A/N: Just a short drabble based off speculation (based on stills and promos) for the upcoming episodes.
"Phil, it's not what you think."
The door locks behind her anyway.
The door to her prison opens.
"What do you want?" she asks coldly. She's had enough for today, between the tearful looks from the kids and Phil's accusations. She doesn't need—doesn't think she can take—it from Ward too.
"Do you need anything?"
That was not what she was expecting him to say. He sounds tired, but not angry.
"You're not here to ask me to explain myself or call me a traitor?"
She shouldn't be talking, but it's like a scab she can't stop picking.
He leans against the table. "You once told me not to assume the worst of you. This is me, taking your advice."
Something in her chest loosens.
He steps closer, close enough to touch her—although he does not.
"Will you tell me what's going on?" He asks softly.
"No," and with her voice she begs him to understand, "Not because I don't want to, but because I can't."
It is so much to ask of him and keeping it from him hurts as much as keeping it from Coulson.
She knows that the trust between Ward and her is so fragile now; she's afraid this request will break it.
He sighs, runs his fingers through his hair, and says simply, "Ok."
She wants to take his hand, but she stops herself; she's not sure he'd want that.
"I have to go. I'll see if I can talk some sense into Coulson. Do you need anything? Food? A blanket?"
You.
"No."
He nods and heads for the door. "Good night."
He opens the door, but before he can step out she stops him. "Ward."
He turns back to look at her.
"Thank you."
She doesn't say why, but he knows.
He nods and then the door closes and he is gone.
-finis-
((I just really need him to say the you-don't-have-to-assume-the-worst-of-me line back to her, ok?))