FINAL CHAPTER! W00T, I actually finished a multi-chapter fic! This is actually a tremendous accomplishment for me ^.^

Hope you all enjoyed this little mini-adventure of Thor's!

See End Notes for more rambling! ;)

"I cannot believe that I just bartered my helm away for you, creature. You had best hope Jane finds you as adorable as I."

Thor shifted the tiny animal, and it emitted a small sound in response to his voice. He had detached the cape from his armor and bundled it in his arms, and the furry infant had burrowed its way within the soft crimson fabric. The thunder god both smiled and shook his head.

He did not know if the thing was afraid of him, or of the attention surrounding him as he made his way back through town towards Jane's home.

Mid-afternoon had set, and Thor realized he had taken more time in the pet store than he had initially anticipated.

It had taken him some time to choose amongst the various furry and feathered companions being shown to him. And when he had finally settled, when he was confident he had found the perfect gift, the perfect companion for his mortal friend (or…whatever else Jane was…or could be….), he had run into a separate problem.

Compensation.

The boy had come dangerously close to enraging him when Thor had declared he had no 'dollars' to pay him with.

The brat had laughed at him. And refused to give up the creature.

And then, upon reflection, Thor looked down at the countertop and noticed something striking. Despite this boy's arrogance…

He had an apparent interest in Asgaard.

A colorful booklet rested amongst the scattered mess that was the counter, and on the cover, Thor could easily make out what was supposed to be an artist's rendition of himself. His father Odin was portrayed as well. Thor saw his name in bold and exciting letters. Was this the 'comic' Darcy had mentioned?

Tapping his head, an idea struck him. The cool metal of his battle helm met his fingers and Thor remembered he had worn it to…well…make a good impression when offering his apologies to Jane.

He offered the golden helmet to the boy as a form of payment.

And walked out of the store victorious.

Now making his way to the edge of town, Thor smiled to himself and gently shifted the animal again.

There was no battle his might could not win.

The silver gleam of Jane's 'trailer' met his eye.

Finally.

He would see her again.

"Hello, Jane."

His grin grew toothy as she sprung from her place in the 'lawn chair', whirling around to meet his eyes.

His smile conveyed sheer joy, yet his heart thudded against the inside of his chest. When had he become so nervous? When did he ever become nervous?

Since Jane Foster had humbled him with her strong will and brilliant eyes.

She was against him before he could blink, arms wrapped around his shoulders, tangling together behind his neck.

With her adorably short stature, he knew she was on the tips of her toes, reaching high to press her cheek into the curve of his neck.

She smelled faintly of the smoke from the nearby fire, and also of the cleanser she used in her hair. Shampoo, they called it? It smelled like flowers.

Thor wondered if he was getting dizzy from the scent or from the pure pleasure of being able to see and touch her again.

Probably both.

His free arm wrapped around her waist, and his eyes roamed when she pulled back to look at him. He was relieved to see her smiling. A blush had formed on her cheeks.

Her head ducked slightly to hide it.

He loved it when she did that….

"Hi…" Her voice came out small, and in it he could hear her own nerves.

He did not fight the chuckle when it threatened to form in his throat.

"Jane…it is good to see you again. I'm sorry to have taken so long to return…more sorry than you could know. And while I have an explanation…it does not excuse my tardiness entirely…."

Even as he spoke she was shaking her head, her smile growing.

"Thor, I'm just happy that…."

He saw her freeze when a sound was emitted from within his cape. Movement against her arm caused her to jump back slightly. It was only then she had taken notice of what he had in his arms.

"Do not be alarmed. I met Darcy in town, and she told me you had celebrated your day of birth recently. I regret missing this important day, so much that I could not face you empty-handed. I brought this for you...a gift…" He unfolded the red cloth.

The orange and white kitten that poked its head from its hiding place squinted in the sudden light.

Thor smiled when Jane's hands immediately moved forward to pick it up.

She laughed slightly when it mewled at the contact.

"Thor…where did you...?" The question in her eyes was not condemning, but he felt obligated to explain nonetheless.

"The pet store, of course. I assure you, I did not take it without payment. The boy told me that women adored tiny animals. He said this was…a kitten? Does it please you?"

Never before had the mighty god of thunder asked anyone such a question.

Before his time on earth, doing so would have bothered him greatly.

But not now…not with Jane Foster's brown eyes softening at his apparent unease.

"It's the most adorable thing I've ever seen. I love him." Her eyes never left his, and for a moment Thor wondered which 'him' she was talking about….

Steadying the tiny kitten against her shoulder, she leaned forward and he welcomed her brief but searing kiss.

His teeth flashed. He had done well.

"So…what shall you call him?"

He reached forward to run a finger along the animal's head, and it mewled again before reaching a paw into the air to bat at it.

Jane seemed to be pondering his question, and in the minute it took her to decide, the kitten had crawled onto her shoulder to gain a better vantage point from which to spar with Thor's hand. The small claws pricked his skin.

He liked the creature's spirit.

"Lion-O."

He had begun re-attaching his cape to his armor when the strange title left her mouth.

It was unlike any name he had heard during his time on Midgaard.

The look he gave her must have been quizzical. Her laugh was easy and her skin warm when she took his hand.

"Come on. We'll need to call Coulson and let him know you're here. And while we're waiting, I can introduce you to one of my favorite old T.V shows."

Ah, the 'television'. He remembered the fascinating invention from before, in the 'diner' where he had sampled….

"Will there be coffee?"

End.

End Notes: Okay, quick trivia! Can anyone tell me why Jane named the kitten Lion-O? It's a very silly reason, but if you think about it you'll get it! Review and let me know what you think!