Chapter 36
Lying back he can’t help but smile as he watches everyone around him. It’s the most relaxed he’s seen Skye since they were at the Avengers’ tower. Both of them had been nervous ever since they’d been followed home. The knowledge of Bucky being around was slightly reassuring but he was still jumpy. It was one of the reasons he’d suggested this trip. The kids were getting cranky being forced to stay inside all the time. He hadn’t wanted to go out to any of the normal playgroups they would attend in case they put any of the kids in danger.
Slumping backwards he felt his muscles relax as the wind ruffled his hair. He was aware of the padding of feet nearby, the length of strides telling him it was Jemma and Mel trying to sneak up on him. Rather than ruin their fun, he kept his eyes closed, waiting to see what they would do to him. He knew there was no danger at the moment, the beach being fairly empty due to most kids being in school. It was one of the reasons he’d suggested the trip here. It would be quiet plus the kids had plenty of room to run free with little to threaten them. Leo had been planning a game of Rounders with Tripp, as there would be enough room on the beach. Mel had been unsure to begin with until Jemma had explained it was similar to Baseball. As Phil was too small the kids had decided that he and Skye could be cheerleaders while he refereed the game. Though that might be fun, Tripp and Mel were extremely competitive and when on different teams spent all their time trying to wind the other up. He had a bit of relief before that though, Skye deciding it was a good idea to get lunch out of the way before the game otherwise they were likely to have a food fight on their hands.
Grinning at the thought, he was distracted enough that he wasn’t prepared for the sand that was dumped upon him.
“Burry Dad!” Yelled Mel right next to his ear, making him flinch away.
Craftily Jemma dumped Phil on his chest knowing he wouldn’t move away with him sat on his chest. Working together, Leo and Tripp buried his legs while Jemma and Mel concentrated on his arms. Skye sat beside his head brushing away any sand that got too near his eyes and occasionally being dispatched to collect water for the children.
“You’re no help.” He grumped as she returned with another bucket full of cold seawater that got dumped straight on his crotch, sending him jumping to the kids delight.
“What can I say? It’s nice to see you pinned down for once.” He watched as she loomed over him, her hair tickling his face, mimicking the position he’d take so many times when training her.
“You like being above me?”
“It makes a change. Plus it has so many opportunities for me.” Gently she ran her fingers across his face before bringing her face close to his, nearly touching him. A wicked smirk crossed her face before she lifted Phil off his chest, cuddling him close to her.
“I think it’s time to cover his chest now.” She informed the children.
“You’re evil.” He muttered as another cascade of water covered him, soaking through the sand and onto his shirt.
“You’ve only just noticed? And here was I thinking you were a superspy robot. I’ve been misled!”
Laughing he watched with delight as her face lit up, the frown lines disappearing. With the recent threat she’d been less bubbly than normal, his rookie disappearing piece by piece. He’d seen people loose themselves due to worry and hadn’t wanted that to happen to her. At least the trip had allowed her to begin to return to her normal self. He’d never admit it to her but he really loved her annoying rookie self, leaving some training sessions with sore ribs having spent all his time trying not to laugh to her more outrageous asides. Catching his eye she leant and placed a gentle kiss on his lips.
********************************
Leo wandered off towards the shoreline, a sandwich in his hand. He’d always loved the sea; it was so relaxing watching the waves bobbing up and down. Grabbing his Lillo he curled up on it letting the waves rock him. It felt like being on a rocking horse, gently swaying him. Yawning, he curled up in a ball, his eyes slowly drifting shut.
Jerking awake a little while later he found himself nearly banging into the pier having drifted away from his original position. Sitting up he scanned the area, blood pounding in his ears.
“Hey there little one. Are you alright?”
Blinking up at the voice he found a grizzled bearded man peering down at him from his seat on the pier, fishing rod to the side of him.
“I… I think I’m lost.” Leo wailed, breaking into sobs.
“Hey now. Don’t worry. We’ll find your parents.” Gentle hands lifted him from the water setting him down on the wood. “When did you last see them?”
“I don’t know. It could have been days ago!” Leo panicked, thinking of all the things that could have gone wrong. “They’ve forgotten me!”
“I highly doubt they’ll have forgotten you.” The man chuckled. “Come on. We’ll go and find them.” Blinking up at the man Leo remember his Dad’s words not to trust anyone, strangers were dangers. Tentatively he reached out and took the man’s calloused hand, holding onto only the tips of his fingers. If in doubt he could run. Now on the pier he could see the road at the top of the beach. If he headed into town he could find a police station or even a phone. If they had forgotten him maybe he could get a hold of Auntie Nat. She would come for him, she’d said so.
An increase in pressure on his hand made him look up.
“I think someone’s trying to get your attention lad.” Nodding towards the end of the pier, Leo followed his gaze pulling away and running to the end.
“Mummy!”
“Leo.” As she scooped him up he clung to her, ignoring the fact that he was too big to be doing this now.
“I thought you left me.” He began to cry.
“We would never leave you.” Dad bent down so he was eye to eye with him. “I promise. We’d been watching you all the time. Tripp was about to go in and get you as you hit the pier. You just didn’t hear us calling.” Nodding Leo turned back to his mum burying his head in her neck. He felt slightly better hearing that, relaxing more when he felt Tripp’s hand on his back. Two hands gently took his, when he glanced up he saw Mel and Jemma smiling at him.
“We won’t leave you silly.” Jemma promised.
“No matter how much I want to.” Mel pouted. Leo watched as his dad laughing turned and thanked the man.
“Now. I believe we have a game to start.”
“Can I pick the teams?” Leo asked, his eyes fluttering at his mum.
“Oh why not.” She laughed putting him down beside Jemma.
******************************************
“Sir.” Glancing up from his computer Fury found his second in command waiting at the doorway.
“Hill.” It was the only invitation she needed to come and sit.
“The outing was a success.”
“Any problems?”
“Leo drifted off and frightened himself but at least two agents had him in sight at all time.”
“Then why the visit?”
“We’ve finally got a lead on the individuals that followed Skye and Ward home.”
“Send a team.”
“That’s the problem. The best are currently busy.”
“Doing what? Drag them off whatever they’re doing. This is top priority.”
“That’s the problem sir. If I do that we’ve got five kids running around unsupervised.” The slight movement of his eye patch was the only indication of his surprise.
“So sir. How are you with kids?”
**************************************