Chapter 18
AN: Thank you so much for the support. I am loving what I am writing in future chapters sooo much so I hope that when I post them you love them to.
April 30th 2004
Five months have passed since Melinda and Phil went on a mission to find a Russian 084 and ever since Melinda and Phil have both been spending all their free time with Daisy, and each other.
It is a Friday night and Melinda, Phil, Kora, and Gordon, who is wearing big sunglasses, are all at Daisy's school as Daisy is going to performing at a school event.
"How was Daze this morning?" Kora asks curious.
"Nervous, but excited," Melinda admits as Daisy got up so early she did Tai-Chi with her.
"Sounds about right," Gordon comments.
"She's glad we're all going to be here," Melinda admits.
"There was no way we were going to miss this," Kora says, speaking for both her and Gordon.
"It's time for us to go in," Phil says, and the four of them head into the auditorium, and they all hurry so that they can take the seats in the middle of the front row.
About ten minutes later the performance has begun. Feeling incredibly nervous Daisy walks out onto the stage, and the first thing she sees is all the people, then all the lights. As stands in the middle of the stage Daisy feels terrified, and she wants to run, but then she looks at the front row. In the middle of the row she sees her mother, and Cols, her Aunt Kora, and Uncle Gordon, and the second Daisy sees her family she feels confident, like everything is going to be okay, and so she starts to sing as he family looks at her with proud looks.
October 1st 2004
Five months have passed since Daisy sung as part of a school performance and in that time she turned nine, and spent an incredible summer with her family.
It is a Friday morning and Melinda has made her way to the Operations Academy as she wants to see how the next generation of Agents are doing. While the agents are training Melinda is watching from the shadows, which she has been doing for a while, realizing a few things.
"Well, well, well, Melinda May, It's been too long," A voice says and Melinda turns to see one of her favorite instructors.
"Nigel," Melinda greats, smiling slightly.
"What do you think of our recruits?" Nigel asks curious.
"Not bad," Melinda admits.
"Anyone in particular got you impressed?" Nigel asks curious.
"Her," Melinda says as she points to a tall, blond, female recruit, who is only nineteen years old, not that Melinda knows that last part but can assume she's young.
"Of course," Nigel says, amused. "Well sorry to burst your bubble May, but you might have to fight your old roommate for her," Nigel admits.
"We'll Izzy is going to be disappointed because I'm not waiting three years," Melinda reveals, knowing that the recruit is in her second year as those are the recruits Melinda is looking at.
"You want to pull her early," Nigel realizes, sounding surprised. "May that never happens with operations recruits," Nigel points out.
"Well it's happening now," Melinda says, there being no room for questioning in her voice. "Look at her, what do you see?" Melinda asks curious.
"Someone who loves fighting," Nigel answers, without even really thinking about it.
"No, that's not it," Melinda explains, shaking her head. "She's fighting to belong, because she desperately wants to be a part of something, to have something solid to fight for, that she can depend on," Melinda says, being able to tell that.
"I can't give the okay to take her out three years early," Nigel reminds Melinda. "You'll need Fury's approval," Nigel says as in this situation the Director is the only one who can give approval.
"I know," Melinda says, before leaving, heading back to DC.
A few hours later Melinda, who has done research into the recruit, has arrived back at the Triskelion and is walking into a meeting with Fury.
"May? What can I do for you?" Fury asks, as he knows it's extremely rare for Melinda to ask to see him.
"Barbra Morse, I want to pull her from the Academy and have her work with me," Melinda, who is never one to beat around the bush, says.
"That's an incredibly unusual request, she's only started her second year," Fury comments, knowing Melinda well enough to know that she must have her reasons, but he can't imagine what they are.
"I know, but she doesn't need the academy, she needs a mentor who understand," Melinda admits.
"And that's you?" Fury asks, as he keeps feeling more and more surprised.
"Yes," Melinda says, with complete confidence. "Nick I can see something in her, and I think it's the same thing Peggy saw in me," Melinda admits. "I know that I can help her, that she can learn more by working with me, and even Phil, and Clint, and Nat, and Maria than she could ever learn from the Academy," Melinda admits. "I've never asked for something like this, but I'm asking now because I know it's the best thing for her," Melinda admits. "And it will be the best thing for SHIELD," Melinda adds as an afterthought.
"Okay," Fury says as he knows how rare it is for Melinda to talk so passionately. "If she agrees you have my authorization," Fury reveals.
"Thank you, Sir," Melinda says, before heading to the door.
"Melinda," Fury says and Melinda turns around. "Back then, I didn't understand, what Peggy saw in you, why she was so sure that letting a well-trained girl with no history join SHIELD was a good idea, but in the last eighteen years I have seen what she saw and I know she made the right decision," Fury admits. "I hope you've made the right one now," Fury admits.
"I have," Melinda says, being beyond sure of herself, before heading out of the office.
After leaving Fury's office Melinda heads back to the Academy where after a brief conversation with Nigel she finds out what the class Bobbi is leaving is.
"Barbra Morse," Melinda says, as she approaches a group of recruits who are standing together.
"It's Bobbi," Bobbi says, sounding annoyed, before turning around. The second she turns around and sees who speaks Bobbi looks shocked. "You're Melinda May," Bobbi says, sounding shocked, as Melinda is a legend in SHIELD.
"We should talk," Melinda says, giving the other recruits which tell them to go away, and because her reputation proceeds her, they all hurry off.
"Of course, but what would you want to talk to me about?" Bobbi asks, not completely understanding what is going on.
"A proposition," Melinda says. "But I need you to answer one question, without thinking about it, why did you join SHIELD?" Melinda asks.
"To protect," Bobbi answers, without hesitation, which causes Melinda to smile.
"Just like I thought," Melinda says, approvingly. "Agent Morse you now have a choice, spending the next three years here at the Academy, learning to be an Agent, or accept my offer and be one," Melinda informs Bobbi.
"What are you saying?" Bobbi asks, as she tries to digest everything that is going on.
"I've gotten special permission to pull you from the Academy," Melinda explains. "I will be your SO. You'll work with me and my team, you'll learn on the job, be an agent from tomorrow if you accept my offer," Melinda says. "It's will be harder than you imagine, but there will be no better way to protect," Melinda explains. "The offer is yours. If you accept I will meet you in the lobby of the Triskelion at eight am Monday," Melinda explains, and not trusting her voice Bobbi just nods. Once she sees Bobbi's nod Melinda walks away, giving the young woman a lot to think about.
After spending the weekend with her daughter, who has dropped at school, Melinda is standing in the lobby of the Triskelion at seven twenty am on Monday morning.
"You really going to wait here for forty minutes?" Phil, who walks up to her, and asks.
"I'm not gonna have to wait forty minutes," Melinda says, believing that.
"But I thought you told her to be here at eight," Phil comments, sounding confused.
"I did," Melinda confirms, to Phil's confusion, and as she does Melinda sees Bobbi walk into the lobby. "Told you I wouldn't be waiting until eight," Melinda informs Phil, and she walks away from Phil and over to Bobbi. "Agent Morse," Melinda greats.
"Just Bobbi is fine," Bobbi corrects.
"I'm glad you made the right decision," Melinda informs Bobbi.
"I am too, I look forward to working with you, Agent May," Bobbi admits.
"This will not be easy Bobbi, just because you've pulled from the academy doesn't mean you won't be learning every day, because you do. It will be hard work, but rewarding, you need to be prepared for what you'll need to do in the name of protection," Melinda informs Bobbi.
"I am," Bobbi confirms, sounding determined.
"Then let's go with Melinda," Melinda requests, smiling slightly. "I'll show you around," Melinda says, and that is exactly what she does.
November 24th 2004
Almost eight weeks have passed since Bobbi started to work with Melinda and ever since she has been learning a lot and has become quite close to Melinda. While Bobbi doesn't talk about personal stuff much, she's a lot like Melinda like that, it has been clear that she doesn't have a good relationship with her family, which has caused Melinda to become pretty protective of her not that either of them have realized. Honestly, in a lot of ways Bobbi reminds Melinda of Kora, and Bobbi, who has major trust issues, is starting to trust Melinda, and look up to her.
It's a Wednesday afternoon and Melinda and Bobbi who were training with Natasha and Maria are in the locker room toweling down.
"I could have done better," Bobbi says, as she feels like she didn't do as well as she could have.
"You did great," Melinda assures her.
"You and Nat both had me on my ass in about ten seconds," Bobbi points out.
"We've both been learning Martial Arts for an incredibly long time…" Melinda starts to say.
"Which just makes you sound old," Bobbi teases, a month ago she would have never done that, but since she has been working with the older woman she has realized that Melinda has a sense of humor, and honestly would be disappointed if she just let a chance like that lie.
"Which means we have experience, you just need time to practice," Melinda informs Bobbi, giving an annoyed look but not saying anything about Bobbi's comment.
"Which I'm going to do tomorrow. I'm going to spend all day in the gym, I'll get better," Bobbi says, sounding determined.
"No," Melinda informs Bobbi. "Tomorrow is the first thanksgiving I've had off in almost a decade, which means it's probably going to be the last you have off; enjoy it," Melinda informs her as while she doesn't really care about Thanksgiving Phil does and he is insisting that Daisy should get to experience a real thanksgiving.
"Spending the day in the gym will be enjoyable," Bobbi counters. "And it's not like I have a better offer because I'm certainly not going home," Bobbi admits.
"My apartment, eleven am, don't be late," Melinda says, before picking up her back and walking out of the room, clearly giving an order.
"Okay then," Bobbi says, sounding confused, as she watches Melinda go.
The next morning Melinda is at home with Daisy as the two of them are cleaning up the apartment to get ready for their guests.
"So, Aunt Kora and Uncle Gordon are definitely coming?" Daisy asks her mother.
"Yep," Melinda confirms. "And Cols," Melinda assures her, and Daisy looks thrilled. "Unfortunately, Clint, Maria, and Nat have to work but someone I've been working with for the last couple of months, Bobbi, is coming," Melinda explains to her daughter.
"I can't wait to meet her," Daisy says, sounding excited, and as she does the door opens. "Cols!" Daisy says, sounding excited.
"Hey Daisy," Phil greats, smiling at her.
"Hold the door," A voice says and both Kora and Gordon walk in.
"AUNT KORA, UNCLE GORDON," Daisy says excited, as she runs towards them and hugs them both.
"So… Mellie wasn't clear when she gave the invite, what exactly is Thanksgiving?" Kora asks curious, looking at Phil as she suspects that he is the best person to give the answer.
"Basically eat, and cook, a lot of food, and enjoy good company. There are more complicated issues attached, but that's what I like to focus on," Phil admits.
"Good to know," Kora says, sounding amused.
"Wait, cook a lot of food? We are keeping Mel away from all of it aren't we?" Gordon teases, causing Melinda to elbow him.
"Don't worry I fully intend to keep May away from all food," Phil assures Gordon, causing both Daisy and Kora to laugh while Melinda rolls her eyes at all of them, and as she does there is a knock on the door.
"I'm ignoring you all," Melinda tells her family before heading to the door.
Getting to the door Melinda opens it and reveals Bobbi standing there, holding a bottle of scotch.
"You didn't say if I should bring anything, but I know you like scotch, so…" Bobbi says, sounding awkward as she hands the bottle over.
"Thank you, come in," Melinda says, letting Bobbi into the apartment and Bobbi is shocked by what she sees.
"Hi," Daisy greats, walking over to Bobbi.
"Hi," Bobbi says, honestly not sure what else to say.
"Bobbi I'd like you to meet my daughter Daisy," Melinda introduces. "Daisy, this is Bobbi, she works with me and Cols," Melinda explains.
"It's nice to meet you," Bobbi says, meaning that, feeling shocked as even with how famous Melinda is among SHIELD she never knew Melinda had a daughter which tells her that it is something Melinda has kept secret so it's a big deal that she has told her.
"And this is my twin sister, Kora, and Gordon, who's basically our brother," Melinda introduces.
"It's really nice to meet you all," Bobbi says, looking between the group. Like everyone from SHIELD who meets him Bobbi has questions about Gordon, but her faith, and trust, in Melinda keeps her from asking.
"Okay Bobbi, we're all going to make food together, but there's only one rule, no letting May near any of the food," Phil instructs, and once again Melinda rolls her eyes.
"Got it," Bobbi says, looking amused, and as they all get started, Bobbi realizes that it feels like she is apart of something.
A little while later, as Melinda's kitchen is so small, everyone, with the exception of Melinda, are taking turns doing things on the kitchen while the others are working on the other side of the bench, or just watching on.
As it is her turn to watch Bobbi just watches what the others are doing, and even though she isn't doing anything at the moment she can't help but smile as she really feels like she belongs, and even after just meeting her Bobbi knows there isn't anything she wouldn't do to protect Daisy. As she is also taking a break Kora, who is holding a glass of wine, walks over to Bobbi.
"So, I'm new to this whole thanksgiving thing, is this how things are supposed to be?" Kora asks curious as she figures that Bobbi would know and she doesn't realize the can of worms she is opening.
"I'm not the right person to ask," Bobbi admits, and Kora gives her an interested look. "For me thanksgiving means screaming, crying, pain, and hiding eating whatever food managed to survive the chaos," Bobbi admits and what gets Kora is that there is no pain in her voice, she is just speaking like she is stating a fact.
"Bobbi!" Daisy says excitedly. "Come help me squish the fruit for pies!" Daisy says, sounding excited.
"Sure Daisy," Bobbi says, walking away from Kora to join her, and as she does Melinda walks out of her room and over to her sister.
"You okay?" Melinda asks, as she sees the look on her sisters' face.
"You're watching out for her right? Trying to give her what's she's never had, that's why you invited her today?" Kora asks her sister, clearly concerned.
"Yeah, I am," Melinda confirms, as at first, she was doing it without even meaning to. "When I saw her at the academy, saw her fight, I was reminded of what I was like, how I felt, when I left Afterlife, but since I've got to know her she reminds me of you; and I can see the different futures in front of her. I want to help her make sure that it's not the bad, painful one. And I want to make sure that she actually has someone she can count on," Melinda explains to her sister.
"You're the best person to do that," Kora assures her sister. "She doesn't deserve to suffer anymore than she already has," Kora says, it being clear that she doesn't intend to let that happen.
"No, she doesn't," Melinda says and the two sisters drift into silence, it being clear to each of them that Bobbi is now someone they are both going to look out for.
Hours later, everyone has all eaten all the incredible food that was made and Daisy has been put to bed.
"I should get going, thank you for a great day," Bobbi says, looking around at everyone as she has truly enjoyed getting to know everyone, and getting to see Phil and Melinda away from work.
"It was nice to meet you," Gordon tells her.
"I'll walk you out," Melinda says as she walks over to the door with Bobbi.
"I mean it, thank you for inviting me," Bobbi informs Melinda.
"You don't have to thank me," Melinda assures her, as they walk outside. "Bobbi, our job is important, there is no higher purpose than protection, but you need something to keep you connected to the world you're trying to protect," Melinda explains to her.
"I'll remember that," Bobbi responds. "I know it's a big deal for you to introduce me to your daughter, to your family, so thank you," Bobbi informs Melinda.
"You don't have to thank me, I was glad to," Melinda admits. "Daisy loved getting to know you, so I'm sure this will be far from the last time," Melinda says, clearly making an offer.
"I'd like that," Bobbi says, with a slight smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, Melinda," Bobbi says, before walking away. As Bobbi heads out of the building Melinda heads back to her apartment.