Chapter 16: I Taste Sweet Kisses but I Hear Your CriesSummary:Skye delivers.
Notes:Hello.... I'm back? Well life's has been interesting lately. Still too focused on work but it's stressful, not gonna lie. So I went to let off steam. Found a chapter I didn't finish months ago and decided to at least post this.
I know it's not a complete come back but hopefully, if I get some free time I could update again.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter TextSkye was sitting at a bar, drinking her pina colada. She told herself recently that she needed to change her choice of drinks every now and then. Wider her preference as she would like to put it. She asked the bartender to give her anything and didn't expect the yellow drink. It tasted good, but the alcohol content needed to be higher for her to taste that punch in the gut feeling. However, she would never admit she regretted the decision. She should have just asked for on the rocks.
She scratched her pant leg, irritated that sand began to cling to her ankles and legs. She should have assumed that would be the case when she planned this destination hours ago.
Skye decided to peruse the beach after much consideration on her part. The view was stunning not going to complain. The ocean view along the coastline would have been a good anniversary getaway but for a person who is generally not that fond of sand, Skye regretted coming here a little bit. Much like her Pina colada.
Looking around the open bar, there were two or maybe three people around. It was already close to noon. Given the time of year, only a handful of people had chosen to visit, and she had only encountered a few lovely tourists since her arrival.
But aside from the sands though, it really was a great destressing location. It had been quite some time since her last visit to the beach. She almost forgot her love of the sea breeze, the warm prickling sun that gnaws at her flesh like a dog, and the tranquility of an amazing view of dancing waves. It was so good, she can almost ignore the real reason she came here in the first place.
Clutching her fancy glass, she strolled over to a different section of the bar, hoping to spot a middle-aged man with a receding hairline but to her surprise, she instead encountered a stunning, yet still somewhat serious-looking, woman.
Leaning casually against the counter, May sported a modest yet flexible trouser suit. It was a departure from her usual tactical attire, opting for one that appeared more cotton than stretchable cloth, and entirely in sleek black design.
Skye offered a courteous smile and sat next to her, no words exchange.
The brunette polished off her initial cup and promptly requested another, opting for a change to gin and tonics for a touch of variety. As May didn't have a preference, Skye took the initiative and ordered screwdrivers for her, earning a raised eyebrow from the woman to which she smiled modestly.
Skye shrugged to convey that it was a spur-of-the-moment decision and offered it once it was done. Surprisingly, May drank it without hesitation. Skye was slightly impressed, knowing her, May might suspect Skye of tampering with the drink but still had the courage to consume every last drop with no hint of doubt.
She chuckled at her dauntlessness and ordered another one for her.
After minutes of this repose, Skye finally asked. "So, where's Coulson? Didn't think it'd be you who'd met with me."
"He's here. Around here at least. He wanted to be the one to greet you but I insisted I go instead. You broke some of his ribs and ankle so he hasn't recovered just yet to keep on walking straight." May spoke in a way that still hid her emotions but with words alone, Skye could pick up what she wanted to say.
"It wouldn't matter anyway, right? Since he's eavesdropping on us... or better yet, all of them are?" She locked eyes with her, seeking confirmation. The other woman remained so composed that Skye couldn't help but snort, dismissing the tension as she continued sipping her drink.
"Anyway, I got my anger out two days ago. I'm still pissed if I think back on you electrocuting me but... let's just say, I'm not a ticking time bomb anymore." She confessed.
"You knew it was me?" May sported a smile, which was surprising.
"I guessed it. I was keeping an eye on Coulson when everything happened, you on the other hand were the closest and had the most opportunity to sneak up on me. I might add, it won't happen a second time." She made sure she understood how serious that threat was.
"Good to know," she tapped on the wooden counter before continuing. "You're healed, at least," she stated matter-of-factly, and Skye nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. It hurt for a few hours after I woke up but it was nothing damaging to me. Still, you went against my back without considering why I had to."
"We see it now as a mistake. You made that very clear." May said respectfully. "So now what?"
"We proceed with the transaction but first, I need to show you something, and I think this will be of great interest to you." Skye pulled out her phone and typed a message before placing it on the table to wait.
May, who sat beside her, suddenly appeared lost in thought, as if engaged in a conversation with someone only she could hear. Skye smirked, patiently awaiting the conclusion of their silent exchange.
Then, fixing a penetrating gaze on May, Skye couldn't deny that she looked genuinely intimidating when she wanted to. "Don't worry; I didn't harm them. I'll reveal the location of the armored car later; they're not going anywhere."
Skye shared a video recording of Gonzalez's team being hijacked by HYDRA, along with their collaboration with Whitehall. However, the footage concluded just before the part where she unleashed chaos upon the entire facility. She spared them the gruesome details, opting to focus on revealing Gonzalez's deceitful maneuvers as he pursued his misguided ambition to become the Director of SHIELD. Perhaps, she thought, it would also serve as a wake-up call for Bobbie and Mack, revealing that they had been following the wrong man.
The decision is ultimately up to them.
"Now that I got that surprise out of the way. I'm eager to take a look at the obelisk, and I have something to offer in exchange." This was, of course, the first objective of meeting again with them. Her second and third will have to wait. Securing back the obelisk will calm her mind down.
May remained silent before nodding, and they walked out of the bar.
Skye retrieved her ice cooler from the bartender's station, thanking him for holding onto it, and she made sure to compensate him generously before trailing behind the smaller woman.
They arrived at a sizable van, dwarfing the one Skye possessed. Nestled deep within a lush forest, a mere stone's throw from the beach, the atmosphere was cloaked in sedition. May swung open the door, revealing Coulson with a subdued yet vigilant smile, flanked by the rest of the team. Each with their own reserved opinion of her arrival.
Intentionally avoiding direct eye contact with Jemma and Fitz, Skye masked her true feelings behind a veneer of nonchalance. Secretly, she harbored a deeper concern, reluctant to confront the unsettling notion that she might not fit the mold of the person they held in their minds. Though an internal struggle brewed within her, she staunchly resisted any hint of sentimentality.
It wouldn't matter since things had happened. She couldn't take it back now.
Before Skye could delve into negotiations, Mack rushed toward her, aiming to seize her collar. Her eyes caught everything and to be honest, she kind of expected this reaction. A rapid, dismissive wave of her hand, however, sent him hurtling backward to collide with the van's bumper. The swift and effortless gesture highlighted Skye's agility, leaving Mack momentarily stunned by the unexpected turn of events.
"Mack!" Jemma was the first to rush to his side, while Bobbie charged toward Skye. However, it was May who intercepted her, swiftly sweeping her legs and securing her in a tight hold."Cease immediately, Agent Morse. Consider this your warning."
Skye observed May's composed demeanor, noting the unwavering firmness that mirrored her no-nonsense and disciplined approach to situations. The way May effortlessly neutralized someone of Bobbie's height and stature slightly elevated Skye's admiration. However, Skye hesitated to express this praise, recognizing her own unique strengths. She admired May's prowess but would never admit it to the imposing, shorter woman. Least she thinks Skye was easily swayed.
Collecting herself, Skye sighed and took a few steps back, giving Coulson the space to manage his team while she occupied herself with her phone.
"Mack! Bobbie! Stand down immediately!" Coulson's full voice commands the two as they both start arguing back.
"She's got several of our people! We have no idea what she's done to them." Mack said still cradling his arm while Jemma inspected it.
Skye rolled her eyes. It seemed like they were stuck in a loop, back to square one. "I've already assured you they're fine. But if you insist on worrying, here." With a tap on her phone, Skye sent something to Fitz's computer.
"There! I've sent you a live security feed from inside the armored car. Take a look; they're just sleeping. And, by the way, your precious Director Gonzalez got away unscathed." The irritation in her voice was palpable.
"Skye's telling the truth. They're all alive," Fitz spoke up from inside the van. As the brunette glanced at the Scottish man, she found him smiling at her. His expression held no ounce of animosity or suspicion, quietly affirming his trust in her words.
She didn't anticipate the warmth in his gaze, and her surprise manifested in a frozen stare as she realized Fitz harbored no malice. Unable to contain her amazement, she instinctively gave a small smile back and a hesitant wave.
May released her hold on Bobbie, and with Mack executing some deft maneuvers, he positioned himself behind Fitz, confirming their suspicions. Both May and Mack wore expressions of visible relief, reassured by the confirmation that their teammates were safe.
A flicker of offense crossed Skye's face as she absorbed the implication that they were anticipated to show up either dead or tortured. While she acknowledged the grim possibilities weren't entirely implausible for her character... can't they be more subtle about it?
"Let's get one thing straight—you all made the first move against me, not the other way around. You're lucky I didn't retaliate when I did. If anyone here should be cautious about being double-crossed, it's me. So, save me from any hypocritical judgments you might have about my actions, please." Skye's frustration seeped into her words as she expressed her perspective on the situation.
May patted her body, and dirt clung to her from left to right. She gave Skye a raised eyebrow and said, "From the first moment we met, I've always thought you were dangerous. Was I wrong?"
"Well, I guess you're not wrong in your presumptions, no, but I'm not-"
"I also thought you were a killer. No matter how hard you try to convince us otherwise, there's something in your eyes that suggests it's ingrained, maybe even second nature." May remarked, her tone conveying a skeptical acknowledgment. This time, Skye didn't respond as she didn't know how to.
Skye shot a pointed look at her ice cooler, unable to overlook May's concern. May wasn't off the mark with that observation, though their situations weren't exactly as different. "Not like any of you have a spotless record either." She replied offhandedly. "Maybe we're not as different as we like to believe." That much she was certain of. But before she could delve further, Coulson chose this moment to step out of the van, holding the box containing the obelisk.
The brunette regarded Coulson who was still smiling at her. He warm behavior was open for her to see.
"Hi, Skye. I want to apologize for what I did a few days ago. It was not my proudest moment. If you want to get back at me, I will not stop you."
"Phil!" May suddenly glared at him and stepped in front of him as if she was a guard dog.
"May, step aside."
"Not if you're being stupid."
She felt a headache at this heartwarming display and spared the two the dilemma. "Okay, stop. It's done and I think a broken rib is enough for me. But I want to make something clear, you do that again. I can't assure you that only a rib will break." She lets her threat linger before walking closer to Coulson with her ice cooler.
"Here, in exchange for the obelisk, I offer you this and also for any disclaimer, you can take a peek at it if you want." She lets down the ice cooler to have them see it first.
Coulson seemed interested as he gave the box to May and kneeled to open the lid. He reached a hand inside to maybe take off the cloth, and when he did he was taken aback by her gift. With a curious May, she also kneeled beside him to look and they had the same yet distinct expression.
"Will it be enough?" she asked as they didn't say anything for a long time. Her voice cut off their inspection and quickly shut off the cooler and handed her the box. "Yes, this will suffice immensely."
"Good." Skye tucks the box under her arms and sees them putting the cooler in the van but May won't let anyone open it.
"Now that we're done with that, let's proceed with the next promise I gave to you but I think we need a change of view." She puts the box on the sling bag she had and places it easily on it. "I know a place."
"Lead the way." Coulson waved his hand.
Skye had lead them to a very remote area in a middle of a forest. They've been driving for hours til the sun had seep down to sleep.
She looked at the sideview mirror staring at the vehicle following her. She stopped once she reached a mountain range close to cliff sides and gets out of the white van.
"Where are we?" Hunter said as he gets out of the driver seat finally meeting Skye since the whole incident. She had thought he didn't come but was actually hiding on the driver seat. Maybe to hide for nay altercations with her.
He shoots her a smirk while she just raised an eyebrow.
"We are now standing on a very secret site. That not even SHIELD has been able to find for years." Skye rummage to her pockets trying to get her keys.
"And what exactly would that be?" Jemma asked also confused to see nothing but foliage and sounds of crickets scratching noises. She didn't answer Jemma since she needed to settle something first.
Skye found her key and throws it at May.
"What's this?"
"The key to this van."
"Why are you giving it to me?"
"Gonzalez and his men are in there." She answered before gesturing to Coulson to follow her. "Since I don't have any use for them and I'm sure this is within your jurisdiction. I think you know what to do."
Skye started walking and Coulson followed suite. The others were going to but he gave them a warning look. He signalled May to handle the rest while he chased after Skye's shadow.
"So. Are you going to tell me the answers I've been looking for?" Coulson said softly looking at Skye leaning on a tree while she marvelled at the moon.
"Those visions you were having. I know what they are and I have an idea why you're having them." Skye inches her eyes away from the stars and unto him. He felt his body cold.
"You messed with something you shouldn't have, didn't you Coulson?"
He weighted his odds. Counted the ways this should be confidential but SHIELD isn't what it used to be. Not that it can go back to once it were.
He nodded... slowly. "Yes. SHIELD has known even before that we weren't the only beings on the whole galaxy. It would be more weird if we were. So it wasn't really impossible to have contact with the outside. Then we found an alien cadaver years ago. A Kree, a powerful race of beings beyond human genome. Fury had hopes to utilize what was left and I was the head agent to make it possible. That was how T.A.H.I.T.I project was born."
Skye swiveled her head and seemed like she wasn't listening although he knew she was but didn't say anything. Her disagreement was palpable in her face.
But he continued to explain regardless. "Since it's DNA had extraordinary properties for regeneration and healing we thought of a project aiming to resurrect a person back from the dead. I know that moral and ethical implications but back then missions for the greater good had to be prioritized. Its goal was if ever an avenger were to meet their end, they can be revive back."
Skye laugh bitterly. "To think Fury was so determine for peace that the ones helping to make that happen has to suffer." She whispered to herself but knew Coulson heard her.
He looked guilty and he should.
"But that wasn't what happened, right?"
"No. Each of the test subject began to go clinically unstable. So much so that they were unfit to go back in service. In the end, we decided to erase their memory and reintegrate them back to society as normal civilians. At least that was the solution we thought of. We found out years later, that even after erasing their minds. It did not erase the side effect of the drug we took to resurrect the patients."
Skye clicks her tongue and gave him a hard stare before snorting. "That is because the blood you took from that Kree is hounding you, Coulson. An innate but lasting calling that is putting all it's patients to the brink of insanity."
"To what are we being called for?"
"To find the place the Kree built on Earth." Skye walked and stoped. She laid her hand on the ground and lets out an vibrations that exposed the flooring and gave way to a pit.
"It was trying to tell you to find the Kree City."
"This.."
"Coulson. I know you've been looking for this for a long time and I'm going to give you the chance to see it for yourself. But know that I will only show this once."
"What do you mean?" Coulson asked apprehensively.
"I'm going to blow it up."
"What?! Why would you do that?"
"I'm not going to explain more than needed. The Kree built this city for one purpose and that was to house a very important experiment, one I am very familiar of. Even without the Kree if certain prerequisite are met it will happen either way. To further prevent that from happening and endanger more people than necessary then I need to destroy this city one way or another."
Back in her world, this wasn't a foreigner event. It had happened back on her Earth as well. Three Kree cities with three equally met disasters. It had passed her mind to check if there were Kree cities in this world mostly due to her believing this were different circumstances.
She knew that if people were subjected to the Inhuman awakening, it could start a civil war. Not only that but a sudden and aggressive way the Kree introduce such species had always been for one goal, to produce mass soldiers to fight for their war. And if more numbers and produce they will inadvertently put the whole world in jeopardy from a galactic conflict.
It would benefit no one. She still have the same beliefs. She needs to make sure all diviners and all Kree cities are disposed of. To never let the Kree's experiment see the light of day. One mistake is enough.
"How about you give us three days. That's all. Three days to investigate and learn as much as we can and then you blow it up."
"I'm sorry, Coulson. All you get is an five hours and I destroy everything."
"Really? Just five hours?"
"Yes. For courtesy sake." Coulson looked like he wanted to argue but nodded defeated.
"Well then. Five hours, right?"
Skye raised an eyebrow. "Yes?"
"Very well," Coulson took her phone out and called someone. "Coenig have all available agents and sent them to this location. Bring..."
Skye smiled while walking away. That's right. She never said they can't really snoop around. She wasn't that mean to not give them some form of leverage.
Coulson was done talking to Coenig in the phone and saw her moving to enter the pit.
"Wait. Are you going to go alone in there?"
"Yeah. I'm going to close off rooms not fit for anyone to march in since you're sending people in any way. Also, it's a really long way down. Wait for your guys. I'll be go in first."
Skye yawns as she watches from afar as agents rush in and out of the city walls with drones taking pictures of everything.
She was sitting in the corner with a bored look on her face. She'd deactivated the guardian of the city because she was afraid it'd cause the agents problems. She also blew up the passageway from the awakening room and a few others as well for security and safety.
She did find it sad that unfortunate there were no more diviners hidden away in this city. Hopefully, she can find more in due time.
Coulson was barking out orders while his team scrambled to do all the diagnostics under a tight time frame. An agent was running along and spotted her. The young agent was mad seeing her lounge around and was about to ramble when it was Mack who grabbed his collar and pulled him back before he could do something he would likely regret.
Skye was amused to see them talking before the young fella turned white as he gazed at her with a fish-out-of-water look. She gave a wave and a sarcastic smile as he fled the other way. Mack wasn't pleased to see her smiling but didn't find trouble as he walked away.
"You know. It-It didn't cross my mind that you'd-you'd actually hurt them. I-I still don't," Skye had felt him walking towards her seconds ago, she didn't show it so as not to scare him away.
"I really didn't ."
"B-but they do seem terrified," he stated as a matter of fact.
Skye chuckled lowly. She leaned back and cocked an eye at Fritz. He looks healthy, definitely much better than the first time she saw him. "When one sees someone blow someone's head, I think that's a valid reason to be scared, noh?"
"They deserved it, then," Fritz said fiddling with his laptop while sitting next to her, really unafraid.
"You think so?" Skye asked steadily, hearing his heart beating.
"I hea-heard what happened to Coulson when you left. I saw the recording as well. You don't— I mean you-you weren't mad because you wan-wanted to hurt that guy. You were afraid of what he did to her." While Skye knew that Fitz had no idea who she was, he understood that she meant something to her to have reacted that way. She smiled bitterly.
"He-he deserve it... probably."
Skye scratched her wrist as she remembered Cal. His confession and how it affected her. Maybe she was projecting. To have subjected her own daughter to the awakening without even knowing what she was getting herself into. The fear. The pain. The thought of seeing yourself as a monster. One would say, Cal was a horrible father but she wouldn't be a saint either. She got angry because she wished the same thing didn't happen to her. That maybe she could prevent it.
Tough luck she was years too late for that.
"Thank you for that, Fitz but..." She huffs. "I did want to kill him though. I am not a holy person, believe as you might. Had they not stopped me. He really would have gotten a few more broken bones or something more long-lasting. knowing that, do you think less of me?"
Fits snorts while maneuvering his drone. "Would I be a bad person if I said I still don't?" he asked her back. He stopped clicking on his keys and regarded her.
"I am an engineer, Sky. Not-not a judge. Not a god. Definitely, not blameless. I am human as well. I-I met you with less than i-idealic opinions. Yet... you've never once made me feel la-lacking." Leo paused, seemingly trying to find the words to tell her. "For a per-person who has all the patience and sympathy to help little old me. How bad of a person can they be?"
Skye stared at Fitz, a bit shocked and honestly speechless.
She hadn't thought that Fitz may have noticed long ago. The more she spent time with him— how little that was— was mostly because she really did enjoy his company. Like a normal friend. She hadn't thought about why she did what she did the more she thought about it. She just did.
Being regarded with such genuine trust, she couldn't help laughing sadly, knowing she hadn't been this free in a long time. Someone who doesn't see her as a monster even with all the implications of what she could possibly do.
"You're a sweet talker, aren't you Fitz?" Skye teased the man as he blushed and glared at her teasing tone.
"Yeah. Save it, Skye." Fitz closed his laptop and stood up. "Coulson needs me somewhere. See you later."
Skye smiled seeing the short man walk off. It was at this time that she saw Jemma looking at them from afar, a frown on her lips.
She hadn't exactly gotten the full story between these two but one doesn't need much information to tell, they had a big fight. One wanted to talk. The other doesn't want to even be in the same room with the other. It's complicated... maybe.
She didn't want to make the rift between them bigger than it was so when she had the time, she sneaked behind the brunette bird and tapped her shoulder.
"Bloody hell, Skye!"
"Sorry." She smiled while looking at her messing with her SHIELD pad. She was still reeling from her sudden appearance while she waited on the sidelines. Other agents were present but because they were so busy they didn't really notice her arrival.
"What do you want, Skye?"
Skye understood that Jemma was careful with her given her recent behaviors. She was looking at her pad more than she was regarding Skye, her fingers swiping left and right and her mouth in a small frown.
"Jemma." She started but couldn't end.
"Agent Simmons. What else do you want us to take?" A wild agent appeared out of nowhere and began asking for orders.
Jemma obliged because she was also trying to ignore Skye.
"Yes, get samples over there too. Make sure you don't mix the two." The little agent went to do his duties as Jemma was left alone again.
"Okay, Jemma—"
"Agent Simmons, what about this one?"
"One minute, Skye." She was begging to get impatient as she crossed her arms and started tapping her foot.
When the next agent left, and she thought she was able to speak, it was now Jemma who began walking away.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm here to do my job, Skye. So I need to supervise them thoroughly."
Having enough, she shouted. "I'm gay, Jemma!"
The whole room stood still. All agents inside tried to look elsewhere than the two women, looking scandalized while also innately interested in listening. Jemma was looking at her with wide eyes. "Wha-what?"
Skye rolled her eyes. "I'm fucking gay, Jemma. Now do you want to talk?"
Jemma looked at her and the many people trying to eavesdrop. "Um. We should talk somewhere else"
Skye watched as Jemma told the others to stand by as the two made their way somewhere vacant.
Skye was a bit grateful that Jemma took the hint. The first thing the brunette did when they were along was to start pacing. "Oh gosh, Skye. I didn't know! I mean, I'm flattered but I have a responsibility to my job! To SHIELD! You might be on our watch list now that you've shown you are too dangerous for anyone else to handle. I can't be frolicking with a possible liability!"
Skye sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Jemma. First of all, I am not a war criminal— cuz it sounds like you think I am— and second of all, I am not in love with you."
Jemma stopped pacing and slowly digested what she just said. "You mean," she gestured to her chest then to Skye. She shook her head.
"Then why did you confess you were gay?"
"Because you were jealous of Fitz being closer to me that you were sulking every chance you saw us interact!"
"I was not sulking!"
"Yes, you were. You were so jealous even May wanted to have a word with you and she's May!" Jemma seemed distressed as she couldn't deny it anymore. She stepped back and hugged herself, looking so small and insecure.
"I..." Jemma was hesitant, only looking away when Skye tried to approach her. "You know. We were inseparable since we enrolled in the Academy and even after. We were in sync. We knew what the other was thinking. We support each other. We were called Fitzsimmons for crying out loud!" Jemma said frustratedly as her voice began to tremble. "I decided to join SHIELD because I thought I wanted to do good. He joined because I did. He... He did everything for me and a small part of me knew that. I knew that there was something there. I might have brushed it off unintentionally but it was there. Then the accident happened." Jemma broke as she cried trying to remember something. She stared at Skye with wet red eyes.
"Skye, he sacrificed himself for me. For me. I-I was afraid. I was so afraid to lose him and it would be my fault. So when I found he was alive. I couldn't be more happier." Skye frowned as she continued to listen. "He was alive but knew that with how much his brain was deprived of oxygen, I knew there would be repercussions. I knew that but when he finally woke up. I wasn't prepared for how much his state broke me. He wasn't himself and it hurt me to see him like that." Jemma cried as she confessed. "I couldn't take it so I went away. Took a mission so I can recollect myself but... I shouldn't have done that. I should have stayed with him. I..."
Skye sighed as she finally got the gist of everything. "So you left and you regretted it?"
"Yes."
The taller woman looked a bit angry. "Do you want me to be blunt with you, Jemma? You were a coward plain as day."
"I know—"
"No, you don't! You left the man who sacrificed his life for you. The man who needed you most. You were so preoccupied with how much you were so scared of the changes you didn't even take the time to be part of Fitz's healing journey. Now you want to sulk about it? Jemma grow a spine and apologize!"
"You think I didn't do that already?" Jemma scowled. "He doesn't even want to look at me."
"Because he felt like thrown liver!" Skye berated. "You leaving was his own interpretation that he was not enough anymore. With each mistake, he was reminded that you weren't there. He was pushing himself to the brink of insanity feeling like he was a broken toy. Who wouldn't be mad?"
Jemma looked even more guilty as she kept quiet, fully understanding how much she hurt Fitz. Skye had to control her anger as she really didn't want Jemma to feel so distraught but she did need to hear it. By fully knowing one's fault and admitting it one can start tackling the issue.
"Jemma, you need to make it right if you want Fitz back."
"And how do you suppose I do that? He hates me now." Jemma squatted down to hide her face in her hands.
Seeing the brunette this devastated, she felt empathy. "Well, It's not going to be easy but talking with him would be your first move. Admit your mistake and ask for forgiveness. If he doesn't want to forgive you, you don't have to force him. Just be there if he needs it. that's the only advice I can give. Fitz isn't ruthless but he isn't a pushover anymore either. Tiptoing the issue will only worsen everything. You need to take accountability and hopefully mend your relationship."
Jemma slowly looks up at her, eyes red. "Do you really think this would work?"
"No. But if you love him as much as I believe you do, it wouldn't matter."
Notes:For any mistakes I did not notice, I'll probably fix it later. :) hope you guys are safe.
Chapter 17: I'm sorry, BruceSummary:We see a glimpse of Skye.
Notes:Hello. Updated early. The next one might not be for a few days. But thank you for reading. Be safe.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter TextShe destroyed the city on a very silent night. As silent as throwing a rock down a waterfall.
The agents left behind couldn't help feeling strangely scared and amazed at the same time while they spectated from afar—way far since Skye plans to do something very dangerous, which she believes was necessary.
She was sure that people from the nearby city would panic in the morning because of the recent earthquakes. Sadly, she didn't have any other way to mask the destruction of an underground city than to give a contained earthquake event.
After everything, they all returned to the resort with one last thing on her list. Cal.
She still had some unfinished business with him but she had calmed down considerably, but she still needed some information that only he knew. Coulson and the others wouldn't be able to give her any excuses to deny her if it came to it.
"I need to talk to him." She said out of the blue as Coulson and she started walking.
Coulson was concerned, his heart rate increasing a bit. She assumed he would prefer there wouldn't be any more fighting between them. "Skye. I don't think that's a good idea."
"I won't kill him. I promise. But I need answers. Answers he can provide. I am telling you because I don't want any unnecessary violence but this isn't a request, Coulson." They were now outside their jet. The other agents had left the island with Team Coulson the only one left on the site.
But even then the others weren't with them. Just her and Coulson. Prioritizing their findings.
May had protested at first about them being left alone again but after a talking to by Coulson, she only muttered how utterly stupid he was and left too. Skye laughed silently at the bickering couple. Days with them felt like she knew them a little if now she could guess from the tension around them.
But back to the topic, Coulson frowned.
"Skye. I've interrogated Zabo. I know who you are looking for and I can help you." Skye's glared instantly. Feeling guarded about SHIELD knowing Daisy and the possibility of them hunting her down like they would probably with her.
"You better not—"
"Don't worry. Knowing your stance about her, we won't meddle unless we need to. I promise." Coulson said with a smile. He wasn't lying. "I'm not Fury." He stated.
Skye would like to be inclined. "No, you're not but you seem like you're too much of a dog. What he says goes. I don't even know if that's satisfying." Her face crunches up.
"Thank you?" He shrugged, not sure how to express his ideals. "Years in service, you cannot stop following him. It's been ingrained." Coulson didn't seem to take offense as he genuinely seemed to accept it now. He took a small USB from his pocket and gave it to her.
"When you left the facility, I've visited Mr. Zabo. He wasn't cooperative but after a little truth serum-"
"Wait! Truth serum? You have those?"
"I wouldn't call it that exactly. It's a bit misleading but kind of work slightly the same. We had a back-and-forth thing for a while until I found out who you were looking for. Might I add, it was a very weird find. More so since you are standing here in front of me." His eyes were calm and steady, yet a lot of hidden things in them that was burst out of untapped curiosity.
Skye was convince he was baffled by her. A doppelganger in the flesh or maybe he thinks she was a clone? Not that she would say.
She just appreciated that he wasn't hurling questions about it.
"I did my best to get all the information I could. Recent and old. I even found one video of her last sighting. One that was supposedly erased recently." Hearing that Skye quickly took the USB from Coulson.
"You're not lying, are you?" She peeked at Coulson from the corner of her eyes, ready to read between the lines.
"No, but I'm not sure it's good news either." Skye nodded that she understood. She had hope nothing happened to Daisy but she wasn't naive either. She had just awakened recently, without a guide she would have been as lost in a tunnel with no light. More reason to find her.
Then, does that means she has no use of Cal anymore?
"Did you release him?"
"We don't plan to. He still murdered hundreds of people— our agents mostly— so he needs to pay for that one."
Skye might have wanted to have a word with Cal however seeing as he was guarded more than the president, she could maybe do it the next time the opportunity opens up.
"Fine. Thank you for this." Skye mocked saluted Coulson with a small playful smile and slowly stepped away on the opposite side of the jet.
"You're leaving? Without saying goodbye?" He gestured to the others on board.
She paused for a while. Thinking about it but then shakes her head.
"I got what I wanted and I already did say my farewells. At least to those who still matter to me. Take care of yourself, Coulson. I know you're bearing the whole thing on your shoulder, and I admire you for that, God knows how much I understand the feeling... but hard choices don't have to be cruel. You know?" Skye had lost things because of her arrogance and too much self-reliance on her power. Look how that got her.
She turned her head towards him. "If you find more diviners, contact me."
"How?"
"Ask Fitz. He knows what to do."
In a way, she wished Coulson wouldn't make the same mistakes as her. She wished he wouldn't be haunted by regrets. Live life with more freedom.
She hopes he finds peace one day from the trauma buried in that always-seeming steady smile.
"Goodbye, DC" She didn't smile when she said this.
After the plane touchdown, Skye had boarded a train going back to the city where she last parked and hid her bug.
She initially wanted to fly but thought against it since people were after her. She faintly remembered they had security set up for any unidentified flying object last she checked. Killing Whitehall seems to be a big deal in the Hydra community. Not that she specifically cared that she was on the hit list of one of the most dangerous organizations in the world. That's oddly a normal occurrence back in her past timeline however, she thought that wouldn't happen here but what a surprise how things turned out.
So she hitched a ride on a plane going to Washington DC and sneaked on the tail end of the plane as it took off. Much like how she got pull tail-end by Tony to Tennessee. It seemed to work, she passed custom, had no hassle with baggage delay and no one had pointed their gun at her face. So that's good.
She stretched her back before settling into her seat, planning on getting a few shut eye after not getting rest during the whole Whitehall assassination.
The diviner was hidden away in her sling bag, a bag she stole from Hunter, and was placed closely on her chest, never leaving her sight.
As she was fluttering her eye closed, she heard a very heavy thumping and an indescribable queazy feeling. One she couldn't ignore.
"Hi. I'm sorry is this seat taken?" Skye opened her eyes to see a very tired looking man. A slight haggard aftershave on his chin. Hair that look put on at the last minute. He had his glasses hanging on his the collar of his opened polo shirt. He carried a brief case on one hand and papers on the other.
By all means, he looked normal. Too normal. Even looked like he could be mistaken as a college professor. And yet something about him seems alarming to Skye.
She didn't cause a scene though. Since from first hand experience, it's always proper to observe first before acting rashly— however few she does follow that rule.
She nodded slightly.
He gratefully smiled and put his things in order before sitting down.
Once he did, he sighed terribly. Eyes heavy with dark rings, and creases on his forehead that he couldn't stop making.
"Tough day?" Skye offered a sympathetic look as the man stared at her and laughed awkwardly.
"Well. It's more like a tough month. My sorta boss asked me to travel different cities— kind of like an expedition. It's tiring is all."
"I can tell."
"Is it that obvious?"
"A bit. You look like you aged twice your real age. Not that I'm assuming you're very old." Skye joked.
The man laugh defeatedly. "It's fine. I've always looked tired. It comes with my curse."
"Curse?"
"Nothing. You don't seem better either. Got laid off work?"
"Nah. It's more like I got betrayed by someone close to me. But then we made up recently. Still, haven't had a wink in a while."
"Rough. Being betrayed has always sit wrong with me."
"Who doesn't? But that's all in the past now. I can't be dwelling on things I can't control."
"Losing control is a problem though" He stated offhandedly.
"Losing control is part of life. There's nothing bad about it." She retorted back.
"It is. It's why people are violent. It's why people have conflict. It..." He was supposed to go in a tangent when Skye looked oddly at him.
"I'm sorry. Sorry. My doctor told me I have anger issues."
"Really? You don't say." She said lightly but didn't take offense. "Kidding. I'm fine. I argue with people all the time. You don't need to apologize."
He smiled happily. "Thank you for understand. I'm usually quite calm recently. Anyways, my names Bruce."
"Skye."
"Nice to meet you, Skye." He greeted.
"The pleasure is mine, Bruce" She responded with the same expression. She and Bruce gave a tacit handshake before going back to what they were doing.
Bruce started working on his papers and after a while of nothing happening, and feeling like Bruce wasn't as dangerous as she initially thought, Skye overtly took a few shut eye.
She got a solid two hours before she woke up and surprised to see the train was not moving. She quickly look around panic before she met Bruce still completely busy with his work.
"Oh you're awake." He gave her a look, his small smile still there. "There was something wrong with the tracks so we had to stop, they said it would likely be another 15 minutes before it's fixed. Those who were in a hurry had be vacated off tracks and transferred to another train but for those who can wait well... we're still here. I tried waking you up before but you said you didn't mind." Skye was more tired than she anticipated, she felt a bit embarrassed but cleared her throat to focused on the issue.
"Did they say what was the problem?"
Bruce thought about it. "They never specified what it was but they did mention about mechanical problems with the tracks. I offered to help. Although my expertise is about nuclear physics and bioengineering. I've also dabbled on engineering although not as adept as someone I know. But they said they had it covered. I don't want any troubles so went back to what I was doing."
"Oh," was all Skye could say. It seemed all too fishy. She stared at the window and tried to see if she can spot anything out of the ordinary.
She noticed a few individuals heading towards the train. All wearing black suits. She can't see them well because of the distance but an officer looking dude had this look on him that really rub Skye the wrong way. Weighing her odds, she can't risk them being Hydra agents.
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom." She said and hurriedly stands up planning to go to the the end of the train and make a sneaky escape.
Skye noticed there were fewer people inside the train. Each coaches would only have one or two people, all dressed in dark ensemble clothes and all mid to late thirties but indication they were working clothes. They were all looking at Skye weirdly and she, felt like she was going into a trap.
It wasn't on the third coach when out of nowhere, a cabin attendant appeared. A woman with blonde hair, blue eyes and sharp features. She was shorter and looked foreign. She was wearing a train attendant clothes but was a little too big for her. Her smile a little to personal and wide.
"Ma'am, we can't have you walking around at this time. We're having technical problems. For your safety you have to go back to your seat." She said sweetly.
Skye grimace in instinct but recovered fairly quick. "Yeah. I- um- wanted to go to the bathroom. I ate too much tacos, you see." She tried her best to look constipated and for a moment, the woman believe it and let her through but her eyes didn't lack any hint that they were on to her.
"Please be mindful of where you're stepping and return to your seat afterwards" She spoke in a very direct way as if she was watching Skye's every move.
Skye awkwardly said 'yep', walked passed her, not turning around to check if she really was looking and thinking to God that they really were Hydra agents.
The second the lady disappeared to go to the second coach, she speed walk out of there.
Skye passed the fifth train car when she felt someone running after her. She was going to start attacking when she realized who it was.
"Skye!"
She turned to see the professor looking man running after her, his face a bit worried. Skye stopped and he did after catching up to her. He panted for a while."Hey.... I... Can I go with you?... I... I need to use the bathroom too."
He was lying, Skye surmised but oddly, she didn't feel like he was malicious whatever it may be he was planning.
"Did that lady told you off?"
"Yep but I insisted it can't wait. She wasn't happy about it but nature calls." He looked behind him nervously before looking at her. Skye noticed this and smiled. "Sure. We should hurry."
They needed to pass five more coaches before reaching the end when suddenly the train started running again without noticed. The announcement blared and a heavy accented man spoke through.
"We have fixed the problem. We appreciate you waiting. We will arrived Washington DC in an hour." Then it ended.
Skye looked at Bruce seriously. "Tell me. Did you notice anything weird when the train stopped?"
"Um, I'm not fully sure but I did noticed they transferred most of the passengers without prior notice. I actually wanted to board the other train they offered but I was told my ticket wouldn't pass for it."
Skye raised an eyebrow. "Have you ridden trains before? There's no such thing. If your in a hurry and the delay is very long you can actually ask to be transfered to a connecting train."
"Oh." Bruce said in surprised. "I usually take the bus with less people. Less noises and less headaches for me. I'm not good with public places. It riles me up. That only reason why I'm here was because I was gifted this ticket from a gentleman who was a fan of my works. I thought it would be cheaper since it's free."
"I don't think you got lucky for a reason, Bruce."
"Indeed, it would look like."
Skye looked behind Bruce and discovered the people who got in the train was beginning to look over each coaches, looking for someone.
This doesn't look good at all.
"Why do I have the feeling we're the ones in trouble here." Skye hissed, grabbed Bruce collar and began pulling him in haste. "Come on!"
"Wait!"
"I can't explain it yet but we're in trouble!"
The two started running while the train began gaining speed, turning from arches. Bruce was running along with her, panting as he did but once they passed the seventh coaches, which was empty, they had to stopped when they discovered the eighth coach had been locked.
Skye cursed.
"Wait, why are we running?"
"Because whoever it is that boarded the train recently aren't charity workers. They're either looking for you or me." She looked back to see if they've gained distance from them. Luckily, not yet.
"Why would they be looking for you?"
"That's a secret but let's say just I'm not popular with a few organizations in several states."
"You're not a terrorist, right?"
"God no. I mean... I don't think so. Anyways, do you have any idea why they would be gunning for you?" Skye return the question.
"I'm not supposed to say." He replied with a frown. Skye laughed breaking the last door with an easy kick as she can hear people running towards them.
"Well that's all I need to hear." Skye grabs Bruce and throws him to the last car train. He yelled as he flew to the other side. Skye looks back to see gun firing. She ducked before jumping to the car train as well but not before breaking the couplers that connected the two.
There was a lot of shaking due to the vibrations Skye let out but it did the job as the couplers exploded and the train continue to roll away fortunately, in time to see them come out the door and began firing.
Bruce was grabbing hold of the rails as Skye watch them angrily clock their guns. "Duck!" She grabs Bruce's head and pulled him down.
The car train slowed down while the train kept moving. They waited until they saw them disappearing on the distance.
Skye sighed thinking that was a close call.
Her hand reflexively went to her bag, making sure it was still with her. She felt relief to see it was. When she went to double check though, she had a hole on the bottom of it.
"No!" Skye rummaged in it to see the diviner had slipped out. Maybe while she was dodging the bullets, it had nicked the bag.
"Shit!" Skye cursed. She spent months getting that thing only to give it back to them! No way she was going to let that happen!
"Are you okay?" Bruce had finally steadied himself as he watches her curse. Skye looked angry but still composed.
"I'm fine but the thing I was carrying fell out. I need to get it back." She scowled while going down on the carriage and began feeling the vibrations of the train through the steel tracks.
"Come on. Give me good news." If they had continued to go back to base, it would be another months hassle to get it back but if they didn't, then she has a chance.
Its a good thing they had stopped. Maybe it really wasn't her they were after. She can only hope the diviner fell out but hidden away from the hydra agents. She did wrapped it good so it would probably just look like a ball of paper.
Skye looked back at Bruce who was dusting himself off. "What did you do exactly?"
"Huh?" He regarded her, a bit surprised she was asking this question at this moment. "I... I'm not supposed to say."
Skye pursed her lip in agitation but it really would be rude to force him. She lets it go but had to make sure she wasn't blindly going with whatever it is he was doing. "Just tell me one thing. Are you with Hydra? Maybe a traitor?"
"Wait— you know about Hydra? Are you a SHIELD agent?" He asked.
Okay. At least she was getting somewhere with him. "No. But I'm friends with the new director." She admitted.
"I thought SHIELD disbanded." He wondered.
"Let's just say it's on a new management but they're getting back out there. Hopefully in one piece." Skye stands up, feeling the train reversing under her palms. Good. This will be less of a hassel to go to them.
"Anyway, whatever it is you did. They're here for you. They're coming back. You should run before they get here." She adjusted the cuff of her jacket trying to think of a way to dispose of them as quiet as possible.
Bruce slowly came down from the car train looking worried. "What about you?"
"I told you, I lost a very important thing in that train. I need to get it back. It's alright. I'll be fine." Skye finally spotted the train and people with guns. Before she could curse, one had the gall to shoot directly at her face.
She dodge at the last second.
"Shit they're here! Go!"
"No. I got you in this mess. I'm going to get you out." Bruce looked resolutely at the train not even fearing the bullets heading for them. Skye thought he was suicidal, when her out of nowhere, her senses became haywire and something was telling her to be careful.
She backs away, completely curious what's going to happen.
The train didn't look like it was going to stop, Bruce walked in the center of the trains without so much as a flinch and yet the veins on his forehead was noticeable.
Skye was going to warn him again when his clothes begun to look small on him. His skin turned green and suddenly in a blink of an eye. The small calm looking dude became a green mountain of a creature.
He screamed at the train with so much viciousness, the people on board who was firing seconds ago was now completely gobsmacked and frozen in front of the creature whom was looking at their very souls. They couldn't even run away as the train and him met in a terrible clash collision.
The tracks shaked and rumbled, Skye ran away seeing Bruce being pushed back until he could hold his ground again.
Skye was trying her best to hold her laugher after realized that Bruce was the Hulk. The freaking Hulk!
"What a day!" She murmured excitedly.
There was smoke from the impact. The train had fully stopped and wouldn't be going anywhere any time soon. The butt of the train was unrecognizable, but formed an imprint of Hulks massive body as he extracted himself off of it and flicked any remaining metal stuck on him, not that any of it injured his skin.
The hulk screamed again. It raised it arms and opened the disfigured passenger wagon with two easy tear and then swiveled his head from side to side, searching.
"You looking for me, big guy?" Skye asked while walking towards him, still unable to believe she met the Hulk by chance yet again. Of course the first time they met, she didn't really know his popularity.
The big green guy nodded.
"Puny woman. No more bad guys. Go in. Look for lost stuff." Skye raised her eyebrows as she remembered the huge thing she fought months ago, she didn't hear it talk before however she didn't expect his vocabulary lessen when he transformed.
"Thanks, big guy. Give me a minute." Skye jogged pass him, making sure to smile, before checking the train for any hostilities.
Sure enough the people inside must have been killed when the train crashed. Some had their bodies broken or head smashed and some was bleeding profusely like a fountain. She wouldn't want to be them right now.
She quickly entered the train, careful not to step on dead Hydra agents and began looking at the floor for the diviner.
Skye had to search deeper into the train having no luck the first seven minutes. She reached at entrance of the last car train and finally saw the diviner wedge between the corner and someone's lifeless corpse. She pulled the body away and afterwards, crawled on the floor, reaching for it. That would have been it when out of blue, she pulled her hand back, an axe coming out of nowhere.
Skye reacted by kicked the holder on the stomach and they both separated. She glaring up at the assailant and the asshole grinned back, unfazed and even amused.
Skye raised an eyebrow registering that it was cabin attendant who she met minutes ago. Which was right on the money.
She was smiling sadistically at Skye, straighten her body with the ax on her hands, her blue eyes glowing. "All passengers must be seated during the ride. For your safety" She cheered and raised her axe yet again planning on slamming it on Skye head.
Skye rolled out of the way. Hearing metal tear metal was not entertaining for her. So when she got in range, she kicked the axe out of her hands. Not missing a beat, she swept her ankle as well, taking her down with her to the ground. However, she wasn't expecting the bitch to take a knife hidden behind her thigh and lunging at the raven woman.
The two wrestled as one kept stabbing while the other was holding the maniacally woman from stabbing her. Skye hissed when the knife hit her shoulder but since it didn't penetrate because of her unique constitution, its just hurts like hell.
How is she so strong?!
She didn't think this woman had so much strength with such a small body. Most humans doesn't have that much strength in them, so what gives?! She punched back, getting frustrated, which earned her a bloody mouth but the woman didn't think to mind it as she laughed at her circumstance even when, blood continued to oozed out and proceeded to stab her face without worry.
Skye kneed her stomach with as much intention as she could and luckily got reaction out of her. The deranged woman gasped in pained. Skye followed a quick hook to the face but before she could her whole body felt an unnatural wave.
Her arms, shoulder, legs and body felt heavier and heavier. So much so, she was pulled down on the ground unable to move by the sheer weight of it.
Skye groaned before looking up at the looming figure. "You're..." not normal.
"You're very resilient, I'll give you that. Not even one scratch." The woman muttered. Skye watched as she wiped away the blood from her lips and slowly walked to Skye's side. She kneeled beside her body and poised her knife eerily on her cheek.
"I've always wanted to try stabbing ones eye, don't you?"
She hummed while slowly grazing her knife up along her nose then eyes. She chuckled and quickly raised it like talons for her last attack. Feeling like she should be more serious, Skye used her power to destroyed the floor of the car train resulting in the two falling down. This surprised the woman and using this to her advantage, Skye changed their position. When they hit the ground, Skye was the one pining her on the ground and quickly punched her in the face, using enough of her powers to knock her out but not kill her.
The loud bang and then complete silence.
Skye was a little out of breath as she stared down at the woman, waiting to see if she would continue to pose for another attack. That is if she can wake up from that so soon. Then a minute passed by and she was still unconscious.
Skye sighed. Happy, the problem was solve rather quickly.
"Damn, bitch. Almost nicked my eye." She complained while looking at her face.
Was there other Inhumans on Earth? Or is she just enhanced like what Coulson explained? It could be possible. There's no telling when the Kree landed on Earth or if the diviners had been found years ago. Inhumans wouldn't be the more weirdest thing to happen but she should prevent more from turning.
"What should I do with you?" She was reluctant to kill her for fear she'd be killing a fellow Inhuman however, given her unstable nature, she might do more harm than good. Skye bit her lip and urged herself to be more rational.
There's no way a person who has no hesitation to stab someone's eye and is a hydra agents be redeemable. If there is then she'll just burn in the underworld. But wouldn't risk it.
They'll just have to meet on the side when it comes to it.
"Sassy woman! You done?" Skye heard the hulk screaming for her, making her remembered the diviner.
"Yeah. I'll be there!" She called not.
Skye looks at her one last time and grabs her head.
Skye hissed while she held an ice pack on her shoulder. Who knew she'd meet an enhance enemy on the field? The feeling of her body growing heavy and pressurized was definitely an ability. She just haven't figured out what exact it was. It could be gravity related or could be something else.
"Here, water." Bruce offered her a glass, and Skye thanked him.
She drank heartily feeling her throat had dried hours ago from the anxiety of more Hydra agents on their asses. She put it down after which she looked round her surroundings quizzically. She was in a flat in the middle of Alexandria, Virginia.
After getting the diviner back safely, she planned on hoping out of the city as sneakily and fast as she could and maybe lay low for a while. Bruce offered a counter plan. Stay at his place until they know more information of what Hydra knows about them or at least until they know they're safe. Skye does see the appeal of it. She doesn't have a place to hide so this would be preferable for now.
Although, Skye has a very weird opinion about Bruce temporary flat. The place was both neat and messy at the same time. Furnitures were placed where they should be, no dust whatsoever, but papers, folders, and books were placed everywhere. There was even one the bathroom and definitely not the magazine kind. More like a research paper kind of thing.
"I'm sorry about this. I didn't know I'd have visitors." Bruce said guilty, wearing new clothes since his old one had ripped and he can't very well just walk around on over-streched pants.
Skye was polite. "It's fine. I live in a van and believe me, your place is loads cleaner than mine."
Skye puts down the ice pack and tried moving her shoulders in a circle, trying to get the knots out and gauging to see if she pulled a muscle by mistake. Nope. All good. "Anyway, since we're hiding. Mind telling me why a member of the Avenger is away from Stark tower?"
He sighed. "Promise me you're not gonna tell anyone?"
"Believe me. I got no one to tell anything to." Skye snorted. Not unless she counts Fitz on that but she already told him she wouldn't received any messages for a few months.
"Okay. Well, I'm here for a favor actually."
"What kind of favor?"
"A friend... he. Recently, he found himself into trouble with an organization called A.I.M. Remember that thing with the Mandarin guy? The one blowing up people? Yeah that. He found out that the extremist serum that causes people to combust is being used by HYDRA. A new drug. So he asked me to research the findings of this new and improve extremist serum and render it inoperative. That's why I've been everywhere. I've been looking into the formula left behind and make a counter serum for it or anything that can reverse the effect. Because unfortunately, now there's talk of a market flowing of it distributed to different countries. If this thing is mass produced and bought by criminals and terrorist, not only will we have world crisis but maybe the death of thousands of people. I also heard that there's a new addition of the effects of the serum aside from healing and massive heat production."
"What's that?"
"Increased aggression. Much like how I was when I first turned into him. But unlike me, their counter ego is non-existent and only a baseless instinct to hurt anything around them. There is some form of thought but it's very thin from what I've found out." Bruce rubs his face, totally feeling tired just thinking about it. " So I need to solve this. I've been trying to be incognito but they must have found what I was doing and trying to sabotage my work."
"Why wasn't it Black widow given this mission of reconnaissance. I hear she's good at it?" Her mind floats to said redhead and couldn't hide the smile forming on her face when she remembered her. She saw Bruce looking weirdly at her smiling and quickly wipe it off to look elsewhere.
"Oh, she is. She's just being assigned somewhere else. We are all working on this. I was just sent here."
"Alone?"
Bruce stop and looked a bit pissed of. "Why? I can't be trusted to do this alone cause I'm unstable, is that it?" His voice went up an octave and his skin was slightly green.
"Uh no. I'm saying. You could have gotten Captain or Haweye to join you. There's a saying two minds is better. Even I think it would be safer to do this in teams rather than solo missions. If anything happens one can report or even ask for help."
Skye was waiting to see if he would turned but luckily, he caught himself and apologize quickly.
"I-I'm sorry, Skye." He avoided her gaze, embarrassed and guilty that he almost lost it. "I didn't mean it. I just...."
Skye stands up patted his shoulders. "It's okay, big guy. It happens." He stilled look sad so she didn't force it.
"Back to the mission, I take it HYDRA didn't know you were the Hulk?"
"I'm not sure. I don't publicize my face for a reason. The other guy? sureee— everybody see him but me? I don't like the attention honestly." He said nervously making coffee instead.
He doesn't want to talk about his other self apparently.
Skye looked away and steered the conversation elsewhere. "So this is about Tony Stark's request?"
"How'd you know?"
Since I was there. Skye forced as smile while playing with her glass cup. "I saw the news. He was the only avenger in on the scene when it happened. Who else could commission you to do it?"
"Yeah. Forgot it was televised. The whole thing was a mess. To think Aldrich Killian could do such a thing."
"You knew the psychopath?" That surprised her.
"Oh no! I read his paper on brain function and human regeneration, it was astounding to read about but the process was poorly made. That doesn't invalidate it's main purpose had he really aimed to make it functional without causing the subjects to explode. It's a good thing it all turned out good." He explained while taking some thing from his briefcase.
"Is he okay?" Skye didn't know why she asked. She just did.
Bruce paused and stared at Skye. "Huh? Who? Tony?"
"Yeah. I-well, it must have been a stressful thing to experience. His house got blown up. His girlfriend and best friend almost killed and the president on a chopping block because of him." Skye stopped rambling. "Just curious."
Bruce was getting suspicious of her before he remembered something. "Right, you're with SHIELD. You must have gotten your Intel from them. Yeah, yeah. Tony's great. Been very active after everything happened. Still ego-centric as ever but that's just his character. I hear he's doing lots of charity on the side especially with minor labour groups. Something must have hit his head to be that generous all of a sudden."
Skye smiled when she heard this.
"That's good. Anyways, now that HYDRA is hot on your tail are you planning on going back to Stark Tower."
Bruce looked exhausted again when she mentioned it. "I think so. I mean, I got most of the information I can get my hands on. Running around wouldn't help. I was just going to go back anyways after my trip to meet Dr. Hartfield. But since that got derailed, I'm just going to finish it back home."
Skye agreed. "I think that would be for the better. I'm not saying you're not safe on your own. You're the hulk for crying out loud but also tempting fate doesn't make you productive. HYDRA is very elusive and hard to predict. You might be strong but we don't know what they have in stock for you."
His expression changed as his defense perks up at her words. Something she noticed very early on.
"The other guy hasn't lost yet. I don't think whatever it is they have won't be much of an effect for him. Believe me, I've tried a lot." Bruce stated with a depressing expression. One Skye knew exactly from experience. "He's an unstoppable monster. They should fear him instead."
Skye kept her thought silent and tried to listen to Bruce's heat. It was beating fast. Fear. Anger. Confusion. Shame.
"Bruce. You're not a monster. Nor is Hulk"
He snickered. Anger. "Have you seen what he can do? Are you blind?" His voice going higher.
"Yeah. I did. Impressive but he also protects people."
"As well as putting them in danger." Still anger.
"That's because you're afraid. You keep making it seem like you have to reel him in."
"You think that letting him out will be much better!?" His eyes turned yellow, Skye doesn't waver.
"No. But the more you see him as a monster. Something to hide and suppress, the more your hold of him shatters. You and the Hulk live in the same body, Bruce. You're as much him as he is you."
"Stop saying nonsense! He and I are not the same! You don't know me! You don't know him!"
Skye blinks and chuckled mirthless. She walked in the mirror stand and moved it so Bruce can see himself. He froze as he looked as his yellow glowing eyes and green tinted skin.
"Your anger brings him out. Your emotion is what fuels him. That doesn't necessarily mean that's a bad thing but that show that you have something that he needs. You are his driving force as much as he is yours. But Bruce, you don't have to be the monster you think you are." Skye said walking towards him seeing him calm down, turning normal with every step she take.
"How do you know what I feel? Have people looked at you like your going to hurt them just because you're there? Have people ran away by your mere presence? Always on edge at the thought of you losing control? No one trusting you because they fear your going berserk? Who are you to tell me I'm not a monster?" Bruce may look normal but his eyes was still seething. His heart was still guarded.
Skye smiles genuinely. "Because you are selfless. Plain and simple as that. On the train, even though I told you to run. You didn't. You used your ability to help me. A real monster is someone who will never understand that one thought. I know you've hurt people that doesn't make you unique. But you're afraid of hurting others. You would sacrifice yourself, I think, if it comes to it. Most people can't fathom that. Bruce, if you really want to meet a monster. Even humans are capable enough. Don't divide yourself. You're worth more than that." Skye smiled before hugging him.
Usually, it's weird to hug someone you just met four hours ago but much like Captain and Natasha, Bruce wears his heart on his sleeve. Even if this might just be superficial comfort from a stranger, Skye believes Bruce needs it. Even if he would forget this encounter the minute she leave. Just one second is enough.
"I see what you see. People's eyes growing weary when they find out what you can do. Friends leaving because they can't handle you on your worst and people you love dying because of what you've done." Skye closed her eyes and seeing her wife face. "You're... not alone in that department. Almost all the people I met, I inadvertently distance myself afraid I'd just lose them after. Afraid I'd do something wrong. So I leave before that happens." She admitted scornfully.
"I've done a lot of mistakes because of fear and losing love." Bruce continued to listen, not saying a word.
"You know Bruce. I had the perfect life. I had a home. A wife and a son. My wife was beautiful and son more so. Each day I treasured them like you wouldn't believe. I would trample on anything else that would jeopardized that. And that I did. I... didn't realize what had become of me because of that." Skye inhaled as her words betrayed her. "I... They're not here anymore, Bruce. My friends. My family. My people. They're gone. And that's because of me. I was the downfall for all of them. She died crying. He couldn't even say goodbye. What does that makes me?" Her words were hard to utter as she bare it all to him. He, who seems to feel like that works was against him.
"If I ask you now, Bruce. Do you think a person as sinful as I be worthy to be forgiven?"
"Of course." He replied rather quickly.
"Why? You don't know me? You don't know if I can be trusted? You don't know if I will ever do it again? How can you say I am worthy to be forgiven?"
"Because I can hear your voice' sincerity. You feel repentant."
"Anyone can seem repentant, Bruce. People lie."
"But you're not. At least not right now."
"Does being repent the only prerequisite to be forgiven?"
He thinks before nodding. "To me, it is."
"If that is so. Why can you give yourself the same kindness you're giving me? You're the most repentant out of both of us and you've nearly killed less than me." She can't believe she just confessed that to someone else.
Bruce didn't react at first but then his hands move and his head tapered on her shoulder. He didn't cry nor ball his eyes. He was just silent as he hugs her back. His strength was normal, even soft.
"Why are you doing this to someone you've just met?" There was some insecurity to Bruce voice. As if she was just pretending everything she'd just said to make him feel better.
Skye can relate and hugged him tighter. "You seem like the most wronged person in the world." She joked which garnered a soft and teary chuckle from Bruce before her voice lowers. "You look like me, Bruce. You look like how I was years ago. I still do. Maybe I just wanted to make your burden lesser. Maybe I'm just doing it for me. I don't know. But it doesn't take much to be a human being to someone who needs it. It doesn't take much to realize that people need support. That you can say to a total stranger how much they matter."
His breathing was uneven as his heart slowed down. He was calm.
"The last time someone told me that, they died in my hands." Bruce muttered. It would seem his fear of control stems from somewhere personal. It usually does.
"And I'm sure they've forgiven you years ago. You can do better."
"What if I can't? What if I can't stop thinking I'm a monster?"
"I don't think you are." Skye said lowly remembering Fitz words to her. "Cause if you're selfless enough to save a stranger like me. How bad of a person can they be?"
Bruce brisk in her arms before finally crying. His gripped tighten as the flood gates opened and all he could mutter was. "Betty. I'm so sorry. I'm so so sorry."
Skye kept silent as she circled his shoulders, muttering 'its okay' over and over again.
Skye and Bruce walked together to the bus stop.
After spending the four weeks on Bruce's couch, much to his charging, Skye and Bruce had gotten splendidly as roommates during their laying low stage. They learned a lot from each other. Because of their first day crying, days after that were much more easier to cohabitate. At least when the days are good.
She found out very early that it was actually very easy to annoy Bruce. Mentioning anything remotely personal to him or about the other guy, triggers him. He had gotten better control of his emotions thanks to Skye continued support and validation, talking about Hulk without biases, and teaching him about mind concentration. Much like how she learned to contain her quakes instead of bursting them in or out of fear. Continue practice and Bruce was lesser and lesser prone to fear letting hulk out. He can even have some form of harmonic behavior with him if they really tried their hardest but it's still a work in progress.
It wasn't just Skye who help though. Bruce has also tried stopping her addiction to alcohol by hiding any alcoholic drink within a radius. They fought for a day because of it. But Bruce was adamant to be frank with Skye that getting drunk wouldn't help her in the long run. That was how she was sober for the longest time since forever. She was a bit proud of herself but it doesn't take away how restless she sometimes feels.
By the end of it all, they needed to go back to their main goal. Skye getting back her bug and Bruce going back to Stark Tower.
Bruce was pulling his only one bulging luggage while Skye only had her newly sewn sling bag on her— even when Bruce offered to buy her a new one. The two looked sad and happy to leave.
"So this is it." Skye smiled.
"Yep. Are you sure you don't want to go with me to Stark tower?" Bruce offered.
He looked much better than before. He looked less stressed and likely to look like a mopey dog.
"No. I'm good. I have something important to do and I can't do that on Stark tower."
"We can help you, you know. You just need to say it."
She shakes her head. "It's a bit personal and I think I need to do this alone... for now. Also, I'm sure saving the world from this new drug will take you and your whole team's time, understandingly so. Don't worry. I may not seem like it, since you haven't seen me fight but I'm quite deadly."
"Right. Right." He noted sarcastically to which Skye laughed.
"You should go now too. Tony must hate to be waited on." Skye knew he was being picked up by his plane.
"He does." Bruce nodded but looked back on Skye one last time. "Skye. We haven't met for a very long time but thank you for being my friend. I haven't felt this happy in a long time. I promise to be more kinder to myself and to the other guy. He doesn't seem too bad now that I talk to him."
"No worries. I think we both needed a little bit of normalcy. I felt like I was back home for a bit with my brother. Although he was more immature than you, he meant well." She smiled sadly.
He did too. "I know you're going to go back drinking once I stop monitoring you but please Skye. Take it easy."
"I'll try."
Bruce looked disappointed but kept it to himself. "You should take your own advice sometimes, Skye." Was all he said before walking away.
Skye looked at Bruce leaving before turning around.
She was going to board the bus when she passed by a conveniece store. The bus might be a long ride so she went to buy a few snack.
She was on the counter, paying for everything. The beeping was inconsistent. When it got to the last item, the cahier attendant looks boredly at her bur still asked. "Anything else?"
Skye spotted bottles of vodka behind him and pointed at it. "um five of those, thank you."
Skye left to take a seat on the bus. She looked outside and decided to drown out her background. The world was so quiet. So normal. So mundane.
Notes:I've locked the last part of this fic due to it being a little bit graphic. for those interested to read the last part ill insert a link later on. thank you :)