Chapter 2
Mobius wrapped up his lecture, his voice trailing off as the last of his students filed out of the classroom. The clock on the wall showed it was nearly noon, and he felt a knot of anxiety tightening in his stomach. He tried to focus on the present moment, answering a few lingering questions from students who lingered at the front of the class.
“Professor Mobius?” One of his students, a young woman with bright eyes and a hopeful expression, approached him hesitantly. “I’m having trouble with the latest assignment. Could you help me understand the historical context a bit better?”
“Of course, Anna,” Mobius replied, though he felt a rising tide of nervousness about his upcoming lunch. He glanced at his watch again, then back at Anna. “Let’s take a look.”
He patiently explained the nuances of the assignment, his mind wandering despite his best efforts. As he spoke, he found himself growing more and more nervous. Why was he so on edge about this lunch meeting? It was just a stranger, and a potential new friend. An alarmingly handsome new friend, his mind added unhelpfully.
Anna seemed satisfied with his explanation and thanked him before leaving. Mobius watched her go, then took a deep breath.
It’s just lunch. Nothing to be nervous about. You’re just meeting someone new, possibly a colleague.
He grabbed his satchel, the weight of the new translations inside grounding him slightly. With another deep breath, he started walking across campus to the café where Alistair had suggested they meet. Despite his pep talk, his nerves wouldn’t leave him. He chalked it up to not having made a close friend in a while. The prospect of a new connection was both exciting and daunting.
The café came into view, a quaint little place nestled among trees with a few tables set outside. As he approached, he saw Alistair sitting across the café, looking stunning in the midday sun. The man’s dark, stylish clothes contrasted sharply with the vibrant greenery around him. He looked up, spotted Mobius, and waved him over with a graceful hand.
Mobius’ heart skipped a beat as he made his way over, feeling a mix of excitement and unease. Alistair had already ordered a dark espresso, the small cup sitting elegantly in front of him.
“Ah, Professor Mobius,” Alistair greeted him, his voice smooth and formal. “Please, have a seat.”
“Thank you,” Mobius managed to say, feeling flustered as he took the seat opposite Alistair. The man’s presence was almost overwhelming, his green eyes studying Mobius with a subtle amusement.
“How was your class?” Alistair asked, a sly grin playing at the corners of his mouth.
Mobius was grateful for the distraction, something to focus on other than his own nervousness. “It went well, thank you. We were discussing some of the lesser-known aspects of Viking society. How about you? How’s work going?”
“Oh, my work is quite fascinating,” Alistair replied, leaning back slightly. “But I’d love to hear more about your latest find. You seemed quite excited about it yesterday.”
Mobius’ face lit up at the mention of his discovery. “Yes, it’s quite incredible, actually. I’ve been working on a new runestone we found recently. The inscriptions are… unique. It could be a major breakthrough in our understanding of Norse mythology.”
Alistair’s eyes sparkled with interest. “Do tell.”
Mobius hesitated for a moment, then continued, choosing his words carefully. “The runes seem to be incantations, which is unusual. They reference a deity not commonly mentioned in other finds.”
“And did you try these incantations yourself?” Alistair asked, a playful glint in his eye.
“Well,” Mobius said sheepishly, “I may have tried one out last night. Nothing happened, of course.” He laughed, trying to brush off his embarrassment. “It was just an experiment.”
Alistair chuckled, the sound rich and knowing. “I see. Experiments are the heart of discovery, after all.”
The conversation flowed effortlessly from there, delving deeper into Norse mythology and the gods. Mobius was increasingly surprised by Alistair’s knowledge. The man spoke with a familiarity that bordered on personal, weaving intricate details and obscure facts into the discussion.
“You know,” Mobius finally blurted out, unable to contain his curiosity, “you seem to know an awful lot about Norse mythology. Are you a professor too? I’m surprised I haven’t run into you before.”
Alistair paused, then smiled enigmatically. “I’m here temporarily, actually. I’ve been transferred to the university to help set up a new exhibition at the campus museum. It focuses on Nordic religious artifacts.”
“That sounds fascinating,” Mobius said, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. “No wonder you’re so knowledgeable.”
“Indeed,” Alistair replied, his eyes twinkling. “It’s a passion of mine.”
The two continued their conversation, Mobius feeling more at ease as the minutes passed. The initial nerves had given way to a genuine interest in this mysterious, captivating man. As they spoke, he couldn’t help but feel that this was the start of something significant, something that could potentially change his life in ways he had yet to understand.
As the conversation flowed, Mobius found himself increasingly captivated by Alistair’s insights into Norse mythology. The man’s knowledge was impressive, his manner both charming and enigmatic. Mobius couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of connection, as if he’d known Alistair far longer than the brief time they had actually spoken.
“You really do have a remarkable understanding of the myths,” Mobius said, leaning forward. “It’s rare to meet someone who can match my enthusiasm.”
Alistair smiled, his eyes twinkling. “It’s a passion that’s been with me for a very long time, Professor. There’s a certain magic in these old stories, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes, absolutely,” Mobius replied, feeling a warmth in his chest. “They’ve always fascinated me. They connect us to a time when the world was filled with wonder and mystery.”
Alistair nodded thoughtfully. “And perhaps, in understanding them, we can find a bit of that wonder in our own lives.”
Mobius hesitated, then took a deep breath. “It’s been difficult for me to find that wonder lately. I… I lost my wife several years ago. Since then, it’s been hard to focus on anything but work. Being alone, it changes you.”
Alistair met his eyes, and Mobius felt his breath still. There was something in Alistair’s gaze, a depth of understanding that took his breath away. His heart thumped loudly in his chest, as if he were under a spell.
“I’m truly sorry for your loss, Mobius,” Alistair said softly. “I understand that kind of pain. It leaves a mark on the soul, doesn’t it?”
Mobius nodded, unable to look away from those green eyes. “Yes, it does. It’s… it’s hard to move forward sometimes.”
Alistair’s smile was tender, and understanding, and exactly what Mobius needed for comfort.
Silence engulfed them for a while.
“I’d like to see you again,” Alistair said, gently breaking it. “Tomorrow, perhaps? I could show you the new exhibit I’m setting up at the museum. I think you’d find it fascinating.”
Mobius could only nod, his mind reeling. “Yeah, I’d like that. Very much.”
Alistair stood up, his movements graceful and fluid. He reached out and placed a hand on Mobius’ shoulder, the touch sending a jolt through him. “Until tomorrow, then.”
With a wink and a final, enigmatic smile, Alistair turned and walked away, leaving Mobius sitting there, his emotions a whirlwind of confusion and excitement.
As the café slowly returned to normal around him, Mobius sat back, taking a deep breath, his heart still racing.
What just happened?
He rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of the intense feelings coursing through him.
“Alright, Mobius, get a grip,” he breathes out.
He gathered his things, feeling both exhilarated and unnerved. Talking to himself helped, grounding him in the familiar routine of rational thought. “It’s not every day you meet someone who makes you feel like this. Maybe it’s just the excitement of the new discovery. Yes, that’s it.”
As he walked back across campus, his mind kept returning to those green eyes, the sense of connection he felt with Alistair. It had been so long since he had felt anything like this, and it both thrilled and terrified him.
“Tomorrow,” he whispered to himself, a smile tugging at his lips. “Tomorrow will be interesting.”
With that, he continued on his way, his thoughts swirling but his heart lighter than it had been in years.