Hulk and His Priestess

Chapter 39: Beneath the Surface

Chapter 39: Beneath the Surface

The botanical gardens were quieter than Emiko had expected.

She had imagined that a place belonging to New York City would be filled with people, particularly on such a beautiful morning, but the gardens were peaceful. The sounds of the city seemed distant here, softened by the trees and carefully cultivated flower beds that surrounded the winding paths. Sunlight filtered through the branches overhead, casting shifting patterns across the stone walkway.

Emiko walked beside Thor, her fingers loosely wrapped around the strap of her purse as she took in her surroundings. The gardens were beautiful, but what surprised her most was the man walking beside her.

Thor had been remarkably quiet.

At the Compound, he had been larger than life, his booming laughter and stories filling whatever room he happened to occupy. He carried himself with the confidence of someone who had spent thousands of years knowing exactly who he was and what he represented.

Here, however, he seemed different.

More relaxed.

More attentive.

He wasn't trying to impress her with tales of battles or royal accomplishments. Instead, he had asked her about herself.

Her childhood.

Her life in Japan.

Her family.

Her interests.

Emiko found herself smiling as she answered his questions.

"You have lived in America for some time now?" Thor asked as they followed a path bordered by roses.

"On and off," Emiko replied. "I spent most of my life in Japan, but Kagome has always had a way of pulling me into adventures I never expected."

Thor chuckled warmly.

"That sounds like your daughter."

Emiko smiled fondly.

"Yes. Kagome has always been that way. Even when she was little, she had a habit of finding trouble."

Thor glanced at her with amusement.

"Surely she was not the only one responsible for such things."

Emiko laughed softly.

"No. I suppose I can't blame everything on her."

They continued walking, and Emiko found herself becoming more comfortable in his presence.

There was something unexpectedly easy about talking to Thor.

Perhaps it was because he didn't treat her like Kagome's mother.

He didn't constantly compare her to someone else or speak to her only because of her connection to the Avengers. He seemed genuinely interested in her.

That realization warmed her.

Thor eventually led her to a quieter part of the gardens, where a small pond reflected the blue sky above. Ducks moved lazily across the water while a gentle breeze stirred the surrounding reeds.

Emiko stopped near the edge of the pond.

"This is beautiful."

Thor watched her rather than the scenery.

"I thought you might enjoy it."

She turned toward him.

"You remembered."