With every door that was opened on her advent calendar, Freya's stress levels were increasing. The Midwinter Solstice was just over two weeks away and yet there was still much to be done. On top of that she was having a nightmare trying to source things for Loki's birthday celebrations, and the lack of sleep really was not helping her either. Her request to go home for Christmas Day had been denied, and she was really beginning to wonder why she had decided to stay when she had the option to just leave and not have to deal with any of this. Yet she knew that she could not turn her back on them, especially after everything that had happened in recent weeks. She did owe the Asgardians an awful lot, even if half of them still didn't trust her, not that she blamed them.

At the very least it appeared that the Yuletide plans were starting to fall into place, for so far all of things that they had ordered had arrived, and people were more than happy to contribute towards the festivities. The musicians and choir were rehearsing most days, while the tribe of actors had decided to put on the traditional play. Freya had been more than a little confused when she realised that two of the actors looked remarkably like Loki and Thor, for she was certain that she should have spotted them sooner, but Hilda had simply rolled her eyes and explained that it was precisely that reason why they had been chosen for the play. The plans for the first few days of the Yuletide celebrations were also being finalised, but there was still much to be done for the Midwinter Solstice and there had been some discussions around Christmas Day itself. To the Asgardians, the 25th December was nowhere near as special as the Solstice, but Freya would not be able to let the day pass without doing something special for it. It was bad enough that she could not see her family for that day, and Thor had also denied her request to have her relatives visit her in New Asgard. The only thing Freya could do then was hope that she could still join in with her family traditions via videocall, but she knew that this simply would not be the same as being there.

It also appeared that the books that the Prince had accumulated for her were of relevance too. Ragnar had been more than willing to check them over for her, and the fact that everything had been perfectly translated only confused Freya further. She had not had the time to thank Loki for it, and he had not been in the library on the nights where she had wandered there since. This only perplexed her, for she had no idea why he had decided to do something so thoughtful without having some ulterior motive behind it. Unless he just wanted the Yuletide festivities to go well? She knew he was the Prince, and so had to ensure that his people were happy, but why would he go to so much effort when she could have done it herself? Alright, it would have taken her a damn site longer to do so, but she would have gotten there eventually. Hilda had been of no use to her with regards to it, for the Asgardian woman was very much of the opinion that Freya should just confess her feelings to the Trickster rather than try to get over him. As much as the consultant had managed to deflect that topic of conversation recently, it was getting much more difficult to do so, especially considering Hilda was also helping her to organise Loki's birthday celebrations.

Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Freya yawned and knew she should probably call it a day with work. She had been in her office since five o'clock this morning, and though she had made some progress, she was still unsure what to do about Loki. Thor had given her some ideas, and she had done her best to work with them, but Freya also wanted to make it one of the best birthday's the Trickster had, for ten years was an awfully long time to go without celebrating. She was also aware that she had the opportunity to make it up to the Prince for all of the stress she had caused him recently, and she was determined not to screw it up. At the very least she had found him a present, and she was drafting ideas based on things he had mentioned previously. She was also trying to source some other things that he believed did not exist, but this was proving to be somewhat difficult. The most frustrating part was that she knew she would be able to get most of the supplies by visiting London, but she was not sure if she had the time, nor if she would be allowed to go. Heaving another sigh, she rested her head on her desk and hoped that things would improve soon, for she only had a few days to figure everything out.

"Freya? Are you alright?" A familiar voice asked from the door, and she groaned as she recognised her visitor.

"I'm fine sire." She told the King as she sat up. "What can I do for you?"

"I wanted to see how your plans are coming along." He asked as he took the seat opposite her and instantly reached into the bowl of sweets Freya kept on her desk. It seemed that the King was exactly like his brother when it came to having a sweet tooth, and she hoped that he would not eat everything she had out at the moment, for it was one of the few things that kept her going during her long days.

"Slowly." She admitted. "But steadily."

"And for the seventeenth?"

"Even more slowly." Thor's face fell at this. "It's not that I'm not trying. I just can't seem to get hold of the things I need in time, nor do I have the time to go out and buy them in person."

"How long would you need?" He asked.

"A day, maybe two… Why?"

"I am sure we can spare you for that. It still counts as work." He pointed out. "Would it be quicker if someone came with you?"

"Probably, because then we could split off and work through the list." Freya paused. "But none of the Asgardians have set foot out of New Asgard yet, so it could be a little confusing."

"Then take Hilda and Ragnar with you." He shrugged.

"Huh?" Freya was a little confused, for she had not expected such a suggestion.

"Both have spent enough time with you learning about Earth and its ways. I am sure they will be fine working their way around a shopping trip with you."

"You don't know London though." She warned. "This time of year it is sheer chaos. It will be really busy and…"

"Doesn't your sister live there?" He asked, and Freya nodded. "Listen, I know I denied your request but this could be a good excuse to see one of your family."

"Thank you Thor." Freya smiled gratefully, already excited at the prospect of doing something a bit Christmassy with her sibling.

"So when will you go?"

"The day after tomorrow. That gives me time to compile a list and figure out transport." Thor gave her an unimpressed look, and Freya realised what she had said. "I mean in terms of landing places."

"Very well. Let me know if there's anything else you need." And with that, he left, while Freya instantly messaged her sister.

London was just about waking up when Astrid reached Hyde Park. She was rarely awake this early, and was already on her second coffee of the day to try and wake her up. A blanket of mist hung above the frost-covered ground, and there was something rather different about the silence of the place. Usually the park was a hive of activity, especially this close to Christmas, but she had barely seen anyone since she had stepped off the tube. Still, she did not mind this, for it at least gave her a chance to come around before her sister arrived. She had to admit that she had been taken a little by surprise by Freya's message, especially as the sisters usually avoided London on a Saturday so close to Christmas, but Astrid would take whatever time she could get with her older sister, especially after what had happened a few months ago.

The silence was interrupted then by a bright flash of light, and when Astrid's eyes recovered, she smiled at the sight before her. Freya, Ragnar and Hilda were all wrapped up against the cold, suitcases in hand, and Astrid wasted no time in going over to meet them. Freya meanwhile perched herself on a nearby bench and rummaged in her bag for a drink, for she still did not like travelling by Bifrost.

"Hello strangers!" Astrid greeted once they were in earshot.

"It's good to see you Astrid." Ragnar said as she joined them.

"Thank you for being our guide today." Hilda smiled as Freya's motion sickness passed.

"It's not a problem." Astrid shrugged. "Besides, I never need an excuse to hang out with friends."

"I'm sorry it was such short notice." Freya apologised as she stood up and gave her sister a quick hug. "And such an early start."

"You can make it up to me by buying breakfast." Astrid pointed out, before the group headed towards the exit closest to Oxford Street.

"Deal." Freya grinned. "We can go over the plan while we eat, and then go to the first shops as they open."

"You really do take after our father." Astrid teased, while Freya playfully stuck her tongue out.

"What is all of this then?" Hilda asked as they walked around the edge of the Winter Wonderland area. The rides were switched off, as were the lights, but it was still a sight to behold.

"You'll find out later." Astrid pointed out, while Freya looked surprised. "Well, considering you are staying overnight, I figured we could do something a bit more fun than Christmas shopping while we have the chance."

"Thanks Astrid."

An hour later found the group refreshed and ready to go. They had split the list between them, and they agreed to meet up for lunch before splitting off. Astrid took Hilda down to the tube so they could start at Harrods, while Freya and Ragnar began their shopping near Marble Arch. Freya was glad to see that it was not too busy, and she was determined to get as much done as possible in the next few hours. Ragnar just followed her, although he was curious at the lights above the street and he could not help but admire some of the shop window displays. Freya had already briefed him on what he should expect, but she knew that her words would never do it justice. There was something so magical about London at Christmas time, and she was looking forward to showing him more of her culture. She did have to remind herself that he had not really set foot in any Midgardian shop, and this was the first time he had left New Asgard since they had moved there, so she had no wish to hurry him along, even though there was much to be done.

"Who makes all of these things?" He asked as they wandered around one of the major department stores. Freya had dragged him past the Christmas decorations and was in search of the kitchenware section, but his attention was caught by a rather lovely glass ornament.

"They are mainly made in factories with machines, rather than individual craftspeople. That's why there are so many of the same thing available to buy." She explained as she spotted the area she needed. "If we head just over there…"

"Of course." He said as he put the decoration down, and once he was not looking, Freya took a photo of it, hoping that Astrid would do her a favour.

By the time the group met up at the hotel that evening, they were all shattered, but they had managed to get most of the things that were on the list. Freya had taken the opportunity to grab things for the Yuletide festivities as well as for Loki's birthday, and the empty suitcases they had brought with them were already quite full.

"If it is just those few things you're missing then it should not take long to sort them in the morning." Astrid pointed out as she flopped on Freya's bed. "And you never know what you might find at the market this evening."

"That is true." Freya agreed as her stomach rumbled. "I'm also assuming we'll get food there?"

"I figured we would." Astrid shrugged. "Are you ready to go back out?"

"I'll get my layers back on." Freya said as she started to pull on her jumper. "Honestly, it's almost a relief to be here weather wise. I knew Norway could get cold, but recently…" She paused. "Well, I doubt it's as cold as Jötunheim but there have been days I've felt more like a walking bundle of blankets than anything else."

"You'll just have to find someone to snuggle up to and keep you warm." Astrid pointed out, while Freya had a distinct feeling she knew where this conversation was going. "Have you spoken with the Prince recently?"

"Not really, and it's only been about work."

"Yet you are going to a lot of effort for his birthday considering you are now only colleagues."

"He has not had the chance to celebrate for ten years, so forgive me for wanting to make sure it is enjoyable." Freya snapped, the stress and tiredness of recent weeks catching up with her. "Plus the fact he is royalty does mean I want to make a good impression, especially as I stayed against his wishes."

"Alright, I may have gone a little too far." Astrid acknowledged, for she knew just how sensitive a subject this was for Freya. "I guess I'm just a little confused as to why you decided to stay and yet haven't told him the truth yet."

"Because I am trying to move on." Freya admitted as she put on her scarf. "I thoroughly enjoy my job, which is why I stayed. This is just another part of my role."

"But if you could somehow make him be friends with you again, then this is the chance to do so, isn't it?" Astrid asked, while Freya bowed her head. "I know you miss him. I cannot say I blame you. The one thing I will say is that this is your opportunity to remind him why he should not let you go."

"We should go." Freya replied bluntly, and Astrid just rolled her eyes.

The evening was spent wandering around the Continental market stalls, drinking mulled wine and eating various snacks from the food stalls. Christmas music and children's laughter filled the air, while the rides were all lit up. It looked rather magical, and Freya was happy to see Ragnar and Hilda enjoying themselves. Although it had been a rather long and stressful day, it was nice to have something fun to do at the end of it, and Freya was grateful to her sister for the idea. She felt bad for snapping at Astrid too, for she knew that her sibling only had her best interests at heart.

"Right then, I will see you in the morning. What time will you be heading back?" Astrid said when they returned to the hotel.

"That depends on how easily we can get the last things on the list, but we should aim for midday as there is still much to be done back in New Asgard." Hilda pointed out.

"Then I will see you for breakfast." Astrid smiled. "See you tomorrow."

The next morning found Freya trying to fit as much as possible into her bags and praying that they would not have too much trouble finding the last things on their list. She was somewhat amazed as to how much they had got done yesterday, and was pleased that Thor had allowed them to travel across. She was also grateful that Astrid had been more than willing to help them, and she wondered how she would make it up to her. Sending a message across to Thor to update him about their plans, she frowned as there was a knock on the door, and answered it to find Astrid there.

"Here you are. These should complete your list." She said as she held up a bag. Freya placed it on the bed and was more than a little confused, for she knew that the shops did not open until late on a Sunday.

"But…"

"I had some at home, so you may as well have them. I can get replacements on the way back."

"Thank you Astrid." Freya smiled. "And the other bag?"

"Some treats for you. Your presents are already in the post, but I thought you would appreciate some of the usual Wilkes Christmas staples." At this Freya hugged her sister before taking her out for breakfast.

That had been a few days ago now, and Freya was incredibly grateful to Thor for letting them go away for just two days. They had managed to source most of the supplies they needed, and it had eased Freya's stress levels. It had also been good to spend some time with her sister, for though it was not quite the same as spending Christmas Day with her, it was at least something. Still, Freya was now focusing at the task at hand. The feast on Saturday had gone down well, for everyone had been happy to celebrate Loki's birthday, especially as it was an excuse to get more drunk than usual. However, today was the Prince's actual birthday, and though she felt a little sympathetic to him for having to work on the day, she was glad that he was kept busy, for it allowed her the chance to set everything up. She had been up rather late last night making the cake, and she smiled as she saw it on the table, for it truly did look like Loki's helmet. Thyra had also helped with the catering, and Hilda was more than happy to put up the decorations. Any signs of Yuletide had been taken down or hidden, so as not to take away from the main celebration, and Freya knew that her efforts would not have been in vain. She had done all she could to ensure that Loki would have a good time, and now she just had to hope that it would pay off. Placing the last gift on the table, she waited patiently for the others to arrive and she smiled as she took some photos of the room. No one else apart from Thor, Ragnar and Hilda knew about this plan, and so the rest of the Council were under the impression that this was some form of meeting. The moment they arrived though, they quickly realised what was going on, and once the last person was in, Freya switched the lights off.

"I am certain that whatever this meeting is for, it could be an email. I also do not see why I have to be the one who…" Loki complained as he and Thor wandered inside. Thor instantly reached for the lights, and the Prince was very confused for a moment.

"Surprise!" The others shouted, and Loki smiled widely as he realised what was going on. Freya kept herself out of the way, though she smiled as the Prince saw his cake. Loki's eyes then fell on the chocolate fountain at the end of the table, and his eyes lit up like a child on Christmas morning.

"I thought these were only a myth!" He exclaimed, while Thor chuckled.

"Someone has been paying attention." The King said softly as he stood next to Freya. "It looks amazing in here."

"Thank you. I hope it meets your expectations."

"It surpasses them actually." He smiled. "Where did you find everything?"

"London, and I had help from Thyra and my sister." Freya shrugged. "This is just a taste of what Yuletide will look like too."

"I am looking forward to seeing it." Thor said before wandering off. Freya remained by the side, happy to be a spectator, and hoping that the Prince would not realise just how much effort she had gone to. After all, they were just colleagues, and that was all that they would ever be now. This was something that she was coming to terms with, and so she was happy to remain uncredited for this.

She spent much of the next hour chatting with various members of the Council, but as time wore on, Freya was finding it increasingly difficult to stay. She was very tired from the late night, and she was also struggling to see Loki so happy. It made him look even more handsome than usual, and her heart panged, for she wished to tell him everything. She knew that Astrid and Hilda were right. She should just tell him, for where was the harm in it? And yet she knew that today was not the right time or place to do so. Therefore she waited until the cake had been served before slipping away, hoping to spend the evening preparing for the next few days, and knowing that her presence would not be missed.

"Freya, wait!" A voice called out as she reached the door to the stairs. "Please?" This was softer, and she hesitated, unsure of what to do for the best. She had ran away from him so many times, and yet she was not sure she could do so again. But if she stayed then she ran the risk of confessing everything, and she was not sure she was ready to do that either.

"Sire." She bowed her head as she turned around, and was surprised to find the Prince in front of her. "Forgive me, but I am rather tired and there is still much to be…"

"I will not keep you long. I just wished to thank you." He assured her sincerely.

"I fear your thanks are misdirected, for I had no part in…" She lied, but he just tutted.

"There is no point in denying it Freya. I would recognise your baking anywhere." He explained, and Freya hesitated before relenting., for she knew he could see straight through her lies.

"I am glad you like it." She risked a glance upwards, only to find him completely unguarded, for there was something in the way he looked at her. He was truly happy for once, but part of him seemed a little uncertain, and she briefly wondered if he wanted the same thing she did. After all, the pair had been rather close once, and he had done a lot for her since the attack, while she had always wanted to make sure he was happy here. "Thor mentioned that you have not had many opportunities to celebrate in recent years, and so…"

"I certainly won't forget this one." He admitted softly. "To be perfectly honest with you Freya, I was dreading today. It was always overshadowed by Yule when I was a child, and then recently…" He sighed. "I truly was not expecting such a thing. I have not felt like this in rather a long time."

"I am glad I could make the day a bit better." She said diplomatically, for she was desperately fighting with herself over what to do. Part of her wanted to throw herself into his arms and confess her love, but the sensible part was screaming that she had to get away. It did not help that he was looking remarkably vulnerable, and she just wanted him to be okay.

"You have made me very happy today, Freya, just like you always have done." He told her, meeting her eyes. He truly looked vulnerable for once, and for just one moment, Freya deeply considered pressing her lips to his, while he reached a hand out to brush a curl from her cheek. He let his fingers linger for just a little too long, and she instinctively leaned her head towards it.

"Loki, I…" She began, knowing that now was her moment. There was definitely something unspoken between them, and she could see that he missed her. There was something in the way he was looking at her, and the gentle way he caressed her cheek. This was certainly more than friendship, and yet… Oh how she longed for him to close the gap, for she simply did not have the courage to do so.

"Loki! There you are! Thor is insisting on raising a toast, and we cannot do that without you." Sif interrupted, and Freya silently cursed, for the moment was lost. The Prince bowed his head and sighed, before giving her an apologetic look.

"Duty calls." He said, almost sorrowfully, before he snapped back to his usual self.

"Happy birthday Loki." Freya wished him, before she slipped through the door to the stairs and then sat on one of them, wondering just what on earth was going on. How was she supposed to move on when he kept doing things like this? And would she ever find the courage to tell him the truth?