It didn't take a super soldier to realize Thor didn't seem at his best during training, but it took a heart like Steve's to understand what was troubling him. He waited until later that evening when Thor was sitting on the Stark balcony, away from the others, before approaching him with two glasses of scotch.
"I did not think you drank." Thor remarked, accepting one of the glasses.
"Not usually, but I can drink with a friend." Steve smiled.
Thor smiled and nodded, touching glasses in agreement.
"You seem off." Steve said.
"You're perceptive." Thor remarked.
"I know what it's like to feel far away from old friends and home." Steve shrugged.
"I did not think of that. You are a man out of his time." Thor nodded.
"You're a god out of his universe." Steve pointed out.
"Aye, but I have a way to return if I'm needed." Thor said.
"That doesn't mean you're not allowed to miss them." Steve countered.
"Aye." Thor grew quiet.
"Who do you miss the most?" Steve asked.
The Asgardian looked embarrassed for a moment before admitting,
"My mother."
"I can understand that." Steve smiled. "Tell me about her?"
"She is a wonderful Queen." Thor smiled endearingly. "As strong as my father, sometimes more stubborn. There is no better mother in the realm."
"And here I pegged you for a Father's son." Steve teased. "She sounds like a real lady."
"Any yours?" Thor asked.
"Well...she was a real firecracker. She stood as tall as Tony's bar, but boy she carried herself. Couldn't meet anyone a hundred steps in any direction who had anything bad to say about her." Steve grinned. "She raised me without complaint. She practically raised the whole neighborhood!"
"It explains you very well." Thor smiled.
"Yours too." Steve clapped him on the shoulder.
"Thank you...Steve. Your words have helped me think past my barriers." Thor smiled.
"Thor, it's been my pleasure." Steve smiled.
"Do you think they're okay?" Natasha asked.
"Sometimes the greatest comfort is found in comforting someone else." Bruce answered.
He glanced up from his tinkering, and smiled as Natasha gave him an odd look before walking away from the balcony.
