Chapter Text
When Ward told her he was going to be her Supervising Officer she hadn't expected to be thrown into the deep end almost immediately. With a very rigorous training routine and constant correction he was very blunt in his training.
She came down the stairs still wrapping her hands only to be met with "You know you're late” Ward who looked like he'd been up hitting the gym since 4AM was already not happy with her performance.
“I’m tired from the morning’s workout” Where he’d had her getting used to crunches and sit-ups. Her abs were still sore. “I thought I was joining S.H.I.E.L.D not 24 hour fitness.” She moved in front of the punching bag to get ready for the multiple reps he was going to have her do.
“It's called relative strength training, starting with the basics.” He started to adjust her posture and the wrapping on her hands “And next time, you do 15 push-ups for every minute you're late.”
“Fine, Mr. Fun machine. Better than pull-ups.” She hated pull-ups. Probably more than she should. “I don't ever want to do another pull-up again.”
“You find yourself hanging off the edge of a building 20 stories up, you're gonna want to do at least one”
He stood next to her in the proper position to start hitting the bag, letting her know how each movement should look. She gave it a less than ideal try. A few loose weak punches here and there. Her arms were still sore ok.
As Ward watched off to the side she grumbled “I’m sure Fitz-Simmons supervising officer didn't make them do muscle stuff.”
Fitz-Simmons did not have to do muscle drills. But one look at them and she could've guessed they'd never even done so much as one push up. Ward was right she needed to commit to this. She was just still having a hard time believing this could last. As Ward went on and on about defining moments and commitment she felt that even he didn't believe it was something she was capable of.
The intercom overheard rang out and soon May's voice could be heard through the speakers, letting them know they were on course for Colorado. Fitz-Simmons and Ward all got moving quickly to see why they were heading off. They gathered upstairs where Coulson was standing with an ipad quickly explaining that one of Shields' beloved scientists had gone missing.
Ward was the only one to ask “And the attackers?’
Coulson walked away as he said “Invisible”
Skye was the only one to find this cool “Wait, invisible?” she giggled “Cool.” Looking up she was only met with Ward’s disappointed face and she corrected her statement. “But terrible”
Being a consultant on cases that needed brains was turning into a very boring task. It's not like she could scour the internet for invisible mystical forces that just sweep scientists away. May and Coulson were both standing around the lab trying to keep up with Fitz-Simmons science talk, going back and forth on the possibility of there being a mole in Shield when Coulsons said “I think you should go through the communication logs, rule it out.” to May.
Skye immediately jumped on the opportunity to be useful “I can do that instead of pull-ups.” She volunteered. She started walking towards her computer “I can upload an image of the tread pattern and..” she was cut off by Ward saying he’d already done it.
Rendering her effectively useless as he continued explaining that he also already narrowed down the type of truck it was, including a list of suspects. She watched as Coulson stood next to her praising his work. Once they were all left to their own devices agai she turned to the man
“Hey so Ward said a funny thing, you guys don't have a truth serum.”
Coulson gave her his soft smile like he was amused “Did he? Ward said that?”
She nodded “yeah”
He nodded back “interesting”
He smiled again before walking off. It was still deeply unclear if there was a truth serum. She'd hope she wasn't so easily fooled. She’d like to think she had better instincts by now, especially when it came to liars.
May strolled into the room breaking her from her train of thought as she placed a very large, very heavy book into her arms “Do you want me to bench press this?” She asked incredulously.
“Read it, every communication out of HQ since they decided to transfer Dr.Hall” was all she said before leaving her to do just that. That was the first time May had given her a real task on this plane. Despite being on board and in her presence like this for a little over a week now it was still jarring how easy it was for her to pretend they were nothing more than colleagues.
As she sat in the back of the lab reading thousands of minor communications that ultimately meant nothing, she also listened to Fitz and Simmons ramble on and on trying to get her to understand the device.
While seeing May around base had her wishing she had her mom back, watching Fitz-Simmons be so interlinked to each other was a different kind of relationship she wondered if she'd ever have. This unspoken bond between another person. Platonic or romantic, no one had ever stuck around that long for her.
The team argued back and forth about how to get into Quinn's expo without breaking about a thousand international laws. No one even considered that she might be of help. Between Ward speaking over her, May giving her a death glare across the table, Fitz-Simmons talking about monkeys, she was starting to wonder if they'd ever mesh well as a team.
It didn't take long for her to get the e-vite either. The Rising Tide was known for their less than moral ways of getting insider info.
Skye had fallen into the hacking world two years after May left, a year before she dropped out of high school. She couldn't stay with the nuns anymore and once May left she knew she wasn't going to be placed anywhere good let alone safe. Computer science was merely a survival tactic that first year. She needed to be invisible. It wasn't long after all of that, that she'd met Miles and he'd opened up so many more doors for her. Her history with Shield included. Which went far deeper than May had told her.
She stepped forward as their arguing died down “Not me I can go in” Of course Ward objectives, Coulson at the very least wanted to hear her out.
“Well I'm not an agent of shield, so I can go in without breaking all these stupid rules”
Simmons ever the teacher's pet said “International laws’
Skye continued looking for the invite on her phone as they discussed more deeply why it was a bad idea “You said you can go in with a man inside.”
May jumped at it “And you want to be that man” her tone disapproving.
She nearly rolled her eyes “Fitz-Simmons love the guy and he needs help, they could be torturing him or worse” she looked at Ward “making him do strength training”
Coulson had decided to let her go against everyone's better judgement. They went over the plan numerous times, what the devices she'd be using would do, safe words in case she needed out and Ward insisted on giving her another training session before she had to get ready. This time on how to disarm a man and a gun. She has to admit she didn't take Mr.Terminator all that seriously. Everyone seemed a little too uptight and over protective over a simple party.
Skye had just finished changing into her outfit for the expo, as she left her bunk to go see Fitz-Simmons to prepare to leave she was met with May standing outside her door. She rolled her eyes at the woman and crossed arms “What? I've got to go meet Fitz-Simmons”
“You aren't ready for fieldwork, you're going to jeopardize the mission” May said devoid of emotion.
Seven years ago seeing May like this would've scared her. May was always a calm, quieter person but she was also warm. When she reprimanded her as a kid it always came with sympathy and understanding. When she’d gotten a note from her fourth grade teacher that she’d hit a kid in her class, the nuns told May thinking that her discipline would be worse than getting hit by a nun. However all May did was sit her down and ask why she'd done it. The kid had been pushing around all the girls in class and Skye was the only one to actually do something about it. Of course May told her she shouldn't hit people, and then showed her how to properly throw a punch.
Bus May was very different. Reminding her more and more of the nuns she grew up surrounded by. She couldn't help but wonder what made May stop being Melinda.
She sighed already exhausted from where this might go “yeah well I'm the only option so either bring it up with Coulson or get over it”
“You can't defend yourself Skye, and I know you're going to get yourself hurt.”
She took a step closer to the other woman “you don't know anything about me anymore. I can take care of myself just fine, no thanks to you.”
Maybe this was the only way May knew how to care about her anymore. In some twisted roundabout way she held just enough professionalism in her words to be classified as “unbiased” but the insistence in her safety is where the true May lied.
Skye shouldered her as she moved past but stopped before fully out of hearing distance, she sighed “I'll be careful” she said softly. This is what she wanted, right? She wanted May to care about her again, she wanted the overbearing guardian back.
Ian Quinn's expo was full of snobby rich people who all pretended they were doing something more than contributing to the downfall of society. The wives on the arms of businessmen, the suits surrounded by security, champagne towers and hors d'oeuvres. She sipped her own glass of champagne and played her role perfectly. The curious newcomer who was just a little bit in over her head. Skye never had a problem when it came to making herself fit in. More often than not in a foster home she knew exactly the kind of kid they were looking for. It was easy, playing pretend.
She did still feel nervous, with May watching over her every move, hearing her every word. May's presence usually brought a sense of comfort to her, even when she didn't talk to her just knowing she was on the bus looking out for her helped. Today however after their little talk she felt like she now had something to prove.It was horrible, and she was hoping FitzSimmons wouldn't think anything of her stammering out during a few introductions.
That being said she was good at pretending, and even better at making people think she needed rescuing. Telling Ian Quinn exactly what he wanted to hear was easy. He wanted to be the one to prove the world was corrupt, what better idea than to show him the earpiece and play along.
“Yes and fit their profile”
She raised an eyebrow “profile?”
“Sure you're a criminal. You have a warrant somewhere.”
She's glad May didn't hear that. She has the sneaking suspicion the older woman would be less than thrilled to hear about the time her and Miles raided a 7/11. He was in between paychecks, they'd already eaten all their chips and pre packaged sandwiches. Times were hard for a long time,
She shrugged, offering the man a half smirk. “Probably”
“Specialized skill set
“I try to stay humble but fail”
“No family”
Her face fell. Just enough for him to be able to tell he hit the mark. Which of course gave him all the “proof” he needed to believe he had gotten her. He kept on trying to convince her that Shield would turn their backs on her, that she was disposable, expendable. Something to be used and discarded. It hit exactly where he wanted it to. Reminding her easily of all the people that did exactly that previously in her life, one of which still actively doing so.
She was older now, she knew objectively that these people wouldn't do that, not after all they've been through together, she just couldn't let her mind wander back to the worst case scenario.
It was all a blur after that, Ian figured out the plan, he had three armed men corner her into the wall, guns all hinted at her. Even going so far as to point a gun himself towards her. He doubted the team and let himself believe she was defenseless so when she took the gun from him, he was startled.
There was no chance she was shooting it, Ward hadn't even let her shoot it in training yet. She threw the gun and jumped off the balcony throwing herself into the pool that was just deep enough to catch her.She had no way of contacting anyone so she was on her own for the moment trying to think of a way to get back to the bus. Armed guards everywhere around her as she ran across the yard. Previously full of life and partygoers now was home to loose bullets, broken glasses and turned over tables. There was no clear escape and for a second she was worried she might actually die here on her second official Shield mission.
On her left three guys and on her right three more. As she ran they grabbed her and held her uncertain of what to do with these guys overpowering her, her best option was to call for help. Which came in the form of Ward swooping in to save the day. Asking her if she was ok before they found Coulson in the basement. They had preapred her a lot pre mission, what she wasn't prepared to see was Dr Hall feed himself the gravitonium. It was,something she's not sure she'llforgetany time soon.
Skye was exhausted, her adrenaline still hadn't rested despite being back on the bus for almost an hour now. They decided to debrief the mission before letting everyone get to bed and change their outfits. Her head was killing her, her hair had dried weird and she wanted out of the bright pink dress she was wearing. May kept giving her concerned looks from across the table, only a very tiny almost imperceivable frown, to anyone who hadn't spent years with her they would've missed it.
Coulson released everyone from the main room but held her back gently by her arm. His face seeping with pride as he said “You did better than expected today, I see Ward’s training is finally getting put to use”
She snorted, they started walking to her bunk“ Yeah he's pretty ok at the whole supervising officer thing, which stupid name for a trainer by the way”
“I'll let Shield academy know it needs a rebrand. You like field work? I know you aren't used to being in the action as much so i just want to check in”
He really was just a good guy. Even after spending as much time with the man as she still was, she was still taken aback by his gentle nature. She hadn't meant many older men who where kind the way he was. One night Simmons had fallen asleep sitting at the lab and Skye had watched as he carefully woke her up and told her to her bed.
Now here he was offering the same kindness to a girl he barely knew. “I won't lie, it was pretty scary with all those guns pointed at me, but um yeah I like being in the action. Better than being stuck inside where I can't do anything to help. Fitzsimmons are good with the behind the scenes stuff, and even Ward can do a simple background check, May flies this thing and is some secret ninja. It's probably best for me to broaden my own talents.”
They were now in front of her bunk and he smiled "You're good at what you do, behind the scenes or otherwise. I wouldn't have let you join the party if you weren't helpful.”
She was never good at taking compliments, let alone any sort of praise and reassurance. A small part of her knew Coulson wouldn't think any differently of her if she didn't like fieldwork, it was still nice to hear. “Thanks.”
“Right well I'll leave you, make sure you eat something before bed.”
She snickered, “Ok, goodnight Coulson.”
“Night Skye” he paused “huh no pun intended I guess”
She rolled her eye. He really was a dork. She entered her bunk and sighed deeply allowing the long days events to finally wash over her. She wouldn't allow herself to fall asleep before a shower so she used her last bit of remaining energy to grab a change of clothes. Just as she was about to open the dresser she found on top her beloved stuffed lion with a notecard and a handful of protein bars.
The card simply just read: You did good today. Don't forget to eat something -M
It was so stupid. It was barely anything, but as she hugged the lion to her chest it felt like everything. It was all so confusing how she could do this, offer her comfort and familiarity in secret but still refused to look at her fully.She sighed and wiped away the frustrating tears in her eyes that were brewing. Tonight she was too exhausted to care, she let herself be falsely comforted by her childhood stuffed animal and went to sleep that night pretending her mom really was back.
May had left Skye's bunk and went to see Coulson. She couldn't stand on the sidelines idly as the rest of the team put themselves in danger. She was too harsh on Skye today, she hoped the peace offering was enough to put them on more manageable terms. Even if they could no longer be close, May didn't want Skye in any sort of danger.
Coulson was just finishing up a call when she came in to talk to him. He turned to her, grabbing the disassembled gun off his desk “I used to have this down” he said as he messed around with the magazine clip. “Should be just muscle memory” The gun jammed.
“Youre making a habit out of it sir.” She crossed her arms from the other side of the room.\
Still messing with the weapon “Trying, guess i’m a little rusty.”
“Of these close calls I mean. I don't enjoy running back end.”
He put the gun down and turned to face her quickly, his expression showing disappointment “you want off the plane? Go ahead” She admired his straightforwardness. Even if ill placed.
She walked towards him “I want in. Reporting for combat next time it's up” Her hands folded behind her back as she told herself this was about more than just Skye and Phil.
“You committed to the cause of just watching my back?” he asked.
She smiled “same thing” it was too soon to let him in on the Skye of it all. She liked Fitz-Simmons and Ward but Phil and Skye were family, she only trusted herself with them. She turned around to leave the room “And you are a little rusty”
She felt his presence before she saw him, he was watching her from the top of the stairs as she hit the bag. Much more dedicated than before. He came down the spiral steps slowly.
“You and your brothers, where'd you grow up?” she asked him mid routine.
This time he was more willinging with his answers "Massachusetts mostly.”
“A house?”
“You didn't?" there was something in the way he said it. Almost like he expected the answer.
She paused her punching to look back at him “One house. Kind of. She unwrapped her hands “Saint Agnes, I lived in a lot of different foster homes they always sent me back.” She took a drink of her water “said I wasn't a good fit.”
“But my house was a person. She basically raised me, never adopted me though said her lifestyle wasn't fit for a kid. Everytime she came to see me I begged her to take me with her.” She put her water down and focused more on her hands again. “I invited her to my middle school graduation, not even anything serious. She promised to come and she didn't. She never came back after that. I'd been let down before but this was different.” The forgotten promise is still weighing heavy on her shoulders and mind. Knowing she'd never get a real answer for why May left her.
Ward had come closer and started speaking softer to her now. “Cause you wanted her to want you’’
Skye nodded up at him slightly “bad”. She fixed the wrapping on her hands some more “she was life a mom to me, even told her that once.” she sighed remembering it all. How scared she felt to admit to May how important she was to her, May silently accepting the title and squeezing her tighter. She sighed “guess it wasn't a good fit.
She finally went back over the bag and started hitting it again “hoping for something and losing it, hurts more than never hoping for anything”
Ward came over and held the bag back for her “We wont turn our back.”
It was clear he meant it. He’d been a good S.O to her so far, trying everything to get her to take the training seriously. Opting for something that in turn made himself vulnerable and uncomfortable. She appreciated his new approach, much better than the robot persona he had put on.
“Doesn’t matter I made my choice i want this” she took another stronger hit at the bag “bad”