Archive of Our Own ^beta

The archives are special. Their stretching rows of tall shelves seem to blanket you between them, the pockets of tables and chairs scattered within, inviting and calming. The low lighting and sheer distance between them leave these places feeling safe and secluded, the perfect place for sitting quietly to work, or retreating to to relax. 

During his time slipping, Loki'd often found himself coming here. The familiar halls offered a space to rest and recuperate; to reflect on why he was still doing all of this. Lulled by a sense of disconnection from the rest of the TVA that was hard to find anywhere else, this place had become a spot for many firsts between Loki and Mobius. 

Their first case, working diligently side by side to find the dangerous Loki variant who would later come to be their friend. 

Their first argument–about paperwork of all things–jointly frustrated yells sounding muted within these paper padded halls. 

Their first kiss–swiftly followed by their second–a hesitant press of lips filled with uncertainty that’d quickly turned desperate, once they realised their feelings aligned.  

The first time Loki had pressed Mobius back against this table, hoisting him to sit and slotting himself between spread legs just to feel him close.

The first time he had taken him against one of the many looming bookshelves, listening to Mobius try and fail to stay quiet.

It hadn't mattered though. It was as if this place was in its own little pocket of time, far removed from the commotion of the rest of the TVA. If Loki didn't know any better, he'd think this place held some magic of its own, some kind of ability to shroud you in silence. 

They'd never been disturbed, deep among the towering stacks piled high with boxes and case files, keeping them hidden from the rest of the world. It was easy to lose track of time, spending hours and hours sitting below dimmed lighting, pouring over paperwork. 

It always ended the same way, with Loki sprawled against a folder, face down, snoring softly. This was a place he was allowed to rest, and more importantly, a place he felt comfortable resting. Those were few and far between. 

Though Mobius had walked these same halls more times than he could count, they’d become something completely different once he’d started to share them with Loki. It’s like they knew, the air shifting around them, becoming a reassuring place for new experiences to blossom. A warm blanket laid over the soul that allowed for a pause from any stresses of the day. 

Maybe that had less to do with the location and more to do with the company though.

Regardless, there was no space as sacred to them as these simple archives–a fact that remained long after they left the TVA. They would forever be filled with the quiet memories of the most important moments of their time together, and they would be remembered.

For all time. Always.