[2] storm of rage ~ harry potter × marvel

8.

Skyler smiles compassionately, walking over to her father. Without any words, she embraces him and hugs him close. She knows from experience, that people don't need words to calm them – a hug can be much more valuable than empty words of comfort.

"I miss her too, dad," Skyler whispers into his shoulder, "and I know it is different for you... but I'm sure it will be alright. You just, you just have to find something that takes your mind from the pain."

Thor nods his head. "I know that, Sky," he says softly, as he puts his lips to the crown of her head, "and I'm very proud that you can do so. But you are right, it's different for me."

Skyler's fists clench at the words, but she knows that she will draw out a fight if she doesn't stop this now. Someone else will have to talk to him, then, she thinks annoyedly.

∞∞∞

"Alright, a new thing," Tony clasps his hands together, smirking at the many people that sit in the common room of the compound, "We're all going to unwrap our presents at the same time. Who is done wrapping the last will do the dishes after tonight!"

Skyler rolls her eyes, sighing. It's Tony's annual Christmas party, with only people he secretly holds very dear, and their family. "He goes crazier every year, I swear," she mutters under her breath to Pietro and Bucky. The men chuckle lowly and shake their heads.

"I'd say, open up, everyone. If only so that I can get my dinner," Clint announces, as he is already ripping the bow from the medium-sized gift box in his hands.

"Again, Lord Stark," Frigga says on a polite tone, "you did not have to buy my husband or me anything. We barely visit." Indeed, the royal couple of Asgard came down to earth to celebrate Christmas with their family... when Tony heard of it, he immediately went shopping.

"Nonsense! You are my guests," Tony exclaims, "now, open up. I want to know if I bought the Royalty something worthy." Odin rolls his eye slightly at the human but does what the billionaire says.

The King of Asgard gets a young wolf. Seriously, Skyler thinks. "You have been watching Game of Thrones, haven't you?" the young princess asks the billionaire dryly, remembering that she saw something with wolves in those trailers.

"Hey, I'm a Stark," he holds his hands up, "I need to honour that name, and besides, the mythology says that Odin loves dangerous animals!"

"He has a point, Sky," Frigga says teasingly, taking the young wolf into her lap. "I suppose we will name him Fenrir, after the great wolf you Midgardians are convinced Loki had for a son." Thor then lets out the first laugh Skyler has heard from him since... well since her mother died.

"Midgardians indeed think you sired animals, brother!" he roars, slapping Loki on his back 'lightly'.

"Funny thing that I have only one animalistic child, which was birthed by me," Loki replies dryly, before opening his own gift box. The God of Mischief raises his eyebrows when he holds up two flight-tickets. "What am I supposed to do with these, Stark?"

"Why, you are taking my daughter to Venice, of course. I am sure you will both love my residence there," Tony says slyly, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"Dad!" Cassidy gasps, and next to her, Skyler sees Lorelei choke towards Sam.

Tony merely holds up his hands, "What? Be thankful I didn't send you to the Sahara. Now, keep going with opening presents!"

Skyler opens her own present this time, together with Natasha, Pietro and Wanda. Inside her tiny storm-grey box with a white bow is a note. 'Tomorrow morning – others will get jealous' Annoyed, Skyler glares at Tony, to see that not only he, but also Thor, Odin, Frigga and Loki are grinning at her.