A/N: A warning for you guys before you start reading - this is, technically speaking, the last full-length chapter of Unofferable. I know, right? It's crazy, but we made it! You'll also be relieved to know that there will be a short epilogue (which is technically chapter 29) posted in the next little while, but this is the last big instalment you'll get that also ties up the ending nicely I think... So I won't say goodbye just yet, because we have one small epilogue to follow! That being said, I'd love to hear what y'all think. No matter if you're a long time commenter, or someone who has been silently reading and enjoying themselves, I'd love to hear from you. This was my first fic - it's basically my baby at this stage - but it's been a pleasure to share it with y'all and the response has been unexpectedly heartwarming.

But do you wanna know another secret? There's a sequel in the works, if you're into that sorta thing. I'm not ready to say goodbye to my favourite pair just yet!

Unofferable

CHAPTER 28: CALM

Playlist: "Carry You" — Anchor, "The Labyrinth"Austin Wintory, "Landslide" — Fleetwood Mac

The next morning, Loki slowly awoke feeling surprisingly well-rested given the events of the last week. As he gradually became aware of his surroundings, he noted the small form of Ellie melded into his own. He could tell by her breathing that she was still asleep. With her bare back pressing into his chest, he softly kissed along her shoulder and tightened his arms around her waist. She mumbled and shifted slightly as he continued to run his lips over his skin.

"Hey," she greeted groggily.

"Hey yourself," he replied and trailed kisses up the side of her neck.

"You're persistent," she laughed, shivering from his silliness. "How long've you been awake?"

He growled, bucking his hips into her. "Too long."

"What time is it?"

"You're asking all the wrong questions, love."

"I know your mind is elsewhere — or rather, I can feel it is — but I'm more concerned 'bout whether you'll be called to your duties."

"I already had Thor agree to cover me if needs be," he whispered. "Mother has agreed to allow me to spend my time by your side ensuring that you heal."

"Heal, huh? That's a weird word to describe what we did last night."

He breathed heavily and began placing open-mouthed kisses up and down her neck. "You are a little minx."

"Says the God of Mischief—" she gasped as he bit into a particularly sensitive spot. "Jesus, Loki…"

"Did I mention that I love the sound of my name when you say it like that?" he chuckled and reached up to squeeze her breasts with both hands. "It makes me so fucking hard…"

She only moaned in response, practically melting under his hands. Delighting in her reactions, he shut his eyes and set about seducing her. He rutted into her, the friction causing pleasure to shout through his abdomen. He nearly jumped when he felt her hand grasp his length. He grunted as she began pumping him and hastily slid one hand down her stomach and slipped between her legs.

"Ellie," he breathed, gently circling her with his fingers. "Are you too sore to—"

She cut him off quickly. "No, I'm fine. Please…"

"Lift your leg. Hook it back over mine."

She did as instructed without an hesitation, and, after some hasty but thorough preparation, he lined himself up and slid inside her. He was convinced he would never tire of this feeling, or the sigh the escaped her when he filled her to the hilt. Their movements were lazy in the haze of their drowsiness, and their noises slightly more reserved than last night, but Loki found it no less enjoyable. With each thrust of his hips they both whimpered and the knot in his groin grew tighter and tighter. Knowing he was getting closer to his release and feeling her inner muscles fluttering around him sporadically, he ordered her to look at him. Obediently she turned her head to meet his gaze over her shoulder and he smashed his lips against hers in a deep kiss. He persisted until she was coming apart in his arms and he was falling right after her.

He simply could not help himself. After the time he spent pining for her, jealously watching other men take their chances with her, he couldn't believe that she was completely and solely his to love and care for.

Afterwards, they lay together, clutching each other tight as their breathing slowly levelled out.

"I meant to speak with you," he eventually murmured, slipping out of her. "About an important matter, but evidently I got distracted."

"What important matter?" she asked with a slight wince.

"I'm sorry," he said softly and reached a hand down below to soothe any pain he caused. "I should be more careful."

She placed her hand over his. "It's not your fault I'm mortal."

"No, but it is my fault if I am careless and hurt you."

"Stop that," she insisted and sat up. "Loki, I'm grand. Just a little sore, but that's kinda a guarantee with this sorta stuff. Can you not look so grumpy for two seconds! Do I need to reiterate that I really enjoyed that?"

He grumbled slightly and moved his hand to her stomach. "I am glad you did, but I will be more gentle with you in the future."

Ellie simply watched him in fascination as he once again said the incantation to prevent her from becoming pregnant. He left her for a moment to fetch a damp cloth from the bathroom and cleaned them both. When he tossed it out, he returned to sit back down on the bed with her.

"So what was this important thing we needed to discuss?" she asked, happily sitting herself in his lap.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and sighed. "Ah, yes. Well, it is in relation to the recent events in Alfheim."

"Oh." Her face fell briefly at the memory. "What about it?"

"I wished to ensure that I never struggle to find you again, no matter what realm we are in. At first, I thought we would be safe with Heimdall's ever-seeing gaze, but now I realise I must take further precautions if he has been hindered by someone's magic."

"And how exactly would you manage that?"

"Ellie," he began, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "Have you heard of binding souls before?"

"No, can't say that I have. What is it?"

"It involves binding a soul to something else, such as a soul to an object, or a soul to a soul, usually to the point where they each have a part within the other."

Her eyes met his, carefully assessing his words before she spoke. "Alright… Go on."

"Though not entirely common, it is sometimes an action performed by lovers or soulmates who wish to be connected on a deeper and more spiritual level. Essentially, each person would have a part of the other's essence within them."

"What does this have to do with Alfheim?"

"There are many benefits that come with soul bonds. Let us say that you and I were soul bound. We would have a far deeper awareness of the other and a connection that can withstand great distances. With this also comes the ability to physically locate each other from certain distances. This varies from knowing your precise location if you are close by, or the general direction in which you lie if the distance is far greater. Emotions can be sensed and understood, even though we may not be together in person. You will be able to feel what I feel, and I you. Our mind and soul will become permanently connected and this will allow for telepathic communication and visiting the mindscape of one another."

"That sounds like a serious connection to have," she pondered slowly, taking in his every word.

"Indeed it is. It is not something to do frivolously. But, my point remains, if we were to consent to this magic, neither of us would ever be in danger of a similar situation than that you had at the hands of Frey and Freyja. I would be able to tap into our bond and locate you if I feared you were in danger. And, unlike the magic used to hide you away, my attempts at finding you can only be blocked by you, if you so choose."

"And this is something you wish to do? Bind your soul with mine?"

It was something Loki had thought long and hard about. The idea occurred to him the morning after her return to Asgard. He lay in bed while she slept sprawled out on top of his chest, her head slowly rising and falling with each breath he took. He had known of binding magic for a long time from his seiðr lessons with his mother. It was briefly touched upon, but more questions from his younger self led to Frigga going into a deeper explanation of the advantages as well as the risks. Soul bonds had only ever been considered when he was young, foolish, and idealistic. Thankfully he grew out of such idiocy and realised his feelings at that age were fleeting. From then on, the concept of binding his soul with that of another seemed completely ridiculous, but now… Now, with Ellie by his side, he couldn't imagine a life without her. Somehow, the concept of having a part of their souls forever linked no longer repulsed him. In fact, he somewhat yearned to know that she would become irrevocably his and no other would ever compare.

Odin's beard, I have certainly become soft, have I not?

He smiled at her softly and replied. "I assure you, I would not wish to do it with any other."

The young woman sat in his lap for a moment, her fingers softly playing with the hair on the nape of his neck. "When did you think of this?"

"A few days ago, and I have been contemplating it ever since. I am familiar with the magic required to join us, but I felt that mulling over it would be wise."

"Definitely. If it's alright with you, could I think about this before we do anythin'?"

"Of course," he assured her and placed a kiss on her temple. "You may take all the time you need, love. Feel free to come to me when you have made your decision."

"I promise I will. I want'a thank you, though. The fact that you would want to do that with me is a surprise."

"Do you doubt my feelings for you?"

"No, of course not. But this is quite the step. Bein' in a secret relationship with a Midgardian is one thing, but are you sure you want to tie yourself with me for good?"

"I am sure. My mother adores you and approves of what we have found in each other — she is the only outside opinion I care about. I already love you and I love being with you, so I am more than happy to continue what we have together. A beautiful Midgardian servant and a prince of Asgard…" He let out a chuckle. "We are quite a mischievous pair, are we not?"

"That we are," she agreed and let her head rest on his shoulder. "I can't argue with that."

"And I would not have it any other way. Now, would you perhaps be up for a walk in the gardens?"

"What?" she all but yelled in surprise. "Are you serious?"

"I think you have suffered your house arrest long enough, don't you? The healers and I have done our best to ensure your recovery, and you have gotten all the rest they insisted upon."

"Oh, please! Please, please, please! I would love to go to the gardens with you. I've missed spendin' time there."

"You are not the only one. Come, let us dress and we shall take our leave."

With a eager kiss and a giggle, Ellie leapt from Loki's lap and grabbed at the scattered clothes on the floor. Seeing an opportunity, he laid a swift slap on her bare rear, one that caused her to shriek in disbelief.

"Why?" she demanded in mock horror as she whipped around to face him. "Why must you always slap me?"

"Because I cannot help myself," he said with a sly grin. "What do you expect of me? To control myself with you sauntering about in the nude?"

"Next time you turn around, I'm gonna slap you so hard I leave a handprint on your arse-cheek for a week!"

"By all means," he began as he leaned back on the bed to lewdly admire her form. "I dare you."

"Are you as excited as I, Loki?"

"I can assure you, brother, I am positively bursting with satisfaction."

Over a week since Frey and Freyja's unknown operations were uncovered, the pair were finally standing before the Allfather and Allmother at their trial. Dagny had her trial that morning, and her refusal to speak did not prevent her from being found guilty of various charges including assault and kidnapping, not to mention infiltrating the palace. She was to spend the rest of her life rotting in Asgard's cells.

In Valaskjalf, the trial of the twins was completely closed to the public to ensure the privacy of their victims, all of whom were gathered to make their testimonies and have their say. Odin and Frigga were insistent that they each had a voice if they so wished. When informed of the opportunity, not one person turned it down. Now, the former-prisoners — including Ellie — were freely gathered in the throne room while Frey and Freyja now stood in shackles. At the foot of the steps leading up to the throne, the siblings were surrounded by Einherjar, each with a handler who kept a firm grip on the chains linked to their seiðr-proof handcuffs. Odin sat atop Hliðskjálf with Frigga on one side, and Thor and Loki on the other.

Standing on his perch, Loki enjoyed the sight of Frey and Freyja no longer sauntering around the palace with goblets of wine in their hands. He whispered to Thor that their new shackles suited them greatly, to which the God of Thunder held back a laugh. Both princes smirked in delight as the twins' eyes drifted to them and Odin called for the trial to begin. Only when the victims testimonies began were the smiles wiped from their faces. They stood and listened to every single one as person after person was sat on a chair next to the throne and answered Odin's queries. His tone was soft but authoritative, and reminded Loki of how he used to speak to them when they were but children. There was no ounce of accusation or judgement when he spoke, reassuring them that their experience was being heard and, most importantly, believed. Sitting through Ellie's questioning was especially hard to deal with, despite the fact Loki had already heard the tale and witnessed half of it with his own eyes. He and Thor, as well as Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, were briefly questioned about what they saw on Alfheim to further legitimise the twins' crimes. The accused were not given a chance to officially defend themselves, although when originally dragged into the hall, neither chose to deny the charges. There was hardly much point, given the number of witnesses and the fact both Odin and Frigga witnessed the confrontation in Ljosalfgard. That, and the brothel guards were easy to get talking.

The spectacle was purely organised to give all the survivors an opportunity to speak. That, and to show the truth to those who questioned the event's legitimacy. The sheer severity of everything had some wondering how Frey and Freyja could even get away with such a thing. Surely someone would have noticed? Were they really that corrupt? But the malnourished and injured victims who spilled from the Bifröst that night were proof enough. When once Asgard's healers were reserved for the Aesir alone, now their wing was flooded with the former prisoners from different branches of Yggdrasil.

"I wonder whether you both recognise the gravity of your crimes," Odin mused, the two prisoners standing before him. "As all I have gathered from your faces is that you do not."

"We seem to disagree, Allfather," Frey replied. "As to what constitutes as a crime."

"You think your actions to be just?"

"You are a fool if you think otherwise."

"And what led you to this baffling conclusion?"

"Basic logic," Freyja cut in, her tone laced with disgust. "We took the mortal because it was our right. She is bound to serve her gods for the duration of her brief existence."

"We are just as mortal as humans," Odin explained. "Though our lifespan may be exceptionally longer, we are born and we die. This does not give us a right to ownership."

Freyja shook her head and gestured a hand to Loki, her chains clinking in response. "And you do not claim ownership over the bitch? She is your son's plaything."

Loki found it exceptionally hard to bite his tongue, and he nearly opened his mouth to verbally degrade her before his father replied.

"I can assure you that Loki is nothing like either of you." The Trickster was quick to look at Odin after that, but he continued speaking with his eyes fixed on the prisoners. "He has never mistreated the girl, and she is free to leave Asgard whenever she pleases."

"Whatever you say, my King," Freyja spat, looking away in disinterest. "I do not believe your lies."

"I do not particularly care whether you do, Freyja. Whatever about the Midgardian, how do you justify the enslavement of your other victims? They come from all realms."

"We are gods," Frey insisted, emphasising each syllable. "We rule over a kingdom. They are merely commoners made to serve us. We have the right to do with them as we please. It is our duty—"

"Your duty was to protect the people of these realms!" Odin boomed, losing some of his composure. "You are an embarrassment to your family and all those associated with you, and I have heard enough of these ramblings. I have come to a decision and it was not difficult. Frey, Freyja, for your crimes against the people you were sworn to protect, and the crimes against my family, you are to spend the rest of your lives in Asgard's dungeons. There you will remain until you both die alone. I consider it a just end that you should be imprisoned for the trauma and subjugation you have brought about through your actions. Guards!"

The combination of satisfaction and relief that Loki felt at those words was immeasurable. He grinned as the twins' handlers tugged on their chains and began to lead them away to their eternal captivity. When they both glared up at the princes, Loki and Thor gave them an informal wave accompanied by wide smiles.

"What a wonderful ending for them," Thor mused, nudging his brother's shoulder. "It is quite fitting."

"Indeed," Loki concurred. "This is a victory for their victims and those who helped their voices be heard."

"Perhaps they will have peace now that they can be reunited with their loved ones."

"And hopefully no other that bares any similarity to that pair may have access to power."

"Even if that happens again," Thor began and placed his hand on the back of Loki's neck. "We will stop them together."

"My sons," Odin addressed them, rising from his throne to approach. He wore a small smile, something that was an extremely rare thing to witness. "Before we return to our duties, I wish for you to know that I am proud of you both. You helped these people, as was your duty. The Nine Realms are at peace and our strength and willingness to protect those in need is once more acknowledged. I am glad to call you my sons."

With that, Odin took his leave and was shortly followed by the Allmother, who briefly kissed her sons' cheeks before going. Loki could not help the shock he felt at the exchange, but Thor seemed used to it. With a satisfied smile, the princes left the hall and the events of Alfheim behind them.

Another few days had passed when Ellie and Loki finally had their much needed discussion. Having fully recovered, the young woman returned to her handmaiden duties and was happy to settle into her former routine. Despite the fact they knew they would eventually need to speak, there was no air of animosity or unrest between the lovers. In fact, Loki had never been happier. It seemed that the twins' insistence that he was bedding Ellie had been dismissed after their entire reputation was destroyed, so the Midgardian was happily working and tending to her prince in peace.

On one such evening, Ellie was transcribing some notes Loki dictated while fiddling with potion ingredients at his desk. Her record player — that seemed to be constantly swapped between their rooms — was quietly playing music of her choice, something relaxing by a Midgardian band called Fleetwood Mac that didn't bother him. He actually found their music to be quite enjoyable and encouraged Ellie to play their records. When he finished dictating all relevant information for her to jot down, he stood up from his desk and began to clean away his supplies.

"You may take your leave, if you so wish," he said. "Or you are welcome to spend the night with me."

"I actually wanted to speak with you," she replied as she set the transcripts down to dry.

"Oh?" His brow piqued. "About?"

"A few things actually. Can we sit?"

"Of course."

The pair sat down together on one of the couches in front of the fireplace. Loki waited patiently for her to begin speaking, though he felt slightly nervous about where the conversation would go. He obviously had an idea or two about what would be discussed, but there was still an uncertain part of him that worried about the topic. Still, all he could do was wait until she was ready.

"Y'know," she said, eyes fixed on the nearby record player. "This was my mam's favourite band."

"I remember," he assured her gently. "You told me as such."

"Yeah, well, I'm not exactly sure if it was — it's hard to remember — but I did write it into the memory book you got me. It says that she used to sing this song to Shane and I, and I think I can kinda remember that. The memories are fuzzy, but it feels right to me. I think it was one of her favourite songs. I suppose that now, as I'm older and can better analyse a song compared to five year old me, it makes sense that she loved this one. The lyrics aren't exactly complicated." She met Loki's gaze briefly and paused to listen to the music. He followed suit, knowing that interrupting her flow would throw her off. So, he did as she wished; he sat and listened.

"Well, I've been afraid of changin'

'Cause I've built my life around you

But time makes you bolder

Even children get older

And I'm getting older, too."

"Our mam had to put up with a serious amount of grief," she continued, voice a little lower. "But she did her best with the hand she was given. I don't know why she didn't leave our dad, and maybe part of me is a bit angry that she didn't, but it couldnt've been easy. Her family were back in England, and I doubt she had friends that supported her. Maybe she was afraid of what he would do to us if she tried to leave. While my memories are fuzzy, I know she wanted the world for Shane and I. That's one thing I'll never doubt.

"I didn't exactly have an ideal childhood, but she did what she could, and I was lucky to end up where I am now instead of another victim of an abusive alcoholic. I don't regret growin' up here with you, not at all. I'll always feel grateful knowing that Frigga insisted on takin' me in. But the escapade on Alfheim has put a lot of things into perspective for me. I know that my mam never wanted us to fall into the same trap as her. She used to say that even when life threw us horrible obstacles that weighed us down, we had to keep going. We had to push on and overtake them, y'know? She insisted that we could do anythin' we set our mind to. That's all I could think about when I was stuck in that room; I had to get out, I had to keep goin'. I had too many good things I wasn't ready to say goodbye to yet, like you." Loki wordlessly reached across to hold her hand in his, and she smiled. "Maybe that was why my mam never gave up — she had us, and we were what kept her goin'. I can understand it now that I've found you.

"I knew this wasn't goin' to be easy, Loki. Obviously I did… Change can be scary, especially when it involves lettin' someone into your life like this. When you love someone, you give part of yourself to them, and that's terrifying when I think 'bout it. It's like havin' your heart in one hand, and a dagger in the other, and trustin' your partner not to stab you with it. But it's somethin' we all have'ta do eventually, and I'm okay with that. I'd rather not avoid being with you in the best way possible 'cause of what-ifs, 'cause when I was lost on Alfheim wonderin' if I'd ever see you again, I knew I'd do anythin' to be with you. My mam really got dealt a shit hand in some respects, but I think I understand why she brought Shane and I up the way she did. She never wanted her tribulations to define her, to stop her from raisin' her kids to love music and find solace in amazing fantasy worlds held in the pages of books. I don't want the awful things my dad did to define my future. I don't want what Frey and Freyja did to define me either. I won't let them ruin the good things that I'm lucky to have, especially my relationship with you.

"I know that you offered to bring me back to Midgard to find out what happened to my mam and brother, but I know now that that's not somethin' I'm able for right now. I don't know if they're answers that I need at this point in my life. Right now, I want'a focus on what's ahead of me, and I'm really relieved that I'll get to do that with you. Maybe someday I'll be ready to ask Heimdall after them, but for now, I want'a spend my time growin' and living with you. So, if your offer still stands, I'd like to agree to the soul bond and all that comes with it."

Loki released a sigh, taking it all in. The circumstances of the entire situation were insane. The way in which Ellie ended up on Asgard in the first place was hard to believe. While she was lucky to be where she was, it was by no means easy if the last few weeks in particular was anything to go by. And yet, here she was, unwilling to let past conflicts and tests stop her from growing and embracing the changes that were offered to her. She was right, these things were incredibly unnerving, and yet knowing he would explore them with her made it worth the risk. They couldn't hide from it forever.

"How could I ever retract my offer?" he asked, squeezing her hand. "I do not wish to let you go, not when I have realised how incredible it is to have you by my side."

She beamed widely at his response. "That's a relief. I wasn't sure if I'd left you hangin' for too long."

"Not a chance, I promise. How about it then?" He got to his feet and pulled her up with him.

"You want'a do it now?"

"Of course! There is no time like the present. Why not?"

His excitement seemed to be amusing to her, but she shrugged. "You're right; why not? After all, I said it was time to embrace the good things in life."

"Meaning me," he added with a wry grin. "I also have an apt location in mind to perform the spell."

"Oh? What did you have in mind?"

"Come, I will show you."

He ushered her from his chambers, releasing her hand before they pushed open the door. The Einherjar and other servants paid them no mind — it was not uncommon to see a prince in the company of his hand servant. Though it was evening, most servants were simply finishing their duties for the day, and some greeted the pair as they walked through the palace halls.

It did not take them long to reach the gardens, or to reach the tree beneath which they shared so many memories. In the horizon beyond, the sun had just about set, colouring the sky with fantastic reds and oranges that gradually mixed with the navy darkness behind the palace. Once beneath it's branches and hidden with glamour from the eyes of any passerby, the Trickster happily pulled her closer to him in a gentle embrace.

"Y'know," she mused, hands splayed out on his chest. "You insist that you're in no way romantic, and yet you think to bind our souls together here."

He rolled his eyes, mostly in jest. "Romance or not, it is fitting, is it not?"

She looked from him to the leaves swaying lightly in the night's breeze. "It's perfect."

Watching her carefree expression as she admired the old tree, he could feel his heart beat a little faster in his chest. This was not only a big decision for her, but it was for him too. That being said, Loki was surprised that he no longer felt afraid of the prospect. His heart's rapid movement was from excitement; excitement knowing that this wonderful woman was to be bound with him forever.

"I love you, little one," he murmured and softly kissed her forehead.

He felt her wrap her arms around his waist and hug him tight. "I love you too."

They embraced for a moment before he leaned back slightly to meet her gaze. "Shall we?"

"I'm ready when you are."

After years spent growing and learning on Asgard — and after recovering from her physical injuries at the hands of a pair of deluded siblings — the little one happily gave part of herself to the prince who hadn't expected to find such rare companionship in an abandoned Midgardian. He was right in what he previously claimed; they certainly made quite the pair.

Beneath the branches of their cork tree, Ellie and Loki found each other again.

They found their home.