CH 45: Christmas
Once the battle had finally come to an end and SHIELD began securing the remaining prisoners, Tony casually suggested that everyone grab something to eat together. After everything that had happened, nobody seemed eager to immediately return to paperwork or debriefings, and since nearly everyone else had already gathered at Lex's mansion for Christmas, the decision practically made itself.
Once everyone had gathered around Gwen, she took a slow breath as brilliant pink light gradually filled her eyes. Vast amounts of mana surged through the air, weaving themselves into an intricate magic circle beneath everyone's feet before a translucent dome of shimmering pink energy blossomed outward, enveloping the group. The world beyond vanished for only an instant, and when the light receded once more, the familiar warmth of Lex's mansion had replaced the freezing mountain air. The rich aroma of roasting meat, herbs, and freshly baked bread welcomed them long before they reached the living room..
The familiar warmth of the mansion replaced the biting mountain air almost instantly, the scent of roasting meat, herbs and freshly baked bread greeting them long before they reached the living room.
"...Well," Tony muttered, looking back at the portal as it closed behind them, "that's certainly an experience. If magic—something we barely understand—can do all of that..." His eyes drifted toward Gwen with unmistakable curiosity. "Imagine what technology could accomplish if we advanced it far enough."
Gwen smiled, unsurprised by the question.
"Magic is simply another branch of reality. It has rules, limitations, formulas and principles just like physics does. The difference is that humanity has spent centuries studying one while treating the other as myths and fairy tales."
Bruce Banner, who had quietly been listening while removing his torn jacket, immediately joined the conversation.
"So you don't see them as opposites."
"Not at all," Gwen replied. "Magic, too, is simply science we don't fully understand yet."
Tony's eyes practically lit up.
"Oh, I like you already."
The three of them drifted toward the living room almost instinctively, the discussion quickly devolving into theories about energy conservation, dimensional interactions and whether magical phenomena violated—or merely expanded upon—the currently accepted laws of physics.
Donna watched them disappear with an amused smile before noticing someone else.
Kara wasn't following.
Instead, she lingered near the entrance, unusually quiet.
Donna walked over and gently nudged her shoulder.
"What happened?"
Kara stared down at the melting snow beneath her boots for a few seconds before answering.
"I let my instincts take over."
Donna waited patiently.
"I... beat up an old man." Kara scratched her cheek awkwardly before adding, "Well... he was a giant green monster when I was punching him."
Donna couldn't help smiling faintly.
"Was anyone else hurt because of you?"
"No."
"And him?"
"...He's dead."
The smile faded, replaced by quiet understanding.
"He was one of the escaped prisoners?"
Kara nodded.
"I asked Cortana afterward. He wasn't exactly innocent... he'd killed a lot of people. But..." She hesitated. "Most of that only happened after he transformed into that monster. The original man... wasn't really evil."
Donna remained silent for a moment before asking another question.
"What would've happened if you hadn't stopped him today?"
Kara immediately remembered the military base. The ruined vehicles. The terrified soldiers. The devastation she'd flown through before finally intercepting Abomination.
"...He probably would've killed a lot more people."
Donna nodded.
"Then don't judge yourself by the man he used to be."
Kara slowly looked up.
"Judge yourself by the person you were forced to fight."
Despite always looking the youngest among them, Donna had lived the longest. Centuries of experience had taught her that there were rarely perfect choices in battle. Sometimes the only options left were terrible ones, and all anyone could do was choose the one that saved the most lives.
Kara let out a long breath before giving a small nod.
"...Thanks."
Meanwhile, Lex stepped into the living room.
Grayfia was seated opposite an unfamiliar woman, the two apparently having been engaged in pleasant conversation while everyone else had been away.
The woman looked to be somewhere in her early thirties, with an easy smile and an almost gentle presence. There was nothing outwardly remarkable about her, yet the moment Lex looked at her, a faint sense of incongruity tugged at his instincts.
Activating Milim's Eye almost reflexively, he observed her more carefully.
An unfamiliar energy flowed quietly through her body. It wasn't mana, ki, mutation or anything else Raphael immediately categorized. Whatever it was, it carried an immense amount of power, enough that Lex instinctively recognized it as dangerous.
Oddly enough...
The woman herself didn't feel dangerous at all.
If anything, she radiated the calm warmth of someone who genuinely enjoyed seeing others happy.
Grayfia rose gracefully as soon as she noticed him.
"Welcome back, Master Lex."
The unfamiliar woman stood as well, offering her hand with a friendly smile.
"Hello. I'm Ajak. I'm friends with Donna,”
"It's a pleasure to meet you." Lex returned the handshake. "I'm Lex."
As Lex exchanged a few more words with Ajak, he noticed Peggy slowly making her way out from the meeting room, where she had been assisting Cortana in monitoring the battle. Steve and Sharon immediately drifted over to her side, quietly recounting how everything had unfolded while making sure she hadn't spent the entire afternoon worrying.
Nearby, Bruce had already become completely absorbed in Tony and Gwen's ongoing discussion.
"...If magical energy can be quantified—"
"It can."
"Seriously?"
"With the right instruments."
"...I suddenly need those instruments."
Ajak couldn't help finding the entire situation rather surreal.
Only a few days ago, she'd accepted a Christmas invitation from a new friend she'd met while discussing humanity's history.
Now she was sitting in a mansion with several members of the Avengers, casually listening to conversations about magic while waiting for dinner.
Humanity truly never ceased surprising her.
As Donna and Kara entered the room, Ajak's attention shifted toward them, and before long the two women resumed the conversation they had begun earlier.
Leaving them to it, Lex quietly wandered toward one of the large windows overlooking the snow-covered estate.
His thoughts remained on today's battles.
Rhino.
Hood.
Blackout.
Winter Soldier.
Abomination.
Graviton.
Barely half a year ago he'd been an ordinary office worker worrying about deadlines and whether his manager would pile more work onto his desk before the weekend. Now Christmas Day somehow involved fighting escaped supervillains alongside Iron Man and the Hulk before coming home for dinner.
Life really was strange.
Hi, Lex.
Gwen's voice suddenly echoed inside his mind.
Don't look around. I'm talking through telepathy.
Lex resisted the urge to immediately glance toward her. Through the reflection in the window, he could still see Gwen animatedly explaining something to Tony and Banner while simultaneously carrying on a completely separate conversation with him.
What is it?
Donna's friend. Gwen's mental voice remained calm. She doesn't seem human.
Yeah. Lex mentally replied. I picked up some strange energy inside her. Whatever it is, it's powerful... but she doesn't actually feel dangerous.
Exactly.
There was a brief pause.
Just thought you should know.
Lex instinctively sent back a small mental nod.
Several seconds passed.
...Wait.
What?
Did you just nod?
...Yeah?
How did you do that?
Lex frowned slightly.
Isn't it the same? I just... sent the information.
No! Gwen protested, sounding genuinely bewildered. My telepathy is basically like sending text messages. Yours just sent me body language. It was like... like switching from texting to a video call.
Lex blinked.
...Huh.
Another brief pause followed.
That's actually pretty cool.
Returning to the present, Lex wandered into the dining room, where Grayfia had already begun arranging the table.
Watching her move effortlessly between plates, cutlery and decorations, he suddenly felt a little guilty.
"You know..." he began, rubbing the back of his neck, "I kind of feel bad making you work like an actual maid."
Grayfia looked over her shoulder.
A faintly mischievous smile touched her lips.
"You may use me however you like, Master."
Lex froze.
...Did...
Did she intentionally phrase it like that?
Or had his mind simply become hopelessly corrupted after having threesomes and foursomes every few days?
Seeing his expression, the almost imperceptible curl at the corner of Grayfia's lips answered the question.
She absolutely knew what she'd said.
Coughing awkwardly, Lex hurriedly changed the subject.
"...Right... uh... do you need any help?"
"No need."
Grayfia lifted one elegant hand.
Dark demonic energy swept gracefully across the dining table like a gentle breeze. Plates aligned themselves perfectly, silverware floated neatly into place, glasses arranged themselves with mathematical precision, and folded napkins settled beside each plate before the magic faded as quickly as it had appeared.
"It's not as though I can't simply do this."
Lex stared at the perfectly prepared table.
"...I really want magic."
Grayfia gave a soft laugh.
"I do genuinely enjoy taking care of the household, Master."
"Oh, right." Lex suddenly remembered something. "Where's Regina? I haven't seen her since we got back."
"She mentioned becoming bored," Grayfia replied. "So I introduced her to computers... and the internet."
Lex smiled.
"That makes sense. An engineer like her is probably fascinated by all the technology in this world."
Grayfia looked at him for a moment before calmly correcting him.
"Oh no."
"She's reading smut."
Lex stared blankly.
Then he remembered exactly who they were talking about.
"...Yeah... that sounds more like Regina."
He sighed.
"Who told her there was smut on the internet?"
Grayfia's eyes shifted away ever so slightly.
"I should go finish the pasta."
With that, she turned and walked toward the kitchen just a little too quickly, leaving Lex standing there with all the answers he needed.
The dining room gradually filled as conversations from every corner of the mansion slowly converged around the long table. Outside, snow continued falling in gentle silence, blanketing the estate beneath another fresh layer of white, while inside the warm glow of candles and Christmas lights reflected softly against polished silverware and crystal glasses. The rich aroma that had drifted through the house all afternoon finally revealed its source as Grayfia carried in the enormous cast-iron pot containing the slow-braised venison, accompanied by bowls of creamy polenta dusted generously with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Roasted carrots, parsnips and potatoes glistened beneath a delicate drizzle of fragrant olive oil, while baskets of warm bread, butter, cheeses, cured meats and fresh herbs completed the table. It wasn't an extravagant royal banquet, yet there was something deeply comforting about it, the kind of meal that invited people to remain seated long after the plates had emptied.
For several seconds, an almost reverent silence settled over the room as everyone admired the spread.
"...Okay," Tony finally admitted. "I'm officially intimidated."
Grayfia tilted her head slightly.
"By dinner?"
"By the fact that dinner looks more expensive than some Stark charity galas."
A soft chuckle spread around the table as everyone began serving themselves.
Ajak accepted a modest portion at first, though the moment she tasted the venison her expression changed almost imperceptibly. The meat practically fell apart beneath her fork, having surrendered completely after nearly two days of patient cooking, while the wine and herbs had woven themselves so thoroughly into every bite that none overpowered the others. Combined with the creamy polenta and the subtle sharpness of the aged Parmigiano, each mouthful felt remarkably balanced.
She slowly placed her fork down.
"...Grayfia."
"Yes?"
"This may genuinely be one of the finest meals I've had in centuries."
The room fell briefly quiet before several pairs of eyes turned toward her.
Realizing what she'd just said, Ajak calmly corrected herself without missing a beat.
"I mean... it tastes like something perfected over centuries."
Lex caught the tiny slip but wisely chose not to comment.
Donna smiled warmly.
"I told you she'd like it."
"You undersold it," Ajak replied before taking another bite.
Tony, meanwhile, had reached almost exactly the same conclusion.
"I don't know what kind of culinary magic you used," he said between mouthfuls, "but if Stark Industries ever opens a restaurant, I'm hiring you immediately."
"I'm afraid I already have an employer," Grayfia answered with perfect composure.
Tony looked toward Lex.
"...How much are you paying your maid?"
Lex looked down at his plate.
"...You know... I actually don't know."
Several people stared at him.
Grayfia simply smiled serenely.
"I have never requested a salary."
Tony blinked.
"...Lex."
"Yeah?"
"I'm filing paperwork to have you investigated."
Laughter rippled around the table.
Even Bruce, who had remained unusually quiet while enjoying what was already his second helping, couldn't suppress a smile.
"I think this might actually be the best meal I've had since..." He paused thoughtfully before giving up. "...Honestly, I can't remember."
Gwen nodded in complete agreement.
"I've traveled across dimensions and studied magical civilizations." She sampled another spoonful of the polenta before continuing matter-of-factly. "This is still exceptional."
Grayfia inclined her head gracefully.
"You honor me."
At the opposite end of the table, Regina had somehow abandoned her own plate entirely.
Instead, she leaned across the table toward Tony with unconcealed curiosity.
Regina had somehow abandoned her own plate entirely.
Instead, she leaned across the table toward Tony with unconcealed curiosity.
"I've heard you build mechanical suits."
Tony looked up from his food, immediately interested.
"Also?" A grin spread across his face.
"Don't tell me you're an engineer too."
"Oh, I've built many things." Regina replied with obvious pride. "Androids, Frame Gears, autonomous factories, giant golems... if it can be engineered, I've probably made one."
Tony blinked.
"...Colour me surprised."
He leaned forward slightly, the curiosity of an inventor immediately taking over.
"Do you think it's actually possible to create an android intelligent enough to think for itself? One capable of protecting the Earth alongside people?"
Regina tilted her head.
"Possible?" She sounded genuinely puzzled by the question. "Of course it's possible. The difficult part isn't making one intelligent enough to think. It's making one intelligent enough to decide not to exterminate humanity after thinking."
Bruce nearly choked on his drink.
Tony simply stared at her.
"...You know what? Somehow, that wasn't the answer I expected.”
Lex sighed into his food.
Somehow Regina had managed to find another engineer within ten minutes of meeting him.
Angela quietly laughed while Ava covered her mouth to hide a smile. Even Regan, usually content to observe conversations from the sidelines, looked faintly amused by Regina's relentless enthusiasm.
The easy conversation continued without anyone truly directing it. Tony and Gwen drifted back toward discussing whether sufficiently advanced technology could replicate spellcasting. Bruce occasionally offered thoughtful observations that somehow made both of them stop arguing long enough to consider another perspective. Steve and Peggy simply enjoyed each other's company, exchanging quiet smiles that required no words, while Sharon occasionally joined in whenever the discussion wandered toward history. Donna happily kept everyone's plates filled whenever she noticed them growing empty, seemingly delighted simply watching everyone enjoy themselves.
Outside the large dining room windows, Fluffy remained sprawled dramatically in the snow with his back toward the house, making absolutely no effort to hide the fact that he was still offended after being denied any more food earlier. Every now and then his enormous fluffy tail gave an indignant swish, prompting another round of laughter whenever someone happened to notice.
Lex found himself looking around the table.
Only months ago he'd been an ordinary office worker whose biggest concerns revolved around deadlines, rent and making it through another exhausting week. Now he sat surrounded by superheroes, scientists, ancient beings, powerful mages, a devil maid whose cooking could rival the finest restaurants in the world, and people who, somehow, had become precious to him in ways he hadn't expected.
The conversations overlapped into a comfortable symphony of laughter, teasing, stories and friendly debates. Christmas music drifted softly through the mansion while snow continued falling beyond the windows, making the warmth inside feel even more inviting.
For the first time in a very long while, Lex realized he wasn't simply celebrating Christmas.
He was celebrating it with a family.
And somehow, that made all the difference.