A/N: Sorry for getting this out late, my dad came to visit and I had no time to write! But here it is, the last chapter of this fic, out, at least, before 2015. Enjoy, and I hope you had a great Christmas!

❅ CHRISTMAS EVE❅

"Oh my god," Coulson cried, looking at his phone. "It's Drake!" Nick Fury came out, frowning at him through his eye. "Drake who?" "The singer!" the balding man answered.

"Hello? Wow... that's.. yeah, I'd love to man!" He hung up. "Nick, I'm going to Drake's Christmas party! In Tahiti! Get the jet." Nick frowned. "Hmm...Fine. See you tomorrow then, when you're nice and hung-over." Coulson grinned, and put his sunglasses on. "Merry Christmas," he said absentmindedly, and Nick just waved him off. "Yeah, yeah."

He didn't really know why he became Phil's manager. Over the years, he would have liked to believe they had become good friends. "I guess not," he mumbled, getting out his phone to call their jet.

Coulson was astounded at how famous he was becoming. Yeah, he was pretty popular back in the day, but no one- himself included- guessed he could make a comeback. Not like this, anyway.

When he made it to the party, and as he was mingling, he couldn't help feeling a little out-of-place.

Back at his apartment, Nick was watching some disgustingly cheerful Christmas movie that had come on TV. He watched it, which then turned into a marathon as more came on after that.

It was 1:00 in the morning as Nick began to get a little tipsy. "God damn it, Rudolph," he said to the screen, "Don't listen to them! Don't help Santa, cause he's just using you! He's using you..." He laughed to himself. His career explained in a cartoon. "Motherfucking Christmas," he said, shaking his head, and turned back to face the screen.

Suddenly, the door began to unlock, and it opened to reveal a sheepish looking Coulson. Nick raised his eyebrows. "I must really be drunk..."

Coulson smiled a little, looking sort of embarrassed. "Hey, Fury." Nick got up, frowning. "What are you doing back here?" he asked, "Weren't you mingling with Drake and Taylor Swift and all of them? What about Tahiti?"

Coulson shrugged. "Tahiti was a magical place... Taylor wasn't there. But Nicki Minaj was, and let me tell you-" he grinned, but his smile faded as he remembered why he came back. "Look, Nick... I came back because... it's Christmas, and Christmas is the time for being with the people you care most about, and being honest with yourself. So I was honest with myself, and I realized that the person I care most about is, in fact- uh...you."

Nick thought he heard the singer wrong. "What the hell did you just say?" Coulson rolled his eyes. "Come on, Nick. I want to spend my Christmas with my manager- my best friend." Fury frowned, scratching his bald head. "Wow," he mumbled, and smiled slightly.

"So whaddya say we get hammered, and throw on some reruns of Hawaii 5.0. Unless," Coulson added, "You're too busy watching Frosty the Snowman." Nick quickly turned around, and shut the screen off. "Damnit," he muttered, and Coulson smirked, before giving him a handshake.

"I'm sorry for being such a douche." Fury grinned. "Yeah, you were a douche. But it's alright." He eyed him. "Merry motherfucking Christmas, Coulson." "Merry Christmas, Fury."

Snow fell outside the window as Thor and Jane snuggled up on their couch together, watching TV.

"Merry Christmas, my love," Thor said, kissing her on her head, and Jane nuzzled into him. "Merry Christmas, Thor." The doorbell went off, and Jane got up. "I'll get it." Thor smiled.

She bounded downstairs, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear as she opened the door. "Yes-?" she asked, stopping as she saw who it was.

"Loki!" she said, looking up at him. Thor called from upstairs, "Who is it?" The man at the door shook his head, and held up a sign. Say it's carollers. Jane hesitated, then leaned back. "It's carollers! They have such nice voices!" "Hurry back, or I shall eat your slice of pizza!" Thor called, and Jane turned back to Loki.

He held up another sign, that read: Ever since the day I laid eyes on you, I was secretly hooked. He pulled another sign out. I love the way your hair falls over your shoulders like a waterfall of auburn. Jane blushed, and Loki changed the sign again.

I love your smile- how it lights me up inside whenever I see it. Jane smiled slightly, and Loki got a new sign. I know that I can't be with you. He changed it. You have a happy life with a lucky husband.

Jane smiled sadly, and Loki took out another. It's Christmas (not my favourite time of year) Jane giggled. Which is a time for telling the truth. So I will.

Jane looked at him. Loki stepped one step closer, and whispered, "To me, you are perfect." Jane searched his eyes, and he gave one small nod as he turned, picking up the signs and heading for home. Jane watched after him, and bit her lip.

"Wait! Loki!" she hissed, and he turned. She ran out after him, snowflakes falling over her face and onto her eyelashes, and stood on her toes, bringing her lips to his in a short kiss. When she pulled away, Loki looked star struck, his head spinning, and Jane smiled.

"Merry Christmas, Loki," she whispered, and ran back to the door, going in and shutting it. Loki turned around again, nodding to himself. "Enough now," he told himself, "Let go of her." He went home to enjoy Christmas, finally truly accepting that he couldn't be with Jane.

"Sorry it took so long," Jane said, flopping down next to Thor, "After the carollers left, your brother came." "My brother?" Thor asked, preparing to stand up, "And he did not come in? Why?" Jane put a hand on his chest. "He had to run. But let's get back to this pizza, kay, or I'll eat yours," she grinned, and Thor kissed her. "Merry Christmas, Jane." "Merry Christmas, Thor. I love you."

Tony rubbed his chin, feeling very depressed. He kept thinking about Pepper, and missing her popping her head into his office now and then, bringing him some donuts when he asked. And he asked for those a lot...

There was a knock on the door. "President Stark?" It was his new secretary- Maria something. "Yeah?" Tony called, and the door opened. "Sir, here are some Christmas cards for you- picked out randomly from the millions." Tony smirked, nodding. Maybe some Christmas greetings would cheer him up.

He read some, which were the generic "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings," until he came to one with familiar handwriting.

"Dear Tony- I mean Mr. President.

I hope you have been well. I miss working for you, but, I guess it's for the best. Anyway- have a great Christmas. I hope you get lots of donuts.

Love, Miss Potts (The Overbearing One)

Tony grinned to himself as he read over her message one more time. "Jarvis?" he called out the open door. "Yes sir?" the butler asked, walking in. "Get the car. We've got somewhere to go."

They drove along through the fading light of day turning to night, and Tony looked out the window. "Where did you say she lived?" "All her file said was the street name. I unfortunately have no information regarding which number she's in."

Tony groaned as he saw just how many houses there were. It would take him forever... but he was willing to do anything to tell Pepper he made the biggest mistake ever.

Tony got out with some bodyguards, and they knocked on the first door.

"Hello," he said when a bunch of little girls answered. "Does Pepper live here?" They shook their heads. "Are you here to sing carols?" one asked, and Tony snorted. "No." "Please, will you?" "No. No way." "Pleeeease?"

Tony sighed. "Fine. What do I know.. uh... oh! We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy New Year!" The girls clapped, and Tony huffed, rolling his eyes. He went next door.

A woman with shoulder length brown hair answered. "Loki?" she asked, and swung it open, only to startle at the sight of it not being whoever this Loki was at the door.

"Hi..." she said, and Tony opened his mouth. "Uh... hi. Does Pepper live here by any chance?" "No, she doesn't... are you-" "Yeah. Yeah, that's me. I'm hoping to get around and wish everyone a Merry Christmas myself. I should be done by new years," he joked.

"Wait," the woman said, "Does the woman you're looking for have like, long-ish ginger hair?" Tony felt his heart jump. "Yeah! That's her." Jane smiled. "She lives next door."

Tony took a deep breath, smoothing back his hair. He knocked on the door, and after a moment, it opened, to reveal a huge family getting ready to leave.

"Oh!" an older lady said, "Mr. President! Um... how can we help you?" Tony stuttered. "Uh... is Pepper there?" Just then, the ginger came down the stairs, carrying a purse. "God, this is so damn, fucking heavy!" she said, and stopped short as she saw who was at the door, slapping a hand over her mouth.

"Oh..." she mumbled, "Oops." Tony couldn't help but laugh, and he shifted his feet. "Hey Pep. I just wanted to talk to you, but... if you're busy, it doesn't really-" "No! No, no, I'm not busy. Just... on my way to a Christmas concert." Tony raised his eyebrows. "Oh! Well... should I come back another time?" Pepper bit her lip.

"Come with me. Come with me to the concert. We can talk on the way." Tony nodded, and got back into his car with her as the other members of the Potts family took the cab waiting.

There was silence, until Tony turned to her. "Pep, I was such an idiot. I don't even know what I was thinking, I just... I was falling for you, and I've never fallen this hard for anyone before, so I pushed you away. I was scared, and stupid, and goddamn head over heels for you. I'm a pipin' hot mess," he whispered, "And I don't want you to think I fired you because-"

She cut him off by pressing her lips to his, and Tony's eyes widened, closing slightly after a minute. He breathed out as she pulled away, and she blushed a little. "I'm sorry," she said, "I had to do that." "I'm so glad you did," Tony said, and they looked at each other.

"We're here," the driver said, and the two got out. "Maybe I shouldn't go in," Tony said, hesitating, "I don't want to steal the kids' spotlights or anything..." "No, come in!" Pepper said, tugging his sleeve, "Sh, come on. We can take the back way."

Rhodey stopped as he arrived at the White House, getting out of his car. In the end, he did decide to visit his friend Tony... but he would rather be doing something else.

"Get over her, Rhodes," he muttered to himself, "She lives on a different realm. Plus, she's way out of your league." But still, he felt like he needed to do something, to try anything else to get her back.

He went up to the door, and Jarvis answered. "Hi," James said, "Is the president in? I know I don't have an appointment, but he's a good friend of mine. Just wanted to drop in and say a merry Christmas."

Jarvis nodded. "I am sorry to inform you, that Mr. Stark has left to attend to personal matters." Rhodes stopped, having a revelation as he got an idea for what he could do. "Yeah..." he said softly, "And that's what I have to do too."

He turned around, and ran to his car, quickly jumping in and driving as fast as he could to get to where he was going. He finally made it to the bifrost site, and got out. He decided to do what he saw Sif doing the other day, even though it made him look like an idiot.

"Uh... Heim-dall? Is there anyone there? Can you like... uh... beam me up?" Suddenly, there were some flashing lights, and all around him, wind picked up and blew dust around him in a small tornado. He felt himself lifting, and the colours overtook him, pulling him at full speed through the air and into space.

After a quick and very dizzying trip, he gaped at the sight before him. He was in a large golden room, with a serious looking man standing and holding a golden sword. "Welcome to Asgard," the man said, and Rhodes nodded slowly. "Wow..." The man walked over. "I am Heimdall, gatekeeper of this realm. I have seen your interactions with our Sif... and have seen your mutual affection for each other. It is Christmas after all- a cause for celebration of love. You can find her in the palace."

Rhodey, still shocked, thanked him, and ran toward the big golden palace. He went in, and asked someone who was walking by where Sif was.

"Is this an inquiry after the whereabouts of Lady Sif are?" a voice came from the other side of the vast room, and James turned to find a man with white hair and a white beard, sitting atop a throne.

"Yeah. I mean, yessir, I'm looking for her." The man looked thoughtful. "Why do you seek her?" James looked down. "I... want to marry her." The man's eyebrows shot up."Though she is not of any relation to me or my ancestors, I consider Sif one of my own," the man said, and for a moment, James thought he would disapprove.

"Which is why I shall assist in any way I can to help her find happiness, if she so desires it in turn." Rhodey broke out in a grin, and the man got up, a woman standing beside him following. "When did you two meet?" the lady asked, and James smiled. "A few weeks ago. But we got to know every little thing about each other in that short time," he said.

"What is this?" a voice rang out behind them, and a very large, long auburn haired man joined the group. "Who, may I ask, are you?" James looked at him. "Hey, I'm James Rhodes." The man beamed. "Ah! A midgardian! It is a pleasure to welcome you here to Asgard! Volstagg, at your service. Where are you going?"

"To find Sif." "Lady Sif? How do you know her?" "We...well, we lived together, you could say." "Ah, yes, she did mention something about taking a few weeks to work on Midgard," came another voice, and this time, a blonde with a goatee and a sword joined them.

"Greetings, stranger, I am Fandral. So you're the one that stole Sif's heart, eh?" James felt his heart beat increase. "She talked about me?" "Oh yes. Quite frequently, in all honesty." James smiled.

Somebody else joined the party of five, but he did not look as friendly as the others. "Who is this outsider?" the black haired man asked, scowling. "Calm yourself, he is looking for Lady Sif."

The man narrowed his eyes. "You plan to assassinate Lady Sif! Treacherous Midgardians." Volstagg rolled his eyes, and Fandral sighed. "Sorry- Hogun's a bit... well, grim." "Everybody!" Hogun called, "This Midgardian man is on his way to enslave the great Lady Sif!"

James began to protest. "Uh, that's not what I-" By now, many people were following them, and they led a huge trail of people.

"This way," Odin said, and they finally made it to a large feasting area, where James saw Sif sitting, preparing to join in the merriment. "Go to her," Fandral smiled, and James sucked in a breath.

"Sif!" he called, and she turned in surprise, seeing him. She gasped, and dropped her cup, putting a hand over her heart. James swallowed, trying to remember the Norse he had studied. "Uh... kœrr Sif. (Dear Sif) "Ek elska yð." (I love you.) "And when you love someone, you should be with them. Sif, I want to be with you- you can move in with me on Earth, or I can live here on Asgard, it doesn't matter. The point is... I... er... ráð við kostr yð?" (I wish to marriage you?)

Sif giggled a little, and behind him, he heard the low laughter of Fandral and Volstagg.

Fandral whispered something in his ear, and James turned back around. "Oh... um, kvángaðr yð." (Marry you.) Sif felt lightheaded, and felt as if she was soaring. Everything she had wished for was coming true.

"Já," she said breathlessly, "Yes." James grinned, and they kissed, a full one this time, and he picked her up as everyone cheered. Well, Hogun grumbled, but the rest of the Agardians cheered at least.

" Glaðr jóla, Sif." "Merry Christmas, James."

"Merry almost Christmas," Steve grinned, and Bucky smiled back. "Right back at ya, Steve. Thanks for dropping in- you didn't have to." Steve shrugged, sitting down. "Hey, I'm always here for you, you know that. We could do like when we were kids. Put the pillows up, make a fort... just like the good ol' days."

Bucky looked at Steve, and smiled sadly. "Steve... you can't waste your life on me." Steve started to protest, and Bucky held his prosthetic hand up. "No. You're my best friend. I have terrible PTSD, and I don't know why, but I forget who I am for a minute when that happens, all I know is the war... I relive the war in my mind. But I've got to find help. On my own. I'll be okay."

Steve looked at his friend, then down at his hands. "Are you sure, Buck?" Bucky smiled. "Yeah. I don't think I'll get any better. But I'll sure as hell try." Steve bit his lip, and put a hand on his friend's shoulder, before unpacking the gift he had brought for their annual exchange.

"Steve?"

Steve snapped his eyes away from his blank sheet of paperwork, and looked up at Sam, who was standing over his desk. He had been thinking of a few days before, when he had visited Bucky.

"Steve, you okay, man?" Sam asked, and Steve smiled. "Yeah. Just thinking about stuff." Sam crossed his arms, sitting down on the corner of the desk.

"You've still got a chance, you know. So it didn't work out the first time! Whatever. You can give it another shot!" Steve looked up, and looked over at Peggy. She was focused on her screen, therefore her emotions were unreadable at present, and the blonde sighed.

"I blew it. She won't take me again." Sam shrugged, getting up. "You won't know until you try."

Steve contemplated this as he waited and watched the clock tick by, until it was time to go.

"Aight, Merry Christmas, everyone!" Sam called, "Go have fun!" He looked at Steve. "That means you, buddy." Steve grinned. "You have a good holiday, Sam. See you in the new year."

After everyone but him and Peggy had left, he went over to her desk. "Hey, Peggy," he said, looking down, and Peggy got up. "Hello, Steve." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm really sorry." Peggy looked at him. "Steve, I told you. I respect you for your loyalty." Steve shook his head. "I don't want respect. Well, not mainly, anyway. I want..." he took a deep breath. "I want you to love me, and I want to love you, and I want us..." he stepped closer, bringing a gentle hand to her cheek, "To love each other."

Peggy's eyes widened slightly at Steve's confession. "Are you sure?" she whispered. "I've never been more sure about anything in my life," Steve said back, and brought his lips down to hers. Peggy melted into the kiss, and they wrapped their arms around each other.

After a few moments of this, Steve glanced at his watch. "Oh, damn... I've got to make it to the Christmas concert at my friend Bruce's son's school, I was invited." Peggy's lips formed a straight line, and she nodded curtly. "Follow me."

Steve hesitantly followed her, and she led him to her motorcycle, which Steve was surprised she even had. They got on, and they rode off toward the concert together.

When they got there, they hurried in, going to get a seat. "You're sure you don't mind me coming along?" Peggy asked, and Steve turned around to face her. "I was the one who screwed up in the first place. It's the least I could do."

Just then, they saw two other people coming in the way they did. "Natasha?" Steve asked, and grinned as her sister hugged him. "Stevie! How's life?! This your girlfriend?" Steve blushed deeply, about to deny it, but Peggy nodded with a smile. "Yes, that's me."

Natasha beamed, and Steve looked to Clint, who was with the short redhead. "Who's this?" "Clint Barton, meet my brother, Steve." They shook hands. "How'd you two meet?" Steve asked as they found four seats, and Natasha and Clint both looked like deer caught in headlights.

"Uh..." "Uhmm..." "Uh...well..."

Bruce sat in the audience, waving to Harley, who was peeking out of the curtain backstage. The boy gave him a thumbs up, and Bruce gave them back. Harley then ducked out of sight behind the curtain, and the stage lights came on.

Harley nervously bit his lip, and the curtain went up as they all finished getting into position.

His future girlfriend went up to the front, and began to sing. "I don't want a lot for Christmas... there's just one thing I need..."

She sounds like an angel, he thought dreamily, then shook himself back to reality right before his guitar part came in. He played it the best he could, going up on the left side of her as the other player went on the other side.

She turned to him and smiled - she SMILED - and Harley felt his head spin as he looked out at Bruce. Bruce grinned at him, and nodded at him to get closer. Harley took a step, until they were almost moving step in step with each other. Harley had never felt so on top of the world.

When she finished, she ended with, "All I want for Christmas is you," and looked directly at Harley when she said it. Harley almost fell over as his knees turned to jelly.

After it was done, they went backstage, and she went up to Harley. "You play really well." Harley smiled widely. "Not half as well as you sing! Man, you were amazing!" He blushed. She smiled. "I like you, Harley." His eyes widened. "You...you know my name?" She giggled. "Of course."

She then leaned forward, and planted a small kiss on his cheek. "Merry Christmas," she said, and dashed off. Harley just stood there, in shock, and brought his hand up to his cheek.

"Harley!" Bruce's voice rang out, " You did it! Dude, you were awesome! Your guitar made the show!" His dad regarded him when Harley didn't respond. " You... you okay? Where is she?" Harley pointed, a stupid grin on his face. Bruce smirked. "I'm not even gonna ask. Come on, rock star, let's go grab some Christmas hot chocolates and celebrate, alright?"

Harley nodded absentmindedly, hand still upon his cheek as Bruce guided him out.

Clint and Natasha sat in the audience beside each other, clapping as the concert ended. Clint's hand drifted slowly over to rest on Natasha's knee, and she smiled as she carefully placed her hand on top of his. Clint blushed, and they looked at each other.

"I'll drive you home," he mumbled, and Natasha looked down. "Oh, I couldn't ask you to do that..." "It's not trouble! Really!" She smiled, and nodded. "Thanks."

They drove back in Clint's car, and when they got to Natasha's apartment, they looked at each other.

"So..." "So."

Clint bit his lip. "Natasha, I have to tell you something." She looked into his eyes, and he opened his mouth. "I...really like you. Like, I like you like you... a lot." Natasha giggled, and pulled his head to hers for a kiss. They kissed for a moment, Clint surprised yet ecstatic beyond belief. Natasha finally pulled away, and said, "Clint- all I want for Christmas... is you."

Clint blushed deeply, and it started to snow big, white, fluffy flakes as they went back in for another kiss under the sparkling Christmas lights on Natasha's door.

Back at the concert, everyone in the audience was preparing to leave, when the curtain accidentally opened, to reveal-

"Is that... the president?" Steve asked Peggy, and her eyebrows shot up. "Good god, it is."

There on stage, in front of everyone to see, were Pepper and Tony heatedly making out, hands fisted in each other's hair. After a second of dead silence, so quiet that you could almost hear crickets chirping, and intense stage lighting beating down on them, Tony finally noticed, and went red.

"Pep," he hissed, pulling away. "What is it? Why'd you stop?" She breathed. She pulled away, and her eyes blew wide. "Oh...shit!"

The audience suddenly broke into applause, and Pepper smiled, whispering through her teeth to Tony, "What do we do?" Tony smiled out to the audience, putting a hand on her shoulder. "This is out, we're out now, so just smile and wave... smile and wave."

Pepper looked over to him. "Are you okay with... you know... us, being out?" Tony turned to her, putting both hands on both of her shoulders. "I wouldn't have it any other way." He turned back to the audience, and grinned. "Plus, I love to make a splash. Especially on Christmas...when love is all around."

So love, it seems, is everywhere, if you look closely enough. These seven couples of bashful, snarky, funny, wistful, romantic, blunt, and clumsily loving people found love when it was least expected, so special that it will thrive for the rest of their lives- but that's usually the best kind, right?

Merry Christmas, from Tony, Pepper, Thor, Steve, Peggy, Bruce, Harley, Jane, Loki, Sif, Rhodey, Fury, Coulson, Clint, Natasha, and me, and have a historically awesome New Year! x