…I…
Green Eyes
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The realm of Asgard was like viewing a painted canvas from afar, the scenery brought upon a sense of surreal existence leaving her breathless. She was grateful this vision wasn't as volatile as the others. Unsure of the time frame, she could only assume it was destined to occur because of its stability, which meant the event was at hand. Her visions normally occurred in the moment, never was she displaced from the occurrence. Idly she stepped forward, toward Asgard with the intention of finding why her 'Sight' brought her here.

The crystal bridge ignited in splashes of red, blue, and green. The colors expanded toward Asgard, blending to create shades of violet and hues of green with the pressure of her step. Kagome lifted her eyes and focused upon the golden city and found herself in awe. A multitude of golden rods were forged together creating a palace that stood tall amongst the other buildings. Her eyes focused upon the palace and she knew this was the place she should be.

Kagome stepped forward—scenery blurred and merged into streaks of color. She was moving and yet felt still as her foot hovered, when she set it down the world came to halt. She stood in front of a large throne with scarlet cushions and folds of golden metal that twisted from the back of the chair. Slowly, she turned around, placing the throne to her back and facing the three beings within the room.

The vision intensified as she ignored everything when she spotted a familiar visage of pain. The ache inside her chest renewed the sensation as powerful as when he first shattered her heart. Kagome weakly exhaled as she saw him: bound hands, sealed mouth, pushed to his knees, and so unkempt. Her stance and walk was unaffected by him as she stepped forward and descended the first steps.

"Loki." Kagome murmured unheard by those in the vision.

With the slow gait of a prideful cat she moved toward him with the intent to take in his fallen appearance and gloat, she grinned as she approached him. Her eyes glanced to his captor—Thor—something whispered his name in her mind. Despite his rugged features, he looked like an honest man, unlike Loki.

Kagome's features fell as imagined the man she loved, Loki's human guise, before gazing at Loki. The defeated, degraded manner in which he was treated caused elation to fill her. Kagome stepped forward, fleeting through this vision like a ghost, unseen and haunting as she took in his defeat with the joy of a child.

"What you have done—"

Kagome looked to the aged man speaking; he was adorned in robes covered by armor meant for battle, the crimson cape fluttered behind him as he moved toward the men. When she finished roaming his form she found his single eye upon her. Her eyebrows furrowed as his gaze slipped back to Loki. She had been glanced at in visions before, but remained unseen. Time held people in a familiar pattern that didn't allow their consciousness to wander. Yet that aged man looked at her, she shrugged off the sensation as an imagining due to her overactive emotions.

"Father, he can be redeemed." Thor pleaded, unsure if he should plead.

"Loki's father," Kagome whispered as she looked to the man. There were no shared traits or features. Loki's face always bore an expression of impishness while this man appeared in a state of perpetual seriousness. His single eyes glanced upon her once more, causing her to tense as he stared long at her as if warning her.

"Your brother's foolishness has brought this upon himself." Odin spoke, firm in his words and hiding his regret. "For every action there is a consequence bestowed whether one likes it or not."

Loki glanced upward, his green eyes gleaming with delight despite his predicament. Beneath the mask rested a smug smile; Thor looked upon his brother only to glance away in disgust. Kagome's features softened at Thor's and Odin's reactions before she longingly gazed at Loki. Reaching out, her hand passed through him, regret twisted in her gut.

"In silence he shall remain to think over his wrongs. He shall linger in regrets within the bowels of Hel," Odin declared.

Thor's face betrayed the horror he felt as it crossed his features. Kagome wondered if she should sympathize with him, but she couldn't. If Loki's punishment was horrid then he deserved it. Kagome slowly circled around the three figures grinning as she watched Thor pull Loki to his feet. Despite the bondage upon his mouth, she swore he was smiling as if he were hiding something.

"Escape," Kagome whispered as her eyes narrowed.

Thor led Loki away, their visages faded from her vision no longer needed or important. She watched them go wondering when the rest of the vision would fade. Odin's firm voiced resonated surprising her.

"My son is resourceful and you foretell correct Seer."

Kagome visually scanned the room to insure that it was only him and her. She had seen many things, but never had a being within her vision gained sentience, speaking to her as if it were real.

"How can you see me?" Kagome questioned. Her visions were merely meant to be seen and not interacted with. She remained still, not trusting the vision's stability to remain as she sought her answer.

"I am not confined to time," Odin answered. His words were simple and spoken with honesty. Kagome gazed at the man watching him as he stared at her and stated, "Loki has wronged you."

Kagome dryly laughed, "Wronged is such a light word."

The corners of Odin's aged lips twitched upward, the wrinkles becoming more profound as he assured, "Betrayal is bitter, much like the Apple of Immortality."

"Can I be free and gain my mortality again?" Kagome questioned, desperation overtaking her.

The expression of sorrow upon Odin's face defined the deep lines and instilled within her hopelessness. If someone like him, not a slave of time, couldn't help discover a cure to her bitter immortal fate then there truly was no hope. The vision was beginning to fade; the golden throne room slowly became translucent with each passing moment. The color slowly sucked from around her signaling her time had passed.

"Death is the only freedom from immortality, or waiting a millennium," Odin replied as he soon began to fade. Kagome glanced away as her hand clenched, wondering when her chance to torture Loki would come. Odin reached out and gently touched her shoulder as he calmly stated, "Broken isn't always useless and a curses can be a blessings in disguise." She scowled at his words as he finished, "Humans are such creatures of heart."

The vision ended abruptly, jerking her from an enthralling world and leaving her within the city.

Traffic was too close comfort, the scent of pollution filled her lungs and the whistling of wheels upon cement caused her to flinch. It didn't matter there was a steel fence between her a traffic, the teacup in her hand rattled, spilling tea over the porcelain rim and stinging her flesh. Giving up, she harshly set the cup upon the glass table with a clink. She sucked upon her bottom lip as she glanced up at the sky; the air was foggy and humidity caused her to squirm in her seat. She couldn't understand what triggered the vision, but exhaled the worries from her body.

"Miss Higurashi?"

Finding a job and making money was her priority, but Chicago hadn't been first on her mind. The city was displaced from nature and unlike any environment she'd experience. Her family was shrine people; they lived upon the shrine and centered their lives upon their religious beliefs. Her education wasn't ignored despite being raised as a Shrine Maiden. She knew her religious responsibilities as well as she spoke English. Her hand clenched upon the tea cup's handle, it was because of Loki she'd found herself in America. That creature had tricked her heart and then he dared to escape his punishment and flee. The teacup shook at the passing of another car; she'd make him pay.

"I'm terribly sorry about the late meeting."

Kagome focused on the man in front of her and remembered she was here to find a job and make money. She could excuse the lacking business etiquette if it got her a job. Lex Lawson's eyes were a dark lime green that glowed from the rays of sunlight sneaking in between buildings and smog. Smiling, his thin lips turned upward as he offered her a hand. She had been watching the business crowd rush to work and knew Lex Lawson's suit was not out of place. His charcoal grey suit and dark crimson tie were finely pressed leaving her with a sense that she should've dressed up more. Somehow her skirt and two piece top seemed inadequate.

"It's alright Mr. Lawson," Kagome eased as she took his hand. He lightly squeezed her hand in greeting before he took his seat at the table. His smile reached his eyes and stretched his lightly tanned skin. "I understand that life is busy."

"Miss Higurashi, you're such a kind a woman," Lex expressed with a smile. "Kindness is a rarity in the city; you must be from out of town."

Kagome softly laughed, "Is it that obvious?" She smiled before adding, "Please call me Kagome."

Lex grinned, replying, "A bit, Kagome."

Kagome glanced at traffic as a waitress approached and took Mr. Lawson's order, coffee and a muffin. She lifted her teacup mindful to control her shaking hand as she successfully sipped her tea. Exhaling, she quickly placed the cup on the table and saw Lex eyeing her oddly with a twisted smirk.

"Nervous?" Lex questioned as he calmly watched her.

Her lips twitched in a faint smile as she replied, "I don't like sitting so close to traffic." His smile faltered and she had a feeling this wasn't the way to get a job. "I come from a small town, not many cars."

"What brings you to Chicago?" Lex questioned offering a boyish smile.

There wasn't anything boyish about Lex despite him trying to appear docile. His features were sharp: widow's peak of blonde hair, a straight nose, a cleft chin and when he smiled there was a dimple above his right cheek. He looked the part of predator despite smiling like a child. When he spoke Kagome had thought her accent noticeable; she couldn't help but smile at his. His 'c' was pronounced like a harsh 'k'. Idly, she folded the napkin upon the table as she thought of a good cover story. It wouldn't do to tell her future boss she was searching for a supposed God and bent on making his immortal life a living nightmare. Kagome placed the napkin under her teacup, absorbing the spilt liquid.

"My friend convinced me the city could use my talents," Kagome replied.

Lex weaved his fingers together as his face went flat; she guessed this was his business face. He leaned forward and Kagome noticed he had yet to receive his coffee or muffin. His early café choice didn't appear to have the best customer service.

"Claiming to predict the future," Lex began, his expression controlled as he leaned forward. "…is quite outrageous."

Kagome smirked; she was used to people ignoring her curse. Her visions were always dismissed as imagination or coincidence. Even at her shrine she was nothing more than a mere attraction adorned in Miko garbs and set upon a pillow like some sacred prophetess. Each correctly predicted event was assuring, despite being cursed she could use it. Kagome splayed her fingers upon the table as she met his gaze confidently. If she didn't get this job she'd be homeless in a week.

"Let me demonstrate for you." Kagome's confidence replaced her meekness as she offered to test her abilities.

His eyebrows furrowed as he wondered her game. Calmly he nodded and leaned back in his seat prepared to dissect her show and claim everything as false. Kagome exhaled through her nose as she slid her fingers closer to his hand. The tips of her fingers were a touch from him.

"May I?"

He could feel the heat of her skin and caught the faint scent of mint.

"Of course."

It had been trial and error, discerning how and what brought upon her 'Sight'. She could foretell the future in various stages. If she focused she could foretell mere seconds and minutes, these were events she couldn't change or influence because there simply wasn't enough time. Kagome's fingers brushed Lex's and she paused. She could foretell events outside of a day's period and usually foretell a date depending on the vision; these were events she could change. Most of these visions when blurred or distorted could be changed. It was when a vision was clear the future was set.

'Loki,' Kagome thought. She had envisioned him amidst the chaos clearly and knew he'd use her. She couldn't use her curse for evil and allow it to further expand its harm.

Lex Lawson focused upon the woman as her sapphire eyes stared at him. She wasn't the most beautiful girl. Her eyes were stunning, set apart by a flat nose, and resting upon high cheekbones while her skin was milky. Thick black strands of black hair curtained her oval face. He supposed it was her smile, it looked infectious. He went to speak and question when her demonstration would begin when suddenly she tensed. Her eyes flooded into an opaque sheen that voided her natural sapphire coloring. Lex's shoulders tensed as he let his eyes drift around the area, looking for signs of deceit.

"The muffin will be Bran and you'll need a change of pants," Kagome predicated.

She removed her hand and he watched as the chalkiness of her eyes faded leaving her smiling at him. He waited a moment before he paused, and then he laughed. Her cheeks heated in mild embarrassment and anger. Lex ceased laughing when the waitress suddenly set a muffin before him. His eyebrows furrowed as he saw oats sitting atop the dome as decoration.

"This isn't Blueberry?" Lex was unsure if he was really seeing a Bran muffin, but there it sat..

The waitress gasped in confusion and paused in setting the coffee cup down. Kagome grinned as she watched the woman move forward to remove the muffin. In her attempt, Lex shifted bumping her arm and causing the coffee to slosh over the porcelain rim and into his lap. Kagome winced as the waitress profusely apologized and raced off to retrieve napkins.

"It's alright." Kagome sighed as she weaved her fingers together, propped her elbows upon the table, and rested her chin atop her hands. "The coffee is old."

Lex looked up at her, his eyes wide and the question of how danced upon the tip of his tongue. Kagome innocently smiled and knew this was her chance to get into the company. He stood there with quickly cooling and soggy pants as he gazed at her. The scenarios ran through his head of how she could've staged such a feat. His eyes narrowed as he smirked, he'd always loved a puzzle. Reaching into his suit jacket, he kept eye contact with the girl as he withdrew a business card.

"Before you're considered for a permanent position I'll need you to stop by this office and fill out proper paperwork," Lex informed.

"Permanent," Kagome mused, "so this is like a temporary position?"

Lex widely smiled as he corrected, "A transitional position is more like it."

Kagome thanked him as he paid for their business breakfast and got his coffee to go. She quickly jotted down the time and day he wanted her to fill out paperwork before he left. Her eyes looked the business card over; its sleek metallic color reminded her of her shrine's sword. The engraved black letters were sleek in their sharp angles, futuristic.

Vice President: Lex Lawson
Stark Investigation Firms—
Making improbable probable

She honestly didn't know if the company's slogan made sense. Kagome's eyes suddenly went wide as she recognized the man's position in the company. Cheeks flushing in embarrassment, she realized she predicted an avoidable accident, but one that had the man walking to work with a drenched crotch. Kagome palmed her face and prayed this didn't make a bad impression.

The last time a being from Asgard fell to Earth, the impression had been witnessed to the desert with a violent storm and sudden impact. Nicky Fury hadn't been concerned because there weren't eyes in the desert, unless you counted his eye. In which case, he was concerned because if something could happen in his backyard that meant his front was vulnerable. Nick Fury liked to keep his planet fenced in and safe, it didn't matter that Loki had torn up a part of his world, because that temperamental child was now locked away upon Asgard.

'Hopefully permanently,' Nick disdainfully thought. He could do without seeing Loki's face for the rest of his life.

Nick sighed as he kept his shoulders tensed and his eyes scanning the monitors for reports. As far as he was concerned, everyone was on vacation and the world was at ease. The doors to his monitor room slid open and he didn't bother to glance at the man coming through the doors. The familiar squeaky shoes brought a sense of relief upon him. When Loki had torn up the Helicarrier and Agent Coulson, he'd essentially been worried he lost his best agent.

"I hope you don't have bad news," Fury spoke as he kept his eye upon the screens.

"Just the weather."

Fury's face remained in its natural dark brooding stare as he watched the monitors flicker through news reports. His eye quickly skimmed the article as he realized his agent was correct, it seemed it was the weather. He sighed heavily from his nose, the last time Phil Coulson delivered a weather report it resulted in finding a mythological hammer. Nick glowered, the last time Coulson delivered anything it resulted in his pseudo-death. The attempt to rally the Avengers was risky, but Nick Fury hadn't survived all his life by telling the truth.

He glanced over his leather clad shoulder stating, "Don't tell me it's another hammer." His eyebrows pinched as he quickly asked, "Why aren't you on vacation?"

Agent Phil Coulson smiled as he calmly replied, "It's much worse—"

Fury nodded, he was born to handle the worse.

"…it crashed in Millennium Park, Chicago."

"Tell me that's not near Stark Investigation Firms."

"It's not," Agent Coulson confirmed, honest, "but it landed a week ago."

Nick didn't need another alien wreaking havoc on his planet. It crashed a week ago and he was only hearing about it now. He merely stared at Agent Coulson not needing to demand an answer. The smaller man was withdrawing a manila folder from under his arm.

"I was on vacation and Agent Lawson—"

"The new guy," Nick grumbled, scowling.

"…He told Stark and Stark told him not to worry about it," Agent Coulson finished, his tone losing all humor.

"Who the hell made Stark boss?" Nick snapped as he reached out to take the folder.

This wasn't a mere freak tornado as the press reported; he recognized the familiar designs and sighed. He suddenly wished for normal days, the days where villains were human and not alien. Coulson shrugged unwilling to try and get into Tony Stark's mind. The man was a genius and also mentally unstable, Phil liked his sanity.

"This new guy actually believed Stark?" Nick snapped staring at Coulson in

"Agent Lawson is still." Agent Lawson paused, unsure if new or gullible would be correct the word, instead he sighed, "Employed by Stark."

Nick Fury scowled as his dark eye glared at the folder. Stark was a collector sorts, it seemed his newest collection fad was odd people. Bruce Banner worked for him and now Lex Lawson. The man's abilities were unique onto his own. He lifted a brow as he came across the name of Stark's newest addition.

'Freak weather, freak hero, and now a freak show woman,' Fury thought with a scowl.

Kagome Higurashi idly scrolled through the articles upon the computer as she researched the Avenger's battle. It was apparent that Loki dumped her, tried to take over the world, failed brilliantly in New York, and somehow escaped Asgard. She wasn't sure if she should be amused or feel even more scorned, he did attempt to overtake her world. Scowling, she had never tried to overtake his world. Honestly, she couldn't understand his motives. Kagome shut her eyes; he was so different from the human guise he first portrayed when they met. She pinched the bridge of her nose in attempt to relieve the pressure building in her mind.

The keys were chilled under her touch as she shut her eyes, ignoring the glowing screen. When her eyes opened she focused on the names of the heroes that defeated Loki. Stepping on the toes of others was not her goal; she wouldn't go in blind and wreak havoc in someone else's backyard. Let alone, she would step on the toes of super-powered beings.

'Bruce Banner, Tony Stark,' Kagome read. She recognized the name Stark and her eyebrows furrowed. She reached into her purse and withdrew the business card Lex Lawson had given to her. Stark Investigation Firms, she ran a search of the man's name and found that Tony Stark owned the company she'd be working for.

"Billionaire and superhero," Kagome muttered as she looked into the other heroes of this world. If her future boss was a genius and superhero, she'd really have to watch her moves. Her eyebrows furrowed, her revenge wouldn't be jeopardized. Calmly, she licked her lips wondering how on Earth she would locate Loki. She ran a hand through her hair, if he escaped from Asgard he could be anywhere on Earth. Working for Stark could prove useful. His superhero ego would watch for danger which could potentially help her.

She tapped her finger against the keyboard, listening to the hollow rap as she thought over the next stages of her plan. Loki had always been impulsive; his idea of laying down plans was a multitude of short-term goals that would benefit the bigger picture. Uninvited, a smirk toyed with her lips as she recalled when he first proposed for her to escape her mundane life. It was easy to talk of escaping her mundane life, but she had no true skills, which she admitted. Kagome banished the smirk as she chose to dwell on proper punishments for Loki.

'Nothing seems good enough,' Kagome sighed.

She'd woken up early and wanted to get home before nightfall. Kagome logged off the computer and decided it was better to plot revenge at home with a cup of hot tea. It was doubtful she'd find anything else out about The Avengers online yet alone a proper revenge scheme.

Her studio was located in what looked like a rundown factory. What she once thought of as an apartment, she discovered was indeed a studio. The bathroom was in its separate room and everything else was together in one room. She didn't mind the small living quarters, it was quaint and manageable. Kagome continued walking down the street avoiding people during the rush hour. Humans were crowded shoulder to shoulder as they bustled home, men had already loosened their ties and women unbuttoned their jackets. She kept her gaze on the ground with each step and ceased walking when she approached the crosswalk. Idly she waited to walk when someone roughly pushed her.

Her balance was lost as she stumbled forward. Eyes wide, she was sent staggering off the safety of the sidewalk and toward the street. A cold horror spread through her as she watched the pavement rush to greet her. The memories of father's death pushed to the front of her mind, the scent of burnt rubber and sound of cracking grass loudly echoed in her mind. The scream left her mouth as she swung her hands forward in an attempt to catch herself. She gagged as her collar tightened around her throat and she was pulled back to the curb. Her feet gave out under her at the odd twisting as she was spun and leaned into the arms of her savior.

"Mr. Lawson?" Kagome softly murmured as she looked up to the man.

Her hands tightly gripped his forearms, the suit wrinkled under her hands as she slightly shook. His concerned eyes searched her face as she attempted to push the memories of her father to the dark recesses of her mind. Mr. Lawson reached out and smoothed her frayed hair behind her ear.

"Kagome," he said firmly. His green eyes were intense as he asked, "Are you alright?"

Was she alright? She wasn't sure how to answer. The trauma of her father's death was renewed afresh and she had almost met her end in the same way. Her eyes focused upon his tie as she refused to meet his gaze. Traffic pushed through beside her and she winced at the sound of a horn blaring.

"Kagome."

She blinked and finally looked to him. Her future boss watched her in concern and she didn't want to make a bad impression. She opened her mouth to assure that she was fine and yet the words remained absent. Lex Lawson smirked as he suddenly chuckled to her confusion.

"I can see why you avoid traffic," he joked with a calm smile.

Kagome sighed in relief as her grip lessened; he was giving her way out. A grateful smile crossed her features as she fully released her grip on him. Kagome glanced around the sidewalk wondering who pushed her when she finally expressed, "Thank you so much Mr. Lawson."

He smiled at her and lightly said, "I would hate to lose such a promising employee." Kagome softly chuckled as his eyes roamed her, searching for injuries. When he didn't see any he asked, "Do you mind if I walk you home?"

Kagome's eyes widened a bit before she smiled, agreeing, "That'd be nice."

His eyes widened before he reminded, "Please, call me Lex."

Kagome softly laughed and replied, "Sure."

She was expecting an uncomfortable silence to follow as he escorted her home. The time spent wandering the city and the library had taken hours, his office hours mustn't have been long. He tilted his head and smiled at her, wisps of blond hair strayed in his eyes and he blinked.

"How long is your normal work day?" Kagome calmly questioned.

Lex shrugged replying, "It depends. I'm always on call."

Kagome's eyebrows furrowed, she didn't know what to make of a Vice President on call all the time. She shrugged it off and he smiled as he switched topics. He avoided the issue of work and instead talked about the cuisine of Chicago. He mentioned that he liked foreign food and preferred it to American.

"I cook at home a lot," Kagome admitted. Her first few months spent in the city were spent frugally. She had enough money for rent, groceries, and tickets for the train. Her savings had been dwindling and she was grateful she'd have an income, even if she wouldn't be caught up for the next few months.

"I can't cook." Lex admitted with a grin, "but I love to eat."

She lifted a brow, surprised. He was lithe of build, lean with no signs of indulging in food. He lifted both brows and smirked as if he knew what she was thinking. Kagome found herself smirking and admitted that she had yet to try any of Chicago's fine food.

Lex gasped and teased, "You don't know what you're missing!"

Kagome replied, "Ignorance is sometimes bliss."

Lex gasped, "Hollow words!" They stopped at another crosswalk as he looked to her as he urged, "Indeed, you must try the pizza."

"Pizza?" Kagome questioned.

They began walking once more as Lex explained with a flourish of his hand, "Pizza is the one good thing this world has. The combination of ingredients is marvelous."

Kagome slowed her pace and came to a stop in front of a worn down structure. Lex looked to the building and lifted an eyebrow at the state of the building, worn down brick and frosted windows. She'd feel embarrassed if she wasn't so proud of being on her own. Lex glanced at the building before he reached up and ran a hand through his hair with a sigh.

"So…" he drawled, "you live here?"

"Yeah…"

Lex gazed at the building for a few silent moments. The building wasn't located in the best part of the city, but he knew better. There were plenty of rundown buildings that were nice on the inside. He noted metal grates on the windows. Moving forward, he bounced up the three steps and punched in a code into the keypad. When the green light flashed, he pulled open the door and turned to smile at her. Her wide sapphire eyes stared at him in confusion.

He waved his hand with a twist of his wrist as he motioned inside the building, his voice smoothly saying, "Ladies first."

"How did you—"

Lex's laugh interrupted her as he teased, "I guess we're neighbors." Kagome moved forward and he watched every step with his green eyes as he mused, "Small world, eh."

Kagome couldn't help murmuring, "Indeed."

Author's Note:

Fixed some issues I caught.

This chapter is mainly to get the plot rolling. I'm not completely happy with it and may rewrite it. I'm not sure if I introduced Lex strong enough.

Please point out any errors, leave any comments, I do accept critique, and review if you want this continued!

Thanks~