Disclaimer: Sorry this wasn't up yesterday! I had to write sonnets for English class... Well I'm back now with Chapter Eight titled Silence. Let's pretend the MayWard scene never happened shall we? Ugh, that just irked me! Anyway, I think you all know that I own nothing... Marvel does. This chapter is based on Episode 8: The Well (which quite possibly be my favorite episode... I loved the connection to Thor: The Dark World!) Hope you all enjoy!

Chapter Eight: Silence

Skye walked down to the bar and spotted Ward sitting at the counter, alone. "Hey," she said, sliding next to him. He looked over at her, not saying a word. "I could get used to the cleaning service and little chocolates on my pillow," she said. He smiled into his drink.
"Overnights aren't standard," he replied, taking a swig. "Don't get used to it."
"We deserve a nice night... You especially." He nodded full-heartily in agreement.
"How are you feeling?" She asked in concern.

He sighed before admitting the truth. "Not great." He looked at her again. "I'm sorry..." She looked at him questioningly.
"For before. I- I'm not that kinda guy."
"I know. You're a guy who saves lives... I can overlook a minor lapse of character." She smiled. "No harm, no foul." He shook his head in amazement. "Does everything roll off your back?"
"No," she admitted. "What you said hurt. But if I raged all the time that wouldn't help anything..."

He paused trying to think of the right words to say... He wanted to tell her. He really did. "What I saw," he began, shuddering. "It was about my brother." Grant blinked back tears.
"I figured," she replied, grabbing ahold of his hand. "I know your not going to talk... But like I said, I'm here." He kept his eyes trained upon their interlaced hands. "My shoulder's free..." He looked up and saw her eyes shine with hope. She desperately wanted him to open up to her. He needed to talk about his past... He didn't want to see her beautiful brown eyes full of disappointment when she discovered what he had done.

"Well," he announced, "I'm beat." She gave him a sad smile before quickly looking away. He noticed. "Another time maybe." She nodded, smiling slightly.
"Well, you know where I live." He downed the rest of his drink, looked at her once more and left the bar. She turned in her seat as she watched his retreating form.

Skye looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand. Who in the world would be knocking at two in the morning? She dragged herself out of the warm bed and staggered to the door. "Ward?" She blinked in the light. He looked up. She noticed his red-rimmed eyes. "Oh, Grant," she whispered. "Come in." She shut the door behind him, flicking on the lights. "Make yourself comfortable," she said, her voice wafting in from the bathroom. "You'll have to excuse my appearance and the mess. I don't normally have visitors at two in the morning." She laughed, a bright, happy sound.

She reappeared a moment later, her dark hair brushed and falling in loose curls to mid-back. She sat on the queen bed, crossed her legs Indian style and patted the space next to her. Grant obliged and threw himself onto the plush bed, his arms behind his head, staring at the ceiling. "Why are you here, Grant," Skye probed, gently, laying next to him.
"Couldn't sleep," Grant answered.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Grant took a deep breath.
"That staff... It just makes me so angry..."
"Grant, let me help you," Skye said, on the verge of tears. She would truly die if she couldn't help him Ward decided.

"That was the first time I remember hating someone. Really hating."
"Your brother."
"Me, my younger brother, Will and my older brother, Charles were playing baseball... I was eight. Will hit the ball and Charles ran to catch it. Charles missed the ball and it smashed into his face. When he looked at Will his eyes were red with fury and his lip was bleeding. Will was terrified. He grabbed Will by the collar and dragged him to the well." Skye gasped, in disbelief, her hand covering her mouth. "Will couldn't swim..." Grant choked out. "Charles didn't care. He dared Will to climb onto the well and pushed him in."

She didn't need to say anything... How could she say anything? What could she say that would take all his pain away? No, only he could do that. She wrapped her arms around his body, laying her head against his chest. She could feel his heartbeat... Slow, steady and calm. He pulled her closer, burying his head in her soft, brown curls. Words needn't be spoken between the two, her actions were clear. She was there for him, through thick and thin, forever and always. She was his rock, his foundation, his light in the darkness. And he needed her.

Tears formed in the corner of Grant's eyes. "I did nothing-"
"There was nothing you could do-"
"I stood there and watched as my baby brother almost drowned! I was a coward."
"No. No, you weren't. You saved Will! You protected Will just like you protect me."
"What if Will had died?!" Grant demanded.
"He didn't. He's okay. Charles is gone. You will be fine." She snuggled into his chest.

"How do you know?" Grant asked.
"Because I know you," Skye answered. "You are strong. You will win this battle. You will get through this... And I will be with you every step of the way."
"Do you promise?" His brown eyes were filled with vulnerability.
"I promise," she whispered, placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. She untangled herself from Ward's strong embrace, while the latter made a sound of protest. She ignored him and turned off the lights. Ward felt the bed dip slightly when she came back. She stroked his forehead gently. "Sleep," she whispered. Grant relaxed into her ministrations. Skye watched as the man beside her fell into a dreamless sleep. Not long after, she joined him in Morpheus' domain. She felt a strong arm wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. She gladly snuggled up to Ward, adsorbing his body heat. It felt so... Right... She felt safe in his arms. For once they both had defeated their inner demons. Together.

A/N: If you really liked this story, favorite it. If you think this story has good potential, follow it. If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or concerns drop me a review! I always love to have feedback on my work! I'll post chapter nine sometime tommorow (I promise!) Even if it's posted at 11:59 pm :)