Chapter 34
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“Why is everything so bright?” Groaned Clint, as he stumbled into the living room where everyone had congregated. His eyes half closed he went and slumped against Nat, curling his body into hers wincing as Leo and Jemma squealed at reaching a new level in their game. Skye would have laughed at the pitiful figure if she didn’t feel the same way. Last night had been amazing. Having watched the fireworks the celebration had continued with Thor dragging out a drink from Asguard. He’d refused to tell them what was in it. After one drink they’d didn’t care, after two they would have happily helped make it. Unfortunately it had left them all with horrible hangovers this morning. Hence why everyone was huddled together watching the children, Thor being the only person who didn’t seem to be suffering. Even Fury had looked unwell when he’d left the Tower this morning; he’d been overheard ordering staff to ensure quiet around his office for the day. Anyone making noise would be fired.
Naturally the kids were oblivious to the adults’ plight. They’d slept late but were now wide-awake and in need of entertaining. As no one was up to doing that Skye had put on a video game for them all to play, The Lego movie game, something they could all take turns playing. Although Phil was a little young he sat watching the others, the puppy cuddled in beside him. Only Tripp wasn’t playing, he’d preferred to read a book. Happy the kids were occupied Skye cringed into Grant’s side, knowing he was close making things slightly better.
“It doesn’t work.” Leo complained as he got stuck at one point on a level.
“Here. Let me have a go.” Tripp grinned, the only warning she got.
Suddenly the volume of the game turned right up, naturally occurring as explosions occurred in the game. As one the adult shuddered, clutching their heads in pain. Grinning evilly Tripp turned to Leo.
“If you hold that button Unikitty performs attacks with fireworks. Gives off a lot of bangs.”
“Awesome!”
“Why are our children so evil?” Grant groaned, trying to curl up on himself.
“I blame Fury. He’s secretly being turning them against us.”
As another explosion shot through the room, Thor began to laugh, a beep bellowing laugh that filled the room and made your head pound.
“I like this Unikitty. What else can she do little one?”
“She builds things with rainbows!” Normally Skye would find Leo’s enthusiasm endearing but today all she wanted was quiet.
“We have a rainbow bridge though it was not build by any kitty.”
“Look you can destroy everything!”
“Leo please! I beg you, turn it down.” Clint pleaded weakly. “I will do anything!”
“What’s the matter Uncle Clint?” Tripp asked innocently as he began teasing the puppy. He knew exactly what was going on, the rotter.
“Please stop the noise!”
“This is normal level!” Tripp commented as he moved the toy out of the reach of the puppy. Getting annoyed the puppy began barking, adding to the noise levels in the room.
“Oh great.” Clint groaned, trying to burry his head in a cushion.
“Nala! Shush!” Grant ordered, watching as the puppy immediately stopped barking.
“Nala? You named her?” Skye asked in surprise. The last time they’d mentioned it he still wasn’t sure what to call her.
“Nala’s a lion.” Mel interjected, climbing up beside them as she talked to them.
“Sorry Mel?” Grant looked totally puzzled.
“A lioness.” Jemma interjected turning away from the game momentarily. “Nala is a lioness.”
“Lion. Lioness. What does it matter? It’s the same thing.”
“I still don’t get it.” He looked at her in confusion and Skye felt a pang in her chest. He clearly didn’t have a clue what the girls were on about.
“From the lion king dad. Nala is from that.” Mel explained.
“It’s a Disney film.” Skye whispered when it was clear Grant still didn’t understand. Speaking louder. “I like the name.”
“I’m just glad you named her. We couldn’t keep calling her puppy.” Tony grumped from a corner. Rolling her eyes Skye ignored him processing what she’d just found out. She knew Grant hadn’t had a good childhood but she’d assumed that he would know about Disney films. She would just have to find a way to get him to catch up. It was amazing what you could get away with by pretending it was something for the kids. Plans made she snuggled back down on the sofa, the puppy joining them along with Mel, and closed her eyes. Maybe she would be lucky and get a few more hours sleep.
They spent the rest of the week exploring New York, doing the touristy things. Skye had never been to New York and Grant had only been there for work. They’d spent the days wandering around the city, occasionally having a picnic in central park even though it was freezing. Pepper took some time off to do the site seeing with them, showing Skye all the best places to go shopping.
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“How’re we doing Leo?” Mel whispered as she snuck forward to where he was balancing on Tripp’s shoulders. It had been a week since the party and they were soon returning home but there was one final thing they had to do. With the help of Jarvis they’d all gotten up early this morning wanting to beat their parents up.
“Nearly there.”
“Good. For someone small you’re quiet heavy!” Tripp complained as Leo wobbled on his shoulders.
“Shhhh. If you wake dad” She trailed off menacingly.
“Fine! Go and check on Jemma.” Tripp hissed as a roll of paper dropped on his head, followed by a blob of glue.
“Oops.” Leo winced.
Leaving the boys to finish she headed over to Jemma where she saw everything was in hand.
“Is it done?”
“Yes. Jarvis had to help with the complicated bits… well most of it. I decorated it though.”
“Miss Simmons did a fantastic job miss May.”
“Looks good.”
“Ah miss May you’re about to get…”
“What the hell are you doing?!” Spinning she found grandpa exiting the lift, Jarvis’ warning becoming clear.
“Grandpa shush! You’ll wake the others!” Mel demanded, ignoring his evil stare. He didn’t scare her; she knew he was a push over. Beside if he didn’t she knew his weakness; Phil was nearby enough to be used.
“Melinda. Why is there paper hung on the ceiling?”
“They’re streamers.”
“Streamers! Streamers. Why the hell…”
“Language Director Fury. Remember they are children.”
Fury pinched the bridge of his nose before continuing.
“Why streamers?”
“And banners.” Tripp peeped up, shutting up when she glared at him again.
“It’s for dad.”
“Why has your dad got you putting streamers and banners up?”
“He hasn’t. We did it for him.” She stamped her foot, why didn’t he get it? “It’s for his birthday.”
“Ok?”
“It is Agent Ward day of birth today.” Thor announced from the kitchen where he’d been feeding Phil.
“I got that Thor.”
“The children wished to celebrate it.”
“And you helped?”
“We didn’t ask him for help. He found out when Phil escaped to his floor. I wasn’t quick enough to catch him.”
“Fine. No more banners though. It looks like a paper factory exploded in here.”
Grandpa left shaking his head and muttering, leaving Mel grinning behind. She knew he wouldn’t do anything.
“Miss May. They’re on their way.”
“Thank you Jarvis. Everyone ready?”
Nods from everyone made her grin as they all quickly hid, Thor having the most difficulty due to his size.
“Jarvis! Lights!”
Just before the lift doors opened the room fell into silence. From her position she could see into the lift, both her parent’s faces were lit with confusion.
“What happened to the lights?” Mum asked as they both walked into the room.
“Surprise!” They all yelled, jumping out of their hiding places as Jarvis switched the lights back on. “Happy birthday!”
Dad looked around in surprise, taking in their decorations and the small pile of presents nearby. Next to them sat a small cake Jemma and Jarvis had made with several mugs of coffee and a huge pile of pancakes.
“You did all this?” He sounded like he’d got something caught in this throat.
“Yeah we got to together to do it.”
“Thank you.” He pulled them all into a quick hug.
“Come and open your presents.”
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They managed to crowd all onto one sofa with mum next to dad and Jemma on her lap. She sat on Tripp’s lap on dad’s other side with Leo sat beside Tripp’s shoulders. Phil cuddled in between Mel and Dad, half lying on them. Thor sat on the floor and took over the duty of passing the presents. Quickly a dog t-shirt (Phil), the articulate game (Leo), Licence to grill apron (Tripp), A home is not a home without a dog sign (Jemma) and bullet cufflinks (Mel) were unwrapped. Skye promised to give him his present later. As they tucked into the pancakes the others joined them and handed over their presents. Bruce had given him a new stress ball and a brew your own beer set, Tony had created a new gun for him, something Pepper scolded him for. Nat had bought him a knife set that could be used in the kitchen and on a person if necessary. Clint provided a guide to getting slim by having sex, causing Skye to choke when she caught sight of the title. Ward rolled his eyes at that and hid it away before the kids could see it. Pepper provided several new books while Thor’s was the recipe for the drink from New Year.
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They spent the rest of the day playing games before mum and dad disappeared to get ready. They were going out for a meal so they were staying with Uncle Tony.
“Mummy you look beautiful.” Jemma commented as she walked into the room wearing a short purple halter neck dress.
“Thank you. Now you’re all going to be good for Uncle Tony and Steve.”
Everyone nodded and waited until she’d left before pulling out the things they’d been hiding behind their backs.
“Oh good she’s gone. We’d never got away with that if your dad was here. Now who want’s to fly?”
Half an hour later and they’d destroyed two windows when Tripp had accidently fired the blaster and Leo and Jemma had got into the lab. A small fire had started, which was fortunately put out by Bruce on his way past. Steve had spent his time doing push ups with Mel sat on his back. Having tidied up the mess from the shattered windows and gathered the group back together they soon found nobody had seen Phil for a while. A panic search eventually found him giggling as he used Bucky as a climbing frame in the TV room.
“Oh thank god. I didn’t want to explain to anyone I’d lost him.” Tony slumped against the wall.
“I dropped by and found him near the front doors. I was going to bring him back but he started climbing me. I didn’t want to drop him, besides he seems happy.”
“No one tell your parents.”
“What will you give us?” Mel grinned.
“I’m sure I’ll think of something.” Mel turned and grinned at Tripp. Who knew what they could get out of him for this?
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“This is nice.” Skye looked around as Grant pushed in the chair for her.
“Tony organised it.”
“I’m sure it will be great.”
“Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?” He smiled gently at her taking her hand. Looking down as she blushed before smiling gently at him.
“Thank you.” Lifting her hand he placed a gentle kiss on the top before accepting a menu from the waiter.
They chatted as they waited for food, deciding against starters and moving straight to mains. The restaurant had a romantic feel, with gentle lighting and small tables. Her bare legs kept brushing up against his. The wine he’d chosen helped her relax as they waited for the food to come.
“This is amazing.” She mumbled around the duck she’d chosen.
“Try this.” He offered her a small amount of steak, leaning over to fed it her. Grabbing his napkin he wiped a small drop of sauce off her lip.
“That’s good but I think I prefer the duck. Here try it.” Two could play this game. Holding out her fork, she kept it away from him until he leant in so she could feed him. Grinning impishly she allowed him to taste the duck, laughing slightly as he savoured the food.
Laughing they avoided talking about their jobs, just enjoying each other’s company. Grant began laughing as the deserts were delivered; Skye never took her eyes off her chocolate fudge cake.
“Shall I leave you alone with that?” He teased.
“Please. We’re in love.” She grinned. Laughing at her he grabbed his phone before starting on his cheesecake.
“God I’m stuffed.” She moaned.
“I think you missed a bit.” With eyes wide she watched as he lent forward and wiped a small smudge of chocolate from her lip. Keeping his eyes on hers he slowly raised his thumb to his mouth, sucking off the chocolate.
“You don’t play fair.”
“I’m not playing.”
She watched him, seeing the emotion in his eyes.
“Shall we go?” She stood offering him her hand. Pressing a kiss to each of her fingers he stood and interlinked their hands.
“Sure. Let’s go.”
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Sneaking back into the tower they stopped off in the living room to grab some wine from the liquor cabinet. They both stopped short as they spotted the bodies sprawled around the room.
“What?”
“I think they passed out a few hours ago. I found them like this when I got.” Nat moved in from the kitchen. “Don’t worry I’ll ensure the kids get to bed.”
“Thanks Nat.” Skye grabbed a bottle of wine and headed back towards the lift, smiling down at the sleeping kids as she left.
“I’ll just grab some glasses.” Grant smiled at her as he watched Nat knowing she wanted to talk. “Everything ok?” He asked once Skye had gone.
“Yeah. Just so you know several windows got broken and there was a small fire.”
“What?”
“I just wanted you to know before the morning.”
“Thanks. How did you find out?”
“Watched the security footage. I always review it when I’m here. You wouldn’t believe the things you see.” She grinned suggestively at him; it took all his training not to blush. Laughing she strode away from him to place a pillow behind Steve’s head.
“Now go and join Skye and finish off your birthday.”
“Thanks Nat.” He ignored the suggestive tone. Grinning at him over her shoulder she gave him a parting comment.
“Enjoy the rest of the night. Just remember the walls aren’t sound proofed.”