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The stone of the door was cold to the touch, a contrast to the air outside. Mobius’ feet were planted nervously into the rocky cliffside below him, he was hesitant to enter the ancient temple. Something about it felt…off.
Mobius knew this was a bad idea. He had been warned about meddling with things he didn’t understand, especially by the village elders, but he needed solutions. He needed help.
The drought that plagued their village had been raging for months. They had begun to run out of food and supplies and things were looking glum. Mobius had heard of a god that could bring winter again, a Jotun king who had the solution.
Determined to save his village, Mobius had taken the time to sneak around each night, stealing sacred texts from the elders and gathering what he needed for the journey to the Jotun’s temple.
Now, the time has finally arrived. The moon would be full tonight and he had all he needed to summon the Jotun prince, he just needed to ensure he wasn’t caught. If the elders found out, he’d be banished. He wouldn’t be able to help anyone if he wasn’t even there.
Mobius examined the door against his palm. There was a Jotun with their arms crossed and their eyes closed carved into the stone. Mobius assumed it was the very Jotun he was searching for.
Summoning his courage, Mobius closed his eyes and recited the incantation that would open the door. He heard a creak and a shimmering sound, startling his eyes open. He looked up and the stone Jotun had opened its eyes, revealing a vibrant green.
Odd, Jotun usually have red eyes. Its arms opened up into something of an embrace as the door began to open inward, slowly but surely. Mobius was grateful it hadn’t opened outward, he would’ve been pushed off the cliff.
He heard no noise inside, the only noise filling his ears was the loud bellowing of the stone door slowing to a stop. Mobius took a hesitant step forward, grabbing an edge of one of the doors and peeking inside the temple.
It was almost pitch black, save the light that was shining through the entrance from the outside. The floor was stone as well and he swore that he could make out a hint of frost covering the ground.
From the small amount of light that shone into the room, Mobius could see frost-covered stone pillars lining one of the walls. He assumed they were surrounding the whole interior.
Mobius hesitantly moved his leg inside the doorway, being careful upon entering the temple. He wasn’t sure if it was completely safe or not. It was best to be cautious.
Mobius made his way inside and began walking slowly through the middle of the large room, his footsteps echoing through the temple. He could barely make out a strange structure in front of him, it looked like a stone shrine.
Mobius could see his breath in front of him and he began to shiver, the cold getting to him. He wrapped his arms around himself in an attempt to warm himself up. He wasn’t dressed for the cold.
Mobius heard a creaking behind him and he turned to see the temple door closing. “No, No, No, No, No!” He ran back to the door but it was too late, it slammed shut right as he reached it and he ran into it with his arms.
“Agh!” Mobius slammed his fists against the door in frustration, hissing in pain regrettably afterwards. He heard a noise behind him and opened his eyes, noticing the darkness in the room was gone.
The torches on the pillars began lighting up one by one, blue fire engulfing the room. Once the room was lit, Mobius could see the shrine clearly.
There was a stone table with extravagant engravings surrounding the base. The engravings depicted Jotun history and some sort of tree. Two blue fire torches were on either side of the shrine and they were larger than the rest of the torches. They were perched on either side of an arch that receded into the back wall of the temple. The archway depicted a stone carving of an elegant Jotun. Their arms were outstretched and their legs were folded, their hair flowing out in all directions. Their eyes were open too, green and illuminating the table at the bottom of the arch.
Mobius approached the shrine, wary of the sharp and jagged ice crystals that had built up around the table and the arch. It might’ve just been his mind playing tricks on him, but he could’ve sworn he saw the eyes of the Jotun following him.
“Uhm, hello?” Mobius didn’t know what to do from here, the elders' texts only told him how to get to the temple, not how to summon the Jotun god.
Mobius stood in front of the stone table, it was elevated on some stone steps. Mobius was about to walk up to them and see if he could inspect the table, when the ground began to shake.
It wasn’t a violent shaking, but it was definitely noticeable. Mobius took a few steps back and looked around. He hoped the temple wasn’t collapsing on him. He had a job to do, and a life to live.
The carving of the Jotun began to crack, green light emitting from the cracks and blinding Mobius. He shielded his eyes with his arm and turned away from the shrine. The cracking grew louder and more frequent and then ceased all at once, the light slowly dimming.
Mobius slowly looked back at the shrine, and was met with a sight that almost made him run. Out of fear or out of sheer wonder, he wasn’t sure. On the table sat a Jotun, a very tall Jotun who could easily squash Mobius with one of their hands. They were posed like the carving had been, only their eyes were closed and their hands were folded elegantly in their lap. Their hair had fallen over their shoulders as well, and Mobius had to admit it was a beautiful sight.
The Jotun slowly opened their eyes, blinding green meeting Mobius’ soft blue. The Jotun smiled small at Mobius and leaned down to inspect him. Mobius almost staggered backwards, almost.
“Hello there, what brings you to my temple?” The Jotun’s voice was deep and booming through the temple, but there was a certain silky sound to it. It was elegant and Mobius felt as though he could fall asleep listening to them talk.
“My village, we’re only about eight miles from here. We’re suffering a terrible drought, it’s taken many lives and is starving many others. I was hoping you could help us.” Mobius tried to remain calm as the Jotun put their hand against his body, analyzing him like an insect. His voice wavered a bit but he stayed true to his goal.
“Hmm…” The Jotun sat straight up again, leaning their cheek on one of their palms, still looking at Mobius through hooded eyes. “And what would you do for me in return?”
Mobius was prepared for this. He had read about ‘the price’. The Jotun god didn’t do things for free. Mobius took a deep breath, remembering what he came here to do, who he was doing it for.
“…Anything.” He said. There were too many lives at stake, what was sacrificing his compared to saving his village? The Jotun looked surprised by his answer. They straightened their posture and regarded Mobius with a new kind of curiosity.
“Anything? My, that’s quite the offer. Are you sure you know what you’re doing?” The Jotun shrunk down a bit, making their size less intrusive. Now, not taking up the entire temple, they slid off the stone table, walking towards Mobius.
They were still a few feet taller than Mobius, which made Mobius cower a bit. They were still a beautiful sight, though, which helped with the fear. The very noticeable lack of much clothing was not an…unwelcome distraction.
“How brave of you, human. Tell me, what is your name?” The Jotun placed their hands on their knees and bent forward, meeting Mobius’ eye level. Mobius found himself feeling colder than a second ago.
“Mobius.” He answered. The Jotun tilted their head and smirked, “How cute.” They said, Mobius swallowed, his face not feeling so cold anymore. The Jotun noticed and chuckled.
“Well then, I shall help you, and I have decided on my reward.” The Jotun stood upright and walked back to their table, sitting atop it and crossing their legs. Mobius wasn’t sure he wanted to hear what fate the Jotun had decided for him.
“What…What would you have me do?” Mobius asked hesitantly. The Jotun smirked.
“Return to this temple once a month. It shall be this day each month.” The Jotun uncrossed their legs and began playing with their hair, braiding it and speaking to Mobius as if they were trading goods.
“Return and…do what?” Mobius was afraid he would be tortured, but he wasn’t sure if this god was capable of such cruelty.
“Whatever you please. I simply want to see you, that is all.” The Jotun met Mobius’ eyes again and smiled. Mobius found his knees buckling again, but not out of fear this time. It confused him.
“I don’t understand…” Mobius took a hesitant step closer to the Jotun, unsure of what exactly he didn’t understand. The Jotun stopped braiding their own hair and just looked at Mobius.
“I like talking to you, it amuses me. You’re the first human I've let into my temple in centuries. You’ve…captivated me, I suppose.” The Jotun didn’t take their gaze off of Mobius, their eyes wandering around his frame. He wasn’t sure if he should be flattered or terrified, maybe both.
“…Alright. I will return.” Mobius stood tall, as tall as he could be compared to the god in front of him. The Jotun smiled fondly, almost with excitement.
“I look forward to it, Mobius” Mobius’ name was drawn out like a sweet poem. “Your village will be safe, do not worry.” The Jotun formed a kind of frost cloud in their hands and then made it disappear. Mobius assumed his hard work had just paid off.
“Thank you,” Mobius then realized he wasn’t sure who he was thanking, so he asked, “May I have your name? It was never written down in the elder’s texts.”
The Jotun smiled, “My name is Loki.”
—
A month had passed and Mobius’ village was almost recovered. They had healed the majority of their sick and their farms were yielding harvest again. Mobius did his best to thank Loki everyday. He had made a small shrine in his home in the gods honor. It felt right to do so.
The day came where Mobius would once again make the eight mile journey to Loki’s temple. He found himself…looking forward to it?
The prospect of seeing the Jotun god again wasn’t as terrifying as Mobius thought it would be. He was excited to talk to them again. He had become fascinated by them and wanted to learn more about them. And…he missed the cold.
Mobius entered the temple and this time it was less dramatic, the torches were already lit and Loki was already there, sprawled out on the stone table and playing with their magic. Their hand was outstretched to the ceiling and snowflakes danced around their fingers.
“Loki?” Mobius said when the god didn’t acknowledge him. Loki perked up and turned to look at the human, a smile spreading across their dark lips.
“Mobius! You stayed true to your word, I'm impressed.” Loki shrunk down to a smaller height and jumped down from the table, approaching Mobius. They were closer to Mobius’ height then they had been last time, but they were still considerably taller.
“Of course I did, you saved my village. It’s the least I could do.” Mobius placed his hand on his heart and bent forward ever so slightly, a small bow to the god before him. Loki’s brow tightened in curiosity.
“If only all humans were as kind and intelligent as you, then maybe my reputation would be less…harsh.” Loki circled around Mobius. They made a motion with their hands and a small wooden table with cushions on either side appeared in the center of the room. There was food on it, too. The food was food Mobius had grown up with, it was a nice touch.
“Sit. Talk with me.” Loki sat down on one of the cushions, crossing their legs and sitting with a perfect and elegant posture. Mobius sat down opposite them, admiring the Jotun.
“About what?” Mobius inquired, raising an eyebrow. He sat less elegantly than Loki, but he tried his best to look presentable.
“Anything you’d like, I’m all ears.” Loki gestured and nodded towards Mobius. It was like he was beckoning his voice forward. Mobius obeyed, finding himself wanting to do whatever Loki told him to do. Concerning, but he could think about that later.
“I’d actually like to know more about you. What exactly are you the god of? How old are you? Why are your eyes green?” Mobius took a bite out of one of the fruits that was on the table, relishing in the wave of nostalgia it brought to him.
Loki brought a hand to their mouth and chuckled, “How cute, you’re so curious. Very well, I will lend you what knowledge I can.” Loki folded their hands in their lap and Mobius tried not to blush at being called ‘cute’.
“I am the ruler of the Jotun’s and I usually reside in Jotunheim. That’s where my palace is. My job is to keep the cycle of winter alive. I also have dominion over chaos and mischief. I have reigned for a few centuries now and I am 1,053 years old. But to Jotuns, I am around your age.” Loki boops Mobius on the nose at the mention of the human’s age. Mobius covers his nose with his hands and blushes, his eyebrows furrowing in embarrassment and irritation.
Loki chuckled and then continued, “I am naturally 34 feet tall, but I can shrink to whatever size I please. My body changes in many ways, I am not one gender, I am all. I am unique in this regard to my fellow Jotun.” Loki gestures to the side with their hand, casually talking about things Mobius knows to be impossible.
“That’s incredible.” Mobius says, infatuated. Loki just keeps getting more beautiful by the second. It’s exhilarating. Loki’s gaze meets Mobius again and that curious look returns to their face.
“What sparked such curiosity in you, human? It intrigues me.” Loki shrunk down again, this time to Mobius’ height. They leaned forward and placed their elbows on the table, resting their face in their hands.
Mobius couldn’t look away. “Oh! Uhm, well, I guess I just find you infatuating.” Mobius scratched the back of his neck, wanting to avoid eye contact but finding himself unable to. Loki perked up a bit and looked genuinely surprised for the first time since Mobius had met them.
Loki placed their hands down on the table, their arms folded in front of them. “Humans don’t usually find me infatuating. They find me horrifying. You must be special, as I keep proving by talking to you more.”
Mobius huffed a breath, “I can’t imagine ever finding you horrifying.”
Loki’s eyes widened and their already blue cheeks grew a darker blue. Their mouth was slightly open in a small gasp, barely a breath. Loki noticed this and quickly shut their jaw tight, avoiding eye-contact with Mobius.
“You-…You may go, i-if you wish.” Loki sat up straight and cleared their throat, a fist rising up to their mouth. Mobius didn’t think gods needed to clear their throats. It was interesting, seeing Loki act so human.
“Alright,” Mobius stood up carefully, not wanting to slip on the frost covered floor. “I shall see you again, in a month's time.”
Loki nodded and still didn’t meet Mobius’ eyes. “Yes, in a month.” And with that, Mobius left without another word.
—
On their fifth meeting, Mobius was greeted with a new sight.
Loki was standing in the center of their temple. They were shrunk down to Mobius’ height, as they had been these past few meetings. But, instead of only dawning some jewels and a decency cover like usual, Loki was wearing a dress.
It was elegant and green with gold accents spread throughout. It reached Loki’s ankles and had short sleeves that showed off the gods delicate arms. The neckline was circular and the whole dress seemed to be something of a tight-fit toga, like the women in Greece wore.
There was also a golden diadem adorning Loki’s hair. It was adorned with jewels and small chains. Loki had on various pieces of golden jewelry as well, but still no shoes. Mobius supposed Loki wasn’t fond of them.
Mobius also noticed that Loki’s frame was slightly thinner and their chest had swelled outward. Loki had taken the form of a woman today, and Mobius was entranced.
Loki was playing with her hair when Mobius entered. She perked up when she noticed him. “Hello, Mobius. How was your journey?”
Mobius could barely speak, too focused on the elegant paints Loki had plastered across her face. Her lips were red now and her eyes had a dark shadow above them. “It was fine. I had no hardships.” He managed.
Loki smiled and Mobius just about fainted, “That’s good. I apologize for my sudden change in appearance, it just felt right.” Loki began walking towards Mobius and Mobius noted how her hair was longer and more curly today. It was usually only breast length and thinner, but now it reached Loki’s lower back.
“I like your new appearance, it suits you.” Mobius said and then realized what he might’ve implied. “Not that your other form doesn’t! I like all of your forms!” Mobius was trying to be reassuring but he ended up embarrassing himself instead.
Loki simply laughed and covered her mouth with her hand. She took a deep breath to compose herself, “You’re adorable.” she said.
Mobius just knew his face was red. Loki noticed.
“You don’t need to be embarrassed, Mobius. I like your compliments. They bring me joy.” Loki took another step closer to Mobius. Mobius tried not to think about the proximity.
“I-I’m glad I could bring you joy.” Mobius smiled at Loki, and Loki returned it. She looked beautiful.
“Now then,” Loki said, adjusting her rings, “What would you like to do?”
—
Their next few meetings went by like usual. They talked, ate, played games, and Mobius embarrassed himself. The routine was nice and peaceful. Mobius had never been happier in his life.
The meetings never stopped, the reason for them completely forgotten. Mobius wasn’t tied down by a deal anymore, he was coming to the temple willingly, excitedly. Soon, the meetings became closer together. They stopped meeting every month and just met whenever they could.
Time went on, and a year passed by.
One day, Loki offered to meet Mobius at his village to save him the journey, and that’s when everything changed.
Mobius was in his small little clay house in the village. It was simple, only a bedroom and a visiting area. He cooked like the rest of the village did, outside in the back. It helped to not have to worry about the fire so much.
Mobius had pulled his privacy curtains over all of the windows in the house. They were not made of glass, only gaps in the walls, specifically carved. Mobius wasn’t sure how his neighbors would take a Jotun showing up to his home.
Mobius was brewing some tea when he heard a voice from his doorway. “Mobius?” It was Loki’s, back in his usual form. Or so he thought.
Mobius rushed to the doorway, not wanting Loki to stand outside for too long. It would risk his neighbors seeing the Jotun god. Mobius’ home was more on the outskirts of the town, but it was still visible. People talked.
He pulled back the curtain covering the doorway and was met with someone who was definitely not Loki. It was a man. He was slightly taller than Mobius and had short black hair that was thin but still puffed out a bit. He was lean, pale, and elegant and had the most familiar green eyes.
“May I come in?” The man asked in Loki’s voice, after Mobius had been staring for too long. Mobius just about reeled backwards.
“Loki…?” Mobius asked, looking the man up and down and finding that he was more familiar upon a second inspection. Loki folded his hands behind his back and nodded with an amused smile.
“Yes, Mobius, it’s me. I did not wish to scare your neighbors, so I thought this form was more adequate.” Loki gestured to himself and Mobius noticed he was wearing a traditional outfit for the men in Mobius’ village. It was a strangely intimate sight.
Mobius was staring for too long again and he snapped out of it with a step to the side. “Sorry, come in.” Loki chuckled as he entered the house, looking around and taking in the sight of it.
The living room was just a small room with an intricately designed rug covering the floor. There was a small wooden table in the center with cushions surrounding it and books were stacked up against the walls. There was an old tea set on the table, Mobius had laid it out for him and Loki.
Loki smiled softly at the sight of the home. Something about seeing where Mobius lived made his heart warm.
Mobius made his way to the table and gestured to it. “Please, sit.” Loki did as he was told and sat opposite to Mobius, much like he did all those months ago. Mobius poured them each some tea and Loki took a polite sip, enjoying the flavor.
“How have you been since our last meeting?” Loki asked. Mobius set the kettle back down and regarded Loki with a smile.
“I’ve been fine. The village is getting on well and I’ve had plenty of reading to do in my spare time, but it’s dull without you.” Mobius takes a sip of his tea to keep himself from pulling an embarrassed expression. The routine continues.
“You may find this hard to believe, but it’s dull without you in Jotunheim.” Loki offered. It was true, Loki’s kingdom was dreadfully boring. He loved it anyway, though.
“Is that so? Guess I’m more interesting than I think I am.” Mobius placed his teacup down in his saucer and looked at the tea, analyzing the way it moved around with each vibration.
“You have no idea.” Loki said before he could stop himself. Mobius perked up, his ears and cheeks red. A giddy smile broke out on his face.
“You’re, uh…you’re really handsome like this.” Mobius sets his saucer down and puts his hands in his lap. He looks at the table, suddenly interested in the wood. Loki remains silent for a moment.
“…Am I…only handsome like this?” Loki puts a hand on his chest and looks up at Mobius through slightly hooded eyes. Mobius feels lightheaded.
“No. No you’re…I always think you’re beautiful.” Mobius couldn’t believe he just said that. That he actually took the plunge. His heart was beating rapidly, threatening to burst out of his chest.
Loki’s breath caught in his throat at Mobius’ words. He could do nothing but stare at Mobius and wonder what he did to deserve such a wonderful human. Loki let the illusion fall, his skin and eyes slowly returning back to normal. The clothes he was wearing remained. They were real.
Mobius found this incredibly endearing. Loki had gone out of his way to dress like his people, like him, like a human. The plain cloth looked extravagant against Loki’s markings. Mobius cursed the table between them.
Loki hadn’t torn his gaze from Mobius once, still staring at him like he was a precious thing. Maybe he was, Mobius couldn’t tell anymore. He was too lost in green to care about anything else but Loki, Loki, Loki.
Loki leaned across the table, getting into Mobius’ space. Mobius let him, not wanting this to end. Loki carefully brought a hand up to cup Mobius’ face and Mobius let out a small huff of air. It was akin to a gasp.
Mobius leaned into Loki’s hand, bringing his own up to trace the patterns on Loki’s collarbone. Loki exhaled a shaky breath and leaned closer, his gaze dodging to Mobius’ lips. Mobius licked his lips and swallowed, scared to make the first move.
Loki wasn’t.
Loki closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to Mobius’. It was gentle, tender, passionate, and exhilarating all at the same time. Loki’s lips were soft and cold. He tasted like winter. Mobius shivered at the touch but kissed back with eagerness.
Loki giggled against Mobius’ lips at the shiver and climbed over the table, careful not to knock the tea set over. He straddled Mobius’ lap and wrapped his arms around the back of his neck, deepening the kiss. Mobius reciprocated with a smile against Loki’s lips and wrapped his arms around Loki’s waist.
Loki ran his cold fingers through Mobius’ blonde locks, sending a shiver down Mobius' scalp and his spine. Mobius loved the feeling it gave him. He loved the excitement of the cold.
He pulled away from Loki’s lips and kissed his cheek, then his jaw, then his forehead, then his neck. He trailed kisses up and down his neck and across his collarbone. He rubbed his hands against Loki’s sides in a soothing kind of motion and Loki sighed, basking in the affection.
“You’re rather excited.” Loki said with a smile as Mobius planted his along the inside of Loki’s arm. Mobius stopped his actions for a moment to look up at his god, a smile on his face.
“I’m just worshipping my god.” Mobius replied with a light squeeze to Loki’s waist. Loki flushed a dark blue and giggled.
“My! How forward you’ve become. I like this sudden change in confidence.” Loki pressed his forehead to Mobius’ and nuzzled his nose against his. Mobius hummed.
They stayed like that for a moment, enjoying the comfortable silence. Loki pecked Mobius’ lips again and Mobius pecked back, and then they were kissing again. This time it got a bit more heated and even led them to landing in Mobius’ bed.
Loki looked up at Mobius, who had landed above him. His blonde hair was all messy now and his eyes were hazy, Loki loved it. Mobius was cute like this. He kissed his human’s cheek.
Mobius kissed Loki’s forehead and his nose. Then his jaw and his ear. He resumed trailing kisses all along his neck like he did earlier. This time, however, he slowly removed Loki’s shirt. It was a wrap around so it didn’t need to go over his head. Loki laid his head back against the pillow and played with Mobius’ hair, sighing as Mobius trailed kisses along his chest and stomach.
Mobius kissed every marking, every curve. He wanted to commit them to memory, wanted to burn them into his mind and never forget them. Worshipping Loki was the most incredible thing in the world, and he never wanted to stop.
“You’re so sweet.” Loki petted the side of Mobius’ face. “What did I do to deserve such a loyal human?” Mobius kissed the inside of Loki’s hand and nuzzled his nose into Loki’s palm.
“Nothing, my god. You needn’t do anything to earn my affections. I love you by my own will.” Mobius closed his eyes as he admitted it out loud. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to see Loki’s reaction.
Loki’s reaction was felt rather than seen. He pulled Mobius down towards him in a passionate kiss and held his face in between his hands. His eyes welled with tears.
“I love you, my human.” Loki said once he pulled away. Mobius shakily exhaled and felt his eyes prickle with tears. He kissed his god again, smiling against his lips. Loki smiled wider than Mobius had ever seen him smile.
—
Centuries later, Jotunheim holds two thrones instead of one, and Loki’s temple adorns a new carving on its back wall. A Jotun god and their human entangled together, their foreheads pressed against one another, never to be separated.