Avengers Preferences

L. Odinson ~ That's Christmas to Me

"Lady Rachel, something seems to bothering you this evening."

Loki emerged from his bedroom through the tall doors, as I turned back to lean on the balcony, overlooking Asgard. "Just thinking." On Earth right now, it's December 23rd. Living on Asgard has been a dream come true. The treatment, the people, the scenery, the parties, Loki, I couldn't ask for anything more. Except I was missing a part of me, a part of me I chose to leave behind on Earth. 

"Homesick?" He asked, joining me at the ledge shoulder to shoulder.

I nudged him, "Get out of my head- but yes. A little homesick."

"What is missing? I would be delighted to have a servant fetch something from Midgard."

"Sadly, it's not tangible. It's more... a time, a feeling." Christmas always meant so much to me down on Earth. I just wish-

"Christmas," he repeated.

"Didn't I just say to get out of my head?"

"What is Christmas?"

"Nothing. It's all fine, Loki. I love it here and wouldn't trade it for anything in the galaxy."

Stepping away from the ledge, I walked towards the door and stopped at it's edge. "Will you join me in your chambers?"

"I'll be there soon, I forgot I had official business to attend to with my brother today."

--

I woke to the sound of overly 'poppy' Christmas music and noisy partying from the great hall. Lifting myself from the great bed, I rubbed my eyes and finally opened them to notice a lavish red outfit, decorated with green garland. I shook my head in surprise and got up from the bed, admiring the outfit.

Loki suddenly wandered in, "I hope you slept well, my dear." He snapped his fingers and I looked down to see I was now wearing the outfit I was just admiring. "Follow me to the great hall, I have something to show you."

He outstretched his hand and I took it hesitantly. Following him to the hall, the noise grew louder with every step I took. As I emerged from the door, I stumbled upon thousands of wealthy asgardians dancing in campy outfits as obnoxious covers of classic Christmas songs came from the ceilings. 

"What is this?"

"Christmas, don't you recognize it? Isn't this why you were homesick?"

Thor approached us dressed in extravagant fur. "Brother! You've truly outdone yourself. These midgardian traditions are beyond me. Lady Rachel, Merry Hannukah! My favorite part of this holiday is truly the trees," He motioned to the oddly decorated trees that filled each other, each displaying a different color fur. Underneath, towers of multicolored presents surrounded each.

Puzzled, I nodded towards Thor and grasped Loki's hand.

Thor ran off to grab more drinks as Loki walked me through the parties. "Isn't it truly wonderful?"

I opened my mouth to say something- anything, but I couldn't hurt him. He was so excited to celebrate with me, I didn't want to break his spirits.

"I forgot something in our chamber," I finally said, tilting my body towards the stairs.

"I can grab it-"

"I apologize, Prince Loki." Stepping away, I let go of his hand and rushed towards the stairs. Skipping steps, I eventually reached our room and shut the door with a slam. I took a breath, letting a teardrop roll across my cheek.

I stepped towards the bedside drawers and removed one to find a small photo album. Opening it up, torn pictures with grainy views revealed themselves to me. I reached a photo of me as a 16 year old opening a new polaroid camera. Flipping the page, next was my mother and I criss crossed at the fire place, roasting the traditional chestnuts. As I was about to turn the page, a knock was heard on the door.

"My love, may I speak to you?"

Closing my eyes, I shook my head and responded, "Not right now, Loki."

"I don't know what I did wrong."

I pondered for a moment, before saying, "Come in." 

He slowly opened the door and took very little steps in before questioning me.

Before he could speak, I interrupted, "Go put on pajamas and I'll show you what Christmas is."

He snapped, putting us both in pajamas. Joining me on the bed, I put the album between us.

"What do you have over the fire?"

"Chestnuts."

"It, itself, is food? I created chests of nuts and kept them by the bonfire downstairs."

I giggled at his mistake. 

"What is that in the background?"

"A Christmas tree."

"An actual tree?"

"Yes, it's called a fir tree."

Loki laughed, "My brother is useless at getting information."

"Loki, did you ever really find out what Christmas is?"

He shook his head and sighed, obviously disappointed that he messed up.

"Put a tree like this over there." 

He studied the picture and waved his hands, placing a tree in the corner of the room. I then pointed to the fireplace with stockings hung up, and in an instant, a fireplace replaced the vanity. I nudged my head towards the candles that remained unlit, watching them quickly flicker on.

I reached into the drawer, pulled out my phone, and found an old Christmas album. White Christmas by Bing Crosby sounded from the phone's speaker.

"Christmas is about the little things. Spending time with family, living in the moment. It's not about huge parties, lavish clothes, thousands of presents. It's just a time of being thankful for the ones you love."

"It's really that simple?" he asked, slightly shocked.

"This Christmas song playing, many candles burning, stockings over the fireplace... that's Christmas to me."

He smiled at my comment.

"Oh, but we are forgetting one thing. Read my mind."

I felt his conscience enter my mind as I looked up to see a ball of mistletoe hang from the ceiling. "What is that?" He asked in curiosity.

"Mistletoe. The only rule is that, when under it..."

I reached up and lifted his cheek with my hand, bringing him close to my face. Connecting lips, finally, it felt like Christmas.