[ He smiles, stroking his fingers through Loki's hair again in gentle reassurance. ]

It took me a little while, but when we were at that jewelry stand, I started to have my suspicions.

[ He wouldn't have been able to sling his arm over Loki's shoulders with such ease if he'd been the same height he was when they first met. ]

Not that I mind being able to tuck you in like this, but you don't have to shrink for me. I had a Kelpien for my first officer for years. I'm used to looking up to people. It doesn't bother me.