Frozen Ablaze

Book One: Ch. 8

Chapter 8: Dreams
Mal's P.O.V.

The sensation of peace after waking from the night sleep engulfed me. I turn over to take a glimpse of my sleeping partner as the weight of his arm wrapped across my waist. "Good morning." He addressed with a smile. His usually striking blue orbs soften at my gaze; as his glorious raven locks glisten from the little sunlight peaking through.

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I gasp wide eyed from my dream, so vivid I had to look to my side if someone was there. I could've sworn I felt a presence. As if it were a physical encounter within a dream; a peek into an alternate reality. I shake off my thoughts and the feeling of bewilderment that came with it.

I haven't had vivid dreams like this since; the time of the laboratory accident and my recruit into S.H.I.E.L.D.. These visions always held messages of how my life would, possibly turn out from now. It must've been a side effect of the exposure, to the energy through the quantum gate. Sometimes these visions were accurate, other times they were estimated. But, the future is indefinite. Right?

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Tomorrow S.H.I.E.L.D. was celebrating seventy three years since it's establishment. All of it's recognizable agents and supporting staff members were invited. Considering this was the first formal event I've been to, hosted by S.H.I.E.L.D.. I didn't really have a collection of formal wear so, that meant I had to go shopping.

Signing out a vehicle from the facility's garage I set off to the shopping centre.

I park the vehicle beside the Saks Fifth Avenue store. I sat in the vehicle for a minute thinking, maybe this isn't my place to be. The cursive font of the sign in sleek matte finish seemed to mock me; reminding me my lack of affluence. Like, the high-class citizens of society that they usually cater to. But, it was a dream of mine to shop designer label. So; I thought I'd take a peek and now seemed like the best time to do it.

I step out of the car and begin to walk over to the entrance. Hopefully, I didn't dress too plainly. But, also I didn't want to over dress for it would seem like I would be pretending. I had gone for a more business approach for my outfit today. With a dark cotton, fitted dress that came just above my knees and a pair of black patent pumps.

The doors opened automatically and I was greeted by an usher; dressed in a sharp, well fitted suit and white gloves. The interior of the store lived up to it's exterior. It was run in an orderly fashion, with each designer label categorized in different sections. Women's and Men's clothing were on opposite sides, as fragrance and cosmetics were at the front.

I took a look at the apparel and politely dismissed an employee. For I was still debating whether I should purchase something or not. She seemed very kind about it so, it boosted my confidence a little bit. I decided to go over to the cosmetics area to see what's new. I got a bit of makeup advice and updated myself on some new techniques. I purchased some of the products and a new bottle of perfume which; came with a lot of samples. But, I still had to find something to wear.

I made a second stop over to Macy's; their stores had apparel at a much moderate price. I seemed to gravitate to a deep emerald satin dress. It was sleeveless, floor length and had a slit which wasn't too high. With one less problem, I could finally worry about simply attending.

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Loki's P.O.V.

I can't say I would've imagined being invited to an event hosted by S.H.I.E.L.D. Based off of the history we've had. Yet, here we are. Not only did I discover Agent Coulson was alive but I had gotten a brief explanation from him. Stating how much more resilient and wise he had gotten since the fatal encounter. I knew it would take some time to convince the public, of my new benevolent ways. But the knowledge of my effect on them had become overwhelming.

I was lost in my thoughts, until a hand was placed on my shoulder. It was Mal. "Hey." She smiled. "Mal?, you look..."

"I know, it's different." She states, pushing a curl behind her ear. "You look ravishing." I slip. She smiles questionably.

"Thanks." She replies; just before being pulled away by, people she seemed to be familiar with.

I got caught up with Bruce and Clint; even Stephen Strange and I held a conversation. Thor couldn't make it due to his occupancy in New Asgard.

As the event held we were given a review of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s history. There was an appreciation of it's founders; Howard Stark and Margaret 'Peggy' Carter. As well as, our heroes who are either retired or deceased. Tony Stark, Natasha Romanoff and Steve Rogers.

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Mal's P.O.V.

I was in the midst of a small reunion with Darla and all of my former agent trainees; during the celebration of S.H.I.E.L.D's seventy-third anniversary. I did wonder from time to time how Loki was doing but; glancing over he seemed quite calm and collected throughout, in my opinion.

However, during the reception period I had noticed he stood alone for a bit then eventually left the venue. So, I had decided to excuse myself.

It seemed like he was heading to the rooftop so, that was were I followed.

I found him standing solemnly, taking in the view of busy Manhattan. The door closed softly behind me causing him to turn around.

"Do you have a moment?" I address. He nods as a sign of approval.

"What is it?" He rasps. "I just wanted to see if you were okay." I console.

"Of course I'm okay, why wouldn't I be?" He scoffs. "I mean, you sort of left abruptly so I thought..."

"—That I was uncomfortable?" He finishes. "That's no need to leave the event." He comments.

"Of course it is, you're my friend." I tap him gently. "In fact, you're the only friend I have in this place." I clarify further.

"What about your mates downstairs?" He motions to the exit. "Well, I think you needed more company than they did."

He pulls out a silver flask engraved with Asgardian symbols. "Hope you don't mind, the drinks downstairs don't really have an effect on me." "Not at all." I reply.

"I would more than gladly give you some but, it's not meant for mortals." He justifies.

"Is that a challenge?" I smirk, slipping the flask from his grip to take a swig. I can feel my face contort at the bitterness, much like with a shot of whiskey.

"If you're not yourself tomorrow don't blame me." He warns, taking back his flask.

"I contain energy from another dimension, I think I'll be okay." I cough. He chuckles, just before taking a swig himself.

Forty minutes later we find ourselves sitting against the wall, laughing at some of the stories Loki and I were telling; of our lives.

We settle a bit, and I grow sleepy causing me to lean on his shoulder. The wind blew causing me to fall further into slumber. Filling my nostrils with the scent of him. Mint, leather, musk wood.

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The slight warmth of dawn beamed across the horizon when I awoke. The scent of Loki still lingered onto my emerald dress, rushing the memories of yesternight back. With the exception of how I got back into my dorm.