#spideychelle christmas

[spideychelleforever]

Around the holidays, Peter fights himself HARD to make sure he doesn’t go near MJ’s family’s apartment. He knows that it’s his best chance at seeing her.. and he hates himself for wanting to try to catch even a glimpse of her. It’s so wrong on so many levels. He knows it, he hates himself for it. He never wants to stalk her or invade her space.

But he misses her. And he wants to see her. Some days he feels really, really weak. And on those days he even goes as far as checking his phone to see the travel time to her family’s apartment.

But he knows better. He never does it, he never goes near her apartment when he figures she’s around. But it just tears him apart nonetheless.

***

Meanwhile, MJ enjoys spending time at home with her family, hanging out with Ned in their old hangout spots, seeing the city again.

But she never feels wholly content. Something feels empty. She longs for something… some days it feels like she longs for someone. But who?

After the holidays, MJ goes back to school with Ned, feeling unsatisfied with how she spent her holiday break for some reason.

And deep down, far from where her enchanted memory can reach… her heart is screaming at her, wounded and punctured, knowing exactly who she is missing.

[queen-daya]

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! I thought this could be fun and we could start a post of what we got for Christmas! So I’ll go first and tag some people. No pressure if you don’t want too!

1. I got lots of candy!

2. I got new hoop earrings and a tshirt of my fave singer (and the group he’s in)

3. I got this green cargo jacket and my first pair of converse shoes

4. I got the Black Dahlia Necklace that MJ gets from Peter and hopefully I’m getting this adorable Spideychelle loungefly! I haven’t been able to get the bag yet but hopefully my mom found it and it’ll be here soon!!!!

Tagging: @accidental-spice @aintinacage @kanerallels @aeterna-auroral-avenger @dragonrider9905 @indoraptorgirlwind @cyphers-and-sunspots @igotthisaccountunderduress @miinsie and anyone else that wants to join in. Again no pressure but I’d love to see what you all got for Christmas if you are willing to share!

[missamyshay]

Happy 1st December from MCU Spidey and his Mayday 💕

[ravagedarkness]

The Secret Santa Dilemma

When the AcaDeca Team plays Secret Santa, Peter ends up pulling Flash's name, much to his chagrin.

Read Here:

[marionluth]

Chapter 3 of the Christmas fic is up and we got some Spideychelle blossoming 😁✨

“Oh. I knew you were moving, but I didn’t realize it was here... or that you used to live in Boston. And, uh, damn. I’m sorry about your parents. I should’ve led with that,” Peter said, heat creeping into his cheeks as he realized he was rambling. “That sucks, doesn’t it?”

She shrugged. “Knowing my parents didn’t give a real crap about each other and seeing my dad cheat on my mom sucked more.”

Yeah, that definitely sucked more , Peter thought with a wince. “Well, welcome to the club, I guess.”

MJ paused in front of the sea-cow skeleton, her fingers brushing the edge of the informational plaque. She tilted her head, studying the text, though her eyes didn’t seem to be focusing on any of it.

“Are you glad you moved here?” Peter asked a few seconds later, hoping he wasn’t too pushy with his questions. There was something about her that made him constantly uncertain of how much was too much.

She shot him a sidelong glance. “Kinda,” she said, tone neutral. “Mom needed the change of scenery, and honestly, so did I. Living in the Boston suburbs isn’t exactly fun when your parents’ divorce and your dad sleeping with the next-door neighbor becomes the juiciest gossip in town.” She turned to him, arms crossed, her expression unreadable and tight. “Here, nobody knows anything. Except you. And if you ever tell anyone, I’ll end you.”

“I won’t,” he said quickly. “You can trust me.” He lifted his camera and snapped a photo before he could think better of it.

MJ blinked, clearly thrown off. “Did you seriously just—”

“I know, I know!” Peter cut in, holding up his hands, the camera still in his hold. “Normally, I’d ask first, but your expression... It was perfect. I can delete it if you want.”

She leaned closer, glancing at the screen, her lips quirking into a faint smirk. “Nah. That’s my ‘I’ll-murder-you’ look. Keep it as a warning.”

[you-guys--are-losers]

Promptsmas Day Three: Shopping!

//Thanks to @spiderman-homecomeme for this lovely challenge! Hope y’all enjoy this one. ;) 

“-And I know I wasn’t supposed to, but I went through my dad’s email to look for shipping confirmations, and guess who’s getting the Ghostbusters Firehouse Lego set this year?” 

Peter knows the answer to Ned’s question, but he takes his sweet time giving it. As they walk down the street, the snow crunches beneath their feet and lights blink from where they are wrapped around the poles of streetlamps. Ned and Peter make sure to stay beneath the awnings of nearby shops as they walk, each clutching at least two bags as they walk. 

The cold breeze forces color into Peter’s cheeks, but he soaks it in as he responds to Ned’s question. “That’s awesome, man! No way we get that done in less than two weeks.” 

A grin stretches across his face at the idea of sitting on his living room floor with energy drinks and May’s slightly charred cookies. There will be no worries about patrol or villains-- just a task and a set of specific goals to complete it, something Peter can control.  

“Yeah, that’s why I’m excited,” Ned speaks up, interrupting Peter’s daydream. “That’s a ton of sleepovers and binge-watching, which is half the fun. We might get done faster with MJ, though.” 

The mention of their best friend causes an unfamiliar tingling sensation in Peter’s stomach. This is true, and Peter knows it... So why does he feel like this? it is only after a few seconds that he realizes that he has forgotten to respond entirely and manages a hasty, “Oh, yeah! Right.” 

They pause for a moment by a snowy pole as Peter brushes past Ned, quickly punching the button in order to activate the sign across the crosswalk. Peter hopes that this gesture is enough to change the subject, but Ned does not give up as easily as Peter had hoped. 

“Did you buy her anything yet?” his best friend prompts, peering at Peter from over a scarf that is a gift from the topic of their conversation-- it has the opening crawl from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back printed on it. Ned pulls this scarf, his favorite, tighter around his neck as he waits for Peter’s reply. 

The reply isn’t coming. 

Peter finds that he can’t answer Ned’s question. He knows that he hasn’t found anything for her. His bag contains a soft, new robe for May and a tacky tie that is patterned with mini Iron-Men for Mr. Stark. A new case for Ned’s laptop is already wrapped beneath his bed at home, meaning that Peter has 75% of his Christmas shopping done. He was supposed to complete it today, but there is one gift conspicuously missing. 

There is nothing in the bag for their tall, brunette friend, and they both know it. 

Peter has had plenty of chances over the course of the day; he could have grabbed her some tea from her favorite shop or maybe one of the new books on her reading list. He almost bought her a new set of calligraphy pens, but that didn’t feel right, either. Peter is at a loss for what to buy MJ, and deep down he knows why.  

Peter doesn’t know what to buy her because his feelings for MJ are confusing. How can he pick the perfect gift for her if he doesn’t even know how he feels? 

Peter’s silence seems to be enough for Ned for a moment, because as they cross the street, the taller boy remains silent. Finally, after a few minutes of this, Ned speaks up. 

“You know it’s fine, right?” 

The words are plain and simple, as if Ned is asking Peter something as simple as the day of the week. Peter’s head turns to face Ned so quickly that he nearly gets whiplash, and his eyes are wide as he struggles to come up with a response to this. 

“What?” 

“You guys. I’m okay with it,” Ned responds firmly, clearly not intending to let Peter get out of this one. 

For a moment, Peter’s mind is a fumbling mess of excuses, and he settles with one of the worst ones. “I don’t know what you’re-” 

“I’m not dumb, man,” Ned interrupts, clearly done with Peter’s attempt to deflect. he is not upset, exactly, but he is far more serious than Peter has seen him for a long time. “I’ve seen it coming for a while. But if I’m gonna have to third-wheel anyone, I’d rather it was her. At least she won’t let you get a big head.” 

A strange relief accompanies those words, and Peter lets out a sigh as he turns to focus his gaze on the path ahead. He is relieved, at the very least, that Ned understands... He is even okay with this. But then, what is ‘this?’ Peter’s head spins as he struggles to define it. 

“I don’t even know, Ned,” he admits, running a hand through his hair to brush the flakes clear of the messy curls. “I have no idea how I feel about any of it, and if I don’t know, she probably doesn’t know either-- and that’s if she likes me at all, which isn’t likely-” 

“Are you an idiot?” Ned’s voice is incredulous as he stops where he is standing, which causes Peter to slowly idle to a halt as well. Peter hesitates, knowing that his face is bright red. He isn’t sure how to handle it as a grin of disbelief stretches across Ned’s face.

“I...” Peter doesn’t know where he’s going, only that Ned somehow seems to know something he doesn’t. Peter clutches the bag in his hand more tightly, which Ned notices. 

“Hey, hey, sorry, man,” he finally says, gently bumping Peter’s side with his arm as they continue on. “I wasn’t trying to make fun of you or anything, it’s just--” 

“Just what?” Peter asks. His heart is hammering in his chest for no reason again, and he isn’t sure exactly what is causing him to feel like he is frozen in anticipation. 

“Just...” Ned seems to process how to say it, his eyes flickering upwards in the way that it does when he needs to sort his thoughts. The lapse in the conversation stretches on until Ned gives up on using fancy words, meeting Peter’s gaze again. “You really, really don’t need to wonder, Peter. She likes you.” 

Peter can’t explain the surge of excitement that rushes over his body, causing every hair on his body to stand up. It’s an unfamiliar sensation, but the only thing that compares is the way that he feels when his spidey senses are tingling. “How do you know? Did she say something, or...”

“Nah,” Ned dismisses, waving one of his arms airily. “But sometimes it’s not about what a girl says, it’s about what she doesn’t say.” Peter’s best friend says this with the sage air of a Jedi master speaking to his young Padawan, and Peter raises an eyebrow.

“What do you know?” 

“Shut up,” Ned responds, grinning. “Anyone with eyes can see that she likes you, and anyone who knows you knows that you like her, too. Maybe it’s new, but you still have a thing for her, and you’re not really smooth.” 

Peter’s eyes shoot open wide, and he finds himself peering over his shoulder as if someone might have heard. Okay, so he’s not the smoothest, but he at least thought that he had this little secret... What would she do if this got to her? 

What if she never wanted to talk to him again? 

“Do you think she knows?” Peter demands.

“No.” 

“How can you be sure?” 

“I’m sure because if there’s one person more oblivious than you, it’s her.” 

“She’s not oblivious, she’s one of the most observant people we know!” 

They both know that this is true. Peter has lost Ned’s train of thought, and what his best friend says next makes even less sense.

“Not about stuff like this.” Ned’s words are heavy and serious again. They are not grim, exactly, but he is clearly not screwing around either. But Peter is at a loss for words and understanding, and it is for this reason that he gestures emphatically as he speaks. 

“What’s ‘stuff like this?’”

Ned stares at Peter quietly, and for a moment, a silence stretches between them. Peter’s skin seems to crawl with a mixture of frustration and impatience, needing to know what Ned is saying, desperate for answers. 

Ned weighs his next words carefully, clearly choosing them to communicate as simply as he can. “I think you know,” Ned murmurs in response, his eyes holding a significant look that almost scares Peter. 

He’s scared because it clicks, because he knows that Ned is right. There is something deeper in his chest than some flutter, a warmth and a pining that isn’t a little crush. Ned has clearly seen it, and now that Peter thinks about it, so has he. 

This feeling rears its head when she smiles unexpectedly, in that slightly wry way that lights up a room. It floods his mind when she answers a particularly difficult decathlon question, and her face holds nothing but triumph because she’s that good, and she knows it. The feeling numbs his thoughts whenever she stands up for herself, for what she believes in, whenever she puts some schoolyard bully like Flash Thompson in his place. Peter feels it when he sees her reading, when he smells the scent of her lemon shampoo, when he catches a glimpse of the little doodles on the corners of her papers. 

He knows this feeling well, and he knows what it is. 

For a few seconds, Peter is quiet. He is thinking, processing, running this newfound revelation over in his mind. Even though he has experienced it before, that does not mean he has ever confronted it like this-- head on. However, after a little while, he finds a new strength to speak up.  

“Okay.” 

It is Ned’s turn to snap immediately to attention, turning to stare down Peter. His eyes are slightly narrowed, filled with a conflicted sort of worry and concern as he attempts to gauge Peter’s reaction. 

“Okay, what?” he asks, pausing in his walk again. Peter pauses, too, and he breathes in and out before continuing.

“Okay, I’m done with this conversation.” 

“But, Peter-” 

“I never said you were wrong,” Peter interrupts his friend. Now, there is a smile growing on his lips, a real and genuine one that he cannot seem to repress anymore. “I just said that I’m done. And I’m done because I have one more present to get.”

Ned understands now, Peter knows. His best friend is smiling, too, with a grin so wide it’s almost unsettling as they stand beneath a striped red awning with their bags in hand. What Ned doesn’t know is that he has given Peter a gift, one that is more valuable than anything else he could ask for this season. 

Ned has given Peter hope, and more than that, he has given him a plan. 

“Now, come on. I have the best idea, and I know exactly what I’m going to get her.” And with that, the two continue to walk down the sidewalk, brushing past a million little people in their brightly-colored jackets, all searching for the little, unexpected revelations that are priceless in their own way. 

[veggiewrapwithhummus]

But Peter, the cookies will burn if we dont-

Who cares about cookies when your in love Em…

[aleckdraws]

Home is where the heart is…

Insta | Twitter

[funnyincorrectmcu]

MJ: I wanna get run over. Peter: Oh come on, it’s Christmas! Get in the spirit! MJ: I wanna get run over by a reindeer. Peter: … Peter: Not what I meant, but I’ll take it!

[queen-daya]

25 Days of Christmas Moodboards

[i-lovethatforme]

jssc snowy season masterlist aka nwh fix its mainly

day one: something snowy and angsty 

oh my darling, i’ve been missing you

day two: PeterMJ fake dating with other people

just tell me when to come

day three: jealous peter

to kill the noise in my head

day four: Peter B Parker gives Peter and MJ some advice

i think i want to marry you

day five: mistletoe kisses

it’s the most wonderful time of the year

day six:  Peter and MJ always end up under the mistletoe. Such a shame they're enemies.

i just don’t know what to do with myself

day seven: kidfic

i saw mummy kissing spider-man w/ @machiavelien​

day eight: tgp au

i get a little lonely every year around this time

day nine: coffee shop fix it

part two: i get a little lonely every year around this time

day ten: first Christmas after nwh 

baby please come home

day eleven: hurt/comfort

i remember when you were here

day twelve: carli’s birthday 

part two: i remember when you were here

day thirteen: identity shenanigans 

i’m in love with all your danger

day fourteen: roommates

all i’ll never know is if you want me

day fifteen: fluffy fix it

i’ve been thinking about you

day sixteen: making up

part two: all i’ll never know is if you want me

day seventeen: semi public sex

part three: all i’ll never know is if you want me

day eighteen: hating game au

i want you to ruin my life

day nineteen: all the i love yous 

part four:  all i’ll never know is if you want me

[spideychelleforever]

So perfect 🥺

fluff you say1!!! 8 xxxxxxx

santa tell me by ariana grande

“Santa, tell me if he really cares

'Cause I can't give it all away if he won't be here

Next year.”

~~~

don’t make me fall in love again (if you won’t be here)

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Michelle casts a brief glance at her mother and nods, a small smile on her face. She can’t help but agree, knowing that New York during the winter—especially during Christmas time—is a sight. The lights, the snow, the trees, it’s all very festive to go with the most wonderful time of the year.

Most wonderful time of the year.

The sentiment is almost funny in a bitter, slightly mocking way, Michelle knowing that she isn’t feeling the same holiday spirit as she had previous years, and for good reason.

“Yeah, it’s really nice,” Michelle says, averting her eyes and crossing her arms as she slinks further back into their apartment. Their portable fireplace is burning and their tree lights are on, but it’s far from warm and bright inside.

“Michelle,” her mother replies, and her tone is gentle yet pitying. “I know everything has been a bit hard, especially lately. Christmas was your guys’ holiday, wasn’t it?”

“I wouldn’t say that,” she responds, rolling her shoulders to try to ease the tension. “I’m okay, honestly, but you should go out. I know you said you had this reservation with your friends tonight.”

“Honey…I’m not going to leave you alone on Christmas Eve.”

Michelle manages an all too brittle laugh, feeling a growing pit in her stomach as she says, “No, really, it’s fine. You guys have had this planned months in advance, way before…before everything happened. Go out and enjoy it.”

It’s hard, knowing she wants her mother to have a good evening despite not being able to have one herself, hard having to celebrate the holidays without all of your loved ones. The memories of their past years together are much too painful to think about right now, let alone to leave the house with.

“Only if you’re sure, Michelle…”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure. Go out. Have a nice time,” Michelle assures her with a shake of her head. “Please.”

Her mother gives her a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, saying, “I know it’s been a difficult year for you, ‘Chelle, and I’m so sorry. But, I’m sure this next one will be much better. I’ll make sure of that.”

Michelle nods, blinking around tears that have sprung out of nowhere, and tries to ignore the fact that this is the first Christmas in years that they’re not celebrating together—that she’ll be baking cookies and watching holiday movies and falling asleep this evening alone.

Christmas really was their holiday.

“Have a good Christmas Eve, Mom,” Michelle tells her, swallowing thickly before retreating back to the living room, a cup of eggnog in hand. She falls back on the couch, wrapping a blanket around herself despite the raging fire.

Being alone in the apartment is something that she’s used to, but never on this day of the year, and it’s a hard pill to swallow.

Michelle rests her head back against the couch, her gaze tracing the shadows that dance across the ceiling. She closes her eyes, silently wishing she could go back and prevent the dominos from toppling, the events that had them into this situation.

As time passes, the apartment grows colder and the fire begins to die out, Michelle feels a chill in the air. She breathes out a breath of frustration and cracks an eye open, the light only getting dimmer.

It’s at that point she notices the apartment window is cracked open.

Cautiously, Michelle places her mug down and approaches the window, a blanket still wrapped around her. It’s snowing and windy, the Christmas lights decorated around the city the only thing visible for a second.

And then, well, a hand comes up against the glass, and all she can do is exhale sharply.

“Michelle,” his voice calls out softly, and she immediately drops the blanket in haste to push the window open further. “Em.”

“Oh, my god. What are you—why are you here?” Michelle asks, feeling her hands shake ever so slightly as he sits on the other side of the wall. She can’t see his face, not with that stupid mask on, but even just hearing his voice has sent her heart into overdrive. “Peter?”

“I couldn’t just break tradition,” Peter tells her and with a watery laugh, he pulls his mask off. Maybe he looks a little older, a little sadder, but there’s nothing about him she doesn’t recognize. “Tell me you didn’t bake anything without me.”

“You aren’t supposed to be here,” she whispers, yet pulls him through the window anyway so that they’re standing face-to-face. “You’re supposed to be in hiding.”

“And yet, you found me stuck outside your window,” he responds with a small smile. “Nothing much has changed, really. A Christmas miracle?”

“You managing to get here without being caught is a Christmas miracle in itself.”

“Man, your faith in me has really dwindled, huh?” Peter jokes, placing a hand over his heart, over her. Fingers tracing down her cheek, it doesn’t take long for him to pull her into his arms.

Michelle squeezes her eyes closed, his hold firm on her, and she manages the words, “Missed you,” against the crook of his neck.

“I missed you, too,” he mutters, voice muffled by her hair. “Enough that I don’t really care if I get in trouble for being here.”

“Pretty irresponsible of you.”

“I’m only irresponsible for you,” Peter teases, pulling back just enough to see her face. She lets him tuck a curl behind her ear, lets him brush his lips against her cheek, her forehead, her nose.

“Why don’t you commit, dork?” Michelle asks, and he smirks slightly, pulling something off the fireplace mantle, dangling it above their heads.

“Just waiting for the right moment, Em.” He holds the mistletoe with the same delicacy he has for her, and she tilts her face down ever so slightly, lips meeting in the middle. It warms her up more than any fire could.

“Love you,” she utters when they break, and his expression softens into something that makes Michelle feel like him being here really is her gift.

“I love you, too. I’m sorry that I haven’t come to visit sooner, but trust me when I say I really wanted to.”

“No, it’s okay. I know. When...when are you going to have to go back?” Michelle asks, despite not wanting to know the answer, but he merely smiles at her.

“Fury’s gonna have to pry me from your arms.”

“I’ll have you know, I've got a really strong grip.”

“We have movies to watch and cookies to bake, Em. Can’t break our streak now. Fury can wait until after we spend Christmas together,” he tells her, serious, and she has to breathe out a laugh, the lights of the tree sparkling behind him.

“It is tradition.”

[mimisempai]

Love is all around you - Chapter 3

Peter and Tony's house

Tony went into Peter's room, it's full of rom-com posters. In the bookcase there are many DVDs of such movies. Next to the stereo are CDs of love songs. Tony is a little bewildered, "OK.... it's very... focused, all of this."

Peter, who had been following him, replied, "Yes, I was trying to see if I could get some ideas from the movies. And I find that music helps."

Peter and Tony sat down on Peter's bed side by side. Tony rubbed his hands together and began, "We can definitely solve this problem. Remember, I was a teenager once too. Come on, it's someone from school, right?"

"Yep."

Tony asked, "And how does she/he feel about you?"

Peter elbows on his knees and replies, "She doesn't even know my name. And even if she did, she would despise me. She's two years older than me and everyone worships her because she's heaven." Tony clutches his head in his hands.

"Good. Good. Well, basically...you're fucked, aren't you."

Peter nods his head.

Résidence présidentielle - Loki

Loki went out to greet President Laufeydottir.

He already had a bad impression just by seeing her get out of the diplomatic car. He knew he would have to play hardball, compromise and all. He made his best fake smile and held out his hand to the woman in front of him. He couldn't hold back the inner shiver he felt when he met her eyes. Cold and calculating. He could not hold back the inner shiver he felt when he met her gaze.

" Good morning Madam President. Welcome."

They followed the protocol, greeting all the staff members and continued to the meeting room.

Loki tried to make conversation, not motivated at all, but it was his duty.

"Sorry you had to come alone."

President Laufeydottir brushed off his politeness with one hand.

"That's fine as it is. I'm sure you'll have a heads up for me."

Loki swallowed and shook his head, "Unfortunately no, I lead a rather lonely life. Love and politics rarely mix."

She looked condescending as she replied, "You think so? I don't agree. All they want is power. You have it, use it."

They began to climb the stairs to the hall, when Loki's gaze was caught by Mobius, once again with his arms full of files. He turned to them as he passed them, still smiling, "Good morning, Madam, Sir," and continued on his way. However, President Laufeydottir turned around as he passed and called out, "Good morning, how is your day going?"

Mobius barely turned around and replied, "Very well." before continuing on his way.

"Perfect." replied President Laufeydottir before turning to Loki and saying, a toothy smile on her lips, "Physically, there are many better people than him, but I'm sure you could have a good time with him. Always beware of sleeping water."

Loki clenched his fists that he had crossed behind his back and tried to answer as naturally as possible, "Yes... he has great qualities... in his work."

He wasn't sure how long he could keep it up like this, he felt like gouging President Laufeydottir's eyes out for daring to put them on Mobius.

Moments later, Loki was still boiling as they were in a meeting. A meeting about the press conference that was not going well at all. The experts were very tense on both sides.

One of President Laufeydottir's experts was shaking his head and saying in no uncertain terms, "No. Absolutely not. Never. We cannot and will not consult you about this. It is our business and ours alone."

Fandral tried to protest, "Then this is a surprise."

President Laufeydottir interjected condescendingly, "This should not be the case. The last administration was very clear - we are just being consistent with their policies: we don't have to consult with you on these issues."

"But, with all due respect, those were bad measures, and we were hoping to meet today to formulate better ones."

Fandal insisted, and Loki applauded him inwardly but was bound by the promise he had made to himself to remain conciliatory.

"Good. Thank you, Fandral. I don't think we've made much progress so let's get on with it shall we?"

He met President Laufeydottir's victorious gaze and felt awful, he read in it the victory of having enslaved.

A little later in the evening he was trying to calm Fandral down in a hallway, "Calm down, Fandral, calm down. Trust me, this is not the time to be looking for confrontation."

"When then?!" Fandral turned on his heel and walked into his office, slamming the door.

Loki joined President Laufeydottir in a small living room. She was sitting on the couch and still had that superior air that made Loki want to throw her out the window.

When she saw him coming she said, "So who do you have to screw to get a drink around here?"

Hearing it in her mouth, he realized the vulgarity of those words and promised himself he would never say them.

"I'll buy you a drink and you won't have to screw anyone."

As Loki walked to the intercom, President Laufeydottir replied, "Too bad."

"Two whiskies, please - thank you."

Loki returned to sit across from the president and tried as best he could to make conversation.

"Well, this has been an interesting day."

The president stepped forward, putting both elbows on her knees.

"I'm sorry if our line was firm. There's no point in beating around the bush today and then disappointing you for the next four years. I have plans, and I intend to see them through."

Loki replied as he stood up, "Yes, it was... certainly unexpectedly firm.

There's one last thing I'd like to look at, that's close to my heart. If you'll just give me a second."

He walked out of the room and passed Mobius who was bringing their drinks. Loki smiled embarrassedly at him and whispered as he continued walking, "Loki, get a grip! You're pathetic!"

He arrived in his office, looked for the file he needed and once he found it he returned to the small living room. When he entered, he immediately noticed the strange atmosphere. President Laufeydottir and Mobius were far too close to each other for the situation. Mobius looked lost and most importantly, the president had a hand on Mobius' hip. She withdrew it gently with the expression of a cat that had just swallowed a mouse.

She said in a defiant tone, "Very good whiskey."

"I'll be off then," said Mobius. His smile was gone. He left the small living room with his head down.

President Laufeydottir added, "It is a privilege to meet you, Mobius. I look forward to seeing more of you as our two countries work toward a better future."

Keeping his head down, Mobius replied, "Thank you, madam." then closed the door on him.

President Laufeydottir addressed Loki, "So, what are we dealing with here? Something you said you care about."

Loki sat down, "Yes... that's it. Obviously."

He is very disturbed by what he just saw and the involvement and especially the defiant look on President Laufeydottir's face.

The next morning - Press conference

Loki entered the crowded room of journalists, followed by President Laufeydottir.

He walked up to the podium under the flashes and assertive looks of his staff. The president took her place behind the podium next to his.

Several reporters raised their hands.

"Yes Peter."

The designated reporter asked the first question, "Madam President Laufeydottir, did the visit go well?"

She replied, calmly, a smile on her face, "Very satisfactory indeed, we got what we came for, the special relationship is always very special."

The reporter added, turning to Loki, "Mr. President?"

Loki cleared his throat before answering in a clear and determined voice, "I like that word 'relationship', it covers all sorts of sins, doesn't it? I greeted the President knowing that there could be no equality with Jotunheim, but I was not prepared for a total lack of give and take. I fear that this has become a bad relationship, one based on the President taking exactly what she wants and disregarding the things that really matter" he pauses slightly and meets Mobius' eyes before continuing, "...the things that really matter to New Asgard. We may be a small country, but we are also a great country, and a friend who acts like a tyrant is no longer a friend. And since tyrants only respond to force, from now on I will be less inclined to be friendly. And the President should be prepared for that."

From then on, it was a hustle and bustle, with all the reporters wanting to ask questions at the same time.

Loki swept his eyes over the crowd and saw the members of his cabinet in the back giving thumbs up, jumping up and down, and especially the look on Fandral's face that conveyed all his approval.

"Madam President! Madam President! What do you make of this?"

She remained calm but answered curtly nonetheless, "Well, it's certainly combative talk. A surprisingly firm... speech."

Loki turned to her and held her gaze. He could read both anger and defeat in it. When suddenly his gaze was drawn to a figure behind her, Mobius who looked at Loki with gratitude before lowering his eyes and walking away.

Once most of the reporters had left, as he chatted with Fandral, Ravonna laid a hand on his arm, "Your brother, on the phone, line 5."

He turned and took the call, "Thor, I'm super busy, what do you want?"

"Have you gone crazy?" his brother asked.

"You're the one telling me that? You can't be reasonable all the time." retorted Loki.

"When you're president, you better be, little brother."

Loki replied, "Oh a call from the finance minister."

"Liar!" growled Thor.

"I'll call you back."

"No you won't."

Loki hung up laughing.

House in Tuscany - Rafael and Sonny - Two weeks before Christmas

Rafael was having breakfast in his old bathrobe. Sonny entered, took the cups of coffee from the previous day that were balanced on the piles of paper. Rafael offered him a croissant, Sonny refused, smiling. A certain routine had set in, they talked without understanding each other, Rafael in English, Sonny in Italian, but curiously, a strange friendship had formed.

Sonny replied to the offer of the croissant, " Thank you very much, but no, I want to keep my waist thin."

"No?"

Sonny nodded his head.

"Yes?"

Sonny shook his head.

"Okay, yes, no, that's fine, that makes more for me." Rafael bit hungrily into the croissant he had started.

"But don't go eating it yourself, you're getting chubbier by the minute. Even though it actually looks good on you."

Rafael replied, "I'm lucky, I have one of those constitutions that makes me not gain weight."

Sonny looks at him and smiles, he feels like a friendship is developing, that he has a connection with the handsome writer. The phone rings bringing him out of his reverie. They look for his phone buried under the papers, their hands brush against each other when Sonny hands it to Rafael, they exchange an embarrassed smile. Rafael picks up.

"Hello?"

"Hi Rafael, it's Yelina"

"Oh, how are you?"

"Good, I just thought I'd call, see how you were doing, how the writing was going?"

Now that they were separated she was asking him about his novel when before he wasn't interested. What a nerve!

"Well... fine thank you, and how is it sleeping with Alex?"

"......"

There was a certain satisfaction in dumbing someone down, so he added, "Well, that's what I thought."

"I was thinking that maybe with Noel coming up, we could go out for a drink or something."

How had he ever been in love with this woman? Did she think he'd forgotten that he'd caught her in the act?

"Or not." Rafael remained firm. He wanted nothing more to do with her.

"I understand. Oh sorry, I have to go."

Rafael hung up. Good riddance!

He looked up at Sonny, oblivious to what had just been said, who was tidying up the room. Sonny looked up when he heard Rafael hang up and smiled gently at him as he continued to tidy up.

Wilson & Wilson  - Bucky

Sarah and Bucky were hunched over his computer looking at plans for a project in progress. From time to time, Bucky would sneak a peek at Sam's desk. After all, he still had at least that much to look at from a distance. He sighed.

"So, any progress on our matchmaking plan?" asked Sarah abruptly.

Bucky replied a bit curtly, "No. I haven't done anything and I never will because he's too good for me..."

"At least we have the luxury of worrying about love...if nothing else."

Bucky, wounded, replied, "I wish I only had to worry about love... but even that luxury I don't have-" he was interrupted by his phone ringing. He paid no attention to Sarah who was looking at him intently and picked up.

"Yes, Rebecca. Yes dear, I am available."

Sarah could only hear a high-pitched voice on the phone but no distinct words.

"Where are you right now? No, I'm sure the CIA didn't tap your phone. No... Rebec- no listen to me."

Bucky sighed and Sarah, who had remained in the office, feeling a little guilty about eavesdropping, was beginning to realize that there was more to these phone calls than a man addicted to his smartphone.

"No, no Rebecca, please stay home, no don't go out, I'll be right there, Rebecca! Rebecca!"

Bucky threw his phone on the desk, "Shit, she hung up!"

He looked up and realized that Sarah was still there. He didn't have time to dwell on it, he told her in a rush, "Can I go, it's... it's my sister, she's having a seizure, I need to find her before she does something stupid."

Sarah interrupted him, "Bucky, it's okay, go."

Bucky grabbed his jacket, keys and phone and ran out the door, not noticing that Sam was standing in the doorway of his office watching him leave with a puzzled look on his face.

Sam joined Sarah, who had also followed Bucky with her eyes, a worried look on her face.

"Still addicted to his phone I see. And he leaves you hanging like that?"

Sarah shook her head, "No Sam, no. I think it's much more serious than that." and Sarah reported her entire conversation and the phone call to Sam.

As he packed up his things that night and walked past Bucky's empty office, Sam thought to himself that the man was a mystery and he would do anything to solve it.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7 - End _________

As always, bear with me as it is not beta'd and english is not my native language. I hope you enjoyed it nonetheless🥰

[abcd-em]

Peter and MJ just barely missing each other through the holiday seasons.