Chapter 11

The sun was almost gone in the sky by the time Thor and Maria dragged themselves down from the hill, wondering carelessly back to the quaint little house. Thor almost didn't want to go back, but he didn't mind; he'd enjoy Maria's company just as much inside as out. Especially if he could teach her more fighting moves...

Maria had barely unlatched the door though when her name was hollered unmistakably from the road.

Jane crashed into her a second later.

Thor leapt back from the women tangled at the doorstep, even more glad he had done so as more women, all wearing short, brightly coloured corseted dresses, practically rammed Maria and Jane through the doorway, giggling hysterically.

He followed them inside, closing the door behind him as Maria finally tore herself free from the crowd and jumped defensively onto the couch. Her eyes scoured over the crowd of dressed up women cautiously, before finally settling on Jane at the head of the pack.

Jane, wearing a powder blue and white corset and frilly skirt, with white gloves up to her elbows, dark stockings on her legs ending in a pair of killer heels, put her hands on her hips. She grinned smugly. "You can't escape." she said, grabbing at Maria's arm and pulling her down to their level again. "You're a bridesmaid now, so you have to come to my hen night. You haven't got a choice in this. No arguing."

Thor stood back from the women as far as possible as they gently tried to manoeuvre Maria to the stair case. Her eyes were wide, her face draining of all colour.

"I- I haven't got anything to wear!" she protested shakily, as Jane's friends managed to angle her to the stairs.

"No worries." Jane called over the giggling, tugging Maria's arm up the stairs. "You're the one with the hot, hulky man so you get to be Belle in our little Disney Princess theme. Costume's sorted."

Thor had no idea what they were talking about, nor did he think Jane and her friends would harm Maria. Still, when Maria panicked, fearful eyes found his, he stepped forward to intervene. He was a second too late. The moment he moved, Maria was torn away, whisked up the staircase by the small huddle of women until her bedroom door slammed shut behind them.

Thor hesitated, still buzzing with confusion. What the hell had just happened? His frown was deep as he trotted up the stairs to demand Maria's return and answers, when Jane slipped out of Maria's room and stopped him at the top of the stairs, grinning mischeviously. Her hands planted firmly on her hips, and he knew she wasn't going to let him through without a fight. He tried to glance into the room behind her, but the door was solidly shut.

"Go back down." she ordered, surprising Thor speechless. "You'll see her in a minute. We won't hurt her, I promise."

Thor glared at the woman, momentarily loathing her. He could break into Maria's bedroom if he wanted to, but he was fairly certain it'd result in someone getting hurt, and he was sure Maria would not thank him for injuring her friends.

Reluctantly, eyes still narrowed, Thor turned to go back downstairs. Jane cackled behind him as he did.

"Trust me," she called after him. "It'll be worth it."

XXX

Thor couldn't say Jane had lied, as he sat in the very cramped taxi with the giggling women - it had been worth it. He'd had no idea what had been going on in the bedroom until the girls finally spilled back downstairs, Maria in tow.

He'd instantly risen to rescue her, but the moment his eyes clapped on her, he froze on the spot, mouth dropping. Maria was stood shyly in a bright yellow corset and frilly skirt that barely touched down her thighs, with the same dark stockings and heels the other girl wore. The bright colour of the dress complimented her hair, making it look even darker and luscious as her dark curls spilled over her shoulder, a delicate flower shaped hair piece holding one side back behind her ear. Her cheeks blushed scarlet as she tried - and failed - to cover herself.

"You're coming too." Jane had demanded, stepping forward and grabbing Thor's hand, pulling him out the door with Maria before he could say anything.

He didn't know what he'd say anyway; his mind was still a blur, swamped with visions of Maria in the tight, revealing garment, as the girls bundled him into the taxi car. Maria sat on the other side, eyes gazing out the window, knees locked together and her hand trying miserably to pull the skirt further down her legs. Jane sat directly opposite him, explaining the theme of the occasion.

"Jenny's Tinkerbell," she went on, jabbing a thumb at the girl sat beside her and Maria. Jenny wore the same corset and skirt as the other girls did, hers a bright green colour with a pair of dainty fairy wings producing from her back. "Abby's Snow White." She indicated the woman sat beside Thor, her outfit a combination of blue, white, red and yellow. "Livie's Minnie Mouse." The girl next to Abby winked, her outfit bright red, broken with white polka dots, and a pair of round, exaggerated black ears sat in her blonde curls, a bow nestled neatly in the middle. "And I'm Cinderalla." Jane wiggled proudly.

Thor diverted his gaze quickly, and automatically fell to Maria. "And Maria?"

Jane followed his gaze briefly, and across the car, Maria flushed pink, covering her face with her hand. "Maria's Belle." Jane said casually, ignoring her friends' discomfort. "I couldn't help going for a Disney theme. It was unmissable!"

Thor had no idea what a 'hen-do' was, but he was now somehow involved, and as he glanced out the window, he saw that the car had driven them into the town centre. He submitted to the women's will as they pulled him out the vehicle and straight into the building it had parked outside, catching a glimpse of flashing neon lights running up along the wall just seconds before he was forced inside. The place was manic: all Thor was aware of as the girls led him through the building was the deafening beat of the music and the people - so many people! - filling every available space. Some danced, some were at the bar, some were gathered around tables drinking - they were just everywhere. Thor couldn't see a space that was bare!

Except for the booth at the back, which Jane's friends steered him towards.

He fell back into the seat as Jane pushed him down, a teasing look in her eye. "Thor, what do you drink?" she shouted across the table over the music.

Thor frowned.

"You know - alcohol-wise?" Jane clarified impatiently. "What do you drink?"

"Er-" Thor shot a look to Maria, and saw his worry mirrored back at him. "Mead?" He was starting to get uncomfortable, especially as Livie and Abby's eyes trained on him, glowing with interest. Maria shrank in the corner.

"Budge over, Liv!" Jane shouted playfully when she got back from the bar, pulling her friend playfully from the gods side. "Give Belle some space with her man." The pair were giggling hysterically as together they shoved Maria along the booth until she thudded into Thor, instantly occupying the end seats to trap her there.

Thor's hand instantly rose to steady her as she fell against his chest, but found himself blushing when his palm cupped her bare, exposed shoulder, her delicate hand putting light pressure on his body as she pushed herself upright. Her face was aflame - even in the flashing lights of the club, he could easily make out her red cheeks. He fought the urge to grin at her embarrassment, finding every time she blushed terribly endearing.

"Right!"

Thor snapped to his senses as Jane bobbed to her feet, a tray of drinks suddenly on the table. The three other girls attacked it, and Jane passed over two sizable shot glasses to him and Maria, filled with a clear liquid that, though it looked like water, Thor didn't trust. Maybe it was the way Maria gingerly took hers beside him that caused his suspicion.

He accepted the drink regardless, and Jane took one up for herself.

"To the hero of the hour!" she declared boldly, raising her glass high in the air. "Thor," she winked playfully at his confused expression. "For giving Jason what he deserved at last!"

"Jane!" Maria scolded sharply, her face tense.

"What?" Jane protested. "I'm tired of you defending him Maria, and now that Thor's given him the boot I'm not going to tolerate it anymore. Especially at my hen night. My rules. So, thanks to Thor for stopping that good for nothing waste of space from killing my best friend."

"Cheers!"

Around him, the four girls downed their drinks, only Maria hesitating as she stiffened beside him. Thor watched her carefully, practically seeing the memories flash through her head along with her. Finally, when she couldn't take it any longer, she threw her head back and gulped down the poison too.

The only one left to drink, Thor touched the glass to his lips and poured the liquid down his throat.

He grimaced as he set the shot glass back on the table. "What is that?" he eyed the glass until it was whisked away by staff, instantly replaced by another full one. He didn't take it, his throat still burning from the taste of the first drink.

Suddenly, he became away of Maria's weight leaning on him, her head bowed against his shoulder. "Vodka." she moaned numbly, her eyes closed. "Tastes awful, but it's good for getting drunk." She took a second from the table and downed it fast, emerging with a grimace not too dissimilar from the one Thor wore seconds ago.

So that was the point of the evening, he realised, glancing around the table at the women as they threw drink after drink down their throats, watching their eyes become more feral and less focussed as they intoxicated themselves. Even Maria held her own, taking drink after drink - although Thor half suspected it was to drown out what Jane had provoked earlier in her mind. Either way, he wasn't complaining as Maria's head slowly lowered itself limply on his shoulder, her hand hanging on his bicep for support. For a while he just sat there, curiously watching the girl unfold beside him as she drowned herself in alcohol.

Determined not to be outdone by Maria, Thor reached forward and grabbed another drink. He could see instantly that Maria was right! He was no where near getting drunk - although some of the girls around him seemed to be not far off it themselves! - but he could definitely feel the drink's effects: his muscles loosened, his mind clearing mercifully, and his confidence and ego shooting skywards. He tried to hang on to that last one, though, not wishing to lose too much control.

He allowed himself the courage to snake his arm around Maria's waist, delighted when her head slipped down to his chest unresistingly.

Time seemed to slip by untraceably, drink after drink, song after song blaring through the club. Finally, the girls seemed to come back to life and Maria lifted her head from Thor's chest drunkenly as Jane staggered shakily to her feet. She aimed an uneven finger in Thor's direction. "You." she slurred. "Shirt - off."

Thor's arm stiffened around Maria, unintentionally drawing her closer. He glanced down at her for help, but one look at her dark eyes fluttering at him through thick eyelashes told Thor he was on his own on this one.

"Come on." Jane pressured. "Off with it."

Thor shifted uncomfortably as the girls closed in around him, and prised Abbys hand gently away from him as it crept onto his chest. "This is not a good idea." he warned darkly, praying they'd stop. Again, he was worried he couldn't stop them without hurting them, and even with Maria intoxicated beside him, she'd still be upset. He gulped nervously, realising that without Maria's support, he was at the women's mercy.

Perhaps Jane realised it at the same time he did, and went to cut off his lifeline. "You want him to, right Maria?" she focussed on her friend, leaning in so the two girls were shoulder to shoulder.

Thor felt his chances sinking fast.

"He'll do anything you say." Jane went on, Abby, Livie and Jenny filling the ring around the god, cutting off any escape. He was trapped.

Fearfully, Thor glanced down to Maria, and watched her mind whirl. Her eyes finally blinked from Jane back to him, carrying such a doe eyed expression in them, Thor felt his heart melt. She bit her lip, glancing down to the shirt covering his white t-shirt.

Thor held his breath as Maria set another spent glass down and moved her delicate little hand to his shoulder, playing with the collar. Thor covered her hand with his and played his last card - begging. "Maria, don't do this." he urged, tightening his grip on her hand. "Think. This is not a good idea."

Her eyes, darkened by the alcohol, and holding the same animalistic hunger as the other girls did, never left his for a moment. Finally, she tugged her hand free of his and pulled away, rising from her seat to stand with the other girls across the booth. They kept well behind her, knowing that Maria was their golden ticket; they weren't about to jeopardise that. Thor watched her, a new fear that he'd offended her quickly rising.

"I bought you that shirt." Maria folded her arms across her chest, surprising Thor with her stability. His heart sank as he realised he'd lost. Maria's eyes glinted wickedly. "I want it back."

Thor's heart plummeted as the words left Maria's lips, knowing he would have to oblige her. Jane had been right: he'd do whatever she asked of him, even if it reduced his pride to tatters. Gritting his jaw tautly, and trying to look as menacing as possible in a last minute attempt to deter the women, he rose from his seat. His eyes didn't leave Maria's for a moment, though hers left his, ghosting over the rest of him as the open shirt he wore slipped over his shoulders.

He went for another drink, giving Maria more time to change her mind. Even if she didn't, he'd need the extra strength to keep him from losing his mind.

Straightening up, his eyes found Maria's again, and was pleased to see indecision there. Her teeth tugged at her lip, and Thor held his breath as she stepped forward from the women.

He was starting to regret that last drink, he decided, as Maria wondered closer, and his eyes wondered with her. His gaze flickered from her adorable face to the rest of her, indulging eagerly over the narrow dip of her waist, emphasised by the tight corset, the pleasingly wide curve of her hip, ringed by frills, the smooth skin of her shapely legs, the stockings simply teasing him by denying him the sight of her skin. She didn't seem to notice or care as his eyes finally levelled with hers and she stopped her advance. Her gaze melted with his eagerly.

Thor held his breath as he realised what he'd brought upon himself. He'd made them impatient, made them wait...

His fears were confirmed as Maria's fingers ghosted across the hem of his white t-shirt, flickering teasingly to the skin beneath. Thor gritted his teeth and tried to keep his breaths level as the touch of the fabric slowly lifted from his lower torso and the warm presence of Maria's skin replaced it. He didn't dare take his gaze away from hers, his fists clenching and unclenching testily as he fought to hold on to his self control.

Maria's palms flattened on his stomach, and her eyes fluttered as she felt the muscles beneath the skin. Thor's confidence soared as he noticed the laboured rise and fall of Maria's chest; he wasn't the only one nervous.

Realising at last that Maria could never take his shirt off by herself - the height distance being only one factor - Thor smirked. So that had been her plan, he thought with an inward boom of arrogant laughter, his gaze locked with Maria's as she fluttered her eye lashes up at him imploringly. To wear me down until I submit.

Gazing down at the teasing creature in front of him, Thor noted just how relaxed and confident Maria could be, booking it for future reference. He'd certainly draw on it next time, having now seen just how much she'd been holding back from him.

Seeing that there was no way out of it, Thor closed his hands around Maria's wrists and pulled her away. He stepped her back slightly and downed another quick drink to spur him on under the women's hungry eyes. Before his mind could think and stop him, he tugged the shirt over his head and dropped it back on the seat with his other shirt.

He only had eyes for Maria.

While the girls giggled and clung to each other behind her, Maria's eyes trailed over the god's toned, chiselled abdomen and chest, finally rising up and meeting his bright blue gaze. "Are you satisfied?" he asked in a low, alluring voice.

Maria's lips flickered into a smirk.

"Yes!" Jane squealed behind her, hysterical with laughter.

Thor was just beginning to decide that this would not be a bad night after all when his gaze flickered back to Maria, and noted her clouded eyes and swaying stance. Alarm bells rang instantly. "Maria!" the god leapt forward just as Maria's knees folded beneath her and she collapsed deeply into Thor's arms. He pulled her up before she could hit the floor and sat back on the seat, Maria cradled semi-consciously in his lap.

"Oops," Jane giggled over Thor's shoulder, as the rest of the girls huddled round, watching as Maria squirmed against Thor's bare torso, eyes fighting to stay open. "Looks like someone's had to much to drink!"

Thor had just counted Maria out, when her hand reached up weakly and clawed onto Thor's shoulder, hauling herself upright in his lap, her head resting on his chest. The effort left her panting, but she fixed her eyes firmly on Jane, clinging to Thor for dear life. "Don't count on it." Her teeth flashed in a drunken grin.

Yes, Thor decided, grinning widely as her glittering eyes met his, definitely a little warrior.