Chapter 12
They had been visited early on this morning. Apparently they had visitors last night but had missed them due to them being asleep. They were to stay for a little while then were free to do their own thing and enjoy a break from the children. To be fair, it wasn’t too much of a hardship looking after the children but they needed some time apart. They had a quick discussion and agreed to spend the day together as neither had anything they particularly wanted to do. Skye had seen a film advertised which looked interesting, so they were going to watch that before having a meal together. It was only going to be an afternoon off but it would do them both good.
Maria couldn’t stay for long so it was going to be up to Clint and Nat to keep the kids occupied. Ward wasn’t sure what was going on but Clint had seemed way too eager for him and Skye to spend time together. There was a gleam in his eye as he listened to them discuss their plans for the day. At least he now was occupied, keeping him out of trouble. He was currently teaching Mel how to shoot with a toy bow and arrow. There was a lot of giggling going on. He hoped there was going to be a house to come back to. Mel was bad enough on her own without Clint’s encouragement. Normally Nat would keep Clint in line however she was currently busy playing with Phil. She was throwing the little boy in the air, making him squeal in delight. Leo was sat beside her taking apart one of her weapons, though she had removed the dangerous parts first. Jemma was sat beside her feet playing with the chemical kit the assassins had brought as a present from Bruce. It was strange seeing two of the world’s most deadly assassins so domesticated. But then he never thought he would be doing what he was now.
“They seem to have everything in hand.”
Skye was stood beside him, keys in hand watching over her little family.
“For now.”
“I’m sure the kids won’t be any trouble for them.”
“It’s not them I’m worried about!”
“They are Shield’s best. What do you think will happen?”
As she said this they watched as Clint passed Jemma a different chemical, causing an eruption of foam from the beaker, covering her and Nat. Ward looked at Skye sardonically causing her to wince.
“Forget I said that.”
“Ah ha. Come on. It’s probably better if we go now. Then we’ll not know what happens!”
Turning back to the rest of the family he spoke, raising his voice slightly:
“Ok, we’re going now. Try to not get into too much trouble.”
“I’m sure the kids will be fine, Ward.” Nat replied over Phil’s squeals.
“I’m not talking to the kids!”
Both assassins gave him mischievous smiles in response. Shaking his head he guided Skye to the door, muttering:
“I don’t want to know. I don’t want to know.”
Turning he glared directly at the grinning assassins,
“I want the house still standing when we get back.”
Clint simply nodded and watched him close the door. Once he had heard the car pulling away and it was safe to reveal his plan he turned to the kids.
“So guys, who wants to help me plan a surprise for your mum and dad?”
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They came back to find the house in one piece which was an achievement. Though there were no lights on downstairs, which was suspicious, they weren’t that the late and the kids should still be up. Both had enjoyed the afternoon, with Ward actually enjoying the film when he didn’t expect too. The meal had given them a chance to talk, something that they never really had a chance to do before. They had spoken about their families and how they had now found a place in the world with the team. Neither of them had the greatest upbringing but the team had allowed them to know what a normal family was like. She had him laughing with stories of the mischief she had got up to in the orphanage with friends. In return he had told her stories of the academy, revealing he wasn’t as straight laced as the others had believed. As nobody had believed he would do such things he could have possibly got away with murder.
Entering the house he was surprised to find a single candle sitting on the coffee table, giving off a gentle glow. Beside it sat a bottle of wine with two glasses and a note. Moving to the table he picked up the note.
Might as well finish off the evening properly. Don’t worry about the kids, they’ve been angels. Enjoy the wine. Clint.
“Grant?”
He passed her the note and began opening the wine.
“Might as well make the most of it.”
She grinned in reply, taking a seat on the sofa. Having poured them both a glass of wine, he moved to join her. The conversation that had flowed so easily before was now non-existent. Maybe it was the atmosphere. The single candlelight gave off a different feeling, highlighting only her features making everything else fade into darkness. It was beginning to get hard to swallow, the wine wasn’t helping. Turning to face her more directly, he saw she was leaning closer into him as if to talk to him. Lean closer to her, he noticed her glance at his face before looking away again, making his breath hitch. They were now barely inches apart, enabling him to see the depth of the colour of her eyes, which he could get lost in. He could feel her own breath upon his skin, it was as ragged as his was.
“Daddy!”
He jumped as his lap was suddenly filled with the warm bodies of children as Mel and Leo dove into his lap. Skye was juggling wine glass and Jemma.
“Sorry to interrupt but the children couldn’t wait to see you.” Nat commented as she brought in a squirming Phil.
Ward ignored the implication of what she would be interrupting, though he could feel the flush up the back of his neck.
“Daddy, we missed you.” Leo bounced on his lap.
“We were going to leave you alone longer but we missed you. Did you miss us?”
“Of course Jemma.”
He smiled at the delight on the little girl’s face but was careful not to look at Skye. He felt bad for lying to her but it would hurt her if he admitted that his thoughts had been completely taken by the woman he was with.
“You should be in bed.”
“But Daddy…”
“No buts. Come on. Mummy and I will put you to bed.”
“Clint and I will leave you to it then. We can leave you in peace and then once you are done you can continue with whatever you were up to before we interrupted.”
He glared at her, hoping it would shut her up. Could she make the situation more awkward?!
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A couple of days later he was lying in bed. He had managed to sleep longer than normal, so long that Skye had already left the room taking Phil with her. Thankfully it hadn’t been awkward after that night but then they had been busy with the children. Keeping them occupied was a full time occupation. It was surprisingly quiet, even outside seemed to have been turned down. It was a Sunday so it wasn’t really a surprise. He knew he should get up but it was nice just to lie and not do anything. Besides at some point an inquisitive child would come and seek him, cuddling up beside him. He had never done it with his family but had quickly found he liked it. It brightened up his morning and he wished it would happen every day.
The thundering steps told him he was getting company soon and more than one person. The door burst open with all of the children bounding into the room, each carrying something. Skye followed more sedately carrying both Phil and a tray containing breakfast items. He was about to jump up and help her when she nodded at him to keep him in bed. Placing Phil on the bed she quickly sat down beside him, putting the tray across his lap. Once everything was settled she nodded at the children. As one they spoke:
“Happy Father’s Day!”
Wait? It was Father’s day? They had got him presents?
“Daddy. Daddy. Open, open.”
He took the present automatically, remembering when he had been in Leo’s position. He had watched as his father tore up his card and thrown his present in the bin. He swore he would never be like him. Pulling Phil onto his lap, having moved the tray to one side for now, he cuddled Mel and Leo closer to his sides, with Jemma sat between Leo’s legs. With the children adding comfortable warmth to him he proceeded to open his cards and presents. He had got a card from each of the kids. He opened each present with care and received socks and ties with No. 1 Dad on them. He also got a box of his favourite sweets and some new cufflinks.
“Thank you. I love all of them.”
“Mummy helped us pick them.” Piped up Mel.
“Mummy has good taste.”
“Love you Daddy.” Waved Phil.
It brought tears to his eyes. He now understood the absolute love of children.
“I love you too. All of you.”
All the kids piled on to give him a hug. Looking over at Skye who was watching with fondness, he smiled and mouthed;
“Thank you.”
He knew how much effort she had gone to. This was one of the best days of his life.
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