Im your younger brother, annoying you is kinda my job
“ So, once we find this Lindworm, we just hand 'em the contract?” Mobius asked as they watched the two kids run down the grassy hill to the docks. “Well I'm sure the Lindworm wouldn't mind, but we'd have to be respectful,” Loki said as he stepped around a Vittra hole. “We're gonna have to remind Kevin of that “ Mobius chuckled, Loki swatted him on the arm “Have faith in your youngest, Mobius. Or he'll end up like me.” Loki said that as if it was a warning. “Ok yeah sure,” Mobius shook his head dismissively. “Alright I warned you.” Loki said, lips forming a line.
Once they reached the docks the two boys already had their life jackets on and a bag slung over Sean's shoulder holding the contract and plants. “Man, y'all got ready to go fast” Mobius said, throwing his own jacket over his shoulders. “So, who’s going with who?” Kevin asked while bouncing around excitedly next to the Watercraft hovering above the water on the lift. “I think me and your father will go on ours, and Sean can drive with you.” Loki said before following Mobius onto the red jet ski. Kevin and Sean nodded and climbed onto the back of their respective vehicle. Mobius put on the wrist band and began to lower the jet ski into the lake. The engine roared to life as Mobius steered himself backwards out of the small cove, leaving room for Sean to do the same.
It was a really nice day to be out on the water. It wasn't too windy to splash the water into your face but it wasn't just still air. The water was also very calm, making it easy for the Jet skis to skip right along the top like a flat stone being slingshot across the surface. Loki closed his eyes for a moment and clung to Mobius even tighter. Feeling the wind push his hair out of his face, the splashes of water that would sometimes hit his skin, it all felt so real. To feel the sun on his face and the man he loved in his arms, reminded him that he was alive. He was free. And Loki wanted to savor that moment for as long as he could. He opened his eyes and saw the silhouette of the trees lining the edges of the lake with the sunlight glittering along the water’s surface. The sun was just beginning to set, making everything fall under an orange glow, it all felt so cinematic, and yet so real, and it made Loki hate that throne even more even though he kept thinking it wasn't possible.
The moment didn't last much longer as they soon reached the island. They parked the jet skis on a shore that wasn't covered with many plants so they wouldn't damage anything. The growth wasn't out of control, it was quite organized, it was just the plants were quite large and clearly required plenty of care. The family carefully wove themselves through the garden until they reached a grassy clearing with a cave to the east. There were a couple of trees here and there, all normal Midgardian trees, surrounded by plants that were very much not midgardian. There was purple grass,bling vines with large blue leaves, and little blue glowing mushrooms scattered across the field. It was really beautiful.
“Excuse me! Is there a Lindworm living here?” Loki called out, trying to use his most regal and polite voice. There was a silence for a moment, long enough for Mobius to start rocking back and forth on his heels. Before there was a slight tremble in the land, then a large shake. Kevin just about fell over if Sean hadn't caught him. “Who will come to me this time?” A mighty female voice said as a large head lifted from the grass, looking toward them. She supported herself with her two arms and she was holding herself high. Her pale green eyes had snake-like splits and nostrils flared with smoke. Her horns looked like spiraling coral and so did the rest of her spine. Her scales almost looked soft with the light yellow look to them.
“Please excuse us, but we need your help destroying a contract.” Loki said, again trying his hardest to sound polite and unintruding. “Oh!Another one!” The Lindworm huffed, she shook her head as if she was disappointed but the look in her eyes showed that she was surprised too. “ Oh come now, what is it this time? Someone can't make up their bet, come to get rid of a purchase, and Odin forbid another receipt!” She hovered her head right above them. “No, please help us with this, I don't know if this’ll help or not but Ka’nat raised this dilemma to us.” Mobius said, hoping that if the Lindworm knew how important the matter was she would just destroy the dang thing. “Oh, Ka’nat. I respect him sure sure,” she waved one of her two talons as if shooing away a stench in the air “but it doesn't mean I have to do anything for you, especially if I get nothing in return.” The Lindworm’s eyes were half closed, looking more and more disappointed by the minute. “ We have a gift, some plants for your garden if you'd accept!” Sean lifted a few of the plants up in his hand. “ You have?! No one has ever presented me with a gift before!” She extended her neck to look at the herbs lying in Sean's palm. Loki felt himself on the balls of his feet, with a creature with a head the size of a midgardian car that was that close to his eldest son, well let's just say his head was spinning with possibilities.
“Well this is so nice! You have crab grass, oooh I need some crab grass, would really bring some red into my fields. Those are really pretty flowers as well, I bit smaller than I would usually pick but they hold so much character.” The Lindworm reached out her talon and Sean handed over the grass and she sniffed the herbs. “Oh these will do nicely, where is that contract I’d actually be happy to burn your contract.” The lindworm put out her talon, a strange kindness replacing the dismissive look she had earlier. Sean reached into his bag and slowly raised up the papers. The lindworm lowered her head and opened her jaw, a blue glow coming from her throat. Loki felt himself almost lunge to move Sean out of the way, ready to save him from whatever could happen. But all that happened was a tiny blue flame that was spat out and the contract caught the flame and slowly turned into ashes in Sean’s hands. “I really hope that satisfies you all, and I hope you all have a nice day.” The Lindworm chirped as she slithered away, clutching the herbs close to her chest. “Well, now we know a Lindworm is right across the way.” Mobius said putting his hands on his hips. “Yup, we’re gonna have to tell Alfur so he can write it down on his list.” Kevin said before skipping across the blue lawn leading back to the jetsiks. “Yes, he would like to know that.” Loki said as he ran after him and scooped Kevin up into his arms. “AHH! Dad!” Kevin Laughed, trying to kick free. “Lemme go!” Loki lifted him even more into the air. “Never!” Loki roared playfully as Kevin laughed in his arms. “Dad! Please im too old for this!” Kevin said as Loki refused to put him down. “Oh please, you’re only 14, you’re still young.” Loki said, putting Kevin back down on the grass. Kevin rolled his eyes dramaticly as Loki lightly hit him on the head. “Dont roll your eyes at me, young man.” Loki said walking beside him. Mobius and Sean walked in parallel to the two infront. Mobius had a dumb smile on his face watching Loki and Kevin horseplay around. He honestly couldn’t fathom how he made it those two years that loki was gone. With out his mischievous demeinir always looming over his shoulder. Never having him by his side. It felt wrong to not have him there with him. Always there to back him up or just standing there in general. Nothing felt right when Loki was gone, but now that he’s back, even with all of the realms coming into theirs, it all made sense with him here.
“Dad, come back down to earth! Dad! Earth to dad! Woohoo!” Sean waved his hand infront of his face as Mobius snapped back to the present. “Oh, hey earth, hows it goin?” Mobius chuckled as Sean rolled his eyes playfully. “Wow, alright dad.” Sean said as they began to approach the beach. They grabbed their lifejackets off of a log and put them on. Mobius looked out onto to horizon, which has already eaten up half the sun at this point. “Mobius, can I drive this time?” Loki asked, one of his eyebrows going higher than the other in confusion. “Yeah why not, you’re a good driver.” Mobius shrugged as Loki threw his leg over the seat of the Jet ski.
Loki may be a good driver, but he is also a mischief god so its an odd mix. They were out on the water and already Loki was going a bit to fast to be legal and was wipping around onto of the surface, lauching huge waves of droplets into the air. Mobius had to cling to Loki’s core as if his life depended on it. It’s not like Mobius had never fallen off of a jetski before, it happens all the time, it doesnt hurt but doesnt feel pleasent either, so Mobius just tightened his grip on his husband and hoped for the best.
Loki on the other hand was having the time of his life on the back of the beauty of form and function. It was so accelerating to turn the handlebars so sharp and feeling the back of the Jetski sink deep into the water and then feel the vehicle jump back out to the top. Back in the TVA Loki could never truly understand the real beauty to the vehicle, he only valued them because they were obviously an intrest of Mobius’s but now he knows the real beauty, the real experience. How alive it feels. Driving the thing isn’t difficult, but learning the manuvers and tricks took some time, but hey, Loki has all the time in existence to figure things out.
“Wow dad you drive like crazy!” Kevin had told Loki once they had reached the docks. Loki laughed, “ Well, let's just say it’s in my nature to be a little chaotic.” Loki ruffled the boy’s blond hair and walked with him up the hill. Mobius and Sean stayed on the dock for a little longer, making sure everything was cleaned up and locked away for the night. “Dad?” Sean spoke softly as he folded some towels set up to dry the previous day. “Yeah?” Mobius was busy putting the covers onto the two jet skis. “What do you feel when you look at Dad?” Mobius’s head perked up at Sean’s question. That was a tough one. He knows he loves Loki more than anything that the multi-verse had to offer. “Well Sean, I feel a lot of things. Mostly just relief, comfort even.” Mobius leaned on the covered vehicle. He paused, thinking about what to say. “Just, happy. I feel so happy when I’m with him. It’s never boring, but it’s not exhausting or tiring. He’s nice and considerate and cares so much about every little thing. It's hard to not always be happy around him.” Mobius said brushing off some dust on the cover before moving to the other one. “I mean it’s not always perfect, we have disagreements. But we’ve agreed to try and never go to bed angry at one another.” Sean moved closer to him, still holding the towel in his hands
“ What kind of disagreements?” There was a soft quiver lost in his voice, and Mobius looked at him. Mobius got up from his task and hugged him, “Nothing big, usually deciding what to have for lunch or if nuts are considered candy or not.” Sean chuckled, hugging him back. “But if it is anything big, ya’ll aren't gonna-” Mobius pulled back out of the hug to make eye contact with his son. “We’re not gonna leave you, we’re not gonna break up, that’s not going to happen. We’re gonna be alright. Alright?” Mobius said, trying his absolute best to mix comfort with sternness. Sean nodded his head. “Hey, let's get back to the house, eat some dinner then hit the hay. How bout that?” Mobius said, patting Sean on the shoulder.
“Yeah, that sounds good,” Sean said, voice sounding more stable. They both started their way up the hill. Mobius had one hand on Sean’s shoulder as if he was trying to keep him from floating away. The walk up the hill was quiet, a little tense, but mostly comfortable. Loki and Kevin had worked together to make a soup for dinner while Mobius and Sean were still at the dock. They all sat down around the table. Loki and Mobius on one side, Kevin and Sean on the other, each with a bowl full in front of them. Soft music played around them as they began to dig in.
“Sean, you did a phenomenal job with the Lindworm today. I’ll admit I was on my toes the entire time.” Loki said looking at the eldest with pride in his eyes. Sean’s face softened, a smile replacing a nervous look.
“And Kevin, this soup is darn good, you and Loki did a great job,” Mobius said, gesturing to Kevin with his spoon. Kevin smiled and puffed out his chest. “Yeah, Kevin did most of the work, I was just the sue chef,” Loki said with a chuckle.
“So, what happens in Alfheim now that the contract is destroyed?” Sean asked. Loki took a deep breath before looking up from his meal. “This means that the old Asgardian troops that would ‘watch over’ the elves have to return to Asgard. Or new Asgard now.” Loki answered, adding a handful of sarcasm on watching over.
“What do you mean by watching over?” Kevin said, a slight fear flashing across Loki’s eyes. “Let's just say, the troops used to be welcomed, and the troops took it for granted. Not all Asgardians are like them, Alfheim just seemed to get a bad batch. But the Troops were being entitled and in some ways polluting the land.” Loki took another bite of the soup.
“Wait, how are they polluting the land? Asgardians are known for being very respectful to the land.” Sean leaned forward over the edge of the table in confusion. “ Every realm works differently, Asgard’s ecosystem is built for the lifestyle of the people it inhabits. Alfheim is simply not built for Asgardians. Not to mention Asgardian warriors. They take up a lot of resources, and sometimes they don't notice the damage they’re causing through the amount of Øl they drink.” Loki said with a certain tone in his voice that clearly expressed Loki’s feelings about Asgardian warriors. The god was twirling his spoon in his hand while resting his face on his other hand rolling his eyes at the mention of the warriors.
“May I remind you that your brother is a Warrior,” Mobius said matter of factly right before taking another bite of his soup. “I know that! And even then Thor gets on my nerves.” Loki said sitting back up straight. “I understand that, but that doesn’t mean you destroy half of New York.” Mobius joked, Loki’s face fell into a look of annoyance. “You know there was more at play than just Thor getting on my nerves,” Loki said before turning his attention back to his bowl. “I know, just joking,” Mobius said looking at Loki, letting go of a breath. “I know, just a slightly sensitive subject,” Loki said before taking a bite.
“But Uncle Thor is like, the best.” Kevin exasperated, a look of clear confusion on his face. “Oh come on Kev, They’re brothers. You get on my nerves all the time.” Sean said, playfully poking Kevin in his side. “Yeah well, I’m your younger brother, it's my job to get on your nerves,” Kevin said, poking Sean back.
“See you get it, Kevin!” Loki laughed, remembering all the times he purposefully pranked Thor just for the sake of being the annoying younger brother. “Like, when me and Thor were around Eight years old, I turned into a snake and -”
“You stabbed him! We know Dad you tell us this story all the time!” Sean said with a smile on his face. “Well, it’s a very good story,” Loki said, straightening his back.
“I’m done!” Kevin announced, picking up his bowl and taking it to the sink. “I am too,” Sean said before taking his bowl to the sink and leaving it for Kevin to clean. Kevin let out a long sigh before cleaning Sean’s bowl along with his own. Kevin ended up doing everyone’s dishes.
“Well, I’m beat. Who’s ready to catch some Z’s?” Mobius clapped his hands together as soon as Kevin was done cleaning the dishes. “Yeah, today was a lot.” Sean rolled off of the couch and trucked his way upstairs. “Awww, can I watch one episode of Icarly?” Kevin pleaded, putting his hands together as if he was praying. “No, today was a lot, but i'll let you watch it tomorrow if you get your butt to bed.” Mobius pointed to the stairs and Kevin sighed and eventually found himself climbing the steps to his room.
Mobius sat down next to Loki on the couch. “That boy could eat corn through a picket fence.” Mobius let out a loud sigh. “I have no clue what that means,” Loki said, giving his husband a very lost look. “Uhm, He is very stubborn,” Mobius explained. Loki shrugged, still not understanding the saying. “Well, shall we catch some Z’s? Is that what you said?” Loki teased, getting up from the couch, and giving Mobius a helping hand. The grey-haired man accepted the help, after getting to his feet their hands stayed interlocked. They reached their bedroom, which was on the first floor. They both changed into their nightwear and plopped down on the mattress.
“Well, today was something,” Mobius commented as Loki rolled over into Mobius’ arms. “Yeah it was, but it’s night now. Sleep.” Loki stated, snuggling into his husband, and wrapping his arms around him. “Alright, lovebug. Sweet dreams.” Mobius said, pulling Loki close to him. “Wait what did you just call me?” Loki asked, opening his eyes to look up a Mobius. “Lovebug, have a problem with that?” Mobius looked down at the tired, green eyes staring at him. “Nope,” Loki said before closing his eyes and resting his head back on Mobius’ chest. “Alright then. Good night Lovebug.” Mobius closed his own eyes, letting his head fall back onto the pillow. “Good night, Love,” Loki said quietly before soft snores filled the room.
It took a moment for Mobius to fall asleep, he kept thinking about the fear in Sean’s eyes on the dock. He didn’t quite understand what happened between Don and his past wife, all he did know was that they were no longer together when Loki was still time slipping all those years ago. He would have to talk about it with him sooner or later. But not tomorrow. Tomorrow the dwarves had invited them to a celebration party for their 1st anniversary of arriving in the valley, and Mobius couldn’t wait to watch Loki get drunk.