Chapter Text
“Thanks for coming to get us, sir – Dad.” Ward’s still not used to saying it but he tries.
Coulson smiles, clapping his shoulder. “Family means nobody gets left behind.” He looks pointedly at Fitz. "You too, son."
“Thank you, sir.” Fitz replies, nodding before heading to where Simmons stands.
Ward looks up to see May by the railing, he nods, mouthing ‘thanks’. May smiles. Really, who needs an extraction team when he’s got the Cavalry for a Mom?
“Did you just quote Lilo & Stitch?” Skye says as she approaches.
“It seemed appropriate.” Coulson replies, “Get some rest, all of you.”
He knows she was worried, can see it in her eyes as they take in his cut lip, her thumbnail that she’s chewed within an inch of its life. “Hey,” Ward offers her a small smile.
Her reaction isn’t unexpected but he’s still surprised all the same. Her arms go around his middle, squeezing tight as she holds on. Whenever Coulson returned from missions, Skye would simply hug him to reassure herself that everything was okay; it was the same for him when he joined SHIELD.
“I thought I lost you.” She mumbled against his chest, her hands curl around his jacket.
He wraps his arms around her small frame, “Truth is, I was in good hands. Fitz,” Ward tilts his head to the two scientists, “pretty badass. So don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easy.”
Skye lets out a watery chuckle, “Promise?”
“Promise.” He tightens his hold, resting his cheek against her hair.
“Good. They haven’t perfected the whole human cloning thing.”
He laughs. “Thinking of replacing me with a newer model?”
“You could use a few upgrades but,” she shakes her head, “the original is always better.”