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“Wake up sleepyhead,” Steve whispers into Loki’s ear.
Loki mumbles something and then turns into Steve, wanting to be closer to him even in sleep. Steve chuckles as he cups Loki’s head and caresses the sleeping god’s cheek with his thumb. He places a gentle kiss on his forehead as the god snuggles closer to his warmth.
“Loki, we need to get up. If we don’t get up soon Peter is going to come running in here, and I for one don’t want a giant teen jumping on me.” Steve whispers into Loki’s ear.
Loki sighs into Steve’s neck and gives a little whine as he starts shifting around. “Why must we wake so early? Can we not stay in bed this morning and enjoy each other’s company?”
Steve laughs as he pulls away, “It’s Christmas. It’s traditional to wake up early and spend time with your loved ones. I told you this yesterday. Don’t act like I didn’t say anything.”
Steve gets out of bed causing Loki to groan at the loss of heat. “I know you did, but I was under the impression it lasted all day. You did not warn me I would have to get up early.”
A knock at the door interrupts whatever Steve is about to say. He turns to Loki with an “I told you so” look. After putting on some sweats he heads for the door and Loki can hear an overly excited young man talking. The words are much too fast for him to make out but he knows the voice to be that of Peter Parker.
Loki stretches, trying to get the kinks out from last night's activities . The young spiderling’s voice becomes louder and more animated as he gets closer to the bedroom.
Making sure he's fully covered by the blanket Loki shifts until his back is resting against the headboard of the bed. By how quickly Peter is approaching he's positive he'll not be getting any more sleep this morning.
“Mr. Loki, Sir?” Peter asks as he opens the door. Relief is clear on his face when he sees Loki is already awake and covered. “It's time to open presents and I know you probably don't celebrate but I got you something and I really hope you like it but you have to hurry up or all the food is gonna be gone cause Bucky said he was gonna-”
Loki cuts off Peter's excited ramblings, “Spiderling, slow down. If it is that important to you then I shall become presentable. For me to do that you must leave.”
He raises an eyebrow as he rubs a crease out of the blanket he's currently hiding under. Peter's eyes widen comically and his cheeks become flushed with embarrassment. He backs away with a small “oh” and closes the door.
Loki chuckles and flings the covers back. Peter's excitement is palpable and Loki rushes to look presentable. Wearing the casual Christmas outfit that Tony swore everyone needed, Loki opens the door and walks over to where Peter is explaining the complexities of superior spacecrafts to a confused Steve.
“You mentioned something about James eating all the food?” Loki interrupts the conversation much to the relief of Steve, if the expression on his face is anything to go by.
“Gah! If we don't hurry there won't be any food left.” Peter pushes them both to the door in an attempt to make the couple leave faster.
Steve laughs as he goes limp against Peter. “Oh no. I'm losing all my strength. I'm so hungry I don't know if I'll make it. You'll have to carry me, Pete.”
Peter groans as he takes on the unexpected weight, almost collapsing but managing to brace himself at the last second. “Why are you so heavy? What are you made of? Steel?” He grunts.
“Darling, I believe you are crushing him. I suspect that if we do not join the others soon we shall have even more company.” Loki says with a raised eyebrow and laughter in his voice.
Steve immediately straightens up, throwing Peter over his shoulder as he does, and walks out the door with Loki beside him. “You're probably right. I don't need an ambush happening. Who knows what Nat would do.”
Peter puts his arms on Steve's back so he can raise himself up enough to look at Loki with pleading eyes. “Help me? Please?”
With a flick of his wrist, strands of green whisky magic encircle Peter and slide him out of Steve's grasp and onto his own two feet. Steve turns to look at Loki with puppy eyes while Peter gives him an exuberant hug. Loki ignores the eyes but obviously returns the hug with a small squeeze.
~~~
They make it to the Commons area and aren't surprised to hear a loud commotion in the kitchen. Whenever the whole team is together it's usually chaos. Considering half the team are pranksters, that means some kind of shenanigans are always happening. It's very rare that Loki isn't the one to start the chaos but he always encourages it.
“Bucky, I swear to every deity that exists. If you take anything else I will end you. I will put a program in that arm that slaps you whenever you even think about food. Try me and see what happens.” Tony is pointing a fork at the super soldier while said person is currently trying to steal the hero's plate of food.
Peter quickly runs over and pushes his way in between the two. Loki raises an eyebrow as both adults back off. He's almost sorry to see the child interfere. Loki would love to see if Stark could actually do something like that.
Steve gives Loki a quick kiss, “I better go and play referee otherwise things could get ugly quickly.”
With a sigh, Loki returns the kiss. “Must you? I'd rather like to see if Stark is bluffing.”
Shaking his head with a chuckle Steve sits between his friends with Peter sitting on the other side of Stark. Peter is eyeing Bucky suspiciously as he grabs a plate of his own food. Bucky smirks and winks at Peter before relaxing in his chair.
With everyone here there isn't enough space at the table they usually use. So, a few days ago the team had rearranged the entire Commons area so that they could bring in a couple of large tables. Four large tables now sit in a square formation so that there's room for everyone. With how many people are going to be there everyone agreed to use the island and counters for the food instead of the tables.
A conjoined effort of Clint, Natasha, Laura, and Wanda has piles of food covering every inch of the counters. Stacks of waffles, french toast, pancakes, bacon, and sausage. A large bowl of scrambled eggs. A plate stacked with toast. Multiple bowls of fresh fruit. It's a feast that not even the super soldiers, spiderling, and gods can finish.
They'd all agreed to come for breakfast and then if they had other plans to do it in the afternoon. So while the tower is crowded now it will slowly dwindle as the day goes on.
While the cooks are putting the finishing touches on everything Loki walks around the room moving from group to group taking in the decorations and festive wear. Everyone had pitched in to decorate the area so it was a mismatch of personalities. Steve and Bucky had placed a few decorations that reminded them of their hometown, relics they had found when they went antique shopping. Tony had made fun of them relentlessly for it but it made the men happy. Natasha and Yelena had found a set of tiny ballerinas in Christmas outfits that they then painted to hold guns and placed on the mantle of the fake fireplace. Tony didn’t make fun of them for fear that either one would stab him.
Clint and his family had made strings of popcorn and wrapped it around the Christmas tree along with Christmas cards that were taped on one wall. Everyone thought it was super cute and eventually made their own card. Now, the wall is covered with a variety of cards that Loki knows for a fact Stark is going to keep in a book.
Peter had helped put up decorations but he had also taken pictures of everyone at random times and had gotten them printed. Now, there are pictures of them all placed randomly along the room giving the room a cozy lived-in feeling.
Wanda and Pietro have mixed in a few traditions from their homeland and everyone has taken to it like Fire. Loki and Thor added a few traditions from Asgard for Yule so now it’s a large eclectic mash of different traditions that everyone has thrown themselves wholeheartedly into. It makes the foreigners feel more welcome and Loki could swear he heard Thor crying large ugly tears when Peter told him that he loved the new additions to the holiday.
Vision didn’t add to the decor but he was able to give them all multiple ideas for games that are Christmas-related. Several of them Tony shut down quickly. Sam Wilson has suggested it’s because Stark is a sore loser but seeing as Loki has no idea what the games even are, he’ll have to assume that Sam is correct.
Loki knows the others have contributed to the festivities but seeing as he doesn’t know them nearly as well, he can not see their handiwork as well as the others.
“Alright, you heathens! Breakfast is served. Get over here and grab a plate before Bucky decides he’s going to eat it all.” Clint shouts over the ruckus.
The chatter lessens in some ways and increases in others. People gather in a line at the counters filled with the feast. Loki stands off to the side waiting for the crowd of people to diminish, content with watching the interactions between the people he’s grown so fond of. He can’t help but chuckle as Clint starts teasing Bruce endlessly for the kiss that Natasha plants on his cheek causing the scientist to blush so profusely. Young Peter is talking nonstop in between catching the grapes that James is throwing at him with such skilled proficiency that Peter catches them in his mouth every time.
As the line dwindles and the table fills up, Loki can see the clear relationships between people. It’s interesting to see the dynamics between friends and family and who is closest to who.
Clint is surrounded on either side by his wife and children while Natasha sits on the other side of Laura. Bruce sits on Natasha’s free side and Yelena follows. Yelena steals Bruce’s bacon as he talks to Natasha, making Loki laugh. There are a few open chairs and then Pietro followed by Wanda and Vision. Scott Lang and his daughter sit beside Sam and James Rhodey. Shuri and her brother T’Challa are in a deep conversation with Thor. There is a gap and then young Peter is sitting down, his cheeks filled, making him look so much like a Midgardian chipmunk. Pepper is sitting in between Peter and Stark looking beautiful as ever. Steve is still sitting in the middle of Stark and James as a much needed buffer.
With the line of people having cleared out tremendously, Loki takes his place in line behind Nebula, one of the so called Guardians of the Galaxy. An abhorrent name if Loki has anything to say about it. Strange is collecting his food now, dressed in much more casual and festive clothes than his Sorcerer Supreme outfit. Loki can’t help but cause a little mischief and with a small twirl of his fingers, Strange’s hair turns snow white and his sweater is now a bright red. Carol Danvers snickers behind Strange but makes no comment on the fact, merely giving an impish grin as she turns briefly to provide Loki with a wink.
Nebula and then Loki are able to grab their plates and start grabbing food as the line moves. He's making light conversation with the blue woman when he hears Stark yell.
“Hey Strange! When do we get to sit on your lap? I swear I've been a good boy this year!”
A roar of laughter comes from the people already sitting at the table along with a chorus of others shouting out how they've also been good this year.
Loki grabs a few slices of Bacon and sausage to go along with the eggs and pancakes. He's in the middle of putting a large scoop of fresh fruit on his place when his name is said. Knowing exactly who is calling him only makes him smirk as he pretends he doesn't hear.
“Loki, I know it was you. Reverse it!” Strange shouts.
Turning with his full plate and glass of orange juice, Loki stares at Strange. A picture of innocence as he walks towards the table.
Not only is Strange's hair white but so is his goatee. His sweater is bright red and resembles Santa Claus's outfit.
“I have no idea what you mean. I assumed you had changed to fit in with the holiday.” Loki smiles at the wizard.
“So, are you saying you're not going to give me a present?” Starks says with a good impression of a pout. More laughing erupts from the table.
Strange sits down next to Gamora and Carol Danvers grumbling about Loki's tricks but Loki deigns to ignore it.
Instead, he looks about the table trying to find a suitable seat. His insecurities come into play as he hesitates, looking at the large group talking easily amongst one another wondering where he fits in.
Where is he welcome?
“Loki! Over here! I saved you a spot.” The Spiderling is waving his hand to get Loki's attention, smiling with his cheeks bulging from food.
Loki sits next to Peter with a smile. “Is your wonderful aunt not joining us?”
Peter swallows while shaking his head. “Nah. She grabbed a shift this morning. She said she'd stop by this afternoon for dinner. Something about it being less crowded then.”
Looking around at the large crowd of people and the noise, Loki understands where she is coming from. “I look forward to seeing her again. I have something small for her and was hoping to see her today.”
“You got something for May? I didn't even know you liked her. Is it something with magic? Or from Asgard? Did you make it?” Peter looks up at Loki, his food forgotten as he pesters him with an endless amount of questions.
Loki waits until Peter has to take a breath to speak. “I do, in fact, like your aunt. She has a warrior's heart and yet she chose the profession of a healer. One that is a noble cause.”
“Not to mention the verbal beatdown she gave him the other day when she found out you like to hang out with him,” Stark says with a laugh.
“If I recall correctly, she then gave you a verbal beating and threatened to shove your suit up your ass if you ever hid anything as important as a ‘megalomaniac god hanging out with her kid again.’ She then handed over a plate of cookies a nurse had made and left.” James cackled.
“That's it… The next time I get a hold of your arm I'm going to put a sound box in there. Any time you move it even an inch, it's going to start screaming like the goat from Goat Simulator.” Stark says as he throws a piece of sausage at the super soldier.
James catches it but gives him a confused look. As does Loki and Steve. Peter seems to be the only one who gets the joke and he's desperately trying not to choke on his food as he laughs.
Stark gives the young man a wink and then returns to his food.
Loki is eating his syrup soaked waffle when a piece of fruit hits him in the middle of his forehead. Stark almost (much to Loki's chagrin) chokes on his food in surprise. Loki looks around baffled at the assault trying to find who hit him. The culprit is found by the way Clint and his children are laughing on the other side.
“Loki the kids want to know if you can do any cool magic tricks.” The small children beside him looked at Loki with awe and just a touch of shyness.
“Was Strange not a good enough magic trick?” Loki asks with a smirk.
“Oh it was good but they want something flashier.” Clint clarifies with a laugh.
“Well, seeing as it is the time for festivities I think we need a proper setting. It is the winter season and yet there is no snow falling. I think that needs to be rectified.” He says as he stares directly at the children.
Young Nathaniel claps his hand while all three stare at him in excitement. The noise slowly dies out as the others realize that Loki is about to put on a show for the children. They look at each other and whisper behind their hands as they wait for whatever trick the god has in store.
At first, nothing happens and the youngest child seems to be disappointed. Then Shuri cries out with such glee that everyone turns to her.
“Look up. At the ceiling! It’s snowing!” She holds her hand out and a large snowflake lands in her palm, melting from the heat of the skin.
Loki watches with a soft smile as the excitement around the table builds. Each person holding their hand out as more and more snow falls. He looks at the wonder and joy on each face with warmth. If he was to do this on Asgard he would be ridiculed for using such tricks but here, with these people, it is looked upon with amazement and wonder.
“It’s not cold!” Lila says. Her face is shocked at the realization and everyone looks at Loki in surprise.
“It is merely an illusion. I did not think everyone would enjoy being wet and cold as they tried to enjoy their meal.” He says with a smile.
“Yeah, I’d prefer not to become Frosty the Snowman while I’m trying to eat my bacon,” Natasha says dryly.
The noise begins building again as the snow falls faster. The flakes don’t disappear when they fall on things such as the table or people’s clothes and soon enough the room has become a Winter Wonderland.
Loki completely disregards his food in favor of watching the people around him. There’s so much happiness coming from everyone that perhaps for the first time in years, he feels completely accepted and seen. Of course, Steve accepted him long ago but that is an acceptance of a different sort. These people, who come from different backgrounds and places, have easily accepted the biggest part of who he is and he wonders what he would do without those he has come to call his friends.
Loki looks from face to face until he comes across Steve’s. Steve, was the first to accept every part of him. Even the shattered and dark pieces of himself that nobody else seemed to accept. Steve, stares at him like Loki was the one to hang the stars in the sky. Steve, who is looking at him now with so much love that Loki wishes he could sweep the man up and return to their room for the rest of the day. Instead, he merely directs the fake snow to create a pile on his head with a grin.
Steve just rolls his eyes and shakes the snow off him with a smile. James laughs at his friend with such carefree abandon that Steve nudges him and smiles harder.
~~~~
The meal ends but at the request of the majority, Loki leaves the illusion going. It takes so little magic for this sort of thing that he doesn’t mind. By now there are little piles of snow gathering in less trampled places. The large Christmas tree in the corner has a fine layer everyone has stopped to enjoy at least once. He’s seen many people take pictures by the tree and he’s glad he let the illusion keep going.
The crowd of people has started to drift off to other things. Some, like the Guardians and Wakandians, have exchanged gifts with those closest to them and then gone home to celebrate with others. Loki was pleasantly surprised when Shuri approached him with a small box. He’d not been expecting anything from anyone let alone the Wakanda princess.
“It’s not much but I would like to speak to you in the future about your magic. It is fascinating, and I would love to work with you on some projects I’ve been considering. You can always tell me no but I hope you will still accept the gift.” Shuri says as she hands over the box.
Inside the box is a set of large beaded bracelets, much like she wears around her own wrist. He carefully takes them out of the box and puts them on. She smiles wide at his easy acceptance.
“On Asgard, we have technology and magic mix in subtle ways. I am eager to see what the two of us can do.” He returns her smile with one of his own.
Shuri shows him how the beads work and then leaves with her brother. Carol Danvers follows closely behind.
Scott Lang and his daughter leave with bags of open presents gripped tightly in each hand.
Thor leaves to spend time with Jane, Eric, and Darcy promising everyone he’ll be back either tonight or early morning tomorrow.
Strange was called away by Wong about some minor problem that needed to be overseen and said he might be back for dinner.
That leaves a much smaller group to gather around the snow covered Christmas tree surrounded by presents big and small. Peter sits next to the tree as designated gift giver while the rest spread out in a wide circle to give everyone enough space. Loki sits next to Steve, who wraps his arm around the god’s waist. Loki leans into Steve’s touch, resting his head on the man’s shoulder with a contented sigh. Steve places a gentle kiss on his forehead as they watch the gifts get opened.
Peter is fast and efficient as the gift giver. The layer of snow covering them does not deter Peter in the slightest. The laughter grows as people open their presents. There are also good-natured groans as people open up prank gifts.
Loki was given a reindeer figure with large antlers. It has a bright red nose and lights wrapped around the antlers that light up in tandem with a song. He looks up at Tony meeting the man’s eyes with a smirk. Green wisps of magic curl around the figurine as Loki sits it down. The animal comes to life running and jumping through the snow and discarded wrapping paper much to everyone’s delight.
“Oh look. It’s Loki’s spirit animal.” Tony says with a laugh.
Everyone looks at Loki, who has adorned his large horned helmet and royal leather outfit and laughs.
“You are just jealous that I make the antlers look good while you have to be wrapped in steel to be dangerous.” Loki smirks, swiftly changing back.
“Uh, Genius. Remember?” Tony says sarcastically.
“A god is superior to a genius. Just look at Thor. He has one brain cell to share among his friends and yet he-”
“Boys, you’re both pretty.” Pepper and Natasha speak at the same time and everyone laughs again.
Everyone continues to open presents, occasionally playing or petting the small reindeer as it runs around.
It takes a few hours but eventually, everyone has a pile of gifts surrounding them. Towers of boxes surround the children while the adults have a smaller but equally nice pile of gifts.
Loki is astounded at how many people got him something. Even Stark gave him something besides the toy reindeer. It warms his heart at how accepted he is now.
With the gifts now dispersed, aside from the gifts meant for people who would show up later, everyone drifts off to do their own thing. The kids excitedly show off the gifts they received while the adults gather at various corners of the room. Loki gathers all his items and stores them in a pocket dimension until he can put them in their room later. Steve leaves his in a pile close to the tree to put away later. They take a seat on the couch to cuddle and enjoy the time they have to relax before it’s time to start dinner. Christmas movies play on the TV as Loki practically lays on top of Steve. He’s lounging on the couch lightly dozing to the sound of Christmas music when a body lands on top of him. He yelps and rolls off the couch, taking the body with him, in surprise. He looks over to see Peter laughing so hard he’s holding his stomach. Loki picks Peter up and throws him into one of the larger piles of snow causing the young hero to yelp in surprise.
Peter laughs as he picks himself off the ground, completely covered in white fluffy snowflakes. He shakes his head trying to get as much of the snow off him before giving up and walking over to the couch. “I just wanted to let you know that Aunt May is on her way up now. I figured you’d want to know since you got her a present.”
“There are less physical ways to wake me up,” Loki says.
“But they aren’t as much fun!” Peter whines.
The elevator dings and May walks out still in her work clothes. She looks tired but brightens when she sees Peter. They hug each other as he leads her to the other end of the couch where she sits.
The poor tired woman has barely sat down when Peter is talking a mile a minute.“May, Loki got you something!”
She looks up at him in surprise clearly not expecting anything from the god. “You did?”
Holding his hand out, a small box appears in his fingers which he hands to May. “Peter has told us many times that you worry when he goes about his hero work. I wanted to give you something to ease your worries and his.”
She looks down at the box for a minute before easing the simple green and gold lid. Inside is a necklace that she pulls out for a better look. The chain is simple. A tiny silver chain that can be hidden under her clothes. There’s a small gem that dangles in the middle, a swirl of the same blue and red colors that cover Peter’s Spider-Man outfit. As she holds the chain she notices a small pulsing sensation coming from it.
She looks at Loki with confusion, “I don’t understand. It’s very lovely but how is this going to make me worry less?”
“The necklace is spelled to Peter’s wellbeing. Right now there is a small heartbeat-like pulse letting you know he is alive and well. The more hurt he is, the harder the pulse will get. If he’s in mortal danger, the colors will swirl together and the necklace will vibrate.” Loki says as he pulls out another necklace giving it to Peter. It looks exactly the same except the gem is a strawberry and plum color. “This one is spelled to your aunt.”
May looks at the necklace in her hands for so long that Loki starts to wonder if he’s made a terrible decision. He fidgets and looks from Steve to Tony, who’d come to see what the silence is about. When May looks up it’s with tears in her eyes. She quickly gets up and hugs him with a fierceness that belies her smaller stature. He holds his arms up awkwardly looking around for help and when he receives none he gently returns the hug.
May lets him go and takes a step back. “You don’t know how much this means to me. Maybe now I won’t have to worry so much when someone doesn’t text me he’s ok when he’s swinging around at night.” She gives Peter a pointed stare and he blushes and gin sheepishly at her.
“Thanks, Mr. Loki,” Peter says as he puts his own necklace in his pocket. He then jumps up like something bit him and takes off running toward the tree. He comes back with a lumpy wrapped present. “I really hope you like it but even if you don’t that’s ok. I know the mythology we have you on guys isn’t that great and I did a lot of research but you guys seem to be-”
Loki puts his hand over Peter’s mouth in an attempt to quiet him. “I’m sure it will be great and I will love it.”
Peter hands over the gift and right away Loki can tell Peter put a lot of thought into it. He unwraps the paper and the first thing he sees is the head of a black stallion with the mane blowing in the wind. The more paper he tears off the more he can see of the creature. Soon enough the heads of several wolves close to the stallion are revealed. Loki rips the rest of the paper away and lifts the statue up to the light. A pack of wolves is running with a lone black stallion in the middle. A large green and gold snake is coiled on the back of the horse winding its way around the larger creature’s neck and resting its head in between the ears of the horse.
The detail on the statue is absolutely remarkable from the smallest scale on the snake down to the angle of the grass. Peter did a great job with his research because this is a beautiful piece of work and it’s a small symbol of who Loki is. Loki is touched by how thoughtful the gift is.
“Thank you Spiderling. I adore it.” Loki says as he lowers it so everyone can get a closer look.
There’s a small wisp of Loki’s magic and then the statues come to life. The horse throws its head back as the sound of neigh echoes around them. They can hear the sounds of animals running through the grass and the faint hiss of a snake. Peter stares at the moving statue in awe. Peter reaches out to touch it but looks disappointed when the animals go back to their original stance.
“I’m so glad you like it, Mr. Loki. I saw a few others but this one was the best.” The grin on Peter’s face is contagious and elicits a soft one from Loki.
Loki gently places the gift in his pocket dimension before nodding his head at Stark. “I believe you still have gifts to give out now that the child’s aunt is here?”
“I don’t think I can hold up against a gift like yours.” Stark jokes but leads them over to the tree anyway.
“Do you think we’ll be able to sneak off to our room now that the Spiderling is properly distracted? We could take a nap.” Loki purrs as he turns to Steve. He leans closer to the blonde super soldier wrapping an arm around his waist as he places a kiss on Steve’s cheek.
Steve whispers in his ear, “We’ll have an hour at most.”
“I think that will easily suffice. We can take our nap and be ready for the dinner festivities.” Loki smiles against Steve’s lips before placing a gentle kiss on them.
“GET A ROOM YOU TWO!!!” James screeches from across the room just as a snowball hits them in the head exploding all over them.
Steve looks over at his best friend laughing, “Okay, okay. We’re going.”
“Jealous you don’t have someone to take a nap with?” Loki says even as he’s being led away by the hand.
“Not if it makes me act like you idiots,” James yells back.
Steve leads a cackling Loki back to their room for some much needed alone time.
As Steve leads Loki toward their room he can’t help but think about how amazing the day has been so far and he can’t wait to see how it ends.
Merry Christmas everyone! Happy Holidays!