Hulk and His Priestess

Chapter 38: Divine Courtship

Chapter 38:

Divine Courtship

The following morning, Kagome woke slowly to the comforting scent of coffee and pancakes drifting through the Compound.

For a few quiet moments, she remained curled beneath the blankets, warm and content as she listened to the distant sounds echoing faintly from the communal area. Somewhere beyond their bedroom walls, dishes clinked together softly while muffled voices carried through the hallway. Someone laughed loudly enough that she recognized Tony immediately.

A sleepy smile touched Kagome's lips.

Beside her, Bruce's side of the bed was already empty, though the sheets still held the warmth of his body. Kagome rolled onto her back with a soft sigh and rested a hand over her stomach.

"Well," she murmured quietly, "I suppose your daddy abandoned us for pancakes."

The thought made her smile wider. She could practically imagine Hulk's enthusiasm over breakfast food. Ever since Bruce and Hulk had finally come to an understanding with one another, Bruce had become far more vocal about Hulk's thoughts and opinions. Sometimes it still amused her how simple some of Hulk's concerns were.

Food.
Sunshine.
Her.

Kagome's expression softened at the thought before she finally pushed herself out of bed.

A short while later, dressed in a soft lavender sweater dress with her long dark hair brushed loose around her shoulders, Kagome stepped into the hallway. The closer she got to the kitchen, the stronger the smell of breakfast became.

Coffee.

Maple syrup.

Bacon.

And...

Kagome slowed slightly.

"...Cologne?"

Not just a little either.

An alarming amount.

Confused, Kagome stepped into the communal kitchen and immediately stopped short.

Everyone was gathered around the large dining table, though no one appeared particularly focused on breakfast. Tony sat hunched over his coffee mug, looking like he was seconds away from laughing himself unconscious, while Clint outright hid his face behind one hand, his shoulders shaking suspiciously. Sam looked no better, and even Rhodey seemed deeply entertained by whatever was happening.

Steve, meanwhile, looked confused in the way only Steve Rogers could look confused. Calmly confused. Respectfully confused.

Kagome's gaze slowly drifted toward the source of everyone's attention.

And blinked.

Thor stood near the kitchen island, looking as though he were preparing for a royal ceremony rather than breakfast.

His dark blue tunic and armor had clearly been polished recently, gleaming beneath the morning sunlight pouring through the windows. His golden hair had been neatly braided back from his face, and there was not a wrinkle anywhere on him. Even his boots looked freshly cleaned.

And in his enormous hands rested a bouquet of unfamiliar flowers.

Kagome stared.

The blossoms shimmered faintly silver and pale blue beneath the light, delicate frost-like patterns curling along the edges of the petals. They were beautiful. Otherworldly.

Bruce looked over from the stove where he was making pancakes, and the moment he saw Kagome's expression, he closed his eyes briefly before pinching the bridge of his nose.