Chapter 1
It had been 3 years since everyone went their own way. 3 full years of Daisy and Sousa living on the Zephyr 3. That was until they decided it was time to settle down, back on earth. The apartment was still a bit of a mess—a mountain of boxes cluttering corners, the faint smell of fresh paint lingering in the air. But despite the unfinished nature of it all, Daisy felt at home. It wasn’t the kind of place she’d expected to settle into, and yet, there was a quiet comfort in the fact that, for the first time in a long while, everything felt steady.
Sousa was there too, of course. Standing a little to the side, watching her with that quiet smile of his. They were living in a world that didn’t require constant vigilance, a world where they could just… be.
They’d just spent the day unpacking—Daisy, of course, taking her sweet time arranging her favorite things, while Sousa had focused on the practical stuff: securing the furniture, fixing a lightbulb here or there. A strange sense of normalcy had taken over them. But that night, under the soft glow of the city lights streaming through the windows, something was different. There was an energy in the air. A shift.
Daisy stepped out onto the balcony, the evening air crisp against her skin, the soft hum of the city stretching out below. She rested her hands on the railing, looking at the skyline, a quiet smile forming as she took in the view. She didn’t think she’d ever see a night like this—peaceful, simple, and, most importantly, safe. She didn’t think she’d see it from earth, anyway.
Sousa followed her out, taking a moment to stand beside her, his presence solid and comforting. There was a moment of silence, the kind that had become so familiar between them. He wasn’t much for grand gestures, never had been, but tonight felt different.
“I can’t believe we’re actually doing this. It feels… unreal, doesn’t it?” Sousa says softly after a long pause.
Daisy smiled, tilting her head slightly as she turned her gaze toward him. She’d always been used to chaos, to the constant unpredictability of her life. But with him by her side, she found herself craving this quiet, this calm.
Daisy answers with a light chuckle, “Yeah, who knew? Us. Living in a real apartment. Unpacking. Making decisions on paint colors and curtains.” She shakes her head, her tone teasing but affectionate. “It’s… strange, but kind of perfect, don’t you think?”
Sousa grinned, stepping closer to her, his hand brushing lightly against hers. His fingers trembled just slightly, but Daisy didn’t notice. She was too busy admiring the way the city’s lights reflected in his eyes—how steady and sure he was, despite everything he’d been through. They had both lost so much, but now… now, they had this. They had each other.
Sousa cleared his throat, the nervousness beginning to creep in despite the calm evening.
Sousa with a low, hesitant voice, “Daisy, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you… and, well, I’ve had a lot of time to think about it, but I’m still not great at these things.”
She raised an eyebrow at him, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips.
“What, you’re finally going to ask me to help you with the rest of the boxes?” She teases.
Sousa chuckled, shaking his head. He was nervous, but the teasing from Daisy had always had a way of calming him. His smile softened as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. The city lights seemed to flicker in the background, but for a moment, everything around them went still.
Sousa with a steadier voice but with an undeniable shake, “No, nothing like that.” He held up the box, opening it to reveal a simple, elegant ring. “I’m asking you, Daisy, because… I can’t imagine my life without you. You’ve become my home. And if you’ll have me, I want to spend the rest of my life making sure you feel the same.”
Daisy blinked, her breath catching in her throat. She stared at the ring, then back at him, her heart racing in the way it always did when she found herself caught between disbelief and joy. She hadn’t expected this tonight—hadn’t known it was coming. But as she looked at him, with that hopeful, steady gaze, she realized that this was it. This was exactly what she’d been waiting for, what she didn’t know she needed.
“You… you want to marry me?” She asks softly, deep with emotion in her voice.
Sousa nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he waited for her response, his hands still trembling despite his calm words. He’d known the risks. He’d seen what love could do to people, had witnessed its devastation. But with Daisy, it was different. It was something he wanted to protect, something that felt like a second chance.
“Yeah. I do. So… what do you say?” He tilts his head, looking into her eyes lovingly.
Her lips parted in surprise, a smile slowly forming as her heart filled with warmth. She stepped toward him, her hands reaching for him. She didn’t need time to think. She didn’t need to say anything other than—
Daisy, with tears welling in her eyes, her voice barely a whisper, “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
The words felt like they belonged to someone else, like a dream. But as Sousa’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her close, everything made sense. The chaotic years behind them, the fights, the losses—they had brought them here, to this moment.
Sousa lifted her chin gently, meeting her lips in a soft kiss, their hearts beating in sync. The city around them continued its endless hum, but in that moment, the world felt quiet. Everything was as it should be.
Sousa smiles through tears of his own, “I can’t believe it...”
Daisy laughing softly, eyes shining, “You’re stuck with me now, Sousa.”
He grinned, pulling her in for another kiss, and as they embraced, the city’s lights twinkled in the distance, like stars that had finally found their place.
A few weeks later, Daisy stood by the kitchen counter, absently chopping vegetables for dinner as Sousa leaned against the doorframe, his expression filled with a quiet sense of happiness. They had been living in their new apartment for a while now, still settling in, but tonight felt like the right time. The excitement of their engagement was still fresh, and it was time to share it with their team.
Sousa who was grinning and crossing his arms, “Alright, the team’s all set up for the call. Should we really do this with FaceTime instead of in person?”
Daisy turned to look at him, a teasing smile on her lips.
“Yeah, FaceTime is best. I’m not sure I’m ready for Mack’s ‘I told you so’ look in person yet.” She says, laughing lightly.
Sousa chuckled, shaking his head fondly at her teasing. As he pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed in, Daisy’s mind was already racing. The idea of telling their friends—people who had become family over the years—made her heart race with both excitement and nerves. She had never been one for big moments, but this felt different. This was about them, their future, and their family.
The phone rang for a moment before Fitz’s face appeared on the screen first. He was wearing his usual lab coat (which was unusual to see him in now as a husband and father), but the wild hair and glasses made him look even more endearingly “Fitz”.
Fitz beams with true, real, excitement as soon as he saw them, “Oh, this is gonna be good. You guys look like you’re about to drop some big news!”
Sousa stepped into the frame, holding the phone so Fitz could see both of them. Daisy stood beside him, her smile practically glowing. Fitz’s eyes darted between them, a grin forming.
Sousa turns his head and looks lovingly at Daisy, “You’re right, Fitz. We’ve got some news to share.”
Fitz leaned forward, his face full of curiosity, but it didn’t take long for him to notice the small glint on Daisy’s finger. His eyes widened as his brain quickly caught up with what was happening.
Fitz’s eyes widen, “Wait—is that—?!” He paused, his voice cracking with surprise and joy, “No way! Are you telling me you two—?!”
Daisy, grinning, nodded, “Yeah. We’re getting married.”
Fitz blinked a few times, and then the excitement on his face exploded. He nearly bounced in place, his arms flailing in excitement, “Oh my god! This is amazing! I mean, I totally knew it. But—wow! You two, getting married! This is—wow! Congratulations, both of you!”
Daisy and Sousa both laughed, his enthusiasm infectious. Fitz was one of the smartest people they knew, but moments like this always turned him into a pure ball of excitement.
And then, as if things weren’t already perfect, Jemma’s face appeared on the screen, her eyes wide with surprise and joy. She immediately squealed in excitement.
“What?! Are you two serious?! Oh my god, this is the best news I’ve heard all year!” She screams, Fitz blocking his ears to protect his ears from her squeals.
Daisy chuckled, shaking her head, feeling the weight of their reactions, “Yes, Jemma. We’re serious. We’re getting married.”
“I knew it! I’ve been waiting for this! Oh, I’m so happy for you both! You two deserve all the happiness in the world!”
“You both knew, huh? You guys were the one to figure this out?” He said teasing both Jemma and Fitz who claimed they had known this was coming.
Fitz shakes his head, grinning proudly, “Of course I knew! I’m a genius, remember? I saw the signs long ago. Just needed you two to admit it!”
Daisy laughed, shaking her head. It felt so good to share this moment with them. Before they could continue, a new voice appeared into the call.
Mack appears with his arms crossed and a smirk on his face, “Well, well. I’m shocked. Not. I told you, Fitz. I knew it.”
Daisy rolled her eyes playfully as Sousa stepped forward, holding the phone for Mack.
“Alright, Mack. You were right. You knew before anyone else.” Sousa admits.
Mack smiles ear to ear, “Of course I did. I’m always right.” He gives them both a thumbs up, “Congrats, you two. I’m happy for you both.”
Daisy and Sousa exchanged a look, their hearts full at the warm reception. Then, as if on cue, another face appeared on the screen—Yo-Yo, looking absolutely thrilled as she waved excitedly.
“Wait, what? Who’s getting married? You two?” She says taking a seat next to Mack holding their daughter, Luci.
Her shock quickly turned to happiness as she beamed at the couple,“I’m so happy for you! You two are perfect for each other!”
Daisy grinned and leaned against Sousa as she spoke,“Thanks, Yo-Yo. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone soon.”
Before Yo-Yo could respond, a new face appeared, and this time, it was the calm and collected presence of Melinda May. She tilted her head slightly, eyes narrowing in a mix of disbelief and fondness.
May with her voice soft but filled with warmth, “Well, it’s about time. I’ve been waiting to walk Daisy down that aisle.”
Daisy’s grin widened at May’s response, knowing how much May had always supported her from the start. She and Sousa shared a quiet laugh as May’s eyes softened.
“You two have always been a team. I’m happy for you both. Don’t make me the maid of honor, though.” She smirks.
Sousa raised his hands in mock surrender, “No promises, May. But we’ll definitely be keeping you close for advice.”
May let out a rare, genuine laugh, and Daisy could almost feel the unspoken approval coming from her.
Fitz, Mack, and Yo-Yo joined in with loud congratulations, and Daisy and Sousa felt their hearts swell with each reaction. The people who had fought beside them, bled for each other, and stood through the hard times, were now cheering for them in the happiest moment of their lives.
“We can’t wait to celebrate with all of you. You’ve been there for us in so many ways, and we’re so thankful for you all.” Sousa says, truly meaning it.
The phone call continued with more laughter, teasing, and excited chatter. As they talked, Daisy’s heart couldn’t help but swell with gratitude. This moment wasn’t just about them. It was about their family. The team that had fought for the world, and now, they were fighting for each other.