This is my sadly very belated birthday present to my wonderful friend Shells. Love you and I hope you enjoy! :D

Also, this doesn't occur on Christmas day, just a week or two before Christmas actually occurs. :)

"Come on baby." Tony's voice is half-desperate, half-hopeful as he types furiously on the giant computer's keys. His eyebrows were etched in concentration, brown eyes focused and intent. The right side of the screen was filled with numbers, diagrams and schematics, all in bright blue and white writing. The other side of it was illuminated in a large-scale picture of Avengers Tower, towering against the rest of New York against a faded purple sky. Snow swirled in the air; tiny, delicate flecks of white that dotted the city's sky, standing out even among its regular light and energy-filled movements.

"Sir, shall I access SHIELD's system power grid?" JARVIS's voice sounded around him, seemingly trying to be helpful.

Tony considered this. He could deal with a pissed off Nick Fury. However, he knew that if he did have his AI hack into SHIELD's system (again) then he may send Natasha (again) and Tony still hadn't recovered from last time so…

"No Jar, just give me a minute to...got it!" He slammed his hands on the keys in satisfaction, leaning back in his chair with a bright smile. The right side of the screen faded, and the left side took over in an even more detailed picture of the tower. "JARVIS, dim the brightness of the screen, will you? And can you grab Loki now?"

"Certainly sir."

A minute later, the ruffled and annoyed god appeared in the doorway, and Tony smiled at the sight of him. He was wearing a pair of casual black skinny jeans and a dark green sweatshirt (it taken a lot of begging, but eventually Tony was able to get the god to wear 'normal' Midgardian clothing), and his black hair curled around his naturally pale face. His eyes were tired but as shining as ever, a deep, striking green that had intrigued and intoxicated Tony from day one.

"Yes Anthony?" He asked, his sinfully accented voice irritated, but holding an air of slight fondness.

It baffled Tony sometimes, how they got to this stage. He supposed it started when he and Pepper broke up. They were still friends, of course, but had decided soon after the battle for Manhattan that a relationship just wasn't going to work out. About a week or so later, in which Tony was using his private jet to 'sample' the world's best wine, Tony ran into a certain, newly-escaped (damn that didn't take long) god of mischief. And somehow, after more than a few bottles of wine, they ended up in bed together. Somehow, they turned into the world's most twisted and self-destructive fuck-buddies. And somehow, even after the other Avengers moved into the new tower and they officially became a full-time team, feelings were developed and became apparent. The two had fights of course (Mexico has never fully recovered) and it took a very long time until the Avengers agreed with his decision and made an effort not to kill the god, but in the end, Tony loved Loki and Loki loved Tony.

It had been three years since they first 'officially' met and drowned their sorrows and woes in Italian wine (and each other for that matter) and neither could be happier.

This was also the reason that Tony was doing what he was right now. Beaming up at his boyfriend (yes, he called him that now) Tony gestured for him to come over to the computer. The god rolled his eyes, but looked interested, as he always was when Tony's ever-so famous technology was involved. Making his way over, Loki went up to stand beside him, eyes watching the screen with curiosity.

"What's this?" he asked. Tony simply smirked and wrapped an arm around the god's waist, who had long since stiffened at the gesture, and instead leaned into the genius' touch.

"This is your first official Christmas." Tony spoke, before saying in a more loud tone, "JARVIS, go ahead."

He could feel Loki's gaze on him, before suddenly the room was illuminated with light, and Loki gasped lightly.

A Christmas tree stood in the corner of the room, a dark green that matched Loki's eyes, tall and looming in its presence. Multi-coloured lights were twirled around it, bright and casting glowing shades over the room, and a giant, golden and gorgeously designed star stood proudly on top More lights, along with glimmering gold and silver tinsel, were spread around the room, and striped candy canes were hanging from the couches and strewn across the tables. The decorations illuminated the room, iridescent and able to catch even the most uninterested of eyes.

The picture and the outside of the tower, which still brightened up the computer screen, had also changed. Outside, there were now dozens upon dozens of Christmas lights, all bright red, gold and green, and outlining the giant 'A' on it'. More multi-coloured ones outlined the top of the tower, beautiful and adding more colour and life to the landscape around it.

Tony watched Loki's expression closely as the god stared around the room, and finally at the screen. He and Loki had been 'together' for about three years, yes, but the first time Christmas came around they were still in the 'fuck-buddies' stage, the second time they were in a fight about god-knows-what (Tony only really remembers the fantastic make-up sex they had after it) but now...he finally had the opportunity to give Loki the Christmas he deserved. The love he deserved.

And Tony knew by the wondrous look in Loki's eyes that he had done something right.

"You did this…for me?" Loki asked, his voice soft and disbelieving, as if the very thought was incomprehensible.

Tony gave him a quizzical look. "Sure I did. I am a billionaire for god's sake, I could have done way more. Like, I could have put a solid gold star with your face engraved on it on top of the tree, but that would only really encourage you so I decided against it. Plus…I thought you would want something more classic. I mean, you are a god and all and have probably seen crap like this a million times but hey it is your first official Midgardian Christmas and you might as well experience it to its fullest and-…I'm rambling again aren't I."

Loki turned over to look at him, wringing his arms around Tony's waist and leaning in so that their noses were just brushing. "Yes, you are." He agreed with a beautiful smile. "I happen to find it most adorable though, so-"

"Marry me." The words came tumbling out of Tony's mouth before he could stop them. He almost winced, half-expecting the god to jerk out of his grip, stunned and horrified at the very thought.

He didn't expect Loki to look up at him, eyes bemused and arms tightening around the billionaire's waist once more. "I beg your pardon?" His breath was sweet and its familiarity gave Tony confidence.

"Marry me," He repeated, nudging his nose with Loki's. "We could have one of those ceremonies and say all of those vows and shit. It wouldn't be public or anything, just…us." His heart was starting to pound again as the god's eyes flickered down, then up to him again.

"Why?" Loki's voice was uncharacteristically soft, betraying his vulnerability. Tony understood instantly what he was asking. Why would you want to marry and spend your life with a monster like me?

Tony's hand moved up to brush a strand of raven hair from Loki's face, before moving to firmly but gently cup his jaw. "Look, I am a fuck up when it comes to love. Pepper can tell you that much," Loki's lips twitched in a faint smile, "But I know one thing: for whatever reason, I cannot imagine life without you. You and I have both done some pretty twisted, messed up things. And you know what? Maybe we're both monsters. But for some reason we make each better and more complete and I want it to stay that way. I love you Loki, demons and all. So-"

He suddenly got down on one knee, shaking slightly and pulling out a ring from his pocket. He had bought it a while ago on a whim. He had just returned from evacuating a bombed hospital in Iran, and had this awful vision of Loki being in there, one of those people who hadn't made it out. The thought of losing Loki, the man he actually, truly loved, had filled his heart (or whatever remained of it) with an overwhelming panic and dread. So, he strolled into a jeweler's store on the way back and bought a ring for 'emergency use'. (The poor woman at the counter had started to cry when she realized it wasn't for her.) It was simple: a simple gold band with a few small diamonds, emeralds and rubies dotting it (puns intended), ones that glimmered beautifully in the lighting.

…And okay, so maybe this wasn't an emergency, but to Tony it just seemed like 'the time' if there ever was one. You couldn't live forever, and at Tony's rate, time was very much probably of the essence. And he knew without a doubt he wanted to spend it with Loki by his side.

"-will you marry me?" Tony repeated, voice unwavering.

He watched with rapt attention at the Norse god's reaction. He saw Loki swallow, a look of disbelief emerging on his beautifully angled face. His lips parted, and he shook his head lightly, not as an answer to the proposal, but in pure shock and disbelief.

"You are an ignorant, naïve, moronic fool, Anthony Stark." He spoke softly, a smile curling at his lips.

Tony stared up at him, lips twitching in a suppressed grin, "Is that a yes, Princess?" he asked, voice light but hopeful.

Loki bit his lip and nodded, full-on smiling now, and Tony could swear his eyes were shining from more than the lighting. "Yes, Tony, of course I'll marry you."

Tony couldn't help but laugh, elated and delighted and feeling like arc reactor in his chest was going to explode from the overwhelming sensations. Getting to his feet slightly shakily, he slipped the ring semi-gracefully onto the god's slim finger. Leaning in, he kissed the god passionately and without restraint, pulling him close. Loki recuperated eagerly, wrapping his arms around Tony's neck and keeping their foreheads pressed together long after the kiss was done.

"I love you, you know." Tony stated matter-of-factly.

"And I you." Loki responded, breathlessly. He leaned in once more to kiss his new fiancé…when suddenly a voice interrupted them.

"It's about fucking time, assholes." The loud and exasperated voice of Clint Barton suddenly sounded behind them. Loki's eyes flew open and he lurched back, looking shocked. Both he and Tony turned to the doorway, and their jaws fell when they saw all of the Avengers standing in there, smirking at the couple.

Loki simply glared at them, but Tony, always quick to recover, smirked and wrapped an arm around Loki's shoulders, who only rolled his eyes slightly, cheeks pink. "You're just pissed you and Tasha won't be getting hitched any time soon." He countered with a smirk, eyes fixed on Clint, who gasped and put a hand over his heart.

"You dare mock us, sir?" he asked, sounding horrendously offended, as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's shoulder. Natasha shook it off with an eye roll and a look of simultaneous annoyance and affection, before turning to Loki and Tony with a serious look on her face.

"But seriously, it is about time. We-" She elbowed Clint in the side and ignored his squeal of pain- "are very happy for you." She smiled genuinely at them (although Tony couldn't help but feel unnerved by it). He looked over at Clint, who gave them both thumbs up and a pained smile all while clutching his side and trying not to grimace. Loki smirked but nodded at the two in thanks.

Bruce then stepped forward, eyes bright behind his thin glasses and a look of happiness on his face. "Agreed. You guys deserve this." Tony shot him a grin, and Loki sent him one too.

Steve coughed slightly, "As the leader of this team-" Everyone groaned and interrupted the super solider, but allowed him to continue once he shot them his best intimidating look (and Clint actually made an effort not to laugh at how pathetic it was). "-I want to say that we are all happy for you guys." He beamed at them, and Tony couldn't help but want to hug the man, because it just showed how good a person Steve was to support them despite growing up to believe homosexuality was a 'sin'. Plus, the man had that too-nice-to-put-down-any-more-then-we-already-do complex. So Tony simply said a thank you and gave him a giant and grateful smile.

Then he realized one person still hadn't spoken.

Thor.

The over-protective brother/god of thunder/soon to be murderer of Tony had stayed silent beside Steve, face perfectly impassive. His bright blue eyes, normally alight despite whatever the circumstance, were strangely emotionless.

Tony gulped. I am so dead…

…When suddenly Thor's face broke out in an overjoyed smile, eyes starting to shine once more.

"I am most pleased by this turn of events! We shall have a feast and a celebration and rejoice in this joyous occasion!"

He surged forward, hugging Loki tightly and ignoring the hiss the god directed at him.

He then turned to Tony, and surprisingly enough, hugged him too. But soon after, he whispered in Tony's ear, sounding more like his brother than ever before.

"If you ever hurt my brother, I swear by my father and his before I will sneak into your room and flay you with Mjölnir, all while you writhe and scream in pain until you are blissfully no more. Then, I will drop you in the realm of the dead where you shall relive that pain and horror over and over again for the rest of eternity."

He pulled back suddenly and beamed at a pale Tony, as if they had just been discussing the weather. "Understood, Man of Iron?"

Tony could only nod.

Loki shot Thor a look, as if he knew what he had told Tony, but didn't comment and only gave Tony a reassuring smile, before leaning in to whisper his ear with stirring, warm breath, "Let's say we go and have our own celebration…"

"..Aaanndd that's our cue to leave. If you guys would be so kind, don't keep us up too late tonight? Like last time." Clint asked loudly, causing Loki to look up and glare at them, muttering something about the 'stupid mortal who somehow can hear everything'.

"We make no promises." Tony spoke slyly, winking at the master archer, who opened his mouth to retort and then faltered.

"First of all," he began, "Nice decorations." Tony stuck his tongue out at Clint, 'And second of all, is it just me or did the lights short-circuit or something?" he asked, sounding confused. "'Cuz there's smoke over there…"

He pointed to a nearby table, which was strewn with lights…and now had smoke billowing around it. Tony swore loudly, ignoring Steve's tut of disapproval as he called out to JARVIS.

"Jar, would you mind getting Dummy or something to remove whatever crap is going on over there?" he asked irritably. Moments later, and there was no reply. The Avengers all exchanged weird looks. The AI was always there and ready to obey his 'master' as Tony referred to himself as…

"JARVIS?" Tony asked, wary and starting to sound concerned. Suddenly, the doors snapped shut in a violent and sudden motion. The Avengers all went for their weapons instantly, and in Loki's case tapped into his magic, and went into their classic fighting stances.

"What the fuck is-" Clint began, when suddenly the smoke started to steadily cover the floor like a thick blanket, soon billowing up until it restricted everyone's vision.

Tony's eyes and throat started to burn, and an uncontrollable cough erupted from his throat. He knew instantly that the smoke was a drug, but what type he wasn't sure of. His thoughts were foggy and unfocused, and he vaguely heard the other Avengers collapsing, some trying to talk, others coughing as well. Tony felt his knees give way, and didn't even have the energy to reach for his bracelets and try and fight it. Before he felt his himself go under, one thought, one name, suddenly pierced through his brain.

Loki…

The blackness overtook him.

"Tony…"

Someone was calling his name.

"Tony, wake up…"

"Oh piss off Jarvis." He groaned, swatting at the invisible force calling his name.

"Tony, please."

Fighting back another groan, he opened his, and was surprised to find himself face to face with a worried Steve Rodgers. Tony was about to slap him for waking him up, when he saw the distress in his friend's bright blue eyes. Suddenly, the day's most recent occurrences came rushing to him.

Putting up Christmas decorations. Loki. Him proposing and Loki accepting. The Avengers appearing. Loki. A light bulb going up in 'smoke'. Being drugged. Loki.

He was on his feet in seconds, grabbing onto Steve's shoulders with a steel grip. His frantic eyes briefly swept the room. He saw Clint kneeling beside Natasha, who was just starting to stir. Bruce was standing in a corner, leaning against a couch, eyes closed and breathing deeply, clearing trying to control himself not Hulk out. Thor was sitting on a couch, head in his hands, shoulders slumped but shaking slightly.

"Where's Loki?!" Tony asked in a frantic voice, feeling dread creep into his bones and utterly consume him.

Steve opened his mouth to reply, but suddenly Tony's eyes weren't on him.

They were on the blood-drenched engagement ring sitting on the table right beside them.