You're Everything I Never Knew I Needed
Ward rises automatically before the sun, finds it hard to leave the very tempting sight beside him. Skye tangled against him, her warm skin on his chest, face buried in his shoulder blade. With a sigh he kisses her forehead and removes himself from her, wapping the blanket around her so she doesn't freeze. He makes a fresh pot of coffee before beignning his morning workout.
He checks his watch after an hour and decides Skye has slept in long enough. May suggested he become her SO so that's what he's doing, and over the past few days it hasn't been going well. He already knows her resentment for exercise, that hasn't changed since she moved onto the Bus. Just like he's aware of her lack of motivation, especially in the mornings. He's lucky he knows these small things about her, otherwise his patience would be gone by now.
He's walking up the stairs when she meets him halfway, an annoyed expression on her face. ''Waking up this early is ungodly''. He gives her a smirk, holds out his hand. She brushes it off and yawns when she reaches the punching bag. ''Thought I was joining Shield not 24 Hour Fitness''. He rolls his eyes, wraps her hands. ''You want to learn how to defend yourself, right?'' ''You know I do''.
She strikes the punching bag once and Ward winces, they have a lot of ground to cover before she's even ready to be called a Shield agent. ''These are the basics you have to learn beforehand. We'll work up to the rest''. ''Like bringing a guy to the ground in half a second?'' ''Something like that''. They train for the better part of the morning, Ward pretends not to notice the way Skye watches him throughout the sessoion.
''There will come a moment when you have to commit to this or bail, every field agent has a defining moment, ask Coulson''. He tells her when they are back in their bunk and she's starting the shower. They both know what Ward's defining moment was and Skye runs her hand down his arm. ''Grant I don't''- ''It's my job as your SO to make sure you don't die out there. Skye I don't know what I'd do if I lost you''.
She abandons trying to pull her shirt off and takes his face in her hands. ''Stop worrying about that you're starting to sound like Kebo. I'm going to be fine, soon I'll learn how to kick ass like you and May and you won't even have time to worry about me getting shot''. ''We have a long way to go before then babe''. She shoves at his ribs before taking off her shirt and throwing it at him.
''Changing course, briefing in three''. Skye hears May over the intercom, she finishes pouring her coffee and glances at Simmons. ''Shield six one six with new orders, set for Colorado Air Field, North''. They meet in the lounge where Coulson tells them about another mission, Ward she notices, sticks close to her.
As Coulson briefs them all Skye can't help but feel like she shouldn't be apart of this. That she should have stayed home and never gone to L.A. with Kebo, should have found another way to get information on her parents. But she's so close now to reaching her goal she can almost feel it. The only problem? Skye and Ward don't keep secrets, it almost destroyed them in the early days of their relationship.
He was mute on what he did for a living, where he kept going in the dead of night, why he had bruises and scars so deep she could feel the outlnes and ridges of them beneath her hands. One day she couldn't take it anymore, walked into his apartment and told him it was over, that she couldn't take his secrecy a second longer. And for the first time since they began seeing each other, she saw the real Grant Ward.
The full on fear in his face, the desperation is his eyes, the look like he just lost the entire world at his feet. To stop her from leaving because she is the most important person he's ever had in his life, he dug up all of his ghosts and told her about Shield, about Garrett. And while she knows he didn't tell her all of his dark deeds (she really doesn't need to know) ever since then they became united, stronger as a couple.
Which is why if he finds out she's been lying to him this whole time when he bared his soul to her, this act is going to crush him. Betray everything he ever thought he knew about her. It makes her nervous, because she can't go back to a world where he didn't exist. Can't go back to living in her van and having nothing to her name, be the girl who never thought she'd find love or happiness.
Grant can tell when something shifts inside of her, when Skye grows distracted and unfocused. She can't afford to do that, especially out in the field where her life is on the line. He puts his hand on the small of her back, bringing her down to reality. ''And the attackers?'' ''Invisible''. ''Wait, invisible? So cool''. Skye stops smiling when Ward gives her a serious look. ''But terrible''.
It turns out Ian Quinn, whom Skye has heard of through the Rising Tide, is the reason for the mission. He's the one who kidnapped Dr. Hall, who wants to turn his invention into a weapon. Ward doesn't know it yet, but he should take the opportunity to kill Quinn when he has the chance. He'll hate himself for not putting a bullet in the back of his skull.
The Team is bouncing off ideas across one another, something Skye is actually enjoying. She's started to grow attatched to these people, Fitz, Simmons, all of them. And wonders if Grant feels the same way, but rules that out. He doesn't look at the world or people the same way she does. She stumbles across a party that Quinn himself is hosting, and catches everyone by surprise when she manages to get an invitaion.
''I could go in''. Grant is the first one to protest, not as her boyfriend but as a Specialist. Claiming this is a serious mission and she has no part in it. ''Wait, what are you saying?'' ''Well I'm not an Agent of Shield so I can go in without breaking all these stupid rules. Besides, I just got an invite''.
''This is a bad idea''. Grant is pacing the small space between the bed and the door of their bunk, watching as Skye slips on a pink dress that makes him pause his movements. ''Grant I wanted to be a Shield agent and I thought you understood and respected my choice''. ''I do but''- ''You're my SO, you knew something like this was going to happen eventually. I want this, I want to do this''. ''You could be hurt''. ''And you knew that the second May asked you to train me''.
He sighs slowly, takes her in his arms. Of course he knew eventually she'd be going in alone on a mission, he expected it. Just not so soon. Not when she has basically no experience in the field, and he knows Garrett is working with Quinn, so Skye going in alone makes him nervous on a different level. John has never approved of Skye, and for some reason if Quinn mentions to him Skye's presense on the Bus, Grant can expect a visit from his old SO very soon.
And on top it all off, Grant won't be with her when she's out there, won't be there to watch her back. Get her in and out safe and sound, if she gets hurt because of him, he wouldn't know what to do with himself. ''Grant''. He stops his worry for a second to look down at her. She kisses his nose. ''Stop, I will be fine. Look I'll be there for an hour tops and then you'll come and get me. Easy as breathing''.
It does nothing to soothe his worry, not even when she kisses him, wraps her arms around his neck and his hands are slipping underneath her dress. He's absolutely sick with anxiety when she leaves the Bus, the only thing that clears his head is when he's putting on his tact gear and loading his weapons.
For him the mission is fairly simple, he's done something like this a million times before. He gets inside, makes sure Coulson and the rest of the Team are alright, and he allows just a slim amount of fear to slip into his stomach. Because when he goes to find Skye, she isn't where Fitz and Simmons said he would be. ''Where the hell is she?'' He growls into his comm, and the two scientist don't have an answer for him.
He turns a corner, panic inside, until he spots her. She's soaking wet and there are guards all around her, they're taken care of quickly and Grant catches Skye as she runs into his arms. ''Are you hurt?'' His eyes scan her for any sign of blood or bruising, relief sweeps into him when he finds none. He holds her close for a moment, breathes in the scent of her skin and the warm reassurance that only she can provide.
''Just follow my orders, I'll get us out of here''. He can tell she's on the brink of tears when she says okay, and he takes her hand and keeps his promise.
''I thought about taking the job Ian Quinn offered me''. Ward looks up from his position on their bed, just finishing up the last of his report on the mission today. Skye has just gotten out of the shower and his ringing out her hair, comes to sit beside him. ''You did?'' ''For a second at least. I mean it would have been a pretty good deal''. ''So why didn't you?'' She gives him a look because the words she can't say are dangerous dangerous dangerous.
''I told you I want this, bad. I want to be a Shield agent, I couldn't betray Coulson or you like that''. Even though technically she is already, but that's another problem she still isn't ready to admit yet. Grant being no stranger to how she feels, pulls her to him, her face pressed against his shirt. ''You wouldn't be betraying me baby, in fact it probably would be safer than Shield''.
''I need to get better at training, I don't want to be at the mercy of someone else ever again. Quinn was going to kill me, I could see it in his face. I was scared, but then I saw you and''- She cuts herself off, places a soft kiss against his heart. ''I'll protect you, you know that''. She doesn't say what she's most afraid of, what's lingered in her chest since she first found out who he was.
If it comes down to it, in the end when he's forced to choose because despite what he thinks, he will have to. Will he choose her, or Shield? Would he really give up everything for her? She honestly doesn't know. ''I know Grant, you've been protecting me since we first met''. It takes her back to the reason why she moved in with him in the first place, that late night phone call and her blood full of fear.
*
Skye parks her van in a souless alley, burning the midnight oil, chasing a link one of the Rising Tide members sent her. She finds herself distracted though, as she does often these days, picturing Grant in front of her, his smile in her eyes. They've only been dating a few weeks now, and Skye has never been happier in her life. She won't tell him that though, afraid she's going to spook him off.
There's just something so inviting about him, something so alluring that she can't shake. Skye hasn't ever felt this way about another man before. Maybe it's that safe feeling she gets whenever he's around, like he's ready to take a bullet for her at a moment's notice. Protected, knowing that no one will hurt her as long as he's next to her. Skye's never had that, a safe haven, someone watching her back.
She thought she had that with Miles but that crashed and burned beneath their feet. He was too emotionally involved and she was not, that's why she left him. Miles or anyone else she's ever been with doesn't make her feel the way Grant does, no one compares to the thrill she gets when he leans down to kiss her softly, like he's afraid if he gets too close she'll break.
That's exactly why he does it, but she won't figure that out until later on. Skye is about to put her headphones on when she hears low voices coming into the alley. Normally she wouldn't pay them any mind, but when they come closer to her van she pauses. She can tell by the deep set of their voices it's men, but she doesn't know how many. Skye doesn't care until there's a loud thump against her door.
She jumps and the knocks and thumps grow louder and more agitated. She can hear them start to yell, telling her to open the door. ''I'm telling you, there's a fine piece of ass inside of that van. I saw her earlier today''. ''Come on honey open the door, we could have some fun''. They make even more vulgur comments than that and Skye rolls her eyes, gets into the driver's side to start the car and drive away, but much to her annoyance, the key doesn't turn.
''Dammit!'' She bangs her hands against the steering wheel and looks out through the windshield, to find five men dressed casually, staring at her through the dimly lit street lamps. It's around three in the morning so they are more than likely drunk, but Skye is at a loss here. She decides to wait inside until they get bored and go off to do something else. And that works, for a while anyway.
Until they start yelling and pulling on the door handles, kicking her tires. She has pepper spray she can use, if they are intoxicated it shouldn't be too hard to run away. She's got a firm grip on the spray, her keys in her hand, about to open the door when she remembers Grant. And how stupid what she's about to do is. Skye pulls out her phone, forgetting about the late hour until it's too late.
''Skye?'' He sounds alert and awake, and there's a relief in her bones she's never had before. ''Grant, I need you''. ''Where are you? Are you okay?'' She tells him the situation and apologizes for dragging him into it. She doesn't have to be looking at him to know he's rolling his eyes. ''Just stay there and don't move. I'm coming. I'll stay on the phone with you until I get there''. Her van starts rocking back and forth and fear grips her. Skye doesn't scare easily.
''Hurry''. He assures her that everything will be alright, that he's almost there. Suddenly he goes quiet. ''Gentlemen, is there a problem here?'' Skye closes her eyes and relaxes. Let's all of her fears vanish, because she knows without a doubt she's safe now. ''Who the hell are you?'' There's the sound of a fight breaking out, which is over in less than sixty seconds. There's silence until she hears Grant say her name.
Skye tumbles out of the van and into the warmth of his strong arms. ''You okay?'' They're alone in the dark alley, no trace of anyone being there at all. ''I'm fine''. She's shaking hard, Grant crushes her to him, kisses her forehead. ''Come on, you can stay with me tonight''. She doesn't even protest.
As they walk down the sidewalk Skye has her arms around him and he keeps a tight hold on her. The men harassing her were wasted, all he had to do was punch two of them in the face and they ran off. But he can see in her face how upset she is, and refrains from asking her why she was in her van at three in the morning when she should have been asleep in her own bed.
They make it to his apartment in record time, Skye sits on his couch and watches him take a gun out of the back of his jeans and set is somewhere safe. Doesn't even comment on it, just takes the offered glass of whiskey in her hand and drains it. They don't speak, she just lays her head on his shoulder and let's his body beside her's calm her heartbeat.
''Why were you in your van so late?'' He finally asks her, she swallows a yawn and Grant can tell she's grown nervous. She hasn't told him about her living arrangements, honestly she was quite embarrassed about it. ''I kind of live there''. He doesn't look at her with any kind of judgement or disgust, just open acceptance and the kind of patience she's grown to admire.
What he says next surprises them both, it's so completely out of character for Grant, and it's breaking so many rules John set for him so many years ago. ''You don't have to, not anymore. I'm here''. Skye let's that sink in. They barely know each other, just scraping the surface of what's underneath both of their skin. But it doesn't feel wrong, it feels right. Like she belongs here.
''Are you asking me to move in with you?'' And for the first time since she's known him, he blushes. His cheeks bloom as he rubs the back of his neck and it's the most adorable thing. Before he can respond Skye kisses him, cups his face and whispers yes against his lips. And she finds a home not in the apartment, but in him, and she wouldn't give that up for the world.
*
Skye dozes off on his chest, her hair sprawled out across his chest like a second sheet. He takes a moment to admire her, this beautiful woman that cares for him despite his flaws, his demons. Grant knows he will have to get used to days like today, especially if she wants to be a Shield agent like Coulson. He can tell that she genuinely wants this and part of him feels guilty for letting her believe she can truly have it.
He knows Hydra's plan, not that he cares too much about it. But if that's the case and John gets what he wants (he more than likely will) and Shield falls, what will she do? How can he give her false hope when he knows differently? That all of this, Shield, this Team, Coulson, could fall around them in the blink of an eye? If he truly feels this way about her, how can he still be apart of something that could potentially hurt her?
He knows the answer to that. Because Garrett needs him. Garrett is who he needs to save, that's his mission his foucs. What he's been trying to find for the better part of his life. And while his loyalties lie with no one but John, he can feel them starting to shift. He can feel himself wanting Skye to be apart of him even more than John is.
Which strikes another fear into his heart. If he has to choose between them, who would he save? Skye or Garrett?
The fact that he can't answer sends ice down his spine. Skye stirs against him and he kisses her nose softly, lulling her back to sleep.
On the brink of falling alseep himself, he finds his answer. He knows exactly who he would save when the time came. When the world ended, who he'd have by his side.