asthehawkflies | [#000] Appointments

[She idly reached out a hand to scratch the dog. She loved dogs, the only constant companions she'd had for the better part of four centuries, so Lucky was in for a really good scratch. But her attention was focused squarely on Clint. He hadn't seen her first when she'd been trying to get his attention? That wasn't right...]

I'm fine. But there's something wrong with you. [No bush-beating here.] I wasn't trying to mask my presence, and I saw you first. What's wrong?

[Clint leaned back against the wall, folding his arms over his chest and smiling slightly as Saori pets Lucky. One hell of a spoiled dog. He raises an eyebrow when she says that, so blunt.]

Just... distracted, I guess. Got some stuff to think about.

[She steps over to join him, leaving the pooch to follow if he wants more pats, and leans against the wall herself.]

What's on your mind. Please, if...it's something troubling you, I want to hear about it.

[He normally wouldn't, he'd stew over it and maybe shoot some things, but it wouldn't be helpful, just make it bearable.]

Loki. I... rant into him earlier. We had a discussion and I... I just need to blow off some steam before I drive myself crazy.

[Saori's expression darkens with concern. She'd been hearing that a lot lately, and she's already moving closer, offering a supportive hand.]

Clint, let's go sit. We can talk, and you can blow off steam with me.

[He gives her a grateful look when she offers a hand, and takes it, giving her fingers a squeeze.]

You sure? I'm not always the best company when my head's like this.

For good or ill, sweet, I'm here for you.

[She gives him a coy little smile]

And I can probably help work out some of the tension. Please, come, let's set up a simulation and talk away from prying ears.

[He smiles warmly at her and nods.]

Thanks. That sounds like a plan. My other choice was probably shooting and that usually leads to bleeding fingers when I get like this.

Then you need new gloves.

[She makes a mental note and loads up a scenario that she'd fiddled with, a soft lit room with armchairs, a small fire, and a storm outside of large windows. She leads him inside, waiting on Lucky too.]

Please, sit. Tell me what's wrong.

Moods like this I don't always bother with gloves.

[He gives her a wry smile and follows her into the simulation, calling Lucky after him and going to sit down.]

Loki. I should know better but it's like poking a bruise.

Family and blood and... politics.

[She stops short when he says the name, sinking deep into an armchair, her expression growing pensive. She was getting tired of hearing about his bastardly antics, and more and more worried that he might...do something that would require her intervention. Her eyes grow dark, and her tone hushed.]

You...should know better. As should he. [If for no reason other than the Ban he bore.]

What did he say?

[He catches her change in expression and shakes his head.]

He didn't hurt me, Saori. Didn't do anything except... argue.

[From anyone else, he would barely have taken notice, honestly.]

How can we... I criticise him, when humans are so adept at killing each other on their own? It's difficult to argue when part of me agrees with him. I'm no better.

How can you criticize him for what?

[She gives him a worried look, not really understanding the sudden shift in the conversation.]

What did you argue about, Clint? I'm afraid you're losing me. Please. Tell me what he said.

[He pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to drag his thoughts into something coherent.]

I've seen humans commit atrocities far worse than Loki did. Hell, I've been treated worse while a captive than I was while he had me. Everything he did, it's nothing that human governments haven't done before, and worse.

[He looks up, giving her a tired look.]

He wasn't killing people for money at least.

[Saori listened, not interrupting him until he gave her that look. She knew exactly what Loki had been getting at, and she couldn't say that she didn't agree with the Asgardian in some ways. But there were other things to consider, that humanity did right. And that they were a race of short-sighted children, for the most part. She'd seen them commit awful acts, murdering and despoiling the world. She'd never say those things, because she'd met so many good ones, but there were times she'd considered it.

Dark times, before Yuuna, and before Luceti. She'd seen humans offer such great kindness as well.

Saori's hand reached out for his, letting him decide if he wanted it or not.]

Clint. What he says may...feel like the truth, but it isn't. Those...things that he did? They were wrong. The actions of a malicious outside force. Loki doesn't live on Earth, and he has little regard for mortals. Asgard stands apart, and only sees the negative things, but I've lived on Earth, and I've seen the good in humans. I wouldn't stand against the enemies of mankind as I do if I didn't see the good in them.

I know it doesn't make what he said hurt any worse. Humans are capable of horrible things. Anyone with eyes can see that. But they are capable of acts of great compassion, as well. Acts of love and devotion that defy the very pillars of Heaven itself. My kind have lived among mortals since the birth of reality itself. We choose to, because we see the good in you. I know it might sound strange, and perhaps a little patronizing, but I admire human society, for all it's faults and all it's triumphs.

[She offers him a gentle smile]

And you may have done things you regret, but that doesn't make you a bad person. No matter how far we've fallen, Clint, there is always, always hope.

[And...if there wasn't, she wouldn't be sitting her with him now.]

Edited 2013-01-18 17:44 (UTC)

[He stares at her for a moment and then takes her hand, giving her a small smile, tired and hurt. But she's older, and she's seen so much and has a different perspective. That's something he can use.]

Mortals have little regard for mortals. [He wonders if some part of Thor believes the same, that humans are better ruled.

She's got more faith in humanity than him, but the perspective is something he needs. He's far too close to this to be rational, not when every word burned.]

I guess I've just seen too much of the bad side of humanity up until now. And none of what he said is anything I've not thought myself. That's pretty terrifying. A few years ago and he might not even have had to control me to get me to help him.

[His smile becomes a little more genuine, and he squeezes her hand gently.]

You're very kind. I can't make up for the things I've done. But... I dunno. Maybe it's in my blood.

[She squeezes his hand gently in hers, fingers running along the inside of his palm in what she hopes is a reassuring gesture.]

You know, dearest, that is not true. Most people are good at heart. They laugh and love, and sing and dance. The world is not filled with anguish and death. There is more light and life than any other sensation. Drums play, children sing, games are played and love is shared. That's how the world works. I know, I've seen far more of it than Loki.

[Or you... And she desperately hopes that her term of endearment doesn't put him off. But if ever there's a time to show affection, it's now.]

You have seen dreadful things, and yet here you are. You sang to me on my birthday, and made beautiful music. You protected me when you thought I was in danger. You've given me kind words when I've needed them most, and asked for nothing in return. You may see the world through the eyes of a cynic, but that doesn't make you a monster. That makes you an individual who can see things as they are. There are bad things out there, just as there are good. Only a fool denies that. But that doesn't mean that's all that the world has to offer. I don't think you'd ever have willingly served a creature like Loki. In fact, I know better.

[Because, Clint, she's seen your heart. And it's warm and kind. Shadowed, but still ultimately good.]

To your friends here? And to me? Your past doesn't matter. You've stepped from shadows and into the light of the sun. Blood is meaningless, I've seen the sons of saints turn to murder and the daughters of murderers turn to saints. You are your own man, and nothing your father or his bloodline left you has any bearing over the man you chose to become. A good man. A kind man. A worthy man. A champion of good.

[She leans in close, like she wants to impart a great secret, smiling softly at him.]

If you were not, what Loki said to you wouldn't have made you feel this way.

[The name just makes him smile, a soft, slightly uncertain expression because he isn't sure he even half deserves it. But he likes the feeling of her hand against his and her words make sense, even if they seem like such a distant thing. He can't even deal with kids without worrying whether something is going to snap inside him.

He wants to believe her so much, but part of him is shut away, might always be, too locked away in his own past to believe that he could genuinely have changed.]

I sometimes think there's nothing left in me but cynicism. But I guess that's why I need people around me who can see the things I don't.

[Coulson had done it, back when he was a killer for hire, had seen something more in him and offered him the chance. Natasha was his one stable point, the person who understood him more clearly than anyone else. And now Saori who saw something worth caring for in him.]

I want to be those things, but I never really feel like it's something I can become. I try so hard to not be like him. That's been one thing I promised myself. I wouldn't grow up like him or like my brother. It still terrified me.

[He smiles back when she leans in, so grateful that it hurts.]

He gets under my skin like no-one else. He knows everything about me, and there's a lot of raw wounds there.

[She doesn't move, sitting there unnaturally still until her free hand slid up Clint's arm to his shoulder. She squeezed softly, but with a firm strength that she just shouldn't have had. It wasn't often that she wanted to emphasize her spiritual side, but it might be what he needed to feel. A gentler sort of god.]

You aren't like him. You aren't like your brother. If even half of the things you've told me about them are any indication, you never were.

[She pulls him closer, her forehead meeting his.]

He doesn't know everything about you. He only acts like it. It's part of being a trickster. But he has no power over you now. If he tried that again, I swear on my soul I'd free you, and take it out of his hide. There may be wounds there, but with time and a chance they will heal.

[She takes in a long breath, taking in his essence. She spoke once more, her voice ringing with authority and clarity.]

And I mean to give you that chance. I care for you, despite your past. Your friends do too. It might not mean much but, Clint Barton, I name you my Champion. I can think of no-one finer, in all of my days, to take that role.

[The squeeze forces him to look at her; it isn't a cruel grip, but strong and firm and... comforting in a way. He didn't much believe in God, but she was here and real and so different to any other god he had knowledge of.

He leans against her when their foreheads touch, feeling, perhaps, a little lighter for her words. Sometimes it was difficult to hold faith in himself, so having someone else do so, it meant a lot.]

I believe you. I... I trust you. [And he thought that she would understand what a huge thing that was for him. He gives a small smile, a little more certain than it had been a moment ago.] Thankyou. For listening. For not... not just telling me that everything will be alright, that my past isn't relevant.

[Her voice changes in some way he can't quite define, and it's a little intimidating. But it isn't bad. He can tell that much. Her words make him stare for a moment, eyes wide and shocked. He opened his mouth to speak, mouth suddenly dry.]

It means a lot, Lady Saori. It means so much. I'll do my best to make you proud.

[She loosens her grip, sliding an arm up farther to the back of his neck, a steadying gesture. She presses closer, her thin frame close to his. She'd drawn out her spiritual nature, and knew better than to let that go unchecked. The warmth of him against her would help, and hopefully help reassure him as well.]

I...am glad for your trust. And to listen. And...I trust you as well, you know.

[She nods once, slipping her other arm around to clasp behind his head. When he opens his mouth in surprise, she smiles wryly, and the formal tone in her voice melts away.]

I have no doubt you will, dearest Champion. But you don't need to worry, dearest Clint. All I ask is the pleasure of having you near me.

[Then she pulls him forward and kisses him fervently, her affection obvious as she tugs his lip with her own. She really has no doubts about you, Barton. And she likes you a lot.]

[He is quite happy to hold her close, arms wrapped loosely around her.]

I'm glad. Real glad.

[He gives a soft, breathless little laugh when she says that, the warmth in her voice is pretty alluring. People don't say stuff like that to him.

He kisses her back, grinning into the kiss because it's a happy thing and he likes it and maybe that's plenty right now.]

[She pulls back a little reluctantly after a moment more, a little breathless herself, but positively glowing with joy. Smitten is probably the best way to describe her right now, and for once? Despite having asserted divine will, and the recent barbs tossed at her by Sharpe? She feels human. Totally human.

But since he was happy, clearly so, she didn't feel so bad about asking what was on her mind. To clear the air.]

You won't worry about him anymore, will you? I'm sure he has all sorts of nasty things to say, about you, or me, or us. Or any of it. But he's not worth it, dearest. Just tell me if he's causing you trouble. I know you're strong, but let me. So I don't have to see you frown again.

[She pecks him on the cheek once more, smiling brightly, though not without a hint of mischief.]

You're not as handsome when you frown, and it upsets me.

[He reaches up, stroking her cheek for a moment, still grinning.]

I'll try. I'm not always so good at letting things go. It kinda... turned things upside down for me.

But I'll try.

[He laughs softly when she kisses him, warm and open.]

Well, we can't have that.

Then leave it all to me. You are mine now, not his. And of your own choice. If he hurts you again, please tell me. I have a duty to look after my champion and his honor as much as my champion has a duty to look after me and mine.

[She shakes her head]

Oh, no we can't. So, how do you plan to keep me from being upset, dearest?

[#000] Appointments

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

Re: [Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki

[Action] January 9th, after Loki