A/N: I think this story is going to have one more chapter. I'm debating on where to start the next one in the series- possibly budding relationship as she starts her SHIELD career and while Coulson handles Barton. Maybe Madripoor? Suggestions or scenes you'd like to see are welcome!

A/N2: The song for this chapter is 'As It Seems' by Lily Kershaw. The violin song Maria plays is 'Take Flight' by Lindsey Stirling.

Her Wide Eyes Fix'd On Camelot

Maria quietly let herself into the house that night after getting approved leave for a family emergency. It was deathly still. She dropped her bag by the door, and silently moved through the dark house. The light over the kitchen sink barely illuminated the room, and she wasn't surprised to find Phil at the table with a bottle of whiskey in front of him. She sighed softly, her eyes filling with concern.

"MK?" he asked softly, his voice rough.

She slowly approached him before resting her hands on his shoulders. Working her fingers, she began to softly knead, and his head fell to his arms with a groan. She worked at the kinks in his shoulders and neck without a word. She swallowed at the intimacy of the act, and pushed that thought down deep. They were just friends. Suddenly, his hand came up to clasp hers and she sat down beside him with a troubled gaze.

"Any word from Melinda?" she queried.

His face tightened.

"She disappeared as soon as we were cleared from medical."

She pursed her lips and tried to recall the conversations she'd had with May in the past. She abruptly stood, the chair scrapping across the kitchen floor. Phil raised his head to look at her through bloodshot eyes.

"I may know where she's gone, but you are going to bed," she said sternly.

Phil didn't fight her as she pulled him to his feet. She led him upstairs, and pushed him to his bedroom. He paused in the doorway, turning towards her. He opened his mouth, and then closed it. He caught her hands in his, and she squeezed back.

"She's seen hell," he whispered.

"Go," she said softly, gently pushing him into the room.

He nodded wearily, and the door clicked shut behind him.

She stood in front of the closed door, her heart beating rapidly. She frowned at the unexpected feeling. Shaking her head, she slipped into her room, and grabbed the violin case from its resting place. Slipping her keys into her leather jacket pocket, she headed down the stairs and into the night. From his bedroom, Phil could faintly hear the sound of the Ducati firing up, and he closed his eyes in silent prayer.

The roads were almost empty, except for a few drivers heading home after a late night out. She weaved in and out of traffic, the signs above directing her towards downtown DC. She parallel parked as close as she could get to the National Mall, and unhooked the instrument case from where it had been strapped to her back. She passed a few late night walkers, but most of the people were in for the night. No one gave her a second glance as she moved swiftly though the night. Picking her way across the moonlit path, she made her way towards the old Carousel near the center of the park. Ducking under the railing, she spotted a small figure sitting alone on one of the horses. Taking a deep breath, she slowly approached.

"I'm not surprised you're the one to find me," Melinda said stoically.

Maria studied her friend, taking in her drawn features and the paleness of her skin. The older woman's normally expressive face was shut down, her eyes steely and her mouth hard. Melinda met her scrutiny with a blank stare.

"I'm not going to offer you cliche platitudes," Maria started. "Coulson told me what happened."

Melinda turned away.

Sliding down to the base of the carousel, Maria set the case down beside her.

"I also understand more than you might think," she added.

Melinda turned towards her with an almost angry air. The two locked stares, both defiant. Melinda blinked, not saying a word. Maria exhaled slowly, and opened the case. Softly, she began to play.

The music crescendoed, and Maria closed her eyes, giving herself over to the feeling of the piece. It ebbed and flowed, and she swayed in time. When the last note rang out, she opened her eyes. Melinda was facing away, but Maria could just see the reflection of a single tear track down May's cheek. It was gone as quickly as it appeared. Without another word, Maria put her instrument away. The time for mourning was done.

"Do what you need to do," she stated, and walked away.

The ride back felt longer, and Maria sighed in weariness. This is what SHIELD did to good agents, she mused. The dark underbelly of the fight to protect a people who had no clue you existed. That was the worst thing about what she saw in Melinda May. The playful light seemed to have evaporated, leaving a bitter, jaded shell. Maria knew what she was getting into, but the reality made her stop and consider just how far in she was going to have to go. She guessed it was a good thing most of the light had been crushed out of her already.

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Maria was up early the next morning, coffee already percolating. She heard the sound of footsteps on the stairs, and she turned to offer Coulson a steaming mug. He grunted his thanks, and plopped down at the kitchen table. He still looked rough, but the sleep had done him good. She sat beside him, and he turned, his eyes analyzing her.

"She'll be okay eventually," Maria said after a moment. "Different, but okay."

He nodded, his throat locked. She stood, refilling her cup, and downing it just as quickly. He ran a hand through his hair, and exhaled slowly before turning back to her while clearing his throat.

"Thank you," he said earnestly.

She ducked her head, turning back to the coffee pot.

"I have to go," she added, hand curling around the mug.

She thought she saw a flash of disappoint cross his face. She placed the mug in the sink, and turned back to him with a half smile.

"You know where to find me," she said with a slight roll of her eyes.

His lips quirked upward.

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Graduation day dawned bright and clear, and Maria rolled over with a groan before pulling herself out of bed. It had been two months since Coulson and May had returned from Bahrain, and she knew the older woman had withdrawn from field work. Coulson was stretched between being upset over losing his partner and filled with anxious concern for his friend. She spent what little free time she had at the house, trying to ignore the soft glances he'd shoot her way and the way her stomach dipped at the casual touch of his hand on hers. Without May, he'd elected to work solitarily, and Maria enjoyed the nights he shared stories of the new asset he'd picked up at the Circus of all places. She told herself she wasn't jealous.

She hadn't seen Melinda May since the night at the Carousel. Maria had heard the whispers from the recruits around her. May's actions had been lauded, turning into the stuff of legends. She was the gold standard every agent aspired to, despite none of them knowing the toll it had taken. She felt herself bristle in anger, strangely protective of the woman who had taken her under her wing. Maria spent the few days after the story had spread on kitchen detail after breaking the nose of someone who dared call May 'The Cavalry'. Unfortunately, the nickname stuck. The recruit didn't. She decided May would have approved.

The ceremony was long, and hot. Maria forced herself to stand still despite the trickle of sweat running down her back. Director Nick Fury made an appearance and glowered from the side. She caught his eye briefly, and held it before he dipped his head in a small nod of approval. She turned her attention back to the speaker who was droning on about the good of the country, her expression carefully schooled. Finally, it was over. The recent graduates cheered, but she held herself apart. She finished at the top of her class, and she had heard the names the others called her. It was all so juvenile. She felt as if she were years older, despite being the youngest in their class.

Gradually, the group dispersed and Maria was left alone under the oak tree that had framed the ceremony. The leaves rustled lightly in the breeze, and movement to her right made her stop short. She turned, a brief smile flashing across her face at the sight of the two figures heading towards her. She snapped to attention when May approached first. May's lips quirked in a faint reminder of who she used to be.

"We're both agents now, Hill," she stated.

"Yes ma'am," Maria answered, her expression serious.

"I'll talk to the Director later today, but I plan to take you on as my trainee," May casually stated.

Maria's eyes flickered in confusion. From what she knew, May hadn't taken on a trainee in years, and no one thought she ever would again after Bahrain.

"Thank you, ma'am. I'm honored."

Melinda gave her a small half-smile.

"Report to me tomorrow afternoon," May turned on her heel and started to stride away before Maria's voice made her hesitate.

"It's good to see you, Melinda," she simply said as May continued to walk on.

Phil moved to stand beside her, and they watched May disappear down the sidewalk.

"Congratulations, Agent Hill," he said with a boyish grin.

His smile was contagious, and she smiled back.

"I'm glad to be out of there," she stated.

"You were right about May."

"I'm always right, Phil," she deadpanned.

He shot her a look and she smirked.

"Looks like I'll be around here a little bit longer. I'll start apartment hunting this week, and be out of your hair."

His eyes widened.

"You don't have to," she said, trying to hide his confusion. "Not unless you want to."

She cocked her head to the side.

"What about your new asset?" she questioned.

Understanding dawned in his eyes.

"Maria, you were different," he said softly. "I will never push you out, unless you just need your own space."

He raised his head to meet her gaze, and her expression reminded him of the day they met. Her eyes were sharp and clear. Only the tension in her mouth, let him know she was rolling the thoughts around in her brain.

"Look, MK," he said, the tips of his ears starting to turn red. "I was wondering..."

He paused and she contained her smile at his flustered appearance. She waited for the normally composed senior agent to choose his words. She stiffened slightly, knowing what he was going to ask, and trying to sort out her own feelings.

"Would you like to go to dinner with me, tonight?" he asked.

"Is that wise?" she replied softly.

"Probably not," he added, a mischievous look in his eye.

She bit her lip, and just caught his eyes darkening in response to her action. What the hell.

"Yes."

He grinned.