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

Skye wakes slowly in the dark hotel room, fingers brushing for the warm body she knows is long gone by now. Her nails meet cold sheets and she blinks back the sadness of Grant leaving her again, she's used to it by now. Knows why he did it. As she dresses and brushes her teeth she has a bad feeling, like someday soon this is all going to end.

That Shield and Garrett are not finished with each other yet, she's waiting for the other shoe to drop. She meets Trip for breakfast which is just cold pizza from the night before, and as May and Coulson join them Skye's mind drifts. To a much happier place, hours before.

''Coulson didn't even try to understand you, what happened, why you were with John in the first place''. Skye is lying on her side, her head resting on Ward's pillow, at this angle she can see every small detail and line of his face. It's a sight she's seen so many times but could never tire of. ''I'm not surprised, I knew how it would play out when he knew the truth''.

Skye runs her hand down his face. ''Doesn't that bother you? Coulson has always been about second chances but he refuses to even entertain the idea of giving you one''. ''A little, but I am a spy Skye, I've done horrible things. Maybe it's time I pay for them''. She's already shaking her head. ''You know how I feel about that''. He kisses her nose.

''Everyone has to pay for their sins sometime Skye''. ''True, but no one made Coulson judge jury and executioner. He doesn't need that title and you don't need to be tried for something that wasn't entirely your fault. John is the enemy here, not you''. ''That's not how Shield will see it, they'll either arrest us both or shoot us''.

He winks at her when fear creeps into her face. ''If they catch me, which won't happen''. She scoots closer to him and he wraps his arms around her. ''We could leave you know, right now. Go far away from Shield, Hydra they'd never find us, you could make us disappear''. Grant kisses her hair, draws small patterns on her back that are lulling her to sleep.

''You have no idea how much I want that, but I can't. Not yet''. He looks down at her and she kisses him softly. ''Whatever happens I'll wait for you''. She understands the look that dawns on his face, and she's convinced that he believes he won't make it out of this mess alive. ''I can't ask you to do that''. She shrugs, ''I want to be a Shield agent, but if that means watching you die or seeing you arrested than I want no part in that''.

''You've alreday given up so much for me Skye, if you want to be with Shield I'm not taking that away from you, not again''. ''Garrett won't approve''. His warm hand wraps around her hip. ''Don't worry about Garrett, he won't hurt you''. Skye lifts her face up to meet his and she can't process the expression in his eyes before he's kissing her again, rolling them over so she's beneath him.

''Skye, you with us?'' She shakes off the thoughts in hear head to find May Trip and Coulson staring at her. ''Sorry, what's up?'' ''We might have a lead on where Garrett and Ward are headed to next''. ''Where's that?'' Coulson tells her and she knows what he's talking about, Grant mentioned the building to her once in a passing question. Cybertek.

Her bad feeling returns, this can only mean the beginning of the end.

*

Grant walks inside the Bus which Garrett and Hydra are currently occupying, he can still smell Skye on his clothes and it's distracting. ''Dear god''. Ward follows Kebo's gaze and sees Garrett at another glass wall, carving away and away. Strange symbols that make sense to one else but him. ''It's official super spy, he's offically lost it''. John notices the pair and smiles at Ward.

''Just getting some ideas down, I can't keep everything in my head''. Concern washes over him, this is not the same man that threw Ward out into the woods. He sounds insane. ''Gotta be honest with you John, looks like you're kinda losing it''. ''I'm alive for the first time thanks to you, took some hits along the way but we did it. We did it! You me and Skye''. Kebo takes a step forward.

''Speaking of the girl how did your late night rendezvous go last night?'' Ward keeps his face perfectly controlled, revealing nothing when Garrett turns to look at him. ''Oh come on do you think I'm an idiot? I'm not angry, hell at least one of us is getting some action. Look your relationship with Skye I don't care about anymore''.

Ward crosses his arms. ''You don't?'' ''No. I've seen the bigger picture, the stars in the sky and all of the moons. If she makes you happy, then she's your reward for saving me. Why didn't you bring her back with you?'' Kebo and Grant share a look. ''Sir she didn't want to come back''. Kebo aims his elbow for Ward's ribs but it's blocked.

John pauses his musings for half a second, it doesn't go unnoticed. ''She wanted to stay with Shield''. ''I think so''. Garrett shrugs and starts drawing again. '''Doesn't matter, I've seen the future son and it's beautiful, one small girl wanting to stay at a corrupt organization that's just as bad as Hydra, well I won't lose any sleep over it''.

''Glad to hear it''. John smiles at Ward, ''we really did it, I'm cured''. ''Can't believe it, this is everything we've been working towards, saving you. Our alliance with Hydra was always a means to that end, right?'' ''Yeah''. ''And here we are, it's not like we're true believers right? Don't get me wrong I'll go where you go but''- ''What about Skye?''

Grant has been feeding his mentor lies all morning, thinking that Skye was in danger. But now, now that he's admitted he no longer cares about her? She's safe from Garrett, from Hydra for now anyway. And Ward's plan to put a bullet in John's head is slowly fading. ''I don't know''. He truly doesn't. When he left her last night he had no intention of seeing her again.

If he failed in killing Garrett, Ward would be dead. And now that his plan for that is gone, Shield is going to be after them, they'll be on the run. Sure Skye said she'd wait for him, but how long? And what kind of man would he be if her let her? She deserves better than that. ''We're planning an uprising Ward, it's become bigger than Hydra. You've taken good care of me''.

John places a hand on Grant's shoulder. ''You've given me everything I've wanted, it's time for you to decided what you want, I know it's Skye. So go, take her. You're free, if you can convince her to leave Shield so be it, go take a vacation. But I need you one last time''. Ward offers him a smile, his mind already drifting to another place.

A beach somewhere, Skye's warm skin in between his fingers, a house shut out and away from the world maybe, like he promised her when he thought she was going to die in that med pod. He could give her that, after Garrett is done needing him. They could go like she suggested last night, a place far away from all of this. He wants it, craves that with such a fever.

*

''The trojan horse worked, gave us access to the system we wanted. Our secret weapon we now have eyes on their operation''. Skye tells May and Coulson, they're sitting in a small air craft, ready to strike when Coulson gives the go ahead. ''We'll need more than eyes to defeat Garrett''. Trip tells her. Coulson walks up to them, ''Fitz and Simmons tracked the Bus, it's in New Mexico''.

Skye already knowing this, doesn't look up. ''We found their location, that pod Ward dropped them in? It floats, I've sent a small team to pick them up''. Skye breathes out a sigh of relief, wipes her face. ''Thank god''. She observes everyone else's reaction, and although they smile there's an edge to it. ''Why didn't Ward kill them?'' Coulson wonders aloud.

''Because he cares, despite what we all think he does. He was such a different person when I met him I just can't help but believe there's some part of him that's human. He got attatched, that's why he couldn't hurt them or me''. May frowns, Coulson shakes his head. ''He couldn't hurt you because he loves you, he tried to kill Fitz and Simmons, I doubt he knew that pod would float''.

Anger boils on the surface of Skye's skin. Is Coulson just searching for reasons to hate Ward now? He didn't hurt Fitz and Simmons, they're all still alive. All Shield can accuse him for at this point is affiliating with Hydra, and trying to save a dying man. Skye doesn't see the harm in that, despite her feelings on Garrett. She still wants to see him burn. ''We don't know what was in his head''. Trip comments, glancing at Skye.

''Don't care. He's a murderer and a traitor, and he will be punished as such. So will Garrett. Skye we have eyes on him now, watch him tell me everything''. ''Yes Sir''. It takes a few hours but the Bus finally lands at Cybertek, which is where Coulson suspected they would go in the first place. Coulson tells them the plan, and Skye arms herself with a gun and ICER.

Phil looks at all of them, lingers on Skye. ''You ready to change the world?'' May cocks her gun, ''No. But I'm ready to kick some ass''. Skye smiles at her in agreement. Ward mentioned last night that everyone has to pay for their sins sometime, and for Garrett, judgement day is here.

Grant has decided that John is gone. Dead to him. The person he used to be anyway. What's in front of him now is not the man Ward grew up with, the one who taught him to shoot and how to act. Whoever took his place is something dark, evil. And as both him and Kebo stare at Garrett, who has just ripped a man's spine from his back, Ward knows this isn't good.

''This is the beginning''. Ward grimaces, ''the beginning of what John?'' ''The end''.

Kebo gags, covers his mouth with his hand. ''I'm gonna puke''. Grant rolls his eyes, although he too has the need to vomit, he hides it. ''Now is not the time, get it together''. John turns to them, wipes the blood off his hand and smiles. ''Kebo, Ward go back to the Bus and get flowers. Tell her to take what she wants and go, come back when you're done''. ''Yes Sir''.

Kebo beats Ward to the bus, empties out his stomach in a trash can by the lab. ''I've seen some pretty disgusting shit in my day, but that was the worst''. ''Kebo he's lost it''. ''What was your first clue you moron? The psychotic babbling, the carving symbols into the glass, or the fact that he just took a man's spine? Whatever Raina did to him he's offically off the sane person wagon''.

''I agree''. They find Raina and relay John's message, she smiles at both of them and it still creeps the hell out of Kebo. ''What the hell did you give Garrett?'' Ward demands, crossing his arms. ''The gift of life Agent Ward. Garrett is not lost, far from it. He's connected now. I agree with him, you're the one who follows him, and you should. For the first time you both need the same thing and so do I''.

''What are you talking about? I need him to get his head on straight''. ''Skye. We need Skye, and that's all you ever wanted isn't it?'' Kebo and Ward share a look. ''No way in hell is that happening''. Grant growls, presses even closer to Raina. She isn't fazed, ''the evolution John speaks of, she'll be an important part of that. So go get her Grant Ward''. ''You're not touching her''.

''Oh I beg to differ. The world is going to change and when it does she could be yours''. Grant slips her a smile that is not at all friendly. ''She already is mine''. ''But there's a small part of her that thinks you're a monster, isn't there?'' Kebo puts a hand on his gun. ''Don't go putting ideas in his head, do you know how long it took for them to get to where they are? I will kill you if he leaves her over that comment''.

Both Grant and Raina ignore him and she continues. ''Are you a monster? Is that your true nature? Or is that what Garrett made you to be?'' For the first time in his life Ward considers this. Skye has been telling him something similiar for as long as he's known her. Maybe they're right, maybe not all of this is his fault. So he's honest with Raina when he tells her he doesn't know.

''Well we know about Skye's parents, about the darkness that lies inside her. I believe in a world where her true nature will reveal itself. And when that day comes maybe you two can be monsters together''. She silently leaves them, doesn't look back. Ward stares after her. Monsters together. Skye isn't a monster, he wouldn't let her become one.

Is Raina just crazy, or does she know something he doesn't? ''Ward I know that look in your eyes, she's just insane. Don't listen to her''. Fear is all over the Specialist. ''Nash said a greater force would be coming for Skye, what if him and Raina are talking about the same thing?'' ''I seriously doubt it. Look here's a plan, we go find Skye, leave Garrett to his fate and get the hell out of town''.

''No, Kebo follow Raina, find out what she knows''. Kebo sighs loudly. ''Really? You want me to do that right now? In the middle of all this? A bloody war is about to go down. That can't wait?'' ''Skye could be in danger, if Nash and Raina are telling the truth I need to know''. Kebo groans loudy, puts away his gun. ''Fine, but you owe me one''. Grant gives him a half smile. ''I'll buy you a drink''.

Kebo walks backwards out of the Bus, ''no, you'll buy me the whole damn bar''.''Whatever you want''. ''Tell Skye I said hello, and you two better not get yourselves killed''. ''Do my best''. With a wink Kebo is gone and Grant makes his way back to Garrett. He'll remember Raina's words for years to come. Monsters together.

''What are my orders?'' Grant demands of Garrett as soon as he finds him. ''That's up to you son''. Ward snaps, ''wake up! Come back to reality John, what do you need me to do?'' Ward has always followed orders, always. He doesn't know a world without them. He can't function properly. ''You've already done it''. Garrett's cell phone rings and to his surprise, it's Skye.

''Yeah?'' ''Hi John, just calling to catch up''. ''Skye, what a shock. At the end of all of this I thought you'd be standing with Ward, not against him''. ''Didn't call to talk about Grant, but for your information we've settled that. You curious why I'm calling from your solider control center?'' Ward listens to them banter back and forth, wondering what the hell Shield is planning.

''You want orders?'' Garrett asks him when he hangs up. ''Get her''. Ward's chest is full of relief, back in balance now. ''Thank you''. As he turns away from the man he'd seen as a father for so long, he has no idea that's the last time he'll ever see him.

Skye stands in the middle of the Cybertek operation, the bag in her hand that is filled with a bomb. She's gotten all of the workers to cooperate, Coulson's plan running smoothly. May has gone to get something from another side of the building, so Skye is alone. Jumps when she sees Ward enter the room, hands free of weapons.

They check each other for injuries, lets the same emotions wash across thier faces before meeting in the middle of the room, he takes her in his arms. She's in danger here, Garrett and Hydra both want her, he won't let that happen. ''Are you alright?'' Skye asks him, her hand resting over his heart, she stands on her toes to kiss his nose. ''I'm fine, you?'' ''I'm good''.

His hands travel slowly up her back before settling on her shoulders. ''Skye it isn't safe her, Garrett wants you and Hydra''- She kisses him, her fingers brushing the back of his neck. ''I'm not worried about that. Grant don't you see? It's over, you did it you saved him. We can go, can't we?'' Ward thinks about Raina's words earlier. He shakes his head and tears fill her.

''Come away with me''. There's desperation in her grip on him now. ''I thought Shield was what I wanted, but Coulson wants to kill you, I can't be apart of that. Just stop, okay? Stop listening to Garrett, we can leave, go wherever you want. You said back in that janitor's closet that we could''. He briefly closes his eyes, rests his forehead against hers.

''Leave all of this behind Grant, it'll just be a bad memory, something in our past we won't talk about. It can be just me and you, like before. Before you left, before I went to L.A.''. He wipes her face, he's taking yet another thing from her. ''I wish we could, and I promise once I find out why Hydra wants you, we can. But it's not over yet Skye, I wish it was''.

She hides her face in the warm skin of his neck, holding him as close as possible. ''I'm afraid''. ''Of what?'' ''Coulson is on a rampage, he wants you dead''. ''That won't happen''. He kisses her hair. Lets the silence and time they don't have fill the air, he keeps her with him as long as he can, but he knows May will be back any second.

''Do you remember last night when you said you'd wait for me?'' He takes her face in his hands, hoping she'll forgive his selfishness just this once. ''Yes''. ''Can you do that? Can you stay at Shield until I know you're not in danger anymore?'' She nods and the stress melts away, just a little but it's a relief. ''What happens now? Why are you here?'' Ward observes the room, they're out of time.

''Skye that day on the Bus, when you promised you wouldn't tell Coulson you knew about me, I need to know if that still stands''. Skye leans into his palm against her face, kisses the skin there. ''I promise''. ''I love you''. ''I love you''. He kisses her like he never will again, like it's the last time he could for the rest of his life. Releases her and tells her to finish whatever mission Coulson has her on.

She bends down to check the bomb, and when she looks back up, he's gone. That sick feeling spreads through her again, what does Hydra want with her? And why hasn't Garrett tried to kill her for not siding with him? Unknown to Skye, Melinda May has gotten ahold of Grant, and the Calvary releases all of her anger on the man she believes to have broken up her team, and broken Skye's heart.

As May continues her assault, and Grant recognizes the move she's making, his last thought is of Skye. The feel of her lips against his. And then there's black, nothing else.

After saving Mike Peterson and his son (Skye wasn't even aware Garrett had Mike) she walks back into the room where she knows Coulson is. He sent a message earlier that Garrett was dead, and every nerve on Skye is standing up. She's worried about Ward, where he is, if he knows about John, if he's alive. The thought has her bracing herself against a cold wall.

If he's dead, what is she going to do? She can't go back to a life of slumming it in vans and stealing money to afford food. Grant is her world, she loves him more than herself. And if Coulson killed him, John Garrett will look tame to what's waiting inside of her. She will destroy everything if Ward is dead. She enters the room, and pauses at the door.

Horror on her face, her whole body shaking. Grant is standing, May by his side and she can tell he's in hand cuffs. Coulson and a few other Shield agents are before Ward, she can't hear what their saying. ''What the hell did you do to him?'' Skye yells, running across the room. From her vantage point she can see that Ward is brusied, but as she gets closer she fights the urge to gag.

''Skye''- She sprints up to Grant, puts her hands on his chest and searches his eyes. One of them is swollen shut and every inch of what skin she can see is covered in blood or brusies. ''What did they do to you?'' With a tenderness he hasn't felt before, Skye strokes his face, and he wishes he could answer her. ''I think I fractured his larynx''.

May sounds so proud of herself and Skye clenches her teeth. Ward is in pain, they hurt him. It's disgusting and wrong and she aches for him. Continues to stroke his face and he remains focused on nothing but her. ''I'm gonna invent new ways to ruin the rest of your life, and we'll do whatever is necessary to get Hydra intel from you. But your torture that's gonne be internal''.

Not one Shield agent notices how much Skye is clinging to Ward, barely holding onto her own anger. ''You devoted your entire life to a deranged narcissist who never gave a damn about anyone and now he's dead. You had Skye and she loves you, yet you betrayed her. Do you think she'll forgive you for that? Now you have the rest of your life to wrestle with the question who are you without him? Without Skye?''

''What the hell is wrong with you?'' Skye demands, and this time everyone notices when she places herself in front of Grant. ''He's a human being for god sake, he doesn't deserve to be treated like this! No matter what he's done he does not deserve this Coulson''. Behind her back she leans into Ward's chest. ''You don't know the things he's been through you don't understand''-

Still protecting her, Ward shoves her lightly, warning her to stay quiet. But it's too late, Coulson looks at her. Really looks at her, like it's for the first time. ''Skye''. He breathes. ''Did you know he was Hydra?'' May glances at her quickly, the thought had never occured to them until now. It's been staring in Coulson's face this whole time. Skye doesn't answer, just braces herself against Grant's body.

''Did you know?'' Coulson yells, the sound echoing throughout the small room. Skye stops, pauses. Can feel Ward's glare on the back of her neck. Life is all about choices, and she promised Ward she would lie. They don't break promises to each other, and this choice could effect her forever. As she stares into Coulson's eyes, sees the anger in them, she knows who to listen to.

''Yes''. Skye feels Ward tense behind her, and both Coulson and May are in shock. Frozen, and the look they wear is full of betrayl and hate. She's no better than Ward is what they are thinking. There's so much guilt roaming around in her head, Skye believes she deserves this. She has to answer for her sins too.

Coulson is the firs to recover, runs his hands over his face. ''Take Skye into custody''. The fight has left her so she has no intention of even fighting the guards that approach her. Grant doesn't seem to share her feelings apparently. He's battered, hurt, broken, but he still puts up one hell of a fight, even hand cuffed. Which he uses to his advantage. Chokes out the Shield agent holding him, manages to knock out the two that were headed for Skye.

''Grant!'' Before either of them can look at each other, fool each other that he can protect them and get them out of here, May's ICER connects with his chest. And he falls to the floor. Skye looks at May, her hands inching for Ward, when she is ICED as well. Her last thought of Ward, as she joins his body on the hard ground.

They both followed John Garrett, even if Skye wasn't aware of it. Love trapped her in with the monsters, and love won't get her out.