Strife of Misfortune(Wattys2016)

Flee

Jane opened the door and was astonished to find Rebecca and not Thor. Her astonishment conquered her face and paralyzed her tongue.

"Agent Foster." Rebecca said, breaking the ice.

Jane realized was staring and was abashed. "Oh sorry Agent Albert but what are you doing here?" She felt her previous conflictions thaw and decay, they became inaudible whispers in her mind.

"I'm here on SHIELD's behalf." Rebecca replied. "May I come in?"

"Sure." Jane stepped aside and allowed her to enter. She silently swore at the sudden change in events, brooded on the impact it would have on her date. Jane hoped Rebecca wouldn't consume her time. "Do you want water or anything?"

"Oh, no thank you, I won't be staying long." Rebecca took a seat at the table.

Thank goodness! Jane thought. Her silent celebration was interrupted by the doorbell. She opened the door to find Thor. He held a bouquet of flowers, their perfumes clung to him and danced with the colon he was wearing. He looked ravishing tonight. Shimmering gold locks pulled into a ponytail, black suit, pressed and exquisite, he was truly a beautiful man. Thor captured her hand and pressed a kiss against her fingers.

"Hey." Jane smiled as he gave her the flowers. "We have company." She stepped aside and allowed him a full view of Rebecca.

"I see." Thor nodded. Jane heard dread lingering behind his words, she was sure he was worried about tonight. She hoped Rebecca would put his woes at ease. "Good evening."

"Please pardon me." Rebecca made small waves with her hands. "I promise I won't be long." She crossed her slender legs and examined the god before her. Relief revealed itself in his expression, he was never one to obscure his true thoughts, never master the art. She wondered if Thor remembered her, but, her insignificance has decimated the possibilities. "SHIELD is holding a meeting on Friday."

"A meeting?" Jane's brows furrowed slightly. "I wasn't notified of this." She hated when nobody shared news with her.

"What is it for?" Thor asked.

"The government's decision, Chief will require you to sign a few documents."

"It's about the accords?" Jane inquired.

"Yes." Rebecca answered. "But don't worry, the laws will not be instilled until my niece's return." She reassured them, she stood up and walked towards the door. "So, I will be seeing you in two days?"

"Yes." Jane answered first. "And Agent Albert."

"I'd prefer if you call me Rebecca when we're off duty."

"Right."Jane agreed. She suddenly felt nervous about her unspoken words. Irrational feelings, they were just products of her own inner turmoil, or so, she hoped. "I'm sorry about Egypt, her disappearance must be hard on you."

Rebecca nodded. It was true that Egypt's disappearance posed a challenge to her, but, for reasons devoid of affection, for reasons born from much more dire circumstances. She thought of Alrik, her lord and master. With his words, he had threatened her life, with his sword, he sought the warmth of her flesh. Egypt's capture had nearly murdered Rebecca. But, it was the ghost of her old lord that had spared her. Alrik was still capable of mercy but it was fading quickly. She feared the death of his humanity, it was coming fast.

Rebecca looked at Jane and gave her a weak smile. "You have no idea." She said before leaving.

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