InsaneJournal

Who: Nick Fury and Frigga
When: Backdated to just before the dusting
What: SHIELD tab A into Allmother slot B
Where: Warehouse library
Rating: Yellow (Fury flirting...fade to black)



It took longer than Nick thought it would to free up his schedule. Now that he had Clint and Nat back on the team, progress was moving swiftly.

Not that Co-Director Morse wasn't more than capable. It was more that now they had agents they weren't busy training. Nick didn't like any of the newer recruits and even though Bobbi kept reminding him that heroes weren't made overnight, he disagreed.

Another reason that it took some time to set this up was that he did not want to bump into Loki. Thor would be discreet and wouldn't assume the worst but Loki? No thanks. Nick didn't want to start a shitstorm.

Following Frigga's request, he arrived at precisely the right time, and let himself in. He had memorized the layout of the complex during Thor's barbeque and as such, had no problems finding the library. Entering it, he had to admit: it was impressive.

"If this is only a quarter of your books on Asgard, the literary world has truly lost a treasure," he said outloud.

Frigga was looking forward to having company of her own. She had extended an invitation to Strange on a number of occasions but he preferred to hold their consultations in his own place of residence. Pity, really. However, Director Fury was just as intriguing as the Doctor, and it had somewhat surprised her that he would be interested in learning their language and discovering what tomes they had rescued from Asgard. If anything more came from this then that would be lovely. Without Odin at her side, Loki and Darcy developing their relationship, the Allmother was lonely.

She turned when she heard the door open and smiled to see her guest. "Welcome, Director." There were beverages of all kinds ready for them on a table that also held a couple of book stands.

"Unfortunately," she said as she looked around the small library. "This was all they were able to salvage."

"Nick," he corrected her with a raised eyebrow. "I thought we had agreed on first names." Striding further into the room, he peered around and gave a nod. It was impressive, and Fury was not a man easily impressed. Heading to the chair, he sat down and graciously accepted the drink. He took a small sip and tilted his head. "I'm not sure I know what this is," he admitted. "An Asgardian drink?"

Frigga chuckled as she inclined her head. "Nick." The way she said his name could be mistaken for a tone used by someone much more intimate than they were, but it was easy to feel mistaken.

She took a seat in a chair next to his. Her grace made it seem as if she were perched on a throne. "It is," she confirmed. "A cordial. Made from our version of elderberries, sugar and honey. Sweeter than mead, but not nearly as strong."

He gave an approving nod and took another sip before putting the drink down. This was a new experience for him. Not the meeting of royalty -- he had certain Kings on speed dial. No, it was this undercurrent that was dotting this meeting.

"Well. I'd like to thank you again for this opportunity. I appreciate it. I know your people are very protective of your culture and knowledge."

"Of course," Frigga said with a smile. "And if pressed to say, I believe that our knowledge not being shared is why this is all that is left of our culture." She gestured toward the shelves with a graceful motion of her arm. "So much was lost when Asgard fell. This I have learned since I returned. I will not see anything more of us drift away." She reached out to place her fingertip lightly on Nick's wrist. "I would very much like your help with that."

Nick gave a nod. "I'll do whatever I can, but I admit, I'm not an anthropologist. I don't know what I can do."

He did not share a glance to the finger lightly stroking his hand but nor did he pull it away. This was an interesting thing, something he'd never considered but he'd be damned if he wasn't going to encourage it. As much as he enjoyed flirting with bobbi, she was young. He almost felt bad about it.

"You have more knowledge of Midgard than others. You might advise me on how to go about securing our history, culture and what knowledge remains." Frigga didn't take her hand back, but wrinkled her nose in wry amusement. "I admit my sons try my patience at times, and I have met few Midgardians that I feel I can trust or who aren't already overwhelmed with other responsibilities."

"I take my responsibilities very seriously," he responded, a light smile tugging on his lips. The fact that her hand was still there was very apparent. Shifting slightly, he moved a little closer to the edge of his chair, and stretched a leg out a bit, allowing his foot to lightly touch the toe of her shoe.

"I would be happy to help you set up that kind of database."

Frigga, being the goddess of love, noticed the touch of his foot and smirked a little more. "Splendid!" She went silent for a moment then tilted her head. "What is a database, and what must I do?"

"It's a computer system that catalogues and cross-checks information. It's for reference and can help if you're trying to keep track of what you have or what you need." Fury motioned to the library. "For instance, we could keep track of where the books are, where they are, what information they have, and what you're missing. I think this is probably something you could ask Darcy to help with as well, considering she's supposed to be the liaison." He gave her a knowing look. "But I think I can safely say you'd rather not ask your daughter-in-law for this kind of help."

Frigga chuckled. "I would rather not rob my son time with his lady." Loki and Darcy fought almost constantly. So very Asgardian, the both of them. She and Odin fought just as much in the beginning so she didn't wish to step in their way. "Besides, you do not speak so fast that I cannot hear, and to be entirely honest I prefer your company to hers." No sense being subtle.

He didn't blame her. "Well then, no time like the present." He set his now empty glass beside him and gestured to the library. "How about you tell me what you'd like to do exactly?"

Frigga had been a quick study at scanning pages into the computer. Granted, the hand scanner made it simple, as did Mr. Stark's programs. She was pretty certain they weren't meant for this but she was glad to have use of both. And Nick. He was a very pleasant man and a patient teacher. She had been correct in her assumption that he could be a suitable friend.

"Well," she said as she finished scanning the last page of a book on the history of the valkyries. "This should certainly keep me occupied for some time to come." She smirked impishly at Nick. "Unless you wish to become our official archivist."

He returned the smirk with one of his own. "Maybe when I retire." Nick followed that with a chuckle. Retirement. Never. He liked to be very busy, hated downtime of any kind.

"That went faster than I thought and I'll be honest: I'm not sure I'm ready to leave yet." There was an obvious mutual attraction. She was a beautiful woman, regal, and most importantly -- independent. He was not looking for anything other than fun. Confirmed bachelor for life was a good title to have.

Frigga got a knowing smirk on her face as she chuckled. Nick was no doubt as close to retirement as Odin had been before he died. Before Loki's spell. Perhaps surprisingly, she approved. It was not in the Asgardian nature to be placid.

"Oh?" Well now. This could prove interesting. Frigga's smile definitely changed to something much more obviously come hither. "And what would you like to do now?"

"Oh," he said with a low tone, "I think we can figure something out, don't you?" He stepped closer and tangled his fingers in hers. The height difference was minimal, which he appreciated as he began a trail of kisses down her neck. "I've always thought libraries were a quiet, private space to be in."

Well! This was definitely what she had wanted, but not planned for. Just in case. One never should expect plans to always go as one wanted. However, this time....

Frigga's hum of approval was more like a purr as she lifted her chin for him. "Oh, I entirely agree," she said. A distracted flick of her finger magically threw the locks on the doors...lest one of her sons enter without warning...then all of her attention was on Nick.