Eviternity | Loki

career

_____

❝ We need to sit on the rim 

of the well of darkness

and fish for fallen light 

with patience. ❞

~Pablo Neruda

_____

Even with the added insight that Nela was able to provide through her vision, it wasn't enough proof for S.H.I.E.L.D to act on. She was just happy to be able to alert them to the possibility that Hydra was operating within S.H.I.E.L.D. 

She'd gone back to work the next week, having forgotten how bland her life had become. Her mind wandered constantly throughout the day, aching for something to focus all its extra energy on. The mall was the worst possible place; the swarms of people and the blaring music left her tired, running on autopilot. 

She raced back to her apartment as quickly as she could, grabbing her weighted eye mask from the counter. It was on her way to her blissfully dark bedroom that something caught her eye. She saw movement in her tiny living room, and doubled back, jumping to see a Nick Fury chilling in her recliner.

"Was kind of wondering when you'd notice me." Her hand flew up to her chest and she walked over to him cautiously.

"Nearly gave me a heart attack, shit," he laughed at her reaction.

"I wanted to approach you about a job, we could use someone like you in our facility."

"Really?" She looked around at her messy apartment, suddenly self conscious. "This is sketchy, are you certain this is legitimate?" 

"Yes, it's legitimate, do you want it or not? We can talk salary and benefits when I see you next Monday."

"Of course I want it, anything beats retail."

  ♡  

Asta was placed in a high security S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, overseeing an entire division of intelligence. She interrogated prisoners, questioned witnesses, wiped portions of memories, healed damaged ones and restored those that had been lost. The work wasn't easy, but she was thriving.

The agents were all fond of her, even with her position as their superior. There were walls between them, of course. People were aware that she was a telepath, which made personal relationships tricky, as nobody was keen on getting too close. Though her abilities made her an excellent leader, a certain amount of fear kept everyone at arms length. Her people respected her, and that's all she could really ask of them.

She was working late one night, finishing paperwork and reports when she could hear sets of footsteps. Three of them to be exact. She instantly recognized an angry Fury, and a defensive Thor, as well as his cool brother, much to her surprise. She was too tired to bother with what they were in an argument about when all footsteps ended at the door to her office.

She was quite the sight. Papers were spread across the floor, her desk, and the lounge area. Three separate pens scrawled at three different stacks of reports while she mentally dictated from her swivel chair, a glass of red wine in her slender fingers. A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she felt the three pairs of eyes burning holes in the back of her head.

"Nick I'm really busy here," she whined, spinning her chair around, taking another sip of wine.

"Yeah well I'm really pissed off right now." She smiled and the papers set about stacking themselves neatly on her desk. She gestured to the couch, moving to seat herself in a chair opposite.

"By all means, come have a seat." Thor and Fury both sat on the couch while Loki hovered nearby. She closed the door silently. "You all make a lovely emotional trio, really. Anger, anxiety and apathy." All three glared at her.

"I am not angry," Thor argued, and she nodded in response.

"No you're right. You're apathetic. Your brother is so anxious he's going to eat his own face off. We all know Fury is always Furious." She sent a wink to Nick as Thor crossed his arms, Loki making an effort to quit chewing his lip. "What can I do for you boys?"

"Thor took Loki out because he needed his help in a small matter. He also promised Loki freedom after. I can't grant that freedom." She took a moment in their memories.

"You can't? Or you won't? With all due respect, Loki did assist in stopping the destruction of earth and ensuring the security of an infinity stone. It would appear that his debt has been paid." Thor nodded in agreement and Loki relaxed his shoulders.

"I can't, Ast-" she cut Fury off quickly.

"Your brain is swimming with thoughts of New York. Which is in the past? In addition you seem to be thinking quite a lot about how to cover a loophole embedded into his prison agreement. You technically can, you just won't." He glared at her, defeat evident on his features. "Ultimately, it's your call. My suggestion is that we hold him a while longer. I can start a psych eval in the morning to determine whether or not he's fit enough to be out in the world." Thor groaned and she shot him a fierce look.

"I don't get why you have to even keep him," he complained and she rolled her eyes.

"Need I remind you that he's the god of mischief and lies? Thor, honey I know you just want your brother back, but it is all too possible that he has something up his sleeve. You cannot tell me the thought hadn't crossed your mind." He nodded slowly.

"I'll stay on earth until he's cleared."

"Are all parties contented?" Nods and grunts from all men ensued, and she smiled. "Good. Now, I'll take him to lockup, Fury go get some sleep, your brain will thank you."

He smiled at her as she stood, looping her arm in the green eyed gods before sauntering out of the room and down the hall. He looked down at her in surprise, making no move to disentangle his arm from hers.

"I met you at that dreadful coffee shop." A sly smile spread across her lips.

"You remember me, how sweet." He rolled his eyes dramatically, sighing.

"How could I not? You were quite the surprise." He looked at his feet for a moment. "Do you believe in me, Asta?" She raised her eyebrow at him, pausing to look up into his eyes.

"I believe in second chances," she nodded slowly, turning her gaze back in front of her, continuing their journey. "I believe that people can change for the better. But I am not naïve. You may be a god but...I don't believe in anyone. People love you, best you, beat you, deceive you, cheat you and then they leave you. They aren't worth believing in, god or not."

She could feel his eyes on her as they started their descent in an elevator.

"Who cut you so deeply?"

He didn't know why he felt sympathy for the mortal before him. She gazed up at him, and he noticed that her eyes had lost their usual spark. She was all too suddenly cold and distant.

"Honestly, I have yet to meet someone who hasn't and who won't."