She didn't want to lie to Thor, but she didn't want to lose him either. They'd only seen each other a few times, and yet she'd experienced a connection with him she'd never had with another person. Something of her own. Something only for her. Something she was sure she'd never share with anyone else.
Thor guided her past an alley, and an icy shiver darted up Elle's spine. She paused to scan the silent street behind them. A hush blanketed the area, almost tangible in its stillness. The muffled buzz of voices seeped out of Frigg's place three blocks away.
“Are you okay?” Thor asked.
Elle turned towards him.
“What's wrong?” he continued, reaching into his coat pocket and withdrawing a heavy, ancient-looking hammer.
“I... I don't know,” she replied.
They moved together, inspecting each building. Elle stilled her breath, ears straining for movement.
Something creaked amidst the shadows. Thor tensed beside her; instinctively, she clutched at his arm.
“It’s nothing,” he reassured. “Probably some helspawn skulking around for easy prey. Let’s head inside.”
His eyes flickered between her and the looming structures she'd been wary of. He wrapped his arm around her waist, solid and warm, and nudged her toward The Raven Weaver’s comforting glow.
Even so, Elle noticed he didn’t holster his hammer back in his coat.
Each step carried them closer toward sanctuary, leaving behind whispers and possible enemies veiled in the gloom.
When they reached the entrance to Frigg’s bar, it felt like coming up for air after being under the bath water too long. The warmth and spices from inside hit her when Thor opened the door, and her body relaxed. She was safe. Nothing would hurt her in the Raven Weaver. Neither Thor nor Lady Frigg would allow it.
They walked halfway through the bar, surprised to find Val sitting with Loki.
Loki spotted them, and Val turned. Her gaze narrowed, and she stood, but Elle gave her a small smile, and Val stopped. Loki said something to her, and she sat back down.
She and Thor continued through the portal and up through the topside of the Raven Weaver to the lofts above. They'd reached her door before Thor put his hammer away, and the tension in his body subsided. Though he’d said whatever had made her nervous was probably nothing, his aura said otherwise.
She pushed her hair behind her ears. "Thank you for showing me your place."
He nodded. "It wasn't how I'd expected tonight to go."
"We'll have to try again." Man, she was getting bold. But somehow being with him made her bold. Strong.
"How about tomorrow? I will take you to the restaurant I like."
The memory of the alleyway came back.
"In Helheim?" She wasn’t sure she wanted to go back so soon.
"No. Up here."
Elle licked her lips. She hadn't dared to venture out anywhere besides the block the Raven Weaver occupied. "Okay."
Thor nodded. "Good."
"What should I wear?"
"Whatever you want. But definitely pants."
She nodded. "Til tomorrow night, then."
"Tomorrow." He didn’t move.
Neither did she.
