Chapter Text
Loki returns to his previous position for Mobius to rinse off the shampoo. The agent shields other man's eyes from water with one hand while holding shower head in the other. With foam out of the way, it’s time for the main reason he brought his boyfriend here. Using the comb, he selects longer strands of hair and cuts them to match the rest. Snippets are thrown into the cup. Loki takes it quite well, only becoming wary when scissors are near his ears or eyes.
“Should I bring the mirror? Towel?” asks Mobius after finishing.
“Not yet. The water is still warm.” Loki stretches himself in the bathtub and closes eyes like he’s about to take a nap. “You know what, Moby?”
“What?”
“When I wash my hair, I do it twice. Just to be sure.”
Understanding what he means by that, Mobius lets out a small chuckle and grabs the bottle of shampoo. While he pours a second portion of thick liquid onto his hand, Loki dips his head in the water to make new short hair as wet as possible.
The prince melts again under Mobius’ care. The agent would like to start small talk, but doesn’t want to ruin this moment for the second time. They both enjoy it in silence, until Loki starts to hum a melody Mobius doesn’t recognise. It’s probably an Asgardian song. He could ask but decides not to. Instead he moves his hands lower. Although he said earlier that he’ll only do Loki’s hair, he rubs his neck, then shoulders and collarbone. Nothing more.
*
Even in a place outside of time, it sure flies fast.
“I think that’s enough,” says Mobius after checking the water. “It’s tepid.”
Loki agrees, pulls out the plug and gets out of the bath. Thin veil of green magic goes over his body, leaving him dry. He puts on his bathrobe and goes to the mirror above the sink. Carefully watches his new haircut, sceptical at first, but this new look quickly grows on him. It’s like how he used to keep his hair before.
“Not bad, Moby” Loki says pleased and turns to Mobius. “If this place one day explodes, you can open a hair salon on Earth.”
“First: thank you, Lokes. I’m glad you like it. Second: in your dreams.”
They both laugh.
*
When they return to the bedroom, a new problem arises: what now? If they go back to bed now, they can still catch two hours of sleep before work. But they are not tired anymore.
“So… Do you want to watch the rest of that movie?” asks Mobius.
“No. You can pick another one. I will grab something to eat.”
“Good idea.”
They part their ways in the living room. Mobius picks up the box containing his VHS collection. He is particularly interested in feel-good comedies from the nineties. He chooses one that is actually funny and not offensively bad.
Just as he finishes rewinding it, Loki returns holding a huge plate of steaming toasts with molten cheese and pizza slices left from yesterday’s dinner.
“It’s almost breakfast.”
“Right on time, Lokes.”
They sit on the couch with Loki putting his feet on the armrest.
Usually they are the worst people to watch movies with. Mobius likes to point out his favourite scenes and references, while Loki complains a lot about everything: from bad acting to a font used in the credits. Tonight is no exception.
“Oh, come on! My brother could be a more convincing bride without even trying to act like one.”
Mobius lays his arm on Loki’s shoulders.
“That’s part of this gag,” he explains. “Just wait.”
The prince sights and leans on agent's chest.
“If you say so.”
The payoff is like Mobius expected. Loki not only laughs but also gets interested in the plot. A stark contrast to how he was just an hour ago.