Conclusion [Later that Night]

Joe's get together was better than advertised. With Iris at home managing the slow cooking process, his special ham practically melted in everyone's mouths. Patty added a slow cooked scalloped potato dish. The STAR labs folks brought a bottle of Chardonnay and some mulled cider.

In addition Christmas music and a few strategically-placed sprigs of mistletoe ensured a successful festive feel for the gathering. Newly formed couples would retreat for a bit to engage in their own bliss before rejoining the bigger affair. Others pondered their past successes and future blessings.

And overhead the Christmas star beckoned providing guidance to all such acts.

And so the spirit played its role in another yuletide event….

[Patty's Apartment—About 10:00 PM]

Patty pulled into her designated space and leaned back contentedly. It had been a great day overall. Granted she had to work but being around Joe proved easier with each day. Then there was the Christmas get together at his house….

…with included make out sessions with a certain scientist/super hero….

I wish I had known it would be this great! She sighed contentedly before glancing at the floor. What? Don't tell me I left my pan over at Joe's. I'll just have him or Barry bring it in tomorrow. She climbed out of her car and pressed into the starry and frigid evening. As she reached her door, her cell went off. She looked at it and chuckled. "Speak of the devil." She answered it, "Hey!"

"Hey yourself! You have fun tonight?" Barry queried with a light almost playful tone.

"Mmm…yeah. I did. I really did. Thanks!" she replied enthusiastically. "I just realized though…."

"Yeah you forgot your pan. I just washed it. Frankly it misses you already. Imagine that?" he noted mischievously.

She giggled at the notion of a pan with feelings like that. "Oh really? Sure it isn't a certain quick person who's projecting his feelings onto the pan?" she teased while letting herself into the dwelling and flipping on the lights.

"Could be. We could test that theory. Maybe you could make some cocoa?" he suggested hopefully.

"Maybe I can. Just remember we do have work tomorrow," she reminded him smirking as she said it. "See you in a few minutes. Oh and Barry?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

His heart leapt at those words. "Love you too."

She sighed contentedly while setting her purse down on the table. "Figures he wants his cocoa." She smirked while starting some water heating on the stovetop. She set two mugs out on the counter along with the packets in question.

As she did so, an expectant knocking came from the door.

She walked back over to the door and peered through the peephole. Then she opened it to find Barry standing there with the pan in question. His eyes sparkled at her. He practically beamed from the evening's pleasure. "You just can't wait, can you?"

"As you said, we do have work tomorrow. Besides I can't keep my lady waiting, can I?" he supposed.

"Nope. I might need something before I let you in though," she declared mischievously.

"The pan, right?" he teased her.

She rolled her eyes. "Yes that. And maybe something else?"

In response he leaned forward allowing his lips to paint Amor's brush strokes across hers. "How's that?"

"I think I can definitely let you in after that," she cracked while practically tugging him inside and shutting the door behind them. "I've got that cocoa going." She took the pan from him and set it on the counter. "Before we break it…."

"Yeah you don't know what'll happen," he supposed with an air of mischief.

She laughed pleasantly at that particular notion. "No we don't. I suppose though we could just enjoy each other's company." She eyed him in the nondescript jeans and sweatshirt. "I don't suppose you could put the suit on?"

He chuckled before spinning into his outfit sans the mask. "Better?"

She nodded with approval while fixing the cocoa and bringing it over to the couch's table. She sat down on the couch and slapped the cushions beside herself. "Definitely better. Cuddle?"

"Definitely," he agreed while joining her there. "It's been an awesome Christmas."

"I could definitely get used to this," she agreed. "Thanks, Barry, for trusting me."

"Thanks for being there for me," he replied earnestly as they kissed again before settling into each other's embrace. They enjoyed the ambiance, the chocolaty goodness on their tongues and their budding feelings for one another. In such ways did the Christmas magic work for people.

And they think egg nog and mistletoe aren't magic in themselves?

That was only the first such step for our couple but that's a story for another time…..

THE END (for now)

[A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this! I do have ideas for a sequel. Meantime hope you all have a Happy Holiday season, Merry Christmas and a great New Year!]