Part 26: the thunders truth

The wind had picked up just slightly, lifting loose strands of Emery's hair as she leaned over the rooftop railing again. The city glittered below like someone had spilled stardust across the horizon.The door creaked open behind her, but she didn't flinch.

Heavy, unmistakable footsteps followed. She smiled softly.

"I thought you'd still be dancing," she said, not turning around.

Thor came to stand beside her, his presence broad and comforting, like standing near a storm that had decided to be kind for once.

"Celebrating is different when you've lived thousands of years," he said lightly. "Besides, I was hoping for a moment with you."

She glanced up at him, and he was already watching her.

There was no expectation in his gaze. No judgment. Just... understanding. And care.

"You gave quite the speech today," he said gently.

"I almost threw up before walking up there."

He chuckled, deep and warm. "Then you're braver than most warriors I've known."

A beat passed. Emery toyed with the edge of her empty champagne flute.

"I thought you might come find me," she said softly.

Thor raised a brow. "Did you want me to?"

"I... don't know." She looked down. "I think I needed to be honest with someone."

His expression grew more serious. He waited.

"I care about you, Thor," she said, voice low but steady. "So much. You've been this... constant presence in all the chaos. A light when I didn't realize I needed one."

He nodded, watching her closely.

"But I can't... I don't think I can offer you what you might want. I wish I could. You deserve someone who can give you everything, not someone still trying to figure herself out."

Thor didn't flinch. Didn't scowl or look away. Instead, he reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, gentle.

"And is it Barnes?" he asked, not unkindly.

She hesitated.

Her voice was barely a whisper. "I think it's always been him... even when I didn't know it."

Thor smiled faintly, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. Not out of pain - out of understanding. Acceptance.

"You do not need to apologize, Emery. You've always led with your heart, even when you tried to hide it. It is one of the reasons I-" He stopped himself. "It is one of the reasons I respect you."

She blinked quickly, throat tightening.

"I don't want to lose our friendship," she said.

"You won't," he promised. "You are not so easily rid of a god."

That made her laugh, even as tears stung her lashes. She reached out and hugged him - tightly, sincerely - and Thor's arms wrapped around her like a shield.

"Go to him," Thor said into her hair. "He looks at you like a man who's been waiting to breathe again."

She pulled back slightly, searching his face. "And you?"

"I will be fine," he said. "As long as you are happy. That's all I need."

She kissed his cheek, grateful and aching.

"Thank you," she whispered.

He winked. "Besides, I think Lady Sif would murder me if I kept mooning over a mortal."

Emery laughed again, and this time it was brighter. Lighter.

Thor gave her one last squeeze and turned back toward the Tower, leaving her alone with the moon and her heartbeat.

But this time, she wasn't running from it.

She was ready. But before she could run to Bucky. Loki needed the truth too.

But for tonight or maybe just the rest of the party she wanted to enjoy.