You & Me Bleed the Same Light
''So what exactly is your plan when you catch up to youself? What are you going to do? Come out of the shadows and say stop being a dick?'' Grant has been trying to tune out Kebo for the past twenty minutes, and fails. He should be a pro at it since they've known each other for so long, but Kebo has a bad habit of never shutting his mouth so it's impossible some days. ''Something like that''. ''That's literally a horrible plan boss''.
Grant focuses back on the road, they've been driving for what feels like hours. Which probably has more to do with Kebo's non stop chatter than anything else. ''Do you have something better?'' ''I mean not really, do you really think Director of Hydra you is going to listen to one word you have to say to him?'' Years ago when Grant himself was running Hydra he knew the dark path he was going down, Skye is who saved him.
This Ward doesn't have Skye to lean on, to pull him back from the darkness like she always had. He's lost Kara in this world, lost Skye, everyone he cares about. He's got nothing to lose which makes him dangerous. ''You sure we're going the right way?'' May asks in Grant's ear piece, she's trailing behind them, did not want to be trapped in a car with the two of them. ''We're thirty minutes out from the wearhouse''.
''Boss how can you be sure other you is in this specific wearhouse at this specific time? Big leap''. ''It's the only solid lead, if he's not there I remember a few old bases back when I was running things''. Kebo rubs his temples, ''do you realize how confusing this all is? You ran Hydra once before, now we're in another world where you're still running Hydra and we have to save your sorry ass. I'm going to punch that Marcus kid in the throat when we get back''.
''Please stop talking'', Kebo snaps his gum, rolls down the window. ''I wonder what Skye is doing, if she's found out we're gone yet''. ''Probably, she might be at Shield already''. ''You know she's more than likely going to come after you, make sure you don't get yourself killed''. ''You're probably right, but I hope she doesn't''. ''You and I both know she would move heaven and earth to save you''. Even after all these years together Skye still worries about Grant.
She lost him once when she thought he was dead, when he became an Inhuman he hid from her for months in fear he might hurt her. Skye never fully recovered from that. On rare occasion she has nightmares that he's six feet under, or if she wakes in the middle of the night and he's not next to her she panics. It's gotten better over time, but Grant is fully aware why she hates when he leaves her. He hasn't fogiven himself for that even though she has.
He put her through hell, his ''death'' changed her in so many ways. Some good, some bad. Skye over the years has been more protective of Grant than before, she hates when they're apart. The first time Coulson approached Grant with a mission it was right after Ellie Rose was born. When Skye got wind of it she lost it. Stood in the middle of the living room and yelled at both Grant and Coulson until she was red in the face and tears on her cheeks.
Forbid Grant from even entertaining the idea of going anywhere near Shield, she threw such a fit that he agreed to whatever she said to get her to stop crying. Now she'll say it was because her hormones were out of control because she'd just had a baby, and while that might be true there was another reason. She didn't want him to go away and she would have to raise their baby alone. Grant doesn't blame her for it, and they haven't had a similiar incident since.
Like he said, he hopes Skye just stays home with their children and doesn't come after him. But he doubts she's just going to sit idly by while he's on a mission to save his other self from burning the world to the ground. ''You know what just occured to me?'' Kebo asks aloud, popping another piece of gum in this mouth. ''No telling, what?'' ''You're not going to be able to save youself''. Grant glances at his friend and rolls his eyes. ''Are you doubting my skills?''
''Course not boss. But think about it, when you were running Hydra who was the one person that stopped you? Made you want to live for something else other than revenge?'' Grant's hands tighten on the steering wheel, ''Skye''. ''Bingo. What makes you think this version of you is going to listen to a word you say? Would you have back then? Marcus should have asked for Skye''. ''Thanks for the confidence''. ''Just making a point boss''. ''It didn't help''.
The rest of the car ride is filled with Kebo's annoying running commentary and May asking three more times if they are close. Grant pulls up blocks away from one of the Hydra bases, they'll go on foot from here. ''If I didn't already regret coming with you before, I definitely do now''. Kebo complains as they begin to walk, he's ignored. May takes a different route to the base, staying out of sight. ''She's going to get caught robot''. ''She'll be fine''.
When they approach the base, there are no guards outside. But Grant can read in between the lines, someone is in there. ''Are we just going to walk right in?'' ''We're going around the back''. ''I have a bad feeling about this boss''. ''Noted, still doing it''. ''Great, let's hope the other you doesn't kill us''. Grant winks at Kebo before slipping away from their hiding place and sneaking undetected behind the building. They enter smoothly and without alerting anyone.
The first thing Grant notices besides the familiarity of the base, is that there are six Hydra agents present. If it turns into a fight it'll end with no problems. The second is the figure clad in a brown leather jacket walking into an office to the right of them. It's the Ward from this universe. Grant decides that the jacket definitely looks better on Skye, who wears it more often than he does these days. ''Sir where is Kebo?'' Grant sees an agent walk into the office.
Can't see Ward but can hear him clearly. ''Kebo didn't make it, Morse killed him''. Grant closes his eyes as soon as the words are out in the open, just waiting for the dramatic response his friend is about to throw. ''Oh my god''. ''Kebo don't''- ''I'm dead! In this world I am dead! Gone, the spirit in the sky, no longer living''. ''I know''- ''You got me killed! What the hell did you do boss?'' Grant looks sharply at Kebo that says for him not to lose his shit. It doesn't work.
Quietly, almost below a whisper Kebo begins to rant and rave about how he didn't deserve to die. He kicks a few boxes, swings at Grant a few times. Honestly Grant is surprised they've gone unoticed for this long. ''Knock it off Kebo, pull yourself together we're on a mission''. Kebo crosses his arms, scowls at Grant. ''Technically I'm dead here, I don't have to do anything''. One eye roll and a hit to the kidney later, Kebo is relatively calm again and they remain in their hiding position.
Ward comes out of his office and leans against one of the tables, pulls a picture out of the back pocket of his jeans. Grant doesn't have to look at the photograph to know who his other self is thinking about. Kara. There's a heavy sadness in Ward's face, plain and open. ''You know nothing you do is going to bring her back''. Grant decides now is the perfect time to reveal himself, he was looking for an entry point and found one. At the sound of his own voice Ward is visibly startled, one hand on his gun.
Grant appears from his hiding space, almost enjoys the full baffled expression on his other self's face. It takes a lot to shock Grant Ward, and seeing himself has got to be one for the books. Grant studies this younger and damaged version of himself, remembers these days all too well. He didn't feel like he had anything to live for, just revenge. And Skye isn't here to help him see another road, not here to love him and be here for his dark and sorrow filled days.
Grant has sympathy for himself in this world, no one offered him help. No one cared if he lived or died, Kara was the only one who did and she's gone. Ward doesn't see the light at the end of the tunnel, which is why he started running Hydra in the first place. ''What the hell?'' Hesitantly Grant takes a step forward, knowing how Ward will react to fast jerky movements. ''Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain''- ''What the hell is going on?''
Ward looks terribly confused, hand lingering on his gun. ''I'm you from another dimension, I was sent here by an Inhuman who told me you were in danger. That I had to save you''. Ward starts laughing, Grant expected this. Has he mentioned how odd this is? Coming face to face with himself has to be by far the strangest thing he's ever had to do. Ward is broken and very sad, with all of his trauma and baggage it's no wonder he wants to destroy the very organization who did nothing to help him, who wants him dead and silent.
''Really? And in this other world who am I?'' Ward finally sees the wedding ring on his other self's hand and pales slightly. Fights the hope clouding in his eyes that everything could turn out fine for him one day. ''It's Skye''. Grant answers Ward's unspoken question. Ward gets that look on his face at the mention of her name, one Grant recongizes all too well. God even here he loves her, he never stopped. ''You're lying''. ''Why would I lie to myself about that? I know how you feel about her, hell I was you a few years ago''.
Ward leans foward a little. ''Skye hates me, she thinks I'm a monster just like everyone else does''. Grant takes a page out of Raina's hand book and directs it towards Ward. ''You're not a monster, that's just what Garrett made you to be. He was a cruel son of a bitch and you know it. Wish I could have gone back further when I first met him and put a bullet in the back of his head''. Ward is apprehensive, hesitant. He doesn't want to believe, but how can he not?
He's literally staring at himself. ''And if that doesn't convince you we're from another world, hey boss''. Kebo comes to stand next to Grant, and the shocked expression is back on Ward's face. ''Kebo? But you're, you're dead''. ''Yeah about that, what the hell did you do to get me killed? And you expect me to believe that Bobbi Morse got the best of me? I could beat that woman with my hands tied behind my back''. Grant sighs in irritation as Kebo continues his rant.
Eventually Grant suggests that he and Ward go into his office, Kebo is left behind to stand gaurd. ''This is probably the weirdest shit I've ever had to deal with''. He mutters, watching the two Wards walk into the office and shut the door. Kebo has forgotten about May, who is listening to the entire exchange. Once in the office Grant takes the tracking device from his jacket and crushes it under his heel. ''Shield found me, thought I was you''.
Ward pours himself a drink, shaken by all of this. ''They try to kill you?'' ''Yeah, my execution was supposed to be this morning''. Ward looks for wounds on Grant but doesn't find any. ''How'd you get out?'' ''Skye''. It's true enough. If Coulson didn't find those photos he'd be dead right now. ''She helped you?'' Ward gets that love struck look on his face, tries to hide it but fails. ''Not exactly''. Ward sits at his desk, spreads out his hands. ''Tell me everything''.
*
''May!'' Skye turns to see the Calvary enter her living room, Ellie Rose leaps into the older woman's arms. ''Ellie!'' Cal stays in Skye's arms, he's been extra clingy since Grant left. Mack is in the kitchen making a sanwich and Thomas is supposed to be here any minute. Skye told the kids this morning that Daddy needed her help, it didn't go well. Tantrums were thrown, screams echoed through the house, toys crashed against walls. It was not a pretty scene.
Normally Ellie Rose and Cal are pretty level headed, rarely do they ever throw fits like that. Unless it's bed time then all bets are off, otherwise Skye and Ward were blessed with calm children. That's not the case today and Skye understands why. Skye and Ward never take missions together, they want at least one parent to be here with the children. They did once but it wasn't a problem because it was just Ellie Rose at the time who was too young to understand what was going on. So Skye completely understands the melt downs this morning.
And she feels horrible about it, but Grant could be in trouble. Coulson is being vauge on her husband's whereabouts and it's making her nervous. As soon as May has hugged and kissed Ellie Rose and Cal, Skye drags her to the edge of the living room where they are out of ear shot. Mack has pulled out a board game for them and is setting it up on the coffee table, Ellie in his lap. ''Care to tell me where the hell my husband is?'' ''Coulson want''-
''I don't give a damn what Coulson wants, where is Grant? Please tell me he's okay''. ''He's fine Skye''. There's a small sigh of reflief. ''So what happened?'' There's a knock on the front door before Thomas Ward steps inside. ''Uncle Thomas!'' Ellie Rose yells and makes a bee line for Thomas, Cal is sitting on the couch looking down at the coffee table, like he's studying the board game intently. Thinking about every angle, how to win. He's definitely Ward's son.
''Ellie I've missed you!'' Thomas searches the room for Skye, who half glares at May before going to greet her brother in law. ''Hey thanks for coming''. ''Of course''. He hugs her quickly, kisses Ellie's cheek. ''Where's my nephew?'' Cal's head peeks out from above the couch, when Thomas's eyes meet his Cal quickly scrambles off the couch and slams into Skye's legs. Begging for her to pick him up. ''Man kid you look just like your Dad''.
At the mention of Ward Cal whimpers and hides his face in Skye's hair. ''It's okay baby''. She tells him, kissing the top of his head. ''Mommy said Daddy needed her help''. Ellie tells Thomas who carries her to the couch. ''He does, that's why I'm here. May and I are going to stay with you and your brother until they get back, won't that be fun?'' Ellie Rose looks up at her Uncle with big eyes and gives him the cutest look she can muster. ''It would be better if we didn't have bedtime''.
Skye rolls her eyes, Thomas almost falls for it until May walks up to them, arms crossed. ''Not happening, sorry kiddo''. Ellie Rose pouts until Mack draws her attention back to the board game. Which distracts Cal as well. ''So where's my brother?'' Thomas asks Skye as she walks into her bedroom to grab her bags. ''Don't know, May won't talk''. ''But he's okay?'' ''May assured me he's alive. Otherwise I don't know. I'll call you as soon as I know something''.
Skye walks out into the living room, an ache in her chest. She hates leaving her babies. It's the worst feeling in the world. Cal is the first to react when she puts her bags by the front door, he starts wailing and throws himself into another tantrum. Which causes Ellie Rose to start crying, Skye gathers both of them in her arms and it takes everything in her to fight back her own tears. Keeps repeating in her head that she has to do this, she has to save their father.
It takes her half an hour to calm them down, May was a big help. Once the tears have dried Skye gets on the floor and crushes Ellie Rose and Cal to her chest. ''Daddy needs me, and once we're done I promise we'll be home before you know it. Okay? Listen to May and Uncle Thomas, can you be good for Mommy?'' Skye looks both of them in the eye, so much of Ward and herself in their tiny little faces. Ellie nods, wipes her face.
Cal's lip trembles and he holds on tightly to Skye. ''I have to go buddy''. Ellie Rose puts her hand on her brother's shoulder, who pulls away from Skye. Her eyes fill with tears when Cal takes his sister's hand and holds it tightly in his own. She kisses both of them quickly, tells them she loves them so so much and hugs them hard one more time. May and Thomas both swear they'll be safe, not that Skye had any doubts. Her children are in the safest hands.
Skye is halfway out the door before she turns and looks back, blows a kiss to her children. Who wave at her, tell her they love her. ''They're going to be fine Tremors''. ''I know, I just hate leaving them''. ''We're going to find Ward, bring him home and it will all be fine''. It takes a few hours to get to the Playground, Skye is greeted by Fitz and Simmons when her and Mack walk in. ''Are you two going to tell me what happened to Ward?'' ''Coulson wants to tell you''.
She walks into Coulson's office, searches the room for Ward. Coulson is the only one present. ''Coulson what the hell?'' ''Skye just''- ''Tell me what happened, please. I'm going crazy over here''. Phil puts his hands on her shoulders and she takes a deep calming breath. Studies the face of the man who has become such a father to her. He's worried and is trying to hide it. ''Ward met with Marcus Stanley, things went sideways''. ''What?''
Coulson plays back the camera footage. Marcus tells Ward that there's another dimension out there where he's in danger and so is she. At the mention of her Skye can tell that's when the game changed, when he started to believe the Inhuman. ''Coulson that doesn't make sense, there's no such thing as alternate dimensions''. ''Just keep watching''. Skye is about to give up, to tear down this Playground until she finds Grant, when a blue light flashes in the containment module.
When it clears Grant and Kebo are gone, it's just Marcus by himself. ''What just happened? Where did they go?'' Coulson turns back to Skye, and Fitz starts explaining to her that other universes do exist and that's more than likely where Grant ended up. Somewhere else to try and save himself from whatever danger Marcus told him about. Skye sets her jaw, squares her shoulders. ''I want to talk to Marcus''. ''Can you handle yourself?''
Skye glares at Coulson. ''Yes I can, but he just sent my husband off god knows where so excuse me if I'm not exactly friendly at the moment''. ''You want to go after Ward''. Simmons says as her and Skye are on their way to the containment module. ''Yeah. Kebo is bound to screw something up so I need to be sure those two idiots gets back here in one peice''. Simmons smiles and tells her to be careful, Skye promsies she will be.
Skye reaches the door, takes a deep breath. Here we go. Ward went to another timeline to save himself from dying. Which timeline? Before Shield or during? After the fall of Hydra? When he was running Hydra? And apparently Skye herself is in danger as well in this universe, she has no doubt that Grant is going to try and save her there too.
The only question is who are they supposed to save each other from? Shield or themselves?