Hey Brother, Do You Still Believe In One Another?
''This is such a bad idea''. ''Do you have another option?'' ''Yeah and they all include you not walking into the snake pit''. ''What else was I supposed to do?'' ''Literally anything but this boss''. Ward adjusts himself on the hard fancy chair similiar to ones his father always had in his study, no doubt this was on purpose. Mother always wanted Christian to fall in line, then Grant then Thomas. But that didn't work out quite so well.
''Refresh my memory on how going to pay your psychotic brother a visit was a good idea?'' Kebo asks, looking around the fancy lobby, waiting for Senator Ward's assistant to call them in. Ward on the outside looks calm and ready for anything, but Kebo knows inside he's burning. He's a bundle of nerves and sweaty palms, the Ward family didn't end things with their black sheep of the family so well.
Ward hasn't seen his brothers or sister in years, not since he burned down their family home and was sent to Juvi. They have no idea that Shield recruited him from the inside, all they know is somehow he miraculousy escaped and hasn't been seen since. ''Just admit it already''. Kebo mutters, his own nervous energy on edge. ''Admit what?'' ''That you're in love with her''. ''Now really isn't the time''.
''Ward you're about to make a deal with the devil just to keep Skye safe. Which I don't think will work and you're torturing yourself for no reason but hey I guess it's the thought that counts''. As soon as Coulson said his brother's name Ward already had a plan in motion. He slipped out of the Playground undetected, called Kebo for backup (emotional support) and came straight to Washington. He'll give Christian whatever he wants as long as he leaves Skye alone.
''Remember don't believe a word that comes out of his mouth, he's a cruel son of a bitch and you did nothing wrong. He abused you, so did your parents. Christian was the one who pushed Thomas down the well, who made you hurt him. It wasn't you Grant, he's the evil one not you''. Kebo says, looking nervously at Ward who stands when the assistant tells them to go ahead and go back to Christian's office.
''You're a good man Ward''. He takes a deep breath and walks through the polished door, it's empty. ''Senator Ward will be with you in just a moment''. The blonde woman tells them looking at Grant with dark eyes, he doesn't even pay attention. Looks around the office that reminds him so much of his father it's hard to breathe. The desk is similiar so are the chairs, the bookshelves along the walls, hell even the plant by the large windows.
''Last chance to bail Grant''. He doesn't respond to Kebo, instead walks around the desk to glance at the picture frames. Ward isn't in any of them, not that he expected to be, but he has to choke back the emotion in his throat when he sees Rose. His little sister with her bright smile staring back at him like their family was perfect just like the world saw them, like it wasn't full of pain of lies and constant nightmares.
He misses her, little Rosie who's laugh always made his day better. How she used to call him her favorite brother late at night on the stair case when no one else was around, how she was always so excited to see him when she came home from school. God how old is she now? Early twenties, he knows she got into Harvard following mother's footsteps. ''Are you going to cry? Please don't because then I'll start crying''.
Kebo says, sitting in the chair across from Ward. Who runs his index finger along Rose's image, then he moves on to the one of Thomas. It's at the Country Club they always hated, it's fairly recent, his mother and father are standing next to Thomas and Christian the bright sun behind them. All wearing fake smiles mother has a drink in her hand, some things never change. There's another picture of Christian with his wife on their wedding day.
Grant knows just like their father, his older brother has at least two mistresses somewhere taking half of his money. His wife deserves better than the likes of Christian. Ward hears footsteps and he takes a seat at the desk, ignores the pang in his chest when this reminds him of his father. ''I can always shoot him and you run''. ''No I can do this''. ''You don't have to''. Ward thinks of Skye getting anywhere near his brother, ''yes I do''.
The door opens and there he stands. Christian Ward in all his glory, dark suit on just like Grant, scowl on his face before it turns into shock. ''Grant?'' ''Christian''. ''Mary told me I was meeting with Phil Coulson''. ''Change of plans''. Christian gets over his surprise quickly, looks at Kebo who's giving the other man his best death stare. ''It's been a long time little brother''. Ward clenches his jaw. ''Not long enough Christian''.
Christian just like Ward can mask his emotions perfectly, he is a politician after all and moves to stand in front of Ward. ''Can I help you with something?'' Grant almost smirks but instead gets up and Christian is quick to take his place at the desk. ''I didn't know you were with Shield, mother thought you were dead this entire time''. ''And I'm sure she lost a lot of sleep over it''. ''I believe that was Rose and Thomas actually.
Not that it matters now I suppose, they hate you as well''. The words burn but Ward doesn't let it show. ''Is this about Shield? I heard rumors you'd joined but it was never confirmed''. ''Yes''. Christian shakes his head, ''still desperate to become the hero I see''. Kebo visibly tenses and the oldest Ward brother shifts his attention, ''who is this? Your boydy guard?'' ''His friend. Here to make sure you don't put thoughts in his head you sick bastard''.
Christian just stares blankly at him before saying, ''he doesn't know how to be a friend. He'll lie to you like he lies to himself, beytray you in the end. That's who he is''. ''You don't know a damn thing about him. Now shut up and listen to what he has to say so we can all forget this happened''. Ward folds his hands in front of his lap, looks at his brother who's the spitting image of their father.
''You're interested in Hydra agents, why?'' This catches Christian's attention. ''Because they betrayed our country and need to be brought to justice''. ''And who gave you the right to make that call?'' ''The American people. Grant what is this about? I've been doing this for months, why all of a sudden did you decide to intervene now?'' Christian logs into his computer, the office is silent for a few long minutes.
''Is it about the girl? The Hydra agent General Talbot is picking up in the morning? Is that why you're here?'' Ward doesn't respond, doesn't trust himself to answer. Which is an answer in itself. ''What interest is she to you Grant?'' ''None of your business''. ''I think it is if you came to me. Tell me''. Grant clenches his jaw, ''what do you want Christian?'' ''What do you mean?'' ''If I tell you to drop the charges against her, tell Coulson you changed your mind what do you want in return?''
Christian can't hide his surprise, looks at Grant like he's a stranger. ''You do care about her''. ''That's not what we're talking about. What do you want?'' Christian leans back in his chair gives Ward a smirk that takes him back to his childhood and he ignores the memories. ''You came here to make a deal with me''. ''Just tell me what you want Christian, if you drop the charges I'll do anything you want''.
Kebo groans at this, this won't end well. The past catches up to the brothers at the same time as they look at each other, the well, Thomas, Rose crying as Grant was thrown into the back of a police car. How cruel their parents were, how they probably haven't chaged. ''I want you to admit it''. Ward clenches both fists, he knows exactly what Christian is talking about. ''I didn't push Thomas down the well''.
''You forced him''. Chrsitian says, ''he was terrified and you wouldn't pull him up. You enjoyed it''. ''You keep trying to put thoughts in my head, like you always have. You used to convince me they were my own, not anymore''. Christian shakes his head, for once looks at Grant with real raw emotion in his eyes. ''Admit it, and I won't take Skye into custody''. Kebo squeezes Ward's arm, ''there's another way out of this boss. But not like this don't do this to yourself''.
Ward closes his eyes briefly sees Thomas screaming begging for Grant to help him. He used to think it was all his fault, that's what Christian wanted him to. But now, now he knows the truth. And it doesn't matter if he says the words, both he and Christian really know what happened. Thomas and Rose may hate him forever, but Grant didn't hurt them. He never would. Ward blinks back tears as he looks at his brother.
''It is my fault. I let you all hollow me out''. Kebo's hand on his bicep is the only thing keeping Ward grounded. Christian smiles. ''That's all I wanted to hear''. ''Make the damn call and put it on speaker''. ''As you wish. You know we could of saved ourselves all this trouble over the years if you just''- ''Just shut the hell up and make the call. Neither of us wants to hear your voice antymore''. Kebo says.
Christian gapes, ''do you have any idea who you're talking to?'' Kebo pulls out an ICER (they were frisked earlier where in the hell was he keeping it?) and points it straight at Christian's head. ''I do. Make the damn call''. He does with shaky hands and Kebo winks at Ward. After a few minutes it's done, Talbot will no longer take Skye into custody. This is the only benefit Ward can think of for his brother being a senator. Power.
''I expect this is the last time I'll ever see you''. ''If I'm lucky''. Ward says, standing up and smoothing out his jacket. ''I won't tell mother or Rosie you stopped by''. ''Didn't think you would''. Ward needs to leave he feels as if he's burning his eyes sting, his hands are trembling. ''Your body guard needs some work by the way''. Kebo is about to make a scene and really Ward just kind of snaps.
Rips the ICER from Kebo's hands and points it at Christian. ''He's a better brother than you'll ever be''. And takes the shot. It's silent the only noise is Christian hitting the floor, Grant takes the picture of Rose from the frame and tucks it into his jacket. ''Stop making that face''. He comments as he and Kebo leave the room, Christian's assistant is out to lunch (Ward isn't stupid) so perfect timing. ''You technically called me your brother''.
''Don't make it weird''. ''You alright robot? You know the well wasn't your fault''. ''I know that''. Ward pauses outside the restrooms the burning sensation in his chest is almost unbearable. He has an anxiety attack in the middle of the floor and Kebo not a stranger to those, holds onto him. ''Never speak of it''. Is all Grant says half an hour later as they are getting into the car, finally leaving Ward's childhood in the past.
''I won't if you say it''. ''Kebo''. ''Come on it's not like May is sitting in the car with us, which by the way you really should stop''- At the dark look on Ward's face Kebo drops the May subject. ''Come on say it, say it Ward''. ''If I do will you shut up?'' ''Probably''. ''I love her. I'm in love with Skye''. ''Did it physically hurt to say that? Do you need an ice pack or a drink?'' ''A drink''. ''Now we're talking''.
When Ward makes it back to the Playground (the cameras are blind from where he enters and exits) no one has been looking for him. He's going into the training room to take out the day on the punching bag when Bobbi walks in. Grant is wrapping his hands getting ready when he notices the other Specialist looking at him. ''What?'' ''Did you hear?'' ''What?'' ''That Senator Ward isn't taking Skye into custody''.
Grant makes himself seem surprised before quickly blinking it away. ''No I didn't''. ''I wonder what changed his mind''. ''I'm not talking about my brother''. Ward attacks the bag with such a force that it surprises even Bobbi, what demons is he fighting? She's leaving him to fight his own fight when he suddenly stops and turns to her. ''Do it. If you're going to break her out do it soon. I'll turn a blind eye''.
Agent Morse smiles, ''Trip and I already had a plan''. ''Make it believable''. ''I don't need your advice super spy''. Ward grins at her it doesn't reach his eyes, ''yes you do''.
Two hours later when an alarm goes off and Vault D is empty, Ward acts just as shocked as everyone else.