Dog Days

Chapter 77

We landed on a little landing strip on 34th street. From there, we get into an SUV and wait through traffic for an hour.

It probably would've been faster to just walk.

We eventually got to Stark Tower, only to pull into a garage. As I pull my bag out of the back of the SUV, she sighs "I'm hoping he's out of surgery, now."

I close the hatchback and look to her "How long do you think until he's awake?"

She shrugs "Maybe not until tomorrow."

She leads me to a stairwell and states "We have to go through the stairwell, because there's no elevator to the underground parking on this side." As we reach the ground floor, she steps out of the stairwell and leads me into the reception area pf the building.

She calls out "Jarvis? Where is everyone?"

Jarvis, what sounds to be an artificial intelligence assistant, speaks softly "Mobius, Captain Steve Rogers, and B-15 are in the lounge on level thirty-four. Fury is in the gallery of OR two. Grandmaster is in his private chambers. Mister Stark is in OR two, currently operating on the spine of Loki Laufeyson. Who, may I ask, is with you?"

Natasha steps into the elevator and I follow behind her as she states "This is Staff Sergeant Thor Odinson."

Jarvis speaks calmly "What is Staff Sergeant Thor Odinson's reason for being here?"

Natasha sighs "He's Loki's boyfriend."

Jarvis doesn't hesitate "Welcome, Staff Sergeant Thor Odinson."

I clear my throat and ask Natasha "Is he really going to call me that, every time?"

She smiles and Jarvis asks "What would you prefer, sir?"

I furrow my brow as she selects level thirty-four "Thor is fine, Jarvis."

He replies, simply "Alright, Thor. Welcome to Stark Tower. I'm the personal assistant to Tony Stark. During your stay, here, I am here to help if you need anything."

I speak to him, kindly "Thank you, Jarvis."

He replies, simply "You're welcome, Thor."

As the elevator doors open, I hear a familiar patriotic voice state "I wonder if Natasha is back, yet."

Natasha sighs as she steps off the elevator "Steve Rogers, you really time that, right."

As we step into the lounge, I find a kitchenette bar and a few couches around an entertainment center. There's a balcony off the side.

Steve sits up on the couch and his face goes stern "Why didn't you pick up the phone?"

I take a deep breath and look towards Natasha "I'm going to go sit outside and call my sister. Let her know I made it."

She gives me a short nod and pats my shoulder "Go relax. It's been a rough week."

She winks at me and I hum, before stepping outside. As I close the door, I hear Steve hiss "What is wrong with him? Playboy is alive! He should be happy!"

I step down a few steps and just take a seat on the stairs. I call Hela, only for her to pick up immediately "Hey, Thor! Is everything alright?"

My body trembles as I explain "He's still in surgery. They're working on his spine. My brain doesn't want to process anything, and I'm kinda freaking out."

She sighs "Go to your bag and look for a pair of white socks."

I furrow my brow as I toss my bag in front of me and open it up "Why?"