For Better or For Worse (Loki x Reader)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Well. I've been very busy, very stressed out, and very unmotivated, yet I am very happy with this chapter. Thank you all for being so patient and kind!!! I hope you enjoy!!!❤️

I wrapped my arms around myself in an attempt to provide myself with some kind of warmth on the cold Asgardian morning. The sun had not yet risen over the horizon, and there was still dew on the grass and leaves. I was standing out in the courtyard with Loki and Thor as they checked over their things, trying to figure out if they had everything we needed. Our horses were standing at the edge of the clearing, waiting for us to take them across the Bifrost so Heimdal could send us on our way to Midgard. We were also waiting on the king and queen to see us off through the Bifrost.

"(Y/N), do you have warm clothing for the trip?" Loki asked, looking over his shoulder from where he was digging around in his small pack. I looked down at the sweater I was wearing, riding pants, and one of Loki's thicker traveling cloak over my shoulders, riding boots on my feet.

"This is the warmest I have," I admitted, looking back up at the man. "This morning is about the coldest it gets on Asgard, and it's always a spring like temperature in Alfheim; I've never had much need for heavier clothes." I cocked my head to the side as I looked at my husband. "How cold does it get on Midgard?" I asked genuinely curious. Loki didn't answer, just looked at Thor. The blonde man looked over at me, a joyful smile on his face. He hadn't stopped talking about the trip since Loki had told me the news; Midgard was like his second home.

"Don't worry, (Y/N), I'm sure Tony can provide you with some winter clothing," Thor assured me as he cinched up his own pack and flung it over his shoulder. "It can get pretty cold on Midgard during the colder months, and I think we'll be there right around midwinter," he informed me. I nodded, thanking him, and sending him a small smile.

I had never seen what winter was like; I had only read about it in books before. I remembered reading about fields covered in snow, rivers, creeks, and ponds frozen over with ice, and the animals taking on their winter coats, but I had never gotten to experience it for myself. Though, as I stood there on that cold morning, the cold nipping at the bare skin of my hands and the tender skin on my face. I wasn't sure how much I was going to like winter, but I did want to see Midgard, and there was nothing that was going to stop me from going.

"Do you have everything you need?" Loki's voice tore me away from my thoughts, causing me to look up at the man. He was standing a few feet away, an expectant look on his face. I nodded but started digging through my bag, double checking.

"Are you sure Tony won't mind buying me a winter coat and such?" I asked when I was satisfied that I had everything I would need for the next month. Loki chuckled slightly, rolling his eyes.

"Trust me, dear. Stark has plenty of money," he assured me, but it still didn't feel right to be living in his home for a month and asking for new clothes because I wasn't prepared. I opened my mouth to retort, but Loki held up a hand, a silent gesture for me to stop. "Darling, Stark is a billionaire. It's like being royalty on Midgard," he assured me.

"He won't mind, (Y/N)," Thor added in. "Friend Stark may gripe about it, but he is just joking. He'd be happy to get you a few things, and I'm sure Pepper would be happy to help you shop for some winter clothes," Thor said, that usual bright smile on his face. I smiled right back at the older of the two siblings, his words making me feel less anxious.

Before anyone could say anything else, the queen's voice was ringing through the courtyard.
"Oh, my darlings, are you all ready for the trip?" We all looked over at the main entrance of the courtyard, finding the queen in a simple gown coming down the stairs as gracefully as ever; her arm was wrapped around her husband's who walked right next to her. Loki immediately went over to greet his mother. Frigga released Odin's arm and wrapped her arms around Loki instead. "Be careful, my child, and keep your lady safe," she said before kissing her youngest on the cheek. Loki returned the gesture. She released Loki and approached her oldest.