I'm Warning You
Author's Note: I'm getting a little attached to these little traditions of mortals. Some of them are quite fun.
"We don't have a stocking for Loki," said Pepper. "What should we do?"
"I'll run to the dollar store," said Tony. He looked a little uncomfortable. He was probably doing last minute Christmas shopping there, too. "Be back in half an hour."
"You'd better be," said Pepper. "We're going to all hang up our stockings together and sing a Christmas carol."
I made a mental note to not stand next to Pepper this time.
"What is this stocking ritual that they speak of?" I asked, tugging Sam's sleeve.
"On Christmas Eve you're supposed to hang up a sock on the mantlepiece, and then Santa comes and fills it with stuff as you sleep," said Sam.
"Seriously?" I said, rolling my eyes. "Has anyone ever seen this Santa?"
"Not that I know of."
The Vision just gave me a very long speech about how Santa Claus can't actually exist."
"Well," Sam replied. "I wouldn't risk not getting anything by not hanging up my stocking, anyhow."
"If this is some sort of stupid prank..." I warned. Then I went to my room, pulled out the phone I had sto- borrowed, and googled Christmas stocking santa. Apparently everyone does do this silly ritual! I was rather surprised. Then I found something especially exciting. I smirked. This would be rich.
When Tony came back with my stocking (which looked nothing like a sock, by the way), Pepper got out some cookies and gathered everyone in the living room. We hung our stockings and sang a carol, and then Pepper shooed us to bed.
I waited patiently for an hour, just to make sure everyone would be asleep, and then I snuck back into the family room.
There were all the stockings hung in a row, looking strangely eery in only the glow of the fire and the Christmas tree lights. They were still empty. Santa must be taking his time.
I tiptoed to the first and dropped a switch and charcoal into it. Then I did the same to all the other stockings- skipping my own, of course.
I chuckled gleefully. They would never guess who had done it!
As I turned to go back to my room, though, I had a thought. What if I could hide somewhere and see this Santa creature? I would be the first one of them all to see Santa in real life!
I was even more gleeful now, as I stationed myself behind a very large armchair and prepared to wait out the night.
The next thing I knew, there was a shout, and I awoke with a start.
"Pepper?" I gasped, poking my head over the chair.
Pepper it was indeed, dressed in snowflake pajamas and holding an assortment of candies and knick-knacks. Was Pepper Santa Claus?
"Loki!" she snarled, turning towards me, her face red. "How dare you put switches and charcoal in everyone's stocking?"
"H- how did you gues it was me?" I said, astonished.
"You are so horrible!" she scolded. "I should just not put anything in your stocking! In fact, I shouldn't get you anything for Christmas at all!"
Author's Note: unfortunately I cannot reply to every one right now, but know that I saw your reviews and greatly appreciate them! See you all soon!