Chapter 37
If she was honest she never expected the blanching on his cheeks. Shouting and demands yes, for him to go so quiet and thoughtfully had her reconsidering her plan.
“Sir?” He was never quiet for long.
“What do you mean Hill?”
“Sir there is no one else available. You are the best person for the job.” Ignoring the well-deserved glare that statement received she ploughed on. “You ordered only trusted agents to look after the kids, unfortunately they’re all busy.”
“You?”
“Sir I have to leave after this meeting to go and chaperon Stark. Pepper has a meeting in Beijing so can’t accompany him. Unless you want me to leave him be?”
“God no. If he isn’t watched we’ll have Budapest all over again. I do not want to have to send Barton and Romanoff to do clean up again! I never got any piece for months after the last time.”
“I thought so sir but that leaves us out of agents.”
“Barton? Romanoff?”
“On a mission in the artic with Thor. Loki had been taking way too much interest in that area.”
“Rogers?”
“With Bucky. They’re going over the records from Director Carter’s store. They believe they might provide clues upon how to regain Bucky’s memories.”
“Banner?”
“With Pepper. It’s his invention that they’re presenting.”
She watched with astonishment as he put his head in his hands.
“There is an advantage to this sir.” She began hesitantly.
“Oh?”
“The World Security Council has been insisting you take some leave. Apparently you haven’t taken time off in six years. By looking after the children not only do you free up Skye and Ward to undertake the mission you can get the Council off your back.”
“You had this all planned didn’t you Hill?”
“You employ me to solve problems. This was just a slightly different one than I normally deal with.”
“Fine. Inform everybody. Anything urgent…”
“They can reach you by usual methods. I will make the arrangements now.”
Before he had time to reconsider she swept out of the office, waiting till she was safely ensconced in her own office before letting the smile break across her face. Grabbing her phone she found a familiar number and dialled.
“How quickly can you install cameras at Ward’s house Nat?”
Just because it was the solution that made sense didn’t mean she wasn’t going to take advantage of it. You never know when you might need photos of your boss dealing with his ‘grandchildren’.
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“So what exactly did Maria say?” Skye asked as she rummaged through her draws.
“Just that we had a mission investigating the people who followed us. They’ve been linked to the team as well. We’ll be updated when we arrive at the Hub. Oh and Nat is coming around briefly but don’t tell anyone she was here.” He finished enigmatically, his voice muffled as he stepped into the cupboard.
“What?” He frowned as he noticed her staring at him.
“Nat?”
“Oh I think Maria has a plan. Just remind me when we come home to make sure all the cameras have been removed. I wouldn’t put it past Nat to place a few in here. She’s always been nosy.”
Continuing to pack Skye felt her cheeks heat up slightly, the implication of what Nat might find if the cameras were left in. Not that anything like that had happened, not yet. They both spent so much energy running around after the kids that most nights they collapsed in a heap on the bed, even Grant being too tired to move. Some nights it was amazing she managed to get out of her clothes and into PJs.
“I’m sorry.” Jerking her head up she found Grant looking at her almost wistfully.
“We have to go on a mission. That’s not your fault. Besides Fury will be more than capable of looking after them.” She paused slightly wondering if he truly knew what he was getting into. Once they returned she might have to hack into the video feed to see how much chaos the kids had caused. Her mood lifting at the thought she found Grant still frowning at her.
“What?” She asked, resisting the urge to run her hands down her body. Had she forgotten something? Sure she’d packed her cowl and mission suit, not needing it till later. So she was wearing a plaid shirt and jeans but so was he. They could both change into the shield appropriate suit just before they arrived at the Hub.
“Not about that. About today.”
“Today?” It was Friday, nothing special.
“Valentines day.” The quietness of his voice as much as what he said had her blinking in shock. He seemed shy, unsure, like he’d never done anything like this before. Cursing to herself, she realised her mistake. Of course he hadn’t. From his files she knew he’d never had a normal childhood, hell or a normal adulthood. It was only recently with him joining the team he had found how most adults lived. It broke her heart to release that the only relationships he’d ever had were due to missions.
“Grant?” She knew there was more he had to say, waiting for him to say it in his own time.
“I…I wanted to do something. So I organised Pepper and Bruce to watch the kids so we could go out for a meal. But that’s no longer possible.”
“You arrange all of that?”
He nodded looking down at the floor.
“I didn’t get you anything as I wasn’t sure you’d want to celebrate it but I wanted to do something.”
Moving to his side she stretched up, kissing him on the cheek until he looked at her, allowing her to press a gentle kiss on his lips.
“That’s one of the nicest things anyone has done.” Wrapping her arms around him tightly she nuzzled her head against his chest. “We’ll do it after we’ve completed this mission. And you didn’t need to buy me anything. It would’ve just been nice spending time with you.” Sliding her hands up and down his back she felt the muscles slowly relax as his face pressed against his hair.
“Mum.” Turning she found Mel hesitating at the doorway. “You’re not just going out with dad tonight are you?” Catching Grant’s eye she beckoned the young girl in gathering her up on the bed.
“They wanted to make sure I did something. Just be glad I didn’t let them plan it.” He muttered as he moved back to packing.
“No we’re not. We have to go away for a while. Like Dad did.”
“How long?”
“I’m not sure. But your grandpa is going to stay with you while we’re away.”
“Grandpa’s coming! Wait till Tripp hears.” Leaping from the bed she ran out of the room bellowing downstairs. Cheers erupted from downstairs.
“I think the kids are happy.”
Laughing Grant continued throwing things into a bag.
“They think they’re going to have it easy with Grandpa. I almost wish I was around to see it.”
“I think I can manage to hack the video feed.” His answering grin was all the approval she needed.
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“So grandpa is coming?” Tripp balanced Mel on his shoulders as she wobbled. “Make sure you get the cookies for Phil.”
“I know. And it’s what Mum said. Here catch.”
There was a small thud as what ever she’d grabbed hit the floor.
“I thought I said catch.”
“If I tried to catch it you’d have fallen. I’d rather not explain why you ended up in a heap on the floor!”
“As if I’d fall. Besides I know how to land.”
“Well miss fancy pants. Hurry up otherwise we’ll get to test your landing skills. It’s every man for themselves if mum or dad come.”
“Shush. I’m nearly done. OK lower me.”
Reaching up he grasped her around her waist and lowered her gently to the ground. Taking the chocolate biscuits she offered him he scooped up the cookies for Phil.
“It was nice doing business with you.”
Gathering their ill-gotten good they headed towards the others.
“Tripp. Do you think we’ll be able to persuade Grandpa to give us ice-cream?”
“I’m sure we can come up with a plan. Besides he can’t say no to Phil.”
Pausing he considered that. “You know I think we can use