Thor’s cheek, turning his face back to Nicky. Thor happily kissed Nicky again and then gently dropped him back to the ground. He turned his attention back to Loki and gave him one more sweet kiss, then dropped him to the ground as well. They both pressed into his sides for another hug. 

Thor glanced around and saw they were receiving various loving, joyous and fake nauseous looks from his friends. The fake nauseous look was of course from Fandral, overly dramatic as always. 

“You know,” a very annoyed voice called from the entrance to the courtyard, “both Charlie and Steve are also excited to see Thor, and they helped bring our bags in.” 

Bucky appeared in the door hoisting two backpacks on his shoulders and holding two suitcases. 

Nicky laughed and skipped back over to him, helping him bring their things in the gate just as Charlie and Steve appeared. Charlie was also carrying two bags and two suitcases with him. Thor’s heart stuttered at the sight of his other two men. He hadn’t articulated it as such in his head until today, but they really were his as well. 

“It’s not my fault I have a bottomless well of passion that I simply must empty onto Thor,” Nicky said, bringing the back of his hand up to his head dramatically. 

“I’m sorry,” Charlie said, dropping his, and clearly Nicky’s, things to the ground. “Are you trying to say you have more passion for Thor than we do?” 

Even from across the courtyard Thor could see the way Nicky’s eyes glinted as he smirked up at Charlie. Oh no. 

“Ugh…” he heard Bucky groan, as Charlie and Steve glanced at each other meaningfully. They turned to look at Thor and Loki giggled at his side. 

“I’ll be right back,” Thor murmured to Loki and Loki squeezed his hand and then let go. 

Thor walked across the courtyard and Charlie stalked towards him like the wild predator animal he was. He looked strong and healthy, if not a little tired, and Thor’s blood pulsed faster as they approached each other. 

They met in the middle of the courtyard and their bodies collided roughly as Charlie grabbed him by the front of his shirt. Thor dug his fingers into Charlie’s back and neck and their mouth crashed and dragged in a very private way in this very not-private courtyard. Once again, Thor couldn’t find a care to give. 

He pulled back for a breath and noticed Steve had silently walked up to them. 

“I’m so sorry, Thor’s friends-“ Steve tried to call over Thor’s shoulder to their audience, but then both Charlie and Thor were dragging him forward. Thor captured his mouth in a kiss, a little softer than Charlie’s, as Charlie wrapped his arm around Steve’s waist. 

Thor pulled back and let his head fall against Steve’s forehead. “Hi handsome. I’m so glad you’re here.” 

Thor caught movement out of the corner of his eye and suddenly Bucky and Nicky were jumping onto Steve and Charlie’s backs and a moment later Loki jumped on his back. The six of them embraced each other and Thor couldn’t help but laugh. He was in Italy, surrounded by all of his closest friends, and the five people who were his entire world, his entire future. His laugh spurred the others and soon they were all laughing and trading soft kisses and gentle touches, reveling in being together in this beautiful place. 

“Wow, this entire time I thought Volstsgg was exaggerating when he said all of your partners are gorgeous and incredibly affectionate,” Fandral said as he walked up to their huddled mass. 

“Fandral!” Loki called and his feet didn’t even touch the ground as he launched himself at Fandral and ended up in a similar, monkey-backpack-style hug on Fandral’s back. 

“Fandral! It’s so good to see you again!” Bucky said as he slid off Steve’s back and gave Fandral a hug. 

“Ah the infamous Fandral. Great to finally meet you, doll,” Nicky said, similarly dropping off of Charlie’s back to hug Fandral from the other side. 

Fandral looked like he was completely at home having three attractive people hanging off of him and the others slowly filtered over to make their introductions. 

Bucky was happily welcomed by Hogun, Volstagg, and Sif. Nicky and Jeanpaul immediately hit it off, complimenting each other’s outfits and launching into a conversation about France. 

Thor turned his attention back to the men still in his arms. “Can I help take the bags in while you meet the others?” Thor asked. 

“I’ll help with the bags. Steve you go on,” Charlie said and Steve shot him a quick glance before squeezing Thor’s side and then walking over to wrap his arm around Bucky. 

Charlie looked up at Thor with an unreadable expression. Thor repositioned his arm around Charlie’s back so they could walk over to the luggage. 

They only made it a few meters before Thor felt the words he’d been storing up in his chest begin to flow out. 

“How was the flight? How are you? How are you feeling? Oh, Charles…” Thor said and he wheeled them to a stop and pulled Charlie back into his arms. 

Charlie made a startled noise and Thor couldn’t stop the rest from tumbling out. 

“It was so hard for me to be here, knowing you were sick. I…was so worried about you and…I cannot even explain how good it is to see you here. Looking quite well.” A flood of emotions washed over Thor and he buried his face in Charlie’s neck. 

Charlie chuckled softly. “Thor…it’s really alright. I’m glad you were able to get some business done here. And the flight was fine. Nicholas and Bucky were ecstatic about the bed cabin, so they spent most of the time in there with Loki, while Steve and I got some work done. I’m doing alright. Feeling…well honestly a little pent up with useless energy. Everyone is watching me like a hawk, controlling what I eat, how much I exercise, how much I fuck…” he said, knocking his head gently against Thor’s. “It’s…a lot. But I appreciate them all trying to look out for me I just…I feel a little infantilized is all.” 

Thor kissed his neck softly, and then on second thought he lapped out his tongue, licking his pulse point and then gently biting into his neck. Charlie let out a soft gasp and tightened his grip on the back of Thor’s shirt. “Thor-” he breathed. 

“I think there is absolutely nothing about you that is infantile…I plan to remind you of that while you are here. I’m going to take care of you in the best ways,” Thor murmured and Charlie groaned in his ear. 

“I’m going to hold you to that,” Charlie murmured and Thor lapped at the bite mark he’d left on Charlie’s neck. 

“Help me take the luggage up to the bedroom and we’ll see if I can make good on that promise right now,” Thor growled softly. 

In the end, Thor ended up taking four suitcases and four backpacks leaving Charlie to just carry his own bags upstairs. 

“This is ridiculous, Thor, you said I could help-” Charlie grumbled as Thor placed all of the stuff down on the floor next to his own bag in one of the bedrooms. Thor didn’t let him finish his sentence though. Instead, he stepped into his space and yanked the backpack and bag out of his hands so he could shove him up against the wall. 

“You can help me now,” Thor growled, and he began undoing Charlie’s belt. 

“Thor-” Charlie groaned but he reached for Thor’s linen pants and undid them, quickly pulling Thor out of his boxers. 

Thor managed to get Charlie pulled out of his pants and boxers, and then he moved in even closer to Charlie, so their hardening cocks pressed and rubbed. 

“Oh- fuck-” Charlie grit out as his head fell back against the wall. 

“Be very honest with me now and I promise I will give you what you need,” Thor said, already starting to stroke them together. 

“F-fuck Thor…what…” Charlie moaned. 

“Will you need to eat something right after this? Check your blood sugar? What do I need to know so I can not worry about it and fuck you now, and then take care of you after.” 

“I- oh god- I probably should eat something s-soon…uhm, only need t-to check blood sugar if…if I feel light headed or s-sick but…ughhh your hands!” 

It looked like Charlie was doing his best to not slide down the wall as Thor began to work them with both of his hands. 

“But?” Thor prompted, nipping at Charlie’s neck. He didn’t want Charlie to feel like a test specimen or like Thor’s patient. However, he needed to get this information from him, so he thought stroking it out of him might be the best plan. 

“But…the medicine I’m on seems to be really w-working…I- I’m feeling a lot better…promise,” Charlie said and he looked directly into Thor’s eyes. Thor saw only truth in his eyes and a deep needy lust. 

“Okay, skatt min…I’ll get you some food as soon as we’re done.” 

He pressed their mouths into a tight kiss as he began to stroke them together again. Charlie thrust his hips up to meet his strokes and soon Thor joined him and they were fucking up against each other, through the tight canals of Thor’s fingers. 

“G-gonna need…more than just this… this weekend- god, please- need you…” Charlie groaned, his head falling to Thor’s shoulder. 

“I’m here…going to take- ughhh…such good care of you…I need you too,” Thor panted out and he gave a particularly hard thrust and twisted his hand on their thick cock heads. 

Charlie collapsed back against the wall and canted his hips up. “Thor- oooooh- I’m so close-” 

“Gonna make you cum…you’re so sexy…and strong and- ohhhh Charles-” Thor groaned as he tilted his own hips up, taking over thrusting against Charlie’s cock as he stroked them both desperately. 

“Thor- I- ahhhhhh-” Charlie moaned, his eyes falling closed and his head tilting back. Thor leaned forward and bit into the meat of his shoulder.

“Oh- babe- fuck-“ Charlie moaned incoherently and with one final jerk he came in long jets across Thor’s hands. He captured some of it between his palms to stroke himself even faster. 

Charlie let out an actual whine as Thor continued to stroke his sensitive flesh and that noise did him in. Thor tipped over the edge and his hips spasmed and shook as he came all over his hands. 

They were both panting and Charlie was a little shaky, so Thor awkwardly pushed his shoulder into him to steady him against the wall. He simultaneously tried to maneuver his cock back into his boxers and pants while trying to avoid making too big of a mess. 

“Let me, Thor,” Charlie said, his voice tinged with laughter. “Bathroom was in the hall?” 

At Thor’s nod, Charlie disappeared into the hallway and returned a few moments later with a towel. Charlie cleaned off his own cock and tucked himself back into his pants and then cleaned off Thor’s hands and cock, tucking him gently back into his pants. It was incredibly sensual and Thor felt his cock give an intrigued pulse at the soft treatment. 

“Thank you, skatt,” Thor breathed and pulled Charlie in for a kiss. 

“Mmmmm…thank you,” Charlie hummed against his mouth. 

“So…I’m your babe…?” Thor asked with a smirk. 

“Yeah, I guess so,” Charlie said, smiling back. 

“Charlie? Thor?” a soft voice called and Thor would have recognized it anywhere. Across cellphone lines, country borders, and from only a few meters away. 

“In here, elskede,” he called back. 

Loki walked in, followed by Nicky, Bucky, and then Steve. “Wow it smells like sexy time in here. I can’t believe you used carrying luggage as an excuse. You know we would have happily sucked you both off and carried some of the luggage up,” Nicky whined looking between Thor and Charlie. 

Loki laughed and ducked into Thor’s arms. “I guess they’ll just have to make it up to us later, huh Nicky?” he asked in a teasing tone. 

“Do we…just have the one room? I’m not so sure this bed can hold six of us and sexy time for an entire weekend…” Steve asked, casting a dubious glance at the antique looking king sized bed in the room. 

“No, we have this room and the one we share a wall with next door. I thought this room would be preferable for our…activities, in case we get too loud, since it has the outdoor wall and shares with another one of our own rooms,” Thor commented. 

“Wow, pre-planning you and Charlie taking turns domming me?” Nicky purred, leaning into Thor’s chest. “Loki you should definitely watch, and- hell Steve you can dom me too and Bucky can watch with Loki. We don’t have to all be in the bed at the same time.” 

“It…would be nice for us all to be together tonight…” Steve commented softly and Thor beamed at him. 

“We can play with you later, love. How about tonight we just spend some quality time as a sextet?” Charlie asked, pulling Nicky against his chest. 

“Okayyyy. But you and Daddy promised!” Nicky said, looking up fondly at Charlie. 

“I know, baby. We will. But right now- I wanted to show Charlie the kitchen. Steve and Loki, happy to show you it as well. Giulia said you can have free reign of it if you wish to cook or bake anything.” Thor also needed to feed Charlie, but he didn’t want to baby him in front of the sextet. He could see him sagging against the wall a little though, so he wanted to get him down to the kitchen soon. 

“Oh! We came up to tell you Fandral wants us all to hang out in the pool, so we wanted to change,” Bucky said. 

“I’d love to see the kitchen actually…I don’t think I really want to swim today,” Loki said and Thor quickly checked his wrists. He was wearing the watch on one wrist and the bracelet on the other, but just because he was feeling masculine didn’t always mean he wanted to be shirtless around a bunch of other people. 

“Of course love. Steve?” Thor asked. 

“I think I’ll change into my bathing suit and meet you in the kitchen?” he asked. 

“I’m going to pass on swimming, but yes, let's head down to the kitchen,” Charlie said and Thor could hear a note of exhaustion in his voice. 

Thor gently threaded his arm around Charlie’s waist in case he needed any support on the stairs and Loki happily followed after, chatting about Italian desserts he had been researching. 

Thor quickly walked them through the guesthouse kitchen and when they arrived at the main kitchen Loki gasped and ran over to the oven. 

“What can I get you to eat, skatt?” Thor murmured softly. 

Charlie huffed but glanced around at the assortments of breads, hard cheeses, fruits and vegetables displayed around the room in bowls and platters. 

“Any…meat or protein, by chance? Is there an Italian version of charcuterie?” Charlie asked thoughtfully. 

“Antipasti is the closest we have. It is typically more cheese and vegetable forward, but we can keep you stocked on meats this weekend,” Giulia said, gliding past them and to the ornate refrigerator. 

“I’m sorry to impose. Thank you so much for welcoming us to your home,” Charlie said, trying to straighten up out of Thor’s arms, but Thor kept a tight hold on his waist. 

“Yes! Thank you so much again,” Loki said, turning to face Giulia. 

“The way you are looking at my oven, I assume you must be Thor’s ‘brilliant love’ the fornaio,” Giulia said affectionately as she worked quickly to assemble a meat and cheese tray. 

“Huh, I’ve heard that word before, does that mean baker?” Loki asked brightly and Thor couldn’t help the flutter he felt in his chest. His love, his boyfriend, the adorable baker. 

“It does indeed. You may recognize it, Loki, because it’s the name of a bakery a few blocks past Thor’s apartment back home,” Charlie murmured. 

Giulia looked up and raised an eyebrow. “Thor does not live with you?” 

Damn the Italian bluntness. Thor gazed slightly uncomfortably at Loki who looked back at him with an unreadable expression. 

Just then Steve walked down and gave a similarly warm greeting to Giulia. Thor helped Charlie take a seat and Giulia placed the food in front of him as she began to walk around the kitchen, showing off all of the food and features in the room. 

After she finished her explanation, she wandered out of the kitchen and Steve sat down with Charlie and began to nibble on some of the food. Loki walked over to Thor’s side, sliding his small hand into Thor’s big one. 

“Take a walk with me?” Loki asked softly and Thor practically gulped, the way cartoon characters would do on television. 

Thor led Loki out into the vineyard and they walked amongst the grapes in silence for several minutes. They reached a spot where the house was far up the hill and the next vineyard was still several kilometers away, farther down the hill and around the corner. 

“Thank you so much for bringing us all here, Thor,” Loki finally said and they stopped walking in the middle of one of the rows of grapes. The grapes were a deep purple and glistened in the setting sun. 

“Of course, elskede. I want to show you- and the sextet, the world. I want to bring you everywhere I’ve been and everywhere I still wish to go,” Thor said. 

Loki looked up at him with his big brown eyes and Thor couldn’t stop himself from leaning down to capture his mouth for a kiss. Loki pressed up on his tip toes and their lips brushed and glided. He loved the way Loki’s mouth, and really his entire body, molded around his. It was like he was enveloping Thor even though he was so much smaller than him. 

Loki ran his tongue over Thor’s bottom lip and Thor immediately opened his mouth, allowing Loki to slide his tongue along his teeth, over his own tongue, and deeper into his mouth. 

“Oh god- Thor…my love…I need you…I’ve missed you so much-“ Loki moaned into his mouth, hands fisting in his shirt. 

“I need you and missed you as well, Loki…should we- go back to the house?” 

“Can I…have you here?” Loki asked, falling back down to the balls of his feet and biting his lip.

“Anywhere. Anytime, my love. I am yours…” Thor admitted softly. 

Loki blinked at him and bit his lower lip, lines of tension forming around his eyes. Well, that was not how Thor thought he would respond to his soft sentiment. Loki’s eyes darted away for a moment and when he looked back up at Thor, he saw a hundred emotions playing out across his irises.  

“What about…everyday you’re in the US…living with me, in our apartment. Could I…have you there?” Loki asked hesitantly. 

Thor was about to say yes. He really didn’t even need to think about it, but before he could respond Loki pressed back up into him, silencing him with another passionate kiss. 

Thor pulled them both to the ground, settling Loki in his lap as they continued to kiss. Thor threaded his hands up the back of Loki’s shirt, stroking his tattoos and running his nails down his soft skin.

“Oh, Thor-“ Loki groaned, his head falling onto Thor’s shoulder. 

“Loki…I would love-“ Thor tried again. 

“You don’t…have to answer now… maybe we can talk about it all together tonight?” Loki suggested, his breath already beginning to come out faster as he began to grind against Thor’s hardening length. 

“Okay,” Thor breathed, letting out a groan as Loki bit into his shoulder. 

“What do you want to leave on?” Loki asked, already beginning to unbutton Thor’s light cotton button down shirt. 

“However you want me,” Thor said, bringing his hands around to Loki’s chest, blindly playing with his piercings. He thumbed over his left nipple, flicking the piercing and rubbing the nub. Then he moved to the right one and Loki let out a broken gasp. 

“Fuck- Nicky bit me there earlier,” Loki groaned. 

“Sorry-“ Thor went to extract his hand, but Loki caught his arm. 

“No…I love it…” Loki said and they made eye contact for a brief moment. The swirling lust and love Thor saw had him moving immediately. He yanked Loki’s shirt up and surged forward, lapping his tongue flat against his nipple, which was a little red and bruised. 

“Ahhhhh,” Loki moaned, arching his back into the touch. 

He raised his arms above his head and Thor quickly removed his shirt. He wrapped his big hands around Loki’s back and bent him backwards until he was nestled into the plush grass. 

Thor spent the next five minutes getting his fill of Loki’s nipples and the glorious noises he made when Thor teased and tortured them. 

“Thor!” Loki cried, wrapping his legs around Thor’s large back. “Please- god I need you…now.”

“I don’t have anything-“ 

“I do,” Loki said, reaching into his front jeans pocket to pull out two packets of lube. 

Thor raised his eyebrows at this but said nothing. He unbuttoned Loki’s pants and slid them and the silky fabric underneath down to his knees and then, with a nod from

Loki, all the way off. 

He tore open one of the packets with his teeth and poured lube all over his fingers. He wasted no time spreading Loki’s legs and working him up to two fingers. He slowed down then and worked his fingers purposefully slowly over Loki’s gland. 

“Oh- fuck,” Loki arched his back and brought his hands up to run through his own hair. 

“You’re so beautiful…” Thor murmured reverently as he continued to work Loki’s prostate.

“You’re- fucking incredible- oh god- how….how do you- do this….make me feel s-so safe…so good…” Loki arched again when Thor pressed down on his spot. 

“You’re mine,” Thor said as if it was as simple as that. And maybe it really was. 

“Oh- Thor…not- not gonna last- please, please- need you-“ 

“You’ll have me, love…after I make you cum just like this. Then I’ll make love to you here on this hillside.” 

“Oh- Thor!” Loki arched off the ground again and Thor bent down and took him in his mouth.

To Thor’s surprise, Loki curled up off the ground into a sitting position. He pulled up his legs, bent them at the knees and bent over Thor’s head, wrapping his arms around Thor’s broad shoulders. 

Thor worked a little faster, desperately needing to have Loki in his arms, riding him, and shouting his name amongst the grapes. 

He was struck by how much his life had changed in eight months. Eight months ago he had thought his life was over, or at least his love life. Now he was here, having toe curling sex with someone he knew, without a shadow of a doubt, was the love of his life. 

Loki came apart under his mouth and when he shouted, and pulled at Thor’s hair, Thor sucked him all the way into his throat so he could swallow down everything he had to give him. 

Thor pulled off Loki’s cock, but slowly worked a third finger inside him and stretched him out, avoiding his prostate. Loki made sensitive, whimpering noises, but he didn’t ask him to stop or slow down. Thor scissored all three fingers until Loki finally begged him for more. 

He sat back up and removed his own pants and boxers, pulling Loki into his lap. He ripped open another packet, but Loki pulled it from his hands and applied the lube himself. His soft fingers were torture to Thor’s aching cock. He must have known it too, because he looked up at Thor through his lashes, the picture of faux-innocence. 

Just when Thor was about to give up his current plan and tackle Loki onto the grass, he withdrew his hand. He took what was left on his fingers and slid them into himself.

Thor watched in rapt appreciation as Loki slicked himself up and made the most beautiful whimpering noises. Thor captured his mouth to try and catalog the sound in his heart. Loki’s lips shook against Thor’s, so he pressed their mouths together harder to steady him. 

Finally, when they were both practically dripping with lube, Thor slowly guided Loki down onto his cock. He could tell it was a stretch, but it also felt like releasing a held breath and Loki moaned in pleasure as he sank all the way down. 

“Oh fuck- my love…” Thor groaned, wrapping his arms around Loki’s waist. His head fell forward to rest against Loki’s shoulder for just a second so he could try and catch his breath.  

“Thor…I love you…so much…” Loki groaned as he shifted on Thor’s cock. 

“I love you-“ Thor tried to say, but Loki let out a broken noise and Thor froze, afraid he had hurt him somehow.  

“I can’t go another three weeks without you…I can’t…I need you. Please- please let me have you- I’ll…I”ll travel here more- I’ll- do anything…please,” Loki sobbed and it was like he reached inside Thor and ripped the next words out of his chest. 

“I will bring you on every trip to Norway if you want me to kjære …but I am moving off the France account. I’ll be in the U.S. 75% of the time moving forward. I’m going back to France one last time this week and then it’s official.” 

He had wanted to have a longer conversation about his decision and the implications of it this weekend, but it clearly needed to be said now. 

Loki’s eyes flew wide and he gasped and then groaned as Thor shifted his hips. 

“You- is it- is that okay?” Loki stuttered as his head fell forward around a long, quiet moan. 

Thor laughed, already feeling a little sex drunk, and he purposefully moved his hips again and Loki let out a beautiful gasp. 

“It’s more than okay. I do not really care for the work in the France office. I mostly took it over because I thought I would want to be in Europe more than in America…I no longer want that.” 

He began to thrust up into Loki and he moaned, unable to meet Thor’s thrusts as he seemed to still be processing the news. He clung to Thor’s shoulders for a few moments, nails digging into his back. Thor wanted to give him the time to process, but he was so tight and warm around his cock. 

“Move with me, love,” Thor whispered in his ear, and he traced a line from his jaw down to his collar bone with his mouth.

“Oh Thor- I…I’m so happy. I-…oh my god,” Loki said and he let out a wet laugh. 

Thor traced his mouth back up and caught some of the tears running down Loki’s cheeks. 

“As am I, elskede.” 

They moved together then, beautifully in sync as Thor worked them up to a fast tempo. Loki finally let loose, leaning back and bracing his hands on the lush Italian hillside. He worked his hips methodically and his chest undulated in a tantalizing rhythm that completely enthralled Thor. 

They would have so much more time together now. Although he probably should have anticipated his reaction, Thor was blown away by how happy the news had made Loki. 

“Thor…sweetheart…close…need you,” Loki panted, his slightly red rimmed eyes locking onto Thor’s. 

“You going to cum for me again, elskede? I’m- mmmmmm, not far behind you…” Thor grabbed Loki’s hips and urged him to move faster. Loki leaned forward and threaded his arms around Thor’s neck. He pressed forward so his leaking cock dragged along Thor’s stomach. 

“Oooooooh- need you to…to… touch me, please!” Loki begged and Thor slid his hand between them and started stroking Loki. It only took him a few strokes and he was groaning Thor’s name, crashing their lips together as he came across their chests and tightened around Thor’s cock. Thor returned his hand to his hip and thrust into him a few more times. 

“I love you,” Loki whispered in his ears and Thor groaned and came inside him, his hips stuttering up a few times before he collapsed backwards onto the grass. 

Loki let out a shaky laugh and carefully pulled off of him. 

Thor’s cock fell back against his stomach with a wet sounding splat and Loki let out a more substantial laugh as he splayed himself out across Thor’s stomach. 

“Such a pretty laugh,” Thor mused as he wrapped his arms around Loki’s back to steady him. 

They were silent for a few minutes and Thor realized how silent it was here amidst the grapes. The only real sound was Loki’s breathing evening out. 

“Is…is it really okay you’re not going to be working in France anymore?” Loki asked eventually. 

“Yes elskede, it is completely alright. When my father called three weeks ago to tell me I had to go to France, I decided right then something had to change. I worked with Sif on it for a few days and then proposed it to the team and we worked out all the details while I was-“ 

“But…Jeanpaul and Luis…“ Loki interrupted, his back tensing under Thor’s hands. 

“Have each other- and apparently Fandral. If I want to see them, I will visit them with you or other members of the sextet. As friends,” Thor said firmly. 

“I just…I don’t ever want to take anything away from you, Thor,” Loki murmured, pressing his lips to the underside of Thor’s jaw. 

“You are doing no such thing. I have decided that I want more time with you and the others, so I am shifting my schedule so that I can add that to my life,” Thor said firmly. 

“Okay…” Loki said somewhat hesitantly, but then he sat up and his face took on a more assured look. “Okay! This is amazing news! Have you told any of the others?” 

“I told Charles, only because he was there when I got the phone call from my father, and I made the decision at that moment. I have not told him it has been finalized though,” Thor said. He sat up as well so he could wrap his arms around Loki again. 

“Maybe…we can talk about that tonight too?” Loki asked a little timidly. 

“Of course kjære, if that is what you would like. I was planning on telling all of you this weekend anyways.” Just not in the middle of having sex, but that couldn’t be helped now. 

“I love you,” Loki murmured. 

He leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to Thor’s mouth. Thor threaded his hands into Loki’s hair and pulled him back in for a deeper kiss. 

“I love you, elskede,” he whispered against his lips. 

They kissed for a few more minutes until their sweat completely cooled and it was time for them to get dressed again. Thor did his best to distract Loki from the task by kissing him breathless after every item of clothing he put back on. Finally, Loki grabbed his shoes and scurried away, laughing as he ran back through the vines. 

Thor ran after him and when he caught him he grabbed him by the waist and swung him around. Loki shrieked with laughter and dropped his shoes, instead turning in Thor’s arms to kiss him sweetly on the cheek. Thor finally let him put his shoes back on and they walked, hand in hand, back up to the house. 

When they arrived in the courtyard it appeared that dinner was almost ready. Fandral, Hogun, Giulia, Nicky, and Steve were ferrying plates piled high with food out of the kitchen and to the table. Sif and Valkyrie were sitting at the table, and Charlie, Volstagg, and Bucky were pouring wine into glasses. 

Nicky let out a startled laugh when he saw them. “Loki, love, your shirt’s inside out.” 

Loki turned the color of the red wine Charlie was pouring and he turned and hid his face in Thor’s chest. 

Fandral and Hogun laughed affectionately and Valkyrie giggled through her hand. Loki turned his back on the group and quickly pulled off his shirt. 

“Oh wow, Loki…Those are gorgeous,” Hogun said, staring at his tattoos. Loki glanced over his shoulder and smiled sweetly. 

“Thank you…it’s taken quite a few years to get all of them and I have some ideas for a few more,” Loki said, pulling his shirt back on right side out. 

“Oh yeah? Like what?” Hogun asked and Loki followed him back into the kitchen to take up a discussion on tattoos. 

Nicky walked back past Thor and, on a whim, Thor reached out and caught him around the waist, pulling him off his feet and into a bear hug. His laugh was musical and fit right in amidst the gorgeous courtyard and setting sun. 

“Hi Daddy,” Nicky whispered quietly, so only Thor could hear. 

“Hi baby. It’s so good to see you.” 

“Mmmm, it's good to see you.” Nicky was slowly pressing himself flush against Thor from groin to neck and Thor felt his heart rate pick up again. 

He really couldn’t justify a third round of sex before dinner, especially when he was sure there was going to be more coming that night. He threaded his hands behind Nicky’s lower back and pressed him tightly against himself so there was no chance of him squirming or misbehaving. 

Nicky gave him a knowing smirk, but then his face softened. 

“Thank you for bringing us here, Daddy…I think Charlie really needed it…” Nicky's tone turned wistful and he pressed his face into Thor’s chest. 

“Sounds like maybe you needed it too baby…how are you doing with Charles’ news? Are you taking care of yourself as well?” Thor asked, rubbing comforting circles into his lower back. 

“You know, it’s funny. Charlie has always taken care of me. So even though I’m trying really hard to get him to take care of himself, he’s still trying to take care of me and everyone else. So. I’m fine. I just need Charlie to be fine too…” Nicky’s hands fisted in Thor’s shirt and he pressed himself impossibly tighter against Thor. 

“Well. I’m here now. So I’m going to make sure he’s fine and that you are taking care of yourself. How is Bucky doing? I imagine he has launched into full caretaker mode,” Thor asked with a slight smile. 

He knew Bucky well enough and long enough to know this would be the inevitable outcome of any member of the sextet getting sick. 

Nicky chuckled, relaxing his grip on Thor’s shirt. “Yeah, he did right after Charlie ended up in the emergency care clinic. But I think Steve has kind of taken over that role now. Maybe to shield Bucky or maybe just because he was always the one being taken care of and he finally has the chance to try and take care of someone he loves.” 

Thor would have to check in on Steve tonight as well. He and Loki had been checking in about how he was handling Charlie for the past two weeks every night on the phone, but he hadn’t wanted to bother the other members of the sextet. Thor was pulled from his thoughts when Nicky placed one of his small hands on his cheek. 

“Just make sure you don’t try and Daddy everyone, Thor. We want you to be our partners not our caretakers and…I mean I know that the others and I want to take care of you too…” Nicky trailed off at the end of his sentence and he looked away. 

Thor brought a hand to Nicky’s chin and tilted his head back up. “Thank you, baby. I will let you know if I need anything as we all work though this as a group.” 

“And…I mean I know we kind of started off with just doing Daddy-dom scenes, but… I’m always here to talk or support you in other ways too not- ya know…just amazing sex,” Nicky smirked, but there was no light behind the gesture. Instead he actually looked a little sad. 

Thor brought his other hand up to cup Nicky’s face between his palms. 

“Nicholas…you are so much more to me than just my baby sub. I enjoy all of our small moments together, cuddling on your couches, talking at dinners, texting when I’m away…I care very deeply for every part of you, and every aspect of our relationship.” 

Nicky’s eyes turned watery and he bit his lip, but didn’t say anything. 

“Is there something I can do to make sure you always know that to be the case? Would you like it if I took you on some more dates where we can just talk? Or I could take you on a trip?” 

“I-“ Nicky’s voice broke and he closed his eyes, causing a single tear to run down his cheek. 

“Oh Nicholas…” 

“No no, they’re happy tears! I would love that, Thor…I…I think it’s been really hard these past three weeks with Charlie and…I mean when he ended up in the clinic I did literally think ‘I need my Daddy’ but I also just wanted…you. To talk to you and hear your comforting voice and know that you care about Charlie and you care about me. I think maybe it’s been a little hard for me to know for sure that I can call you about things like that and not just to do a scene or something…” 

“Nicholas. I am first and always yours. Then I am also your Daddy. I can be both or either for you whenever you need me and however you need me.” 

“O-okay. I…thank you. I think I really needed to hear that. And- I mean I would love that. Dates and travel and whatever you have the time and capacity for, Thor. I just love spending time with you,” Nicky smiled up at him and Thor bent his head to press a soft kiss to his lips. 

Bucky walked up to them and placed a gentle hand on Nicky’s back. “I think we’re just about ready to sit down to dinner.” 

Thor released Nicky’s face and he turned and beamed at Bucky, placing a quick kiss on his cheek. “Thank you darling. I think I’m going to go find Charlie.” Nicky wandered off and Bucky and Thor walked over to the table. 

Most of Thor’s friends were already sitting on one side of the table while the other side seemed to have been left for the sextet. Nicky and Charlie were already seated and Steve sat down next to Charlie. Thor noticed the definite lines of stress and exhaustion around Steve’s eyes and the slight hunch in his shoulders. Thor really needed to find some time for him later.

Bucky sat down next to Steve and that left one spot between Bucky and Loki, who was chatting happily with Fandral, Jeanpaul, and Luis across the table. 

Thor took his seat and Loki stopped mid-sentence to glance up at him with so much love in his eyes Thor had to reach out and grab his hand under the table or he felt like he might burst with all the love and emotions swirling in his chest. They all settled in for dinner and the conversations flowed, the food was delicious, and the wine was even better. 

Slowly, as the group got more intoxicated, their seats began to shift around. Loki ended up sitting in Thor’s lap, Fandral threw his legs over Jeanpaul’s, Valkyrie climbed in Sif’s lap, and Nicky ended up in Charlie’s. Giulia kept their wine full and when she needed to go to the cellars to grab more, Loki and Volstagg jumped up to help. A few moments later Thor was only slightly surprised to find Nicky sliding into his lap. 

When Loki returned he seamlessly slid into Charlie’s lap and Volstagg sat in Loki’s old seat. They all fell into new formations to chat and the night continued like this, swapping seats and laps until Thor felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up into Bucky’s pretty brown eyes. 

“Bucky-“

“Can I hug you?” Bucky asked seemingly out of the blue. 

“Of- of course,” Thor said, unsure how that was going to work. He made to stand up but then Bucky slid between the table and the chair and plopped down in Thor’s lap. He wrapped his arms around Thor’s neck and pressed himself into Thor’s chest. Thor tried not to act as surprised as he felt, so he forced himself to wrap his arms around Bucky’s back.  

“Hi,” Bucky murmured into his shirt. 

“Hello my dear, dear friend. I have missed you,” Thor admitted honestly. 

“I missed you too. Didn’t quite know how to get in on the ‘throwing myself at you in the courtyard to say hi’ show earlier, so I kind of stayed back, but…I am just as happy to see you as everyone else is.” 

Thor thought about this for a moment and felt a tug in his chest. “I…think that I owe you an apology, my friend. I feel like…maybe I have neglected our friendship and not been spending enough time with you.” 

Bucky was silent for a moment and then he slowly nodded his head against Thor’s chest. “I think that’s just as much on me as it is you, but…I guess it does feel a little like you came back into my life, but as a member of my polyamorous relationship, not so much as just my old friend. And I think that’s okay! But…yes, maybe we should carve a little time out for us to just- I don’t know, hang out? We could go for walks maybe or…watch a tv series together?” 

Thor beamed down at him. “I love both of those ideas, my friend. Thank you for your patience with me. I promise I will reinvest in our friendship more.” 

Bucky looked up at him through his lashes and bit his lip a little shyly. Thor wasn’t quite sure what to make of that expression so he waited patiently for Bucky to speak again. 

“I have missed you so much, Thor. And…I also really like hugs and cuddling- uhm…just so you know…”

Thor’s eyebrows shot up and he nodded, but Bucky wasn’t looking at him. 

“Like…this?” Thor clarified, tightening his arms around Bucky’s waist. Bucky tipped his head to rest against Thor’s shoulder and nodded. 

“I also like both of those things. I think that I was not sure what type of friendship you were looking for with me in the sextet, but…I think maybe I feel a little more certain now. Good friends- best friends, who hang out, prioritize making time for each other and- uhm, snuggle?” Thor asked gently. 

Bucky tilted his head so he could look up at his face. “That pretty much sums it up, yeah. I’m so excited to have you in our family, Thor. It makes me so unbelievably happy seeing you with everyone else and…I guess I’d just like to spend some more time with you too- when you have free moments though. Please continue to explore and expand your relationships with the others, I just…” 

Thor nodded aggressively. “I would never want our friendship to suffer because of it though. I am completely with you now Bucky. Thank you so much for saying something. You can always tell me what you need from me.” 

Bucky got a strange look on his face, somewhere between a smirk and surprise. “Wow….I guess I can see what Nicky sees in you as a Daddy,” he whispered.  

Thor flushed bright red and Bucky let out a happy laugh. “Sorry…I think I’m pretty drunk…probably the only reason I felt ready to come sit in your lap and say all this,” Bucky admitted, laughing happily. 

“Well…I hope you no longer require alcohol to admit such things to me,” Thor said. 

“Eh- as Steve always says, a little social lubricant goes a long way.” 

Thor blushed even harder and Bucky just grinned up at him. A few moments later they were pulled into a conversation with Valkyrie and Hogun and they chatted for another hour or so.  

Eventually Giulia came over and draped herself over Hogun’s shoulders. He looked a little surprised, but very pleased by this, and she announced she was heading to bed. The group helped bring everything into the kitchen and Steve and Thor volunteered to do dishes. 

Everyone else filed away to their bedrooms and the other four members of the quint all hugged and kissed them and told them to hurry to bed. 

After the last person left the room Thor turned to Steve to ask whether he’d prefer to wash or dry and was utterly surprised when Steve surged forward and pressed him back against the counter. 

“God I missed you,” Steve growled as he stole a rough kiss from Thor’s lips. 

“I missed you too, handsome,” Thor said, wrapping his arms around Steve’s back to pull him even tighter against his chest. 

He loved how hard Steve’s body was. The way their sharp angles and hard muscles pressed and rubbed against each other. This was different than their last time together, where Steve had been soft and sweet with him. This felt more like how Steve had taken charge in the limo and climbed into Thor’s lap. 

“It’s been a…pretty crappy couple of weeks…” Steve admitted, nipping at Thor’s neck, and grinding his hips into Thor’s. God his partners were going to do him in. 

“I know…I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you all…”

“I’m sorry we kept you out of the loop. That was unacceptable and we won’t do that ever again,” Steve said, stopping his grinding and nipping to pull back and stare intently into Thor’s eyes. 

“Thank you, and it is alright. You had a lot going on. I understand not wanting to try to keep me up to date across an ocean while you all were in crisis mode. I promise, I’m going to be around more from now on,” Thor said. 

He wanted more of that delicious friction from moments earlier so he slid his hands down to Steve’s hips and encouraged him to take up his previous tempo. 

Steve groaned and bit sharply into Thor’s shoulder, through his thin shirt. “I want you to fuck me so badly right now…but I know you wanted to play with Nicholas tonight-” 

“No. Nicholas did want to play, but I think we should spend time together as a group. However…” Thor murmured, spinning them around so he could press Steve forward against the counter. “I wouldn’t mind having a little fun with you right now. I’m not going to fuck you over the counter for our first time together though.” 

Thor reached around and began stroking Steve through his pants. Steve let out a soft moan and his head tipped forward. Thor gently bit down on the tender point where his neck met his impressive shoulder. Steve’s entire body quivered in his arms and he began to rock his hips up into Thor’s hand. 

“Is this alright?” Thor asked as he reached for the button on Steve’s pants. 

“God- yes…please,” Steve breathed heavily and Thor brought his other hand around to unbutton and unzip his pants. He took Steve’s heavy member in his hand and began to stroke him more purposefully now. 

“Oh- Thor…oh you feel so good…pressed up against me like this…make me feel so…so…” 

“Safe?” Thor offered, using Loki’s word from earlier. 

“Yes but also so…present. It’s like I can just let go of my worries when I’m with you. And god I- ughhhhh…I just have so many worries- mmmm, ooh…Thor-” Steve’s voice cut off in a whine as Thor played with the soft skin right below his plump cock head. 

“I’m glad, Steve…I don’t want you to worry too much about anything. I’m here to shoulder some of that worry…carry a little of that weight,” Thor whispered against his ear and Steve shivered. 

“Would be…nice…ooooooh, oh god Thor- that! Please do- do that again-” Steve was bracing his hands on the counter as Thor stroked his thumb over the tip of Steve’s leaking cock. He collected as much of the pre-cum as he could and then he twisted his hand down his length. He brought his hand back up every few strokes to tease his tip and Steve’s head fell down between his arms. 

“Come here- want to feel you,” Thor growled, grabbing him by the waist and pulling him back up against Thor’s body, back to front. Steve squirmed against his chest as he continued to moan and whimper. 

“Thor- I…I’m close. D-don’t want to- ooooh, make a mess- Thor!” Steve jerked away and Thor did the only thing he could think to do. He turned Steve around, pressed him back against the counter and dropped to his knees. He took Steve in his mouth and with just a few well placed sucks, licks, and a single stroke of his hand Steve was cuming down his throat. 

“Oh…my…god…Thor…” Steve panted. His knees wobbled and he slowly sank down to the kitchen floor. 

Thor smiled at him innocently and Steve pulled him into a rough, very not innocent kiss. When they broke away for air, Steve hummed thoughtfully. “Would you like me to-” 

“No, thank you handsome. I’m good for now, just needed to get my hands and- well…mouth on you.” 

“You said you’re going to be around more often…?” Steve asked hesitantly, reaching down to wrestle himself back into his boxers and jeans. 

“Yes, that’s something I am hoping to discuss with the group tonight,” Thor said, reaching out to brush the backs of his fingers down Steve’s flushed cheek. 

“Oh- okay well…then we should probably get these dishes done, huh?” Steve asked, his blush darkening. 

Thor smiled happily back at him and pushed himself up off the ground. He offered Steve a hand and he accepted gratefully. They made relatively quick work of the dishes, only stealing a few kisses here and there, and then they made their way to the back bedroom in the guest house. 

When they walked in, Thor immediately got an armful of Nicky, and Steve with Bucky. 

“Hi baby. What have you all been up to?” Thor asked, accepting a rough kiss from Nicky. 

“Missing you. Are you going to fuck me now, Daddy? Please?” Nicky whined and Thor kissed his forehead and stroked a hand down his thin back. 

“Not right now, baby. I want to talk with everyone first, if that’s alright?” Thor looked around the group and saw Steve, Charlie, and Loki looking back at him expectantly, while Bucky and Nicky looked intrigued, but a little wary.  Thor shooed Nicky back to the bed and he went willingly, climbing into Charlie’s waiting arms. 

“I’m pretty sure it’s a good thing, love,” Charlie murmured into Nicky’s ear, just loud enough for everyone to hear. 

Charlie and Nicky were now curled up together on one side of the bed while Steve and Bucky took up a spot on the other side. Loki had been sitting in the middle between them, but he quickly scurried off the bed and helped Thor move the two lounge chairs in the room over towards the bed. Thor sat down in one and Loki took the other and reached out to take Thor’s hand in his.

“It is! I mean…I’m pretty sure it is. I’ve had separate conversations now with many of you about different parts of this and I finally just wanted to speak with everyone all at once about it,” Thor paused and looked around the room, making eye contact with each person one at a time. 

“The past three weeks have been incredibly hard on all of us, in varying ways. For myself, it was terribly difficult to be so far away from all of you for so long. Because of that, and because of how much I’ve come to love- and care for all of you, I have decided to remove myself from my company’s French accounts and instead transition to being 75% in the U.S.” Thor said. 

Nicky let out an audible gasp and he reached out for Thor. Thor reached his hand out and they were just barely able to brush their fingers. Charlie released his grip on Nicky and he crawled forward until Thor was able to pull him into his lap and hold him. 

“Oh my god…Daddy, that’s amazing,” Nicky murmured, locking his fingers into Thor’s shirt. Thor glanced around the room and saw Loki and Charlie smiling and Steve and Bucky looking incredibly pleased. 

“And…what about when you’re in the US?” Loki asked quietly. 

Thor looked at Charlie who smiled widely at him. “Charles?” Thor prompted. 

Charlie went on to explain to the group his idea about the townhouse, or rather re-explain to the group. He finally told them the price and Steve and Bucky looked nauseous while Loki just looked a bit uncomfortable. 

“So…I think I would like to officially ask…would all of you want me to move in there with you?” Thor asked, eyes skimming between Bucky and Loki. 

“Of course Thor! You complete us. We can’t be a sexy sext without you,” Bucky said cheekily. 

“Please,” Loki whispered, and Nicky reached out his hand to take Loki’s. He didn’t say anything more until Thor reached out and touched his arm. “Please…move into this townhouse with us. I mean- I’d say even move in with us sooner I just…don’t know if there’s space.” 

“I think I will maintain my apartment until we move into the townhouse, mostly just to hold all of my things, but… I think I may be doing a lot more sleepovers at your place?” Thor glanced back at Charlie who nodded succinctly. He took a deep breath and dove into the final part of the conversation they needed to have together. 

“So I have been speaking with Charles for several weeks now and…I would like to help buy the townhouse. Charles and I are planning on buying it in cash.” 

Steve turned a strange shade of green and Bucky actually started laughing. “Oh you’re going to have to arrange something with Steve. There is no way he’s going to be okay living in a house you bought for us. I would also like to contribute in some way,” Bucky said to the room. 

Thor looked to Charlie who slowly nodded his head. “If that is what you would like to do, I’m sure we can discuss percentages and such,” Charlie said amennably. “But for Thor’s sake, right now, this is what we all want?” 

“Yes!” Loki said emphatically and Thor felt a small bit of doubt he hadn’t known had still been living behind his ribs disappear. The rest of the group agreed and Charlie tried to start talking logistics with them, but it quickly disintegrated into kissing, touching and then clothes were being ripped off and strewn around the room. 

Thor ended up fucking Nicky bent over the bed while Bucky and Loki were fucked by Steve and Charlie. Bucky, Loki, and Nicky stroked and kissed each other until the six of them were a panting, moaning mess. They collapsed onto and around each other, the room heavy and humid with sweat and sex. While they had been worried about the structure of the bed, in the end it held up well to all six of them curling up together and falling asleep. 

Chapter Text

The next day progressed in a similar manner and tone as their first day at the vineyard. Loki woke up feeling pretty gender neutral, so they spent the day flitting between the other men, receiving their love and adoration, but not too much more than that. Nicky and Bucky spent a while playing in the pool with Fandral, Hogun, Volstagg, and Thor. Charlie lazed around, drinking very small glasses of wine and enjoying no longer being the center of attention and Steve disappeared into the vines for several hours to sketch. 

They turned the dinner leftovers into sandwiches for lunch and Thor took Nicky and Bucky on a walk into town. Nicky bought some bottles of really nice olive oil for Charlie and Steve to cook with, and Bucky and Thor laughed and joked around as they picked out local produce for their dinner. Nicky was so glad they seemed to be reconnecting as friends, but he was also itchy with the need to be alone with Thor and Charlie. Ever since their video call, it was like he had a low level fever of need burning through him. 

When they got back to the vineyard, Loki was curled up asleep in Charlie’s arms while he read a book, and Nicky didn’t want to be an asshole and interrupt. So instead, he prowled around until he found Steve, and he cheekily pulled him into their bedroom for a quick blow job. Steve made some comment about being the luckiest guy in the world for how much head he was getting that weekend and Nicky laughed. 

He was tempted to go for a swim again, but then Jeanpaul, Luis, and Valkyrie pulled him into a chess tournament and he couldn’t say no to that. By the time dinner rolled around, Nicky was about ready to just shuck off his clothes in the middle of the kitchen as he watched Thor, Steve, and Charlie cook together. The way they touched each other was so familiar and sweet it made Nicky’s teeth ache and his heart stutter. 

Nicky needed someone to touch him like that, right now, and when Bucky came in to offer his assistance, he took one look at Nicky and pulled him out of the kitchen. They made out like teenagers in the hallway until Nicky practically dragged him back upstairs to their bedroom. 

Bucky was all too happy to comply, and he pulled the armchair in front of the window so he could bend Nicky over it and they could both look out over the vineyard while they fucked. 

Afterwards, Nicky took a speedy shower and decided to wander through the vines. To his surprise, Sif joined him and they walked in silence for a while until Sif reached out a hand and grabbed him by the wrist. They stopped and she gazed intently at him. “Do you love him?” she finally asked. 

Nicky hadn’t been expecting the question so he answered honestly. 

“…yes,” he said, surprising even himself with the intensity of that one word. 

“Good. Because I think Thor falling in love with Loki was a miracle, but I’m not sure how he’s going to handle falling in love with three other men. I wasn’t sure if that was the same case for you as well. That the more lovers you have, the harder it is to fall in love with someone new.” 

Nicky blinked at her for a moment and then he slowly shook his head. “No…it’s…almost the opposite actually. Like…falling in love is a muscle, and the more you use it, the easier it feels every time. I’m not sure if that’s how it is for everyone else in the- uh, group but…That’s how it is for me. And I understand only a little bit of what Thor has gone through but I promise…I’m not going to rush him into saying or feeling something he’s not ready for.” 

Sif nodded thoughtfully at that and they continued walking in silence. Nicky tried not to dwell on his admission. He didn’t know Sif incredibly well, but he was relatively sure she would never tell Thor about this conversation. 

“I think for Thor…he thought love was going to look and feel a particular way. Then when things fell apart with Leif it made him question love entirely, as if love itself were to blame. As if…he was never going to be able to find it again. I think Loki changed that for him, but I just wanted to know if you thought that was possible for him with the rest of you.” 

Nicky let out a startled laugh. “You’re asking me if I think Thor could love me? I mean, fuck- I hope so right? Cause apparently I already love him.” Nicky still couldn’t believe how readily the answer had come to him. 

Sif smiled at him and there was something slightly mischievous in her eyes, like maybe she had actually wanted Nicky to answer the question for himself and not for her. 

They continued walking and Sif changed the subject to places Nicky had traveled to and places he wanted to go. She made thoughtful noises at some of the international locations and noted the ones that Thor had been to and made a special note that both Thor and Nicky had both apparently always wanted to go to Iceland. 

As they walked back into the courtyard, it was like the stars all aligned, because Thor and Charlie were talking to each other quietly by the pool. Nicky walked right up to them and grabbed onto both of their shirts. 

Charlie chuckled quietly. “Hi love. I’ve been watching you prowl around all day. How many of our partners have you dragged into the bedroom to play with?” 

“Two. And those two could have been both of you, but you’ve been busy!” Nicky growled and Thor laughed this time. 

He wrapped his arm around Nicky’s waist and nuzzled his nose into Nicky’s hair. Charlie raised his eyebrows expectantly, and Nicky was momentarily confused by the gesture, until he turned his head and saw Loki approaching. 

“Hi! Giulia set up the projector so we can all watch a movie on the grassy hill over there. I set up a big blanket for us if you guys want to cuddle- oh…are you…busy?” Loki stumbled over their words and bit their lip, looking between the three of them. 

Fuck, Nicky wanted to be busy. He wanted so badly to be busy, but the way Loki’s face had fallen made Nicky’s chest ache. 

“Uhm, we…” Nicky glanced up at the two larger men, but they both were clearly looking to him to make the call. “We…would love to cuddle with you, sweetheart.” 

The smile that lit up Loki’s face was worth Nicky’s poor blue balls. Nicky released his hold on Thor and Charlie and opened his arms to Loki. They raced forward and into Nicky’s arms. Yes, it was definitely worth it, but Nicky was going to get fucked into the mattress by Charlie and Thor soon or he was going to throw a true bratty-baby worthy fit. 

Unfortunately, he ended up getting incredibly drunk, sipping wine in Charlie’s arms, holding Loki’s hand as they dozed on and off in Thor’s arms. 

“That was so sweet of you, my love. You made Loki’s day,” Charlie whispered to him and he drunkenly nuzzled into his chest. 

“I love Loki…” Nicky whispered sleepily. Thor and Charlie took turns stroking his hair and his back until he too nodded off. 

Nicky woke up in Thor’s arms as he carried him up the hill and back to the courtyard. 

“Hi baby- you and Loki fell asleep. It’s almost dinner time, so I thought I’d bring you both up here and let you wake up to the smell of good food.” 

Nicky very nearly told him he loved him right then. He took a breath to clear his mind and hopefully still his tongue. “Thank you Daddy…you’re so good to me…I-” god damnit he almost said it anyways. Nicky buried his face in Thor’s neck instead. 

“Sorry we didn’t play today, little one. Maybe tomorrow before you all fly home?” Thor offered as they reached the courtyard. 

Loki was actually sitting in Fandral’s lap and they were talking quietly, as Hogun and Volstagg bustled around them with plates filled with meats and veggies. Bucky and Steve were helping the three women pour wine. Nicky turned back to pout up at Thor.  

“Not tonight, Daddy?” Nicky whined and Thor smiled indulgently at him. 

“I think we wanted to spend more time as the six of us tonight, baby. I promise…Charlie and I will fuck you. I’m very much looking forward to it,” Thor whispered. 

He bent his head and kissed Nicky sweetly on the lips and, once again, Nicky thought that it would all be worth it. 

They had another great dinner and Nicky refused to leave Thor’s lap the entire time until Steve walked over and hefted him up into his arms and, to Nicky’s immense pleasure, demanded some attention from him. He spent the rest of the meal and the after-dinner-drinks snuggling into Steve’s chest and when they were done, Steve carried him to bed and they all fell asleep wrapped around each other. 

The next morning, Loki woke up the entire group demanding sex, and Nicky was surprised when he found himself fucking Loki, while Bucky fucked him. Thor, Charlie and Steve ended up in a similar configuration and Nicky had to admit, watching Thor fuck Charlie was top ten sexual viewings of his entire life. 

Afterwards, Thor, Loki, and Bucky ran down to the kitchen and brought them all, but mostly Charlie, breakfast meats, cheeses, breads, and coffees. 

They spent most of the morning lazing around in bed, but finally Thor sheepishly asked if they could go down and spend the remainder of the morning and afternoon with his friends. They all enthusiastically agreed and after quick showers they filtered out to the courtyard. Nicky was hanging out with Valkyrie and Jeanpaul when he saw Loki sheepishly approach Thor across the courtyard. His attention shifted to them for a moment, and he saw Loki tell Thor something and Thor nodded encouragingly. Loki looked uncomfortable, almost bashful, but finally he nodded and walked over to Charlie to talk to him. He watched Loki make the rounds, pulling Bucky aside, then Steve, and finally he approached Nicky. 

By now, Nicky’s stomach was in knots, and when Loki reached him he immediately pulled him down into his lap. 

“What’s up, darling? I just watched you uncomfortably talk to all the guys. Is…everything okay?” Nicky asked. 

“For the most part, yes. Except that I finally checked my work email and apparently Friday morning our entire company was notified we’re being asked to go to an in-person meeting on Monday.” 

Nicky’s eyebrows shot up. Loki had been working fully remotely for the entire pandemic and his office was some five hundred miles away from their home. 

“So…I told Thor and he said his plane will drop him in France this afternoon, then all of you guys back at home, and then it will take me to my meeting. I feel really bad using his plane, but I don’t think I’d be able to get such last minute tickets-” 

“Oh, my love…you scared me,” Nicky said laughing as the tension in his body released. “You just feel bad about using the plane?” 

“Oh, well- I mean that, and I will probably need to quarantine afterwards and then try and find a test which can take days. So, I probably won’t be able to see all of you the rest of the week, maybe even into next week,” Loki pouted. 

“Can’t you just take a covid test on the plane, like Thor does?” Nicky asked and Loki brightened considerably. 

“You’re right…I didn’t even think about that. They’re still so hard to get in the U.S. but they’re pretty abundant here…maybe we can swing into the closest city and grab some!” Loki said, his mood significantly cheerier than before. 

Nicky took his hand and they ran off to ask Thor. He informed them they actually had a stock of them on the plane, Loki could just take one before disembarking the plane. The cabin had been sealed for COVID, so he wouldn’t be exposing the pilot, that’s why they kept a pack of them on the plane at all times. 

Loki’s mood lifted significantly and they were able to enjoy the remainder of their afternoon with all of Thor’s friends until they had to leave for the airport. 

The flight to France was pretty fast, and they all gave Thor huge hugs and kisses goodbye. Thor would be returning to the U.S. the following weekend with Sif and Volstagg, but Nicky knew he was going to miss him even just for those several days. 

The flight home was long, but Nicky and Loki curled up in the bed together, slowly joined by the other three men as the evening bled into night. When they arrived home, they all bid sleepy goodbyes to Loki and retrieved their cars from the small airport parking lot. 

When they got home, Nicky immediately collapsed into bed and fell into a jet lagged stupor and slept for almost sixteen hours. When he awoke, he learned that Loki had landed safely and begun his day of in person meetings and Thor’s final tour de force in France was going well. 

Charlie looked particularly dejected to be back home and he must have forgotten to take his medicine or eat enough food the day before, because he looked a little gray all day long. Steve finally made him test his blood sugar before dinner. He was pretty low, so Bucky ran out to pick up takeout for them and they gathered on the couch to all pretend to watch a movie while they really watched Charlie eat. 

He slumped off to bed earlier than the rest of them and Nicky followed him, finding him brushing his teeth sadly in the bathroom. Nicky didn’t even know it was possible to brush teeth sadly, but Charlie sure was doing it. 

“Do you want to talk about it…?” Nicky asked cautiously from the doorway. 

Charlie looked in the mirror and made eye contact with Nicky. He spit into the sink and quickly rinsed out his mouth. He looked back into the mirror and spoke to Nicky’s reflection. 

“There’s not much to talk about. It was just nice in Italy…with Thor. He doesn’t hover or worry like…like you all do. Truly, I think it might be because he doesn't love me the way you do, but…it was just nice and now we’re here and…I’m just feeling overwhelmed and like a burden again.” 

Nicky harrumphed at this. “Charlie. You just planned an entire trip for us and you are literally buying a house for us. You are so far from a burden it’s not even funny- all of which is besides the fact that we all love you to absolute fucking pieces.”

Charlie shook his head and leaned over the sink. Nicky tentatively stepped up behind him and placed a hand on his back. 

“I’m sorry that our love-…that my love is making you feel bad…” Nicky said quietly. 

Charlie turned around and cupped his hands around Nicky’s face. “Your love is never anything but an absolute blessing for me, Nicholas. Please do not ever think that. It’s just … I have spent our entire relationship, and pretty much all of my relationships with everyone else in the quint trying to take care of everyone. Having you all have to take care of me just feels…wrong. It feels like I’m failing you.” 

“Charlie…” Nicky breathed and Charlie bent down to brush their lips together. 

“How can I make you feel loved but not…wrong?” Nicky asked. 

“I don’t know, kitten…maybe let me keep taking care of you even while you’re looking out for me?” Charlie said, brushing his lips over Nicky’s again. Nicky’s instincts kicked in and he acted on impulse.  

“Take care of me like…” Nicky drawled, slowly lowering to his knees. 

“On the carpet, kitten…don’t want you to hurt your knees,” Charlie murmured, catching Nicky’s jaw with his hand. He brushed his thumb over Nicky’s bottom lip and Nicky smiled up at him. 

They walked into the bedroom and Nicky fell to his knees in front of Charlie. He made quick work of Charlie’s pants and then of getting him in his mouth.

“Nicholas, my love…” Charlie breathed and Nicky swallowed him down, breathing sharply

through his nose. He would take care of Charlie and Charlie would take care of him. It was as simple as that. 

“That’s it’s love…just like that…oh- yes…” Charlie moaned and Nicky groaned around his cock. 

“So pretty…so sweet- oh Nicholas…” Charlie groaned and threaded his fingers into Nicky’s hair. Nicky closed his eyes and let himself get lost in the feel, the smell, and the taste of his love. Charlie continued to murmur sweet praise for him and when he got close, he tightened his fist in Nicky’s hair and Nicky swallowed hard pressing his tongue along the underside of his cock until he was cumming in sharp thrusts down Nicky’s throat. 

Charlie fell to his knees in front of Nicky and he let himself collapse into Charlie’s arms. 

“You know…you haven’t done that since I got sick…” Charlie whispered. Nicky squinted in concentration and realized he was right.

“Fuck- Charlie I’m sorry-“ 

“It’s okay. I could have asked. I just…” Charlie trailed off. 

“Already felt like a burden…no I get it. I’m so sorry Charlie…you’re completely right. I promise I’ll do better from now on. Please don’t…don’t stop taking care of me…” 

“Never,” Charlie breathed and he kissed Nicky roughly, swiping his tongue through his mouth, collecting the taste of their love. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Loki called them two nights later to share that his meeting had gone well, he’d quarantined for two days, and he was planning on coming home the following night. Charlie and Nicky agreed to pick him up at the airport, so long as his test in the plane came back negative. 

Steve, Charlie, and Bucky worked a full day on Wednesday and Nicky spent most of his time texting Thor and Loki, but he got a little of his own work done as well. He felt like he was just biding his time until Loki was back and then until Thor was back with them. He wanted desperately for them to all be back together again in their own home, no pressures or distractions. 

Nicky began to pace, the closer it got to pick up time, and when Charlie finally emerged from their bedroom, Nicky dragged him to the car by his sleeve. 

They drove to the airport in relative silence. Nicky was buzzing in his seat and Charlie just absorbed his energy and held the space for him. 

They arrived at the airport and as they parked, Nicky’s phone rang. He was pulling it out of his back pocket when Charlie’s phone buzzed as well. They glanced at each other and both pulled out their phones. It was a group video call in their group chat from Loki. He must have been calling from the airplane 

They accepted the call on Charlie’s phone, huddling around the small screen. There were four videos on the screen, Thor in his box, Bucky and Steve in one, Charlie and Nicky in another, and Loki. 

“Hi sweetheart, we’re here-“ Nicky tried to say. 

“I have Covid,” Loki burst out and he collapsed into tears. 

“Sweetheart-“ Nicky tried to say again. 

“I’m so sorry!” Loki cried. 

His phone must have been sitting on a table or leaning on a solid object, because it didn’t waver as Loki curled in on himself and sobbed. 

All the other men on the phone sat in shocked silence for a few moments before ever practical Steve jumped in. 

“Charlie, what should we do? Do we want Loki to quarantine with us like you did-” Steve tried to ask, his voice calm and collected. 

“No! No I can’t- I can’t go home. I can’t risk anyone being exposed… No I have to- to go somewhere alone I- maybe a hotel or- oh god- I don’t know-“ Loki was rocking back and forth in his airplane seat. 

“Loki. My love. It’s okay. Please take a deep breath for me,” Thor said, his voice also calm and cool over the phone line. 

Loki took a few deep breaths and his crying settled as he wrapped his arms around himself. However, he still kind of looked like he was going to throw up or maybe collapse under the weight of the positive Covid test. 

Nicky realized with a start that no one had even asked Loki yet how he was feeling. Nicky felt like his world was caving in, and the others were talking about logistics like it was just another plan they had to make. He couldn’t even imagine how Loki was feeling. 

“Are you…feeling okay?” Nicky asked quietly. 

Loki glanced up at the screen, his eyes red rimmed and so unbelievably frightened. Nicky felt his heart break. At least when this had happened with Charlie, he hadn’t had to look into Charlie’s eyes as he made the decision to quarantine alone. 

“Yes, I feel completely fine, but…I think it usually takes a day or two to set in and really make you sick…” Loki said his voice breaking on several of the words, but at least he wasn’t sobbing uncontrollably anymore. 

“Okay Loki. I’m texting with Sif. You’re going to be okay. You will quarantine in my apartment. We will order you groceries and takeout and-“

“I’m staying with you.” Nicky wasn’t sure where the words came from, but as soon as they were out he was sure it was the right thing to say and do. 

Everyone on the zoom fell silent and Charlie looked at him with big, scared eyes. 

“Nicky- you…you can’t. You might catch it and get really sick-“ Loki tried to say. 

“You might get really sick. And I can’t let you go through that alone. I won’t. I’m going to quarantine with you,” Nicky said, his conviction solidifying as he spoke. 

“Nicholas…you can’t…I will fly home tonight and I will quarantine-“ Thor interjected.

“Thor you have an entire business to run-“ Nicky cut him off. 

“That doesn’t matter! Loki matters more to me than work,” Thor said, his voice thinning out until it was reedy and slightly panicked. 

“I know that, Thor. We all know that. But it doesn’t change the fact that between the two of us, my job, my time, my position all matter less. Let me do this,” Nicky said, his voice steely with certainty.

“Nicky, we didn’t let you quarantine with Charlie, and it turned out best for everyone,” Bucky said quietly. 

“That was different. There were three of us right there on the other side of the door from Charlie. Loki is going to be completely alone for the next- what, 10 days?! No. I’m not going to let that happen,” Nicky stated firmly. 

“Nicky…I…I can’t let you do that…” Loki said. His voice was absolutely shattered, and he looked and sounded like all he wanted to do was say yes. 

Nicky looked up at Charlie. His expression was tight, but his eyes held a world of understanding in them. 

“Charlie…” Nicky whispered, but it sounded more like a pained gasp. 

Charlie continued to stare into his eyes and finally gave the slightest of nods. The rest of the group chat continued to talk, but Nicky knew what he had to do. 

The ground control at the airport had already moved the small staircase in front of the exit door, which had been propped open this entire time. Nicky wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He leaned forward and kissed Charlie, rough on the lips. Charlie grabbed his shoulder and held him in place for just a minute before releasing him.  

In one fluid movement, Nicky opened the car door, jumped out, and slammed it shut. This wasn’t like it had been the year before with Charlie. There were no other people there trying to stop him. All of his lovers were trapped on a tiny little screen and they couldn’t stop him from getting to Loki now. All the same, Nicky found himself sprinting across the tarmac. He took the stairs two at a time and they rattled in a rather disconcerting manner. 

He flew into the body of the plane and found Loki curled up in the seat closest to the door. 

Loki looked up at him in horror, then relief, then love, then back to horror. 

“Nicky…” Loki breathed and he heard a chorus of protests erupt from the phone, but Nicky stepped forward and Loki launched himself at him. They both collapsed to the floor and Loki burst into tears again. 

“My love, it's okay…I’m here. You’re not alone. We’re going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay,” Nicky cooed, rocking back and forth with Loki curled up in his arms. 

Nicky knelt there on the floor of the plane with Loki for over fifteen minutes while Loki cried and the rest of the men on the phone talked logistics. They all hung up when Bucky and Steve left for the airport. They were going to come and get Charlie, leaving Loki and Nicky with Charlie’s car to drive back to Thor’s apartment. 

While they sat there, Nicky pulled out his grocery store app and began to order them all the supplies the house needed, including medicine, a thermometer, soups, broths, sports drinks, ice cream, Mac n cheese, and a few other comfort foods for Loki. 

Loki clung to him like a life preserver and as he slowly stopped crying he began to just tremble in Nicky’s arms. He stroked Loki’s back soothingly. 

“I love you, Loki. Everyone else loves you too and they’re going to handle all the logistics for us and all we have to do is spend the next ten to-“ Nicky’s voice wavered as it really sank in just how long they might be quarantining in Thor’s apartment if Nicky got sick too. He cleared his throat and pressed on, “-ten to fifteen days nursing you through Covid and if I get it then getting me through it as well. Everything is going to be okay.” 

Loki buried his face in Nicky’s neck. “I’m so sorry,” he cried, tears falling onto the collar of Nicky’s shirt. 

“You did nothing wrong, my love. And hey- we’re vaccinated. We’re healthy. You didn’t give it to Steve or Charlie who or more high risk- you tested in here, got the results, and called us. You did everything you were supposed to do,” Nicky cooed, stroking his hand down Loki’s back. He made a quick mental note to grab a handful of those tests on the way out to the car. 

“You won’t be able to- to see Charlie now. Oh god Nicky why-...why would you g-give up so m-much time with Charlie and the others t-to just be w-with me- to get sick t-to…oh god Nicky-” Loki sobbed into his shirt, fully soaking the fabric. 

“Hey, hey sweetheart…none of that, okay? I’ve had almost seven years of time with Charlie and I’m going to have the rest of my life with him. I’ve also been with the others for close to two years. Time is not as scarce of a resource for me as it has been for you and Thor. Please do not worry about me, my relationships, or my time for even a moment,” Nicky soothed. He tried to stroke his hands through Loki’s hair but it was in tangles, probably from Loki running his own hands through it. 

“Nicky, I’m so sor-” Loki tried to say but then Nicky’s phone rang. He awkwardly pulled it out from his back pocket and put it on speaker. 

“Hi kitten. I just got in Steve and Bucky’s car, so you two are safe to exit the airplane and go to our car. I left the keys on the front seat-” 

“Charlie, I’m so sorry! I love you so much,” Loki sobbed and Nicky rolled his eyes fondly, anticipating Charlie’s response. 

“Oh my darling, it’s okay! I love you too-” there was a shuffling noise as the phone was jostled around. 

“I love you too Loki! Oh baby, it’s going to be okay. Please don’t cry,” Bucky’s voice chimed in. 

“I love you as well Loki. It’s going to be alright. You’re in wonderful hands with Nicholas, and we’re all here- just a few minutes drive away. We’ll talk to you on the phone and video chat all day long if you need. We’ll bring you food, supplies- oh you’ll probably want some comfy clothes too? Bucky can pack them for you,” Steve said, his soft and soothing voice rolling over Nicky and clearly resonating with Loki as well. His body slowly sagged against Nicky’s. 

“Yeah! I’ll pack you both some bags as soon as we get home and once you’re settled into the apartment we’ll bring it all over,” Bucky chimed in. 

“And I just submitted a basic grocery order so we’ll be set on medicine, supplies, and food for the first little while,” Nicky popped in. 

“I love you all…” Loki whispered, tucking his head under Nicky’s chin.

“We love you,” three voices chimed back through the phone. 

“Both of you,” Charlie added. 

They hung up and Nicky slowly gathered Loki into his arms and brought him down to the car. Once he had him settled in the passenger seat he ran back to the plane and gathered up all of Loki’s things, and some tests, bringing it all to the car as well. 

It had been a really long time since Nicky had driven, but he was physically capable of it. He white knuckled the steering wheel the entire way to Thor’s apartment and drove ten miles under the speed limit, but it wasn’t like they were in a rush. 

Loki looked so tiny and scared curled up in the passenger seat, Nicky was desperate to distract him or make him smile. 

“You know it’s always been a fantasy of mine to fuck you in Thor’s bed,” he tried. 

Loki let out a strangled noise and then coughed. Oh god, could he be feeling symptoms already?

Thankfully after Loki cleared his throat a little, his voice came out clear with no cough. “I’m not sure if…we should do that? Could I…give it to you more than- well…I guess if I’m going to give it to you I already have…” Loki said, turning to gaze at Nicky. 

“Yeah I think that ship has sailed, doll. So don’t try and squirrel away from me. I’m here for all of it, okay? If you get sick I’ll take care of you. Then you can take care of me if I get all gross and snotty. Hopefully you stay asymptomatic and I don’t get it or I get it and I’m asymptomatic as well. Then we can just hang out for two weeks and fuck on every surface in Thor’s apartment- you know I’ve actually never been to his apartment?” Nicky knew he was rambling, but this was the first time in over an hour and a half that Loki wasn’t staring blankly into space or crying, so Nicky wanted to capitalize on it. 

Loki laughed softly. “I actually didn't. Not sure if I’ll be the best host, I’ve only been a few times. It’s a little sterile actually, Thor doesn’t spend a huge amount of time there. Maybe we can put our own charm on it,” Loki gave Nicky a tentative smile and Nicky practically beamed back at him as he carefully turned into Thor’s apartment complex.  

They were able to bring all of Loki’s things up to the apartment in one go and when they got inside Nicky realized Loki had been right. The apartment itself was beautiful, with clean lines and shiny fixtures. The furniture was nice, but didn’t really scream Thor. The only sign that Thor lived there was a painting, a few items on the coffee table and some French looking coffee sitting next to an espresso contraption on the counter. On the fridge there were a few takeout menus attached with a magnet as well as a scrap of paper with what looked to be Loki’s handwriting and a strip of polaroid photos from when Loki and Thor had gone to the zoo. 

Nicky glanced over at Loki who was also looking sadly at the photos. 

“Alright, how about we go get you all unpacked and settled into Thor’s room? If we’re going to be here for a minimum of ten days we might as well get you comfortable,” Nicky said. 

Loki agreed blandly and they went into the bedroom. Nicky was thrilled with how big and plush the bed looked and there was a TV in here as well as in the living room, so they would at least be able to do that together. 

“Hey, we can finally watch that new show you wanted to watch!” Nicky said and Loki nodded slowly. 

“He also has that entire series of polyamorous fantasy novels,” Loki said. 

Nicky was already plotting out their next two weeks together. A lot of cuddling, tv, movies, books, maybe some cooking, some good takeout and- 

Nicky’s musing was interrupted when Loki started coughing. He glanced at Nicky with embarrassment and shame. 

“Hey…absolutely none of that alright? We’re here. Together. You have COVID. You might get some symptoms. It’s alright, darling. Please don’t hide anything from me- I mean, truly. Don’t do that,” Nicky tried to make his voice as stern as possible. “I need to know how you’re doing so we can get you medicine or- or help if you need it. Okay?” 

Loki’s face turned gray as he spoke and he seemed to wobble on his feet a little. Nicky pulled him down onto the corner of the bed and Loki nuzzled up against his side. “It’s going to be okay love…I promise.” 

Their grocery order was slated to arrive the next morning, but Charlie and Bucky were bringing over bags for both of them. Nicky needed his laptop, toothbrush and pajamas at the bare minimum, but when they got the text to go collect their stuff from outside the door Nicky found two full suitcases worth of things. 

Loki laughed fondly and they spent another hour unpacking before finally flopping into bed and falling asleep. 

The next morning Nicky got up and made himself some of the fancy espresso. When the food order arrived, he put away all of the food and arranged the medicine in the bathroom cabinet. Loki was slow to rouse, and by the time Nicky had finished all of the chores and made them both eggs and toast for breakfast, all Loki had managed to do was brush his teeth and collapse back into bed. 

“I’m…really tired…” Loki complained, taking small bites of his breakfast and large gulps of coffee. 

“That’s okay…your body is fighting a war right now, doll. We need to fuel it with food and liquids and let it rest.” 

“So…no fucking on every surface in the apartment?” Loki joked weakly. Nicky thought it was a good sign he was joking, but the sheer exhaustion in his voice seemed…well, less good. 

“Yeah, I guess maybe that’ll have to wait. We can cuddle on every surface in the apartment though,” Nicky said and Loki curled up into his side, wanting to get a head start apparently. 

The rest of the day was spent sleepily curled around each other. When Loki felt too warn out to read, Nicky read to him, and when he felt too anxious to listen to the story, they put on mindless TV. Loki asked if they could watch soccer because it made him feel closer to Thor. Nicky quickly agreed, but his heart gave a painful lurch. 

Their boyfriends and partners called them several times throughout the day, but Loki was too tired to maintain much of the conversation. Loki had called out sick for the entire week, letting them know that he had gotten COVID and it turned out several of his other coworkers had it as well. This made Loki feel a bit better telling his boss he would probably be off for the next two weeks. 

Nicky did the bare minimum of work and then after the work day ended, he set up his laptop on a constant zoom call with Charlie and the others. Their different partners filtered through, bringing the laptop around as they cooked dinner, hung out on the couch, and then finally in their bed. Nicky and Loki fell asleep on the couch and Nicky just barely managed to wrangle them into the bedroom when he woke up around midnight. 

The next morning, Nicky felt zero motivation to get out of bed, so he sort of half dozed under the covers until Loki woke up moaning. Nicky jerked upright and reached for him, but his hand slipped on his sweaty arm. He reached for his forehead and found that he was almost searingly hot and Nicky’s stomach dropped. 

“Okay sweetheart, you’re okay…” Nicky soothed, running his hands up and down Loki’s sweaty back. His t-shirt was sticking to his back and he wasn’t sure if he was helping or hurting. “How about I get you into a nice cool shower. Then I’ll go and grab the thermometer, maybe something for the fever?” Nicky didn’t need a thermometer to know he was burning up, but he wanted to document the temperature before he gave Loki any medicine. 

Loki just moaned and turned to burrow into Nicky’s arms. He was a hot, sticky mess, but Nicky clung to him almost as hard as Loki was clinging to him. “Okay. Maybe we rest a little longer first?” Loki nodded and almost immediately seemed to fall back to sleep. 

Nicky sighed internally. 

He had been hoping beyond hope that Loki wouldn’t actually get sick, or if he did that it would just be a cough like some of the people he’d seen on social media who got COVID even while being fully vaccinated. They’d known it was still a possibility, but damnit the vaccine was supposed to prevent this. It was coming up on five months since they got the vaccine, but still. He had hoped they’d have more time than this before being at risk again. 

Nicky ran through a checklist in his head for when Loki did wake up, including hydration, temperature check, and shower. Eventually he started to doze off as well, until Loki groaned loudly and rolled out of Nicky’s arms. 

“Okay darling, it’s time to get up-” Loki groaned and rolled farther away from him, “yes I know you don’t want-” Loki grabbed a pillow and held it over his head, “no, I don’t give a shit-” Nicky tried to gently guide him into a sitting position, but Loki tried to hit him with the pillow instead. “LOKI get the fuck up-” Nicky grabbed Loki by the shoulders and yanked him up into a sitting position and held him by his shoulders. 

Loki blinked blearily at him and a slow smile spread across his lips and it made Nicky’s breath catch. “So grumpy…even when you’re not the one being woken up…” Loki drawled and Nicky could have tackled him back onto the bed and kissed him breathless. God he loved him. 

“Yeah, well, I’ve spent the past hour trying to get you up and into a shower. You smell,” Nicky said sassily, reaching out to stroke a hand down his face. 

“Yeah…not surprised…I will say though- uhm…I can’t smell anything.” 

Nicky’s eyes widened and they stared at each other. “...okay sweetheart, that’s alright. Why don’t we get you in the shower and you can try smelling some nice shampoo and I’ll get you some medicine so you cool off, okay?” 

Loki nodded slowly and then he clutched at his head. “Oh jeez…headache too…” he grumbled and Nicky continued taking mental notes. 

Nicky grabbed the thermometer first and took Loki’s temperature before helping him into the shower. He shot the group chat a quick note with Loki’s symptoms and Charlie offered to make him a telehealth appointment. Nicky quickly agreed and brought a sports drink and medicine into the bathroom. 

Loki was still in the shower, seeming to be moving very slowly, and Nicky stripped off his clothes and hopped in with him. Loki cuddled up to his chest immediately and Nicky wondered if this was how the next two weeks would go. His soft little Loki needing constant love and attention, and Nicky being the only one who could give it to him. He hadn’t been the sole provider of love and care for another person since it was just him and Charlie almost two years prior. He desperately hoped he’d be able to rise to the occasion. 

The next two days were stressful, but Nicky felt almost invigorated by being able to be useful. Loki was able to get a telehealth appointment and he was prescribed a few things to help with symptom management, and they were able to keep Loki’s fever down with vigilant medicine, cool showers, and fluid intake. His cough was pretty severe, but the prescription cough medicine helped a bit. He had fully lost his sense of smell, but could still taste okay, so Nicky was easily able to coax him into eating little bites of soup and bread. 

Unfortunately, by the end of the fourth day Nicky had developed his own cough. He took a test and it unfortunately came back positive. Nicky almost didn’t want to tell anyone the results, but he also didn’t want to lie. 

He waited until later that night when his cough was so obvious he decided it was okay to fess up. Loki didn’t handle the news well. He seemed to collapse in on himself in the bed, curling up into a fetal position and whimpering how sorry he was. Nicky tried to comfort him, but he pulled away from his touch. 

He felt a little desperate, so he called Thor on his laptop and set it down in front of Loki. Nicky retreated to the living room to give them some privacy and so he could curl up on the couch with his phone and call Charlie. He’d texted him earlier, but he just really needed to hear his voice and see his face. 

“Hi kitten…” Charlie cooed as he answered the video call. 

“Hi…” Nicky said and he sounded exhausted even to his own ears. 

“It’s so good to hear your voice, love. It’s so quiet here with just me, Steve, and Bucky.” 

Nicky laughed quietly. “Miss my jabbering?” 

“I miss every single thing about you, kitten.” 

Nicky signed sadly. 

“I’m so sorry you got COVID Nicholas…I guess we were sort of expecting it though?” Charlie said. 

His tone was neutral if not even slightly up beat, and Nicky knew he was overcompensating. Nicky wasn’t really feeling up to meeting his upbeat tone though, so he just sat there in silence until Charlie spoke again. “How are you doing? And I mean how are you really doing?” 

“I…am a little scared,” Nicky admitted for the first time out loud. Just saying it seemed to open a tap and his eyes filled with tears. 

“That is completely understandable. What in particular are you scared about?” Charlie asked softly. 

“Well…I guess my own health a little, but really I’m worried about us- I mean, what if I start to get sick and Loki gets worse. It’s been…a lot the past few days. I’m so happy to help but…I’ve done almost everything for him. What if…I can’t…” Nicky let the tears fall and didn’t even attempt to wipe them away. 

“You’re already several days into it for Loki and you’re only just starting to feel badly. I bet he’ll start to feel better soon and he’ll be able to take care of you,” Charlie comforted and Nicky’s head fell into his hands. 

“Okay…” 

Charlie was silent, just letting Nicky cry into his hands for a moment. There was more to it than just that and he hadn’t been able to say any of this to Loki and he wasn’t sure if he should say it to Charlie, but he felt too tired to fight it now. 

“And…” Nicky said brokenly, “we…we had just had that conversation about- about me helping you and you helping me and- and then I left you-“ 

“Nicholas-“

“I’m sorry…” Nicky cried and his voice broke in several places. 

“…Nicholas. It’s okay. I feel so bad that I can’t be there with you and Loki, taking care of both of you, and you feel bad that you can’t be here with me. That isn’t going to do either of us any good though. I am truly okay. I am being well taken care of by Steve and Bucky,” Charlie said. 

Nicky nodded slowly, still feeling horrendous, but now just a tiny bit less. 

“But…you know who needs you right now? Thor just texted me and asked if we wanted to all do a group video. I think Loki might be…very upset,” Charlie murmured and in the pause between his words Nicky could hear Loki crying from behind the closed bedroom door. 

“Yeah- uhm, yeah. Let’s do that,” Nicky said, scrubbing at his face to wipe away the tears. He had never been emotional with Thor, he wasn’t sure how he would handle Nicky hopping on the call blubbering like this. 

“Kitten…you can cry in front of Thor,” Charlie said gently, and Nicky huffed. 

“Please stop reading my mind from across town, Charlie. You know how that creeps me out,” Nicky said, and Charlie let out a relieved laugh. If Nicky could keep joking he must be okay, right? Yeah he was going to keep telling himself that.  

Nicky hung up with Charlie and knocked on the bedroom door. 

“C-come in,” Loki called softly. 

“Hi sweetheart,” Nicky said gently as he crossed the room, crawled into bed, and pulled Loki into his arms. 

“I’m so sorry…” Loki whispered and Nicky wrapped his legs around Loki’s, pressing his cold feet against Loki’s calves. He yelped and then actually giggled when Nicky ruffled his hair. 

“None of that! Or I’m going to keep pressing my cold feet against you,” Nicky said.

“Nicholas…how are you feeling?” Thor’s resonant baritone voice called from the computer. “I think Charles should be hopping on momentarily.” 

“I’m alright Thor. How are you doing?” Nicky said, stroking Loki’s hair, causing him to mewl like a kitten and nuzzle his face into Nicky’s neck. 

“So much better now that I see you both together. I am so unbelievably grateful that you are there with Loki, and that Loki can be there for you.” 

“Nicky is amazing,” Loki mumbled into Nicky’s neck. 

“He really is,” Thor said softly. Nicky gazed at the screen steadily. 

“So are you, Thor. God it was so good to see you last weekend. I can’t wait to see you again soon…hopefully- uhm…ten days?” Nicky said, his voice breaking over the time frame.
“Oh, godgutten min…I promise the time will pass quickly, and you will be back in my arms and by my side again,” Thor said, and Nicky was so close to just saying it. What better time was there than right now, over zoom, with Loki’s tears drying on his neck? Many. There were many better times. So Nicky didn’t say anything. A few moments later Charlie hopped on the call. 

They all talked for an hour or so and then Nicky asked if they wanted to watch a movie together. Charlie pulled up a movie party app so they could watch a movie on their laptop together and talk to each other throughout the movie. 

Loki drifted off to sleep in his arms and he chatted quietly with Thor and Charlie for another thirty or so minutes. They distracted him with news about the townhouse. 

The complex was officially open and there were several units Charlie liked for them. Tenants would be able to purchase the homes in the next two weeks and move in within a month to two after. Nicky did his best to stay awake through the explanation of what the next steps were, but he began to drift off. They both told him to go to bed and he could have sworn when Charlie told him he loved him there was an echo of another voice repeating it. Or maybe that was just a dream.

Thor flew back to the US that next day and moved in with the others, so at least he wasn’t alone anymore, which made Loki worry less. It also allowed Nicky to worry less about Charlie. 

Loki’s condition seemed to stabilize with a vicious sore throat, headache, cough, and loss of sense of smell. He spent most of the next day and a half sleeping while Nicky slowly got sicker and sicker. Finally, by the end of Loki’s day six and Nicky’s day two, Loki was on the upswing while Nicky felt like he’d been hit by a truck. His symptoms were different than Loki’s. He had body aches, a fever, and it hurt to breathe. This really scared Loki who started to hover over him, not touching him, because even soft touches hurt Nicky’s poor body, but so close Nicky could feel his warmth. It was nice and also stifling and by the end of the next day Nicky was beginning to chafe. 

It caused him to be short and irritable with Loki. He tried to pretend it didn’t bother him, but Nicky could see the tension in Loki’s body and hear the tremor in his voice when he asked Nicky for the seventeenth time if he needed anything. 

Finally, he told Loki to go for a walk to get some fresh air. Thor’s apartment was like their own in that it opened directly outside, so Loki had been trying to walk to the corner and back to get some fresh air the past two days. Loki hesitantly agreed and Nicky finally got a few moments of peace. 

Of course his phone rang two minutes into Loki’s walk and he truly considered ignoring it, but it was Charlie and he could never ignore Charlie.

“We have news! Good news!” Charlie said as soon as Nicky picked up.

“Loki’s on a walk right now, should we wait-” Nicky tried to say. 

“No we can just tell him later-” Charlie cut in excitedly. 

“Becuase I was really excited to have one fucking second to myself today, but if you don’t want to wait…” Nicky finished, his voice getting decidedly more annoyed as he spoke. 

Charlie blinked at the computer camera in alarm at Nicky’s short tone. Nicky immediately felt like an asshole for deflating his sails.  

“Is Loki being incredibly overbearing and overprotective?” Bucky chimed in from where he was sitting in Charlie’s lap. God Nicky missed Bucky. He had been on a few zoom calls with Bucky throughout the week, but mostly he’d been talking to Charlie and Thor. 

Nicky nodded, not wanting to bad talk his lover, but also needing to vent for just a fraction of a second. However, Bucky just snorted. “Serves you right. From what I heard from Loki you did the same to him.” 

Nicky squawked indignantly, but had to admit he was probably right. 

“I just…he was so sick and…sad. Just so sad…I tried to cheer him up so- ya know fuck me for trying but…I’m not sad. I’m just pissed at being sick and pissed that Loki had to go to that meeting and get sick in the first place, he-...didn’t deserve that. It’s not fair…” Nicky said, angry tears filling his eyes and he had to blink them away lest his lovers think he actually was sad. He was just beyond annoyed and it made him feel itchy and prickly. 

“Do you think maybe that’s why Loki is hovering? He wants to help, but can tell you’re angry and doesn’t know how to balance that with taking care of you?” Bucky asked softly, and Charlie nodded sagely. 

Nicky flopped backwards on the couch making his chest ache and his head throb. Great, now he was getting Loki’s headache too. “You’re…probably right…” 

“Have you been being an asshole to him?” Bucky asked and there was an edge of concern in his voice now. 

“Well, it sounds like he would have reported that back to you as well, huh?” Nicky snapped, not loving this prickly side of himself, but not seeming able to stop it from coming out either. 

“Nicholas,” Charlie said sharply. 

Nicky ground his teeth together and looked away from the screen. This made his head hurt even more and he scrunched his eyes closed, bringing his head down to rest in his hands. This seemed to be becoming his favorite position for dealing with Loki’s COVID as well as his own. 

“Nicky…Loki wasn’t talking shit or saying anything mean behind your back. He actually was raving about how amazing you were at taking care of him. I just inferred from what he was saying that you were probably in super-helper mode. And I’m sure he understands that being sick can make you a bit of a dick but…maybe just be a little gentle with him? He’s still sick too and he just loves you and wants what’s best for you,” Bucky said gently. 

Fuck he missed him. And he missed Charlie, Steve, and Thor too and somehow, against all odds, he missed Loki. He wished Loki was here to pet his hair and make his anger feel less raw, less vile in his chest and in his head. He had snapped at Loki earlier that morning when he’d asked for the tenth time if he would just take a few bites of oatmeal. 

Thus far Nicky hadn’t lost his sense of smell or taste, but food sounded absolutely disgusting to him. He just wanted to lie in bed and moan in pain by himself. Or not by himself, but with Loki just observing from afar, not trying to fix him. He also didn’t want to eat, drink water, or take his pills, but he knew that wasn’t as negotiable. 

“Do you want one of us to tell Loki you’re feeling smothered?” Charlie asked gently. 

“No…I’m not feeling smothered, I just…sometimes it feels easier to suffer alone than with others,” Nicky griped, lifting his head back out of his hands to look at Charlie on the screen. He wasn’t sure if Charlie would be able to tell he was looking at him, but he made a chagrined expression so he guessed it had worked. 

Charlie would much rather suffer silently than have others be concerned about him, so Nicky knew he’d understand. Nicky loved when Charlie took care of him, but he chafed a bit under anyone else having to take on that responsibility. He and Charlie had survived hell together and it had changed their dynamic, but Nicky didn’t like relying on anyone else, and he didn’t want anyone else to think he was a burden. 

“Loki loves you very much, kitten. I’m sure he would be happy to get your feedback or any requests you have for how he treats you while you’re sick, rather than find out later he was doing something you didn’t like,” Charlie said and Nicky groaned. 

He knew they were right, he just didn’t want to talk about it anymore. 

“So what is your good news?” Nicky asked a little petulantly. 

“We-” Bucky was about to say but Charlie cut him off. 

“Will tell you and Loki about it later. Maybe we’ll do a big group call tonight and we can all talk?” Charlie offered and Nicky agreed readily. They got off the video call a few minutes later and Nicky collapsed sideways onto the couch. He relished the alone time for the next ten minutes and then he began to feel itchy in a different way. Loki had been gone for a while, should he check on him? 

Nicky sat up too fast and nearly threw up, his head spun so bad. Oh he was definitely getting worse and that just made his mood even crappier. He reached for his phone just as the door opened. 

Loki walked in holding two smoothies and a bag of groceries and he smiled brightly at Nicky. Nicky however bristled at the sight of the items.  

“Loki! You can’t go into stores or shops yet! You’re not out of the quarantining window!” Nicky’s tone was exasperated and a little harsh, and he regretted it the second he saw Loki’s face fall. 

“I…I didn’t. I ordered delivery on my phone while I walked and it was waiting by the door when I got home…I…thought I would surprise you with your favorite smoothie…” Loki bit his lip and Nicky’s heart plummeted to his feet. 

“Oh…sweetheart…thank you. I- fuck I’m so sorry…” 

Loki shrugged like it was no big deal and he tried to smile again but it didn’t reach his eyes. God Nicky was an ass. 

“Loki…come here my love,” Nicky said, reaching out a hand for Loki and he quickly came to sit next to Nicky on the couch. Or at least as quickly as he could move with his limited breath capacity and lingering cough. 

“I know I’m being…awful. Fuck, I’m so sorry…about right now, and earlier, and the past two days. I’m just…frustrated with the virus and your job and our country and everything but…not with you. I love you so much and you are so so sweet…” Nicky said, brushing his fingers through Loki’s hair. 

It was in a low bun as it had been for most of the week to keep it out of his face, but a stray lock had come out and Nicky played with it between his fingers and then tucked it behind Loki’s ear. 

Loki gave him a real smile then, soft and filled with love and Nicky tilted his head to rest on his shoulder. 

“I know you are…and it’s okay to be upset. Lord knows I was upset the past week too. I…I feel like I’m not giving you what you need and I’m not really sure what else to do so…I thought this might be a nice peace offering?” He held up the smoothie and Nicky took it from his hands. Loki then pulled the grocery bag into his lap. “And I got you these- thought maybe they would help with your chest.” 

He pulled out a heating pad, vapor rub and…a bottle of lube. Nicky’s eyebrows shot up and he sat up gingerly to glance curiously at Loki. 

Loki blushed. “I uh…know when you’re feeling frustrated and out of control you like to fuck your feelings out. I know we’re not really well enough to do that yet, but maybe in a few more days we will be so I- uh, bought your favorite lube just in case…” 

Nicky could have kissed him, sucked him, and/or fucked him right at that exact moment. Lungs be damned. 

“Ugh you’re so perfect. God I don’t deserve you. I’m such an asshole,” Nicky groaned, opting to pull Loki into a soft hug instead. Loki immediately melted into it, nuzzling his face into Nicky’s neck. 

“You’re not an asshole, and I’m not perfect. Just doing my best but…tell me what else you need from me,” Loki said, pulling back to gaze imploringly at Nicky. 

“I…just need a little space I think? Not a lot, like probably only a foot of space but…maybe this afternoon we could do our own thing? Like you could read and I could listen to a podcast or something just…a foot or two away in bed? I just feel a little overwhelmed by everything.” 

Loki nodded solemnly. “Do you want me to just sit out here for a while? Or- I mean I feel like my cough is a bit better, I could probably even sleep on the couch-” 

“God- no! No I don’t want you to go anywhere I…hell I even missed you on your walk. It’s more the uh-...hovering?” Nicky said as gently as he could. 

Loki laughed. “Sorry…I can see how that could be a little overbearing…I’ve just been so worried and I feel like you’re not even telling me half of how bad you feel. Like- you clearly have a headache you haven’t told me about,” Loki said, gently reaching up for Nicky’s forehead. 

Nicky tilted his head into Loki’s palm. 

“That actually just started but…I’ll try and do better. I’m not hiding anything I just…don’t really want to talk about it. And I’m not hungry but-” Nicky paused to take a long sip of the smoothie, “-this is kind of nice. Maybe we could order ingredients for smoothies?” 

“Of course! I’ll order some right now,” Loki said, pulling out his phone and beginning to scroll through the frozen fruit selections. Nicky reached out and placed his hand on top of the phone to get Loki to look up at him. 

“I love you…so much. Thank you. For being you and for…loving me. I’m sorry I’m such an intolerable dick,” Nicky said grinning. 

“It’s okay, baby…I do love you. And you get three free passes to be an asshole while you’re sick. So you used one of them, that’s all,” Loki said, grinning back at him. 

“Ugh, I feel like I used up a second one this morning. Only really have one left then, huh? What are you going to do to me if I’m an asshole more than three times?” Nicky said with a slight smirk. 

Loki quirked an eyebrow at him. “Well I would say punish you, but we both know how much you love that, dirty boy,” he said, earning a giggle from Nicky. 

“Oh god, it’s weird to hear you talk dirty to me like that,” Nicky said, giving an over exaggerated shiver. 

Loki raised his other eyebrow. “You mean you don’t get incredibly turned on at the idea of me bending you over my knee and spanking you,” Loki purred, reaching out a hand to gently stroke down Nicky’s cheek. 

Nicky actually shivered for real this time. “Oh- god- fuck, I don’t know…wow okay. That was weird. I am both turned on and kind of freaked out. Maybe let’s parse through that some other time?” 

Loki let out one of his beautiful laughs and Nicky practically melted into his arms, sore body be damned. They cuddled together on the couch while Loki placed the food order, instructing Nicky to pick out different flavors of yogurts, juice, fresh and frozen fruits. 

“I was thinking of trying to make some food from scratch for dinner. I think I’m up for maybe a twenty minute recipe. Do you want to take a bath and listen to a podcast? I can help you get it all set up,” Loki offered and Nicky nearly swooned. 

Nicky spent the next hour soaking his sore body in the tub, catching up on some of the podcasts he’d missed that week. Once again, by the end of the hour he found himself desperately missing Loki, so he toweled off quickly and threw on some fresh lounge clothes and fuzzy socks. 

He padded out to the kitchen and was hit by smells of comfort and home. “Oh wow, is it Bucky’s chicken noodle soup?” Nicky asked as he walked over to where Loki was lying on the couch flipping through TV channels. 

Nicky sat down, and Loki smiled up at him. He lifted up his shoulders, allowing Nicky to slide under him so Loki could rest his head in Nicky’s lap. “Does it smell good? I can still barely smell, but yes. Bucky sent me the recipe a few days ago when you first got sick. I just haven’t been quite up to making it.”

Nicky bent over and kissed Loki softly on the lips. Loki had been hesitant about them kissing on the lips, afraid it would somehow ultra infect Nicky, but now that he was sick too it really didn’t seem to matter. Loki seemed to agree, because he brought his hand up to Nicky’s cheek and kissed him back. 

“How are you feeling?” 

“Actually a lot better. I think my muscles really needed a soak. How are you?” Nicky asked, stroking his fingers through Loki’s silky hair. 

“I’m okay! It just feels like a really awful cold now.” 

Nicky bent his head down again, but this time just to rest against Loki’s forehead. “I’m so glad…” The position made his chest hurt so he sat back up rather than risk coughing on Loki’s face. He wasn’t worried about infecting Loki but still. Ew. 

“Your chest okay?” Loki asked, his shrewd eyes missing nothing when it came to Nicky and his body. 

“Yeah it just aches a bit, which is so weird…I’m not coughing or anything, it's just this pressure.” 

Loki’s forehead scrunched up and Nicky stroked the lines on his brow until Loki finally relaxed again. 

The timer for the oven dinged ten minutes later and they both got up to retrieve the pan from the oven and set the table. The food was good, but Nicky only lasted five minutes in his chair before his body required him to be more horizontal. Loki brought their bowls of soup to the couch and Nicky slouched back against the cushions. Loki managed to get him to eat a few more bites before he grumbled and fell onto his side again, curling up with his head in Loki’s lap this time. 

“Oh- Charlie and Bucky had some news for us,” Nicky said, using his foot to nudge his laptop where it sat on the coffee table.  

“Should we give them a call?” Loki asked. 

“Sure, why not,” Nicky nudged open his laptop and was attempting to enter his password with his toes when Loki laughed, reaching over him to grab it. He typed in Nicky’s password and booted up their video call app. 

Within a few minutes they had Charlie and Bucky, and Steve and Thor on their screens in two separate video squares. Nicky’s eyebrows nearly shot off the top of his face at the absolutely fucked our expression on Steve’s face. Thor looked both pleased, but also a little sheepish. 

“Steve you dog, did you fuck Thor?” Nicky asked before even stopping to think that he was still lying in Loki’s lap. He quickly glanced up to see a bemused, but otherwise unbothered expression on Loki’s face. 

“Uhm- I mean…I guess it would be more accurate to say Thor fucked me…?” Steve said, his cheeks glowing red. 

“Ooooh, Daddy,” Nicky said, winking salaciously at the screen.  

“Nicholas, don’t tease them,” Charlie chided, but his own voice was teasing more than anything else. Loki stroked his fingers through Nicky’s hair and he hummed happily. 

“Well I’m really glad you guys are exploring your relationship more! There has been just a huge amount of cuddling over here- but we’re doing alright?” Loki said, glancing down at Nicky. 

Nicky nodded enthusiastically. He still didn’t feel good and he had a hunch it was going to get worse before it got better, but he didn’t want to worry the whole group. He’d been keeping Charlie up to date hourly on how he was doing and that felt like enough. 

“So you have good news for us?” Nicky asked. 

“Yes! We put an offer down on a townhouse and we got it!” Charlie said practically beaming at the screen. 

“No shit? That’s amazing!” Nicky said. Normally he would have popped up out of Loki’s lap, but he could tell that probably wouldn’t end well for his poor head, so he raised his hand in a thumbs up instead. 

“And…” Steve said softly, turning to look at Thor, “Thor has other good news.” 

No one on the call looked surprised so Nicky figured Thor had already discussed it with them. 

“Thor?” Loki asked curiously and Nicky was glad Loki also hadn’t heard the news yet. Nicky wasn’t a big fan of being the last to know things.  

“So…I was talking to Charles about how grateful he was that he was able to quarantine here, so close to the rest of you. And we realized that in the new townhouse- uhm…our new townhouse…” Thor paused to glance at Steve who gave him a huge, encouraging smile. Thor smiled sheepishly back and then looked back at the camera. “In our new townhouse we’ll have one extra room we could quarantine in- but it would be the office or one of the three bedrooms would have to be given up. And…besides that…” Thor looked even more embarrassed and Charlie laughed from his zoom box.

“Having Thor here for three days in a row has helped us understand that having three relatively large men and three normal sized people in one townhouse is a lot,” Charlie said with laughter in his voice. 

Nicky slowly sat up. “So…we aren’t buying the townhouse?” 

Nicky wasn’t particularly worried about the townhouse for himself, but he knew there wasn’t really space for six of them in their apartment right now. But if the townhouse also couldn’t hold six of them, would they need to look at a different townhouse? 

“Oh, no we’re definitely buying the townhouse. Charlie has been in love with it for almost two years now,” Steve said fondly.

“But…I am going to buy the townhouse next door, so we can knock out a portion of the entrance wall to connect the two houses,” Thor said with a huge grin. 

“Oh-…my god,” Nicky said. 

“Thor…you’re…what?” Loki said, just as surprised as Nicky. 

“Well…” Thor said, looking away from the camera again. This time he looked down at his hands. “I…was thinking that we could turn the second kitchen into a bakery for you, Loki. And…when your online business takes off, you and Nicky could use one of the bedrooms for processing orders and packaging shipments and such. And Steve could have an art studio, I could have my own office, Charlie could have his own office and we could have a home theater in one basement and a home gym in the other. Maybe with a barre for you and Bucky?” 

“Oh- and Charlie said we could turn the master bathroom in one of the houses into a sort of spa! With a whirlpool bath, a fancy shower, towel warmers and- everything!” Bucky said, jumping up and down in his seat. 

Nicky felt like he was going to pass out. He was used to Charlie’s extravagant gifts and purchases, but Thor was saying he was buying them not just a house but some of the most luxurious amenities Nicky had ever even dared to dream of. 

He looked at Loki to see if he was as shocked as he was and found Loki crying silently. 

“Loki!” Nicky said, throwing his arms around his shoulders. 

“You…believe in…my online bakery?” Loki asked, his voice coming out a bit tremulous. 

“Of course, elskede. We all adore your baking and you already have excited customers on two continents!” Thor said, and the love in his voice nearly brought tears to Nicky’s eyes. 

Loki let out a choked sob and started coughing until Nicky quickly handed him one of the numerous drinks littering Thor’s coffee table. They were going to have to do some serious clean up when this was all over. 

“Are…those…happy tears?” Thor asked quietly. 

“Yes! Oh my god,” Loki said as fresh tears fell down his cheeks. “You…want to buy us another house where we can all pursue our passions alone and with each other. I-… I don’t know what to say except- I love you. So much. Even if you never bought me a single thing the rest of my life I would still love you but, this…this is amazing Thor. How-…how can I ever repay that?” Loki said sniffing loudly. 

Nicky handed him a box of tissues. 

“Are you…really buying it yourself? We can’t help at all?” Nicky asked. He never had a problem letting Charlie buy him things but this was a new level of “thing.” 

“I would really like to buy this for…for our family. My father is well taken care of. After my mother died, I now have equal claims in the company as he does, and so I know for a fact he will want for nothing the rest of his life, nor will any of our employees. I want to spend my money the way…the way my mother would have wanted me to. On the people I care so deeply for,” Thor said, his eyes roving over the zoom screens. 

“Thor…” Nicky breathed and Charlie, Steve, and Bucky all beamed back at him. Loki sniffed again and Nicky decided to do what he always did best. “So does this mean you’re my sugar Daddy now? Cause I have to say…baby likes.” 

They all laughed and Loki collapsed against Nicky’s side, giggling and grabbing at his shoulders and arms until suddenly they were kissing. 

Nicky wondered briefly if he wished he could be kissing Thor, but Nicky was happy to be his surrogate. Loki threaded his fingers through Nicky’s hair and pressed his tongue into his mouth. 

Nicky heard Charlie groan on the screen and what sounded like a happy sigh from Steve. 

“We’re…going to have a house,” Loki whispered against Nicky’s mouth. 

“We’re gonna have two!” Nicky whispered back, tears choking his voice now too. 

Loki tipped his forehead forward against Nicky’s. “We just have to get through the next eight days.” 

*****************************************************

Unfortunately that proved to be easier said than done. While Loki continued to improve, Nicky got sicker and sicker. By the end of his day four his chest hurt so badly when he lied down he could barely move and talking was virtually out of the question. He felt only slightly better sitting and standing up, but he had almost no strength to do so. 

After a horrible first day of this, on the second day they discovered the only thing that helped was for Nicky to lay in the bathtub in hot water with an ice pack resting on his head. 

“Does this count as me being overbearing?” Loki asked quietly. He was currently curled up on the floor next to the tub resting with his head on the side of the tub, his hand on Nicky’s shoulder. 

“You’re not overbearing love…I’m sorry…I made you feel that way,” Nicky murmured, taking shallow breaths between each phrase. He kept his eyes closed but tipped his head towards Loki. 

“It’s okay. I’ve been told I can be dramatic,” Loki said and he stroked his fingers down Nicky’s face. 

Nicky smiled at the callback to when he had called Loki dramatic for the way he had confessed his love to Nicky. It felt almost like an entirely different lifetime and Nicky couldn’t help but let out a breathy laugh. 

“Who…the fuck…told you that? You’re perfect,” Nicky kissed Loki’s hand. Loki said nothing more after that and Nicky let himself drift off to sleep. 

He awoke to Loki draining the tub and stroking his face softly. “Can I move you to the bed? I made you a little pile of pillows…I thought maybe if you slept sitting up you would feel a little better?” 

“Whatever you say, love…trust you…with my life,” Nicky murmured, reaching up his hand to grab Loki’s. 

“Oh my love…you are my life. So you better concentrate real fucking hard on getting better or you’re gonna see some real drama,” Loki said as he helped Nicky out of the tub. 

“My love…my life…” Nicky said softly, resting his head on Loki’s shoulder. Loki toweled him off gently and got him into a pair of soft boxers. He had sweat through two sets of clothes the night before so they’d just given up on clothes all together today. 

Loki got him settled in bed and then ran off to the kitchen to get him some food or drink or something else Nicky had no intention of consuming. In the end it didn’t matter because he drifted back to sleep again. 

The next time he opened his eyes Loki was curled up at the bottom of the bed on a video call with Thor. 

“Charlie-” Nicky rasped.

“Oh- baby, you’re awake,” Loki said, sitting up. He frantically wiped at his face before turning to face Nicky. “I can get Charlie on the phone- Thor? Can you get Charlie?” 

Loki crawled up the bed with the laptop and gently placed it on Nicky’s lap. He scrambled off the bed and grabbed a mug and a bowl off the nightstand and hurried off to the kitchen. 

“Nicholas?” Charlie asked. Nicky scrubbed slowly at his eyes. He was feeling slightly better after the bath and the nap, but only slightly better than horrible was still not very good. 

“Kitten…?” Charlie tried again and Nicky made an acknowledging noise. He was having trouble focusing on the screen so he just stared up at the ceiling.

“Loki said you’re doing about the same as last night so- not great?” Charlie asked. 

Nicky made another acknowledging noise. 

“…do you need me, love? Do you need me to come take you to the hospital, or to the emergency clinic or…just to be with you?” Charlie asked softly. 

Nicky looked down and was finally able to focus on the screen and Charlie’s face. He looked distraught in a way Nicky hadn’t seen since that night he had a panic attack almost two years ago…or maybe the night he was blackout drunk in the hotel room in their old city. Both times Nicky had felt like he failed him. He was feeling a little like that now, that is until Loki appeared in the doorway holding the bowl and mug.

Thank god Loki hadn’t gotten this sick, but even still, Nicky was so grateful he had been here for Loki. He never could have lived with himself if he had let Loki go through this alone. And now Loki was here for him. Loki was always going to be here for him. He had known that, in a way, before they got COVID, but the past week had solidified that for Nicky. Loki was one of the loves of his life and he would do anything for him. Even if it meant causing Charlie stress and even a little pain as they waited out Nicky’s sickness. That was what it truly meant to be polyfidelitous to Nicky. Charlie, Bucky, Loki, Steve, and maybe one day soon Thor were all his equal lovers, his equal loves. 

“No Charlie…It’s okay. I have Loki,” Nicky said and Loki smiled at him softly from the doorway. 

“Okay…and you have me if you need absolutely anything. I love you…more than any virus will ever be able to take you away from me. I love you…” 

“I love you Charlie…I’m going to be okay,” Nicky said, and for the first time in two days he actually felt that way. His chest still hurt like hell but something had loosened and he was able to take deeper breaths now. Maybe Loki was right and this position was easier. Maybe if he could eat something, drink something, and get some sleep he’d be able to build his strength back up. 

Loki curled up on the bed next to him and, at Nicky’s urging, he began spoon feeding Nicky soup as Charlie chatted away about something Steve was doing for work. Thor came back into the zoom screen and he held Charlie while Loki continued to feed Nicky soup and then tea. 

By the end of the call Nicky was even joking a little bit and Charlie looked a little less like his world was falling apart. That in and of itself made Nicky feel better. More hopeful. 

Day five was much of the same and Loki was an absolute trooper, taking care of Nicky while he himself was still healing. Mid-way through Nicky’s day six he started to feel a little better. He made it from the bed to the couch with no help and nearly threw himself a celebration party. 

He watched Loki bustle around the kitchen, and he was just thinking that maybe Loki should be taking it a little easier when he collapsed. Nicky’s heart dropped somewhere into his stomach and he struggled his way across the room to the kitchen. He turned off the burner and slumped to the ground next to him.  

“S-sorry…don’t think I’ve…eaten today…” Loki said, sounding a little dazed. 

“God…I mean, I miss Charlie and all, but…you don’t have to act like him to make me happy, huh?” Nicky joked and Loki laughed weakly. 

Nicky managed to pull himself up on the counter and he grabbed a jar of peanut butter and a bottle of sports drinks. He braced his back on the cabinets and slid back down to the ground. 

He hadn’t had the wherewithal to get a spoon, so Loki had to eat the peanut butter off of his fingers and for the first time in four days Nicky felt something in him stir in a positive way. 

“Damn you make that look good…” Nicky said, going for a purr, but sounding a bit more like a rasp. 

Loki looked over at him in surprise and then pressed two of his sticky fingers back into his mouth. He slowly, sensually, sucked them clean and Nicky let out an actual groan. 

Loki chuckled softly. “You’re incorrigible…but does that mean you’re feeling a bit better” 

“Why don’t you feed me some of that peanut butter and we’ll find out?” 

Loki rolled his eyes dramatically, but he dipped his finger into the peanut butter jar and then paused. “We’ll need to throw this away when we’re done…honestly we should probably throw away most of the things we’ve been touching.” 

“Mhmm,” Nicky agreed, eyeing Loki’s fingers. 

Loki laughed softly and scooped up some of the peanut butter with his index and middle fingers. 

He brought them to Nicky’s lips and he flicked his tongue out to lap at the sweet paste. Loki hummed in appreciation and then he gently pressed his fingers into Nicky’s mouth. 

Nicky swirled his tongue over his fingers, sucking every last hint of peanut butter off of them. Then he just sucked on his fingers and Loki let out a low moan. He pressed down on Nicky’s tongue forcing his mouth to open and his jaw to flex. 

“God…so pretty…even sick and sitting on the floor,” Loki said. Nicky smiled and pulled Loki’s fingers from his mouth. 

“Your turn, love. Need to make sure you’re okay.” Nicky reached for the jar and dipped his fingers in.

“I’m fine, baby. I also don’t have quite the same oral fixation you do- but if you want to feed me like this, then that’s alright,” Loki said, opening his mouth anyways. 

Nicky raised an eyebrow as he placed his fingers in Loki’s mouth. Despite his protest he made an impressive show of cleaning off Nicky’s fingers. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever thought of it as an oral fixation,” Nicky murmured, running his finger down Loki’s tongue. 

Loki smirked at him. “Really? Cause my nipples and Charlie’s cock would say otherwise.” 

Nicky was so shocked he couldn’t speak for a moment. Then he leaned forward and grabbed Loki by the back of the neck to kiss him fiercely. He licked the remnants of the peanut butter out of Loki’s mouth making him laugh into the kiss. Nicky couldn’t keep it up for long, needing to pull back to gasp for air, but it was worth seeing Loki’s goofy smile as he gloated about being right. 

“Well…either way, baby. I’m happy to oblige any day,” Loki said, leaning forward to peck him lightly on the cheek. 

“Give me like…two more days to heal up,” Nicky said, winking and then completely losing the sexy thread by falling into a coughing fit. 

Loki rubbed his back and laughed at him, just the way it should be. 

Two days later and Nicky really was feeling light years better, but Loki had become as hard to pin down as a shadow. He had officially reached his ten days and when he took another Covid test he tested negative. Of course he wasn’t going to leave Nicky. Instead he spent the entire day cleaning and anxiously flitting around the kitchen and living room area. Nicky had more energy than before, but nowhere near that kind of frenetic energy, so he spent most of the day hiding out in the bedroom. 

“Loki? Can you help me with something darling?” Nicky finally called to him after dinner. 

Loki walked in and Nicky nearly burst out laughing. He was wearing an apron, holding a duster in one hand and a trash bag in the other. 

“Would you please hang out with me? I’m lonely,” Nicky said and Loki’s eyes crinkled. 

“Of course…sorry I- I just want to go home. I thought maybe if I start to get the place cleaned up, as soon as you test negative on your tenth day we could leave immediately.” 

“That’s a great idea, and I promise I’ll help tomorrow but…right now I need you.” 

Loki deposited the cleaning supplies on the floor and yanked off the apron, his shirt, and his pants. Nicky raised an eyebrow but Loki just rolled his eyes as he walked to the bed.

“Don’t get too excited now. My clothes are just super dusty so I thought I’d-“ 

Nicky silenced him with a kiss as he pulled him onto the bed. Just the effort of yanking on his arm had Nicky winded, but he wasn’t so easily deterred. 

Loki however was as skittish as a deer. “Nicky- you’re already out of breath. Take it easy,” he tried to soothe, running his hand down Nicky’s cheek. 

“I don’t want to take it easy,” Nicky growled as he pulled Loki down onto his back. Nicky rolled on top of him and pressed their mouths together. Loki immediately gave up dominance, allowing Nicky to explore his mouth and grind their hips together. 

Loki moaned and finally got a little more into it, grabbing Nicky’s hips and stroking his hip bones. 

“What do you want, love?” Nicky asked grinding his hips exactly the way he knew Loki liked it.

Loki groaned again. “For you to not overexert yourself.”

“Ooooh, talk dirty to me,” Nicky purred. 

“Oh my god,” Loki laughed, sliding his hands up Nicky’s back. “Come here.” 

He gently urged Nicky to lie down on his chest, but that made Nicky start to cough and they had to take a break for him to catch his breath. 

“Okay. Lying face down- bad idea. I can sit up like a champion though,” Nicky said, scooting up into a sitting position on the headboard. 

“Uhhh huhhhh…” Loki drawled, giving him a very skeptical look that wasn’t anywhere near as sexy as Nicky needed it to be.

“You could…” Nicky said, licking his lips suggestively. 

“I could, yes. But I have a strong suspicion you would moan your way into another coughing fit,” Loki said skeptically. 

“Ughhh…fine. Will you just touch me? God it’s been like two weeks, I’m not even sure if it still works.” 

Loki snorted indignantly. “You just want me to touch it?” 

Nicky nodded and Loki brought his hand forward and poked the slight bulge in Nicky’s boxers with one finger. 

“I hate you,” Nicky grumbled. 

“Do not.” 

“Do too.” 

They glared at each other for a moment before Nicky’s resolve crumbled. 

“Loki! Please!” he whined in his most pathetic voice. 

“Oh my god. You’re going to make yourself sick,” Loki said, a pained expression crossing his face. 

“I won’t! I promise! I’ll- I’ll regulate my breathing so I don’t choke or gasp or anything!” Nicky pleaded. “Please, Loki…I need you…” 

Loki groaned but moved forward until he was kneeling between Nicky’s spread knees. 

He gently began to stroke Nicky through his boxers. Nicky gasped and he did end up coughing. Loki was about to pull his hand off when Nicky grabbed his wrist. 

“Hey- that was the first touch! I’m ready now. Promise,” Nicky said with his best reassuring grin. 

Loki just stared at him, unamused. He slowly began to move his hand again and Nicky took a purposely large breath in and out. He did it again even as his hips canted up and his back arched a little. 

Loki raised an eyebrow, apparently impressed. He slid Nicky out of his boxers and then continued to stroke him. He watched Nicky’s face and chest intently but Nicky very carefully regulated his breathing so he didn’t take in too much or too little air. 

“You know…some people do this to regulate orgasms. It might take me a really long time to cum,” Nicky murmured thoughtfully. 

Loki smiled softly. “If you really are okay- as in this isn’t hurting you or bothering your chest…I have nowhere else to be but here, making you feel good.” 

Nicky’s heart melted a little and he let out a long moan when Loki swiped his fingers across his leaking tip to collect some of the precum. 

“Mmmmm…will you…do that thing where you sit behind me? - or will that hurt your chest?” Nicky asked, realizing the second question too late to withdraw the first. 

“I think that should be okay. Let’s try it,” Loki said gamely, sliding around Nicky’s back so he was sitting up against the headboard with Nicky in his arms. 

He started to stroke Nicky and something about the position or their sudden closeness made it feel ten times better to Nicky. He forced himself to moan when he would have gasped. His chest was tight, but not unbearably so, and he wasn’t coughing so he decided to check that as a success. 

“Do you…need more?” Loki asked and he sounded more out of breath than Nicky. 

“O-only if…you want…” Nicky panted. He took in a steadying breath. “You…okay?” 

“Oh I’m great…just incredibly turned on…” Loki whispered, running his tongue down Nicky’s neck. 

“Oh- god…” Nicky groaned, sucking in a deep breath he released as a long moan when Loki bit down into his shoulder. “I thought you were…worried about me…”

“You said you’re okay…I can hear you breathing…and I trust you,” Loki murmured as he lapped at the bite mark he’d left on Nicky’s neck. He shivered and let his head lull back against Loki’s shoulder. 

“Thank you…” he whispered as Loki picked up the speed of his strokes. 

“Of course…so- do you need more? You want my fingers inside you?” 

“God- yes…please yes,” Nicky begged. 

Loki reached into Thor’s nightstand and pulled out the bottle of lube he’d bought for Nicky. He dribbled a little on his fingers and then lowered his hand down to trace around Nicky’s entrance. He hadn’t been touched there in almost two weeks and he gasped. 

“Sh-shit…sorry…one second…” Nicky rasped out as he struggled to get his breathing back under control. Loki waited patiently for Nicky to nod before he began to stroke him down there again. 

Nicky canted his hips up, making an open invitation of his body and Loki laughed softly in his ear. “So beautiful,” he murmured as he gently slid a finger in. 

“Oooooh…Loki…” 

“Right here, baby,” Loki purred. 

God he was amazing. Just a few days ago he’d been this sad, sick, little lump clinging to Nicky throughout the day and night. Now he was here, alive and virile, slowly taking Nicky apart with his hands. 

“I’m…so glad you’re okay…” Nicky whispered, moaning as Loki slid his finger in up to the knuckle. 

“Well it’s all thanks to you Nicky…” Loki crooked his fingers and gently brushed his fingertip over Nicky’s spot. 

“Oh god-“ Nicky moaned, his head falling forward. Unfortunately, this put a weird strain on his chest so he quickly flopped his head back onto Loki’s shoulder. 

“There you go love…stay comfortable. Just relax. I’ve got you.” 

Loki tapped on Nicky’s prostate as he twisted his hand around Nicky’s cock and Nicky moaned quietly. He started to swirl his finger and Nicky had to laugh. 

“Learn that…from Thor…did ya?” he joked. 

“I did indeed…” Loki responded, biting into his shoulder. 

“Ooooooh- yes- please, more,” he begged incoherently as his stomach began to tighten. “Need- to cum- please.” 

“Okay love, I’ll get you there I promise. Fast?” he asked and Nicky nodded desperately. 

Loki picked up the pace of his stroking and he began tapping on Nicky’s spot, varying the pressure and Nicky’s back arched. 

“Loki-“ 

“Let go for me,” Loki whispered. 

Nicky was trying to concentrate on his breathing, his body position, and his pleasure and it was all just too much. He took in a deep breath and just let his mind go blank. The pleasure crashed over him stealing his breath, but with a few more strokes and thrusts Nicky was cumming and it was almost painful, but it was exactly what he needed. His back arched violently and Loki lost his grip on his cock, instead just gripping his hip as he spasmed and writhed in his grasp. 

“F-fuck, L-Loki,” he gasped when he could finally get any semblance of breath into his lungs. 

Loki quickly slid his finger out of Nicky and wiped his hands on his own boxers. He wrapped gentle arms around Nicky’s stomach, trying not to put any pressure on his chest as he kissed his way up his neck. 

“You’re so beautiful…all mine…” Loki murmured. 

“Yours…fucking yours- god…” Nicky felt absolutely boneless and he closed his eyes ready to take a nap on Loki right then and there. 

“Do you…want to clean up? Or rest for a bit?” Loki asked, shifting beneath Nicky’s dead weight. He realized with a start Loki probably didn’t get off from that. 

“Rest for…just a moment. Then I can get you,” Nicky said, his voice coming out almost slurred with exhaustion. 

“No, baby, it’s alright. That’s all I wanted. You rest now, okay?” Loki stretched out his arm and was able to snatch his phone off the nightstand. He began playing around with something on his phone and Nicky happily drifted off to sleep. 

He awoke to a completely dark room, and he realized he must have actually fallen asleep for the night because when he glanced at the clock it was 6am. That meant Nicky was hopefully only one more day away from freedom. 

He shifted around and Loki groaned underneath him. 

“You’re so heavy for such a small guy,” Loki complained and shoved Nicky off him. 

“If I’m so heavy, why did you let me sleep on you the entire night?” Nicky asked a bit cheekily, cozying right back up against Loki’s side. 

“Also very clingy. Tried to get you off and you sunk your claws into me,” Loki joked, but when he held up his arm he actually did have faint crescent moon marks on his skin. 

“Oh shit- I’m sorry…I guess it’s just my inner needy brat coming out.” 

Loki hummed and pulled Nicky back onto his chest, this time in a more cuddly position. “You’re not a brat. Just a little needy, but I love you like that. Love meeting your needs,” Loki murmured, running his fingers through Nicky’s hair. “How is your chest today?”

Nicky took in an experimental breath and it felt better than the day before but still not back to normal. “Good but not great? Not normal at least.” 

Loki nodded and began stroking his back. “Alright…let's get you in the shower, see if some warm water does the trick.” 

They trudged into the shower and ended up cuddling so long their fingers and toes turned pruny. They spent most of the day doing huge loads of laundry, several rounds of dishes, and sanitizing the entire house. They flirted and kissed throughout, so it all took about twice as long as it should, but by dinner time they were just about done. They threw together a mess of leftovers and ended up having mac n cheese, soup, casserole and a strange salad of leftover produce. 

They collapsed into bed together and had another movie watching session with Charlie and Thor. In an unusual turn of events, Charlie actually fell asleep before Loki and Nicky did and so, with murmured goodbyes, Loki hung up the call and placed his laptop on the nightstand. 

Nicky was close to sleep, but when Loki curled up against his back he felt Loki’s rock hard erection. 

“Mmmmm…is it my turn to make you feel good?” Nicky asked sleepily. 

“You’re practically asleep. You don’t have to do anything for me, Nicky. I’ll- uhm…honestly I might just go try to jerk off in the bathroom,” Loki said with a soft chuckle. 

“Mmmm…or…” Nicky said, reaching down to slowly shimmy out of his pants and boxers. He wiggled his hips back against Loki’s hips suggestively. 

“Baby…I don’t think I can fuck you right now. First, I’m not up for it and second you’re definitely not up for it, you’re practically asleep,” Loki said, but it didn’t stop him from reaching around and stroking Nicky until his cock was rock hard as well. 

“You don’t have to really fuck me but…we could try something new? I haven’t done this in a long time but…might be fun,” Nicky murmured. He was waking up, but still felt lazy and too worn out for much activity. His idea might be perfect though. Loki hummed in thought before finally sliding off his pants and underwear as well. 

“So what is this idea of yours, love?” Loki asked, pressing himself against Nicky’s back. His cock pressed against Nicky’s ass and he had to stifle a groan. He really wasn’t up for that tonight. 

“This-” Nicky reached down between his legs and gently grabbed Loki’s cock. He pulled it forward and between his own thighs, pressing his thighs together around it. Loki let out a startled grunt, but then experimentally moved his hips against Nicky’s. His cock dragged along the underside of Nicky’s balls, and slid along the soft hairs on his inner thighs. 

“Ooo-ohhh,” Loki breathed out, his fingers wrapping around Nicky’s hips. 

“Yeah?” Nicky asked, casting a flirty glance over his shoulder. He moved his hips the smallest amount, making Loki’s cock slide back and forth. 

“Yeah…wow, can’t believe I’ve never done this before,” Loki marveled and he began to stroke Nicky again. 

“It’s…mmmm…a little lazy I guess…oooh- feels good though,” Nicky moaned and Loki nuzzled into his neck. 

He built up a steady tempo, fucking in between Nicky’s legs.

“God…I love your ideas…” Loki moaned, gently biting into Nicky’s shoulder. 

“I love you…and my ideas,” Nicky said laughing softly. He was still moderating his breathing so he wasn’t that close to finishing, but Loki seemed to be nearing his orgasm quickly. “You know I have lots of other ideas…for when we both feel better.” 

“Oh?” Loki asked, already sounding thoroughly fucked out. 

“Yeah…thought of a new…position…for us and Bucky-“ 

“Ohhhh god…” Loki moaned. 

“I didn’t even…tell you what it is,” Nicky laughed again. 

“Doesn’t matter…bet it’s amazing…” Loki murmured against his neck. 

“I mean…it’s you…and Bucky…fucking me…of course it’s amazing,” Nicky growled, his breath coming a little faster. 

“Ooooh- Nicky- f-fuck…sorry…feels soo good, oh god- already really close,” Loki whimpered clinging desperately to Nicky’s hip.

“Don't apologize,” Nicky said with a breathless laugh. “I can’t…do much more h-honestly…this is- mmmmm, so good- oh god Loki.” 

“Nicky-” Loki cried as he crashed their hips together and he came in rough spasms of his hips and a whimpering cry. 

Nicky’s own hips stuttered and Loki picked up the speed of his hand on Nicky’s cock. He reached his other hand around and gently stroked Nicky’s balls, smearing his warm sticky cum all over his skin. 

“Ahhh- Loki-“ Nicky whimpered, arching his back into Loki’s chest. 

“Cum for me, baby. Wanna see you,” Loki whispered. 

“I- nghhhh- don’t know if- ahhhhhh- I- I-” and just as he stuttered out his denial, Loki bit into Nicky’s shoulder and his orgasm hit hard. He shouted and his hips snapped forward. He moaned long and low, unfortunately eliciting a small coughing fit. 

Loki jumped up and ran into the bathroom, returning a moment later with a glass of water and a warm washcloth. He gingerly cleaned Nicky off and then helped him pull his boxers back on. 

Loki curled around him, rubbing his back as the coughing died down. 

“Sorry…” Loki mumbled into his slightly sweaty neck. 

“Worth it,” Nicky whispered back. 

Chapter Text

Thor wasn’t a pacer, but hell was he tempted to wear some holes in the floor of Charlie’s-...their apartment. He still didn’t feel right calling it his apartment, but he was getting better at calling it their apartment. Charlie had insisted he call it that the third night he’d slept in Charlie’s bed, as they cuddled after a particularly rough round of sex. 

Charlie had been a beast in bed the entire week. He’d disappeared into the other bedroom to have sex with Bucky and Steve a few times, but Thor figured he was the only one Charlie allowed himself to come unhinged with. 

He tore up Thor’s back with his nails, almost drew blood with his teeth and Thor loved every second of it. He tried to give as good as he got, but he had still been a little worried about pushing Charlie too hard. 

That is, until the fifth night of Thor’s stay, when Charlie had told him to fuck him for real or get the fuck out of his bed. Thor had suspected he hadn’t meant it, but he decided not to push it, so that night he fucked Charlie until he screamed and then he went further, leaving bruises all over his hips and back and nearly breaking his headboard. They hadn’t gone that hard since, as if Charlie had just wanted to see if Thor would do it and now that he knew he would, he was happy to back off from that. 

Thor had finally slept with Steve, but with him, it was actually closer to love making than fucking. He had been sitting on the couch idly scrolling through old texts with Loki when Steve had tentatively approached him and asked if he wanted to see a new project he was working on. Thor was happy for the distraction, so he had followed him back into his bedroom and had found himself promptly pinned up against the door. 

They’d kissed like horny teenagers until Steve had led him to the bed and placed a bottle of lube in his hands. Thor didn’t have to be asked twice. 

He had undressed Steve slowly and worked him into a begging, groaning mess with his mouth and his hands. Steve preferred fingers over toys, so Thor had had the immense pleasure of slowly stretching this man, his wonderful man, open, drinking in some of the new noises he made. He had taken Steve from behind, but held him tightly against his chest the entire time, and it had been beautiful and exactly the reprieve he needed from his back breaking sessions with Charlie. 

Now, he and Charlie were sitting on the couch waiting for their partners to come home, having heard from Loki twenty minutes before that Nicky had tested negative and they were packing the car. Bucky and Steve were in the kitchen, prepping a large dinner for them all, but also clearly wanting to give them some space to welcome their partners back when they walked through the door. 

Charlie reached over and grabbed Thor’s hand and he gave him his best attempt at a smile. “It’s okay Thor. They’re okay, we’re okay, and everything is going to be way more than okay. It’s going to be great,” Charlie said softly, and all Thor could do was nod. 

Charlie and Nicky had been through literal hell together. Late at night over the past week and a half, Charlie told Thor stories that made his hair stand on end about their ex boyfriend. Thor and Loki hadn’t been through anything like that, but the incident with his own ex, the constant long distance, and now this felt like a lot for such a new relationship. On top of that, they’d already said I love you, met the family, made some pretty large promises to each other, and were going to be moving in together, all within six months of being together. 

He knew it was all a little fast, but he couldn’t care less about how fast all of the good stuff was coming their way. He just wished the bad stuff would slow down a bit. He knew relationships had to weather trials and challenges, but he couldn’t help but feel a little less confident about his relationship than Charlie was about his own. 

Just then, the door opened and all doubt flew out of Thor’s mind. The look on Loki’s face when he saw Thor was something he wanted tattooed onto his brain. His eyes lit up and his face broke out into the biggest smile Thor had ever seen on him. 

He and Nicky were empty handed. Thor wasn’t sure if they needed help with their bags or possibly they knew it would be better to not have to throw things to the side, because within a heartbeat both Charlie and Thor were upon them. 

Thor grabbed Loki and ripped him off his feet, feeling Charlie do the same to Nicky right next to him. 

“Oh god- Thor,” Loki gasped and he immediately burst into tears. 

Loki had cried a lot in front of Thor, which Thor counted as a privilege and a gift. Leif had almost never shown such raw emotion around Thor and it had made him feel unapproachable and cold. He cherished the fact that Loki felt comfortable enough around him to just feel what he was feeling. He just wished there was less to cry about. Maybe Charlie was right and things would get better moving forward. 

“Elskede…Loki…oh my love, it’s okay. I’m here, you’re here- you’re okay,” Thor soothed, wrapping Loki’s legs around his back so he could run his hands up and down his shoulders, sides, back, hips, ass- everything he could reach and touch. 

“God I missed you so much-” Loki crashed their lips together and Thor steadied him with solid hands on his hips. 

They kissed like they were each other’s only life line. Thor rechartered the planes of his mouth, noting every ridge and bump of his teeth and tongue. God he wanted to touch and taste every single part of Loki and he was going to do that soon. If not at this exact moment, then sometime tonight. 

“I know, kjære, I missed you too,” Thor finally murmured against his mouth. 

“My ass can attest to that,” Charlie grumbled. 

Thor and Loki turned to look at him. His face was buried in Nicky’s neck, while Nicky clung to him like a clawed monkey. 

“Hey. You asked for every single second of it,” Thor grumbled light heartedly, because he felt light hearted. In this moment with Loki in his arms, Charlie and Nicky by his side, and Steve and Bucky in the other room, he felt light as air.

“Okay, I’m going to need something in my ass in literally the next five seconds if you keep talking like that. And if you stop talking like that, I can possibly wait up to five minutes, but that’s about it,” Nicky hissed, like the feral kitten he was. 

“That can be arranged,” Charlie growled, sinking his teeth into Nicky’s neck. 

“Okay- but first- I know Nicky isn’t going to admit this, but he’s still having some chest pain and breathing problems,” Loki said, leaning over to place a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. 

“Okay Loki, no problem,“ Charlie said. 

“It’s really fine,” Nicky complained, clawing at Charlie’s back like he wanted to rip the shirt off of him. 

“You have to make sure you regulate your breathing-” Loki tried to say, but Nicky interrupted him. 

“Jesus fucking christ Loki, just come to bed with us and you can watch over me yourself,” Nicky said and there was absolutely zero malice in his voice, just a desperate need Thor was feeling a little of himself. 

“Only if Thor comes too,” Loki said, sinking his own nails into Thor’s back. 

“All six of us can fucking come and we can invite the neighbors for all I care, I just need to be in bed. Now,” Nicky growled. 

“Bucky,” Loki breathed and Nicky stopped his frantic clawing for just a moment. 

“Bucky! Steve!” Nicky yelled and Loki winced at the volume. “Bedroom! Now!” 

Charlie carried Nicky down the hallway and Thor followed a moment later. Charlie all but threw Nicky onto the far side of the bed and Thor was a little gentler, laying Loki down on the side of the bed closest to the door and then crawling on after him. Shirts flew off and pants and underwear were soon to follow. Bucky and Steve walked in a few moments later and they were both already taking their shirts off. 

“How can we help?” Steve asked sweetly and Thor grabbed him and pulled him down between himself and Charlie. Bucky scrambled onto the bed and climbed over Loki, placing himself squarely between Loki and Nicky. 

“Think it might be you and me, love,” Bucky said, reaching for the zipper on Steve’s jeans. 

Thor glanced over at Charlie and Nicky to find Charlie already had his face between Nicky’s spread legs. Thor honed back in on Loki and when their eyes met it was like the entire room and everyone else in it disappeared. 

He leaned down and captured Loki’s mouth in a searing kiss as he wrapped a hand around his cock. “Oh god!” Loki yelled and several of the other men groaned in response to his cry. 

“Anything I need to worry about with you, love? Chest okay? Cough? Pain?” Thor asked. 

“Just- not gonna last long. Only cum- nghhhh, once in over two- oh fuck- weeks!” Loki cried as Thor continued to gently stroke him. 

“Do you want me to just get you off like this? Then I can fuck you, or is this enough?” 

“God no, not enough. Please- I- fuck I don’t know- yes, sure, get me- ooooh- off now and then fuck me- I need- please-” Thor silenced his rambling with a hot kiss and then worked his mouth lower, lapping at his nipple piercings as he continued to stroke his cock. 

“Oooooh- yes…that- please! More!” Loki whimpered and Bucky groaned next to him. 

“I fucking missed you so much,” Bucky whined and he turned his head to bite into Loki’s shoulder. 

“B-Bucky,” Loki whimpered, turning to catch his mouth in a kiss. 

Thor took this moment of distraction as an opportunity to surprise him. He lowered his head, but instead of taking his leaking cock in his mouth, he ran the large flat pad of his tongue along the underside of one of Loki’s balls. 

Loki broke the kiss to shout in surprise. “Holy- hell that’s good, oh fuck- please don’t stop,” Loki rocked his balls up into Thor’s mouth and he happily obliged, licking, lapping and teasing at them until he went even lower, flicking his tongue over the sensitive, puckered skin around his hole. 

“Thor,” Loki breathed and that one word had him harder than all the fun he was having with his mouth. 

Loki’s hands found his hair and pulled out the half done top knot he’d been wearing all day. His fingers stroked through his hair and Thor wanted to stay here forever, between Loki’s legs, surrounded by his friends and lovers. 

Loki’s body had other plans though. “Oh god- Thor- close- please-” Thor finally took Loki’s cock fully in his mouth, swallowing him down right in time to make Loki groan and cum hard down Thor’s throat. He actually almost choked, Loki’s hips bucked so hard. He had to press him down to the mattress so he could milk him through the rest of his orgasm. 

“Loki…there’s no way you’re done already, darling,” Charlie purred from the other side of the bed. “I want to take my turn on you too.” 

Loki’s entire body shivered. “Might have to…wait a little bit…” Loki panted happily. Thor glanced over at Charlie and let out a low, playful growl. 

Charlie’s answering laugh was so filled with joy and affection Thor felt tears prick his eyes. “I’m not going to win that arm wrestle. Guess I’ll just have to wait,” Charlie threw them both a wink and then returned his attention to Nicky who was currently fucking himself on three of Charlie’s fingers. 

Thor returned his attention to his own fingers, glancing around for lube. Steve handed him the bottle and then, to Thor’s surprise, leaned forward for a quick kiss. 

“God you two are sweet,” Loki said from his blissed out position on the bed. “Haven’t really seen you two together yet.” 

Thor realized with a shock that he was right. Almost all of his time spent with Steve had either been in private moments in Italy or while Loki was quarantining in Thor’s apartment. 

“Is…this alright?” Thor asked a little hesitantly. He’d already had this discussion with Bucky while he was here and Bucky had basically told him “more power to you.” 

Loki raised an eyebrow at him. Instead of responding he turned on his side to drag Bucky into an absolutely filthy kiss. Bucky groaned into it, his hand coming up to tangle in Loki’s hair while Steve and Thor both let out their own low noises. 

When Loki was done, he rolled back onto his back and gave Thor a “no fucking duh” look that Thor figured he probably deserved. 

“Okay, got it, fuck me for asking,” Thor grumbled and Steve gave him another peck on the cheek. 

“Anytime,” Steve said. 

“Anyplace,” Charlie chimed in from Steve’s other side. 

“Hey, I’ll throw my hat in that ring,” Nicky said 

The entire room fell silent for a beat and then Charlie let out a burst of laughter. “Nicholas…” 

“What? If you think I wouldn’t climb that fucking gorgeous, Daddy mountain if I was given the chance you’ve got another thing coming,” Nicky said. A series of growls, groans, and laughs echoed around the room and Thor felt his cheeks heat up.

“Why am I getting so much shit tonight?” Thor said, but he couldn’t help but laugh. 

“Because we lo- care about you a lot,” Loki said, smiling apologetically at Thor for his slip, but he just let out a soft laugh. 

“I lo-care about you all a lot too,” Thor said, purposefully tacking on the “lo-” part to make Loki smile. 

“You ready?” Loki asked softly, reaching for Thor’s cock which was still just as hard as it had been a few minutes prior. 

“Am I ready? Oh love, I think you’re asking the wrong question,” Thor said, as he quickly lubed up his fingers and gently slid one in. 

“OooOoooh god,” Loki said, his voice wavering as his head fell back on the pillow. 

“That’s what I thought,” Thor murmured as he slowly teased him, moving his finger in slow circles inside him before gently beginning to thrust in and out. 

Bucky let out a particularly throaty moan and reached down to lace his fingers with Nicky’s on one side and Loki’s on the other. 

Thor knew the week had been hard on Steve and Bucky as well, but they’d done an absolutely impeccable job making it all about Thor and Charlie’s needs, wants, and stress. Both Loki and Nicky turned their heads to look at Bucky. 

“Love you, babe,” Loki whispered softly and Nicky echoed the sentiment. Bucky’s tendons flexed in his hands as he squeezed both of theirs and then he let out a long, low moan as Steve slowly thrust into him. 

Thor slid a second finger into Loki and he bucked his hips, whimpering and begging as he continued to hold Bucky’s hand. Thor worked him up to three fingers and, just for some added fun, he bent down between his legs again and added his tongue. The noises Loki made lit Thor up inside in a way no one else he had ever slept with, or ever would sleep with again, did. He loved Loki with every single fiber of his being, which apparently included his cock, because it jumped and waved in the air with every sound and hitch of breath. 

“Please tell me you’re ready…” Thor groaned. 

“Here, give me-” Loki made grabby hands and Thor quickly handed him the lube. 

Thor pulled his fingers out to lube up his cock while Loki spread more lube into himself. This seemed to be a pretty essential trick for them, since Loki’s small fingers, in his already spread open hole, could perfectly distribute the lube in a way Thor’s big ones couldn’t. It was also hot as fuck to watch, so Thor had zero qualms about Loki doing this while Thor took care of himself. 

“Like this alright?” Thor asked positioning himself between Loki’s legs. The other two boys next to him were already being fucked like that, but he wanted to make sure Loki hadn’t been hoping for something else. 

“Yes. Perfect. I want to ride you, but- later,” Loki said with a wink. 

Thor let out a low growl as he slowly slid the tip and then the first half of his cock into Loki. 

He let out an animal noise as Thor spread him open, but there was almost no pain in it, or in the look of pure bliss on his face. 

“Ooooooh, yesssss,” Loki moaned as Thor bottomed out inside him. 

He couldn’t believe he’d ever been worried about his size in the past. His four lovers here always made it seem like no big deal at all. He’d caught Steve massaging his jaw after one of their sessions earlier that week, but the wink he’d given Thor was so fucking sexy he’d been unable to worry about it. 

“You…feel so good…” Thor groaned, bowing over to capture Loki in a soft kiss. 

“Need you- need this- so bad,” Loki panted, rocking his hips against Thor. 

“I need this too, elskede…so much- ooooooh,” Thor was barely even moving, but just the small rocking motion of Loki’s hips was threatening to get him there. 

Loki’s eyes widened slightly. “Like…this?” Loki asked as he continued to rock his hips. The movement was so slow, but the drag and pull on Thor’s cock was amazing. 

“This is really doing it for me,” Thor moaned, bending at the waist to wrap his arms under Loki’s back. He gripped both of his shoulders and used the leverage to slowly slide out of and back into Loki

“Oooooooh Thor,” Loki moaned, low and tremulous and it was like a prayer, a curse, and a wish all rolled into one. 

“Yes love… I want you to feel this. Every centimeter of me…every movement…every breath… they’re all yours…just been waiting for you to come home so I could give them to you,” Thor murmured against his forehead. 

“H-home,” Loki gasped and his smile was a little sex drunk. 

Loki slowly figured out Thor’s tempo and began rocking against him again, meeting each thrust with a sensual roll of his hips. 

He could feel every muscle in Loki’s shoulders, back, chest, and abs clenching and rolling and it was so sexy. Like their bodies were molded together, rolling together, muscle by muscle into this languid, liquid dance. 

“Holy shit-“ Loki breathed, tilting his head to rest against Thor’s. “H-how does this feel…so good.” 

Thor had no idea and he wasn’t sure if they’d ever be able to replicate it, so he closed his eyes and pressed his head against Loki’s. They stayed like this for several minutes, the noises and movements of their lovers rolling over them like soft lapping waves. 

Thor shifted his hips slightly and apparently brushed Loki’s spot because he began to tremble. He continued his languid pace but aimed perfectly so he dragged and rubbed against his spot each time. 

“Oooooooh, right there- oh Thor…” Loki’s voice was shattered as if he’d spent the past ten minutes screaming, not breathily moaning and whispering with Thor. 

“So good, Loki…you feel so good,” Thor moaned and Loki nodded against his head. 

Next to them he heard Bucky and Steve finish and a few minutes later Charlie and Nicky did as well. They collapsed in a heap together, but Thor didn’t feel deterred, if anything he felt emboldened. 

“You still with me, elskede?” Thor asked, making sure Loki didn’t want to speed up or change positions. 

“So- fucking good…please d-dont stop,” Loki moaned finally pulling his hand free from Bucky’s so he could wrap both of his arms around Thor’s neck. 

Their mouths found each other and he timed the strokes of his tongue with the strokes of his hips, continuing to brush and bump Loki’s spot. 

“Ooooh god…feel like you’re- pulling me apart…barely even fucking moving but…I feel so much,” Loki said, his voice heavy and rough. 

Thor couldn’t have said it any better himself. He felt like he could feel every single part of Loki inside and out. Like he knew him better than any other person in this room, in this country, on this earth. 

“I- actually think- I might cum soon- oooooh god…don’t want to stop but…just so good,” Loki moaned, running his fingernails gently up and down Thor’s back. He found some of the sore spots, scratches and bruises left by Charlie, and it made Thor’s stomach quiver. 

“Good, kjære, please…cum for me my love.” 

Loki moaned and started to move his hips just a little faster. Thor matched the new speed and suddenly he was rocketing towards his own orgasm. Just that slight extra bit of pressure and friction felt amazing and Loki began to beg which was always a good sign. 

“Oh please- Thor…need to cum, need- just- oh god,” Loki snaked one of his hands down between them and gripped the head of his cock. 

“Oh! Thor!” Loki’s back arched up shifting the angle and taking Thor in so deep and so tight Thor actually tipped over that blissful edge first, which rarely happened for him. 

“Loki…” he growled as he came inside him and the added slipperiness and increased fluidity of his movements finally tipped Loki over too. Loki trembled silently in his arms and the room fell silent. Only then did Thor hear Nicky’s labored breathing from the other side of the bed. He quickly pulled out of Loki and wrapped him up in his arms. 

“Nicky…” Loki said sadly and he too glanced over at Nicky. 

He was curled on his side on Charlie’s chest, but he was breathing really hard. 

“Charlie- you need to get him sitting up and then probably best to stand with him in the shower for a little while until the muscles in his back and chest relax,” Loki suggested and Charlie sent him a desperately grateful look. 

“Ugh…thanks dad,” Nicky growled and Loki glared at him. 

“….mom?” Nicky tried and Loki glared harder.

“Parental unit…who I love…so, so much?” 

Loki blinked and then burst out laughing. Nicky shot him a strained looking cheeky grin as Charlie led him off to the bathroom. Thor figured if he could be a sassy brat he was probably okay, just a little over exerted. 

Thor let his eyes fall closed for a moment but then he heard a different gasping breath. 

“Oh Bucky...it’s okay. He’s going to be okay I promise,” Loki whispered. 

Thor cracked an eye open to see Bucky shaking with silent sobs in Steve’s arms. Loki struggled a little to sit up but once he managed that, he pulled Bucky into his arms. 

“He just…looked so small and…fragile…” Bucky cried, wrapping himself around Loki.  

“I know. Which is so scary for our Nicky right? We’re so used to him being this little firecracker of strength with his larger than life personality, but…he’s going to be okay, I promise. You should have seen him a few days ago. It was so much worse- he's made so much progress! I also told him now that he’s tested negative, he needs to go see the doctor in-person. I’m sure they can prescribe or recommend something for him,” Loki said. 

Bucky nodded sadly and buried his face in Loki’s mess of black hair. 

Thor grabbed Steve’s hand and together they curled around their lovers. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thankfully Nicky got a doctor's appointment easily, and two days later he was prescribed steroids to reduce any residual swelling in his chest. Unfortunately, he was also told to limit any strenuous activity for seven days, including sex.

He obviously did not handle this well. He spent the first day prowling around the house growling, cursing, and moaning about it. Charlie took the brunt of this, pulling Nicky into his arms, onto his lap, and into their bedroom anytime he would get too agitated. 

Then Thor decided it was his turn. On the second day, when Nicky was in a particularly foul mood, Thor grabbed him and pulled him into his lap on the couch. 

“You are quite possibly the bravest person I have ever met,” Thor murmured in his ear as he glowered up at Thor. “You didn’t even hesitate to offer to spend two weeks quarantining with your partner. You just dove right in, knowing there could be consequences, possibly even long term consequences. I am so glad that you are mostly healthy and thriving now, but I know this is hard for you. And if you need to cry and hit things or scream at me and push me…you can do that, baby. Because not only did you protect and take care of Loki, my sweet beautiful Loki, but you also got yourself through this too. And now here you are, back in my arms where you belong. I know it is hard we cannot have sex yet. That does not seem fair, it feels like a punishment not the reward you deserve. But. I am here. For whatever you need, godgutten min. Because I’m just so glad you’re here.” Thor meant every word he said and he buried his face in Nicky’s neck. 

“I…just feel so angry, Daddy…” Nicky whispered.

“I know, baby. Nothing about this is fair. I also believe steroids can cause mood swings and that’s not fair either,” Thor soothed. 

“It’s…really not, but…I know I’m so lucky that this is the worst of it though,” Nicky said looking down at his hands. 

“You are…and so are the rest of us, to have you back with us. God, baby we’re all just so fucking grateful to have you back here with us. We’ll have so much celebratory sex once you’re able, but we’re just so happy to have you back in- in our home,” Thor said and Nicky seemed to shrink a little in his arms, some of his big, bad blustering from the past two days disappearing. 

“That being said…you can of course still be angry about how things did turn out. It isn’t fair and you’re disappointed and you’re allowed to be as upset as you need to be. We can take it and hold that with you and for you. Whatever you need, my sweet boy,” Thor said, rubbing his hand down Nicky’s back. 

Nicky seemed to sit with this for a few minutes, not saying anything, just sitting in Thor’s lap until finally he collapsed against his chest. 

“I’m…so grateful to just be here with you all…I just feel like I wanted so badly to reconnect with each of you physically and emotionally and I feel like the physical side was taken away from me,” Nicky whispered. 

“I know baby…but there are other ways you can connect with each of us physically. We could hold each other through a movie, or curl up and read together. I could…blindfold you and feed you a meal, let you guess what I’m feeding you. We could…go for a long walk together and then take a bath. I could give you a long massage…does any of that sound good, little one?” Thor offered, and Nicky threaded his fingers into Thor’s shirt. 

“Thank you Daddy…I like every single one of those ideas actually,” he murmured.

“Yeah? I’m more than happy to do all of them with you baby,” Thor said, wrapping his arms tightly around Nicky’s waist and back. 

So, they spent the next week slowly working through different ways to share touch and physical affection that wouldn’t work his lungs too hard. At the end of his prescription, Nicky was told he was allowed to begin increasing his physical activity, so he started doing aerobics with Loki. They would both end up quite winded afterwards and while Loki seemed to be taking it in stride, it seemed to really bother Nicky. 

“What if…I can’t get back to the way I was before…marathon sex and gasping, yelling, begging…” Nicky asked one night in bed while he was curled up in Thor’s arms, legs resting in Charlie’s lap as he worked on his phone. 

“Well, just like any other exercise, if you’re not up for it at first, you start in small segments and work your way up,” Charlie said, taking off his glasses and putting his phone away. 

“Oh?” Nicky asked, but his voice was more skeptical than anticipatory. 

“How about you let me work you with my mouth and we stop as soon as you feel uncomfortable or out of breath?” Charlie proposed as he moved towards Nicky. 

“I’m already uncomfortable…” Nicky murmured and Charlie froze. 

“Okay kitten, no problem-“ Charlie said, beginning to sit back against the headboard. 

“No! I…I want to try I just…fuck I’m like, really nervous…” Nicky said, wrapping his hand around Thor’s thick forearm. 

“It’s alright, godgutten min. We’re right here. We won’t let anything happen to you, and we won’t be upset with you if we have to stop,” Thor murmured, but that just made Nicky stiffen more. “Unless…do you want me to leave? You can try it with just Charles-“ 

“No! Please don’t leave me. I’m sorry-“ Nicky cried curling into Thor’s side. Thor’s eyes flew wide and he glanced at Charlie in concern. He had eyes only for Nicky though, scooting right up behind Nicky to press their bodies together. 

“Okay kitten, it’s okay. No one is leaving you, or going anywhere. We both are very excited to try to make you feel good, with no pressure to finish or perform for us. Does that sound okay?” Charlie soothed. 

Thor was, as always, amazed at how well Charlie knew Nicky and his fears. Nicky immediately relaxed against Charlie’s body, leaning into him for support, love, and this experiment in pleasure. 

“Okay…I want to try,” Nicky said softly. 

“Perfect…my perfect boy. You want me to just touch you like this? Let your Daddy watch?” Charlie asked, pulling Nicky flush against his chest, so he was facing Thor. 

“Y-yes,” Nicky whispered, closing his eyes and arching his back as Charlie began to stroke his chest. Charlie lifted up Nicky’s shirt and quickly got him out of it, then he lowered his pants and boxers, but didn’t take them all the way off. 

“Just going to try touching you like this, kitten, okay?” Charlie asked. 

“Okay. I…really want you,” Nicky whimpered. 

“Right here, love,” Charlie whispered and he slowly began to stroke Nicky. Thor wasn’t completely sure what to do with himself so he brushed his fingers gently down Nicky’s chest, stroking his nipples and soothing his ribs.

“Oooooh…Daddy…love your hands on me,” Nicky breathed, his breath coming faster than maybe it should have been, but he didn’t sound labored or in pain. 

“Yeah? Like this?” Thor asked, stroking his hands around Nicky’s back to stroke at his spine and the meat of his shoulders. 

Nicky groaned and thrust up into Charlie’s touch. 

Together, Thor and Charlie slowly stroked Nicky until he was a squirming, whimpering mess. His breath was fast, but sounded strong and healthy. 

“Nghhh- close…really close…chest…okay,” Nicky panted.

“Your chest is okay?” Thor repeated, cupping Nicky’s face. 

“Yes,” Nicky breathed. 

“Good, baby. Oh, my good boy…” Thor purred and Nicky preened. 

“Daddy- …still… good for you?” 

“Yes baby. So fucking good. So sweet and pretty for me,” Thor praised. 

“And for me…god you feel so good in my arms again…oh, kitten, I missed you so much,” Charlie crooned. Nicky seemed to turn into a little ball of fluff, pressing and rubbing against both of them. 

“Cum for us,” Charlie whispered and with a few more strokes from both of their big hands he came with a shudder and a groan. 

“Oh god…that felt so good,” Nicky moaned a little while later. 

Charlie wrapped him tightly in his arms and took him to shower and then he tucked Nicky back into Thor’s arms so he could grab a snack. 

“You feeling a little more confident now? You were breathing a little hard, but didn’t seem like there was any pain or anything,” Charlie said. 

“No, I felt great-“ Nicky said, interrupted by his own yawn. “And you know what that means?” 

“What?” Thor said, burying his face in Nicky’s sweet smelling hair. 

“You two can fuck me into the mattress soon,” Nicky said with his usual air of confidence and sass. It warmed Thor’s heart and did interesting things to his stomach. 

“Gladly,” Charlie purred and that did even more fun things to Thor’s insides. 

He hadn’t admitted it out loud, since Nicky had been doing enough complaining and begging for all of them, but he’d been looking forward to this almost as much as Nicky had been. 

The opportunity came about a week and a half later when Thor, Loki and Nicky ended up tangled in bed together. 

Thor had been having ample sex with Loki, capturing him in surprise encounters in the kitchen, on the deck, in the bedroom, and the bathroom. Today, he’d found Loki playing on his phone, resting in bed. He and Nicky had been tiring more easily and had spent more time lounging around than doing much of anything else. Thor had quickly stripped Loki down and was about to go down on him when Nicky wandered in. 

“You know you’re supposed to close the door if you want any semblance of privacy, right?” Nicky asked, already shucking his own shirt. 

“Maybe I didn’t want privacy,” Thor teased and he grabbed Nicky and tossed him onto the bed. Nicky ended up riding Loki’s face, kissing Thor fiercely while Thor fucked Loki. All of it felt amazing, but in particular he hadn’t kissed Nicky like this in weeks verging on months, and it felt glorious. Nicky’s breath control had gotten much better and he was barely panting by the time he came down Loki’s throat. 

They all trembled and held onto each other and when Thor offered to shower with Nicky, Loki said he was starving and was going to go eat dinner with Bucky and the others. 

Thor happily carried Nicky to the shower and washed them both off. 

Nicky turned into a cuddly kitten in the shower, so Thor carried him back into the bedroom to snuggle. He wasn’t expecting much else from the night, except maybe dinner, until Charlie walked in. 

“Two of my five favorite people in the world,” Charlie said happily, sliding into bed behind Nicky, throwing his arms around both of them. 

“Oooh, repeat of a few weeks ago?” Nicky asked, cock already hardening. 

“Have you eaten?” Thor asked before he could stop himself. 

Charlie rolled his eyes and nodded and Nicky got a fond look in his eyes before turning his attention back to Charlie. 

“Is that what you’d like, kitten? Want me to take you apart while your Daddy watches?” Charlie asked, hand already reaching for Nicky’s naked body. 

“Yes, god yes,” Nicky said, arching against Charlie’s chest. 

So there they went again, but this time Thor wanted more of those kisses. He kissed Nicky until he was a bit out of breath and then pulled back, ravaging his neck and shoulders, moving down to claim his nipples, his ribs, his hips and his legs. He hadn’t meant to get reverent, but he found himself worshiping every centimeter of skin he could get his hands and mouth on. 

Nicky came with a quiet moan, and Thor wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Nicky come apart so sweetly. He was usually raw pleasure and crashing need, but this was soft and sweet. 

Charlie released Nicky and he immediately climbed on top of Thor’s chest. 

“Oh, Daddy…” Nicky murmured and Thor stroked his back. 

“Yes, baby?” Thor asked, expecting happy grumbling and sleepy kisses. That wasn’t what he got though. 

“Daddy…Thor…I love you…” Nicky whispered as he clung to Thor. 

“Oh baby…my sweet Nicholas…“ Thor said, shock and awe stealing his words and a bit of his own breath. Nicky didn’t let him flounder for long, cutting off anything else he might have said with a kiss. 

“You don’t have to say it back,” Nicky whispered.

Thor tried to pull together his scattered thoughts as quickly as he could. But he also didn’t want to leave Nicky hanging. 

“I know, godgutten min… It…just takes me a little longer-“ 

“That’s completely okay. I didn’t say it because I wanted you to say it back. I just wanted you to know,” Nicky said. 

He pushed off of Thor’s chest to look into his eyes. Charlie reached out and stroked his hand down Nicky’s back and Nicky smiled at the touch. 

Thor pressed a soft kiss to his mouth, nothing like the brutal crash and grind of their mouths minutes before. Nicky melted into the kiss, pressing down on Thor’s head until he lowered it all the way back to the pillow and Nicky got up to straddle him. His tongue flicked out and Thor happily opened his mouth to him. Nicky’s tongue was small and soft and Thor loved the way it felt rubbing against his own. He loved it maybe a little too much. 

Thor groaned into the kiss. “You’re going to make me hard, baby. Again.” 

“Good,” Nicky whispered and he began to kiss, lick, and bite at Thor’s neck. He groaned again and heard a warm chuckle from Charlie. 

He turned his head and saw Charlie swallowing the last bite of his protein bar. They’d begun keeping bars in the bedside table for post-sex snacks. Charlie had bought a mini fridge a few weeks back to keep high protein yogurts, cheeses and drinks in. 

“Do you need me to get him off you?” Charlie asked, some of his dom voice coming out, something Thor hadn’t heard in weeks. 

Thor hummed thoughtfully, cupping Nicky’s ass in his big hands. 

“Or…does Daddy want to play with me again?” Nicky purred, grinding down against Thor’s hardening length. 

“I always want to play with you, baby,” Thor growled and he grabbed his hips, encouraging his slow grind into something faster. Nicky moaned and Charlie growled. 

“How would you like him this time, Thor,” Charlie asked, coming to kneel next to Thor’s hip. 

“I think…I’d actually really like to see you dom him…if that’s alright with you baby,” Thor stroked Nicky’s hips and he nodded eagerly. 

“Good boy…I’ll just be here to play then,” Thor said, folding his hands behind his head. Charlie laughed softly at the gesture, but then his expression hardened into something darker, more dangerous. 

Nicky whimpered at the sight, his hips stilling on Thor. 

“I didn’t tell you to stop,” Charlie said, his voice was husky and commanding and it even turned Thor on. Nicky trembled at the sound, but he began grinding against Thor again. 

Thor hummed in pleasure, his eyes locked on the two lovers. He loved watching the games they played with each other. Charlie had once described a few of them to Thor while they were fucking and it had almost driven Thor mad.

“Mmmm, I like watching you ride Thor, just like that-“ Charlie purred and Nicky nodded. 

“Charlie-“ 

“I wasn’t finished,” Charlie said, his eyes snapping up to Nicky’s face. Nicky clamped his mouth shut, which was a bit of a shame. Thor quite enjoyed his dirty mouth and filthy noises. 

“I like watching you ride Thor, but I also like it when you ride me. It’s so hard to tell which I enjoy more though.” Charlie faked absentmindedly tapping his finger against his chin. Nicky shivered but stayed silent. 

“You know, I just don’t think I’ll be able to choose. So you’ll just have to take both of us.” 

Thor’s eyes widened and he nearly sat up. They were both very large, he actually didn’t think it would be possible for Nicky to take both of them. He was about to speak up when Nicky smirked at him. 

“He means one after the other, Daddy. Don’t look so scandalized,” Nicky winked at him. 

Charlie growled at him and he cowered. “I have no patience for your sass, Nicholas. And your Daddy deserves your respect. Apologize,” Charlie said. 

Nicky looked down at Thor’s chest and then up at him through his pretty lashes. God, Thor loved being sweet and kind to his baby boy, but he never elicited this level of submission from him in the way Charlie did. It was hot as hell. 

“Sorry Daddy,” Nicky demurred, biting his lip. 

Thor’s hand reached up to cup his face almost of its own volition. “It’s alright baby. I was confused. Thank you for clearing it up for me.” 

Nicky preened at the contact, whining and whimpering into Thor’s palm. 

“Although…I’ve been thinking about maybe taking from Bucky and Loki at the same time,” Nicky murmured. 

Charlie’s eyes widened impossibly large and he grabbed Nicky roughly and yanked him off of Thor. 

“Well…we’ll see if you can cash that check later, naughty little kitten…” Charlie purred and for just a moment Nicky and Charlie smirked at each other. 

“Are you ready for us now or do you need more prep?” Charlie’s voice dropped low into an almost persistent growl. 

“Ready,” Nicky said, the faintest hint of a smirk still left on his lips for how he had surprised Charlie, and honestly Thor as well. He was absolutely going to ask for a front seat ticket to that show when it happened, but he needed to focus on the here and now. 

“You better be sure, Nicholas. Only bad boys lie about being ready,” Charlie growled. 

Nicky hesitated. “Maybe…a little more prep?” 

“That’s what I thought,” Charlie snapped. He shoved Nicky onto his hands and knees and then pressed his back until he lowered his chest to the bed, ass in the air.

“Sorry…” Nicky whispered, but his tone didn’t sound the least bit sorry.

“I’m not your Daddy, Nicholas. I’m not going to punish you by spanking you until you cum. You’re not going to like my punishments,” Charlie said, slathering lube all over three of his fingers. “Do you understand me?” 

“Y-yes,” Nicky breathed and this time he sounded a little more serious. But only a little. 

Charlie ruthlessly thrust two fingers into him and Nicky shouted in surprise and then in pleasure as Charlie curled his fingers and thrust in and out. 

Nicky moaned, and reached for his cock. Charlie knocked his hand out of the way and he whimpered, but continued to reach for his cock anyways. Charlie snarled and grabbed his wrist, pinning it to the mattress. 

“You have not one, but two cocks to ride Nicholas, don’t you dare get greedy now.” 

Nicky whimpered, but actually tried to reach for his cock a third time with his other hand. Thor couldn’t help but admire his gusto, but he knew he was going to pay for it. 

Charlie let out a vicious snarl and roughly slammed Nicky down into the mattress, pinning his misbehaving hand underneath him. 

“You really just want to be a brat? Well then, now you get to cum last, after you make both of us cum by riding us.” 

Nicky let out a strangled noise. “No, Charlie, please-” 

“That is what bad boys get. I told you you weren’t going to like my punishment,” Charlie said. 

“Charlie, no! I’m sorry, I’m sorry-” 

“Oh it is way too late for sorry now, Nicholas.” Charlie ripped his fingers out of him and Nicky made a pitiful noise. Charlie turned to Thor and his expression turned gentle. It was so jarring it threw Thor off for a second and he almost missed Charlie’s question. “Would you like to cum first or second?”

“Oh- I, uhm… kind of thought we were just going to take turns? Like…back and forth?” Thor admitted bashfully. 

Charlie’s eyebrows lifted. “Oh…that sounds like a wonderful idea. I don’t know if Nicholas will be the biggest fan of it though- being transferred back-and-forth between us and not allowed to cum…but I think it’s worth a shot,” Charlie mused. He turned to look back down at Nicky who was whimpering softly, staring up at them with his ass still in the air.

“I need a color Nicholas, do you want us to take turns on you?” 

Nicky seemed to actually think about it for a moment and then he nodded. “Green, want to make you feel good- please…”

Charlie gently grabbed Thor's shoulder and urged him to sit up. He did so and then he scooted back against the headboard of the bed. Charlie came to sit in between his legs, facing him. Charlie did a little adjusting and they ended up both sitting with their legs spread open, knees bent slightly. Thor suddenly understood the plan. They would each take Nicky in their laps and they would pass him back-and-forth between them. Thor’s cock grew impossibly hard at the thought.

Nicky also seemed to understand, because he began to whine and beg. Charlie made quick work of getting him settled on his lubed up cock and soon Nicky was riding him and groaning, throwing his head back and arching so pretty that Thor gripped his own cock just for the pressure. He spread lube on himself and even that almost felt too good. 

“Thor?” Charlie offered and Thor didn’t hesitate to reach forward and grab Nicky. Charlie helped him lift him and Nicky began to beg and squirm. 

“No- no, please I need- I need- please,” Nicky panted and begged as Thor pulled him into his own lap backwards, so he was facing Charlie. 

“Be good, Nicholas,” Charlie growled and Nicky switched to just whimpering. 

Thor got him positioned, but his grip slipped slightly as Nicky pressed down with his hips and he ended up sinking entirely down onto Thor’s cock.

“Oh- fuck-“ Nicky ground out and Charlie’s eyes were wide in shock, probably mirroring Thor’s expression. 

“Nicholas,” Thor groaned and wrapped his arms around his waist, hugging him for comfort and stability. 

“Ooooooh Daddy, you’re so big- oh god- hurts-” Nicky groaned and there was pain in his voice, but also licks of pleasure. Thor knew Nicky liked to whine and beg for pain, but his back was ramrod straight and showed more pain than pleasure. 

“Color,” Charlie growled and Nicky’s entire body trembled.

“G-green but- just- need a second- please-” 

Thor had to bit the inside of his cheek until he tasted blood to keep from thrusting up into the painfully tight heat of Nicky’s body. He kept himself still by keeping Nicky locked against his body. 

After a minute or two, Nicky slowly began shifting his hips. Thor loosened his grip, allowing Nicky to rut around until he found the spot he was looking for. When he did, he screamed and threw his head back onto Thor’s shoulders. Thor let out a low growl and gripped his hips tightly, encouraging him to move so he would continue hitting that spot. 

“Daddy- feels so good- ahhhh Daddy- oh god-” Nicky was so tight around Thor’s cock he wasn’t sure if he was going to make it very long. Nicky picked up the pace, snapping his hips in the most perfect way and making delicious noises that had Thor’s head spinning. He looked up and made eye contact with Charlie who smiled and reached forward 

“No- Charlie, please, just- so close-” Nicky begged. 

“I told you, you’re cuming last,” Charlie purred as he ignored Nicky’s pleas and yanked him off of Thor and into his own lap. 

“Noooooo, please-” Nicky cried. 

“Beg all you want kitten, still not going to cum,” Charlie said as he pressed Nicky down onto his cock. 

“Ahhhhhh, you feel- so good,” Nicky moaned, his head falling forward onto Charlie’s shoulder. 

“Mmmm, so do you,” Charlie said, raking his fingernails down Nicky’s spine. Thor chuckled because even he knew that wasn’t playing fair.

“Charlie!” Nicky practically screamed. 

“Yes?” Charlie said, doing it again. 

“Not- fair- need t-to cum.”

“Nope,” Charlie said, thrusting up into him hard. “I’d say you still have at least one if not two more times on both of us.”

“Oh- god-” Nicky groaned low in his chest. 

Charlie grabbed his shoulders, and slammed up into him, so hard Nicky’s head snapped back. 

“Oh- fuck- I- need to cum- oh god- so much- it’s too much- oh fuck- it hurts- Charlie- Daddy-” Nicky cast a frantic glance back at Thor, who just smirked at him. 

“You can take it little one,” Thor purred and Nicky let out a feral sounding cry and latched onto Charlie. 

“Charlie- I need- I need help- please! Want to be good- can’t- can’t cum- please!” Nicky begged, clinging to Charlie’s back, seeming to be avoiding Charlie’s thrusts. 

“Really?” Charlie asked a glint of something new lighting up in his eyes as he stilled his hips. Thor wasn’t quite following the conversation, what with most of his brain’s blood supply having gone south. 

“Thor-”Charlie said, already shifting Nicky to his lap. Charlie leaned off the bed and began digging through the nightstand drawer, and Nicky started to cry.  

Thor very gently eased Nicky back down onto his cock and he quieted down again, whines and sobs shifting to moans and soft noises of pleasure. 

“You like that, baby? Riding me,” Thor whispered, and Nicky nodded desperately. 

“You’ll like this too, kitten,” Charlie purred as he slid back in between Thor’s legs. He brushed his long fingers over Nicky’s cock and slid a cock ring into place. Nicky screamed and arched his back, but it was pleasure in his voice and Thor had to hang onto him so he didn’t arch right out of his lap. 

“That’s it, love…let loose. The ring should keep you from cuming just yet…help you obey me,” Charlie said, his voice dropping impossibly low. He began to stroke his hands down Nicky’s body and Nicky moaned, long and low. 

“Can I touch you, baby?” Thor asked, not sure why he was asking permission. 

Maybe because this wasn’t really a Daddy-baby scene. This was more a Thor, Charlie, and Nicky having sex scene and he wasn’t quite sure what his role was in it. Could he touch Nicky as freely as Charlie did?

“Always, Daddy…” Nicky whispered, turning his head to nip at Thor’s jaw. 

That was all the permission he needed. Thor stroked his hands down his chest, and Charlie’s hands moved around Thor’s in an intricate dance on Nicky’s small body. 

“Oh god,” Nicky groaned, his head falling forward. Thor pulled him tightly back against his chest so his head jerked back onto his shoulder again. 

“You’re so good for us, baby…look how- mmmmm… beautiful you are,” Thor whispered as Nicky moved his hips and began a slow rhythm on Thor’s cock again. 

“Like- being good for you,” Nicky whispered, and Charlie bent his head down to lap at one of Nicky’s nipples. 

“We like taking care of you, Nicholas,” Charlie murmured, sliding his tongue along Nicky’s chest to his other nipple. All of his domineering, rough persona seemed to have morphed into something softer. 

“L-love you…b-both,” Nicky whimpered and Thor stopped stroking his skin to grab ahold of his hips. He began thrusting up into Nicky and his body gave out. All of the tension and stress Nicky had been carrying in his tiny body for the past several weeks seemed to ease out of him. He leaned into Thor, limp and pliant, letting Thor use him for his own pleasure. 

“God you’re- so perfect baby…so perfect for me…my sweet- so sexy- Nicholas…” Thor gasped, accentuating his words with each thrust. 

Nicky moaned and dug his fingernails into the backs of Thor’s hands. Charlie brought his hands down on top of Nicky’s, on top of Thor’s, and then they were all guiding his hips. 

“Gonna make Thor cum, kitten? Want him to cum inside you so I can take my turn?” Charlie asked, his voice like liquid velvet. 

“Yes- please! Daddy- fill me- I want- Charlie to- to feel it too,” Nicky moaned, arching his back, changing the angle and driving Thor even deeper into him. 

“Oh god- baby-” Thor groaned, thrusting desperately up into him. Charlie surged forward and captured Thor’s mouth in a searing kiss. Nicky whined and arched his back, rubbing his cock against Charlie’s stomach. 

“So good, Nicholas, so good for us,” Charlie purred and Nicky moaned and Thor growled as his balls tightened and he tipped right near the edge. Charlie kissed Thor again, thrusting his tongue into Thor’s mouth, stroking against his own tongue in a way that had Thor’s stomach tightening. 

“Cum for me Daddy,” Nicky whispered and his sweet voice and the soft caress of his breath on Thor’s neck did him in. He came hard and fast, thrusting up into Nicky before collapsing backwards into the headboard. 

Charlie grabbed Nicky by the hips and lifted him up and off of Thor and onto his own lap. Charlie’s moan was filthy, but Nicky’s was quiet and subdued. They were wearing him out and possibly dropping him towards subspace. 

“Oh Nicholas- you’re so wet…god it feels so good- you feel so good. So good for me, love. Oh god, you made Thor feel so amazing he came inside you- filled you up for me…gonna fill you up even more until you’re bursting,“ Charlie babbled softly and Nicky preened at the compliments and absolutely filthy words. 

“So- dirty, Charlie. Not- usually like this,” Nicky gasped as he slowly moved his hips again. 

and started to slowly move his hips again. 

Charlie’s chuckle was dark and breathy. “Something about watching Thor Daddy dom you…lights me up inside…makes me feel…naughty.” Charlie nipped at Nicky’s jaw and he shuddered. 

“You are naughty…” Nicky’s eyes shot up to meet Thor’s, “I’m a good boy.” 

“Yes,” Thor groaned and Charlie growled, locking his fingers around Nicky’s neck. 

“Our good, sweet boy,” Charlie purred and Nicky grinned widely. 

Charlie urged his hips into a faster rhythm and they both moaned. 

“There you go, kitten. Just like that- oh god just like that Nicholas- ooooh yes,” Charlie’s words slowed and seemed to thicken as he thrust up into Nicky and wrapped his arms around Nicky’s lower back. He cupped his ass and pulled his cheeks apart so Thor could watch the incredibly lewd image of Charlie’s soaking wet cock sliding in and out of Nicky, spreading Thor’s cum deep into him. 

Thor’s eyes fell closed for a moment and he just listened to the sounds of his lovers. His lovers who he was not just falling in love with, but whom he was pretty certain he loved. He didn’t think he was quite ready to say it right in the middle of sex, but he wanted to say it soon. 

He opened his eyes again and Charlie was cumming into Nicholas, his eyes screwed tight and his back arched. “Nicholas…” he breathed and Nicky curled around his shoulders, stopping the movement of his hips but not pulling off of him quite yet. 

Thor reached in between their bodies and gripped the cock ring. “Do you want to cum for us baby?” Thor asked, still a little breathless from his orgasm. 

“This is going to be intense when we take it off. We need your consent, kitten,” Charlie murmured. 

“Please…” Nicky murmured, nodding into Charlie’s neck. Thor scooted right up behind Nicky, pressing his sweaty chest to Nicky’s sticky back. He gently got his fingers around the contraption and flicked it open, gripping Nicky’s cock and giving it a solid pull. 

Nicky choked on a scream and his back arched violently. Thor grabbed his hips and Charlie pressed on his chest as he came all over himself, Charlie, and Thor’s hand. 

“Oh- my- fucking hell,” Nicky gasped flopping back into Thor’s arms. They were all filthy and would need to shower soon, but for the moment Thor wrapped his arms around Nicky’s slim shoulders. 

Charlie slumped forward, coming to rest with his head on Nicky’s chest and his arms and legs wrapped around Nicky and Thor. 

“I…love you both,” Charlie murmured so softly it could have just been a sigh. However, Thor’s breath caught as he realized it wasn’t his imagination, because Nicky repeated the sentiment back to him. 

“Charles…” Thor murmured, but Charlie held up his hand. 

“Same as Nicholas. Don’t need anything in return Thor, just wanted to-” 

“No I- I love you both...I love you both so much. I-...I’ve never felt this much love in my entire life and I just- I don’t know what to do with all of it. Hell- I think I’m falling for Steve too and…god my sweet Loki…” Thor trailed off, unable to voice the enormous feelings he carried around with him everyday for Loki and now for these other men as well. Instead of feeling like a burden, like how it sometimes felt to love Leif, it felt like helium filled balloons. Each one he carried made him lighter and lighter until he was sure he was just going to float away. 

“Daddy-” Nicky said, his voice breaking, “-Thor…I love you so much.” Nicky turned in his arms, forcing Charlie to lift his head so Nicky could bury himself in Thor’s embrace. Charlie sat up and scooted closer so he could wrap himself around Nicky and brace his hands on Thor’s shoulders. 

“I love you baby…my sweet Nicholas…you’re so loving, and giving. From the moment I met you I knew I wanted to be your life long friend, and from that first time you called me Daddy I knew I wanted to be so much more for you…friend, lover, Daddy…love…I want that. I want you. Forever, Nicholas,” Thor said, his voice shaking with conviction. 

Nicky started to cry and he wrapped himself somehow even tighter around Thor. Charlie gazed fondly at both of them and Thor reached for him with his other hand. Charlie came willingly into Thor’s embrace, gently kissing his neck. 

“Charles…” Thor started but Charlie just shook his head. 

“You don’t need to say anything Thor-” 

“Charlie! Accept Thor’s love! Don’t complain!” Nicky joked, poking Charlie in the ribs. 

Charlie yelped and burrowed into Thor’s side. 

Thor smiled fondly at him and Charlie let out a small harumph. “Yes Thor?” 

Thor just grinned wider and stole a quick kiss from him. He’d tell him how he felt about him later, maybe without the little nosy audience. “We should probably all take a shower,” Thor said and Charlie looked a little surprised and for just a moment Thor thought he saw disappointment flash across his eyes. He sat up anyways, and together they hauled a grumbling Nicky out of bed and into the shower. 

“No fair…I want to hear you say sweet things to Charlie too,” Nicky complained and Charlie nudged him gently. 

“Don’t pressure Thor, kitten,” Charlie said, unable to meet Thor’s eyes. Thor made a split second decision and pulled Nicky into his arms under the hot spray of the shower. 

“Oh you do, do you? You want to hear me tell Charles how he is the rock and stability that I’ve never known I needed, but now could not ever imagine living without? Or that his strength and love for the sextet for…for our little family are the guideposts I will use to measure against my own love and strength for the rest of my life?” 

Nicky’s eyes filled with tears again and he took in a shaky breath as he pushed back out of Thor’s arms. He grabbed Charlie’s arm and thrust him towards Thor.
“Nicholas-” Charlie complained, but then Thor was grabbing him and yanking him roughly against his chest. 

Charlie’s breath caught and then he relaxed into Thor’s grip, wrapping his long arms around Thor’s broad back and sinking into the hug. 

“Thank you, Thor…I only hope that I can live up to this vision you have of me…and just so you know, your strength, your optimism, your love and devotion…they complete me. I love every single member of our group of-” Charlie’s voice broke and he coughed, trying to clear his throat of the tears that were filling his eyes. Nicky reached out and placed a hand on his back. “You know, we’ve always said we are each other’s family, but…I don’t think we’ve ever explicitly called our group a family…I like that. I think maybe I’ll do that from now…uhm- what was I saying…oh- I…I love every member of this family, and each time we’ve gained a new member I have felt like my heart was fuller than I ever thought possible, but…there was something missing, and now I know it was you. You complete me, and you complete us and I am so grateful every single day for you.” 

Thor had to let out his own cough as tears threatened to choke him as well. He buried his face in Charlie’s neck and tried to soak in the smell, the taste, and the feel of him. His eyes drifted over to Nicky who was standing quietly, hand still resting on Charlie’s arm as tears rolled down his cheeks, mixing with the shower water. 

“Nicholas,” Thor said and Charlie turned slightly in his arms so he could reach out and pull Nicky into their embrace. Nicky stood between them, pressing his palms against both of their chests as they let the warm water and even warmer tears roll over them. 

“Thank you…for tonight. I know I’ve been asking for a while now,” Nicky said, his smile was close to a smirk, but a little softer. Like him.  A little prickly with an incredibly soft and sweet side. 

“Of course baby, and this will absolutely not be the only time. I also think I’d quite like to have sex with you and Steve. He’s so gentle with me. I’m intrigued to see how he is with you,” Thor mused. 

Nicky let out a startled laugh. “Oh…Steve likes to tie me down to things and fuck me senselelss,” Nicky admitted and Thor let out his own startled laugh. 

“Does he…really?” Thor asked in bewilderment. 

“I taught him everything he knows,” Charlie joked but his smile was cock sure and a little proud. 

“Wow…I definitely need to see this now,” Thor said. He also would need to have his own conversation with Steve some point soon. Maybe he’d take him out for a nice dinner somewhere, as opposed to blurting it out in a drunken bar or in bed after incredible sex. Okay, he could admit maybe it wasn’t so bad the way he had told Charlie and Nicky but he still regretted how it had happened with Loki. 

Charlie touched his cheek, pulling him out of his thoughts. 

“I wouldn’t mind…having you and Steve in my bed either.” Charlie’s voice was steady, but a little soft and Thor’s heart gave a loud thump at the tenderness in his voice. 

“We should just play partner roulette. Have a new threesome every night,” Nicky joked, tilting his head against Charlie’s shoulder so he could look up at Thor. 

“Well, for you baby that’s pretty easy. You’re welcome in every threesome combination there is. Loki, Steve, Bucky and I have a little more restrictions.” 

“I know. I’m the best kind of filling in pretty much any sandwich in this house,” Nicky stated matter of factly and both Thor and Charlie burst out laughing. 

“No complaints from me,” Charlie said, grabbing Nicky around the waist and pulling him tightly against his chest. “You can be the filling in all my sandwiches, so long as I get to fill you up.” 

Thor let out a too loud bark of laughter. He’d seen Nicky and Charlie flirt many times before, and it was always a little harsh and rough. This sweeter, cornier side of their relationship was incredibly endearing and he felt the words bubble up to his lips again. 

“God I love you…both of you…” he whispered. 

Nicky beamed at him and Charlie gazed at him softly. Thor grabbed them both and pulled them back against his chest, loving that he could hold them both so close to his heart. 

 ****************************************************************************************************************************************************

Thor had closed out everything he needed to do in France, but there was still work to be done in Norway. He did his best to juggle his schedule over the next several weeks so that he would be in America as much as possible to help their little family pack, clean, organize, order, and arrange everything before they moved at the end of Summer. 

He left for a five day trip in early August and when he returned it felt like he’d been gone for weeks not days. To his surprise, he was greeted at the door by Bucky. 

“Hey!” Bucky said, giving Thor a huge hug. 

“Hello my dear friend! How was your week?” 

“Good! I actually found an old board game I’d completely forgotten about, and I think you’d really like,” Bucky said happily. 

Bucky had been on a never ending crusade to get Thor to like board games, but thus far it was still only a moderate interest of Thor’s. 

“Oh? Does it involve holding cards?” his eyes drifted over to Loki where he stood with his hip cocked against the couch, waiting his turn to greet Thor. Loki smirked at the reference to that night many months ago and he winked at Thor. 

“No, it’s a strategy game! I think you’d really like it. So the point of the game is that you…” Bucky went on to explain the game as Thor brought the takeout Ethiopian food to the table. The game actually did sound interesting and Nicky and Loki joined the conversation as they set the table and Nicky began pouring drinks. They were drinking out of plastic cups and eating on paper plates as most of their kitchen had been packed up. The movers were coming at the end of the following week to both Thor’s apartment and this apartment, so they were trying to have everything almost completely done by the end of this weekend. 

Thor wandered into the kitchen to find napkins when a small body crashed into his back. 

“Oof- which one of my small loves is this?” Thor said, looking back over his shoulder to find Nicky plastered to his back. 

“You know you and Charlie are really going to give me a complex about being small. I think I am quite average sized actually. Loki is much slimmer than me,” Nicky said with a smirk, clearly showing he didn’t mind said complex at all. 

“Yes, but you are also short.” 

“Daddy!” Nicky cried in faux outrage. 

Thor turned around and pulled him in for a rough kiss and a tight hug. He couldn’t believe that just a few short months ago Nicky had been greatly distressed about whether or not his partners would accept his Daddy kink. Now he freely threw the word around all day, in and outside of the bedroom, and Thor couldn’t get enough of it. 

“Oh- speaking of me being the best Daddy ever…I got you something,” Thor said, pulling a small, long, flat box out of his pocket. 

“Wow it only took me saying I love you to finally get presents,” Nicky joked, but his features softened as he took the box from Thor. As he glanced down at it, it seemed to register that it was an actual gift, not a trinket or knick knack. “You…didn’t actually have to get me anything…” Nicky said, a little shyer now as he fingered the ribbon on the box. 

“I know, baby. But I know these gaps in being able to see each other are hard, and it may feel even harder as we get settled into our new place. I wanted you to have something that…maybe would make you feel a little closer to me when I’m away,” Thor said quietly. 

Nicky opened the box and gasped. It was a thin metal chain with an intricately designed silver pendant on the end. The pendant had several tear drop shaped jewels hanging off of it. 

“It was my mother’s. It is a traditional Norwegian style called sojle. It means shiny or sunny, which…is what I think of when I think of you, baby. You’re so sweet and shine so bright for all of us. I know you like wearing necklaces and chains under your shirts so…” Thor trailed off as Nicky stared up at him with his huge, wet, green eyes. 

“Thor I-” 

“Before you say anything like you can’t or shouldn’t accept it…you can, and you should, and I would love it if you did,” Thor said. 

Nicky stared at him and then nodded his head seriously. “Okay. I will very gladly accept it I-...thank you, Thor. Thank you so much, I…I love it. I love you,” he said, giving him a soft smile. He held up the clasps to Thor and he quickly hooked it around his neck for him. Thor stroked his hands over his neck and shoulders, down his arms and to his hips. 

“I love you, godgutten min. My Nicholas…my baby,” he murmured, and he leaned his head down to kiss his cheek. He really was short, but that was okay. Nicky turned in his arms and gave him a huge hug. 

“Alright…how about you take some napkins out to the table. I’m going to grab some water,” Thor said, needing to clear some of his unshed tears from his throat. 

Nicky scurried off with the napkins and Thor heard Bucky make a big fuss over the jewelry, which was sweet of him. 

Thor shouldn't have been surprised when a few moments later a much larger body pressed up against him. He had only managed to make it over to the fridge, he hadn’t even opened it to retrieve their water pitcher. 

“Hello-” he turned around to find Steve behind him. 

“Hi,” Steve said, kissing Thor softly on the lips. Thor reached up and cupped his face, deepening the kiss for just a moment. 

“I missed you,” Steve murmured sweetly.  

“I missed you as well, handsome. It’s good to see you. How is the artwork packing going?” 

Steve let out a groan and stepped back to lean against the counter. Thor and Steve had talked on the phone a lot during the past five days as Steve puzzled through how to best pack away some of his most recent art installment pieces. 

“Ugh, I don’t want to talk about it.” 

“What would you like to talk about?” Thor asked, stepping right into Steve’s space. 

“How about…our date tomorrow night?” Steve asked, winding his arms around Thor’s neck. 

“Are you excited?” Thor asked. 

They were going to a local diner for a throwback dinner party. Thor had seen a flyer for the dinner when he was out on a walk with Bucky and he’d asked Bucky if it was something he’d like to go to. 

Thor had only begun spending time in the U.S. after high school, so he didn’t have a lot of nostalgic food memories from the U.S. but he thought maybe Bucky might. Bucky sheepishly admitted that he ate mostly Korean food throughout his childhood, but when he took a closer look at the flyer, his entire face lit up. 

“You absolutely have to take Steve to this! He ate almost all of these dishes at home and at school. Oh my god they’re even going to serve vintage jello!” Bucky had exclaimed and Thor had felt a little skeptical, but when he’d pitched it to Steve he’d lit up just like Bucky had. 

“I’m so excited. You’re probably going to hate absolutely everything we eat so I’ll probably have to take you to get Thai food or something else afterwards…but that just means I’ll have even more time with you,” Steve chortled happily. 

Thor smiled softly at him and pulled him in for a soft kiss. He was incredibly excited for their date, but not because of the culinary abominations he was going to be forced to endure. In fact he was excited despite that, because he was finally going to tell Steve he loved him. 

“Did you get lost?” Charlie called to them and they both turned as Charlie walked into the kitchen. 

“Sorry sweetheart, I distracted him,” Steve said, holding out his hand for Charlie. Charlie rolled his eyes affectionately, but accepted the hand and was promptly yanked into their arms. 

Thor pressed a kiss to his temple and Charlie chased his lips until he was able to steal a chaste kiss from him. “Mmmm, so good to have you back, babe,” Charlie sighed, squeezing Thor around the waist. 

“So good to be home,” Thor said and he received a squeeze from both of them before he was released. 

“You coming?” Steve asked as Charlie took his hand and began to lead him out of the kitchen. 

“Just a moment. Still haven’t grabbed water.” 

“Oh- we actually packed the pitcher…probably not the best choice come to think of it, but there are bottles in the pantry.” 

Thor rolled his eyes internally. His little family was incredibly eager for the move, but their packing strategies left something to be desired. 

Thor stepped into the pantry and was no longer surprised when a familiar smell invaded the small space. It was the scent of fresh baked goods before a movie night, vanilla ice cream on a warm day, and home. His new home. Fresh mountain air and lush green forests would always be the smell of his first home, his motherland, but this was his future. 

He turned around to find Loki leaning with a hip on the door frame. 

“I’m surprised you let everyone else have a turn with me before you came to find me,” Thor drawled, leaning back against one of the nearly empty shelves. 

“I thought I’d let you save the best for last,” Loki said with a wink. 

Loki was without a shadow of a doubt the best person Thor had ever met. He was the lighthouse in Thor’s horribly dark year, and the beacon of hope for Thor’s entire future. Loki had helped him believe in love again. Believe that he was able to give it, receive it, and live a life filled to the absolute brim with it. He was also breathtakingly gorgeous, bright, funny and- for some annoying reason, still standing in the doorway and not in Thor’s arms. 

“Come here, elskede,” Thor whispered and Loki closed the distance between them in the span of a heartbeat. He pressed himself into Thor’s arms, his small, sweet body molding around Thor until he felt completely covered and utterly surrounded by love. 

“Oh Thor…you feel so good,” Loki sighed. “I’m probably now the fifth person to tell you I missed you, but…” 

“I missed you too, kjære. Every second I am not with you,” Thor said, pressing their lips together. Unlike with his other four lover’s, Thor allowed this kiss to deepen, swiping his tongue over Loki’s bottom lip until he opened his mouth to him. Water be damned, he just needed a moment to get lost in Loki’s warm mouth and his tight embrace. 

Loki let out a soft moan as Thor’s hands tightened on his hips and he went from just pressing to softly grinding against Thor. 

After allowing this to continue for probably longer than advisable, Thor pulled away with a soft laugh and pressed a closed mouth kiss to Loki’s forehead. 

“I’m here through our move, so you have me for the next three weeks, and then I was thinking of inviting you to join me on my next trip to Europe and then I should be back in America for another three weeks after that.” 

Loki’s eyes grew huge. “I…have almost two full months with you?” 

“I mean…” Thor nuzzled his nose into Loki’s neck, making him giggle and push Thor’s face up so they were gazing at each other. “You have the rest of your life with me- if…you want me of course.” 

“Uhm- of course!” Loki said, pressing their mouths together again. They made out like teenagers again for what felt like close to five minutes.

Loki finally pulled back with a breathy laugh. “God I’m going to miss this pantry. I cannot even tell you the number of times I’ve made out with one of my partners or lovers in here. I wonder if we’ll have a secret spot like this in our new houses,” Loki mused.

“I mean- there will be an entire second townhouse. I’m sure we can find some too small, inappropriate places to make out in.” 

Loki wrinkled his nose at his sarcasm, but after a moment he laughed as well. 

Just then Nicky walked into the pantry. “I have been instructed to come fetch you, but I told them there was a high probability we would end up having a threesome first,” Nicky drawled, sliding himself in between Loki and Thor. He ground playfully against Thor and pulled Loki against himself by his hips. 

Both Loki and Thor groaned.

“Don’t tempt me Nicky,” Loki grumbled, biting into the soft skin under Nicky’s ear. He let out a whimper that went straight to Thor’s cock. 

“Later, godgutten min. We have all night, and all of the next three weeks,” Thor said, stroking a hand down Nicky’s chest. 

“And…all of forever?” Loki asked softly. Nicky tilted his head back to look up at Thor and he let out an affectionate chuckle and wrapped them both tightly in his arms. 

“Yes my sweet loves. We have forever.” 

Chapter Text

1 year later (Summer 2022) 

Nicky 

“I think our men are hiding something from us,” Nicky drawled as he lay with his head in Loki’s lap and his legs sprawled across Bucky’s back. 

They had been hanging out in the red bedroom watching a movie marathon when it had inevitably turned into a sex marathon. 

When they moved into the townhouses a year prior, they’d decided to paint and accent their three bedrooms in different colors so they would be known by their colors, not who typically slept in them. 

Thor and Loki kept most of their clothes in the purple bedroom, Charlie and Nicky in the green bedroom, and Steve and Bucky in the red bedroom. The red bedroom, which was actually a light maroon with black accents, had the best TV, followed by the purple room, and the green room didn’t have a TV. 

At Nicky’s pretty aggressive insistence, they’d turned the upstairs master bedroom into what he called a sexy staycation room. The bedroom had a heated king size waterbed, mood lighting and enough sex toys and contraptions to make a brothel jealous. The master bathroom had a whirlpool tub and a huge waterfall shower. 

They’d turned the basement into a movie theater, equipped with three reclining couches, fridges, a popcorn machine, and slurpee machine Bucky had found at an auction and refurbished with Steve. They had been the most reluctant to accept the luxuries of the house, and they’d developed a hobby of attending auctions and estate sales to furnish their homes as frugally as possible. 

The other townhouse was for business. The master bedroom had been turned into somewhat of a command center for Thor and Sif. Thor would often spend hours on end holed up in there running the American side of his company. The business was doing better than ever and they’d taken on even more accounts across the country. Thor was now only working 10% of the time in Norway and all of his lovers and partners were thrilled. They had built a king size murphy bed into the wall, and Volstagg and Sif would sometimes crash on it after a long night of work with Thor.  

The other three bedrooms had been turned into an office for Charlie and Bucky, an art studio for Steve, and the processing center for Nicky and Loki’s online bakery and candy store. 

The basement had been turned into one of the most impressive home gyms Nicky had ever seen. They’d dedicated a quarter of the space to barre and aerobics and Loki and Nicky now joined the other men for their workouts several times a week. Thor and Bucky had taken up their interest in dance again, and they’d had several dance lessons with their lovers and partners, but they often devolved into massive orgies and no one ended up learning the dances. 

Nicky was still blown away on a near daily basis with how amazing their lives had turned out. They had all gotten COVID throughout the past year, quarantining in the business townhouse in pairs in the murphy bed. When Steve and Charlie eventually got it, they had gotten much sicker than any of the others had been, but they still came out of it okay. 

“What do you mean?” Loki asked, stroking his hand idly through Nicky’s hair. 

“Every time I walk in on them, it’s like they stop talking. The few times I’ve asked about it I’ve just been fucked thoroughly until I forgot to ask again,” Nicky said with an indignant huff. 

He wasn’t all that upset. Steve had asked if he could watch him and Thor do a scene about three months into them living here and since then he joined them in the bedroom much more frequently. Steve was actually the one who bought the sex swing for their sexy staycation room. 

“Hm, do you think you’re just imagining it?” Bucky drawled lazily. 

He was sprawled on his stomach, typing idly on his computer. Nicky squeezed him with his legs and he let out an annoyed grunt. 

“Do you think…it’s some kind of surprise?” Loki asked more helpfully. 

“Maybe…but we don’t have any anniversaries or birthdays coming up do we? We just passed Steve’s birthday. Your anniversary and the quad’s anniversary isn't for another month. Our anniversary with Loki isn't for another two after that,” Nicky murmured. 

“Hm…what else would make them stop talking when you walk in?” Loki asked. 

Nicky felt Bucky tense underneath his legs and he wondered if Bucky had arrived at the same conclusion Nicky already had. 

“Well…maybe it’s some other kind of surprise…” Bucky murmured softly. 

“Oh yeah?” Nicky prompted, causing Bucky to turn his head and meet Nicky’s eyes. He saw recognition flash in his eyes and then he looked up at Loki. He looked only mildly interested until he slowly took in Nicky and Bucky’s expressions. 

“…what…?” Loki asked, shifting slightly uncomfortably.

“What is one of the biggest surprises couples go through?” Bucky prompted slowly. 

“Biggest surprise that's not a birthday, or an anniversary-…oh my god,” Loki said, his cheeks flushing pink. 

“Oh my god is right,” Nicky murmured. 

“Just so I’m sure we’re all thinking the same thing… we’re saying they’re talking about proposing…to us?” Bucky asked softly. 

He sat up and Nicky curled his legs into his chest, letting Bucky scoot closer to them. He wrapped an arm around Loki and tugged until all three of them were lying there, curled around each other. 

“Do you…want to get married?” Bucky asked Loki softly. 

“I told you when I joined the quint. It was never something I envisioned for myself. Didn’t really think I’d ever be able to have it. Then I met all of you and it didn’t seem necessary anymore but…legally and metaphorically tying myself to Thor and…to all of you? Hell yeah I want that,” Loki said, conviction ringing clear in his voice. 

“I’ve always found it a little unnecessary because I don’t need rings or a pretty cake but…I mean I guess who doesn’t like getting dressed real fancy for a party all about you,” Nicky joked, idly playing with Bucky’s fingers. 

“I get what you’re saying about it not being strictly necessary, but…I always wanted to marry Steve. I used to picture it when we were kids. The utter romance of it. The significance of him not just returning my love, but wanting to announce it to the entire world at a big celebration and then every single day after that by wearing something on his finger…” Bucky admitted and Nicky and Loki turned their bodies to face him. 

“Oh Bucky…That’s so sweet…” Loki mused, snuggling deeper into Bucky’s arms. 

“Then I met all of you…and I knew I wanted to marry you too,” Bucky said, lifting Loki’s chin for a soft kiss. Nicky sat up slightly so he could lean over Loki’s thin frame for his own kiss. Despite the soft kisses, Loki’s body seemed a little tense, and Nicky wasn’t quite sure how to read that until he spoke again. 

“I have to admit…I’m not entirely clear on the logistics of how all that would work,” Loki murmured. 

“Being married to 4 or 5 people?” Bucky clarified. 

Nicky let out a small grunt. 

“Charlie and I have talked about it in passing. Legally we could only marry one person, but we can do whatever we want at a wedding, on our own, or with a few friends. We could ‘marry’ each other and just not put it all in writing. But, we could also add each other to wills, bank accounts, life insurance et cetera with or without a wedding or ‘marriage’ so it doesn’t matter too much either way,” Nicky said. 

He had been absently tracing his fingers down Loki’s back so he felt the way his spine stiffened as Nicky spoke. 

“…yeah I guess there are more practical reasons to get married too. For me though I feel…I mean I don’t know if Thor would want to get legally married. What would that mean for his company? Would I get shares in it? I mean…I never wanted him for his money or business…I know I benefit a lot from his money but…that’s never been the point,” Loki said, his voice growing soft and a little tentative at the end. 

“Oh baby, he doesn’t think that’s why you love him. And if he really did propose to you it means he’s not worried about any of that stuff,” Bucky tried to soothe, but Loki sat up, looking a little rattled. 

“Yeah…I mean if he- or they are even proposing. It’s probably not anything like that. Maybe it’s a surprise trip or even just a date or something. We’re probably reading too much into it. And…” Loki said, glancing sidelong at Nicky and quickly looking away, “if it doesn’t even matter that much if we do or don’t get married, then maybe they know that and it’s definitely not a proposal.” 

Loki scooted to the edge of the bed and retrieved his shirt and pants from the floor. He quickly pulled them on and headed for the door. 

“There are some shipments I wanted to get out today, so…I think I’m going to go work on them,” Loki said quietly, some of the light gone from his eyes and tone as he walked out. 

Nicky and Bucky were silent for several beats while Nicky replayed the conversation in his head. “Did I…say something wrong?” Nicky asked quietly. 

“No sweetheart, I don’t think so. I think maybe Loki just realized how badly he actually does want to get married and then he immediately proceeded to talk himself out of thinking Thor…or the rest of us would want that too,” Bucky said, scooting over on the bed to pull Nicky into his arms. 

That made sense to Nicky, but all of the sudden he was filled with a crushing realization. “Shit…I also didn’t tell him I wanted to marry him did I…I just spouted off about legal crap,” Nicky grumbled, pressing his face into Bucky’s chest. 

Bucky was silent and his hands had stilled against Nicky’s back. Nicky stroked absently at his back instead, but he didn’t move or say anything. Suddenly, Nicky looked up with a start. 

“I…want to marry you, too. You…know that right? I love you so fucking much, Bucky, and I already know we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together, but, I mean…I’d be jazzed as hell to wear a ring, or whatever, everyday of forever to show that that’s how I feel for you,” Nicky said, sitting up to look meaningfully at Bucky. 

“Oh sweetheart- I know! I’m sorry,” Bucky said with a soft chuckle. “I’m not worried or upset! I was just spacing out thinking about how it would work to propose to four other people.” 

“Ugh yeah that sounds complicated. I think I’ll let Charlie make the first move and then go from there- except…” Nicky said, staring off into space for a moment. “Except I think I should probably explicitly propose to Loki. Or at the very least confirm with him how I feel before any proposals start being made.” 

Bucky sat up as well, brushing a lock of hair behind Nicky’s ear. “I think that sounds like a good plan. I mean- don’t rush a proposal just so you can get it in before our men do- or supposedly do.” 

Nicky snorted, but nodded. “Maybe I should just go talk to Loki?” 

Bucky gave him a “no duh” smile and Nicky groaned, rolling off the bed to retrieve his pants. He ambled through the house, down the stairs and over into the other townhouse. Steve was sitting at the dining room table munching on a cookie when Nicky walked in. 

“There any more of those?” Nicky asked, walking over to Steve’s chair. 

“Yeah there’s a bunch in the kitchen. Loki came down with a pile of them a few minutes ago saying they weren’t good enough to ship out. Then he kinda banged around the kitchen and went back upstairs,” Steve said matter of factly. 

Shit. When Loki’s perfectionism kicked in, it usually meant he was stressed or upset. 

Nicky decided to forgo the cookies for now, instead jogging up the stairs to find Loki. If that wasn’t a declaration of his love he didn’t know what was. 

Nicky found Loki elbow deep in a box, grumbling to himself about packing peanuts. 

“Hey love…anything I can help with?” Nicky said, for some reason chickening out of bringing up the proposal topic right off the bat. 

“No…I think my last bath of cookies last night is pretty subpar, so I need to remake them, and then these stupid packing peanuts seem to be deflating. I tried to go eco-friendly and this is what I get. At least you can eat them…” Loki said, dejectedly popping one of the peanuts into his mouth. “They taste like soggy rice though, so not sure why you’d do that.” 

“Steve seemed to be enjoying your cookies…are you sure you’re not just being hard on yourself?” Nicky asked, walking up behind him and kneeling on the ground next to him. 

“I don’t know…maybe…” Loki said, and he let out a huff and plopped down onto his butt. 

Nicky reached out and took his hand. 

“You kind of ran out of the room earlier... are you okay?” Nicky asked gently. 

Loki scrubbed his hands down his face, but refused to look at Nicky. 

Nicky took a steadying breath and decided it was now or never. “Loki…I just wanted to say-” Nicky tried to say. 

“I want to marry you. I know it’s just an antiquated tradition and we won’t even be legally married since it’s not legal but…I love you, Nicky. I told you almost a year and a half ago but…I want to spend the rest of my life with you and…I want to show you that. In every single way there is which- it feels stupid to say but, I guess includes marriage as well, and if you don’t want that, that’s okay, I just-” 

“Hey, hey, hey,” Nicky said, reaching up to cup Loki’s face. His cheeks were heated, like his eyes, and Nicky pulled him forwards for a quick kiss. “I absolutely want to marry you, love. Of course I want to marry you. I’m so sorry I immediately jumped into legal and financial speak. I thought it went without saying I want to be with you forever. I mean, I’m literally the most clingy bastard in our group. Of course I want to tie myself to you in every way, shape, or form.” 

Loki smiled softly, but then glanced away and worried his bottom lip between his teeth. 

“I think…it kind of hit me that I really want this, even though just this morning it wasn’t something I thought I needed. But now…now I kind of desperately want it and…I mean we don’t even know if they’re actually even thinking about proposals so…I don’t want to get my hopes up or anything…” Loki said haltingly. 

“Well…you could always bring it up with Thor? If you have any concerns or questions, or if you just want to discuss it with him before he pops the question? Or hell- I mean you could propose to him before he proposes to you.” 

Loki let out a startled laugh. “You mean like how I told you I loved you before you had a chance to?” 

Nicky’s heart filled with warmth and he leaned forward for another soft kiss. “Yeah, okay, maybe don’t do that. Poor Thor- and Charlie and Steve. Shoot, maybe I just shouldn’t have said anything…” 

“No, I’m really glad you did. I’m not sure that if Thor just got down on one knee in front of me I would have been able to react genuinely. I might have just been overwhelmed. So…I’m glad I can take some time to think through my feelings on marriage.” 

Nicky hoped they would have some time to think it through, but maybe not too much time. 

Bucky 

Bucky wasn’t an inherently suspicious person, but when Thor asked the group if they wanted to go to Iceland the coming weekend his “suspicious activity” antenna twitched. He cast a quick glance at Loki who gave him a meaningful look, but when he glanced over to catch Nicky’s eye he just looked absolutely ecstatic. 

“Oh my god I have always wanted to go to Iceland! Did…did Sif tell you that? I…may have told her I wanted to go to Iceland in the same conversation where I admitted I loved you, almost a month before I got up the courage to tell you,” Nicky asked skeptically. 

Thor’s eyebrows flew up. “No she did not but- …I told her I wanted to bring you all to Iceland and she got this weird look in her eye. It makes a lot more sense now,” Thor said jovially and Nicky smiled at him. 

Maybe the conversation the week before with Nicky had just made Bucky a little paranoid. Or maybe hopeful was a better word for it. He was incredibly hopeful that the men were going to propose to them in the gorgeous country of Iceland, but he was also nervous. How was he going to propose to his other partners? He’d been giving it a little thought and he hadn’t come to any conclusion thus far, aside from them all wearing five rings on their hands which felt a little absurd. 

Bucky continued to think on this the rest of the week and he even googled proposal practices in other countries for inspiration, but nothing really struck him. 

Nicky was a ball of excitement and energy and Bucky couldn’t very well discuss with one of his boyfriends he wanted to propose to, how he was going to propose to him. Loki seemed preoccupied as well, but again, Bucky didn’t know how to bring it up with him, so instead he just kept them quiet company throughout the week. 

However, Nicky’s energy was infectious and by the time the weekend arrived both Bucky and Loki were pretty excited as well. 

They’d ridden on Thor’s plane almost a dozen times by now, but Bucky never thought he was going to get over the novelty of there being a bed on a plane. The second the plane reached altitude Nicky was out of his seat and Bucky followed closely behind. To Bucky’s delight, Steve followed them in and they spent the next two hours wrapped up in each other. Nicky, eager as ever, gave Steve what looked like an epic blow job while Bucky idly stroked himself until Nicky turned his sinful mouth on him. Steve returned the favor to Nicky and managed to time it so they came together. 

Thor had helped Steve develop a near obsession with blow jobs, so now they had two orally obsessed lovers in the house and Bucky had officially been converted, at least to receiving blow jobs. Nicky cuddled for a little while, but he grew antsy and went on the prowl for his other lovers in the body of the plane. There was a slight commotion and, to Bucky’s surprise, Thor walked in. 

“Can I hide out in here? I already had sex with Charlie and then Loki this morning. My cock needs a break,” Thor said with a slightly embarrassed chuckle. 

Bucky laughed and reached out a hand for Thor. After their trip to Italy the previous summer, he and Thor had begun charting new territory for their friendship. Bucky had always been an incredibly tactile person, especially with close friends, and now there were many nights where Thor would curl up in bed with one of his lovers and Bucky would dive into bed and demand to be cuddled by him as well. 

Thor happily slid into bed behind him now, wrapping his large arms around Bucky to grab onto Steve’s hip as well. Bucky snuggled in for a nap and he must have dozed off because the next time the door opened a very fucked out looking Loki walked in.  

“Can I…cuddle too?” Loki asked a little hesitantly. “Nicky and Charlie fell asleep.” 

“Of course, elskede,” Thor said, reaching out to pull Loki into their cuddle puddle. 

Loki and Steve had become the best of friends, and while they often sat pressed up against each other on the couch or in bed while they each read or did work, they weren’t quite as snuggly as Bucky and Thor. 

Bucky gave up his spot pressed against Thor, and made room for Loki to slot himself in between them. He let out a happy moan and Bucky had to palm his cock and grit his teeth. 

“Really turning me on here baby,” Bucky groaned. 

“Yeahhh- Nicky just ravaged the hell out of me. You’re on your own,” Loki drawled, meanwhile he ran his tongue along Bucky’s neck. 

Bucky let out a whimper and Steve chuckled. His deep baritone voice rattled through Bucky’s chest and straight down to his crotch. “Ughhh neither of you are helping.” 

Steve slid his hand into Bucky’s jeans, which he had left unbuttoned and unzipped for his nap. “Steve-” Bucky’s breath caught and he tipped his head back against Loki’s shoulder. 

“Mmmmm, gonna cum in my arms, babe?” Loki drawled, running his teeth along Bucky’s neck. Bucky tipped his head to the side and saw Thor’s eyes locked on Steve. 

At the beginning, he’d wondered if it would be weird having his former lover watch him have sex with his other lovers, but it never was. One drunken night they’d even had a foursome, where Steve and Thor had bent him and Loki over opposite sides of the bed and fucked them. Bucky had spent the entire time kissing and caressing Loki, meanwhile he knew Steve and Thor were basically eye fucking above them. All in all Bucky had zero complaints about his love and sex life. Except how the hell he was going to manage these proposals.

Thankfully all that worry fled his mind as Steve gripped the base of his cock and stroked him off until he did indeed cum in Loki’s arms. 

Eventually, Thor and Steve meandered out into the main area of the plane and Nicky ambled in a few minutes later, looking happy and a little sleepy. He threw himself in between Loki and Bucky and they obliged by cuddling up to him. 

“So my loves. Do we think it’s happening this weekend? Maybe tonight?” Nicky drawled, lazily running his hand through Loki’s hair.  

“I did paint my nails,” Loki said sheepishly, holding up his hand to show his gorgeous magenta nails. 

“You’re so pretty,” Bucky crooned, kissing him overtop of Nicky’s head. 

“Thanks,” Loki said, burying his face in Nicky’s neck.  

“I think if it’s going to happen, it will probably be tomorrow night?” Bucky murmured quietly. 

“I want it to be on a glacier. I love glaciers,” Nicky said. 

He’d been talking about nothing but how much he wanted to walk on a glacier the entire week. Bucky was less interested in that than he was in the plethora of waterfalls all across the lush green countryside. Whether that was because it would be the most gorgeous place to be proposed to or not was up for debate. 

“I don’t know about where I want it to happen, but I really want to go to one of the hot springs,” Loki said. 

Loki was obsessed with baths and spas and Bucky could totally see Thor proposing to a flustered Loki in a spa. 

They spent the rest of the flight vacillating between more and more absurd places to be proposed to, including inside an active volcano, or in a helicopter, and then they transitioned to just talking about things they wanted to do in Iceland. 

When they arrived, there was a car waiting to pick them up and it drove them to an incredibly glitzy hotel in the center of Rjeykivik. They, of course, had a penthouse suite, with three bedrooms, each with a different view of the city and water. Loki nearly swooned at the ocean view and Thor subtly brought their bags into that room. 

Nicky really liked the slightly phallic looking clock tower, so he and Charlie took the room that overlooked it, and Bucky and Steve happily took the room that had a little bit of ocean and a little bit of city. 

Steve looked absolutely dazzled by the hotel and when he turned his beautiful blue eyes on Bucky, he knew in that instant that it was happening this weekend. Steve always looked at him with love, but it was practically overflowing from him now. 

Bucky walked up to him and slowly pressed him backwards until he was backed up against the window. 

“Who would have thought when we were curled up on your little mattress on the floor as kids, joking about pretty gals we wanted to dance with, that this is where we’d end up,” Bucky said softly. Steve grabbed his hips and gently turned him around so he was the one pressed up against the window. 

He pressed a soft kiss to his mouth and then a slightly rougher kiss to his neck. Bucky turned his head to the side and took in the view of the city while his boyfriend, the love of his life, and hopefully soon to be fiancé, ravaged his neck. 

They all spent some time getting settled into their rooms and by the time they emerged it was well past dinner time. They agreed to order room service, and they curled up on the two plush couches and lit the fireplace in the main sitting area. 

“So, what would you all like to do tomorrow?” Thor asked the group after their dinner and dessert were consumed and several bottles of wine were drunk. 

“Waterfalls!” Bucky said from where he lounged in Charlie’s lap. 

“Hiking, climbing on, and possibly licking a glacier,” Nicky piped in from his perch on Steve’s lap. 

“If we had time to visit one of the spas or lagoons that would be amazing,” Loki said softly. He was standing over by the huge glass windows, his eyes soft with alcohol and love as he gazed back at all of them.