Ch. 5
There was a reason that Ward and Skye didn't have a lot of people at their wedding. After moving around so much as a child, Skye had no real ties to any of her past foster families and she was sure that her Rising Tide pals would have balked at being invited to a wedding populated almost entirely by S.H.I.E.L.D. members.
Ward's relationship with his own immediate family was strained at best. He hadn't spoken to any of them in over five years. He had a maternal grandmother in a nursing home in Florida, but her ill health made it difficult for her to travel. He did his best to see her whenever he could, but his inability to be there for her more often was a constant source of guilt for him. She was a loving balm during his chaotic childhood, the only real stability and unconditional love he had ever known growing up.
His own mother, while not openly cruel, turned a blind eye to the rages of her husband, never protecting her children from his wrath, worried, perhaps that if she did, she would be the recipient of his harsh words and harsher blows. His anger permeated their entire family, completely poisoning Ward's older brother, turning him into a sick monster that Ward couldn't even bear to see.
Ward's brother surpassed his father in cruelty, reveling in it, indulging in it even when he was in a good mood, especially when he was in a good mood. He delighted in torment, in causing others anguish. His favorite target was their youngest brother and he loved to bully Ward into doing his dirty work.
It took Ward years to understand that his family dynamics were not the norm. For decades, he assumed all families screamed and threatened, keeping their dirty, twisted cruelty behind closed doors, always projecting a facade of happy domesticity. He remembered being shocked as a teenager, when he was visiting a friend's house and the parents got into an argument. He had tensed, waiting for the blast of anger, the throwing of plates and dishes, the awful accusations. But, it didn't happen. After a few moments, his friend's parents had resolved their differences and were even affectionate towards each other afterwards. There was no sulking, no manipulation, no escalation.
It was the first time that he realized that life could be different. It was the first time he had a sense of hope for the future. And it was the first time that he realized that he could be different. His friend's mother had apologized that they had been cross in front of them, but Ward never told her that seeing how healthy people can have a disagreement that didn't descend into abuse was the best gift she could have ever given him.
Being around Skye though, was a completely new experience. She was open and kind. Although she teased him constantly, it was out of affection, not malice. She didn't lie; she didn't manipulate; she didn't coerce. For the longest time, he was wary around her, sure that it was just a front, just another deception. He was actually glad when he found out about Miles, about her contacting the Rising Tide, as it confirmed his feelings that no one could be trusted. When he found out that she only deceived them to find her real family, his world shifted on its axis once again.
When she was on Asgard, every day was torture for Ward. He spent hours imagining the horrors she might be enduring, raged at himself for not being able to protect her. He felt as though the only good and pure element of his life had been taken.
When she returned, he didn't waste a second in claiming her as his own. Their rushed wedding was unorthodox, but he didn't really fight it. He wanted his name to follow hers; he wanted her life joined to his. Eternity wasn't long enough for them to be together.
Author's notes- Sorry, we'll have to get to the reception in the next chapter! This bit of backstory ran a bit long.
Ch. 27 of "The Captain's Bride" is up! Get some tissues!