Chapter 14: A Friend is Fine, Indeed

Before Erik left the lab, he forced Garrett and Darcy to do some cleaning as a punishment for backstabbing Erik and losing AJ. Garrett was on his knees, scrubbing floors without a mob. Darcy was supposed to dust and wash the dishes without the machine; only she cheated by putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Garrett perked from the counter when he heard the machine running.

"Hey! He said we couldn't use the dishwasher!"

"So?" Darcy shrugged. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him."

"But I'm working my ass off here, and I'm not using a mop!"

"What's stopping you from using one?" she challenged. "It sure spares your knees from the abuse."

"But Erik said-"

"Oh, come on, Brad!" Darcy stomped to the closet and pulled out a Swiffer mop, offering it to him, "Here. Either take the stupid mop," only for her to drop it on the floor. Garrett was unfazed by the dramatics. "or don't. Your choice." She passed him to resume her dusting duty. Garrett stared at the mop, hesitant to pick it up. Darcy was no Eve, but she tempted Garrett like Eve tempted Adam with the forbidden fruit.

"The professor is out, and there are no cameras around to catch us," Darcy clarified, sweetening the deal. "You and I both know we're not gonna go old fashion with this. So why don't you drop the boy scout act, alright?"

"I ain't no boy scout."

"Then prove it. Pick up the mop."

Garrett sighed in defeat, sealing the deal, much to his dismay. The water on the floor soaked his pants, but that didn't bother him. He refused to look at Darcy's smug expression, though he could hear it through her voice.

"Mm-hm. That's what I thought."

"Why?" he asked.

"Why what?" Darcy was annoyed by Garrett's vague questions.

"Why do you care how I mop the floors?"

Darcy scoffed, "Did you want to get down and dirty on the floor?" she gestured at the water bucket and sponge behind Garrett.

"Ain't the first time doing this," Garrett glanced at the cleaning items Erik insisted on using, then snorted, "but hell no."

"Then, stop asking stupid questions!" Darcy snapped, "Or else this will be the last time I offer some advice!"

"Okay, Lewis," he raised a defensive hand, "Chill. Sorry that I asked." He pressed the button on the Swiffer mop before moving it back and forth. "Sheesh. Is this your time of the month or something?"

"Yes," Darcy bluntly replied, earning disgusted groans and cringes from her companion.

"Damn, girl! T-M-I!" he cried. The woman didn't care. Garrett did ask whether it was rhetorical or not. After mopping, Garrett must handle the laundry. "I don't get why Erik made you do the easy stuff while I gotta mop floors and fold his underwear."

"Maybe it's because you turned off his computer a hundred times," Darcy offered, wiping down the counter.

"Yeah," Garrett snickered. "Jane owes me - big time!"

"And me!" Darcy added.

The front doors flew wide open, causing them to jump in surprise. Garrett immediately tossed the mop back in the closet while Darcy opened the dishwasher. The soapy water flooded onto the kitchen floors.

"Shit!" Darcy cursed, quickly dropping the soapy dishes back in the sink, might have cracked a plate or two.

Erik, Jane, Thor, and AJ walked in and almost slipped on the wet floor.

"Watch your feet, guys," Garrett warned. "I just scrubbed there," he emphasized the verb usage.

Jane frowned at Erik, "You made them clean-house?"

Erik shrugged, "I had to punish them somehow, Jane. I always force my troubled students to clean up after class. You've endured it a couple of times yourself."

"This is not their fault!" Thor jumped to the young adults' defense. "I told you once that this was all my doing."

Darcy looked over her shoulder and grinned at Thor's presence, "Hey, Mew Mew's back!"

Garrett threw his head back and groaned at this revelation, asking God's reason for letting this happen.

Thor furrowed his brows at Darcy's choice of name for him, "It's Thor."

"Not here, you aren't," Erik pointed out.

"His new all-li-a-sis is Donald Blake," AJ mispronounced the word, carefully walking his way to the couch without slipping. Once he sat down, he asked Jane, "Wasn't that your ex-boyfriend's name?" Garrett huffed under his breath - another reason not to like Thor.

Darcy smiled at Jane sheepishly, "I see you found the kid."

Jane frowned at Darcy, folding her arms, "Yeah, thanks for watching him, Darcy. You're the best babysitter on the planet."

Darcy raised her arms defensively, "Hey, how was I supposed to know he would sneak into the van?"

Jane rolled her eyes before addressing the dedicated ex-con, "Garrett, you can go home now..." She glanced at his forearms to find any signs of needle marks. The sleeves from Garrett's hoodie concealed them. So much for finding out if he was still using. "I'm sure your parents are... curious to know where you've been."

"Oh, don't worry about them, Jane," Garrett assured her, standing back up. "I already talked to them earlier... well, I didn't tell them the part about conspiring to break into a government facility." Jane sighed, pleading for him to go home.

Garrett obeyed, "Yes, ma'am. I'm sorry, Professor Erik." He dropped the sponge and headed out the door. "I'll see y'all in the morning." The professor bid him good night.

Jane walked over to AJ, tapping his shoulder. "Come on, AJ, let's get you ready for bed."

"Actually, Jane," Erik spoke up with an authority-like tone. "I would like to speak to you..." He looked at the expectant others, "Privately, please."

Jane knew it was time for the talk. The ultimate lecture from her mentor. She didn't want to hear a long speech from Erik about how stupid she was for deciding to help Thor. She had learned that lesson the hard way.

"Darcy, could you put AJ to bed?" Erik asked.

Darcy widened her eyes in shock, "You're trusting me with the kid again? That's shocking!"

"Darcy, please." Jane wanted to protest but was too exhausted to fight the unnecessary battle. She must save her energy for the talk.

"Fine," Darcy groaned and clasped her hands loudly. "Come on, kid, let's go-"

"I want Thor to tuck me in!" AJ demanded, which didn't surprise anyone - almost everyone.

"You want me to escort you to your chambers?" Thor pointed at himself, making sure he heard the boy right. AJ nodded.

"No," Erik disagreed. "Absolutely not. Out of the question."

"But Uncle Erik, you said you wanted a private conversation with Jane," AJ pointed out. "Darcy wants to sleep. If you let Thor put me to bed, then you're free to yell at Jane as much as you want." Everyone else widened their eyes, surprised by AJ's words of logic.

"I'm not going to yell at her, AJ," Erik assured. "I'm just going to give Jane a long heated discussion about what happened tonight."

AJ rolled his eyes, "Okay. Whatever you say."

"AJ," Jane scolded. AJ dropped the attitude immediately, apologizing to Erik, who told him it was fine. He exited his chair and approached the muscled man, "Can you put me to bed, please?"

Thor looked up at Jane, silently asking permission. She didn't seem to care, nor did Erik protest. He took that as a silent agreement to oblige the boy's request.

"Of course," Thor smiled. "I'll be happy to escort you to bed." He grunted as he picked the boy up over his shoulder, earning a squeal in laughter.

Jane, Erik, and Darcy watched Thor carry the child inside the RV.

"Well," Darcy began, "if you don't want me to do any more cleaning, Erik, I'll escort myself to bed, too..." She trailed off to consider a dreadful thought, "I guess the couch since AJ's getting the royal treatment for running away..." The unappreciative look on the scientists' faces hadn't gone unnoticed. They didn't forget that the boy sneaked away under Darcy's watch. The political science major had been outsmarted by an eight-year-old. That's why AJ deserved the bed, not Darcy.

"I'll go away now," she skedaddled into the RV, not bothering to mention the mess she'd created in the kitchen. Erik and Jane were alone, staring at each other in silence.

Jane sighed as she slapped her hands against her sides, sitting on a sofa, "Go ahead, Erik. Yell at me how you told me so. Let's get it over with."

"Jane," Erik folded his arms, speaking softer than before, "I'm not going to yell at you. I promised AJ I wouldn't, even if I didn't... I'm too disappointed to yell at you."

The astrophysicist groaned, "Erik, that's worse."

"I know. Look, I get why you helped the man. I get that you're willing to do anything - even breaking the law to find Kelsey. I get it."

"Do you?" she challenged.

"Yes, in case you forgot, Kelsey is my best friend's granddaughter!" Erik was happy to see the recognition cross his student's features, "and AJ is his grandson. Whenever there's trouble, I would be there for Tommy, not just as a friend, but as a brother." Jane let out a shaky breath, her eyes burned in the break of tears. "We," Erik gestured the space between them, "might not be blood-related, but I see you as family, Jane. You are more than just a student. You are like a daughter to me."

"And if I were your daughter," she fought to keep her voice steady, "if I were to disappear like Kel-"

"Then I would've done the exact same thing," Erik admitted. "Truly. I would've charged through those gates and punched that agent in the face if that's what it took to bring you back." Jane stifled a laugh, picturing the scenery in her head. Only her father would throw the punch while Erik played peacemaker. Erik was sweet to say those things, but he wasn't volatile. "It's not your actions tonight that bothered me."

Jane furrowed her brows at him questionably, "Then what's the problem?"

"As I told you, he is the problem," Erik seethed, gesturing to the RV where the man took place. "You invited a total stranger into your space and allowed him to tuck AJ into bed without question-"

"Okay, I know where you're going with this. Believe me. I've been keeping an eye on them. Anytime I wasn't, I trusted you, and Darcy, and even Garrett to keep watch. It would be no surprise if Garrett learned a few moves in juvie."

"What?!" Erik exclaimed. "Did you say Garrett served in prison?" Like Jane, the professor found it hard to believe that their helpful Christian neighbor had a record. "Where did you hear that?"

"It's nothing. There's nothing to worry about," Jane dismissed, though she couldn't help but allow a dreaded thought to cross her mind, "yet." That addition didn't sit well with Erik. "Look. You forget AJ's sister is missing, and Thor is the only one to keep him positive. I believe their bond to be genuine. I would never let Thor come near AJ if I knew he was dangerous."

"And his actions today didn't set off your radar?" he challenged. Jane scoffed. "If that's not bad enough, he conned you into believing his charade!"

"You didn't see what I saw, Erik!" Jane cried. "That fallen star at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s base camp isn't a satellite! That twister from the other night isn't a storm cloud at all! Even if we didn't have Thor as a corroborative witness, I believe something is going on beyond our comprehension."

"Jane, listen to yourself! I'm sure there's a logical, scientific explanation for all this. Maybe Garrett is right, maybe that guy has lost his marbles, and now you lost yours. When was the last time you got a good night's sleep?"

Jane tuned out as she noticed a library book lying on the table. She picked it up and scanned through the pages. The astrophysicist became mesmerized by the pictures of the Norse gods. She stopped at one page and stared at Mjolnir in awe. This drawing was precisely like the satellite she saw at S.H.I.E.L.D's base camp. The same one Thor attempted to pull.

"Where did you find this?" Jane asked breathlessly.

"The children's section," Erik shrugged. "I just wanted to show you and the boy how silly his story was."

"Aren't you the one who's always pushing me to every possibility, every alternative?!"

"I'm talking about science, not magic!"

"Well, magic is just like science that we don't understand yet. Arthur C. Clark."

"Who wrote science fiction!" Erik pointed out.

"A precursor to science fact!" Jane argued.

"In some cases, yes!"

"Well, if there is an Einstein-Rosen Bridge, then there's something on the other side, and Kelsey could've crossed it!"

"But Jane-"

"A true astronomer," the woman interrupted with passion and emotion in her voice, "should never stop reaching for the stars, no matter how far." Erik closed his eyes and pursed his lips, instantly recalling the familiar statement. "Every theory must be taken into account-"

"No matter how ridiculous the possibility seems," Erik quietly finished alongside her.

"Remember, Dad, Erik? Remember how he argued that we couldn't see, feel, or hear an atom, and yet - somehow - without the physical evidence to back it up - we believe it exists? Isn't that what this job is all about? Dad may not be alive, but he is here with us right now, saying those words to you loud and clear."

Erik lowered his head and sighed, not bothering to argue with her anymore. Once the woman had made up her mind, it was final. No one would be able to talk her out of it. This was her research. He came here to consult as a colleague, mentor, and friend. He may not like it, but he had no choice but to respect it.

SQUEAK!

The two perked at someone's yelp and a thud after. They peered over the kitchen table to find Thor trying to get back on his feet from the slippery floor.

"Sorry to intrude," Thor apologized, pushing his hands on the countertop, "I've come here to fetch milk for AJ."

"Hold on, Thor," Jane walked around the table to help him. "I'll be right there."

...

AJ finished half his warm milk mixed with honey and was content with Jane's long soothing nails raking his hair. Already, he felt sleepy, but the boy refused to close his eyes.

"AJ, you need to go to sleep," Jane whispered. "It's late."

"I want a bedtime story," AJ demanded.

Jane sighed, searching his backpack for a decent comic book to read, "Okay, any comic you have in mind?"

"I don't want to read a comic this time," his declaration ceased the woman's action.

"Then... what do you want me to read?"

AJ turned his head to the side, his blue eyes piercing at the fallen prince, "Could you tell me the story of how you got here?"

"AJ," Jane scolded before Thor could react, "I don't think Thor wants to do that. He has already promised to stay here with you until you fall asleep."

"I know. I just wanna know how Thor came here." AJ faced Thor once more to ask, "Is it true that aliens have abducted you?" Jane wasn't going to lie about whether or not Thor's story had interested her. She, too, was curious to know how he got here in the first place.

"Young man," Thor placed his massive hand over the boy's small one, "my story isn't like the ones from fairytales; it's a painful story."

AJ shrugged, "Tell me anyway. There's nothing wrong with a story that could make me cry like The Lion King."

"AJ," Jane whispered, "if Thor doesn't want to tell you, you can't force him."

"I never said I wouldn't share my tale, Lady Jane," Thor clarified. "I only warned the boy that my story is painful."

Jane's mouth parted, "Oh."

Thor made himself comfortable on the bed beside the boy and began his tale. He told them about his home, friends, and family in Asgard. He also told them how he was about to be crowned king, how he fought off Frost Giants for revenge, and how his father had banished him. Thor was right about one thing; his story was sad. Jane didn't know what to believe. This was insane. Was Kelsey currently stuck in Asgard? Jane must dig a little deeper to find out the truth. Her sanity was at risk, but she didn't care. When Jane said she would go through all the possibilities to find Kelsey, she would do just that.

Eventually, neither knew which part of Thor's story AJ had fallen asleep. What mattered was that he was snoozing lightly on his back - mission accomplished.

"He looks peaceful when he sleeps," Thor whispered to Jane without taking his eyes off him.

Jane's smile matched his, "Yeah, he can be a cutie pie when he isn't high on sugar. No more cookies for him." She leaned forward to kiss the boy on the head.

"I shall miss him," Thor admitted quietly. "He's a good lad with so much potential to be a soldier one day."

Jane narrowed his eyes at Thor with confusion, "What?"

"I should leave your home. I have caused you and your friends so much grief. I didn't mean for you to be captured by the enemy tonight - you and the boy."

"Y-You can't leave, Thor," she pleaded quietly to consider the sleeping boy. "What about your promise? What about AJ? You'll break his heart if you leave."

"I consider how to repay my debt. I thought returning your stolen items would be the answer, but..." His gaze lowered to his jacket. Jane furrowed her brows, following his movement with curiosity, until she widened her eyes at the familiar black leather book in his hand.

"Oh my god," Jane snatched the book from him, opening it to see the scribbled pages - all her notes, hypothesis, and designs - they were all in there, not a single page missing.

"It is not much-"

"No. No! This is..." Jane's eyes glistened with tears of joy, trying to keep her voice down, for the boy was sleeping nearby. This was Christmas morning. It was a wonderful feeling. So small but worth so much. "This is great. Now I-I don't have to start from scratch," she smiled appreciatively at him. "Thank you."

Thor bowed, "You are most welcome, Lady Jane." The happy moment eventually dwindled as another thought crossed her mind; Thor noticed the change in demeanor. "What is it?" Thor questioned her melancholy.

Jane huffed with frustration, "S.H.I.E.L.D. - whatever they are - they are going to do everything in their power to make sure this research never sees the light of day. They stole from me, and if you leave... you're stealing my chances of finding Kelsey."

Thor blinked, completely taken aback by the statement. It would be his fault for delaying the reunion. His thoughts occurred on how the boy had come close to being pulled from his aunt's arms - close to shattering everything that held the woman dear. Not only will her research disappear, but her family as well.

"Lady Jane, I-"

"I want you to stay."

Thor blinked in disbelief, "What?"

"Until Kelsey is found," desperation laced the woman's voice. "Until I no longer need your help. You're staying here. I need you here."

"Lady Jane, I... I don't know what to say."

"Just say that you'll stay. You obviously don't have anywhere else to go, and we - we may not have much, sleeping-wise, but we can make it work. I'm determined to make it work. Please, Thor. Stay." Thor lightly brushed a strand of her hair away from her face. Her head inched towards his touch.

"Lady Jane..." Thor averted his eyes from the bed while entwining his fingers into her hair. "I shall stay..." he was oblivious to the hitch in Jane's breath, "for you and AJ... until we find my way back home - until Kelsey returns to you. I won't let you down again. You have my word."

"One more thing."

The man returned her gaze, "Yes?"

The corner of her lips curled as she said, "Just call me 'Jane', just plain Jane. Deal?"

Thor grinned back and kissed the back of her hand. The blush on her cheeks had never faded.

"Deal... Jane," he tested the name.

Jane noticed how beautiful Thor's bright blue eyes were up close. The longer she looked into his eyes, the faster her heart raced as much when he called her name. She couldn't deny the attraction for him but didn't dare say it out loud. He was handsome, charming, and kind, though a bit stubborn. If he wanted something, he would go for it, just like her. She hoped this new hypothesis wouldn't lead her to her own doom - physically and mentally.

Thor looked at his angel in blue jeans, his savior. She helped him, even when she had friends telling her otherwise. She stuck by him every step of the way. She even put herself in danger for him. He couldn't thank her enough. Now that he thought about it, he didn't show appreciation. Sure, he returned the book, but it was less than he had promised. He owed her a debt. Helping Jane find Kelsey was one way to do it. Not only that, he must prove to her and everyone else that he was telling the truth. Thor will show her and everyone that he is the god of thunder. Whatever it takes.

Before they even realized it, their heads leaned in close together. They didn't know how or what was causing this pull between them, but they didn't think about it. Their foreheads touched, and their hands entwined.

"I don't hear chatter!"

Their magnetic force had disappeared when the obnoxious intern spoke. The two thought she had fallen asleep on the sofa.

"Are you guys kissing? Is AJ awake? I don't hear him gagging."

The couple felt AJ stir on his side, still snoring. They blinked to see how close their faces were and quickly parted, standing from the bed and scarcely averting each other's gaze. Their expressions showed disappointment but relief. The last thing they wanted was to kiss in a cramped RV with witnesses present.

Thor's deep voice ended the awkward silence, "We should leave the boy in peace."

Jane nodded in agreement, taking the man's hand to escort him outside, "I'll find you a blanket and pillow for you to sleep on."

"You're very kind..." his face contorted with a question in mind, "but where would you sleep?"

Jane shrugged, "I don't know. We'll think of something."

"If there is no other way... I'll be honored to sleep on the floor."

Jane opened her mouth to argue, but Thor refused to hear it. He insisted on this arrangement even though Darcy offered an alternative to rent a room for two. Jane didn't know if Darcy was referring to herself and Thor together or he and Jane. Her face flushed at the latter.

To their surprise, Erik opened the RV door and declared, "He can stay with me. I have an extra bed in the suite."

Jane questioned Erik's motive behind the generous offer. Darcy, too, was dumbfounded in her semi-conscious state. Not long ago, Erik was Team Anti-Thor. Why the change of heart? Did it have something to do with Jane's speech?

Erik patted the man's back with a forced smile, "Come along with me, Donny. I have a shower and clean clothes for you to wear."

"Run for your life, mew-mew!" Darcy cried. "He's planning to kill ya."

"Darcy," Jane scolded.

Darcy's eyes were closed, snoring as if she was really asleep. Jane gazed between Thor and Erik, torn about what to do. Thor promised that everything would be okay. Jane hesitantly obliged, but not before she begged Erik not to try anything funny.

Erik escorted Thor out of the lab, allowing them a private conversation.

"Where are we really going?" Thor asked, assuming the worst. He tensed when Erik removed his hand from his shoulder.

"To get a drink," the older man grumbled.

Little did they know that a nosy neighbor was watching them from afar, determined to know what was happening in the lab regarding the crazy dude. Was Erik going to kill Thor or convince him to leave? Did Thor get kicked out of the premises for good?

Garrett Bradley put on his hoodie and sneaked out of his house through his bedroom window.

~000~000~000~

After long minutes of scouring for her room, Kelsey asked a guard to escort her. She went to the bathroom to wash her face, gasping at the cold water dripping down her neck. She looked in the mirror, noticing her eyes were watering up a bit. She patted her face dry, precisely her eyes. Telling herself not to cry only worsened her condition.

He wounded her. King Odin had hurt her emotionally. Kelsey searched for her happy thoughts, imagining herself flying in the air, heading straight for the second star to the right. She could almost imagine herself playing with the lost boys, swimming with angelic mermaids, dancing with the Indians, and the best part was fighting Captain Hook.

Only she didn't want to fight against the pirate for many reasons.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" Kelsey asked, stepping out of the bathroom.

"Kelsey, it is I. Loki," the visitor replied. Now it was the time to panic.

"Um... wait one sec!" Kelsey frantically checked herself in the mirror to see if her eyes had dried up. The tears did, but the sclera of her eyes remained red. She couldn't deal with it right now, for it would take forever to clear up. The best she could do was to look presentable - act like everything was okay with a huge smile - before granting Loki permission to enter.

Loki graced his presence by bowing his head towards her, "Evening, my lady."

"Hey, Loki," she greeted, putting on the mask. "So... What's up?"

"I came by to check on you. You said you were going to the healing room for aid, but Eir informed me that you haven't shown."

"Yeah, I'm good," she promised, keeping the thin-pressed smile intact and eyes glued to the floor, "I just lost my way, and so-"

"I beg your pardon, Kelsey, but could you please look at me?" The girl stiffened at his request. "I rather know with certainty that you are conversing with me instead of the floor." Kelsey's smile fell; she had been caught in a fib. She knew better than to fool the god of lies. Loki knew she was lying before the words escaped her lips or met her red gaze. She had no choice but to open up to him while attempting to push back the tears.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, sniffling her nose and dabbing the inner corners of her eyes. "I'm sorry, I-I just had to leave. I didn't want to make a scene and - and cry in front of everybody." She took a deep breath, quickly losing the battle as tears leaked down her cheeks and her voice cracked with emotion. "I'm sorry."

"Darling," Loki hushed as he hovered his hands over her shoulders. He's a man who asks permission before initiating physical contact, "There is no need for tears, love. It's my father who should beg for your forgiveness."

"I doubt he will," Kelsey wiped the tears away, despite the continuous flow. "I hate this. It's been a while... to be on the other side of that. I shouldn't be taking what he said to heart, but what he said was... it was pretty harsh."

Loki understood. He had endured some correction by his father, but despite that, Odin loved him. Although, the balance scale of Odin's love for his sons was deemed questionable.

"I apologize on behalf of my father, Kelsey. It was cruel. I know your parents must be very proud of you."

The mention of her parents once more stung her to the core. It was humiliating enough that she was crying in front of the prince. Her throat formed a lump. Her eyelids were puffy, closing them as she swiftly nodded.

"Uh, yeah," she paused to sniff the snot up her nose, wiping it with her sleeve. "Proud."

"Kelsey, there's no need to cry."

"Ye-yeah, I know. I know," Kelsey grumbled, forcing a smile to assure the prince that she was okay. "I just miss my family; that's all."

"You will return to them soon. You shall be healed before you know it..." Loki lifted a finger towards her head, only to cease halfway for her consent. This man was indeed a gentleman. When Kelsey granted permission, Loki traced a finger along her healed scar. "Does it hurt?"

Kelsey received goosebumps from his cold touch. She shook her head and extended her smile, "No." The scar wasn't an issue; it was the pounding headache and puffy lids.

"Come," Loki ordered, motioning to the chamber doors. "We must go."

"Go?" she questioned hastily. "Go where?"

"To the healing room. Would you like to endure the pain in your sleep?"

"Not really."

"Then follow me."

~000~000~000~

Erik led Thor to a bar that's not much different than home - many people come here to either drink down their sorrows or celebrate. Thor followed Erik to sit on the red, swivel barstools. He didn't choose a drink, so Erik ordered a cold beer bottle for him.

"I thought I had it all figured out."

Erik turned his attention to Thor while sipping his bottle.

"But I had it all wrong," Thor spoke sincerely, shaking his head. "For the first time in my life... I don't understand how this could happen to me - how I ended up here. Maybe this was Father's plan all along... to teach me a lesson." He sighed in defeat, "I don't know."

Erik set his drink down, "It's not a bad thing, finding out that you don't have all the answers. It might lead you to start asking the right questions."

What questions did Thor need to ask? His life was painted for him in a portrait. The hammer chose its wielder, and it was supposed to be Thor. He should've lifted Mjolnir, yet he failed. How could he be unworthy?

Erik could see the power struggle in the man's face, "Anyone who's ever going to find his way in this world has to start by admitting he doesn't know where the hell he is." It didn't intend to be inspirational but an interrogation tactic.

Thor's frown softened, realizing that he hadn't yet thanked Erik for releasing him from jail and letting him stay at his place - if he had a place to stay, Erik didn't exactly confirm it. Was Erik going to try and send him away on his own?

"Thank you for offering sanctuary," Thor cautiously offered appreciation. "I don't deserve your compassion, but-"

"Don't thank me," Erik interrupted. His tone was harsh. His true intentions were coming to light. "I only did it for Jane. Her father and I taught at University together. He was a good man." He cleared away the burning clog in his throat. He wasn't going to cry; he refused to cry. "Just like his daughter, the crazy man never listened."

Thor's eyes descended on his drink, only to notice the stool he was sitting on spun on its own.

No, not on its own.

Erik forced Thor to look at his tensed face. All small talk was out the window. It was time to be direct - get down to serious business. "That story you cooked up... I don't know if you're delusional or just a con man; I don't care. What matters is Jane and her family. I've seen the way she looks at you. Don't get me started on the boy. He is buying your story as if you came from a comic book."

Thor furrowed his brows in confusion. What way did Jane look at him? Was it fascination or romantic? He didn't forget what almost happened between them earlier in the RV. The accusation made his heart race, causing Thor to struggle with his speech.

"I-I swear, I-I mean them no harm. I want to help in any way I can. I know where Kelsey could be." The professor rolled his eyes at Thor's declaration. "She is-" Erik lifted his hand to quiet the man down temporarily.

"Thor, Donny - whoever the hell your name is - I want you to do something for me."

"Of course, anything."

"I wouldn't say that. If it were up to me, you would've been gone a long time ago," Thor opened his mouth to argue, but Erik continued, "But it's not. Time is of the essence. Jane thinks we should follow your lead, but I'm not convinced. You're going to do that for me."

"How? My father stripped me of my powers. I can't wield Mjolnir-"

"How about you look me in the eye and tell me whether or not my best friend's granddaughter is still alive?" Erik stated coldly. "Swear it."

Thor opened his mouth, only for Erik to lift a finger to silence him again; the older man wasn't finished.

"Think very carefully before you state your hypothesis. I am acquainted with the district attorney's office and public officials. If Kelsey turns up dead because of your lies or misdirection, her blood is on your hands," his threat had taken a dark turn for the worst. "The lethal injection is mercy compared to a life sentence. I will make sure you won't get that mercy. I'll testify in court. I will recommend you spend the rest of your sick life in a penitentiary. I will come by your cell every day to remind you of your sins. No matter how many times you beg God for forgiveness - I won't let you forget what you put Jane through - what you put AJ through - all the people you claimed you cared about. I will be your consequence till the day I die. Do you understand?"

Thor inhaled sharply as if Erik's words brought some significance. Erik was very protective of this family, and Thor didn't blame him for it. Thor understood the hesitation of believing the impossible. These mortals don't understand, for they're used to seeing before believing. Sometimes a person must have faith to see the impossible. Thor was still a prideful man. He knew his truth and must stick with it despite a lack of help from above.

"I swear that Kelsey is in good hands at home."

Erik blew the air from his mouth, finally turning away from Thor. He really was going to do this. He had no choice. Whatever happens, happens. May God be with him through this insane rollercoaster ride. Erik knew how to start this journey.

"Two boilermakers."

The bartender set down two large mugs of beer and two shots. Erik and Thor poured the liquor into their beer, creating a bubbling fizz. They clicked glasses before dousing down the drink, quickly becoming a drinking contest.

Garrett believed he was about to witness a bloody massacre when walking into the pub. He didn't expect to see Erik becoming Thor's BFF.

"Professor Selvig?! What the hell are you doing, man?"

Erik didn't respond immediately, for he was trying to drink faster than Thor. He got agitated when Garrett tapped his shoulder.

"Stop it, Garrett," Erik nudged him away with his elbow. "I'm on a roll!"

Garrett blinked and stepped back in disbelief, "Damn!" He watched them chug down their drinks to see who was the first to finish. His money was on Thor.

"Garrett?" the bartender called behind the counter, squinting his eyes, "Is that you, son?"

Garrett internally cursed at himself for ignoring the consequences of coming here. He expected Nelson to ask the usual questions about his parents, tomorrow's service, and stuff that shouldn't matter and was none of the man's business. Unfortunately, this was a small town. Someone's business turned into everybody's business, a string of gossip that didn't seem to end until there was something better to discuss. The teen couldn't deny his identity, so he politely waved and exchanged pleasantries with the worker.

"A little young to be drinking, don't you think?" Nelson handed a nearby customer his beer.

"If only," Garrett grumbled.

"Well, at least you're old enough to do whatever outside your parent's house. With college around the corner, you can drink..." Nelson paused, realizing he was about to get into a touchy subject, knowing that Garrett wouldn't appreciate him bringing it up. Nelson cleared his throat, shifting the conversation to another direction, "So, I heard you were there when that scientist's daughter went missing."

Jane's niece. The teen didn't bother to correct him. He trusted his mother to spill the tea to her church friends before the sheriff could post a missing person report online.

"Any luck?"

"Nah," Garrett answered. "Sherrif said that she ran away. Whether or not she did, the case is in the Feds' hands now. One step in the crater, and you might get shot at."

"Holy moly. You don't say?" Nelson shook his head. "Bet Herandez is bummed about that. We talked about organizing a search party and everything."

"That's nice of y-" Garrett jumped at the sound of broken glass. The two men who previously had a drinking contest laughed full-heartedly after Erik intentionally smashed the mug and yelled for another drink. Looking at Nelson, he didn't seem happy about the unprofessional display. Garrett couldn't blame him. "Sorry," he mouthed out.

"Hate to say it," Nelson grumbled as he restarted a new batch for the professor, "but... the girl is better off with wolves if she had to deal with them every day."

"It's not them. It's him," Garrett corrected, pointing at the blonde Viking. "I was there. Professor Selvig isn't like that at all. He's a well-respected-"

"Look, son," Nelson slid two more mugs towards the men, "I really don't care who they are, alright. I'm just the guy who makes the drinks and keeps to himself, inside and outside work. It sucks what happened, but from what I heard from my wife and your mom, none of this wouldn't be happening if that scientist lady hadn't come here."

"How would they know? They weren't even there! Mom doesn't know jackshit!" Garrett was quick to defend the scientist. Nelson blinked, taken aback by the boy's choice of words. One customer told him to take it easy, for he had already had a bad day at work and didn't need negative energy. "My bad, bro," Garrett grumbled before addressing Nelson, "She can't assume Jane is troubled after meeting her for two minutes. Isn't that against God's rule? Matthew 7?"

The two ceased their conversation to hear the hearty laugh a few seats from Garrett. After chugging down a second boilermaker, Erik was intoxicated. He was slurring some lyrics with the crazy Viking.

"Spare me the preaching, son," Nelson retorted. "It's not Wednesday yet. I'm just repeating what my wife drilled in my ear. Besides, your parents are worried about you."

If by me, you mean their family image? Garrett rolled his eyes and huffed, knowing where this was going. He prayed that Erik and Thor weren't listening. They seemed too invested in their drinks to pay attention to Jane's neighbor.

The bartender sighed before reluctantly continuing his warning, "Just be careful, alright? It may seem like the whole world is turning against you, but it'll blow over in time. You don't need to walk on thin ice with these people just because you think your life is over before it can actually begin."

Even if Nelson was right, Garrett was in far too deep to abandon the group now.

Nelson had enough after hearing the third glass breaking and roaring demand for another. "Those glasses aren't for keeps, you know!" Garrett took the initiative to pay the damages from Professor Selvig's wallet and steer him out the door. Unfortunately for him, it was easier said than done when a customer who already admitted to having a lousy day approached them to complain about the commotion. Politeness goes a long way, and the customer was unsuccessful with the restraint. Due to the Viking's violent, impulsive nature mixed with alcohol, it didn't surprise anyone if he threw the first punch.

~000~000~000~

"There you are," Eir declared.

Kelsey could almost immediately feel the migraine melting away. These people should sell their special herbs and medicines to the world and make a bigger fortune.

"How do you feel?" Loki asked.

"Mm, much better," the girl hummed in contentment, shutting her eyes momentarily. "I could get used to it."

"I rather you didn't, Miss," Eir explained. "These are for pain, not pleasure. We do not need to add addiction to your diagnosis."

"Oh, no!" Kelsey shook her head. "Not at all. By the way, do you guys have something for..." She gestured at the scar on her head.

"No," Eir stated.

Kelsey groaned, tilting her head back, "Great. I'll be just like Harry Potter."

The doors opened. The three turned to see Sif and the Warriors Three coming in. Loki clenched his jaw, not happy to see them.

"Lady Kelsey, the queen informs me that you would be here. How are you feeling?" Volstagg asked worriedly.

Kelsey offered assurance, "Great, thank you. I'll soon be sleeping like a baby."

"If I have magic lips, Lady Kelsey," Fandral sat beside her, caressing her right hand, "I shall kiss your wound away." He quickly pecked her hand and continued stroking it in circles. Loki pressed her lips in a harsh, thin line. He so much wanted to strangle the womanizer.

Kelsey giggled like a schoolgirl with a crush, but no blush was present, "I bet you would."

"If you are up to it tomorrow, Lady Kelsey," Hogun began, "the Warriors Three and Lady Sif invite you to participate in our practice. You said before that you desire the knowledge to fight. Now is your chance to master the skill."

"And it's a great calorie burner for the belly," Volstagg rubbed his stomach. Some glared at him; the women were almost offended by the reference. He blinked, realizing his poor choice of words, "Not that you ladies need it, of course. I mean, look at me! I ate an entire cake!"

Kelsey blinked in confusion, "There was cake at the feast?"

"No," Hogun clarified. "Volstagg had eaten cake this morning."

"A delicious one, too," Volstagg added. "Tell me, Kelsey. What type of cake do you like? Chocolate?"

"Actually, I prefer cheesecake."

"Cheesecake?" Volstagg scrunched his brows. He obliviously hadn't heard of that particular kind in his immortal life. "I need to try that. Is it made from all types of cheese? Or just one-"

"Returning to the important conversation at hand," Sif interrupted. "Kelsey, would you like to join us tomorrow?"

"Sure!" Kelsey paused, quickly toning down her enthusiasm. This invitation was the same as getting invited to a slumber party. She didn't want to blow this. "I mean, that would be great." She turned to ask Eir for permission, "If that's okay with you?"

The healer shrugged, "I don't see why not. All I ask is that you don't overdo it."

All expressed happily to Eir's answer. After a few minutes of talking, everyone departed the healing room. Loki escorted Kelsey back to her room, ignoring Sif's protest and Fandral's dismay.

"Kelsey," Loki began with reluctance.

"Yes?"

"There's something you should know... about Fandral."

Kelsey glared at him, curious what Loki would say about the flirty warrior, "What about him?"

"He may seem nice and charming." Why did Kelsey feel that there was a catch?

"But?" she pressed.

"But... he is that way to all the goddesses here. He usually forgets one for another after a night of pleasure - every night till dawn."

Ew. Kelsey expected to hear meaningless gossip but didn't count on Loki recounting Fandral's affairs. It wasn't their business to speak about that; it was disgusting and wrong. She wasn't prepared and couldn't control her defensive reaction. The noise escaped her lips, almost sounding like a hyena - hysterical but free. It didn't last long, for she covered her mouth and muffled her apologies between laughs.

"Something amused you?" Loki was unnerved by the sound, expecting genuine disgust or possibly denial from her. He had never heard any woman laugh like that before. It would usually be subtle, polite, and mostly cheerful - too much for Loki to believe it was sincere.

"I'm sorry," Kelsey gasped for temporary composure. "This isn't funny, I know, and - ew - it's gross, and..." Her lips stretched as she shook her head, snickering behind her hand.

"And what? What?" he demanded.

She dropped her hand to reveal her smile, exclaiming, "Loki, I already know he's a womanizer."

Loki's face slackened as if someone had slapped him, "You know?"

"Yeah, at dinner, he had two girls sitting on his lap - not that hard to figure out," Kelsey hummed, exhaling through her nose. "Why women would stoop so low to share one man is beyond me. Again, ew." Her head tilted at him suspiciously, looking into his eyes as if searching through his soul for something - a secret. His breath hitched at those dark orbs, feeling the shiver down his spine. That was not a good feeling for Loki. "Why are you telling me this?" she lightly wondered.

The man averted his eyes from her briefly to clear his throat. He desired a moment to ask himself that same question. Why did he tell Kelsey that when there was no evidence suggesting she was interested in Fandral? Her face said as much when she wiped her hand.

"I don't know. I... I know how he is, how he and my brother would achieve a conquest outside a battlefield. I did not wish to see you get hurt, is all." Again, Kelsey couldn't help but snort, muffling snickers that slowly dialed into silence. She was prepared this time. It was quiet though the squinted eyes and lifted cheeks told him she was still laughing behind her hand.

"Kelsey?" he questioned. This wasn't funny. Why was she laughing at him?

"I'm sorry... I'm so-so sorry! Whoo!" Kelsey caught her breath to speak properly. "I'm sorry. It's just... You're not making any sense! What made you think I had a crush on Fandral?"

Loki felt the weight drop onto his chest when they were previously resting on his shoulders.

"Loki, he's not my type! I tried not to gag when I felt his spit on my hand." The trickster blinked at the new detail. "Even without the saliva, it's just very uncomfortable."

"You do not wish to receive that gesture?"

"I mean, I used to when I was a kid," she admitted, "but now it's just too weird. Look, Fandral is a nice guy and all, but so is everyone else in the group, including you and the queen. Just because I'm following the golden rule doesn't mean I wish to pursue anything. If I made you think otherwise or I made him think-"

"No, no, no. You did nothing of a sort." Now Loki felt like an idiot. Here he was, stooping so low to gossip when there was no need. He should've known better than to think this girl would sleep with a man-whore like Fandral. "Pardon the allegations, Kelsey. I thought I was protecting you."

"Don't worry about it. Although, if you want to protect me from your dad, by all means, be my shield."

"You're afraid of my father," Loki said as a statement than a question.

"With all due respect, he's rude and critical. He might throw me in jail if I say the wrong thing or worse."

"I won't let that happen," he vowed.

Kelsey tilted her head in deep thought, judging the sincerity in the man's tone. It was clear that the stories weren't completely inaccurate. Loki's games weren't maliciously compared to the flying boy in Neverland.

"I am truly sorry that my father tainted your experience here. I promise you; not everyone has the same opinion as his."

"He didn't ruin anything," she bit her lower lip, reluctant to speak more. After a minute of hesitation, Kelsey released her lip to say, "Thank you."

Loki blinked, "For what?"

"For being my friend."

Loki nearly tripped a step by the girl's reference to him. Friend? Did she see him as her friend? Not a pity one due to relations with his brother, but for Loki alone because she wanted to be?

Kelsey took in Loki's brief reaction. Did she read him wrong? This was awkward.

"I mean..." she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, averting his face and gazing back to the floor, "if you want us to be friends-"

"Yes - yes, of course," he assured her hastily, refraining from squeezing her shoulders. "I... I'm honored to be your friend. Who wouldn't be?" If only Loki knew her social life. Kelsey tried not to grin, which could scare her friend - guaranteed. It was a miracle that her laugh didn't. For the first time in a long time, before the day when Mom homeschooled her in fifth grade, Kelsey made a friend, and that person confirmed it out loud. How long would that last? Kelsey chose not to dwell on it by enjoying the now in her very own Neverland. Neither uttered a word as they made it to her chambers.

"I bid you goodnight, Kelsey," Loki opened the door for her. "Sleep well."

"You too," she entered her chambers, parting him with a gentle smile and wave as he closed the door behind her.

"Friend," the man's lips stretched his features at the wonderful thought.

~000~000~000~

"The moon is good. The hearts are full. There's magic in the air."

Erik's arms looped over Garrett and Thor's shoulders as he endured the worst of the alcohol's side effects. Thor and Erik sang a duet together as if they were best friends. Garrett was walking through town, completely traumatized. To think his experience in jail was bad, or maybe, it was Garrett overreacting. If only he had taken videos and pictures for proof. No way the women at the lab nor even Erik would believe that he threw the first air punch at the angry customer and didn't receive the shiner by running into a door. Not to mention him singing a Gene Kelly-like musical number with Thor.

"It's all because we're here tonight and haven't got a care."

"Sing it, Gary!" Erik declared happily.

"The stars are bright," Garrett sang, but he didn't know the lyrics by heart, so he improvised. "What a sight. Good time to go to sleep." Hoping that would do the trick.

They came across a pole, which Thor wrapped his free arm around, then lifted poor Erik into a spin like Gene Kelly did in the movie.

"Raise your glass and toast for life, whatever it may lead..."

"Dude, this shit's crazy for real," Garrett grumbled, shaking his head, completely dumbfounded. The boy tumbled back against the concrete building when Erik accidentally smacked him across the face as he spun around in circles. Thor released the man so they could perform a special handshake: slapping their knees and ankles, then high-fiving each other crisscross. When did they have time to do that?

"La-la-la-uh-la-la-la - a friend is fine indeed."

Erik raised a hand to give Thor another high-five but leaned his body forward instead, falling face down onto the sidewalk. Thor and Garrett oohed painfully at the sight. Despite Garrett's hesitation, Thor took the initiative to carry unconscious Erik over his shoulder to the motel. He questioned Thor whether or not Erik was okay with this. Thor challenged Garrett to ask Jane himself. She was there when Erik offered.

They settled shoeless Erik under the covers, who was all smiles even in his sleep.

"I still don't think you're the god of thunder," Erik patted Thor's bearded cheek, "but you ought to be." Thor chuckled, bidding him good night. He thanked Garrett for his help.

"Yeah, no problem, man," Garrett cleared his throat awkwardly. "I best go back home before my momma checks up on me. She'll kill me if she sees my bed empty." Unless Nelson keeps Garrett's appearance to himself.

Thor agreed, "It is best not to worry her."

"Yeah," Garrett reached for the knob but didn't turn it. He couldn't leave without a few parting words. "Listen, I know you are getting plenty of backlash of what went down in the crater."

"Sir Garrett, if you wish to tell me how wrong it was to believe I could charge in that camp without consequence, I shall listen. I understand-"

"No," Garrett shook his head in disagreement. He needed to get his point across without offending the man. "I don't think you do understand. No disrespect, sir, you're too caught up in your own shit to see what's going on around you and who you draggin' - and I mean no disrespect to you, sir, seriously." Garrett raised a defensive hand in case Thor decided to pick him up again. Fortunately, the bigger man did no such thing.

"I am well aware that my actions dragged Lady..." Thor paused to correct himself, "dragged Jane and AJ into my mess, nearly tore a family bond apart. No one feels bad about that more than I do."

"Good for you, but that's not all I wanna say."

"Go on," Thor permitted.

"Jane is an amazing woman. I don't know her well as I would like to, but I know she is going through hell right now."

"I understand. Jane is lucky to have someone with your loyalty and compassion."

"Thanks," Garrett dismissed the man's compliments to focus on expressing his concern in a way Thor could understand. "Listen, Jane is... Damn, she is a Wonderwoman any guy would like to have. I thought I was gonna have a crappy year until she showed up. Her feistiness, her stubbornness, her brains, and those fine legs..." He was digressing, immediately steering back on course without getting caught up in his own lust and Thor's reaction. "The last one didn't treat her right; she said it as much."

"You fancy Jane," Thor declared.

Garrett shrugged, "Doesn't matter. Even if I did, she is giving you the lovey-dovey eyes, not me."

Thor shook his head, "I have no intention of coming between you and Jane."

"Instead of worrying about stepping between Jane and me, maybe you should draw the line between you and Jane. This whole teamwork thing we're doing right now won't last forever. Now I can't predict the future. I don't know what's going to happen down the road. But... If you do care about her... please just don't give her hope if you know there's no future between y'all." For a moment, his mind wandered back to his disappointment in an outcome, not just his love life nor that fallen star. "She doesn't deserve to be led on like that. She's too good for that."

"You have my word," Thor promised. Garrett hummed in acknowledgment as he left the motel room to go home. The boy was right. Thor wasn't born mortal. He didn't belong here. His primary objectives were to clear his debt and go home while decreasing the odds of bodily harm and broken family bonds.

Little did he know that the challenge would become far greater, worse than proving his true identity and Asgard's existence.