Author's Note- Merry Christmas/ Seasons Greetings/ Happy Holidays! Just a brief mention that the song is Frankie Goes to Hollywood- The Power of Love

Many thanks for reading!

"It's Christmaaaassss!" Astrid joyfully announced at six o'clock as she bounded into the room with a large bag of presents slung over her shoulder. Freya just laughed, for she had been awake for a good hour already, and she knew just how excited her family was for Christmas. She had no doubt that her parents would not be too far behind her sister, and she grinned, for it almost felt like a dream to have them here.

"Excited much?" Freya joked as Astrid joined her under the covers, just like she had done when they were children.

"Just a little." Astrid smiled as she reached over and stole a chocolate from the tin next to Freya's bed, before noticing that the television was on. "Muppets Christmas Carol?"

"Well, tis tradition after all." Freya shrugged before pressing play.

Their parents joined them a little before the film ended, and all of them settled down by the tree in their pyjamas before swapping gifts. Freya was truly feeling much more festive, and she was looking forward to showing her family around New Asgard properly considering she had not been able to do so the last time they were here. She was also determined to find the person who had invited them today, for though she was rather annoyed at the secrecy, she was very grateful to be able to celebrate Christmas with her family. Watching Sif play with some of the wrapping paper, Freya then realised that her dress issue might be sorted if she could borrow one from her mum or sister.

"Sorry Frey. I only brought the one with me." Astrid at least looked apologetic.

"What's wrong with the one you got?" Her mother asked.

"Wrong colour. I ordered red but got green instead." Freya explained.

"What's wrong with green? It's always been one of your favourite colours." Her father queried, and Freya sighed.

"And the dress is very pretty." Her mother agreed.

"It just so happens to be the same shade as Loki's green, and so I am unable to wear it."

"Oh…" Astrid paused. "Could you not argue that it is a traditional Midgardian Christmas colour?"

"I sincerely doubt anyone will notice anyway Freya." Her mother assured her. "You say that everything starts at noon?"

"In the old ballroom, yes. Why?" The consultant confirmed.

"We'd best get ready then!" Astrid said, for they had just over an hour to do so.

"I'll meet you there."

It seemed that her mother had been right, for no one had commented on her dress as they gathered. It was nice to see so many happy faces, and Freya stood to one side with her family as everyone exchanged gifts, for she was not expecting anything in return. She had already placed the gifts for the Council with their piles, and she was more than content to soak in the atmosphere, for there was much laughter and happy faces.

"Freya! I'm glad I found you!" Ragnar said as he joined them. "Welcome back." He wished her family.

"What can I do for you Ragnar?" Freya asked, hoping that everything was alright.

"Can I borrow you for a moment?"

"Feel free to steal her." Astrid replied, while Freya rolled her eyes and followed her friend to a small pile of gifts set to one side. Freya looked at the labels and then realised that these were all for her, while Ragnar smiled.

"Merry Christmas Freya." He wished her before disappearing into the crowd. Freya instantly worked her way through the pile, tears threatening to fall as she realised just how much the Asgardians thought of her. Everything had been handcrafted and she was certain that half of the items had been made specifically for her. By the time she had unwrapped everything, she had gained two leather bound books containing Asgard's history and legends in English, a beautifully carved wooden chest, a handwoven throw, and a hamper of food and drink. She grinned as she spotted several bottles of mead, and she could not resist eating some of the biscuits as she tried to figure out how on Earth she was going to get everything back to her room.

"I'll give you a hand." Her mother offered as the room started to empty. "Save you two trips."

"Thanks mum." Freya smiled, before she spotted her father and sister mid-conversation with the King and Prince. "Should I be worried?"

"No." Her mother smiled. "I believe they are thanking them."

"They brought you here?" Freya asked, a little surprised.

"It was the Prince's idea so I am told." Her mother shrugged, and Freya was quiet as she took in this information. Just why would he do such a thing for her considering everything they had been through? And what was he expecting in return?

"It just gets stranger and stranger." Freya sighed as they reached her room. Setting her new possessions on the table, Freya's attention was then caught by a large box sitting on her bed. It was wrapped in purple paper and silver ribbon, but there was no tag to say who it was from. Instead there was a note asking her to wear it for the rest of the day, but she did not recognise the writing.

"Who is it from?" Her mother asked as she stood next to her.

"I have no idea." Freya admitted as she opened it, and her breath caught in her throat for she had never seen something so fine or so beautiful before. Picking up the fabric, she revealed a beautiful Asgardian gown made of teal velvet, complete with matching shoes and cloak, all of which had been embellished with gold motifs of dragons. It was very similar to the one she had worn on Asgard, but it also reminded her of her favourite Disney Princess, and she wondered just who had gone to so much effort for her.

"That is stunning!" Her mother said as she admired the gown, while Freya was speechless. "Aren't you going to try it on?"

"I'll need a hand." Freya said after a moment, before spotting a necklace hidden at the bottom of the box. "I truly have no idea who this is from."

"Don't you?" Her mother asked as Freya proceeded to get changed. The gown fitted perfectly, and as she admired herself in the mirror, Freya realised that she looked every bit a Princess. She had always dreamed of owning a gown like this, and she could not help but smile as she wrapped the cloak around her shoulders.

"I'm just missing a bow now." Freya joked, while her mum helped her with the necklace.

"Someone has truly spoilt you today."

"I never realised just how much I meant to them." She admitted, feeling incredibly overwhelmed.

They returned to the festivities just in time for the play, and Freya could not help but laugh as she watched the actors pretend to be Thor and Loki while they acted out the events of the past year. After that, everyone gathered for the feast, and Freya smiled as the Yule log burned in the hearth, while the trees had been topped up with Thyra's biscuits and music filled the air. Taking her seat, Freya was also glad to see that her family was not too far away, and she smiled as Ragnar and Hilda spoke to them.

"Today has been quite the success." Thor commented as he walked past her.

"I am glad you think so." Freya smiled. "Thank you, by the way. It was quite the surprise to find my family here."

"You're welcome."

"What changed your mind?" Thor did not answer, though he glanced in Loki's direction.

"But…why?" She asked, feeling even more confused now that it had been confirmed.

"You would have to ask him." Thor shrugged before taking his seat. The hall instantly fell silent as the God of Thunder gave a speech about the last year and how far they had come, both literally and metaphorically, and his hopes for the future. A toast was raised for the fallen and for New Asgard, before the feast officially began. Freya grinned as she helped herself to familiar and unfamiliar dishes, and washed it all down with wine. She ate until she was stuffed, and once the tables were cleared and pushed aside, the dancing began. The musicians struck up some livelier tunes, and Freya knew she would need a few minutes before joining in.

"What are your plans for tomorrow?" Astrid asked as they stood to one side.

"Sleep, then there's more celebrations in the evening."

"So we can finally have that girly day we were meant to have before Thor stole you away?"

"Sure." The siblings grinned before Freya felt a tap on her shoulder and found Hilda wanting to dance. Unable to refuse, Freya stepped onto the dancefloor and very quickly got the hang of dancing in a full-length gown.

After dancing a few rounds with Hilda and Ragnar, Freya was starting to feel rather warm, and she knew she had definitely drunk too much. Slipping away between songs, she stepped onto the balcony and savoured the feeling of the cold night air on her face. She then stepped forwards as she realised that the sky was ablaze with the Northern Lights, and she felt tears in her eyes for never had she seen such a spectacle. Waves of green and purple danced across the sky, and she could not help but try to pick out shapes in among them. Dragons swooped and pegasi pranced in the air, while foxes frolicked and a phoenix rose from the ground. It was truly beautiful, and Freya knew that this could not be completely natural. Her suspicions were confirmed as she turned to find the Prince standing beside her, his hands glowing a golden colour, and though she should be annoyed with him, she was tremendously grateful.

"There are many legends attached to the Northern Lights, but my favourite has to be that of the firefox. The creature moves so quickly that it leaves only a trail of snow and light." She told him conversationally, hoping that he meant what he had said last night about starting again.

"They are truly beautiful." He agreed, and the pair watched in silence for a few moments.

"I should say thank you." She said after a moment, unable to remain in close proximity to him without saying something. "I know you are responsible for bringing my family here, and this dress is… It's perfect. I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"Seeing you happy is payment enough." He told her honestly, and Freya's heart melted at this. He looked remarkably handsome in the evening light, and she was reminded of the day of the beach trip. She so desperately wished that they could be friends again, but so much had changed between them, and she had no idea if either of them would be able to move forwards. She had tried so hard to get over him too, but she was beginning to realise that the only way to do so would be to leave, and she did not wish to do that. Try as she might, she was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.

"Though you could start by giving me a dance." He said after a moment as he offered his hand, while Freya looked at him curiously. More than anything she wanted to take it and dance with him, but she knew that she would never let go. Her heart yearned to feel his arms around her, and oh how she longed to be with him. That is why she dared not take his offer, and yet… Yet if she left now, she knew she would always regret it, and she had too many regrets already.

"Freya?" He prompted, frowning as he saw the sorrow in her eyes. "I assure you that there are no tricks here. I ask only for one dance." Against her better judgement, Freya took his hand. Loki smiled as he wrapped an arm around her waist before pulling her close, and Freya instinctively rested her head on his chest. Her body screamed at just how natural this was, and that they surely belonged together. Then she heard the first bars of the music, and she melted, for it was her favourite song. She could not help but sing along with it as they waltzed on the balcony, and she was so entranced that she barely noticed him joining in.

The pair were oblivious to everything else at that moment as they danced with the Northern Lights as their backdrop. Their quarrels were all but forgotten, and there was nothing else that mattered other than each other. Their guards were down completely, and Freya knew that she never wanted this to end. She savoured the feeling of his arms around her as he held her close, and she was determined to enjoy every second of it, for she had no idea if they would ever get this moment again. She felt safe and secure in his embrace, and more than anything she wished he was hers completely. She had fought with her heart for far too long, and now that they were alone, she wanted nothing more than to confess everything to him, especially as this was such a romantic setting. Yet she was unsure that she would be able to deal with the heartache that would follow if he rejected her.

It was then that she realised he was singing, and for one moment she wished that he meant the words. What she would give to hear him say those three words to her… Lord knew that she was close to speaking them herself. She poured her heart into the song, knowing that he would be unable to tell if she was merely singing or confessing, but as the song reached its crescendo, their eyes met, and nothing else mattered but him.

There was something in the way he looked at her, and for a fraction of a moment, Freya almost believed that he meant it. She wished he meant it. She had done nothing but dream of it for the past few months, and it was clear to her that something had motivated him to do this. He had ensured she spent Christmas with her family and that she had a gown she had always wished for, and yet had not taken the credit for it. Before that, he had risked his freedom and New Asgard to save her, even though she was only a mortal girl. There had to be something more to all of this…

But the song came to an end, and Freya was almost disappointed, yet he did not relinquish his grasp on her. It was as if the events of the last few months had never happened, and Freya gave a sad smile as tears fell down her cheeks. She dearly wished that this moment would last forever, and yet she knew that it would have to end.

"Freya, I…" Loki began, before noticing her tears. He tenderly wiped them away, and she looked at him with eyes full of sorrow. Loki's heart panged, for he had never seen her look so vulnerable, and yet… Yet he did not want to let her go, for he too did not want this moment to end. "I am sorry I have upset you. That was never my intention."

"You are not to blame." She told him softly, smiling slightly as she felt his hand on her cheek.

"But you are crying."

"Because this is like a dream." She whispered, while he bowed his head.

"It is as real as you or I." He told her gently. "Freya, I came out here to speak with you. There are things that need to be said and I…" Freya's heart was racing at this, and she so desperately wanted him to kiss her.

"Loki, I…" She began, while he looked hopeful. "I don't…" She faltered, for she had no wish to reject him, but she was not sure how much longer she could stay like this. "I…" He was playing with her hair now, and she was losing herself in his eyes.

"You have always looked out for me Freya. Why is that?" He asked after a moment, and Freya knew there was no way out of this.

"Because you are a friend."

"It is more than that." She did not respond, though her silence was enough of an answer. "Then why do you not admit it?"

"Because I…" She faltered as she tore her gaze from him. "How can I? I do not even know myself if…"

"You do not trust me?"

"I trust you with my life Loki, but matters of the heart are far more difficult to bear…" Loki saw the sorrow in her eyes, and he had no wish to ruin her evening. He knew then that he would have to find another opportunity to talk with her, although he still had one last trick up his sleeve.

"You are not ready to talk, are you?" she shook her head.

"We have barely even regained our friendship, so please forgive me for not wanting to risk it."

"Then I will let you go." She gave him a grateful smile, but this soon turned into a frown as he remained between her and the door. He just pointed upwards, and Freya silently cursed at the innocent plant. Loki had her trapped, but she was not willing to let him win.

"Really?" Freya asked, unimpressed.

"It is a Midgardian tradition, is it not?" She just sighed and gave him a quick peck on the cheek, wanting nothing more than to get away, but Loki did not budge.

"Loki…" She warned, but he just tutted.

"Surely that is not how it is done?"

"Since when were you an expert in Midgardian traditions?" She asked, somewhat exasperated by his stunt.

"Well, if you are going to kiss someone, then you may as well do it properly."

"And I have no doubt that you are well practised in that." She told him snarkily, while he chuckled. She knew that she should just go past him, but she was aware that she would never get this opportunity again. Now was also the chance to find out if he felt the same for her, and so she relented.

"Fine." She told him, portraying annoyance when she was in fact elated. She reached her hand up to his cheek and tenderly caressed it, before pressing her lips to his. She had only meant for a quick kiss, but the taste of him was addictive, and all of her longing and heartache was poured into it. Never before had she kissed anyone so passionately, and it was as if he was the only one she could ever need. She felt his hand cradle her neck as he kissed her back with the same intensity, and she let out an involuntary moan of pleasure.

This was everything she had ever wanted, and yet… Yet she could not trust that this was not merely some trick. Needing some air, she broke off, and was surprised to see Loki looking truly vulnerable and stunned at the same time. As much as she had no wish to leave, she knew that she could not stay any longer without confessing her love to him, and the day had been too perfect to risk rejection. Without hesitation, she stepped past him and headed to the door, but she faltered as she reached it. Could she really do this? But she knew that she would never have this moment again, and she could not deal with a broken heart. Not today. Not when it had been so perfect.

"Freya, please…" He whispered, but it was too late, for she was already gone.