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Chapter Text

Sara appeared in the doorway of Skye's pod, knocking with a small smile.
"Hey." Simmons looked at her as Skye shifted in her bed. "This a bad time?" Skye looked at Simmons.
"It is if you're here to bust me out." As she spoke, she had an accent like Simmons and Sara, a very, very bad one. "The warden has extended house arrest." Simmons scoffed as Sara grimaced.
"Ugh, awful accent," Sara groaned.

After watching Simmons walk away, Sara glanced at Skye, who had put a hand to her face and groaned.
"Oh, I must look terrible!" She laughed as she ran her hands through her hair. "Simmons won't even bring me a mirror." Sara smiled softly as a pair of arms went around her waist. He barely touched her, being cautious with the bandages around her waist.
"I've seen worse," Ward said.
"Wow. Thanks." Sara hit his shoulder and he retracted his words.
"No, I mean, you look better than when you were dying."

Sara laughed as Skye's smile grew bigger.
"Swinging and a-missing, Ward," Skye teased. He sighed and gave her a sincere smile.
"It's great to see you better," Sara told her. Skye sighed as she noticed Ward being extremely careful with Sara's side.
"It was so stupid to pull you in there, Sara, I'm sorry," she said.
"Hey, there's no point in doing that now," Sara shook her head.
"I agree," Ward said. "Thanks to you, every S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in the country knows Mike Peterson's alive."

Skye glanced at Sara.
"You tell them about his magic leg?"
Sara rolled her eyes, "I didn't call it that, but yes. Agent Garrett's running point on Mike. Thinks he's part of some project called Deathlok."
"He looked like death," Skye told Ward. "You should have… he wouldn't even look at us. They did something to him. He needs help."

Ward's face grew upset.
"He's past help. He was there with you, Skye – could have protected you. He let this happen to you and Sara and I'll never forgive him."
"Well, I-I need to better protect myself, so… when Simmons gives me all clear, we'll start training again?" Ward smiled and nodded.
"We'll ease you back into it."
"No," Skye said quickly. "I want to train harder. Next time I don't want to depend on some miracle drug to save me."

Sara and Ward exchanged matching looks before shrugging at Skye.
"We'll ease you back into it," Sara repeated, holding up a hand when Skye went to argue. "Skye, you almost died. Take the time to rest now because there might not be time later."

The younger woman grumbled under her breath.
"What was that?" Ward asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I said, you don't know that." Sara rolled her eyes.
"You don't know everything, Skye. Remember that." Skye gulped at the firmness in Sara's words.

May stood in front of the holocom as the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo rotated in red light.
"New orders," she told the team. "S.H.I.E.L.D.'s detecting massive energy readings in the skies above the California/Nevada border."
"Where's Coulson?" Sara asked.
"Taking personal time," May said.
"That's a couple days straight," Ward said. May shot him a look. "
These are the same readings Dr. Selvig, and Dr. Foster picked up in New Mexico and in London," Simmons said. "They herald the arrival of an Asgardian."

Fitz' mouth dropped open in shock and he looked at the others excitedly.
"Thor?" Fitz asked.
"Not sure," May said. "Either way, S.H.I.E.L.D. wants us to be the Welcome Wagon."
"O-okay. Fine. No cause for concern, right?" He pointed at Ward. "Asgardians are allies."
"Loki wasn't," Ward reminded him before leaving the room.

Coulson stood on the catwalk with Sara and May as the others passed under them. They had brought Lady Sif on board, the woman making herself at home in the lab.
"She's a warrior. I saw her fight in New Mexico with Thor – climbed a giant metal killing machine, speared it with her double-bladed sword." He and May nodded appreciatively as Sara rolled her eyes at them. "It was pretty bad ass," Coulson said.
"She says she needs S.H.I.E.L.D. to help her find someone. You up for this?" May asked.
"I'm fine."

He gave her a sincere look then started down the steps.
""Fine" doesn't look like this," Sara said. "Not on you." He paused to listen to her. "You've been gone more often than not… Whatever's bothering you… We're here."
"I know." He gave his daughter a little smile then started down the steps.

Sif was at the large monitor as Coulson walked into the lab.
"What dark magic is this?" Sif asked. She looked around the lab as she put her hand to her sword. "Thor said you perished at the hand of Loki."
"And he was right… for a while anyway." She took her hand off her sword and looked at him with shock. "But Loki wasn't the only one with some tricks up his sleeves. Turns out S.H.I.E.L.D. had a few of their own."

He walked around the table and stood in front of Sif.
"Thor will be pleased to hear it. He considers you a friend."
"I feel the same, which is why I'd prefer if he heard it from me, if that's okay." She nodded once at him. "I understand you're looking for someone."
"I am hunting her," Sif corrected. "Lorelei. 600 years ago, she used her powers to wreak havoc across the nine realms, to command armies, bring down kings empires."
"What kind of powers are we talking about?" Ward asked.

The team and Sif looked over to Ward, who had his arms around Sara's shoulders.
"Strength? Speed?" Sif shook his head.
"Sorcery." Ward's eyebrows drew up in surprise as he nodded a bit. "She bends and shapes the will of men to her own purpose."
"Only men?" Sara asked. "Her powers don't work on women?"
"No. Men have an inherent weakness we do not share." Both May and Sara smirked, nodding their heads to the truth of that.
"I can't imagine what she's talking about," Fitz told Ward, who made a face, agreeing with Fitz.

Sif glanced at the two of them.
"The very sound of her voice can ensnare most. For the rare man who can resist, it's her voice joined by her though that will overpower his will." Sara smirked up at Ward.
"Ah… can't resist." He rolled his eyes at her.
"So, how do we stop her?" Coulson asked. Sif grabbed something off her belt and held it up to Coulson. It looked like either a necklace or a crown.
"With this," Sif answered.

Setting it down on the table, she frowned at it.
"It prevents her from speaking. She wore one like it for centuries while locked in prison. She escaped when the Dark Elves invaded Asgard and came here using one of Loki's secret pathways between worlds."
"Do we know where she is now?" Ward asked.
"All I know is the Bifrost delivered me to her last known location."
"Mostly small towns out of the way," Coulson said.
"Let's start looking for unusual activity within a few hundred-mile radius. Burglary, theft, assault. If this woman's used to rule over empires… she's gonna be hard to please."

Coulson stood next to Sif at the holo-table in the Command Center.
"These are files of every police report within 100 miles of where you arrived. Everything from the last 48 hours. When you want to sift through the information, you just…"
"I'm familiar," Sif said. She waved her arm over the holo-table going through the reports before he could explain.
"… touch the – oh." She had brought up an incident report about a robbery at a convenience store.
"It's an antiquated system that we and other realms had ages ago," Sif told him.

He scoffed then sighed.
"You've… visited other realms, seen different species, aliens. Have you ever encountered any that were… blue?" She nodded without looking up.
"Yes of course."
"Which ones?"
"Uh… Interdites, Levians, Pheragots, Kree, Sarks, Centaurians. The Frost Giants tried to conquer your Earth a millennium ago, but Asgard drove them away."
"Oh, well, thanks for that. And the others? Have any of them been her recently?"

Sif looked up at him.
"Rest easy, Philip, son of Coul. None of the others have ever visited Earth." She moved something on the table and there was a beep.
"There. A robbery of jewels." Coulson glanced up, seeing another report.
"And there. A gun store robbery by guys on Harleys."
"It's happening faster than I feared. She's amassing men, gold, weaponry. Lorelei is building an army."

May and Ward walked down the spiral staircase outside the lab.
"Traced the men to a biker bar called Rosie's Desert Oasis," Ward told her as they made their way into the lab.
"Probably where Lorelei's hiding out. Meeting a S.H.I.E.L.D. convoy there in 10."
"Good," Sara said.

The pair looked over at her desk where she and Fitz had set up guns of every shape and variety.
"Then you can show of these beauties," she told them. Ward whistled and clapped his hands appreciatively.
"These all Night-Night guns?"
"Based on the same technology, but we're not calling them that anymore," Fitz said.

Ward picked up a handgun, looking it over.
"About time," he muttered.
"Hey!" Sara astonished. "They are now called I.C.E.R.S."
"Incapacitating Cartridge Emitting –" Fitz trailed off as he got distracted. Ward powered up his gun.
"They're great." He quickly pulled the gun to look through the sights. "And you lost the ounce."
"And tripled the stopping power," Sara added.

Fitz nodded, "But I did realize after our run-ins with Mike and Centipede…" He lifted a large gun, inadvertently pointing it towards May.
"Whoa!" She pointed the barrel away from herself.
"Sorry… Um, that we needed something stronger, better," Fitz finished.

Ward took the gun out of Fitz' hands and looked over it. May picked up a handgun, armed it, and took aim.
"Thought you didn't like guns," Ward said.
"No, I always say if I need a gun, I'll take one," she corrected. "Ah." "We'll need these," May said. "When you're up against people who are being controlled, sometimes it's hard to distinguish friend from foe."

Coulson spoke from behind them, and they turned to look at him.
"This way, we can take out either."
"Where's Lady Sif?" Fitz asked. She dropped form the catwalk above the cargo bay, landing behind Coulson with a loud thud.
"Shall we?" she asked.

May and Sara exchanged grins before Ward pulled Sara to the side.
"You aren't coming," he said firmly.
"But—"
"You're still recovering from a gunshot wound. You aren't coming, Sara and that's final."
"When d'you become the boss?" she muttered. He leaned down, whispering in her ear.
"Always was." She rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." She leaned up, pressing her lips against his. He pulled away after a second, pointing up the stairs.
"Go rest." "
Yes, sir."

Outside the bar, multiple S.H.I.E.L.D. SUVs pulled up out front. They all got out as the local Sheriff took notice of them.
"Lorelei's tastes run towards palaces, castles," Sif said. She took out her sword, preparing herself. "This is far humbler than her usual abode."
"The draw wasn't the place," Ward said. "It was the manpower."

Coulson addressed the police officers as they walked closer to him.
"How many men does she have in there? Have you seen the suspect?"
"Yes, we have," an officer said. He pulled up his shotgun and pointed it at Coulson. "And she's beautiful." He cocked the gun and fired. Ducking away, Coulson and Ward took cover behind a police car. Shot were fired and Sif used her shield to deflect some.

Inside the bar, Rooster looked out at the sound of gunshots and Lorelei sighed.
"What is that?" she asked.
"Well, it seems we've caught the attention of the law," Rooster answered.
"You swore to fight for me."
"Yeah, and I will," Rooster promised. "But they got a lot of firepower out there." She scoffed, confused and unimpressed. "I mean, hell, they even got some medieval-times chick." The information made Lorelei's face fall. "She's got, like, a sword and everything." "Sif," she hissed.

Outside, Sif blocked bullets with her shield.
"They're on us from both sides," Ward told Coulson. He fired one way while Coulson fired over the hood of the car. "It's gonna be hard to get off a clean shot." Coulson looked to Sif. "Your ladyship, can you give us a little cover?"

Sif looked over at a large bus-sized camper, she gave it a big kick and it moved between Coulson and Ward and the officers shooting. Coulson stood.
"A very literal interpretation." He looked to Sif. "Thank you."

A man with a shotgun walked around the side of the camper and Coulson shot him with the I.C.E.R.S. gun. Ward took out the two biker guys on his side, too. "All clear," Ward said. "Men, stay outside," Coulson called. "Let Sif take Lorelei." She walked to the door of the bar.
"Ward," Coulson said, "head around back, surround the building." Ward got up and did as he was told as Sif reached the door.

Sif walked into the door of the bar, frowning at Lorelei.
"Lorelei. Still manipulating men to do your dirty work, I see."
"And I see you're still a step or two behind," Lorelei said. As they spoke, men in the bar spread out, most of them surrounding Sif.
"You know how this will end, Lorelei. So come willingly."
"You mistake me for someone who fears you. I've bested you before. Or have you forgotten?" Lorelei looked at the men surrounding Sif. "Tear her apart."

The man to Sif's left, by the door, lifted up his shotgun and fired it at her. The bullets bounced off her armor. She grabbed the shotgun out of his hands, shoved it into his gut, sending him flying backwards out the door. She threw the gun at the man behind her, then engaged the man that appeared before her.

As Ward rounded a corner, with his gun, up, Sif sent a man flying down the length of the bar. Another man swung at her with something, and she ducked out of the way. Lorelei watched her as she slowly backed away. Sif took out the man who swung at her. She kicked him, sending him flying into another man behind him. She took out another two with one kick.

Outside, Ward walked past some toolboxes, and Rooster appeared and went for him with a chain. Rooster made too much noise and Ward was able to duck.
"Look," he tried. "I'm sure you're, uh, a reasonable guy…" Rooter swung at Ward's head with the chain. Ward ducked, then punched him in the face. "… Rooster. Rooster? Really?" Rooster swung at him again, and Ward punched his face once more.

Ward grabbed hold the Rooster's chain and delivered a big punched to his face, knocking him out. He picked up the I.C.E.R.S. and blew dirt off it. Sara and Fitz would be upset if it was broken. He spun around, aiming the gun as he heard someone drop behind him. Lorelei stood, looking at his curiously.
"You're a fine warrior," she said.
"I am," Ward agreed. "So, put your hand behind your back and get on your knees."

Lorelei gave him a sly smile and started walking towards him. As she spoke, her voice had an echo distorted sound to it.
"Men kneel before me. I do not bow to them," Lorelei said. She stood right in front of him, and he looked a bit nervous.
"Gonna need some backup over here," he said quickly. Lorelei touched Ward's arm, her voice echoing more. "That is not what you need." Ward lowered the gun, staring at him.

Revving the engine of a motorcycle, Ward sat in the front with Lorelei behind him. She had her arms wrapped around his waist.
"Take me somewhere grand, deserving of a ruler, a queen," she purred.
"I know just the place," Ward said. He pulled onto the road, not looking behind.

Inside The Bus, Sif punched the wall of the holding cell angrily. She circled around glaring at Coulson.
"Lorelei's treachery remains unchanged, no matter the world."
"We'll find them," Coulson promised. "Ever agent in the area is out looking."
Sif frowned, "To what end, hmm? The collar…" She slammed it onto the table. "… has been broken! Short of death, we have no means to end her enchantment."

Coulson picked the collar up off the table, looking at it.
"Let me worry about that," Coulson said. He headed toward the doors. "Stay here and try not to punch a hole in my airplane." He walked out of the holding cell, leaving Sif alone.

Skye sat on her bed in the medical pod, her laptop opened in front of her. Sara was sitting beside her, her fingers fidgeting with a piece of shiny metal. Fitz-Simmons were sitting on two chairs with Coulson bringing them up to date.
"So, Ward's like what?" Skye asked. "Like, a pod person?"
"No," Sara answered, shaking her head. "According to Sif, the men Lorelei controls don't forget who they are or what they know." Coulson nodded, "She just becomes the embodiment of all their desires."

Fitz scoffed and Sara sent a scolding look in his direction. He flushed, wringing his hands.
"Well, she looks nothing like you, Sara. So, uh, well…"
"So… once we find them, we can break her mojo or whatever and get Ward back, right?" Skye asked, shooting a look at Fitz.
"Yes," Coulson said. "Once the collar's back on Lorelei's neck, the enchantment ends, but that's the problem. The collar caught a shotgun blast back in the desert."

Coulson handed the collar to Fitz.
"You think you can fit it?" Fitz took the collar, holding it for a few moments before passing it to Sara.
"Well… the metal, the weight, it's similar to the Berserker staff."
"But it presents with its own set of countless unknown variables," Sara reminded him.
Coulson shrugged, "Got a couple of hours."
"Yeah," Fitz said. He stood, took the collar from Sara, and exited the pod.

Skye looked up at Coulson, holding out her hand, waiting to be told what to do.
"What can I do?" she asked. "And don't you dare say nothing or tell me to sit down here and count ceiling tiles while Ward is missing."
"Ward's got drop boxes and storage lockers all over the world."
Sara nodded, "They're filled with currency, weapons, I.D.s."
"He's gonna use aliases, cash, anything to keep Lorelei off the radar," Coulson said. "You're the best radar we have. Sara will help you. Find them." Sara pulled a notebook out of her bag as Simmons followed Coulson.

She stopped him, closing the door of the pod.
"Sir, may I have a moment?" He paused, waiting for her. "It's about the G.H.-325."
"Have you found something?" Coulson asked.
"No. I've hit a wall because of my limited resources. The drug's chemical properties are foreign to me, which is startling in its own right." "We've been over this," Coulson told her.
"So, I'm requesting, once again, to send a sample of Skye's blood to H.Q. for further study."
"That is not an option."

Coulson started to turn away.
"Why?" Simmons asked. He turned, looking at her with a bit of surprise. "I don't need to explain to you the benefits of this drug. You've experienced them firsthand."
"No. That's an order." He started to walk away again.
"That's not a good enough reason!" she snapped.

The shock of her insubordination was written on his face when he turned around, but she did not back down. She strolled right up to him, her eyes stern.
"I have a duty to you, sir, as my commanding officer. But I also have a duty as a S.H.I.E.L.D. scientist to pursue this, to save lives! Given Ward's recent situation we should –"
"Two men laid down their lives in a compound rigged with explosives to keep this drug hidden." Coulson's voice was firm. "We still don't know why. Until we do, until we speak with Fury, and get some answers, that drug and its mysteries stay in house. Focus on the mission. Lorelei has Ward, and we have no idea where she's taking him."

Having been left behind to rest while half the team went after Ward, Sara was almost to the stairs to the lab, when she heard heavy foot-falls. Ones she knew belonged to Ward. She ducked into the Command Center, peering out just enough to see Ward and Lorelei walking into the living room. They headed straight for the cockpit and she pursed her lips when Lorelei stayed just outside the doors. 

About twenty minutes later, Sara glanced over at the sound of another pair of foot-steps, this time belonging to a friendly face.
"Come on," May said. Sara got out of her hiding spot, following May to the cockpit. They slowed as they saw Lorelei standing at the door.
"Aren't you the brave ones?" Lorelei asked.
"You took our plane," Sara said.
"We want it back," May added.

They took fighting stances as Lorelei sauntered closer.
"Well… we can't always get what we want. Actually… I can." May prepared to throw a punch, but Lorelei hit her first, knocking her a good distance away. She groaned in pain when she fit the floor as Lorelei chuckled. Sara swung, her fist colliding with Lorelei's shoulder. Lorelei was barely phased, hitting back at Sara. 

She hissed as she landed on her side, feeling her stitches reopening again. May was beside her and she grunted in pain, wiping at blood from her mouth. She let out a deep grunt and started to stand. Sara followed her lead, forcing herself to block out the pain from her gunshot wounds.

Ward appeared behind Lorelei.
"I will retrieve Sif's sword," Lorelei told him. "It will look better in my hand." Ward came to a stop beside her, holding a pistol.
"Ward, you don't want to do this," May said.
"This was the plan," Ward said. "Cross off Sif, take the plane, eliminate anyone in our way."

Sara stood up a bit taller as Ward pulled up his gun, aiming it at her.
"Get out of her way," Ward said.
"It's her plan, not yours," Sara said calmly. "Fight it, Ward. I know you. You're a fighter." Lorelei smiled softly.
"Is this her? The beautiful woman who you loved?" Sara's calm expression didn't waver as Lorelei gripped at Ward's neck, kissing him. "His heart now beats in concert with mine and mine alone."
"Oh?" Sara asked.
"He really did love you," Lorelei said, sauntering closer to her. "Too bad he's with me now."

Ward looked a bit nervous as Lorelei walked away. He pulled the gun up higher, aiming at May as the two women just stared at him. The calm look on Sara's face disappeared into one of indifference. Right now, was a moment of kill or be killed. It didn't matter if the man standing in front of her was her fiancée. Right now, he was dangerous and needed to be taken out.
"Ward, I think we may have a big problem!" Fitz called. Ward's eyes cast to the side as he took in Fitz' words. May used that moment to take the gun from his hands and Sara punched him in the face. Ward raced forward, grabbing May. He rammed her head into the wall a few times then reached for his gun. Sara grabbed a nearby book and smashed it against Ward's face.

May got the upper hand on Ward and slammed Ward's head against the wall. She aimed the gun at him as he got up, but he rammed into her, knocking them both flat. The gun fell out of May's hand when Ward hit her. His hand got to it first, but Sara kicked it away. She went to kick him, but he caught her leg, knocking her flat on her back.

Ward caught sight of the gun on the floor and dived for it. He started to get up from the floor and Sara barreled into him, sending them both through the glass dividing wall, shattering it. They landed on their backs and Ward pointed the gun at Sara's face. He grabbed at her quickly, pulling her knife from her waistband. He held it to her throat as he moved the gun to point at May.

Sara tried her best not to gasp as Ward pressed the knife deeper into her neck. He still had the gun pointed at May.
"Sorry about this." He pulled the trigger, but it didn't fire. Sara lifted her arm, showing the clip. She tossed it to May. May caught it, glaring at Ward. She started forward, but Ward's words stopped her.
"Woah, woah, woah. Wait, wait." He tossed the knife away, staring in down at Sara, his eyes wide. He dropped the gun. "Sara. I'm sorry."

He got up, holding both his hand above his head.
"It's me." Sif and the confined Lorelei appeared behind him.
"Okay? I'm back." May stared at him as Sara leaned back, eyes closing from exhaustion.
"He speaks the truth," Sif said. Ward dropped his hands and gave May a small smile. She answered with a punch to his face.
"Good to know."

Sara's fist banged on the table as Simmons pulled another glass shard out from her side.
"Sorry."
"You have glass pieces inside a gun wound," Simmons said softly.
"It's gonna hurt." Sara squeezed her eyes shut with a tight breath as Simmons pulled a tiny piece out.
"How much more?"
"Three more pieces and then I've got to re-stich it… Ready?"

Sara was shaking by the time the last piece came out.
"Time to stich!" Simmons said, her voice cheerful.
"I can do it," Ward said from the doorway. Sara's eyes darkened and Simmons slowly stepped back.
"Okay. I'm gonna go check on Fitz."

Ward stepped forward, taking the needle from Simmons.
"You ready?" She didn't answer and he sighed.
"Sara…"
"I don't blame you," she said. "But it hurt, Ward. It really, really, hurt." He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"I know. Right in the back of my mind, I knew that I was… you know."
"I know you did." Leaning forward, he placed a tender kiss on her lips. She took a breath, eyes catching sight of the needle. "Okay," she said, bracing herself. "I'm ready."

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

The Bus, Location: Unknown

Ward blearily opened his eyes as he felt The Bus start to land. He slightly tightened his grip around Sara as she started to awake. She opened her eyes, smiling sleepily up at him. He smiled softly back, pressing a light kiss to her lips.
"Hey, beautiful."
"Hey yourself," she yawned.

Rolling over, Sara fumbled blindly for her ring as Ward turned on the lights. He sat up, dragging her up with her as she grabbed her engagement ring. The thing was gorgeous, a thin gold that had tiny diamonds dotting up the sides until it wrapped around a larger diamond in the middle.
"Wear it," Ward said as she went to put it around her neck. She had taken to wearing on a chain recently to keep others from knowing.
"I thought—"
"We can tell them today with Garrett there," Ward said, brushing hair out of her face. "Don't you want them to know?"
"Of course, I do," she mumbled. "It's just… it's crazy and we don't need to add to it."
"No, we won't be adding to it. We'll be giving them something to look forward too."
"Look forward too?"

Leaning forward, Ward started kissing up her neck.
"A wedding… Simmons and May as your bridesmaids... Fitz walking you up the alter…" She let out a small sigh as he moved back to her lips.
"What makes you think I won't have Coulson do it?"
"Do what?" Ward murmured.
"Walk me up the alter."
"Baby, whatever makes you happy, I don't give a damn."
"What if I want mum there?"
"Which one?"
"Camila."

At the mention of the Peruvian woman, Ward's eyes darkened.
"If you want, but she'll surrounded at all possible corners." Sara let out a small chuckle, shaking her head.
"Don't worry, Grant. She won't be there." He rolled his eyes at her teasing and grasped her hand.
"Please wear it," he said. "For me. Please."

Despite everything inside her yelling to do the opposite, Sara slid the ring onto her hand. Ward lifted it to his mouth, kissing her hand gently.
"I love you, Mrs. Ward."
"Not yet," Sara chuckled.
"Unfortunately. But soon, yes?"
"After the Clairvoyant is found, then we'll cross that bridge, deal?"
"I'll hold you too that, Agent Reyes-Fitz."
"Most definitely, Agent Ward." The two shared a smile before Ward climbed out of their bunk to start getting ready.

Sara leaned against a wall as May walked into the Command Center.
"Cruising altitude reached, bearing ninety degrees just over the north pole."
"Thank you," Coulson said. He nodded to Garrett, who stepped forward. "Apologies for the song and dance, but we brought you here as a precaution."
"A precaution against what?" Sitwell asked.
"The Clairvoyant," Coulson answered. "If there is someone out there who can read minds, at least up here we're as far away from him as possible."

Sitwell and Blake shared a disbelieving look.
"Figured maybe the northern lights will knock a few bars off his psychic wi-fi," Garrett said.
"Coulson, you know S.H.I.E.L.D.'s stance on psychic," Blake said. "They don't exist."
"Are you suddenly a believer?" Hand asked.
"Not definitively, but I've a recent experience with an Asgardian who could bend people's will with her voice."

Sara tensed at the mention of Lorelai and Ward wrapped a soothing arm around her waist. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head before turning back into the conversation.
"Forced me to open my mind, so to speak," Coulson continued.
"All we know for sure is the Clairvoyant has been a step ahead of us, stealing plays from our playbook," Garrett said.
"And it's pissing me off," Coulson snapped. "I take you've all read Agent Garrett's latest report?"
"The hit on the safe house. Mr. Peterson's alive and kicking."
"We call him Deathlok," May chimed in.
"It was the project's code name," Ward added.

From his spot across the room, Trip spoke up.
"Agent Garrett and I have been tracking him the last few weeks."
"We think the Clairvoyant's super-solider bodyguard came after us for a reason," Garrett said. "We're getting close."
"To what? His identity?" Hand asked.

Garrett and Coulson shared a look.
"Well, we've narrowed the list to thirteen candidates."
"Narrowed it how? From what?" Blake questioned.
"Agent Garrett has been taking a second look at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s gifted Index, specifically the rejects."
"Individuals that S.H.I.E.L.D. interviewed who are believed to have psychic abilities but were ultimately dismissed."
"So, you think we've encountered the Clairvoyant before?" Sitwell asked.
"Think how many cases we've encountered across the globe," Sara said. "How many cases that have been vetted. It's more than possible, it's probable." Blake ran a hand down his face.
"I need more coffee," he muttered.

Tilting her head to the side, Hand studied Coulson for a moment before speaking.
"Let's assume what you're passing is possible. What then? If we're going up against an actual clairvoyant, how do you suggest we combat that?"
"By compartmentalizing the information," Garrett said.
Coulson nodded, "A member of my team is an expert at pattern recognition and analysis, finding needles in haystacks…. She'll prioritize the candidates on Garrett's list, locate them, then pair us off into random teams."
"That way only one person knows the full scope of the mission," Garrett added.
Hand scoffed, "You do understand that this person you're referring to, she'd need to be a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to be granted that level of access."
"I'm glad you brought that up," Coulson said. "Ward, go get Skye."
"Yes, sir."

A few minutes later, Skye stood amongst all the Agents in the living room area, Blake nursing a second cup of coffee.
"Pairing off makes total sense," Skye said. "Just one thought though, what if we make it a double blind?"
"How so?" Hand questioned.
"Well, I'll give one person from each team the potential Clairvoyant's coordinates and I'll give the other one the identity. That way no one person knows the full specs of the op until you get there."
"I like how you think," Garrett grinned. He turned to the others. "I like how she thinks."
"One question, how am I supposed to access all the classified files without someone in the room? I don't have the clearance."
"Now you do," Coulson said. He handed her a wallet with her badge inside. "Welcome to S.H.I.E.L.D., Skye."

Taking the wallet from him, Skye gave him a large, surprised look and he smiled. She opened the wallet at his nod, seeing the badge inside. She looked up at everyone's faces, nearly everyone except Hand, Blake, and Sitwell smiling.
"I-I don't know what to say." She turned to Coulson.
"Thank you." "Don't thank me," Coulson said, shaking his head. "You've passed every required S.H.I.E.L.D. exam with flying colors."
"For a level one agent," Hand corrected. Garrett and Sara sent her a look and she rolled her eyes.

Coulson continued as if not hearing the other agent.
"You've assisted us on multiple field missions, put your life on the line. You earned this."
"Hell, you took two in the gut. More than Sitwell here's ever done," Garrett joked. As Sitwell rolled his eyes at Garrett, Coulson gave Skye a small smile.
"Okay, everyone! Back to work!"

The meeting broke again, the high-up agents dispersing. Garrett wished Skye congratulations before following after Coulson. May walked by, patting Skye on her shoulder with a smile. "Congratulations, Skye!" Simmons cheered. She held her arms out for a hug and Skye did a happy little hop before embracing her.
"Awesome!"
"Congrats," Fitz grinned.

Sara walked over, smiling brightly to Skye.
"Good job," she told the younger woman.
"Thanks, Sara!" She looked over at Ward, who stood a foot or two behind Sara. "Couldn't have done it without a great and very patient S.O."
"Yeah, you could have," Ward disagreed. "I'm not clairvoyant, but I do believe some things are meant to be."

From behind Skye, Simmons noticed something partially hidden on Sara's hand.
"Oh my god," she breathed out. Darting forward, she grabbed Sara's hand, pulling it out to where everyone could see it. Simmons and Skye let out a squeal and Fitz frowned, trying to figure out what was going on.
"We were gonna tell you earlier," Sara said. "I just didn't want to take away from Skye getting her badge and—"
"Oh this is far better!" Skye gushed. "Please tell me I'm invited!"
"Invited to what?" Fitz asked. Ward rolled his eyes, taking Sara's hand from Simmons to show Fitz the ring.
"I proposed."
"Oh, finally… When?"
"Right after we got the stuff for Skye."
"You've been keeping this a secret for two weeks?" Skye frowned. "How dare you!"
"We've been busy," Sara reminded her. "Getting you better, trying to find the Clairvoyant. There hasn't been a lot of time for us to announce anything."
"Have you told Coulson, May, or Garrett yet?"

The two engaged agents shook their heads, Sara relaxing against Ward's chest.
"Not yet. But we will," Ward said. Sara gave Simmons a sharp look.
"You tell May before I can, they'll never find your body." Her best friend rolled her eyes.
"Empty threats, you need a maid-of-honor after all."

They shared a laugh before Skye and Simmons left, heading to their different assignments. Fitz laundered behind, tapping his foot annoyingly.
"Yes, Fitz?" Sara asked.
"Just, uh… you gonna tell mum?" Sara looked away from him, shoulders lifting in a half-hearted shrug.
"Probably."
"Oh, uh, okay."
"Do you want me to tell her?"
"I mean, whatever you want and stuff." He turned to Ward. "I guess this is when I say something like, don't hurt my sister or else?"
"I won't," Ward said. He clasped Fitz' shoulder. "After all, I'd like us to still be friends at holiday dinners." Sara laughed, shaking her head at them.
"Behave and be nice," she said.

She kissed Ward's cheek and grinned at Fitz before heading to the cockpit where May was waiting for her to take over. Ward watched her go and Fitz hit him in the shoulder.
"Staring is rude," he teased. Ward raised an eyebrow at the scientist and Fitz flinched. "Fine, I'm going. I'm going!"

Milton Keynes Prison, United Kingdom

Ward, Sara, and Trip walked towards the prison; Ward's arm slung around Sara's shoulders.
"So, Ward," Trip said, trying to make conversation. "Garrett says your family's like the cable version of the Kennedys."
"Huh, I doubt he said that."
Trip laughed, "Fine, I did my own research. Had to, following in golden boy's footsteps."
"Point of this, Trip?" Sara asked, glancing over at him.
"Just trying to keep things light."
"Cause that's what we all need right now," Ward grunted.
"You know, maybe it is."

Pausing in step, Ward turned to Trip, glaring at the other man.
"You want to keep it light? The Clairvoyant almost killed Sara and Skye."
"Yeah? Well, he did kill my partner, Dan Monroe. Great guy—"
"Had a son, Preston," Sara murmured.
"Exactly. Either of you know what it's like telling a six-year-old that his dad isn't coming home?"
"Yeah," Sara said. She glanced up at Trip, pulling her jacket tighter around her. "I was nineteen, not even graduated from the academy and my first S.O. got killed. Got to tell her three children and her husband."

Her words made Trip stop, blinking at her.
"We've all got axes to grind, Trip," she told him. "Remember the objective, we're here to take the Clairvoyant in, not out. We'll get revenge later."
"What if it was Ward in your place?" Trip asked. "What would you be thinking right now?" Sara smiled bitterly.
"I wouldn't be here, now would I, Triplett?"

A response was on his lips, but before he could speak, Ward's phone beeped. He pulled it out, reading off a small stream of information.
"Elijah Fordham, 32, military background. Here." He passed it over to Trip.
"Serving 18 life sentences for a killing spree in the '90s," Trip read.
"Sounds more psycho than psychic," Sara muttered.

Walking up to the prison, they were buzzed inside. The metal doors clambered shut behind them. Sara glanced into a guard's post, seeing no one a there.
"Nobody home," Ward mused. "Odd." Looking around, they realized that the entire prison was deserted.
"Ward, what's going on—?" Sara's words stopped short as their comms went off, Agent Hand barking orders.
"All backup teams, move in. We have an agent down. Repeat, Agent Blake is down!" The trio shared looks before hurrying out of the prison.

The Hub, Location: Classified

Rubbing her eyes, Sara stepped out of surgery. Blake was still critical, but the team in with him were the best of the best. She caught sight of Ward and practically melted when he wrapped his arms around her.
"You aren't need in there?" he asked quietly.
"Too many hands," she said. "Besides, Emerson is in there. She's the best."

Sara rested her head against his chest as he hugged her tightly.
"We're leaving in twenty," he said.
"I know, stay safe."
"Aren't you coming with?"
"No." Confused, Ward pulled back, looking down at her. "Hand asked for Simmons and I to stay here. She's irritated enough with me as it is and frankly, I don't want to leave Simmons."

Sighing, Ward nodded in agreement.
"Teach that girl to lie while she's here." Sara laughed tiredly as Ward's watch beeped.
"Coulson wants to leave sooner," he said, reading the message. He leaned down, brushing his lips against hers despite the agents around them.
"I love you, Grant Ward," Sara whispered.
"And I you, Sara Reyes-Fitz."

She wasn't expecting the messages that flooded her tablet a few hours later. She lifted her head from where she'd fallen asleep in the lab she and Simmons had commandeered for themselves. She reached for her cold mug of tea as she scrolled through the messages. Then she froze. The mug slipped from her grasp. Simmons spun around at the sound of glass shattering against the tile floors. "Sara? What happened?" 

The scientist hurried to Sara's side, carefully avoiding the glass on the floor. She read over Sara's shoulder, eyes widening. 

Agent Grant Ward killed Thomas Nash a.k.a. The Clairvoyant.

From Simmons' pocket, her phone buzzed and she pulled it out. She sighed in relief at the caller I.D. and put it on speaker.
"Fitz?"
"Don't use my name, Jemma!"
"Why not? I thought you said we were going to use an encrypted line?"
"You're cutting in and out, hold on!"
She continued on without hearing him, "Where you there? When Ward shot Nash?"
"Well, yeah. You said Ward? Took us all by surprise. Just-hang-keep talking, okay? I'm going to see if can clear this up."
"There's been a lot of commotion on this end throughout the day... Sara's not happy."
"I'm pissed," Sara muttered. 

She pulled her own phone, going to attempt to call Coulson, then noticed agents rushing past them.
"Wait, Fitz. I think somethings happening," Simmons said. "There's agents rushing to the Situation Room." A beat later, the dial tone sounded through the room. "Oh," Simmons said, disappointment in her voice. "I lost him."
"Simmons, stay here," Sara ordered. "I'm going to find out what's going on."
"But-"
"Do as I say."

Leaving the lab, Sara followed the other agents to the situation room, frowning when her badge wasn't accepted. She eyed it carefully, then straightened as Agent Hand walked up to her.
"Everything all right, Agent Reyes-Fitz?"
"Of course," Sara replied. "What's going on?"
"Level Eight classification, I'm sure you understand."
"Of course I understand, so I'm sure you won't mind telling em what's happening?" 

The older woman bristled, her grip tightening on the files she held.
"Fury has asked me to keep this... under the radar. And you aren't really-" Sara knew she was lying, but shrugged anyway. She had to keep herself and Simmons safe and something definitely unsafe would happen if she didn't tread carefully.
"I get it. That's fine. Let me know if you need anything."
"I will Reyes-Fitz." Sara turned, walking back to the lab, pretending not to notice the agents that followed after her.

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

Simmons peered down into a microscope, scribbling something into her notebook. Sara sat across from her with a redheaded young woman. Emerson Azeri had been stationed at The Hub for the past several weeks and had been elated when she found out that Sara was coming for a visit. They had been close friends, going on several missions together before Emerson resigned from S.H.I.E.L.D. to work for a nearby hospital until after the Battle of New York when she took another S.H.I.E.L.D. job, with a contract that would reassessed yearly. Sometimes Sara wished she had taken a contracted job instead of throwing herself entirely to S.H.I.E.L.D.

Now that the two women were back together (because Sara had called for her help), Simmons could understand why two of them made a good team. They didn't have to speak to understand each other, and they moved seamlessly around each other, much like Simmons herself did with Fitz.

All three of the women in the lab looked up as Trip knocked on the door before entering.
"Agent Simmons, Fitz-Reyes, Azeri."
"Agent Triplet," Emerson said the two of them shared teasing smirks as Sara and Simmons tried to hide their work.
"I was wondering where you three snuck off too," Trip continued. "You guys busy?"
"Yes," Simmons said. "But that's okay."
"It's noisy here today," Trip remarked. "A lot of guys in action mode."
"I asked around," Sara shrugged. "Guess it's a Level 8 operation of some sort. One that I'm not privy too."
"Ah, was wondering why we had this room to ourselves," Emerson murmured. Trip nodded, walking over to Simmons.
"So, what are you working on?"

As he walked around the corner of the table, Sara reached over and shut off Simmons' monitor. She gave Trip a warning look when his eyebrows scrunched together.
"Wow," he whistled. "Coulson's team is awfully secretive, even for this organization, aren't they, Agent Azeri? Are you hiding something, Agent Reyes-Fitz?"
"No," Sara lied smoothly despite Simmons becoming antsy beside her. "It's nothing important."
"I truly hope not," Trip said. "Because I happen to remember us tracking down a drug that brought a girl back from the brink and that was really important."
"Yes, I know."
"Come to think of it… I don't remember seeing it in the dispatches, or you mentioning it when Agent Blake got his ribs caved in."
"We weren't in a position—" Simmons tried to defend.
"Because," Trip continued. "If you had the means and you didn't use them, that blood is all over your hands."
"We know," Sara jumped in. "Stop questioning, Agent Triplet."
"Why—"
"Trip," Emerson said, placing a gentle hand on the man's shoulder. "Stop questioning Agent Reyes-Fitz."

There was a long, awkward pause between the four of them before Simmons sighed, moving to close the lab doors.
"Look," she began. "Men died to keep this secret and we don't understand why so we wanted to keep our research in-house for safety." Sara threw her hands in the air, a look of disbelief on her face. Simmons had just dragged two of agents into their mess and probably endangered them. Sometimes she wondered why she tried.
"Research?" Emmerson questioned.
"That's hit a dead end," Simmons sighed.

She looked at the machines on the table before looking back up at Trip.
"I'm uploading Skye's blood scans. I would like to contact Agent Weaver at S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy covertly."
"For a little help," Trip nodded slowly.
"But we must keep this between the four of us," Simmons said urgently. "I don't want any… trouble."

Sara crossed her arms, a strange look appearing on her face.
"What level are you Trip?"
"Six," he shrugged. "Then you can get access to the Holobox, secure line."
"Yeah, but so can you."
Sara rolled her eyes, "The moment I leave this lab I'm watched by Hand like a hawk."
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s princess," Emerson smirked.
"Exactly, but Trip here can get the Holobox in here. Hand seems to be keeping everyone busy. We'll be good."

A small smirk appeared on Trip's face as he nodded in understanding. He started to the doors, stopped when his hand rested on the table.
"Simmons," he said quietly, turning back to her. "Let Sara handle the questions that might get asked, yeah? You're a surprisingly bad liar."
"I know," Simmons muttered as the doors closed behind him.
"But you're getting better," Sara encouraged lightly as Emerson opened her laptop.

Sara opened the large case that Trip set on the table.
"You're positive this line is secure?" Simmons asked.
"Yeah," Sara nodded. "We just have to be quick. Nothing looks more guilty than sneaking around."

A laser-based keyboard was projected onto the tabletop and Simmons started typing.
"Well, I sent her a request. She must not have—" Her words were cut off as a 3D image of Weaver appeared on the table.
"Agent Weaver, thank you for joining us," Simmons sighed in relief. "We've been hoping—"

The older woman cut her off.
"Jemma, Sara, thank God you're still alive." She looked around nervously as Sara stepped closer to the projection.
"What's wrong?"
"Is The Hub still secure?" Weaver asked urgently. "Are you with your team? Get somewhere safe and lock the door."
"Agent Weaver, what's happening?" Sara asked with a bit more force.
"Sara, report that the Academy is under siege."

Sara jolted back in surprise as the transmission started to break up.
"Don't know how long Hydra's been inside S.H.I.E.L.D. but they are taking control!" There was gunfire in the back of the transmission.
"Hydra? What? Where?" Emerson asked, shock in her voice.
"Everywhere! Among us! If you survive, you know where to find me. Don't trust anyone!"

The transmission began to cut out and there was an explosion, forcing the transmission to end. Simmons exhaled sharply as Sara and Emerson rested their hands on their weapons. Simmons jumped as Trip locked the door.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"What the lady said to do, locking the door."
"Let me out!"

Shaking her head, Sara set her empty hand on Simmons' shoulder.
"Jemma, if we're really in danger, they won't come this way for a while. We're better off here." Simmons stepped back, staring at Emerson and Trip.
"Well, how do we… know that we can trust them?"
"Because I'm trustworthy," Trip answered with a roll of his eyes.
"I trust them," Sara said, but she hesitated a bit.

It all happened in a spilt second and suddenly everyone except Simmons was holding a weapon at each other. Emerson and Sara had their guns aimed at each other's head, though doubt clouded their eyes and Trip held a knife.
"You two are the ones who work for the zombie robot back from the dead," Trip snapped at Simmons' questioning look.

With a small grunt, Sara lowered her gun as Trip held his knife out to Simmons.
"Take it," he said. "If you try to kill me with it, I'll know I can't trust you." She let out a deep sigh and took the knife from him. Emerson and Sara exchanged a look before nodding and putting down their guns.
"Lets see if we can get Coulson or someone online," Sara suggested.
"Can't wait to tell them the good news," Trip muttered.

Simmons threw up her hands as she failed to contact the team for the hundredth time.
"I'm telling you!" she snapped at Sara. "This signal is clogging everything up." Her eyes grew wet. "Something terrible has happened."

The doors behind them were violently thrown open and Emerson and Sara had their weapons drawn, Simmons shoved behind them.
"Freeze!" an agent shouted. "Show me your hands!" Simmons raised her hands immediately, but Trip hesitated, looking at Sara from the corner of his eyes. "Show me your hands!" the agent shouted again.

Sara gave Trip and Emerson a barely noticeable nod and Trip raised his hands as the women set their guns on the table in front of them. They too raised their hands, Sara mentally counting every possible escape plan possible as the unmistakable sound of Agent Hand's heels clicking against the cement floors came closer.

Agent Hand strolled into the lab where, ignoring Sara's glare. She grabbed a chair and swung it around to sit down. She looked firmly at each of them, her gaze lingering on Sara.
"The rest of your possibly short lives hinges on his moment. Hydra has successfully infiltrated S.H.I.E.L.D. at the highest level. It only took seven decades, and today is our coming out party. We have the support of the Level 9 and Level 10 agents. And those who have resisted Hydra have been crossed off… Director Fury included."

It took everything in Sara to not react to that new piece of information. Fury dead? Seemed impossible, but Hand said it so calmly and matter of fact.
"I'm here to offer you a choice, and a simple one at that. Either you swear unwavering loyalty to Hydra right now for all time… or share Fury's fate."

The agents that had entered with Hand raised their guns, pointing them at the four agents in front of them. Simmons let out a trapped breath as Emerson took a step back. Trip looked over at Sara, catching sight of a knife handle hidden behind her shirt.
"I won't wait long," Hand said.

Trip and Sara shared a look, and he used the moment to grab the gun closest to him and elbow that agent in the face. He pushed that man over to Sara, who pressed her knife against the man's throat as Trip did the same to a different agent who had tried to intercede.
"Cross us off," Trip snapped. "And two of you go with us."

A small smile appeared on Hand's face.
"Right answer." She stood from her chair, crossing her arms. "The number of people I trust is now ten." Her other agents all holstered their guns as Hand turned to them. "Where are we on the roundup?"

Confused and disgusted at the test they had just been put through; Sara shoved the man she had threatened away from her.
"We're moving all agents below level five to east holding," an agent said. "I have men monitoring microphones placed in most of the rooms."
"And our strike team?"
"Has stormed the plane, yes."
"That was a-a test?" Simmons asked Sara, her voice shaky.
"That very few have passed," Hand said, hearing the question.

Simmons let out a heavy sigh.
"I thought we were dead. You're not Hydra – thank god!"
"Well, don't celebrate just yet. We may not be Hydra, but your friend Coulson, he is." Sara's head whipped around to stare at the woman in complete and utter shock.

Hand led the way through The Hub, addressing an agent as she went.
"Report back to me." The agent nodded before scurrying away. She pushed the doors open to the Command Center and looked at one of the men who wore an odd expression.
"We've searched the plane, ma'am. No sign of them."
"They were onboard when it landed," Agent Shaw cut in. "We're tearing the plane apart. They must've snuck out… somehow."

The woman in charge held back a groan of disappointment and began barking out orders.
"Check the tunnels. I want two squads posted in every corridor. Capture who you can, but you have permission to use lethal force."
"Yes, ma'am," an agent agreed.
"You were right, we should have blown that plane out of the sky."

Sara scoffed, arms crossing over her chest.
"Are you mad?" With a roll of her eyes, Hand turned back to face her. "How can you be saying this?"
"Hydra won't show mercy, neither can we."
"Coulson isn't Hydra."
"He's a good man and a friend!" Simmons added.
"He's a liar! Agent Blake came to be with his suspicions, that Coulson and the other level 8 agents were involved in some sort of conspiracy. Then Coulson sent him on an op that put him in the I.C.U."
"Coulson isn't capable of what you're insinuating," Simmons argued.
"Agent Jacobson, Coulson's crimes?"

Agent Phineas Jacobson stepped forward, looking everywhere except at Sara.
"Recruiting known enemies of S.H.I.E.L.D., disobeying a direct order – multiple counts of violation of international laws—"
"To rescue Professor Hall," Sara interrupted.
"Who ended up dead by you," Hand reminded, gesturing at Jacobson to continue.
"Failure to report the crimes of his protégé, Akela Amador…"
"Whose same technology somehow ended up in the head of Mr. Peterson, and you know his crimes."
"You helped us save Coulson from The Clairvoyant," Simmons said. "Yet, when we found this brain-dead Clairvoyant, Coulson's man Ward shot him before we could learn a single thing about him. The lies add up, Agents. Are you telling me he's never kept a secret from you?"

Simmons looked away from Hand with tears in her eyes, furiously wiping them away. Hand's expression softened slightly.
"The worst thing you can do right now is to underestimate Hydra. They hide in plain sight. They earn our trust, our sympathy. They make us like them. And when you hesitate, they strike. If we're to survive, we must learn to strike first."

As Hand turned her focus away from them, Emerson leaned closer to Sara.
"Is all that true?"
"If it was, we'd be dead," Sara said without blinking an eye.
"But—" The corners of Sara's lips tilted up for a moment.
"But we're still alive, aren't we?"

Sara moved over to one of the screens, unseen by anyone. She started scanning through the building's security systems, then spotted Coulson, May, Fitz, and Garrett already in the building. She turned on the volume just loud enough for her to hear it. 

May stood in front of a screen and pointed at it.
"There. Agent Hand. Outside the east wing situation room." Coulson and Fitz walked over as Garrett saw something on the screen in front of him.
"This is definitely a situation." Fitz leaned over the monitors, trying to see if Simmons and Sara were in there.
"Are they there? We don't move until we find them."

On the screen, Hand walked with Jacobsen through a hallway.
"I'll say it again," Garrett said. "Best bet to save her, use the ventilation system to get above the sit room. Drop down using Fitz' sweet little mouse hold and put two bullets through Victoria Hand's heart."
"Well, that is an option, sir."

Rubbing at his forehead, Coulson shook his head.
"Without questioning?"
"Questioning what? Whether she wants to kill us fast or slow?"
"Last time we did that, we shot the wrong man!"
"Because she wanted us too! Phil, this is a battle for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s soul, and we're on the frontlines. History will remember us this day."
"That's right. It's for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s soul. And murder without consideration is a sure—"
""Consideration"? Consider this: she had one of my men killed with a bomb rigged to his gas pedal. The other two were floating in the hotel pool, and they weren't doing the backstroke."

Clearing her throat, May stepped closer to them.
"We can just as easily I.C.E. her."
"You don't put someone like her on the ice. She had Reyes-Fitz shot in the shoulder and Skye in the stomach! The stomach because she was curious. Mike Peterson burned alive and turned into a freak. She tortured you, using the same machine she used to brainwash that bitch in the flower dress."

Coulson's eyes widened at Garrett's words.
"And right now, she's probably doing the same to Agent Simmons and Reyes-Fitz is most likely dead due to her high position. I've considered this plenty, my friend."
"No, Sara and Simmons are fine," Fitz whispered.
"Just being realistic, kid."
"I never mentioned that part," Coulson murmured.

With a sigh, Garrett looked at the ceiling for a spilt second.
"I'm telling you, killing her quick would be a mercy." Coulson shook his head again, his voice still quiet.
"I never said Raina had been inside the machine. I only told Sara."
"Then she must have told me, or I read it in a report."
"You weren't with us."
"The point is, how many more have to suffer before Vic gets hers?"
"You showed up right after," Coulson continued.
"What in the hell are you driving at?"

May focused on Garrett and moved in closer to Coulson.
"After Skye was shot," Coulson said, "Quinn said it was so I would lead The Clairvoyant to the cure. That's exactly what I did." He gave a small gasp. "I walked you right in there with me."

Shaking his head, Garrett laughed lightly.
"Phil… look, it's been a rough day. I-I get it. But you need to take a second and…" They just stared at each other, and Garrett's shoulders sagged. He clicked his tongue, his expression almost sad.
"Damnit."

Sara turned the volume up louder, drowning out the room. Hand stormed over to hear. "What the hell are you doing?" "Just listen!" Sara snapped. "I can prove Coulson isn't Hydra." Hand fumed, but watched the screens.

The doors burst open, and a swarm of soldiers entered.
"Freeze! Don't move! Hand's where I can see 'em!" The four of them put their hands up.
"Easy, fellas," Garrett said.
"Take Agent Garrett into custody," Coulson said. "He's the murderer they call The Clairvoyant. He's a traitor."
"Gentlemen, I know Agent Sitwell was in charge of filling your ranks, so at least a few of you know what to do in this situation."

As Garrett looked among the soldiers, Coulson looked at him with a worried look then back at the soldiers who still had their guns pointed at them.
"Anytime boys." Without hesitation, one of the soldiers opened fire, taking-out the other soldiers. Their bodies thumped to the floor until only Hydra soldiers stood standing.
"Hail Hydra," Garrett said.
"Hail Hydra!" the soldiers chanted back.

Coulson looked at Garrett in shock.
"Those three men in your unit. I guess they asked the wrong questions."
Garrett shrugged, "Until today, it was all about keeping the secret."
"Are you gonna kill us?" Fitz asked. Garrett shrugged again.
"That wasn't my plan, really."

With a sigh, he walked closer to them.
"If it was, I could've done that at any time I wanted. No, Coulson and I go way back. Back to the days when Nick Fury was teaching us tactics." He smiled at Coulson, mimicking holding a gun. "Clearing corners, slicing the pie. Remember, Phil?"
"Fury would bury you for this," Coulson snapped.

Inhaling with a hiss, Garrett nodded.
"Probably. Instead, he'll just have to roll over in his grave. He must've uncovered our secret. Top brass did what they had to do. Explains why we've suddenly come "out of the shadows". Not a minor inconvenience, I might add."
""Top brass"?" May repeated.
"Oh, my, yes. Tip-top. We had a good thing going, too. Waiving the S.H.I.E.L.D. flag as hard as we could. I guess we'll be changing colors now."
"For Hydra? You really believe all that crap, spreading death and destruction?"
Garrett grimaced, "I wouldn't say I'm a true believer. Let's just say I felt the wind changing direction and swung my sail. You really should, too."
"I would die before serving Hydra, you sick son of a bitch."

Once more, Garrett grimaced.
"I hate to tell you, but you've been serving Hydra all along." He smiled. "I guess death is only alternative. It's a sad thing, I consider you a friend. I was happy when I heard you'd made it through."
"So happy you made me tortured for three days to find out how they did it."
"I didn't enjoy that. Phil, t-this is me being honest."
"No, John. This is you being a psychopath."

With a laugh, Garrett stepped up closer to May.
"I know you'd follow him to the grave, so…" He stuck out his lower lip in a pouting face and turned towards Fitz.
"As for you, Agent Fitz, you'll hold a very high rank, run our tech division, if you volunteer."

Fitz' head was lowered, tears running down his cheeks.
"If not," Garrett continued. "You'll have no rank and a lot of pain. Of course, either way—" He bowed slightly. "Your services will be required."

Looking away for a moment to gather his strength, Fitz raised his head.
"You're gonna suffer for what you've done." He sniffed, straightening his back. "And I, I plan on being a very big part of that." Garrett laughed, clapping Fitz on the shoulder.
"I like you, kid."

Turning towards the Hydra soldiers, he gestured at the trio behind him.
"All right, let them have it." He paused, looking at Fitz. "But shoot that one in the kneecaps." He passed the line of soldiers, but an explosion rocked the base, causing him to lose his footing. The electricity blinked then went out.

Sara jumped to her feet, running out of the room. She shoved the doors open, holding up her gun. Garrett was lying on the ground and Coulson lifted his hands.
"I'm not Hydra," he told his daughter. "Oh, I know." Hand walked up behind her.
"We heard... everything," Hand said. 
"Who is?" Coulson asked. "How deep does it go?" Hand looked down sadly at the floor then back up to Coulson.

Groups of people were led through the halls by soldiers. Coulson, May, Fitz, and Simmons stood in a small circle as Skye joined them. At the very end of the prisoner line, Garret was being walked down, a guard on each side holding onto his arms. He passed by Trip, who was yelling loudly as Sara and Emerson tried to hold him back.

Catching sight of Sara, Ward walked over to them, placing a hand on Trip's shoulder as their former S.O. passed by with a shocked face. Ward watched in confusion, looking down at Sara. She started talking quietly as the rest of them watched. Ward shook his head multiple times as he tried to take in what Sara was telling him. He took a tiny step back as he looked back at Garrett before the man disappeared behind the corner. He turned his attention back down at Sara as she buried her head into his chest.

Sara stood beside Ward as he shouldered a black bag.
"Do you have to go?" she asked quietly. Ward leaned down, pressing his lips against the top of her head.
"I'll be back soon."
She sighed, "I'll miss you." He pulled closer against him, hand against her hip in a protective way as Trip and Emerson walked over to them.
"Gonna be gone long?" Trip asked.
"Hopefully not," Ward said before looking at Emerson.
"Good to see you again, Agent Azeri."
"Hello Ward," Emerson greeted.

Even though she was tucked tightly under Ward's arm, Sara stiffened as Garrett appeared, being led by Jacobson and Shaw. Hand beckoned to Ward, and he shifted the bag on his arm. He squeezed Sara tightly once more before following the group.

Emerson looked at her friend, running a hand against her forehead.
"I don't know how you do it, Sara. I can't imagine having to say goodbye all the time. Especially on things like this."
"You did the right thing," Sara muttered. "Keeping people at bay is better than getting attached." Emerson sighed, wrapping an arm around Sara's shoulders.
"Come on, let's go find Fitz-Simmons."

The team stood in their destroyed plane, all in various phases of disbelief.
"It's all gone," Skye murmured.
"In pieces, at least," Simmons said. Coulson walked down the spiral staircase, wearing a clean new suit.
"Skye, try to restore some of the firmware in the plane's system. Fitz-Simmons, get a crew together. Help May patch the holes."
"You still want me onboard?" May asked.
"You're not a friend," Coulson said, making her frown. "But I do believe you're an ally. We need all the allies we can get." He walked away from her.
"What are we planning to do next?"
"Survive."

Sara walked over to Emerson and Trip.
"We've got room on the team if you want to tag along," she told them. Trip looked past him at Simmons before nodding in agreement. Emerson, however, shook her head.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s gone so back to the hospital I go. Good luck to you all."

Moving to join them, Coulson wished Emerson well. She slipped a business card into his hand. It had a single line of numbers, too long to be a normal phone number.
"If you never need help," she said. She looked between him and Sara.
"Thank you, Agent Azeri."
"No, thank you, Agent Coulson. I'll see you soon, Sara."

Inside a plane, Garrett saw beside Agent Shaw on one side of the plane while Ward sat at the other. Hand stood beside Ward as Jacobson entered from the cockpit.
"Course is locked, ma'am," Jacobson said.
"Good," Hand said.

As Jacobson sat down in the empty seat beside Garrett, Hand looked to Ward.
"He's not telling stories now, is he?" Ward looked from her to Garrett with anger on his face. "You know what I'm thinking, Agent Garrett?" Hand asked.

Not taking the bait, Garrett kept his head down.
"I'm thinking The Icebox of The Fridge is a little too comfortable for you. Maybe we should put you a little deeper underground." That caught his attention, and he looked up at her as she turned her attention to Ward.
"What do you think, Agent Ward? You shot the wrong Clairvoyant before, care to shoot the right one?"

Ward looked up at her, then over to Garrett. He stood, pulling out his gun. He unlatched mag to check it then slide it back in. While Hand stared at Garrett, Ward cocked the gun, readying to fire. Ward lifted his gun up and shot Agent Shaw in the head. He quickly followed that by shooting Agent Jacobson in the head as well.

Hand looked at Ward with shock and he shot her in the stomach, she fell to the floor, groaning weakly. Ward took a step closer to her, firing two rounds into her body, all while showing no emotion. Garrett looked up from Hand to Ward and smiled. Ward didn't return the smile, but he nodded at Garrett.

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

A/N:The next few chapters will have scenes from both Ward and Sara's "POV", so enjoy!

Chapter Text

S.H.I.E.L.D. Prison
Location: Unknown

Inside a cell, Raina folded a piece of paper, making an origami flower. She sighed, staring at the finished project. She stood, walking over to a shelf covered in origami flowers. Placing it on the shelf, she startled at the sound of a loud explosion.

Turning towards the sound, she could hear yelling and gun fire. A sly smile started to spread don her face and she sat patiently on her cot. She could hear more gunfire until it suddenly stopped. Keys rattled and she jumped when the door to her cell opened.

Stepping into the room, Ward gave her a sly smile that made her get worriedly to her feet.
"What are you doing here?" Entering the room, Ward set his gun down on a small table, along with his backpack. He pulled out a black box with a red ribbon out of the bag and turned to Raina, holding it out.

Her eyes darted down to the box then back up to Ward.
"A gift," he told her. "From The Clairvoyant." Eyes widening, she reached for the box, and he pulled off the lid with a flourish. She reached into the box, pulling out a red satin dress with black flowers.

Channel 7

Today, world leaders are scrambling for answers after the world's most advance spy agency was crippled by a series of attacks. The president contends this is the biggest intelligence leak in world history. But what's even more disturbing, the documents released from SHIELD show clear evidence of human experimentation, stockpiles of WMD, all concealed by a massive cover up. With world security at stake, officials everywhere are calling for SHIELD… Members of Congress are calling for an investigative panel, but it's still unclear who should be held accountable. Many of its leaders have vanished, leaving SHIELD fractured and powerless.

Havana, Cuba

Ward led Raina into a barbershop, he smiled when he saw the barber.
"Welcome back, Mr. Ward. How 'bout a shave?" Ward reached up, rubbing at the stubble on his face.
"I think I might let it grow up, Ernesto. Think the missus might like it?" Ernesto winked playfully, turning away from his client. "If she can put up with you already, I doubt much will change."

A chuckle left Ward as Raina leaned in close to him.
"This is where we're meeting The Clairvoyant?" Ward glanced over at Ernesto's client.
"There's no need to call me that anymore." Spinning the chair around, Garrett grinned at Raina. "Name's John."

Standing from the chair, Garrett walked over to them.
"John Garrett." Raina gapped at him in surprise, and he chuckled. "Guess you were expecting more the fortune teller type." Holding out his hand, he offered it to Raina, who took it with a smile.
"It's an honor to finally meet you."
"Please, the pleasure's all mine. You've done great work for us on the Centipede project."
"It was your gift that showed me the way."

Grimacing, Garrett shook his head as he looked over at Ward. His partner merely rolled his eyes, chuckling.
"Sorry, Flowers. I hate to disappoint you. I never had any gifts, at least not the kind you believed in."

He moved away, looking at a mirror as he slapped aftershave onto his face.
"Just a very high level S.H.I.E.L.D. security clearance and persuasive personality."
"You're not clairvoyant?"
"Hardly. But if it's any consolation, you weren't alone in believing, not by a long shot."
"So… you're a liar. You're a fraud."
"An artist," he corrected. "A con artist, perhaps, but an artist all the same. Had to pull the wool over S.H.I.E.L.D.'s eyes somehow, to do what we set out to do. Remember what that was?"
"To change the world."
"Why don't you take a seat and let me show you how we're doing that?"

Walking over to the barber chair he had been sitting in, he patted it gently for Raina.
"Oh, don't worry, I wouldn't dream of letting Ernesto cut your hair." Raina walked over to the chair, Garrett holding out his hand to help her sit. "Welcome to Hydra," he said. She looked up at him with a worried expression as the chair started to descend into the ground.

The Hub

Inside the command center, Skye walked in to see Coulson and Sara. They were talking quietly, a furious expression on Coulson's face. Sara seemed indifferent to the conversation, but clearly something was going on. They paused when they saw Skye.
"Good news," she said, trying to defuse the tension. "The Cube has been retaken. All Hydra agents have been flushed out and are on the run."
"So that makes four."
"See, I told you more would turn up."

The doors of the command center opened again, May slipping inside.
"The hull's almost completely repaired," May informed them. "Flight systems are back online."
"And the cargo ramp?"
"Fitz assures me that I will be operational."

The large monitor in the room flashed red, Sara's eyes immediately darting to it.
"Incoming transmission," she said, drawing the others to it the screen.

It lit up with the image of a military man with a mustache.
"This is Colonel Glenn Talbot, U.S. Airforce, I need to speak to whoever's in charge over there." Coulson addressed the man.
"Colonel Talbot, I'm Agent Phil Coulson. I'm happy we could—"
"Mr. Coulson, it's a real mess your boys have gotten us into." "Hydra caught us by surprise."
"Well, that's an understatement. It's troubling how deeply embedded Hydra was within your ranks."
"Especially troubling for you, sir. But I assure you we're going on the offensive. The Hub is secure. All remaining agents stand ready to assist you in whatever—"
"I think we've had about all the assistance we can handle from S.H.I.E.L.D. I'm sending in a peacekeeping force. They're gonna take control."
"Understood. What shall I tell my men to expect?"
"We just want to ask a few questions, get the lay of the land. Everything checks out, you and your boys can be on your merry."
"Sounds good."

The feed cut and Sara crossed her arms.
"This doesn't sound good," she said. "He's lying."
"For sure," Skye agreed.
"If Talbot's leading the op, there's nothing peacekeeping about it," Coulson remarked.
"Base defenses are operational, we could hold out," May suggested.
"The last thing S.H.I.E.L.D. needs is to start a war with the U.S. government."
"What happens when Talbot gets here?" Skye asked.
"Best case scenario, we all get subpoenas," Sara answers. "Spend the next six months tied up in court hearings."
"Worst case scenarios?"
"Means they skip the subpoenas, move straight to the bunker busters."
"Bombs," Skye murmured. "Big bombs."
"All while Hydra's still out there," May said.

Sighing, Coulson looked to Skye.
"Get on the comms, we're enacting Odyssey protocol."
"Damn," Sara muttered.
"Odyssey protocol?" Skye asked. "What does that mean?"
"It means Fitz needs to finish his repairs," Sara said. "We're getting the hell out of here."

A few hours later, May and Coulson walked onto The Bus. Sara immediately tuned into their conversation from across the hold
"A lot of agents are staying behind to surrender," May said.
"Wish they'd reconsider. We need all the help we can get to fight Hydra. How's The Bus?"
"Fitz managed to jerry-rig the ramp, but The Hub's fuel reserves were tapped out. We're running low."
"Talbot's landing in less than an hour. Can you get us up in the air or not."
"Have us wheels up in ten."

From nearby, Trip's ears perked up.
"So, you guys are all set to go?"
"I appreciate your help."
"Enough to give me a bunk?" Trip asked. "Seeing as you guys are down a specialist, I was hoping I could hitch a ride."
"Not gonna happen," Coulson said. "But feel free to commandeer one of Hand's vehicles." Coulson went to walk away, but Trip called back to him.
"I'm sorry, is there a problem?"
"No problem. Just not letting you on my plane."
"Garrett had me fooled, same as everyone else."
"Everyone else wasn't by his side day in, day out."
"Friends of mine are dead because of him! Good friends!"

Sighing, Sara walked over to them.
"He should come with us… sir."
"Duly noted, Agent Reyes-Fitz." Trip didn't miss how Sara's shoulders straightened just slightly. "This isn't a democracy."
"Isn't it?" she shot back. "Technically, Coulson, we rank the same."
"There's no ranks anymore, Reyes-Fitz."
"We are still equals. Agent Triplett may have been Garrett's partner, but so was I. I served alongside Garrett and Ward for a while. Remember?"
"And you're on thin ice as it is."

The younger agent's teeth ground together, itching to lay into Coulson. But instead, she clasped her hands behind her back.
"He's coming along."
"You can't decide that."
"Can't I?" It was a clear challenge, both agents refusing to back down until Coulson sighed.
"I don't have time for this. He's your responsibility." Trip glanced over at Sara as her shoulders drooped and she toyed with her engagement ring.
"Thanks, Sara."
"Don't thank me yet," she said. "I think you'll regret your decision soon enough."

Sara sat in the cockpit, glaring out the window as May kept them in the sky. Coulson was making his rounds, asking for info from everyone. They had no way to keep from being detected, they had only a few days' worth of food, and, not to Sara's surprise, they had interest! Yay.

He was in a foul mood, she noted, when he entered the cockpit to join them. The two weren't talking, both still mad at the other.
"Any sign of Talbot's forces?"
"Not yet," May answered. "But we've only got eight hours of flight time before we have to land."
"No more than four, fuel line's leaking."
"Want to tell me where we're going?"
"I don't know."

Turning to Sara, he held out a cellphone to her.
"Give Ward a call. When you're finished, collect everyone's badges. It's no longer something we want to flash around."
"You're wiping the system?"
"Unfortunately. You no longer exist."
"Wonderful."
"When you're done, we need to talk. Privately."
"Of course."

A little while later found Sara in her bunk, dialing Hand's number, hoping to get Ward. She couldn't stand Hand, no matter what side the woman was on. The phone was picked up on the third ring.
"Sir?" Ward asked. "Is everything all right?"
"Yeah, when you guys get back, don't go to The Hub."
"Sara?"

She took a deep breath, trying to clear her head.
"Hey, Ward."
"Everything all right, baby?"
"If by all right you mean, we no longer exist, a trigger-happy Colonel threatened the hub, we've been evacuating, and you're still gone, then yeah, sure. I'm fine."
"I should be back soon, Sara. Hand picked up some Navy jets in the vicinity. She has us taking the long route to The Fridge just to be safe. Have any idea where Coulson has us heading?"
"No idea."

Havana, Cuba

On the other side of the phone, Ward was sitting across from Garrett. His partner seemed indifferent to the conversation but was watching Ward with interest.
"Seriously, Sara. How are you doing?"
"I'm no one again, Ward. For the hundredth time in my live, Sara Elizabeth Camilla Reyes-Fitz no longer exists. I was really hoping this one would."
"You're still Sara, darling."

A bitter laugh cut through the phone before it sobered and got quiet.
"Ward, I want out."
"Out?" He exchanged a look with Garrett, the older man seeming just as confused.
"I want out of S.H.I.L.E.D."
"How'd you mean?"
"As soon as everything is clear, I want to leave. I want to find a place in the middle of nowhere and settle down, or god, I don't know, move to Canada, and disappear into a random city."
"All right… let's talk when I get back, yeah?"
"Yeah… I love you."
"Love you too."

The moment the phone was down, Garrett started shaking his head.
"I never pictured you for a lovesick fool, Ward, not once. And if you are lying straight to her face with the love-dovey crap, I'm impressed."
"Sara's hard to not love. And anyway, it isn't without its complications."
"Oh, come on. You're not still upset about that."
"Shooting Sara was not a part of the plan. In fact, you promised she'd be safe."
"Then she shouldn't have tried to protect that girl? It was Reyes-Fitz own "bravado" that got her hurt. Listen, if the job was easy, it wouldn't—"
"Yeah, the job was to blend in, gather intel on Coulson's revival. That's it. You said yourself, you didn't want any bloodshed."
"That was before I found out Coulson didn't know squat. You know, you would've had an easier time if I have the kill order week one."
"Yeah, but you didn't."
"Don't forget what the assignment was," Garrett warned. "Don't forget who gave it to you and don't forget way. And cheer up! As soon as we're done, you can take Sara anywhere in the world you want."

Turning, Garrett led Ward into the lab where Raina was looking at the equipment she had previously used on Coulson.
"So, the equipment's here," she said, hearing them approaching. "What do you want with me?"
"Well, Flowers. I'm putting you back in charge of the Centipede project to finish phase three."
"It's Raina," she corrected.
"Sorry. Force of habit."
"I thought phase three ended when I couldn't get the truth about Tahiti from Agent Coulson. When they locked me up."
"On the contrary—"

Garret moved deeper into the basement and opened a door, leading Raina inside.
"—Your little bedside chats pushed him in the direction we needed." Raina almost gasped at the sight of two people lying on tables with sheets covering their bodies.
"Don't get me wrong," Garrett continued. "We've had more than a few setbacks."

The man pulled back a sheet that covered a man's face. Large welts and blisters had completely taken over the face.
"We've been testing new drugs. They all have different numbers. We thought one of them might contain whatever Jesus juice brought Coulson back from the dead."

He handed a container of vials to Raina, who carefully took them.
"Where did you find these?"
"At the facility where Fury operated on him. Coulson walked me in, hand in hand."
"I'd like to see this facility."
"Unfortunately, ran into a couple of security chuckleheads who decided to hit the kill switch. I loaded my vest with as many of these vials as I could find, but none of them seem to be working quite right."

Raina raised an eyebrow, nodding with interest.
"There's the look," he said. "I can see your gears turning now. I don't have any gifts, Raina, but you do." He took the vials back. "I can't succeed without your help." He put the vials back into a small fridge.
"I'll need money and resources," Raina said. "Your bank accounts are already fully funded."

Holding out a hard-drive, Ward walked up to Rania.
"This is a hard drive with all of Simmons and Sara's research. Both Coulson and Skye's blood work, all the data on the Guest House Drug. If there's a key to how this stuff works, you'll find it in there." He took it from her and started to walk away.
"If you need anything else, just whistle," Garrett said before following Ward.
"Where are you going?" Raina asked.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most secure facility is vulnerable right now," Ward called over his shoulder.
"The Fridge?"
"Oh, you've heard of it?" Garrett asked. "Yeah, well… we're gonna raid it."

The Bus

Sara stood in the Command Center, typing in coordinates that Coulson and Skye found from Fury. It was putting them somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.
"What exactly are we looking for here, sir?" Fitz asked.
"It's unclear," Coulson answered. "Maybe a rally point of some kind?"
"Sir, have you and Agent Fury used this form of communication before?"
"Never."
"Then how can you be sure that—"
"Cause this is how he operates," Sara interrupted.
"Could be a trap," Trip suggested. "So far, everything has been a trap. Am I wrong?"
"Trip—"
"Hydra could have sent you those coordinates."

Stalking forward, Coulson held out his badge with the glowing coordinates.
"Nick Fury gave me this badge. When he did, I swore an oath. We all did. To serve when everything else fails, to be humanities last line of defense, to be the shield." He put the badge down, looking at each agent firmly in the eyes. "These coordinates mean something. I'm certain of it. Fury also gave me this plane. Anyone wants off, chutes are in the bay. Help yourself."

Havana, Cuba

Men stepped up to Garrett, giving him a report.
"We were outnumbered and S.H.I.E.L.D. pressed the advantage."
"You managed to make it out with the chopper?" Garrett asked.
"Yes, sir."
"No worries then. The Cube's small potatoes. Once we hit the Fridge and grab all the fun toys tucked away inside, we'll be able to take any base we want."

The solider immediately threw up his arms.
"Hail Hydra!" Garrett rolled his eyes.
"All right, all right. Put your arms down, Kaminsky." The solider slowly lowered his arms. "You look like a west Texas cheerleader at a pep rally." Garrett moved away from the solider, going to another man as Ward leaned down towards Raina.
"You were disappointed," he remarked. "That Garrett wasn't a real clairvoyant."
"There was a question I would have asked."
"Hmm."
"You've known him a long time?"
"Ever since I was a teenager. He pulled me out a hell. Saved me from myself."

A small smile appeared on his face as he looked at the ground for a second.
"So now do you know me?" he asked.
"You know how to work me?" Raina gave him a sly smile.
"I'm just curious. If I wanted to work you, I'd ask you about Coulson and his team and how you managed to gain their trust."
"I jumped out of a plane."

He nearly chuckled at the look she gave him.
"Deep cover tactics one-oh-one, perform selfless acts of bravery early on. So, I jumped to save the scientist. I had a parachute."
"May never suspected?"
"Agent May as the primary threat, but I'm engaged to her favorite student."
"I would never peg you as Agent Reyes-Fitz' type."
"I'm everyone's type," he joked. "Skye was the unknown variable. Being her S.O. put me in a position to be a sounding board, get an idea what she was thinking."
"And Coulson? He wasn't skeptical when you pressured him to join?"
"Coulson? Nah, he pressured me. You'd be surprised how often you get invited to the party when you don't want to go."

Standing up straight, he crossed his arms, mimicking the way he first spoke to Coulson.
"Sir, I was trained from day one as a specialist. I go in alone; I get it done. This team thing—not my speed." He leaned back against the wall as Raina gave him an impressed look."I gave Coulson a person he thought he could help. Plane was full of them."
"It's that simple? You really felt nothing for me? I mean, I spent time with Coulson. He's a good man. Someone who'd lay down their life for you. Don't you owe a man like that something?"
"Oh sure. But I owe Garrett everything."
"Yes, I understand. But when he orders you to hurt Sara? Will you be able to do it."

A stormy look overcame Ward's face. He shot the woman a stern look.
"It's Agent Reyes-Fitz to you," he corrected. "And Garrett will never do that. After all, he finds Sara amusing."
"She won't ever help you."
"You don't know everything."
"Are you really going to marry her?" He shot her another look but didn't answer. "You really do love her, don't you." Once again he was quiet.

The Fridge: Location Classified

Ward stood behind Garrett at the top of a very tall building. It stuck out of the middle of the ocean.
"It's a hundred floors," Garrett remarked. "The only way in is through the roof." Ward grabbed hold of the man's elbow, leading him towards the glass doors.

Inside, two guards watched them approach.
"Identity yourself and state your purpose," one said.
"Agent Grant Ward and you know who this is. Hand called it in."
"We have specific orders not to let anyone in without Agent Hand present. So where is she?"
"Where do you think she is? She's heading to meetings with every high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent still out there. There's a war going on, in case you guys missed it. You really want me to radio her? Have her turn the plane around and come all the way back?"
"That's exactly what you need to do."

Sighing, Ward rolled his head around in irritation.
"All right. I guess you boys have never seen Hand angry, have you?" He picked up his radio, putting it to his mouth. Before he could "speak", a helicopter appeared behind them, beginning to fire.

Grabbing Garrett, Ward pulled the two of them behind a small wall.
"Take cover!"
"It's Hydra," a guard shouted. The helicopter fired against the door, barely damaging it. Ward grabbed Garrett again, yanking him to the door.
"Open the door!" Ward shouted.
"It's against protocol!"
"I don't care about your protocol! Open the door. You're gonna get us killed!"

The guard kept hesitating until the helicopter began to turn back.
"Screw it." He opened the door, allowing Ward and Garrett to hustle inside.
"Took you boys long enough," Ward muttered as a guard used his key-card to get the elevator moving.
"How the hell did Hydra know you and Hand were coming?"
"We told them," Garrett answered.

The guards spun around, finding Ward pointing guns at their faces. He rolled his eyes at Garrett after he shot them.
"A little warning next time? I mean, they had automatic weapons."
"I couldn't resist," Garrett said as he pulled his hands out of the handcuffs.
"It was too good a line." He handed a gas mask to Ward, who had a smirk toying on his lips. "Let's go shopping."

As soon as the gas dissipated, the two men pulled off their masks, walking around a group of hydra soldiers.
"First time I came down here was to lock up Johnny Horton," Garrett remarked. "Ever heard of him?" Ward merely frowned as an answer. "Guy somehow game himself these lion's paws for hands." Garrett pretended to paw at Ward. "Can you imagine?"
"That doesn't sound practical." Garrett laughed.
"Everybody's got their own weird thing, I suppose."

He stopped in front of a door and looked over at Ward.
"You know the Slingshot Program?"
"Yeah, it's how S.H.I.E.L.D. gets rid of its dangerous technology." Garrett took out a small round device and attached it to the keypad. "Do they know?" Ward tilted his head to the side, blocking his ears momentarily as the device exploded, allowing the doors to open.

Waving away the smoke, Garrett gestured for Ward to head inside.
"Welcome to the toy store." Ward stared in shock, seeing shelves upon shelves filled with various sized boxes. "All right, grab all you can, boys. If it looks dangerous, good. Alien? Even better."
"It's all here. Slingshot's a fake."
"We shot a lot of empty rockets into space. And maybe every-once-in-awhile, they put a monkey in one for kicks. You really think Fury would give away all these goodies? We're talking about the same guy that messed around with Tesseract technology and sparked an alien invasion."

Looking around, Garrett grinned at a specific box. He picked it up, showing it to Ward.
"Remember this?"
"Yeah, I found it in Peru… It's some sort of plasma particle beam."
"Plasma particle beam, my ass. I look at it more as a gold card." He grinned again, turning it on. Ward was quick to move behind him, grimacing when Garrett fired.

Somewhere cold

The bus landed in a snowy desolate area, nothing but trees and mountains as far as they could see. Everyone was gearing up in warm weather gear, meeting in the cargo bay. Sara leaned against Fitz, watching Coulson closely.
"Coordinates are about a seven-mile hike from here. Terrain's pretty rough, even if it wasn't covered with snow."
"Agent May and I can lead a scouting party first," Trip said, "make sure this isn't a trap."
"There's no time," Coulson said. "In less than eight hours, a NATO satellite will pass directly over us. If The Bus is still here, they'll know. I've been doing this long enough to know that something's up there. But this mission, has to be your voice."

He looked specifically at Fitz-Simmons.
"A lot's changed in the last few days. I know you all have your doubts about what we've been doing, about me. But I don't. Which is why I'm going to find whatever Fury has waiting for us… with or without you." He hit a button the wall, opening a hatch. He started off, Skye and May following. Fitz-Simmons, Sara, and Trip stayed behind for a moment.
"Well, you heard the man," Sara murmured. "We don't have much time." She picked up her backpack, zipping up her jacket as the other three did the same. They started off after Coulson, Sara taking the rear as she watched their surroundings. They might have been in the middle of nowhere, but danger always followed them.

The Fridge: Location Classified

Ward knelt beside a box, staring down at the Asgardian Berserker staff. He gave it a fond smile before standing, moving to Garrett's side. The man had used the 0-8-4 to blast a hole in the walls to let prisoners out.
"You're welcome, gentlemen! Don't forget to follow your dreams." One of the soldiers gave him a curious look before hurrying off. "Ladies," Garrett nodded as a woman walked out. "Well, this ought to keep Coulson busy a while." He glanced over to see Ward wandering off by himself. He had the 0-8-4 in his hands. "Grant! Come on!"

Ward ignored him, still looking down at the ground.
"We gotta roll. The chopper's almost full. What the hell are you doing?"
"You might want to take a step back," Ward said.
"I'm not following."
"Coulson told me there was a little something hidden down below."
"I hate to tell you, but this is the bottom floor. I've seen the blueprints with my own eyes."

Smirking, Ward rolled his shoulders.
"Care to make it interesting?"
"Loser buys dinner," Garrett suggested.
"Perfect," Ward said with a shrug. He prepped the device as Garrett moved to stand behind him. "I'm so sick of the crap we ate on that plane."

He fired at the floor and leaned down into the hole as the dust cleared. They knelt above it, Garrett looking astonished.
"Well, hello, gorgeous," Garrett whistled.

Somewhere cold

Coulson lead the team through the snow, continually consulting his compass as May huffed and puffed behind him. Sara was sneezing, already feeling the effects of a cold. Fitz had a tablet out, Simmons looking over his shoulder as normal.
"This is not good," Fitz murmured.
"Bears?" Simmons asked alarmed. "Did it find bears?"
"No. Found nothing. No sign of life or S.H.I.E.L.D. base or anything making it even remotely worthwhile for freezing our butts off."
"Did you mean what you said earlier about Coulson?" Simmons asked.
"I don't know, Jemma. I want to believe Coulson knows what he's doing, but…"
"Well, at least we have each other," Sara cut in.
"Yeah. Good. Cause the last thing I want is for things to change."
"Fitz…" Sara said slowly. "It's too late for that." She gave him a small hug before sneezing again.

Head of them, Skye leaned in close to May.
"Do you think he's okay?"
"It's been a rough couple of days," May answered.
"That's not what I meant," Skye muttered.
"Don't act like you know what Fury had me do."
"Well, eh had you spy on im for a reason. So, what was it?"

May came to a stop, sighing deeply.
"Fury was concerned about Coulson finding out the truth. The doctors thought it would have negative consequences."
"Like what? Like he'd go crazy? Spontaneously combust or something?" May shook her head.
"It's not clear. All I know is he seemed stable until today. And now he has us in the middle of nowhere, chasing ghosts."
"That's because his whole world fell apart."
"He's not alone in that."

A few miles later, Coulson led them in a small clearing, looking at his compass.
"This is it!" Coulson said. "There's got to be something here." Everyone began looking around, Sara leaning against a tree.
"How long should we look before thinking about heading back?" Skye asked.
"We're not going back, not until we find whatever Fury has waiting for us."
"What about the satellite?" Trip questioned. He leaned against Sara's tree, shoulder brushing against hers.
"It doesn't matter," Coulson said. "The Bus used all its remaining fuel just to get us here."

Fitz-Simmons look at him in shock.
"Did you know this before flying us out to the middle of nowhere?" Simmons asked.
"It was the right play," Coulson snapped. "Fury sent us these coordinates for a reason."
"And what reason is that?" Sara asked.
"I don't know!" he shouted. "I don't know! There's got to be something here!" He looked down at his badge and then back up at his team. "This means something! This has to mean something!"

Everyone looked away, unable to meet his eyes.
"The world needs us! Hydra is out there! We cannot let them win. We—we cannot let them define us. Do you understand that? We are not agents of nothing! We are agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and that still carries weight! It—it has to carry weight! After everything we've been through, that carries weight!"

He bowed his head, taking deep breaths. He barely registered Sara walking up to him under her arms were wrapped around his waist.
"It's okay, Phil," she murmured. "It's going to be okay." He nodded, kissing the top of her head.

As she pulled away, he glanced around at his team, remorse in his eyes.
"I'm sorry." Angrily, he tossed his badge into the air. A gun turret came up from the ground and fired on his wallet. Everyone ducked for cover.
"Well, seems like we found it!" Fitz said.

May raised herself up a bit, addressing the others.
"Nobody move!"
"I really don't think that's going to be a problem!" Simmons said.
"This is a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility," Coulson said.
"Shoot first, ask questions later?" Trip said. "Doesn't sound like S.H.I.E.L.D. to me."
"It's not Hydra," Coulson said. "This is Fury reaching out."
"There's no way to know that for sure," May snapped.
"There's one way."

Standing, Coulson avoided May reaching for him as he stepped around a rock.
"Phil! Don't!" she hissed.
"Hey—no!" Skye cried. He didn't listen to them, waling until the gun pointed at him.
"Identify yourself," came a robotic voice.
"I'm Phil Coulson, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." The gun pointed at the sky, the turret going down.
"Welcome, Agent Coulson. We've been expecting you." A sound came from his right and Coulson turned to see a panel in a stone wall sliding apart to reveal a doorway.

Havana, Cuba

Garrett clapped Ward on the shoulder as they entered the base.
"I've never been so happy to buy a man a steak dinner in my life."
"Wait till you see the bill," Ward joked. Garrett frowned when he saw Raina, who was looking very unhappy.
"Why the long face?"
"There's a complication with the hard drive."
"I don't like complications," Garrett said, letting out a dark chuckle. "This one involves Skye and Agent Reyes-Fitz."

The two glanced over at Ward, who's ears had perked up at the mention of his fiancée.
"We had three teams try to hack it, but Skye programed it to erase all data if anyone other than her or Reyes-Fitz attempts to access it." Ward rolled his eyes.
"Of course, she did."
"In case it fell into the wrong hands, I guess," Raina murmured.
"You know what that means, Romeo?" Garrett asked. Ward sighed, nodding.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility
Location: Unknown

After the team passed through the doorway, the doors shut behind them. Sara and May had their guns pulled.
"What is this place?" Skye asked.
"One of Fury's secret bases," came a voice. Without hesitation, May and Sara had their guns pointed at the stranger's face. He held up his hand in defense. "Uh, I call it Providence, although technically it doesn't have a name because technically it doesn't exist, it being a secret base and all. If everyone would follow me."

He started off, the team following a second later. He led them through a set of double doors into a dining hall.
"Pretty cool, huh?" he asked.
"I'm sorry," Coulson said. "Who are you, exactly?"
"Eric Koenig, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. Level 6."

The agent held up an identification badge, showing it to Coulson.
"Phil Coulson," Coulson introduced.
"I know, I know." Koenig smiled, holding out his hand to Coulson. They shook on it. "It is an honor to meet you, Agent Coulson," Koenig said. "And I apologize for the kerfuffle outside. The precision remote system was designed to destroy any rapidly moving metallic object."
"It was my badge."
"It was—okay. That's gonna be, tough to replace… but very soon you're gonna be issued your very own lanyard." He glanced around at the others. "Lanyards for others will be distributed on a case-by-case basis." "What happened to Director Fury? Is he alive?" Koenig's face fell.
"Fury… didn't make it out of D.C. It's uh, it's been rough. We're all a little shaken up, especially now that The Fridge has fallen."

A small gasp came from the back of the team and Sara fumbled to pull out the cellphone. She scrambled away from the others, Fitz hurrying to follow her.
"Who is she calling?"
"We had a man at The Fridge."
"Someone important?"
"Her fiancée."
"Can I speak to you in private?" Koenig asked. Coulson nodded, the two walking off, the rest of the team turned to Sara.

Sara sighed in relief when Ward picked up.
"Hello?"
"Ward?"
"Sara?"
"Oh, thank God."
"Baby, what's wrong?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah… Sara, what's wrong? Are you safe?"
"We're safe. At some secret base thing. I just… he said The Fridge fell and I just was scared and—"
"Hey, I'm okay, I promise."
"I can't lose you," she whispered. "Fury's dead. I can't lose you too."
"I'll be back soon, okay. I'll be back soon. Send me your coordinates and I'll find you."

Havana, Cuba

Ward walked up behind Garrett, still on the phone.
"All right, I'll see you soon… love you."
"Secret base, huh?" Garrett asked as Ward hung up. "Sounds just like Fury." Shrugging, Ward learned against a pillar.
"Sara confirmed, Fury's out of the picture."
"Well, that's good news. Gives us one less thing to worry about. Listen, about Reyes-Fitz—"
"Look, I know how much it means to you. I'll get it done."
"Hey, we all have our weaknesses. The heart wants what it wants. Can't control everything. So, if you can do it the easy way without blowing your cover, then by all means…"
"I just need some time to get the information."
"You'll have it. Coulson will be busy. I'll give you twenty-four hours to get the password and get out. After that, well… cross of the team and bring the girls to me."
"You said you'd leave Sara out of this—"
"And I will," Garrett promised. "Unless she becomes an issue."
"An issue?"
"Hell, I like the girl, Grant, you could do worse. But she's a level nine agent."
"She won't be a problem."
"I hope so… Now, you got your story straight?"
"Yeah."

Straightening his shoulders, Ward stood from the table and walked towards him.
"Just need to make it believable." Garrett pulled his arm back and then hit Ward across the face.
"Who are you?" Ward rolled his head around then looked down at Garrett.
"Grant Ward, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." He didn't flinch as Garrett hit him thrice more.
"Who? Make me believe."
"Grant Ward, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." Ward spat out blood as Garrett hit him again.

S.H.I.E.L.D. Facility
Location: Unknown

Ward stood out in the snow, his face bloody and bruised.
"Identify yourself," the robotic voice asked.
"Grant Ward, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D."
"Welcome, Agent Ward. We've been expecting you." Ward sighed in relief as the doors opened. He walked inside, dropping his bag as he pulled Sara into a tight hug, ignoring the pain in his ribs.
"Thought you might have given me bad directions," he teased, kissing her forehead.
"At least the machine gun outside didn't start shooting at you."

Pulling away slightly, Sara touched his face gently.
"Are you okay?"
"Oh, it's just a scratch," he promised. He pulled off his backpack, grimacing slightly. "Maybe a broken rib or two."
"Grant—"
"Sara, baby, I'm fine," he said, tugging her back into his arms.

Taking the quiet for a moment, Ward's lips found hers. She brushed her hand against his cheek as he deepened the kiss. He groaned in pain as her fingers found a particularly deep cut. She pulled away, studying his face.
"I'm fine," he muttered again. "I'm just tired."
"Let me stitch that cut and then we'll go to bed, deal?"
"Sara—"
"Ward, please." With a sigh, he let her lead him deeper into the base.

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

Sara held a bandage to a deep cut on Ward face while the rest of the team surrounded him, trying to find out what he knew.
"I'm afraid that might scar," Simmons warned. Sara rolled her eyes. Figured that Simmons would be concerned about looks.
"On the upside," Skye shrugged. "You'll look badass, dangerous."

Fitz leaned in, looking at Ward's face closely, a worried expression on his face.
"He's gonna be fine, though, right?" he questioned. Sara glanced over at her brother; frustration written on her face.
"He will be fine. Fitz, back up and give me some room." Fitz took a step away, exchanging confused looks with Ward.
"So, what then?" Coulson asked Ward.
"By the time we got to The Fridge, it was too late. It was overrun, Hydra everywhere. We couldn't stop them."

Coulson sighed and May glanced up from staring at the floor.
"What were they after?"
"Everything," Ward answered. "They took weapons, alien artifacts. Anything they could grab."
"I assume that means the prisoners are no longer prisoners?" Ward nodded and Coulson grimaced, lowering his head upset.
"So… Ian Quin…" Skye whispered.
"I'm sorry. He's out. They all are."

Fitz looked at him again, tilting his head to the side.
"And Garrett? Did he get away?"
"Couldn't stop them from taking The Fridge, but I wasn't gonna let Garrett walk. Not after what he did."
"Is he the one that did this to you?" Skye asked.
"He was one tough son of a –" He paused when Sara flinched.
"Was? Past tense?" May questioned.
"As soon as I had the upper hand, I put three in the back of his head."

Coulson's face dropped, showing surprise.
"Good," Fitz said.
"One from me…" He looked over at Trip and Sara. "One from each of you."
"I would've emptied the mag," Trip muttered.

Sara stepped away from Ward, pulling off her gloves.
"You're all set," she said with a tense smile.
Simmons scoffed, "Well, as set as you can be with two cracked ribs and a zygomatic fracture."
Fitz smirked, "Uh, for those of you that don't know what that is, it's a –"
"A hairline fracture to the cheekbone," Trip spoke with him. Fitz gave him a surprised look and Trip smiled.
"Your body needs time to heal," Simmons told Ward. "Please take some time."

Ward nodded, reaching for his shirt.
"Understood. Thanks." Simmons walked away as Skye and Coulson moved in closer.
"Ah. One small victory," Ward said, holding up Skye's hard drive. "Hydra didn't get their hands on this."
"A hard drive?" Trip asked, confused.
"It's all the research our team's ever done," Skye answered. "Downloaded off the plane and encrypted for safekeeping."
"We should probably back it up now that we're in a secure facility," Ward said.

Sara's ears perked up at Ward's words. Since when did he naturally assume they were in a secure place? Coulson shook his head.
"First, Skye, I need you on threat assessment. Pull up a list of all the inmates at The Fridge. I want to know just how bad this is." Skye nodded and Sara noticed a brief grimace cross Ward's face.

Pulling on his shirt, Ward glanced over at Sara as the others cleared out. A look from May told him not to push it. It was a look he was probably going to ignore. She was cleaning up her equipment when he hopped off the table. He let out a painful breath and she rolled her eyes.
"Two cracked ribs," she reminded him.
"I can feel that!" he groaned.

He noticed her stiffen when he wrapped arms around her waist. Normally she would lean into his chest, but this time she stood like a statue.
"Sara?" His brow furled in confusion.
"Yes?" she asked simply.
"What's wrong?" he asked, kissing her shoulder. She finally relaxed, leaning into him.
"Nothing's wrong," she said. "I'm just tired. I was worried about you and –"
"You were worried about me?" he teased.
"Shut up," she muttered. He kissed the top of her head.

Sara twisted in Ward's arms, smiling sheepishly up at him. She reached up, wrapping her arms around him. He leaned his head down, capturing her lips. His hands gripped at her hips, pulling her closer to him.
"I. Love. You," he murmured between chaste kisses.
"I love you too." Ward glanced around before lifting her up. She squeaked as he set her on a table before capturing her mouth again.

The team gathered around in a cold room. It was all concrete with a large metal chair, sitting in its center. Koenig put his hand on the chair, turning it to the group. He had a large smile on his face. Sara shivered and Ward pulled off his jacket, wrapping it around her shoulders.
"All right. Just gonna need you guys to answer a few questions," Koenig said. "A few psychoanalytic, no sequitur questions."
"A lie detector," Coulson deadpanned.

Koenig pointed at the chair.
"The lie detector, Agent Coulson." Ward took a breath, standing a bit straighter. "This baby measures Galvanic skin responses, oxygen consumption, micro-expressions, biofeedback brain waves, pupil dilation, voices biometrics –" Koenig laughed happily. "96 variables in all. Fury designed this himself. He wanted a lie detector Romanoff couldn't beat."

Ward looked up at him.
"Did she?" Koenig laughed again.
"Like Fury would tell!" Ward looked down at Sara, who was smirking.
"Did she?" he repeated.
"Like Fury would tell," she teased. Coulson rolled his eyes at their playful bantering.
"Okay. The sooner we get this done. The sooner we can get to work." He looked at the rest of the team."So, who wants to go first?" The entire team shifted uncomfortably.

Looking at Sara, Koenig tried his best not to frown. She looked frustrated, but not with him.
"Name?" he began.
"Full name?" she questioned.
"Yes please." She straightened, as if giving her name was a death sentence.
"Sara Elizabeth Camilla Reyes-Fitz."
"Hair color?"
"Black."
"Have you ever heard of Project Insight?"

Sara shook her head.
"Not that I know of."
"Okay. Have you ever had any contact with Alexander Pierce?" At that, she looked up.
"Yes. I had dinner with him once. It sucked. He is – was – creepy. And he wouldn't stop staring at me. It was uncomfortable." He smirked inwardly at her disgust but kept his face placid.
"You end up on a deserted island all alone. There's a box sitting on the sand. What do you have in that box?"
"I… I don't know."
"What do you mean?"

She blew a piece of hair out of her face.
"I don't know what would be in that box… Maybe a bottle of rum and a pistol with a single shot." That wasn't the answer he was expecting.
"Why…"
She shrugged, "Drown my loneliness with that terrible drink and then end it all. That's what pirates did. Why should I be any different?" She chuckled softly, reading his face. "Don't worry about it, Agent Koenig, I'm not suicidal." He chuckled with her.
"All right. S.H.I.E.L.D. no longer exists. The Agency has been labeled a terrorist organization. Why are you here?"

He glanced down, her heartrate accelerating. He looked back up at her as she took a deep breath, calming herself.
"Well… I didn't really have any choice, now did I?"
"Explain, please?"
"Fitz is my brother. May has been my 'mother' figure since I can remember. Ward is my… significant other. Coulson trained me. None of them would just let me walk away. Fitz would leave with me, and I can't let him do that. Coulson would feel betrayed. May and Ward would try to be understanding, but they'd never look at me the same. Walking away would be a sign of failure."

Koenig nodded slowly. She wasn't lying. He walked over to her, helping her undo the wires.
"Take it easy, Agent Reyes-Fitz," he said.
"Thank you, Agent Koenig."
"Grab Agent Ward for me, will you?"

Ward was leaning anxiously against the wall across from the door. He stood up straighter when Sara existed. She was putting on her lanyard.
"Piece of cake?" he questioned. She shrugged, slightly pale.
"You're gonna hate it," she warned. He gave her a quick kiss.
"Go lie down," he suggested.
"Ward…"
"No, you need it. Those circles under your eyes say you haven't slept properly in about a week." They exchanged soft smiles before she walked away.

The smile on Ward's face dropped as he stared at the door. He took a deep breath before entering. Koenig settled him down in the chair before walking over to his equipment. "What is your full name?" he questioned.
"My name is Grant Douglas Ward."
"Please list your immediate family."
"Two parents, a sister, two brothers. Don't have any contact with them. I'm engaged to Agent Reyes-Fitz."

Koenig frowned at Ward's baseline. Everyone else had calm lines, but Ward's lines were jumping and scrambled all over.
"Boy, your baseline's getting a lot of spikes. Are you in pain?" Ward took a deep breath, grimacing.
"Yeah, only when I breathe. Two broken ribs." Shifting, Ward looked uncomfortable as Koenig looked back down at the monitor.
"Okay, well, try not to move. It may affect the results."
Ward nodded, "I'll try my best."

Koenig fired another question at Ward.
"What is the difference between an egg and a rock?"
"Eggs are food. Rock's a weapon."
"Have you ever heard of Project Insight?"
Ward shook his head, "No."
"Ever made contact with Alexander Pierce?"
"No."
"You wash up on a deserted island alone. Sitting on the sand is a box. What's in that box?"
"It would depend on the island, where it is, how big, what's the terrain? Is there fresh water?"
"Just say the first thing that comes into your head."
"A pistol," Ward decided.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. no longer exists. The Agency has been labeled a terrorist organization. So, why are you here?"
"I'm an agent. It's my duty."

The other agent looked down at the monitor and frowned. He could see that all the lines were spiking again.
"I need you to give that to me again," he said.
"It's my duty," Ward repeated. Koenig watched the monitor then lifted his hand, now holding a gun.
"I'm gonna ask you a follow up."

Ward's face fell a bit.
"Agent Ward, are you associated with Hydra?" Ward's eyes darted away then he looked at Koenig.
"Yes." Koenig looked at the monitors then up at Ward, who gave him a small smile. "We all are. They've infiltrated the highest levels of our organization."

Koenig cocked the gun and pointed it at Ward.
"Like you mean it. Are you Hydra?" He looked down at the monitor, waiting for Ward's answer.
"I'm loyal to S.H.I.E.L.D. To Agent Coulson… and to my team." The monitor still showed red signs of lying.
"Do you have another agenda here?"

One of Ward's hands tightened, remembering back to Garrett.
"I'll give you 24 hours to get the password and get out. After that, well… cross off the team and bring the girls to me." Sara's face appeared in his mind.
"I love you." Koenig brought him back to reality.
"Agent Ward, why are you really here?"

There was a long tense moment as Ward tried to figure his way out. He finally decided on Sara.
"Sara. I came back for her. I couldn't leave her."
"Sara?" Koenig repeated. Ward nodded. Technically it was the truth. He needed to get that password from her and Skye. Koenig un-cocked the gun, pulling it out of Ward's face.
"Must be nice. Having her, I mean." Ward nodded swiftly.
"It is."

Walking down an empty hallway, Ward wore a lanyard and a smirk. He turned the corner and looked to make sure it was empty before ducking behind a wall. He grimaced as he picked at his thumbnail. He let out a hissing groan while he picked at it.

Fitz walked by in the background and noticed him.
"Hey, Ward," he called. He walked towards Ward. Quickly, Ward pulled a needle out from under his thumbnail and turned to face Fitz.
"Hey, Fitz. Are you guys taking off?"
Fitz nodded, "Yeah, I wish you or Sara were coming instead of Trip. He's insufferable, isn't he?"

Ward's brow furled.
"Trip?" he asked.
"Yeah," Fitz nodded.
"I think the guy's okay," Ward shrugged.
"I know. He's terrible. He's a horrible person." Ward rolled his eyes. Clearly Fitz wasn't paying attention to him.
"You sure this is about him?" he asked. "Not about Simmons?"
"What the hell does that mean?" Fitz asked.
"Everything is falling apart around us. We don't know how it'll end. If there's something you want to tell her, don't wait."

Fitz looked at him with confusion and worry.
"Maybe Sara should check you again for a head injury…" Ward rolled his eyes a bit as Fitz scoffed. "Cause that's not the Ward that I know." Fitz turned and walked away. Ward felt stung by that.
"You know what?" he called after him. "Do what you want, I don't care!" He marched down the opposite direction from Fitz, who turned back.
"Good to have you back!"

Sara felt her bunk shift as Ward laid down next to her. He curled up around her, hands laying on her stomach. He was out like a light, and she stayed still. He was hiding something from her. Something that he wasn't gonna share. Ward mumbled something, pulling her closer to him. She closed her eyes, willing herself to fall asleep.

Trip and Fitz-Simmons followed Coulson a hallway. The rounded a corner to find May, Skye, Ward, and Sara waiting to see them off. They stopped at a big heavy set of secure doors and waited while they rolled open. Both teams shared looks between each other. Coulson was glaring at May. May turned her face away and Sara glanced over at them, noticing the tension.

Simmons handed a piece of paper to Sara, smiling brightly.
"Thanks," Sara said, ignoring the strange look from Ward. Fitz glanced at his sister, giving her a small smile before walking away. Ward draped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a comforting squeeze.

Skye stood in front of a bank of monitors, looking at all the people who escaped The Fridge.
"Here's something," Skye said. "Police report out of Morocco, attempted murder. The victim says the guy appeared out of nowhere, disappeared into thin air."
"Yeah, you just described every mugging, ever," Koenig remarked.

Sara scoffed and nodded in agreement from where she was sitting on a chair, staring at the piece of paper Simmons had given her. Skye sighed then noticed Koenig working on something. She tilted herself to look over his shoulder. She saw a layout of Providence with red blinking dots. The darts were labeled with the names of the people still on the base.

Skye looked down at her lanyard then back to Koenig. She took her lanyard off and dropped it. There was an alarm from Koenig's tablet, and he turned to look at her. He looked down at the lanyard then back up to Skye. He rolled her eyes.
"Aren't you clever?"
"Aren't you sneaky," she shot back. She scoffed and then picked up her lanyard.
"Using these to keep watch on all of us."

A sudden thought came to her and she looked at the monitor, then down to the floor. Koenig quickly looked to the monitors then to her.
"What?"
"We have been killing ourselves, trying to guess where these guys went. But what if we could see it, get visuals on where the prisoners went after leaving The Fridge."

Koenig laughed but shook his head.
"That's a good idea, but, uh, right now S.H.I.E.L.D. sat surveillance is dark."
"Ours are the only ones up there," Skye said.
"Well," Sara looked up at them. "The only other satellites in the vicinity that could have –" She cut herself off and sighed with an eyeroll. "The NSA, Skye? You want to hack the NSA?"

She nodded and Koenig chuckled nervously.
"That's a bad idea, Skye. That's a terrible idea. The NSA's already got S.H.I.E.L.D. on its watch list. Why poke the bear? The big, scary, waterboarding bear?"
"Ohhhh! I thought you were a comms agent, not an agent of playing video games while hiding in a bunker."

Unbeknownst to them, Ward walked into the room.
"You can't goad me into…" Koenig stopped when he caught sight of Ward, hurriedly using a folder to cover his tablet tracking their movements. Skye looked over at him.
"Can you help me convince Steve Rogers here to suit up, grab his shield, head into battle?"

Ward pushed Sara over to make room for him before looking back at Skye and Koenig. She hastily crumbled up the paper, stuffing it into her pocket.
"Okay. Who's he supposed to battle?" he asked.
"If we hack NSA satellites, we can get footage from The Fridge breakout, see who was there, where they went." Sara blew a piece of hair out of her face.
"I happen to know, Steve Rogers, Skye, and I'm fairly certain that he would agree with Koenig." Ward kissed her temple.
"But she's right. It's worth trying."

Skye turned to Koenig, happy to have Ward's backup and Koenig sighed.
"You know," Ward began. "I can't hack the NSA, but maybe I can upload the hard drive you gave me, get the specs on the weapons they might be carrying."
Skye nodded hurriedly, "Absolutely we should." She looked over at Sara.
"We can't," Sara said pulling away from Ward to stand up. "The encryption is location based. You'd have to take a field trip at some point to decrypt it. Have fun, I'm going to find May."

Ward smiled and nodded at her, although he seemed disappointed. Koenig stood, smiling at Skye.
"Color me impressed. Now, impress me more. Get me that footage." He pulled a lanyard out of his pocket but held it back before he could grab it.
"These are the keys to the comm/sat room. The mainframe is in there. Start the hack, but then send the feed to these monitors." He handed the keys to Skye as Ward looked away, worried and disappointed at how it was going. "Let's live dangerously," Koenig chuckled.
"Yeah!" Skye nodded.

Skye started out of the room.
"How long before you get visuals?" Ward asked. She turned around with a sigh, thinking.
"Um… NSA satellites should be tough. Give me an hour." She started off again.
"Great."
"This is exciting," Koenig told him. Ward turned, glancing at him. "Let's see if being sneaky pays off." Ward gave him a smile and a nod.

Ward walked into the cargo hold of The Bus. He tucked a gun into the back of his jeans, covering it up with his shirt. Sara sat on a chair, twisting herself around as she glared at May, who was deep in thought. Both of them jumped when Ward spoke.
"How's it coming? Is The Bus operational?"
"Still banged up," May shrugged. "But she's ready to fly. The fuel line's been repaired and the tank's full."
"What's the range on this thing?"
"Just under 10,000 miles," May answered.

She turned away from him and his hand went to the gun at his back. She grabbed a big black bag out of her bunk and walked out, throwing Ward off his course of action. He took his hand off the gun and folded his arms.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yeah. I was here for Coulson. But he can't see past me lying to him."
Ward nodded, "I get why you did it. When you get orders, you don't question 'em. You follow 'em."

Sara's heart started pounding at the change in his tone.
"No matter the price," he practically whispered.
"Yeah, well, this price was too high," May muttered. "I lost him. Coulson doesn't want me here. He doesn't need me."

May turned and started off again.
"So, what should I tell him?" Sara asked. "Whatever you want. He won't hear it." Ward smiled at his bit of luck that he didn't have to kill May, but it dropped as Sara ran after her.
"What about me?" she demanded. "I'm only here because you're here. I almost turned it down until Hill told me you were on board." May brushed past her.
"Do what you want, Sara. You're an adult." Sara blinked tears out of her eyes.
"May…"
"Goodbye Sara." The younger agent turned, marching angrily away.

Koenig stood in his office, looking at his monitors. Ward entered the room. As Ward entered, one of the windows changed from a sunset to nighttime.
"How's it going?" Ward asked. Koenig turned and saw Ward, smiling. He gestured at the camera.
"Oh, hey. Believe it or not, Skye got us in! We have access to the NSA's complete sat feed history! That girl's good."

Ward shook his head with a smile.
"Uh… the images are a little patchy, but they're gonna clear up any second." Koenig turned back to the monitors all the humor was wiped from Ward's face, replaced by anger. "I guess living on the edge really pays off sometimes." Ward turned back towards the door.
"Yeah, sometimes." He closed the door.

Ward stood at a sink, washing blood off his hands. He was in the dining area alone for the moment. He picked up a shiny napkin holder and checked himself for blood. He set it back down then put his hand in his pocket, looking around.

When he saw that the room was still empty, he pulled out a long thin wire, and washed the blood off it as well. He looked over his shoulder again then wrapped the wire around his hand and stashed it away. He needed to find Skye, but he also needed to check up on Sara.

She was asleep again in their bunk when he opened it. She had her arms curled around his pillow like she did whenever he was late. He walked over to her, gentling rubbing her shoulder. She muttered something, curling up tighter. He chuckled, kissing her cheek.
"Grant?" she mumbled.
"Hey baby."

Ward brushed a piece of hair out of her face.
"Fitz called and he needs us to fly The Bus out to them. I'm gonna grab Skye, can you get to The Bus?" She shrugged, sitting up as she yawned. Ward kissed her forehead quickly before slipping out of the room, shutting the door.

Ward searched the base for Skye. His face was hard and closed off. He was not happy. He turned a corner and saw a door, then sighed. That was where Koenig was. He stood in front of the door and opened it. He put his hand out and the coin fell into his palm.
"Hey!"

He quickly turned around to see Skye standing at the end of the hall, giving him a smile.
"Think I'd be hiding in a closet?" He gave her a warm smile as he shut the door then walked over to her.
"I just got word from Fitz," he said. Skye looked surprised by that. "They need our help. The Bus is fueled, readying to go. Sara's waiting for us.

Skye's voice stopped him as he started walking away.
"We should tell Koenig."
"I just did," Ward said. "He's headed outside to open the hanger doors. We're in a hurry."
"Okay. Leave the way." She gave him a light laugh before following after.

Sara sat in the cockpit at the controls. Ward sat beside her with Skye standing nearby. She gave a little smile to the rising sun.
"It's so beautiful," she hummed. Sara flipped a switch but sent a smile her way.
"So, are we off to Portland?" Skye asked. Ward shook his head.
"Actually, Fitz thinks the 0-8-4 plasma ray we found in Peru might help."

Skye tilted her head to the side.
"Didn't we jettison that to the sun?"
Ward nodded, "Yeah, but Fitz has the specs on it."
"On the hard drive," Sara muttered, pressing a button. Skye nodded her head knowingly as Ward looked away.
"You need us to decrypt the hard drive," she remarked.
"The team does," Ward corrected. "And since it's coupled to specific coordinates, Agent Skye… you're in charge." He gave her a little smile. "Where to next?"

Internally, Sara started to panic, but her outwardly appearance didn't change. Ward was Hydra. This just confirmed it. She was married to a monster. She watched as the two of them left the cockpit, leaving her alone.
"I'll be right back," Skye promised. She shot Sara a glance, one that said she knew the truth as well.

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

Ward stood next to an SUV, using black spray paint to cover up the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo. He looked over to the lab where Skye was working on her laptop. He sent her a small smile and she sent him a grin before looking away.

Upstairs, Sara sat on the ground in her bunk, the door closed. She had her phone in her hands, her fingers tapping nervously against her thigh. She tapped Fitz' number and took a deep breath before sending an urgent text.

SOS. SOS. DON'T REPLY!

With trembling fingers, she stashed the phone under the bed, turning it off completely. She pulled her knees up to her chest, taking a shaky breath. This wasn't supposed to be happening. Someone knocked on the door and she looked up.
"Sara?" Ward asked. She stood, opening the door.
"Yeah?" she asked.
"What are you doing?" he asked, walking inside.
"Nothing."

He backed her up until she dropped onto the bed. He leaned over her, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
"I have a question," he murmured against her lips.
"What?" she asked breathlessly as he pressed kisses down her neck.
"You and Skye could have picked anywhere in the world, why a random diner in L.A.?"
"Skye's idea," she gasped out as he nipped at her shoulder.

Ward moved back up to her lips, pushing her down onto the mattress.
"I love you, sweetheart," he whispered.
"I love you too." That was truth. She would mean it until the day she died. She just didn't love that his allegiance was to Hydra and not S.H.I.E.L.D. With a kick of his foot, the door was closed and for a moment, Sara let herself believe that everything was okay in the world.

Sara held onto Ward's hand tightly as they followed Skye down a street. Skye rounded a corner, smiling when she saw the diner.
"I can't remember the last time I sat in a restaurant."
"I know," Ward agreed. "It's been all tubes, tunnels, and plane food."
"Maybe I will get pie for dessert," Skye shrugged.
"Dessert?" Ward asked. "I was hoping we'd be done by the time I finished coffee."

Skye smirked at him.
"Do you have any idea how long it'll take to decrypt this drive?"
"For you? I figure 10 minutes," Ward shrugged.
"Not even close," Skye laughed. "The GPS will take a hot second to calibrate, but I'm working on a laptop. So even at three cycles per byte, there are still terabytes of data –"

Ward raised his free hand.
"Spare me the details. Give me the timeframe."
"An hour would be a miracle."
He sighed, "Coulson needs this yesterday." He stopped walking and so did she.
"My laptop's not a time machine, Ward. That's the science." He looked down the street, sighed then opened the door.
"Guess we're having dessert."

Sara slid out of the booth once she finished the piece of chocolate cake she had shared with Ward. Ward frowned at her, reaching for her wrist. Skye wisely kept her eyes on her laptop screen.
"Where are you going?"
"The bookstore is right across the street," she said calmly. He looked out the window, staring at the shop.
"Okay." He released her and she gave him a quick kiss before heading outside.

Ward watched out the window until she entered the shop and reached for his coffee.
"Maybe you should duck outside," Skye offered. "Try again on the sat-phone, just to make sure…"
Ward shook his head, "No, we stick together, and we stick to the plan. The sooner you decrypt this hard drive…"
"The sooner we get to them," Skye finished. He smiled at her, noting her hostility. A message came up on her laptop.

LOCATION INVALID; ACCESS DENIED

She glanced up at Ward.
"Are you all right?" he asked. "You look nervous."
"How can you tell, superspy?" she joked.
"Staying unnaturally still to keep from fidgeting, maintaining eye contact to give the impression of confidence. What's wrong?" She clicked on a button on her laptop, clearing the message.
"The last time I was in this booth, I was sitting across from Mike Peterson. A good man and now he's a murderer. And we are FBI's most wanted."

The door opened and Ward glanced over.
"It's just like any moment something could go horribly wrong," Skye continued. Ward nodded understandingly.
"Relax. You're doing great."
"Hiding what I'm thinking and feeling it does come as easy for me as it does for you," Skye said.
Ward shrugged, "Well it comes with experience."

Skye let out a long sigh and he heard the door open again. He glanced over.
"Yeah, I guess it does." Ward saw two police officers sitting at the bar in the diner. Ward pulled out a menu from the table and pretended to be looking it over as he kept an eye on the cops.

Ward sighed, looking at his watch.
"How much longer?" he asked.
"Half hour," she shrugged.
"You said that a half hour ago," he muttered. He caught sight of one of the officers turning his head to look at them.
"Weren't you the one who told me to relax?" He looked to the police officers then rested his head on his hand, hiding his face a bit.
"Those cops over there keep looking at us."

Skye glanced over at them then back to Ward with a smile.
"They're just checking out the waitress. They don't know you're pretending to be someone you're not." She tilted her head to him, and he smiled, scoffing a bit.
"Yeah, all right. Who am I pretending to be?"
"The impatient fiancée of the girl across the street… hanging with her maid of honor?"

Lifting his eyebrows slightly, he glanced out at the bookstore where he could see Sara looking the shelves.
"I like that cover." His smile dropped when he saw a police cruiser go past the diner. Skye looked nervously out the window, seeing that Ward also noticed the police car then tried to distract him.
"What's the longest you've been undercover?" she asked. "Like, deep undercover?"

Ward was distracted but he tried to answer.
"Umm… 16 months."
"When was that?"
"Mm, about five years outside the academy, I posed as a Russian Attaché at the Embassy in Warsaw. That's where I met Sara. Didn't know she was S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time, just another pretty face."
"That's got to be so hard, living a double life like that," Skye said. "Getting close to people only to turn on them." She scoffed, "I don't know how Garrett did it."

Skye looked at the window and he looked over at her, confused.
"Garrett?"
"Think about all that time he spent as your S.O. Getting to know you, being your mentor. Only to lie to your face, betray you like that." He gave her a single sharp nod, looking down at the tabletop.
"It was, uh, difficult to accept. But thankfully that's over."
"Because you took care of him," she stated.

He stared at her, taken aback for a long moment then looked around the diner, leaning towards her.
"Can we not discuss this right now?" he asked.
"If you had one more moment before you shot him in the back of the head so heroically, if he was sitting right there and you could say anything you want, what would you say?"
"Skye."
"Would you say he's disgusting? Would you tell him he's a disgusting, backstabbing traitor?"

Skye had a wicked smile on her face. His face turned serious.
"Or to rot in hell?"
"What are you doing?" he gave her a smile. Was she on to him? Had she figure it out? "I'm just trying to have an honest conversation for once," she told him.

Glancing around, Ward saw an officer start clearing out the diner.
"They're starting to clear people out," he said. "We should go." He went to stand up, but she spoke again.
"No, I think I'm good here." She started typing on her keyboard again and he leaned close to her.
"Skye, we've been made," Ward hissed. "Come on."
"No."

Turning her laptop around, she showed him what she had been working on. There was an emergency dispatch notice on her screen, showing a picture of Ward.

GRANT WARD has known connections to the S.H.I.E.L.D. agency. Suspect should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Extensive combat training. Suspect WARD is a wanted fugitive, terrorist protocol should be followed.

Skye smiled at him.
"I tipped them off." All Ward did was stare at the computer screen in shock. "Hail Hydra," she told him.

An officer rounded the corner, gun drawn.
"You two, show me your hands! Now! Get 'em up!" Ward coldly looked over at the officers. "Out of the booth, nice and slow." Skye slowly got out of the booth, both hands raised. "All right, turn around." Ward also got up, holding his arms up. "Hands on your head."
"Just be careful, he's armed," Skye said.

Skye looked at Ward as the two of them turned their backs to the officers. Ward just stared at her. One of the officers grabbing Ward's hand as another took Skye. As soon as the officer tried to get a hold of Ward, he twisted out of his grip and the fight was on.

While Ward fought the officers, Skye shoved her laptop into her backpack and ran out of the diner. The three cops were trying to hold onto Ward, but he saw her escaping.
"Skye!" he yelled after her. She ran out of the diner and over to police officers, just getting out of their patrol car.
"Officers! I surrender! Arrest me!"

An officer frowned at her.
"Slow down, ma'am. What are you talking about?"
"No, no. I am an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., a wanted fugitive, take me in." The two officers gave each other a disbelieving look so Skye shoved one of them in the chest. "Come on!
"What are you doing?" Skye asked.
"Get me out of here!"
"That's it! Come on!" They roughly grabbed Skye and pushed her against the trunk of the car.
"I'll do whatever you want me to –"
"Skye!"

Ward appeared in the doorway to the diner, holding his gun pointed at the officer. He fired and took them both down and Skye hurried to get behind the wheel of the cruiser.
"Skye! Don't run!" He hurried towards the car with both of his hands up. "You don't understand!" She started the car and peeled out just as he got to the handle of the door. "I'm not trying to hurt you!"

Sara was flipping through a copy of the Times Magazine when she caught sight of Skye jumping into a police car. Trying her best to stay calm, she went outside, eyes going wide when Mike Peterson jumped onto the hood of the cruiser.
"Bloody hell," she gasped.

Someone grabbed her arm, making her jump.
"Sara," Ward said, pulling her closely to her side. "Come on," he ordered, pulling her towards The Bus. They caught up to Mike and she eyed him darkly.
"Peterson," she said coolly.
"Reyes-Fitz," he said, holding Skye's limp body.

Inside the cargo bay of The Bus, Mike set Skye on a seat and Sara put her fingers to Skye's neck, making sure the swelling wouldn't leave any damage. Ward started pacing when Sara settled back, her hand folded in her lap. She had a calm expression on her face.
"You should be thanking me," Mike said, watching Ward. "I saved your ass."
"You didn't save my ass. You turned it into a public spectacle..
"You let her get one over on you," Mike snapped. "That's exactly what Garrett was afraid of." Ward poked Mike in the chest.
"And Garrett told you to say out of sight."
"He ordered me to shadow you."

Skye stirred, putting a hand to her forehead.
"Well, we have them," Ward snapped. "And once they give us a location, we'll be off."
"Yeah, that's not gonna happen," Skye groaned. Ward looked at Mike as Sara went to check Skye's throat. The younger woman just pushed her away.
"I can handle them," Ward told Mike
"Can you?" Skye asked, ignoring Sara's look to just let it go. "You haven't so far?"

Mike looked down, losing focus, getting a message from Garrett.
"Garrett says you have five minutes." Ward gave him a nod and Mike walked away.
"I can explain," Ward said, looking down at the girls. Sara just looked away. She couldn't meet his eyes… Unlike Skye, who attacked him, punching him in the stomach.
"You're a lying bastard! Son of a bitch!" She punched him in the face, then grabbed his shirt, shoving him backwards.

Gripping her wrists, Ward tried to control her anger.
"Stop. Stop. Stop! Calm down!" He held her tightly. "Okay? Okay? It's over. You can't win." She stopped struggling for a second. "Okay?" he repeated, losing his grip slightly. She leaned her head back and thrusted it forward, knocking his face with her forehead. "Ow!" He wrangled her up again, putting her hands behind her back. He cuffed one of her hands to the railing of the spiral staircase. "Stop!"

They were both breathing heavily, and Ward headed into the lab, grabbing a towel for his bloody nose.
"All this time, everything we've been through," Skye snapped. "Why? How could you?" He stared at her for a moment.
"I was on a mission. It wasn't personal."
"It wasn't – you did not just say that. "It wasn't personal?"" she yelled at him, trying to move closer.

Ward gave up trying to talk to her and turned to Sara.
"Sara, please listen to me."
"About what?" she managed to say. "You're a spy. You had a job, you had orders. What else is there to add?"

Skye looked at him.
"You've killed more people than I can count. You gonna kill us now?" Ward's face turned hurt.
"No. I would never hurt you."
"Once I crack the drive, are you just gonna shoot me like you did with Thomas Nash, or are you gonna have someone else do it, like you did with Quinn?"
"I didn't know that was gonna happen! That was all Garrett."

Sara let out a breathless laugh.
"It's always Garrett's fault, Ward. Yes, he's your boss, he tells you what to do, but at the end of the day, you choose to pull the trigger."
"Sara, Skye. Do you – do you think this has been easy for me? Do you have any idea how hard it was? The sacrifices, the decisions I had to make. But I made them. Because that's what I do. I'm survivor."
"You're a serial killer," Skye spat. "And I will never, ever give you what you want."
"But Sara will," Ward kept his eyes on his girlfriend. Her face was placid, but her eyes showed her turmoil.

Skye tried her best to get her hand out of the cuff.
"Ow!" Sara rolled her eyes.
"Skye. It's no use."
"Times up," Ward said as Mike walked into the cargo hold. "You can tell me where to unlock the drive –" He nodded over his shoulder to Mike. "Or you can tell him." Skye stared at Ward for a moment then turned her attention to Mike.
"Mike…" Sara sighed, knowing exactly where this was going. "Please. I know you don't want to do this."

Ward shook his head a bit, walking away. Mike showed no emotions at all.
"It's not up to me."
"Yes, it is," Skye disagreed. "I don't care what they did to you. You're still Mike Peterson. You're still a father. You have a son."
"Who I left in your hands," Mike hissed. "I asked you to look after him, Skye. Where is he now?"
"He's with his aunt, under the protection of a S.H.I.E.L.D. team," Skye answered.
"And what is S.H.I.E.L.D. today? Hydra can hurt my son anytime they want and if I get any funny ideas about rescuing him – they push a little button and blow a hole in my skull."
"Fitz-Simmons and Sara will figure out a way –"
"No!" he snapped. "There is no way out of this, Skye."

Mike stepped close, looking down at her, intimidating her.
"Tell us how to unlock the drive," Mike hissed. Skye spoke very softly.
"No."
"Damnit, Skye," Ward snapped. He had been leaning against the door and stood up straight, walking over towards them.
"You could've shot me back in Italy, but you didn't," Skye ignored Ward. "They made Quinn do it because there's still good in you, Mike, and I don't think you're gonna hurt me."

Taking in a deep breath, Mike stared down at her.
"You're right, I won't hurt you." He turned towards Ward and shot something out of his arm band. It hit Ward in the chest, and they heard a whirring sound as Ward grunted in pain. He fell down to the floor on his back, clutching his chest.

Immediately Sara's attention drew to him, staring at Ward's withering body. She fought back every intention to help. She couldn't. She had a job, just like he did.
"What – what did you do to him?" Skye asked.
"I stopped his heart," Mike said as Ward gasped for breath. He noted that Sara's heartrate escalated.
"His heart…" Skye said slowly.
"Isn't beating. He's having a heart attack."

Mike held up his cuff.
"I can restart it or not. It's your choice."
"You think I don't want to watch him suffer?" Skye asked.
"Not suffer, die," Mike corrected. He looked over at Sara. "Garrett doesn't think you're gonna let that happen."
"He's a murderer, Sara. Let him die" Skye said. Sara bit her lip.
"So am I," she whispered.
"Yes, you are," Mike agreed.

A long breath came out of Ward and Sara closed her eyes.
"35,000 feet. It's not based on longitude or latitude, it's altitude."
"You're lying," Mike said.
"No. Skye puts in the password, starts to hack and once you reach altitude it unlocks." Mike studied her carefully as Skye glared at her.

Mike opened the fist and the red lights on the device lit up again. Ward took a big gasping breath and released it in a groan. He lied there, panting as Mike unlocked Skye's handcuffs. He grabbed her arm, pulling her into the lab as Ward sat up slowly.
"Put the password in, start the hack," Mike ordered. He sat her in front of her laptop then went to Ward.

Picking up Ward, Mike set him on his feet.
"You – you son of a bitch," Ward snapped.
"Get the plane in the air," Mike commanded.
"I can't," Ward hissed. "I can barely stand." He was hunched over in pain, still breathing heavily. Mike flicked his fingers and the device on Ward's chest glowed red again. He stood up straighter with a grunt. Mike slapped his face a couple of times.
"That should help."

Ward panted with pain and rage as he ripped the device off and watched Mike walk back into the lab. He glanced at Sara.
"Thanks." She looked away, inwardly cursing herself. He was her weakness.

Sitting behind the wheel, getting ready to take off, Ward heard a voice come over the radio.
"Maria Hill to S.H.I.E.L.D. 6-1-6. You have 30 seconds to stand down and surrender." Ward put on the headset, rolling his eyes. "I repeat, stand down and surrender… You gonna answer me, Ward, or do I have to come over there?"
"Maria Hill," he finally said. "I kind of hoped you went down with the Triskelion."
"And I hoped you weren't the duplicitous lowlife you turned out to be, but here we are?"
"Gonna be honest with you, Hill. I'm having a pretty bad day. So, if I were you, I'd get the hell out of my way."
"Mmm, then give up Sara and Skye and we'll talk about it."
"Yeah, that's not happening."

Ward started hitting switches in the cockpit.
"You know, I never liked you, Ward. Not since our first sit down, but I never figured you for John Garrett's lapdog."
Ward smirked, "A lot of us lost respect for Fury when he picked you as his second. If he needed eye candy around, he could've at least picked Romanoff."
"That's funny. I'll tell her you said that. Now hand my agents over or I'll have a squad of F-16s knock you on your ass."
"Even if you had that kind of pull anymore, which you don't, Coulson would never let you do it." Hill rolled her eyes, looking at Trip, who was flying. "He would never sacrifice Sara and Skye like that… But you know Garrett would. So don't try to follow us."
"It doesn't have to go down like this, Ward. You don't owe Garrett anything."
"You're wrong." 

Now locked in the holding cell, Sara's head shot up when the door opened. Coulson stood there and Skye was up in a moment, giving him a tight hug.
"Are you okay?" Coulson asked. He looked over at Sara. "Did he hurt you?"

Coulson broke the hug, pulling her back so that he could look at them.
"No, I'm okay. But, encrypted hard drive, I had Skye unlocked it for them," Sara whispered. He shook his head quickly.
"Forget that. We need to move. We got to take the cockpit." He started out of the holding cell, but Sara grabbed his hand.
"You came alone?" she asked.
"It's okay. You and I can take Ward."
"How did you get past Deathlok?"

With shock on his face, Coulson stopped walking and turned to look at Sara.
"Deathlok's here? On the plane?"
"Yeah," Skye nodded. "You didn't take him out?" Coulson turned his head and through the broken glass of the Command Center, he saw Mike. He quickly, and fearfully, turned his head to them.
"New plan – run!"
"Wait, what about you?" Skye asked.
"Get to the cargo hold, now!" Coulson walked to the hole in the windows, aiming at Mike.
"I can't let you leave, Agent Coulson," Mike said.
"It's still my plane. I don't need you permission."

Down in the cargo hold the lights went red and the cargo bay ramp started lowering.
"I've never used a parachute before!" Skye shouted to Sara.
"Forget that!" Sara said, pointing at Lola.
"Get in the car." She pulled out a gun, as Skye looked to Coulson, who was running down the metal staircase.

Coulson hurried over and got into the driver's seat. Mike appeared on the walkway above the cargo bay and with one leap was down on the ground in front of them. Coulson hit a button on Lola and guns popped out from the headlights, firing at Mike. Mike ducked to avoid the bullets as Ward entered on the catwalk above the cargo hold. He fired once, but also had to duck to avoid being hit.
"Get down!" Sara yelled to Skye.

Ward managed to clear the range of the guns and fired at Coulson and Lola. He hit the windshield a few times. Sara brushed him out of her mind as she focused on Mike. He was leveling up his armband, preparing to fire something.
"Buckle up," she called to Skye. Mike fired a small missile at Lola, but Coulson put the car into reverse and backed out of The Bus. Sara closed the ramp before Mike could fire another missile. She slumped to the floor, running a hand through her hair.
"Why wouldn't you go with them?" Mike asked, his voice hard.
"I hate heights," she replied weakly.
"No, you couldn't bear to leave Ward again. He's not worth your time, Reyes-Fitz."
"Yeah, like you wouldn't do the same for your son."

Sitting alone in the holding cells once more, Sara pulled her knees up to her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to even her breathing. She had done the right thing. Gave herself up to save Skye and Coulson. All in all, everything she had ever been trained to do. But now she was alone. She couldn't trust anyone. Even the person who was her closest confidant was now against her and everything she believed in.

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

Ward had his arms crossed as he watch Garrett take a swig of his beer.
"I could have crossed off that drug lord without getting my picture taken. Single shot, half a mile away."
"You're missing the point. I didn't want to just cross him off. I wanted to make a spectacle. People are killed buy guys every day in Bogota. But how often does a monster punch a drug lord's head clean off." He walked towards Mike, Ward standing to follow. "Hell, that's international news. Spectacular thing you did back there, Mikey. If I didn't know better, I'd swear you're starting to enjoy your job."

Garrett glanced over to look at Ward, who didn't take his eyes off of Mike.
"Are you getting the impression he's enjoying his job?"
"Somebody does," Ward answered. "Well, I'd like to think we all enjoy our work… And why not? These are exciting times full of rewards. Which reminds me—" He pulled out a cellphone and put it to his ear. "Zeller. Yeah, it's me. Stream Mike Peterson some video of his son this afternoon."

Turning off the cellphone, he gave Mike a big smile.
"Don't mention it." He started to walk away with Mike, who was still staring daggers at the two of them. "How about that guy? I've turned him into a new man."
"Is that what he is?" Ward asked.
"Are you still sore about what he did to you?"
"No, I'm sore at you for making him do it."
"Look, we're on the verge of completing something I've been chasing for twenty-five years. Can't you just be happy for me?" Ward rolled his eyes as they entered the lab.

Inside, Raina was waiting with a smile.
"See, that's what I'm talking about," Garrett said. "Happy campers."
"I think you'll be happy, too. We're close to replicating the drug that healed Skye and brought Coulson back to life. And the data from Skye's hard drive, all that research, it's been a big help. I've uploaded everything to the lab in Cuba. They'll have initial results by the time we land."
"You never disappoint, do you, Flowers. Wish everyone on my team had the same success rate." He shot Ward a dirty look before walking away.

Sighing, Ward rubbed at his face. He started away from the lab, turning a corner to a small room where Garrett had ordered Sara to be held. He waved away a guard as he stepped into the room. She was sitting at a small table, hands folded in front of her.
"Hey Sara."
"Ward."
"So… we haven't had a chance to talk." He sat down across from her, matching her pose.
"Who says I wanna talk?"
"Babe—"

She cut him off, glaring at him.
"Don't do that. Don't act like we're fine. This is far from fine." She took a deep breath. "I get it, okay. Garrett saved you. Got you to believe in his cause. You are doing what you think is right."
"You don't understand, Sara. I owe Garrett everything. Hell, if not for him, I never would have met you."
"Do you believe in his cause?"
"More like I believe in Garrett."

Closing her eyes, Sara's head dipped down for a moment.
"Then we have nothing to talk about." Ward blinked at her, then dropped his gaze down to her hand where her engagement ring still sat.
"Thought you would have taken it off by now." She glanced back up at him.
"Should I have?" He didn't answer, just sat back in his seat.

Ward paced angrily in front of Garrett before stopping, hands on his hips.
"You were gonna let me die!"
"Okay," Garrett said from his spot at Coulson's desk. "First off, I think we should use our indoor voices."
"Since the day we met, I have done everything you asked."
"Not sure we can say "everything.""
"You were gonna let Deathlok kill me to get that hard drive?"
"Come on. We both know Sara wasn't gonna let you die. Anybody else would have been a gamble, one I would probably have lost. But for whatever reasons I can't explain, she loves you."
"I'm not that scared kid anymore," Ward hissed.
"Then stop acting like it!"

Garrett stood form his seat and walked around to stand in front of Ward.
"Stop being weak! All these years and you're still playing the victim. Sometimes I ask myself why I even bothered." He let out a grunt of pain, then doubled over with another grunt, clutching his abdomen.
"John?" He fell to the side and Ward narrowly caught him. "John! John!"

Yelling for another person, Ward managed to get Garrett down to the lab.
"Everybody out! Now!" he commanded. He and another man got Garrett up on a table while Raina watched them.
"Here we go," Ward told Garrett. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing Raina. "I said get the hell out!" She was quickly ushered out of the room.

Opening a small metal box, Ward pulled out a pair of tweezers as Garrett pulled up his shirt.
"I'll get you stabilized," Ward said. He took a piece of the metal place on Garrett's side off, exposing three plugs. He took a few wires from the metal box and plugged them into Garrett's side. "Biometrics rebooting," he said, leaning back on his heels.

He hit some buttons and switches, causing tones from the device to go higher. Ward let out a deep breath.
"There. That should do it. You scared me. Hasn't happened like that in a while."
"Yeah, it has," Garrett grumbled. "Been happening more and more. The biomechanics are fine. It's my organs that are failing."
"What are you saying, John?"
"I'm dying. Cybertek team gives me a month, two tops." Ward didn't say anything, worry taking over his face.

Sara's rolled her head around on her neck as Garret entered her cell. It'd been nearly forty-eight hours since she'd had contact with anyone. And despite the fact she hated John Garrett with a passion, she needed some stimulation.
"Afternoon," he greeted, seating across from her.
"I'm surprised Ward's let you in here," she said, leaning back in her seat.
"I'm surprised you've let up your little rouse for so long," he shot back.
"Rouse?"
"You actually love the kid? I doubt that."
"Sometimes these things happen, John."
"It's been what? Three years of lying to his face?"

A dark chuckle left her lips.
"I pity the woman you fall for. You'd probably kill her in her sleep."
"Already did."
"I thought there was a Mrs. Garrett somewhere in the picture."
"Stop with the games, Reyes-Fitz," Garrett snapped.
"What games?" She leaned forward, resting her folded hands on the table.

The two glared at each other for a moment before Garrett sighed, rubbing at his face.
"One day, I'll break you."
"When your little puppy tires of me, I'm sure you'll have a chance. How's Raina doing with your serum?"
"Oh? This?"

From his pocket, Garrett pulled out the vial of GH-325.
"I'd recommend a test subject first," Sara muttered.
"Sound advice, if this wasn't all that was left."
"I should've killed her when I had the chance."
"Probably should've."
"Why are you really here, John?"
"Thought I'd try to get you to join my side."
"Yeah, not a chance."

Standing, Garrett stretched, putting the vial back into his pocket.
"Besides," Sara continued. "Even if I said I would, I doubt you would believe me."
"Touché." He grimace slightly, hand going to his side.
"You're dying, John," Sara murmured.
"I don't think you'll outlive me," he said. He wretched open the door, then gestured for her to follow him.

Ward walked through the command center of The Bus, pointing over his shoulder as Fitz-Simmons followed.
"Here they are," he told Garrett. He glanced over at Sara, who was sitting on a sofa, arms crossed. He glared at the guard holding onto her shoulder. The man back up immediately.
"This is our plane," Fitz snapped. "We want it back."
"Really?" Garrett asked. "Just like that, kid?" He glanced over at Ward. Coulson probably figured out we're using the barbershop." He swiveled his head to look at a soldier. "Call Kaminsky. He'll know what to do."

Glancing around the room, Garrett stared barking orders. "All right let's close up the ramp and get this bird off the ground. Tell the pilot to keep it low in harrier mode until we're out over The Gulf." As he spoke, Fitz slowly started pulling something out of his pocket. Sara watched him, silently begging him not to do anything stupid.
"What's he got there?" Garrett asked. Ward pulled Fitz' hand out, forcing it open. A small hand buzzer sat inside the scientist's palm.
"One of those prank joy buzzers," Ward replied. Garrett scoffed and turned away.
"Yeah, you know me," Fitz told Ward. "Always kidding around."

He pressed the button and all the lights in the room blew sparks, going dark. A blue line of electricity arched across Garrett's chest, causing the man to grunt and lean heavily on the back of a seat.
"What the hell was that?" asked Ward as he hurried to help Garrett stand.
"An E.M.P."
"Looks like the joke's on you," Fitz hissed.

Frantic, Ward rushed into the lab.
"Garrett's dying!" he snapped at Raina. He pulled out the small metal case. "Not sure this'll work," Ward muttered. "Fitz shorted him out with an E.M.P. Call Cybertek, let them know what happened. See what they can do." He rushed back out of the lab, Rainia watching him go.

He shoved a solider aside as he reentered the living room of The Bus.
"Get back!" he snarled.
"I'd glad I did that," Fitz said. Simmons gave him a surprised look. "You hear me!" Fitz shouted. "You lose, we win." With a hiss, Garrett looked up at him.
"You're dead."
"Well, no worse than you. And you don't have to take order from him anymore, Ward."

Scoffing, Sara stood from her head. She moved over to Fitz-Simmons, putting a hand on Fitz' arm. "Let him die," Fitz told Ward.
"He deserves to die."
"Oh Fitz," Sara murmured. "He won't let Garrett die. He's nothing but a loyal mutt." She hissed her last words, causing Ward to look up at her. She noticed the pain in his eyes and shook her head.
"Stop lying to yourself, Ward," she said, her voice firm. "Take responsibility for your own actions." Ward took a deep breath before shouting orders.
"Get them out of here! Clear! Everybody out!"

Ward hooked up a metal case to Garrett, trying to keep calm.
"Internal battery must have fried," he told Garrett. Raina walked into the room, watching behind Ward's back. "I'm gonna have to open it up, see if there's a mechanical fix."
"I talked to Cybertek. They're prepping a facility in Miami."
"Good," Ward said. He went to stand, but stopped when Garrett grabbed his jacket, pulling him close.
"I need you to do something for me."
"Yeah. Anything."
"Put down Fitz and Simmons."
"What? No! There's plenty of time. I won't leave you."
"And I'm telling you to cross them off for me. That's not a weakness, is it?"
"No." Garrett shoved him back.
"Then take care of them. I'll take care of me. I've cheated death plenty of times."
"I'll stay," Raina said. Ward studied Garrett, then nodded.

Sara crossed her arms, walking close to Fitz.
"Coulson will find us, won't he?" Simmons asked.
"Man won't rest until every Hydra agent is either dead or behind bars," Fitz answered. Sara leaned in close to him, catching his eye.
"Follow my lead," she mouthed. He gave her a tiny nod.

They passed a rolling chair and Sara grabbed it, throwing it at the guards.
"Run!" she ordered. She followed behind them, and pulled shut a door, locking it behind them. "Go!" She took off ahead of them, coming to a sudden halt when she saw Ward coming down a ladder. "Back!" she said. Ward caught sight of them and took off after them.

Shoving Fitz-Simmons into a med pod, Sara slammed the door shut.
"Simmons, lock the door," she shouted. "Lock it now!" Simmons did as she was told as Fitz started banging on the class.
"Sara!" Fitz said, banging on the glass.

She spun around, meeting Ward's eye. He lunged for her, and she wrestled against him. She slammed him into the side of the wall. He managed to get her pinned as he stared into the med pod at Fitz-Simmons.
"Open the door, Fitz," he ordered.
"Ward, please," Fitz pleaded. "I need to understand."
"You need to accept the truth, Fitz," Simmons said. "He doesn't care about us, about anything."
"No, I don't believe that," Fitz said. "We're friends, aren't we? We've been friends. We've had laughs together."

Struggling in Ward's arms, Sara twisted to see Fitz-Simmons through the glass.
"I know you're a good person, Ward," Fitz said. "And you can choose right now to be good." Simmons rolled her eyes. "It's a choice!"
"I've got my orders," Ward said. "Open the door."
"Don't you dare, Fitz," Sara snaped. Ward pulled out his gun, pressing it against Sara's neck.
"Open the door, Fitz." Fitz stared at the gun, then at the determination in Sara's eyes.
"Not a chance," he said.

Ward lowered the gun, unable to shoot Sara. He released her, shoving her to the ground. She slammed into the ground, wincing as her knees hit the hard ground.
"Have it your way," Ward said. Sara turned, seeing him going to a panel on the wall opposite the pod.
"Wait, what are you doing?" Simmons asked.

Gasping, Sara leapt to her feet, rushing to his side. She tried to keep him from pressing buttons and Fitz-Simmons began freaking out.
"Stop!" Sara cried. "Stop it!" She grabbed onto his arm and he pushed her away. "Ward, please!" she begged. "Don't do this to them." He paused as a warning popped onto the screen. ALERT: CARGO POD ENGAGED. He hesitated, hand hovering over it.
"Ward! Look at me!" Fitz shouted. "I know you care about us, Ward!" Ward let out a shaky breath.
"You're right. I do. It's a weakness."

Once more, Sara tried to get him away from the panel. He grabbed her, pining her arms against his chest as he slammed his hand down on the button.
"No!" Sara screamed, listening as the pod was ejected from The Bus.

Her knees gave out and Ward tightened his grip on her.
"I hate you," she sobbed, beating half-heartedly against his chest. "I hate you." He steeled himself against her cries.
"Would you have rather me shoot them?" he asked lowly. She raised her eyes to hers, anger radiating off of her.
"You know what I would rather you have done."

All Rights belong to Disney and Marvel

Chapter Text

Garrett walked through the doors of the labs and when they closed, he studied it closely. He took the door in both of his hands and pulled it out as Ward and Mike watched.
"Are you okay?" Ward asked. Garrett moved the door off to the side.
"What does it look like?" Garrett asked. "Never better, son." He continued staring at the door. "I need a nail. Get me a nail! A big one!"

From inside the lab, Quinn and Raina watched as a soldier handed him a nail.
"What the hell is he doing?" Quinn asked.
"He's flexing his new muscles," Raina answered. "He has every ounce of our research coursing through his veins. He feels good."
"Because he took all of our miracle drug?" Quinn questioned. He shook his head in disappointment. "When we land at Cybertek military brass and investors are expecting a demonstration, and I promised them indestructible super soldiers—not disposable ones."
"Well, with HYDRA in the mix, we won't lack for volunteers. And if we run out, our incentives program should help fill the ranks."

Outside the lab, Ward stepped closer to Garrett as the older man began to scratch symbols into the glass of the door.
"Just getting some ideas down," Garrett said with a laugh. "I can't keep everything in my head."
"I gotta be honest with you, John—looks like you're kinda losing it," Ward said. Garrett laughed again.
"I'm alive for the first time, thanks to you. I took some hits along the way, but we did it." He grinned at Ward for a second then went back to scratching the glass. "We did it!"
"Can't believe it," Ward admitted. "This is everything we've been working towards, saving you. Our alliance with HYDRA was always a means to that end, right?"
"Symbiotic." Ward lowered his voice slightly.
"And here we are. I mean, it's not like we're true believers, right?"

He took a deep breath, then forced himself to keep talking.
"Don't get me wrong, I'll go where you go. Having our soldiers in key positions is great, but… then what? Are we really planning a coup?" Garrett shrugged, looking back at him.
"It's more of an uprising. It's become bigger than HYDRA." He turned, putting his hands on Ward's shoulders. "Ward, you've taken good care of me, gave me everything I wanted. It's time for you to decide what it is you want. I'll see that you get it, too, son." Ward gave him a warm smile that dropped when Garrett turned back to the glass.
"I can do anything now," Garrett grinned.

Ward walked past the command center, speaking to Raina.
"I'm saying, just talk to him. He says everything's fine, but he's not acting that way. I don't know what's going on with him. And I don't like it." Raina shrugged but nodded. He began to branch off from her and she called out to him.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"Where do you think?" he shot back.
"Are you sure you need to continue talking with her? She made her alliances clear."
"She's still my fiancée," Ward snapped.
"For how much longer?" Raina questioned. Ward didn't answer as he ran his hand over his face.
"Fine." He turned in the opposite direction, heading to the cockpit. "Report to me after you talk to Garrett."

Smirking to herself, Raina walked down to the holding cell where Garrett was staring into a clear glass storage container. Inside was the Gravitonium.
"Captivating, isn't it?" she asked.
"First time I saw it, it reminded me of a lava lamp. Of course, that was before I could see through it."
"Quinn's expecting the Gravitonium as payment," Raina said. "When he's done. I think it would be wise to let him have it."
"Don't be coy," Garrett scolded. "I know you have plans for the stuff. I understand it now. I can see its soul." He looked up from the box to her. "I can see yours too."
"Ward's concerned you're going mad."
"The drug didn't just strengthen my body; it gave me clarity of mind. It gave me a vision of the world that's waiting beneath the surface of this world. You don't think that's mad, do you?" She shook her head at him. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, you always have."

Giving him a sly smile, she waked around the box to stand opposite him.
"I have no allegiance to HYDRA, Centipede, Cybertek… you. I was only ever interested in—"
"Evolution," he finished for her. "You know we're prehistoric creatures oozing out of the swamps, through the mist, clawing our way onto land so we can finally stand or plant roots… or fly."
"Exactly. I was saddened to learn you weren't clairvoyant. I had a question I didn't get to ask, but now…"
"The truth is written on the back of my eyes, so… go ahead, Flowers. Ask."
"What will I become?"

Inside The Bus, Ward grabbed Raina's arm as she walked down the spiral staircase into the cargo hold.
"You're not going anywhere," he said. He took her bag and set it aside. "You think you can steal the Gravitonium?"
"It was given to us," Raina answered.
"What the hell did you say to Garrett?"
"I listened."
"He's psychotic. Did you notice that? I just had to lock up six government officials because he butchered the seventh one. He completely lost it in there!"
"You're wrong," she said. "Garrett's not lost. Far from it—he's connected now."

The man scoffed, shaking his head.
"Don't tell me you're following him into this madness. His talk of evolution—"
"I agree with him. You're the one who follows him." She gave him a sly smile at his hurt expression. "But in this case, you should."
"What are you talking about? I need him to get his head on straight."
"Skye—we need Skye. And all you ever wanted was Sara. You help us get her and Garrett understands. He'll let you escape with her."
"You're crazy," he snapped. "Sara detests me now. She thinks I'm a monster."
"Are you? Is that your true nature or is that what Garrett made you to be?"
"I—I don't know."
"Well, maybe you should figure it out."

Walking into the holding cells, Ward tossed a backpack onto the table including a set of keys. Sara looked up as they hit the metal surface, eyeing Ward closely.
"What's this?" she asked. Ward leaned against the wall, watching her.
"I'm letting you out."
"What's the catch?"
"You get out of here. You find Fitz-Simmons, and you disappear forever."
"Ward—"
"Do you understand, Sara?"
"Why are you doing this?" Sara asked.
"Letting you go? I don't know."
"No," she shook her head. "Why are you letting him treat you like a dog?"
"Garrett is all I have."
"You had me! You had a whole team of people who trusted you!"
"Had, Sara? Past tense?"

With a sigh, Sara rubbed at her head as she stood. She grabbed the bag, swinging it over her shoulder. She picked up the keys, passing them back and forth between her hands.
"You could come with me," she murmured. "We can rescue Fitz-Simmons. Make sure they are safe and then we disappear together." She didn't flinch as he came close to her, pulling her into a hug.
"I can't," he mumbled into her hair. She pulled away slightly, searching his eyes.
"I won't give you another chance," she warned.
"I don't expect you too." He kissed her softly, then shoved her away. "Get out of here," he said. "You've got minutes before anyone realizes your gone."
"Where did you drop Fitz-Simmons?"
"Coordinates are in your bag. They've set off a beacon. No one's noticed it yet."
"Goodbye Grant Ward."

She was gone without another word, leaving him alone in the holding cells. His shoulders dropped momentarily before straightening. He had to get out before someone knew he was in here. Though, he suspected Raina already did. He glanced around the cell once more before noticing Sara's engagement ring sitting on the table. He went to pick it up, then shook his head. Better to leave things where they were.

Sneaking off The Bus wasn't a problem, Sara decided, in fact, it was rather easy. The hard part came with stealing an SUV. An SUV surrounded by Centipede soldiers. Then again, she didn't have to hardwire it, so that made it slightly easier.

Sneaking around to the side of the SUV, she climbed in through the backseat. She wasn't going to take it. Even if Ward had given her the keys. She thought momentarily about what to do before rigging a heavy object to start to gas. The car took off and she flung herself out of the car, ducking behind some crates.
"Hey!" voices yelled. She heard gunshots and tires squeal as SUV's followed after

As the soldiers took off after the vehicle, Sara took off through the desert on foot. She had to get away from here, get to a safe airport, charter a plane, then get Fitz-Simmons. She fumbled with a walkie-talkie that Ward had stashed in her bag. She changed the channel several times before speaking into it.
"Clint. Zoë!" There came no reply. "Please, Z! Clint, Zoë, someone on in."

Waiting a few minutes, Sara nearly cried when a voice came through.
"Sara, are you okay?"
"I need help. Please."
"Where are you? I can't just leave the kids." Clint asked.
"Please!" she begged. "It's Fitz-Simmons. I can't do it alone."
"Tell me your coordinates. Get as far away from danger as possible so we can pick you up."

Sara scanned the ocean, then saw two heads breaking the surface of the water.
"There! Nick!" Fury glanced around her, seeing Simmons screaming for help as she attempted to keep Fitz afloat.
"Help! Help!" Her head went under water, and she sputtered when she surfaced again. Her hand flailed out and she gasped when someone grabbed it.
"Hold on!" yelled Sara, adjusting her grip. Simmons held on tight as she and Fitz were pulled onto a helicopter. 

Clint and Fury grabbed Simmons, lifting her up and into a decompression tank while Sara began CPR on Fitz.
"Come on, Leo, don't go like this," she whispered. When he gasped for a breath, she leaned back, grabbing an oxygen mask. She rested it again his face, nearly crying as it fogged up. Clint pushed her away gently, lifting Fitz up and into a decompression tank beside Simmons.
"Where are we going?" she asked, looking up at Fury.
"I'm dropping you and the scientists off at The Playground," Fury replied. "Then I'm going to find Coulson."
"There's a team already assembled there for Fitz," Clint said. "Zoë's vetted them."
"How is she doing?" Sara asked, trying to change the subject.
"Oh, you know, recovering from falling out a building and having two kids to chase around the farm."
"Sounds like fun... How long until we're at The Playground?"
"Three hours," Fury answered. Sara nodded slowly, looking back down at Fitz.

A day later, Sara walked out of the Fitz' hospital room as the team arrived with the Bus. The ramp lowered and Skye was the first to appear, rushing down the still lowering ramp to embrace Simmons tightly.
"Fitz, is he okay?" Skye asked. "Please tell me he's okay."
"He's alive," Sara answered, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. He was alive... but in what state, they wouldn't know until he woke up. And none of them knew when that would be.
"What is this place, Coulson?" May asked, looking around.
"First thing I found in that box was these coordinates." He glanced at Simmons. "Another secret base?"
"Actually, I call it The Playground, although, technically, it doesn't have a name because technically it doesn't exist."

Everyone turned to see Koenig walk towards them. Sara could have laughed at the absurdity of it if she wasn't so tired.
"Eric?" Skye asked.
"Billy… Koenig. Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." He held up his lanyard proudly. "Although, I totally understand the confusion. Eric passed away, sadly, but it's great ot have company, finally, and I didn't mind minding this place."
"Agent Coulson," greeted Coulson.
"I know. I know. And it's an honor to meet you, sir." He shook Coulson's hand firmly. "I'll get your lanyard shortly." He looked at the rest of the team. "For the rest of you, lanyards will be handed out on a case-by-case basis. Can't be too careful with all those HYDRA threats still out there causing trouble. That's why we're here. Get you up and running and back fighting the good fight, which is gonna be cool." Smiling, Coulson chuckled at Koenig's enthusiasm. "I know we don't have much, but what we do have is yours, sir."
"Thank you."
"So… where would you like to start?"

A few weeks later, Sara found herself sitting in Fitz' room. He was still hooked up to machines. She didn't know when she'd be able to disconnect him. Soon, she hoped. He showed signs of waking. His brain activity was all over the place, but that was normal for now.

She looked up as Simmons slipped into the room, taking the seat beside her.
"Coulson's sending me under cover," Simmons whispered, staring at Fitz. "He says I can handle it. But I can't imagine leaving Fitz like this." Sara leaned into her friend's side, head resting on Simmons' shoulder.
"What a sorry bunch we make, huh?" She passed a small device to Simmons and Simmons looked down at it.

If it hadn't been for their present circumstances, Simmons would have squealed.
"How long have you…"
"I don't know… I had a suspicion before. Remember that test I had you run?"
"You thought you had food poisoning. I gave you the results before we left you and Skye." "
Turns it was just morning nausea. Then Raina tried to poke some questions."
"This determines it. I'll stay."

Sighing, Sara lifted her head to look her friend in the eye.
"Simmons, do you want to go."
"I don't know. I feel useless just sitting here, waiting for Fitz to get better."
"And he will," Sara promised.
"But what if he needs me?"
"Then I'll make sure to set up a secure channel if you go."
"But you'll need me."
"I have May. And Trip. And I think Mack is gonna be showing up soon. You know how he is." Simmons laughed, wiping at her eyes.
"Are you sure you'll be fine without me?"
"I'm going to miss you. And Fitz will miss you."

With a sigh, Simmons stood, pressing a kiss to Fitz' forehead.
"Goodbye." She left the two siblings alone again.
"You hear that, Fitz?" Sara asked. "You're going to be an uncle. And I think you'll be the best one there is."

All rights belong to Marvel & Disney

Chapter Text

Sara sat in the garage with Mack, watching the television. It was an interesting interview between George Stephanopoulos and General Talbot.
"They're fugitives," said Talbot. "They deserve to be punished. We witnessed the single greatest intelligence collapse in recorded history, George. We have a duty to the American people to hunt down those responsible. So, no, I don't sleep most nights."
"General Talbot, you said you have S.H.I.E.L.D. personnel and weaponry locked in a secure facility, so is it fair to say that S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYRDA terrorists who poisoned its ranks have been defeated?"

From beside Sara, Mack let out a scoff.
"I hate politics," he told her.
"I agree."
"Where's the kid?"
"Napping." She nodded towards a small baby-monitor. Mack nodded, going back to his project as Sara turned back to the screen.
"The corrupt institution has been dismantled, yes," Talbot said. "We cut down the tree, we pulled up the roots, but let's just say I'll rest easier when we throw it all on the bonfire."
"So, you didn't get them all?"

The squealing of tires coming a stop made Sara looked away from the television. She watched as three agents followed Skye, May, and Trip into the room.
"Why'd you break silhouette protocol?" an agent asked. Sara recognized her as Isabelle Hartley.
"He ordered us too," May answered.
"We can't maintain solid cover with agents tailing us," an English man bit out. Her eyes lit up at the voice.
"And we can't be sure you won't run off with the money," Skye snapped back.
"Hunter!" Sara called.

The English man stopped and spun to see her. He grinned as she rushed towards him. He hugged her tightly.
"Princess!" he exclaimed. "Didn't expect to see you here."
"No one expects me," Sara shrugged.
"So," Mack cleared his throat. "Operation didn't go so well?"
"What gave you that idea?" Trip chuckled.
"That's a shame, man. I was hoping that agent you were scoping out would have some tech we could use."
"Sorry, Mack. No new toys."
"What did you get?" Sara asked.
"A new enemy," Trip answered.
"Nothing we can't handle," Hunter said.
"I'm sure. Better follow after them, Hunter."
"As the Princess commands," he mocked.
"Shut up." He gave her a mock bow before scurrying after his group.
"Ever gonna share how you got that nickname?" Mack asked.
"Not on your life."

A few hours later, balancing her baby on her hip, Sara walked into the lab. She stopped before she reached Fitz' desk, sighing to herself when she noticed he was having a conversation with Simmons. Ever since he had been cleared to be let back in the lab, he had been having conversations with Simmons in his head.
"No, I haven't ben able to isolate the…" He snapped his fingers, as if trying to remember the world. "The, uh… the… yes, I was just about to say that, actually. And, no, I haven't because it keeps… What's the word again? Give me the word. Yes. Good. Fine." He grabbed a piece of paper. "Thanks. Go away."

Now, Sara stepped forward.
"Fitz?" she asked quietly. He startled, turning to look at her. His blinked several times as he registered, she was standing there.
"Is that safe?" he blurted out.
"Is what safe?"
"Have Jonathan in the lab?" Sara glanced down at her son, who was chewing lightly on a toy ring.
"I don't see any chemicals and it's not like I set him on the table."
"Yeah… I guess…" He picked up his pill bottle, shaking at Sara, though she knew he was shaking it at "Simmons" behind her. "Yes." He threw the pills down on the desk.
"How's the cloaking technology for the plane coming?" Sara asked.

With a frown, Fitz looked down at his pad of paper.
"Good. Slower than I'd like. I've had a few bumps, but it's—I'm close. And I don't need you mucking it up." Sara stepped back.
"Fitz, I'm just trying to help."
"I know. I know. But I also know how important cloaking is, okay? So, I just need everybody to be… I just need everybody to be, um…"
"Patient?" Sara offered.
"Yes!"

He slammed his hands down on the desk in frustration. Then his head shot up to look at the baby in worry.
"Did I scare him?"
"He can't hear, remember?"
"Oh, yeah." Sara shifted Jonathan softly on her hip, giving him a small smile at his disgruntled noises. She reached out, rubbing Fitz' shoulder.
"You need to be patient with yourself, Fitz. You're almost there."
"Yeah." He reached his hand up, put it in top of hers. "Yeah, I'm almost there."

The doors opened and they looked over to see May entering the lab.
"Any update on the metal we found?"
Fitz stood, "Yeah. Yep. Yep… Um, no. Actually, no. I'm just having a bit of trouble identifying the… Bit of trouble… I'm having a bit of trouble identifying the material. Can Sara have a look at it?"
"Of course," May nodded. "You can always ask for help, Fitz."
"Okay."

He picked up the piece of metal, holding it out between the three of them. Jonathan reached for it, but Sara pulled him back slightly.
"Yeah, so this is the same lead that we use in our bullets, but there's… There's something… Bleeding, uh…" He grimaced, moving his hand further away. "Uh, okay. That's—are you—can you see that?"
"Yeah, I see it," May nodded. "It's blood."

Fitz let out a deep breath and Sara realized he thought he had been hallucinating.
"Okay. Good. I mean, that's—what? That's weird."
"Can you figure out whose blood?" May asked.
"That shouldn't be too hard," Fitz shrugged.
"Good. I'll stay and help." May looked to Sara.
"Coulson's back. He's looking for you."
"Copy that. How about I take him the results when you finish?"
"Agreed."

Sara stepped out of the lab to leave the two alone and slid down to the floor, setting Jonathan in front of her. He sat across from her, just studying her. At only six months, he looked so much like Ward. But he had her eyes. Forest green. He was born two months early but didn't seem to have any delays. Other than being born deaf. It had scared Sara at first. She wasn't used to something not reacting to sudden sounds. But she was growing used to it. At least he wouldn't be able to hear gunshots or hear her cry late at night. He began babbling, loudly. That always surprised her. How loud he was because he couldn't hear himself.

Waving her hand in front of Jonathan, she smiled when he waved back. He laughed happily when she stuck her tongue out at him.
"He's such a happy kid," Trip said, walking up to them. He waved his fingers at Jonathan. Jonathan grinned back.
"He got lucky," Sara said.
"He sure did. I'm grabbing beers. You want one?"
"What's the occasion?"
"Decompression?"
"Good reason. Nah, I'm good. Thanks though."
"Any time."

As Trip walked away, May stepped outside the lab, handing a piece of paper to Sara.
"I'll take the kid while you run up to Coulson," May offered.
"Thanks." Sara leaned forward, pressing a kiss to the tip of Jonathan's nose to make him laugh. Then she stood, leaving May to scoop up the boy.

Entering Coulson's office, she nodded at the gathered group.
"DNA match," she said. She handed Coulson the paper from May.
"Carl Creel," Coulson said. "He was on The Index."
"He was crossed off The Index," Sara said. She glanced at Hunter and another man, who wore confused expressions.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. protocol. Sometimes hostile gifted individuals are put down."
"Well, they didn't do a great job here," the stranger said. He held out his hand. "Idaho," he greeted. She shook it.
"Sara Reyes-Fitz. They didn't actually try to put him down. Agent John Garrett was the supervising agent."
"Must have faked Creel's termination, recruited him," Coulson said.
"John Garrett? Isn't that your mate who, you know… went to the dark side?" Hunter asked.
"Then he went nuts," Sara added.

The next day, Sara walked into a room where May, Skye, Fitz, and Koenig were watching a monitor.
"What are you doing?" She looked through the monitor and frowned when she saw General Talbot. "We kidnapped a General?"
"We saved The General," May corrected. She frowned, moving to stand beside Fitz. "
"Look at Koenig," he muttered, "running analysis. Well, it looks like we've got our new golden boy."
"New? As opposed to the original?" she said.
"I've been sidelined."
"No, Fitz. You're just injured. And that's okay."
"I see the way they look at me," he grumbled. "Especially when they keep asking about the… yeah. I'm just having a hard time… I'm just having… Yeah. And that—that doesn't mean they have to treat me like…"
"Like what, Fitz?" Sara asked gently.
"Treat me like I'm gonna break."
"Ah."
"It's distracting. But talking to you and—and Simmons, is the only time I feel clear. And calm. Like I might actually get better."

Sara sighed, leaning her head on his shoulder.
"You're getting better," she whispered. "Every day. I see it, they see it, and soon you'll see it yourself."
"Yeah." He kissed the top of her head. "You know, they really should be analyzing speech patterns and tracking voice biometrics."
"I think they are," Sara said. "I'm gonna go make lunch. Wanna come?"
"Sandwiches?"
"Sure."
"Can you make Simmons' sandwich?"
"Prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella?"
"Yeah."
"Okay." The two walked off, leaving the other agents.

A few days later, Sara sat beside Mack as he spoke with Coulson. A lot had happened. Hartley and Idaho had been killed by Creel in a mission to steal an 0-8-4, and The Quinjet.
"You risked all that for a Quinjet?" Mack asked.
"No. For what we can do with one. We can disappear. That's how we have to live now, after all, in the shadows."
"Fitz and I could have fixed the cloaking," Sara told him.
"I'm afraid Fitz can't do anything. And you're too focused with raising Jonathan."
"Fitz can do it."
"The damage to his temporal lobe was too extensive. He's not the same, and… since Simmons left, he's only getting worse."
"He's getting better," Sara argued.
"Sara, he's grown more isolated. Talking to himself more and more." Sara shook her head.
"You aren't around enough, Coulson, to make that judgement." She left the room, leaving them behind.

All rights belong to Marvel & Disney

Chapter Text

Sara frowned as Hunter sped into the alleyway. She tilted her head to the side as Hunter slammed the car door shut. Trip walked up to him with a smile.
"Nice ride. Some rich guy loan it to you?" Trip asked.
"Yeah, something like that. Shame about the rims though, eh?"
"Yeah. Probably cost a grand each."
"At least."
"Hm." Hunter caught Sara's eye and sighed. "This isn't a friendly stop, is it?"
"Nope. Hands on the car, Hunter." He did as he was told, allowing Trip to pat him down.

About an hour later, Sara sat in Coulson's office, holding a sleeping baby. Jonathan had been extra clingy since she arrived back at the base. She was watching Coulson and Hunter argue.
"How he hell did you lose him?" Hunter shouted. "Why haven't you got every agent out there looking for Creel right now?"
"You think you're entitled to answers?" Coulson snapped.
"He killed my two friends. I think that's entitlement enough."
"Well, it's not."
"You should've aborted the mission."
"Hartley should've followed my orders."

Sighing, Hunter sat down beside Sara.
"Yeah, well, she tried to. Izzy's only mistake was listening to me."
"Is that why you came back?" Sara questioned. "Guilt? A desire for revenge?"
"Or was it because of what Talbot promised you?" Coulson asked.
"All of the above."
"So, you took the deal."
"I have forty-eight hours to deliver you."
"Or else you're a dead man?"
"Words to that affect, yeah."
"Talbot. And you didn't give him our location?"
"Don't get me wrong, I thought about it. He put a four-man detail on me, took three hours to shake them. I could had led them right to the door."
"It's so kind of you to reconsider. And in exchange for me, you get what, exactly?"
"A proper burial for Isabelle Hartley. I wanted to make sure her record was cleared, that her family was probably notified."
"Commendable," Sara nodded. He nodded back at her before looking to Coulson.
"Look, Coulson, between you and Talbot, I know you'll get to Creel first. He's the only thing I want. Well, that and the money you owe me."

With a scoff, Sara shook her head at him.
"You're kidding, right?" Coulson asked. "Cause sometimes I can't tell."
"No, I'm not. I want my pay, and not just mine, either. I want Hartley's and Idaho's, too."
"Okay, now you're kidding."
"It's for their families. I think they deserve something for their loss, don't you think?" Coulson stared at him for a moment before sighing, taking his seat.
"I'll take care of it."
"Good. Once we have Creel…" Hunter stood, crossing his arms. "I'll be in the wind." He started towards the door, pausing just inside the doorway. "Or three sheets to it." He left, leaving Coulson and Sara.

Coulson glanced at his daughter, who was readjusting Jonathan in her arms.
"What do you think?" he asked. "Can we trust him?" Sara shook her head.
"You can't trust anyone, Coulson."
"You know what I mean." She stood, cradling her son to her chest.
"Do you trust me, Coulson."
"Of course."
"I trust Hunter." He nodded and she left him.

In Hartley's room, Sara sighed as she packed up her fellow agent's belongings. She smiled at a picture of Hartley and her sister.
"You remember Jane?" Hunter asked.
"Yeah. When they got together, there was a lot of laughs."
"And bottles of wine." She chuckled quietly, setting the photo into a box.
"Hartley was good when it came to family."
"Yep. Which is why I'm taking this." Hunter picked up a pendant, holding the charm in the palm of his hand. "It belonged to her mum."
"Yeah. I remember the funeral."
"You hear Jane has it now?"
"Damn."
"Life can be a mean drunk that way. Never knows when to stop punching."
"Life sucks."
"We really gotta stop getting attached to people."

He held out his arms and Sara hugged him tight.
"I've tried that. Didn't work. For you either."
"Mmmmmm, Skye reminds me of Izzy."
"Yeah?"
"Raw but sharp. She's got skills. Type that could earn some real money in the private sector."
"As a mercenary? Yeah, I don't think she'll take it." She pulled away, going back to packing.
"We prefer the term "private military contractors."" He pocketed the charm. "What's your exit strategy?"
"I don't know. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s been my life forever."
"S.H.I.E.L.D. isn't a life, Sara. It's just a job, a means to the end. If you hear anything more about Creel, will you let me know."
"Of course."
"Thanks, Princess." She laughed, nudging him.
"Don't call me that."

Sara sat on the kitchen floor, passing a ball back and forth with Jonathan. He was giggling as he played with her. She was taking advantage that most of the team was out. Or else she'd be in her room, but Jonathan got antsy when in once place too long. Something they both shared.
"The second that frequency comes through; I want everyone on the move!" came Coulson's voice. She looked up as May, Skye, Trip, and Coulson entered the room.
"What frequency?" she asked. May shook her head, advising the younger woman to be quiet.
"What if Creel melts down again?" Skye asked. "The lab hasn't figured out how to shut down his powers yet."
"If he's an immediate threat to civilians," Coulson said, "Trip's got the backup plan."
"What kind of backup plan?" Skye asked. Trip winked at her.
"The heavy-duty kind with armor-piercing rounds."
"Will that work?"

From behind Sara, Hunter spoke up.
"Get close enough to him, catch him off guard…" He took a seat on the floor beside Jonathan, tickling the baby. Jonathan's giggles spread through the room. "Where do you want me?" Hunter asked.
"That depends… Can you follow an order."
"Absolutely, sir."
"Because a part of me wants you here running back-end. The other part knows we need boots on the ground, and I've only got a few good pairs."
"I'll be good." He held up three fingers in a salute. "Scouts honor." Coulson raised an eyebrow, as if not believing him. "Please, sir, I owe Hartley one."
"You can use him," Sara said. Coulson took a deep breath.
"Suit up." Hunter gave Sara a thankful smile before frowning as Jonathan's ball hit him in the shoulder.
"Oi! Quite an arm, mate." He scooped up the boy, hugging him tightly.
"Sara!" called Mack. "Come help me in the lab, yeah?"
"Why?"
"I'm trying to get through to Fitz and I think your presence will help."
"I'll be there in a minute."

In the lab, Sara stood beside Mack while Fitz' spoke. Three lab techs were beside them, holding pens and clipboards.
"It's all about the…" Fitz held a length of cables in his hand. "The resonant. I didn't solve this today."

Holding something up, Mack asked about it.
"What—what—what is this? What, is this some kind of sonic thing, like the cloaking device?" Frustrated, Fitz leaned heavily against the table.
"No, I didn't, uh…"
"Look, forget about the cloaking device, all right? No one is blaming you for that. Right now, we just got to focus on taking down Creel."

With an exasperated sigh, Fitz shoved all the papers off the table.
"Fitz, calm down," Sara murmured. He scowled at her, walking away as he ran his hands through his hair in frustration. Mack gave Sara a look and she backed away. She needed to let Mack handle it. Fitz needed someone other than her and his imaginary Simmons to talk too.
"Get out of here," Sara snapped at the techs as she headed to her desk. "I don't care what Coulson's ordered you to go. Get out of this lab." The three scurried off as Fitz turned back to Sara and Mack.
"Okay."
"Take it easy," Mack said.
"Look, I didn't solve this today!" Fitz yelled.
"Yeah, I know! You said that already!" Mack yelled back. Sara sat at her desk, rubbing at her forehead.
"I didn't solve this today!"

Mack paused, then started nodding in understanding.
"Wait. Are you saying you didn't solve this today? You solved this before?"
"Yes!"
"Y-you're looking for an old design?"
"Yes! Yeah. Yeah!"
"All right. Okay." Mack grabbed a tablet, turning it on. "All right, I'm with you, Turbo. All right."

Pulling up schematics, Mack started swiping through them.
"No. No. No…"
"You want the Overkill Device," Sara said quietly. Fitz nodded quickly.
"Yeah! That." Mack swiped to it and Fitz' eyes brightened.
"Yeah! Yeah! Thanks, Sara."
"Anytime." She stood from her desk, crossing over to him. She gave him a quick hug, which he returned along with a kiss to her forehead. "Need anything else, boys. Or do you have it from here?"
"We've got it," Mack nodded. "Thank you, Sara."
"Yep."

That evening, after the team successfully took down Creel, Sara stood outside the lab, watching Mack and Fitz talk. May walked up to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
"I'm glad he's talking to someone," Sara murmured. "I've got to admit though, I'm having a tough time with it."
"That's understandable, Sara. He's changed."
"We've all changed, May."

Turning, Sara looked May in the eyes.
"We've all changed. Hell, I've got a kid, Simmons is gone, Hunter has agreed to be an agent. And you know who else has changed?"
"Besides me becoming an honorary grandmother?" May joked.
"The Director," Sara corrected. May sobered, shaking her head.
"Coulson has a lot on his plate, rebuilding S.H.I.E.L.D."
"I wouldn't know. He's not exactly the sharing type these days."
"He has the world to worry about, not just us, not just the team."
"It's not just that, May. I've been watching him for months, and I know he's keeping something from me. You're keeping something from me. I've been talking with Skye and we agree-"
"Sara…"
"Stop. Is Coulson all right?"
"Of course." May hugged Sara tightly. "I know you are worried, but he's okay. And if he's not, he will be."
"May-"
"Hey! Princess!"

The two women turned to find Hunter holding Jonathan.
"I thought you said you were only going to be gone for a few minutes. My show's about to be on."
"Whatcha watching?" Sara asked, walking over to him.
"Cake Boss."
"Ooooo! Can I watch." Hunter swung an around her.
"Come on, then!" Jonathan reached for Sara, and she took him. He started babbling to her and she spoke back.
"Why do you talk to him even though he can't hear you?"
"Eh, trying to give him a normal childhood."
"Ah… have you figured out why he was born deaf?"
"Does it matter?"
"Nah, I guess not... Who's the father??"
"He's dead," Sara answered flatly. Hunter nodded, then grinned.
"Great! Cake Boss it is!"

All rights belong to Marvel & Disney

Chapter Text

Sara stood beside Skye, the two of them firing at targets with HYRDA emblems on them. Skye empitied her gun and set it down. Sara lowered her pistol, pulling out one of her ear-plugs. May pressed a button to bring the targets in.
"I imagined they were all Ward," Sara grumbled. Sara turned sharply on her.
"Imagine they're all targets," she corrected. "Don't get cocky. This is step one. It's all about con—"
"Control. I know."
"Open you mind, your body," May said. "In the field you need to maintain control. Whatever the situation. Hostages, bomb about to go off—"
"So, what you're saying is that what I just did was puny and sad." Sara shook her head, nodding down to Skye's wrist.
"Sixty-one beats per minute. Consistent the whole time. Not that puny." Nodding, Skye's eyes followed May to where the woman picked up a large rife.
"Speaking of not puny…"
"Yeah, I want you to get used to this, it's a sniper rife."

From behind them, Mack and Hunter walked up, pushing a trolley.
"Pardon me," said Hunter. "Uh, just one quick question." He grinned at Skye."You went to S.H.I.E.L.D. academy, right?" She began to shake her head but May spoke before she could.
"You didn't. If you did, you would have known better than to shoot at us."
"May," Sara murmured.
"Apology number four-hundred-and-seventy, I'm very sorry Agent May."
"Don't be sorry. Just wait."

Shifting uncomfortably on his feet, Hunter looked back to Skye.
"Uh, we just have. A little wager," Mack told her. "So, did you—"
"Go to the academy? Yeah, no." Hunter let out a deep exaggerated sigh, sinking his head onto his arm. Mack grinned and handed Hunter a clipboard.
"Yeah, all right, well, have fun with the inventory. And remember Koenig likes them neat. Oh, and, uh, none of those Euro sevens with the lines through them. Drives him crazy." He walked off, whistling a happy tune.

As Mack disappeared around a corner, Hunter gave Skye an accusing glare.
"Coulson said you were a field agent with a badge and everything."
"More like a work-study thing. Badge, I had for like a day before S.H.I.E.L.D." Sara nodded in agreement as she swiped Hunter's water bottle from her.
"You know, Hartley loved her blade, hated guns," Hunter told Skye. "Idaho, if on a job someone ended up dead, he'd go to a church light a candle. Said it'd balance the karma. See, I knew them, what they do, not do. So, us being workmates and all…"
"You're wondering if I've ever taken anyone out."
"Have you?"
"Not that I know of." Hunter turned to Sara.
"Of course, I have," she shrugged. "You don't get to level nine without it. Now, don't you have inventory?"
"I suppose I do now."
"I'll help if you don't mind the kid."
"I love the kid." He held out his arm and she took it.
"Later gators," she called to May and Skye.

Before they got very far, Sara spotted Coulson.
"I'll catch up," she told Hunter, pulling away from him.
"Sounds good. Can I grab Jonathan?"
"Yeah, he's with Trip."
"Cool." He went off as she diverted to talk to Coulson.
"You're alone," she remarked.
"The entire trip was a waste of precious jet fuel," he grumbled.
"And Agent 13?"
"They got to her first. It's gone from being a land grab to a talent grab. And I'm getting damn tired of losing our best and brightest to HYRDA."

The next day, most of the team left on the bus heading for a ship named Maribel Del Mar. It was anchored in the Port of Casablanca. It had been frozen in ice, making the team suspect that Donnie Gill was there. She turned to Mack and Fitz.
"They're taking The Bus!" she exclaimed. "You know what that means?" Mack's eyes brightened as Fitz looked at them in confusion.
"Means we got the night off!"
"And?"
"And Koenig's on assignment and won't be hogging the Xbox!"
Sara nodded, "I'll grab Jonathan and we can play a few rounds of something."

She paused in her excitement when she saw Fitz' blank look.
"Are you okay?" she asked her brother. Fitz shook his head.
"I should be going. I mean I-I knew him. Sara, don't you think they're keeping us from something? That's why they aren't letting us go."
"Yeah, they're keeping you both from an icy death," Mack said. "That's it. Come on, now. Don't start getting paranoid on me."
"Sara, who is Skye's asset?" Sara shook her head.
"I don't know. Coulson doesn't talk to me about these things."
"Can we talk?"
"Yeah, we can talk." She turned to Mack. "Can you grab Jonathan and set up the game?"
"Yeah." Mack leaned in close to her. "Is he okay?"
"I don't know," Sara murmured. "But we'll figure it out."
"Okay." Mack raised his voice to Fitz. "I'll be waiting to play some rounds, Fitz."
"Kay."

Fitz grabbed Sara's hand and started pulling her down a hallway.
"Where are we going?" Sara asked.
"Ward. That's the asset Skye's been talking too."
"God, what's with everyone bring him up!" Sara practically shouted. She stopped in her tracks, stomping her foot. "He's dead, Fitz! Coulson promised!"
"He keeps secrets from us, Sara! He's the asset."
"Stop."
"We've gotta see if it's him."
"Stop!" Fitz paused, turning back to her. He lowered his voice.
"They're keeping things from us, don't you want to know the truth?" He looked over Sara's shoulder, glaring at someone. Sara closed her eyes as he spoke out loud. "You are not here!"
"Fitz, please."
"Sara, please."
"Fine. We'll go down there. And you'll see that there is no one there."
"And if there is?"
"Don't make me think that."

He took her hand again, squeezing it lightly. She leaned against him as they walked to the fault. Fitz took ahold of a tablet as they walked down. The cell was covered by a pane of frosted glass.
"Fitz, we don't have to do this," Sara whispered.
"Yes. We do."

As Fitz tapped on the tablet, Sara practically felt her heart stop when she saw who was on the other side. Ward stood, staring at the two of them. Sara backed away from the glass, keeping her eyes on Ward the entire time. Ward seemed equally shocked to see them.
"I imagine you've got a lot to say to me." Fitz' breath began ragged, turning away from Ward. "Look," Ward tried, "despite all this… it's really good to see you." Sara squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, sliding down the wall to sit on the steps. This couldn't be happening. Not now. "Sara? Fitz? Are you al—"
"Shut up!" Sara snapped. "Stop talking." Nodding quickly, Ward stepped away from the glass.
"Sara, love—"
"Shut up!" she repeated. He took a seat on his cot. He turned his attention to Fitz. "
I didn't want to hurt you," he said quietly. "I tried to avoid it."
"You tried to kill us," Fitz hissed.
"No. I wanted to save you. Garrett ordered me to kill you and Simmons. He expected me to put a bullet in your head." He shook his head a few times. "But I couldn't. I gave you a fighting chance to find a way out, like you always do. Like you did."

Scoffing, Fitz started shaking his head.
"Save me?" Ward nodded slowly. He stood, walking close to the glass. "Do—do you—do you—do you know what the, um…" Sara looked away, hiding her head in her hands as Fitz struggled to speak. "What you—Okay. I—" Sara lifted her head slightly as she heard Fitz' stand. "You know, I have trouble with words, so, um… it's probably best if I show you."

Alarmed, Sara started getting to her feet as Fitz pushed a button on the tablet.
"Show me what?"
"Hypoxia. Found that one. That's what you did to me." He looked down at the tablet and Sara hurried to his side, watching as a meter monitoring Ward's oxygen went from green to yellow.
"Fitz? What are you doing?" Ward asked.
"I'm showing you… what it's like. When you're deprived… of, uh…"

Beginning to gasp, Ward stumbled back, sitting down on the cot again.
"The oxygen, b-the brain cells, they—they're—they react first. They die. Three minutes, damage is permanent."
"Where's Skye?" Ward gasped out.
"Gone," Sara replied. "They're all gone after Donnie."
"And I should be there with them!" Fitz shouted. "But I can't because of you, because of what you did to me! I'm damaged!"
"You aren't damaged," Sara whispered. Fitz met her eyes for a moment before looking back to Ward.
"Donnie—Donnie—Donnie Gill. That's—that's why Skye was—"
"No. No. Don't—Don't answer him, Sara."
"Sara, listen to me. Listen! You, they don't know what they're walking into."
"Then tell us," Sara ordered. "You've got a minute and a half."
"D-Donnie d-didn't escape The Sandbox. HYDRA re-recruited him. Brainwashed. If they're t-trying to get him, they're gonna t-try to re-trigger his programming."
"Fitz!" Sara spun on her brother. "Give me the tablet." Fitz glared at her.
"You're gonna let him life, Sara. Again!"
"Yeah, because you aren't a murderer, Fitz. Don't start now. He's not worth it." Glancing back and forth between Sara and Ward, who was clutching at his throat, Fitz let out a frustrated sigh. He passed the tablet to Sara before darting up the stairs to find Mack.

Ward started coughing as Sara let the oxygen go back to normal.
"Thanks, Sara."
"Don't thank me," Sara told him. "You owe me now, Grant Ward. We were even. We aren't anymore."
"What do you want? What can you possibly want from me in here?"
"Nothing yet." He blinked at her, then nodded as if he understood.
"You look like hell, Ward. Attempt to hang yourself or something?"
"Or something." He turned his arms out for her to see the attempts. "They won't let me have paper anymore." She just stared at him.
"You should've tried harder."
"Is that what you want, Sara? You want me dead."
"Yeah." She clicked on the tablet, making Ward disappear.

A sob threatened to escape her mouth and she clasped a hand over it to keep quiet. Who knew if he could still hear her. She put the tablet down and ran up the stairs, slamming the vault doors close behind her. She ran into Mack, who grabbed her shoulders.
"Sara."
"He lied to me, Mack! He lied to me." She started to cry, collapsing against him. He held her tightly, allowing her to sob into his chest. "Coulson promised," she whimpered. "Promised he was dead."
"I know. I know." She started hyperventilating.
"Mack, you don't understand. He promised."
"Sara, you gotta breathe. Sara, breathe!" She squeezed her eyes tight, feeling her head lighten.
"Mack… I don't feel so good." He caught her as she blacked out.

When she awoke, she could hear the beeping of medical machines. She took a deep breath feeling the cannula in her nose. She reached up to pull it out, but a hand stopped her. She looked over to see Coulson sitting beside her.
"Leave it, Sara. You need it."
"Get out," she ordered weakly.
"Let me explain myself—"
"No. I'm done listening to you. My badge, gun, IDs, everything, will be on your desk by the end week. I'm out."
"I can't look at him, Sara. I hate that he's here. But we barely know anything about HYDRA. I need to do whatever it takes to understand the people we're fighting. Ward is one way I'm trying to do that." She closed her eyes.
"I don't care about your excuses, Coulson. Get out."

Standing, Coulson took a deep breath, then did as she said. When she opened her eyes again, she saw Hunter sitting beside her, holding Jonathan.
"Morning, Princess."
"Hey." He leaned over with a wince, handing Sara her son.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Nasty looking bruise on my shoulder, curtsey of Agent May."
"She's wicked with her come-backs," Sara said.
"You don't say… so, I heard you're leaving."
"As soon as I can. Stark promised me a job if I need it. I'm thinking about going back to New York. I've got an apartment there."
"When are you going to go?"
"By the end of the month. I don't know." Hunter nodded, then grabbed her hand.
"I'm here for you, Princess." She squeezed his hand.
"I know you do."

She looked away from Hunter to gaze at Jonathan. For a split second she saw Ward in his eyes before he was gone, looking like her son again. Jonathan cuddled up close to her, staying quiet as he stuck his thumb in his mouth. She had to get out. If Ward was alive, it was only a matter of time before Coulson used Jonathan as leverage if he hadn't already.

A week or so later, Sara looked up from packing a box as Mack knocked on her door.
"Hey, did you hear?"
"Hear about what?" Sara questioned. She reached over, grabbing a small object from Jonathan. The boy pouted before crawling over to a pile of stuffed toys.
"Simmons is back… and Bobbi."
"What?" Sara jumped to her feet. "Really?"
"You go. I'll take care of the kid."
"Thanks, Mack!" She kissed his cheek before taking off.

She bolted to the front of the base where Simmons and Bobbi Morse were walking in.
"Sara!" Simmons cried. She rushed to her friend, throwing her arms around her.
"You're back!" Sara cheered.
"Just in time too," Simmons agreed. "If it hadn't been for Bobbi, I would have never made it out." "
Hey, S.O.," Bobbi greeted. Sara moved from Simmons to wrap her arms around Bobbi.
"I didn't know you made it," she said. "I couldn't get ahold of you."
"Yeah, undercover is a bitch, I'll tell you that."
"Hear-hear," Sara agreed.
"So, where's the kid I've been hearing about?" Bobbi questioned.
"He's with Mack. Oh, you'll love him! He's got Hunter wrapped around his finger."
"No, he doesn't!" Hunter exclaimed.
"Hey, Hunter," Bobbi greeted. "Nice suit."
"Nice suit?" the man repeated. "Really? That's what you're leading with? What did you do to your hair?" Bobbi brushed a strand of black hair off her shoulder with an eye roll.
"Ever heard of undercover?"
"I prefer you blonde."
"Well, I didn't do it for you. Two seconds in, there's already a tone."
"This isn't a tone. This is my speaking voice when I'm upset with an unreasonable person."

Trip leaned over to Sara, who had stepped back to watch the two bicker back and forth.
"What's the deal there?"
"Has Hunter ever told you stories about his she-devil ex-wife?"
"All the time."
"Well, that's here."
"For real? Damn."
"Anyone mind telling me what the bloody hell she's doing here?" Hunter asked.
"Bobbi's one of our best agents," Coulson said.
"Oh, that's rich. Then mind telling me what I'm doing here?"
"That's easy," Bobbi nodded. "I vouched for you."
"Why the hell would you do that?!"
"Place nice," Coulson warned.
"I also vouched for you, Hunter, if that makes any difference," Sara tried.
"That's just fun! You two teamed up against me!"
"Always," Bobbi agreed. "Now come on, Sara. Take me to the kid."

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Chapter Text

Sara sat beside Simmons, the two of them watching a video of Ward. At 5:30 on the dot, he sat up, wringing his hands. He took a few breaths, then stood, starting on a workout.
"5:30 on the dot every morning," Simmons murmured. "But there's no clock, no light, no way he can know what time it is."
"You've been watching him?" Sara asked.
Simmons nodded, "Every day before I left, every day since I got back. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." Sara pursed her lips but nodded.
"I forgive you, it's okay."
"Guys, there's been an attack," Bobbi said, walking over to them.
"Just to clarify, we weren't the ones who did the attacking, right?" Simmons asked.
"Nope. Marcus Scarlotti was behind the attack."
"Have fun with that," Sara said. "I gotta finish packing."
"Before you do that, Coulson wants you."

Sitting in Coulson's office, she watched as he paced in front of her.
"What do you want, Coulson?" she questioned. "I've got packing and apartment hunting to do."
"What do you know about Christian Ward?"
"He's a Senator. He's a son of a bitch… though that might be a biased opinion due to sleeping with his brother."
"Watch this interview," he said. "Tell me what you think after that."

"S.H.I.E.L.D. is a terrorist organization and they should be treated as such."
"Is that what you plan to speak about at the U.N.'s emergency session tomorrow?" a reporter asked.
"What I plan to do is lay out a proposal for a multi-national police force that will target those suspected of ties with S.H.I.E.L.D. using any and all means necessary."
"Anyone suspected of ties?" Julien Beckers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Belgium questioned. "Who determines that? Belgium will never accept this proposal. It destroys the very idea of citizens' rights."
"Mr. Beckers," Christian Ward said smoothly. "If you want to welcome S.H.I.E.L.D. at your borders with open arms, be my guest, but this infestation needs to be exterminated."

Sara looked away from the screen.
"Not even the harshest I've heard him speak," she remarked. "You've watched other interviews?"
"Just a few. But he's never cared about S.H.I.E.L.D. before. At least, not openly."
"Hunter said Talbot was working with Senator who had deep pockets."
"You think it's him?"
"I do." Coulson picked up his tablet and the image of Christian disappeared, showing a map of the globe with several blue dots. "Months rebuilding and this is S.H.I.E.L.D. Few operatives here, not many more out there. If Senator Ward's proposal passes—"
"It'll be a witch hunt," Sara murmured.
"Every military organization on the planet will have a license to kick our operatives' doors down and shoot them on the spot. I can't let that happen." He set his tablet back down, crossing his arms. "I know you aren't one of my agents any longer, Sara, but I need you to go speak to Ward."
"And what? Gather intel on Christian?"
"He's the uncle of your son." She glared at him.
"Don't ever bring Jonathan up in conversations like this," she hissed. "Do you understand?"
"Affirmative."

She could tell that Ward was surprised to see her when the frost disappeared.
"Sara—"
"This is how this is going to work. I'm going to ask questions and you are going to tell me the truthful answer."
"I never lied to you, Sara."
"You're right. I just never asked the right questions. My fault. Now, we need to talk about Christian." Ward jumped to his feet, approaching the glass as if worried about her.
"Why? What happened?"
"Just basic information, Ward. Habits, places he frequently visits, stuff like that."
"Sara, you need to stay away from him. He's not what he seems. He always has an angle, and if he thinks that you can lead him to me—"
"This isn't about you," she cut in. "Maybe it'll end up like that. But it's not about you at the moment."
"Isn't it? Do you remember me telling you what happened at the well, what he made me do? He gets joy from one thing, hurting people."
"I remember."
"Does he know I'm here, Sara?"
"Are you scared of him?"
"What?"
"Are you scared of Christian?"
"I'm scared of what he'll do to you to get to me."
"Okay. Then tell me what I want so we can keep that from happening."
"Okay… you can't trust Christian. Nothing he says is the truth. He'll smile, bare his soul, it's all manipulation He's a master at it. If you ever wondered where I learned, well… Look, Sara, I know what I am. But my brother, he's worse."

A day later, Sara and Coulson stood in Christian Ward's office. She hadn't originally wanted to go along, but Coulson had insisted and Keonig was watching Jonathan. She hadn't left the base in months after all. Coulson was leaning against a bookshelf while Sara was leafing through a family photo album. She noted the lack of photos of Ward. They really were distant. She closed the book as Christian walked into the room. He made it to the desk without noticing them.

Clearing her throat, Sara gave him a small wave when he noticed them.
"Excuse me, what are you doing here?" the man asked.
"Don't worry, we haven't been waiting long," Sara said. She held out her hand to him. "Sara Reyes-Fitz. Phil Coulson." When the Senator didn't shake her hand, she lowered it. She nodded down to the papers on his desk. "I assume these are for your speech. Coulson made a few changes." She rolled her eyes as he attempted to call security. "I'm sorry. Your men won't be checking on you, at least not for the next hour."
"What do you want?"
"An opportunity to clear the air. The attack on the U.N. wasn't S.H.I.E.L.D. it was HYDRA. Specifically, a man named Daniel Whitehall."
"You didn't come here to clean the air; you need something from em. All this swaggering simply tell me you have nothing to offer in return. What do you want me to do? Go on record defending S.H.I.E.L.D., condemning HYRDA? The American people are looking for a simple enemy, Ms. Reyes-Fitz. It's what makes them feel safe."

From the bookshelf, Coulson spoke up.
"And how do you think they'd feel if they knew your brother was HYDRA."
"Coulson, no," Sara hissed. Coulson walked closer to them.
"That's an awfully complicated idea to grasp, especially in an election year."
"Are you threatening, Mr. Coulson?"
"No. I'm telling you—"
"Coulson, don't."
"—I have your brother in my basement."

The Senator blinked in surprise.
"Is he all right? Is Grant hurt? Did—did you have to do anything—"
"No. We believe there are other ways to get information from people." Christian let out a deep, relieved sigh. "I'm surprised your concerned, honestly," Coulson remarked.
"You don't have a brother, do you?"
"No. Always wanted one, though. As an only child you tend to idealize that relationship. Family has to take care of each other, right? Then again… I've heard some stories that say otherwise."
"What did Grant tell you?"
"Plenty," Coulson answered. "I know what you did. How you forced him to torture your youngest brother. I know what happened at the well."

A smile made its way onto Christian's face.
"So, it's a well now? You may think you know Grant Ward, Mr. Coulson, but trust me—underneath every lie he tells is just another lie."
"That's not true," Sara snapped. "And how would you know?"
"We were engaged at one point. It fell through when his alliance to S.H.I.E.L.D. did."
"Ah, so you're the one with the kid."

Sara felt her face pale as Christian addressed Coulson once more.
"When we were kids, our parents were always gone, some state function or another. We'd spend all day by the creek hunting salamanders and crayfish. But I could never leave Grant alone with Thomas. I found Grant down there once, standing over him with a screwdriver. Thomas was on the ground, just screaming. And I saw something… something else behind his eyes. Something I'm sure you've seen before, as well. A second later, it was gone, and he was just my little brother again. He told our parents that I forced him to do it. I've spent too much of my life trying to unravel his lies."
"He wouldn't do that," Sara said. "He loves Thomas. I've met Thomas."
"He always finds someone to believe him," Christian directed that to Sara. "I wonder what lies you're keeping for him, Ms. Reyes-Fitz?"
"My loyalties are to S.H.I.E.L.D. and the American government," she seethed. "Don't ever question that."

Scooting his chair back, Coulson stood.
"He won't geta way with it this time," he said. "It's not going to be simple… but I think I know a way we can both have what we want."
"Really?" Christian asked. "And what would that be."
"We give you Ward in exchange for your anti-S.H.I.E.L.D. proposal reversal."
"No!"
"Deal."

Sitting on the Quinn-jet, Sara stared straight ahead as Coulson piloted.
"We need the Senator's help, Sara," he told her. "Ward is what he wants to make that happen."
"I hate you," Sara said, turning her head to meet his gaze.
"You're just saying that."
"No, I'm not." She stood, leaving the cockpit to sit in the back. This couldn't be happening. Not now.

May found her sitting in her room at the base. Jonathan was asleep in his crib.
"Do you agree with Coulson, May?"
"Yes."
"Get out." May did as she asked.

It was Bobbi who finally got the woman out of her room.
"They're taking him today," she said. "If you wanna say anything to him. You gotta say it now."
"Why would you tell me, Bobbi? What's in it for you?"
"You need closure, Sara. Now, get up. And follow me. Hunter will take Jon."
"Jon?"
"It's shorter than Jonathan."

The agent grabbed Sara's arm, dragging her to her feet. She pulled Sara throughout the base until they stopped in the main hallway. Sara tugged her arm away from Bobbi, glaring at her.
"You didn't have to yank that hard."
"Stop being a baby," Bobbi chided.
"What's she doing here?" Trip asked.
"I have a name, Triplett, thanks."
"I didn't mean it like that, Sara…" His voice trailed off as they caught sight of Ward being led through the hallway.

The moment their eyes met; Sara could feel her resolve breaking. She darted forward, through the armed soldiers until she stood in front of him.
"I'll shoot you if you make me move," she threatened a guard.
"Leave her be," May ordered.
"What are you doing, Sara?" Ward questioned. "I asked for you to come and you didn't."
"I-I-I couldn't."
"Why not?"

She couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth.
"Cause I can't bare seeing you locked up down there."
"And here they go, taking me from one prison to another. Go away." Sara took a step back at the venom in his tone. The guards moved him around her and before they rounded the corner, Sara yelled after him.
"I didn't mean it, you know!" He stopped, spinning around to face her.
"Didn't mean what?" he asked.
"Past tense," she answered. His eyes widened before he was dragged around the corner.

When he disappeared, Sara lifted her head as she realized everyone was staring at her. She turned to them, clapping her hands together. She spoke lowly.
"If you don't make yourselves scarce, I'll make you help me pack." That caused everyone to walk away… except Fitz. He shuffled over to her.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
"No. Leo, I don't think I ever will be." With that he wrapped his arms around her, settling his chin on the top of her head as she started crying against his chest. She cried for Ward, for Jonathan, for the future, and, selfishly enough, for herself.

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Chapter Text

Sara held a phone to her ear as she juggled Jonathan in her arms.
"What do you mean he evaded you, Bobbi?"
"I mean, he had a bomb. He's smart, Sara."
"I never said he wasn't."
"Auntie Sara!" Lilia cried. "Come play with me."
"Coming, Darling," Sara called back. "Where is he now, Bobbi?"
"Hunter's got him in a bar in Boston."
"Which bar?"
"Goldbrix Tavern."
"Shit."
"You need to pay the swear jar," Cooper called to her.

Sara tossed him her wallet. He pulled out a bill, putting it in the jar as she tuned back to Bobbi.
"Tell Hunter to stand down," she ordered Bobbi. "It's an old hangout of Garrett's. That means it's gonna be teaming with HYRDA."
"I'll tell him. May, Trip, and I are on our way there now. May wants to speak to you..."
"Absolutely not. Let me know when he's escaped you."
"You think he will?"
"It's Grant Ward. He'll escape. He's only there because he wants something."

A few hours later, her phone was buzzing as she was settling in for the night. Jonathan was nodding off beside her. She rolled her eyes when she saw Hunter's profile. She'd been gone two days. How much longer were they going to bother her with work? She quit after all.
"Hello?" she asked quietly.
"Hope I didn't wake you," he said.
"Not at all, Hunter. What do you want?"
"Ward's escape."
"Again?"
"Yep. He left us a present though. Bakshi. He left him with a note saying, 'For Coulson'."
"Not my problem, Hunter… Uh, hold on, someone's calling."
"I'll let you go. Sleep well, Princess."
"Thanks, cowboy."

She frowned at the unknown number that was flashing across her screen. Who the hell was calling right now? She answered it, "Ello?"
"Hey, Sara." She sat up in a rush, startling Jonathan, who flailed his arms.
"Where are you?"
"Did Coulson get my present?"
"I wouldn't know. We aren't talking."
"Really? Well, I promised him a face to face with Coulson. Probably not exactly what he had in mind."
"Promised who?"
"Bakshi. I'll be sending a few other gifts your way now and then."
"Like a cat bringing in dead birds? Didn't peg you as pathetic, Ward."

At being ignored, Jonathan started to fuss, and Sara forgot momentarily that Ward was on the phone as he started to cry.
"Shhh," she soothed, picking up her son. She cradled him in her arms.
"What was that?" Ward questioned.
"A kitten," she lied.
"Sara."
"A kitten, Ward, nothing else."
"If you say so." She could hear the suspicion in his voice. "Oh, I met the new recruits. I don't think they need to hang around much longer."
"Is that a threat?"
"A suggestion. Coulson could do better. Then again, we're hard to replace."
"Tell me where you are, Ward."
"I can't do that, but I'll be in touch soon. I promise."
"Don't—" She tossed her phone off to the side when he hung up.

She glanced down at Jonathan, who was tugging on a piece of her hair.
"I love you, Buddy," she murmured, kissing his forehead. Jonathan babbled to her, and she sighed. "I wish you could hear me," she whispered. "Then again, I'd have to watch my language around you." He giggled as she rubbed their noses together. She stood, walking him over to his crib. "Night-night," she told him. She set him down and he started to fuss before quieting down when she dimmed the lights.

In the morning, Sara danced around the kitchen, prepping breakfast. Lilia was entertaining Jonathan in the living room and Cooper was playing video games. Saturdays were chill days in the Barton household. Zoë and Clint didn't even bother getting up until after nine. Seemed they were enjoying their forced retirements.

Instead of sleeping the night before, Sara spent most of the night trying to figure out where Ward was. She thought of many places and crossed them all off after thinking on them. Sure, Coulson had seized most of Ward's dead drops, but who knew how many he really had.
"Morning, Sara!"

Startled at Clint's voice, Sara jumped, dropping the piece of bacon she was handling into the grease. It splattered over her arm, and she grimaced, rushing to the sink to clean it up.
"Whatcha thinking about?" Clint asked, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
"Didn't get much sleep last night."
"Yeah. I bet. So, when do you head to New York and Stark?"
"Are they still in New York? I thought him and Charlie went back to Malibu."
"You didn't hear? Stark's place was decimated."
"No, must've been busy with my assignment."
"What exactly was your assignment, Sara?"
"Fury had me put a team together and we've been checking out 0-8-4s and stuff. Nothing big."
"Ah... do you want to talk about it? About Ward?"

Sara shook her head, pulling pancakes off the griddle.
"Did Z ask you to speak to me about it?"
"Yeah." Clint clicked his tongue together. "Jonathan looks like him, y'know."
"He does, yeah?"
"I was just wondering how you're handling it all. Ward being HYDRA and stuff."
"Oh, you know, I'm handling it…"
"And?"
"I got a call from May last night, by the way," she lied.
"May?... Melinda May?"
"Yep."
"And?"
"I feel like that's your new favorite word, Barton." Clint laughed, shaking his head.
"And?" She laughed at that. "She needs me to head somewhere. One last mission." Clint pursed his lips.
"Sara, you know… it's never gonna be "one last mission" if you keep going on them."
"I know. But this one is personal."
"Okay. Need us to watch Jon?"
"If you can."
"Zoë loves him. I'm sure we'll be fine. Besides, he's helping her learn what it's like to have a baby around."
"Is she pregnant?"

The question made Clint shake his head quickly.
"Nope! Sorry if I gave you that impression. No. But one day."
"Hey, you're retired, you've got all the time in the world." She winked at him, and he chuckled.
"Start packing, Reyes-Fitz. I'll finish breakfast."

She darted upstairs, to grab her bag. There was only one place she could think of that he would go. With all the trouble with Christian, he was probably heading to the summer house. Where the well was. She hurried back downstairs.
"Where are you going?" Cooper asked as she swooped down to pick up Jonathan.
"I'll be gone for a few days. Keep Jon safe yeah?" Cooper puffed out his chest.
"I will!"
"Thanks Coop." She gave him a fist bump before setting Jonathan back down. He grabbed his toy, barely noticing she was leaving.
"Bye, Clint."
"Bye, Sara. Stay safe."
"Will do."

The next afternoon, she pulled up to the Ward's Summer Home. She climbed out of the jeep and looked around. It was eerily quiet. Even the birds were silent. She walked around, hearing her leaves crunch under her feet. She paused when she heard the sound of digging. She slipped through the woods, stopping a few yards from the sound. She peered around a tree, pulling out her gun.
"I don't understand," Christian was saying. "What do you want out of all this?"
"I want the truth… about this one event from my past. Admit, you made me push Thomas down the well."
"No! you forced him. He was terrified and you wouldn't pull him up. You enjoyed it."
"Keep trying to put thoughts in my head," Ward sneered. "Like you always have. You used to convince me they were my own. Not anymore."
"You lie to yourself. You want to know why? It's simple. You can't reconcile all the ugly, horrible things you do with the hero you so desperately want to become."
"Ward."

Sara stepped out behind the trees; gun trained on him. He lifted his gun until he saw her.
"Sara? How did you—"
"I used to think I knew you pretty well. Nice to know I still do. Let the Senator go."
"You don't understand—"
"What I understand, is that you escaped and instead of doing the right thing of disappearing for the rest of your life, you decided to continue to ruin your name. Let him go."
"You said you didn't mean it."
I didn't. I don't. Do the right thing, Ward."
"Not until he tells the truth."

He grabbed at Christian, shoving him away as he pulled off the cover of the well. Christian tried to take off, but Ward grabbed hold of his shirt, dragging him to the well.
"Don't do this," Sara warned. "I'll shoot you."
"No," Ward shook his head. "I know you better than you know yourself, Sara, you don't have it in you." He glanced down at his brother. "Sorry to see it go down this way."
"No, no!" Christian yelled. He looked to Sara in desperation. "Save me and I'll protect your son."

His words made Ward snarl.
"Stop lying, Christian. She doesn't have a son."
"She does!" Christian shouted as Ward held him over the well. "His name is Jonathan!" Sara took a step back when Ward met her eyes. Ward's forehead creased, but he focused on the man in his hands.
"Admit it," he snapped at Christian. "Not to me—to yourself."
"No."
"It's dark down there, Christian. You'll have plenty of alone time to think."
"Don't do this Grant," Sara said, stepping closer again.
"Please, I'm your brother," Christian begged.

Holding Sara's gaze, Ward let Christian lean further into the well. His brother let out another scream.
"No! All right! I did it! I did! I know! I wanted him dead! I'm sorry! I wanted him dead." Ward dragged him back, tossing him to the ground. He sat down beside him, throwing his gun to Sara. He buried his head in his hands as he listened to Christian sob. Sara picked up Ward's gun, tossing it down into the well where it landed with a splash. "Thomas was the only one mother didn't torture," Christian sobbed. "And dad always let her do it. She loved him so much. It had to end. I wanted her to feel our pain. But I didn't have the courage to do it myself. I'm sorry. Grant, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry."

Ward nodded at him, speaking in a whisper.
"It's okay." Both Christian and Sara looked at him in shock. "That's all I wanted to hear." He got to his feet, holding out a hand to Christian. Christian took it hesitantly, eyes widening when Ward pulled him into a hug. He whispered lowly into Christian's ear. "If you ever talk about Sara, or her kid, ever again and I will kill you," he warned quietly. Christian nodded quickly and Ward pushed him away.
"Anything else?" Christian asked.
"I want my named cleared," Ward replied. "You made up the lie about HYDRA to protect yourself from some higher ups."
"Deal. It'll take a while."
"Go and start then. Get out of here, Christian. Go back to your wife."

The Senator took off running, leaving Sara and Ward in the woods.
"I knew you wouldn't shoot me," he said flippantly.
"I never could," she muttered. "It's my weakness."
"I wouldn't classify it a weakness, after all, I'm still alive."
"You owe me a favor, Ward."
"And what is that?"
"Promise me you'll disappear until your name is cleared. Then come find me."
"What if that takes a while?"
"Then it takes a while."
"Tell me about our son, Sara. Then I'll go." She laughed sadly.
"His name is Jonathan Grant Reyes-Fitz. He's the sweetest little thing. No idea where he got that from. And he's deaf."
"He sounds cute," Ward shrugged.
"He's definitely yours," Sara promised. "He looks like a miniature you."
"As soon as Christian clears my name, Sara, I'm coming home."
"Okay."

Reaching up, Sara pulled off her necklace, tossing it to him. He caught it, eyes widening at the engagement ring that hung off that.
"Sara?"
"When we're both ready again," she said quietly. "I still want to marry you."

She walked off, leaving him with the ring.
"Wait! Sara!" She turned back to him, a quizzical look on her face.
"No past tense?"
"No past tense."
"I never stopped."
"I know." She gave him a small wave and left him standing there. She had a son to return too, a home to look for, and a better looking future ahead of her.

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Chapter Text

Standing in the kitchen of her apartment, Sara listened to the TV as a reporter spoke about a tragedy in Slovakia. The Avengers had been sent in after a rouge A.I. and practically destroyed the city. They were calling for the Avengers to be put under government control. From her limited knowledge of Steven Rogers, Sara assumed he would never go for it. The Avengers were not for the American Government. They were meant for the world.
"Mummy!" Jonathan called from the living room. "Door!" She smiled at hearing his voice. They had come a long way with her finally managing to get him cochlear implants and him having to learn to speak simple words.
"Coming!" she yelled back. She walked to the door, opening the drawer where her gun was stashed to make sure it was in easy reach. She'd only had contact with Fitz, Bobbi, and Hunter, but they didn't know where she was yet.

Opening the door, she froze when she saw who was on the other side. He was clean-shaven, wearing a dark sweater that covered his arms. He hesitantly smiled at her.
"Hey, Sara."
"I liked the beard," she remarked.
"I'll grow it back."
"Mummy! Who?"

Jonathan ran to the door, stopping when he saw Ward. Ward stared down at the almost two-year-old. He was splitting image of Ward, but Ward could see Sara in the gentleness of the boy's brown eyes.
"Hi," Ward said. He crouched down to Jonathan's height. "I'm Grant." Jonathan tilted his head to the side.
"Dad," Jonathan corrected.
"Excuse me?" Jonathan pointed at Ward than himself.
"Dad."
"Yeah. I'm your dad." Jonathan grinned, then threw himself into Ward's grasp. Ward startled, catching the boy. He looked up at Sara, who was smiling, but tears were falling down her face.
"He's smart," she said, wiping away her tears. "He'll be two in a few weeks."
"Scientist," Jonathan said, pointing at himself. "Mum."
"Exactly like mum," Ward nodded.

He stepped inside, allowing Sara to close the door behind him. Ward set Jonathan down and he toddled off to his toy chest. Ward watched him go, then turned to Sara.
"No past tense?"
"No past-tense."

Sara let out a sob, then did exactly like her son, thrusting herself into Ward's arms. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing their lips together.
"I love you," she whispered. He let out a broken chuckle as he kissed her back.
"I love you. I'm sorry. I love you. I'm sorry." He repeated those two sentences over and over.

And in that moment, Sara let herself believe that everything was going to be all right. Because for the moment, it was all right. Ward's name was cleared, sure, Coulson was still after him, but they'd cross that bridge when they got to it. For right now, they were all right. There was always going to be hard times. She had her trauma. He had his. But they had each other.

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Chapter Text

Sara Reyes-Fitz will return.