Dilton walked into the hospital, followed closely by Agent Barton. Over the past few days, he'd been getting rather used to the man shadowing him – though he wasn't sure he'd ever get used to him simply disappearing into the ceiling above them to watch and observe the work they'd been doing. When asked about his reasons for doing so, Barton had shrugged and said he got the best vantage point above ground – and no, he was not referring to his gift of archery.

While he had gotten somewhat comfortable with the man, he wasn't sure it was entirely necessary for him to be with him all the time. The fact that he did was, in fact, more unnerving than comforting. "You know, you don't have to be here. This is merely a visit to a friend."

"Job's to protect you," he succinctly replied.

"Yeah, in the field and I have accepted that stipulation, Agent Barton. But this isn't work related," he pointed out.

Barton pulled him to a stop and forced him to look him in the eye. "I am to watch you no matter where you are, brain trust." Because he had learned over the past few days that the boss was right, this geek was important. The way he put facts together to come up with a cohesive whole, taking in all the details with one eye on them and an ear on his associates…yeah, he'd figure out what was going on.

Didn't mean he had to like it but he was willing to protect the young man no matter the cost.

Shaking his head a little, he stepped back, realizing that it was useless to argue with the agent any farther but he didn't like it. It seemed all wrong to be visiting a friend with a walking weapon at his side. After walking through another set of doors, he walked up to the receptionist and smiled. "Hi, I'm here to see Ethel Dinklehof." Behind him, he heard Barton shifting slightly. From his rapidly growing experience with the man, he knew the man was examining the entire hospital, checking exists and entrances as well as emergency escapes – and how many rooms there were in the vicinity.

While he still felt that his presence and everything he was doing was overkill, that one look Barton gave him said it all. No matter what, the scientist's safety was his top priority. Even if this was just a visit to the hospital, not a walk down a dark alley or some exotic bazaar know for drug runners, Barton was going to perform the task he was given.

"Dilly!" a familiar, husky voice said before the receptionist could say anything.

Turning, he hugged the taller woman, eyeing her critically. Back in high school she'd been very thin, though not unhealthily so. He was pleased to see that she had gained some weight, losing that waifish look she used to have. Her dark haired had grown out some, though she still kept it short. If not for her familiar hazel eyes, he wondered if he'd have known her had they passed on the street. "You look good."

"And you look worried. Tell me all about it," she invited, gesturing for him to follow her into the back. "Thanks, Meggie."

"No problem, Dr. E."

As she lead the way down another corridor, she looked at Barton curiously when he followed but Dilton shook his head. With a puzzled look, she gave a shrug. She let them into her office, turning on the fan as she did so. Honestly, she loved the state but wished that it wasn't so humid at this time of the year. She'd love to open the window and let in the fresh air. "So, what's up?"

"You're the one who called me," he reminded her.

"And you're the one who looks like he's got a load to dump. So, come on, tell me all about it. But first, who is this guy? Should I warn Marmaduke he's got quite the competition when it comes to guarding your body?"

"It's not like that, Ethel. Really," Dilton flushed, laughed nervously, and rubbed the back of his neck. "Forgive my lack of manners. Agent Barton, this is my good friend, Dr. Ethel Dinklehof. Ethel, I'd like you to meet Agent Barton. He's here on assignment."

"Your body guard," she finished with a smirk. "Nice to know that someone knows how to keep the best assets of this country safe."

"Ethel!" he protested, eyes darting around the room as he squirmed uncomfortably in his chair.

She laughed, "I'm just teasing you, Dilly. Haven't been able to do that in ages. Someone's been far too forgetful when it comes to e-mails and phone calls.

"If I promise to do better will you just stop?"

Tilting her head, she thought about it. "Nah – because I know you. Chill and tell me your story."

Looking at Barton quickly, he shrugged and tried to ignore the red flush on his neck. This is exactly why he hadn't wanted to bring anyone with him to meet her. Of all the people in his life, she was really the only one he'd ever seriously dated. And the both of them had suffered for being the odd couple. As the tallest girl in the school, she'd towered over him.

And he was so smart; he'd often left her in the dust because he hadn't always known when to use smaller words without sounding condescending. Through her, he'd learned to talk to people normally without feeling like he was dumbing himself down – or making them feel stupid for not understanding what he was saying. As for her height…it had never bothered him. To him, it was just a part of who she was.

The only one to support them without questions had been Marmaduke – better known as Moose. Unfortunately, like most high school relationships, theirs had ended shortly after graduation. Fortunately for them, they had been able to remain the best of friends. He supposed that was because their relationship had been based on a firm friendship first.

And that he had benefited from her companionship so he wanted to do all that he could to keep her in his life, even if they were no longer romantically attached.

"I can only say that it's job related – and that's really all."

"Job related? I thought you were supposed to be in a lab."

"Circumstances have brought me out into the field," he slowly said, trying to find the best explanation for what he was doing without getting in trouble. "There's been some unusual astral readings in the area as well as some strange markings. As astronomy is one of my degrees, I was brought in to take a look. In truth, Ethel, I wouldn't want to miss this for the world. So, swallowing my fear, here I am."

A frown crossed her face, "This wouldn't happen to have something to do with Dr. Foster's work on the Rosen…something or another theory, would it?"

"Einstein-Rosen Bridge," he automatically corrected her, feeling settled now that the focus was off of him. "I doubt it. That's more theoretical astrophysics. While it was something that was actually discussed by Dr. Einstein and Dr. Rosen back in the thirties, I've never really specialized in. As it has to do with the creation of shortcuts in travelling through space – what is commonly referred to as wormholes – the idea is quixotic at best. No one's ever been able to prove or disprove the possibility, though I know that Dr. Foster has been toying with the idea on and off over the years. I've never met the woman."

"Well, you're in luck – she should be in to pick up her husband soon."

Barton saw the shocked look on Dilton's face and reached for his phone, knowing that something was up. While the geek didn't know her, he obviously knew of her, enough to know something of her personal life. Even if it was a dead end lead, this was something Coulson should know about. His fingers typed the message about the bridge and Dr. Foster, pausing when she mentioned Thor.

"Husband? I thought she and Dr. Blake broke up."

Ethel shook her head. "I don't know who this Blake guy is, but this man's name is Thor. And considering how built the man is, I'd say she got over him. Did I say something wrong?" she asked, catching the look that passed between the two men.

Deleting the original text, he simply typed – found a connection to hammer, name of Thor. Possibly married to a Dr. Foster, first name unknown. Because he didn't believe that the man was married to this Dr. Foster anymore than Dilton did.

"Why is he here?"

"He was caught up in some electrical storm, then hit by a car – or grazed by the car since he had no injuries to show from the hit – and then he was tazed."

"Tazed?" he repeated. "So, someone attacked him and Dr. Foster brought him in?"

Ethel frowned, remembering something that had bothered her at the time. But she hadn't been able to pursue it, "Now that you mention it, no. There was no attack at all. She's the one who hit him with her car after that freak electrical storm. And her assistant is the one who used a taser on him."

"Doesn't sound to stable a relationship," it was the first thing Barton had said since the meeting started.

"Oh, I don't know. It could be some kink of theirs. The man didn't seem injured at all, even if he did keep saying he was Prince Thor of Asgard. Honestly, if his clothes weren't so modern, I would have thought he was practicing for the Ren Faire or some play. He's got this really old fashioned way of speaking and acting that's so real," she mused. "I think it'll be really depressing to some of my nurses when he goes."

Stall them while we check out her place.

Easy for him to write – he was Phil freakin' Coulson. The man could do just about anything he put his mind to. Even put up with meeting people who had way too many brains for their own good, "Doc?"

"Dilton," he automatically corrected.

"Dilly," she teased.

"Time to meet the science wife," he said, rather ignoring what they said. The geek was either doc or geek to him – he wasn't into the whole becoming friends with an assignment ideology that other agents were. A mission was a mission – the only exception he ever made was for Natasha. And that's because she's Natasha. Not only is she someone who could not easily be ignored but if she wanted to be in your life, she was going to be in your life.

One learned quickly at one's peril what happened if you ignored the Widow.

Ethel took pity on them because Dilton looked completely clueless and Barton like he swallowed undiluted lemon and lime juice. "Come along, gentlemen. If we hurry, we should be able to catch them before she checks him out. Again," she couldn't resist adding.

"Checks out," he drawled, "Or knocks out?"

"With them, I don't think there's a difference," she laughed.

"What?" Dilton asked.

"The last time she came to visit, he escaped our custody. I believe he was still suffering from a head wound received when she hit him with her car. Only this time, because of his position near the sidewalk, he hurt his ankle."

"So, she's hit him with her car twice," Dilton mused. "Does she work with you in some unofficial capacity, Agent?"

"No."

The brusque sound in his voice had them looking at him curiously but Dilton had almost become used to his shortness and shrugged it off. Across the hall, they could see two young women with an older gentleman. "What's he doing here?" Feeling Clint's questioning look, he explained quickly, "Dr. Eric Selvig, I heard he was semi retired from field work though he lends his expertise to up and coming scientists. He was a friend of Dr. Foster's dad. Foster is the dark haired woman leaning against the desk. I'm not sure who the other woman is."

"Darcy Lewis, her intern. Which is strange because the girl studies political science, not astrophysics," Ethel murmured before approaching them. "Dr. Foster, how good to see you again. I can assure you that we have not lost Thor this time. Though some of my nurses may want to fight you in order to keep him here," she added with an amused smile.

"They'd lose – I have finder's rights."

That sounded rather strange to Dilton and looking over at Barton, he could tell that the other man agreed with him.

"But who are your friends, Dr. Dinklehof?"

"This is Dr. Dilton Malloy," she started, cut off by Jane's excited squeal though she knew the other woman would deny it.

"Oh, I've heard of you. You have several degrees in many different branches of the scientific world. I mean, didn't they basically make up a doctorate for you because you wouldn't meekly fit into any one category?"

Ducking his head, he smiled shyly. "Yeah, that'd be me."

Though she knew that Thor should be her priority, she couldn't help but dig a little bit. "I read your theory of wormholes and quantum mechanics. How the two theories cancel each other out and yet, don't rule out the possibility that travelling through space using short cuts are possible. You've also done considerable research into quantum dynamics as well as the theory of chaos science. Both fascinating reads. What happened to you after that? I mean, I haven't read anything more recent."

"I've been hired to do some more focused research on a few projects started by Mr. Stark," he said.

For the first time, the bored woman looked interested. "Tony Stark?"

"Uh, no. Though I will not deny I'd love to meet the man who was able to design and implement into everyday life an actual AI, I'm referring to Howard Stark."

"Dude, the guy's old and dead. Thus, boring."

"Darcy!" Jane sounded scandalized.

"What? It's true. Better to focus on hot and totally alive than not." Her gaze landed on the other man, "Speaking of hotness…who's this dude?"

Dilton was silent for a moment, "Clint Barton. He's an associate of mine, though definitely not a lab assistant."

"May be I should change my major."

"The science world will thank you if you don't."

"Aw, Eric, and here I was thinking that you liked me." She pouted.

"My personal feelings do not change the truth of the matter, Ms. Lewis."

Jane cleared her throat, "I'd love to stay and chat, Dr. Malloy, but I do have to check on Thor. If you would excuse me?"

"Of course, I'm sure that Dr. Selvig and I will enjoy ourselves."

No one noticed Clint fading into the shadows having found the room he was looking for. For the moment, finding out about this Thor guy was more important than protecting the doc. And he had seen nothing to indicate that there was any danger here. While he was aware that such a thing meant nothing, his gut was telling him that the doc was safe here.

The thought of listening and debating with the two of them had her hesitating, shifting her weight from foot to foot. It had been far too long since she'd had anyone she could talk to on an equal level who was willing to listen to her theories. Not only listen, but give back as good as he got in a genuine manner that was designed to tear apart her theories even as it helped her strengthen and rebuild them.

But her main piece of evidence had already attempted to escape once. She couldn't let him do so again because, with her luck, she'd hit him again and really injure the guy.

Because his forgiveness might just run out – and she'd get sued.

—―—

Thor's eyes fluttered open and he took in the room around him, slowly returning to consciousness. Moving gingerly, he pushed himself up into a sitting position and felt the muscles in his ankle pull painfully. He looked up when the door opened and saw one of the dark haired ladies he'd met when he first arrived. She looked unsure of what she was supposed to do for the first since they had met.

He found that rather strange for when they had met, she had been anything but shy. Rude, abrupt, and had been panicking but she was not shy. "Good lady, I mean you no harm. If you would not mind, would you help me leave this place of healing?"

Jane bit her lip and studied him. Even injured and in the hospital which by rights should have followed the rules that all patients looked hideous, he was still insanely gorgeous. Was the man incapable of having a bad hair day? "Are you sure you're ready?"

"I must get back to my home," he simply replied. "My father was most angry with my actions but I am sure that once I speak with him, he will understand and allow me back in."

Before she could reply, a nurse pushed her aside gently. "It's time for your lunch, Mr. Foster."

"My name is Thor Odinson," he began. "I do not know who this Mr. Foster is." His back straightened as he stared at the two, noting that female straightened her back, giving him a challenging look before turning to the woman dressed in white.

"I'll give it to him," Jane quickly said. Lowering her voice to a confidential whisper, "He's still a tad confused what with the accident, getting caught up in that storm, and the newness of our relationship."

The nurse hesitated, biting her lip. After a moment of thought, she couldn't find any reason to refuse the woman's statement. And she was the man's wife. "All right, I do have to get a new set of dressings for his wounds."

"We do not have a relationship," Thor said. "I do not associate with Midgardians."

Shutting the door, she walked over and placed the tray on the bedside table. "Well you do with this one and if you don't want to be locked up in another healing facility, one that would be harder for me to help you, I suggest you stop with the attitude. I will not take it."

"My behavior is exactly as it should be," he was affronted.

"In whose opinion?" she retorted.

He ignored her words for she was just a foolish mortal, not worthy of his time or esteem. Just who did this ignorant goat think she was, talking to him in such a manner? While there was some education in her words, she was not dressed as a lady of rank would be. She had no right to act as though she was his equal. If she continued to try to establish a link between them, he would need to teach her what her place was.

Even if she did not, she should know better than to treat a Prince of the Realm this way. Though they had not been on Midgard in some time, surely the mortals had not forgotten who they were and what debt they owed them? "I am exactly who I said that I am. It is you who are being impertinent and rude. Claiming a relationship with me when we do not have one, what is the purpose behind such behavior? What do you hope to steal from me?"

"Steal? What a preposterous…" she started but then stopped and exhaled heavily. "I am trying to do the right thing."

"Seeking nothing for yourself?" he skeptically asked even as he reached for the food. It did not look at all palatable but it was sustenance. Volstagg's voice reminded him that one always needed food to deal with any situation. This woman before him and those like her had tried to stop him and been successful. They would not find it so easy to take him down now that they had healed him and given him a place to rest.

But what did they hope to gain? Did they think he was a fool that he could not see that something was going on? She claimed a relationship with him, one that they did not have and expected him to blindly accept her word? Truly, he was not the fool here. "You are either a great fool, a coward, or a cunning liar."

Jane glared, hands on her hips. "On Earth, one does not view such acts that way."

"It is because of such an attitude that you will remain a backwater, weak, and uncivilized planet."

"If to lose my humanity means to be civilized and strong, then I'll take being a barbarian any day." Once more, she forced herself to breath deeply and refocus on why she was here with this exasperating man. Honestly, she should let Darcy taze him again. Thinking that over, she wondered if it would be a practical idea for training him to act better. Or if it would have an adverse affect on him. "As for when you can leave, that depends on if you have some place to go. Or if you have someone who can take care of you should you have a medical situation. And I don't think you do."

"What makes you believe such a thing?"

"You have no money to check into a hotel nor do you have anything that shows you live here. You referred to a father – constantly. But it's obvious to me that at the moment, you guys aren't on speaking terms. I haven't heard mention of siblings or a mother."

Thor was forced to concede that she had a point. In none of his words to her had he mentioned any family other than his father. It was unlikely that she would have thought that Heimdall was a relative though he had yelled his name while in her presence. Without the bonds of marriage, the guardian would have been justifiably horrified at the idea that Thor claimed him family.

Still, he must correct her erroneous belief that he had no one to aid him. True, they were currently unable to reach him but that would not stop them from trying to help him. If they could reach Vili, he would be found. While the man chose to practice seidr like a woman, he did know the secret doors into and out of Asgard, as well as many ways around the All Father's protective spells.

If any could find him, it would be Vili. "My brothers are doing their duty in the Outer Realms. As for my mother, she will outwardly follow father's lead even as she works on him to relent. What do you suggest as a solution to my dilemma as I wait for the summons home?"

Summons home? More and more Jane was beginning to believe that – only lead or not – this Thor was entirely out of his mind. Who actually spoke like this? "We continue to with the story that allowed me to see you – that you are my husband."

"Husband," he repeated. Sitting up straight, he stared at the woman before her. For a Midgardian, she was rather attractive. But her presumptuous attitude in claiming him instantly made him suspicious. Unlike Fandral, he would not hide behind a woman's skirts. "If you believe that you will gain anything from this falsity you are greatly mistaken. Neither I nor my father will accept such a union."

Pinching her nose, she leaned forward. "And if you don't want to be locked up for the rest of your life I would suggest you accept my help. You may be good looking but your attitude is a turn-off."

There was a knock on the door, "Excuse me, Dr. Foster, but I do need to change his bandages."

"Well?" she challengingly asked him.

Sif was not going to like this and Fandral will have quite a laugh at my expense. Even as he thought the words, he realized that he had no choice. Hogun's voice in his mind pointed him towards caution and reason, reminding him that even if he didn't like a solution, it was in his best interests to accept any aid offered him. If he wanted to get out of here, he had to accept this offer. He inclined his head, "If it is no trouble."

"Not at all," the nurse sounded relieved and nervous.

Clint backed away, having heard enough to satisfy himself. Not married, how are things?

Hopefully Malloy will be able to figure this stuff out.

"Malloy, the Boss has new information for you. Wrap it up," he half-ordered.

Dilton looked momentarily confused before shrugging. "I'll call you."

"You better," Ethel hugged him and watched the two leave, a small frown on her face. There was something about this that she just didn't like.

―――

"Don't touch my stuff," Tony interrupted the tale, voice hard and cold.

"Pardon?" Coulson and Barton exchanged looks.

Loki leaned back, waiting to hear if he'd give them the same lecture he'd given her. Not that it had made a difference to her, she would do what she had to and if he didn't like it, tough.

"You heard me, Agents – don't touch my stuff." Rising, he held out his hand to Loki. Looking at it then up at him, she accepted it. There was something in his face that spoke volumes to her and she wasn't stupid enough to risk upsetting him. "And we're done for the day."

"Mr. Stark."

"Save it, Agent. And use my door next time," he added, gesturing for them to lead the way.

Phil's head minutely shook at Clint's glance and the two stood up. "Thank you for your time. We'll call about continuing this."

"I'm sure you will."


Author's Note: Hope this was worth the wait and that I made Thor sound like, well, Thor. Thanks to all of my readers and reviewers for their patience and support. It is infinitely appreciated.