Chapter 12
12
Tony was surprised when Friday reported no fight between the gods. There had not even been any argument, as far as she could hear. What the mortals did not understand was that Luka had shut Thor down before he got to say one word.
The moment the elevator doors closed behind them, she lifted one hand, muting their conversation, and growled in his face. “I was not aware I was to be confined to this single building for my entire time here, Thunderer. Nor was I given to understand that I must get your approval for everything I decide to do. You never said. Am I to be your prisoner here, as I was your father’s on Asgard?” Luka was furious, tired of his hovering and too careful minding of her.
“I am sorry it appears so, elskan minn. I worry about you. I cannot help it. You mean too much to me. I fear losing you again.” Thor apologised, head lowered, a concerned frown on his handsome face.
“Make up your mind, Thor. Either tell me what you so fear that makes you smother me, or leave me alone to heal in my own way.” She huffed in frustration, shaking her head and looking away from him. His face reflected such sadness, she could not bear to see it.
“I cannot, hjarta minn! The healers insisted it would break your mind. I will not lose you to madness again, Luka. Do not ask this of me, please, minn dyr ein!” He nearly sobbed.
“At least tell me if it was something that happened, something I learned, or something I did!”
Thor sighed, defeated. “All of that. And in that order. Don’t ask for more. Please, minn svass. This is as difficult for me as it is for you. I know you do not understand and that frustrates you. If you were to gain all your memories too quickly, it would change you. You would not be you any more.”
At the goddess’ shocked expression, Thor gasped and covered his face. He’d said too much. He knew it when she hissed at him. “Madness? I don’t remember that. I do remember rage. Rage and pain so intense I could not think clearly. What did I do, my Prince? What caused your father to find me so dangerous, he buried me beneath the citadel and stripped my mind from me?”
“I can’t...” Thor started.
She screamed at him, “Tell me!” When he shook his head, she vanished. Thor moaned, he thought she had forgotten how.
Hoping he was not wrong, the big blond god quietly asked the air. “Lady Friday? Can you see Luka? Is she still in the Tower?”
“She is, Thor. Your lady has returned to your apartment. She seems to be running a bath.”
“Oh, thank the Nornir!” Thor ran his hands through his hair. “Thank you, Lady Friday! You have eased my mind greatly.”
“You are welcome. She appears quite angry with you at the moment. Might I suggest leaving her alone to calm down and relax for a little while? You might wish to find some small token for her when you do confront her again.”
“An excellent suggestion! I will do so. Thank you again,” he gushed.
“It usually worked for Boss and Pepper,” the AI smirked.
Books, Thor thought, books were always welcome. But what subject? He wandered onto the communal floor while he ruminated. Bruce came in for tea, and seeing Thor staring at the toaster, poptarts in hand, he smiled. Poor guy had forgotten how it worked again.
“Here, let me get that for you.” The doc gently took the pastries from the god’s hand and popped them in the slots. He pressed down the lever, setting the timer on medium.
“Oh, thank you, Banner. I was lost in thought,” Thor smiled. He took a deep breath and scrubbed his hand over his face.
“What’s up, Thor? Anything I can help with? Is Luka alright?”
“Aye. I do not know, but I hope you might. Luka is... angry with me. She feels I ‘smother’ her. She wants me to tell her why she cannot remember her injury. I have been warned by our healers not to tell her as it may traumatise her severely, even to breaking her mind. When, if, she does remember fully, it will change her. I do not know what to do.”
“You’re caught in the middle. Not a good place to be. I know she’ll not want to hear it, but you might try counselling patience. The memories will return in time. When her mind is ready to accept and understand. Or she won’t remember and will have to accept that. I could give you some books on psychology, cognitive neuroscience actually. It should help explain what she’s going through.”
“That would be most appreciated, my friend. Lady Friday suggested I bring Luka some small gift to ameliorate her pique. I was just thinking how she always enjoyed books, but I had no idea what to choose.” Thor clapped Banner on the back, nearly knocking him down. “You have solved two problems together for me!”
“Well, let’s go get them and you can give them to her. My floor is on the way.” Bruce rolled his shoulder to ease the sting of the god’s ‘pat.’
Luka was wary, ready to argue with her adopted brother. He quickly explained the books were from both himself and Banner. She softened after hearing that while the gift was Thor’s idea, the actual present came from the doctor’s library.
“I am going to bathe and then take a nap. When I wake, I shall read until dinner. Will we be joining any of your shield mates or supping here?”
“Only Banner and Tony are in residence today, as far as I am aware,” Thor responded. “We might see if either wish to join us here or we could go to the main dining hall. Whichever you prefer, kaereste. Or we could stay by ourselves if you wish quiet.” The blond waited anxiously for her answer. He really hoped she would want company. He was afraid of another argument if they remained alone.
“I think I shall be ready for a different view by the time we can eat, Storm King. See if either of your friends are amenable. I will even cook.” She smiled.
*
Dinner went well, with pleasant conversation and good wine from Tony’s cellar. Thor stayed with the guys to watch some sports competition. Luka returned to his rooms to read more. She had thanked Bruce for the loan, actually giving one of the books back, as she had already finished it. Done with the others before the Thunderer came back, she went online to find more information regarding her illness.
The following week passed without incident. Luka remained sequestered in Thor’s apartment. She did sometimes join the others for meals, but not if Hawkeye was in house. She had gotten a flash of his thoughts when their hands touched that first meeting and it spooked her. He was positive they had met before. She knew what he felt; such intense loyalty came only from intimate contact.
No one had thought to restrict Luka’s internet access, so she was free to search out information on any subject. It started with her looking for more research into her amnesia and treatment methods. She relearned to meditate, clearing extraneous thoughts, calming emotions, and gaining focus. It did help her, at least at first. She stopped having nightmares so often.