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America looked around with sparkling eyes, seeing the extraordinary decorations in the shopping center they visited. It seems not so long ago they decorated it with various ornaments for Thanksgiving, now it has changed with Christmas decorations. She admits Christmas decorations look much more magnificent than Thanksgiving decorations.
Right now they were all shopping for Christmas, including Croki; though he had to be bewitched with an illusion spell to make him look like a doll. New York City doesn't allow alligators anywhere near them even though Loki had convinced that Croki was harmless. Although not dangerous, keeping crocodiles is still illegal in New York.
America still remembered how angry Loki and Croki were when the police told them that.
“Croki is family, not pets!!” cried Loki at the time, and Croki growled in agreement.
“Oke, kid, we understand. But crocodiles are still animals that are prohibited to be kept.”
“He's not a pet!!”
Luckily Stephen came right before Loki stabbed or Croki bit that poor police.
The point is, Croki can't just walk out freely, so illusion magic is their choice. At least Croki can go anywhere even though Loki has to carry him all the time.
“Alright, I need all of you to stay focused on our shopping list and not sneakily add unnecessary items!” Stephen ordered as he pushed a trolley into the shopping center.
“Eh!? But I have to buy a gift for our secret Santa," said Loki.
"The main point of secret Santa is not to get caught, including when you buy the gifts," explains Stephen.
"So you have to secretly buy it without our knowledge," added Wanda.
Loki groaned under his breath.
Ignoring Loki who was still thinking about how he would buy gifts later, the three of them walked into the shopping center and started looking for the items on the list.
Everything was going pretty well, minus the argument between Wanda and Stephen who only took issue with their preferences for trivial things; for example, biscuits. Or sometimes America and Loki work together to persuade Stephen to buy some of the items that they want.
The Puppy Eyes taught by Wanda are quite effective.
Well, it's time to shop for decorations.
"Green," said Loki, pointing at the light bulbs in the escalate.
“Isn't there already too much green? We need red too!” America protested while putting red light bulbs into the trolley. "And blue, and gold, and white."
"I still feel that we lack green," complained Loki.
America stared at the items in the trolley that were mostly dominated by green. "Where's the lack?!"
“Wanda, put that back! We don't need this!” yelled Stephen, taking a cushion cover from the trolley.
"No, we need it, Stephen!" Wanda put the cushion cover back in the trolley.
"It's just your small desire, we'll only wear this once!"
“Once a month,” Wanda mandated.
“Just once anyway,” Stephen grumbled.
“Once for a month!”
“Ugh!! whatever."
Wanda smiled victoriously.
.
Wanda studied the front of the Sanctum closely. Her eyes squinted at the decorative lights scaled on the roof and windows.
"Stephen, can you pull that end up a little more?" Wanda called to Stephen who was already floating waiting for a signal from Wanda.
"Like this?" Stephen asked while showing the results to Wanda.
“A little bit to the right,” Wanda shouted after watching for a few moments.
Stephen swiftly obeyed Wanda's orders.
"Okay, that's perfect. Now let's help the others inside!” Wanda said with satisfaction.
"I still don't understand why we don't just use magic to finish decorating this," complained Stephen as he landed near Wanda.
"Because we need to show our Christmas spirit!"
Stephen grunted under his breath which was completely ignored by Wanda.
It was true that it would be easier if they used magic, but they would be missing out on the fun of decorating something. It's still better for Wanda to allow Levi to help, at least with Levi everything becomes much easier.
Stephen had just closed the door when they heard a loud 'crack' from the living room, followed by the sound of falling objects and glass breaking. The two of them stared at each other for a moment before walking toward the living room to check what happened.
If they're not wrong, America and Loki were decorating the Christmas tree there. Hearing those sounds was never a good sign.
Approaching the living room, Wanda and Stephen could hear frantic whispers from inside the room.
"Quick, they're coming!"
"Don't tell me what to do, America!"
"Should I remind you that this is all your fault?"
“Part of this is your fault!”
“Shut up.”
“No, fuck you!”
Wanda frowned. Slightly hesitating, she pushed the living room door to see what happened.
Nothing unusual. America and Loki were seen still busy decorating the 10-foot-tall Christmas tree. Looking to the other side, Wanda could see the green pine garland and golden-red ribbons that had been dazzlingly hanging from the wall.
There was no sign that something had just fallen or anything that could have made that sound.
If anything, Wanda was more surprised that they were able to do the living room decor so quickly. Even though there are many things they need to do.
"Loki, remove this illusion, please," order Stephen.
Ah... Wanda forgot that Loki was getting better at illusion magic. Wanda should have realized right away that what she was seeing was an illusion. Maybe she believed in Loki too much to ignore the possibility of him using magic.
A green light emerged from Loki's body and slowly everything in the living room faded and reveal what was happening. Loki and America, those two worked together to rebuild the Christmas tree which had been split into two parts and all the tree ornaments were scattered on the floor. Yeah... enough to explain what sound they heard earlier.
"We can explain!" America said, as the tree lost its balance and fell right into Loki.
“Norns!!”
Stephen turned to Wanda. "So much with no magic."
“Shut up.”
.
Loki, Wanda, and America stared blankly at the pieces of gingerbread mixed with cream that were splattered on the counter. They were trying to make their own gingerbread house and it seemed they were pretty bad at it.
Well, it's their first time making one, so it's only natural that it'll fail.
"Maybe next time we should buy a kit available at Walmart instead of making it ourselves," Loki said as she took a piece of gingerbread that was in the failed bowl.
"No, no, no. Next year we will make it again ourselves, we have to learn from our mistakes," said Wanda. "At least now I know where we all went wrong."
Loki shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever."
“I agree with Wanda. So, for this year, let's pretend there are absolutely no winners among us."
"What!!" the interjection was heard after America said that.
Turning towards the source of the sound, the three of them saw Wong, Levi, and Stephen who glared at them with arms crossed. On the counter to their side, there were three gingerbread houses standing majestically and beautifully.
"You mean, I competed with Levi and Wong for nothing?" asked Stephen, pointing at his unexpectedly good-looking gingerbread house. How he managed to make it with his hands like that seemed mysterious enough to Wanda, America, and Loki.
“Just say you're relieved, Stephen. At least you don't have to face your defeat," Wong sneered.
“In your dreams,” hissed Stephen.
Loki, Wanda, and America stared blankly at the two men who were debating whose gingerbread house was the best. Even though they were both proud of their gingerbread house, their quarrel sounded like an insult to them.
In the end, they asked those three to vote, and they unanimously chose Levi, who had been silently listening to their quarrel.
“Why?!” protested Stephen and Wong.
"No reason." Wanda took a sip of her hot chocolate.
"Just because." America shrugged.
“Dunno.” Loki pushed her gingerbread house away from Croki who looked hungry.
.
"Why is Croki up on top of the tree?"
"The star was broken that time, so me, Croki, and America took turns being the stars."
"...okay."
.
"I don't think Home Alone is a Christmas movie."
Wanda gasped at Stephen's statement. "How dare you!"
"Not every movie that happens at Christmas is a Christmas movie," added Stephen. “A Christmas movie should be about family, love, friendship, something that conveys the Christmas spirit; something with good intentions for mankind. Christmas miracle."
“Look, home alone is basically a Christmas family movie. You also saw at the end of the film, Kevin realized how important a family is.”
“Yeah, after his family just totally ignored him and forgot about him. I think Kevin just felt like he missed his family because he didn't feel safe in his house at that time."
“Kevin learned the importance of family from the mistakes of his neighbors. In the end, they found a Christmas miracle.”
"No. The main point of Home Alone is Kevin trying to get rid of criminals from his house, not understanding what family means. I'm not even sure his family is really worried about him."
America, Loki, Croki, and Levi just watched the two of them argue as they sipped their drinks.
They just wanted to watch a movie about Christmas, something they could enjoy together. How do they know that the simple question 'what should we watch' will end up being a heated debate like this?
"Let's watch 'The Grinch', the green-furry creature seems fun," suggested Loki.
America, who wanted them to stop arguing, quickly agreed to Loki's suggestion.
She grabbed the remote that Wanda had been holding and began to play the movie. The film starts and slowly the argument between Wanda and Stephen stops. Eventually, they can enjoy the movie in peace.
.
“What are you looking at, Wanda?” asked America.
Wanda, who had been standing near the Christmas tree, pointed to the deepest part of the tree.
America took a good look at what Wanda was looking at and found a Christmas ornament that looked more like a voodoo doll made of straw deep inside. Barely visible if not looked closely.
Looking closely again, America could feel a magical aura coming from the doll even though it was so small.
"Should I ask Stephen?" America asks again.
Wanda contemplated for a moment before shaking her head slowly. "Ignore it, it's probably a silly joke Loki putting on."
America nodded in agreement and continued to put the decorative lights around the room again.
(The next day, one of the young sorcerers who befriended America in Kamar Taj was seen covered in red slime after trying to remove the voodoo ornaments).
.
Stephen knew that this day would come, he clearly understood that he could no longer ignore this certain thing. But that doesn't mean he will surrender to HIS fate and let them dance on top of his misery.
Stephen has even experienced what hell looks like and goes through every second in there without losing his mind. So he knew, when this day came, he would go all out and not let them win. Even if that means he has to fight the people he cares about.
Hell, he didn't care.
That's why he smiled as Loki and Wanda were bound by crimson bands, hanging helplessly from the ceiling. He had sent America and Croki to another dimension, safe and away from all this. They didn't need to get involved in this.
"Let go of me, Strange!" snarled Wanda, with her hands completely wrapped in crimson bands to keep her fingers from moving freely.
Stephen smiled weakly. "And let you guys take me down? No way!"
"You think this stupid orange rope can stop us?!" cried Loki. She tried hard to loosen the bonds, but Stephen clenched his fists even tighter, making sure Loki didn't slip away again.
Stephen let out a long sigh. He didn't want to do this, really, but circumstances forced him to. There's no way he would let his pride crush in front of them.
"You know I trust you guys, right?" Stephen whispered.
"Hah! You're a fool to believe us, Stephen!” snarks Loki. "Have you forgotten that I am Loki!"
Stephen gritted his teeth. He knew that, he knew that trusting Loki always had dire consequences.
“Besides, Stephen, did you think we would attack you without a backup plan?” said Wanda with a sinister smile.
“And what are your plans while you are at my mercy?”
Wanda and Loki exchanged glances with meaningful smiles. Stephen observed the smile and realized something quickly.
Stupid, he is stupid.
Before he could act, Levi who had been leaning on his shoulder, quickly wrapped around him and made Stephen's attention falter. Wanda and Loki took this opportunity to free themselves.
“We have allies,” said Wanda with a satisfied smile.
Stephen cursed in his heart. Get betrayed by the dear friend he trusted the most, what a life.
Loki then takes the sling ring from Stephen's hand and opens a portal. America stepped out of the portal with Croki in her arms.
"How do you feel, Stephen, knowing that the people you trust are now turning against you?"
Stephen snorted in annoyance at the wild grins that were on those four creatures' faces.
“I will give one warning and one warning only,” Stephen hissed. “Don't. you. Fucking. Dare!”
“Too bad, Stephen...” America put Croki down and picked up the cursed thing that was lying on the floor. “Too bad...”
Those four creatures walked up to Stephen who couldn't move. Cold sweat flowed from his forehead. Is not the fear that was now creeping in his heart, but hatred and annoyance. And he blames everything that happens to him right now on Christmas.
“Fucking Christmas.”
That night, Wanda, Loki, America, and Croki sang happily in front of the fireplace. Wong was there too, sitting in his favorite chair enjoying hot chocolate with cinnamon and songs they sang along to.
They all ignored Stephen who sat down and buried himself on the sofa.
"I can't believe they managed to make me wear this ugly sweater!" Stephen grumbled for the umpteenth time.
“Oh, cheer up, Stephen,” said Wong with a playful smile. "This sweater isn't so bad."
"Not bad! Did you see what you're wearing? a blue yeti that winks one eye while holding a cup filled with candy; what kind of ridiculousness is that?” cried Stephen.
Wong rolled his eyes. But he admitted his sweater was much better than the one Stephen wearing; a bright neon green sweater with a picture of a drunk Santa gushing cookies down the toilet. He was relieved he could choose the sweater Loki bought.
“Ugh... I hate Christmas!”
.
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year~ with the kids jingle belling~”
Wanda smiled slightly listening to the song that was playing on the radio. Both of her hands were holding a mug filled with hot cranberry apple cider while her gaze was looking out the window, watching the snow falling beautifully on this magical day.
On the sofa, Stephen sat pensively staring at the Christmas tree which they tenaciously decorated.
A bright golden star with colorful stones representing their colors sat at the top of the tree. It was Stephen who bought the star after accidentally finding it in a small antique shop that was quite remote. No one knows why he could find the store. America calls it a Christmas miracle.
"Well, not bad for our first Christmas," said Wanda, filling the cozy silence.
Stephen blinked his eyes for a moment before turning to Wanda. "I still think this sweater ruined everything.”
Wanda laughed. Stephen would never pass up an opportunity to moan over the ugly sweater, would he?
"Come on, it's not that bad," defended Wanda.
And Stephen rolled his eyes lazily.
“It's Christmas!!” Loki's screams could be heard from outside the room, followed by the sound of footsteps.
It didn't take too long for Loki and America to arrive in the living room laughing happily, followed by Croki crawling behind them and lastly Levi.
"Let's open the present, let's open the present, let's open the present!!" singing those two children while approaching the Christmas tree.
"Really? Don't you two want to enjoy breakfast in peace first?” asked Stephen.
"Nope, I'm too curious to find out what my Secret Santa bought for me," Loki said eagerly while taking the present for him.
Wanda smiled at that. She then put down her mug and walked over to those who had taken their presents.
"Alright, let's open our presents now." Wanda sat down with them and picked up her beautifully wrapped present, with a big red bow in the middle.
Stephen joined them after being dragged by Levi who also looked impatient. Levi and Croki also got their own gifts to be fair, though they had a bit of a hard time buying their present since they weren't human.
"Okay, let's open it on the count of three," said Stephen, who was greeted with a hum of approval from everyone.
"One..."
Everyone clutched their gifts tightly.
"Two..."
Their eyes were glued to the gift.
"Three!"
And they all unwrapped the presents.
An impatient Loki, Croki, and Levi ripped the wrapping paper away with all their might. America struggled not to tear the wrap, which was quite a waste of effort for her because, in the end, the paper tore too. Wanda manages to unwrap her present neatly, while Stephen...
"Loki, I know this is from you!" cried Stephen who unwrapped the gifts one by one as neatly as possible only to find another wrapping paper.
Loki chuckled mischievously at Stephen's cry.
Stephen tried to be patient, opening the wrapper one by one before finally, he tore the paper. The wrapping paper ends and is replaced by tape that wraps around the entire surface of a box.
"That's it! I'll take the scissors and destroy whatever you give me!" Stephen grumbled as he got up to the kitchen to get scissors.
Wanda couldn't help but laugh at Stephen's bad luck.
Now she can see the gift she got, Wanda was quite surprised to see scented candles with various scents. She remembered saying that she wanted this scented candle, but she remembered saying this to Natasha when they met by accident.
So, either it's not Natasha that she meet or someone managed to stalk her to get the present she wanted.
Well, whatever it was, she didn't care.
Or...
Yes, she cares.
"Thank you, Santa for giving me the present I want." Wanda sneakily watched the people around her, trying to observe their reactions.
Even though she tried to keep her face straight, Wanda noticed America's streak of pride. Huh, got her.
“So how did you know that, America?”
America coughed for a moment. "Hah? I? Why are you so sure that I bought it for you? It could be Loki, right?”
“Good evasion, but Loki has already given his present to Stephen. He's the only one who wants to wrap that much wrapping paper for a prank.”
"And it's worth it!" Loki clenched his fists pretending to be touched.
America kept dodging it while Wanda kept pushing her. Wanda only stopped when Stephen came to intervene with the scissors he had taken earlier.
“Wow, shurikens!! Thank you Santa!!” cried Loki. He was twirling around merrily while lifting a set of shuriken up high.
"Okay, whose idea was it to give Loki a weapon?" asked Stephen who was still having trouble opening his present.
No one noticed the grin on Croki's face. How he could buy such a thing, let it be a secret for everyone.
“Uh… what is this?” asked America as she took out her present. A snow globe with a little figure known as Little Prince with a rose in a glass tube next to it. She knew about the story because her classmate really liked fairy tales.
“That's actually a music box,” explained Wanda with a bright smile.
America noticed a button at the bottom of the snow globe. She then pressed the button and the snow globe lit up revealing the Little Prince was surrounded by sparkling stars and a soft song started to play in the background.
"It's beautiful. Thanks, Wanda,” America said.
Wanda gives a thumbs up to America. She had no intention of hiding that she is the Secret Santa for America.
Croki opened his gift, a soft plush cushion in the shape of a lotus leaf. Without thinking, Croki immediately lay down on the cushion. Curious Wanda and America plopped themselves down around Croki as well.
“Wow, this is really very fluffy!!” Wanda exclaimed cheerfully.
America hummed in agreement.
Satisfied with the softness of the pillow, Wanda looked around again and caught Levi who was fixing itself in the mirror with a small pin in the shape of the Seal of Vishanti in its chest.
"Really? That big box only contains Starbucks gift cards?”
Wanda quickly turned and saw Stephen holding the three gift cards in question.
"If you don't want it, you can give it back," Loki said, holding out his hand.
"That's not what I meant." Stephen pinched the tip of his nose "You're just wasting papers."
Loki shrugged his shoulders. "It's worth it!"
Wanda and America chuckled, feeling a little grateful that they didn't get a present from Loki.
Looking around again, Wanda returned to smiling warmly watching everyone enjoy every gift they got. It was a relief, like a sign that this Christmas would continue to be fun. And even if some unpleasant things happen, Wanda knew they could turn something unpleasant into fun.
Yeah... they were all people who were full of miracles without them even realizing it.
.
.
.
Wong walked slowly into his private room. As the sorcerer supreme, no matter how tired he was, he still had to attend the Christmas party that was celebrated in Kamar Taj. Luckily there were no major issues that required his attention.
Still, these weeks have been exhausting. The sorcerers had to make sure that there were no attacks from other dimensions during Christmas, they had to make sure that the day of miracles remained full of miracles.
So, yeah... he's tired.
Turning on the light, Wong was a bit surprised to see his room had been decorated in such an attractive yet simple. On his bed, Wong could see a gift that looked quite big.
'Enjoy your little Christmas Gift from us' the words printed on the card above the gift. Without needing to explain, Wong knew from whom the gift was.
Placing the card on the table, Wong slowly pulled the gift ribbon, and the box opened to reveal a full self-care basket. On top of the basket, there is another card.
‘See your bathroom.’ with a wink emoji.
Wong snorted softly before complying with the writing. Taking a deep breath, Wong slowly opened his bathroom door.
For a few moments, he couldn't help but gasp at the sight of the ready-made tub with a bubble bath and a wine and aromatherapy candle surrounding it. Looks pretty comfortable and luxurious.
Wong snorted softly. "Small present their ass."
Even so, he enjoyed every second of the bubble bath that had been prepared by the residents of the New York Sanctum.