etrayalogs | Date Night/Loki’s Birthday

Date Night/Loki’s Birthday

Who: Loki and Hob
When: Backdated to the evening of December 17th
Where: Loki’s Apartment
What: Dinner with a friend for Loki’s birthday

After over a thousand years worth of birthdays, Loki hardly celebrated his birthday much. He’s always been a bigger fan of Yule himself (which might be surprising considering how much he enjoys attention), but it’s true enough. With the snow falling and the decorations and the food and celebrations. Even Loki, who had often felt left out as a child, enjoyed all the celebrations around this time of year.

And now, for the first time in a very long time, he has the opportunity to celebrate. He might not have Thor or Frigga, or Mobius and his TVA family, but Loki did find there was one person here he always enjoys spending time with. And now, it turns out, it’s even a date. As much as Loki has tried to keep himself distant, not wanting to get too close only to have to lose people again, somehow Hob Gadling had worked his way in past Loki’s defences.

His initial idea for the evening had been to take Hob out to dinner, but though he did receive a good recommendation or two (he really must thank Rosie. Her suggestion was the best of them and Loki does still want to check out the little bakery and tavern she suggested), but nothing quite fit Loki’s imagining for the evening. As such, Loki has decided to host them in his apartment.

By the time Hob arrives, Loki’s apartment has been decorated in a combination of Yule and Christmas styles. A wreath of pine cones hangs on the door, and garland is draped elegantly along the tops of each wall with fairy lights woven into it. A tree stands in the corner, decorated with lights and glass ball ornaments and tinsel. It all gives a rather warm feeling to the room that Loki hopes Hob enjoys.

In the kitchen, he’s put together a meal of roast chicken, roasted potatoes and carrots and pan fried brussel sprouts, which will be ready shortly after Hob’s designated arrival time. There’s a desert in the fridge for after as well.

Now all Loki has to do is wait nervously for his guest to arrive.

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Holidays are always bittersweet for Hob. In one fashion, he loves the cheer that fills London this time of year. The Christmas market and festive decor was charming. At the same time, he's reminded of past holidays and those he once spent those holidays with. The ones who are no longer with him.

When he's in Loki's company, it's hard to feel those old sorrows as deeply. Hob will never forget the ones he's loved and lost, but it's nice to look forward to something.

Since they live in the same building, he doesn't have to bundle up beyond dressing nicely for the trip to Loki's door. Hob wears a cream colored, button-up shirt with a brown suit jacket. He thought a tie might be too formal, so he goes without one and accompanies the look with a pair of dark jeans.

After knocking, he waits, his other hand holding a slim, square box that's neatly wrapped in gold paper with a silver ribbon.

It’s been longer than he can remember since Loki has celebrated much of anything. When you live to be thousands of years old, celebrating something once a year often seems pointless. But after taking on the thrown to help the multiverse and then suddenly finding himself here, Loki has the urge to do as much with people as he can until he finds his way back to his duties.

When he was younger, Yule was his favourite time of year and now that he has the time to celebrate once more, he wants to make the most of it. And he thought maybe throwing his birthday in there would add a bit to the festivities, even if the only person he wants to celebrate with is Hob. There are others here he enjoys spending time with, but Hob was different.

It doesn’t occur to him just how nervous he is until the knock at his door causes him to jump. Loki chuckles at himself and makes his way to the door, pulling it open with a smile. His eyes brighten and he can’t help but look Hob over. “What could be a more perfect gift than finding a handsome man on my doorstep.” He didn’t mean to flirt, but he’s pretty sure it came out that way anyway.

Loki steps aside and gestures for Hob to enter. “Thank you for coming. I had hoped to go out for dinner, but this place is sadly lacking in fine dining. Instead, I’m afraid, you will have to deal with my attempt at cooking.” He knows Hob knows some of this already, but when Loki gets nervous, he can’t seem to stop talking.

Hob didn't expect the compliment as soon as the door opened, so he can't help but smile brightly and blush a little. "I hope that's not for someone standing behind me." He jokes, stepping inside once he's invited in. Loki is chatty and buzzing with energy, but Hob finds it cute.

As for a homecooked meal instead of a fancy dinner, Hob shakes his head. "Not at all. I've been looking forward to it." The gift box is offered. "Happy birthday." He's a bit nervous about the gift, since Loki can pick up anything he wants from a store here without having to worry about money, but it's probably the thought that counts, right?

"Dinner smells great. Is there anything I can do to help?"

In all honesty, Loki didn't expect to compliment Hob so quickly, but he simply couldn't help it. It makes a lot of sense to him now why he was chosen to work in a tailor shop on that one mission a few months back. He certainly looks sharp. And the blush is just as delightful as the one that graced Hob's features the night they had danced together.

"Never! I do not typically compliment people dishonestly." Or if he did, he made his sarcasm very obvious. This is clearly not the case now. Hob looks good and he should know it.

Loki closes the door behind him and turns to face, him surprise clear on his face at the gift. "Thank you. You really did not have to, but I do appreciate it." He turns the gift over in his hands, feeling almost awed that Hob would do this.

"Oh no, thank you. It is just about done. In fact you can take a seat at the table and I will serve up." He gestures to the small-ish table that breaks up the space between his small kitchen and the living area. It's set with a simple table cloth, all necessary silverware and plates and a couple of candles.

Hob dismisses the thought of not bringing a gift. "Nonsense. It's your birthday. I'm honored you wanted to share it with me." The birthday of a god must be a special thing, and even more importantly, it's the birthday of someone Hob has come to care about a great deal.

He nods when he's told to sit. Not wanting to make a fuss, he goes to the table and can't help but smile a little bashfully at how perfectly it's been set, candles and all. It's simple and elegant, and it also shows how much Loki wanted to make this evening nice for them. If there are drinks to pour or anything Hob can do to help, he will, but otherwise, he'll wait patiently for the meal.

"I didn't know you could cook."

For some gods, possibly their birth is a big deal, but it has never been something Loki has paid much attention to. And that isn’t solely because most of his life he couldn’t imagine anyone except maybe Thor and Frigga wanting to celebrate. It also has a lot to do with being over a thousand years old. It just seems like the equivalent of celebrating your birth ever week by comparison.

But this year feels different and it has made Loki want to value his available time with those here that he likes best.

“I’m not sure I can. I suppose we will wait and see how it tastes.” He’s joking, mostly. It’s not something he’s done much of in his life, but following a recipe is not much different from learning a new spell or bit of magic. They are easy enough to follow and everything at least smells good.

“I have wine as well, if you would like,” Loki says as he places a bottle of white on the table before taking the plates to the counter to serve up. He could, of course, do all of this with his magic, but there’s something about doing it all by hand that feels right in this situation.

Given how the food smells, Hob is already certain it will taste good. Plus, a home cooked meal is special. Loki went through a lot of trouble when he could have easily brought back some takeout and plated it.

"Wine sounds fantastic." While Loki works on getting the plates ready, Hob will take it upon himself to open the wine bottle and pour their glasses.

"It's been a long time since someone's cooked for me. This is a real treat. Thank you for inviting me."

Though it wasn’t his initial plan, once he thought about it, it became clear that making a meal himself would be much more special. The idea of making something for someone else isn’t something that has always appealed to Loki, but Hob is a special case. And it’s becoming harder and harder to deny that. It’s been so long since he’s really been able to stop and think about anything other than the TVA and the Multiverse, but Hob has helped him realize he can work towards his goals and have times like this. To spend time with those he enjoys spending time with.

Perhaps even those he cares about.

“I honestly couldn’t think of anyone I would’ve rather spent today with.” Loki smiles and places a plate in front of Hob before placing his own down. “It is not common for me to cook for someone, or really to cook at all, but I admit I enjoyed it.” And maybe part of what he enjoyed was the thought of how Hob might like it too.

It might seem like he’s doing all the work on his birthday, but Loki’s gift to himself is getting this time with Hob.

Hob can't help but look happy, which is normal in Loki's presence, but there's something practically glowing about him when Loki puts his homecooked meal on the table. Knowing that Loki went through all this trouble for him is not missed. Loki could simply use his magic, right? This felt very special, indeed.

"Then, here's to you." He lifts his glass of wine. "Happy birthday, Loki. I am so very blessed to know you. I hope you know I... well, I think the world of you." The little speech ends with a bashful smile as he lowers his glass for a sip.

"And this looks amazing." He's eager to put his glass down so he can pick up his fork and have the first bite.

Of course, Loki does not know what Hob is like around others, but he likes to think that at least this time he is the reason the other man looks so happy. It makes him feel oddly warm, knowing he has that capability. Especially with someone like Hob.

Loki lifts his glass in return and is about to speak, but is caught a bit off guard by Hob’s words. There’s a brief flash of surprise on his face before he smiles and blushes slightly. “I am the one who is blessed. I am thankful you agreed to join me.”

He’s not really sure what to do with the rest of that, but he does know that Hob’s words have affected him deeply.

“Well then, let us eat and see if it is as good as it looks.” Loki puts his glass down and picks up his silverware, making as if to start, but really he’s keeping an eye on Hob, wanting to see what he really thinks of the taste.

There isn't a moment when they're together that Hob isn't happy. Loki always makes him smile. The quick blush on Loki's face is charming, and he's glad his friend looks pleased to hear the words. Sometimes things go unspoken, and Hob doesn't want Loki to think he hasn't cherished their friendship.

Even if the food wasn't good, Hob would say it's fantastic, but he doesn't have to pretend or spare Loki's feelings at all. The first bite is followed by a pleased 'mmm'. "It's delicious. I hope I can convince you to cook for me again sometime. This skill of yours shouldn't be wasted."

The feeling is mutual there. He can understand why Hob’s mysterious friend granted him eternal life. As far as Loki is concerned, the world is a brighter place with someone like Hob in it. It seems whoever is running this place thinks Hob special too, since they took him as well. Loki still hates that all of this is happening, that there’s been this horrible mistake that has taken him away from his duties, but he will always be thankful for the chance to meet Hob.

Somehow it almost feels like they have done this before. Of course Loki knows they haven’t, but he feels so instantly calm with Hob it’s as if they have always known each other. It’s comforting, that feeling. Like somehow he always has and always will know this man.

“You are too kind, but thank you. I do hope you are not just saying that because I might start using you as a Guinea pig to test out new recipes on.” It’s a joke, mostly. He wouldn’t mind cooking for Hob again and he did enjoy his time in the kitchen more than he thought he would. “You’ll have to tell me some of your favourite recipes so I can try them out.”

One day, Hob will need to tell Loki the whole story of his blessing. How it was more of a whim than anything else, but Hob has more than benefitted from it and feels deeply appreciative to Dream and his sister.

"By all means, test away." Hob will be eager to sample anything Loki feels like cooking. It's also just another reason for him to spend time here. Plus, he's taking requests? How can Hob resist?

"Hm, I've always had a weakness for a good beef stew. That and a bit of bread, and I'm a happy man." It's a simple, hearty meal he's always enjoyed, even before he became immortal.

Hob can tell him all he wants that it was all on a whim, but Loki will likely remain doubtful. At very least if those responsible didn’t think Hob was worth the gift, they would’ve taken it back. But Loki would be more than sure that Hob thoroughly charmed everyone involved, even if he hadn’t meant to. Because really, Hob is one of the most charming people he’s ever met. And that’s really saying something.

Loki can’t keep the look of delight from his face when Hob agrees. Never in his life did he ever think he would be excited to cook for someone. He feels almost domesticated. Oh how Frigga would enjoy seeing him like this. Loki thinks he should be embarrassed, but he really just feels good.

“Beef stew. I do believe I can handle that. I will start looking for recipes tomorrow.” He hopes that doesn’t sound as desperate as he thinks it might’ve. But he hasn’t had a decent beef stew in a long time himself and maybe he’ll even try to make the bread fresh.

When Loki says he'll begin looking into stew recipes tomorrow, Hob can't help but laugh with a bright smile on his face. "I'd better be careful. I might get fat if you keep treating me so well."

Perhaps he hasn't been eating as well as he should have while he's been here. No doubt, he's lost a few pounds. Food is plentiful, but it's hard to enjoy it when it feels like there's a guillotine hanging over him. That lingering fear of what might happen to his home doesn't prompt his appetite.

It occurs to Hob that he hasn't eaten like this in quite some time. He's actually enjoying himself.

The laugh makes Loki smile and blush slightly. He looks down, half hiding his reaction as he takes another bite of the food. He just needs a moment to compose himself. He doesn’t think anyone has made him feel like this before and he doesn’t quite know what to do with himself. “Nonsense,” he says, finally looking back up at Hob, still smiling. “I couldn’t imagine you being anything but handsome.”

He means that. Loki doesn’t know if Hob has lost weight or not, but he can see he’s thin enough to withstand a few good meals. Although really, he’s starting to think he’d still find him attractive if he gained 50 pounds or more.

“But, if you’re worried about it, perhaps we could get some exercise together? I have been quite lax on my usual activities. I might start getting a bit thick around the middle myself.”

Handsome? Now Hob is trying to hide his blush behind his glass of wine. Loki is beyond handsome. Stunning, really, but he is a god, right? Maybe that comes with the territory. It's only fitting that a trickster god be so disarming, too. Not that Hob thinks Loki is being insincere.

Exercise, he says? "Hard to believe that you would, but sure. We should try to make good use of our time between missions. I'm not quite sure what to do with myself some days."

Having some activities become routine would be nice. Hob worries a bit, though. It's not like he's completely out of shape, but he's lived the quiet life of an academic for many years. He hopes he can keep up with Loki.

A wine glass isn’t exactly the best means of cover, but Loki doesn’t draw attention to Hob’s blush. The only real sign that he’s noticed at all is a small smile turning up at the edges of his mouth. He likes that a simple compliment has taken Hob a bit off guard. It makes him want to compliment him more and often. The man really should know his qualities, after all.

”Stranger things have happened.” He thinks of Volstagg and knows it’s very possible, though Loki can’t ever really imagine being quite that big. “Even if we start with daily walks, I think it would be beneficial.” And he would get more time to simply chat with Hob, get to know him better, find out more of what he likes.

The idea of possibly teaching Hob some combat skills also floats through his mind. This place can be dangerous and he wouldn’t mind knowing Hob could protect himself, but he doesn’t bring that up. At least not yet. That’s something he can address another time.

Daily? Hob can't help but feel some excitement brewing at the thought of seeing Loki every day, even if it's just for their routine walk around the neighborhood. "That sounds wonderful. Let's start tomorrow. We can walk in the afternoons while the weather is cold, then change to the morning when it warms up."

That's presuming they're going to be here that long, but given how long Hob has already been here, he knows it's a possibility they aren't leaving anytime soon.

There’s something in Hob’s expression when Loki mentions daily walks that for the briefest moments has Loki worrying he’s maybe pushed too hard, but then he brightens and seems equally excited about the idea. A sense of relief fills him and he relaxes visibly as he smiles across the little table at his dining partner.

”That sounds perfect.” His smile widens and he takes another sip of his wine. This night is turning out even better than he’d hoped. “So, tell me more about yourself, more about your life before here?” If he wants to get to know Hob better, what’s a better time to start?

Having nearly cleaned his plate, it's a good time to stop and chat while he digests. Goodness, that was a wonderful meal. The question puts an embarrassing look on his face.

"Nothing remarkable." Certainly not compared to Loki's life, he's sure. "I was working as a history professor at a university in London. I really liked it, though. You might say I have a unique perspective on the subject." It also grants him an audience for all kinds of stories, which he thinks his students enjoy.

Having never really cooked for anyone before, Loki feels oddly proud that Hob’s plate is near empty. It doesn’t even seem like he ate out of politeness. Loki thinks he really is going to have to learn to cook more meals, especially if he gets to share them with Hob.

”Oh, I find that hard to believe.” Hob’s life just prior to arriving in Etraya might be what many consider normal, but Loki can’t fathom anything about the man truly being boring. “Teaching is a rather noble profession and learning about history must be an interesting one. Especially with your experience. Tell me, how often do the books get it wrong?”

It always feels good knowing someone has enjoyed a meal you made for them, and Hob's enjoyment is genuine. He wouldn't mind eating Loki's cooking every day.

There's a little laugh at the question. "More often than they should, but I can't really blame them." It's not like they were there. "It hasn't been so bad being here, especially given the company, but I miss it sometimes."

Careful Hob. If you say that out loud, you will have a Loki delivering you food every evening. Something he would not mind at all. While preparing the evening’s meal, Loki found he quite enjoyed the whole process and thinks he wouldn’t mind having someone to cook for more often. Cooking for one feels like a bit of a waste.

”I suspected that might be the case. It must be rather difficult to keep things accurate with how typically short the lifespan of a human is.” When your race tends to live closer to 5000 years, it can be easier to keep more accurate notes, or so it seems at least. Loki can’t imagine what it would be like to have an average lifespan be as little as a century as much as most humans couldn’t understand living for thousands of years.

Loki clears his throat in an attempt to hide his smile, enjoying being apart of Hob’s enjoyed company and then nods. “Have you considered trying to teach some here? I know there are some school aged people around and I am sure there must be some that wouldn’t mind learning the history of your world.”

If Loki were to do that, Hob really would gain weight, but so long as Loki still liked him, Hob might not mind so much.

"You're right. Being immortal does put a new perspective on it. I mean, nothing quite compared to being a god, I'm sure. And Dream, I think he's been around so long a lot of human history and behavior sort of goes over his head. A blink of his eyes and a century has probably gone by." Hob wonders if it's like that for Loki, but he doesn't think so. Loki's behavior is far more human than Dream's.

The suggestion makes him smile a little. "I'm not really sure there's a point to it here. My world's history doesn't impact anything here. If my world is destroyed then, well, maybe our past won't really matter." Except to Hob personally, of course.

There is nothing in this or any world that Loki thinks will make him like Hob less, especially if it is only to do with something so superficial as weight. Maybe they could get fat together.

”I don’t know. The more humans I have come to know, the less differences I see. Gods definitely live longer, though we are not, at least for the most part, immortal. And we do tend to have abilities humans do not, but when it comes to other, often more important things, I have found we have much in common.” He can’t speak to Dream. He did not really get to know him, but as he understands it, Dream is older than creation. A true immortal to most gods, but he suspects that Hob is right. You have different goals and expectations when you live that long.

Loki frowns at that and shakes his head. “I’m not so sure about that. Knowledge is always a good thing. Perhaps there is something in the history of your world that will speak to some of the others here about their own world. Might even inspire people to care about others beyond how it helps themselves.” Loki knows that the more he’s learned about people, the more he’s changed in his own mind and he can’t imagine it would hurt others either. “But I understand if it is not something you wish to do. Maybe I could just convince you to teach me about your world? You could give me private lessons in exchange for dinner.”

He smiles again. Anything for more one on one time.

Hob can't grow old with someone (technically), but he wouldn't object to growing a little fat and happy with someone.

"Really?" Hob smiles at hearing Loki suggest he relates to humans. That's a good thing, in Hob's opinion. Something Dream could have done more of back in the old days. "And what things are important to you, Loki?" Hob is genuinely interested in the man's feelings on that.

There's still a reluctance to publicly offer history lessons, but the thought of some private tutoring is more appealing. "I wouldn't mind going over some of it with you, if you'd like."

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Date Night/Loki’s Birthday

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I swear I know the difference between thrown and throne...

<3

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