The Little Things in Life

by Rinnalaiss

100 Prompts. Phil Coulson has a life outside of SHIELD. It's tough to maintain: all the on-call, travel, and the secretive nature of the organization. But when work is so all-consuming, it's the little things in his personal life that keep him grounded. Like Laura, the one woman who's willing to stick around and put up with the long-distance. Phil/OC. Lots of fluff! Now rated M.

2. Sway

Phil and Laura were on a date.

He had just returned from an extended assignment in Belarus. Laura, of course, didn't know where he was, but they had exchanged the occasional email when he had access to a secure server. He surprised her after work on Thursday, and she was able to put in leave for Friday. This was really the first time they left the bedroom of her Bethesda home that weekend.

"I really missed you, Phil," she murmured as she leaned into him. They were enjoying a post-dinner stroll along the Tidal Basin, the rising full moon shining brightly in the water.

Phil put his arm around her shoulders. "I know. But look at it this way: at least I should be staying local for a while. Unless shit happens. They don't give distance assignments close together unless someone requests it or shit happens."

She pulled away and punched him lightly in the arm. "Phil! Don't jinx it! I just got you back and I don't want to have to send you off again so soon!"

He pulled her back to him and kissed her temple. "I'm here for at least another couple of weeks."

Laura hugged him. "Good."

As they approached the Basin entrance closest to the Washington Monument, they heard music. Three men likely close to college age had set up instruments and were playing, and they were playing quite well.

They stood listening for a while when Phil turned to her. "Would you like to dance?"

"What? Here?"

He shrugged. "Why not? There's music."

She put her hand in his. "Sure."

Phil put his free hand on her waist and pulled her close. As he began vague steps of a waltz, Laura rested her head on his shoulder. Eventually, they ignored the steps completely and slowed down to just swaying to the music.

When she looked up at him, he felt something stir inside.

Apparently she noticed. "Let's go home," she suggested in his ear with a knowing smile.

He laughed quietly. "That sounds like a great idea."

They each dropped some bills in the open case and were acknowledged by the musicians with nods and smiles of thanks. Then, they walked arm-in-arm towards the Smithsonian Metro station to make their way back home.