Redback Widow V I Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. [16]

Principia

"Everything is stabilizing--back in normal range. Bit of good news. How's the pain?" Jemma, the new Mrs. Leo Fitz, asked.

"Nothing I can't handle. Thank you," I said.

"Well, how's this? You okay?" Mack asked.

"It's fine. Мак, хватит суетиться," I scolded lightly.

"Okay. Good. Well, you need to stay warm. Uh, can I get you anything to eat?"

"Что, черт возьми, я только что сказал? Seriously, enough. If I had both arms, I would strangle you right now," I said, no longer joking. I hated being fussed over.

"How's the patient?" Coulson asked, coming in. He looked even more worn than when I last saw him.

"Cranky," Mack answered.

"How are you feeling?" Jemma asked.

"The same way I was feeling before you knew anything was wrong with me. Thank you for asking, but, please, stop asking. Fitz is gonna do the best prosthetics work he's ever done for you and Yo-Yo, but it may take some time. We don't have the materials he needs here, but we're gonna find a way to get them. In the meantime, I need you to focus on resting and healing," Coulson said.

"Sitting still isn't my strong suit," I pointed out.

"I know, but he'll make it worth the wait. See? People can't even tell the difference. And, honestly, this one's way more fun. He's always adding--" he started.

"Does it feel the same?" I asked.

"Actually, no. It doesn't feel at all, but you get used to it," he admitted, and I glanced up at Mack.

"How are you gonna feel about dating someone with robot parts?" I asked, well aware of his rejection of robots.

"Those aren't the parts that matter," he answered.

"Mack!" oh god, they took it the wrong way.

"What? Oh, no, come on. That's not what I meant. What I meant was that thing I hate about robots is that they have no heart, no soul--those are the parts that matter," he said.

"Nice save," I joked. "And sweet. Okay. You can be annoying again. A little."

"Well, it's my turn now. Time to break up this party. You need rest," Jemma said.

"I need a beer. Or vodka," I commented.

"I'll see what I can do about that. In the meantime, you listen to the doc, okay?" he kissed my temple, brushing my face lightly before heading towards the door.

"Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Here, take this," I held out a small device. "I can use it to be on video and comms with you while I'm stuck in here. Let me help in this way, at least."

-

"Show yourself, or I'll drop you," the man threatened.

"Drop the gun. We just want to talk," Mack said.

"You heard him--drop the gun," May ordered.

"Listen, ladycakes, I take orders from two people--no one and not you," the man said.

"Candy Man?" Mack asked.

"Mack Hammer?" Mack what now? "Well, I'll be damned. Do I owe you money?"

"Hey, it's probably the other way around, brother," there was a lot of laughing, and hugging. What the hell is going on?

"Oh, it's good to see you," Candy Man said.

"Good to see you," Mack replied.

-