Feb 19, 2020
Snickers: “You’re not you when you’re hungry.”
Thalia: *is always hungry*
Thalia: “Who am I?”
seen from China
seen from China
seen from Indonesia
seen from United Kingdom
seen from Singapore
seen from China
seen from Türkiye
seen from United States
seen from China
seen from Spain
seen from United States
seen from United States
seen from Germany
seen from United States
seen from Singapore
seen from United States
seen from Malaysia
seen from Australia
seen from United States
seen from China
Snickers: “You’re not you when you’re hungry.”
Thalia: *is always hungry*
Thalia: “Who am I?”
Draw The Squad
But I’m too lazy to actually draw it:
Things You Learn When Living With: Thalia
You need to be the first to the table or she’ll eat everything
Don’t let her see any of the ASPCA commercials or she’ll cry
She’s loud when excited and...pretty much all the time actually
Cats are her weakness and so are ducks.
She sleeps like a rock.
She is always willing to help and is the go to person if Alex is busy and something heavy needs to be lifted.
Gives rib shattering hugs.
Loves almost everything even if it seems unimportant.
A scene from We Are One
Thalia: *playing pirates with Enzo*
Siyanda: “Scissor me timbers.”
Alex: “Don’t you mean shiver?”
Siyanda: *admiring asgardian muscles* “No I do not.”
The Aftermath XI
Piper had just finished sharing the news with Siyanda on Drew’s recovery and cancelled the call when she noticed James bolting down the hallway. Part of her wanted to ask what the issue was but she thought better of it. There was no telling what that man was up to half the time and she’d rather not know.
“So,” Gen sighed, entering Piper’s work shop and sliding onto a stool, “I was thinking we get Thalia out of this place for a while. She’s been cooped up and Si said we had to help make life less miserable for her.”
“Alright,” Piper snorted, “what’s the plan?”
“Just an evening out on the city. Walking around, maybe eating lunch, whatever we think of,” Gen proposed, tapping her knuckles on the table top.
“You realize the media hawks will be on us like flies on a pile of dog shit, right?” Piper arched a brow.
“That’s why I enlisted the help of someone who knows how to fly under the radar,” Gen grinned.
And that’s how Piper ended up with Fox raiding her closet. She wasn’t sure what the ex-criminal had in mind but she figured Gen was right, Fox knew how to lay low on the streets.
“Put this on,” Fox called, tossing a shirt over her shoulder, “wear this hat, these shoes, and no sunglasses because that’s suspicious.”
“Alright,” Piper nodded, studying the outfit. She expected it to be super plain, boring, and something no one wanted to look at, but it wasn’t. It was just the right level of casual so that Piper wasn’t sticking out like a sore thumb because her clothes were drab, and not nearly as high end as some of her other public wear. “I owe you.”
“Pay me in this,” Fox turned about, holding up one of Piper’s old leather jackets.
“Okay, I hate that things anyways,” Piper snorted.
“Great,” Fox decided, already slipping the jacket on. “Good luck on your day of fun.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Piper sighed, waving her off so she could change. After managing to swap clothes in a reasonable amount of time, Piper hunted down Thalia and Gen.
“Looks like you’re ready,” Gen grinned, clasping her hands together.
“So, where is it we’re going?” Thalia asked, her eyes holding an intense curiosity.
“That’s the fun of our adventure dear friend,” Piper mused, slinging an arm around Thalia’s shoulders, “we have absolutely no idea.”
“Oh, okay.” Thalia nodded, “so it’s like Sage when she has to go shopping.”
“Yes,” Gen snorted, “like that.”
“Now, lets go,” Piper sighed, tugging Thalia towards the lift that would take them down to the parking garage. “It’s time for some fresh air...or as fresh as you can get in New York.”
— — —
The streets were full of cars honking angrily at one another, taxi drivers shouting over the noise to their passengers, sidewalks crammed full of people, and interesting smells culminating in little pockets. It was exactly the kind of thing that made New York...New York.
“Sometimes I forget how loud it is,” Thalia remarked, matching Piper’s pace.
“Yeah, me too,” Piper nodded, “but you get used to it.”
“Gen said you talked to Si,” Thalia glanced hopefully at the young Stark.
“I did.”
“How is she?”
“She’s good. Just, grappling with some family issues,” Piper pursed her lips. She wasn’t sure how much Si wanted Thalia to know so she kept it vague.
“Family is difficult,” Thalia sighed in understanding.
“Yeah, tell me about it,” Gen rolled her eyes.
“That reminds me,” Piper frowned, “have you talked to your parents recently?”
“No,” Gen shook her head, “it’s fine. They’re probably too wrapped up in work anyways. I find your parents much more charming.”
“Glad you like them because they can be annoying at times,” Piper grinned, taking Gen’s hand in her own. “What about you, Thals? Spending time with your mom?”
“As much as I can,” Thalia beamed, and Piper knew she’d hit a rather pleasant topic for the Asgardian. “She was telling me all about Asgard. What it looked like, all of the people, it’s history, and how my father was as a kid. My uncle too!”
“Didn’t your uncle stab your dad?” Gen asked, recalling an odd story she’d heard from Piper.
“On more than one occasion,” Thalia nodded, seeming almost proud. “It’s an odd relationship.”
“No kidding,” Gen laughed.
“My mother also told me about the Valkyries. Apparently there was more than one a long time ago. I wish I’d have gotten to see them. They sound fierce and well trained,” Thalia went on talking excitedly about all of the new things she’d learned, and it occurred to Piper that most people didn’t bother to ask her much about them. It’s why she always bubbled up when someone did and rambled on until she was forced to breath again.
“Sounds legit,” Piper noted, “but I think you’d have less fun there. Sounds like a lot of rules.”
“There’s rules here,” Thalia countered, “it’s called the law.”
Gen laughed loudly and had to stop walking lest she fall over. “Piper doesn’t know what the law is.”
“I do too!”
“You like to break it?” Thalia questioned her friend with genuine concern.
“Oh yeah,” Gen nodded, throwing her girlfriend right under the bus.
“You do not help my reputation at all,” Piper frowned. “And no, I don’t break the law unless I have to.”
“Oh thank goodness,” Thalia sighed. “I would have had to talk with mister Stark.”
“Didn’t think you’d care that much,” Piper noted, shifting awkwardly as Gen slowly collected herself.
“You’re my friends. Of course I would care,” Thalia insisted. “Now, I was promised lunch. Is there any place you prefer?”
“Actually,” Piper frowned, “I don’t eat out here much. I usually just order delivery.”
“That is why you have me,” Gen reminded, “I was once a casual city goer myself. So, follow me kids.”
Thalia shrugged, and drew up beside Gen leaving Piper to shake her head in amusement. She really did have an odd little group of friends and family. Sure, they had their ups and downs but she wouldn’t trade any of them for anything.
Jogging to catch up to them, Piper and Thalia followed Gen for about half a mile before coming to a small restaurant. Once there, getting seated was easy, and soon they had hot meals sitting in front of them ready to be devoured.
“French fries were an option?” Thalia asked, eyeing Piper’s plate.
“Tell you what, I’ll trade you my fries for half of your toast. It looks good,” Piper decided. Thalia didn’t hesitate to take her up on the deal.
“This reminds me of my elementary school cafeteria days,” Gen mused.
“I don’t know what elementary school cafeteria days are,” Thalia shrugged, “but it sounds like a trade system of sorts.”
“More or less,” Piper laughed. “But, you were mildly homeschooled, Gen’s talking about public schools where all sorts of kids go. Sort of like when we tried out high school. Remember that?”
“Unfortunately,” Thalia mumbled, taking a sip of water as Piper struggled not to laugh. None of them had liked their brief stint in high school. It was too complicated, too dramatic, and not conducive to their line of work.
“The only good thing about it was this one,” Piper said, patting Gen on head like she was best dog in the world. “Made me less inclined to jump out the window.”
After another bit of laughter the trio finished their meals with nothing more than short flashes of conversation before heading back out onto the streets. From there they stumbled upon a rather impressive street performer and took to dancing. It was rather stupid dancing, but they all enjoyed it to say the least. A few bystanders even joined in and the street performer made a few extra tips, and and extra generous one from Piper.
As the evening passed she found herself more relaxed than ever before. It took her a moment to realize that it was because of one key factor: there were no cameras. No one was prying into her life and stripping it away for the public to see. She was living in the moment, enjoying herself, and truly able to appreciate the people she was lucky enough to have in her life.
It was this pleasant realization that gave her the confidence to steal a chaste kiss from Gen without having to worry about it being in the tabloids.
“We should do this more,” Piper decided, “it’s kind of fun.”
“Can I come next time too?” Thalia asked hopefully, “unless you want to be alone. Like a date. Those are nice and fun too.”
“You can come,” Gen shrugged, “it’s actually nicer having another person around.”
“Really?” Thalia asked.
“Yeah,” Gen nodded, “besides you spend a lot of time in the lab anyways helping Si and us out. You’re kind of part of the squad now.”
“I’ve never been in a squad,” Thalia thought aloud.
“First time for everything,” Piper smiled, setting a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Now, we should probably start heading back before it gets too dark. And maybe you can call Si up and talk to her? I think she said she was free around ten.”
“Great. Let’s go.” Thalia set off at a brisk pace before Piper had finished talking.
“She’s so cute,” Gen chuckled, “do you get that excited over me?”
“No, I usually complain about you,” Piper replied, earning a punch to the shoulder. Rolling her eyes Gen tugged Piper along so they wouldn’t lose Thalia in the crowd.
Thalia’s List: Things I Do Not Understand
Fam?
Panicking at a disco
Confusion or Confucian?
Horny? I think maybe they talk about the big horned cows. I like those.
Bohemians in rap cities
Young grasshoppers
Karate kid? He learns Kung Fu!
The Hungry Caterpillar-is supposed to represent some satirical communist thing. I think he’s just happy to eat.
Toilet paper bears all named Charmin
They are ultra soft bears too
What is a dick? Maybe a misspelled duck.
Fucks not given. Were they taken?
YEET
Why’d he have to do it to them?
PETA or PETA chips?
BS the card game? Doesn’t stand for butter scotch.
Tell a tummy. Sunshine human thing. Looks like a giant orange.
There is a mouse named Mickey.
There is a mini mouse named Minnie Mouse.
Fuck this shit I’m out? I am leaving.
Boner. Bones in the body?
Doctor Who. Who is he? No one seems to know.
Shot shot shot shot shots!
Everybody-dance now? Clap your hands? Wants to rule the world?
Elmo
Big Bird.
Mac and Donalds the cousin of Mac and Cheese
Siyanda She likes me.
T’Challa he also likes me
Dad
Mom? Moms? What are they? Mom I am confused.
All Things Grow V
“Si?” Thalia mumbled wandering down the hallway to where light shown beneath the crack of the door. She pushed it open gently to see Siyanda stooped over her desk hard at work. “Si it’s late. You should be asleep. It can wait until morning.”
“No, Thals I have to finish this.” Siyanda sighed, “I’m sorry. I know I promised to spend the afternoon with you but my father needs this done and I’m already running behind.”
“Okay.” Thalia nodded easing the door shut and returning to her own room. In the morning she shuffled down the same hallway expecting the light to be on-it was off. Siyanda must have gone to bed not long ago.
The Asgardian eased the door open like she had before and scanned the room carefully. Siyanda’s bedroom was a mess compared to its usual organized appearance. Chewing on her bottom lip, Thalia left the other girl to rest.
She returned later with breakfast for when the princess woke and set it on the bedside table. In the dark Thalia could just make out the furrow of Siyanda’s eyebrows. It seemed to Thalia that the girl was always thinking-even in sleep.
Deciding there was little else to be done Thalia left Siyanda to her own devices well into the evening. Then, as before, the Asgardian journeyed to the Wakandan’s room.
“Siyanda you missed Penny and Arthur having a wrapping paper battle,” Thalia smiled.
“A rap battle,” Siyanda corrected patiently. Thalia spotted small tools scattered about as Siyanda fumbled with a small prototype.
“Yes!” Thalia nodded enthusiastically. “It was great.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
“Would you be joining us for dinner?” Thalia asked hopefully. Yet she knew the response well before Siyanda spoke. There was an apologetic sigh, the slumped shoulders, a pause in her work, and a resigned dip of the head.
“I can’t.” The words were soft and hardly heard. “My aunt wanted me to finish this for her.”
“I’m sure she’d understand-“
“It’s a security concern regarding the mine workers. It’s to better their protection-it’s important.” Siyanda explained already beginning to work once more.
“Of course.” Thalia nodded. “I understand.”
She dropped dinner off for Siyanda nearly an hour later. She did the same for breakfast the next day and then lunch. All the while she asked if Siyanda would want to take a break. It wasn’t good for her to be pent up working all the time.
“Maybe a walk around town? The weather is nice.”
“I would if it weren’t for a budget plan.”
“Perhaps we could watch a movie. Nathaniel says I should watch some of the classics-“
“If I finish this in the next hour you can count on it.”
“Si, Enzo wanted to show us-“
“Busy, sorry. Tell me about it tonight!”
This round of brief discussions lasted for nearly a week. It was driving Thalia mad but she busied herself with other things. She went nearly everywhere with her mother and the two were adorably inseparable. On occasion Thalia was stolen away by Valkyrie and Orion for some scheming which she happily obliged to do. Of course, they promised her with food so she couldn’t really say no.
It wasn’t until that upcoming Sunday that Siyanda emerged from her bedroom looking haggard and worn. She shuffled down the hall to Thalia’s bedroom and pushed open the door like a child trying to be unnoticed.
Thalia was watching conspiracy videos with Enzo and Penny who were trying to convince her that everything was real even if it wasn’t. The poor Asgardian was too gullible for her own good at times.
Siyanda said nothing as she clambered onto he bed beside Thalia and nestled snugly into her girlfriend’s side. “I’m so tired.”
“I know.” Thalia grinned. She wouldn’t admit it but just having Si next to her made her heart do little flips. “You can rest.”
“I don’t know how I’m going to manage a kingdom if every week is this bad.” Thalia allowed Siyanda to latch onto her like a koala bear and hide her face from the light in the crook of Thalia’s neck.
“You can have help!” Thalia insisted. “I can help. That’s what I’m for.”
“Okay,” Siyanda sighed sounding breathless and exhausted. “I love you. I’m sorry if I made my work seem more important.”
“It’s okay. I really do understand.” Thalia ran a hand through Siyanda’s dark hair drawing a small purr of contentment from the princess. “You just have to take care of yourself too.”
“I will. I promise.” Thalia didn’t get anything else aside from that mumbled reply as Siyanda fell asleep. She remained still enjoying the company of her girlfriend, little cousin, and friend.
She would, however, have to ask Siyanda what exactly about these conspiracy theories was true. In the meantime she was happy enough to give an occasional kiss to the sleeping girl’s head and hold her close.
— — —
“Okay now hold that there,” Siyanda instructed. Thalia nodded and kept the prongs in place. “Give it a shock.”
Siyanda watched sparks leap from Thalia’s hand down the prongs and into the small machine. It sputtered, spurred, and came to life with a cough. “We did it!”
“Yes!” Siyanda pumped her fist excitedly in the air. “Nice job little duck.”
“So what do we do now?” Thalia asked.
“Well, we know it works so we turn it off for now. Then we send it off to the company that needs it.” Siyanda explained flipping a few switches on the back of the control panel.
“This was really cool.” Thalia grinned, feeling quite proud of herself. She knew little about mechanics, engineering, or machinery, and it hadn’t been a complete disaster. There weren’t any explosions or power outages or even injured limbs.
“It was wasn’t it?” Siyanda smiled, resting her hands on her hips. Her hair was messy from work, her tool belt was settled lopsided, and her arms had grease splotches all over them. Still, Thalia thought she looked quite beautiful.
Siyanda crossed over to the blonde and hooked her thumbs in Thalia’s belt loops. She stood on the balls of her feet to press a light kiss to the Asgardian’s lips before affectionately wiping a smudge onto Thalia’s cheek. “What was that for?”
“Proof of your work.” Siyanda grinned. “It’s not real work if you don’t get dirty doing it.”
“I see. Is that why Piper is always a mess?”
“Yes, and she’s clumsy at times.” Siyanda laughed heartily. The sound turned Thalia’s stomach into a warm little ball of fuzzy feelings. She’d missed that sound.
“I love it when you laugh. It makes me happy.” Thalia blushed.
“I’m glad.” Siyanda winked only causing the blonde to blush more. “Why don’t you let me get cleaned up while you get rid of the little spot on your cheek before we have some fun?”
“I like fun.” Thalia stammered. “Okay.”
“Okay.” Siyanda snickered leaving Thalia to stand bashfully in the small lab. For a moment Thalia forgot what she was supposed to be doing before snapping back to the present and scampering off.
As it turned out Si had a small date planned for the both of them. It didn’t take very long to get to the small lake and they passed the time singing loudly to old songs albeit very out of key.
“I heard this is one of the best views outside of the city.” Siyanda grinned slipping out of the small car with ease.
“I still cannot understand how you learned to drive.”
“Let’s just say it was an interesting time.” Siyanda winced recalling the lessons with her aunt and father. “Anyways, what do you think?”
Thalia glanced up at the dark clear sky where stars glistened like frozen water drops. “I love it.”
“I knew you would.”
“What do we do now though?” Thalia asked.
“Swim.”
“I have no swim suit.”
“That’s okay,” Siyanda assured her, “just take your shirt and pants off then you’ll be fine. I brought extra clothes.”
Thalia nodded and the two girls stripped to their undergarments where Thalia hung them on the low branch of a nearby tree. She watched Si leap into the water tucking her knees up to her chest.
Thalia followed shortly after expecting the water to be too cold or warm but it was just right. With the moonlight glittering on its surface she was certain this was some sort of sacred place.
“Boo!” Thalia’s face was greeted by a splash of water. Giggling she retaliated with a splash of her own pelting Siyanda in the face.
“Can’t catch me!” Thalia pushed off of the shallow end with her feet and began to swim away as fast as she could. Siyanda splashed behind her until she managed to snag Thalia by the ankle and jerk the blonde back towards her.
“Oh no you don’t.” Si laughed as Thalia tried to squirm away. The Wakandan cupped Thalia’s face gently in her hands and kissed her. “Thank you for being patient with me this week. I know it was tough for you.”
“I insist-it’s of no trouble,” Thalia looked pointedly at her girlfriend, “to work when you need to. I only worry for your own health.”
Siyanda nodded but she looked at those glinting light green eyes and fell in love all over again. She really was lucky to have such an understanding, open minded, sweetheart of a girl. “Thalia Odin I hope you know how much I love you.”
“I do.” Thalia assured her. “You don’t have to prove it. It is the little things that make my heart fluttery.”
Siyanda kissed her once more before playfully shoving Thalia away. When they grew tired they dried off, changed clothes, and laid in the grass to look at the stars. Siyanda held Thalia’s hand in her own feeling the blonde’s thumb coast over her knuckles.
Siyanda was content to stay like that forever but Thalia was nearly asleep and they needed to return home. She collected her girlfriend and gently coaxed her back to the car. This time the drive was far quieter, but it was a soft and intimate sort of silence.
Thalia pleaded with Siyanda to stay with her for the night feeling oddly clingy, and the princess happily obliged. Siyanda stroked Thalia’s hair as she spoke softly remembering something her father used to do.
He would often whisper to her mother all the things he loved about her and when Siyanda was sick he’d do the same to get her to sleep.
Glancing down at Thalia’s peaceful face Siyanda decided to carry on the little tradition. “I love your smile. I love the way your eyes crinkle at the edges when you’re really happy. I love that you find joy in the small things. I love that you find beauty in nature. I love that you care so deeply about your family and friends. That you never hesitate to be open minded, or how you’re so full of enthusiasm. I love that you feel you can trust me. I love that get excited over food. How you enjoy sharing. Your eagerness to learn...”