AN: Even though I decided that Coulson would play the cello before, I saw this video and it did help me to describe how Coulson plays in this chapter. It's a great song so if you'd like to give it a listen to it's by ThePianoGuys and it's called Carol of the Bells.


Bruce woke up from a kiss on his cheek. Turning slightly, he saw a smiling Loki who said, "Merry Christmas."

"Hey, you finally said it right," said Bruce with a sleepy smile.

"Yep, now come on, time to get up," replied Loki with a pat.

Bruce grabbed his arm and pulled him back down murmuring, "Just a few more minutes."

"Fine," said Loki as he lay back down. He buried his face in Bruce's hair as they lay there for a while longer. However, they had a few things to do before everything was going to be ready that day so finally Loki pulled Bruce out of the bed.

Loki's stomach had grown to the point that he couldn't wear his normal shirts anymore so he grabbed one of the few baggy ones, all black, so that it looked more like he had just gained a few pounds than was actually pregnant. Thankfully, all his pants were baggy.

All the decorations were up, the presents were under the tree, and most of the food had been prepared, except for a few things, it just needed to be cooked. They were just putting some baked potatoes into the oven when the door bell rang at around two.

Bruce went to go get it and was surprised to see it was Coulson caring his cello. "I know I'm early but I figured it'd be a better idea to do this than to come along with Tony, because he would most defiantly want to know why I'd have a cello. Also, I thought I could maybe help out a bit."

"Cool, you can go help Loki set the table."

Coulson ended up putting his cello in the living room by the Christmas tree. He was dressed in the same black slacks, black jacket, and white dress shirt. However, he wasn't wearing a tie, the first few buttons on his shirt were undone, and he was wearing black tennis shoes. This was probably the most casual either Bruce or Loki had seen him.

As Coulson helped around Loki asked, "So where did you learn to play the cello?"

"My girlfriend."

"I remember hearing about there being a cellist. How is she?" asked Bruce.

"Good I think, but you see, she thinks I'm still dead," admitted Coulson sadly.

"I'm really sorry Coulson," said Loki. "Do your parents know if you're alive?"

"My parents died in an accident and I have no siblings. She was the only one who missed me," replied Coulson. "It's alright though; she's with someone else now and seems happy."

After that, they continued to talk about other things, what was happening with S.H.E.I.L.D. and how life was in general. At three, everyone else arrived. Tony was dressed in a plain t-shirt and jeans with a jacket and Pepper had on a beautiful blouse and tan slacks. Steve wore a blue button up shirt and jeans. Also, apparently Tony had somehow gotten Jarvis out of his suit for once. The AI wore a crimson sweater and black slacks. Everyone put their presents under the tree and then went into the dining room to have an early dinner, or a late lunch depending on how you looked at it.

For once, everyone was relaxed. They all laughed and joined in the conversation, adding comments here and there. They made fun of each other, all in good spirit of course, and simply enjoyed themselves. There always seemed to be something dark and foreboding hanging over head but for once there wasn't.

When they finished eating they moved to the living room to exchange presents. Coulson was first. As he opened up his cello and everyone else seated themselves on either the couch or one of the chairs, Coulson said, "For Christmas, I have decided to play for you Carol of the Bells. I hope you enjoy, if you don't, blame Bruce. He's the one who gave me the idea."

"Well thanks a lot," said Bruce as everyone laughed.

Coulson then proceeded to take his bow out. However, he placed it on the coffee table in front of him, and then began to pluck at the strings. It started out soft but quickly the music grew. As the music began to carry, everyone could see Coulson visibly ease up as a full smile appeared on his face.

Then, with the notes still ringing loud and clear, he grabbed the bow and began to play with it. Even though the tempo changed at many points, Coulson never stumbled and at the same time, he was able to remain elegant in every single movement he made. And, just as his hands never faltered, neither did his smile.

Finally, he slowly drew his bow across one of the strings as the last note began to fade into the air. Only when it was completely silent did everyone begin clapping.

"That was wonderful," said Pepper and everyone quickly agreed with her.

After that, everyone else passed out presents. There was of course hugging from all around and chuckles or giggles at some of the more silly gifts. When, everyone had either given or received their presents, Loki finally got out the ring.

Everyone of course expected Bruce to blush or stutter or something else along those lines. They were all extremely surprised when he started laughing instead. Well, except for Loki, he had actually been expecting this kind of reaction. "I see you beat me to it."

"Well I had to. If you had proposed that would mean I'd be the girl and we can't have that," replied Loki with a large grin. He took the ring out of the box, threw it up in the air, caught it, and then held it out in a very untraditional fashion. "So, do I hear a yes on those lips?"

"Yep."

"That's not yes that's a yep. There is a difference you know," joked Loki.

"Oh shut up," replied Bruce as he kissed him. The act caused Tony to make a gagging sound as everyone else either smiled or went 'ah.'

"We're all very happy for you," said Steve. "Aren't we Tony?" he quickly added as he kicked Tony.

"First off, that hurt. Second, of course I'm happy for them but if I have to see or hear anything else lovey-dovey then I think I might just hurl," replied Tony.

"Then you might want to get a basket because there's something else we need to tell you," said Loki.