A Tale of Mischief and Mutants

Ugly Sweater

—-Loki—-

I'm saddened by how greatly my scars have affected Sam she was so angry and sad because of them, two feelings I cannot stand to see her struggle with. I'm happy I'm able to ease her feelings about them. She falls asleep lying next to me exhausted by her fit of rage. I'm not happy she was upset but I adore something about her deadly coping mechanism.

I smile slightly picturing the mannequin that had been completely filled with her daggers. I was correct Norns have mercy on anyone who incurs her wrath. I check the clock after a bit and sigh I manage to slip away without waking Sam and go back into the cold room.

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A week passes and I am no longer required to spend time in the cold. We have spent our time watching an excess of animated Disney films and Christmas films I'm also almost finished with the book Peter gave me. It is Christmas Eve and my first venture from the house is going to the Avengers Christmas party. It goes without saying it was completely Sam's idea.

She told me she drew a name for me for 'Secret Santa' whatever the Hel that means and bought a gift for me to bring for that person. I'm not the most thrilled about seeing everyone after being humiliated by Magneto but I know it must be done at some point. Maybe no one will mention my injury or my weakness that day. Sam hands me a sweater as we're walking out the door.

"Here wear this it's traditional clothing for Christmas parties."

She's wearing a sweater too I must say it's quiet ugly. It is blue and features snowflakes and the phrase 'Merry X-mas' the X is the X-men logo. I unfold the one she gave me cringing at its ugliness it's a green sweater with a reindeer on it with the phrase 'I'll be good next year'.

"Must I?"

Tony's going to have a field day with this.

"Yes! It's tradition!"

"But it's so ugly."

She laughs.

"That's the point."

I sigh putting it on.

"I simply don't understand you Midgardians at times."

"Don't worry diva nearly everyone else will be wearing one too."

I hope she's right. Thor is full of uncontainable excitement when we arrive at his home. I put my hand to my face in embarrassment at his childish behavior. I'm starting to think I preferred the isolation of recovery. He observes my sweater and smiles widely looking as if he's about to tease me about it.

"Brother you look so-"

I lift up a finger shaking my head. I don't much care to hear it I'm going to be heckled enough as it is.

"-not another word."

We travel through the bifrost and arrive at Avengers compound much like Halloween I can hear music from out here. Very unlike Halloween the reporters at the party can see my face completely clearly this time. We walk towards the building and enter. I'm overwhelmed by the scene inside, there are colorful lights everywhere and people milling about. Tony spots me almost immediately running over. To Sam's credit he is indeed wearing quite an ugly sweater.

"Reindeer Games!! They let you out of the freezer! How are you?!"

I sigh in annoyance at the nickname before answering I knew this would be the first thing out of Tony's mouth when I saw the sweater. I feel a strange mixture of annoyance and fondness over this event. This is going to be a long evening.