Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Marvel characters!

AN: Hello everyone! I want to begin by telling you how much I love each and every one of you. Thank you so much for all your feedback! It is wonderful to read your thoughts and emotions about the last chapter. I was surprised that many of you were sad when Thor…you know… I suppose that in the end, he could have used some help, too. But this was always Loki's story and it was always about his will to survive and to remain free. If you are wondering what will happen to him now, then read on and find out!

This, however, is the last chapter of this tale. It was always supposed to end here, after fourteen chapters. I had not expected so much response from you and I contemplated on making the story longer, but then I'd feel like I am betraying this story because I would just be dragging it out. So here it is, the final chapter.

I'm actually a bit sad that it's over.

Thank you all so much for reading. Special thanks goes to the amazing Greenloki for all the help she gave me writing this!

~ My Sweet Prince ~

~ 0 ~

A heavy silence filled the small interrogation room. Loki felt as if he should say something to break that silence, but his throat ached from all the talking and frankly, he enjoyed the silence at this moment. It allowed him to gather his thoughts, to try and think of anything he might have missed, but he quickly realized he told Officer Hill and Chief Fury everything.

The Chief had joined them ten minutes after Loki first arrived at the police station, his one eye filled with disbelief and astonishment. Loki had been terrified of that man, finding him extremely intimidating and imposing. However, Officer Hill had quickly assured him they were all here to help him and listen to his astonishing story. Loki hadn't been entirely convinced of that fact. He'd been alone for over two years with only a psychopath as his companion. It was difficult to trust anyone that this point.

"She should be here shortly," Hill told him. The silence had finally been broken and Loki didn't like it. A part of him longed for solitude, for some peace and silence so that he could come to grasps with what had happened today. He didn't like the piercing gazes of Hill and Fury on him, because they made him feel … violated. He could tell they were searching for any signs of violence – be it cuts, bruises, bites or anything else of that sort. They didn't have to search long or hard.

"We contacted your family," Fury added when Loki remained silent. Loki kept his green gaze fixed on his folded hands lying in his lap. "They are in Washington right now, though, but they are catching the first flight back. You'll be with your family soon enough."

He wished Natasha and Clint were still here with him, but he understood they couldn't stay all afternoon and they had both given their statements already. He felt eternally grateful to them, but he still wished they hadn't abandoned him. Loki knew he didn't have to fear Hill or Fury – this place was actually the safest place he could be right now - and he knew they were only trying to help him, but that didn't mean they were any real mental support. The way they had fired their questions at him had felt…detached. He was a case to them, nothing more.

Still, she was coming. He longed to see her again and he wondered if she still had long, black hair or whether she still wore her favorite color of red lipstick. He wondered if she would recognize him and what look she would have on her kind and beautiful face when she would walk in here. He longed to see a familiar face again, because that would be proof that he was truly free. Sigyn would be proof that he truly escaped Thor's clutches and that he could go home.

"When will you…" He swallowed heavily, feeling the soreness of his throat again. He took the glass of water he'd been given a few hours ago and drank it empty. Finally, he raised his gaze to meet those of Hill and Fury. Expectation lay in their eyes as they patiently waited for him to finish his sentence. Loki cleared his throat, forcing himself to sound confident. "When will you go to Thor's house?"

Fury sighed heavily and Hill pursed her lips. Clearly, they shared a thought and Loki did not understand. This had not been the reaction he'd expected. He'd assumed police officers were already at Thor's house right now actually, searching and collecting evidence. Was that not the case? A dreadful idea came to him. Did they not believe him?

"The search warrant has been filed," Hill began reluctantly, partially assuring Loki, "but it will take a while for us to get permission to enter and search Thor's home. We can't just bust down his door, no matter how much we want to."

Loki frowned, not entirely sure of what he was hearing. "Why can't you?" He asked. "After everything I have told you, why can't you just arrest him?"

"Kid," Fury sighed heavily. The Chief might not have intended to sound patronizing, but Loki did not like to be called 'kid'. If he'd still had some form of innocence, then Thor had long ripped that away from him. "Do you have any idea who you accused of all those crimes?" Fury asked. "Stalking, kidnapping, maltreatment and abuse, violence, rape. The list goes on."

Loki could suddenly hear Clint's voice very clearly in his head. 'Let's just say you are going to cause quite a stir.' Now Fury told him approximately the same. Who on earth was Thor? Wouldn't this whole situation have caused a commotion anyway? What did it matter who Thor was?

"Thor is the first and only son of Odin Allfather," Hill explained quietly, concern and regret in her voice, "the man who became the mayor of this town two years ago and who happens to be CEO of his own multinational company."

Loki still did not understand.

"The mayor has influence," Fury continued. Frustration rang clear in his voice. "He is best friends with all the important people and that means he is pulling a few strings to delay us right now. We will get our court order, but it will take a bit longer than usual."

Loki let the news sink in, but eventually he nodded, telling Fury and Hill that he finally understood them. It was strange to think of Thor as someone's son. It was strange to think he had a father who would do anything to protect him, no matter what crimes he committed. Loki had always preferred to see his captor as a monster without any feelings or attachments, but moments such as these forced him to realize that Thor was human – just like everyone else on this planet, Thor had a family, too.

"But he will face judgment," Hill assured him, "it doesn't matter that his father has all that power, he won't escape from the law."

The door to the interrogation room opened and an officer entered. It was one of the guys who Loki first saw when he'd arrived in this place. It was not the man, however, that caused Loki's heart to skip a beat and his breath to hitch painfully within his chest. His green gaze turned to the woman walking inside.

She looked exactly like he remembered.

"Oh, Loki," Sigyn whispered. She seemed momentarily frozen, unable to move. She pressed her lips together before covering half her face with her small, tender hands. It was a gesture Loki had seen her do so often whenever she had been excited or upset. "Oh, my…"

Loki told himself to stay strong. He wanted to smile at her or tell her how much he'd missed her during the last two years, but he felt frozen as well. He could only look at her kind eyes and watch tears stream down her face. Her blue eyes shone brilliantly with a combination of different emotions. He only wanted to take her delicate hands into his own and pull her close. He wanted to feel her and know that she was real.

Tears began to stream down his own cheeks even though he had wanted to stay strong and composed. Yet for so long, he'd wanted to see her and now there she stood. It felt as if he hadn't yet accepted the fact that he escaped and that he was free out of fear that he would wake up and find himself back in that awful little cell.

Seeing Sigyn, however, made it real. Very real.

She hurried towards him and wrapped her arms around his thin, fragile figure. Loki didn't care that her embrace physically hurt him. He did not care about his collection of bruises and cuts. He only cared about her touch, her warmth, and her presence. He pressed his face into the crook of her neck and for the first time, he was surrounded by a familiar scent again. She still wore her favorite perfume.

"It's so good to see you," she told him while refusing to let him go, "everyone said you were dead, but I never…I never believed them. Your family never believed it either. We all believed in you, Loki, and we trusted the fact that you'd return to us."

"I'm back," Loki whispered through his tears, "I've come back."

Sigyn released him from her grip and knelt down before him, her face only inches away from his. "You look…" She began, but she was momentarily lost for words. Her kind gaze revealed sadness, anxiety and pain. Her hands grabbed his and gently squeezed them. "You look so thin, Loki, and these bruises and-"

He kissed her.

He didn't want to see her so shocked and distressed and he didn't want her to focus on his injuries.

Feelings her lips on his made it all better. Their kiss helped him forget about the pain if only for five seconds. It made him forget about the fact that Thor's lips had once claimed his. He desperately needed this moment because it would serve as a new memory. From now on, he could remember the softness of Sigyn's ruby red lips again instead of Thor's fierce and possessive kisses.

"The ambulance is here," Fury announced when Loki broke away from her. "We are getting you to the hospital now."

Loki nodded and stood, though he never let go of Sigyn's hand. When he looked at her, she flashed him a brilliant grateful and relieved smile. During his captivity, he'd started to forget the details of her face, but now that he saw her again, she nearly blinded him, but he didn't mind. He just wanted her close because she had become his lifeline now. She grounded him into reality and as long as he could see and feel her, Loki knew he was free of Thor. He knew this wasn't all a dream.

They walked out of the interrogation room and Loki was merely glad that he could walk of his own accord. His legs felt strangely light and his knees were weak, but he was walking. A noise behind him drew his attention, however. It was a voice - loud, commanding and definitely angry. Loki – along with Sigyn, Hill and Fury – turned around to find an older man with white hair and a thick beard hurrying towards them. He somehow appeared familiar.

"Keep him back!" Fury shouted towards three nearby officers.

Loki had not expected this and he did not understand what on earth was happening. He clung onto Sigyn and felt how she tightened her grip on his hand as well. Maria Hill instantly moved in front of them, her hand resting on the gun attached to her belt. Loki feared this sudden perturbation would not do him any good. His heart raced within his chest and his hands trembled. He felt exhausted and empty and he feared he would pass out.

"Stay back, Mr. Mayor," Fury warned the older man.

Loki's eyes widened. He'd thought the man had appeared familiar and now he understood why. If he looked closer, he could recognize the same crystal blue eyes Thor had. They had the same build, with broad shoulders and muscled arms. Even their voice sounded similar. Loki could not believe that this was the man who'd raised Thor, the man who was supposed to know Thor best, but who had not figured out the monster hidden beneath his son's skin.

"I will not stay back," Odin Allfather yelled. His gaze fell on Loki who suddenly felt the desire to become invisible. It startled Loki that both father and son had a same effect on him. They both made him feel desperate to disappear. "Is that him? Is that the boy who claims to have been kidnapped by my son?"

"Mr. Mayor," Fury said, remaining calm, "there is no need to make such a scene right now."

"I will not let these vile lies destroy my son, Fury," Odin argued.

"We are investigating everything. We are simply doing our job here," Fury replied. It surprised Loki how that man could stay so composed in a situation like this. "But perhaps you should advice your son to come to the police station voluntarily. We would love to get his statement."

"And have him treated like scum?" Odin sneered. "Have him treated like a criminal? I think not. My son would not kidnap a man, Fury, and he would not hold him captive for so long. He is not a psychopath or a monster and he would certainly never have any interest in-in-" His gaze landed on Loki and only revealed disgust. "-in him."

"Come on, Loki," Hill said quietly, "the ambulance is waiting at the back of the building." She tried to guide him away from the hall – away from the mayor, but Loki ignored her and kept staring at Odin Allfather. He had faced Thor so many times; he had fought him and rebelled against him for over two years. Loki refused to be scared and intimated by yet another man.

"I just want you to think, Fury," Odin continued angrily, only having eyes for the Chief of Police now, "think of what you are doing. All this – all these lies will destroy my son. Can you live with that?"

"You know-" Loki spoke up, but seeing how everyone's attention turned to him suddenly made his voice disappear. Then he remembered that for so long he had screamed and shouted, but no one had heard him and this time was different. This time, people listened to his voice. People cared about him. "You know," he repeated after swallowing heavily, "it doesn't matter anymore."

"What do you mean?" Sigyn asked, frowning.

Loki was so very glad that she stood by his side. He drew strength from her – like he had done during his many months of captivity. "You claim that I lie," he explained, relieved that his voice sounded strong, "but I am not and I think you know that. I think that deep down you always knew there was something…off about your son."

Odin looked appalled. "What? How dare you-"

"Your son locked me away in a cell," Loki said, "it used to be a bomb-shelter built by his grandfather because he fanatically believed the Vietnamese would one day drop a nuclear bomb on America." He watched Odin's face grow paler with every passing second. It was almost…heartbreaking to see his old face become torn with horror at the realization that Loki was speaking the truth. How else could he have known about that shelter or about Thor's grandfather? "But your son made that shelter my own personal cell and he kept me in there for 786 days. I've counted them."

"Stop," Odin breathed. It was bizarre to see him transform from a powerful, influential mayor to a shocked and broken old man. "Just stop!"

"Why?" Loki asked. He momentarily looked at Hill and Fury, but they didn't plan on stopping him. They didn't mind that he was telling Odin Allfather this. "Can you not stand to hear what your son did to me? Don't you want to hear about how he beat me? Kicked me? Raped me?"

"Stop!"

"You have a smart son, Mr. Mayor," Loki continued stubbornly, needing to get all this off his chest, "I'll give you that. Thor knew all the ways to break me and to keep me submissive and obedient. Near the end I was so afraid of him that I barely dared to move whenever he was around. He could get so mad with me and once he threw me against a wall and knocked me unconscious for two days."

"Officer Hill," Fury said, thinking it was apparently time to end this, "please escort Mr. Laufeyson to the ambulance and-"

"He destroyed me," Loki said, not caring that Fury wanted to maintain control over the situation, "but in the end, I made it anyway. I got away from him and I've earned my freedom. But your son and I, Mr. Mayor, we made some sort of…deal."

"What are you talking about?" Odin asked. His eyes held tears, but he still stood tall and unyielding.

"I once told Thor that I would kill myself the day I'd know I wouldn't be able to get away from him," Loki explained. He was faintly aware that he was nearly breaking Sigyn's hand as he clung onto her so desperately. It pained him to know that tears rolled over his cheeks and that it probably made him look very weak and fragile. "I also told him," he continued with a strained voice, "that if I ever did get away, he would kill himself."

There was nothing but silence in the hall.

"I got away, Mr. Mayor," Loki said, "I got away."

Again, silence.

"Officer Hill?" Fury suddenly asked, breaking the tension.

"That's enough probable cause," Hill replied. "I'll get right on it, Sir."

"Take enough officers to Mr. Odinson's home," Fury ordered, "you never know what surprises are left for us there."

Loki faintly wondered what was being said, but he lost interest in the interaction between Fury and Hill. Instead, he could only focus on Odin Allfather. As much as Loki wanted to see that man as the father of a monster, he could only see him as a father. Loki knew he just told Odin the news no parent ever wanted to hear and he should care about that, shouldn't he? It shouldn't matter that Odin had called him a liar because hadn't he just been protecting and defending his son? If Loki had any empathy or decency left, he would apologize, but he couldn't. He could never apologize for Thor's death.

"Come on, Loki," Sigyn said to him in hushed tones. She gently guided him away from the hall and towards the ambulance.

Loki walked away with her, but he kept his gaze trained on Odin for just a moment longer. He watched the man burst in tears and he watched him cover his face in shame. Loki realized what he just did: he had destroyed lives. Thor had destroyed his family and now he'd destroyed Thor's.

There was some kind of poetic justice to that.

Loki didn't care about what happened next. He didn't care about medics rushing him into an ambulance and he didn't care about them performing some preliminary tests. He'd thought he would hate the fact that people touched him, but again, he did not care. He only cared about Sigyn. Having her with him was what eased his mind. Feeling her hand in his was what soothed him.

"Sigyn?" He asked as the ambulance started to drive down the street.

"I'm here, Loki," she assured him.

"That's all I needed to know."

~ 0 ~

When Loki woke two days later, he couldn't instantly remember where he was. He didn't feel the familiarity of his blanket, nor was he overwhelmed by a bright light. For a moment, he thought he had been forced to sleep in Thor's bed again, but he couldn't recall falling asleep in his bedroom. Slowly and anxiously, he opened his eyes.

The room he found himself in was clean and…clinical. The walls were white – much like his cell – but there was a large window that allowed bright sunlight to flood the room. The smell of medicines and disinfectants filled the air. It was enough for Loki to deduce that he was in the hospital. Relief coursed through his veins when he realized that he hadn't been dreaming after all. He truly did escape Thor's clutches. He wasfree!

"Loki?"

His head snapped towards the sound and his eyes widened. He simply could not believe that he was actually looking at her. He couldn't believe he was actually seeing her long black hair flowing across her back or her pale skin or her radiant green eyes. Loki pushed himself into a sitting position, but he never took his gaze away from her out of fear that she might not be real – out of fear that if he took his eyes off of her, she'd disappear.

"Sweetheart, calm down."

He was breathing hard and his muscles tensed. "Mom?"

"Yes, it's me," Farbauti smiled. She sat on the edge of her seat and reached to take her son's hand into her own. Her skin felt warm and Loki enjoyed the touch. He enjoyed finally having her so close after months of missing her. "You're safe, Loki, you're in the hospital."

Loki nodded and forced his thoughts to slow down. He bit down on his lower lip and tried to keep himself from crying, but his efforts were in vain. For so long he had craved his mother's presence, he'd craved to see and feel her again. Now she was finally here and Loki could barely wrap his head around it. He watched Farbauti stand and wrap her arms around him.

"I have you, love," she soothed him, pressing him close to her body, "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere."

Loki didn't know how long she held him and he didn't know how long he cried in her arms. He didn't care, nor did he mind. She was his mother and she might well be the only person in this universe he didn't have to hide his feelings from.

After a long time, she released him from her grasp, but she didn't let go of his hands. Loki threw her a grateful, but watery smile.

"How long have I slept for?" He asked. He'd stopped crying, but his voice still sounded shaky and uncertain. He wondered how long his mother had been sitting at his side and he wondered where his father and brother were. He had so many questions he wanted to fire at her, but he knew he would have time to ask them.

There was no rush.

"Two days," Farbauti answered, "the doctors gave you a sedative so that your body could get some proper rest. You were severely dehydrated and malnourished so they gave you an IV as well."

Loki's gaze fell to his right arm as he only now noticed that he was indeed hooked to a machine. He focused on his mother again and asked a few of the other questions that lay on his mind. "Where is father? And Helblindi? How are they?"

"They are home," Farbauti answered. She smiled at him. "They wanted to stay here, but after such a long flight from Washington, I told them to get some rest first. I will call them and tell them you're awake. They'll rush to the hospital. They will be so relieved to see you awake, Loki, and they will be so incredibly happy. I have never seen your father cry before in my life, but when Chief Fury called us and told us what happened, he bawled his eyes out. You can't begin to understand how utterly ecstatic we were, how blessed we felt when learned that you survived. All of our dreams came true."

Loki should feel blissful when he heard his mother speak those words, but he could only think of the pain and sorrow he'd caused them. He wanted to apologize to them, but instead, he told his mother this, "You gave me strength, Mom. Thinking of you, and father, and Helblindi helped me survive each day. Knowing that you were waiting for me gave me courage to face Thor for so long."

Tears rolled down Farbauti's cheeks. "I am just so incredibly relieved to have you back, my love."

"Have you heard anything about…" Loki wasn't sure he should be thinking of his captor right now and he knew Farbauti wouldn't like to hear him ask this, but he had to pose the question anyway. He needed to know what had happened to Thor. "Have you heard anything about Thor?"

Her usually light green eyes darkened at the mention of that name. "They busted his home the same day you resurfaced," she told him, albeit reluctantly, "they searched everything and eventually they found your…cell." She looked horrified and hurt. "Apparently, he shot himself so he's definitely dead."

Loki nodded. He had thought the news would satisfy him – brighten him – but in the end, Loki only felt a weight fall from his shoulders. His captor - and tormenter - was dead. He had known already, but now his mother had confirmed it and it merely announced the end of his personal hell. It would take him a while to adjust to the idea that he wasn't completely dependent of that man anymore.

There was a short knock on the door and Loki turned his head expectantly towards the sound. For a moment he thought Sigyn would enter, or perhaps his father and brother. He wondered if any of his friends already knew about his return. A doctor entered, however, looking kind and compassionate. He had short, dark hair and brown eyes. Thin glasses stood on the tip of his nose, giving him a very intelligent look.

"Ah, I see you're finally awake," the doctor said, smiling warmly, "it is nice to finally meet you. I am Doctor Bruce Banner and I'm your attending physician." He extended his hand which Loki shook politely. "How are you feeling?"

Loki actually thought about that question. How was he feeling? Relieved, content, hopeful, grateful, confused, uncomfortable, safe, scared, overwhelmed. He could go on for a while, but he realized that all those emotions were normal. What mattered was that he didn't feel any physical pain and that he was with his mother.

"I am all right," he finally answered the doctor's question, "all things considering at least."

Banner nodded thoughtfully before taking Loki's chart and quickly examining it. "That is good to hear, Mr. Laufeyson," he said, "I see you're still a bit dehydrated so you'll be stuck with the IV for a little while longer I'm afraid."

"It's okay," Loki replied. The IV was the least of his problems. "And please call me Loki."

Banner's gaze brightened. "All right, Loki," he said, "I would like to perform some simple tests if that's okay with you. I'd like to listen to your lungs and your heart. I would also like to check your bruises to see if they're healing nicely. Would that be okay?"

Loki nodded.

Farbauti stood and reluctantly let go of her son's hand. "I'll give you some privacy," she said. Loki actually didn't want her to leave, but the way she gazed at him assured him that she would not be far away. She pressed a kiss against his cheek. "I have to call you father and brother anyway. I'll be right back."

Loki watched her exit the room, leaving him alone with the doctor. He wished he didn't feel so uncomfortable. He wished he didn't have to show his beaten and battered body to anyone, but he knew he had no other choice, at least not if he wanted to let Bruce Banner do his job. He was only trying to help him after all. Besides, the doctor had probably seen worse in his career as doctor.

Loki carefully removed his shirt, the movement causing his muscles to ache. A moment later, the feeling of strange hands on his skin made him shudder.

"If this makes you uncomfortable or if you wish for me to stop," Banner said, "then tell me."

"No, it's fine," Loki replied truthfully.

"And you are sure you're not in any pain?" Banner asked as he examined a few bruises on Loki's back. Loki knew the doctor posed the question a second time because his mother wasn't around anymore. "I can prescribe you some pain killers if you want, or something to help you relax."

Loki shook his head, though he knew he could probably use something to help him feel more at ease. The main reason why his muscles ached like this was because he kept growing tense. It was so utterly strange to know that he was safe, but to still feel cautious and anxious at the same time. He knew Thor was dead and he would never be locked in that cell again, but he still expected Thor to walk into this very room to reclaim him.

"Loki?"

"I'm good," Loki assured the doctor, "I just need a bit of time to…adjust. That's all."

"Of course," Banner said understandingly. He stepped away from Loki and placed his stethoscope around his neck. "You can put your shirt back on. I'm going to keep you for one more night and tomorrow you should be able to go home. I think you'll be more comfortable there anyway."

Loki smiled when hearing those words. "Thank you, doctor Banner."

~ 0 ~

Coming home was always going to be the best moment in Loki's life. Ever since he'd been kidnapped all those months ago, this was what he had looked forward to the most. He got out of the car, feeling the first warmth of the sun on his face. Technically, it was still winter, but spring was beginning to arrive and Loki tried to enjoy every bit of warmth he could feel.

"Let's get you inside," Sigyn said. She came to stand next to him and reached for his hand. Her blue eyes revealed nothing but happiness. Loki leaned down and kissed her, pulling her into his arms and reminding himself once again that he was free and he was reunited with all the people he loved. When he broke away from the kiss, Sigyn flashed him a satisfied grin.

Loki glanced over his shoulder to find his parents and brother exiting the car as well. They all smiled at him, relief and satisfaction written in their gazes. Farbauti's eyes held tears – she was always crying when Loki saw her - but they were always tears of happiness. Loki expected to find her crying for a long time to come.

"I decorated your room," Helblindi announced gleefully. His eyes stood wide and full of mischief and this was exactly how Loki remembered his little brother. He couldn't wait to spend more time with him, to get to know him again because he had changed so much during the past two years. "I know it hasn't been your room in a while since you moved out of the house so long ago, but I tried to make it…cozy."

"Thanks, little brother," Loki said.

"I can't believe this is happening," Laufey sighed contently. He came to stand at Loki's side, put an around his shoulder, and pulled him momentarily closer. He pressed a kiss against his oldest son's hair. Laufey had never been a sentimental man and even though he loved his sons fiercely, he didn't often express it. That had changed, too, because now Laufey took every opportunity to tell his sons that he loved them, he took every opportunity to hug them or kiss them. "Welcome home, son."

They walked towards the front door and entered the house. It was exactly how Loki remembered it. Even the smell was still the same. He let his gaze wander around, taking in every detail. The color of the walls, the tiles of the floor, the framed photos standing on top of a cabinet, the chandelier, the mirror. Loki wanted to see everything.

It was truly good to be here.

"Are you okay?" Sigyn asked before planting a quick kiss against his lips.

"Yeah," Loki answered, smiling. He just couldn't believe he was home again, but it was true. It wasn't a dream or a fantasy. He'd gotten away from Thor and he was surrounded by his family and the woman he loved so very much. This was all he could have ever hoped for. This was all he truly wanted and needed, and though he still had a difficult time lying ahead, he knew he could face it. "Yeah, I couldn't be happier."

~ 0 ~

The End.

~ 0 ~