Prompt - "Why Are you Leaving?"
"So you look better Skye. Jemma said you can leave Med bay in a couple more days."
"Yeah she told me. Maybe even tomorrow. Will be nice to get out of here."
"Well do what she says and follow the instructions. For example, right now. Why are you trying to get out of bed?"
"I'm allowed to go pee Melinda. The bathroom's right there."
"Yes, but only with help. You're not supposed to walk without help and especially not get out of bed without someone in the room."
Melinda put her hand out and after a beat, Skye took it reluctantly. She helped Skye walk the eight feet or so to the small bathroom.
At the door Skye looked at her. "I can pee by myself."
Melinda grinned and nodded. "I'll wait right here." Skye huffed and moved into the bathroom and closed the door. Melinda's smile grew bigger as she heard Skye muttering to herself about privacy and ridiculous rules and being smothered with care. After a few minutes, Skye opened the door and glared at Melinda.
"You know I'm okay. I can walk back by myself."
Melinda backed a few steps away but still hovered close. "Okay. I'll just stay close. In case."
That earned her a bigger glare and another huff. Skye turned around and took two steps and started wavering as her too fast movement caused her to become unbalanced. She teetered and felt her legs going out from under her, and then she was being held upright by strong arms as a gentle voice spoke. "Easy Skye. I've got you. Just take it slower, okay?"
Skye nodded and took a deep breath before grabbing Melinda's arm wrapped around her waist, and she moved much slower, allowing Melinda to help her, back to the bed. She sat down and maneuvered onto the bed, as Melinda pulled her blankets over her.
"I hate this." Skye's voice was soft and low.
"I know. I would too. But it is what it is."
"It sucks balls."
Melinda laughed. "No really Skye. You need to tell me how you really feel."
Skye grinned a bit. "I hate feeling this helpless. This weak."
"You need to let your body heal. You were hurt badly."
"Yeah. How's AC?"
"About as ornery as you. A pain in everyone's ass. He wants to go back to work. He threatened to fire everyone if they didn't let him."
Skye laughed. "I bet he did. Did you set him straight?"
"I did. He's mad at me now. Just like you."
"I'm not mad. I'm annoyed. How's Bobbi?"
"Past the critical stage. But her injuries were very serious. She has a long recovery road ahead."
"That's good she's better. How's Hunter doing?"
"He hasn't left her side."
Skye looked pensive and then looked away from May fidgeting. After a few seconds she spoke. "How's Cal?"
"He's okay. He's locked in Vault D. His choice. I've been updating him on your condition. I can bring him up if you want to see him. He's been quite docile and cooperative."
Skye shook her head. "Not yet. I need time."
"Okay. Hey I know what happened was..."
Skye shook her head. "I can't yet. Please."
Melinda nodded. What happened was tragic, horrific, and Skye would eventually have to face it. Or she would drown in the consequences. And Melinda was not going to allow that to happen. But today was not the day to push.
"So I've asked Jemma and Fitz and Mack to help you out when you need it. Just call for one of them on your cell. Text or call. Jemma is going to check in every couple of hours, and in between she has her tech folks checking on you too."
"Huh? Why? You are always here. Well not always but close enough. Are you going somewhere? Why are you leaving?"
"I have to go talk to some people. We need agents. Good temporary agents to fill in while you, Phil and Bobbi heal. And Hunter has made it clear he's not leaving Bobbi right now to go on missions. That has us down four good agents Skye. We need help."
"Or you can just not go on missions." Skye's worry was palpable.
"Not an option. You know that. The world isn't going to stand still, and the bad guys are not going to wait till you all recover. We have a lot to do. I'm already thin with sending agents to Afterlife to help Lincoln with clean up, and indexing."
"So who are you recruiting? I mean where would you even go to get more agents?"
"Some old friends. They owe me. And Phil."
"You do realize you sound mysterious here Melinda?"
Melinda grinned and shrugged. "I want to wait till I actually get them to agree to help. You'll be the first to know if I succeed. I really need to go. My team should be ready and waiting on the quinjet. I'll be back early tomorrow. You need to listen to Jemma and follow instructions, okay?"
Skye nodded but frowned. "Be careful."
"It's not dangerous Skye. They are friends. I just hope they are free for a while to help out."
"Where are you going?"
"New York."