You're Ripped At Every Edge But You're A Masterpiece

Ward wakes as soon as the bed shifts, he feels the duvet being lifted the sheets grow cold. May slips out thinking he's still asleep, silent she won't be seen. If anyone ever suspects they've started sleeping together again nothing has been said, Coulson never acts like he knows anything. Grant checks the clock on the night stand, it's four thirty in the morning. He showers and heads to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.

On the outside it looks as if he's the same Ward the team has always known, calm and collected ready to handle anything. A little damaged from the Hydra reveal but they all are. Grant is an expert at hiding things, secrets, weapons his own feelings. No one has any idea that he feels as if he's lost something. A feeling very similiar to when Shield fell and Skye was lost to them, to him.

It's been three days since he found her in that park and told her he undertstood but he couldn't excuse or fogive her behavior. He has been going over every single detail when she and Garrett connected on the Bus last year. Rethinking every reaction every conversation, body language between the two, playing them back over and over to find something anything he missed before.

He's done this a few times when he can't sleep and just like then he simply can't come up with a damn thing. Because there's no way they could of been that good, Ward is perfect in what he does how did they pull the wool over his eyes? It's not the first time he's asked himself, won't be the last that he analyzes all the angles. Garrett was that good at being the wolf in sheep's clothing but Skye? She's not a Specialist how did she pull it off?

Mack pulls him out of his thoughts, nodding at Ward and grabbing a coffee mug. ''You're up early''. Grant comments. ''Have to work on a few things for Coulson. Hey can I ask you something?'' Mack and Ward haven't grown particulary close, he watches out for Fitz when Ward isn't around, something the Specialist is grateful for. ''Sure''. He can tell the second Mack grows nervous, his shoulders are tense.

''Where did Simmons really go? I get the feeling it wasn't a family emergency''. Ward puts milk in his coffee, doesn't look at the other man. ''That's what I was told. If you think there's something else going on ask Coulson''. ''That's just it, he swears it was just for family''. ''Then you should believe him''. Mack doesn't like that answer, Ward just looks at him. ''I'm worried about Fitz''. ''We're all worried about Fitz''. ''Is he the reason she left?''

Grant grows defensive but doesn't let it show. ''Look I know just as much as you do. Coulson just came up to me one day and told me Simmons was gone, I haven't heard from her since''. Mack doesn't even have to question if Ward is lying, he's that good. Grant finishes his coffee, grabs a water from the fridge and heads to the gym without looking back. Does he morning work out, Trip joins him an hour later.

He and Trip are cut from the same cloth, Specialists usually are. Always working alone, never with a team and if they are it's not for any length of time. After Garrett died and Skye was in Vault D Trip was questioned for a very long time, being Garrett's number two. He had no idea about John or Skye, Garrett never breathed a word about the hacker in all their time together. Grant wonders if Skye knew about Trip, if she was the invisible hand in his missions that he thought were for Shield but were really for Hydra.

The two men work out silently, even spar for an hour before Trip calls it quits and takes a water break. ''Man where do they make you anyhow? You sure you came from the Academy?'' Ward rolls his eyes opens his mouth to respond but May breezes into the room. Face unreadable her arms crossed. ''Coulson needs you two in his office''. Then she's gone and Trip whistles in response to her ice attitude.

Ward can sense the minute he steps out into the hallway that something is off, something is wrong. He checks on Fitz who's silently working in the lab with Mack and breathes a sigh of relief, Fitz is perfectly fine. Ward walks into Coulson's office and immediately stops all movement. ''Hello there''. Simmons is smiling at him her eyes swollen like she's been crying. Agent Bobbi Morse is next to her while Hunter is scowling in the corner.

Simmons takes a hestiant step to him remembering how the Specialist was never found of touch, when he takes them all by surprise when closes the distance between them and pulls her in for a hug. She starts but hugs him back, grips him a little too hard but he doesn't mind. ''It's good to see you again Agent Ward''. Grant pulls back to check her over for injuries, relieved that she has none.

Trip is the next to welcome her, gives her a hug and says he's glad she's back. Simmons smiles huge in response and Ward has missed that, her. A small piece of his team is back and he's very grateful.

''Are you alright? What happened?'' He's slightly annoyed that Coulson didn't inform him of this obvious rescue to get Jemma out of Hydra. ''It was last minute her cover was blown, we didn't have time to call in the calvary''. Coulson tells him as if reading his thoughts. ''I had Agent Morse keep an eye on her, Agent Morse you remember Ward don't you?'' Grant has only heard of Bobbi by reputation, she's damn good at her job.

Bobbi gives him a once over before smiling slightly. ''Best since Romanoff, fell in love with a girl who turned out to be a Hydra agent, yeah I remember''. Ward doesn't rise to the bait just blows off the comment as an uncomfortable silence fills the room. ''See? Hell beast''. Hunter comments before leaving the room, Ward is tempted to follow. May takes control of the situation suggesting Simmons go see Fitz, ushering them all out of the office.

Ward is surprised when he feels pressure on his arm, turns to find Jemma gripping his bicep tightly as if the idea of seeing Fitz after all this time gives her anxiety. ''He's been doing alright''. Grant tells her his voice low so no one else can hear. ''You know why I had to leave''. He does, it wasn't just so Coulson could have a mole in Hydra. Jemma didn't think she was helping Fitz, and she needed an escape after everything.

''I know''. Simmons kisses his cheek before heading off to the lab, denying Ward's offer to accompany her. He watches her go and feels Coulson at his elbow. ''I never thanked you for watching over her''. Ward isn't surprised Coulson knew, he suspected. ''Don't have to thank me sir, just wanted to make sure she was safe in enemy territory''. ''You knew Agent Morse was there to protect her''. ''Bobbi wasn't around her twenty four seven sir''.

''You have a point''. Phil goes back to his office and May glances at Ward her expression cold, before following the Director. A few hours later they're all sitting in the lounge eating breakfast, Simmons is tucked between Ward and Fitz on the couch. Bobbi and Hunter are ignoring each other but have remained civil, Ward forgot that they were married once until Morse called it quits.

Grant has been watching Fitz carefully, waiting for a bad reaction to seeing Jemma. But it never comes, Fitz is smiling more than he ever has in months. Ward hasn't seen well anyone this happy on his team since before Shield fell. They laugh at old mission stories, poke fun at Ward and his robot tendencies, listen to Bobbi and Ward exchange details of missions they nearly died on. It's well into the afternoon before they all leave the room.

It's nearly dinner time when Ward walks into the kitchen to make a sandwich, he sees Simmons sitting at the table with a tablet in her hands. ''Do you want a sandwich?'' She doesn't answer, Grant takes a second look at her face, finally sees the lingering sadness. ''Simmons?'' He strides over, looks over her shoulder and sighs softly. The cameras in Vault D are still up showing an empty cell.

Simmons left before Skye escaped, no one told her. ''All afternoon it felt like something was missing, we're a team still but I just couldn't figure out what was wrong. And then I realized it was Skye. She's not here she made our team complete, the final puzzle piece''. Ward doesn't tell her that he felt the same way all day, that she just said everything he couldn't. ''I still can't believe it''. That makes two of them.

Ward pushes back the image of Skye below him her cheeks flushed her eyes dark as her hands ran across his skin, her lips warm and demanding against his. Simmons seems to remember that Skye is off limits that they don't speak of her. She quickly shuts down the tablet and turns to him, a smile on her face that doesn't meet her eyes. ''I think I'll take a sandwich, I'll bring one to Fitz as well''.

For the next week Coulson and his team have no missions, it seems everyone just wants to reconnect with Simmons. Who rarely ever leaves the lab, making up for all the lost time with Fitz. Sometimes Ward will lean against the doorway and watch them, find himself thinking that Skye would be all over this. She always did want the two ''science babies'' as she called them, to end up together.

Grant isn't blind he's always known Fitz was in love with Simmons it's obvious to everyone but her. It seems he isn't the only one who's rooting for them, Hunter and Bobbi (who after days of fighting seem to have come to some sort of agreement) have been prying into Fitz and Simmons' personal lives. Trying subtly for the other to admit their feelings, it's only from Ward's warning that they stopped.

He's in the gym with Trip and Hunter nine days after Simmons has returned when Coulson calls them into his office. Skye's picture on the screen takes him back a little and there's this ache in his chest that he definitely ignores. May stands stone faced next to Phil, Bobbi and Trip glance at Ward but say nothing. The word Traitor in bright red letters below Skye's face are throwing him off. ''Skye has been spotted in a small town in Chicago, we believe she's still there''.

Coulson then shows them the traffic cam that picked her up and Ward rolls his eyes, he taught her better than that. ''It should only take a few hours to get there. Agent Ward Agent Trip you're going to find her and bring her in''. Grant takes this with a nod shrugs off the concerned glances of Trip and Bobbi. ''ICERS only I want her alive''. ''Yes sir''. Ward turns to leave but Coulson stops him, his expression almost nervous.

''Agent Ward bring her in, do whatever you have to do. Use whatever advantage you have over her, do I make myself clear?'' It's no secret Skye's feelings for Ward and he understands exactly what Phil isn't saying. Play on her feelings for him use that to his gain, distract her just enough to where he can get the upper hand and arrest her. He's done missions like these before, manipulating women with his face and body to get what he wants.

It's as easy as breathing to him now. But this isn't just any woman this is Skye. And despite what Coulson clearly thinks, she's always had the upper hand in their relationship. How the hell is he going to do this? It was only days ago he told her he was going to arrest her when he saw her again, that what happened in that hotel room never would again. There's no way in hell she'd believe him if he just walked back into her life and turned on the charm.

She would know something was up the minute she saw him. This is bad this is so bad, either way he knows it isn't going to end well. There are two ways it's going to go down. One he does what he always has, gets Skye weak gets her to do whatever he wants and then when she's distracted he arrests her. And she'll hate him for it, what kind of man does this to the woman he cares about?

He does not think about the last thing she said to him, using that word he's never heard a day in his life. This will wreck her and Ward is having a hard time coming to terms with what he has to do. And finally scenario number two, Skye immediately senses something is wrong the second she spots him and makes a run for it. Between him and Trip she won't make it very far, she'd still be in Shield's custody either way.

Only question is how, and if Ward really does want to hurt her this way.

Which is how he finds himself in a club of all places, the lights too bright the music already giving him a headache. It's packed with people sweaty bodies brushing against his dark suit, dark wide eyes following his every move. ''Bet you're loving this mission tin man''. Trip says in his comm clearly enjoying Ward's discomfort. Trip is on the other side of the club watching for Skye as well, who they spotted walking in an hour ago.

Grant slips into his role easily, he was always more comfortable in someone else's skin and heads to the bar. Looks around the smoky room ignores all the stares coming his way. He can't see Skye at all, Trip doesn't either. Ward denies drink offer after drink offer while Trip is just laughing quietly telling Grant to lighten up. Finally after an hour he feels this familiar warmth brush against his suit jacket, out of the corner of his eye he sees a blonde stand beside him.

Short hair brown eyes, tan skin and Ward smirks. Finshes the whiskey in his glass before leaning in she still smells like vanilla and spice. ''Never been a fan of blondes''. Skye jumps nearly ten feet in the air, turns to face him the fear plain on her face. Ward swallows down the need to comfort her to hold her in his arms and protect her from all this. That's not why he came, she needs to be held accountable for her crimes.

Her makeup is dark causing her eyes to be more prominent, the dress she's wearing is black clinging to every curve, it's not shy showing large amounts of exposed skin. He can use that to his advantage. And he hates himself for it, for what he's about to do. Half of him wonders why the hell she's even here, it's only her annoyed cough that has him coming back to the present. His eyes haven't been on her face in a few seconds.

''Can we not do this right now? I've had a really good evening and you're runing it already''. Grant notices a few heated stares at her body and he catches the hand that was moving to pull her to his side. Ward schools his expression to look sincere, worried even as he looks down at her. ''I want to talk to you''. She laughs and waves to the bar tender who gives her a wink before sliding a beer over to her.

''No you don't. You're here to arrest me. What's the matter Agent Ward forgot your mission? That's not like you''. She moves away from him and he slides his hand over her arm, she can't hide the tremor that rocks through her, or the catch in her breath she doesn't think he can hear. ''Skye that's not why I'm here. I want to talk, please''. She's not buying it she's not stupid, Ward knew this was a mistake.

''Talk about what exactly? You've made it very obvious you want nothing to do with me, that you'll never forgive me for what happened. You and I have nothing more to say to each other and if you think I'm going to let you drag me out of here and into a Shield vehicle you have another thing coming''. Trip is telling him there are no Hydra agents in here, Skye has no back up. (Kebo is somewhere around but the second he saw Ward he went into hiding.)

Ward still hasn't removed his hand, ignoring the way her warm skin feels on his. He has to be very careful with his words, he can't say anything about the hotel room, about the last time they were together. He has to steer the conversation over to charm, to play her to make her trust him just enough. Ward feels sick to his stomach, he hates Coulson and himself for all of this. ''Skye I'm not here with Shield. I came to find you''.

She moves close to a vacant wall before spinning around to face him, an eyebrow raised. The blonde wig looks odd and he wants nothing more to take it off and glide his fingers through her hair. ''Do you think I'm stupid? That I don't know the only way you and I ever talk is because of Shield? What the hell are you playing at Ward?'' He looks down at her, takes a deep breath and brushes his knuckles across her cheek.

Skye doesn't pull away but doesn't come any closer either. ''I'm not playing anything, not with you. This is me Skye, I'm not here with Shield I'm here for you''. His voice is dripping honey smooth on her skin, he can see the second it throws her. ''I don't believe you''. It takes an hour for her to come back around, he's sitting at the bar watching her, everyone else dance to the music, get caught up in the haze.

Skye has made it her personal mission to torture him apparently (he deserves it) as she dances with every man who approaches her. All the while looking at Ward, sending him a sharp smile once in a while. He's not jealous he's not. She's a target, he's here on a mission not a picnic. Lying to himself? Of course. Ward has many skills, he's not the best since the Black Widow for nothing. So when Skye pulls him out onto the dance floor he doesn't object.

Doesn't hesitate doesn't question why. He figures it out soon, she's playing with him. Getting under his skin like she always has. Between the lights the heat of the atomsphere, Skye's face grinning up at him her skin coated with a thin layer of sweat, he has a hard time getting back into character. The second her hands are on his chest he decides to hell with it. Plays along, his own hands coming to rest on her hips.

She moves with the beat, her hands everywhere all over him. Remember when he said she was always in control? That she had the upper hand in this relationship? Oh. Oh she does, and he's painfully reminded of that when she presses her body flush against his, her arms wrapped around his neck. ''Who knew tight ass Agent Grant Ward had moves? I'm impressed robot''. She says loudly in his ear, her breath warm on his skin.

Her breath hitches when his hands travel lower down her back, it seems he isn't the only one caught up in the moment. ''What are you really doing here Ward?'' They've stopped moving, are just standing in the middle of the flor their arms wrapped around the other, Skye for the first time doesn't have her guard up. He's being honest when he says, ''for you. I wanted to apologize, I dind't like how we ended things''.

Doubt flickers in her eyes for a split second, he brushes a thumb along exposed skin and it vanishes. ''I'm sorry Skye''. ''For what?'' He leans down and says, ''for not understanding sooner''. She leans back to look at him, cocks her head to the side. ''I should of seen the signs Skye I should of been better at reading in between the lines with you. It's partly my fault''. Not a lie either, he doesn't want to do that here.

She looks puzzled, confused. ''You're blaming yourself?'' His hands are cupping her face she leans into his touch. ''It's my job to find all unknown variables to see that things aren't just black and white, I didn't do that with you. I was hurt, I never saw you coming''. All of this is the truth and he didn't plan on saying any of it. It's just he doesn't want to hurt her anymore than he's already going to.

She kisses him. Just stands on the tips of her toes and kisses him surrounded by people, doesn't care about anyone or anything else. Ward responds of course he does, she's always been his weakness. It's all teeth and tongues and hands on exposed skin, it takes a second for Grant to compose himself and break away. They're both breathing heavily arms wrapped around each other like the other is about to fly away.

The look on her face says she believes him, but is still weary, she should be. ''What are you doing Ward?'' He has no idea anymore honestly. His senses are filled with nothing but her the feel of her against him, her skin on his hands. He's about to respond when she unwraps herself from him and takes his hand. Leading him off the dance floor where they have brought attention to themselves, and out back to the alley.

It's chilly tonight, goosebumps raise on his warm skin. Skye it seems doesn't want to talk anymore, his words that he hardly remembers right now from earlier have done their trick apparently. Her mouth is back on his her hands slipping under his shirt from where she untucked it a while ago, he shivers when her nails scrape across his stomach. Ward backs her into the wall, one hand on her head to soothe the touch of the bricks behind her.

He loses track of time of himself of the mission. Just kisses her and kisses her. It isn't until his fingers are under her dress that Trip's voice sounds in his ear. It's like a bucket of cold water. Ward pulls his lips away from her neck breathing hard, removes his hands from her. ''What's wrong?'' Guilt crashes into him in waves so hard he can barely stand it. ''I'm sorry Skye I can't. I can't do this to you''. His face is still in the warm inviting skin of her neck, he can feel her pulse racing beneath his lips.

''Ward I''- ''You were right, you were always right''. Skye freezes and then in the coldest tone he's ever heard (May has nothing on it) she tells him to get the hell off of her. It's then that Trip decides to make an appearance, camly opening the back door with an ICER in his hand. Skye backs away from Ward her expression very similiar to the one he was wearing months ago on the Bus when he finally confronted her. Betrayal.

She's breathing heavy her eyes still dark her skin flushed, hands shaking. There's disbelief rolling off her as she glares at Grant, ''you really would do anything wouldn't you?'' Coulson is in their comm telling them that time is up, bring her in. Ward says nothing and half a second later he's catching her as she falls from the shot of Trip's ICER. He swallows down the guilt the anger the self hatred, this is his job this is who he is.

He's done missions like these a hundred times. Skye was the target and he did what he had to do to capture her. If he keeps repeating this over and over maybe he'll start to believe it.