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Loki whirled around to face Mobius, grabbing both of his hands and practically shaking with nervous energy, “Actually, I’ve changed my mind. You don’t have to meet my family. We should just go off to some remote planet where they can’t find us. You don’t want to meet them anyway, they’re awful, horrible even. I don’t know why I ever thought this would be a good idea.” he babbled while Mobius watched, a fond smile on his face.
“It’s a bit too late for that,” the man said, gesturing at the palace walls surrounding them, “You can’t back out now.”
He squeezed Loki’s hands reassuringly and then reached out to tuck a strand of long black hair behind his ear, cupping his cheek, “Listen, It’s going to be okay. It doesn’t matter if they hate me on sight, nothing will make me leave your side. It’s you and me against the world sweetheart.”
Loki shook his head in disbelief but didn’t get a chance to reply when the doors beside them swung open loudly.
Queen Frigga walked towards them with a soft smile, “Loki,” she said fondly, “my son.” She swept him into a hug, squeezing him tight, and Mobius watched as some of Loki's nerves melted out in his mother’s arms. They hugged for a long time and it made him remember an article he had read, about a mother who didn’t let go of hugs until her children pulled away first, never wanting to deprive them of however much contact they wanted. The queen seemed the type of woman to do the same, content to hold people as long as they needed.
They pulled apart and she cupped Loki’s face in her hands, studying him and smiling at what she saw. He couldn’t blame her. When he first met Loki, he was skinny, with dark circles under his eyes and seemingly endless anger at the world. Now, he was softer in multiple ways, his features no longer as sharp and unforgiving, and he was quicker to genuinely smile, laugh and relax. It made his heart feel so full it hurt to see the change in the god, in the man he had come to love.
After inspecting Loki, happy with what she saw, she turned her attention to Mobius, “Now, are you going to introduce this handsome man to me?” she teased, watching Loki blush.
He stepped back, out from his mother's arms, and grabbed Mobius, pulling him to his side and wrapping an arm around his waist, “Mother, this is my partner, Mobius. Mobius, this is my mother Frigga, Queen of Asgard.”
Mobius felt his stomach twist with anxiety but smiled and bowed his head at the woman in front of him, “It’s an honor to meet you, ma’am.”
She smiled at him, looking him over in appraisal, “The honor is mine, Mr. Mobius. From the moment I saw you and my son together, how relaxed and healthy he looks with you,” She looked at her son, smiling at him and for a second he thought he saw tears building in her eyes. “I knew instantly you were good for him. I have hoped and longed for so many years for someone like you for my son. Someone to love and accept him for all that he is. I hope you continue to have many happy years together.”
Mobius nodded, his face serious, “I may not have a fancy title like you and your son. But I love him with all of my being, and all I want is to make him happy for as long as I can.” He looked over at Loki when he squeezed his hand, gasping at the tears in his eyes.
“Oh darling,” he whispered, cupping Loki’s face in his hands and wiping away the tears beginning to fall. He wished he was tall enough to give him a kiss on his forehead, but he settled for grabbing one of his hands and kissing the knuckles.
Like the king of bad timing that he is, that was the moment the god of thunder decided to show up.
He loudly made his way down the hallway before stopping abruptly, not believing the sight in front of him. He blinked harshly a few times, resisting the urge to rub at his eyes, and took in the scene before him. Loki was crying, while a man he had never seen before was wiping away his tears and whispering things to him. It was a soft and vulnerable side of his brother he had never seen before, at least, not since they were children.
The loud arrival of Thor snapped Loki and Mobius out of their bubble and he hesitantly let Loki go, watching with a frown as he harshly wiped at his face and melded his face into a blank mask. He had enjoyed the openness the god had shown with his mom and hated to see him revert to this closed-off version of himself.
Luckily, Queen Frigga was there. She stepped forward, giving Thor a hug, and then turned towards the couple, “Thor, I’m so glad you came. Loki was just introducing me to his lovely partner. This is Mobius.” She pulled Thor closer to them and Mobius reached out a hand, hiding a wince when Thor shook it too tight.
“You’re Loki’s… partner?” he asked, looking between them like it was a puzzle he couldn’t solve. He studied Loki for a moment, taking in his raised chin, like he was expecting a fight. Thor broke into a smile. “I’m glad to meet you Mobius! If my mother approves then I have no qualms either. She’s always been the best judge of character.” Frigga smiled at her sons, feeling like she could jump with joy to see them happy, thriving, and getting along for once.
Thor stepped forward, playfully clapping Loki on the shoulder, “I’m happy for you brother. Truly. I hope you have many years of happiness together. Come,” he gestured down the hall, “We should celebrate!” He slung a shoulder around Loki’s shoulders and started pulling him along. Loki looked back at Mobius, eyes asking for help, and he laughed softly at them, feeling boneless with relief at how well things had gone.
He turned towards the Queen and held out his arm, “Shall we?” She took his arm and they walked together after her sons, watching with hearts full.