Hello all! I'm back! Here's another chapter for you! I hope you enjoy~ Work's a little crazy right now but I'll do my best to get a new chapter out soon. But for now...enjoy! Love you all. :D

Disclaimer: Does not own Marvel Universe

Warning: Language (this one's pretty tame though)

Comments/critiques are welcomed!

"Thor, stop packing things you've picked up off the floor!" Frigga pulls a pair of jeans from his suitcase, Thor sitting up and taking off his headphones. "If something's dirty, tell me, and I'll wash it! Eugh-" she makes a face, holding them out at arm's length. "Why are they sticky?"

"Jane and I went to IHOP for pancakes."

Frigga rolls her eyes. "Well…anything dirty needs to go in a laundry basket and carried to the laundry room. Understand, mister? That means get off your ass and move it! Let's go! Our plane leaves in a few hours which means we need to be at the airport at least an hour before our plane boards!"

"Yes, okay, I got it, mum-"

"Don't get fresh with me! Up!"

She sighs, mumbling to herself as she walks back down the hall to her room.

Loki could hear them through his closed door. He wasn't sure when he'd gotten to his room but he'd been sleeping there ever since. Frigga came in from time to time and she'd left him his favorite breakfast—a cheese omelet with chives and peppers, hash browns, two slices of bacon, and black tea—and brought him refills for his tea but she didn't linger very long. Loki told himself it was because she was busy packing but the irrational side of him knew she didn't know what to say. He'd insulted, upset, and scared her beyond all comprehension…Loki wouldn't know what to say to him either. He sighs, pulling his blankets and pillows closer to him and curling up. Twelve hours sleep and he still felt exhausted…

Then again he had gotten into two intense verbal arguments in the past twenty four hours.

Frigga knocks lightly on his door. She peeks in at him with a soft smile. Loki lifts his head slightly to acknowledge her, settling back down in his pillows. Frigga steps inside and closes the door behind her. She sets a mug on his nightstand, picking up the old one and sitting down on the chair she'd placed beside his bed, touching his forehead gently.

"Feeling any better?"

He hums, pulling the blankets up over his nose. She sighs.

"Well…you don't have any sign of fever. That's a good thing." Frigga smiles, Loki looking away. "Baby…I know that—you have a hard time getting out your emotions lately. They boil over into everything else and it gets confusing. But you can't run away every time things get rough. I know that—Thor shouldn't have hit you…but-"

"I shouldn't have gotten upset…I know…"

"No, no," she bites her lip, stroking his hair. "You have every right to be upset with me if you feel as though I'm acting unfairly. I shouldn't have gone in your room without your permission. Or at least without your knowledge. I should've let my intentions known and had a civilized conversation with you. Instead I didn't act like an adult and I apologize for that." Loki hums and closes his eyes, Frigga petting his hair slowly. He felt as though he could fall asleep again. "I—do need to ask your permission for something important though…" He partially reopens his eyes. "Well, I'd—I'd like to speak with someone—a counselor—and before you make a fuss about it this is for both our benefits, more so mine than yours. You would not be required to attend any of the sessions…it's just to help me help you."

Loki hesitates. He sits up slightly and reaches for his tea. "I don't have to go with you?"

"Not unless you want to, my love."

Frigga picks up the mug and hands it to him, rubbing his side. He hands it back to her when he's done and settles back down into his nest with a sigh. She bites her lip. Loki hums when Frigga rubs his back. He could fall asleep again with her loving on him like this. Loki couldn't remember the last time he felt this relaxed with her in the room. He yawns and curls up under his blankets, Frigga drawing her hand away as he settles himself. She had something else that was hesitating on the tip of her tongue but unless she got it out Loki was just going to sleep for a few more hours. Frigga chews her lip, reaching out to rest her hand on his hair.

"You'd prefer if—you didn't go to London…wouldn't you?"

He hums. "You don't want the family asking about my nose?"

She sighs, attempting to hide her smile. "No, love, that's not why…I know you feel—uncomfortable while we're there and you seem a bit raw from everything that's happened so far this year. If you would rather watch the house or make other arrangements I'd be alright with that…but don't think I'm trying to get rid of you. You know I'd prefer we all stay together for Christmas but I don't want you to be the only one having a miserable holiday." Loki buries his face into his pillows and makes a small noise. Frigga furrows her brow. "Loki?"

"You—don't mind if I stay here?" he mumbles. Loki sits up to wipe his face, Frigga smiling softly and pulling him into a hug. She kisses his face, drying his eyes with her sleeve.

"If you want to stay behind I won't argue with you." She kisses his forehead and runs her hands over his hair. "I'll even see if we can get back early to have our own Christmas, okay?"

Loki nods, giving her a small smile. "Okay."

"Good." The doorbell rings, Frigga lifting her head and sighing. She hands Loki his tea and stands. "I swear…if your brother invited anyone over today I'm going to skin him alive…" Loki sets his tea aside and lays back down, Frigga tucking him in. She collects his empty mugs and plates and opens the door. "I'll be right back to check on you, love. Are you hungry?" Loki shakes his head. "Alright."

She closes his door behind her.

Not going to London? Loki felt like he hadn't woken up yet. In fact if he was dreaming he was going to scream if he woke up in the mad house overseas. He pulls some of his pillows around him to rearrange and curl into them, sighing. Being alone for the holidays wasn't ideal but he did prefer it over the alternative. And having their own little family Christmas meant Loki would only have to deal with Odin which he could handle. The old man didn't talk to him much anyways. Loki may have to go shopping though…he couldn't remember if he'd gotten presents or not.

"Sorry, I know you're busy packing. I wanted to go ahead and drop these off though."

Loki flushes at the sound of Steve's voice. He pulls his blankets up over his nose and buries as much of himself as he can into his bed.

"Well, it's so nice of you to come by to check on him…" Frigga coos, knocking on Loki's door. "I've kept him in bed all day to avoid any kind of fever but he seems to be doing alright." She opens the door a crack to stick her head in and smile at him. "Loki, sweetie, Steven's here. He wanted to see how you were doing."

"I don't want any visitors…" he mumbles inaudibly into his blankets. Loki was sure he looked terrible and their last date hadn't ended on a happy note at all.

Frigga shakes her head. "I don't know what he said…you can go in, I'm sure he's grumpy because I woke him. Would you like something to drink, Steven? I can warm up some hot chocolate if you'd like, I'm sure both my boys would enjoy that."

Steve steps into the room and smiles politely at her. "No, thank you. I won't be here very long, I just wanted to drop off these presents and then I have to get ready to ship out myself."

"Just let me know," Frigga smiles, disappearing back into the hallway.

Loki watches as Steve looks around his room with that irritatingly half-smile of his. He eyeballs the two wrapped packages in his arms, looking away when Steve catches his eye. Steve steps hesitantly towards him. "May—may I sit down?" He motions towards the chair Frigga had been using.

"If you must," Loki replies bitterly, cringing at the face Steve makes.

"You can say no if you don't want me to. I'm not here to point fingers, babe, I wanted to check and see how you were doing. I was worried about you-"

"Hey, Steve, what's up?" Thor grins, leaning in the doorway. He pulls his headphones off and holds out his fist, Steve bumping it with his. Loki glares daggers at his brother but instead of reprimanding him he rolls over, hiding his face from the pair of them.

"I was just uhh—dropping these off," he motions towards the gifts in his arms. "Checking on your brother…"

Thor's face falls just slightly, pulling into a smile. "Yeah, yeah…Loki uhh—well, right now he's acting as if he doesn't appreciate it but he does, don't let him fool you."

"Shut up," Loki snaps.

His brother laughs awkwardly, scratching his nose. The three of them settle into an uncomfortable silence. Steve shifts the parcels in his arms and Thor's eyes catch on them. They share a smile. Thor clears his throat and grins. "One of those better be for me. You know I'll kick your ass if you got my mother and dopey brother something and not me."

Steve laughs, setting the presents down in the chair. Loki shifts slightly to watch Steve hand Thor one of the gifts. "I'd never forget you, man, you're my right hand!" Thor laughs and tears into the present, Loki rolling his eyes.

"Shit, man! All three Bioshock? You're awesome, Steven, thank you…"

"No problem-"

"THOR ODINSON!" All three of them jump at Frigga screaming up at her eldest. "The bottom of the stairs is NOT the laundry room! Now you get down here and help me with this laundry or so help me I'll make you share a bedroom with your cousins!"

Thor pales and practically sprints out of the room. "Mum, don't even joke about that it's not funny…"

Loki sighs. He watches Steve tentatively as he picks up the remaining presents and sits down in the chair, placing them on his lap. Steve continues looking around the room. Loki suddenly becomes self-conscious at the state of it. It could be a lot cleaner than it was. He makes a small noise when Steve's eyes rest on him, pulling his blankets up to hide his face again. Steve laughs shyly and looks away.

Neither of them wanted to say it…they had things to talk about. Loki could sense it, he knew it, he just didn't want to. But it was becoming apparent that in order for him to keep Steve wrapped around his little finger like he wanted he had to play by the rules of a normal, healthy, not-emotionally-scarring-or-manipulative relationship. He'd have to play by Steve's rules. Loki didn't like rules though…but he seemed to like Steve (for some reason) and he liked the way Steve kissed his neck. It didn't tickle or irritate him—it felt nice.

Steve mumbles something, Loki pulling his head out from under the blankets just slightly. "Hmm?"

"Oh, I—I don't think I've ever been in your room before," he blushes. "Kind of exciting…"

"Hmm."

He bites his lip and stares at the box in his lap. "Are you-? Uhh…is there a reason you're hiding from me?" Steve smiles lightly. "I'm not mad anymore, babe…are you—mad at me?"

Loki bites his tongue to keep from snapping. He pushes his blankets down to his chest and sighs, resting his arms on his stomach. "No…I'm not mad…" Loki turns his head away when he catches Steve staring. He was sure he looked awful…two black eyes, busted up nose… "I just—didn't want you to see me like this…I look awful."

"Babe, you look fine," Steve smiles, reaching out for one of his hands. "Better than last night to be honest…are you feeling alright?"

"I'm fine…"

Steve gives his hand a squeeze. "You don't have to act tough for me if you don't want…it's okay to feel a little raw about everything…"

He closes his eyes. "I'm fine, Steve…just tired."

They sit in silence. Steve drums his fingers on the box in his lap and continues looking around the room with a pleasant little smile on his face. Loki pushes himself up to look around. His room wasn't much to look at…posters, maps, pictures, bookshelves and knick-knacks…nothing special. Then again Steve's home-life didn't exactly scream freewill. Loki sort of imagined his room to be bland but full of surprises…kind of like Steve.

"You really like my room."

He laughs, flushing and averting his eyes. "It's—like seeing another part of you I guess. I didn't know you had so many maps. What do the pins mean? Places you've been? Or places you want to go?"

"Red are for places I want to go and black are for places I've been."

"Do you want to travel after high school?"

"I'd like to…" Loki reaches for his tea, taking a sip. "There are too many places in the world most people don't get to experience. I think it makes them a little humbler."

Steve hums. "I'd—I'd like to travel. Someday…but I'm afraid if I don't get into school right after high school I'll never get anywhere."

"What do you want to do in school?"

He hesitates, looking down. "I don't know," Steve mumbles. Loki chuckles, shaking his head. He takes another sip of his tea and sets it aside. Truth be told Loki didn't really know what he wanted to do after high school either. But he preferred the idea of travelling over more school. "Oh!" Loki blinks, turning his attention back to Steve. "I uhh—I got you a present." Steve smiles, setting it in Loki's lap. "I really didn't know what to get you…but I hope you like it."

Loki stares skeptically at the brightly colored box in his lap. He looks up at Steve's eager face and forces a smile. Loki hadn't gotten him anything in return…at least not yet… He figured an Amazon gift card would be like spitting on him and telling him he thought his SuperCuts haircut was stupid. He did but he wasn't going to actually tell him that. Not yet anyways. When it gets too long Loki was going to have to step in and offer to cut it. He'd been cutting Thor's hair for years and he didn't look completely stupid. At least his hair didn't. Loki slowly pulls the paper away from the box, Steve's hands twitching from their place on his knees. He tosses the paper aside and looks at the box in his lap, Loki furrowing his brow and just…looking at it. He didn't know what it was. The writing was in Arabic and the picture looked like a glowing orb with holes in it. Kind of like one of those cheap disco balls that plugged into the wall.

His confusion seemed to be sensed. Steve smiles and leans forward, twiddling his thumbs. "It's a planetarium…you know, for home. I remembered watching you paint those constellations and I wondered how hard it must be to find good references especially since we live so close to the city. This will project constellations all over your room…or wherever."

Steve watches him with anticipation, Loki looking at him and back down at the box in his lap. He had to give Steve some credit…it was creative. Loki smiles and sets the box aside. "Thank you…"

"You don't like it…"

"No, it's—it's not that…" Loki sighs. He runs a hand through his hair. "I—I acted like an ass…so I guess I'm just surprised to see you here…"

"Yeah…you did, but—I was sort of at fault too," Steve furrows his brow. "I just wasn't sure if it was okay for us to talk about it now…you—well you had a rough night…I don't want to stress you out." Loki stares blankly at him. Steve sighs and scratches his head, his words choking up a bit. "Well…I guess if you're insisting-"

"I apologize for riding off with someone else. It was immature and not the appropriate reaction." Loki frowns when Steve gives him a look. "What? I have apologized for what I did wrong. Why are you upset?"

"I'm upset because that's not what the problem was…"

"The problem wasn't me getting into the back of a stranger's car?"

"Not—no, that wasn't the main problem."

"Main?" Loki snorts. "There were multiple?"

"Yes, Loki," Steve sighs, rubbing a hand on his face. "There were multiple problems with what happened. You—exploded at me out of nowhere and I honestly don't know where it came from."

Loki scowls. "Really? You have no idea where it came from?" He laughs bitterly and leans back against the headboard. "I'm of main interest until Romanoff beckons for attention. Then I'm the bad guy for getting upset-"

"She doesn't ask for my time unless she truly needs it. And I apologized for cancelling our plans, Loki. I would've understood you still being mad at me but your reaction was uncalled for-"

"Romanoff hates me," Loki sneers. "If she knew we were spending as much time together as we are she'd manipulate you every which way to keep you from getting anywhere near me."

Steve shakes his head. "It's none of her business if we spend time together, Loki. She's my friend but when it comes down to it you're my boyfriend. If I want you to be my boyfriend and if you want to be mine then she can't do anything about us dating. Natasha doesn't control me." Loki clicks his tongue, turning away. Steve sighs. "But I also shouldn't doubt you. It's unfair of me and—insensitive. I should trust that you're just as much in this relationship as I am. I guess…it's hard to see you actually liking me. You're so interesting and you stick so far out of the crowd and I just blend in with everyone else. Sometimes I have to ask myself why you like spending so much time with me-"

"Stop it!" Loki's eyes flash and he bares his teeth as he swats at Steve, barely hitting his shoulder. Steve draws back slightly to furrow his brow. "Stop saying that! You keep comparing yourself to me when you shouldn't and I hate it! If you're skeptical about my intentions fine, but I don't need you belittling yourself. I should be the one worrying about you losing interest in me and not the other way around." He wipes away the fat tears starting to well up in his eyes and snarls. His body was too exhausted to keep up his facades. "Dammit…" he sniffles, glancing at Steve. "Quit looking at me like that…why do you think I'm so worried about your skepticisms? They'll tell you something you weren't ready to know and I-"

He makes a noise when Steve grabs his face to kiss him, twining his fingers in his hair. Loki closes his eyes with a small sigh. Steve runs his fingers gently through Loki's hair as he pulls away, brushing his thumb over his cheek.

"I guess we're both being stupid…" Steve hums, smiling. "You for believing anyone could say anything to me that would make me doubt my feelings for you and me for believing you have doubts about me." He brushes some hair from Loki's face. "But you can't make a spectacle every time we fight, okay? You had me worried sick that something would happen and I wouldn't be there to do anything…"

"Tch," Loki snorts. "I can take care of myself."

Steve smirks. "Yeah…I know."

Loki clears his throat, sitting back against his pillows and chewing his lip. He faces Steve but doesn't look at him. "So…are we okay?"

"Yeah," Steve smiles, taking his hand. Loki glances up at his face. "We're okay."

"Hot chocolate!" Frigga announces, Steve and Loki quickly pulling away from one another. She didn't seem to notice. "Steven—are you lactose intolerant? I couldn't remember…" Frigga hands him a mug with a smile. "If you don't like it with the water I'll be happy to make you another."

"You didn't have to-"

"Nonsense!" she chirps, handing a mug to Loki. "You're our guest and you always look as if you could use the calories." Frigga giggles to herself. "Not that you do now…but I'll always remember that scrawny little thing Thor brought home from his first day of school." Loki rolls his eyes. "Anywho—what are you boys talking about up here?"

"Steve got me a planetarium."

Steve blinks. It seemed as if Loki had that answer already prepared in his mind.

Frigga sits down on the corner of the bed and Loki hands her the box. She looks it over and smiles. "Ohh how thoughtful…" She gives Steve's knee a pat. "Loki loves astronomy. I'm sure this will be much nicer than having to wait to go upstate for the summer, hmm? It's so hard to find a good stargazing spot this close to the city." She sets the box down and hums. "Steven, is your family located more rural or urban?"

"We're more in the boonies actually…" he laughs shyly. "More trees than buildings…not that I'm complaining. We get a little noisy during the holidays."

She snorts. "I'm sure. I have two older sisters and both their children are the same age as mine, and I had Thor at seventeen. And then I have two cousins both with boys. We always have Christmas in London otherwise here we'd all be arrested for disturbing the peace. That and we're European." She laughs to herself. "Worse! We're Nordics so we drink heavy like our ancestors.

Loki rolls his eyes. "Calm it down, Frigga." Frigga smiles at him and pinches his cheek. He scowls.

"Hey, uhh—mum?!"

"Yes, Thor?"

"Could you help me? I don't…I don't know what to do with this now…"

She sighs, shaking her head. "At least one of my boys can do his own laundry. Thor's lucky he has girls lining up to do anything for him."

"I don't know…Jane seems to keep him in line," Steve chuckles.

"Yes, I suppose that's true," Frigga smiles, ruffling his hair. "Well, I'll leave you boys to it then. Have to help the eldest get all the syrup of his clothes…"

"A-actually," Steve stutters, clearing his throat. "I was just on my way out." Loki frowns and looks away. "I uhh—I h-have to get packing. My mom already left this morning but she'll interrogate me on why it took me so long to catch up…" He laughs dryly and stands.

Frigga however makes a face. "She couldn't wait to leave until you were up and ready? You were up all night, poor thing, you couldn't control that."

"Oh, no, no, she just—she wanted to get their early to help out with the cleaning. My health problems, you know, she still worries I guess…"

Loki bites his lip from making any comment.

"Well…I hope you have a Happy Christmas then. And I suppose I'll see you out downstairs…but I'll let you two say your goodbyes. Loki's actually thinking of staying behind to watch the house this year. I figured it'd be a little less stressful of an environment."

She collects Loki's empty mugs and takes her leave.

Steve shifts uncomfortably next to the bed. He opens his mouth as if he wanted to say something, Loki looking up at him attentively, but changes his mind. Instead he sits back down. Loki squirms around on the bed to lie back down and arranges his pillows so that he could lie comfortably on his side, facing Steve. He glances up when Steve clears his throat.

"So you—you'll be staying here for Christmas then?"

"Yes. That's what I'm planning at least."

"Oh…" Steve bites his lip.

Loki rather despised these uncomfortable silences but only because he knew Steve had something he wanted to say. Whatever it was though it wasn't going to change his thoughts on spending a nice holiday alone. That's all he ever wanted. To be alone. That way he could read wherever he wanted, wear whatever he wanted, and do whatever he wanted. Nobody would be around to tell him otherwise.

"Won't you be lonely?"

There was a slight twinge in his stomach from the face Steven was making. Loki thought of it as being alone, not lonely. Why would he be lonely? Alone didn't necessarily mean that. But…not having someone he enjoyed spending time with at his beck and call could prove to be a little lonesome. Going without Steve for a few days could prove lonely…

"Not at all," Loki was choking out words before he even knew what they were. "Darcy's flight to New Mexico was cancelled so she'll be staying until the day after the 25th. I'll probably just spend it with her and her cousin."

"Oh," Steve's face seemed to light up a bit more at that. He gives Loki a small smile. "Well…I guess you'll enjoy that better than having to spend it in London, right?"

"Y-yes…it won't be as—formal."

"Good."

"Yeah…"

Steve looks around once more and takes a deep breath. He stands abruptly. Loki pushes himself up onto his elbows. Steve rolls his shoulders and stuffs his hands into his pockets, forcing a cheery smile. "I'm—glad you liked your present."

Loki looks at the box on the edge of his bed and nods. "Yes, thank you."

"Well, then…" Steve pecks Loki's lips in a more awkward fashion than usual, bee-lining for the door. "Merry Christmas."

He leaves Loki now sitting back up in bed, a frown playing at the corners of his mouth. Loki reaches for the planetarium box and looks it over with a sigh. Things shouldn't be feeling this way and he knew it. Getting exactly what he wanted wasn't supposed to feel like some kind of loss. But being alone for the holidays and not having Steve to pass the time with him was threatening to be lonely and Loki didn't like that. He didn't like all these feelings.

"Happy Christmas…" Loki mumbles to himself, lying back down in bed with Steve's present resting on his chest.

Steve pulls around the driveway and puts his truck into park. He stares at the house and mulls things over in his mind, hands still gripping the steering wheel. Everyone else had probably left by now. At least he hoped they had. Otherwise he was just going to embarrass himself.

He knew Loki had lied.

Maybe he hadn't wanted him to worry but Steve couldn't help that. He worried regardless and was going to keep worrying the longer they were involved. And he wasn't about to let Loki spend the next week or so alone. Steve rings the bell. He rocks on his feet patiently. He knew Loki was home. He couldn't drive and he was probably too self-conscious about his discolored nose to go out.

Steve rings the bell again.

"I'm coming, I'm coming…" Loki sighs and opens the door, lowering the ice pack from his nose. "What do you—oh. Steve." He places the pack back on his nose and furrows his brow. "What are you—what are you doing here?"

The words freeze up on his tongue. Steve wasn't sure if it was from the cold or from how cute Loki looked with an ice pack on his face. Loki quirks a brow.

"Steve?"

"Go pack some stuff."

Loki's eyes widen slightly. "Excuse me?" He steps aside for Steve to come in, Steve pacing around the foyer before turning back to face him.

"A bag, something, I want you to come with me."

"What?" Loki laughs dryly. "With you where?" He frowns when Steve ignores him and starts up the stairs towards Loki's room. "Steve? With you where? What are you doing?"

They stop abruptly on the stairs, Steve turning to him. "A bag. I want you to pack a bag, I want you to—I want you to come spend Christmas with me…and my family."

Loki lets out a legitimate laugh, shaking his head. "What? Steve, I'm not going to just-" Steve wraps an arm around Loki's waist and pulls him up to him. He grabs the back of his hair and kisses him, pushing his tongue past his lips to muffle Loki's noises of disapproval. Loki gasps for air when Steve releases him. He frowns, smacking his shoulder. "Stop that!"

"Please? Please, I—I don't want you here alone," Steve smiles, running a hand over his hair. "I know you're not going to Darcy's and I know you're just going to end up sitting around the house or getting into mischief," Loki grins, "but I'd rather you do those things with me. Err—at my house. My grandparents' house. I-"

"You want to spend Christmas with me?" Loki smirks, crossing his arms. "How sentimental, Rogers. But…seeing as how I haven't gotten you a present yet I suppose I can't object to the offer." Steve smiles and pulls Loki up onto the same step, kissing him softly. Loki pecks his lips and brushes the stray hairs from Steve's forehead. He sighs. "Alright…what should I pack?"