Loki was readying himself for the trip to his parent's house.
It was Christmas morning, and he had successfully avoided real interaction with Jane Foster all week. In fact, he was so successful, that he had only seen her once, and that was for a fleeting moment as she was leaving the hospital room.
He noted that she seemed to be uncomfortable by his presence.
He was brushing his teeth, ruminating on the situation. Not much to be done, actually. He may be falling in love with her, but she was in love with Thor, and they were to be married. He shook his head as he spat in the sink.
Loki Odinson, falling in love!
He had been so, once, long ago. Well, at least ten years ago now…uni. Time for that sort of rubbish. She had been lovely; bit like Jane, in a way.
But, he suffered a broken heart, and that was that. He honestly didn't think that he needed such things…love and all that nonsense. He had been just fine without it all these years. His parents, true, loved him a bit. Thor…well…he claimed to love him. But to be in love with someone, in a romantic sense? No.
So, how was this to be explained…this, falling in love business?
He couldn't account for it, so he chose to suppress it.
And suppress it, he would. Loki Odinson was indeed quite well versed in emotive suppression. He suppressed his desire to throttle his brother for mucking up Asgard. He suppressed his resentment toward Odin for his obvious favoritism. He suppressed his frustration at Frigga for never putting an end to this ridiculous circus he was forced to witness.
Therefore, suppressing an emotion such as what was to be born in the action of falling in love with his brother's fiancee was likely child's play.
He scoffed as he buttoned up his shirt.
She was a silly creature, he thought…he pulled his pants up.
Rather small, not much to her…he combed back his hair…
…his hair. She had mentioned his hair in the canteen…
Stop it, Loki. How ridiculous he was! Like a schoolgirl, really. Fussing over something as silly as a crush.
No, not a crush. He was too old and refined for crushes. It was…
It was…
A sinking of sorts; a falling, flailing, attempting to stop, unable to fight the impulse nor the gravity. This, Loki believed, had to be love.
He swung his overcoat on and grabbed his largish bag-o-gifts. He wondered what Jane had done for Christmas Eve…he was certain that Frigga had said something to her…
Jane pulled her hair on top of her head and smoothed out her skirt. She was wearing red; she liked herself in red.
It was best that she didn't go to the Odinson's last evening. She really didn't want to risk seeing Loki, and she was afraid the she would tell them everything before she had the chance to give them their presents!
Sure, it was weird that she was holding this present thing as the marker of the end of her charade, but really, it made her feel better.
She was selfish. What about Odin? Frigga? and her mind refused to include Loki in these thoughts…
Jane slipped on her boots and put on her coat. She had the dishwasher and Loki's gift delivered yesterday. The picture was taking up too much space in her apartment, anyway.
And she left, after swallowing her fear and taking a deep, steadying breath.
"It really is too much, Odin!" Frigga was saying as she opened the door to find a beaming, blushing Jane Foster on the other side.
"Don't be silly," he replied, kissing her ear. "You are worth every dime," he smiled. "Ah, Jane. Merry Christmas!"
"Merry Christmas!" and she walked into the house, hugging and kissing them both. "Whadya get, Frigga?"
And Mrs. Odinson showed her the bracelet her husband had gotten her. Aquamarine.
"It's beautiful," Jane breathed, and she smiled at them both.
"Jane dear, there were two enormous parcels delivered here yesterday from you. What have you done?" she led her into the sitting room.
Loki was sitting, sipping eggnog. He saw Jane, his face fell a tick, and he stood hurriedly. "Merry Christmas, Jane."
"Merry Christmas," she replied, and went over to him…she should give him a hug…
Jane swallowed, and blushing terribly, wrapped her arms around his torso.
He felt warm and…a bit tense, actually…but it was wonderful. She thought that she should let go, but it felt so incredible to be holding the person she was in love with, that her heart demanded that she hold on…
Let go this instant, Jane Foster.
"So…" she began, as she pulled away…she noted that Loki had a strange look on his face. "So. Were you here last evening?" and she sat down.
"I was, for a short while," and he followed suit, after clearing his throat.
"Eggnog, Jane?" Frigga was leaving the room.
"Thanks, yes," and she turned toward Loki. "Do anything special?"
"Not really. The usual," he paused. "Did you?"
Damn he looks good…"No. No…I read a while. Wrapped these," she indicated the bag at her side on the floor filled with wrapped gifts.
It is a shame that she is wearing a low-cut red top with matching lipstick. She looks much like a vixen…one who would tear my clothes off and…"Frigga indicated that you had a couple of large packages forwarded here."
"I did, yeah."
"Jane!" Heimdall and Fandral entered the room.
"Hey!" Jane stood and hugged them both.
Blast! She hugs everyone, does she? Stop it, Loki. He swallowed and looked away.
"Jane Foster. What have you done?" Heimdall eyed her suspiciously.
"What…?" her eyes searched his.
"A dishwasher?" he nodded knowingly.
"Oh my god. How do you do that? It's really creepy."
"Heimdall has very odd gifts, Jane," Loki stood. "But you didn't really get Frigga a dishwasher, did you?"
"Well, yeah. But now it's been spoiled. You guys don't really get the whole surprise thing, do you?"
"It isn't my gift, so what does it matter if I am surprised?" Loki asked.
"Well…I mean…" he had a point. She turned to Heimdall. "Do you know what I got for Loki?" she demanded.
"Of course. And you got Fandrall and I sweaters, and a dress for Mary."
"Fuck," Jane could sometimes be indelicate.
But Heimdall laughed. "It's all in good fun, Jane," he came near her and whispered. "And I think Loki will love his artwork," and as he pulled away from her ear, he winked.
"Whatever. My god. You guys suck at this Christmas thing," Jane went into the kitchen.
"That's Sunna again," Fandral was checking his phone. "She'll be here any minute…"
"Go wait for her," Loki said. And when Fandral looked at him quizzically, added, "Come on man, you know that you're dying to."
Fandral smiled, then left.
"You're in love with her," Heimdall said after a moment.
"Excuse me?" Loki finished his eggnog.
"Jane. You love her."
"Don't be absurd."
But the seer smiled. "She is a lovely woman. She would do you well…"
"There is simply no question about how well Jane would 'do me' as you put. She is engaged to Thor."
Heimdall shrugged. "Things change."
"Heimdall, I suggest that you stay clear of the eggnog and wine. You are losing your touch…" Loki attempted to leave.
"Listen to me, Loki…keep an open mind. She is a gift to this family," his palm rested on Loki's chest, halting his movement.
Loki searched his face. "For as much as you see, Heimdall, your memory fails you. Jane Foster is engaged to Thor."
"Thor is in a coma."
"And people call me heartless," once more he attempted to leave.
"Do not, Loki, play the bigger man now. Now, of all times. If you love her, you should tell her."
But he shook his head, laughed, and left the sitting room.
The feast was something. A traditional goose was enjoyed, with all of the trimmings. Jane laughed and talked, she enjoyed every minute of it, right up to the pumpkin pies and the homemade nutella.
"When do they open gifts?" she whispered to Heimdall.
"Nervous that Loki will be washing the dishes?" he whispered back.
"No!" yes. "No…but it'd be a shame to have anyone in the kitchen scrubbing away when…"
"Odin! Leave the dishes! Let's take the wine into the sitting room!" Frigga called out. "Come, Jane. Let's see how you've spoiled us."
Jane blushed and nodded, and followed them all. She sat in the solitary recliner, while Frigga, Loki, and Heimdall sat on the sofa. Odin sat on the chaise lounge, Fandrall, Sunna, and Mary situated themselves on the floor by the tree.
"Alright, then," Jane clapped her hands together. She leaned down and took out the gifts for everyone and handed them 'round.
"Oh Jane!" Frigga exclaimed. "These earrings are just lovely! They go perfectly with the bracelet. Look, Odin…" and she showed off her jewelry while Odin admired his watch.
"Very nice, dearest. Jane, you are too generous."
Jane watched raptly as Fandral, Sunna, and Heimdall all opened things…and enjoyed their reactions in turn.
Frigga laughed as they put on their sweaters. "You do look smart, Fandral. Doesn't he, Sunna?"
"It's a great color," she agreed.
"But Jane…" Frigga began. "What are those two…" she began, looking at the hallway where the last two gifts were stowed.
"Oh…well…" Jane said, but was interrupted.
"Mother, don't we have something for Jane?" Loki looked at his mother knowingly.
"Oh! Yes. Yes we do," and she got up and went to the tree. "Here you are, dear," and she handed Jane two small gifts.
She took them delicately and smiled, swallowed, and placed them in her lap reverently. "Thank you," she whispered.
They all watched.
And waited…
"There you are Jane. Two small wrapped boxes. We Odinson's are not to be outdone in the present department," Loki laughed, in an attempt to make light of the seriousness with which Jane was handling the moment.
"Oh, be quiet, Loki," and Frigga slapped his thigh.
Jane snapped out of it and smiled at them all. "Sorry. I'm just not used to receiving gifts."
"Well, the trick is, is the wrapping paper, see. One cannot know what is inside until one removes it…"
Jane stuck her tongue out at Loki playfully.
He gulped covertly.
And she began to unwrap them. The first was a locket, a silver one, with floral etchings along the circle. "It's beautiful," she declared.
"For you and Thor. To place photos in…we'll have them sized when you decide what to have put inside," Frigga explained.
Jane nodded. "That's very thoughtful."
And she opened the next. It was a photo album. Jane opened it slowly, and discovered pictures of…there…Thor as a toddler…Frigga as a young mother, holding him and laughing…there, Loki, maybe eight? He was balancing on a bannister on some porch…Jane looked up and had tears in her eyes.
"It's us," Frigga said. "We have gotten to know you so well these past few weeks…we wanted to share with you some of our history."
Jane nodded, then looked back at the book. "Wow…" she touched it softly. "I'm…" she looked around her. "You've all been so…nice. No…wonderful. You have been a source of joy and light for me these past weeks. I never knew that a family could be like this. I have found a mother, a father, friends, and a brother…" she quickly looked at Loki, then dropped her eyes. "And no matter what I give you now, it really is nothing in comparison to what you all have given me," with that, Jane got up and went into the hallway.
She stopped in the doorway and looked around. "Um…it would help if you guys followed. They are kinda heavy."
The company all laughed, and Frigga wiped her eyes. "Oh, Jane! You sweet, sweet girl!" and she hugged her soundly.
"So…um…" Jane began, pulling away. "So, this one here," she indicated the large box. "This is for Frigga and Odin. And this tall one is for Loki." She paused. "Well, have at it."
They all looked at the enormous packages. "You'd better open it, Frigga," said Odin.
"Oh, alright," and she went over and tore the paper. "Oh my gosh! Odin! Look! Jane got us a…a dishwasher!"
Jane laughed.
"Well well," and Odin went over to it. "Indeed she did. Stainless steel and everything," he paused. "Heimdall, it looks as though you've got your assignment for the evening."
"I saw that coming," Heimdall rolled his eyes.
"Of course you did," said Loki.
The impressive man looked at him. "Why not open yours, Loki?"
Loki smirked. "Alright…Jane? Is that ok with you?"
"Why wouldn't it be? You can't just leave this here, in their hallway," and she laughed at the thought.
He nodded and went over to it. It was rather big. Loki began to unwrap it…
It was a piece of artwork…
Jane's breath hitched. He didn't like it…
The dark around the periphery was overshadowed by the lustrous light emerging in the center. The picture…
It was him.
Loki swallowed, and then looked at Jane. "You bought this for me?"
"Yes," she said, looking steadily at him. "Do you like it?"
"It's…" and he returned his gaze to the photo.
"It's you, Loki," Frigga whispered.
He looked at Frigga, he shrugged, and offered a weak smile. "Strange how I don't recall posing for it," and he laughed, but his eyes had grown misty, and his gaze once more found Jane's face. Thank you he mouthed, as the others laughed at his joke.
Jane smiled and nodded.
"Well, Heimdall. Help us bring this into the kitchen, will you?" Odin said.
They all went into the kitchen to help hook up the dishwasher, while Jane lagged behind.
Her hands, they were shaking. She would need to come clean…now. Tonight. Jane found herself in front of the window. It had begun to snow, and the swirls of white dust fell in a dance to the street below. She drank deeply, and found the bottle Frigga had carried into the sitting room. She poured herself another glass…and then another…she didn't want to do this.
Tomorrow, she thought. Perhaps tomorrow she could say something. Stop by…and she felt lightheaded, the street lights were glowing through the soft blizzard whirling…
"Jane?"
She turned. "Hey, Loki," she smiled.
"They are having a time out there," he came over to her. "I now see the wisdom in Odin never having purchased one," he downed his wine and poured some more.
"Oh…was it a bad idea?"
"No. It's funny, actually. I've never seen Heimdall lose his patience so much before," he laughed. "It's refreshing to see."
"Oh," and she shrugged. "I was trying to make their lives a bit easier."
"And you shall succeed in that endeavor," he looked at her intently. His gaze fell, and found the outside scene. "You didn't open my gift, Jane…"
"You got me a gift?" she replied, nonplussed. He had taken her unawares.
"Of course," and he went over to the tree. "We are friends, are we not?"
"Yeah," Jane whispered.
He retrieved something and then went over to Jane, handing her a very small box. "Here," and he handed it to her.
Jane took it, and touched it. "I heard…I heard that you need to take the paper off of these things," she said, without looking at him.
"That is advisable."
Jane tore the paper softly, and opened the small box.
In it was a silver ring. It had flowers raised on the center silver piece. She looked at Loki quizzically.
He cleared his throat. "You haven't got an engagement ring. That was our grandmother Odinson's. It's a loaner until Thor obtains a proper one for you."
"Oh my god. Loki…"
"Try it on. I didn't know your size."
Jane slipped it on, and it fit perfectly. She looked up at Loki…"Thank you so much."
He nodded. His eyes fell, then, up again. "Look at that," he said.
Jane looked.
Mistletoe.
Fuck.
But the alcohol had emboldened her…"It's a Christmas tradition…"
"Indeed…it is…" he swallowed…her lips were slightly parted, her eyes on his mouth…she wanted to kiss him…damn it all. Alcohol or no, fiancee be damned. He lowered his face toward her…
Jane's eyes closed.
But it never occurred…he had pulled away…? "Loki?" she opened her eyes and saw Fandral standing in the doorway at the far end of the sitting room. "Hi Fandral," Jane went and sat on the sofa, her head falling back.
Loki went and sat next to her. "Is it hooked up, then, Fandral?"
"Almost. It's trickier than it seems. You coming by tomorrow, Loki?" and Sunna and Fandral put their coats on.
"Yeah…" Jane's head had fallen onto his shoulder. "Ah…yes. Tomorrow."
They all left Loki there with Jane…Jane, who was now asleep.
Loki swallowed.
Her steady breathing was a hum to his bones…it quelled his stress…she had wanted to kiss him, he was certain of it.
It might have been the alcohol, true…
But what if it hadn't been?
Fucking Thor…
And Loki's head fell back, and her face was now in his lap. "You should tell her," Heimdall's voice rang out, piercing the silence.
"Not now, Heimdall."
"Right. Her face is dangerously close to your crotch."
Loki glared at him. "Funny."
"I'm not trying to be funny. But it is plainly obvious that you love her…you aren't even trying to move her…"
"Any warm blooded man would behave in the same exact manner."
He shrugged. "Tell her," and he left.
Loki fell asleep…one hand in her hair, the other on her waist.
"Oh! Oh, Odin!" Frigga was yelling out.
Jane's eyes were trying to open, struggling in their attempt. She was…where was she?
Shit. She was sleeping on Loki. It was morning…
…and…"Odin! Thor's awake!"