Sif unclasped the final hook binding the metal bracer to her forearm and unwound the maroon cloth that lay underneath from her hand and arm with practiced speed, setting the last of her training gear in its rightful place in the armory. Stripped to her leathers and a light silver tunic, Sif parted the room with haste, walking with determined steps echoing off the shining floors of the long palace corridors. The warrior kept her head forward as she moved, firelight from the high torches illuminating her path as the skies of Asgard grew darker.

Sif's fingers itched, eager to reach her destination. When she reached the heavy golden doors she sought, the warrior threw them open with great anticipation, entering the chamber with quick steps but paused at the sight before her. On the other side of the room stood a low long sofa with Loki's lithe form stretched across it. And upon his chest a small baby was settled, one long hand spread securely across the infant's small back. Ullr laid with a plump cheek pressed to Loki's chest causing his small, bowed lips to be slightly parted in his slumber. He slept with his legs tucked up under himself and one small hand fisting into the loose dark material of Loki's shirt.

Sif padded silently across the floor of the spacious living chambers, observing as Ullr's small form rose and dipped with the rhythmic lull of Loki's deep breathing, smiling at the way Loki's own lips were parted slightly, soft snores escaping his thin mouth.

Bending down, Sif gently slid one hand under Ullr's chest, fingers spreading to support his round cheek and her other coming to rest on his bottom as she gingerly lifted him from beneath Loki's hand. The baby's arms flailed in an uncoordinated motion briefly, a small squeak escaping as Sif settled him against her shoulder.

At the shifting movement and loss of contact, Loki's entire body jerked awake, both his arms raising to his chest and his eyes flying open wide. When his wild eyes landed on Sif with Ullr safely resting in her arms, a smirk pulled at the prince's lips and he settled back into the cushions. Sif nudged his long legs with her own knee, bidding him to make room for her on the plush couch. Loki dragged his legs towards himself until Sif was settled into the sofa with Ullr propped up against her chest, at which time he promptly draped his legs back across her lap. Sif rolled her eyes but did not protest, focusing on the child in her arms. She cradled Ullr to her chest, holding him under his rear, with her other hand resting on the back of his neck where his head laid against her shoulder as he dozed peacefully.

Sif ran her hand against the soft fabric of the baby's warm pajamas in a soothing motion and pressed her lips to dark tufts of soft black hair, breathing in the smell of him. She sighed, marveling at the calming effect the small, warm presence she held in her arms had on her.

"It appears that my first day returning to the training yard has been exhausting for all," Sif spoke lowly, watching from the corner of her vision as the sides of Loki's lips pulled up from where he laid with his eyes shut.

He lazily blinked his eyes open, sitting up in an unhurried motion. He lifted himself until he was resting with his head on Sif's opposite shoulder of where the baby had his own cheek pressed and he curled against her side. "Mmm," he agreed softly. "It was an eventful day."

Loki lifted one fine-boned hand, placing it gently on the back of Ullr's head, his thumb softly brushing against the smooth skin of the baby's temple. Ullr stirred, rubbing his face against Sif's chest and making small noises before settling under Loki's touch.

"The two of you looked to be quite the pair. Practically mirror images of each other, drool and all," Sif murmured.

"We are discovering that we already share many common interests, Ullr and I." Loki spoke softly into her collarbone, gazing at the child across Sif's bosom.

"Is that so? Something aside from a constant need for attention?"

Loki ignored her slight, continuing to gently stroke the baby's head. "I've discovered that we both grow extremely irritable when hungry."

"Ah yes," Sif snorted, recalling the innumerable times she had found Loki locked away somewhere in the palace hunched over stacks of dusty old books, poring over the tomes for days on end grumbling to himself and snapping in bad temper at all who disturbed him. It wasn't until Sif would practically drag him to the dining halls and force him to eat that his sour demeanor would dissipate.

"What else?" she asked, resting her cheek against the top of the baby's head.

"Pulling Thor's hair brings us both great joy. And the sight of Fandral's face drives us to tears."

"Loki."

He continued on, ignoring Sif's halfhearted reprimand and slid his face further down her chest. "And of course, the both of us are quite enthusiastic about your breasts," he hummed into her skin, nuzzling playfully into her bust.

"Loki."

The prince laughed low before raising his head to press a soft kiss to the skin of her neck, sliding his free arm between her back and the couch and curving gently around her waist.

"And we are both utterly inconsolable without your presence."

Sif rolled her eyes again, but smiled softly at his words. Loki smoothed his hand from Ullr's soft head, down his back where Sif's calloused hands held his small frame. He traced his fingers lightly down her arm, pausing when he reached the skin just below her elbow.

"You are bleeding," Loki observed. His finger traced the small gash that marred her skin.

Sif huffed in reply. "It was well deserved. It appears that my body has grown soft and slow in my absence from the training grounds." She ducked her head, her voice dropping. "Perhaps it was foolish of me to think that I could remain the warrior I've always been...

"Sif," Loki mused against her shoulder, "hardly any time has passed since you carried the child within you. You will return to your previous form, in time. You must be patient. If you hadn't practically threatened both Thor and Eir to agree to let you return to your post early..."

"I have little time for patience. I do not like waiting."

"I've never noticed," Loki smiled against her. "Speaking of waiting, Ullr and I were attempting to wait up for your return, as he was quite eager to present you with your gift."

Loki motioned towards the low table before them where a small vase held a single, long-stemmed rose of deep red. "We visited Mother's gardens this afternoon and during our stroll, Ullr spotted this particular blossom. He informed me that it reminded him of you and I was wont to agree."

Raising her eyebrows Sif eyed the bloom. "Because I am a delicate flower?" she asked flatly.

"Roses are quite the complex growth. This particular flower has a strong stem, lined with fearsome, sharp thorns. An effective, cutting safeguard. Resilient. And then the petals, hardy and vividly colored, are undeniably alluring in their elegance. It would be foolish to deny the flower its duality. Beautiful and dangerous."

"Those were quite the honeyed words, Silvertongue." Sif fought to keep the smile off of her face, unable to deny the warmth the somewhat cliched words struck in her heart. "Sentimental. Are you losing your touch?"

Loki sat up at her words, lifting himself into a regal posture and gazing at her with serious eyes. "Oh, never. The words were purely Ullr's. I am just relaying his observations. But he is just a babe, we cannot fault him for his unsophisticated words, now can we?"

"No, we cannot." Sif leaned towards him, gently pressing her lips to his. Loki wrapped one hand under her chin, holding her to him for a long, languid kiss. Sif sighed as they broke apart, Loki lowering his head to her shoulder once more. Sif pressed her lips to the baby's head. "Thank you," she whispered, feeling warm and content surrounded by that which she loved most.

Happy Mother's Day. I've been watching too many baby videos on youtube, don't judge me.

Comments, reviews, critiques are always welcome and appreciated!