This one was a nightmare to write. I have a standard of min. 10 000 w. (Words per chapter), but most of the time I have a few paragraphs pre-written that didn't fit in another story that I've abandoned or another chapter that was to early for the arc. But this time I had nothing. I started from blank. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I Thank all those who have alerted, favourited, and reviewed (ESPECIALLY those who've reviewed. You're all beautiful people and I love you)
This chapter is quite angsty, but I need conflict to keep going, so I apologize. As always, The Great and Awesome M lies within.
I've acted out my life in stages with ten thousand people watching
But we're alone now and I'm singing this song for you
I know your image of me is what I hope to be
I've treated you unkindly
But girl can't you see
there's no one more important to me
So darling can't you please see through me, 'cause we're alone now
And I'm singing my song for you
The first few day had been more than a little disorienting, but as her first week on Asgard came to a close, she felt her awe of Thor grow. Not only had he left this golden city to save her world, a consequence that would play little part in his daily life, but he lived there with her, for years. Abandoning all that he knew, all the familiar. She tried not to cling to the only two familiar people, but more often than not, she found herself seated by Thor, sitting silently eating the rich food that was slowly making her ill. While her body had solidified and had truly become immortal, she still felt like herself. Nothing had really changed, especially her appetite for crappy take out. She knew many watched as she pushed the food around her plate, eating very little.
A week grew into multiple as she became more quiet, ever watching. She found herself eating the words she had once told Hogun about observing, for she too observed. Never partaking in the foreign world around her. The day of petitioner's came and Jane stood in her solitude behind Frigga, while Thor was off being Thor. It broke her heart to have to watch her baby being cared for by another, but the sweet Gretel had become her confidant, her solace. The quiet and shy girl had instantly been charmed by the woman her Prince had wed. Exhausted and missing her son she shifted her weight and tried to focus on the woman speaking before the Queen. She had been standing on her feet watching all day, and her attention span had long since withered to dust and blew away with the gentle breeze that blew the aroma of scented pine and the tangy spice that she would always affiliate with the city. ".. And so I swore that the child was mine." Her mind had long ago solved the query and was looking around the great hall discreetly. She glanced at the stars out the open door and wished for nothing more than a star chart, a coffee and a telescope to bask beneath her friends.
"..Jane?" Frigga said quietly, "What say you?" Jane looked at the babe in the basket, missing her own son more so then before. He was safe, he was well tended to, but he had been in her arms or within feet of her every day since she had woken up after his birth. And it would seem she was destined to become one of those Mother's that never knew their child.
"Divide the child in half," she said, pleased that a human had solved the issue before her, "So each mother may receive half the child." The guard drew his sword and the one woman scowled.
The other threw herself at Jane's feet, "NO!.. She may have him. Please NO! Do not harm him!"
"The true mother, Your highness." Jane said softly. The room fell silent as the sobbing mother kissed Jane's feet.
"Thank you, Milady. Bless you. Bless you Princess Jane." The other woman was pulled away screaming and spitting like a annoyed cat.
"My Queen." She curtsied to the throne, "I must tend to my own son." Frigga smiled knowingly.
She crooked her finger and Jane bowed her head low so her ear was against Frigga's lips, "If you happen to see my son..." Frigga said hushed, "tell him I love him."
Jane stood and giggled, "A naughty secret Your highness." Jane winked in understanding. "Thor will be ever upset."
"He will learn soon enough not to stomp his feet like a embittered child. Let him be irritated."
"I usually do." They laughed and the room bowed low as Jane left. She was the very picture of a patient Queen-in-Waiting, the serene quietness, the noble beauty of a Princess. Everyone loved Thor's wife, mother to his son. She glided through the halls, her brilliant scarlet dress flowed as she walked confidently from the public hall to the quiet of the private chambers. The silver armband that was stamped with the emblem of Mjölnir, the very creation itself caused grown men to cower before her, the gold circlet tucked into her voluminous curls a blatant display of her station. And underneath it all, she was lonely. She missed running in the morning with Pepper, she missed zoning out when Darcy called from school, she missed her office as the rain pattered on the window in the pale grey of New York spring. She missed pancake breakfast's with Steve, and late afternoon Thai take out with Stark and Banner as they talked semantics. She missed Sunday's with Erik. She missed Erik in general. While Frigga was wonderful in receiving Jane, accepting her, making her feel welcome, she was still unknown. Jane still felt like a breeder sow that was being primed as a vassal for heirs. Erik would look at her and frown, he would say "Look past the problem Jane. That's where the answer is."
She jerked up her chin and hardened her expression. No one was to ever know how lonesome, how homesick she truly was. She was the Wife of Thor, the mightiest of all the Asgardian hero's. She was a warrior's wife. She had to be strong. Ducking into the suite she marched passed the maids and attendants, people Thor had send to mind her. She scowled at the world until she reached the bathroom. Turning on the water as hot as she could she blasted her skin, the burn a welcome relief from the pain inside. She cried and shuddered and sobbed, letting the water swallow her voice, allowing the water to mask her tears. She felt guilty for such pain as he had sacrificed so much for her, and yet the longer she remained the more she feared for her family on Earth. How much time had passed there? What about the battle that no longer had Mjölnir swung for the Hero's. What if one of them had been injured after they left, what if Darcy was injured because she had been named Jane's heir, what about Erik who would grow stagnant sitting in that asylum. Climbing out of the shower, she had redressed in human clothes, the long chain with Mjölnir embossed on it that Steve had given her for her last birthday hung low against her stomach. The black leggings and tunic were strange by the ladies and guards lounging in their suite paid the princess no heed as she walked to the nursery.
And whimpered at the sight of the empty crib. Hal was out with Gretel in some corner of the palace, and so a spur of the moment decision led her back to the garden where she saw Loki.
His face lit up when he saw her. His hand once again reached out and she clasped it in her own and patted his knuckle. "It's really me." The relief on his face was palpable, "Your mother says hello, and that she loves you."
He scoffed and turned his head, his hand still holding hers. "She's not my Mother." He said weakly, but his eyes held a tender happiness that made her smile. Looking up the detached God masked his face in a look of blank indifference.
She raised a brow and rolled her eyes, pulling her hand away. He looked fearful for a moment before watching her sit on the grass beside him, leaning against another tree. "I can't help you if you refuse to help yourself. There is nothing I hate more than self pity." Loki snarled and his gaze narrowed, "You have the ability to change your fate. Yet your pride restricts you." She sighed as she got comfortable. "You seem intelligent, yet sometimes you're just as bad as Thor."
He gave her a deathly look. "I am nothing like that pompous rat," He said coldly, "and you'd do well to remember that."
"Pompous rat." She tapped her finger against her chin, "I quite like that," she gave him a curious look, "Can I use that?"
Loki arched a brow, "Marriage to the Great Thor not as wonderful as it would seem?"
She shot him an amused look, "Down boy," she chuckled dryly, "Your silver tongue won't work on me." She tapped her head, "I'm smarter than you." Loki sneered and she barrelled on, "Marriage is better than I ever dreamed. He's just more stubborn than-.." she strained her mind to find a context he would understand.
"He's Thor." Loki shrugged, "I know how stubborn he is."
She smiled at him and sighed, "I shouldn't enjoy these visits, but you remind me of someone I know. Someone from home." She laughed at his worried expression, "You and Stark and cut from the same cloth. Ego, think your more debonair than you truly are, genius level intelligence, and full of tricks."
"You got all that from a single visit?" Loki asked, his voice satiny smooth, "Or do the Avengers talk."
She shook her head, "Thor refuses to speak of you. Rarely do they talk of their battles. Only of their losses," she looked towards the door she had come in and back to Loki. "And yes, I did get that from one and a half visits."
"Why did you truly come here?" Loki said tiredly, "Do you come to taunt me?"
"I miss intelligent conversation. You intrigue me Loki." She said, and she caught the first true smile on his face. "I know what it's like to be misunderstood, to be constantly told I'm not good enough." He shot her a look and she smiled, settling against the ground into a comfier spot. "I'll bet you didn't ask Thor about me, you just saw that he was in love and threatened to take that away." He gave her a look of fear and she smiled, "Brothers with cosmic powers, the Fates will never learn. Boy will be boys."
"I beg your pardon?" Loki asked, confused and curious.
"Brother's will always fight. Thor was always jealous of your ability to move through the shadows. Many night's he would sit up and contemplate had he let you destroy everything, just to return." She smiled sadly, looking down at her hand, "He doesn't know I lie awake those nights and listen." She sighed and gave her head a shake, "We could have come together long before we did and New York would have never known the massacre that it did." She sighed and pulled at a loose thread coming from her pants. "But life played out the way that it did for a reason."
"Your first visit?" He hedged and was startled by her roar of laughter.
"I hit him with my van, Darcy tasered him, Erik threw him in the back and we dropped him off at the hospital. When I realised I'd need him for my research I went looking for him again. And I found him." Her giggle interrupted her speech and he waited patiently for her to finish. "I found him under my van. I'd had hit him again." Loki let a smile cross his face as he picture the great Thor being thumped by this tiny woman. "The I took him for breakfast, where he smashed all the cups, he made an ass of himself trying to get Mjölnir back and.." she blushed as he figured she was skimming over more intimate details. "Well, you know how it ended."
"When did it start again?" Loki asked, forgetting that he had intended to be cool and detached, unable to resist being completely charmed by Jane.
"The three days you were held after New York. They were inspecting the Tesserect." Loki's eyes widened. "You didn't know he hadn't been there did you."
"They told me he refused to look at me, and yet he was terribly happy." She blushed and he realised that much more had happened in that one weekend, "I thought it had been due to our return. He missed Asgard."
She sighed and grew sad, "He always missed this place. Yet he swore to stay on Earth for me. He swore that before he knew about Hal." She looked around and inhaled the sweet smell of the strange flowers and vegetation, "It's truly beautiful here."
"Yet you are unhappy." Loki saw the emptiness in her eyes that he recognized. He too knew what is was to be utterly surrounded, and yet utterly alone.
"I miss home." She said softly, "I miss Erik, and Pepper and Steve, and god help me, even Tony." She glanced at a tree that she had never noticed before. "I love him more than anything, but this is all so new. And he hardly has time.." she trailed off, "It's not the first time I've had to jump in with both feet."
Loki arched a brow, "Would you make a deal with me?"
She gave him a cold look, "Don't you dare try to manipulate me." Loki held up his hand, the one rattled with the metal of the manacle.
"Calm." She gave him a curt nod and he took a deep breath. "I will tell you all you wish to know about Asgard, court, Thor, my parents. How to speak to certain courtiers, what not to say to others. How to not have to have a conversations. They're all pompous and prideful, and will gush anything they can. Especially to you. Such vanity."
She nodded and stroked her chin. "And what do you want?" she said coolly, "What is your price."
"Visit me. Every day."
"Once a week."
"Every other day."
"Twice a week."
"Deal." He reached out his hand and she shook it, smiling when he kissed her knuckle, "Thank you.. Sister."
"Oh ho! You call me Sister but Thor is not your Brother?" She stood and elbowed him affectionately.
"You will make a fine sister. Your son will be equally wonderful, so long as he takes after you."
"I hope he does." She smiled, "he's already incredibly bright." She smiled with the fondness only a mother could know. "I wish you'd let them in. They only want to help, especially your Mother."
"My Mother is the master of manipulation. Thor was always her favourite." He grumbled.
"You're wrong. 'Favourite' is relative, Loki. A Mother doesn't have that capability."
"What would you know of my Mother."
"I AM a mother." She snapped, "And while I love my son more than the stars and moon I would not love him above or below another child, just differently." Her eyes adopted a dreamy look and she smiled, not a second had passed when she shook her head and looked back down, "She recognized that Thor will be a kind King, and unlike Odin, Thor understands what it is to value the family you have rather than the child you want. Odin wanted Thor to have your patience, you have his strength of character. Thor have your wit and you his ambition for the betterment of the people. You to have his knack for leadership, he to have your eye for puzzles." Loki stared at her as if she were mad. "A parent only wants the best future they can see for their child, whether it is truly the best or not. Never question their love, their motives; yes, their methods; most certainly, but never their love." She cupped his cheek and smiled, "You need to know Love Loki. It is by far the most beautiful thing imaginable." She exhaled and glanced back at the door, "I have to go. They'll be missing me soon."
"I'll tell you the best places to hide when you come back." Her chiming laugh rang through as she stepped away.
"Two days Loki." She said. "I'll be back in two days." He gave her a tentative smile and watched her leave. The coldness and emptiness of the garden enclosing around him. Two days alone. Only two rather than eternity.
...
She was surprised to see him when she re-entered the suite. He was standing by the window, leaning against his arm as it rested on the cold marble. "Where have you been for the past hour?" He asked quietly.
"Exploring." She said noncommittally, "Where's Hal?" Thor nodded to the inner room where Jane spied Gretel cooing to her crying son. "Thank you. I'll take over now." She picked him up and cuddled him close to her breast, inhaling in the soft scent of powder. Hal settled nearly immediately once his Mother held him close and whispered a bar of the cradle song as she sat down to feed him.
"Milady." Gretel curtsied and began to walk from the room. Just as she was leaving, Thor entered and glared at her. "Milord." Thor nodded to the girl, giving Jane time to compose her face into a mask of indifference. She moved to sit on the rocking chair and rocked her baby, holding him close. The skin to skin contact a solace from the quizzing that was about to come. He had taken to; every morning, asking her of her day prior, of who she had seen, what she had done, who she had spoken with. She rambled off random names and facts tiredly. Her mind was going stagnate from inaction.
For four years she had worked harder than she had in all her life and suddenly she was a Princess, expected to do nothing but tend to the issues of the common folk, have children and look pretty. He sighed and she glanced up, seeing him smile at her. "What?"
"You are a magnificence creature," He smiled gently at her, "My love you have charmed the people into their devotion."
She eyed him warily, you wouldn't be thinking that if you knew where I'd really been.."And why do you say-.. uh oh... No.. No no-.. We talked about this."
"It's already been decided. A ceremony will commence in four days. Honouring us. Welcoming Hal." Thor crouched on the balls of his feet, one of his large hands resting on her leg. "Announcing my Father's intent to step down."
She gave him a curious look, "We always knew he would-" Her eyes became large and the air shuddered around her, "So soon?"
"I was to be king before we first met Jane, if anything, 'tis late." He sighed and gave her a weary look, "It's where I've been these past few days."
"Ah, so you weren't ignoring me." His eyes flashed with guilt and he bent down to kiss Hal's forehead. He had taken to leaving early, and returning once she was already abed. She would be on the edges of sleep when his heavy warm arm would encircle her waist, spooning up behind her. She had missed him, she had missed their quiet conversations of discussing the day, of Hal, word never failed to flow between them, despite nearing their third year of marriage they still surprised one another.
"I'm truly sorry." He said, his eyes full of an aching pain, missing his wife. They had gone years, weeks, days without. Forever fate kept separating them, and for forever they would be finding their way back to one another. But she would never acclimate to being without him, never wanted to. He was thankful that they were still in the same vicinity, and he received regular reports of her comings and goings, as his son's, but it wasn't the same as being in the same room as them, his entire skin itched to wrapped his arms around them and never let go. He glanced up and saw her smile, sure she could see the burning in his eyes. His regret for leaving her, his pain for having to be the stern and stony Prince once more. He too missed Earth, but for other reasons than her. While he did miss The Captain, the proud man who had become his closest ally, he truly missed the quiet mornings before her run, where she would bring Hal to their bed after feeding him, and the three would snuggled up in the cocoon of love and peace. Her ratty shorts and the shirt that was the most agreeable to nursing. The thick blankets of their bed, and the nights that they were unnecessary as they made love deep into the evening. There, he never woke with the blinding fear that it was all a dream. With her small pile of dirty laundry, the empty tea cups on her bedside table, the pile of books on the small window table with the thick shawl on one of the straight back wicker chairs beside it. The constant reminders of her surrounded him there so whether she was there or not, he knew she would return.
Her ladies cleared away all their belongings so only the golden surfaces showed through. The bed never wrinkled on her side, the goblet that held a few drops of her wine removed as soon as she finished with it, her wardrobe in an entire different part of the palace, brought each morning when she rose. His only proof was the crib in the adjoining room. The large nursery that was attached that held only a crib, a chair and a change table. It was not the warm cocoa room with the green overstuffed chair and dark furniture. The dresser that held the millions of items that the well wishers had showered upon her, the basket teeming with toys, the tall solid cabinet that she had brought home and demanded he and Rogers put together. He loved his city, but he longed for hers.
She finished feeding him and tucked him back in the crib, he whimpered at the loss of being out of her arms but she tucked the cream blanket with the Tree of Life on it around him and he cooed at the familiar. They stood and watched their son fall into the wisps of sleep before they left. The girl sitting in the chair their monitor in case he should cry. She missed tending to her baby, the dim hours of the night when they wouldn't come get her when he woke unless he was hungry. They thought her strange for wanting to care for her son alone, but the fierceness of her resolve had been unleashed upon them when the milk laden nursemaid appeared, her arms outstretched to her. Jane had given him the tongue lashing of the century over that one and since, everyone had just heeded the odd creature of Earth with her glowing skin kissed by the Goddess of Youth.
She took his hand as they tread down the hall to their chamber, the empty room with the roaring fire and the massive bed. They said nothing as she stood between his legs, staring up at him, his arms holding her close as he stared down at her. "Wife."
"Husband." Her words were soft and quiet, the sad sigh that came with it breaking his heart. She was supposed to be happy, he had returned because she had said they had to, and yet she was nothing but morose and quiet.
"What ails you Jane?" He said, his hand moving to cup her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "Tell me what I can do?"
"You can't fix me Thor." She said, "I'm not broken, I'm – " she bit her lower lip and tried to look away, but his hand held her in place. "I'm just a little homesick." He frowned. Ask Jane, he thought, ask to return and we'll leave now. "I'll get over it."
"Jane," he said and her eyes grew steely, "do you wish to return."
"You're going to be named King in a few days Thor." She said, "You need to be here."
"I need to be with you, and with Hal." He said solemnly, "All else is no matter." She let him pull her against his chest and his hands tangled in her hair. "Bed." He pulled her down and they landed, she on his chest, her leg laced between his.
"Thor," she sighed, "We're only going to have to get up in a few minutes and go down for supper."
"A meal which you won't eat." He said lightly, but the coldness in his face told her he had noticed. He saw everything.
She rested her head against his chest, burying her face against the hard muscle and armour. "I lived on crap for years and years, I'm not used to good quality food." She mumbled, but he shifted till they were centered in the bed, and he held her against him. "It's only been a few weeks. Remember your first weeks on Earth, and you had-" she stopped herself from laying blame, from finishing her words.
"Jane?"
"No." She squirmed and stood, the head rush of blood making her pause for a moment. "Thank you for trusting me. He needs someone, someone to bring him out of the darkness." She took a step and paused, the golden light going hazy before her eyes.
"What do you know about the darkness?" He said softly, his head turned to her and he could see the tension in her shoulder, the flexing in her muscles. "You swore to be honest."
She finally cracked, "On Earth you had me, and Darcy, and Erik. Not to mention all the Avengers. You had to learn about Earth along with Steve." She didn't turn, but slowly sunk back to the bed. "You were welcomed, were coddled in New Mexico, in Virgina, in New York. You never knew the loneliness, the separation, the social isolation. There you were a regular guy." Her breathing hitched and she barrelled on, "Here I am a Princess. There are expectations of me, there are the unspoken laws, there are boundaries, and there are rules and more rules." She smothered her need to burst out in tears. Crying would solve nothing, no problem had ever been solved by tears. Erik had taught her that after her father passed.
She heard the blankets rustle and he appeared beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders, "Why have you not told me before?" he said, his voice dripping with guilt and shame. She was staring at her hands, and her quiet sigh tore at him. He had left her alone with the assumption that; between his mother, the maid Gretel, and the members of court, she would be the glowing gem they all thought her to be. But the cold hard truth was that she would forever be the shy scientist that blushed crimson when he emerged half naked in human clothes. "I'm sorry Jane."
"Even diamonds have a weakness." She said, and he resisted the urge to smile. She was so wise, always had an answer for everything. He too knew the answer. Ask Jane, his mind pleaded, ask and we'll go. She never would though. Her own hero's heart was too brave to let her give up, to give in and run back to the safety of the known, her courage too great to let her fears show and her sense of self sacrificing honor would never let him give up the throne he would have to take.
"Jane," he said softly, "what do you want me to do?" He looked at her, his eyes full of concern and anguish.
"There's nothing you can do." She said, finally, looking up at him, "I'm going to have to figure it out on my own."
"You shouldn't have to."
"No. I shouldn't. But it's how it has to be."
...
Two days had passed and like she had promised, she was once again in the Garden. Hal was seated on his uncle's lap as she leaned against the opposite tree staring at Loki as he gave her the laundry list of the who's who of Asgard. "And Lord Åmdal I don't think has said more than three words in an entire night, but his wife will not only talk your ear off, but she'll talk the rest of your body off as well. Lady Sina is good friends with Thor, or so he thinks, she'll either try anything to get in good with you, or to separate you. She's a manipulative witch, watch out." Loki rocked Hal against his chest with his one arm, the chain on his other hand had grown to become more loose and less restrictive, so when he had shyly reached out for her son, she tentatively put him in his hands.
"Søren, I've met." She said coldly and Loki chuckled as he rubbed Hal's back.
"He is a wonderful waste of air, is he not."
"His head is empty." She said, rolling her eyes, "He tried to undermined me before your mother."
"How did that go?" He smiled.
She smiled wryly, "Not well. For him that is." She recalled the man who had all but called her a whore for manipulating the Crown Prince and taking him away from what would have been a certain marriage to his daughter. Astrid was a beauty, her blond hair and blue eyes striking, but her head was as empty as her fathers. Jane had tried to connect with the girl the first time she was at Court after arriving to Asgard but the girl sneered and snickered at her, thinking her unworthy until she realised that Jane was Thor's once-mortal wife. Her words quickly became honeyed and false in her nasally voice. "Or for her for that matter."
"Ah, so you've met Astrid."
"Did Thor ever..." She looked down at her son, unsure if she really wanted to know.
Loki smiled, "You really want to know?"
"Yes." She said before she could back out.
She looked up and saw Loki's face turn maliciously sweet. "Thor was a bed jumper all his youth, never warming a woman's sheets for longer than a few hours. Never to return."
"My husband was a scoundrel." She said coldly, "Why does that not surprise me."
"Ah, the things we do when we are young and restless."
"What about you?" She asked, "I'm sure you had your own string of beautiful women." He shook his head and a sad look, "What is it Loki?"
"There was only one. I loved her, I lost her, I swore never to love again." He said, and his black eye pinned her, "End of discussion."
She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a pensive look, "You will love again. And you know I'll ask your mother about your woman."
"Ask her. I care not. Just don't make me tell you." He said and looked down, "I think you should go." He said softly, "I fear I won't be good company for the rest of the day." She nodded her understanding, and gathered Hal up who was quite put out that he was torn away from his uncle. They wandered back from the garden, her mind mulling over the past few days.
After their talk they had parted ways, Jane to bed and Thor out the door. He had stormed off, she presumed to vent to one of the warriors who knew nothing of marriage, sacrifices or being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
He didn't know how to help her, on earth she had been this balm, a buffer, helping him, introducing him to the world. But he didn't know how to do that. The reason he had fallen for her was because of her dissimilarities to all those around her. Her wisdom was as reaching as his father's and her patience that of his mother. Her humour outmatched his friends and her compassion knew no equal. She had patted his cheek, unwilling to admit her amusement at his utter confusion. She knew that she was poorly adapted to Asgard, all her strengths, her wit, her knowledge of physics was unnecessary for they already held the knowledge that she did.
She hitched Hal up on her hip and wandered through the halls aimlessly. "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate Hal. Always remember that." She kissed his downy temple, she walked past the doors which she recalled were once his own, and from within she heard raised voices. Slipping inside she padded through until she was tucked behind a large statue of Odin, her baby happy on her hip.
Sif was there with Thor as she watched the two. Her jealously was still rampant at their closeness, but since she had befriended his brother, it would be petty of her to judge him. It became obvious that they had reached a disagreement earlier as she had
They stared at each other for a long time until she said something softly and he began to rage. The table flipped and everything that had been upon it, silver and food spilled across the floor, but Sif didn't move. His muscles flexed and Mjölnir flew to his hand. "Thor, enough." She finally said.
"Jane, you should not be here." He bite out, not looking away from Sif. "I already know what she'll say." He said, though his words lacked confidence.
"Actually, she should." Sif said, "She should decide her own fate." Thor glared at his friend.
"What fate?"
"Do you wish to stay here?" Sif said, levelling Jane with her eyes. "Or would you return to Midgard."
"I've already said Thor needs-"
"No, Jane." Sif said. "You. Would you return to Earth, with Hal." Jane scowled at Sif. "It would not be shameful-"
"Shameful no." Jane said, and she looked to Thor's cold face, "Unbearable, yes." His face began to thaw and she walked closer to him, his arms naturally wrapping around her and Hal. "Sif, I love Thor. With all my heart. And as unhappy I am here, as much as I miss my friends, my father, to be without Thor would be... Unbearable." She smiled and he pecked her cheek. "I hope you understand, someday, why being without him would be – was – the worst punishment imaginable. I have said my goodbyes to them, they understand. I just have to acclimate to my surroundings." Hal chirped when his Father tickled him, "This is my family. We need to stay together through thick and thin. The good, the bad and the painful."
The warrior remained quiet for some time, and when she finally spoke all she said was "You are very brave milady." Sif's face was tight in confusion and worry, but the warmth that was glowing from the two was too much for her. "I'll take my leave."
Jane smiled at her and reached her hand out, "Sif, one day you and I will sit and talk till we understand each other."
"I would like that.. Milady."
Jane sneered, "No. I am Jane and you of all people will call me that."
"Thank you," she bowed, "Jane."
The tall Amazonian woman left and Jane smiled. "Now, what were you talking about?"
"She was suggesting you and Hal leave me, for Earth, until I could return." He gave her a sad smile, "You are not the only one who misses New York." She cupped his cheek and her lips twitched in a sympathetic grin.
"I guess being Thor Blake was easier than Thor Odinson, huh." She said as he took Hal from her and hoisted the boy high in the air.
"As long as I have you two, my name means nothing, or who I must be means nothing." Hal giggled and cooed at his father as Thor swung the boy around. Jane too laughed at the carefree moment. They were so few and far between, and yet all the more beautiful when they did.
...
He wrung his nervously as the herald announced him, his eyes were searching for her smiling face in a sea of boot kissers. He saw his mother cooing at the child in her arms and frowned, knowing Jane was rarely without their son. Stepping down he flippantly brushed past those trying to those trying to fawn over their soon to be King.
"Mother." He said, "Where is she?" but she only smiled knowingly and bounced Hal on her hip, the babe smiling and babbling at the swarm of woman around him. It was the first time Hal was truly in public since they had arrived and Thor smiled at his son as his mother proudly displayed her grandson for the world to see.
He had been surprised by his family's acceptance of the mortal, but she wasn't mortal anymore. She had eaten the food of Asgard; she had survived becoming immortal, despite his weeks of worry. His rumination was paused when the gavel banged once more, "Lady Jane, wife of Thor Odinson, future Queen of Asgard!" The herald cried out and all eye whirled to the top of the stairs.
And his heart stopped.
The stunning creation she was wearing was both perfect and far too much. It was black and fluttered around her as she floated down the stairs. The gold armband was clenched around her bicep and pinned from it to her shoulder was a mock cape that hung behind her, an homage to her husband. He continued to stare, his mouth had long since gone dry. Her eyes were lined with charcoal and were themselves two deep pools of onyx. When her eyes finally met his he had to look away for fear of making a spectacle. That's how she look at him when he brought her to the height of pleasure. I'm not going to survive this night. He though wryly. "Thor." She said softly and he clasped her hand within his own, kissing the glittering brown ring on her left hand. The ring that was proudly displayed and held every single one of their spoken and unspoken promises. He was glad for the armour that night, hiding what little decency he had.
"My dear Jane." He said, pulling her close to his side.
"Husband." She whispered in his ear and he suppressed the urge to shudder, his armour felt too tight, everything was too constricting. He didn't respond, merely looked at her hand still clasped in his. "You ok?" When he finally looked at her he knew he was a goner. Her long lashes rested only for a moment against her cheeks when she blinked and then her inky eyes once again levelled him. He could see the flecks of hazel and dark chocolate brown, the whites of her eyes and her cream skin was made more white by the ebony of her outfit.
His face was pinched in subtle annoyance, but his hand still held hers as he tucked it under his arm and led her, "I'm fine." He whispered and guided her to his mother. Jane's arm reached out for Hal and the older woman relinquished the babe to his mother. Her arms encircled the boy and she held him on her hip, the motion making the dress stretching taut across her breasts. He bit down on his cheek and took in a deep breath. He smiled at his family and they carried on towards the All Father. Many stopped them to wish them well or pledge their allegiance to the next monarch and his wife. She smiled graciously and only flinched slightly when Lady Åmdal started telling her she was an unfit to care for a future prince, that it was a job for a governess and a nursemaid. After they had walked away she had growled irritated, causing him to snicker, "My love, you are a wonderful mother."
"Of course I am." She snapped silently, "What do these people have against that."
"It's uncommon." He whispered in her ear, kissing her temple, "We are sovereigns, we should have only the best."
"And yet they refuse to see that I may be the best." She mumbled. They continued forward to where Odin was standing alone, Huginn and Muninn resting on his shoulder. She recognized the two large ravens from her wedding and reached out her free finger to them. The one on the left, the smaller of the two, nipped her finger affectionately and she smiled. "They have been kind to me." She said to Odin.
"They saw you as worthy." Odin said, "Jane, you look ravishing."
She blushed and smiled, "Thank you, All Father." She bowed her head and smiled. Glancing out into the crowd, she had noticed the sea of creams and browns and pale pastel colours of purples and blues. She stood out like the very ravens on Odin's shoulder, her ebony dress a drastic difference.
The great golden King sighed as he looked from Jane to his son, "Thor. Take your son to see Lady Sina. She has been looking for you." Odin said firmly, "I wish to speak to your wife. Alone."
"Father, I-"
"Go Thor. She will survive a few moments with this old man." Jane giggled and passed Hal to his father and pecked his cheek as she wrapped her arm around Odin's.
"Odin?" She said, and Odin smiled at her as they walked away from the crowd toward the open air of the city.
"These people are small in the grand scheme of the universe. I know that," he said, "I've seen it. As have you. But we may be the only two who realise how little we truly are."
"I cannot see like you do, Allfather." She said sagely, "I can barely see what's in front of my eyes" Odin grunted an approval. "But I do promise to always look."
"I have been waiting for you Miss Foster." He said, "You bring him balance."
Jane glanced back at Thor who was carrying their son around like a precious gem, careful and boastful, "He brings me joy." She said softly.
Odin chuckled, "So I see, Milady. Now, I wish you to tell me of Earth. How has it changed in the last millennium."She gave him a blank look, "Oh, don't look so surprised, your world and ours have always been connected."
"So much has changed." He smiled and they walked the circumference of the room, their audience of Asgard's elite eying the Princess and the King, their heads bowed together chatting amicably. Jane glanced towards Thor several times, he was swarmed by well wishers and those who wished to fawn over their child. She smiled and looked back to Odin who was staring at her intently. "I beg your pardon, I missed that last question."
"I asked how fairs my other son."
She blushed and looked to her feet, "He is.. better now." She said, "The first day I saw him he didn't believe me to be real. Three days ago I spent an hour there and Hal slept on his lap." She smiled, "He is far too misunderstood." She shook her head sadly. "His mind has grown stagnant." She gave Odin a cold look, "Warriors are only as useful as those who craft their weapons."
"You are a wise woman Jane." Odin said, patting her hand. "And in my raising of those boys I neglected to understand that which you have long since known." He smiled and his crystal blue eye met her own, "You have made Thor a better man, after he returned here and destroyed the Bifrost, he became a silent ghost, but ever more wise than before."
"Thor has a brain in his head, but often he chooses not to use it," she smirked amused in her thoughts.
"That is what you are there for my dear." He said gently, "You will ensure he minds the people."
"Thor must act as his conscious sees fit. I will only intercede as I see fit." Odin nodded, "Like Loki. I keep hedging, but he just shuts down whenever I mention his brother. His pain is too great and his sense of betrayal runs too deep."
"They were brothers." Odin said, matter-of-factly, "It was inconceivable to him. At the time it was as heartbreaking as if it had been you." His words stung as she thought of her own transgression. He had stated his opinion of his Brother quite vehemently and they stopped walking as the quiver of fear shot through her.
They stood together in silence until she looked at the wise king, "As always, you have given me much to think about." She said and bowed her head.
"I enjoy our conversations Jane," Odin cupped her cheek, "Do not feel without friends. Or family."
She beamed at him and kissed his whiskery cheek. "You have been so kind to me. Thank you." He patted her shoulder and she returned to the melee in the center of the room. Sidling up to Frigga's side she smiled as Thor; in the thick of the crowd, looked like a pop star. He is a star, to them she said. To her, he would always be the man that woke her on rainy Sundays with whispered words of affection and desire in her ear and a warm hand on her hip, he would be the man who scared others but made goofy faces just to see his son smile, he would be the man who gave her such a deep and searching look that she could hear his voice echo in her head. He would never be Prince Thor Odinson to her. He would always be Thor the lover, Thor the husband, Thor the father. "He certainly is a star."
"Oh, I'm sure you will hear the complaints all evening." Frigga said, the dry amusement in her voice matched Jane's.
"Yes, he does love to pout." Jane smirked. She dove into the crowd upon hearing her son's wail rise over the dull roar and made her way to Thor's side. "What did you do to my baby?" She said smiling, stroking the boy chubby cheek. "Hal," she sang tenderly, "Crying won't help." His wail quieted to a whimper as she smiled.
"I believe he missed his mother." Thor mumbled, eyeing the crowd watching them.
"I believe he is tired and hungry." She said and he smiled. "Coming?" He nodded and the sea of guest's parted as the royal couple left. Thor passed the fidgeting boy back to his mother and she rocked him as she walked, and he tried to not noticed the sway of her hips, the liquid motion of her body. He held it in until they reached their rooms where he swanned off to the bathroom while she settled Hal.
Leaning against the vanity he took several deep breaths, his hands gripping the ivory marble. They were expected to return once Hal was minded to, they were expected to cavort the night away as the heirs to the throne, but all he wanted to do was ravish under the stars.
He missed the simple pleasures of the human work day. She would go off to SHIELD, or work from her office in their house, he would be at SHIELD or at Stark, late afternoon would see them both tended to Hal and then they would have a late dinner together. Their evenings would be full of each other. Cuddled up on the couch, he would watch one of the various sports Steve had introduced him to while she read or scribbled in her notebook. Occasionally he would ask a question about a call the ref made, or a remark one of the commenter's had said and she would look up and explain it as if she had been watching all along. And once the moon rose high in the sky she would lead him to their room and they would make love well into the night.
He splashed some cold water on his face and made his way back out into the main room. I deserve whatever Hel has dished me. He glanced at Jane who was just passing a sleeping Hal to Gretel. "He's out, shall we?"
"Indeed my dear." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles tenderly. "I love you." He said softly and her eyes grew warm and liquid.
"I love you too. Wouldn't be here if I didn't." Wouldn't be trying to help your brother if I didn't.. she thought to herself. He loosened his grip on her hand, but didn't let it go for the duration of the evening.
…
She awoke with a large smile on her face, the urge to talk to Loki moved her down the golden halls after quickly dressing and slinking to the Garden.
Hours later she closed the door behind her, fearing that she had been missing too long. She had spent far longer speaking with Loki than she had intended, wanting to rehash the entire evening prior. He had found it greatly amusing and once more "So this is where you've been coming?" He said coldly, frightening her when she emerged from the garden.
"I only wished to meet him." She said meekly, wishing for Hal at that moment to cower behind the shame in her chest. He darted a look to the people loitering in the hall and he tugged her into the empty room across from the garden. She stormed in and sighed angrily, she expected him to rage, to bellow in his famous anger. But when she whirled around to meet his temper she was floored by the look of defeat that broke her fighting spirit.
It hadn't been anything that she had expected. "Why? Why would you go to him...Like that?"
"Because he needs someone." She said. He was slump at her feet. The despair spread across his features, "He has been misunderstood."
"And this pity.. is why you were unfaithful?"
"What?" She gasped, "Why would you think that?"
"It is what always happens." He said, "Loki always takes from me what he sees as a shiny bauble, and they always go willingly." Thor's face was full of anguish and pain and it broke her heart to see it. Even though she was innocent, her guilt clawed at her insides. She could understand, minutely, how women would be attracted to her Golden husband, but his arrogance and hot headed chauvinistic youth would turn any woman to the sensitive and sweet younger brother. But he wasn't that man anymore, he was her Husband, and she loved him.
"You haven't lost me." She slid to the ground, crawling in his lap, "I'm right here, I'm always right here," she cupped his face with her hands and forced him to look at her. "I promised to love you forever. I'm an honourable woman, Thor, I keep my promises. I shouldn't have gone behind your back, for that I'm sorry." She smiled as expected he would pull her close. Her arms looped behind his neck and pushed herself into his arms.
But he pushed her off. "Jane. You realise you were seen." She gave him a blank look and he scowled, "They think you a loose woman." She looked up as he stood, towering over her.
Her brow pinched in confusion, "They-.. Oh God!" She scrambled to her feet and stared at him, "They-.. With Him?" she said and stared at the window. Then she started laughing.
He down at her and saw her doubled over, clutching her sides, roaring in laughter. "Jane, this is not the appropriate time, whatever the joke may be." He glared at her, not amused by her lightheartedness.
It took her several moments to compose herself once more and then she stepped back to him, despite him stepping away, "They think; for whatever reason, that I'd choose him, over you." Her hand ran down his armour to the bare arm, flexed with stress and tension, "They think that I'd turn my back on you, after everything we've been through for him, after all he's done to me?" Thor began to relax, realising quickly that when she said 'They' she was truly saying 'Him'. And he suddenly felt shame for doubting her. She saw him relax and she wrapped her arms around him again, "I am a forgiving person, and despite what you think, your brother is charming and witty and funny. He is still very much the evil man that massacred my people, but like Erik, he needs to be able to move on. To be unforgiving condemns him to be unable to forgive himself." She scowled, "Your punishment is cruel, all it will do, is make him resentful. You should be trying to rehabilitate him. Not blame him."
"Pray tell, how? Loki is mad."
"Yes." She said firmly, "He's insane, but can you blame him? All his life he has been ridiculed; like me, for doing something he thought right. He was never told that it was wrong, never corrected, never redirected." She pinned him with her eyes, "Old dogs, new tricks. I know Tony taught you that one Thor." His brow knit in irritation at the reason she was so good at. Loki while a Jotun, an outsider, had still be raised as his brother. We played together, were raised together, fought together, does that mean nothing? He had shouted the words from that windy cliff side and yet they had meant nothing to him, even though he had said them.
He too had punished Loki in the worst manner possible. His scorn of the man that had been raised as his brother was the cruelest thing he could manage, but he was sure that Loki wanted to see him just as much as Thor wanted to see Loki.
Not at all. "Come with me," she extended her hand and he took it, her face a stubborn mask of confidence. "Brothers." She sighed exasperatedly.
Minutes later, Thor stepped into the garden and watched Jane pick through the path that only she saw. "Hey you." He heard her say, "Got a new one for you."
"You and your Earth riddles." Thor could hear the contempt in his voice, "Ok."
"What's grey and has a trunk."
"An elephant..?"
"A mouse going on vacation." She said and Thor could hear Loki chuckle. He heard her mumble but couldn't make out the words, and Loki responded, causing her to giggle like a girl. He thought enviously that she had never giggled like that with him. But you've never challenged her intellect the little voice of reason said.
The voice of reason sounded an awful lot like his wife. Finally stepping through the grove he arrived just in time to hear Loki say, "And that's why you say Hel hath no fury like a woman scorned." She smiled slyly and giggled.
Loki was standing, his one hand manacled to the tree, his other holding her hand. "Take your hand off my wife."
Loki looked up at him, fear stretching across his face, "Loki!" she said calmly. The edge of his rage was the little voice that reminded him that was the tone she took with Erik and Tony. "He's just here to say hi. He WILL be pleasant or I'll boot his ass to Hel." She glanced at him and her hand tightened in Loki's grip, "Calm, you're ok." Loki looked back to her and his eyes focused on her lips as she repeated her mantra of calming words. "Calm. You're ok, it's ok." She cupped Loki's cheek until once again his breathing was calm and at peace.
She turned her head, "He's been alone with nothing but illusions for years. Smarten up or leave." Thor grunted and crossed his arms, Mjölnir hanging patiently from his belt. "Only warning buster." Loki smirked and she rolled his eyes. "He's always been the thick one I assume."
"Oh yes. When we were children he'd sneak out with Sif and battle, our tutors were always scared of telling the All father that his poor Son was an idiot."
Jane chuckled and rolled her eyes. "Play nicely Loki." She said, the mothering tone she adopted was smooth and clear. "But he does have idiotic tendencies." Thor grunted and she shot him a look, "Remember that cayenne pepper." Thor paled and she giggled.
"What?" Loki said, every embarrassment of Thor's dropped the almighty son down a peg and it tickled him pink.
Jane sighed and leaned against the opposing tree, not letting go of Loki's hand, "a cayenne is a very spicy pepper on Earth." She explained, "And one night Thunder here," she pointed her thumb over her shoulder, "And Stark decided to go out to eat since Pepper and I were planning out wedding, and Mr. Chauvinistic wanted nothing to do with lace and doilies." Loki sniggered and ignored the cold look from Thor, "so they went to this fantastic little Mexican place down on 5th. Tony ordered for them and naturally, he starts shoving food in his face. Well, the pile of cayenne peppers were in the bottom and he starts choking and spluttering, crying that his mouth is on fire." She laughed, "well, it's a terribly long story but in the end I had to come down and bring him home so he could pout."
"He's always been a superb pouter."
Thor snarled at the two having a laugh at his expense. She gave Thor a gentle smile. "Yes my love. That you are." She arched a brow and gave him a look, "Do we need to go?"
She felt Loki clench her hand. "Please." He said quietly, "Don't."
Thor saw every moment of his childhood pass before him, his mother telling him he was too old for a certain toy and passing it off to Loki, his friends and Loki making jokes at his expense, women passing over the conceited and hot tempered heir for the quiet and sullen second son, "No. We should go." She said. "I'll be back in two days Loki." She said, "You'll survive."
"Will you bring Hal?"
She smiled and nodded, "Of course. He should know his favourite Uncle."
Loki smirked, "I do believe I'm his only uncle."
She winked, "And therefore the best." She beamed, "Speaking of that son of yours." She glanced back to Thor, "He nearly slept the entire night." She said, "Almost, only up three times."
"As opposed to five?" Thor rumbled, a smile tugging at his cheeks. "He will be a stubborn child."
"But a strong one." Loki said, Thor glanced at him, checking the words for sarcasm or ill will. "He will make a wonderful Prince of Asgard."
"As long as we don't need to banish him, it'll all be good." She laughed and elbowed Loki, "Ok, we have to go. Our son will be missing us." She reached up on her tippy toes and pecked his cheek, "Two days alright?"
"Two days." He repeated and he let her hand drop. She looped her arm in Thor's and gave a little wave back as they disappeared through the brush. He scowled and turned and she followed a step behind him as they left. Nothing was said as they meandered through the halls of the palace.
They walked back to their rooms, the guards outside their suite opening the double doors for them. She nodded her friend along the way. They reached the private rooms and she faced the wall, collecting her thoughts, summoning her reasoning and arguments, she whirled around to face him. "Is your manhood secure now?" She said coolly.
"Beg pardon?"
"You feared losing me to your brother. Do you still fear that?" she rephrased. He shook his head and they said nothing as they emerged from the garden. Thor knew word would spread quickly, their united front now a sneer at the Allfather for his brother's punishment. Loki was to be isolated and alone, for as long as he resented those around him. But Thor saw the chain more loose than it had been, meaning Loki was beginning to feel remorse, he was beginning to forgive. And it was because of Jane. He felt guilt for his anger, but he still felt justified in his ire.
He was surprised when she moved his hand from her mouth to her breast, pressing the large palm against her thrumming heart.
"No matter how I act with any other, this is how you make me feel. Only you." She smiled at him and inhaled, closing her eyes. "You make me feel like a girl with her first crush. You make me feel like an old woman who's seen sixty years with the love of her life. One breath I barely know you and in the other I feel like I don't know anyone better in the entire universe."
He smiled down as he felt her heart racing away. "I didn't know who I was until you landing in New Mexico, and before Virgina, I refused to Love. I had seen what Love did to my parents, and I had chose to avoid it." She rolled her eyes. "I should have known that fate wouldn't let me decide for myself." She had swore not to have children for years, and had already given him a son, she had sworn never to marry for it had been the reason her father had become miserable, and most of all, she had sworn not to love because that's where everyone she knew had failed. But naturally, Fate threw her the ultimate curveball. She had never had a chance, the second she had hit him and immediately felt guilty, the minute he had came out half naked in Donald's clothes, the hours spent in fear that her science project had wandered off.. That night on the roof. That borealis that changed her fate forever.
He stared at her, the thrumming of her fluttering heart grounding him, encouraging him, "Jane, I-" she smiled up at him, moved by her words. "What do you want me to say."
"Do you trust me?" Her eyes were wide and unreadable. He could see something laying beneath the surface and feared the tilt of balance shift from the room. Once again Loki had caused a divide between he and that which he loved. But as he stared at her, his hand still resting over her heart, he realised that it was he that was pushing her away. While Loki brought them to the edge, he had jumped willingly.
Well no more. "Yes." She smiled and he bent low, kissing her, "Yes. Absolutely." He repeated himself. She stood and captured his lips in her own, the kiss was sweet and promising. She pulled back and he nuzzled her soft hair as he pulled her to his chest, hugging him tightly.
They checked on their sleeping baby, smiling down at his angelic face as he dozed peacefully. She grabbed his hand that had been resting on her hip and kissed the callous of his palm, "You remember that night, after eating the peppers?" she smiled, and he sighed, irritated at her amusement.
"It wasn't-"
"No, I meant AFTER." He glanced at her and she smiled. The peppers had caused an unusual effect on his body. After the burn in his mouth, after the weeping eyes, after the pounding blood in his head had left he'd realised that the pounding blood had moved elsewhere. And he and his wife had put the effects to good use, barely sleeping at all that night. He recalled the insatiable feeling. Two, three, four times hadn't been enough, the entire night hadn't been enough for her, for him. He swallowed thickly and he felt the electricity boil his blood. She smiled as his eyes dilated, "Yes, that. Every bad memory has good attached, everything bad happens for a reason."
They were standing beside their bed when a wicked look crossed her face and she slid the sleeve off her shoulder, causing the dress she had been wearing falling in a pool on the floor. "We need to make a good memory." She watched his features contort and the awe seep in, the look that made her feel so loved inside and out. She loved the way his lips parted as he stared at her, the way his eyes dilated, the way his hands reached out to gently traced down her curves as if he didn't believe they existed. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss against her lips, surprised when she threw her arms around his neck and clung on. He chuckled as they fell to the bed behind her and she stared at him.
He pressed his lips to her shoulder, and again to her neck, and just below her ear, causing her to moan when he found the spot that always elicited a physical response from her. She traced her hands up his strong shoulders and buried them in his long blond hair.
They were laying across the bed, her feet hanging over the edge. His placed open mouth kisses down her neck, between her breasts, pausing at her hips and carrying on to her engorged core.
His eyes met with hers as he blew at the opening folds causing her racing breaths come in shorter pants, her hands clenching the bedspread beneath her. She wanted to close her eyes and bask in the sensation, but she couldn't tear her eyes away. His hand dove in and her thought's went out the window as she clenched her eyes and arched her back.
His hand pumped her until she was incapable of words. The breathy sounds of need were all that she could manage as his mouth feasted on her swollen nub. All reason was gone, only sensations remained. Her legs clamped down on his shoulders as he drove her higher and higher, but never letting her go over the edge. Her whimpering became pleads, the agonizing ecstasy was too much after the drought and she was reduced to begging.
She nearly started crying at the lost of contact as he moved up, kissing the apex where her shoulder met her neck, he pushed his long hard length into her in one thrust, hitting the small point. She screamed at the explosion of light that burst behind her eyes. She shuddered and shook in his arms as wave after wave of intense pleasure hit her in an endless storm.
She had just barely come down from the last orgasm when he began thrusting into her again. He was pressing against the small spot deep inside that caused her toes to curl and her heels to dig further into the small of his back. His pace was far too slow for her liking but she knew her demands would only make him slow more. She cupped his face and he kissed the palm of her hand before she threaded her fingers in his hair and pulled his face to her for deep lingering kiss. She could feel the building heat and knew it wouldn't take much, the way his brow was furrowed and his muscle were clenched she knew he wasn't far off. She squeeze her muscles around him and was rewarded with a beastly growl that set him off. The slow lingering pace became a furious speed. He drove himself so deep she swore he was touching her heart.
Her own toes curled and she felt herself once again diving off the edge and this time she took him with her. He pressed his mouth against her, swallowing her cries of rapture, and she muffling his bellow as she felt the warm rush inside her.
He collapsed against her, the muscles in his arms still quivering. She wrapped her arms around him, his heavy body pinning her to the mattress below. All her senses were full of him, his spicy scent mingled with the musky smell, his warm body that was scorching, the short breaths that ruffled her hair, the soft supple skin under her hands that were marred by her claw marks that were red and raw. "A.. Good.. Memory." He panted. Her hands stroked the marks and she nodded.
"A good memory Thor." He shifted, a motion to move off of her but her arms clung to him tighter, "No, you're ok. Stay." He sighed and sank back into her. They were still entwined and connected, and it was the most intimate moment of his life. He had her pinned beneath him, her legs wrapped around his. He shift till he was half off and could watch her fall asleep, the lavender lids closed as they remained in bed for the afternoon.
He too felt his eyes droop as he rolled to his back, pulling her with him as she laid across his chest. His heart still ached at the sight of Jane's smile as she laughed with Loki. He hadn't seen that smile since they had left Earth. His shame for tearing her away from all that she loved was rampant in him. Loki made her smile, he surmised, Loki made her laugh. Thor knew her love for him was absolute, but she needed to be challenged. He had thought the expert and advanced science of Asgard would strike her fancy, but she was a researcher, a teacher, she studied and informed others of her findings. There was no lack of knowledge in Asgard, and thanks to the Bifrost, the stars had been well studied. Her purpose on Earth was useless in the Golden City and he had slowly watched her wither away to the sad creature he had first seen all those years ago that had seduced him within minutes of his return.
Loki had been his way back to Jane. If his brother hadn't attacked Earth, it would have been years before Jane would have finished her machine that would have brought her there. He would not have Hal, he would have become King and life would have gone on. And he wouldn't have Jane sleeping on his chest, her beautiful face resting on his shoulder, her lips slightly upturned, her breathing deep and even. He took so much for granted, that it was what he deserved, was owed for saving Jotunheim, for saving Earth. But as he fell asleep he quickly realised he was owed very little and owed the universe a great deal more for her..
Liked it?... I really hope you did. I've always thought that my three stories The Woman, Still Looking Up, and this one, (In that order) kinda all fit together loosely. So while you're waiting for the next chappy, go on and read them, as well as 'Beneath the Stars' that DOESN'T fit with this. ..
I'm thinking the next chapter will be the last, and an epilogue, while I love this story, I am running out of conflict to keep it going. But a sequel... Thoughts? I am not above bribery, you all know this!
Keep Reading!
S.W.L