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Chapter Text

Loki turned in a circle in front of Mobius and gestured at his new black slacks and emerald green shirt. His tie was a bright, eye-catching yellow. "Well, what do you think?"

Mobius said, "I think you look utterly gorgeous." He ran his hand over Loki's chest, making him shiver.

Mobius looked pretty good himself. Blue shirt, gray pants, same crooked tie. Loki stepped forward and straightened it, looking Mobius in the eyes. Loki smiled, loving this man more than ever.

Mobius shook the Tempad. "If you're ready, I'll key it in."

Loki stopped him, "Wait. Do you think he'll be happy to see me?"

Mobius took his hand. "Thor? He'll be thrilled. I promise." He brushed away a stray lock of hair from his face. "And I can't wait to meet the fam."

"Do you think the others will be there?"

"Absolutely. I linked all of the Tempads, just in case." Mobius smiled at his own cleverness.

Loki raised an eyebrow, "You knew."

Mobius continued to look smug. "Obviously. So, shall we go already?"

"Wait. It's Asgard, but when?"

Mobius fiddled with the device while Loki looked over his shoulder. Mobius said, "Not sure. Anyway, the timeline's been disrupted, branched out. My guess, based on an extensive study of Lokis, is that the Loki there is probably still a villainous scamp, just like you were when I met you."

Loki straightened up. "I don't need reminding, thanks. I was just wondering if my mother was alive."

"Oh, Loki," Mobius said, his voice soft. He lay his hand on his shoulder and pulled him into a hug. "No matter what we face there, I'm here for you. And if you want to change your mind, that's okay, too."

Loki pulled back and shook his head. "No. I want to go. I really do. I want my family to meet you. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me and I want to show you off."

Mobius laughed, "I hope I'll pass muster. Okay, I'm keying it in. No backsies."

The orange door opened and they walked through together. They emerged in a dim room next to the TARDIS. Mobius smiled. "The Doctor is still here. This should be interesting."

Loki raised an eyebrow. He reoriented himself, then opened the door to a long hallway. Mobius' hand bumped against his and Loki grabbed it, feeling just a little bit stronger. It was amazing that he drew so much confidence from just being next to this human.

Mobius said, "This place is even better in person. I mean, this art and architecture is just Wow."

Loki smiled. "'Wow,' indeed."

"Seriously. I never thought I'd get the chance to see it for real. I'm already glad you brought me."

"Wait till you meet my brother, then let me know what you think."

Mobius laughed. "Ok, darling."

"Darling?"

Mobius grinned. "I'm trying out pet names. I think darling suits you."

Loki rolled his eyes and then led them to a door where he could hear laughter. Thor's boisterous voice was unmistakable. Loki put his hand on the door, but didn't open it.

"Here," Mobius said. He brushed a kiss on his lips. "It's going to be fine, I promise, kitten."

"Definitely not kitten."

"I'll work on it," Mobius said, giving him a teasing smile.

Loki tried to look imperious. "You had better. Let's go."

He pushed open the door. The room was cheerful and festive. A group of very familiar people were gathered around the table. The Doctor noticed them first.

"Told ya he'd show up!" he turned around in his seat and grinned like the mad person he was.

A commotion went up as variants stood up to greet Loki and Mobius. Just behind them, Thor and his mother came over to greet them. Everyone was on their feet except one Loki who had been slouching at the table in fine Asgardian leather. He slammed his beer stein on the table. "Another bloody one! I'm done!" He rose and stalked out of the room, slamming the door.

Old Loki started laughing, "I thought he'd never leave!"

The kid high-fived him. "You said it! What a drag!"

Frigga broke in, "He's trying his best."

Sylvie nodded. "We can all be anything we want. He can, too."

The kid coughed, "Suck up."

Sylvie narrowed her eyes at him but the kid just sauntered back to the table with Old Loki, laughing and joking around.

Thor said, "Enough! This day is even better than before! Another brother to get to know! How many of there are you?"

Mobius said, "More than 2,000 variants that I know of, but there's probably a lot more now."

"Wonderful!" Thor boomed and Loki found himself enveloped in his brother's arms. It had been so long since he'd hugged his brother. It felt good and terribly scary. In his own timeline, one of the last things Thor had done to him was put a muzzle over his mouth.

Loki heard his mother start to introduce herself to Mobius. He wouldn't stand for that. He wanted to introduce his boyfriend himself. He said, "Thor, hang on! Wait, mother!" He pulled back and reached for Mobius' hand. "Mother, Thor, this is my boyfriend, Mobius."

Loki's mother smiled and Thor immediately wrapped his big arms around Mobius, whose eyes were shooting 'help me' signals back to Loki.

"Don't smother him!" Loki interjected. Mobius gave him a grateful look and took his hand. "Where is our father?"

Thor said, "Not well, I'm afraid."

Mobius shot a look at Loki. From the table, Old Loki said, "I already warned him. About Hela, Ragnarok, and Thanos. The Doctor said it was fine."

The Doctor grinned. "Yep! No fixed timeline for Ragnarok anyway. As long as it happens eventually, you can put it off for aeons."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

The Doctor said, "Oh yeah. As a special realm, Asgard has no fixed points in time, so each timeline is free to have Ragnarok when it's time, or not. It's a bit complicated."

Sylvie rolled her eyes. "It's not that complicated."

"You're just a good student," the Doctor said.

Frigga smiled. "She's an excellent student."

Sylvie beamed at Frigga and Loki felt glad that she had a chance to meet a variant of her adoptive mother.

Thor slapped Loki (hard) on the back. "Sit! Tell us your stories." He looked at Mobius, "I have heard much about your jet skis. I'd like to know more."

Mobius shot a look at Loki that was full of pure unadulterated joy and then made his way to the table to talk about jet skis with Thor.

Loki stayed next to his mother. "Are you well?" he asked.

She smiled. "Very well in some ways. In others, I'm a bit overwhelmed. I never expected to meet so many versions of you, but here you are." She glanced at Mobius. "Your young man is quite handsome. You know, as a Midgardian, he won't live as long as we do."

Loki pressed his lips together. "I'm aware."

"I don't say that to hurt you. I have a charm for him, if he wishes it to be cast. He can live as long as any of us. I will share it with you."

Loki felt his heart melt. He lowered his eyes, then felt his mother smooth his hair back from his forehead. "I'm indebted to you."

"For what? It is freely given, my son."

Loki looked her in the eyes. "Without your love for me, I would never have been able to love anyone else. You gave me the biggest gift in the world."

Frigga gave him a sad smile, "Loki, you have always been loved. Would that my own timeline's son recognized that. It was not only me, but Thor, and so many others. Look at what you have brought together. The Doctor said he started with you and Sylvie. You brought along the rest. I am proud that in at least a few universes, there are versions of you who finally find the peace you deserve." She touched his cheek and brushed away a tear. Loki hadn't realized that he'd been crying.

He looked over his shoulder and saw Thor and Mobius talking and laughing. The kid and Old Loki were joking around. They both looked good in traditional Asgardian clothes. The Doctor and Sylvie were adorable, matching each other with passion, and true, lived joy.

This was his family. Loki wanted to melt, felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliar emotions. He looked at his mother and said, " I missed you. So much."

Frigga folded him into her arms and said, "You've done well my son." When Loki opened his eyes, he caught Mobius looking fondly at him, and he agreed. He'd done so very well.

Chapter Text

After a long evening first in the hall, and then on the balcony to watch the sun set and the stars emerge, Loki and Mobius were led to their rooms by a tipsy Thor.

Thor said, "You are so unlike the others, especially the crocodile--"

"Alligator," Mobius corrected.

"Yes," agreed Thor, "The Lokigator. I mean, you seem so very similar to the Loki I grew up with. Slightly less snarky. Maybe."

"I expect we diverged much more recently. That does make a difference, I believe."

Mobius nodded. "It absolutely makes a difference."

Thor opened the door to their rooms, then crossed his arms. "It's just so weird. So many siblings! And one is a Lokidile!"

"Close enough," Mobius said.

"Exactly," Thor said. Then he hugged Loki again. "Goodnight."

Loki patted his brother on the back. "Goodnight."

Thor withdrew and left Mobius and Loki alone. Behind him, Mobius had already kicked off his shoes and loosened his tie. He flopped back onto the soft bed. "Oooh, this is the life, sweetheart!"

Loki raised an eyebrow.

"So 'sweetheart' is a no go."

"Yes."

Mobius propped himself up. "So what do Norse gods use as terms of endearment?"

Loki removed his tie and then lay down next to Mobius. "We don't. Use terms of endearment like you do, that is."

Mobius smiled. "You're missing out!"

Loki moved closer, ran his hand over Mobius' side, letting his hand rest on his hips. "Oh really? 'Darling, Kitten, Sweetheart?' Is that the best you've got?"

Mobius leaned in. "Look. I'm a simple man with a simple, singular love for an amazing and so very handsome god of chaos and mischief--"

"Wait, let me stop you there. That sounds exactly like a term of endearment."

Mobius scooted closer. Loki could smell his desire, could feel the heat from his want. "So for you, Loki, a term of endearment is praise."

Loki put his hand on the back of Mobius' neck. He leaned into him, almost, but not quite touching his lips with his own. "Say I am powerful."

Mobius said, "You are."

Loki breathed, "Say I am worthy and beautiful."

"You are all good things, and more," Mobius breathed. His mouth was right there for Loki to take. He moved the tiniest fraction of an inch and felt their lips brush against each other. They went back for more, tasting Asgardian wine on each other's tongue. The bristle of Mobius' mustache was always such a welcome counterpoint to his soft lips.

Then Mobius pushed him over, sitting on top of Loki, hungrily kissing him and pressing his excited body against Loki's. His hands were in his hair, then were unbuttoning his shirt. He touched Loki's chest, kissing him reverently. He said, "I adore you, Loki," as he sat up and removed his own shirt, button by button, revealing his chest and belly.

Loki's fingers ghosted across his soft, but flat stomach. "And I adore you. Every line of your body. Every inch of you."

Mobius bent closer, his bare chest against his. Loki ran his hands down his back, feeling his muscles move as Mobius paid attention to his neck. Mobius breathed against him, "You make me feel so good."

Loki smiled, "I'm just getting started." They rolled over together and Loki magicked the rest of their clothes away. "And nights on Asgard are long."

"My wonderful, talented god," he breathed.

"You know exactly what I like to hear," Loki said and moved against Mobius, feeling their bodies heat up in the night.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Loki magicked both of them new outfits in a more Asgardian style. The soft white shirt and tight slacks weren't Mobius' usual fare, but were extremely fetching in Loki's eyes. "Trust me," he said. "This is perfect."

Mobius gave him an appreciative look over. "At least we match and black and green look so good on you."

"I know. Shall we?"

As Loki and Mobius left the room, the other Loki variant from this timeline just happened to be walking towards them from the other direction.

Mobius whispered, "I'll bet he was waiting around the corner for us to show up."

Loki wrapped his arm around Mobius' waist and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "We should have made him wait a little longer."

"You scamp!"

Loki grinned wickedly.

The Loki variant came up to them. "Good morning, guests of Asgard!"

This irritated Loki, exactly as his variant intended. Asgard was *his* too. "What brings you to the *guest* wing?" Loki asked.

The other Loki, who really did look so much like himself that it was uncanny, said, "I didn't get a proper chance to say hello to the man you brought from Midgard."

Loki couldn't help it. "You mean my boyfriend?"

Loki's variant sneered. "Is that what you call a paramour these days?"

Mobius grinned. "I'm right here, boys and personally, I like to say we are a thing."

Loki's variant tried to suppress his disdain, but the other two saw it easily and Loki shot a warning look at Mobius before he could start teasing more.

Loki said, "Meet Mobius M. Mobius."

"Does the M stand for Mobius also?"

Mobius' eyes sparkled. "Funny enough, yes "

The variant looked even more disdainful, which Mobius ignored and said, "But you didn't wait for us to leave our room just so you could meet a mortal, am I right?"

The variant looked taken aback by Mobius' straight line getting to the point. He recovered quickly. "No. You're correct. I was wondering why you came to Asgard. The two of you didn't arrive with the Time Lord."

Loki laughed. "That's not why you're in the *guest* hall, either. You don't care that I wanted to share the man I love with my family---"

The other Loki's eyes grew cold. "They are not your family. Or family to the others."

Mobius interjected, "Hey, hey, calm down."

Anger flashed in his eyes. "You dare?"

"Yeah, I do. I know why you're here. You're intrigued by how much you look like and feel similar to my Loki, but are still so different. You're curious."

'My Loki,' he thought, liking that so much. Loki glanced at Mobius who had a twinkle in his eye. Then he glanced at his variant, who seemed completely ruffled.

"That's not--"

Mobius said, "It's okay. I mean, isn't it nice to know that you can be happy, too?"

This other Loki's face twisted in anger. "You know nothing about me. And you know what else? I want all of you to leave. Especially the lizard."

"He's an alligator."

"I don't care. You don't belong here. Leave soon, or--"

Loki let magic crackle in his palms. "Or what?"

The variant turned on his heel and walked away, calling over his shoulder, "You'll see."

Mobius opened his mouth as he walked away, but Loki said, "I'm nothing like him."

Mobius took his hand. "Not anymore."

Loki sighed. "Let's see what the others are up to and then I'll show you around some more."

They found Sylvie and the Doctor in a parlour off the east wing sitting on the floor and playing a game with brightly colored cards. The Doctor looked up and grinned. "Good morning!"

Mobius looked at the cards, "Uno? Where did you get that?"

"Earth stuff is cool," the Doctor replied.

Sylvie nodded. "He's right. This game is totally about revenge and I've won five time in a row."

Loki raised an eyebrow then asked where the others were.

"Archery field," Sylvie said, dealing a new hand. "Ever used a bow, loverboy?"

Mobius looked bemused. "Can't say I have."

Loki smiled, "Mobius you're going to love it!"

"It sounds super, but why aren't you all out there too?"

The Doctor said, "We were, but Sylvie was so good, the others started getting a little jealous. Thought we should pop back inside for a bit."

Sylvie winked at them. "Told you I'm the best Loki."

Loki said, "We'll see."

Sylvie smiled gleefully as she put down a card and declared, "Uno!"

Mobius and Loki said their goodbyes and went out to the archery field. When they stepped outside, the air was brisk and the sky clear. The field was green, long and filled with targets. They walked along the edges to reach where Old Loki was watching Thor instruct the kid. As they approached, they were greeted.

Mobius' eyes lit up. "Think I can try, too?"

Loki frowned, looking at the bows available for use. They were meant for someone with the strength of a god and would be impossible for Mobius to wield. Loki conjured one for Mobius instead and handed it to him. "This is better suited to a Midgardian," he explained. Then he picked up a quiver and put his hand on Mobius' back, guiding him to a clear sight to a close target not far from the kid and Thor.

Loki set down the quiver and said, "First thing you need to do is get your stance correct." He put his hands on Mobius' body and gently guided him until he was positioned correctly.

Mobius leaned back and whispered, "This is kind of turning me on."

"You're too easy," Loki whispered back and smiled when Mobius chuckled.

He stood to the side and helped Mobius with his grip and how to pull back the arrow and aim. As he did, he corrected Mobius, moving him gently. Loki stood back to look at him. "You're ready."

Mobius smiled mischievously, "Ok honeybun."

Loki rolled his eyes and watched as Mobius pulled back on the bow with the arrow and released it. It missed the target by quite a lot.

Loki said, "Try again."

Mobius dutifully picked up another arrow, drew it back and hit the target this time. He turned to Loki. "Not bad, huh?"

"You're supposed to hit the middle of the board," Loki commented.

"I'll get there eventually." He glanced at the kid who was shooting on his own now. "He's pretty good."

Loki said, "He's a god. Of course he's good."

Mobius smiled. "I guess I'll just have to do as well as humanly possible."

Loki kissed him. "Just have fun."

He walked away to join Old Loki and Thor sitting in the shade of a large tree. He sat next to Thor who was talking about the kid's form. Loki could tell that his older variant was bored to tears. When Loki asked him about his plans after the visit, he looked grateful.

"I've amassed a collection of unusual magics and Frigga would like me to write them down for the archives." He smiled. "It's strange to be of an age with her."

Loki said, "I can imagine! And of course Thor is probably as you remember him from many years back in your own timeline."

Old Loki smiled. "He is."

Thor smiled back.

"Ah, speak of our mother and she appears," said Old Loki.

Loki turned around and saw his mother walk onto the field in more casual clothes than she wore yesterday. His variant trailed her, a sour look on his face. Frigga came over to the group and greeted them, sitting, but his variant kept walking. He chose a bow and a quiver and positioned himself in front of a target.

Frigga watched the archers for a few minutes, then said, "They're doing quite well."

Loki said, "You don't have to pretend. Mobius isn't doing so great. Not surprised since it's his first time."

Frigga gave Loki a secret smile and as Mobius shot another arrow, it appeared to make a bullseye. Mobius turned around, "Did you see that? Wow!"

Loki raised his eyebrow. "You'll give him false confidence."

"I just gave him some extra confidence. Losing over and over erodes morale quicker than anything." She glanced at her son from this timeline then back to Loki. He knew she wasn't *his* Frigga, but it hardly seemed to matter. He knew she loved his variant as he had been loved.

He looked at his variant who made bullseye after bullseye. Mobius whistled. "Pretty good, Loki Odinson."

His variant eyed Mobius and ignored him, drawing the bow and aiming at Mobius' target. He shot at the illusory bullseye, making it disappear. "You're not as good as you think. Looks like someone helped you cheat."

Mobius looked back over his shoulder and said, "Winning is fun, but that's not what this is about."

The variant sneered. "That's exactly what this is about."

Mobius shrugged. "If you say so. I think it's more about bettering yourself, seeing what you're able to accomplish, good or bad. You can have the rest of my arrows." Mobius left the variant who was flustered and annoyed. He walked back towards Loki and grinned. "That was real fun, but I think my arms are going to hurt something awful later."

Frigga said, "I've got a balm for that. If you wish."

Mobius said, "I'd appreciate it very much, ma'am."

"Loki, if you don't mind, I'm going to take your young man with me to my gardens."

Loki smiled. "I'll go with. I miss the flowers."

She smiled, "Lovely!"

But as they left, Loki noticed his jealous variant eyeing them with hatred.

Chapter Text

Frigga and Mobius settled into an easy conversation as they walked to the garden. She wondered how they had met and Loki enjoyed listening to Mobius try to put a nice spin on 'basically, I captured him and we grew into something else.' Mobius shot him a look as Loki attempted and failed to hide his mirth.

Frigga said, "You'd be surprised how many relationships among the Aesir are transactional."

Mobius raised his eyebrows. "Yours and Loki's weren't."

"No," she said, warming Loki's heart. "He has always been dear to me. Quick in thought, strong in magic, he has always had his own path to follow. I am sure your own variant of myself felt that way."

Loki nodded. "I think she did."

Mobius tugged Loki's arm. "I know she did."

Loki drew closer to Mobius. It was a little unfair that Mobius knew more than he did about his own timeline's Frigga, but it was better than not having the information that she loved and cherished him.

As they entered the garden, Loki spotted Lokigator swimming around a pond and his father sitting in a chair, watching the alligator variant turn in lazy circles. Frigga approached Odin and said to him, "These are the new visitors I told you about yesterday."

Odin raised his head. "Ah, another Loki. And one who looks so much like our own son."

Loki wasn't sure how he felt seeing his father. But he pressed forward, "This is my boyfriend, my beloved, Mobius."

Odin looked over, "Mobius of Midgard. Well met." He nodded, and Loki could see that he was tired already. Mobius was polite and bowed to the Allfather.

"It is an honor, your highness," Mobius said.

Odin beckoned Mobius closer and whispered something in his ear. Loki was intrigued, and would ask Mobius about it later, especially after he caught the other man's expression of surprise and then a sort of wistfulness. Immediately after, Odin seemed to slip back into sleep.

Frigga touched Loki's arm and said, "Today isn't a good day for him, I'm sorry."

Loki nodded. He had mixed feelings about any version of his father, but it was still strange to see him look so old and powerless. He knew that it was likely that the Loki from this timeline was working every angle to become the next in line for the throne. Personally, if he was in that position, he would have welcomed the distraction of all the extra variants in order to cause mischief, but the Loki from here wanted them gone. He'd have to think about that.

Loki followed his mother and Mobius into the center of the garden where there was a small gazebo and shed. Frigga and Mobius were chatting, with Mobius asking endless questions about the plants growing here and what they were for. It warmed Loki's heart to see them hit it off so well.

They entered the shed, which was well organized and full of dried cuttings and roots. Frigga found some aromatic leaves and folded them into a paper envelope, sealing it with wax. She handed it to Loki. "You must soak these, then apply using sedir. It won't work without magic."

Loki said, "Any particular type of expression, a charm, a cantrip?"

Frigga said, "No, just that you possess magic and it's active. It's very simple. The other spell I told you about requires much more work, but I have it written for you."

Loki glanced at Mobius as he asked, "Another spell?"

Frigga looked at Loki, who barely shook his head. He told Mobius, "I didn't ask you last night. We were busy… with other things, but my mother has a charm that can allow you to live as long as any of us here in Asgard."

Mobius' eyes grew wide. "Wow."

Frigga smiled. "It is freely given if you wish it."

Mobius glanced at Loki. "You'd want to be with me the rest of your life?"

Loki felt his heart swell. "I would."

Mobius looked away. "I'm… staggered."

Loki came closer and put his arms around him. "Why?"

Mobius looked lost and wistful. "I'm just… an out of work analyst. I don't belong in this world."

Loki kissed his forehead. "You belong to me. And if you leave my world before I do, I'll follow soon after. I swear I will. Stay with me as long as possible."

Mobius looked into his eyes, and Loki held his gaze. He felt like he was being read more deeply than ever before. But he was equal to Mobius' penetrating gaze now. He was completely open to him, and only him.

Whatever Mobius saw satisfied him. "I'll do it, especially if it means keeping you around as long as possible."

Loki felt his face heat up. Mobius took his hand and placed a kiss on his temple.

Frigga looked at Loki. "It will be even stronger if we work the magic together."

"Now, mother?"

She nodded and said to Mobius, "Please sit."

Mobius took the small chair next to him in the middle of the shed. "Will it hurt?"

Frigga soothed him, "Not at all."

She looked at Loki. "Follow my lead, son."

Loki concentrated as she spun sedir, as it moved around her he felt mesmerized. Her magic was intricate and as always left Loki awestruck. Then Frigga touched his arm and Loki leant his strength. He felt the magic settle over Mobius like a fine-spun net, permeate his cells, bond with his essence. It was a strong, complicated magic and Loki was glad his mother was in charge of it. It felt like she was blessing their relationship.

Mobius' eyes opened and briefly shone green and gold through Loki's and Frigga's combined magic before he closed them again. Mobius looked like he was utterly relaxed. His face was free of worries or troubles. He could have been sleeping or caught in a moment of ecstasy. Loki was constantly surprised at how he often thought he'd seen Mobius at his best, and then found a new angle to see him from that topped it.

As the spell completed and sealed over Mobius, he blinked and his eyes were blue again. He focused on Loki. "Did it work?"

Frigga smiled, "Yes. You're going to have many years together. Use them wisely."

Loki looked at Mobius, "I swear I will."

Mobius gave him a heart-melting smile.

Chapter Text

After the spell, Frigga said she had work to do and shooed them away. As they left the shed, Mobius whispered, "I don't think I feel any different."

Loki kissed him and pulled him to his side as they walked back through the gardens. "It's a good sign that you can't tell any difference. Magic should be seamless, undetectable by the person it's worked on. My mother is unrivalled in skill."

Mobius smiled. "Are you saying she's much better than you?"

Loki said, "She always was. Maybe my older variant knows as much as she does now. I'm just… me. I do what I can."

Mobius said, "You both gave me thousands of years, Loki. That's definitely something."

Loki sniffed. "Yeah, well, I know you'll work hard to make it up to me."

Mobius chuckled, "Of course, my love."

Loki held his hand. "Let's relax before dinner. Sound good?"

"I'm at your beck and call. Always." He pinched Loki's bottom, undermining his own words, but that was Mobius: knowing, wise, and very, very cheeky.

When they reached the guest rooms they went into the baths, which were large enough for more than two people and sunk into the ground. Loki started the water and then turned to Mobius. "Shall I magic away your clothes, or remove them piece by piece?"

"Oh? Mobius of Midgard has a choice? Piece by piece, my god."

Loki approached Mobius, kneeling before him, asking for his boot. The man lifted his foot and Loki undid the laces, eased his foot out of his thick socks and let his fingers linger over his skin. Mobius was ticklish, but Loki knew that if he touched him just so, the ticklish feeling could be bent towards pleasure. He heard Mobius sigh as he touched him ever so gently. He caught his lover's eyes and held them before briefly licking the ball of his foot. Mobius shuddered and became unsteady. Loki chuckled before moving to the next boot.

After the shoes were shed, he knew he wanted Mobius out of his shirt. It was easy to divest him of his Asgardian blouse, though the tight slacks were probably better magicked off. He reverently touched Mobius' chest before he kissed his lover under his jaw, along his collarbones, and then up his neck. Then, impatient, he made the slacks and underwear disappear. He also disappeared his own clothing.

Mobius shot him a look. Loki replied, "Do you want a relaxing bath or not? My mother gave me a poultice for your muscles. It's not like I'm trying to seduce you!"

Mobius grinned. "You're always trying to seduce me. It's one of the things I like best about you."

This earned him a deep kiss. Then they slipped into the bath, which was hot and smelled like spring. Loki had his mother's cure for aches and pains, laying the wet herbs over Mobius' back and arms as he chanted, hoped, and projected his love. In the bath, Mobius seemed content, free from pain.

Mobius relaxed, his back pressed to Loki's chest. The herbs smelled like citrus and rosemary. Loki ran his fingers through Mobius' hair. He stroked lazily down Mobius' chest, humming a song from his youth. Mobius responded, "S'nice. I love your voice, but your singing is even better."

Loki kissed the top of his head and began to really sing now, doing it for Mobius. Everything felt so right with this man. He made him feel solid, real, and seen. He finished the song and kissed the back of Mobius' neck, then under his sensitive ears. He had Mobius moaning in pleasure as he sucked on an ear lobe while he pressed his palms against his warm chest and belly.

Mobius twisted in the bath, twining their fingers together, pushing his body against Loki's. He kissed him deeply, thoroughly, like Loki was everything.

Loki slipped out of the bath first. When Mobius got out of the water, he reminded Loki of a god. The water sloughed off his body and he strode with purpose towards him, hunger in his eyes.

Chapter Text

At dinner, Mobius kept pulling at his collar and looking at his hands as if he could see or feel the difference the magic wrought. Loki could just barely sense the difference in Mobius now that he'd been exposed to it long enough. It was a kind of golden light, except it didn't really shine in the physical dimension. It was beautiful, whenever Loki caught it in just the right way to sense.

Both Old and Kid Loki could tell a spell had been cast. Old Loki said, "That is a difficult working. I'm impressed."

The kid murmured to Loki. "He's never impressed."

"It was all our mother's skill, truly," Loki admitted.

Across the table, his jealous variant seethed. Sylvie raised her eyebrows at him. "Everything alright, Loki?" she asked the variant.

He attempted to compose himself. "All is well, *Loki,* though I question some choices made by my mother." he said back to her. That ruffled Sylvie a little, since she preferred her chosen name. She shot Loki a glance that he could only answer with a shrug. Then, she turned away and chatted with the Doctor until Frigga and Thor entered the room.

Thor swaggered in and took his seat near the head of the table, which remained empty in Odin's absence. He banged his fist on the table. "Let us feast and rejoice another day among family!" Food was brought in on large platters and Loki and Mobius found their mugs filled with beer.

Like the last evening, everyone drank too much, talked too loud and celebrated. Everyone except for the Loki from this timeline. He talked and feigned good cheer, but every phrase was designed to cut.

The jealous Loki leaned across the table and congratulated Mobius on his newly extended life. "I do hope my other self is steadfast in his affections." He licked his lips suggestively, "I cannot say the same for myself, can I, Thor?"

Thor, already more than a little drunk, started into a story about himself, Loki, and an amorous pair of water nymphs. Loki knew that Mobius already knew of course, but it was strange to listen to Thor move on to talk about their favorite brothel "back in the day" with his boyfriend sitting next to him.

Mobius' touch never wavered. He even smiled pleasantly, and said, "So that's why you're such an experienced lover, Sweetiepie."

Loki found himself cringing, even though he knew Mobius was mostly letting the jealous variant know he didn't care about Loki's past. He never had--it was one of the things he loved about Mobius.

Sylvie managed to wrestle the conversation sideways with the Doctor when they began to talk about some of the places they panned to visit. The Doctor got a wistful, happy look on his face as he described the purple fields of Tartizelli in its twelfth millennium. Sylvie broke in and excitedly described the flying horses there. "We can ride real flying horses! I can't wait."

For a moment, Loki smiled, glad she was able to finally enjoy her life. Then he heard how the talk of magic horses reminded Thor of the story of Loki's dalliance with an intelligent stallion, Svadilfari. A cloud crossed Mobius' face for a moment before he covered it up. It wasn't like Mobius to give away his thoughts so easily, and this timeline's Loki pressed the issue, went into embarrassing detail that even made Frigga blush. Loki was sure that for most Lokis, except maybe the kid and Sylvie, the affair with Svadilfari was a bittersweet, eventually painful memory. That this Loki turned the knife here meant there wasn't much he'd stop at.

Thor changed the subject by asking the kid about his future plans. "We know that my oldest sibling is staying to add to our magical knowledge, but what of you? Have you considered my offer?"

The jealous Loki stared daggers at Thor. The kid said, "Yeah. I'd kind of like to check out Midgard for a while and meet the Avengers with you."

Thor was clearly pleased. This timeline, according to the Doctor didn't seem to have a Thanos, so it was probably a happier team, more or less. Thor said, "Excellent. We'll visit soon, then."

Jealous Loki sighed. 'Soon' meant different things and Thor was clearly enjoying spending time in Asgard celebrating. The kid was probably staying around longer than he'd like.

Thor turned his attention to Loki and Mobius. "Your plans, brother and beloved?"

Loki glanced at Mobius. They hadn't talked about where to go next or what to do. Mobius said, "Wherever time and space takes us, as long as I'm with Loki, that's all that matters."

Loki said, "Truly?"

"Of course, Babe," he said with a teasing smile as he kissed Loki.

Loki whispered into his ear, "Not 'Babe.'"

Mobius raised his eyebrows. "I was going to go with Cupcake," he whispered, "but thought Babe was more subtle."

Loki kissed him. When he looked back up, he noticed that his variant had left. The Doctor was sharing stories with Thor about fighting Cybermen, which reminded Loki of Ironman. It was amusing to think of the Doctor successfully fighting off a horde of Tony Starks all shouting "upgrade!"

Then Loki remembered Mobius' look over Svadilfari. The look of confusion and mixed feelings could be attributed to the usual Midgardian confusion about sex with intelligent nonhumans. But what Svadilfari and Loki had was consensual. Mobius would know that, would know it wasn't something sordid. In fact, for the most part, the affair was joyous: it was the aftermath that was difficult. Mobius would understand, so why did he look troubled? "Mobius, I need you to tell me what Odin said to you."

His blue eyes went wide. "Now?"

Loki said, "Yes. Please."

Mobius said, "We'll have to go."

Loki looked around. The chaotic dinner had already split into smaller groups. The kid was asleep on a chair in the corner. The Doctor, Sylvie, and Thor were all talking and Frigga had already said goodnight. Loki and Mobius said goodnight to the others and walked into the hallway.

Mobius said, "Odin told me to wait for the right time, but I suppose if you are asking me, that time is now."

Loki raised his eyebrows.

Mobius asked, "Where are the stables?"

Chapter Text

If this Asgard was like his own, Loki knew where to go. But he still balked. "What's going on?"

Mobius said, "It's about your son."

Loki felt tears sting his eyes. He pulled Mobius further into the hallway and hated himself for the next thing he hissed at his boyfriend. "Why did my father, Odin, tell you something about my *son* and not tell me?"

Mobius stared and was uncharacteristically blank. In that moment, Loki realized that Odin, as weak as he was, had magicked Mobius. He'd passed the information forward in the most passive-aggressive way possible and Mobius was caught in the middle. Loki breathed and grabbed his hand. "It's okay. He spelled you. You could only share under the right conditions."

Mobius clung to Loki. "I'm so sorry. It was all shut up inside my head."

Loki shook his head. "Honestly, it's probably not even meant for me, but rather for that idiot of a variant."

Mobius opened his mouth and Loki cut him off. "No. I was never this bad," he insisted.

Mobius said, "Sure, Love Muffin," and grinned a little when Loki shot him a look.

Loki said, "Follow me. We're going to see my son." He held out his hand and Mobius took it. As they walked through the moors, feeling wet plants brush against their legs, Loki thought about Sleipnir. He knew Mobius had most likely reviewed that footage. But that didn't make it any easier. Loki had several children, and in all cases, Odin had declared them monsters, ripping them away from Loki, forbidding contact. Using them, often as not, as beasts of burden or weapons.

Loki hadn't seen Sleipnir for years and years. He was only slightly older than Kid Loki when he'd borne this child. When Loki glanced at Mobius, he saw only solidarity. He sighed, touching Mobius gently. "I'm sorry. This is difficult, but you did nothing wrong."

Mobius held Loki's hands in the middle of the cold field. Northern lights played over Mobius' face as he spoke. This time, Mobius was talking about the past he'd seen in footage. "Neither did you, my dearest. You acted on orders, were swept into something bigger than you expected. You were a kid without knowledge or protection."

Loki let the pet name slide. He stood there in the cold, thinking about everything he did. For his own reasons, Odin wanted the stallion gone and had sent Loki, the resident shapeshifter, to have an affair with Svadilfari. Loki had been mesmerized by how charming and handsome the monster stallion was. He thought about how he'd had permission to finally gender swap. He'd been thrilled that he was allowed to present as female, as a mare. Loki was caught up in the excitement and romance of being with such a being. He felt so beautiful, so adored. They'd run throughout the realms, dancing, enjoying one another… fucking. Until he was called home. Then he remembered trying to hide the pregnancy that followed him no matter what form he wore.

These thoughts must have been sliding over his face like clouds. Mobius waited, quiet, patient, ever present. Loki said, "I don't know what to expect here, but you're right. It wasn't my fault. Let's go see Sleipnir."

At the gate to the stables was an entry code. Mobius could say the names of the runes, but couldn't read them. Between the two of them, they opened the gate.

Inside, the stalls smelled of hay, horse sweat and dung. There were many fine horses inside the long halls, but Loki was focused on the largest, nicest stall at the very end. They approached and stood outside. Mobius balked as he heard the horse inside kick and shuffle.

Loki squeezed his hand. "Remember, my son is a demigod, but I am a god. You're safe with me." Then he slid the door open. Inside, stood Sleipnir, fully grown and utterly beautiful. He was mottled with spots of all shades of grey. His eight legs looked as if they itched to run. He stomped the floor, a staccato pattern of many impossible hooves. He caught his son's eyes and touched his curved neck, seeking out a connection.

When Sleipnir let Loki inside his mind, at first there was confusion. Loki felt like… Loki, and then also… not. Loki let him see how he had been captured by the TVA and was a slightly different Loki.

Then there were images of Sleipnir's life. The horror of being torn away from Loki, the pain of being alone, used as a warhorse. Then the anger, rising fresh and directed at Loki. 'You did nothing.'

Loki was thrown back by the power of those words. Mobius looked startled, but was afraid to move. Sleipnir lifted his head and asked, 'why?'

Loki stood with his mouth open for the longest moment. The sounds of horses moving in the stalls were louder than ever. He could hear the breathing of his son and the frightened heartbeat of his human lover. And Loki said, aloud for both of them, "I let Odin take you because I did not yet know how to defy him."

Sleipnir stamped the floor of the stall. 'I have never been able to defy the Allfather. I wish you had come to me. At least once, if nothing else.'

Loki said, "I was forbidden. He was ashamed of me."

Sleipnir looked Loki over. 'I am not ashamed of you.'

Loki didn't know he needed to hear those words until Sleipnir communicated them.

"May I hug you?"

'My mother, you may always come to me, as I hope I can always come to you, now.' Sleipnir's head rested on Loki's shoulder and he put his arms around him.

"I'm so sorry," he said. Sleipnir felt like warm marble. His body was firm and strong and Loki suddenly felt proud of this beautiful monster he'd birthed. He felt himself crying against his neck, felt his son's warm breath on his back, a horse's way of soothing. When he caught Mobius' eyes, the man looked out of his depth. But he was still there.

Out loud, Loki said, "Sleipnir, this is Mobius, my mate."

Mobius raised an eyebrow, but smiled, too. Loki held out his hand and invited Mobius into the hug. He whispered, "Can you hear any of his thoughts?"

"No," he whispered back.

"We're setting him free and he wants us to ride on his back, out to the moors."

"Oh!" Mobius exclaimed, obviously worried.

Loki said, "Don't be afraid. Riding a monster is easier than riding a jet ski."

"Right."

Loki smirked, "You've ridden me plenty of times."

Mobius actually laughed at his time. "Fine. Let's do this."

The demigod knelt, inviting both Loki and Mobius to ride. Loki lifted Mobius onto his son's broad back, then easily vaulted behind him, wrapping his arms around Mobius' waist. "Hold his mane," Loki said. "It doesn't hurt."

Once they were secure, Sleipnir walked out of the stables. His eight hooves clattered over the stone and frightened stable hands and horses alike watched them leave. Once they were outside, his muscles bunched up into a leap that took them off the ground. Mobius clutched his long mane in a death grip with both hands now. Loki was steady, holding tight with his legs and keeping Mobius safe in his arms. He felt Mobius' heart beat furiously. "You're safe, my love. I've got you," Loki reassured him.

Sleipnir flew, all eight legs pawing the sky, as if he could dance on the aurora borealis itself, until they stood atop a cliff, the moon rising in the distance. Sleipnir let them dismount and pushed his soft nose against Loki's neck. He whickered.

Mobius sat down hard on the ground, and Loki would go to him in a moment. Right now it was time to say goodbye again. 'If you ever need me--'

'The same.'

Sleipnir backed up, then wheeled around, launching into the air. He ran as he was meant to: wild and free.

Loki sat down next to Mobius and folded him into his arms. His lover laughed in his self-deprecating way, "That was some serious magic god shit right there. Wow."

Loki held him tighter. "Are you alright?"

Mobius leaned in. "Yeah, I am." Loki felt his heart rate slow as they watched the stars. "You did good," Mobius whispered.

"I hope so," Loki replied.

"By the way? How do we get back?"

Loki smiled, flicked his wrist and in a moment, they were on the bed of their guest room, safe and warm. Mobius snuggled into Loki's arms, fully relaxed and unafraid.

Chapter Text

Loki woke early to a pounding on the door. He glanced at Mobius, who was still asleep. The man could sleep through Ragnarok, Loki thought. Then he worried, what if this was it? What if so many Lokis in Asgard had created a Nexus event? But the Doctor hadn't been worried about that happening… Then what was it?

He approached the door, nude and magicked Asgardian leather for himself before he unbolted the lock.

Outside was the Loki who belonged here. His face was twisted into a familiar sort of anger that brought out a knife-twisting smirk in Loki.

"How dare you?"

Loki looked down at his nails. "I am a god." He caught the other's eyes. "I dare. Now what is it I am accused of doing?"

"You got to see my son! Odin has never let me near him, but you just had to do it because I told our story to your lover. And now Sleipnir's gone!" He was full of fury, and part of Loki thought it was beautiful, saw himself in that righteous fury.

Loki pushed his hair back. "Mobius already knows that story. He knows about my past sexual escapades. Why would I hide anything from him?"

This threw the jealous variant for a moment. "Because it's what we do."

"No. It's what you do. I am my own person."

The other scoffed. "Barely."

Loki raised an eyebrow. "Come now. You can taunt better than that. At least I can: Odin wanted me to release Sleipnir. Not you."

"Odin is old, and sick. He confused me with you."

"That's the funniest part, actually. He knew exactly how to get the message to me and only me, and you triggered it last night talking about Svadilfari, trying to make Mobius jealous!"

The other Loki got closer and Loki let him. "What are you talking about?"

Loki caught his own green eyes. "Odin didn't tell me: he spelled my boyfriend, Mobius, to tell me when the time was right." He broke eye contact and stepped away, deliberately turning his back for a moment. He felt the anger in waves off of this variant and he was enjoying pushing all of his buttons.

When he turned back around, the other Loki was composed. "You are ruining everything."

Loki cocked his head to the side, "I'm a Loki, what do you expect?"

"I expect you to leave. Heed my warning."

"Or what? All this boasting is so boring. I've moved on. You should, too."

The two Lokis eyed each other for a moment, then the other spun on his heel, walking deliberately away. Loki chuckled to himself and went back into the room.

Mobius was sitting in a robe on one of the green chairs set up near the door. He looked up from the book he was reading--in Asgardian Loki noticed. Then he caught Mobius' expression.

"You heard everything, didn't you?"

Mobius shrugged, "I heard enough. Sometimes I think you're over hating yourself, then you literally go and hate yourself."

"To be fair, he's a very different Loki."

Mobius wiped a hand over his face. "Yes, I get it. He's insufferable. But so are you, sometimes. Hate begets more hate, Loki."

Loki felt himself feel embarrassed, then angry. "So what? Should I go and grovel for an apology, oh Mobius of Midgard?"

Mobius laughed, and that sound always disarmed Loki. "Of course not. He's being a little shit. Let him cool off and try to remember you don't always have to twist the knife."

Loki huffed and turned away. He heard Mobius put down the book. "Your ass looks real nice in that leather."

Loki smiled, but didn't turn around. "I'm not so easily placated."

Mobius said, "I know." Loki heard the robe fall to the floor. "But I'm always up for the challenge."

Chapter Text

Loki and Mobius dallied in the rooms for most of the morning. Later, they ate lunch and were challenged to Uno in the parlor by Sylvie and the Doctor.

Sylvie was very competitive and the Doctor seemed amused by this fact. When Mobius won the first game, she accused him of having a head start, since Uno was Midgardian. The Doctor, all teeth, and somehow very serpentine, said, "You can't really cheat at games of chance."

This was a challenge to which Sylvie and Loki both rose to. Loki threw down another reverse card and smirked at Sylvie. He'd magicked it of course. Mobius, who had been counting the cards, pointed out that there were way too many "Draw Fours," and that Loki's "Reverse" card was orange.

After the deck was cleansed of magical extra cards, Thor came into the parlor and watched Sylvie soundly beat everyone through several hands. Loki was sure the Doctor was helping her cheat, but he couldn't prove it. Thor put a heavy hand on Loki's shoulder and said, quietly for Thor, "Brother, may we talk?"

Loki smiled through his suddenly muddled feelings. "Are we not already?"

This made Thor chuckle. "You are so much like him! Come, alone, please. I would like to speak frankly with you."

Loki always felt something painful and disgusting curl up in his stomach when people said they needed to talk. It was almost never good, those conversations. Loki felt his anxiety spike and he wanted to throw up. Instead, he smiled graciously and rose as elegantly as possible.

Mobius gave him a look of solidarity and said, "I have to use my Midgardian wiles against these two. It would tarnish my honor to continue to lose."

Loki was glad to have Mobius' silly humor. It lightened the anxiety, even though it didn't fully go away.

Loki walked alongside Thor, matching his strides by extending his own. Once they were outside, his brother said, "I'm worried about Loki."

"Which one?"

Thor laughed. "My Loki."

It was strange to hear someone else say something that Mobius had said before about him. Loki carefully said, "I don't know how I can help you. He hates me."

"He's hated everyone for a long time." Thor sighed and looked up at the clouds moving past, casting shadows. "Did you try to capture New York?"

"Yes, but I think your Loki had different help than I did."

"Perhaps. But there was still an attempt to submit all of Midgard to your whims, correct?"

Loki sighed. "Yes. I wanted…" He looked away. "I think I felt like I was worth so much less than you. I wanted to be something important and I didn't care how that happened. I decided mortals would be better off without having to make decisions."

Thor thought about that. "They could be. Still not right, though." He sighed. "We do things for all kinds of reasons. Like, the more I try to get close to Loki--"

"The more he pulls away."

"Yes. I asked the others, but they are so different from the two of you. Sylvie never knew her family at all. Did you know that the kid actually killed his Thor?"

Loki said lamely, "It was an accident."

"I know. I was just hoping you could help me figure my Loki out. You're more like him."

Loki sighed. "Brother, I can barely figure myself out. But I have someone who loves me, and that helps."

"I love Loki."

"I know. But you're still a rival to him. Truly, brother, I was worried about seeing you on this trip, *and* I have Mobius to back me up, make me feel safe. Everyone just naturally loves you and I worried that you would see me as unworthy." He saw Thor about to protest this, but gave him an icy look and continued. "My boyfriend, Mobius, knew I was wrong. You do really care about me and because I trust Mobius, I can believe. Maybe your Loki needs someone to love him who doesn't have to. Someone who knows what a shit he is and doesn't care."

"Like Mother?"

"It can't be family. We won't believe it coming from family. We don't always trust family bonds… especially after we learn we're adopted and really--"

"A frost giant."

"I was going to say 'a monster.'"

"Oh, Loki."

Loki stiffened. "We don't like pity, either."

Thor said, "You are difficult, like my Loki. I'm just so worried. I'm afraid he's going to do something dangerous."

Loki laughed. "You should constantly be worried about that! We *are* gods of mischief." Thor smiled a little.

Thor said, "Do you think it's a good idea to take the kid with me to Midgard?"

Loki smiled. "Absolutely. He's a different person and I know he missed his Thor. So did Old Loki."

"Yeah. They told me. I'm so sorry all of you have been through so much."

Loki looked up and realized he believed Thor and welcomed the sentiment. "Thank you, brother."

Thor said, "It seems to me like time healed some of your variants, but for you it was your paramour, Mobius."

Loki smiled. "He gets me," Loki said. "Even when I don't want him to get me, he does." He saw that they had looped back to the palace. Loki said, "This is a different timeline, but in one of mine, I tried to take over Asgard and did for many years. I think I did an okay job. Your Loki is going to want to take over Asgard if Odin dies. He sees us Lokis as rivals, I'm sure, as much or more than you, Thor. He wants us to leave. He wants to be the center of attention."

"Sometimes it's okay to be the center of attention," Thor said.

"Sure, but what kind of lengths will Lokis go to get that?"

Thor said, "You've given me much to think on. Thank you, brother."

Before Loki could protest, he found himself hugged by Thor. But this time, he snuggled into it, held it, hugged back. "I love you, brother."

When Thor pulled away, there were tears in his eyes that he quickly brushed away and which Loki smiled at briefly. He loved his brother and it felt good.

Chapter Text

Loki let himself walk around the outside of the palace, enjoying the solitude and brisk autumn air. He was also enjoying the quiet happiness that felt different from the way he was happy about Mobius or Sylvie.

He thought, maybe it was just him being okay. Maybe it was just him, unworried for a moment. Unafraid of losing things. Unafraid of being seen as a fraud. A person who had value that other people saw and liked.

It was a nice feeling.

Loki was still basking in the emotion as he headed back to the parlor. Sylvie was alone, arranging cards on the floor as he walked in. When she saw him, she said, "Weren't you just here?"

"Sure," Loki said. "About an hour ago."

"What? You and Thor were just here. Like ten minutes ago." She was already on her feet, cards forgotten.

"That wasn't me, and it probably wasn't Thor. What did they do?" Loki felt himself panicking, and tried to tamp it down, tried to let anger take over and run things for him.

Sylvie said, "You and Thor said you needed to talk to Mobius and the Doctor."

"Sylvie! That wasn't me!"

"I know! Now, I mean. You don't think they're in trouble, do you?"

Loki said, "Yes! He's us, and especially, very much like me and I'm kind of a jerk."

"I know."

"Shut up. I just have to think where I would take the boyfriends of my variant if I was still a raging asshole."

Sylvie put her hand on Loki's arm. He flinched, then looked at her. She was smirking.

"What?"

"First, still? Second, the Doctor isn't my boyfriend. Third, can you imagine our variant going up against those two? He doesn't stand a chance."

Loki thought about it for a minute. "Yeah, but he's still more powerful than the two of them. Magic beats a silver tongue. If I lose Mobius, there's no reason to go on."

Sylvie shook her head, curls bouncing. "You're so dramatic. I trust the Doctor and Mobius. Let's find the kid and the old guy and we'll all figure this out."

There was no need to find the kid and Old Loki. They burst into the room just then, looking excited. The kid was holding something in his hand and flashed it at Loki and Sylvie. "Did either of you find one of these in your room?"

"No," said Sylvie.

Loki said, "I haven't been back to my room recently."

"That's hard to believe," the kid said under his breath to Old Loki, who tried not to laugh.

Loki folded his arms. "This is serious. The variant has the Doctor and Mobius."

The kid unfolded the note, which was enchanted, and suddenly burst into lights. It said in Asgardian script, "Go to the Great Hall."

Sylvie looked at Mobius. "Guess we know where our boys are."

Loki said, "I should have guessed. If you want a spectacle…"

Old Loki smiled. "The Great Hall is the place to do it," he finished. He conjured a portal and they stepped through. Inside the cavernous hall, their variant was trying to fix handcuffs...or something…on the Doctor. Mobius and Thor were both hanging in mid-air, suspended by magic. The variant wore the finest leather in gold, black and emerald. A horned crown sat on his head.

When the Doctor spotted them, he said, "Hey! You're all here. Get a load of this: he didn't believe magic just doesn't work on Time Lords."

"Shut up!" the variant Loki said.

Mobius looked down. "Sorry, Doc. I'm sure it's a lot less comfortable using Loki's bondage gear than floating in space like me and Thor." Mobius made quick eye contact with Loki.

The variant had finished securing the Doctor and flushed as he straightened up. "It is not-- Never mind! Everyone's here."

"About that," Old Loki said, "what exactly is going on?"

The variant ignored the question and launches into a speech. "It's predictable and sad how fast you all scurried to rescue these people."

The Doctor and Mobius waved. Thor gave them a look.

The variant continued. "You're all weak. If anything happens to them, you're compromised. It's disgusting how much you rely on others. A Loki only needs himself!"

Old Loki laughed and found something to lean against. "I'll let you kids take this. I'm tired of toxic Loki apologetics."

The variant shouted, "You better take this seriously! I could kill them with just a snap of the fingers!"

"Ooh… ironic," Mobius said.

"What is that supposed to mean?" The variant demanded.

Mobius shrugged. "You'd had to have seen that timeline to get it, but they do," he said, pointing at Old Loki and Loki. "Anyway, you've got to have better ways to kill us."

"Excuse me?"

Mobius said in his most reasonable, most folksy voice, "Well, I want it to be special. I only die once and I've seen your timeline. You've stabbed at least 50 people in the back, shot a lot of people with space guns and used a really cool spear looking thing--"

The variant ground out, "The Chitauri scepter."

Mobius grinned and Loki's heart lurched. "That's the one! It was super cool looking. Really badass."

"Shut up! You talk too much, just like the other two."

Mobius shrugged, "Usually I say that about Lokis. They really love to go on and on and on. But okay. I get it. I'm kind of upstaging things. This is about you." He winked at his Loki, trying to reassure him. Loki was worried still, but it was amazing watching Mobius take his variant apart by just being himself. Sylvie was right.

The variant stood up straighter. "You can try to upstage me, but will fail. All of you are here to understand the pain that I feel. To know the existential conundrum you have dragged to my home. You all came here to see this buffoon..." he gestured dramatically at his captives.

"Which one?" Called out Old Loki. This made the others laugh.

"Good one!" said the kid

Thor was laughing, too. "C'mon Loki, lighten up. If they can be happy, so can you."

The variant Loki stared at Thor for what felt like forever. Then he looked at Mobius and the Doctor who were still waiting patiently, pleasant smiles plastered to their faces. Something broke in the variant. He sat down, hard on the floor. "This is not going as expected."

Loki said, "What did you expect? We're Lokis! Chaos ensues, etcetera."

"I expected… respect."

Sylvie said, "Which you thought you'd get by threatening our loved ones? Not bloody likely."

Loki shot to his feet. "You took my home from me! You all saunter in here, acting like you belong in my timeline! You took everything from me!"

Thor said, "Brother, loving others doesn't mean you are less loved."

"Stop!" Loki hissed.

Loki said, "I'm confused. Do you want love or not? Does it make you weak or not? Because if you just need a boyfriend or girlfriend, there's an app for that, I have been reliably informed."

"You!" The variant stalked up to him. "You are the worst! You wear my face, but mock me. You take my place here. Where Odin should have talked to me, he talked to your Midgardian lover! It was bad enough having the others here, but you show up, same face--"

The silence stretched.

"What?" Loki pushed. "Does it bother you to see yourself happy?"

"It's not real," the variant whispered. "It can't be real."

Loki tried to approach, and found magical daggers exploding at his feet. "Ok. Calm down. It's alright."

The variant sank to the floor again. "It's not. It never was."

"But it can be." Loki glanced at Mobius. "You can be anything you want. We did. We are."

The variant said, "I didn't get to see my son. Odin didn't trust me, but he trusted *you.*"

Loki didn't know what to say. He glanced at Mobius and tried to move closer. He said, "I should have gotten you, and old Loki, to see Sleipnir."

"What?"

Loki cleared his throat. "It was wrong of me to take that moment from you. We should have all been there. But you know, Sleipnir said we can call on him anytime. It's not over." The variant let him in closer, and Loki reached out. His hand was suspended, palm open, no knives, no tricks, in space for a very long time. Everything seemed to stand still and all Loki could do was try to project sincerity in his face, in his eyes. He held his hand out there and waited.

Finally, his variant took it. Loki pulled, getting him to his feet. Tears streamed down his face. Loki glanced up at Mobius who mouthed, 'hug him!' So Loki did.

He wrapped his arms around this person who was so much like him, so hurt, so alone. He pulled him close and held him, as sobs wracked through his body. He watched Sylvie and the Old Loki release the prisoners. He glanced at Mobius, who seemed to know what he needed to do.

Loki pulled away. "You're not alone. I'm sorry we were assholes."

The Loki from this timeline swiped at his face. "All Lokis seem to be assholes."

"Hey!" Protested Sylvie.

"Should we go out, call for our son?" Loki asked.

The other variant nodded. "I'd like that."

Mobius came up to Loki and clapped him on the shoulder. Then Thor was there and he wrapped all four of them into a hug. Thor said, "My brother is such a scamp!"

Loki smiled. "You have no idea."

"How do we call for your son?" Mobius asked.

Loki looked his variant in the eyes. "Sleipnir is free. Reach out with your mind. Let's all go outside and see what happens."

The variant nodded, looking dismal, still, but he followed them outside. It was night and the stars were everywhere. The kid and Old Loki sat on the top of the palace stairs. The Doctor and Sylvie peeled off to observe shooting stars. Thor and Mobius followed both Loki and his variant as they descended, waiting.

In the distance, a shadow moved with the speed of thought. It alighted on the stones of the courtyard, clattering hooves in octaves. Sleipnir stepped up to this timeline's Loki and said clearly, "My true mother."

The variant fell against his son. Sleipnir curled his giant neck around his mother and made soothing noises. Something was communicated privately between them, because this Loki opened a portal and walked through with his son. The variant glanced back once, caught Loki's eyes and shut the portal. Loki couldn't decipher that look, but it wasn't hatred at least.

Thor said, "Are they coming back?"

Mobius clapped him on the arm. "Of course. He's just healing. It takes time."

Old Loki called down, "For some of us, it takes a lot of time."

Sylvie and the Doctor walked up. "Some of us didn't know how to love," she said.

Loki continued their thread, "But once we see the way, we grab on hard, and never let go." He caught Mobius' hand and held it tight. "We're going to be okay."

Mobius grinned. "Absolutely perfect, Sweetness."

Loki ignored another pet name. Other things were more important than the perfect name or the perfect plan. His most important thing was right here. Mobius had his arms around his waist and looked at Loki like he was everything. He didn't deserve love, but he had it and would grow it, cherish it, and revere it.

"My love," Loki whispered and kissed Mobius under the stars.

Mobius smiled. "I think you hit on the best pet name, love."

They kissed. The kid made fake gagging noises from the top of the stairs. Sylvie wolf-whistled and the Doctor said, "On Adriatti Five, they whistle like this," and proceeded to make the strangest sound Loki had ever heard.

Thor said, "Our family is weird."

Loki just smiled into the kiss. He was home.