Chapter 19

AN: Thank you so much for the support. Please leave a review/comment

IMPORTANT: So, I am finding myself struggling to write, I think I am not doing to well with this forced isolation, so as a treat I'm going to upload all the chapters of this and Dad Tony and Mama May that I have written. I will continue to attempt to write chapters and I hope I can get some out soon. All the chapters I have written will be uploaded over the next few hours.


Having fished Melinda's surgery, which was pretty straight forward, Simmons and Fitz are in the lab, double checking test results to make sure everything is working properly.

"This all looks good, I need to go tell Daisy," Simmons says, as she knows her girlfriend is really worried about Melinda, and so she goes to head to the doorway.

"Jemma," Fitz says, as once he does she turns around. "Are we ever going to talk?" Fitz asks curious.

"We've been talking for days," Simmons explains, even though she knows that is not the case.

"We haven't really been talking, and you know it," Fitz responds, looking a little annoyed. "What's going on? Do we hate each other in the future before I die?" Fitz asks curious.

"No, of course not," Simmons says, and realizing that she has no choice she sighs. "We had a life together in my timeline," Simmons reveals.

"We did?" Fitz asks surprised.

"We got married… twice, and met our grandson from another timeline," Simmons explains, and looking shocked Fitz reaches out and pulls out a chair, which he sits on. "But from my perspective you died, for the second time, six years ago, and with time I moved on. In the hell we were surrounded by, Daisy and I made an incredible life together," Simmons reveals.

"And you don't know how to feel about suddenly seeing me again, or the life you have with Daisy," Fitz realizes, and Simmons nods. "We'll I still know that you're my best friend, so if you need time take as much time as you need," Fitz explains.

"Thank you," Simmons says, looking amazed.

"I would like to hear about the life we had at some point," Fitz says, though he can't help but feel jealous of his other selves.

"I'll tell you sometime," Simmons says, before heading out of the lab.


In another part of the base Sharon is sitting in an empty room, one of the rare ones around the base that has become quite busy and is on a laptop going though the files Natasha released so that she can have evidence to prove what she already knows.

"So, this is where you've been hiding away," Tony says, as he walks into the room.

"I wouldn't exactly consider what I'm doing hiding," Sharon says, looking up from the laptop.

"What would you consider it to be then?" Tony asks curious.

"Working, doing what I can do," Sharon admits.

"You okay?" Tony asks curious, as he sits down across from Sharon.

"Not really," Sharon admits.

"But you don't want to talk about it," Tony says. "You know you were like this when you were a kid, you never wanted to talk about serious things," Tony reveals.

"You're one to talk," Sharon says, looking amused. "Do you remember when I was little, and I was staying with Aunt Peggy, and you came to visit, I think you were on break from MIT?" Sharon asks, and right away Tony knows what she is talking about.

"She told us that we both had the amazing talent of talking for hours but not saying anything of personal substance," Tony says, looking amused.

"And that we'd both be good spies," Sharon finishes, smirking.

"She doesn't have long left, does she?" Tony asks, pain in his voice, knowing that Sharon will know exactly how long.

"A couple of years," Sharon answers. "But it's peaceful," Sharon admits. "My advice, even if she doesn't remember you, or us, you should spend as much time with her as possible," Sharon admits. "Tony, I know you've been avoiding her, but you need to stop. You regretted it in the future," Sharon explains, as she and Tony had a conversation, and a fight, and reconciliation, after what is known as the 'Avengers Civil War'.

"That sounds like me," Tony admits. "It's just hard to see her like this," Tony reveals, as unknown to him, Steve gets to the door. "Aunt Peg has always been the strongest person I've ever known, so seeing her like this seems so wrong," Tony comments.

"Tell me about it," Sharon comments.

Feeling like he is interrupting Steve clears his throat, and very much interrupts the conversation that is going on between Tony and Sharon.

"Did you need something Rogers?" Tony asks, a level of annoyance in his voice.

"Um yeah, Miss Potts is on video call for you," Steve reveals.

"Ah right," Tony says. "It's good talking to you, Little Carter," Tony says, looking amused.

"You too Spry Stark," Sharon says, with a smirk, causing Tony to laugh.

As Tony laughs he gets up and heads out of the room, as he does Steve walks over to Sharon, and takes Tony's seat.

"So, not a nurse," Steve comments.

"Nope, Fury asked me to keep an eye on you," Sharon says, feeling a sense of Déjà vu as she has been though this before.

"And you're Peggy's niece," Steve says, and as he does Sharon realizes that she has to fight to keep her cool as she can't blame this version of Steve for what his future self does.

"Yeah," Sharon confirms.

"I can't imagine it," Steve says, not realizing that he is causing Sharon to quickly lose her cool.

"She had a life after you Steve," Sharon says, wanting to make that clear, and there is a clear edge to her voice. "She fell in love, had a family, which includes me, had an amazing career. Aunt Peg is a godmother to Tony, a mentor to Mel, and Fury, a hero to generations of SHIELD agents, including Simmons," Sharon explains, as she stands up. "Her life didn't end when you went in the ice, you should remember that," Sharon says, before walking out of the room, feeling like if she didn't leave now she would take out all the anger she feels towards future Steve out on this version of Steve.


Even though she still had to be careful Carol still quickly flew back to The Playground. As she lands in the hanger Carol isn't at all surprised to find Natasha waiting.

"Has the surgery finished?" Carol asks as soon as she lands.

"Yeah, everything went well," Natasha reveals. "I tried to talk her out of this this, but you know Mel," Natasha says.

"Yeah, most stubborn person ever," Carol comments.

"Excluding us, right?" Natasha asks, and she and Carol exchange amused looks. "Mel hasn't woken yet, but the science squad said there were no complications so she should be awake soon," Natasha explains to Carol.

"Good," Carol says, looking relieved, and the two of them head into the main part of the base.


For the past few days Thor has been very curious about a lot of things, and so, now that things have settled down a little, Thor decides that now is the time to get the answers he wants.

Looking around the base Thor finds Valkyrie, the person he is looking for, sorting the weapons that were both already on the base, and what have been brought to the base.

"Valkyrie," Thor says, as he walks into the room.

"Your Majesty," Valkyrie greats.

"I know I might be a king in your timeline, but I am not here, and I would prefer that you just call me, Thor," Thor requests.

"Sure," Valkyrie says, looking a little amused.

"So, Loki is alive?" Thor asks, and as he does Valkyrie is surprised by what she sees behind Thor's eyes.

"That fire behind your eyes, that hatred, is so strange," Valkyrie reveals. "When you and I met, what we did with Loki, and Bruce Banner, is what caused you and Loki to become real brothers again," Valkyrie explains.

"What was that?" Thor asks, sounding disbelieving as he can't imagine him and Loki being brothers again.

"Fighting your hell bitch of a sister," Valkyrie explains simply.

"I don't have a sister," Thor says, looking confused.

"You kind of do. Your Dad locked her away after they concurred the nine realms together. Other Valkyries and I are who fought her back last time. While your father is alive, she is locked away, but when he dies, she will be free," Valkyrie explains.

"Then we can't let him die, and he's in Asgard right now so we have no reason to worry," Thor comments.

"Actually, he's not. Loki's the only one who knows exactly where he is," Valkyrie explains. "Look, Thor I promise I will help you with Loki, your father, Hela, and everything that comes with that; but there are still some things we have to handle here," Valkyrie explains.

"Thank you," Thor says, looking grateful, though concerned and confused.


Since arriving back at the Playground Carol has been sitting besides Melinda's bed. While Natasha, Daisy, and Phil have all been in the medical area to check on Melinda and Carol, Carol is currently the only one sitting besides Melinda's bed.

As she is watching Melinda Carol notices as Melinda's eyes start to flicker.

"Mel? Hey? Can you hear me?" Carol asks, and as she does Melinda's eyes flicker open and stay open.

"Hey," Melinda says, smiling up at Carol.

"If you think that look is gonna make me forget that I'm annoyed at you… you'll be right," Carol admits, smiling back.

"I needed to do this, Carol. I needed to get back on my feet," Melinda explains.

"Pun intended?" Carol asks, and Melinda just gives her a look back. "Babe, what you need is to heal," Carol explains.

"This coming from the women who didn't take time to heal after being in the center of a nuclear explosion which destroyed half North America?" Melinda asks curious.

"We're not talking about me," Carol responds.

"We kind of are," Melinda says, as she moves the blanket off her, revealing both her flesh left leg and the metallic right one. While the Leg was inspired by Mike and the arms Simmons remembers building for Yo-Yo and Coulson it is clearly unique, and has been made to be close to Melinda's flesh leg, and less bulky than Mike's.

"Wow, what are you doing?" Carol asks shocked.

"Simmons said I could get up as soon as I wake up," Melinda explains, as she sits up. "So, are you going to help me or am I going to do this all alone?"

"You're never alone," Carol says as she helps Melinda move to the edge of the bed. "But you're gonna take this slow," Carol reveals.

"Yes Captain," Melinda confirms causing Carol to roll her eyes at Melinda.

Once Melinda is sitting on the edge of the bed she just sits, she reaches down and feels the metal leg, that feels so foreign to her, but makes no effort to stand.

"You don't have to do this now," Carol tells Melinda as she can see the hesitance between Melinda's eyes.

"Yes, I do," Melinda says, before taking a deep breath.

Once Melinda takes a deep breath she reaches out for Carol, who's hand she takes, and once she is holding Carol's hand Melinda stands up, using Carol's hand and arm for support.

"How's that feel?'" Carol asks curious.

"Strange," Melinda answers. "But good," Melinda admits.

"Do you want to try to take a couple of steps?" Carol asks curious.

"Yeah," Melinda says, and using Carol as support Melinda takes a hesitant step. Just as Melinda takes a step the door opens and both Daisy and Natasha walk in.

"May! You're walking," Daisy says, looking excited.

"Yeah, I am," Melinda confirms, looking between the three people she loves dearly.

"Do you want to take a few more steps?" Natasha asks curious as goes to the side of Melinda that Carol isn't standing.

"Yeah," Melinda says, as she reaches out with the hand that isn't holding Carol, to hold Natasha, and once she is holding each of them, she takes a few more steps, holding on to Natasha and Carol as she goes while Daisy walks backwards a few steps ahead.


About fifteen minutes later Melinda is still walking around the medical area, while she is more confidence than when she started both Natasha and Carol are still right next to her, and Daisy is several steps ahead.

"Um, sorry to interrupt," Maria says, from the door to the medical area.

"What's up?" Daisy asks, as she turns to face Maria, while Melinda clearly becomes more nervous.

"Romanoff, Fury wants to see you," Maria explains, and once she does Natasha looks at Melinda.

"It's okay," Melinda assures her.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Natasha says, and she gives Melinda a comforting look, before exchanging a look with Carol, and heading out of the room.

"Sorry," Maria whispers to Natasha as the two of them leave the medical area.


Because she is walking quickly Natasha gets to up to the office pretty quickly; where she finds Fury waiting.

"What do you want, and how long will it take?" Natasha asks, as she really wants to get back to Melinda.

"Here's a list of everyone who has been arrested by authorities," Fury says, handing a clipboard over to Natasha. "I need to know if any of these people are being controlled," Fury explains.

"Okay," Natasha says, as she takes the clipboard.

"I would also like to talk about where to find good Agents who would be willing to help us," Fury explains.

"Good idea. Pretty soon there are things that we should deal with so extra help will be good," Natasha reveals as the only extra help they have gained lately is Davis and Piper as Melinda got them to bring Ace to The Playground.

"Why don't we deal with them now?" Fury asks curious.

"Because it would be best to wait a few days," Natasha reveals.

"You mean you wouldn't be willing to leave May for a few days," Fury realizes.

"No comment," Natasha says as she looks at the clipboard and starts to read over the names on the list.

"I'm glad you've opened up; it's good for you," Fury explains.

"You should take your own advice," Natasha responds, looking up from what she is reading to give Fury a look, before going back to what she was reading.


While Natasha and Fury are up in the office Hank and Hope are in one of the labs working on doing some upgrades and maintenance of the Wasp suit.

"When did I give you this in your timeline?" Hank asks curious.

"After you tricked a Robinhood type criminal to steal the Ant-Man suit then trained him to use it so we could stop Cross from making his own version of the Pym particles," Hope explains.

"Was he good with it?" Hank asks curious.

"Yeah, he was a hero," Hope answers, a small level of fondness to her voice. "He's the reason we found out that Mom was still alive," Hope explains, and as she does Hank gives his daughter an interested look. "He went subatomic while trying to stop Cross, and he came back. A couple of years later Mom used that fact to send a message to us so we knew exactly where to find her," Hope explains.

"Does that mean we cannot find your mother without someone going subatomic?" Hank asks curious.

"No, we'll find a way, I've got a few ideas, and I know everyone here can help," Hope explains, and as she does, she reaches out and puts her hand over her fathers. "We'll find her Dad," Hope promises her father, and once she does the two of them exchange smiles.


A little while later flanked by Melinda, Carol, and Daisy, Melinda walks into the common area where everyone is getting ready to eat the meal that was cooked by Phil, Steve, and Hunter.

"Well look who's up," Phil says, being the first one to see Melinda. "It's good to see you," Phil admits.

"Thanks Phil," Melinda says.

"How does it feel?" Simmons asks, looking anxious. "If anything isn't okay, or feels wrong we can fix it," Simmons assures her.

"It's okay, Simmons," Melinda says as she sits down, both Carol and Natasha watching carefully as she lowers herself into a chair.

"But does it feel okay?" Bobbi asks, knowing Melinda well enough to know her double speak.

"It feels Foreign, but I understand that is normal," Melinda comments. "Can we eat now?" Melinda asks really not wanting the attention on her.

"Sure May," Daisy says, and the group start to eat. Within a few moments happy conversation breaks out and everyone feels comfortable with one another. As the happy conversation breaks out Melinda looks around the table and smiles to herself, feeling glad to be with her family, both old and new, once more.


A while later, after an enjoyable meal, the first meal out of bed that Melinda has had in a while, Melinda, Natasha, and Carol are all sitting in Melinda's bed, in the medical area, together.

"We've got so many things to stop, so many things to correct," Melinda comments.

"I know, I've been making the list. It's a lot," Natasha explains.

"It's nothing we can't handle," Carol comments. "Plus, we have the advantage," Carol points out.

"Until things start to change," Melinda comments.

"Then we'll adapt, like we always have," Natasha says, looking between Melinda and Carol. "Because we're together, and as long as we are there is nothing we can't do," Natasha says, and once she does both Melinda and Carol reach out and take Natasha's hand, and they hold each other's as well, as they drift into silence.