Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

12

"And these Stones have been in a lot of different places throughout history," 2023!Bruce said.

"Our history," 2023!Tony clarified. "So, not a lot of convenient spots to just drop in."

"Which means we have to pick our targets," 2023!Clint told them.

"Correct."

---

2014!Thanos said to Maw, "Freeze image."

"Terrans," 2014!Gamora stated.

"Avengers. Unruly wretches. What's that reflection? Amplify this, Maw."

2014!Gamora looked at a reflection of 2023!Nebula. "I don't understand. Two Nebulas."

"No. The same Nebula. From two different times. Set course for Morag. Scan the duplicate's memories. I wanna see everything."

ASGARD - 2013

"My ladies, I'll see you after," 2013!Frigga said. "Go on."

Thor tried not to get caught behind a large post, but got shocked when he saw his mother behind him.

2013!Frigga asked Thor, "What are you doing?"

"Aah!!!" Thor cried.

"Aah!!!"

"Oh, God!"

"You're better off leaving the sneaking to your brother."

"Yeah, I was simply just going for a walk, and uh..." He tried to hide his belly.

"What are you wearing?"

"I always wear this. This is one of my favorites."

2013!Frigga put her hand on Thor's face and took a good look at him. "What's wrong with your eye?"

"Oh, my eye. That's... you remember the Battle of Haroquin? When I got hit in the face with a broadsword?"

"You're not the Thor I know at all, are you?"

"Yes, I am."

"The future hasn't been kind to you, has it?"

"I didn't say I'm from the future."

"I was raised by witches, boy. I see with more than eyes, and you know that."

Thor attempted to hold back his tears and failed miserably as his voice broke. "I am totally, totally from the future."

"Yes, you are."

"I really need to talk to you."

"We can talk."

They hugged each other.

---

Jane Foster woke up while Rocket snuck behind her to extract the Aether.

---

"His head was over there..." Thor said. "His body over there... What was the point? I was too late. I was just standing there. Some idiot with an axe."

"You're no idiot," 2013!Frigga told him. "You're here aren't you? Seeking counsel from the wisest person in Asgard."

"I guess, yeah."

"Idiot? No. A failure? Absolutely."

"That's a little bit harsh."

"You do know what that makes you? Just like everyone else."

"I'm not supposed to be like everyone else, am I?"

"Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be, Thor. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are."