All We Can Do Is Keep Breathing
''You need to sleep''. ''I'm fine''. They are laying low in a hotel for now, Kebo in the room next to them. It's been a few hours since they left the Playground and while Skye has already taken a shower and gotten ready for bed, Ward it seems has other plans. He had an excuse for a while, called a doctor he trusted for Skye, to check her and the baby over, to make sure it was safe to take her off the IV.
That was an hour ago, if Skye is any pain she's to call him and he can get the proper prescription. She's sitting up against the headboard looking over at her boyfriend who still hasn't changed out of his battle worn clothes or cleaned himself up. She's worried about him, the last time he slept or ate anything. Maybe he was lying before, maybe it isn't so fine leaving Shield behind. ''Ward look at me''. Nothing, he continues to stare at his phone.
''Grant''. After a few more times he finally looks up at her out stretched hand as she rises from the bed. ''Let me take care of you''. ''I'm not a child''. ''I know that, I want to''. She leads him into the bathroom and he takes a seat on the toliet so she doesn't have to bend to reach him. Skye runs a lone finger across his face, frowning at the cuts and bruises there. ''I've had worse''. He comments. ''I know''.
He's silent as she cleans his wounds, he set his own fingers thank god because she would not of had the stomach for it. Ward's blank expression is worrying her, when he gets into the shower she sets out a clean pair of clothes for him and the food Kebo bought at the store. Skye considers calling him over but Kebo was fast asleep last time she checked, he hasn't slept in days either.
Grant takes a three minute shower, just like he did back on the Bus, some things won't ever change. There's a towel around his waist and she just can't help but stare. How can she not? He's too beautiful for his own good. Normally Ward would comment on this but he doesn't even look at her, just takes the clothes and dresses in the bathroom, she can hear him begin to shave. ''You okay in there?" ''Fine''.
She sighs and gets under the covers, resting both hands on her belly. In less than eight months their lives will change, they will be parents and while Skye is still afraid she's excited as well. Ready to start this new chapter in her life, give her baby everything she didn't have growing up. A family, a father and mother who loves them. Skye knows it won't be easy especially with Hydra and Shield still out there.
At the thought of Shield Skye has to breathe deeply to calm herself. Coulson was going to try to take her baby from her, what kind of man does that? When did Coulson fall so far that he was willing to betray everyone on his team just to get what he wants? He's so far from the person she met on the Bus. But so is Jemma. Hydra changed everyone it seems, took their innocence and spit it back out. Skye will regret playing a part in that forever.
Ward stays in the bathroom for ten minutes, switches off the light when he's done, she can't hear him move about the room. She is aware of the sound of something heavy being placed on the night stand, a gun more than likely. ''We're safe here right?'' ''Wouldn't of stopped if we weren't''. Ward answers, crawling into bed and turning off the side lamp. Skye can't read his mood, he seemed fine when they left the Playground.
They lie next to each other cloaked in darkness, arms barely brushing. Normally Ward likes to cuddle (something that surprised her the first time he did it) pull her into his chest and hold her while they slept. He doesn't even move. Finally unable to take it she turns on her side to face him, her hand on his bicep. ''Are you mad at me or something?" He sighs and places his hand over hers.
''No, I just, I'm not mad at you''. ''Then what's wrong? You seemed fine until we got here. Ward are you scared about leaving Shield? Is that's what's happening? You told me you were fine with it''. ''I am, I can't be apart of an organization that was going to hurt you like Coulson planned to''. ''I feel a but coming on''. If he smiles she can't see it. ''Skye I don't know how to be anything but a Shield agent''.
''But all that stuff you said''- ''I meant it, I mean it. They aren't my family you are. It was easy to walk away, I'd do it again. I'll adapt eventually but I don't, I know who Agent Grant Ward is. But just Grant Ward? The last time I was him I was fifteen and angry with everyone and everything''. Carefully so he has time to pull away Skye lays her head on his shoulder, she feels him relax instantly.
''You're afraid you don't know who you are without orders, without a gun in your hand''. He sighs, ''yeah''. Skye glides her thumb over his fresh smooth cheekbones, he leans into her touch. ''You're Grant Ward, the strongest man I know. You're selfless, you make me feel safe. You're the first person who's ever really loved me, you're the father of my child who will love you unconditionally.
You're kind smart, you have the worst sense of humor I've ever heard''. They both chuckle at this and finally Grant wraps him arms around her. ''You're brave you care so much, and I love you. I'll always love you and we'll get through this together. I'm not going anywhere''. He kisses the top of her head, she closes her eyes. ''I love you too''. ''You better, I am not raising your spawn alone''. ''You won't''.
They fall asleep quickly after that, not worrying about a thing for once.
The next few weeks are hard for more than one reason. Ward and Skye are on the run which means moving from safe house to safe house, hotel to hotel. For Grant it's an easy life to live, he's done it before. And normally Skye wouldn't complain, she's had her fair share of moving from place to place. Garrett didn't always keep her locked away in their apartment, but this time is different.
This time she's pregnant which means morning sickness, constantly. Skye doesn't go one day without being sick, much to her annoyance. ''All I'm saying is the next baby we have, you're carrying it''. Ward takes her hand and kisses the inside of her wrist, ''I would if I could. I hate seeing you suffer''. Skye shakes her head before giving him a fond look, ''just feed me and we'll call it even robot''.
They walk into a restaurant right off the highway, Kebo is parking the car. They're seated at table per Ward's request so he can see everything from his seat. The front door, the back, the kitchen, any other exit and entry point. Every window is in his eye sight, every person in the small area. Skye flips open her menu her stomach growling, she places her hand on it and smiles, she's beginning to show.
The bump is still small but noticeable and Skye loves it. They have a long way to go but the morning sickness the aches the mood swings, it'll all be worth it once their child is here. ''You going to order the whole menu again?'' Kebo asks her when he joins them at the table. ''Maybe''. ''As long as you don't eat cabbage with melted chocolate on top I won't complain''. ''It's not my fault, the baby wanted it''. ''It was disgusting''.
That's really the only unusual cravings Skye has had so far, she ate that for three days straight, even Ward grimaced. They're halfway through the meal when Ward's burner phone rings, no one has that number. The people that do are sitting right in front of him, which means it's more than likely the one person he doesn't want to speak to. Skye takes his hand across the table and squeezes, he doesn't have to answer.
But he does anyway. ''What do you want Coulson?" ''It's not Coulson''. Skye watches the surprise take over Ward's face, ''Fitz?'' She listens to the one sided conversation, the guilt that takes over her boyfriend. ''I'm not coming back Fitz. I know, I know that. But I need to keep her safe and Coulson was going to hurt her. I should have but there was no time. How is Simmons? Are you two alright?''
After a few seconds she can no longer read his expression, it's empty. ''I can't do that Fitz I can't risk it. One day but not today, I know. Take care of Simmons alright?'' Skye swallows the lump in her throat, this has to be so hard for him. Kebo gives her a worried look and takes a sip of his water. ''If Fitz is trying to convince him to come back it could be a trap''. ''Ward isn't that stupid he won't fall for it''.
''You know Shield won't stop hunting you Cupcake, it's only a matter of time. Maybe years from now but they'll catch up eventually''. ''You know your negativity is not appreciated''. He gives her a wink, ''I'm aware''. Ward sighs into the phone, pinches the bridge of his nose. ''Fitz he was going to take Skye away from me what was I supposed to do? Coulson isn't the person I thought he was, I don't trust him. What? Of course I trust you Fitz''.
''You know they're probably tracing that phone call''. Kebo comments only for Ward to shake his head, it's on a secure untraceable line. ''Just be careful okay? I'll see you soon''. Grant hangs up, sighs into his free hand. ''Everything okay?'' He lifts his head to smile at her, leans across the table to kiss her nose. ''It's fine''. ''But Fitz''- ''Will be fine without me. RIght now I can't risk you or the baby to anyone at Shield''.
''You think you'll ever stop being paranoid?'' ''Probably not''. ''How much you want to bet he'll have twelve cameras in the baby's room once it's here?'' Skye laughs at Kebo, ''probably. And bullet proof windows, maybe even install a panic room too''. Ward actually seems to consider this and looks over to Skye. ''Let's get a house first''. She smiles, ''where?'' ''Somewhere off the grid, think you can pick one out?''
''I know the perfect place babe''. It's somewhere no one would ever dream of looking.
*
Five Months Later
''God I'm a whale''. Skye huffs as she sits on the couch next to Kebo who glances at her stomach. ''Beached whale''. He mutters and she smacks him on the shoulder. ''Ow! Ward she hit me!'' ''You started it!'' ''Did not!'' ''Did too! Grant your lap dog is being rude to your very pregnant girlfriend''. A figure takes up space in the doorway and shakes their head. ''Honestly you two act like children. Ward doesn't even need a son with you two around''.
Skye and Kebo glance at each other, ''I'm offended are you offeneded?'' He asks. ''Very''. A soft sigh as Jemma Simmons breezes away from the door and into the room to sit across from Skye. ''How are you feeling this morning?'' ''Like a whale, or a hippo. Maybe even an elephant, and my feet are killing me''. Simmons gives her a smile and places a hand on her belly. Her eyes light up when she feels a kick against her palm.
''Oh he's kicking a lot too, pressing on my bladder you little stinker''. Skye rubs her belly fondly, they found out a few weeks ago they were having a boy and Ward cried for thirty minutes straight. Skye can't wait for him to be here, a little mini Ward running around this small house by the beach, Ward teaching him to walk going on his first swim. She's ready for all of it. Strong arms wrap around her shoulders from behind, a small kiss to the back of her head.
''Kebo leave the mother of my child alone''. ''She started it''. ''Don't make me finish it''. Skye rolls her eyes as Simmons continues to check her pulse, ''Jemma you don't have to do this every day''. ''It's just a precaution Skye, I want to make sure you and the baby are healthy''. It took Simmons a long time to see Ward again. A few weeks after he and Skye finally went off grid to Garrett's beach house in Hawaii, she turned up out of the blue.
Ward was on a supply run one morning when he felt someone following, turned the corner and there was Jemma Simmons with Fitz right behind her. Come to find out Fitz and Skye had been in contact without him knowing and they were dying to see Ward. Grant had never been so angry with her, they fought about her exposing them for days, he wanted to leave. But Skye insisted that Ward needed Fitz and Simmons in his life just as they needed him.
It was awkward at first, no one really knew what to say to each other. Fitz hadn't been around Skye in months but instead of trying to hurt her like everyone else, he sat down and listened to what she had to say. About John, how sorry she was. How she'd understand if he never forgave her and she didn't expect him too. Skye and Simmons had a similiar conversation and after a month of visiting she finally cracked.
The two scientists accepted Skye into their lives once more and it was something the three of them didn't know they missed until they had it again. On occasion when they are not needed at Shield Fitz and Simmons will sneak away from the Playground (with Ward's help so they don't get caught) and come here. They have been here for three days, Bobbi Trip and Hunter do not visit at all, they don't want to risk it.
But Skye has promised to send them pictures once her son is born. She knows that Shield will come around again, they can't hide forevever. But right now, right now things are good. General Johnson was called back to Washington some months ago, taken off Skye's case. Kebo believes Senator Christian Ward had something to do with it but Grant doesn't agree. Christian never shows kindness unless he gets something in return, nothing is free for him.
Coulson isn't going to let Ward go so easily, Skye is just waiting for the day something goes wrong and he shows up on their doorstep. ''You're thinking so loud''. Ward whispers against her neck, planting a small kiss on her skin. ''Stop worrying everything is going to be just fine baby. We're going to be okay''. He looks around the room, Fitz and Simmons talking amoungst each other, Kebo drinking already even though it's only ten in the morning.
This small house on the beach that once belonged to Garrett, he was worried at how it would affect Skye. But she seems to be happy, only has a nightmare about John every now and again. Sometimes he catches her with that familiar pack of cigarettes clutched in her hand late at night if she can't sleep. It's going to take time for her to recover, to see how deep the wounds Garrett inflicted upon her truly lie. She's going to have to face all of that some day.
But right now she's beaming up at him, Bucky jumping on the couch between her and Kebo, and Ward has never seen her smile so much in all the time he's known her. He kisses her sweetly, and she tells him she loves him. ''We're all going to be just fine''. He believes that with everything he has.