Chapter 20
The next morning dawned with a sense of urgency. Thor and Loki had decided to leave Jane and Kagome at Stark Towers while they set out to gather information and reinforcements for their impending battle against the otherworldly invaders led by Malekith the Accursed.
In the expansive living area of Stark Towers, Thor approached Jane with a mix of concern and reassurance. "Jane, my love, I promise to return to you as swiftly as possible. I cannot bear to be apart from you for long."
Jane smiled warmly at Thor, her eyes reflecting her love for him. "I understand, Thor. Do what you must to protect both our worlds. We'll be waiting for your return."
Thor pressed a tender kiss to Jane's forehead before turning to Kagome, his expression earnest. "Kagome, I know that recent events have strained our relationship, but I promise to make amends and ensure your safety."
Kagome met Thor's gaze, her emotions hidden beneath a mask of composure. "I appreciate your concern, Thor. Let's focus on the task at hand, and when you return, we can address the rest."
Thor nodded, his heart heavy with unspoken words. He and Loki would embark on their mission, leaving the two women at Stark Towers, a temporary respite amidst the chaos of their world-saving endeavors.
As Thor and Loki prepared to depart, they exchanged determined glances, ready to face the challenges that awaited them. The fate of both Midgard and Asgard hung in the balance, and their return would mark the next chapter in their epic battle against the forces of darkness.
Kagome ignored the tense atmosphere and turned to Tony with an arched brow. "I'm surprised you didn't want to go with Tony, despite their caveman views on women they are very advanced technology wise." She knew he had expressed interest in their technology once before yet he hadn't even brought up the idea of him going with.
Tony shook his head as he held up his hands as if to say 'who me?'. "No thank you, my expertise while many do not include magic, gods, and all that jazz. Now if you need help with money, brain power, and just over all male perfection I'm your man." He gave a shit eating grin as Kagome stifled a laugh as Pepper rolled her eyes at him. "Besides, if we don't die then I can always pay Asgard a visit later on down the road. Since I guess it doesn't matter if you've had a kid or not yet. Travel between worlds is open, if Jane's visit is any indication. Though I guess I might have to masquerade as your brother to get the go ahead."
Jane flushed a bit at his eyebrow wiggle and coughed into her hand suddenly feeling awkward without Thor to be the buffer between her and well...everyone. She was an intelligent woman, she could tell that Tony and Pepper did not like her nor her relationship with Thor. It was obvious they were 'Team Kagome' yet were being polite out of respect for the dark haired raven as well as the fact that they were all 'co workers' so to speak.
"Well, I'm going to go call Darci and see how things are on their end, please let me know when they get back?" Her voice was low as she gave them a small smile before leaving the room.
Pepper couldn't fault Tony as he huffed after the other woman muttering under his breath about not being a damn door man.
Kagome shared a small smile with the mumbling man before linking her arm with Pepper's. "So you said something about brunch?" Pepper smiled as she nodded and began walking with Kagome towards the elevator that led up to the main floor.
"Oh yes, Tony knows this wonderful little cafe. It's a bit spendy but like Tony said if it's money we need he has us covered." The teasing in her voice was easy for them to read, causing Tony to grin as he jogged to catch up with the two women, weaseling his way between them with an arm slung over each of their shoulders.
"Oh, well if I'm paying at least let me come with." Both women gave him a blank look before shrugging. "I guess..." Pepper couldn't help the laugh that escaped her at Kagome's words.
As they made their way to the café, Tony sensed that Kagome might have some pent-up emotions. He remembered what Pepper had taught him about the importance of sharing one's feelings instead of bottling them up. With a genuine and caring tone, he asked Kagome, "Hey, Kagome, how are you holding up? It's okay to talk about how you're feeling, you know. Pepper taught me that."
Kagome looked at Tony, appreciating his concern. She had been keeping much of her emotions to herself, and perhaps it was time to open up to someone. "I appreciate that, Tony," she began, her voice softening. "It's just... everything is so overwhelming. Being in a marriage without love, dealing with threats to two worlds, it's a lot to handle."
Tony nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, Kagome. But you're not alone in this. We're all here for you, okay?"
Kagome offered Tony a small, grateful smile. It was a reminder that she had found allies and friends in unexpected places, and she was grateful for their support during these challenging times.