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It took a bit longer than he would have liked, but the citadel had finally been rebuilt.
It was more his style now, still classy, but a little more modern than how he who remains had kept it. more comfortable. He found the more he made himself at home the stronger the timelines became, weaving around the citadel and protecting it.
There was one more thing though– someone– that would truly make this house a home.
He picked up the black and gold marbled disc that lay on his desk. It was dusty and cold to the touch from the lack of use. Loki pondered it for a minute, breathing shakily. He had no idea how long he’d been at the end of time, but he knew it was long enough that the thought of seeing Mobius again made him nervous. How long had it been for the analyst? Would he forgive him for sacrificing himself?
The god of stories took a deep breath, pushing all doubts aside, and opened up a time door. walking through time doors felt like stepping through jello, or at least that was the best way he could describe it. It had been a while since he’d been used to the feeling, which was another indicator of just how long he had been at the end of time.
He stepped into an empty hall. general bush noise could be heard faintly, but for the most part it was quiet. That was until a familiar, rambling voice leaked down the halls, getting closer and closer. He couldn’t hear what he was saying, he was just focused on the warmth of his voice.
“So that would mean variant T4468 would have had to hop timelines, but he would have no means–” Mobius cut himself off as he rounded the corner and saw the person he had prepared himself to never lay his eyes on again.
The TVA stood still. Not even the dust dared to settle. Existence was holding its breath for them.
“... hey,” Mobius was almost inaudible, scared to move anymore than he had to.
“Hello,” Loki reflected his tone.
“You’re– you’re alive.”
“I am.”
“Your hair is longer.” Mobius finally got the nerve to move, gesturing to his hair that was now a little past his shoulders.
“So is yours.” Mobius hair didn’t matter. Nothing did except for the fact that he was standing there in front of him.
“Loki… I don’t know what to say,” His laugh was dry, uncomfortable even, “two years–”
“Two years!?”
“Well, technically seven-”
“I was gone for seven years?!” Loki’s voice shook.
Mobius nodded.
Had Loki been stuck at the end of time for seven whole years? He would have guessed 6 months, maybe even a year if he thought about it long enough. But seven? Seven years to build his stupid citadel? He didn’t even care about how long that was for him. It could have been 100 years, hell, he had already spent 5 times that trying to save the TVA. But for Mobius? He’d still have been upset if it was a singular month. The god didn’t know what to say.
“Mobius… I-,” Loki stuttered, “I’m so, so sorry. If I had known it would take this long– I would have gotten here faster, done it all faster.”
The analyst stepped forward, laying his hand on his elbow like he always had when Loki was upset, “It’s okay. I promise, it’s okay.”
“But it’s not–”
“It is. It really is, I promise.” He caressed his arm with his thumb, hoping the motion would be soothing. “The only thing that matters is you’re alive, and you’re here,” he whispered, “Besides, I’ve been here longer than I can even count. What’s seven more years?”
Loki nodded, trying to hold the tears and panic back.
“Can I at least show you why I was– where I was. What I was doing?” He tried to sound calm, but his voice still shook a bit.
“Of course,” Mobius' voice was so gentle, probably gentler than he had ever heard him speak.
He fished the black disc out of his pocket, opening up a time door back to the citadel. Hand resting on the small of his back, he guided the TVA agent through.
They stepped out onto the meteor the citadel was built on, green light shimmering all around. The entrance to the citadel loomed in front of him, the black marble door at least 8 feet tall. He looked back at Loki, awaiting his guidance. A burst of green traveled along the surface of the door before it creaked open, revealing the spacious foyer that lay behind it. It was a ballroom in every sense of the word, two staircases winding up to a balcony, high ceilings with golden chandeliers illuminating the space, the whole nine yards.
“Wow…”
“I didn’t really touch this part during the rebuild.”
“Is this what you were doing?”
“Pardon?”
“Rebuilding all of this?” Mobius was in awe, taking in every little detail of the citadel.
“… Yes. I suppose I was.”
Mobius turned to him. Loki looked tired, like he hadn’t slept in those seven years. He reached up and cupped his cheek, almost involuntarily, just admiring the man out of time. The god’s breath hitched, surprised by the softness of the touch.
“There’s more. If you want to see,” Loki whispered, failing to not lean into the touch. He grabbed the hand on his cheek and guided Mobius up the stairs.
Loki took him through each part of the Citadel, letting Mobius explore every nook and cranny he wanted to. Through the kitchen, the dining room, the lounge, the bedrooms, and finally, his new and improved office at the very top of the glorious building. Okay, calling it an office might have been a bit of a reach. It wasn’t an office, as it was more of a ballroom with a desk slapped in the middle and an obscene amount of bookshelves built into it. The fireplaces burned brightly, illuminating the room a warm orange, offsetting the green glow that radiated from outside.
“It’s… it’s beautiful,” Mobius said, running his hands along the spines of the books, all of Loki’s favorites.
“It’s lonely.”
Loki hesitated.
“I could use some company.”
Mobius turned to him, eyebrows furrowed, “Are you asking me to stay?”
“Only if you want.”
Mobius didn’t respond, but instead dropped the book and rushed over to him. It had been a while since he’d done this, 407 years give or take, but he knew Loki wouldn’t care because he was right there with him.
Their lips met in a hypnotizing embrace, filling both of their veins with passion and destroying any rationality any one of them could have held. All of the pain, the torment, and the turmoil either one of them could hold from the past seven years melted away with the relief of finally being in each other's arms.
Loki pulled away reluctantly, breathing heavy in shock and absolute delight.
“I was going to ask you if you wanted me to make a spare bedroom, but I see I have my answer.”
Mobius laughed, knowing in his heart of hearts, he would have waited the rest of existence for the god before him.