Violence and Mature content within. Major Avenger's spoilers. Introducing the entire team... Enjoy!
I still feel your breath on my skin
I hear your voice deep within
The sound of my lover - a feeling so strong
It's to you - I'll always belong
She looked at the man still sleeping in her bed. It had been six weeks since he had arrived on her doorstep, it had been six weeks since he put the heavy ring on her finger, and it had been one week since she had taken the test.
It was the eve of their wedding and she was sitting in the chair thinking as the sun rose over the horizon. Something she did a lot in the past six weeks.
Six weeks earlier
"What the hell!" She had tried to brush at the weighty object on her hand only to find the huge Amber and Diamond ring there.. on that finger. "Oh.. No you didn't."
"You said yes.." he mumbled, his head buried under the pillow. She glared at him, her eyes shooting daggers into his back. He had only returned hours before and she was still coming to grips with the idea of him being in her bed forever. She didn't know what happened on Asgard with Loki, or his Father, or the team he had mentioned the weekend prior.
Although she quickly realised she didn't care. "You're going to make me plan a wedding." She said icily.
"You'll figure it out." He said, causing her brows to hit hairline, appearing to be bursting blood vessels. He pulled his head out from under the pillow and smirked, "Tony Stark's female associate said she would help. A Miss Pepper Potts."
"What?" She was truly stunned, the infamous Pepper Potts wanted to help her with her wedding? "When did you meet Pepper Potts?" Her eyes narrowed as she scowled at him.
"My return caused a bit of a scene and I am in debt to her for-," he pulled his head up and his brow furrowed in thought, "Control of damages?"
"Damage control." She giggled at the sight of her very own disheveled Norse god. The thin sheet wrapped around her was held under her arms and her legs were crossed beneath her as she stared back at the ring. The ring was heavy with all the small diamonds surrounding the large fiery-brown stone in the center, the intricate etching on the sides she later realised were runes of some kind. "Wherever did you get this?"
"You could say it's a family heirloom. My mother gives her blessing," He propped his head up with his arm and smiled at her, "As does my father."
"Oh god, they're going to want grandchildren right away.." she buried her face in her hands as she thought of her soon to be in-laws, Norse legends never told the story of the working wife.
She groaned and he chuckled, "Would that be so bad?"
"Thor, I'm on the brink of a discovery that will change the course of humankind. Forever." She leveled him with a look, "I have nothing against children, I just don't have time right now." He looked at her quizzically. "I swear, one day, I will have your children. But for the time being, you gotta let me be a scientist. If you really want to Father something, Darcy always needs a stern talking to." Jane attempted to hold in the hysterics, but threw her head back and laughed anyway at the image of Thor reprimanding Darcy for a scandalous outfit or being out too late.
She knew Darcy's mom lived in the City, but they had never really talked about family. The sensitive younger woman had always been very attuned to Jane, knowing that talking about the happy relationship she had with her mother would be painful to Jane who had never had a good parent, let alone a mother.
Her mind was working furiously when she heard the knock at the inner door to her sanctuary, "Jane!" Darcy's voice echoed through the apartment, "You decent?"
"Give me a minute." She hollered back, "Did they see you?" He shrugged and she sighed, to tell, or not to tell.. Darcy would be able to smell the happiness on Jane from three miles off. She had been morose for days since he had left and devastated prior to that when it had looked like he would never return. She shot him a contented look, his wide bearded face and crystal blue eyes looked back at her and she smiled. Bending over she kissed him soundly.
"What was that for?" He breathed, his heart racing once more. He was absolutely sure that no woman, ever, would be able to wield damage like her. All the weapons and enemies in the galaxy, and not one would be able to cause him to grow breathless and his heart to race with only a kiss.
"For coming back." She smiled and pecked his cheek before scrambling out of the bed and throwing her robe back on. Her stomach growled as she realised they had slept the day away. "Food time." She said. "You. Stay." She pointed at him and he chuckled, falling back to the bed. "I have sufficiently worn you out for the next week. You need to rest and recuperate. Even Gods need vacations."
She hurried out and met Darcy in the hall, "Big news." Darcy held up a hand to stop her.
"You are glowing.. Girrrrl.." Darcy's smile grew wider, "I know you weren't talking to yourself in there."
"He's back." She didn't need to specify who 'He' was. 'He' was the man that had ruined Jane for all other men the minute he had kissed her hand, 'He' was the man who kept leaving her, 'He' was the man Jane had cried over every night for weeks over, 'He' was the man who she had been waiting for.
"The big guy.. He's-" Darcy's eyes glanced behind her and went wide, "I-uh.."
Jane frowned. Her friend was not as straight-laced as Jane but there were limits even Darcy couldn't toe, "I thought I told you to sleep."
"You were not the only friend I made." He rumbled from behind her, "Good evening Miss Darcy."
"I uh-.. Uh, Hi!" Darcy said, the flush creeping up her cheeks. Jane was confused and whirled around only to see her half naked man beaming back. He had thrown on a pair of sweats that were slung extremely low on his hips, they had appeared from where –she didn't know – but she really didn't care.
"Clothes." She pointed at the room he had just emerged from, "And I'll beg Darcy to cook for us."
He smiled and pecked her cheek as he started to the room, but glanced back before starting his retreat, "Have you told her yet?" Thor said, his eyes twinkling with suspicious glee.
"No. Now go." She glared at him, watching him leave. If anyone had asked her why she watched him walk all the way back down the hall she would lie.. She wouldn't say that she was watching his muscles move in perfect synchronization, no – not serene, prudish, quiet Doctor Jane Foster. He's your fiancé.. A little voice in her head said quietly. You're entitled to watch him.
"-JANE!" She jumped and turned around. "Yeah, I'd ogle him too, but what is it that you need to tell me."
"I was not –" she started to say and was silenced with a look. "He was talking about – um –" she glanced down at the ring on her finger. It still felt odd, and unnatural, and yet she had suddenly grown attached to the piece of jewelry. When did that happen.. she wondered, when you thought of him as YOUR half naked man the little voice of reason said back. She held up her hand and was immediately blasted with a squeal from Darcy.
"He gave you a ROCK!.. OH MY GOD!" Darcy fawned over the ring long enough for her to hear his heavy feet on the hardwood floor behind her.
"This is why I was going to wait." She looked at him, her hand still in the clutches of Darcy's hands. "You were going to tell me something?" She shook her hand and the dazed Darcy looked back.
"Oh, Yeah SH-" The knock at the door was unfamiliar and stern.
A suit she didn't recognize looked back at her when she opened the door, Thor on the balls of his feet waiting to pull her out of the way if needed. "Jane Foster?"
"Doctor Jane Foster." She corrected, assuming the cold and calculating 'scientist' face.
She refused to be bullied by SHEILD. Coulson had found that out quickly and appeared not to had spread the message."Nick Fury has summoned you. It is in regards to Doctor Erik Selvig." She looked from to Darcy and Thor. Darcy's face held confusion, Thor's held sadness.
Jane's eyes narrowed. "Where is Phil?" she asked holding her ground.
"Agent Coulson? Dead. You need to come with me." The man had the same look as Coulson, but where Coulson was detached, he was likeable. Awkward and sweet Phil Coulson who helped her in and out of many sticky situations, who got her clearance to whatever she needed. Kind Phil Coulson.
"-Dead.." She looked to Thor, his face had grown solemn. "And Erik?"
"Director Fury needs to talk to you." She scowled and nodded.
"Two minutes to change and we'll go. Please come in." She glanced to Thor and glared, "We will talk." She said. Her gut told her this had all happened while he had been in New York. He knew. He had known all along.
"There hadn't been time Jane." He said softly. "Go. I'll wait." She reached for his hand in passing and he gave her a gentle squeeze before letting go and watching her leave the room.
"I will be accompanying you."
"Me too-" Darcy piped up, but was silenced with a look.
"Sir, I'm sorry, my orders are only for-"
"I am Thor," he rumbled, causing the clouds to gather above the building, "My brother is the reason Son of Coul is dead and Erik Selvig is infirmed. I will not stand by and let you intimidate her-"
"I have survived this long without you. I don't need you." She said from behind him. He had been nose to nose with the agent and they both looked behind Thor to see Jane standing in a pair of well worn faded jeans and a long black t-shirt, a inconspicuous bag slung over her shoulder straining at the straps. "Let's go." He saw the gleam in her eye that made him suddenly feel concerned.
Darcy moved to Jane's side and she glanced at the younger woman. "Jane-.."
"I'll be fine, I got muscles remember?" She hugged Darcy tightly and whispered something in her ear. "Ok, we're out of here."
"Keep her safe." Darcy threatened, looking at the tall man beside her.
"I swear." They were shuffled out of the facility quickly and sped to the local landing strip, an unmarked jet waiting for them. The agent looked worried when she dropped the bag beside the plush seat and it crashed loudly to the floor, causing both Thor and him to jump.
"Miss, we'll be less than two hours away."
"There's an old saying, 'Bring everything that crashes in the desert. ' never know what will be useful." She looked pointedly at Thor would was flabbergasted. He reached out and felt the familiar hum from her feet.
Mjölnir was in her bag. "How-"
She shrugged and shook her head. "Got lucky I guess. Are we going or are we just going to sit on the tarmac?" He rapped on the cockpit door and the engines started. They were buckled into different seats, but as soon as the seat buckle light went out she was in Thor's lap. "I hate planes."
"Your metal contraptions are not all that wonderful." She buried her face in his chest and sighed.
"I thought the flight from New Mexico to Virgina was going to kill me." She muttered loudly against his chest. He felt utterly confused until she sighed and snuggled into his arms. "I'm glad you came Donald, if something happens at least you land softly." She peeked an eye and he saw the glint of sly amusement.
Mjölnir. Her in his arms. It was a ruse. The pointed look from the agent was suspicious and irritated. "Indeed." He smirked back.
"I'm really glad you didn't turn out to be crazy." She exhaled, happy that he understood. If needed, they could duck and run, flee back to Virgina, or better – New Mexico. Secretly, she loved flying, but never more so than those few minutes of nothing but his arms wrapped around her when they flew the 50 miles to the crash site.
They remained silent for a few minutes, her face tucked against him. He slowly lowered his mouth closer to her ear, "What did you say to Darcy?' He said, his voice low. She tried not to focus on his lips brushing against the shell of her ear, his warm breath as it raced across her neck.
"Take the disc to New Mexico." She said softly her face buried in his chest. He quirked a brow and she shook her head."She knows what it means. We've been here before."
"They harass you regularly?"
She shrugged and looked to the agent who was staring at the young lovers cuddled together on the private jet. She was sitting on his lap, her calves resting on the arm rest of the large plush chair. She felt so tiny next to him, sitting on his lap like a child. "I've been a good girl this year Santa." She said brazenly, batting her lashes at him. The agent sneered and looked back out the window.
"Jane.." He said and she sighed in exasperation.
"Harass is a strong word." She said, "Pester is a better word. Coulson was a great man, he'd make a call and an hour later whatever I needed would show up at the Lab, or a squad of agents would show up to help move or collect whatever I needed. He would drop by a lot to see how we were progressing. Got me into any lab I needed." She looked at him and frowned, "How did he die."
He said nothing for a long while, pain pinching his face. He had been forced to witness the poor human man being run through by his brother, insane with power and a lust for vengeance. "An honorable death to be sure." He finally said, his voice thick with emotion, "He was fearless facing a much more formidable foe."
"And Erik?"
"Bewitched." Thor said, "Put under a spell to build the machine that opened the portal above the city. He came out of it in time to help close the breach. Fury swore he would-"
"That is classified information." The agent said, finally interrupting them. "She is not cleared to know about Agent Selvig's condition until he is clear-"
"SHE is a human and is present. You will not talk over me like a couple Neanderthals." She glared pointedly at the Agent and he blushed. "The man you speak of has been my father for the past twenty four years. Show some respect." She snapped, Thor tightened his grip at her waist, for fear she would leap at the man.
Her hands fisted the hem of her shirt, pulled it further down, biting on her lip. "I have little patience for your lot." She snapped at him. "You and Fury seem to think your precious SHEILD is all that stands between humanity and the abyss."
"We do."
"No. The Avengers do." She said back. Time and time again, he was amazed by her wit. "They have sent the nine realms a message that will be heard around the cosmos." Her voice rang with pride. "And your little SHIELD would have nuked Manhattan and been done with it."
"How do-" she glanced at Thor and blushed. "That is classified."
"Oh shove your classified up your-"
"Please fasten your seatbelts and make ready for landing." The captain said over the comm. The Agent smirked at them but Thor merely buckled her in with him.
"That's not-" But he was silenced by the rattle of the craft sent him back to his own seat and the duo smirked.
"I'm making you into a rebel, my love." His eyes twinkled and they snickered in unison.
"I've been a rebel for a long time." She said, smiling as she nuzzled his cheek.
...
They landed on the helicarrier without incident and Thor scooped up her bag, the weight of Mjölnir a comfort, no matter where it rested. They were greeted and directed to the bridge, Jane was welcomed with reserve, Thor with the affection of a forgotten middle child.
"So how did you get Mjölnir in the bag." He said, the roar of the wind of the wind covering their voices.
"I scooped it up." She said, "It was heavy, but I didn't have an issue."
He pondered for a brief moment before glancing at her hand, "Did you use your left hand."
"Probably, I'm left handed." She said, her brow furrowed, "Why." He pulled her hand to his mouth and kissed the gleaming ring on her hand.
"You carry my parent's blessing. According to our tradition's we are already wed." She looked shocked, "The Hammer recognized you as my mate."
"Mate," she said, her nose wrinkling, "Don't I at least rank, 'Lover', or 'Intended', or even 'Companion'?"
"To me, absolutely." He said. They ducked into the belly of the carrier and were greeted by the Black Widow herself.
"Thor. Welcome back." She nodded to the ally and then trained her gaze to Jane. "Doctor Foster I assume."
"Depends on who wants to know." She said coolly, but her body betrayed her as she sidled up to Thor.
"Fury's on the bridge." She gave Thor a exasperated look, "Banner and Stark are as well. Why I don't know." She rolled her eyes and smiled. "It's a grand reunion."
"The Captain?"
"Here.. Somewhere. You know him. Saw him scrubbing the floors with the cleaners yesterday." Jane felt a pang as this woman talked freely with Thor, but she bit her tongue and stared forward. Thor was struck with painful memories, memories of Loki on the very same craft, egging everyone on, twisting and churning the hate until that fateful moment. He was lost in his mind until he felt the small warm hand lace in with his. He glanced down but she didn't look away, her hand laced in his was the only hint, her body close to his and radiated with nervousness.
"Calm," he said to her, "We are among friends."
"Speak for yourself," she said, without looking at him. "I feel the pestering will be upgraded to haranguing." She expelled a frustrated sigh as the made the bridge.
"Sir." Natasha said as she pranced up the catwalk. "Jane Foster and her plus one." Fury whirled around and his one eye looked from Jane to Thor.
Nick Fury did not get the label 'The Spy' by missing things, he did not get regular death threats and regular new identities by ignoring little details. Details like their hands intertwined, the heaving bag on his shoulder, the large ring on her hand.
"Congratulations are in order."
"Sir?" Natasha looked to her boss, utterly perplexed.
"Thor and his woman." Thor opened his mouth to say something but was silenced as Jane's nerves tensed and she glanced at the two giggling men at the table behind them, "Hey Waldorf and Statler, grow up." Jane snapped. Thor turned to see Banner and Stark relaxing.
"Where's the fun in that?" Stark said, standing he waltz over to the duo and pulled Jane from Thor's side. "En chante, mademoiselle." He said as he kissed her hand. Unlike when Thor did it, Stark gave her the creepy crawlies. Like a younger brother putting a rubber spider in the bed, just to see her scream.
"Le plaisir de est à vous." She said coyly. "Cretin."
"Well. How about that." Banner said. "Tony, pay up. I'm sorry for the asshole, I'm-"
"I know who you are Sir." She said, a faint blush creeped up her cheeks, "I was at Culver when uh-.. Well.."
"Ah. So beauty has met the beast." Thor growled and pulled Jane back, his eyes watching for the Hulk. "Easy big guy, just making conversation."
"Yeah Thor." She grinned, "It's not like he comforted me while you were gone.." Thor glanced away, causing her to giggle.
"Catch up on your own dime." Fury snapped. "We need the scientist."
"What are we-" Stark said, "Chopped liver?"
"When it comes to Extraterrestrial Quantum Astrophysics. Yes. Now shut up Stark. I didn't invite you anyway."
Jane looked quizzically at Fury, "You want the scientist." She ignored Banner's quip of 'Don't fall for that one', her attention completely on the one eyed caged animal before her. "You want my work?"
"I want you to solve Selvig's."
"What does Erik have to do with anything."
"Here's the deal princess." Stark said, "Erik's got issues." She snarled and Thor rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Stark, I will only warn you once." Thor said and Stark threw up his hands and looked to his newest friend.
"It's true." Banner said stepping forward, "The mind – meddling – Loki did to Erik left him.. a little out of it, and he doesn't remember anything from the week he was gone. But these scribbles were found in his room at the hospital." The image appeared when the screen within the table changed. "He denies writing them and we've consulted scientist's with much more clearance than you and all of them told us it was gibberish.
"What is it with you guys and clearance," she muttered, her eyes glanced over all the symbols, smiling. "The middle must hold."
"What?" Three male voices cried out in shock. They had been at it for weeks, with a team of the brightest around the world and she solves it in less than a minute.
The room fell in stunned silence as she kept reading. "This is gibberish, if you consider complex quadratic formula's gibberish. Easily solved," she glanced at Banner, "First year work, but this-." She hesitantly touched the screen and jumped slightly as it reacted to her touch. Quickly she became accustom to the workings she began isolating the various parts. "These are highly complex.. Actually, this is mostly mine. I sent it to Erik to see if he could help."
"And what is it you're working on." Stark asked, "I think we'd all like to know what Muscle's is doing with a smart girl like you.
Jane sighed, glancing at Thor, "Nice friends." He smirked and nodded. "There's no good way for me to explain this, or easy way."
Thor made no motion to stop her so she looked back to the screen and began pulling apart the scanned in page of scribbles, narrating all the while, "Two years ago I had a measly grant to search into the various Borealis's that were appearing in New Mexico. After seventeen consistent occurrences I called in Erik. He was really the only contact I had in my field that I trusted not to think me crazy, and to take me seriously."
She glanced up at Natasha who had snorted, "Believe me, graduating class of fifteen and of the two woman graduating, I'm the one that didn't sleep her way there. Anyway, we were in the middle of the desert when another Borealis appeared, only this one was different. Well, being the brilliant scientist I am, I told my assistant to drive right on into it." She organized the formula and began tweaking it, "It was going great until my van hit something."
"Someone." Thor corrected, "and it hurt."
"The first time or the second time." They chuckled at their private joke and she continued. "That Borealis had brought Thor to earth by what they, on Asgard called 'The Bifrost', and since he left I have been exploring a means of similar travel. He explained the gist of what the Bifrost did and I am attempting to recreate it. Or I was."
"Was?" Stark said looking at Fury. "By past tense you mean…."
"I sent my theory to Erik to look over, check out the math etcetera, and he sent it back saying it checked out. For the past four months my team has been attempting to build the machine."
They heard the figurative pin drop as they all looked at each other. "This part is code that Erik taught me when I was a girl, it's some Norwegian cipher that translates to 'The Middle Must Hold', a linguist would solve it in a heartbeat, but the rest is my formula, only it was scrambled." Her head whipped to him and her eyes grew wide. "This is Midgard."
"Aye," she began moving numbers and digits around.
"And in the tree thing you told me, Asgard is.. below us correct."
"Where is this going."
She glanced around the room, fear in her face, "Someone already has this."
"What?"
"I was hypothesizing to get to Asgard," she said, "Naturally. But if we are to assume that Asgard is here." She started drawing and adding numbers, she glanced back and Thor jumped in helping her fill in the tree, "Alfheim, Utgard, Niflheim.." She looked up, "Someone solved it before I did," she said, "They found a way through the universe."
The dead air collapsed and many voices shouted at once. She turned and buried her face in Thor's chest, "I'm sorry. I put everyone at risk."
He was silent to the arguing around the table, his lips pressed against her hair, "I will protect you." He murmured into her ear. "We will go to Asgard and be safe."
She smiled and cupped his cheek, "I love you." He turned his face and kissed her palm, staring at her.
"QUIET!" Fury bellowed, "Assemble the team." He said to the woman beside him.
Jane looked worriedly at Thor and he shook his head. "No." Thor said, "I made a promise. I am a man of my word."
"You are needed. She can wait." Fury snapped. "The world is at risk, whoever has this code-"
"She is more important." He said, with the all the calm of a wise prince. "You do not need me. Not yet." Fury snarled and moved to the lower levels with the communications team.
Stark's phone rang and he left to answer it as Banner wandered over, "Were you the student that Phillip Dolman raved about?" Banner asked Jane curiously.
"Dolman is an imbecile." She said, and smirked at Banner, "you're testing me."
"You passed, Phillip is the worst kind of scientist."
"There's something to be said about dabbling in your own Art, Mr. Banner. Jekyll and Hide will attest to that."
Banner scowled and glanced at Thor, "Keep an eye on this one."
"Two eyes." Thor nodded and shook the good Doctor's hand, just in time for Stark to wander back, his hand offering his phone to her.
"My snuggle bunny says she's planning your wedding." Tony said, utterly confused. "And she said The God of Thunder wrecked my Jag when he landed on it."
Jane's head whipped back to Thor, "Damage control! Damage control?. I assumed someone saw you in the armor, or- " She threw her hands in the air and took the phone, "Miss Potts I need a drink." And Jane stomped off the Bridge.
The men all watched her leave, a snigger was heard from above and Hawkeye swooped down, "Hey man," he clapped Thor's arm, "I feel like you're going to pay for that one.. Dearly."
"She's going to take him shoe shopping," Banner sniggered and Thor looked bewildered from one man to the other.
"No, no I got it. God of Thunder looking at doilies." Stark barely got out before they burst into tears. They had lost it and were cackling like hyenas on the chairs.
Thor glanced to Natasha who was glaring at the lot of them. "They're being infantile Thor. They're just thankful you don't have your hammer here." He smiled and eyed the bag at his feet.
Covert indeed. "They would know better than to only fear my hammer."
"He made thirty SHIELD agents look like mall cops," Hawkeye said, the barest hint of awe in his voice. Thor looked at him and Barton smiled, "I was watching while you went for the hammer that night. Wrestled McNaughton in the mud, guy was three hundred pounds of steroids and anger, it was better than ringside seats in Vegas."
"I was mortal then, and foolish." Thor mused, recalling the brawl in the rain. It had been the first time he realised that the fire in his veins caused by the fight wasn't enough anymore. It had been later that night he had sat with Jane and given her the answers she had craved. That had been the very same night that he had realised there was more to life than war. "But a fond memory it is."
He looked around the table and realised none were paying him any heed. Bending down he removed the hammer from the bag and rested it on the magical table. It cracked the glass and the men all eyed him warily, "I am wiser now."
"How the hell did you get it in here." Natasha said, "We told Agent McKenzie that you were not permitted to bring any weapons with you." Thor shrugged and smiled. Stark glanced at Banner and whispered something about compensating, causing Banner to snicker. "Immature idiots."
Thor rolled his eyes and left the Bridge seeking Jane. There were many things he needed to understand, and he needed to know she was alright.
…
Thor found Jane three floors above the Bridge under the glass roof as she looked at the sky in the waning light. The small black device on the bench beside her. "I thought I could trust him Thor, I really did. Otherwise I would have never sent it. It was even encrypted." She murmured, hearing his heavy boots behind her.
"How did you know it was me."
"Who else would be coming to look for me." She said, and turned to smile at him. "They're going to be persistent about you going back." Her voice was strained and quiet, and he could hear the sorrow.
"They do not need me yet, there is no foe attacking, no enemy to fight," he sat next to her and laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, pulling her into a tight hug. She went willingly into his arms, still needed touch, as did he. Her hands rested against his broad shoulders, her nails digging in slightly. "I will never abandon you again." Her nails dug in a bit more and she sighed.
She leaned back and looked up at him, her brown eyes full. It was looking at her, there and then that he realised that there was nowhere in the universe he'd rather be. The warriors, his parents, wherever his brother may truly be, he cared not. "I love you Jane Foster."
"I love you too." She said, a faint smile pulling at her lips. She tilted her head back and grazed his lips with her own. "Pepper said she can have a SHEILD sanctioned wedding in a month."He nodded, having no idea what a wedding entailed. His only thoughts were that he wanted her as his wife, immediately. "So she's coming on the Stark Jet to collect me tomorrow."
"What?" he looked at her in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something and was silenced.
"Dress, shoes, find someone ordained," she started ticking things off, "guest list, and that alone will take a week.. ensuring everyone has clearance," She looked at him, "You proposed to me Mister. I'm the human here, I know the expectations." She leveled him with a look. "You should have thought of this prior to .. well.." Flames burst beneath her cheeks as her ire rose thinking of his method of putting the ring on her finger.
"Prior to..?" He raised a brow and she glanced away.
"Prior to proposing." She finally said. "Maybe you should have done some reading." She snickered and kissed him, the look of misunderstanding disappearing from his eyes as her lips met his.
The phone beside her buzzed causing them both to jump and she held it up and saw Pepper Potts once again. "Oh, gosh, you probably want Stark." Jane said, jumping to her feet.
"No, actually, you're the very person I wanted to see." Pepper said, smiling up at Jane, "I got the minor details all set, Stark tower in six weeks. I've sent out emails to all the important people, and ordered flowers."
"You have flowers already?"
"Yes, roses and silver dresses."
"My ring is gold." She said, "with some kind of topaz or amber or whatever. I thought you were supposed to match to it?"
"It will stand out even more." Pepper said, "Now I need Tony." She glanced at Thor and mouthed 'I'm sorry', then dashed back down the stairs. "Is he behaving himself?
"Well he and Banner are huddled in a corner together," she said as she clunked down the stairs, "I don't know if that's behaving or not."
"It's not Misbehaving. That's for sure."
Jane sniggered and emerged into the bridge once more, glad to see Stark still slumped at the table. "There's the thief." She handed him the phone and he pressed it to his ear, "Yes snuggle bunny."
She smiled as Tony stepped away, the façade of hot headed billionaire playboy lifting and the soft gentle tone he adopted being something much more sweet. Pepper had told her the entire story that Thor hadn't, how she had been grateful to the team for saving Tony when he laid on the wire for all the Avengers.
After the two short conversations with Tony's .. Pepper, she felt something akin to sympathy to the other woman. In love with a man who was so needed elsewhere. To have to be brave while they did their 'duty'. Having to share her man with a nation was something Jane could whole heartedly empathize with.
Jane had failed sharing in preschool, or so Erik had told her. The man had also said that's why she did so well in a field that was all about seclusion. At the time it hadn't been funny, but the joke grew more amusing the older she got.
She had always been a creature of self-solitude, graduating private high school at sixteen, her degree by eighteen, her PhD by twenty two. Life had blessed her with genius, but not good social skills. Erik had been there the entire time, shuttling her back and forth from Sweden to New York where she went to school.
Her Father had not been a affluent man, neither was her Mother, but they both had grown fond of Erik while they all attended school together in England, not realising who the man was. Her parents had both been middle class Americans who had pinched pennies and sacrificed everything to pursue their dreams. Erik had been the brainy heir to an empire who was hopping from school to school.
They had all met and completed their graduate work together, her mother had been a quantum physicist her father a theoretical physicist and Erik the astrophysicist who all had been radicals working on Fringe theories. Ground breaking work that had been the first pebble in the water for her own work.
Being back on the bridge she glance at Mjölnir on the table, the glass of the screen slightly cracked where it sat, her theory beneath it hazy. "The middle must hold." The line made little sense beyond the idea that Midgard was the middle.
"Miss?" She jumped and turned around, finding herself face to face with Captain America himself, "Are you Jane?"
"Maybe.." she smiled and shook her head, "I need to stop being defensive. Yes. Jane Foster, PhD." She held out her hand and the Captain chuckled.
"Steve Rogers, some call me Captain and out of the loop."
"You were the one who first saved the Cube.. Were you not?" Steve gave her a speculative look and glanced at Mjölnir.
"Maybe."
"Now you're being defensive." She giggled, "I asked because I wanted to know something." She gnawed on her lip and glanced at the screen, she shifted Mjölnir, careful to use her left hand, pressing the ring against the cold metal. "The tree of-" she looked at his stunned expression, and the stunned looks of everyone around them. "What?"
"The Hulk-" Steve shot a look at Banner who was still staring at the Hammer, "Banner couldn't even make it budge and you move it like it's mother's fine china."
She shrugged not wanting to get into the logistics, "The desert made me a tough cookie, I was asking you a question Captain."
"Steve, and ask away."
"Thank you. The Tree of Life, you mentioned it to Thor once, and how the maniac in the war was talking about Odin's treasure room, what I wanted to ask was.. Did you believe it?" He gave her a puzzled look and she smiled, "At the time, did you think he was a raving lunatic or a man who simply believed the wrong person."
"Ma'am-"
"Please, Jane."
"Jane, you'll remember, at the time, they were all Nazi's, it was us versus them. It didn't matter to me what they were swearing to believe, or create. I understand that the world has changed and ideals aren't as.. narrow as they once were, but at the time, Hitler was spewing nothing but lies. Hydra was nothing more than a bully, and I don't like bullies. Never have."
"Brains over brawn Steve," she quipped, "Amen to that." She drummed her nails on the table and frowned.
"Why?"
"Because the middle must hold, but I don't know why."
"What?" She glanced up and realised he hadn't been there for her previous spiel. She started at the beginning when he stopped her. "I know all that.'
"You-.. You do?"
He nodded and turned towards her, effectively making their discussion more private, "Thor had been having a hard time, between his brother and being here and causing havoc and being concerned for you.. he kinda went off on a tangent." He smiled sadly, "I had already told him my story, he knew I could empathize."
She didn't know why, but she gave into the urge to give the large man a hug. "I'm sorry, Steve." He was stiff, but slowly relaxed, returning her embrace.
"Thanks." He quickly withdrew and stepped away, his face growing blank. "Thor." He nodded over her shoulder and she rolled her eyes.
Turning around she held up a finger and effectively stopped his rage before it happened. "No."
she said firmly and his mouth closed in a tight line. "He needed a hug, I gave him one, end of discussion." Thor glared at Steve who's face held a bewildered innocence that made Thor sigh. His woman wasn't some timid Asgardian flower. It was Jane, and he had fallen in love with her independent flair. It would be cruel to be angry at her for the very root of his love.
"Indeed. I see you have met to good Captain."
"He tells me you two are close." She waggled her brows and snickered, "Two boys out of touch with the world. Well that puts you both in the same boat."
"I know that one." Steve said and laughed, looking at Thor who was confused. "it means were on the same plain." Thor nodded and she rolled her eyes.
"I need to get some new idioms." She giggled, "Twenty four going on eighty."
"He's older than that princess." Stark said, "and guess who just got ordained." Tony smiled at the group, none giving him a satisfactory response. "Me. And Pep's consented to me officiating your little.. Party."
Thor saw Jane's anger and the air quivered around her. Stark smirked and Steve didn't look amused. "Great." She bit out. "Just .. Fantastic." It was going to be a long two months.
…
Present time
"Jane-" She stopped pacing and her hands stilled from worrying the ring on her finger. "Deep breath." She looked at the tired old man and sighed. "If you faint before I can get you down that aisle Thor's going to think you ran off."
She rolled her eyes and smirked, "It'd serve him right." She said. "He took off on me once."
"You really should let that go Janey." Erik said softly, "Even I saw how much it eats at him and I've only been out of the loony bin for three days."
"Don't call it that." She snapped, "You have had a massive trauma to your psyche, you're not crazy."
"Jane," His voice was gentle as he stepped closer and threw an arm around her shoulder, "It's ok."
"We'll make sure it is Erik," she said firmly, "You'll be ok." She glanced down at the hem of her skirt, continuing to worrying the heavy ring on her finger as Erik sat back down.
The dress hid any evidence of her pregnancy, not that she was showing, but she hadn't told anyone yet, but she had grown paranoid that someone would guess. The secret remained her own, for she wanted to tell Thor when they were unreachable, not watched by SHEILD. Erik had given them use of his house in Sweden for as long as they wished. She hadn't visited the grand manor since her father's death, despite having pretty much grown up on the expansive property. She had stayed there for the funeral and for months afterwards, dabbling in various research until the grant to study the Borealis' came and she leapt at the opportunity.
She had been in New Mexico, by herself for two months before calling Erik, the wiser older man a presence in her life she had been acclimated to. Not that she would ever tell anyone that. "Erik, I-.. I want to thank you."
"Jane. If your Father was here-.." he said from the chair. He looked so tired that her heart melted and she sighed, pained to see her adoptive father so ill.
"I wouldn't want anyone else." She smiled and bent down, pecking his cheek. He blushed and she giggled, wiping the lipstick off his cheek.
"Jane?" the voice of Darcy – her only bridesmaid – came through the door "It's time." Jane nodded to Erik who got up and opened the door. Darcy's silver dress shimmered in the morning light, the blood red roses in her hand. The silver and red made a striking mix, and she sorely wished she had thought of it, but the idea had come from Pepper who got the idea the minute she looked at Thor as he landed on Tony's car.
"Jane, you are exquisite." The regency style dress was romantic and flowing. The off white cotton was soft with cap sleeves that fluttered away. It clung to her upper body and floated away below her bust line. The belt gathered in the back in a elegant bow reaching all the way to the floor as the hem covered her feet. She felt like a cloud in the masterpiece that Pepper had bought, tailored and readied in two weeks. The woman was a miracle worker, no wonder Tony was so protective of her.
She shook her head when she realised Darcy had been talking, but she hadn't been listening, "I'm sorry what?"
"That's the fanfare." Darcy smiled. She reached out a hand and pulled the older woman into a light hug. "I'm up." Jane felt the pinprick tears flood to her eyes. Darcy shot her a quick smile over her shoulder and blew her a kiss before exiting the back room.
Erik appeared at her side, pulling her hand through his arm, "Jane-" She glanced at him and gave him a weak smile. "If you don't want to do this, I'll help you get out of here. Your last chance." He said, "Are you sure about this?"
She let out a nervous titter and sighed, "Funny enough, the only thing I'm sure about is him."
She glanced at the door in front of her, the door that she would exit being Jane Foster and emerge as Jane Blake, wife of Thor Blake, at least on Earth. In Asgard she would be Jane of Midgard, Wife of Thor Odinson, future queen.
It made her brain hurt and her pulse race when she thought too much.
She cleared her mind as the double door opened and Erik led her out. She smiled at the twenty or so friends that all stood as she walked down the aisle.
Thor was facing Tony, Steve at his side. He could hear the processional pounding in his head, the murmurs of the people behind him, but he had been told, no matter the impulse, he wasn't to look. She wanted this as proper as she could make it, considering her eminent future as Queen of Asgard, a future they had not yet discussed.
He looked to Darcy who nodded and he turned, his heart staggered and stammered as he looked at her. He had been sure it had been impossible for her to look more beautiful that the broad daylight she had wept over the death of his mortal body, or in the early morning making love to her before he departed with Loki, over the look of ecstasy when he had proposed to her.
All those had fallen out of memory as he stared at her in her simple white dress. His jaw swung uselessly as he attempted to form words, but failed. She smiled and suppressed the urge to straighten his bow tie. "Sharp." She whispered, her hand lacing in his.
Tony cleared his throat and started speaking. He greeted all the guest's to his home, he made several dry remarks about love, and a few stories about his escapades with the God of Thunder. Neither were paying any heed to the egomaniac speaking, they only had eyes for each other.
"Time for the vows." Tony looked at Thor, "Ready big guy?"
He gathered her other hand in his and beamed, "I, Thor take Jane to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love thee today, tomorrow, and forever." He inhaled and shoved away all the tumultuous emotion that swelled inside him. "For where you go, I will go and where you stay I will stay." Thor smiled, "This is my solemn vow to thee for as long as we both shall live." He slipped the plain gold band on her finger, next to the large ornamental ring of his family. The gem beaconed to him, a signal from his family he was sure. Just as he was sure his mother was weeping joyous tears and his father's gruff exterior would be cracking at the sight of his son's wedding. They would be standing by Heimdall looking down on him with pride that day.
"I, Jane promise to love you, Thor and keep you closest to my heart forever. I promise to be a faithful and devoted wife throughout the end of all days until eternity ceases to exist," Jane bite her lip to hold back the tears, "I promise to ask nothing of you except that you love and desire only me as I will love and desire only you." She smiled and looked up, her eyes glistening, "This is my solemn vow to thee as long as we both shall live." Her hands shook as she placed the thick gold band on his finger, traitorous tears tracking down her face.
"By the power so recently vested in me by.. uh The State.." Tony said, smirking, "I now pronounce you Wife and Husband." She shot a look at Stark but she couldn't hold back the overwhelming emotion that suddenly flooded her. He was HERS for as long as she lived. "Go ahead and kiss him Princess." She threw her arms around his neck and leapt up, mashing her lips against his as the crowd stood and cheered.
Their lives had been full of pain and anger and betrayal and death, but for something so beautiful to come from all that was nothing short of a miracle.
Thor and Jane broke apart, breathing heavily, realising that they weren't alone. As he once lifted Mjölnir in the air as a spoilt boy he held their joined hands in the air. He looked at her and she looked back at him, tears filling her eyes.
She didn't know this happiness was possible. For so long she feared marriage, feared love because of what it did to her parents. They had loved each other so much it had destroyed them, but surely this love that she had for her husband was strong, their child would know happiness, their child would never know the abandonment she did.
There were many pictures taken, as the snappy Darcy poked at the old timer who had stood up with Thor. Steve had taken her jabs in stride, whispering under his breath to Jane that a woman had once shot at him in anger several times to 'test the shield'. His eyes had grown sad and she gave his hand a squeeze. "You'll find someone Steve." She said. "If I can train him to stop smashing mugs you can find a girl. Besides, with muscles like those I'm surprised they aren't following you with veils on their heads." She smiled at him, poking his shoulder.
"Well, if he ever hurts you darling, you know who to call." Thor glanced over at his wife from where he was currently getting an earful from Darcy and raised a brow curiously.
She rolled her eyes, "Absolutely. If I need someone to beat some sense into him, you'll be the first I call." She wandered back to his side and kissed his stubbly cheek. "Hello Husband." She said, and smiled as she saw the faint blush bloom beneath his cheeks.
"Wife." He nodded. He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles, she heard the flashing of camera's as they shared a moment, but she remain oblivious.
The afternoon turned to night and the Stark Tower balcony lit up like a Christmas tree with all the twinkle light that were hanging from every surface. The tables were covered with red and silver cloths, the wait staff decked out in red and silver. Jane finally was able to corner Pepper after the sumptuous dinner. "Pepper, this is-.. This is beyond my brightest dream!"
"You're starting to sound like him." Pepper smiled, "But I'm glad you like it."
"You're next, you know." Jane said, "When your time comes I'll do my best to give you what you gave me." Pepper smiled and the two women clasped hands.
"Don't I hope honey, don't I hope."
"Someone needs to light a fire under Tony's ass." Jane said rolling her eyes. They exchanged more words until Jane was shuffled off to sit and be forced to listen to speech after speech about Thor, about her, but mostly about Thor.
".. And then the forest blew up, all because his Hammer and my Shield didn't like each other, it was about then that we realised he wasn't from around these parts." Steve chuckled. "It took him long enough, but I think he trusts us now. Not so much with his woman, but us in general." The crowd laughed and Banner raised a glass. "To a couple out of this world."
"Hear hear!" The crowd cheered. The wine flowed as well as the tongues. Darcy spoke eloquently for having matched Natasha shot for shot, losing by a single drink to the Russian assassin.
She wandered up the tower to the balcony where she found herself alone, grateful for the time with only her thoughts.
She spied Barton leaning against the glass of the upper balcony and waved at him, his face was cold, but he waved back, watching her. She realised Thor had probably asked him to keep an eye on things, or maybe he was just as reclusive as she was. Her eyes moved from the Hawk to the stars above, wishing for nothing more than a sign, something telling her she had finally taken a risk worth taking. "I'll love him forever." She whispered to the sky, knowing that his family would be watching, "I'll love him and care for him for all the days of my life. I know it doesn't seem long, but it's all I have." Two ravens landed feet from her, the dark of the night covering their entrance. They cooed at her and she stared at them, not knowing the significance.
The larger of the two hopped up and landed gently on her hand, bringing with it a gilded circlet. "It's my mothers." She heard from behind her and turned to see Thor leaning against the railing. He stepped towards her and reached out for the two birds who hopped happily on his hand. "And these are Huginn and Muninn, my father's closest companions." He stroked the birds as they pecked at each other. They became restless and he reached out over the edge and watched them launch from his hand.
"You must miss them." He smiled and reached for the crown. He removed the veil that was tucked into the braid that encircled her head, revealing the fountain of braids that poured from the back of her head. He tucked the crown into her hair and smoothed the locks back into place.
"I'll see them soon enough." He murmured. She beamed at him, the words itching to be said. She wanted to revel her secret right there and then, but the few agents along with Natasha and Clint dampened the mood slightly. She did not know SHEILD the same way as Thor did, while he saw it as some elite club, she saw it as the principal's office. Only to be called in when severe punishment is to be laid down.
"Anything interesting happen?"
"Stark had just fell into the fountain when I left to find you." Thor glanced at the Hawk who had an eye on the newlyweds. "I was worried you had run off."
She was prevented from the quip of a reply when She heard a screech from below, "Erik!" dashing to the edge she got there just in time to see the man fall into the large ice sculpture. The great 'A' shattered as the older man fell into it.
She picked up her skirt and tore down, Thor on her heels. Kneeling at his side she dredged up her minimal knowledge of medicine from the real Donald not wanting to do anything but play Doctor. "Erik," she patted his cheek, "Open your eyes. Please." She sighed when she saw them opened, only to shriek when his hands went to her throat. His normally blue eyes were black from corner to corner. She was terrified as she gasped for air and her fear ratcheted up when she couldn't intake the necessary oxygen.
"No" she choked as she attempted to claw away. This was not the man who had raised her, cared for her, loved her like his own daughter. This was not the man who had given her a sly grin as he asked her if she wanted to run away.
The hands were pulled away and she felt light headed as large muscled arms picked her up princess style and carried her inside. Time presumably passed because when she finally peeped through her eyelids, Steve's brow knit as he stared at her worried, "You ok darling?"
She attempted to say something, but her voice hurt and she simply nodded. "Thor-" she got out and Steve's eyes moved to the outside.
"He's wrestling with Selvig. Something about Loki's mind tricks not completely wearing off." Steve sat on the table and bounced his knee, "I figured you were more important. Thor had the same impression, but he knows Loki, I volunteered to be bodyguard."
"Safe?" she whispered.
"Him, yes.. Actually if circumstances were any different the great lug would be enjoying himself. Because it was you, well he went a little.." He stood as Pepper came into the room with ice and a bottle of pills. "These for the pain, and ice for the bruising."
She tied her strawberry blond hair up, the pretty curls had caused Jane to be envious when they lasted more than a few hours. When she returned to the City her and Pep would need to have a long talk about fashion. Getting the pills down was painful, but she managed and after a couple minutes the pain killers started working as the worst of the throbbing began to fade.
She was holding the ice to her neck sitting on the side of the couch when Thor walked in. He was a mess. His tux jacket was ripped, the bowtie completely missing and the shirt was less at least two buttons, but it was the look in his eyes that made her heart wrench. The look of terror, of a man desperate and clinging to nothing but faith.
As soon as he entered the room he went to her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead. "Are you alright?" his voice was tight and barely restrained. She nodded slowly and laid her head against his broad chest.
"He ok?" She looked up at him and his heavy brow furrowed.
"I am not sure the extent of Loki's damage to him." Thor said softly, ignoring the obvious. His eyes took a fleeting look at the damage on her neck, causing his fist's to clench. "My brother got off lightly."
She cupped his cheek and shook her head. "Calm." She said hoarsely. "Wedding. Happy."
He frowned and looked to Steve, "Thank you my friend. Had you not been there-.. I don't want to think of the alternative."
"You got a great girl Thor." He said, "She's worth it." Jane pulled away from Thor long enough to give the other man a hug.
"Sweetheart." She whispered to him and gravitated back to Thor.
She was relieved of speaking, and her mind was turning over all the information she had on why Erik had acted as he had. She found that Thor had restrained the older man and ensure him off the property, the black eyes Loki had cursed him with flashing before her.
They stuck it out for another hour, but many had already left long before midnight. Banner had called it an early night and had been saved the excitement, his gift to the couple had been not to ruin New York on that night.. He had left fearing the grand party would set him off, and he'd been right. Natasha had skulked off with Barton after Tony whipped her in some drinking game.
In fact, Tony and Darcy seemed to be the only two really still partying by the waning hours. Both too drunk to realise the severity of what had happened, "Best wedding I've ever officiated."
"The only one Tony." Pepper said, "Jarvis, set his alarm for six am. If he's going to be an ass all night I'm going to have him up first thing working."
"It's never worked before Miss Potts." The mechanical voice mused.
"Tenth time's the charm." She said. She looked at the two who both looked worn out and emotionally exhausted. "Go." She said, "I'll clean up here."
"Darc-" Jane whispered, and Pepper rolled her eyes.
"I'm going to be up with this one," She pointed her thumb at Tony, who was attempting to get Darcy into going swimming, "What's one more." Jane had so much to say, wished she could say it. Maybe I'll write her a letter. She decided. She smiled at the woman and hugged her, tears pouring down her face.
"Perfect."
"I'm glad you liked it. I'm sorry about Erik." Pepper said softly, inspecting the injury once more. "At least Sweden you can get away with wearing a turtleneck in September." Jane nodded, wiping tears away. "Need a with the dress?" She nodded and the two left Thor and the Captain to watch the drunkards.
Pepper was unbuttoning for what seemed an age until Jane was free. She slipped on the soft coral jersey dress and covered her throat with the creamy soft scarf that Pepper handed her, the smooth suede of the knee high boots and the supple leather coat all felt like apologies as clothes and more clothes were passed to her. "I'm fine." She said looking at Pepper, smiling.
"Hospital first." The other woman said firmly.
…
"Wait out there." She said, kissing his cheek.
"Jane-"
"Please." She unleashed her wide brown eyes on him, causing him to mutter and scowl. She gnawed on her lip and looked to Pepper as the Doctor emerged "He's got clearance." Pepper said softly. "Tony's got him on speed dial. Man's a genius at removing shrapnel."
She rolled her eyes and wave. As soon as she disappeared he slumped in the chair behind him.
"Mrs. Blake, what can I do for you." She sighed and began her tale. Starting with the morning of the wedding, Erik's condition and the fragility of his mind. Her throat hurt, but the ice helped a bit. "So what's your concern."
"I'm pregnant." She said. The words came out feeling wrong, they felt stiff on her tongue. "The oxygen loss."
He nodded and started assembling meters and tools. "There shouldn't be any damage, it sounds like you only were without oxygen for a moment, but being so early it doesn't hurt to be safe."
She nodded and spoke up before he left, "They don't know. I want to tell them myself." He shot her a quizzical look, "I want to make sure the baby's healthy before I start blabbing to everyone."
He shrugged and nodded. "It's your call Mrs. Blake." He sent the nurse in and Jane sat and tried to smother her dislike of hospitals as the young nurse sat and began to take blood and set up several scans.
Outside, Thor was wearing a hole in the floor of the hospital. "I should have had my mother send something, I should have kept him away.." he grumbled and Pepper flipped the page of the antiquated magazine from the table.
"We can't change the past Thor, and you're going to drive yourself nuts mulling on it."
"Why did she not want me in there. Is she hiding something? Is she hiding further injuries?" Pepper looked up from the article on Tony she had been reading and said nothing, merely raised a brow. "What?"
"You haven't stopped complaining since we arrived. Give the girl her space. She's your wife, not your property." The SHEILD hospital was only a couple blocks from Stark Tower and Thor occupied himself by intimidating the regular staff. He easily picked out the ones who were SHEILD agents by their looks of awe. He didn't want to be a hero at that particular moment. No glory could make this moment better, no joyous news could distract him from the fear of his wife's condition.
After what seemed like hours she emerged, a bandage on her arm. "I'm fine," she said softly, "Let's go."
"Jane-"
"Pepper." She croaked and she leveled the tall woman with a look, "you've done enough. Thanks for everything."
"Yes, I'm sorry." Pepper said. "Have a great honeymoon." Jane smiled at her, wishing once more she could say something.
She took Thor by the hand, standing up on her tiptoes and kissing his cheek. "Love you." She rested back on her feet and smiled at him. Despite the scar of the evening, it had truly been the best wedding she'd ever attended. Precluding to the fact that it had been the only wedding she'd ever attended.
"I love you." He whispered as he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips. They took the elevator down to where the car was waiting, and the anonymous driver took them to La Guardia.
As soon as they boarded the private jet, she popped two more pain pills from the pregnancy safe bottle the doctor had given her, stripped down and crawled into the bed in the back. It wasn't long before she felt the large warm body of her husband join her.
"Husband." She whispered as she rolled over and looked at him.
"Wife." He said back. He pulled her flush against him, careful of her throat. She tucked her face under his chin sighed. "Jane?" He said worriedly.
She shook her head and batted her hand at him. She hadn't drank any of the wine offered, or champagne. No one had really questioned why she, the tea tottler physicist's didn't partake, and she didn't offer any explanation. Her hand flew to her stomach and she felt nausea as the plane took off.
Not the best start to your Honeymoon Foster. She thought. Blake. Not Foster. "Sleep Jane." He whispered as the plane banked. Her brain slowly started shutting down as she snuggled deeper into the solid wall of muscle behind her, and she let sleep take her.
…
She woke hours later feeling much better than she had prior to falling asleep. She shifted beneath the heavy arm that was draped over her waist. The plane shuddered and she rolled over to stare at him, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear she smiled, the feeling of love overwhelming so completely it made her feel ill.
Nope. That was actual ill.
She scrambled away and dashed to the small bathroom, barely making it in time to empty the contents of her stomach. Stupid morning sickness, why can't you just not exist. Minutes later she flushed the bile away and snuck out long enough to grab her toiletries bag and brush her teeth, washing away the bitter taste. She looked at her face in the mirror, and glanced at her throat, the bruising looked worse than it felt, the painkillers doing their job and effectively made swallow less painful. She hummed and was surprised to find her voice again.
Jane pinched her cheeks and fingered her messy hair before she wandered to the hull of the plane and grabbed a bottle of water and some crackers to settle her stomach. She smiled as she watched the sun rise, eternally thankful for the few moments alone.
She sat till her stomach completely settled. Sneaking back into the bedroom she glanced at the man now sprawled across the bed, the comforter barely covering any decency. She smiled wickedly as she moved towards him as stealthy as she could. If he's slept through all this, he probably needs it Jane.. the voice of reason whispered in her head.
But she ignored that voice.
She dove under the blanket and pressed her lips to his calves, the sinewy muscles of his leg quivered as her lips dragged from his foot to his thigh. He had spent hours discovering her, and now she wanted to discover the man she had married.
Toes, feet, ankles, knees, legs.. She nosed and nuzzled her way, feeling him shift minutely causing her to grin wickedly. She ignored the impressive hardness for the time and continued to explore, hips, chest, arms, hands… the faded scar on his stomach from where Loki had stabbed him made her want to weep, but she settled for kissing it.
She heard him groan and shift, his body making its plea quite obvious. Her small hand encircled the bobbing member as she listened carefully for a reaction, when she received none her grip tightened minutely. She laid open mouth kisses on the hard muscles of his stomach that led her to his hard erection. She flicked the tip of her tongue over the head and he moaned.
The hazy corner of his mind stretched and purr with satisfaction that had an unknown source. Blinking sleepily he reached to the side of the bed where Jane had been only to find cold sheets. He sat up on his elbows only to fall back when he felt the invasion of warm lips and the gentle scrap of teeth causing him to groan and fall back to the pillows behind him.
She was-.. He summoned enough control to glance down and saw the movement beneath the sheets and groaned audibly. He didn't want to know where she learned to do what she was doing, he didn't want to think or speak or do anything to stop her. He felt her hand moving and press against something so sweet, so primal, his hips lifted off the bed and he heard her splutter and pause.
Guilt and shame spread across him as he focused long enough to realise she was still injured. Pulling her up and he opened his mouth to apologize profusely only to have her swallow his words as she pressed her lips against his.
She wanted no apology, no sympathy. She wanted her husband. Plain and simple.
She tugged him till he rolled on top of her and her legs wrapped around his waist and she pulled him in, the need a scalding burn, driving every other conscious thought from her mind. Her heels dug into the small of his back and pushed him in deeper. He was everywhere, filling her senses. His natural scent of the thick air of a thunderstorm, the feeling of his warm pliant skin and the acres of hard muscles surrounding her, his harsh breathing against her neck and his beard chafing her shoulder.
He set a pace that was both agonizingly slow, and not slow enough. She felt her breathing crash against her ribs in waves of the choppy tide. Her thighs clenched as he contorted his body to trail his lips to press a kiss at the purple marks on her throat. She felt the simmering heat begin to boil as her toes curled. Her back arched and she pressed her lips against shoulder to suppress the cry that was rising up her throat. His hands kneaded the flesh at her hips and held them still as she tried to speed up his pace. She grew wild with need as he refused to let her over the edge.
The mewling sounds that escaped her caused him to groan, his steel control once impenetrable now as thin as a hairsbreadth. His own breathing was a broken waltz of the necessity of control and the wild feral need. He knew she needed slow, he didn't want to hurt her, but he should have known that she would destroy his any and all restraint he possessed. She always did.
She felt the line grow taut as he continued his slow steady pace. The tug and pull as he slid all the way in and the receding wave as he withdrew almost completely. A corner of her brain told her that she should feel loved, worshipped. That the man whose arm's were wrapped around her loved her more than was conceivable, but her focus was only on the goal, on the end. She needed her release, she could think of nothing else.
He fought hard against the need to just let go. Her previous ministrations causing him to have to fight harder than ever to focus on her. Never before had he ever been so concerned with someone else. His entire world was wrapped up in this small mortal body. "Thor-" she whispered, her voice husky and rough, "Now."
He tried to hold off, to torture her with the slow burning passion, but he made his first mistake of the day. He looked into her eyes.
He pulled her leg up high as she angled her hips to meet his with every thrust. All notion of control forgotten as the beast was unleashed.
Love. Pain. Adoration. Sadness. She would continue to whether any storm for him, she would cross any plain. While the notion was still frightening, she let her love for him consume her. Her back arched as she cried out, his own release equally powerful as he roared incomprehensible words.
They collapsed in a tangle of limbs and she smiled. "Did you like my wakeup call?" she held him close and nuzzled the tender skin below his ear.
"Far more than I should have." She shifted and he rolled to his side, his head propped up by his arm. She laid flat on her back, and stretched, the liquid filling her limbs making her otherwise cruddy morning all the more better. Their breathing calmed, and he remained oblivious to the large smile on her face that had spawned as he traced pictures on her stomach.
She debated telling him then. The moment was perfect, but would he start demanding right then. She chewed on her lips as she glanced at him, all mellow and smiling. No, not yet.. She felt fairly well rested considering everything that had happened, but she cuddled up to his bare chest, his arm wrapping protectively around her shoulder. "So what do married people talk about?" she mused, smiling to herself.
"My parent's once had an argument that spanned a decade. I believe it was over a cask of ale." Thor said softly, "Mother believed it from Alfheim and Father believed it of Asgard."
"For a decade?"
"Aye," he chuckled, "I was no more than a innocent youth at the time it started and had grown into my helmet by the time it finished."
"How did it end?"
"Father relented." Thor said affectionately, "He always does when it comes to Mother." She smiled, still in awe of this man of myths and legends that was now her father-in-law. Don't go there Jane.. the voice of reason once again piped up.
"Tell me about Loki." Jane said curiously. "Everyone fears him, yet all I ever see is your sadness." She glanced at him, the pain in his face thick, "Tell me a happy memory. Something of you being children."
Thor's face began to soften as he recalled the adventures he'd had with his brother. "Once, when we were children, Father had to leave us mid-lesson to sort out a disagreement between the dwarves and the elves. We grew restless and decided to steal one of the eternal apples of Indun." She relaxed in the warm enclosure of his arms, the melodic tenor of his voice the most wonderful sound she knew. The overwhelming love once again rose like geyser, only this time, rather than the nausea, it was a tingle that spread through her. It burned through her veins and caused the radiating heat to plaster the smile on her face for the final few hours of the flight.
…
She inhaled the clean air as she stepped onto the tarmac, the crisp chill in nipped at her and she sidled up to Thor. He tucked her into his side and dropped a kiss in her hair. He hadn't realised it was possible to be this happy, this content with life. Jane pointed to the lone black car and the driver that was tucking their cases into the trunk.
The outfit she had left New York had been perfect for late summer in the city, but Sweden was already deep into fall and the wide wool trousers that Pepper had packed had been perfect for the cool air.
They said nothing as the car crossed countryside and pulled up to the large manor. "This is Erik's home?"
She frowned, "He owns it." She said, her voice still hoarse, "He has an apartment in Oslo that he spends the most time at."
"It is a grand place." She shrugged and ignored his awe. She never recalled that feeling, having been very young the first time she had been there. The low white house was impressive, but she had been faking her way through high society since Erik had enrolled her in private public school to get her away from her depressed father.
"Welcome to Harridslevgaard." The elderly man said as he opened the door, "Ms Foster, it has been far too long."
"It's Mrs. Blake now Niels." She smiled up at Thor and squeezed his hand. "My husband."
"Mr. Blake, I am Niels. I am the keeper of the Selvig house." He bowed, "You are most welcome."
"Thank you." Thor said, nodding his head.
"Ms. Jane." Niels said affectionately, "How is Erik. We have not heard from him since prior to the wedding when he called to prepare us for you two."
She gnawed on her lip and glanced at Thor, "He's being treated for exhaustion. He collapsed at the wedding."
Niels shook his head, "The man works too much." They exchanged further pleasantries until the elderly housekeeper was called away. They climbed the stairs and she led him to the large room where their luggage was already unpacked and the cases tucked away.
She felt her phone buzz in her pocket and nodded to Thor to look around while she took the call, "Fo-.. Jane Blake."
"Mrs. Blake, it's Doctor Jensen."
"The results are in already?"
"Mr. Stark was enquiring and encouraged us to have them ready as soon as humanly possible." She glanced at her watch and smiled. It would be little after seven in the morning there, it seemed the tenth time was indeed the charm.
"And?"
"We saw no complications from any of the scans, and the blood work came back with no .. real issues."
"You hesitated." She heard the pause and could visualize the Doctor most likely being intimidated but one of the scary men who had all taken a shine to her. "Is he there now."
"Yes ma'am. We found a unique substance in your blood that Mr. Stark seems to think you wouldn't want – public – at any cost."
Her child was part Asgardian, of course it would have unique blood. "He is correct on that matter. Please send all the tests with him and tell him to encrypt the hell out of it."
"Very well miss.. Missus Blake. I wish you a happy vacation."
"Thank you Doctor." She smiled, hanging up the phone, "Thor. Sit." She nodded to the bed and he paused and looked concerned.
"Something the matter?" He had wandered into the bathroom and came back quickly when he saw the look on her face.
"No. Just -.. I want you to be sitting, trust me to have my reasons" She smirked as his face grew increasingly confused.
"What?" He felt the concern that had spread through him part like rain clouds when her smile became too infectious.
"I should have told you when I first found out, but I wanted to make sure everything was ok, and then the doctor ran tests to make sure and-"
"Jane." He said and she stopped pacing, "Just tell me."
"I'm pregnant." She stood still and stared at him, her face a mask of guilt. "Had I told you when I first found out none of this would have happened. I took the test last week and-" she was cut off when she realised he had scooped her up and was spinning her around. He was radiating joy, his lips spread in a infectious beam.
She steadied herself by grabbing his shoulders as he set her down. "You have made me the happiest man in nine realms." The golden smile stretched across his face, causing one to grow on her face. He cupped her face and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. She tilted her head and opened her mouth as the kiss grew from tender to passionate. "My wife." He said. His voice tentative, as if he were still testing the words on his tongue, but she could hear the ringing joy in it.
She looked at him, tears were filling his eyes as he cupped her stomach. He was staring at her with such a reverence that she couldn't help but feel the dark emotions ebb as the happiness fell around them. "My husband." She whispered back.
Let it be known that I am a sucker when it comes to emphatic reviewers. There are some stories that I will painfully leave as one shots, and then there are stories where I too want to know how it ends. This is one of them.
And since I've already supposed you'll all want to know how it goes with the pregnancy and the baby, I've already kinda started chapter three. I just finished with a Star Wars fic, so the Natalie Portman getting choked thing was kinda a plug.. I'm sorry if you hate it, but you did ask for it, and Hero's don't get true HEA's..
So, here's chapter two. I'm going to give myself a few hours off and then take a crack at the next chappy.
Happy Reading!
SWL