Skye took a breath before walking into Coulson's office. Why had he called her in? She knocked.
Come in.
"Sir, what's this about?" She asked concerned.
"You should take a seat." He said sternly. "This is about Ward." She obliged.
"W-what about Ward? Has his mission been compromised? Is he hurt?" Skye was starting to panic.
"No. He is safe. But, unfortunately we have reason to believe Ward is working for Hydra again."
Skye's heart sank. She was absolutely speechless. "How?" She said breathlessly.
" Well, since this was Ward's first solo mission since he swore allegiance to SHIELD again, we tracked him and found out that he accessed a computer in an abandoned Hydra location in Paris. We need to know what he used it for."
Skye hadn't even noticed that she had started to cry. Until she spoke, "where is he now?"
Coulson flipped the laptop on his desk. It showed footage of May and ward in the questioning room. There was no sound but you tell May was getting agitated and used her powerful right hook on Ward, leaving a red gash by his brow. Skye winced. I can't believe he betrayed us like this I really thought he had changed. I mean it's been 3 years!"
"Skye. "Coulson reached out for her hand. I know how hard this must be for you but I need you to focus. We need to know what Ward did in that computer.
"I would need access to the direct source. There's nothing I can do here."
"I know. Coulson said that's why I ordered May to take us to Paris. We'll be there in four hours."
The bus landed right on schedule and the entire group even Triplett, Hunter, and Moore. May came in last dragging along a handcuffed and beaten Ward.
"Why is everyone here?" Skye whispered to Coulson. "I thought it would be just me to go in there and figure out what the fuck Ward did."
"Truth is," Coulson started, "we have no idea what we're getting into. We have to be ready for anything."
Skye nodded but she felt absolutely enraged. How could he do this to them? To her?
"Ok, lead the way, you sick bastard." May pushed an expressionless Ward.
They followed him across the streets of Paris until they reached a manhole.
"This is it." Ward said sternly. "The abandoned Hydra location is under there. About 200 meters to the left. "Triplett opened up the hatch and each one of them stepped into the dark most tunnel. And started walking until they reached a door. Coulson lifted his flashlight to reveal the Hydra logo painted on the wall. "Oh yeah. This is it" he opened the door to reveal a room full of old, dusty computers.
"So which one was it ward?" Skye said through her teeth. She was shaking with rage but she tied to control it.
Ward sighed. "Third one on the second row."
"Okay I'll get right on that." She said to the group. "I can track the latest activity on the computer. And by the looks of things I have a feeling it won't be much to look through."
"Okay. I found the file. It looks like a video." Skye announced.
"Play it." said May sternly.
She did. It was Ward speaking to the camera. "Hi Skye. I know this all must be very confusing to you and that you must feel so betrayed. But I made a promise to never lie to you and I'm keeping that promise. The truth is, Skye, is that I'm madly in love with you. I have been since the day I first saw you. And I know that I've hurt you so much and I am so deeply sorry about that. But from this day on I vow to never lie to you, never hurt you, and never leave your side. So, Skye, will you marry me?"
She was absolutely stunned. "Wh- what?" She turned to her group who were all smiling from ear to ear. And then he saw Grant, no longer in handcuffs reach into his pocket and pulled out a black velvet box and kneeled. "Marry me?"
" You son of a bitch!" Skye let out. "How could you do this? And all of you knew." She pointed at the entire group. "Didn't you?" Everyone nodded. Triplett and Hunter chuckled.
"I wanted to propose in the most surprising way possible. For the most surprising woman I know." Ward explained.
Skye took a moment to consider all that had happened. "So... You're NOT hydra?"
"Never again." Ward responded cheerfully.
"He's not. I'll vouch for him." Coulson added.
"So..?" Grant asked and opened up the box to revel a beautiful silver ring with sizeable rock inside.
"Yes. Yes! Of course I'll marry you!" She said tears welled up in his eyes and leaped at Ward who caught her gracefully and passionately kissed her. The team started cheering.
"But… May," she said pulling off Ward, "was this really necessary?" she said pointing at the now healing gash on his face.
"He wanted it all to seem authentic." May shrugged nonchalantly. And the team all laughed and headed back to the plane congratulating the future bride and groom.