The Blank Slate

by disneylover3212008

Ashleigh Crawford awakens in Fury's office with no memories and a strange tattoo on her arm telling her she needs to join someone named Coulson. She's pretty sure she's an Agent with a purpose, but is nowhere to be found in any database. She will now travel with the team trying to figure out just what the hell is going on and what she's meant to do to "save him". AU Series Fitz/OC

25. Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men

"Honestly, I didn't think this was how things were going to go when I asked to talk," I shouted over my shoulder, words trying to overcome the whipping wind. Both of my companions ignored me from their spot in the driver and passenger seats, focusing on flooring it through the darkness at what had to be above the speed limit. The lights of the Academy were getting smaller and smaller behind us, and I couldn't help but think that after all this Coulson was going to drop me off at the Hub for at least the next year.

Because right now I was handcuffed in the bed of a black truck with two terrified kids, some Seth punk and my buddy Donnie, driving and some kind of larger version of the freezing machine before me.

Basically the opposite of keeping out of this assignment.

After I had admitted to Donnie that I was from the future quite candidly, maybe should have thought that one through more, he had blinked a few times in rapid succession before being able to answer. "Huh? Wait, what? You're- this is some kind of prank right?"

"Oh I wish," I had declared, patting the bed for him to join me. He merely stared. "You see; I woke up in Director Fury's office a few months ago with nothing in my head. Zippo. Zilch. Except that I was Agent Ashleigh Crawford of S.H.I.E.L.D. And that turned out to be a flat out lie." I grew more animated as I began to weave my tale, hands moving dramatically in every direction. "I wasn't in the system. I wasn't in any system. They tried everything- blood, fingerprints, hairs, etcetera. Nothing. DNA tests pulled up that my parents… both men. Then I got two women. I was all kinds of impossible. I was all kinds of invisible. And that Donnie my friend is because I didn't exist… yet."

I could tell I had his interest now. He had put the tools down and was giving me his full attention. I smiled at him, somehow feeling a swell in my chest that made me almost want to cry. I was excited. I was excited to be telling him all this- to unload it all. It felt great. I felt better than I had in weeks. So I didn't stop. I didn't reflect on memories or feelings of the moments I was explaining. I didn't linger. No. I just kept going.

"And I bet you're wondering… well, you go ahead and ask." He froze, but I waved my hand at him. "Go ahead. Ask." He kept staring and I let out a huff, rising to stand in front of him- energy already back up from almost drifting off before. "Come on. Just ask. It's okay."

He finally spoke up. "Then… how do you know you're from the future?"

"Exactly!" I commended him, and his expression told me he wasn't used to someone speaking to him in this manner. And I found the words I had used so often to Fitz slipping out as if on their own accord. "That's the brilliant genius I've heard about- asking the right questions." And then his expression morphed again, almost stopping me in my tracks. I couldn't quite place it, but it was like there was a shift in our relationship very suddenly and violently.

It was the way he looked at Fitz. He was looking up to me now rather than at me… metaphorically of course since he was a touch taller. Like I had just clicked into place as a role in his life he needed filled. Like those words meant more to him than I could even comprehend. It was so much emotion hitting me it was almost staggering.

He quickly looked down though, seeming to realizing his own actions. I cleared my throat and forced myself to continue, trying to get back into my flow from earlier. "Dirt. There was dirt on the bottom of the shoes I arrived in. Simmons looked into it though, and then lied and hid the results from me because she thought I was just a blight on the team and universe that no one was ready to know about. But that is totally another story for another conversation. It's basically water under the bridge… I think. Things took prescedence," I waved the topic away. "And when Simmons looked into them- "

"She found they were much older than they should be." He looked back up at me, emotions pulled back and mask in place once again. I don't think I would be catching him off guard again if he had anything to say about it. Doesn't mean I was going to stop trying though. "How long?"

"At least a hundred years." I let the words sink in. He ran a hand through his hair nervously and I couldn't help but bark out a laugh. A genuine real laugh. "Sorry," I apologized at his confused look. "It's just… I do the exact same thing. It was… it was like looking in the mirror for a moment. Which is a big deal for me, because it proves you smart kids might just be human after all." I didn't add the other thing that had struck me because it was maybe a little too weird- he was a Fitz doing an Ashleigh action. Like some kind of hybrid of the two of us. And that tickled me for some inexplicable reason.

"Or maybe it means in the future you were a genius too," he volunteered.

"Maybe," I smiled fondly. "I honestly never thought that." There was a beat as I digested that and burying my desire to just pull this kid in for what would be a much needed hug. He didn't look like the hugging type though… yet of course. I was pretty confident in my abilities.

"You're really from the future," he almost whispered, like he was afraid to say it loudly. I didn't blame him though. It was a very hard pill to swallow, especially for myself.

"Yes. I was."

"Okay," he nodded, completely trusting me with the impossible. "Why?"

The smile bloomed on my face again, even though we would be leading into the hard part soon. "But why you ask. And that leads us to- "

I held my wrist up just as the door was thrown open. A kid about a year or so older than Donnie came running in, dressed in a suit with long hair that went down to his shoulders. He seemed frantic and instantly had both of our attention, though his eyes instantly went to me. "What's she doing here?"

"She's- uh- she's- "

"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly, saving poor Donnie the trouble. "I didn't realize Donnie was hanging out with someone tonight. I was just blabbering on, but it can wait until next time." I turned to Donnie and he opened his mouth. "It's fine. I told Lee… Fitz that I'd be in the office so I should actually probably get over there before the entire team loses it. I'm on a pretty short leash right now."

"Ashleigh- "

"She's with them?" the kid asked, cutting Donnie off. He was being a bit forceful for my liking, but I tried to be polite when I turned to them.

"Yes. I am. I've just kind of been tagging along- "

I didn't have time to react as this kid, this punk, knocked me off balance and send me sprawling onto the bed. "Seth!" Donnie shouted, clearly reeling as well. My mind instantly went to my training and I prepared to launch myself off the bed and kick this creep in the face. Who the hell even was this kid?

But then I caught sight of Donnie, hands on his head and looking absolutely terrified. But he didn't look clueless as to what was going on. Something was going on here. Something big. So I made a choice May had trained me for as well- I was biding my time until I got some more answers. Coulson could send me to The Hub with Hand for it, but I couldn't in good conscience just let this be. I could somehow just sense Donnie needed me.

So I left my hands get pulled behind my back, letting out a cry as they were handcuffed behind my back directly over the bandage. Seth suddenly let go as I heard a grunt from behind me. "Stop it!" Donnie shouted. "You're hurting her! Stop it!"

"We need her, Donnie! We don't know how long we have. Did you get him to fix it?"

"Yeah," Donnie stammered. "It should be ready now."

"Then we don't have much time before they figure it out. We need to go."

"But we can't take her with us." I was trying to get a handle on this conversation, mind whirring. Obviously these two had something to do with events on campus. That much was pretty clear. But their relationship was baffling me. Donnie seemed to hang on every word this Seth punk was saying, despite the fact he seemed to hate most of them. He wasn't even really being bullied into submission as much as giving inch after inch willingly.

"We need to. It's the only way we can make sure they don't follow us."

"Do I get a say in this?" I piped in. "Because I would rather now go anywhere but to the office where my team is expecting me." I turned my head towards Donnie, seeing him shrinking back out of the corner of my eye. "Donnie, just let me go."

He shrunk even farther back. "I-I- "

I re-doubled my efforts, voice remaining calm. "It's okay. We'll figure this out."

"Don't listen to her Donnie," Seth cut in, instantly having the poor kid's focus. What sort of brainwashing had happened here? I was clearly fighting a losing battle. "Grab the machine and let's get going." Donnie instantly went to do so, nodding numbly.

At that moment the door was thrown open again. "Oh no." Ice flowed through my veins as I instantly recognized that voice. Seth hauled me to my feet, some kind of gun going to the side of my head. And there right before me was Fitz. His face had gone white as a sheet. "Ash…"

"Don't take another step," Seth warned. Fitz instantly halted, hands going up. He was almost trembling as he looked at the mess I had gotten myself into.

"That's not a real gun," he muttered, trying to take a step forward. He was clearly grasping at straws, desperate to get to me in any way possible. "It's an air cannon."

"Doesn't mean you want to see what it can do if I fire it point blank against her head." He halted again, and I could see his mind was going a million miles an hour. He almost seemed more scared than I did right now.

"I'm okay," I told him, trying to sound as confident as possible. "They didn't hurt me, Lee. I'm alright." I tried to take a step towards him, but Seth held me tight. I was really starting to want to knock him off his feet, but I held tight. I needed the right moment. Plus, I also did not want to find out what this air cannon would do against my head.

Fitz glanced over to where Donnie was now holding a large white canister that had been sitting on his desk while we'd been talking. "That's what you're trying to power… a bigger version of the ice machine?" So they were the culprits after all. But Donnie had been the victim of one of the attacks. Why would he put himself in danger like that?

Because it crossed him off as a suspect. It was an act.

Anger flared in me. It was an act. The whole thing had been an act to make himself look innocent. And I had fell for it. I had actually believed I could help him when he was nothing but a deceitful liar. I crouched just a touch, ready to slam my shoulder up and disarm this asshole before I took him to the floor. Then I would knock Donnie out against the wall. "You weren't supposed to see this," Donnie rattled to Fitz. "This wasn't supposed to happen."

He sounded genuinely terrified, like this whole thing had spiraled out of his control. And just like that I saw that kid again, the one that reminded me so much of Fitz. I don't know how I knew, but I believed this wasn't an act. That Donnie was the person I had been getting to know- that he was in over his head and crying out for help with every sentence he was uttering. That this Seth punk had gotten him into trouble and he didn't know how to get out of it by himself now.

He had trusted me. Now I needed to trust the vibes I was getting from him. I had to help him.

Even if it meant letting Seth take me out of here.

"Lee!" I shouted, gaining his attention again. I knew I only had one shot at this. I had one attempt to convey everything I was about to do and the part I needed to play in this. I knew deep in my bones Fitz and I had a connection that ran deeper than I knew with anyone else. A connection I had been ready to explore until all this… crap happened to spoil everything. And I hadn't exactly been cultivating it these last few weeks by pushing him away, but it had to still be there. It had to be. I had done a number on it, but it just wouldn't disappear into thin air. And I was about to put it to the ultimate test despite the shaky foundation it currently stood on.

Every movement was purposeful. I glanced at Donnie very fast, the poor kid clutching the machine with trembling white knuckles, before locking eyes with Fitz again. "Help." I tried to put all my feelings into that one word while masking it from Seth what I meant. That he needed to let them walk me out the door. That I could help. That Donnie was the weak link that needed help.

Time stood still for a second and to the naked eye my word fell on deaf ears. But I had studied Fitz long enough to notice the smallest deepening of his frown and crinkling of his brow. "I… she has just been through hell, Donnie. I don't think I… I don't think she can take this happening again. I just got her back. I can't lose her again."

I had to show him that wasn't going to happen. He was worried letting me do this would be the final nail in the coffin of who I used to be. That being taken would drown Ash forever. And I could see how he felt that way. But I knew it wasn't true. The idea of saving Donnie was driving me- that protective instinct was once again flaring bright. I had to save him from himself. Just like in doing do I think I was going to save me.

I knew only one way to convey that. I slammed my shoulder up, knocking Seth a little off balance and using my leg to yank his arm down and make him send the gun clattering to the floor. But then I locked eyes with Fitz and stopped, remaining still as Seth grabbed me again with an even tighter grip. I winced as he gripped my wrist a little too tight, but forced it down. Soon the gun was back at my head, but I never looked away from Fitz for an instant.

He stared for just the briefest of moments before turning back to Seth. "The team will come after you. As soon as you leave this room I will call them." I nearly sighed in relief. He understood. And though it was very clear he wasn't happy about it, he understood what needed to be done. I imagined I was going to get quite the lecture about it though, especially now that I was taking lead on a mission I wasn't even technically on. The next time Fitz was probably going to put me on one of those child leashes actually if I didn't end up at The Hub with Hand for a year. Kill me now.

"And you'll be sure to let them know we have her hostage," Seth fired back, slowly making his way around the cramped room towards the door. I was pulled to his side and tried to give the appearance of being dragged unwillingly, staggering a bit. Donnie followed a step behind us, looking down. Fitz remained rooted in his spot, not daring to move while I was still in Seth's grasp.

"Ash," he whispered quietly, hand twitching at his side. He was giving me my last chance to back out of our admittedly ill-conceived plan.

"Lee," I answered, voice even. "It's going to be okay."

I didn't see Seth raise his gun. All I saw was Fitz get knocked back into the desk with an amazing amount of force. "No!" I shouted, completely horrified. I hadn't thought that would happen. I hadn't even considered it. "Lee!" Seth was now really forcing me out the door as I tried to get over to Fitz and make sure he was alright. If he was hurt because of me I would never forgive myself. "Lee! Let go of me! Lee!"

"Come on!" Seth barked, dragging me down the hallway. And despite my desperate need to get back in there and get Fitz to safety with the others, I had to remember what he had been allowing me to do. I needed to play this smart and shouting in the dorm hallway wasn't doing that. I tried to convince myself that Fitz would be fine and I'd see him soon. I knew that familiar pit wouldn't leave until I did, but I tried to refocus on the mission at hand. The mission Fitz had trusted me with. I had to talk Donnie out of this.

I let them drag me down the stairs and eventually into a parking lot behind the dorm building. It was getting dark now and I knew the two of them felt they had to leave campus before Ward locked this entire place down. Knowing him, they probably had a few minutes at best. So I tried not to make dragging me along too time consuming, though I also tried not to look like I wanted to be an accomplice to this. It was a fine line.

Seth lifted me up and dropped me on the truck bed harder than I thought was necessary as Donnie gently loaded in the machine as well. I must have lost more weight than I thought if this Seth bastard was able to throw me around like some kind of doll. Oh, I was going to eat all of Skye's pancakes tomorrow morning just to spite him. Then we'll see who can pick who up.

I could tell kidnapping wasn't his expertise though as he proceeded to just leave me sitting back there while he went to start the car. As if he expected I would just stay put and let myself get kidnapped. I could have run for that school and they'd never have a chance of getting me back. But in this case I just sucked it up, actually just letting myself get kidnapped.

Donnie was still carefully loading the machine, even as the engine started roaring. "I used to have a tattoo," I spoke suddenly. He didn't look at me, but I knew he was listening. "I used to have a tattoo where the bandage is. It was the only clue I had when I arrived. It told me the only two things I had to go on about my reason for being here. They were that I needed to join Coulson's team and that I needed to save him." I felt a stab in my gut as I remembered the words, briefly seeing them staring at me from my own skin dangling in front of me. I forced the bile down though, knowing I couldn't freeze up now. "And that's what I've done. Only I don't know who him is. So instead I've been trying to save everyone, Donnie. Everyone."

He didn't look up, but there was a change in his posture. His shoulder drooped just a touch before he went back to work. "Did-did you mean it before? When you called me your friend?"

"Of course I did," I responded sincerely. Here I was worried and he was thinking I had been the one playing him for information. "You still are, everything considered. Though you may owe me a Pop Tart or something when all this is over."

He was silent for a moment, before finally letting his eyes meet mine. They were frozen wide in what was a look or being completely overwhelmed and terrified. "I need your help. I-I don't think I want to do this. I never wanted it to be like this." Just then, Seth honked and made us both jump.

"I know," I assured him. "So go with him and when we get wherever he's taking us; I promise the two of us are going to figure this out… together." He nodded, a small amount of relief causing him to take a shaky breath. And I swear I saw just a hint of a smile. He quickly finished and made his way to the passenger seat, Seth quickly gunning it with no regard for the girl tied up in the back who nearly fell over.

Which led me to where I was now, trying to stay upright as the truck made a sharp turn before coming to an abrupt stop. We hadn't been driving for more than seven minutes, meaning we couldn't be that far from campus. And our abrupt driving made me think we had run into a number of dead ends, meaning this was perhaps the only place we could go. Ward must have us pretty tightly cornered already, hopefully meaning Fitz had been able to reach him quickly. He had to be okay. He just had to be.

Seth scrambled out of the driver's seat as I took in my surroundings. We seemed to be in front of some abandoned parking garage, judging by the fact there wasn't another car to be seen in the area. Or maybe it just too late for anyone to be out. Either way, I wasn't going to be getting any help. It was just the three of us. And Donnie was the piece in the middle to decide who got the majority.

Seth pulled out his phone and starting dialing furiously while Donnie emerged from his door and hopped onto the truck bed. He began to play around with the machine and I walked on my knees over to perch beside him. Seriously, these kids were amateurs. If I wanted to I could knock both of them out right now and end this. I wasn't even being watched.

But that wasn't the plan. "You said you used to have the tattoo," Donnie spoke up. "What happened?"

And here we were. Part of me wanted to just go lean against the truck bed again or even hide under it. But I forced the other part of me, the one driven by Skye's words and my own need to get rid of this darkness, to come to the forefront. And I started to force my mouth to say the words I had never planned on saying to anyone.

"I was… kidnapped. I was taken by a group who wanted the obvious really. They… they wanted to know the future. They wanted me to tell them what was going to happen."

"Dad, I need to talk to Mr. Quinn right now!" Seth shouted. We both glanced up to see he was practically pacing in the parking lot, phone held up to his ear.

"But you don't remember anything," Donnie returned to our conversation. "So you couldn't tell them anything even if you wanted to."

"Yeah," I agreed, mind drifting back to that hellhole. "But that didn't stop them from trying." I had tears in my eyes now and desperately wiped them away. "They- they- "

"You don't have to talk about it."

I shook my head, sniffling as the tears kept coming despite my furious blinking. "I do." And then I began the list, each one getting harder than the last. "They cut me open to poke around my insides without my knowledge or consent. They tried drowning me. They assaulted me. They slammed me around and electrocuted me. They… they cut off the only piece of knowledge I had to who I was and waved it in front of my face." The tears were flowing freely now and I wanted to curl up in a ball. Everything was hitting me like a freight train. "They took a piece of me in that room… and I'm never going to get it back." I was almost sobbing now, shaking violently. "Plus, now I get these nightmares of things I can't have done. But I know they have to be memories. I can't remember anything when I wake up but I just know. They haunt me when I sleep and they just keep reminding me I'm a different person. That Ashleigh Crawford was always just a lie, but I suppose that doesn't matter since she's gone now."

I was practically hyperventilating. All my worst fears were out on the table. "And I can't tell my team that. I can't tell anyone that. So I tell them I'm fine. I lie and I lie and I lie. They know I am and I know I am, but I just keep doing it. I try to keep them away because I can't stand them to learn the truth. Because I know they think they can save me. But I can't be saved and when they learn that… it will destroy them." Their images all flashed through my mind- my whole team that was fighting so hard. "All I do now is hurt people… all I'm going to do is hurt people. And I can't stop myself from doing it." I looked skyward, trying just to breathe. I couldn't breathe. I was suffocating. I couldn't stop the spiral downward- I couldn't stop falling. My hand throbbed and that was all I could feel- what I had lost. That everyone would eventually give up on me as I had myself.

That this darkness was all I was going to know.

And then I felt someone pull my head down so they could place their forehead against mine. "Ashleigh, you need to breathe. You're okay. You're safe now. So take a deep breath. Like we did before okay? In." They took a deep breath in and desperate I did the same. "Out." He slowly let his breath out and I followed suit, my heart slowing from its thundering just a touch. "In. Out. In. Out." And so it continued for what must have been a solid minute, Donnie bringing me down from off the edge slowly as could be. I let the world come back into focus, remembering where I was and what was going on. Seth was still yelling on the phone and Donnie was right in front of me, looking almost as frantic as Fitz had earlier. "Are- are you okay?"

I went to say my automatic answer, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. I couldn't lie to Donnie now, not after what had just transpired. I was tired with lying altogether- of pretending with the people closest to me. So for the first time I told the truth. "No. I just went to a really dark place. But I think… I think I'm back now." I pulled back a bit so I could get a full view of Donnie, again struck by how much he reminded me of my best friend. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "You-you have nothing to apologize for. It all sounds… awful. The tattoo… the nightmares… I'm sorry we took you like this. It must not be helping things."

"You are," I admitted. "I don't know why… other than you remind me of Fitz… but I felt like I could tell you all that. And I did."

"And do you feel any better?" he asked cautiously, almost afraid to send me spiraling again.

I took a deep breath, taking stock of everything. "I-I think I just hit rock bottom actually." He reeled back a bit so I quickly clarified. "But I think I needed to. Now I can start moving in the other direction. Like getting the two of us out of this mess."

"What do you mean?" Seth inquired from his conversation in the lot. It sounded like we were starting to run out of time. I needed to move fast.

"I suggest we knock out that pathetic excuse for a S.H.I.E.L.D. trainee and then the two of us drive this machine back to campus." Donnie's eyes widened and I tried to calm him. "We tell them everything. That this has all been Seth- he's the one who hurt Fitz. He's the one who took me. You built this because you were listening to him. I will vouch for you. I will make sure they know you helped me. I can't guarantee you won't be punished, but it won't be nearly as bad as if you hand this thing over to whoever he's talking to right now."

"What about Seth?" I was so astounded by the question I didn't answer right away. "What happens to him if we go back?"

I rolled my eyes. "Who cares?"

I regretted the words the instant I saw Donnie react negatively to them. "I do. He's my friend Ashleigh."

"He's an asshole who manipulated you into building this." I looked over at Seth, seething at what he had done to Fitz still. No one and I mean no one hurt my best friend and earned any sort of pity from me. But he was also just a kid too the voice in the back of my head said. A kid who seemed just as cornered in some ways. Yes, he had manipulated Donnie… but maybe he was being used himself. It sure sounded like it from what I had heard of this phone call. So I took a deep breath and pushed my personal feelings aside. "We will take Seth back with us. He'll have to answer to what he's done same as you, which in his case includes shooting an Agent, but at least he will be safe and have a chance at putting his life back together. And that is the best thing you, as his friend, can give him."

Donnie nodded just as Seth made his way over to us, climbing onto the truck bed himself so he was across from his so-called friend. "Quinn wants a demonstration before he comes and gets us. He's upset about the whole business with S.H.I.E.L.D.," he relayed. Ian Quinn. So he was the one behind all this. Oh, this just went from awful to downright disastrous. Dr. Hall had died so the Gravitoneum had avoided his clutches. I wasn't about to let him get his hands on this too, nor would there be any demonstrating.

"Hey, kidnap victim here," I cut in, between the two boys at the back of the machine. "I vote we don't demonstrate anything. In fact, I vote we turn ourselves over promptly and end this before anyone gets hurt."

"I didn't ask you," Seth remarked. He grabbed a large winter jacket and passed it to his partner in crime. "Ready for this, Donnie?" Donnie took it, but was clearly hesitant. Seth picked up on it right away. "Hey. We've come this far."

"And it's far enough," I added, only to receive a look. I didn't back down though, actually making Seth back down before he could me.

"Actually, maybe it's too far," Donnie finally spoke up. Yes. I had him. I could steer us out of here if I did this right. We could avoid the disaster I felt building in this tin can in front of all of us. "Ashleigh and I were talking…"

"I don't care what she has to say." Seth made Donnie back down with one forceful comment. He still had some control over the poor kid it seemed. It was literally his only two friends arguing and he was stuck between us. Seth had more time to sink his hooks in but I had to believe what I had shared with Donnie showed just how much I had come to trust him in such a short time. That he had saved me and now I was just trying to return the favor. "We're in this together… you and me against the world, right? How many times have we said we want a chance to do something incredible?" So this is what he had preyed upon- my mini Fitz hadn't been lucky enough to find a mini Simmons. He had found a mini Quinn instead.

But then Seth did something that surprised me. Rather than put that second jacket on himself, he draped it over my shoulders. Though I didn't have arms free to put through the sleeves as they dangled uselessly behind me, he still positioned as tightly around me as he could. Donnie followed suit, putting his own on and leaving Seth is just his button-up shirt.

Maybe Seth wasn't hopeless after all.

"Actually, the incredible thing would be admitting you two have screwed up royally and turning yourselves in," I volunteered. "Because there is still time to make all of this right." I nodded towards the jacket. "You're both good kids. I can see that. Don't throw everything you can possibly achieve away."

"Yeah, and we get all that by turning this on and making a ton of money." Seth tried to get Donnie's attention as the poor kid just looked at the machine in deep thought. He seemed to be weighing everything. "Come on. Say something."

"I'm… I'm nervous," he admitted, voice shaking. "The… the prototypes are harmless, burn out in minutes, but this? We haven't run virtual simulations. At this size, with the new power source, it's not safe." Yes, Donnie, stand up to him. Reason with him. Fight. "Ashleigh's right. If we turn ourselves over now, at least we didn't turn this on and hurt anyone. We need to go back."

"Ashleigh's lying to you, dude. She wants you to go back so her team can lock us up. Is that what you want? For no one to ever have a chance to see what we're capable of? To never have a chance at being appreciated and understood? Because that's what she's trying to get you to do."

I was about to argue, but Donnie was surprisingly quicker. "She wouldn't do that."

Seth rose his eyebrows. "Really? You just met her today and her team came here to take us down. What makes you think you can trust her?"

"Because she's been through hell," he fired back, voice building with a strength I had never seen from him before. Like Fitz when he started down a passionate peace of spouting about science. "And we put her in the same situation again, but she's not fighting us. She's trying to help us, despite the fact that you kidnapped her and shot a member of her team."

"Hey, he found us out. And it was your idea to draw him here to fix your damn power source." Okay, they were both getting slapped upside the head over that. No one used Lee's brain for their own selfish ends when he was my best friend. "And that is the exact reason she is just trying to deceive us. Don't fall for whatever game she's playing."

Donnie thankfully disagreed though. "She protects people. Even when they hurt her like we did, she is still willing to protect them because that is who she is. She's told me and I've seen it. So I know she wouldn't lie to me. She's right. We need to go back." He climbed out of the truck bed and helped me down as well, both of us staring at a very shocked Seth.

"Seth, come on down. I will tell Weaver you cooperated. I will do everything in my power to help the two of you complete your schooling. You made a mistake. Just own up to it and learn from it. Become a better Agent." Nothing. "Either that, or I will take you down and you will have to deal with the consequences as they are dealt."

He stared at us for what felt like an eternity. I had everything crossed, hoping that last sentence hadn't been too much… or necessary. Finally, he seemed to move towards us, scooting towards the edge of the truck bed. But then he lunged for the machine. "Our plan has worked so far Donnie, and so will this."

By the time I had rolled back onto the truck bed it was too late. The switch had been flipped and the machine came to life. Donnie climbed up after me as it glowed blue and white fog started to shoot out of the top of it, both of us frantic. "Donnie, can you shut this down?!"

He looked at the panel, frantically trying to think of something. "I don't know. We don't exactly have an off switch built in- "

Just then it stopped. We all waited, but nothing happened. "It's still on," Donnie commented, "but it looks like it didn't work."

I sighed in relief. "Oh thank God. Thank God your complete and utter stupidity didn't get us killed. Thank God…"

I stopped at the tap on my shoulder. I turned and Donnie pointed towards the horizon, where it had become significantly lighter than would be expected. It looked like the clouds were moving at a much faster rate than I had ever seen before. They started to make a circle and my throat dropped into my stomach as the wind picked up around us, sending my ponytail whipping in front of my face.

I turned to glare at Seth, who seemed to be looking at the sight in awe. "I swear to God if your stupidity gets anyone hurt I am going to see that you are locked up alone for the rest of your days." I turned back to Donnie. "Can we reverse this?"

He went to say something, but at that moment a solid chunk of ice landed in the bed of the truck. Donnie hesitantly picked it up, barely able to wrap his hand around it. Another fell a moment later and the wind started to get even wilder, cutting right through me and carrying off the warm coat I was wearing. Then came a third, causing the light pole a few feet away from us to spark.

"Get inside the car," I ordered. "Now." I let Donnie help me off the bed of the truck and we sprinted towards the door. He threw it open and helped me in before he followed. Seth climbed in the driver's side and though it was extremely tight, the three of us sandwiched in as the hail started to pick up and crack the glass above us. One the size of a boulder landed next to us and we all nearly jumped in the air. I just prayed the glass held. "When this slows down, we need to make a break for the machine and stop this. Those clouds are right over the Academy. There are hundreds of kids your age with their whole lives ahead of them there. My team is there."

Seth opened his mouth, but I cut him off. "You don't get to speak anymore. You wasted your chance. I can promise you there is nothing you can say right now I want to hear. If anyone dies Seth, if anyone even just gets hurt… that is on you. You have to live with it. So I would take this time to reflect on how you're going to do that?" I let that sink in for a beat before adding something. "Also, you are going to uncuff me this instant while we have a moment."

"How do I know you won't just take off when I do?" God, Seth. I gave him a look that hopefully conveyed how idiotic I thought he was being before nodding towards the onslaught of hail coming down.

"Where the hell am I going to run to Seth? You said we were boxed in. Well, now is what I would call boxed in! Like it or not for both of us I am stuck here. So you can let me help you fix this… or I will kick you through that door straight into the storm you have brought down upon us." I didn't know if I could deliver on that, but he didn't need to know that. "So choose quickly."

He didn't waste a beat before pulling a key from his pants pocket. I leaned forward and he quickly freed one hand and then the other. I stretched my shoulders before bringing them both back in front of me, noticing the bandage was soaked red at this point. Donnie seemed to notice too, and I waved my hand at his apologetic look. The truck suddenly lurched as a piece of nasty hail clipped the side, sending both of us nearly on top of Seth before we slid back.

"All the money in the world won't matter if we're dead, Seth." Donnie spoke up. "I don't care what Quinn said. We need to fix this. I need your help to fix this."

"Do the right thing," I added. "I have faith that's all you ever truly wanted to do. You just lost your path along the way."

"We're your friends," Donnie continued. "We wouldn't lie to you."

"I don't know if we're friends," I cut in. "But saving the world together actually might be a pretty good start. I'll only kick some of your teeth in rather than all of your teeth."

We sat in silence until the hail finally came to a stop, waiting a minute before climbing out of the truck. "The ice stopped," Seth stated the obvious. "So it's ending?"

We came to stand together at the back of the truck. "No," Donnie disagreed, pointing to the clouds that were swirling in a circle around us. "It's just the beginning. We're in the eye of the storm." The clouds suddenly crackled an unnatural blue.

"You put ice in the clouds," I guessed as the two boys climbed into the truck bed once again to work on their machine.

"Crystalline nucleation," Seth used a big fancy word just because he could.

"We seeded the clouds and created a superstorm." He started to play with the wires and devices in place, Seth falling into step across from his to do the same. "Hopefully, we can reverse the process though." The two of them started to move hurriedly in ways I could never understand, pulling out one wire but not another. Moving dials in certain positions before pausing. I just paced by the bed as they worked, watching the lightning on the horizon.

Please let the team be okay.

The wind started to pick up again as they worked, almost stinging my face with how hard it was hitting. Thunder crashed and unfortunately it sounded closer rather than miles upon miles away. "how are we doing boys?"

"Seth, hold the barium hydroxide chamber in place!" Donnie braked, clearly now the one in charge. Another gust of wind made the truck tilt, but the two managed to hold it together. I looked to see the clouds had now built like a tornado around us. This garage was the only place you could see the sky above you.

Again, please let the team be okay.

"Hold on!" Donnie shouted as he pulled a wire with a large jerk. "Okay. That should do it."

I drifted back over to them. The screen of the machine had shut off, but the storm showed no sign of dissipating around us. If anything, it seemed to be getting worse. "Now take…"

There was a huge spark of electricity from the machine. I ducked under the truck, watching as Seth hit the pavement with a scream. As soon as the sound of sparks stopped I was back up. With a glance I confirmed Donnie was okay despite hitting the back corner of the truck, and then sprinted to Seth who was lying still on the ground.

"Oh God," I muttered, kneeling beside him. I put my ear to his chest, but it wasn't beating. He wasn't breathing. The shock had stopped his heart. "Oh God. Oh God. Oh God." I took a deep breath, gathering myself. Donnie would panic. I couldn't afford to. I needed to keep a calm head.

I needed to know CPR or something.

Except I didn't. Or maybe I did once, but I sure didn't now.

Maybe I once did.

I took a deep breath, squeezing my eyes shut and willing my brain to cooperate. Maybe the door to my head had been unlocked. Maybe rather than let the memories come through the door, I could go through and find the one I needed. Not a big one, just a simple one. A simple one that would save the life of the asshole kid who had started this mess.

I was scared to try, but I had to. Because Donnie Gill was right.

My name was Ashleigh Crawford. And I protected people.

Just like that it hit me, a vision of gloves and pumping someone's chest on a metal table. I opened my eyes and sprang into action, locking my shoulders and applying thrusts in the middle of his chest at the nipple line. Just like I had learned.

"Seth!" Donnie shouted, making his way over to us. "Seth!" I finished thirty compressions and administered two rescue breaths, afraid that if I paused to comfort Donnie I would lose the memory. So I pushed everything out- the wind, the lightning, Donnie shouting beside me. I merely kept working- thirty compressions followed by two breaths. "We need to get underground. The storm's picking up again."

"Come on Seth," I growled. "You don't get to die on me after what you put me through. I told you I was the one who got to kill you… and I meant it."

Suddenly, there was a whirring noise above our head. I took a brief second to look up, unable to stop the smile spreading across my face as the Bus itself hovered above us. The Calvary had arrived… literally. I kept pumping as the plane came down practically vertically, the cargo ramp lowering before it even touched the ground.

"Ashleigh!" Simmons's voice shouted over the wind, but I didn't dare stop.

"He's been hurt!" Donnie shouted as she made her way over to us. Coulson, Skye, and Fitz were with her. That pit in my stomach shriveled up at the sight of him. He was alright. "Please, you need to help him!"

Skye pulled me back as the boys lifted him and it was like the spell was broken. I suddenly had no clue what I had been doing or how I had done it. I just hoped I had done it right. I sprinted back towards the Bus, jumping onto the ramp as Fitz strapped the oxygen to Seth and Simmons puts the pads from the AED on his chest.

"Get ready to clear," Simmons ordered and we all back off a bit, though still crowded him. The ramp lifted and we felt ourselves moving up- out of the wrath of the storm. "Charging!"

The shock came and then came the sound of blips from the AED, quickly forming a natural rhythm. Soon the mask highlighted the sound of his breathing, and I fell back on my butt in relief. My hands ran through my hair before one rested on Seth's shoulders. He looked like he was going to be sick, but there was just a hint of a smile on his face. "You did it," he breathed.

"No. Simmons- "

I was silenced as he pulled in for a tight hug. I hadn't thought making him a hugger would be this quick. "You saved him, Ashleigh. You saved both of us. Thank you." He was almost crying now. "Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you."

I glanced up to see everyone was looking at me. Skye looked like something was wrong which I was going to question later, Simmons looked shocked, Coulson looked peeved and relieved mixed together, and Fitz… Fitz was looking at me like he hadn't in a while. It wasn't a look of worry, but one of pride.

"He right," Simmons admitted. "I fear if you hadn't started CPR on the ground before we arrived… things may have ended very differently." Donnie pulled away from me now, facing everyone with a downcast expression.

"I'm sorry," he told all of them. "We destroyed the machine, Seth and I, but we have to wait until what's built up passes. I didn't… I tried…"

"Most of this was Seth," I stepped in, protective arm going in front of him. "Donnie never wanted to turn the machine on. He wanted to turn himself in. It was Seth who shot Fitz and kidnapped me. But he also tried to help us turn it off once he realized what was happening. They both were willing to take responsibility for their part in this. They're both just kids who listened to the wrong person."

"Ian Quinn," Coulson nodded. "We know." He looked at Donnie for a long time before rising. "When we land you will give those details to Agent Weaver. We will then decide how to proceed." He started out of the room, but paused. "And then I will see you in my office Agent Crawford."

Hub here I come. "Of course, sir." With that, he vanished. I looked down at Seth, eyes drifting to the chest that was drifting up and down. "Let's get him to the couch." I rose and Donnie followed, but Skye held a hand up.

"You've exerted yourself enough for today."

"I'm good," was my only response as with Donnie and Fitz's assistance I helped carry Seth to the couch in our living area. Once we had put him down I turned to Donnie and patted him on the back. "Let's get something to eat. Skye, do you think- "

I was cut off by nearly being tackled to the ground by a hug. "We just get you back and then when Fitz told us what happened… you need to stop doing that." Skye was almost crying, though I felt from emotions more than this reunion.

I hugged her back. "I didn't mean too… honest. I just… ended up in a situation and did what I had to do."

"Please don't do it again."

"I will try. Promise," I vowed, meaning it. "But I've never exactly batted a thousand, so just… don't expect a miracle." She went to pull back, laughing, but I held her tight a moment longer. "We're going to talk later," I whispered so only she could hear it.

She nodded. "Okay."

With that, I pulled back. "Do you think Donnie and I could get something to eat. Maybe some pancakes… and some waffles… an egg or two wouldn't hurt I'm sure."

"Sure," Skye agreed, a little taken aback at the request. "I'll get right on that."

Simmons took a beat before giving me a quick hug as well. Her eyes landed on Fitz and she clapped her hands, seeming to have made a decision. "Sounds like she might need some help with that order. Come on, Donnie."

He turned to me. "But I don't- "

"You'll be fine," I promised him. "I'll be right behind you." He reluctantly followed Simmons to the kitchen, leaving myself alone with Fitz… and an unconscious Seth. "I'm glad you're alright," I started, shoes kicking at the carpet. "I almost blew the whole thing trying to get to you afterwards."

"Just gave me a bit of a headache," he shrugged. "How about you? Are you okay?"

"I'm… I'm not sure," I admitted, falling into one of the chairs. I pushed my windswept ponytail over my shoulder. "I told Donnie everything and I think it helped. I mean I had a full on mental breakdown when I told him… but it almost seemed easier after if it makes any sense."

"You told him everything?" He crossed his arms.

I nodded, trying not to smile at the clear jealousy he was demonstrating. I ran a hand through my hair absently. "Yeah. Probably because he reminds me so much of you. And a little bit of myself actually. Like if you and me had a kid." My face literally went red as soon as the words were out. "Not that… not that… I'm sorry. That was crazy. I must be exhausted and rambling like a crazy person. Long day full of emotional healing and all that. I'm probably a mess right now."

"Actually, I'd say quite the opposite," he disagreed, smiling at my clear discomfort. "As scared as I was, I was very glad when you disarmed Seth without breaking a sweat. Because… that was my best friend. And I missed her."

"I missed her too," I admitted. "I thought she was gone forever honestly. And that's why… I think that's why I was as messed up as I was. Why I was almost punishing myself and pushing everyone away. But today… even without the words on my wrist I saved someone. Two someone's- one of whom probably didn't deserve it. But I couldn't let myself not save him. Because that's who I am, who I'm always going to be. Words or no words."

The smile on his face was enough to floor me. He looked like he almost had tears in his eyes and I rose so we were almost eye level. "So it looks like we can add communicating secret meanings to our list of talents."

"I suppose so," he managed to shake himself out of whatever reverie he was in. "Though I didn't like it for a second I'll have you know."

"You secretly communicated that very well," I laughed. "I appreciate that you had faith in me though."

"Always." I opened my arms and he quickly moved in for the hug, myself nestling my face into the crook of his neck that fit me perfectly. And I dared myself to say the one thing I wanted to say.

"I… I just… we never had that Girl Talk we arranged before this whole mess." I willed him to understand like he had before.

"Yeah. I don't know about you… but I still feel the same way about it that I did before. Quite looking forward to it actually." I nearly pumped my fist. He did get it.

"I am too. I just think I need a little more time… to find the perfect movie." To put myself back together. To make sure I was okay.

"A perfect movie is important for a Girl Talk. So I'm willing to wait until you find. Wouldn't have it any other way actually."

I swear my heart skipped a beat. "Thank God you're a genius, Lee."

"I'm bloody glad you're Ashleigh Crawford, Ash." And with that, I finally pulled away. The two of started for the kitchen, my hand reaching back to squeeze his briefly before we entered. Skye was already hard at work and Donnie lit up at the sight of me as Simmons tried to converse next to him.

"You're back!" he exclaimed as I took a seat next to him. I punched him in the arm.

"I told you I'd only be a minute, buddy." I took my seat and smiled as Skye slid a full plate my way. "Thank you very much."

"Looks like someone imprinted on you like a baby duck," she whispered, glancing Donnie's way. He didn't start eating until I had taken my first enormous bite.

"He just had a scare and I was there to help thankfully," I shrugged.

After nearly inhaling a large meal, I took up watch on the chair next to Seth. The storm had started to clear and we'd be landing shortly back at the Academy. It seemed Ward wanted a few words with me as well when all this blew over according to Fitz.

I heard a groan and was instantly on my feet, Donnie doing the same from the other chair. Slowly, Seth opened his eyes and blinked a few times before locking onto my face hovering above him.

He groaned again, everything seeming to hit him. "Seth?" Donnie asked.

"Am I alive? Or did the blast take us all out and now I'm trapped with her forever."

"We're alive," Donnie smiled, moving closer. "Well, you almost died. The blast from the machine stopped your heart. But Ashleigh, she did CPR until her team could get us out of there. She saved your life." His eyes moved back to me, staring into mine for a long moment.

"I'm glad I uncuffed you," was all he offered.

I couldn't help but cross my arms and smile. "Damn right you are."

XXX

"I promise I will visit you both," I told Donnie and Seth as we stood at the top of the cargo ramp. The Bus had landed about an hour ago. Weaver had proceeded with me up to Coulson's office where I had given her and Fury over the phone the whole report of the incident. And then the three had come to their decision. Seth and Donnie would be taken to The Sandbox for at least a year to be monitored- both for health and mental reasons. I mean Seth's heart had stopped and there was the risk in it happening again. Plus, despite my beliefs they needed to make sure the boys truly meant their guilt and desire to learn from what had happened.

Then their paths would split. Seth was officially released from the program and would return home. No one had been hurt by the storm so he was really lucky that was the extent of it. It looked like I wouldn't have to kill him after all.

Donnie, upon review, might be allowed to reenter the program. Perhaps a year would give him some time to grow into a person that could handle the whole process a little better his second time around.

They both nodded at my words, bringing a smile to my face. I turned to Donnie, pulling him into a hug. "I am so proud of you. And who knows? You might make a friend or two among the research team. Just be yourself."

"Okay," he agreed. "And you'll write me if you have any nightmares or anything, right? Because you can tell me anything."

"I will," I vowed, meaning it completely. Donnie had somehow become a light in the darkness as much as Fitz, and I was done pushing light away. I would take every bit of it I could get.

I now turned to Seth, sighing. "Seth… you screwed up. For a genius you really are all kinds of idiot."

"I did," he admitted.

"But you're owning up to it. I still have every faith you can become a great man." And with that, I pulled him in for a hug despite my better instincts.

"I'm actually kind of glad I kidnapped you." I pulled away and watched the two head down the ramp with a wave. Fitz-Simmons came to stand at my side, having stepped back to let me send off the boys privately. They both approached the car door Weaver opened, face blank, and both turned back for one last wave before they climbed in. I found myself tearing up and quickly wiped them away.

"You're acting like a mom sending her children to primary school for the first time," Simmons commented, giggling a bit.

I snorted. "No. I'm just upset I forgot to slap them upside the head for dragging Fitz out here just to hurt him."

She patted me on the shoulder. "Sure. Now let's take a look at that wrist. That bandage looks atrocious."

I really wasn't in the mood for being poked and prodded right now, so I dodged out of her grasp. "Sorry. Coulson gave me orders to visit him first." And with that I practically bounded up the steps to the office of my leader, knocking on the open door before stepping in.

I twiddled my thumbs around one another as I took my seat. "So… I got caught up in a kidnapping… which wasn't my fault because I truly intended to go back to the office and just wait for this to be over. I swear." He just stared, waiting. "But then I roped Fitz into allowing me to be kidnapped so I could work the mission from this inside… intentionally getting involved. And I failed. The machine went off and caused a lot of damage so I'm told. But I also kept my two kids alive despite their attempts to the contrary which I think I should get some credit for." I paused, but still there was nothing. "Also I might have told Donnie everything about me in an attempt to sort out some feelings. Even the super classified stuff." I sighed, rising. "I should just go pack my bags to live with Hand shouldn't I?"

"I don't know," he said finally. I instantly sat back down, hands folded on my lap. "I usually expect you and Ward to be the paragon in following orders. But I think you and I have both been going about moving on from our experiences in the wrong way. I've been the same, and I don't feel I could rightfully punish you for something I have failed to lead you through by example. Today you did what you needed to do so as to teach me a thing or two… and that fresh air seems to have done you some good."

"It does seem to agree with me sir," I smiled, realizing I wasn't going to be stuck with Hand. "But I promise it won't happen again."

"I don't expect it to. I'm officially taking you off leave and your probation ended a while ago. You, Agent Ashleigh Crawford, are back to being a full-fledged fake member of S.H.I.E.L.D. Welcome back."

"It's good to be back sir," I beamed, soaking in the moment. "Almost like I never left."

He luckily laughed at that, shaking my hand as I rose once again. I started for the door, but paused. "And sir, one of the things I've learned today is that it helps to talk. I know it sounds cheesy, but it does. So I'm here… if you need to talk about it. Because I'm betting you didn't believe what Raina said was just lies either." He didn't say anything, but merely looked at me in a way that made it clear I was right. "You always know where to find me… unless I'm off getting kidnapped. I'll try not to go for a threepeat on that one though. Scout's honor."

With that, I exited the Bus and made my way for where I had managed to find out Skye had gone off to for some time alone. I found her in a large hall standing by a plaque of names with Ward at the edge of the room behind her. He spotted me first, but when I went to say something he just waved me off. I nodded, coming to stand beside Skye.

We stood there for a long moment before she pointed to a name- Agent L. Avery. "That's the woman who died saving me when I was a baby. Though she was just one of many that got tangled up in whatever mess I was. Because during the mission… I was an 0-84. And a lot of people died because of it. It's why I always had to be moved around from place to place. And here I always thought no one ever wanted me. Turns out a lot of people cared enough about me to give me up to keep me safe."

I processed that, taking a moment before I slipped my hand into hers, squeezing. "Well, you're home now. And we're going to keep you safe and with us… no matter what it takes."

"I'm never going to find my parents after all."

I didn't know what to say, so I offered the only thing I could think of. "If it's any consolation, mine don't exist yet. We're still two of a kind in a lot of ways Skye. And just like you're helping me find out what I am… I'm going to do the same. We're in this together."

She just stood there silently. "I think it was worth it. The pain of being moved around and never feeling like I had a family. It was worth it if it means I got to end up on this team. That I got all of you as my family."

"That feeling is very mutual." There was a pause and I added something I had yet to say aloud. "I accessed a memory today… purposefully." Skye turned to me, eyes wide. "I… Seth was… and so I went back and remembered how to do CPR. And for as long as I was doing it, it was there."

"Afterwards?"

"Poof. Like magic." I shook my head. "The two of us just keep getting weirder and weirder."

"You could say that again." She turned back to the mural for another long moment before squeezing my hand. "We should head back." And with that we both turned from the sign, making our way back towards Ward. He took a minute once we had approached to put an arm around me.

"You are lucky next mission if I let you out of my sight for a moment."

"I was in my rebellious teenage stage- trying to give my family the slip and all that. But don't worry, I'm on the straight and narrow now, big brother."

"Are you okay?"

I shook my head, thinking on all the questions I still had about myself and the stunt I had pulled with Seth earlier. "No. But that's okay I think."

He nodded. "I'll take it. Just let me know if you need anything."

"I will. And I mean it this time."

So the three of us walked back to the Bus and soon we were taking off. Coulson was determined to track Quinn down and finally remove him from the equation. It seemed all of us were itching for the same thing, prepared to in the morning begin our next unofficial assignment. I didn't know how I could help, but I planned to be right in the thick of things.

I changed into my pajamas, groaning at my aching shoulders from the handcuffs, and giving Cheesetauri a loving pat on the head and some cheese before climbing into my bunk. Skye had offered to spend the night with me, but I had politely refused. I did promise to come and find her or Lee though if I did have a nightmare, knowing I didn't have to hide them. They wanted to take care of me. It was okay to wake them.

But as I lay down I pulled out my tablet and plugged in a pair of earbuds Ward had actually lent to me at my request. He said he had a spare pair and was more than willing to donate them to me. I had Simmons do a thorough disinfecting first as payment for her poking and prodding session on my wrist. Which was healing despite reopening twice today. Soon I would just have a super ugly scar to show for those hours in the house. And that was fine by me.

I put the earbuds in my ears, sliding through the albums of Johnny Cash from Fitz, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra from Coulson, and Taylor Swift from Skye until I landed on the album I had just purchased a few hours before. I lay back and let my eyes drift close as I was lulled by the music a good friend of mine had recommended.

I don't like walking through this old and empty house

So hold my hand, I'll walk with you my dear

The stairs creak as I sleep, It's keeping me awake

It's the house telling you to close your eyes

And with that, I drifted off into my first full night's sleep- darkness held back for at least one night longer.

Thank you Donnie Gill.

XXX

Well there it is. Sorry this one took so long. In the real world there were several big developments. I have been accepted to Indiana State University for a Physician Assistant Graduate Degree- my lifelong dream I kind of worried wouldn't happen this year. I start in January. I went to Disney World for Father's Day with my Father and Grandfather, who at 80 rode everything at the park including the Tower of Terror for the first time. My best friend had major surgery and I've tried to be there as much as possible while she recovers and just in general. I even started watching S.H.I.E.L.D. with her (we actually are at the episode before this at the moment) which means one day she may be reading this. In that case, hello Caitlyn! Glad you've come to love Fitz as much as I have (Fitz-Simmons is her favorite which just affirms that we are best friends). So thank you all for your patience and support. You guys are the best.

This chapter probably marks our biggest departure from the series proper. I kind of feel Donnie Gill gets wasted in his one off in Season Two, so expect himself and Seth to reenter next season in a much bigger fashion. Just a little nugget for the future. I've got some big plans. Just like next time around which presents me a challenge in telling the story granted how the episode unfolds. I'm looking forward to it though as we begin our final push towards the huge events of Winter Soldier.

Thank you of course to those who are alerting this story. I hope this update catches you off guard and makes you day brighter. Thank you BecauseMarvelJustRocks, HopeandSerenity, literary deviant, ReiKimura, GaaraSpongbob54915, mscalliope, Bookworm 1227, LizzyMT16, Special Agent Author, katty6900, wildcrazything, GeekFreak132, BlackDove WhiteDove, ICan'tThinkOfACleverUsername, margarawr, and ABC01.

Thank you to those who count this story as a favorite. The number never manages to not floor me with how much love you give with this honor. So thank you OfficialLostGirl, Nymphadora Jackson, ReiKimura, mscalliope, LizzyMT16, wildcrazything, idvanaya, Amberdeengirl17, BlackDove WhiteDove, and OnePieceofthem.

And of course we come to the reviewers. Your reactions last chapter just tickled me pink. I hope this one if everything you were hoping for. Thank you Amberdeengirl17 as you work your way through the back catalogue to the present, BlackDove WhiteDove, VioletKane, NessieBooEvans for keeping me on track, YoullBeAvenged who I read every time with Colby Smoulders in my head, Lara Barnes, GiraffePanda2, MulishaMaiden, stormrunner74, Riley Vaughn, XxRikela-chanxX, Leopard Feather, and Tabloid Teen.

We have reached our first anniversary with 215 reviews, 187 favorites, and 253 alerts. Those numbers are insane to someone who just started this with a crazy idea she just decided to put to laptop. Thank all of you again for taking this journey with me. I have loved every moment of this year and look forward to being on Season Two on the next one. Fingers crossed.