Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Loki sat at the desk in his study, a neat stack of missives and official wax-sealed letters to his right, and a dwindling stack of notes to his left. His quill scratched over the page, filling it with his neat, elegant handwriting. Doing these things had always been part of his duties as prince, and his efficiency at doing them (when he could finally be convinced to) was part of what made him such a legitimately valuable asset to Mobius at the TVA. Now, however, the script was flipped.

“You know, when we left the TVA I didn’t really anticipate having to do paperwork ever again.”

Loki frowned apologetically, but continued writing. “You don’t have to become a royal advisor, you know.” I would be happy enough with you as my consort.

Mobius looked up from his own stack of documents with a soft smile. “I know.”

“You could do something else. I have a lot of responsibilities this week, and I’d understand if you’d rather go back to the TVA. You could help Sylvie track down more Kang variants.”

“It doesn’t bother me, really. If I went back now, I’d probably just keep getting in her hair.” Mobius chuckled. “I said I never thought I’d be doing it again, but I wouldn’t really know what else to do with myself.” He looked toward the window momentarily, his face thoughtful as he gazed out over the city with its many spires, the sun glittering off the sea beyond. “I wouldn’t know anything about being a prince.”

“No, I suppose you wouldn’t,” Loki murmured in agreement. He and Sylvie had ultimately convinced Mobius that knowing his past wouldn’t change who he was now, and he’d discovered his background was pretty mundane. He’d had his own office and everything, heading up Human Resources for a government organization. It was no wonder he was so good at working with people—and why he’d been taken out of that timeline. He was too good at it, inconveniently so.

A small bell on the wall above Loki’s desk began to ring, startling him out of his reverie.

Loki swept to his feet, calling out in a loud, authoritative voice. “Yes, come in.”

A guard in full parade regalia marched into the room, bowing formally and standing at attention. “Message for you, Prince Loki.”

“What is it?”

“Your presence is requested at the parade grounds, your highness. The rehearsal for your welcome parade begins in ten minutes, and the Queen desires your opinion.”

Loki nodded. “Very well, if that is all.”

“Yes, your highness.” The guard saluted, performed a formal bow and left the room without once turning his back to its occupants.

Loki glanced over at Mobius, and caught him staring with an awestruck expression that was deeply flattering. He grinned. “Want to go with me? It’ll get you away from these boring old papers for a while.”

Mobius chuckled, but shook his head. “You go on ahead, I’m just getting to the interesting part.”

Loki raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

“Definitely. Go on, I know you’re chomping at the bit to get out of here.”

“Okay.” Loki lifted his hand as if he was going to touch him, but lowered it. “Enjoy your paperwork.”

“Hey,” Mobius called after him, catching Loki’s attention as he reached the doorway. “It’s not you. I’m just not sure how I fit in yet. I think you can understand that.”

Loki exhaled softly, and his lips turned up in a small smile. “Yes, Mobius. I understand.”

“Thanks.”

Mobius smiled, listening as Loki’s soft footsteps grew fainter and disappeared down the hall. He really did think these old books were fascinating—they told the story of a kingdom secure in its wealth, with strong trade routes, and a tremendous amount of cultural capital. He was sure Loki hadn’t paid much attention to the bigger picture, but Mobius enjoyed learning that about him too. Watching the way Loki’s tone of voice and posture changed in response to the guard’s arrival was thrilling in a way he hadn’t anticipated, the way he’d so easily slipped into regal formality despite his easy conversation with Mobius just before was truly impressive. He’d seen it in the reels, but hadn’t really had time to pay quite so much attention to the small details. And to be fair, back then he hadn’t known Loki well enough to really appreciate it.

A soft tap at his desk pulled him out of his thoughts, and Mobius looked up to see none other than Thor standing in front of him, grinning at having caught him unawares.

Mobius hurried to his feet. “Thor, what can I do for you?”

Thor waved him off. “Don’t stand on my account, I just came by to see how things were going.” Thor’s brow furrowed as he got a better look at the table’s contents. “That’s… a lot of books. My brother isn’t overworking you, is he?”

Mobius smiled at Thor’s concern. “No, I’m doing this on my own. I’ve been learning more about Asgard. It’s an impressive kingdom.”

Thor nodded, pleased with the compliment. “Wonderful! Tell me, what do you like so far?”

“Well, so much is different from where I’m from. I never expected to see a new play every night.” Asgardian theater was legendary—or at least it ought to be, in Mobius’ opinion. He’d always been a fan. They loved to tell stories, often with elaborate costuming and song, and there was rarely a dull moment during a meal.

Thor considered this with a frown. “I suppose it can be a bit much…”

“Are you kidding? I think it’s awesome. Dinner and a show, that’s big bucks back on Midgard.”

“Really?”

“Oh, yeah. And we never got that at the TVA, unless Loki decided to prank the interns.”

Thor’s brow furrowed with concern about his brother’s antics, and Mobius could definitely sympathize.

“Usually it was just some harmless mischief. Really livened the place up.” Mobius grinned, and Thor visibly relaxed.

Thor knew better than most how destructive his brother’s pranks could be, but Mobius always made a point to see the positive, and find the best in Loki. Thor appreciated that about him; so many others, especially Midgardians, were quick to write Loki off as unredeemable.

“Are you settling in well?” Thor asked, smiling fondly at such an unusual Midgardian.

Since arriving, Mobius had wanted for nothing—as Loki’s personal guest and companion, he’d received all the honors befitting an esteemed visitor. His own rooms, attendants, a new wardrobe… it was all a little overwhelming, to be honest.

“Well…”

“Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all. Everything’s been amazing. It’s just…” Mobius knew that if he wanted to avoid questions like that, he shouldn’t have said anything at all. But something about Thor’s friendly, cheerful demeanor put him at ease. He knew from watching previous interactions that Thor responded best to direct, straightforward honesty.

“I gotta admit, I don’t know anything about living in a palace. I’ve been a… a scholar, of sorts, all my life, but I’m curious. Do you think you could show me a little bit more about what being a prince is like?”

“Are you sure you wouldn’t prefer to ask Loki? I’m certain he would love to show you, even if he pretends not to like it.”

“Can you keep a secret?”

Thor looked at him with wide eyes. “From my brother?”

Mobius smiled. “Let’s just say I want to surprise him.”

“Oh? Oh.” Thor grinned in a way that reminded Mobius that both princes were a lot smarter than they let on. “You want to be Loki’s prince, then?”

Mobius flushed, and Thor laughed loudly, confident in his understanding, his eyes shining with amusement. “I will keep your secret, Mobius. We will start at once!”

Loki found a letter on his desk that evening. He broke the seal and slid it open to reveal a familiar handwriting.

Loki sighed and shook his head. It was always something with the TVA, but he knew Mobius was very dedicated to his job. He smiled. That passionate dedication was something he’d always (if begrudgingly) admired about Mobius. Oh well. He’d just have to enjoy being back home on his own for a few days.