...oops it's *been a minute* since I updated. my bad.
enjoy!
"Hey, Thor. Cap said you were looking for me?"
Thor looks up and finds Natasha leaning on the door frame. There's a heaviness on her shoulders and grief in her eyes that are obvious to him, though not surprising. The failure to retrieve the stones from Thanos weighs heavily on all of them after all, and he knows Barton having cut off contact weighs even further on her. He hadn't observed much of her interactions with the children when they'd been at Barton's farm during their battle against Ultron, but he'd seen and heard enough to know she was a valued member of their family, and so he knows that the loss of them was weighing on her too.
"Yes. Do you have a moment?" he replies politely.
She nods and slips into the room to settle on the arm of one of the large chairs. "What's up?"
He sighs and scrubs a hand through his hair, still not quite used to the short locks. "We received a communication from the ship carrying what's left of my people." He realizes then that she may not necessarily know what happened on Sakaar and with Hela on Asgard. "Asgard has fallen, and they have no home." He pauses and considers the breadth of what he'd just said. "I have no home."
She eyes him for a moment, sympathy apparent in her gaze. "You always have a home with us, Thor," she reminds him, voice firm and reassuring as she smiles gently.
He tries to smile in return but is sure that the result is far from what he intended. "I asked Cap for a suggestion of where to bring them when they arrive, but he was unsure. He suggested I speak to you."
She arches one eyebrow ever so slightly in surprise. "Well, I'm no immigration agent, but I'm sure we can figure something out," she replies with a small smile. He supposes in other circumstances they both might've chuckled at her quip. "Any ideas of where?"
He shakes his head. "We had no destination after we escaped Asgard. I admit I did not think beyond getting to Earth."
She tilts her head in thought. "Well, I'd wager Norway would probably be a good place to start, considering your history there."
He frowns, remembering the village where his father had been before he passed. How was it possible Natasha knew of that?
"You're in their history books," she reminds him, having read the confusion in his expression.
He nods slowly. "Of course. Do you know who I need to speak to?" he asks as he moves to get up.
She gets up quicker though and puts a hand on his arm to stop his movements. "Let me make a few calls. I have some favours to call in with some people there that might smooth the way a bit." She pauses for a beat. "I just hope they weren't dusted," she adds.
He nods in agreement. "Any help is appreciated, Natasha. I'm…" he trails off, unsure of how to explain his predicament. He had never been a politician, and the prospect of negotiating a place for the last of his people to live was more than overwhelming a proposition, especially given the gravity of the task.
"We'll help," she assures. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out. I suppose in the worst case they can stay on the grounds here… I bet Tony would love that."
She seems to realize that she'd spoken of the Stark of days past, rather than the bitter and angry one of today, and her expression falters for a second. Stark had seemed particularly angry with Cap and had not been terribly kind in his words to Nat either. Bruce had mentioned something of a disagreement that had occurred while they'd been on Sakaar, and he supposes that Stark's anger stemmed from that.
"Things are a bit of a mess in most governments so it might take some time to sort out," she warns. "Give me a few hours to see what I can figure out. I'll make some calls and see if I can get you some face time with the appropriate person or people."
He reaches over to take her hand and it strikes him then just how much smaller she is compared to him. Small, but mighty he thinks as he remembers fondly her prowess as a fighter in battle, and a somewhat strained half smile stretches across his lips. "Thank you, Natasha. I appreciate your help," he replies, meeting her gaze and holding it meaningfully.
She offers another small smile along with a quick nod and then turns and walks out of the room, steps near silent.
"Yes, I understand that sir," Natasha says, no hint of annoyance in her tone, though Thor guesses she has started to become irritated with the men on the other end of the video call who are proving to be behaving in a rather difficult manner. "I'm well aware it is a large influx of people, but these are refugees. They left their home just before it was destroyed . Norwegians have a long history with the Asgardian people, even if it wasn't fully realized until recently. They are asking for a place to settle the last of their people. Without this, Asgardians would cease to exist in the near future."
Thor watches from the doorway where he's lingering, out of view of the camera, as Natasha expertly navigates the politics, pushing and prodding at all the perfect moments to manipulate the tired looking politicians. He'd always known she was smart, but watching her do verbal battle with these politicians merely confirmed it again. Cap had been right to send him to her for help with this. He'd have been a bit lost without her help in this.
"They will not be wholly dependent on your government, as we've discussed," she replies, repeating what she'd already explained twice over. The men are being pedantic, and he is impressed by her ability to remain calm and thoughtful. He'd likely long ago have surpassed his threshold for patience. "We, the Avengers, can provide some assistance alongside your government to help them settle into their new lives. We merely ask for a place for them to grow their new roots," she continues.
There is a pause, and then some muffled discussion where the men have covered their microphones. Then the leader of the men is speaking again. "No disrespect, but why should we believe you, Ms. Romanoff? You are, after all, a former spy and current fugitive."
Thor straightens at the man's accusatory words. He takes a step toward the desk Natasha is seated behind, but a subtle gesture of her hand out of the camera's view halts him. "I think you'll find that the charges relating to that have been dropped, and my status as a full time Avenger restored. Both facts which I know you were briefed on, so I suggest we discuss the real issue at hand here."
Thor sees the man's jaw clench, no doubt at being thwarted from asserting his control over the conversation. He'd learned from Agent Coulson back when she'd gone to interrogate Loki on the helicarrier that Natasha's skills were legendary in these types of situations, but he hadn't had much of a chance to observe them.
"What do we get out of this?" one of the men replies, a bitterness in his tone that Thor doesn't much care for.
Natasha is undaunted by the curt, accusatory tone and replies almost sweetly, though even he notices the near evisceration of her response. "Aside from the good press and almost certain bump in your government's approval ratings, the Asgardians are skilled labourers, with knowledge of trades and a willingness to work. There are scholars among them too, who could no doubt assist in innovative research that could help Norway to be a leader in various fields, should you choose to assist and work with them."
There are some murmurs amongst the table of politicians for a moment before they turn back to the screen and their leader speaks again. "Thank you, Ms. Romanoff for your thorough explanation of the Asgardians' application. Is there anything else we should know before we break to deliberate?"
Thor sees Natasha gesture with her hand for him to enter. "Yes, just one more thing. I thought you should hear directly from an Asgardian, their leader in fact, what this could mean for their people."
Thor enters the room and takes the seat that Natasha vacates for him. "Good day," he says with a nod as he looks at the screen. Their eyes widen at his presence and they gesture for him to speak. And even though he feels as though he has failed his people, he explains their plight and asks for help. He explains how his father had spent his last days in their country, enjoying the beautiful countryside, and that it would always hold a special place in his heart. He explains that Asgardians are a people willing to work hard, and to contribute to the community of their new home. He explains that he is grateful for the kindness humans have shown him in his time as an Avenger, and how he knows his people are grateful for the chance to build a new life for themselves.
"Thank you, Thor," the leader replies. "We'll deliberate amongst ourselves and consult the relevant ministers before making a decision. I trust we can send any questions, as well as our ultimate decision to you through Ms. Romanoff?"
"Yes," he answers swiftly with a nod.
"Then we shall. We'll be in touch."
The video feed cuts off and he sighs as he leans back in the chair. "You did well," Natasha assures him. "There's no way they'll deny the application."
"Really?" he asks. She seems so certain of it, but he is more hesitant. The politicians had not seemed thrilled at the idea of accepting so many people.
"They're just posturing. They're ecstatic at the idea of their Norse gods settling in their country."
He smiles, though it lacks any real depth. "Thank you again, Natasha. Without you, none of this would be-"
She reaches over and squeezes his shoulder. "It's the least I can do." He frowns because she owes them nothing. "I was in Wakanda too, Thor. I may not be a god or a super soldier, but I failed that day as much as you and the rest of the team. If we can't do anything else, at least we can help your people find a new place to call home."
He nods in understanding. She was right. At least this was something they could do.
"This is the area that's been allocated for the community," the guide that had been sent to accompany them from the airport explains. "We have authorization to begin shipping the building materials as of the end of next week. I was told that your people will be handling the construction?"
Thor nods as he lets his gaze drift over the seaside space. It's colder than Asgard, but it will do nicely.
"The temporary housing is being shipped over early next week, and we'll have some workers on hand to handle the setup for that. Food and other supplies will be sent over to coincide with the arrival of your people."
"Thank you," Thor says, looking back at the woman who shrinks slightly in the heat of his gaze.
"Of course," she replies. "Ms. Romanoff, your presence has been requested for a meeting tomorrow."
Nat's gaze narrows for a second before she nods. "Of course. I imagine they have some questions."
"Yes, ma'am."
Thor frowns. There had been no requests prior to their arrival, and clearly they were trying to try and surprise her. "What is this additional request?" he demands.
Nat waves off his concern. "I've spent a great deal of time in Norway over the years. I'm sure it's nothing."
His frown remains as he regards her expression, which gives away as much as her vague words - which is to say nothing . "If you're sure…" he trails off. He may not be a warrior in the political world and he knows that she can more than handle herself, but he has no intention of leaving her alone if they have ill intentions toward her.
"I am," she reassures him with a nod and a smile before looking back at their guide. "Video conference is fine, I assume?"
The woman hesitates for a beat. "It was hoped that with you being here in the country already you would be able to attend in pers-"
"I'm sure you can imagine we are coordinating a great deal of aid across many countries, which requires a lot of attention. All my files and resources for helping to manage that are in my office at the Avengers Compound," Nat interrupts smoothly. "I'm sure the council members will understand our need to return to the States immediately upon the conclusion of our review of the site."
"I, um, yes of course. I'll inform them and make sure the meeting details are forwarded to you."
"Thank you. You'll send the structural plans to me for further review as well?" The woman nods quickly. "Alright. Would you mind giving us a few minutes? We have some logistics to discuss."
"Yes, of course," the woman replies with a quick nod as she shrinks under Nat's sharp, but sweet gaze. "I'll wait by the jet," she adds with a vague gesture to the quinjet Natasha had parked a short distance away.
Nat waits for her to be out of earshot before she speaks. "So, thoughts?"
"I am grateful for anything they are-"
"I know you're grateful," she interrupts swiftly, but not unkindly. "But is this a good spot? There are other options, despite what they might have tried to imply. We can find somewhere else if this won't work for your people. If it's going to be your home, you should be happy with it."
He looks around with a more critical eye. The access to the sea and fertile land will be good for establishing a food source. It's a good distance from nearby villages without being too far from other communities, and there is ample room for everyone. Natasha had helped to negotiate the assistance from the government to get infrastructure in place for electricity, water, and the like, so that's not a concern either.
"Yes, I think this will be fine," he assesses with a nod.
"Good. I'll look over the plans later to make sure everything looks in order. Maybe see if Pepper has someone on SI staff that she can loan us to review them as well. My expertise on blueprints comes from breaking into places, not building them," she quips with a smile. It lacks the usual punch of her witty replies that he'd grown accustomed to over the years, but given the circumstances it was a welcomed sight.
"Thank you again for this, Natasha. I am in your debt for-"
"You don't owe me anything, Thor," she dismisses with a wave of her hand. She smiles then, a twinkle of amusement in her eye. "Besides, I haven't forgotten it was you who tackled the Hulk on the helicarrier before New York. Pretty sure I wouldn't be here without you."
He smiles at the memory of a simpler time. "Still, your service to my people is noted and appreciated," he insists.
"Happy to help," she assures. "Now, let's get going. I wasn't lying when I said I had paperwork to be doing."
hope y'all are well and staying safe.
as always, any thoughts and feedback are appreciated. I admit, Thor's an interesting one to write, though daunting for sure!
more to come...