In Exile

Chapter Twenty Six

In the world of retail, Christmas was a big hectic rush of fast-moving days and huge deliveries and agitated customers who didn't seem to understand that you couldn't magic a book out of your ass, especially ones that were out of print or even worse, didn't exist at all.

Granted, this year was definitely better than last year in stress-factor, but the increase in hours was still taking a toll and by Christmas Eve you were more than ready to curl up and sleep forevermore.

You had managed to do all your Christmas shopping and sent off what needed to be sent to reach people in time for the big day, your S.H.I.E.L.D money feeling as if it had barely been dented after your huge debt write-off.

Loki had Christmas Eve off and had taken the time to do his own shopping and visit some of the friends he had made while working, he thought about attempting to visit his family but knew that it was pointless, seeing as Christmas wasn't a thing amongst his people and his reason for visiting would merely come across as creeping to get back early.

Not that he would have minded going back to Asgard, but after all the hassles you had already gone through, he didn't particularly wish to throw more spanners into the works.

Ever since the little meltdown the other week, you had both grown closer and you couldn't have been happier.

The stress of the situation between you and Loki had been worse than the stress of Christmas at work and, considering the amount of shit you had to put up with there, that was saying a lot.

When you threw open the door to your home, a warm waft washed over you and you felt like your muscles had instantly turned into jelly with the relief.

It was freezing cold outside, the night wind making it even worse and you were glad to be home, especially as it was an hour and a half earlier thanks to Christmas hours.

You didn't have to be in work now for three days and you were going to enjoy it as much as you could.

As you shrugged off your coat and rubbed your hands together in the hall, Loki poked his head out of the kitchen and gave you a warm smile.

"Welcome home."

"Thanks," you smiled back, though it didn't feel as enthusiastic, but that may have been due to the fact that you couldn't feel your lips at all.

"I made you a warm drink," he stepped out and walked to you, a steaming mug of heaven in his hand.

"That's thoughtful, amazing and I love you," you laughed, taking the cup from him and attempting to ignore the sting of hot against cold as your skin warmed up.

"I know," he chuckled, leaning down to peck a quick kiss to your lips.

It was still strange living like this.

Without the previous tension you both carried while in denial about your feelings for one another the air was clearer and you'd finally managed to come to an agreement.

You both agreed that you had been jumping to conclusions and settling on them and he had been oblivious, both faults had crossed and war paths had been created needlessly.

Now, you were testing the waters as a couple and you couldn't have been happier.

"How was work?" He asked, moving back to the kitchen.

You followed behind him, your nose picking up a delectable scent of cooking food.

"Surprisingly busy for Christmas Eve."

"That's everyone doing the rushes," he smirked, looking at you while stirring whatever was hissing in the pan atop the stove, "all the husbands picking up last minute rush gifts."