Chapter 3: A Little Mission Nobody Expected
Grant's POV- Status: The Hub. Whereabouts: "Classified"
Walking towards the entrance of The Hub he readjusted Skye on his hip, her arms tighten around his neck like she thought he'd changed his mind and was going to take her back to The Bus were she was meant to be while he had his meeting with Director Fury. He wasn't sure why he was having a meeting with The Director at all since he'd never had one before but there was a first time for everything so here he was.
Heading towards the security gate to swipe his card, he almost did change his mind when he saw how busy it was 'how did she talk her way into coming with me' well talked would imply discussion Skye had basically just demanded to come and refused to be separated from him crying until he finally caved and agreed to take her with him.
Skye's POV
She rested her head on Grant's shoulder and kept a tight grip on him so he wouldn't take her back to the car, there were lots of big people here which made her nervous. They looked very busy, they were rushing everywhere and they looked at her funny as they walked by gaping making her feel self-conscious. She got dressed all by herself this morning, she was wearing her new red dress and leggings which were harder to get on than she thought, with her Iron Man hoodie and matching socks pulled up so she could see Iron Man's helmet just above her bright red gumboots. She didn't like them watching her she snuggled into Grant were she was safe and didn't have to see their faces looking at her.
Grant's POV
The guard at the gate was staring as he approached and he wasn't the only one he notices as he took in his surrounding 'it's not like S.H.I.E.L.D has a bring your kid to work day, so a three year old being brought to S.H.I.E.L.D is unusual but still they're in the business of unusual so they could be a little less obvious with their stares' he thought annoyed as he stepped towards the gate.
He scanned his ID tightening his grip on Skye to protect her from the stares. She's been very quiet since he'd unbuckled her from her car seat after all her crying and insisting on coming. 'Maybe she feels a bit shy after her insistence or…..intimidated by all the agents and guards around staring at her' he thought irritated, protectiveness flaring as the guard on the gate blocking his path with his hands held up "she needs a visitor's pass when you're done gaping at her" he stated coldly, nodding down in Skye's direction holding her a little tighter to him.
The guard handed the ID over to him quickly allowing them through clearly embarrassed at being caught staring. Once through the gates he paused attaching it to Skye's hoodie "you've got to keep this on Skye, no pulling it off" he told her firmly.
Skye's POV
She nodded not really listening as she eyed her magic card curiously she picked it up looking at it closer then put it down again and reaching out gabbing Grant's magic card from where it was hanging from the top pocket of his pretty looking black jacket. His magic card opened doors and stuff she inspected it intently then put it down. She liked his better it had his face on it, hers was just plain with a funny looking symbol on it.
Grant's POV
Reaching the lift to Fury's office he shuffled Skye a little so he could press the up button for the lift but Skye wriggling around made him roll his eyes, she loved to push buttons. He shrugging 'what could it hurt' and bend over a little allowing her to push the up button. The smile Skye gave him was worth it.
The doors opened and her smile vanished, the glass windows of the lift obviously frightened her. She shrank back into him and redoubles her hold around his neck. As the lift got higher her arms seemed to tighten, he rubbed her back trying to sooth her "close her eyes baby, we're nearly there" he whispered softly, she shut her eyes tight and hid her face in his neck whimpering softly.
When they reached their floor the lift dinged nearly making Skye jump right out of his arms, she burst into tears and started crying hysterically. He jigged her trying to calm her down as tears leaking from her closed eye, he made a quick exit of the lift once the doors finally opened and quickly told the receptionist he was here to see Director Fury.
He took a seat with Skye on his lap and dried her tears, obviously heights was a fear her older self had grown out of as she lived on The Bus but clearly her younger self was terrified. Good thing they were grounded at the moment, he didn't like seeing Skye upset it just didn't sit right with him and he wanted to take away whatever was upsetting her.
Rubbing Skye's back and rocking her seemed to be working she seemed nearly back to herself when the receptionist informed him Director Fury could see him. Setting Skye back on his hip he made for the door indicated by the blonde receptionist eyeing him up, he internally rolled his eyes 'could she be more obvious' he thought exasperated ignoring her as he entered the office.
He was met with a questioning brow from Director Fury as he walked into the office. He was about to explain why he'd brought a three year old with him.
"PIRATE!" Skye screamed nearly deafening him.
Skye screamed so loud a dozen agents came barrelling in dressed in full tactical gear, guns drawn looking around for the threat. He instinctively turned his body away from them protecting Skye just in case one of them got trigger happy but they seemed to freeze when they caught sight of her. Seeing the door being broken down and people running at her scream made Skye giggle and clap her hands and hearing the entertained giggles and clapping she was giving them the agents didn't make a move. He was a little preoccupied with so many weapons pointed at them to be relieved that she'd decided to start talking again if only to shout at the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Fury's POV
He eyed the giggling kid curiously she had spunk and was no doubt a handful. The uncomfortable look on Agent Ward's face made him waved the agents away, he could see in Ward's posture how tense having some many weapons pointed at the little girl was making him and he wouldn't put it past him to go on the offensive despite the situation if it meant keeping the squirt safe. He assumed this was the hacker known as Skye from Coulson's team who'd somehow been turned into a baby by an 0-8-4.
Coulson had mention on the phone Skye would most likely be accompanying Agent Ward to this meeting although he hadn't mention why. Focusing his good eye on the kid in question now playing happily with Agent Ward's ID badge, he addressed the still tense looking agent "why's there a baby in my office?"
Grant's POV
He took his ID from Skye who made an unhappy sound at being stopped putting it in her mouth. He didn't really have an excuse for bringing Skye with him other than the fact he couldn't say no to her big brown eyes. He cleared his throat and stood a little straighter "I'm her SO Sir, it's my job to look after her until she is back to normal and can look after herself again" he said truthfully feeling really out of place just standing in the middle of the office.
Fury's POV
Satisfied with Ward's explanation he turned his attention to Skye who had successfully taken up playing with her SO's ID badge again and was chewing on the corner "why didn't you just leave her with Coulson and the team, surely she'd have been safe with them?" He inquired rounding his desk taking a seat behind it indicating for Ward to take a seat as well.
Grant's POV
He was still thinking of an excuse when Skye spoke up.
"Cause i's going wif my Robot" Skye told Fury with a glared.
Fury didn't appear shocked by Skye's outburst in the slightest his only response was an "I see."
He didn't like the way that sounded but he took a seat with Skye on his knee, she just went back to playing with his ID after seeming satisfied that she wasn't going to be separated from him.
He shifted Skye uncomfortably on his lap, as Fury set his gaze on him. He didn't like to think what Fury was making of his decision to let Skye come with him but by the way Fury shifted his gaze from Skye and back to himself he'd guessed why. He hadn't been able to say no to her, it was clear that Fury realised this after meeting her as his gaze softened and he got on with the meeting allowing him to relax a little.
Skye was becoming increasing fidgety on his lap. This was exactly why he didn't want to bring her, she couldn't sit still and being three years old didn't help. It only increased her impatience. So far she'd played with his tie strangling him with it, he'd taken his ID off her again as she was putting it in her mouth and she'd engaged in a game of peek a boo by hiding in his suit jacket but got upset when he didn't play along.
He exhaled noisily letting Skye down 'she can't get into too much trouble in the world's most secure office' he reasoned and continued his conversation trying to get it over as quick as possible before she got any more restless.
Skye's POV
Once she wriggling off Grant's lap she began to wander around the office looking for something to play with while Robot talked to the Pirate. She spotted the open door, there was more to look at and she could see where all the Robots played.
She glanced back at Grant, he was busy talking to the Pirate so she could explore while he was busy and find something to play with that would be fun. She headed towards the open door carefully climbing up onto it on her hands and knees then straightened up. The door wobbled a little and she nearly lost her balance but she steadied herself on the door frame and jumped off the end like it was a plank.
Grant's POV
Skye was too quiet his sense went on high alert as he finished off his conversation with Fury. He glanced around the office to spot Skye, not seeing her anywhere he jumped up searching the office. Dread filled him as he spotted the broken down door nobody had bothered to put back up.
He was panicking a bit now as he practically ran out the wide open door looking left and right in the reception area, not seeing Skye anywhere he turned back to Fury with a worried expression.
Fury's POV
'Agent Ward's Baby Rookie caused enough damage in my office, let alone running around The Hub by herself' he thought groaning a little at just the thought of the mess he'd have to deal with if Ward didn't find her fast.
Grant's POV
He watched Fury lean over the reception desk and hit a button; he gave Fury a questioning look.
"I just sent an alert to the guards on the exterior doors and will inform them of the situation so your baby Rookie can't wander out unnoticed" Fury explained turning back to his office "you'd better get looking Agent Ward, I'd like The Hub still standing as opposed to my office door" Fury called over his shoulder.
He didn't need telling twice The Hub was huge and Skye was only a baby really and so tiny, she could get into any number of situations that weren't safe.
Skye's POV
Skye wandered down the hallway towards the lift, she gave it a dirty look and stopped looking around there was a man dressed like Grant; she follows him figuring he'd lead her to the other robots.
Grant's POV
He was grateful Skye couldn't get out of The Hub, he made a dash for the lift he didn't think she'd have used it due to her terror earlier but it was a starting point 'Skye does like buttons' he reasoned. He decided going down floor by floor would be a good place to start with and hit the button repeatedly in his agitation.
He searched the gym not finding any trace of her there he ruled that floor out heading to the offices on the floor below only to have everyone he asked look at him like he needed his head read and say 'a little girl, here at The Hub' or 'haven't seen her.' Praying Skye wasn't anywhere near the labs as she'd taken a liking to watching Fitzsimmons in there lab he headed there next.
He felt a small sense of relief that Skye wasn't in the labs and headed for the main floor 'she's gotta be getting tired and hungry by now' he started looking around and asking people if they'd seen her again feeling a little desperate now that he was one the last floor of his search.
Skye's POV
Skye was having fun looking at were all the Robot's played but abruptly panic filled her as she realized looking around at all the legs, she didn't know how to get back to her Robot. She looked around for him and started running looking everywhere. She crashed into a pair of legs and fell back on her bottom, she scrabbled back and pushed off the ground getting back up on her feet as quickly as she could, she didn't like being on the ground defenceless. She looked up at the women she'd crashed into hopping she wasn't about to be yelled at or worse. Worry filled her she didn't have Grant to keep her safe 'where is my Grant?' she thought desperately looking around for him panicked.
Natasha's POV
Natasha looked down shocked to see a little girl at her feet in The Hub of all places; she couldn't be more than three looking very distressed. She crouched down keeping her distance so she didn't frighten the girl "are you lost?" she got a small nod from the girl who started rubbing her eyes tiredly. The girl didn't say anything else and she needed more information to find her parents "who are you with?" She inquired.
"Robot" the little girl mumbled in a small upset voice.
'Robot? Who the hell was Robot or what was Robot? This is S.H.I.E.L.D' she thought.
Skye' POV
She could see she wasn't helping the lady find Grant, she knew you shouldn't talk to strangers but how was she meant to find him. This was a very big place and there were scary strangers everywhere that kept looking at her funny. She just wanted Grant, she want him now. He'd stop people looking at her with one look, she couldn't do that so she needed him to come and make her safe again and stop people looking at her, it was scary and she was frighten. She didn't know what to do tears welled up she couldn't keep them in.
Natasha's POV
Natasha wasn't sure how to stop the waterworks, the toddler was virtually wailing in the middle of The Hub. She tried to pick her up only to have her stomp a gumboot down on her foot.
"I want my Robot!" the girl screamed scrambling away from her.
Grant's POV
He'd looked everywhere and was really starting to worry when he heard a familiar crying 'it could only be one person' he thought heart pounding in his chest as he ran full speed towards the sound. He could just spot Skye as he dashed in between people, she was sitting on the floor in the middle of The Hub curls a mess and a red headed women he recognized trying to calm her down and by the volume of Skye's crying he assumed failing.
Natasha's POV
She wasn't sure what to do the girl kept crying, looking up she caught sight of Agent Ward running towards her looking extremely worried 'like cover blown to smithereens worried' She understood now and smiled Agent Ward was her Robot 'this girl must be something special to get away with calling Agent Grant Ward Robot' she thought amused. Robot. It all made sense now.
Grant's POV
He finally reached a very distressed Skye and a very relieved Natasha. He smiled at Natasha in reassurance as he reached for Skye, she scrambled away only stopping when she looked up through watery red eyes and saw him she stretch her small arms out to him miserably letting him pick her up.
Skye was breathing hard as she buried her face in his neck, she dampen his suit jacket in seconds. Smoothing down her hair he rubbed her back "you're safe, I've got you now" he told her holding her tight against his chest as he sat on the floor of The Hub with her cradled in his lap. He turned to Natasha as he became more aware of her observing there whole interaction curiosity.
Natasha's POV:
Seeing the baby girl practically cling to Agent Ward a usually stoic agent she smiled- he was actually parental, it was nice to see. He exchanged a grateful look with her then they both stood up from their positions on the floor.
Grant's POV
He filled Natasha in on the situation then she told him about Skye running into her and stomping on her foot, he smirked at that. Clearly little Skye had watched some of his training. He smirked "in any other circumstances Skye would probably be fangirling all over you not stomping on your foot trying to get away" he told Natasha.
"Well, I see she's a fan of Starks" Natasha stated noticing the socks and jacket Skye had on.
He gave Skye a little squeeze and smirked "you have no idea" he said shaking his head.
Natasha's POV
She couldn't stop herself "Robot?"
Ward grimaced "long story" he groaned not giving anything away.
She raised her eyebrows at that sensing this 'long story' was one she defiantly needed to know. Deciding now wasn't the time she conceded to wait and ask her number one fan when she was back to normal.
Grant's POV
Hearing that Natasha was going to wait for Skye to explain the story behind his nickname he rolled his eyes. He thanked her again before heading for the exit of The Hub, he'd be happy not to set foot in this place for a while and he certainly wouldn't be letting Skye out of his sight while here again whether she was big or little. Giving the guard the ok to let Fury know he'd found his runaway Rookie after her adventure, he made his way to the gates after they lifted security.
Swiping his card he noticed little bite marked in it, looking down at Skye he couldn't even be angry with her, not for her adventure or the little Skye sized teeth marks in his S.H.I.E.L.D photo ID. They would most likely remind him of this very long day they'd shared every time he swiped his card in the future.
He was trying to unclip Skye's visitor ID from the front of her hoodie without disturbing her.
The guard held up a hand to stop him "don't worry about it, I'll just deactivate it. She might like to keep it."
He was too tired to worry about it so he just nodded his head in thanks and headed to the SUV with an almost asleep Skye snuggled up tight to him.
Reaching the car and opening the back door so he could put Skye in her car seat which proved harder than he thought it would be as her little arms had quite the grip on his neck; it seemed she didn't want to let him go after her little adventure today and not being able to find him. "Skye, I promise I'll only be in the front seat" he tried to calm her loosening her grip from around his neck, he slipped her in her seat and buckled her up but when he pulled away she started crying tiredness catching up with her.
He got in his seat shutting the door and turned around so Skye could still see he was there "I'm still here baby, its ok" he soothed reaching into the back rubbing her little leg comfortingly, her eyelids started to droop but she was fighting sleep fiercely "close your eyes baby, I'll still be here when you wake up" he encouraged. Skye finally gave into sleep, he kept his eyes on her for another minute then shuffled back around so he was facing the right way again. Starting the car he headed back to The Bus.
Grant's POV-Status: The Bus. Whereabouts: "Classified"
Arriving he got out and opened the back door carefully undoing Skye's buckles scooping her up into his arms where she automatically clenched her tiny fists into his jacket keeping him close and rested her head on his shoulder.
He gently closed the doors not wanting to wake her then headed towards the stairs wanting to put her down in her bunks. Hearing somebody clear there throat he automatically tightened his grip on Skye and reached for his gun, looking up he saw Coulson on the landing above him and relaxed.
Coulson's POV
Agent Ward climbed the stairs with Skye in his arms looking extremely tired, meeting Ward at the top of the stairs he smirked a little "Fury called something about a broken door coming out of your pay check and a little mission nobody expected her" he nodded towards Skye "to go on, not even her OS" he raised an eye brow.
Grant's POV
He wasn't in a joking mood he lost his Skye today and he grimaced trying not to remember the panic he'd felt then he'd discovered her gone. He certainly had not expected to spend the day searching The Hub for her but you could bet your ass that if he hadn't found her, he'd still be searching for her until he did.
He sighed ready to get his ass handed to him for giving in and taking Skye to The Hub in the first place then losing her.
"We'll talk about this later Ward, go put her down you both look exhausted" Coulson told him walking back in the direction of his office.
He just heaved a sigh and headed for his bunk too tired to drop Skye off at her own first. He just moved his covers aside being careful not to disturb her he lay her down and slid in pulling the covers up over them both for a well-deserved nap. With Skye tucked into his side safe and sound he let exhaustion take him content in knowing she was safe now that she was with him.
