Title: Can't Go Back
Author: Katie
Story Summary: This is a collection of non-chronological one shots about Ward's redemption. All happen in the same universe.
Spoilers: Season One
Ratings: PG
Pairing: SkyeWard
Authors Note: This will always be marked as complete since I don't know how many there will be. When I think of a story I want to write, I'll add it. If there is a story you want to see, let me know!
Distribution: Please! Just let me know.
Feedback: Please…Please!
Disclaimer: I don't own anything…at all…

19 Weeks, 4 Days, 22 Hours Since The Events At CyberTek

He's being led out of the cage for the first time since his arrival on the bus, Coulson on one side of him, and Tripp (who is back on board for a mission he's not in the loop on – not that he's in many loops these days) on the other. All of the sudden, Fitz appears in their path, Tripp's grip on his arm tightens even though Ward is handcuffed. From the way Coulson tenses beside him, Ward would guess that the team had been told to stay clear of the area while he was out and about.

For a long moment everything is still and silent, Ward feels like he is stuck, his head dizzy and racing to keep up with what he is seeing – Ward knew Fitz had woken up but that he didn't wake up exactly as he was, but didn't know much beyond that – he looks good though, standing in front of him. Seeing him brings a thousand things, questions and apologies, to the forefront of his mind.

"It…" Ward stutters a little, voice thick. He swallows, "It was supposed to float" He says it…he says it even though it doesn't matter, he says it even though Fitz is so smart he's surely figured it out on his own by now…he says it even though it doesn't mean anything now, doesn't fix anything…he says it because it needed to be said.

Fitz is still for a long moment, before he suddenly smiles – surprising everyone, and clasps Ward's shoulder, knocking a Coulson a little when he tries to stand in the way, "I know."

Ward has touch aversion; it was one of the first things the therapist he'd been forced to see after his capture at CyberTek told him. It was hardly surprising…touch had never really meant anything good for him; his father hit him, and Maynard not long after…and then the man who had promised to be his salvation – Garrett, and anyone Garrett allowed to for any reason. But now, standing in this hallway, despite the fact that he flinches whenever anyone touches him (including pats on the back from Fitz himself not even a year ago) despite everything…this is the happiest moment he's had in a very long time.