Who: Jean Grey and Thor Odinson Where: a diner What: meeting irl When: recently Warnings/Rating: no warnings Status complete
Thor smiled as he spotted a familiar face at the diner and waved a hand. “Morning, Doctor Grey.” Why she was awake at this hour and not in bed, he was not going to ask, but the all night diner was famous for never disappointing in its fare. So, here he was, after some talks about a new movie, and a flight home from Japan. And he was hungry, but he was never too busy to talk to a friend, or even an acquaintance.
“MInd if I sit here?”
He gestured to the spot next to her.
Jean looked up from her tea, blinking at Thor. “Oh, hi.” He looked familiar too. He ought to, after all. He was a rising star, and a handsome one at that. “Please feel free. I’m just unwinding after a session. One of my clients prefers to be awake at night and I don’t mind the inconvenience.”
Thor smiled at her. He settled next to her. “You are a good woman and with such an attitude, I am sure your clients will benefit from your assistance.” He shrugged as he settled in, and pondered the idea. “What led you to this line of work?” He pondered ordering an iced tea and a dinner platter with eggs and veggies.
“I saw the things my friends went through in high school and it made me want to help. I had a friend who committed suicide when I was in sophomore year.” She sipped her coffee and flagged down a waitress for Thor. “How did you get into your line of work?”
Thor nodded, listening. “Its good of you to want to help so. And sounds like something taking a great deal of strength.” He smiled as he gave his order to the waitress then turned back to Jean. “I loved the stage as a kid. Being one who understood masks and feelings, I started early, learning how to put them on and take them off. Being able to concentrate that on the stage helped a lot in those days.”
He chuckled. “And distracted my father from my more quiet pursuits of science and just learning all the things.”
“Sometimes people need to be distracted, even from something like learning about the world.” Jean said with a chuckle. “You’re quite good at it, he must be proud.”
Thor snerked. “Hardly. He doesn’t like me wasting my time with frivolities So we don’t talk a lot.” He shook his head. “I make my own family, as a result. And I am quite happy with the fact.”
“That’s important as an adult. I’m sorry that your father doesn’t value your work, but I’m glad that you still see the value in it.” She smiled softly at him. “You’ve lived an interesting life, have the dreams made it worse?”
“Worse? No, except for in a few ways. Mostly, it has only enhanced my life.” He hmmed. “But I would gladly see them all ended. If it would take away the darkness from those I know and care about…” And he chuckled. “And the occasional alien invasion, too.”
“Yes, I remember some of the strange things I experienced, and hearing that some of the other events that happened were cover ups was quite startling.” Jean shook her head. “I’m not sure I believe it, still.”
“The cover ups or the whole thing?” Thor was amused, but could understand her perspective.
“I don’t even know what to not believe anymore.” Jean said, sighing in exasperation.
Thor chuckled. “If you wish, I could answer questions if you have them? I have been around a bit. There is much I do not know, and much I do.” He smiled to her. “But how much do you want to know?”
“I don’t even know that. I think I just want to complain.” Jean chuckled sheepishly. “I’m sure I’ll be okay, it’s just a bit much right now.”
Thor smiled. “If you ever need a moment, just a moment from the fuss, call my name, and I will hear you.” He spoke it quietly. “And you will have your moment.”
Jean blinked at him a little, and then nodded. “Okay. I guess I should give up on the idea of things being normal, huh?”
Thor chuckled. “I fear you have left that behind. Though…” He hmmed. “Most of my life is normal right now. Once the weird is embraced, it takes up far less time than one might think it would.”
“I hope so.” Jean said with a sigh. “I feel like everyone expects me to be. . . like their mom or something.”
Thor nodded. “I can understand that. Fear not. I think you are smart and probably wise, but I already have a mother.” He chuckled. “You would like her and she would likely like you.”
Jean laughed and smiled at him. “I’m glad. I could definitely use another friend.”
Thor smiled at her and nodded. “Then you have one.” He held out his hand. “its a pleasure to properly make your acquaintance.” He felt like the day was coming to a very good turn.
"It's a pleasure for me to make yours." Jean said with a brilliant smile. "What's your current project?"
“I’m working on a play, in a real stage theater, and …” And he began to tell her about the play, and about some spec scripts he was reading… and he smiled. New friendships had begun odder ways.