The Ex-Hydra agent sighed, muscles uncoiling slightly, but his eyes kept flitting warily over to Simmons.
"She isn't going to hurt you Ward."
Ward only looked to the side and tugged his wrist from Triplett's grasp.
"I know."
"Not to be rude, but I don't think you do."
Ward's breathing hitched. He didn't want to disagree and didn't know what to say to make Trip let it go.
Trip appeared to discern his internal meltdown and got up, ambled to the fridge. Rummaging around for a minute before returning with two heaping bowls of ice cream. In that time, Ward was frozen stiff, muscles tensed and ready to run. Because Simmons was still at the door. Not blocking the entrance, but there all the same. He watched her in his peripheral, studiously giving off an air of indifference. Failing miserably. Realising that she was perhaps not helping the situation Simmons stuttered, "Y-you know, maybe I should g-, Fitz and I were going to-I'll just leave now".
Trip huffed a stifled laugh. Placing the bowl in front of Ward saying, "Eat up."
Ward looked like he wanted to do anything but. Still, he picked up the spoon and swallowed a few bites. Watching him eat, Trip wondered at his success. This was the first time Trip offered food and Ward actually accepted. He considered the food choice, maybe Ward was a fan of ice cream? That option was thrown out though, a fan would not be eating it as if every bite was a thousand laps run. A tiresome and unwelcoming chore. Then the truth slammed into Trip like a freighter truck. Every other time he asked, the offer had been phrased as a question. This time it was an order. Not meant as one, but an order all the same. Trip felt wretched. It must have shown, for Ward glanced over; fear tingeing his expression. Trip wanted to bash his head into a wall. Repeatedly. He considered telling Ward to stop, that he didn't have to finish. But, when was the last time Ward ate? And, he might take it the wrong way regardless. So, Trip kept his trap shut and berated himself on not being more careful with his wording.
