fuckin' with a goddess

“I’m showing concern, Flick. I assumed that would be required in this situation.” George only wanted information from their next mark. The name Darling still carried a lot of weight in some circles.  And George needed to get another assignment in place for his boys. Sabotage, it was all they had left.

                             “I won’t ruin it or anything like that.”

He observed one of the only friends and comforts that he had left. She looked as strong and in control as she always did, she survived along with him. Nodding once, he opened the door to the car for her. “I trust that your ability to pry information from someone is still intact.”

                              “What do you take me for?”            She hadn’t lost the touch, she told herself assured.            Felicity had made herself believe many things in the              last months for the sake of survival. She nodded in            acknowledgement at the gesture as she got in the car.

“This old thing?” Mary acknowledged the bracelet, turning it around her wrist as she tried to think of the answer. “I actually have no idea where I got it.” 

Felicity tried not to look at the jewellery piece with distaste.

“I work here, what’s your excuse?”

“You work here? Oh -- I don’t think I need one.”

“And the family?” There was an inkling of something in Mary’s voice. Something that alluded to the fact she might not have just been asking about the Blackwells when she said the word family. 

At any other time, she would have felt offended. People occasionally used her nonexistent family relationships to make evident the obvious. Mary didn't have those intentions.

“One of many perks I’m sure. But my question was genuine.” 

“Huh,” Felicity was taken by surprise, but she didn’t intend to show it.

“I think that comes with the territory when you’ve known someone as long as we’ve known each other.”  Mary shrugged. 

“Unfortunately, they do it with a condescending tone.”

“It’s a pleasure visit, Flick. It’s not about what you can do for me. It’s about how you’re doing.” 

Felicity flinched when she heard the nickname.

“I thought you might be.” 

I hope you are done, too. Still, she didn’t vocalise it. Another round wasn't part of her plan; it wasn't professional. Felicity was back to her normal attitude around George, and everyone else.

“You know I can’t resist almond.” Mary conceded playfully before taking the seat. 

“That’s why I asked,” she carefully watched Mary sit in front of her.

Mary pulled out the chair, and stood behind it for a moment to consider whether or not to actually take the seat.  “Business or pleasure?” 

“Pleasure,” Felicity answered without even doubting.

"Thrilled. Given the state of your family affairs, I find it highly amusing you have the nerve to criticise my personality." The words were cutting but the tone was not. It was Felicity, he was used to this.

Felicity stared back. George had gone for the jugular; he also knew how to fight. But they were both completely thick-skinned, enough to withstand the exchange of cruel words.