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Published:
2022-08-19
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2022-11-04
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2/?
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The sun shone on us again. (but we're not the same)

Summary:

Loki and Mobius move to a sacred timeline before the final battle against Thanos after they find each other again- this changes a few things. In the process, Loki and Thor finally get to make up, and Loki finds another friend in Bruce Banner. Loki and Mobius, along with their daughter, Freya, maintain a hidden but happy life in a secluded home in Greenland.
When the Avengers need somewhere to stay off the grid, they have to see Loki again- and realise that maybe he's not at all similar to how he was before.
_____________________________

please don't write this off I can't summarise for shit.

Notes:

This is only multi chapter because I don't particularly want to switch POV's multiple times a chapter, but it is one consecutive sequence of scene! There's no time skips.

Chapter 1: No 'Hi, Loki', 'How are you Loki?' ? Typical.

Chapter Text

Escaping the TVA was complicated for Loki and Mobius. Obviously, they couldn’t go to a timeline where there was one of them already there, it would cause huge problems, so they were limited to before Loki was born or after he had died (as they didn’t know when Mobius was from). Before his birth would be a problem given that people on Earth weren’t the most accepting of queer people in the past, though they’d be hiding a significant amount of the time anyways, especially Loki. So they chose a timeline that hadn’t yet branched but had been snapped- they knew it would be fixed, though. Unfortunately, Thanos had to have existed to… remove the Loki from that timeline.

They showed up 2 years post the snap. Settling in was a different experience as well- Mobius isn’t the kind to sit around all day, which isn’t to say Loki is- they both certainly aren’t- but Mobius was able to leave the home they had made in an almost uninhabitable part of Greenland. The cold climates didn’t affect Loki, but with his magic it was also not a problem for Mobius as the house could remain warm and hidden from people. Loki left on occasion, but mostly they ate food they had hunted themselves, or vegetables that Loki grew on farmland in another country (truthfully, he didn’t know where).

Loki had to tell Thor, and Mobius and Loki both knew it. A few months after they arrived, the guilt was eating him up inside, so they went to New Asgard a few months after they’d arrived and explained everything to Thor. It was a tearful conversation and it’s entirely possible their conversation and reconciliation is the reason that Natasha Romanoff and Tony Stark survived the final battle against Thanos, though Loki and Mobius were unable to fight in the battle.

A year after the reconciliation between the siblings, Loki and Mobius found out they were having a baby. One silly, drunken night between them had led to something no-one had expected, but that they were glad of regardless. Thor was ecstatic, regardless of the elder-sibling urge to curl up and die at the thought of his beloved younger sibling having sex. Bruce, who Loki had befriended after he accidentally came across him in New Asgard, was happy to help them with tests and any healthcare they needed, and earned himself a role as Uncle Bruce somewhere along the way.

Thor didn’t tell anyone about the couple, but he did end up inviting Mobius to work with the Avengers and Dr Strange after the final battle against Thanos so that they could have more understanding of timelines and the multiverse as a whole. He ended up as a consultant for events that occurred where variants broke into their timeline and ended up causing havoc for everyone. Mobius was so excited to work a similar job that Loki couldn’t resent him for being able to work, and even then, they were happy to be a stay at home parent for their daughter, Freya, as the years went by. Everyone was content with the situation, hiding themselves really- they had no plans as of yet for Freya’s education, but there was always the possibility of subtly moving to New Asgard when it had to happen.

Fortunately, two years after the battle at the Avengers compound, they found a solution to the sneaking. An unfortunate reveal of Loki and Mobius’ living situation thanks to a data leak from SHIELD that once again left the original Avengers in a situation where they had to invade the secret family home of one of their agents.

—-----

“Daddy, when will Papa be home?” Freya asked innocently from beside Loki in the kitchen where he was preparing dinner for the next couple of days. She actually gave Loki a fright, despite how hard it is to surprise them, Freya’s steps were always almost silent so long as she wasn’t too excited and she could appear at any time behind him or Mobius without either of them noticing her. This time, her hand curled in his trousers and she looked up at him with wide, green eyes. “Did he call yet today? I miss him.”

Loki set down the knife he had been using to chop up meat for stew and moved to wash his hands off before lifting Freya up into their arms. “No, dearheart, Papa hasn’t called yet today. He should be home soon though, your Uncle Thor said he’d use Stormbreaker to bring them and maybe even Uncle Bruce home using the bifrost.” They soothed, noting that she looked upset about Mobius being gone- he had been longer on this mission than the usual time missions similar took. At the news Thor would be joining them, Freya's mood took a complete 180, and she giggled in delight, a grin immediately spreading across her face.

“Unce Thor! Uncle Bruce! Daddy, can I go make them a drawing? Please?!” She asked, voice pitching up with excitement as she squirmed a little in his arms. Her adoration of Thor never ceased to make Loki’s heart melt. He wished that she would meet his mother, but sadly not, so the pure joy that she seemed to exhibit whenever Thor visited was a good substitute.

Loki pretended to think the decision over for a minute, lips twitching as they fought back a smile at Freya’s pouty whining at his pretend hums of thought. “I suppose I can give up carrying my beloved little girl as long as she pays back my lost cuddle time at a later time today. I would also like a kiss on the cheek, if that suits my princess?” The smile he got from the teasing remark, as well as the immediate kiss on the cheek from his daughter, made Loki grin back at her and set her down. “Remember to colour at the table and try not to get marker all over the table, alright sweetheart?”

“Yes Daddy! Thank you!” She scurried off quickly and left Loki in the kitchen to continue to cook dinner. The quiet hum of domestic activity lasted throughout the house for a half hour more before the phone rang. Freya’s hurried footsteps were noticed by her father as she ran to answer the phone to talk to Mobius while Loki finished washing the chopping board and utensils they’d used. He walked to the phone to hear Freya excitedly chattering to her father over the phone, and he smiled fondly, taking a photo of her on his mobile phone (which he didn’t have a sim card in, to prevent being traced, but that he used only to take photos of his family), before coming over to interrupt.

“Freya, can I talk to your Papa for a moment? I’ll give you the phone back afterwards.” He asked, reaching out a hand for her to put the phone into.

She narrowed her eyes and stared at his hand, before meeting his eyes, “Do you pinky promise?” She said seriously, still holding the phone to her ear.

“Yes, sweetie, pinky promise.” She dropped the phone into his outstretched hand at this, running back to the table to keep drawing. “Mobius, is everything okay? You were supposed to call ages ago, Freya was worried.” Loki stressed, looking over his shoulder to ensure she couldn’t hear him from the other room.

“I’m so sorry, there was another data leak and everyone is in trouble, we have HYDRA agents and terrorists running at us from everywhere and there’s nowhere we can go, so I, um, I reccomended our house. Thor is going to use the bifrost to bring us there. I’m so, so sorry, but people were getting injured and I didn’t know what to do, love. I don’t want any collateral from any civilians.” Mobius said softly over the line. “I hope that's alright, i'm so sorry darling, i’ll make it up to you I promise.”

Loki sighed heavily, resting his head against the wall besides where the landline sits. “Alright. Bring them here. I'll set up Thor’s room and the spare room, and I'll get some more bowls ready for dinner. You’ll be here in a couple of minutes, won’t you?” He questioned, letting out a breath. “This would have happened eventually- but you need to pre-warn Agent Barton because I could end up causing problems. I’ll get Freya ready for dinner now.”

“I love you so much, you’re too good to me, Kitten. We’ll be outside in two.”

Loki set the phone back in its holder after hanging up, going into the dining room. “Freya, could you clean up the table for dinner, sweetie? We have some guests and they’ll be here in a couple of minutes.” He asked, and smiled when she nodded excitedly, gathering up her drawings and coloured pens before hurrying off to her room to put them away. Loki walked to the boiler room and got clean sheets for the guest bedroom and Thor’s bedroom, listening carefully for any noises that might imply Freya wasn’t okay. Making the beds allowed him a moment just to prepare himself for the inevitable.

The bifrost sounded outside and he sighed heavily. “Freya!” he called out, “Papa, Uncle Thor and Uncle Bruce are here! Go and open the door, princess!” There was a pattering of her bare footsteps across the wood of the hall before she opened the door and flung herself at Mobius.

Loki exited the guest bedroom and went to the front hallway. “Papa!” Freya yelled excitedly, arms wrapped around Mobius’ shoulders as he held her up. “I missed you! Daddy said you would be home soon and he was right! I made you a drawing, Uncle Thor, it’s for you and Uncle Bruce! Papa put me dooownnn!” she rushed out, visibly shaking with excitement as Mobius kissed her cheek and put her down to let her rush off and get the drawing.

Mobius spotted him and stepped forward to tug him into a tight hug, which Loki returned in earnest. “I missed you so much, Kitten.” he muttered softly, pulling them into a kiss that compared to the hug was gentle. “I’m so happy to see you. Dinner smells lovely.” A grin bloomed across Loki’s face. Of course Mobius would just pretend everything was fine.

“It’s good to see you too, darling, but don’t think I’ve forgotten our guests so easily. Especially not my annoying older brother. Did you have to bring him along as well? You know how much he annoys me.” He teases, looking over Mobius’ shoulder to take in the mostly uninjured, imposing form of their brother standing in the hallway, snowflakes melting still in his hair. Thor was beaming, regardless of Loki’s gentle bullying, setting Stormbreaker on the appropriate holder on the wall. “I think that everyone should come in and get something to eat- it's cold outside this time of year, and I have warm food and drinks available.”

“Yes, brother! It is good to see you too- let us go further inside and enjoy whatever it is you have cooked- you always had a talent for cooking! I know that I am very hungry.” Thor exclaimed, patting Loki’s shoulder firmly as he walked past him. “Now, where did my beloved niece go?”

Bruce followed Thor sheepishly, knowing there was no way that the other Avengers would be happy about him hiding knowing about Loki, but still excited to see Freya- he didn’t visit as often as Thor as he didn’t have the bifrost as readily available. He was still smiling, and Loki was glad to see it on his face, especially when the Doctor met his eyes and widened it a little.

Mobius led the trickster back into the dining room of the home by their hand and allowed the other 4 Avengers to gather themselves at the door before they came further into the house. “That stash of green tea you have for Bruce will certainly come in handy now.” He laughed, kissing Loki’s cheek and squeezing their hand before . “Now you set the table and get tea, and I'll wash myself up, then bring the pot of stew and the rice in, and we’ll eat dinner, whether the other Avengers choose to interact with us or not, alright? You don’t have to deal with everything.” Mobius assured, kissing him softly before heading upstairs.

Loki sighed fondly and walked into the kitchen, refilling the kettle and setting it on the stovetop to head, fishing dishes out of the cupboard and then more out of a pocket dimension when there wasn’t quite enough. The cutlery and dishes floated to the table with the use of their magic, while they located cups and set them across the sideboard. He hummed to themself and leaned his head out of the kitchen for a moment, watching Tony, Natasha, Clint and Steve awkwardly settle themselves at the end of the table while Bruce, Thor and Freya’s voices echoed from upstairs.

He cleared his throat awkwardly, before calling “Bruce, would you like to make your own tea?” out towards where Bruce was being shown Freya’s drawings in the living room. The man appeared out of the room, smiling at Loki.

“Uhm, yes please. I can make everyone else’s if you want, and let you speak to Mobius and Thor? I’ll watch Freya for a moment as well.” He replied, and at Loki’s resultant nod and movement away to the living room, he asked for the others' orders for drinks.

Chapter 2: Drinks and a very awkward dinner.

Summary:

Sorry this took so long, I am absolutely abhorrent at continuing multi chapter fics! Say welcome back everyone /nf

Chapter Text

Bruce is a mild mannered man by nature- he doesn't particularly like arguments and fighting, but some good natured chaos is fun. It's why his and Loki's friendship works so well without completely collapsing despite their differences. Unfortunately, that makes this situation more difficult. A confrontation with friends who will likely insult another friend to his face because they don't really get how much Loki changed since New York.

"So uh. Drinks?" He asked tentatively, cringing a little at the scrutiny Natasha's gaze put him under. "Don't look at me like that, you guys would have been a problem for them and I couldn't do that to them."

"It's Loki, Bruce, he attacked New York 10 years ago and killed a lot of people. We deserved to know, and you know that- we're supposed to be a team, no lies or tricks." Steve defended, arms crossed, and in response to this demand both Tony and Bruce scoffed.

"Look, Capsicle, I'm not happy that Brucie-bear didn't let the whole gang in on the news, but don't act all high and mighty about lying and secrets! Especially not for the reason Bruce kept them because you did the same thing not too long ago, did you not?" Tony defended, evidently annoyed about not being told about Loki- also annoyed at himself for not realising the God was here. With Thor’s sudden attitude shift it should have been obvious.

"I know I should have told you guys, it's just that Thor was so happy to have any version of his brother back and Loki wasn't causing any trouble. They were already having Freya when I met him honestly and I didn't think that Loki would cause any problems with his child." The doctor argued- just because he didn't like confrontation didn't mean he wouldn't do it for his friends and family. Honestly, they were his family and regardless none of them were going to get locked up or Bruce would quit on the spot.

"He brainwashed me! He could have brainwashed Mobius and Thor and even you and could be controlling you right now." Clint hissed, jaw tensed. "I hate that fucking asshole and I don't want to be here for any longer than I have to be. He should be in a prison for fucks sake!”

Freya appeared beside Bruce (as she was wont to do) and gently tugged at his shirt, whispering in his ear as he crouched down, “The ‘vengers are angry, Uncle Bruce, maybe you should make them tea like you make for the Hulk!” She whispered it poorly, as she was still only 4, but as she leaned back and beamed at him reassuringly he couldn’t help but smile back.

“I’m making tea, does anyone want coffee instead?” A sharp tug on his shirt had him adding “Or a hot chocolate, as the princess demands.” Freya giggled and tucked herself against his leg happily, enjoying the easy affection that came with being small enough to just press herself against his side at any moment.

“I’ll have a coffee, Green Bean, black if you would!” Tony said happily, leaning back in his chair and tilting it back and forth as though he were a middle schooler and not a father and superhero. “Are the rest of you all having tea then? Not a hot chocolate for you, Natalia? I know Katniss struck me as the type- maybe the Capsicle will indulge.” He teased, an easy grin to hide his discomfort- there was a young kid in the room and they didn’t need to be arguing- Clint and Natasha at least should know to take the hint, if not Steve.

“Just tea, Bruce, thanks.” Natasha said shortly, smiling a little at Freya who grinned back with a big toothy grin. “I’m sure Clint will have a hot chocolate though, given that he’s actually a 6 year old inside.”

“I'm 7 inside, actually, and I'll have hot chocolate actually because Nate got me into them. They really are nice, alright?” Clint responded, joking back and putting on a false smile that was softened by Freya’s genuinely excited expression. With three kids of his own, he was weak to seeing a little kid’s pure excitement at anything even a little new and interesting.

Steve smiled and waved Bruce off. “It’s okay, I’ll miss out. I'll be back..” He said quietly, going to stand only to have Tony grab his wrist and shake his head firmly. “Tony, let me go, this doesn’t involve you”

“It doesn’t involve you either, it’s a family matter, Steve, don't push Thor on those. He won't take it well and if you make even an accidental or unintended implication of a threat towards anything here you’ll end up in the burn books of two OP ass gods, so don’t push it, Steve.” Tony whispered, voice harsh and aggressive, “Just wait, okay. We’ll debrief as a team soon enough but the kid is a civilian no matter what.” Steve responded only with a firm nod, sitting back in his seat.

—------------------

When Thor, Loki and Mobius reappeared- Mobius and Thor both in new clothes and looking almost uncharacteristically sheepish- the brothers sat down at the table beside each other with Thor between Loki and the other Avengers. Mobius disappeared into the kitchen to bring in the stew and rice into the dining room and Bruce followed him out shortly holding a drinks tray, with Freya skipping ahead to sit down beside Loki.

An awkward silence had settled over the room quickly. Not a surprise, but still unappreciated. Mobius served everyone's food, and the only chatter that permeated the silence was a ‘thank you’ from everyone as they got their meal. Freya looked around at the adults, confused at the silence. Normally it wasn't nearly this quiet when they ate, Loki and Mobius would be teasing and joking over the table when Freya wasn’t talking about what she did all day- the games she played, whether her and Loki went out in the snow and went blue, what TV shows she watched.

Freya decided that the quiet was because someone just needed to say something so other people could talk too. There were a lot of people and it only made sense that no one was bold enough to say something, especially since some of the guests didn’t seem to like Loki at all. (and she couldn’t comprehend why because her Daddy was the sweetest and always played her games with her and made sure she was warm and cosy at bedtime.) “Daddy, can we go outside and play in the snow tomorrow? Papa said it was meant to be snowy and I want to play the snowy games with Uncle Thor!” As though she thought the complete silence this warranted from everyone was because she didn’t include her Uncle Bruce, she continued, “Uncle Bruce can play too but he always gets cold really fast and I don’t want him to get sick!”

Loki smiled fondly and stroked her hair back behind her ears where some had escaped. He looked down at her and bit back a little laugh at how little she seemed in the chair, staring up at him next to her. “We can play, but I can’t promise for Uncle Thor as he might be working, dearheart.” She butted her head against his side affectionately, turning back to her dinner with a broad smile on her face. Freya knew how to get Uncle Thor to come outside and play, but not if he was working hard so she needed to plan.

“Why don’t you focus on eating up your dinner, pumpkin?” Mobius teased, watching as she looked at him in vague annoyance. “If you eat dinner and go to bed early, then you can play sooner tomorrow, can’t you?” Her eyes lit up and she continued to eat her dinner as fast as she could.

The adults all continued to eat in silence, the awkward atmosphere not broken by the four year old speed eating. Unfortunately, the effects of this display were mitigated by the formerly-maniacal space invader sitting beside her. Clint was glaring at the man, hardly eating any food and not looking away for a moment, with the other previously uninformed avengers more discreet in their staring. The subject of this staring was eating in a methodical way as usual, though speaking much less (not at all) and making meaningful eye contact with his husband.

Freya looked up at Loki with big eyes when she finished, mouth still filled with food, and tried to ask something through her mouthful. Freya swallowed harshly, and repeated, “Daddy, can I get down from the table? Will you come with me for bedtime? Please daddy?” She begged, squirming when he summoned a napkin to wipe the food from her face. “Daddy! Stoooop, you’re ‘barrassing me!”

Loki, deciding that ‘bedtime’ was the perfect escape for the incredibly awkward situation, picked up his still half full plate and Freya’s (mostly) empty one, standing from his chair with a touch of magic. “You may get down from the table, hurry on upstairs and I'll let you pick bubbles for bath time.” He teased, smiling a little as she scurried off. After setting the plates in the kitchen, they returned to the dining room and sighed. “I’ll be back in a half hour, and then I’m sure we can have a reasonable, adult conversation while Freya is in bed asleep.”

—-----------------------------------------------

Mobius sighed once he had disappeared upstairs, pressing the palms of his hands into his eyes. “I shouldn’t have brought you all here, this was an insane idea. We’re going to have to move after this, I’m sure of it.” He groaned, sliding his hands down his face and leaning back in his chair. “I am such a moron. He will never forgive me.” He moaned dramatically, allowing Bruce to mockingly pat his shoulder in comfort.

“I did warn you, Mobius. At least Freya isn’t super upset?” The scientist attempted, wincing sympathetically at the grey-haired man's responding groan. “I know they seem super pissed, but-” Bruce cut himself off at a grimace from Thor.

“I am dearly sorry, Mobius, but Loki not finishing a meal he made is a poor sign for you. I would expect a sore few nights on the couch, my friend.” Thor said, poorly hiding a grin. “I’d apologise more, but Bruce did warn you, and I'm almost certain Loki is still listening and I don't intend to be joining you in being hoisted out of my bed due to this. You are thoroughly on your own.”

Tony snorted. “You’re that afraid of little brother, Point Break? I thought you were a big scary lightning god, not to be pushed around by little weaklings?” Steve gave him a pointed look, but Natasha and Clint smiled and cackled respectively. “What, Spangles, you can’t tell me you’re not curious! Reindeer games is obviously capable of kicking Mr. Strip out of bed, but hammer time? Not so much, I just wanna know why Thor would be worried about Snape ousting him!”

“Well, that is a rather easily answered question, Man of Iron; Loki is my little brother, but he could still turn me into a frog at any time, and therefore I maintain a healthy amount of fear for him.”

The table of now seven descended into silence once again, Tony, Bruce and Mobius evidently holding back laughter while Steve, Clint and Nat stared at Thor in disbelief.