Chapter Text
After a long Friday night at the restaurant, Thor drove home tired, but also starving. He had some newly bought cheese in a bag in his passenger seat and a recipe already in mind. He had the macaroni waiting at home, freshly made yesterday. So he parked and went up to his apartment, trying to be quiet since it was around eleven at night now.
He went inside and sighed in relief, taking off his clothes and changing into lose lounge pants and a tank top. He fired up his home kitchen, which was where most of his money had gone when he'd first started working at the restaurant. It was the best he could get and he loved it. He began cooking, thick and creamy mac & cheese. Super cheesy and baked to finish. Thor's whole apartment smelled good as the alpha turned on his TV and sat down with a pad of paper to plan a new menu for the restaurant. With two Michelin stars, he wanted to live up to the hype. Never a boring menu. Change it up!
Down the hall Loki followed his nose out of a dream full of cheese and back into his dark apartment. Blinking slowly, he tried to adjust to the flickering light of the TV but the twins were impatient as always and his nose was going into overdrive. Whatever that smell was it was delicious.
Rubbing his eyes Loki reached down to sooth the six-month curve of his pregnant belly. Purring deep in his chest to calm the flurry of excited kicks the smell was eliciting from each pup. But they wouldn't be soothed and, predictably, a moment later his stomach growled like a beast, loud enough to fill his tiny apartment.
"Alright, alright." yawning Loki hauled himself off the couch with a grunt and padded to his kitchen. Still yawning as he rummaged through his cupboards, pulling out a boxed mac and cheese and milk. All through the preparation the heavenly smell haunted him. And the more he woke up, the worse it got. Until he was turning off his stove and staring dejectedly at the off-brand mess he had made. Which barely had a scent even though he was standing right over it.
"Come on you two, it’s fine." He mumbled picking up a fork, fully intending to just eat out of the pot. "We've eaten it plenty of times." He told them firmly, but couldn't quite bring the fork to his mouth.
"I’ll get us something nice tomorrow. It’s late kiddos" He practically whined. He was tired and starving and... And apparently leaving the house. Making sure the stove was off with a sigh he dug around in his cupboards once more to unearth the nicest bowl he owned. He reclipped his mess of curls back out of his face so he didn't look like total vagabond and left the apartment for the first time in three days.
Drawn by the nose down the cheerfully lit hall, his bare feet made no sound on the carpet as he passed a handful of identical apartment doors. Bowl cradled to his chest he was fully aware of how ridiculous he must look in his oversized 'I like long romantic walks to the fridge' shirt and shorts, and too hungry to care.
Loki stopped in front of the source of the enticing smell and bit his lip. This close the smell he realized the scent of an alpha now entwined with the smell of food sending a shiver down his spine. Pressing his bowl harder against his racing heart he cursed his instincts. Sparks of fear and want chased each other down his vertebrae. Alphas could be dangerous, especially to unbound pregnant omegas. Not that Loki’s situation was common and certainly society had long grown past their ancestors killing pups to breed their own. But the animal instinct lived on and warred with an equal need to bond. To have an alpha to protect and provide for the pups. This instinct in particular plagued him more in the past months than he would ever admit.
But he was having none of it now. He straightened his back and planted his feet. He was hungry, his BABIES were hungry, and he was going to provide for them. The alpha was just a source, a means to an end. He would, somehow, convince the alpha to give him some of that amazing smelling food then troop right back to his apartment to eat it, and that would be the end of that. Taking a deep breath, which made his stomach growl loudly, he politely knocked on the door.
Inside, Thor stopped what he was doing and looked up. Someone was at his door this late at night? But... he had the TV on super low. He hadn't burned anything, he never burned anything! Ever.
Thor set his bowl down and went to check, maybe it wasn't his door. Maybe it was a neighbor. Thor opened his door and the scent of a pregnant omega hit him. Long black hair, pale skin, round belly. Beautiful green eyes! and... an empty bowl and fork. Thor’s eyebrows nearly crawled right up into his hair. He cleared his throat.
"Can I help you?"
All of Loki’s bravado fled as soon as the door opened. The alpha was HUGE. He seemed.... friendly enough, considering, Loki tried to reason out. But too much of his brain was clamoring about how HUGE the blonde was, and handsome, but HU- Ow,ow,ow,ow!
Wincing Loki backed up a step. Either because of his sudden distress or the fact the smell was even stronger with the door open, the twins started kicking again. But Loki didn't dare bring more attention to them by touching his stomach. So, he clutched his bowl tighter and tried to breathe through it. Giving the blonde a polite, if a little shaky, smile.
"Im sorry to disturb you. I just um, I could smell your... mac and cheese?" Loki didn't wait for an answer just hurried on in his nervousness. Made ridiculously desperate by the very real possibility the alpha would tell him no. "It smells really, REALLY good! And I tried, I did, to make my own you see. But the pups, they are demanding nothing but the best so I had to, I was wondering-" he held the bowl up tentatively to demonstrate "If you might, if you wouldn't mind sparing a little?" He swallowed hard finally forced to press a hand to his stomach to calm the twins
"I will pay for it of course" he finished lamely. Which he really should have thought of BEFORE he left because his wallet was back at his apartment. He just hoped the alpha didn't ask for much, and trusted him enough to give him the food first. He could eat on the walk back to get his wallet so the twins didn't have to wait.
Looking down, Thor couldn't help the smile that broke out. the omega was having a craving! For his mac and cheese! Just from the smell alone! Surly there could be no greater compliment. The omega had to be fighting every instinct he had just to come over and ask.
Thor stepped back and held his arm out. "You are welcome to come in and have some. I made quite a lot." Thor held the door open to his clean and mostly empty apartment. He was so rarely there, but everything he did have was high end and comfortable. "My name is Thor. Please, let me feed you. No charge! I insist." Thor couldn't help but think the whole situation was rather cute.
Loki relaxed. The alpha, no Thor, was friendly and didn't smell dangerous at all. Also, free food! Oh, that made it so much better! He would have paid; he did have honor after all no matter what people said. But his budget was tight and.... looking at this apartment, Thor was very much out of his price range.
Trying not to look as overwhelmed as he felt Loki smiled as he took the invitation. Cradling his bowl and his children he waddled past the alpha, cheeks pink with embarrassment and relived pleasure
"Loki, and thank you so very much. You’re a life saver."
Watching the omega waddle, Thor shut the door and lead Loki into his kitchen. He took the macaroni out of the warmer and set the pan on some trivets and offered Loki a serving spoon.
"Take as much as you like." he smiled. "It's freshly made noodles with four types of cheese and breadcrumbs." Thor explained, taking the lid off with an oven mitt. His chest was puffed up proudly, he couldn't help it. He'd already tried it and knew it was good.
Loki’s mouth was already watering before Thor had even taken the lid off. Fresh noodles and four kinds of cheese had Loki suspecting he had died on his couch. That he was now in some weird ass heaven with perfect alphas and FOUR KINDS OF CHEESE! Before he knew it, his bowl was piled dangerously high and the pan was looking sad and empty. Flaming red Loki scooped some of it back
"I’m sorry I wasn't- got a little excited I didn't mean to take that much." Unable to meet Thor’s eye he pulled his little over half full bowl, unable to bring himself to put anymore back, to his chest and dug in before he upset the alpha and was banished without any at all. As soon as the first bite hit his mouth everything else stopped mattering. His shoulders dropped, his eyes closed and a deep rumbling purr battled with his soft moan
"Soooo good!" He sank down onto the nearest seat right then and there. "Definitely died on my couch"
Thor grinned, watching every move the omega made. He felt a bit... pervy, since Loki was very obviously pregnant. And he felt so sudden an attraction. But he pushed that aside because Loki looked so sad to put some back, he instantly went and got some disposable Tupperware and put the rest of the macaroni in it. But he took the time to check the back of Loki's neck as he did so. No mark.
It made something inside Thor sit up and pay even closer attention to Loki. He labeled the container and pushed it towards Loki.
"Please, take it home. The thought of you eating boxed macaroni hurts me as a chef. And I usually eat at the restaurant, so it would be better if it didn't go bad in my fridge." Thor retrieved his own bowl, got them drinks and sat down across from Loki with a smile. eating more from his own bowl.
"Really?!" Loki perked up immediately. If he hadn't already had his hands full with the macaroni he was already eating, he just might have cuddled the Tupperware in his excitement. "Thank you so much! I will have the container back to you soon as possible, I swear"
Thor almost told Loki not to worry, because he'd given him one of the cheap ones that he didn't care about. But he bit his tongue.
"Thank you. I'm usually home around this time." If Loki returned it, he'd get to see him again.
Thor let Loki eat, still wary of scaring him, and wrote down a few spare ideas on his notepad. Suddenly in the mood to make comfort food. Hearty soups, thick sandwiches, and some more cheesy pasta dishes. He'd refine them for the restaurant, but he also began making a personal shopping list.
Thor saw Loki wiggle on his seat, apparently infinitely pleased with how this had turned out. It was absolutely adorable.
"So, you’re a chef?" Loki asked around his next mouthful. All nervousness had apparently melted away when Thor had provided him with food. He seemed to have gotten some kind of approval that allowed Loki to relax and converse with him.
"I am. I'm head chef actually, at Clarks." Thor smiled, looking up. "What do you do?" Thor asked, trying to hide an insane curiosity. All he wanted to do was pepper Loki with questions.
The only reason Loki’s fork didn't pause in his shock is because the food was so good, he literally couldn't stop eating it. His eyes did grow wide as saucers though as he realized just how high the quality of the food was that he was stuffing himself with.
"Clarks?!" Loki’s deep contented purr stuttered to a squeak. "That's um," He licked his lips and took a long swig of his drink to clear his throat. "That’s pretty amazing. I’m.... I work from home. Freelance, editing and translating mostly. A little um, a little writing on the side."
Thor smiled at him. "Well that's good. I’d hate to have to think of you out there waitressing or something with babies on the way." Loki watched as Thor finished his macaroni and stood to put his dishes in his sink. He went to the restaurant style fridge and opened it and pulled out some eggs. "I don't suppose you'd like to stick around for some chocolate souffle?"
Loki was pulled from the guilt of how very close he was to waitressing if it wasn't for Sif, by the unexpected offer. "Really? I’ve never had a souffle before" His fingers twiddled with his fork in his now empty bowl. "You’ve been so kind though I don’t want to impose more than I already have. I wouldn't want to upset your... mate? Potential mate? By leaving more pregnancy pheromones here than necessary." He flushed pink in embarrassment but it was an actual problem he ran into a lot lately. It was part of the reason he stayed inside more often than not. And there was no way an alpha of Thor’s caliber was unattached.
Thor grinned as he set his oven to warm and got out his baking supplies. "Please, otherwise I'm baking for just myself. And it's alright anyway, I don't have anyone. Just me." Thor prepared the eggs first as he looked imploringly at Loki with impossibly blue eyes. "Sorry, but it's an alpha need to feed you because you're pregnant. Please indulge me."
Tension eased out of his spine and Loki chuckled lightly. The deep contented purr roaring back to life "That’s good. I mean yes, I will. Thank you" he hid his face in his hands. His famous silver tongue absolutely tripping over itself. "I will absolutely indulge in my pregnant omega need to let you feed me then."
Ah gods! He dropped his head to his folded arms and wished he had died on his couch. It had been so long since he had genuinely flirted with anyone. Damn pregnancy brain.
Thor laughed as he baked, smiling brightly at Loki. An open, friendly and sexy smile. Then he surprised Loki by saying, "I hope you don't mind if I ask about... your mate?"
"Don’t have one" Loki mumbled, not even looking up. It was an inevitable and entirely fair question. Loki just wished Thor had waited to ask. There was no way he was getting souffle after this conversation. But Thor had fed him so he deserved a little truth. Loki could pay him no other way.
"I was a whore." It was easier to start with that than be delicate and explain properly and get called a whore anyway "All possible alphas refused to acknowledge the pups and I wanted to keep them. So, I got kicked out of my establishment. My beta friend helps me out, now."
There, that was it. Plain and simple. Loki wasn't looking for sympathy, he was doing just fine and the people in the building were largely friendly or indifferent. But he had heard nosy Miss Gurrier down the hall tutting to the mail man last week. The gossip who hung out by the community mail boxes and made a special point of stopping Loki to 'chat' every time he stepped off the elevator. She had caught site of some of his more personal mail and not a day later told Sif all about exactly who she was ‘living’ with.
Thor paused, walked over and gently rubbed Loki's back until the omega looked up at him. "That's really brave of you. You will not be judged for any of that here. As long as you let me feed you." Thor tried to tease him a little, then he went back to adding chocolate.
Loki blinked in surprise. Turning his head so it was pillowed on his arms instead of hidden, he watched Thor move around for several long moments. Marveling and not quite believing that it really was that simple. A slow smile crossed his face "You’re something else, you know that? Sure, keep feeding me as long as you like. Just not nuts ‘kay? No nuts and we're fine."
"Allergic?" Thor asked, looking up with concern, as a chef he was always mindful of food allergies. He prided himself on having never had that mistake made in his kitchen. Also, a strange... fierceness welled up inside him. But he couldn't possibly feel that way about Loki, they'd just met. He'd always been super dedicated to his job, yet now all he wanted to do was tuck this omega into his bed and feed him delicious food. Was it just because he was pregnant? Or was this an actual connection...
Loki nodded without raising his arms. This was surprisingly nice, cozy even. Thor’s apartment was warm and bright and his voice was deep and soothing in all the right ways. He felt comfortable and safe just watching Thor cook.
"Not like super deadly or anything. Though....it can be I guess. But I’ve had small amounts before and only had to use my EpiPen once. Mostly it’s just unpleasant, hives ‘n all, but doctor wants me to be extra careful right now with the twins, you understand. Oh! And it’s tree nuts, not peanuts. I love peanuts but better to just avoid everything in public just in case." He heaved a breath "And I’m babbling. I’m sorry. I don't get out much"
"It's alright." Thor assured Loki, preparing the carafes, he liked how melodic Loki's voice was. "I don't mind and it's good to know. Especially if I get to cook for you again." Thor smiled and poured in the batter and made a water bath, then he carefully put the souffle in the oven. "Now we wait. Can I refill your drink?" Thor beamed. it was nice to cook for another person again, in his kitchen. He'd forgotten this feeling.
"Yes, please." Sitting up Loki rubbed his belly "How long do we have to wait?"
Thor refilled Loki's drink and brought it over. "About 20 minutes, would you like to sit on the couch? The bar stool will get uncomfortable." Thor offered.
"It already has honestly." Loki admitted in an adorably sheepish way and eased himself off the stool. He followed Thor to the couch he sank into the cushions with a sigh. "What are you watching?"
"Oh.” Thor looked up in surprise. “Um... I don't know..." Thor grinned. He reached over and handed the remote to Loki. "I was using it as background noise while I worked on my menu. You can watch whatever you want." Thor grinned and picked up his paper and pencil again.
Taking the remote with an amused ‘thanks’, Loki began absently flipping through channels. He honestly couldn't remember what he had been watching before he had fallen asleep, and really watching Thor was much more interesting.
"How often do you change up your menu? Is it hard?" Pulling his feet up he tucked himself securely into the plush corner of the couch. Cooking had always kind of fascinated him. He wasn't particularly good at it or interested in doing it himself. But he liked the creativity and comfort aspects of it. Food had a sort of magic to it that reminded him of his amma.
Thor smiled at Loki and showed him his list which was sectioned into blocks for each dish. "I try and change the menu every few months, I don't want to be predictable. And then our regulars get to try new foods when they come in." Thor explained. "It’s hard, especially when I like making a particular dish; but it's fun to make new food and find new recipes." Thor grinned.
"Like this one, this is a new dessert using ube, which is purple sweet potatoes, which I just started cooking with." Loki liked how Thor couldn't help but get excited when he talked about cooking.
He examined the recipe Thor showed him eagerly "Wow, I’ve never seen ube used like that before." He quirked an eyebrow with a sly grin "You know, if you ever need a taste tester, I am told I have excellent taste"
Thor grinned, maybe a little bit flirty. "Oh yeah? Well, I actually am in need of a taste tester, if you're willing to come over on a Sunday?"
"Oh! Yes, alright" Loki’s eyes widened a fraction, a little caught off guard. He hadn't expected to be taken up on the offer so quickly. They had just met after all. "I am free Sunday. Should I bring anything?"
"Just an appetite." Thor grinned. "I'll start cooking at eleven." Thor let him know. He wrote a little more and the whole apartment smelled deliciously chocolatey. He paused and winked at Loki, "They're done." Without the cue of a timer he got up and went to pull out the soufflé. "Stay there, I'll bring you one. want some..." Thor stopped before offering wine. "um... m-milk?" he tried quickly to cover his almost mistake.
Loki brightened at him and offered Thor a wink. "A perfect pairing, you really are a chef"
Thor smiled in relief and brought over milk and the soufflé on a plate. "Now be careful, this dish it’s in is hot. Don't touch it. Try and just hold the plate it’s on." he offered Loki a spoon. "It should be light and fluffy." he smiled and went back to get his own, peeking to see if Loki was enjoying dessert while he plated his own.
Loki knew the polite thing to do was wait for Thor, but he simply couldn't with that heavenly chocolaty scent teasing him, so he didn't even try. Telling himself, quite reasonably, that he wouldn't have the 'I’m pregnant' excuse forever, so he better take full advantage of it while he could.
"Oh, oh, bless your ancestors and every cosmic circumstance that brought me to your door!" Moaning Loki dropped his head back. Tongue practically making love to his spoon "I’m not sure I can accept chocolate in any other form now. You have ruined me you devil!" He pouted, "I really loved Hershey’s too"
Thor chuckled and then let out a louder laugh as he came back to sit down with Loki. This was fun! He couldn't remember the last time he'd had fun like this. It was a bit of a rude awakening to his severe lack of friends.
"I apologize. But I'm not sorry." Thor grinned. He ate his soufflé, quite pleased with how it had turned out. "I wish I had whipping cream so I could make you fresh whipped cream. Or some ice cream, but the ice cream maker takes too long." Thor grinned, shamelessly showing off for the cute omega.
Loki eyed him warily, already scraping the bottom of the bowl "You are a devil" He picked up the dish gingerly and blew on it. Patiently waiting for it to cool enough so he could shamelessly lick it clean.
"Do you make deals?" He raised a casual eyebrow at him, "Are you one of those 'first born' kind of devils. Because I’ve got two in the oven. I might be willing to trade one for you to cook for me forever"
Thor gave a great belly laugh and jumped up and went to get a fresh one for Loki. "It's a tempting offer." He teased back and then brought back the dessert and enjoyed how Loki's eyes got big and a smile lit up his face.
Loki took the second dessert reverently "Hell for this kind of spoiling you can have both of them, owwwwwww" Hastily he set the plate down with a clunk "OK, OK I take it back," He cooed to his aching stomach "I wont trade you two for chocolate... yet."
Thor was suddenly hovering over him and looking worried. "Are you ok!? what can I do?" Thor looked like was already calculating which hospital was closest.
Loki flapped a hand "It’s fine, it’s fine." Breathing deeply he slowly straightened, "They just reached the transition from 'flutters' to 'kicks' so they are exploring their range" He gave Thor a tired, reassuring smile. "Enthusiastically it seems. It’s perfectly normal." He bit his lip eyeing the dessert mournfully, "But I should probably refrain from eating more. I’m sorry it was very good."
"As long as you're ok." Thor sighed in relief and sat down next to him. Loki could see him eyeing his belly, curiosity shinning in his eyes. "Can I um... feel...?" And then Thor blushed, which was unfairly cute and a bit sexy. "Ah! I'm sorry! Never mind. That was rude, wasn't it!" Thor rubbed his hands against his pants.
Loki was tense, then he forced himself to relax again. It wasn't a particularly unusual request. Babies tended to have that effect on all sexes. Pack mentality was still a strong undercurrent to their instincts, and so was community rearing. Alphas in particular, strangely enough, got very excited over babies. The problem was, in Loki’s experience, when protective crossed wires with possessive. Even betas and other omegas would slip and completely forget what boundaries were. Something Loki hated even more than his ever growing enslavement to the bathroom. But... Thor had been almost surreally tolerant of Loki interrupting his evening and bogartting his dinner and had been nothing but kind and respectful.
"It’s... alright" He conceded slowly. He gave Thor a small smile, "no more rude than my stealing your food." He smoothed his hands over his thin shirt, fidgeting a few moments before he nodded. "You can feel. But only on the OUTSIDE of my shirt you understand. And you have to promise if I say stop you WILL."
Thor blinked in surprise, as if he'd been ready to be completely denied. Now his eyes filled with wonder and he nodded. "Yes, I promise. I'll behave perfectly." Loki watched Thor swallow hard and then shift to sit more sideways but also to give Loki a bit more room. And then he sat there waiting patiently.
"You better." Loki threatened and swallowed hard himself. Already cursing himself for being a sentimental idiot. But... much as he hated it, he needed to be touched as much as Thor likely needed to touch him.
Sif was wonderful and did her best to give him the attention he craved so badly. The attention he needed, he had been sternly informed, for his and the babies’ health. But she wasn't an alpha and she was gone often on long trips. Loki was officially her live in house sitter; it was the only way the building allowed her to sublet the apartment. Now, being in this apartment, surrounded by alpha scent, being provided and cared for, was playing merry hell on his hormones. He was full and warm and safe despite all logic, now he craved touch and comfort from the alpha that provided it all. Very carefully he shifted so he was supported and within easy reach. His posture open, if a little guarded.
Hesitating, he took Thor’s hand and, trying very hard not to show just how fast his heart was beating, rested it on his belly.
Thor let Loki guide him, let him have control. He held his breath until his hand was settled on Loki's distended belly. He stared in wonder, trying to imagine babies in there. Two Loki had said. And then one kicked, a firm bump against his palm; like saying hi.
"I felt it!" Thor smiled big and goofy. His whole face lit up and he couldn't help but move his thumb. "Hi baby." He said to Loki's belly, then gave a soft laugh as he got another kick. "Sorry, sorry. Hello both of you!" Thor cooed.
Loki chuckled a little, slowly relaxing as Thor’s warmth seeped through his shirt. Settling a tension he hadn't realized he felt until now. Like quieting a hum that had become a horrible white noise.
"You may use both hands." he murmured after a few moments. His eyelids drooping as he basked in the feeling. Sure now, that Thor would respect his boundaries.
Thor gently placed his other hand next to his first one and talked to the babies.
“Did you like the macaroni? Or was it the cheese? I can make anything you want." Thor chuckled. "No more kicking ok? Time to rest and go to sleep." Thor rubbed with his thumbs, soothing automatically. Focused on the feel of the babies. Tiny life! Safe and tucked away, but so small and vulnerable. Had to be protected. Thor suddenly hoped Loki had a good apartment, where he was safe. Well, Loki probably wouldn’t let him check to make sure, but he seemed like a good omega. He had bravely come here to get the pups the food they wanted. So he was obviously thinking of them first.
A soft lazy little smile curled Loki’s mouth while he watched Thor talk to the children. The alphas large hands did a fine job of covering the impressive curve of his pups. It made him imagine almost dreamily, what it would be like to see those hands compared to the next month and the next. What about 9 months? Would he get so big that Thor’s fingers wouldn't touch at all? Could he hold one of the twins in each hand once they were born? Loki stopped that train of thought right there. It was starting up a different ache in his chest.
This was nice. But it wasn't his. The father of these children would never do this. He would eventually have to go back to his dark apartment and sleep alone. This was a respite, a glorious window into a golden dream. But it wasn't going to be his life. It was a depressing thought so Loki shoved it down and away.
"Feels good" he mumbled, a low purr rumbling through his chest, "They like you."
"Yeah?" Thor was tickled by that. "What good pups you are!" Thor told them in a deep rumble. Thor needed to pull away now. Otherwise he wasn't going to be able to let Loki leave his apartment tonight. He pulled back slowly and sighed.
"Ah, it's late. I'm sorry. You're probably really tired." Thor smiled and stood up, offering Loki a hand up. "Would you like me to walk you home?" Thor offered.
Loki nodded reluctantly. He didn't want to leave but he couldn't impose any longer. And he was tired, which made him more unsteady than usual. "I would appreciate it. It’s not very far. Let me just get my bowl" He paused after collecting his things looking around at the dishes feeling a little bad for not offering anything in return for the food. "Would you... like help cleaning up?"
Thor pointed to his dishwasher. "That's restaurant quality. My dishes will be done in five minutes. Please, let's just get you home, you look really tired." Thor grabbed his keys and put his hand under Loki's arm. "Come on, time to put the pups to bed." Thor soothed, getting them slowly walking.
Nodding Loki leaned into Thor’s support, "Yes, alpha." slipping from his tired lips without his notice. It was a slow waddle back to his apartment, but much steadier thanks to Thor. Taking only a few moments before he stopped them.
"Here I am" he announced fishing for his keys. "Really it’s ridiculous that we've never seen each other before now. I could throw a rock at your door from here." He fumbled for a bit and then finally got his keys to cooperate and the door to open to the yawning darkness of his apartment.
"I have odd hours for work. But you are close by." Thor replied with a smile while he stood by to make sure Loki got inside safely.
"Whoops, TV is still on." He felt a spark of shame for the waste, though to be fair he hadn't meant to be gone as long as he was.
Thor didn't like leaving Loki alone like this, but... Loki wasn't his omega. "Please call me if you need anything at night. I'm home from about eleven to four-ish for sure. Twice a week I go to market." Thor longed to leave Loki his number, "And I'll see you Sunday, right?"
Loki’s smile was sweet and relived. It felt good to know there was someone close by if he needed it. He had emergency numbers for his doctor and such, but he wasn't very close with his neighbors. He cuddled the leftover mac and cheese close to his chest
“Thank you.” He emphasized with all the sincerity he could put in two words. "That is... very comforting" he offered shyly "And I very much look forward to Sunday"
Thor beamed and stood at Loki’s door, waiting till he heard it lock before he went home. He cleaned up his dishes and left his menu for tomorrow. Going to bed and he looked at his hand as he lay in the almost dark.
Thor sighed and closed his eyes. If only Loki were his. If only he could raise those pups. That night Thor dreamt of petting Loki's belly, little kicks against his hand.
Down the hall Loki didn't bother turning any lights on after locking the door. He kept the apartment tidy and knew where all the best supports were to help keep him steady. So, he simply yawned and put away the food, setting his bowl and fork in the sink for later and turned the TV off. He was already in his lounge ware so he simply unclipped his hair and crawled into his nest. Curling onto his side, he cradled his belly between his hands and closed his eyes. Only to sigh softly a few moments later. His hands just weren't big enough or warm enough to satisfy any of them.