September 19th 2014
SKYE
It had been two days since Skye had woken up comfortably between Maria and Natasha, both women talking quietly to each other, smiles on their faces as their hands weighed heavily on her body. Her neck throbbed pleasantly as she turned to face Natasha, a silly grin on her face and she was almost certain she was running off on the high the marking gave her; Natasha had mentioned earlier that that would happen, it had happened to nearly everyone in the pack. They get marked and seemed to space out for the entire day, sticking close to herself or Maria ("Maria can be super protective when you're in this state, watch out" Natasha said jokingly, as though she wouldn't be overly protective).
A part of her wanted to complain that it seemed really weird to be so clingy to someone they had only just met, but she did not have the energy to, not when she felt this content and safe. It was a new feeling, feeling totally content and safe without having the background emotions; fear, panic, nervousness. Abandonment issues were a bitch, but it was safe to say she had looked at Natasha like she hung the sun and Natasha looked back at her as if she were the centre of her universe. It had been unnerving at first, to see someone look at her like that, she almost back away until both Natasha and Maria squeezed her arm and moved away from her slightly, grounded her and simultaneously letting her know that she was in full control of this situation.
Just that small act made everything better. Whilst Skye had no real choice in joining the pack (honestly, who would chose prison when they had a chance to stay free with one slightly suspicious circumstance?), they have all shown her that despite that, she was in charge of everything else. Skye got to chose how she interacted with the others, who she interacted with and who was allowed to touch her and have access to her open mind. How much she wanted to tell them about herself, how much information she got from them about the situation.
It seemed like pretty basic human rights, but in a situation where everything was opened to a pack of genetically altered human beings who could access her mind at any given point and shift through her memories and take everything they needed to know; it was like giving her the world. Most people would take advantage of that, but here was these people who barely knew her, showering her in trust and love. Making sure she was happy, making sure she wasn't too uncomfortable and giving her what she wanted; answers and control. It made everything about this that much easier and she wasn't sure how she would have handled all of this if she was kept in the dark, if they lied to her and did not show this unfaltering love and concern for her wellbeing.
It made staying with them so much easier. The two of them eased her into some training and into the pack relationships. They would sit and chat away to her, letting her curl up between them with the TV on as background noise as they told her about the pack members. They made her favourite foods, watched whatever she wanted and stopped training when she said she was at her limit – even if they did not believe so.
It was nice, she was slowly getting used to the idea of affectionate touches again and she was loving it, she wasn't going to lie. She's always been big on hugs and overly affectionate with her friends when they give her the chance, so of course she was relishing in the attention that Natasha and Maria were giving her.
Right now, she was lying between the two of them, her legs flung over Maria's and her back leaning against Natasha's chest as she ran her fingers through her hair slowly and Maria fingers danced across her legs. It was nice. It was comfortable. The high from the marking had died down earlier on that day, leading Skye to retreat from them and seeking some solitude. It took them a grand total of five hours to get her back out into the communal area to watch some TV with them. Four hours of being left to herself and one hour of bribing with her favourite foods and drinks. A part of her wanted to be dignified and say that the bribes did not work, but they had her favourite chocolate flaked cheesecake, and well, she couldn't resist that.
Turns out the reason for the bribe was because one of the pack members was coming back for a small two day holiday and wanted to meet Skye.
The Alpha and Beta looked at her sheepishly as the presented her her favourite pizza as they told her that news, causing a not as big of a scowl as it could have been. It was sweet that they were trying to make up for it by bribing her with her favourite foods and drinks, but it was still the principle of not asking but rather telling that she was going to meet this pack member. She would have outright refused to see this person, if it wasn't for the look on Maria's face when Skye said she wasn't sure if she wanted to meet this person, Maria looked like the literally definition of a kicked puppy and Natasha watched them quietly from the back, her eyes mainly resting on Maria with concern, occasionally flickering to Skye. These actions made her think twice, before sighing and giving in.
Skye did not realise one person could hug another so tightly until that moment. She actually had to ask Maria to loosen up a little.
That's how she ended up between Maria and Natasha, anxiously waiting for this mysterious person to arrive. Who ever this person was, they were making Maria a fidgeting mess. The women's knee was constantly shaking up and down, she was checking her phone every two seconds before looking to the door, her face hopeful with every second. Skye just did not get it, if she did not know that Maria's soulmate was on an undercover mission with no holiday's until it was over, she would swear up and down, that it was Sharon that was coming.
It would be nice to meet Maria's mate. Maria always talked about her in this dreamy, awed voice, her eyes unfocused as she got lost in her thoughts. It was cute, seeing the supposedly hard ass deputy director acting like a school girl over her soulmate, but it was also apparent that the women missed her whilst she was away working in an undercover mission, long term with no end date.
Natasha said Maria did not take the initial news very well. It took Peggy, Sharon and Natasha to stop the beta from tearing Fury apart at the news. When they found her, she was on top of him looking ready to kill whilst screaming at him. Apparently Sharon had only been back for three weeks after a six month mission away, undercover again. It was one of Sharon's specialities, rivalling Natasha's skills, which meant Fury preferred sending out Sharon to do these long term mission that were more recon and intel gathering rather than Natasha so that it would leave the Black Widow available for the more combat/undercover missions. Plus, she could still be near for the pack. It was easier to send Sharon away from a long period of time with no contact that it was to send Natasha away.
Maria could have lost her job right there and then, but Fury was understanding. He knew what he was doing was shite, to put it simply. He came down later to apologise to her, promising that after this mission was completed he would not send Sharon out on a long term mission with minimal contact for at least a year. Maria begrudgingly accepted the apology, holding Sharon close (who did not know whether to laugh at the situations Maria seems to get herself into with Nick, or join Maria in her glaring at the director) as she glared at him. It took a few days of gentle coxing from everyone to calm Maria down and apologise to Fury for attacking him.
Maria was vibrating with excitement beside her, causing Skye to frown. It must be Sharon, there is no way Maria would get this excited of just anyone. Especially with the way she was acting, her hands kept flexing as though she was trying to grab on to someone, her eyes were wider than usual, more dilated as they kept flickering to the door rather than watching what was on the TV. Her head would tilt, her face would concentrate slightly before relaxing again, clearly waiting for a reply, and lately, her eyes were totally unfocused, following a movement that was not there.
She was definitely in someone's head, that was for sure and it can be very intimate experience when they were not in their wolf forms (apparently, Skye was yet to experience any of this, but communication via thoughts was the norm when in their other forms. It was sounding more and more like Twilight to Skye, if she were honest.) Which left the option of talking with Sharon, which meant it was her that Skye was meeting. It helped ease some of the nerves that she was feeling at meeting another pack member, and a legacy at that.
Maria's head tilt and splitting grin at the door gave her a few precious moments to prepare herself before the door opened to reveal Sharon Carter, a tall blonde, a lazy smile on her face as she opened the door. She radiated confidence, Skye guessed that came with being the niece of Peggy Carter and being the soul mate of Maria Hill. She walked with purpose into the room, her eyes and smile greeting Natasha warmly, she looked briefly at Skye, her face lighting up in curiosity but ultimately, Skye was not who she was interested in. It was Maria and it only took a second of looking at Natasha and Skye in greeting before she moved swiftly to Maria, easily pulling the women from the couch and into a tight hug.
The two of them stood together, pressing tightly as their hand seemed to skim over each other, checking to make sure neither of them were hurt, whispering in soft, hurried tones as they tried to express to each other how much they missed their other half and how much they loved each other. Skye watched on, not realising that a soft smile took over her face as Maria turned into a soft, mushy person, willingly letting Sharon take lead and it wasn't long until the two were pressing there lips together, arms locked tightly as everything around them was tuned out as they solely focused on each other.
They were keeping everything PG for the moment, which Skye was happy about but she was sensing that it was slowly going to make its way to sex on the floor and not caring who sees. Apparently Natasha sensed that as well as she rolled her eyes and stood up, gently guiding the two of apart with a smile, caution in her eyes as she did so.
"You two have two whole days to fuck and cuddle and do all the romantic shit, and you can do that after you've met Skye, bonded and grow to love her and look after her like a good little wolf." Natasha said teasingly as she turned the blonde to face Skye, who had stood up and was feeling slightly awkward at the exchange.
"Hey" Skye said, lifting her hand up to wave rather awkwardly.
Sharon grinned at her, her warm wrapped tightly around Maria's waist, holding her tightly to her side, "Hey Skye, nice to finally meet you. Maria's been worrying herself sick over whether or not you would be happy in the pack and how she could make all this easy for you. Pretty sure Natasha been worrying as well, but she's very good at hiding it."
Skye almost felt like blushing at what she said, still trying to get use to people declaring that they are invested in her wellbeing, especially when they just met. It was nice as it was slightly uncomfortable. "Thanks, it's nice to meet you too. Maria's been like a giddy child waiting for you." Skye teased. The 'fake it till you make it' philosophy seemed to apply really well here – don't act too uncomfortable, don't seem to nervous. Seem like her usual, cocky and talk back attitude filled self.
Sharon let out a laugh, "yeah, Maria can be rather useless and whiny without me near her and then turns into a child whenever I'm near. It's a good thing she is cute, our fearless commander." Sharon continued to tease, trying to make things easy going for Skye to open up and accept her.
Skye gave Sharon a smile, grateful that the women was not going full on with the whole wolf pack thing like Maria and Natasha were, but she had to give them some leniency, they were the alpha and beta, their genetic make up and wolf instincts were much different from the rest of the make. They are the protects of the pack, they make sure everyone is happy and healthy and would defend everyone until their dying breath. It was still a nice change.
Sharon glanced back at Skye and then at Maria and Natasha. The two of them were obviously hovering around the girl, making sure she was happy with the arrangement, but they were not giving her time to breath. Time to give Skye a break, she thought to herself.
"Anyways" Sharon dragged out, moving forward and gently grabbing Skye's upper arm, quickly glancing at her to make sure she was okay with this, "I'm going to take Skye for some time away from you two, you over bearing mother hens. Enjoy your day together, don't be too loud and Natasha, please be gentle, I do want to spend some time with my mate without her wincing." Sharon instructed as she began to guide Skye away from the two, who stood there looking extremely confused.
Once they were further away from the top dogs, Sharon dropped her arms and looked over at Skye, watching the way she took in her surroundings and the winding hallways.
"The hallway was specifically designed like this so that if anyone got down here who wasn't supposed to be here, they would get lost. It's kind of like a structural security. It helps keep our secrets, secrets." Sharon explained, as she carefully navigated them to her room.
"Suppose that is one way to do it." Skye replied "Honestly I was expecting so much more from an agency that hid itself from the world, and probably would have continued to do so if they never wanted to take credit for the Avengers, well more like responsibility for the Avengers. I don't think the government would have been too amused with a bunch of super power humans running around without anyone guiding them or holding them responsible for their actions. Well, more like someone to blame for if the Avengers went sideways and ended up causing a catastrophe." Skye continued, letting her thoughts lose.
"That's very true, my aunt Peggy said that a lot of the government officials were trying to force S.H.I.E.L.D to pay for the damages caused by the Avengers defending New York from the Chitauri invasion, but between Nick, Maria and Aunt Peggy they basically told them that it was the governments problem, not theirs. They couldn't be held accountable for a literal god going on a rampage, only that they would send their agents to help assist with cleaning up the mess and deal with the alien technology that was left behind. Which of course has led to a lot of missions and teams being formed to hunt down the alien technology that was taken before we could get it. It's been causing a lot of hassle for Nick. Anyways, what kind of thing were you expecting when you came to the base? We can't exactly go all out, considering we are in the middle of Washington D.C." Sharon explained, finishing with the question as she turned slightly to look at Skye as she motioned for her to enter the room she had led them to.
"Huh, I did not realise so much alien technology was taken that they actually had to form teams over it. When I was with the Rising Tide we often realised data of where and when some alien technology was up for auction in exchange for them telling us everything about it so that we could realise the information to the public. It was very few and far between and none of them have yet to come up with an explanation with what the technology can do and a lot of the research had been shut down due to S.H.I.E.L.D raids. Honestly, I don't really know, I guess something more like lasers everywhere, security guards at each door and stoic faces everywhere with no emotions, kinda like robot employees with a bland building, but I never expected any of this." Skye explained, waving her hands around slightly as she explained and spun, taking in the room. "Holy crap, your a game geek." Skye said gleefully as she took in all the gaming systems, "please tell me you have Mario Kart."
Sharon grinned at her, "We do have Mario Kart. We can play that the now if you would like?" she offered, moving over to the gaming lounge in her and Maria's room. If anyone everyone asked Maria outside if the pack, she would scoff at the idea of Mario Kart and gaming in general, but she was a total nerd and it was adorable when she got competitive over the games, especially the Wii ones.
"Hell yeah." Skye said excitedly, feeling normal for the first time since she came to S.H.I.E.L.D, which felt like forever, but in actual fact had only been a few exhausting days. So much had happened in these days that it had honestly taken a lot out of her, along with the constant nausea that came with the injections, it made her just want to sleep, but she knew how much it would mean to Natasha and Maria, especially Maria, that she meet and bonded with Sharon. If Sharon loved gaming then it was going to be simple enough, Skye was a total geek, and proud of it. She had her favourite TV shows, favourite superheros and comics and loved playing games of all types.
Sharon smiled as she set up the game, both of them getting comfortable on the couch as the prepared themselves from several intense rounds of Mario Kart.
"I'm going to kick your ass, Carter." Skye teased, shoved her shoulder against Sharon's.
Sharon grinned at the younger women, "in your dream, tiny pup."
Skye let out a laugh, "that is a terrible nickname but it is so on!"
The two of them went on to spend several hours playing video games across the different platforms, each of them taking half of the wins. It was fun and relaxing and it was exactly what Skye needed after the intense day she has been having. She looked over at Sharon, who looked as equally relaxed as she did. It was nice, this peaceful harmony that they had, there was no exceptions of her being something greater than she was – or worse, her being more terrible than expected. Sharon gave her the much needed time to just stop and take everything in.
Which made Skye more grateful for the choice she made. She could have been locked away in a high security prison, she could be alone and scared that she would spend the rest of her life in there with no contact with anyone. It would literally be her worst nightmare. She was happy that she made a decision in a shitty situation and ended up with a weird, genetic modification and family that apparently will love her unconditionally without even meeting her and would go to the ends of the universe to protect her. Skye could barely remember the last time someone tried to go above and beyond the call of being foster parents or friends. It sounded like Stockholm Syndrome, but she has thought this out, sure she is still pissed that she was basically forced into this but it Natasha can go from being a wanted target by S.H.I.E.L.D, who were ready to kill her, to one of their most trusted agents. Surely, she could get over being given that ultimatum, because in the end, what she did was illegal, highly so, and if it wasn't for S.H.I.E.D, she could be locked away somewhere, or, she would have been given a similar offer by another agency. Work for them or go to jail. It wasn't an unusual situation for skilled hackers to get into.
Plus Skye always liked the idea of being a superhero and having abilities that no one else did and this was her chance, sort of, plus hopefully she gets a family out of this.
"What are you thinking about?" Sharon asked quietly. The women had turned the TV over to some TV show that had been quietly playing in the background as Skye got lost in her thoughts.
"Just thinking about the situation I'm in. How it could have been much worse. How I could have been left to fade to nothing but a distant memory. Instead I've been given the chance to change, to become something greater than I was...plus... having some really caring people in my life." Skye spoke quietly, too afraid to say aloud that they loved her, because how could they love her? They say that they do, but how? Look at her, a orphan hacker who's greatest achievement is hacking into S.H.I.E.L.D. It's not that great of an achievement, it shouldn't even be looked at one considering what she did was wrong.
Sharon slid closer to the women, looking as though she was going to wrap Skye in her arms but kept her distance. She understood that Skye was still getting used to the idea of people caring for her and wanting to make sure she is okay. She has Maria and Natasha going full force with her in the respect of showing that they care about her and constantly touching her. Skye needed someone right now to keep their distance and wait until she said she was okay with it. She needed someone to respect the boundaries that she had. It wasn't as if Skye did not like Maria and Natasha basically falling over themselves to ensure she is happy and always in contact with them, it's just she couldn't handle anyone else doing it. The two of them were different because they were the alpha and beta and so it caused Skye to react differently.
"Skye, we more than care about you. We love you. I know it seems weird, that only a few days ago you just had yourself and now you this whole pack of agents ready to do anything for you, but I need you to know that we do love and care about you. I get that you might not be ready to admit that to yourself just yet, and that you're not ready for this type of relationship with people, but we are here for when you are. Okay? If you don't want to talk about this until you are ready, then that's okay as well, just let us know when you are, and if you want people to keep their distance from you, to know touch you until you give them the okay – and yes, that include Natasha and Maria – then that is okay as well, we will let all of them know right now. Okay? We understand, you did not come in like most of us, and we understand that you will be hesitant in regards to all of this, it is a lot to take in. It's even scarier when you realise that yeah, you could have been left on your own, but you haven't, and when you are ready, you will have this amazing supportive network of people waiting for you. Until that time, we will be here for you silently. Also, this is probably more full on than what Natasha and Maria have been doing and I'm sorry, I just wanted you to know this." Sharon explained, hoping that Skye would understand where she was coming from.
Skye stared at her in shock, she wasn't expecting a speech of love from the women. She thought maybe Sharon would roll her eyes at her and shove off her feelings, but she acknowledged them, told her that she was loved and did not downplay the situation that in Skye's eyes, they could be considered the bad guys for giving her that ultimatum.
Sharon watched on as Skye just sat there, mouth agape, blinking slowly as though she couldn't quite believe what happened.
"It was actually Aunt Peggy who asked for you to join. She was in Melinda's head for their first mission, wanting to make sure everything went okay. Apparently she saw you, some scrappy little kid who had waaaaay big eyes. So brown and pure that they could melt the coldest of hearts, but Aunt Peggy said you look like a wounded wolf, doing anything and everything they could to protect themselves whilst somehow still looking and craving love and acceptance. She got on the phone to Nick and demanded that you join the programme, that she would take you under her wing if she had too." Sharon continued on to explain, this time moving closer to the girl till their legs touch and she opened up her arms for her, sensing the women needed the physical touch.
Skye flung herself into Sharon's arms, curling around her as she kept the tears at bay. She felt stupid for being so vulnerable around someone she just met, but this someone she just met told her how she was loved, because she was now family, how someone took one look at her through someone else's mind and saw past the facade she kept up for years and year, hoping no one would look to closely at her and see how broken she felt.
Sharon wrapped her arms around Skye's back, holding her tightly as the young women shook slightly in her arms, holding her back just as tightly. Neither of them said anything, just sat holding on to each other as the TV played softly in the background. Sharon willing to wait however long it was until Skye felt better, until she felt safe enough to let go and face the world head on after the confessions Sharon made. She meant every word she said to Skye and would continue to say them for as long as Skye needed the encouragement, Maria had been right, the girl had a lost look in her eyes even if she did not know it herself. She was yearning for physical contact and for someone to show her love and affection, even if she wasn't willing to admit it. All Sharon could hope was that she did not push the girl too far and cause her to retreat from them. They had made some really good bonding progress this morning and she genuinely liked the girl, they shared a lot of the same interests and had similar mannerisms that was going to drive Natasha and Melinda crazy.
"You okay?" Sharon murmured, smoothing down Skye's hair after the shaking had stopped.
"Yeah...just wasn't expecting any of that, if I'm being honest." Skye mumbled back.
"You needed to hear it." Sharon said simply, not bothering to sugar coat anything with the girl, knowing she would appreciate it more.
"Yeah." Skye replied, not exactly willing to discuss it further today. Too much emotion for one day, it was exhausting. "Can we not mention this? Just for a while... I just, it's exhausting."
"Of course, just let me, or Nat or Maria, know when you're ready to talk. Do you want a nap or food first?" Sharon asked easily, moving her hand from Skye's hair to her back, rubbing smooth circles on it.
"Food. Definitely food, I'm starving. Food." Skye replied, a smile making it's way onto her face.
"Alright then, lets get some food. We should go find Maria and Nat as well, and oh, by the way, I haven't forgotten that you have ties to auctions for the alien technology. I might need to get that information off of you to help out my team, if you don't mind." Sharon said, pulling them to their feet as they began the short journey to find the other two pack members.
Skye blinked "yeah, sure, I guess, just let me know when you want the information and I'll get it, should be easy enough after hacking S.H.I.E.L.D." Skye teased, walking along side her.
Sharon laughed and flung an arm around Skye's shoulder, "Yeah, yeah, big shot. You'll only got up to level four, get to level seven then I might be impressed."
Skye scoffed "I'd like to see you get passed S.H.I.E.L.D's obvious dummy levels first! You probably couldn't even start the process of a hack!"
"I don't need to, because I have the access already." Sharon flung back at her, laughing as Skye pouted at her response.
Yeah, things were certainly starting to look up for Skye, especially when she had Sharon here to act as a buffer between the affectionate Natasha and Maria and herself. She smiled at the other women, leaning more into the embrace as they walked to their destination of food. Today was a good day.