Chapter 20
AN: Thank you so much for the support. Because I love the next few chapters I'm going to update very day until Wednesday after that I'll go back to every second day.
July 2nd 2005
Almost four months have passed since Melinda went missing on a mission and ever since Daisy has been rather clingy with her mother. It is extremely early, so early than Melinda hasn't gotten up for Tai-Chi yet, when suddenly Melinda is woken up. It takes her a couple of seconds, but Melinda realises that Daisy has jumped on her.
"Mom! Mom wake up!" Daisy exclaims, and in response Melinda grabs her by the wrist and pulls him down into the bed, causing the young girl to laugh as Melinda is tickling to her.
"Why are you up so early, Daisy?" Melinda asks her daughter curious.
"It's my birthday!" Daisy exclaims, smiling up at her mother.
"Yeah, it is," Melinda says, smiling at her daughter. "And how old are you, seven?" Melinda asks, purposely teasing her daughter.
"No Mom! I'm ten," Daisy informs her mother.
"Nooo," Melinda says, purposely being over dramatic.
"No, I am Mom!" Daisy exclaims. "And we've got to get up, and get ready for my party," Daisy informs her mother.
"Daisy your party isn't until lunch time," Melinda tells her daughter with a kind look, though she loves how happy Daisy is and she hopes she never looses that kind of enthusiasm.
"But Cols is coming for breakfast," Daisy tells her mother in a matter of fact tone.
"Not for another ninety minutes," Melinda says, as even with Phil always being early she knows it's going to be at least an hour before Phil arrives. "I was going to do some Tai-Chi soon. Do you want to join me?" Melinda asks, as she assumes that Daisy won't be going back to sleep.
"Yep," Daisy says, with a nod, and then for a moment she looks like she is debating something.
"What is it Daisy?" Melinda asks her daughter curious. "You can ask me anything," Melinda assures her daughter.
"Can you teach me some martial arts? I want to fight like you, Aunt Kora and Bobbi," Daisy says as she has seen, in recent months, her mother, aunt and surrogate big sister sparing together; something which Natasha was also apart off.
"Yeah, I can teach you," Melinda assures her daughter. "But it's going to be hard, Daisy, and I'm going to teach you slowly," Melinda informs her daughter. "And you have to listen to what I tell you," Melinda explains to her daughter.
"I can do that," Daisy tells her mother, sounding determined.
"I know you can; Daisy you can do everything you want. I never want you to forget that and never doubt that," Melinda tells her daughter, as that is incredibly important to her.
"I won't," Daisy tells her mother and even though Melinda knows it won't be that easy for Daisy she knows that having such determination will help Daisy.
"So, feel like getting up and doing Tai-Chi?" Melinda asks her daughter.
"Yep," Daisy says, and before Melinda even starts to move Daisy is climbing over her and hurrying out of the room.
Feeling amazed by her daughter Melinda gets up and follows her into the living room.
For a while Melinda and Daisy do Tai-Chi together and just as they are finishing Phil arrives for breakfast and a few days later Daisy has a massive party with her school friends, her Aunt, Uncle who is wearing large sunglasses the entire time, Bobbi, Natasha, Clint, Maria, and Izzy who is in DC for a couple of days. In Daisy's opinion it is the greatest birthday.
January 8th 2006
Seven months have passed since Daisy turned ten and in that time Melinda has been teaching Daisy some basic martial arts. At first it was incredible hard for Melinda to figure out how to teach Daisy, but as time has gone on she has figured out the ways that work when it comes to teaching Daisy.
It's Sunday and Melinda and Daisy have moved all the furniture in their living room to the side of the room and are sparing on the mats Melinda has laid down. As they have been going on for a while Melinda has begun to feel a little concerned about Daisy.
"Can we go again?" Daisy asks curious as she and Melinda are drinking some water to have a bit of a break.
"Don't you want to have some time on your computer?" Melinda asks, as while she has been concerned about how much time Daisy is spending on her computer she is even more concerned about Daisy not wanting to as it is extremely unusual for her.
"Yes… I mean no," Daisy quickly says.
"Daisy, what's going on?" Melinda asks her daughter concerned, giving Daisy a look which says, 'talk to me'.
"You're so awesome, Mom. The coolest person ever, and I want to be just like you," Daisy admits. "Which means I have to keep training," Daisy admits.
"Daisy you don't have to be anything other than yourself," Melinda assures her daughter. "You're incredible, and I think even cooler than me," Melinda tells her daughter who smiles. "I never want you to try to be something you're not. You're not me, you're you, and that's the most awesome thing," Melinda tells her daughter.
"You really shouldn't say awesome," Daisy informs her mother, who can't help but shake her head at her daughter. "I think I want to try one more time, then can I go on my computer?" Daisy asks curious.
"Sure," Melinda responds, and Daisy grins.
October 13 2006
Nine months have passed since Melinda told Daisy that all she has to be is herself, and while Daisy has continued to do fighting lessons with her mother she is also spending more time doing things that she loves.
It's a Friday morning and because Daisy has a day off school Melinda is waiting for Anna who is going to look after Daisy while she is at SHIELD.
"Will you be home late tonight?" Daisy, who is eating breakfast, asks her mother curious.
"I'm not sure," Melinda admits, and as she does the phone rings and so she walks over to answer it. "May," Melinda answers, and she listens to the other person speak. "It's okay, I understand, thanks for letting me know," Melinda says, before hanging up.
"Is everything okay?" Daisy asks her mother curious as she walks back over.
"That was Anna, she can't stay with you today," Melinda explains to her daughter.
"Is she okay?" Daisy asks concerned.
"Yeah, she just had to help her mother," Melinda explains.
"Does that mean I get to stay home alone?" Daisy asks curious.
"No," Melinda says, without hesitation.
"But.." Daisy starts to say.
"No," Melinda informs her daughter.
"But…" Daisy starts to say.
"No," Melinda informs her, and Daisy pouts.
"Then what's going to happen?" Daisy asks curious, and Melinda is quickly trying to figure out the answer for that. Melinda knows that Daisy can't stay alone, but she also knows she has to go into SHIELD because there is a very important meeting.
"I guess you're going to have to come into work with me," Melinda reveals, realising that it is the best option, no matter how unconventional it is.
"Really?" Daisy asks, looking excited.
"Really," Melinda tells her daughter. "But you have to do what you're told, and not wonder off," Melinda informs her daughter.
"I will, and I won't," Daisy assures her mother.
"Good, go get dressed," Melinda informs her daughter, who is still in her pyjama's and so Daisy quickly hurries off to her room to get changed. As Daisy hurries to get changed Melinda puts a courtesy call into Fury as she figures that she should explain what she is about to do.
An hour later Melinda, having used the lesser known ways into the Triskelion where there was a visitor badge left for Daisy, is walking into the office she shares with Phil, Bobbi, Natasha, Clint, until today Maria, and when she is in DC Izzy. For the first time Melinda has her daughter by her side.
"This place is soo cool," Daisy says, looking amazed.
"Daisy?" Bobbi asks shocked as she stands up at her desk.
"Hi Bobbi!" Daisy says hurrying over to her.
"You're here," Bobbi says, clearly confused, as she looks to Melinda for an explanation.
"Anna couldn't stay with Daisy today," Melinda explains, knowing that Bobbi knows about Daisy having the day off. "So, she's joining us here," Melinda explains.
"Oh, cool," Bobbi says with a grin, suspecting that Daisy may be the first SHIELD child who got to come into the Triskelion.
"I have to get to the meeting. Do you mind if Daisy stays with you?" Melinda asks curious as there are a lot of people who don't know about Daisy at the meeting, but she also knows that considering everything Bobbi has to be okay with keeping an eye on Daisy in this situation.
"Not at all," Bobbi responds as she always loves spending time with the girl who is like her little sister.
"Thank you," Melinda says, gratefully. "Daisy stay with Bobbi and remember what you promised," Melinda tells her daughter.
"Yes Mom," Daisy says, with a nod.
"I shouldn't be too long," Melinda says, before leaving, completely trusting Bobbi with her daughter.
Not long after Melinda left the office Bobbi got a video call that distracted her which lead to Daisy feeling bored, and so while Bobbi is trying to get the other person on the call to listen to her Daisy snuck out the room. After a little bit of walking around Daisy found herself in the garage where she sees a large, bald, black man repairing one of the cars.
"Hello," Daisy says, causing the man Alphonso Mackenzie to look at her in shock. For a second Mack thinks he might be imagining it as he certainly isn't expecting an eleven-year-old to be at the Triskelion and it's his first week back since Hope's death.
"Hi," Mack says, having no idea what else to say. "Who are you?" Mack asks, drawing out the words as he is clearly incredibly confused.
"Daisy Lin May," Daisy says in a matter of fact tone of voice. "Are you fixing that engine?" Daisy asks curious.
"I am," Mack confirms. "Is your Mom Melinda May?" Mack asks, as that's what he assumes.
"Yep," Daisy confirms. "That's so cool that you can fix engines. I like computers, and I can fix them when they stop working, but being able to fix engines, that's cool," Daisy admits sounding impressed.
"Does your Mom know you're here?" Mack asks curious as he doubts it.
"She brought me to the Triskelion," Daisy reveals.
"I didn't mean the Triskelion, I mean down in the garage," Mack comments, and Daisy shakes her head. "Then come on, I'll take you back up to your Mom's office," Mack comments.
"Mom and Cols told me to never go anywhere with a stranger," Daisy informs Mack, who assumes that Cols means Coulson as everyone knows how close him and May are.
"I'm Agent Alphonso Mackenzie, but you can call me Mack," Mack informs Daisy. "I'm not a stranger now am I?" Mack asks.
"No, you're not," Daisy says, with a smile.
"DAISY?" Bobbi yells and hurries in, feeling glad she was able to use access to Triskelion security to find out where Daisy went. "What were you thinking? Your Mom told you to stay with me!" Bobbi says, sounding terrified as she felt complete terror when she realised Daisy was gone.
"I got bored," Daisy says, like it is the most obvious thing ever. "And I didn't like that man being mean to you," Daisy explains.
"Daisy, he wasn't being mean, he just couldn't accept that I was right," Bobbi explains.
"Sounds mean to me," Daisy responds, and Bobbi can't help but smile slightly.
"Come on, we should get back upstairs," Bobbi says. "Thank you, Agent…." She starts to say.
"Mackenzie," Mack explains.
"Morse," Bobbi explains.
"But Bobbi! Mack's my friend and he was going to show me how to fix an engine," Daisy explains. "Can't I stay while Mom's in her meeting?" Daisy asks, and Bobbi debates for a few seconds, but realises that it is probably a good idea.
"If it's okay with Agent Mackenzie," Bobbi says, clearly giving Mack a choice.
"Yeah, it's okay with me," Mack answers.
"Then we can stay, but only until your Mom's meeting is done," Bobbi tells Daisy.
"Okay," Daisy says with a nod, and Mack starts to teach her all about different things.
A while later Daisy, and even Bobbi have been interested in the various things Mack is explaining so Bobbi doesn't even realise that the meeting Melinda and Phil are in has finished. At least she doesn't until Melinda and Phil walk in as Mack is explaining modifications he made to SHIELD motorbikes.
"Agent May, Agent Coulson," Mack says, being the first to realise, knowing exactly who they are as both May and Coulson are legends in SHIELD.
"It's Agent Mackenzie, right?" May asks.
"Yes Ma'am," Mack answers.
"It's just May," Melinda requests.
"Mom, Mack was telling me all about what he did to motorbikes. You use this motorbike don't you?" Daisy asks her mother.
"Yeah, I do," Melinda confirms. "And I've been waiting an explanation about the new upgrades," Melinda admits.
"Well, May, the new upgrades are pretty simple, but very important," Mack says, and he goes back to the start of his explanation about what he did to the bikes.
February 10th 2007
Four months have passed since Daisy met Mack and even though he didn't attend the traditional May Christmas Eve party, as it was too painful for him, he has spent a lot of time with Melinda, Daisy, Phil, and Bobbi. Unknown to all of them Daisy has been helping Mack work through his grief without even realising it.
It is Saturday and both Melinda and Daisy are up early having breakfast together, as they have big plans.
"They're coming right? Cols and Bobbi?" Daisy asks her mother.
"Yep, I talked to them last night," Melinda confirms, with a nod.
"And Mack too right?" Daisy asks.
"You called him last night, what did he say?" Melinda asks her daughter.
"He said he'll come," Daisy answers.
"Then I'm sure he will," Melinda assures her, and as she does there is a knock the door.
"Cols," Daisy guesses.
"Probably," Melinda admits, as she walks over and answers it. Unsurprisingly it is Phil who walks into the apartment.
"Morning Cols," Daisy greats.
"Morning Daisy, May," Phil greats, looking between them. "Are you excited for today, Daisy?" Phil asks curious.
"Yep," Daisy confirms. "I can't wait to go on the big flying fox, and all the massive slides. It's going to be so much fun," Daisy says as they are going to an Adventure Playground, one where everything is big enough for adults to use. "The underground slide is going to be awesome," Daisy comments.
"I've heard that," Phil comments and as he does there is another knock on the door and so Melinda walks over and once again answers it. This time both Bobbi and Mack, who have been working on a lot of missions together over the past few months, are standing on the other side so Melinda lets them into the apartment.
"Bobbi! Mack!" Daisy says excited. "I'm really glad you came. Today's going to be so much fun," Daisy comments.
"You know, I really think it is," Bobbi admits, while Mack is a little more hesitant as he worried about how he is going to handle it.
"You need to finish your breakfast before we can go," Melinda tells her daughter.
"But mooom!" Daisy exclaims.
"Daisy, your Mom's right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," Phil informs her. "That means you need to eat before we can go," Phil explains.
"Fine," Daisy says, clearly annoyed, as she eats the rest of her breakfast.
For the entire car ride to the playground she is annoyed, but when they get there all her annoyance is forgotten, and Daisy has a good time with her Mom, Phil, Bobbi and Mack. The four adults, despite initial reservations, find themselves all having a good time too.
August 12th 2007
Six months have passed since Daisy, Melinda, Phil, Bobbi and Mack spent a day together at an adventure playground and in that time Mack, like Bobbi and Coulson, has been included in a lot of the things Daisy and May do together, and Daisy has turned twelve.
It's a Sunday morning and because Melinda is about to leave for a mission that is going to take at least a few days. As Anna wasn't available Bobbi, who is wasn't cleared for the mission due to a concussion she received on a recent mission she did with Mack, is staying with Daisy. This will be the first time Bobbi looks out for Daisy for more than just a single night so while Daisy is excited, Bobbi is feeling a little nervous.
"How long are you going to be gone for?" Daisy asks curious.
"A few days," Melinda tells her daughter. "But Bobbi's going to be with you the entire time," Melinda assures her daughter, and Bobbi nods.
"I'm gonna miss you," Daisy tells her mother.
"I'm going to miss you too, Honey," Melinda tells her daughter before hugging her. "I love you," Melinda tells her daughter, as she hugs her.
"Love you too," Daisy responds, as they break apart.
"I'll see you when I get home, don't cause to much trouble for Bobbi," Melinda tells her daughter.
"I won't," Daisy assures her mother as Melinda takes a step forward and hugs Bobbi, whispering something to her that Daisy doesn't hear, but clearly has some effect on Bobbi.
Once Melinda and Bobbi break apart Melinda heads out of the apartment, leaving Daisy with Bobbi.
"So, I was thinking, we could go swimming," Bobbi suggests. "What do you think?" Bobbi asks curious.
"I'd like that," Daisy admits.
"Why don't you go get ready then," Bobbi tells Daisy who nods, and hurries off to her bedroom so that she can get ready.
Hours later Daisy and Bobbi have had a really great day together. Even though Daisy went to bed a while ago Bobbi is still awake, sitting on the couch, reading SHIELD files as while she can't be on mission she can still do work.
As Bobbi reads a file she looks up and sees Daisy stranding in her doorway.
"Daisy? What are you doing up?" Bobbi asks curious.
"I can't sleep," Daisy admits, as she walks over and sits down on the couch next to Bobbi.
"What's wrong?" Bobbi asks, putting down the file she is reading.
"I miss Mom," Daisy admits. "I don't like it when she goes on missions; I know it's dangerous," Daisy admits.
"It is, but you're Mom's the toughest person I know," Bobbi admits, as she puts an arm around Daisy. "And I know there is nothing in this Universe that will keep her from you," Bobbi promises.
"You think so?" Daisy asks.
"I know so," Bobbi assures her. "And I know I'm not your Mom, but I am your big sister and I'm gonna be here for you while your Mom and Cols aren't here. You're not alone Daisy," Bobbi assures her.
"I like that you're my big sister," Daisy tells Bobbi.
"Me too," Bobbi assures her. "Mack called earlier, he was wondering if we want to do lunch tomorrow, what do you think?" Bobbi asks curious.
"I'd like that," Daisy responds.
"So, do you feel like going back to bed or do you feel like watching a movie?" Bobbi asks curious.
"Movie please," Daisy requests as she snuggles into Bobbi's side.
"I think I have the perfect choice," Bobbi says and she starts to play a movie.
December 24th 2007
Four months have passed since Bobbi looked ater Daisy for four days and despite Daisy missing her mother it went pretty well.
It's Christmas eve and Melinda and Daisy are getting their apartment ready for the party which Kora, Gordon, Coulson, Bobbi, and Mack are going to be attending.
"You gave the invitations I made right?" Daisy asks her mother.
"I did," Melinda assures her daughter, and Daisy looks relieved as the door to the apartment opens.
"Cols!" Daisy says happily.
"Hey Daisy, Merry Christmas," Phil says.
"Did someone say Merry Christmas?" Kora's voice asks as she and Gordon walk into the apartment behind Phil.
"Aunt Kora! Uncle Gordon!" Daisy yells excitedly as she hurries over to her aunt and Uncle and hugs them both. "I've missed you," Daisy tells them.
"Missed you too," Kora admits, as she hugs her niece. "Want to tell me all about how school's going?" Kora asks as she hasn't seen her niece in a little while.
"Yep," Daisy tells her aunt. "I can't do anymore until Bobbi and Mack get here, I need tall people," Daisy explains.
"I'm tall," Gordon argues.
"I know, but I'll wait for Bobbi and Mack," Daisy explains, as she pulls Kora over to the couch.
For the next ten minutes or so Daisy happily talks to her aunt and Uncle about everything that has been going on with her, and because she is so absorbed in the conversation she doesn't even realises that the front door has opened and both Mack and Bobbi have walked in.
"Mack, I would like you to meet my twin sister Kora, and oldest friend Gordon," Melinda introduces.
"It's nice to meet you both," Mack says, feeling a little shocked about Gordon, but he doesn't say anything.
"Mack! Bobbi! I need you to help me put the decorations around the top of the tree," Daisy explains. "Will you help? Everyone else is too short," Daisy comments.
"Sure," Bobbi says, smirking slightly.
"I am not short," Gordon argues,
"We'll help," Mack says and he and Bobbi start to help Daisy put all the decorations on the tree.
A little while later the tree is fully decorated and while everyone else is in the main part of the apartment Mack has headed into the kitchen and Melinda has followed him.
"Mack," Melinda says, and he turns around. "I have something for you," Melinda says, handing over a very small wooden box. "When I come from that is given to a person trying to survive an incredible loss, the English translation is memory box. It's purpose is to give comfort through the ability to hold that what you have left close," Melinda explains.
"You know," Mack says, realising that he should have guessed that.
"I know," Melinda confirms. "And I know there is nothing I can say to you, but I just wanted you to know that I know, that I haven't, and won't, tell anyone else and that I appreciate the role you play in Daisy's life, and acknowledge how hard it must be for you to do that," Melinda admits.
"It's easy," Mack says, shaking his head. "Daisy's helped me. You, Bobbi, Coulson, you've all helped. You've given me people to count on, and I thankful for that," Mack admits.
"You never have to thank us," Melinda says, and a look of understanding pass between the two. After a few movements the two of them head back into the main area of the apartment and continue to celebrate.
March 9th 2008
A couple of months have passed since Christmas and as Kora and Gordon have been able to come to DC a few more times they like, Melinda, Daisy, Bobbi and Coulson, have both gotten to know Mack better.
It's a Sunday morning and to Daisy's annoyance she is in Coulson's cherry red corvette with Coulson and her mother. Even though it is only meant to fit two people the three of them are fitting quite comfortable.
"Okay, why are we just driving around?" Daisy asks, feeling incredible confused.
"You'll see," Phil says as he and Melinda exchange amused looks.
"Doubt it," Daisy mutters under her breath.
"What was that Daisy?" Melinda asks her daughter.
"Nothing," Daisy responds, and once she does she notices her mother and Coulson once more exchange looks. "You going to tell me what those looks are about?" Daisy asks curious.
"What do you think, Phil? Should we?" Melinda asks, looking extremely amused.
"Yes!" Daisy exclaims.
"I think we've waited long enough," Phil says, and he flicks the button to make Lola fly.
"Wow," Daisy says, as she tries her best to hide how cool she thinks it is to be in a flying car with her mother and Phil.