A/N: Chapter Two - post 1x06 "Fzzt"


Waiting might be the hardest thing to do. But it was not, there was one thing harder – the realization that he was waiting. That he was anxious. That he cared.

This realization didn't come until much, much later. First, Grant was simply upset. Like he told Skye – he'd rather it was a super-powered psychopath. He had a thing for super-powered psychopaths, he'd love to get one such in his hands right then and there. But no; wasn't happening. So, the least he could do – he did. In the very moment he guessed what "lowering the cargo-hold ramp" meant, who initiated it and why, Grant Ward's instincts kicked in.

But – he later realized – it was not the instinct of a fighter, of a highly trained black ops specialist. He used his skills, alright, the knowledge how to operate a parachute, how to fall as fast as he could to catch Simmons and still land them safe. But he used them because someone he cared about was in danger. Grant understood this, when he saw Skye run to Jemma and hug her and the expression on Jemma's face and Skye's body language. If the bond between those two was so intense, so soon, then where was he, if not in a similar association with her. Them. All of them.

The thought made him feel nauseous and lightheaded. Grant didn't get close to people. He didn't care that Skye betrayed him in any other way than as one S.H.I.E.L.D. operative betrayed by another. He didn't jump out after Jemma for any other reason than her being his fellow agent. He tried believing it. He wanted to, like believing that gods were nothing more than a myth. No such luck. His attempts at fooling himself were futile, if the sucking void in his stomach was any indication. It was a lie and Grant Ward understood, that he let his guard down. He allowed this team to get under his skin. He allowed himself to like them.

And he didn't want to stop now, even though he knew how bad it would hurt later.


t.b.c.