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Mobius tried not to laugh, biting the inside of his cheek as he watched his lover try to put out the burning chicken.
Slipping between Loki and the frying pan, Mobius took the spatula from his hand and said, "Sweetheart, let me do it!"
Reluctantly and sulking, Loki took a step back.
Mobius could feel his gaze staring back at him as he stirred up the few pieces of chicken that, with a little luck, could be saved.
When Loki moved to rest his elbows on the counter next to him, it was impossible to fight the slight smile on Mobius' lips.
" Give me the spices?"
Loki grabbed the spices and, still sulking, he handed Mobius the small container.
"I assume you add this to mask the burnt taste?" Loki asked from his position leaning on the counter.
Mobius nodded, sprinkling the aroma liberally over the remaining chicken and stirring it carefully. "Yes. A hint of this stuff and your food will taste great."
"Okay..." replied Loki before setting the table.
"Tadaaa..." Mobius put the steaming dish on the table and served them two plates.
They started to eat.
Mobius noticed that Loki wasn't his usual self and asked, "Hey, what's wrong?
Loki put down his fork abruptly, "What's wrong is I wanted to do something, prepare the meal, but I messed it up and on top of that Mr. Perfect Mobius comes in as always to save the day and make me feel even more like a loser."
Loki stood up, pushed back his chair and left the kitchen, slamming the door before the eyes of a completely dumbfounded Mobius.
He muttered, "What an idiot, but what an idiot, when would I learn?"
He had been insensitive, thinking he was doing the right thing, he had made Loki feel inadequate. He ran his hands over his face. He was going to have to repair the damage.
He got up and headed for their bedroom where he was sure Loki should be.
When he arrived, he saw him in the middle of the bed, sitting up, his arms wrapped around his legs.
He climbed up to get in front of him, "Hey Sweetheart, I'm sorry."
Loki, his expression stubborn, didn't respond.
"I'm sorry I made you feel that way. You feel like a loser, but I assure you, you don't feel like one to me. Loki, you've never cooked a meal in your life and you wanted to surprise me with a meal and without magic. Can you imagine how happy that makes me?"
He saw Loki relax a little but he still wasn't looking at him.
Mobius insisted, "Loki, won't you look at me?" he put his hand on his arm, "I'm really sorry. I really didn't mean to hurt you like that."
Loki looked up and Mobius saw his reddened eyes. He pulled him into his arms and was relieved to see that Loki let him.
He whispered against his hair, "You know I'm really proud of you."
Loki muttered against his chest, "For what? For burning the chicken?"
Mobius laughed softly, "No, for trying to do everything to fit into this life. I know it's not easy."
"It's a failure." came Loki's whisper against his chest.
"Because of a burnt chicken? Then half the population of the universe is a failure. Love, that's part of learning when you first start cooking. Seems to me you're pretty good at learning from your mistakes right?"
"Put it like that..." sighed Loki.
"Come on sweetheart, lift your head."
Loki looked at him and Mobius saw that the last traces of sadness had disappeared.
A small smile on his lips, Mobius asked, "What's it gonna take to make you smile?"
Mobius saw the glint of mischief that returned to the eyes of his lover who replied cheekily, "Kiss me."
Mobius lifted his chin and kissed him tenderly, because Mobius was always ready to pay with his person to put a smile on the lips of his beloved.