Work Text:
Five months. It had only been five months.
Five months had never amounted to much in the past. It would speed by unnoticed by himself - too preoccupied with his life as a hunter or a desk worker. He didn't keep track of how much time had passed not unless it was for an important mission with a strict deadline or wishing for it to go by ever so slightly faster when dredging through the archives.
But now?
He sat at his desk. It was cluttered, more so than it had ever been. Paper work stacked up and post-it notes were stuck to the wall, some unlucky few had dropped down to the desk or floor. Two mugs sat at the desk. One was half full, it's contents long cold. The other had it's own space on the desk away from the mess. The area around it was tidy untouched by the chaos. No dust lay on it.
Mobius stared at the clock. A habit that started exactly three months, two weeks and four hours ago. It's ticking had gotten under his skin but now it was simply a reminder. Did he want to stop and rewind time to undo the past? Or did he want to speed it up so he could see him again.
Loki.
To call Loki simply a friend would be an understatement. He had dedicated his entire life to the god and spent a few months with the man in question. Sure Loki had initially been a little cold towards him but it was the Loki who had just invaded New York. Mobius wasn't surprised to say the least. He knew Loki could be something more, something better and that it hid behind his many walls. Mobius had seen Loki let his many walls down on few occasions whilst researching the god but he could never have once imagined that those walls would be opened to him. He didn't think he deserved it, he was just some office worker. Just some guy. He was below Loki no matter how much the god intrigued him.
But Loki did not care. Or had not noticed Mobius' qualms and deep repression. He saw someone who believed in him, who actually treated him as an equal for once in his life. If Loki needed advice, he would go to Mobius - he simply knew that Mobius would provide either an answer or support, or both. Loki bloomed like the prettiest flower when he grew to trust. He was open and chatty, witty as ever.
It had happened during one of his particularly depressed moments, mourning the loss of his friend. Deep despair of losing his one true friend led him to become a weeping mess on the floor of his small room. A choked sob ripped through him. And then a cough. He couldn't stop it. It felt like his chest would implode if he didn't clear his throat. The breath in his lungs had been snatched from him and in return a single, red rose petal.
Mobius jumped back in panic hitting his head against the wall. It couldn't be true, it was impossible. Reaching out, he held it between his fingers. It was definitely a petal, albeit covered in mucus.
Minutes passed. He sat quietly staring at the offending item curious to its appearance. His crying had since ceased - a strange wave of peace had come over him. What could it mean?
It couldn't be anything supernatural, no witch's curse or the sort. There had to be some sort of rationale. His mind flicked to Loki.
There had been times when B had come back talking about how a seemingly abandoned radio in some grotty shack they had visited during a mission had began playing a song. She knew it by heart. Comforting. She couldn't shake the feeling that it was more than coincidence. But what had cemented their theory was when Casey and O.B. had gone to a timeline to acquire some specific materials. Like a needle in a haystack, or to put more aptly, finding a Soviet style radio communicator in some warehouse filled with junk in a city that was actively tearing itself apart. Not for the faint of heart then. O.B. had insisted on it's importance. Casey offered to come as moral support. When they came back, asides from practically clinging to the other out of fear, they brought a story of lights flickering to life and screens showing arrows which led them directly to where they needed to go. Mobius had crossed his arms and raised a brow at them. B shared his thoughts. O.B. knew their queries however and stated that he would have gone down the same logical thinking if not for the fact that this gadget was located in some backroom, far from where the original workers would have frequented. It was purposeful.
But Mobius was in the TVA. Loki wouldn't be able to see him let alone provide any influence.
The petal drifted over his fingers. Why?
----
The petal sat in a draw in his room, away from any prying eyes. He had been able to look at it privately knowing that he wouldn't be able to give an adequate reason to why he was trying to figure out if a rose petal was in fact a rose petal.
And it was.
Nothing abnormal or supernatural. Just a rose petal.
He stared at it. Why?
There was no rationale in the world as to why one may suddenly hack up a petal in the midst of a crying fit.
Looking out the "window" didn't help his thinking, it was just an advanced illusion of a scenic landscape.
The archives hadn't helped. They don't particularly have an extensive section of floriculture and what they had on flower... illnesses was minimal or simply not helpful.
Deep within him, Mobius knew that he should seek help for whatever had happened. Yet he was simply too ashamed to say what had caused it or that he wasn't handling Loki's departure very well.
Everyone knew that Mobius would be hit the hardest, the two were joined at the hip. Hell they offered him some time away if he so needed it. But he declined. Loki had found purpose and so Mobius wouldn't throw away what they had gained. So he began working towards a better future for everyone. But the more the days dragged on the harder it became to deal with that loss. Knowing your friend was sat alone at the end of time bearing the biggest burden of all isn't something a therapist could provide a solution for. The discovery that Loki could very much see them on the timeline did not help. He didn't want his friend to see what the state he'd landed himself in.
A sob forced its way out. It felt pathetic really. He'd had enough time to grieve - Loki wasn't even dead.
He began to cough again. He'd begun to dread each time he coughed. Anxiety to whether or not another petal would make itself known. But it had only happened once which didn't ease him. Gambling on whether or not he would spew a petal was no comfort.
Another petal appeared. Another rose petal. Just as red and real as the previous. He held it. Something about it was calming although Mobius knew it was his logical brain immediately assuming control from his emotional brain. Deciphering the cause would be tricky. Mobius wasn't sure if he actually wanted to know the cause. If it took longer to figure out, that would mean being closer to Loki returning right? Because he would return... right?
He began coughing again yet no petal.
----
Sweat ran down his brow, body curled up in an unnatural position. It had stopped - some divine mercy.
Petals covered the floor. Rose petals again. He spat them out one after one. The motion of coughing had begun to carve an arche into his chest. Hard to breathe. His body didn't care. It kept producing these petals again and again until he'd collapsed no longer able to vomit them up.
The ground was cold. Initially quite grateful for it, it was now freezing him slowly. Mobius couldn't find it in him to move though. Too exhausted.
Mobius hadn't meant to become side tracked by his thoughts. Yet there was something on one of the shelves that drew his eye. A soft teddy of a black cat that had a ball of string. He couldn't place its familiarity until it came to him.
Loki. Of course it was Loki. And just like that teddy, Loki too had always needed to pull the thread till it came loose.
Loki was soft on Mobius. That was clear to everyone but apparently Loki. B would throw him knowing glances and whenever Sylvie would join the chaos she would team up with B to make passing jokes, unable to miss the opportunity to point out the obvious.
That was how it started. Innocently. But Loki needed to satiate his need to know.
He knew something was being talked about, pertaining to him, but unknown as to what. He wouldn't stop pestering Mobius - he had managed to lessened the barrage until they had been sent to the archives to do "actual work." Sylvie's words, not his.
Mobius naively thought that being sent to the library had actually managed to quieten the man before him. It was just the warm up.
The questions ranged from incredibly specific to not at all. He knew what Loki was trying to do, asides from push his buttons, but didn't budge. He knew that Loki knew this.
He had fended the god off with as many variations of "I don't know Loki" and "focus on the work" as he could muster. Mobius should have known better to leave Loki without a proper answer, he has foresight to the man's potential actions for crying out loud. Yet at the time he recalled knowing this but unable to care waiting for what Loki would do next.
One moment Loki was sat across from him arms crossed and with a sparkle in his eyes. Mobius didn't see him move or hear his approach. He went from looking at his files to being inches from Loki's face. The god's hand resting delicately on his shoulder and the golden light illuminating his face in a truly sinful way. In that moment all logic left, only able to listen to his words as he demanded why he was the topic of conversation.
Focusing on what was being spoken had never been more difficult. His stomach felt like it was flipping but his brain was unable to come up with a reasonable response.
"So Mobius," Loki began, Mobius swore he could feel his breath on his skin," Why am I the talk of the town, hmm?" Far more sultry than it needed to be.
Mobius stumbled over his words unable to break his gaze. He cleared his throat, "Its uhm...ahem. People think you're soft on me."
Loki leant back, eyebrow raised. "Is that so?"
He woke suddenly, joints creaking as he moved. A acrid sent invaded his senses. Opening his eyes felt more akin to a battle. How long had it been? Hopefully not long enough for people to notice his absence.
Sitting upright was downright nauseating. The whole room swan with each motion. His mouth felt dry.
The sight before his was carnage. Mixed in with vomit and whatever else had exited his mouth lay a pile of flowers. He vaguely remembered seeing the rose petals spew from his mouth. What he wasn't expecting was to see any other petals. But there were. Yellows, pinks and purples mixed in with the red. Those that weren't fouled were tucking into his pocket. What remained was swept up and disposed of.
He thanked everything that this occurred in a quiet alcove far from prying eyes.
Trying to get back to his room had never felt more difficult. Vision blurring and ears ringing, he stood upright only by slouching against the wall. He put his hand to his brow.
"Mobius?"
The voice was far too clear amongst the noise.
"Hello B..."
"Are you okay?" From between the gaps of his fingers she seemed quite tense.
He dropped his hand, trying to act as normal as he possibly could. "I think I ate something."
All her emotions were written plainly in her eyes, after all it was unlike Mobius to get ill and so violently at that.
"You heading to your room?"
"Is that an offer of help?" He had a glint in his eye. She smiled back.
"C'mon then, help me."
She huffed a laugh and slung an arm around him.
Maybe he should tell someone...
----
Mobius lay on his bed, sheets thrown off in a sweat. He couldn't sleep, not between the heat and the heavy pressure in his chest. The pain had not yet worn off. Mobius knew there was something more however. He breath he took was a fight.
Books lay on the nightstand, ranging from flowers to birds and geography. He had managed to get B to get him some, joking that it was so he could make "window" a bit more appealing.
He knew what the flowers were now.
Arethusa, or the Dragon Mouth's Orchid, is found in north-eastern America and eastern Canada. Named after the Greek nymph who followed Artemis. Apparently she was turned into a spring whilst fleeing the river god Alpheus who water's mingled with hers. He didn't know why the book of flower symbolism came up with "fear" in relation to it.
Adonis are buttercups native to Europe and Asia. Named after Adonis, the mortal lover of the goddesses Aphrodite and Persephone. It's symbolism was "sorrowful remembrances."
Peony has a much wider range, spanning Europe, Asia and the western North Americas. "Shame."
Laurustine is native to the Mediterranean and north Africa. But the book's symbolism of it shook him the most - "I die if neglected."
It rattled him. Surely it couldn't be true? There was no way.
The flowers bore no relation. The closest was the symbolism but Mobius didn't want to believe it. The negativity of it stirred within him. His chest constrained.
Rose.
That was the other flower.
Nausea ate at him again. There was simply no way.
Mobius had begun to put the pieces together. Loki was the cause. But why? What did his body know that he didn't? Loki wasn't coming back, Mobius was sure of that now. 8 months, two weeks, 6 days and 17 hours. So why was this affliction so persistent on reminding him of his friend?
He rolled onto his side, head buried in the pillow.
Loki was a friend, probably the best he had ever had. The god was brilliant and beautiful and everything Mobius was proud of. He had seen the man reborn anew. He had helped in that journey but it was truly Loki's own doing to achieve such awakening. Mobius simply helped.
----
The rain blew sideways, hammering into him. It was miserable.
B's voice cut through the noise. "Split up, we need to cover more ground..." The rest of it was inaudible to him. He was with her and four other hunters.
Mobius had somewhat recovered from his illness two months back, though not entirely. He was fine outwardly but he had learned to live with the pain, to cover it over. B telling him that he had to come on this mission wasn't appealing to him. He knew why he had to come. He still didn't want to. He had not been a hunter for a long time and was certainly did not possess the sort of athleticism that some of the younger recruits had; Mobius would be joking if he said he would be willing to pull off some of the feats the hunters get themselves into. He almost declined wishing to not be a thorn in their side. B had said fresh air would be good for him. He couldn't not be nice.
Seeing anything more than a few meters ahead seemed impossible. He couldn't help but mock anger at B.
"I thought you said fresh air would do me well. I'm going to catch a cold!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Under all those layers?"
"I should have put on thicker socks." His voice almost disappeared in the wind.
"You should try these." She motioned at her armour. "Perfectly warm."
He smiled. "I have before."
Hours ticked on. Mobius separated from the group walking through a disused building. The kitchen had been ransacked. Draws open and everything on the ground. Out the window he saw B. He motioned to say the room was empty. She nodded and gestured back. "Be careful."
The rest of the building was exactly the same as the kitchen except that it had a utilitarian plan to it. Whoever came through this was looking for something. The backdoor hung off its hinges. It led to another building. It was a shed of some description. Half used for storage and half for creating some kind of robotic monstrosities. The large saw in the centre of the room didn't have to tell him anything more. A dim light flickered on one of the machines. It wasn't surprising.
This world was old and battered by the hands of corporate greed and industrialism. Of course power still clung to life - it had been constructed to be the flame that never went out.
A tool lay on a table just out of sight.
"That's odd." Under his breath.
No one was there. The tool itself seemed to be a welder of some description. And it was warm.
He drew out his baton, now modified so it had no ability to prune. Just to defend oneself.
There were two ways out this building. The way he came and the one he was facing. It was the latter. Whoever had been here had left after the rain started.
Disjointed music began to play out of an old radio. Lyrics came through crackling.
"...eve#y b#3ath y%& ta#£ I'll #£ w&£$h1ng y&%..."
Even with the broken, almost unintelligible warbled lyrics Mobius still knew the song. It was purposeful.
At least someone was watching his back.
The man moved with purpose, each step careful. He peeked the corner. An overgrown alley partially open. Walking down it yet nothing happened. He radioed B the information then proceeded. A row of shop fronts appeared. Opposite them was an old wall stretching upwards to the motorway high in the sky. Darkness consumed the road.
No wonder there were so many street lights.
Mobius kept back from the windows, knowing that danger could be hidden in the shadows. He knew he should stop and wait for B and the hunters to arrive. Somewhere within him he knew he had to go on, to impress them and deal with it alone. That was his duty. He had to prove to them that he was capable.
Tentative steps forwards. Something caught his eye. A slight glint in one of the broken windows. He stepped forward. Light dripped into the room where it could, painting a sad image of the building's former glory. It was one of those fashionable trinket shops. Some of the aforementioned sat scattered upon the ground. He took out his torch and shone it into the room. Water damage and years of looting. Whatever remained had no value. What was there told a story of love, the people who worked here genuinely cared.
The wind and rain tore stripped away more of what was left. Even with gloves he could feel the chill in his hands. Mobius had made sure to stay as warm as possible - he knew freezing would aggravate his chest pain. B would call him out for lying. No doubt he'd be kept to his room until he'd recover. That would be made sure of.
One item remained on the windowsill amongst the carnage. It was almost pristine with little wear. A small black cat.
It made his heart ache. He wanted to keep it safe, take it away from the danger.
A cough began to make its way up his throat. He grabbed onto the doorframe.
Not again...
His chest ached already. But he didn't much care for he was much too aware of the openness of his situation. It made Mobius terribly vulnerable. People would see him. He wouldn't be able to explain the petals. The closest thing to a flower he'd seen since arriving was some scraggly weed he couldn't identify.
Pain blossomed along his side. His side... side. Side? On his side? He was on his side. It was difficult to see what was happening between the darkness and lashing rain combined with hacking his lungs up. The light was blocked out.
Ah, so there you are.
Mobius just needed to get up and-
Pain again. He couldn't quite tell from where. But he heard voices. Indistinct but near. He could take a good guess at how they were finding him.
The figure ran down the street. He clambered up. Mobius watched as an old garage door suddenly slammed down blocking the nearest exit. Running after them seemed impossible. He couldn't stop doubling over, hacking up flowers. This was insane.
He wouldn't be able to catch up if tried. The poor weather had done more damage than he thought. He vomited something up. It was the Arethusa flower.
Fear.
An apt description.
His body hadn't been in such a state since his last collapse. But the last time he was actually injured? He could not recall.
Blackness began to seek into the corner of his vision. The ringing got louder. Sprawled on the group. Completely useless. Insufferable even. He gets brought out here to test his mettle and what happens? He becomes one with the pavement.
One thought crossed his mind.
The cat.
He tried to sit up, to reach it. It was the last thing he could do. Give some love to an abandoned being.
Blackness.
----
The cat sat on his desk. It stared at him. Not in hatred. More like cajoling.
It was too much. An inanimate object seeing right through him. To dig up what he had laid to rest. The dead are meant to rest not to be dug up. Not like it mattered much anymore. He felt weaker than ever. Eyebags had formed from lack of sleep. His chest ached with each breath, like a weight pushing down. His right hand had begun to shake. He could barely stand without going lightheaded.
He never wanted to go back to the timeline, any timeline.
Mobius had seen the fear of B's face when he had reawakened minutes after blacking out. Somehow he persuaded her that he was fine, that he would personally allow her to join him during check up with the doctor. She went to make sure he was okay. He had bruising and that was it. Written all over her face was sadness, the pain at letting someone she knew get injured. He was disgraced.
Mobius hadn't left the TVA since. The simple thought of it made him feel sick. Loki would know. He would see through his lies. There mere thought of Loki finding out, of him knowing, made his stomach drop. The floor of his room was mostly covered in flowers by now.
It had been difficult hiding his declining state. The archives was a good place to hide, pretending to do work.
Its where he had just dragged himself from. He still maintained appearances as best as he could. Head down in work with pie breaks. It helped him keep track of time.
He had begun to lose it sometime around his little excursion. Two months ago?
Could it have been? Really? Mobius hadn't noticed that it had been a year since Loki's leaving. Not that it mattered really. Did it?
Yes?... No?.... He thinks it does. Thinking clearly hurt his mind. Drowsy again. His sign to retire to his room.
Returning to his room had become quite treacherous since Casey caught him leaving a little too early. Casey had brought O.B. over from the project they were working on to try and help. Everyone seemingly knew something was up but were being kind. They thought it had to do with him being attacked, that it hurt his pride. They weren't wrong but he didn't want to tell them about... well.
He stood grasping the wall divider. It had gotten easier to stand up without collapsing, but every now and again he needed support. Manila files were slung under his arm.
The atmosphere seemed different. Or at least he thought it did. Too many people. Why were there so many people?
A young man approached him and urged him to follow. Some wild goose chase. At least it filled in his time. He passed several rooms, all blurring together. Down several flights of stairs. He was unsure as to why he was needed so far down. Unless O.B. wanted him? But O.B. could find him easily if so he so needed.
Unease began to build. Something had changed. People were twitchy. Giddy almost.
Mobius had long since departed finding rationale. There wasn't a point in understanding the unknown.
"Casey and O.B. are waiting for you." The young man pointed to the next room.
His entrance caused the two of them to cease their conversation.
"Mobius!" O.B. held his arm and began walking. "Perfect timing."
"For what?"
Casey and O.B. looked at each other.
"It's good news, really good news!" He had a big smile plastered across his face.
"What is it?"
"You need to see for yourself," said Casey.
They turned a corner.
"We first knew something had happened because our readings had changed. I went to investigate and called everyone."
Dread began to overcome him. It couldn't be possible. He didn't like that they were heading towards the Loom. Sylvie stood in front of him, appearing from the side.
"I'll take him. C'mon." She jerked her head to her right.
"What's happening? All of you are acting weird. Making me uneasy."
She smiled. Genuinely smiled. Mobius had seen her smile in the past, it was often sad or regret filled. But now her eyes shone mischievously.
They kept walking. Mobius was confused when they walked by where the Loom room was. Surely if he was... he'd be there. Sylvie stopped at a door. Mobius had no idea what the room's original purpose could have been for. Storage most likely. Or a vault.
Two knocks.
"After you." She held her hand out gesturing towards the handle.
The handle slowly creaked open. Light spilled in from the room. It wasn't harsh. Familiar. Only halfway open and he saw a table in the centre of the room. From what he could see, there was a plate set out and an entire pie in the middle of the table.
"Is this to make me feel better after that mission? Is this what that is?" He began to turn away from Sylvie, stepping into the room. "I'm flattered but I don't think this get up is necessary-"
Amongst the beige woodwork and cream wall paint, sat the most beautiful green ever. He just. Stood. Gazing. Loki looked as gentle as ever. He stood. Mobius dropped to his knees and immediately began to sob. It was ugly, head in hands. He couldn't help it. He felt happy, he felt scared, he felt ill. What was he meant to do?
A hand gently swept over his back, a circular motion began. "I'm here Mobius."
It was divine. It was soft. Part of Mobius thought he heard Loki's voice break slightly. They stayed like that. Minutes passed. For once in the past year, the passing of time no longer mattered.
"Loki," His voice barely a whisper, "How?" He met Loki's gaze.
Tears ran freely. He cupped Mobius' face bringing him close.
"I missed you dearly."
He couldn't speak, simply collapsing into Loki's arms.
They had eventually peeled themselves from the floor. They had lain flat, Mobius in Loki's arms head on his chest listening to the beating of his heart. It was during this period that Mobius had realised that Loki was in the green robe that had materialised on his walk to Yggdrasil.
It felt nice to eat pie together again. Loki ate his faster than Mobius not that he had suddenly gone off key lime pies.
"I can feel you staring."
Mobius fiddled with his fork. "Making sure you're actually real." He paused. "For a time I would have dreams with you. I'd see you around but I would never be able to actually reach you. Always just beyond me."
A knee knocked against his own. "I'm here now. And I'm willing to make up lost time." He smiled.
"Well you could start by helping me clear the desk."
"You made a mess?" He raised a brow.
"Not.. exactly." Not entirely a lie, but also not the truth.
He placed his fork down. "That cat is there, isn't it."
"Caught red handed. Thought it would be nice. A guardian of sorts." He didn't mention that he thought about putting it in his room, deciding not to because it felt far too intimate.
There was a pause. "Did they tell you why we're the only ones having a one on one?"
"No," He shook his head, "I did overhear that you had been under the weather as of late."
"You know why." He hung his head.
Loki sighed and weighed up his words. "You were lucky you weren't badly injured." He held his breath. "Can I ask you been ill?"
Mobius hung his head. "I was wondering when you'd ask that. Yeah."
"It seemed quite bad."
"How much of it did you see?"
"You collapsed and began to cough violently. Not more than that. I knew that the suspect was important which is why I directed B towards you. After they attacked you I made sure they could not escape."
His anxiety eased. At least he didn't know.
"I was ill a month or so before. I guess the weather kicked it up."
"I assumed B kept you on strict rest and recovery."
"You bet!" He laughed. "O.B. came round to share the progress on his project. He knew I wouldn't want to miss it."
They sat in comfortable silence.
Loki spoke. "You should eat the rest of that."
"You think I'll let it sit?"
"No, if you leave it there for any longer I might eat the rest of it." He smile reached his eyes and they glistened.
----
Loki had been back one whole week. Mobius still couldn't believe it. He was unsure if he wanted to.
Elation clouded his senses.
Mobius had begun to sleep better, no longer restless by the ache in his chest or the shakes in his hand. Yet something still felt like it want to crawl out of him. Something just beneath his skin.
He sat at his desk- their desk. He held his shaking hand staring at it like it was offending him.
"Something wrong with your hand?" A coffee mug was placed next to him.
"I think I may have over done it."
"You overworked yourself?" Loki could hardly believe it.
"I guess so. There wouldn't be another reason." He shook his head, not meeting Loki's eyes.
Loki sat on the edge of the desk, body facing Mobius. "They said that I could return to working, if I so pleased."
He rubbed his hand. "Will you?"
"I don't see why not. The tree has enough power to be self sustainable."
Mobius gestured with his left hand. "Pull up a chair."
He sat close to him, closer than he remembered. Did Loki always knock his knee against his?" Was it Loki simply making sure that this was real?
Loki stilled slightly then settled. His gaze never left Mobius.
"That folder," He pointed to it, "Has everything you need to catch up on."
Picked up from the table in one swoop, it was opened. Images were paperclipped to the folder itself and bright post-it notes stuck out from the sides.
"You organisation skills have changed," Loki said nonchalantly.
"They have?"
"I remember you decrying these sticky notes because they got in you way. I believe your exact words were "why would I use them when I have all the information in my head?"" He raised a brow in jest.
He shrugged. "Times change."
The two busied themselves with the work. Loki watched Mobius intently, he knew the other man, and the others too, would not berate him for skipping out on work. Mobius had changed both drastically and not since he last saw the man in the flesh. He was still the same caring man he had always been, putting others first because he believed that they held greatness. But there was something else, almost invisible obscured by the walls and paintwork Mobius had applied atop it. He was on edge. He would look around when he heard voices approaching. It took a few times for Loki to realise he knew certain footsteps. Mobius tried to hide his hand shaking - balling it into a fist when it wouldn't ease.
What are you hiding? What scares you?
The office area was getting quite full. Mobius had begun to bounce his leg.
"I hope you still like pie." He wore his brightest smile.
"You still like to get of doing work." He smiled back. "Come on then, lets go."
Loki sprang from his chair, doing a small twirl to face Mobius. He put an arm around him. He swore he felt some recoil.
Mobius was tense. Loki was too close. It felt right but it felt wrong. The other man wouldn't avert his gaze for the life of him. Mobius knew it was because he simply missed him no doubt trying to remember his habits from before he left. But there was something underneath it. From how Loki spoke and looked at him... it was less like remembering and more admiring. His eyes wandered over his face but mainly stuck to his face or his hands when they moved.
He rubbed his chest. "What Loki? You keep staring at me."
A sigh. He paused shifting in his seat.
"I was wondering, would you like to perhaps... come with me? A small holiday maybe?"
Mobius raised a brow. "Where to?"
"I'm not sure. Anywhere."
"What's made you want to frolic like Julie Andrews?"
He found it quite funny.
"I've been in the same place for eons. It'd be nice for change."
Loki smiled but didn't miss the way Mobius twitched on the mention of time spent alone.
"When?"
"Obviously not right now but sometime soon." He fiddled with his fork going over his next words. "As much as I love this place and the people here, I want to be free. I want to see and feel the wind and the sun."
Mobius rubbed his chest again. "Who will be coming with you?"
Pause.
Loki hadn't expected that answer. Did Mobius seriously not think that he would chose him? Everyone knew they were connected at the hip.
"What makes you ask that?"
"Well you just came back, you've spent most of your time with me. I don't want to drag you away from spending time with your other friends."
He dropped his fork. "I spend my time with you because I like you. You're my best friend. And quite frankly I wouldn't know who else to take. As much as I love them I'm not sure if I could spend an entire holiday with them." He paused. "But I could with you, Mobius."
Mobius looked at him trying his best to intake what had been said. He was still. His fork slipped out of his hands.
"Well," He began, "I'm quite honoured."
He tried stifling a cough, rubbing his chest.
"Where would you want to go?"
Loki creased his brow. "You already asked that."
"Did I? Oh well-" He was cut off by a cough ripping it's way out of his throat.
"Are you quite alright?-"
"Its nothing, its fine."
"It doesn't seem that way." Loki reached his hand across the gap and lightly grazed Mobius' hand.
He pulled back immediately.
"Will you excuse me."
Mobius got up clumsily, banging into the chair next to him. He all but fled.
Petals spewed from his mouth.
Mobius was hunched over leaning on the wall as support. How he got to his room he didn't know. But the pain overruled any thought like it. It tore through his chest. He felt like wrenching his heart out would be less painful. His head swam with nausea.
What an idiot he had been. Of course Loki would have noticed something was off, that was why he offered to take him to have pie together. He was too stressed to even notice that the two had already had pie together so Loki's question was senseless. But he had been plotting.
This wasn't something he could hide anymore. Loki would find out.
Tears streamed down his face.
Loki had never seen Mobius run so fast. He all but disappeared. Thank the gods he could keep up.
Mobius led Loki to his room. The door slammed shut before he even got to it.
How long had he been ill?
Mobius was a liar, a good one Loki would have to admit, but to lie to such an extent even to the god of it from Mobius was not settling the fear that coursed through his veins. Had the incident on the timeline done more damage that he had admitted? Or was it long standing issue?
The noises from inside the room were awful. Loki was shaking violently. It sounded like Mobius was dying in there.
He banged on the door. "Mobius! Please!"
The retching increased in volume.
Loki stepped back. He ran a hand through his hair. It caught slightly.
"I'm coming in."
Green magic illuminated the room.
It was worse than he could have imagined. The floor was entirely covered in flowers of different varieties. Their colours faded and the edges ripped. He guessed they had been walked over many times. No longer trying to get rid of it. The state of it would have made him pause if not for the sight of Mobius in the corner. Hunched by the junction of the wall and floor hidden behind his bed, he was half sat but mostly laid down on his side.
The petals had been coming from him.
"Mobius!" He ran over.
He was far too lax in his hands, simply letting himself being righted by Loki. His eyes were glazed, barely looking at him.
"Mobius?" He smoothed a hand over his cheek, running a thumb over his brow.
Loki magicked a cloth and wiped the mess from his mouth. It came away red.
A wheezing sound. Mobius seemed to have focused upon his form. "It's not worth it Loki."
"Of course you're worth it."
Mobius weakly shook his head. "It's not a big deal."
"You're dying Mobius, how is that not a big deal?"
He smiled.
"Oh Mobius... what would it take to let me convince you?"
Mobius couldn't find the words.
Loki changed their position now cradling Mobius in his arms so he could hold his face. The light from the "window" danced over him.
"You look beautiful like this."
He smiled. "You think so?"
"Always."
He swiped a thumb over his cheek. "You should say it again. I like the sound of it on your voice."
"Really?" Uncertain.
"Yes." He smiled.
"You're beautiful Loki."
He squeezed his eyes shut, letting the emotion overcome him.
"Don't cry Loki, you'll make me feel bad."
"It's not your fault. I'd never blame you."
Mobius rolled his head to press against Loki's torso. He looked up at him and smiled sadly.
"But it is isn't it?"
"No. We can figure this out. Whatever is the cause-"
"No Loki." He turned away.
"You know, don't you?"
Mobius didn't look at him.
Loki begged him, "What is it? I'll help. Mobius I promise-"
"It's you."
Loki stopped. He froze.
"Me?" He asked tentatively. "How so?"
"I-" He was cut off by a new coughing fit. Loki rolled him slightly to the side so the contents could spill to the side instead of over himself.
Rose petals.
He looked at Mobius then back at it. He picked one up and ran it over his fingers. It was real.
"A few months back," He said weakly.
"Months? Mobius..." He began to sob into the man's chest.
A hand shakily ran over his head. "Its okay Loki."
He looked at the petals on the floor. "Why roses? Do you know?"
Mobius didn't look at him. He gaze trailed off. Loki looked around, eyes landing upon the books on the nightstand. They were covered over. The first layers seemed like they were purposefully being hidden, as if he were afraid that someone would see, but the top most layers were covered in petals too. It was a book on floriculture.
"Love."
The word echoed in the silence, ricocheting off the walls. Loki smoothed his hand over Mobius' face. He wiped away his tears. He wiped away his tears that fell on Mobius' face.
"I love you but I don't deserve you."
Loki shook his head. "Liar. Of course you deserve me."
Mobius rock himself free of Loki's hold. "It's not."
"Why?"
He sputtered. "You...I. Loki. You're a god and a prince, the literal saviour of the multiverse, endlessly caring and deeply kind. I do office work. I was a failing single father of two kids. I'm just Mobius."
"That's enough for me." Loki smiled.
"I've done nothing Loki!"
"Of course you have. You helped me, you were the pillar of support I have always needed. You saw the best in me. I could never thank you enough."
He couldn't help the tears that flowed freely. He curled into Loki. His hands gripping on the fabric of his jacket and creasing it. Loki held him as they cried together.
"I've waited eons Mobius, waiting to see you again. Being able to see you on that mission was like my birthday had come early," He wiped his eyes and cleared his throat, "I went over it a million times. To find the most opportune moment. But now is better than never I suppose."
He leant back slightly, so he could see the other man's face.
"Mobius, I love you."
He began to cry harder, sobbing into the jacket he was clutching. Loki pressed their foreheads together. His hand smoothed over Mobius' back.
"I want to... so bad," He hiccupped through the words.
"I know, I know.."
"I don't know what to do Loki."
"Stay with me."
He nodded. "I can do that."
The two sat together, Mobius against Loki listening to the beating of his heart. Their crying had stopped, a soft silence enveloped them holding their fragility together.
Mobius spoke, voice slightly rough. "What do we do now?"
"I'm not sure. Clean the room?"
Mobius laughed, eyes creasing with the silliness of the statement. "You'll need a big vacuum."
Loki laughed softly. "We'll have to tell O.B. to make one."
"You think he doesn't already have one?"
"I'm not sure. I never saw one." He shook his head.
Mobius smiled at him. "I'd be surprised if you did see one. Only O.B. knows what is in there."
They giggled.
Silence returned.
"What do we do?" Mobius asked quietly.
"I don't know. But we do it one step at a time. You need time to heal."
"You sound like B," Mobius jested.
He rolled his eyes. "Very funny."
"Loki?" He began, "My leg is beginning to cramp like this."
"Here." Loki shifted, easily picking Mobius up a few centimetres from the ground. He put him back down so that his legs were straight. "Better?"
Mobius nodded. Loki sat next to him. He let his hand wander to the man's waist. He didn't miss how Mobius' face contorted slightly, still fighting with himself.
"You are deserving Mobius. Even if you have made a mess of your floor."
Mobius huffed a laugh.
"I will be here for you, I doubt this," He motioned to the mess, "Will stop anytime soon. But know I will be the support you need."
Loki picked up Mobius' hand, ran his thumb over his knuckles and brought it towards his lips. The kiss was soft, delicate. Loki may be colder than most people, but that little touch was warmer than anything Mobius had felt within months. He met Loki's gaze. The god smiled, eyes gleaming. His kissed his knuckles again.
Mobius shifted brining himself closer to Loki. He rested his head against Loki's, hand trailing down his side.
"Can I-"
"Kiss me."
His eyes widened slightly before relaxing. He smiled.
It was sweet and delicate. Loki's hand rested in the small of his back, the other held his side. Mobius' own cradled Loki's head. They rested their heads together, noses touching. Mobius matched Loki's smile - the other man couldn't contain himself and began to laugh softly.
"What?"
"Its just, I love you. I don't know what else to say."
Mobius smiled.
Loki kissed him.
"Careful, you'll knock me over."
He winked. Mobius turned red.
"Get up." He begun to stand when Loki stopped him.
"Would you like to rest with me?"
"Together?"
"No I thought I'd levitate above you to watch you sleep - yes together."
Mobius smiled. Loki was far too endearing.
"Yes. Yes I would."
Loki removed his jacket and tie. The other man looked on curiously.
"Comfort," He said matter of factly. "Come here."
He took off Mobius' jacket, hands tracing his body. One flash of green and it disappeared, most likely to the inside of his wardrobe. He neatly undid his tie next invading his personal space just a little too much. Just as it was to come off, he grabbed his collar and kissed him. It wasn't as soft, but made up for the passion that bled through. He pulled on the tie drawing Mobius closer. It also disappeared in a green flash.
One flick of Loki's wrist and the whole room briefly shone. All the mess gone. The bedding and pillows clean. He motioned for Mobius to sit on the bed. As he did, Loki knelt. he began to unknot Mobius's shoes and then placed them carefully by the bedside. He kicked his own off.
Mobius held out his hand - Loki took it.
The two rested on their sides, Mobius fit snuggly against Loki. Legs intertwined and arms wrapped around the other. He brushed the stray hair behind Loki's ear. He kissed him again, slower. More meaningful.
Loki's eyes glittered as he looked at his lover. He cupped his face. The other man leant in and kissed his palm.
"I love you too."