Ward poured himself another drink, taking a heavy sigh. They had parked at the "sandbox" and were now having the source of the virus removed. Most of the crew was down in the lab and cargo bay, celebrating the triumph of the situation.

But not Grant Ward.

Yeah, he saved Simmons in the end but he couldn't shake that feeling of helplessness that he'd had. He was supposed to be a solution to every problem. He was supposed to be the one to keep them safe.

"Ward?" The small British voice broke through his thoughts.

But he didn't turn to look at her. He just sipped his drink. "Hey."

Simmons sat beside him. "I didn't see you downstairs."

"That would be because I'm here." He stared at the ice in his glass, floating in the dark liquid.

She shifted. "You seem a bit more melancholy than you were earlier."

He nodded. He hated conversations like this. He wasn't about opening up. He wasn't good with that sort of thing yet. He'd cracked his shell some with her earlier, but this was something larger.

"Grant," she cooed as she touched his arm. She'd never really used his first name before.

He glanced at her hand on his arm before turning his eyes to her. "I should have saved you sooner."

She threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. "You saved me when you needed to."

He pushed back some. "No, you don't get it. You almost died, Jemma." He downed the rest of his drink and set the glass down with a smack. "It should have never gotten that far. I'm risk assessment."

She nodded. "Okay. You asked for it." She puffed up, putting her hands on her hips. "I'm Agent Grant Ward and I can put on a parachute mid-air."

He couldn't help but crack a grin. Her tiny form trying to be gruff and manly just was too funny. "Okay, okay, I'm smiling."

She tilted her head, examining him. "No, not yet." She puffed up again. "That'll be fifteen pushups for every minute you don't smile."

This time he laughed, he eyes glistening as he watched her. Her smile matched his as she touched his arm again. He felt the warmth spreading over his skin. It warmed his heart, too. She was right. He did save her in the end. She was alive. Her bright smile and even brighter light in her eyes was here in front of him.

In a gesture rare, he pulled her into his arms and hugged her back. "I'm glad you're not dead."

She rested her head on his chest. "Me too." She leaned up and kissed his cheek.