Archive of Our Own

Ten years since New York. Since the invasion. Since the Chitairi had reigned hell and the people of Earth had too face the fact that they were not alone. And ill prepared for the threats the grander universe would throw at them.

Three years since Loki had taken up arms next to his brother and those he once had to set out to fight against. Three years since with a howl of primitive rage he felt deep in his bones he drove his dagger through Thanos's thick ugly purple neck and severed his head. Letting it fall to the Wakandan soil with a thud of finality.

He had stood there afterwards. Shaking with adrenaline and overwhelmed, almost disbelieving of the fact of the fact it was over. The rest of his armies were quick to fall back after that.

His legs had given out on him after a couple minutes and he finally took a seat on the bloodstained grass. His daggers falling to the ground next to him. He was aware of others calling out names of loved ones. Others doing similar to him and just taking in the fact that it was over. However, it was all background noise in a way.

He honestly hadn't been sure what he was going to do next. He didn't think he would  live to see the day he could make that choice. He wasn't sure how long he sat there just breathing for the first time in what felt like years before footsteps approached.

Thor had approached alongside his group of original shield brothers and Loki had sighed and held out his hands to be cuffed. He hadn't faced Earthly justice yet for what he had done to New York and he was tired of running. Yet they had surprised him yet again by offering him a place to stay.

He claimed a floor in the tower albeit he was reluctant at first to interact with any of the members. New and old alike. Slowly though, as he assisted the older members in training the newer ones, especially those magically inclined like Wanda, the more he started to believe when they assured him they did not hold him responsible for the invasion any longer.

These days he was sure the only one who still blamed himself even now, after everything was said and don, was himself. He hid it well. He never let the others see the weight he still carried on his shoulders or the doubt that plagued him whenever they commended his work on a mission. No one noticed the way he would stay to the edge or the back of the group when at a public function.

Even now, as Fury dismissed them after their post mission debrief no one noticed the way Loki shook his head at the suggestion they earned some rest. He looked down at his hands. He almost hadn't been fast enough today. Two school children who had been at the bank targeted by a group of rogue mutants for an educational field trip had almost perished.

He needed to be faster. He needed to go and spar. He pushed himself up and left the conference room at Shield HQ but stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and found Natasha staring at him. Her expression softer than usual, but unreadable as always.

"You can't always be everywhere at once. And you will get yourself killed one day trying." She said quietly.

Okay. So maybe not all the others were oblivious to his plight of self loathing. "I can though. As long as I can make clones I can be anywhere the fight requires me to be."

Natasha let out a small sigh but said no more on the subject as she moved past him. Loki shook his head and started through the floor to the elevators once more. He was stopped again, this time though by his own curiosity.

"It's going to be a disaster Casey. No two ways about it..."

Loki rose a brow at the lamenting of a grey haired SHIELD agent standing near a vending machine while he fed it a dollar bill from the pocket of his brown suit. The mans friend just shrugged.

"You don't know that Mobius. I think you'll do just fine with helping him put something together." Casey assured.

Mobius grumbled as the vending machine spat the dollar bill back out at him due to the minimal wrinkling. "I barely know a thing about menswear to begin with Casey. And Kev wants something stright out of a fantasy book! Where the hell do I buy a real cape?!" He used the side of the vending machine to straighten out the bill before he fed it to the machine again.

Casey shrugged again. "People go to Ren Faires Mobius. I'm sure you could find something that would work. You have over a month still don't you?"

Mobius sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "A very short little over a month. This should have been started months ago, but he couldn't decide." The machine accepted his dollar and he punched in the code for one of the tropical flavored Monsters.

"Things will work out Mobius." Casey said before he looked down to his work phone as it went off. "Sorry have to take this."

Loki watched as Mobius waved to Casey who was already pressing his phone to his ear. Now was his chance to speak to the rather...charming older Midgardian. He cleared his throat as he made his way over. "Um hello...I could not help overhearing about an outfit problem. Maybe I could help?"

Mobius had just cracked open his energy drink when he turned around to see Loki of all people there. Talking to him. "I...you're...Loki. Loki Laufeyson."

Loki shoulders tensed at being recognized. The man seemed old enough to have been around during the invasion. "I am."

Mobius smiled wide and bright. "I never thought I would get to meet you! You're my favorite Avenger!"

Loki broke eye contact with Mobius without making it known. His gaze skittered off to a plant in the corner of the room while his eyes still seemingly held Mobius's startling blue ones. "I...I'm not...the team never named me an official member. The press just...lumps me in with the rest of them."

Mobius chuckled. "Then I think you might have them a little confused."

Loki tilted his head. "How so?"

"You go on their missions, help train their newer members, you live with in their Tower...kind of seems like you are one. Maybe they just haven't said it because they don't want to scare you off."

Loki blinked. Did they...did they see him as one? He inwardly scoffed at himself. What a foolish thought he would never truly be one of them. Worthy of the title. Relationships with all of them had come far, but not that far. He cleared his throat a touch uncomfortably. "More importantly...what was this business about procuring a cape?"

"Oh!" Mobius felt the panic settling in over the ordeal all over again and he took a nervous pull from his Monster. "My youngest, Kevin, is a senior in highschool. His senior prom is coming up. It's...Prom is a dance but it's a big deal because its your last prom before completing highschool. The whole school year leads up to it."

Loki nodded along as Mobous spoke. Following thus far. "I was a Prince at one point in time so I'm familiar with balls. And even here on Midgard I havd attended a small number of galas and soirees at the behest of the others."

Mobius relaxed at that. Loki grasprd how big this was then. "Kevin watches a lot of anime and he's been on a fantasy fixation since Freshman year. I'm not complaining it got him more interested into reading...but now he wants something inspired by that fashion as a formal wear for prom. And he hits me with this a month and a half out. After we've already got a suit and sent it off for altetations!" A huff of frustration escaped on the end of his sentence and he ran a hand through his hair again. "I love him...both of my sons...more than anything. Nothing ever scares me more than disappointing them...but..." He looked down at his crooked red tie. "I can't even tie my tie straight in the mornings. I don't know where to start."

And fuck...Loki would give his soul and anything in between to see Mobius succeed. Having been raised by a man who harbored no affection for him it struck something in him to see how much Mobius truly did care. "Did he provide you any references?"

Mobius nodded as he fished out his phone. "He's a great artist. Wants to write and draw comics. He drew up some stuff the other night." He pulled up the pictures Kevin had sent him.

Loki took the phone carefully in his own hands so he could get a better look. He studied them closely before he offered the phone back. "A lot of what he is looking for is very similar to Alfheim formal wear. Especially amongst the royal court. I...have a few acquaintances among the tailors there, some of the best in their craft. They do not like to be rushed, but I am usually able to reason with them and one owes me a favor. I could...pay them a visit. Alfheim is on good terms with New Asgard right now for trade, I was the one who lead the endeavors." He felt the back of his neck heating up as he caught himself maybe trying to impress Mobius. Told himself to stop. Mobius was far too good a man for him.

Mobius's eyes on the other hand continued to get bigger with every word Loki spoke. Disbelief, relief and unfettered awe plain on his face. "You would really be willing to do that? Even though we pretty much just met?"

Loki nodded. "It would be no trouble really. I could leave as soon as tomorrow. I am sure the world could function without me for a day or two. I would just need his measurements to bring along with me."

Mobius physically sagged at feeling the weight lifted from his shoulders over the ordeal. "I think I jotted them down when we went suit shopping."

Loki summoned a piece of paper and one of his quills from his room in the tower with a mere flick of the wrist. Completely missing the utter fascination and admiration that lit Mobius's eyes. "This is my number and my email address. He said as he wrote both down in impeccable neat beautiful script. "Whichever is easier for you, I am familiar with both. The Spiderchild proved to be a marvelous teacher and Stark's tech is very user friendly."

Mobius took the paper that was handed over to him with a smile so bright...so full...so sincere that Loki's breath caught and he finally had to look away fully as he rubbed at the back of his neck.

"Thank you again for this. Really. You don't even know how stressed I was over this."

Loki nodded. "I...I should go inform Director Fury I will be off realm for a couple days." He said as he gestured to the elevator he had gotten off of previous. "Have a good day Mobius."

"Hey! You too. Get yourself some good cookies on the way home for me okay?" Mobius called after him. "You deserve em."

Loki waved Mobius off as his thoughts turned back to the fight that afternoon. He'll have deserved his cookies when he could be faster on the uptake and not nearly lose two cildren.

***

When Loki finally got back to the tower that late afternoon he made a b-line for the gym. He went for round after round. Despite the fact that his body was already sore and achy from the fight that afternoon. The physical injuries had long since healed, but the aches and genrral soreness, the exertion of being thrown through a load bearing wall, lingered. Still. He sparred and fought and practiced until his limbs shook and sweat soaked his shirt.

His Seidr was exhausted. At more of a limit than he had pushed it too in a while. He sat on his knees. Catching his breath as he summoned a bottle of water. "Friday? What time is it?"

"It is two am Loki."

Loki nodded his thanks towards one of cameras in the room and raised his water bottle back to his lips. He showered down in the locker room. Finally washing away the day and pulled on some clean comfy clothes. When he got into the elevator he blindly poked at the button for the common floor and leaned back against the wall.

He let his eyes close for the duration of ghe ride. Only opening them when he heard a ping and the doors opening. What halted him in his tracks was the quiet laughing that stopped shortly after hearing the elevator in the otherwise quiet penthouse.

Loki spotted Tony and his daughter Morgan on the couch. Midnight snacks he and eleven year old Morgan were indulging in. "My apologies. I did not-"

"Want a juice pop Mischief?" Tony offered after a moment with a smile that came a lot easier these days.

Loki blinked. "I don't-" his protests died on his lips as Lady Morgan was alresdy pulling him further into the room. Or...attempting too at the very least. Tugging on his hand.

"Daddy says juice pops make bruises go away over night." Morgan said as if that alone was reason enough to join them for one such treat.

Loki was still uncertain. He knew Tony was very protective of his little family. Pepper and Morgan. He felt...wrong being invited into a space that was clearly meant for bonding between a parent and child. Even with the invite coming from the man himself. "It is kind of you to worry after my well being Lady Morgan." Loki stated quietly. "But worry not I have already healed."

Morgan pouted, the spitting image of a young Tony who had been told it was time to leave the lab, then studiously turned her attention to one of his hands. Looking for any evidence of injury and the possibility he might be lying.

Loki didn't know if it was more of a transgression to stop her or let her continue. In the end he stood stiff and still. Only looking slightly to. find Stark holding out one of the frozen treats to him. "Take the damn juice pop. Take a seat. I'm gonna tuck this one back in.

"Ahhh but-"

"No buts missy." Tony said as he scooped Morgan up onto his shoulders. "Your school wasn't affected by yesterday's fight which means you have to be up early."

"Don't you have to be up early for meetings?"

"Nope. I gave Mommy that stuff to take care of a long time ago. She's much better at it." He turned back to Loki. "Don't run away. I'll be right back."

"Night Loki." Morgan said with a wave.

Loki finally resigned himself to his fate and stepped out of the elevator. "Good night Lady Morgan may the realm of dreams greet you kindly tonight." He said again in that quiet tone. Not wanting to risk waking Virginia. If there was ever a woman deserving of a full, restful eight to ten hours it would be Virginia "Pepper" Potts-Stark. And he was not ashamed to admit he was mildly terrified to find out what kind of wrath she would unleash if woken for no reason.

Tony disappeared down one of the halls with Morgan in tow and Loki sat himself on the edge of the couch. He inspected the treat he had been given before he unwrapped it at last.

It was about ten minutes before Tony rejoined him in the living room still walking with a slight limp.

"I truly didn't mean to intrude. I didn't pay attention to the button I pressed but...since I am up here I could heal your leg if you like."

Tony eased back onto the couch with a small wince. "It's fine Lokes. It gave me a reason to shuffle Morgan along to bed. And my knee is fine. Just gonna be sore for a couple days. Whats got you up late?"

"I was training. I was out of practice today. I can do better than I did."

Tony scoffed. "You did fine today Reindeer games. In fact to hell with my knee you went through a load bearing wall. Are you okay?"

Loki nodded as he waved away the stick and wrapper for his juice pop to the trash. "I am sore but a long soak in some warm water tends to help. I am fine. Still able to fight."

"Speaking of we missed you afterwards when we got back to the Tower. We got Chinese for lunch. I know you like your lo mein."

"Oh...I returned a little later than the rest of you. I had to tell Director Fury that I would be off world for a couple days."

Tony rose a brow. "Thor need your help with political stuff for New Asgard? He didn't mention any troubles last time he visited."

Loki shook his head. "Not exactly. I need to speak with a couple tailors in Alfheim on  behalf of a friend. Oh," He looked toward the ceiling. "Friday I need some of the best quality cotton this realm has to offer delivered some time tomorrow. Is that possible?"

"Sure thing, Loki."

"Don't they have stuff better than cotton?" Tony inquired curiously.

"There are materials that are just as good and better than cotton, but not quite as soft. And Alfheim's climate doesn't let it grow well. So it has high value as both a barter item and a gift."

"Huh...I never would have though little ol Earth actually had something to offer."

Loki pushed himself up. "I think I will retire for the evening and you should return to sleep as well."

"Haven't slept yet." Tony said through a small yawn. "I was still keyed up from the fight. Morgan just pulled me out of the lab twenty minutes ago."

"Then may the realm of dreams spare you in your travels tonight as well." Loki said as he started towards the elevator. He turned back halfway to it. "Stark?"

"Its been a decade Lokes and I've seen your bare ass twice changing in the locker rooms. I think you can call me Tony. Also yeah?"

Loki frowned. "No one told to look Tony."

Tony shrugged, unashamed.

Loki sighed. "No matter more to the point...am I an Avenger?"

Tony blinked. Outright confusion plain on his face. "Huh?"

Loki shifted. "I wasn't sure I had any sort of right to the title. Not after...everything."

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose. "You fight with us. You eat with us...sometimes. You live in our Tower. You train our new recruits. I thought that was pretty clear."

"But there was no...official paperwork or...assignment. On Asgard such an honorary title was awarded and made official through ceremony and feasting."

Tony couldn't help it. He burst out laughing. Loki's face broke out in offense and hurt. "I dare to share my insecufities and you mock them?"

Tony quickly waved his hands but he was still giggling. "Its not you! I promise its not you I'm sorry."

"What pray tell then could possibly be so funny? And lower your voice. Your Queen deserves her rest."

"Queen?" Tony blinked again. "Oh Pep? She's on her way back from California right now she's not here. Partly, why I can't sleep."

Understanding softened the hurt that had momentarily twisted his features. "I see. And what was so funny?"

"Back when SHIELD was Hydra they waited until I was on deaths door from the palladium poisoning caused by the reactor before they gave me the means to find a cure. They had it all along. They put me in debt to them so I would join then turned me down but hired Ironman. I invited myself to the party in 2012. Cap was groomed into one of Fury's little errand boys the day he was thawed out. SHIELD agents surrounded Bruce's home in India while Natasha manipulated him into coming along. Thor only showed up because of you and the spicy cube. And he only showed up in the beginning after that when it was covenient for him. Nat and Clint just rounded us out."

Loki's head tilted and a small frown was adopted on his face. "What exactly is your point?"

Tony rubbed at his forehead. "Sure that load bearing wall didn't affect your head? You are smareter than that."

Loki shrugged. "All I gathered is that SHIELD used to be awful but I already knew that."

"Loki none of us ever had some sort of ceremony or assignment. At least not for us original members. We threw something a little more official for the newcomers. If it made you feel better we could do it for you but yes Lokes you're a God damn Avenger. And a fucking good one too."

Loki blinked rapidly. Stunned by the simplicity, the bluntness of the ststement. "Oh..." He said quietly. "I thought...I thought I just had not earned it yet. Did not think I could."

"Loki."

Loki looked across the room to Tony's sincere brown eyes.

"You earned it the day you sliced that asshole's head from his shoulders. And knowing what I know now...you didn't have to earn it. Now go get some sleep. We've both had a long day."

Loki nodded and took leave of the penthouse. Instead taking the elevator to his floor. He had insisted a room would be enough for him but he had been given his own floor anyway. The last thing he did was check his phone and...found a small smile creeping onto his face at the thought of Mobius.

The man had sent over the needed measurements, pictures of his vision and an actual picture of Kevin so that his actual build could be taken into account. He sent his thanks and that he would update him soon.

***

Headquarters was in its usual hustle and bustle as always for a Wednesday afternoon but Loki slipped through the commottion with ease.

He had forgotten to ask Mobius what floor he was on so he had checked with Jarvis that morning. He found the floor and with only a little difficulty he managed to locate Mobius's desk. Except it wasn't occupied.

"Can I help you?"

Loki turned and found a shorter woman with hair in a very neat bun looking at him with suspicion. "I was looking for Agent Mobius..." he held up the cup pf tea he had brought along.

"He's not here. He'll be back Friday." She said before she moved along. Clearly that was his cue to leave.

Another woman joined him once the other was out of ear shot. "Don't take it personally. Ravonna's protecyive of Mobius." She held out her hand. "I'm Bea. What did you need Mobius for?"

Loki took the offered hand and placed a polite kiss to the back of her hand. "It is nice to meet you and I don't. I am glad he has people to look out for him. I can message him later I was just in the area."

Bea was already writing something. "He's sick today. Got the flu. Poor things been throwing up since last night."

Loki frowned and immediately took the paper. "Maybe some tea will help. I will check on him. Make sure there's nothing he needs."

"Thank you." Bea called after him.

***

Loki knocked on the front door of a cute white family home. Faded blue trim accenting it.

"I'm not buying anything and I've already found religion. Have a good day." A voice called out from inside.

Loki looked down at the door handle. Mobius sounded miserable and he found himself wanting to be of some use to the Midgardian. He could just let himself in...no. He set down the tea he brought along next to the door. "I brought you some tea Mobius. If you do not feel up for company I understand. I hope you feel better. The-"

The door was suddenly yanked open. Poor Mobius was sporting an oversized tshirt and boxers. He didn't look like he had slept well and he was pale...but flushed with fever.

Loki frowned as he retrieved the cup of tea he had brought along and reached out to feel Mobius's forehead. "Your friend said you had taken ill today. I brought you ginger tea it will help settle your stomach."

Mobius took the cup. "Thanks...this is a nice surpruse. It is...but you didn't have too."

Loki nodded. "I did actually. Lady Bea gifted me the knowlege of your address with the understanding I was to check on you. And...I believe I could help. I would just need use of your kitchen for an hour."

Mobius opened the door a little more and then told Loki to close it behind him and retreated to where he had been lying on the couch. "You gonna make a magic potion?" He joked tiredly.

"Actually...yes. Its not going to taste the best. I hated drinking the stuff when I was ill...but it does wonders. A good nap and you wake up feeling much better."

Mobius was back up and off the couch and planted at one of chairs on the other side of the counter instantly. "Wait really?"

Loki nodded as he flipped to a page in an older spellbook inherited from his mother. One of the last things he had of hers. He flipped to the needed page. While he read it over to refresh his memory. Unaware of the way Mobius was watching him as he unbuttoned the cuffs of his sleeve and rolled his sleeves up to his elbows.

"Wow..."

Loki glanced over. "What?"

Mobius blushed faintly and shook his head. "Nothing. It's not...normal small talk type of question."

"That means it's interesting. Go ahead I promise not to get offended."

Mobius glanced away for a moment before he decided to be brave and speak his mind. "I just...it's amazing how few scars you have. Given how long you've been alive."

"These are only the scars that I earned in battle. Under honorable terms. I have...more. But they are nothing to be proud of."

Mobius reached out a hand towards the God in his kitchen. "Can I...see?"

Loki stiffened and he paused in gathering ingridients from his pocket dimensions. "I would rather you did not. There is nothing admirable about them."

Mobius wanted to assure it would be okay but he backed off the subject for now. "Then...can you tell me how you got that one?" He asked instead as he pointed to twin wounds on the back of Loki's hand and his palm.

Loki smirked. "That I can tell you while I work."

So it was that Mobius happily sat at the counter snd sipped his warm tea that somehow stayed perfect temperature until it was gone. Watching Loki work his magic and listening to him recount the tale of the time he and his brother and their friends had gone toe to toe with a Basilisk.

The story only pausing now and then when Loki would need to ask where something was. And Loki was happy to give extra flare to his story telling. Mobius was enraptured by the tale and...long ago he had enjoyed telling stories to receptive audiences.

By the time Loki was wrapping up the tale he was pouring the potion into a glass vile to cool and put the finishing touches on it. "Are either of the young lords going to be home tonight?"

"What? Oh...no. Sean has his own apartment now and I told Kev he could stay the night at a friends house. Didn't want him getting sick from me."

Loki frowned. Logically he knew that Mobius was an adult and could take care of himself be didn't like the thought of leaving him alone. "Well, when you drink this you will want to go get comfy in your bed right away. It will make you very sleepy. Its supposed too. It is meant to help you catch up on the rest you have lost from the illness." Loki slid the vile foward.

Mobius took it and gave the peach colored liquid a sniff. It smelt deceptively welcoming. However, he was a baker. He was familiar with the guise vanilla extract put on. He downed it in one go. "Eugh...yeesh you weren't kidding. Gods..."

"Here." Loki was quick to provide Mobius with a small glass of something sticky sweet and delicious.

Mobius drank it in three and relaxed. "Mmm...what is that stuff?"

Loki smiled just a little as he took the glass back. "Elvish spiced berry honey mead. I alwags got a sip to wash the taste away when I was forced to take the stuff."

"It's delicious."

"I will procure you a bottle when I go pick up Kevin's outfit. Speaking of, the meeting went well. My fridnds are working on it as we speak and it will be ready for pick up in two weeks."

Mobius breathed out a sigh of relief at the news. "Thank you again for your help. You're a life saver. Really."

Loki ducked his head. "I...try my best. Would you prefer I deliver it here or...meet you at Headquarters?"

Mobius smiled. "Why don't you come over for dinner? I owe you for the trouble of the outfit. And this. Then Kevin can try it on and make sure it all fits."

Loki hesitated, then nodded. "I...I would like that. It would be an honor."

Mobius nodded before he swayed on his stool. "Whoa..." he mumbled in a faint voice raising one of his hands to his head. "You weren't kidding...don't if...stairs good...idea..."

Loki was quick to move around the counter. One strong arm was wrapped around Mobius's waist while the other hooked itself under his knees. Effortlessly lifting Mobius.

"Holy shit...you're so strong..." Mobius mumbled as he sort of cuddled into Loki's chest. "Smell like Earth...like pine...its nice."

Loki blushed as he started up the stairs. "Which room is yours?" All he got in response was evened out breathing. And a snore that rivaled the God of Thunder and startled Loki so bad he very nearly dropped the Midgardian.

Once he got over his heart attack Loki managed to find Mobius's room on the first try. Before he set him in the bed he waved a hand over it. Shimmering green gold following the motion and leaving the blankets clean, pillows arranged and fluffed and the bed made.

He pulled back the blankets but before setting Mobius down he gave Mobius the same treatment with his Seidr. Making sure he was clean before he settled him in the clean bed. "Sleep well Mobius. Feel better when you wake." Loki murmured as he pulled up the blankets.

Loki didn't leave right away. For a couple minutes he kept watch over Mobius. He told himself it was to make sure the potion was working as it should. Not because he was taking the chance to admire Mobius more closely. That moustache had absolutely no right being as cute as it was.

He finally pulled himself away from the bed but still lingered. Tidied up the room and set a comfy and clean change of clothes on the bed for him. He just...found himself really wanting to make Mobius's life a little easier.

It was while he was in the kitchen making two sandwiches and a delicious salad that he felt an odd faintly irritating sensation in his chest. He rubbed at it once or twice then decided to ignore it. Instead he went about setting a tray with both sandwiches and salad. The dressing he put in a smaller bowl to the side to be added later. Mobius would be starving when he woke.

Loki knew this for sure because he and Thor both had always been ravenous upon waking. So he left the covered tray next to the change of clothes he had laid out.

It was still hard to bring himself to leave but he did at long last. Wondering what the slight annoying tickle in the back of his throat was all about.

Later that day his phone pinged while he was pouring over a new spellbook in his study. He checked it. Already smiling as he saw it was from Mobius.

"Thanks for that suff Loki. Its amazing! I feel perfect! And the sandwiches were delicious."

Loki read the message twice before he finally replied. "I am more than relieved to hear as such Mobius. I was worried when I heard you had taken ill. I will see you in two weeks for dinner."

***

Over the next two weeks Loki didn't get much of a chance to visit Mobius again in person. Between Thor visting from New Asgard which he did monthly, had thrown himself headlong ingo the reformation of their relationship, and some lessons to teach he was pressed for time.

That did not mean there had been a shortage of communication through phone. Loki hadn't worked up the courage to call Mobius yet but they messaged each other daily.

More than once Loki had opened his messages to find pictures of certain jetskis or places of tropical retreat on the beach. He had also been informed that it was unacceptable that he hadn't tried pie yet. Mobius swore it was a gift from the Gods, but Loki assumed it must not be from his pantheon because before coming to Midgard he had never heard of such a thing.

The discomfort in his chest however was getting worse. Well...maybe not worse...because it wasn't painful per se. It was definitely becoming more noticable. He found himself rubbing at it often. He was also starting to get these little annoying coughing fits.

He was overseeing a final training session before he left to collect his package from Alfheim. He had just called a break and in the midst of confirming plans with Mobius he suddenly broke out coughing. A little worse than he ever had before.

"Are you alright Mr. Laufeyson?"

Loki looked over to see Vision with Wanda on his arm. It had been a near thing in Wakanda but they had given their all to protect Shuri's lab. And it had paid off. He nodded as he took an offered bottle of water from Wanda.

"You've been coughing a lot lately. Maybe you should have Bruce or Strange have a look at you..."

Loki wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I doubt Bruce is interested in what is probably nothing. There are better things he has to do with his time. And...Strange and I...don't care for one another."

Wanda frowned, Vision did too, but neither pushed the subject. "Well...take care of yourself. You're the only person around here with so much experience in magic and the want to teach me."

"I will. It is just a cough. It will sort itself out in a couple days I'm sure."

***

Loki checked his reflection in the glass window pane of Mobius's home. The curtains were shut allowing a better look at himself. Mobius was just a friend, of course he was, Loki was just one to always care about his appearance. It was nothing new for him to want to make sure he looked his abosolute best.

He had dressed in a high necked deep green silk tunic with black trim and gold embellishments. Flowing sleeves. Black leather pants to match. Clothing reminiscent of what he used to wear. Minus the armor. He adjusted the gold earring dangling from one of his ears and frowned as he pinned a disobediebt strand of hair back in place with the help of his Seidr.

Satisfied, he finally stepped in front of the door and lifted a hand adorned with emerald and black diamond rings and knocked before he could talk himself out of it.

The door opened a moment later but it wasn't Mobius that greeted him. It was a younger boy who was clearly Mobius's son. If those blue eyes and that blone hair was anything to go by.

"Oh...hello. You must be Kevin?" Loki said as he held out his free hand.

Kevin looked up at him wide eyed. "An Avenger knows my name..." He went running back inside and Loki could hear him shout "DAD! An Avenger knows my name!!"

Loki stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He toed off his shoes by the door and followed a delicious smell coming from the kitchen. "It smells exquisite in here."

"Hey Loki!" Mobius called from by the stove, but didn't turn away. "Sorry I have to keep a close eye on the chicken. Earlier this week Kev requested chicken and waffles so...its not fancy but..."

"I'm looking foward to trying it. I have had waffles before." Loki assured as he set the box he carried with him on the table. "Kevin this is for you."

Disbelief was on the young mans face. "Me?"

Loki chuckled in amusement. Mobius must have kept this a surprise. "Indeed. On behalf of your father."

Kevin spun around to look at Mobius. "From you?"

"Yeah champ. Loki just helped me find everything." Mobius said with a proud smile at being able to fulfill his sons wishes.

Kevin ran over to table and pulled open the box. And he was speechless. Slackjawed as he ran his hands over the clothing inside. His drawings had literally been brought to life. "No fuckin way..." he murmured at last.

"Language Kev..." Mobius chided half heartedly as he pulled out the last pieces of chicken and slid the pot off the burner. He grabbed a dish towel to wipe his hands. "But you're welcome."

Kevin gathered the box in his arms excitedly. "I'm gonna go try this on!! Thank you Loki for helping dad! I'm gonna have THE best drip of all those losers!"

Loki watched Kevin run up the stairs. A small smile on lips before his attention shifted to Mobius who could finally greet his guest properly.

Except Mobius couldn't because as soon as he got a good look at Loki his mouth went dry and he resisted the urge to tug on his collar. Suddenly feeling like the tie he wore at work was still on. "Hi." He managed lamely.

Loki offered up a beautiful dark purple glass bottle sealed with a cork. "A bottle of mead. As requested."

Mobius was a little surprised as he eeached out and took it. "You remembered?"

"Of course." Loki said it like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Let me know if you ever want another bottle. I did however muddle the potency. You would not be able handle it otherwise."

Mobius wrapped his hands around the bottle. The gift meaning a little more to him than just a bottle of mead. "Thank you...I...should back to dinner." He said as he tucked the bottle on the counter for now.

"Do you need any help?"

"Nope. Uh uh. You've helped me more than enough for now. You just sit down, look pretty and let me serve you like a Prince."

Loki's cheeks tinted as he took the same seat at the counter that Mobius had last time. "Do not lower yourself to such a station Mobius. You are far more than just a servant."

Mobius blushed in turn fully at that. "Oh? And what sort of station would I have been worthy of back on Asgard?"

"No less thsn a Lord." Loki said at once.

"Lord Mobius huh? Has a fancy ring to it." Mobius said as he stirred batter for waffles.

"Um...Loki?"

Loki spun on his seat and immediately had to bite back a laugh as he saw Kevin standing in the doorway. One of the buckles for the shoulder was attached to his side. One of the shoulder pieces was awkwardly attached to the knee.

"I...I could use a little help." Kevin admitted.

Loki slid off the stool. "I can help you." He glanced back to Mobius. "We will be back down soon. Lead the way Kevin."

Kevin raced up the stairs ahead of Loki, but waited at the top for Loki to catch up before he turned to the left. Loki conjured up a chair and took a seat next to the mirror where he had everything sort of laid out. Scattered would be a better word.

Loki helped him undo a couple of pieces and then produced a thin but opaque in color undersuit. "Here. Put this on underneath and I will walk you through it."

Kevin took the under suit and Loki turned his back to give Kevin privacy.

"Loki?"

"Yes Kevin?"

"Have you...talked to a lot of girls?"

"I have courted my share of maidens yes."

"Can you...offer any advice on how to talk to them? I really like the girl I'm taking to prom and...I really want to make her feel special. Dad told me the usual. Be myself, all that good stuff. But...I'm still nervous. And you can turn around now."

Loki did so and reached for the first pieces of the outfit. "Your father's advice has merit. You should not have to hide a part of yourself to please another. It does not feel very pleasant either. These go on first first."

Kevin took the light soft linen undershirt and pants and pulled them on. "I don't feel like I have to do that around her. Thats why I like her so much. And she's into comics like I am and videogames. She wants to go to the same college I do but for graphic design."

"Personalize every compliment you give her or add some flare to it if it's simpler."

"What do you mean?" Kevin asked as Loki handed him the tunic that would go under the armored chest peiece.

"If you compliment her eyes for example, do not just say her eyes are lovely. What color are they?"

"Kind of bluish grey."

"What does the color remind you of?"

Kevin thought about that question and stepped closer to Loki. Lifting his arms so the chest piece could be pulled on. It was very light armor. Not at all suited for battle. Ceremonial armor, but it was a gorgeous piece.

"They remind me of storm clouds. Or stones? The ocean..."

Loki started walking him through the different buckles. "So you would say something like your eyes are like the moonlit stones in a clear lake. Give it a try."

Kevin's face twisted up in thought again as Loki finished up with the straps and handed him the pants next. "Your eyes are fierce like the clouds of a storm?" He said at last uncertainly.

Loki gave him an applause. "That's a good one." He assured. "Women, people in general really, like to be noticed so by personalizing a compliment you tell them you actually see them, are paying attention. It tells them they matter. Does that make sense?"

Kevin nodded as he picked up the shoulder pieces and handed them to Loki. "Thanks. That does help."

Loki smiled as he helped him put on the shoulder pieces to finish the look. "And of course you know the manners of a respectable gentleman."

Kevin nodded proudly. "I'm going to open all the doors for her and pull out her chair!"

Loki chuckled as he pulled from his pocket dimensions a thin and simple but gorgeous gold circlet. He settled in on Kevin's head amongst his blonde locks. "Now your outfit is complete."

Kevin spun to look at the new addition. "This is so cool! All I need now is a sword! Too bad they won't let me have one."

"Not even a prop?"

Kevin shook his head. "Something somthing encouraging violence...boring rule book stuff."

Loki laughed and shook his head. "That is unfortunate. I'm going to join your father back down in the kitchen." He said as he stood and waved away the chair.

Kevin went bugged eye and followed after Loki. Demanding he be told how Loki had done that. Dinner was unlike anything Loki had ever had before. It was of course not like the fancier dishes he leaned towards but it was somehow eons above any form of fast food the others had gotten him to try over the years.
He had never had chicken fried the way Mobius had done it before and the crispy seasoned breading drizzled in the sweet maple syrup sent him on journey. The waffles took it to another realm. He felt guilty about the fact that he had eaten three plates but he really couldn't help himself.

Conversation over dinner between his praises over Mobius's cooking was easy. He got to know a little more about Kevin, heard a bit about Sean and got to learn a little more about Mobius. And it was halfway through dinner that it was starting to dawn on him how badly he had it for the Midgardian. How much trouble he was in.

He just couldn't help it. Mobius was so so kind. A loving father, someone who liked to see the best in people, took pride in the work he did knowing it helped people.

After dinner Kevin had retreated to his room to change out of the outfit and get ready for bed. Loki picked up some dishes from the table. "Can I stay and help you clean up? We can open my bottle of mead when we're done. Share a glass?"

Mobius smiled that smile that made his eyes crinkle in the corners and Loki's heart flop. Then he was hurrying to set the dishes in his hands down on the counter as he was wracked with a small coughing fit. This was worse than the ones previous. He actually hunched over some.

"Loki?" Mobius asked in concern. Running one of his warm hands along Loki's back. "Loki, hey, you okay? You need some water?"
Loki shook his head. "No...it...something's stuck in my throat..." He coughed a moment or two more before he finally felt something wet land in his palm. He pulled it closer. Not believing what he saw.

"What is it? Please don't tell me it's a piece of chicken bone. That could be dangerous."

Loki shook his head. "Not a piece of chicken. It was not your cooking." He pulled a small face as he rinsed his hands off in the sink. "Your cooking was perfect. Do not think otherwise." He rolled his sleeves up. "I'm fine Mobius."

Mobius wanted to protest but Loki did indeed seem to be fine so he finally stepped up next to Loki, but nudged him to the side in front of the dish rack. Handing him a dish towel. "You can dry. No arguments."

Loki chuckled as he took the towel. "Very well."

Dishes didn't take long to do with both of them working together. Loki noted it was the tiniest bit difficult to breathe now and then but he chose to ignore it for now.

Once the kitchen was cleaned up and lights turned off Loki settled on the porch swing with a glass of mead. Mobius joined him a moment later. "Here."

Loki looked down and saw Mobius holding out a small stack of Midgardian currency. "What?"

"I never actually gave you any money for the armor...something like that probably cost a fortune."

Loki was quick to reach up and push the hand offering him the currency back towards its owner. "Not every realm demands monrtary compensation. It merely cost me a couple skeins of high quality cotton yarn." Plus a couple hundred gold. Mobius didn't need to know that. "You don't owe me anything. I was truly happy to help you."

Mobius hesitated. "I should still pay you for your time..."

Loki shook his head. "No need. I was going to Alfheim next month anyway to meet with their Queen. I was able to see her while there and handle business."

Mobius pouted but relented and tucked the cash back in his pocket. "So do you do favors for a lot of Midgardians?"

Loki felt the tips of his ears warm and thanked his hair for being able to cover them. "Not...particularly, but it is not often I hear of a way I can be of use to someone." He admitted and it wasn't quite a lie.

After their glass of mead Loki pulled his shoes back on by the door. Mobius saw him to the porch. "This is for you, to take with you. Its a keylime pie."

Loki lifted the lid of the unlabeled pie box and indeed saw a bright green filling...of some kind...inside a crust. "That will be delicious later I look forward to trying it." He lowered the lid and carefully took the box off Mobius's hands. Then reached out and took one of those hands and pressed a soft kiss to Mobi's knuckles. "Thank you for hosting me for dinner Lord Mobius."

Mobius swallowed and went red. "Th-the mine was pleasure I MEAN! The pleasure was mine." With that Mobius rushed back into the house.

Loki gave the home one last wistful look before he disappesred in a green and gold shimmering mist. He took himself back to his floor in the tower and smiled fondly as he looked down at the pie he still held in his hands.

He could never tell Mobius the extent of his feelings. He had stained his hands and heart with too much darkness. Tainted his soul one time too many. If he got too close to Mobius he would ruin him or bring ruin too him. That didn't mean he had to deny himself a friendship with the mortal.

"Welcome home Loki."

Loki sighed. "Thank you Friday." He had told the AI more than once that this wasn't really his home. It was a space leant to him by Stark. He knew it was most likely because he was useful at the moment but he was under no impressions that this housing arrangement was permanent.

He was under no impression that if he ceased to be useful he would be shown the way out. This way of thinking showed in the way his floor was nearly as sparse as the day it was given to him. The kitchen did hold food and some dishes that were already there. His bedroom did hold some clothes and he did put some different blankets on the bed. The only room he had sort of settled into was his study, but he would be able to pack quickly should the need arise.

The pie was set down on the counter in the kitchen to be enjoyed later. For now he changed and fell into his bed. He dozed off not long after to the thoughts of those warm hands on his back continuing their exploration.

His dreams expanded on the fantasies of warmed skin and words of praise whispered in his ears until he was rather rudely awakened by a coughing fit.

He hurried out to the kitchen and hunched over the sink as cough after cough wracked him. Until finally something landed in the sink. Now that he was alone he could get a better look.

They were flower petals. Three of them. He carefully collected them and held them up to the cc light. Pale blue at the base fading to white. If they weren't wet he would bet his Seidr on the fact that the petals would have a slight irridescence to them. Frost flowers. He knew them from Frigga's gardens.

But why would he be coughing them up? He wiped at his mouth and rubbed at his chest. Struggling to catch his breath as he put on the kettle. His throat was sore after that endeavor and he didn't foresee himself going back to sleep anytime soon. He had research to do.

He took his cup of tea to his study, lit a heatless fire on the hanging iron plates and settled into the chair at his desk. He started by closing his eyes and turning his search inward. Scanning and searchibg himself for anything that wasn't supposed to be there. Twenty minutes later he found his answer amd he felt dreaded resignation settle in as he found branches starting to take root in his chest and flowering with the frost flowers.

There had only been mention of something like this affecting certain races and Seidr users. He couldn't remember how much trouble he was in exactly but he knew this wasn't good. He wished not for the first time that he still had his books from his rooms on his Asgard. Not for the first time he had thought about borrowing the time stone just to pop back and grab this book or that scroll.

The potion items that used to be ever abundant on Asgard only now no longer existed and he was getting low on so many of those materisls. He knew himself well enough though. If he went back...he wouldn't be able to just stick to a couple books. If he caught so much as a glimpse of his mother he would selfishly drag her back with him at the detriment of the timeline. Or...throw himself in front of the blade meant for her to absolve the guilt he felt for causing her death. So...he just refrained altogether.

Still...this meant he had to go to Jotunheim. Peace between New Asgard and the realm of ice was still new. Hopeful for the future after the return of The Casket which he tucked into his pocket dimension during his tme as Odin. Leaving a copy in its place. That had done much...but Loki was under no impressions that he had many fans among the Jotuns.

He sat back in his chair and drank his tea. Contemplating what to do. When the cup was empty he set it aside and stood. "Friday, if anyone asks after me please inform them that I had some business to tend, but that I will be back tonight."

"Sure thing Loki. Are you alright?"

Loki waved one of his hands. "Just a pesky cough. I am sure it will abate in a matter of days.

"....If you say so Loki."

Loki took care to cloak himself in a couple layers of invisibility and obscurity. Not wanting to take any chances at being detected. He disappeared in a green mist and in minutes he stood in the royal libraries of Jotunheim. What took him back was how many people were in there. Only ten or so, but back on Asgard that was practically unheard of. He was the most frequent visitor of the libraries in Asgard. Still he navigated to where he need to start his search and found it empty. So he hid amongst the stacks and started pulling books.

Research was slow going. It seemed like ages had passed before he finally found a mentioning of flower petals being coughed up. In actuallity it was only two hours. Once he found that first crumb however, it was much easier to progress. One book led him to the next and two hours later he was slumped against the shelves in defeat. Little haphazard stacks of books around him.

The book detailed the disease that afflicted him. Born of a strong unrequieted love in Seidr users as their powers were highly tied to their being, their make up, their emotions. And Jotnar were known to be an emotional people.

There were only two ways to rid yourself of the disease and he would never have the audacity to confess to Mobius. To burden him with the knowledge that the man who once laid waste to his city had fallen for him. The alternative was a high risk removal procedure in which the branches were pulled from the chest, but left you without the ability to love again.

Loki shut the book and stared down at the cover. Doing neither would prove deadly to him in weeks now. The branches would continue to grow until they pierced his lungs. If Mobius was going to be the death of him he found himself okay with that.

He stood at last and carefully dismissed the books back to the places he got them. He took himself back to the tower and dropped his cloaking spells.

"Welcome home Loki."

If it weren't for the fact that Loki knew Stark had privacy protocols in place he almost would have thought Stark was the one behind coding that phrasing in for him. "Thank you Friday."

He wandered back out to the living area just as another coughing fit hit and he once more found himself doubled over the sink. Three more flower petals came up and he stared down at them as he caught his breath...he couldn't even be mad.

***

It was another week before he saw Mobius again. They still traded messages daily at this point. He had taken to watching some of the shows that Mobius said he liked to watch. Most of the stuff was more lighthearted, the drama surface level, obviously more aimed toward a younger audience.

He didn't mind it though. He found them to be easy watches as the coughing attacks got worse and it continued to get harder to breathe. Lately during the training sessions he was having a harder time making it across the huge training floor without stopping halway. Winded and rubbing at his chest. Trying to will the tightness away.

He was on the common floor after training and smiling faitinly as he sent Mobius a message asking if he had plans for lunch. Mobius had said he didn't and Loki pocketed his phone.

"So...whose Mobius?"

Loki startled as Yelena dropped down from the fridge. Hanging upside down as she bit into an ice cream bar. Rubbing his chest afterwards and tried to regulate his breathing under the glamour he had up. "Where did you come from?"

Yelena rose a brow. "Are you okay? No ones snuck up on you before. You always know when someones close to you."

Loki waved a hand. "Widows are a little trickier. Natasha has managed to startle me twice. And Mobius is a friend I met at Headquarters. Very kind."

Yelena finally dropped down from the ceiling in full to join Loki on the ground right side up. "Is he cute?"

Loki shrugged. "I don't view friends that way as it would be odd." He checked the time on his phone before he pocketed it. "Have a good day Yelena. You did well today in your sparring match."

***
When Loki saw Mobius walk out of HQ for his lunchbreak he was quick to throw a hand in the air and wave from across the street. "Mobius!"

As soon as he called his name he realized the man was talking with a small group of friends. Immediately he lowered his hand and hoped that Mobius hadn't heard him. Unfortunately the Norns had a sense of humor. Mobius turned around, made eye contact with him and beamed. That was the only word Loki had for it. It was radiant. It was blinding. It simultaneously warmed him and twisted his heart.

Mobius called something to his friends and waved them off before he hurried across the street to meet Loki. "Hi! I didn't know you were coming."

Loki shrugged and toyed with his fingers. "I can come some other time. I didn't mean to intrude on your time with your friends."

Mobius turned back and followed Loki's gaze where he could see Casey, OB and Bea turning a corner. "I can visit with them anytime Loki. Its alright. Really."

Loki looked at uncertainly. "Are you certain? I do not wish to keep you from them."

Mobius nodded. "I am. Just as certain as I am about the fact that I am going to perish if I don't get some lunch. And what are you doing out and about today?"

"I know a wonderful sandwich place near here. Sometimes I stop after missions and get something. And...I was just in the area. Had to speak with the Director. I thought maybe we could grab a bite to eat together."

Mobius was quick to fall into step next to Loki. "I would love too. And speaking of Avengers...I saw you fighting on the news the other day. The way you control your Seidr is so amazing. I couldn't imagine having something like that at my disposal. Is there any hope...I could learn?"

Loki shook his head and did his best to tamp down his growing blush. "Sadly no. As much as I would like to teach you the magic in this realm isn't strong enough. If you do not already have a grasp on Seidr you won't develop it here. Fear not Mobius. Your kitchen magic is quite commendable."

That sent Mobius laughing. "Kitchen magic?"

"Obviously you wield some sort of magic into your kitchen creations. I haven't had something as delicious as that pie in a while. I...I ate the whole in one sitting."

Mobius sputtered. "The...the whole thing?"

"I could not help myself Mobius my sweet tooth is insatiable at times and that pie was so citrusy yet sweet...it was perfect."

"Wow...The whole pie..." Mobius finally broke out laughing and shook his head. "I guess I'll have to make you another one soon."

Loki waved his hands a little. "You do not have to do so. It is a kind thought but you are a busy man. You have repaid me more than enough for your help with...the oufit and your...illness." Loki slowed in his steps and finally stopped outside the deli and rested his hands on his knees. Out of breath.

Mobius rushed over to his side immediately. Hunger temporarily forgotten over concern for his friend. "What's going on? Do you need to sit? Are too hot? I could run inside and grab some water. I'll-"

Loki grasped the sleeve of Mobius's charming brown suit one hand but it was weak by his standards. "I'm okay. Just need to...catch my breath." He winced as he felt the branches digging in here and there.

Mobius hesitated but figured Loki knew himself best so instead he just grasped the hand was still holding onto his sleeve and held it reassuringly. "I'll just wait here with you then. Once we get inside you can go straight to a table. Do you know what you want?"

Loki nodded. "I want the reuben with extra dressing. Fries as a side. They are crispy here and pair well with the sandwich."

"Reuben, extra dressing, fries. Got it." Mobius echoed back before he glanced to the doorway. "Think you can make it to the door? Keep hold of my hand just in case."

Where normally Loki would have snapped at the other and told him not to coddle him, Mobius was different. With him it didn't come from a place of pity or obligaton. It came from a place of genuine concern. And it was an excuse to indulge in the warmth of Mobius's hand. So he straightened and fought the urge to rub at his chest. "I think I can."

Loki let Mobius guide him. One warm hand grasped his own while the other was pressed against his back keeping him steady. A reassurance that it would catch him if he fell. And he never wanted to pull away from that safety.

Yet that is exactly what he had to do once they both made it inside. He took a seat at a table and focused on his breathing. And the way the places Mobius's hands had been tingled sent a pleasant shiver up his spine. Even if there had been no skin contact.

He watched Mobius's progress through the line  from where he was seated. Making sure everyone remerebered some manners around his favorite Midgardian. He would not have Mobius direspected. At least not while he was around to have any say.
As Mobius was getting ready to pull his card out of his wallet the required amount plus a little extra appeared in the cashiers hand. She jumped but then just rolled her eyes. "Really Loki?"

Loki chuckled. "My apologies."

Mobius still had his card halfway pulled out. "I...I could have covered it."

"Nonsense. I invited you. You are my guest. It would disrespectful to make you pay." Loki said as Mobius joined him at the table with an order number.

"Well then you aren't allowed to complain about another pie then." Mobius said stubbornly.

Loki sighed but he didn't have the will to turn down such a delicious gift a second time. That pie had been a glorious lunch sprawled out on the balcony. "Very well. If you insist."

Mobius was more than pleased with the acceptance of another pie. The possibilities of flavors were already running through his head. "I have to admit when I saw you on the news the other day fighting...I was a little scared."

Loki smiled softly at Mobius. "You need not worry. I am a survivor its what I do. I've cheated Lady Death thrice now."

Mobius frowned. "I know...still doesn't mean I have to like it."

They both looked over when their order number was called and Loki started to stand but Mobius's dad voice unintentionally came out. "Absolutely not Mister. You sit back down. I got it."

Loki pouted but lowered himself reluctantly back into his chair and let Mobius go and collect their orders. "What did you wind up getting?" He inquired curiously as he pulled his own order to him.

Mobius unwrapped his sandwich. "I got a grilled pastrami and swiss on sourdough."

Loki hummed his approval. "I have had that one before. Its a good one too. I tried one that had chicken and bacon on it but I did not care for the dressing."

"Was it ranch dressing?"

"Yes, I believe so. I don't care for it on salads either. The Spiderchild likes to dip his pizza in it. He tried to convince me to try it but I had to politely decline that time. Much as I do hate to disappoint him."

Mobius was laughing again. "Its not that bad. Sean does that too. Whenever we had a pizza night we made sure to have ranch on hand."

Loki wrinkled his nose a little. "I prefer an italian dressing or a vinegarette."

"Balsamic vinegar?"

"Nectar from the Gods." Loki said without hesitation. "Especially with some mozzerella and tomato."

"How are you making me hungry when I'm actively eating?" Mobius mumbled after a bite of his sandwich.

"Its a gift."

Lunch was over a little faster than Loki would have liked but Mobius did actually have to get back to the office in a timely fashion. Loki did point out that the excuse of Avengers business would get him off the hook but only in jest.

He waved to Mobius as they parted ways out front. Once Mobius had gotten a fair way down the street safely Loki took himself back to the tower and stretched as he appeared on his floor.

The rest of his day was spent on the couch jus reading. He didn't have the energy to do a whole lot after the activities of the morning. He did manage to make a cup of tea as well but that was it.

It wasn't until early evening that he once more started coughing but this was bad. He found himself gasping for breaths, fighting for oxygen, choking on whatever was trying to come up. Ten minutes later a full frost flower landed with a wet plop on floor. He laid there for a moment, eyes closed, book forgotten ribs sore. Just trying to breathe. Then it started up again.

At some point during coughing up the second flower he heard Friday calling his name. It was odd...he could almost believe there was worry in that robotic voice. Then the lack of oxygen robbed him of conciousness just as he got the second flower up.

When he opened his eyes again he panicked to gind Bruce hovering over him. "How-" he winced at how hoarse his voice was and as he went to move he hissed at the sharp pains in his chest. "How did you get in here?"

Bruce helped Loki sit up and then lean back against the couch. "Friday let me in after she told me you needed help...Loki what's going on? You know you don't have to hide from the team. If...if you're going through something we can help."

Loki shook his head and tried to get up, but Bruce placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't get up just yet. What do you need?"

Loki sighed tiredly but gestured towards his empty tea cup. "Another cup of tea. My throat hurts."

Bruce got the cup and went to the kitchen. "How do you take yours?"

"Three sugars and a splash of cream."

"Can I have a cup? This loose leaf smells good."

"I suppose."

Bruce thanked him and let the slightly tense silence settle between them until he had two cups of tea crafted. He brought both back out and offered one to Loki who had managed to get back up onto the couch. "What's going on Loki?"

Loki frowned. "I thought you weren't that kind of doctor."

Bruce sighed fondly. "I resigned myself to my fate the fourth time I patched up one of the others."

Loki rubbed at his had and contemplated what to do but he was tired. Lacked the energy to throw into stories. "Do not tell the others." He said at last.

"But-"

Loki shook his head. "There is nothing anyone cand do. Either do not tell the others or leave without answers."

Bruce bit his lip, but nodded at last. "I won't tell."

So Loki told him. Told him about Mobius mostly. Just the thought of the mortal enough to bring that small smile to his lips.

Throughout it all Bruce just listened and when Loki finished his own expression was empathetic with Loki. "You don't think you deserve him?"

"I know I do not. There is someone out there fated for him. Someone equally kind and good and...not dragging baggage around with them. Its not me."

Bruce knew all too well from personal experience the feeling. He had been in that hole of belief once. Thinking isolation would be better for everyone because then he couldn't accidentally hurt the ones he loved. And he also knew he could tell Loki he was wrong until he was blue in the face but it would do no good.

"Please Doctor Banner, more than anything do not tell my brother. This is going to crush him...and I...as selfish as it is I cannot watch him mourn me before I am gone. I would rather spend the time I have left with him in laughter. There has been far too little of that between us...I missed it. I would rather him cry after I am gone."

Bruce frowned into a sip of his tea. He really should tell the rest of the team. But..he knew what it was like to not want to be vulnerable. "What about the rest of us? Don't you think we should have a little warning?"

Loki shrugged. "Why? They will just do the psperwork and send me and my belongings off to New Asgard. I doubt any of them will miss me much."

Bruce lowered his head in one of his hands as he rubbed at his forehead. "That is far from the truth Loki. Everyones come to like you. The new recruits especially. Peter and Morgan will be devastated."

Loki hummed, but it was obvious he didn't believe it. "I will wipe your memory of this conversation if you cannot keep silent about this."

Bruce sat up straighter and squared his broad shoulders for a bit of intimidation. "I won't tell the others but you are on a leave of medical absence. Indefinitely. No training, no sparring, no fieldwork. Period."

Loki scoffed. "As if you could stop me."

"In the state you're in right now Peter could stop you. I mean it Loki. If you're going to insist on slowly killing yourself you're going to take things easy."

Loki glared at Bruce. Hated that he was right. That he was one of the few on the team that genuinely still frightened him. Just a smidge. "Fine." He grit out at last.

Bruce nodded and relaxed his posture again. "I...I really think you should just tell him."

"Rejection will lead to near instant death. I would rather my last memory of him not be disgust."

Bruce sighed but backed off the subject again. All he could is hope Loki changed his way of thinking. Fast.

***

Loki was more than irritated at the faint wheeze that came from his chest with every strained breath he took. He hadn't seen Mobius in four days and he missed the man. He was sprawled out on his bed. Staring out at the stretch of sky. Buildings reaching up towards the clouds in their clambers to be the tallest in the city.

He finally summoned his phone and for the first time he called Mobius instead of texting him. It rang twice before it was answered. He was greeted by the sound of humming which cut off as Mobius greeted him.

"Morning Loki. You alright?"

Loki frowned. That was an odd question. "I am fine. Why would anything be wrong?"

"You've never called me before." Mobius pointed out like that should have been obvious.

"Yes...well...I am tending to my hair presently and need both hands. What are you up to this lovely Saturday morning?"

"Sean came over for a visit this morning so I'm making breakfast for them. Pancakes are on the menu. Want to come have some?"

He did. More than anything. He desperately wanted an excuse to eat Mobi's cooking again but he would not impose on time with his son. "I wish I could but I have matters to attend too this morning. I could come over later though."

"That would be perfect! I think the boys are going to see a movie around two that they've been waiting for. Why don't you come then?"

Loki smiled to himself. "Around two then Mobius."

Mobius chirped his goodbye before he hung up and Loki burrowed back into the blankets to try and get some more sleep.  Upon waking at one with his alarm he had another horrible coughing fit in which another flower came up. The petals speckled with small dots of blood. That wasn't good.

He ignored it and reduced the flower to ash before he went about finding the strength to get changed and washed up. After he pulled on his shoes he set out to go find some flowers worthy of Mobius.

Forty five minutes later Loki paced on Mobi's porch with a bouquet of yellow roses scattered with white and pink wild flowers and purple irises. Maybe...maybe he could just say something. A small confession. A hypothetical. Was there really a chance? Maybe...if Bruce seemed to think so...

Before he could lose his courage he knocked on the front door and then nervously stood back to wait. He didn't have to wait long fortunately and unfortunately. The front door swung open and once again Mobius was blinding him with that smile. It physically hurt to look at yet he couldn't seem to tire of the sight.

"Hello Mobius." Loki said.

"Hi Loki. Did you get here alright?"

Loki nodded and swallowed a small lump in his throat. "Mobius I...." and Loki fucking silvertongue froze. The words trapped in his throat. Paralyzed by the fear of rejection. The knowledge that he did not deserve him.

Mobius tilted his head. "Loki?"

Loki coughed softly and shook his head. "My apologies. I just...these are for you." He said as he thrust the flowers forward. "I saw them on my way over in a shop and they reminded me you. Their bright and cheerful...I thought you might like them."

Mobius blinked in surprise as he tentatively reached out and took the offered bouquet. "They're beautigul Loki..." He said as he stared down at them. Taking in their beauty. "Thank you. I think I have a vase...somewhere. Come in!"

Loki followed Mobius inside and removed his shoes at the door. Pulling the door shut behind him. "How was the morning with your boys?"

"Oh it was good. Sean caught me up on the project he's working on for one of his science classes and I sense there may be the possibilities of a boyfriend in the works but I'll let him tell me about that when hes ready."

Loki eased himself onto the couch in the living room. Listening to Mobius talk as he searched for a vase for his flowers. "It is commendable of you that you support your son no matter his preferences in romantic daliances."

"Well it would be a bit hypocritcal of me if I didn't." Mobius called back.

Loki froze. Processing what he had just heard. Because one of the things holding him back from saying anything was because he had assumed Mobius would not be with a man. After all he did have two children. "Mobius you're....but...you have two kids."

Mobius shrugged as he finally joined Loki in the living room and set the vase on the coffee table. "I had a wife once upon a time but things didn't work out between us. I got to keep the boys in the divorce. Ever since highschool I've known I'm bi but lean more towards men."

Loki once again found himself wishing he could just say it. Say how he felt.  Instead all that came out was "Oh I see. I thought you were still with someone." He hadn't. There were no symbols of claim on Mobius but he could use an ignorance of Midgardian courting ceremonies as an excuse.

Mobius shook his head. "Nope. Been just me and the boys since Sean was six."

Loki gave Mobius a sympathetic look. "That must have been hard."

"It didn't come without its challenges." Mobius admitted as he fell onto the couch next to Loki. "But I wouldn't have changed or traded any of it. Some days they were all that got me out of bed. Others they were the reason I just wanted five more minutes in bed."

Loki chuckled at that and then winced at a sharp pain in his chest. "Well from what you and Kevin have both told me it sounds like he has grown into a fine young man and Kevin is not much farther behind them. You should be more than proud of yourself."

Mobius's smile was different this time. Softer. Almost like tears might accompany it. "Thanks Loki...that...that means a lot."

"Of course Mobius."

Silence fell between them before Mobius suddenly cursed as his cheeks tinted in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry you blinded me with pretty flowers and I forgot my manners. Do you want anything to drink? I can make us a light lunch if you want."

Loki laughed fully at Mobius's comment. "I'm not hungry but I wouldn't mind a cup of tea. Do you have any?"

Mobius nodded. "Its just a bag tea, black...Lipton."

Loki waved his hand. "It will do. I don't mind. Three sugars and a splah of cream. Please."

Mobius hopped up. "You got it. I can get another cup of coffee while I'm in there." Loki wrinkled his nose and Mobius laughed. "What? Don't like coffee?"

"Just about everyone in the towers drinks the bitter stuff by the gallon. I don't understand the appeal. Its so bitter."

"Its an accquired taste. I'll give you that."

Loki rolled his eyes. "Stark said that too. So did Sam."

"Hey hows that cough of yours doing?" Mobius called out from the kitchen.

Loki appeared on the stool in front of the counter in the kitchen. "Cleared up." He said proudly with his arms thrown wide. Looking the epitome of perfect health thanks to his glamor.

"That's a relief to hear. I was a little concerned last time to see you so breathless."

Loki stayed for a wonderful three hours and when he did eventually leave after Mobius got the call that the boys were on their way back it was with another pie. A mixed berry one this time. It was no less delicious. It was dessert after dinner that night. He sent Mobius a picture of the empty pie tin along with his gratitude for said pie.

While he was settling in for bed he got a reply and laughed fondly at Mobius's shocked and flattered response. He traded a couple more messages with Mobi before he found himself dozing off. Even though he hadn't done much with his day he was exhausted.

***

It was another normal Monday afternoon. Loki didn't leave his room much anymore. He kept himself invisible and a clone walked around the tower as his eyes and ears. He had just finished making a cup of tea and rejoined Vision for the game of chess they were playing when emergeny alarms started blaring.

Loki's clone was on his feet in instant scanning out the windows trying to spot the threat. The others already knew about his being benched from the Avengers but he had not said why.

He had just told them he would be busy for a couple weeks handling some affairs between New Asgard and Vanaheim. He could tell some of them didn't buy it but they didn't push. Loki had just been hoping his brother wouldn't show up unannounced. That would complicate things.

As the room emptied out he dismissed his clone. "Friday who is it?"

"It appears to be Amora Loki. She is attacking not far from here."

Loki frowned but Wanda was exceptional in her craft and...Strange was there too. So they weren't going up against a magic user with no magical backup of their own but that didn't change the fact that he should be out there helping. Fighting.

Friday had him tapped into comms. He was muted for now just listening in and the TV in his room displayed some of the news feeds but the volume was down so it wouldn't clash with the comms.

Ten minutes into the fight he got a call from Mobius. He answered immediately and motioned for Friday to mute the comms momentarily. "Mobius-"

"My boys Loki! Please! Please make sure they're safe!"

Loki felt his stomach turn to lead. "Mobius what do you mean?" The mortal sounded like he was in a panic. The desperation and helplessness in his voice didn't bode well.

"Loki Sean's apartment is two blocks away from where she is! Kev's over there. They wanted to play videogames together and I...I can't do anything...please."

"Mobius...Mobius my love it will be alright. Calm down. No harm will come to them this day. I swear it. What is the name of his apartments?"

As soon as Mobius provided him the name for Sean's residence he assured him one last time thst his boys would be fine and hung up. He cut he comms feed entirely and then slowly pulled himself from his bed.

He was dizzy for a moment. Resting a hand on his head and using the nightstand to steady himself as his leathers and armor wrapped around him. His cape settling on his shoulders.

"Loki I-"

Loki clumsily teleported from the tower before Friday could finish. He kept himself invisible for the time being and stumbled into the wall of the apartment buildings. He took a second to shake the dark spots from his vision and then set to work.

He started on one corner of the building outside. Carving strong runes of protection into each. It was tedious work. His hands shook but he would not fail Mobius. He had failed so many others but Mobius would not be added to that list.

Once the runes were completed he took himself to the roof and dropped to his knees and pressed his hands to the roof. Letting his magic travel downward. Layering protection wards as it went that would be further boosted by the runes. Sweat was beading on his brow. He could feel his invisibility slipping away as this took more concentration and he was to weak to multitask but he pressed on. His thoughts only of Mobius. Of making sure that smile was not crushed by grief.

Just as the runes connected a car came flying out of nowhere from nearby and crashed into the side of the building and while the car crumpled the building stood undamaged. Protected under a faintly glimmering shield. The glimmer would only last a few hours, but the shield would hold indefinitely as long as the runes were not disturbed.

Loki was just mustering up the strength to get back to the tower. He wasn't stupid enough to think he could hold his own in a fight but the Norns seemed to have other plans as he suddenly found himself in the throes of a coughing fit at the worst possible time. It was while he was in the middle of this a blast of green magic blindsided him and smashed into him with enough force send him tumbling off the roof.

By the time his brain caught up and thought maybe he should catch himself he landed on a car that had already been put through the wringer. Jagged metal was everywhere. He screamed as something sharp pierced one of his legs clean through. Strained as it was right after that coughing fit.

Darkness was already trying to claim his vision. Distantly, he could hear Wanda and Yelena both scream his name and then they were both by his side. Yelena said something he didn't hear. As he lost the fight to stay conscious Sam was taking Wanda's place.

***

Loki's brows furrowed at the irritating beeping in the room. Where was it coming from? He brought up a hand and weakly rubbed his eyes.

"He's awake."

Loki heard someone whisper but it took him a moment to recognize Peter's voice. There was some shuffling and some murmured remarks. When he opened his eyes he found most everyone squeezed into the little room. Wanda and Vision, Yelena and Nat, Sam, Bruce, Peter, Tony was leaning against the wall towards the back. Even though he didn't jump into every fight these days he still kept tabs. Bucky was seated on the spinny stool meant for the doctos. Strange and finally his brother. Sitting in the chair right next to his bed.

"How...how are you feeling?" Wanda asked as her and Vis stepped foward together.

"Are you in any pain?" Bruce asked.

"Here brother, you must be thirsty." Thor held out a cup of water with a straw.

Loki took a long drink as he was indeed thirsty. He waved his hand feebly once he was done and Thor set the cup back down. "I am alright Wanda. I will heal in a week or two. And no pain, thankfully."

"What were you even doing out on the field? I thought you were on leave while you dealt with some political stuff." Bucky pointed out from his spot on the stool.

Thor furrowed his brow. "What political business brother?"

"Mr. Loki said he had to settle a small dispute between Vanaheim and New Asgard." Peter chimed in ever so helpfully.

Thor frowned. "There has been no such trouble that I know of." He said as he looked to Loki withconfusion written on his face.

Loki just let his eyes close. He was too tired for this conversation. As least the things in his nose were helping his poor lungs get a little more of the precious oxygen he needed. "Where am I?"

"Medical floor of the Tower. Normal hospitals aren't equipped to handle Gods. Strange patched your leg up."

"I see...in that case. You have my thanks Stephen." Loki mumbled through a small yawn that he struggled for.

"Alright. Lets give him some space and a chance to rest. We can all visit later." Bruce said at last. There were somd protests but between Loki's assurance and no one wanting to argue wigh Bruce one by one mostly everyone filtered out.

"I am going to stay friend Bruce. Keep watch over him." Thor said.

"He is welcome to stay." Loki agreed.

Bruce nodded then looked over to Tony. Tony waved him on. "Just gotta talk to Sparky and Dasher. I won't be far behind."

"Alright, but no stressing him out." Bruce warned before he left the room and shut the door behind him.

Thor shifted his attention to Tony. "What is it that you wish to speak of Man of Iron?"

Tony approached the other side of the bed and from his tablet projected a couple holograms. Chest x-rays. "I really want to know if its normal to have a whole ass garden in your chest."

Loki's eyes snapped open and looked at the scans on full display. He knew it was too late. He looked over to Thor who was studying them with wide terror filled eyes. "Loki-"

"Leave my brother and I alone please." Loki said at once. Finding a shade of that commanding, regal tone he once carried as the second prince of Asgard.

Tony frowned. "But-"

"Please Man of Iron. I wish to speak to my brother alone."

Tony pouted, but nodded. Closing out the holograms and taking his leave. As soon as the door shut Thor turned his attention solely on Loki. "Brother what..."

Loki shook his head. "Nohing that anyone can fix Thor. Norns be damned I did not want you finding out about this."

Thor desperately took Loki's hand in both of his. "Nay brother do not say as such. There has to be something we can do." Tears. Great the oaf was already starting to cry. "I'll not sit by and watch you die a fourth time."

Loki scowled. "No one said you had to stay."

Thor glared weakly at him. "I will not leave you again. What is it that afflicts you?"

Loki shook his head. "It matters not Thor. There is nothing you can do."

"It does matter! We're just starting to mend things between us brother. I still have so much I want to make up for."

Loki sighed and shut his eyes. It hurt too much to see the fear in Thor's eyes. Grief had never been a good look on Thor. He did not wear it well. "It's-" He was interrupted by another coughing fit.

Thor watched in horror as Loki practically choked between shallow gasps. He only managed to move when he realized Loki was struggling to turn on his side. He stood and easily helped him shift his weight.

Three flowers came up in total along with a good amount of blood and Loki passed out shortly after. Thor, pale and shaky. Took a seat back in his chair to wait.

Loki awoke a couple hours later and Thor was quick to help him drink a couple sips of tea. It wasn't perfect but it was warm on his throat and the fact that Thor cared enough to try warmed another small piece of his slowly thawing feelings towards Thor as far as brothers went.

"My apologies. I did not mean to...leave you hanging as the mortals would say."

Thor chuckled despite himself but it was fleeting. "Loki...what is going on?"

Loki sighed. "It is an illness that both Seidr users and Jotnar as a race are prone too. You remember how I told you once how my Seidr is an extension of myself?"

Thor nodded. "Aye. You said it is anchored strongly to your emotions. I still do not fully grasp it but I understand well enough. Or I have come too these last years."

Loki nodded and actually gave Thor a proud small smile. Thor had asked one evening, three months after the fight, if he would take him on as a halfway apprentice. Wanted to genuinely learn more about Seidr. Understand it better. "I guess you do listen now and then. I did not think you capable." He teased.

Thor rolled his eyes. "You know I'm not as ignorant as I once was. Now stop stalling brother."

Loki frowned. Since when had Thor gotten familiar with his tactics in steering a conversation? "Well, things is I...Thor I met someone. Someone so...so amazingly kind and funny and...warm. He's an amazing father. His boys are lovely people. I...I love him." It was the first time he said it out loud.

Thor sat up straighter in his chair. Eyes wide. "Truly brother? You have met someone that makes you happy in such a way?"

Loki nodded. "Aye. I...I love him in the sense that if I had to live without him in any capacity...if I lost his company, I do not know if I could bare it. That is what the branches...the flowers...that is what is a result of that love as it is unrequited."

Thor hopped up in excitement. "So then we just tell this man how you feel. Brother the-"

"No!" Loki said at once in a panic. "No...Thor he does not feel the same. Can not. Not towards me and I can not lose his friendship. If I confess and he rejects me death is instant. I don't...I don't want a look of disgust on his face to be the last thing I see."

"But-"

"Brother please...I can't do it. I just...I can't. He means too much to me."

Thor sunk back down into his chair. "We'll have the branches removed."

Loki shook his head. "If I do that I will lose the ability to ever love again. There's...there's nothing to be done."

Thor swallowed a lump in his throat and wiped at his eyes. Not that it did much good. "Then...would you tell me how you and this man met? Is he Midgardian?"

Loki nodded. "Aye...a very handsome one. You would not think him my type necessarily at first look but hes perfect."

Loki spent the rest of that evening telling Thor as much about Mobius as he could without revealing his name or much of a description. He was under no impression that Thor would not drag Mobius here against his wishes. Thor was too sentimental for his own good.

Eventually Loki dozed off and Thor sat there. Helplessly racking his brain for solutions. Finding himself angry not for the first that he knew nothing about Jotun biology and therefore how to help Loki. Unlike Loki who had studied Aesir anatomy and biology so diligently he could patch up Thor and his people with a finger wag.

Bruce eventually joined him in the room to check on Loki's vitals and IVs. "Friend Bruce I am going back to New Asgard but will be returning almost immediately. Lady Eir survived the attack on the Grandmaster's ship. If...if there is anyone who can figure out what to do it will be her."

"You know he's safe here with us Thor. We'll look after him until you get back. I just...hope he makes it that long."

Thor stood and bent down to kiss his brother on the head. "He will. My brother will not go willingly. Even if he thinks he has made peace with death...I know he's not ready."

Loki had told him that exactly once. Back on The Statesman. While everyone else was asleep and it was only them and the darkness to hear they're whispered words. While Loki's neck was on the mend.

***

Mobius walked into Avengers Tower a touch nervously. Granted as a SHIELD agent he had certain amount of right and clearance for the building but it was still overwhelming to be in the hub of some of the greatest heros the world had seen.

And he was standing in the lobby in a Hawaiian shirt and a pair of casual jeans. Carrying a tupperware bowl containing a homemade creamy tomato bisque and a seran wrapped platter of home made cookies. On a plate that looked like it belonged in Betty's vintage plates collection (it was a gift from his grandma sue him).

He felt out of place as he watched the hustle and bustle of a Friday afternoon. He had taken the day off work because he had seen Loki tumble off  the building but then the news coverage had shifted focus as Wanda in particular seemed to fight with a whole new anger about her.

He was grateful for what Loki had done. His heart had stopped when that car was thrown into the apartment building. More importantly though, he hadn't heard from Loki since and it had been three days since the fight. So he had taken the day off with the hopes that he could visit him.

He finally took a place in line and dug out his SHIELD badge so he could present it to reception. When it was his turn he offered a slightly nervous smile to the woman behind the desk. "Good afternoon. I'm Agent Mobius. Um...Loki is a friend of mine and...I was hoping I could maybe see him? I-if he's up for visitors." He said as he slid his badge forward. She scrutinized it closely, typed in the number, once it was verified she handed it back.

"I am sorry Mobius but-" She paused mid-sentence as something popped up on her computer. "Oh. Nevermind. I didn't see that you have clearance already."

Mobius's brows furrowed. "I do?"

She nodded and gestured to a hall behind her desk. "Down there."

Mobius thanked her and made his way back to where a lone elevator waited. As he approached it slid open. He stepped inside. Then stared at the panel of buttons. He had forgotten to ask the floor.

"Hey Mr. Mobius! Don't worry I got you. He's on the medical floor. He'll be so happy you're here."

Mobius jumped, nearly dropped the food he was carrying. "Where...? Who?"

"I'm Friday. The second AI built by Mister Stark. I oversee the company and his private affairs and assist the others in the Tower. I was the one that gave you clearance."

Mobius let out a breath of relief. "Oh. Nice to meet you then. Thanks. I've been worried about him. I haven't heard from him since the fight."

"Then just a heads up his calf was pierced by metal when he landed on an already damaged car. He's healing, but it's still not far along."

Mobius sucked in a breath. "Had his...leg pierced?"

"Yes. Like I said hes fine and healing, but he is in and out because of the pain killers he's on."

"At least he's not in any pain..." Mobius said at last. "Are you sure its okay I visit?"

"More than sure."

Mobius wasn't given a chance to respond before the elevator car came to a stop and the doors slid open.

"Thank you Friday. I can take him from here."

Mobius blinked as he stepped out and turned to find Natasha Romanov waiting for him. "O-oh. Hello, um..."

Natasha just motioned for Mobius to follow her. "His room is this way. Thor wanted him in the room with the most access to a view."

Mobius scrambled to follow after and nodded. "Right. That's really sweet of him."

Natasha hummed as she stopped by a door and motioned for him to wait outside the room and went in but left the door open.

***

Loki rubbed at his eyes tiredly. He had just woken up from a nap and his chest was was already hurting. Sleep was the only way to escape it these days.

"Loki?"

Loki blinked a couple times before his eyes fully focused on Natasha. "What time is it?"

"Three o clock. Its still Friday afternoon." She pulled a chair over to the side of the bed. "There's someone here to see you."

"Who...?"

"Hey sport...you're not looking too hot at the moment. Thought I would come check on you."

Loki looked past Natasha and felt something warm and fond spread through him as he saw Mobius. "Mobi...how are...your boys?"

Mobius came over to the side of the bed at last and set aside the goodies for the moment. "They're both just fine thanks to you. They weren't even scared. They started goin on about how awesome it was to have a front row seat to an Avengers fight." His laugh was a touch hysterical. "I think I forgot instill some self preservation skills somewhere along the way."

Loki huffed out a laugh as well and his lips pulled into a tired smile. "Good...thats...very good."

Natasha cleared her throat from by the door. "Loki?"

"Yes?" Loki murmured.

"I would like you to know that this door will not open until you tell him. And I'm not bluffing. And before you say anything food and drink can be delivered. Tell him." With that she left the room and shut the door behind her. The lock clicking into place echoed in the room.

Loki wanted to rage. He wanted to follow through on the thrests he made all those years ago on the helicarrier.

"Tell me...what?" Mobius asked in confusion as he turned back from the door. "What was she talking about?"

Loki wanted to run and never look back. Then he looked at Mobius. He could never do that. "Would you believe me if I said nothing?"

Mobius shook his had. "Unfortunately not. Whats going on? Were you...were you hurt worse than they're telling me during the fight?"

Loki closed his eyes in resignation as he felt Mobius grasp the hand closest to him and circled it in both of his. "Loki...you're my friend. I know we haven't known each other long. Especially by your standards," he said with a playful nudge. "But my point is you can talk to me."

Loki didn't say anything right away. Just grapsed Mobi's hands back. "I...I'll...tell you right before you are ready to leave. I just...I need a little time." He just wanted to enjoy Mobius's company one last time.

Mobius just offered a patient smile and nodded. "Thats okay Loki. You take the time you need. In the meantime I brought you something."

"Pie?" Loki said quietly but so hopefully.

Mobius snickered. "No pie." He said as he let go of Loki's hand and reached for the goods. "I brought tomato bisque and three grilled cheese sandwiches and a plate of cocolate butterscotch chip cookies."

Loki whined a little at how good that sounded. "I'm actually hungry...is the bisque and sandwiches still warm?"

Mobius nodded and immediately set to work helping Loki sit up some so that he could eat safely and then pulled the lid off the bowl. In the divider were three sandwiches cut in half.

Loki nearly drooled as it was handed over to him. "Oh Mobius...this smells divine."

Mobius blushed under Loki's compliments. "Ah i-it was nothing really. I just thought you might want something homemade. How are they feeding you?"

Loki groaned after the first bite of soup. "How does it taste better than it smells? And they feed me well enough." He treated himself to another bite. "Tell me what you have gotten to up this week Mobius?"

So while Loki savored every bite of the delicious meal he listened to Mobius recount the highlights of his week. Spoke some of what he was handling at HQ. He spoke of the evening out with his friends he had had on Tuesday.

"Bea wanted to celebrate not having her car used as a weapon the day after she had paid it off." Mobius explained as Loki set the bowl back on the nightstand now empty.

"Well, from what I understand that is something to celebrate." Loki said as Mobius helped him lay back down again.

"Did you get the pictures I sent you of Kevin from the night of his dance? He let me get some good shots before he left."

Loki shook his head. "Regretfully I haven't been coherent enough to really look at my phone much."

"That's more than understandable. Thry got you on some hefty stuff?"

Loki nodded. "I asked them to take me off of it...or at least not give me so much. They said that would be too painful."

"I don't know...I think they have a point. No need to suffer unnecessarily." Mobius hedged.

Loki gasped weakly in mock betrayal. "Mobius! Whose side are you on?"

Mobius chuckled. "Sorry sweetheart right now I'm pro whatever keeps you comfy. I can't stand the thought of you in any pain. So just relax while it heals...for me."

Loki felt a tint rise to his cheeks as he looked away. "I...suppose its not all bad." He muttered.

They visited a while longer. Well into early evening. Loki eventually questioned through a yawn if Kevin wouldn't be expecting him by now.

"Nah. He's probably already made himself some trending food recipe he saw on tiktok or instagram and flung himself into either videogames or comics. He's self sufficient by now. However, you mister, need to get some more rest."

Loki frowned. He didn't want Mobius to leave yet but he was right. He was tired. "Very well Mobius. Will you...will you come see me again?"

Mobius's smile lit the room. "Of course. I'll bring cards tomorrow. I play a mean Go Fish. Except...still gotta tell me what Ms. Romanov wanted you to tell me. Can't leave. Remember?"

Loki cursed under his breath in Asgardian. He had been enjoying his time with Mobius so much he had forgotten about that. For a moment he just stared. Memorizing Mobius's face. His blue blue eyes. Bluer than the shores of Vanaheim. Bluer thsn sky he had ever seen. It made him almost want to reassess his complicated feelings about the color.

The laugh lines and smile lines on his face. Signifying a man who laughed and smiled often and genuinely. Not as a guise to perform, but freely. And that adorable little moustache. He memorized it all. Then looked away. "I am such a selfish creature. Even when I do not tend to be. Then again...it is my nature. So I have been told."

Mobius stood and stepped closer to the bed. Taking Loki's hand in both of his again. "Loki, you're not making a whole lot of sense."

Loki took as deep a breath as he could (which wasn't deep at all). "I do not deserve you. I...I took a small peek at your agent file. You lived here during the invasion." He winced at that. At how creepy it sounded. "And yet. My heart demands what I know is impossible Mobius. I think...I think I fell for you the day we met. And I have only fallen deeper since. I love you Mobius. I do not believe I could breathe if something ever happened to you." Which was ironic considering he could hardly breathe now.

The silence that stretched between them Loki took as a bad sign. There. He hoped the others were all happy. They couldn't just let him enjoy the last of his time in his friends company. They had to shove themselves where they weren't wanted because they thought they knew best.

"Loki-"

"Mobius...could you just pretend? Just for a day or two? I don't....care if it's a lie I just want to be yours for a little while." The branches poked at his lungs with every breath. Thus why they were so shallow. If he breathed to deeply he would puncture them. It would be any day now before he ran out of room.

Mobius huffed out a small laugh. "Sweetheart I love the theatrics. Really. But could we take it down a couple notches?" Loki still wouldn't turn to face him. "You know...my parents were in this weird...cult religion thing growing up. Worshipped something called The Time Keepers...I don't...want to get into that. But my point is when I managed to run away at thirteen I was pretty uh...messed up. My Grandma took me in and while I was living with her I tentatively started reading some Norse Mythology. It wasn't long before I had a small altar in my closet for you."

Loki was confused at first as to why Mobius was telling him any of this. And was about to ask where exactly he was going with this but at the mention of an altar dedicated to him Loki finally turned to look at Mobius in surprise. And he was further paralyzed by the amount of reverence, admiration, love in those blue eyes. All...all for him. "What?" Was the only word Loki managed to whisper.

"Loki I was so lost and confused and...unmoored. I needed something to believe in. Grandma took me to church with her once or twice but I never connected with Christianity. I never felt like he was actually listening. But you...I was drawn too. You taught me not to be so serious. I started to tell myself that if you could laugh and be aloof in some of the situations I got into then maybe my world isn't on the verge of collapse either. I stopped worrying so much about my future...about being on the 'right path' and just...started living. Letting time pass And the whole time I always felt like you were near. Like you were actually listening."

Loki just continued to stare because he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Mobius...dearly beloved precious Mobius had been a follower of his? Had the Norns had a hand in this?

Mobius smiled. "So imagine my complete shock and surprise to find out the God I had prayed too for so long turns out to be real. And imagine my even bigger shock to find out he's...exactly...my type." This was said with a blush.

Loki looked away as shame crept into his expression at the mention of the invasion. "That must have been a disappointment I imagine I lost your faith that day."

Mobius reached out and gently turned Loki's face back towards him and gently cupped his cheek. "No, Loki. It made it unbreakable."

Loki eyes went wide again. "But...but I was the villain. I tore apart the city."

Mobius shook his head. "That's not the way I saw it. I saw someone trying to do everything in his power to control the amount of loss. There was a lot of destruction. Not too many casualties. I just couldn't raise my suspicions at the time. I was fresh out of training at SHIELD. Still just a foot soldier. No one would have listened to me."

"Mobius..." Loki whispered in disbelief.

"I never thought I would ever get the chance to thank you for being there for me. And now you're telling me I can have the rest of my life thanking you with all the pie in the world?"

Tears were falling down Loki's cheeks. "You..."

Mobius smiled as he stood and leaned over the bed to press a kiss to Loki's cheek. "I love you Loki. I have for a long time. I've always been a fan."

Loki was a lost cause as tears continued to come. He couldn't believe this was real. That he might actually get to keep. "I...would you consider...possibly splitting the years I have left with me? Mobius I don't want to lose you."

Mobius shushed him and moved across the room. A small search provided a cloth he could wet with warm water. He wrung it out after and brought it over to wipe at Loki's tears. "We can talk about logistics when you're out of here alright?"

"But-"

"Hush. I want you to calm down. You have me. I'm only going home tonight I'll come back tomorrow. I promise. But you need your rest."

Loki sniffled and leaned into the warm cloth and the gentle hand maneuvering it. "You will come back?"

"I promise."

Suddenly the rooms door opened with no warning and a whole pile of Avengers fell into the room.

Loki and Mobius both jumped. "Were all of you listening like this is some Nornsforesaken soap opera?!" Loki snapped. Completely red in the face.

"If it makes you feel better Mister Loki I can pretend I didn't hear any of it." Peter's muffled voice came from somewhere in the pile.

"Come on that was a waste of perfectly good popcorn." Tony grumbled pinned under everyone else and looking at popcorn scattered on the floor from the bowl he dropped.

"Ooooh Loki he is kinda cute. And hes funny. I like him. You're keeping him yes?" Yelena said as dhe crawled out from the pile.

"Sam get your ass out my face!" That was Bucky.

"Well then move your arm so I can get up!" Sam snapped back.

Loki just buried his face in his hands and Mobius burst out laughing and shook his head. "Am I free to go home for the evening?"

Natasha gave a rare half smile and nodded. "He's in good hands Mobius. He's going to be just fine."

Tony finally managed to get to his feet with the help of Bruce. "You're welcome to visit whenever. Friday gave you clearance for this floor."

"Loki said his leg will most likely take another two weeks to heal." Bruce mentioned helpfully. "Now everyone out. Again. My patient needs rest. Mobius we'll see you tomorrow."

The last thing Loki saw as everyone started filtering out was Thor approaching Mobius. "Brother!" He snapped fiercely. Glaring at him in warning. "Do not threaten him in anyway or I swear-"

Thor raised his hands placatingly. "Peace brother. I would just like to get to know the man my btother has fallen for."

"No threats. I won't have you scaring him off."

"I would never." Thor assured sincerely before the door closed behind him. Leaving only him and Bruce.

"So...what now?"

Loki rubbed uncomfortably at his chest. "Now...the branches come out. Do you feel comfortable doing the removal? If not I will have Thor bring Lady Eir back. She should be more than capable."

Bruce tilted his head. "I thought you said..."

Loki nodded. "I did. Only if they are removed before an acceptance. However, after an acceptance it is necessary if the branches are this far along. If they weren't after a confession they would break down on their on in a couple days while I cough up the last of the flowers."

"But you waited until the lsst minute." Bruce finished.

"Indeed. So removal is necessary."

Bruce gave that some thought before he sighed. "I can do it. We'll do it tomorrow evening after Mobius leaves. Will that be too late?"

Loki shook his head. "No, they won't grow any farther."

"Then get some rest. Big day tomorrow."

***

The removal of the branches went smoothly Sunday evening. Strange and Bruce handled the operation. Loki didn't initially want to agree to Strange's help but Thor strong armed him.

No one else had been told about the branches. Loki suspected Natasha knew. Her and Yelena had taken to vent crawling in honor of Clint. The vents on his own floor were warded with magic. And there was Tony and Thor. Still they waited until later in the evening.

When he woke it was Thor that greeted him. Crushing him in a hug and only reminded of his brothers sitches when a bit of red started to dot the dressings wrapped around his chest. He sheepishly called Strange back into the room. Loki just relished in taking the first unobstructed deep breath in weeks.

It took another week and a half for his leg to heal up fully. Technically he should have stayed down another full week but he simply could not stand laying in bed any longer.

The others visited often. Checking in on him and staying to talk or play a game. Compare notes on books they were reading. And Mobius visited often. His favoite time of day became the afternoon. Mobius popped by every couple of days after work. Always with some new offering of food and dessert.

Kevin had come with him twice and the second time Sean had come as well. He had been wary at first but warmed up quickly enough. That had been a fun afternoon.

Loki dressed properly in a pair of slacks and green button down. A pair of heeled boots and a cane because his leg was still tender.

Mobius would be home soon. Kevin was out with friends he knew. So it was time to do the logical thing and take Mobius on a proper first date. Bruce tried to stop him from leaving the tower but Loki disappeared in a green mist. He had a Midgardian to court.

On the way over he stopped and picked up another bouquet of flowers. Red and white roses peppered with orange wild flowers. He got two dozen instead of one. It wasn't long before he reached Mobius's home and climbed the steps. He paused in front of the window like last time. Checking his reflection for imperfections. Satisfied, he knocked and stood back to wait.

Mobius open the door and his confusion immediately turned to pleasant surprise. "Loki! You didn't tell me they sprung you!"

Loki held out the flowers. "Surprise. I remember you saying Kevin was going to be out for the evening. So...Mobius M. Mobius would you grant me the honor of your company over dinner? Maybe a stroll through central park after? I...I have heard there is good ice cream there."

Mobius took the bouquet and just admired it and appreciated the vase they were already in. A subtle black marbled with gold. "I don't think there's a better way to spend my evening. Why don't you just step inside and wait while I change real quick?"

Loki relaxed at once at Mobius's agreement to join him. Despite the assurances he had had during his visits he was still worried Mobius might have changed his mind. "Of course. We have an hour and a half to make our reservation time so there's time."

"Reservation huh? Sounds fancy." Mobius called from where he was setting the vase of flowers on the table.

"Of course my love. Nothing but the best will suffice for you."

While Mobius took a quick shower and got ready Loki wandered around the home. Taking a closer look at the family pictures littered around. None of them featured the mother in question but in every one all of them seemed to be smiling and laughing. Happiness and joy radiated out of every photo. This was a home that had been built on love and trust...and he couldn't believe he got to be part of it.

Mobius joined him a half later and Loki offered one of his arms out to him. "Do you mind walking? I've liked stretching my legs after being forced to stay down."

"Long as you don't have any plans to collapse on me again." Mobius said with a laugh as he locked the door behind him and made sure the alarm was armed.

"No, no I assure you I have no such plans. The only thing that might make me weak is the beauty of yours eyes in the moonlight."

Mobius sighed wistfully as he took Loki's offered arm. "I don't know what I did to get so lucky."

"Neither do I." Loki said softly before they set off to the first what would hopefully be many more dinners to come.