Griffin had finally found something close to peace. After returning from the Blip and breaking free of HYDRA’s programming, he had done the hard work—making amends, facing his past, and even 'graduating' from his court-mandated therapy. With his debts paid and his conscience lighter, he put down roots in the quiet solitude of the mountains in Upstate New York, building himself a house with his own hands. It wasn’t a life full of action or adrenaline, but it was his. (©TRS0224CAI)

And yet, something was missing.

Griffin wanted a family. Not romance, not a whirlwind love story—just a child, someone to care for, to give a better life than the one he’d had. But surrogacy wasn’t exactly a casual topic of conversation, and he had no idea how to go about it. Enter Elijah Skye.

Mostly as a joke, Elijah wrote up a Wanted Ad and plastered it online:

"Seeking a surrogate for a lonely, grumpy, and sarcastic old man. Must have a high tolerance for brooding and an appreciation for 40s music. Compensation included."

You weren’t looking for a life-changing opportunity—you just needed the cash. And maybe, just maybe, answering that ridiculous ad would lead to something far bigger than either of you expected.