Say I Love You When You're Not Listening
Slow sunrise filling up the room. Warm skin beneath fingers. The smell of vanilla in the sheets, soft hair brushing against a shoulder blade. The sound of cool wind outside, leaves rustling on the ground. Near silent laughter being muffled by breakfast being served in the kitchen, a snarky remark nearly met with a curse word before catching it. These are the things that greet Grant Ward every morning when he wakes. Usually he is up before everyone else but not today, the previous evening with his wife caused them to miss the alarm.
Ward shifts, blinks and rolls his head. Skye is laying beside him one hand on his chest, an easy peaceful look on her face he's grown to love and appreciate. She's been through so much not to have this life, a family, all the happiness they've both been blessed with. "You're staring". He smiles before brushing a tender kiss against her forehead. "Can't help it". She gives him a smile of her own and moves into the space of his open arms. He's so warm, cold is a foreign feeling to her these days.
"How long do we have?" Grant glances at the closed door, hears more laughter that's struggling to stay quiet. "Five minutes". In a rush he's prepared for Skye rolls into his chest and captures his lips in a kiss, he mutters something about last night but it quickly dies when her teeth find his earlobe. His hand cups the back of her neck just as feet hit the hard wood floor, Ward shifts Skye off of him and their bedroom door flies open. "Mommy!" Skye is quickly pulling on Ward's shirt, he's already in sweat pants as their daughter attempts to climb up the bed. Skye takes Ellie Rose in her arms and crushes her to her chest. "Good morning baby!" The small girl with Ward's hair and her eyes grins at Skye before hugging her neck.
"Uncle Kebo made waffles!" "Did he draw the whipped cream smiley faces you like?" Ellie Rose sighs dramatically (something she no doubt picked up from her Uncle) and rolls her eyes. (she definitely got that from Ward) "Of course he did Daddy!" Ellie scrambles out of Skye's hold to fling herself into Ward's waiting arms. The young girl cups Ward's face and looks seriously into his whiskey eyes, he meets her stare with a similar look. "Daddy". "Yes sweetheart?" Grant brushes a stray hair away from her face, so much of him is in her cheek bones but she's a carbon copy of Skye. "I have to tell you a secret". Ward leans into her and she whispers in his ear that Peanut got mud on the carpet again but don't tell Mommy because Uncle Kebo cleaned it up.
"You've got it rookie". Ellie Rose leaps off the bed and runs back into the kitchen, yelling for them to follow. Grant looks back at his wife to see her smiling at him, slipping on her wedding ring. "What did she tell you?" "That's classified". Skye laughs and kisses his cheek before chasing after their daughter. Skye walks into the living room to find her three year old son Cal with syrup and whipped cream all over his face. Skye giggles and crouches down in front of him, he yells Mommy and pulls her into a bone crushing hug. Cal looks exactly like Ward, jaw line and all. And very much like his father, Cal adores Skye.
"Let mommy wipe your face, why did Uncle Kebo let you make a mess?" Cal is very shy, he doesn't speak often. He clings mostly to Ward and if he does speak it's usually only to his parents. "Hey in my defense the little squirt ran off before I could clean him up". Kebo says from the kitchen, Skye turns with her son wrapped around her and walks up to him. "Hand me a paper towel". "Was there a please in that statement?" Skye gives Kebo a look that has him thrusting a paper towel in her hand in less than a second. When she's done Cal starts squirming in her arms, his small finger pointing at something behind her.
Skye releases him and Cal sprints across the room, straight into Ward's arms. "Morning buddy". Little Cal buries his face in his father's neck and whispers something in his ear. Whatever it was has Grant grinning as they approach Ellie Rose who is sitting on the couch with their dogs, Buddy and Peanut. Skye watches from the kitchen as Ward sits down on the couch, finishes feeding the children and starts coloring, per Ellie's request. "It's still weird". Kebo mutters behind her. "What is? Seeing a crayon in his hand and not a gun?"
"Yeah. Any new missions coming up that you know of?" Shield and the Ward family are on excellent terms and have been for years, on rare occasion Skye or Grant will work an OP for Coulson. Usually one that doesn't last more than a few days because neither one of them can stay away from their kids or each other for very long. In the five years they've been away from their former lives Skye and Grant's ghosts have all but vanished.
Nightmares still plague them from time to time and John Garrett will never fully leave Ward, just like Jiaying still haunts Skye. But time has healed them both for the better, mostly due to their children. Skye has never loved anyone the way she loves them, never experienced this kind of love before. It's just complete and total, her children are the best part of Skye. She would do anything for them no matter the cost, Ward would say the same.
Which is why now it's so hard for her to comprehend why Jiaying did what she did. Skye could never even imagine wanting to harm Eliie Rose or Cal, the idea is so completely lost on her. She joins Ward and the kids at the coffee table, Ellie hands her a red crayon and demands she color the lobster on the page. Did Skye mention how happy she is? That it feels like her life has meaning to it, that throughout everything some good came out of all of the rubble she was pulled under.
''Popeye hand me a beer would you?'' ''Yeah''. It's around midnight, the kids long since asleep. Grant curls Skye to his side, kisses her hair. It's long now like it was when they first met, it seems she has outgrown the short look. She looks beautiful either way but Ward prefers it long. It makes her look younger in a way, like all the damage she suffered at Shield was nothing more than a bad dream.
Shield is different as of late, Coulson is still the Director but he's less dramatic. He has learned to use his head instead of his heart to run the organization, May always faithful sticks to his side. Bobbi and Hunter left a long time ago they keep in touch on occasion but aren't involved with the Ward family much. Mack lives nearby, is usually over for dinner every night. Him and Ward have become very close friends.
Fitz and Simmons are back in the lab, on Skye's last mission they were a couple and she hopes they remain that way. Shield and Ward are on the best terms as they've ever been, probably even better than when he first joined all that time ago. Coulson and him have grown to be friends, Skye blames that on the the two little humans sleeping a few rooms down. Coulson and May make the best grandparents although the Calvary prefers to be called May.
Everything up to this point has been worth it. The bullets, the bad blood, every argument and bitterness her and Grant went through. It was all for this, for their children. Skye would do it all over again (maybe skipping through a few chapters) just so she could end up here again. Grant looks down at her with obvious adoration, ''what are you thinkig about?'' ''Just that I love you''. No matter how many times he hears it, he'll never tire of those words.
He leans down to kiss her, his hands slipping underneath her shirt. ''Hey none of that, I came here to drink not to watch you two fondle each other''. The pair ignores, only breaks apart when Kebo threatens to go wake up one of the kids. Skye glares at him, ''don't you dare. They only went to sleep because Grant read that story book four times''. Cal and Ellie Rose hate bed time, there isn't a night that they don't throw a tantrum after bath time.
The only thing that calms them down is Grant laying down with them and reading from their pile of children's books in the corner of the room. For the time being Ellie Rose and Cal share a room, it's easier to keep an eye on them that way. If something were to happen Grant prefers them to be in the same place, just in case. They will move eventually but Skye isn't ready to part with this house yet.
It was her first real home, this is where her and Grant started their lives together. Her and Ward start talking about the kids and Kebo groans in response as he sits down on the couch across from them. ''For the love of god can we please talk about something else? I live with you people, I'm around your Hydra babies every single day, I need to hear about bullets, blood, body parts anything other than children''.
Skye and Ward stare at him blankly, the corners of Skye's lips twitch in a smile and Ward fights one as well. ''Body parts?'' ''I meant in the form of being strung across a room, come on Ward tell me one of your war stories I haven't heard before''. Grant dives into some old Shield mission that involved a bomb somewhere in Russia. Halfway through Skye's eyelids droop and her head lands softly on Ward's shoulder, who kisses her brow.
''Remember the days we'd stay up all night with a bottle of vodka?'' Kebo asks him as he returns from putting Skye to bed. ''That was before all of this''. Grant gestures around the living room full of various toys and coloring books. ''You ever miss it? Hydra, being a Specialist?'' ''I'm still a Specialist''. ''Not an active one, come on Ward you ever miss the action? The thrill of the game every day?'' Ward answers honestly when he says no.
The next morning Skye walks into the kitchen and Grant greets her with a cup of coffee. ''Morning baby''. ''Morning''. She kisses his cheek and glances down at the breakfast Kebo has prepared for Ellie and Cal. She frowns, Ward follows her stare and rolls his eyes. ''Popeye what is that?'' Kebo glances away from the skillet he's leaned over and laughs loudly, the kids joining him. ''Quake I think that requires any explaination, those waffles are some of my best work''.
''You drew an octopus on them''. ''That I did Quake, that I did''. ''It's cool Mommy! Uncle Kebo can you make waffles like this forever?'' ''Sure thing kid''. The kids are absorbed in Ward talking to them that they don't notice when Skye approaches Kebo and playfully (not really) slaps his arm. ''Not funny''. ''Do you know how much talent it takes to draw an octopus on waffles? I think they're amazing''. ''That's because you're an idiot''. ''Love you too Quake''. She rolls her eyes and sips her coffee.
''Daddy can we go outside and play?'' Buddy and Peanut are already at the back door begging to be let out. Ward nods and leads them out, shoes and socks tight on their feet. While they're gone Skye cleans up the kitchen, when she's done her cell phone rings. It's Coulson. He calls about once a week to check up on them, he just called two days ago so there's a purpose for this one. ''What's up DC?'' ''How are you Skye?''
She gave up the name Daisy a long time ago, right after she had Ellie Rose. Daisy was a stranger in most ways, broken by everything that happened to her. She was the embodiment of the person Shield wanted, the perfect agent. Hard as stone cold as ice, following orders blindly and not giivng them a second thought. Daisy was trapped in a life of darkness, holding onto regrets and the past, closed off and sad. That version of Skye is dead and gone.
''Good, the kids were asking about you yesterday. When are you going to come up for a visit?'' Skye looks out the window and smiles at the sight in front of her. Grant has Cal on his shoulders and they are chasing Ellie around the yard, Buddy and Peanut at her heels. Bright and innocent laughter fills every space and Skye's chest feels like it's going to burst with joy. God she loves her life, her husband. Everything is as it should be.
''I'm hoping soon. Is Ward around? I need to speak with him''. Skye chews on her lip and tells Coulson he's busy and will call back later. ''Is everything okay? What mission do you want to send him on this time?'' ''Just tell Ward to call me please''. ''You got it''. Skye goes out to the front yard and Buddy ambushes her, jumping up his large paws on her shoulders. Skye grins and kisses his head, Ward says a few words in Latin and Buddy immediately gets off of her.
''What's wrong?'' Grant asks her when Kebo comes outside and distracts the kids so they can talk. He traces the lines of her face slowly, Skye leans into Ward's touch. ''Coulson called, it sounded important''. ''I'll call him back later''. Later comes after a trip to the toy store, dance practice for Ellie Rose and the ice cream shop to pick up Cal's favorite flavor. It's ten o'clock by the time Ward manages to put both kids to bed, he rubs his tired eyes and joins Skye on the couch.
''Ten bucks says it's something Hydra related''. Kebo comments, sipping a beer. ''No way. Twenty says it's some mission that they only trust Ward to do''. Grant dials Coulson's number, tosses his arm around Skye's shoulder and plays absentmindedly with strands of her hair. When the Director answers Ward puts it on speaker at a low volume and places the phone on the coffee table. ''Coulson, it's Ward''. ''We have an odd situation here Ward''.
Ward asks for details and hears the hesitant edge in Coulson's voice. ''It's about an Inhuman we found last night. Normally I'd ask for Skye on this one but this particular individual told us he will only speak to you''. The trio around the table share a look. ''What's his name?'' ''Marcus Stanley''. ''I don't know who that is, did he say why he will only talk to me?'' ''Negative''. Skye asks about his powers, his age, where they found him.
''His powers are unknown, he's thirty five and we found him in an alley outside Chicago''. Kebo is already searching for Marcus, reaches out to a few trusted and old Hydra contacts. ''All I need is for you to come in and find out what he wants with you, maybe he'll reveal his powers to you. Then you are free to go, you know I don't want to keep you from your family''. In the five years they've been away from Shield Skye and Ward have gone on a total of ten missions for them.
''When do you need me?'' ''As soon as possible to be frank, I don't like this Ward''. ''That makes two of us''. Skye comments, placing her hand on Grant's knee. They end the call with Coulson, Ward promises he'll be on his way in the morning. Obviously Ellie Rose and Cal hate when Daddy has to leave on one of his ''work trips'' but they understand to an extent. And he always comes back in a few days. So when morning comes Grant wakes at five, let's them sleep in. Joins Skye in the shower where she wraps herself around him.
She hates when he goes away too. Which is why she wakes with him, to squeeze as much time alone with him as possible before he leaves. It's the same every time, she tells him to promise he'll come back. That he won't risk his life for Shield because he has a wife and kids to think about now. He kisses her slowly and agrees to her demands, his hands wandering down every inch of her skin. ''I promise you Skye''. He never breaks them, not with her.
After he's all packed and ready to go he walks into the living room to find his children pouting by the front door. A pang in his chest has him almost wincing, almost has him turning back and telling Coulson to figure it out himself. Skye is holding little Cal to her chest, who has his face buried in her hair. Ellie Rose is frowning at the bag in Ward's hand. Grant crouches down in front of her, ''princess you know Grandpa Coulson needs me''. Her lip juts out as she holds back tears. ''I know Daddy''. She throws her arms around his neck and tells him she loves him.
God, he hates leaving them. Running Hydra he can handle, gun shot wound, knife wound piece of cake. But having to leave his kids? He'd rather take those injuries than see the looks on their faces right now. Grant kisses Ellie's forehead and she goes to cling to Skye's legs. ''Hey champ, can you come out and say bye to me?'' It takes coaxing on Ward's part but eventually his son peeks out from under Skye's hair.
Sorrow is full on Cal's face as he leans away from Skye and reaches for Ward. Grant takes him in his arms as the boy squeezes Ward's neck with all of his strength. ''I'll be back soon, I promise. You and your sister be good for Mommy, okay?'' Cal nods, gets distracted by Kebo walking into the living room, his own bag in hand. Cal scrambles out of Ward's hold and walk up to Kebo, his big brown eyes looking up at the other man. ''Yeah Ward junior?'' Kebo gets down to the boy's height so they are at eye level.
''Don't let Daddy get hurt Uncle Kebo''. Skye almost breaks at this, Ward pulls her to him. ''I'll bring him back kid I promise''. Satisfied Cal turns back to Ward and hugs his legs, tells his father that he loves him. ''Better go before you change your mind''. Skye whispers in Grant's ear, kissing his skin. He nods, kisses her one last time. Tells Ellie Rose and Cal he'll be back in no time. Leaves them waving goodbye on the porch, Kebo is a wreck when they get on the road.
''If you cry I'm going to kick your ass''. Ward comments. ''It's bad enough I have to see my kids cry, I don't want to deal with it coming from you too''. Kebo slips on a pair of sunglasses and clears his throat. ''I'm good boss, totally fine''. Grant doesn't believe him, the ride to the plane Coulson has waiting for them is quiet. ''By the way Marcus Stanley is clean as a whistle, not even a parking ticket to his name. I have no idea what he wants with you, our contacts at Hydra didn't find anything on him either''. ''That's reassuring''. ''Tell me about it''.
When they reach the Playground Coulson is waiting in his office for them. May, Fitz and Simmons are present. They ask how he, Skye and the kids are. Recent pictures are passed around, it's still strange to see May smile so much. ''Alright we have Marcus detained in a containment module, you can talk to him whenever you want. I give it a few hours tops and you can be on your way back to Tennessee''. Ward nods and he and Kebo move to speak with the Inhuman. Coulson is watching the exchange on the video monitor.
Marcus Stanley seems like an ordinary person on the outside. Short brown hair, round almost baby face. Nothing about him screams danger, in fact he looks a little afraid himself. That only intensifies when Grant walks into the room. ''Oh my god you're Grant Ward''. Marcus's voice is deep and low, it shakes. ''Shield says you would only speak to me''. Marcus nods, the worry lines on his red face appearing once more.
''Why?'' It doesn't escape Ward that the containment module grows suddenly unsteady. Kebo's hand flicks to his gun. ''I've seen things, horrible things about you''. ''Explain''. Marcus's blue eyes widen, his hands wave out in front of him. ''Do you believe in alternate dimensions Mr. Ward? Different versions of you in another time, another place other than here''. Ward raises an eyebrow and Kebo comments on the crazy train beginning to take off.
Marcus doesn't give Ward a chance to answer. ''Mr. Ward there's a version of you out there that's in danger. Some part of you that wants to tear everything down in his wake, he's going to get himself killed''. ''Wait slow down, what the hell are you talking about?'' ''Robot this guy is insane, sounds like he belongs in an asylum this was a waste of time''. Ward shuffles on his feet, glances at the door. ''Please listen to me! Don't go. Think about Skye''.
At this Ward goes rigid. On the outside he appears calm and at ease, but the mention of his wife from a complete stranger has him reeling. ''What about Skye?'' ''In this universe she's in grave danger, things happen to her that shouldn't. Things happen to you that will alter everything, you could die. Don't you want to save yourself? The self you had to chance to turn into but didn't because of Skye?'' Ward clenches his fists, lets the man continue.
Marcus's voice grows to a level of passion, he's animated as he speaks. Ward realizes he's desperate for Ward's attention, he wants him to believe what he's saying. ''I can get you to this other universe Mr. Ward''. ''Look Crazy Eyes my boss has no intention in going on your twisted road trip, alright? There's no such thing as alternate dimensions or whatever other crap you're feeding to us right now''. Marcus igores Kebo, his eyes on Ward.
''If you could go back, save yourself from death, would you?''
Ward opens his mouth to answer but a blue light suddenly flashes before him. There's a sensation of falling, his limbs not in control of themselves. He lands on a warm patch of something? If you could call it landing, was he falling? A haze clears, he hears Kebo's voice in his ear. ''What the bloody hell was that? Ward where are we?'' Grant blinks against the sun, takes in his surroundings. They're gone from the containment module, now outside some place. ''What in the hell happened?''
They don't have a very long recovery time or a chance to grasp their bearings before a gun is at the back of Ward's head. He turns, Kebo's eyes widen. They meet the hateful gaze of Phil Coulson, nothing but pure hatred in his eyes. ''Grant Ward''. He snarls, like just Ward's name causes him actual physical pain. ''Coulson I''- ''Shut up. May cuff him''. There's a flurry of movement as Kebo tries to get Ward away from the Calvary.
''Well boss we're definitely not in Kansas anymore''. ''I noticed''. ''You think that crazy bloke was right? Did he send us somewhere''. ''Don't''- Ward's response is cut off by May's ICER to his chest. ''Well that was rude''. Kebo is met with the same fate, their bodies helpless heaps on the ground. ''Bring them back to the Playground, we'll schedule Ward's execution in the morning''. ''Yes sir''. Coulson looks down at Ward's knocked out form in distaste.
Shield has been hunting the new Director of Hydra for months, and here he is in the middle of New York bright in the day. It was almost too easy. ''Stay on alert, Ward is nothing if not paranoid. He might have a few tricks up his sleeve''.
By this time tomorrow Grant Ward will be dead, nothing more than a bad memory to Shield, to Coulson. Justice will be served, revenge on a smooth silver platter. Phil would be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to it.