gonna make you wonder why you even try
(Hard times) gonna take you down and laugh when you cry
(These lives) and I still don't know how I even survive
(Hard times)
(Hard times)
And I gotta get to rock bottom

-Hard Times; from Paramore

Time started to roll by in a slow manner. Things were steadily starting to fall into place, which was more than anyone could've asked for. For Opal, she was very grateful for that. It meant things weren't becoming so overwhelming. Though Jane's research was starting to take off again, she was starting to see some difficulties in getting it really going. She was struggling with some things and went to Erik for help. Selvig was, undoubtedly, helpful in getting the young scientist on the right track. The one thing that kept their lives truly interesting, however, was Thor. His limited knowledge on how things worked kept everyone on their toes. He required assistance with a lot of things, and had trouble asking in some situations. Darcy was willing to help him when it came to things like social media, Opal helped him with more practical things. By the time Saturday rolled around, and there wasn't much to do, the young mutant decided to ask Thor if he wanted to help her with grocery shopping.

"Shopping?" he asked.

"Yeah," Opal exclaimed. "Surely you have that where you're from." The last part was said as a joke. The small smile that came across Thor's face had Opal smile a little, too.

"Of course," he replied. "But not in the way you have it."

"You have me really curious about this Asgard," Opal said, pulling her tennis shoes on. "If it's real, I'd like to see it one day."

"Well, you're asking the wrong person." The sadness in Thor's voice didn't go unnoticed. "My banishment requires I never go home."

Looking over at him, the young mutant frowned deeply. She could tell that the subject bothered him, and she felt bad for bringing it up. The last thing she wanted was to hurt him in any way.

"I can tell you what it's like, however," Thor went on, "if that's all right with you."

"You don't have to, I don't want to make you upset."

The slight bewilderment that came across Thor's face was obvious, and was quickly replaced with gratefulness. "I don't mind," he said. "Asgard was my home. It is very beautiful."

"If you insist," Opal murmured, tying her shoes. "Well, if you're coming with me on my shopping trip, you'd better get ready now. I'd hate to have to carry all those heavy bags on my own."

O.O.O.O

"If I tell you about my home, do you think you could tell me something about yourself?" Thor's question caught Opal off guard. They borrowed Jane's van, with Opal driving it to the next town over. There weren't a lot of good stores in the town they lived in, a lot of the good ones being in neighboring towns. Thor sat in the passenger's seat, having been quiet for a majority of the ride. His question, on the other hand, was so abrupt, it startled the young mutant.

Glancing over at him for a moment, Opal let out a soft chuckle. "About what?" she asked. "I'm pretty sure I've told you everything about me."

"You were vague with your information," Thor responded, giving her a pointed look. "If I recall correctly, I told you very detailed stories about my family and myself, and you danced around the subject of yourself."

Shaking her head in exasperation, the young mutant let out a defeated sigh. "I guess you're right," she concluded. "I like to keep my personal life, you know, private at the best of times."

Without so much as a warning, Thor's hand reached over and gently rested on Opal's knee. It caused her to jump in surprise, not expecting the sudden physical contact.

"I care about you, Opal," Thor said, his tone serious. "Despite the time we've spent together, I feel as though I don't know you. I'd like to."

Frustratingly, a strawberry blush came across the young mutant's face. Over the time Thor stayed with the little group, Opal had grown to acknowledge she had a crush on him. She came to really pay attention to not only his physical appearance, but his attitude and behavioral changes as well. Ever since the crater site, he'd retained the calmer, less obnoxious, change. He was curious and understanding, wanting nothing more than to fit in with everyone else. Opal was happy the change seemed permanent. It really gave her a change of perspective.

Letting out a sigh, she nodded. "I get it," she said. "I'm sorry. I don't want you to feel like I don't care or anything."

Thor's hand squeezed Opal's knee. When he removed his hand, he let out a soft chuckle. "I know you do," he replied. "That's why you don't share very often. You're not an open person."

"You guessed it, big guy."

The two of them remained in silence for a couple moments. Thor was occasionally gazing out the window and glancing over at Opal. He found himself becoming very attached to her. Being without her made him feel almost empty. It was a feeling Thor couldn't stand. Hearing her voice, her laughter, just being in her presence, made him feel a sense of relief. Seeing her, touching her, reminded Thor that she was real. Opal Cunningham was working her way into his heart, he was sure of it. Back on Asgard, Thor prided himself in his romantic endeavors. He'd have the occasional one-night stand, and very rarely did he ever pursue any intimate relationships. The last relationship he had on Asgard was with Sif. He broke it off hundreds of years ago when his feelings for her ran their course. But with Opal, the feelings he was experiencing were different. They weren't based on lust or anything like that. They seemed to be deeper, more complicated. He wanted to be with her, he wanted to grow with her. Thor didn't want Opal to leave his side. Was that what love felt like? Or the beginning stages of it? It was hard to say. Thor didn't know what true love felt like, but he was certain that the longer he stayed with Opal, the more he'd figure it out.

O.O.O.O

By the time the duo made it to the supermarket, it was past midday. The sun was shining relentlessly on everyone below. It was a very hot day, without even a breeze to cool anyone off. Anyone who had air conditioning was being invaded by guests. Stores were filled with people trying to get out of the stifling heat. By the time Opal and Thor made it into the store, they let out content sighs. A thin layer of sweat formed on their skin the second they stepped out of the van. Opal was just happy she chose to wear light clothes; she could only imagine how miserable she would've been in heavier attire.

"What did you plan on getting?" Thor asked, watching as Opal got a shopping cart.

"I was going to make pasta tonight," Opal responded. "Plus stock up on any extra food I might need for the week."

"Pasta?"

A surprised look came across Opal's features. "Yeah," she exclaimed. "Spaghetti and meat-sauce. It's the one dish I can make, besides omelettes, without setting anything on fire."

"I'd love to try this dish," Thor announced. "I've come to appreciate your omelettes very much. I know this spaghetti dish will be delicious."

Giggling, Opal nodded. "I'm happy you have so much faith in me," she murmured. "I'm going to need your help with the shopping, then. Anyone who goes shopping with me does their fair share."

A look of determination came across the tall blonde's features. To him, it was a challenge. He'd do his part, no matter what.

"Alrighty then," Opal said. "I'll need you to get basil, tomatoes, and garlic. I'm going to get noodles, Italian meat, and some spices, OK?"

The determined look on Thor's face waned a little before returning. He gave a sharp nod before being directed to the produce department. Opal had to restrain from laughing, though. She could tell that Thor took what she said very seriously. It was very endearing.

"Is he your boyfriend?" The sound of a woman's voice snapped Opal out of her bubble. Glancing over, she saw a woman, probably a few years older than her, staring at Thor with a smile.

"Oh, uh, no," Opal responded. "He's my... friend."

"He's cute, I'll give you that," the woman giggled. An unpleasant feeling washed over Opal at that remark. "I'm surprised you two aren't dating, though. You've got total heart-eyes for him."

"I'm sorry, I don't think I got your name."

"Oh! I'm Paisley."

"I'm Opal."

Paisley gave a warm smile. Opal was a bit unsure about her, but chose to give a small smile in return, just to be polite. "My ex-boyfriend used to be like him," Paisley said. "Really excited and adorable."

"Yeah?" Opal responded.

Paisley nodded. "We dated for, like, two and a half years," she sighed. "Found him cheating one day. With my best friend. Last I heard, they got married and had a kid."

Opal couldn't help but grimace. Would Thor do that to her? They weren't technically dating, but would he decide, one day, to go for someone else and start a life with her? "That really sucks," she grumbled.

"Yeah. But I've moved on. I'm in a good place right now. Not really interested in dating, though."

Well that's reassuring, Opal thought sarcastically.

"I should probably head out," Paisley said. "You're probably busy. Sorry."

"Don't apologize," Opal responded. "It was nice talking to you."

"You, too." With a bright smile, Paisley headed out.

Opal couldn't help but watch her go to one of the check-out lines. There was something a bit odd about Paisley. If the two women ever ran into each other again, it'd be interesting to find out what that odd feeling was.

(A/N):

First off, sorry for the wait, my friends. I got a bit sidetracked. Second, I'm sorry for the poorly-written chapter. I tried to find something better to write, but this was the best I could come up with. If you could give some constructive criticism on it, I'd be very appreciative.

Nothing in the MCU belongs to me. All I own are my OCs, my subplots, and happiness over how the Incredibles 2 turned out. If you've got ideas for subplots or OCs, don't hesitate to let me know. I'll be sure to add them in as soon as possible.

For those of you who've seen the Incredibles 2, what'd you think of it? I'm honestly surprised it turned out so well. I was a bit nervous it wouldn't be good at all. Leave a review on your thoughts!

Also, Ant-Man and the Wasp comes out next week. How many of you are excited for that? Marvel's really been bringing a lot of hit movies lately. Infinity War and Black Panther and Deadpool, things like that. I'm really excited to see how the movie turns out. I loved the first movie and I'm hoping this one turns out good, too.

Anywho, I'll wrap this chapter up!

Thank you.

Judith W