I Like the Sad Eyes Bad Guys Mouth Full of White Lies

Skye sits on the motel bed, her knees drawn up to her chest. Her laptop is open and Grant's picture stares back at her. It's one she took in what feels like another life, they took a spontaneous trip to the beach one afternoon and Grant is smiling into the camera, the bright sun behind him. Where did it all go wrong? What happened to them?

She supposes the tables started to turn long before Shield fell, right around the time she was shot perhaps. When Garrett decided to take what Ward loved and expose it, show him just how fragile Skye was. That he would do anything to save himself. Skye wipes her eyes and agrily shuts off the computer. What does this mean for her and Grant now?

She made it known to both Garrett and Grant who's side she was loyal to when Coulson attacked their base. John will undoubtly think of her as his enemy, but what about Ward? What will he do? Skye knows he won't hurt her, but will he share Garrett's thoughts as well? More than likely, he proved with Fitz and Simmons that John's influence runs deeper than anything else.

At the thought of her friends Skye feels guilt in between her shoulder blades. Where are they now? Was Ward telling the truth? She knows him, every part of him, doesn't she? He has no reason to lie to her. The door opens and Skye turns to find May walking in silently, arms crossed over her chest. ''How are you holding up?'' No one at Shield has asked her if she knew about Ward and Garrett.

Skye shrugs, ''I don't know. Any word on Fitz and Simmons?'' She told Coulson what happened and Trip hugged her while she cried. ''Nothing. We'll find them Skye''. ''Do you think Ward was telling the truth when he said they were alive?'' May considers this, a scowl on her face. ''Ward is a liar, a traitor. The sooner you start believing that the better, so no I don't think he was telling the truth''.

Skye has been quietly observing the team, or what's left of them, on the subject of Ward. How quick they were to turn on him once they found out he was Hydra. How they didn't even try to understand why he might be with that organization, or how no one looked into his twisted history with Garrett to find out why Grant is the way that he is.

Coulson has always told her that everyone deserves a second chance, that someone can always be saved. Where is that mercy now? Where is that philosophy Coulson lives by when he needs it most? Grant said Shield would either kill him or arrest him, and by the way May and Coulson are talking, the outcome if they catch up to him is not good.

''They can't be dead May, Grant wouldn't do that''. The Calvary takes a seat next to her on the bed. ''The man you knew doesn't exist Skye, he's a spy it's his job to find a weakness and exploit it. He played all of us, he's a murderer''. She nods like she agrees but Shield doesn't know the whole story. If they did maybe they'd see Grant in a different light like Skye does.

Coulson and Trip enter the room, each of them gives Skye a sympathetic smile. ''What's the plan AC?'' ''I have a feeling Ward and Garrett aren't going to give up anytime soon, and we all know Ward is going to come back for Skye''. She looks up at Phil, ''he won't come back for me''. ''Why not?'' ''Because I tried to kill Garrett''.

*

Ward makes no sound of discomfort, no tick or tell that he's in any sort of pain whatsoever. Even as Kebo is digging and pulling into his shoulder to get out the bullet that was meant for John. ''You're an idiot''. Grant rolls his eyes, ''you've said that four times in the last five minutes''. ''Wouldn't have to if you didn't act like one. You broke my damn nose''. ''You shouldn't have tried to stop me from getting to Skye. Did you really think you could beat me?''

Grant clenches his teeth as Kebo is entirely too rough when he drags the bullet out and throws it onto the table. ''I was protecting her''. ''So was I''. Ward turns to see his friend gesture around the ruined base they are still occupying, ''good job''. Kebo stitches him up quickly and Grant pulls his shirt back on. Glances around to spot John but he's nowhere in sight.

''I lost her''. Wordlessly he takes the offered flask in Kebo's hand and takes a long sip. ''What did you think was going to happen? John blackmailed her into giving him the flash drive, and you killed her friends. Did you think she'd be okay with that? Skye isn't familiar with your spy personality, he's an ass''. ''Fitz and Simmons are fine, and I am not an ass''.

''Yes you are. Plus John had her shot, why would she stick around after learning that? You're still an idiot by the way for throwing yourself in front of him''. ''You know why I did''. Grant shrugs, ''I just thought Skye would understand, that'd she stay for me''. ''Mate Skye has stayed with you through everything, but this time she couldn't. She trusts Shield right now to keep her safe more than you''.

A part of Grant understands her reasoning, if he was in her shoes he probably would have done the same thing. He also hasn't forgotten that John ordered him to kill her, so he's happy she escaped with Coulson when she did. Grant would have never done it, he couldn't possibly hurt her. If there were ever any lines he had to draw with John, that's the only one.

''What's next super spy?'' ''Don't know, waiting on John for orders''. This makes Kebo frown. All the time he's known Grant that's all he's done. Waited for someone to give him orders. Until Skye of course, with her Ward is an entirely different person, a better man. Someone Skye would be proud of, a version of him that Garrett would call weak but Kebo would disagree.

Skye makes him hopeful, that Ward can have another life outside of the bombs and guns. ''Do you think she'll forgive me?'' Grant looks very lost without Skye, the expression on his face telling Kebo it'd be the end of the world if Skye treated him like the monster Shield believes he is. ''Yeah robot I do, if you make the right choice''.

Ward sighs into his hands, going over the last few hours in his head. There's guilt and anger pressing in between his ribs and heart, Fitz and Simmons flash through his mind. John wanted them dead, and Ward gave them a fighting chance by dropping them out of the plane with the pod. They're designed to float, Shield should find them in no time.

The look on Skye's face when Grant told Garrett the two scientists had been taken care of, like for the first time she saw him for what he'd always believed himself to be. ''Stop brooding. Skye loves you, when all this is over she'll come back to you''. Grant shakes his head, ''not if John is around''. Kebo raises an eyebrow, ''well now comes the dreaded question. Who do you want more? Skye or Garrett?''

Skye. Always Skye. But Ward stays silent on the subject. Because once he says the words out loud he can't take them back, and he isn't sure he's prepared to kill the only man he's looked up to for most of his life. ''Oh so we're going with the ignore our problems and hope they go away route, you know that never works right?'' Kebo falls silent at the look Ward gives him.

*

It's late when Skye finally makes it back to her hotel room, she has it all to herself because Coulson thinks she needs time alone to work through her emotions. Half of her wonders why he hasn't questioned her about Grant yet, but she trusts it will come soon enough. Trip really has been the only supportive one since Coulson rescued her from Garrett's base, changing the subject of Ward whenever May or Phil brought it up.

It's all a lie, all for nothing. The comfort she receieves, the sad looks directed her way. She hates that Grant is being painted the bad guy here and she's getting off clean. She could change that, tell them she knew Ward was a spy from the start. But she won't, she promised him she wouldn't. Skye showers quickly, reflects on how different Grant was back when she first knew him.

He was loyal to Garrett she knew that, but he was less cut and dry. More free, less afraid. There weren't weights on his shoulders and he didn't have to worry about her getting shot every day. She misses him, and decides that she believes him on what happened to Fitz and Simmons. He had to of found a way around Garrett's order, Ward accused her getting too attatched, but he did the same thing.

Kebo told her once that Grant was walking through life without a real sense of purpose, Garrett was the only one who made him feel like he mattered. Until Skye walked into his life, and everything changed. Skye is starting to wonder if that still applies, or if she was just apart of his break from a mission.

*

It's been a few days since Skye moved in, and Grant leans against the doorway of his bedroom, watching her. Her long hair pulled in a bun, one of his shirts hanging off her shoulders. She's perfect, in all honesty Ward has never been this happy in all his life. He's shared a bed with a woman before, but not for a long period of time, and he's never lived with someone, ever.

It's a big step for him, and Skye realizing this, tries to move delicately and slowly through the process. ''How are you doing over there big guy?'' She looks over at him, her hands still sorting through a bag and smiles at him. ''I'm fine''. She abandons the task at hand, falls back against the bed and holds out her arms. ''Come here''.

Grant has started to learn that he can't deny her anything, so he goes willingly into her embrace and kisses her nose. ''Hi''. ''Hi''. ''Just say the word and I'll go right back into my van''. He rolls his eyes, adjusts their position so she's astride his chest and he can look into her eyes. His favorite color is brown now, deep brown and warm.

''I want you here, more than anything''. ''I've only lived with one other person before and it didn't end well. We were always in each other's way and I ended up hating him a little and''- Ward cuts her off with a kiss, slipping his hands into her hair, resting his forehead against hers. ''I'm not him Skye, we'll make this work. If I didn't think that you'd probably be at Kebo's apartment by now''.

Her laugh is warm against his cheek. ''He'd love that''. ''He likes you''. ''I think he'd like any girl you introduced to him''. Ward shakes his head, ''no, it's you. You make me happy''. She smiles and kisses him. ''I hate to spoil the moment, and I promise I'm not one of those crazy girlfriends who changes everything about your bachelor pad the second she moves in, but I really hate your sheets''.

They both look down at the pale ivory hospital cornered tucked in at perfect angles sheets, and the comforter to match. Ward takes a moment to appreciate as he has many times before, how the color looks against Skye's tan skin. ''You've never complained about them before''. ''Because I didn't care about them before, I just wanted you naked''. He laughs, takes her hand in his.

''They're fuctional, boring. They literally scream military school, we have to get some other colors in here other than white black and gray''. Surprising even himself because Ward hates change he says, ''whatever you want, I'm fine with it''. Which is how he finds himself at a department store at nine o'clock at night.

Skye is ahead of him in the bedding aisle, sifting through a set of red sheets a small smile covering her lips. ''Seriously? Red sheets? That's brave''. Skye jumps at the voice behind her, not knowing Kebo has been there for a full five minutes. ''Popeye what are you doing here?'' He shrugs and takes a sip of his drink, coming to stand next to Ward.

''I saw you two coming out of Ward's apartment, I was bored and lonely''. ''You followed us here? Why can't you call and see what we're doing like a normal person?'' ''I'm not normal''. ''Clearly''. Grant gestures to Kebo's outfit, sweat pants, sandals and an Iron Man shirt. ''I'm going to ignore that comment and focus on the matter at hand. Skye is already making changes around the house? That's strike one''.

Skye doesn't even bat an eyelash in his direction, knowing he's only teasing. ''First it'll be the sheets and then she hates your couch, then the pillows aren't fluffy enough, but wait she's lonely and talks you into getting a dog. Before you know it your knee deep in shit and ruing the day you ever invited her to move in''. The couple both turns to look at him.

''Is that what happened to you?'' ''More than once actually''. ''Not surprised''. They follow Skye around the store and Kebo makes sure she's out of ear shot before he says, ''Garrett isn't going to be happy about this''. Ward keeps his face blank when he responds, ''I know''. ''Look I want you to be happy you know that, but everything with Shield and Hydra are you sure you want her involved?''

''She won't be involved, she's not going to know anything about that part of my life. And besides Garrett wants what's best for me''. It's very sad to Kebo that Ward believes that with everything he has.

The only thing John Garrett cares about is himself. ''She's living with you, she's already more involved in your life than you usually allow. She's buying new bloody sheets for christ sake''.

''Kebo I appreciate the concern but it's fine. I've got it under control''. ''Whatever you say super spy''. Later, after they've stopped for wine and tacos (per Skye's request) the trio is sitting in Ward's living room, the TV quiet background noise. ''So Skye, you ready for all this? Ward is a pain in the ass''. Skye smiles at Kebo, turns to her boyfriend.

''He is, but he's worth it''. She kisses him sweetly, her hands on his chest. And Grant allows all of his doubts to slip away. He wants this, wants Skye to be with him always. Ward wants to stay here with her and pretend the harsh reality of his world does not exist.

*

Skye is brushing her teeth and pulling on one of Ward's shirts when she exits the bathroom, looks up and chokes on the tooth paste in her mouth. ''What the hell are you doing here?'' Grant is sitting on the bed, clad in a leather jacket and jeans. ''I had to see you''. In a rush Skye goes to the door to find it already locked, the curtains sealed tight. ''If Coulson finds you here''- ''He won't, Kebo is watching the place''. ''That does nothing to reassure me''.

Ward gets off the bed, walks up to her slowly. Reading her body language, looking for a sign that tells him she does not want him here. He finds none. ''How did you get here?'' ''Told Garrett I needed to clear my dead, he's so full of whatever Raina gave him he didn't care. I'm worried about him Skye''. She crosses her arms over her chest.

''If you came here to talk about Garrett you might as well leave. I don't want to hear it''. He sighs softly, rubs the back of his neck. ''This whole situation got out of control, I never wanted this to happen, for you to be hurt. I'm here for you Skye, to apologize for everything, you never should have been involved in any of this. It's my fault, you being shot, finding out about your parents the way you did, it's all me''.

Skye drifts closer to him so their chests brush against one another. ''It's not your fault baby, if you're looking to blame someone it's Garrett. I know how much he means to you but you're not blind, don't you see at all what a monster he is?'' There's a lost look in his eyes that makes her ache for him, she takes his hand and holds it in both of hers.

''I don't know, he isn't acting like himself''. Ward shakes his head, leads her to the bed where he takes a seat again, dragging her with him. ''Look I just had to see you, to see if you were okay. After what happened in Cuba I wouldn't blame you if you didn't want this anymore, if you didn't want me''. Her eyes widen is shock because even after it all, she still feels the same way about him she did two days ago, six months ago.

''I believe you about Fitz and Simmons, but what happened to them?'' He then tells her about the pod, about how they begged him not to do it. ''They were a weakness, and so are you. I care Skye, and I can't afford to but I do. So much''. She wraps her arms around his bicep, rests her chin on his shoulder. ''I know you do''. He tries to hide his wince, but fails.

''What's wrong?'' His earlier suspicions are confirmed, he wondered if she saw him take the bullet met for John in his shoulder. ''Nothing''. He meets her frown and knows he shouldn't lie to her. They don't do that. With a sigh because he knows she'll feel horrible for it, he leans into her arms. ''Your aim was spot on by the way, it would of hit John if I hadn't intervened''.

He watches her process the information and he can feel her start to shake beside him. ''Grant, did I''- ''It was nothing, just a flesh wound''. ''I shot you!'' Ward is quick to calm her, he doesn't fault her, not one bit. Kisses her forehead, ''I'm fine. I asked for it really, I did push John out of the way''. ''I hurt you''. There are tears in her eyes when she replies, ''you didn't deserve that Grant. I'm so sorry''.

''Maybe I did''. She tightens her hold on him, her weight no longer on his injured shoulder but his back. ''Skye there are things about me that you wouldn't like if you knew''. Her doe eyes search his and she brings her fingers up to his chin so he can look at her. ''Grant I've known for a long time who you are and what you do, and you're right there are some things I don't need to know. I'm okay with that''.

''But what I'm not okay with is you thinking you deserve to be hurt because of it. You don't. Grant I still want you, I still want to be with you. Nothing could make me change my mind''. She'll never get used to the way he looks at her, like she's some kind of altar and he'll fall on his knees to worship her every day of his life. ''I love you''. She gives him a smile, runs her hand up his spine. ''I love you too''.

''Even after what I did to the team? To Shield?'' She nods, her lips hovering over his. ''It's just you and me Grant''. With that he pulls her swiftly to him, kisses her hard enough to bruise, his mouth insistent and hot against her skin as she shreds her clothes. They leave marks on each other, promises fufilled, dreams forgotten. It's 'I love you' and 'goodbye' all at once.

Just as the night is burning off and Skye is utterly exhausted, half asleep and almost awake Grant turns to her his lips at her ear. ''Thank you for not giving up on me, for loving me. You're the only person who sees the real me, and I love you so much. You're everything I've always wanted, Kebo asked me to choose and I did. It's you Skye, it will always be you''.

He waits until she's fast asleep, before putting his clothes back on and slipping out of the room. He goes undetected, quietly gets into the car Kebo has been waiting in. ''Why do I get the feeling that wasn't just a quicky drop by?'' ''Because it wasn't''. Kebo pulls out onto the highway and glances at Ward, ''that was goodbye, wasn't it?'' Kebo has never seen the look of complete heart break on his friend's face before, but it's there throbbing and raw.

''Yeah, it was''. And Grant Ward has never felt more alone in the world.