𝕾𝖙𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓 |Thor X Reader|

Nineteen

Chapter 19: Returning Tensions

The next day, the sound of the Avengers returning from their mission filled the tower. The familiar hum of the Quinjet descending and the lively chatter of the team created a stark contrast to the quiet solitude Madilyn had experienced with Loki.

Madilyn stood by the window, watching as the jet landed. Her heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Thor was back, and though she longed to see him, the weight of her secret pressed heavily on her shoulders.

Loki, sensing her unease, approached her with a calm demeanor. "They're back," he said softly, his voice a comforting presence.

Madilyn nodded, trying to steady her breathing. "I know. I'm just... nervous."

"You don't have to tell him right away," Loki reminded her gently. "Take your time. There's no rush."

She appreciated his support more than she could express. "Thank you, Loki. You've been such a good friend to me."

Loki's lips curved into a small smile. "It's the least I can do."

As the team disembarked from the Quinjet, Madilyn's eyes were immediately drawn to Thor. His presence, strong and reassuring, always made her feel safe. But today, there was a cloud of uncertainty hanging over her.

Thor spotted her and his face lit up with a smile. He quickly made his way over, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Madilyn, I've missed you," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth.

"I've missed you too, Thor," she replied, hugging him back. The comfort of his arms around her made her want to spill everything, but the words caught in her throat.

"Are you feeling any better?" Thor asked, pulling back to look at her with concern.

"A bit," Madilyn lied, forcing a smile. "I'm just tired."

Thor nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. "You should rest. Let me take care of you."

Madilyn felt a pang of guilt. She wanted to tell him the truth, but the fear of his reaction held her back. "I will," she promised, giving him a reassuring smile.

As the day went on, Madilyn found herself withdrawing from the rest of the team. She avoided their curious glances and concerned questions, retreating to the safety of her room whenever possible. The only exception was Loki, who seemed to understand her need for space and solitude.

She spent hours in his company, talking and laughing about everything and nothing. Their bond grew stronger, and Loki's constant presence provided a much-needed distraction from her inner turmoil.

However, Thor began to notice her frequent absences and the increasing time she spent with Loki. Jealousy gnawed at him, his usual calm demeanor cracking under the strain.

One evening, as Madilyn and Loki were engrossed in a conversation in the living room, Thor entered, his eyes narrowing at the sight of them together.

"Madilyn," he called, his voice tight with controlled anger. "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

Madilyn looked up, startled by the intensity in his tone. "Of course," she replied, standing up. She turned to Loki. "I'll be right back."

Loki nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "Take your time."

Thor led Madilyn to a quiet corner of the room, his expression a mix of concern and frustration. "Madilyn, what's going on? You've been avoiding everyone, including me. And you spend all your time with Loki. Is there something you're not telling me?"

Madilyn's heart raced. She knew she couldn't keep her secret forever, but she wasn't ready to reveal it yet. "Thor, it's not what you think. I just... I need some space right now. Loki has been helping me."

Thor's eyes softened slightly, but the jealousy still lingered. "Helping you with what? Why can't you let me help you?"

Madilyn felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Thor, please understand. I need time to figure things out. It's not about you."

Thor sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I want to be there for you, Madilyn. I love you. But it's hard when you keep shutting me out."

"I know," Madilyn whispered, feeling a wave of guilt. "I promise I'll explain everything soon. Just... give me a little more time."

Thor nodded reluctantly, his expression still troubled. "Alright. But please, don't shut me out completely."

Madilyn nodded, reaching out to squeeze his hand. "I won't. I promise."

As the days passed, Madilyn continued to spend most of her time with Loki. Their bond deepened, and she found solace in his presence. He was always there for her, offering support and understanding without judgment.

Thor's jealousy grew with each passing day. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss, and his frustration began to show. He watched from a distance as Madilyn and Loki shared moments of laughter and camaraderie, his heart aching with a mix of anger and sadness.

One afternoon, Madilyn and Loki were sitting in the library, engrossed in a book they were reading together. Thor entered the room, his jaw clenched and his eyes stormy.

"Loki," he said, his voice laced with barely controlled anger. "I need to speak with Madilyn. Alone."

Loki looked up, his expression calm but wary. "Of course," he replied, standing up and giving Madilyn a reassuring nod before leaving the room.

Thor turned to Madilyn, his frustration evident. "Madilyn, this has to stop. I can't stand seeing you with him all the time. I feel like I'm losing you."

Madilyn's heart ached at his words. She reached out to touch his arm, her eyes filled with tears. "Thor, you're not losing me. I promise. I just... I need to figure things out."

Thor's expression softened, but the jealousy still lingered. "I love you, Madilyn. I want to be there for you. But it's hard when I feel like I'm being replaced."

Madilyn shook her head, her tears spilling over. "You're not being replaced, Thor. I love you too. Please, just give me a little more time."

Thor sighed, pulling her into a tight embrace. "Alright. But please, don't keep me in the dark for too long. I can't bear it."

Madilyn nodded, holding him close. "I won't. I promise."

As the day turned into night, Madilyn knew she couldn't keep her secret forever. The truth would have to come out eventually, and she hoped that when it did, Thor would understand.

For now, she clung to the support of both Thor and Loki, navigating the turbulent waters of her emotions and the uncertainty of her future.

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