Chapter 20: Breaking Point
The tension in Avengers Tower was palpable. Thor's frustration had been simmering for days, and it finally boiled over during a team meeting. Everyone was gathered in the conference room, discussing their latest mission and future plans, but Thor's mind was elsewhere. He could barely focus on the conversation, his thoughts constantly drifting back to Madilyn and the time she spent with Loki.
"Thor," Steve called, breaking through Thor's brooding thoughts. "You okay, man? You seem distracted."
Thor clenched his fists, trying to suppress his rising anger. "It's Madilyn," he admitted, his voice strained. "She barely talks to me anymore. She spends all her time with Loki."
Tony raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you're jealous of Loki?"
Thor glared at him, the crackling energy in his eyes reflecting his barely controlled rage. "Jealousy has nothing to do with it, Stark. It's about trust and respect. She's shutting me out, and I don't know why."
Bruce looked thoughtful. "Have you tried talking to her about it?"
Thor's grip tightened on the edge of the table. "I've tried. She keeps saying she needs time, but I don't understand what's changed. Loki seems to be the only one she confides in now."
Natasha, always perceptive, leaned forward. "There's clearly something she's struggling with, Thor. Maybe you need to give her the space she's asking for."
Thor's temper flared at Natasha's suggestion. "How can I give her space when I don't even know what's wrong? When she won't tell me anything?"
Clint interjected, trying to diffuse the situation. "Look, man, we all care about Madilyn. But pushing her might not help. Maybe-"
Thor slammed his fist on the table, his patience snapping. "Enough! I'm tired of everyone telling me to back off. I love her, and I can't just stand by while she pulls away!"
With that, Thor stormed out of the room, his frustration boiling over. He needed to confront Madilyn directly, to get to the bottom of whatever was going on.
He found her in the living room, sitting on the couch with a book. She looked up as he entered, her eyes widening at the sight of his fury.
"Thor, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Thor's eyes blazed with anger. "What's wrong? You're asking me what's wrong? You've been avoiding me, Madilyn. You spend all your time with Loki, and you won't even talk to me!"
Madilyn's heart pounded in her chest. "Thor, please, calm down. It's not what you think."
"Then what is it?" Thor shouted, his voice echoing through the room. "Why are you shutting me out? Why do you trust Loki more than me?"
Tears welled up in Madilyn's eyes, but she tried to hold her ground. "It's not about trust, Thor. I just... I need time to sort things out."
"Time?" Thor repeated bitterly. "Time for what? To push me away further? To replace me with my brother?"
Madilyn's tears spilled over, and she shook her head. "No, Thor, that's not it at all. I love you, but I'm going through something right now, and I don't know how to handle it!"
Thor's anger was a raging storm. "Then tell me! Let me help you! But you won't, will you? You'd rather turn to Loki!"
Madilyn's voice broke. "Because he understands! He's been where I am! He doesn't judge me!"
Thor's heart ached, but his pride and anger wouldn't let him back down. "Fine. If you don't want me, then leave me alone. Go to Loki if that's what you want!"
Madilyn's sobs shook her body as Thor's words cut deep. She watched him turn and storm out of the room, his anger leaving a palpable chill in the air.
Feeling utterly shattered, Madilyn sought solace in the one person who had been her rock through this turmoil. She found Loki in his room, his expression softening as he saw her tear-streaked face.
"Madilyn," he said gently, opening his arms to her.
She rushed into his embrace, her sobs muffled against his chest. "Loki, I don't know what to do. Thor hates me now."
Loki held her tightly, his own heart aching at her distress. "He doesn't hate you, Madilyn. He's just hurt and confused. But right now, you need to take care of yourself."
They sat on the edge of his bed, and Loki stroked her hair, offering the comfort she so desperately needed. "You're not alone," he whispered. "I'm here for you, always."
Madilyn looked up at him, her eyes red from crying. "Thank you, Loki. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Loki's heart ached with empathy. "You're stronger than you think, Madilyn. And whatever happens, you'll get through this."
They lay down together, Madilyn's head resting on Loki's chest. His steady heartbeat and gentle touch eased her troubled mind. As she drifted off to sleep, she felt a flicker of hope amidst the turmoil.
For that night, at least, she found a small measure of peace in Loki's arms, his presence a balm to her wounded heart. But the storm was far from over, and she knew the days ahead would test her strength and resolve like never before.
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𝕾𝖙𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓 |Thor X Reader|
Fanfiction**Description:** In a world where gods walk among mortals, Madilyn Stark navigates the complexities of love, family, and duty. As the daughter of the brilliant and overprotective Tony Stark, Madilyn finds herself drawn into the epic realm of Asgardi...