#tucks myself into bed with silly thoughts about silly men and women and monsters

[beast-feast]

Only thing keeping me sane 2night is V1 + coming to terms that Mr. Istvan Alchemy Stars is a fucking dad in spirit. Sir stop calling Navi young man I can only be a man enjoyer so much........

[winterfrostlovetriangle]

Christmas Magic

Hey all! I decided to take a break from my Magnus series and write this Loki Christmas one-shot. I apologise for the length.

Summary: It’s Christmas, ya’ll. Can the magic of the season bring two people together?

Warnings: body shaming, but mostly fluff, and a bit of protective Loki

Masterlist

*gif not mine

Beep, beep! 

The sound of your alarm clock startled you from slumber. Groaning you reached to turn off the offending noise before flopping your head back on the pillow and snuggling under the blankets. Closing your eyes, you tried to fall back to sleep, but it seemed your body was done resting. You got out of bed with a sigh. 

Since it was just a week before Christmas, the Avengers had been given some well deserved time off. Fury agreed to the holiday knowing just how much everyone needed to relax and recharge. The past year had been particularly hard. Yes, you were superheroes it was your job, but one can only go so long before they burn out. You were honored to be counted among the group. You couldn’t imagine your life without any of the men or women - they were your family. 

Walking to your ensuite bathroom, you thought about how much your life has changed in the last decade. You hated your life - your family never loved you and you never had any friends. Everyone always teased you or pushed you around; mostly because of your size. You didn’t have the perfect body and being plus-sized was not easy. No matter how many diets you tried, nothing ever worked. When you turned sixteen your life changed forever. Your parents threw out of the house because they deemed you dangerous. Why you ask? Because you were a mutant. On the morning of your sixteenth birthday, you somehow acquired certain abilities that could be classified as magic. So because they were afraid of you and what you might be capable of, your family turned their back on you. You were on your own for two years, afraid of yourself and powers. One day though, you met Nick Fury and Tony Stark. They offered you a home and a chance to use your skills for good. 

Skip forward to ten years later, you were a proud member of the Avengers. A knock brought you back to reality. Looking towards your door, you saw something slide underneath. Using your magic, the object flew through the air and into your hand. You sighed again, knowing exactly what it was. Every year Tony threw extravagant Christmas Eve parties. Not being a partier yourself, you had only attended one of these events. It had ended in tears and lots of chocolate. Many of the female agents were rude to you. Teasing you about your weight and even calling you a freak because of your magic. Needless to say I never went to another party. 

Taking the invitation out of the envelope, I wondered if Loki would ever ask me. You laughed at your silly fantasies. First off, the god of Mischief was your best friend. The two of you understand each other better than anyone else could have. He was not the man everyone believed he was. Loki put on a show of being a tough, uncaring person, but behind the mask, he longed to be loved. He was gentle and caring when you got to know him, and it certainly didn’t hurt that he was gorgeous. Oh well. You would never do anything to ruin your friendship. And secondly, why would he ever return your affections? In the world’s eyes, you were not considered beautiful. No man, or god, would ever have romantic feelings towards you. You shouldn’t get your hopes up - if your own family never loved or accepted you, why would Loki?

Blinking back tears, you stood up and walked to your full-length mirror and examined yourself. Nope, definitely not worth it. You looked at the invitation one more time, quickly tearing it up and throwing it to the floor. 

“What did that piece of paper ever do you, Dove?” a voice asked.

You whipped around to see Loki standing inside your room leaning against the door with a smirk on those beautiful lips of his. 

“Ugh, Loki how many times have told you not to sneak up on me like that?” you huffed. “Don’t you ever knock?”

“I did, but when you didn’t answer, I was worried something had happened to you,” he explained. 

You rolled your eyes. ‘Right, whatever you say. Sure you weren’t just trying to sneak a peek?”

Loki put his hand over his heart. “You wound me, Y/N. I was only worried for your safety - I am no peeping Tom.”

“When have I ever been in need of saving?” You laughed. “I can take care of myself.”

“Well, maybe someday. I hope you know that I will always be there to save you,” Loki said seriously. You noticed a look strange look pass over his face. 

Suddenly you realized you were still in your nightgown. Cheeks flushing a pale pink, you used your magic to change. 

“Breakfast m’ lady?” Loki asked offering you his elbow. 

You nodded with a smile, threading your arm through his. You chuckle to yourself as you thought back to how you and he became friends.  It was a rocky start. He was an arrogant, egotistical maniac who looked down on everyone. He hated everything and everybody. Slowly though, you chipped away at his walls. After a while, he began to open up to you and even offered to help improve your skills. He told you about his past. Your heart broke for him and was able to identify with him to a small degree. You became each other's confidants and spent most of your free time together. And somewhere along the way, you had fallen in love with this god. And little did you know, Loki had fallen for you too.

The next week was spent having snowball fights, building snowmen, making Christmas cookies, watching movies, and party prep. Your favorite times were spent with Loki, talking and drinking hot cocoa in front of the fire. The team was really enjoying their vacation and were able to relax. Everyone was feeling the season working its magic. 

As the festivities drew nearer, Nat kept trying to convince to go. 

“Come on, Y/N, you really should come. Tony says there will be lots of dancing, amazing food, and fireworks.” Nat pleaded. “I heard even Loki is coming this year, and that never happens. You should come and keep an eye on your boyfriend,”  she smirked. 

You rolled your eyes. “You know perfectly well that Loki is not my boyfriend. He would never think of me more than a friend,” you explained. “Now, as I have said before, I am not going. So please stop asking.”

Nat held up her hands in defeat. “Fine, have it your way.” She walked away. You shrugged turning back to the library.

It was now the day before the party, you passed Nat and Thor deep in conversation, on your way to the kitchen. Definitely up to something. 

Your stomach growled so you hurried on to the kitchen. A wonderful smell invaded your senses the closer you got. A smile spread across your face when you saw Loki attending to something on the stove. You snuck up behind him and took another whiff.

“Hmm, something smells amazing! Whatcha cooking there, chef?” you asked playfully. 

“I believe you Midgardians call them pancakes.” Loki chuckled. 

“You went all out there, Lokes. Eggs, bacon, sausage…”

“I wasn’t sure what you’d be in the mood for - sit.” Loki nudged you towards the table. He came back with two full plates, laying yours in front of you and he sat next to you. 

Taking a bite of the pancakes, you closed your eyes savoring the flavor. “Chocolate chips! Loki, you’re the best! You spoil me.” You smiled at your friend 

Loki just returned your smile and tucked into his own food. His body tensed at the moan that bubbled out of you. The ancient god turned to watch you, your eyes closed and a smile on your lips. You were clearly enjoying your food. Each moan was music to his ears. He wondered if he could ever elicit such moans from you himself. Loki shifted in his seat and bit his lip as his mind continued to wander. 

No, he thought. A lady such as yourself would never fall for the likes of him. He still considered himself a monster. He had changed over the years, yes, but he still never trusted himself. You were his friend and Loki wouldn’t ruin that unless he was absolutely sure how you felt. 

“Loki? Did you hear anything I just said?” You asked. 

Loki shook himself. Sorry darling, I didn’t.”

“You alright, you look a bit flushed. Maybe you should go see Banner?”

“Banner? No, I...need Thor...to speak with…” Loki began. He jumped out of his chair and quickly left. 

Puzzled, you stood too grabbing the dishes and taking them to the sink.

“That’s definitely a first,” you said out loud.

“What is?” Nat asked entering the kitchen.

“Loki wanted to see Thor.” You laughed.

The redhead hummed in agreement. “How about some sparring?”

Later that night, after hours of tossing and turning, you decided to make some hot chocolate and read. Settling on the main living area couch you opened your book. A few minutes later you smiled. 

“There you are,” you said quietly. Putting your book down you waited. 

Loki rounded the corner, clad in a pair of forest green silk pajama pants and a black hoodie. You loved those pants - they were so smooth. Heaven knows where he got them. Maybe one day you’d ask him for a pair of your own. You smiled to yourself. Or just borrow his.

“You look comfy, love.” He smiled. You were wrapped in a fluffy blanket with a steaming mug in hand. “I am. Should still be some hot cocoa in the kitchen,” you told him.

He came over and sat next to you, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “I’d much rather have some of yours. 

Before you had time to react, Loki snatched the mug from your hand and took a sip. He looked back at you, challenging you to stop him. You were surprised at his action and pouted. Loki chuckled softly before draining the rest of it. 

“Hey” you whined. “You jerk. You owe me.”

The raven-haired god laughed. “Your wish is my command. What shall it be?”

You thought for a moment before a book appeared in your hands. Smiling you handed it to him.

“Shakespeare, eh?” You nodded. Loki rolled his eyes, though he really didn’t mind. “Alright, get comfortable.”

You scooted closer to him sliding down so your head was resting in his lap. Loki chose a sonnet and began reading. You loved his voice. It was dark, smooth, and positively sinful. You suddenly realized that Loki is playing with your hair. The combination of his voice and his fingers running through your hair had a calming effect. You close your eyes enjoying the moment. You must have fallen asleep, because when you open your eyes again, Loki has stopped reading and is watching you.

“Hi,” he smiles.

“Hi,” you whisper back. 

“I have a present for you. I know it is a tradition to wait until Christmas day, but as it is officially Christmas Eve, I can’t wait any longer.” Loki says.

You sit up facing him, tucking your legs under you. Loki licks his lips expectantly waiting for an answer. He looked like a kid, well, at Christmas.

“Well, just this once,” you concede. “I have one for you too.”

Using your powers, you both summon your gifts. 

“Mine first,” Loki says handing you a beautifully wrapped package. 

You rip open the paper, tossing it aside. You gasped as you saw the contents of the box. Nestled inside was the most beautiful necklace and set of earrings you had ever seen. The necklace was a modest-sized emerald pendant encircled by tiny diamonds, held together by a very delicate silver chain. The earrings were smaller, simple emerald studs. You were speechless. You opened your mouth but nothing came out. 

Loki took your quietness to mean that you didn’t like it. “You hate them, don’t you? I know you don’t like flashy things, but I saw them and thought they would look magnificent on you.” Disappointed was evident in his tone. 

You tore your eyes from the gift. “What? No, Loki I love them! They are so beautiful, I just don’t know what to say. Thank you!” You gave him a quick hug and a chaste kiss on his cheek. You gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. 

Loki’s face lit up and a huge smile replaced his frown. “Only the best for you, Dove.”

“Now open mine” you nudged, handing him a small square package. 

He opened it with equal enthusiasm. “Oh my!” His face was emotionless as he stared at the contents. Inside the box was a set of cufflinks. They were snakes - intricately carved silver with one emerald eye each. Truly a masterpiece. He took one out to examine it closer. Loki squinted. Did it just...it did! The snake blinked. The god’s eyes widened and glanced at the young sorceress with shock and disbelief and then back at the cufflink. 

You sighed. “I know it’s silly. If you don’t like them I can make something else. I thought they were elegant with a touch of mischief. A trick for the trickster,” you chuckled to yourself. 

“You made these?” Loki asked.

“Yeah, with some help from my magic...okay a lot of help” you hesitated. “But I did design them and…”

Your friend stopped you. “They are beautiful, Y/N. I can’t believe you created these - not that you aren’t capable.” Loki suddenly looked flustered. They are amazing, love. Truly.” You blushed at his praise. 

“I shall wear them tonight.” he says. Feeling nervous, the young prince looked down at the gift again. “Are you sure you won’t come to the party?”

“Um, parties aren’t really my thing,” you explain weakly, not wanting him to know the real reason. 

“Not even if someone were to ask you to accompany them?” He quirked his brow, cheeks slightly pink.

“Well, I don’t think that would ever happen, so no.”

“You wouldn’t go with me, then?” Loki asked. Your eyes widened, staring at your friend like he had just sprouted another head. You couldn’t tell if he was joking or not, so you stayed quiet. Sensing your hesitation, Loki started, “You don’t have to if it would make you uncomfortable, but it would be an honor to escort you.”

“Are you being serious?” you whisper. He nods, a tender smile on his lips.

“Then, I - I would love to go with you.” You looked up at him, returning his smile. You stay like that for a few minutes. 

“I guess we should go to bed. I mean our own beds, not like sharing one...not that I wouldn’t en-wow.” You cover your face with your hands trying to hide the bright red color it had turned. 

He chuckles and stands up. “You’re right, it is late. Come, let me walk you to your room.” You walk back in silence. Reaching your door, you both linger. “Good night, Little One.” Loki leans down and presses a gentle kiss to your cheek. 

“Night, Lokes. See you tomorrow.” You shut the door behind you and lean again the wood for a moment. Shaking yourself, you crawl into bed with a grin plastered on your face slipping into a peaceful sleep.

“Nat, Nat!” You called your friend. Nothing. For an assassin she sure sleeps heavily, you think. Fine.

Agent Romanoff! Get your butt out of bed now!” you bellowed, backing up knowing what was coming.

Nat jumped out of bed ready to attack. Looking around for danger and only seeing you, she slumped her shoulders. “What do you want? Too early,” she yawned turning towards her bed again. 

“Oh no you don’t,” you said grabbing her wrist. It is 10:30, so we have just enough time to do some shopping and then get ready for the party.” You smiled at Nat’s confusion. 

Rolling your eyes you headed back to the door. “Elevator, thirty minutes.”

So, what made ‘miss-I-hate-parties change her mind’?” Nat sassed. “A certain prince ask you to go?”

You nodded, blushing slightly as you continued flipping through dresses on the rack. “As friends of course.”

“Oh please, girl! Did he actually say that?”

“No, but I am trying to not get my hopes up just to be stomped to death because Loki doesn’t think of me as more than a friend.” Nat sighed. “And don’t give me the ‘love is worth the risk’ speech, you have no room to talk lady.” You both laughed. 

“Oh, we will definitely find you a dress that will knock his socks off,” Nat said as she handed you some dresses. “Now go.”

After countless stores and dresses, you had only one more to try on. You stood in front of the mirror taking in the view. The dress was black with a dark green, lace overlay covered in tiny flecks of gold. It had a modest neckline and came down right to the top of your knees. Perfect! Stepping out of the dressing room, you cleared your throat. “What do you think?”

Nat was shocked. “Wow, Y/N. You look stunning! I love it. And I think certain Norse god will too. Alright, missy. Go get dressed and we should have time to get something to eat before we head back to the tower.”

The two of you chatted happily all through lunch. You glanced at your watch and noticed the time. “Crap,” you muttered. “We’re going to be late. Let’s go!”

Nat helped you with your hair while you did your makeup. You wanted to use magic to finish getting ready, but Nat convinced you not to. Part of the experience she claimed. Halfway through you texted Loki that you would be late and would meet him there.

After hair and makeup, you put your dress on and stood in front of the mirror examining yourself. Your hair was half up with curls cascading over your shoulders, your makeup was light and natural-looking. Loki’s gifts completed the look. 

“You look beautiful, Y/N. Let’s get this party started!” Nat exclaimed.

“I couldn’t have done it without you, Nat. Thanks for everything you’ve done,” you smiled at your friend. You two made your way to the party. 

“I enjoyed spending the day with you too.”

“That’s not quite what I meant,” you replied. Nat quirked her brow. “I know what you and Thor did.”

The assassin just smiled at you. The doors of the elevator opened up, having arrived at its destination. 

“Come on, your prince awaits,” Nat pushed you forward a little. You giggled. 

Standing just inside the door, you surveyed the room. The party was definitely in full swing, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. You smiled briefly looking for your date. You found him on the other side of the room talking with a few people. Thor noticed you first, a huge smile spread across his face. He nudged Loki who was standing next to him. Loki followed the direction Thor was looking. Ever the subtle one, Thor pushed his brother forward and laughed. Loki met your gaze and froze. He was utterly shocked. He slowly walked towards and you suddenly felt nervous and queasy under his intense stare. 

“Y/N, y - you look amazing.” Loki stuttered. 

“You like it then?” you asked shyly.

“Love it, darling,” he replied, his voice an octave lower now. I want everyone to see how lucky I am. May I have this dance?” He offered you his hand and led you out onto the dance floor. 

A slow dance started playing, and Loki pulled you close to his body. His hands rested on your hips forcing your arms to encircle his neck. The prince smiled down at you and you returned it. You let yourself relax against his lean, but slightly muscular frame; loving the feeling of being in his arms. You knew your relationship would not be the same after tonight, something had changed - but maybe for the better?

“My colors suit you, Dove” he whispered in your ear causing a shiver to run up your spine. 

“I do, don’t I?” you teased. “Maybe I’ll wear them more often.” You pulled back just enough to look up at Loki seeing another tender smile gracing his lips. You quickly melted back into his embrace, resting your head in the crook of his neck.

After two more songs, you took a break. Loki went to get some drinks while you took another moment to admire the young prince. He wore his usual stunning black suit, but switched his matching black shirt for a forest green button-up, paired with a red tie. He truly looked like a god. Loki noticed you staring and winked. His expression became one of boredom as a guest stopped to talk to him. You giggled and turned your attention back to the party. You saw a group of female agents talking close by, and you decided to eavesdrop.

“Ha, she thinks that a new dress and hairdo can improve her looks...she is sadly mistaken,” one agent said. The rest laughed.

Another agent noticed that you were listening. “She looks like a stuffed cabbage in that color. You can’t honestly think that Loki is taken by you do you, Y/N?” she asked. The other ladies turned to look at you. Smirks and eye roles were exchanged. 

You blinked back tears. Don’t let them win. “We’re just friends,” you explained. 

“Please, we all see the way you look at him; like a lost puppy waiting for her master to notice her,” a third agent piped up. “Like a god would take notice of a cow like you. Loki is just leading you on. You are just his tool tonight.” The ladies all cackled. 

You knew the dam was about to break, but you couldn’t let them see you cry. You hurried out of the room as quickly as possible.

“Y/N, you okay? What happened? Steve stopped you, taking in your appearance. 

“I’m fine, Steve. ‘Scuse me” you mumbled pushing past him. 

Loki was finally able to extricate himself from his conversation and made his way back to you. He noticed you talking to a small group of women and smiled. A frown soon replaced it after seeing you run out of the room. He called after you, but you didn’t hear him. The prince turned toward the women who looked quite satisfied with themselves. 

“What did you do to Y/N?” he asked. Anger bubbling to the surface. 

The female agents all feigned innocence. “Nothing, Loki. She’s just being a baby.” one said shrugging. 

Loki glared at them all. “What. Did. You. Say?” he spat out. The group coward back. “Really, nothing? You said nothing - Y/N just ran away? Speak before I do something I might regret.” he bellowed.

“Um, w-we told her that someone like you would never fall for a girl like her.” another offered.

Loki raised his eyebrows, a deadly look on his face. A girl like her? She is ten times...no a hundred times better than any of you. How dare you speak to her like that. Y/N is the glue that holds this team together. You have the audacity to judge her by her size? You are nothing but a bunch of mewling quim - you need to be taught a lesson or better yet, fired!” he yelled. 

By now the room was silent, everyone watching the scene unfold. The rest of the Avengers were up front closest to the commotion, ready to defend Loki. They were proud of him for standing up for Y/N. 

“If any of you ever tease her again, I will personally make your lives hell” Loki continued. “She is an amazing woman and I - I lov…” his eyes widen. “Where did she go?”

“That way.” Steve points in the direction you ran.

You found yourself in a small hallway you never knew existed. Sitting on a bench tucked into an alcove, you were alone and sobbing your heart out. You knew you shouldn’t believe what the women said about Loki. He was your friend after all, but it still hurt. You were so tired of the teasing and awful treatment. Tonight had given you hope that Loki might feel something more for you, but you knew that no one would love you because of your size. So lost in your own self-pity you barely registered someone calling your name. You didn’t respond, you didn’t want to talk to anyone. 

“Y/N! Love, can you hear me?”

Coming back to reality, you saw Loki standing right in front of you. You knew you were a mess, you covered your face. Your friend sits down beside you and pulls you flush against him. You grab onto him and start sobbing again. Loki squeezes you tighter and rubs your back soothingly.

“I’m sorry Loki” you sniff. He handed you a hanky. “I let them get to me, I shouldn’t have, but I did…” You drop gaze and fiddle with his tie. 

“No, love. I’m sorry. They should never have said those things to you. They are just a bunch of catty women. They are jealous of you” Loki explains.

You snort in disbelief. Loki lifts your chin with one of his long fingers. “It’s true” he continues. “It has been my experience that when people feel threatened or jealous of someone, they lash out at them.” He smiles at you. 

Wiping away stray tears his hand lingers to caress your cheek. You close your eyes and lean into his touch. 

The young prince takes a deep breath, “Y/N...I..” he pauses.

You open your eyes and look at Loki. “What is it? You can tell me, love” you prod.

“Iloveyou” he gushes. 

“I’m sorry what?”

‘I love you, Y/N. Loki falters trying to gauge your reaction. 

“Awe, I love you too, Lokes.” you chuckle.

“No, I love love you. More than just as a friend. I have fallen in love with you, Y/N.”

“But you can’t, it’s impossible!” You exclaim. I mean look at me. I’m not the woman you deserve, Loki.”

“To me, you are perfect, Y/N. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. You are strong, brave, kind, loving, caring, and excuse my language, a bloody genius. You always think about other people and their needs before your own. You have taught me to not judge what people look like on the outside, that it is what’s on the inside that matters.

Tears were flowing down your cheeks again. “But…” you began.

Loki pressed a finger to your lips, “I wasn’t finished. You have curves, so what? I like a woman who is curvy. It just means that there is more of you for me to love” he winked.

“Oh Loki, no one has ever talked to me like that before. I want to believe that I am not completely ugly, but that’s all I’ve been told growing up.”

“Then let me show you how beautiful you are and how much I adore you.” Loki put his arms around you and pulled you close again. 

You could feel his warm breath on your face. Your lips just inches apart, breathing heavy. Your gaze drifted up briefly before a laugh bubbled out. Loki followed your gaze and saw a ball of mistletoe appearing above.

“It seems someone is hoping for a Christmas kiss, eh?” You joked looking back at Loki.

He was staring at you - the love you saw reflected in his eyes made your heart skip a beat. He slowly leaned in and brushed his lips against yours, pulling away for a second only to reattach to your mouth again. 

The kiss felt like heaven. It was sweet, gentle, and a tad salty. You snaked your hands up his neck to deepen the kiss. It became passionate - Loki wasn’t holding back anymore. Neither of you were. He nibbled your bottom lip causing you to gasp. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Loki snuck his tongue in your mouth to taste more of you. The feeling was intoxicating, neither of you wanted to stop. You finally broke the kiss, oxygen becoming necessary. He pressed his forehead to yours as you both tried to catch your breath.

“Th-that was all I wanted for Christmas,” Loki whispered. You two smiled at each other, basking in the warmth of the moment.

“I love you too,  you finally confessed. “I have for a very long time.” Loki pecked your lips again.

“Happy Christmas, my dove.”

“Merry Christmas, my prince.”