Chapter 2
The bell on the door rang out as it always did when someone entered the coffee shop. Mobius called a greeting out over his shoulder but didn't look up as he finished up the cappuccino he was pouring. The day had been relatively easy and the person who just walked in was likely to be his last of the day. The shop radio was playing one of his favourite songs on the playlist, which he hummed along to.
As he handed the completed coffee to his customer he looked up to see who had entered and nearly choked as all the air in his lungs left him suddenly. Loki Laufeyson was inexplicably standing in front of the counter.
They were evidently trying to keep a low profile if the sunglasses and hoodie were any indication but there was no doubt about it. That was Loki. They were busy looking at the tote bags and small packages of cookies in front of the till and didn't look in Mobius' direction. Mobius counted himself lucky for that, as he could feel his face flushing immediately. He placed the cup of coffee on the counter and turned around to face the sink in the back counter to wash his hands and regain his composure.
What was Loki doing here? How had he found this place and why? Mobius turned back around to face Loki, who was casually looking through his own CDs and despite being much more dressed down than the last time they'd met, somehow still looked divine.
The other customer in the store left, without so much as a glance at Loki, leaving Mobius alone with them. There would be no avoiding talking to Loki and he would have to do so sober this time.
"What a lovely place you have here at Time's Veritable Ambrosia," Loki said, fixing his gaze on Mobius.
"Thank you," Mobius responded.
One of Loki’s eyebrows quirked up and his lip curled upwards. Mobius cursed himself internally. Normally he was better at chatting with customers, but Loki had thrown him off. He could have said anything and that was all he went with?
"It's not my coffee shop though. I just work here. The owners- they're the ones who came up with the name and created this place," Mobius continued.
And that was too much.
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can get you?" Mobius asked.
The grin on Loki’s face grew wider and Mobius' cheeks heated with embarrassment.
"I came for something sweet," Loki hummed.
The way Loki’s eyes looked him up and down gave Mobius the impression that Loki wasn't talking about the coffee.
"The coffee would be an added bonus," Loki said.
“Oh, uh, thank you. What kind of coffee would you like?” Mobius asked, trying to keep himself professional.
Loki casually leaned against the counter, bringing his face even closer to Mobius’.
“Surprise me,” they said.
Mobius nodded. He didn’t remember being this nervous the last time he saw Loki but then again, he’d had several drinks providing him courage. He reminded himself to breathe as he typed in the order on the till and then prepared the drink.
“Anything else I can get you?” Mobius asked as he handed the drink to Loki.
Loki used both hands to take the drink, one of them overlapping Mobius’. Loki’s hands were cool and Mobius hoped Loki wouldn’t notice how much his hands were sweating.
“Your number?” Loki asked.
“Oh, uh,” Mobius stuttered, flustered and somehow unable to say anything.
Loki raised an eyebrow at Mobius’ hesitance. He picked up a napkin and began writing on it with a marker he pulled out of his pocket. After a moment he handed it to Mobius.
“Call me. I'd like to take you to another party. I promise I'll bring you back before your carriage turns into a pumpkin,” Loki said.
He took a sip of the coffee Mobius made and turned to leave.
“This is delicious by the way,” Loki said as he left.
Mobius stared down at the napkin in his hand before finding his voice once again.
“Thank you! Have a good evening!” he called out before the door closed, remembering his manners.
---
It shouldn't have surprised him when Zemo showed up at the shop. It was a busy day and Mobius felt as though he'd been run off his feet. A small break in the line finally gave him a moment to catch his breath and tidy up his station before the bell on the door rang again, announcing the next customer.
“Small coffee, cream and sugar,” a familiar voice said at the register.
Mobius’ head shot up at the sound and there he was, Helmut Zemo. He looked a lot more understated than the last time Mobius had seen him and this was probably the most muted outfit Zemo had ever worn, yet he was still the best dressed in the shop by far and stood out among everyone else in his coat. After paying, Zemo moved down the counter and stood directly in front of Mobius to await his coffee.
“Mobius? Is this the coffee shop you work at? What a coincidence,” Zemo said insincerely. A wide grin plastered his face.
“You finally tracked me down,” Mobius responded. He finished pouring the coffee and set it on the counter for Zemo.
Zemo picked up the coffee and took a sip with a sigh. He eyed Mobius over the rim of his cup.
“I was merely in the neighbourhood and needed to stop for a coffee. It was fate that brought me to your delightful shop. But now that I’m here, perhaps we can pick things up where we left off last time,” Zemo suggested. “Surely you have a break you could take?”
Mobius was about to object when his coworker, Casey, chimed in. “Take your break. I can handle things here.”
He was practically pushed out from behind the counter to go join Zemo at a table near the back of the cafe. He was nervous but tried to push that anxiety down. Zemo sat and leaned back in his chair, one arm slung over the back of it. Something about it made Mobius think of a Renaissance painting. Even when he was sitting casually Zemo made looking beautiful seem effortless. Mobius sank into the chair across from him. It had been a while since he’d been able to sit down and his feet were thankful for the rest.
“How is the coffee?” Mobius asked.
“Smooth, sweet. Just like you,” Zemo answered. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his fist. “Would you like a taste?”
“Um, I, uh…” Mobius drifted off.
Mobius’ brain emptied and he could feel his face burning. He turned to look behind him, pretending to check on Casey to cover up the blush that lit his face. The rush had calmed down and there was currently only one customer at the counter. Casey was more than capable of handling it and gave Mobius a thumbs up when he caught his coworker's eye.
“You should rest. It's your break. I can see from here and I'll tell you if Casey needs help,” Zemo offered.
Mobius nodded his head and settled back into his chair.
“Now tell me how someone like you is working in a place like this?” Zemo asked.
Mobius shrugged. “I like it here. This place is like a home to me. I get to see so many different people and make a small difference in their day, hopefully for the better.”
“I'm sure you do,” Zemo said. His eyes shone somehow.
“You seem to have a very high opinion of me, but we've only just met,” Mobius commented.
Zemo sat up in his seat. His hand snuck across the table to brush the tips of his fingers across Mobius’ knuckles. It felt nice, comforting.
“I'd like to know you better if you'd let me,” Zemo purred.
“Why?” Mobius asked in a quiet voice.
He was terrified. He didn't want the answer. He didn't want everything to come crashing down when it felt so nice. But he was sure it would be worse to have that happen later when his feelings were much deeper. Wouldn't it be?
“Because you've been nothing but kind and genuine. There aren't any ulterior motives under what you say, unlike the rest of us. It's refreshing,” Zemo answered.
Zemo's fingers stopped their ministrations across Mobius’ knuckles. His hand settled over Mobius’ and gave a gentle squeeze. Mobius took a breath and decided to be brave. He let his hand lean into the touch and placed his thumb over Zemo's.
“You've been kind too. You've only met Casey briefly but you remembered his name. And you helped me after I lost my balance at that party,” Mobius pointed out.
“And I've had an ulterior motive,” Zemo stated.
Mobius noticed the way Zemo pulled away just a little.
“What's that?” Mobius asked.
“I was hoping for a kiss.”
Mobius swallowed, his mouth suddenly going dry. “Oh.”
Zemo leaned back in his chair, pulling his hand away and crossing his arms over his chest. The ghost feeling of Zemo’s hand lingered. He stared at the hand that was now tucked in beside Zemo’s chest, guarding his heart. Zemo’s face didn’t betray any sign of distress as he kept up the conversation, asking Mobius more questions about his life. But Mobius noticed how Zemo kept his hands entirely to himself.
“I suppose I can’t keep you from your work any longer, though it would delight me,” Zemo said after several more minutes.
It was true. His break was over. If anything he’d taken a few extra minutes but Casey didn’t call for him to come back right away and the coffee shop was still pretty quiet. He figured he could get away with at least one more minute though.
“I suppose so,” Mobius said.
Mobius began to get up, Zemo followed his lead by swallowing down the last of his coffee and standing up. Mobius couldn’t help but watch the way his Adam’s apple moved and the way his hand came up to wipe away the last drops. This was his last chance. He stepped forward before Zemo could turn to leave. Mobius’ nerves just about deserted him but he held on with the last of his courage, grabbing hold of Zemo’s waist and pulling himself in for a kiss.
Zemo was still for half a moment before realizing what was happening and wasted no more time in deepening the kiss. His hand slid around Mobius’ waist to the small of his back, his other holding onto Mobius’ hand like it was a slow dance. The kiss tasted of coffee and Zemo was right; it was sweet.
It didn’t last as long as Mobius would have liked before Zemo pulled away, a wide smile on his face. Mobius felt breathless and boneless and refused to let go of Zemo until he could feel his limbs again.
“Maybe I had the same ulterior motive as you all along,” Mobius said.
“You are full of surprises, Mobius,” Zemo murmured, “I will definitely be seeing you again very soon.”
“I certainly hope so,” Mobius said before heading back behind the counter where Casey looked ready to burst with questions for him.
---
There were several days without Mobius seeing either Loki or Zemo in the coffee shop. He was starting to wonder if they’d finally gotten bored of him but he kept reminding himself they were probably busy. Both of them had very full careers and lives and he was merely a barista that they’d both become interested in as a passing fancy. It wasn’t anything more serious than that. And yet, every time the bell on the door rang and it wasn’t one of them coming through, he felt a pang of disappointment.
Until Loki stepped through the door.
He was more dressed up this time, no longer hiding in a hoodie. He seemed like he had just come from some kind of event. His jacket was eye-catching and embroidered with green thread and looked like the kind of thing that would cost Mobius a month’s wages. His eyes, which were also not hidden behind sunglasses, scanned the coffee shop before settling on Mobius clearing dishes from one of the tables. He slipped his jacket off and slung it over his shoulder before making his way over.
Mobius looked at the used dishes and trash in his hands and tried to figure out what to do with it. It seemed wrong to be carrying such things with someone so beautiful in front of him. He looked at his options, setting them back down on the table or rushing to the counter. Neither option seemed right so instead of making a decision, he froze and Loki stood in front of him while he was still holding trash.
“Hello,” Loki greeted.
How did his hair look so well put together and windswept at the same time?
“Hi,” Mobius said, before realizing once again that his hands were full of dishes. He rushed them to the counter where his coworker, Brad, was openly staring at Loki.
“You haven’t called yet. It almost makes me think you’re avoiding me,” Loki said while Mobius’ back was still turned.
Mobius spun around. Loki had one eyebrow raised and a smirk on his face but his eyes didn’t match the confident expression. Mobius thought they looked nervous. But that had to be him projecting. Loki could have anyone’s attention whenever they wanted. They certainly weren’t worried about some barista they met once at a party.
“I-” Mobius stuttered, “I was a little busy. And I was worried you might also be busy and I might bother you.”
“Then you should give me your number and I’ll call you,” Loki suggested. He held his phone out to Mobius.
Mobius took the phone and scrolled through to put his number in. It felt surreal. But it was truly happening. He’d somehow gotten the attention of both Loki and Zemo. He realized there were two options. He could continue to disbelieve and disappoint both of them or he could embrace it. He’d been confident enough at the party. There was no reason he couldn’t be confident now. He wished he could have a drink to help but he couldn’t always do that and he didn’t want to always be drunk with them anyway.
“Let me make you a drink. Would you like the same as last time or something else off of the menu?” Mobius asked.
“What I'd really like is definitely off the menu but I'll take what I had last time,” Loki said.
Mobius tried not to blush, though he was sure he failed. But he wanted to be more confident. He leaned in toward Loki so they'd be the only one to hear him.
“Perhaps I'll be able to help you with that off menu request when you call me later,” Mobius murmured.
Mobius went back behind the counter again and began preparing the drink, just the way he had a few days ago. It only took a minute and when it was finished he set it on the counter for Loki. They took a sip of it and a smile spread across their face.
“I haven't paid. What do I owe you?” Loki asked.
Mobius shrugged.
“It's on the house, consider it a gift,” Mobius said.
“I'd like to pay for it. For your time at least. If you won't accept money, would we be able to come to some other arrangement?” Loki asked.
Out of the corner of his eye, Mobius could see Brad meticulously cleaning the nearby counter as he listened in. Brad's jaw dropped at Loki's suggestion and his hand slipped and knocked over a frothing pitcher, which clattered loudly. Loki didn't seem to notice as he only had eyes for Mobius.
Mobius was lost in Loki's eyes again, admiring the way the light glittered in them when he answered.
“I'll accept a kiss,” Mobius said before his brain caught up.
“Deal,” Loki agreed, “though I think I've gotten the better end of the deal.”
Loki leaned across the counter, setting his elbows on the surface. He looked up expectantly at Mobius, who was now feeling his nerves catch up to him.
Mobius leaned down to kiss Loki and was pulled in by Loki's hand around the back of his neck. Loki's lips were hungry, like he'd been starving for this. His nails scratched Mobius’ hairline at the back of his neck, causing Mobius to gasp. Loki took the opportunity to slip his tongue in and swirl it around. Peppermint filled his mouth, mixed with the bitterness of the coffee. Mobius held back the moan that threatened to fall out of him.
Loki pulled away first, his fingers lingered in Mobius’ hair for a few more moments before they fell away. Mobius realized he was holding onto the lapel of Loki's jacket and let go. He wasn't sure when exactly he'd grabbed the jacket, he'd been so wrapped up in the kiss. He smoothed his hand over the fabric to try to iron out any wrinkles he may have caused. Loki smirked at Mobius.
“I definitely got the better deal,” they said, taking another sip of the coffee.
Mobius was still a little breathless so he just nodded his head even though he was sure he'd definitely gotten the better deal.
“Mobius, could I get your help with something? In the back?” Brad asked.
Mobius excused himself, leaving Loki at the counter so he could follow Brad. He wasn't sure what Brad could need. Maybe he was grabbing something heavy?
“What the hell,” Brad said, turning on Mobius as soon as they reached the back. “Casey thought you were kissing Zemo the other day. He must have gotten confused.”
Mobius pressed his lips together. “No. Casey was right. That was Zemo the other day.”
“So, what? You're dating both of them? I didn't think you had it in you,” Brad said.
Something about Brad's tone made Mobius feel more uncomfortable about the situation than he ever had. As if what he was doing was somehow slimy. He didn't think it was, but what if he was wrong?
“I don't know if dating is the right word. We've only met a couple of times. They've both just… taken an interest in me. Nothing more,” Mobius said.
Brad held his hands up. “Okay. Whatever you say. Seems like more than just an interest to me though.”
Mobius looked over his shoulder toward the door. They weren't really that interested in him. He was just new. And different than they were used to.
“Maybe this could be used to our benefit,” Brad continued. “They probably have some connections to people in high places. They could happen to drop my name and it could be my big break. You know how I've been trying to get into TV or even movies.”
Mobius turned his attention back to Brad. He'd been bragging for years about his acting career that was about to take off. It wasn't going well. A couple of months ago he'd auditioned for some commercial and Mobius had to hear him complain for a week about not getting a callback. Mobius had never actually seen Brad's acting but he suspected it wasn't as good as he'd like everyone to believe it was.
“I'm not going to ask that of them,” Mobius said firmly.
“Oh come on,” Brad whined, “What's the point in dating someone famous if you can't benefit from the perks?”
“We aren't dating. And I'm done having this conversation with you. We need to get back to the floor,” Mobius said.
He left the back room, Brad following behind him. Loki was still standing near the counter, drinking from the coffee Mobius had made him. The bell on the door rang out loudly as another customer entered the store. Mobius stepped up to the counter to greet them only to see the person coming in was Zemo. He looked pleased until he realized that Loki was there too. It seemed as though the temperature in the cafe had dropped 10 degrees as soon as the door shut. Mobius held his breath, knowing that it probably wasn't going to be good having both Loki and Zemo there at the same time.
“What are you doing here?” Loki asked Zemo in an icy tone.
“Simply getting a cup of coffee,” Zemo answered, “I see you finally found time away from wooing your fans. I know that's kept you busy lately.”
It was said so simply and pleasantly that Zemo could have been commenting on the weather.
“I have not-” Loki began, “I've been working. Unlike some people.”
Zemo flinched at the words.
“What can I get for you?” Brad asked, shifting the attention to him.
Zemo ordered a coffee, same as he had the time before, as Brad continued to chat him up.
“You must get this all the time but you're very handsome. You should be a model,” Brad said.
Mobius had to stop himself from rolling his eyes at Brad's flagrant flirting. Brad knew exactly who he was talking to. Mobius had heard Brad talk about Zemo before in the past. He also knew that Brad tended to flirt with customers to get better tips. It usually worked. Mobius began making the drink and sort of hoped Brad's flirtations wouldn't work this time.
“Thank you,” Zemo said.
Mobius looked up from what he was doing to see that Zemo wasn't even looking in Brad's direction. He was watching Mobius make his drink.
“I've always wanted to be an actor, myself. I've been in a few plays and went to some auditions but just haven't gotten my foot in the door yet. It seems like a lot of it is about who you know,” Brad continued. “You know?”
Loki was watching the exchange from the other end of the counter, near where Mobius was.
“Is he always this chatty?” Loki murmured to Mobius.
Mobius smirked, “A lot of the time, yes.”
“My name's Brad. I hope we will be seeing you around a lot more often.”
“You might. The coffee is good and the staff here really are delightful,” Zemo answered, looking directly at Mobius.
Mobius set the cup of coffee on the counter for Zemo.
“Enjoy your coffee,” Mobius said.
Zemo picked it up, inhaled the scent of the coffee and then took a sip before letting out a small moan of enjoyment. Mobius smiled at the small compliment.
“Such good coffee. Thank you,” Zemo said.
Brad took that moment to wipe the counter down in front of the register. He picked up the tip jar to clean underneath it, causing it to rattle and redirect everyone's attention to it.
“I think such good coffee and service should be rewarded with a tip. Wouldn't you agree?” Zemo said to Loki.
He went back to the register, and pulled a large bill out of his wallet to put into the tip jar. It was probably the largest amount Mobius had seen put into the jar by a single customer and it didn't feel right to him. It felt a bit like he was taking advantage of Zemo somehow.
“That's not necessary,” Mobius called out.
Brad elbowed Mobius in the ribs hard.
“Thank you!” Brad said.
He leaned over and whispered, “What are you doing? Let the rich guy spend his money on you. What else is he gonna spend it on? I'm not passing up a big tip because you feel bad.”
Loki put a few bills in the tip jar. “I agree. Good service should be rewarded.”
That set off a chain reaction of the both of them adding more money to the tip jar. Each time one of them added a bill, the other would follow with another one. The tip jar began filling up and while Mobius did understand Brad's point (he did want the tip money as well), this felt like a bit too much.
“Okay. That's enough. We appreciate the sentiment but you've both given way too much. A couple of dollars would have been more than enough,” Mobius finally spoke up.
Loki and Zemo both looked at him. They each had a hand trying to stuff more money into the jar. They pulled their hands away from the jar and stopped what they were doing. They shot each other a look but neither made a move to take back any of the money that was already in the jar. Mobius supposed he wouldn't be able to convince them to anyway.
“Thank you. I'm glad you both enjoy the coffee. Is there anything else I can do for you today?” Mobius asked.
“You could tell me if you're working Friday night,” Loki asked.
Zemo rolled his eyes.
“No. I'm not,” Mobius answered. He suspected he knew where this was headed.
“What about Saturday morning?” Zemo asked.
“No. What's going on?” Mobius asked.
“Perfect. I'll send a car to come get you on Friday,” Loki said.
“I'll send over something to wear,” Zemo said with a grin on his face. “It's going to be a great party. Thanks for the coffee, Mobius. Brett.” Zemo waved at Brad.
They both left quickly after that, somehow seemingly no longer at each other's throats. Mobius supposed that was a good thing. Beside him, Brad was counting out the tip they left behind.
“There's hundreds of dollars in here,” Brad said.
“It's too much.”
Brad turned on Mobius. “You gotta get me into that party. If I had the chance to mingle with the right people I could get my big break.”
Mobius sighed.
“I don't even know how I got into that party, let alone how to bring you too,” Mobius answered.
He looked at the door where the pair of them had just exited. He could handle them when they were on their own but how was he supposed to handle them together?