In Another Universe
Once, back during the happy times, Grant sat in the lab and listened to Simmons and Fitz prattle about the possible existence of infinite number of parallel universes where they all exist, only in different forms. He didn't really have anything to add, but he was happy to listen on the science duo's discussion about whether people connected in one universe would be connected in another, and what forms they might exists in one different from theirs. Grant didn't believe any of it – his mind was just too focused on this world to even consider the existence of others –, but Fitz and Simmons were an amusing distraction, so he stayed.
Little did he know that in another universe Grant Ward is a man of the sea – a pirate, if you will. High ranking member and treasured swordsman of Captain John Garrett's crew, the man's who pulled him from the streets when he was a kid and made him a man. But he is also the man who, for the last couple of years, has been obsessed with obtaining immortality, no matter what the cost. Who is willing to sink ships and burn down villages just to get to his goal.
Little did he know that this pirate version of him has started doubting his captain and his ambitions. That he's had no desire for the fight and bloodshed; that he appreciates being a fine warrior, but that there are days when he'd rather be a protector. That he longs for peace and stability, a place to call home that is not a cabin on a ship.
Little did he know that Captain Garrett has a new plan to get what he wants: finding and cornering a mermaid, and pressuring her until she gave out all her secrets, because, apparently, mermaids are immortal. The pirate version of him, of course, finds this idea ridiculous, but humors Garrett – if he wants to do this, let him. His ship, his time to waste.
Little did he know that this other version of him doesn't believe in mermaids, or any other magical folk, for the record. He believes that every kind of magic is just fallacy, not worth believing on. Even immortality is just, for lack of a better word, an illusion.
Little did he know that this other version of him would actually find a mermaid. Shocked, he stands in the water in front of the terrified mermaid, holding his sword and looking at the creature, not really believing his eyes. She might be just an illusion, after all, since mermaids don't exist – but even if she is, she is lovely one. She is the most beautiful girl he's ever seen – long, dark hair and sun-kissed skin, big, dark eyes and full lips, begging to be kissed.
Little did he know that this other version of him would fall in love with the mermaid – Skye; that version of Skye – at first sight.
Little did Grant know, that his other version lets Skye go – he just can't have such a pure creature in captivity, or worse, but he watches as she swims away.
Little did Grant know that his pirate version of him would never tell Garrett what he saw – that mermaids really do exist.
Little did Grant know that Captain Garrett would die less than a year later – hanged, dead in a way all stupid pirates who get caught die.
Little did Grant know that this other version of him would give up and turn his back the piracy. The he would vow to spend of the rest of his life looking for his beautiful mermaid.
Little did Grant know that one day he would find her.
It's all because Grant Ward, the Grant Ward who lives on a plane, the HYDRA mole who is making genuine friends in S.H.I.E.L.D., and who dreads the day HYDRA will emerge, doesn't believe in parallel universes. Or mermaids. But he does believe in love – and Skye. But, maybe, these two are the very same thing.