Twelve

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Chapter 12: Return to Chaos

The peaceful quiet of Avengers Tower shattered as the Quinjet roared into its landing bay. Thor and Madilyn stood at the entrance, watching the rest of the team disembark. It had only been a few days, but the sight of their friends, battle-worn and weary, brought an immediate sense of concern.

Madilyn's eyes immediately fell on Steve. He was limping, one arm hanging awkwardly at his side. Her heart leaped in her chest, and she rushed forward without a second thought.

"Steve! Are you okay?" she called, her voice filled with worry.

Steve gave her a tired but reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Madilyn. Just a few bumps and bruises."

Ignoring his attempt to downplay his injuries, Madilyn slipped under his good arm, offering him support. "Let me help you inside."

Steve didn't protest, allowing her to guide him into the Tower. As they walked, Madilyn glanced back at Thor, who was watching them with an expression that was hard to read. She felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside, focusing on getting Steve to the medical bay.

Thor followed at a distance, his heart heavy with a mix of relief and jealousy. He knew Madilyn was just being kind, but seeing her so concerned about Steve stirred something uncomfortable inside him.

Natasha, ever observant, noticed Thor's expression as he trailed behind them. She fell into step beside him, her sharp eyes catching every nuance of his demeanor.

"Everything okay, Thor?" she asked casually, though her tone suggested she already knew the answer.

Thor forced a smile, trying to brush off his feelings. "Of course. Just concerned about Steve."

Natasha raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Sure, but that's not all, is it?"

Thor sighed, glancing at Madilyn and Steve as they disappeared around a corner. "It's just... difficult. Seeing her worry so much about him."

Natasha nodded, understanding. "Jealousy, huh? It's a tough one. But you know she's just trying to help."

Thor nodded, feeling a bit foolish. "I know. It's just hard to control sometimes."

Natasha placed a hand on his arm, her touch reassuring. "Talk to her about it. She cares about you, Thor. She'll understand."

---

In the medical bay, Madilyn helped Steve onto a bed, quickly gathering the supplies she needed to tend to his injuries. Steve watched her with a mixture of gratitude and amusement.

"Madilyn, you don't have to fuss over me. I'm tougher than I look," he said, trying to lighten the mood.

She gave him a stern look, her hands gentle but firm as she examined his arm. "I know you're tough, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be taken care of. Now hold still."

Steve chuckled, but he obediently stayed still as she worked. As she cleaned and bandaged his wounds, he found himself admiring her dedication and care.

"Thanks, Madilyn. You're really good at this," he said sincerely.

She smiled, finishing the bandage on his arm. "Just part of the job. I'm glad you're okay, Steve."

Steve nodded, his expression turning serious. "It was a tough mission. We barely made it out without more serious injuries. But we did it."

Madilyn patted his shoulder gently. "And now you're back, and you need to rest. So no arguments."

Steve smiled, leaning back against the bed. "Yes, ma'am."

As Madilyn cleaned up, Thor entered the room, his expression softening when he saw Steve looking more comfortable. He approached them, giving Steve a nod.

"How are you feeling, Captain?" Thor asked.

Steve gave him a tired smile. "Better, thanks to Madilyn."

Thor glanced at her, his heart warming at the sight of her dedication. "She has a knack for taking care of people."

Madilyn blushed slightly, looking away. "Just doing what I can."

Thor stepped closer, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And you do it well."

They shared a quiet moment, the tension between them easing. Natasha's words echoed in Thor's mind, and he resolved to talk to Madilyn about his feelings later.

---

As the day turned to evening, the Tower settled back into its usual rhythm. The rest of the team was busy debriefing and unpacking, while Thor and Madilyn took a moment to themselves.

They found a quiet spot in one of the common areas, sitting side by side on a couch. Thor took a deep breath, trying to find the right words.

"Madilyn, there's something I need to talk to you about," he began, his voice gentle.

She looked at him, her expression concerned. "What is it, Thor?"

He took her hand, holding it between his own. "I felt... jealous today. Seeing you so worried about Steve. I know it's irrational, but I couldn't help it."

Madilyn's eyes softened, and she squeezed his hand. "Thor, you don't have to be jealous. Steve is a friend, and I care about him, but my feelings for you are different. Stronger."

Thor felt a rush of relief, his heart swelling with gratitude. "I know. I just needed to hear it."

She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "You mean the world to me, Thor. Never doubt that."

They sat together in comfortable silence, the bond between them stronger than ever. As the night deepened, they knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, with trust and understanding guiding their way.

---

Meanwhile, Natasha watched from a distance, a small smile on her lips. She knew that the path for Thor and Madilyn wouldn't be easy, but she also knew that love, when true, could withstand any storm. And with the team back together, they were ready to face whatever came next, united and stronger than ever.

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