They were back in the air, which was lucky for Melinda. There was no place she'd rather be than in the cockpit flying, trying to clear her head after making out with Skye.
The other agent had made it clear that she wanted this despite the risks; the risks being Melinda's closed off personality. After Bahrain, she's put up her walls, allowing no one else in. And people had gotten hurt. Andrew. Phil. Would Skye be the next on that list?
Maybe. Or maybe not. The other girl had a way of hacking systems, and Melinda genuinely wanted to bring her walls down for Skye. But after all this time, did she even know how?
Melinda sighed. She had meant what she said. She wanted a real relationship with real emotions with Skye so bad. But after her sins, did she even deserve it?
She wasn't surprised when the door opened and she heard Skye's voice. "Want some company?" she asked.
"Sure," Melinda replied, nodding to the seat next to her. Skye sat and looked out at the sky in wonder. Melinda couldn't help but be jealous of her innocence. Her's was long gone, back in Bahrain.
"So, I know you want to take things slow," Skye said. "I just want you to know that you can take all the time you need. I'll still be here for you."
"Thank you," Melinda softly replied. "The truth is, I want to go slow because I've hurt everyone who's gotten too close to me because I can't open up about my feelings."
"Perhaps you should try it," Skye said.
Melinda smiled. "Perhaps I should."
"Like I said, I'm not gonna push you to do anything. But I'm here for you."
Melinda's heart was filled with warmth. The other agent was melting her icy heart, and Melinda didn't mind. In fact, for the first time, she was hopeful. Skye was different. She was a force of nature, and Melinda knew that Skye had the power to help her heal. The problem was, was she ready to heal?
"I'm damaged," Melinda admitted.
"So am I," Skye replied. "I've been searching my whole life for parents who didn't even want me. How pathetic is that?"
"It's not pathetic," Melinda argued. "I think it's brave."
Skye's eyes watered. "No one's ever said that to me before," she said.
"We'll find your parents," Melinda said. "I promise."
"What if they still don't want me?" Skye asked. "What if nothing's changed?"
"Then they're damn fools," Melinda said. "It's impossible not to love you. Your special."
The cockpit was silent for a moment. "You love me?" Skye asked quietly.
Melinda's heart ached as she wondered how long Skye had been needing to hear from someone- anyone- that she was loved. "Yes," Melinda admitted. "I think I have for awhile now. I just didn't realize it."
"I love you too," Skye replied.
Melinda felt her stomach roll. If Skye loved her, she could easily get caught in the crossfire of the mess that was Melinda. But now was a time for taking risks. She smiled at the other girl, who smiled back.
The two continued their flight in comfortable silence, each feeling loved for the first time in a long time.