A/N: This is not at all a prediction of what I see happening but I am shipper trash and Loki and Mobius killed me in episode 4 and a plot bunny that took me and ran. Plus I think we Lokius shippers need a little bit of fluff right now. I hope you enjoy.
They had been running for who knows how long.
Loki didn't tire as fast as mortals and truly he could have kept running, his determination to escape this hellscape fierce but he was accompanied by a human.
A human man who, by all means, had done very well for himself in keeping up with Loki for as long as he could.
But eventually Mobius was starting to run on empty, his pace slowed and his breathing was far too heavy.
When Loki looked back at him, his cheeks were red from exertion, and sweat beaded on his forehead.
He had long since shed his TVA jacket and tie, undid a few buttons of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves..
"Loki," he gasped for air and Loki, despite where they were and the situation they were in, still got a little thrill that Mobius was alive and was able to say his name.
"Loki….hold..." Mobius breathed again and slowly came to a stop and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.
"Are you alright?" Loki stopped, briefly surveying their surroundings for any signs of danger but quickly turned his attention to his friend.
He was consistently amazed by how much he actually cared for this man. He could count on one hand how many people he genuinely cared for and all of them, save for Mobius, were gods.
He had only ever seen human beings as inferior creatures who needed to kneel before him but right from the start Mobius had been different. He never seemed afraid of Loki, he was never intimated, and in fact was almost amused, intrigued and as time drew on, seemed to have some kind of affection for him.
Mobius panted for a few seconds and Loki watched, his brow furrowed in concern.
"I just…" he gasped between breaths, and waved a hand. "I need a minute."
Loki frowned and glanced around him. It was getting darker and the other Lokis had warned him of the dangers that lurked in that land.
They had no protection other than Loki's magic, which could sufficiently protect them but, and he'd be loath to admit out loud, he still felt a little uneasy.
He took a few steps toward Mobius and put a hand on his shoulder and then once more looked around them.
"Perhaps we should stop here for the evening." Loki suggested, spotting a bit of shelter that would sufficiently keep them safe, at least for the night.
He glanced back at Mobius when the man weakly grabbed onto his forearm.
His face was pale, despite the pink in his cheeks and his eyes were slightly glazed over.
"You look like death, Mobius."
Mobius scoffed breathlessly, his lips twitching very slightly at the corners. "Oh thank you."
He wobbled on his feet and Loki tightened his hold on him.
Once Mobius caught his breath, he shook his head, looking up at Loki. "We should keep going."
Loki pressed his lips together and scrunched his nose. "If we do, it leaves me with two options: carrying your dead body or leaving you here. Frankly, neither are attractive options for me."
Mobius blinked up at him and then gave a slight roll of his eyes. "I am not going to die, Loki. I'm a little offended that you don't think I can handle myself."
"I believe you can handle yourself just fine under normal circumstances. However, your body is still recovered from being pruned and we've been on the move for hours. You're only a mortal, you don't have the stamina…"
"Oh spare me the superior god speech…" Mobius breathed out and Loki raised an eyebrow at him.
"It is the truth."
Mobius continued to glare at him in annoyance and then sighed.
"If it will make you feel better, then we'll stop."
Mobius came off like he was doing Loki a favor but Loki could see the relief in his face, and felt the way his body relaxed, even slumping forward a little.
"Oh yes, for my sake then." Loki remarked sarcastically and Mobius nodded his head weakly.
Loki swore the human could sometimes be as stubborn and hard headed as he was, which Loki admittedly admired and the smallest hint of an affectionate smile pulled at his lips, just out of sight of Mobius' gaze as he attempted to straighten himself up and turn.
Loki watched, his brow raised as Mobius began to stagger around aimlessly.
Finally, Loki cleared his throat. "Mobius?"
"Yeah?" Mobius paused and looked back at him and Loki pointed over his shoulder.
"Shelter's this way."
Mobius grumbled something under his breath and turned on his heel and shuffled back towards Loki.
The only truly safe space, that wasn't entirely covered by rubble and who knows what else, was a small room just barely big enough for the two of them.
Mobius immediately took to one wall and let out a groan, his eyes closing, a grimace covering his face as he lowered himself to the ground.
Loki looked around but then decided to take a seat beside him.
Mobius opened his eyes and blinked blearily to Loki.
"Any more cracks about human fragility?"
Loki smirked. "Oh I have many. None that I'll say now. For another time perhaps."
Mobius let out a little scoff of a laugh and then leaned forward with a small groan and a large sigh.
Loki's brow furrowed and he felt an odd pang deep within. Something he was learning was concern. That deep, visceral pain that cut into him. Of course the grief of watching Mobius be vaporized before his eyes thinking he was dead was much worse in comparison but he did care for his health as well.
Mobius swallowed hard, closed his eyes and tilted his head back to lean against the hard wall.
"I think perhaps you were right." Mobius muttered softly.
"Of course." Loki remarked quickly. "About what?"
Mobius' lips twitched slightly but he didn't open his eyes. "I need to rest. I need to…" he trailed off.
"Rest." Loki surprised himself again with how gentle the command was. "I'll watch over us."
Mobius let out a small hum, but that was the only energy he had left to acknowledge.
Loki kept a watchful eye on him until it seemed he fell asleep.
Then he let out a small sigh, straightened out his legs and looked out of the small crack in the wall that was letting in what bit of light there was.
His thoughts drifted - to how they had ended up here, to what the existence of all the other variant Loki's meant, which of course then brought his thoughts to Sylvie.
It wasn't too long ago at all that he was trapped in another apocalypse with her as his companion.
It somehow seemed fitting he'd end up on some doomed distant moon with another variant of himself and yet somehow wind up on Earth, in New York of all places, with the human responsible for taking him to the TVA in the first place.
Sylvie kept up with him on Lementis. In fact she was very much his equal, perhaps even his superior in some ways.
She was astounding to him and he wouldn't have minded spending more time with her.
Having Mobius as a companion was entirely different and by all accounts he should have been annoyed that he had to slow down and take into account a human's shortcomings.
But he wasn't. No, he was entirely too grateful to have Mobius alive to be annoyed with his presence.
He was extremely irritated, angry even at the TVA and the situation they had put them in but Mobius was just as much of a victim.
His heart ached at the way Mobius talked about his life before the TVA and how he couldn't remember it.
Loki vowed to somehow, someway get Mobius to remember. Whether that was somehow finding Sylvie and having her access his memories or learning to do so himself.
He deserved to know the truth.
Loki suddenly startled when he felt a sudden, solid warmth pressed against his side.
He turned his head to find that Mobius had leaned in toward him, his head landing on Loki's shoulder, his arm pressing against his.
Loki stared at the top of his head and his lips parted in slight awe.
He recalled the brief conversation with Sylvie and how he couldn't let himself fall asleep in her presence because he didn't trust her.
He knew he had fallen asleep with Mobius before but he was truly stunned that Mobius trusted him enough to not only fall asleep in his presence but seek him out for comfort.
It was a new and thrilling emotion, to have someone so comfortable around him and to be so comfortable around someone else
He had been beginning to feel that way with Sylvie as well but Sylvie was not like Mobius.
Sylvie was like him and he admired her strength, her determination, her cunning, and wit. She seemed to be the very best parts of him.
Mobius was different- he was human, he was kind, he was good, almost irritatingly so but it was also admirable to Loki and he felt himself drawn to Mobius in a way he had never experienced before.
He hated the look of disappointment on Mobius' face when he chose to follow Sylvie through the time portal. He hated the anger and betrayal and hurt that Mobius tried to hide when he accused Loki of working with Sylvie...of being in love with Sylvie.
A ridiculous notion. Loki scoffed to himself and he was loath to admit how much Mobius words to him had stung. Of course he cared for Sylvie. If he knew what love was he might even admit to loving her but not in that way. In the same way he loved his mother. Another being on the same level as him who understood him in a way that no one else could. That was Sylvie.
Sylvie was connected to him, a part of him and he didn't want to let her go but he knew what he felt for her was anything but romantic or even lust, though she was incredibly beautiful, but that was to be expected, as she was, of course, a Loki.
No, what he felt for Sylvie was nothing like lust and nothing like the warm, soft feeling deep in his belly when he looked down at the man sleeping peacefully on top of him.
He took a shuddering breath and cleared away those thoughts before he allowed his mind to go there. Those thoughts were frightening and just a little too much to deal with.
He'd much rather just enjoy this rare moment of peace and comfort beside a man who seemed just as content to be with him.
He knew he promised Mobius he would keep watch but as the hours drew on, and he reveled in the warmth of the body beside him, he slowly found himself drifting.
He used just a little bit of magic to shield their little shelter and then closed his eyes, his head leaning to the side until his cheek was pressed lightly against Mobius' soft hair.
He inhaled slowly, taking in the scent of smoke and sweat and the faintest hint of the most bland shampoo in the universe.
He tensed only for a moment as Mobius shifted against him but he only moved closer, his hand lightly falling against Loki's thigh.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Loki's lips and he allowed himself to get lost in the moment, even if it was just going to be just this once. He clung onto it and sank into it, the feeling of Mobiua warm beneath him and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Mobius felt like he was hit by a train.
He had had particularly arduous missions that left him tired, chasing Variants through time but nothing like this.
His mouth and throat was so dry that it hurt to swallow.
His whole entire body ached down to his bones and he felt completely drained.
His head pounded as if there were a thousand hammers trying to knock out his skull.
He now regretted ever having anyone pruned, not only because of what the TVA was, how they had stolen his life, but because it was not an experience he would wish on anyone.
Yet despite all of this pain, he felt strangely comforted.
His eyes seemed glued shut so he dare not try to open them yet.
As his mind woke up he began to feel his surroundings, it was hot and humid, and there was a tinge of smoke in the air.
He could feel that he was lying against something solid, yet soft and warm and there was a comforting pressure against his head.
Loki. He suddenly realized and his chest tightened.
He finally managed to crack open his eyes and blinked past the initial blurry vision.
His eyes scanned the area, dimly lit by that smoky haze.
He vaguely remembered stopping there for the night, but he had been so far past the point of exhaustion that everything was a blur.
He cast his gaze downward and his heart leapt when he found his hand rested on Loki's thigh and what's more, Loki's hand lightly covered his own.
He realized then that while he had fallen asleep against Loki, Loki had also fallen asleep against him.
He was beginning to feel the ache in his neck and back from his position but he didn't want to move. He knew as soon as he did Loki would also wake up and he wanted to marvel in this moment for a little while.
Loki - the God of mischief. The variant he took control over, the narcissistic, infuriating being who tested his patience at every turn.
Loki had fallen asleep in front of him before, a few times in those early days when they were scouring through files, searching for the other Loki variant.
However, Loki had never fallen asleep beside him, holding him even. Protecting him, just as he said he would.
Loki's promise had suddenly come to him and his chest tightened again.
He'd never forget Loki's cry as he was pruned, never forget the look of awe and relief on his face when he saw him again, the smile that lit his face.
Whatever transgressions Loki had committed against him, the betrayal of leaving him to chase after the Variant - Sylvie - were all forgiven.
The last thing Loki had said to him before they were confronted by the TVA was the promise of friendship and this time, perhaps despite his best instincts, he believed him.
And so far, Loki hadn't done anything to lose his trust. He stuck by his side, made certain he was alright and watched over him, all the with the air of genuine concern.
Loki easily could have made his escape. Left him behind without a second thought but he didn't. He sat down beside him and went to sleep, holding onto his hand like he wanted to do the very opposite of run away - as if he was holding onto Mobius with all he had.
The thought warmed something inside of him - sparked the ever growing flame of fondness he was gaining for this Loki.
Someone good.
He knew he could have stayed there for hours, his head rested comfortably on Loki's chest.
That is where he was, he realized, when he became aware of the soft thumping of Loki's heart beneath his ear.
He couldn't remember the last time he had been this close to another being. Certainly never at the TVA and before that…
His stomach twisted at the harsh reminder that he knew nothing of his life before the TVA. His only memory was that of a jetski and it only came in his fascination with them. He didn't know if he had ever ridden one.
Finally the ache in his neck became too painful to stay where he was and he slowly lifted his head.
Just as he suspected, Loki's head shot up, his body tensing as he leapt to the defensive.
"It's only me." Mobius croaked and winced at his scratchy and sore throat.
Loki turned his gaze downward to him and instantly relaxed.
Mobius was still aware that their hands were still together on Loki's lap but he couldn't keep his eyes off of Loki's face.
His eyes were tired which put just a touch of humanity in him but he was most certainly a god and most certainly looked like one.
Mobius took in a breath and finally broke their gaze and slid his hand away into his own lap.
Loki's brow pressed together, his lips pursing as he looked down at his own lap. His fingers stretched where Mobius hand had been under his and then he clenched them in a slight fist.
He forced a tight, small smile to his lips and looked back at Mobius.
"You stayed." Mobius said quietly, looking back up at Loki and his breath caught again at the look in his eyes.
His gaze had softened, a rare look on Loki but one he had been seeing more and more often, particularly directed at him.
"Of course." Loki answered like it was the most obvious thing in the world, like he hadn't been known for consistently stabbing people, Mobius included, in the back.
There was a smirk on Loki's lips but he said with utter sincerity, "I'm not going to abandon you."
Mobius mouth went impossibly dryer and he couldn't speak, just stared at this marvelous being in wonder.
"Not when you cannot fend for yourself." Loki continued and Mobius released a breath.
"You still look utterly horrible."
Mobous clenched his jaw and attempted a swallow but his throat was like sandpaper and he only winced and Loki frowned.
His hand lifted and hovered in the air, almost looking like he was going to reach out to grab Mobius but then his hand fell back to his lap with a small sigh.
"I'm fine." Mobius insisted, his voice barely recognizable to his own ears and he knew that he wasn't. His whole body felt like it could combust any moment if he moved.
Yet still he tried. He attempted to push himself up but his head spun and his legs shook and he fell back down.
Loki's hand did move that time, pressing a steady hand to his back which then slid around his middle to rest on his side.
Mobius closed his eyes tightly, holding his breath while the world spun around him and his stomach churned.
"I very much doubt that." Loki commented but he could hear the concern in his voice.
"What do you need?" Loki's voice was quiet at his ear and though he dare not open his eyes to look at his companion, Loki's presence was comforting.
"Water." He rasped and rested his head between his knees as waves of nausea rolled over him.
"Right." Loki muttered and then his hand was gone from Mobius. He sat in silence, concentrating on his breathing and trying not to throw up, vaguely wondering where Loki was going to find water.
He jumped, letting out a painful screech as suddenly ice cold water poured over him like the heavens had opened up in a personal rain cloud above him.
His head shot up and he ignored the splitting headache and glared in disbelief at Loki.
The god was standing beside him impishly, his hands hovering in the air where he had conjured the water.
"To drink, Loki." Mobius hissed at him as the water trickled down his back.
Loki raised his brow. "But do you not feel better?"
Mobius opened his mouth to yell at him but instead took a few seconds to take in what he was feeling. The cold water not only cooled his body but shocked his system back to somewhat functional. His head was still pounding but he no longer felt nauseous and could focus on something other than his pain.
He huffed, pressing his lips together and ran a hand over his face, pulling the water down from his hair and towards his chest.
"A little warning would have been nice." He grunted.
Loki merely shrugged but then waved his hands again and in them appeared a small container of water.
He extended it toward him and Mobius eyed it suspiciously.
Loki rolled his eyes at his hesitance. "I'm not going to poison you Mobius. If I wanted you dead there are a million other ways I'd do it."
Mobius lifted his eyebrows at that.
"I won't." Loki quickly added. "But I could."
"I don't believe you would intentionally poison me." Mobius said and the surprised look of what might almost be joy in Loki's eyes made his heart soar. "But in case you haven't noticed, we're in an apocalyptic wasteland. I don't think anything is safe to consume here."
Loki gave him a small smile and extended hisnhand further. "Trust me."
Mobius' got a taste of the water that dripped off his nose onto his bottom lip and was too parched to think about it further. There were worse ways to die he supposed.
He eagerly grabbed it from Loki and at first took a cautious sip but once the cool water hit his throat, he guzzled the rest of it down.
"Thank you."
He looked back up at Loki and Loki's hand was still outstretched, now palm up for him to take.
He placed his hand into Loki's and Loki helped him up. He got a brief flash of memory of their first day at the TVA and how Mobius had done the same for him. Their eyes met and Mobius could tell he was remembering the same moment.
"Like I said…" Loki started, his eyes never leaving his. "I don't feel like carrying around your dead body."
Mobius lifted his brow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Is that the only reason?"
There was a flash of something in Loki's eyes that made his stomach flip. Then Loki blinked and his smirk returned to his lips.
"Should there be another reason?"
Mobius shook his head slightly, pulling his hand out of Loki's and moving it to his hair. He quickly rubbed the water out of it and got a little burst of amusement at the droplets of water that sprayed across Loki's face.
Loki shot him a faintly annoyed look, a few drops of water rolling down his cheeks.
Mobius chuckled lightly and taking a quick, deep breath, then moved to swiftly wipe then away with his knuckles.
Loki reared back in surprise at the sudden contact and Mobius swore he could have heard his breath catch and stutter. His eyes widened slightly and his eyes followed Mobius' hands as he then patted Loki's chest.
"Well, friends do typically care for each other's needs."
Loki visibly swallowed and his eyes drifted back to Mobius' and his gaze softened once more and Mobius felt his heart ache just a little.
Loki always seemed so surprised by gentle, intimate, genuine touches and words and Mobius made it his goal to make sure he did those things more often around Loki. Especially if it earned him the look Loki was giving him now.
"Yes." Loki murmured slowly, as if he was just realizing this fact.
He realized then that his hands were still resting on Loki's chest. He gave Loki another small knowing smile and then began to pull away but Loki's hands quickly shot up and brought them back.
Mobius blinked at him, his eyes widening slightly and Loki stared back at him, just as wide-eyed.
"Mobius….I…" he choked over his words, his mouth hanging slightly open and Mobius smiled at him.
"I understand Loki. You don't have to say anything."
Loki's brow pressed together and he shook his head. "But I do because I've...I've never had anyone to ever say anything to and now that I do…" he trailed off again and something warm flourished inside Mobius chest as he stared at the god in anticipation.
Loki's face scrunched in slight frustration and he tilted his head up as he searched for the right words.
Feeling just a little bit daring, Mobius lifted one hand to Loki's cheek and pulled his attention back to him. Their eyes locked and Mobius gave him an encouraging nod.
Loki was silent for another few seconds, his eyes exploring his.
"Whatever you need to tell me, Loki, I'm listening."
Loki opened his mouth, taking a breath and then closed it again. His eyes quickly darted back and forth as he clearly argued with himself about something and then he quickly grabbed a hold of Mobius' shoulders.
Mobius brow shot up and he opened his mouth to question Loki when he was suddenly silenced by Loki's mouth upon his.
He froze in pure shock but then quickly felt himself melting into the kiss.
He wouldn't deny that it had crossed his mind once or twice what it would be like but all of his fantasies paled in comparison to the feel of the pressure of his lips, the burning of his hands against his shoulders, the heat that grew within.
It was over just as nearly as it had begun and Mobius was left wobbling on his already weakened legs. His mouth still hung open as he blinked up at Loki.
His eyes were alive with a spark of desire, and awe and surprise of his own actions. His intense eyes burned into him and he was breathless as he stared back.
"You are perhaps one of the most irritating and stubborn humans I've ever met." Loki said and mobius blinked a few times, trying to connect his actions with the words.
"Extremely complimentary Loki…" he breathed.
"I'm not finished." Loki cut him off and Mobius shut his mouth, staring at him silently.
"I have never encountered a man like you before. You never give up - even on someone like me."
Mobius pressed his lips together in a slight smile. "You're worth it." He said quietly and Loki's eyes widened and he took a breath.
"You are the only one to ever think so." His voice broke a little as he spoke and Mobius' thumb brushed across his cheek and Loki shuddered beneath the intimate gesture.
He took a steadying breath and grabbed Mobius' hand in his.
"I've never cared about anyone, not really, but somehow you...you...you and all your ridiculous human quirks…." He shook his head and lifted his head. "I find myself caring more than I ever thought I could and it's...very unusual."
"It's good, Loki." Mobius countered. "Embrace it. You don't have to hide your feelings with me. I promise, no matter what, you are safe with me."
Loki stared at him in awe, searching his eyes for any sign of deception but he'd find none and his eyes began to glisten.
"You know…" Loki spoke finally, his voice slightly raspy. "I rather think I like you."
Mobius laughed quietly and glanced down wrinkles and then back up at him. "I rather think I like you too. For everything you are, Loki."
Something flashed in Loki's eyes again and he leaned forward toward him when a large explosion suddenly shook the small, faulty shelter they were standing in.
They fell into one another, Mobius pressing himself against Loki's chest while one of Loki's arms surrounded his back and the other slid to the back of his head securing him to him.
They closed their eyes as rubble fell around them and Loki created a bubble of protection around them.
"I think we'd better keep moving." Loki said, once they opened their eyes and found themselves standing in a pile of rubble, now exposed to the smoky open air.
Mobius frowned as he looked around them, suddenly reminded of where they were and how much danger they were in.
A brand new cloud of smoke was billowing in the distance, rising from the explosion caused by who knows what.
"I think you're right."
Loki turned to him, a serious look in his eyes. "I will get us out of here, Moby. Whatever it takes."
Mobius' heart flipped at the nickname. Loki certainly wasn't the first one to use it but it held something special coming from him.
Mobius nodded hisbhead and lowered his hand, grasping Loki's in his tightly. "I'll be right by your side through it all."
Loki's eyes flashed, a mischievous glint that Mobius had seen countless times but it was accompanied by a certain fondness that was absent before and then he smirked, tugged at his hand and they were off again, prepared to face anything together.