Worthy

Part 16 - We Have Much To Discuss

The following morning everyone is standing outside the compound, ready to say goodbye to you, Thor and Bruce. Nerves are running through you; terrified of not only the journey, but what faces you there. However, it's mixed with a sense of excitement. "If only my therapist's could see me now," You had joked with Tony the previous night. "Then we'd see who the liar was."

Standing on the lawn of the compound, Bruce looks nervous and agitated in his suit, while Nat rubs his arm; clearly neither of them afraid to show off what was going on between them. Thor is standing in his Asgardian armour, as per usual, while you're wearing a simple outfit: skinny jeans, black vest top with a light cardigan on top. But that's not what catches Thor's attention; he's instantly drawn to your hair, for the first time in a while, you've curled it. His eyes follow your hair down to your waist, where he catches sight of your gun in its holster. He can't help but smile at the image; but when you catch his eye, he clears his throat and turns away.

"You can't take your weapon into Asgard Brooks," he states, trying not to look directly at you. "My father will have you put in a cell if you do." A slight snigger from Tony and Bruce makes you throw them a confused look. Not really in the mood to argue with him this morning, you take it off and throw it over to Nat, who winks at you.

"Let's just get this over with," you grumble before you feel Thor's arm around your waist. You slap at his hand, but he doesn't move it. "What the hell man?"

"Do not argue with me." Thor grumbles before tightening his grip. "Last thing I need is for you to fall out of the Bifrost. Stark would never let it go, now stand still." You sigh before looking over at Tony, who like Nat, simply winks at you. The rest of the team are trying to hide their amusement from you too, the only ones failing are Peter and Pietro.

You look over and notice that Thor isn't holding onto Bruce. "What about Banner? Why isn't he getting manhandled?" Bruce simply shrugs, while Thor gives him a sly smile before raising his hammer; light exploding around the three of you before you feel yourself being pulled from your feet, making you naturally wrap your arms around Thor: tightly.

***

As your feet finally touch ground, an instant wave of nausea hits your stomach, before the adrenaline takes over and you start to look around in wonder at the giant dome you've now arrived at. "Wow," is all you can get out, before you realise you're still latched onto Thor. Blushing, you manage to pull yourself away from him, tucking your hair behind your ear in embarrassment, while Thor smiles; slightly blushing also, as he revelled in your close touch, before remembering why you were all here.

"Heimdall," He walks over to large man standing at the centre of the dome, large sword in hand. "It's been too long my friend."

"My lord Thor," he looks slightly confused as Thor tries to shake his hand, but reciprocates. "Your father is awaiting you in the throne room." He pauses before walking over to you and Bruce. "Doctor Banner, we've heard much about you." He warily copies Thor's greeting by extending a hand, which Bruce takes timidly.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Bruce stammers out, clearly as overwhelmed as you are by your surroundings. Heimdall nods before looking over at you, giving you a slight nod; no handshake.

"Lady Brooks, I presume." You simply nod back; still infatuated by the fact that you are on another world, before your brain catches up. Clearly, he has as much distaste for you as Thor does. It doesn't completely surprise you; after all, your experience of Asgardians hasn't exactly been the most comforting. Apart from those early days with Thor. You decide to stay at the back of the group as you march over the Rainbow Bridge; still amazed by what you see.

It's nothing compared to the throne room of Asgard; walking towards the centre of the room, trepidation rises in your stomach as you finally see the King of Asgard, Odin, perched stoically on his throne. "My son," he yells, making the sound echo through the empty hall. Thor walks up and kneels before him; he had already warned you and Bruce to do the same, but now that you were here, you couldn't bring yourself to do it. Remembering how Loki had demanded it of you all back in New York sends shivers down your spine. Even the great majesty of the hall can't tempt you away from the thought.

With a confused look on his face, Bruce decides to join you as you stand behind Thor, simply bowing your head at Odin; who gives you a wry look before your attention is brought to the woman standing at his side. Instantly you understand this is Frigga, Thor's mother. "I've literally walked into the lion's den." You think to yourself, trying and failing not to meet her eye. But her eyes are soft, and she gives you sly smile.

"Father, this is Dr Bruce Banner and Kate Brooks of Midgard," He gestures to you both. "They are here to look at the tesseract and..."

"And why does the tesseract interest Midgard? Your use of it almost brought shame to the entire nine realms?" Odin barks, again the echo reverberating off the walls sends shivers down your spine.

"Actually your highness, that wasn't entirely OUR fault..." Bruce starts to talk before Odin throws him a look, shutting him down.

"You Midgardians treated it like it was yours to play around with. Why should I give you access to what is rightfully ours."

"If it's an Infinity Stone then it's not yours," you spit out, not sure where you're getting the confidence from. "And we don't WANT it, we just need to get some data from it, and make sure it's..."

Odin slams his spear, the ringing sending shockwaves through your ears. "THERE IS NO SAFER PLACE THAN ASGARD!" he yells forcefully; the power of his voice almost throwing all of you to the floor. You feel a hand on your arm, and look to see Thor shaking his head on you.

"No one is doubting that, your majesty." Bruce stammers again. "I just need some time to get some readings from it." Odin shakes his head at Bruce, as Frigga leans over, whispering something in his ear.

"Father, we believe someone is trying to collect all the Infinity Stones, if they do they would have enough power to take out the entire galaxy." Thor interjects. "We need to be prepared. I can vouch for Dr Banner, he is a good man and is not here to deceive you."

"And what of the woman?" Odin looks directly at you; causing rage to surge through you, but before you can respond Frigga places an arm on Odin's shoulder, once again whispering in his ear.

"Lady Kate will come with me," she gives you a blank look, less inviting than before, but there's still a warmth behind her eyes. "We have much to discuss."