Nights like this Coulson really missed the old SHIELD- at least, parts of it. He didn't miss the parts with the endless red tape or the Hydra moles. He missed the parts where if he needed to get somewhere, a private quinjet was fueled and ready for him. Honestly, flying economy center aisle seat on an eleven hour flight to get back to the base with nothing to show for it pretty much sucked.
He dropped his carryon in his office and managed not to growl when he spotted a report on his desk that was marked for his immediate attention. He scrubbed a hand over his face, stubble and all, before picking up the file.
Coulson walked into the commons, thumbing through the report, praying that someone already made a pot of coffee... and froze. Skye, clad in her preferred sleepwear, oversized SHIELD sweats, hovered silently over a sleeping Agent Triplett and Hunter with a bottle of bright pink nail polish. The smell of popcorn filled the darkened room. Music playing from their movie's credits on the TV masked the occasional snorts she couldn't hold in by biting her lip.
Satisfied with her handiwork, she screwed the brush back into the bottle and straightened up. She covered her smiling mouth to hold back her laughter as she took her phone out and took picture of her friends who were sprawled, deeply asleep, on the couch.
Coulson cleared his throat lightly, but Skye didn't jump. She just looked up at him, winked, and ran out of the room. He walked closer to inspect her handiwork and had to press his lips together tightly. Ah. Makeup, too. Coulson pulled out his own phone from his pocket and snapped a picture. Just as he stashed his phone away again he heard Skye's laughter, faint and far away, echoing down the hallway.
He spotted a new novelty mug at the front of the shelf. He poured himself a cup of coffee, smelling his favorite Kona macadamia nut roast. Coulson reopened the report while walking back to his office. He took a sip from the mug that read "I ❤️ My Boss" and realized he was grinning.
This new SHIELD they were trying to build was going to be way better than the old one.
AN: It's a short one, but it's my first foray into the Marvel cinematic universe. Hope you liked it! I guess this would have to take place between the first and second season? Or may be at the beginning of the second season... It's just for fun and I may or may not add more to this little chapter.
Reviews, good or bad, are always welcome!