Chapter 16
Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Everything belongs to their rightful owners and I am not making any profit from this.
AN: Thank you to all who have added to alerts, read, reviewed or any combination of the three. It means a lot to me.
AN2 IMPORTANT: Does anyone know the correct way of spelling Tripp? Because some things I read have it spelt with double pp and some have singular and I want to know which is right. So if you could let me know I would appreciate it.
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO STARFIRE25 WHO EDITED THIS CHAPTER FOR ME
It has been two days since Coulson and Melinda returned from their mission in Los Angeles. It is evening in New York and it has been decided that the following morning Coulson, Melinda, Skye, Trip, Steve and Bucky will drive to DC to see Peggy. It was decided that they would drive because due to the fact that it is SHIELD tech the bus isn't allowed in Washington Air Space and getting a Stark plane into DC is almost as hard. Maria also pointed out that they could stay more hidden and control more in a car, which is another reason why driving was chosen.
After dinner everyone went their separate ways to do different things, which is quite usual. Skye had a nice relaxing bath and is now going to go find her parents who she finds in the War Room doing work.
"Are you guys still fighting?" Skye asks as they are sitting opposite ends of the table.
"No." Coulson and Melinda respond too quickly.
"Which means you are." Skye comments sitting down, holding in the sigh that she wants to let out as she really wishes her parent's would make up already.
"I thought you would be in bed by now, you've been yawning all day." Coulson comments.
"I would be but I don't know how to stop myself from getting a whole bunch of information while I sleep which means I'm really not feeling much like sleeping." Skye admits.
"They're working on it." Coulson tells his daughter, "Uncle Tony, Uncle Bruce, Jem and Fitzy are all working to find a way to help you."
"I know." Skye answers, "But they don't even know where to start, so it's going to take a while." Skye tells her parents.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Melinda asks.
"Not really." Skye admits, "But I will help you with this work that never seems to disappear, what are you doing now?" Skye asks curious.
"Starting to sift through the S.H.I.E.L.D information that was released." Coulson tells his daughter, "Of course Fury is the only one who knows just what is important and what isn't, Maria is doing her best but she doesn't know anything, we need Fury to tell us where to start but he's on his one man Hydra hunt down in Europe." Coulson comments.
"He's not one man." Skye reveals.
"What do you mean?" Melinda asks.
"I sent him help, didn't I mention that?" Skye asks looking at her parents.
"No, you didn't who's helping him?" Coulson asks.
"Mike Peterson." Skye answers, "I stayed at his place one night when I was gone, he wanted to come with me, watch my back but I thought it would just put him in danger." Skye explains, "I realised a few days later that he could do some real good so I sent him a message that lead him to Nicky and I send Nicky a message that explained about Mike, they've been working together since."
"At least he has backup." Coulson says after exchanging a look with Melinda both of them glad for that fact, though they are both wondering whether Skye would have been shot if Mike was with her.
(Line break)
For several hours Coulson, Melinda and Skye work on going through SHIELD documents.
"She's asleep." Melinda says causing Coulson to look up from what he is reading.
"Guess it finally got too much for her." Coulson comments, "It would be a shame to wake her." He says.
"Yeah it would, especially considering how peaceful she looks." Melinda says knowing that for her daughter sleeping peacefully isn't something that she experiences a lot.
"I'll carry her to her room." Coulson says standing up.
"Do you think you can do that without waking her?" Melinda asks.
"I can try." Coulson responds and he walks over and being as careful as possible he picks up his daughter in his arms.
Melinda who doesn't needs Coulson to say what he is thinking goes in front of Coulson so that she can open doors for him.
Several minutes later, Coulson, Melinda and Skye who is still asleep in her father's arms arrive at Skye's room.
Coulson walks over to Skye's bed and once more being careful not to wake her Coulson lays Skye on her bed and together he and Melinda tuck her in.
"Goodnight Baby Girl, I love you." Coulson tells his daughter giving her a kiss on the head.
"Goodnight May." Melinda says doing the same.
For several minutes Coulson and Melinda stand at the door way to their daughters' room before finally closing the door and heading to their own room, deciding that they have done enough paperwork for the night.
The following morning everyone gets up early but unlike going for runs or training or Tai-Chi which usually occurs everyone is down in the garage to say goodbye to Coulson, Melinda, Skye, Tripp, Bucky and Steve.
"You're accommodation is all arranged." Tony informs them handing papers over to Coulson, "I got you a deluxe suit for you and Melinda and a four bedroom suit for Steve, Bucky, Tripp and Skye." He informs them.
"Thanks Tony." Phil responds and Tony nods.
"Are you heading straight to see Peggy?" Natasha asks curious.
"Yeah." Tripp answers, "According to Sharon Grams is doing the best in the early afternoon." Tripp explains.
"Sharon's your cousin right?" Steve asks and Tripp nods,
"You've actually met her." Tripp informs Steve.
"I have?" He asks confused then he realises, "My neighbour." He realises and Tripp nods.
"Try not to do a repeat of the last time you were in DC." Pepper tells the group.
"We'll do our best, but in all fairness that wasn't our fault." Melinda points out.
"It was mine." Bucky says quietly.
"You weren't in control, it wasn't you." Skye says, having heard what Bucky said and when she does Bucky realises something.
"You were in the Car, with Nick Fury, I almost killed you." He realises.
"No, you didn't. I put up my force field. All I got was a scratch. I don't blame you." Skye repeats.
"We should go, we don't want to hit traffic." Steve comments.
"Who's driving?" Tony asks holding up the keys to a six seater what looks like a combination of a jeep and SUV.
"Me." Melinda says taking the keys off him.
"If you need anything call." Pepper says as Skye climbs in the car and sits in one of the two very back seats, Tripp climbs in next and takes the other back seat leaving Steve and Bucky to have the middle and Coulson and Melinda in the front.
"Skye, Car games?" Tripp asks as Skye goes to pull out her tablet.
"Oh, yes, I've never played car games before." Skye says with a grin, no longer interested in taking out her tablet.
"Well you're with an expert." Tripp says, "I'm great at car games, are you guys in?" Tripp asks Steve and Bucky.
Steve and Bucky both exchange a look, "Sure." Steve says and Bucky nods.
"It's going to be a really long four hours." Coulson comments as Melinda drives the car out of the garage.
For Skye, Tripp, Steve and Bucky the next four hours pass rather quickly as they enjoy playing their games. Both Steve and Bucky refused to take part in punch Buggy but Skye was more than happy to which meant so was Tripp so that he could keep up. For Melinda and Coulson on the other hand time didn't pass nearly as quickly, though they had to admit that having a car full of people playing car games did make the whole thing feel a lot like a family road Tripp, especially considering Skye would ask every half an hour if they were there yet.
Finally after what feels like forever for Coulson and Melinda but a very quick trip for Skye, Tripp, Steve and Bucky Melinda parks the car in front of the facility that Peggy lives up, as they do they see Sharon waiting out the front.
"Hey Coz." Tripp says walking up to Sharon and giving her a hug a few minutes later.
"Hey, to you to." Sharon tells him, "You looking after yourself?" She asks.
"Of course." Tripp responds, "What about you? How's the CIA treating you?"
"Good, I miss SHIELD but its good." Sharon tells him.
"So I think you know everyone here, except for Melinda and Coulson's daughter Skye and James 'Bucky' Barnes." Tripp introduces.
"Nice to meet you Skye." Sharon tells Skye, "I glad you found your parents." She admits.
"So am I." Skye responds.
"It's an honour to meet you Sir." Sharon says to Bucky and shakes his hand.
"Don't call me Sir." Bucky requests and Sharon nods.
"How is she doing today?" Steve asks as they enter the facility.
"I think today's a good day." Sharon answers, "But we'll have to wait and see." She tells everyone, "Turn off your phones." She requests and everyone does that.
"How are we going to do this?" Coulson asks, "Should we all go in together or do you think another way would work best?" he asks Sharon as she the one who spends the most time with Peggy so she would know what is best.
"I was thinking that Tonio and I could go in first and explain to Aunt Peggy what is going on before she sees the rest of you." Sharon explains.
"I think that would be for the best." Steve says.
"Tonio?" Skye asks Tripp.
"It's my family nickname." Tripp tells her as they reach Peggy's room.
"We'll come and get you in a few minutes." Tripp says and he and Sharon enter Peggy's room.
As soon as Peggy sees Tripp and Sharon walk in she smiles, happy to see them.
"Hey Grams." Tripp says to her.
"Tonio, you look more like your Grandfather every day." Peggy informs her grandson.
"I do?" Tripp asks as he bends down and gives Peggy a hug.
"You do." Peggy informs him, "Now how are you both?" Peggy asks grabbing one of Tripp's hands and one of Sharon's.
"We're good." Sharon asks, "Busy, working." She tells her Aunt.
"You know the usual." Tripp adds, both of them trying to avoid mentioning what happened to S.H.I.E.L.D.
"There is nothing usual about the job we do." Peggy tells them.
"You're right there." Tripp comments remembering what his life has been like the last few months.
"What about outside of work?" Peggy asks.
"The usual again." Sharon comments, "But Tonio here has some news in that department." She reveals.
"Why do I tell you anything?" Tripp asks his cousin who just smiles back him, "I've recently started seeing someone." He admits.
"Really?" Peggy asks, "Tell me about her." She requests.
"Her name is Maria, and she's amazing." Tripp says with a smile feeling like its best not to mention her last name, "She's smart, beautiful and can kick my ass in a fight." Tripp admits.
"How did you met?" Peggy asks.
"Work." Tripp answers.
"Where else would he meet someone?" Sharon asks and Tripp just glares at his cousin. "Aunt Peggy, we didn't come alone today." Sharon reveals, saving her cousin from having to answer any more questions.
"Who else is here?" Peggy asks.
"Steve." Tripp answers, "And Melinda, Phil and they found their daughter, she goes by Skye now." Tripp explains.
"Bring them in." Peggy requests surprised and Tripp goes and gets them.
"Have you met Maria?" Peggy asks Sharon curious.
"Several times." Sharon answers, "She a good person, and she can keep Tonio on his toes." Sharon explains.
"I'm seeing a ghost." Peggy comments when the group walks in and she sees Bucky.
"No, you're not." Steve says walking over and Sitting next to Peggy's bed, "Bucky survived the fall, but he was found by the wrong people, they have kept him frozen all this time, using him against his will." Steve explains.
"It's nice to see you ma'am. Thank you for looking after Steve when I couldn't." Bucky says to Peggy.
"I didn't do a great job of that." Peggy says looking between them, "I can't believe it, you're here, and you're both here." She comments.
"It takes some getting used to." Steve comments, "I've been working with your grandson for the past few months, you should be proud he is a great man." Steve tells Peggy.
"I am, incredibly so." Peggy says to Steve while smiling at Tripp, "You'll look after him won't you? When I'm gone?" Peggy asks Steve.
"Grams." Tripp says in a tone of voice which says he doesn't need anyone to look after him.
"Of course I will." Steve promises.
"Melinda, Philip." Peggy says when she sees who are standing back.
"Agent Carter." Coulson greets.
"Philip, how many times do I have to tell you it's Peggy." Peggy says to Coulson.
"I can't do that Ma'am." Coulson responds.
"Hey Peggy." Melinda says, amused that after all these years Coulson still can't call Peggy, Peggy, "Sorry I haven't come to visit in a while." Melinda tells her feeling bad about that, "I returned to field work a while ago." She admits.
"You did?" Peggy asks Melinda, surprised, "What brought that on?"
"Someone convinced me." Melinda answers, "It was hard at first but it was the right choice." She admits, "There is someone I want you to meet." Melinda tells Peggy, "Two years ago, our daughter found us, Peggy I would like you to meet May, or Skye as she mainly goes by now, May this is the woman I owe everything to Peggy Carter." Melinda introduces.
"It's so nice to meet you." Skye says taking several steps close to Peggy, "I've so many stories about you, From Mom, Uncle Steve, Tripp, I'm so happy to meet you." Skye reveals.
"Uncle Steve?" Peggy asks confused.
"Melinda and Phil have become good friends of mine." Steve reveals, "Skye has been calling me Uncle Steve for about a year."
"I'm so happy you found your parents." Peggy tells Skye after nodding in understanding at what Steve said, "You look a lot like your Mother." Peggy reveals.
"I've heard that." Skye admits.
"Do you work for S.H.I.E.L.D too now?" Peggy asks.
"Yeah, I'm a level three agent." Skye answers, not telling the complete truth but not lying either.
"Are you all working together?" Peggy asks and everyone nods, "Something's happened hasn't it?" She asks looking between the groups, but before Peggy can say anymore she starts coughing.
"Here Grams." Tripp says quickly getting her a drink of water.
"Thank you Tonio, what was I saying?" Peggy asks.
"That it's good we're working together." Sharon says.
"Right, yes." Peggy says, "What is going on with S.H.I.E.L.D that needs you all to work together?" Peggy asks and everyone exchanges a look not sure what to say.
"It's bad isn't it?" Peggy asks.
"Yeah, it is Peggy." Steve answers, "But we're fixing it." Steve answers, "Or trying to anyway."
"Excuse me." Skye says getting and leaving.
"Is she okay?" Peggy asks Coulson and Melinda concerned.
"The people who took Skye when she was a baby experimented on her which gave her abilities similar to pre cognition." Melinda explains, "Recently she's been having difficulty limiting the knowledge she gets, that's likely what happened." Melinda explains, worry clear.
"I'll go talk to her." Coulson says also leaving the room.
When Coulson leaves the room he finds Skye down the corridor sitting on the floor.
"Skye what is it?" Coulson ask worried squatting down in front of her.
"Hydra did this to her, her dementia, was done by Hydra." Skye reveals, "But it's too late for me to help her, I could have when it first started, but it's too far now, it's too advance. I can't do anything." Skye reveals.
"Oh Skye." Coulson says hugging his daughter, not sure what else to say.
"It's like this is a curse, knowing things and not being able to do anything." Skye tells her father.
"I know lately it seems like all your power does is let you know things that hurts you and other people, but it helps to, we've seen that." Coulson tells his daughter, "Knowing about me and Agent Carter isn't fair to you I know that, and I wish so much that I could take away your pain." Coulson tells his daughter, "But I can't, and I hate that. I know it's hard but try focusing on the good things." Coulson suggests.
Skye doesn't respond to what her father said she just holds him tighter.
For ten minutes Skye sits holding father before she finally breaks the hug. When she does Coulson wipes away her tears.
"I'm going to clean off my face, I'll meet you in Peggy's room." Skye tells her father as they both stand.
"See you there." Coulson tells his daughter and Skye nods and heads down the hall to the bathroom, when she gets there she cleans off her face, then wanting to know the time Skye pulls out and turns on her phone, when she does she discovers that she has a voice mail from an unknown number. Pressing play Skye puts the phone to her ear and when she does she hears a voice that she hasn't heard in a while,
"Hey Skye." Ward's voice says.
When Coulson returns to Peggy's room he finds Steve sitting right next to her bed and everyone else except for Sharon and Tripp standing back
"What happened?" Coulson ask worried.
"She thinks this is the first time she has seen Steve since the forties" Melinda explains.
"Is that why you are trying to stay hidden?" Coulson asks Bucky who nods.
"I don't want to make things even more confusing for her." He explains.
"How's Skye?" Melinda asks concerned.
"Not great, I'll tell you later." Coulson tells his wife.
"We should go outside, give them their privacy." Melinda tells the other two who nod.
"Melinda." Sharon says "Stay." She says simply.
"She's right, we'll be outside." Coulson says and he and Bucky walk out of the room and Melinda walks over to stand with Sharon and Tripp.
"Melinda, you haven't visiting in a while, are you alright?" Peggy asks when she notices who else is in the room apart from Steve.
"Yeah, I'm okay Peggy." Melinda answers.
"Steve, have you meat Melinda, Tonio and Sharon?" Peggy asks Steve, "Tonio is my grandson, Sharon is my great niece and Melinda is my adoptive daughter." Peggy reveals as while it was never official that's what she sees Melinda as.
"Yeah, I know them. You have a lot to be proud of Peggy, they are amazing, smart, strong people, just like you." Steve tells Peggy.
"I am proud, so proud." Peggy says, "Sit down, all three of you." Peggy says and Melinda, Tripp and Sharon walk over and sit on the bed.
"You're all my family and I'm so happy that you are together." Peggy says looking at Tripp, Melinda, Sharon and Steve with a smile on her face, glad that four of the people she loves most are with her together.
"I'm sorry but Peggy needs rest." A nurse says walking in.
"Sure, just give us a couple more minutes." Sharon, who knows the nurse requests.
"Of course." The Nurse responds.
"Guess, we're getting the boot." Tripp comments, "See you Grams." Tripp says giving Peggy a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "I love you." He tells her.
"Make sure you call more young Man." Peggy tells Tripp, but thanks to the tone of voice she uses it's clear that it is an order.
"I'll do my best." Tripp responds.
"You too Melinda." Peggy says as Melinda hugs her, "It's been far too long since I've seen you."
"I'm sorry, I'll do better." Melinda tells her.
"I'll see you tomorrow Aunt Peggy." Sharon tells her.
"I'll see you soon Peggy." Steve says giving Peggy a kiss on the cheek, making a promise to himself that he will visit more.
Skye returns to Peggy's room just as Steve, Melinda, Tripp and Sharon are exiting.
"What happened?" Skye asks concerned.
"The nurse gave us the boot, Grams needs rest." Tripp explains.
"I've got to get going, dinner later Tonio?" Sharon asks.
"Of course, I'll text you." Tripp says as the cousins hug.
"Nice seeing you all again." Sharon says as she gives Melinda a hug, "Skye, Bucky, nice meeting you." She says before leaving.
"Are you alight?" Melinda asks her daughter, giving her a hug.
"Kind off." Skye answers.
"You know something about Peggy, don't you?" Steve asks and Skye nods, "Truthfully, do you think it's something we would want to know?" he asks as after Skye's reaction he isn't sure if he wants to know.
"I think you would want to know, but if I told you it would just hurt you." Skye explains, "It's nothing that can be changed." She explains.
"So you don't think we should know." Tripp realises.
"No, I don't." Skye admits, as she knows how much knowing is hurting her, it would be worse for them.
"I have to agree with you on that." Coulson admits.
"Then don't tell us." Steve says though he has pretty good idea what Skye isn't saying.
"Let's go to the hotel." Tripp says and everyone nod.
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