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

''This is wrong Coulson and you know it''. Ward watches silently leaning against the wall in Coulson's office as Trip is saying everything to their boss Ward should be. ''That girl doesn't deserve to be hunted down like some kind of animal''. ''There's nothing to discuss Trip. Skye deserves to pay for her crimes, she's a traitor''. ''So you're sending a task force out to kill her''. ''Capture not kill''. ''You'll kill her anyway, didn't think Shield was about that''.

Phil glances over to Ward like he's supposed to defend his actions but Grant is far too angry at the moment. How in the hell did Coulson think this was okay? ''We should be using this task force to hunt down Hydra, not Skye. She isn't a threat sir''. Ward says finally, it's not what Coulson wanted to hear. ''Not a threat? She dropped Fitz and Simmons into the ocean, she's responsible for I don't know how many deaths under John Garrett''.

''He pulled the trigger, not Skye. If you wanted to hate someone sir hate John'''. Bobbi chimes in who moves to stand beside Ward. May is silent, stoic as she sticks by Coulson she'll follow that man to his grave. ''And you all just think I should let it go then? Skye betraying us, nearly killing members of our team, choosing Garrett over all of us''. Ward wants to say that she didn't have a lot of options, that her father figure was dying and she did everything she could to save him.

That not everything was her fault. Bobbi is right if they want to blame someone blame Garrett, he's the one who took a little girl and molded her shaped her into who he wanted her to be, a secret weapon he could use at his disposal. The office is dead quiet as Coulson looks at them all, a frown on his face. ''Hydra is the enemy here sir, shouldn't we focus on them instead? If we look at the bigger picture Skye is just one person, not the entire organization''.

Ward says, but he can tell it's no use, no one is going to talk him out of this. ''I appreciate the concern Agent Ward but''- ''Sir with all due respect we're wasting this task force on one person, why not hit Hydra hard as a whole? We're in desperate need of help with the fight, why not use them to our advantage?'' It's strategic, Ward keeps his tone bored, devoid of any emotion. He's not supposed to care about Skye or her well being.

But he does, and he's afraid for her. She was right he can't be there with her all the time, what if he's on a mission and something happens? He can't protect her like this. ''He has a point Phil''. May says crossing her arms. Just like the first time they ended their relationship, it was a clean break nothing awkward. Her and Ward are professionals at the end of the day, besides it was only physical in the end. No strings attached, no emotions.

''This is not up for a vote, I respect your imput but this is happening. This task force will bring Skye in and we'll go from there. We've reclaimed the Fridge, after questioning Skye she will be escorted there''. ''Without a trial?'' Ward asks, fighting the urge to clench his fists. Coulson turns to him, ''we had the chance for a trial with your brother. But that didn't work out''. Grant scoffs, ''he wouldn't of given her a fair trial''.

Phil doesn't respond, knowing all too well how much Grant loathes to talk about his family. ''General Talbot is sending us six of his men to bring Skye in, they will be here shortly''. The Director leaves them in his office, May at his heels. ''You thinking what I'm thinking?'' Bobbi looks to Trip as soon as Coulson is out of ear shot, he smiles. ''Since when did you two make it your mission to save Skye from Coulson?''

Ward wonders aloud, easily reading in between the lines. That's his job now, though he realizes it's been happening for a while. Oh how far he's come since a few months ago. ''Since Coulson is so hell bent on revenge he can't see straight''. Bobbi answers. ''And just how are you planning to rescue her from this? You're risking your careers, your lives. She's not worth it''. He's lying of course, Grant would give up everything he has to keep her safe.

''Man how can you say that? She's just a girl who trusted the wrong person. She was just a kid when Garrett found her. If the situation were reversed you'd of done the same thing. Hell you'd do it now if Coulson was dying and there was only one way to save him''. It's true. Well maybe not so much these days if Phil continues to try and kill the woman he loves. ''Besides I have a feeling those guys aren't really the type to arrest first ask questions later''.

''I'm taking no part in this''. Ward tells them, pushing off the wall and walking out of the room. ''Turning a blind eye again Agent Ward?'' He doesn't respond, pulls out his phone to send a message to Skye but there's already one from her waiting in his inbox. Opening it he smiles, unable to hold it back. It's a picture of her at the park beside her apartment, the sun behind her. She's blowing him a kiss and the caption underneath is telling him how much she loves him.

He'll never get tired of hearing that. No one has ever told him that before, not his siblings or parents, no one. Grant is scared if he's being honest, he loves Skye so much but isn't sure what to do about it. He's too locked down too much of a robot really to know what it's like to be in a relationship, doesn't know the protocols or instructions. He admitted this to her last night on the verge of sleep, she has a habit of getting him to talk about his feelings.

Skye's response was so simple, just be with her. Talk if something is bothering him, if he's uncomfortable with something. Oh and kissing her, he has to kiss her every day and god he wishes he could. He misses her already and it's only been a few hours since he saw her last. He wants nothing more than to wake up every morning next to her, live the rest of his days like that. But it's just not in the cards, not yet anyway.

Would he leave Shield for her if she asked? What if one day she got tired of him coming and going (because that's all he's ever going to get to do, he doesn't know if Skye realizes that) and she makes him choose? Her or the only life he's ever known? It's not even a question. It would be her, in a heartbeat. If it came down to the only way being with her, protecting her, he would leave Shield.

The thought however, the reality of that decision makes anxiety swirl in his stomach. Who is he exactly without orders? Without a gun in his hand, without Kevlar? Who is Grant Ward really if not a Shield agent? He's not that scared kid Christian used to destroy, is he really just a Specialist who pulls the trigger whenever someone tells him to? Is that all he is? These questions run rampant in his brain and he heads to the training room to calm himself.

Wraps his hands and takes out all his emotions on the punching bag. His parents, Christian, the last time he saw his little sister Rose. Would she be disgusted with who he turned out to be like the rest of their family? He doesn't want to dwell on that. Always his brain goes back to Skye, how exactly is he going to protect her from this? He has no doubt that these guys are good, and Skye with all of her skills might not be able to hide under the radar for long,

When they find her, he has no doubt they will, he's going to have to act quickly to get her out. Perhaps he should team up with Trip and Bobbi, but then decides against it. If he can get to Skye before them, he'll be the only one to blame. No need for them to get in trouble as well. Besides he doesn't trust that when push comes to shove especially in a delicate situation like this one, Bobbi and Trip would choose Skye over Shield. He doubts they'd go that far.

Once he's done and sweat is covering him he quickly types out a message to Kebo telling him of what's going on, that he and Skye need to stay put and out of sight until he gives the all clear. The message he recieves back makes him sigh loudly, Kebo has typed ''Okay'' but then there's an image attached, he's flicking Ward off. Moron. ''Ward''. Bobbi comes into the room and says the task force has arrived.

''You're really going to let them take her?'' ''I have no authority over this Agent Morse''. ''This is wrong''. ''Sometimes the right call isn't always easy''. She shakes her head, ''I know but''- ''This is the job Bobbi, we have to do things we don't like sometimes. If you can't handle that you're in the wrong business''. He leaves her in the hallway and heads into Coulson's office, Trip and Hunter are there along with May and Mack.

Ward immediately senses the tension in the room, spots out the leader in half a second. Big man all brute strength, the thought of him even touching Skye causes his blood to boil. Coulson catches his eye and waves him over. ''General Johnson this is Special Agent Ward''. The man screams black ops, all five of them do. Grant could wipe the floor with them, and he will if the situation calls for it.

The man shakes his hand, slightly wincing at Grant's firm grip. ''Ward huh? Any relation to Senator Christian Ward?'' Honestly today has brought up his brother enough and Ward just wants to punch this guy out of annoyance on principle. ''No''. Grant has already read up on this specific group of men, they've been in the military for years, are known for going in getting the job done without the mess.

Grant can already tell each and every one of them wants to mark himself as the Alpha in this situation, they're puffing out their chests and trying to sound important as they talk to Coulson. Ward exchanges a look between Hunter and Trip who are biting back laughter. Coulson pulls up a picture of Skye on the monitor, it's of one on the Bus that Jemma must of taken. Her long hair illuminuated by the sun, smiling at someone but whoever it was is cut out of the image.

''That's our target?'' Johnson asks, scratching his beard. ''One girl?'' ''Don't be fooled you've been briefed on her history''. ''Of course sir, just taken by surprise is all. Didn't think she'd be a tiny little thing''. If Skye were here she'd stop on his foot and curse until she was blue in the face. The unspoken comment hangs in the air, a team of spies couldn't catch one girl and they had to call in special forces to grab her, pathetic.

''You'll have to give us a few days Director Coulson, seek her out watch her, her patterns once we find her''. Johnson tells him after Coulson briefly explains that he wants Skye captured. ''Of course''. They walk out of the office into the hall. ''Any one of your agents going to join us when we find her?'' Ward automatically steps up, much to his surprise Coulson waves him off. ''Sir?'' He doesn't even bother to hide his confusion.

''You're sitting this one out Agent Ward''. His training tells him to shut up and accept the order, after all it's all he knows. But another part of him the one that needs to make sure everything goes to plan and Skye is safe, wants to know why Coulson won't include him. ''Sir Ward should go, make sure everything runs smoothly''. Mack chimes in as he comes from the lab, Fitz and Simmons behind him.

Coulson sighs before giving in, ''Agent Ward you're not allowed on this mission because it's personal for you''. Well that's true but Coulson can't know that. So Grant scoffs, the years of training letting the annoyance bleed onto his face, ''I can seperate church from state here Coulson''. ''I know you can that's not the problem. The problem is I dont' trust you around Skye. She has a habit of getting under your skin''.

Not liking his personal life being put out on the line Ward simply nods in acceptance and leaves the hallway. A few months ago Ward would of easily gone on this mission to find Skye and brings her in, but now he's trying to protect her from the same people that are his family but also want her dead. It's a thin line he's walking, just how far will they go? Will he go? If May or Hunter had a gun to Skye's head, would he take them out?

Yes.

''Kebo leave the ducks alone''. ''Don't tell me what to do''. ''Fine but when they chase you again don't come crying to me''. Skye shakes her head as Kebo leans forward towards the pond like he's fighting himself to go and try to pet the ducks. It's only been a few hours since Ward left and she already misses him, his touch, how invincible and warm she felt in his arms. ''God, if your boyfriend sends me one more message I'm going to kick him''.

She turns to find Kebo scrolling through the phone with one hand while the other is holding his flask. A second later he's choking on the alcohol and Skye puts her hand on his back. ''Bloody hell''. ''What? What's wrong?'' ''Hold on just let me finish dying for a moment''. Always the dramatic one. ''Dear god. Our favorite Director of Shield apparently sent a special task force after you''. ''What?''

''Ward just said to lay low for a while until he gives us the all clear. Skye this is serious stuff we're talking government black ops guys''. ''And Coulson hired them to bring me in''. ''Shit this is bad, this is so bad we're going to die. You're going to die then Ward is going to die, what the hell am I going to do? Does anyone respect my needs? I''- ''Kebo relax no one is dying''. ''Sure you say that now then I see your body on the ground in some dirty alley''-

Skye smacks his arm to get him to stop talking. He does have a point though, this is bad. Since Shield fell they don't have all the resources in the world at their fingertips anymore, they just got lucky in finding her. But these guys are with the government, Skye can stay off the grid if she wishes but it's only a matter of time until this task force finds her. And Ward is amazing but can he really take them all on just to protect her?

He shouldn't have to and she's not asking him. Not for the first time she wishes John would of trained her, that she and Ward had more time to mold her into the proper agent. ''Kebo''. ''What? Come on we need to get out of the open''. ''Teach me how to fight''. They start walking back to the apartment and he pauses to look at her. ''Didn't super spy already teach you?'' ''Didn't get too far before I kind of stabbed him in the back''. Kebo chuckles, ''oh yeah''.

''So will you teach me?'' ''Look I'm not going to sugar coat it honey cakes, this task force is probably going to find us in the next couple days. I can't really teach you how to destroy someone like the Calvary in that time frame''. He glances at her, must see the fear on her face because he throws his arm across her shoulders. ''I know you want to protect yourself, I'll do what I can okay?'' She smiles and kisses his cheek.

For two nights in a row Skye has nightmares, to the point where she doesn't even try to sleep. She's drinking coffee at three in the morning it's been forty hours since Ward told them about the task force, she hasn't heard from him since. She can't sleep the dreams are draining her, they are either all about John telling her she's weak that this team is going to kill her and it'll be her fault.

Or she's with John, he was never killed and he dies protecting her from Shield, from the rest of the horrors this world has to offer. Some days she can push the space in her chest where he used to be away, to the point where she can enjoy her life. But when she's alone this wave of missing him comes along so strong it occasionally brings her to her knees. Tonight is one of those nights.

She's criyng into her coffee cup, resenting him just a little for putting her in this position. She just found stability, just got the man of her dreams and now it could all come crashing down again. Because she chose to follow Garrett, because all she ever wanted was to save his life and because of that she spends her days hiding fearing for her life. But honestly? If there was a way to bring him back (logically she knows there's not)

but if there was she'd take it in a heart beat. Without question without hesitation. Maybe then she wouldn't feel so out of place most of the time, like she's back in the orphanage and doesn't belong anywhere. Her phone vibrates against the counter, it's a message from Ward. She wipes her face, he's telling her to open the front door. She does and gasps, just a little. It feels like weeks since she's seen him not days.

Grant is standing there in a leather jacket and five o'clock shadow looking as if he's about to take down the entire world. ''Hi''. She beckons him in and he takes her in his arms, sighing into her hair. ''What are you doing here? It's too dangerous Grant''. He's telling her that he doesn't care as he buries his face in her neck. His lips are warm as they trail a path up her throat, to her jaw, her nose before resting against her forehead.

Here it's safe, here in his arms everything fades she's safe, the safest she's ever been. Nothing bad happens here. ''Ward if Coulson finds out you've been here''. She trails off as she presses her face into his chest, breathes in his scent the comfort he provides. ''I'm not worried Skye''. ''You should be, please don't put yourself in danger for me. If anything happened to you I couldn't live with myself''.

She lost John, she can't lose Grant too.

''Skye I can handle it, nothing is going to happen to me''. She pulls away slightly to look at him, he's frowning as he cups her face. Studies her, wipes a few stray tears from her eyes. ''Are you alright? You look exhausted''. She nuzzles his palm, glides her hands up his back. ''If you're scared I''- ''I'm not scared Ward''. ''Then what's wrong?'' She knows how he feels about John, Skye steps away from him and sits on the couch he of course follows.

She doesn't miss the way his gaze settles on the pack of cigarettes on the coffee table, Skye was holding them earlier, when she's really worked up touching them has become her coping mechanism. Calms her down helps her breathe. ''I miss John. And I know you hate him but if we're going to be together you have to know that I loved him. He was my father and I miss him so much it feels like I can't breathe sometimes.

He may have been cruel and yes he used me, turned me into his perfect puppet to use at his disposal. But he was my dad Ward, and I have days where it hurts to get out of bed because he's no longer around. I'm not asking you to understand my relationship with him or to like him, because the man you saw was desperate and dying and he wasn't always like that''. She takes a deep breath, reaches for the cigarettes but then decides against it.

Takes Ward's hand in her's instead. He isn't looking at her in disgust, isn't judging her. He's just looking at her like he loves her like he wants to help her, take all that pain away if he could. ''What can I do?'' He asks squeezing her fingers. ''Hold me''. He doesn't need to be told twice. Pulls her into his lap and strokes her hair, after a while she relaxes, melts into his chest. Right now she doesn't want to worry about the team Coulson has after her.

Right now she's just basking in the fact that there's someone to comfort her when she gets like this, when she misses Garrett so much she can't stand it. They should be talking about a plan, how she's going to survive this mess but right now she just wants to be here with Ward, feel safe and comforted in his embrace. Half of her is curious is to why exactly he's here at three in the morning when he should be sleeping.

''Ward why are you here so late?'' She asks a few minutes later. He shrugs, ''couldn't sleep''. Skye knows he too has nightmares about his childhood, missions that went bad. ''And I missed you''. She smiles and kisses him softly, running her fingers down his face. ''Where does Coulson think you are?'' ''Asleep. I can't stay Skye I just wanted to make sure you were alright''. She kisses his nose, ''I'm okay. Now I'm okay''.

This game their playing is dangerous, she could wind up dead and he in jail. Branded as a traitor for keeping her a secret, and she doesn't want that life for him she's not worth it. ''I love you''. She tells him, planting a small kiss over his heart. ''I love you Skye, I'm not going to let anything happen to you I promise''. She believes him even though she knows she shouldn't.