Melinda May is not that affectionate, but her two favorite people are. Coulson was the only one who cuddled with May until Skye came around like a typical daughter who takes dad's things and makes them hers forever.
1 (right after S2)
In their line of work, nightmares are one of their worst enemies. it's not real but it felt like it. They would carry the bad memory of that nightmares throughout the day or week or month or year and sometimes it could really affect their performance during missions.
Daisy woke up sweating, she could feel her blood rising as she panics. Daisy subconsciously knew May could help, she always does, she always make her feel safe. So without thinking Daisy burst in May's door with a pillow and blanket on her other hand, May kinda knew she'll burst in, might be because of the heavy footsteps that almost sounds like Coulson's.
"Can I sleep on your floor, I promise you wouldn't notice me" Daisy's voice sounds very fragile. She looked hesitant, she was glued standing near the doorway trying to contemplate if she should just head back to her bunk and cry herself to sleep.
But, the universe might be on her side today because May looked at her softly and she opened her arms. Daisy rushed into her and buried her face on May's shoulder, as May hugged her- she sobs. Daisy doesn't need to explain, May always knows.
"you're fine, you're fine now, Skye" May assured her while brushing her hair- calming her.
Minutes later Daisy finally calmed down, but May didn't stop saying things that will make her feel better.
"I hope you don't mind another cuddly person," May asked which made Daisy frown then suddenly the door opened- revealing Coulson with a pillow and blanket on his hand
"Oh, Daisy's- oh looks like someone got you first. Don't mind me I'll just take the floor while you two cuddle together there" he said, he thought maybe it's too late to go back to his room, he's already here anyway plus it'll be more awkward in the morning. It's funny how Coulson and Daisy are unintentionally in sync
May rolled her eyes affectionately and extend her arms for Coulson, he immediately cuddled with the two.
"You two are such a dork," May said while the two snuggled closer and made May's shoulder as a pillow. May looked at Daisy- finally peacefully sleeping
"You know you can't hide your pain from me with your jokes, right?" May said to Coulson, he just hummed in response, she brushed Coulson's hair and kissed them
"We'll talk, just not right now," Coulson said looking up and glancing at Daisy then back at May
"Yeah" May responded as she held them tighter and slept- in her back while the two are using her biceps as pillows.
2 (S3)
Coulson thought of checking Daisy since she is a bit jumpy and grumpy after her 'failed mission' in Queens, however, May's room is nearer to his room and he decided maybe a little hug and encouraging words from May wouldn't hurt. She opened May's door and found it-empty, so she went to Daisy's room. He panicked when he heard Daisy shouting 'stop!', he opened the door and found her two favorite ladies-look like having fun.
"I'm starting to get jealous you know," he said but May kept tickling Daisy
"He- hel- help! Dad!- HAHAHAHAHAHA" Daisy cried not noticing what did she called Coulson
Coulson walked to them raising his hand ready for tickling battle
"Phil! Don't you dare!- hahahhahaha" now it's May's turn to laugh and giggle. When the tickling battle is over they just lie down there catching their breaths- May's in the middle or else there will be another battle.
"I went to your room and found it empty and it turns out you're having a tickling battle without ME!" Coulson said dramatically
"Why are you going in May's room in the middle of the night anyway?- oh! nope don't answer that I don't wanna hear the answer"
"It's not what you thi-"
"Nope, nah, I don't hear anything blah blah blah" Daisy retorted covering her ears
Not too long after Daisy finally fell asleep
"She's very grumpy since her mission and it annoys me so I went here to tell that it's not her fault" May explained
"Hmm-mm and to make her smile by tickling her. Sounds like something that I would do" Coulson replied
"It's actually something that you did"
"Yeah?"
"Hmm-mm" they stared into each other's eyes silently reminiscing good memories. Coulson moves a little to connect his and May's lips, she was surprised but kissed back immediately. They pulled apart when they heard Daisy's sigh
"You just kissed me" May smirked
"Did I?"
3 (S4)
When Daisy first heard the news of May's death, she panicked, she just wanted to break her walls and pride down to see her pseudo-mother, her S.O, the one who made her stronger, the one who made all the good things she is today.
And then I screwed it up and made myself a monster, She thought. However, she managed to track where May is with the help of some connections back at SHIELD. She entered the penthouse and looked for her S.O.
When she saw her lying on the bed- still in a johnny gown, she almost cried and ran to her.
"May?" May's eyes suddenly opened and looked at her. Her eyes were filled with relief and adoration, seeing Daisy is the best thing that happened to her all week. Suddenly May's eyes widened with horror.
"Aida, stop!" Without any second thought, May jumped out of the bed and pulled Daisy behind her, blocking Aida from hitting Daisy's head. Daisy was surprised by the sudden action,
Would May really put herself in danger just to keep me safe? She thought.
Then I shouldn't really go back. I will make everyone in danger, I'm the curse.
"Oh Daisy Johnson" Aida said
"I apologize, you didn't knock" Aida continued and smiled creepily
Bitch. Daisy murmured, instead of punching Aida's face she turned her attention to May. She guided her S.O. back to her bed.
"Aida, you can leave us now," May said. Daisy just stared at her and couldn't make herself start a conversation, something in her just wants to cry and hug May. They almost lost their Melinda May.
"C'mere baby" May squeezed her hand and pulled her into the bed, letting her lie with her and just feel each other, just like before. Daisy would never admit how she missed this, how she missed being at home. She closed her eyes as May held her tighter. Daisy didn't say anything, May must have known what she wanted to say, anyway. It's just comfortable- Home. Daisy can't remember when's the last time she felt relaxed like this, all the tensions in her body drift away.
"The time would come that we had to play 'race you to May'" Daisy stiffened at the familiar voice. Coulson.
They both looked at Coulson, they could see the tears that were about to fall. He sighs and hugs them tightly. Oh god, he almost lost them both.
They all lie in the same position just like before, savoring the moment that they are still together, that at least this time they are together. They didn't know what the future holds and it's terrifying but there's nothing more important than being with the people you love in the present.
"I was planning to cook you dinner but this is much better" Coulson murmured and cuddled with her girls. That night no issues or problems have been discussed, no one dared to ruin the mood. They're just satisfied with the comfort they felt in each other.
When Daisy thought May was already asleep she snuggled closer and whispered
"even if you didn't give birth to me, you gave me a life, I- I love you...mom"
"I love you too" she whispered back and kissed her daughter's hair hiding her tears.
And one more thing dying makes people around you realize how much they cared for you or how much they don't wanna lose you. (Maybe that's why Coulson do it a lot)
+1 (post S7)
Melinda May woke up in a weird position, she stares at the ceiling reminiscing how she used to wake up in this position before and her two favorite people are in her arms. Now there's nothing left but nostalgia. She sat up, still thinking of Coulson and Daisy
Oh, they never got to play 'race you to May'.
She thought. Coulson died 2 years ago and she was there until his last breath and the last unspoken I love yous.
Daisy, her baby, has grown so much, she doesn't need her anymore, She's having her own life now. She sighed and looked at the window.
Maybe in another lifetime, they could cuddle up again when they have all the time they need and no one is dying. But for now, May needs to continue her life even if there is no reason to...
Ding! A message popped up on her phone
Daisy: I'm coming home...mom ; )
...or maybe there still is.