A/N: I'm actually really happy with this chapter. I'm actually still surprised I managed to write this chapter the way I did. I hope you all enjoy. Thanks for the love on this story. I honestly was very skeptical with the topic of the story, but I think it works. I promise it gets even better. I appreciate any type of reviews, since it lets me know that I am going in the right direction. Until next time…Hail #Skimmons.

It's been two months since Skye and Jemma had that conversation. Although Skye still has not managed to pry out of Jemma what her purpose is, she has gotten closer with her. It was bound to happen at some point since Jemma goes to train with Skye every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. They exchanged numbers and text one another on all the other days. Not as much as Skye would want to since Jemma is busy with her studies, but she texts her enough to keep Skye less bored at work.

With the money she got from Jemma for the lessons, Skye bought a beat up old car that she had her eyes on for a while. She already had some money saved, but thanks to Jemma, she finally took the initiative and bought it. It is now easier for Skye to head over to the warehouse whenever she wants to visit with Ward and even train while she is there with the rest of the group. They all agreed to lay low for a little while. After the incident with the guy from the alley and the media making accusations toward them, they decided it would be best to take a break from crime fighting. The man from that night is still in the hospital. He has been in a coma and the police decided that the only people who could have done it is Rising Tide. Ward used that break as a time to make things right. Skye saw that Ward went and talked to this mysterious group of his one day. She did not understand what they could do to help, however the next day the police made a statement in the news saying all accusations toward them has been dropped. This made Skye more suspicious about who the group is. She wants so desperately for Ward to spit it out already, but he doesn't. Skye does not want him to be mad at her again so she decides to not push the issue.

It's Thursday night. Skye got a text message from Ward with a location of some building, asking her to be there in the next ten minutes. This is the moment where she is once more relieved that she has her car. She rushed to put on dark clothing and hurried downstairs to her car to go meet with the group. Skye plugged in the address on her phone's GPS and it took her to one of Shields academies. There are three academies in the small town where Skye lives. One for the college students, which Skye knows Jemma goes to, the second for all graduate students, and the third for people like May. Skye knows that May says that she is retired, which is why she opened up the gym. But Skye has noticed that May misses work at times to take a break, and returns the following day with a bruise or scratch. Skye followed her one day to this specific building that she is at now, and noticed that all the big top dog Agents of Shield train there. Thus, Skye knows May is living a double life. She can't call her out on it though, because Skye is doing the same. At least the double life they are living is for good and not evil.

Right?

Skye finds herself both confused and nervous as she steps out of her car. Nervous because this is their first mission after two months and confused because out of all the places for there to be crime, they are at a place that does everything to prevent it. She walks to the front of the building and spots the group standing waiting for her. "Sorry I'm late. I was just in the car thinking." The group shrugged it off, assuring Skye it was no big deal. Skye looked at Ward who was fixated at his phone. "Ward. Why are we at a Shield base?"

Ward looked up at Skye, furrowing his brow. He shut off his phone and placed it into his pants pocket. "I got a tip…" Skye did not need any information to know who this tip was from. She already knew it had to be from this group he is so secretive about. "Now, they say that there has been some guy that sneaks in here every night around midnight or so. They assume that he is stealing data or equipment or something." Ward addressed to the whole group.

"Has this group of yours actually seen this guy steal anything?" Triplett questioned.

"Yeah. I mean we can't just assume here." Carter added.

"I don't want to go another two months with the police and Shield thinking we are against them again." Hill said.

Ward rolled his eyes and stood a little straighter. "You know our job. You know who is in charge. Whether my people have seen this guy steal or not, there is no reason for him to be sneaking in and out of a private base."

Romanoff let out a grunt. "Your people Grant? I thought we were your people." She finished pointing at the group around her. "Why can't you just tell us who this group is already?" she added in a huff.

The rest of the group nodded in agreement and looked at Ward expectantly. He let out a sigh. "If you don't like it, then you can leave. Right Skye?" he looked at Skye who had been trying her hardest to not say anything the whole time.

Skye rocked back and forth on her heels. She agreed a lot with the group, but at the same time, she trusts Ward with her life. "I think that we should all just go in there, man our stations, and watch this guy. If we see something wrong we will take action and if not then, no harm done." She had a hopeful smile on her face when looking at the rest of the group.

The group all looked at one another before nodding in agreement and heading inside. Ward nudged Skye in the shoulder. He gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks Skye. I thought they were going to turn against us."

Skye nodded and shrugged her shoulders. "No problem. But, they're right in a lot of ways Ward. You need to really make sure that this us is really us..." She began motioning back and forth between the two of them. "…Before you lose everything."

Skye walked inside and Ward followed closely behind her. The six of them hid all around the building. They were visible to each other, but hidden enough that if anyone were to walk in, no one would see them. Skye checked the time and noticed it was a couple minutes passed midnight. She looked up at the others and they looked back at her. She could tell by the looks they were giving, they were very skeptical about the whole thing. Next thing you know, they all hear a door swoosh open. Skye could only make out that it was an average sized man with a bald head. This is why I like girls Skye thought to herself. They all watched the man wander around one of the laboratories. He had not touched anything yet, he was just looking at many different chemicals. It was not until he started rummaging through a filing cabinet that Ward motioned it was time to take action. Triplett and Romanoff looked back at Ward like he was crazy. He had not stolen anything…yet…so why go and take action?

There was no time to argue because Ward jumped down from his spot. He rushed to the man and began beating him immediately. Skye and the others jumped down as well, running over to Ward and the guy. They all saw how hard he was hitting the guys face. "Get him off!" Skye shouted to the others. Hill, Romanoff, and Triplett grabbed Ward and pushed him to the opposite side of the room. Skye and Carter knelt down to look at the man. Skye could not make out his face for how much Ward beat on him. There was too much blood and his face became swollen. "Jesus Ward! What's the matter with you?" Skye shouted. She took off her shirt, leaving her in just a tank top. She ripped it up and gave half to Carter so they could wipe his face down as much as they could. The others finally got Ward to calm down and they all went back to where Skye and Carter were.

Hill went down next to Skye placing her hand on her shoulder. "We got it. Talk to Ward."

Skye nodded and handed over her half of the shirt. Skye stood and grabbed Ward by the arm and tugged him a little bit away from the rest of the group. "Are you crazy? We don't do that. You were beating on him way too much."

Ward looked down and shook his head. "Sorry I just…I got carried away is all."

Skye wanted to scream at him for doing this, but the damage is already done. Skye and Ward told the group to lift him up. They all walked together outside. Triplett, Carter, Hill, and Romanoff all walked to Ward's van and carefully placed the guy in. Skye was following close behind before she was stopped by a hand tugging at her arm. "Go home Skye. We will take care of it." Ward motioned his eyes at the group.

Skye shook her head and yanked her arm out of his embrace. "No. You always say that and something ends up happening. I'll take my car and follow you gu—"

"Ward is right Skye. You have work real early tomorrow morning. Go home we got it." Triplett announced.

Skye looked at the others and they nodded in agreement. Skye pursed her lips and looked at the guy in the van. "Fine. Promise me though that if anything happens, you will all call me."

"Promise." Ward said simply. Skye walked toward her car, before she was once again stopped. Hill grabbed her arm. Skye turned around to find the whole group standing there with Ward holding a cupcake.

"Happy Birthday." They announced in unison.

Skye smiled and walked forward to take the cupcake. Carter rubbed her shoulder. "We were going to wait until the afternoon—"

"…but we figured it is already technically your birthday right now." Romanoff interrupted.

Skye looked down at the cupcake and back at the group with a grateful smile. "Thanks guys. It means a lot." They gave their goodbyes once more and Skye got in her car to head home. She had already finished the cupcake by the time she entered her apartment. Skye was still worried that something was going to go wrong, but she figured that she should have more trust in the group. After all they did make her a cupcake. Skye brushed off her thoughts and got ready for bed. She set her alarm like she always did and found herself smiling. Not because of the fact her friends remembered her birthday, but because in a few hours she would get to see Jemma.

"Are you sure? I think it looks the same." Jemma said to Skye as she was looking at herself in the mirror.

Skye laughed as she finished putting the last bit of the equipment away. "I'm telling you Jems, your arms are getting super toned." They had been training for the past few hours as usual. The topic of conversation for the two today was an argument about whether or not Jemma was getting toned in certain areas or not.

Jemma blushed when Skye said this. Skye had been calling her Jems for the past few days now and she still has not gotten used to it. Jemma is used to everyone she knows calling her Simmons. The fact that someone is not only referring to her as Jemma, but now even a nickname was a new yet thrilling feeling for her. And no, it has nothing to do with the fact that it is coming from Skye's mouth that she is feeling this way. Really, it's not. "Thanks, Skye." Jemma said rather shyly in return.

Skye nodded and placed the last of the equipment in the corner where it belonged. "No problem." Jemma walked toward the door where her duffel bag was and picked it up. Skye was right behind her in seconds to open the door for her. "After you." Skye said as she bowed and extended her arm.

Jemma laughed and did a little curtsey. "Why thank you kind lady."

They both laughed as they walked out. Skye was about to turn to Jemma and say something witty when… "Surprise!" May and the rest of the staff shouted.

Skye looked around to see the place was decorated with a whole bunch of decorations. It was not like this when Skye first came, but she figures they had a lot of time to set this up since her and Jemma never leave their private training room. Her fellow trainers walked toward her all hugging and saying "Happy Birthday." Skye was shocked. They never did anything like this before. "It was May's idea." One of the workers said out of nowhere. Skye looked at May and quirked her eyebrow. May just rolled her eyes and smiled. "Yes, well I figured we would have an excuse for pizza." May began pointing at a table that had a whole bunch of pizza boxes on display. May and the others all walked to the table and began serving themselves.

Skye felt a slap on her shoulder and turned to see Jemma's mouth hanging in shock. "Why didn't you tell me it was your birthday today, Skye? I would have canceled or at least bought you something."

Skye waved her hand dismissively. "It's really no big deal. You being here with me is a present in itself." Skye's eyes immediately went wide. Why the hell did you just say that? Now she is going to think you're weird.

Jemma went from light to red in seconds. She began rocking on her heels. "Thanks."

Skye let out a breath and rubbed her neck in nervousness. She looked at the clock and saw that it was seven at night. Definitely dinner time. "Stay. I mean for the pizza." Skye pointed at the table. "It is dinner time and we have been training all day. You deserve a good meal."

Jemma shook her head. "Oh no. I do not want to impose or anything."

"You won't be!" Skye practically shouted. She then lowered her voice and cleared her throat. "I'd –I would like it if you stayed."

Jemma pursed her lips and grinned. "Okay. But only because I am so hungry." She said teasingly.

Skye laughed and nodded. "Ouch." She said placing a hand to her heart. "I'm hurt."

Jemma pushed her shoulder playfully. "Oh hush."

They both grabbed a plate and probably ate more than they were supposed to. Jemma was mingling very well with the other trainers and Skye could not help but feel like the luckiest girl in the world. The only thing that would make it better is if Jemma was not only just her friend. It was nine o'clock before the last of everyone began to head outside. Skye said goodbye to the remaining few with a hug, even May, and turned to Jemma. "Listen, I—"

"Do you want to go get dessert?" Jemma interrupted. Skye was taken aback so she did not respond. "I mean, it is your birthday. Birthdays call for dessert right? It's on me."

Skye smiled. "I'd like that." Jemma nodded and motioned for her car. Skye made sure to lock hers and gladly got into Jemma's. They went down the street to a Sonic, since it was the only thing that was open at that time of night. They got ice cream sundaes and Jemma drove and parked back at the gym. Jemma put it in park and turned the radio on low so that way it was not completely awkward. Jemma pursed her lips. "So…Can I ask you something?"

Skye looked back at her and nodded. "Sure Jems."

Jemma blushed and let out a breath. "How do you do it? How are you so good at training and fighting?"

Skye raised an eyebrow and thought for a moment. "I guess everyone has their talents. And like I said before, the purpose for why you're fighting plays a huge part."

Jemma nodded. "What's your purpose?" Skye looked down and cleared her throat. Jemma immediately got tense. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that. God, me and my big mouth. Skye, I'm sorry—"

"No. It's okay I –I want to tell you." Skye turned to completely face Jemma. Jemma did the same. "I'm a foster kid. I never knew my parents or even seen a picture of them. The foster homes I would get sent to were bad…like real bad. Most would not even have stable beds ready to go and the others were abusive. I got hit with hands, belts, and sticks …anything really. It became a pattern. There was one foster home in particular that affected me the most. It was late at night. I thought everyone was sleeping like I was, but I was wrong. I felt a hand shaking me and I woke up to find the foster dad standing there. I could smell the alcohol and he told me to stand up. He started to unbutton his pants and told me to take off my clothes… I told him no and when I went to shout for help, he hit me and I fell to the bed."

Skye began to tense up and Jemma saw tears begin to form in her eyes. She leaned forward and grabbed Skye's hand. "It's okay Skye. You don't have to finish."

Skye shook her head and pulled away from Jemma's hand. "No. I need to. For me… I need to finish." Jemma nodded and motioned for Skye to continue. "He got on top of me and started to pull off my pants and I fought as best I could, but then…I stopped. I felt the warmth and…the pain…in my stomach. I looked down to see that he had stuck me with a knife. I started to cry and he whispered in my ear to shut up and he stuck me again. Then he… he finished the job so to say. When he was done he rushed out of the room and called an ambulance coming up with some story saying that they got robbed and he had found me that way." Skye began to let the tears that she had been fighting back to fall on to her cheeks. "I fight because I'm scared Jemma. I'm scared that I will get hurt again. I'm scared that I will never find someone that will love me despite the fact that I feel completely…broken."

Jemma had tears in her eyes as well. She leaned forward and wiped away all the tears away from Skye's face. Next thing Skye knew, Jemma was embracing her in a hug. The warmest and safest hug that Skye had ever experienced. "You are not broken, Skye. You're brave. You're kind. You have a heart bigger than most. Anyone would be lucky to be with you." Jemma whispered into her ear. She pulled back from Skye, but still close enough that their foreheads were brushing together. "But at the same time…I don't want just anyone to be with you." Jemma said in a shy voice.

Skye furrowed her brow. "What do you me—"

Jemma leaned forward the short distance and placed her lips softly against Skye's. It took Skye only a second to return the girl's gesture by wrapping her hand around the curve of Jemma's neck. Jemma took that as the okay to deepen the kiss. Mouths open, moving in perfect harmony. Jemma managed to put her hand on Skye's hip and pulled her closer, despite the awkward position they are in with a car. Skye gently tugged Jemma's hair eliciting a moan and Skye took the advantage to bring her tongue into play. The kiss was as deep as it could get. They finally pulled away and gasped for air.

Skye smiled and placed her forehead against Jemma's. "I definitely feel better now."

Jemma laughed. "I've been wanting to do that for a while now, but I thought that would be violating some… trainer/student code of conduct."

Skye pursed her lips. "Code of conduct?"

"They have those right?" Jemma asked.

Skye laughed. "You're such a dork." Skye leaned forward this time. They kissed for a little while longer, but pulled away sooner than the last time. "So does this mean if I were to invite you to my apartment and wanted to cook you one of the few meals I actually know how to cook…as a date…you would say yeah?" Skye finished with a flirty grin.

"Depends. Are you asking me on a date?" Jemma replied.

Skye nodded. "Jemma Simmons, would you like to go out on a date with me? Despite any code of conducts that we may or may not be violating."

Jemma laughed and nodded. "I thought you would never ask. So, yes."

Skye raised her eyebrows. She placed one hand around Jemma's neck, pulling her closer. "Yeah?"

Jemma nodded. "Yeah."

They kissed slowly once more. Jemma smiled against Skye's lips, but quickly returned back to the motions. Both have been waiting what felt like forever to do this. They were going to savor every second.

Once they pulled apart, Jemma had her hand still hanging on to Skye's neck, her thumb tracing along her jawline. Skye was smiling and leaning into the touch. "What about tomorrow? After our training session?" Jemma asked.

Skye was about to nod when she remembered that on Saturdays she normally goes and trains with the others at the warehouse. "I actually have to meet with some friends. But, how about Sunday? You, me, and dinner at my apartment."

Jemma nodded. "Sounds good."

Skye smiled and leaned in yet again. She could kiss Jemma all night to be honest. Skye was pleasantly surprised to learn that someone's lips could be this soft. She felt slight pressure on her shoulder. Jemma was pushing her forward. "Go. Before I get too excited."

Skye quirked her brow and grinned. "Getting too excited doesn't sound that ba—"

"Go!" Jemma announced with a grin.

Skye laughed and nodded. She placed a gently kiss to Jemma's cheek and got out of the car. She was walking toward her car, rummaging through her bag for her keys. "Hey Skye!" Skye turned to face Jemma. "Happy Birthday." Jemma said with a smile.

Skye grinned and ran back to Jemma's car. She went down close to Jemma's face. "Thank you." Skye placed one final kiss to Jemma's lips and pushed herself to go back to her car. On the short way home, Skye found herself smiling once more. Work just got a whole lot better for Skye. For once, she won't be crying on Sunday.

A/N #2: Get the last line? Hint hint...wink wink.