They nearly didn't make it back for Christmas. Scott and Hope had been called to New York for a mission for a week, which had inconveniently disrupted their Christmas plans, more specifically Scott's plans. Their house decorations were put to a halt and he had to enlist the help of Luis and the gang, despite Hope's reluctance.

"Do the bad guys not have any regard for Christmas?", Scott mused as he stepped on the landing of the front door of their house. Warm fluid trickled down his right eye but he rubbed it off, unperturbed, even though it stained his fingers bright red.

"I don't think they care about Christmas.", Hope replied as she opened the front door. As much as she hated to admit it, she could feel her body start to ache with every move.

"Don't they have families? Friends? It's the holiday season for God's sake. Nobody wants to spend the holiday getting thrashed and punched and kicked. Certainly not me...", he rambled on but stopped short as something had caught his attention.

"Hope?"

She didn't respond, her attention strayed, their warm bed intruding her thoughts as fatigue started to wash over her.

"Er, Hope?", Scott tapped her shoulder lightly, bringing her back to her senses.

"Yes Scott?", she turned around to look at him, arching an eyebrow.

"We're under a mistletoe." She followed his gaze. He was looking upwards, at the small sprig of mistletoe that was hanging on the ceiling, right where they were standing. Way to go, Luis!

She diverted her stare to him at the same time he looked at her. She noticed his green eyes were already sparkling with excitement, a wide silly grin animating his boyish face. "It means we should kiss!", he exclaimed gleefully, his weariness wearing off instantly. Amidst the chaos, he missed having her all to himself.

Immediately, her immaculate brows furrowed, and her jaw slightly dropped open. She was amazed at how he can be still so upbeat in their exhausted state and how he was always so infectious with his cheerful exterior. He always had that weird effect on her.

"And you know how a mistletoe symbolises luck, and well, love, and because I love you..."

Hope erupted into a fit of laughter. She couldn't comprehend why he needed a reason to kiss her. "Oh, shut up and come here.", she beckoned to him with a finger, albeit still bubbling away with giggles.

He stopped and obeyed her command. "Yes ma'am!", he almost saluted. They kissed slowly, enjoying the moment, their bodies pressed against each other, their body warmth providing heat insulation in the chilly night. His hands were wrapped around her waist, applying gentle pressure, soothing her sore back muscles while she cupped his face tenderly, feeling his stubbled cheeks.

He loved the height difference between them. He didn't need to stoop down too low, only tilting his head down slightly while she didn't need to tiptoe. They were a perfect fit for each other.

A soft moan slipped past her lips, and he felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that his actions pleased her. It was always intoxicating, his kisses while the taste of her always left him exhilarated.

They broke apart, faces flushed.

"How am I so frostsmitten with you?" He's staring at her again, soft and endearing, grinning widely.

Hope rolled her eyes, even though he's making her heart flip. "Really Scott?"

"It's the only time of the year that I get to use Christmas pick-up lines.", he reasoned.

She chuckled softly. "Let's get inside. And you're bleeding, again.", she gently grazed his right eyebrow with the tip of her finger.

"I'm fine.", he shrugged. "Hope?"

"Hmm?" She enveloped her arm around his waist, leading them into the house.

"Maybe we should use mistlefoe instead of mistletoe, so anyone who's under the mistlefoe can fight each other."

"Never going to happen Scott."

...

The Christmas tree was bare, due to Scott's insistence that they decorate it themselves, unable to predict that they had only arrived back on Christmas Eve. It was one hour away before the clock struck midnight, and despite his body protesting that it was time to sleep, he was standing in front of the tree, hanging ornaments to his heart's content.

"You're over decorating.", Hope laughed, watching the man she loves hovering over the tree. She was lounging on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, her legs tucked beneath her. She sighed, a contented one. It was good to be home.

Scott took a step backward, hands on his hips and squinted, perusing through the tree. The tree was illuminated with LED lights, a red ribbon garland was wrapped loosely around the entire tree and varied ornaments were hung on it. Hope's side was simple, well organized while his was cluttered. The decorations were a mismatch, but it resembled them, completely opposite but a perfect match.

"I love it.", he glanced at her and grinned lopsidedly, green eyes gleaming earnestly. He picked up a paper bag that was left at the corner of the living room and pulled out two figurines.

Hope's eyes widened in surprise. "Is that us?"

"Don't you know? They sell figurines of us now. We're famous."

She chuckled. She couldn't care less about fame.

He placed the miniaturised version of them on top of the tree, then started busying himself with placing presents under the Christmas tree. Different sizes of presents embellished the base of the tree and Hope knew that most of it were for Cassie, who was going to spend the week with them. "And it's done.", Scott grinned widely, admiring it.

"So, is there anything under the tree for me?", Hope smirked.

"What? I'm not good enough of a present for you?" Scott walked towards her, a twinge of mischievousness in his tone. He settled on the couch with her and buried his face deep to the crook of her neck, planting kisses while inhaling the fresh scent of her shampoo. His happiness was indescribable, to have her by his side.

She smiled and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Are you going to wrap yourself with a ribbon?"

He pulled away, shocked. "How did you know I was planning to do that?!"

She laughed at his silliness. Sometimes, she wasn't sure if he was being serious or he just wanted to bring out a smile from her. It worked anyway.

"Naked?"

"Oh, definitely.", he winked.

She shook her head, smiled, her dimples becoming deeper. She linked her hands around the nape of his neck and pulled him close, meeting his lips with hers. "Merry Christmas Scott.", she whispered as she glanced at the clock, its hands striking midnight.

He returned her smile, so loving and so warm that it made her feel tingles from her toes upwards. "Merry Christmas Hope.", he kissed her nose tenderly. "You wanna hiber -mate with me?", he piped another cheesy pick-up line, flashing his signature smile which earned him a playful smack on the chest. He leaned back on the couch and the same time she crawled into his embrace. He kissed the crown of her head and closed his eyes while she laid her cheek against his chest, the sound of his heartbeat lulling her to sleep.