Chapter Text
i.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: Souvenirs from New York
Content:
Hey Thor. This is Bruce. You said to send a raven. So I tried sending this to the nearest post-office. Turns out they don't send to New Asgard yet. I don't know if this will reach you, but I know you don't currently have a phone either.. I asked Valkyrie to deliver it. I hope she does.
You know, after Sakaar and all, I just wanted to wish you well. I doubt I could go to New Asgard, but I'm sure it's beautiful. Valkyrie said she's the new King, is that true? I can't believe you handed it over to her, man! That's funny, I mean, not in like a bad way, it's just kind of funny.
Things here are.. complicated. The others sort of need me, I guess what's left of them do. After that civil-war thing, dude? You won't believe it. They broke up like a band!
Also. For your housewarming gift since I couldn't make it. I got you fine bone china tableware for your new home. Bought it from an antique shop in New York, oh wow man, they had all sorts of things! I'll tell you everything about it if you write back.
Let's keep in touch?
B.B.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
Greetings, Banner.
Your letter has been received well. Granted Valkyrie had delivered it to me, and yes, she is now King. New Asgard had needed a new leader, I unfortunately no longer fits that role. Rest assured she is a strong-independent woman who is taking care of Asgard well. How fares the Avengers? I would love to pay a visit or tribute after everything had happened, but I can neither. My duty calls. There is a lot to be fixed, and if not, a lot to unpack.
We are planning funerals for the fallen, to commemorate their path to Valhalla.
It is also a good opportunity for me to leave my house sometimes. The air here is much cleaner than in New York, by the Norns, how do you Midgardians live in such polluted air there? I had remembered my last time in New York. The air was brittle, it must be a health risk to breathe in there.
I have received your souvenirs. These porcelains seems to be reflecting more shine than Mjolnir after a good rinse. Thank you, Banner. They will be great companions for when I eat. Their durability matches yours, I promise to keep them safe with me.
Sincerely,
Thor Odinson.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: Cost of living in New York..
Content:
I'm happy to know you've replied to me! I hadn't expected you to be this quick, actually.
I'm really honored, Thor. Everyone seems kind of troubled here. It's getting to me, like this bad feeling. Do you feel it too?
And I swear it's not New York's pollution. I used to live in Ohio, I'm practically immune to the smog. It's great to know Asgard is adapting well! You're really selfless for providing them aid, I know you need some too. So I'm here whenever you need me, okay? I mean it, Thor. I hope you will take advantage of my offer, and maybe get some rest. You sound like you need it.
Valkyrie said she's unbribeable now. Bummer. I guess I'll pay extra for the expedition from New York to Norway.
I don't regret it.
Talk soon,
B.B.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
You are a grace to communicate with, Banner. I will do my best not to lose contact.
I see. Valkyrie has been brooding more frequently lately, I presume it is due to the relocation. As for me, Loki, Korg and Miek have found no disturbance back here. There is this nagging feeling which tells me Loki may be keeping something from me. I am sure nothing could have survived Surtur back in Asgard, though. Like me, you should trust your instinct, Banner. Even if our thoughts are different, it does not mean it is false.
Thank you for your kind words and reassurance, without doubt, I will take them to heart.
Are you perhaps free this Tuesday? I would like to see you.
With appreciation,
Thor Odinson.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
If Tuesday does not work. I understand.
I apologize for the second letter, the last did not include this book I wanted to give you. You had said reading gave you peace. I want you to feel peace amidst this uncertainty and my absence. It is one of the few remaining books brought from Asgard.
Warm regards,
Thor Odinson.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: Book received
Content:
Hey Thor, I don't have any problems on Tuesday. Let's meet up and chat.
Thanks for the book! It's in an entirely ancient language which I don't speak, but it'll be good learning material. The fabric is.. interesting. I want to know more about its history when you arrive here. It's getting a little lonely.
Tony keeps on saying he's fine, but I don't believe him. I guess everyone is just pretending these days. I've been focusing more on my work lately. There's this thesis I'm working on right now. I know you won't understand it, I still would love to share it with you.
Take care,
B.B.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
Even if it is beyond my understanding, Bruce, I would like to hear about your passion. Sadly I have to cut this letter short. It seems Korg has gotten himself in a predicament and needs my help. I will see you Tuesday.
Sincerely,
Thor Odinson.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Greenwich Village, Manhattan. New York
Title: Letter for Thor Odinson
Content:
Hi Thor. Sorry for the delay in updates. Something happened here, I had to leave for a moment. I'll be back on the compound soon.
You were right on trusting my gut. It's a disaster. The Avengers got it handled, Steve returned with a beard. It was kind of sick seeing them all back together. But it's not us without you. My instinct is telling me to meet. I'll be there when you need me.
All the best,
Bruce Banner.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
Sakaar hasn't left my mind, Bruce. I came to the compound to find you, but you weren't there.
Natasha told me you haven't been back since days ago. I don't know where the rest are. I have to come back to New Asgard now. I did not dare to leave without placing a letter on your desk.
Where are you? Are you safe? Please let me know.
Sincerely,
Thor Odinson.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: Sorry
Content:
I'm sorry this letter took a few days to send. I had a lot to process.
Thor, I didn't mean to disappear. Everything felt overwhelming in the compound so I booked a stay in Greenwich. Then I saw Strange and Tony arguing just outside. There were monsters, Thanos's. I couldn't stop thinking about them, about Hulk. I was there when they attacked. I don't understand what's happening. Hulk refused to resurface, explosions came. I tried to brush this all off, focus on Steve and the others' return, but I can't.
I know about Loki's death.
You have all the right to be mad at me. I should've been there for you, instead of hiding in this building. Like you were there for me.
I don't deserve you, Thor. What you deserve is someone stronger, more capable of shouldering you instead of me. You need to stay strong. People are counting on you, and I don't want to burden you anymore.
For the best,
Bruce Banner.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
I'm going to Nidavellir, Bruce.
If you wish not to see me, I respect your decision. I don't know when I could reply to your letter. This might be the last you hear of me, I had hoped we could face each other before all of this happened.
These fellows, they call themselves the Guardians of Galaxy. I will have to go with them for a while. To forge a new weapon and avenge my Brother.
And do not dispute these nonsense. You are just as worthy of care as anybody else. When I come back, I will show you. If you could just allow yourself this. Us. Then I vow to return to you in one piece, even if it is the last oath I make. I know you're there, Bruce. So is fear, but you're the strongest person I know. All you need is courage. Can you show me that?
I can wait until tomorrow for your answer.
Urgent,
Thor Odinson.
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Post Office
Title: Letter to Thor
Content:
I can't
To: Thor Odinson
From: R. Bruce Banner
Origin: Upstate, New York. Avengers Compound
Title: After the war...
Content:
Seeing you on the battlefield made me really happy, Thor.
I didn't regret the kiss we shared on Sakaar. I know now, I regret not being there for when you most needed it.
You were amazing fighting against Thanos. I was in the Hulkbuster, did you see me? I'm sorry for what you went through, I know there's no words able to provide you comfort. The pain must be unimaginable. If you forgive me, I'd like to be there for you, as a friend.
All best,
Bruce Banner.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
We lost, Banner. I should've went for the head.
You confuse me. If only you were there when I visited, we wouldn't be just friends. I am trying to understand you, Bruce. It is clear we have something else. But why cannot you admit that? I apologize for my brashness, yet my heart is fragile. At one, I am aware you may be the only person in the universe who can hold it so gently, on the other, you deny me. Why?
Previously I thought I could help you. I could lift you up from this unknown void, The way you deserve to be held. Now you pretend it was a simple kiss you'd give to anybody. What is your truth? On which ground am I? The lie or the permanence?
I'm only waiting for you.
Cordially,
Thor Odinson.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
It has been a week since your last letter. How are you?
Tony said you've been isolating yourself most of the time. I have been thinking of you, but I don't want to alarm you with my presence so I will send this instead.New Asgard had its population cut in half, along with the universe. The television broadcasts the same news, they are unable to explain the phenomenon. I know there is one scientist who could calm the world with his steady demeanor and intelligence. Yesterday was raining during the day, I had picked up mead from a nearby bar when the storm passed at night.
Most Midgardian liquor is ineffective for me. Unlike this scotch I had found. Your last letter pains me, and somehow I cannot stop rereading it while I am writing this one.
I wonder if you will reply to me, Banner.
Hope to talk soon,
Thor Odinson.
To: Bruce Banner
From: Thor Odinson
Origin: New Asgard, Norway
Title: Letter to BRUCE BANNER
Content:
Greetings, Banner.
I presume you must be busy with your thesis, hence why the pause. Was I too upfront? Will you let me know if I had hurt you in any manner? I would like to make up for it. There is a lot to be discussed, Banner. Yet words fail me when I write. I wish to tell you everything.
The sunset reminds me of you. I cut everyone off, Banner. I might cut you off too, and I don't know how to deal with that.
Korg and Miek have been my constant companion ever since the start of New Asgard. Now we are on a break. It has simply been me, and the fine bone china. I remember Valkyrie had encouraged me to get one of those telephones to install games so I do not die of boredom here, though I think I much prefer these letters.
Thank you for your time,
Thor Odinson.