Chapter 16 - A Professional Opinion

"Are you sure I cannot tempt you?" Volstagg queried in his deep, warm voice as he raised his bulky hand and waved a heaping fork back and forth in front of Loki's mouth.

He sat comfortably in an ornate wooden chair alongside Loki, Thor, Lady Sif, and his fellow warriors, Fandral and Hogun. The massive wooden table was laden with platters of food and flasks of wine and beer. Several musicians were situated amidst the gilded stone columns that flanked the hall, lightly strumming their stringed instruments. The music was lively but the volume low enough as to not provide distraction from the conversation. Two serving attendants dressed in courtly attire, one male and one female, hovered against a nearby wall, waiting to replenish the feast that was laid out on the table if needed.

"For the Love of Odin's Beard! Please remove that piece of scorched flesh from my face!" Loki shouted in frustration. "I've already told you that I am not hungry. Can't I just drink my wine in peace?" He reached for a golden goblet, his long fingers lingering to caress the stem. He appeared deep in thought as tipped the contents into is mouth for a long swallow.

Volstagg shrugged and, with great gusto, bit into the piece of roast that was speared at the end of his utensil. Grease dribbled down his long, full red beard. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he remarked, "We must send for a healer. Our Dark Prince has fallen into a malaise these past weeks. He's shown no interest in the feasts we've had prepared nor in the warm and willing thighs that Fandral has secured for his pleasure. Certainly he is ill."

"Leave him be," Thor said gently. He sat at the head of the table as was his right as the current ruler of Asgard. He had watched the entire evening's proceedings unfold before him with humor and a bit of mild concern. "He is in love and has been too long away from the object of his affection."

Volstagg audibly gasped, while Fandral's eyes grew wide in surprise.

Loki glared at his brother. "Not. Another. Word," he said in a low, menacing tone.

"No! No! We must hear more on this!" Fandral exclaimed, moving with dramatic flair from the far end of the table to be closer to the discussion. His blond hair and beard were shorn much shorter than that of his fellow warriors, giving him a more refined, almost European, look. His movements, always more expressive and flamboyant than those of comrades, gave bolster to his reputation as a swashbuckling adventurer. And in the moment, he could see no greater adventure than in prying an admission of such an embarrassing sentiment from the God of Mischief's lips.

Even the warrior, Hogun, usually so impassive when not downright grim, set his goblet down in interest.

"My brother speaks only of his own plight. I am merely bored spending these long ten weeks with nothing but your ceaseless chatter and puerile antics," Loki declared, attempting to make eye contact with each of the warriors in a silent challenge should they continue in their line of questioning.

"She is a young, beautiful scientist," Thor disclosed, smiling in amusement when Loki threw his hands up in the air in exasperation.

"Not one, but now two Asgardian rulers besotted with Midgardian women! Just exactly what is it about these creatures that is so enthralling, I wonder?" Fandral mused.

"Yes, please do expound on that," Sif interjected, her voice laced with irritation and a touch of jealousy. It was no secret to the group that the fierce, dark-haired beauty still harbored unrequited feelings for Thor.

"And are they all scientists?" Volstagg asked, his mouth full as he continued to devour his meat with great relish.

"No, no," Thor replied, taking a big swig of ale from his tankard. His long blond hair had been pulled back and secured away from his face. The ridges in the muscles of his arms, bared by the sleeveless leather garment he wore, were accentuated by the flickering candlelight that illuminated the hall. While his face brandished an amused smile, his eyes appeared heavy with burden. "Not all Midgardian women are scientists. Loki and I just happen to be captivated by two who are. And it should interest you to know that there are many different types of sciences, so not all scientists study the same things."

"Fascinating," Sif commented, rolling her light hazel eyes upward beneath her perfectly arched brows. She picked at the grapes that were on her plate and slowly popped them into her mouth one by one. It had been good to have Thor back in Asgard for longer than just a few weeks, but she could see the toll it was taking on him to be separated from his Jane for this length of time. And while she had no use for Loki, she had also noticed that he had not been his usual mischievous self - trying to incite the group to laughter with innocuous tricks mostly at her or Volstagg's expense. Instead, he had been sulky and morose, with a grim countenance to rival that of Hogun. This behavior only had intensified with each passing week.

"We've always been led to believe that humans are an inferior species. Perhaps I need to visit Midgard and experience for myself what makes these women so enchanting," Fandral pondered aloud.

Volstagg chuckled, "Might not be a bad idea! This most dashing of our warriors here has probably already exhausted the list of available Asgardian females. Perhaps your charm and predilection for romantic overtures can be put to better use conquering the human female world!" The two raised their tankards and bumped them in jovial agreement.

Turning his attentions back to Loki, Fandral remarked, "We already have had the pleasure of meeting Thor's beautiful Lady Jane. I want to hear more about the woman who has ensnared our Dark Prince's heart."

Loki glowered at him. Sitting uncharacteristically hunched over, almost as if in resignation, he raised his posture and squared his shoulders, the metal accents from his leather garment catching and reflecting the light towards Fandral's amused face. "Do not think that I have lost so much of my powers that I could not turn you into one of those beasts that Volstagg is so fond of eating! It might only be for a day or two, but I am quite certain you will not enjoy the experience," he threatened.

Volstagg roared with laughter and slapped Loki on the back. Even Sif had to snicker at this exchange. Fandral paled slightly but then recovered quickly, flashing the group his signature gallant smile and giving a shake of his head. "I read that book of plays you gifted me with, Loki. And methinks our prince doth protest too much!"

Having no befitting comeback, Loki returned his attention to his wine glass, his countenance sour.

Hogun, always the watchful and most perceptive of the group, stood from the table and urged his comrades, "Come. Let us take our revelry elsewhere and leave these two to their brooding. Nothing good can come out of your unrelenting goading."

"Ay," Volstagg agreed, rising from his seat. As he stomped away from the table, he suddenly stopped and returned to grab the serving platter of roasted meat and a flagon of ale to take with him. "No sense in leaving these behind since neither of you seem interested in partaking!" he sang out.

As Lady Sif and the Warriors Three were exiting the dining hall, Thor dismissed the musicians and serving attendants. Now only he and Loki sat in the great hall, the silence that snaked around them in such sharp contrast to the din from mere moments before.

The God of Thunder seemed to be weighing his thoughts carefully before turning to address Loki. "I don't profess to be always fully aware of when you engage in deceit, brother. But do not think me so fool as to not recognize a kindred spirit who suffers as I do from being lovesick."

Loki clenched his jaw and drew in a deep breath, readying himself to begin a verbal joust. But as he slowly exhaled, he realized that he no longer wanted to remain silent on the subject of Alexandra. Their separation for these past two and a half months had been an oppressive affliction that had left him an empty husk, unable to find satisfaction or joy with anything. He was physically and emotionally exhausted, and tired of being alone in his misery.

"How can you stand it? How do you get through each day?" he entreated, his voice sounding tortured. He stood and began pacing back and forth, raking his fingers through his hair. "By day, my thoughts are constantly consumed by her. By night, I lay sleepless with worry over her. I am losing my mind!"

He stopped and stood by his chair, gripping the back of it and squeezing with such tremendous force that Thor thought surely it might splinter. "Tell me how to end this torment!" Loki pleaded.

Thor gave him a sympathetic smile and placed his hand on Loki's forearm. "For once, brother, I can say with the utmost sincerity that I know exactly how you feel. The separation is agony. But you cannot lose hope that it is only temporary."

"Ten weeks!" Loki exclaimed, yanking the chair back and then resuming his seat. "Ten weeks so far I have been banished for merely defending her. How can the investigation be taking so long?"

Thor shook his head. "I do not know. It seems excessively long to me as well. But what choice do we have but to exercise great patience and exhibit only the most exemplary behavior until your banishment is overturned?"

Loki shouted an indiscernible expletive and swept his arm across in frustration, flinging his plate and a nearby tray of bread off the table. The hall echoed with the sound of clattering metal as the chargers careened across the stone floor.

"I caution you, Loki, against acting out on any impulses that might prolong our predicament," Thor pronounced. "This does not only impact you."

Loki sighed. "I know that you suffer as well. I assure you that I have done nothing since returning to Asgard that would be cause for concern or that might jeopardize any possible reunion. But I am going mad with this complete lack of contact!"

Thor nodded. "I completely understand. You must know that Heimdall remains constantly vigilant for our sakes. He will report if there is any cause for concern for Jane or Lady Alex's well-being."

Loki cast his gaze downward and contemplated his next words. "I have far less cause for concern over Alexandra's well-being than I do at the thought that I have been replaced with another."

Thor took another drink from his tankard and shook his head. "Surely, you don't think can be so easily replaced? As the Midgardians say, 'You are a hard act to follow,'" he replied with genuine mirth in his eyes

"It does seem hard to believe," Loki considered. But the familiar lack of humility typically associated with his personal disposition quickly gave rise to the self-doubt that had been plaguing him ever since he became involved with Alexandra.

"As much as I'd like to think that she's made me the center of her universe, in truth, I have no idea as to what level of affection she has garnered for me beyond a physical attraction," he confessed.

Thor raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Whereas you and Jane have pledged your feelings of devotion to one another," Loki continued, "I have had no such conversation with Alexandra about such matters."

"I see," Thor acknowledged. It was an incredibly rare thing to have Loki speak so candidly about his feelings, especially under his own motivation. This level of sharing was usually only accomplished as a part of a guided exercise initiated by Dr. Chase or, in some rare instances, prompted by Jane. Thor recognized the profundity of this exchange and wished wholeheartedly that he could give his brother the answers he needed for reassurance.

"Loki, as I already shared with you that evening when we were forced to return to Asgard, Lady Alex expressed nothing but concern for your welfare. She was insistent that I make you aware of how deeply sorry she was for placing you in the set of circumstances that has led us here. It was evident to me that she cares deeply for you."

Loki basked in the succor of Thor's words, wanting desperately to believe them. But a nagging thought that had been lurking in the recesses of his mind wrestled itself to the surface. He said, his voice barely above a whisper, "And while I dare to hope, the truth is that, in her realm, I am nothing more than a pariah. She deserves far better."

"Then you must endeavor to become what she deserves," Thor concluded, without hesitation.

Loki regarded the simplicity of his brother's statement and the conviction of his expression. He nodded in acknowledgement before downing the contents of his goblet. Reaching for the jewel encrusted wine decanter on the table, he commenced in a less serious tone, "Well, if Agent Donovan is to be believed, then Midgardian women are capricious and complex creatures only capable of inciting great confusion. I may never know where I stand with her."

"My limited experience confirms this," Thor chuckled, as he clapped his hand on Loki's back. "Let's refocus our thoughts toward more optimistic outcomes. Dr. Chase will be transported here in a few days time for one of her scheduled sessions with you. Perhaps she will bring news of progress."

Sunlight poured into the windows of Dr. Chase's office, casting her figure in silhouette as she stood behind her desk.

"Thank you for seeing me on such short notice, Dr. Chase," Nick Fury said as he swaggered toward her and shook the outstretched hand she offered.

"Of course, Director Fury," Dr. Chase replied politely. She motioned for him to sit in the brown leather chair across from her desk. "What can I do for you?" she asked as she took her seat.

She crossed her legs carefully, mindful to not to crease her black gabardine pencil skirt. A large amethyst pendant hung from a thick gold chain draped over the jewel collar of her lavender silk peplum blouse. She lightly fingered the gemstone, tracing the outline of the bezel as she waited for Fury's response.

"I'm seeking your professional opinion, of course," he stated while, leaning back in his seat. He ran his hands back and forth across the armrests and smiled broadly. "Now this is a mighty comfortable chair! I need one of these for my office."

Even with the high August temperatures, he was clad in a black long-sleeved fitted shirt with black canvas cargo pants and rugged black leather utility boots. He made an imposing figure but Dr. Chase was hardly one to be intimidated.

"I do have a patient coming in 20 minutes," she prompted.

"Okay. Okay," he nodded. "Let's get right to it then. So, about our favorite homicidal maniac..."

"You know I don't categorize Loki as such, Director," Dr. Chase interrupted.

"Right," he acknowledged with a sly grin. "Well, the investigation is over and the proceedings have ruled in Loki's favor."

"From my understanding, that ruling was made several weeks ago. And yet, he's still being detained on Asgard," she noted.

Fury studied the elegant doctor and saw the set line to her jaw and the challenge issued in her reciprocating stare. He knew from past encounters that she was made of sterner stuff and could smell bullshit coming from a mile away. But he felt no reason why he needed to back down or admit that he had been responsible for slowing down the process.

"Yes. Well, you know how bureaucracy can be quite...slow sometimes," he shrugged with detachment. "I'd like to discuss his relationship with Alexandra Bennett. I'm concerned that it's a dangerous liaison of sorts."

"How so?" Dr. Chase asked as she pulled out a large manila folder from her desk drawer.

"Come on now, Doctor. You know this has disaster written all over it," Fury replied in a scornful tone.

She shook her head vehemently and responded, "I disagree." Flipping open the folder, she responded, "I've read the transcripts of all of their conversations and..."

"You mean the parts between the grunting and groaning?" Fury interjected with a laugh.

Dr. Chase shot him a withering glare before continuing. Even Fury, who rarely yielded to anyone, had the good sense to look chastened.

Thumbing through a few pages of the documents in the folder, Dr. Chase remarked, "I see their interactions as nothing but positive. The degree to which he's opened up to her - it took nearly a year of therapy for me to get to that stage with him. And she's achieved it in the matter of a few weeks."

Putting on her reading glasses, she read silently through a highlighted passage on one of the pages. "I'm also astounded by some of what he's shared with her. He's never revealed that much of himself with me, and certainly not so willingly. I consider that significant progress, not something dangerous."

Fury shifted in his chair. "But how can this not end badly? The Asgardian and the girl are clearly infatuated with each other now. But sooner or later, Ms. Bennett is going to come to her senses. Whether it's because she realizes that there's no future together or he falls back into his megalomaniac tendencies and scares her off, she's going to eventually want out. And how do you think he's going to handle this rejection?"

Dr. Chase closed the folder and removed her reading glasses, placing them in their familiar spot on her desk. "I'm not concerned about him reverting back to his megalomaniac ways. He has matured and seems very content with his current position as influencer in the rule of Asgard. And while it's certainly possible that Alexandra may want to end their relationship for a whole host of reasons, the whole point of my continued sessions with him are to help him gain the coping skills needed to respond to any type of rejection - whether from his father or from this young woman."

Director Fury rubbed his hand up and down against his beard as he contemplated her words. "I don't know about this," he argued.

"You asked me for my professional opinion and I'm giving it to you. I'm sorry if it isn't what you wanted to hear," she replied, as she placed the folder she had been reviewing back into her desk drawer. "If I were you, I'd be much more afraid of what would happen if you continued to keep them apart."

"I have thought about that," he acknowledged. "But I've weighed the risks and I think we're just all much safer here with him in Asgard."

Dr. Chase opened her mouth to speak and then paused to reconsider.

After a moment, she charged on, bluntly declaring, "Let's be honest here. This is less about your fear in the fate of this world and more about the fact that you don't want Loki to experience happiness of any kind. You're angry that he was acquitted for his crimes and your sole current interest lies in ensuring his suffering - to any degree that you can manipulate."

Fury threw his head back and laughed deeply. "You're good, Dr. Chase. Damn good," he remarked. "That creature you've grown so fond of... he doesn't deserve a happy ending."

"And what makes you think you have the right to decide that?" she rebuked.

"The responsibility of my position as acting Director of SHIELD says I have the right," Fury affirmed with indignation.

"No, Director," Dr. Chase replied calmly. "Your sole responsibility is to protect. Not to distil Divine Providence only to those you see as worthy."

"Are you saying I have a God Complex?" he demanded.

"I said nothing of the sort," she returned matter-of-factly. "I certainly don't fault you for the strong feelings you have against my patient. But I don't appreciate you using the power of your position to circumvent what's already been ruled upon by the appropriate authorities. Loki was tried in a court of law for his crimes against humanity and acquitted by reason of temporary insanity. I'd argue that this was a verdict not even rendered by a jury of his own peers and yet that was the decision that was reached. He's complied with every single directive from his sentencing. Now he's been cleared in the investigation from the incident at the bar. It's time for you to let go of your personal agenda and focus on protecting the world against actual threats."

"Fine," Fury said in a clipped tone as he abruptly rose to leave. "I hear you're planning on being in Asgard for a session later this week. You can tell Thor and Loki then that everything's settled. I'll let Stark know that they can commence on their work as soon as next Monday."

As he neared the door, Fury turned and looked at the doctor. "You really think there's nothing to worry about here?"

"I really don't," she replied sincerely. "But if you're having a hard time moving past this and want to talk about it, I've just had Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am open up."

Fury laughed deeply again. "Good one," he said, shaking his head as he closed the door behind him.