After Loki's fake death when everything happened with Malekth, Tasha refused to see Thor. Not that he tried to see her — it was as though Loki's death caused a rift to form between the two who were formerly so close to one another. Thor felt guilty that he couldn't keep Loki out of harms way, while Tasha couldn't even think of her brother without thoughts of Loki banging around in her head.

Now, however, things were slowly going back to normal, like they had been before Thor's coronation. The siblings were mending the bridge between one another, and with Tasha's reawakened relationship with Loki, she was able to bridge the slowly shortening gap between the two brothers. Thor wanted to trust Loki, but found it nearly as hard as Tasha did. Both siblings found themselves wondering how long this momentary peace would last.

The three were nearly inseparable in their youth. While Tasha was the youngest of the three, and spent the majority of her time with Loki, the rest, which usually overlapped regardless, was spent with her older brother, duelling or bugging the living Hel out of one another. Nothing had changed, and Thor still treated Tasha like she was a child most days, but there were times he saw her as this strong, kick ass woman who was born to lead their people.

Loki felt awkward at times being around Thor. He knew that he had much to make up for, and that nothing he ever did or say could change the outcome of his prior actions, but he had hope that one day, just maybe, things could go to some ounce of closeness that they once were. He heavily appreciated how Tasha would bring him into conversations if he was feeling secluded, or how she would be openly affectionate, even around Thor.

Loki was never used to such a thing, only the show she would put on in front of the grandmaster. But this — he found himself entirely smitten with her, not only sexually or physically, but on an intellectual level and spiritual — they had been bonded for so long but for the first time in his life, Loki felt peace and pure happiness. All because of his lover. The one who never gave up on him, no matter how much he didn't deserve her.

Loki and Thor stood together at the corner of the main hall while Tasha greeted the children as she did at least once every day — though, Thor usually found her with one or ten of the kids cuddled around her sleeping. She had a way with children that put them instantly at ease. At the current moment, however, Tasha was simply talking to them. Thor noticed how she would look over at Loki every so often and grin before turning her attention back to the children. He also noticed the way his brothers eyes lit up whenever Tasha would look to him.

"You know, I remember the day Tasha came into our lives like it was yesterday." Thor started as he continued to watch the girl, smiling as her happiness was always, and had always been, contagious. "She was so young and unaware of the darkness conspiring against her, but throughout it all she has kept this light about her which I have never seen in all my years in this universe."

Loki nodded in agreement. "She has a way about her unlike any other being I've met."

"I've watched the two of you fall in love, and at one point I saw a happiness in you, brother, that I never thought possible. But I also watched you break her heart."

"I've been a terrible person, not only to you but most importantly to her." Loki said quietly as he glanced at Thor. "There isn't an apology in the world that can encompass how sorry I truly am, brother."

"Are you sorry because you've changed or because it's what we want to hear?"

"I'm sorry because I want to wake up every morning with Tasha by my side. I want to see her look at me and smile with no fear of betrayal in her heart. Just as I want you to hopefully one day do the same, brother." Loki admitted. "I don't deserve a second chance — I never have. I am not sure why Tasha deems me worth enough for her time, but I will spend each moment of my life doing my best to be better."

Thor smiled at his brother as he clasped him on the shoulder. "You two have always been good for each other. You may have been a terrible person, but the past is simply that, the past. We've all done horrible things and all we can do now is look forward towards a fresh new start. A new life."

"Doesn't that sound splendid."

The two men turned towards Tasha who was smiling as she walked up to them. She wrapped her arm around Loki's as she leaned into him lovingly. "What are my two favorite boys talking about without moi?"

"Toasting to a fresh start." Loki replied as he smiled at her, pressing a delicate kiss to her temple.

"I may approve of your relationship but do not think for a second I wish to see any public displays of affection whilst in your vicinity." Thor wrinkled his nose in disgust.

Both Loki and Tasha smirked at Thor, then one another. "Oh, really?"

Tasha giggled as she looped her arms around Loki's neck, pulling him down so his lips were brushing against hers ever so slightly. "So does this bother you then?"

Thor made a gagging noise as he turned his back to them. "You two are absolutely disgusting."

"Hmm, I think we could be much worse, dear brother." Loki replied as he pressed his lips to Tasha's neck, pulling the skin between his teeth. "Much worse."

"For Gods sake, Loki!" Thor groaned in annoyance. "There are children present."

"I believe he is right, darling." Loki pulled her earlobe between his teeth. "Perhaps we should go somewhere a bit more private."

"Please do!" Thor replied, shaking his head as he watched the couple rush down the hall opposite him, their laughter was all that could be heard as a door closed.