🥀 38 🥀

~♡~

Lyla groans slightly as she steadies herself against the coffin.

Her body still in pain, her heart more numb. Seeing Peggy's peaceful face at rest however, as if she were asleep, gave her some kind of cold comfort. She feels her eyes water slightly before she pushes it down. Peggy would deem the display of emotion and hysteria unnecessary on her behalf.

She reaches out a hand to stroke her cold cheek. It feels wrong, seeing her so still and lifeless, but Lyla is glad she came all the same. She needed to see it. To make her brain believe it was real.

It had come as a shock to Lyla that Peggy had been keeping her health issues close to her chest, but then again, Peggy never wanted to trouble anyone.

After Nat had asked Melina to check in on Peggy whilst all of the drama went on with the men, Lyla was relieved that Melina had found her in time to be by her side. Peggy had been a widow for so long with no children, adopting Lyla as if she were her own kind of daughter figure to guide throughout the years.

What was even more shocking was that Peggy had left a sizeable collection of rare editions of books in her will to Lyla. None of which she felt worthy of.

Lyla had explained to the library that she could no longer work there without Peggy and with things going on in her personal life. They had been saddened to see her go but she promised she would return regularly.

"I'm sorry I wasn't with you at the end Pegs. Thank you so much for everything you've done for me." Lyla says aloud, in nothing more than a whisper, as if afraid to wake her.

She knows that somewhere, somehow, Peggy can hear her gratitude, however.

"You took me in and treated me like family, you were always there for me. I'll never be able to repay you." She mumbles as she feels a calming hand place itself on the small of her back through her black dress.

Lyla turns slightly to see Loki smiling sadly at her, his own face still full of healing wounds and scars from that fateful night.

"It's ok my love." Loki soothes as he wraps his arm around her now, bringing her in close as she nestles her head into the crook of his neck.

He strokes her back softly.

"I can't believe she's gone." Lyla mumbles, afraid to take her eyes off the woman, knowing it would be the last time she saw her. "It's a shame Nat's not well, she wanted to be here to say goodbye too."

"She was a formidable woman from what you have told me. We will ensure her memory lives on." Loki says quietly as he presses a kiss to her temple.

"Goodbye Pegs." Lyla says as she pries herself away from the open casket, allowing those around her to take their turn in bidding farewell.

If the turnout at the church was anything to go by, she had made a profound impact on those around her throughout her long life.

Loki tugs at the collar of his shirt uncomfortably as he guides them out. Lyla catches the action and smirks.

"Is my King worried he will burn up in the Holy ground if he stays here any longer?" Lyla laughs dryly, trying to take her mind off the gnawing grief pain she was feeling.

Loki rolls his eyes.

"I don't think this place is made for sinners like me." He sighs as he leads them out and to the car where Peter awaits them, opening the door for them both when he spots them.

They bundle into the car and Lyla resumes her position nuzzled close to Loki.

Meanwhile, Loki stares absently out the window as the engines starts up. Lyla knows he is thinking about his father, potentially how his father was never given the chance for a proper funeral, despite their hatred towards one another. She strokes the back of Loki's hand.

"We could have a private ceremony if you wanted you know, just us four perhaps, if you wanted your own way to say bye to him." Lyla begins apprehensively as she watches his brows furrow.

Loki turns to her, his heart stopping momentarily before he smooths his face again.

"It's done. It's not needed." Loki retorts as he goes back to looking out the window. Lyla sighs.

"It doesn't matter how it ended, you still need to grieve and process everything." Lyla pushes a little more but she feels Loki close up next to her.

She's pushed too far already, especially as he told her not to talk about it again. Loki bites his lip briefly before replying.

"I don't think the murderer should attend the victim's funeral." He hums.

"Perhaps not, but beside that, he was your father for all intents and purposes, in his own way. It's ok to feel mixed emotions." Lyla says softly.

Loki turns to Lyla now, anger briefly on his face before he relaxes, looking into her eyes.

"My only emotions are how much I worship and adore you. And wish to protect you and our future. Now don't concern yourself with me, concentrate on your own well-being Pet." He chides as he gently holds her chin, tilting her face up to kiss him.

Lyla closes her eyes and sighs in resignation as she enjoys the feeling before they break apart. Those same butterflies fill her stomach every time.

"So how're you feeling about meeting Melina tomorrow?" She changes the subject.

Loki smirks slyly, mischief in his eyes.

"Would you judge me if you said I am scared? After all the tales you've all told me." Loki jokes as he strokes the side of Lyla's face. Lyla smiles.

"A mob boss being scared of our Russian mother...it's definitely the wisest thing you could be." Lyla replies teasingly.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the woman behind the stories. It'll be good." Loki says as he continues smiling.

Lyla narrows her eyes at him.

"You have that look in your eye Lokes." She tuts.

Loki pulls back slightly, winking at her.

"I don't know what look you mean, my Love."

"Yes you do. The look of trouble. You're up to something." Lyla notes as she runs a hand through his hair, tugging a little at the roots to play with him.

He brings a large inked hand up to her wrist, stilling it before kissing her knuckles.

"You must be mistaken Miss Glass. I'm never up to no good." Loki teases.

"Keep your secrets. You do realise if we're going to be running this organisation together with Thor you're going to have to start teaching me things. Maybe I could come with you to the office this week? Get to grips with the day to day?" Lyla offers.

Loki sighs. He wanted her so far away from his world but she was his whole world now. There was no separating the two. He had to accept it. This is how it would be. This is how they'd stay together.

"Only if you wear a tight little skirt and play secretary for the day?" Loki laughs cheekily as Lyla swats at him.

"Yeah, way to make people respect me as their bosses girlfriend!" Lyla scrunches up her nose.

"Eugh. Girlfriend. I hate that word." Loki mumbles.

Lyla frowns.

"You hate a lot of words. Girlfriend, sugar baby, arrangement, etcetera." Lyla prods at him as he grabs at her hands, gripping them both within one of his to stop her as she laughs.

"I know what words I do like." Loki's voice darkens as he licks his lips.

"Oh really? Please do tell...Sir." Lyla teases as she watches Loki tense up.

He leans forward and kisses her jaw, still holding her wrists.

"Trying to be naughty on the way back from a funeral? You are coming to the dark side." Loki husks.

~♤~

"I can't believe it! I'm going to cry. There's no way this is real!" Nat squeals as she jumps up and down on the spot.

Loki flinches at the high pitched shriek that she produces as Thor tries to settle her down.

"Miss Romanoff, had I known you'd be so hysterical I'd have given you a heads up rather than surprising you with this right now." Loki smiles as Thor pulls her in close, kissing her scalp.

"I'm sorry! I just never thought I'd see the day. And with everything that you two have been through. This is just perfect." Nat swoons as she looks up at Thor, kissing him on the lips.

Loki tries to not look too disgusted at his brother engaging in such PDA.

"I agree, I never thought my little brother would ever have a relationship, let alone a fiancé." Thor chuckles as the jeweller returns from out of the back, laying out some gemstones and diamonds on the counter in front of the threesome.

They sparkle brightly against the black velvet they're placed on and Natasha immediately leans forward.

"Wow. Loki I know you said you wanted our help but if you've already narrowed it down to these you've done a great job." Nat notes as she inspects them with awe.

Thor nods in agreement.

The jeweller clears his throat before speaking up.

"Sir, these are what I gathered based on your description of your future fiancé's likes and yours too. Now these can be cut into any shape and size, the larger ones will need a larger band to support the stone, but everything can be worked around. We also have matching pieces for engagement rings and wedding rings." The man says as he begins to point at each one, going through the properties and carats.

Loki takes a large breath in, overwhelmed at the choice. How could he narrow down a single ring design for someone who meant the world to him? Nothing ever seemed enough. He wanted to buy the whole store and let her bathe in diamonds. She deserved everything.

"That's a lot of choice." Thor comments under his breath before Loki shoots him an ungrateful look.

Nat whacks his chest as she moves closer to Loki.

"They are all beautiful Loki, whichever you pick she will be absolutely besotted with. Because you chose it for her. You know that don't you?" Nat says quietly as she nudges Loki's side with her elbow.

Loki tries to smile but it appears as more of a grimace.

"That is presuming she will be saying yes." He mumbles and Thor claps him on the shoulder, sensing his brothers creeping doubt and insecurity taking over.

"Brother, of course she will say yes. You two cannot live without each other."

"She won't even hesitate Loki. She's head over heels in love with you." Nat concurs as she tries to help reassure Loki.

He presses his lips into a thin line, before smiling.

"Well I hope you're both right. Okay, what's your opinions?" Loki asks.

Thor shrugs and gestures towards Nat to take over, as he seemingly gets distracted by some Cartier watches that are being freshly loaded into the counter.

"She would want it to represent not only her personality but yours too. When she looks at it, she'll be reminded of you and your love. Which are you leaning towards?" Nat presses as she bends over, resting her elbows on the counter as the jeweller backs off a little, giving them space to discuss.

Most clients he would stand nearby, guarding the treasure, but he knows someone rich enough to close down the store and with the brother's names are not a liability.

Loki thinks long and hard before his eyes flicker to the dark emerald.

"It would feel wrong not adorning her in diamonds, but the more I think about it, the less likely Lyla is to be just like everyone else when it comes to engagement rings." Loki muses as he studies it closely.

Nat leans closer to look, nodding.

"Lyla is different. She doesn't care about the flashy things, she likes sentiment. That's your colour. She'd love that."

Loki feels his heart skip a beat as he tries to envision her wearing his colours on her wedding ring finger, for all to see. For everyone within the organisation to see and know she has been claimed by him, and him alone. He feels himself grow feral with the thought.

"Could we do it in a gold band? Perhaps add some diamonds to the side, like petals?" Loki looks up at the jeweller who takes out his notepad and begins making notes and sketching.

Nat rubs Loki's shoulder.

"Oh Loki. This is going to be beautiful." She gushes.

Thor wanders back over, his attention shifted at the sounds of action as the jeweller talks through options with Loki before holding up a final rough sketch.

"That's nice brother. Very Lyla." Thor adds on, although Loki doesn't doubt he's clueless to what's going on.

He's glad he brought Natasha however as she'd managed to sneak Lyla's ring size and made a couple of suggestions.

Pleased with the final artistic impression, Loki hands over a sizeable wad of cash.

"I want it ready by the end of the week." He demands as the jeweller looks flustered, flipping through the notes.

"I mean that will...it could be... it's-" The man begins but Loki adds down another wad.

"Make it happen. I'm tired of waiting. I'm not wasting any more time with her." He growls as the jeweller gulps, nodding frantically.

"Yes Sir. We will ensure it." He replies nervously.

"I await your call." Loki smiles as he gestures for the others to leave.

If all went right with Melina, he could have a fiancé by the end of the week. He feels his stomach flip at the thought.

~♡~

"Hello my малышкa! (Baby girl)" Melina smiles widely as she ushers Lyla into her front door, taking her coat and embracing her tightly.

Lyla squeezes her back hard, the smell of her mother and home making her feel strangely emotional.

The last time she'd been here, things had been so different. Now, she was preparing to help the love of her life reign the New York Mafia with her best friend and partner by their side. Life was so strange.

She was different now. She was more powerful than the last time she was here. She'd been to Hell and back. And she's slayed the demons that had tried to keep her there.

Melina finally lets her go as Lyla laughs, turning around to Loki who is standing awkwardly by the doorframe, holding an expensive bottle of Russian vodka in his hand.

Melina's eyes light up as she grabs his face between her hands, turning him for inspection. Lyla cringes as she watches the scene unfold. There was no doubt about it, Loki looked nervous.

"Lyla, he is красивый! (Handsome)" she exclaims as she kisses both of his cheeks before grabbing the bottle out of his hands. "And he's brought the good stuff!"

Loki moves into the house further now, his face relaxing a little as he takes off his coat to hang on the bottom of the staircase. It was amusing to see him have to perform in such a domesticated setting. He looked like a completely different person and it made Lyla laugh at the sight.

"Ma, as you know this is Loki. Now, please be nice." Lyla warns as she gives Melina the look.

Melina holds her hands up in surrender before moving through to the kitchen to place the vodka down on the top, reaching for glasses to apparently crack it open. Loki looks towards Lyla with a raised brow. Lyla giggles.

"родная (my dear), I am always nice. Ask Thor!" Melina chirps back as she begins to open the bottle of vodka, sloshing it into the crystal glasses and fetching ice out the freezer.

Lyla rolls her eyes.

"You can be a little intimidating sometimes." Lyla steps forward, grabbing a glass and handing it to Loki who was obviously not expecting to have to drink straight vodka before dinner.

She picks up her own and stares at her mother who gives her a cheeky smile.

"You have brought back the men who run New York and you are worried about me being intimidating towards them?" She chuckles as Loki begins to smile.

Lyla could tell they would get on just fine.

"Bah! Please, he can handle me just fine can't you Loki?" Melina winks as she picks up her own glass, holding it out to cheers.

Loki clears his throat.

"I've heard many a wonderful things about you Melina. I look forward to getting to know you more tonight. You are after all, the person who raised the love of my life." Loki says in a rare display of nicety as he glances at Lyla.

Melina sighs, looking towards Lyla as she brushes a strand of hair back away from her face, taking note of a scar on the side of her temple and the way she flinches.

"Her mother raised her. I just gave her a little nudge when she needed it. She was always a headstrong little girl, even back then." Melina says as she clinks her glass towards the others, downing the burning liquid in one without flinching.

Lyla does the same, whilst Loki attempts not to pull a slight face at the burn.

"Now, I know you have been in trouble малышкa (baby girl), I can see it in your eyes. You look weary. And are you eating enough? You look thin. I can feel your ribs when I hold you." Melina says as she narrows her eyes at Lyla.

She feels like a teenager being chided again.

"Ma, I am fine. I'm presuming you knew something was up when Nat showed up here with Thor unannounced. I promise, I will catch you up but just know that everything is ok now. Loki saved me. I owe him everything." Lyla says as she reaches a hand out towards Loki, who takes hers in his and brings it to his mouth, kissing it softly.

He looks at her with such love and adoration she feels as if she's going to melt. Lyla had a feeling Loki had not heard many proclamations of endearment in his life, and she intended to continue to rectify that for as long as they both shall live.

"No doubt in trouble in the first place because of him though..." Melina begins but sees Lyla's warning look and Loki's gaze fall to the floor in shame. "-but, I am not judging that. Nat has assured me whatever has happened is in the past now and she has personally vouched for you Loki. Lyla is happy, I am happy. It's as simple as that. But you let anyone lay a hand on my daughter and I will end you. Is that understood?" Melina says in a low tone, Loki's eyes meeting hers with sincerity.

Lyla knows it is meant as a scare tactic, however she does not underestimate her mother.

Loki nods firmly. "I swear it. I wouldn't dare cross you." He tries to smile and Melina backs off a little.

"Good, because you know Natasha's father...he is in a place with people a lot worse than you guys. They would laugh in the face of your mob, no offence." Melina adds on the last part as Lyla feels herself cringe again, covering her face in embarrassment.

"Оставь его. (Leave him alone)" Lyla warns as Loki looks between the two.

"I am really going to have to brush up on my Russian for when I'm around you ladies aren't I? I don't like being out of the loop." He groans as he brings Lyla close to him, holding her by the waist as he plants a kiss in her hair.

She looks at Melina laughing as the doorbell goes, signalling Nat and Thor's arrival.

"For now, это наш секрет (it's our secret)." Lyla says as she grins at her mother.

~♤~

Between Natasha and Lyla, they'd caught Melina up with what had happened, sparing some unnecessary details surrounding current conditions of bodies.

Melina took it all in, waiting for them to finish talking before she had hugged them all tightly, one by one, speaking in Russian to the girls about something that seemed serious, a warning perhaps or a chiding only a mother could give a child.

Thor was a little more relaxed than Loki throughout the evening, having been around Melina previously, either that or the fact he was getting drunker by the minute.

Loki found himself settling in however, admiring the strong brunette who had raised two independent women that the brothers were in love with. He could see flickers of expressions or attitudes that would remind him of Lyla in Melina, before reminding himself that she wasn't her mother by blood.

Then again, neither was his own mother. He missed that bond. Melina did remind him of Frigga in some ways, although Melina was more forthright and domineering, they were both survivors, dealing with violent men and retaining their kindness.

Melina had brought the family photo albums out towards the end of the meal as Nat and Lyla cleared the table, not wanting to relieve the awkward memories in embarrassment. Loki and Thor had laughed with Melina when she showed them in their teenage phase, both girls going off to prom, looking like babies, and the breaks they had taken together.

Melina had even showed Loki a couple of photos of Lyla's mother when she was out the room. Loki was taken aback by how alike they looked physically. He had asked her to send him a copy if she approved, so he could ensure he had some pictures of her Mother for around the house. He decided it was time to put some up of Frigga too.

As they finish another album, Loki nudges Thor under the table, trying to be subtle, yet his brother was anything but.

Thor let's out a yelp before looking at Loki in realisation.

"Oh yes, I have something I need to run by the ladies so I'll just...I'll leave and I'll...be right back." He says awkwardly as he gets up from the table with  anything but grace, stumbling into the doorframe on the way out.

Loki rolls his eyes at his baboon of a brother.

Melina sits back, closing the album and taking a sip of the red wine in front of her carefully. Loki feels his heart rate pick up and he's sure she can hear it.

He feels his mouth dry out and wants to laugh at how ridiculous the idea of him being afraid of this conversation is. Out of all the evils he's fought in the world, this is what scares him.

"Go on my child, speak what you wish to say." Melina says in her thick accent as Loki looks up surprised.

She was a lot wiser and perceptive than she let on. He breathes slowly.

"It's ok." She encourages as he nods.

"I...I wanted to speak to you tonight to..." he swallows hard, unable to find the words.

The silver tongue assassin, finally mute.

Melina looks on eagerly, yet knowingly.

"I love Lyla. With all my heart. I know what you must think of me, and the dangers she has faced as a result of our relationship. But I will never stop trying to prove to her how much I love her, or the lengths I will go to, to keep her safe from those that wish to harm us. She is the greatest warmth in my frosty heart. When I thought I lost her...it made me realise that life is too short. I want to belong to her, in every way possible if she'll have me. And so I was wondering if...if...I could have your blessing if I ask her to marry me?" Loki rushes out, looking down at his lap, unable to look up to meet Melina's penetrating gaze.

The words feel strange coming out of his mouth. He never envisioned this day.

Before he can look up, he hears Melina get up from the table. He presumes she is upset, going to walk away before he feels strong arms around him, gripping him tightly. Bewildered, he reaches up to hold onto those arms from behind him, breathing out a sigh of relief.

"It is not up to me whether she chooses to marry you or not Dear. It is her decision only. But, I understand you are trying to do this right, and for that I thank you and say you have my blessing." Melina whispers in his ear as she pulls away.

Loki looks up at her, his heart finally beating again as he feels himself let go of the tension he was holding.

"I needn't remind you of my promises should you harm her though. Pass that onto your brother too for Natalia." Melina says as she waves a finger, laughing at him.

Loki is unable to answer before everyone bumbles back in, carrying dessert.

"I hope she went easy on you." Lyla says to Loki as she looks between the two.

Loki beams, genuinely for the first time that night as he pulls Lyla onto his lap, causing her to laugh at the gesture.

"I feel we are on the same page my Darling." Loki says as he looks knowingly at Melina.

Melina holds up the bottle of wine, going to pour for everyone before Thor lets out a groan at the sight. Nat elbows him in the ribs at the gesture as Lyla and Melina frown.

"Jeez, Thor how much have you had to drink? I've never seen you so...slurry." Lyla laughs as Loki joins in.

"I told you he couldn't handle Russian vodka Lyla."

Natasha finally sighs as she holds a hand over her glass, stopping her mother from topping her up.

Melina halts her actions before slamming the bottle down, asking her a question in Russian which Loki and Thor don't understand.

Lyla freezes in Loki's lap, spinning round to face her, clearly understanding the gist of Melina's question.

Silence hangs heavy in the air as Loki looks at his drunkard of a brother who is looking nervously at Natasha.

Nat sighs again, looking at everyone finally before taking Thor's hand in hers, rolling her eyes at his state.

"Yes, I'm pregnant." She says so quietly, Loki feels he must've imagined it.

The scene before him unfolds very quickly.

Melina and Lyla leap up from the table to rush Natasha, arms being thrown around her, knocking things over as Thor gets pulled into the embrace. Loki sits dazed at what is going on, unable to take it in. Thor eventually turns to him expectantly.

"Brother?" Loki asks confused as he looks at Lyla and the way she gushes over Nat, tears steaming down all their cheeks.

He looks at Thor and suddenly realises why he's so drunk.

"You've been drinking Natasha's drinks for her haven't you, you oaf!" Loki laughs as he stands up, pulling his brother into a tight hug.

He can't believe it. Thor hugs him back. It feels like the only second genuine embrace they've had in their lives. Eventually everyone settles back down to let the couple speak.

"Nat, what...I'm so confused. I mean, I didn't know you wanted kids? I'm so shocked I'm sorry." Lyla says as she wipes away happy tears, holding onto her sisters hand as Melina does the same.

Eventually she gives Thor a wide smile as she passes him some water to help sober him up.

He accepts gratefully, obviously relieved now the secret is out.

"I mean, I didn't. We didn't...it kind of just happened. But aside from all the shit that's gone on, we think this is good right? Our lives are complicated, yes, but maybe there's a reason this is happening now. Maybe it's meant to be." Nat admits as she wipes her own face.

Loki suddenly feels as if his own news of impending engagement is insignificant, but he can't help but be equally shocked and happy for his brother.

Thor presses a kiss to Natasha's cheek as he rubs a hand down her back.

"This is brilliant! I'm going to be a Babushka!" Melina shouts as she downs the rest of her wine in celebration.

Nat looks sincerely at Lyla.

"It's still a bit early, it's why we didn't want to tell anyone. It's why I couldn't go to Peggy's funeral. I've been so sick without realising what it could be until I did a test about a couple of weeks ago. That's why Thor was so desperate to get me away from the chaos." Nat confesses as Lyla pulls her in for another hug.

"This is the best news ever Nat. We need something happy. And you're right, maybe this baby is meant to be right now. We could all use this right?" She says as she looks around, her eyes landing happily on Loki.

He nods in agreement.

"Congratulations to you both. It is most joyous indeed." He agrees as he raises a glass.

"How far along are you?" Lyla asks Nat and Loki can tell she is bursting at the seams with questions.

The sight makes him chuckle.

"About ten weeks, so early days." Nat replies as Thor continues kissing her.

The weight of the world seems off his shoulders.

"I'm so excited!" Lyla cries as Melina hugs her and strokes Natasha's arm before cutting into dessert.

Loki feels a pang in his chest. It takes him a moment to potentially locate the reason, though he's still unsure. Is it because he had just ended their own fathers life as new life was coming into this world that he'd never meet? Had he denied Thor of a grandfather for their child?

He tries to imagine the thought but knows Odin would only have been interested if it was a son to carry on their legacy for financial reasons.

Was it because he'd seen the look on Lyla's face as Nat told the truth? The look of happiness but also a fleeting dash of jealousy? He wasn't sure.

He hadn't even considered having his own family. All he wanted, needed, was Lyla. Children were usually noisy, disgusting things who made you vulnerable. They gave you a weakness. Mind you, that's what he had thought about potentially having a partner. And here he was, about to propose soon.

Their work was too dangerous. Although without their father, there was potentially less enemies. But how would they raise a child in this environment?

Loki was thinking too much and his brain hurt. He had to stop. Shut that shit off. Put the mask back on.

Lyla eventually came back onto Loki's lap to eat dessert, spooning him bites from her own plate as she continued to talk to Natasha excitedly about the future.

Loki kisses her earlobe, watching his Queen with admiration. She catches him looking and raises a brow.

"What?" She asks as she smiles slightly.

"Nothing, it's just...nice to see you so happy." Loki observes as he moves some hair behind her ear lovingly. Lyla laughs.

"You're going to be an Uncle Loki! Are you not happy too?" She asks as she kisses the tip of his nose before she goes back to eating her dessert.

Loki thinks for a moment.

He is about to engage to the love of his life and his brother is going to have a baby. Despite all the carnage and sin around them, there were positives on the horizon.

Loki smiles back at her.

"Yes, my love. Yes I am."