Jotunheim

[ngm_miscellaneous]

The portal from Vincent's magic opened on one of the middle levels of the Norse universe. Snow crunched under boots and bare feet as the Avengers assembled in the realm of giants. The sharp, craggy land was as welcoming as an ice pick between the shoulder blades. But out there in the cold and blowing landscape was a young girl waiting to be rescued.

Comments

[comic_awareness]

Bruce was waiting for Vincent in the war room. He'd had a chance to shower, gotten a sandwich from Jarvis, and was generally recovered from his Asgardian adventures.

But now he had quite a job ahead of him.

[vincent_amora]

Vincent, on the other hand, had only the breather of taking Audhild home and the walk back. Top that off with the verbal dressing down his brother already gave him, and his mood was foul, to say the least.

He walks into the room, and doesn't bother to sit down. "Bruce, I'm going to be taking a leave of absence from the Avengers. I've been taking on too much in my life as of late, and I need to re-sort my priorities to care for Audhild more properly."

[comic_awareness]

Bruce crossed his arms. He definitely hadn't been expecting that.

"Indefinite leave of absence," he amended. "I'm not going to argue your point, Vincent, and when you're on your game, you're a valuable asset to the team, but we really need to reevaluate your ability to function as a part of it. I've got Marcus ready to quit and I don't know that Jay will ever trust you again."

He took in a breath, then offered him a hand. "You screwed up today. A lot. But I'm gonna wish you the best of luck putting your life back together."

[vincent_amora]

If not for the acknowledgment of his value to the team, Vincent would likely be unable to hold back some choice comments about Marcus and Jay. He hesitates for a long moment, then reaches out and accepts Bruce's hand.

"I will let you know when I feel comfortable about returning."

[comic_awareness]

"We'll talk more then," Bruce agreed. "No promises, man."

[vincent_amora]

"I understand."

Vincent is quiet for a moment, almost leaving right there, but--

"Bruce... I never meant for things to turn out this way." He takes a breath, avoiding eye contact. "Is there anything that can be done?"

[comic_awareness]

"I don't know, Vincent," Bruce said. "I really don't. But get your house in order, take care of that little girl. Then we'll talk."