A Very Marvel Christmas

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"How am I supposed to spot a pickpocket in this crowd?"

Ana rubbed her cold nose, and sunk deeper into her oversized parka. The collar just brushed against her upper lip and her head was concealed by a black beanie. She stood in the middle of town square in New York. It snowed heavily and the air was cold and crisp, accompanied by a sharp wind. Behind her was a large Christmas tree decorated with all the bells and whistles, and the whole city basically surrounded it.

The Warrior took on a small job after overhearing a middle aged woman worry over pickpockets in the town square. Long story short, Ana was hired to steer the pickpocket away from the civilians and take back all the stolen objects. She needed hard cash to buy some necessities.

Ana couldn't use her credit card or access her funds. That would lead the Feds straight to her.

Yes, she was still in hiding. And yes, she despised every second of it. Especially since it was the holidays. Last year she spent it with Steve and Sam, singing old tunes and watching movies.

This year, it was just her.

As lonely as it sounded, it was better that way. She couldn't risk visiting Peter and May. Or even dropping by the Avengers Facility for Tony, Vision and Rhodey. She would call Steve though, she really wanted to hear his voice as well as the others.

At the thought of them, her eyes dropped and she frowned. Ana missed her friends. And Bucky. The people closest to her were so far away.

"Hey!"

Ana looked up when the man to her right yelled, earning everyone's focus to land on him and the runner carrying a red bag over his shoulder. The pickpocket was dressed as Santa — a perfect way to camouflage into his surroundings. She chuckled and broke into a run. This will distract her.

A couple of kids were slack jawed at the sight of a messy looking man as he ripped of the white beard and glasses. Ana purses her lips, passing them when they began to cry. She'd hate to be their parents.

The roads beyond the town square were empty and it gave Ana a clear shot at taking him down. She grabbed a snowball and threw it at his knee. The sloppiest thing happened and Santa slipped on ice, landing on his rear with the bag of stolen possessions being thrown in the air. Ana slid on her knees, arms open as she timed it perfectly to catch the bag.

It landed in her arms and she smirked, sliding by Santa as he moved his head, watching her with a look of guilt and shock. That moment would be perfect for slow motion replay.

"You're on your own naughty list, Sant', and you have some explaining to do." Ana swung the bag over her shoulder and grabbed the culprit by his arm, hauling him to his feet.

"I'm sorry. It's just I don't have any money to get my girl a present. She means the world to me." He mumbled.

"I'm sure if she loved you enough, you wouldn't have to steal from others. That's just wrong." Ana stated.

Fake Santa looked down ashamed when the cops pulled up. Ana became nervous when they ran over to her, wanting to take in the robber. She quickly handed the red bag to a nearby bystander and walked into an alleyway. Away from the police.

She put on her Sling Ring and made a portal to her client to pick up her payment. She stepped into the golden circle and entered the vacant town hall. There was an envelope on the desk with the reward and Ana swept it up into her hands before travelling to the highest point in New York.

Ana breathed in the cool air on top of the Empire State Building. The view was amazing. The dark sky was a compliment to the landscapes and snow. She let her legs hang over the large metal eagle as she opened up the envelope.

"Hello new clothes." Ana smiled, nodding. There was a thank you note attached to the paper. They knew she'd come through and that made her smile even more.

She removed the strap of her backpack and swung it around to open it up. She took out her enhanced eye wear and put them on her head, above her eyes. Ana stared down at the lively city. She was missing out, that was for sure. Small parades were on, spreading the spirit of the holidays. She never really celebrated Christmas — usually because she was on missions for SHIELD. There was this one time in college before she was an agent when she spent the Eve with her first boyfriend, Daniel Rand.

Her lips tugged upwards as she recalled the way he stood outside of her class, holding a single yellow rose. He had this stupid grin on his face when he handed it to her, saying he wanted to take her out for dinner. They had spent the whole night on a rooftop just watching the snow fall.

She made a mental note to visit him if she could.

A loud and sharp noise took her out of her peaceful state. She jumped slightly and looked at the roads, where an explosion just took out a toy shop. She put on her mask and pressed the sides of it, zooming in. She spotted four men in black, sporting ski masks and large duffle bags were in their hands as they entered a parked van.

Ana frowned, worried when civilians began screaming, obviously from the pain the explosion caused. She used her Sling Ring to create another portal and slid off the eagle, diving into the golden circle.

She appeared above the van and landed on it, using her hands to steady herself. The bad guys held toy guns in their hands. And when they fired at the mysterious person on their van, real bullets came out. Ana almost got nicked on her shoulder. She dodged it just in time.

She spelled a mystic shield to prevent anymore from hitting her. This caught them off guard. Ana used the Eldritch Whip to smack the guns out of their hands. She didn't see the driver pull out a handgun and lean out of the open window. He aimed at her and pulled the trigger. But before the bullet escaped the chamber, a web clamped down on the barrel and stopped it from firing.

From around a corner, Spider-Man swung on a web, legs out in front of him ready to kick the driver out of the van. Ana formed fists and raised them high. The magic then raised from the grounds at the feet of the men and it created dark purple circles around their knees and torsos, trapping them.

"Hey! I didn't know you were in town." Spider-Man landed on top of the van beside Ana as the surrounding civilians cheered for him. He waved for show as Ana shot him a look, dropping her spells.

"And no else will, Spidey." She said. "It's been a while."

"I've missed you." Peter whispered, tilting his head as he stared at her with a smile under his mask.

Ana smiled. "Me too, bud."

A stray thug had been in the toy warehouse, watching as his team got their asses kicked. He scowled at the supers on his van and pulled out two machine guns from his black duffle bag. Deciding to shoot the one without the red suit, he aimed at her head.

"Since it's almost Christmas, I was wondering if you'll talk to Tony about the Accords. Aunt May's been asking about you and I'm running out of things to say." Peter said as he and Ana slid off the van. He wanted her back in the real world again, not hiding from her own friends.

Ana sighed. She went to reply when she heard the click of a gun. She tackled Peter to the ground when bullets came their way. She quickly looked over her shoulder at the trigger happy thug at the smoking warehouse. She spotted a piece of sharp metal under the van and grabbed it.

She launched it at him and it stabbed him in the shoulder. Spider-Man stood and shot out two webs, latching onto the traffic light above him and leaped forward, barrelling into the gunman. Sirens alerted Ana and she yelled for Peter to get back.

Peter looked back at Ana. Men dressed in black tactical suits carrying large rifles surrounded her. He widened his eyes as Iron Man flew above her, aiming his repulsors at her in case she planned to escape. Ana subtly looked to Peter and nodded.

Ana glanced at Tony. She dropped on her knees and placing her hands behind her head. She was doing it for Peter. And for herself. She was done hiding. She was sick of it. She wanted to get it over with so she could finally be free.

"Ana, nice to see you've finally come to your senses. I promise it'll be over quickly." Tony landed on the ground, close to her. He wouldn't say it then, but he was glad to see she was okay.

He went down on one knee and pulled back his helmet, so she could see him. A smile tugged at her lips. She wouldn't say it, but it was nice to see another Avenger.

"Hey, Tony."

"My little lady... its been too long."

"Do you have any idea what your Captain did after that stunt he pulled in Siberia? Do you?!"

Ana rolled her eyes. Ross was pacing in front of her, face red and angry. She was shackled to a metal table by her hands and feet. Chains upon chains were securely wrapped around her. Apparently some scientists studied her file and previous DNA tests and thought that their newly invented restraints could keep her locked down.

Clearly their information was out dated. She unintentionally snapped off a chain while Ross was yelling at her — so he didn't hear the sound over his own roaring. Ana became confused, she was getting stronger everyday. All Ross knew was that she wasn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Again, they didn't know anything about her.

Ana suppressed a grin. "I don't know what you're talking about, Rossy. What did Steve do?" She asked casually.

He slammed his palms on the metal table and stared her down, "He broke out the lot of you! Lang, Barton, Maximoff, Wilson! They even trashed the Raft!" He yelled in her face.

Unfazed by his outburst, Ana mouthed a wow and faced her palms his way, waving them in a gesture someone would do to calm down a rabid dog.

"Sir, I think it's best you take a walk. You don't want to have another heart attack, would you?"

He huffed, looking well and ready to throw a punch. Ana only smiled. If he laid a hand on her, there goes his Christmas bonus.

"You know, our systems spotted you in New York last month, dressed like a freakin' clown. What were you doing? Huh? And who were those men with you? Old pals from Hydra camp?"

"Step away from Ms. Michaels, Ross."

The door had open and closed when a particular individual stepped inside the interrogation room. Vision was standing in a suit that was anonymously mailed to him last week. It was a simple grey jacket and pants with a red under shirt. After seeing Ana nod, he knew she had given him the gift. And a smile formed on his lips.

"You clean up nice, Vis."

"Thank you." Vision nodded her way. Ross scowled at the being and dropped a file at Ana's hands. He pointed at it, looking her in the eye.

"He's here to consult with you whether or not you sign." Ross said lowly, looking at her with so much distaste.

"Give us the room, please." Vision interjected. Ross brushed past him, before slamming the door shut.

Ana whistles lowly, shaking her head. "He's got issues."

Vision sat across from her, back straight and arms crossed over one another on the table. Ana frowned when she noticed one of the suit pieces missing.

"Where's the tie? Don't you like snowmen?"

Vision chuckled. "Mr. Stark suggested I shouldn't wear it inside." He replied, shoving the file away. Ana watched as he did and raised an eyebrow.

"I'm gonna spend Christmas in a cell, huh?" She let out a long breath. The chains on her snapped off as she deflated and Vision didn't seem concerned by it. Footsteps and yells could be heard outside the door and not a second later, four agents barged in, guns at the ready. They aimed their weapons at Ana.

Only she dropped her head on the table and groaned.

The soldiers looked at each other, confused on what to do next. Ana turned her head so her ear was against the table stared at the men. "Drop your weapons. I'm not going anywhere until this is done." She shared, waving a hand at them to back away.

Vision gave them a nod of confirmation and soon enough they exited the room. Ana sat up straight. If Clint could retire, so could she. All she wanted to do was leave. She still had so many things to do before Christmas.

"Vision, tell the boss I am going to retire. I promise I won't use my strength unless I absolutely have to. No throwing knives, shooting guns, punching through walls — I'm gonna miss that last one." She mumbled, "I don't care how much the government wants me, they can't have me."

Vision clamped his hands together and leaned forward slightly. Looking her in the eye, he spoke. "I understand your concern. You've worked for SHIELD when Hydra was apart of it. You think that if you give your loyalty again, it would end with the same result. Devastation. Anger."

"After everything that has happened to me, Hydra still makes its way back into my life. For all you know, some of them rule a goddamn country. They could be in the United Nations. Probably even had a say in the Accords so they could use it to their advantage." Ana countered, clenching her jaw at the thought.

"You're awfully paranoid." Vision concluded, frowning.

"No, Vis. I'm careful." Ana stated.

It became silent for a while before Tony walked in. He had heard all he needed to hear. Ana was sure she didn't want to sign. He didn't want her to be stuck in prison. He couldn't do it to her or to himself.

"Ana, for your present, I give you your only wish." Tony said, smirking slightly when he could hear Ross in his ear, telling him to stop. He removed the earpiece and threw it on the table. He opened his arms. "We'll stop trying so hard to get you. No paperwork needed, although I'll just make Ross do it, you've said your part. No more vigilante acts."

Ana smiled. "Really?"

She took Tony's hand and stood, shaking it to seal the deal. Ana grinned and wrapped him up in a hug. She extended her arm for Vision to join. Shrugging, the being embraced Ana.

"I love you guys. And Tony, I forgive you for smashing my head in Siberia." Ana pulled back, her lips smirking back at him.

"And I forgive you for siding with your boyfriend." He said, somewhat sarcastically. Vision didn't understand and looked at Ana.

"You and Steve are together?"

Ana's cheeks grew red and she shook her head. "Oh Vision. You're too young to understand."

After having the black bag pulled from her head, Ana found herself standing in the middle of an empty apartment. It was small and the entire floor — the kitchen, the bedroom, the bathroom — they were all connected with the exception of a dividing wall for the bathroom. The window view told her she was back in New York, with the familiar buildings and parks outside.

In the middle of the apartment, just a few feet in front of her, was a large box wrapped in red paper with a gold bow. She kneeled down in front of it and picked up the small note.

I wanted to show you this before the Accords. You told me you've always wanted an apartment that oversaw your hometown. Now you have it. Welcome to your new place in Queens, Ana. Merry Christmas... Tony.

P.S. - Expect Vision to pop in now and then. He misses you guys.

Chuckling to herself, she lifted her head and looked at her new home, happy. She opened the gift next. Puzzled, she picked up the small metal box. There was a sticky note attached to it that said to lightly touch it twice. And so she did. Then a hologram of the entire Avengers team popped up.

Ana found a place for it, on a small dresser next to the window. She wrapped her arms around herself, smiling at the perfect gift.

"Thank you, Tony."

Ana patted down her pockets for the phone Steve gave her then. She took it out and dialled a number, hearing the call connected. The ringing stopped and a soft voice answered. "Hello?"

"Rogers, hey."

Ana grinned, shoving the baseball cap further down her head. The super soldier on the other end began to laugh, with joy.

"Ana, it's so good to hear from you." Steve said, "How are you? Are you alright?"

"I'm great, currently a free woman. Thanks to Tony, he gave me a pardon. I just called in because Christmas is around the corner and I miss you guys." Ana shared quietly.

"We miss you too." Steve replied, "And I'm happy for you. Tony did a good thing. Over here, it's been... hard, but we've managed. Clint's a pro at staying low, something he got from being a top spy. Everyone's out on watch, I was just heading out to join them when you called."

"Good. You should be careful, the lot of you. Government forces have been circling around for a while." Ana shared, "Just tell everyone I said hello and wish them a Merry Christmas. I know it's difficult being away from family, and I hope it doesn't stay that way forever."

"You and me both, Ana." He sighed over the phone, "And Happy Holidays to you too. I really hope we see each other again soon, I really do. I miss my right hand gal."

Ana swiped the stray tear from her cheek and smiled, looking at the noon sky through her window. "See you soon, Steve."

"See you soon, Ana." Steve whispered, looking up at the dark sky through the window of their safe house.

"You got me a shelf?"

Ana glanced at Stephen and Wong, eyebrows raised as she sat on the floor crosslegged. They were seated right in front of the large Window of the Worlds, giving each other gifts. Surprisingly, this wasn't the first Christmas Wong had. He was vague on the details, but he spent a few of them with some of the Masters.

Stephen shared a look with Wong, before facing Ana and shrugging. "You said you have a new apartment. You could use it to store your weapons and suits." He stated.

Ana looked at the antique shelf. It had ten levels and apparently it belonged to a Blacksmith in the old days. Smiling, she nodded.

"Huh, good idea. Thank you."

Wong reached for his present from Ana, eagerly ripping the paper off. Stephen and Ana chuckled together. An iPhone box sat in Wong's hands, and he made a face.

"What am I supposed to do with a box?"

Ana rolled her eyes, leaning over to open the box, picking up the black phone. "Since you loved my tablet so much you stole it the second I came to Kamar-Taj, I decided to load all my music on this so you could have your own." She explained.

Wong's face lightened up in realisation and he smiled. "Oh, good. I've been waiting for Drake's new album." He said.

Stephen picked up a medium sized box, handing it to Ana. "Here. I got you this."

Excited, Ana bounced her shoulders, looking at him with a grin. Ana handed him her present. "We'll open it the same time."

They nodded and opened their boxes. Their facial expressions matched in awe, Wong noticed, and he leaned over to see what they got each other. Stephen was given yellow gloves and he put them on, tutting out his lips in approval.