A/N: Alright, another fun chapter here with the Maysons and Natasha. We'll get some action next chapter where Cal and his wife make an appearance a little too close to home.

Summary: Agents Melinda May and Phil Coulson are put on a new assignment to look after an object of unknown origin, an 0-8-4. The only catch is this 0-8-4 is a person. A fourteen year old girl who's spent her life in the foster system is now in more danger than ever. A man beast is hunting her and SHIELD has to make sure that it doesn't get close to her. AU, MCU characters will be used.

Chapter 14

"What about the classes," May asked as the man walked to her desk, "We offer various styles of martial arts along with levels and ages."

The man grinned, "Excellent. My wife and I wanted to take some self defense classes after an unfortunate event at a bar. Do you have any beginner classes for adults? Oh and classes for teenagers, my daughter I know would love to come to a class as well."

May nodded, "We do. The next class would be on Saturday for adults while teenage classes are on weekdays. I can give you a schedule or you can check our website and sign up for them."

"Could I have a schedule, I'm a bit more old school," Cal said with a strange look.

May went through her desk and pulled out a schedule, "Here you go. Any other questions?"

"Uh yes, your teen classes," Cal started, "Could have a schedule for that as well? For my daughter."

May nodded, she pulled out the schedule and handed it to him wordlessly.

For a moment he looked it over, a grin on his face, "Thank you. I know she's been asking to go to classes, but we haven't been able to find the right place. You have kids?"

"Yes," May said simple and vague.

Cal's expression turned a bit sad, "Children are great, but they grow up so fast. Though don't get me started when you lose sight of them for one moment and suddenly…" He shook his head.

May could almost relate to that based on the time she lost sight of Skye during those first few days. However she made no comment, he seemed to be an oversharer and she was not up for speaking with him any longer than she had to.

"Always good to keep an eye on the kids or teens," his eyes locked with May's, "One blink later and they're gone."

May's brow furrowed for a moment at the intense stare and the look in his eye, "Something you're trying to say?"

He shook his head, "Nothing, just that this world is dangerous and I know these classes will definitely help for my family to protect themselves."

May nodded with a narrowed gaze, "Anything else?"

The man looked elated as he shook his head, "No, thank you."

Without another word, the man quickly left with the schedule in hand and a skip in his step. May knew he was lying, she didn't know about which part exactly, but he was not here for the reasons he gave. Not to mention how he lingered on the topic of losing a child. Was he trying to tell her something? Warn her? Was he the one after her girl? Why was he really here?

Questions raced through her mind, but she forced them aside. It was nothing, just a weird man asking questions about classes. It was nothing, it had to be. Tonight when she went home, she would have to bring this up to Coulson and Natasha, get their thoughts on it. Though, perhaps she was over analyzing in it. Truth is she was just worried about this man beast after Skye.

There hadn't been any new news on it, even though May knew she and Coulson could protect Skye, not too mention with the infamous Black Widow here Skye was safe. Yet, May couldn't stop the fear anymore. Before it was just mild concern and making sure the mission was successful, but now, now it felt like real fear. It reminded her of the little girl she couldn't save all those years ago, May felt her fists clench at her sides at the memory. Skye would not be like that girl, May vowed she would keep her safe.

It was eleven at night, Skye and Natasha still had yet to return. May and Coulson both knew that nothing would really happen to them, obviously Natasha would protect Skye and if something were seriously wrong, she would send a message. While May appeared collected, she was growing more restless and worried.

Coulson was already three sheets to the wind worried that something horrible had happened to Skye and to Natasha. He had called Skye five times, no answer. He called Natasha seven times, no answer. That terrified him because if Natasha wasn't answering it meant she was on a heist or in danger. She wouldn't take Skye on a heist, so they must be danger.

"Coulson, stop pacing," May said when she couldn't take the back and forth.

Coulson stopped, he looked at her with wide eyes, "I know nothing really phases you, but this should be a bit more concerning. What if that man beast took Skye and crossed off Natasha? What if they were in a car crash, abandoned in some ditch and dying while we sit here? What if they're being tortured by some of our enemies? What if one of Natasha's enemies found them?"

"Okay, stop," May said rising to her feet, "If something were seriously wrong, Natasha would have sent a beacon to alert her of their location. I'm sure they're fine and likely just distracted."

"Or they're in serious danger," Coulson said looking at the still closed door, he sighed, "Regardless, they're grounded when they come back."

May was ready to agree, but paused when she realized what he said. Of course she knew that he was almost completely absorbed into this foster parent persona, but what caught her off guard was her near quickness to agree with him. It was almost amusing to her. Try as she might, she couldn't fight the amused smile.

Coulson noticed May's expressions switch from annoyed, to pleased? Was that amusement? He hadn't seen her looked so amused in years, it took him a minute to realize that was the expression on her face. Ever since they moved in together and looked after Skye, he noticed more and more that his best friend was coming back. It was always in small moments, in phrases and gestures, but it was the biggest change for Coulson to see. Even Natasha made a remark on it the other day about how May seemed different and more like her old self, and the agent had only been here for less than a week to notice.

"What," Coulson asked, wondering what brought that small smile out.

"We sound like parents," May said dryly, "You said you would ground them when they got back and I was ready to agree."

Coulson thought over it for a second, "Well, we are their foster parents. Besides, I can remember all the times you grounded Natasha. We haven't had to ground Skye yet though."

"You almost did when she was late last Saturday," May reminded him with a soft smile.

"That was warranted," Coulson folded his arms over his chest, "I told them to be back by ten."

May rolled her eyes, "Five minutes after, they were fine."

Coulson huffed, "I guess it was, but still. This time, this time I won't back out because she said please."

May couldn't back the laugh, "Yeah right."

Coulson opened his mouth to argue, but stopped when the door opened. Both agents stopped to look ahead, the sight of the red haired agent and brunette ward sent relief through them. Natasha walked in wearing her typical black jeans and a blue v neck, grinning from ear to ear. Skye was wearing ripped black jeans and black shirt, May and Coulson had to do a double take at the sight of her. However, the smile she was wearing was almost enough to make the pair forget their concerns.

Almost.

Skye had never had so much fun since Robbie. She had forgotten literally all of her problems for the afternoon and evening, hanging out with Natasha who was by far the coolest adult out there. Walking in the house, she felt just fine, until she realized why she had been distracted for so long and that Melinda and Phil were waiting up for them. The Mayson couple didn't look too happy, Skye inhaled.

"Hey, didn't know you two would still be up," Natasha said curiously.

Phil answered, "Couldn't sleep."

Melinda crossed her arms over her chest, "You want to explain where in the hell you two have been all afternoon and evening that you couldn't return our calls?"

"I told you we would be back later," Natasha reminded.

"Later shouldn't have meant eleven o'clock on a school night," Melinda fired back.

"Not to mention neither of you bothered to return our calls," Phil said, he shook his head, "We thought something bad happened to you both."

Natasha tilted her head to the side reading the situation, "You were worried something bad had happened, you know I wouldn't have let anything happen."

"Of course we know that, but anything could have happened and we wouldn't have known because neither of you answered our messages," Melinda told her sharply.

Natasha blinked in surprise at the tone. The last time she heard May sounded like this was a few years ago, when she had decided to 'ground' her because of being reckless during a mission. Yikes, that had not been a fun conversation for Natasha. It was a weird experience considering all her discipline issues before involved physical pain, but nice nonetheless. The Russian agent looked back at Skye with an apologetic expression.

Skye looked nervous, as if now the real colors of the Mayson's would come out. Would they grab a belt? Something from the kitchen? Would they lock her in the basement? Leave her in her room? Not give her any food? Skye bit her lip, she really hoped they wouldn't turn out like other foster homes. They didn't look angry, but they didn't look okay with this either.

"That was irresponsible, you both are from a more technology based age, so use the phones and answer when we text or call you," Phil said in a sharp tone as well, "Okay, it's unacceptable. Do you understand?"

Natasha was seriously considering arguing, but based on the sincerely concerned expression on their faces, she realized that she shouldn't fight it. Besides, it was kind of endearing to see how concerned they were for their new ward. However she also didn't like how they were dragging her into this. Her an adult, an assassin, also not their actual ward into this.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself," Melinda asked.

"My fault," Natasha shrugged, "I had taken Skye's phone while we were off on our adventures, she needed a distraction after today and I just forgot to check my phone. It won't happen again."

Phil looked at Skye, "And you? Anything you have to say?"

Skye opened her mouth and just rambled, "I beat up a kid at school and Natasha thought it would be a good idea for us to hang out, I didn't get in trouble for it because it was self defense and the other guy, he was picking on me and my friends. So it really wasn't my fault. It wasn't Natasha's fault for the whole phones thing. We weren't doing anything illegal this afternoon either, please don't be angry that you send me away or blame Nat. It was my fault anyway for getting into the fight and having her come get me in the first place, so please just don't be upset anymore, okay I'm sorry and I know it, it won't ever happen again, alright promise, besides I'll even do-"

"Skye, breathe," Melinda interrupted, "Try again."

Skye inhaled, then exhaled, "Don't blame Nat, it was my fault. There was a fight at school and she was just trying to make me feel better."

"You got into a fight," Phil asked, "Did you win?"

Skye blinked, she wasn't expecting that question. Surely the yelling would come next.

Natasha answered for her, "She did. He was bullying her and some of her friends. He tried to grab her, but our girl handled herself. Busted lip and a sprained wrist I believe, not to mention a good hit she got to his di-"

"Language Natasha," Melinda said.

Natasha rolled her eyes, "Sorry. Point is, Skye took care of business, but was worried about your reactions."

Skye nodded, "I'm sorry I got into a fight and that we didn't answer our phones."

Phil spoke then, "No need to apologize for the fight, you were defending yourself. I'll let Melinda talk to you more about how to get out of fights and win them without having to throw a single punch, she's good at that. It helps to give you an edge."

Melinda added, "We can go over that later. For now, to ensure you both remember to answer your phones when we call… Skye, computer privileges except for school are gone for the next week. Natasha, keys to your corvette until Sunday."

"What," the girls said in unison. Skye more in surprise, Natasha in horror.

"I leave on Friday, with my car," Natasha said incredulously, "Besides, I am an adult who needs to get back to work soon."

"And what about the movie Simmons and I were making," Skye argued meekly, "I have all the stuff on it, I can't let her down."

Phil brought the back up for Melinda, "Natasha, you may be an adult but you still have to do as we say because we are… your superior officers if you will. Looks like you will be spending a little more time here thinking about what you've done. Skye, you can explain to Simmons why your movie project is on hold until next Wednesday. We can extend these punishments if you would rather that."

"This is ridiculous," Natasha said shaking her head.

"No," Skye said, "A week no computer and no car for the next few days is fair."

Natasha groaned, but grinned at Skye, "Guess that means you're a goody two shoes."

"Am not," Skye said in offense.

"Sure," Natasha drawled with a good natured smile.

Natasha chuckled, she pulled out her keys and tossed them to Melinda who caught them with ease.

The Russian agent sincerely hoped they weren't serious about her giving her car until Sunday, she hoped it was just for show. However she also had a feeling her superiors here were not bluffing. What a fun conversation that would be once Skye was asleep or at least out of earshot.

Natasha threw her arm around Skye's shoulders, "Gotta love mom and dad killing all the fun, but also not killing us."

Skye chuckled, "Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Of course I'm right," Natasha said, "Well goodnight Mr and Mrs Buzzkill, take care of my baby."

"With our lives," Phil joked.

Natasha and Skye made their way upstairs leaving Melinda and Phil downstairs. Skye had never felt so relieved in her life, they weren't upset with her for the fight. They weren't happy with the missed phone calls, but that was so small Skye didn't care. She was off the hook so to speak, well she couldn't use her laptop with the free reign for the next seven days, but better than a beating.

Coulson really felt like a parent then as he watched the pair go up the stairs, he had to admit he really liked the idea of this being his life. Even though he knew missed out on the typical nine to five job, being an agent while also having this didn't sound so bad. It felt like home. He looked at May to see she had already moved to the kitchen and started opening and closing various places, likely to deter Natasha from finding out where the keys would be hidden.

"You really keeping her keys," Coulson asked as he walked over.

May nodded, "She'll likely find them after one go and if not, she knows how to hot wire the car. Besides I wouldn't be surprised if Stark added features to the car so that she could access it without a key."

Coulson sighed, "Fair enough. Guess we really are in that parent role."

"Guess so," May acknowledged, "What's on your mind?"

Coulson exhaled, he really didn't want to talk to May about that idea in his mind, besides it was ridiculous to entertain. However something did come to mind that he did need to talk to her about.

"Run it by me today, the man who came to your dojo," Coulson said leaning forward, "It rubbed you the wrong way for a reason."

May shrugged, "I don't know. I could have been over analyzing it. He could have just been a man who wanted to know classes for his wife and daughter."

"But you don't really believe that," Coulson said knowingly.

"I don't," May said simply.

"I wouldn't either," Natasha said suddenly at the base of the stairs.

May rolled her eyes, "You don't even know what he said."

"Didn't need to," Natasha said coming to Coulson's side, "Whenever you get weird vibes, it's always right. Also, are you seriously keeping my car keys?"

May and Coulson gave her the same expression that said 'yes'.

"God, you guys have Skye for what three weeks and already act like real parents," Natasha said shaking her head.

"Please, I'm pretty sure May's grounded you before," Coulson said grinning.

May snickered, "I know Fury definitely did."

Natasha didn't bother to comment on the incident May was talking about, "Anyway, I managed to dig up some more stuff on Skye's case. Turns out there was a blood sample left behind at one of the incidents that the man beast had dealt with way back."

"There a lab report," May asked.

Natasha nodded, "In the works as we speak. Likely will take another day or two, but I'll be sure to have Maria send it when you give me my keys back."

"Not happening," Coulson smiled sweetly, "Where did you and Skye go off to?"

Natasha shrugged nonchalantly, but the glint in her eyes was far from innocent, "Just had a girls day. In the morning I'll check out the lab progress and see what else I can find."

"Well, did you find anything," asked the woman as she rushed out of the room.

It had been a week since her 'husband' left to find out more information on their missing relative. He hadn't sent anything to alert her of what was happening, she hoped that him keeping her in suspense was because he had been productive and not just a lack of care on his part. Or perhaps by the radio silence he was being cautious for once in his life.

His grin was wide and eyes bright, "I have discovered something."

"Out with it then," said the woman, "Cal, what did you find? Did you find her?"

"I found her and this time, I intend to bring her home."