Soul Stones a Philinda AU: Chapter 3

May shoved a paper aside, “this is a disaster.”

Coulson blinked, “I thought it was going well.”

May blinked her warm brown eyes at Coulson then gave a very small chuckle, “I meant how many we’ve lost to the Kingdom of Hydra.”

“Oh,” Phil smiled shyly, “thought you meant the meeting.”  He started to shuffle papers around as he lowered his eyes.

The action May was realizing was a sort of nervous habit, at least he wasn’t tapping his pen.

She reached out her hand and set it on his arm to still it, “the meeting is fine, the results are just something to worry about.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Phil lifted his head, offering a more relaxed smile. His cheeks holding the barest hint of pink and Melinda realized she still had her hand on his arm.  

She gave his arm a squeeze then pulled her hand back, “it’s late, we should get some rest, try this again in the morning.”

“Yes, you’re right,” Coulson nodded, finishing his paper sorting in a less stressed out manner.

May stood and smoothed the front of her haori.  

“Um, Mage May?” Coulson got her attention as she went to leave the table.

“Yes?” Melinda turned back.

“Um, no one told me where I should go, and I imagine it’s too late to head down into town to find a place to stay,” Coulson tucked his papers into his satchel.

“Oh,” May gave a small nod, “I’ll take you to the guest area, you’ll be fine there.  I’ll speak to someone about finding you long-term space in the castle.”

“Is that really necessary?” Coulson asked as he quickly caught up with May who had started to leave the room, “I mean, I’m just a Constable, I wouldn’t want to get in the way.”

“You’re not just a Constable,” May’s walk was rather fast for someone with so short legs.

Constable Coulson wanted to hit himself for even thinking about that, why was he looking at her legs?

“But I am,” Coulson offered as they rounded a corner.  Two guards placed at the head of the hallway snapped to attention while she passed.

“You’re also the best resource we have in finding out who has betrayed us and what kind of immediate threat the Kingdom of Hydra poses,” May glanced to him, noticing in the brighter light of the hallways his eyes were more blue than gray.

“Oh,” was all Coulson could say.  

May stopped near a servant and spoke quietly.  The young woman nodded then hurried off.  She resumed walking, and Phil was right beside her, down another hall then waited outside a door.

“I’ll find you in the morning,” May offered, “show you where to get breakfast before we get back to work.”

“That’s very kind of you,” Coulson gripped his satchel tighter.

The servant May had spoken to returned with a key and handed it to the senior Battle Mage before departing with a bow.

May unlocked the door and opened it but did not step in.  She held out the key, “There’s a bathroom beyond the clothing screen and a few things to sleep in.  Tomorrow I’ll arrange someone to fetch proper clothing and items from your home.  Unless you have a spouse who can bring them for you?”

Coulson took the key then gave a shake of his head, “no, I’ve never been married.”

For some reason that made the bells, May was hearing chime loud again.

“I see, for now, sleep well, Constable,” May gave a nod.

“You too, um, Captain!” Coulson called after her before letting out a heavy breath and stepping into the room.