Eviternity | Loki

phantom

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❝ Live the full life of the mind,

exhilarated by new ideas,

intoxicated by the 

romance of the unusual. ❞

~Earnest Hemingway

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Monday morning rolled around again, and she was up bright and early to get to work. They sat and shared a cigar before she darted out the door to begin her commute. Her side still twinged in pain every once in a while. It ached dully almost all of the time, and if she put pressure on it it hurt even more. Logan called them phantom pains; she was just happy that she wasn't dead.

Her work week was dull and boring, for the most part. She was most loved for the improvements she'd made to the uniform, so it was a pleasant week. She even wore the uniform herself most days, instead of her usual office clothing. It was comfortable, and she really felt like she was a part of a team.

Coming home to Logan was the biggest blessing. She loved their comfortable silences. His presence alone was soothing. He stayed until the end of the week, before disappearing without so much as a goodbye. It was in his usual style, and she'd become increasingly more fond of it. Goodbye's could be so very awkward, and she preferred him sneaking off in the middle of the night.

In both his and Loki's absence she came to understand how truly lonely her life had become. She spent most of her time working long, monotonous days at S.H.I.E.L.D, and some weeks she didn't even have a weekend. As much as she hated being alone, being around people proved only to make her feel more isolated. Most of the employees avoided her. As if she could only read their minds if they got too close. 

It had been months since Logan left and Asta was pouring over files in a small conference room. She'd been cooped up in her office all day, and since nearly everyone had gone home she decided she needed a change of scenery. Nick approached the conference room and she looked up from her work toward the door. 

It's got to be close to midnight why on earth is he here?

The door glided open and he popped his head in.

"Can I come in?" She nodded, smiling softly.

"What brings you here at this time of the night, Mr. Fury?" 

Nick took a seat beside her, leaning over his knees. "Thor just contacted us. That rotten brother of his wants to spend some time on earth. Says he wants to help." He scoffed and she raised her eyebrows at him.

"And you're granting him passage?" Fury nodded.

"Yeah I am. The Allfather seemed to think it was a good idea. Can't really argue with that man." He sighed deeply, leaning back in his chair. "You're doing a good job at this facility, but I want you taking point on this God of Mischief business."

She shook her head in disbelief. "I'm sorry...you what? Will I still be managing operations here?"

"You'll be on the board, so you'll be getting a raise and doing much less work. We've brought in more hands-on managers so you can focus on your new assignment. I've spoken with the council, Loki will be staying in the Avengers tower. I want you handling him." She gazed back into his piercing eye, not sure what to make of the situation.

"Sure but why me? You handle all of the other Avengers?"

"He's a special case, Asta. You are the only one that can match wits with this man. And there's going to be a long adjustment period. The others might not even want him in the same room as them. I sure as hell don't want to be." She nodded in understanding.

"Alright then. When do I start?" He stood and picked up a messy pile of folders off the table. 

"Tomorrow. So go home, get some rest." He moved to walk out the door before pausing. "Tony's got a room for you too, thinks it could be useful to have you around on a more...permanent basis."