Day 126 – ICU – Daisy's room – a few minutes later
"Simmons! SIMMONS! JEMMA!"
May's voice sounded like a claxon blasting in Jemma's ear com. She dropped what she was doing, turned from Fitz and dashed toward Daisy's room. The pitch of May's voice was a harbinger that the young girl had succumbed to the menace that had encompassed her for the last three days. The sight of May embracing a limp Daisy only served to verify that fear.
Every bit of doctor protocol evaporated as Jemma smashed through the door. Her jaw dropped for a moment before she was overwhelmed by tears and turned back into Fitz who had followed only a step behind. Despite her own emotion she could hear May's sobbing behind her yet Fitz seemed almost relaxed. Odd, she though for someone who thought of Daisy as a kid sister…they both did. And Fitz had yet to react…shock, she told herself. When she felt more than heard a soft chuckle escape him she looked up quickly into his smiling face. While she shook her head in a mixture of anguish and anger, he nodded with a look of…of…dear gawd…was it delight?
Jemma pushed away from him as if he was someone she did not know, but he held her at arms length, still smiling but now nodding toward the bed where a grief stricken May held her dead child. She shook her head again and pushed against his chest with both hands in order to free herself.
"Jemma," he consoled softly, still smiling. "No, Jemma…" he nodded toward the bed again. "Look…" another nod…"look…" He gently turned her in that direction, keeping his hands on her shoulders.
For a moment the young doctor thought she was imagining things. The mind sees what it wants to see, she told herself. Jemma blinked away the tears that blurred her vision then quickly swiped both eyes. She wasn't imagining it. May wasn't sobbing in pain. She was crying tears of joy!
Daisy lifted her head slightly from May's shoulder and looked across the room at Jemma through squinty eyes. She raised her hand just enough to wriggle her fingers in a tiny wave. Jemma drew a quick breath, covered her mouth with one hand and the tears started again. She turned back to a still smiling Fitz and wrapped her arms around him tightly. "She's alive." She breathed into his neck and felt him nod back.
Before Fitz could respond they were both pushed aside as Coulson barreled into the room, also expecting the worst. The man stopped a few feet in front of them. His knees buckled for a second as he realized what had happened then dashed forward to wrap his arms around both May and Daisy. For a few moments the room was filled with everyone's sniffling.
"Why are you alive?" Jemma broke the silence as she collected herself and turned to face Daisy. She shook her head. "There is no conceivable way you should be." She took a few steps toward the small family stopped by Fitz's hold on her hand.
"Perhaps we should allow them some time to enjoy this inconceivable occurrence." He nodded toward them again as he tugged her toward the door.
"But…" Jemma protested, taking a step forward then allowing Fitz to guide her out while still staring back at Daisy who spoke softly to her overjoyed parents.
Day 126 – ICU – Daisy's room – just before noon
"What day is it?" Jemma asked, holding her clipboard and pen in front of her like someone conducting an interview or better yet an inquisition.
Daisy rolled her eyes. "How the hell should I know?! I've been in la-la land for like a week." She tilted her head back against the, now raised to sitting position, bed and stared at the ceiling.
Jemma gave her a sidelong glance and shook her head. "It's been only a few days and your exaggerations are not helping the situation."
Daisy turned up one side of her face, shrugged her shoulders and folded her hands on her lap. She squirmed a bit and tugged at the neck of the hospital gown now covering her. "Whoever is responsible for med lab laundry needs a few lessons in fabric softener use." She scrunched up her face and dropped her hands again at Jemma's stern look.
"What is your name?" Jemma asked without missing a beat or changing her expression.
For a second Daisy merely stared blankly, giving Jemma the idea that the girl could not recall. The doctor started to make a mark on her form when a smile spread across Daisy's face. She could no longer contain her amusement. The younger girl burst into laughter.
"Which one would you like? I've had a few and hell, right now I'm not even sure what to call myself." Daisy stopped for a moment. She hadn't really thought about it. She'd been Daisy Louise Johnson for the past three years and before that she was Skye for like maybe ten (?). Mary Sue Poots had been her moniker until she was about thirteen or fourteen when she unofficially changed it to whatever she liked on any particular day. The public called her Quake…not her favorite…reminded her of that dopey cereal¹ the kids at St. Agnes used to ask for all the time. Truth was, and there was actual DNA proof, that she was a Coulson…or a May…or a Coulson-May…May-Coulson? Daisy closed her eyes tightly, raised a hand and massaged her temple.
Jemma quickly dropped her clipboard on the bed and snatched the hand away, pushing Daisy's head back and shining her small, but very bright, flashlight into the girl's eyes.
Daisy swatted her away, blinking rapidly. "Damn it, Jemma…trying to blind me?" She dug both fists into her eyes then blinked several more times before scowling at the young doctor.
Jemma let out a frustrated breath and folded her arms over her chest. She tapped one foot on the tile floor and snarled. "Name?" She gathered her clipboard and pen waiting for an answer.
"DAISY," she settled on. Hell, she was used to it and if she was going to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent it would be better for everyone if she showed no connection to her parents. Bad guys always used the people you cared about the most about to get to you and she had to protect them from that. Probably didn't matter cuz everyone always saw through it anyway.
Jemma was still glaring at her over the clipboard, pen poised and ready to fire.
"Johnson, Daisy Johnson," she blew a fluttery breath over her lips. "My name is Daisy Johnson." She growled then added, "happy now?"
Jemma made a quick note. "I am definitely not doing this to make myself happy." She huffed. "It is merely a method to assess your cognition."
Daisy rolled her eyes up and let out a huff of her own. "Come on, Jemma, I'm not six years old…" She smiled and sat forward fanning out both arms. "I'm not even nine! I'm me…all me…full me!" She patted her chest and tapped the top of her head while kicking both feet.
Pursing her lips and shaking her head, Jemma tucked her clipboard under her arm and pulled the blanket neatly back over her patient. "You need to be calm…"
"Calm?" Daisy squeaked. "I've been in this firschtinkin bed forever. I just need to get up and get something to eat…" She twisted her lip and closed one eye looking up at the ceiling. "Yeah, like a nice juicy cheeseburger or maybe some deep dish pizza or tacos…mmmm, tacos…" Daisy threw the blanket aside and tossed one leg over the edge of the mattress almost knocking Jemma off balance.
The doctor quickly righted herself and slipped her patient's leg back into bed, pulling the blanket into place with a click of her tongue. "And you'll be making a very quick trip to the nearest lavatory." She shook her head. "Daisy you haven't had solid foods in almost four days. You can't just stuff yourself with anything and everything."
"Watch me." Daisy grinned, pushing one leg out and over the mattress a second time.
Jemma repeated her actions and 'tsked' at her uncooperative patient. "You are to stay right here in this bed until I say you are well enough to leave it and I will decide just when and what will serve and proper nourishment." She scolded.
"Damn it, Jemma." Daisy growled swiping the blanket from Jemma's hands. "Stop mothering me. I told you I'm fine." She threw a leg over the opposite side of the bed, hoping to escape before Jemma could stop her.
Jemma held her ground but did not move. She used verbal threats instead. Daisy was an expert at ignoring her but there was someone she'd not dare to cross. Jemma simply pursed her lips and spoke softly. "Any more of that and I'll be forced to bring Agent May in to keep you in your place. She will have no problem keeping your bum in that bed."
Daisy sat back with a pout then furrowed her brow and set her arms over her chest. "That's a low blow, doc."
It was Jemma's turn to smile. "And I expect that is exactly where every blow would land." She righted the blankets for the third time as Daisy pulled her leg back to the mattress.
"Ha, ha," Daisy laughed snidely. "Like I said, I'm not nine anymore." She wobbled her head sarcastically.
"Somehow I don't think would matter to Agent May. She might just forget herself and come to my aid." Jemma retorted with her own degree of sarcasm.
Daisy thought for a moment. Naw, no way, May wouldn't. Hell, she was an adult and that would be just way too weird. But she wasn't taking any chances so she drew a deep breath and blew it up over her top lip.
Pulling her clipboard back into position, Jemma cleared her throat. "Now, shall we continue?" She waited for Daisy's response which came in a very slight nod and a deeply furrowed brow. She nodded and poised that damn pen again. "Okay then, do you know where you are?"
Daisy stared off into the distance for a moment. "Where is she, anyway? May, I mean."
Drawing a breath and ready to scold the girl again, Jemma looked at Daisy's now deflated countenance and tucked her pen into her pocket. "I ordered her and Coulson to get some rest. They've been here with you since this all started."
Daisy smiled a little and picked at the fuzz on the blanket. "And they listened?" She asked without making eye contact.
"In matters that concern anyone's health, I have complete authority. They had no choice. It was either that or I'd have security remove them to the brig."
"You wouldn't." Daisy giggled.
Jemma thought for a moment then could not suppress her own giggle. "Probably not but I think they were too exhausted to argue."
"Yeah," Daisy fake laughed.
Jemma cocked her head and studied her friend for a moment. "Something wrong?" She wondered more than asked.
"Hmm?" Daisy faked smiled with a shake of her head. "No…no…I guess…I just guess now that I'm not a kid…I mean since I'm old enough to take care of myself they don't need to be so concerned." She shrugged a little, feeling sheepish for having such a thought. "Don't need to be hanging around here anymore."
"Daisy Johnson," Jemma scolded. "I cannot believe you would even think such a ridiculous thought. They care just as much now as they did when you were…" She paused searching for the right words. "When you were…"
"Smaller? Younger?" Daisy offered. "Shrunken?"
Jemma shook her head. "None of that matters."
"Don't tell me that, Jemma. You forget. I grew up in an orphanage. I know the people that came looking wanted cute little kids. Younger kids. They're a lot easier." Daisy shook her head. "Hell, Jemma, nobody comes looking to adopt an adult."
"You've got to let go of all that, Daisy." Jemma spoke softly. "They're your parents whether you're nine or ninety they still love you dearly."
"Easy for you to say," Daisy sighed. "You've got honest to gawd parents who loved you all your life no matter what kind of shenanigans you got into. You never messed up like I did." She blinked back tears and quickly brushed one escapee away. "You never hurt them…not like me."
Jemma hugged the clipboard to her chest and tapped it with one finger. "We all make mistakes, Daisy but that doesn't change how our families see us or love us. That love changes but it never depletes."
Daisy shook her head. "Yeah they got to see what a holy terror I was. They're probably glad they didn't have to deal with me for real."
"I'm pretty sure the last few months were very real." Jemma reminded her.
Daisy laughed out of the side of her mouth remembering her escapades and their consequences. "Yeah, I guess they were."
"You and I can debate this all afternoon but I think perhaps that conversation would be better addressed with Coulson and May." Jemma sighed as she patted Daisy's hand.
"Not something I look forward to," Daisy replied around a yawn.
"Hmm, I think you should get some rest too. This has been trying for everyone." Jemma nodded.
Daisy shook her head. "No way can I sleep. Too much to think about and I really am starving." She gave Jemma her best puppy dog look.
"I've got just the thing for that." Jemma flashed an evil smile and turned to a small tray she had placed on the counter earlier. She turned back with a hypodermic in one hand, gave it a small squeeze and shot a bit of liquid upward.
Pulling the blanket up to her nose, Daisy shook her head. "No way, come on Simmons, uh uh…" She pushed herself back against the mattress and away from the smiling doctor.
"Come on now, Daisy. You're a big girl. It's just a little pinch." Jemma stepped closer motioning for Daisy to expose the target. "I could bring in your favorite nurse tech for a bit of assistance. I'm sure she'd love to administer this dose." Jemma's voice went higher and sympathetic. "Of course she doesn't have the gentle touch that I maintain."
Daisy narrowed her eyes and growled as she flipped on her side. Jemma smiled at her ploy.
"OUCH!" Daisy squeaked as she rolled back. "Some damn pinch…more like a stab!"
"Exaggerations again," Jemma sighed as she dropped the hypo into the sharps box. She turned back to Daisy and lowered the bed, then tucked the blanket around her. "Get some sleep," she ordered. "I'll make sure you have some nice broth and warm tea when you wake. I'm sure your parents will be here as well."
Daisy stuck out her tongue as her eyes fluttered closed and she gave in to sleep.
Day 126 – ICU – Daisy's room – a few hours later
Daisy stirred a bit before slowly opening her eyes. She drew a deep breath and stretched out her arms and legs. She had no idea of the time or just how long she had been lost in a deep, dreamless sleep. The silence in her room and apparently outside of it was eerie. Daisy never really cared for that weird buzzy, clicky sound but right now it was blessed. It meant she was alone…unsupervised. That, in itself, was never a good thing.
She looked up at the camera over the exit door. No little red light meant it was not working or at least not turned on at the moment. Simmons must have thought her little butt dart would put her out for quite a bit and had no reason to spy (ha ha) on her. Well, unless that big dumb window… Daisy looked quickly to her right. Nope! The curtains were drawn over the observation window.
The girl lay perfectly still for a few seconds, straining to hear any sound anyone might make trying to be quiet because let's face it people make a lot of noise trying to be quiet. Satisfied that there was no one within earshot, Daisy slowly lifted the blanket and sat up, slipping her legs over the side of the bed. Again she remained still, again listened then smiled and slid forward until her toes touched the cold floor sending a shiver through her. She half expected an alarm to sound. When nothing happened she gently put both feet on the floor while gripping the edge of the mattress behind her. She listened and watched the door ready to hop back into the bed should it so much as click.
After a beat, Daisy smiled a satisfied smile. Her plan was to hike across the floor to the restroom, take care of an urgent need then high-tail it back to the bed before the warden discovered her jail break. She took a deep breath and let go of the mattress, still resting her backside against it. Even without her full weight on her legs they felt a little wobbly.
"Crap," she whispered to herself. "Got my body back...but, maybe my bones have to grow some more." Daisy shook her head. What a dopey idea! Of course she had bones. How did she move without them?
She turned and carefully, very slowly, walked to the end of the bed, still using it as a kinda oversized crutch. At the foot she looked across the about six foot gap between there and the bathroom doorway. It could have been the Grand Canyon. She thought about the last time she choose to bridge that gap without the tech nurse's aid then shook off the kooky memory. Pushing herself up into a full standing position (with her hip still against the bed frame), Daisy drew a breath and let it out through puffy cheeks.
This was nuts. She'd been walking since she was a baby or at least a toddler. There was nothing wrong with her legs…well, not that she could remember. Jemma said something about her brain being, no maybe being a little broken from having no air. Maybe it forgot she had legs! Daisy looked down at her feet. They'd gotten her that far so her brain didn't forget…well, not everything about walking.
Okay, if she was going to do this it was now or never or at least until someone came to check on her. It couldn't be more than six or seven steps. Yeah, she could do this.
Daisy slid her foot forward rather than lifting it from the floor then did the same with the other, one hand still on the foot of the bed. She let out a breath as if she'd run a marathon, then swallowed and slid one foot forward again. This was it, the moment of truth. The next step would take her too far from the mattress to hold on any longer. She'd be on her own. She crossed her fingers and pushed forward until her feet rested side by side and she stood with arms out at her side like a very drunken circus tightrope walker.
Suddenly this did not seem like one of her better ideas, but there was no going back. She was pretty sure turning around would completely throw her off balance and there was no way she could walk backward. Hell, she hadn't done such a great job going forward. She wobbled a little, side to side then remembered her training and squatted lower taking her center of gravity with her.
It helped…a little.
Daisy attempted to slide her foot forward but listed to the left just a bit. She leaned in that direction then to the right in order to compensate. She shook her head. If her right foot slid to the right she'd end up in some very painful split. If she pitched forward whoever came to her rescue would get a close up of a full moon. Maybe it would be best to sit down right here and wait for backup. Of course if that didn't come soon she'd be sitting in a puddle… Oh gawd, could this get more embarrassing?
She sucked in a breath and decided it would be best to step rather than slide forward. She teetered forward then pulled back and lifted her right foot about an inch from the floor. Bad idea…very bad idea…ran through her head as she felt herself toppling to the left and headed for the floor with nothing to stop her.
Then just as quickly she stopped with strong arms pulling her upright.
"Geez, Daisy what are you trying to do?" Coulson's almost panicked voice startled her.
How the hell did he get in without her hearing him? A plunk of something metal hitting metal caught her attention as her mouth soundlessly tried to respond.
"I…I…I…" she babbled, locking on May's glare.
"What are you doing out of bed?" Coulson kissed the top of her head as he wrapped an arm around her and attempted to turn her back.
"N-no…" Daisy shook her head and pointed toward her intended destination.
Coulson looked in that direction. "Uh huh," he nodded as his cheeks turned bright pink.
May was at her opposite side in a beat. She smiled at Coulson then narrowed her eyes at Daisy. "Let's go. I'll get you there."
Daisy frowned back. "I got this."
"Sure you do," May snapped as she slowly helped Daisy toward the restroom.
Once inside the two women stared at each other for a moment before May gave a quick nod. "I'll be right outside the door. You aren't out in thirty seconds…I'm coming in."
Daisy nodded then let out a relieved breath as May slammed the door.
Ten minutes later Daisy was back in bed after being scooped up by Coulson for a quick trip across the room.
"I guess you're gonna read me the riot act now." Daisy scoffed as she smoothed the blanket across her lap.
"Would it do any good?" May snapped back.
"Daisy!" Simmons slammed into the room before Daisy could respond. "That was an extremely stupid move. Do you realize what could have happened? What if Coulson hadn't been here?" She held up a finger when Daisy attempted to answer then popped her stethoscope in her ears and rested it on Daisy's chest listening carefully before she motioned for the girl to sit forward and placed the small round device on different spots on her back. She stood back as Daisy sat back then flashed that damn bight light in her eyes again and poked something into each of her ears before letting out a huffed breath and turning to Coulson and May.
"There doesn't appear to be any damage. Her equilibrium is off since the fluid in both ears needs to regulate after so much time on her back and the extremely rapid change in her size. I don't expect it will take long but," she turned back to address Daisy. "It will not happen immediately. You need to take things slowly."
"Sorry," Daisy mumbled. "I just needed…" she nodded toward the restroom.
Jemma pulled a small remote from beneath Daisy's pillow and pointed to the button in its center. "That is what this is for."
"Ah, come on Jemma," Daisy whined. "I'm not using that…" she twirled her hand in a circle, "thing."
"Perhaps if you had taken the time to ask, someone could have assisted you to the restroom." Jemma scolded.
Daisy chewed her lip, refusing to look up at anyone. "Sorry," she mumbled again.
Jemma shook her head then turned to May and Coulson again. "All of the tests have come back and as far as I can tell she shows absolutely no adverse affects from the ordeal she's been through. Fitz has run some tests as well and there is no trace of the crystals that seemed to have caused all of this. Although I still cannot fathom how she survived without oxygen or blood flow for as long as she did." Jemma shook her head.
Daisy cleared her throat. "Hey, you know I'm right here."
"Of course you are, Daisy, but the way you've been acting since you've woken I was afraid your body had grown and your mind regressed. You have been rather childish." Jemma retorted, apparently still angry with her patient and friend.
"Funny," Daisy snorted.
Jemma let out a frustrated breath. "You seem to be fine." She huffed. "Have your dinner. If there are no issues we'll discuss taking a bit of a walk later and," she looked to Coulson and May, "if you behave, we'll try using your powers tomorrow."
Daisy opened her mouth to deliver a snarky comeback then thought better of it and just gave a quick nod and let out a soft breath.
Giving a nod in return, Jemma smiled. "Let me know when you have finished and we'll decide if a short walk is in order." She nodded toward Coulson and May then left the room.
Coulson watched her go then pushed the tray table in front of Daisy. "It isn't much but Jemma said you should start off light." He smiled as he lifted the metal cover from a small bowl of noodle soup.
Daisy frowned at her meal. Other than the soup there was one small pack of saltines, a bowl of red gelatin and a cup of steaming tea. She scrunched up her nose.
"Hey, I hear they've got tapioca for tonight's snack." Coulson smiled weakly.
"Yum," Daisy snarked.
"Enough," May broke up their conversation. "You want out of that bed? Start eating." She cocked her head toward the tray.
Daisy picked up the spoon and took a small bit of soup. It wasn't bad…wasn't great…but not bad. She finished most of it before her stomach felt a little queasy. Jell-o was never a favorite. There was just something weird about food that avoids your teeth. Settling for the tea she pushed the rest away and took small sips immediately recognizing one of May's special brews and not some bag-in-boiling-water-cafeteria- tea. She couldn't help the smile that she hid behind a sip.
Placing the cup on the tray she looked from Coulson to May sitting near the bed. They had been unusually quiet. "Soooooo, anything new I should know about?"
Coulson smiled at Daisy's attempt at normality. May shook her head. "Nothing that can't wait until you're one hundred percent." Coulson informed her, rubbing his hands together then placing them on his knees.
Daisy nodded around another sip of tea. "Jemma says everything's good."
"That and you can't take six steps without falling on your ass." May reminded her, arms folded across her chest.
"Actually it was more like ten and not exactly steps." Daisy grumbled under her breath.
"Got something to say?" May's brows rose. "Say it out loud."
Daisy looked away as Coulson rose and moved the meal tray away from the bed. "How 'bout we all take a step back?" He smiled at his daughter and looked over his shoulder at May. Turning back to Daisy he took her hand and squeezed it tightly. "So, how you really feeling, kid?"
Daisy looked at his hand and how much larger hers now looked inside of his. She remembered him holding her much smaller hand as they stood at the railing on the walk at the top of the lighthouse watching a fireworks display far across the lake in River's End. That's what fathers did. They held their little girl's hand to keep them safe…to keep them close.
She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know…weird, I guess."
May let out a 'pishaw' noise and shook her head. "What the hell does that mean?"
"Geez May, you try aging fifteen years in a few minutes then spending two days in hell and tell me how you feel." Daisy shot back.
Coulson held up a finger.
"I know, I know," Daisy protested. "But she started it." She tossed her chin at May who shot a look back. The girl looked to Coulson desperate for a defender. "Look, I know she's…" she looked at May, "you're mad at me but I'm sorry…I'm just…" Daisy's voice cracked. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, hey," Coulson comforted, reaching forward and wiping away a tear with his thumb. "We're past that. You have your trusty help button here." He patted the remote caller Jemma had placed at Daisy's side and smiled.
Daisy shook her head. "No, I'm sorry I grew up. I'm sorry I'm not little anymore. I'm sorry May. I'm sorry I can't…" Whatever else she said was buried in Coulson's embrace as he wrapped her in her arms, looking back to May in total confusion.
May stepped forward motioning for Coulson to let her take over. She easily slid into the position he had taken on the edge of the mattress. Daisy looked at her for a moment before May opened her arms and the girl fell into them.
"Oh, bao bei," May spoke softly. The term brought Daisy to heavier sobs. "None," she kissed the top of Daisy's head, "none of that matters. I don't care how big…or small you are…" She shushed the girl and rocked gently side to side, kissing her again. "I love you no matter what and the only thing that makes me mad is all the stupid tricks you keep pulling." She ended with a soft chuckled and smiled when Daisy gave a sobby laugh.
May hugged her tighter and laid her cheek against Daisy's head. "You are so lucky you grew back into yourself or you'd be in the hot seat for that trek across the room today."
Daisy laughed again as she sat back and swiped her nose with the back of her hand. Coulson smiled as he offered a handkerchief. "Think I would have learned the first time." She chuckled.
"Never happen," Coulson smiled.
May shook her head and pulled Daisy back into her arms. "I know you had it rough, Daisy and things were never clear for you but anger does not equal loss. I can be angry as hell with you and still love you more than life itself."
"That's what mom's do." Coulson agreed.
"No one ever loved me like that." Daisy admitted.
May hugged her tighter as Coulson sat behind her and hugged them both. "And for that we're sorry." He whispered.
"No," Daisy pushed herself back and wiped both eyes with Coulson's handkerchief. "No, you never have to be sorry. There was nothing you could do." She sniffled twice and offered a sad smile. "I'm the one who's been a little brat for the past four months, testing you at every turn." She shook her head and wiped her eyes again.
May smiled. "You were a child, bao bei, just a little girl wanting to grow up too fast and I loved every minute of that but everyone grows up, Daisy."
"Well, not as quickly as you did…this time." Coulson snickered
"Pretty sure nobody else had to do it twice," Daisy added. "I wouldn't recommend it." She paused for a moment then added, "but I'd do it all again just to have you guys be my parents." Then quickly amended her statement, "'cept I don't think my butt would survive."
May gave a small laugh. "Nothing you didn't earn honestly." She hugged the girl again.
"So," Daisy drew a shaky breath, wrapping the handkerchief around her fingers. "You think Jemma'll let me take that walk?"
"I'm sure we can put in a good word for you." Coulson smiled.
"Walk with me?" She asked softly.
"Absolutely," they answered together.
Day 126 – ICU – Daisy's room – a little before ten
"She's asleep." May smiled as she brushed the hair away from Daisy's face.
"Guess that walk took a lot out of her." Coulson nodded stepping behind May to watch their grown daughter sleep.
"Think I'll camp out here tonight, just in case she needs any late night trips to the powder room." May announced, still stroking Daisy's hair.
"Good idea," Coulson agreed. "Glad they left the recliners." He nodded toward the large chairs across the room.
May tucked the blankets up under Daisy's chin and placed a kiss on her temple then leaned back against Coulson's chest. "I'll get some blankets and pillows, let Jemma know we're staying."
He nodded as she slipped away then smiled down at Daisy before kissing the top of her head. "Glad you're back angel eyes," he whispered. "Missed you."
Jemma had Okayed the walk. It started out a little wobbly with Daisy held up between her parents. They circled the room a few times before Daisy nodded toward the exit and insisted they visit the hallway. It was a long slow walk to the lift but the girl insisted she was not tired and could do much more. The small group made their way to the end of the hallway and turned back with Daisy pulling more of her own weight. They stopped at the lift where she begged to visit the lower level, just to get a peek at that pool and make sure it wasn't just a dream. May agreed on the condition they then return to the med bay. With a quick nod, Daisy reached out and pressed the button almost going headlong into the lift as the doors opened.
The trip to the pool was slow and easy and included just 'soaking my feet for a few seconds' that turned into about twenty minutes of kicking and splashing while laughing about their former exploits in the large body of water. Plans were made for a picnic celebration after all was said and done.
Daisy finally gave in to May and Coulson's urging and slipped her wet feet into the goofy slippers Jemma had provided. She laughed at the wet hem on the baggy rope she wore.
With lots of begging and promising to then go straight back to medical Daisy convinced her amused parents to make a pit stop at the base commissary. Without realizing it she was walking on her own, with Coulson and May at her sides for moral support.
"I'm starving." Daisy announced as they entered the large room.
"Still got that tapioca," Coulson smirked.
"No way," Daisy responded. "I need real food…grilled cheese…pleeeeeeez?" She batted her eyes at him.
May shook her head. But Coulson gave in, rolled up his sleeves and in a few minutes served up a hot creamy cheese sandwich cut into four triangles.
Daisy plopped down on the nearest chair and rubbed her hands together. "Mmmmm," she smiled before taking a large bite. "OMG…delicious…you are the best AC."
Coulson laughed as he shook his head and silently asked May if she'd like the same. She held up a hand refusing the offer.
"You know what would go good with this?" Daisy pointed at the two pieces remaining on her plate. "A nice cold bottle of Coke." She nodded. "I bet Mack's got a couple stashed in the bottom of the fridge." She tilted her held toward the appliance.
May rubbed her tongue against the inside of her bottom lip, nodded slowly and stood. Daisy smiled as her mother walked to the refrigerator then returned a few seconds later placed a glass of milk in front of the girl. Daisy stared at it for a moment, chewed quickly and swallowed. She looked up at May with a wrinkled brow.
"Soda rots your teeth." May explained with a sneaky smile.
Daisy smiled back then reached for the last piece of her sandwich with one hand and the milk with the other.
After a quick clean up they were on their way back to Daisy's medical room. The lift felt a little wanky to the girl and when the door opened she reached for May. "I think I need the closest bathroom." She announced before slapping a hand over her mouth.
May got her there as quickly as possible and shook her head as the girl lost the contents of her stomach then staggered to one of the sinks to splash water on her face. She turned on the faucet then rushed back to the basin and repeated the process…twice.
Getting back to the room was an effort with Coulson threatening to carry her the last few feet. Daisy shook her head and plowed on holding on to both parents to stay on her feet. She made it to the room on her own, slipped off the bathroom and kicked off the slippers before falling into bed.
May shook her head as she pulled the girl to her feet and practically pushed her into the room's bathroom. A few minutes later Coulson helped get their daughter into bed before May pulled the blankets around her.
Jemma came in with a smile, impressed that they had taken such a long walk. She had expected they'd be back quickly. She pulled a hypodermic from her pocket but May waved her off explaining what had happened and that Daisy was totally exhausted. Jemma laughed at the fact that Daisy was too stubborn for her own good and would probably never learn her lesson.
Coulson rose, shaking off his reverie as May returned with a pile of blankets and pillows. He helped her tuck sheets over the recliners before slipping off his shoes and lying back on the chair furthest from Daisy's bed. He knew May would want to be close, even if Jemma said the girl was fine. May flicked off the light and rested on the second chair. In the dark she felt his hand close around hers and smiled.
This was an odd little family…but it was theirs.
Day 127 – ICU – Daisy's room – just after breakfast
Daisy pulled her foot up onto the bed and quickly tied her shoe. She looked at the simple brown book lying on the mattress and smiled. Dropping her foot the floor she picked it up and leafed through the pages smiling at some of the childish penmanship. Turning to the last page she pulled the pen from its holding along the binding and thought for a moment before starting…
127 days…it's been 127 days since I…we tore through the 'whatever' that separates univer…no make that multiverses. 127 days since I got turned into a kid and got to live with my real parents like a real family. It wasn't like I ever imagined. It was a thousand times better.
I don't really remember much about what went on the last couple days but hell, I'm me again. I figured May and Coulson wouldn't really have much to do with me but things really haven't changed that much. My little friend Skye told me a while back that my mom loved me just like her mom loved her. I remember laughing at how innocent she was and how kids just believe stuff like that. Who knew? Turns out the kid was right. My mom does love me exactly the same. Oh and my dad does too…always did.
I don't know if I'll be writing anymore. Big me has a lot more to do. But I think I'll keep this, maybe read it or save it and write my memoirs one of these days. I'll call it something like…The Second Time Around or Twice is Nice…or some other campy title.
I thought I'd be moving back into my bunk but May and Coulson think I should come back to our little 'bungalow' until they're sure I am totally recovered. Not sure how long that will be but it's okay. It's nice having a family so we'll see how it goes.
And just think Coulson and May together…hah, like we didn't always know they would end up a couple cuz like they always were anyway. And there's only two bedrooms in that little place…soooooo
Well, this is a G-rated diary so I'm gonna leave it at that.
Learned a lot through this whole thing but it probably won't stop me from making stupid mistakes in the future. Guess I just gotta try it my way. That's just the way I'm built.
Right now I gotta go. Lots to do. Heard there's some kind of weird stuff happening in St. Louis. Coulson will probably ground me for a while but he can't keep me on the disabled list forever. Secret? Jemma wants to check my powers. Got news for her. They work just fine. I know cuz I can feel them just like always but I'll humor her.
Time to get back to normal…whatever the hell that is. Who knows maybe we'll end up in outer space or Fitz'll discover some way to travel through time.
Guess it doesn't really matter as long as we do it together.
¹ Quake and its partner cereal Quisp were introduced by Quaker Oats in 1965. Quake was described in commercials as "wonderful wheelies of corn and oats. cereal_ ?id=294
