A/N: Bonus chapter for this storyline- based on a strong reaction yesterday, I've expanded this story so you can see just a little more. This is all you'll get of this storyline (at least in this series). Didn't take me long to break that one-shot rule, did it?

Undeniable Forces - Part 2 (and final… for now…)

Steph's POV

I let out a surprised gasp when Thor pulled me close and then sent us literally flying through the air, but trusting he had a good hold on me, I quickly relaxed and just enjoyed the experience. When Natasha had mentioned "the Tower", I'd assumed she meant Avengers Tower in Manhattan. So I was surprised when we landed smoothly atop one of the towers of the Brooklyn Bridge. The view was beautiful, and I took it in for a moment before turning to Thor.

I had a smile on my face, which he returned immediately. "I have wanted to fly pretty much my whole life. Thank you. That was amazing."

"You are most welcome, Lady Stephanie."

"Any chance I'm going to get you to just call me Stephanie? Or even better, Steph?"

He brought my hand up, kissed it, and said, "It is a learned form of address that I am aware is antiquated here on Midgard. I will endeavor even more vigorously to change my habit if it makes you more comfortable, Stephanie."

"I appreciate it. So, what are we doing here besides enjoying this spectacular view?"

"I wanted to speak with you on a matter before we reached our final destination, for I fear Lord Stark, Tony, will no doubt make reference to it and I don't wish you to be uncomfortable."

"Sure, no problem. What's up?"

"I have lived well over a thousand years, and as I said, I had almost given up hope that I would ever find my mate. As such, I have, over the past hundred years or so begun to allow myself to have romantic entanglements with women who were not you. One such woman, Jane, is acquainted with most of the team and I resided with her for several months not too long ago. Our relationship is over, and even had it not been, I would have ended it now that I found you. But I wanted to be the one to inform you of this."

This man was just too precious. I reached my hands up to cup his face, and said, "Thor, that's fine. I understand just as I hope you can understand that I didn't think there was anyone for me, so I had relationships as well. They're in the past as well, so let's just agree to leave them there."

"We are in agreement," Thor said gently. Together we walked to one of the ends of the tower that was over the water, rather than the road below, and carefully sat with our feet dangling over the end. It felt like one of those times that I really should have been uneasy, but really I knew Thor wouldn't let me fall. And even if I did, I was pretty sure he could fly down and catch me before I hit the water. While we sat there, Thor told me a little of his first trip to New York for the Battle of New York and his brother's involvement in the destruction. Then he told me of Tony's offer of a place to live, which he finally accepted with Dr. Jane Foster had found her romantic soulmate at a research convention and Thor had moved out of her flat in London. He'd had reservations about moving back to New York, but in the end had agreed to do so rather than go back to Asgard so as to be better able to protect Earth.

He very thoughtfully and methodically provided background information to me on each of his teammates- both Avenger and Asgardian. The information was enough to provide a background for me to utilize to avoid stepping in any emotional landmines, but left me enough gaps that I could get to know them in my own way and form my own opinions on each person. I was unaware of how much time had passed when Thor stood and helped me carefully to my feet and a few steps away from the edge. Then his arms wrapped around me and pulled me into him for our second kiss. Unlike our first when we found each other, this one was not so chaste.

When he pulled back, I blinked up at him for a couple seconds then blurted out, "I can't believe I get to keep you."

"It is I who should be in disbelief at my luck that the fates have chosen you for me," Thor replied with a laugh. "Shall we continue to our destination?"

"More flying? Yes, please!" I said, locking my arms around his neck and holding on tightly. Thankfully I was not at all surprised by the sensation when we took off this time. Just a few seconds later we were standing on a landing pad high up Avengers Tower. I must have whined because Thor promised to take me out flying anytime I asked. After we celebrated.

Holding tightly to his hand, I allowed Thor to lead me forward and through the doors into a plush lounge. I came to a stop when I found myself face to face with one Tony Stark standing in front of a group of other men who I also recognized from the news.

Stark eyed our joined hands and said, "so, what's going on, Point Break? Natasha promised us quite the story and said you'd taken off and would likely arrive before her. We've been waiting for like an hour. Natasha and Barton are almost back with your guests. Or more of your guests, it seems. Who is this? Remember, you're supposed to clear guests through Tower security first not bring them right in through the attic door! Don't get me wrong, I'm glad you've decided to move on from Dr. Foster, but we don't know anything about this woman! She could be anyone!"

There was a crack of thunder that sounded VERY close outside, and Stark took a step back. Immediately a more mild-mannered looking man stepped forward and offered me his hand. "I think what Tony meant to say is, 'Hello, and welcome to our home. Any friend of Thor's is a friend of ours and is, of course, welcome here as this is also Thor's home.' I'm Bruce Banner, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Taking his hand without a moment's hesitation despite recognizing the name associated with the Hulk's alter ego, I simply responded, "Thanks. My name is Stephanie Plum, and it is nice to meet you."

Quickly the remaining men, Steve Rogers, Bucky Barnes, and Sam Wilson, stepped forward and introduced themselves. Each greeted me politely and echoed Bruce's welcome. When they finished, Tony reluctantly did the same and apologized for his less than friendly first impression.

"My friends! You will not believe it!" Thor exclaimed and I could practically feel the joy radiating off of him. "Lady Stephanie is my mate! I have found her at last!"

Everyone kind of eyed him warily, and I could tell it was the use of the term mate, so I helpfully clarified that I was Thor's romantic soulmate. Given what Thor had told me of Bucky's past, I wasn't surprised or even offended when he asked if Thor had verified my handwriting. Clearing my throat I said, "not that you have any reason to believe me, but I'm pretty sure I would be the world's worst spy. At any rate, that actually isn't how Asgardians identify their soulmates, so neither of us have the other's words on us. It was more…" trailing off I took my two hands and put them one in front of my face and the other out to the side. Then I brought the latter over and smooshed it into the one in front of my face.

I could tell they didn't quite get it, but before I could elaborate Natasha spoke from behind me saying, "I had my uniform camera on, if JARVIS will pull it up, I'll show you."

Not going to lie, I absolutely jumped when I heard her voice. My hand flew up to my chest where I could feel my heart racing and I said, "holy hell. You're even better at that than Ranger! If you don't want a dead 'sister of the soul', you're going to not do that to me." I used Sif's phrase because I liked the way it sounded, and Natasha clarified what I meant to the team while I just showed them her words in my hand.

"Nonsense," Natasha said, "it would make much more sense for me to teach you how to be just as stealthy as me and to keep people from sneaking upon you."

I looked back and noticed that she wasn't alone but had everyone else with her, so I figured she (and Ranger) had a point and I probably really did need to be more aware of my surroundings. Sif was standing behind Natasha nodding, but she smiled kindly when I waved at her. Turning back to Natasha, I nodded in agreement, then sat forward again to see the screen that had lit up.

Much to my embarrassment, Natasha started the video at the moment I first approached my skip. Though, as far as my solo apprehensions went, it was actually one of my better ones, so I let that soothe my ego a little. After all, I was far less skilled than all of them. I stifled a laugh when the men all flinched when I landed my kick on the skip and sent him crumpling to the ground. I wasn't able to restrain it when Natasha made her comment about bonding and they all curled in on themselves at least a little protectively.

Once the video had finished playing, all eyes were back on me and I waited to see how everyone was going to react. It was Sam who broke the silence first saying, "I for one do not volunteer to assist you in your girl bonding time. That really seems like a job for the super soldiers. You guys can take that right?"

"Hell no, I'm not signing up for that," responded Bucky. "Did you see how hard she kicked that guy? And you know Natasha's only going to improve on that given the opportunity."

Everyone nodded in agreement at that, and Steve said, "so, you're a bounty hunter?"

"Bond enforcement agent, yes. It's just that more people are familiar with the term bounty hunter, so that's usually easier to say that. I work for my cousin's bail bonds company and have a legal right to apprehend on his behalf when someone skips bail and misses a court date. I like to try to give them the option of going in on their own politely, but they don't always take me up on that."

Bucky snorted out a laugh and then said, "no offense, but what kind of training do you have? Because although effective, that definitely wasn't good technique or strategy." He pointed at the screen as he said it.

I could be offended, but these were Thor's teammates, and they were professionals so it wasn't worth it and was probably a legitimate concern. "Uh, not really any? More like on-the-job training. I didn't have a job and was out of money, so I blackmailed my cousin into making me a bounty hunter. It's scary as hell sometimes, but overall, I mostly like it."

Sam let out a low whistle, "that's a hell of a job to learn as you go."

I shrugged. Clearly sensing my discomfort over the conversation, Sif stepped in and said, "let us not dwell on business at a time such as this. I believe Eye of Hawk has procured some sustenance for us all. Let us celebrate the discovery of Thor and Steph's bond, as well as my own bond with my soul sisters!"

As we walked over to and down a set of stairs, I stayed firmly tucked into Thor's side, amused when Natasha and Sif began eagerly negotiating with Thor for some of my time.