Chapter 2

Skye couldn't rip her eyes away. He was making her laugh? Anger bubbled in her soul and she almost couldn't help herself from screaming. Coulson touched her arm and she turned to look at him. His face was filled with concern and instantly she knew her mind wasn't playing tricks on her, Ward was really sitting across the room.

The giant room hand grown silent although Skye didn't notice. She felt like the room was spinning. She never through she would see him again. She thought he would spend the last of his days in a dark hole and although that thought had led to numerous nightmares the sight of him sitting across the room making someone laugh terrified her more. Fear was replaced by anger- how could Coulson not have told her! The look on his face made it clear that he knew that their meeting was a real possibility. The silence was replaced by applause, a normal reaction when Shield members recognized Coulson's team. Slowly Ward turned around to see what the fuss was about and his eyes met Skye's before she quickly turned and exited the room his gaze then met Coulson's. The tension in the air was felt by everyone but Ward's betrayal had been a classified subject and therefore not everyone at the facility knew the details of Ward's expulsion from the prized Shield team.

Gradually the noise of the room increased and although Ward didn't look away his old teammates eventually turned their backs to him once more and exited the Mess.

Ward sat down to an inquisitive look of the woman he was sitting with. "So that's your old team I guess- lots of tension there." Sabrina said. Ward hadn't shared his past with her, he wanted to forget the unforgettable. He wasn't in love with her but she didn't know that. They had been together for 6 months and he had never mentioned Skye to her. He knew the mention of her name would make his true feelings known.

"When were you going to tell me Phil!" Skye screamed once out of earshot of the others.

"Our team had trust issues and you keep this from me!"

Coulson hung his head, he knew she was right "I was under orders Skye, Ward didn't know we were coming either."

"What the hell is the point of this, I don't understand!" She was so furious her voice was shaking.

"The point is that you need a Specialist and he's proven to be an asset to Shield and his loyalty to your team was tested at the end and he made the choice to save you Skye." Furry's voice was strong and authoritative.

"For two years he's been tested and he's passed. He can be trusted and he'll be leaving with you tonight for a special op."

"Are you kidding me- you want him back with our team!" Skye screamed through clenched teeth.

"Furry you have to be kidding" Coulson's voice was raised as well.

"It's done Phil. Inform your team." Furry turned and walked out the room. He never stayed to discuss his decisions.

Coulson and Skye met up with the others who were sitting in a nearby conference room awaiting their mission briefing.

"What is going on" Jemma asked.

"Ward's not evil" Skye said with as much sarcasm as she could muster.

"He'll be joining the next mission" Coulson stated in a matter of fact tone knowing there was no point in fighting Furry's decision.

As the briefing continued Skye couldn't shake the image of him holding hands with that woman. She was angry with Furry but more angry that after all this time he still had an effect on her.

After the briefing they returned to the bus. Standing on the ramp Skye noticed him in a doorway. She was there too. They were looking at each other and he gently leaned down kissed her and began walking towards the plane. Skye wanted to turn and walk away but her eyes met the other woman's. She looked distraught and confused but Skye also recognized the look of jealousy. Skye grabbed her bag and began walking up the ramp not wanting to have to talk to Ward. She went directly to her bunk and closed the door. She heard noise in the bunk next to her- Ward's bunk which had been empty for two years. She put her earphones on and tried to drown out her thoughts as the plane took off.

She had fallen asleep and when she awoke everything was quiet. It was 3am and she needed a drink- a big one. She exited her bunk and was happy to see that Ward's door was closed. She walked to the bar and without opening the lights she poured herself a large glass of whiskey. She took a large mouthful and put the glass down, the burning of the alcohol going down her throat made the emotional pain disappear. She took a second mouthful. This wasn't the answer but right now it was helping her.

"Hi." Her body froze but she swallowed the whiskey not wanting to look up at the shadow she saw in the doorway.