A GODS WEAKNESS [l.laufeyson]

EPILOGUE

     Everyone had gathered around the lake. Tony had organised a funeral to say their goodbyes to Astrid for the last time.

As the funeral came to an end, Tony saw Thor sitting on the docks underneath the night sky and walked out to him. He was holding a sleepy Morgan in one arm and holding his damaged Iron Man helmet in the other.

"Hey, Point Break." Tony had spoke up to get his attention.

"Stark." Thor simply nodded with a smile. Tony sat next to him with Morgan in his lap and placing his helmet in front of the two.

"You know, if it wasn't for Astrid it would've been me." Thor removed his eyes from the lake over to Tony. "And this little one wouldn't have a dad to grow up with. I will forever be grateful for Astrid and you should be proud of her."

Thor smiled at Tony's words. He's right. Tony had a whole family to go home to, if it wasn't for her, Morgan wouldn't know what it was like to grow up with her father around.

"Anyway I was looking back at my video to Pepper and was going to delete it considering it wasn't necessary anymore... and I found another message." Tony pressed a button that brought up Astrid. It must've been from when they were stuck on Quills ship as she looked weak and frail. "I don't remember her recording it so she must've done it when I was asleep... I'll leave it here and just press this button if you're ready to see it."

Tony had pulled himself up with Morgan and gave Thor a pat on the back as he made his way to the house.

Thor sat there in silence for a few minutes, just looking at the image of Astrid on the screen. Eventually he pressed the button that Tony had pointed to and the image started moving.

"Okay... I think that's the button Tony pressed. Not that it may even matter, it might never make it home." Astrid let out a weak chuckle as she slumped back.

"Hey, Thor. Big brother." Thor smiled sadly and gave a small wave as if she was actually there. "I figured since Tony had been sending messages to his loved ones, I should do the same. If you ever find this, just know I love you very much. Thank you for being a great brother, not just to me but also to Loki. I know he truly loved you even though he may never have told you that. If this becomes the end of my story, please don't feel sad. I want you to carry on as live life to the fullest. I may be gone but I will still watch over you, and not just me. I will go see Loki, and mother and father. We will be right behind you every step of the way." Astrid took a breath and seemed deep in thought. Thor had tears travelling down his face.

"You know what? I thought dying would be scary, but I'm not scared. In a way I feel at peace with it. It's scary losing you and the friends I've found along the way, but I know I have a family waiting for me on the other side. So please, Thor. Promise me, don't be scared and carry on living. Stay alive and be happy."

"I promise." Thor whispered back to the projection.

"I love you, big brother." Astrid smiled as she reached forward and pressed a button as her projection disappeared.

Thor sat there in silence smiling to himself taking in her words. She was right, he couldn't mope around, he had to carry on with life. For his family.

~

A few days passed since the funeral, and Thor and Valkyrie were stood on a hill looking over New Asgard.

"How are you coping with it?" Valkyrie was implying about the passing of Astrid.

"I thinks she's in a better place. You saw how unhappy she was living without Loki. Besides she's with him again now and I can't help but feel they are always watching me." Thor looked over his shoulder. Every now and then he could swear he could feel their presence. Valkyrie placed a hand on Thor's arm. Astrid was her friend and she missed her almost just as much as Thor.

"She's happy. I know she is."