Though he’d been expecting more cold shoulder and neither show of emotion, he readily accepted both. Each hurt him physically (his arm was mostly healed but he wasn’t good as new) and his brain probably didn’t need to sustain any more injury. But that was all right. He could take the smack and the possessiveness in stride, his unbound arm immediately around Loren even as he winced and tasted blood.

“I got it, I got it,” he promised, jaw out of whack. “No more use of equipment while I’m alone.” And wow. Had Loren just....? "I love you too, baby. Always have, I'm pretty sure."

Steve couldn’t help but stare at this little exchange. Eyes wide, he paused with the scone halfway to his mouth. He had no idea that Thor’s brother was even seeing anyone. Thor was very boisterous about talking about his brother and he’d been with Loki at the last holiday but wow. An older man in his life? That was sort of brilliant. They played off of each other perfectly. He finally broke out of his romantic little spell and glanced over at Buck, resuming his nibbling. This was a good way to start off Christmas Eve.