A/N: Always wanted to try my hand at the Five Times Format , so when I got a great idea while Christmas decorating, I knew I had to go for it.

This is the 1st (almost introductory) chapter that I ended up rewriting after researching and finding out Mistletoe was actually a part of Norse Mythology. Who knew? Regardless, I still took some liberties here & there, especially since most parts of the Norse Myth wouldn't line up with our Marvel Cinematic Universe canon.

PS. And yes, I can't stop writing Thor in my fics. I think I have a problem.

Looking for her billionaire boyfriend, Pepper bursts into Tony's workshop with folders in hand; however, she didn't expect to find the Thunder God there instead.

"Oh, good evening, Thor. Sorry to barge in. I thought Tony was in here and was hoping to ambush him into signing some documents."

"Hello Lady Pepper." Thor greets, bowing politely, "Anthony left a while ago, though he said he would return shortly. I am only present because he requires my assistance in harnessing lightning's power."

"Well, in that case, I'll stick around." Says Pepper, laying the folders on a nearby table. "So are you enjoying the holiday season so far? I know you must be excited about Darcy and Jane's visit." She asks conversationally.

"Indeed I am! Though I have spent few years on earth, it is always a pleasure to experience the holiday of Christmas with my friends and especially to share it with Jane." Thor says with solemn appreciation.

"Well, it's wonderful that you get to take part in our culture!"

"Yes! And I have learned much about Midgardian festivities in my time here. Nonetheless, I have recently become aware that there is a certain holiday symbol we are familiar with in Asgard as well."

"Really? Which one?"

Thor walks around the table and nods toward the ceiling, "This branch here. On Asgard the plant represents peace and love. Is the significance of such décor similar for your people?"

Pepper steps closer to stand next to him and follows his gaze upward to behold mistletoe taped haphazardly to the ceiling fan's pull chain.

"Oh… this is embarrassing." Pepper says, flushing red.

Thor scowls, suddenly looking suspicious. "Why, has it been interpreted to mean something offensive?"

"No no! Nothing like that! Mistletoe is…well—Wait! I can't believe I'd forgotten. Dr. Selvig once told a story about mistletoe involving your mother's teardrops and a disguised Loki and…" Pepper narrows her eyes as she tries to recall details.

"Yes, yes. I briefly read the tale in one of his myth books." Thor dismisses. "Know the majority of the legend is nothing but a myth as far as my family's involvement is concerned; but what remains true is that mistletoe stands for peace and love, despite its poison nature."

"Oh, I see." Pepper sounds disappointed to hear the real account was less romanticized.

"But what of its meaning here on earth? Does it signify the same elements?"

Again Pepper becomes visibly flustered. "Uh, almost. Our Christmas tradition says if two people are caught standing under mistletoe, they … they have to kiss."

Pepper blurts out the last four words and spares the god a glance.

"Ah, very fitting! A kiss is a perfect embodiment of love." Thor comments, eying the leaves with new-found curiosity.

Then after mentally measuring the distance between himself, Pepper, and the mistletoe, he declares, "I shall like to partake in such a tradition!"

"What?! No listen, we don't have to …" Her words die in midair when she sees Thor lean down toward her.

Her heart catches in her throat; she's thinking he's going to go for her lips. But he surprises her, instead delivering a soft kiss on both her cheeks.

"Aw Thor, you're such a sweetheart!" She coos, patting a perfectly manicured hand against his bearded jaw.

Tony picks this moment to walk in on them.

"Hey Hot Stuff! You putting moves on my lady while I'm gone?" Stark tries to look stern, but ends up sounding tongue-in-cheek.

Thor, clearly unfazed, just chuckles as he answers, "Nay. Your lovely Pepper was only informing me of this realm's use of mistletoe."

"Right - about that Tony- did you have these put up?" Pepper questions, motioning to the offending object. "Because I've seen several of them tackily on display around the tower."

"It wasn't me! Who do we five dudes have to kiss around here anyways, except 'tasha?" Tony scoffs.

Pepper gives him one of her looks before passing by to recollect her folders.

"And you!" Tony quickly amends, "Of course I'd wanna kiss you."

He catches her by the wrist before she could slip past him and pulls her in to nuzzle her neck.

Thor smiles at her uncharacteristic giggling and decides to give them some privacy.