Chapter Seven

"I assure you I am being completely honest with you, why would I lie?"

"So you can hold the portal open with exotic matter that you found on your planet as… crystals?"

"Only at first, when Asgard was young and the technologies we harnessed were in their infancy. Later we developed, and were able to gather the materials from space itself."

"How did you manage that, and how can we recreate that?"

"I'm uh… not entirely sure what Newton's Laws of Gravitation states but uh… um, hello?" Peter looked at the phone in his hand, seeing that the screen was dark, another asshole had hung up on him. Darcy glared at her own phone in hand, looking absolutely offended by it as she growled. The entire workspace was alive with their efforts, Thor, Jane and Erik were all over by a whiteboard with more math written on it than Peter ever wanted to see in his life.

At least he assumed it was math, there were numbers, letters and whole words sometimes in equations with enough symbols to make him sweat nervously. They were trying to figure out how to keep their singularity open, instead of having it crush in on itself and anyone who decided to traverse it. At least, that's what they told Peter when he had tried to ask about it.

Himself and Darcy were delegated to finding generous and eccentric donors to fund their project 'Into the Stars'. At least that is the current, if tentative name for their project. For nearly ten hours a day now Peter and Darcy had been on the phone trying to call anyone, and everyone who had the means to fund their research. So far, every single call had been met with disbelief, or outright ridicule. It had been a rough three days.

Three days since Thor and him had last spoken, three whole literal days since they had shared a word. It really made sharing the trailer awkward at night when they returned. Peter wanted to say something to him, but every time he opened his mouth he had choked up, unable to speak at all. Thor didn't offer him any kind of comfort, or make any moves himself to patch the bridge that was burned between them.

Though, if he were being honest with himself it wasn't Thor's job, or responsibility to patch this bridge. He'd been the one to set it ablaze and watched it burn up in a matter of seconds, and now, he didn't even know how to approach Thor. The only thing that seemed to connect them at this point was the music that they shared in the evening.

After long days at the lab Peter would put on some music to stifle the silence that had settled between them. Many times Peter felt Thor's eyes on him while he mouthed the lyrics, or he'd catch Thor nodding to the beat and tapping his foot on the ground. It was the only connection that gave Peter even a little bit of hope that perhaps they'd be able to get through this. Peter had yet to verbally apologize for his outburst, but he was trying to cook for Thor.

He hadn't had a home cooked meal in what could amount to nearly a full decade, literally. He always had take out and the only food stuff he had in his home was beer, cheese, and sometimes, if he was feeling opulent he'd have ice cream. These three items a meal does not make. Peter had felt bad leaving Thor in the truck when he had first gone to the store but had been glad to see he had waited, content to listen to music until he had returned.

That night Peter had cooked, macaroni and cheese was simple and easy right? Well, when he tried it he had to stifle his gagging over the burnt sauce and the overcooked mushy noodles. It wasn't all bad though, so he left Thor a bowl of it and was pleased to see that the next day it was empty. So, he cooked again the next day, making a lasagna instead. Come morning he found an empty plate, it was really a great way to boost Peter's confidence in regards to cooking.

"Hey, where did you go?" Darcy's voice interrupted his thoughts, making him turn down to look at her instead. She was watching him closely, gone was her normal teasing bravado, and instead replaced with a cool concern and worry. "You've been doing this a lot for the past few days, just kind of staring off into the distance. I can almost see the gears in there turning." She joked softly with him, tapping the phone in her hand while waiting for his response.

"It's nothing I promise you, nothing too bad at least." Peter responded softly, a small, sad smile on his face.

"You're not a good liar, is it with Thor? Do I need to cut him still?" She was far too perceptive for her own good.

Chuckling, Peter shook his head, "no, I made the mistake." He spoke softly, hoping not to draw the attention of the other three in the room. Darcy tilted her head, giving Peter her full attention. "I uh… I may have made a total ass of myself."

"And?"

"What do you mean 'and'?"

"What's new Peter? It's not like this is some shocking revelation."

She was teasing him, but he couldn't even muster a half-hearted chuckle. He just felt like trash and he shook his head. "No, I really, really, messed up with him."

"Oh, well have you apologized to him yet?"

"What!? No, I haven't done that yet, but I've been cooking for him."

Darcy's eyes bugged out of her head and she looked seriously concerned, "are you trying to get rid of him!?" Peter was stunned for a moment and was about to respond when she cut him off. "I can't believe you're trying to poison Thor, what did he ever do to you?"

"Oh fuck off Darcy! My cooking is fine!"

She laughed at him, and this time he was able to at least smile back, he had to give it to Darcy only she could get through some of the darker thoughts in his head. "Just apologize to him Peter, surely it can't be that bad?"
"It feels pretty bad, we haven't spoken to each other in three days, not a single word."

"You haven't said a word in three days?"

"What? Shut up! I'm talking to you now, I just haven't said anything to him!"

It was then that Peter realized the other three were being really quiet, and when he looked over his shoulder they were all staring at them. Peter's face flushed bright and Darcy just grinned like the impish woman she was.

"Did you guys find anyone yet who will fund us?" Jane asked, exasperated and fed up with their antics.

"Not yet, but I have a really good feeling about number... forty-seven on our list, surely he'll give us the dough!" Darcy said, having paused to look down at the list that she had been given by Jane earlier today.

"Well good! Because if it doesn't work out, I won't approve your credits!"

"Hey!" Darcy cried indignantly.

Jane was about to respond but instead was silenced by a large hand on her shoulder, Thor looked down at her with a soft, kind smile. "Surely we have plenty of time to spare Lady Jane, let them work. I'm positive one of them will find someone of use." Peter felt another emotion reach up from deep in his gut to squeeze at his heart.

He rubbed at his chest, glaring at where Thor's hand rested on Jane's shoulder, enraged because he was a smooth talking kiss ass. Looking at her like she was the only thing that mattered in the world, that warm smile and those stupid beautiful blue eyes.

"Peter!"

Jolting, he turned to look at Darcy who was staring at him with a huge grin on her features. "What? I didn't do it."

"Mhm." She responded, looking at him like she had suddenly just understood something, something important. "Apologize to him, tonight."

"What!? I can't do it tonight?"

"Why not?"

"Um... the stars aren't aligned?"

"Do it, or I'll take care of it." Darcy's grin was enough to strike terror in Peter's heart and he leaned back, blinking at her.

He swallowed thickly, a chill of terror crawling up his spine, "alright, so tonight then?" Darcy didn't answer him with words, only a loud laugh that made him groan, he didn't want to do this! They returned to their work regarding funding for their project, it was rough and slow going. He was certain of one thing though, he and Darcy had it much easier than the other three.

It wasn't until late that night that they all wrapped up their work, not making much headway in any direction. No funding, and no feasible way to create or operate a device capable of instantaneous galactic travel. He watched Erik mostly, the man was playing along, but that was all. He didn't really seem to offer anything truly helpful, well at least nothing that Peter could determine was useful.

Peter wondered if Erik had already given up, this whole endeavor did seem pretty impossible, Peter often felt hopeless over the entire thing. The worst part is that the two groups' work was imperative to the other half, they needed funding to actually produce something. Then they needed to have firm science to get funding and interest the big brains who happened to have all of the money. So far neither party was able to deliver.

"Tonight, or I'll take care of it tomorrow." Darcy threatened him as he exited the lab. Thor was standing back, slowly making his way out with Erik and Jane.

Whining, Peter gave Darcy his biggest, and most powerful puppy gaze, bottom lip stuck out and everything. "Please, I don't handle feelings!"

"I could always make you do it now?"

"You're an evil woman Ms. Lewis, a truly heartless creature."

"Thanks babe! Now be good!" Darcy flounced off to her own car, peeling out of the parking lot without much concern for his safety, or anyone else's. Peter scratched at the back of his head and went to his own truck. He would get it heated up while he waited for Thor to come and join him. The seasons were starting to turn on them, the nights growing cold and bitter while the days remained warm and hot.

He turned the heater on and set another cassette in the old player, skipping around until he found a song that he wanted to listen to, and then waited. He leaned his head back against the rest and closed his eyes, letting the heater wash over his form, waiting for Thor to come and join him. He was starting to relax when the door opened, sending him forward with a sudden jolt.

Thor slid into the passenger seat beside him without even looking at him. Peter didn't even wait for the other to put on a seatbelt before he was pulling out and heading back to the trailer. Peter squirmed in his seat, tapping his hands on the wheel to the beat of the music, or resettling every few moments. Nothing ever really seemed to grab Thor's attention, the other just stared out the window, and it all just made Peter even more nervous.

Sure, he hadn't known this man for long but three days of silence and minimal interaction was grating on his nerves. It was so tense, the air between them could be cut with a knife. It was only made worse because if he didn't apologize tonight then Darcy would do something horrible. He didn't want to even imagine what she would come up with to fix the void that had settled between him and Thor.

When they got home Peter and Thor both went their separate directions, Peter into the trailer to start working on dinner and Thor had made the top of the trailer his own little get away. Peter would often hear him coming in later in the night, long after he had retreated into his own room. It was all a lot, the lengths they would both go to avoid the other.

Peter kicked the door shut behind him and let the trailer settle after Thor's ascent to the roof. Peter sighed softly, going over to the small speaker and pressing play, the CD inside of it started to spin and music filled the small space. Peter pulled out the ingredients for tonight's dinner, Beef Stroganoff. He remembered his grandmother cooking this recipe a long time ago, surely he could replicate it.

He set about preparing dinner and wondered how he was going to approach Thor, the space between them seemed too large to be traversed. How do you apologize for being a complete and utter asshole? Maybe he should just go up there and say it before the other could even react, yes! He would bring food and offer it as sacrifice, hopefully work in the lab went well for Thor today and he'd be more amenable to Peter's company.

Peter grabbed a bowl when he was finished with the stroganoff, looking at it warily. The bits of beef inside it were burnt beyond recognition and he had forgotten about the noodles again and they looked more akin to mush than actual noodles. The sauce tasted ok though, so that was something at least!

Kicking the door open he stepped back out into the chilled air of the night and went to the little ladder that was on the side of his trailer. He'd left his jacket inside and shivered briefly when a cool breeze blew through. Steam rose from the two bowls in his hands, now he was met with his first challenge. How to climb a ladder with no hands.

Ingenious as he was, Peter bit down on the lip of a bowl and held it with his teeth as he climbed slowly with one hand, jostling the contents of each dinner. Luckily nothing spilled and he gracelessly yanked himself up to the top, he went back to holding both bowls, but it was too late, Thor was staring at him like he had grown another head.

He quickly grew nervous with the other's heavy gaze on him, Peter felt frozen by the stare, waiting to see if the other would accept his presence up here. Moments passed like this, the air between them electric, finally Thor looked down at the food. Peter released a breath he didn't realize he was holding and slowly moved forward, approaching Thor like he would a wounded animal.

"I brought you some food." It was the very first words out of his mouth and his entire plan was already ruined. He was supposed to apologize first! He grimaced and Thor stared at him with an unimpressed stare.

"Yes, that is obvious."

Peter winced again, almost like he had been physically struck by the other, Thor's tone was cold and unwelcoming and it made him regret ever coming up here. He walked close enough to offer up the bowl of food to Thor and looked down at his feet the entire time, choosing instead not to answer the other.

Thor reached out to take the bowl from him, and their fingers brushed together in the transfer, sending sparks up his spine. "It will not work." Thor said harshly and Peter looked up at him with an absolutely heartbroken expression. "My constitution will not crumble before this poison."

"Wait, what?" Peter stared at the other with a look of confusion across his features.

"You have tried to poison me the last three days, but I am tougher than any earthly banes and will not be felled by whatever you've put in this food. Do you wish to test yourself against me? Is that why you have a bowl of your own?"

"What, no!" Peter rubbed a hand over his face groaning loudly, physically pained by this conversation. "Dude it's dinner! I've been cooking for you to show you I'm sorry!"

Thor was quiet for a moment, mulling over his words before looking back up at him with disbelief. "Then why does everything taste like burnt wood and disease?"

"What!? It's not that bad. Why does everyone think I'm trying to poison them!?"

"Forgive me, I thought you were trying to be rid of me, the attempts were adorable."

Peter stared at Thor incredulously and blinked at him, this was too much. He started to laugh, loudly. Maybe he was finally broken? The stress had finally gotten to him and he plopped down on the top of the trailer. "Dude, if I wanted to kill you I'd have done it while you were sleeping!" He laughed between words, finding it all almost comical, what had his life come to?

"You would fail then too." Thor said with a nod of his head, looking down at the food in his hand. "Do I have to eat this then? If I don't have to prove to you I'm stronger than your poison then I'd rather not eat this."

"As long as I don't have to eat it either." They both nodded and tipped the bowls over the edge of the trailer and Peter felt lighter, wiping at his eyes. The silence was starting to blanket them and Peter had to act soon, before he lost his nerve. "I'm sorry." He said softly, looking up to see that Thor was staring at him, waiting expectantly for him to continue.

"I was... out of line. The things I said, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken it out of you." He whispered the words and Thor seemed to mull over it before nodding.

"Thank you Quill. I accept your apology." Peter was about to speak when Thor continued. "I do think it would be wise that we keep our interactions minimal though. We mix like alcohol and flame, I would rather not fight with you every day I must remain on Midgard."

Peter decided not to touch that one with a ten foot pole. He didn't want to start another argument and just accepted the state of things between them. "Alright, that works for me." He answered, he sighed softly and looked up to the sky.

The silence that settled on them now was lighter, not nearly as oppressive and the two of them just stared at the pinpricks of light that blanketed the night sky. It wasn't until a streak shot across the sky and Peter got excited.

"Look!" He whispered excitedly, pointing at the sky. "A shooting star, make a wish!"

"Why would I do that?

"It's tradition!"

Thor looked at him questioningly, but Peter didn't care, he closed his eyes and made his wish. It was really simple actually, he just wanted to come out of this ok. He wanted to survive Thor and to survive his past. When he opened his eyes he noticed that the streak was coming really close and watched it sink lower into the horizon until it finally disappeared into the mesas of the desert.

"What did you wish for?"

"I can't tell you dude, otherwise it won't come true." Peter looked at Thor, offering him a small smile. Sure, they weren't friends but this was a lot preferable than to the perpetual silence they had lived in for the past three days. Thor returned his smile, and Peter thought that while it wasn't perfect, at least it was a step in the right direction.

Author's Note: I really liked the ending of this Chapter, especially the parts where Peter can't cook and Thor is assuming he's trying to poison him. Side note, Thor apparently eats poison for dinner! I was going to make everyone wait till Monday for this Chapter to be released but I'm really liking the direction my story is going and wanted to share it with you all. This Chapter is a little longer than most and puts us over the 2000 word mark! The next Chapter update will probably come sometime in the middle of next week! Leave your comments and I'll see you all in the next Chapter! Until next time loves!

-Rezzo