Loki sighed. It was almost eight and there was no sign of the workers stopping for at least another hour. He paced, waiting for the time when they would clock off and return to their homes. Finally he sat and sipped a glass of water as he poured over the plans for the inner workings of the Bifrost. He was not sure what Heimdall would think of them but he continued anyway.

Loki was working on an idea that would mean the Bifrost could remain open for longer without freezing over like it had when he had left it open. He gritted his teeth at the memory. Odin's rejection had hurt more than he cared to admit though he knew now that his actions had been stupid and childish, a stab at a past he did not want to admit to.

He knew now that he would never be King of Asgard, but he had come to accept it. His past actions would prevent any acceptance from the people of Asgard anyway and Loki did not want the scornful and bitter stares he was now used to seeing to increase. They were bad enough already.

With another sigh Loki ran his fingers through his hair and looked up. He straightened when he saw the men start to pack up and he quickly rolled his plans away. Striding to his horse he slid the plans into the saddlebag and turned to watch the men closely. He waited until the last man had left then cast the spell over the new Bifrost to prevent intruders.

Finally he mounted the prancing stallion and turned him, sending the horse into a trot then a full out gallop, letting him stretch as he ran up the rainbow bridge towards the castle. Loki was impressed by the speed of the animal though it would never compare to Sleipnir. Ah, yes. One part of his past he would prefer to stay clear of. Still, the speed was something to be proud of.

Loki shook his head and reined the horse in, coming back to a trot as they headed through the streets of the city. He politely inclined his head to those he passed then turned off towards the castle stable. Slowing the stallion to a walk Loki guided him towards the stable block then dismounted and retrieved his plans from the saddle bags.

With a nod to the stable hand he strode away, taking long strides towards the library, hoping Elva would still be there. He did not expect her to wait for long for him but he hoped an hour wasn't too long.

He quickly slipped into the library and walked down the rows towards his desk. A smile played on his lips when he saw Elva sitting in his chair. Her head was down resting on the table, using her arms as slight cushioning and she was fast asleep. Her hair covered her face so it was difficult to see her but Loki knew she would look peaceful.

Quietly Loki approached her and placed the plans on the table. He reached out and put his hand over hers, gently caressing it. "Elva," he called softly, his eyes focused on her face.

Elva stirred and slowly sat up, lifting her eyes to meet Loki's. Her hazel depths were still slightly clouded with sleep but they immediately brightened and she smiled, holding her arms out to him. "I waited," she murmured quietly, wrapping her arms around his neck as he leaned down to kiss her.

"I know," Loki said softly. "Thank you." He quickly pulled her up then sat, pulling her down into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and held her gently as she leaned her head back against his shoulder and closed her eyes. He smiled as she lifted her hand to play with his hair.

"Need a haircut," Elva sighed quietly. "Your hair is getting long."

Loki chuckled. "But I thought you liked running your fingers through it," he teased lightly. "Or is that no longer the case? Does my hair bore you now?"

Elva laughed and shook her head slightly. "No, it doesn't and I like running my fingers through it, but it does need to be a little shorter. It's growing past your shoulders now and it looks better slightly shorter."

Loki nodded. "I'll get it cut, for your sake," he said quietly, kissing her cheek. "How are you my sweet?"

Elva smiled slightly. "It's nice to hear you actually say that." She snuggled down into his arms and smiled. "I'm better now you're here. I missed you today. Wish you could have taken a day off with me."

Loki chuckled. "So do I. I don't think we would have left that bedroom." He smirked and ran his hand over her side to emphasis his point.

Elva shuddered and looked up at him. "Loki, that's not fair. You're taking a day off soon and I'm going to let you kidnap me."

Loki laughed and hugged her. "I would love to." He kissed her nose and chuckled. "I'm afraid next week will be very busy for me though, I have to work on the inner Bifrost with Heimdall and it is very complex." He sighed. "It could take all day. Elva," he looked down into her eyes. "I might not be able to see you much."

Elva nodded and tilted her head back, straining up to kiss him softly. "It's ok. I can wait for you," she said quietly. "I love you Loki."

"I love you too Elva," Loki said softly, tightening his arms around her in a hug before turning his head to kiss her gently.

The two spent about an hour talking and exchanging gentle kisses before they finally slipped away to Loki's room and fell onto the bed. They removed the minimal amount of clothing then Loki pulled her back against his chest and tugged the covers over them, holding Elva close as they fell asleep together.