A/N: Right, I swear this chapter was originally meant to have way more plot involved when I first began writing it, but I got completely carried away and now it's literally 90% smut. You've been forewarned! It's full of mildly awkward but overdue NSFW content and a bit of important story telling at the end. If you don't want to read the smut, feel free to skip to the end! Regardless, I hope it's enjoyable either way and feedback is always welcome!

Unofferable

CHAPTER 21: WAR

Playlist: "Habits" — Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox, "Saints and Strangers" (Ellie & Loki's theme) — Hans Zimmer, "To Whom it May Concern" — The Civil Wars.

The following morning, Loki's head was pounding. Or hoppin', as Ellie previously stated. He could hear her distantly calling his name, but he groaned in response, burying himself further into…whatever he lay upon.

"Loki," Ellie's voice whispered from above him. "You have'ta get up."

"No," he whined, wrapping his arms tighter around her body. "I do not want to."

"I know you don't want'a, but you kinda have'ta. You have an hour before it's dawn and then you have to go to Vanaheim with the Einherjar."

He grumbled. His head was throbbing. "But my head…"

"You'll be okay," she murmured and began to lightly stroke his hair. "I've got you. Do you want me to help relieve your headache with magic?"

"If you would be so kind, love." He lay there patiently, head resting on her chest and enjoying the soothing motions of her breathing up and down. With her hands carefully cupping the top of his head, he listened as she began to murmur some incantations he had previously taught her. After a few minutes, Loki felt his headache begin to slowly dwindle as the healing rune took effect. Ellie's level of seiðr was still quite low — she could just about manage to heal tiny wounds or help ease severe ones — but he was incredibly thankful for her assistance. He could have done it himself in no time at all, but there was something very intimate and comforting about having her ease his pain.

"Is that better?" she asked and placed a kiss on his head.

He turned his head so that he could look up at her sleepy face. "Yes. It feels much better. Thank you, little one."

She smiled back at him. "I'm glad I could help, Loki. It's just a shame that you have'ta go to Vanaheim."

"I would rather I did not have to," he admitted and lifted himself up with his hands. Now they were at eye level with him on top of her. "But hopefully I will not be away for too long. I may have only woken up next to you once, but I do not think I could wake up alone again."

"This is new for me too, but I'll admit I could definitely get used to it. Even if you are a needy drunk."

He groaned and hung his head. "I am not that bad—"

"Are you messin'? Have you forgotten how your legs wouldn't work and I had to help to t'bed?"

"Oh, shut up."

"No, it was quite fun and I hope I get to see you in that state again. You couldn't even get your boots off on your own! You're lucky you're so handsome."

"And you are lucky that I love you." He raised his head back up and smiled at her. "I hope you know I meant what I said."

"I know," she assured him. "And you know I love you too."

"I can definitely get used to hearing that as well." Without further hesitation, he leaned in and captured her lips in a soft kiss. Loki could not recall a time when he felt this way. Never before had the embrace of another been so comforting. Thor had — amazingly — been right. This certainly felt worth hanging on to. Carefully, he lay himself atop her and subtly settled himself between her legs. She didn't fight him, nor did she stop reciprocating when he slid his tongue into her mouth. He felt her fingers delicately trail down his bare chest, and bucked his hips slightly in response.

The movement made her moan into his mouth unabashedly before she broke the kiss and met his eyes. Evidently, she had felt his morning arousal rub against her through the fabric of their underclothes.

"It would seem that you're more than awake now," she giggled, lips lightly brushing against his as she spoke.

He grinned deviously at her and nipped at her bottom lip. "Can you blame me when you are the first sight I beheld as I woke?"

"You are a silver-tongued devil," she muttered and began to slide her hands down his sides. "And you will be the death of me."

"I am afraid you will be taking me with you, love."

"Then we'll go out with a bang, shall we?"

He let out a surprised hiss as her hands clutched at his covered rear, nails slightly biting through the material. If there was any blood left in his body, it had all flown down south. "I like how you think."

"Then maybe this time you will allow me to touch you?" She nuzzled his nose lightly, hopeful eyes meeting his. "The other night I never got the opportunity to do so."

"How could I ever deny you a request such as that?" Carefully, he rolled on to his side and cupped her cheek. "You can do whatever you want with me."

She nodded, brought his hand to her lips and placed a tender kiss on his wrist. "Could you show me what to do? I mean, I have an idea, but tellin' me what you like would be helpful."

"Of course. Here, give me your hand."

Ellie thanked him as he took her hand in his and lowered it down to the underwear that contained him. She reached in upon his instruction and immediately came into contact with his hard organ. Gently she took hold of his length and pulled it from its confines. His whole body visibly shuddered at the contact. Her hands felt fantastic on him, and she hadn't even done anything yet other than hold him. He watched as her gaze wandered down his body immediately and rested firmly on his erection, standing hard and full in her grasp. He had to stop himself gulping at the sight of her assessing him, but she kept a hold of him, eagerly awaiting further instruction. Loki's hand came to rest on the one that gripped his length and began to pull up and down.

"Like this," he pled, his voice a tad lower than before. "You can grip me tighter. Twist your wrist a bit."

She did as instructed and mirrored his up and down movements, varying her speed every now and then. Pleasure oozed through his body as she worked on him, making his breathing slightly laboured. He was not particularly fussed when lovers pleasured him with their hands — he would usually rather just getting to sex itself — but if this is where Ellie was comfortable starting then that's what they would do. And he would happily enjoy all the pleasure she gave him without guilt. Right now, laying on his side as she mimicked his movements as instructed and looked at him for approval, he couldn't help but bite his lip. He released her hand when she gained some confidence. With his now free hand, he cupped one of her breasts under her garments and let out a low groan, his hips bucking in rhythm with her movements. She grinned at the sight of his parted lips and hooded eyes, and leaned over to kiss and suck on his neck.

"Oh, fuck," he whispered, her mouth making him shiver.

"How's that?" she asked quietly and kissed his skin harder.

"Wonderful. Don't stop, my darling girl."

Before he could stop himself, he pulled the clothes that shielded her top half up to reveal her naked chest. His head lowered to her chest and his lips encased the nipple of the breast that he still gripped in his hand. She hissed in surprise and pulled him harder as a result, causing him to groan loudly, a noise that made her whole body shiver beside him. Right now, the change in pace made him get even harder.

"C-can you do me a favour?" she managed to get out, her voice wavering from his skilled tongue.

"How can I deny you with what you are doing to me right now?" he growled as his length throbbed in her hand.

"It's embarrassin'," she insisted with a blush.

"Tell me, please."

"Could you call me a good girl?" When he gave her a curious look, she felt like an explanation was necessary. "It's just… I found it very arousing when you called me that the last time. You don't need'ta say it all the time, just the odd time."

"Of course," he said grinning. "Could you pull me faster?"

Instead of a verbal response, she began to do just as he requested and his body shuddered in rapture. His hips bucked again and he couldn't ignore the swell of pride at the sight of her grinning and making him so pliant.

"That's it," he encouraged desperately as he neared his release. "Good girl… Yes, yes… That's — ah! Ellie, I'm close."

As she ran her thumb over the head of his length, he hissed and grabbed her wrist.

"What's wrong?" she asked, eyes wide. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, definitely not," he insisted. "But I really do not wish to finish on your hand." When she looked at him in confusion, he went on. "You do not have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, but I would love to finish in your mouth instead."

"Really?" she asked, not in disgust thankfully. "You want me to pleasure you with my mouth?"

He nodded with a smile. "That would be exceptional, yes. And I, of course, will return the favour."

Surprising him, she nodded and sent him a rather beautiful smile. "That sounds fair to me! If you love it, then I'll give it a go."

Loki nearly died as she agreed and let out a relieved sigh. "Thank the gods. You are truly extraordinary."

His excitement reached new heights as he lay flat on his back and pulled her to kneel between his spread legs. Still holding him tightly, Ellie met his gaze with a mischievous grin as he assured her he would instruct her on how to properly please him. Quite frankly, he was already getting off on how eager she was despite her inexperience.

"So," she began, crouching over him. "What do I do?"

"Use your hand like you did before," he instructed. "And take me in your mouth. Hollow your cheeks and just suck, basically. Use your tongue on the head as well — when that is done right, it feels amazing."

She smirked at him as she dipped her head down. "If it feels that good for you, I'll have'ta do this more often."

He growled lowly as she dived right in, licking a strip from the base to the head. He shivered uncontrollably at the sensation of her tongue on him and quickly slid a hand into her hair. He brushed it off her face, eager to watch as she lapped at the head. A sigh escaped him as their eyes met; the hint of mischief in hers sending a thrill through him. If this was something she intended on doing more frequently, he worried he may possibly die. He struggled to control his hips when she took the length of him in her hot mouth, throwing his head back as a grunt rose up in his throat. Carefully he guided her head until she was slowly bobbing up and down, twisting him with her hand as she went. She seemed to be assessing him carefully, watching him struggle to stop his body writhing as she sucked him harder. He gnawed on his bottom lip as he realised she was getting off on seeing him like this; being in control. Giving up on keeping still, he gently began to thrust into her mouth, careful not to push her too far. Trying his damnedest to remain calm — how can I do so when her tongue is driving me mad? — he let out a groan as she pulled off him and stroked him slowly. She did this several times, driving him near mad while resting her jaw, locking eyes with him each time. By now, his chest was pumping hard with laboured breaths. With a hoarse voice, he implored for more, guiding her head back to take him in again. The heavy sigh that escaped him when he felt the familiar heat again and the moan that came from her nearly tipped him over the edge.

"Ellie," he rasped, letting go of her hair. "If you do not want my release on your tongue, you should pull away now."

She blatantly ignored him and instead picked up the pace until he growled and came, pumping into her mouth with stuttering hips. His head fell back against the pillow as he cursed aloud, breathing heavily as he felt Ellie gently pull away. With one arm slung over his face, he blindly reached out with the other until he felt her grab his hand. He pulled her into a firm embrace as he got his breath back, burying his face in her neck with a sigh.

"Was that good?" she chuckled, with an air of nervousness in her tone.

He pulled back to cup her face in his hands. "You were far better than good for a first try. I think you may have been judging yourself too harshly earlier. That was exceptional."

"Oh, thank the Norns," she sighed, clearly relieved. "It's kinda tirin' on your mouth, but worth it when I get to see you turn into such a mess."

"It will hurt your jaw less the more we practice, love," he murmured suggestively. "We have plenty of time for you to learn." He quickly pulled her into a hard kiss. Bypassing formalities, he shoved his tongue into her mouth and was met with the taste of his own release, a sensation so erotic that he snarled and flipped her on to her back. Her expression implied that she had not been expecting the sudden shift, but he merely nipped at her lip and whispered into her ear. "Would you allow me to return the favour?"

She stared back at him in surprise. "Uh, you want to do that to me?"

"Well, yes," he answered with a grin, lightly running his hands up her bare sides. "I have been dying to get my head between your legs since tasting you on my fingers."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Oh, wow."

He chuckled at that and began placing open mouthed kisses on her neck. "Your innocence is quite endearing. Say the word, and we will stop."

Continuing with his movements and tracing his tongue along her collarbones, he felt her wrap a hand around his bicep. "No, it's grand. I'd like to…try it."

Meeting her gaze, he saw no hesitance, but asked anyway. "Are you sure?"

She nodded and sent him a wry grin. "It's only fair."

He smirked back and began to slide down her body. "Oh, it certainly is."

Loki briefly broke Ellie's gaze as he kissed his way down her covered chest, the fabric having slipped back down as she went down on him. Her body was once again overtaken by little shudders as he mouthed at her breasts through the fabric of her undergarments.

"Take this off," he ordered gently, knowing she wasn't entirely confident in herself, and doing his best to relax her.

Thankfully she did as asked and shed the article with less reluctance than before. As soon as she did, he divided his attention between them; kissing, biting, and sucking until she was writhing beneath him. He continued his descent, kissing her stomach and hips for a while until he reached the hem of her underwear. Sensing her anxiety, he made a show of looking at her and began to kiss her through the cloth. She hissed in response, hips moving up of their own accord. Eager to tease her, he turned his attention to kissing and licking the inside of her thighs.

When she whined in response, he chuckled and bit down slightly. "Impatient?"

"You already know the answer to that," she replied, watching him through hooded lids. "Can I put my hand in your hair?"

"No need to ask," he assured her and turned his focus back to the task at hand. "I suppose I should avoid keeping you waiting any longer."

He delicately peeled her underwear down her legs and dropped them on the duvet. He noticed her slight shift in confidence now fully bare to him, but he leaned up and kissed her deeply before assuring her that she was quite a sight to behold. The thankful smile she sent him was enough to assure him he could continue. Keeping her on edge, he turned his attention back to her breasts, groping one with his hand while he sucked on the other. He rolled her nipple between his fingers until she let out a ragged moan. Settled between her legs, he thrust against her, careful to avoid any penetration, but the whimpering the contact resulted in made it hard to resist. Alas, Ellie would not be rushed, and he had no issue with taking his time.

He rubbed against her again, feeling her fingers tighten in his hair as the friction built. The whimpers that escaped her only pushed him on.

"Does that feel good?" he rasped and repeated the movement. "Do you like that?"

She nodded and kissed him desperately as he picked up the pace. As soon as he felt her wetness coating his freshly hard length, he slid down her body again. Wrapping both arms around her thighs, he roughly pulled her down the bed until her rear sat perched on the edge and he kneeled on the floor between her legs. He started slowly, making sure that she could feel his breath on her sex before he began, so that she could mentally picture what was about to happen. Bringing his tongue to her nub, he began tracing circles lightly over it, making sure his pace was calm. Her breath hitched at the contact, causing him to laugh but not break his movements. Instead, he began to languidly run a finger along her folds, gathering the arousal that was seeping from her. He experimentally flicked his tongue and, upon noticing how to caused her to mewl without any shame, he repeated it for several minutes until she was wet enough to slide his fingers inside. As he moved his fingers upwards and slowly raked them backwards, a small cry of his name came from her and made him dizzy. Upon seeing the familiar sudden arch of her back, he knew he had found the sought after spot.

"Oh, fuck. Loki—"

Without hesitation, he buried his face between her legs, licking down until he met his own fingers, then moved back upwards and sucked hard. A breathless moan and a tug on his already ruined locks was enough to assure him that he needed to keep going, so he did, kissing and sucking hard as his fingers pressed against her inner walls. They clenched around the flexing digits, assuring him that her climax was near. With his free hand, he reached up to happily grab at her neglected chest. Unwilling to pull away now, he pressed onwards until she came hard, moaning a few strangled curses along with his name. He delighted in watching her come undone, a sense of pride welling within him at the sight of her throwing her head backwards in ecstasy. He removed his fingers from her only to replace them with his tongue, eagerly lapping and enjoying the taste of her orgasm. As her breathing died down and her body began to slowly relax, he kissed her thighs and eased her through the dying sensation.

He swiftly climbed a top her again, wrapping his arms around her and placing an affectionate kiss on her forehead. "How was that?"

"Gimme a minute," she breathed roughly, eyes firmly shut. "Need a sec."

"Take your time." He smiled as he brushed the hair from her face as she struggled to calm her breathing. "I am sure your brain needs a moment to gather itself."

"You're so arrogant, but after that I can't blame you."

"I did assure you that I was not 'all talk', as you say."

"I never doubted you," she assured him and slowly opened her eyes to look up as he hovered over her. "That was…somethin' else. I know I'm new to this, but I don't really have the words right now."

"Exceptional, outstanding, mind-numbingly amazing, the best you have ever had." He shrugged with a confident smirk. "Any of those would do."

"I'll just pick all of the above."

"Oh, you are too kind." He kissed her lips, her movements sloppy in the afterglow of their activities. As they parted, he let out a groan. "Why did Vanaheim have to be fucking overrun with Marauders now of all times?"

"I know, it's shit. But look, you'll be back in no time."

"Hopefully. I will be required to remain formal later when I take my leave, but at least I can give you a proper goodbye now."

"Don't say it like that. It's not an indefinite goodbye."

"I suppose it is more of a 'I will see you soon' instead of a 'goodbye', as you Midgardians say."

"I think that's the cheesiest thing I've ever heard you say," she snickered in delight. "I'm lovin' this sappy side of you, Loki."

"I am no more sappy than you are, Ellie. Look, I promise that I will do everything within my power to hurry it along and return to you hastily, especially now that I know you enjoy going down on me."

She rolled her eyes as she laced her fingers through the hand that he let rest on her stomach. "I'm assuming you mean the oral sex? You're a simple man, Loki."

"Not a man; I am a god. God of Mischief and God of Making Ellie Come Violently, it would seem."

The young woman burst out laughing at his statement, and gave his shoulder a light shove. "You are filthy! Absolutely disgraceful!"

"If I did not have to go off to war," he began, quickly grabbing her wrists and pinning them above her head. "I would show you exactly how filthy I can be."

She gulped below him, but he was quick to spot the subtle twinkle of mischief in her eyes. "Alas, it's nearly dawn."

"Damn. I guess I lost track of time while I was between your legs."

"Filth!" she cried, wearing the most shocked yet amused expression Loki had ever witnessed.

While he was relishing in teasing her, he certainly wasn't expecting the pillow that was launched at his head.

Later that morning on the Bifröst, Loki stood alongside his father and brother as they prepared to leave with the Einherjar. He and Thor exchanged goodbyes with Frigga, each embracing her and promising to keep the other safe. Odin, having already said goodbye to his queen, sat atop Sleipnir, watching his sons with pride as they assured her they would be home soon. A stablehand hastily arrived, leading the princes' horses along with him. Thor grinned delightedly at the sight of Gullfaxi, and affectionately stroked his golden mane. Loki took the reigns of his own horse, Skeidbrimir, and lightly ran his hand down his nose. As Thor turned to speak with the Warriors Three and Lady Sif, the youngest Odinson focused his attention solely on his stallion, making sure that all the harnesses and saddles were properly fitted. The people around him bustled around, but the calling of his name by a familiar voice grabbed his attention.

He turned and was met with Ellie carrying his helmet. "I think you might need this for later."

"Thank you, little one," he said casually and took it from her. "It would be a bad idea to leave without it."

"Of course."

He placed it on his head, enjoying the security he felt when wearing it again. He looked at her for approval. "Well? Do I look menacing?"

She shrugged. "I don't know if that's the word I would choose, My Prince."

"Oh, really?"

She simply winked at him and whispered. "Really. Just promise to wear the helmet when you come home after all the fightin'."

He looked at her in mild surprise, immediately catching the double entendre. "I never knew you were so fond of the helmet."

"C'mon. With horns like that, can you blame me?"

"I have created a monster."

She laughed at his mock-disgust before smiling sadly at him. "Come home safe, okay?"

"You have my word," he assured her and bowed slightly, knowing that they must be formal to avoid suspicion. He would have to wait to hold her again, even if the thought of doing so drove him mad.

As Thor came lumbering over to say goodbye to Ellie, Loki pulled himself up on to his horse and watched the exchange from atop the tall animal.

"You will watch over our mother while we are gone," Thor requested and ruffled the handmaiden's hair. "Won't you, little Ellie?"

"Of course, Prince Thor. Just assure us that you'll come back safe and sound, and that you'll look out for each other."

"Of course we will! You have my word. Together, my brother and I are a force to be reckoned with!"

Loki couldn't help but smile at Thor's excitement, but merely remained quiet as he watched him hoist himself on to Gullfaxi. Rainger appeared with Thor's helmet in hand, and passed it to him before briefly wishing him luck in his travels. When he wished Loki the same, the Trickster hid his territorial urges behind a smile. He briefly caught Ellie's gaze and could tell that she knew exactly what he was thinking beneath the fake facade. The two hand servants retreated to the sidelines where Frigga stood calmly. Loki gave her a small wave and let his gaze linger briefly on Ellie as Skeidbrimir followed his orders and began to slowly trot after Odin and Thor. Together, the three of them would lead the forces down the Bifröst and onwards to Vanaheim. After all goodbyes were exchanged, they took their leave. Before Loki was a great distance away, he caught the sound of his mother's voice from behind.

"Ellie, I would have a word with you, if you do not mind."

He quickly turned his head to see Frigga looking at the young woman intently.

Ellie's eyes briefly flitted to meet his gaze before she turned her attention back to the Allmother. "Of course, My Queen. May I ask why you seek my council?"

"I think you and I would both rather we discuss it in private." She gestured towards the palace with a friendly smile. "Shall we?"

As they walked away from the travelling forces, Loki turned his attention back to the task ahead. As to what his mother wished to speak with Ellie about, he was unsure, but he hoped it would be nothing detrimental now that he could not be there to defend her. He urged Skeidbrimir onward as they settled into a trot, leaving Asgard with a heavier weight on his shoulders than originally thought.