They were going to die. That was a given.
How and when are always the big questions, but for some reason they never bothered with the who.
It wasn't a topic any of them thought of often but it was always lingering. With their lifestyle how could it not? It was always on their minds, every mission, would one of them not make it back this time?
In all their time thinking about it, picturing it, wondering when or how, they never thought in million years who it would be, and certainly not Thor.
None of them could imagine life without the big guy. He always seemed to know just what to say or do. He was smarter and more observant than most gave him credit for. He always seemed to know exactly what to do to help. What to say - or not to say. He knew all their favourite foods and drinks, even their secret little guilty pleasures. He used that knowledge to help when they were upset or needed someone. Even if they didn't realize it themselves.
Just like all of them, Thor has his secrets. Things no one knew besides them. Despite his politeness and old way of talking, he could be sarcastic and sassy. He swore like a sailor and made inappropriate jokes. He wore a charm around his neck to hide all the scars, tattoos, and piercings he has. It made him look like the golden prince you heard about in the stories.
He was an amazing fighter, with any weapon you gave him. He was best at hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship. It took them all by surprise when he managed to defeat both Natasha and Clint at the same time.
He was very open about himself, not afraid to talk about what happened and always more than happy to answer any questions about himself or his home world.
He had something special with each Avenger.
With Tony, they would banter a lot, but they taught each other things. Thor taught Tony all about Magic and Aesir physiology. In return, Tony taught Thor all about electronics and any science he thought the Thunder God would be interested in.
With Clint it was a love of archery. Thor was just a good a shot as Clint was and the was something Clint could respect. He was also delighted to learn that Thor knew sign language. It made talking to the guy a lot easier and more fun.
With Natasha it was fighting. They would spar often, never seeming to beat the other. Occasionally one of them would get lucky, but they were pretty evenly matched. They would spar, then go out for ice cream. A guilty pleasure they liked to share in.
With Bruce it was the way Thor treated him, without fear, like an equal. Though Tony did the same, Bruce was still worried he could hurt him. But he knew Thor could take on the Hulk in the need arose. It made him a little more relaxed. Thor also appreciated his piano playing. To the point where he started taking lessons from Bruce to learn himself.
With Steve it was the alienation from the world around them. Though they we're learning and adapting, they were still different. So they explored together, watched movies, and tried to figure out some piece of technology without Tony's help. He also understood the soldier part of Steve. The dreams, the visions, the guilt. They found solace in each other.
He was a part of the Avengers that they depended on. A piece they would be lost without. They made sure not to take anything in their lives for granted, knowing they could lose something at any moment.
But they never thought they'd lose Thor. It just wasn't something they deemed possible. He was a god after all. Wasn't he immortal or something?
None of them knew what to think, watching the doctors trying to save Thor's life on the other side of the glass. Any one of them could be in there, why - how - was it him?
The one they all secretly depended on. The one always with the bright smile, the laugh that made you feel better, and the hugs that made you feel safe. Feel whole. Always happy, despite all he has gone through, able to look past it and live on.
They had no doubt that, when alone in his room, Thor suffered like the rest of them. Suffered of a broken heart and a shattered family.
But that's what they all were right? A shattered family? Torn apart and thrown back together to make the family they are now?
But now they couldn't move, couldn't breathe as the doctors try to restart Thor's heart and fail. They try again and again, never succeeding. Finally they give in, and call out the time of death.
The shrill beep of the heart monitor blocking out everything else. They're all in shock.
Natasha and Bruce are crying. Clint falls to his knees. Tony's heads falls into his hands. Steves eyes are wide, not blinking. Just staring.
Even lifeless he's beautiful, golden hair and tanned skin, his electrifying blue eyes closed. His magic goes and his charm stops working. They see his scars and tattoos. Remembering the day he happily explained each and every one to them.
They don't move. They can't. How do they function without him? Not one of them had ever thought of it. Never daring to think of a life without the others. But for some reason this one seems so much worse.
He was the glue. The one to keep them all sane. They didn't know what would happened now. How they would cope. They couldn't get past the big question, burning in all their minds.
Why him?
They were all going to die. That was for sure. But why, oh why,
Did it have to be him?