Young God | L. Laufeyson

51. What Heroes do

"I feel nauseous. God, it's a miracle that Thor made it out alive." Aurora's still shaking when she thinks of how the Hulk beat the blonde God violently up, now more than happy that Valkyrie made her look away. "Can we go to him? Please? I need to make sure he's okay."

"I'll take Hulk to his training now, so that may work out. Just don't let the Grandmaster know." She nods agreeing, the weapon carried on her shoulder. Valkyrie has let her stay over night at her place since the auburn-haired girl didn't want to go back to Loki due to their relationship problem and different opinion. Brunnhilde doesn't understand how someone like Loki deserves someone like Aurora but she probably never will.

"Aurora, dear!" The Grandmaster catches the two on the corridor, next to him are Topaz and Loki. Aurora tries her best to ignore Loki's glare at her being with Valkyrie. "I was so surprised not to see you at the party yesterday, how did you like the fight?"

"It was really entertaining, Grandmaster." She forces a smile and he grins approving.

"See, Topaz, I knew she'd like it." He nudges his trustworthy right hand. "Why haven't you been with Loki, don't you like the love suite?"

"Oh, I do." Aurora notices how Loki tenses up but she has to focus on Thor now if they want to save Asgard. "I just got caught up with Korg yesterday and lost track of time. Now I'd love to watch the Hulk training. He's... a quite unique champion."

"Very well, enjoy your free time before we meet up to talk about producing some new weapons, alright?" His demand almost disgusts Aurora but she nods nonetheless since he has no idea about the escape plan yet. She at least prefers him to his brother, the Collector, although both encourage slavery.

"Of course!" She answers as he and Topaz leave, Loki stays behind to talk to her briefly while Valkyrie waits in the corner for her.

"Are you really going to see Thor?" His tone is anything but pleasant.

"Why, am I not allowed to help your brother because you're jealous?" Aurora almost glares at him, he has no right to be jealous now. "Hela has been on Asgard for probably weeks now, who knows since the time here on Sakaar works differently! I have to act as fast as possible."

"For the first time in my life, it's not Thor who I'm envious of." Loki only states and his words clearly refer to Valkyrie.

"That's ridiculous, she's only a friend who at least helps me compared to the person I love the most in the whole universe." Instead of anger, only pure disappointment covers her face. "Just stop this nonsense, Loki. I thought you loved me for what I stand up for, you are supposed to support me. I once also stood up for you."

He thought it couldn't get worse but it just did. The only thing that is more unbearable to watch than Aurora crying is her being disappointed in him. His whole life, he's felt like a failure. He doesn't want to be hers. Of course, Aurora knows what his silence means and she sighs, going on her tiptoes to kiss him tenderly on the cheek.

"I'll see you later, Odinson." With these words, Aurora leaves with Valkyrie and they take the elevator to Hulk's apartment. While the auburn-haired girl is quiet for once, Brunnhilde looks at her with some concern.

They arrive on the floor and pass the guards with the help of Valkyrie's nod. The Hulk is already wearing his armor and he actually seems to like Brunnhilde as she smiles at him. "Hey, big guy."

"Angry girl." He greets her back and Aurora stares with amazement at the Incredible Hulk. The green monster looks down at her but she's not scared a bit, even after watching how brutal he can become. She waves at him and he doesn't seem to mind her. "Friend?"