Chapter 18
Skye wandered around the house trying to get everything put back in its place. It was obvious that others had been in the house as nothing was where she’d left it. This on top of the holiday stuff that needed sorting meant she had a lot of work to do before she went to bed. Ward was in charge of putting all the kids to bed, which was probably the more difficult job, as they were all excited after today’s events. They had no concerns about what had happened; in fact they seemed over joyed by it. She and Ward on the other hand were still struggling to comprehend exactly what had happened. They’d just got used to their current life when it had been turned upside down yet again. Moving on autopilot she folded the clean clothes, thinking back to the airport.
Fury seemed unable to explain further. Skye exchanged a glance with Ward, they’d been concerned by the appearance of the Director but now they were really worried. What was so bad that it would turn Fury speechless?
“Maybe it’s better if I show you?”
‘OK. What the hell?’ Skye wondered, feeling the blood pounding in her ears.
She watched as he spoke to an agent at the door, moving to rest against a table. She had a feeling she might need holding up soon. Ward seemed to be trying to read Fury but from the frown on his face he wasn’t having much luck. The kids were sat on the floor leaning on one another and beginning to fall asleep. Normally she would object but if they were asleep it meant that they were less exposed to whatever craziness was going to walk through the door. She grabbed the table beneath her as she heard footsteps return. Two sets of footsteps, Ward’s training helped her distinguish. All she could do was blink as she watched the door open and one person stepped inside.
“It’s about time. I thought you’d never get back.”
“Hey.” Ward was stood in front of her breaking her thoughts.
“Hey. Everyone in bed?”
“Yep. Fitz hates his new room and wouldn’t let go of his monkey toy but otherwise everything was fine.”
“Has much changed? I can’t find anything down here.”
“Well our room is no longer where it used to be. That’s now the boys’ room plus a huge bathroom. The girls’ room is now combined with Leo’s room and includes a bathroom. Our room is in the new part and appears to have every tech gadget you can imagine plus a huge bathroom, including what I think is a Jacuzzi bath that could fit both of us at once!”
‘Sounds fun!’ She thought managing to catch herself before she spoke the words aloud.
“Well down here we now have a media room plus a kitchen that I’ll never be able to use!”
“When Shield does something they don’t do simple.”
“I highly doubt this is all down to Shield. This has something to do with Tony!” She grumbled.
“True. Though it probably is just as well. We definitely need the extra room.”
His words sent her thinking back to a few hours ago.
“Tripp?” She squeaked, as he grinned at her from beside the door.
“Finally you’re calling me that. I thought you’d always call me Antoine. Tripp is far cooler.”
Her eyes must be playing tricks on her. This couldn’t be Tripp.
“Come on. It’s just a joke.” He continued frowning when he didn’t get a response from her. “It’s just a nickname Mum. Dad calls it me all the time. Don’t you Dad?” He turned to try and get a response from Ward who was looking at Tripp as if he’d grown another head.
“Not another one!” He groaned, putting his head in his hands.
She knew the feeling. Stood in front of them was definitely Antoine Triplett, well a younger version anyway. And he thought they were his parents.
“Tripp why don’t you go and sit with your brothers?” She attempted.
She really needed to talk with Ward and Fury without him grinning at her. Besides if they were his parents it made the rest of the kids his siblings.
“Sure. Knew you’d need to talk to Grandpa. Besides they look like they need some fun and I bring the fun and noise wherever I go.”
Oh yeah. It was definitely Tripp.
Once he’d move to sit by Jemma she turned back to Fury, Ward still had his head in his hands. Maybe he thought if he ignored it for long enough he would wake up and find it was all a dream.
“We found him like that. He was separated during the mission. When we found him again he was like that. They brought him to me and he called me Grandpa. I then guessed what had happened so brought him here to meet you. Seems my guess was right.”
“How old is he?” The words came out slightly distorted, as Ward still wasn’t looking up.
“According to the scientists about twelve-thirteen.”
“Oh great. A teenager!” Ward sighed and finally looked up. “Apart from Tripp did we find anything on the mission?”
“No.” The pursed lips the only sign of frustration from Fury.
“Where are going to put him? We were struggling for room before.” She questioned speaking more to Ward than Fury. So she was surprised when the later spoke.
“About that…”
“I don’t know whether to thank Maria and Nat or kill them.” They’d been the ones who’d suggested the renovations to Fury, thinking that as the family were on holiday it was the perfect time to do it. Skye was impressed at how quick it had been done. They hadn’t been away three weeks. But Shield was quick to respond to most things, including building work apparently. It was just as well it had occurred, as with Tripp it would have been a tight fit. Plus it meant Phil could sleep in a room with boys instead of in their room. It just now meant that everything had changed. Not what you needed when you had a houseful of children who got bored easily.
“I know the feeling. I have to admit I do like the new bedroom.”
Now that wasn’t what she expected. He preferred simple things and he’d already said the room had a lot of gadgets.
‘What’s he up to?’ She wondered. His face was unreadable so she was going to have to watch him. Sometimes it was like having five kids. Six now she amended.
“Hey what’s up?” He must have caught some of her thoughts on her face.
“How are we going to explain Tripp? He hasn’t been here when we have!”
“We’ll he’s adopted.” She just gave him a look leaving him scrambling to answer her.
“He’s been off at some summer camp. We collected him and then went on holiday.”
“And the fact he’s not in any of the photos?”
“Couldn’t…. maybe… you could edit it him in? If we took some pictures now.” He offered looking hopeful. “You are fantastic with computers.”
“Flattery will get you anything.” She muttered dryly. “Anyway if I can’t I’m sure someone at Shield will be able to do it.”
“I’m not sure how I’ll cope with a teenager in the house. Little kids I can cope with but my teenage years were bad. I’m not sure how to react or what to expect.” He admitted.
Grasping his hand she gently squeezed it, knowing how hard it was for him to admit that to her. She knew about most of his childhood having hacked his files and court records after he admitted about his brother in the well. It had taken her a while to get to the truth as a lot of it had been concealed. What she’d found had sickened her. She wanted to pull him to her and never let him go, reassuring him that everything would be all right. She hadn’t as it would freak him out but she knew he didn’t need to be defined by his past. Nat wasn’t so neither should he.
“Just be like you are with the other kids. You’re a fantastic Dad Grant. The kids love you and Tripp will be exactly the same. Just expect more talking back and slamming of doors.”
He looked at her for a long time before raising the hand that was still clutching his and raising it to his lips. Pressing a gentle kiss again the back of her hand, he smiled as if the weight of the world had been lifted off his shoulders. It was absolutely stunning. Amazing what a few simple heartfelt words could do.
“Now I believe we deserve a glass of wine!”
“Sit. I’ll get it.”
She watched as he headed towards their new kitchen still beaming. They were going to be just fine.
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