Saving Grant Ward

Chapter Twenty-Eight

A/N: If I don't specifically say something or there aren't large parts of text in bold, assume it's Samantha, not Grant. Also, this chapter crosses over with Avengers in the timeline, so there are some Avengers spoilers in this chapter if for some reason you haven't seen it yet.

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"I can't believe it, I can't believe it, I can't believe it!" I squealed as Grant maneuvered our Quinjet to a reserved spot on the deck of the Helicarrier.

He shook his head. "Calm down, Slater."

"I can't! We're being posted to the Helicarrier! And Coulson's going to be flying in with Captain America any minute!"

Grant just huffed as we grabbed our go-bags and headed down the ramp of the Quinjet. I paused, taking in the moment my feet hit the deck of the Helicarrier. The wind whipped around us, since we were already high up in the air, and I grinned.

Despite all the other incredible things we'd done and places we'd been, this moment felt like a BIG one for Grant and I.

"Speaking of Coulson, do you know why he asked you to stay on deck and wait for him to land?" asked Grant, bag slung over his shoulder. I shot him a grin.

"Probably because he knows I'm as much of a fangirl as he is."

"Of course," Grant said. An unusually sharp edge laced his words, and I frowned.

"...You okay?"

"I'm fine, Slater."

Clearly a lie. I narrowed my eyes and prepared to drill down on the issue, but before I got the chance, a stronger wind whipped up around us. I glanced up to find another Quinjet coming in for a landing; Phil Coulson, right on schedule.

"Give me your bag," Grant huffed, taking my bag from my shoulder in one smooth motion. "I'll go stow everything. Come find me when you're done meeting Captain America."

He still sounded cranky and irritated, so I took a shot in the dark to see if I could hit the problem.

"Do you want to stay and meet him, too?"

Grant's eyes flickered closed, and he gave a little snort before opening them again. This time, when he spoke, the cutting tone had been replaced with something a little more calm and resigned.

"Thanks, Slater, but I'll pass. Like I said, come find me when you're done."

I watched him go, but he didn't glance back before I heard Phil's voice from behind me, calling my name. I took a deep breath, then turned around with a smile.

Phil stood before me, carefully composed, looking much calmer than I knew he must really be feeling. Because standing right beside him was none other than the Captain America, his long-time favorite superhero. I'd seen the trading cards, and I couldn't help wondering if Phil had brought them up.

"Hi, Agent Coulson!" I chirped, giving him a little wave as he and the captain crossed the deck to me. They both smiled, and I fought down the urge to jump up and down like a little kid.

"Agent Slater, it's good to see you. I'd like to introduce you to Captain Rogers."

"Nice to meet you," said the captain, reaching out to shake my hand. "Call me Steve."

My heart raced, but thanks to careful training, I managed to keep my hand and voice from shaking as I reached out and accepted the shake.

"Likewise, I'm sure. And call me Samantha."

"Samantha," he said with a polite smile and nod.

"So, I hope somebody's said it to you already, but welcome to the future. I hope it's been alright for you so far."