Chapter 32
AN: I'm so sorry for the last chapter, sorry for causing you so much pain.
May 9th 2012
Five days have passed since Phil was killed and ever since Melinda and Daisy have been attempting to deal with their grief while being surrounded by their supportive family.
As he was told what happened, and what Melinda and Phil became to each other, by Kora, Gordon has been going back and forth between DC and Afterlife, doing what he can to help the people he loves. Having just finished doing a check on things at Afterlife Gordon, who is dressed in the nicest black suit he owns, is about to head back to DC when he realizes that Jiaying is walking up to him.
"Jiaying, is something wrong? I have to get back to DC," Gordon reveals as there is no way he will miss Phil's funeral, he owes that to his friend, and to Melinda and Daisy.
"Again? I thought you said that Melinda wasn't hurt in the battle," Jiaying says, looking concerned, and fearing that there is something Gordon isn't saying as she knows that Gordon and Kora would only be spending a lot of time in DC with a good reason.
"She wasn't," Gordon assures Jiaying.
"Then why is Kora still in DC? Why have you kept going back?" Jiaying asks, as she feels like she is missing something and so Gordon decides to fill her in.
"Do you remember the man who was helping Mel after Bahrain, Phil Coulson?" Gordon asks.
"Yes, you said he was Melinda's best friend," Jiaying remembers.
"He was more than that, they got together in January, and he was the love of her life," Gordon reveals, and because of the word choice Jiaying can guess where Gordon is going with what he is saying. "He was killed by the Asgardian. Kora and I have been in DC so much because Mel needs us," Gordon admits. "Today's Phil's funeral, I need to be there, not just for Melinda, but for myself; Phil was my friend," Gordon explains.
"I understand," Jiaying says, being able to imagine the pain Melinda would be in, if she was capable of feeling pain. "You and Kora spend as much time with Melinda as she needs," Jiaying says.
"We will," Gordon confirms, and he takes several steps away from Jiaying before disappearing.
As Melinda, Kora and Daisy are the only ones currently in the May apartment Gordon is able to teleport directly into the apartment.
"How are they?" Gordon asks Kora, being able to tell that she is the only one in the living room.
"Hard to tell when it comes to Mellie, but Daisy's hurting," Kora admits. "She never got the chance to know Lindon, so him being gone hasn't really affected her. But Phil, Phil was the only father she's ever known and now he's gone," Kora says, it being clear that she feels pain on behalf of her niece. "I can't even comprehend the kind of pain she is in," Kora reveals as she hasn't seen William since she was a child so she doesn't know how she'd react if he were to die.
"Me either," Gordon admits as he barely remembers his parents and once he does the front door opens and Bobbi, Hunter, and Mack walk in, all three in black suits; the three of the having used Bobbi's key.
Without a word Kora walks to Bobbi and hugs her, while Gordon, Mack and Hunter great each other. As Hunter has been around a bit since Phil's death he has already met Gordon, but that doesn't mean he isn't shocked and only the current situation stops him from asking all the questions he has.
"Have you seen them yet today?" Bobbi asks, as she and Kora break apart, it being clear that she is worried about her mother and sister.
"Daisy pushed her breakfast around, Mellie hasn't left her room," Kora explains.
"We've got to leave soon," Mack realizes, knowing that they cannot be late, but also understanding what Melinda and Daisy are feeling.
"I know," Kora says, with a sign. "I'll get Daze, Bobbi do want to try Mellie?" Kora asks, as she knows that her sister sees Bobbi as a second daughter, and that Bobbi sees Melinda as a mother, so if someone other than Daisy has a chance of getting Melinda to leave her room then it's gonna be Bobbi.
"Yeah, I'll try," Bobbi says, having no idea if she is going to succeed, and after exchanging a nod with Kora she heads to Melinda's room while Kora heads to Daisy and Mack, Gordon and Hunter wait in the living room.
In her room Daisy is completely dressed, but just sitting on her bed holding a picture of her, her mother, Bobbi, Mack, and Phil from last Christmas. At the time she didn't even realize that the picture was being taken but it has become one she loves as they were al so happy, so loved.
As she stars at the picture Daisy hears a knock on her door, and as she does, she feels her heart sink as she can guess what the knock means.
"Come in," Daisy says, and she isn't a tall surprised when her aunt Kora walks in and sits down next to her.
"You know I'm really proud of that picture," Kora notes as she was the one who took it.
"I love it," Daisy admits. "We were so happy," Daisy says, and as she does Kora puts her arm around her niece. "It's time to go, isn't it?" Daisy asks her aunt.
"Yeah, it is," Kora confirms.
"I don't want to say goodbye," Daisy admits, tears coming to her eyes.
"You'll never say goodbye, not really. Phil's your Dad, he'll always be in your heart, you'll always carry a piece of him around with you, no matter what you do," Kora assures her niece. "Today's going to be hard, but you're not alone, Daisy. You have your Mom, and Me, Uncle Gordon. Bobbi, Mack and Hunter are here, and Nat, Clint and Maria will meet us at the cemetery," Kora explains. "We'll help each other get through today," Kora explains, and Daisy nods.
After seeing her nieces nod Kora stands up and offers her hand to her niece, which Daisy takes, and the two of them head out of Daisy's room together.
After Kora suggested she go talk to Melinda Bobbi tried knock on the door, but after receiving no answer she just walked into the room. Unknown to Bobbi Melinda is sitting in the exact same spot as her daughter is sitting in her own room, and just like Daisy Melinda is dressed, but unlike Daisy Melinda isn't staring a picture, but rather holding the necklace Phil got her in her hand.
Not completely sure what to say Bobbi walks over and sits down next Melinda. While Bobbi isn't touching Melinda because she is feeling such strong emotion Melinda can feel what she is feeling to a degree.
"Should have known Phil would have great jewelry tastes," Bobbi says, and the second she does she regrets it. "Sorry, that was a stupid thing to say," Bobbi says, but Melinda doesn't even react. "You deserved more than just a few months together, you deserved a lifetime," Bobbi admits, knowing that, and once again Melinda doesn't say or do something. "Um, so, its time Melinda, we got to go," Bobbi admits, deciding that not beating around the bush is best.
"I know," Melinda says as she is well aware of what time it is.
"We're all here," Bobbi says as she reaches out and puts her hand on Melinda's leg, as she does Melinda feels Bobbi's grief, and how much she loved Phil; that she considered him to be her father.
"I know," Melinda responds, taking Bobbi's hand, and once she does she and Bobbi get up and head back into the living room.
Once Melinda and Bobbi walk into the living room they, along with, Daisy, Kora, Gordon, Mack and Hunter leave for the cemetery together.
About thirty minutes later everyone who is attending Phil's funeral, which is a private event, has arrived. While Melinda, Daisy, and their family are standing together Pepper and Tony have just arrived and as they see Natasha, who has just finished checking to make sure no one who shouldn't be there is around, they walk up to her.
"Stark, Pepper," Natasha greats.
"Natasha," Pepper says.
"Natalie," Tony says, just to annoy Natasha, who rolls her eyes.
"Natasha, Phil told me he was dating his oldest friend, her names Melinda, do you know her?" Pepper asks, and if it hadn't already been confirmed that Phil and Melinda have been dating Natasha would be surprised by Peppers words.
"She's right over there," Natasha says, pointing to where Melinda is, with Daisy standing right next to her while the rest of their family are surrounding them.
"Who's that with her?" Tony asks, having a sinking suspicion and honestly hoping he is wrong.
"Mel's daughter, Daisy, but Coulson considered her to be his daughter too," Natasha explains.
"How old is she?" Pepper asks, feeling incredibly sad for her.
"Not even seventeen," Natasha answers.
"She's too young," Tony comments, and as the funeral is clearly about to start everyone starts to take their seats.
Natasha walks up and sits in the front row with Melinda, Daisy, Bobbi, Kora, Mack, Hunter, Clint, Maria, Fury, and Gordon who is wearing huge sunglasses, while Tony and Pepper sit a few rows behind them in the same row where Izzy, Hand and Garrett are.
As Melinda and Daisy sit in the middle of the front row surrounded by their Family Daisy reaches out and takes her mother's hand as while she doesn't want to cause her mother to be overwhelmed with emotions, she does want her mothers support.
If she was capable of feeling her own emotions Melinda would be glad that Daisy took her hand as she knows it's not right to feel nothing at Phil's funeral. She wants to feel something even if it her daughter's emotions about the situation.
For a while a priest speaks, and then Fury, but if you asked either Melinda or Daisy neither would be able to say what either said. As Fury sits back down the priest once again approaches the podium.
"I would like to invite Melinda and Daisy May to say a few words," the priest says, and once he does neither Melinda and Daisy make an effort to move.
"Mellie," Kora hisses to her sister, and then once she has her sisters attention she gestures to the podium.
Realizing what her sister is trying to say Melinda stands up, and so does Daisy, and they both head to the podium. Once at the podium Melinda and Daisy both take a couple of moments preparing to say what they have to say.
"When Phil Coulson and I first met we were both young, both just starting out, wide eyed and full of dreams, neither of us could have imagined what our lives would look like," Melinda comments, and the only reason there is sadness in her voice is because Daisy is purposely touching her mother's side below the podium so that people don't question why Melinda's voice is void of emotion. "In the years we have known each other Phil and I have been through a lot, seen a lot, been through a lot of changes, but the one thing that has never changed is that we were partners," Melinda admits. "No matter what happened, or where we were, or what we felt, Phil always had my back and I always had his," Melinda says, and if she could she would be feeling guilt as she didn't have his back, she didn't protect him from Loki, but because Daisy isn't feeling guilt she isn't. "Phil Coulson was my best friend, my partner, the person I trust more than anyone, and so much more that words just can't explain, and I will miss him every day," Melinda says, before looking at Daisy, and taking a side step which allows Daisy to approach the microphone more as Melinda knows she doesn't want to share more. What Phil is to her is something she only wants to share with her family.
"I never knew my biological father, he died before I was born, but I never felt like I was missing out because I always had Cols," Daisy explains. "When I was six I asked my mom if Cols was my Dad because that's who he's always been to me, my Dad," Daisy says, her voice breaking slightly. "No matter what was going on Cols was always there for me. He made me food, coz if you know my mom you know she can't cook, told me stories, taught me to play baseball, drive, and so many other things I will never forget. When I was sad, he would hold me, encourage me, make his corny Dad jokes, which he seemed to have an unlimited supply off, and I never once doubted how much he loves me," Daisy says, starting to become overwhelmed with sadness. "Philip J Coulson was a hero, an incredible agent, an inspiration and the word is a lesser place without him, but for me is a lesser place without Cols, my Dad, in it," Daisy says. "For the rest of my life not a single day will pass where I won't miss him, where I won't wish he was here, and where I won't work to make him proud," Daisy says, turning to look at the coffin which unknown to her is empty. "I love you Cols, I'm gonna miss you so much; I'll make you proud," Daisy says as she starts to cry, and even though she is risking emotions that she cannot control Melinda puts an arm around her daughter as they both head back to their seats. Once they are sitting down Kora puts her arm around Melinda, while Bobbi does the same for Daisy.
For the rest of the service Melinda and Daisy sit together, surrounded by their family who are offering support. Once the service is over everyone gets up and walks up to the casket to place their roses on top starting with the front row.
Once they have all placed their roses, and/or said something to the unknown to everyone but Fury, empty casket, Melinda, Daisy, Bobbi, Mack, Kora, Gordon, Maria, Hunter, Natasha, and Clint all stand together off to the side.
After the other rows place their roses they approach the group, of whom everyone knows is who Coulson considered family, to say a few things; offer condolences. Eventually Pepper and Tony place their roses and approach the group.
"You have my condolences," Pepper says to Melinda, acknowledging the others, but looking directly at her. "Phil told me about you, about what you met to him, I can't imagine how you're feeling right now," Pepper says, as she never wants to.
"Thank you," Melinda responds.
"Agent was a good man, the best actually," Tony says, looking between Melinda and Daisy. "If either of you need anything, don't hesitate to call," Tony says, giving Melinda and Daisy each a card with his contact details on it as he feels the desire to do whatever he can to help them; he owes that to Coulson.
"Thank you," Daisy says, and Tony nods before walking away with Pepper. "Can we get out of here? I really don't want to talk to anyone else," Daisy admits as she honestly feels like she is barely hanging on.
"Let's go home," Melinda says and she, Daisy, Kora, Gordon, Bobbi, Mack, Hunter, Natasha, Clint, and Maria leave the cemetery together.
A while later the group are back in Melinda's small apartment and as he notices Bobbi sitting alone in the alcove where a desk is Mack grabs a beer, which Hunter went and brought, and walks over to her, pulling over a chair to sit with her.
"Got to give it to Hunter, he can pick good beers," Mack says as he hands the beer to Bobbi.
"Thanks," Bobbi responds, as she takes it, not saying anything about Mack's comment.
"You want to talk?" Mack asks curious as even though he doubts it he wants to give Bobbi the opportunity.
"Not really," Bobbi admits. "You know Phil's the person who taught me that Dad's don't have to hurt you, they can just love and support you," Bobbi reveals, as there was a time where she didn't believe that was possible.
"I know," Mack responds. "He was my brother," Mack admits.
"I know," Bobbi responds, and the two of them drift into silence as they all look around at the rest of their family all of whom are missing the person who they all miss so much; who's gap is felt.
After a little while of them sitting together Daisy walks over and she ends up sitting on Bobbi's lap. Even though she isn't a small as she once was Daisy still occasionally sits on the lab of her big sister.
"How you doing, Kid?" Mack asks curious.
"I don't even know," Daisy admits as she feels exhausted in every sense of the word. "I still can't believe he's gone," Daisy admits as she leans back against Bobbi.
"Me either," Bobbi admits.
"We're gonna be feeling that for a while," Mack says, knowing that from personal experience.
"I can't imagine not missing him," Daisy admits, Bobbi rests her head on Daisy's shoulder, and the three of them drift into silence.
Across the room Melinda is sitting alone just staring out the window. While she is feeling nothing all her thoughts are on Phil, she is thinking about all the times they had together, all the times they should have had. As she looks out the window Melinda suddenly feels a serge of worry, as a glass of scotch appears in her hand. Looking Melinda sees that the emotion, and glass, are from Natasha. After giving Melinda the glass, without a word, Natasha sits down next to her friend, offering her silent support.