Prologue:

Agent Grant Ward knew exactly what he had to do. With the threat of his secret being blown, he should make a run for it. If his team found out, then there would be countless consequences. He'd lose them all. Most importantly he would lose Skye.

Garrett had warned him before he took this assignment about growing attached. Among the countless things Garrett had taught him, having weaknesses were dangerous was the most recurring lesson. First it had been with Buddy, now it was with the team. If only Garrett could see him now. No, no, that was the last thing Ward wanted.

Sighing, he packed his dufflebag of the few possessions he owned. It's funny how he could fit his entire life into one bag. The sadness of that never hit him until now. He carefully took a photo he had of the team out of the picture frame next to his bed. Everyone looked so happy in this photo. Even he himself had managed to smile for the photo. He folded up the photo carefully before sliding it into his wallet.

"Where are you going?" Skye's voice broke through his thoughts.

He held back groan. He hadn't planned on anyone catching him leaving. "I have to get out of here."

"Why?" she asked.

"You wouldn't understand," he says.

"You're my SO, Ward. You can't just leave the team...me without giving a reason."

"I'm doing it to keep you all safe," he said. "You're all better off if I'm not here."

"That's not true," Skye said.

Ward turned around to face her. He could see the hurt look on her face as she stared up at him. "Trust me, Skye, everything will be better when I'm a far way away from here."

"I'm coming with you." she told him.

"No, you are staying here. This is where you're safe."

"I'm safe with you," she tells him. "You aren't going to argue about this, Grant Ward. I'm coming with you."

With that said she left his room to go pack her own things. He'd dreamed about this, of course. Her leaving with him. Her not judging him for his past mistakes. As much as he wants this, he knows that she can't. He can't lie to her why he's on the run from both SHIELD and Hydra. There was always the truth. But if he told her then she'd never forgive him.

An hour later the two of them were leaving the secret base in Canada. She slid her hand into his, a warm smile on her face. He clung to her as if she was his life line. The two of them headed to the closest town which was a two hour walk from there.

"Where should we go?" Skye asks him.

"Wherever you want," he says.

"Let's take a bus to Washington. It's not too far from here," she says. "Then you can tell me what you're running from."

"This is a mistake, I shouldn't have brought you with me."

"It's too late, Ward. I'm here now and nothings going to change that."

Oh if only that were true, he thought to himself. Shaking his head, he decided not to push any of it any further. Instead he went with her plan. They bought tickets, then boarded the bus. It was a couple of hours before they would reach their destination so he urged Skye to sleep. At first she just sat there in silence. Then her head started to droop. Once he was sure she was asleep, he pulled her over until she was using him as a pillow.

The bus ride was slow and long. Skye remained asleep, giving Grant Ward time to think through everything. He couldn't tell her, he decided. It would be better to lie to her than see the hurt look on her face when she realizes that he was a traitor. He didn't want to see the hatred on her face as she looked at him. All of his life he has been hated, but not he couldn't stand the thought of being hated by her.

"Wake up, we're here." he said, gently shaking her awake.

"You let me sleep the whole way here?"

He nods. "You looked too peaceful."

They exited the bus only to be greeted by sunlight and cold air. Skye leaned into him, protecting herself from the cold. He had to enjoy it while it lasted. That was his decision. For now he was going to enjoy his last bit of freedom. Who knows how long it will take for Coulson or Garrett to find them. He just hoped it was Coulson first.