Author's Notes:
Thought I'd give everyone a new chapter especially after the most recent episode. What did y'all think of it? It had some great one-liners from AC and I feel so bad for poor Fitz. Anyone else? I can't wait to see what happens in the next few eps. Next week's episode looks crazy! Won't say anything more for those who are yet to see it. Also it's been brought to my attention that it's Agent Hand and not Director so I apologise for that. I'll refer to her with the correct title from now on. And none of you have caught on to the "Chuck" reference just yet. Anyways, enjoy. Comments are welcome too. Oh and thanks for all the favourites and follows. Infinite amounts of SkyeWard love to you all.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." or in the Marvel Universe but it'd be awesome if I did, or if I worked for them. Either way (read: hire me!)

The agents in the room filed out one by one, until only Ward was left. He stared at the plans, making a visual catalogue of everything that needed to happen in order for the mission to succeed. He memorised every inch of the plan from what needed to be done on the plane with Agent Hand right up until the day of the extraction.

"How are you feeling about all of this Ward?" Coulson asked, making his way to the table from the corner where he'd been hiding.

"Geez Coulson, I thought I was alone. You shouldn't startle a trained specialist like that."

"Sorry. You know how I like to appear out of mysterious dark corners."

"That I do sir." Ward laughed as a reminder of the first time they met popped into his head.

"Look," Coulson muttered, "I know I'm asking a lot from you and you probably have doubts but I wouldn't have asked had I not thought you could pull it off. You're one of the best agents I've ever worked with and I know you're the right person for the job."

"Thank you sir."

Coulson turned to leave, wanting to give Ward as much time as possible to memorise the plans.

"Sir?" Ward called out, "I need you to do something for me." To Coulson this sounded more like a request out of concern than of demand. "Can you please make sure Skye's alright while I'm gone?"

The look on Ward's face told Coulson exactly what he'd been thinking the past few weeks – Ward had developed feelings for Skye, feelings beyond that of just caring for her as her S.O. He knew the protocol and that he should strongly advise Ward to not head into such a relationship. Protocol also meant that one day he would have to talk to Ward about it and make sure that he was aware of the dangers that this could put them all in. But deep down he knew that Ward and Skye would actually have a positive effect together, both as a team and for his team. So he uttered the only thing he could say in order to give Ward the peace of mind he needed.

"Of course."

And Ward knew Coulson would keep his promise. Although they had had some challenging times since she joined the team, everyone could see that Coulson viewed Skye as the daughter he never had. He would protect her when Ward couldn't, and he had a whole team of backup who he could rely on to support one another.

Coulson left, opening the door to find Skye leaning against the wall with a solemn expression plastered over her entire face.

"He'll be okay," Coulson said, trying his best to comfort Skye.

All she could do was muster a half-hearted smile.

"I know he'll be AC. Doesn't mean I won't stop worrying about him though."

He felt terribly for Skye. He knew how it felt so see someone you cared about risk their life in a highly covert mission and this was the first time she would ever experience someone on their team going on a mission as difficult and complex as this one. The fact that her and Ward had grown closer would only make it that much harder on her. Wanting to bring her even the smallest amount of comfort, he offered up the only thing he could.

"If you ever want to talk to him, come to me. I'll have to teach you how to use the communicator but from what I've seen I think you'll be able to pick it up pretty quickly."

Her eyes went wide with this announcement.

"Thank you," she said as she hugged Coulson, allowing a few of the tears she'd been fighting back to fall.

"Anytime."

She pulled away, having left a rather noticeable wet patch on the top of his shirt.

"Oops, sorry AC," she uttered in between sniffles.

"Don't worry I have plenty of white shirts," he remarked. "I'll let you two say your goodbyes."

"Ugh, why does that word have to sound so sad?" she mumbled, leaving Coulson and making her way back into the room.

Skye closed the door behind her, hoping that no one would interrupt them for at least the next few minutes.

Ward had been deep in thought when he heard her walk in. He was ready, he had memorised everything he could possibly need to finish this mission. The only thing left to do was to say his goodbyes.

He turned towards Skye. "Well it won't be goodbye, it'll be more of a see you later," he answered having heard her earlier question.

Skye walked over to Ward, pulling him towards her.

"Good. Because I don't think I could handle a goodbye just yet."

Before he even had a chance to reply, her lips were crashing onto his. He returned the kiss with the same amount of vigour and lust she was throwing at him. Grabbing on to her, he picked her up and placed her on the table, never wanting for the moment to end.

But just as soon as it had started a knock forced them to break apart.

"Ward it's time to go," came May from the other side of the door.

"Yep. I'll be out in a second," he replied still holding onto Skye.

He looked down at her and wiped away the tear that had fallen on her cheek.

"So I guess this is part where we say see you later?" Skye said softly.

"I'll see you later," Ward responded, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Skye jumped down from the table and they headed for the door where their entire team was waiting in the hall.

Coulson was the first one to approach Ward, shaking his hand. All words that needed to be said between the two had already been said.

May offered him a brief smile before heading back to the Bus.

Simmons was trying to be strong for Skye so she simply hugged him while Fitz nodded and wished him luck.

"You ready?" Coulson asked.

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."

Ward turned to Skye and pulled her in for one last hug, carefully memorising everything about her – what she smelt like, how she felt under his arms.

Agent Hand appeared behind Coulson.

"It's time to go Agent Ward."

As much as he didn't want to he pulled himself away from Skye. He gave her one last glance before making his way to the plane with Agent Hand, hoping that the next few weeks would go by incredibly quickly and without a hitch.

"Don't forget we still have to have that drink," Skye shouted.

He kept walking towards the plane with a grin from ear to ear and the only thing he would need to keep him alive – a reminder that she would be there waiting for him when he returned.

A/N Thoughts? Queries? Frustrations? Sorry I was hoping to make this chapter longer but I'm going to see "Divergent" tonight and I ran out of time. And I'm trying to stick as close to the show's storyline as possible in terms of where they are, not so much with the characters because I cannot bring myself to even consider for one second that Ward is as evil as they're letting on.

Next time: The team goes into hiding and deals with life without Ward or S.H.I.E.L.D.