A/N: In order to understand who Anneliese is, you'll have to read my story "Knowing Truth, Whispering Lies". For those of you who don't want to bother, she's Sigyn, trapped in a mortal form, much the way Thor's friends were at one point in the comic books. (Donald Blake and Trevor Newley ringing any bells?) So…yeah.
It had been a productive night. Anneliese sat across from Loki, and poured a couple mugs of tea for the two of them. They had stayed up late decorating, long after the Avengers had gone to bed.
"So, do you think they'll like what we've done with the place?" she asked, handing Loki his cup. The trickster took it, and blew on it to cool it down.
"Perhaps. It will most certainly be interesting to see their reactions." He took a sip of the tea, hissing slightly as it scalded his tongue. "Ow…"
"Careful." She said. She glanced around. "There's one thing missing, though." She said thoughtfully. Loki smiled slightly.
"What's that?" Loki asked.
"Mistletoe." Anneliese immediately regretted saying that one word. A flicker of pain flashed across Loki's face as he took another sip of his tea, not bothering to try and cool it off this time. He felt the burn go all the way down.
"Why on earth would you bring mistletoe into this? I thought this was supposed to be one of your more joyous celebrations." He was haunted by memories of his brother Balder lying dead on the ground, with that fateful arrow protruding from his chest.
"It's a Christmas tradition. You hang mistletoe in doorways, and if a couple gets caught under the mistletoe, they have to kiss. It's just a silly game...We don't have to do that if it's that much of an issue with you…" Loki looked surprised.
"You would set aside an age old tradition just for my sake?" he asked.
"If it really bothers you that much…yeah."
"You shouldn't have to give it up because of me. I can be open-minded…" Anneliese smiled at the last part, and pulled out a sprig of mistletoe from one of the scattered decoration boxes.
"Oh really?" she said. Loki leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
"Definitely." He whispered before kissing her on the lips. Anneliese stared at him in shock. Loki smiled a little. "Too soon, Anne? I-I'm sorry." The blonde shook her head.
"No, don't apologize. It was…kinda nice, actually." During all the months she had been spending with the team, she had wondered if Loki harbored any feelings for her. His almost encyclopedic knowledge of her likes and dislikes had her hoping that maybe he loved her. Knowing that he did return her feelings was such a relief. He had been the most constant thing in her life ever since she had been released from the hospital. She scooted a little closer to him, and kissed him. Loki closed his eyes, the warmth of her lips on his taking him back to a happier time.
Perhaps there was something in this mistletoe tradition…
A low wolf-whistle from the door interrupted their moment. The couple pulled away, turning to see Tony and Clint standing in the doorway watching them, looking amused.
"Don't let us interrupt." Clint said, his eyes clearly telling Loki that he had known there was a connection between Anneliese and the trickster. Loki glared at the two of them. The archer left, taking the warning immediately. Tony however stood there for a moment before speaking.
"I was just wondering what happened to my lab…but I think I get the picture. You guys did a nice job." With that, he turned and left them to themselves. Anneliese watched him go, and then turned her attention back to Loki. He was blushing furiously, and picking apart the mistletoe sprig, untying the ribbon and scattering the berries. She took his hand in hers, kissing his cheek.
"Don't let them get to you. " Loki smiled a little.
"Yes, my dear."