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Midgard; New York City, Christmas Eve 2077
Loki was hesitant on returning to New York. Given what happened last time he was in New York, even if this New York was on a different timeline and a year that is long ways away from the New York he once knew.
Loki's reason for being here in the first place was Sylvie.
After Loki and Sylvie defeated Kang the Conqueror; they were left with the choice of what to do with their lives. Sylvie; who has been on the run from The TVA since she was a child finally completed her mission.
Though it wasn't her "glorious purpose" as she once thought. No, she knew her so-called glorious purpose was by Loki side. She knew that the moment their Nexus event happened back on Lamentis-1. Even though she denied it and even kissed Loki goodbye, pushing him through a time door.
She didn't want to say goodbye but she had her lifelong mission to complete and she had to protect Loki in some way. Even though it was a risk, since she didn't know where he would end up. She hoped that he was safe and that whatever happened; that they would find each other again.
Loki had found her.
They travelled to different worlds, across different timelines. Trying to find a place of their own. One where Sylvie could finally feel comfortable and safe.
It was Loki's bright idea to bring Sylvie to New York City (one where he or the Avengers weren't known) as a surprise for her.
One night, after heated kisses and sensual touches, as they lay there in their bed, "You know, I never been to New York." Sylvie said as her head rested on Loki's chest. He chuckled at the irony. "You're lucky then." Came his reply as he stroked her hair. It grown past her shoulders by now.
"I saw it once on a television when I was a child." She looked up at him, her blue eyes filled with wonderment. "It was snowing, people floating about and a giant tree in the center, sparkling. I've never seen anything like it. I was completely transfixed by it."
"Ah, you're referring to what the Midgardians call: 'Christmas'. Loki answered.
"I hope to go there one day." Sylvie said simply. Pulling up the covers over her nude form and snuggled into Loki's embrace as she started to drift off to sleep.
New York was truly magical this time of year. People bundled up in oversized knit sweaters and hats, with jackets over top to help keep out the cold. The smell of chilled winds, warm apple cider and hot chocolate filling the air.
Loki exhaled; letting it fill his senses.
Behind him came a small "Humph". Loki could recognize that sound in any universe.
"I look bloody ridiculous!" Came Sylvie's voice with a groan. Loki turned and tried to stifle a grin that started to take over his features. There was Sylvie; wearing a cream colored knit hat with a comical sized pom-pom and a red jacket that seemed three sizes too big for her small frame.
"Did you pick the wrong size again?" Loki asked. His amusement evident in his voice.
Sylvie scowled at him but there was warmth behind her eyes.
"Midgardian sizing is confusing." she admitted. Crossing her arms across her chest.
"I could conjure up a new outfit for you if you like?"
"No, no. You said this would be a 'Midgardian style Christmas'. So no magic." She replied.
Loki opted for a dark navy blue sweater and black trousers. It was merely for appearances since Loki nor Sylvie felt cold with both being frost giants and all.
"So, what do we do first?" Sylvie asked with a shrug.
"Well we could grab some hot chocolate or apple cider. Whichever suits your fancy." He said with a smirk. Sylvie raised an eyebrow, "Last I remember I left you to drink something, you were dancing like an idiot on a train." She laughed with a smile spreading across her face.
Sylvie's laugh was one of Loki's favorite sounds in the entire universe.
Loki took Sylvie by the arm as he began to walk as he spoke, "Or we could try ice skating or a romantic sleigh ride."
"Romantic sleigh ride?" Sylvie echoed. "You didn't tell me this was a date."
Loki spread his arms out wide, "Indeed it is." His voice charming. He smiled. A genuine one. Sylvie recognized it. It was the type of smile he only gave Sylvie. That "Love-struck-puppy-eyes-love-of-his-life" kind of smile. The kind of smile that got her heart racing. Like now.
Loki approached her as her blue eyes looked up at him. He reached for her nimble hands and held them in his. "This whole day is for you, the person that I love most. The person I searched every universe for." He said matter-of-factly.
Sylvie still got giddy and light-headed whenever Loki declared his love for her, aloud especially. Made her cheeks flush and filled her with a warmth that she never thought possible.
Loki bent down and gave Sylvie a kiss.
"People could be watching." Sylvie said under her breath before she felt his lips press against hers.
"I've always enjoyed an audience." He joked. Sylvie gave him a playful push to his shoulder as she smiled into the kiss. Their warm breath mingled with the cold air as they parted. Loki came back to his senses. "So... um... What first?" He asked.
Sylvie let out a "Hmmm..." as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"Must admit that hot chocolate sounds delicious."
Loki realized early on that Sylvie had an affinity for sweets (even more so than he did) especially for chocolate.
The headed over to a concession stand with a sign about that read: "Hot Chocolate" handwritten in a script font and a drawing of a mug of hot chocolate and marshmallows.
"Two hot chocolates, sir." Loki said to the guy behind the wooden counter.
"Would you like regular or jumbo marshmallows?" He asked
Before could let out a word, Sylvie blurted out "Jumbo, please!" excitedly. The cashier smiled back at her. "Well, alright. Little lady." he replied, a twang in his voice. He poured the hot chocolate into two cups with ladle and grabbed a bag of jumbo sized marshmallows and added them generously to the top.
" Two hot chocolates with jumbo marshmallows," He placed the two cups in from of Sylvie, who was practically bouncing with excitement. "That will be seven dollars and fifty cents."
Loki slid the money across the counter top. "Thank you, sir."
"Thank you and Merry Christmas to ya!"
"Merry Christmas." Loki and Sylvie said in unison as each of them reached for their cup of hot chocolate. Loki sipped his drink, holding the cup with one hand as they walked away. Sylvie held hers with two hands. "How exciting! This is something I've dreamed of since I was a child." She closed her eyes and took a whiff of the bittersweet aroma and took a sip. "It taste..."
Loki looked at Sylvie perplexed, "― Bitter? Sweet?..."
"― Magical." Sylvie finished and took another sip and sighed happily.
"Glad you approve." Loki said. Seeing Sylvie's face light up with joy. "Oooh!" She let out. "We should try that next!" Sylvie pointed toward the ice rink, filled with families or couples holding hands and the occasional person who is wobbling about unsteadily like a newborn deer.
"Ice skating, alright. Do you know how?" Loki asked.
Sylvie tilted her head. "No but it can't be that hard, could it?" Her voice was filled with doubt. "We're frost giants after all."
"You know, for a frost giant; you're quite small. Loki retorted as he took another sip of his drink. Sylvie light-heartedly elbowed his side. He let out a cough as he almost choked on the chocolatey liquid.
"I may be small but I can still kick your arse." Sylvie jokingly growled at him. "I wouldn't have it any other way, my little wildcat. He teased.
She grabbed his hand, "C'mon!" Sylvie nearly shouted. Loki nearly spilling his drink.
"Alright, alright. But I rather not get chocolate on my sweater." He joked. "We should finish these first." He nodded his head toward his cup. "Right." Sylvie agreed. Loki took one of her hands in his as the walked toward a bench located near the ice rink, under a tree. Loki, sat in what most would say "elegantly", Sylvie on the other hand; landed on the bench with a small thud, the sound of the fabric of her way too oversized jacket crumpled beneath her.
Their drinks still warm as the air around them got colder.
"May I ask you somethin?" Came Sylvie's question as she watched the people skate around.
"What is it?" Loki asked, taking the final sips of his hot chocolate. Sylvie looked at him. "Why this year?"
"Beg your pardon?"
"Why did you pick this year?
Loki's expression change from one of confusion to one of understanding. "Oh, I see. Well..." He paused not sure how to phrase it. "This is the year of our nexus event." He gripped his now empty cup nervously.
Sylvie looked astonished "Lamentis."
"Yes."
"But we almost died" She reminded him
"Also yes but it was also the moment I realized I was in love with you."
"That was just our impending doom talking." she joked, taking another sip.
"You and I both know it was much more than that."
"I know." Sylvie replied, smiling at him.
Loki tossed his cup in a nearby trashcan. "I'll get the skates, be right back." He said as he left. Sylvie took a marshmallow that sat at the bottom of her empty cup and tossed it into her mouth as she waited. Within a few moments, Loki returned holding two pairs of ice skates. "Ready to tackle the ice rink?"
Sylvie practically flung her cup into the trash as she stood up.
"I was born ready!" She declared, hands on her hips. "Now, give 'em." She reached for the smaller pair of skates and started to switch them for the boots she wore.
❄❄❄
I didn't think you'd be bad at this." Sylvie said as she stood in front of Loki. Loki on the other hand, was gripping on to the edge of the barrier for dear life.
"How are you good at this?" He asked sounding out of breath. "I thought you said you never done this before."
"I haven't but you be surprised the kind of skills you have to pick up as you're running from the TVA." Sylvie answered simply as it was basic knowledge. "Once, when I was fourteen, the time pad put me on a planet completely made of ice. I managed to distance myself from the minutemen chasing me by gliding across the ice. You should have seem them..." she laughed. "Slipping and falling on their arses."
"Ah, I see." Loki replied, voice sounded labored. Sylvie reach out toward him. "Here, hold my hands and I'll help you." She smiled. Her cheeks flushed a light pink from the cold wind. "Alright." Loki gripped her hands tightly as he wobbled.
Sylvie started to skate backwards, pulling Loki with her. "See? Now you got it."
Loki looked at her doubtfully, "I don't trust my skill set at this very moment." losing his balance for a second. Sylvie gripped his wrists, "Don't worry, I'll catch you." She giggled. Loki's hair flipped away from his face as he looked up at her. "My hero." he replied sarcastically.
After awhile, Loki got the hang of it. He was able to skate forward without too much trouble. Sylvie held his hand just in case.
"Have you ever seen snowfall in person?" He asked.
"No, I haven't."
"Really? I would imagine you would have at some point, with all those places and timelines you been to."
She looked forward, a sad expression briefly crossing her facial features. "Even if I did, there wouldn't be time to enjoy it. I didn't have time to enjoy many things. Time was a luxury I rarely had." She answered.
"Now you ― we, have all the time in the world. The universe even." Loki reassured her.
"Literally." Sylvie remarked.
❄❄❄
It started to get late and both Loki and Sylvie were feeling tuckered out.
"Could use that romantic sleigh ride right about now." Loki said as he unlaced his skates.
"Me too" Sylvie replied.
❄❄❄
Sylvie rested her head on Loki's shoulder as they rode along in the grand sleigh. "This was certainly and an eventful day." She said.
"Did you enjoy it?"
"Of course I did."
"I'm glad." Sylvie heard a 'whoosh' sound and turned to Loki; who was now holding mistletoe, wrapped in a red ribbon.
"Loki, we said no magic." Sylvie kept her voice low so the person directing the sleigh wouldn't hear their conversation. "Rules were meant to be broken." He replied with a smirk. "Spoken like a true Loki" Sylvie replied sarcastically.
Loki gave a fake, dramatic gasp. "Are you, Sylvie, admitting that I'm indeed the 'Superior Loki'"?
"Not a chance." Sylvie replied with a shake of her head. "But I love you anyway." and with that, Sylvie lurched forward, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. "Careful, people could see us." she felt him smile against the kiss. "
"Well I've always enjoyed an audience." Sylvie teased, echoing Loki's words from earlier. Loki bent his head toward her in another enticing kiss.
"You have bewitched me." Loki breathed out.
"As you did me."
Suddenly, as if by magic (that wasn't Loki's doing), snow flurries began to fall. Sprinkling into Loki's hair and onto Sylvie's flushed cheeks, the tip of her nose and the top of her pom-pom knit hat.
Sylvie looked up at the sky in bewilderment. "It's snowing!" Sylvie exclaimed. She reached out, trying to catch as many snowflakes as she could.
Loki watched her as she watched the snowfall.
"Thank you." Sylvie said, her voice above a whisper. "For everything."
"Of course, my love." He replied.
"Loki..." Sylvie sounded hesitant. "I need to tell you something."
Loki looked at her warily sensing her unease. "What is it?"
Sylvie bit her bottom lip "I'm..." she paused and let out a breath. "I'm with child."
Loki's face broke into a wide smile. "I'm going to be a father?" Sylvie simply nodded.
Tears formed in Loki's eyes. He never thought he would have this. From feeling like an outsider, the black sheep of the family, in desperate search of his 'glorious purpose', to finding the love of his life, his literal soulmate, to now having a family of her own.
"It's truly the most wonderful time of the year." He kissed the top of Sylvie's head.
"Indeed it is." She placed one of his hands on top of hers over her abdomen and sighed in content as the snow continued to fall, the smell of warm apple cider and hot chocolate filling the air and the giant Christmas tree, sparkling.
The End.