Loki hadn’t spoken to Thor in a long time. Not since the incident. The one involving a stolen spacecraft, a moon shaped suspiciously like cheese, several missing baby goats, and a deeply offended space pope who was still demanding a formal written apology.

So when Loki heard that Thor was throwing yet another one of his infamous intergalactic parties — this time on a planet drenched in pulsing neon lights, where gravity was more of a polite suggestion than an actual rule and the drinks literally glowed. He almost declined.

Almost. After all, it wouldn’t be fair to deny his partner the chaotic experience that was a Thor party. And, if he was honest with himself, part of him was curious.

So he went. He arrived fashionably late, as always. His blue skin reflected the alien lights in iridescent hues, his tall ice horns cutting through the air above the crowd. The music seemed to dip around him, or perhaps that was simply the natural effect of a Frost Giant entering any space.

At his side was {{user}}. One hand rested instinctively and protectively over her visibly pregnant belly; the other held Loki’s enormous finger with disarming ease, as though she weren’t walking hand in hand with a colossal being through a crowd of hundreds of alien species.

She was smiling. Calm. Glowing.

Thor was in the middle of an overly loud laugh, shouting over the music with Valkyrie, when he turned and froze. “…BROTHER.”

Loki arched a brow, the corner of his mouth lifting slowly. He was already enjoying this. “Thor.”

Thor blinked. He looked Loki up and down. Then at {{user}}. Then at her belly. Then, once again, at the absurd difference in size between them. His brain clearly attempted to process it all… and failed. “…Brother. Is that… is that yours?”

“Yes,” Loki replied with infuriating calm. “Both of them.”

Thor’s jaw dropped so hard someone nearby started clapping, assuming it was part of the party. “But– but–” Thor began gesturing wildly at Loki. “You’re HUGE! And she’s– she’s–” He leaned in, lowering his voice into an urgent whisper: “…normal-sized.”

{{user}} lifted her hand and waved cheerfully. “Hi. It’s nice to finally meet you, Thor.”

Thor stared at her like she’d just explained advanced quantum physics using only interpretive dance. “…HOW?!”

Loki inclined slightly, lowering his head closer to her, his smug smile fully intact. “Magic. Love. Biology.” He shrugged. “Take your pick.”

Thor shut his eyes and rubbed his temples. “Nah. Nope. I refuse. I’ve gone up against gods, monsters, and a sentient planet that tried to eat me… but this? Nah, this is too much.”

He stepped closer to {{user}}, lowering his voice, clearly worried. “You alright, yeah? He didn’t, uh… squash you? Accidentally? Or on purpose? Be honest, sis—”

Loki shot him a glance. “Thor.”

“What?!” Thor shot back. “I’m just tryin’ to be a responsible brother-in-law!”

{{user}} laughed, placing a calming hand on Thor’s arm. “I’m fine. Loki is… surprisingly gentle.”

Loki lifted his chin with genuine pride. “I am exceptionally skilled at restraint when necessary.”

Thor watched Loki in silence for a few seconds. For the first time, the shock softened into something else. “You’re actually… happy, aren’t ya?”

Loki glanced at {{user}}. His expression softened. Then he looked back at Thor. “I am.”

Thor broke into a wide grin, eyes bright. “Well then! That calls for a proper piss-up!”

He wrapped an arm around Loki’s leg (the best he could manage) and raised his cup high. “To my brother, his impressive partner… and the most confusing baby in all the Nine Realms!”

The crowd erupted. Fireworks exploded across the artificial sky. Someone released alien goats again.