Fingers twitch with want and his heart is starting to grow full once more. Loki shoves his sob down before throwing himself into Jacob's arms, holding him tight that a breath is rattled out of him. “H-Hi..”

He's scared to talk. If he hears himself break, it'd be impossible to stop. So he doesn't, tightens his hold instead, and buries himself in the crook of Jacob's neck.

A fine man, your honor.

“If Jacob breaks up with me and ends up with Colonel Baird, fair enough. Do not prosecute him, he caught ME slipping.”

A small noise escapes him at the attempt to speak, blinking away the wetness in his eyes. “I'm here.. It's me, Jacob.. I'm so sorry..”

For a moment, he's pulled out of his head, voices quieting down, focusing on only one. “Wh..” Loki pulls back enough to look at Jake, concern etched on his features. “Why would you think I'm not real?”

“Darling..” Loki's eyes soften, rough hand cupping Jake's face before pressing his forehead against his. “It's okay now. I promise it's me.”

It feels right, having him in his arms like this. The gaping whole in his chest starts to quiet down, no longer hungry to swallow Loki. Content, almost. Jacob. His sweet Jacob. “As I'm able.”

A tiny smile tugs at his lips. “Breathe, my darling. The least you can do for me.” Loki hums. “Can we sit? I want to hold you some more.”

They end up tangled on the couch, Loki gathering Jake in their arms from behind, hiding away for now. A muffle. “Tell me something nice.”

Shifts and smooths her hands down her red dress. “Much better.”

Must there be an occasion? Can't she just strut in a red leather outfit while she burns this place to the ground?

. . . Better late than never? They sheepishly collect the gifts, popping a cake in their mouth.

CHOKES. “. . . .”

A grimace, coughing behind their fist instead. “I. . didn't think you'd be here.”

“They usually aren't nice.” Loki mirrors the smile of their own before setting the gifts down, a flush creeping on pale cheeks before holding a hand own for him to take.

Norns, they have the hottest boyfriend.

Is Thor still alive? Pity.