𝕾𝖙𝖚𝖇𝖇𝖔𝖗𝖓 |Thor X Reader|

Forty-five

Chapter 45: A Cold Return

Madilyn had just managed to get Millie down for her afternoon nap when she heard the familiar sound of the elevator doors opening. Her heart leapt in her chest, a mix of anxiety and hope. It had been weeks since Thor had left on the mission, and the house had felt emptier without him. Millie's behavior had become increasingly difficult, and Madilyn was exhausted from trying to manage everything on her own.

She hurried to the living room, wiping her hands on her jeans, her mind racing with thoughts of how to greet him, what to say about their last argument, and how to make things right. But as soon as she saw Thor's face, she knew something was terribly wrong.

Thor stormed in, his expression dark and unreadable. He barely glanced at Madilyn as he moved past her, his eyes fixed ahead as if he were on a warpath. The rest of the team trailed behind him, their expressions a mix of concern and uncertainty.

"Thor, wait!" Madilyn called out, her voice trembling.

He paused briefly, his broad shoulders tensing. "Not now, Madilyn," he muttered, and continued toward his room.

Madilyn stood frozen, tears welling in her eyes. The other Avengers exchanged awkward glances, unsure of how to proceed. It was Loki who stepped forward, his usual smirk replaced with a rare look of genuine worry.

"Perhaps it's best to give him some space," Loki suggested gently.

Madilyn nodded, her throat tight with emotion. She knew Loki was right, but it didn't make the situation any easier. She turned away, heading back to Millie's room, trying to collect herself before facing her daughter again.

---

Hours later, the tower was eerily quiet. Madilyn sat in the living room, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone. Millie played on the floor nearby, her giggles a small comfort in the tense atmosphere. The door to Thor's room remained closed, a silent barrier that felt insurmountable.

Finally, as evening fell, Thor emerged. His eyes were red-rimmed, and there was a weariness in his posture that Madilyn had never seen before. He looked around the room, his gaze softening slightly when it landed on Millie. But then his eyes met Madilyn's, and the anger flared up again.

"We need to talk," Thor said, his voice low and controlled.

Madilyn nodded, her heart pounding. She picked Millie up and handed her to Natasha, who had just walked in. "Can you watch her for a bit?"

Natasha nodded, giving Madilyn an encouraging smile. "Of course."

Madilyn followed Thor to his room, every step feeling heavier than the last. Once inside, Thor closed the door and turned to face her, his expression a storm of conflicting emotions.

"I can't keep doing this," he began, his voice cracking slightly. "The constant arguing, the mistrust... It's tearing me apart."

Madilyn's eyes filled with tears. "Thor, I know. I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I love you."

Thor shook his head, his jaw clenched. "Love isn't enough, Madilyn. Not when there's so much pain and betrayal between us."

Madilyn stepped closer, reaching out to touch his arm. "We can work through this. For Millie's sake, if not for ours."

Thor looked down at her hand, his expression softening for a moment before hardening again. "I need time. Time to think, to figure out what I want."

Madilyn's heart broke at his words, but she nodded, knowing she couldn't push him. "Okay. Take all the time you need."

Thor nodded, stepping back. "I'll stay here for Millie, but I need space. Please respect that."

Madilyn swallowed her tears and nodded again. "I will. I promise."

As she left his room, the weight of their conversation settled heavily on her shoulders. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but for the sake of their daughter, she was willing to do whatever it took to make things right.

---

Madilyn spent the next few days trying to keep herself busy. She poured her energy into caring for Millie, who seemed to sense the tension and became even more clingy and irritable. It was heartbreaking to see her daughter so affected by the strain in her parents' relationship.

Thor kept his distance, spending most of his time training or working with the other Avengers. The house felt like a battlefield, with Madilyn and Thor circling each other warily, both afraid to make the first move.

One evening, Madilyn found herself alone in the kitchen, washing dishes and trying to hold back tears. She missed the easy laughter and warmth that used to fill their home. She missed Thor's reassuring presence, the way he used to hold her and make her feel like everything would be okay.

As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Loki standing behind her, his expression uncharacteristically serious.

"Madilyn," he said softly, "You can't keep blaming yourself for everything. Thor has his own demons to face."

Madilyn nodded, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. "I know, but it doesn't make it any easier."

Loki sighed, his eyes reflecting a rare moment of empathy. "No, it doesn't. But you have to stay strong. For Millie, and for yourself."

Madilyn managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Loki. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Loki gave her a small, reassuring smile. "You'll get through this. You both will."

As he walked away, Madilyn felt a glimmer of hope. She knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but with the support of her friends and the love she had for her family, she believed they could find a way to heal and move forward.