Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Loki? Are you okay?” Mobius asked, a twist of humour in his tone. 

“Yes, of course. Of course I am, why would you even ask that?” Loki replied tersely, as they wandered along the trail that led down to the beach.

“Oh I don’t know, the pale face, the sweaty palms,” Mobius said, squeezing the hand he held, “The nervous trembling, the-”

“Alright, alright, no need to go on. I'm absolutely fine. I’m just… cold,” he finished lamely.

“Mm. On the warmest day we’ve experienced since we came here?” Mobius teased, as they left the treeline behind and stepped out onto the powdery sand.

“Shut up Mobius,” Loki bit out, “Let’s- let’s just get this over with. Please.”

*  *  *

“It’s our last day here, you have to,” Mobius had practically whined the night before, as they sat in the ornamental gazebo in the garden of their chalet. They were enjoying some sort of insanely delicious fruity cocktail that Loki had charmed a local bartender into teaching him how to mix, purely so he could savour the reaction of surprise and pleasure when he’d presented it to Mobius earlier.

He was so madly in love, he was sometimes in disbelief of his own actions. 

“Oh do I, now?” Loki smirked, “What, because you think it’s the pinnacle of recreational activity, everyone else must partake of it and appreciate it equally?”

“Not everyone,” Mobius replied lightly, though not without a hint of slyness, “Just you.” He reached over and slowly covered Loki’s hand with his own, fingers gliding soft and gentle in a way that he gods-damned knew would make him agree to anything. 

Loki closed his eyes in response, lips biting together, then glanced at Mobius, falling victim to an expression that was entirely too beseeching and innocent to be forgivable.

His answering scowl predictably had no effect, and he relented, gusting an exaggerated sigh.

“Norns, just… give me a moment.”

Loki extracted the straw from his glass and tossed it aside, downing the rest of his drink in one go. Then he refilled it, immediately taking another mouthful.

“Whoa,” Mobius laughed, “Take it easy, beautiful, what are you doing?”

“I’m going to need to be fairly intoxicated before I say yes,” he explained. 

Mobius’ face lit up. 

“Well then, I’ll drink to that. Skål!,” he said, clinking his glass against Loki’s with glee, before the latter was drained once again. Mobius of course knew that Loki would be able to magically counter any unpleasant aftereffects of overindulgence… “you lucky bastard,” he’d said recently, when Loki had smugly reminded him. 

It didn’t take long at all for the syrupy concoction to begin to take effect, a pleasant buzz coursing through Loki as he watched Mobius stirring his drink and sipping it sedately, in a manner much more befitting a lovingly-crafted beverage. Their eyes met as he looked up, and Loki couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or his partner’s smile that made him feel like his insides had turned to gelatinous mush.

“Okay,” he murmured, “Ask me again.”

“Are you gonna hop on with me, or do you want your own?” Mobius inquired, as they neared the little rentals shack on the beach. 

“By myself? Are you mad?” Loki exclaimed, wondering if he’d imagined the tiny frightened squeak on the last word. Mobius was chuckling quietly, so he suspected most likely not. 

They were approaching a rather tall lanky man, his skin tanned a deep caramel colour, who was setting up for business, preparing for the inevitable stream of visitors who flocked to the village from much larger settlements each day. 

“Hey Gura! How are you?” Mobius called to him in the local dialect, unsurprisingly having formed an easy friendship with the owner of the water-skimmer rental business.

“Mobius! Ahhh, you’ve finally convinced hiib’tial’ru to give it a try, and on your very last day.” He eyed Loki, making the deduction from his apparel — or lack thereof. He was wearing only loose, knee-length swim trunks and nothing else; Mobius assuring him that the muscle wastage he’d suffered during his long illness had been sufficiently reversed through their recent lifestyle, and he no longer looked frighteningly scrawny. 

Mobius, meanwhile, was blushing a little at Gura’s words. ‘Hiib’tial’ru’ literally translated to ‘heart outside you’, and was generally used to refer to a life-partner or spouse. 

“I know, right? It’s about time,” he answered, not bothering to clarify their relationship status, and this pleased Loki no end.

“You’ll be sharing a skimmer, though, I take it? He looks very nervous,” Gura assessed.

“Now, wait a minute,” Loki cut in, but Mobius burst out laughing and Gura smiled impishly, so he instead turned away with a huff, rolling his eyes. 

“Yes, to start with at least,” Mobius confirmed, and Loki’s eyes widened at that. He whirled back around as Gura sought the electronic tablet he used to check in customers. 

“To start with?” he hissed in Mobius’ ear, “How long are we going to be doing this for?”

“Only as long as you want to, kjære,” Mobius intoned, his lips curving upwards. 

Loki sighed, his nonsensical anxiety rising again. He wasn’t sure why in the Nine Realms he found the prospect of riding a jet ski — or this world’s near-enough equivalent — to be so incredibly daunting. He definitely hadn’t been lying when he’d said to Mobius, “it’d be fun, though,” all that time ago during a coffee break in a TVA cafeteria. But once faced with the reality of it…

“Right, we’re all set, Loki.”

Mobius had already finished up with Gura as Loki stood staring absently at the pink sand underfoot. He looked up at Mobius sharply, and he must have been far too transparent in projecting his tension, because those blue eyes immediately softened. 

“It’ll be fine, sweetheart, you’ll love it.”

“Slow or fast?”

“Definitely not fast,” Loki mumbled, his cheek pressed hard into Mobius’ back as his arms cinched even tighter around his waist. He felt rather than heard Mobius’ rumbling laughter due to the noisily chugging engine of the skimmer, and they began edging forwards… ludicrously slowly.

Loki lifted his head at that, frowning over Mobius’ shoulder. Mobius threw a glance back at him, smirking cheekily. 

“I said ‘not fast’”, Loki griped, “I didn’t say ‘slower than one of OB’s lectures in quantum mechanics.’”

Mobius grinned and pushed the throttle. They shot forwards, Loki yelping in terror as they flew over the turquoise water. His instinct was to slam his eyes shut, but that only made things worse, and when he opened them again he was looking out at the deep blue of the ocean beyond the reef, and the far distant horizon.

Oh, this isn’t too bad, he thought, if one ignores the irritating wind blasting them in the face. 

Then Mobius abruptly twisted the steering mechanism, and an unsuspecting Loki was turfed off sideways, landing in the brisk water with an ungainly splash. 

As he resurfaced with an indignant splutter, he could already hear Mobius chuckling merrily nearby.

“What was that?” Loki barked, wiping salt water from his eyes and pushing his sodden hair back as he treaded water.

“Payback,” said Mobius, his eyes sparkling as he looked down at him from a few metres away. “For when you got your little shadow twin to give me the same treatment.”

Loki opened his mouth to answer, but copped a mouthful of seawater, and as he coughed and fought to breathe, Mobius took pity on him, easing closer and holding out his hand to help him back up. 

“You okay?” he asked, genuine concern seeping through. Mobius had become ridiculously protective since Loki had returned to them from the End of Time and nearly died in the process, and the last thing Loki wanted was to make him feel bad over a harmless prank. 

“I’ll live,” he choked out with a pointed glare, and was pleased to see Mobius relax again as he hauled him back into the rear seat. 

“Alright, I’ll do it properly this time,” he told Loki, “Just make sure you hold on, it’s no fun if you can’t take some sharp turns.”

Loki tutted in disagreement, but otherwise kept his silence, grabbing Mobius’ waist once more with a certain sadistic satisfaction at pressing cold wetness against him. 

However, around fifteen minutes later, Loki had to admit that he was actually having a pretty good time. He may have even let loose a couple of joyous whoops as Mobius took them across the lagoon at insane speeds. Plus, it was unbelievably satisfying to observe Mobius enjoying this up close and personal, as it were. Far better than from a removed distance, reclined on a blanket on the sandy beach. 

“Do you want a turn?” Mobius asked as they stopped for a short break, bobbing around gently on the stationary watercraft. 

“Sure!” Loki immediately replied, then, “I mean, I- uh, I suppose so.”

Mobius smiled broadly at his dreadful attempt at hiding his enthusiasm, twisting and leaning towards him to kiss the tip of his nose.

“You’re cute,” he said, “Come on, climb in front and I’ll show you what’s what.”

After an awkward shuffle to swap around that had them laughing more than once, Loki was settled in the front seat, wedged between Mobius’ legs and suddenly feeling very… exposed? 

Or something. 

The two of them hadn’t yet been physically intimate, despite their relationship being a few weeks old — a mutual decision to take things slow; to prolong their indulgence of this sweet and tender phase. They had the luxury of Time on their side, after all. 

However, during his impromptu skimmer-operating lesson, Loki became far too aware of Mobius’ thighs pushed against his, particularly after he scooched himself even closer to explain the craft’s controls. His chest heated Loki’s bare back, a perfect balance of firmness and softness under the thin fabric of his t-shirt. And a warm hand rested just above the waistband of his trunks, the incidental brushing of Mobius’ fingertips on his skin as he moved sending sparks shooting straight to his core.

Breathing soon became a conscious effort, and glowing embers low in Loki’s belly emanated a pleasant warmth, awaiting the kindling that would fuel an inevitable flare of fiery passion. He could barely focus on Mobius’ words, any rational thought faltering at the provocative sensation of their bodies pressed together like this; somehow so different to the relatively innocent cuddling they’d by now become so familiar with.

It’s electric, he thought dazedly, Impelling.

Thus, Loki acknowledged that he may no longer be able to hold off. His self control could only withstand so much, after all. And judging by Mobius’ increasingly gravelly tone, and the way he smoothly ran questing hands down Loki’s sides, leaning forwards and breathing, “You ready, sweetheart?” in a shiver-inducing whisper, he was likely similarly affected. 

“Yeah,” Loki replied, clearing his throat against the huskiness in his own voice, “What- uh… what do I do first?”

Once Loki got the hang of it — which didn’t take long at all, given he was naturally coordinated and also held the equivalent of several PhDs in various branches of physics — he insisted upon trying on his own, and after visiting Gura for another craft, he and Mobius had an incredible time zipping around in the bay for the rest of the morning; racing, weaving and dodging, and trying to arc spray into each other’s faces, resulting in good-humoured insults and riotous laughter.

When their time was up, they met upon the water, matching carefree smiles gracing their features. Loki couldn’t recall the last time he’d felt so lighthearted and exuberant… not even the fact they had to return to the TVA the next day could put a dampener on his mood. 

“You’re a natural, Loki,” Mobius praised him, “I told you it’d be awesome.”

“It’s definitely more your thing than mine,” Loki replied humbly, “But… I was right when I said it’d be fun.” 

Mobius frowned for a moment in puzzlement, then his eyes lit up when he recalled what Loki was referring to. 

“Yeah you were,” he beamed. 

They returned their skimmers to Gura who was closing up for lunch break, promising they’d return for one last ride before the end of the day, and for Mobius to say goodbye properly. After grabbing a quick bite in the marketplace, Mobius insisted that Loki have a rest for a couple of hours, as he was apparently looking more fatigued than he thought he was letting on. 

“I’m still your official carer here, Loki, even if we are going home tomorrow,” he reminded him, as Loki grabbed a change of clothes from his drawers.

Loki rolled his eyes, but there was only fondness in his expression. 

“Yes, min elskede,” he said long-sufferingly, though he tossed Mobius an appreciative glance as he headed off for a quick shower. 

When he came back out, Mobius was sitting leaning against the headboard of his bed, and without looking up from the tempad in his hand, he patted the mattress next to him. Loki was only too happy to comply; the full morning of intense physical activity having taken its toll, not to mention all that sunlight, which never failed to make him sleepy at the best of times. Also, these stupid enforced naps were far more enjoyable when Mobius joined him like this… invariably he’d end up playing with Loki's hair or stroking his arm or back with a delicate touch, which pretty much had Loki in raptures. 

Today was no exception, and he dozed off with soft fingers grazing the back of his neck, and soothing button clicks from the tempad as Mobius played some word puzzle games. 

He awoke nearly two hours later, more than ready for another spell on the water, and they headed back down to the beach as the sun was just starting to sink towards the horizon. The sea in the far distance caught the rays as tiny waves undulated and rippled across the blue expanse, creating a glittering effect like an abundance of twinkling stars. 

Gura was very pleased that they’d kept their word, making a big show over how sad he was to be renting Mobius a skimmer for the very last time, eventually inviting him to stay back for a friendly drink after closing up for the night. 

They only took one craft out this time, Loki favouring the closeness of snuggling into Mobius as they rode, not to mention the benefit of allowing the latter full control of the skimmer for his very last session. But they didn’t go overly fast; Mobius clearly wanting to take the time to appreciate the lovely view of their temporary home from out on the water one last time. 

Eventually he stopped the skimmer far out near the reef, and turned himself around so he was straddling the seat backwards, facing Loki.

“Thanks for today, beautiful,” he said with heartfelt gratitude, “I know how much you didn’t want to do this… but I kinda doubt you have any regrets?”

Loki inclined his head, regarding him affectionately. 

“Of course not, kjære,” he assured him. “I’ve had a wonderful day.”

“Mm. Shame it was our last chance.” Mobius looked very slightly downcast, although he was obviously trying not to let it show.

“Yes. It- it feels rather surreal that things are just… going to go back to normal tomorrow.”

“Are they though?” Mobius asked slowly, “Going to be normal, I mean.” He shifted closer, and Loki tilted forwards instinctively, like a magnet seeking North. “See, I don’t recall any time at the TVA when it was normal for me to do this…” He lifted his hands to frame Loki’s face, thumbs coasting lovingly over his cheeks and lower lip, his expression overwhelmingly enamoured to a point where Loki felt his legs weaken, glad he was sitting down. Mobius’ eyes were almost glowing in the last orange rays of the sun, and Loki was enthralled.

“Mm, true,” he found enough of his voice to quietly agree, “Or, for me to do this…”

He reached out for Mobius with one hand, sliding fingers through his hair and drawing him even closer. Their parted lips met briefly with a velvet-soft touch, and Loki leaned back a little, finding Mobius staring at him with heavy-lidded eyes, soft breaths already growing rapid. 

Irresistible.

Loki reeled him back in, Mobius meeting him halfway. Sweet and gentle to begin with, they brushed mouths teasingly, but were soon overtaken by fervour, grabbing for each other as they were swept away helplessly on a rising tide of sensual impulse, converging with a powerful, lip-bruising urgency.

Feeling molten lava pooling inside of him, Loki couldn’t suppress an almost indiscernible moan, which Mobius clearly appreciated, deepening the kiss impossibly, and setting Loki aflame.

They pulled apart, breathless and flushed, and Mobius gazed at him with unabashed desire smouldering in his darkened eyes. 

“Tonight?” he murmured, stroking Loki’s cheek tenderly, and that was all he needed to say.

“Gods, yes.” Loki acquiesced in a vehement whisper, his insides flipping in anticipation.

Centuries of life, as a prince, as a god, and in the end it was Mobius, a mortal both wholly remarkable and unremarkable, who unassumingly held such exquisite influence over him. 

Mobius smiled in adoration and kissed him again, though more chastely this time, with just a hint of promise for what was to come. 

“We’re losing light,” he spoke reluctantly, “We should probably head back in. Gura’s closing up now, anyway.”

Upon reaching the shore, all Mobius wanted to do was grab Loki’s hand and lead him back to their chalet, straight to the bed… or the couch… or the kitchen table… or wherever they landed. He couldn’t care less. 

He just wanted Loki, so very desperately.

But, he’d promised Gura he’d stay on for a drink, and Loki had also apparently planned something special for the evening meal that he’d headed home to prepare — an activity in which he’d grown quite skilled in recent weeks, once his strength had mostly returned. The meals he made from local ingredients were uncomplicated but delectable, and it was one of many things that Mobius would miss about their time here. 

After he and Gura had sat in the early twilight for a time and rehashed their silly ongoing debate over whether water-skimmers or Earth jet skis were superior, the other man turned slightly more serious for a moment, rising from his folding chair to retrieve something from inside his little shack. 

“I have something for you. A gift,” he said as he returned, holding out what looked to be a piece of paper, or card. 

Mobius took it and flipped it over, revealing what was actually a large photograph. A picture of himself and Loki taken in silhouette, the sunset behind them as they’d sat facing each other on their skimmer earlier. 

The business owner would sometimes snap photographs of his clients enjoying their time on the water, and would print them up to sell at the end of their session. Mobius already had one of himself from many weeks ago, not long after he and Loki first arrived.

“Gura, it’s lovely,” he looked back up at him in appreciation, “Thank you so much.”

“It is my pleasure, Mobius. Never have I had such a loyal customer, and one who truly appreciates the countless merits of personal watercraft.”

Mobius grinned, and they finished their drinks, eventually saying their final goodbyes. 

“What’s that?” Loki asked him as he entered the kitchen upon arriving home, placing the photograph on the countertop where Loki was chopping up some kind of root vegetable. “Ohh, is that us?”

“Yeah,” Mobius said as he took a couple of drinks from the refrigeration unit, “Gura took it.” He paused to look over Loki’s shoulder at it again, shaking his head slightly. “It’s the weirdest thing though, Loki, the whole way back I was thinking… I feel like I’ve seen this picture before.”

Loki was quiet for a very long moment.

“In your place of work,” he eventually explained, his voice muted. “Your timeline self, I mean. There was a picture on the wall of a couple on a jet ski, remarkably similar to this. Well, similar in subject and composition, at least.”

“Wow. You don’t say?” Mobius mused with subdued wonder.

“I used to look in on him- you… whatever,” Loki said at length, “Sometimes. When I was-”

“Babysitting the timelines.”

“Quite.”

He put down the knife that had already been still for some time, and turned to lean back against the counter.

“It was oddly painful,” Loki continued, and Mobius looked up at him, hearing the slight quaver in his voice, “The picture in the shop. A reminder of what he used to have with a partner who was no longer around… and of what I wanted… with- with you.”

There was a heavy pause, and after some small consideration, Mobius chose to break it with his trademark levity.

“You wanted to ride jet skis with me?” he asked with playful incredulity.

Loki gave him a look, but Mobius could see the corners of his mouth twitch. 

“I wanted to be with you, doing the things that you love. I wanted to see you happy… and- and to be a part of that,” he added the last with his eyes lowered to the floor, a light blush staining his cheeks. 

Mobius’ heart melted.

He moved closer, taking Loki’s hands and lacing their fingers together. They gazed at each other for a long moment, then Mobius smirked roguishly.

“Mission accomplished?” he shrugged, affecting an easy nonchalance.

Loki’s smile was like the rising sun, the boundless love in his eyes almost taking Mobius’ breath away.

“I do hope only one mission… of infinite.”

Mobius squeezed his hands, swaying forwards to kiss him, light and lingering.

“I’d like to do things that you love too, for the record,” he said as he drew back, “For starters, maybe I can help you out with this.” He nodded at the counter, indicating the early stages of meal preparation.

“That would be most welcome,” Loki replied, “If you’re willing to take instruction, of course. I’m very particular, you should know.”

“Really? I’d never have picked it,” Mobius shot back with a grin.

“Hmph. Do you want dessert tonight, my love? Or not?” Loki warned.

“Is that a euphemism?” he asked boldly, raising an eyebrow as he leaned into Loki, placing his hands either side of him on the counter behind. 

Loki hesitated, slipping his arms around Mobius loosely with a thoughtful expression. 

“… It could be. I suppose that’s for you to find out.” 

There was a teasing flash in Loki’s eyes as he kissed his brow, then turned back to his task at the chopping board.

“Oh… Uh, I’ll be good.” As Mobius moved to Loki’s side, his gaze followed long and dexterous fingers as they slowly gripped the thick, sturdy handle of the knife in a movement that had to have been deliberately suggestive. 

His throat went dry.

“Mm. Good to hear,” Loki muttered approvingly, as he started casually dicing vegetables again, “Keep it up, and maybe we’ll find something that we both love to do.”