A family affair?

[grandson_of_coul]

Being a SHIELD agent in a relationship with someone with known criminal ties? Awkward.

Being a SHIELD agent engaged to someone with known criminal ties? Very awkward.

Being a SHIELD agent engaged to someone with known criminal ties and effectively being blackmailed for it? Very high awkwardness levels approaching.

Being a SHIELD agent engaged to someone with known criminal ties, effectively being blackmailed for it and actually liking the gal? Weird, hot, and STILL very awkward.

Being a SHIELD agent engaged to someone with known criminal ties, effectively being blackmailed for it, actually liking the gal, and wishing to let the family know there's at least a relationship going? This was the pinnacle of weirdness that Steve Coulson found himself in. How in the blue hell was he going to bring this up to his twin sister, let alone his father?

So for now Steve went on totally normal. Business as usual. Yes. That's it. Business as usual.

Totally and utterly normal.

Comments

[hellfire_child]

"I still think it was wrong of him to run out on you like that. Whatever the circumstances, you should be his first priority from now on." His gaze narrows, clearly weighing cost-benefit options.

And then he remembers he's trying not to do that anymore.

"...maybe couples counseling?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Alistaire, I requested he go after his sister." Alisa shook her head. "I will not alienate him from his sister or family. It would be horrible of me to do so and make me look worse than I already do. Though..."

Her eyes looked at Alistaire rather carefully.

"How well would you say you know me, Alistaire?"

[hellfire_child]

"Better than most." He shrugs a shoulder. "I trust you to guard my back."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Well, why don't you take my new beau out for a boy's night out, then?" She finally smiled once more.

"Perhaps let him know how I am as a person, as you do know me best. It might be helpful for everyone involved. And if you do not like him, or think he is ill-suited for me, I will talk to my father about releasing Steve from his "contract" to marry me. It would be a win-win."

[hellfire_child]

Alistaire looks at Alisa, making sure he heard all of the words he thinks he just heard.

"...do you still want him to be your beau by the end of it?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"That is for Steve to decide." Alisa pointed out. "If Steve truly wants out, I will help him get out of this mess. I am not a terribly cruel woman, Alistaire. I would not force him to be with me if he did not want to be around me. Even if that meant getting on my Father's bad side and being alone, again."

[hellfire_child]

"You're not alone, Alisa." He says flatly. "I'm your.. friend."

He's not lying, per se. He's just using a word he's only mostly sure he understands the meaning of.

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"No, you are my best friend." She smiled up at Alistaire. "Someone who has been there for me at my best and my worst."

She sat back in her chair for a moment, balancing herself perfectly.

"How about this. You take Steve for a boy's night out while Reiko and I have a girl's night in? It would be fun!"

[hellfire_child]

"I can take him out for a very fine evening, if that's what you want. How will you handle his sister? It's obvious she has influence over him, and you saw her reaction."

His ears prick up at the mention of Reiko.

"How have you two been getting on?"

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"She reminds me of how Brooke "dislikes" me." Alisa grinned.

"Like Brooke, I cannot force Nikki to like me or be my friend. I have to trust Steve is a big boy and can make his own choices. If he truly wishes to be with me, he will be with me. If not... as I said, I will do all in my power to get him out of this contract and back on with his life. For some reason, it is worth a financial loss just to see him happy. I must be getting soft."

When he asked about how she and Reiko were getting along, it was as if Alisa's face turned into a beam of sunshine.

"We get along wonderfully! We sometimes even train together, when neither of us is busy. It is important we be in top shape, after-all."

[hellfire_child]

Alistaire looks speculative, gesturing a hand dismissively. "Actually, I could force her to, I know a telepathic gun-for-hire." A pause. "But I'm trying not to do things like that."

He smiles. "I'm glad to hear it. I enjoy her being around."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Well, the fact you are putting in such an effort to change is very impressive to me." Alisa continued to smile. "You are really are trying hard."

That smile of hers turns to a grin at his words about Reiko.

"If you lacked empathy, you would not smile like that or speak of such fondness towards Reiko. While I feel envy, I must set that aside and support both of you."

[hellfire_child]

He considers his response, then shrugs a shoulder again. "She's what I've decided I need. She's good, and I find her sufficiently attractive."

[alisa_lebeau_v3]

"Well... you are getting there with the compliments." She tried to maintain that smile. "Alistaire, I will always harbor feelings for you. We have been through a lot in such short time. And while I know you can never desire me the way I desire you, I am trying to move on. And I am hoping that Steve will be good for me. So far, he has been. Even if he can be a bit childish."