Shadows of the Past

Part 21

You and Loki are sitting on the couch in your room reading.  He is sitting up right on one end reading a large, leather bound book of poems.  You're laying with your head in his lap reading a mystery novel.  He is gently playing with your hair while you both read, you haven’t felt this relaxed in weeks.  Loki had convinced you to not work today, his main reason being it was Saturday. 

Your phone starts to buzz on the coffee table, you pick it up to see a text from Steve.  Sarah had agreed to meet with you on Monday when she got back to work.  You text back, asking what time and where.

Loki looked down at you over his book, “Steve said its all set... noon on Monday in one of the small conference rooms.”

“You sure you want to do this?” he asks a bit concerned.  “I understand your reasons, I just worry that something might happen,” he says still playing with your hair.

“Yea, I think it‘ll be ok.  Steve is going to make sure we each say our peace and then she can decide what happens next.  If she wants to try and reconnect I’m willing to try but if she is done, that’s it,” you tell him and he nods.  “Don’t worry, I won’t punch her in the face again,” you promise him with a smile.

He leans down and kisses your nose, “Good girl.”  You blush and giggle a bit.  “Of course, if she does something like shoves you again like last time... you go show her how much of a badass you are,” he winks at you.

You prop yourself up so you can kiss him, “Haha, don’t worry.  I can handle her.”

(Monday at 11:50)
You walk down the hall from your office towards to conference room where you were going to meet Steve and Sarah.  As you walk there you pull out your phone and text Loki.

     Y/N :: Is it too late to change my mind? :-/

     Loki :: Unfortunately I think it might be.  I just passed Rogers on my way to see Thor.  Looks like he is heading up to you now.

     Y/N :: I have a really bad feeling about this

     Loki :: Just remember to take a deep breath and try to stay calm.  She is probably going to try and start an argument with you, but don’t let her suck you into it.  You are better than that.

      Y/N :: Thanks Loki :)

      Loki :: Call me when it’s over. 

Before you can respond, you look up and see Steve standing with Sarah in front of the room.  Steve is telling her something but she’s leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and doesn’t seem to be listening.  She sees you, rolls her eyes and walks inside.  Steve gives you a small wave and you put your phone in your pocket. 

“This might be the worst idea I’ve ever had...” you say when you walk over to him.  He nods in agreement which doesn’t make you feel better and follows you into the room.

The room has a small round table and four rolling chairs so the three of you each take a seat with Steve in the middle.  You fidget with your fingers under the table and do just about anything to avoid eye contact with her.  You do notice that since it had been three weeks, her nose looks just about fully healed.  The three of you sit in the most awkward silence you have ever experienced until Steve finally says something.

"Before you two get started, I just want to say that I'm not here to pick sides or to tell you that one of you is wrong. I just want to make sure you both get a chance to say what you need and then we can move on.  This has gone on long enough and it just keeps escalating. You are both adults and should start acting like it," he says and you look down at your hands. Steve always was really good at giving people lectures, you think to yourself.