Chapter 20: The Research Team, the Diner, and a God's Humiliation
After drying off and convincing Aunt May that his soaking was due to "an unexpected localized rain shower," Adam found himself in a small, dusty diner, sipping lukewarm coffee. Thor, now in civilian clothes (courtesy of S.H.I.E.L.D.), was sitting at a table with Jane Foster, Darcy Lewis, and Erik Selvig.
"Ah, the iconic diner scene. Where a god learns the true meaning of Midgardian breakfast. And where I get to subtly mess with him."
[DAILY WISH DAYS ACCUMULATION: +1]
Thor, still arrogant despite his depowered state, was devouring pancakes with gusto. He finished, slammed his coffee cup down, and boomed, "Another!"
The waitress, a tired woman with a perpetually unimpressed expression, reached for his cup.
"Let's make this a little more… memorable for her."
[WISH GRANTED: DINER WAITRESS'S TRAY EXPERIENCES TEMPORARY ADHESION TO FINGERTIPS. COST: 10 WISH DAYS.]
As the waitress reached for Thor's cup, her tray, inexplicably, seemed to stick to her fingertips. She tugged, frowned, tugged harder, her eyes widening in confusion. Thor, oblivious, just stared at her, waiting for his refill. She finally managed to pry her hand free, giving the tray a suspicious glare before refilling his cup.
Adam snickered into his coffee. "Ten wish days for a sticky tray. Worth it. The look on her face was priceless."
Later, as Thor was walking out of the diner, still grumbling about the lack of "true warriors" on Midgard, Adam decided to add a little flourish to his dramatic exit.
"Time for a classic."
[WISH GRANTED: THOR ODINSON ENCOUNTERS IMAGINARY TRIP HAZARD, RESULTING IN GRACEFUL STUMBLE. COST: 20 WISH DAYS.]
Thor, mid-stride, suddenly seemed to catch his foot on nothing. He stumbled forward, arms flailing, doing a surprisingly graceful (for a god) little dance before regaining his balance. He looked back, utterly bewildered, then scowled at the perfectly smooth pavement. "What sorcery is this?! The ground… it moved!"
Jane and Darcy exchanged confused glances. Darcy stifled a giggle.
Adam grinned. "Not sorcery, big guy. Just a little cosmic karma. And my System's excellent sense of comedic timing."
He decided to send Aunt May a postcard from New Mexico. Something mundane, to maintain his cover as a normal tourist. He picked one with a picture of a giant cactus.
"Dear May," he thought, scribbling on the back. "Having a grand time. Saw a man try to lick a hammer. And a god trip over air. This place is… unique. Wish you were here. Love, Adam."
He checked his wish bank. Still healthy. The Thor storyline was unfolding perfectly, with just the right amount of Adam-induced chaos. He was looking forward to the next act.